By Doug Kezirian Senior Betting Analyst
Updated 8/23/23 10:10pm ET
Pete Carroll +2500 Coach of the Year
Award betting is always wonky and typically necessitates a narrative. The coach of a wild card team has won this in two of the last three years, so I believe another playoff run with Geno Smith would generate buzz. Also, there is a path for Seattle to win the division, especially if San Francisco never resolves the quarterback issue. Plus, sometimes awards can become lifetime achievement honors and Carroll has never won this distinction, so perhaps the 71-year-old captures the hearts of voters. 25-to-1 odds is very enticing and does make sense.
Austin Ekeler +5000 for Offensive P.O.Y.
I typically wait until midseason to make my plays for this particular award because I think so much hinges on the MVP race. Overall, I feel the Player of the Year typically represents the fantasy football MVP and often goes to non-quarterbacks. So why does a guy who’s being drafted as high as No. 2 overall have 50-to-1 odds?
At age 28, a running back’s production theoretically tends to decline and QB Justin Herbert is a star. But the Chargers also brought in Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator so perhaps Ekeler will become more efficient. Either way, I think these odds are way too high for a valuable weapon on a team that could make a legitimate Super Bowl run.
Navy +4000 to win American Athletic Conference
Navy kicks off the college football season against Notre Dame as a three-touchdown underdog but this wager is focused on conference play. With SMU and Tulane as the favorites, I truly believe the AAC is wide open. The Midshipmen have a unique run-heavy offense but bring in a new coach and coordinator with the plan to open up the passing game. Senior QB Tai Lavatai could be the right person to lead this new-look offense. The odds are 40-to-1 for a reason but I am taking a flier on Navy because of the variance the offense presents. Remember, in 2019, they went 10-2. It’s not that farfetched.
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