OBJ Signing Doesn’t Budge Super Bowl Odds
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Super Bowl odds are a fascinating thing to watch during the NFL season. An injury to a star quarterback could cause the odds of one team to plummet. Overactions to an upset can lead to shorter odds for a potential contender. Just like a big signing before the season can shake up the odds, a big move during the season can shift the numbers. Well, one of the most hyped free agent moves of the season was announced yesterday, and some were expecting it to budge the odds. Here’s a deeper look at the Odell Beckham Jr. signing from a betting perspective.
OBJ Signing Leaves Odds Unchanged
Odell Beckham Jr. hitting the free agent market dominated the headlines this past week, with speculation for his next team abound. The receiver, who landed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019, found himself a free agent after the receiver simply couldn’t gell with the offense. Beckham Jr. was originally drafted by the New York Giants, where he hauled in some highlight-reel catches that made him a star. However, the past few years haven’t been as kind, as injuries and inconsistency have held him back.
After speculation he may sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, or Green Bay Packers, OBJ officially signed with the Los Angeles Rams. However, the addition of another target for QB Matt Stafford didn’t move the team’s Super Bowl odds, which currently lie at +750 on Caesars Sportsbook. The Stafford signing itself caused the Rams to open the season with low odds, with many books listing the team at +1200 to win the Super Bowl.
Looking Deeper at the Rams Odds
If you think the Super Bowl odds for the Los Angeles Rams were low, you should take a look at some of the team’s other numbers. Caesars Sportsbook lists the team at +400 to win the NFC conference, as well as +170 to win the NFC West division. QB Matthew Stafford is also +700 right now to win the NFL MVP award.
The Rams seem to be in win-now mode, as evidenced by the OBJ signing. Additionally, the team acquired Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller before the trade deadline. The Rams have been trading first round picks like they’re going out of style to load up on top-tier talent. It’s Super Bowl or bust for the Rams, and the sportsbooks might see an L.A. Super Bowl run as a big liability.
Another Big Free Agent Signing
Odell Backham Jr. wasn’t the only player to find a new home this week. Former number one overall pick Cam Newton just re-signed with his former team, the Carolina Panthers, after spending a year in New England. The signing was due to a combination of subpar QB play by the Panthers as well as the injury to Sam Darnold. At the start of the season, the odds for Newton to return to Carolina were +800, with the Dallas Cowboys as a heavy favorite at +500. One of the longer shots on the board was Newton signing with the Tennessee Titans at +2000.
