Counting Down the Top 50 NFL Players 40-31: Budding Superstar Kyle Pitts Set for Takeoff

Neil Parker breaks down the Top 50 NFL Players before the start of the 2022 NFL season. You can see 50-41 here.

With NFL rookies reporting to training camp this week, it’s a fitting time to look at the top 50 players in the league.

There’s no perfect approach or statistic to ranking players with the disparity in positional importance. Still, considering the various betting markets available offers insight into who bookmarkers view as the most likely to win the AP Regular Season MVP Award, AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, and who will lead the NFL in passing, rushing, and receiving yards.

Here’s a look at the players ranked 40 through 31 with odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR.

Counting Down the Top 50 NFL Players, 40-31

40. Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos

Williams aced the eye test as a rookie and his advanced metrics were solid. He rushed for 903 yards and four scores while also adding 43 receptions for 316 yards and another three touchdowns. 

While Williams projects to start the season splitting work with veteran running back Melvin Gordon again, the second-year rusher is the superior talent.

MVP Odds: +30000, Odds to Lead NFL in Rushing Yards: +2000 

39. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers

After racking up 2,188 rushing yards, 829 receiving yards, and 30 total touchdowns the previous two seasons, Jones wasn’t as prolific in 2021. Still, he scored 10 touchdowns and formed an excellent one-two punch with fellow back A.J. Dillion.

Even as part of a running back committee, Jones projects to remain heavily involved in the offense as both a rusher and pass-catcher this season.

MVP Odds: +30000, Odds to Lead NFL in Rushing Yards: +4000 

38. Joey Bosa, DE, Los Angeles Chargers

The 27-year-old defensive end headed to his fourth career Pro Bowl last season after racking up 10.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Injuries have affected him throughout his career, but he’s healthy heading into the 2022 campaign, and fellow edge rusher Khalil Mack will line up opposite Bosa this season.

MVP Odds: +30000, Defensive Player of the Year Odds: +2500 

37. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Missing time each of the past two seasons has prevented Brown from turning in a true breakout campaign. With the relocation from the run-first Tennessee Titans to the promising Philadelphia Eagles offense, Brown just might have his statement showing in 2022.

If Jalen Hurts does in fact take the next step in his third season, Brown is going to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the league.

Offensive Player of the Year Odds: +10000, Odds to Lead NFL in Receiving Yards: +3000

https://twitter.com/1kalwaysopen_/status/1546511030620135424

36. Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Following a monster 2020 season consisting of 107 receptions for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns, Waller was limited to just 11 games last year. Additionally, the Raiders also bolstered their receiving corps with the addition of Davante Adams from Green Bay.

Waller is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and when healthy he’s been a top-tier receiver at the tight end position.

Offensive Player of the Year Odds: +10000, Odds to Lead NFL in Receiving Yards: +6000 

35. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

How much will the drop-off in quarterback play from departed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson to the Geno Smith-Drew Lock combo impact Metcalf this season?

While it’s definitely not a positive for the fourth-year receiver’s outlook, it might not be crippling. Metcalf is as gifted athletically as anyone on the field, and he didn’t flash otherworldly chemistry with Wilson last season — catching just 58.1% of targets.

MVP Odds: +30000, Odds to Lead NFL in Receiving Yards: +3500 

34. Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns

The betting favorite to win the AP Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett is coming off a career-high 16-sack showing. He suited up for the entire season for just the second time in his five-year tenure with the Browns. The first overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft just needs to avoid missing time.

MVP Odds: +20000, Defensive Player of the Year Odds: +700 

33. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

It’s likely Kamara’s days as one of the most dangerous RBs in the league are gone for good. He’s had five busy seasons with the Saints, and his production dipped last year with quarterback Drew Brees retired. Plus, New Orleans is now without head coach Sean Payton.

Add a February arrest for battery allegations, and Kamara’s outlook is all the more concerning.

MVP Odds: +30000, Odds to Lead NFL in Rushing Yards: +4000 

32. Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

A special talent, Parsons lined up all over the field for the Cowboys as a rookie and piled up an incredible 84 tackles (64 solo), 13 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, and 30 quarterback hits across 16 games.

He should see plenty of edge-rushing opportunities again this year. His 2021 stat line might be the production floor moving forward.

MVP Odds: +20000, Defensive Player of the Year Odds: +1000 

https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1549450245339336706

31. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

Even in the unfavorable surroundings of the Atlanta offense, Pitts still cruised to 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie. It was just the third time a first-year TE hit quadruple digits. Pitts is a budding superstar with plus-athleticism, so building on his rookie success is all but a given.

The Florida product should also benefit from the addition of wide receiver Drake London — the eighth overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft — as opposing defenses will now have two matchup problems to account for.

MVP Odds: +30000, Odds to Lead NFL in Receiving Yards: +5000 

Make sure to keep an eye on our Live Odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.