Sportsbooks have shortened the odds on futures for “Danny Dimes.” That doesn’t mean their confidence about New York Giants futures after Daniel Jones’ debut has improved, however.
After Jones made his first NFL start in impressive fashion, sportsbook operators that partner with New York’s four commercial casinos pivoted quickly. The changes didn’t apply equally to the team Jones plays for, however.
Giants futures after Daniel Jones’ debut unmoved
Before the season, when Eli Manning retained his starting quarterback status for the Giants, sportsbooks considered them a long shot to win anything substantial this season. For the most part, that’s unchanged.
Despite the change under center, the Giants betting odds remain a long shot to win Super Bowl LIV. The preseason and current odds are at NY sportsbooks:
- BetRivers: +8000/+8000
- Caesars: +25000/+25000
- DraftKings: +8000/+8000
- FanDuel: +8000/+7500
Books don’t consider the Giants any more likely to simply reach Super Bowl LIV, either. So far the odds of the Giants winning the NFC championship game are unchanged at all four books.
Odds on the Giants winning the NFC East Division actually got longer over the past three weeks. Prior to the season, FanDuel had that line at +1500. It now sits at +1900.
Uncertainty about running back Saquon Barkley’s right ankle likely plays a role in that. The Dallas Cowboys’ 3-0 start does as well.
While sportsbooks remain unimpressed with the Giants, they have bought into the hype of Jones himself. Odds on bets involving his performance have skyrocketed.
Jones Rookie of the Year and other futures upgraded
When Jones was an understudy to Manning, DraftKings had the odds on him winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year at +3300. After the Giants named him their Week 3 starter, that improved to +1000.
Jones did nothing but improve those odds with his 336-yard, two-touchdown debut. After leading the Giants to overcome an 18-point deficit and nab their first win of the season, that line improved to +200.
Other books reacted similarly. BetRivers lists Jones as the new favorite to win the ROY at +200, while FanDuel has Jones at +260.
Jones escalated in other futures bets as well. BetRivers and DraftKings now have him +12500 to lead the NFL in passing yards. FanDuel lists Jones at +25000 to be named the league MVP.
It will take a mammoth effort for Jones to replicate his debut. Defenses he faces in future games will adjust to him.
To Jones’ credit, however, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Sunday’s game with one of the top defenses in the league as far as yards allowed went. The 13 games Jones has yet to play this season should pose more challenges as he continues to develop.
Those long odds on Giants futures mean the time to take those bets could be now, however. If Jones and the G-Men turn Sunday’s win into a pattern, sportsbooks will react the same way they did to Jones’ individual debut.
If Jones should pile up more 300-yard, interception-free performances that lead to wins, the Giants’ odds in futures bets will shorten. He will earn the affection of Giants fans and his new status as the ROY favorite as well.
