5 best prop bets for Sunday's divisional-round games
Sunday's slate features the Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints. Instead of looking at the standard spread or total, here are our five best individual player and team prop bets for Sunday.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers Over 34.5 passing attempts (-125)
The Chargers used a balanced approach en route to their No. 6 scoring offense during the regular season, ranking 10th in passing yards per game and 15th in rushing. We think Rivers will need to throw the ball to beat the Patriots, as Chargers running back Melvin Gordon is dealing with a sore knee following a first-quarter injury in last weekend's win. Past Rivers-Tom Brady duels haven't been your typical barn burners, but the L.A. quarterback could end up chucking in this one.
Patriots RB James White Over 44.5 receiving yards (-120)
It's difficult to find a good matchup for the Patriots' offense against a Chargers unit that ranks No. 1 in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) against tight ends, No. 3 in short completion DVOA, and leads the NFL in yards per game against teams' No. 1 receivers. If there's an edge, it's in the backfield, where White should be in for a big afternoon. He paced the team with 87 receptions and gets a defense that surrendered an average of 59.3 receiving yards to opposing running backs this season.
Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery Over 65.5 receiving yards (-120)
The Eagles aren't expected to stay within a touchdown of the Saints, but the matchup(s) suggest quarterback Nick Foles could work his magic for at least one more week. Foles, who was brilliant in orchestrating a comeback win over the Chicago Bears last weekend, now faces a defense that is allowing plenty of yards to wide receivers this season. We like Jeffery in this one, as he is averaging 95.7 yards over his previous four games.
Saints team total Over 30.5 (-120)
The Saints' offense hit a rough patch toward the end of the season, scoring 28 points or fewer in four of the final five games after starting the year with 30 or more in nine of the first 11. But some home cooking in the playoffs is just what the team needed, as this is when it's the most lethal. In five postseason home games in the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era, New Orleans is averaging more than 35 points per contest. It doesn't figure to come as easy as the 48 points the Saints scored against the Eagles during the regular season, but 30.5 is still a number which is very much in range.
Saints-Eagles Over 559.5 combined passing yards (-125)
Brees has thrown for more than 325 yards in five of seven home starts this season and Foles will likely have to play from behind. Give us the combined over on passing yards between the two teams.
(All bets were taken from Bet365. Always shop around for the best numbers available.)
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from 'Rounders' and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.