The preseason is close to completion and as we head into the final roster cuts it is time to have a look at the season specials.
Offensive rookie of the year.
Ezekiel Elliot seems the overwhelming favourite for this quoted at 10/11 with Dak Prescott 9/2 closely behind. Both are great talents, however, with two rookie starters for the first 6-10 weeks don’t expect these two to set Dallas’ world alight straight away. Jared Goff 7/1 not looking spectacular pre season is a worry and Derrick Henry 20/1 although talented is likely to see Demarco Murray take the majority of snaps. Of all the also rans behind Zeke, Corey Coleman 16/1 seems to have the highest upside, playing opposite ODB jr he should see off an injury prone Victor Cruz for the WR2 spot on the Giants and make some waves. As an outside bet, Laremy Tunsil 100/1 (at Ladbrokes, most places has him at 40/1) has pro bowl talent and should start from day 1.
Recommend – 5pts on Zeke Elliott – 6/4 (Betfair) – 2pts on Corey Coleman – 16/1 (Ladbrokes) – 2pts on Laremy Tunsil – 100/1 (Ladbrokes)
Passing Yards
Unsurprisingly Drew Brees 6/1 heads this category, having been top of the pile 3 out of the last 4 seasons. Ben Roethlisberger 11/2 joint top in 2014 joins at the top of the pile. Matt Ryan looks overpriced at 17/2 and should be avoided with Phillip Rivers 10/1 over 4000 yds for 7 of the last 8 seasons looking better value. Beyond these three do not expect many to make a run for the passing crown. As an outside bet consider two young teams headed in the right direction with Blake Bortles 25/1 and Derek Carr 33/1 heading young talented offenses.
Recommend – 5pts on Brees – 6/1 (Paddypower or BetVictor) 2pts EW Bortles 25/1 (Skybet)
Receiving Yards
There is elite #1 talent at the wide receiver position across the NFL. Antonio Brown 9/2, Julio Jones 11/2, ODB 10/1 and DeAndre Hopkins 10/1 lead the way with the odds makers. Out of the four I would stick to Antonio Brown for the title, OBJ depends on which Eli Manning shows up this year, Julio Jones has lost his #2 receiver in Roddy White and will have to give way to yards from Devonta Freeman and I am not sold on the Texans as an offensive power being able to get the ball to Hopkins enough. Outside of Antonio Brown, Dez Bryant 25/1 has lost his QB, Alshon Jeffery 25/1 depends on Jay Cutler and the rest are not showing signs of setting the world alight. As outside bets look to AJ Green 16/1 and Jordy Nelson 14/1 with both looking to return to form.
Recommend – 5pts on Antonio Brown 9/2 (WillHill) – 2pts EW on AJ Green (16/1 most places)
Rushing Yards
Adrian Peterson 11/2 and Todd Gurley 7/1 lead the way on the ground. Peterson is getting up there in age at 31, since 1990 only 2 players over 30 have rushed for over 1500yds. If the Rams are to make any headway then the weight will fall with Todd Gurley, I would take him over Peterson for the crown. Similarly Ezekial Elliot 9/1 may be run into the ground as the Cowboys did with DeMarco Murray 2 seasons ago and may be good value. Of the rest, Doug Martin 9/1 looks overpriced, LeVeon Bell 14/1 will miss at least 3 games and should be avoided. As outsiders, Jamaal Charles 20/1 coming off an injury shortened 2015, CJ Anderson 25/1 playing with a Rookie QB and Devonta Freeman 33/1 look like good each way value.
Recommend – 5pts on Gurley 7/1 (Coral) – 2pts EW on Freeman – 40/1 (Skybet)
Summary –
Win – 5 pts each –
- Ezekiel Elliot – 6/4 (Betfair)
- Drew Brees – 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Antonio Brown – 9/2 (WillHill)
- Todd Gurley – 7/1 (Coral)
Outsiders – 2pts EW (EW unavailable on OROTY so 2 singles)
- Corey Coleman – 16/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Laremy Tunsil – 100/1 (Ladbrokes)
- Blake Bortles – 25/1 (SkyBet)
- AJ Green – 16/1 (Most places)
- Devonta Freeman – 40/1 (Skybet)
Total Outlay – 36pts
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