Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

King of Props: Backing a backup back

By John Dudley | Last updated 9/15/22

This season’s second Thursday night game features a pair of AFC West rivals in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair. The Chiefs, who erupted for a league-best 44 points in Week 1, are looking to avenge last year’s home loss to the Chargers. While the spotlight will be on quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, a less heralded player is the subject of our top prop:

The bet: Over 15½ rushing yards for Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (FanDuel)

The way a team’s first game plays out often results in good betting value the next week. Such is the case with the Kansas City backfield, as starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire scored a couple of receiving touchdowns and rookie Isiah Pacheco led the team in carries (12) and rushing yards (62).

But the latter did nearly all of his work in the fourth quarter, after the Chiefs were already blowing out the Cardinals. On the drive that gave them a 30-point lead, McKinnon ripped off an 18-yard run that showcased his vision and speed. Though his numbers in the first half were pedestrian, he and Edwards-Helaire actually split the offensive snaps evenly.

McKinnon started all three of Kansas City’s playoff games last season and averaged 50 yards on the ground. He shouldn’t have any problem clearing this low threshold against a run defense that allowed 5.7 yards per carry to the Raiders’ Josh Jacobs in Week 1.

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