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The 5 best NBA futures bets for the 2024-25 season: Predictions on team win totals, player props and more

NBA opening night is just around the corner, so let’s dive into some futures bets.

The latest: No one came close to touching the Boston Celtics last season and they’re primed for another dominant run. I’m backing the defending champs to top the East alongside two win total picks and individual awards bets on Jonathan Kuminga and Victor Wembanyama.

Check out the best NBA futures bets to place ahead of the new season.

NBA futures

Best bet: Celtics to earn No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference (-125)

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Boston finished 14 wins clear of the New York Knicks last year for the East’s top seed … 14!

I understand winning at a 78% clip isn’t sustainable and New York made some big offseason splashes, but come on. How much regression can we really expect?

The Celtics’ core remains completely intact. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown form one of the best one-two combos in the league while Derrick White and Jrue Holiday were good enough to make the U.S. Olympic team.

Kristaps Porzingis is a beast (when healthy) and the roster is loaded with useful depth players.

Realistically, only a few teams — including the Knicks — can challenge Boston for the East’s top spot. The Milwaukee Bucks are in that category, but I cannot trust that team with Doc Rivers at the helm. Another is the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they haven’t finished higher than fourth in the J.B. Bickerstaff era.

Boston’s net rating (+11.7) was more than double that of any other Eastern Conference team. Simply put: Don’t bet against these guys.

Best win total bets

Suns over 46.5 wins (-130): Can the Suns stay healthy? Because if they can, they should blow by this total.

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Granted, that’s a big “if.”

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker played 75 and 68 games, respectively, last year. That’s a lot for star-calibre players in the modern NBA. Bradley Beal — the third piece of Phoenix’s “Big Three” — only played in 53 games.

Even with some injury misfortune, the Suns managed 49 wins.

Durant and Booker are still one of the most efficient scoring duos in the NBA, and that’s something I’m happy to bet on. A coaching change also inspires some confidence. Frank Vogel was fired after an embarrassing sweep in the first round of the playoffs and was replaced by Mike Budenholzer.

Coach Bud cleared this total in four of his final five seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Raptors under 30.5 wins (-132): The Raptors are going to be awful, full stop.

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This is a team focused on the draft lottery and not the play-in, which would be the ceiling if literally everything broke Toronto’s way.

Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett are all solid players but depth doesn’t exist north of the border. Outside of those three players and Jakob Poeltl, nobody on the Raptors’ current roster averaged more than 10.0 PPG last season.

Toronto lost 15 straight games last season and ended with just 25 wins. The Raps play in the same division as the Celtics, Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, which won’t help.

NBA futures: Top player props

Kuminga to win Most Improved Player (+1,000)

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Last year, I backed Tyrese Maxey to win the NBA’s MIP at 14-to-1. It cashed. Sorry, I just had to do a little victory lap there.

I’m going back to that market again with Jonathan Kuminga.

The Golden State forward took a massive leap in his third year, averaging 16.1 points per game on 52.9% shooting. Mind you, he only played 26.4 minutes a night and was somehow getting benched in favour of Draymond Green.

I really can’t see that happening again, especially with Klay Thompson out of the picture.

The Warriors are going to need secondary scoring badly, and Kuminga is the guy to deliver. Playing with Steph Curry should help his case.

Wembanyama to record a 50-point game (+150)

I thought long and hard about recommending Wembanyama to win the Defensive Player of the Year at -200 but can’t get behind that price.

So let’s look at his offensive abilities, instead.

The 2023 No. 1 pick is borderline unguardable and averaged 21.4 points per game in his rookie season (while only playing 29.7 minutes a night). He scored 30-plus points 11 times and had 40 points once — against the defensively sound New York Knicks.

A 50-burger used to mean something in the NBA but not anymore.

There were 20 instances of players hitting the 50-point milestone last season, with guys like Malachi Flynn and Zach LaVine getting into the mix.

