Baker Mayfield enjoyed a strong preseason for his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team went 2-1 in the preseason with Mayfield central to some of the team’s success. The quarterback, formerly of the LA Rams, the Carolina Panthers, and the Cleveland Browns, is looking for a resurgence this season. I think that his betting odds of 75 to 1 to win the 2023-2024 Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL underrate his chances by quite a lot.
Baker Mayfield: 2023 NFL Preseason
Mayfield’s preseason is worth taking a look at. He went 6 for 6 on passing against Baltimore in Week 3 of the 2023 NFL preseason. He had a touchdown in the game, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 136.1. In Week 2, he did not play. But in Week 1 he went 8 for 9 on passing, he had a touchdown pass with no INTs, and he had a passer rating of 132.9. He does look sharp through the exhibition games, with very few incompletions costing his offense a down. Tampa Bay announced that he would be their starting quarterback for Week 1 earlier this month.
He wasn’t as bad last season as some might argue, at least not after he moved to the LA Rams. He went 2-3 in games that he appeared in with the Rams last season. That wasn’t bad given the situation he was in. He was new to the team and the Rams weren’t going to the playoffs. Mayfield kept things tidy for interceptions with LA and he had one game that was really strong. On 24 for 28 passing yards, Mayfield connected for two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos in December.
2023-2024 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds
Mayfield could turn some heads in the 2023-24 Comeback Player of the Year market. He is way out at 75 to 1 with Unibet sportsbook for betting odds.
However, as a quarterback that’s a QB1 in a depth chart, Mayfield has the chance to shine. For comparisons, look at these other players in the same betting market: Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. Each of those two quarterbacks is 50 to 1 without any clear indication that they are even going to play. Lance is currently buried deep in the depth chart with the Dallas Cowboys. Darnold needs Brock Purdy to disappoint in San Francisco to get a chance in a game.
Mayfield as an in-form starter has a chance in this market. But bettors may have to go with a bet-to-cashout strategy. Most expect Damar Hamlin to win this award at -500 against the field. Some might change their minds if Mayfield continues to play well. Don’t be surprised if 75 to 1 shortens to 10 to 1 this season, meaning a good cashout opportunity might be available at some point.
