2024/25 NFL Rookie of the Year Odds Analysis
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
As the dust settles on the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the betting lines are already heating up for who will snag the titles of NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year. Last season, Houston Texans' newcomers C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. set a high bar, sweeping the awards in their respective categories. Here's an early look at this season's candidates who could follow in their footsteps, along with some betting insights.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
The spotlight is shining bright on Caleb Williams, the former USC quarterback, who tops the FanDuel Sportsbook list with odds at +140. Coming off a stellar season and a Heisman Trophy, Williams is expected to bring his record-breaking play to a Chicago Bears team in need of a leader.
Close on his heels are Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State and Malik Nabers from LSU, priced at +750 and +1500 respectively. Harrison, with a legacy name and exceptional stats, and Nabers, known for his explosive speed, are both tipped to make significant impacts in their debut seasons.
Here are the current odds for the top contenders:
- Caleb Williams (QB, USC to Bears): +140
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State to Cards): +750
- J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan to Vikings): +1700
- Malik Nabers (WR, LSU to Giants): +1500
- Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina to Patriots): +2000
- Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas to Chiefs): +2000
- Bo Nix (QB, Oregon to Broncos): +1700
- Rome Odunze (WR, Washington to Bears): +3000
- Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU to Jags): +3000
- Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia to Raiders): +4000
Odds provided by DraftKings.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
On the defensive side, UCLA's Laiatu Latu leads the odds at +430. His exceptional single-season performance with 10.5 sacks could make him a game-changer if his health holds up. Alabama's Dallas Turne, also at +430 and Florida State's Jared Verse, both priced at +100, are also worth checking out. Turner's impressive metrics and Verse's consistent performance make them prime candidates to challenge for the title.
Current odds for potential defensive standouts are:
- Dallas Turner (LB, Alabama to Vikings ): +430
- Laiatu Latu (DE, UCLA to Colts): +430
- Jared Verse (DE, Florida State to Rams): +1000
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo to Eagles): +1200
- Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama to Lions): +1200
- Byron Murphy (DT, Texas to Seahawks): +1400
- Chop Robinson (DE, Penn State to Dolphins): +1700
- Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa to Eagles): +2800
Odds provided by DraftKings.
Betting Strategy and Insights
Favorites tend to win: Betting trends suggest that favorites often clinch the NFL Rookie awards. For offensive players, quarterbacks and wide receivers with standout collegiate careers are safe bets. For defensive awards, pass rushers with high sack totals in college tend to continue their success in the NFL.
Draft status matters: Historically, almost all NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners were top-39 picks, with a significant number being top-15 selections. This makes players like Laiatu Latu particularly appealing, although Dallas Turner, only two picks outside the top 15, is also a strong candidate.
Team dynamics: The team and play style need to play a crucial role. For instance, Dallas Turner joining a Vikings team known for its aggressive defensive strategy under Brian Flores might boost his odds considerably.
As these young athletes begin their professional journeys, the odds will continue to evolve based on their performance and adaptation to the NFL. We're just a few weeks away from preseason so be sure to check out our NFL Predictions page which will be updated regularly to follow all of the action this coming season!
