Carolina Panthers: Several players in contention for individual awards
By Dean Jones
Some Carolina Panthers players could be in with a shot of securing individual honors in 2020, according to the latest odds from DraftKings.
While the Carolina Panthers might find things tough going in 2020 during the first year of their rebuild. There is still the chance some of their star names could still come away with recognition if the latest odds are any indication.
DraftKings published their awards odds for the 2020 season this week, which sees five Panthers roster members making two separate lists.
All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey had a tremendous season in 2019 that saw him emerge as a Most Valuable Player candidate. This was also the catalyst behind the Panthers giving their star player a four-year extension worth $64 million with a $21 million signing bonus and just over $38 million guaranteed.
McCaffrey is among the leading contenders for the MVP award in 2020, with DraftKings projecting him as +5000 to secure the crown. This puts him in the top-20 of potential winners and the third running back behind Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley.
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No doubt McCaffrey’s odds might be a lot shorter if the Panthers were in a position to contend next season, which is simply not the case. The MVP is rarely given to a player whose team doesn’t make the postseason, which is further evidence as to why he didn’t win the award in 2019.
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will also be looking to make a serious impression during his first year with the franchise after signing a three-year, $63 million deal in free agency. His chances of winning MVP are rated as +1,000 by DraftKings.
Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the favorite to take home the 2020 MVP award at +400. Current holder Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson round off the top three.
The Panthers have three players who look to be in with a chance of winning Defensive Rookie of the Year following a historic draft from the organization. First-round selection Derrick Brown is projected as a plug-and-play starter with Pro Bowl potential and he is +2,500 to pick up the accolade.
Edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos fell into Carolina’s lap at No. 38 despite having a mid-to-late first-round grade. The Penn State standout is +5,000 to scoop the award, which is the same odds given to exciting safety Jeremy Chinn.
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Defensive end sensation Chase Young is the frontrunner at +200, with No. 8 selection Isaiah Simmons and former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen in second and third respectively.