2008 NFL Rookie Of The Year Odds - NFL Futures Betting Sportsbook.com

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NFL: Rookie of the Year

The Associated Press names an NFL Rookie of the Year each season, and now you can already bet on the 2008 candidates at Sportsbook.com.

In the last 10 years, a running back has won this award six times, and a quarterback and wide receiver have won it twice each. Here’s a look at the favorites.

Darren McFadden (3:1)

Oakland’s McFadden is the most hyped rookie in the league and he seems like a ‘boom or bust’ selection. There’s no denying the speed of the former Arkansas Razorback, but he has already shown he could have fumbling problems, and he will share some carries with Justin Fargas and possibly Michael Bush.

Jonathan Stewart (6:1)

Carolina was thrilled to get this exciting runner with the 13th pick in the first round. Stewart is missing the Panthers’ first minicamp due to his rehabbing toe, but he’ll be ready for training camp. Expect him to share carries with DeAngelo Williams for most of the year which will hurt his chances to win this award.

Felix Jones (8:1)

Dallas’ Jones was a first round selection out of Arkansas even though he played in the shadow of McFadden. Jones has tremendous outside speed and he’s expected to be a compliment to the bruising Marion Barber. Barber is a restricted free agent, but look for him to get an extension before training camp and get the bulk of the carries next year.

Rashard Mendenhall (8:1)

Pittsburgh was happy that Mendenhall dropped to the 23rd pick in the first round as he was expected to go higher. ‘Fast’ Willie Parker broke his fibula last year, but he’s back healthy and has run for more than 1,200 yards each of the last three seasons. Mendenhall is clearly number two on the depth chart, and he’ll only see a lot of carries if Parker has another injury.

Kevin Smith (8:1)

Smith was drafted by Detroit with the first pick in the third round out of Central Florida. All Smith did in college last year was rush for 2,567 yards and 29 touchdowns. Smith’s competition for the starting job is pretty weak as it’s mainly Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun. Thus, he provides great value at these odds.

Matt Forte (10:1)

Chicago’s second round pick from Tulane is not as well known as the running backs taken ahead of him, but he’s a great upset pick to win this award. Starter Cedric Benson recently got busted for ‘boating while intoxicated’ and his play on the field has been average at best. That means there’s a good chance that Forte will be the starter.

Matt Ryan (10:1)

Ryan was the third pick in the draft from Boston College and he’s now the face of the franchise. He’ll likely win the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback job early on in the season, but that has to do with a lack of competition. With a shaky offensive line and a poor team overall, Ryan is a longshot to win this award.