NFL Player Props: Week 1
If you, like me, are really into fantasy football but are dealing with a bit of FOMO because you haven’t taken part in the gambling craze that’s been such a huge part of the NFL over the past couple of seasons, betting on player props may be a good way for you to get some additional skin in the game.
You can avoid dealing with point spreads and still get a little sports gambling in. That player that you loved this preseason but never got a chance to roster in your fantasy leagues can still help you earn some cash this season. Here’s a few player props that I like this week.
Oh, and remember gambling is super risky and you should only use funds that you can afford to lose.
Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
Over 268.5 passing yards
I love Goff playing at home where he averaged 280 passing yards per game last season. The Rams vs. the Lions is expected to be one of Week 1’s highest scoring games (52.5 O/U) and Goff has some tremendous offensive weapons at his disposal.
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
Under 201.5 passing yards
It feels like I’m picking on the rookie quarterback but Nix has got a difficult assignment for his first game in the NFL. That Seahawks crowd led by that loud “12th man” in Seattle will be in full force on Sunday. Nix will eventually be a good NFL quarterback, but Week 1 will be a rough experience for him.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Over 66.5 rushing yards
Sticking with the Seahawks’ matchup against the Broncos, Walker should be a very busy running back in the second half if the game unfolds as planned. Seattle should break out to a big early lead and they’ll run the ball with reckless abandon in the second half. With the Broncos having given up the second most rushing yards to running backs last season (2013), Zach Charbonnet might even be a good bet as well, at over 25.5 yards rushing.
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
Over 2.5 receptions
I expect both Raheem Mostert and Achane to have big weeks against the Jaguars but how they’re used in Week 1 remains to be seen. The Jags gave up the most receptions to running backs last season and Achane had at least three receptions in six of the 11 games he played in 2023. He did that despite playing six or fewer snaps in two of those games. This is a case of me wanting to get a piece of the action of what has typically been a very productive Dolphins backfield.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Over 2.5 receptions
With the Bengals apparently letting Ja’Marr Chase decide if he’ll play in Week 1, and Tee Higgins listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report, Iosivas could be in line for a huge game. He has some nice momentum coming into the season after nine catches in his final two games of last season (four in Week 15 and five in Week 17). According to many reports he was very impressive this preseason, and Iosivas has gained quarterback Joe Burrow’s trust.
Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns
Over 4.5 receptions
I’m buying into the “Amari Cooper revenge game” against the Cowboys. Yes, Dallas’ pass defense is still very good but Cooper is one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers, and for his career he averages 4.8 receptions per game. Cooper had at least five receptions in four of the five full games that quarterback Deshaun Watson played in last season. Week 1 was the only game he had fewer than five catches and the Browns running backs ran the ball a total of 33 times.
Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Anytime TD scorer
Full disclosure here, I am a Giants fan but let’s face it Nabers has what it takes to be a generational talent. He’s going to be the heartbeat of the Giants’ offense this season. He is great at bringing down contested catches and he even might make Daniel Jones look good, despite the beard! It wouldn’t shock me if Nabers were the first TD scorer in front of the home Giants crowd. That might be too much to ask but I like his chances as an anytime TD scorer at +150.
Follow Joe Gallina on Twitter @joegallina