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 +350. 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 +600 and +700 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): +200
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State): +600
- J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan): +800
- Malik Nabers (WR, LSU): +900
- Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina): +1600
- Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas): +1600
- Bo Nix (QB, Oregon ): +1600
- Rome Odunze (WR, Washington): +1000
- Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU): +2500
- Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia): +2500
Odds provided by DraftKings.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
On the defensive side, UCLA's Laiatu Latu leads the odds at +700. His exceptional single-season performance with 10.5 sacks could make him a game-changer if his health holds up. Alabama's Dallas Turner and Florida State's Jared Verse, both priced at +850, are not far behind. 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:
- Laiatu Latu (DE, UCLA): +650
- Dallas Turner (LB, Alabama): +650
- Jared Verse (DE, Florida State): +1000
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo): +1000
- Chop Robinson (DE, Penn State): +1300
- Byron Murphy (DT, Texas): +1300
- Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama): +1400
- Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa): +2000
- Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson): +2200
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama): +2500
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. Be sure to keep an eye on the further draft rounds to see how the odds evolve as the 2024 NFL Draft continues.
As the season approaches, be sure to check out our NFL Predictions page which will be updated regularly to follow all of the action this coming season!
