Updated Super Bowl 50 Odds
After what may have been the most fast and furious first week in the history of NFL free agency, several teams saw their rosters go through major overhauls leading up to the 2015 season. Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie returned to the Jets. Jimmy Graham was dealt to the Seahawks. Frank Gore and Andre Johnson are now Colts. The 49ers are a shadow of the team that advanced to three straight NFC title games from 2011-13. And then there are the Eagles, who under the tutelage of newly anointed front office shotcaller Chip Kelly managed to gain DeMarco Murray, Sam Bradford, Ryan Mathews, Kiko Alonso, and Byron Maxwell while giving up LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, Nick Foles, Trent Cole, and Todd Herremans. Whew! To put it mildly, the last five days have been batcrap bonkers. Here’s how the whirlwind activity has affected the premature Super Bowl LI odds, according to a variety of Vegas sportsbooks.
Indianapolis 5/1 – The additions of Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, and Trent Cole has some oddsmakers penciling in the Colts as the favorites to hoist Lombardi. Hey, they still have Andrew Luck under center, so they will always be a solid contender. But just how much does the aging trio they acquired have left in the tank? That remains to be seen.
Seattle 11/2 – The only thing missing from the oh-so-close two-time defending champs besides a new goal line playcaller was a legit number one receiving threat. Problem solved with the addition of 28-year-old Jimmy Graham. It cost the ‘Hawks a first-rounder in April, but Graham gives Russell Wilson his best downfield and redzone option since, well, since Wilson’s been in the league.
Green Bay 11/2 – The Packers retained their best FA in receiver Randall Cobb. And they still have Aaron Rodgers. All they need to do is learn how not to collapse in the final three minutes and how to properly field an onside kick attempt.
New England 8/1 – The champs dropped a bit after losing Darrelle Revis to the Jets. Bill Belichick also waved goodbye to Shane Vereen, Brandon Browner, and Akeem Ayers. However, they did keep promising safety Devin McCourty as well as adding underrated pass rusher Jabaal Sheard. The Revis exodus will hurt, especially in the playoffs.
Denver 15/1 – Kept Demaryius Thomas, lost Julius Thomas. More importantly, Peyton Manning will be back for one final swing at glory. Broncos sill have a lot of talent, but the window seems to have shut.
Philadelphia 16/1 – Not even Chip Kelly knows how all the eye-opening moves will shake out come September, but there’s no doubt the Eagles will be Kelly’s team for the first time since his arrival from Oregon. A backfield of Murray, Mathews, and Sproles looks great if Sam Bradford can actually survive a full season.
Dallas 20/1 – Some books had the ‘Boys as high as 8-1 a month ago. Jerry Jones tagged Dez Bryant, but allowed his 2014 Offensive Player of the Year and All-Pro runner to join the hated Eagles. The decision makes financial sense, although a rotation of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and a potential draft pick could be problematic for a team that won the NFC East on the ground.
NY Jets 50/1 – The smarter books kept the Jets where they belong at 100-1. Others felt the acquisition of Revis, Cromartie, and Brandon Marshall warranted a bump. Lest we forget, the current quarterbacks on the roster are as follows: Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Simms. Yeah, don’t waste money on the Jets.
