It’s time to put those fantasy football muscles to work and make some season-long NFL prop bets. We’ve analyzed the hundreds of props posted at the BetUS sportsbook and came up with the best bets for individual player props for the 2021 season.
Here are the plays for the Philadelphia Eagles:
Jalen Hurts
Passing Yards
We have concerns about Jalen Hurts. He is expected to have a massive improvement on his 2020 numbers, but we don’t see it happening.
He had 148 attempts last season and completed 77 passes for 1,061. The former Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback has the ability to be a quality player in the NFL, but we haven’t been impressed.
Doubt @JalenHurts at your own risk. pic.twitter.com/ov4ETyuQWk
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 17, 2021
The Las Vegas NFL odds have Hurts going for 3.800½ yards, but we strongly suggest backing the under. He isn’t yet a top-line QB, and he could struggle to get traction for the Eagles.
“I understand that some part of his game is to be able to move around and make plays. But a wise man avoids all extremes,” coach Nick Sirianni told ESPN. “It can’t be all rhythm, and it can’t be all scramble. So, it’s like, ‘Hey, what’s the happy medium there?’
We think Hurts will use his legs, which would have a negative effect on his passing yards stats. 3800½ isn’t a huge number by any stretch, but it’s too big for our liking.
Interceptions
The online sportsbook has the line set at 12½. We don’t think Hurts is going to have a breakout season, but we think he will be careful with the ball.
He had four interceptions in limited minutes last season, but he’s trying to make an impression and secure the job for the Philadelphia Eagles. He knows that as soon as he starts throwing interceptions consistently, he could be replaced.
We expect Hurts to be careful with the ball and for the number to go well under the 12½ mark.
Passing Touchdowns
We think bookmakers have this number spot on. It’s currently at 21½ touchdowns, which is a tough call for bettors.
Hurts has Devonta Smith in his arsenal, so the two could link for plenty of touchdowns. We would rather back Smith in the receiving touchdown markets, as opposed to backing Hurts to have at least 22 passing TDs.
That’s where our money is going, so we wouldn’t put too much thought into this option as it’s too close for comfort.
Rushing Yards
Hurts is a capable runner and that’s where he could be most effective. The market is expecting a big running season from Hurts, with the line at 700½ yards.
The Eagles offensive line could come under pressure, which will force Hurts out of the pocket. If he’s able to avoid the primary defenders, Hurts could get out in the open and pick up plenty of yardage.
Over 700½ is well worth taking.
Best Pick: Under 3800½ Passing Yards (-115)
Miles Sanders
Rushing Yards
We have little doubt Miles Sanders is a 1,000+ yard rusher, so we’re loving the odds available.
NFL predictions have Sanders rushing around the 1,000 mark, but after rushing for 867 yards from just 12 games last season, why wouldn’t he blow that record apart?
Sanders looked the goods at Penn State, and he could mature into one of the best running backs in his class. We’re confident he has what it takes to be a premier running back for the Eagles, so we love the odds available.
Rushing Touchdowns
We have seen nothing to suggest Miles Sanders won’t rush for more than 5½ touchdowns in 2021.
Without trying to hype him up too much, Sanders scored six touchdowns from limited minutes last season, and he’s only going to improve on that mark.
Miles Sanders has averaged 8.1 yards from scrimmage per touch on 3rd Down over the last two season, best in NFL among RBs.#FlyEaglesFly | #EaglesCamp pic.twitter.com/UFlKOvEGR9
— Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) August 16, 2021
Having Jalen Hurts as a primary runner won’t help, but there is plenty of scope with Sanders and he could score around eight touchdowns.
The Over 5½ has been heavily backed into -125, but we’re not surprised.
Best Pick: Over 1,000½ Rushing Yards (-115)
Devonta Smith
Receptions
Devonta Smith was a star attraction for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and he could have a big impact in the pros.
Smith should fit into the offensive scheme at the Eagles with merit, and we think he could have one of the best rookie seasons for a wide receiver in the last five years.
It would be better for Smith if he had a more accomplished quarterback throwing to him, but he should still have a successful season.
The receptions line is 72½, which is high. We recommend betting on Smith in the reception yards market, as he’s excellent in yards after the catch.
Receiving Yards
This is where those who love to bet on NFL can cash in. The line for Smith’s receiving yards is 875½, which is generous.
Smith is capable of having a 1,000+ year, so we’re happy with the line, and he could make a case for Rookie of the Year when it’s all said and done.
Heisman level route running. @DeVontaSmith_6
📺: #NEvsPHI on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/PMCIWFqcJn pic.twitter.com/aiyBvfRGlJ— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2021
If Smith sticks to focusing on football, the world is his oyster.
Receiving Touchdowns
We wouldn’t be surprised if Smith scored plenty of touchdowns. The line is 5½, which is quite low, but there is better value in the receiving yards markets.
Smith is a better player in open territory than close to the goal line, so that could be a problem in the touchdown scoring department.
Best Pick: Over 875½ Receiving Yards (-105)
Dallas Goedert
Receptions
The tight end has yet to have a 60+ reception season, so we don’t think that will change in 2021.
The closest he came was in 2019 when notching 58 receptions, but with Smith in the team, he might not see as much ball. However, if Hurts gets flushed out of the pocket, the play-action could involve Goedert more.
The line is too tight for us to recommend a betting play.
Receiving Yards
We see the number going under 625½ yards. He’s not a chunk yardage guy, and his biggest play went for 41 yards last season.
In 2019, his biggest play went for 28 yards, so he picks up small gains and his career best performance is 607 yards.
Receiving Touchdowns
One area Goebert can shine is in touchdown scoring close to the endzone. He has scored 12 touchdowns in three seasons, and we think he can have a breakout year in this area.
Hurts will be looking for his tight-end in close-yardage situations, which is where he shines. Look for Goebert to have his biggest impact with 10 yards to go.
Best Pick: Under 625½ Receiving Yards (-115)
