The offseason pursuit of a star pass rusher briefly sent shockwaves through the betting markets, but even after backing out of a blockbuster deal for Maxx Crosby, the Baltimore Ravens remain firmly among the top contenders to win Super Bowl LXI.
For a short time earlier this month, Baltimore appeared on the verge of dramatically reshaping its defense. The Ravens’ Super Bowl odds initially sat at 11-1 at the start of March, but when reports surfaced that the team had agreed to acquire Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, sportsbooks quickly adjusted. Their odds tightened to +950 and then to +900, reflecting growing confidence that the perennial Pro Bowl pass rusher could push Baltimore closer to a championship.
The excitement didn’t last long. When news broke that the Ravens had ultimately backed out of the trade, their odds slipped back to +950. However, the dip was temporary. Baltimore soon stabilized again at +900 after reaching an agreement with All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson, ensuring the team still added a major presence to its defensive front.
Baltimore is a clear favorite on the AFC North
The brief Crosby saga generated enormous betting interest. According to BetMGM, the Ravens attracted the largest share of money wagered to win the Super Bowl during the window when the deal appeared imminent, accounting for 15.1 percent of total bets.
Meanwhile, odds posted by DraftKings show Baltimore surging to +450 to win the AFC, moving ahead of the Buffalo Bills at +500. The Ravens are also the clear favorite to win the AFC North, sitting at -145. Even with the failed trade, Baltimore remains tightly grouped among the league’s top title hopefuls.
The Los Angeles Rams currently lead the Super Bowl odds board at +750, while the Ravens, Bills, and Seattle Seahawks are tied just behind them at +900. Meanwhile, the reigning AFC champions, the New England Patriots, have seen their odds drift significantly, sliding to 18-1 after opening at 13-1 earlier in the offseason.
The Ravens are talented enough
For Baltimore, the betting market’s continued faith reflects the talent already in place-especially at quarterback with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. Since Jackson declared on draft night that he intended to bring a Super Bowl to Baltimore, the Ravens have been consistent contenders.
The franchise has reached the playoffs five times since 2018 and advanced to one AFC Championship Game, but it has yet to make a Super Bowl appearance during his tenure. Inside the locker room, teammates believe that drought will eventually end. Fullback Patrick Ricard voiced the confidence many in the organization share when reflecting on Jackson‘s career.
“It’s inevitable. He’s going to win a Super Bowl, and I want to be a part of it,” Ricard said as the Ravens cleaned out their lockers at the end of the season. “It just sucks that it hasn’t happened yet. I personally feel bad for him because he deserves it, just because of how great of a player he is.”
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