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: Jaxon Dart 40+ rush yards vs. Eagles (+100, ESPN Bet)
Step into the nearest watering hole, grip a pointy metal object, toe the line and toss a Dart at the board.
For those looking to score major points and build bankroll, the Giants starting QB is likely to hit a bull’s eye in one key category: rush yards.
Vanilla Vick is accurately nicknamed. He may not have the elite speed of yesteryear’s reference, but his read, reaction and open-field running skills are comparable.
Occasionally showing off his 4.69 40-yard wheels, he’s taken advantage of opportunistic situations. Some runs have been by design, but many were of the scramble variety. Totaling 17 rush attempts over his first two starts, the coveted rookie has bolted his way to 54 and 55 rush yards against the Chargers and Saints. On the year, he’s averaged a hefty 5.7 yards per carry.
Philadelphia -- No. 21 in pressure percentage five weeks in (17.4%) -- isn’t the most aggressive defense. Pocket flushes Thursday night may occur infrequently. Still, Nick Siriani’s club has surrendered the 13th-most QB rush yards so far this season (20.6 yards per game). If Patrick Mahomes can booty scoot to 66 ground yards against them, so can the often unscripted Dart.
In practices and intra-squad scrimmages, Eagles DC Vic Fangio has unquestionably been challenged to contain the legs of Jalen Hurts. That familiarity could give him an edge in mitigating the Giants QB on tuck-and-run action.
Still, the natural reckless abandon the first-year passer possesses should roll him past the threshold needed. This bettor is banking on it. On another 7+ sprints, he again races to at least 40 rush yards.
Dash away, Dart.
Season props record: 5-5, -0.33 units
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - Jalen Hurts anytime TD, Giants +17.5 (+126, DraftKings)
Season record: 4-6, -1.67 units