Article Author:
Reuters
Most of the 32 starting quarterback jobs were settled early in NFL-wide training camps, with only four legal competitions still in play.
Replacing Russell Wilson as center in Seattle remains the toughest race of the oddsmakers.
Geno in his fourth season with the Seahawks, Smith is the -175 favorite to start Week 1 at quarterback on SportsBetting.ag. He's battling Drew Locke (+135), who was acquired in the Wilson trade in the offseason.
Smith has spent more time with his starting unit in training so far in his camp, but neither quarterback has scored in the first preseason ahead of his game. It wasn't particularly impressive. Also, coach Pete Carroll declined to outline the team's plan for splitting up repeats during camp.
"When I'm standing behind center "At any time, I can call Cadence, the most important person in my life, right there and then," Locke told reporters earlier this week.
"Let's evolve the time and see what happens from there."
The second closest race is Pittsburgh, odds-on. As far as the makers are concerned, there's not even veteran backup Mason Rudolph in sight. The sportsbook offers free agent addition Mitchell Trubisky as a -250 favorite over rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett (+175).
Meanwhile in Atlanta and Carolina. Something big has to happen to change the trajectory of someone poised to start the season as a starter.Marcus Mariota is set to start with the Falcons, and recently acquired Baker Mayfield will partner with the Panthers. It's planned.
Week 1 QB Start Odds
Seattle Seahawks
– Geno Smith -175
– Drew Locke +135
Pittsburgh Steelers
– Mitchell Trubisky -250
– Kenny Pickett +170
Carolina Panthers
– Baker Mayfield -1500
– Sam Darnold + 600
Atlanta Falcons
– Marcus Mariota -1200
– Desmond Ridder +550
– Field Level Media
