Browns QB Baker Mayfield Closing the Gap on Giants RB Saquon Barkley for NFL Rookie of the Year

The play of rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to be a big story in the NFL this season for the 6-7-1 Browns, and there’s rumblings that he’s closed the gap to possibly win the NFL Rookie of the Year Award.

Mayfield, who has thrown for 3065 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 picks with a QB rating of 92.6, is (according to BetOnline.ag) trailing New York Giants rooking running back Saquon Barkley for the top rookie award, but is not that far behind.

Barkley, who had a tough game Sunday at home in a 17-0 home loss to the Tennessee Titans, has rushed for 1155 yards and nine scores, but was held to 31 yards Sunday in the shutout loss.

Right now Barkley is -400 to win the award (meaning if you bet $400 on Barkley and he wins, you win $100), while Baker is second on the list at +250 (meaning if you bet $100 on Mayfield and he wins you take home $250).

To show how much Mayfield has closed the gap, on October 31st NFL.com put out a list at the midway point for the top choices for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the QB wasn’t even on the list.

Barkley, Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay, Atlanta Falcons wide out Calvin Ridley, and Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson all got votes.

Mayfield has two more chances to make an impact with voters, with games at home against the Bengals and at the Ravens, while Barkely will play at the Colts and at home against the Cowboys to end the season.