The Seattle Seahawks looked every bit like a Super Bowl contender last night, putting the clamps on the New England Patriots in a 29-13 win that wasn’t nearly as close as the final score suggests. While the offense did its part, it was the defense that stole the show-completely suffocating New England for three quarters before easing up late and allowing some stat-padding in garbage time. The Patriots simply couldn’t get anything going when it mattered.
With Super Bowl 61 now on deck, attention shifts toward the offseason-and for Cleveland Browns fans, the question is simple: could this team be in that spotlight a year from now?
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Browns are currently sitting at 125/1 odds to win the Super Bowl in 2027. That’s a long shot, no doubt-but not quite the moonshot it was a year ago, when they were listed at 140/1. And while it’s a far cry from the 35/1 optimism we saw two seasons back, there are reasons to believe Cleveland could be trending in the right direction.
For starters, the Browns will return a large portion of what was one of the league’s top defenses last season-even without Jim Schwartz at the helm as defensive coordinator. That continuity on the defensive side of the ball is no small thing in a division as rugged as the AFC North.
Then there’s the offense, which is still very much a work in progress-but potentially one with a higher ceiling. New head coach Todd Monken brings a fresh offensive philosophy, and with two first-round picks in their pocket, the Browns have a real opportunity to add some firepower and address key roster needs. If Monken can unlock consistency at quarterback and get more out of the passing game, this offense could finally catch up to the defense.
As for the rest of the division, the AFC North is once again shaping up to be a gauntlet. The Baltimore Ravens, fresh off another strong campaign, are among the early Super Bowl favorites at 12/1. That puts them right in the mix with the Buffalo Bills (12/1), Green Bay Packers (13/1), and the two teams leading the pack: the Seattle Seahawks (7.5/1) and Los Angeles Rams (8/1).
For Cleveland, the road back to relevance won’t be easy. But with a strong defensive core, a new offensive vision, and multiple first-round picks, there's at least a path forward.
The odds say it’s a long one-but in the NFL, things can change fast. Just ask the Seahawks.