NFL Starting QB Battles Odds & Predictions: Who Starts for Colts, Saints, Browns?

Most teams aren't worried about who will line up under center in Week 1. That statement does not apply to these three teams as we explore their starting QB battles odds while offering our predictions. 

Of our best sports betting sites, FanDuel is the only one to offer odds on this market. So, who will win the QB1 role in Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Cleveland? 

🏈 NFL starting QB battle odds, predictions

Russell Wilson to start for the G-Men is as certain as the Kansas City Chiefs remaining among the Super Bowl odds favorites throughout the season. 

Russell's -1400 odds imply a 93.33% probability he'll be under center when the Giants open their season at home against the Washington Commanders. 

With that in mind, let's explore which signal-callers will land the starting job with the teams whose QB1 role is up for grabs. FanDuel is currently the only one of our best sports betting sites offering quarterback battle odds. 

🐎 Colts starting QB odds: Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones?

I'll get right to it. For me, Jones is the lesser of two evils, which isn't saying much. The former Giants quarterback has a chance to revitalize his career after a severe ACL injury and some poor post-injury play. 

Jones is a better decision-maker than Richardson and is slightly less apt to a costly blunder. And he's shown in the past an ability to lead his team to the playoffs - even winning his first postseason start. 

He's much more accurate than Richardson, who has proven to be erratic in his two years under center. Richardson has a 50.6% completion rate, throwing 11 TDs and 13 picks. 

Jones, meanwhile, has a 64.1% completion rate, tossing 70 TDs to 47 interceptions. And while it often feels like he's a lot older - probably because his final 18 months with the G-Men reminded everyone with functioning eyes what a catastrophic train wreck looks like - Jones is still only 28. 

I won't write a sermon about Richardson's injury issues, as Jones isn't exactly a beacon of health. 

I do, however, feel Jones gives his new team a better chance of winning: he's more stable, more composed. Richardson threw six picks in the first three games to start last season, had nine fumbles in 11 starts, and completed more than 50% of passes in just two starts with over 10 attempts. 

In addition, Jones knows Indianapolis represents his last-chance opportunity. And who knows, maybe he'll follow in the steps of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Geno Smith, who all rose to prominence on their ninth life. 

✅ Prediction: Daniel Jones to start Week 1 (-113 via FanDuel)

Exclusive: Up to $2,500 No Sweat First Bet

New customers only. Min. first deposit and wager of $500+. Standard offer (bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets) available. Can only claim 1 offer. T&Cs apply. Not valid in NY or IL. 

Claim $2,500

🟠 Browns starting QB odds: 4-horse race in Cleveland? 

Imagine having four quarterbacks to choose from entering training camp. And no, we're not discussing an embarrassment of riches. Omitting the "of riches" part paints a more accurate picture. These are some pretty tough NFL starting quarterback battle odds to look at.

Deshaun Watson represents an indelible black mark for the franchise, and I have no issue labeling it the worst quarterback signing ever. 

His path of ineptitude has the Browns picking between two rookies - one of whom plummeted down the draft order - a 40-year-old whom the franchise recently dragged off the couch, and a former first-round draft pick who famously failed to live up to the billing in the Steel City. 

Flacco is favored to land the role, and I can see why. He led the Browns to the playoffs two years ago and was awarded Comeback Player of the Year. I imagine it's challenging for Browns fans not to be intoxicated by that nostalgic reverie. 

While Dillon Gabriel should be above Shedeur Sanders in the pecking order - seeing as they drafted him 50 places higher - both rookies will have to wait their turn. I wish there were odds for Gabriel starting at some point in the season, a much more likely possibility. 

So, that leads me to Kenny Pickett, who has a chance to rejuvenate his flailing career. Pickett has, by all accounts, adapted well to his new environment, with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski singing his praises since he arrived in Cleveland. 

Apparently, he's fostering a solid relationship with Jerry Jeudy, the team's primary receiver. In addition, Pickett understands acutely what this season means to his career. The 24-year-old is playing for his future, as he is out of contract at the end of this season. If that's not enough motivation to be the best of an average bunch, there's truly no hope. 

And what do the Browns have to lose? It's not like they're playoff-bound either way. 

✅ Prediction: Kenny Pickett to start Week 1 (+200 via FanDuel)

⚜️ Saints starting QB odds: Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler? 

While the situation in New Orleans is more clear-cut, there are a few concerns about Tyler Shough and his contract. The No. 40 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft might miss the start of training camp as a trend develops among second-round selections. 

Despite searching for more guaranteed cash, he's still the prohibitive favorite to secure the starting job. The 25-year-old should be NFL-ready after playing six years at the college level. 

Combine that with Spencer Rattler's abject start to his NFL career, and the safe money is on Shough. Rattler was 0-6 as a starter in his rookie campaign and had palpable trouble reading defenses. 

Unless Shough kamikazes his chances through an extended contract dispute, he should lead the Saints onto the field in September. 

✅ Prediction: Tyler Shough to start Week 1 (-310 via FanDuel)

💵 Best NFL betting sites

Ready to bet on the Super Bowl? Check out our best NFL betting sites and the best sportsbook promos for the NFL season:

• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
• Hard Rock Bet Promo Code | Read our Hard Rock Bet Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.