2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Betting
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Each NFL season, new stars find their way into the fold. And a lot of those guys are rookies who are able to hit the ground running when they make the jump from college ball to the pros. Last season, we saw some new stars created, guys like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott for the Cowboys. The Bears look like they have the back of their future with Jordan Howard, who also had a big season. In addition, a lot of players got their feet wet and should have big sophomore seasons in 2017.
So who will be the rookies to shine of the offensive side of the ball in 2017? Last season we were reminded that the most-ballyhooed players aren't always the ones to shine the brightest. Fourth-round draft pick Dak Prescott won the 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year. That brings a few things to light. One is that it's OK to look a little further down the list for worthy candidates—players who incidentally are fetching huge odds. It also shows that while talent is a big part of the equation, it's all about the convergence of ability and opportunity. If not for Tony Romo's injury woes, we might not have even seen Prescott last season. As it were, he was the Rookie of the Year.
We need to look at the potential for opportunity. Granted, head coaches are more prone to give rookies playing time than what used to be the case, but for a player to be Offensive Rookie of the Year, he needs to get the opportunities to shine. Some rookies are stepping into prime situations where their team is starved for production in a certain area. Other players are stepping into crowded situations where it might be hard to put up the necessary numbers to win this honor. In addition to simply looking at how good or talented a player is, it's important to project whether or not he will get the same chances to thrive as others on this list.
Another consideration is that this is being written before the beginning of training camp. That's typically a time where the picture crystallizes, so we're betting into the dark a little here. Every preseason, there are rookies who provide clear signs that something special could occur. We're depriving ourselves that information with early betting. But we're also able to bet on certain players at high odds, something that wouldn't be the case after they show how good they are leading up to the season. In other words, this is a good time to lock in good odds before everyone else knows exactly how good the player you like actually is.
Betting this early does have its drawbacks. Your money is tied up with the book just that much longer. And any number of different things can occur between now and the beginning of the regular season—injury, suspension, or a player falling into disfavor with the organization and coaching staff. But for those looking for great value, getting involved when not many others are involved is a good way to do it. This is unchartered territory before training camps even open. Things are undefined and that's the time to cash in on big opportunity. Let's take a look at the odds to win the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. We will follow that with some of our favorite picks. Good luck!
Betting Odds Offensive Rookie of the Year 2017
Leonard Fournette +500
Christian McCaffrey +750
Deshaun Watson +800
Connor Cook +1000
Corey Davis +1000
Jonathan Williams +1200
Dalvin Cook +1400
Joe Mixon +1600
John Ross +1600
Mike Williams +1800
DeShone Kizer +2500
Evan Engram +2500
Jamaal Williams +2500
Mitch Trubisky +3000
Curtis Samuel +3300
David Njoku +3300
Adam Shaheen +4000
Cardale Jones +4000
Juju Smith-Schuster +4000
Kareem Hunt +4000
Alvin Kamara +5000
Patrick Mahomes +5000
Samaje Perine +5000
Dede Westbrook +8000
D'Onta Foreman +8000
Kenny Golladay +8000
Wayne Gallman +8000
ArDarius Stewart +9000
Donnel Pumphrey +9000
Joe Williams +10000
Cooper Kupp +17500
James Conner +17500
Our Top Ten Rookie of the Year Picks:
Leonard Fournette (+500): A few things shake out well for Fournette in this bet. One is unmistakable talent that suggests it will be a big surprise if he didn't shine in this league—at least at some point. With him coming into a Jaguars' offense struggling for firepower and a run-game, he also will fill a big void and at a minimum, will be given the opportunity to have a big rookie season.
Christian McCaffrey (+750): Like Fournette, McCaffrey fills a void in the Carolina run game and should be put in the right spot to shine. Add in his special teams acumen and if allowed to do that, he could pad his TD stats and stand as a compelling choice for this honor come season's end. The Panthers haven't had a real weapon back there since Jonathan Stewart fizzled out and McCaffrey should put up good numbers.
Corey Davis (+1000): Granted, it is a big jump from the Mid-Atlantic Conference to the NFL, but the high first-round draft pick looks to be the real deal. The Titans have been thirsting for a premier receiver to hook up with Mariota and barring some unforeseen circumstances, it's hard to see Davis not succeeding with the Titans right from the get-go.
Dalvin Cook (+1400): The former running back standout at Florida State could see some of those same results with a Vikings team where it's been shown backs can thrive. They have lacked the element Cook brings to the table since the injuries, suspensions, and eventual departure of Adrian Peterson. Look for a big dose of Cook this season.
Joe Mixon (+1600): Cincinnati seems to be a good fit for the former Oklahoma star back. Year after year under Marvin Lewis, the Bengals put backs in a position to succeed. Sometimes they thrive, but lately they haven't. Enter Joe Mixon, who gives the Bengals an immediate solution to their inconsistent rushing attack.
Mike Williams (+1800): With the Chargers, Williams will be working with one of the more-dependable aerial quarterbacks in Philip Rivers. And with receivers always injured on this team, Williams could end up as the go-to target. The former Clemson star looks to become an immediate big player in this offense in '17.
DeShone Kizer (+2500): A leap of faith is needed here, as we don't yet know if Kizer will even start. But preliminary signs have been extremely positive and if the Notre Dame second-round quarterback can get some time, he might end up as the poor man's Dak Prescott in 2017.
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Curtis Samuel (+3300): Yeah, we know, we're taking two offensive rookies for the Panthers. But in case we're wrong about McCaffrey, we don't want to miss the boat with the speedy former Ohio State standout at +3300 odds. He can rush the ball and has shown increasing upside as a ball-catcher. The Panthers lack a burner and should put Samuel to good use.
Adam Shaheen (+4000): Now we're getting into long-shot territory with the +4000 Shaheen, a tight end now with the Bears. With Alshon Jeffery gone and the other aerial options being iffy and injury-prone, a young quarterback could find Shaheen a viable option more than what is being forecasted.
ArDarius Stewart (+9000): Granted, the third-round pick is a long-shot for good reason, but we like the upside. He has skills and speed and is a threat on special teams. The Jets saw a lot of their receiving talent depart and if an injury were to occur, Stewart could find himself getting a lot of chances to shine. Tired of your credit card not working for sportsbook deposit? End that problem today and bet on who will be Rookie of the Year by signing up at Bovada Sportsbook where your credit card WILL work and where you'll receive a generous 50% sign-up bonus!
