The Eagles’ odds to repeat as Super Bowl champions improved

When the odds for the 2019 Super Bowl were released shortly after this year’s big game, the Philadelphia Eagles were NOT listed as the favorites despite winning it all this year. Instead, it was the team they defeated in Super Bowl LII: the New England Patriots.

Bovada recently updated their Super Bowl odds post-free agency and it turns out the Pats are still No. 1.

But the Eagles’ odds actually got slightly better. They moved from 9/1 to 17/2. The Eagles, who were previously tied with the Packers at 9/1, are now in sole possession of the second shortest odds.

Despite the fact that Green Bay dropped to 14/1, the Eagles are still projected to have stiff competition in the NFC. After signing Kirk Cousins and Sheldon Richardson, the Minnesota Vikings improved from 12/1 to 9/1. The Los Angeles Rams moved up from 18/1 to 14/1 after acquiring both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib. That’s obviously one heck of a cornerback duo. And L.A. is still in the mix for Ndamukong Suh. The New Orleans Saints are hanging around at 18/1 while the Atlanta Falcons dropped slightly to 20/1.

The NFC figures to be a tough conference yet again in 2018. But the Eagles are one of those teams making it difficult. And honestly, they should have nothing to fear. The NFL is a year-to-year league, yes, but they have some really good foundational pieces in place. Doug Pederson is legitimately one of the best coaches in the league right now. Carson Wentz is in the conversation as the best quarterback in the league right now. Howie Roseman just won Executive of the Year. This Eagles team has the makings of sustainable success.

At the very least, Philadelphia has a real shot to become the first NFC East team to repeat as division winners since 2004. After the Eagles, the next team with the shortest Super Bowl odds is the Dallas Cowboys at 28/1. They dropped from 18/1 after doing virtually nothing in free agency ... besides lose players. The nonthreatening New York Giants are holding steady at 50/1 while the Washington Redskins now tied for the fifth longest odds in the league at 66/1. Same as the Browns and Bills! Not exactly great company.

Here’s a complete list of updated 2019 Super Bowl odds.

On a side note, Bovada also released some over/unders for players who signed with new teams in free agency. One such player is former Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford.

Somehow Bradford’s o/u for passing yards is 3,800 and his o/u for touchdown passes is 20.5.

What the hell?

How is anyone NOT taking the under on that?

First of all, the 30-year-old Bradford has a degenerative knee. We all know he can’t stay healthy.

Second, Bradford has gone over 3,800 yards ONCE in his career. And he only went over by 77 yards. His highest single-season touchdown total, 21, is only 0.5 touchdowns more than this year’s o/u.

I’m not going to tell you how to spend your money but, uh, I don’t see a good reason to NOT take the under on those.