Primetime NFL games bring in the numbers -- and the bets. In an attempt to boost gamer bankrolls, this only occasionally profitable bettor will attempt to stack greenbacks under the lights. As always, fade or follow -- that’s up to you.
The Pick: Omarion Hampton OVER 14.5 rush attempts at Raiders (+110, ESPN Bet)
A fantasy player is a fickle beast. In a blink, attitudes about a particular love affair can go from torrid to tepid. This writer’s 17-year-old son exhibits a similar approach in relationships with the opposite sex.
Quick dismissals about the Chargers’ ball lightning are entirely juvenile. Yes, Hampton finished Week 1 an uneventful RB32 in overall fantasy RB production, but anyone with even semi-blurred vision came away from his matchup against the Chiefs in Brazil highly encouraged.
The rookie rusher whinnied as a workhorse south of the equator. His 89.5% opportunity share was the fifth-highest of the week. What timeshare? Najee Harris and his one functional eye is a clear afterthought.
Despite his uninviting superficial data, Hampton emitted bright numbers elsewhere. He was RB18 in yards created, RB14 in yards after contact and RB10 in total evaded tackles. That’s RB2-level efficiency, folks.
The Chargers’ reconfigured offensive line raises doubt, but he’s highly employable outside of maybe 4-team leagues, maybe.
Las Vegas wasn’t skewered in the trenches last week in Foxboro. The Raiders allowed a pedestrian 3.46 yards per carry to Patriots RBs, finishing the week No. 4 in rush EPA defense. Stout. Linebacker Germaine Pratt plugged multiple holes, ranking No. 14 among all defenders in run D grade on Pro Football Focus.
The Silver and Black’s penetrable secondary, however, will likely loosen its D-line. Constant bombardments slung by Justin Herbert will sustain drives and exhaust the bigs up front. As a result, the usage should again be heavy for Hampton. Most site prognostications have him in the 14-16 carry range.
As long as the Chargers don’t consume an entire package of laxatives pregame, the youngster will be a featured ground worker throughout. Positive gains are on the immediate horizon.
Keep the heat for Hampton stoked.
Season props record: 1-2, -1.15 units
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: Nico Collins 50+ yards, Bucky Irving 2+ receptions, Emeka Egbuka 4+ receptions (+123, ESPN Bet)
Season parlay record: 0-3, -3.00 units