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With the 2023 NFL Draft officially in the books, it's a perfect time to check out the latest odds for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, as we have a star-studded class of rookies who will make some noise this season.
At this time last year, there wasn't much excitement surrounding the 2022 rookie class. But as we saw them play throughout the regular season, it was clear that the class was loaded with good players (Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Kenneth Walker, Isaih Pacheco, Brock Purdy, etc.). Last season, New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson won Offensive Rookie of the Year, posting 83 receptions (147 targets) for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns.
Wilson became the fifth wide receiver since 2000 to win OROY, which is an award heavily dominated by the quarterback and running back positions. This year, we have multiple quarterbacks and running backs that could take home the award, as Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, Panthers QB Bryce Young, and Texans QB C.J. Stroud are the top-three betting favorites, according to BetMGM.
However, we also have to be on the lookout for wild cards such as Ravens' WR Zay Flowers, Chargers' WR Quentin Johnston, Giants' WR Jaylin Hyatt, and Seahawks' RB Zach Charbonnet, who could fly up the board during the preseason and regular season. Below, we'll discuss the favorites to win the award and a couple of sleepers bettors should watch out for.
2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds: Favorites
Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons (+300). Robinson is currently the odds-on favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award after being drafted with the eighth overall pick by Atlanta last week. The former University of Texas standout will get a ton of work in his first year as head coach Arthur Smith loves to run the football. Last season, rookie RB Tyler Allgeier recorded 1,035 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 210 carries behind a so-so Falcons' offensive line.Therefore, it's no reason to think that Robinson can't exceed Allgeier's rushing yards total, despite sharing carries with the second-year RB to start the regular season. The last time a running back won OROY was in 2018, when Saquon Barkley had 1,307 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 91 receptions (121 targets) for 721 yards and four touchdowns. We don't envision Robinson used in the same capacity as a pass catcher, but with his game-breaking ability on the ground, he could have multiple 100-yard rushing games.
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers (+500). Young will try to become the third quarterback in the past five years to win OROY. Young had a decorated career at Alabama that saw him win the Heisman Trophy in 2021, along with other accolades. He completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Young followed up his Heisman-winning season with a stellar 2022 campaign, completing 64.5 percent of his passes for 3,328 yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
The 6-foot signal caller will likely be the Panthers' starting quarterback to open the season, despite the team signing veteran Andy Dalton. Young could produce quality numbers in head coach Frank Reich's system as he has a solid offensive line, a good running game, and three veteran pass catchers (Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark, and Hayden Hurst). It also helps that Carolina plays in the NFC South, which wasn't a great division last year.
2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds: Sleepers
Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens (+2000). Flowers is one of the sleepers that bettors should keep an eye on, as he'll be playing inside an offense that features Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards. The former Boston College wide receiver is explosive and can take the top off the defense, which is a perfect complement to what the Ravens already have at the position.Last season at Boston College, the 6-foot wideout posted career highs across the board with 77 receptions for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns. Even though the Ravens have been a run-heavy team for most of Jackson's career, we could see that offensive balance change with the influx of talent at receiver. At 20/1 odds, it's not a bad bet to take a chance on as receivers have won the last two OROYs (Garrett Wilson -- '22, Ja'Marr Chase -- '21).
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks (+4000). Charbonnet's odds are lower because he shares the backfield with second-year running back Kenneth Walker III, who was in the running for OROY last season. However, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll has high praise for the rookie running back and expects him and Walker III to be battling.
Carroll exclusively pointed out Charbonnet's versatility and ability to be used as a receiver out of the backfield. Last season with UCLA, the 6-foot, 220 lb. running back produced 1,359 yards and 13 touchdowns on 195 carries, along with 37 receptions for 321 yards. The Seahawks didn't use Walker in the passing game a ton last season, as he dominated on the ground (1,050 yards and nine TDs). However, it could be a quick way for Charbonnet to get on the field and create a nice 1-2 punch in Seattle's backfield this season.
More O-ROY sleepers to keep an eye on: Jaylin Hyatt, WR, Giants (+2500); Tank Bigsby, RB, Jaguars (+3000); Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears (+4000)