NFL 'TNF' player prop: Setting back quarterbacking

If the Thursday night Chargers-Raiders matchup has you expecting to see a passing duel between Justin Herbert and Jimmy Garoppolo, you’re going to be disappointed — but at least you’re not as out of touch as those who assume the game takes place in either San Diego or Oakland. Although this storied AFC West rivalry lacks juice with a pair of 5-8 teams that now call Los Angeles and Las Vegas home, the inexperienced passers leading them are a good bet to deliver our top prop:

The bet: Over 1½ combined interceptions for quarterbacks Easton Stick and Aidan O’Connell (BetMGM)

Despite having a name that sounds like slang for a baseball bat, Stick hasn’t yet hit as a pro. The North Dakota State product attempted just one regular-season pass in five years before last week’s relief appearance, and now his first start comes on the road because Herbert has been shelved by a broken finger. When he played in the preseason, Stick threw twice as many interceptions (8) as touchdown passes (4).

A fourth-round pick out of Purdue, O’Connell will be making his seventh NFL start. He has already thrown that many interceptions since replacing an ineffective Garoppolo, with his nadir being a three-pick performance in a loss to the Dolphins. Amid swirling rumors that his hold on the position is tenuous, the rookie seems likely to press.

Making matters worse — or better for interception backers — is the fact that each quarterback could be without his Pro Bowl receiver. The Chargers’ Keenan Allen has already been ruled out with a heel injury, and the Raiders’ Davante Adams is listed as questionable due to illness.

With playmakers on both offenses in doubt and either QB liable to throw multiple picks, there are several paths to an easy win.