As Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season approaches, bettors are turning their attention to player props and creative wager opportunities.
This week, I’m focusing on some intriguing options featuring Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and the Jets’ reliable receiver Allen Lazard.
Both players have shown flashes of quality performances in recent weeks, making them attractive targets for prop bets.
Additionally, (hold your nose), I provide a longshot moneyline parlay that could provide significant value for risk-tolerant bettors.
Whether you’re looking for steady player performance bets or a high-risk, high-reward play, Week 5 offers a range of wagering opportunities across these matchups.
Week 5 Prediction: Chuba Hubbard anytime touchdown +115
Chuba Hubbard‘s versatility as both a rusher and receiver has significantly enhanced his scoring potential.
With Andy Dalton now at quarterback, Hubbard has seen a substantial increase in his workload, carrying the ball 21 times in Week 3 and 18 times in Week 4.
This uptick in usage clearly indicates that Hubbard has become a focal point of the Panthers’ offense.
Hubbard has capitalized on his increased opportunities, scoring a rushing touchdown and generating 104 rushing yards on 18 carries against the Bengals a week after he recorded a receiving touchdown.
This dual-threat capability makes him a constant scoring threat.
The Bears’ defense has shown a particular vulnerability to rushing touchdowns, conceding five in just four games with three of those coming from inside the red zone.
If the Panthers’ offense can effectively move the ball, Hubbard is likely to see more red zone touches, further boosting his scoring chances.
Notably, two of the rushing touchdowns allowed by Chicago’s defense came from explosive plays of 26 and 29 yards.
The Panthers’ offensive line has shown marked improvement, especially in run blocking, which could create more opportunities for Hubbard to break free for long runs.
Given Hubbard’s recent performance, increased role, and the Bears’ defensive weaknesses against the run, the +115 odds for an anytime touchdown looks like a solid option.
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Week 5 Prediction: Allen Lazard anytime touchdown +250
Aaron Rodgers is renowned for developing special connections with select receivers, often referred to as “his guys,” and Allen Lazard has seamlessly stepped into this role with the New York Jets.
Their strong rapport, cultivated over several years with the Green Bay Packers, has already yielded results.
Lazard has caught 21 receiving touchdowns from Rodgers throughout his career including two in the current season, underscoring his status as a trusted target.
The Vikings’ defensive strategy heavily favors zone coverage, presenting opportunities for skilled route runners like Lazard.
His proficiency in exploiting gaps in zone defenses is particularly evident in his slant routes, where he boasts the fourth-highest rate among qualified receivers.
Lazard’s versatility is further highlighted by his team-leading 39% snap rate from the slot position, a crucial advantage against zone coverage as it allows him to navigate the seams between linebackers and safeties.
At 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, Lazard’s imposing physical presence makes him an ideal red zone target.
His ability to locate soft spots in zone coverage, combined with his size, makes him particularly dangerous near the goal line.
This combination of factors suggests that Lazard has a strong potential to find the end zone against the Vikings, making the +250 odds for an anytime touchdown an intriguing proposition for bettors.
Week 5 Longshot Prediction: Jets and Panthers moneyline parlay +495
I’ve done ladders for my only two longshots, and both hit with ease.
For this week’s longshot, I’m targeting a high-upside wager, backing both underdogs in a moneyline parlay.
The Jets (+2.5) face the Vikings in London where Aaron Rodgers will challenge a pass defense that has given up a lot of yards despite ranking well in efficiency metrics.
Minnesota leads the league in passing yards allowed per game, presenting an opportunity for the Jets’ talented receiving corps of Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Allen Lazard to exploit.
The neutral London site negates the Vikings’ homefield advantage while Rodgers’ Comeback Player of the Year odds (+165) add narrative intrigue.
Meanwhile, the Panthers (+4) visit the Bears, where Andy Dalton‘s quick release could counter Chicago’s weak pass rush (22nd in pressure rate).
Chuba Hubbard‘s recent success (100+ yards in 2 games, 5.5 yards per carry) matches up well against the Bears’ poor run defense, which ranks 24th in yards per carry allowed on running back runs.
The Panthers’ balanced attack, including emerging target Diontae Johnson, could surprise the Bears defense.
Both teams face defenses with exploitable weaknesses, creating paths to potential upsets.
While risky, this parlay offers significant value for those willing to back two underdogs with promising matchups.
