Chase Claypool is being significantly underestimated by one sportsbook
After one of the most electrifying rookie seasons Steelers fans have seen in quite some time, Chase Claypool’s sophomore slump was equally as surprising as it was disappointing. However, Claypool has all of the tools necessary to break out this season, but one sportsbook is predicting a significant decline in production in 2022. BetMGM is […]
After one of the most electrifying rookie seasons Steelers fans have seen in quite some time, Chase Claypool’s sophomore slump was equally as surprising as it was disappointing. However, Claypool has all of the tools necessary to break out this season, but one sportsbook is predicting a significant decline in production in 2022.
BetMGM is rolling out regular season player props for some of the best players in the NFL. When sifting through the sportsbook’s lines, Claypool’s receiving yards caught my eye. BetMGM lists his regular season prop for receiving yards at just 699.5 yards (-125).
At -125 odds, the over is getting most of the money so far, and for good reason. Though Claypool struggled in 2021 he still managed to produce. The 24-year-old wideout recorded 59 catches for 860 yards last season but his two touchdowns were a massive step down from his nine scores as a rookie.
Checking in at six-foot-four and hovering around 235 pounds, Claypool’s speed is often overlooked for a receiver with such size. But due to injuries in 2021, his explosiveness was not always there.
And neither was his maturity…
Claypool’s 2.4 yards of separation was the 10th worst amongst qualifying receivers in 2021. He dealt with a hamstring injury early in the season and a turf toe issue down the stretch. For a player reliant upon his speed and athleticism, his numbers were clearly hindered by injury.
But with a full offseason to recover and build a rapport with his new starting quarterback, whether it be Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, Claypool should be poised for another impactful year.
The Steelers had to operate around Ben Roethlisberger’s lack of mobility and deteriorating arm strength last season. Claypool was drafted to go up and make contested catches down the field, so his best qualities weren’t always being put to use in the offense.
Trubisky and Pickett offer mobility, meaning Pittsburgh can utilize play action to create opportunities down the field for Claypool. He will still compete for targets with Diontae Johnson and rookie George Pickens, but should receive at least a 20% target share.
Implied in Claypool’s low regular season total set by BetMGM is that he will suffer without Big Ben and receive less attention from his quarterback with the addition of Pickens. I believe that he will actually benefit from a new quarterback, whoever that may be. For that reason, he should finish the season around the 1,000-yard mark, obliterating the sportbook’s soft line.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
