2018 NFL Offensive Rookie – Players You Must Bet On

SportsBetting.ag Odds to Win The 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

• Saquon Barkley +175
• Baker Mayfield +550
• Sam Darnold +600
• Josh Rosen +900
• Josh Allen +1200
• Lamar Jackson +1200

There is a much longer list, but for I am only going to cover the top six players. For the full list of odds, head over to SportsBetting.ag as There is a much longer list. I am only going to cover the top six players I consider worth betting on this season. If you are looking into getting to bet on NFL football we recommend this NFL Football Betting Guide as a great resource.

Saquon Barkley: +175

Barkley is no doubt an electrifying player. His first ever NFL touch was a 39-yard gainer. However, I don’t feel like he’s too great of a bet at not even +200. For one, he already has a hamstring injury. He’s expected to be back for Week 1, but that’s never something you want to see happen to a running back, even before the regular season starts.

Let’s also not forget that New York’s offensive line has been “rebuilt.” And, the early results, well, they don’t look so promising. Even the best backs need a strong offensive line in front of them. Let’s also not forget that Jonathan Stewart could steal some goal-line touches. Or, the Giants may opt to the throw more in the red zone. That might mean fewer touchdowns for Barkley. Let’s also not forget that this team is not supposed to be very good. That’s my case against Barkley and why I don’t think he’s worth a bet at +175.

Baker Mayfield: +550

I don’t doubt Mayfield’s talent, nor that the Browns will be much improved this year. Yes, since they won zero games last season, a vast improvement might be 3-4 games. However, I wouldn’t be shocked if they won seven games. The only thing holding them back is their coaching staff. I’m not a fan of Hue Jackson, but I do think Todd Haley is a proven offensive coordinator who has had success everywhere he’s been. The offense is going to play well, but I don’t think it’s going to be with Mayfield under center.

It’s a curious choice for the Browns to take a quarterback first overall and not play him. Typically, on a team that has gone 0-16, you would give the keys to the young rookie and let him learn. But, Tyrod Taylor is an experienced quarterback with a great offensive coordinator, strong offensive line, and talented receivers. I expect him to play most of the year under center because he will be succeeding. If the Browns somehow are contenders, then Mayfield may not play a snap all season.

Sam Darnold: +600

Darnold was taken third overall by the Jets and is expected to start Week 1. It has not been officially announced, but he has played well in the preseason and has done enough to earn a spot over Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater. Darnold doesn’t have an impressive offensive cast around him, but he does have better options than Josh McCown did last season. Quincy Enunwa is back from injury. They signed Terrelle Pryor. Robbie Anderson returns. The offensive line looks poised to improve.

Then there is the Jets’ defense, which was borderline elite last season. Darnold has a lot more going for him than most of the quarterbacks on this list. He likely has a starting job Week 1. He has a dominant defense and an offense that is poised for improvement. Out of any quarterback on this list – I think Darnold makes the most sense, given his situation, and the +600 return.

Josh Rosen: +900, Josh Allen: +1200, & Lamar Jackson: +1200

All these guys may turn out to be solid quarterbacks in their careers, but for several reasons, I don’t like them to take down the offensive rookie of the year. The Cardinals took Josh Rosen as their quarterback of the future, but the rookie hasn’t played much in the preseason and is firmly behind Sam Bradford on the depth chart. Bradford, for those who follow the NFL extensively, is made of glass. He’s had more injury issues than any decent QB of recent memory.

Still, an injury to Bradford isn’t a clear path for a strong season for Allen. The Cardinals have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Their receiving corps is depleted, minus Larry Fitzgerald and they’re in one of the toughest divisions in football. I’ll pass. Josh Allen was sacked five times in his first start for the Bills, in a single half. He then was removed from the game due to a concussion scare. Sean McDermott still hasn’t named a starter for the Bills just yet, but it could easily be Nathan Peterman, who has played better than Allen. Allen also has to face A.J. McCarron in competition for starting duties.

Once again though, even if Allen was given the starting job on a plate – Buffalo is not a place to succeed. They may be the worst team in the AFC at the end of the season. I want no part in any of their quarterbacks, regardless of who is under center. This one needs to be closer to +2000 even to consider betting Allen.

Finally, Lamar Jackson has the best situation out of any quarterback on this list. However, I don’t think the Ravens will be making a change at quarterback. Barring a Flacco injury, Jackson won’t be taking many snaps under center. He’s also been remarkably durable. Flacco has only missed six games in his entire career. Jackson has the most upside on this list, but unless Flacco has the worst season of his career or gets hurt – he’s not going to see the field.

Joseph Falchetti is the author of the blog, most picks, and the majority of content on Safest Betting Sites. Joe has an extensive background as a writer and gambler of all types. He was a professional poker player and sports bettor for eight years until he decided to make the switch to writing sports gambling content, especially about American football betting.