The NFL futures odds for the 2024 season paint an intriguing picture, with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers emerging as early favorites to win Super Bowl LIX. As of July 2024, the Chiefs lead the pack with +650 odds, while the 49ers are close behind at +500.
In the AFC West division, the Kansas City Chiefs remain the clear frontrunners with odds of -230 to -278 to win the division. The Las Vegas Raiders, on the other hand, face much longer odds, ranging from +900 to +1200 across various sportsbooks, including BetPanda UK Ethereum Casino. This disparity reflects the Chiefs’ recent dominance and the Raiders’ ongoing struggles to reclaim their former glory.
It’s been over 40 years since the Raiders last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. Their most recent Super Bowl victory came in 1984 when they defeated the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII. This long drought has left Raiders fans hungry for another championship run.
The Kansas City Chiefs, in stark contrast, have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years. They’ve made it to three of the last five Super Bowls, winning two. Their most recent triumph came in Super Bowl LVII, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling 38-35 victory. The Chiefs followed that up with another Super Bowl win in 2024, solidifying their status as a modern NFL dynasty.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Chiefs are favored to repeat as AFC champions, with odds ranging from +330 to +600 across different sportsbooks. Their consistent excellence, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, makes them a perennial contender.
Raiders Super Bowl Championships
The Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas Raiders have a rich history of Super Bowl success, with three championship victories that have left an indelible mark on NFL history.
Super Bowl XI (1977)
Their first triumph came in Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977, when they dominated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Under the guidance of head coach John Madden, the Raiders entered the game with an impressive 13-1 regular-season record and a 12-game winning streak. Quarterback Ken Stabler led the offense with precision, completing 12 of 19 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was equally impressive, with Clarence Davis rushing for 137 yards, outshining the Vikings’ star Chuck Foreman. Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff earned MVP honors with his crucial four catches for 79 yards.
The Raiders set a then-Super Bowl record with 429 total yards of offense. The game was effectively sealed when cornerback Willie Brown returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. This victory silenced critics who had doubted the Raiders’ ability to win the big game, ending a decade of frustration for the franchise.
Super Bowl XV (1981)
The Raiders’ second championship came in Super Bowl XV on January 25, 1981, with a convincing 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. This win was particularly notable as it featured quarterback Jim Plunkett, a former Heisman Trophy winner written off by many, leading the team to victory and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
The Raiders made history as the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl, while head coach Tom Flores became the first minority head coach to claim the title. The Raiders’ defense was the show’s star, forcing four turnovers and stifling the Eagles’ high-powered offense throughout the game. Linebacker Rod Martin’s record-setting three interceptions were crucial in securing the victory.
Super Bowl XVIII (1984)
The Raiders’ most recent championship, and perhaps their most dominant performance, came in Super Bowl XVIII on January 22, 1984. Now based in Los Angeles, the Raiders crushed the Washington Redskins 38-9 at Tampa Stadium in Florida. This game is etched in NFL lore for several iconic moments, none more memorable than running back Marcus Allen’s spectacular 74-yard touchdown run, often considered one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. Allen finished with 191 rushing yards and two touchdowns, earning well-deserved MVP honors.
The Raiders’ defense was equally impressive, shutting down Washington’s record-setting offense and contributing to the scoreline with linebacker Jack Squirek’s 5-yard interception return for a touchdown just before halftime. Special teams also played a crucial role, with Derrick Jensen blocking a punt and recovering it for a touchdown early in the game.
These three Super Bowl victories, spanning just seven years, cemented the Raiders’ reputation as one of the NFL’s most successful franchises of the era. Each win showcased the team’s commitment to excellence, featuring dominant performances on both sides of the ball and memorable individual achievements that continue to be celebrated in NFL history.
