Steelers receiver George Pickens’ strong camp has his Rookie of the Year odds soaring

Pickens is now the OROY favorite at one sportsbook.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie receiver George Pickens had a strong showing in his preseason debut Saturday, grabbing three receptions for 43 yards and a spectacular 26-yard touchdown.

It was just the latest showing in a camp that has drawn strong praise for the second-round pick. Teammate Diontae Johnson called him a “special talent.” So, despite stiff competition for playing time in a receiving room with Johnson and Chase Claypool, Pickens is carving out a role in Pittsburgh’s offense. Bettors are taking notice.

As of Wednesday, Pickens’ odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year are +1000 at Tipico Sportsbook, sixth-shortest of any player. They’re even shorter at BetMGM, where he’s now favored at +850 — all the way down from +5000 odds to open.

Pickens is impressive, but he’ll only be as good as his quarterbacks allow him to be. Betting on him to win is almost like betting on Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, which I’m not quite ready to do. But more power to the people who moved him into the leading spot.

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