Sacks are one of the sexiest stats for any defense. Getting to the quarterback gets defensive ends and outside linebackers paid, and it’s one of the things that defensive coordinators love to see. Sacks put opposing teams behind schedule in terms of down and distance, and it’s no surprise that defenses that lead the league in this category tend to outperform their counterparts. Let’s take a look at which teams are favored to lead the NFL in this stat in 2019.
Which Team Will Record the Most Sacks in 2019?
Chicago Bears +552
Minnesota Vikings +703
Pittsburgh Steelers +905
New Orleans Saints +1007
Los Angeles Rams +1007
Los Angeles Chargers +1007
Washington Redskins +1210
Philadelphia Eagles +1210
Kansas City Chiefs +1362
Arizona Cardinals +1515
Denver Broncos +1617
Jacksonville Jaguars +2025
Green Bay Packers +2100
Houston Texans +2282
Indianapolis Colts +2540
Carolina Panthers +3406
Cleveland Browns +3576
San Francisco 49ers +3576
Baltimore Ravens +4500
Dallas Cowboys +4500
Seattle Seahawks +5000
New England Patriots +5000
Detroit Lions +5000
New York Jets +6500
Tennessee Titans +6500
Atlanta Falcons +8000
Buffalo Bills +8000
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +10000
New York Giants +15000
Cincinnati Bengals +15000
Miami Dolphins +20000
Oakland Raiders +30000
Odds Analysis
Given how dominant their defense was last season, it’s no surprise to see the Chicago Bears top this list. The Bears had the second-best defensive player in football leading the charge last year in Khalil Mack, and they can bring pressure like few other teams.
They have a chance to be even more dangerous. Eddie Goldman is a defensive tackle that can soak up blocks, while Akiem Hicks is an excellent 3-4 end. The real key though will be the play of last year’s first round pick Roquan Smith. Smith was a protracted holdout last season, and it took him a while to find his role once he finally joined the team. He has a chance to be a really special player though, and a strong second season could make this defense incredibly disruptive. Chicago has the benefit of being in a division where the other three quarterbacks are pretty immobile too.
The Vikings finished last season tied with the Bears in terms of sacks. Both teams registered 50 sacks on the season, but Minnesota was able to pick up those sacks despite not having a lot of big leads in 2018.
I wouldn’t bet Minnesota at these odds though. Everson Griffen was disruptive on the field last season, but his bizarre off-field behavior is concerning, and there is no depth at defensive end behind Griffen and Danielle Hunter. The front seven is good, but it’s not lead the league in sacks good.
Pittsburgh and Kansas City finished tied for the league lead in sacks last season, so those two teams are among the favorites again. Both teams made some moves to improve their defenses too, making it very plausible for both defenses to be among the leaders in that category again.
The Steelers seem to have their next incredible linebacker after moving up in the draft to take Devin Bush, and he could put up huge numbers in a defense that likes to take chances. TJ Watt and Bud Dupree stand to make this linebacking corps one of the top units in the league as well.
As for the Chiefs, they were the definition of boom or bust last year. Kansas City was last in the league in total defense, and the Chiefs took a lot of chances since they didn’t have much talent. They should have the benefit of holding the lead for most of their games this season, allowing them to pin their ears back and bring pressure. That could make offseason acquisition Frank Clark one of the most dangerous linebackers in the league.
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