The 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award is expected to be a two-horse race between Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward. Ward is the Titans' new franchise quarterback after being taken with the first overall pick, while Jeanty was the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
Chargers RB Omarion Hampton is also in the picture at +850, but my NFL picks are siding with one of the favorites on the OROY odds board.
Here are my 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year predictions, featuring a long shot bet that could have you striking gold.
NFL OROY pick: Cam Ward (+300 at FanDuel)
FanDuel is slightly favoring Ashton Jeanty (+250) over Cam Ward (+300), but there are a few reasons I'm backing the Tennessee Titans pivot over the Las Vegas Raiders new weapon.
Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards with Boise State last year, but he won't have it easy finding running room in Vegas. The Raiders have a subpar offensive line along with arguably the weakest WR corps in the league, so defenses will stack the box.
They might not even have to do that, since the Raiders are projected to be a Bottom-10 team and play in the loaded AFC West alongside the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos. That should lead to negative game scripts and fewer chances for Jeanty to run the ball.
The Titans are also expected to struggle, but that means inflated stats for Ward, who will be slinging the ball while playing from behind. It also helps that the Titans are in the AFC South, where they face Jacksonville's porous secondary twice. The Colts are also vulnerable through the air.
Ward has excellent arm talent, while his poise in the pocket and ability to make off-platform throws will help him produce even when he's under pressure.
Tennessee's offensive line has been beefed up with the signings of Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler, while 2024 first round pick JC Latham should be improved in his second year. The WR corps should also be better after the Titans added Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson to compliment No. 1 target Calvin Ridley.
Ward has looked sharp so far in the preseason, and has quickly developed chemistry with Ridley. Four of the last six Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards have gone to first-round QBs, and I expect Ward to continue that trend.
NFL OROY long shot: Matthew Golden (+2500 at bet365)
The Green Bay Packers stunned their fans by drafting a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002. That investment shows the faith they have in Matthew Golden, who only scratched the surface of his potential at college but has the tools to excel in the pros.
Golden ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.29 seconds at the NFL Combine, making him one of the fastest receivers in the league.
Green Bay has a deep WR room but has lacked a true No. 1 WR for franchise quarterback Jordan Love. Love threw the fifth-most passes 20+ yards downfield last season, which makes Golden's deep speed a perfect fit for his aggressive style.
The Packers pivot has built a rapport with Golden in training camp and has raved about the rookie saying, "He’s got very aggressive hands, he’s a smooth route runner, he’s got speed...He’s gonna be a stud.”
Christian Watson is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered at the end of last year, creating an immediate opening for Golden on the outside. The likelihood of Golden having a high target share on a team with a quality passer, makes him a tantalizing long shot at +2500.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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