The Rookie of the Year race is the Jets’ to lose at this point. Fourth overall pick, Ahmed ‘Sauce’ Gardner is the heavy favorite to take home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. On the offensive side of the ball, Garrett Wilson has put himself in a great position to steal the award at this point in the season.
There are other names in contention as well. We’ll take a look at these award races and provide the best bets from NY sportsbooks.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Sauce Gardner has proven himself as the difference maker in the Jets’ secondary. He’s been making big plays for the team all year, and he appears right in line to be awarded for it. Gardner has 2 picks on the year and leads the NFL with 15 pass breakups.
Tariq Woolen and Aiden Hutchinson are the only other guys in this race with a remote chance. Woolen was drafted in the 5th round by the Seahawks and is tied for first in the NFL in interceptions with 6. Woolen’s impact playmaking has garnered him some attention but he’s still a long shot to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Aiden Hutchinson was the second overall pick in last spring’s draft. The defensive end has not disappointed, accounting for 6 sacks so far which is twice as much as any other rookie. Hutchinson’s ability to rush the passer will be something that keeps him in the league for years to come.
Best Defensive Rookie of the Year Betting Odds:
| Sauce Gardner | -500 (DraftKings) |
| Tariq Woolen | +550 (BetRivers) |
| Aiden Hutchinson | +900 (BetRivers) |
Offensive Rookie of the Year
This race doesn’t feature a Jet as a favorite but it does feature a Jet in the mix. Garrett Wilson has proven himself as an invaluable member of this Jets offense. He’s done even better since Mike White took over quarterback duties, helping the receiver gain steam in this race. If he keeps up his play with White under center, he should end up winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker is the favorite. Walker is a big reason why the Seahawks are having a surprisingly good season. The second-round pick has accounted for over 750 yards from scrimmage but has slowed down a bit recently. Walker’s recent underwhelming performances have helped other guys gain ground on him.
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has stepped up his game in recent weeks. After starting the season slowly, Watson has caught 7 touchdowns in his last 4 games. Watson’s recent breakout performances have created drama in this race, as the receiver looks to make a late-season Offensive Rookie of the Year push.
Chris Olave has the 4th best odds, yet he leads rookies in receiving yards. Olave looks like he’ll be the first receiver in his class to break the 1,000-yard mark. The Saints rookie isn’t getting as much respect from oddsmakers because of his team’s record. The 4-9 Saints are out of a playoff spot and appear more concerned about what the draft might hold.
Best Offensive Rookie of the Year Betting Odds:
| Kenneth Walker | +225 (Caesars) |
| Garrett Wilson | +280 (Caesars) |
| Christian Watson | +350 (FanDuel) |
| Chris Olave | +1600 (FanDuel) |
Any Best Bets?
Sauce Gardner is the best bet for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. However, you won’t be able to find good value for him, as he’s a massive favorite. As long as he plays out the remainder of the season he should be a lock to win this award.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year award is much more interesting. Garrett Wilson and Christian Watson are good picks here. Each of them appears to be a good performance combined with a bad performance from Kenneth Walker away from becoming a top candidate. Chris Olave has remarkably long odds on FanDuel but doesn’t appear to have a great shot because of the Saints’ poor record.
Whose team makes the playoffs could end up being a difference maker. Jets fans are pleased to see their team still in it. They currently hold the 7th and final playoff spot in the AFC. The Seahawks are in the mix as well, as they hold the 7th spot in the NFC. Because it’s so tight, it will most likely come down to who plays better the rest of the way.
The future is bright for the New York Jets. Not only do they have the potential Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year but also a young running back that has plenty of star potential. If Breece Hall had not gotten hurt he would have been in the mix to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Jets fans have waited a long time to have the kind of rookie class that the 2022 season has provided.
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