Rookies have been headlining their teams this season, whether as starting quarterbacks or wide receivers worthy of being covered by the opponents' top cornerback.
Rookie of the Year, presented by Pepsi, was won by C.J. Stroud last season after leading the Houston Texans to their first playoff appearance, putting up a 10-7 record following their 3-13-1 season the year before. So, who are the favorites to win this year's ROTY award?
5. Jared Verse
Jared Verse, drafted 19th by the Los Angeles Rams, started the season incredibly well. Between the first two weeks, the linebacker totaled 11 tackles (eight solo), four tackles for loss, two QB hits, one sack, and one forced fumble, making him the leading favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
From week three onward, Verse has earned another 11 tackles (six solo) but only one tackle for loss and one QB hit. The week six bye the Rams had could be the perfect time for him to regroup and come out against the Las Vegas Raiders as a massive threat and help his team earn their second win of the season.
4. Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. was selected 23rd by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has soared as a contender with his performances between weeks four and six. In these three weeks, the wide receiver averaged 4.7 receptions, 78.3 yards, and 15.9 yards per reception per game, had a 60.8% completion percentage, scoring two touchdowns.
The Jaguars have not been able to do much right this season other than drafting Thomas. He faces off against the New England Patriots next week, who boast the seventh-worst pass defense, and Trevor Lawrence can depend on the 6-foot-2 receiver to win his downfield battles.
3. Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers, drafted 6th by the New York Giants, is still this season's best wide receiver despite missing the past two games with a concussion. He quickly earned the respect top veteran wide receivers get after his 127-yard game in week two and is one of the most dangerous in the position when he takes the field.
Through those four weeks, Nabers recorded an average of 8.75 receptions and 96.5 yards per game, earning three touchdowns and a 67.3% completion percentage. He could return against the Philadelphia Eagles next week, giving Daniel Jones the most valuable piece to the Giants offense.
2. Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers, selected 13th by the Raiders, has stolen the spotlight from a team headlined by Davante Adams. The rookie is a top-15 receiver despite being a tight end. He has 384 receiving yards, and the Eagles' Dallas Goedert (301) is the only other tight end to record over 300 yards through week six.
Bowers leads the team in receptions (37), targets (46), and receiving yards. Also, tight ends are known for being tanks, and Bowers is 10th in the league, earning 206 yards after catches.
Being in the AFC West, Travis Kelce is known for being the biggest threat in the division, but this rookie could out-compete him, and week eight will be headlined by Kelce vs Bowers.
1. Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels, drafted 2nd by the Washington Commanders, tops the chart as the current favorite to win the ROTY award. He has already helped his team match their win total from last season and has performed so well that he could become a favorite for the MVP award this season.
Daniels tops the league in completion percentage (75.3%) and ninth in passing yards (1,404). What makes the Washington quarterback so threatening is his dual-threat ability. He is the second-best running quarterback in the league behind Lamar Jackson, averaging 53.7 yards per game rushing. The Commanders have been looking for a franchise quarterback for a while, and now that they have Daniels, who is ready to lead his team to glory.
