NFL Offseason Betting - top 5 impact offensive first-round picks
The NFL offseason betting season is in full swing with futures posted in the sportsbook, but before you start laying it down, you need to do some research. There have been plenty of transactions in free agency but the biggest impact players usually come from the draft.
Here are the top 5 impact first-round picks online betting handicappers can expect to vie for rookie of the year:
NFL Offseason betting:
- Matthew Stafford will change Lions identity
- Knowshon Moreno will get plenty of touches
- Eugene Monroe will help rebuild Jaguars power running game
1. Eugene Monroe – Jacksonville Jaguars
One thing to keep an eye on during the NFL offseason betting is which teams are improving their offensive lines and which teams are avoiding the line of scrimmage. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who are typically a power running team, went soft last year and that was really evident. Adding a mature tackle like Monroe was just one of the moves the Jags made to beef up their offensive line. The Jags potent running game should be back, and if the offensive line is creating the openings for Maurice Jones-Drew, rest assured that Monroe will get plenty of credit – and votes for rookie of the year – among the first year players.
2. Knowshon Moreno – Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have had a tumultuous offseason, but one thing that can’t be denied is that they still have a very good offensive line. Knowshon Moreno was the top running back off the board and he’ll get plenty of touches. Most NFL betting experts know that Moreno could have the best opportunity to rack up lofty stats as a rookie.
3. Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions
The NFL offseason betting landscape changed significantly when the Detroit Lions drafted Matthew Stafford. While he’ll have to compete with Daunte Culpepper, he’ll probably start from the get-go since he is the future. NFL offseason odds makers are tempering expectations from Stafford somewhat, but realistically, we’ve seen rookie quarterbacks make immediate impacts in the past (see: Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan), so don’t be surprised if Stafford looks like a leader early on.
4. Donald Brown – Indianapolis Colts
NFL offseason odds makers recognized that when the Colts drafted Donald Brown, it was a sign that they aren’t content with running back Joseph Addai. Brown probably won’t overtake Addai as the starter at any point this season unless Addai gets hurt, but Addai is often injured. Even if Addai is healthy and the tandem has to share carries, in an explosive offense, there will be plenty of opportunities for Brown to rack up the yards and touchdowns.
5. Chris Wells – Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals were a one-dimensional offense last year, relying on the pass for almost all of their production. With the selection of first-round pick Chris Wells, the Cardinals should be far more balanced. The Cardinals put up a lot of points, which means that Wells should have ample goal line opportunites. If he leads the rookies in touchdowns scored, he’ll likely win the Rookie of the Year award.
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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
