The NFL season is over and the new league season doesn't officially start until March 14, when free agency also commences. Don't let that stop you, though, from already thinking about the 2018 season.
Bovada released its Super Bowl 53 odds mere hours after the Eagles defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Not surprisingly, both teams are high on the list: The Patriots have the strongest odds of winning next year's Super Bowl at 5-to-1, while the Eagles are tied for second at 9-to-1.
Interestingly, the Packers are also tied for second at 9-to-1, while the Vikings check in next at 12-to-1. That shows a tremendous amount of faith in what Aaron Rodgers' expected return to full health means to the conference race. While the Vikings still are painted as one of the top challengers, their uncertain QB situation entering the offseason combined with skepticism, perhaps, over how they'll fare against a healthy Rodgers in 2018 has them below their border rival.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
