NFL player prop: Cleared for takeoff

Having won a Super Bowl during his long tenure with the Saints before spending last year as an analyst, Sean Payton was understandably a hot commodity in the offseason. Then after becoming the new coach of the Broncos, he famously ripped the performance of predecessor Nathaniel Hackett, saying, “It might have been one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.” As fate would have it, Hackett now returns to Denver as the offensive coordinator of the Jets, and his most explosive player is the subject of our top prop:

The bet: Over 79½ rushing and receiving yards for Jets running back Breece Hall (FanDuel)

A second-round pick out of Iowa State last year, Hall announced his arrival in Week 5 by nearly reaching the century mark both on the ground and through the air. He amassed 197 yards from scrimmage in a 40-17 demolition of the Dolphins, falling just three rushing yards shy of that rare double.

But Hall’s impressive rookie season was cut short when he suffered a torn ACL two weeks later — at Denver, no less. While his workload has been managed over the first month of action this season, he did run for 127 yards on just 10 carries in the Monday night opener, keying an overtime win versus the Bills.

Jets coach Robert Saleh has indicated that there will be no restrictions on Hall moving forward. And the “revenge game” narrative is bolstered by getting to exploit a Broncos defense that ranks dead last against the run and only two spots better against the pass.

Given Hackett’s added incentive to dial up splash plays, the equally motivated Hall figures to be a featured weapon throughout.