Sportsbook Projects Giants Receiver Malik Nabers’ Rookie Season
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When the New York Giants passed on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy for LSU receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft, they made the conscious choice to bolster their supporting cast before landing a franchise quarterback.
With such a heavy investment, though, comes the pressure to perform. Comparisons will be made to former Giants first-round receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and perhaps running back Saquon Barkley. Under arguably the brightest lights in the sport, a failure to perform will land him on the back pages in a hurry.
Yet, he remains a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year, so much so that he had a friendly $10,000 wager with Washington Commanders quarterback and former Tigers teammate that he’d take the hardware home. Are the sportsbooks as high on Nabers as the New York faithful?
![Jan 1, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) makes a catch before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Raymond James Stadium.](https://athlonsports.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MjA0MDc1MzU4NzIxNDE4NzQ3/malik-nabors.jpg)
The following is not betting advice, odds are being used simply as a reference point.
Using DraftKings Sportsbook, we can find ourselves a neat projection for his full-season statistics. Currently, his line for receiving yards is set at 875.5, with -110 odds on either side of the wager. Meanwhile, his touchdown total sits at 5.5, with +105 odds on the over and -130 odds on the under.
While that yardage may seem a little short for such a highly-touted prospect, a few things are worth remembering.
This offense will go as far as quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Drew Lock take it – and given the whispers of a preseason competition, that should sprout pessimism. There are also several mouths to feed. While no running back or tight end is likely to take a disproportionately high target share, three other viable receivers will be rotating in alongside Nabers. Lastly, of course, is the injury risk baked into season-long lines.
As for the context of his rookie class, Nabers is listed at +600 to lead rookies in receiving yards, tied with Buffalo Bills receiver Keon Coleman. Both trail the lone runaway favorite, Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (+175).
Nabers has a longer shot at winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. As the fifth candidate selected (quarterbacks and weapons), Nabers comes in with the fifth-best odds, though McCarthy jumps over New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. At +1700, Nabers’ chances are hurt by so many quarterbacks in the running.
![daniels nabers](https://athlonsports.com/.image/ar_16:9%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cg_faces:center%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_640/MjA2MzM5Nzg4MTU0ODczNTUw/daniels-nabers.jpg)
Nabers’ touchdown equity is hurt by the offense he plays in, but there’s little doubt New York will look to funnel him the football early and often – and the books have taken notice.