What preseason can tell us about the Super Bowl

The summer preseason games have their detractors and their supporters, but there is no doubt that they offer an early taste of the action to come in the NFL season and they give fans and analysts a chance to take a look at the shape of the league and the likely contenders.

However, it isn’t only fans who watch the preseason games closely. For sports betting enthusiasts checking out the odds on the best US sportsbooks like Borgata on WSN.com, the preseason clashes are a vital part of the wagering process. So, as we approach the end of the preseason games, what Super Bowl clues have been uncovered?

Green Bay Packers

The big news for Packers fans this year was the surprising departure of Devante Adams. With questions being raised about the quality of their receivers, the organization will be delighted with the promise shown by rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who has impressed in both of the Packers’ games so far.

In the first game, he caught three passes and claimed a touchdown, and in the second outing of preseason, he had three more receptions and another touchdown. His performances have not been flawless, but there is enormous potential there and his ability to beat his man in one-on-one coverage is immensely encouraging for Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers.

Equally encouraging are the reports about Doubs’ resilience and his ability to put mistakes behind him and keep going. If he continues to learn and improve at this rate, Rodgers will have another strong option to throw to as he aims to guide the Packers to the Super Bowl.

Buffalo Bills

The current Super Bowl favorites, the Buffalo Bills, have been busy this summer and there were plenty of positive signs in their preseason games.

Khalil Shakir, who was picked in the fifth round of the draft, had been highly rated and he has proven those assessments to be correct. In his first game, he caught five catches for 92 yards and in game two, he caught three for 59 yards. In both cases, he led his team and opponent in receiving yards and hasn’t dropped a catch so far, with his ability to make tough catches particularly standing out.

Shakir isn’t the only bright spot for the Bills. Gabriel Davis looks as though he can step up to replace Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders. He caught a touchdown pass on the Bills’ first drive against the Broncos and is looking sharp. Running back Zack Moss also earned valuable playing time in that game, scoring two touchdowns, while James Cook also picked up some yards. It will take a lot to stop the Bills this season.

Kansas City Chiefs

It seems crazy to say it, but the Chiefs have flown a little under the radar in recent months. To remind everyone of just how dangerous they can be, Patrick Mahomes has been orchestrating some exhilarating preseason offensive performances as they put the finishing touches on their roster.

In their game against the Washington Commanders, they went 87 yards on their first drive, ending with a touchdown from Jody Fortson. On their very next possession, they repeated the feat. This time covering 82 yards to set up Fortson for his second. Mahomes ended that game with 12 passes out of 19 complete, for two touchdowns and 162 passing yards. There are obvious concerns about the offense without Tyreek Hill, but anyone who is writing off the Chiefs could be in for a huge surprise.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Okay, it might be a stretch to suggest that the Jaguars could be Super Bowl bound, but their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers allowed them to showcase some of their elite pass rush athletes.

They dominated the Steelers’ offensive line and were able to get after the quarterback repeatedly, making a big impression on viewers and suggesting that they will be a threat this season.

This upgrade on defense is not entirely surprising. Five of their seven picks in the draft were defensive players, including number one pick Travon Walker. They also added starting linebackers Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma. They will work with another defensive acquisition Foye Oluokun, who led the NFL for tackles last season while with the Atlanta Falcons.

Given Walker’s ability to play as a defensive end or a linebacker and an upgraded front seven overall, they could turn out to be one of the surprise teams of the season.