There is a lot of speculation surrounding when San Francisco 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance will earn his first start. Jimmy Garoppolo is slated to start Week 1. However, the veteran has made it out of September injury-free just once as a starting NFL quarterback.
It may only be a matter of time before Lance gets onto the football field. Bettors are hoping to cash in on Lance's ability to do just that. More money has been placed on the 21-year-old quarterback being named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year than any other player.
According to BetMGM, Lance has received 15.8 percent of the bets and 22.6 percent of the money, topping each category. As a result, Lance's odds of earning the award have jumped from +1600 to +700. Only quarterback Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars (+300) and running back Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers (+600) own better odds.
Most see a lot of talent when looking at the 49ers, so it's easy to understand why a rookie quarterback might be more likely to find success with that roster. While most top draft picks tend to land with teams predicted to struggle, that isn't the case for Lance. San Francisco ended up with the No. 3 overall pick — where it selected Lance — because of a trade, not because of the team's record.
Still, the 49ers won just six games last season. However, they also endured a league-leading number of injuries, losing key starters like Garoppolo, All-Pro tight end George Kittle, and pass-rushing phenom Nick Bosa for most of the season.
Better luck with health should lead to more success in 2021 regardless of who is taking snaps at quarterback. That means there isn't a rush to get Lance onto the football field. Assuming Garoppolo stays healthy, the rookie will have an opportunity to back up and learn from the veteran quarterback. If Garoppolo can't stay healthy, bettors will get their wish — more playing time for Lance.
Below are the current odds for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award, per BetMGM.
- QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars +300
- RB Najee Harris, Steelers +600
- QB Trey Lance, 49ers +700
- QB Justin Fields, Bears +800
- TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons +800
- QB Zach Wilson, Jets +900
