The conversation around the 2027 Super Bowl contenders usually starts with the favorites, such as the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and New England Patriots. However, there is often value outside the top tier of betting odds. Two teams currently sitting just outside the top 10 on DraftKings Sportsbook are the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos, both listed at +2000. While neither team is viewed as a favorite, both have the talent and roster makeup to make a legitimate run toward the 2027 Super Bowl.
Beyond the Favorites: Two Teams That Could Reach the 2027 Super Bowl
Cincinnati Bengals Could Finally Put It Together
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the season with the 14th-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +2000. Since reaching Super Bowl LVI and losing in the Conference Championship the following year in 2022, the Bengals have missed the playoffs three straight seasons. Injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow and defensive inconsistencies have been major factors in the team’s decline, preventing Cincinnati from returning to the AFC’s elite tier.
This season feels different.
The Bengals made several aggressive moves to improve a defense that has been a constant source of frustration. Cincinnati added premier defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in a blockbuster trade while also bringing in Jonathan Allen and edge rusher Boye Mafe. The secondary received reinforcements through free agency with the additions of Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger. They also used their 2026 3rd round draft selection on 6-foot-4 cornerback, Tacario Davis.
There are still questions surrounding the linebacker group and whether the revamped secondary can develop chemistry quickly. If those pieces come together, Cincinnati suddenly becomes one of the most complete teams in the AFC.
Everyone already knows what the offense is capable of. Burrow remains one of the league’s top quarterbacks when healthy, while Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins form one of the NFL’s best receiving duos. Chase Brown also emerged as a reliable weapon in the backfield.
For the Bengals, the formula is simple. Burrow must stay healthy, and the defense must be at least above average. If those two things happen, Cincinnati can compete with anyone in the AFC.
Among the 2027 Super Bowl contenders outside the top betting favorites, the Bengals offer tremendous value at +2000 and have the upside to make a deep playoff run.
The Denver Broncos are Really Close
The Denver Broncos are tied with Cincinnati at +2000 and currently own the 13th-best odds to win the Super Bowl. Despite those odds, Denver has plenty of reasons to believe it can take another step forward.
Last season, the Broncos were only one win away from reaching the Super Bowl before quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle during their playoff win against the Buffalo Bills. With a healthy Nix under center, Denver believes it can once again challenge the AFC’s best teams. The Broncos also possess one of the league’s better defenses. Their pass rush is led by Jonathan Cooper and Nik Bonitto, while reigning All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II headlines an outstanding secondary. Head coach Sean Payton also remains one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds.
Denver improved its offense by acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, adding another explosive playmaker to a group that already includes Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. Combined with a strong offensive line, the Broncos have the weapons needed to create problems for opposing defenses.
Everything ultimately comes down to Bo Nix. Denver’s ceiling will be determined by how much the young quarterback develops and whether he can remain healthy throughout the season. If he takes another step forward, the Broncos have the roster to contend with anyone in the AFC.
The schedule will not make things easy. Denver faces one of the toughest schedules in the league for the 2026-2027 season, but if the Broncos can survive that gauntlet and reach the postseason, they are the type of well-coached team with a strong defense that can make a serious playoff run.
Value Outside the Favorites
It’s easier to point to teams like the Rams, who are heavy favourites, as well as the Bills, Seahawks, Ravens, Eagles, and Patriots, than it is to look outside the top tier of contenders. However, when searching for 2027 Super Bowl contenders outside the top 10 betting favorites, the Broncos and Bengals stand out as two teams offering tremendous value and a realistic path toward a Super Bowl run.
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