NFL 'MNF' player prop: Ascension of a Saint

The NFL concludes Week 2 by serving up a pair of Monday night games featuring division foes. While the Browns-Steelers rivalry boasts a far richer history, the Saints and Panthers have been more evenly matched over the last quarter century, with New Orleans holding a 29-28 series lead. This edition also has the benefit of kicking off an hour earlier than tonight’s other game, putting Charlotte squarely in our sights for top prop:

The bet: Over 68½ receiving yards for Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (DraftKings)

When Michael Thomas, the single-season record holder for receptions, was forced to miss most of last year, Olave was thrust into the role of No. 1 receiver. He responded with a 1,000-yard season despite primarily catching passes from the declining Andy Dalton.

Now Olave has a high-end quarterback in four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr, and the second-year wideout is being schemed open with creative playcalling. The Saints lined him up all over the field — including in the backfield — during last week’s 16-15 win over the Titans. He was able to turn his eight receptions into 112 yards, with more than half of them (63) coming after the catch.

The Panthers weren’t challenged through the air by the Falcons in Week 1, as Desmond Ridder threw just 18 times. But their defense ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed a year ago, and the secondary looks particularly vulnerable without cornerback Jaycee Horn, who has been put on IR with a hamstring injury.

Seeing double-digit targets like he did in both of last season’s matchups, Olave should continue his rise to elite status.