Introduction
Jalen Hurts, the dynamic quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, has proven time and time again that his legs are just as dangerous as his arm. As we look ahead to the upcoming NFL season, one futures wager that stands out is Hurts surpassing 550.5 rushing yards. Given his track record and the Eagles’ offensive situation, this is a bet that’s more likely to hit than not. In this article, we’ll break down why Hurts is poised to exceed this rushing total with ease.
1. Proven Rushing Ability
Over the past three seasons, Jalen Hurts has established himself as one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. His rushing statistics speak for themselves:
- 2020: 354 rushing yards in just four starts
- 2021: 784 rushing yards
- 2022: 760 rushing yards
- 2023: 605 rushing yards
Hurts has consistently surpassed 600 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons, including back-to-back seasons with over 700 yards in 2021 and 2022. His ability to make plays with his legs has become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense, and there’s every reason to believe that trend will continue this season.
2. The 33 Yards Per Game Benchmark
To surpass 550.5 rushing yards over the course of a 17-game season, Hurts needs to average just about 33 rushing yards per game. When you break it down, this number seems easily attainable, especially considering Hurts’ past performance.
For a quarterback who led the league in rushing attempts in 2023, averaging 33 yards per game is well within his capabilities. Hurts has routinely exceeded this average, even in games where he was primarily focused on passing. Whether he’s executing designed runs, scrambling to extend plays, or escaping pressure, Hurts is a constant threat to pick up significant yardage on the ground.
3. Offensive Line Changes and Increased Rushing Opportunities
One key factor that could lead to even more rushing attempts for Hurts this season is the retirement of future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce. Kelce has been a linchpin of the Eagles’ offensive line, and his departure could lead to growing pains in pass protection. Without Kelce’s veteran presence, Hurts may find himself under more pressure in the pocket, leading to more opportunities to use his legs.
Additionally, the Eagles’ offensive scheme is tailored to Hurts’ strengths, including designed quarterback runs and read-option plays. Even with a strong running back corps, headlined by free agent acquisition Saquon Barkley, Hurts is likely to be a focal point of the ground game, especially in critical situations like third downs and red zone opportunities.
4. Betting Considerations: The Futures Market
When placing a futures wager like this, it’s important to remember that the bet stands for the entire season, regardless of any injuries or missed games. Even if Hurts were to miss a game or two, his past performances suggest that he can still surpass the 550.5-yard mark in fewer games. The threshold of 33 yards per game is low enough that even with limited action, Hurts has a good chance of hitting the over.
Given his history of durability and consistent rushing production, this bet carries less risk than it might initially appear. Hurts has proven that he can produce on the ground week in and week out, making this a solid futures wager.
Conclusion
Jalen Hurts has consistently demonstrated his ability to rack up rushing yards, and there’s no reason to believe that will change this season. With a manageable target of 550.5 rushing yards—equating to just 33 yards per game—Hurts is well-positioned to surpass this total. Given the potential challenges in pass protection and the Eagles’ reliance on his rushing ability, betting on Hurts to exceed 550.5 rushing yards is a smart play for this NFL season.