2018 NFL Betting Props: Chubb Sits Atop Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds

You could be looking for an NFL futures bet that has a good chance that an underdog might win and pay out well. The 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds could be the way to go.

Who Won The 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award?

Can you even remember who won the award last season? It was New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. As the 11th overall pick in 2017 and the fourth defensive player chosen, we’d guess the odds on him winning the award heading into the season paid pretty well.

Who Is The Favorite In The 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds?

The favorite in the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds is Denver Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb at +400. He was drafted fifth overall this summer and is already locked in as Denver’s starting outside linebacker. This gives Chubb plenty of opportunity to make an impact. Making Chubb even more appealing is that he’ll get to play alongside Von Miller. The 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Miller should draw plenty of attention. That means Chubb should have a good shot at the opposing quarterback. If Chubb and Miller can get in the backfield a lot, Denver’s AFC West odds might be worth a look.

Who Are The Contenders In The 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds?

Following Chubb in the odds are Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith at +500, and Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds at +900. You’re probably wondering why linebackers seem to be getting all the early love from the oddsmakers. You should know that this award has been handed out 52 times. A linebacker has managed to win it 25 times.

Smith continues to play catch up with the Bears after missing the beginning of training camp due to a contract dispute. He hasn’t seen the field in the preseason yet, and he may not according to reports from the Bears. If that ends up being the case he may not be a starter in Week 1. The winner of the Butkus Award last year at the University of Georgia, Smith is obviously the future at linebacker for the Bears, but if he doesn’t begin the season as a starter on defense it could hurt his chances of winning the award.

Edmunds has drawn plenty of praise from his Bills teammates and coaches so far in the preseason. He flashed freak athleticism at times and has shown he can be a game-changer on defense soon. There isn’t much to write home about in Buffalo this season. Edmunds could easily make headlines and grab Defensive Rookie of the Year attention.

What Other 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds Should You Check Out?

A few other standouts on the odds list include Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick at +1200, Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward at +1400, and New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport at +1800.

Fitzpatrick has been impressive in coverage for Miami in the preseason. He played his college football at Alabama. As a result, Fitzpatrick should have a leg up in transitioning to the pro game.

Ward was the first defensive player off the board in this year’s draft and therefore, he should get the chance to be the Browns’ cover corner. The only question mark is if his smaller stature can match some of the larger wide receivers he’ll be facing.

Davenport will try to make it back-to-back awards for the Saints, something that has never been done. After missing the first two games of the preseason with a groin injury, Davenport made his debut last week and impressed with three tackles and half a sack. If that’s just the beginning for the rookie, he could join Lattimore on the Defensive Rookie of the Year list.