THE AMERICA ONE NEWS
Jul 16, 2025  |  
0
 | Remer,MN
Sponsor:  QWIKET 
Sponsor:  QWIKET 
Sponsor:  QWIKET: Elevate your fantasy game! Interactive Sports Knowledge.
Sponsor:  QWIKET: Elevate your fantasy game! Interactive Sports Knowledge and Reasoning Support for Fantasy Sports and Betting Enthusiasts.
back  
topic
NY Post
New York Post
2 May 2023


NextImg:NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds: Is Will Levis worth a flyer?

We’re two full days removed from the final rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, and oddsmakers at BetMGM are already taking bets on this year’s Rookie of the Year races.

And boy, are there some interesting prices among the early offerings.

That’s especially true on the offensive end, where Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (+350) opens as the favorite ahead of the top two picks in the draft, Carolina’s Bryce Young (+500) and Houston’s C.J. Stroud (+650).

Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (+700), Lions rusher Jahmyr Gibbs (+900) and Colts passer Anthony Richardson (+900) are the only others dealing at 15/1 or shorter.

Bijan Robinson is the runaway favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Bijan Robinson is the runaway favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

I get why Robinson is the early favorite based simply on his talent and potential for box-score success.

That said, this feels like far too aggressive of a price for a running back in a crowded offense that still lacks a high-end quarterback.

The Falcons’ attack exceeded expectations last year and still finished 15th in touchdown rate (11.5 percent) and drive success rate (71.6 percent); if that doesn’t improve, Robinson’s chances for elite production could be overstated here.

Instead, I’m intrigued by this opening price for Young, who will take the reins of a Panthers team with a sneaky shot at the playoffs.

Get an edge on games with our expert sports betting picks.

Sign up for Post Picks today.

Based on head coach Frank Reich’s comments this offseason and after the draft, Carolina is clearly committed to building a quick-hitting aerial attack that should be well-suited to Young’s strengths as a “point guard” of this offense.

While someone like Richardson may have more upside at a longer price — and he’s worth a bet in this market, too — Young has a much higher floor in his first year in the pros.

And as we’ve seen in recent years, even above-average play across a full 16 or 17 games is enough for a rookie quarterback to beat out a highly productive position player in this market.

We’ve also seen a resurgence from wide receivers, who have cashed in each of the last two seasons.

I’d be leary to lay such a short price on Smith-Njigba as a No. 3 receiver in Seattle, but it could be worth taking a 20/1 shot on the Ravens’ Zay Flowers or the Chargers’ Quentin Johnston — two home-run hitters who should carve out key roles in two of the most explosive offenses in football.

Will Levis could be in the running for Rookie of the Year if Ryan Tannehill's season goes south.

Will Levis could be in the running for Rookie of the Year if Ryan Tannehill’s season goes south.
Getty Images

Will Levis will have a chip on his shoulder after a surprising NFL Draft slide.

Will Levis will have a chip on his shoulder after a surprising NFL Draft slide.
Getty Images

Are we sure Will Levis isn’t worth a flier at 30/1 odds?

There’s a reason the polarizing passer fell to the second round, but the Titans sure don’t seem committed to Ryan Tannehill, who could save the team nearly $30 million if he’s not on the roster by Week 1.

Even if the veteran quarterback sticks around, Levis certainly has the arm talent to force his way onto the field and into contention for this award.

If you’re looking for an even bigger long shot, keep your eye on Dolphins back Devon Achane (40/1), who ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds) of any offensive player in this year’s draft.

The former Texas A&M has three-down potential and might even return kicks, too, and his electric speed makes him an ideal fit in Mike McDaniel’s frenetic offense.

In the end, the winner will probably be one of the top three quarterbacks or top two rushers, but Young and Richardson are the only ones among that group whose early odds fairly consider the challenges of their situations.

If you’re determined to bet this market, target those two with an eye on any of the other long shots mentioned in a race that could surprise by season’s end.