2 min read • February 12, 2022
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This time last year, Odell Beckham Jr. was in the midst of recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee.
On Sunday, he will play in his first career Super Bowl after playing a major role in getting the Rams to the big game.
In 6 games with the Browns before he was released, he averaged 38.7 yards with no touchdowns.
In 8 regular season games after signing with the Rams, he averaged 38.1 yards per game and caught 5 touchdowns.
Many have attributed Beckham's increased touchdowns to the change in quarterbacks, but Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc, said Beckham's increased knee health has been the key to his resurgence.
"Late in the season, Beckham showed ability to get open in tight spaces and create separation in the red zone," Chao said. "With his knee still recovering from ACL surgery early in the season, he was not able to make decisive cuts going to the right."
The 29-year-old has seen an impressive increase in production during the playoffs as well. He caught his first career playoff touchdown in the Wildcard win over the Cardinals and has averaged 78.7 yards per game in the playoffs.
Beckham saw a season-high 11 targets in the NFC Championship against San Francisco and caught 9 passes for 113 yards.
With his odds at +2700 to win MVP, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, that same production with a touchdown catch could see him easily take home the trophy.
His receiving partner, Cooper Kupp, led the league with 16 touchdowns during the regular season and has caught 4 touchdowns in the playoffs.
At +550, Kupp has the lowest odds of a non-QB in the Super Bowl, but the Bengals are likely to key in on the Offensive Player of the Year, which may leave Beckham in single coverage in the red zone.
The last wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP was Julian Edelman against the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
Beckham is healthy and ready to avenge that loss for the Rams.
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