2020 NFL futures betting odds predictions picks best bets

Who will lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2020?

Looking at the betting odds and making our predictions, picks and best bets to lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2020.

New Orleans WR Michael Thomas led the NFL in receiving yards last season with 1,725. Who will take home that honor this season? Below, we look at the betting odds to lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2020 and make our NFL picks and best bets.

2020 NFL receiving yards leader: Favorite

NFL betting odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6:20 p.m. ET.

New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas (+600)

All Thomas has done since entering the NFL is get better as he has seen his reception and yardage total improve each year. Thomas saw an insane 185 targets last season as he earned the trust of QB Drew Brees and QB Teddy Bridgewater.

While the Saints did bring in other weapons this offseason, such as WR Emmanuel Sanders, Thomas is a lock to see 160 targets or more this season. Given his connection with Brees, it’s going to be tough for anyone to surpass him in receiving yardage this season. At 6-1, Thomas is still a great value bet, even as the favorite.

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2020 NFL receiving yards leader: Contender

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones (+900)

Jones is really the one receiver who should challenge Thomas for the league lead in receiving yards. Like Thomas, Jones is one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL. Jones has at least 1,350 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons. Jones has led the NFL in receiving yards before, going over 1,600 yards in 2015 and 2018.

With the Falcons having one of the league’s worst defenses, they will be in constant shootouts. There is a bit of an age concern with Jones as he turned 31 in February, but he is still among the best receivers in the NFL. Look for Jones to rack up at least 1,400 receiving yards this season with a chance to produce even more than that in 2020.

2020 NFL receiving yards leader: Long shot

Jacksonville Jaguars WR D.J. Chark (+5000)

Typically, the league leader in receiving yards is paired with an elite quarterback. However, that isn’t always the case as there are some situations where a really good receiver is able to obtain enough volume from a mediocre passer in order to rack up the yards.

That could be the case for Chark this year as Jacksonville will be throwing a ton this season. After an impressive sophomore season in which he surpassed 1,000 yards, Chark has established himself as the team’s No. 1 receiver.

With Jacksonville expected to be among the worst teams in the NFL, it will likely be down early in a bunch of games. That could lead to Chark seeing 160-170 targets, and given his speed, he could average well over 14 yards per reception. Look for Chark to improve on his strong 2019 season and finish inside the top five in receiving yards this year.

Also see:

FalconsWire – The latest Atlanta Falcons coverage
JagsWire – The latest Jacksonville Jaguars coverage
SaintsWire – The latest New Orleans Saints coverage

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL best bets for worst-to-first division jumps

Looking at the betting odds and making our predictions, picks and best bets while ranking which teams have the best chance to go from last to first place in their division in 2020.

With the 2020 season upon us – yes, real, live football – it’s a time to rank the NFL division worst-to-first candidates as we make our NFL picks and best bets.

NFL worst-to-first facts

From 2003 – the season after the NFL realigned into its current eight four-team division format – through 2019 (a total of 17 seasons):

21 teams went from fourth to first in a division, an average of 1.2 teams per season.
There’s been a worst-to-first turnaround team in 15 of the 17 seasons with 2014 and this past season being the exceptions.
Nearly half of those worst-to-first ascenders (10 of 21) won four or fewer games the previous season.

Last season, though, was an outlier as five of the eight 2018 division champs held serve and repeated. The San Francisco 49ers (4-12 in 2018) and Green Bay Packers (6-9-1) did take noteworthy leaps, however, improving by at least seven wins apiece to win their respective divisions.

A 2020 worst-to-first run figures to be especially challenging after an offseason unlike any the league has seen, but we are definitely due for a couple surprise ascenders after last year.

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2020 NFL best bets for worst-to-first jumps

Which of the eight last-place finishers from last season are best set up to author a turnaround tale? We rank the candidates from least to most likely, with their accompanying division-title odds.

NFL betting odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 5:50 p.m. ET.

