Latest Super Bowl odds shift: 49ers, Cowboys rising, Eagles falling
There's an old phenomenon where accomplished people or organizations eventually become victims of their own success. Expectations are so elevated that if they fail to meet them, it's seen as a failure.
The Eagles have become a victim of their own success. It's hard to replicate a magical 14-win season and a trip to the Super Bowl. Even with most of the roster still intact, sustained success is difficult in the NFL.
Anyone who's read the headlines about the Eagles or has checked the latest odds would think the sky is falling in Philadelphia. However, the Eagles are 2-0.
Yet, their odds have lengthened from +250 to win the NFC to +350. They also jumped from +650 to win the Super Bowl to +750.
Philadelphia's two wins haven't been pretty by any stretch. But the Eagles beat two teams that, at the very least, should be in playoff contention.
It's not a secret that Philadelphia's offense, particularly quarterback Jalen Hurts, has struggled at times. Part of that, though, is working out the kinks of a new play-caller.
It's unreasonable to be seriously concerned after two wins through two games. The Eagles have a relatively easy schedule in the next few weeks with contests against the Bucs, Commanders, Rams, and Jets, which should help as they continue to work things out.
Just because Philadelphia isn't blowing inferior opponents out like it did last year doesn't mean it's no longer the best team in the conference.
The 49ers are the biggest competition to the Eagles, like they were last year. But oddsmakers now believe San Francisco is the team to beat in the NFC. The 49ers are the favorite to win the conference at +225 following a dominant win over the Steelers and a closer victory against the Rams.
While it's early, San Francisco has looked like the NFL's most complete team. The 49ers' defense, particularly their pass rush, is dominant. However, their offense was a greater question mark with a still unproven Brock Purdy returning from elbow surgery.
The last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has looked the part of a franchise quarterback so far this season, proving last year's campaign was no fluke.
Purdy has thrown for over 200 yards in both games and has no turnovers. He's moved up the MVP ladder from +4000 before the season into the top 10 at +2000.
The Cowboys' rise up the Super Bowl oddsboard is a little more questionable. They're now tied with the Eagles for the third-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +750 and have the second-best odds to win the NFC at +350.
Dallas' 70 combined points in its first two blowout wins is impressive. But the Cowboys' opponents were the Giants and Jets, two teams that'll likely be on the outside looking in of the playoffs.
Dallas' defense is legit, and Dak Prescott, who's thrown zero interceptions after leading the NFL in picks last season, is playing well. But it's surprising that the gap between the Cowboys and the Eagles has shortened as much as it has after Dallas' two victories over below-average opponents. The Cowboys were always a contender, but the Eagles were the preseason favorites.
Dallas plays the Cardinals this week, so it might be some time before we really figure out how elite the Cowboys are.
The AFC has seen little movement atop the oddsboard as the Chiefs and Bills - both of whom are 1-1 - remain favorites. Unsurprisingly, the Bengals have undergone the most notable movement. They now have the fifth-best odds in the AFC to win the Super Bowl at +1800 after having the third-best odds at +1200 before the season.
The Ravens' odds shortened thanks to a 2-0 start, including a win over the Bengals. Baltimore is now +600 to win the AFC - tied for the third-best odds with the Dolphins - and +1300 to win the Super Bowl.
After their latest loss and an 0-2 start, the Chargers moved from +2200 to win the Super Bowl to +3000.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formally known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.