After a very quiet trade deadline for the Detroit Lions, we're seeing that the NFC North contender is still being considered that - a contender.
However, based on recent Super Bowl odds, it's clear that the deadline gave a boost to some of the Lions' biggest competition in the NFC, while keeping them in the mix for a Super Bowl 61 appearance.
If the postseason began today, the Lions would be the 5 seed in the NFC, with the Chicago Bears in the lead within the NFC North. They're apart of a potentially very cool phenomenon this season, as all four NFC North teams could hypothetically reach the postseason. Shoutout to the NFC South, which is so bad that - yet again - another under-.500 team from their division might be their representative in the playoffs this season.
Updated Super Bowl 61 odds after Lions' nearly-silent trade deadline
Top-12 Super Bowl 61 odds, provided by Draft Kings
Team | Odds |
|---|---|
San Francisco 49ers | +540 |
Buffalo Bills | +580 |
Jacksonville Jaguars | +750 |
Chicago Bears | +850 |
Kansas City Chiefs | +1000 |
Cincinnati Bengals | +1200 |
Los Angeles Rams | +1300 |
Denver Broncos | +1500 |
Seattle Seahawks | +1600 |
Detroit Lions | +1900 |
Green Bay Packers | +2100 |
Minnesota Vikings | +2200 |
The teams in bold are those who made moves close to or on the day of the deadline. Within the Lions' division, that includes the Bears with their Jeffrey Simmons trade, and the Minnesota Vikings with their Kirk Cousins. The Bills managed to land some decent safety help by way of Amani Hooker, and the Kansas City Chiefs finally landed decent wide receiver help by getting Josh Downs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were handsomely rewarded by this sports book for their very active trade deadline, which netted them Jordan Davis and Jessie Bates III. They're now second in odds for the Super Bowl, just behind the currently 7-1 49ers.
Lions 10th in Super Bowl 61 odds after trade deadline
Detroit finds themself 10th overall in these odds ahead of Week 10, having made no significant additions to their team at the deadline other than a trade for Andre Cisco. These are obviously just predictions based on which way the wind is blowing in Las Vegas, but it's interesting that so much weight was put into moves that we haven't seen totally pay off yet.
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It's important to remember that it's rare to see an individual player acquisition actually help lift a team to a Super Bowl championship. Of course, it's also nice to have some reinforcements added to an already-playoff caliber team, such as that of the Bears or Jaguars.
Detroit seems primed to be getting back a key starter soon, though, with Kerby Joseph's return on the horizon. Additionally, D.J. Reed should be getting healthier after another week out in Week 10 with a hip injury.
All betting odds courtesy of DraftKings. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. The content in this article should not be considered betting advice. Gambling involves risk, and one should only gamble with funds that one can comfortably afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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