Shedeur Sanders Drawing Heavy Betting Interest for Rookie of the Year

Despite being the Cleveland Browns' fourth quarterback on the depth chart, Sanders has attracted 17.7% of the total handle at BetMGM.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: August 15, 2025 1:19 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Shedeur Sanders Drawing Heavy Betting Interest for Rookie of the Year — Pictured: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders looks to pass and is getting lots of attention in the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Photo by Bob Donnan via Imagn Images.

The hype around Shedeur Sanders continues to grow at the best sports betting sites.

Sanders has emerged as a surprisingly popular choice among sports bettors digging into the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award odds. Despite being the Cleveland Browns' fourth quarterback on the depth chart, Sanders has attracted 17.7% of the total handle at BetMGM Sportsbook, over five percentage points higher than the next most-backed rookie, Ashton Jeanty, at 12.4%.

This surge in betting activity has shortened his odds from +3000 to +2500, tying him for the ninth-best odds currently offered. The 23-year-old former Colorado standout made a big impression in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, going 14 of 23 in the air for 138 yards. He added two TDs and 19 rushing yards on four carries.

Nevertheless, his path to considerable playing time is unknown. Veteran Joe Flacco headlines the Browns' list of quarterback starters, along with injured backup Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and fifth-round selection Sanders.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski did not foment any quarterback controversy following the game. He said the team continues to evaluate players and is dedicated to developing individuals. Sanders' attempt to rise through the depth chart took a blow when he strained his oblique during practice on Wednesday.

He's unlikely to play in the Browns' next preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which could restrict his time to show off what he can do before the season.

NFL–ESPN Agreement to reshape media landscape

Sanders' preseason storyline unfolds against the backdrop of a major NFL media shift. Earlier this month, the NFL and ESPN confirmed a billion-dollar agreement that will see ESPN acquire NFL media properties, including NFL Network, RedZone's linear distribution, and NFL Fantasy, in exchange for the league obtaining a 10% equity stake in ESPN.

The deal is structured in two parts. The first grants ESPN ownership and operational control of NFL Network, the RedZone Channel distributed via pay TV, and NFL Fantasy, which will merge with ESPN's existing fantasy football platform.

The second license assets back to ESPN, allowing the network to continue programming the NFL Network. This includes three additional NFL games for the network and the shift of four games from other platforms, keeping NFL Network's total annual game slate at seven.

Approval from NFL ownership is still pending. Commissioner Roger Goodell informed team owners they will meet via video conference on 26 August for a non-voting discussion of the agreements.

The NFL Network and its programming will be integrated into ESPN's direct-to-consumer streaming service, which will launch on August 21. The platform will offer all ESPN content and be priced at under $30 per month.

This includes all live games through the ESPN app, with access also available to existing cable, satellite, and streaming TV subscribers.

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.