While players are always auditioning in training camp for a spot on their teams, the preseason games is where they prove their worth. Rookies, especially on offense, have the most to prove as they must justify the hype and money spent on them.

Let’s take a look at some of the early favorites for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and how they did in their first preseason games.

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When running back Reggie Bush was drafted by New Orleans in last April’s draft, you could say the expectations were a little bit high. The hype may be justified after Bush ran for 59 yards on six carries in the Saints’ win against the Titans last Saturday.

Sportsbook.com has Bush as the favorite to be the offensive rookie of the year this season at 2/1. He will see more action against the Cowboys this week if starter Deuce McAllister is still hurt and create a little controversy in the Big Easy if he has another good performance.

When the Colts lost RB Edgerrin James to Arizona in the offseason via free agency, they knew they had a big hole to fill in their high-power offense. So Indy selected RB Joseph Addai out of LSU with their first-round pick in hopes of replacing James. Addai didn’t have the most impressive rushing performance against the Rams last weekend, only gaining three yards on three carries, but he did catch two passes for 12 yards.

Those numbers don’t exactly support the odds for Addai to be top offensive rookie this season at 5/1 from Sportsbook.com. Addai will be splitting running duties with veteran RB Dominic Rhodes to start the season. However, head coach Tony Dungy has liked what he has seen from Addai during camp and will find ways to get the ball in his hands as often as possible this year.

Patriots RB Laurence Maroney looks for a hole against the Falcons. (AP Images)

Running back Laurence Maroney could not have asked for a better situation than he has with the New England Patriots. The first-rounder had an impressive debut running for 66 yards on nine carries against the Falcons last Friday. The rookie from Minnesota is currently listed at 7/1 odds by Sportsbook.com to be offensive ROY this season, which may be a steal for bettors considering his position with the Pats. Maroney is second only to Corey Dillon on the New England depth charts. Should Dillon go down, you can almost guarantee that head coach Bill Belichick will play Maroney over RB Kevin Faulk and will make an immediate impact.

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes came out of Ohio State last year as one of the team’s best deep threats. This season, he is expected to replace one of the most consistent performers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Antwaan Randle El. His first outing was what one would have expected to start out, four receptions for 32 yards and no scores. Despite his off-field troubles, Holmes is one of the early front runners for the top offensive rookie award at 5/1. As long as he progresses as he should during the preseason, Holmes will be a legitimate big-play target for QB Ben Roethlisberger this year.

Judd Hall can be reached at judd@vegasinsider.com