Cleveland Browns: Baker Mayfield has second-best odds to win NFL MVP
By Dan Justik
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to have a big sophomore season, which makes him a hot bet to win the 2019 MVP award.
Expectations are nothing new to the 2019 Cleveland Browns after being the most hyped team during the offseason and training camp. And with Baker Mayfield at quarterback, the Browns are expected to do big things this upcoming season.
The Browns have been considered the favorites to win the AFC North ever since the team acquired Odell Beckham Jr. in March. They are also viewed as one of the top teams in the AFC who could compete for the AFC Championship in January.
But in order to be that competitive and be in the discussion to reach the Super Bowl, the Browns are going to need big seasons from their best players, with Mayfield being the focal point. And there is a lot of confidence that Mayfield will be able to do so.
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According to Bovada, Mayfield has the second-best odds (+900) to win the 2019-2020 MVP award, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (+600), who won the award last season after a stellar sophomore season.
In July, Mayfield was one of the most popular bets to win the MVP for the upcoming season, trailing only Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Because of the weapons surrounding the Browns quarterback, it is understandable why Mayfield is a popular pick to win the award.
Mayfield had one of the best rookie years for any quarterback in the NFL, completing 63.8 percent of his passes for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His 27 passing touchdowns broke the NFL record for most thrown by a rookie.
Even after dealing with a change at head coach and offensive coordinator, Mayfield managed to put together a good rookie season. And with his comfort in Freddie Kitchens’ offense and having Kitchens as his coordinator for an entire season, there is obvious room for improvement for Mayfield in 2019.
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If the Browns are going to be a playoff contender like they are expected to be, it will largely depend on how well Mayfield plays. But if Mayfield can take the sophomore leap and become a contender for MVP, the Browns should be in great shape to reach the 2019 playoffs.