The NFL Draft did more than just help several teams to improve their rosters; it also changed their odds to win Super Bowl 55. Several squads saw their chances to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy jump considerably.
The biggest movement went to Tampa Bay, whose odds to win Super Bowl 55 went from 50/1 to 14/1. Adding Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to their roster via free agency and a trade was a big step forward, but the team also improved in last week’s draft. The biggest pick was trading up one spot in the first round to get Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. They also improved on the defensive side of the football, selecting Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in the second round.
Super Bowl 55 Odds
| Team | Jan. 20 Odds | April 28 Odds |
| Kansas City | 7/1 | 4/1 |
| Baltimore | 7/1 | 13/2 |
| San Francisco | 7/1 | 7/1 |
| New Orleans | 10/1 | 11/1 |
| Dallas | 20/1 | 12/1 |
| Tampa Bay | 50/1 | 14/1 |
| Seattle | 18/1 | 17/1 |
| Green Bay | 15/1 | 18/1 |
| Philadelphia | 15/1 | 18/1 |
| New England | 12/1 | 20/1 |
| Buffalo | 35/1 | 20/1 |
| Pittsburgh | 25/1 | 25/1 |
| LA Chargers | 30/1 | 25/1 |
| Indianapolis | 40/1 | 25/1 |
| LA Rams | 25/1 | 28/1 |
| Minnesota | 25/1 | 28/1 |
| Las Vegas | 30/1 | 30/1 |
| Tennessee | 40/1 | 25/1 |
| Chicago | 30/1 | 40/1 |
| Cleveland | 40/1 | 40/1 |
| Denver | 50/1 | 50/1 |
| Houston | 25/1 | 60/1 |
| Atlanta | 30/1 | 60/1 |
| NY Giants | 60/1 | 60/1 |
| Arizona | 75/1 | 60/1 |
| NY Jets | 60/1 | 100/1 |
| Detroit | 60/1 | 100/1 |
| Miami | 100/1 | 100/1 |
| Carolina | 60/1 | 125/1 |
| Jacksonville | 60/1 | 200/1 |
| Washington | 100/1 | 200/1 |
| Cincinnati | 125/1 | 200/1 |
Source: William Hill
Michael Lombardi, former NFL general manager, told VSiN’s Matt Youmans that sometimes, however, too much is read into the draft.
“These drafts are judged way too early,†Lombardi said. “The Patriots are not going to get an ‘A’ for their draft because everybody is obsessed that they did not draft a quarterback.â€
Super Bowl 55 Odds Produce Big Bets
Another team that saw big movement in its Super Bowl 55 odds was the Indianapolis Colts. In March, they were 45/1 and two large wagers were placed at different Las Vegas sportsbooks. The first was a large undisclosed bet at Circa Sportsbook. The second was a $10,000 bet at William Hill. That knocked the Colts’ odds down to 30/1.
Those odds dropped again after the Colts had arguably the best draft for a team that didn’t have a first-round pick. They watched potential first-round talent fall to the second round and were able to get both USC wide receiver Michael Pittman and Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.
William Hill reported that it took large wagers on two other teams after the draft, but before the Super Bowl odds dropped. One gambler plunked down $6,000 on the Buffalo Bills at 35/1, which could win $210,000. Another gambler bet $4,000 on the Tennessee Titans at 40/1. That bet could win $160,000. Since those bets were placed, the Bills have fallen to 20/1 and the Titans are now at 35/1.
The defending Super Bowl Champions are the odds-on favorite to repeat. Their odds started at 7/1, and are now at 4/1. Baltimore is second, going from 7/1 to 13/2.
Carolina, Cincinnati Odds Plummet
The biggest drop in Super Bowl 55 odds went to two teams that are expected to struggle yet again next season. Carolina, who decided to part ways with quarterback Cam Newton, focused on defense in the draft. All seven of their picks were defensive players, including Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown at No. 7. The Panthers saw their odds go from 60/1 to 125/1.
Cincinnati got LSU quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick, but still saw their odds go from 125/1 to 200/1. Oddsmakers believe Burrow won’t be able to save that team, and the Bengals will be back with another high pick in next year’s draft.