Prediction markets can be downright brutal, even to superstars. A viral graphic of metrics gained traction on social media for suggesting that losing Myles Garrett does not change the Browns' outcome this year, when it comes to their Lombardi Trophy hopes.

It all started with a social media post that compared the Cleveland Browns' playoff chances before and after the Myles Garrett trade. Surprisingly, that number did not bow down despite the void that has been left by a player who broke the NFL sack record last year.

"Cleveland's Super Bowl odds WITH Myles Garrett: 1%. Cleveland's Super Bowl odds WITHOUT Myles Garrett: 1%," Polymarket Sports' official handle posted on X.

The Browns traded away their crown jewel to the Los Angeles Rams in a surprising turn of events for a first-round and a fifth-round pick. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year hasn't been traded in the league since 1997.

Yet, instead of sliding down the board, Cleveland's championship odds stood completely still, making his contribution of 23 sacks last year look disrespected.

While Cleveland remained completely frozen at that 1% mark, his arrival in California instantly shifted things.

The Los Angeles Rams skyrocketed straight into the Super Bowl favorites territory. Their odds of winning the Super Bowl went up to +600 the second the blockbuster deal became official.

This massive contrast shows the stat is about context, not Garrett's elite talent.

Myles Garrett just set the NFL single-season record with 23.0 sacks in 2025, winning his 2nd Defensive Player of the Year. He has posted eight straight double-digit sack seasons. Five of which include at least 14 sacks. These stats prove he is a pure, game-wrecking defensive powerhouse.

The QB Bottleneck and Cleveland's Silver Lining

The reason why the metrics refused to move comes down to a QB bottleneck. In today's league, a broken passing game caps your ceiling at around zero.

Playing in the lethal AFC North with a projected win total under seven means Cleveland's championship chances were already low.

Cleveland's record has been 8-26 over the past two seasons, not because of their defense, but because of their offense. They ranked 31st in the league for PPG with 16.4 last season.

However, there is a silver lining for the organization's long-term rebuild. The Browns secured 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, along with three premium draft picks.

 "Adding a young defensive star like Jared Verse, along with valuable draft assets, are necessary to strengthen a talented young core and align with the youth of our team," General Manager Andrew Berry noted, as reported by Kelsey Russo, a Browns Staff Writer.

The GM went on to state that the goal is to build a consistently winning franchise. According to Polymarket, that goal may not materialize this season.

Both sets of fans will surely be hoping, though, that their decision pays off in the near future. Let us know if you think the Browns were right to let Myles Garrett go to the LA Rams in the comments.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote