Do you think Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. 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 Beckham is worth a bet.
Beckham came over to the Browns from the New York Giants in a huge trade last offseason. The expectations went through the roof in Cleveland; however, First Energy Stadium was once again a Factory of Sadness, and Beckham and several other new offensive weapons were unable to jell. Not only did they fall short of lofty expectations, but the Browns were also still unable to produce a winning record.
Recent NFL MVP winners
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson picked up the MVP award in 2019, while last season’s Super Bowl MVP, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, was the winner in 2018. QB Tom Brady, then of the New England Patriots, claimed the 2017 award.
If Beckham, or any other wideout, was to win the 2020 MVP, it would be historic. Since 1954 we have never had a wide receiver win the award. We have had a fullback, an offensive tackle, a kicker, a linebacker and a defensive tackle win the award at least once, but no wideouts.
Odell Beckham Jr.’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 10:40 a.m. ET.
Beckham (+12500) has extremely long odds as he enters the 2020 season, while Browns QB Baker Mayfield (+4000) is the favorite among all Browns, followed by RB Nick Chubb (+8000).
Wide receiver just isn’t a position which has been seriously considered for MVP, as generally, quarterbacks steal the show. In fact, a quarterback has won in each of the past seven seasons, and 12 of the past 13. Beckham is tied with Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams, Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill and Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones for the second-best odds among wideouts, with New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas (+10000) priced as the favorite among WRs.
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Odell Beckham Jr.’s stats
Beckham certainly didn’t post MVP caliber numbers in 2019, his first as a member of the Browns. While he finished the seasons with 74 receptions, 1,035 yards and four touchdowns, it was rather mediocre by today’s standards.
He posted 161 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 2 against the New York Jets in his old home stadium, and that was just one of two 100-yard performances on the season. It was the only time he had at least six grabs, 100 or more yards and a score in the same contest.
Is Odell Beckham Jr. worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?
In a word, no. Betting on a wide receiver to win the MVP award is simply throwing good money away. Beckham is a tremendous downfield talent with speed to burn, but if he and the Cleveland offense improve exponentially in 2020, it’s likely Mayfield would get more attention for the award than Beckham or any other skill position player.
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