NFL DRAFT BEST BETS: WHO WILL DRAFT QB MICHAEL PENIX JR.?

The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday, and football fans should be starting to get excited for their team to drastically improve in the next few days. That said, only one will come out with Washington star QB Michael Penix Jr. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NFL Draft odds for QB Michael Penix Jr. and tab which team will draft him -- just one of many SportsbookWire's expert NFL picks and predictions.

Penix Jr. finished 2nd in the 2023 Heisman Trophy race, losing the prestigious award to LSU QB Jayden Daniels. The Huskies star did have an impressive season, throwing for 36 touchdowns and 4,903 passing yards. He ended with 11 interceptions.

Penix Jr. started his career with Indiana, spending four seasons with the Hoosiers and playing 7 or fewer games in each campaign with IU. He transferred to Washington where he became a superstar and now has the potential to be a 1st-round pick. Penix threw for 67 touchdowns and over 9,000 yards at Washington through the 2 seasons.

The strong left-handed talent has the potential to be a top-32 pick in the NFL Draft. Let's dive into which team one should bet on drafting Penix Jr.

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NFL odds: Who will draft Michael Penix Jr.?

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:46 p.m. ET.

FAVORITES

Las Vegas Raiders: +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Minnesota Vikings: +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
Denver Broncos: +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Seattle Seahawks: +650 (bet $100 to win $650)

For more odds: See BetMGM Sportsbook

NFL Draft: Best bets

The pick – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (+200)

Given Penix's history of injuries, he should fall in the draft. He's an ultra-talented prospect with one of the strongest arms in the draft, but the injury concerns should shy teams away from him as a top-20 pick.

The late 1st round or early 2nd is where he should go. The Raiders, who draft at 13, likely won't get a top prospect, and they could either trade down into the 1st round or trade up into the 2nd. Some mock drafts have them taking Penix at 13, but that seems high for a player with an injury history as rich as his.

Many teams need a quarterback, and Penix is a high-risk proposition for organizations looking to improve at the position. However, he did play 28 games in his last 2 seasons in college and could be a great option for the Raiders, especially considering the deep threat that WR Davante Adams is.

At +200, the books have odds but no clear favorite, and Penix Jr. to the Raiders makes the most sense as they could use a high-risk option at QB.

Sleeper – LOS ANGELES RAMS (+1300)

The Rams are aging, and while they did capitalize on their trade for QB Matthew Stafford, he's 36 years old and dealing with injuries. That's where Penix Jr. could slide in. With a duo of elite weapons and a strong coaching staff, Penix could be a great option for the Rams, who draft at 19 and 52.

They could also be a trade-down candidate with Penix Jr. potentially falling into the high 2nd round. Los Angeles needs to prepare for the future, and without a quality option behind Stafford, it makes sense for the Rams to target Penix Jr., one of the most-decorated collegiate quarterbacks.

For the value play, take RAMS (+1300).

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This article originally appeared on USA Today Sportsbookwire: NFL Draft best bets: Who will draft QB Michael Penix Jr.?

2024-04-24T18:55:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd