Lions open with 40/1 odds to win Super Bowl LI

It goes without saying, but the Lions aren’t favorites to win Super Bowl LI.

But, they’re not the longest of shots, either.

The Lions are at 40/1 for next season’s Super Bowl in Houston, according to VegasInsider.com. That puts them in the middle of the pack, tied for the 14th-best odds with five other teams: the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Washington, and the New Orleans Saints.

Four teams own 10/1 odds, including the Super Bowl finalist Carolina Panthers. The New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers also are considered favorites.

The Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos are at 20/1, while the Cleveland Browns are at 200/1.

The Lions, who also have 25/1 odds to win the NFC Championship, are coming off a 7-9 season and are awaiting word from star receiver Calvin Johson, who is considering retirement.