Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
Week 8 brings a big opportunity for the Detroit Lions to take firm command of their playoff aspirations. Detroit sits at 5-2 in the NFC North and would maintain a two-game lead over second place Minnesota with a home win over the Raiders. With the Vikings now reeling after the season-ending injury to quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Lions would have a huge advantage with a 6-2 record at the midway points of the season.
The Raiders are coming off an embarrassing 30-12 loss at Chicago but would actually be alone in the AFC West second place with a road victory tonight. The Raiders still have a path to a wild-card playoff spot, especially with consecutive upcoming home games against the Giants and Jets. This game has a high 47-point total with the Raiders as a 7.5-point home underdog.
Here is my favorite prop bet for tonight’s Monday Night matchup!
Monday Night Football Best Bets
Josh Reynolds Over 34.5 Receiving Yards
(-113,BetRivers)
The connection between Detroit quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Josh Reynolds dates back to their days as teammates with the Rams. Per our FTN Fantasy Splits Tool, Reynolds thrives with Goff under center, boasting better averages across the board.
Leading Detroit wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown popped up on the injury report in the middle of the day on Sunday, listed as questionable with an illness. Reynolds has beat this number in every game this season and would see a huge uptick in opportunities if St. Brown is out or limited.
The Raiders rank 25th overall in DVOA, including 21st against the pass. Las Vegas ranks 20th or worse at defending each individual opposing wide receiver as well. Whether Reynolds is the WR2 or WR1 tonight, he should see plenty of chances in a home matchup that carries a 47-point total. Reynolds has caught a pass of at least 21 yards in every game this season, meaning he likely only needs to catch three passes to beat this number.
I’m backing Reynolds to beat this receiving yardage number again, with a strong quarterback connection against a poor Las Vegas defense. Detroit is coming off a bad road loss at Baltimore and should get back in the win column tonight with Reynolds a key contributor on offense.
