The Philadelphia Eagles and Carson Wentz went through an epic breakup.
It’s not going to be quite as expensive as Bill and Melinda Gates’ divorce, but by NFL standards, and with no-prenup, it’s the most pricey in the history of the league. The Eagles take on $33.8 million in dead-cap space by trading Wentz, the largest single dead-cap hit in NFL history.
The financial aspect of the split was epic, and the other “f”…feelings, as in a lot of hurt ones, made for a messy split. What started with a “first date” at a Fargo, ND restaurant ended with Wentz being benched in Week 13 and traded during the offseason.
For Eagles bettors and followers, in the words of Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, “We couldn’t help but wonder” about our ex in another city.
Wentz looks happy with new team
Whether you are checking in on a college ex or the once-upon-a-time franchise quarterback, Instagram gives a (curated and filtered) glimpse of their lives.
After Wentz was benched at halftime against the Green Bay Packers, he didn’t speak to the media for the rest of the season. The only thing he put on Instagram after his Dec. 6 benching was “Merry Christmas from the Wentz fam.”
On Feb. 18, the Eagles traded Wentz to the Colts for a third-round draft pick in 2020 and a conditional second-rounder in 2022. Wentz then penned a farewell letter to his teammates, the City of Philadelphia, and Eagles fans. About a month later, Wentz posted a hype video “New Threads, Same Journey” of him tossing passes, lifting weights and holding his baby.
From the standpoint of being dumped multiple times and having a Carson Wentz jersey hanging in my closet, I can provide some personal insight to this breakup. Carson looks happy with his new team. I can’t remember the last time I ever saw him really smile since he shredded his knee in 2017. Even on the podium at Super Bowl LII it felt a bit forced. He seems more relaxed and like a weight has been lifted. Also, he went on the Pat McAfee Show and gushed about how much he loves the Midwest.
“From a family standpoint, I’ve got an 11-month old baby. I’ve got a wife. And my wife is actually from Kentucky, so her whole family is a two-and-a-half hour drive away,” Wentz said. “It feels like us. It feels like our culture, our values and kind of our vibe, so to speak.”
Indianapolis Colts 2021 odds
Last year, with 39-year-old Phillip Rivers as their quarterback, the Colts opened the season at +2000 to win the Super Bowl. The Colts finished 11-5, tied with the Tennessee Titans for the best record in the AFC South. But the Colts lost the tiebreaker due to their record versus division opponents. The Colts lost 27-24 to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card game. Rivers retired in January 2021 ending a seventeen-year career.
Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl LVI odds
- BetMGM: +2000
- DraftKings: +2800
- Fox Bet: +2200
Indianapolis Colts AFC odds
- BetMGM: +1000
- DraftKings: +1300
- Fox Bet: +1100
Indianapolis Colts AFC South odds
- BetMGM: +100
- DraftKings: +100
- Fox Bet: +100
Indianapolis Colts 2021 schedule
The Colts’ main competition in the AFC South will once again be the Titans. The Houston Texans are in disarray and the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson is up in the air due to legal troubles.
The Jacksonville Jaguars won one game last year which resulted in landing the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But a new coach (Urban Meyer), a rookie quarterback and a rebuilding team shouldn’t pose a threat to the Colts who are the favorites to win the AFC South.
The 2021 NFL schedule release is set for May 12.
Colts non-divisional home opponents
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Los Angeles Rams
- Seattle Seahawks
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Colts non-divisional away opponents
- Arizona Cardinals
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- San Francisco 49ers
Colts win totals
- DraftKings: Over 10 (+110)/Under 10 (-134)
- Fox Bet: Over 9.5 (-143)/Under 9.5 (+110)
Will the Colts make the playoffs?
- DraftKings: Yes (-200)/No (+163)
- Fox Bet: Yes (-200)/No (+150)
Carson Wentz 2021 odds
In 2020, Wentz experienced a historical regression. Despite only starting 12 games, he finished tied for the league lead in interceptions (15). Perhaps another stat is the true harbinger of Wentz’s woes. He was sacked a league-high 50 times in those 12 games. The causes of Wentz’s decline was widely debated and included lack of weapons, indecisiveness, poor play-calling, an injured offense, and talk of Wentz not being coachable.
Indianapolis and a reunion with the offensive coordinator who he flourished under, Colts coach Frank Reich, gives Wentz a fresh start. The betting market for NFL MVP in 2021 is now available at PA online sportsbooks.
Carson Wentz 2021 MVP odds
- BetMGM: +4000
- DraftKings: +4000
- Fox Bet: +4000
- FanDuel: +4000
Carson Wentz comeback player of the year
Currently at Fox Bet in New Jersey, you can bet on the 2021 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The betting market should be coming to PA soon.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+165) is the favorite. Wentz has the sixth-best odds at +900.
Wentz profitable for bettors
Since we are talking about the ex, you have to share a wild story. And when it comes to Wentz, here’s one Colts bettors should remember.
In 2020, Carson Wentz was the second-most profitable player for bettors at DraftKings online sportsbook.
Johnny Avello, head of sportsbook and gaming operations at DraftKings, said:
“Carson scored the first touchdown in a few games at pretty big odds so that’s where the players profited.”
Wentz scored the first touchdown at odds of usually +1400 in the following games:
- Week 2 vs. Los Angeles Rams (first Eagles’ TD)
- Week 4 vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Week 7 vs. New York Giants
Lead image credit: AP Photo/Michael Perez
