Jared Goff, Todd Gurley Fall Out of MVP Contention with Rams’ Struggles

• Jared Goff and Todd Gurley tumble out of MVP race 
• Rams struggling down home stretch of regular season
• Can they become bet-worthy over final two weeks?

There was a moment in time this season when you could permanent-ink the Los Angeles Rams for 30+ points a game.

It was that innovative juggernaut that led them to clinch a playoff berth by Week 13, when they were a scintillating 11-1 and the toast of the NFL.

Just two short weeks later, after a set of demoralizing losses and real concern that this vaunted offense has been figured out, the Rams are reeling.

Something hasn't quite clicked for the Rams offense since their bye week ? pic.twitter.com/ei36lMaTcS

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 17, 2018

How bad has it gotten?

Quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley were, at one time, credible outside threats when looking to the 2018 NFL MVP odds (Goff had +2800 odds, Gurley +2400).

Jared Goff has hit the wall, Todd Gurley knee wrapped, Rams 2018 season is coming apart at the seams. pic.twitter.com/DP1aFLapLE

— Ben Maller (@benmaller) December 17, 2018

Check sportsbooks’ latest odds, and the pin has popped both those balloons, and fast.

Odds to Win 2018 NFL MVP

*Follow the link in the table for more MVP betting options; odds taken 12/20

Is There Any Value in Betting Gurley or Goff Now?

Gurley has been a shell of his former self the last two games, getting banged up and missing plays in their loss to the Eagles.

He’s had 23 totes for 76 yards the last two games combined, both Rams losses. To put that in perspective, he’s hit that many touches and yards in four separate games this season.

“We need to get back to ourselves.” – Todd Gurley pic.twitter.com/loj6bcxJfD

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 17, 2018

While he’s still productive in the passing game, the Rams need Gurley to establish the run, as that sets up one of the best play-action passing games in the NFL.

With that absent from the lineup, Goff, has been out of sync, being forced to straight drop backs and trying to throw into tighter windows.

This Jared Goff interception won't be forgotten anytime soon. https://t.co/Rysec1rRln

— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) December 17, 2018

And Goff has been awful the last two weeks, throwing no TDs to go with six interceptions, many of them the brutal variety. He’d thrown only seven in the previous 11 games.

Jared Goff's first interception. Great push by the DE on the LT into the QB as he delivers the ball. pic.twitter.com/ZYCkE6faGa

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) December 10, 2018

Even a pair of 200-yard rushing games from Gurley or maybe back-to-back 6 TD games for Goff might not be enough to get back into the picture, as there is at least one candidate that has not hit a wall all year. (More on him in a minute.)

CJ Anderson could be in for a playoff run with the #Rams. Some Todd Gurley insurance. https://t.co/lrTrh4FXYR

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2018

With a playoff berth locked up and Gurley nicked up, don’t expect the Rams to try and hit the nitrous button the last two weeks. But expect them to at least find that rhythm that made them so dominant all season.

Who is the Best Bet?

The sentimental favorite is Saints pivot Drew Brees – and it’s crazy to think that he doesn’t have at least one of these awards in his trophy case considering what he’s done in his illustrious and soon-to-be Hall of Fame career.

Surprises me how much MVP love Brees is still getting after his last couple games

Mahomes is up 14 TDs and about 1,000 yards on him

— Adam Stites (@AdamStites_) December 18, 2018

But even the biggest Brees supporters can’t be upset if it goes to Patrick Mahomes. The dude still doesn’t have a full season of starts under his belt, and he’s going to finish his first ever season with over 5,000 yards and 50 TD passes.

This one is no contest. Barring an injury, Mahomes is the betting favorite worth betting on.