The NFL has become a passing league offensively, which means that getting pressure on quarterbacks is a priority for defensive coordinators. Quarterback sacks are huge. Who will lead the NFL in sacks in 2021? Below, we look at the odds to be named the 2021 NFL sack leader, with NFL picks, predictions and best bets.
Last year’s sack leader was Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt with 15. His 15 sacks were the lowest for the league leader since Kevin Greene’s 14.5 in 1996. Only 10 players had at least 10 sacks last season.
There has not been a repeat sack leader in the NFL since Reggie White accomplished the task in 1987 and 1988, so we can certainly expect someone other than Watt this season.
2021 NFL sack leader picks
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:15 a.m. ET.
Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (+750)
The Browns added talent on the back end of their defense, which will allow Garrett a little longer to get to the quarterback. He is one of the most-feared pass rushers.
Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald (+750)
Donald is always a good bet as he has led the league before. He is as close as we have in this generation to Reggie White. He has surpassed 20 in a season and was 1.5 sacks off the lead last season.
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San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (+2000)
Bosa is coming off a torn ACL last season but was incredibly disruptive as a rookie in 2019. He is just the sort of player to come into his own in his third season.
Arizona Cardinals OLB Chandler Jones (+1500)
Jones only had one sack in 2020 in five games before going down with a torn biceps. He led the league in sacks in 2017 and was a half-sack off the lead in 2019 with 19. While he is 31 years old, he is motivated, playing in a contract year and has additional help. The Cardinals signed J.J. Watt to rush from the other side, and offenses will either have to slide protection to one or the other. DE Jordan Phillips, who had 9.5 sacks in 2019, offers a big presence on the inside to push quarterbacks toward Jones when he is rushing.
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Washington Football Team DE Chase Young (+2000)
Young was the No. 2 pick in the draft last year and was a force as a rookie without an offseason or preseason to get some experience. He plays in a very physical defense and plays in the NFC East, where the three other teams he faces twice a season have had protection issues for their quarterbacks.
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