Monday Night Football returns in style with a double header tonight. What better way to enjoy the games than to try some prop bets? Here’s a look at some odds to consider courtesy of Sportsbook.com.
RAVENS VS JETS
Team to score first
Ravens: Even
Jets: -130
Free pick: Jets. As many betting sharps learned the hard way yesterday, it’s tough to bet against home teams in their season openers. In their new stadium and on national TV, the Jets will be nice and fired up. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see them draw first blood.
Ray Rice rushing yards
Over 80.5: Even
Under 80.5: -130
Free pick: Under 80.5. Remember, Ray Rice isn’t just an elite runner; he’s also an outstanding receiver. He doesn’t need 100-yard games to gash defenses. I think he’s more likely to post 70 rushing yards and 70 receiving yards than run wild on a stout Jets front seven.
What will Mark Sanchez’s first pass be?
Complete: -150
Incomplete: +120
Free pick: Incomplete. As NFL betting fans saw with both Aaron Rodgers and Kevin Kolb yesterday, an overly fired up quarterback sometimes loses touch on his passes. Not only is Sanchez simply not that good, he’ll probably have some butterflies in the season opener. I think it’ll take him more than one throw to connect with a receiver.
CHARGERS VS CHIEFS
Will either team score in the first 6.5 minutes?
Yes: -145
No: +115
Free pick: Yes. If San Diego gets the ball, it shouldn’t have too much trouble marching on the Chiefs’ suspect defense. If Kansas City has possession, it could surprise. Its running game looks great with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones and the Chargers struggled against the run last season.
Longest touchdown of the game
Over 43.5 yards: -115
Under 43.5 yards: -115
Free pick: Over 43.5 yards. Both teams have home-run potential. Charles can break a long run at any time and the rejuvenated Dwayne Bowe could surprise. Anything is possible for San Diego with Philip Rivers under center and even rookie runner Ryan Mathews flashed some breakaway speed in the preseason.
Will Ryan Mathews score a touchdown?
Yes: -130
No: Even
Free pick: Yes. Even though there’s been talk that he won’t get goal-line duty, i don’t buy it. Mathews looked great in the preseason and he’s a powerful enough runner to hit paydirt in short-yardage situations. The Chargers will look to him if they reach the red zone.