Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons is known as the lion on defense, prowling from sideline to sideline mixed in with pressuring the opposing quarterback. That lion mentality has helped Parsons become a better leader on defense and for the entire team.

“Lions have to work as a team to get what they need, and so they can feed their families. I said, ‘If you look at this, this is what we are, bro, like we out here trying to hunt this guy, and we’re trying to kill these people so we can feed our families like that’s our why.

Feed our families like that’s our why. I said no matter if it’s nature or in life everyone has a why and like every week we get a chance to go out there and fight for ours,’” said Parsons.

Parsons embraced the “lion” nickname in his rookie season but had now adapted to the “lion mindset” to bring the best out of the teammates around him. On and off the field, he connects a lion’s precision and methodical ways to his life and uses those lessons to teach the team around him. 

The Dallas Cowboys’ Defensive Zoo of Chaos

Parsons knows the largest feline works together with its pride, just like he does with the zoo of playmakers he has around him. He’s even gone so far as to call DE Dante Fowler the team’s jaguar and NT Mazi Smith the orca. 

Along with that, he credits ten-year veteran DeMarcus Lawrence for helping him adapt and grow within the run defense while also helping him bring out a certain intensity, describing Lawrence as someone who is “a big one about the mindset of how we’re going to hunt and how we’re going to dominate.”

🦁🦁🦁 https://t.co/CDE4Dno5Cs

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) September 19, 2023

He also gave DT Osa Odighizuwa credit for showing that he can be a premiere defensive tackle.

“Once you start incorporating his power and showing people then bringing out his finesse, he’s been creating a lot of success. So I think he can be an eight to ten sack guy,” said Parsons.

Keeping Parsons’ Lion Pack in Check

Being a leader on a defense full of playmakers isn’t easy, especially when success has come early for the Cowboys’ defense. But Parsons makes an effort daily to keep those around him from not being satisfied with their current success, reminding them that there is always more out there and to stay grounded.

“We’re 2-0 because of execution and how we prepared. That’s why we’re touring now. We’re not 2-0 because anything else, so just remember what’s our process, where we at in our process, where we want to be at going into the game on Sunday.

When you have that confidence, confidence, and preparation meets the game, you see the results,” said Parsons.

Those results have certainly come on the field for Parsons and the Cowboys’ defense. Through two games, Parsons has 7 tackles and 3 sacks. The Cowboys defense as a whole has given up an average of 5 points per game, the best in the league. The next closest team? The Cleveland Browns, who are giving up an average of 14.5 points per game.

Parsons is taking his role seriously and has even transferred that lion mentality to the field. He said that’s how his new lion crawl after sacking a quarterback came to be in the first place after he was joking around with Dak Prescott and came up with it.

Just ridiculous, @MicahhParsons11 🦁

📺: #NYJvsDAL on CBS⁰📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/uZrWxO8lhX

— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023

With the Cowboys set to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 and the New England Patriots in Week 4 before gearing up for several tough conference opponents, Parsons will be looking to hone that lion mentality and keep his defense hungry for more success.

Tonight, we have a Thursday Night Football matchup between two NFC playoff teams from one year ago — the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

The star power is on the 49ers’ side, with Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. For this Thursday Night Football matchup, how should we be approaching Giants vs. 49ers player prop bets? We break those down for tonight and give you our favorite plays.

Our Betting Lines page has the freshest lines and promos to get BANG for your buck. PFN’s FREE Parlay Calculator and Betting Odds Calculator are also available for your betting process! New to sports betting? Check out our guide on How to Bet on the NFL. Visit our Sports Betting Legal Tracker on how to bet legally in the U.S.

Top Giants vs. 49ers Player Prop Bets to Target

Our team of betting experts give out their favorite player prop bets for Giants vs. 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless noted otherwise.

Daniel Jones Player Props

• Passing Yards: 214.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Pass Touchdowns: 1.5 (Over +175/Under -230)
• Pass Completions: 19.5 (Over -130/Under +100)
• Pass Attempts: 32.5 (Over -110/Under -120)
• Interceptions: 0.5 (Over -115/Under -115)

Daniel Jones’ first two games couldn’t have been more different. He threw for 104 scoreless yards against the Dallas Cowboys and 321 yards with two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. That makes figuring out his props quite a challenge.

The 49ers defense is definitely closer to the Cowboys than the Cardinals. I certainly wouldn’t take any Jones overs, but Matthew Stafford was able to throw for 307 yards against this defense. I worry that if we take any of his unders, he could garbage-time his way into hitting. As a result, I am passing.

Matt Breida Player Props

• Rushing Yards: 32.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Receiving Yards: 12.5 (Over -110/Under -120)
• Receptions: 2.5 (Over +135/Under -175)
• Longest Rush: 10.5 (Over -120/Under -110)
• Anytime Touchdown Scorer: +240
• First Touchdown Scorer: +1600

Matt Breida has exactly one game in a feature role since 2018. It was Week 18 of last season with the Giants resting starters … he saw four carries.

