It all comes down to this. In two Championship Sunday games, Brad Evans, naturally, spices up the action firing off on various player props. Fade or follow? That’s up to YOU!
The Pick: Kyren Williams 3+ receptions at Seahawks (+145, theScore)
To go weather nerd on you, a phenomenon known as “cryoseismic booming” is about to blast root balls and split mature maples throughout the upper Midwest as air even a Tauntaun on Hoth would think ridiculous descends into the region this weekend.
Yes, it may sound like a cool college punk rock band, but frost cracking is no joke. It occurs when temps dip below -20°F. Trees which have been exposed to milder conditions over preceding days instantly freeze. As a result, the frozen moisture and sap coursing through the wood expands, increases pressure and causes the tree to explode with a sound like a detonated grenade.
For those unwilling to brave the -45°F wind chills and flying bark, nestling up next to the fire with a hot toddy and slamming bets is a strong recommendation. Stay warm, my fellow Midwesterners.
One wager that could warm the soul and bank account is Williams’ contribution in an overlooked market -- receptions.
Seattle was the most generous defense in the short-field to pass catching backs in the regular season. Over the 17-game slate, the Seahawks surrendered an extraordinary 97 RB receptions with 18 rushers totaling at least three grabs in a game against them.
In the postseason, that vulnerability has carried over. Panthers RBs hauled in three combined passes versus the Rams and last week the Bears’ Kyle Monangai hauled in four Caleb Williams tosses.
Blake Corum will supplant Williams a series or two, but the Michigan product’s hands aren’t nearly as tacky compared to the incumbent’s. This season, No. 23 has proven a favorite Matthew Stafford checkdown weapon. On 17.1 routes per game (46.9% of his snaps), he’s caught 72.2% of his intended looks, snagging three or more passes in three of his last four contests. The last time he squared off against Seattle in Week 16, he ran 28 routes, was targeted six times and tallied three receptions.
In what could be a sneaky shootout, look for the sure-handed Williams to be an effective safety valve when the pocket pressure mounts. Keep in mind, Aden Durde’s defense dialed up the heat the fifth-most times of any team in the regular season (26.1%).
In some parts of the country that boom you hear isn’t an oak splintering, but rather Williams backers pounding the table in celebration.
I'm riding the Ram.
NO CONTEXT PARLAY PLAY: SGP - Seahawks ML, Puka Nacua 5+ receptions, Jaxon Smith-Njigba 60+ yards, AJ Barner 10+ yards, Colby Parkinson 2+ receptions (+204, theScore)