NFL

Will Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, or Israel Abanikanda Back Up Breece Hall?

Published

4 months ago

June 2, 2023

darragh

The New York Jets are all in on winning Super Bowl 58 in the 2023-2024 NFL season. After trading for star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets continued to invest in Rodgers to help revamp an offense that already had tremendous young talent. That includes a deep backfield filled with explosive playmakers.

We dive into the Jets’ running back depth chart and project who will back up starter Breece Hall in 2023.

New York Jets RB Depth Chart

Injuries are never something to celebrate, but it’s especially devastating to see a promising rookie suffer a setback that can alter their career. Hall, the top running back in the 2022 NFL Draft class, landed in New York at the top of Round 2 and quickly showed why many evaluators loved his all-around game. And before tearing his ACL in Week 7, Hall was the frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Hall wasn’t named the team’s starter until Week 6, but he had begun to separate from Michael Carter before then. Hall averaged an absurd 5.8 yards per carry, a mark that would’ve led the league if he had enough carries. In total, he had 99 touches for 681 yards and five touchdowns despite playing with Zach Wilson and Joe Flacco as his quarterbacks.

MORE: New York Jets — How Was Their Roster Built?

It’s hard to overstate just how explosive Hall is. He was third in the NFL in combined broken tackle rate and first in explosive run rate. His juke rate ranked first in the league and was third in total yards per touch.

Hall’s recovery will be a crucial part of who starts the 2023 season in the backfield and who serves as the primary backup. Hall said he’s “about 80%” healthy with three months left before the season opener, and head coach Robert Saleh expects him to be ready for Week 1.

Will Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, or Israel Abanikanda Be the Primary Backup?

The Jets have unique depth after investing a fourth-round pick in 2021 in Carter, a fifth-round pick in Israel Abanikanda in the 2023 NFL Draft, and adding Zonovan Knight and Travis Dye as undrafted free agents. Carter started 10 games last year but will be facing more competition this season.

Of the primary backups, it was Knight who was the most impressive player in 2022. Carter provided value on passing downs, contributing 288 yards on 41 catches, but his lack of explosiveness was exposed as more backs rotated in and produced better. Despite benefiting from a base or light front on 76% of carries, he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry.

MORE: NFL Offense Rankings in 2023

While offensive line injuries certainly affected the offense, Knight had no such issue producing despite the lack of blocking. He led the NFL in broken tackle rate by 5.1%, whereas Carter was 33rd in the league with a woeful 6.1% explosive run rate and an above-average 22.8% broken tackle rate.

Though Knight also averaged 3.5 yards per carry, he produced more of his yards than Carter did. His first three games — before the entire offense broke down — included totals of 69 yards, 90 yards, and 71 yards.

Between the two, Knight would certainly appear to have the upper hand. In the passing game, Knight also averaged more yards per reception than Carter, so it’s hard to find the value in playing the latter as much.

Abanikanda’s presence is a wild card for the unit. An explosive pure-runner who totaled 1,431 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns at Pitt in 2022, Abanikanda’s film is filled with examples of jaw-dropping speed and acceleration through running lanes. It was shocking to see him drop to the fifth round based on how well he’d fit into zone-rushing schemes.

The rookie is “ready to show” his teammates that he’s ready for a Year 1 role. Besides Hall, Abanikanda’s the fastest back in the room, so he can provide a spark for the offense on early downs before the Jets possibly favor the bigger builds of Carter or Knight. But unless Hall suffers a setback, Abanikanda is likely more of a role player than an immediate backup since Rodgers has leaned on veterans more than rookies as his career has progressed.

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NFL

Baker Mayfield Player Props, Betting Lines, Odds, and Picks for Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Published

10 mins ago

September 25, 2023

darragh

After playing for three teams the previous two seasons, has Baker Mayfield found a home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Check out his player props as he heads into tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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.

Baker Mayfield Week 3 Player Props

All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.

Passing Yards: 228.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
Pass Touchdowns: 1.5 (Over +154/Under -200)
Pass Completions: 21.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
Pass Attempts: 33.5 (Over -120/Under -110)
Interceptions: 0.5 (Over -125/Under -105)
Longest Completion: 34.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
Rushing Yards: 11.5 (Over -105/Under -125)
Pass/Rush Yards: 243.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
Anytime Touchdown Scorer: +500
First Touchdown Scorer: +2800

Mayfield Betting Trends and Stats

Mayfield is the first Tampa Bay quarterback to lead the Buccaneers to a 2-0 record with no interceptions since Shaun King in 2000.

