How to Bet on the 2021 Rookie Quarterbacks

Whether or not rookie quarterbacks find success in their rookie seasons seldom relies on one factor. Having an outstanding college career and the look of being a professional doesn’t equate to having a strong career. How the team structures an offense around a young signal caller can affect how their first year goes and shape the future of the franchise.

Bettors on BetUS have had plenty of chances to wager on Vegas NFL odds for teams who have taken the plunge by having a new quarterback under center this season. As with every draft class, each of the 10 quarterbacks who were drafted have seen different. While not all have played, and some have had major injury issues, here’s a look at what to look for as the season comes to a close.

Lawrence Suffering Through a Rookie Slump

While Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence has shown flashes this season, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft has hit a mid-season slumber. In four of the Jaguars’ past five games, Lawrence has thrown for less than 200 yards. Turnovers have been an issue for the former Clemson standout as well.

Lawrence has thrown 10 interceptions this season for the 2-10 Jaguars. He has averaged 229.6 passing yards per game and has a quarterback rating of 72.3. Jacksonville’s running game has been inconsistent as well. For the rest of this season, finding a good number on the under for Lawrence’s passing yards may serve bettors well.

Wilson Battles Pressure Cooker in New York

Former BYU standout Zach Wilson hasn’t had an ideal first season with the Jets. Injuries have limited him to eight starts and turnovers has limited his effectiveness. Wilson has thrown 11 interceptions and been sacked 25 times. The Jets are 3-9 and in last place in the AFC East.

Wilson has still yet to record a 300-yard passing game. The closest he came was when he threw for 297 yards in a 27-24 victory over the Titans in Week 4. Value, as it has been for the past few years, may be finding good numbers to bet against the Jets and their young quarterback.

Fields Set to Return from Injury

Justin Fields had to wait a week to see his first action as an NFL quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Fields, who took over for an injured Andy Dalton during the Bears’ 20-17 win over the Bengals, has missed the past three weeks due to an injury. Fields will return for Chicago’s game against the Packers on Dec. 12 in Green Bay.

Much like the rest of his rookie class, Fields has struggled to find his rhythm. Fields’ best game came against Pittsburgh in Week 9, when he passed for 291 yards in a 29-27 loss to Pittsburgh. Fields has showcased his running ability more than most of the other rookie quarterbacks, rushing for 311 yards and averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He has struggled with his accuracy, throwing eight interceptions and four touchdowns.

Mac Jones Helps Revive Patriots

Giving Mac Jones too much credit after New England beat Buffalo 14-10 in a game where he threw three passes may seem a little absurd. But it is Jones’ steady hand that has helped turn the Patriots around and make them the top team in the AFC East.

Jones has passed for 2,689 yards this season and thrown 16 touchdown passes to eight interceptions. He has established himself as one of the top candidates for rookie of the year. Jones passed for a career-high 310 yards in New England’s Week 13 destruction of the Tennessee Titans, where the Patriots won 36-13.

Jones will be an interesting betting possibility in the playoffs. Will the rookie help the defense carry New England to another crown or will he fold under the weight of the pressure?