- Derrick Henry has the shortest odds to lead the NFL in rushing yards (+350) and touchdowns (+450).
- Dalvin Cook is the second betting option in both categories with +550 and +500 odds, respectively.
NASHVILLE – Derrick Henry could join elite company as he is the betting favorite to lead the league in rushing yards for the third straight season.
He also is projected to lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns once again.
Rushing Yards Leader: Derrick Henry Favored To Win Third Rushing Title
Derrick Henry is favored to join Emmitt Smith, Earl Campbell and Jim Brown as the only running backs to lead the NFL in rushing yards in three consecutive seasons since the 1950 merger. Online gambling sites list Henry with the shortest odds to repeat as rushing champion after his colossal 2,027-yard season in 2020.
NFL 2021/22 - Most Rushing Yards Odds
- Derrick Henry +350
- Dalvin Cook +550
- Nick Chubb +650
- Jonathan Taylor +800
- Christian McCaffrey +1000
- Saquon Barkley +1200
- Ezekiel Elliot +1800
- Antonio Gibson +2000
Dalvin Cook finished behind Henry in rushing yards last year, but still trailed by nearly 500 yards. If Henry is healthy and gets a similar workload he should be able to lead the league with ease.
However, as he has led the NFL in carries in each of the last two years, it’s possible that the Tennessee Titans try to give him some rest whenever possible.
Those interested in a longshot may want to take a look at Saquon Barkley. He is coming off of an injury and is on what’s thought to be a bad team which is likely why he’s further down on the odds boards, but sports betting sites may be undervaluing him a little too much.
The New York Giants have a chance to be one of the more improved teams as not only will Barkley be back in the lineup, but there are more weapons out wide to provide less stacked boxes as there may be a real passing threat for once in Barkley’s career.
His abilities drew comparisons to Barry Sanders for a reason. Getting that talent at +1200 odds could prove to be worth the risk.
Most Rushing Touchdowns: Henry Favored To Defend His Crown
Unsurprisingly, Henry is favored to lead the league in touchdowns as well as yards. Henry found the end zone 17 times on the ground last season and was tied for the league-most in 2019 as well.
While he is favored, he is even less of an NFL betting lock here than he is for rushing yards.
NFL 2021/22 - Most Rushing TD's Odds
- Derrick Henry +450
- Dalvin Cook +500
- Jonathan Taylor +700
- Nick Chubb +800
- Christian McCaffrey +1000
- Alvin Kamara +1400
- Ezekiel Elliot +1500
- Saquon Barkley +1800
- Antonio Gibson +2000
- J.K. Dobbins +2500
- Aaron Jones +2500
A dark horse candidate to lead the league in touchdowns is Aaron Jones. In 2019, he tied Henry with a league-best 16 touchdowns.
His touchdown numbers were down a little in 2020, but there were a handful of goal line plays that went the way of Davante Adams that could’ve easily been handed off to Jones.
There is the threat of A.J. Dillon stealing touches, potentially in the red zone, but after signing Jones to a four-year $48 million contract, it’s tough to see the Green Bay Packers moving on from him as the bell cow back anytime soon.