Running back is a position, on average, that has seen a decline in value in recent years as more NFL teams shift away from featured backs to platoon systems. But former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, the No. 4 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, isn't an average running back.
Elliott belongs to the Dallas Cowboys now, and Cowboy fans are already envisioning Elliott laying waste to the NFC East behind one of the best offensive lines in professional football. Those Cowboy fans received another boost Wednesday when Bovada, an online oddsmaker, released the first wave of Offensive Rookie of the Year odds.
Elliott (5:2) trails only Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick of the draft, in odds. A full breakdown:
| PLAYER | TEAM, POSITION | ODDS |
|---|---|---|
| JARED GOFF | LOS ANGELES RAMS, QB | 2:1 |
| EZEKIEL ELLIOTT | DALLAS COWBOYS, RB | 5:2 |
| DERRICK HENRY | TENNESSEE TITANS, RB | 7:1 |
| COREY COLEMAN | CLEVELAND BROWNS, WR | 15:2 |
| JOSH DOCTSON | WASHINGTON REDSKINS, WR | 12:1 |
| LAQUON TREADWELL | MINNESOTA VIKINGS, WR | 12:1 |
| KENNETH DIXON | BALTIMORE RAVENS, RB | 14:1 |
| JORDAN HOWARD | CHICAGO BEARS, RB | 14:1 |
| PAUL PERKINS | NEW YORK GIANTS, RB | 16:1 |
| STERLING SHEPPARD | NEW YORK GIANTS, RB | 16:1 |
For those that like free money, the over–under on Elliott's rookie rushing total is set at 900, a mark he should easily eclipse should he stay healthy. The over–under on Elliott's rookie touchdown total is 7.5.
The over–under on Joey Bosa's rookie sack total is 5.5.
As for teams' Super Bowl odds, the New England Patriots lead the way with 7:1 odds. The Cincinnati Bengals are currently listed at 18:1, and the Cleveland Browns are tied with the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers in last place with 100:1 odds.
