Super Bowl Odds: 3 Injuries to Watch After Preseason

The Super Bowl odds market is taking shape with the 2026 NFL regular season just days away. After three weeks of preseason action, teams have finalized their rosters, while injuries to key players could significantly impact the futures market before Week 1. The Los Angeles Rams remain the favorites to win Super Bowl LXI, followed by several established contenders, including the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens.

For bettors, preseason injuries can be just as important as preseason performance when evaluating Super Bowl futures. Below, we break down the 3 biggest injuries to watch after the preseason, explain how each could affect their team's championship chances and examine the latest Super Bowl odds.

📊 Latest Super Bowl Odds

Odds via DraftKings as of September 1, 2026.

3️⃣ 3 Injuries to Watch After the 2026 NFL Preseason

1. Zach Charbonnet - Seahawks

Injury: ACL injury: Status: PUP list

Zach Charbonnet’s torn ACL remains one of the biggest injuries to monitor heading into the 2026 NFL season. The Seattle Seahawks running back suffered the injury during the NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers and underwent surgery in February. Charbonnet was placed on the physically unable to perform list before training camp and will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. 

Charbonnet’s absence is particularly important because Seattle no longer has Kenneth Walker III, who departed for Kansas City in free agency. The Seahawks will lean on rookie Jadarian Price early in the season, but Charbonnet’s eventual return could significantly strengthen Seattle’s backfield and improve its offensive balance.

2. Patrick Mahomes - Chiefs

Injury: ACL/LCL injury: Status: TBD

Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from the ACL and LCL tears that ended his 2025 season is one of the biggest factors to monitor when evaluating the Chiefs’ Super Bowl odds. Mahomes has made significant progress and participated fully in training camp, but he did not play during the preseason, leaving some uncertainty heading into the regular season. If Mahomes returns at full strength, Kansas City immediately becomes a much more dangerous Super Bowl contender given his elite track record and experience in high-pressure games.

However, any limitations with his mobility or effectiveness could significantly hurt the Chiefs’ championship chances. For bettors, Mahomes’ health is arguably the most important variable when determining whether Kansas City offers value as a Super Bowl futures play.

3. George Kittle - 49ers

Injury: Achilles injury: Status: working back into game shape.

George Kittle’s torn Achilles remains one of the biggest injury storylines impacting the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl chances heading into the 2026 NFL season. Kittle suffered the injury during San Francisco’s wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, but he has made an accelerated recovery and was activated from the physically unable to perform list in August. He has since returned to team drills and remains hopeful of playing in the 49ers’ Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.

Kittle’s availability could be crucial for an offense led by Brock Purdy, as the veteran tight end remains one of the team’s most important receiving threats and red-zone weapons. While the 49ers are encouraged by his progress, returning from an Achilles injury in less than eight months carries plenty of uncertainty. If Kittle is healthy, his presence could significantly strengthen San Francisco’s Super Bowl outlook.

🤕 How Injuries Can Impact Super Bowl Odds

NFL futures markets can move quickly when major injuries occur, particularly when a starting quarterback or another high-impact player is ruled out for an extended period. Bettors should monitor injury reports throughout the week and compare updated Super Bowl prices before placing a futures wager.

🔮 Super Bowl Prediction

2026 Super Bowl winner: Los Angeles Rams (+550)

The Los Angeles Rams have the roster, quarterback and coaching experience to win Super Bowl LXI, making them a strong choice to capture the Lombardi Trophy in 2026. Matthew Stafford enters the season as the reigning NFL MVP, while Sean McVay remains one of the league’s best offensive minds. The Rams also added reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and recently brought three-time DPOY Aaron Donald out of retirement, giving Los Angeles an elite defensive front.

Offensively, Stafford has an outstanding collection of weapons, including Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, while Kyren Williams and Blake Corum provide a strong rushing combination. The Rams also addressed their secondary by acquiring Trent McDuffie and adding Jaylen Watson.

With Super Bowl LXI being played at SoFi Stadium, the Rams have home-field familiarity waiting for them on the biggest stage. At +500, Los Angeles is the current Super Bowl favorite, and the roster provides plenty of reasons to believe they can finish the job.

❓Super Bowl Odds FAQs

Who is the favorite to win Super Bowl LXI?

Los Angeles Rams (+550) are favored to win the 2026 Super Bowl.

Which teams have the shortest Super Bowl odds?

These five teams listed below have the top-5 shortest odds to win the 2026 Super bowl.

• Los Angeles Rams (+550)
• Buffalo Bills (+1000)
• Baltimore Ravens (1050)
• Seattle Seahawks (+1100)
• Philadelphia Eagles (+1600)

When is Super Bowl LXI?

Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.