We’re nearing the midway mark of the NFL season and these teams listed below have bucked the trends and gone against expectations, putting themselves in contention for Super Bowl LI thanks to a strong start to the year. It may be time to take these teams seriously as Super Bowl bets:

Dallas Cowboys (+1,400 to win Super Bowl)
The world was coming to an end in Arlington just two short months ago. When Tony Romo went down with a back injury during preseason play, the Cowboys’ season seemed all but doomed – especially after last year’s mess following Romo’s broken collarbone. In step rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, who have power Dallas to a 5-1 SU/ATS record heading into a Week 7 bye. Now the big question faces Big D: Does Romo start over Prescott if he’s ready to go in Week 8? The Cowboys’ Super Bowl hopes may hinge on that decision.

Buffalo Bills (+4,000)
It was supposed to be the same ending as usual: Patriots win the AFC East and everyone else is done for. Someone forgot to tell Rex Ryan and Bills, who not only sit just behind New England in the division but also have a win over Bill Belichick and the Pats. Buffalo has won four in a row heading into Week 7’s date with the Dolphins. The real tests with be a Week 9 home showdown with New England and a road trip to Seattle to play the Seahawks in Week 10. If the Bills can win those games, their Super Bowl odds will dramatically shift.

Minnesota Vikings (+750)
The Vikings’ current odds make them the second overall favorite to win Super Bowl LI. But regardless of Minnesota’s futures price or undefeated 5-0 SU/ATS record, no one is seriously buying into the Vikes. This team has absorbed the loss of its two top offensive players – QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Adrian Peterson – thanks to a swarming defense, ranked among the NFL elite. And we saw what Denver could do with just that last season. Minnesota still has a way to go before booking a flight to Houston, with three road games in the next four weeks. However, the NFC North is a joke and a home date with Arizona in Week 11 looks like its toughest challenge.