NFL Week 3 'TNF' player prop: Rhymes with taller and baller

By rallying from a 21-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Cardinals on Sunday, the Giants avoided falling two games behind the three other teams in their division. But up next is an even tougher road test against the 49ers, and the team will be without the services of running back Saquon Barkley. With more playmaking responsibility resting on the throwing shoulder of Daniel Jones, we’re backing his new favorite target for our top prop:

The bet: Over 4½ receptions for Giants tight end Darren Waller (DraftKings)

Acquired via an offseason trade with the Raiders, Waller has become the focal point of the passing attack under second-year coach Brian Daboll. That fact was made clear on the only preseason drive for New York’s starting offense, as he saw four throws and caught three of them for 30 yards.

Waller was limited by hamstring tightness and a lopsided score in the opener, playing just five second-half snaps of the 40-0 beatdown administered by the Cowboys. But he was on the field for 90% of the offensive plays in Week 2 and led all Giants with eight targets. Surging in the comeback, he had six receptions for 76 yards when it was complete.

Although the 49ers have largely contained tight ends, Waller’s combination of size and speed makes him a matchup problem for any defense. He often flexes out and gets deployed more like a wide receiver. In a game where the Giants figure to be playing from behind once again, Jones should frequently be looking Waller’s way.