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Season-long player props are beginning to surface across sportsbooks. In an attempt to seek out values, Brad Evans will occasionally make the case on an attractive future — whether betting the OVER or UNDER — as the outside temps rise.
Today’s topic: Indy’s rushing workhorse.
The pick — Jonathan Taylor to lead NFL in rushing yards (+750, Caesars)
The greatest race of my lifetime.
For people who took in the always fast-paced Preakness Stakes last Saturday, the above admission was a common takeaway. The high drama witnessed in the 150th running of the second Triple Crown event was a perfect storybook ending to Pimlico Race Course’s historic run. The “old” structure is set to be demolished next month.
Despite facing a sizable deficit entering the final turn, Journalism powered through traffic, kicked into high gear, gained ground in the final eighth of a mile and improbably prevailed by a half-length over Gosger.
The gripping homestretch left onlookers simultaneously shocked and — for those holding a winning ticket — elated.
What a race. What a sprint. What a memorable finish.
For fantasy football and sports bettors alike, another thoroughbred, the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor, could gallop backers into the winner’s circle.
Indianapolis’ offensive Clydesdale is destined for another voluminous workload.
[ NFL Gamer's Guide: Fantasy forecasts and futures bets for 2025 season ]
Last season, Taylor amassed the highest opportunity share among NFL running backs, totaling 21.6 rushing attempts per game. His advanced metrics underwhelmed — he finished outside the RB top 25 in yards created per touch (2.74), YAC per attempt (2.68) and total missed tackles forced (36) — but his 303 carries were eye-popping. After all, volume is king.
Taylor’s 1,431 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns in 14 games easily slotted him inside the fantasy RB top 10 in any format. Credit to Indy's trench warriors. The Colts offensive line ranked No. 4 in run blocking line, according to Pro Football Focus.
Yes, Indy’s quarterback question remains unresolved. Whether Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, the passing attack will need to exhibit competency. If not, Taylor is bound to encounter one stacked box after another.
With the 13th-easiest projected fantasy strength of schedule, Shane Steichen’s penchant for running the ball (47.7 run percentage ranked No. 6 in 2024) and rookie DJ Giddens’ sporadic reserve role, Taylor has strong odds of rushing for at least 1,300 yards. Really the only deterrent is the always lurking injury imp.
At +750 to set the NFL pace in rushing yards, saddle him up.