Christian McCaffrey Favored for NFL Rushing Title
2024 NFL Rushing Leader Odds List 49ers Star at +275
A different running back has won the NFL rushing title each of the last three seasons since Derrick Henry topped the charts in 2019 and 2020.
Last year it was San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, who ran for 1,459 yards en route to an appearance in Super Bowl LVIII.
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Expert Pick: Subscribe below to get our Premium Insights!Who will be the top running back on the 2024 NFL schedule?
With that in mind, we break down the top 2024 NFL Rushing Leader Odds.
THE FAVORITE
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (+275)
McCaffrey won his first rushing title last season, winning NFL Offensive Player of the Year in the process. He ran for a career-best 1,459 yards and topped 5.0 yards per carry for the second time in his career.
He then added another 268 yards on the ground in the NFL playoffs.
At 27, McCaffrey — the 2024 NFL Rushing Leader Odds favorite — remains the league’s best all-around back.
TOP CONTENDERS
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (+600)
Since winning his first NFL rushing title in 2021 with 1,811 yards, NFL injuries and a contract standoff have limited him to 21 games over the last two seasons. He ran for 741 yards (4.4 yards per carry) in 10 games last year, proving he still’s elite.
With Anthony Richardson healthy again, there is a lot of optimism around pairing the dual-threat quarterback with Taylor.
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (+650)
In his six seasons with the Giants, Barkley was often surrounded by one of the NFL’s least talented offenses. The Giants went through 29 different starting linemen during that time, making running room difficult to find.
Despite that, Barkley still managed three 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including a career-best 1,312 yards in 2022.
Joining the star-studded Eagles should do wonders for Barkley, assuming he can stay healthy.
Breece Hall, New York Jets (+800)
Hall showed no rust coming off a torn ACL. He rushed for 994 yards in 2022, adding 591 yards through the air.
His breakaway speed should continue resulting in plenty of long runs. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry and had seven runs of at least 20 yards, tied for fifth most in the NFL.
Having Aaron Rodgers back will make life easier.
NEXT IN LINE
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (+1200)
In his last year with Tennessee, Henry ran for 1,459 yards and led the league in carries for the fourth time in five seasons.
Running backs generally don’t age well, and having turned 30, Henry is on the backend of his career.
That said, it’s easy to envision the two-time rushing champion making a big impact in the RPO game alongside reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens have finished top three in rushing six straight seasons.
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (+1200)
Williams emerged as the No. 1 back after some early season struggles by Cam Akers. The former fifth-rounder from Notre Dame ran for 1,144 yards in 11 games, finishing third in the league in rushing despite starting down the depth chart. He had five 100-yard games and twice surpassed 150 yards.
Williams will miss the Rams’ offseason program because of a foot injury. Head coach Sean McVay downplayed his concern though, telling reporters the injury is “nothing to worry about.”
In the meantime, rookie third-rounder Blake Corum will get the bulk of work.
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (+1200)
Robinson’s usage as rookie was maddening. The No. 8 pick in the 2023 NFL draft topped 15 carries only four times in 17 games and averaged 12.5 for the season. Despite that, Robinson made the most of his chances.
Robinson ran for 976 yards and added another 487 yards receiving.
With Raheem Morris replacing Arthur Smith as head coach, expect Robinson’s workload to increase.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (+1600)
Jacobs replaces Aaron Jones as the featured back in Green Bay after five years with the Raiders. The two-time Pro Bowler missed the final four games of last season with a quad injury and finished with only 805 yards on a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. This came after he was the league’s top rusher in 2022 (1,653 yards).
Jacobs’ 6,993 scrimmage yards since 2019 are the third most among running backs, trailing Henry (8,295) and McCaffrey (7,454).
The 26-year-old Jacobs missed the start of OTAs with a hamstring injury but should be healthy for training camp.
LONGSHOTS
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (+2000)
Not many NFL players can match Achane’s blend of speed and power. Achane averaged a ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry as a rookie, finishing with 800 yards. He had four 100-yard games, including rushing for 203 yards in a 70-20 rout of Denver.
If not for a knee injury that cost him six games, Achane would have been a lock for 1,000 yards.
Achane may split carries with Raheem Mostert, but he’ll continue to get plenty of work in NFL games. That makes him an interesting 20/1 longshot on the 2024 NFL rushing odds board.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (+2000)
Gibbs flashed big-play abilities as a rookie, rushing for 945 yards on 182 carries. He had 10 carries of 20 yards or more — second in the NFL behind James Conner’s 11 — and scored 11 touchdowns, including 10 rushing.
David Montgomery remains the featured back, but this will be Gibbs’ job before long.
For 2024 NFL rushing leader odds, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
