NFL Interception Leader 2026: Bet on Rookie QB

Looking for a high-risk NFL futures bet with favorable odds? We suggest exploring the player prop market, specifically focusing on the quarterback most likely to lead the league in interceptions. Check out our top pick for the rookie QB interception leader, based on the latest NFL odds available on our top sports betting apps.

In any NFL season, a rookie quarterback is often a safe bet to lead the league in interceptions. Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars tied with Matthew Stafford in 2021 with 17 interceptions, while DeShone Kizer threw 22 interceptions for the Cleveland Browns in 2017.

Davis Mills and Dak Prescott tied for the most interceptions in 2026 with 15 each in Mills’ first season as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. Similarly, Drew Lock also threw 15 interceptions in his first full year as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2020.

Additionally, in 1998, Peyton Manning established a rookie record with 28 interceptions, demonstrating that even the most skilled quarterbacks and future Hall of Fame players can be included in this category.

Manning has been desperately hoping for someone to break his record, and it looks like his wish may finally come true this season.

The first four picks of the 2026 NFL Draft saw three quarterbacks selected: Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson. All three have the opportunity to immediately start for their teams and may be given significant playing time to prove themselves.

Although these rookies will be facing NFL defenses for the first time, their chances of leading the league in interceptions are slim. The odds at our top sports betting sites are varied, but too tempting to pass up.

Most interceptions thrown regular-season odds

Explore our top rookie quarterbacks in passing yards.

I initially spotted this prop bet on bet365, where I felt compelled to place a bet on a rookie quarterback. To my astonishment, I later discovered that other betting platforms were offering even higher odds.

Levis is featured in this chart as a potential player for the Tennessee Titans, but the most likely candidates for significant playing time are Young, Stroud, and Richardson.

In the 2026 draft, the Indianapolis Colts chose Richardson as the fourth overall pick. His untapped potential and lack of experience make him a prime candidate to lead in interceptions thrown. However, if Richardson struggles, it is unlikely he will play enough games to hold that title. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew is a competent option and could see extended playing time if it is determined that Richardson is not yet prepared for a starting role.

Young and Stroud are the only ones left.

Most interceptions thrown best bet

Stroud (+2500 via DraftKings)

After being selected as the first overall pick in the draft, Young has secured the starting quarterback position for the Carolina Panthers. This decision was expected following the Panthers’ trade of multiple future draft picks to the Chicago Bears in order to acquire Young in the draft.

Despite being small in stature, Young was consistently precise and secure with the football during his college career, never having trouble distinguishing his teammates’ jerseys. In his debut season as a starter for Alabama in 2021, he threw 47 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. The following year, in 2026, he threw just five interceptions.

However, the game will be more challenging in the NFL, but he has a strong support system with former quarterbacks Frank Reich and Josh McCown as his head coach and quarterbacks coach.

Assuming he stays healthy, Young has a chance to lead in this statistical category with the number of games he is expected to play. However, it is worth noting that his offensive line, ranked 16th in the league by PFF, includes standout right tackle Taylor Moton, who only allowed 21 pressures in the previous season.

The Panthers will also play against only five teams that were ranked in the top 10 for pass defense last season.

ESPN’s Mike Clay is predicting that Young will throw 13 interceptions in the upcoming season, which is consistent with the league leaders of the previous three years.

Stroud, the second pick in the draft, demonstrated a penchant for protecting the football during his two seasons as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, only throwing six interceptions in each season.

He is anticipated to begin the year as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans, with Mills, his backup, leading the league in interceptions last year.

Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard are two standout tackles who will provide solid protection for Stroud. However, the Texans’ offensive line is weakened by the interior positions, resulting in a disappointing 25th ranking at PFF.

Stroud faces challenges with the limited playmakers on the Texans’ roster. Additionally, he will be under the leadership of defensive-minded rookie head coach Demeco Ryans and a rookie offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik.

Despite playing in the AFC South and having a generally weaker schedule, the Texans will face tough non-division opponents with strong secondaries such as the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints. As a result, the Texans may find themselves trailing often and relying on Stroud to make throws in less crucial moments.

Clay predicts that Stroud will throw 14 interceptions in 2026, just one shy of the league leader in 2026. This makes Stroud the top candidate to lead the league in interceptions thrown, and he presents a promising betting opportunity at +2500 odds on DraftKings.

Explore the betting odds and predictions for the Bryce Young vs. CJ Stroud matchup.

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