Patriots quarterback Mac Jones emerged Tuesday as the No. 2 favorite to win Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year honors this season, as sportsbooks reacted to the news that New England has cut Cam Newton.
Jones will be the starter as the Patriots prepare for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins.
Prior to the report, Jones was 10-1 to win the award at Caesars Sportsbook. His odds improved to 5-1 after Newton's release.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence remains the consensus favorite to win the award with odds around 7-2.
Jones was the fifth quarterback taken in the first round of April's NFL draft, going No. 15 overall to the Patriots. WIth the Newton news, he leapfrogged three of the four rookie quarterbacks who were taken before him -- the New York Jets' Zach Wilson (7-1), San Francisco 49ers' Trey Lance (7-1) and Chicago Bears' Justin Fields (13-2).
Jones had been a popular pick with bettors this offseason and has attracted the second-most money wagered on BetMGM's odds to win rookie of the year, behind only Wilson.
The point spread on the Patriots' Sept. 12 home opener against the Miami Dolphins moved slightly Tuesday, with New England dropping from a 3-point favorite to -2.5 at some sportsbooks.
