NFL Week 2 Player Props: Key Bets to Watch This Sunday

NFL Player Props for Week 2: Key Insights and Predictions

The NFL season is heating up as we enter Week 2, and I have some exciting NFL player props locked in for this Sunday. In this article, we’ll dive into my top picks for Week 2, providing insights into player performance and matchups. Keep an eye on this story as I continue to add more prop picks throughout the week.

Sean Koerner's NFL Player Props — Week 2

Here are my top NFL player prop bets for Week 2:

Seahawks vs Steelers: Aaron Rodgers Pass Yards

In the matchup between the Seahawks and the Steelers, I’m focusing on Aaron Rodgers’ passing yards. In Week 1, Rodgers showcased flashes of his former self, but 71% of his 244 passing yards came after the catch, which was the highest rate of the week. He recorded an average of just 4.3 air yards, the lowest in the league, and did not attempt any deep passes.

If the Steelers employ a similar strategy as last week, it will be challenging for Rodgers to exceed this prop. As 3-point home favorites, the Steelers are likely to rely more on their run game. The Seahawks are also expected to run the ball frequently, which could lead to a lower overall passing yardage for Rodgers. I project his median passing yards closer to 223.5, with several factors indicating a potential decline in yardage.

Rams vs Titans: Kyren Williams Rush Yards

In the Rams vs Titans matchup, I’m betting on Kyren Williams to exceed 72.5 rushing yards. Last season, the Rams made the playoffs despite being behind on the scoreboard 73% of the time. This week, as 5.5-point favorites, I anticipate they will lead more often, which should increase Williams’ volume.

Williams has excelled in inside runs, with 83% of his carries in Week 1 coming from that area, ranking second among all running backs. The Titans have struggled against inside runs, allowing the third-highest rushing yards over expected per attempt last season. With the absence of nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, who had a team-best 2% missed tackle rate, this is an ideal situation for Williams. I project his median rushing yards to be closer to 80.5, with a 62% likelihood of surpassing 72.5 yards.

Jaguars vs Bengals: Travis Hunter Receptions

For the Jaguars vs Bengals game, I see great value in betting on Travis Hunter to have over 4.5 receptions. Rookie wide receivers often present a valuable opportunity before public perception catches up, and Hunter fits this mold perfectly. In his debut, he recorded 6 receptions for 33 yards, and I believe his performance will only improve.

Despite also playing cornerback, Hunter has a burgeoning potential as a wide receiver. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has strategically lined him up in the slot, similar to how he featured Chris Godwin and Cooper Kupp in previous offenses. Hunter had a 26% target rate in Week 1, and with the Jaguars needing to pass more against the Bengals, I project him to average about 5.1 receptions, giving him a 58% chance to exceed 4.5 receptions.

Browns vs Ravens: DeAndre Hopkins Reception Yards

In the Browns vs Ravens matchup, I’m skeptical about DeAndre Hopkins exceeding 22.5 reception yards. Despite a flashy debut with 2 receptions for 35 yards, his underlying usage is concerning. Hopkins only ran 11 routes, and the Ravens are likely to lean even more on their run game as double-digit favorites.

Although Hopkins can make spectacular plays, his efficiency on limited volume raises questions about his ability to clear this prop. Without a 29-yard touchdown catch, his total would have been just six yards. I project his median closer to 17.5 yards, with a 60% chance of staying under 22.5 yards, especially against a strong Browns secondary.

Giants vs Cowboys: Russell Wilson Pass Yards

For the Giants vs Cowboys game, I believe there’s a realistic chance that Russell Wilson could be replaced during the game, giving value to the under on his passing yards. Even with a slim chance of this happening, other factors also point to a low yardage outcome. The Giants, as six-point underdogs, may play with a more balanced approach if they can keep the game competitive.

In Week 1, Wilson attempted very few deep passes, with only 3% of his throws being 20+ yards, marking the lowest rate of his career. I project his passing yards closer to 207.5, with a 60% chance of staying under 217.5 yards due to his current offensive profile.

Bears vs Lions: Rome Odunze Over 45.5 Reception Yards

Finally, in the Bears vs Lions matchup, I’m betting on Rome Odunze to exceed 45.5 receiving yards. Odunze, who is poised for a potential breakout in his second year, led the team with a 23% target share in Week 1. Despite some missed connections with quarterback Caleb Williams, Odunze showed promise against man coverage, drawing three targets on just four routes.

The Lions tend to play man coverage at one of the highest rates, which works in Odunze's favor. I project his median receiving yards closer to 53.5, with a 60% chance of surpassing 45.5 yards, making this a prime opportunity to invest in his performance.

These NFL player props for Week 2 present exciting opportunities to capitalize on player performances and matchups. With careful analysis and strategic betting, you can make informed decisions this Sunday.