Monday Night Football picks: Falcons at Eagles

Prime-time NFL games bring in the numbers — and the bets. In an attempt to boost gamer bankrolls, this only occasionally profitable bettor will attempt to stack greenbacks under the lights. As always, fade or follow — that’s up to you.

Prop Play: DeVonta Smith OVER 23.5 yards longest reception vs. Falcons (-115, CAESARS)

Soft-tissue issues remain undefeated. The latest victim of an uncomfortable hamstring pull is Smith’s tag-team partner A.J. Brown, who is out for Monday night’s game.

Brown’s absence increases the Slim Reaper’s downfield potential.

Against the Packers in Brazil last week, Smith was targeted eight times and caught seven passes for 84 yards. Most importantly, his longest reception stretched for 25 yards. Also, his 51 yards after the catch and 13 total route runs raised eyebrows.

Primarily lining up in the slot, Smith is slated to most often exchange pleasantries with Atlanta's Dee Alford, a cornerback who has conceded a 67.0% catch rate in his career. With Brown sidelined, look for Jalen Hurts to launch a bomb or three to Smith outside the numbers. Keep in mind: George Pickens logged a 40-yard reception against the Falcons in Week 1.

Prop season record: 3-3 -0.10 units

SGP: Eagles ML, Saquon Barkley 2+ receptions, Bijan Robinson 4+ recs (+163, Caesars)

Eagles ML. On both sides of the ball, Philadelphia and Atlanta were complete opposites in their respective opening acts. It’s a one-game sample size, but the EPA establishments set could be the courses both take. Entering Week 2, the Eagles ranked 13th and 25th, respectively, in per play offense and defense. Meanwhile, Atlanta checked in at No. 30 and No. 10 in each category. With the Duracells flying in Philly, Nick Sirianni’s squad should take care of business against a visiting Atlanta team with major Kirk Cousins questions.

Saquon Barkley 2+ receptions. In fantasy leagues last week, the Barkley buzzsaw sliced and diced anyone who unfortunately crossed its path. His TD hat trick and handsome 5.1 yards per touch also promptly silenced silly Giants fans who somehow believed he was washed. An undeniable workhorse in the Eagles’ season opener, he earned 92.9% of the team’s opportunity share, inflicting damage as a runner and receiver. Speaking to the latter, he registered 21 total routes and hauled in both of his looks from Hurts. The Falcons defended the flat stiffly in Week 1, holding Pittsburgh's Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to a combined three receptions for 22 yards. Yes, the Falcons posted Week 1’s fourth-lowest pocket pressure percentage (13.8), but bank on Barkley to grab a couple easy throws.

Bijan Robinson 4+ receptions. Cousins looks like he's planting on spongy ground. His awkward foot anchors have raised questions about his true health. Though he claims he’s fine, short-yardage dump-offs to his sure-handed RB could continue. The sought-after fantasy pick was a PPR machine against Pittsburgh last week. Robinson participated as a pass catcher on 80.8% of snaps played, earning 21.7% of the team’s target share. He also totaled 2.05 yards per route run and posted a flawless 5-for-5 in targets-to-catches. For those who suffered through his inexcusable misusage last year, his 88.5% Week 1 opportunity share was liberating. In what could be a lopsided affair for the Falcons, expect Bijan to ball out as a receiver. In Brazil, Philly surrendered four receptions for 22 yards to Green Bay running backs. Robinson alone replicates those numbers.

SGP season record: 1-4, -2.85 units

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