The NFL's Trade Deadline on November 5th will be teams' last opportunity to add impact talent for the playoff chase this year.
We've already seen a big move this season, with Davante Adams heading to New York, but Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby is the one stud still floating in trade rumors.
I'll break down the top destinations for a big trade and how a Maxx Crosby move would impact 2024 NFL Super Bowl odds:
Maxx Crosby Trade Deadline Next Team Odds
I’m not sure if these odds are still available at a book, but I found them floating around on the interwebs. The favorite to land Crosby in a trade is the NFC-leading Detroit Lions, with the Bears and Packers also sporting a significant shot:
- Lions: -125
- Bears: +300
- Packers: +500
- Vikings: +1000
Would Lions Become Super Bowl Favorites?
The Lions are elite in many aspects of the game. They’re first in the NFL in scoring, with above average passing and the best running game in football. And they’re a top-10 defense with playmakers across the unit.
But, Detroit’s biggest weaknesses are an average secondary and mediocre pass-rush, especially with the season-ending injury to star edge Aidan Hutchinson. So, Crosby is an obvious explosive rusher to bring in and replace Hutchinson during this playoff push, helping out the sacks and making QBs' jobs harder.
Crosby is on pace for a third-straight season of over 12 sacks, has led the NFL in tackles for loss the last two years, and would make the NFC's best team even better. But, I'm not sure a Crosby to Detroit trade would move the title odds very much.
Currently, the Lions are third in Super Bowl odds at +650 at Caesers Sportsbook. If they brought in Crosby to replace the injured Hutchison, I'd expect them to jump the Ravens, but it's hard to see them catching the Chiefs at +425.
I am curious how a Crosby trade would impact the weekly spreads, though. The Lions have been an absolute WAGON on the spread in recent years, going 6-1 ATS this year and a league-best 32-12 since the start of 2022. For some reason, books still underestimate Detroit. But, maybe a big move for Crosby would finally wake up oddsmakers to how nasty this Detroit team is.
Packers Need Crosby Most
This is the potential Maxx Crosby destination that I really think could move the Super Bowl odds this week.
The Packers have a lot of the same strengths as Detroit. They've got a solid offense, great run game, and some ball-hawking defensive backs. But, their pass rush is one of the worst in football. Green Bay's 31% pass-rush win rate ranks 30 of 32 so far this season, ahead of only the Panthers and Cardinals.
Crosby, single-handedly, would turn that weakness into a strength and push the Packers into competition with the Lions for the NFC's best squad.
The Packers currently sit at +1400 and seventh in Super Bowl odds at Caesers Sportsbook. If they brought in Crosby to revamp the pass rush, they could jump the Eagles, 49ers, and Bills and move into fourth, becoming very real Super Bowl threats this year.
Green Bay is actually the youngest team in football right now and own their draft picks over the next two seasons. They're perfectly positioned to take advantage of Jordan Love's prime and push in on this team for the next three seasons.
Other 2024 Trade Deadline Targets To Watch
Beyond Crosby, there aren't really any odds-movers I'd expect to get traded at the deadline this year. But, here are some of the other top options to watch out for on deadline day:
- Jets WR Mike Williams
- Panthers WR Adam Thielen
- Browns EDGE Za'Darius Smith
- Jaguars OL Brandon Scherff