In my mind, this isn’t a matter of “if” for Wemby. It’s a matter of “when.”

NBA futures picks made at 2:40 p.m. ET on 10/14/24.

Broncos vs. Saints Week 7 TNF best bets and odds: Bet on Denver, fade Spencer Rattler

This week’s edition of Thursday Night Football doesn’t have much star power.

The pregame narrative: Sean Payton returns to the Superdome when the Denver Broncos take on the New Orleans Saints. I’m backing Denver to win as a road favourite and am fading New Orleans’ rookie quarterback, Spencer Rattler.

Check out my Broncos vs. Saints best bets for the Week 7 Thursday Night Football matchup.

Broncos vs. Saints best bets

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Go to full NFL betting markets

Best bet: Broncos moneyline (-124)

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A primetime game is a primetime game but man, this could be a tough watch.

It’s too early to disqualify most teams from the playoffs, but it would be a shock to see Denver (3-3) or New Orleans (2-4) playing meaningful games in January. Both squads have struggled on offence and are starting 24-year-old rookie quarterbacks.

Bo Nix hasn’t been anything special for the Broncos but he’s at least tidied things up after an 0-2 start. The Oregon product is 3-1 in his last four games with six total touchdowns to one interception.

Rattler got his first taste of the NFL last week and it had to be one of the most bizarre debuts in history.

He completed 22-of-40 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions. The Saints were shut out in three of the four quarters but scored 27 second-quarter points en route to a 51-27 defeat.

New Orleans’ top receiver — Chris Olave — left that game early with a concussion and didn’t practice on Monday.

That will make things even harder for Rattler against a Denver defence thst has allowed the fourth-fewest points (16.0) and yards (284.3) per game.

Key stat: New Orleans is 1-5 straight up as a home underdog under Dennis Allen.

Quick pick

Rattler under 180.5 passing yards (-113): Rattler was asked to throw the ball 40 times in his debut and it didn’t go so well. Sure, the rookie blew by this total, but it was far from efficient.

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With Olave out, Klint Kubiak’s gameplan should feature a heavy dosage of Alvin Kamara. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rattler only attempt around 25 passes on Thursday, the majority of which won’t be past the first-down sticks.

But I would sign up for fading Rattler even if he did throw a bunch.

The Buccaneers allow the fifth-most passing yards per game while the Broncos allow the fifth-fewest. Patrick Surtain II is questionable with a concussion but the rest of Vance Joseph’s secondary still has teeth.

I can’t see Denver scoring enough points to force New Orleans into a pass-heavy attack. This game will be a slog and Rattler will look like a rookie.

Picks made at 3:34 p.m. ET 10/15/2024.

NFL Week 7 underdog picks and predictions: Bet on Drake Maye to secure first win

The New England Patriots headline my NFL Week 7 underdog picks.

The pregame narrative: Favourites went 10-3-1 ATS last week but I’m calling for a pair of upsets, including the Patriots downing the Jacksonville Jaguars across the pond. Also, back the Cleveland Browns in a divisional matchup.

Check out how these NFL Week 7 underdog picks.

NFL Week 7 underdog picks

Go to full NFL Week 7 betting markets.

Best bet: Patriots moneyline (+200)

The Patriots got stomped in Drake Maye’s NFL debut but he honestly played pretty well.

The No. 3 overall pick completed 20-of-33 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing two interceptions.

That was against a Houston Texans defence that allows the third-fewest yards per game and has the eighth-best defensive EPA per play, according to RBSDM.com.

Now, the Patriots travel to London, England to take on an awful Jaguars team. Jacksonville ranks 31st in scoring and total defence, and it ranks last in defensive EPA per play.

Fellow rookie Caleb Williams just stunted all over the Jags, completing 79.3% of his passes for four touchdowns to one interception. The Chicago Bears won that game, 35-16.

