Lamar Jackson was expected to put a stamp on the Heisman trophy in Louisville’s final game of the regular season last week. While his numbers are good enough to make him the obvious favorite to win the award, the Cardinals’ result has left some doubters questioning whether or not Louisville’s record is good enough for him to earn the award. Some feel that his performance last week opened the door for someone else – possibly someone like Adoree Jackson (100/1) – but that’s unlikely. Jackson has been the most valuable player in college football this year.
Here is a look at the Heisman trophy favorites according to the sports betting odds for this week.
QB: Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Heisman Trophy Odds: -2500
Jackson accounted for 452 total yards of offense and four touchdowns versus Kentucky but he also had three interceptions and a costly fumble that led to the Wildcats winning score in a 41-38 loss. The Cardinals were in position to kick the winning field goal when Jackson fumbled the football and gave Kentucky life in the dying minutes as they marched down the field for the winning score. Jackson’s numbers are off the charts this season as he has thrown for 3,390 yards and 30 touchdowns with another 1,538 rushing yards and 21 scores. However, Louisville lost its final two games against Houston and Kentucky to fall to 9-3 on the season and Jackson was as much responsible for those losses as anybody else on the team. There is no doubt that Jackson is still the sports betting favorite to win the Heisman, but a mistake-riddled loss led to his odds being adjusted from -5000 to -2500 this week.
QB: Jake Browning, Washington
Heisman Trophy Odds: +1000
The Heisman voting is supposed to be based on the regular season performances of the top players in the country and based on the numbers it would be hard for Browning to top Jackson. Browning threw for 3,162 yards and 40 touchdowns and while he didn’t have the rushing totals that Jackson produced, he did lead the Huskies to an 11-1 record and a place in the Pac-12 Championship game. Browning might still boost his stock with a strong performance versus the Pac-12’s top pass defense in Colorado this week and while it shouldn’t have an impact on the voting it might help sway some votes if he is already in the mix. Jackson deserves the Heisman based on his production, but Browning’s combination of production and success has him as the most likely to upset Jackson in the Heisman voting.
QB: Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Heisman Trophy Odds: +1400
Watson saved one of his best performances of the season for a 56-7 win over South Carolina as he threw for 347 yards and six touchdowns. Watson raised his totals to 3,626 passing yards with 34 touchdowns and while he didn’t produce outstanding rushing totals he remained a threat with his legs throughout the season. Watson also led Clemson to an 11-1 record and a place in the ACC Championship game where he will have one more shot at putting a stamp on his season. Watson might not win the award but a strong finish should be enough for him to end up among the final candidates.
S: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Heisman Trophy Odds: +3300
Peppers and the Wolverines dropped a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in double-overtime that sealed their fate in the Big Ten and left Michigan fans disappointed for the second year in a row. Peppers failed to make a significant impact in the loss so while his versatility and production from multiple positions has to be respected, it’s hard to imagine him being among the finalists to win the Heisman award. The loss to Ohio State really hurt whatever case he had.
QB: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Heisman Trophy Odds: +4000
The final spot on this list belongs to Mayfield, who is listed at +4000 after rallying the Sooners to eight straight wins to close out the season. Mayfield finished with 3,381 passing yards and 35 touchdowns and if it wasn’t for early season losses to Houston and Ohio State then Oklahoma could very well be in the playoff picture right now. As it stands right now, Mayfield should be considered among the Heisman candidates but his production isn’t enough to justify him being a finalist this season.
