The contract dispute between the New England Patriots and Matthew Judon is over. The contract dispute between the Atlanta Falcons and Matthew Judon has just begun.
On Wednesday, the Pro Bowl pass rusher was traded from the Patriots to the Falcons, and as of yet, no new contract has been signed. Usually a contract squabble turned trade comes with a new deal in place. The Falcons, however, see themselves in a postseason window now, and they trust that they can sign a contract later, although not much later. Judon could always decide to sit out in Atlanta, too.
In exchange for Judon, who had 15.5 sacks in 2022, the Patriots got a 2025 third-round pick.
Atlanta Postseason Odds
The Falcons haven’t been to the playoffs since 2017, but they are paying -215 to end that drought this season. To be fair, it’s not a world-beater of a division that they play in. But they are -130 favorites to win the NFC South, and with the amount of weapons that the Falcons have, if they are in the postseason, they will be dangerous.
The Falcons are now +1300 to win the NFC, which has them sixth in the conference, and they are +3000 to win the Super Bowl.
The over/under on regular season wins in Atlanta is 9.5.
Offensive Award Odds
There are a number of Falcons offensive players that are in line for potential postseason awards and milestones. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was the big off-season signing in Atlanta, and he is +3500 to win the MVP award. Coming off a torn Achilles in 2023, Cousins is +500 to win Comeback Player of the Year.
Bijan Robinson looked as good as advertised as a rookie, and now in his second year, he is paying +1800 to win Offensive Player of the Year. His over/under on rushing yards is 1000.5, he is +1200 to lead the NFL in rushing, and +1200 to lead in total yards from scrimmage.
Wide receiver Drake London is +5000 to win Offensive Player of the Year. His over/under on receiving yards is 1000.5, and his receiving touchdowns is 6.5. Tight end Kyle Pitts is at 750.5 receiving yards, his over/under on touchdowns is 4.5, and he is +25000 to win Offensive Player of the Year.
One of the more surprising picks in the early first round was quarterback Michael Penix. He’s good, and he looked good in the first preseason game. But with Cousins on the roster, the pick was a bit of a head-scratcher. He will see the field for some plays this year, but he’s a +7500 longshot to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The only way it will happen is if he gets traded or Cousins gets injured.
Defensive Award Odds
Vic Beasley had 15.5 sacks in 2016, but you have to go back to 2012 and John Abraham’s 10.0 sacks to find the last time a Falcon had double-digit sacks in a season. One of the biggest failures of the Falcons has been the effort to find someone like Abraham who could consistently rush the passer.
Judon is a risk. He was terrific in 2022, but last season he played just four games, and he is now 31. But if he is healthy, he gives Atlanta a huge upgrade on the outside. He is +7500 to win Defensive Player of the Year, which ties him with Bradley Chubb, Joey Bosa, and Roquan Smith.
Inside, the defensive line is anchored by one of the best, Grady Jarrett. The two-time Pro Bowler is +25000 to win Defensive Player of the Year. On the back end, the Falcons sent safety Jessie Bates to the Pro Bowl in 2023, and he is +15000 to win DPOY. Cornerback A.J. Terrell is paying +20000.
Raheem Morris is the new head coach in Atlanta, and he is +1300 to win Coach of the Year, which has him just ahead of Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans.
With over 25 years of experience as a distinguished sports writer for renowned platforms such as Fox Sports and ESPN, Kyle Garlett is a sports betting specialist who has been at the forefront of documenting the global surge in sports betting and online gaming. Based in Denver, Colorado, Kyle hosts an NFL betting YouTube show and podcast. Kyle also has two sports books published by HarperCollins.
Kyle graduated the Azusa Pacific University in 1996 with a B.A. Degree in Communication and Journalism.
