We at the moment are by way of a lot of the lengthy slog of the NFL offseason, and coaching camps are a mere few weeks away. Though we’re nonetheless technically within the ramp-up section of the 2024 marketing campaign, there’s so much we already know, like who a very powerful gamers are on a lot of the league’s groups.
However there are some groups the place we do not but know that. Actually, on a few of them, we do not but know who would be the single-most essential participant on the staff this season: the beginning quarterback. There are a number of open (or doubtlessly open) competitions this summer season, and whereas we do not but know with 100% certainty who will win them, the parents out in Las Vegas consider they’ve a reasonably good thought.Â
DraftKings sportsbook has positioned odds on the quarterback competitions in Denver, Vegas, Minnesota, New England, New York (Giants), Pittsburgh, and Seattle, and utilizing Motion Community’s implied betting odds calculator, we are able to additionally see the share probability that they offer every participant of taking their staff’s first snap in Week 1.Â
(Notice: The odds will not add as much as 100% as a result of sports activities books like earning money.)Â
It is unsurprising that the rookie is the favourite to start out for Sean Payton’s staff. They’ve far more invested in Nix than both Wilson or Stidham, and it is not like both veteran will be counted on to be a gradual hand in Payton’s second season.Â
I really feel like these odds needs to be reversed. The Raiders gave Minshew a free-agent deal, certain, however they did not pay him all that a lot; and except he is to this point forward of O’Connell in coaching camp that they don’t have any alternative however to start out him, it looks like they need to a minimum of lean towards seeing what O’Connell has for an additional yr in order that they’ll make an informed choice on their long-term QB scenario subsequent offseason.
This one stunned me a bit. Darnold obtained a decent-sized contract this offseason, however the Vikes maneuvered their method up the board for McCarthy, and we now have seen a reasonably vital pattern of Darnold within the NFL at this level and it is not fairly. Minnesota does have a comparatively early (Week 6) bye, although, and it performs powerful defenses in San Francisco and the Jets in Weeks 2 and 5, so perhaps there may be an argument for letting McCarthy sit till Week 7, at which level he can return for a house recreation in opposition to the Lions protection.
These odds, however, appear method off. The Patriots have all however introduced that Brissett can be their starter to start the season. Maye will clearly take over sooner or later, whether or not this yr or subsequent; however Brissett is sort of assuredly beginning Week 1 barring an harm.
New York Giants
There was some smoke round this doubtlessly being an open competitors when Lock first signed with the Giants, however he walked that again and declared himself Jones’ backup. In fact, the Giants then tried desperately to maneuver as much as land Maye within the draft, solely to finish up staying put and taking Malik Nabers. So except Jones’ ACL restoration goes poorly, he nonetheless looks like a robust wager to start out.
The Steelers have additionally been fairly forthright about their expectation that Wilson will begin beneath middle. That appears unwise to me given that he’s on a one-year deal and can flip 36 years outdated this season, and is subsequently undoubtedly not the staff’s long-term reply. However the Steelers love nothing greater than guaranteeing that they do not fall beneath .500 it doesn’t matter what as a substitute of capturing for upside, so Wilson most likely will certainly begin.
I am considerably confused as to why the Seahawks are even on this checklist. Smith took a step backward final season, however Howell has not proven starter-level capability. It is sensible for Seattle to see if Smith can bounce again, given the ceiling he is proven.