Wild Prop Bets Make It Seem Like Football Season Already



There are some crazy NFL props available to ward of the summer betting doldrums and Glenn takes a look at a few that may be profitable.

Interesting prop bets for the upcoming NFL Season

There is no doubt this is the most challenging time of the year for the typical sports bettor. And maybe the best time to take a vacation, take some time off and plan a sound strategy for the balance of 2017. Yeah, right.

OK, so there's no boring NBA playoffs to wager upon. No Stanley Cup to hold your interest after the fury of March Madness. The Triple Crown is over and even two of the PGA Grand Slam events are in the books. There's over three months of baseball to drag on until the MLB playoffs and World Series. I forbid you to wager on NFL pre-season and the first regular season game is still over 2 ½ months away. No meaningful action until the odds and Over/Unders are posted for the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th in a few weeks.

To the rescue off the top online sportsbook list comes Bookmaker, with some of the wildest and most interesting NFL props for this season to consider and perhaps wager a few dollars upon. Certainly, more compelling than wondering tonight if the Mariners are going to rally from five runs behind in the 6th inning against the A's to save your 3-team baseball parlay. These competitive proposition wagers will make you feel like NFL season is right around the corner or at least keep you interested until that first Thursday Night Football match-up arrives. Here are a few of the more bizarre and potentially profitable wagers available now at Bookmaker:

Will Ezekiel Elliott Rush for  2,000+ Yards During 2017-18 NFL Regular Season?

Yes +1000
No    -3500

I'd wager as much money as they'd take on NO here with -3500 being a very generous price. Like all superstar rookies going into their second season, Zeke will have a giant target on his jersey along with his Big D star. I would be tempted to bet the Under on even 1,250 if they offered it and remember injuries do count.

NFL early prop betsLe'veon Bell total Rushing+Receiving Touchdowns During 2017-18 NFL Regular Season

Over 9.5     -165
Under 9.5   +135

This is more of a "competitive" wager as a case could be made for both sides. The key here is whether Bell will remain healthy for all 16 regular season games. Something he hasn't been previously been able to accomplish. I say the odds are with Le'Veon to get some luck this season and be counted upon to help fuel the Steelers back into the Super Bowl. That's why OVER is the favorite and likely the better bet here.

Will Marcus Mariota Throw a Red-Zone Interception During 2017-18 NFL Regular Season?

Yes   -145
No    +105

This is a cute one. As Mariota has developed a reputation for pin-point accuracy and not throwing interceptions in the red-zone. He didn't throw one all last season. Just a matter of time Marcus and also a great play at a reasonable -145 price. I believe it's more a question of what specific game.

Aaron Rodgers Total Passing Touchdowns During 2017-18 NFL Regular Season

Over 34.5     -155
Under 34.5   +125

I bet you thought I was going to recommend all favorites. Contrary to Le'Veon Bell, Rodgers has been mostly fortunate avoiding major injuries most of his great career. The caveat here is the Packers offense should be back to full strength this season, like what it was two years ago. BUT Aaron is getting a bit older and will need some new run support to help balance the attack. The +125 on Under looks attractive as 35 or more TD's is still an imposing season number for any quarterback.

Nunmber of Antonio Brown Penalties for Excessive Touchdown Celebrations 

Over 1.5     -160
Under 1.5  +130

This one is almost not fair. Kind of like the cops waiting behind pillars on the Turnpike to trap speeders. A. Brown is well-aware the zebras will be watching him closer than most other NFL receivers this season. What would constitute a legal party celebration for others will be an instant 15 yards for him. You gotta bet OVER here at a very generous -160 odds. In fact, if the Steelers are up 31-3 in the 4th quarter he would gladly exchange a penalty for a promotional dance in front of an NFL ref.

Number of Starts Mitchell Trubisky Will Make During  2017-18 NFL Regular Season

Over 1.5     -150
Under 1.5   +120

I would want to take out a second mortgage for this one but understand Bookmaker likely limits action for these types of special proposition wagers. To think Chicago risked their franchise's future to let this kid sit for an entire year waiting is absurd. Bears fans would take legal action against it and storm Soldier Field in protest. You want to test drive your new car as quick as possible in the new accepted NFL culture. Junking a 3-13 season is at least the best option to give Trubisky the experience he will need to improve. Bet the max on OVER and wait to collect.

Number of Starts DeShaun Watson will make during 2017-18 NFL Regular Season

Over 13.5    +170
Under 13.5   -240

In comparison, this wager from both perspectives makes OVER 1.5 for Trubisky look even better. It is no secret that Watson is the most "NFL-ready" rookie and will be starting Week One for the Houston Texans. Back-up veteran journeyman Tom Savage plays in case Watson gets injured or for some other unforeseen circumstance. That unforeseen circumstance could be he's terrible after 3 or 4 games and the Texans feel the pressure sending him to the bench to not kill his confidence. Also, injury is also possible, which makes Under 13.5 a reasonable wager but not at that -240 price. Then again, +170 is not a good enough value on Over as it is doubtful Watson starts almost every game in his first NFL season. I'd take a pass (no pun intended) on this one.

Besides the usual list of NFL Over/Under Wins and Super Bowl odds, check out this wild and crazy prop list at Bookmaker. Yes, you will have to wait until around January 5th, 2018 to collect. But still likely faster than most Trump props, where it's tough to keep score and new Tweets from the POTUS change the odds daily.

Glenn Greene covers the games from a betting angle every week exclusively at OSGA.com. For weekly betting insights, inlcuding previews and picks from Glenn, click here.


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