Shedeur Sanders: The Dark Horse in the Offensive Rookie Race?

Shedeur Sanders, the Browns' fifth-round pick, is making waves in the betting world. Despite not being the starting quarterback, he's the top pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year at BetMGM. This is quite a feat, considering he's not even the third quarterback on the depth chart. Sanders' impressive preseason debut has caught the attention of bettors. He completed 14 out of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 19 yards. This performance has led to a surge in bets on him, dropping his odds from 30/1 to 25/1. However, his path to the award is not straightforward. The Browns have a clear pecking order at quarterback. Joe Flacco is the starter, followed by injured Kenny Pickett, then rookie Dillon Gabriel, and finally Sanders. With Flacco and Pickett likely to get the majority of playing time, Sanders' opportunities may be limited. Adding to his challenges, Sanders recently suffered an oblique strain. This injury will likely keep him out of the next preseason game against the Eagles. This setback could further reduce his chances of seeing significant playing time. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is not rushing to declare a quarterback competition. He's focused on evaluating all players, including Sanders. This approach suggests that Sanders' role may remain limited, at least for now. Despite these obstacles, Sanders' preseason performance has shown his potential. It's a reminder that sometimes, the underdog can surprise everyone. But in the NFL, playing time is key, and Sanders may need more of it to truly compete for the Rookie of the Year award.