NFL Combine: Betting on the RB’s
NFL betting is far from over as Sportsbook.com makes history with almost 30 different props available for the NFL Combine.
Running back will again be a big focus this year as this glamour position is one where rookies can immediately start and make an impact in the league.
Five running backs were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft last year and there should be three more this year with several others to follow shortly.
Check out Sportsbook.com for a complete look all of Sportsbook.com's 2009 Combine odds.
Fastest 40-yards Dash - Chris Wells vs. Knowshon Moreno
The odds are Moreno -160 and Wells +130. These are the top two running backs available and each should definitely be taken in the first round. Georgia's Moreno is projected to run a 4.45 and Ohio State's Wells 4.50, but anything can happen when they get it on this Sunday.
Fastest 40-yards Dash - LeSean McCoy vs. Javon Ringer
The odds are McCoy -120 and Ringer -110. Pittsburgh's McCoy should be the third running back taken in the first round and he's projected to run a 4.50. Michigan State's Ringer is more of a mid-round selection but he's projected with the same speed.
Fastest 40-yards Dash - P.J. Hill vs. Shonn Greene
The odds are Greene -130 and Hill (Even). These two running backs made their mark in the Big Ten with Wisconsin (Hill) and Iowa (Greene). Neither of these big, bruising backs are expected to break the speed records but it's an interesting matchup with each projected to run in the 4.60 range.
Bets 40-yard Dash - O/U 4.38 seconds
The Over and the Under are both -115 odds. Last year, East Carolina's Chris Johnson blew away the field for all positions in the 40 at 4.24 seconds. He was drafted in the first round by Tennessee due to that performance and had a great rookie season.
Speedy Arkansas running back Darren McFadden (4.33) was the only other running back to break 4.38 seconds last year and he was a top selection for Oakland.
Most Bench Presses - O/U 26.5 reps
The Over is -150 and Under is +120. Only two running backs went over this amount last year, Auburn's Carl Stewart (30 presses) and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart (28). The latter Stewart ended up being a first round pick in the draft by Detroit.
Highest Vertical Jump - O/U 35.5 inches
The Over is -125 odds and the Under is -105. Three backs broke this mark last year, the two Stewart boys and Thomas Brown from Georgia. This seems like there is good value for the Over here despite the odds being shifted slightly that way.
Other Running Back odds
Most Bench Presses - Greene (-125) vs. Wells (-105)
Most Bench Presses - Moreno (-135) vs. Ringer (+105)
Highest Vertical Jump - Moreno (-400) vs. Greene (+250)
Highest Vertical Jump - Hill (-160) vs. Purdue's Kory Sheets (+130)
So there's a look at the running back position outlook for the combine. Make sure you check out all the odds at Sportsbook.com and don't get left out of the action.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
