Week 3 player prop bets: Fade Derek Carr vs. Patriots
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Scoring is up in the NFL through the opening two weeks. Are overs the way to go, even in the player prop market? Maybe, but we start with an under on a quarterback that could be in for a long afternoon.
Here's what stands out in Week 3.
Derek Carr under 239.5 passing yards
This is typically a spot where I'd like to go over the total. The Raiders are six-point underdogs to the Patriots, and the total is on the higher side at 47.5, meaning Carr and the offense could see an uptick in passing frequency. However, I'm just not in love with this matchup.
Carr was unstoppable in Monday's win over the Saints, posting 289 yards and three touchdowns. But with a West Coast team traveling to the East Coast for an early start, coupled with a New England defense poised for a bounce back, I feel safe going under the total here.
Carson Wentz longest completion over 37.5 yards
Wentz has been under the microscope lately. After throwing a pair of interceptions in the season-opening loss to Washington, he threw two more in a loss to the Rams last weekend.
There hasn't been a ton of openings for the Eagles offense quite yet. Washington was a formidable Week 1 opponent, and L.A.'s secondary got the better of Wentz at times last Sunday. This is the perfect get-right spot for the fifth-year quarterback, who faces a Bengals defense that's last in the league at yards per completion allowed (13.3).
Kenyan Drake over 77.5 rushing yards
Kyler Murray's captured all the headlines for the Cardinals through two weeks. The second-year dual-threat quarterback's been electric, registering at least 300 yards of offense in back-to-back games. Instead of buying Murray for the third straight week, Drake may be the better pick for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Detroit's run defense has been gashed for 6.5 yards per carry in two games so far. Arizona's a 5.5-point favorite and should be able to control the pace in this game.
When the Cardinals get a lead, there'll be a heavy dose of Drake, who put up 86 rushing yards on Washington in Week 2.
Golden Tate over 43.5 receiving yards
Rarely would a Giants skill player be an intriguing option against a vaunted 49ers defense. However, with the Niners defense snake-bitten by injury, this is a flier you can take Sunday.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will throw up some numbers against a unit down a plethora of stars. The 49ers held the Jets in check for the most part last weekend, but there were some big plays allowed in the slot, where Tate spends most of his snaps.
Aaron Jones under 70.5 rushing yards
The Packers offense might come back down to earth hard in Week 3. After ripping through the Vikings and Lions, the Saints present a tougher challenge for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Co.
The one player I'm fading in this matchup is Jones. New Orleans is fourth in the NFL in yards allowed per rush (3.3) and will have Rodgers in catch-up mode all night. Expect a low volume of rushing plays from Green Bay.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.