Best 2022 Super Bowl Dark Horse Bets Ahead of NFL Postseason

There are a few longshot Super Bowl bets that are worth placing before the NFL Playoffs begin this Saturday. Which potential dark horse Super Bowl champions could cash in big for bettors?

With the odds courtesy of WynnBET, here are three teams that have a realistic chance at winning the Super Bowl this year, despite their long odds. 

3 Dark Horse Picks to Win Super Bowl 56

Dallas Cowboys +1100

Not long ago, it felt like the Cowboys were thought of as one of the most complete teams in the NFL. Nothing has happened to change my opinion on that. The Cowboys at +1100 are behind three other NFC teams — the Packers, Buccaneers, and Rams. I believe the Cowboys can beat any of them.

Dallas has young superstars on defense in linebacker Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, they hold opposing teams to the ninth-fewest points per game (21.1), and they have a well-rounded offense full of playmakers. Dak Prescott has thrown a strong 37 touchdowns this season, and has led Dallas to wins in five of their last six.

If they can get past the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round, they could make a run all the way to the Super Bowl. 

Cincinnati Bengals +1500

I did not see this coming in the preseason. The Bengals, who were 4-11-1 last year, jumped all the way to 10-7 and won the AFC North this year. Joe Burrow has looked like an MVP quarterback, throwing for 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Rookie phenom wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been a revelation, Tee Higgins has been an electric 1B, and Joe Mixon has been one of the best featured running backs in all of football.

Cincinnati, more surprisingly, has been good enough on defense. They allowed 22.1 points per game this season, which was 17th. They’re in the middle of the pack in most categories on defense, but with an offense that can put up 40+ points in any given game, you don’t need an elite defense.

This Bengals team beat the Kansas City Chiefs two weeks ago. They’re capable of beating anyone.

San Francisco 49ers +2500

Remember up above when I said “if the Dallas Cowboys can get past the San Francisco 49ers?" I meant it. The 49ers have the fourth-lowest odds to win the Super Bowl this year, but have a well-rounded team capable of making things interesting. 

I’m not sure any team in the NFL Playoffs is flying under the radar as much as the 49ers. After a slow start to the season, the 49ers are 7-2 in their last nine games. Their offense has put up the seventh-most yards per game this year, and has a diverse and healthy attack with running back Elijah Mitchell, tight end George Kittle, and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk capable of putting up explosive plays. 

Not only that, but their defense is entirely slept on. The 49ers defense has allowed the third-fewest yards per game this season, and holds opposing quarterbacks to only 206.5 passing yards per game. The 49ers defense has generated the fifth-most sacks of any defense this year. They can get it done.

The 49ers are the type of balanced team that can genuinely make a deep run. I think I’ll go put some money on them.