By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
There are any number of quarterbacks in high-octane offenses one can picture leading the NFL in passing yards this season. Last season, there were eight quarterbacks between 4042 and 4577 yards. Tom Brady, the erstwhile veteran, led the league for the third time, with a lot of top candidates this season right on his heels. There is so much to take into account in a rapidly-changing league—surrounding talent, injury issues, offensive approach, additions and losses in personnel, and the list goes on. One thing is for sure and that is that it will be hotly-contested.
One can go pretty far down the odds-list before the candidates become not-so-viable. A lot of former leaders in this category are still factors. Drew Brees, a seven-time leader in passing yards, is a top favorite again this season. Also on the list are Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger—two former passing yards leaders who remain contenders. Usually, when you make a bet, you get a kick for a few hours and it's over. This is a bet you can really sink your teeth into, as you have a vested interest on who you bet on for a whole season.
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Sure, it's always tough to call this one. But for some reason, it seems extra-difficult this season—the perfect convergence of vets and rising stars to throw this one into an area where anything can happen. Here are the odds to throw for the most yards in the NFL in 2018, followed by our best picks.
Player to Record the Most Passing Yards in the 2018 Regular Season
Tom Brady (NE) +450
Drew Brees (NO) +550
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) +1000
Philip Rivers (LAC) +750
Matthew Stafford (DET) +1200
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) +1400
Aaron Rodgers (GB) +1000
Matt Ryan (ATL) +1200
Kirk Cousins (MIN) +1600
Jared Goff (LAR) +2500
Andrew Luck (IND) +2000
Deshaun Watson (HOU) +2500
Alex Smith (WAS) +3000
Eli Manning (NYG) +4500
Russell Wilson (SEA) +5500
Carson Wentz (PHI) +2200
Case Keenum (DEN) +5000
Patrick Mahomes (KC) +1500
Ryan Tannehill (MIA) +5000
Derek Carr (OAK) +4000
Andy Dalton (CIN) +6600
Blake Bortles (JAC) +8500
Marcus Mariota (TEN) +8500
Mitch Trubisky (CHI) +8000
Dak Prescott (DAL) +10000
Joe Flacco (BAL) +10000
Cam Newton (CAR) +7500
Jameis Winston (TB) +10000
Tyrod Taylor (CLE) +15000
Sam Bradford (ARI) +8000
Josh McCown (NYJ) +20000
AJ McCarron (BUF) +20000
Our Best Favorites
Drew Brees (+550): His total of 4334 yards last season was his lowest since 2005. But with all the weapons littering the New Orleans offense, look for Brees to again be a contender to lead this category. He's done it seven times before.
Philip Rivers (+750): The cagey vet has led the league in passing yards before and is seemingly always in the thick of it. He also benefits from an offense that is stacked and on the rise. Another full season from Rivers should certainly put him at or near the top of this stat.
Ben Roethlisberger (+1000): Also a former leader in passing yards, it's hard to not account for Roethlisberger in this category. Like others on this list, he has a ton of talent around him that makes it so a healthy Roethlisberger will find himself atop of this list. Can he play 16 games, though? It's been four years since he has done so.
Our Best Mid-Level Picks
Matthew Stafford (+1200): Regardless of how the Lions do, you can always count on Stafford putting up big numbers. This season should be no different. With new leadership, maybe Stafford can put up the numbers to be top-dog in this stat.
Patrick Mahomes (+1500): When you start picking quarterbacks outside the top group of favorites, we like picking guys where you really don't know what the ceiling is. We saw Alex Smith put up huge numbers last season with a KC offense growing in playmaking ability. Maybe the young Mahomes can do one better.
Andrew Luck (+2000): When he was healthy, he was in the mix in this category. At 20-1, he might be worth a look. It might not work out, as some 20-1 shots don't, but he has shown he can do it before and maybe he has it in him again.
Our Best Longshot Picks
Deshaun Watson (+2500): Granted, it's a dicey proposition. He needs to stay healthy and plays on a team not associated with aerial hi-jinx. But it was hard to not notice how prolific he was last season when given a chance to shine. A full season of that could be trouble.
Alex Smith (+3000): Last season, Smith saw his stats swell with over 4000 yards passing. Sure, it's hard to envision a guy known for managing games leading the league in passing yards, but maybe he takes to the Redskins offense like a duck to water and makes it interesting at 30-1. Make this bet for FREE by taking advantage of a massive 100% sign-up bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at GTBets!
