Egbuka's Injury Propels Jaxson Dart to OROY Frontrunner Status
Egbuka's Injury Propels Jaxson Dart to OROY Frontrunner Status
Jaxson Dart has surged to the forefront of the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) race following a standout Week 6 performance that led the New York Giants to an upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. With the latest updates on Emeka Egbuka's injury, Dart now stands as the clear favorite in a competitive field of NFL newcomers.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Dart's odds have shifted dramatically to -110 for the OROY award. Just before Week 6, he was listed at +750, but his pivotal role in the Giants' win improved his standing to +150. This rapid ascent reflects his growing impact on a team that has exceeded early-season expectations.
Egbuka, who had been the betting favorite at wide receiver since Week 2 with +130 odds heading into Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers, suffered a hamstring injury early in the 49ers game. NFL Network reports indicate he'll be sidelined for an extended period, though insider Ian Rapoport described it as "not appearing serious." This setback has opened the door for other rookies to climb the leaderboard.
Fellow contenders like Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (+500) and Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (+800) have seen their odds improve after strong Week 6 outings. Egbuka's absence has undoubtedly contributed to this shift, highlighting the volatility of rookie awards in the NFL.
Dart's command of the race is bolstered by his high-profile quarterback position and leadership of the previously winless Giants to back-to-back victories against unbeaten squads like the Chargers and Eagles. He's notched six touchdowns in those games, consistently scoring over 50 fantasy points in his last three starts. Continued high production and more upsets could solidify his claim to the award. Teammate running back Cam Skattebo has also risen to +1500 odds, while edge rusher Abdul Carter leads Defensive Rookie of the Year odds at +175, ahead of Jihaad Campbell at +290.
The Giants face a daunting schedule ahead, including matchups against the Broncos, Eagles, 49ers, Bears, Packers, and Patriots—all at .500 or better—before their Week 14 bye. Bettors backing Dart for OROY must believe in his ability to engineer more shocks. However, injury concerns loom large; Dart has dealt with multiple issues, including a recent concussion protocol that has the league investigating potential Giants violations. He's expected to play this week against the Broncos, where New York is a 7-point underdog on FanDuel.













