Super Bowl favourites face six different pressure points

CBS Sports has identified distinct vulnerabilities among the six NFL teams with the shortest Super Bowl odds, while cautioning that an early-season assessment may not hold as the competition unfolds. The selection is not a complete list of contenders.

For the Los Angeles Rams, injuries to key players are testing roster depth. The Buffalo Bills’ concern is turnovers: CBS Sports points to five in a Week 3 win over the Chargers, and recurring multi-turnover games since the start of last season.

The San Francisco 49ers are managing a growing injury list, including several players who left Sunday’s game and others on injured reserve. The analysis says their ability to absorb those losses could be tested against stronger opposition.

Baltimore’s defence has yet to produce game-changing plays consistently, according to CBS Sports, which cites its defensive metrics, sack rate and recent turnover figures. The outlet says the Ravens’ defensive performance in the post-season has also been a concern.

Seattle is missing the explosiveness of Kenneth Walker III, while the Chiefs’ outside receiver options are a potential limitation. CBS Sports notes that Kansas City’s passing attack has been led by Travis Kelce and that Rashee Rice has taken on more work outside.

These are current concerns rather than predictions of how the teams will finish. CBS Sports says the rest of the season will show whether the weaknesses persist.