Wentz, Prescott, and Brady See NFL MVP Odds Fade After Week 1 – Are Any Worth Betting?
- NFL QBs Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles saw their NFL MVP odds lengthen following poor starts to the 2020 season
- Prescott went from +1300 to +2000, while Wentz lengthened from +2300 to +4000 & Brady jumped from +1450 to +3000
- Is now the time to bet on any of these MVP candidates? See their odds movement below
Quarterbacks Tom Brady, Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz were all at the helm of teams that went down to defeat during Week 1 of the NFL season. However, that wasn’t the only sinking sensation surrounding them when the Monday morning quarterbacks gathered to reflect on their respective performances.
All three of these veteran QBs saw their betting lines plummet in the 2020 NFL MVP odds.
Prescott, whose Dallas Cowboys fell 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams, witnessed his line lengthen from +1300 to +2000. After a 34-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Brady’s odds increased from +1450 to +3000.
Wentz opened Sunday at odds of +2300 in this betting market. Following a stunning 27-17 loss to the woeful Washington Football club, his betting line jumped all the way to +4000.
Wentz, Brady and Prescott 2020 NFL MVP Odds
| Player (Team) | MVP Odds Prior to Week 1 | MVP Odds After Week 1 at DraftKings |
|---|---|---|
| Dak Prescott (Cowboys) | +1300 | +2000 |
| Tom Brady (Buccaneers) | +1450 | +3000 |
| Carson Wentz (Eagles) | +2300 | +4000 |
Odds as of Sept. 14th.
The last seven and 12 of the past 13 winners of the NFL MVP Award all played quarterback.
Dak’s Not the Way Prescott Likes It
Of this trio of QBs, Prescott might’ve fared the best during the season openers. His numbers were far from MVP-like, though.
Prescott was 25-of-39 through the air of 266 yards. He connected for one touchdown and was not intercepted.
In fact, if not for a controversial offensive pass interference call during a 47-yard completion to receiver Michael Gallup, the conversation surrounding Prescott today might be coming from an entirely differently perspective.
Dak Prescott finished the game 1-of-7 for 11 yards and a sack taken on 3rd down Sunday night.
That 14.3% completion rate on 3rd down is the worst in any game of Prescott's career (min. 5 att). pic.twitter.com/aj7V97TnRK
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 14, 2020
It also didn’t help Prescott’s cause when Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy opted to go for it on fourth-and-three rather than kick a chip shot game-tying field goal.
That being said, it must be noted that Dallas looked like the same mistake-prone bunch that went 8-8 a year ago. And Prescott had his hand in the mishaps.
He failed to read a blitz and spot a wide-open Gallup over the middle on a third-and-five play. Instead, he forced a pass to an unsuspecting Amari Cooper. The ball bounced off Cooper’s thigh.
He was also 1-for-7 with a sack on third down. Those are the worst single-game third-down conversion numbers of Prescott’s NFL career.
Arians Calls Out Brady
In his Monday media availability, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians didn’t shy away from questioning his $50 millon, six-time Super Bowl-winning QB.
“He knew he didn’t play very well,” Arians said of Brady. “It’s not what he expects from himself, nor do we expect.
Arians: "..I would expect him to have a little more grit, a little more determination this week. https://t.co/wxO8eInxYH
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) September 14, 2020
“I would expect him to have a little more grit, a little more determination this week.”
A three-time MVP (2007, 2010, 2017), Brady threw for a pair of TDs but was also intercepted twice, one that was returned for a pick-six.
It’s the third straight game that’s happened to Brady. General rule of thumb – MVP QBs don’t regularly complete TD passes for the other team.
Wentz Went Down Hard and Often
Washington’s potent pass rush sliced through Philadelphia’s injury-riddled offensive line like sliced cheese as they sacked Wentz eight times.
He finished with two TD passes, two interceptions and a dismal passer rating of 72.5 as Philly squandered a 17-0 lead.
Wentz didn’t wait to hear criticism from his coach. He called his own number.
Carson Wentz under pressure:
➤ 20 dropbacks (most)
➤ Sacked 8 times (most) pic.twitter.com/IS27gxdEVQ— PFF (@PFF) September 14, 2020
“I’ve got to be better,” Wentz said following the loss. Eight of the Eagles’ last 11 offensive possessions where three and out.
“It starts with me,” Wentz said. “I’ve got to protect the ball and lead these guys better and I’ll own that.”
Save Your Money
If you were thinking of betting on any of these three QBs to be the 2020 NFL MVP, Prescott might be the only one worth the risk. Even at that, a small stipend invested on the Dallas QB would be advisable.
In today's win, @Seahawks QB Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) completed 31 of 35 passes for an 88.6 completion percentage, tied for the third-highest mark in a single game in @NFL history, minimum 35 attempts. pic.twitter.com/si18z8xU48
— NFL345 (@NFL345) September 13, 2020
From Patrick Mahomes to Lamar Jackson to Russell Wilson, there simply are too many better choices for MVP this season.
That was the case before Week 1 and it looks the be even more airtight today.
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.
