Now we are a few weeks into the NFL season and have some idea of how the season will shake out. Many of the usual suspects are leading their statistical categories, but there are some surprises. UnitedGamblers will break down some solid NFL futures bets, using FanDuel odds. Happy betting!
Passing Yards – Favorite: Patrick Mahomes -125
Patrick Mahomes is running away with passing yardage this year, and is the only player with minus odds to win his statistical category. If you’re looking for a hail mary play, look to one of the worst teams in the NFL this year.
Andy Dalton (+1800) currently sits in third place after three weeks. He has thrown for 979 yards and is only in third because of Aaron Rodgers playing his week four game already on Thursday night. The Cincinnati Bengals have a bad defense, which is good news for this bet. Dalton will constantly be playing from behind this year and throwing a ton. He is my favorite to challenge Mahomes for the yardage crown. Especially if the Chiefs keep rolling, they may bench Mahomes later in games or full games at the end of the season after locking up a high playoff seed. The Bengals and Dalton will have no such luxury.
Rushing Yards – Favorite: Dalvin Cook +200
Rushing yards are a lot closer than passing this year. Dalvin Cook is currently the leader in the clubhouse, but that could change quickly. He has not proven he can stay healthy, so that of course is a concern.
I like Christian McCaffrey (+800) who is currently second with 318 yards. Quarterback Cam Newton is injured so the Carolina Panthers have turned to Kyle Allen (Who?). Allen had an awesome debut, throwing for four touchdowns, however I don’t expect that to be an every week occurrence. My thought is that the offense will run heavily through McCaffrey, just like last year. A dark horse option who I also like is Mark Ingram (+2000) on the run-first Baltimore Ravens.
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Favorite: Daniel Jones (+250)
I find it interesting that Daniel Jones is the current favorite after one great game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but he plays in New York where everything goes. Including placing bets at the stadium during an NFL game. Did you know that?
Well, since New York teams play across the river, when you are attending a game at Metlife Stadium, you are technically in a state that allows online gambling and you can find a lot of sports betting sites in New Jersey.
Anyhow, my pick would be Kyler Murray (+300). Murray and the Arizona Cardinals seem to be getting more comfortable game by game. Plus, their schedule gets a bit easier. Murray hasn’t been scoring touchdowns in the red zone just yet, but I think that will come. He also hasn’t unleashed his rushing ability either, which has to be coming as well. That combo of pass/run stats should carry Murray to the rookie of the year title.
Defensive Player of the Year – Favorite: Aaron Donald (+300)
Aaron Donald has started very slow this year, and may be playing with a slight back injury. Myles Garrett (+700) is the easy winner here. He currently is second in the league with 6.0 sacks and looks unstoppable on the Cleveland Browns defensive line in his third year.
NFL MVP – Favorite: Patrick Mahomes (+160)
Again we may be fighting an uphill battle in this category attempting to fade Mahomes. But you know, there is a guy who has already won three league MVP awards and is playing pretty well. Tom Brady (+800) is the stalwart New England Patriots quarterback who arguably should be the favorite to win MVP, despite Mahomes’ massive stats. If there’s one player who can beat out Mahomes for the MVP, Brady is him. I think this is a two horse race for the 2019 NFL season.