Trevor Lawrence looks lost and Doug Pederson seems to be operating on borrowed time. The Jaguars have won just two of their last 12 games. I don’t care how bad New England is, you can’t tell me Jacksonville is 5.5 points better, as this spread would suggest.

Key stat: The Jaguars have the second-worst point differential (-65) in the NFL.

Week 7 upset predictions

Browns moneyline (+245): I really don’t have anything nice to say about the Browns or Deshaun Watson but this feels like a spot where they can pick up a win.

The Cincinnati Bengals narrowly beat the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football to improve to 2-4 and climb out of the AFC North basement. They’re not a good team either. Cincinnati’s defence has allowed the seventh-most points per game and ranks 30th in defensive EPA per rush.

Keeping the ball on the ground and out of Watson’s hands should be Kevin Stefanski’s top priority. Luckily, he’ll have Nick Chubb back in the mix.

Chubb is one of the game’s top talents when healthy. He should make an immediate impact in an offence that has failed to score 20 points in any game this year.

Joe Burrow is 1-5 against Cleveland and this is the worst defence he’s had as a pro. I’m fine backing a bad Browns team as a home dog against a bad Bengals team.

Picks made at 1:29 p.m. ET on 10/15/2024.

NFL Week 7 underdog picks and predictions: Bet on Drake Maye to secure first win

The New England Patriots headline my NFL Week 7 underdog picks.

The pregame narrative: Favourites went 10-3-1 ATS last week but I’m calling for a pair of upsets, including the Patriots downing the Jacksonville Jaguars across the pond. Also, back the Cleveland Browns in a divisional matchup.

Check out how these NFL Week 7 underdog picks.

NFL Week 7 underdog picks

Go to full NFL Week 7 betting markets.

Best bet: Patriots moneyline (+205)

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The Patriots got stomped in Drake Maye’s NFL debut but he honestly played pretty well.

The No. 3 overall pick completed 20-of-33 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing two interceptions.

That was against a Houston Texans defence that allows the third-fewest yards per game and has the eighth-best defensive EPA per play, according to RBSDM.com.

Now, the Patriots travel to London, England to take on an awful Jaguars team. Jacksonville ranks 31st in scoring and total defence, and it ranks last in defensive EPA per play.

Fellow rookie Caleb Williams just stunted all over the Jags, completing 79.3% of his passes for four touchdowns to one interception. The Chicago Bears won that game, 35-16.

Trevor Lawrence looks lost and Doug Pederson seems to be operating on borrowed time. The Jaguars have won just two of their last 12 games. I don’t care how bad New England is, you can’t tell me Jacksonville is 5.5 points better, as this spread would suggest.

Key stat: The Jaguars have the second-worst point differential (-65) in the NFL.

Week 7 upset predictions

Browns moneyline (+210): I really don’t have anything nice to say about the Browns or Deshaun Watson but this feels like a spot where they can pick up a win.

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The Cincinnati Bengals narrowly beat the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football to improve to 2-4 and climb out of the AFC North basement. They’re not a good team either. Cincinnati’s defence has allowed the seventh-most points per game and ranks 30th in defensive EPA per rush.

Keeping the ball on the ground and out of Watson’s hands should be Kevin Stefanski’s top priority. Luckily, he’ll have Nick Chubb back in the mix.

Chubb is one of the game’s top talents when healthy. He should make an immediate impact in an offence that has failed to score 20 points in any game this year.

Joe Burrow is 1-5 against Cleveland and this is the worst defence he’s had as a pro. I’m fine backing a bad Browns team as a home dog against a bad Bengals team.

Picks made at 1:29 p.m. ET on 10/15/2024.

Best NHL prop picks Oct. 15: Fade Hughes, back Draisaitl and Bedard

From Tuesday’s loaded nine-game NHL slate, I’m targeting a pair of prop bets.

