Vegas might not be smiling on your Cleveland Browns yet but their sneer is slightly less prominent to start the 2018 offseason.
After achieving only the second 0-16 record in NFL history common sense would dictate the Browns Super Bowl odds to be worse than where they stood last offseason when they were tied for worst odds in the NFL.
While they aren’t exactly top 3, that honor belonging to New England, Philadelphia and Minnesota, they aren’t ranked dead last either.
That honor goes to the New York Jets. In fact, according to Bovada; 4 teams were deserving of worse Super Bowl odds than the Browns with Cincinnati, Chicago and Miami joining the Jets on such a prestigious list.
Cleveland is currently listed as +6600 to win the big game tied alongside Washington, Buffalo and Arizona for the 25th best odds in the NFL.
So why the buzz on the Browns?
The credit likely goes to new GM John Dorsey. He and his team of imported Green Bay executives have spent the last few months aggressively using their collective resources to repair the Browns tattered image. The organization has a 4-44 record under previous regimes over the past 3 seasons.
If one move made the most difference, it’s likely the team’s acquisition of former Buffalo Quarterback Tyrod Taylor. While not considered an elite player, he was able to keep the Bills afloat throughout tough recent times.
Taylor led the Bills to the playoffs in 2017 despite a coaching change heading into the season, a midseason benching gone awry on Buffalo’s end and ample evidence the franchise was trying to tank for better draft positioning.
The addition of Taylor alongside the expectation that Cleveland will use the 1st pick on a quarterback, even Vegas doesn’t think the Browns can screw this offseason up.
So, rejoice Cleveland: It isn’t an actual win but it’s also not the usual Vegas backhand either. Small victories are better than none at all.