Lance Zierlein of the NFL dropped a list of the NFL’s most likely Offensive Rookie of the Year winners. Top pick and golden child Trevor Lawrence was obviously the top name listed, but Steelers fans will like who is clawing at Lawrence’s heels. Najee Harris is, without a doubt, the Steelers number one back, and yes we are less than a week into camp. This kid will be the bell-cow back of an NFL team from the first snap of the 2021 NFL season. So Zierlein is smart in his reasoning. His full quote is below.
This award has become quarterback-centric in today’s pass-oriented game, but running backs should not be counted out. An RB has been named OROY in four of the past eight years, and Harris is certainly a worthy contender. Pittsburgh understands that Ben Roethlisberger may no longer be capable of carrying an offense with his right arm. Harris gives the Steelers a bruising three-down back with qualities similar to former Steelers star Le’Veon Bell. Harris is a tenacious runner with good vision and the agility to make tacklers miss when needed. He should stack up rushing yardage, but his ability as a pass catcher and touchdown maker could be the difference if he is to win the award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates: Najee Harris top threat to Trevor Lawrence (via @LanceZierlein)https://t.co/DohmASDrRZ pic.twitter.com/DdQo2ar8fj
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 26, 2021
According to OddShark, Najee Harris has the fourth best odds (+750) of hoisting the award, or about a 12.50% chance of hearing his name called at the NFL honors ceremony. The thing is the guys in second and third, Justin Fields and Trey Lance, aren’t expected be starting for their teams for at least the first few handfuls of games into the 2021 season. If you're interested the sports betting world, the odds for Harris to win this award are too great to ignore. Steeler fan or not, this is the right bet to be placing.
From great odds that should hit to sleeper odds that likely won't, Pro Football Focus unveiled a list of Most Valuable Player award sleepers and listed Ben Roethlisberger at +8000 odds. These are terrible odds if we’re being honest, however the hate for Roethlisberger this offseason has gone off the rails. He has been written off by so many of the national pundits it has tanked his stock. While he still wouldn't be considered a favorite in a normal year, Roethlisberger should still have better odds than everybody not named Tom Brady listed below. This is a shot in the dark bet that could net you an unreal profit if it pays off.
Betting for the 2021 MVP? @PFF_George hits you with the bets that hold the most value
— PFF (@PFF) July 26, 2021
Which is your favorite bet? pic.twitter.com/ohK3v1q38J
Both Roethlisberger and Harris are being severely slept on in the sports betting world (just like the regular world). Either player will surprise a lot of people come the fall, and hammering these bets could line your pockets come the new year. Of course, that’s only if they hit! (Bet wisely and at your own risk)
But what do you think? Are you at all surprised that Steelers players are being slept on in the eye of the national media and Las Vegas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Loading comments...