Oddsmakers love Josef Martinez in 2021; lukewarm on Atlanta United’s MLS Cup chances

Atlanta United’s terrible 2020 season has left a bad taste in oddmakers mouths heading into the new MLS season. Even with an exciting new manager and a plethora of new talented signings, the Five Stripes are nowhere near the top favorites to take home the 2021 MLS Cup, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

Their recently released odds for winning the league’s top prize have LAFC (+375), Columbus Crew (+450), and Seattle Sounders (+450) as the top three favorites. Meanwhile, Atlanta United (+2200) come in all the way down at 13th behind clubs like Orlando City (+1100), New England Revolution (+1400), and even FC Dallas (+1800).

While the odds laid out by bookmakers say Atlanta United may have a mediocre season, if you’re a believer, a bet on the Five Stripes bringing home their second MLS Cup at this juncture would bring you home a nice little sum of money.

The people who set these marks may not look kindly on the club’s Cup chances, but there are more optimistic about Josef Martinez’s return from ACL surgery. DraftKings has the Venezuelan Viper as their fourth favorite to win the league’s Golden Boot. Only behind Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi, and Raul Ruidiaz.

Obviously, as with any preseason prognostication, these are nothing more than conversation points for bored fans and experts waiting for the season to hurry up and arrive. So, what do you make of each these placements? Are they fair or are they sleeping on how much better Atlanta United has gotten this offseason?