Courtland Sutton Gets Short Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds After Thomas Trade
- Demaryius Thomas’ trade to Houston creates opportunity for Sutton in Denver
- Sutton tallied season-high 78 yards in last week’s 30-23 loss to Chiefs
- Barkley, Mayfield, Darnold continue to lead way on OROY odds
Winners in just one of their past five, the Denver Broncos pulled the trigger on a trade deadline deal this week that sent veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
At first glance, the deal appears to deplete a Broncos offense that has averaged just 20 points per game in their five recent losses.
However, with Courtland Sutton expected to fill the void left by Thomas’ departure, the rookie receiver has vaulted to a +2000 bet on the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds. (See the Top 7 tab in the graph below.)
Average 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
The +2000 average odds are the shortest Sutton has seen all season. His best odds prior to this week came back on August 6th at +2500.
It’s quite a jump when you consider only one wide receiver has seen shorter odds, and that’s Calvin Ridley, who now looks up at Sutton on the leaderboard.
Odds to Win Offensive Rookie of the Year
| Player | Position | Team | Odds to win OROY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saquon Barkley | RB | NYG | -265 |
| Baker Mayfield | QB | CLE | +500 |
| Sam Darnold | QB | NYJ | +500 |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | DEN | +2000 |
| Kerryon Johnson | RB | DET | +2000 |
| Sony Michel | RB | NE | +2000 |
Sutton Poised to Take Over WR2 Role in Denver
Selected 40th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sutton has produced solid results in his NFL debut, despite seeing limited targets.
The 23-year-old out of SMU has compiled 324 yards through his first eight appearances, including a season-high 78-yard performance in last week’s 30-23 loss in Kansas City.
Courtland Sutton was already dominating the Denver targets in the end zone, and Demaryius Thomas’ departure means he’ll get more targets everywhere else, too.
Fantasy options and their actual opportunity ($): https://t.co/jw8Vw8FIpt pic.twitter.com/EnwNvUELXd
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) October 31, 2018
Sutton’s first test as the Denver’s No. 2 receiver alongside Emmanuel Sanders will likely come this Sunday when the team plays host to the surging Houston Texans. The game pegged as a virtual pick ‘em.
Still View Sutton as an OROY Longshot
However, with the Broncos entering the second half of the season pegged as lengthy +650 longshots to reach the postseason, Sutton has a mountain to climb to emerge as a favorite to be named this year’s top offensive rookie.
Why it’s hard not to love Courtland Sutton: He follows a terrific grab by racing to the line of scrimmage.
No celebrating, no time-wasting, no flexing. Just smart situational awareness.
Stud. pic.twitter.com/BlaWSnuvWv
— Zack Kelberman (@Kelberman247) October 29, 2018
Stick to the Favorites for Now
Barring a major injury, this year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year is likely to come from among the three players who have battled for top spot on the odds all season long.
New York Giants rusher Saquon Barkley continues to lead the way as a heavy -265 bet, while rookie pivots Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold trail deadlocked at +500.
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
