NFL Rookie of the Year Odds, Favorites & Predictions for 2023-24: Offensive & Defensive Categories
NFL Rookie of the Year 2023-24 odds & predictions, encompassing both the offensive & defensive categories. Plus a summary of candidates, favorites & futures.
*Editors Note: These were the betting lines for NFL Rookie of the Year odds heading into the final week of the 2023-24 regular season. For more information and tips on the postseason, be sure to check out our 2024 NFL Playoffs page.*
The NFL continues to reign supreme in terms of the sports world, whether it’s the season itself, the awards presented and even the NFL draft. Two of those coincide with each other in terms of the players selected in the NFL Draft and two specific awards.
That would be the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. We’re here to break down the current NFL Rookie of the Year odds for both sides of the ball and even provide our NFL Rookie of the Year predictions. After going through the NFL Rookie of the Year candidates and NFL Rookie of the Year favorites, we’ll also outline some stats and trends.
So, stick with us as we take you through everything involved in NFL Rookie of the Year betting.
Current NFL Rookie of the Year Odds
As mentioned, the NFL Rookie of the Year odds are split into two separate categories - NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds. It provides the opportunity for a player on each side of the ball to win the award, which makes sense given the probability it would go to an offensive player far more often than a defensive player.
The 2023-24 season is littered with NFL Rookie of the Year candidates, so let’s break down each side of the NFL Rookie of the Year odds separately.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year 2023-24 Odds
Let’s get started with the latest NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, which are provided by DraftKings Sportsbook:
- CJ Stroud -1200
- Puka Nacua +450
- Bijan Robinson +12000
- Jahmyr Gibbs +15000
- Zay Flowers +15000
- Sam LaPorta +15000
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 2023-24 Odds
Next up, we have the latest NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds at DraftKings Sportsbook below:
- Jalen Carter -1000
- Will Anderson +400
- Devon Witherspoon +6000
- Brian Branch +6000
- Yaya Diaby +7000
Betting on the NFL Rookie of the Year Awards
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NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates for 2023-24: Who Are the Favorites?
We outlined a few of the top NFL Rookie of the Year favorites in terms of offense here:
Bijan Robinson Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds (+12000 at DraftKings)
It’s not often that we see a running back leading the way in terms of the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, especially by a significant margin. However, it’s also not often we see an RB drafted so early - eighth overall. The Texas product absolutely carried the Longhorns not just in his senior year, but since 2018.
Robinson is a perfect balance of speed and power and possesses great patience and overall instinct. Not only that, but he’s expected to be an every-down back given his ability as a pass catcher. The expectation is another Saquon Barkley-type back, which is certainly high praise.
Bryce Young Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds (+20000 at DraftKings)
Another one of the quarterbacks in terms of the NFL Rookie of the Year favorites before the season began was Bryce Young out of Alabama. He was the #1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers after they traded up with the Chicago Bears for the selection.
There are no concerns with Young’s ability to make all the throws, but rather with his size. At just 5-foot-10 and a generous 200 pounds, that was thought to be the only factor holding him back. The Panthers decided otherwise and instead focused on his quick release and high football IQ. His odds have since been taken off the board.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Predictions: Who Will Win in 2023-24?
Now that we’ve gone over some of the NFL Rookie of the Year candidates, what about our NFL Rookie of the Year predictions? Based on the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, nothing jumps out as a major surprise. Robinson has been the top RB candidate for four years now, and the rest of the NFL Rookie of the Year favorites in terms of offense are QBs, which is normally the expected winner.
There’s no denying that Young has proven himself to be a winner that can make all the throws, but until we see his size in action in the NFL, it’s difficult to back him to win the award. Similarly, the Panthers no longer have Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, and lack a stellar receiving core.
However, one of the NFL Rookie of the Year candidates does have a great situation around him. That would be Zay Flowers, who, right off the bat, has arguably the best QB in the NFL next to him - Lamar Jackson. As if that wasn’t enough, he has some strong teammates in the receiving corps led by Mark Andrews.
Even with Odell Beckham Jr. now in Baltimore, we still see Flowers among the top favorites. The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds for Flowers are even more generous at other sportsbooks, so make sure to join each of the ones we outlined above for the best price.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year 2023-24: Long-Shot Candidates to Watch
While we’ve been focusing on the NFL Rookie of the Year favorites, the NFL Rookie of the Year odds also present great longshot options. In terms of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, we’re looking at Will Levis out of Kentucky.
There were talks all the way up to draft night itself that he could be the potential #2 overall pick. While that didn’t come to fruition, he’s a polarizing player who could truly outshine all expectations. The word is his minicamps with the Tennessee Titans haven’t gone perfectly, but there’s still time to learn.
Under a great head coach like Mike Vrabel and playing the QB position, Levis is absolutely on our radar as a longshot given the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds and the fact that the Titans may have QB Ryan Tannehill on a short leash.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates for 2023-24: Who Are the Favorites?
Now, let’s swap to the defensive side of the ball. Below are a few of the NFL Rookie of the Year favorites, which certainly start out with pass rushers:
Jalen Carter Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds (-1000 at DraftKings)
Speaking of pass rushing, the overall leader regarding the NFL Rookie of the Year odds is Jalen Carter out of Georgia. The only true concern with the defensive lineman was off-the-field issues, but that forced him to drop to a great team in the Philadelphia Eagles.
He checks all the boxes in terms of on-the-field attributes, and we already saw him throw around NFL offensive lineman in Week 1. Carter also has a great first step to explode off the ball, several moves in his toolbox to get around and through offensive lineman and is strong enough to defeat double teams.
Will Anderson Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds (+400 at DraftKings)
Another pass rusher atop the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds is the same player that was the first defensive player off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft. In fact, the Houston Texans traded up to draft the former Alabama linebacker #3 overall.
