NFL season win totals as well as odds to win the division, conference and Super Bowl have been out for weeks. We have plenty of time to examine those. But what’s new on the NFL lines at sportsbooks in the wake of last week’s draft in Chicago is wagering on the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Let’s break down the favorites.
A Look at the 2016 Best NFL Odds To Bet Right Now
Jared Goff, Rams quarterback (+200): The now Los Angeles Rams gave up a fortune in draft picks to Tennessee to move up from No. 15 to No. 1 and take the franchise quarterback in Goff they have lacked probably since Kurt Warner. Goff does not have some of the traditional hallmarks of a No. 1 overall pick. He didn’t rack up wins in college, and he doesn’t have an absolute cannon for an arm. Already, coach Jeff Fisher has said the goal if for Goff to start Week 1. And I’m sure he will since the only other option is journeyman Case Keenum. Over the last 10 years, there were five quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall who started their season opener. None of them won the game, and only Cam Newton and Sam Bradford (of the Rams) played reasonably well. But will Goff put up big numbers to win this award? That I doubt since the Rams will run the ball a lot with Todd Gurley, last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. They also don’t have very good receivers. A QB hasn’t won Offensive Rookie of the Year since Robert Griffin III in 2012. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys running back (+250): The Cowboys needed help on defense in the worst way and already have two solid running backs in Darren McFadden and Albert Morris, but they went with Elliott at No. 4 in the draft. After the first round, the Cowboys defended their decision by saying Elliott would improve more than just their offense — they also believe Elliott will aid their defense. Elliott was terrific the past two seasons for Ohio State and was clearly the top running back in this draft and the only one to go in Round 1. Here’s what Cowboys Hall of Famer said about Elliott: “Well, he is better (than me) in the context of his speed, he’s faster.” Wow! The Cowboys have the NFL’s best offensive line so they are going to run the ball. But Elliott will have to share some touches at first. Derrick Henry, Titans running back (+700): He proved to be a powerful, physical running back last season, running 395 times for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdown en route to winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Alabama to the national championship. Tennessee surprised many by taking Henry in the second round considering the Titans traded for DeMarco Murray this offseason. Henry is primarily a north-south power back with very little agility and wiggle to his game, but few backs in recent years are better when it comes to blasting through tackles. When Titans first-year general manager Jon Robinson called Henry to welcome him to the team, he told the rookie he’d be part of Thunder and Thunder working with Murray. That said, Henry doesn’t offer much of anything different than what Murray already brings to the table. And Murray is going to get the majority of carries. Corey Coleman, Browns receiver (+750): This guy should play a lot from Day 1 for Cleveland because it is so weak at receiver. Cleveland grabbed him at No. 15 after trading down from No. 2 to No. 8 and then from No. 8 to 15. Coleman (5-11, 190) won the 2015 Biletnikoff Award after catching 74 passes for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns. But the question is whether Coleman created those numbers himself or if he’s a product of a system that led the nation in scoring. Coleman’s real value is his ability to make players miss. It marks the first time Cleveland have selected a wide receiver in the first round since 2005 (Braylon Edwards).Jared Goff (@JaredGoff16) will wear No. 16 | https://t.co/G3Ti4p399X pic.twitter.com/W4SojyExNl
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 5, 2016
