The initial Super Bowl odds for the 48th edition of the big game have been released, and if there is one thing painfully clear it is this: Vegas Insiders most certainly did not read Stu's carefully considered "Increasingly Lost Season" series.

How else to explain these numbers, via Pregame.com: The Vikings are 40-1 long shots to win the Super Bowl next year, tied with the Lions, Colts and Chargers at that number (tied for 16th longest odds).

The Packers, meanwhile, are at 10-1 -- with only three teams above them (the Patriots, 49ers and Broncos).

Even the Bears, at 30-1, are above the Vikings.

Blasphemy.