Who will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020?
Making an impact in the NFL is never easy, and this year may be tougher than ever. However, when we look at the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award candidates, there are a number of intriguing options across quarterback, running back and wide receivers. History tells us that it will most likely be won by a QB (50% of the last 10) or RB (40%), but three wide receivers have prevailed across the past 20 years. Who do our analysts see winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020?
Our Analyst's Picks
Alex Chinery (Head of Analytics): Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Whilst the running backs will be the favourites for this award, mediocre QB play has been enough in recent seasons to win the award and Burrow is far from a mediocre QB prospect. How he handles the lack of practice time this summer will be key, but I have every confidence that Broadway Jeaux will put up better numbers than most expect.
Ben Rolfe (Head of NFL Content): Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
This is somewhat going against the history of the award, but arguably no rookie receiver has had the opportunity to impress like Justin Jefferson does this season. Jefferson could potentially be the second most targeted player on a team that could win the NFC North. If the supremely athletic Jefferson sees 75 or more targets then he is a great option to win this award.
To hear more thoughts from Alex and Ben about what they expect in the 2020 NFL season check out the Seven Step Drop Podcast. Available on all major podcast platforms.
Callum Squires (NFL Analyst): Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
I love Joe Burrow. Do I think the Bengals will have an incredible season? No. Do I think they might lose quite a few close games? Yes. Will that mean Burrow is throwing A LOT to a good group of receivers. You bet. I think the Rookie QB touchdown record could be under threat.
Michael Norbury (NFL Betting Analyst): Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Running backs have a good record in this award in recent years. Taylor should see plenty of snaps and can put up impressive numbers behind an immense O-Line.
Paul Mainwaring (NFL Analyst): Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
I think Tua Tagovailoa is going to be great and even if he does not start until Week 4 or 5 I expect big things.
Simon Carroll (Head of NFL Draft Content): Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams
It’s an exciting year for rookies, and truth be told this award could end up anywhere. But my money is on Akers supplanting Darrell Henderson at the top of the Rams’ depth chart and making hay in Sean McVay’s offense. When Todd Gurley was healthy he seemed to touch the ball every snap – expect the Florida State rookie to be a factor on the ground and in the air.
Steve Moore (NFL Betting Analyst): Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
If the Bengals hadn’t had a medical record as bad as the Chargers in 2019, they would have been nowhere near the number one pick. It’s a decent roster and Joe Burrow is the only rookie QB starting from week one, he wins the award.
Tom Scott (NFL and Fantasy Football Analyst): Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Another running back will take the award. There are some contenders here, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire makes the most sense. He will lead the Chiefs backfield next year and beyond.