2014 NFL futures betting: Super Bowl odds, breakthrough teams and longshots

With August officially upon us, the start of the NFL season is little more than a month away, meaning bettors are running out of time to get their futures bets in for the season.

The Denver Broncos are favored in most spots to unseat the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, as seen in the odds comparison below.

Odds courtesy BetOnline, Bovada, Pinnacle.

That's an awful lot of information to take in. With that said, those that can mine through this glut of information can find some real value.

Here's a closer look at three teams that could break through this season, and another three installed at longer odds that may offer up some value.

New England Patriots +850, BetOnline

The Patriots seem to be right in the thick of things come January every season. The team dealt with a litany of injuries last season, and that kept them from being able to take advantage of a weak AFC. With the likes of Rob Gronkowski, Jerod Mayo, and Vince Wilfork set to return, and the addition of Darrelle Revis, the Patriots are in prime position to return to their elite status this season.

Green Bay Packers +1100, BetOnline

The Packers are going to be special on offense this year, assuming, of course, that they can keep Aaron Rodgers on the field. While James Jones and Jermichael Finley are gone, the team still has a ton of talent on that side of the ball. If the defense can get back to its ball-hawking ways, and the team can avoid a 49ers squad that just has their number, the Packers will be a force in the NFC.

New Orleans Saints +1600,  BetOnline

The Saints have quietly made some significant improvements to their defense, and while they've lost some talent on offense, they'll be just fine for as long as Drew Brees is around. Getting Jimmy Graham under contract in a timely manner is a big deal, also. Sneaking into the top spot in the NFC would be a great coup, as the Saints can't count on winning a bunch of road playoff games.

New York Giants +5111, Pinnacle

The Giants looked lost at times last season, but many of the key faces from the team's recent championship runs remain. Rashad Jennings will give a boost to the running game, and if the new faces in the secondary can quickly figure things out, they'll be in good shape. Giving up on the Giants when they are at their most vulnerable has proven to be a mistake in the past.

Houston Texans +6600, Bovada

The Texans entered last season as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They came out with the worst record in football. Their prize: Jadeveon Clowney, who will partner with J.J. Watt to form what could be the most dominant pass rush tandem in football. The quarterback situation is a little shaky, but many of the players that made the team AFC South champions in 2012 are still around.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +6600, Bovada

The Buccaneers made some big strides on defense under Greg Schiano, and while the loss of Darrelle Revis hurts, Lovie Smith's presence should only serve to make the unit better. The offense has plenty of talent at the skill positions, and an offensive line that performs better than the sum of its parts, which should help continue the momentum of Josh McCown's unlikely rejuvenation.

More 2014 NFL futures betting articles:

AFC East | AFC North
AFC South | AFC West

NFC East | NFC North
NFC South | NFC West

Super Bowl odds | Yardage leaders odds
MVP odds | Win total odds
Super Bowl odds II