Travis Etienne Will Crush His Rushing Yards Prop if Doug Pederson Gets His Way

After missing his rookie season due to injury, Jaguars running back, Travis Etienne, exploded in year two, rushing for over 1,000 yards and helping lead the Jags to the playoffs.

That rushing total will be a pittance of Etienne's production in year three if Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson gets his way, which is great news for people betting the OVER on his rushing prop total.

As of writing this, Etienne's total rushing yards OVER/UNDER is set at 950.5 yards on DraftKings, with the OVER a +100 underdog to the OVER at -120. That means if you bet $100 on Etienne to go OVER 950.5 yards and he does, you win $100.

But 951 yards isn't even scratching last year's production, let alone what Pederson has set in terms of a goal for Etienne this year. This is what Pederson said of his star back's production possibilities.

"We always talk about speed through the hole, not to the hole type of thing. He's really embraced that this training camp. That, to me, is the next step for him and that 11-12-13, now the yards start creeping up, and maybe he's pushing 1,600-1,700 yards as a rusher."

- Doug Pederson

A 1,600-1,700 rushing season wouldn't only smash his season-long rushing prop bet, it might lead the entire league in rushing. Right now, Etienne is set at +2500 to lead the league in rushing, meaning if you bet $100 on him to lead the league in rushing and he does, you win $2,500.

There's reason to believe he could.

Throughout Pederson's career as a coach, both as an offensive coordinator and head coach, his teams, at least the ones that win, have relied heavily on a strong rushing game. Since 2013, his rushing offensive have finished outside the Top 11 in rushing yards just twice while they've finished inside the Top 6 three times.

Based on the depth chart, Etienne should also be in for a heavy workload. He's the clear bell cow with Tank Bigsby and JaMycal Hasty backing him up.

Former All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Ridley makes his highly-anticipated return to the field this year. Paired with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones out wide and tight end Even Engram inside, the Jags now have dangerous receiving options across the field, which should open up more space for Etienne to run.

Etienne's improvement should also be bolstered be quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The much-hyped former No. 1 pick emerged as a top-10 quarterback as the 2022 season progressed. The assumption is he'll take another step forward this year, thus taking even more attention away from Etienne.

With betting there are no guarantees, especially at the running back position, where injury lurks around every snap. But I'd lean over on Etienne's season-long rushing prop. Not because Pederson said so. More because stats and talent suggest he's in for another strong season.

Odds are subject to change and refresh periodically.