Antonio Brown to the Falcons? Odds List ATL as Favored Destination

• Sportsbooks favor Antonio Brown landing with NFC South’s Falcons
• Brown and Julio Jones on the same team would be lethal
• Identifying the best bet on the board

If they hadn’t yet reached the point of no return, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Antonio Brown have little real estate left to cover.

On Thursday, Steelers president Art Rooney II made it clear that releasing Brown – the mercurial and widely talented wide receiver who’s had perhaps the best six-year receiving stretch in NFL history – would not be an option, but everything else was.

Whether the situation can be reconciled and have him back on the team next year, we’re a long way away from thinking that can happen.

– Steelers President Art Rooney II

Brown took the news and did what AB does best: go to social and get cryptic, posting a shot of Rooney and himself when he signed his four-year extension in the offseason.

Good Business #Boomin pic.twitter.com/LQPrBuuYPR

— AB (@AB84) January 10, 2019

This is, of course, an about face on what sports betting sites originally perceived as an in-house spat, their odds making it clear that they expected Brown to be back in Black and Yellow.

But, just as current in-limbo teammate Le’Veon Bell waits to find a new home, the odds have turned dramatically on his all-pro teammate as well.

Odds on Antonio Brown’s Team in 2019

*Odds taken 1/11

Should the Falcons Be the Betting Favorite?

It’s hard enough to play defense and for a defensive coordinator to scheme against some of the prolific attacks in the NFL already. This would be plain unfair.

Antonio Brown says he will be addressing all the negative speculation about his character soon in his Instagram live. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/cXFSywWD7N

— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) January 11, 2019

In Brown’s past six seasons, his fewest receptions in a season are 101, receiving yards 1,284 and touchdowns is 8. He’s also led the league in receiving yardage and receptions twice.

Love this route by Antonio Brown on 2nd TD. Knock down Alford's punch off the line, turn his inside shoulder upfield to shield himself and run through contact. Create space at the top, finish the play. #Steelershttps://t.co/sOayv5LB0h pic.twitter.com/KWte3BhTzy

— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 8, 2018

Jones is not that far behind. In five seasons, his lowest output is 83 receptions, 1,409 yards and 3 TDs. He’s the current leader in receiving yards, and has led the NFL in receptions twice.

But if there’s one person to shoot down the possibility, what about … Julio Jones?

Julio Jones Says Falcons Don't Want Antonio Brown, 'We Good Over Here' https://t.co/BBaVFlzne3

— TMZ (@TMZ) January 11, 2019

Maybe it’s the baggage, or sharing the spotlight.

Or maybe the Falcons could use the resources for plugging a lot of holes for a team that just missed the playoffs at 7-9, despite ranking 10th in points scored.

The defensive side could really use some relief, as they surrendered over 26 points a game, putting them in the bottom eight of the NFL.

Who’s the Best Bet?

I’ve mentioned before how this is such an Oakland thing, taking a guy who’s clearly had his best years and paying a premium for the eventual downslope. I think that’s still in play at +600.

Antonio Brown going to Colts?

– Andrew Luck + AB = ❤️
– Most cap space in NFL
– Super Bowl Contenders#Colts pic.twitter.com/nQXonIWO1T

— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) January 10, 2019

Asset-wise for the Steelers, and QB-wise for Brown, the Colts (+600) have a very nice situation ahead of them, with oodles of cap space, and all-the-way back Andrew Luck, plus a cache of second round picks via last year’s trade with the Jets.

.@stephenasmith explains why he's not here for any Antonio Brown-trade talk. pic.twitter.com/68mfIOug1B

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 11, 2019

Playing The Field (+300)?

Pittsburgh was tracking Arizona’s Patrick Peterson in the summer and the Cardinals do need someone to help advance their guy Josh Rosen. The trade would allow Pittsburgh to not fail in drafting a DB again, and do what they do best: draft unknown stud receivers.

Antonio Brown respectfully declined comment on trade developments through a rep, but after talking to people close to Brown, my sense: He's open to either option. Good to play w/ Steelers if it shakes out that way, but also open/eager to showing he can flourish in any offense.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 11, 2019

But my outside shot is the Seahawks (+700). More than anything else, Pete Carroll and company welcome the drama. With Doug Baldwin battling injuries in an off year, this is a the type of player Russell Wilson can really excel with along with an emerging Tyler Lockett on the other side.