NFL Week 2 Player Props + MNF Preview !!
As NFL Week 2 gears up, fans and bettors alike are buzzing with excitement for another round of thrilling matchups. Analysts Munaf Manji, SleepyJ, and Steve Reider gathered to share their insights, breaking down some of the most promising player props while previewing the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles. This comprehensive deep dive will cover all their picks, predictions, and insights for Week 2, focusing on player statistics, team matchups, and strategic plays to help bettors make informed decisions.
Quarterback Props for NFL Week 2
Daniel Jones Over 208.5 Passing Yards
One of the first players discussed was New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. After a rough Week 1, where Jones struggled to find his rhythm, SleepyJ believes he will bounce back in Week 2 against a Washington Commanders defense that lacks pressure.
Jones threw two interceptions in the season opener, which hurt his stats, but SleepyJ points out that he attempted 42 passes, a significant amount for the Giants quarterback. Despite his low completion rate, Jones has the opportunity to exploit a weak Washington defense that allowed Baker Mayfield to pass for nearly 300 yards in Week 1. This Washington defense didn’t apply much pressure on Mayfield, which bodes well for Jones, who will have more time in the pocket to make plays.
SleepyJ (8:41): "Daniel Jones will have a bounce-back game this week. The Commanders' defense is weak, and Jones will have the chance to air it out and improve on last week's performance."
The key factor here is Washington's inability to put pressure on quarterbacks. Jones, with his mobility and a full complement of offensive weapons, should exceed the 208.5-yard mark, making this prop a favorable bet.
Sam Howell Under 52.5 Rushing Yards
On the opposite side, Steve Reider highlighted Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, predicting that Howell would struggle in Week 2. Washington's coaching staff is urging Howell to stay in the pocket more and go through his progressions, a shift from his usual scrambling style. This change could limit his rushing yards, making the under on his rushing yards prop a smart play.
Steve Reider (10:43): "With Washington asking Howell to stay in the pocket and avoid scrambling, his rushing yards will likely be limited. This adjustment in his playstyle could reduce his rushing attempts, making the under a solid pick."
This adjustment also aligns with New York’s defensive strategy, which can capitalize on Howell’s attempts to stay in the pocket and force him to rely more on passing than scrambling.
Anthony Richardson Under 201.5 Passing Yards
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson impressed in his debut, but his passing yards were bolstered by a few big plays. Munaf Manji isn’t sold on Richardson’s ability to consistently pass for over 200 yards. In Week 1, two of his passes accounted for 114 of his 212 passing yards, making the remaining completions less impactful. Richardson now faces a Green Bay defense that allowed only 220 passing yards per game last season, a more formidable challenge.
Munaf Manji (15:51): "Richardson's big plays inflated his passing yards last week, but against Green Bay, I expect a more balanced game with fewer long passes. This makes the under on 201.5 passing yards a smart choice."
Richardson's heavy reliance on explosive plays could be stifled by the Packers’ defense, which excels in limiting big-yardage passes, pushing him to stay under the 201.5-yard line.
Running Back Props for NFL Week 2
Rashad White Under 75.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rashad White had a tough Week 1, managing only 2.1 yards per carry. With an even tougher matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 2, SleepyJ predicts that White will struggle again. Detroit has a stout run defense, evidenced by their performance against Kyren Williams, who also struggled with a low yards-per-carry average.
SleepyJ (16:16): "Rashad White struggled last week, and against Detroit's solid defense, I expect his numbers to stay low. With other backs like Ke'Shawn Vaughn performing better, White's opportunities may dwindle."
SleepyJ also points out that Ke'Shawn Vaughn is a more efficient runner, averaging 6.8 yards per carry in Week 1. This could lead to Vaughn receiving more opportunities, further limiting White's production.
J.K. Dobbins Over 54.5 Rushing Yards
J.K. Dobbins showcased his explosive ability in Week 1, averaging an incredible 13.5 yards per carry. Steve Reider sees a favorable matchup for Dobbins against a Carolina Panthers defense that allowed 180 rushing yards to the New Orleans Saints. Moreover, Carolina is without their best run defender, Derrick Brown, due to injury.
Steve Reider (18:57): "Dobbins looked explosive last week, and against a Panthers defense missing key players, he should easily surpass 54.5 rushing yards."
Steve highlights Dobbins' ability to take advantage of weakened defenses, making this prop one of his favorite plays for Week 2.
