The NFL rookies are about to start the preseason, and soon it will be known which first-year players were worth their picks in the draft, and which ones might end up as busts. The online sportsbook BetDSI has set lines on what some of the marquee draft picks might do this year.
The emphasis on the prop bets is the same as the draft. There were five quarterbacks taken in the first round, Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson. Many of the wagers revolve around them.
The first one is how many will start the first regular season game. The line is set at 1.5, with the over at +150, and the under at -180.
In 2017, two rookie quarterbacks started the first regular season game for their team; DeShone Kizer for the Cleveland Browns, and DeShaun Watson for the Houston Texans. Both teams lost.
It is still early, but it appears that none of the five are going to start anytime soon. Coaches would rather let them hold a clipboard and learn from an established veteran before seeing any action.
Hurry Up and Wait
Now who of the five starts first for their team is a much more intriguing wager. The conventional thinking is that some of the rookies will be thrown into the fire if their coach believes they are ready or the team is struggling and wants to make a change.
The favorite on that prop is Allen of the Buffalo Bills. He is listed at +150 and is a possible candidate to even start the first week if coach Sean McDermott believes he is a better option than AJ McCarron.
The next pick is Mayfield. The Cleveland Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor in free agency and the former Buffalo QB should start as long as he is productive. But Mayfield is the future, and remember, the Bills replaced Taylor in midseason.
The longshot in the group is Jackson, but at +1200 it might be worth a look. He is behind veteran Joe Flacco in Baltimore, but the Ravens coach Jon Harbaugh has said he will compete for the starting job. If that is true, Jackson could be in the starting position quicker than people think.
Can Barkley Justify Big Contract?
Saquon Barkley received a $31.2 million, four-year contract from the Giants, and there will be pressure to live up to the lucrative deal. The former Penn State standout will be utilized often in Pat Shumur’s offense, opening up the passing game for quarterback Eli Manning.
One of the bets on Barkley is if will gain 1,000 yards on the season. The yes is -130, and the no is +100. If he is used as planned by New York, than reaching that milestone should be no problem. There are 16 games, so barring injury, he would only have to rush for 62.5 yards per game.
The second Barkley wager is will he have the most rushing yards among the rookie running backs. He is the favorite at -110, while Seattle Seahawks’ Rashaad Penny is next at +150. The longshot is New England’s Sony Michel at +325.
Barkley is the safe bet of the group, but Penny might be worth putting some dollars on. Seattle drafted him with the thought that he would be their workhorse behind quarterback Russell Wilson. If that is the case, he might eclipse Barkley in rushing yards.