The Panthers and Texans are scheduled to do battle on Thursday Night Football this week. Carolina will head to Houston for the matchup following their 26-7 beatdown of the Saints. There is a lot of value with player props in this game.
Make sure you read our in-depth Panthers vs. Texans betting preview as well.
Here are my top five NFL player props for Thursday Night Football.
Christian McCaffrey – First TD Scorer (+330)
The Carolina Panthers should control this game if they play as they did in week two. Davis Mills will start at quarterback for Houston, which won’t lead to points. I like the Panthers to score first in this game.
There is no better touchdown threat for the Panthers than Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey is the most explosive player in the game. He can catch and run for touchdowns, making him a double threat for this prop.
This is a risk, but +330 is generous considering how many touches McCaffrey gets for the Panthers.
Brandin Cooks – Anytime TD Scorer (+200)
The Texans’ offense will rely on Brandin Cooks for some big catches on Thursday. Mills will be throwing Cooks the ball, but he will still receive targets. In two games, Cooks has 14 catches on 21 targets.
Any receiver earning ten targets per game has a chance to score. I expect the Texans to take some early shots to Cooks down the field.
Brandin Cooks – Over 5.5 Receptions (+110)
There is tremendous value with this prop because Mills is earning the start at quarterback. Cooks is a playmaker and the primary target for the Texans. The Panthers are susceptible in the secondary, and Cooks is off to a hot start in 2021.
I would instead take Cooks to go over 5.5 receptions because of his explosiveness. He will find a way to get open, and Mills should be able to hit him in stride.
Davis Mills – Over 0.5 Interceptions (-215)
The odds are not great for this prop, but throw it in a parlay. If you are not hammering this prop, you are crazy. Mills, the third-round pick out of Stamford, is making his first start on Thursday. Most rookie quarterbacks struggle in their debut.
If Trevor Lawrence is any indication, Mills will turn the ball over once in this game. At -215, I would not put your house on this to win. However, I would include this gimmie in a parlay. The league will be shocked if Mills shines in this contest.
Sam Darnold – Over 262.5 Passing Yards (-115)
Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards last week against the Saints. The reason this total is low is that the Panthers are expected to run the ball. However, Matt Rhule is gaining trust in his quarterback.
This was evident following the team’s week two win. Darnold does not have to take shots to surpass this total. Many of his completions come to Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield. McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson can extend plays with their legs.
This gives Darnold a great chance to throw for 263 yards on Thursday night. If he does not, I will be shocked because Carolina relies on the short passing game with McCaffrey.