Mayfield Best Bet

Mayfield is off to a terrific start with the Bucs, but how long can it last? In just two starts, he’s already matched his win total from last season — when he started 10 games.

The key for Mayfield has been his ability to eliminate turnovers. After having 78 giveaways over his first five seasons in the league (fourth most in the NFL over that span), Mayfield has not committed a turnover in either of the Buccaneers’ first two games this season.

MORE: Eagles vs. Buccaneers Player Prop Bets

He has been sacked just once in two games, and his completion percentage is up to 69.1%. In last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, Mayfield threw for 317 yards, his first 300-yard passing game in nearly two years (Week 5 in 2021 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers).

Will he be able to keep the good times rolling against the defending NFC champions? The Eagles’ defense has shown that it is susceptible to the pass. Philadelphia ranks 30th in pass defense, allowing 326 pass yards per game. Opponents are completing approximately two-thirds of their pass attempts against Philadelphia.

Mayfield has not won three straight starts since 2021, but win or lose, I’m expecting the former No. 1 overall pick to easily top the 228.5 total in passing yards.

Baker Mayfield’s Best Bet: Over 228.5 passing yards (-115 at DraftKings)

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NFL

What Time Is the NFL Game Tonight? Eagles vs. Buccaneers Channel, Live Stream Options for Monday Night Football in Week 3

Published

1 hour ago

September 25, 2023

darragh

Who’s ready for the second Monday Night Football doubleheader of the 2023 NFL season courtesy of ESPN? The Philadelphia Eagles head south to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first Monday night matchup.

As many predicted, the Eagles have gotten off to a 2-0 start. However, the Buccaneers have surprised many as they also enter Monday Night Football undefeated. Who will keep their streak alive tonight? Here’s the Monday Night Football start time, TV channel, and live stream options.

What Time Does the First Monday Night Football Game Start?

Is there another Monday Night Football doubleheader this week? For the second week in a row, ESPN airs two NFL games on Monday night, with the first kicking off at 7:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+.

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will head to Tampa Bay to handle commentating duties for tonight’s first NFL game. Here’s how to watch the Eagles and Buccaneers matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Start time
7:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ABC, ESPN+
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

While Philadelphia enters Week 3 with an unblemished record, the wins haven’t come as easy as they did in 2022. RB D’Andre Swift exploded for 175 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries after a disappointing season opener.

The Eagles get RB Kenneth Gainwell back but need some support in other areas. QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles passing offense continue to struggle to start the season.

Hurts hasn’t crossed the 200-yard passing mark yet in 2023. However, the Tampa Bay defense could be a matchup that allows Hurts to open things up. The Buccaneers defense has allowed 4.8 yards after the catch since Week 13 of 2022, tied for the second-worst in the league.

WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith should find plenty of room to run against the Buccaneers’ secondary. Smith has averaged 5.9 yards after the catch in the same span, tied for third-best.

MORE: NFL Standings

Not only is Tampa Bay allowing opposing WRs to find space after the catch, but they are also allowing a lot of touchdown receptions. Since 2022, the Buccaneers have allowed 32 receiving touchdowns, tied for the second-most in the NFL.

Brown has caught 11 during that time, tied for third-most, and Smith hauled in nine, tied for seventh. If there was a game for Philadelphia to put everything together offensively, it’s tonight.

2023 Monday Night Football Schedule

With the Eagles and Buccaneers kicking off the first of two Monday Night Football games tonight, what does the rest of the 2023 Monday Night schedule look like? With no doubleheaders for the foreseeable future, here’s the lineup for the rest of this season.

