The Jaguars and Chargers had an uncompetitive contest earlier this year. However, it was Justin Herbert’s first game after suffering a significant rib injury. The Chargers are favored in this matchup, despite getting trounced in the first game. Still, the game’s spread is small. So, the Jaguars might not have to abandon the run against LA’s leaky run defense, which impacts two of the forthcoming player props. Finally, one of the Chargers’ most involved pass-catchers has a desirable over in a good matchup. Let’s dive into the Jaguars vs. Chargers player props below.
Jaguars vs. Chargers Player Props: Super Wild Card Saturday
For a full list of Jaguars vs. Chargers player props and odds, check out our dedicated page for NFL player props.
Evan Engram Under 4.5 Receptions (-115)
Derwin James is a superstar at safety, and tight ends have found the sledding tough against him and LA’s secondary. Since Week 12, zero tight ends have had more than 4.5 receptions against the Titans. Chigoziem Okonkwo was the closest, reeling in four receptions against them in Week 15. Moreover, only Travis Kelce and David Njoku had more than 4.5 receptions in games against the Chargers this year. Kelce had five and six in Week 2 and Week 11, and Njoku had six in Week 5.
Meanwhile, Evan Engram’s been up and down this year. He had four receptions in a must-win game last week after reeling in one reception in a beatdown of the Texans in a meaningless Week 17 contest. Engram had 5, 11, 8, and 7 receptions in a four-game stretch from Week 13 through Week 16. However, that snapped a four-game streak falling short of 4.5 receptions. In all, Engram’s had fewer than 4.5 receptions 10 times in 17 games. Thus, I love his odds of coming up short in a challenging matchup and am betting accordingly.
Where to bet: Evan Engram Under 4.5 Receptions | -115 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Travis Etienne Over 75.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
While Engram has a tricky matchup, Travis Etienne shouldn’t face much resistance on the ground. According to Football Outsiders, the Chargers are 26th in rush defense DVOA since Week 12. Running backs specifically have steamrolled them.
Per The 33rd Team and data from Sports Info Solutions, the Chargers have coughed up 5.4 yards per carry and 117.7 rushing yards per game to running backs in their previous seven games. During that stretch, they’ve allowed five running backs to rush for more than 75.5 yards, and each eclipsed 100 yards. Heck, even Zack Moss gashed them for 65 yards on 12 attempts, and he stinks.
As for Etienne, he’s been a boom-or-bust runner most of this year. He was held to only 17 rushing yards on seven attempts last week, but the Titans have a stingy run defense. Etienne had 108, 83, and 103 rushing yards in the three prior contests. Unfortunately, Etienne had only 45 rushing yards on 13 attempts in the first game against the Chargers. However, he was still in a timeshare with James Robinson, and J-Rob destroyed them for 100 yards on 17 attempts. Etienne’s the lead back now and can thrive against LA’s pathetic run defense. So, I’m betting on his over for 75.5 rushing yards.
Where to bet: Travis Etienne Over 75.5 Rushing Yards | -115 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Austin Ekeler Over 35.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
The Jaguars struggle to defend running backs in the passing game, and Austin Ekeler is a nightmare to defend as a pass-catcher. Per Pro-Football-Reference, LA’s dynamic running back averaged 6.3 receptions and 42.5 receiving yards per game.
Additionally, he had fewer than 35.5 receiving yards only five times in 17 contests, and his median outcome was 39 receiving yards. Further, per numberFire, he’s had a 15.5% Target Share for the Chargers since Week 12, proving he’ll maintain an integral role in the passing attack even with a healthy Keenan Allen. Mike Williams is questionable after failing to practice this week, enhancing the appeal of Ekeler’s over for 35.5 receiving yards.
And, again, the Jags are lousy at defending running backs as receivers. Jacksonville’s allowed 43.3 receiving yards per game to running backs in their last seven contests. As a result, I expect Ekeler to eat as a receiver and comfortably eclipse 35.5 receiving yards.
Where to bet: Austin Ekeler Over 35.5 Receiving Yards | -114 at FanDuel Sportsbook
