Just ask Cam Newton if COVID-19 is having any impact on the 2021-22 NFL Season. He was cut from the New England Patriots while serving a 5-day COVID-19 suspension for violating policies, not actually contracting coronavirus.
Head coach Bill Belichick denies that Newton’s violation had anything to do with his release, but the fact remains, COVID-19 is extremely likely to have a major impact in the spectrum of legally betting on the NFL in 2021-22.
The following NFL prop bet is taking action on the first player to miss a game due to the NFL’s strict COVID-19 protocols that are in place this season, and they are all offensive skill positions.
NFL Odds For First Player To Miss A Game Due To COVID-19 Protocol
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens QB +450 – Jackson has contracted COVID-19 twice in the past and has refused to answer questions regarding his vaccination status entering the 2021-22 NFL Season.
- Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills WR +500 – Beasley is a vocal opponent of the COVID-19 vaccine and missed five days in August of 2021 due to breaking league policies.
- Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings QB +575 – Cousins does not wish to take the COVID-19 vaccination but promises strict adherence to current policies.
- Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts QB +600 – Wentz is unvaccinated and was recently activated September 2nd off of the reserve COVID-19 list
- Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings WR +600 – Thielen is not going to get the COVID-19 vaccine and missed time last season due to league rules. Adam will be inside of the same huddle with Kirk Cousins who currently has higher NFL moneyline odds placed on his COVID-19 chances.
- DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals WR +650 – Hopkins’ vaccination status is unknown, but it is assumed that he has yet to receive one since he recently deleted a tweet that was not only highly critical of the inoculation, but also questioned his future in the NFL because of it.
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills QB +675 – Allen considers himself a stats geek and doesn’t believe that the numbers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine add up to him getting the jab. He will also play the 2021-22 season in close proximity to Cole Beasley who is getting better odds at NFL betting sites than Allen is.
- Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers RB +750 – Harris was an early refuser of the COVID-19 shot, but on August 29, 2021, he reported to practice with a fully vaccinated designation. We’re not sure why Najee is still included in these odds.
- Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers RB +750 – The talented running back has been coy about his inoculation status, and is also critical of the vaccines in his comments. His quarterback, San Darnold, was also an early opponent of vaccinations, but has now received two shots and is in the clear for Week 1.
- Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals RB +750 – Mixon has been highly critical of the NFLPA and their decision to adopt strict COVID-19 policies. His vaccination status is unclear at this time.
- Allen Robinson. Chicago Bears WR +800 – Although the Bears are reporting a teamwide vaccination status of 85%, Allen Robinson declined to say whether he was a member of that majority.
“Never thought I would say this, But being put in a position to hurt my team because I don’t want to partake in the vaccine is making me question my future in the NFL”
Deleted Tweet From DeAndre Hopkins on July 22, 2021
Sources – BetOnline, Sports Illustrated, NFL.com
