The Hall of Fame game between the Chargers and the Lions is just two months away, marking the NFL season kickoff in under 100 days. Soccer is already underway, but football fans have been given ample time to analyze the NFL schedule and draft. With the season approaching quickly, betting options cover all NFL award markets, not just team season wins or Super Bowl odds. Betting on awards is exciting because successful predictions yield high odds and substantial payouts, keeping fans engaged throughout the season with constant action.
All NFL awards are open for betting, and here are some bets I’ve placed:
Jonathan Gannon is favored to win Coach of the Year at 20-1 odds on Draft Kings. The Cardinals, under Gannon’s leadership during his short tenure, have shown progress. After a tough 4-13 season in 2023 without quarterback Kyler Murray for most games, they improved to 8-9 in 2024 and even looked like NFC West contenders at 6-4 before a late-season decline. If the Cardinals can clinch their division, Gannon is a strong candidate for Coach of the Year, with +390 division odds and better betting value at 20-1.
The optimism around the Cardinals stems from their commitment to strengthening their defense this offseason. They added pass rusher Josh Sweat from the Eagles, who nearly earned Super Bowl MVP honors against the Chiefs in February. April’s draft focused heavily on defense, selecting top defensive college players like Walter Noren, Will Johnson, Jordan Burch, Cody Simon, and Denzel Burke, all aiming to improve the team’s 22nd-ranked defensive unit in plays allowed in 2024.
The Cardinals’ schedule also favors a strong start, with early games against rookie quarterbacks such as Tyler Shough, Cam Ward, Bryce Young, Sam Darnold, and a Colts quarterback choice between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson. Typically, Coach of the Year honors go to those who lead their teams back into the playoffs after missing them the prior season – a box Gannon checks, signaling a potentially huge 2025 for the Cardinals.
Will Hill has been a sports bettor for over ten years and contributes to the Bears Bets Podcast. He’s also a betting analyst hosting shows on VSIN and Goldboys Network.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for NFL fans excited about the coming season’s prospects and betting opportunities. Jonathan Gannon’s potential rise as Coach of the Year not only highlights the Cardinals’ comeback but also signals a shift in NFC West dynamics, making the season more competitive and thrilling for viewers and bettors alike.
