Island 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. As always, fade or follow -- that’s up to you.
The Pick: Omarion Hampton OVER 62.5 rush/receiving yards (-115, DraftKings)
Whether due to the daily musings of megalomaniacs, polar vortex viciousness or forced time with unbearable in-laws, we’re all -- critters included -- being driven to the bottle.
Millions of fantasy managers with everything on the line in the final week of their regular season concur.
In the fake football community, Week 14 is the ultimate make or break. Win, and you’re in. Lose, and an all-night conversation with Don Julio may be in order.
Are you nervous? Channel Kevin McCallister and “don’t get scared now.”
One option who won't be a hot iron to the face is Hampton.
Shelved since Week 5 with a gnarly ankle setback, LA’s rookie battering ram is slated to make his triumphant -- and timely -- return. Though Kimani Vidal will occasionally spell him, Jim Harbaugh has already announced No. 8 will get the start.
It’s unknown how many touches Hampton receive Monday. However, given Philadelphia’s frontline concerns, roughly 12-14 carries seem reasonable. Frankly, if no rust is exhibited, that’s a likely workload floor. Thanks in large part to the Bears’ repeated ground lashings, the Eagles are a modest No. 12 in rush EPA since Week 10. Over that span, they allowed a welcoming 4.93 yards per carry, 173.5 total yards per game, three touchdowns and the 10th-most fantasy points to RBs. Birds … grounded.
Prior to the damaged wheel, Hampton ran with the conviction of a champion thoroughbred. His 3.75 YAC per attempt logged over five games ranks No. 5 among all qualifying NFL RBs. Also totaling a downright ridiculous 33.3% missed tackle rate during the stretch, he was the epitome of “peak efficient” when healthy.
Yes, the Chargers bruised offensive line remains an ongoing issue. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert’s busted non-throwing hand further complicates matters. Still, if he earns consistent touches, he’ll be a major reason why the home team springs the upset inside SoFi. Remember, he was also an active pass catcher (23.5 routes per game) prior to the IR placement. Weeks 3-5, he reached 70 or more combined yards in each contest.
Just in the St. Nick of time, Hampton delivers for all the good little gaming boys and girls.
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - LAC +10.5, Justin Herbert 19.5u rush yards, Saquon Barkly 67.5u rush yards (+315, DraftKings)