Expert handicapping picks are up for ESPN MNF action between the Saints and 49ers, but how about for fantasy football players who place bets online
The Monday nighter should provide NFL betting fans with fireworks tonight as the Saints look to go 2-0 while the 49ers are desperate for a win in their home opener. Here are some prop bets to try at Sportsbook.com.
Team to score first
Saints: -145
49ers: +115
Free pick: 49ers. They’ll be amped up at home and Frank Gore should run hard against a so-so run defense. Also, Patrick Willis will have the 49ers “D” fired up; if the Saints get the ball first, I think San Francisco will make a stop.
Longest touchdown of the game
Over 42.5: -115
Under 42.5: -115
Free pick: Over 42.5. We know how the Saints love to stretch the field, so it’s easy to imagine Drew Brees connecting with Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem or Marques Colston for a deep score. Even Alex Smith could come up with a big play since the Saints’ secondary likes to take chances and can get burned once in a while.
Alex Smith: Total passing yards
Over 223.5: -125
Under 223.5: -105
Free pick: Under 223.5. Baby steps for Alex after last week’s brutal performance against Seattle. He may do an OK job protecting the ball but the 49ers should use him somewhat conservatively while pounding the rock with Frank Gore. I see 200 yards and change for Smith but not more than 223.
Frank Gore: Total rushing yards
Over 84.5: -115
Under 84.5: -115
Free pick: Over 84.5. Adrian Peterson totalled 87 yards on 19 carries against the Saints in Week 1, averaging a healthy 4.6 yards per rush. I’d expect a similar effort from Gore – but with five or 10 more carries. That should get him over 84.5 yards and perhaps the century mark.
Will there be a defensive or special teams touchdown?
Yes: +150
No: -180
Free pick: No. The Saints scored a ton of defensive touchdowns last year but they scored twice as many as the next closest team; it was a bit of a fluke. Things should correct themselves this season. The 49ers also aren’t likely to score a defensive TD since Brees takes care of the ball well. Reggie Bush is a threat on punt returns but San Fran’s special teamers should tackle diligently for fear of Mike Singletary’s wrath.
Drew Brees: Total touchdown passes
Over 1.5: -180
Under 1.5: +140
Free pick: Over 1.5. The 49ers won’t make things easy for Brees but betting sharps should remember that even an “off” game for him would be, say, 250 yards and two scores. The Saints will have better luck passing the ball, a.k.a. avoiding Patrick Willis at all costs.
Reggie Bush: Total rushing plus receiving yards
Over 60.5: -125
Under 60.5: -105
Free pick: Over 60.5. Since Willis can handle Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas just fine, the Saints may try to use Bush’s speed on screens to get past him. Same goes for using Bush over Pierre Thomas in the running game at various points. I see Bush surpassing 60.5 yards easily tonight.