by AAA Sports
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025Can’t go even a full month without a way-too-early, pre-free agency, pre-trades, pre-draft look at the 2025 season?
Here are three teams that might be worth a futures ticket:
1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – The Chiefs have proven that winning two in a row is hardly impossible, so why not take an early flyer on the Birds to go back to back? And when you look at the way they’re built, two Super Bowl rings seem very gettable. Philly has the all the weapons it needs on offense, a massive physical offensive line, key people under contract and nary an unhappy player (in public, anyway). They are equally prepared for warm and cold weather games. The Eagles are out of the gate at +700 to win next February’s Super Bowl.
2. BALTIMORE RAVENS – Baltimore also is set – for now, anyway – at +700. They have a legit year after year MVP candidate in Lamar Jackson, and could be ready to make the jump if the Chiefs fade even a bit and the Bills are unable to get over the hump that always seems to be in their headlights. Baltimore has a decent amount of cap space and could add to an already solid core. Ravens fans are keeping a close eye on veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is a free agent and is key to a lot of what Jackson and Derrick Henry do on offense.
3. DETROIT LIONS – At +850, the Lions are obviously in the mix. Question is, is there enough Lysol to erase the stench from that godawful playoff loss to Washington? Getting to the playoffs in Detroit seemed to take a generation, and this defeat – on top of losing the previous year after leading by 17 at halftime – was a stomach punch followed by a kick in the anatomy a little lower. Is Jared Goff the guy they want going forward, or should the Lions focus on improving a defense that gave up 45 to the Commanders?
Warriors get new life with Butler
The Jimmy coming in the door is light years better than the Jimmy who wants out, so the honeymoon period is in full bloom in Golden State. Butler’s presence on the floor is getting Steph Curry more open looks, and the reverse may also be true. Whatever the case, the Warriors won five of their first six with Butler in uniform and for the first time in months the Dubs are actually talking about making a long playoff run. GS opened at +3000 this season, but the latest look has that number trimmed to +1800. The Warriors have more than a decent shot at sneaking into the 6 seed in the Western Conference, which would have been considered a bridge too far after the first two months of the season.
Top 3 Cy Young Contenders For This Season -- Each League
Tarik Skubal - In the American League filled with left-handed gems at the pitcher position, Skubal is the guy that everyones trying to catch. His playoff performance was great and that was just some of his amazing year in 2024. He's at +400 to win Cy Young this year.
Garrett Crochet - The Red Sox have made some big moves and getting Crochet was one of them. Crochet is going to be a problem and his odds are at +600 to be the best pitcher in the AL this year.
Cole Ragans - A steal for the Royals? Ragans just signed a 3-year 13 million dollar deal which is mind blowing. Even though he's under team control until 2028, Ragans should be getting paid a whole lot more than this and his play might just show that this year. He's at +900.
Paul Skenes - Overrated? Not too many people can really say that Skenes wasn't impressive in his first year as a Pirate. But, being the clear favorite at +300 to win the Cy Young in the National League in just his second year might be a bit of a stretch. In a league that's loaded with clear superstars at the pitching position, let's see if Paul Skenes lives up to the hype.
Zack Wheeler - Wheeler is maybe the most consistent pitcher in baseball these days and last year might've been his best of the bunch. He's sitting at +750 for Cy Young and this might be a steal.
Chris Sale - At +800, age doesn't seem to be bothering the Braves' lefty. Now 35 years young, Sale had a year to remember last season positing a 18-3 record and 2.38 ERA. He's definitely going to be one to watch as he could either be terrific or horrible this year.
Here are three teams that might be worth a futures ticket:
1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES – The Chiefs have proven that winning two in a row is hardly impossible, so why not take an early flyer on the Birds to go back to back? And when you look at the way they’re built, two Super Bowl rings seem very gettable. Philly has the all the weapons it needs on offense, a massive physical offensive line, key people under contract and nary an unhappy player (in public, anyway). They are equally prepared for warm and cold weather games. The Eagles are out of the gate at +700 to win next February’s Super Bowl.
2. BALTIMORE RAVENS – Baltimore also is set – for now, anyway – at +700. They have a legit year after year MVP candidate in Lamar Jackson, and could be ready to make the jump if the Chiefs fade even a bit and the Bills are unable to get over the hump that always seems to be in their headlights. Baltimore has a decent amount of cap space and could add to an already solid core. Ravens fans are keeping a close eye on veteran left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is a free agent and is key to a lot of what Jackson and Derrick Henry do on offense.
3. DETROIT LIONS – At +850, the Lions are obviously in the mix. Question is, is there enough Lysol to erase the stench from that godawful playoff loss to Washington? Getting to the playoffs in Detroit seemed to take a generation, and this defeat – on top of losing the previous year after leading by 17 at halftime – was a stomach punch followed by a kick in the anatomy a little lower. Is Jared Goff the guy they want going forward, or should the Lions focus on improving a defense that gave up 45 to the Commanders?
Warriors get new life with Butler
The Jimmy coming in the door is light years better than the Jimmy who wants out, so the honeymoon period is in full bloom in Golden State. Butler’s presence on the floor is getting Steph Curry more open looks, and the reverse may also be true. Whatever the case, the Warriors won five of their first six with Butler in uniform and for the first time in months the Dubs are actually talking about making a long playoff run. GS opened at +3000 this season, but the latest look has that number trimmed to +1800. The Warriors have more than a decent shot at sneaking into the 6 seed in the Western Conference, which would have been considered a bridge too far after the first two months of the season.
Top 3 Cy Young Contenders For This Season -- Each League
Tarik Skubal - In the American League filled with left-handed gems at the pitcher position, Skubal is the guy that everyones trying to catch. His playoff performance was great and that was just some of his amazing year in 2024. He's at +400 to win Cy Young this year.
Garrett Crochet - The Red Sox have made some big moves and getting Crochet was one of them. Crochet is going to be a problem and his odds are at +600 to be the best pitcher in the AL this year.
Cole Ragans - A steal for the Royals? Ragans just signed a 3-year 13 million dollar deal which is mind blowing. Even though he's under team control until 2028, Ragans should be getting paid a whole lot more than this and his play might just show that this year. He's at +900.
Paul Skenes - Overrated? Not too many people can really say that Skenes wasn't impressive in his first year as a Pirate. But, being the clear favorite at +300 to win the Cy Young in the National League in just his second year might be a bit of a stretch. In a league that's loaded with clear superstars at the pitching position, let's see if Paul Skenes lives up to the hype.
Zack Wheeler - Wheeler is maybe the most consistent pitcher in baseball these days and last year might've been his best of the bunch. He's sitting at +750 for Cy Young and this might be a steal.
Chris Sale - At +800, age doesn't seem to be bothering the Braves' lefty. Now 35 years young, Sale had a year to remember last season positing a 18-3 record and 2.38 ERA. He's definitely going to be one to watch as he could either be terrific or horrible this year.
