By Richard Gardner, Bodog Sportsbook Manager
To say the National Football League has become a pass-first institution is a major understatement. In the last three years alone, we’ve seen records set for most passing TDs in a season (50, set by Tom Brady in 2007), most 300+ yard passing games in a season (10, Drew Brees in 2008) and the highest completion percentage in a regular-season game (92.3 by Kurt Warner in September of 2009).
You’ll notice we just mentioned a lot of QBs, which would indicate that the rise is passing is due to guys throwing the ball. But that indication would be wrong. A large part of the increase in aerial attacks is due to the guys catching the balls, specifically wide receivers. WR is arguably the deepest talent position in the NFL and in 2010, this incredible amount of depth is sure to be on display. Currently – over at the Bodog online sportsbook – we’re offering a series of NFL player props based on which wide receiver will haul in the most yards this season. And if the handle is any indication (we’ve already received a large amount of wagers for this prop) – there’s not only a lot of interest, but also a wide range of opinions on who the most gifted NFL wide receiver is.
We’ll start with the favorite and a guy that’s been backed heavily by the public lately – Houston’s Andre Johnson, currently sitting at 5/1. The former University of Miami speedster has put up back-to-back 1500+ yard campaigns that have catapulted him to the top of the NFL receiving yardage leaderboard two years in a row. The public has been quick to throw down on Johnson, but he hasn’t been an overwhelming leader in terms of overall handle. At 5/1, his odds just aren’t as tasty as those for other candidates.
Like Calvin Johnson, for example. If there’s one guy that’s taken the sportsbook by surprise, it’s the freakishly-athletic Detroit wideout. Johnson opened at 12/1 and we’ve since seen a plethora of wagers coming his way, indicating the public and sharps are expecting a big year from him and second-year QB Matt Stafford. It’s not hard to see why folks like Johnson, even if he does play for the sad-sack Lions. Despite only catching 67 balls last year, Johnson still flirted with the 1,000 yard plateau while having to deal with the likes of Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton under center (Johnson finished with 984, an impressive number given Stafford only played roughly half the snaps last year). This year should be a lot more stable in terms of QB play, and “Megatron” could benefit nicely.
Looking for another longshot that’s getting lots of heat? Check out Green Bay’s Greg Jennings at 12/1. We’ve seen a whole lot of action coming his way as of late – the public was no doubt stirred by his outstanding preseason effort (despite only catching six passes, Jennings racked up 133 yards and a score) and the fact he’s been a consistent producer in the Packer offense. Jennings has had at least 1,100 yards in each of his last two seasons and his gifts as a deep threat – he has 14 catches of 40 yards or more since 2008 – could be a real weapon this year.
Think you know who’ll end up leading the NFL in receiving yards this season? Be a player and wager on it at the Bodog Sportsbook today.
