Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

King of Props: Jag should keep cruising along

After having his development stunted by a coach whose tenure in the NFL lasted just 13 games, second-year Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence is flourishing under Doug Pederson. He guided the Jaguars to a shutout home win over the Colts in Week 2, but now they must fly across the country and face the Chargers in Los Angeles. Lawrence figures to be playing from behind and frequently throwing to his new No. 1 receiver, who is the subject of today’s prop play:

The bet: Over 4½ receptions for Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (DraftKings)

On the Cardinals in his first four years, Kirk was overshadowed by Pro Bowl wideouts Larry Fitzgerald and DeAndre Hopkins. But following a 77-catch season in 2021, the Jaguars signed him to a lucrative deal and have been using him extensively.

Kirk made six receptions in each of the first two games, posting 117 yards in the first and 78 in the second. He secured all six of his targets last week, but because Jacksonville had established a big lead, he didn’t see any in the fourth quarter.

Playing without top cornerback JC Jackson in Week 1, the Chargers defense allowed Raiders receiver Davante Adams to catch 10 passes. Jackson is likewise expected to miss today’s game, and Kirk needs just half of that total to deliver a winner.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Jaylen Brown's big three-pointer gives Celtics 3-1 lead over Cavs
Avalanche star placed in player assistance program
Mercury announce devastating injury on eve of WNBA season
Randy Moss' son makes major football announcement
Reds place key outfielder on injured list with broken thumb
Tom Brady's broadcasting debut set for Week 1 of NFL season
Struggling Cubs reliever placed on injured list 
Report: Justin Fields had ‘toxic' relationship with ex-Bears QB
Extension makes Lions QB Jared Goff one of NFL's highest-paid players
Kentucky's Reed Sheppard displays excellent skills at NBA Draft Combine
Knicks big man undergoes another ankle surgery
Flames CEO stepping down, transitioning to advisory role
Oilers star seemingly dismisses Arturs Silovs' performance in Game 3
Bengals QB Joe Burrow is making a notable change to stay healthy in 2024
Orioles designate outfielder for assignment
Antoine Winfield Jr. agrees to record contract extension with Buccaneers
Bears coach provides massive update on QB Caleb Williams' progress
Rookie camp sheds light on Patriots' efforts to develop Drake Maye
First game of 2024 NFL season features rematch between two AFC powerhouses
Bronny James receives medical clearance, expected to remain in draft

Want more NFL news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.