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King of Props: A quarterback’s mindset

By John Dudley | Last updated Oct 24, 2022 9:38 AM ET

Two of the QBs taken in the first round of the 2021 draft, the Bears’ Justin Fields and the Patriots’ Mac Jones, will renew acquaintances on Monday Night Football. The last time they met on the gridiron, Jones threw for 464 yards and five touchdowns in leading Alabama to a 52-24 win over Ohio State for the national championship. While that level of production is unlikely tonight, Jones should do enough to deliver our preferred prop play:

The bet: Over 4½ receptions for Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers

After missing two games with a knee injury, Meyers returned in Week 5 and caught seven of the eight passes thrown to him. His immediate chemistry with Bailey Zappe, the rookie who was filling in as Jones dealt with a high-ankle sprain, is largely attributable to a refined knack for getting open.

Having been recruited to play quarterback at NC State, Meyers often draws praise for understanding offense as both a passer and a receiver. He recorded nine receptions in his last game with Jones, a Week 2 win over the Steelers, and the two have connected at least four times in 18 of the 20 games they’ve played together.

On the other side, the Bears are struggling to cover receivers out of the slot. That’s where Meyers lines up a majority of the time, and he figures to be a frequent target as Jones gets back into a throwing rhythm.

John Dudley

A longtime writer and sports bettor, John Dudley has been dubbed the “King of Props” for his proficiency with proposition wagers. Research is the key that routinely unlocks success, and his selections are always backed by sound reasoning. John can be followed on Twitter @JohnDudley85

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