Last month, the Los Angeles Chargers announced that they would be moving on from quarterback Philip Rivers, who has been the face of the franchise since the early 2000s. Now, Rivers is set to hit the free-agent market for the first time in his NFL career. Today, we are looking at where he will play football in 2020 and analyze the odds for each potential destination.
Indianapolis Colts (-150)
The betting favorite to land Rivers is the Indianapolis Colts. After Jacoby Brissett was given the keys to the franchise in 2019, the team is looking to potentially upgrade their quarterback situation. And given that head coach Frank Reich worked with Rivers in San Diego, the fit makes the most sense.
Rivers would play behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and in a system that fits his skill set. The Colts know he wouldn’t be their long-term answer at quarterback, but it would buy them some time as they have a roster that is ready to compete in the AFC South. Despite the chalky odds, don’t be afraid to bet heavily on Rivers ending up in Indianapolis. There are also reports that people around the NFL Scouting Combine believe that’s where he’ll end up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+175)
After the Colts, the Buccaneers have the highest odds to land Rivers, partly due to Jameis Winston’s contract expiring. Rivers would make some sense in Tampa Bay, given the weapons that they have at their disposal. However, the fit feels clunky as Rivers doesn’t have the arm talent anymore to thrive in Bruce Arians’ scheme. But if the Buccaneers just want to find a stopgap quarterback, Rivers does make some sense. But at +175, avoid this bet as there is just too much risk.
Get some action on this prop bet or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.
Carolina Panthers (+800)
Next up is the Carolina Panthers, who appear to be a team that might be hitting the reset button as a franchise. Quarterback Cam Newton is coming off two major injuries, and there is a new coaching staff in place. If the Panthers decide to move on from Newton this offseason, Rivers would provide them some veteran leadership at the position until Matt Rhule found “his” guy. But with the Panthers likely rebuilding, expect them to pass on Rivers and potentially draft a player in the first round instead.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday at 12:30 p.m. E.T.
Chicago Bears (+1000)
One team that could desperately use Rivers’ services is the Chicago Bears. It’s obvious to most, but Mitchell Trubisky doesn’t appear to be the answer at quarterback for the Bears. However, the rest of the roster is ready to go, and it’s their quarterback who is holding them back. At +1000, this is a solid bet as there is a clear need at quarterback for the Bears, and Rivers shouldn’t be all that expensive. Don’t be afraid to make this bet instead of the Buccaneers or Panthers.
New England Patriots (+2000)
Want a fun sleeper team to land Rivers? Look no further than the New England Patriots who could lose Tom Brady this offseason. If that is the case, the Patriots will likely look for a stop-gap quarterback to allow them to stay competitive with a ready-to-win roster. Rivers would make some sense in Josh McDaniels’ offense, and he wouldn’t break the bank. While this seems unlikely, the odds aren’t terrible. Consider this a fun longshot bet.
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