Favorites to win 2008-09 NFL Rookie of the Year

Rookies, these guys determine how sports will look like in the imminent future.

And although we are still a long way from determining who's it going to be this time in the 2008-09 NFL football season, we are so excited about the return of football that we can't help ourselves but to give you our early picks.

And since the Associated Press started awarding the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 1967, running backs have been the consistent choice to take home the hardware. Of the 41 times the Associated Press did this, 31 of the winners were NFL runningbacks.

Runningbacks dominate this award because it is generally believed that this is the easiest position for a first year player to step in and contribute immediately. Quarterbacks and receivers, on the other hand, more often than not, need at least a couple years to learn the very complex NFL passing schemes.

Don't believe me? A classic example of this one is Eli Manning. (Until he plays like a dumbass again this season anyway...)

Who are our picks? Let's start with Darren McFadden, the Oakland Raiders rookie runningback. Although the Raiders already have an able runner in Justin Fargas, McFadden is just too talented for Oakland to pass up in the draft.

With his 6'2'', 215-pound frame to go along with 4.4 speed, the former star of the Arkansas Razorbacks is expected to get plenty of carries from day 1 and is the heavy favorite to win the 2008-09 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

QB Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons could also bring home the hardware at the end of the season. Oddsmakers dubbed him as the 10-1 favorite and with his selection, the Falcons officially closed the door on the Michael Vick era.

Perhaps the darkhorse to win it this year is the Baltimore Ravens rookie runningback Ray Rice. Oddsmakers put 25-1 odds on Rice to win the award. Even though he lacks the size for the running back position, the rookie showed a lot of strength and power in the preseason to go along with his great cut-back ability and lateral movement.

Rice has already secured a spot as the backup of Willis McGahee. And with McGahee injured, Rice has a better shot of showing everybody what he's got than most rookies coming in the league this year.

Who will win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

New York Giants 17.00

New England Patriots 4.50

Dallas Cowboys 7.00

Indianapolis Colts 8.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

2008-09 NFL Season NFL Rookie of the Year