Week 4, Oct. 2

Seattle Seahawks at the New York Giants

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 5, Oct. 9

Green Bay Packers at the Las Vegas Raiders

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 6, Oct. 16

Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Chargers

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 7, Oct. 23

San Francisco 49ers at the Minnesota Vikings

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 8, Oct. 30

Las Vegas Raiders at the Detroit Lions

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 9, Nov. 6

Los Angeles Chargers at the New York Jets

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 10, Nov. 13

Denver Broncos at the Buffalo Bills

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 11, Nov. 20

Philadelphia Eagles at the Kansas City Chiefs

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 12, Nov. 27

Chicago Bears at the Minnesota Vikings

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 13, Dec. 4

Cincinnati Bengals at the Jacksonville Jaguars

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 14, Dec. 11

Tennessee Titans at the Miami Dolphins

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
Youtube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Green Bay Packers at the New York Giants

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ABC
Live stream options
ESPN+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 15, Dec. 18

Kansas City Chiefs at the New England Patriots

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

Week 16, Dec. 25

Baltimore Ravens at the San Francisco 49ers

Start time
8:15 p.m. ET
Channel
ESPN
Live stream options
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

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NFL

Same Game Parlay Picks and Predictions

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2023

darragh

The Philadelphia Eagles have a pair of one-possession wins, but it is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the better point differential to go along with their 2-0 start. Is there an upset brewing? There are many ways to attack this game, so let’s take a look at some same game parlay picks as a way to maximize our edge!

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

Spread
Eagles -5
Moneyline
Eagles -218, Buccaneers +180
Total
46

We here at Soppe HQ like to encourage responsible gaming, and in that vein, I’ll always offer you a trivia question off the top of these articles. Pose this question to a buddy you are watching the game with.

Answer correctly, and you pay for the SGP. Misfire and he/she is on the hook.

Trivia Question: How many players have more rushing touchdowns than Jalen Hurts since he entered the league in 2020? Bonus points if you can name at least three players on that list!

This is an interesting matchup that pits a dominant run game against a limited defense whose primary strength is stuffing the run. I’m of the belief that the Eagles, with extra time to prepare after playing on Thursday night, scheme up creative ways to attack through the air. Instead of going strength on strength with the Bucs, they trust their MVP candidate to exploit a weakness.

Did you know that WR1s have accounted for 45.8% of receiving yards against Tampa Bay this season? It’s a fact. They are struggling against the opponents’ top target, and that leads us to the question: Who is that player in Philadelphia?

AJ Brown on the Jalen Hurts sideline “incident”: “Sometimes emotions run high.. That doesn’t mean I’m beefing with Jalen. *laughs* And no, it was not about targets. I’m sure everybody thought that because he threw me the ball 3x in a row afterwards. But no, I was not over there… pic.twitter.com/BpaVAX5xBH

— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) September 21, 2023

You could argue that it’s DeVonta Smith (touchdown in both games this season, including a game-breaking 63-yarder last week), but I still side with size and label Brown as the WR1.

Brown has more targets this season than Smith. Sportsbooks have Brown projected to hold the edge in both receptions and receiving yards, so I’m not alone here.

MORE: Eagles vs. Buccaneers Player Prop Bets for Monday Night Football

On the other side, I’m not 100% sure the Buccaneers want to run the ball. Rachaad White offers more upside as a pass catcher than a between-the-tackles runner, and they have a pair of proven receivers more than capable of moving the ball down the field.

Not only is that their desire, but as a 5-6 point underdog against a top-10 run defense, the odds are good that the game script pushes them toward the passing game.

Mike Evans has lit up fantasy football scoreboards through two weeks, and that’s great. But it does offer us a nice buying spot in a strong matchup for Chris Godwin. The Nittany Lion has caught at least five passes in 17 straight games, and his aDOT is less than half of that of Evans’ since the beginning of last season.

That’s a role to fall in love with against an Eagles secondary that is banged up. Philadelphia is operating a bend-don’t-break defense these days, and while I expect that to lead them to a victory, it plays right into the hands of what Godwin does.

Godwin career when getting 5+ catches

Over 50 receiving yards: 90.9%
Over 60 receiving yards: 72.7%

Godwin career when getting 6+ catches

Over 50 receiving yards: 97.5%
Over 60 receiving yards: 92.5%

Trivia Answer: Six players have more rushing scores than Jalen Hurts since he entered the league in 2020 (Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Taylor, Nick Chubb, Dalvin Cook, and James Conner).

Conservative Same Game Parlay Pick: Eagles moneyline, A.J. Brown over 64.5 receiving yards, Chris Godwin 5+ catches, and Chris Godwin over 49.5 receiving yards

Odds: +425 (at DraftKings)

Aggressive Same Game Parlay Pick: Eagles alt line (-2.5), A.J. Brown over 94.5 receiving yards, and Chris Godwin over 59.5 receiving yards

Odds: +800 (at DraftKings)