The 2021 NFL season is approaching, and several teams will count on rookies to contribute in major fashion. The No. 1 overall pick was Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, who likely will be the team’s starting quarterback beginning Week 1. Who will end up being the league’s best offensive rookie? Below, we look at the odds to be named the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with NFL picks, predictions and best bets.
Last year’s winner was Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert. The previous year, it was Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray.
In fact, history suggests the rookie of the year will either be a quarterback or running back. It has been the case each of the last six years and 10 out of the last 11.
In fact, dating back to 1987, it has been a quarterback or running back all but nine times. The other nine times it has been a wide receiver. A tight end has never won it.
Who are the best bets for the award this year? Read on.
2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year picks
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:15 a.m. ET.
Pick 1: Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (+280)
Herbert and Murray were the last two winners. Murray started from Week 1 and was dynamic. Lawrence is considered the most talented quarterback prospect in some time. Of all the potential rookie starting quarterbacks, Lawrence is the most likely to start all year.
Pick 2: Pittsburgh Steelers Najee Harris (+550)
The running back position is one of the easiest to excel at as a rookie. He is the top back for the Steelers, who will rely on him to take the load of the offense off QB Ben Roethlisberger. He is the most talented back among the rookies and will have heavy usage.
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Pick 3: San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance (+550)
What makes Lance a good bet is the talent around him. The 49ers were in the Super Bowl two years ago. While he appears to be the least likely of the first-round quarterbacks to start early, Jimmy Garoppolo has a history of getting hurt. The 49ers have the best offensive scheme for him to succeed, and he has talent around him.
Pick 4: San Francisco 49ers RB Trey Sermon (+2000)
Head coach Kyle Shanahan might have the best running scheme in the NFL, considering the production he gets from seemingly lesser-talented players at the position. He is following in the footsteps of his father Mike Shanahan, who seemed to make different Pro Bowl running backs every other year.
While Shanahan hasn’t leaned on one back for the load, he hasn’t had a player like Sermon, who is physical. If you are looking for a long shot with a big payout, Sermon might be the guy.
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Pick 5: Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts (+750)
This seems like a throwaway as no tight end has ever won it. However, there has never been a more athletic player at the position. The Falcons typically have a prolific passing attack, and they no longer have Julio Jones. WR Calvin Ridley will be the primary target, and Pitts is likely going to become QB Matt Ryan’s favorite target.
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