Le’Veon Bell might be in the best position of any back in the NFL to challenge the 2,000-yard rushing mark. It isn’t an easy accomplishment, if it was more than seven players in the nearly century old league would have done it. But Bell is the main piece in an offense that has the tools to rack up the yards. The biggest question surrounding Bell, as he enters his fifth season, is can he stay healthy and out of trouble to challenge the milestone. If he can, it is a very real possibility.
The 2017 NFL regular season kicks off on Thursday, September 7 with the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. Super Bowl LII will be played on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
NFL Prop Odds at BookMaker.eu
Will Le’Veon Bell rush for 2,000 yards during 2017-18 NFL regular season?
Yes +1400
No -8500
Odds Analysis
Bell is the closest to a dominating back that the NFL currently has, even more so than Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott. And with a full season of his sensational play, he has the tools to push the 2,000-yard rushing level. But that’s a lot to ask of the fifth-year player, who has played a full slate just once in his previous four seasons.
Despite all the offensive weapons on the Steelers, Bell is the centerpiece. He’s such a valuable receiver out of the backfield that he might be closer to breaking the record for all-purpose yards than eclipsing the 2,000 yard rushing mark. But now that DeAngelo Williams has departed, the backfield belongs to Bell and additional touches could put him over the mark.
The stars have to align for any player to reach the 2,000-yard mark and Bell could be in a good spot. He’s recovered from the knee injury that cost him games during the 2015 season and has moved past his substance issues that cost him a pair of games in 2015 and the first three games last season. A full season of work would make Bell a good bet at +1400 to reach the 2,000 yard milestone.
Why Le’Veon Bell Will Rush for 2,000 Yards
He’s the most dominant back in the league and he’s part of an offense that likes to rack up the yards. Bell is the key to Pittsburgh’s attack and he will be in on most of the action now that Williams is gone and there is no true second-stringer.
Along with Elliott, Bell was one of just two backs to average over 100 yards per game last year, and over a full season he would have compiled close to 1,700 yards on the ground. Since the 2014 season, Bell is averaging a league-high 4.8 yards per carry. He needs to increase that per carry total by at least a half yard and that shouldn’t be an issue given his distinct running style.
Bell thrives in zone-blocking schemes and has the burst to hit the hole when he sees it open up. He flashed his style on several occasions last season, rushing for a team record 236 yards on 38 carries against Buffalo, showing he can handle the workload. During last year’s playoffs, Bell ran for 167 yards against Miami and 170 against the Chiefs.
Why Le’Veon Bell Won't Rush for 2,000 Yards
Bell will likely be hurt in his quest for 2,000 yards by his teammates. Ben Roethlisberger has more weapons available in the passing game with the return of Martavis Bryant after a yearlong suspension. And there’s that guy Antonio Brown. Big Ben is salivating at the chance to throw the ball to those guys. And that will result in fewer touches for Bell.
And Bell’s ability as a pass-catching back will also hinder his chances. Bell is the best receiver out of the backfield in the league and those extended running plays that are actually quick tosses to him will eat up his opportunities. The Steelers are looking at big plays from their receiving corps and quick possessions aren’t good for chasing a rushing record.
All indications are that Bell will be ready for the season after having surgery in March. But injuries have been a concern for him as he’s had to deal with foot, groin and knee ailments during the first four seasons of his career. And there is no guarantee that he’s over his substance abuse problems that cost him three games last season. Mike Tomlin used a game late in the season to rest his regulars, and with injury concerns throughout his brief career, we’re likely to see a similar strategy this season. And that will put a damper on Bell reaching the milestone.
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