Running backs struggled as a group collectively in Week 1, which is something worth monitoring moving forward across the league.
Rushing yards per attempt was down nearly 10% from 4.2 yards to 3.9 yards a year ago, and running backs totalled 9 fewer rushing touchdowns compared to Week 1 a year ago.
Derrick Henry averaged 9.4 yards per carry on his way to leading the week in rushing yards.
Only Travis Etienne and Breece Hall joined Henry in rushing for over 100 yards.
Six running backs hit triple digit rushing yards in Week 1 of 2024.
Most Week 2 Rushing Yards Prediction (Sunday): James Conner (+1900)
Back to the well this week with Conner, who struggled last week.
Conner finished the week with negative rushing yards above expectation after finishing the past two seasons as one of the most efficient backs.
Definitely worth monitoring, but Conner faces a defense that allowed Travis Etienne to average 8.9 yards per rush last week.
They were also abysmal against the run last year.
In 2024, the Panthers allowed 38 more rushing yards per game than the 31st-ranked team.
Even if Trey Benson cuts into Conner’s workload, the Panthers are so bad against the run that Conner can lead the week and has value at his current number.
The Cardinals are nearly a touchdown favorites at home in a dome this week, providing even more reason to take a shot on Conner for a bounce back.
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Week 2 Rushing Yards Longshot Bet: Drake Maye Anytime TD + Trevor Lawrence Anytime TD (+2650)
Quarterbacks utilized their legs in the red zone, as a group scoring 13 rushing touchdowns in Week 1.
The Dolphins defense struggled with everything, including Daniel Jones using his legs as he scored 2 rushing touchdowns and rushed for 26 yards.
Trevor Lawrence had 4 carries last week and could be asked to increase his scrambling by Liam Coen, who doubled Baker Mayfield’s rushing usage last season.
Getting ahead of increased quarterback rushing in the red zone with this Week 2 parlay.