As you look to Sunday’s Week 1 game between the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles for some possible betting action, here are three props to consider.
Among games to consider betting on in Week 1 NFL action, Sunday’s game between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles probably doesn’t stand out. But that could also mean cashing in in a spot few others will even consider, beyond heavy bettors that may find something to bet on in every NFL game.
At first glance a 3.5-point spread over at FanDuel begs for bets on the Lions to cover. Last year’s matchup between the two teams was a Halloween Day blowout in favor of the Eagles (44-6), but the Lions are certainly better than they were then. The Eagles may be better to though.
Beyond the spread, moneyline or over/under for Lions-Eagles, here are three prop bets to take a close look at for the game (odds via FanDuel).
Detroit Lions vs. Eagles: 3 best prop bets for Week 1 game
T.J. Hockenson Prop Bet
In last year’s game against the Eagles, as ugly as it was for the Lions, Hockenson stood out with 10 receptions (on 11 targets) for 89 yards. The Eagles secondary looks formidable, with the recent acquisiton of Chauncey Gardner-Johnson only further fortifying it. But if there’s a matchup to be best exploited, Hockenson against a safety (Marcus Epps, Gardner-Johnson) or a linebacker (Kyzer White) looks to be it.
Hockenson’s yardage over/under for Sunday’s game is currently 47.5 (-114) over at FanDuel. The over, even if/when he doesn’t repeat last year’s 10 catches, feels like a lock.
D’Andre Swift Player Props
Swift’s yardage over/unders for Sunday’s game are 47.5 (rushing) and 32.5 (receiving), both at a -114.
Over 44 snaps in last year’s matchup against the Eagles, Swift had 51 total yards (27 rushing, 24 receiving) on 17 touches. The Lions simply didn’t get much going offensively, as Philadelphia dominated the game on the ground, and the fourth quarter became a rest period at the end of a blowout for Swift.
I’m tempted to say Swift hits the over on both of his yardage props on Sunday. Left to choose one more confidently, I’d go with over the 32.5 receiving yards.
A Long Shot Bet
Betting on long shots can be fun. Setting that bar at +500 or higher for a Lions’ anytime touchdown scorer on Sunday, I’m going with…
Tight end Brock Wright, +850
Wright had two touchdowns on 12 receptions as a rookie last year. A small sample, yes, but if he’s on the field in the red zone the Eagles won’t be focused on him. It’ll only take one high leverage, opportunistic catch for Wright to pay off this bet.