Why Is Jaylen Waddle Such A Longshot In NFL OROY Odds?

  • Jaylen Waddle is currently third in odds to be named the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
  • At +5750, Waddle is likely worth betting on as the probably all-time leader in rookie receptions.

MIAMIJaylen Waddle has been one of the better receivers in the NFL this season as he’s currently tied for fifth in receptions among all players.

The Case For Waddle To Be OROY

Not many rookies can be top five in the NFL in anything in their first season, barring interceptions thrown possibly. However, Waddle has been one of the top pass-catching options in the NFL with the fifth-most catches on the season (86). Yet, online gambling sites have him listed as a major longshot to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds

  • Mac Jones -440
  • Ja’Marr Chase +325
  • Jaylen Waddle +5750

Not only is Waddle on pace to be among the NFL’s best, but he’s on pace to set the all-time record for receptions as a rookie. Anquan Boldin holds the current record with 101 catches back in 2003 and Waddle now trails by just 15 receptions with four games to play.

It needs to be noted that it has been reported that Waddle has been placed on the COVID reserve list and while it’s unclear whether or not he has been vaccinated, he is now in danger of missing a game.

Would Setting The Record Be Enough?

Considering the odds, it seems as if even if Waddle sets the record it won’t matter. Mac Jones being a rookie quarterback leading the New England Patriots to the No. 1 seed in the AFC is currently much more impressive, at least in the eyes of NFL betting sites.

There was always a conversation about whether setting season-long records would hold the same weight with an added game on the schedule and it appears that it will not. Although much can change in the final month of the season, it appears as if Waddle will need to perform at an incredibly high level and both Jones and Ja’Marr Chase will need to be very unproductive for the gap to be closed.

Being on the COVID reserve list certainly doesn’t help his case, but with odds of +5750, he may be worth taking a chance on regardless.