NFL player props: Making the case for Keenum in Broncos-Browns
When the NFL scheduled tonight's Thursday Night Football matchup between the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, they probably weren't envisioning Case Keenum and D'Ernest Johnson vs. a hobbled Teddy Bridgewater. Like Mick Jagger said, you can't always get what you want. But, if you try sometimes, you might find two player props on BetMGM that are just what you need. Here's what I'm playing tonight:
Case Keenum over 18.5 pass completions
Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will miss Thursday night's game with injuries, as will starting quarterback Baker Mayfield. However, wide receiver Jarvis Landry was activated off injured reserve Thursday, which is a big boon for replacement QB Keenum and the Browns' passing game. Keenum is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league and is highly familiar with head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense. Stefanski was the quarterbacks coach in Minnesota in 2017 when Keenum went 11-3 as the starter, throwing for 19 or more completions in 12 of those 14 games. Mayfield, who wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire, hit this prop in five of six contests this season.
Brandon McManus over 1.5 field goals
It's not often that I bet on a kicker's player prop, but last night's full moon is giving me a wild hair. Also, this is a good spot for McManus, who has nailed this prop in four of six games. Denver ranks 28th in red-zone offense, scoring touchdowns just 45.5% of the time it makes it inside the opponent's 20-yard line. McManus is a 12-of-12 on field goals this season, including nine field goals beyond 31 yards.
Stats provided by teamrankings.com, Pro Football Reference, and nfl.com.