That was after drafting QB CJ Stroud #2 overall, demonstrating just how much they wanted Anderson. He’s a true old school linebacker that has a quick first step to deliver huge blows while also having the necessary new school tools such as good hands. Along with being a strong pass rusher, Anderson is as versatile as it gets.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Predictions: Who Will Win in 2023-24?
We provided our NFL Rookie of the Year predictions for the offensive side of the ball, so of course we have NFL Rookie of the Year predictions for the defense as well. We aren’t surprised to see Anderson near the top, but it’s difficult to find value for him.
Given the position he plays in the middle of the defense, it’s a bit more difficult to stand out in the current spread-you-out NFL. However, that makes it all the more important to be able to rush the passer, so our NFL Rookie of the Year predictions are focused on Carter.
Not only was he drafted by the Super Bowl runners up in the Eagles, but he’ll be rejoining former Georgia teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. That should help make his transition seamless while also having another great pass rusher for offenses to worry about in Josh Sweat. With such a strong defensive unit overall, Carter could be freed up to really pad his stats in his rookie season.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 2023-24: Long-Shot Candidates to Watch
Now that we have our top NFL Rookie of the Year predictions, there is also long-shot value in the NFL Rookie of the Year odds for defense. In that regard, we’re looking at Emmanuel Forbes. While we’ve been focusing on pass rushers for the NFL Rookie of the Year favorites, cornerback would be next on the list in terms of priority.
We saw four drafted in the first round alone, the second of which was Forbes. The Mississippi State product was even selected before Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, who was expected to be ahead of him. Forbes will be joining the Washington Commanders, who have a strong pass. That generally allows the backend guys like Forbes to shine by forcing bad throws that can lead to interceptions.
How the NFL Rookie of the Year is Decided
The NFL Rookie of the Year award for both offense and defense is voted on by a panel of 50 members of the Associated Press (AP) following the end of the regular season but before the playoffs. It’s also interesting to note that this has been the case since 1957 for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and since 1967 for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Trends & Statistics for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
When it comes to making NFL Rookie of the Year predictions, there is much more involved than just looking at the NFL Rookie of the Year odds. As you’d expect, when it comes to the offensive side of the ball, it is generally QBs that lead the way.
As for the NFL Rookie of the Year favorites for defense, the focus is primarily pass rushers and defensive backs, as they have the ability to put up big numbers in significant statistics such as sacks, fumbles and interceptions. While some NFL Rookie of the Year candidates may prove to have more impact for a team, the fact remains that the stats are needed to back up winning the award.
NFL Teams With Most Rookie of the Year Winners
Before we dive into which teams have the most NFL Rookie of the Year winners, it’s important to note that this is for both offensive and defensive awards:
- Detroit Lions: 7
- Los Angeles Rams: 6
- New York Jets: 6
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 6
On the flip side, there are teams with no NFL Rookie of the Year winners, again including both offensive and defensive:
Past 10 Winners of the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award
Now that we’ve taken a look at NFL Rookie of the Year winners by team, let’s check out the most recent, beginning with the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. We have not only the winners, but also the team, their record that season and player’s position:
| Year | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Garrett Wilson | New York Jets (7-10) | Wide Receiver |
2021 | Ja’Marr Chase | Cincinnati Bengals (10-7) | Wide Receiver |
2020 | Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) | Quarterback |
2019 | Kyler Murray | Arizona Cardinals (5-10) | Quarterback |
2018 | Saquon Barkley | New York Giants (5-11) | Running Back |
2017 | Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints (11-5) | Running Back |
2016 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys (13-3) | Quarterback |
2015 | Todd Gurley | St. Louis Rams (7-9) | Running Back |
2014 | Odell Beckham Jr. | New York Giants (6-10) | Wide Receiver |
2013 | Eddie Lacy | Green Bay Packers (8-7-1) | Running Back |
Past 10 Winners of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award
Finally, let’s dive into the past 10 winners of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Once again, we have the winners, team, their record that season and player position:
| Year | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Sauce Gardner | New York Jets (7-10) | Cornerback |
2021 | Micah Parsons | Dallas Cowboys (12-5) | Linebacker |
2020 | Chase Young | Washington Football Team (7-9) | Defensive Lineman |
2019 | Nick Bosa | San Francisco 49ers (13-3) | Edge Rusher |
2018 | Shaquille Leonard | Indianapolis Colts (10-6) | Linebacker |
2017 | Marshon Lattimore | New Orleans Saints (11-5) | Cornerback |
2016 | Joey Bosa | San Diego Chargers (5-11) | Defensive End |
2015 | Marcus Peters | Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) | Cornerback |
2014 | Aaron Donald | St. Louis Rams (6-10) | Defensive Tackle |
2013 | Sheldon Richardson | New York Jets (8-8) | Defensive Tackle |
FAQs
How are NFL Rookie of the Year Odds Determined?
The NFL Rookie of the Year odds are determined by each individual sportsbook following the NFL Draft. Once players are selected by the respective teams, oddsmakers use that information to determine the NFL Rookie of the Year odds to help those of us make our NFL Rookie of the Year predictions.
Can a Player Win an NFL Rookie of the Year Multiple Times?
No, as the award of the name would imply, it is available for only players in their rookie season.
Do NFL Rookie of the Year Odds Vary Across Different Sportsbooks?
Yes, the NFL Rookie of the Year odds vary depending on the sportsbook, which is why it’s very important to make sure you become a member at each of the ones we outlined in the article above!
When are the NFL Rookie of the Year Awards Announced?
The NFL Rookie of the Year award is announced during the NFL Honors presentation just prior to the playing of the Super Bowl.
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