Do you think Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield has what it takes to win the 2020 NFL MVP? Let’s examine his chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Mayfield is worth a bet.
The Browns offense was expected to be a juggernaut in 2019 after adding all kinds of key pieces, including WR Odell Beckham Jr. The offense was rather uneven, the defense suffered a rash of injuries and even suspensions, and it was another non-playoff season in Cleveland. Fellow AFC North QB Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens was able to run away – literally – with the 2019 MVP award.
Oddly enough, Mayfield actually engineered the Browns to their most impressive win of the season in Baltimore, which was easily the worst loss for Jackson and the Ravens. The talent is there for Mayfield, but can he be consistent?
Recent NFL MVP winners
Jackson had a dominant season for the Ravens in 2019. Last season’s Super Bowl MVP, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, won the league’s MVP in 2018, while QB Tom Brady, then of the New England Patriots, claimed the 2017 award.
Quarterbacks have won the award in each of the last seven seasons, and 12 of the previous 13.
Baker Mayfield’s 2020 NFL MVP odds
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. ET.
The flamboyant quarterback enters his third NFL season, and Mayfield (+4000) has rather long odds to win the MVP award. There are 12 quarterbacks with better odds. Mahomes (+325) is the favorite, with Jackson (+500) and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (+500) next in line.
For what it’s worth, Mayfield has the second-best odds among AFC North quarterbacks. Rookie QB Joe Burrow (+4000), who is expected to be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall, is offered at the same price. Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (+6600) has the longest odds in the division among QBs.
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Baker Mayfield’s stats
If Mayfield is to seriously contend for the MVP he is going to have to cut down his miscues. While he passed for 3,827 yards, setting a new career-high, he saw his touchdowns decrease from 27 to 22 from 2018, and he ended up throwing 22 interceptions. It wasn’t all his fault, however, as he was running for his life most of the season, and he was sacked 40 times.
His completion percentage dropped from 63.8 in his rookie season of 2018 to just 59.4% in 2019, so that’s an area he’ll also need vast improvement.
Is Baker Mayfield worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?
Mayfield is a big long shot, and he didn’t display anything close to MVP form in most outings last season. Still, he has impressive weapons around him in RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, as well as top-notch WRs Beckham and Jarvis Landry. The Browns also went out and grabbed TE Austin Hooper to give Mayfield another outstanding weapon in the red zone.
If the Browns are able to grab some protection along the offensive line, either via the NFL draft, trade or free agency, Mayfield should show improvement; however, you’re better off going another way if you want a serious shot at a winning MVP ticket.
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