Lions vs. Raiders Player Props: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Smart Bets
The Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders face off in Week 1 of the NFL season, providing bettors with a plethora of player prop opportunities. From passing yards to rushing attempts, there are countless ways to wager on the individual performances of these two teams' stars.
Understanding the available player props and their associated odds is crucial for making informed bets. This guide will provide a comprehensive analysis of the most popular Lions and Raiders player props, offering insights, statistics, and tips to help you make profitable wagers.
Quarterbacks
Jared Goff Passing Yards (Over/Under 264.5)
Goff has averaged 268.3 passing yards per game in his career. However, the Lions lost their top wide receiver, Kenny Golladay, to free agency this offseason. Additionally, the Raiders have one of the best pass defenses in the league, ranking seventh in DVOA last season.
Considering these factors, the under looks like a safer bet for Goff's passing yards in Week 1.
Derek Carr Passing Yards (Over/Under 266.5)
Carr has averaged 281.9 passing yards per game in his career. The Lions have a solid pass defense, but they did allow over 260 passing yards per game last season.
With a talented receiving corps led by Henry Ruggs III and Darren Waller, Carr should be able to surpass his passing yards total in Week 1. The over is the better play here.
Running Backs
D'Andre Swift Rushing Attempts (Over/Under 14.5)
Swift emerged as the Lions' lead running back last season, averaging 15.2 carries per game. The Raiders have a stout run defense, but they have allowed over 14.5 rushing attempts per game to opposing running backs in each of the past two seasons.
With his strong track record and the Lions' lack of other reliable running back options, the over is a good bet for Swift's rushing attempts in Week 1.
Josh Jacobs Rushing Yards (Over/Under 80.5)
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Jacobs is one of the most talented young running backs in the league. He has averaged 100.1 rushing yards per game in his career. However, the Lions have a young and up-and-coming defense that ranked 13th in rush defense DVOA last season.
While Jacobs is a great player, the under may be the better play for his rushing yards in Week 1.
Wide Receivers
Tyrell Williams Receiving Yards (Over/Under 49.5)
Williams is expected to be the Lions' number one wide receiver this season. However, he has never had more than 72 receiving yards in an NFL game. The Raiders have a solid pass defense that allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to opposing wide receivers last season.
Given these factors, the under is the more likely outcome for Williams' receiving yards in Week 1.
Henry Ruggs III Receiving Yards (Over/Under 66.5)
Ruggs is one of the most exciting young receivers in the NFL. He averaged 19.3 yards per catch last season. The Lions have a solid pass defense, but they allowed over 60 receiving yards per game to opposing wide receivers last season.
With his speed and the Raiders' high-powered offense, Ruggs should be able to surpass his receiving yards total in Week 1. The over is the better play here.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller Receiving Yards (Over/Under 74.5)
Waller is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has averaged 79.8 receiving yards per game in his career. The Lions have a solid pass defense, but they allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends last season.
With his talent and the Raiders' high-powered offense, Waller should be able to surpass his receiving yards total in Week 1. The over is the better play here.
T.J. Hockenson Receiving Yards (Over/Under 54.5)
Hockenson is a young and talented tight end, but he has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent pass-catching threat. The Raiders have a solid pass defense that allowed the ninth-fewest receiving yards to opposing tight ends last season.
Given these factors, the under may be the better play for Hockenson's receiving yards in Week 1.
Other Player Props
Davante Adams Anytime Touchdown (Yes/No)
Adams is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He has scored at least one touchdown in each of his past seven games. The Lions have a solid pass defense, but they allowed 24 passing touchdowns last season.
Considering Adams' track record and the Raiders' high-powered offense, the yes bet is the better play for his anytime touchdown prop in Week 1.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When betting on player props, it's important to avoid common mistakes such as:
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Overreacting to small sample sizes: Don't base your bets on a player's performance in a single game or preseason game. Look at their entire body of work and consider the factors that may affect their performance in the upcoming game.
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Chasing losses: Don't try to make up for lost bets by placing larger or more risky wagers. This is a surefire way to lose even more money.
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Ignoring injuries and game conditions: Make sure to check injury reports and other relevant factors that may affect a player's performance. This includes things like weather conditions, playing surface, and opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
Why Player Props Matter
Player props can be a great way to add excitement to NFL betting. They allow you to bet on specific individual performances, which can make the game more engaging and fun. Additionally, player props can be a profitable way to bet if you do your research and make informed decisions.
Benefits of Betting on Player Props
There are several benefits to betting on player props, including:
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Higher payout potential: Player props often offer higher payouts than standard bets, such as spread or over/under bets.
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More variety: Player props offer a wider range of betting options, allowing you to bet on specific aspects of the game that interest you.
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Potential to outsmart the bookies: By studying player statistics and trends, you can gain an edge over the bookmakers and make profitable bets.
Conclusion
Lions vs. Raiders player props offer a wide range of betting opportunities for Week 1 of the NFL season. By understanding the available props, their associated odds, and the factors that may affect player performance, you can make informed bets and increase your chances of winning.
