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Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has a lot to play for in 2018. He’s trying to “bounce back” after racking up a paltry 1,200 all-purpose yards and 8 touchdowns in 2017. Because he suffered multiple concussions and an MCL/PCL injury last season, Freeman’s health is a legitimate concern. But that said, the oddsmakers aren’t foolish enough to sleep on Freeman going forward.
Oddshark did a piece today about the running backs with the best odds to win the rushing title this season. Freeman landed at #10 (+2,500). Ezekiel Elliot has the best odds (+250). Interestingly Freeman’s odds are better than both Alvin Kamara’s odds (+4000) and Mark Ingrams (+10,000) odds. (In Ingram’s defense, he’s got a four game suspension to serve.)
Freeman’s odds were slightly better around this same time last season. In early September 2017, Freeman’s odds were at +2,200. This tells me the oddsmakers aren’t totally willing to overlook his injury-riddled 2017.
I’m not a betting man, and I’m poor, so none of this really applies to me. But heck, if Vegas still likes Freeman, then he must be doing something right.