Patriots AFC East odds and Super Bowl odds after Mac Jones named starting QB

The New England Patriots dropped a bomb on the NFL before Tuesday’s roster deadline when they released Cam Newton.

Needless to say this wasn’t the way Patriots fans envisioned the winner of the quarterback competition to be determined. In a perfect world, Bill Belichick himself would’ve named Mac Jones the starter, but beggars can’t be choosers.

In any event, this is the beginning of a new era in New England, as Jones will be handed the keys to the offense from Day 1 as a rookie.

While the regular season is a totally different monster, Jones looked like a starting-caliber quarterback during camp and the preseason, and even more so during last week’s joint practices against the Giants.

How ready is the No. 15 overall pick to help the Patriots win games?

We’ll know soon enough, but let’s take a look at what the oddsmakers are saying about New England’s ceiling this season with Jones now officially appointed as QB1.

Patriots AFC East Odds

According to our friends at WynnBet, the Patriots are still third in the AFC East pecking order, coming in at +320 odds (bet $100 to win $320) to reclaim the division crown from Buffalo.

Speaking of which, the Bills are the clear favorites at -155 odds (bet $155 to win $100), while the Dolphins are slated at +200 (bet $100 to win $200). While we wouldn’t dream of saying the Patriots should be neck-and-neck with Buffalo, is it too much to ask for them to be at least a little closer to Miami?

Sorry, but with a revamped defense and collection of pass-catchers, there isn’t much separating the Patriots and Dolphins anymore.

Patriots Super Bowl Odds

Why not have a little fun, right? Per WynnBet, the Patriots have +3000 odds (bet $100 to win $3,000) to win this year’s Super Bowl. That’s even with teams like the Colts, Cowboys and Chargers and just under teams like the Dolphins (+2500) and Ravens (+1800).

Overall, nine teams have better odds than the Patriots to win it all. Given what this roster looked like last season, these odds indicate Belichick’s side is in for a major turnaround in 2021 … and Jones figures to play a huge role in that.

Mac Jones Rookie of the Year Odds

While winning the division and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy are unlikely for Jones in Year 1, his chances of winning the highest accolade bestowed upon rookies is extremely realistic.

Per WynnBet, Jones has +300 odds (bet $100 to win 300) to take home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Those odds are second-best among rookie QBs. Only Trevor Lawrence has better odds at +275, so Jones comes in right behind the former Clemson superstar. Pretty impressive if you ask us.

For added context, Jones has better odds to win than Justin Fields (+525), Najee Harris (+600), Trey Lance (+600) and Zach Wilson (+600).

If you have some extra money lying around, betting on Jones to win the OROY wouldn’t be your worst idea. After all, aside from Lawrence, no other rookie QB should have as many reps this season as the Alabama product.

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