Season long player and team props are beginning to surface across the sportsbooks. In an attempt to seek out values, Brad Evans will occasionally make the case on an attractive future -- whether betting the OVER or UNDER -- as the outside temps rise.
Today’s topic: A Booming Buccaneer
The Pick: Emeka Egbuka to total 1,000+ receiving yards (+150, DraftKings)
The cards have fallen and Tampa’s rookie wide receiver is holding a pot-winning royal flush.
Chris Godwin was activated off the PUP list on Thursday, but still recuperating from a gruesome ankle dislocation suffered last November, he isn’t expected to suit up until at least October.
Jalen McMillan, meanwhile, awkwardly landed on his neck Preseason Week 2, a nasty setback that should sideline until midseason, if not longer.
Opportunity isn’t only knocking, it’s about to smash down the door.
The stupidly low 650.5 receiving yards line may no longer be attached to Egbuka’s name, but even at the inflated number above, he’s still a discount buy -- especially at appreciable plus money.
Since his selection in Round 1 of this year’s NFL Draft (No. 19 overall), the drumbeat tied to the former Buckeye has only grown louder. Appearing on the New Heights podcast in late July, Baker Mayfield showered the greenhorn with praise, calling him “the real deal,” expounding that he's "plug-and-play at all three receiver spots." Seen in smatterings during the Preseason, the duo have seemingly forged a formidable bond.
Last year for THE Ohio State, Egbuka, though overshadowed by all-world WR Jeremiah Smith, was consistently solid. Position versatile, fearless in traffic and reliably handed, he posted a 100+ passer rating on five different routes and ranked WR24 in YAC per reception. He also impressed on contested catches, totaling the eighth-most at the FBS level. Whether working in the slot or outside, he's simply hard to contain.
Thanks to the NFC South's generally soft secondaries, Egbuka is blessed with the seventh-easiest fantasy WR schedule this season. With McMillan (4.5 tgts/gm in '24) and Godwin (8.9 tgts/gm) nursing significant ailments, the youngster will immediately carve out a prominent role. It's fathomable he earns upwards of 25% of the team target share out of the gate. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard likely won't stray far away from Liam Coen's scheme that called "pass" over 55% of snaps last year. Throw in Mayfield's pinpoint accuracy (QB6 in adjusted completion% in '24) and a possible WR2 season start in 12-team leagues comes into view.
You're shelling out significant draft capital right now in fantasy -- presumably a Round 5 or Round 6 pick in 12-team PPR drafts -- but the props market has been slow to adjust. The setup is mouthwatering.
YARRR, gamer! Bet on Egbuka 'n make some doubloons.