The prop bet put forth by Caesars Palace for touchdown passes by Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is only at 31.
Seems a bit low right? Only 31 passes for Baker Mayfield this upcoming season? Many think he will eclipse this number rather easily. That includes ESPN’s Trey Wingo.
Part of the reason is that Baker Mayfield has more weapons this season than he did last season. The most notable being the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt. Just the fact that there is more talent on the team than last year alone would think his touchdown passes would be higher than 31.
The other part of the reason is that Baker Mayfield finished with 27 touchdown passes as a rookie in 14 games (13 starts). The key part in this equation that cannot be quantified with the number is nearly half a season under the worst coach ever in Hue Jackson. Wherever Hue Jackson goes, ineptness ensues. Mayfield had to deal with a clueless individual thinking he was actually in charge of something. Hue Jackson can take even the best of players and bring them down to a level of terribleness few have seen. Rather than put players in a position to win, Jackson puts them in a position to lose. After Jackson was fired the difference in the performance of the Browns was night and day. The team played better and Mayfield was able to flourish without a saboteur in Jackson.
Heading into year two Mayfield will be in an offense that he has experience in. This should lessen any adjustments that need to be made, making Mayfield more comfortable. Better talent around him with Beckham and Hunt. This should allow for better production in his second season than his first. As long as Mayfield starts all 16 games, throwing more than 31 touchdown passes is not out of the question.
