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NFL Future Props for QB Philip Rivers, 2020 Regular Season Future

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
4 minute read

Will Rivers Run in Tampa Bay or Elsewhere for 2020?

Philip Rivers is 38-years-old and a 16-year veteran of the NFL wars.

To the surprise of many, Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers have decided to part ways shortly after the 2019 season. By all accounts it was a difficult and disappointing campaign for all concerned as LA began the season as a co-favorite with the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC West.

Of great concern was the production drop suffered by Rivers in 2019. Whether that was his fault or, like Tom Brady at New England, a product of his supporting cast, the fact remains that Rivers and the Chargers agreed it was best for both sides that he move on. Yet Rivers still rates as one of the more appealing free agents available and there are plenty of teams needing a credible quarterback.

Let’s examine the most realistic options.

Philip Rivers Next Team Betting Online Odds
FanDuel (IN, NJ, PA only)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +150
Chicago Bears +500
Indianapolis Colts +600
Carolina Panthers +600
Tennessee Titans +800
Pittsburgh Steelers +1200
New England Patriots +1400
Jacksonville Jaguars +1500
Oakland Raiders +2000
Miami Dolphins +2000

Odds provided by FanDuel (IN, NJ, PA only)
Odds Subject to Change (T&C's Apply, 21+)

Philip Rivers Next Team Odds Overview

Philip Rivers is just two years removed from the eighth Pro Bowl season of his career. He has thrown for a total of 59,271 yards in the regular season play and would obviously love to eclipse the 60,000-yard mark. Another landmark number of 400 career touchdown passes is tantalizingly close. Rivers has 397 total career TD passes in the regular season.

What is most amazing is that a Chargers franchise struggling for acceptance and credibility in the tough market of Los Angeles, where they play second fiddle to the Rams, would agree for him to go without a viable alternative. Rivers lives in Florida and, at his age, wants to play for a bona fide contender. All of which complicates some of the choices.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First, Tampa Bay has to decide what to do about inconsistent head case Jameis Winston. Second, Rivers has to assess if the Bucs are legitimate contenders. Winston tossed an NFL worst 30 picks for 2019 and posted his lowest QB rating in four years. But would Rivers actually be much of an upgrade at this stage of his career? One factor in the Bucs favor is that head coach Bruce Arians would no doubt prefer a proven and low maintenance QB. Further, Rivers would be close to home. Following a 7-9 season it figures a more reliable quarterback could get the Bucs into the playoffs.

Chicago Bears

Mitch Trubisky was frustratingly erratic last year under center as the Bears slipped back to 8-8 after winning the NFC North championship in 2018. The Bears should be in the thick of the division race for 2020 and are a legacy franchise. But Solider Field is cold and far from Rivers’ Florida home.

Carolina Panthers

This is a very similar case in that the Panthers would have to decide what to do about current quarterback Cam Newton. New head coach Matt Rhule and wonderkid offensive coordinator Joe Brady are also a big part of the equation here. While Rivers played his college ball at nearby NC State, the fact remains Newton is more respected than Tampa Bay’s Winston and he likely has more upside than Rivers.

Indianapolis Colts

The possibility of a “Reverse Peyton Manning” holds some appeal here, especially with a past connection between Colts head coach Frank Reich and Rivers when they were together with the Chargers. When Reich was his Chargers offensive coordinator, Rivers posted one of the best seasons of his career in 2013. Jacoby Brissett is a solid backup but not a starter that can carry a team to the promised land. Also, Reich is a quality head coach in the very winnable AFC South.

Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots

These two teams have a potential parlay tie-in if Tom Brady decides to rock Silver and Black as the Patriots would then have to consider Rivers due to not having any other quality alternatives.

Philip Rivers Next Team Betting Odds Selection Summary

Miami is nowhere near contender status so forget them and Jacksonville has slipped back badly after a surprise run in 2017. Tampa Bay and Indianapolis make the most sense when combining team situation and ability.

Philip Rivers Next Team Betting Odds Pick

1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers +150
2) Indianapolis Colts +600

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