Looking to lock in value before the 2025 NFL season kicks off? Betting on NFL Futures Player Awards like MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, or Defensive Player of the Year can be a sharp way to get ahead of the market. In this article, we’ve gathered expert picks from our collection of Featured Pros to highlight their favorite NFL Futures Player Awards bets for the upcoming season. Whether you’re targeting longshots or looking for strong early value on proven stars, these insights can help guide your preseason wagers and boost your betting edge. Let’s take a look at which players the experts are backing to take home hardware in 2025.
2025 NFL Futures Player Awards
What is your favorite NFL Futures Player Awards bet (MVP/OPOY/DPOY, etc.) for the 2025 NFL season?
Offensive Rookie of the Year Award
Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)
“Ashton Jeanty to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award (+290 via Caesars Sportsbook) is my favorite player award bet. The former Boise State star is the betting favorite, and bettors won’t see better odds for him to win the award at any other point this year. Head coach Pete Carroll will make Jeanty the focal point of the offense and his new Marshawn Lynch. The veteran running back averaged 326 touches for 1,612 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns per season in his four full healthy years in Seattle with Carroll on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Cam Ward is the only rookie quarterback guaranteed to start Week 1, while RJ Harvey is the only other running back expected to see a featured role as a rookie. Therefore, Jeanty has limited competition to win the award, barring injury.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Travis Hunter (WR, CB – JAC)
“It’s best to view Travis Hunter through the lens of Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Considering the Jaguars’ rookie can play on both sides, he will receive a ton of extra attention for anything he contributes on defense. Not only is he the best rookie receiver, but he is likely also the best rookie cornerback. At +700, he’s certainly worth a flier bet at a minimum.”
– Matt De Lima (DraftKings)
Most Valuable Player
Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)
“What exactly has helped Lamar Jackson win MVP in the past? The ability he possesses to make plays with both his arms and his legs. You know who else can do that, Jayden Daniels. At +850 odds (FanDuel), currently the 5th most likely to win the award, that is worth the punt. Daniels set benchmarks in his rookie season, including being the second player in league history to throw for 4,000 yards and run for 1,000 yards over regular and postseason play. Daniels gets his second year in a Kliff Kingsbury-led offense this upcoming year, which returns the likes of Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, and Terry McLaurin. An offense that also added Deebo Samuel to the mix, who, as we know, is one of the best after-the-catch weapons in the game (when healthy). Daniels absolutely has a chance to be the MVP in 2025, and the Commanders’ success depends on him playing at that level.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Jayden Daniels is a legitimate Season MVP candidate in 2025, thanks to Washington’s aggressive offseason moves to build around him. The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel and drafted Jaylin Lane, adding more playmakers to the passing attack. He also has Terry McLaurin, a proven WR1 with five straight 1,000-yard seasons, giving Daniels a reliable target in crucial moments. Washington further bolstered its offensive line, acquiring Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr., ensuring better protection. With these additions, Daniels is in a position to take a major leap, potentially leading Washington to playoff success and securing MVP honors.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Jayden Daniels | Josh Allen | Lamar Jackson
“Jayden Daniels (+900) / Josh Allen (+600) / Lamar Jackson (+550) – Since 2007, there’s been only one time a position other than QB has won NFL Regular Season MVP, and that was Adrian Peterson back in 2012. And that’s despite incredible seasons from Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley, both of whom went over 2,000 total yards (McCaffrey actually did it twice- 2019 & 2023), the odds favor going with QB. Ultimately, I think it will come down to Daniels, Allen, or Jackson, so I’d sprinkle a little cash on all three. All three can beat teams not only with their arms but also with their legs, which adds to their stats. And all three are on legit championship contenders, but will probably have to carry their teams with high-powered offensive performances in order to win, unlike Patrick Mahomes, where the Chiefs’ defense has become quite formidable over the past few years, but with an unfortunate side effect- capping his passing stats. But if you want a longshot, Ringo’s longshot pick is Marvin Harrison Jr. to lead the NFL in receiving yards at (+4000), which seems like a good dart throw, with decent odds, given his tremendous talent.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“Lamar Jackson for MVP at +550 is a pretty solid value. At those odds, if Lamar wins the award one out of six times, then you are profitable. I would guess the true odds should be closer to +300 or so. We all know the amazing statistics he puts up year in and year out rushing, but if he puts up another 4,000+ passing and anywhere close to his 41 passing touchdowns, this should be a lock.”
