During the last NFL offseason, we saw how one player can have a huge impact on a team, and instantly turn them into a contender. All you have to do is look at the Denver Broncos and what quarterback Peyton Manning was able to do.
And as free agency in the 2013 offseason opened earlier in March, there were certainly some big names on the open market likely to shift teams. Sure, there wasn’t a Peyton Manning per say, but teams were looking to fill needs and make a splash to build momentum for the upcoming season.
Just like fans pay close attention to what their favorite teams are doing, the same can be said for oddsmakers as well.
We have seen several teams shift their odds to win Super Bowl XLVIII because of some acquisitions and losses, whether the betting lines go up or down.
The Seattle Seahawks’ pick up of wide receiver and return specialist Percy Harvin moved their betting odds to win the 2014 Super Bowl from 12 to 1 to 10 to 1. They are a top-five favorite, and already had a bunch of people on their bandwagon at the end of the last season. The addition of Harvin will being in an explosive playmaker and another weapon that rising sophomore quarterback Russell Wilson can exploit.
The Seahawks’ rival in the NFC West, the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers also made a big move by acquiring free agent receiver Anquan Boldin from the team that beat them in Super Bowl XLVII, the Baltimore Ravens. Boldin will be an excellent addition to an already fast improving 49ers receiving corps. But at the same time, San Francisco traded away quarterback Alex Smith, and did not resign free safety Dashon Goldson, who signed with Tampa Bay. The 49ers are leader on the latest 2014 Super Bowl Odds, set at 7 to 1.
Other teams to make a splash in the offseason were the Miami Dolphins, who signed receiver Mike Wallace from the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also brought in some defensive help, led by former Raven Dannell Ellerbe. Miami made the biggest jump in the Super Bowl betting lines, from 60 to 1 up to 35 to 1.
The Atlanta Falcons released running back Michael Turner and defensive end John Abraham. But then they signed free agent running back Steven Jackson from the Rams to come in and take over starting duties. Atlanta is a top-five Super Bowl favorite, set at 12 to 1.
Let’s not forget either that the 2013 NFL Draft is coming up at the end of April as well, where teams will again try to vill needs to be met. And 2012 was certainly a testament to the impact that rookies can have on the success of teams. Just ask Indianapolis, Washington, and of course Seattle.