As we dive into Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, the excitement continues to build with intriguing matchups across the league.
This week, we’re focusing on two games that offer particularly enticing player prop opportunities.
After a 2-0 record with props last week, I’m looking to build on that success. Here are two promising wagers for Sunday’s action.
Week 2 Prediction: Over 1.5 total interceptions thrown, Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson (+110)
The Browns continue to grapple with turnover issues.
In the 2023 season, they led the league with 37 turnovers. Deshaun Watson threw four interceptions in just six games played.
This trend continued into the new season, with Watson throwing 2 interceptions in Week 1 against the Cowboys.
Watson’s struggles are multifaceted.
He has accuracy concerns, especially on deeper passes, going 3 for 12 on passes of 10-plus yards in Week 1 against the Cowboys.
His poor decision-making under pressure stems from holding the ball too long and leaving the pocket early.
Watson’s lack of rhythm in the offense, having started just 13 games in his three years with the Browns, creates a lack of consistency and familiarity, leading to timing issues and miscommunications with receivers, increasing interception risk.
Pressure creates mistakes, and under coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns employ an aggressive scheme with high rates of man coverage and blitzing.
The Browns’ aggressive defense, led by Myles Garrett, could play a crucial role in forcing errant throws from Trevor Lawrence.
In 2023, they sacked opposing quarterbacks 49 times (6th) while forcing the third-most interceptions.
Increased pressure on Lawrence, who was sacked three times in Week 1 against the Dolphins, could lead to rushed decisions and potential turnovers.
Lawrence also continues to struggle with his accuracy. He was ahead of only Bryce Young in off-target rate among qualified quarterbacks in Week 1.
Week 2 Prediction: Gus Edwards +155 Anytime Touchdown
In 2023, Edwards saw a career-high in red zone usage with 23 carries inside the five-yard line resulting in 12 rushing touchdowns.
Although that was with the Ravens and he’s now with the Chargers, it shows his effectiveness near the goal line.
The opportunities were there for Edwards in Week 1 with three red zone touches.
He could have more opportunity against a Panthers run defense that allowed 25 rushing touchdowns to opposing teams last season, the most in the league.
That trend continued in their season opener, allowing two Saints running backs to score.
Given the Panthers’ defensive struggles and Edwards’ power-running style combined with Edwards’ familiarity with offensive coordinator Greg Roman (who he worked with in Baltimore), the Chargers may lean on him in short-yardage situations, increasing his chances of scoring.
The Panthers got romped last week 47-10 against the New Orleans Saints.
If the Chargers can establish a lead, they may rely more heavily on the run game to control the clock, giving Edwards more opportunities to score.
