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?
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.
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.
