Zach Wilson Jumps Trey Lance in Rookie of the Year Odds
By Peter Dewey
The Zach Wilson bandwagon is starting to fill up as the 2021 NFL season approaches.
Wilson, who was impressive in OTAs, is climbing the ranks in WynnBET’s Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, as he’s now +600 to win the award after opening at +800.
That shift puts Wilson in the No. 3 spot on the odds list behind only Trevor Lawrence (+275) and Justin Fields (+525). It also vaults Wilson ahead of San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance (+700) ahead of training camp.
Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, seems destined to at least begin the season as the 49ers backup to Jimmy Garoppolo, and now the odds are beginning to reflect that.
Wilson, who doesn’t have much competition for the starting job in New York, has impressed the New York Jets’ coaching staff with his play.
“We have thrown a ton at him,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “I thought these last two weeks have been awesome for him.”
The Athletic’s Connor Hughes revealed that the Jets are planning for Wilson to start Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, and that may be the reason for his move up the odds list.
“The Jets seem locked in on Wilson starting against the Panthers Week 1,” Hughes wrote. “So, they’re doing everything they can now to prepare him for what he’ll see come the regular season.”
Since Wilson is far more likely to start than Lance, it makes sense that he has a better chance to win the Rookie of the Year award.
With Fields’ status in the Chicago Bears’ quarterback competition also up in the air, Wilson may be a steal at +600 odds if you think he can outplay Lawrence in his first season.