Who could be Super Bowl sensational in Santa Clara? Leaving up to the Big Game between New England/Seattle, The Gaming Juice’s resident player props purveyor will examine various markets. Fade or follow? That’s up to you.
The Pick: Sam Darnold OVER 2.5 rush attempts (+105, BetMGM)
Call your own number with the confidence of vintage Russell Wilson, Darnold.
Not exactly considered a player who possesses peel-out wheels, the much-traveled QB could contribute unexpectedly in a category generally deemed unfavorable considering his skill set -- rush attempts.
Yes, Darnold could probably beat throwback Tom Brady in a footrace, but he’s earning a participation ribbon at best against other supreme athletes. Candidly, with a 4.85 40-yard dash to his name, he’s a Toyota Corolla in cleats.
Still, yardage accumulated isn’t the necessary requirement, but rather simple attempts.
Bolting with the vim and vigor of Jared Goff in a chariot, the Seattle slinger has proven opportunistic over the regular season stretch and playoff runs. Since Week 14, he’s tallied three or more rush attempts in six of his last seven contests. What a multidimensional machine.
During the regular season, New England surrendered only the 28th most QB rush attempts per game, giving up 3.4 per contest. Including the postseason, eight passers reached the threshold detailed above against them.
The surface matchup doesn’t seem encouraging, but according to Pro Football Focus the Patriots rank eighth overall on the season in pressure rate at 44%. In other words, a pocket flush-out or three is in the forecast. Equally promising, if the Super Bowl favorites deliver, clock-salting kneel-downs are a very distinct possibility.
Still available at plus money, Darnold tucking and running/kneeling three or more times is an irresistible play.
Fashion yourself a cheetah or an overly confident Garfield, Sam.