By Larry Rupp
The NFL season is now in the last week, and that means the fight for the remaining playoff spots are about to be decided. This is the time the best coaches in the NFL inspire their squads to get the job done. After all, they were hired to do just two things, lead and win.
Let’s take a look at some of the best bets to make in the NFL Coach of the Year race, with all odds according to DraftKings.
Safest Bet: Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers (+175)
It’s been an interesting year for the Packers to say the least. The past offseason was filled with drama involving quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his desire to lead this team. Green Bay was then blown out by the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 of the regular season. However, things have been improving ever since and coach Matt LaFleur should get a lot of credit for that.
In fact, the Packers have lost just two games with Rodgers at the helm since then. LaFleur is the winningest coach through his first 40 games in NFL history for a reason. Keep in mind this is a guy that is leading his team to victory without Aaron Jones and Davante Adams completely healthy. Bettors looking for a bit more bang for their buck should target LaFleur.
Matt LaFleur has guided the #Packers to an 18-2 record (.900) in the regular season at @LambeauField, tied for the most wins by an @NFL head coach in his first 20 games at home. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/q79zDgGf21
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 15, 2021
Underrated Odds: Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans (+350)
It’s hard to find a reason why Mike Vrabel should not take home the honors here. The Titans coach has led his team to a top seed in the AFC despite taking on a slew of injuries across the roster. In fact, the Titans are just one of six teams in NFL history to use at least 80 players in one season. None of the other five finished the year with a winning record.
That goes to show just how much of an impact the former NFL defensive end is making on the culture down in Tennessee. Without star running back Derrick Henry available, Vrabel and his coaching staff have been able to successfully adapt to running a new style of offense. If the Titans capture that elusive first-round bye in the playoffs, Vrabel is the obvious choice here.
.@Titans QB @ryantannehill1 couldn’t keep from breaking a smile when asked if HC Mike Vrabel should be considered for the Coach of the Year award.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) November 17, 2021
Has to be thinking: Anyone expect me to say no? pic.twitter.com/7FFmaeKrq1
Long-Shot Bet: Bill Belichick, New England Patriots (+2000)
It wouldn’t be a coach of the year discussion without mentioning Bill Belichick. He is in his 22nd year of leading the Patriots and continues to show how valuable he is. This is a team that came into the year with expectations set rather low. It was assumed the Patriots were in the middle of a rebuild, yet they remain in the thick of the playoff race.
Belichick reportedly played a role in drafting rookie quarterback Mac Jones and his gut has proven to be right once again. Jones is one of the most accurate signal-callers in the league this season. Add in a defense that ranks among the top teams in points allowed, and it’s no wonder New England is neck-and-neck with the Bills in the AFC East. Belichick’s odds won’t be this low for much longer.
The Bill Belichick revenge tour is in full swing pic.twitter.com/gwWvbJI3WJ
— PFF (@PFF) November 20, 2021
Picture Credit: Wikimedia
