MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 7/24)
Josh Gross
Looking to scratch an action itch? You bet we got you covered. Every day our ravenous bettors scour the web for their favorite player props to boost the bankroll. Today’s featured line comes from ‘The Big Noise’ himself, Brad Evans.
A.J. Green to win Comeback Player of the Year (+1400, DraftKings)
Peanut brittle over the past three seasons, Green has become an empty vessel for fantasy and reality. Foot and ankle setbacks derailed what could’ve been promising campaigns. Is there enough optimism for him to resurrect his career and collect hardware in 2020? Here’s why that’s a distinct possibility:
- Initial reports on Green from Bengals camp are glowing. He’s added some bulk, is motivated to secure another lucrative contract and has generally resembled the All-Pro of yesteryear. He’s also chasing Chad Ochocinco’s franchise records, benchmarks he’s determined to reset. Pushed by dollars and stats, he’s world tour to regain respectability is already well underway.
- Joe Burrow is precisely what the doctor ordered. Last season for the FBS champion LSU Tigers, Joe Cool finished QB2 in adjusted completion percentage among all Division I quarterbacks, registering at least a 122.9 passer rating on every throw — short, intermediate or deep. Cincy OC Bill Callahan recently stated how quickly the rookie passer picked up the offense via summer Zoom sessions. If Burrow puts his learnings into practice, he and Green should make an instant on-field love connection. Recall the last time the receiver reached 1,000 yards, in 2017, he caught just 52.4% of Andy Dalton’s passes directed his way. A more accurate QB could do him wonders.
- According to local Bengals beat writer Tyler Dragon from the Cincinnati Enquirer, Lou Anarumo’s D has miles to go. Gashed by the run and pass last season, stonewalling the opposition is a tall task. A loose defense only benefits Green. If the Bengals scoreboard chase often, 140 targets are a foregone conclusion. More opportunities equal more chances to post galactic numbers equals more ways to impress voters.
In the end, if the injury imp remains at bay and Burrow delivers all the goods, Green will be in the running for Comeback honors this fall. At his 14/1 stake, he’s a tremendous value. Matthew Stafford, Ben Roethlisberger and J.J. Watt are also strong contenders, but the rejuvenated receiver is sure to be the cat’s meow provided he holds up.
