Why Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye will beat player futures projections

The NFL season is just around the corner, so for those looking to get futures bets in before odds potentially make dramatic shifts, it's time to really look at those sheets.

Our analysts did just that, scouring the odds trying to find numbers that stood out and sharing what they found.

Here's are their favorite player totals to bet heading into the 2025 season.

For the most up-to-date player totals odds, visit ESPN BET.

Pamela Maldonado: Daniels didn't just survive his rookie year, he thrived. Despite facing constant pressure, the Washington Commanders QB completed 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 TDs -- and added 892 yards and six TDs on the ground on the way to earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Daniels gained yardage through designed runs, read-options and scrambles that often turned into big gains, and nothing suggests Washington will use him less. In fact, with a tougher schedule, Daniels could be forced to use his legs even more. In Year 2, he'll have better protection up front, with the addition of Laremy Tunsil, and full command of Kliff Klingsbury's offense. Taking the over bet here is a buy on his proven explosiveness.

Matt Bowen: Thomas had 10 touchdown receptions as a rookie last season and saw 12 end zone targets. In a new offensive system under first-year head coach Liam Coen, Thomas will be deployed from multiple alignments and set up on isolation matchups in scoring position. Remember, Thomas is a vertical glider with 4.33 speed and ball-tracking ability, plus he has the foot quickness to shake press coverage. Don't be surprised if he posts double-digit touchdown receptions again.

Eric Moody: One of the rare running backs who has clear dominance of the backfield, Taylor finished last season top five in the league in both rushing attempts and yards. Although he played in only 14 games last season -- he has only played one full season in his career (2021) -- Taylor cleared 1,400 rushing yards. Playing behind an Indianapolis Colts offensive line that is anchored by Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith and ranked fourth in run block win rate last season, Taylor is well-positioned to surpass this line in 2025.

Moody: The arrow is pointing up for the New England Patriots and for Maye, who had a productive season once taking over as the starter despite playing with one of the league's worst offensive lines and an uninspiring receiver room. Things are different this season. The Patriots upgraded the offensive line, added wide receiver Stefon Diggs in free agency and drafted running back TreVeyon Henderson, who is a capable receiver out of the backfield. With offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also back in the fold and one of the easiest schedules in the league, Maye is well-positioned to surpass this line in 2025 after tossing 15 TD passes in 13 games last year.

Seth Walder: I'm starting with the assumption that a tackle is likely to win this new award, so Penei Sewell and Lane Johnson make sense as the favorites. But Alt, who is moving over from right tackle to left tackle this season for the Los Angeles Chargers, is a medium-shot challenger with a real chance. A highly touted prospect coming off an exceptional rookie season, Alt ranked fourth in pass block win rate (94%) and 15th in run block win rate (78%) last season.

As for Stanley, my thought here is that we don't know exactly how the ex-players who hand out this award will make their judgment. But there surely is a world where the Baltimore Ravens are the best team in football and those ex-players reward Stanley for being the most prominent tackle to keep Lamar Jackson upright all season, right? At 40-1, I think it's worth a gamble.