Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes Throw-Off Odds – Who Will Have the Fastest/Furthest Throw?
- KC Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the -140 favorite to defeat Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills in a “throw off”
- Allen was the -170 when this competition was first proposed last year.
- What’s caused the odds to change?
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are both capable of going long. We may soon find out which of these NFL quarterbacks can go the longest. And the fastest, for that matter.
A proposed throw-off competition between Mahomes of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Allen of the Buffalo Bills has been discussed since the spring of 2019. During a recent appearance on the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, Allen let the cat out of the bag.
It’s on.
Mahomes and Allen were prepared to go throw-for-throw this summer until their plans were socially distanced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
They still intend to do it and will likely find time to make it happen during the summer following the 2020 NFL season.
Oddsmakers are already hard at work. Mahomes has been established as the -140 favorite to unleash the longest throw during the competition.
Josh Allen vs Patrick Mahomes Throw-Off Odds
| Prop | Allen Odds | Mahomes Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Longest Throw Winner | +110 | -140 |
| Fastest Throw Winner | -130 | +110 |
Odds taken Aug. 6th.
Allen, though, is the chalk to zip the fastest ball of the event.
A Changing of the Odds
When this competition was first announced in April of 2019, the sportsbooks were on board with Allen. He was the solid -170 chalk.
While Mahomes won NFL MVP honors in 2018, Allen posted the longest pass completion in the league at 63.9 yards. Last season, though, Mahomes (55.1) went much deeper with his longest completion than Allen (50.1).
.@BuffaloBills QB Josh Allen on @gmfb @nflnetwork on a long distance throwing competition with Patrick Mahomes: "I'm game. Love to finally settle this and figure it out." #BillsMafia
— Will Selva (@WillSelvaTV) August 5, 2020
If you put any stock in Madden ratings, then Allen is guy to go to. His throwing-power rating is a game-high 99. Mahomes comes in at 97.
Remember, this is just like a long-distance driving competition. It’s all about how far it goes. Sure, it might not be anywhere near the intended receiver but Allen has proven that he can throw it a long way.
Pick: Allen to win longest throw (+110)
Allen Picks Up Pace
When it comes time to stand and deliver, Allen brings the heat. He was clocked at a record 62 mph during his appearance at the 2018 NFL Combine.
It would be fun to watch. What I ask everyone out there is what makes the strongest arm. I think Mahomes can throw it farther. But I think Allen can throw it harder. It’s a good debate https://t.co/DyOCyzh5vZ
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) August 6, 2020
Mahomes clicked the radar gun at 60 mph during the 2017 NFL Combine. At the time, that tied the combine record.
If they have a radar gun handy, perhaps bettors can do some advanced scouting. The Chiefs and Bills are slated to clash in a Thursday night meeting during Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season.
Pick: Allen to win fastest throw (-130)
Allen-Mahomes Throw-Off Over/Under Odds
| Prop | Total | Over Odds | Under Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance of Longest Throw | 83.5 Yards | -115 | -115 |
| Speed of Fastest Throw | 60.5 mph | -145 | +115 |
Mahomes threw a ball 80 yards on his pro day in 2017. He registered a career-high 60.7-yard completion during the 2018 NFL season. He confidently states that he’s never seen a QB throw it further than him.
Mahomes estimated that it will take a throw of 85 yards to win this competition.
Allen tosses footballs 70 yards through the air without much effort. One can only wonder how far he could chuck were he to really put his arm up to the task.
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen might be ready to settle the debate over the NFL's strongest arm 🚀 pic.twitter.com/1vKQ7hU4J6
— ESPN (@espn) August 6, 2020
A key factor in this wager is that old real estate axiom – location, location, location. If organizers were to place this event in the mile-high altitude of Denver, balls could really set sail.
Mahomes casually heaves 90-yard passes when he warms up for road games against the Broncos. He thinks he might be able to hit 100 yards in the thin air if he really put his mind to it.
Pick: Over 83.5 yards (-115)
Bringing the Heat
Beyond his NFL Combine numbers, an Allen pass was clocked traveling 66 mph at the 2018 Senior Bowl.
During his high-school days as a baseball pitcher, the radar gun regularly showed Mahomes delivering the ball to the plate in the 90s.
This is fun.
Lower time in flight values indicate throws with more velocity at a given distance.
Mahomes throws the ball slower than Allen on attempts 25-35 yards away from him, but his deep balls get to the receiver quicker (perhaps because his throws stay in bounds). pic.twitter.com/BgZBpZ0zsb
— Josh Hermsmeyer (@friscojosh) August 3, 2020
Taping a spot for NFL media, Mahomes delivered three passes while being clocked for speed. He hit 58, 58, and 62 mph.
Pick: Over 60.5 mph (-145)
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
