NFL Futures: Best Bets for Coach of the Year (2020)
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For the casual bettor, it’s too easy to be blinded by star-power and fantasy stats. What most of us don’t realize is that football is a chess game played amongst coaches utilizing players as their pawns. But who is potentially the best? Let’s discuss below with odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
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The Favorites
Bill Belichick – New England Patriots (+1200)
While Bill will stand at the podium this offseason muttering and divulging zero information with the personality of a glue stick to match, some truth serum would most likely reveal a little skepticism from the evil genius as the Patriots will be without franchise quarterback Tom Brady under center for the first time in nearly twenty years.
Instead, they will turn to second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham to lead the transition as the organization tries to form its new identity. They return Julian Edelman and David Andrews to help the young rookie offensively whilst providing a stable source of veteran leadership.
What New England does have going for them is their solid defense and run game. Obviously, the biggest question mark is the new-look offense but with six-time Super Bowl winner Belichick running the show, you can never write them off and should still expect to see them contending in the AFC East.
To the casual fan, seeing Belichick as the favorite may not come as a surprise. However, those who follow the NFL closely, understand the uncertainty surrounding the Patriots organization entering the 2020 season.
Bruce Arians – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1400)
If he is to win this award, the aforementioned Brady will have a lot to do with it after choosing the Bucs in free agency this past offseason.
Even though he looks like that dude everyone is scared of sitting and smoking alone in an English pub – Arians is an offensive mastermind who is known for his aggressive play calling. His cache of offensive weapons consists of Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Patriots defector Rob Gronkowski; who all will allow him to double-down on his trademark slogan “No risk it, no biscuit†– while hoping to end the organizations twelve-year playoff drought.
Best Values
Sean McDermott – Buffalo Bills (+1800)
Fresh off their second playoff appearance in three years, the Bills will look to perpetuate their recent success and take charge of the AFC East with the absence of Tom Brady for the first time in nearly two decades.
The best thing the Bills have done in, well, maybe ever, is hiring McDermott who has established a culture of hard work and accountability. Not surprising considering he looks like that super nice high school principal who participates in triathlons every weekend, but his influence is clearly evident.
The Bills had a tremendous offseason, acquiring star-wideout Stefon Diggs to further strengthen the passing game and drafted stud defensive end A.J. Epenesa after he dropped to them late in the second round.
If third-year quarterback Josh Allen takes the next step to complement a defense that finished ranked third in the NFL last season, McDermott and the Bills look poised to build off their 10-win season a year ago and make a serious playoff run.
Mike Tomlin – Pittsburgh Steelers (+2600)
Now that Big Ben has shaved his beard and is back on the practice field throwing passes, the Steelers hope to return to prominence in the competitive AFC North.
After going down with an elbow injury in Week 1 of last year, Roethlisberger looks to give the Pittsburgh offense a spark that it was clearly missing in 2019 with replacements Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges under center.
Despite missing their offensive star, Tomlin did an amazing job guiding this team to an 8-8 record by playing outstanding defense to mask their hideous offensive deficiencies. With defensive stars T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Devin Bush all returning; look for the Tomlin-led Steelers to rebound offensively and compete with the Ravens for the division title.
Best Longshot
Adam Gase – New York Jets (+4400)
I know Gase gets a bad reputation and fans seem to be more concerned about his wild eyes than coaching abilities, but he did lead this Jets team to seven wins last season despite starting quarterback, Sam Darnold, going down with mono for nearly a month.
The offense still has Le’Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder, while the team drafted Baylor star Denzel Mims in order to surround Darnold with further talent. Timeless wonder Frank Gore will provide excellent leadership for this young team who already possesses a strong defense led by stud safety Jamal Adams.
With the Patriots in flux and the Bills no sure-thing, weirder things have happened. Don’t be surprised if Gase further navigates this team into contention within the AFC East.
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Jordan Anderson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jordan, check out his archive and follow him @Jordan_A03.