Cincinnati Bengals (AFC North +2500) – No. 1-overall pick Joe Burrow has brought some hope to Cincy, but the rest of the division appears to be set under center as well – only with much better teams around them.
Carolina Panthers (NFC South +2000) – With a new head coach in Matt Rhule and a new QB in Teddy Bridgewater, the Panthers find themselves at a similar disadvantage in the NFC South with the rest of the division loaded with proven, veteran quarterbacks and more talented teams.
Washington Football Team (NFC East +1200) – Despite residing in the less-than-formidable NFC Least, there is a notable talent deficit in D.C. From the owner to the team name, this is a franchise in obvious turmoil and transition.
Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC South +1400) – Speaking of teams in transition, we have the Jags who have spent the last decade whiffing and/or trading away top draft pick after top draft pick. That’s not exactly how to construct a division champ.
Los Angeles Chargers (AFC West +800) – Philip Rivers is gone (to the Indianapolis Colts), but there’s ample roster talent left behind. The Bolts’ perennial battles, though, are keeping that talent healthy and finding a way past what looks to be the league’s new dynasty in Patrick Mahomes and the defending-Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Miami Dolphins (AFC East +800) – With Brady finally out of New England, the path to the top of the AFC East is suddenly wide open. It’s not beyond reason that Brian Flores’ bunch continues its late-season surge from 2019.
Arizona Cardinals (NFC West +800) – Kliff Kingsbury and the Cards have assembled some intriguing pieces in the desert and if they all come together behind second-year QB Kyler Murray, they could challenge for best in the West.
Detroit Lions (NFC North +600) – Questions abound about head coach Matt Patricia after 6-10 and 3-12-1 seasons, but if QB Matthew Stafford can bounce back after an injury-shortened 2019, the NFC North crown is ripe for the taking.

Also see:

Washington tabs Haskins starting QB (Washington Wire)
BengalsWire – The latest Cincinnati Bengals coverage
DolphinsWire – The latest Miami Dolphins coverage
TouchdownWire – The latest NFL coverage

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Who will lead the NFL in receiving TDs in 2020?

Looking at the betting odds and making our predictions, picks and best bets to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2020.

Detroit Lions WR Kenny Golladay led the NFL in receiving touchdowns last season with 11. Who will take home that honor this season? Below, we look at the betting odds to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2020 and make our NFL picks and best bets.

2020 NFL receiving TDs leader: Favorite

NFL betting odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 5:10 p.m. ET.

Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams (+900)

Adams being the favorite makes sense. Now that he is fully healthy, he is the only proven passing target in the Packers offense, and he has shown the ability to win in the red zone. Despite missing a good chunk of last season, Adams scored 40 touchdowns over the previous four seasons.

If he can stay healthy for a full 16-game schedule (which has been a problem for him), he could undoubtedly approach 14-15 touchdowns in 2020 as he’s the only receiver who has earned QB Aaron Rodgers‘ trust.

Looking to place a bet on 2020 NFL futures? Get some action at BetMGM. Bet Now!

2020 NFL receiving TDs leader: Contender

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (+1800)

Evans has been among the league’s most consistent receivers this decade. Since being drafted in 2014, he’s totaled 1,000 yards each season and has scored eight or more touchdowns four times. We know the type of ceiling Evans has after already producing two 12-touchdown seasons in Tampa Bay. With QB Tom Brady now under center, Evans has a quarterback that will trust him in the red zone even more often.

As an 18-1 underdog, Evans is an excellent bet given his size, athleticism and ball skills. Consider him a lock to score double-digit touchdowns this season with a good chance of getting to 14-15 scores in 2020.

Also see:

BucsWire – The latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage
PackersWire – The latest Green Bay Packers coverage
SteelersWire – The latest Pittsburgh Steelers coverage

2020 NFL Receiving TDs leader: Long shot

Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (+4000)

If you are looking for a long-shot bet, look no further than the Steelers’ Smith-Schuster. While the former USC star has never had more than seven touchdowns in a season, he’s never been the No. 1 receiver in Pittsburgh with QB Ben Roethlisberger for a full season. Smith-Schuster could see close to 180 targets and is Roethlisberger’s most trusted and veteran option in the passing game.

Assuming Roethlisberger can stay healthy for most of the season, Smith-Schuster is a pretty safe bet to reach double-digit touchdowns. If he can play as well as he did in the 2018 season, he certainly has the talent and opportunity to lead the league in touchdown receptions in 2020.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Who will lead the NFL in passing yards in 2020?

