The NFL’s First Bye Week Is Here, but Garrett Wilson, Michael Pittman Jr., and Jameson Williams Are Poised to Turn This Week Into Absolute Chaos
As the NFL season heads into its first bye week, with teams like the Falcons, Packers, Bears, and Steelers resting, the action on the field remains intense. This article delves into key matchups and spotlights our favorite prop bets for the week.
Garrett Wilson Continues to ShineGarrett Wilson has quickly become a top target, and with a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys looming, the opportunity is too enticing to overlook. The Cowboys have struggled defensively, allowing the highest average of receiving yards to wide receivers in the league, clocking in at a staggering 206.8 yards per game. When excluding the Eagles—a team with a notably weak passing game in Week 1—this figure skyrockets to 248 yards per game.
Even when narrowing the focus to just recent matchups, the Cowboys have allowed 187 yards per game to wide receivers in Weeks 3 and 4, a number that still leads the NFL. Coupled with the fact that they have surrendered the most fantasy points to receivers, it’s clear that the Cowboys’ secondary is in dire straits.Despite the Jets’ run-heavy offensive strategy, Wilson has consistently emerged as a focal point. He’s recorded at least eight targets in every game this season, surpassing the 62.5 receiving yards prop in three out of four contests. Wilson ranks sixth in total targets and boasts the second-highest target rate in the league. His role as the primary option in a struggling offense makes him a prime candidate for big yardage against a porous Cowboys defense.
Michael Pittman Jr. Poised for a Comeback
Michael Pittman Jr. has had a mixed bag this season, surpassing the 50.5 receiving yards mark in two of his first four games. However, his target usage has been impressive, even in a game where he only managed 41 yards. He received 10 targets last week, a solid indication of his involvement in the Indianapolis Colts’ offense.
Pittman has been somewhat overlooked, especially playing with Anthony Richardson at quarterback. Yet, examining his last three years reveals a different story. Without Richardson on the field, Pittman has exceeded the receiving yards prop in 12 of 20 games, averaging 68 yards with over nine targets per game.
Now, he faces the Las Vegas Raiders, who have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to wide receivers this season. With six out of nine wide receivers facing the Raiders hitting their receiving prop, Pittman’s chances of bouncing back look promising.
Jameson Williams Set for Big Plays Against Bengals
Jameson Williams is another player to watch closely this week. He has gone over his longest reception prop in three of four games this season. Last week, despite a quieter outing, he managed to reel in a reception that covered 27 yards, illustrating his potential as a deep threat.
Since the start of last season, Williams has hit this prop in 14 of 22 games, showcasing a success rate of 63.6%. His speed and ability to stretch the field are evident, as he holds the third-highest average depth of target (ADOT) in the league. He’s also running the 12th-most vertical routes and the 14th-most go routes, clearly positioning himself as the primary deep threat for the Detroit Lions.
While the Cincinnati Bengals defense has not been particularly generous with deep passes, they have allowed five out of nine wide receivers to surpass their longest reception prop. This sets the stage for Williams, especially considering similar receivers have found success against the Bengals’ secondary.
As the NFL season unfolds, these matchups provide a glimpse into potential game-changing performances, emphasizing how individual players can capitalize on favorable circumstances.
