Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has vaulted to the top of the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year betting boards following the team's trade of veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. According to DraftKings, Mendoza's odds shifted dramatically from +2000 to +300 as of Tuesday afternoon, making him the clear frontrunner for the award.
The odds movement reflects the expectation that Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft, will take over the starting job. Cousins had won the starting role out of training camp and led the Raiders to a 3-0 start while posting some of the league's most productive passing numbers through the first half of the schedule. However, the team has gone 1-4 over its past five games.
Mendoza was an early favorite for the award after being drafted but saw his odds climb to +2750 by Sept. 29, according to Sports Betting Dime's cumulative tracker, as Cousins remained productive despite the team's skid. The rookie now leads the market with a cumulative +325 odds.
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman (+515), Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston (+525), Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (+550) and Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion (+650) round out the top five contenders. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck is the next closest rookie signal-caller at +1850.
The Raiders have not made an official announcement regarding a change at starting quarterback.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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