NFL Odds: Oddsmakers Expecting Big Things From Miles Sanders
Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders burst onto the scene in 2019 as the team’s most dynamic offensive weapon in the absence of DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor and Alshon Jeffery.
Sanders rushed for 818 yards last season, setting a franchise rookie record, and caught 50 passes for 509 yards, which is the most receiving yards ever for an Eagles running back in their first year. His 1,327 scrimmage yards and 1,641 all-purpose yards are the most by any rookie in Eagles history, regardless of position.
Part of his success came due to a lack of surrounding talent, which forced him into a prominent role, but Sanders is a legitimate emerging NFL talent with the ability to hit a hole or catch the ball in space and make a defender miss.
The oddsmakers seem to have taken notice of Sanders’ playmaking ability. Over at FanDuel, his total rushing/receiving yards prop is set at 1,499.5 yards.
For context, that’s 140 yards more than Le’Veon Bell (1,359.5) and only ten fewer than last season’s rushing champ, Derrick Henry (1,509.5).
As far as the franchise record book is concerned, a season that sees Sanders break the 1,500-yard mark would be rare.
No Eagles running back has surpassed 1,500 yards from scrimmage since Doug Pederson has taken over as head coach, and the last to do so was LeSean McCoy back in 2013 when he set the franchise record with 2,146.
Luckily for Sanders, he’ll have plenty of opportunity in 2020. Jordan Howard, who was second on the team in rushing with 525 yards last year, signed with the Miami Dolphins this offseason.
The Eagles still have Corey Clement and Boston Scott on the roster, but they will be used as compliments to Sanders.
Pederson isn’t known for pounding the rock, but a healthy Jackson and the addition of Jalen Reagor and the rest of the rookie receivers should open up the field for Sanders in the run game, and you can expect him to get plenty of touches through the air.
Historically, 1,500 scrimmage yards is a stretch for an Eagles running back, but don’t be surprised if Sanders smashes that mark as the feature back surrounded by talent at every position.