Ezekiel Elliott Favored to Lead NFL in Rushing Yards in 2018

• Ezekiel Elliott is the favorite to win the 2018 NFL rushing title
• Rookies have won it the last two years; which 2018 rookie has the best chance?
• See the odds for all the contenders here

Just one season after receiving heavy scrutiny and a controversial six games of suspension, Ezekiel Elliott returns to Dallas with high expectations. Dez Bryant is gone; the Cowboys continue losing key veterans; and the defense has a ton of question marks.

But Zeke, behind one of the best offensive lines in football, is expected to carry the load and get Dallas back into the playoffs.

Sportsbooks have taken notice of the Cowboys’ reliance on Elliott, as he is the favorite to lead the league in rushing yards this season.

Here’s the full list:

Odds to Lead the NFL in Rushing Yards in 2018

2018 NFL Rushing Title Betting Tips

Is Le’Veon Bell a Smart Bet?

Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell has been in a widely reported contract dispute with the team for two years now, so he’ll be looking to prove that he’s the “elite offensive weapon” he deems himself to be.

But beware another slow start to the season, as he is expected to skip all of training camp. After skipping all of 2017’s camp, Bell totaled just 180 rushing yards on 52 carries (3.46 yards per carry) through the Steelers’ first three games.

Can Kareem Hunt Win Back-to-Back Rushing Titles?

Kareem Hunt looks to be the first running back to successfully defend his rushing title since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2007.

Hunt had a sensational rookie season that saw him rack up 1,327 rushing yards. But his inconsistencies last season is leading many to believe a sophomore slump is coming. Not to mention, the Chiefs will have a new, inexperienced QB at the helm in 2018.

Kareem Hunt —> the least consistent top 5 RB from 2017?

Why the data says Hunt’s streaky 2017 could foreshadow a Sophomore Slump⤵️https://t.co/TRIPX0u71I pic.twitter.com/zALClHzp9R

— Ben Schragger (@BenSchragg) May 29, 2018

What to Expect from RBs Returning from Injury?

Dalvin Cook comes in with rather short odds for a back who has 354 career rushing yards. But the 41st-overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft showed very well in his limited action as a rookie. Cook averaged 4.8 YPC, ripped off four runs of over 20 yards, and found the endzone four times in just four games.

Now with Kirk Cousins under center, the sky is the limit for Cook.

David Johnson will also be returning from a season-ending injury in 2017. Johnson can be a true workhorse, evident by his 373 touches in 2016 – an all-time NFL-high until Le’Veon Bell broke the record last season. But he’ll certainly be held back by Arizona’s quarterback situation.

There are always concerns over Sam Bradford’s durability, and their backup is rookie Josh Rosen. Defenses will be scheming to stop Johnson every week.

Can Another Rookie Win the 2018 Rushing Title?

Fun fact: rookies have won the last two rushing titles. But before Kareem Hunt and Ezekiel Elliott in 2017 and 106, respectively, you have to go all the way back to 1999 for the last rookie to win a rushing title: Edgerrin James.

This year’s offensive rookie phenom is Saquon Barkley, who the New York Giants happily selected second-overall. Few are doubting his talent and physical capabilities, but his penchant as a pass-catcher and an unproven offensive line in front of him will make it tough to lead the pack.

If not Barkley, fellow rookies Derrius Guice, Ronald Jones II, Rashaad Penny, and Royce Freeman all also have a strong chance of being bell cows for their offenses. And the latter is an extremely intriguing selection at +4000.

Most missed tackles forced in NCAA since 2014:
1. Royce Freeman – 247
2. Donnel Pumphrey – 224
2. Justin Jackson – 224
4. Ito Smith – 222 (#Falcons 4th rd. pick)
5. Dalvin Cook – 208

— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) April 30, 2018

Freeman could have a stellar freshman campaign with little competition in the Denver backfield, and a proven nose for the endzone. Two years removed from a knee injury, Freeman is gaining back his explosiveness and could be this year’s Kareem Hunt.

Royce Freeman's final season in Eugene was a strong one pic.twitter.com/I8OzozMrkb

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 21, 2018