NFL Odds 2018: Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley Favorites to Win Rookie of the Year

One week away from the start of the 2018 season, the early NFL Rookie of the Year favorites are coming into focus.

Per the latest odds from Odds Shark, New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (+175—bet $100 to win $175) and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (+225) are the betting favorites:

The Jets haven't officially announced their starting quarterback for Week 1, but all signs point to Darnold being under center. Teddy Bridgewater was traded to the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Bridgewater deal was so the Jets could "make sure" Darnold started against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 10. 

The former USC star has been solid in the preseason with a 64.4 completion percentage and two touchdowns in three games to drastically improve his odds to be named the NFL's top rookie. 

Barkley has been hindered by a hamstring injury this preseason, but the 21-year-old ripped off a 39-yard run on his first professional carry against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 9. He's listed as New York's starting running back on the official depth chart. 

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, is an interesting third choice for Rookie of the Year because there's no indication he will play soon. Head coach Hue Jackson has maintained that Tyrod Taylor will be the starter this season. 

"The better for the long-term is obvious, it's Baker," Jackson told 92.3 The Fan last month (h/t Browns Wire's Jeff Risdon). "But we signed Tyrod for a reason too, to come in and be our starter."

In fact, despite five of the top six Rookie of the Year favorites being quarterbacks, Darnold appears to be the only one in line to start when the season begins.

Josh Rosen and Sam Bradford are competing to lead the Arizona Cardinals. Josh Allen went 6-of-12 for 34 yards and was sacked five times in a preseason start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 26. Lamar Jackson is still listed as Joe Flacco's backup with the Baltimore Ravens. 

The full Rookie of the Year picture will come into clearer focus next week when all 32 teams have to set their 53-man rosters and starters are officially announced.