Odds say Patriots won’t be stopped

This weekend, the NFL playoffs begin with the undefeated New England Patriots holding down the role as heavy favorite to win Super Bowl XLII with 5-9 odds, according to BetUs.com.

Indianapolis, the defending league champion, and Dallas come in next at 5-1, followed by Green Bay (10-1), Jacksonville (14-1), San Diego (18-1) and Pittsburgh and Seattle (30-1).

For people who like longshots, big money can be won on Tampa Bay (50-1), the New York Giants and Washington (60-1), and Tennessee (100-1).

And if you are looking for Super Bowl matchup odds, New England vs Dallas lead the way at 5-6, followed by the Patriots vs. Green Bay at 11-4. A Super Bowl game featuring Indianapolis vs. Dallas (19-4) is listed with the best odds that does not include New England.

The most unlikely Super Bowl matchup? Tennessee vs. Washington, listed at 900-1.

Bodoglife.com has posted odds for the Super Bowl game with the AFC as an 11-point favorite and an over/under at 56 1/2 points.

The Cowboys are listed as favorites to win the NFC at 5-9, followed by Green Bay at 2-1 and Seattle at 8-1. New York, Tampa Bay and Washington are listed at 10-1.

The Patriots are favorites to win the AFC at 2-7 with Indianapolis at 7-2, San Diego 7-1 and Jacksonville at 8-1. Pittsburgh is listed at 15-1 and Tennessee at 50-1.

NFL bettors looking for local coaching connections to help with their bets this weekend will have a challenge because seven of the eight teams have strong ties with USC. San Diego is coached by former Trojans assistant Norv Turner and Chargers offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon also coached at USC. Tennessee Coach Jeff Fisher is a former Trojans defensive back and Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow held the same position at USC.

Jacksonville Coach Jack Del Rio played linebacker for the Trojans and Jaguars running backs coach Kennedy Pola played and coached at USC. Pittsburgh running backs coach Kirby Wilson and wide receivers coach Randy Fichtner are former assistants with the Trojans.

Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren is a former Trojans quarterback and Seahawks offensive coordinator Gil Haskell and defensive coordinator John Marshall are former USC assistants. The same goes for Washington Coach Joe Gibbs and Redskins offensive coordinator Al Saunders.

Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks coach is Paul Hackett, a former USC coach, and Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s son, Lane, is a former offensive coordinator for the Trojans.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com