Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams came into this season as the prohibitive favorite to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year, but after a challenging first couple of starts in the NFL, the betting odds are changing. Arizona Cardinals wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. is now the new leader despite a quiet Week 1, as he broke out in a big win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Let’s examine some of the top contenders for the award as the field begins to define itself.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Passes Caleb Williams as Offensive Rookie of the Year Favorite
Williams did impress at times in Chicago’s Sunday Night Football loss to the Houston Texans, but the relentless pressure from DeMeco Ryans and Matt Burke’s defense proved to be too much.
The first overall pick completed 62.2% of his passes for 174 yards, both steps up from figures of 48.3% and 93 yards a week ago. But Williams threw two interceptions after playing turnover-free ball in his debut. Notably, the Bears lost this week after the defense fueled a massive comeback on opening day.
LOCKSMITH ON LOCK 🔐
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/ac2b2Vprzu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Harrison took a definitive step up this week.
After catching just one pass for 4 yards in his pro debut, Harrison caught four balls for 130 yards and a pair of scores this week.
Marv down there somewhere pic.twitter.com/iPa9UVsfOM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 15, 2024
As per DraftKings Sportsbook on Sunday Night after the Bears game, Harrison’s odds to win the award were +250 with Williams right behind at +275. Williams is actually level with the quarterback picked right behind him, Washington’s Jayden Daniels.
Jayden Daniels’ Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Daniels has gotten off to a nice start. He’s completed 75.5% of his passes for 410 yards and has a 97.2 passer rating. Daniels hasn’t thrown a touchdown, but he also hasn’t been picked off, and he’s rushed for 132 yards and a pair of scores.
MORE: NFL Power Rankings Week 3
However, Daniels may have durability issues — he’s only listed at 209 pounds despite his 6’4″ height, and he already missed a couple of snaps after taking a tough hit against the New York Giants this Sunday.
Daniels’ Commanders are also not likely to win too many games, and team success can, unfortunately, be a key component to a quarterback’s resume for these types of awards.
Daniels’s old top receiver might have a good case as well.
Malik Nabers’ Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Malik Nabers, who was on the other side in Daniels’ last game, broke out for 127 receiving yards and a touchdown on 10 catches after debuting with five catches for 66 yards.
His Giants, who lost to the Commanders, should be playing from behind just about every week, necessitating a pass-heavy script that could mean lots of value on Nabers’ +800 odds.
Xavier Worthy’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Xavier Worthy is another wideout worth watching.
Worthy didn’t have a big Week 2, but neither did anyone else on the Chiefs’ offense. A player with his speed — Worthy ran an NFL Combine-record 4.21-second 40-yard dash — can really thrive with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Worthy end the year as the top receiver on an elite contending team.
At +1200 odds, a flyer on Worthy isn’t a bad idea for high-volume bettors looking to diversify.
Brian Thomas’ Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
However, the best value on a receiver might be with yet another member of the 2023 LSU Tigers team, Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas finished just behind Nabers in terms of yards and catches last year, but actually scored more touchdowns. He had a nice debut with four catches for 47 yards, including a beautiful play for his first NFL touchdown, and he followed it up with four more catches and 94 yards in a tough loss to the Cleveland Browns.
MORE: Week 3 NFL Picks and Predictions
Thomas might have to fight for targets a bit more than Harrison or Nabers, but he’s in what could be a very solid offense with a quarterback in Trevor Lawrence who seems to already trust him.
With +3000 odds, Thomas is a better value than any of the “big three” of Harrison, Williams, and Daniels, who own by far the shortest odds.