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: Rashod Bateman 40+ receiving yards (-+105, ESPN Bet)
Similar to the marvelous work of another well-known Bateman (Jason) in gripping NetFlix series ‘Ozark,’ those who invested in Baltimore’s version feel as though they were swindled.
Central show character -- the motivated king of money-laundering schemes to free himself from his Mexican drug-lord tithe -- Marty Byrd concurs. Heck, he probably also drafted the Ravens WR in the middle-rounds of his 12-team fantasy league expecting at least a WR3 return.
With only four catches for 25 yards on the young year, willing investors of the Ravens receiver have already thrown in the towel. DeAndre Hopkins -- advanced age and all -- has done fantasy scoring laps around him, igniting lost-cause perceptions. Currently rostered in under 40% of Yahoo leagues, Bateman is already considered an afterthought only two weeks in.
Yes, he ranks an uncharacteristic WR39 in yards per target and WR52 in air yards, but the slump-trending wideout could undergo a rapid reawakening.
The Lions secondary hasn’t played up to its top billing. Hard-hitting headhunter Kerby Joseph has fought through a tender knee. Meanwhile, corner Terrion Arnold has played through gross ineptitude. Rolling out a red carpet to his assignments, he’s given up THE most receiving yards of any defensive back so far this season (175). Collectively, Detroit is a conquerable No. 20 in dropback EPA D, surrendering the eighth-most WR yards.
Expected to draw Arnold most often in, Bateman could undergo a breakout on the national stage.
As featured in this week’s Fantasy Flames WR/TE piece, betting on the Baltimore field-stretching could prove a bank-boosting move.
If visiting the Missouri Belle, take out a ticket on Bateman.
Season props record: 2-4, -2.15 units
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - Lamar Jackson 25+ rush yards, Jared Goff 2+ pass TDs, Jahmyr Gibbs 3+ receptions (+171, ESPN Bet)