Do you think Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb has a shot at winning the 2020 NFL MVP?
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson took home the goods as the 2019 NFL MVP, a player Chubb and the Browns play two times every season in the grind of the AFC North Division. Chubb and the Browns failed to live up to lofty preseason odds a year ago, floundering in another sub-.500, non-playoff season after entering with plenty of fanfare after significant offseason additions. Now the Browns find themselves with yet another new coach, another new general manager, etc. …
Let’s examine Chubb’s MVP chances, the BetMGM NFL futures odds around it happening and whether or not Chubb is worth a bet.
Recent NFL MVP winners
Jackson was impressive in rolling to the MVP award in 2019, following Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, the 2018 winner. In fact, quarterbacks have had a monopoly on the award recently, taking the trophy in seven straight seasons, and 12 of the past 13. The good news for Chubb and others at his position, running back was the last position other than quarterback to be named MVP when RB Adrian Peterson, then of the Minnesota Vikings, won in 2012. Running backs also won in consecutive seasons with Shaun Alexander (2005) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2006).
Nick Chubb’s 2020 NFL MVP odds
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 27 at 11:15 p.m. ET.
Chubb (+8000) is tied with Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs for the sixth-best odds on the board among running backs, but that’s still a rather hefty long shot. Add in the fact that RB Kareem Hunt, a former MVP candidate, is also in the Browns backfield, and Chubb should see his touches curtailed somewhat. That won’t help Chubb’s chances to really explode and post 2,000 total scrimmage yards, which seems to be the minimum requirements for MVP consideration.
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Nick Chubb’s stats
Chubb completed his second NFL season in 2019 with 1,494 rushing yards (5.0 yards per attempt) and eight rushing scores with 36 grabs for 278 yards and no scores. He did lose three fumbles total after failing to put the ball on the ground in his rookie campaign of 2018. Chubb is very consistent, and he could take another step forward in 2020. But again, Hunt will not be suspended for eight games like last season, and the Browns have a lot of mouths to feed among the skill positions, so a huge jump in production for Chub seems unlikely.
Is Nick Chubb worth a 2020 NFL MVP bet?
Again, Hunt’s presence for a full season of games means Chubb won’t be the workhorse. He could potentially see a bump in average yards per carry, but expect a decrease in overall production as they give him more breathers. Add in the fact a quarterback has won this award seven seasons in a row, and the Browns should pass quite frequently with QB Baker Mayfield, WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, as well as newly acquired TE Austin Hooper, and it’s fair to project Chubb with about 1,500 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards, or close to his 2019 numbers. Is that MVP-worthy? Not even close.
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