With the arrival of 2025, the 2024 regular season has officially concluded, and we’re preparing to crown another set of rookie standouts.
As the 2024 NFL playoffs progress, several new-gen talents emerge as clear frontrunners for the prestigious trophy. This includes rookie No. 2 selection Jayden Daniels and Raiders newcomer Brock Bowers. Defensively, the story isn’t as easily told and far more unpredictable. The first 14 selections of the 2024 NFL Draft included offensive players, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this makes the DROY contest very intriguing from the outset.
Let us now review the leading prospects for the NFL Rookie of the Year as of January 2025.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Favorites
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
As a dual-threat asset, Jayden Daniels is a frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He has shattered the all-time single-season running yard record for a rookie quarterback while guiding the Commanders to the playoffs. With a completion percentage of 68.9%, a mere nine interceptions, and an unbelievable 31 touchdowns, he is a strong favorite, and most football fans expected the player to take the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
For the first time in an extended period, the Denver Broncos own a favorable perspective about the quarterback position. Novice quarterback Bo Nix has propelled the Broncos to a playoff appearance for the first time since 2015.
Nix is contributing more than enough to prevent the Denver Broncos from suffering defeats. That said, he hasn’t done it alone, as Denver’s possession of a top-five defense has contributed significantly. Regarding the stats, Nix had 34 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions, positioning him as a peripheral contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year; yet, he must deliver a near-perfect post-season form to surpass Jayden Daniels.
Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders)
Brock Bowers had a remarkable debut season as a tight end, accumulating five touchdowns and over 1,100 receiving yards despite competing in a Raiders offense that ranked 28th in scoring. He established the rookie receiving record, surpassing Puka Nacua’s previous mark. However, his season was not as robust as Daniels’.
Offensive Rookie of the Year Betting Odds
- Jayden Daniels (QB) [-20000]
- Brock Bowers (TE) [+2200]
- Bo Bix (QB) [+5000]
- Bucky Irving (RB) [+20000]
- Brian Thomas Jr. (WR) [+30000]
Regarding the latest Offensive ROTY betting odds, Jayden Daniels is running clear in terms of probability. The best betting sites bonuses are nice, but Daniel’s -20000 might be beyond any significant profitable margins.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Favorites
Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams)
Aaron Donald’s departure necessitated an immediate need for more pass-rush assistance for the Los Angeles Rams. However, Jared Verse is prepared to meet the requirements and then some. The Florida State edge rusher has consistently occupied a starting position, accumulating 66 tackles (11 TFL), 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles ahead of the Rams postseason Wild Card clash with the Vikings.
Verse is the leading candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year by a significant margin, while Mitchell and his teammate Fiske are playing catchup.
Quinyon Mitchell (Philadelphia Eagles)
Since his selection as the 22nd overall pick, Quinyon Mitchell has started every week for the Eagles’ defense. The 23-year-old has accumulated 46 tackles and 12 pass deflections, allowing just one score in coverage. However, what’s preventing him from matching Fiske and Verse is the fact that he’s still pursuing his maiden NFL interception.
Braden Fiske (Los Angeles Rams)
The Rams had significant success with their first two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, as the LA organization, even if they don’t go deep into the playoffs, will be a defensive force in seasons to come with Jared Verse, who is a prominent contender for the DROTY award, and his fellow rookie teammate Braden Fiske who is closely behind.
Fiske, the 39th overall selection in the draft, leads all rookies with 8.5 sacks and has also recorded 44 tackles (10 for loss), two recoveries, and two forced fumbles in a very strong first season.
Defensive Rookie of the Year Betting Odds
- Jared Verse (LB) [-2000]
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB) [+800]
- Chop Robinson (LB) [+3000]
- Braden Fiske (DT) [+3000]
- Tarheeb Still (CB) [+5000]
The DROY betting odds present a much lower level of volatility than its offensive counterpart. However, there is still a clear favorite at the time of writing: former Florida State star Jared Verse, who has been wreaking havoc during his LA Rams rookie season.