News that Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry will undergo foot surgery and might miss the rest of the season shook the NFL world Monday.
That he has a chance to return for the postseason was enough to give oddsmakers pause.
FanDuel told Field Level Media that while the Titans’ odds were initially “pushed out slightly” following confirmation that Henry would require surgery, the sportsbook brought Tennessee’s Super Bowl odds back to +1800 with the news that he could potentially return for the postseason.
The Titans’ title odds also held steady at +2000 at WynnBet, while they lengthened from +1400 to +1800 at MaximBet.
“The Titans stayed at +2000 to win the Super Bowl. They will have a tough time staying at the top of the AFC without Henry,” WynnBet trader Sawyer Johnson told Field Level Media. “If they are able to get him back for the playoffs, they still most likely won’t have home-field advantage.
“We also didn’t want to raise the Titans’ price that high in the event that Henry returns. He is not a player that I am eager to bet against.”
The Saints’ odds also weren’t greatly impacted by the confirmation that quarterback Jameis Winston suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Winston has only thrown three interceptions compared to 14 touchdowns, but he’s completing a modest 59.0 percent of his passes in a run-heavy offense and backup Taysom Hill is expected to return soon from a concussion.
New Orleans’ Super Bowl odds remained at +3100 at FanDuel and +2200 at MaximBet, while they actually shortened from +4000 to +3500 at WynnBet.
“Jameis hasn’t been great this season,” Johnson said. “Their defense is the reason why they are winning games. They might make the playoffs, but this is a team that lacks the offensive talent to win those games against elite teams.”
Meanwhile, oddsmakers applauded the Rams’ bold move to acquire pass rusher Von Miller from the Denver Broncos.
Combined with the Rams moving to 7-1 atop the NFC along with Arizona and Green Bay, they now have another pass-rush threat on a defense that already includes perennial All-Pro Aaron Donald.
Los Angeles moved from +750 to +650 at WynnBet and from +800 to +700 at MaximBet after the deal was announced Monday.
“At this stage in his career, Miller isn’t a No. 1 edge rusher,” Johnson said. “But he will excel as the No. 2 guy. The offense is clicking and the Rams added a key piece with him. Los Angeles is a team that is poised for a deep playoff run.”
–Field Level Media
