10 bold predictions for the 2020 NFL season
By Dustin Baker
2. Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
Indeed, the quarterback position on a football field is more responsible for leadership. And, yes, this gives Cincinnati Bengals signal-caller Joe Burrow the fast track to the award, at least if Ohioans see their wish come true.
As it stands, Ravens rookie J.K. Dobbins is the 15th most-likely player to win Offensive Rookie of the Year according to Vegas oddsmakers. Burrow is, in fact, 12 times more-favored to win the honors over Dobbins. So, this is, indeed, a bold prediction.
Baltimore runs the football — more than any other team in the land. Such was the case in 2019, and there is no reason to believe this will cease in 2020. NFL MVP Lamar Jackson can run and pass the football, yet the Ravens prefer to keep running as much as possible.
The Ravens added Dobbins to the roster via second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He must battle Jackson and Mark Ingram for carries, so this prognostication is a truly a longshot. But, at some point, Ingram’s role will dwindle. The veteran tailback will be 31 years old in December, and ball-carriers do not flourish past that too frequently.
Dobbins will usurp Ingram’s touches, pair himself productively with Jackson, shine on an already-talented football team, and win Offensive Rookie of the Year.