NFL prop shop: Week 10 picks
By DAVID CHAN
The shop is open for business again this week, as I guide you through four of the best prop bets on the board.
Let’s get back in the black with a 4-0 sweep, shall we?
Buffalo vs. New England
Most passing yards: Edwards vs. Cassel
Play on Cassel
The Patriots have been opening things up for Matt Cassel a little bit over the last couple of weeks, and I’ll give him a shot at an underdog price against Trent Edwards on Sunday.
Cassel has thrown 67 passes over the last two games, a sign that Bill Belichick is finally gaining some confidence in his quarterback. The Pats would be well suited to continue attack through the air against a Bills defense that excels stopping the run.
Edwards has gotten knocked around in the last couple of weeks. The Jets sacked the second-year quarterback five times last Sunday. His confidence isn’t at a high point after losing back-to-back games to AFC East opponents. Expect the Bills to run the football early and ease Edwards into this one.
St. Louis vs. NY Jets
Most pass receptions: Holt vs. Cotchery
Play on Cotchery
Jerricho Cotchery is quickly becoming Brett Favre’s number one target. He has led the Jets in catches in each of the past two weeks, hauling in 15 lasers from No. 4.
As Cotchery steps to the forefront of the Jets offense, Torry Holt begins to take a backseat with the Rams. He did make six catches last week, but he’d been held to three in the previous two games.
The Jets secondary has had its problems, but I don’t have a lot of faith in Marc Bulger finding Holt with any sort of regularity on the road this week.
New Orleans vs. Atlanta
Most sacks: Play on Atlanta
Here’s a little-known fact: the Falcons have allowed only one sack in three home games this season.
Matt Ryan is one of the smartest rookie quarterbacks we’ve seen enter this league in years. He’s doing an excellent job of getting rid of the football and avoiding hits.
The Saints haven’t been sack masters by any means, with just four to their credit over the last four games.
Drew Brees has been elusive in the pocket, but I think the Falcons can run him down this week. They’ve recorded six sacks in the last two games, including four last Sunday against Oakland. You can expect a fired up Falcons defense back at home after that a shutout performance last week.
NY Giants vs. Philadelphia
Longest reception: Play on Philadelphia
I’ll finish up with another hunch play from this week’s Sunday night game.
Donovan McNabb has his full cast of wide receivers to work with now that Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown both back on the field. I’m not calling for either of them to haul in a long bomb though. Instead, watch for DeSean Jackson to awake from his slumber with at least one big gainer.
Most would call this a coin-flip, but I think my chances are better than 50/50.