Football is back again, though I use that term loosely tonight as we prep for a matchup between the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears.
No one in their right mind would watch this game without a rooting interest in one of the teams – unless they have some money on the line!
I have made my pick against the spread for this contest, and here are my three favorite prop bets. As you will see, they are all centered on the Commanders because I have no earthly idea what the Bears will look like offensively.
Commanders RB Brian Robinson under 51.5 rushing yards (-115 at DraftKings)
It’s pretty unbelievable that Robinson is back on the field just six weeks after being shot in an attempted robbery, and coming out to ‘Many Men’ in the player introductions was epic. So, yes, I’m rooting for Robinson to have a fantastic career, but it’s hard to think that he’s going to rack up this much rushing yardage on Monday night.
Robinson had nine carries for 22 yards in his NFL debut last week, and while that led the team in rushing attempts, the 2.44 yards per carry number was subpar. The oddsmakers are expecting more efficiency in this game along with a sizable number of carries. I’m bullish about the former but dubious about the latter, as the Commanders could still split it up in the backfield.
Maybe this makes me the Grinch, but going off the numbers, I don’t think Robinson reaches 52 yards.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin over 53.5 receiving yards (-115 at BetMGM)
Carson Wentz is a bad quarterback, but he’s still averaging 278 passing yards per game this season. It’s doubtful he approaches that in this game, but he can still get the ball downfield when he’s not throwing interceptions or taking sacks.
McLaurin will be the most talented offensive player from either team on the field on Thursday, and I expect the Commanders to look for him often. McLaurin has surpassed 53.5 receiving yards in four of the five games this season and is averaging 65.2 yards per contest, which is almost right in line with his career number.
This is not expected to be an offensive shootout, but I bet McLaurin still gets his in this matchup.
Commanders K Joey Slye over 1.5 field goals (+110 at BetMGM)
Did you know Joey Slye has made every field goal he’s attempted this season? Did you know he only has two attempts through five games?
It’s been a weird season for the Commanders’ placekicker, and the lack of usage makes the under the obvious favorite. Coach Ron Rivera is aggressive on both fourth downs and in trying two-point conversions, which must be considered.
However, the Commanders have often bypassed field goals this year because they were trailing big. This game is a relative toss-up and is expected to be a low-scoring affair.
When the Commanders are in field goal range, Rivera will have to consider grabbing three points, as they will be valuable. I think Slye boots a couple field goals in this one. Shoot, he might make three or four depending on how the game plays out.
Last week’s record: 8-4
Overall: 31-21
