On June 1st, the NFL was full of buzz after the shocking news that Myles Garrett was being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the LA Rams. The Rams, who missed the Super Bowl by one game last year, are primed to make it back. They were already a team many believed in. However, this trade elevates them even more. Let’s take a look at some LA Rams futures bets after the Myles Garrett trade.
The Trade Details
The Rams sent their 2024 first-round pick, Jared Verse, who is a young edge rusher with upside, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick in exchange for Myles Garrett.
Garrett had requested a trade from the Browns over a year ago. However, after that, he signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension, which many thought would keep him in Cleveland. After June first, teams are allowed to trade away players and spread remaining dead money over the next two years. This is why Garrett wasn’t moved prior to June 1st.
It feels win-win for both teams, in reality. Yes, Myles Garrett is a generational talent. However, Myles Garrett is 30 years old. The Rams are in a win-now mode while Matt Stafford is still playing. I would expect he has two years max left in the NFL before he decides to retire.
It was also a good move for Cleveland. They aren’t Super Bowl contenders within the next year or two. Therefore, moving on from Garrett makes sense. Especially when they get Jared Verse in return, who should serve as a great building block among their good young corps of players. Adding the draft picks is also beneficial for a team that is rebuilding itself.
Garrett finished last year with an astonishing 23 sacks. It was the most sacks he’s had in a single season. However, he has been over double-digits in the last eight seasons (of nine total).
Super Bowl Odds
The Rams were +650 to win the Super Bowl prior to the trade. It was one of my favorite NFL futures bets overall, not just LA Rams bets. After the trade, the price rose to +550, which still provides a ton of value. With playmakers like Matt Stafford and Cooper Kupp, the offense should return strong.
The defense was already looking fairly strong after last year. However, upgrading from Jared Verse to Myles Garrett is a big move that shows how much this team wants to win now. +550 is still a really nice price, and one I’m getting down on.
NFC Conference Champions
I wrote about this market back in February, prior to the free agency, draft, and Myles Garrett trade. They were one of my top teams to take and were +450 at that time. The LA Rams futures bets market has dropped them all the way to +305 to win the NFC Conference Championship now.
Last year, they made the NFC Conference Championship game and lost to the Seattle Seahawks. I think they meet somebody different this year, but end up winning. If I’m taking them to win the Super Bowl at +550, you know I’m also doubling down and taking them to win the NFC Conference Championship at +305.
Division Price Changes
The Rams were already the favorites to win their division at +145, prior to the trade. In case you have doubts about what I thought then, check out that linked article. Now they are set at +100. I liked the price better at +145. However, I still think this is the Rams’ division to lose. They were so close last year, finishing 12-5, just two games behind the Seahawks. I expect the Seahawks to lose a step, so I’m still taking the even money bet.
To Make The Playoffs
It feels like a lock for the Rams to make the playoffs, and the books agree. The Rams were -330 to make the playoffs prior to the trade. They are now -460 to make the playoffs. This is a Rams futures bet I’m staying away from. However, the only reason I’m staying away is that it’s just too juiced. It’d be nice to throw in some parlays.
Win Totals
The last thing to look at is the Rams NFL Futures bets in win totals. Prior to the trade, they were sitting at 10.5 with the over being juiced to -145. In this article, I was all in on the over after they had just won 12 games last year. They are now at 11.5 games with the over being -115. Yes, it’s one game more. However, the price is even better, and I’m still taking it. As long as the team stays relatively healthy and Stafford is healthy, last year’s 12 wins feels like their floor.
