Lamar Jackson’s NFL MVP Odds Listed at +2500 After Throwing 5 TDs in Week 1
- Lamar Jackson throws for 324 yards, five TDs in season opener
- Ravens QB falls one touchdown pass short of matching 2018 total
- Sophomore pivot had +4100 average odds of winning NFL MVP prior to Week 1 win
Lamar Jackson has been forced to deal with doubters leading up to the start of the NFL regular season.
On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback let his play do the talking on the field. Jackson torched the Miami Dolphins defense, converting 17-of-20 passes for 324 yards and five touchdown passes in a 59-10 win.
The latest NFL MVP odds, list Jackson at +2500 following his season debut performance. Leading up to Baltimore’s Week 1 matchup against the Dolphins, Jackson was +4100 on average across all sportsbooks.
2020 NFL MVP Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | +400 |
| Aaron Rodgers | +600 |
| Drew Brees | +600 |
| Tom Brady | +600 |
| Carson Wentz | +800 |
| Baker Mayfield | +1000 |
| Russell Wilson | +1600 |
| Deshaun Watson | +1600 |
| Russell Wilson | +1200 |
| Philip Rivers | +2000 |
| Lamar Jackson | +2500 |
Odds taken 09/09/19.
It seemed as if Jackson was playing with a chip on his shoulder right from the start, completing his first nine passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns.
Jackson’s performance tied a franchise record for the most passing touchdowns thrown in a single game, equalling Joe Flacco and Tony Banks. He also posted the first perfect QB rating in franchise history.
He joined elite company as well, becoming the first player with at least five TD passes in a season opener since Peyton Manning accomplished the same feat in 2013.
Lamar Jackson is the first player with at least 5 passing TDs in a season opener since Peyton Manning (2013). pic.twitter.com/J0CslLxJN2
— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2019
Everything seemed to work perfectly for the Ravens, but more specifically Jackson, who connected with tight end Mark Andrews for eight passes and 108 yards. Rookie receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown added four catches and 147 yards, including an 83-yard touchdown.
Can Jackson sustain these numbers all season long? Or should bettors consider this a one-off since it came against the lowly Dolphins?
Lamar Jackson on today's performance: "Not bad for a running back."
(via @Ravens)pic.twitter.com/gEuhba56bC
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2019
Ravens’ Improved Offense
Jackson’s performance shouldn’t come as a complete shock considering the Ravens preached about having the “best offense they’ve ever seen.”
Against the Dolphins, Jackson fell just one TD pass short of matching his season total of six from 2018. Last year, Jackson was more productive on the ground as he rushed for five touchdowns and 695 yards.
However, Jackson was a non-factor on the ground in the season opener with only three rushes for six yards — further proving he can now be considered a complete quarterback.
Whatever improvements the Ravens have made to their offensive scheme, Jackson is reaping the benefits early on.
Jackson Worthy of a Wager?
The season is far too young to determine that, but if Jackson has a few more performances like his first, he could very well move up on the NFL MVP odds list.
Jackson’s stellar Week 1 performance is one for the record books, but it will take many more to compete with other NFL MVP favorites.
Patrick Mahomes remains the favorite, coming in at +400 after a strong season opening win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mahomes went 25-of-33 with 378 yards and three TD passes to hold on to top spot in the NFL MVP odds.
Another strong candidate to consider this season is Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz coming in at an intriguing price of +800.
Angelo Montilla is a writer, visual design instructor and graphic designer based on the East Coast. As a journalism graduate, his experience in the media industry spans more than 15 years and includes work with Nation Network, SportsBreak, Featurd, Hockey Writers and the Windsor Star.
