How Much Will Andrew Luck Alter Colts' Betting Odds?

When potential superstar quarterbacks come into the NFL, there is always an adjustment period for Las Vegas sports books. The odds makers must decide whether or not the quarterback will make an immediate impact, and whether the betting public will take to the potential star.

This season, there are two such quarterbacks in the draft, and by all accounts, they are expected to be viewed differently by gamblers. Andrew Luck is considered to be the best prototype quarterback in the draft, but Robert Griffin III has the superior athletic skills, according to many analysts.

On Thursday, it was learned that Luck will be the first pick in the draft. The Indianapolis Colts have remained mum and have not confirmed the report by The associated Press, but all indications are that Luck will be the top pick. That left odds makers and gamblers to ponder how well Luck and the Colts will be in the immediate future.

"The fact that they kept Reggie Wayne will make a difference with Luck," said Greg Burns, a casual NFL gambler who was hanging outside the Wynn Sportsbook in Las Vegas on Thursday evening. "But even with Wayne, I can't see this team winning more than five or six games. There will be a learning curve, and the defense is not as good as it has been in years past."

With Luck apparently going to the Colts, that leaves Washington in position to pick Griffin with the second pick. The Redskins traded up to gain the rights to Griffin, a player that Washington believes is in a similar mold to former Mike Shanahan pupil John Elway. Griffin and the Redskins are expected to get much more play among gamblers for the upcoming season.

"Washington was not that bad a team last year," said Burns. "They had talent at many positions, and were just lacking that dynamic quarterback to lead the offense. If Griffin can have a similar impact for the Redskins that Cam Newton had for Carolina last year, I thing Washington could surprise people and maybe even be a playoff team."

Currently, Washington has odds of 65/1 to win the Super Bowl, and the Colts Super Bowl odds are 95/1.

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