Thursday Night Football provides some much-needed sporting action as the World Cup is on a 2-day break before the next round of matchups. The Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) travel to LA to take on the injury-ravaged Rams (3-9) who are on a 6-game losing streak, without their starting QB and first & second choice wide receivers. The Raiders open up as 6-point favorites against a Rams team that came agonizingly close to ending their losing streak against Seattle last week, but as the injuries pile up, you have to look to them extending their losing run to 7.
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Davante Adams over 87.5 receiving yards (-115)
Sometimes when looking at props, you can find a gimme, and this one feels like a gimme. Davante Adams leads the NFL in targets on the year (135) and is fifth in total receptions (79), he leads the Raiders with a 32.8% target share and has had 95+ yards receiving in 8 of 12 matchups so far this season. The Rams rank 22nd in passing yards allowed per game (236.3) and the Raiders rank 9th in passing yards for per game (241.5), and with Waller and Renfrow still missing, look for Adams to continue his impressive form as the Alpha on this team.
Tutu Atwell over 25.5 receiving yards (-115)
This is not a prop I thought I’d be recommending this season, but with the injuries piling up for the Rams, Atwell looks like he’s finally getting his chance. After scoring his first NFL touchdown in week 11 against the Saints, he’s been on the field for over 47% of snaps in the last 2 games and had a career-high 5 targets against the Seahawks last week, catching 2 of those for 48 yards. The QB situation is still up in the air with Stafford on IR, Wolford questionable and it’s too soon for newly signed Baker Mayfield, so whether Wolford or Bryce Perkins takes the field, the game script will likely see them needing to throw the ball a fair bit. What will help the Rams QB is that the Raiders rank 30th in passing yards allowed per game (258.1), so look for Atwell, along with Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek to stretch this Raiders’ defense. The reason we’re running with Atwell is Sean McVay this week acknowledged that “he should have had more opportunities earlier this season as all he’s done is answer the bell when he’s had chances”, so hopefully, his stock is on the rise.
Derek Carr over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-115)
Derek Carr is currently tied for 7th in the NFL for passing touchdowns with 20 and has thrown multiple touchdown passes in 9 of his 12 games so far this season. Since Matthew Stafford went down for the Rams, they’ve also conceded 2.3 passing touchdowns per game. With Davante Adams continuing his fine form and the Rams in their last 3 games ranking 32nd in opponent passing first down percentage (71.23%), Carr will have plenty of opportunity to throw the ball down the field and continue his run of multiple scores.
Daniel Carlson over 7.5 kicking points (-120)
So far this season Carlson has hit this over 10 out of 12 times, one of those misses was in the shutout loss to the Saints, but he’s hit at least 2 field goals in 9 of 12 games. As we’re fully expecting the Raiders to score at least 2 touchdowns in this game, 2 field goals would see this over land comfortably, especially as the Rams have allowed their opponents 2.7 field goals per game in their last 3. Carlson is one of the best kickers in the league so expect him to continue to do what he does best.
Bonus Pick: Davante Adams over 125+ yards and 2+ touchdowns (+1100 DK)
If you want something a little juicier, this is for you. Adams has actually hit this prop in 3 of his last 5 games and is coming off a 177 yard game at the weekend. He’s scored a touchdown in 8 of his 12 games this season, and he’s scored 2 touchdowns in 50% of those games. There’s only a handful of receivers in the NFL who I’d ever back for these figures, but Adams would arguably be top of that list this season.
I’m David, 28, originally from England but now married and living in Texas. Originally studied English Literature at Liverpool Hope University, alongside Sport & Education. Having been an avid sports fan my entire life, I had a season ticket at Everton FC in the EPL for 17 years. Since moving here I’ve become a Kansas City Chiefs fan after Kelce won me my Fantasy League on my first-ever try. Love watching the games whether it be college on Saturdays or the NFL throughout the week. You’ll always find me with a bet or two on as well. 1 leg losses are my Kryptonite.