The pregame narrative: The New Jersey Devils are rolling but Jack Hughes isn’t. I’m fading his shot total against the Florida Panthers. Elsewhere, backing Leon Draisaitl and Connor Bedard to both record a point comes out to even money.

Find these NHL prop picks for Oct. 15 below.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Hughes under 3.5 shots (-136)

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Hughes is one of the league’s best players but this is asking a lot.

The Hurricanes are a defensively sound team with a massive rest advantage. Carolina has only played one game this season and it was last Friday. New Jersey, meanwhile, is playing its sixth game and third in four nights.

Hats off to the schedule makers for that one.

Hughes hasn’t scored yet and is 1-4 against this line, logging only two shots in three of five games. He ranks eighth among all Devils players in 5v5 chances per 60 minutes (12.31), according to Natural Stat Trick.

Let’s get back to Carolina for a second. On a per-60 basis, the Hurricanes gave up the fewest even-strength shots (25.28) and chances (48.49) last year.

In their 4-1 season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Canes only allowed 23 shots. Nikita Kucherov (six SOG) was the only opposing player who cleared this line.

Key stat: Hughes is averaging 3.0 shots per game this year.

Quick picks

Parlay: Draisaitl and Bedard 1+ point each (+100): The Edmonton Oilers have a Stanley Cup hangover sans the Stanley Cup. They’re 0-3 through three games with just three total goals.

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But I expect them to break out of this funk sooner than later and Draisaitl getting involved would be a good place to start.

The superstar forward inked an eight-year, $112-million contract with Edmonton this offseason, which will make him the highest-paid player in the league next season.

He definitely deserves that kind of money. Draisaitl has put up 100-plus points in five of the last six seasons with the exception being an 84-point campaign in the 2020-21 COVID-shortened season. He played at a 127-point pace that year.

As for Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 pick is well on his way to securing a bag of his own.

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He won the Calder Trophy last season with 61 points in 68 games. He’s off to a red-hot start this year with five points in three games, most recently netting a goal and two assists against the Oilers.

His Chicago Blackhawks take on the Calgary Flames, which should be a tasty matchup.

Calgary doesn’t have a top goaltender after trading Jacob Markstrom to the Devils. Dustin Wolf is in net tonight and he had a 3.16 GAA and 0.893 SV% last year.

Picks made at 12:12 p.m. ET on 10/15/2024.

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Guardians vs. Yankees Game 2 same-game parlay predictions: Bet on Cole and Ramirez, fade Judge at +340

It’s a pitcher’s duel in Game 2 of the ALCS.

The pregame narrative: Gerrit Cole starts for the New York Yankees opposite Tanner Bibee for the Cleveland Guardians. I expect both to perform in what should be a close game. I’m also backing Jose Ramirez and fading Aaron Judge to round out this +340 SGP.

Check out my Guardians vs. Yankees predictions for Game 2 of the ALCS on Oct. 15.

Guardians vs. Yankees SGP predictions

Full MLB postseason betting markets: Click here

Parlay: Cole over 17.5 outs + Guardians +2.5 + Ramirez over 0.5 hits + Judge under 1.5 hits (+340)

Cole over 17.5 outs (-155): Nowadays, pitchers don’t typically work deep into postseason games.

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New York’s bullpen is solid and well-rested enough to eat innings. But Cole is the type of arm managers make exceptions for. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner has a 2.36 ERA across his last 10 starts dating back to the regular season.

He’s gone over this line in seven of those appearances, including his most recent outing: A one-run, seven-inning gem against the Kansas City Royals to secure New York’s spot in the Championship Series.

Cole has fared well against Cleveland’s lineup in the past. He’s cleared this line in five straight starts against the Guardians and held them to one hit in 6.0 IP in August.

SGP legs

Guardians +2.5 (-315): The Guardians lost the series opener, 5-2, last night after a disastrous third inning featuring a Juan Soto home run and several wild pitches.

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Bibee should steady the ship tonight.

