Bailey Zappe Catapults Back into NFL Offensive Rookie of Year Conversation
By Peter Dewey
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe made another impression on bettors on Monday Night Football, coming in for Mac Jones and igniting the Patriots' offense in what ended up being a blowout loss to the Chicago Bears.
Mac Jones got the start in this game, but it was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter prior to the game that both quarterbacks would see playing time. After a 3-for-6 start that included an interceptions, Jones was promptly pulled for Zappe.
It would not be a surprise to see both Patriots QBs, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, play tonight.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2022
Zappe led the Patriots on a scoring drive, throwing a touchdown to Jakobi Meyers. He finished the night with 185 passing yards, one score and two interceptions. Zappe's Offensive Rookie of the Year odds skyrocketed during the game, but they have since settled.
There were six $1,000+ bets placed on Bailey Zappe to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year at @CaesarsSports during the 1st half of Bears-Patriots .
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) October 25, 2022
That includes a $3,000 bet at +1600 and a $2,000 bet at +2500.
Zappe entered tonight with +5000 OROY odds, he's now down to +500.
Zappe now sits at +1200 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at various sportsbooks, and he's behind Kenneth Walker III, Dameon Pierce and Chris Olave in the latest odds.
There is some risk with deciding to roll with Zappe as your Rookie of the Year pick, as Bill Belichick has yet to name a starting quarterback for the team's Week 8 game against the New York Jets.
Bill Belichick, who is the starting quarterback?
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) October 25, 2022
"Yeah, we just finished the game."
The Patriots coach elects not to name a starting QB. pic.twitter.com/zy96lEUFzA
The Patriots are slight favorites on the road in Week 8 against the Jets. The team invested a first-round pick into Jones just a year ago, but Belichick's decision to pull him in Week 7 has now opened the door for Zappe to take over.
The Patriots won both of Zappe's starts this season while Jones was out with an ankle injury. Zappe also came into the team's overtime loss against the Green Bay Packers and played well.
There's a lot of risk involved with betting on Zappe, but his odds continue to rise because of his play, and the OROY field has become rather light following Breece Hall's season-ending knee injury.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.