Let’s contemplate what Justin Jefferson’s new contract means for the betting market…
and what ESPN is thinking today.
Justin Jefferson’s Big Deal
What Happened: By now you’ve heard the news of Justin Jefferson’s massive contract extension with the Vikings. The deal nets the wideout $89 million at signing, $110 guaranteed, and keeps him in chilly Minnesota for the next four seasons. (Probably? We all know NFL contract figures are more suggestions than anything.)
If you are a Vikes fan, this is great news! If you know Jefferson personally, now seems like a good time to ask for that money you need to get your cleverly named dispensary up and running.
For the rest of us, let’s look ahead a bit. NFL futures odds are publicly available, and this news might impact how you choose to bet.
Why It Matters: Jefferson leaving Minnesota never really seemed plausible, but now we know for a fact he’ll be in purple and gold for the 2024 season. Does that boost your confidence in the team’s chances in the NFC North?
The Vikings currently have the worst odds of any team to win that division (+1000) by a fair amount. (The Bears are third at +265.) Jefferson is instant offense, and if he can put in a healthy campaign after missing seven games last season, a second NFC North title for Jefferson is possible.
Something else to keep an eye on: J.J. McCarthy wagers. For instance, DraftKings currently lists McCarthy’s passing yards line for this season at 2,825.5. Over the past five NFL seasons, eight quarterbacks have bested that figure as a rookie, including C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young last season.
McCarthy will have to compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job (lol) but if he can earn the trust of Kevin O’Connell and the coaching staff, chucking the ball in Jefferson’s general direction isn’t the worst way to rack up big passing totals.
How We’re Feeling Today
Wondering how the folks at ESPN are enjoying the Pat McAfee experience so far.
Yesterday on his show, while discussing the WNBA and its star-studded rookie class, McAfee claimed that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was the only player people were actually paying attention to.
But McAfee wasn’t so eloquent in his phrasing. In addition to dismissing the other stars the WNBA boasts these days, McAfee referred to Clark as the “one white bitch.”
As the W draws more eyeballs than ever, due largely to Clark but also to Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and Kamilla Cardoso, not to mention established stars in the league, McAfee spouting off garbage like this is the last thing ESPN wants.
ESPN is a broadcasting partner of the WNBA. Anyway you slice this one, it’s not a good look, but it’s not like the folks at Bristol didn’t know what they were getting from the former NFL punter.
The Look Ahead
George Kirby STRIKEOUTS – Kirby is fresh off an eight strikeout performance in his last start against the Astros, his sixth start with 6+ whiffs this season. His line tonight is 5.5, and he’ll face an Athletics lineup that has more strikeouts than any team other than…Kirby’s own Mariners! Expect lots of swings and misses on both sides, and we like Kirby’s line especially.
