2025 NFL Rookie of the Year Odds: Favorites, Sleepers & Betting Insights for Offense and Defense
Tera Roberts breaks down the latest 2025 NFL Rookie of the Year odds with top betting favorites, realistic longshots, and defensive standouts. Ashton Jeanty leads the way on offense, while Abdul Carter tops the DROY board.
Tera Roberts - June 28, 2025, 2:30 PM EDT
4 Minute Read2025 NFL Rookie of the Year Odds: Favorites, Sleepers & Betting Insights for Offense and Defense
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, the Rookie of the Year races are already taking shape. Bettors are eyeing key offensive and defensive standouts who could make an immediate impact. From three-down backs like Ashton Jeanty to defensive game-changers like Abdul Carter, there’s no shortage of talent in this rookie class. Let’s break down the latest odds, top contenders, and under-the-radar names to watch.
Favorites
- Ashton Jeanty +270
- Cameron Ward +350
- Travis Hunter +1000
Saquon Barkley was the last running back to win this award, and there’s a good reason for that. Today’s rookies often don’t have an immediate three-down back role. Jeanty is the favorite because he is the unquestioned three-down back for Vegas. He also has the benefit of receiving upside that should help him chase those Barkley, Alvin Kamara level numbers.
Ward is realistically the only quarterback who can win this year as the guaranteed starter with job security, but I’m not a fan of the odds. Ward’s rookie season should resemble that of Caleb Williams - signs of promise, but a shaky season overall.
Unlike Ward, Hunter’s odds are very appealing. The Jags have been clear that Hunter will be primarily utilized as a receiver and will also receive work on defense. While the award is offense-specific, his dual-threat contributions would likely influence voters.
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Under the right circumstances…
- Omarion Hampton +1400
- Tetairoa McMillan +1500
- TreVeyon Henderson +2200
- R.J. Harvey +3000
You could make arguments for any of the guys in this group. However, the running backs all have an uphill battle compared to Jeanty. While they can all gain control of the backfield as the season goes on, we will likely see Najee Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson and JK Dobbins contributing enough initially to make it difficult for the rookies to contend with Jeanty.
McMillan is the player I like from this tier. He has the perfect combination of potential volume as the Panthers' clear WR1, strong redzone opportunities with his strength in contested catches and a wide receiver-friendly strength of schedule.
Realistic longshots
- Quinshon Judkins +2000
- Matthew Golden +3300
- Tyler Warren +4000
Warren is the standout in this tier. He has a very realistic path towards being the Colts’ target leader. Daniel Jones is rumored to have the edge as the starter over Anthony Richardson. Jones would benefit Warren versus Richardson, who would benefit the deep threat receivers.
Not a chance
- Tyler Shough +1500
- Colston Loveland +3000
- Jaxson Dart +3500
- Kaleb Johnson +4000
- Shedeur Sanders +4000
- Emeka Egbuka +4000
You might have arguments for a few guys in this category. However, realistically, Shough simply isn’t the guy. Loveland won’t have the target share. Dart has a dreadful schedule and likely won’t start until midseason. Johnson is in a committee. Sanders is unlikely to be the immediate starter. Egbuka must contend with two of the league’s best receivers.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Abdul Carter +250
- Jalon Walker +1000
- Travis Hunter +1200
- Mykel Williams +1400
- Mike Green +1400
- Jihaad Campbell +1800
- James Pearce Jr. +1900
- Mason Graham +1900
- Malaki Starks +2000
- Shemar Stewart +2100
- Jahdae Barron +2200
- Donovan Ezeiruaku +2500
- Walter Nolen +2600
- Will Johnson +3300
Carter is the heavy favorite here with good reason. The Giants needed a significant upgrade on defense and Carter should be the standout focus point and have plenty of opportunities to post eye-popping numbers with expected struggles from the Giants’ offense. However, if you’re looking for longer odds, Barron is very intriguing. The Broncos have depth at corner but Barron is incredibly versatile and can still make an early impact. Offenses avoid Pat Surtain II at all costs. If Barron capitalizes on his opportunities, he’s an intriguing bet.
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