NFL Futures Bets: Most Interceptions Thrown in 2017
By Loot, NFL Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Leading the league in interceptions is an interesting category. It's obviously the one stat on a quarterback's ledger that can register the most negativity. Quarterbacks look to avoid picks like the plague. And a QB that tosses a bunch of picks on a regular basis is not long for this league. It kills a team's drive, while putting the opposing offense on the field—often times in great position or sometimes even for a score. It's the dagger in the heart for teams and bettors alike.
At the same time, when one looks at the list of NFL leaders in interceptions, one sees a lot of great quarterbacks. Sure, there are some duds in there, but just since 2005, quarterback who have led the league in picks include Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers. It shows us that we can't just look at quarterbacks that we don't think are very good.
Throwing a lot of interceptions is not all about being bad. We see games where it's not the quarterback's fault. There are unfortunate bounces that take place. Sometimes, it's just a byproduct of a pioneering spirit, as gunslingers often get snake-bitten. Sure, there are quarterbacks who just aren't up-to-snuff who can lead this category, but aerially-inclined quarterbacks in general are always decent candidates to lead the league in picks.
The number of interceptions that a league-leader will throw has generally decreased over time. Other than Eli Manning throwing 27 in 2013, the leading total has been 18-21 for the past seven years. There are seven starting quarterbacks currently in the league who have led the league in picks, with Manning leading the way with three, along with Rivers and Jay Cutler with two apiece. At the top of the odds of those to lead the league in picks in 2017 is 2015 leader Blake Bortles, with some usually suspects not that far behind him. It's actually a highly-competitive category, with the five top choices separated by just 75 cents on the money line. Here are the odds to lead the NFL in interceptions in 2017.
Blake Bortles +525
Thoughts: Bortles, 25, is an appealing choice for this category, largely based on his interception totals from his first three seasons in the league. He has thrown 17, 18, and 16 picks in his first three years and has shown he will be right up there with the league-leaders. Still, with an added boost to the run-game and added growth, we're not sure we like his placement as the favorite.
Philip Rivers +575
Thoughts: The two-time leader in this category was tops last season with 21 picks. It was more due to the Chargers playing from behind a lot with a receiving crew that was decimated by injuries and therefore more disorganized than what Rivers is accustomed. His picks could reduce this season with better health among his receivers, but he still stands out as a contender for this.
Eli Manning +575
Thoughts: On three different occasions, Manning has led the league in this area, twice putting up an ungodly amount of picks with 25 in 2010 and 27 in 2013. With 14, 14, and 16 picks in the last three seasons, he has gotten better and has a pretty good crew of receivers. But a twist here and a wrinkle there could have Manning back atop this list.
Jameis Winston +575
Thoughts: The still-maturing Winston is still only 23 and is far from being the steely vet he may eventually become. He has thrown 15 and 18 picks in his first two NFL seasons and he added three picks to his rookie totals in 2016. Another increase would have him right in the thick of this category.
Jared Goff +600
Thoughts: In 7 starts, he put up 7 picks. Now in his second year, there is new leadership and the Rams aren't what you would call a pass-happy team. So the conditions aren't ideal, but Goff has shown some difficulty with the steeper learning curve in the NFL and appears to be a reasonable candidate.
Drew Brees +1600
Thoughts: Brees is a solid candidate just by virtue of how many passes he attempts in a typical season. He led the league in picks in 2012 and is often among the league leaders. It's been several seasons since he was really in contention to lead the NFL in picks, but isn't a bad value choice at +1600.
Joe Flacco +2000
Thoughts: In five of his 9 seasons, he has thrown 12 picks, which wouldn't be enough to contend for the league lead. But with 22 picks in 2013 and 15 last season, he's a reasonable-enough choice at +2000.
Andrew Luck +2000
Thoughts: Since tossing 18 picks in his rookie season, he has managed to keep his picks totals somewhat in check, even with an offense that wasn't all that effective at times. Still, a full season with Luck throwing a ton could realistically result in him being among the league-leaders.
Deshaun Watson +2000
Thoughts: The question at this point is whether or not he will start and get enough snaps to make him a realistic choice. Houston is typically pretty quick to switch things up at quarterback. Still, with 30 picks in his last two seasons at Clemson, a Watson who starts the whole season could be a good choice at these odds.
Carson Wentz +2000
Thoughts: In Wentz' first season, he tossed 14 picks, a ways off the league-lead. With some incoming receiver talent, perhaps he will take to the air more in 2017, which could possibly put him among the league leaders.
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Ben Roethlisberger +2500
Thoughts: After leading the NFL in picks with 23 in 2006, he has never thrown more than 16. The Steelers will be taking to the air a lot this season and if Big Ben plays a full season, he could throw a lot of picks. Not a pick we'd make.
Kirk Cousins +3300
Thoughts: Last season was his career high with just 12 picks. While he lost his two of his top receivers from last season, it's hard to imagine a scenario where he throws 10 more picks than he ever has.
Jay Cutler +3300
Thoughts: An interesting choice at 33-to-1, Cutler was a late addition to the Miami roster and has led the league in picks twice before. If he plays a full season and his form continues to depreciate, he is certainly a live dog at these odds. Bet on which QB will toss the most picks in 2017 by taking advantage of a massive 100% sign-up bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $500 at GTBets!