Through two weeks of the NFL season, the Offensive Rookie of the Year race has seen several twists and turns already. Three wide receivers have the best odds, but are they the best play for bettors? To help you sort it out, we’ve researched the best NFL betting options to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Want to place bets on one of these Offensive Rookie of the Year favorites? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook, where you can get a no sweat first bet up to $1,000. Bet here.
Offensive Rookie of the Year heading into Week 3 | Risers
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons (+600)
Jumping up from +1000 to +600, Drake London is now the favorite amongst sportsbooks to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. London has been the featured playmaker through two games, putting Kyle Pitts into an unexpected backseat position. With 12 targets, eight receptions, 86 yards, and a score in Week 2, London has taken over the Falcons’ offense.
Most impressive has been the competition London has produced against. Despite facing talented secondaries that feature stars like Marshon Lattimore and Jalen Ramsey, London has continued to find soft spots and be a reliable target for Marcus Mariota. It’s tantalizing to wonder what London’s numbers would be with a better passer.
Upcoming matchups against Seattle, Cleveland, and Tampa could bring even more impressive results. The 6’5″ rookie has matched expectations as a route runner and been more than a handful for smaller defenders to deal with. Look for him to be a constant force in this race all season long.
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets (+800)
Last week, we talked about Wilson’s impressive production despite playing only 49% of snaps. The Jets needed to get their first-round pick on the field more, and they reaped the rewards in Week 2 as Wilson shredded the Cleveland Browns. In 61% of total snaps, Wilson caught 8-of-14 targets for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
What stood out most about Wilson as a prospect was his unique ability to win off the line and also at the catch point. He dominated his defenders with quickness and nuanced footwork after the snap. He creates effortless separation for his quarterback to quickly identify.
Both his two-yard touchdown and 15-yard touchdown receptions were equally impressive displays of athleticism and advanced route running for a rookie.
There’s immense star potential in Wilson’s game. His odds doubled this week from +1600 to +800. His biggest risk is his quarterback situation, which could get significantly worse when Zach Wilson reenters the lineup for Flacco sometime next October.
Otherwise, this might be the best chance to get a futures bet on Wilson to win the award before his value dips lower.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans (+1400)
One week after badly losing the snaps share to Rex Burkhead, Dameon Pierce was the overwhelming winner of the available workload in Week 2. Texans head coach Lovie Smith promised Pierce would see the field more, and he came through for fantasy managers and bettors alike. Pierce had 15 carries and one reception for 70 total yards on 62% of the Texans’ snaps.
Houston’s poor offensive line has limited the production possible for Pierce, as he’s averaging under 4.0 yards per carry through two games. The play-calling has also been an issue, as the Texans rotate Pierce off the field on passing downs in favor of Burkhead. It’s shocking, considering Pierce was a solid pass catcher and blocker at Florida. He must continue developing in this role at the NFL level.
While Pierce’s talent is enough to win the Rookie of the Year award, the opportunity he has in Houston is quite limited. It’s possible Pierce simply turns his volume into a more impressive season than his peers, but chances are low. The Texans have failed to build a healthy ecosystem for the run game, and Pierce’s numbers will suffer the consequences throughout his 2022 season.
Offensive Rookie of the Year heading into Week 3 | Fallers
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers (+1600)
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has continued to show his dissatisfaction with his young receiving options on the roster this season, and that led to a reduction in playing time in Week 2. Despite being a training camp star, Romeo Doubs saw his snaps chopped from 57% to 37%. He was targeted only three times and caught two passes for 27 yards.
It’s unfair to say Doubs’ Rookie of the Year odds are completely dead in the water, but oddsmakers aren’t offering anywhere near a quality return to bet on Doubs for the distinction. He’s caught only six passes for 64 yards through two weeks, and the Packers’ passing game is still in dysfunction. It’d be a stunning achievement for Doubs to beat out Wilson or London.
Upcoming games against Tampa Bay, New England, and the New York Giants could all but end his bid for the award if each secondary plays to their best ability. Rodgers wants to prioritize targets to Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, and Randall Cobb. Based on what we’ve seen over the last two years, Rodgers has more say with personnel in Green Bay.
Expect Doubs’ odds to freefall in the coming weeks.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks (+3000)
Once one of the favorites to win Rookie of the Year just two months or so ago, Kenneth Walker III is now a major long shot to get involved in the race. Suffering a hernia that required surgery set him back significantly. He played his first game in Week 2 but only received four rushes for 10 yards and three targets that turned into two catches for five yards.
Walker played only 24% of snaps as Rashaad Penny dominated the snaps share. This was the issue with Seattle spending a second-round pick on Walker. Finding talented rushers isn’t hard, and Penny was brought back as the lead ball carrier on a bad team. If Penny were to go down with an injury, it doesn’t matter since Seattle would be bad regardless.
Other rookies are on pace to surpass Walker’s production comfortable if his usage continues. Breece Hall and Tyler Allgeier are getting more opportunities for their teams. It remains to be seen whether Walker can establish himself as the back of the future, but Seattle’s slow integration of Walker is certainly concerning for his impact on this roster for 2022.