Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The NFL Week 9 slate of games doesn’t include many interesting matchups (any?), but that doesn’t mean bettors should take the week off. However, they may want to focus on some of the many special player bets on offer. With bookmakers offering a couple hundred per match, bettors will have plenty to choose from.
But with 13 matches scheduled for Sunday, bookmakers will have more than a couple thousand markets to choose from. So where to start? Start with our list of the top 10 player bets for Week 9 of the NFL season.
NFL Week 9: Player Bets
Below are our top 10 player picks for Week 9 of the NFL season (Sunday games). They will not be in any particular order and odds will be provided through FanDuel unless otherwise noted. However, we suggest you compare the options and make sure you get the best odds for the bets you choose.
Alvin Kamara, O/U 67.5 rushing yards at -114/-114
Alvin Kamara, O/U 15.5 career attempts at -120/-110 (via DraftKings)
Kamara has averaged just 10 carries per game the last three weeks with Spencer Rattler at quarterback, but we expect that to change with the return of Derek Carr to face the Panthers. In the first four games of the season (with Carr at quarterback), Kamara had 15, 20, 26 and 19 carries.
To take the pressure off Carr as he returns from his injury, the Saints will give their talented running back plenty of playing opportunities. Against the league’s worst run defense (154.6 yards per game allowed; 171.3 yards per game allowed over his last three seasons), he’ll likely top 67.5 yards in the first half.
Our Picks: OVER 67.5 Rushing Yards and 15.5 Rushing Attempts
Bryce Young, O/U 18,5 pases completos a -135/+105
In Week 1, against the Saints, Young completed 13 passes (30 attempts). In Week 2, he completed 18 (26 attempts) and in his return to the starting lineup last week, he completed 24 of 37 passes. The Saints have allowed 22.4 passes per week and 20 in their previous three games.
Having beaten the Panthers once this season and hungry for another win, the Saints defense will take control in this game. They will make Young nervous from the beginning and will not give up.
Our pick: UNDER 18.5 completions for +105
Dak Prescott, O/U 37.5 Pass attempts at +100/-130
Dallas’ running game has been truly terrible this season, leaving the Cowboys with no choice but to throw a lot of passes. Prescott has attempted more than 37.5 passes in four of seven games this season and is averaging 37.4. Opponents are averaging 33.6 attempts per game against Atlanta this season and 39 attempts per game in the last three.
Once the Falcons build a comfortable lead in the first half, Mike McCarthy will drop out of the race in the second quarter. Dak could surpass 37.5 attempts before the fourth quarter.
Our pick: OVER 37.5 pass attempts for Dak Prescott.
Derrick Henry, O/U 18.5 Career Attempts at -114/-114
Derrick Henry, O/U 86.5 rushing yards at +104/-135
When the Ravens review game film from last week’s loss to the Browns, they will see a problem on offense that can easily be corrected. Henry didn’t touch the ball enough (11 carries), hence his lowest carry total since Week 1.
He has had between 15 and 24 attempts since Week 2 with over 18.5 from three (all wins in which he rushed for over 100 yards). Denver has a tough defense; teams have been averaging 26.5 yards per game this season against them for 106.4 yards per game (98 yards per game allowed in their last three). Jackson will take some of those carries, but after losing last week, they will try to get back to their bread and butter this week.
Our pick: OVER 18.5 attempts and 86.5 rushing yards
Kyren Williams, O/U 20.5 Career Attempts at -110/-120
Kyren Williams, O/U 91.5 rushing yards at -115/-115
The Rams have been leaning on their young running back in recent weeks, giving him the ball 22, 21 and 23 times, and he hasn’t disappointed, rushing for 102, 76 and 97 yards. Teams have averaged 30 rushing attempts (148.3 yards) against the Seahawks this season, 33 per game in the last three (182.3 yards per game allowed).
It would be foolish for Los Angeles not to feed Williams against a defense that struggles against the run.
Our Picks: OVER 20.5 carries and 91.5 yards (odds via DraftKings)
Khalil Shakir, O/U 4.5 Total Receptions at -128/-102
Khalil Shakir, O/U 51.5 receiving yards at -114/-114
Shakir has been Josh Allen’s go-to player the last two weeks with 16 receptions on 17 attempts for 107 and 65 yards. Allen had a relatively quiet day against the Dolphins when these teams played in Week 2 (13 of 19 attempts for 139 yards and a touchdown), but Shakir caught all five of his attempts for 54 yards.
Our picks: Take the OVER for both markets.
–Field level media
