There’s a chance you’ve heard of Underdog Fantasy. Whether you are playing their infamous best ball fantasy drafts or their pick’em prop challenges, Underdog has something for everyone.
This article will focus on the second part of that, uncovering some of the best over/under selections for the Buccaneers-Cowboys Thursday Night Football Game of Week 1.
It’s easy to get started. Here’s how it works:
- Create an account on Underdog Fantasy.
- Use the promo code PROPS to claim an extra $25 on your first deposit.
- Go to the Pick’em Games.
- Make two or more selections to receive a correlated payout of 3x, 6x, 10x, or 20x.
It’s pretty fun, and Underdog Fantasy is available in most states except for the following: Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Louisiana, Montana, Washington, Delaware, and Iowa.
With that, let’s take a look at some picks to get you started for the NFL Kickoff!
Antonio Brown OVER 55.5 Receiving Yards
Antonio Brown was a semi-finalist on Season 22 of Dancing With the Stars. What further analysis do you need?
Sure, the Bucs’ receiving corps is crowded. Between Brown, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rob Gronkowski, there are plenty of ways to spread the love in this offense. Who can forget about WR Scotty Miller? Actually, you can probably forget about Scotty Miller unless an injury forces him up the depth chart.
Despite all of that, I’m bullish on Brown for the season-opener. Did we forget how great this guy was down the stretch last year? Once he finally settled into a groove with QB Tom Brady, the former All-Pro receiver averaged these numbers over his last seven regular-season games: 8 targets, 7 receptions, 65 yards.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s facing a vulnerable Cowboys defense. In fact, Dallas’ secondary ranks 31st in the league heading into this season (according to Pro Football Focus).
On top of that, Chris Godwin is questionable. If Godwin is out or limited, that could translate to more targets for AB.
*UPDATE: Godwin will play. I still like Brown even though his prop has risen above 60 yards. I believe this is good up to 64-65 yards.
Antonio Brown MORE RECEIVING YARDS Than Michael Gallup (+1.5)
You’ll find this selection on the “rivals” tab within the pick’em contest page.
I’m liking Brown’s chances of having a big night against that generous Cowboys’ secondary. Naturally, that lends itself to this head-to-head prop with Michael Gallup. I have no doubt that Gallup will have a strong season, but he’s the third (or fourth – perhaps behind Zeke?) receiving option while facing an intimidating Buccaneers’ pass defense.
Based on the Over/Under lines, we are seeing a little bit of value here as well. Underdog Fantasy has Brown listed at 55.5 receiving yards with Gallup at 49.5. I’ll take it!
*UPDATE: This prop has been adjusted to Michael Gallup +11.5 yards vs. Antonio Brown. I still like it, even though this makes things tight. As a consolation, Michael Gallup UNDER 49.5 receiving yards is in play as well. The Bucs are extremely good against outside receivers.
Leonard Fournette OVER 38.5 Rushing Yards
Tampa Bay is loaded. Maybe that had something to do with them winning the Super Bowl?
I already talked about their endless list of receiving options, and they have plenty of choices in the backfield as well. Giovani Bernard was added to handle pass-catching duties while Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones will take the early-down work. Essentially, this is a three-way split for RB touches.
While that doesn’t sound appealing, we need to consider that Tampa Bay is favored by more than a touchdown on Thursday. In other words, the “game script” could have them running more than usual in the second half. That means more carries for Fournette and Jones with Bernard saving his legs for another day.
Assuming that situation plays out, then Leonard Fournette has a great shot at going over 37.5 rushing yards. Our friends at BetPrep have him projected north of 48 yards, so there’s some value in this prop.
We just need the Buccaneers to take the lead and feed Uncle Lenny the ball!