Top Five NFL Regular Season Rushing Yards Props Picks for 2021

The new 17-game season may have an impact on several NFL records. At some point, a running back is going to get Eric Dickerson and break his single-season rushing mark of 2,105 yards.

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Rushing yards props bets are always among bettors’ favorites prior to a season. This season, there are a few intriguing prospects when it comes to these props. Here’s a look at the top five NFL rushing yards props picks for 2021.

NFL Regular Season Rushing Yards Props

JOSH JACOBS OVER 1100.5 (+100)

Jacobs has had over 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. Last year, he went for 1,065 in 15 games. His two-year totals are 2,215 yards in 28 games for an average of 79.1 yards per game. That per game average would put Jacobs over 1,300 yards in a 17-game season.

Raiders coach Jon Gruden believes in establishing the run and Jacobs is his go-to guy. Jacobs is one of few running backs at plus-money to hit an over/under. At +100 to go over 1100.5 yards, this is a bet worth taking. Jacobs is durable and can average the 65 yards a game he’ll need to surpass the total.

Football Betting Odds

SAQUON BARKLEY UNDER 1175.5 (-124)

Like Jacobs, Barkley is one of the few running backs listed at plus-money on this season’s rushing total. Barkley ran for 2,310 yards in his first two NFL seasons before going down with an ACL injury in Week 2 last season. Like Jacobs, his per game average is over 79 yards per game.

Barring injury, Barkley is one of the most versatile backs in the game. He takes pressure off of QB Daniel Jones (if he does remain the starter for the season). Barkley could also be a candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year with a big season.

The problem for Barkley and the Giants is that they play four games against the best run defenses in the NFL. New York plays the Bucs, Rams, Saints, and Falcons. The Giants also have to face Washington twice and Miami, who both lie just outside the top ten.

As much as the over looks good at +100, the better play is Barkley under 1175.5 at -124.

NAJEE HARRIS OVER 1000.5 (-112)

Two things that do not belong in the same sentence are “Pittsburgh Steelers” and “running game sucks.” That was the story last year, though. Long known for their great offensive lines and powerful running attacks, last year’s Steelers were awful.

Pittsburgh finished dead last in rushing yards per game – 84.4. Since Le’Veon Bell played last in Pittsburgh in 2017, the Steelers haven’t been that power-run type of team. That will change in 2021. The Steelers selected Alabama’s Harris with the first pick in this year’s NFL draft.

Harris is the type of big back the Steelers love. At 6-3 and 230 pounds, Harris is the perfect blend of size and speed and he’s outstanding as a receiver. He averaged 6.0 yards a carry at Alabama and will run behind a reconfigured Pittsburgh offensive line.

To hit the over, Harris will need to average just 59 yards per game. Done.

Football Predictions

JONATHAN TAYLOR OVER 1250.5 (-112)

As good as Tennessee’s Derrick Henry is, Taylor could very well lead the NFL in rushing this season. The Colts have the best offensive line in the NFL and they are committed to the run game. Taylor will get plenty of carries as he did last year once he became the team’s RB1.

Taylor ran for 1,169 yards last season in 15 games. That’s 77.9 yards per game, which equates to 1,325 yards in a 17-game season. Unless injury curtails his season, Taylor can average 73 yards per game and easily go over 1250.5.

DERRICK HENRY UNDER 1550.5 (-112)

Henry has led the NFL in rushing in each of the past two seasons. He came awfully close to running down Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record becoming just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.

The regression is coming. Also, Julio Jones is in town now. There is only one ball to go around the Titans have plenty of weapons. QB Ryan Tannehill has emerged into one of the league’s better quarterbacks. Henry probably isn’t going to carry the ball 378 times like last season.

He’ll still hit 1,000, maybe even 1,500, but he’ll fall short of 1550.5. Take the under.

Check out our NFL team totals betting guide and NFL player props betting tips.