When news broke that Drew Brees suffered broke ribs and a collapsed lung, it did not take long for odds on the Saints' chances for playoff success to change -- but it might not be the change you expect.
The Saints are still favored to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, and their odds of winning it only went from 6:1 to 7:1, says Jacob Crossman with SportsBetting.com.
Why so small a change? For one thing, the Saints were in this situation last season, when Teddy Bridgewater won five straight while Brees recovered from surgery on his throwing hand.
"You know, I don't think Jameis Winston is maybe as good as Teddy Bridgewater, but the system he's in now, the Sean Payton system, will help him eliminate those mistakes," said Crossman.
He says oddsmakers recognize that other aspects of the Saints like the defense, have stepped up to complement Drew Brees so #9 isn't carrying the team to victory as often as he used to.
"Kamara does a fantastic job back there, and even with the addition of Taysom Hill and the ability to run that wildcat and having some different options there, it doesn't all fall on Drew Brees' shoulders," Crossman said.
