LAS VEGAS -- The headline of the NFL offseason, the trade of Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets, has caused a significant shifts in the betting odds for both teams. At his introductory press conference on Wednesday, Rodgers expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to end the franchise's 54-year Super Bowl drought and add to his NFL legacy.
At the team facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, Rodgers humbly stated that he's "not a savior of any kind," but acknowledged the potential impact of his move. He mentioned noticing only one Lombardi Trophy in the team's lobby, commenting that "it looks lonely."
The Jets' odds to win Super Bowl 58 experienced a notable transformation since Rodgers' announcement. In the week leading up to Super Bowl 57, rogue offshore sportsbooks listed the Jets at 40/1. After Super Bowl 57, their odds shortened to 30/1. The odds continued to shrink to 20/1 on March 8th, following reports that Rodgers met with Jets top brass. The odds tightened further to 12/1 on March 15th after Rodgers appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and declared his intentions to play for the Jets. Interestingly, the odds remained at 12/1 on April 24th, when Rodgers was officially traded, indicating that the betting market had already fully priced in the odds impact.
The Packers' odds to win the Super Bowl have taken a hit since Rodgers' news started making headlines. Initially listed at 30/1, their odds lengthened to 35/1 on March 8th after Rodgers met with the Jets. Currently, the Packers' odds sit at 45/1, reflecting the significant loss that Rodgers' departure represents for the team.
The Jets' odds for the AFC East title have also been affected by Rodgers' arrival. At the open in early March, the Jets were listed at +310. Following Rodgers' meeting with the Jets, their odds shortened to +225, and they currently stand at +220. The Buffalo Bills remain the favorites to win the AFC East at +135, having been downgraded slightly from early March when they opened at even money.
During the news conference, Rodgers discussed his approach to the upcoming season, stating that he will take it season by season at this stage in his career. He also mentioned that the length of his commitment never came up in discussions with the team. Rodgers, who will wear No. 8 (his college number) instead of his usual No. 12, will be at the facility for the "foreseeable future" and expects to practice Thursday