Football is back on the docket, which means it’s time for more prop betting.
Here are my three favorite props for the Thursday Night Football showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos:
Colts RB Nyheim Hines over 67.5 rushing and receiving yards (-115)
Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out for this game, which is going to push Hines into the limelight. The backup running back is a dynamic player, but it’s hard to know if his touches will come on the ground or through the air, so I combined them by betting on this prop.
Taylor’s emergence has put Hines on the back-burner, but this is a player Indy signed to a three-year, $18 million extension not too long ago, so they believe in him. Hines should be a big part of the offensive plan and his dual ability means he can rack up the yardage no matter the game script.
Broncos DE Dre’Mont Jones under 0.25 sacks (+115)
Jones is a nice player, but the oddsmakers are listing the possibility of no sacks at plus money. That intrigues me, as the fourth-year defensive end has never reached seven sacks in a season, and has gone without a sack in three of four games this season. Colts quarterback Matt Ryan has been sacked 15 times in four games and he is a statue, but Jones doesn’t have the pedigree of teammate Bradley Chubb.
This was originally listed at 0.75 sacks with the under as the favorite, and that has changed to 0.25 sacks with the over as the favorite. So what I’m saying is, if Jones gets shut out, I’ll appreciate the extra money. But if he grabs a cheap half-sack in this game, Jones will get the side-eye from me the next time we cross paths.
Total punts over 8.5 (+115)
You read that right. A punt prop. I will be sitting on my couch tonight rooting for both teams to get stonewalled on third down so the punters have to trot out. Join me, won’t you?
OK, so here’s the rationale: The Broncos have punted 21 times this season, tied for second-most in the NFL, as coach Nathaniel Hackett seems to play things conservatively. They won’t have star running back Javonte Williams, which will make it harder to pick up the short yardage needed to move the chains. The Colts have only punted 14 times, but I don’t think Matt Ryan will turn the ball over 2-to-3 times in this one like he has of late. And Indy is without Taylor, their best offensive player, which will make it harder to move the ball. I talked you into it, didn’t I? Nine punts (or more) incoming. Let’s do this.
Prop bets record: 23-17
