Has Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels surpassed Houston Texans star C.J. Stroud as the best rookie signal-caller in recent memory?
As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Daniels as the Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) favorite (-20000). His thrilling performance against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday could help him clinch the award.
In the 36-33 win, Daniels threw a go-ahead touchdown to wide receiver Jamison Crowder with six seconds left. The QB finished with five passing touchdowns and 339 yards (258 passing and 81 rushing).
In his Monday overreactions column, CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr claimed Daniels is having a better season than Stroud, 2023 OROY.
“Daniels became the second quarterback in NFL history with five-plus passing touchdowns, 250-plus passing yards and 75-plus rushing yards in a game while also becoming the first rookie in NFL history with multiple game-winning passing touchdowns in the final 30 seconds of a game,” wrote Kerr.
Like Stroud, Daniels has delivered in the clutch throughout his rookie season. Per Pro Football Reference, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick has three game-winning drives in 15 starts, the same number Stroud had in 15 starts in 2023.
Daniels is 10-5 and has completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 3,303 yards with 22 TDs and eight interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 737 yards and six touchdowns on 128 carries.
Stroud went 9-6, completing 63.9 percent of his passes for 4,108 yards with 23 TDs and five picks. He also ran for 167 yards and three TDs on 39 carries.
The Commanders (10-5) will secure a playoff berth if they beat the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) in a Week 17 home game at 8:20 p.m. ET. Washington hasn’t won a postseason game in 19 years.
If Daniels leads the Commanders on a deep playoff run, he could top the 2023 No. 2 overall pick. Last season, Stroud and Co. beat the Cleveland Browns in the AFC wild card but lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.