Injuries, veteran competition and uncertain workloads complicate the Rookie of the Year futures market before the NFL season begins
Where do the current betting favourites for NFL Rookie of the Year sit with their current teams, heading into the start of the regular season on Sept. 9?
NFL Rookie of the Year Odds 2026
On the offensive side of the ball, it starts with Jeremiyah Love, the running back with the Arizona Cardinals. In NFL betting at Betway, Love is +400.
Love, the No. 3 overall draft pick, made Arizona’s roster and goes into the season top on the depth chart; however, there is some uncertainty in terms of workload for Week 1 in Inglewood against the Chargers due to a high ankle sprain.
Carnell Tate, selected fourth overall, the wide receiver with the Tennessee Titans, is +500 at Betway, and is on the Titans’ depth chart this morning as starting wide receiver alongside Calvin Ridley and Wan’Dale Robinson.
Sharing touches with veteran receivers could limit his early volume, although Robinson is questionable for Week 1 versus the Jets after what the team feared was a concussion; media reports have now said that he didn’t suffer that.
Fernando Mendoza, also at +500, the quarterback with the Las Vegas Raiders, selected first overall in last April’s NFL Draft, had an inconsistent preseason and is down as the backup to starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, with Aidan O’Connell third on the depth chart.
Running back Jadarian Price, with the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks, at +600, made Seattle’s roster and has a major opportunity ahead of him with Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list. Price heads up a healthy backfield that also includes George Holani and Emanuel Wilson (listed as questionable this morning) as the team preps for the season opener against the Patriots on Sept. 9.
Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver with the New Orleans Saints, is +600 and made the initial roster but was placed on the injured reserve with a hamstring issue, as the team opens up its season in Detroit against the Lions Sept. 13.
On the defensive side of the ball, outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at +450, is listed as a starter and will get a lot of pass-rushing opportunities, despite dealing with an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. The Bucs open in Cincinnati against the Bengals on Sept. 13.
David Bailey, selected second overall by the Jets, is listed behind Kingsley Enagbare at left defensive end and is +500 at Betway for Rookie of the Year. His speed and pass-rushing ability should earn him plenty of snaps in Aaron Glenn’s defence, though.
Caleb Downs, at +750, the safety with the Dallas Cowboys made the roster and impressed during camp with his ability to line up in several defensive roles. The Cowboys open up in New York against the Giants, with Downs down as the starting nickel back.
Linebacker Arvell Reese, +800, was taken fifth overall by the Giants and is expected to have an immediate role in their defence starting next to Tremaine Edmunds. Reese is versatile and has already earned praise from his coach, John Harbaugh.
Sonny Styles, also a linebacker, is +850 in futures, and looks to be established in a central role for the Washington Commanders. Coach Dan Quinn has praised his speed, coverage ability and overall command, a safe bet for a sizable amount of playing time – he’s picked up enough trust from his coaches already that he’s receiving the defensive calls on the field.
NFL Rookie of the Year Picks 2026
Very little margin for error in futures wagering here, since poor team or individual performance or unexpected breakout players can reshape the market.
It’s best to sprinkle a little in these markets. I have my eye on Mendoza in Las Vegas if Cousins falters or goes down with injury.
But I think, before the season starts, it’s Styles (+850) on defence – a great combination of price, health and immediate responsibility. That communication responsibility gives him an every-down role. And Price (+600) on offence, the likely starter with the Seahawks solid betting favourites (+1000) to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
