The reigning champions New England Patriots are the clear favorites to capture the Super Bowl LII title next February at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis based on updated championship odds published ahead of next week's 2017 NFL draft.Four-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady and the Pats are followed in the offseason pecking order by the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. The defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons are tied for fifth in the rankings with the Oakland Raiders.All of those secondary contenders feature odds more than double New England's, though. Here's a look at the complete list of 2018 Super Bowl lines courtesy of OddsShark:The Patriots have captured five titles since the turn of the millennium, including two in the past three years to jump-start another dynasty. The extended run of success has allowed them to become one of the model organizations in all of sports.Head coach Bill Belichick showcased the mentality that's helped make their success possible one day after winning this year's Super Bowl. Jim McBride of the Boston Globe noted his focus was already on trying to catch up with teams who got an early start on the offseason."The NFL season, the calendar is what it is," Belichick said. "As of today, and as great as today feels and as great as today is, in all honesty we're five weeks behind in the 2017 season."New England clearly made up for lost time. It signed star cornerback Stephon Gilmore away from AFC East rivals Buffalo Bills in free agency and acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks, tight end Dwayne Allen and defensive end Kony Ealy in a trio of trades.Add in the continued presence of Brady leading the offense and a healthy Rob Gronkowski and it's no surprise the Patriots are definitive favorites.None of the placements on the list come as a major surprise. The odds could shift slightly following the draft depending on which teams are best able to fill certain voids with top prospects, but the rankings should remain pretty steady until training camp, when injuries start to make an impact.Those seeking potential value plays should look at the group tied for 12th. The Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals all possess Super Bowl upside if a few things break their way during the 2017 campaign.That said, the road to a championship will probably go through New England once again, and yet another parade in Boston appears well within reach.
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