2023 NFL Rushing Leader Betting Odds and Predictions

The early NFL rushing yards leader 2023 betting odds have officially been published. The NFL has several talented running backs, so predicting the next top rusher will be difficult. However, I want to make things easier by sharing my analysis of the contenders.

Will Josh Jacobs defend his throne and lead the NFL in rushing again? Could a rookie running back defy the odds and finish with the most rushing yards? I analyze the odds to win the NFL rushing title and offer my predictions in this article.

Let’s dive into my analysis of the top contenders to become the NFL rushing leader in 2023. It wouldn’t surprise me if any of these players were to rush for more than at least 1,500 yards. The top running backs in the NFL are often very productive on the field.

Before I begin, let me mention that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for running backs to win consecutive rushing titles. Since 2009, the only player to go back-to-back was Derrick Henry in 2019 and 2020.

• Age: 29
• Team: Tennessee Titans
• Career Rushing Yards: 8,335

With two rushing titles under his belt, Derrick Henry is no stranger to putting up massive numbers. The guy is a machine, having averaged over 1,400 rushing yards per season in the last five years. That kind of consistency is rare in his position.

Henry has gone over 1,000 rushing yards on four different occasions. He’s also surpassed the 2,000-yard rushing mark in a season – one of only eight running backs to achieve such a rare milestone. Henry also won Offensive Player of the Year during his 2020-21 campaign.

If the Titans feed the ball to Henry, he’ll have a real shot at claiming the rushing title again. In 2022-23, Henry averaged over 21 rushing attempts per game. That kind of volume is a recipe for success.

Can Henry bring that same level of production and consistency in 2023? The veteran running back isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. If anything, he’s always a threat to win the rushing title.

• Age: 27
• Team: Cleveland Browns
• Career Rushing Yards: 6,341

Consistency also describes sixth year running back Nick Chubb pretty well. He was in the mix to become the rushing leader last season but lost to Josh Jacobs. Chubb was just 128 yards away from claiming the title.

Chubb also has four seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards in only five NFL seasons. The guy is also averaging 5.2 yards per carry for his entire career, which is bonkers.

Here’s another reason why oddsmakers are favoring Chubb: backup RB Kareem Hunt is no longer in Cleveland. That means Chubb will have a greater workload for the upcoming season. If the RB finishes the year with 350 or more touches, he’ll win the rushing title with ease.

Can Chubb put together another fantastic season and finish with the most rushing yards? Yes, 100%, and the odds for him are excellent.

• Age: 24
• Team: Indianapolis Colts
• Career Rushing Yards: 3,841

In 2021-22, Jonathan Taylor was the rushing leader with 1,811 yards. He also found the end zone 18 times on the ground, topping the NFL in rushing TDs. Unfortunately, Taylor endured multiple setbacks last season, playing 11 games, and rushing for 861 yards.

Taylor’s ankle injury was bad enough that it required surgery during the offseason. Now, he should be fully healthy, and his production will likely increase. Last season, Taylor would’ve finished the year with over 1,300 rushing yards had he played every game.

The Colts also drafted Anthony Richardson to be their franchise QB moving forward. This could open up a lot of running lanes for Taylor with the right game plan. Although Taylor might lose a few touches, I still think he’ll end the season with at least 250 rushing attempts.

Taylor is a mega-talented running back who’ll bounce back in 2023-24. It’s also highly unlikely that he finishes the season under 1,000 rushing yards again because he’s too good of a player to put up mediocre numbers for a second straight year.

• Age: 25
• Team: Las Vegas Raiders
• Career Rushing Yards: 4,740

Josh Jacobs will try to defend his rushing title after the best season of his career in 2022-23. He ran for 1,653 rushing yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Jacobs was the biggest difference-maker on offense for the Raiders throughout the season.

The odds, unfortunately, are against Jacobs. It’s becoming rare for running backs to win consecutive rushing titles. However, his usage in 2023-24 will be the deciding factor once again. Jacobs accounted for 79% of the rushing attempts for Las Vegas last season.

When you bet on the NFL rushing leader, you should give Jacobs plenty of consideration. He’s still in the prime of his career, and a run-heavy offensive system benefits him immensely. The Raiders will probably give him the bulk of the carries once again.

You should also think about picking a sleeper to become the next NFL rushing leader. You never know which running back will rise to the occasion. For example, multiple rookies won the rushing title in recent years, so you never know.

• Jamyhr Gibbs (+6000). Gibbs is one of those rookies who could make a statement during his debut season. The Lions selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and I expect him to be productive.
• Kenneth Walker (+2500). Walker surpassed 1,000 rushing yards during his rookie campaign in 2022-23. If he can average over 20 carries per game, I expect him to contend for the rushing title.
• Justin Fields (+2000). A quarterback has never led the NFL in rushing. However, how cool would it be if Fields could pull it off? He had 1,143 rushing yards during his second season in the NFL, so he wasn’t that far off.

Predicting the next rushing leader wasn’t easy for me. It’s one of those positions in the NFL that features plenty of talented players. However, if I had to pick someone to claim the next rushing title, it would be Nick Chubb.

Chubb’s consistency and productivity are undeniable. I also think the Browns will hand him the ball often this upcoming season. Although Henry and Taylor are both explosive running backs, Chubb will be the guy who puts it all together in 2023-24.