2017 NFL Props: Will Jamaal Charles return to form with Broncos?
The former Kansas City running back was once one of the most explosive players in the NFL, but injuries and age have taken their toll. Can he rebound and be productive in Denver? One sportsbook is offering odds on the answer.
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Jamaal Charles was long one of the most explosive players in the NFL, and he is still the all-time leader in average yards per carry (5.5).
But running backs historically have a short shelf life in pro football, and a series of injuries threaten to derail the career of the 30-year-old Charles.
The Texas product missed most of the last two seasons because of injuries. He tore an ACL in 2015 and had just three carries last year before having season-ending surgeries on both knees.
In the off-season, he signed an incentive-laden with the Denver Broncos that could be worth more than $3.5 million but includes little guaranteed money.
Charles recently told the Denver Post he came to the Broncos with the expectation of becoming the top option in the backfield.
"My whole life, I'm always going to feel like I'm going to be the man. That's why I wanted to come here," Charles said. "If I'm not going to be the man, why am I here? I should be at home and sitting on the couch."
It was reported earlier this week that Charles won't participate in the team's off-season program as he continues to rebound from the injuries, but plans to be on the field for the start of training camp.
The question will be whether Charles will be healthy and effective enough to crack the starting lineup for Denver, which ranked No. 27 in the NFL last year in rushing.
The Broncos averaged 92.8 yards per game and 3.6 yards per rush. The tandem of Devontae Booker and C.J. Anderson combined for 1,049 yards on 284 carries with eight touchdowns.
Booker and Anderson return this season, and the Broncos added to their backfield depth by drafting De’Angelo Henderson of Coastal Carolina in the sixth round.
Bookmaker.eu is offering proposition wagers on Charles’ on-field production for the upcoming season:
Jamaal Charles total touchdowns for 2017 NFL regular season:
Over 5.5
Under 5.5
Jamaal Charles total yards for 2017 NFL regular season:
Over 750.5
Under 750.5
Of course, the key to Charles hitting these marks is whether he can stay healthy enough to be on the field for all or most of the season. If he returns to form, there's little doubt he would emerge as the No. 1 running back and likely go Over both of these milestones with ease.
But given his age and recent history, I'm not sure Charles is a safe bet to play enough to realize these goals. Right now, I'd take the Under on both props.Â
