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Season-long player props are beginning to surface across sportsbooks. In an attempt to seek out values, Brad Evans will occasionally make the case on an attractive future — whether betting the OVER or UNDER — as the outside temps rise.
Today’s topic: Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The pick — RJ Harvey to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (+2200, Caesars)
When people inevitably ask where this gamer’s torrid love affair with Harvey began, the answer will be: “We met on a plane!”
Yep, I’m going full Belichick. Go ahead and weave your controversial conspiracy theories about the Miss Maine bronze medalist until we’re “on to Cincinnati.”
Love is love, damn it.
[ NFL Gamer's Guide: Fantasy forecasts and futures bets for 2025 season ]
The infatuation is warranted. As Harvey recently revealed at Broncos rookie minicamp, the 5-foot-8, 205-pound running back has patterned his game after Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara in a strong sign of the pro he aspires to be.
The fantasy/betting appeal around the rookie rusher is mile high. Sean Payton is already designing schematics to maximize the second-round pick’s three-down skill set. The Denver head coach revealed “there’s a lot we can do (with Harvey)" whether as an early-down runner or pass-game option.
Much is to be determined this summer when training camp opens in Dove Valley, but it’s no stretch to think Harvey averages 15-18 touches per game straight away.
"[I'm] just ready to showcase my skills to everybody." @rjharvey07 shows potential with vision, pass-catching ability at rookie minicamp » https://t.co/j7XDtPA9Fp pic.twitter.com/TbfJeQveW4
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 11, 2025
The UCF product was the definition of “per touch efficient” in his final year with the Golden Knights. Last season, he ranked inside the top eight nationally in total YAC (3.88 yards per attempt), missed tackles forced (69), total breakaway runs (15 or more yards) and yards per route run (1.39). His short-area burst, open-field wiggle, after-contact power and sharp vision should make him a premier playmaker.
For fantasy RBs, the Broncos have the third-hardest projected strength of schedule. That may seem discouraging, but with minimal competition and given Denver’s premium offensive line — it checked in at No. 11 in run-blocking efficiency in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus — Harvey is bound to make a cannonball splash.
Absurdly priced at RB52 (182.94 ADP overall) in fantasy drafts, he is sure to raise his stock with the summer temps.
In his inaugural Saints campaign under Payton in 2017 when he won OROY honors, Kamara finished with 1,554 combined yards, 81 receptions and 13 total touchdowns. It may seem outlandish for Harvey to post similar production this season, but it's not entirely off the table. It’s clear the man calling the on-field shots is fully invested.
Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, Titans QB Cam Ward and Jaguars WR Travis Hunter are stiff competition, but Harvey is criminally undervalued at 22-1 to win OROY.
Take all of my fantasy draft and real life capital, RJ.