It’s a quarterbacks league, and much of the focus is on which passers will have the biggest games. But don’t forget about the running backs who are primed to go off in Week 1.
Josh Jacobs – Over 58.5 Rushing Yards
The Ravens’ defense is good, but they did lose Matthew Judon and Yannick Ngakoue this offseason, which may prevent them from being great in 2021.
One guy who is great is the Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who went over 58.5 yards in 10 of 15 games last season. In 28 career starts, Jacobs has gone over that number in 21 games. Don’t be afraid of Kenyon Drake. He won’t take enough carries away from Jacobs to keep him under, but he will help keep Jacobs fresh.
Eleven times last season, a running back went over 58.5 against the Ravens, and Jacobs will do the same on Monday Night Football.
Gus Edwards – Over 63.5 Rushing Yards
Sticking with the Monday night game between the Ravens and Raiders, you have to love Gus Edwards to go over 63.5 rushing yards. Not only is he the first option for the Ravens now that J.K. Dobbins is out, but Justice Hill is also out for Baltimore, leaving the Ravens with just two healthy running backs.
Edwards technically began the season as a backup, but there’s a reason the team signed him to a two-year, $9 million extension in June. He can handle a full load of touches.
Las Vegas gave up 125 yards rushing a game last season, good for 24th in the NFL. The Ravens will get close to that number on Sunday, and Edwards will get most of it.
*UPDATE: Edwards suffered a significant knee injury in practice, and he could miss quite a bit of time. His rushing props have been taken off the board as a result.
Kareem Hunt – Over 39.5 Rushing Yards
Often the forgotten half of the best running back tandem in football, don’t forget about Kareem Hunt this Sunday in Kansas City. While Nick Chubb’s 79.5 yards is an iffy bet, Hunt going over 39.5 rushing yards is a solid bet.
Hunt is a former Chief, and he wants to have a big game. Kansas City is also missing linebacker Willie Gay, forcing more snaps to rookie Nick Bolton.
Hunt went over 39.5 in 11 games last year, including the playoffs. Even if his carries are limited to no more than 10 – a total he hit in 13 regular-season games in 2020 – he easily goes over against K.C.
