Odds Say Carson Wentz Won’t Be Benched in 2020 – You Can Bet When Jalen Hurts Starts First Game
- Odds have been set on whether the Philadelphia Eagles will bench quarterback Carson Wentz and when Jalen Hurts could make his first NFL start
- Could this week’s game against San Francisco on SNF be Wentz’s final start if things go awry?
- See the full set of odds for these props and a look at the Philly QB situation below
Carson Wentz is drawing the ire of Philadelphia fans. The oddsmakers are piling on, too, with the Eagles off to an 0-2-1 start.
A prop has been set on if the quarterback will be benched by coach Doug Pederson. Bettors can also wager on when rookie backup Jalen Hurts will make his first NFL start this year.
Odds Carson Wentz Will Be Benched in 2020
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| No | -300 |
| Yes | +200 |
Odds taken Sept. 30th
Picks Piling Up
Wentz has struggled mightily through the first three weeks of the season after helping lead the Eagles to the playoffs each of the past three years – though he has played in only one postseason game because of injury.
He has been intercepted six times, a figure that leads the NFL. To put that into perspective, Wentz was picked just seven times each of the last three seasons.
Carson Wentz throws his fifth interception of the season, this one into triple-coverage. Looks like the ball was tipped at the line.pic.twitter.com/bIaLQA1Blj
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 27, 2020
Beyond the INTs, Wentz is completing just 59.8 percent of his passes (79 of 132). His passer rating is just 63.9, easily the lowest of his five-year career, and he has been sacked 11 times.
Wentz has thrown just three touchdown passes and has 737 passing yards.
Philly’s Offence Perpetually Banged Up
In fairness to Wentz, the Eagles’ offense has not been whole this season.
He has been playing behind a makeshift offensive line. Left tackle Andre Dillard was lost for the season in training camp with a torn biceps. Three-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks sustained a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon in July.
Furthermore, Left guard Isaac Seumalo is out indefinitely after being injured in Week 2.
Carl Lawson absolutely abused left tackle Jason Peters on this sack of Carson Wentz. pic.twitter.com/1RZCEsrqgW
— Johnny Kinsley (Dak Prescott Hive CEO) (@Brickwallblitz) September 28, 2020
Wentz is also missing his full complement of receivers. First round pick Jalen Reagor tore a thumb ligament in Week 2 and is on injured reserve. Tight end Dallas Goedert fractured his right ankle in last week’s 23-23 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals and is done for the year.
Running back Miles Sanders has played in the last two games after missing most of the training camp and the opener because of a strained hamstring, However, his touches have been limited.
With the offense sputtering it begs, the questions – is now the time for Hurts to step in?
Odds on Jalen Hurts’ First Start at QB for Eagles in 2020
| Game Week | Odds |
|---|---|
| Weeks 15-17 | +150 |
| Week 12-14 | +225 |
| Week 8-11 | +250 |
| Week 4-7 | +400 |
Time for the Rook?
Eagles fans are notoriously tough but every fan base clamors for lineup changes when their team is struggling.
Therefore, it’s not a surprise that some in Philadelphia want to see Pederson turn to Hurts. The Eagles drafted him in the second round after he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up last season at Oklahoma.
However, Pederson told reporters “don’t even go there” on Monday when asked if he was considering benching Wentz.
Doug Pederson asked where his confidence level is with Carson Wentz. pic.twitter.com/QjgWGuvB4B
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) September 30, 2020
After not playing in Week 1, Hurts was on the field for three offensive snaps in each of the last two games. When Hurts is in the game, Wentz usually splits wide.
Hurts has yet to attempt a pass. He has rushed twice for eight yards and fumbled on one of the carries.
Wentz is Pederson’s Guy
Pederson seems sincere when he says he is committed to Wentz and it only makes season that the fifth-year quarterback should have a long leash on his starting job.
The Eagles used the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 draft on Wentz. He also has $35 million guaranteed beyond on the four-year $128-million contract extension he signed last year.
Pederson has often said the Eagles would have taken Wentz over Jared Goff, who went No. 1 to the Los Angeles Rams.
Asked to compare Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, Nickell Robey Coleman says the difference is that Wentz takes ownership of the offense.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) August 24, 2020
Furthermore, the Eagles are still in position to defend their NFL East title despite the poor start. All four teams in the division are under .500 and the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team share first place with 1-2 records.
The Eagles would also have to adjust their offense to accommodate Hurts. While Wentz is a drop-back passer, Hurts runs better and would be more likely to thrive in a system with more read options and rollouts.
They are seven-point underdogs this week in their game against the 49ers at San Francisco. Following that is a trip to Pittsburgh to meet the Steelers and a home matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Eagles could easily be 0-5-1.
Yet benching Wentz would signal a retooling if not an outright rebuild for the Eagles. It is hard to image owner Jeffrey Lurie – or the fans – having the patience for that.
So, look for Wentz to stay in the lineup and Hurts, barring injury, making his first start in some other season.
John Perrotto has been covering and writing about sports for various outlets for over 40 years. His work has appeared in the likes of USA TODAY, ESPN.com, SI.com, Forbes.com, The Associated Press, Baseball Digest, and more. John is based out of Beaver Falls, PA.
