Washington Commanders' Super Bowl Odds Plummet Following Carson Wentz Trade

After just one season in the AFC, Carson Wentz is headed back to the NFC East.

The Indianapolis Colts traded Carson Wentz and a second-round pick to the Washington Commanders for a reported package of second and third round picks over the next two seasons.

While the Commanders may feel that their quarterback issue is now solved, the oddsmakers in Vegas vehemently disagree. 

Prior to the trade, Washington was +6000 (60/1) at WynnBET to win the Super Bowl. After the trade, those odds have dropped to +7500. Wentz, at least in the odds standings, has already damaged Washington’s future without even throwing a pass.

WynnBET Senior Trading Manager Alan Berg tells BetSided that they initially hung Washington's number at a low number due to the likelihood of picking up a meaningful quarterback, but Wentz does not fit the description.

“We had them low because of a possible improvement at the quarterback position. I have no idea what the coaches or staff are thinking with this move. To me, it seems like desperation. So, we moved them higher on our board.”

Throughout his career, Wentz has struggled in Washington. He’s 2-2 SU, while throwing for 7 touchdowns, three interceptions and has been sacked 17 times. 

The Commanders choice to acquire Wentz is a big commitment, as they now take on his full salary. This is a big swing for a team looking for a franchise quarterback for over a decade now. 

Last season, Wentz finished with 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Those numbers are decent, but he also led the Colts to a 9-8 record losing to last place Jacksonville Jaguars in the final week of the season with the playoffs on the line.

Indianapolis, at least on paper, was a great situation for Wentz. He had his former offensive coordinator in Frank Reich as the head coach, a great offensive line, running game and a solid defense. His ceiling seemed the highest as a Colt, which can be a cause for pause for Colts’ fans. 

Although they missed the playoffs last season, Washington has been to the postseason once with Ron Rivera and this core of players. Wentz is stepping into a situation in which he will be asked to elevate the players around him. He wasn’t able to do that in Indianapolis though.

Washington is taking a risk, and so far, Vegas thinks it was a dumb one.