This week has been an exciting one around the NFL. Each of the 32 teams had to cut down to reach the 53-man roster limit, meaning some surprising names were released. However, the most shocking move came when the New England Patriots released former 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton, who was expected to be their starting quarterback once again in 2021. The emergence of 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones in training camp and the preseason ultimately led to Newton’s release. Now, the rookie signal-caller is BetOnline’s favorite to be named 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year at +250 odds.
Fans were shocked at how well Jones has played this preseason, especially after some thought he’d need a year or two before he was NFL-ready. Nevertheless, he’s been everything that the Patriots hoped he’d be — just ahead of schedule. Through three preseason games, Jones went 36-for-52 on throwing attempts and finished with 389 passing yards and a touchdown. While those statistics may not blow anyone away, he was safe and accurate with the bell and, most importantly, looked comfortable in a starter’s role.
The Patriots are fielding a great team around Jones and there’s no better coach to learn from than Bill Belichick. If he can have the same influence on his rookie quarterback as he did for Tom Brady many moons ago, New England is in good shape going forward. Considering how the Patriots made it clear throughout the offseason that they want to compete this year, that should put Jones in a good spot to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Updated 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Odds via BetOnline as of September 2, 2021
- Mac Jones (+250)
- Trevor Lawrence (+400)
- Zach Wilson (+450)
- Justin Fields (+750)
- Trey Lance (+750)
- Najee Harris (+900)
- Kyle Pitts (+1200)
- Ja’Marr Chase (+2500)
- Javonte Williams (+2500)
- DeVonta Smith (+3300)
- Elijah Moore (+3300)
- Trey Sermon (+3500)
Complete odds list is available at BetOnline.ag.
Trevor Lawrence OROY Odds
Before Jones was named as the Patriots No. 1 quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was favored to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. After all, he was just selected first overall at the 2021 NFL Draft and had tons of hype surrounding him even before that.
There’s a reason why Lawrence was favored so long and that’s because of the long list of accomplishments he racked up with the Clemson Tigers. He recorded over 10,000 passing yards and 90 touchdowns in 35 career collegiate games, winning a national championship and several other individual accolades along the way. It’s just hard finding a more NFL-ready quarterback than Lawrence is, which is why his odds to win this award are as good as they are.
Lawrence also looked strong throughout his limited appearances during Jacksonville’s three preseason games. The rookie signal-caller went 31-for-44 during that span, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Even if he has the second-best NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds right now, a strong start to the campaign could shift the odds back into Lawrence’s favor. After all, the Jaguars should be trailing a lot throughout the regular season, which means the rookie gunslinger could see a lot of playing time.
Zach Wilson NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
At +450 odds, New York Jets QB Zach Wilson has the next best shot at being named Offensive Rookie of the Year. The 2021 second overall pick is entering the NFL following a breakout collegiate season that saw him throw for 3,692 passing yards and 33 TDs to three interceptions in just 12 games. While those numbers would be hard to put up as a rookie in the NFL, the Jets are hoping that he could one day get there as their quarterback of the future.
Nevertheless, Wilson looks calm and confident as New York’s starting quarterback. He only appeared in two preseason games, but still went 15-for-20 on passing attempts for 191 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It’ll be interesting to see how he fairs in the regular season, especially with how poor the Jets played last year. Still, Robert Saleh’s coaching staff is in charge now and it appears as if Wilson has competent pass-catchers surrounding him. Only time will tell if all of that is enough to be named 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
