We have just two full NFL Sundays left for the 2023 season. Don't take these games for granted. It's time to turn over every stone and find the best spots against the most vulnerable targets while they still have games to play.
We have four such prop plays for Week 17 to help ring in the new year.
Bijan Robinson and the Falcons are facing off against a Chicago Bears defense that is allowing the second-most receptions per game to running backs.
Robinson is the natural choice to take advantage, and while this backfield has been frustrating to bet on the ground, it's a bit more clear through the air. Robinson has been targeted 31 times over the past five games, and he's averaging 3.2 receptions/game for the year.
His receptions prop is up at 3.5 slightly juiced to the under. That tells me we can expect 3+ catches for the rookie back on Sunday. He's recorded three or more receptions nine times this season. He's gone over this line in all nine games, averaging 37.7 receiving yards per game.
I bet Chig Okonkwo two weeks ago against this very same Houston Texans defense to success, and I'll happily do it again here.
Okonkwo is facing a Houston team that is allowing the most receptions per game to TEs, and Okonkwo has come alive over the past few weeks. Across the last five games, Okonkwo is averaging 50.4 yards per game, converting his 5.2 targets/game into 4.2 receptions/game. He should keep it rolling here, especially with Will Levis back.
I'm expecting a big D'Andre Swift game here against an Arizona Cardinals defense allowing the second-most rushing yards per game to RBs.
It would behoove this Eagles offense to get Swift going in an effort to stabilize the offense and work towards a much-needed comfortable win. Swift has taken 18 and 20 carries over the past two games, turning that into 74 and 92 yard days. He's over this line in four of his last six, and six straight starting running backs have covered their over against the Cardinals, with five of those starters going for 95+ yards.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has let up a steady stream of explosive passes on a weekly basis, which helps explain why they come into this one ranking fourth in the league in 20+ yard passes allowed on the season.
The natural player to take advantage is DK Metcalf, the clear deep-threat in this Seattle offense. Metcalf is averaging 16.6 yards/catch on a 14.6 aDOT, and 28% of his total targets this season have come 20+ yards down the field.
That has helped him hit this longest reception line in nine of his last 10 games. Here's to him keeping it rolling.
Follow Griffin Carroll at griffybets.substack.com for data, trends and targets for every NFL game, plus all the off-season news you can use.
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