NFL Preview: Handicapping the Race for Offensive Rookie of the Year

The NFL season is just a few weeks from kicking off and it’s always interesting to see how the rookies play.

Betmania has released the odds for both offensive and defensive rookie of the year.  Bet Mania is offering a FREE $50 bet on any preseason game. All you have to do is sign up and use the NFL preseason promo code: REGAW and they will put the $50 in your account to wager on preseason games.

Here are the following rookies that have the best odds to walk away with the hardware in 2010.

Favorites:

Ryan Matthews (Running Back, San Diego Chargers)

Odds to win rookie of the year 4.5 to 1

Matthews recently signed a five-year deal with the Chargers, which is good news because he has barely missed any training camp.

Matthews will step right in and take over for the departed LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers traded up for Matthews in the draft because they realize his potential as a workhorse back. In an offense like the Chargers have, Matthews should flourish and is a favorite to bring home ROY honors.

Dez Bryant (Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys)

Odds to win rookie of the year 4.5 to 1

Bryant suffered an injury during training camp that will keep him out the entire preseason. Once he gets on the field he should have a very successful season in the Cowboys' high powered offense. Bryant is capable of making big plays every time he touches the ball. The only concern is that a high ankle sprain is a tough injury to recover from.

Contenders:

C.J. Spiller (Running Back, Buffalo Bills)

Odds to win rookie of the year 8 to 1

Spiller held out and got the big money he was looking for and is ready to make an immediate impact for the Bills. Injures have opened the door for him to be the main man in the Bills backfield. Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch both were injured early in the preseason and Spiller should get the bulk of the carries. The only downside to backing Spiller is that the Bills have limited talent around him.

Sam Bradford (Quarterback, St. Louis Rams)

Odds to win rookie of the year 8 to 1

Bradford is fully recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him in his last year at Oklahoma and he is ready to play. Since he was a number one draft pick, and the future face of the franchise, Bradford will get the snaps and a chance to put up some big numbers.

The only downside on backing Bradford to win the award is that he is not slated to be the starter on opening day. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo has repeatedly stated that A.J. Feeley is the team’s starting QB.

Longshots:

Dexter McCluster (Wide Reciever, Kansas City Chiefs)

Odds to win rookie of the year 10 to 1

The Chiefs list McCluster as a receiver on their roster, but after his first preseason game it is obvious they tend to use him in many different roles. In that game he ran the ball five times for 25 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards. While preseason is not a safe measuring stick its obvious McCluster will be a dual threat and the Chiefs will have big plans for the rookie. The big concern is that right now the Chiefs have a crowded backfield and it may be hard to get McCluster the carries he needs.

Tim Tebow (Quarterback, Denver Broncos)

Odds to win rookie of the year 20 to 1

If the rookie of the year was based on hype, Tebow would be a lock to win the award. Tebow is so hyped that even members of the media are asking for autographs. Tebow looked great in his preseason debut and ran a flawless two-minute drill. However, he was playing against the last unit for the Bengals and this was the preseason.

The biggest concern with Tebow winning the award is that he will not start for the Broncos. I am sure that broncos head coach Josh McDaniel will find ways to get him involved in the offense, but don’t look for big numbers in his first year.

Honorable Mention:

Jahvid Best (Running back Detroit Lions, Odds: 6 to 1)

Jimmy Clausen (Quarterback, Carolina Panthers, Odds: 10 to 1)

My pick to win the award is Ryan Matthews. He has a superb offense around him and will get plenty of chances to make plays.

This year provides a great rookie class and it will be entertaining to see how they do in 2010.

Other 2010 NFL Previews:

Favorites to win the Super bowl

Six Sleeper Teams that can show up at Super bowl XLV