The second-year righty kept the Detroit Tigers at bay in both of his ALDS starts. He allowed just two runs in a combined 8.2 IP (2.08 ERA). The Yankees represent a serious step up in class but it’s nice to know the postseason lights weren’t too bright.

Bibee’s 3.47 regular-season ERA ranked 22nd in MLB. The Guardians covered this line in 29 of his 31 starts.

Ramirez over 0.5 hits (-205): Ramirez is one Guardian who has figured Cole out.

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The superstar third basemen is 12-for-34 lifetime against New York’s ace with a .452 on-base percentage. J-Ram was held hitless last night and is batting just .150 this postseason but I expect him to snap out of it.

He hit .279 this year and doesn’t get retired on strikes easily.

Ramirez ranks in the 98th percentile for K rate (12.0) and 97th percentile for whiff rate (15.2), per Baseball Savant.

Judge under 1.5 hits (-560): Can we talk about October Judge?

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The MVP-to-be lowered his postseason batting average to .133 after going 0-for-2 with a walk last night. In 49 career playoff games, he is hitting .204 with just eight multi-hit outings (one in the last 15 games).

He’s still reaching base this year at a .364 clip thanks to walking a bunch, but that only works in our favour.

I would never recommend playing this wager on its own but bringing it into this SGP gives us a nice little odds boost from +275 to +340.

Picks made at 10:45 a.m. on 10/15/24.

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Mets vs. Dodgers Game 2 NLCS prop picks: Back Lindor, Hernandez at the plate

The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers continue the NLCS with a Game 2 matinee.

The pregame narrative: L.A. left no doubt in the series opener, securing a 9-0 victory to move three wins away from the NL pennant. I expect New York to respond and am backing its leadoff man, Francisco Lindor, to score as my best bet.

Check out my Mets vs. Dodgers prop picks for Game 2 of their NLCS matchup on Oct. 14.

Mets vs. Dodgers prop picks

MLB markets: Click Here | MLB stats: Click Here

Best bet: Lindor to score (-121)

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Let’s shine some light on Los Angeles’ pitching staff just so it’s clear what we’re betting against.

The Dodgers have not allowed a run in 33 straight innings. That ties the 1966 Baltimore Orioles for the longest streak in postseason history. They’ve only allowed 14 hits during this stretch and five in the last two games.

Something has to give, right?

L.A. doesn’t have a set starter for Game 2 and is instead turning to its bullpen. That worked to perfection against the San Diego Padres in a must-win Game 4 of the NLDS. That said, I think Lindor can be the spark plug New York needs to get on the board.

The shortstop is likely to finish second to Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP honours thanks to a red-hot second half.

Lindor slashed .306/.368/.574 since the all-star break with 44 runs scored (11th-most in MLB). He’s crossed the plate six times in eight playoff games and is reaching safely at a respectable .368 clip.

Prior to being shut out in Game 1, the Mets were averaging 5.42 runs across seven playoff games. For context, the Arizona Diamondbacks led the majors with 5.47 runs per game this season.

I expect their offence to break out on Monday, even with how good the Dodgers’ pitching has been.

Key stat: Lindor has scored in seven of his last 10 games.

Quick picks

Hernandez over 0.5 hits (-130): Kiké Hernandez has that dog in him.

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The Dodgers’ utility man is nothing special in the regular season. A solid player, to be fair, but definitely not a game-changer.

Hernandez has a career 92 OPS+ (100 is league-average) to pair with a .238/.308/.405 slash line. He had a 0.7 fWAR this year, which ranked 454th among all MLB players.

But in the playoffs, he’s a different beast.

Hernandez has a .900 OPS across 76 postseason games. He is 28-for-70 (.400 BA) since the 2021 postseason and has a hit in three of four playoff appearances this year. That includes a crucial home run in Game 5 of the NLDS.

The one worry is that he is just 1-for-11 against New York starter Sean Manaea. But he only has two strikeouts in those meetings and I like his chances of putting the ball in play today.

