Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
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Looking to scratch an action itch? You bet we got you covered. Every day our ravenous bettors scour the web for their favorite player props to boost the bankroll. Today’s featured line comes from ‘The Big Noise’ himself, Brad Evans.
Prop: Austin Ekeler OVER 1,175.5 total yards (-115, PointsBet)
Blatant disrespect. That’s the only reasonable explanation for why the Chargers running back’s proposed yards from scrimmage line is so low. Unless The Big One strikes Southern California and consumes the rusher whole, it’s highly unlikely Ekeler falls short in his OVER quest. Then again, it is 2020, a year in which disaster constantly strikes. We had murder hornets for crying out loud. Still, tail this wager and watch the bank account swell. Here’s why:
- Whether it’s so-called fantasy “experts” on social media or would-be tacklers on the gridiron, Ekeler consistently vaporizes those who dare challenge him. A season ago he ranked RB13 in YAC per attempt (3.23), forced a missed tackle on 23.2% of his touches and checked in at RB13 in fantasy points per opportunity.
- Don’t buy into the nonsense naysayers are voicing OC Shane Steichen is going to drag down the rusher’s production. Yes, the offense is going to be more pistol based, but recall Weeks 9-17 with Steichen calling plays, Ekeler flexed the competition totaling 99.0 combined yards per game on just 12.6 touches per contest. He also averaged a nutty 11.46 YAC per reception. On 60-65% of the opportunity share, the ball lightning will electrify.
- Doubters also point to Tyrod Taylor’s unwillingness to check down as a reason to circumvent Ekeler. They’re uneducated. No, the RB isn’t going to snare another 90-plus balls. However, LeSean McCoy caught 109 soft tosses from Tyrod in Buffalo in 2016-2017. Regression is bound to occur, but 60-70 receptions is a likely floor.
Bottom line, the absurdity of the proposed threshold cannot be overstated. Ekeler, working behind an offensive line that locked in at No. 13 in adjusted line yards allowed in ‘19, is unmistakably a 1200-plus total yard contributor this season. Other sportsbooks agree. DraftKings, for example, has the line set at 1,400.5. Empty the pockets.
