The NFC East is taking center stage on Monday Night Football, with the surprising 2-0 Giants hosting the 1-1 Cowboys. The game’s total is 40 points. So, it might not be a pretty offensive game. However, the game’s spread is only one point. Thus, it should be competitive. So, how will the participants in the game fair? What Cowboys vs. Giants player props stand out from the rest? The three following props are my favorites after looking across many sportsbooks.
Cowboys vs. Giants Player Props
Let’s take a look at three Monday Night Football prop bets for this Week 3 contest:
Ezekiel Elliott Longest Rush Under 13.5 Yards (-115)
Ezekiel Elliott doesn’t have juice anymore. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he’s had one run of 10-plus yards on 25 carries this year, rumbling for only 11 yards on his longest run. Further, Zeke’s lack of explosive runs has been an extension from last season.
In 2021, he had only 24 runs of 10-plus yards on 249 attempts. According to his game log at PFF, he had a run of longer than 13.5 yards in only four games last season. Moreover, Zeke has had a run over 13.5 yards in only one of his last 14 games.
Going back to 2020 shows more of the same for Elliott. He had only 22 runs for 10-plus yards on 244 attempts. Finally, Zeke had a run longer than 13.5 yards in only five of 15 games in 2020. So, again, Zeke doesn’t have the same burst from his earlier years.
Where to bet: Ezekiel Elliott – Longest Rush Under 13.5 Yards | -115 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Sterling Shepard Over 43.5 Receiving Yards (-113)
Sterling Shepard has returned triumphantly from a season-ending Achilles injury in 2021. In fact, he’s Big Blue’s No. 1 receiver. According to PFF, he’s first on the Giants in routes (57) and targets (12). In addition, Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka have moved him around, aligning him in the slot for 24 passing snaps and wide for 37.
Shepard’s also been used shallow, intermediate, and deep. In Week 1, he had an average depth of target (aDoT) of 22.0 yards downfield on his two targets. Then, in Week 2, he had an 8.9-yard aDoT on 10 targets. So, Shepard has multiple paths to catching passes and recording receiving yards.
Finally, according to Football Outsiders, the Cowboys have allowed 62.5 receiving yards per game on an average of 8.0 passes per game to the opposition’s No. 1 receiver. Obviously, Shepard isn’t in the same class as the No. 1 wideouts on the Buccaneers and Bengals. Still, Dallas hasn’t put the clamps on their opponent’s top wideout. As a result, I like Shepard’s odds of surpassing 43.5 receiving yards.
Where to bet: Sterling Shepard Over 43.5 Receiving Yards | -113 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Richie James Jr. Over 2.5 Receptions (-151)
Richie James Jr. has been a surprising contributor for the G-Men. James was rarely used on offense by the 49ers from 2018-2020. However, he’s been integral to New York’s passing attack.
The diminutive wideout has run the fourth-most routes (46), primarily playing the slot (40 passing snaps).
James is also tied for second on the team in targets (11) and first in receptions (10) and receiving yards (110). Still, how they’ve fed James targets has been most encouraging.
According to PFF, he’s had seven targets short (between zero and nine yards), catching all seven at a 5.6-yard aDoT. James has also had four targets at medium depth (10 to 19 yards), reeling in three. Thus, James has been pumped high-percentage passes. Finally, James’ role as a short-area target might be especially meaningful tonight to aid in slowing game-wrecking pass-rusher, Micah Parsons. As a result, I fully expect James to have more than 2.5 receptions.
Where to bet: Richie James Jr. Over 2.5 Receptions | -151 at Caesars Sportsbook
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