Bold deals top NFL contenders should make ahead of trade deadline

With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. ET, the top contenders have a chance to separate themselves from the field. Based on odds provided by OddsChecker (as of Oct. 26), here are the top five contenders to win the Super Bowl, their biggest weaknesses and a player who could help solve their problems.

Kansas City Chiefs (+450)

Weakness: Run defense

Solution: Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown

After a strong start by the Chiefs defense, cracks have appeared. Despite seeing the fifth-fewest number of carries in the NFL this season, Kansas City allows the 16th most rushing yards and is 26th in yards allowed per carry. Per ESPN, the Chiefs are 31st in run-stop win rate, ahead of only the lowly Denver Broncos. 

Brown is one of the league’s top interior run defenders, ranking fifth in run-stop win rate. Carolina picked up the fifth-year option on Brown’s rookie contract during the offseason, and he’s due to hit free agency in 2025. The only reason the Panthers should entertain a deal is if the Chiefs offer premium draft picks. Carolina needs to replenish its draft capital after trading its 2024 first-round pick to Chicago, and if trading Brown achieves that goal, it’s worth considering.

San Francisco 49ers (+550)

Weakness: Injuries

Solution: Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams

Among the top teams, San Francisco could stand pat and feel best about its 2023 prospects. The 49ers don’t need Raiders wideout Adams, but it would be fun to watch. San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) didn’t play in the team’s Week 7 loss at Minnesota and is unlikely to play in Week 8 against Cincinnati. However, Brandon Aiyuk has been excellent, and the team also boasts elite playmakers in tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey. Can San Francisco win the NFC without Adams? Absolutely. But inserting him into the mix could make the 49ers too big to fail.

Philadelphia Eagles (+650)

Weakness: Secondary

Solution: Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II

Philadelphia has already addressed its issues in the secondary by adding two-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard earlier this week. It could make an even bigger move by trading for Surtain II. Veteran corner James Bradberry has struggled this season, allowing 21 receptions, 218 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterbacks have a 113 passer rating when targeting Bradberry, the highest in his eight-year career. Surtain II is one of the league’s best corners and deserves a “get out of Denver free” card. Philly would be his best landing spot

Miami Dolphins (+1100)

Weakness: Secondary

Solution: Packers safety Rudy Ford

Help is on the way with corner Jalen Ramsey on the road back from a preseason knee injury, but Miami could lessen the strain on Ramsey by adding Ford. He’s one of the top safeties in coverage this year, with quarterbacks posting a 47.8 passer rating against him, the seventh-worst rating among defensive backs targeted at least 15 times. Meanwhile, Dolphins safeties DeShon Elliott and Jevon Holland have combined to allow a passer rating of 109.6 when targeted. 

Dallas Cowboys (+1300)

Weakness: Red zone offense

Solution: Titans running back Derrick Henry

Jerry Jones needs to pick up the phone. Earlier this week, the Cowboys owner said he wasn’t going to initiate any trade discussions before the deadline. If so, he’ll ensure Dallas’s season ends with another early playoff exit. The Cowboys are 26th in red-zone touchdown rate (39.1 percent), only scoring nine touchdowns in 23 attempts. Running back Tony Pollard has the second-most red-zone rush attempts (29) but has the same number of touchdowns as Henry inside the 20 (two), who only has 13 red-zone attempts this year.