Broncos among Super Bowl favorites after blockbuster Wilson trade
For years, the Broncos have been a quarterback away from legitimate Super Bowl contention. On Tuesday, they finally landed one.
Denver upended the title market with Tuesday's reported deal to acquire nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seahawks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Broncos also parted with five draft picks - including two future first-rounders - as well as quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, and defensive tackle Shelby Harris, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The move sparked immediate action from oddsmakers, who adjusted the Broncos' Super Bowl price to 12-1 at most shops - including Barstool Sportsbook - after dealing as high as 25-1 earlier this offseason. Denver is also +550 to win the AFC and +225 to win the AFC West, which has gone the Chiefs' way each of the last six seasons.
This marks the third time in as many years that a team has entered the offseason as a title afterthought before landing an elite quarterback and jumping into the top five in the Super Bowl market.
In 2020, the Buccaneers were as high as 60-1 at some shops ahead of free agency, but Tom Brady's arrival prompted books to deal Tampa Bay at 10-1 entering the season. A year ago, the Rams were shortened to 12-1 after dealing for Matthew Stafford. Both teams won the Super Bowl that season.
The Broncos clearly have a similar trajectory in mind after surrendering one of the largest trade packages in NFL history. They have the roster to support such a dramatic push: Denver's defense ranked second in average points allowed (18.9) and eighth in yards allowed (326.1) in 2021, and its offense is stocked with young talent around its new signal-caller.
The Seahawks were already title long shots thanks to persistent speculation about Wilson's tenuous future in Seattle coming off a 7-10 season, the worst since he took over in 2012. They're now 66-1 at Barstool Sportsbook and will likely enter this upcoming season with either Lock or a rookie quarterback at the helm in a loaded NFC West.
C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at [email protected].