Picks made at 10:29 a.m. ET 10/14/2024.

Best NHL prop picks Oct. 14: Back Nathan MacKinnon, fade Matthew Barzal

Three NHL games start at 1:00 p.m. ET on this holiday Monday, but I’m looking toward the late slate for today’s prop bets.

The pregame narrative: The Colorado Avalanche host the New York Islanders with each team searching for its first win. I’m fading Matthew Barzal and am backing Nathan MacKinnon. Elsewhere, bet on Cole Caufield against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Find these NHL prop picks for Oct. 14 below.

NHL prop picks

Go to full NHL betting markets.

Best Bet: Barzal under 2.5 shots (-114)

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On a surface level, fading a player going up against the Avalanche might seem silly.

Colorado has given up 14 goals across its first two games, losing 8-4 and 6-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights and Columbus Blue Jackets, respectively.

But you can pin that almost entirely on poor goaltending.

Vegas had just 21 shots in the season opener and Columbus had 23 shots three nights later. Needless to say, the Avs rank dead last in team save percentage (.714%).

This isn’t a play against Barzal scoring a point. It’s a play against his ability to put pucks on the net.

Colorado has given up the second-fewest chances per 60 (44.95) and the fifth-fewest shots per 60 (23.1) at 5v5, per Natural Stat Trick.

The New York Islanders are also winless and Barzal has logged just two shots across as many games. He averaged exactly 3.0 shots per game last season but I’ll still fade him in this spot.

Key stat: Barzal has gone under this mark in 16 of his last 25 regular season games.

Quick picks

MacKinnon to score (-122): MacKinnon had a point in 39 of 41 home games last year, logging 34 goals and 55 assists in those contests.

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He’s started hot again, racking up two assists in Colorado’s opener and a goal and an assist the game after that.

I was tempted to back MacKinnon to log multiple points at -157. But I can’t get down with that price tag, even with how efficient he’s been at altitude.

Taking him to score seems like the better play. The Islanders have allowed eight goals in two games, which isn’t a good sign considering how bad their defence was last season. New York gave up the fourth-most even-strength chances per 60 in 2023-24.

Caufield over 3.5 shots (-118): Could this be Caufield’s breakout year? Through three games it certainly looks like it.

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The Montreal Canadiens winger has scored in every game with four total goals. He’s only cleared this line once but has had at least three shots in each contest.

Tonight, he goes up against a Penguins team that has given up 13 goals in three games. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 35 shots per 60 minutes, the second-most in the NHL.

Picks made at 9:07 a.m. ET on 10/14/2024.

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Bills vs. Jets Week 6 MNF prop picks: Fade Josh Allen, back Braelon Allen

The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets wrap up Week 6 with an all-AFC East showdown.

The pregame narrative: Josh Allen has struggled the last two weeks and I’m fading him against a defence that has given him trouble. My best bet is a play on New York’s backup running back, Braelon Allen.

Check out my Bills vs. Jets prop picks for Monday Night Football on Oct. 14.

Bills vs. Jets prop picks

Full Monday Night Football betting markets: Click Here

Best Bet: Allen over 32.5 rushing yards (-112)

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This bet should simply come down to how much volume Allen gets.

The rookie running back has been hyper-efficient for the Jets, logging 143 rushing yards on 32 carries (4.5 YPC). Compare that to Breece Hall, who has 197 yards on 65 carries (3.0 YPC). That’s only 44 more yards on nearly double the touches.

I’m not saying the Jets should make Allen their RB1, but moving closer to a timeshare could benefit both parties.

The 20-year-old had a tough outing against the Minnesota Vikings last week (five carries, 13 yards), but who doesn’t? Minnesota allows the second-fewest rushing yards per game and is second in defensive EPA per rush.

