We received a taste of the NFL regular season with a Thursday Night Football matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. Now, we turn out attention to the full slate of Week 1 games on Sunday. The bevy of games leaves us with plenty of options on No House Advantage.
There are two types of contests to play: “Pick ‘Em” and “Vs The House.” Let’s try to help narrow down the field by highlighting some of the best props to target.
NFL Week 1 Odds and Props: No House Advantage
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: Over 4.5 Receptions
After playing in all 16 games in each of his first three seasons in the league, McCaffrey has played in a total of 10 games the last two seasons. He took the field only seven times in 2021, but he still finished with 37 receptions. The Panthers threw at least five passes his way five times, and he came away with four games with at least five receptions.
Healthy again and playing with an improved quarterback in Baker Mayfield, McCaffrey could be primed for a bounce-back season. The Panthers wasted no time leaning on him in Week 1 last season, leaving him to catch all nine of his targets for 89 yards. Don’t expect him to be eased into the 2022 campaign, either. The NFL Player Props Tool has McCaffrey projected to finish with 6.44 receptions.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders: Over 65.5 Rushing Yards
The preseason was an odd one for Gibson. He spent time practicing on special teams, which is rare for a player who was viewed as the starting running back by many. It seemed like he was losing his grip on the role, with Brian Robinson working his way more and more into the picture. However, Robinson suffered gunshot wounds during an attempted robbery, forcing him onto the sidelines to start the season.
In Robinson’s absence, Gibson should be the primary runner for the Commanders, with J.D. McKissic working in during passing downs. They will take on the Jaguars, who allowed the ninth-most rushing yards per game in the league last season. Gibson could eventually be moved into a reduced role once Robinson returns, but at least for Week 1, he could be busy.
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons: Over 54.4 Receiving Yards
Pitts lived up to the hype as a rookie, catching 68 passes for 1,026 yards. He was targeted 110 times, but it was disappointing that he only came away with one touchdown. With 15 targets inside the red zone, though, he was a bit unlucky to come away with just the one score.
Heading into his second season, Pitts is the top receiving option on the Falcons with Calvin Ridley suspended. They did bring in wide receiver Drake London, although he is questionable with a knee injury. If he doesn’t play, Pitts could receive a ton of targets. Even if London plays, Pitts should have a very significant role, giving him a favorable chance to hit the over. The NFL Player Props Tool has Pitts projected to record 60.68 passing yards.
Chase Edmonds, Miami Dolphins: Over 2.5 Receptions
The Dolphins made big changes at running back this offseason, bringing in Edmonds and Raheem Mostert. Edmonds proved to be an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield during his tenure with the Cardinals, catching a total of 96 passes the last two years. Last season, he finished with at least three receptions in nine of the 12 games that he played in.
While Edmonds and Mostert should eat into each other’s time on the field, Edmonds figures to be more involved in the passing game. Across the 25 games that Mostert has appeared in over the last three seasons, he has caught a total of 30 passes. Given this modest number, Edmonds has a chance to blow past the over.
