Below are some props that you should keep your eye on as you head into Week 1.
All props are coming from DraftKings sportsbook lines and be sure to keep checking back throughout the weekend as props are added over the course of the 48 hours prior to the game.
See something else you like? Send me a note on Twitter
Jalen Hurts Over 242.5 Passing Yards
The Falcons defensive weakness is once again the secondary. Last season, the Falcons allowed 294 yards passing per game which was by far the highest in the NFL. The Falcons have attempted to rebuild it this offseason bringing in Duron Harmon, Erik Harris, and Fabian Moreau, but none of them are game changing players that will significantly improve this defense. Jalen Hurts is primed for a breakout season as the Eagles are finally healthy as last year Travis Fulgham and Greg Ward Jr. were their top two wide receivers. This year, Jalen Reagor and Dallas Goedert return, while they bring in Heisman winner Devonta Smith.
Tua Tagovailoa Under 235.5 Passing Yards
The first time Tua played the Patriots, they put together a game plan that had the rookie completely confused. Tua threw for just 145 yards as the Patriots took everything away from the quarterback. The Dolphins add Jaylen Waddle to their receiving group, but they are still waiting for Will Fuller to return from suspension. While the Patriots defense is getting older especially in the secondary, and are dealing with some new personnel changes as Jason McCourty has departed to go to Miami, they still have enough guys to hold Tua under this number.
Lamar Jackson Under 69.5 Rushing Yards
With the loss of JK Dobbins, Justice Hill, and Gus Edwards, this is Lamar Jackson’s role to take over as the running back in this offense. This has inflated the number to a crazy 69.5 rushing yards. There’s a lot to like with Jackson this week as the Raiders have one of the worst pass rush in the NFL, but that doesn’t always translate to rushing quarterback success as the Raiders did not allow a quarterback to top 30 yards rushing against them in 2020. This could be a situation where they are not able to get a pass rush, so they will prevent Jackson from taking off and running by having spies and try to force Jackson to beat them with his arm.
Ja’Marr Chase Under 48.5 Receiving Yards
We all work hard for our money. Do we really want to take an over for a guy who took a year off college football to get ready for the draft, and then still says he is having trouble catching the NFL ball? It is one of the craziest stories that we can remember for a rookie who struggled mightily catching the ball. The Bengals have a lot of talent at the wide receiver position with Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins that they can look towards and slowly try to build up to Chase.
Christian McCaffrey Over 18.5 Carries
In his three games last season, Christian McCaffrey had 23 carries, 18 carries, and 18 carries. The Panthers lost all three of those games, but are favored this week against the Jets. This should be a big Christian McCaffrey game as they look to get in sync and if the Panthers are up at the end of the game, expect McCaffrey to sneak in a few extra carries. McCaffrey had over 18.5 carries in every win in 2019, and while it is a different coaching staff, this should be a game in which he is able to top 18.5 fairly easily. Expect 21-22 carries for the All-Pro running back.
