As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the NFL season, their fan base is heading to the sportsbooks. Folks are hurrying to get their futures bets in before lines move dramatically following Week 1 results.
Consequently, the Browns’ star running back is one of Ohio sportsbooks’ most heavily bet-on players.
There are a ton of eyes on running back Nick Chubb. One sports betting operator is taking a lot of bets on Chubb to have a great season. If Chubb wins a specific year-end individual award, one operator could be on the hook for a ton of money.
Nick Chubb BetMGM’s No. 1 liability for Offensive Player of the Year
If the Cleveland Browns are going to make noise in the AFC South, most of their success will hinge on the legs of running back Nick Chubb. And the sports betting world knows that as well.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio, Nick Chubb has the highest percentage of handle to win Offensive Player of the Year.
BetMGM Offensive Player of the Year Future bet data
| Player | Handle % | Ticket % | BetMGM Sportsbook Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Chubb | 9.7% | 5.5% | +1800 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 8.5% | 8.7% | +1000 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 7.8% | 8.4% | +1500 |
| Justin Jefferson | 5.3% | 7.4% | +1300 |
| Tyreek Hill | 5.2% | 5.5% | +1800 |
Chubb is tied for the fourth-best odds to win the award. His odds opened at +3000. However, having him at the top in handle percentage makes him BetMGM’s biggest liability to win the award.
Chubb will have some stiff competition. Last year’s winner, Justin Jefferson, and this season’s favorite, Ja’Marr Chase are clear contenders. The only other running back in the Top 5 is Christian McCaffrey.
Why Nick Chubb could be a great bet to win OPOY
There has been a lot of talk in the NFL offseason surrounding running backs and their value. We see its impact on the Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor. Chubb could soon find himself in the same boat. However, people in the Ohio sports betting market could view that as an opportunity.
There are many reasons to believe that Chubb will have a strong season. His contract situation is one of them. A great season as the Browns’ No.1 running back could help him at the negotiating table when contract extension talks begin.
He is also firmly entrenched as the Browns’ leading rusher. He had been sharing the backfield with Kareem Hunt. With Hunt gone, Chubb will likely receive the bulk of the carries this season. Jerome Ford will be the primary backup and will also see his fair share of action. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski knows if the Browns hope to make the playoffs, he needs the offense to run through Chubb.
