I’m targeting two running backs and two receivers in these NFL Week 2 prop bets.
The pregame narrative: Derrick Henry didn’t do much in his Baltimore Ravens debut but is primed for a breakout. Elsewhere, Chris Godwin should rack up receptions against the Detroit Lions while a pair of Los Angeles Chargers players have my attention.
Check out the best NFL Week 2 prop bets for the upcoming games.
NFL Week 2 prop bets
Go to full NFL Week 2 betting markets.
Best bet: Henry over 70.5 rushing yards (-114)
The Ravens abandoned the run game against Kansas City … again.
Henry turned five carries into 17 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore’s opening drive but only toted the ball three more times in the first half and eight more times in the game.
He ended with a lacklustre 13 carries for 46 yards (3.5 YPC). Maybe John Harbaugh will never learn.
Either way, Henry should have a much better game script against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Ravens ran the ball down lesser opponents’ throats in 2023 and the Raiders are certainly a lesser opponent.
Las Vegas gave up 176 rushing yards on 6.5 YPC to a backfield comprised of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, two former Ravens, in Week 1.
Baltimore averaged a league-best 156.5 rushing yards per game during the 2023 season and had the third-best rushing EPA per play (+0.009), per RBSDM.com.
Justice Hill only received one carry in the opener so this is firmly Henry’s backfield. I expect Baltimore to take an early lead and lean on the run game.
Key stat: Henry had the second-most rushing yards last season (1,167).
Quick picks
Dobbins over 55.5 rushing yards (-113): You could probably talk me into any Chargers prop considering they’re playing the Carolina Panthers but this is the first (of two) that stuck out to me.
Dobbins was explosive but oft-injured in his Ravens career. He showed his big-play ability on Sunday, rushing for 135 yards on 10 carries in his L.A. debut. Even if you take away his 61-yard scramble, he still netted 74 yards at 8.2 per carry.
Compare that to Edwards, who had 26 yards on 11 touches, and we might see the timeshare shift in Dobbins’ favour.
Carolina gave up 180 rushing yards in Week 1 and just lost standout defensive tackle Derrick Brown for the season. The Chargers should roll, and Dobbins should be key.
McConkey over 43.5 receiving yards (-113): I don’t just expect L.A. to rumble on the ground.
Ladd McConkey had a solid NFL debut, catching five of seven targets for 39 yards and a touchdown. Both of those were team highs.
Second-year receiver Quentin Johnston’s drop problem reared its head again and I think patience is running thin with him and Justin Herbert.
McConkey should have plenty of targets against an awful defence.
Godwin over 5.5 receptions (+115): Godwin hauled in all eight of his targets in Week 1 for 83 yards and a score. Granted, that was against the lowly Washington Commanders, but I still want to get in on the action.
The speedy slot receiver has become a favourite of quarterback Baker Mayfield and his 130 targets in 2023 were second to only Mike Evans (136).
Godwin was looked at plenty in Tampa Bay’s divisional-round loss to the Lions, though he only caught 4-of-8 passes. Evans stole the show with eight receptions for 147 yards and Dan Campbell should emphasize slowing him down.
Last week, Cooper Kupp feasted from the slot against the Lions, with 14 receptions and 110 yards. I expect Godwin to have a solid day from the same position.
Picks made at 11:55 a.m. ET on 09/12/2024.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.