Island 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. As always, fade or follow -- that’s up to you.
The Pick: De’Von Achane 120+ rush/receiving yards (+120, DraftKings)
It all comes down to this.
For weeks and weeks you’ve hung in the late-night shadows working your fingers briskly scrolling, seeking and researching. You hatched plans, made shrewd moves and survived numerous intense sweats. Earning a coveted postseason spot in a single-elimination format, your fantasy quest for the gridiron gold has officially entered the next phase.
Don’t wet the bed like Fuller. TAKE IT EASY ON THE PEPSI!
During your glorious run into the second season, the plan was always Achane.
Miami’s tour de force has cemented his elite status with the virtual masses. Whether via chunk ground or vertical gains, he’s racked yards, grabbed consistent catches and often splashed six. Prius efficient on a per touch basis, he enters Week 15 No. 1 among qualifying rushers in YAC per attempt (4.10), No. 9 in total missed tackles forced (42), No. 6 in yards created per touch (4.00) and No. 3 in yards per touch (6.1). Businesslike.
More Soft than Steel Curtain, Pittsburgh’s frontline is doughier than that lump of pre-baked holiday sugar cookies. Over the Steelers’ last five games, they’re a lousy No. 29 in rush EPA D. This season, they’ve surrendered 4.42 yards per carry and 131.3 total yards per game to RBs. Breece Hall, Chase Brown and James Cook each achieved the above number needed against them.
Exacerbating Pittsburgh’s defensive ineptitude, TJ Watt is out due to a collapsed lung. The interior enforcer is one of the most unyielding defenders in the game. An elite hole plunger, he’s top-10 in total run stops. His absence is an uppercut blow to an already vulnerable unit.
Achane is one of the hottest running backs in the known universe. He’s raced past 120+ combined yards in three of his last four games. In a must-win clash for a Miami team still registering a faint playoff pulse, he should blowtorch the box score.
Advance to Round 2, gamer.
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - Jaylen Wright OVER 18.5 rush yards, DK Metcalf 30+ receiving yards, Jaylen Waddle 3+ receptions, Jaylen Warren 2+ receptions (+231, Score)