We have officially entered the season of snow football, where good running backs become even more valuable. Four games in Week 17 take place in domes, but that means 12 games are subject to the elements, where a top back is worth his weight in a Northeast snowfall.
As for which backs deserve your prop considerations this week, these are the top three.
All odds courtesy of BetPrep updated 9 a.m. ET on Dec. 30.
Josh Jacobs vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Prop: Josh Jacobs Rushing Yards
The Odds: Over 62.5 yards (-118)/Under 62.5 yards (-114)
With two games to go in the season, the Raiders find themselves tied for the final playoff spot in the AFC. A big reason is that Josh Jacobs has re-discovered himself, rushing for 129 yards last week against the Broncos and 87 yards back when the Raiders beat the Cowboys.
It has become the formula for Raiders’ success, and it should work even better this week with Darren Waller returning. Plus, the Colts can be had on the ground. Last week they gave up 133 yards rushing.
On Sunday, Jacobs won’t be the best running back in Indianapolis, but he will hit the OVER.
Editor’s Note: New to NFL player props? Check out our complete NFL Props Betting Guide to get up to speed!
Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Buffalo Bills
The Prop: Cordarrelle Total Yards
The Odds: Over 70.5 yards (-118)/Under 70.5 yards (-112)
Atlanta Falcons Swiss Army Knife Cordarrelle Patterson hasn’t done much over the last three games. He had just 14 total yards last week and 18 the week before. But just as crucial as Patterson’s recent history is the Bills’ current history stopping running backs.
The Bills run defense gave up 103 yards to Damien Harris last week, three weeks after allowing him to run for 111. Leonard Fournette went for 132 total yards in Week 14, and Jonathan Taylor had 204 in Week 11.
In the weather of Buffalo, the Falcons will have to focus on running the ball and throwing passes near the line of scrimmage, and that feeds into what Patterson does best.
He breaks out of his December slump and goes OVER in Orchard Park.
Cordarrelle Patterson made this fans day this past Sunday. pic.twitter.com/r4J8kWLusb
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) December 28, 2021
James Conner vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Prop: James Conner Total Yards
The Odds: Over 45.5 yards (-118)/Under 45.5 yards (-114)
The career resurrection is complete for James Conner. Cast aside in Pittsburgh, he has become one of the most critical parts of the Cardinals offense, which has become doubly important since DeAndre Hopkins went out.
The Cardinals face a must-win game, and getting Conner the football is an excellent way to make that happen. He’s also become one of the favorites for Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury, with at least 20 touches in four of his last six games.
He’s also one of the truest receiving targets in the league, catching 31 of the 33 passes thrown his way.
In his last six games, Conner has gone for 173, 64, 99, 111, 125, and 70. This week against the Cowboys, he makes it seven straight games of hitting the OVER.