Kyle Garlett

NFL Player Props Week 13: Alexander Mattison Gets His Shot Vs Detroit

Alexander Mattison #25 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after a first down run during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Image Credit: Elsa/Getty Images

December is upon us, and the push to end the regular season on a roll has officially begun. And that means that there are even more individual performances worth talking about and wagering. Here are the top three NFL player props we are targeting in Week 13.

All odds courtesy of BetPrep updated 10:00 AM Eastern on Dec. 2.

Tua Tagovailoa vs. New York Giants

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks downfield in a 2021 road game.
Image Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Prop: Tua Tagovailoa Passing Yards
The Odds: Over 249.5 yards (-114)/Under 249.5 yards (-116)

The Dolphins are a feel-good story, coming back from the depths to win four straight games, and in the process, take much of the heat off quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. But the enthusiasm about his recent performances should be tempered.

In November, a full 68% of Tua’s passing yards have come after the catch, and 35% of the Dolphins total for the year has come in the last three games. It’s why they’ve been winning, but it’s also why it’s hard to trust Tua going forward. This team doesn’t push the ball upfield, and against the Giants, that will show.

And even with all that YAC, Tua’s only broken 230 yards once in four games. The best bet here is the UNDER.

Editor’s Note: New to NFL player props? Check out our complete NFL Prop Betting Guide to get up to speed! 

Alexander Mattison vs. Detroit Lions

Alexander Mattison #25 of the Minnesota Vikings runs for a first down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 03, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota defeated Detroit 37-35.
Image Credit: Leon Halip/Getty Images

The Prop: Alexander Mattison Rushing Yards
The Odds: Over 82.5 yards (-114)/Under 82.5 yards (-116)

Dalvin Cook has an injured shoulder, which affects his ability to hold the football. But not to worry for Minnesota, because Alexander Mattison is a more than capable backup. He already started two games this season in place of an injured Cook and went for more than 100 yards in both of those games.

One of his two starts was a 113-yard rushing, 40-yard receiving game against these same Detroit Lions. This season, the winless Lions have given up 100 yards to five different running backs, including 105 to Najee Harris in Week 10 and 130 to Nick Chubb in Week 11.

Mattison is capable, this Vikings offense is good, and he will find plenty of room to run against this terrible Lions defense.

Terry McLaurin vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Football Team reacts following a play during the first half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Image Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The Prop: Terry McLaurin Receiving Yards
The Odds: Over 71.5 yards (-110)/Under 71.5 yards (-120)

Even with the run-first offense that Ron Rivera is using in Washington, Terry McLaurin remains one of the most explosive wide receivers in the NFL. He’s gone over 100 yards in four games this season, including 103 two weeks ago against a very good Panthers defense.

The Raiders’ defense is not so good, having just allowed both Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson to go for more than 100 yards each in their Thanksgiving win at Dallas. They also allowed 83 to Tyreek Hill, 94 to Courtland Sutton, and 105 to Diontae Johnson.

McLaurin might be better than all of them, and in the last three weeks, the 308 yards allowed through the air by Las Vegas is the worst in the league. Scary Terry is an excellent candidate to hit the OVER.