The New England Patriots agreed to terms with free agent quarterback Cam Newton on Sunday, and this shakes up the status quo in the NFL. The Patriots lost quarterback Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, and if they get a healthy Newton, he very well could offer some modest upgrades to the aging Brady.
Newton has dealt with shoulder and foot issues the past two years, but after sitting out the final 14 games of the 2019 season, he might have had enough time to get fully healthy. If he is healthy, he brings the Patriots an entirely different kind of playmaker at the quarterback position.
DraftKings Sportsbook has updated their odds around the Patriots, and the Newton signing gives them a boost across the board
Super Bowl: +1700 (was +2000 pre-Cam)
AFC champs: +600 (was +1200 pre-Cam)
AFC East champs: +110 (was +140 pre-Cam)
The Patriots had dropped behind the Buffalo Bills in AFC East odds (+140 to Bills +130), but the Bills now sit at +160. It would not be surprising to see even further separation by the time Week 1 arrives. If Newton claims the starting job and the Patriots otherwise remain healthy, it’s a safe bet they’ll be a minus favorite when the season starts. If you think Cam will claim the starting job, you should get on any of these odds sooner than later.
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