MORE: NFL Week 3 Odds and Betting Trends Against the Spread for Every Game

Breida will be the lead back, but this is an awful matchup. I’m expecting a bit of a timeshare with Gary Brightwell and possibly Eric Gray, too. Plus, even if I’m wrong, I can certainly envision Breida taking 10-12 carries and going nowhere with them.

Pick: Matt Breida under 32.5 rushing yards (-115)

Darren Waller Player Props

• Receiving Yards: 46.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Receptions: 4.5 (Over +124/Under -160)
• Longest Reception: 19.5 (Over -105/Under -125)
• Anytime Touchdown Scorer: +265
• First Touchdown Scorer: +2000

I am very nervous about Darren Waller and his hamstring playing on a short week. While it’s only been two weeks, just 6.3% of the receiving yards allowed by the 49ers have gone to tight ends.

With that said, Waller isn’t your typical tight end — he’s the Giants de facto WR1. This is another tricky situation where it’s under or bust. Given the performance of tight ends against the 49ers, I’m OK giving out a lean here.

Lean: Darren Waller longest reception under 19.5 (-125)

Brock Purdy Player Props

• Passing Yards: 230.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Pass Touchdowns: 1.5 (Over -120/Under -110)
• Pass Completions: 20.5 (Over +105/Under -135)
• Pass Attempts: 28.5 (Over -125/Under -105)
• Interceptions: 0.5 (Over +190/Under -250)

Brock Purdy’s multi-touchdown streak came to an end last week when the Los Angeles Rams held him scoreless through the air. I do think he will bounce back this week. The 49ers will likely score at least four touchdowns.

There’s always a risk Christian McCaffrey runs in three of them, but the Giants defense has looked like one of the worst in the league, getting smoked by Joshua Dobbs and the Cardinals last week.

Lean: Brock Purdy over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-120)

Christian McCaffrey Player Props

• Rushing Yards: 79.5 (Over -130/Under +100)
• Receiving Yards: 29.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Receptions: 3.5 (Over -175/Under +135)
• Longest Rush: 17.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Anytime Touchdown Scorer: -200
• First Touchdown Scorer: +320

It appears the 49ers did not care that they had a Thursday game coming up, as they played McCaffrey on 100% of the snaps last week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan might not have realized it at the time, but after the game, he insinuated that McCaffrey is probably out there too much.

On a short week, I’m expecting McCaffrey’s snap share to drop into the 70-80% range. He will still dominate, but Elijah Mitchell should not only see the field but see some actual carries.

The 49ers could completely dominate this game, leading to a ton of running opportunities. As a result, I am not confident enough to make this an official pick. But I do have a lean.

Lean: Christian McCaffrey under 17.5 rush attempts (-115 BetMGM)

Deebo Samuel Player Props

• Receiving Yards: 53.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
• Receptions: 4.5 (Over -125/Under -105)
• Longest Reception: 21.5 (Over -110/Under -120)
• Anytime Touchdown Scorer: +120
• First Touchdown Scorer: +650

2021 Samuel made an appearance last week. His receiving role did not change from Week 1, but he carried the ball five times for a very efficient 38 yards and a touchdown.

MORE: NFL Survivor Picks Week 3

It’s going to be very hit or miss for Samuel on a weekly basis in terms of his usage. However, with Brandon Aiyuk banged up, his role could be more stable this week.

Given that Shanahan wants to lighten McCaffrey’s load a bit, perhaps we see more of Samuel out of the backfield. Either way, I think he has a big game.

Lean: Deebo Samuel over 15.5 rushing yards (-110)

George Kittle Player Props

• Receiving Yards: 43.5 (Over -120/Under -110)
• Receptions: 3.5 (Over -150/Under +120)
• Longest Reception: 10.5 (Over -110/Under -120)
• Anytime Touchdown Scorer: +175
• First Touchdown Scorer: +900

Kittle is probably the best tight end in football. Unfortunately, we can’t win any bets based on his blocking prowess. From a receiving standpoint, while clearly super talented, he’s just a guy out there. The 49ers make no deliberate effort to get him the ball.

Kittle saw just three targets last week. That was after seeing six in the opener. He has six catches for 49 yards on the season.

There will inevitably be a couple of games where Kittle absolutely smashes. In those games, he will put up something like five catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Since we have no idea when those games are, rather than try and guess on a standard prop bet, let’s take a shot on long odds.

Longshot Play: George Kittle first touchdown (+1100 BetMGM)

Last week, the New York Giants avoided a disastrous 0-2 start to the season with a 21-point comeback against the Arizona Cardinals.

After an inspiring victory against perhaps the worst team in the league, however, they now have to play against the San Francisco 49ers on the road in a short week. A greater challenge, to say the least.

