The NFL regular season is upon us, and the race for Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year begins in earnest. Will a quarterback put a team on his back and quickly ascend into the elite tier as C.J. Stroud did a year ago? On defense, will an edge rusher race away with the award or can a cornerback produce a worthy campaign?
Here are my favorites to win each award, plus a sleeper (which is characterized as +2500 odds or steeper):
All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook as of Saturday afternoon.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
QB Caleb Williams, Bears: +140QB Jayden Daniels, Commanders: +500QB Bo Nix, Broncos: +950WR Malik Nabers, Giants: +1500WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals: +750
Quarterbacks should always be viewed as the favorite for the award when opportunity meets talent. There were a record six quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and three have been named Week 1 starters for their respective teams. J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) suffered a season-ending injury, veteran Jacoby Brissett was named the starter over rookie Drake Maye in New England, and Michael Penix Jr. will sit behind Kirk Cousins in Atlanta. The three rookies starting should all be among the favorites to win the award, particularly those who can also accumulate yardage with their legs. Given the talent around him and potential to compete for an NFC playoff berth, Williams seems like the safest bet at this point.
The exception to the quarterback rule is supreme talent. The odds difference between Nabers and Harrison is staggering. Both should lead their teams in targets and Arizona may have a better collection of receiver talent with Michael Wilson and Trey McBride saddling Harrison. Nabers is more apt to make splashy plays that voters will remember.
Sleeper: WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars: +5000
Thomas has made some big-time plays down the field in both training camp and the preseason. With…
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Author : Josh Edwards
Publish date : 2024-09-03 13:56:00
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