The New York Jets put together a stunning 48-17 win over the Detriot Lions on Monday Night Football, generating much buzz around rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. This has now seen Darnold rise to being the clear-cut betting favorite by BetOnline.ag to win the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 
The former USC product was quite impressive in his first official NFL start, as he was the driving force to help the Jets push past the Lions for a blowout win on the road in the season opener. After throwing a interception that was returned for a touchdown on the first throw of the game and his career, the 21-year-old locked in by completing 17 of his next 20 attempts for 198 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He demonstrated much poise in the pocket and control of the offense, leading the Jets down the field for several scoring drives.
Darnold also made some impressive throws, highlighted by his laser down the sideline for a 41-yard touchdown connection with wide receiver Robbie Anderson in tight coverage. Outside of the pick-six, he completely outplayed Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford, giving Darnold the appearance of being the grizzled veteran franchise quarterback between the two.
Although Darnold is the favorite, New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley also put up a highly encouraging performance that saw him record 106 rushing yards on 18 carries and a touchdown with two catches for 22 receiving yards.
Barkley had an impressive 68-yard touchdown run that saw him weave past defenders to burst down the sideline for the end-zone trip, putting the Penn State product squarely in the picture as one of the frontrunners to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
It could wind up being a tightly contested race between Darnold and Barkley in what should be a highly entertaining 2018 season in the Big Apple.
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