Given that the season does not start until September, the NFL has at least some chance of being one of the few sports to be relatively unaffected by the coronavirus. Of course, only time will tell if that turns out to be the case. Moreover, the draft is still on schedule for later this month. In other words, football is probably on everyone’s mind right now when this would otherwise be the time of year during which basketball, baseball, and hockey grab the headlines.
Let’s take a look at some of offensive player props for the 2020 campaign—if and when it happens.
Favorite: Drew Brees (+500)
Brees almost reached the 3,000-yard mark (2,979) despite playing in just 11 games last season. He is showing no signs of slowing down at 41 years old and has at least one more season in him before trading his cleats for an NBC microphone. If Brees can stay healthy, he may go out with a bang.
Best bet: Matt Ryan (+800)
Ryan will once again benefit from weapons all over the field, with former first-round draft picks left and right. Moreover, the Falcons defense probably won’t be very good and they will likely trail in plenty of games—thus forcing Ryan to air it out with frequency.
Favorite: Michael Thomas (+600)
These Brees and Thomas bets go hand in hand, obviously. Of course, even without his trusty quarterback for five contests in 2019, Thomas still dominated the NFL with 149 receptions for 1,725 yards. What’s to say the Saints will suddenly slow down this year? Nothing.
Best bet: DeAndre Hopkins (+900)
It would serve the Texans right if they unloaded Hopkins to the Cardinals for no good reason and then he led the league in receiving. It could happen, too, as the former Clemson standout is one of the best WRs in the business and Kyler Murray has a year of experience under his belt.
Favorite: Derrick Henry (+600)
Henry missed one game last year but still led the NFL in rushing with 1,540 yards (the second, third, and fourth RBs all played in full 16-game slates). After running roughshod over two opponents in the playoffs, expectations are even higher for Henry going into 2020.
Best bet: Saquon Barkley (+1400)
Although Henry is the favorite for a reason, Barkley at +1400 arguably represents the best value. Running back is a young man’s position and Barkley is undoubtedly in his prime heading into year No. 3 in the NFL. The only issue is that the Giants like throwing it to him almost as much as handing it to him.
