New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

NFL 'TNF' player prop: Trusted hands

For already the third time this month, the Jaguars are appearing in a showcase game. They were unopposed for the morning window while earning back-to-back victories in London, and now they’ll put a three-game winning streak on the line against the Saints in prime time. As Jacksonville visits the raucous Superdome for its first game in enemy territory since the opener, one of the difference makers on the home side gets our backing for top prop:

The bet: Over 4½ receptions for Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (DraftKings)

The single-season leader for receptions with a whopping 149 of them in 2019, Thomas has battled injuries over the last few years. In fact, this will be only his 17th game played since establishing the record, which is the equivalent of just one full season.

But when healthy like he is now, Thomas remains a consistently reliable producer. First-year New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr has recognized that, throwing the veteran’s way at least six times in every game this season. Thomas has yet to drop a pass, and on the four occasions that his target total reached eight, he has cleared this number.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars field the next-to-last pass defense in the league, surrendering more than 270 yards through the air per game. Each of their past two opponents, the Bills and Colts, had a pair of starting wideouts notch five or more catches.

With teammates Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed running deeper routes, Thomas should work underneath and get there too.

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