Monday Night Football offers exciting opportunities for bettors, and one of the most intriguing options revolves around Ja’Marr Chase, the dynamic wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the key bets for this matchup is whether Chase will exceed 80 receiving yards. In this analysis, we’ll break down why this is an attractive proposition by examining Chase's stats, his connection with quarterback Joe Burrow, the return of Tee Higgins, and the defensive vulnerabilities of the Washington Commanders.

Why Ja’Marr Chase Over 80 Yards is a Solid Bet

Josh Towers, in his Monday Night Football breakdown, is confident that Chase will easily clear 80 receiving yards. The reasoning is grounded in a few key factors: Higgins' impact, Burrow's improvement, and Washington’s defensive struggles.

Tee Higgins' Return: Boost or Barrier?

There is speculation that Higgins’ return might cut into Chase’s target share, but Towers sees this differently. He suggests that Higgins could actually help Chase by drawing defensive attention (0:30). The Commanders' defense would likely allocate resources to stopping Higgins, a physical receiver, which could open more opportunities for Chase to operate against softer coverage. Even if Higgins is not at full strength, just having him on the field forces the defense to account for another weapon, which plays into Chase’s hands.

In games where both Higgins and Chase are active, Chase has frequently outperformed his 80-yard threshold. Defenses must decide whether to double-team Chase or balance their coverage, and most teams that try to stop both receivers struggle to contain Cincinnati's high-powered passing attack.

Joe Burrow's Momentum

Another critical point is Joe Burrow’s form. Known for slow starts to the season, Burrow has been gradually improving with each game, which bodes well for Chase's production (0:55). Burrow’s ability to build rhythm is critical. When Burrow starts to hit his stride, Chase becomes his primary target, and their connection, dating back to their time at LSU, is unmatched in the league.

Burrow’s improvement is reflected in the Bengals’ passing attack. During the 2023 season, Burrow has consistently looked to Chase on third downs and in red-zone situations. This chemistry has translated into Chase averaging over 80.2 receiving yards per game, a trend that should continue, especially against Washington’s vulnerable secondary.

Chase’s 2023 Season: Trends and Key Stats

Ja’Marr Chase’s performance this season offers even more reassurance for bettors. Here's a look at his key stats:

• Receiving Yards: Chase has averaged 80.2 receiving yards per game through four games in 2023. His most recent outing was particularly impressive, where he recorded 141 receiving yards on 12 receptions. This was a clear indication that Burrow is feeling more comfortable and confident targeting Chase as his primary option.

• Receptions: With 12 receptions in his last game, Chase has shown he can command a high volume of targets, which boosts his chances of exceeding 80 yards. Even if his yards per reception were to drop, the sheer volume makes it likely he will hit or exceed the 80-yard mark.

• Yards After Catch (YAC): Chase’s ability to rack up yards after the catch is one of the traits that separates him from other receivers. His agility and strength allow him to turn short passes into significant gains, a factor that will be especially important against Washington’s defense, which has struggled to limit YAC this season.

Career Performance

Looking back at Chase’s 2022 season, he averaged 85.6 receiving yards per game. While he has been slightly under that number so far this season, his recent performance indicates that he is hitting his stride. Given the matchup and his recent form, there's a strong likelihood Chase will surpass the 80-yard threshold.

The Washington Commanders: Defensive Weaknesses

Now, let’s examine why Washington’s defense is a perfect target for this prop bet. The Commanders' defense has been a mixed bag this season, but one trend is clear: they’ve struggled against elite receivers. Teams with strong passing attacks have found success against Washington, especially when they have multiple receiving threats like the Bengals do with Chase and Higgins.

Pass Defense Ranking

Washington currently ranks 21st in pass defense, allowing an average of 245 passing yards per game. This vulnerability is a major factor that works in Chase’s favor. They’ve been unable to contain top-tier receivers, which sets up an excellent opportunity for Chase to exploit their secondary.

Examples of Struggles

Towers highlighted several games where Washington’s defense was torched by opposing wide receivers (1:05):

• Malik Neighbors: The LSU receiver recorded 127 receiving yards and a touchdown against Washington. His performance is particularly telling because, like Chase, Neighbors is a versatile, speedy receiver who thrives in space.

• Chris Godwin: The Tampa Bay wideout recorded 83 yards and a touchdown, further showcasing Washington’s struggles against strong receiving corps.

• Mike Evans: Another Tampa Bay receiver, Evans put up 61 yards and two touchdowns. While these numbers may seem modest, Evans’ ability to consistently beat Washington’s coverage points to significant holes in their secondary.

These performances highlight Washington’s consistent problems defending top-tier wideouts. Given Chase’s pedigree and form, it’s reasonable to expect that he could have a similar performance, if not better.

Game Script and Strategy

The Bengals are likely to employ a pass-heavy offensive strategy against the Commanders. Washington's strength is in their pass rush, but this also means that Burrow will need to release the ball quickly. Chase is well-suited to this type of game plan. His ability to run quick, sharp routes and gain yards after the catch makes him an ideal target in a game where Burrow may need to avoid the rush by getting rid of the ball fast.

Furthermore, Cincinnati's run game has been inconsistent, which makes it even more likely that they’ll lean on their passing attack to move the chains. Chase should be at the center of this strategy, making the over on his 80-yard prop a solid bet.

Conclusion

Ja’Marr Chase is set up for a big game on Monday Night Football. With Joe Burrow improving, Tee Higgins drawing attention, and Washington’s defensive struggles, all signs point to Chase exceeding 80 receiving yards. The Bengals will likely rely heavily on their passing game, and Chase’s role as the primary target makes this prop bet an enticing option.

Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just looking for a smart pick, Chase’s over on receiving yards stands out as one of the best bets on the board for this matchup. With his explosive playmaking ability and the favorable matchup against Washington’s weak pass defense, Chase is primed to put up big numbers on Monday night.

Key Takeaways:

• Tee Higgins' presence could open up more opportunities for Chase (0:30).

• Joe Burrow’s improving form makes Chase a reliable target (0:55).

• Washington’s defense has struggled against elite receivers like Chase (1:05).

• Chase’s recent form (141 receiving yards in his last game) signals an upward trend.

• The Commanders' weak pass defense (21st in the league) is vulnerable to dynamic receivers, making Chase’s 80-yard prop an attractive bet.