A Favorite, Underdog, and Longshot to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award

C.J. Stroud just became the seventh quarterback in the last 14 NFL betting seasons to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. The Texans field general did so by way of throwing for 4,108 yards and 23:5 TD/INT ratio to help lead Houston to the AFC South title, and with it, a trip back to the playoffs. The current OROY Award betting odds look to be heavily skewed towards another quarterback taking home bragging rights in 2024-25 with the likes of Caleb Williams (+200), Jayden Daniels (+650), J.J. McCarthy (+1000), and Drake Maye (+1800) all listed amongst the favorites to do so at Caesars Sportsbook. 

It looks like another truly special showing will be demanded of a non-quarterback to win the award as loaded the quarterback crop looks to be with QB1 reps all there for the taking. Let’s dig into the current Offensive Rookie of the Year odds and see if we can’t add some more intrigue to the regular season that equates to more shekels being added to the bankroll come the conclusion of it – SLAM YOUR MAN!!

Bet Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds at Caesars Sportsbook

      *Remaining Players all 10-1 or greater

Favorite: Caleb Williams +200

The former Heisman Trophy winner and top pick in last year’s draft is poised for significant success. Assuming he avoids injuries, Caleb Williams has every opportunity to justify his status as the favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) Award. Chicago’s upper management excelled this offseason by overhauling their offensive strategy, trading Justin Fields to Pittsburgh for a conditional sixth-round pick in next year’s draft.

They strengthened the offensive line and made significant additions at wide receiver and running back, acquiring veteran Keenan Allen via trade and selecting Rome Odunze with the ninth pick in the draft. GM Ryan Poles also signed D’Andre Swift to a three-year, near $25 million deal. With these reinforcements and the third easiest schedule in the league according to Sharp Football Analysis, Williams has no excuse not to excel immediately and throughout the season.

For Williams to become only the seventh No. 1 pick to win the OROY in NFL history, he must meet or exceed expectations. Caesars has set his season-long passing yards and touchdown props at 3,450 and 21.5 respectively, and surpassing these benchmarks is crucial for him to win the award. Leading Chicago back to the playoffs after a three-year absence would further enhance his resume, similar to last year’s winner.

Underdog Keon Coleman +2200

Year after year, the Buffalo Bills maintain one of the best passing offenses in the NFL. Josh Allen has thrown for over 4,200 yards in each of the last four seasons, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024-25, even with Stefon Diggs traded to Houston. Diggs’ departure creates an opportunity for someone on Buffalo’s roster to step up. Could it be Khalil Shakir? Maybe Dalton Kincaid? Or perhaps Curtis Samuel after recording 600+ receiving yard campaigns as a secondary option in Washington the past two seasons?

My bet is on Keon Coleman out of Florida State! The kid oozes moxie and proved to be a game-changer for the Seminoles last season, turning 50 receptions into 658 yards, averaging 13.2 yards per catch, and scoring 11 touchdowns. Among rookie wide receivers contending for the award, his season-long receiving yardage prop of 725.5 at Caesars sits behind only Marvin Harrison Jr. (1,025.5) and Malik Nabers (850.5), and matches Brian Thomas Jr.’s impost.

Apart from the first wide receiver drafted, Coleman landed in an ideal environment to excel, with arguably the best quarterback among rookies throwing to him on an offense hungry for a big-time playmaker. If he outperforms Marvin Harrison Jr. at home in the season opener, expect his odds of winning this award to significantly shorten up – Buy Now!

Longshot: Michael Penix Jr. +7500

A player with 10-1 odds or longer is bound to emerge and make an impact this football betting season. Looking at recent winners of the award, the highest payout was Alvin Kamara at 50-1 when he helped propel the Saints into the playoffs back in 2017-18. The Falcons haven’t made the postseason since that year. To address their quarterback issues since Matt Ryan’s departure, the Falcons brought Kirk Cousins in over the offseason.

If the vet struggles with his recovery from Achilles surgery, it could provide an opening for the oldest rookie in the draft class to step up and become a key player in the futures market. With offensive weapons like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson at his disposal, along with a solid offensive line, Michael Penix Jr. has the potential to far exceed his current 75-1 odds which makes him a promising option for NFL futures bettors looking for a high-reward opportunity heading into the regular season.

Past NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award Winners

      *Odds via SportsOddsHistory.com

Bet NFL Futures at Caesars Sportsbook