– Michael Tomlin (Fantasy Six Pack)
Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
“Joe Burrow (MVP) – Had the Bengals won a game or two more last year, Burrow had a very good chance of winning it. The stats were there with 4918 yards and 43 touchdowns, but the Bengals’ defense was nonexistent, and anything that could’ve gone the Bengals’ way didn’t. With the offense pretty much staying the same as last year and the defense only able to go up from here (fingers crossed), Burrow has a good chance to put up similar numbers and win the MVP. ”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
“At +750, I’m betting Joe Burrow to secure the MVP and piggybacking with a Ja’Marr Chase OPOY bet as well at +1000. In 2024, Burrow led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, boasting a 70.6% completion rate and a 108.5 passer rating, while Chase achieved the receiving triple crown, leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. Without Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals defense is 32nd in pressure rate, completion % allowed, success rate allowed, and passer rating allowed, meaning there will be plenty of games that Burrow will have to win. If he’s able to improve upon a 9-8 finish by 1 or 2 games, then he will be firmly in the MVP conversation.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU)
“MVP comes down to two simple principles: the best quarterback on the team with the best record. Last year, voters went away from the trend with Josh Allen taking the award despite just the second-best record in the AFC. Even so, overall team success is integral for winning this award, in addition to head-to-head matchups and just general parity (as voters seem to lean towards choosing QBs who have yet to win an MVP). And that’s why I love C.J. Stroud to win MVP at 25-1 odds. His odds were listed as low as +850 last season (second-shortest) after he won OROY. The Texans’ offense revamped the lineup front and receiving corps in hopes of returning to their 2023 form, and they also have prime matchups this year against the AFC powerhouses to cement their status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If this offense bounces back in a big way, the Texans’ 3rd-year QB is going to get all the praise and heavy attention from the voters. Stroud is 16-9 over his last 24 regular-season games (64% win rate), good for an 11-win pace over a 17-game season.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Offensive Player of the Year
Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
“In Michael Penix Jr.‘s three starts last season, the offense averaged 32 PPG, which would have ranked 2nd in the league over a season-long pace. While the offense might not put up 30 PPG this season, I believe it has the potential to be a top 5 unit with 4 of 5 starters returning on the offensive line. Bijan Robinson is arguably the best running back in the NFL. Robinson averaged 118 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and four targets per game with Penix Jr. starting last season. My favorite NFL Futures Player Awards bet for the 2025 season is Bijan Robinson for OPOY at +2000 right now.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
“My favorite NFL Futures Player Awards bet for the 2025 season is Bijan Robinson for Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) at +1400 odds. After a strong second half in 2024, Robinson’s increased workload under Atlanta’s new coaching staff signals a breakout potential. His odds offer great value compared to favorites like Saquon Barkley, especially given his elite talent and the Falcons’ improving offense. Robinson’s explosive playmaking and versatility as a runner and receiver position him perfectly to rack up the stats needed for OPOY consideration.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
“Bijan Robinson to win Offensive Player of the Year (+1600 on DraftKings). Running backs have taken home this award in each of the last two years, with Christian McCaffrey winning OPOY in 2023 and Saquon Barkley winning last season’s award. Saquon’s 2,000-yard rushing season obscured a splendid year for Bijan in which he piled up 1,887 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. The 23-year-old Bijan could take his game to an even higher level this season with young QB Michael Penix raising the ceiling for the Atlanta offense. Getting 16-1 OPOY odds on a ridiculously talented, highly pedigreed RB who’ll be the focal point of his team’s offense seems like great value.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Most Passing Yards
Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
“At the time of writing, Joe Burrow is +600 to lead the league in passing yards. In some markets, he’s also just -110 to go over 4,150.5 yards (a number he’s topped in every season he’s played at least 16 games). With arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver tandem in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and a shaky defense that could force Cincinnati into shootouts, Burrow is set up for a huge year. If he stays healthy, a 5,000+ yard, 45+ touchdown season is well within reach, which would also put him firmly in the MVP conversation (currently +650). For now, the Most Passing Yards prop at +600 stands out as strong value (for the more adventurous, a parlay tying together some of these angles might be worth a look as well).”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
