Picking the best candidate for any futures bet in the NFL is never easy, from winning the Super Bowl to just finishing atop a division. Player props can be even more volatile with contract years to early injuries impacting bets in all directions. The NFL Coach of the Year actually has a small set of criteria that’s been established over the last 15-17 years, with just three detractors — one of those being Bill Belichick. The three things we want to look at is a team that was under .500 the previous season, can win 10 games this year and ultimately make the playoffs. It’s not as complicated as other awards can be, as the only outliers since 2005 from the above criteria are John Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel. So, after taking a look at the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year odds, I’m giving you two of my favorite bets — and my 2022 NFL Coach of the Year prediction — to get some money down on.
2022 NFL Coach of the Year Odds, Picks & Predictions
2022 Coach of the Year Longshot Bet | DraftKings Offer: Bet $5, Get $200
This number is moving and there’s still some great value left on the board, just not for long. The play here is predicated on the 49ers not yet completing any trade that sends Jimmy Garoppolo to the Seattle Seahawks. Right now, Seattle is starting Geno Smith in what is all but a rebuild year for Pete Carroll. Despite having talent on the team, the lack of any consistent quarterback play will kill any playoff hopes for the Seahawks. It’s why Carroll opened up as an 80-1 longshot to win this award. The odds for everything Seattle should drastically change if they can complete a deal for Jimmy G — something that seems imminent. The Niners have to trade or release him before the start of the season but take on Seattle in Week 2.
This is a big bet that’s since dropped by 1400 points at some books — more at others. While Carroll is catching some steam there is still a solid chance to get a 66-1 ticket on someone who may have a legit quarterback to coach this year. The timing of how everything plays out is certain to boost Carroll’s odds as soon as any deal gets completed. Even if Garoppolo gets released, it’s been reported he wants to play in Seattle more than anywhere else. This fits the criteria three times over, the Seahawks won just seven games last year and can win 10 with the former Niner. Lastly, while making the playoffs isn’t easy in the West, Arizona starts behind the 8-ball and the Niners have one of the worst offensive line/quarterback combos in the NFL. A Wild Card berth is not out of the question. Watch that ticket move into the 30-1 range once any deal is completed.
2022 NFL Coach of the Year Prediction: Pete Carroll (+6600 FoxBet)
Best 2022 Coach of the Year Bet | DraftKings Offer: Bet $5, Get $200
While Doug Pederson saw a drop from 2200 to 1800, there are still a couple of reasonable names to target who have barely moved. It’s no secret what’s happening out in Denver as Russell Wilson embarks on the second chapter of his NFL career. The Broncos have been sharp at times outside of the quarterback play, from surviving with Teddy Bridgewater to flopping with Drew Lock. Unfortunately, Nathanial Hackett isn’t sneaking up on anyone either, as he’s listed right in the top part of the grouping.
The Broncos will have a bounce-back season so long as Wilson stays healthy — the only real rub on his season last year. The Broncos return some strong components on defense and have young speed for Wilson to target on the outside. The offensive line holding is a concern for every team but protecting Wilson will allow the offense to flourish, especially with a multipronged attack in the backfield. Hackett gets the benefit of having a quarterback on the downswing who wasn’t really on any downswing. It was a perfect excuse for the Seahawks to cut ties with Wilson, but not for his play on the field deteriorating. Making the playoffs isn’t easy out West, but the Chiefs lost a key weapon on offense, the Chargers are the overwhelming public darling of the league, and the Raiders need a lot to come together quickly to compete. Hackett has a legit shot here if Denver wins 10 games.
2022 NFL Coach of the Year Prediction: Nathanial Hackett (+1600 FoxBet)
