NFL 'TNF' Week 9 player prop: Folk hero

By John Dudley | Last updated Nov 2, 2023 9:55 AM ET

Despite being selected by the Titans as an early second-round pick, Will Levis had to bide his time behind both Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis. But the rookie quarterback from Kentucky got his first start last week and made the most of it, throwing four touchdown passes in a home win over the Falcons. Now Levis faces the Steelers in Pittsburgh, and the circumstances surrounding his initial road test point us to a particular prop:

The bet: Over 1½ made field goals for Titans kicker Nick Folk (+124 DraftKings)

Turning 39 on Sunday, Folk is a veteran of 17 pro seasons, including one with the ill-fated Alliance of American Football. Since the start of his four-year tenure with the Patriots, from whom he was traded this summer, he has incredibly hit 70 consecutive field goals from inside 40 yards.

Folk has been successful on each of his kicks this season, going 16-for-16 on field goals and 12-for-12 on extra points. He made multiple field goals in five games, and the only time he didn’t attempt one was when there was no in-between for the Titans last week. They found the end zone in each quarter, but their 10 other possessions didn’t result in a scoring opportunity (eight ended in punts).

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Pittsburgh’s defense has forced its seven opponents to try 18 field goals, which is better than two and a half attempts per game. Enemy kickers have converted 15 of them, keeping the average of made field goals above two as well. Yet we’re getting plus-money odds on someone who’s been automatic.

With Levis being asked to limit mistakes in a hostile environment, Tennessee will occasionally settle for field goals — and the reliable Folk should be good for at least a pair.

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