Looking at the betting odds and making our predictions, picks and best bets to lead the NFL in passing yards in 2020.

In 2019, QB Jameis Winston, then playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led the NFL with 5,109 passing yards.

Below, we look at the betting odds to lead the NFL in passing yards in 2020 and make our NFL picks and best bets.

2020 NFL passing yards leader: Favorite

NFL betting odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 4:35 a.m. ET.

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (+400)

Ryan had the most pass completions in 2019 with 408 and he figures to rely on his arm again in 2020. He has never led the league in passing but was second in 2018. He has an improved offensive line to protect him and great weapons to throw to. Plus, with the Falcons’ bad defense, he figures to have to throw the ball a lot. He is a solid bet.

Looking to place a bet on 2020 NFL futures? Get some action at BetMGM. Bet Now!

2020 NFL passing yards leader: Contender

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (+700)

NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs has slightly shorter odds at +500 and he has already led the league in passing. However, give Prescott a look. His trio of receivers of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and rookie CeeDee Lamb might be better than any other in the league. New head coach Mike McCarthy has relied on his quarterback in the past, having coached Aaron Rodgers. Prescott gives you some value.

Also see:

CardsWire – The latest Arizona Cardinals coverage
CowboysWire – The latest Arizona Cardinals coverage
FalconsWire – The latest Atlanta Falcons coverage

2020 NFL passing yards leader: Long shot

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (+2500)

Murray, who threw for 3,722 yards last season, isn’t a true long shot, but he is only in his second year. He plays in Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense that is known for producing prolific passers historically. He has an improved receiving corps with DeAndre Hopkins now in the mix. He is ready to make that second-year jump in production. Plus, the defense is improved, which should give him more possessions.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Who will lead the NFL in passing TDs in 2020?

Looking at the betting odds and making our predictions, picks and best bets to lead the NFL in passing TDs in 2020.

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36. Who will take home that honor this season? Below, we look at the betting odds to lead the NFL in passing TDs in 2020 and make our NFL picks and best bets.

2020 NFL passing TDs leader: Favorite

NFL betting odds provided by BetMGM; access USA TODAY for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 11:55 a.m. ET.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (+350)

After throwing for 50 touchdowns in 2018, Mahomes has to be considered the favorite to lead the league in touchdown passes this season. Not only is he the most talented quarterback in the NFL, but he is in an offense that wants to throw the ball a ton and has the playmakers to do so.

Currently, Mahomes’ odds to lead the league in touchdown passes (+350) are similar to his odds to win the NFL MVP Award (+400). If he leads the league in touchdowns, it seems likely he would take home the MVP. Don’t be afraid to bet on Mahomes here, but the NFL MVP Award offers slightly better value.

Looking to place a bet on 2020 NFL futures? Get some action at BetMGM. Bet Now!

2020 NFL passing TDs leader: Contender

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (+1400)

Ryan is currently one of the best bets on the board to lead the league in passing touchdowns. Protected by arguably the best offensive line in his career, Ryan will have a chance to light up the scoreboard in Atlanta, throwing to WR Julio Jones and WR Calvin Ridley.

We’ve seen Ryan’s potential before, throwing 38 touchdowns in 2016 and then 35 in 2018. With one of the worst defenses in the NFL, Ryan will play in a bunch of shootouts that should lead to a bunch of scoring chances. Look for Ryan to eclipse 30 passing touchdowns again this season after throwing for 26 in 2019.

2020 NFL passing TDs leader: Long shot

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew (+10000)

If you are looking for a longshot bet that provides incredible value, search no further than Minshew. In 12 starts last season, Minshew threw for 21 touchdowns as a sixth-round rookie. Entering his second season, he is fully entrenched as the team’s starter with virtually no chance of being benched.

Jacksonville is among the worst teams in the NFL and with a brutal schedule, it won’t be a surprise to see them behind early and often in games. That could lead to a ton of passing by Minshew and his receivers aren’t all that bad with a core group of D.J. Chark, Dede Westbrook and Laviska Shenault. The release of RB Leonard Fournette helps to put even more of a focus on the Jaguars’ passing attack.

Look for this to be a wide-open passing offense and for Minshew to approach 30 or more touchdown passes this season.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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