Skip to content

NFL prop bets: Predicting over/unders for OBJ, others on new teams

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The start of NFL free agency has not disappointed this year.

Along with numerous players signing lucrative deals, we've already seen a fair share of blockbuster trades. Overall, the frenzy's offered bettors the opportunity to gauge how players on new teams will perform in 2019.

Here are our five favorite wagers to consider:

Devin Funchess (Colts) over 650.5 receiving yards (-115) and over 4.5 touchdowns (-130)

There were some mixed reviews on the Indianapolis Colts' one-year, $13-million deal for Funchess, who totaled more than 550 receiving yards just once in four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. But in reality, this was a low-risk move for the cap-laden Colts, as they landed a 24-year-old receiver who can play opposite T.Y. Hilton.

Funchess broke out in 2017 with 63 catches on 111 targets, 840 yards, and eight touchdowns - all career highs. He looked to be taking another step forward last year, but the Panthers' late-season spiral put a damper on the receiver's production. His first half compared to his second was night and day:

First 8 games Final 8 games
36 catches-445 yards-3 TDs 8 catches-104 yards-1 TD

Hilton will still be the WR1, but Colts quarterback Andrew Luck loves his secondary outlets. He turned tight end Jack Doyle into a weapon in 2016, rejuvenated Eric Ebron last season, and also targeted Chester Rogers 72 times in 2018. That's been the theme for Indianapolis' offense, which often relies on Hilton and a bunch of spare parts.

Funchess doesn't figure to be a world-beater with the Colts, but he'll have all sorts of opportunities to make an impact and eclipse the totals.

Nick Foles (Jaguars) over 12.5 interceptions (-115)

Interceptions are somewhat volatile, especially with any quarterback on a new team alongside new players. But advanced metrics can help us identify which pivots are riskier than others, and Foles isn't exactly the conservative player he might appear to be. While he threw just two INTs over the course of seven games in 2017 and only three more in five contests last year, Foles actually tossed seven interceptable passes in '17 and five in '18. Whether it was luck or great chemistry with his receivers, Foles was fortunate to keep his interception count down. We think he'll surpass the listed number over a full 16 games.

Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns) Over 1,100 receiving yards (-115)

Beckham's projected for 89.5 catches and 1,100 yards, implying he'd be good for around 12.3 yards per catch - down from his career average of 14. But we don't think the newly acquired wide receiver is going to be used as a possession receiver in the Browns' offense, considering the team already has one of those in the form of Jarvis Landry.

Meanwhile, quarterback Baker Mayfield averaged 8.8 yards per attempt under head coach Freddie Kitchens, which was a huge bump from the 6.6 per attempt he averaged during the first half of the season. Add in former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken as OC, and you'll see plenty of downfield shots in Cleveland, with Beckham as a staple in that department.

John Brown (Bills) over 625.5 receiving yards (-115)

Brown was an odd fit with the Baltimore Ravens. He served as a field-stretcher for a conservative Joe Flacco and then saw limited opportunities in a run-heavy scheme with rookie Lamar Jackson under center. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen likely needs a young receiver from the upcoming draft to grow with, but the addition of Brown is a nice start. Allen ranked No. 13 in the NFL in deep-pass attempts last season, while Brown averaged a whopping 17 yards per catch. The two should excel together in the foreseeable future.

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox