Primetime NFL games bring in the numbers -- and the bets. In an attempt to boost gamer bankrolls, this only occasionally profitable bettor will attempt to stack greenbacks under the lights. As always, fade or follow -- that’s up to you.
The Pick: Malik Nabers OVER 27.5 yards longest catch (-110, BetMGM)
Under the primetime lights, Nabers won’t be censored. Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart and late-night hosts from yesteryear agree.
Russell Wilson’s majestic moonball has only enhanced the second-year WR’s star quality. When the Dangerwhich unloads his trademark skyward sling, the young wideout’s apparent magnitude reaches peak Venus.
Witnessed on occasion last season in Pittsburgh via connections from Wilson to George Pickens, Mr. Ciara’s explosive pass play has already taken New York by storm. In Week 2’s OT thriller versus the Cowboys, the Giants’ premier field stretcher hauled in a pair of gravity-defying chucks from his QB’s hand -- one for 29 yards and the other for a galactic 49 yards.
Expect another astronomical grab or three against the winless Chiefs.
One major reason why the KC dynasty is showing signs of crumbling is the underachieving play of Steve Spagnuolo's secondary. Through two weeks, the Chiefs are a lowly No. 25 in pass EPA defense, conceding 7.48 pass yards per attempt. They have only given up the 21st-most air yards, but last week’s matchup against ultra conservative Philly inflates the standing.
Nabers’ projected primary assignment, CB Jaylen Watson, has only allowed a 66.1 passer rating and 8.2 yards per catch on the young year. Overall at Pro Football Focus, he’s a quite respectable No. 41 in pass coverage grade.
The Giants WR1, however, is an outside-the-numbers menace. Entering Week 3, he’s tops in total air yards (385) and deep ball targets (7). Additionally, he’s top 10 among qualifying WRs in yards per reception (17.0), elusive rating (131.5) and yards per route run (2.70). Embarrassing defenders hashmark-eating plays the name of his game.
Many NFL fans -- this one included -- are dumbfounded that the Giants are in an island game. Equally mystifying, they’re featured in a matchup against a so-far-defeated Kansas City team. Despite the shortcomings of Brian Daboll’s squad, bank on a competitive contest from beginning to end.
On a pass sure to graze Polaris, Nabers rewards backers with the stellar snag required.
Season props record: 2-4, -2.15 units
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - Chiefs ML, Patrick Mahomes 25+ rush yards (+110, BetMGM)
Season parlay record: 2-4, -1.79 units