Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

NFL player prop: Return to prominence

By John Dudley | Last updated Sep 10, 2023 8:27 AM ET

Thursday night’s Kickoff Game served as a reminder of what former coach Jerry Glanville famously said about the NFL — it can stand for “Not For Long.” With the defending-champion Chiefs falling to the Lions and now looking up at the competition, the latest search for the league’s best team moves on to the first Sunday slate. As 28 other squads prepare to take the field amid high expectations, the return to action is especially meaningful for the subject of our top prop:

The bet: Over 62½ receiving yards for Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley (DraftKings)

During his first three years with the Falcons, Ridley racked up more than 3,000 receiving yards and scored 26 touchdowns. But a battle with injuries and depression sidelined him for most of the 2021 campaign, and then he missed last season due to a gambling suspension.

Now Ridley starts this new phase of his career with an emerging star at quarterback in third-year man Trevor Lawrence. The two showed great chemistry throughout training camp and that carried over to their limited work in two preseason games. Playing together for less than a half in the finale, Lawrence connected with Ridley three times for 50 yards.

Meanwhile, the Colts have an inexperienced secondary that features a pair of rookies among the cornerbacks. Three of last year’s primary starters, including former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, are no longer with the team.

Running precise routes on the fast track of Lucas Oil Stadium, Ridley will emphatically announce that he’s back and better than ever.

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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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