We're onto Week 8 in the NFL, and the action gets underway on Thursday with an NFC clash between the Vikings (5-1) and Rams (2-4). I'm heading the PrizePicks route to get some skin in the game. Below I've listed my top three player props from the platform. If you opt for the PrizePicks Power Play, this trio provides a commendable 5/1 payout.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
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We're onto Week 8 in the NFL, and the action gets underway on Thursday with an NFC clash between the Vikings (5-1) and Rams (2-4). I'm heading the PrizePicks route to get some skin in the game. Below I've listed my top three player props from the platform. If you opt for the PrizePicks Power Play, this trio provides a commendable 5/1 payout.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Best NFL PrizePicks Player Projections
(Props courtesy of PrizePicks)
While the Vikings have been a top-tier defense this season, I actually really like this spot for Matt Stafford to turn in a quality performance. The game plan with Brian Flores' defense is pretty straightforward, in that he wants to apply pressure on the opposing quarterback. Minnesota blitzes more than any other team in the league, sending an extra rusher on 42.5% of their plays.
This is a strategy that can rattle young quarterbacks, but I expect the experienced Stafford to get the ball out quickly to his solid receiving corps. They have a speedy bunch of receivers in Los Angeles, and they're also set to have Cooper Kupp (ankle) return to the lineup. Between Stafford, Kupp, and the crafty play calling of Coach Sean McVay, they should be able to scheme around the blitz. Also, if the Vikings are bringing extra pressure, it's one (or more) fewer defender(s) in the defensive backfield, which will lead to huge YAC opportunities and explosive play potential. I'm locking in this over for Stafford, who is averaging 232 passing yards per game this year.
Los Angeles' Kyren Williams has been a workhorse in the backfield this year, rushing the ball 116 times (fifth-most in the NFL). The Rams have only run the ball 151 times this season, which means Williams accounts for 76.8% of the team's carries. With that being said, I'm not expecting much from Williams this week, at least in terms of clearing his rushing yards total. I'm taking him to stay under 74.5 rushing yards.
Minnesota is one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL, conceding only 80.0 yards on the ground per game (second-best). Only Baltimore is better at 68.4 yards per contest. In terms of yards per attempt, the Vikings are the fifth-best defense at 4.0 yards per tote. Finally, the Rams are a pass-first team, throwing the ball on 58.86% of their plays (10th-most). I don't expect Williams to have a big night, especially since he's entering on a short week where he had 21 carries on Sunday. Give me Williams to stay under 74.5 rushing yards.
As for Minnesota's offense, the one prop that I'm narrowing in on is Aaron Jones to have a catch that goes for more than 12.5 yards. The running back has done so in each of his last five games this year (18, 20, 14, 24, 17). Jones is very active in Minnesota's passing attack, getting 3.8 targets per game. Interestingly, Jones' 23 targets (20 catches) are the second-most on the team, where he trails only Justin Jefferson (51 targets).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles' passing defense is a bit shaky. They're allowing 7.9 yards per attempt, which is 28th in the NFL. All eyes will be on Justin Jefferson in this one, so I think it's the perfect time to look to Jones to have at least one 13-yard reception.
