Could Justin Herbert Win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020?

With the 2020 NFL season looking likely to happen, sports bettors can start feeling a bit better about some futures they’ve already wagered on.

They can also begin digging deeper for bets they’ve yet to make. One category some bettors may not have pulled the trigger on just yet? Player awards.

Gauging who will win the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award is among the toughest calls, as OTAs can’t happen like they normally do. We also don’t know what training camps will look like or if we’ll even get preseason games.

Regardless, the top NFL sportsbooks are still offering 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, and you have to consider all options.

One great option could be new Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who offers interesting value with his +1600 odds at SportsBetting.ag.

Is Herbert a bet worth making? Here’s a look at both sides of the 2020 NFL Offensive ROY betting debate to find out.

Tyrod Taylor is tentatively slated to begin 2020 as the main man under center for the Bolts, but the guy has been burned as a starting quarterback before.

Buffalo inexplicably dumped him following a few solid seasons, while he dealt with this exact scenario as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Taylor was supposed to be the bridge starter before #1 pick Baker Mayfield took over, but he lasted just two starts before giving way to Cleveland’s future.

That could easily happen again here, as Herbert is arguably more talented than Taylor. A tall passer with a big frame, a strong arm, and above-average athleticism, Herbert projects as a dynamic playmaker under center.

The job could easily be Herbert’s earlier than expected, while he may even be in for an elite statistical showing as a rookie. Why? Because he’d be walking into one of the best systems with a loaded supporting cast.

Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry make up an extremely balanced and reliable array of weapons. LA even has a strong defense that could aid Herbert in his first year on the job.

When looking at the upside he could possess, his +1600 price becomes appealing in a hurry.

The major roadblock to Herbert claiming this award is Tyrod Taylor. Not only is Taylor a lot better than advertised, but the Chargers coaching staff likes him.

This is a veteran team that probably wouldn’t mind a crack at “winning now” before kickstarting a mini-rebuild with the young Herbert being thrown into the fire.

Because of that, it’s very possible 2020 is a redshirt season for Herbert.

He could arguably use it, too. A bit stiff and accused of not being a fiery leader, Herbert could potentially benefit from learning behind Taylor and watching from the sidelines.

Of course, he’s also going up against Joe Burrow and a pretty loaded ROY field. Even if he did get the job and played well, there’s nothing to guarantee he’d out-perform his rookie counterparts.

Herbert is a fine talent at quarterback and has a fantastic supporting cast in Los Angeles. If he starts a lot of games in 2020, he’s a very interesting value bet at his current price.

The issue with going all-in on Herbert is that his role is far from guaranteed. As long as Tyrod Taylor is playing well and the Bolts are competitive, his debut could be delayed.

Whether that gets you on or off Herbert, this isn’t where your research should stop. Be sure to hit up our NFL betting blog for more breakdowns and predictions for who could win the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.