NFL Odds Adjusted
With the big wave of NFL free agency behind us, let’s have a look at a few of the teams who made a splash and what it means to their current Super Bowl future odds.
Big surprise – the Washington Redskins dove into the deep-end of the free agency pool.
Always known as big, but not smart, spenders, the Redskins signed one of the highest profile FAs available when they threw $100 million at DT Albert Haynesworth, formerly of the Tennessee Titans.
Owner Daniel Snyder was quoted as saying, “I know $100 million is a lot of money, but we had to land a franchise quarterback who can lead this team to a Super Bowl”….at that point an assistant leaned over and told him Haynesworth was a defensive tackle. Snyder’s head slumped and he walked away from the press conference muttering incoherently.
The ‘Skins also re-signed CB DeAngelo Hall and added offensive lineman Derrick Dockery from the Buffalo Bills.
Snyder has spent a ton over the years, but has nothing to show for it. Even with the additions they are listed at 40-1 to win the big game next year. Online sportsbook SPORTSBETTING.com reported some betting action on the Skins after the Haynesworth announcement, both on their future odds to win the Super Bowl and on their odds to win the NFC Championship (16-1), but it was still moderate.
– Over in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs got better…and it started by hiring Scott Pioli, the man partially responsible for the recent New England Patriots dynasty was hired as the Chiefs’ new GM.
They are coming off a horrible season, going 2-14, but even within that awful record, there were some bright signs, and now they look like they could be the most improved team in the league in 2009.
Pioli’s first order of business was to get a QB who can win them games, seeing as Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle weren’t doing the job. It actually wasn’t that difficult a job, as he simply picked up the phone to his old team and asked for Matt Cassel. The Patriots said no problem and off Matt went to the AFC West. Piloi also grabbed LB Mike Vrabel while he was at it.
Obviously the Chiefs would be happy with a turnaround similar to the Miami Dolphins, who went from 1-15 to 10-6 in the span of a year, and they could have a shot at the playoffs, as the AFC West is a troubled division. That said, if we’re talking Super Bowl, we likely aren’t talking about the Chiefs. Listed at +5000 to take next year’s championship. SPORTSBETTING.com said they didn’t see any appreciable action come in on KC after the free agency moves, aside from a spattering of low limit wagers from hometown fans. However, they did see a bit of volume on the Chiefs at 30-1 to win the AFC…still a stretch of course, but some people can dream.
– The Baltimore Ravens made the NFL’s final four last season, falling to division rival and eventual champion Pittsburgh.
The Ravens might’ve lost S Jim Leonhard and LB Bart Scott to the New York Jets but they managed to re-sign the heart and soul of the defense, LB Ray Lewis and also added C Matt Birk and DB Domonique Foxworth and with most of the team still intact, Baltimore could be a good bet to take next year’s Super Bowl and are listed at +1500.
One reply on “Free Agency & 2009 NFL Futures Betting”
I have no rational reasoning to back this up, but I like Kansas City to make some noice in the AFC next year. Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel were solid aquisitions and Scott Pioli will try and do his best Bill Parcels impersonation, turning this team around.