In the three weeks before that, Allen rushed for 34 yards against the Denver Broncos, 55 yards against the New England Patriots and 33 yards against the Tennesee Titans.

He only had one carry in New York’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers so I’m throwing that result out the window.

The Bills’ rush defence isn’t great and I expect the Jets to exploit that.

Key stat: Buffalo has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game and is 22nd in defensive EPA per rush.

Quick picks

Allen over 0.5 interceptions (-124): Allen hasn’t thrown an interception this year but he’s far from perfect.

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The MVP hopeful has been awful the last two weeks, completing a combined 25-of-59 passes (42.3%) with just one touchdown.

According to PFF, Allen has six turnover-worthy plays so far and is on pace for the highest turnover-worthy play percentage of his career:

Josh Allen still has yet to throw an interception, but he's on pace for the highest turnover-worthy play percentage since his rookie year (4.9%)
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) October 7, 2024

He had a nightmare game against the Jets to open last season, throwing three interceptions while losing a fumble. He also threw an interception when the teams met in Week 11.

Robert Saleh is gone but I don’t expect New York’s defence to take a hit.

The Jets had 17 interceptions last season, which was tied for the eighth-most in the NFL (two so far in 2024).

Picks made at 1:22 p.m. ET 10/13/2024.

Bengals vs. Giants Week 6 same-game parlay predictions: Back Cincinnati, Tee Higgins on SNF

The Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants wrap up Sunday’s NFL slate in the Meadowlands.

The pregame narrative: This is a must-win game for the Bengals, who have started the season off 1-4. I say Cincinnati gets the job done and am backing Tee Higgins and Theo Johnson to round out this +330 wager.

Check out my Bengals vs. Giants same-game parlay predictions for Week 6 below.

Bengals vs. Giants same-game parlay predictions

Full NFL Week 6 betting markets: Click here

Parlay: Bengals moneyline + Higgins over 49.5 receiving yards + Johnson over 24.5 receiving yards (+330)

Bengals moneyline (-190): Let’s get the ugly out of the way: Cincinnati’s defence is awful.

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The Bengals have allowed the second-most points (29.0) and seventh-most yards (365.4) per game and rank 30th in RBSDM.com’s defensive EPA per play.

But the offence is buzzing and I think Cincinnati can out-score its problems. At least in this matchup.

The Giants have scored the sixth-fewest points per game and are missing rookie standout Malik Nabers yet again. New York did just beat the reeling Seattle Seahawks, but the team is still 2-3 on the season and has the third-worst record (32-57-1) since Daniel Jones joined in 2019.

Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP pace — minus the wins — and has the offence averaging a healthy 28.0 points per game.

The Bengals were a missed field goal away from beating the Baltimore Ravens last week. Surely they can take down the Giants.

Other parlay picks

Higgins over 49.5 receiving yards (-180): Ja’Marr Chase is Cincinnati’s top dog but Higgins might be the best WR2 in the NFL.

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He missed the first two weeks of the season with an injury and had a mediocre debut but has been solid since. Higgins hauled in 6-of-10 targets for 60 yards against the Carolina Panthers and nine-of-14 targets for 83 yards against the Ravens.

The target volume is what really has my attention.

Higgins has a 28.85% target share this season (ninth in the NFL) and a 96.3% route participation, per Player Profiler. He’s going to be involved heavily tonight no matter the game script.

Johnson over 24.5 receiving yards (-115): Since we’re talking about target share, let’s circle back to the aforementioned Nabers.

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Prior to his injury, the LSU product accounted for NFL highs in target share (38.2%) and total targets (52). He was out last week and Johnson’s productivity skyrocketed.

The tight end caught all five of his targets for 48 yards. Before that, he had a total of just three catches on eight targets.

Cincinnati is 29th in defensive EPA per dropback and has allowed just south of 50 yards per game to tight ends. Johnson, a Windsor, Ontario native, should eat.

Picks made at 11:13 a.m. on 10/13/24.