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Offensive Rookie of the Year…
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I know they’re the Jets, but hear me out, folks — we might actually be undervaluing their rookie wide receiver, Garrett Wilson. The Jets are producing through the air like nobody’s business with Joe Flacco under center thanks to some help from the Ohio State product and show no signs of slowing down.
However, even after a really solid start to the season, his odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year (+1000) still sit behind fellow WRs Drake London and Jahan Dotson (+700).
Wilson’s first two games: 12 receptions, 154 receiving yards, 2 TD
London’s first two games: 13 receptions, 160 receiving yards, 1 TD
Dotson’s first two games: 7 receptions, 99 receiving yards, 3 TD
Make it make sense, Vegas! Meanwhile, enjoy some footage of Wilson obliterating Browns DB Martin Emerson off the line for the touchdown.
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Chiefs WR Skyy Moore was atop every fantasy football fan’s list of sleepers, but through two weeks, he hasn’t shown signs of life just yet. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of time left, however. Totaling 15 snaps in the first two games of the season when you’re competing with the likes of Marques Valdes-Scantling for reps? Ooof.
Some more odds for OROY | Jahan Dotson +700, Drake London +700, Brian Robinson Jr. +1000, Garrett Wilson +1000
The race for NFL MVP…
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You have to think the Ravens are absolutely kicking themselves for not signing QB Lamar Jackson to a long-term extension ahead of the season. Through two games, he’s has completed 64% of passes for 531 yards, 6 TDs and 1 INT for a passer rating of 120.1 (second-best in the NFL behind Patrick Mahomes).
That’s not all, though, folks! The league has, in fact, not “figured out” Jackson or the key to limiting him on the ground. In addition to his work as a passer, he currently ranks 10th in the NFL with 136 rushing yards. That’s among ALL positions in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is a cheat code and reminded all opposing defenders of that with this swanky 79-yard rushing touchdown in the open field.
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As the Bengals ship sinks, so do Joe Burrow’s chances to win NFL MVP barring a huge comeback from an 0-2 start. Though he ranks ninth among QBs in passing yards, he’s seen a big drop-off in efficiency, with just 6.0 yards per attempt and a cringe-worthy 3-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Burrow missed some time in training camp and didn’t play in the preseason as he recovered from a ruptured appendix, so it could just be that he needs to acclimate to NFL game speed again. The Bengals offensive line keeping him upright could help his case, too.
Some more odds for NFL MVP | Josh Allen +380, Patrick Mahomes +460, Justin Herbert +1000, Lamar Jackson +1200, Aaron Rodgers +1700, Jalen Hurts +1700
Comeback Player of the Year…
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There are two NFL players with the last name Robinson that FanDuel Sportsbook with odds up for Comeback Player of the Year… and neither of them go by “James.” How is that possible? James Robinson tore his Achilles in December of the 2021 season and made a miraculously quick recovery. His name should be in the mix here, at least based on what we’ve seen so far.
Through two games, Robinson is tied for the seventh-most touches among running backs and joins Nick Chubb as the only two RBs with 3+ scrimmage touchdowns. He’s got room to work in the efficiency department (averaging 3.82 yards per attempt) but if he can put the pieces together, it’ll be a story for the ages.
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Speaking of Cam Akers… He’s working on his own miraculous return from a torn Achilles, but his return hasn’t been as seamless. After playing just 12 offensive snaps in the season opener, HC Sean McVay made an effort to get him involved with 17 touches against the Falcons in Week 2. Unfortunately, those didn’t amount to much — totaling just 62 yards on the day.
As he continues to struggle with efficiency, his chances at Comeback Player of the Year feel slimmer and slimmer with each carry. Since his return late in the 2021 season, Akers has averaged just 2.43 yards per rush attempt with minimal involvement as a receiver. It’s not looking good.
More odds to win Comeback POY | Jameis Winston +600, Saquon Barkley +600, Christian McCaffrey +700, Derrick Henry +700, Brian Robinson +700
