One of the biggest x-factors heading into Super Bowl 60 is the running game. Whichever side dominates the trenches will have an inside track at clinching a championship. Both the Seahawks and Patriots pride themselves on winning at the line of scrimmage. However, generating positive yardage on the ground won’t be easy against a pair of elite defensive lines.
For New England, the backfield has been a bit of a mystery this season. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreyVeon Henderson have both taken turns handling lead running back duties. However, it’s the former that’s gained momentum recently. Who will garner the most touches on Sunday, and will that be enough to pace both teams in rushing yards?
Below, I’ll break down Rhamondre Stevenson’s chances at leading all Super Bowl 60 players in rushing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Will Rhamondre Stevenson lead all players in rushing yards?
During the AFC Championship Game last month, it was Stevenson who led the way for New England. The Patriots gave the fifth-year pro a whopping 25 carries for 71 yards during their victory over the Broncos. Granted, the heavy volume was due in large part to a second-half blizzard. Regardless, it was telling that Henderson only garnered three touches. Head coach Mike Vrabel clearly wasn’t comfortable trusting the rookie on such a massive stage.
There’s a good chance that continues this weekend in the Super Bowl. While Henderson may see a slight uptick in usage, this remains Stevenson’s backfield. The 27-year-old has led the Patriots in rush attempts during each of their three postseason games. The disparity between him and Henderson has gradually increased during that time.
Granted, this isn’t just about out-touching Henderson. After all, Stevenson will have to pick up plenty of yardage against an elite Seahawks run defense. Seattle is holding opponents to an NFL-best 3.8 yards per rush attempt. On the flip side, New England has churned out 129.2 rushing yards per game. That’s the fifth-best mark in football. However, that’s due in part to holding a lead in most matchups. The Patriots are gaining 4.4 yards per rush attempt, tied for the league’s 13th-best mark. That’s not a bad number, but on paper it isn’t too intimidating, either.
Counting the playoffs, Stevenson has handled ten or more carries in just three of his 17 appearances this season. In each of those outings, he’s surpassed 70 rushing yards. Granted, a 25-touch, 71-yard showing vs. Denver (2.8 YPC) wasn’t the most efficient performance. Still, it shows that good things tend to happen when the veteran is a featured piece of New England’s offense.
For those who think the Patriots will win, or at the very least cover, Stevenson is someone to target. His biggest competition for rushing supremacy is Kenneth Walker III. The Seattle running back has taken on a larger role with teammate Zach Charbonnet sidelined with a torn ACL. During two postseason games vs. the 49ers and Rams, Walker has gained a combined 178 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
With that being said, a massive showing on the ground won’t come easy this weekend. New England wields two standout defensive tackles in Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. That duo has the potential to wreak havoc on Sunday, even against a quality Seattle offensive line. Walker, while talented, has a knack for being boom-or-bust. It’s not far-fetched to think the fourth-year pro gets bottled up in Santa Clara.
Verdict: Unlikely (but not impossible)
Stevenson’s leading rusher odds are at +210; Walker III is the favorite at -175. Given Seattle’s status as favorites, it makes sense that it would have the better odds in this category. Still, if anyone can challenge K-9, it’s Rhamondre. There’s reason to believe the Patriots, after two straight cold-weather clashes, will look to air it out more this week. However, a talented Seahawks secondary will likely prioritize stopping Pro Bowl quarterback Drake Maye. Should that occur, more carries could be in store for Stevenson. New England’s underrated rusher offers decent value for bettors who aren’t afraid to swing for the fences.
