Mendoza favourite to win OROY after Raiders trade Cousins

Nine weeks into the NFL season, Fernando Mendoza is the favourite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year despite not starting a game this year.

But that is about to change.

The first overall pick appears in line to make the first start of his NFL career after the Las Vegas Raiders dealt Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings a few hours before the trade deadline.

After drifting as far as 20-to-1 to win the award, Mendoza is now the favourite at +350 on FanDuel, with Jonah Coleman (+430) the only other player listed at shorter than 5-to-1.

A trio of wide receivers round out the top five in odds with Carnell Tate (+500), Denzel Boston (+550) and KC Concepcion (+650) as the pass catches have all found solid footing in the league.

Mendoza has made one appearance in his rookie campaign. He made his NFL debut at the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter in the Raiders’ Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in his short time on the field.

Since 2010, all eight quarterbacks to win OROY all started at least 15 games, if Mendoza stays healthy he will finish the season with eight.

No quarterback has ever won Offensive Rookie of the Year after making his first start later than Week 4.

Here is a look at the full market on FanDuel.