Week 3 Monday Night Football Player Prop Bets – Eagles vs. Buccaneers

Welcome back to Fanelli’s Fave Five Prop Bets.

Week 2 of the 2023 NFL regular season is in the books. Hopefully, bettors came away with more money in their pockets than they started the week with. However, the grind never stops. So, let’s not waste any time and get down to business with this edition of player prop bets.

Monday night we have a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While fans will have their eyes glued to the game, watching every play with the utmost attention, sports bettors only care about making money. However, which prop bets will lead to cash in their pockets? Here are my five favorite prop bets for Monday’s game.

All props and odds are from DraftKings as of 9/23/23

Baker Mayfield Over 227.5 Passing Yards (-115)

Many thought the veteran quarterback would be on his way to losing the starting job by Week 3. Instead, Baker Mayfield has played well, leading the Buccaneers to a 2-0 record. The former Oklahoma star is averaging 245 passing yards per game this season. Last week, he had 317 passing yards against the Chicago Bears, the 11th 300-yard passing performance in his career. More importantly, Mayfield’s matchup this week is disheartening for the over on paper. However, it’s actually an outstanding matchup for the quarterback.

The Eagles had one of the top pass defenses in the NFL last season, surrendering only 207 passing yards per game, the second-fewest in the league. However, they have struggled after losing both starting safeties this offseason. Furthermore, Philadelphia’s secondary is dealing with multiple injuries. The Eagles have surrendered 340 passing yards per game this season, the second-most in the NFL. After Mac Jones and Kirk Cousins both had over 315 passing yards against Philadelphia, Mayfield will have no trouble totaling 230 or more.

Rachaad White Under 49.5 Rushing Yards (-125)

After the Buccaneers released Leonard Fournette this offseason, White became the featured back in Tampa Bay. Last week, he had a solid performance against Chicago’s below-average run defense. White had 17 rushing attempts for 73 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt and 3.29 yards after contact per attempt. Unfortunately, he struggled against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, totaling only 39 rushing yards and 2.3 yards per attempt. Yet, D’Andre Swift destroyed the Vikings in Week 2, totaling 224 rushing yards and 6.2 yards per attempt.

More importantly, the Eagles have arguably the top run defense in the NFL. Philadelphia has given up only 89 rushing yards to running backs this year, the fewest in the league. Furthermore, the reigning NFC champions have held running backs to only 3.07 per rushing attempt, the third-fewest in the NFL. The Eagles have given up 10 or more yards to running backs on only 3.6% of their rushing attempts this season. By comparison, White has totaled 10 or more yards on only 2.9% of his rushing attempts. Expect a quiet performance from the second-year player.

A.J. Brown Over 4.5 Receptions (-145)

Fantasy players might be frustrated with how Brown has started the 2023 season. However, the former Ole Miss star has 16 targets over the first two weeks, the most on the team. The superstar had seven receptions in Week 1 against the New England Patriots and four last week against the Vikings. More importantly, Brown has averaged 5.2 receptions per game in his Philadelphia career. Last week, the superstar looked frustrated on the sidelines after seeing only six targets. However, bettors shouldn’t surprised if he sees that many targets before halftime on Monday night.

The Buccaneers have had a talented defense the past few years. Unfortunately, that unit has regressed to start this season. Tampa Bay has struggled to slow down No. 1 wide receivers in 2023. They gave up nine receptions on 12 targets to Justin Jefferson in Week 1. Then the Buccaneers surrendered six receptions on seven targets for DJ Moore last week. Top cornerback Carlton Davis is a game-time decision with a toe injury. Even if he plays, expect Brown to have his best game of the season.

Mike Evans Over 53.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Last year, Evans averaged 65.5 receiving yards per game in 2022 without the massive 207-yard Week 17 performance. However, the veteran turned 30 years old in August, and many believed he would start to decline this season. Instead, the former Texas A&M star is averaging 118.5 receiving yards per game in 2023. Last week, he had 171 receiving yards on only six receptions against the Bears. More importantly, the veteran has the fourth-most receiving yards in the NFL entering Week 3.

Evans has faced two awful pass defenses this season and dominated both. Meanwhile, the Eagles had an excellent pass defense in 2022. However, that hasn’t been the case this season. Philadelphia is dealing with injuries in the secondary. More importantly, the reigning NFC East Champions have surrendered 201 receiving yards per game to wide receivers, the sixth-most in the NFL. They have given up over 60 receiving yards to three wide receivers this season – Justin Jefferson (159), Jordan Addison (72), and Kendrick Bourne (64).

Cade Otton Over 2.5 Receptions (-160)

The former Washington star had a solid rookie season. Otton had 42 receptions on 65 targets for 391 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. However, he doesn’t get much public recognition with Evans and Chris Godwin on the team. Yet, Otton had six targets last week against the Bears, the third-most on the team, only behind the two star wide receivers (eight apiece). More importantly, the second-year tight end has been productive with his targets, catching 88.9% of them. Furthermore, he is averaging four receptions per game this season.

Meanwhile, the Eagles did well defending tight ends last year. They held tight ends to only 4.3 receptions per game, the 12th-fewest in the NFL. Unfortunately, their struggles on defense have led to two massive performances by tight ends this season. Philadelphia has surrendered 17 receptions to tight ends in 2023, the most in the league entering Week 3. Hunter Henry had five receptions on six targets in Week 1 against the Eagles. Last week, T.J. Hockenson was unstoppable, totaling seven receptions on eight targets. While he likely won’t have 5-7 receptions in this contest, Otton should have at least three.

For the latest free agent news, check out the Fantasy Football News Tracker.

Trending Now

Week 3 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em

Weekly Fantasy Football Rankings

Free NFL Picks

2024 NFL Draft

Fantasy Football Team Names