Derrick Henry Longest Rush Over 14.5 Yards
Derrick Henry had a slow start to the season but faces a much more favorable matchup in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders allowed 6.5 yards per carry last week, and Munaf Manji believes Henry will have multiple opportunities to break off a long run, easily surpassing the 14.5-yard mark for his longest rush.
Munaf Manji (21:41): "Derrick Henry has the ability to break off long runs, especially against a Raiders defense that struggled to contain the run last week. Look for Henry to have a big play this week."
Henry's explosive potential makes this prop an exciting bet, especially against a defense that allowed significant rushing yards in Week 1.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Props for NFL Week 2
DK Metcalf Over 53.5 Receiving Yards
With several key offensive players for the Seattle Seahawks nursing injuries, DK Metcalf will be the go-to target for quarterback Geno Smith. Both of Seattle’s tight ends and wide receiver Tyler Lockett are dealing with injuries, meaning Metcalf will see more targets in Week 2.
SleepyJ (24:24): "With injuries piling up for the Seahawks, Metcalf will be the primary target. I expect him to go over 53.5 receiving yards with ease."
Metcalf’s health and Smith’s trust in him make this a solid bet, especially against a New England defense that will have its hands full with Seattle’s offense.
CeeDee Lamb Over 84.5 Receiving Yards
CeeDee Lamb is expected to have a big game in Week 2, with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott relying heavily on him due to the team's lack of other receiving options. Lamb has already proven himself to be Prescott’s go-to target, and with Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore potentially missing the game, Lamb’s yardage should soar.
Steve Reider (33:32): "With Dallas lacking many receiving options, CeeDee Lamb will be the focal point of the passing attack. Expect him to go over 84.5 yards, especially if Lattimore is out."
With Lamb being the primary target, and the Saints dealing with injuries, this prop is a strong pick for Week 2.
Trey McBride Over 49.5 Receiving Yards
Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals had nine targets in Week 1, and SleepyJ believes he’ll continue to be a major part of the Cardinals’ offense in Week 2. McBride will benefit from playing against a Rams defense that historically struggles against tight ends.
SleepyJ (31:00): "McBride led the team in targets last week, and against a Rams defense that has trouble with tight ends, he should easily hit 49.5 receiving yards."
McBride’s high target volume and favorable matchup make this prop an appealing bet.
Monday Night Football Preview: Falcons vs. Eagles
The Monday Night Football matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles promises to be an exciting one, with both teams eager to make a statement early in the season. The Eagles are favored by six and a half points, and the total is set at 47 points. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, along with a player prop best bet.
Bijan Robinson Over 28.5 Receiving Yards
Steve Reider sees Bijan Robinson playing a crucial role in the Falcons' passing game. With Atlanta likely playing from behind, Robinson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield will be vital. Philadelphia's secondary has weaknesses that Robinson can exploit with short, quick passes from Kirk Cousins.
Steve Reider (47:39): "With the Falcons potentially playing from behind, Bijan Robinson will be a key target in the passing game. I expect him to easily go over 28.5 receiving yards."
Robinson’s versatility and potential to rack up yards after the catch make this a strong play for Monday night.
Philadelphia Eagles: Game Outlook
The Eagles come into this game after a thrilling win against the Green Bay Packers in Brazil. Led by Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ offense is clicking, and they will look to exploit Atlanta's defense in front of a rowdy home crowd. Philadelphia also benefits from having extra rest, as they played their last game on Friday night.
Steve Reider (43:50): "The Eagles are strong at home, and with extra rest, they’ll have an advantage. Look for them to dominate the game, especially through the air."
Hurts' ability to make plays in the air and on the ground, combined with Barkley’s power running, gives the Eagles the edge in this matchup.
Conclusion
NFL Week 2 is shaping up to be filled with exciting matchups, high-scoring games, and key player performances. The experts’ insights provide valuable guidance for bettors looking to make informed decisions on player props. Whether it's Daniel Jones bouncing back, Bijan Robinson making an impact through the air, or Derrick Henry breaking off a long run, Week 2 promises to be a thrilling ride for NFL fans and bettors alike.
With Monday Night Football set to showcase the Falcons vs. Eagles, the stakes are high, and the potential for big plays is even higher. Don’t miss out on these key matchups and betting opportunities as the NFL season continues to heat up.