Jay Ajayi Trade Boosts Eagles’ Super Bowl Hopes
The Dolphins, in going through with Tuesday’s surprise Jay Ajayi trade, have seemingly settled on pragmatism regarding their decent – but likely lost – 2017 season. Miami is sitting at 4-3, yes, but that’s only good for 3rd in the Patriots- and Bills-dominated AFC East. Adding to the question of the Dolphins’ postseason potential, they’ve got one of the toughest schedules in the NFL over the second half of the season, with six of their final nine games against strong teams with winning records. Plus, you know, they just got blown out 40-0 by a bad Ravens team on national television, so there’s that. And without a single rushing touchdown through Week 7, Miami wasn’t really using Jay Ajayi, anyway.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, has an immediate need for a talented Pro Bowl running back, especially one who can pass protect. The Ajayi trade ticks all the right boxes for the Eagles, who lost the do-everything Darren Sproles to injury in Week 3. While LeGarrette Blount has led the Eagles to fourth in the NFL in rushing yards per game, Philly’s run game needs to be an effective tandem to get to the next level. Now, with Ajayi, it’s primed to be the strongest one-two punch in the NFL. And all that this insurance cost the Eagles was a 2018 fourth-round pick. Seems like a pretty good deal. Even better is the fact that the 24-year-old Ajayi is playing on a rookie contract through next season.
Exactly how the Jay Ajayi trade will affect the Eagles’ Super Bowl potential is unclear, though it certainly seems like an upgrade for the best team in football. Surrounding MVP candidate Carson Wentz with ever more pass-blocking talent also seems like a decent idea. At Bovada, the Eagles are +600 to win Super Bowl LII on the NFL Futures board, and they’re leading the pack at +250 to win the NFC. Expect those odds to get less profitable if the Ajayi trade pays early dividends. Unfortunately, Week 9’s Bovada odds on the Broncos vs. Eagles game are being withheld in the immediate aftermath of the trade, but the numbers ought to be up sometime later today. Check back with BestUSASportsbooks.com often to bet on Philadelphia; it’s never been easier to pick the Eagles!