2016 NFL Betting: Who Will Lead the League in Rushing and Receiving?

2016 NFL Betting: Who Will Lead the League in Rushing and Receiving?

Earlier in the offseason, we posted an article which examined the odds for who would lead the NFL in passing yards. In addition to releasing odds for the passing leader, sportsbook Bet365 also posted odds for who will be the leading rusher and receiver.

The tables below display the current Bet365 odds for each player to lead the league in their respective categories.

Rushing

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson led the NFL in rushing last year and opens as the favorite at +333. Peterson holds a narrow lead over Los Angeles Rams second-year running back Todd Gurley, who is available at +400. In his rookie season, Gurley emerged as one of the league’s best young running backs, even though he was coming off of a torn ACL that ended his junior season at Georgia. Now that Gurley is fully recovered and has a year of pro experience under his belt, he has a chance to lead the NFL in rushing yards.

One surprise is that Dallas Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliot is tied with Pittsburgh Steelers LeVeon Bell for the fourth-best odds (+900). Though Elliot has never played a snap at the professional level, oddsmakers believe has a great chance to rush for the most yards in the league.

Receiving

Last year’s number one and number two receivers Atlanta Falcons Julio Jones and Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown were separated by a mere 37 yards. This year they opened as co-favorites at +350. Jones and Brown are two of the league’s premiere receivers, so it is no surprise that they have the most favorable odds.

Personally, I believe an intriguing option is Packers receiver Jordy Nelson (+1400), who is has the fifth-best odds. He missed all of 2015 with a torn ACL, but enters the ’16 season healthy. Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers missed one of his favorite targets last season in Nelson and getting him back might revitalize Green Bay’s passing game.

Who do you think will lead the league in rushing? Will Julio Jones repeat as the leading receiver? Please leave your comments in the section below.

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