The 9 best value picks to win the Super Bowl

As the NFL playoff picture starts to take shape, here are our nine best value picks to win the Super Bowl (odds courtesy BetOnline.ag):

Pittsburgh Steelers (+1000)

Preseason odds: +1000

Remember when the Pittsburgh Steelers weren't going to win the AFC North, let alone live up to their contender billing following a 1-2-1 start? Those were good times. Pittsburgh rattled off sixth straight wins before last week's loss, and now might be the perfect time to buy back.

The Steelers are the No. 1 team in the NFL in adjusted net yards per game (+1.2), posting 6.3 yards per play on offense while allowing a quiet 5.1 yards per play on defense. Pittsburgh should also be favored in four of its final five games.

Minnesota Vikings (+2000)

Preseason odds: (+1200)

The Minnesota Vikings have been surprisingly volatile in 2018. There are times when they play like a top-five team, and there are also games that Minnesota has blatantly given away this season. It's not an easy team to trust. Still, Minnesota should be favored in its final three games. This is primarily a value play on a team that ranks sixth in the league in adjusted net yards per game (+0.5).

New England Patriots (+650)

Preseason odds: +500

The New England Patriots are likely near the top of their market price after opening up as the favorites prior to the season. It's not every day that a franchise with a winning track record like New England is this far behind, but it's no secret the Pats employ a roster that's less talented than in years past. With a few teams rising in the ranks, the Patriots are all of a sudden flying under the radar. You shouldn't need too much persuading to bet on Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in the postseason.

Los Angeles Rams (+400)

Preseason odds: +1000

Head coach Sean McVay is flourishing in the current era of the NFL, playing chess while (mostly) everyone else is playing checkers. The Los Angeles Rams should find themselves right in the thick of things for a deep playoff run based solely off their firepower on offense, which ranks third in the NFL in both points per game and adjusted yards per play. But, what makes LA so intriguing heading forward over other Super Bowl hopefuls is the defense. The Rams should be getting some key bodies back from injury for the stretch run and are still dominant up front.

Los Angeles Chargers (+2200)

Preseason odds: +2200

The injury to Melvin Gordon might sting for the Los Angeles Chargers, but that's an offense that can find scoring in other ways behind sneaky MVP candidate Philip Rivers. After all, some thought the Steelers were doomed with the absence of Le'Veon Bell, only to find that running back production can certainly be replaced. The Chargers are third in the NFL in adjusted net yards per game (+1.0) and are above average on both sides of the ball. While there might not be a single team with as high a ceiling and low a floor as the Chargers, they're certainly capable of beating any team in the league.

Kansas City Chiefs (+450)

Preseason odds: +2800

If you're banking on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the whole thing, you're expecting Patrick Mahomes and the offense to continue to score at will. Given there hasn't been a speed bump yet, it's hard to imagine that'll happen at any point this season. Kansas City is now No. 2 in the NFL in adjusted net yards per game (+1.1) behind only the Steelers, and, similar to most in the Super Bowl hunt, needs to be just somewhat competent on defense. With Eric Berry back on the practice field and his potential return to game action looming, the Chiefs are a legitimate contender.

New Orleans Saints (+275)

Preseason odds: +1600

The New Orleans Saints are now the favorites to win the Super Bowl, and deservedly so. The Saints are on a 10-game winning streak and are posting otherworldly offensive numbers, ranking first in the league at 37.2 points per game. The value on New Orleans has obviously been squeezed dry at this point, but what separates the Saints from the pack has been the defensive surge. The Saints have allowed 24 points or fewer in seven of the last eight and can balance their high-powered offense with a stout defense. In reality, they don't need much help behind MVP hopeful Drew Brees.

Chicago Bears (+1600)

Preseason odds: +10000

The Chicago Bears are obviously a team you would have wanted to scoop up before Week 1, given the difference between the preseason and current odds. They might lack the flash and offensive numbers compared to other teams in the mix, but Matt Nagy's team is one of the hottest in the league with five straight wins. Chicago might be a better buy down the stretch, as they face the Rams and Green Bay Packers before closing the season out with two road games.

Indianapolis Colts (+3300)

Preseason odds: +6600

The Indianapolis Colts get the ninth and final bid despite trailing the Houston Texans (+2000) in the AFC South based mostly on strength of schedule and value. The Colts, currently riding a five-game winning streak, should be favored in three of the final five games, if not four of them. The way quarterback Andrew Luck has played, albeit with a less-than-stellar receiving corps, Indy could be a dangerous matchup for any defense.

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.