The Raiders released wide receiver Antonio Brown on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves throughout the NFL and disrupting near- and long-term betting lines.
Oakland opened the week as a 2-point favorite over the Denver Broncos in Monday night's season opener. Jay Kornegay of Westgate Superbook told KUSA-TV in Denver that the Broncos now are 2.5-point favorites, after the news of Brown's release hit.
Jay Kornegay, boss of Westgate Superbook, said Broncos were 1-pt favorite last night; 2.5-pt faves with Brown release. There will be two main reactions from public: A. Malcontent is removed, Raiders will rally; B. Raiders a dumpster fire/PR disaster and have no chance. #9sports— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) September 7, 2019
Brown, a four-time All-Pro who has caught at least 100 passes for at least 1,200 yards in each of the last six seasons, was expected to kick Raiders coach Jon Gruden's offense into overdrive. Brown was supposed to make Oakland compelling, at the very least, especially after the Raiders finished 4-12 in Gruden's return to the sideline last season.
Still, the Raiders already were long shots to make the playoffs -- let alone the Super Bowl -- with Brown on the roster. His release made Oakland's odds even longer, at least according to one sportsbook.
Oakland Raiders futures odds changes at @SuperBookUSA after Antonio Brown released:
Super Bowl 80-1 (from 40-1)
AFC: 40-1 (from 20-1)
O/U 6 (under -120 to -150)
Make playoffs? No goes from -700 to -800— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkesESPN) September 7, 2019
Sports
[RELATED: Why AB-Raiders divorce leaves no answers, only questions]
At least someone's business is Boomin'.