The Giants vs. 49ers is one of three NFL Week 3 matchups in which there is a double-digit point spread, as San Francisco is a heavy favorite in their home opener against a team without Saquon Barkley tonight.

The Giants vs. 49ers odds, however, have remained mostly the same all week. Let’s take a look at the rest of the betting lines and give out our Giants vs. 49ers predictions.

Our Betting Lines page has the freshest lines and promos to get BANG for your buck. PFN’s FREE Parlay Calculator and Betting Odds Calculator are also available for your betting process! New to sports betting? Check out our guide on How to Bet on the NFL. Visit our Sports Betting Legal Tracker on how to bet legally in the U.S.

New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers Betting Lines, Start Time, and More

All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless stated otherwise.

• Spread
  49ers -10
• Moneyline
  Giants +410, 49ers -550
• Over/Under
  44.5
• Game Time
  8:15 p.m. ET
• Location
  Levi’s Stadium
• How To Watch
  Amazon Prime Video

Giants vs. 49ers Predictions

Bearman: We know going into this matchup that San Francisco has one of the better defenses in the league, and the Giants had next to nothing on offense for the first six quarters of the season.

Now, Daniel Jones and Co. woke up in the second half vs. Arizona, but you have to wonder if that was more a bad team protecting a lead or if the Giants figured something out. Either way, they now play against the Niners without Barkley.

MORE: NFL Survivor Picks Week 3

San Francisco has scored 30 points in both of their games, so that scares me off the game total. As a result, I will play the Giants’ team total under.

Jones has rushed for 43 yards and 59 yards in the first two games this season. Without Barkley, there should be more designed running plays for him. I’ll go over his rushing total as well.

Picks: Giants team total under 16.5 (-108 at DraftKings), Daniel Jones over 38.5 rushing yards (-115 at DraftKings)

Blewis: The Giants had their biggest comeback in franchise history last week, but it was against the Cardinals. As impressive as the comeback was, trailing by 21 points to this Cardinals team in the first half is almost equally pathetic.

The 49ers, you could argue, look like the best team in the NFL right now. They’re 2-0 straight up and would be 2-0 ATS if not for Sean McVay’s inexplicable decision to play for the cover in the final seconds last week.

On a short week in which both teams are banged up offensively, I’m going to go with the under. This is also a huge mismatch between the Giants’ offensive line and the 49ers’ pass rush.

We saw how badly the Dallas Cowboys dominated the G-Men in Week 1, and the 49ers’ defensive line is almost as talented.

I also expect Kyle Shanahan to play this one a bit conservatively. He already admitted this week that they need to keep Christian McCaffrey fresh and get Elijah Mitchell more involved. What better opportunity than on a short week as double-digit favorites?

Pick: Under 44.5 (-108 at DraftKings)

Soppe: We know the 49ers boast an intimidating defense, and we know the Giants will be without Barkley, so how can we leverage that information into cashing a bet?

“Matchups make fights.” It may be cliché, but that doesn’t mean it’s inaccurate. Kenny Pickett ranked 21st in average depth of throw in Week 1 against the 49ers, and last week against San Fran, Matthew Stafford ranked 26th.

I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Jones currently ranks outside of the top 15 in average depth of throw this season, producing these aDOTs for his primary weapons:

• Jalin Hyatt: 30.0 yards
• Darius Slayton: 15.2
• Darren Waller: 8.9
• Sterling Shepard: 7.5
• Isaiah Hodgins: 7.5
• Parris Campbell: 4.1

Campbell has been on the field for roughly two-thirds of New York’s plays in each of the first two games, and with him being an option in the short passing game, he should see his fair share of looks.

He owns a career catch rate north of 66%, and with the Giants as a 10-point dog, it’s reasonable to assume they will be in a pass-heavy game script.

Given Campbell’s career catch rate and yards per catch, five targets (he saw six last week) is the number we need to get to for us to put ourselves in a good spot.

Pick: Parris Campbell over 28.5 rush + receiving yards (-115 at DraftKings)

Katz: This is a tricky one. It’s tough to make any calls on the 49ers’ pass catchers because it could be anyone’s game any given week. There are a few things I’m looking at here.

McCaffrey just saw a 100% snap share. That is going to come down on a short week. His rush attempts under 17.5 is interesting.

I’m also feeling a George Kittle game. However, that’s a hunch because there’s no evidence suggesting it.

MORE: NFL Week 3 Odds and Betting Trends Against the Spread for Every Game

What I’m targeting is the Giants’ running back situation. Matt Breida has exactly one game in a feature role since 2018. It was Week 18 of last season with the Giants resting starters … he saw four carries.

Breida will be the lead back, but this is an awful matchup. I’m expecting a bit of a timeshare with Gary Brightwell and possibly Eric Gray, too. Plus, even if I’m wrong, I can certainly envision Breida taking 10-12 carries and going nowhere with them.

Pick: Breida under 32.5 rushing yards (-115 at DraftKings)