The first Sunday of the NFL season didn’t go as predicted. The Cardinals, Redskins and Jaguars all sprung big upsets within their divisions. Tonight, we have a some great NFL player props to bet to close out the week strong.
The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to New York to play the Giants and the Tennessee Titans play the Broncos in Denver. New York quarterback Daniel Jones and Denver quarterback Drew Lock both showed potential in their rookie seasons. I’m curious to see how they perform under the spotlight of Monday Night Football. Below are a few of my top NFL player prop bets for tonight’s games.
NFL Player Props for MNF
Saquon Barkley – RB, New York Giants Over 27.5 Receiving Yards (-113)
Barkley is a special player and is a threat every time he touches the ball. The Giants need to keep things simple for Daniel Jones. The best way to do that is by keeping Barkley involved in the offense.
Pittsburgh has a defense that led the NFL in sacks a year ago and they are going to bring pressure. One of best ways to contain pressure is by running screen passes and getting the ball out of the quarterback’s hands quickly. Barkley is an elite pass catching running back and had 52 catches last season and averaged over five targets per game. The quick passing game with Barkley out of the backfield will be key tonight for the Giants.
Eric Ebron – TE, Pittsburgh at Least 1 touchdown (+200)
Eric Ebron signed with Pittsburgh in free agency after two seasons in Indianapolis. His injury-riddled last season caused his production to slip and the Colts to decided not to resign him.
In 2018, he had the best season of his career with 13 touchdowns and a Pro Bowl berth. All reports are that he had a great training camp and that he is poised for a bounce back season. Ebron with his size and speed is a mismatch in the red zone for opposing defenses. If he can stay healthy, Ebron should have a productive season in Pittsburgh. I love his chances to get in the end zone tonight, making this a great NFL player prop at +200.
Jonnu Smith – TE, Tennessee Over 2.5 Receptions (-142)
Smith is heading into his fourth season as a pro. He has improved each year, and this could be his breakout season. He’s a free agent after this year so he has a lot of motivation.
The Titans are a run-first offense, but Smith will have opportunities in the passing game. He worked with quarterback Ryan Tannehill all off-season in South Florida to improve their chemistry. With Broncos’s star defensive end Von Miller out for this season, Tannehill should have more time in the pocket to find his talented tight end. I think this NFL player prop could be a lock, hence the -142 odds.
Noah Fant – TE, Denver Over 3.5 Receptions ( -129)
Denver is banged up at the receiver position. Courtland Sutton hasn’t practiced since Thursday and might be out with a shoulder injury. Rookie receiver KJ Hamler has also been limited in practice with a hamstring injury.
This leaves Fant as one of Drew Lock’s few healthy options in the pass game. Fant finished his rookie season with 562 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Lock already feels comfortable with him. They have experience playing together in live action games which is important considering we didn’t have pre-season games this year.
