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NFL Defensive Leader Odds & 2020 Best Bets You Should Back
Adam Thompson | 5 mins
Projecting who will lead the NFL in interceptions and sacks is a tricky proposition. But there are ways to gain an edge and every player on the board offers great payout possibilities.
So what are the odds for interceptions and sacks leaders and which players are the best NFL betting wagers to lead the league in these two defensive categories? Odds below are the same at many major sportsbooks.
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How to Pick a Sack Leader
Outside linebackers and defensive ends are just as likely to win the award — “edge rushers,” as they’re now often called. Three of the last four sacks leaders have been OLB, but five of the last 10 are ends.
One key is to pick defenses that offer support to the rusher. It’s tough to win sack titles against a constant stream of double-teams. Shaquil Barrett of the Buccaneers won the crown in 2019 with 19.5 sacks, featuring a stout front seven that ranked No. 1 vs. the run.
Most NFL Sacks 2020 Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Shaquil Barrett, Buccaneers | +1200 |
| Aaron Donald, Rams | +1200 |
| Myles Garrett, Browns | +1300 |
| Danielle Hunter, Vikings | +1300 |
| Chandler Jones, Cardinals | +1300 |
| J.J. Watt, Texans | +1300 |
| T.J. Watt, Steelers | +1300 |
| Joey Bosa, Chargers | +1400 |
| Khalil Mack, Bears | +1400 |
| Von Miller, Broncos | +1400 |
| Nick Bosa, 49ers | +1600 |
| Cameron Jordan, Saints | +1600 |
| Preston Smith, Packers | +1600 |
| Za’Darius Smith, Packers | +1600 |
NFL odds are current as of publication.
Here are two ascending players worth flyers on the NFL futures betting sacks leader prop:
T.J. Watt, Steelers +1300
Watt registered seven sacks as a rookie in 2017. That number jumped to 13 in 2018 and then 14.5 sacks last season. He wasn’t the only double-digit sacker for the Steelers, as Bud Dupree had 11.5.
RELATED: Click here for 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds
Watt can take his sack total to another level in 2020. He’s surrounded by a skillful defense that should be among the best against both the pass and the run. Watt is a legit Defensive Player of the Year candidate and a high sack total would be a big part of that. Get the best odds for Watt at BetMGM.
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Nick Bosa, 49ers +1600
Bosa had a memorable rookie season in San Francisco with nine sacks, earning Rookie of the Year honors. That QB takedown total could skyrocket this season.
The Niners added mammoth DT Javon Kinlaw in the draft, and Arik Armstead on the other side (he had 10 sacks in 2019) keeps double-teams off the energetic Bosa, who has a higher ceiling than Armstead. San Francisco doesn’t blitz, so it’s up to Bosa and Armstead to bring the QB down. Take Bosa at the best odds over at DraftKings.
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Tips on Picking Interception Leaders
Defensive backs racking up big INT numbers are a thing of the past. The last time the NFL leader in picks had 10 of them was 2007. Last season, the leaders had a measly six, the lowest amount in history.
RELATED: Click here for 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Lower totals lately, however, have meant more winners. The last two seasons have produced a three-way tie for most INTs. Four of the past five years have registered at least co-winners.
Cornerbacks won more titles than safeties, but each has a shot. Of the eight co-winners produced over the past three seasons, six were CBs, three were safeties.
Most NFL Interceptions 2020 Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kevin Byard, Titans | +1400 |
| Stephon Gilmore, Patriots | +1600 |
| Marcus Peters, Ravens | +1600 |
| Tre’Davious White, Bills | +1600 |
| Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers | +2000 |
| Justin Simmons, Broncos | +2000 |
| Tyrann Mathieu, Chiefs | +2200 |
| Joe Haden, Steelers | +2500 |
| Anthony Harris, Vikings | +2500 |
| Kareem Jackson, Broncos | +2500 |
| Kevin King, Packers | +2500 |
| Harrison Smith, Vikings | +2500 |
NFL odds are current as of publication.
Stephon Gilmore, Patriots +1600
Gilmore is the best corner in the league. He was one of the INT leaders with six, including two returned for touchdowns, and led the NFL in passes defended (20). He was selected as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the first CB to earn the honor since 2009.
With another solid CB in Devin McCourty on the other side, QBs can’t simply ignore Gilmore’s side of the field. He’ll get opportunities and history shows he can take advantage. Get Gilmore for the best odds at Unibet.
Joe Haden, Steelers +2500
Haden has 27 career INTs, including five last season as the top corner for the fifth-ranked Pittsburgh defense. That number could rise this season.
How? For one, 2019 marked the first season Haden started a full 16 games. For two, the Steelers’ defense could be even more formidable in 2020, especially up front. That means less time for QBs to make decisions and more chances for the ball-hawking Haden — if he remains healthy. Get Haden for great odds at PointsBet.
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