NFL Betting: Who Will Record the Most Rushing Yards in the Conference Championship Round?

We are on the cusp of NFL Championship Sunday. As is typically the case, two epic contests on the gridiron await.

First up, we'll see the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC title. Later in the afternoon, the Detroit Lions will visit the San Francisco 49ers out on the West Coast -- oh yes, there will be blood.

For a thrilling market to follow along with, FanDuel Sportsbook -- per their NFL odds -- is offering odds for which player will lead Championship Sunday in rushing yards. With plenty of dynamic options available, which player will lead the way on the ground this weekend?

You should know, Aaron Jones of the now-eliminated Green Bay Packers led each of the previous two postseason rounds

NFL Championship Sunday Betting

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers (-120)

A man who is a finalist for both the league MVP award as well as AP Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey went absolutely berzerk in 2023. Including the playoffs, CMC's annual all-purpose touchdown total is reflected by his jersey number.

When it comes to accumulating rushing yardage, McCaffrey has been stellar in that department, as well. He did well to earn his first rushing title this past regular season by producing 1,459 yards on the ground. To break down that output, CMC went for 91.2 rushing YPG on a lofty 5.4 yards per carry.

Versus Green Bay last weekend, McCaffrey touted the rock 17 times for 98 yards and two scores. Through five lifetime NFL playoff contests, the Stanford Cardinal alum has 70.4 rushing yards per game. Keep in mind that McCaffrey had just one postseason appearance before returning to play his pro ball near where he played his college ball.

With a bet on CMC here (-120 odds to lead all rushers), you know you are getting a player who is the focal point of Kyle Shanahan's offense. There is a chance that fellow 49er playmaker Deebo Samuel (shoulder) misses this game, and with that, McCaffrey's workload could be exponentially increased -- remember, we are looking for only rushing yards in this market.

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (+390)

Here is the player who continually runs angry. In his second year with the Chiefs, tailback Isiah Pacheco has been a reliable regular and postseason contributor for Kansas City. Still not 25 years old, Pacheco already has 76 playoff carries under his belt.

Pacheco is the second-leading rusher in the 2023 NFL playoffs after the aforementioned Aaron Jones (who saw his season end in Santa Clara last Saturday). This year, Pacheco produced 89 yards on Wild Card Weekend prior to shelling out 97 more in the Divisional Round.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights alum was particularly dominant in KC's most recent victory over the Buffalo Bills. In frigid Western New York conditions, Pacheco went for nearly 100 yards on 6.5 yards per carry (YPC). Staying on the road this Sunday, Pacheco will strive to be similarly efficient at "The Bank."

Weather forecasts in Baltimore for the AFC Championship show a 40% chance of rain around game time. That may constitute an increased usage for Pacheco, but the second-year player does share touches with veteran running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (+400)

On the heels of a dazzling performance running the ball, Lamar Jackson enters Championship Sunday as the third-favorite (four-to-one odds) at FanDuel Sportsbook to lead all players in ground production.

Jackson really got after the Houston Texans' defense last weekend. In that Divisional Round bid, the 2019 league MVP rushed for exactly 100 yards and two scores on just 11 carries. Considering his upcoming clash with Kansas City will likely be under Maryland's coastal showers, I'd imagine Jackson uses his legs in trademark fashion.

Surprisingly, Lamar has played the same number of postseason games as CMC, yet the quarterback is averaging 23 more yards on the ground. That's correct: Jackson has outputted 93.4 rushing YPG in the playoffs. In that same split, the former Heisman winner has run the rock for 7.2 YPC.

Being that Sunday afternoon will be Jackson's inaugural AFC title game appearance, he will be called upon to do more than ever before. Perhaps the moment is just right -- KC's run defense was ranked 26th in the NFL at numberFire.

Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (+850)

Presenting authentic value in this week's top-rusher market, FanDuel Sportsbook has Detroit halfback Jahmyr Gibbs labeled with +850 odds. Gibbs has definitively proven in his rookie season that he can be depended on in both short and long situations.

In the Divisional Round against a solid Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, Gibbs ran absolutely wild. He took nine rushes for a total of 74 yards. Of course, one of the pinnacle plays of the game was when Gibbs blasted through the left side for a 31-yard 4Q touchdown.

His propensity for big plays will surely aid the Alabama Crimson Tide alum in this market, especially since the wager duration is just one game long. With that in mind, it is worth knowing that Gibbs compiled the second-most rushes of 20+ yards (10) this past season -- not bad for a rook.

Of the four remaining sides, the Lions' offensive line is arguably the very best. Right tackle Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow were each named All-Pro in 2023, while 6-foot-7 left tackle Taylor Decker holds his own quite well. Gibbs and Detroit's ground game should make for a favorable matchup with San Francisco's 17th-rated run defense (per numberFire's NFL power rankings).

If you're betting on any of Sunday, January 28th's NFL playoff action, you can take advantage of FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL Playoffs No-Sweat Same Game Parlay. Check the promotions page for more information.

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