NFL Odds – Value Bets to Win Offensive Rookie of the Year

With training camps opening up nationwide, it’s never too early to look at the 2010 NFL odds.

After previously reviewing the favorites to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year, let’s today look at some value bets. Sure the odds might be long on these guys, but the payoff will be so sweet as well.

[Off topic: by the way, do you want to get a 60% bonus on your first deposit here at BetOnline? So go on JOIN NOW.]

Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams (+800): We already know what you’re thinking: How can the No. 1 overall pick in the last NFL Betting Draft be a long shot to win the Rookie of the Year? Well, have you seen the guys around him? After all, there’s a reason the Rams went 1-15 in 2009.

Last season the Rams didn’t have a receiver go over 600 yards receiving or make 50 catches, as this pass attack was ranked 28th in the NFL. If it wasn’t for Steven Jackson’s 1,416 yards rushing, there’d really be nothing to get excited about in St. Louis.

However, Bradford can change all that. He’s got a big arm and strong pocket presence, as we saw in his 2008 Heisman Trophy winning season, when he threw for over 4,700 yards and 50 touchdowns. And while some are concerned about last year’s injuries, remember that Bradford passed every physical test at the NFL Combine with flying colors.

So while Bradford might be a long shot, he’s still as good a bet as any to win the 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Don’t afraid to wager on him in the NFL odds.

Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers (+1200): The man that many saw as Bradford’s competition as the top quarterback in last year’s NFL Draft was Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen. Well, despite falling to the second round, Clausen may have also fallen into some luck in Carolina.

With the Panthers getting rid of former starter Jake Delhomme, Clausen’s only competition for snaps is last year’s late season starter Matt Moore and career back-up Hunter Cantwell. While Clausen might not start the season under center, many experts believe he’ll be there sooner rather than later.

And when he does get there, he’ll have a host of good weapons, with two 1,000 yard rushers in Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Not to mention one of the top wide receivers in the game in Steve Smith.

Remember, it was just two seasons ago that the Panthers won their division and got a first round bye in the playoffs. While that won’t happen this year, there’s still plenty of talent in Carolina. Now all they need is for Clausen to emerge as the quarterback we know he can be.

Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns (+1500): Hardesty might not be a household name to many in the NFL, but with a big rookie season, he might be the sneakiest bet in the NFL odds.

Hardesty enters 2010 with a clear path to big carries in Cleveland, as only Jerome Harrison stands between him and the starting job. And coming off a season at Tennessee last year where he rushed for 1,345 yards and 13 touchdowns in Lane Kiffin’s pro-style offense, it’s a starting job many expect him to take.

Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals (+1500): If you’re not familiar with Gresham’s name, it’s ok, he missed all of last season with a knee injury at Oklahoma.

However, remember that before the injury he was an All-American tight end, making 66 catches for 950 yards his junior year. Before the injury Gresham was projected as a top 15 pick.

The only thing keeping Gresham from being a favorite to take home this award this year is simple: Will one football be enough in Cincinnati? Remember, the Bengals already have Chad Ochocino at wide receiver, and just recently added the fast talking, touchdown catching Terrell Owens as well.

Either way, Gresham is one of the best long shot bets in the NFL odds.