The Monday Night Football game usually is our last opportunity to get some NFL props action for the week. However, this week, a pair of postponed games allow us another chance for fun in Week 15. First, however, if you’re new to Underdog Fantasy, have no fear.
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 $10 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.
Now, let’s take a look at my favorite NFL props for Tuesday. You can find these lines (or similar) on Underdog Fantasy or any legal online sportsbook.
Terry McLaurin UNDER 61.5 Receiving Yards
There’s uncertainty at the quarterback position for the Washington Football Team.
Ron Rivera explained that Washington is in Philly for tonight’s game but QBs Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen are still in DC awaiting Covid tests. If they clear they’ll get up to Philly.
Via @JunksRadio— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 21, 2021
Garrett Gilbert is starting tonight if Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen cannot get through the COVID-19 protocols. He’s made one start and thrown 44 passes in NFL regular-season games. Additionally, the Football Team signed Gilbert off the New England Patriots practice squad only four days ago. So, he’s likely working with a condensed playbook and has little to no rapport with his pass-catchers.
As a result, Washington’s offense might struggle mightily. However, even if Heinicke or Allen receive their test results in time to start, the matchup is a nightmare for Terry McLaurin.
According to Pro-Football-Reference, the Philadelphia Eagles allow the fourth-fewest receiving yards per game (128.77) to wide receivers. In addition, McLaurin hasn’t done much to provide optimism about a big showing in a challenging matchup, surpassing 61.5 receiving yards in six of 13 games but doing so only twice in his last nine games. As a result, Bet Prep projects 57.40 receiving yards, supporting this pick.
Editor’s Note: New to NFL props? Check out our complete NFL Props Betting Guide to get up to speed!
Jalen Hurts OVER 49.5 Rushing Yards
The Eagles are 6.5-point favorites, and Jalen Hurts doesn’t have an injury designation.
Jalen Hurts has no injury status. He’s going to play Tuesday. https://t.co/icoaeSupLl
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) December 20, 2021
But, of course, Hurts is returning from an ankle injury, causing some uncertainty about his ability to run the ball. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic about his ability to punish the Football Team on the ground for a few reasons.
First, rushing is an integral tool in Hurts’ tool belt. Second, I suspect if the team questioned his ability to run effectively, they’d allow capable backup Gardner Minshew to make a second consecutive start after showing well in a win against the New York Jets before Philly’s Week 14 bye.
Third, Hurts isn’t a jitterbug scampering quarterback, often powering forward instead of juking and dancing, easing my concern about his ankle hindering his production in a meaningful way. Fourth, Washington allows the second-most rushing yards per game to quarterbacks, and that mark isn’t inflated by facing Hurts yet this year since these NFC East foes are opposing each other for the first time in 2021 tonight.
Next, the game script should be good if it goes according to the betting line noted above. Finally, Hurts has cleared 49.5 rushing yards in eight of 12 games, including six straight. So, Bet Prep agrees with selecting the over, projecting Hurts to rush for 50.79 yards.
Van Jefferson Jr. OVER 51.5 Receiving Yards
The Los Angeles Rams meet the Seattle Seahawks for the second time this year tonight. Unfortunately, Van Jefferson Jr. was held to only one reception for 16 yards on four targets in the first meeting. Nevertheless, a lot has changed since then.
Most importantly, Robert Woods suffered a season-ending injury. Woods barbecued them for 12 receptions for 150 yards in the first meeting with the Seahawks. Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp recorded 92 receiving yards, and DeSean Jackson — also no longer on the team — hauled in a 68-yard reception. Thus, the Rams illustrated getting multiple receivers involved against Seattle.
However, that shouldn’t be surprising. The Seahawks are mid-pack in receiving yards allowed per game to wideouts. Moreover, they’re one of the worst pass defenses in the league. According to Football Outsiders, the Seahawks are 29th in pass defense Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA).
Revisiting Jefferson, he’s emerged in the wake of Woods’ injury. According to Pro Football Focus, since Week 10, Jefferson has been third on the Rams in receptions (14) and second in routes (149), targets (26), and receiving yards (246). Further, Sean McVay’s moved him all over, aligning him wide on 57.0% of passing snaps and at a 42.4% clip in the slot.
Finally, Jefferson has more than 51.5 receiving yards in three of four games without Woods. Bet Prep joins me in touting the over, projecting 53.95 receiving yards.
