By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
This is always a competitive category, often one of the better-fought areas of stats in the NFL. Throughout the years, it's been an up-for-grabs category where superstars and lesser-known players alike have become rushing champion. The leader in yards last season, Kareem Hunt, wasn't atop a lot of lists to begin the season, as the rookie third-round pick led the league with 1327 yards. It was the lowest leading total for a rushing champion since 1990, in addition to being the second time in a row a rookie won the rushing title.
The defending rushing champion Hunt not being the top choice on the board speaks to the quality of his peers. Favored is 2016 champion Ezekiel Elliott, who goes off at a short +285 price. A lot of other top backs litter the top of the list, along with a gaggle of players who have a realistic chance of garnering more rushing yards. And last season's low total helps bunch up the pack, as there are no less than a dozen different backs who could go for that or more if the stars all line up right.
Here are the odds to win the 2018 rushing title. Following a look at the odds-board, we will break down our best picks into three categories—our best favorites, mid-range picks, and longshot picks.
Player to Record the Most Rushing Yards in the 2018 Regular Season
Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) +285
Le'Veon Bell (PIT) +550
Todd Gurley (LAR) +600
David Johnson (ARI) +1200
Leonard Fournette (JAC) +850
Dalvin Cook (MIN) +900
Kareem Hunt (KC) +950
Saquon Barkley (NYG) +1000
Melvin Gordon (LAC) +1800
Jordan Howard (CHI) +2500
Devonta Freeman (ATL) +2800
Jay Ajayi (PHI) +4000
Alex Collins (BAL) +4000
Derrick Henry (TEN) +4000
Joe Mixon (CIN) +5000
LeSean McCoy (BUF) +6000
Jerick Mckinnon (SF) +6600
Alvin Kamara (NO) +4500
Kenyan Drake (MIA) +8000
Lamar Miller (HOU) +10000
Marshawn Lynch (OAK) +7000
Rashaad Penny (SEA) +5000
Ronald Jones (TB) +5500
Field +3300
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Top Favorites
Ezekiel Elliott (+285): In two seasons, he has become a dominant force in this area, running away with it as a rookie in 2016. A suspension kept him to just ten games last season and he still nearly eclipsed 1000 yards, a pace that would have put him several hundred yards ahead if it were a full season. With any kind of luck in the health department, he could win this easily again.
Le'Veon Bell (+550): Bell came within a hair of the rushing title last season and would have had it if he played all the games. These holdouts, however, make him less-than-bankable, as he seems to always be playing catch-up to the backs who hit the regular season running.
Kareem Hunt (+950): Last season, Hunt made it happen in becoming the rushing champ as a rookie. And that was with a woeful mid-season slump that perhaps he can avoid this season. It's easy to see why some don't fancy him this season, but +950 for a defending champ isn't half-bad.
Top Mid-Range Picks
Saquon Barkley (+1000): Granted, he's a rookie and no one can be sure how good the Giants' offense will be this season, but he could be the goods. It's been a while since the Giants had a robust ground-game, but it would be a surprise if Barkley didn't become a star in New York.
David Johnson (+1200): He's such an aerial weapon, it makes you wonder if he can get enough work on the ground to be in the thick, but 1239 yards in 2016 makes one think that maybe he can. Injury-issues loom, but Johnson might be special enough to pull it off.
Jordan Howard (+2500): Granted, the added weaponry could make Howard less of a focal point in the Bears' offense. It could also open things up for him, as opposing defenses have more legitimate threats upon which to focus. With over 2400 yards in his first two seasons, maybe a little boost can happen.
Top Longshot Picks
Derrick Henry (+4000): Now the main-dog in the Tennessee offense with DeMarco Murray gone, Henry has shown is his first few seasons that he's capable of putting up numbers. If he can do it for a whole season, he might be a good-value selection at this quote.
Rashaad Penny (+5000): When betting longshots like the Seahawks' Penny, you want a little bit of an X-factor. With Penny, we don't really know yet. He could gain 500 yards or catch fire and become a star. The latter scenario might not be terribly likely, hence the 50-1 return on the rookie.
Kenyan Drake (+8000): At the end of the day, 80-1 isn't bad for a guy who finished the season with the Dolphins as the hottest back in the league—running for the most yards in the NFL over the last five games. He might not be the prototypical 25-carries-per-game back with his slighter frame, but he has shown he can put up numbers and warrants a little sniff at this price. Did you know… that you could be wagering on games at discounted odds? There's a better than good chance that you're laying -110 odds (or more) with your book. Stop overpaying TODAY by making the switch to BetAnySports Sportsbook! You will be so glad that you did!
