After week 2, three candidates have emerged as competitors for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Detroit Lions RB Jahvid Best, San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews and St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford. Quarterbacks and running backs generally win this award simply based on the number of times they get to touch the ball, but there are a couple dark horses at the wide receiver position that we’ll have to watch as the season moves along.

Jahvid Best- Best has to be considered the favorite to win the award as of right now. He has already scored 5 touchdowns in two weeks and is quickly becoming a must start in fantasy football leagues across the globe. Best has scored 4 rushing touchdowns on 31 carries for 98 yards. He has also been featured in the Lions passing attack, catching 14 balls for 170 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan Mathews- Mathews was my preseason favorite to win the award simply based on San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner’s comments about Mathews getting the ball over 300 times this season. Mathews has only rushed for 101 yards on 24 carries and caught 3 balls for 31 yards.

Sam Bradford- Bradford has to be considered as well. He has played well for the St. Louis Rams despite having a lack of offensive talent surrounding him. Bradford has attempted 80 passes, completing 46 for 420 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

There are two dark horses which need to be watched as the season progresses. Two wide receivers which could post huge numbers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Williams and the Denver Broncos DeMaryius Thomas. Mike Williams slid in this years draft based on character concerns into the 4th round where he was selected by the Buccaneers. Williams had an outstanding preseason and has carried that play into the NFL’s regular season. Williams has quickly become the go to receiver on the Buccaneers offense and he has recorded 7 receptions for 84 yards and two scores. Williams could easily have 4 touchdowns on the young season, having been over thrown twice when he was wide open.

DeMaryius Williams was chosen using the Denver Broncos first pick in the first round during this years draft. Thomas missed all of training camp and preseason with a foot injury. Thomas made his way onto the field this last week for the first time and responded nicely. Thomas was targeted 9 times, catching 8 for 97 yards and a score. Given the current status of the Broncos receiving corps, should Thomas continue to post these kinds of numbers, he will have to deserve consideration for the award at the end of the season.