NFL futures: Season-long rushing yards bets to make

Last week's foray back into some NFL futures was focused in on some passing and receiving props, and now we turn to the ground game, an offering that has no shortage of names and options to back.

NFL futures bets

Season-long receiving TDs | Season-long receiving yards | Season-long passing TDs | Season-long passing yards 

When you consider markets like these, do know that the numbers and data suggest pocketing more unders than overs, despite our innate desire to root on things happening. In a league like the NFL, injuries are just so prominent, which skews these markets and have the unders as the tried and true more consistent option.

That doesn't mean we'll only be betting unders, but we will aim to favor them as much as we can.

Derrick Henry under 999.5 rushing yards (-130 DraftKings)

Derrick Henry was no doubt a flash signing for the Baltimore Ravens, but that doesn't mean he's going to have the same type of role or production he had in Tennessee in this new situation.

Not only is Henry now 30 years old, the known year where running backs tend to fall off, but he's also competing for touches out of the backfield with Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, the latter of whom was incredibly explosive in limited action last season.

That doesn't even include the presence of Lamar Jackson, who will most assuredly siphon off some significant rushing work of his own. Last season, Jackson carried the ball 148 times for a team-high 821 yards. 

Jackson has been Baltimore's leading rusher for five straight seasons, and while Henry should have solid games and score a nice batch of touchdowns, his yards feel far from certain.

Tony Pollard under 800.5 rushing yards (-140 DraftKings)

One of the players tasked with replacing Henry in Tennessee is Tony Pollard, who is fresh off a very disappointing 2023 season. Pollard averaged just 4.0 yards per carry with Dallas and hardly ever had a big game in his first year leading the backfield.

Pollard seems perhaps better as a complementary piece for a team, sharing rushing duties with another. That could be just the breakdown here in Tennessee, as Tyjae Spears looked like he can be a serious weapon from the running back position.

We're expecting a more even-split from the Titans RBs, and on an offense that may be pass-happy, we're fading Pollard's season-long yardage total.

Saquon Barkley over 1000.5 rushing yards (-110 DraftKings)

We'd be remiss to not root on at least one over in this market, and we've been bullish on Saquon Barkley ever since he signed with Philadelphia during free agency.

The Eagles' starting running back has exceeded 1000 rushing yards in two straight seasons, which is thanks to an elite offensive line, a mobile QB in Jalen Hurts that opens up the option run game, and strong WRs that force defenses to focus on defending the pass.

It's an ideal situation for a running back to produce, and in walks the most talented runner the Eagles have had since arguably LeSean McCoy. Assuming health (always a big if), Barkley should fly over this total.