NFL 2021 Odds: Bet Over Kyler Murray Rushing Yards
Murray is a quarterback, but the betting value is on him as a runner
Reed Wallach - Aug 5, 2021, 1:25pm EDT
Kyler Murray is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback is a threat to air it out deep or use his speed to run for big gains on any play.
The rushing aspect of Murray’s game is underrated on the surface, but sportsbooks know how dangerous he is, setting his season rushing prop at 675.5 (PointsBet).
How should you play this number with Murray looking to get the Cardinals back to the postseason for the first time since 2015.
I’ll be on the over on Murray’s rushing prop.
Murray rushed for 544 yards in his rookie season, but upped that total to 819 in 2020 on 40 more attempts.
With the extra game this season, this prop is asking for Murray to average about 40 yards per game on the ground. Murray went under that total in seven games last season, and had four games of over 70 yards.
With another year to mature as a passer, I expect Murray to take less chances downfield and keep the ball to pick up small yards, upping his volume but also his total incrementally. He has been picked off 12 times in each of his first two seasons, and his progression as a passer will only help his ability as a runner.
The Cardinals offense is set to take off with a full offseason of Murray and DeAndre Hopkins together as well as second round pick, Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore, joining the team.
The threat of an explosive passing game will open up more room for the former No. 1 pick to pick up yards with his legs as defenses drop more in coverage.
Further, the team traded for center Rodney Hudson in the offseason, who was rated as the best center in the NFL last season by Pro Football Focus.
Also, don't sleep on the depth chart. The Cards moved on from Kenyan Drake this offseason, who is now in Vegas, and is set to lean on free agent signing James Conner and Chase Edmonds. Edmonds is talented, but may not be able to handle a full serving of carries. Drake has 239 carries last season, Edmonds had 97. I believe that Drake's carries will be somewhat evenly distributed amongst the three rushers.
This prop is selling the speedy Murray short. With an improved offensive line to help protect him, while he also shows off better decision making, Murray will be able to clear this rushing total with ease.
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