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Best NFL Week 5 Props for Sunday: Julio Jones vs Antonio Brown

Bryan Thiel

by Bryan Thiel in NFL Football

Updated Apr 11, 2020 · 4:17 PM PDT

Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown has only recorded 29 receptions for 272 yards in 2018. Will he elevate his game playing against fellow star receiver Julio Jones? Photo by Keith Allison (Flickr) [CC License]
  • Week 5 in the NFL season is highlighted by Julio Jones and Antonio Brown squaring off
  • While the Ravens saw their red zone proficiency end, their defense is front and center in Week 5 props
  • Patrick Mahomes is still perfect…can it continue against Jacksonville?

While Julio Jones usage in the red zone continues to frustrate (his) fantasy owners, he’s still his dominant self.

Despite ranking ninth in receptions, Jones is tops in the league in yards. He’s also got the fourth-best average yards per catch among the top 20 receivers.

This week though, he goes up against the man opposing him in the ‘best wide receiver in the NFL’ conversation: Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown.

Their matchup is where we start the Week 5 props.

3 Props for Week 5 in the NFL

Prop #1: Julio Tops Antonio Brown in Receiving Yards

Who will have more receiving yards in Week 5? Odds
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons -145
Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers +105

There’s a premier matchup taking place at wide receiver between Julio Jones and Antonio Brown.

To this point in the year, Julio has gotten the better of AB. Through four weeks, Julio has more receiving yards in three of them. The two have split catches down the middle. Jones had more receptions in Weeks 1 and 4, while Brown took 2 and 3.

While the emergence of Calvin Ridley has hurt Julio’s (non-existent) red zone presence, it hasn’t hurt his volume. Jones’ 29 catches are 13 better than Moahmed Sanu for the team lead.

Brown, meanwhile, has seen more competition rise up amid a drama-filled season. JuJu Smith-Schuster actually leads the Steelers with 31 receptions, two more catches than AB. James Connor also has more receptions than Sanu (18 to 16).

Julio Jones
VS
Antonio Brown
10 REC / 169 YDS Week 1 9 REC / 93 YDS
5 REC / 64 YDS Week 2 9 REC / 67 YDS
5 REC / 96 YDS Week 3 6 REC / 50 YDS
9 REC / 173 YDS Week 4 5 REC / 162 YDS

Defensively, it looks like the Falcons hold the advantage, too. They boast a 70.7 coverage grade, per PFF, which is way ahead of the Steelers. Robert Alford is outpacing Joe Haden individually too, as Haden has given up seven of his eight catches over the last two weeks.

The Pick: Julio Jones (-145)

Prop #2: Will Patrick Mahomes Finally Throw an INT?

Will Patrick Mahomes throw his first INT of the season in Week 5? Odds
Yes -145
No +105

Oh Patrick Mahomes, is there nothing you can’t do?

Yea. Apparently throw interceptions. So much for this theory.

Mahomes has been flawless to this point so far in his first full NFL season. He has 14 touchdowns and zero picks.

But the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jalen Ramsey are licking their chops. The trash talk has already started between Ramsey and star receiver Tyreek Hill.

So can Sacksonville reign supreme?

While the Chiefs have a top ten offensive line, the Jaguars have a top five pass rush. Strength vs Strength, right?

Week Opponent KC Pass Block Rating per PFF
Week 1 @ Los Angeles Chargers 71.0
Week 2 @ Pittsburgh Steelers 82.5
Week 3 vs San Francisco 49ers 72.3
Week 4 @ Denver Broncos 76.0

Despite a 95.7 grade, per PFF, Eric Fisher is rated 69th among qualifying tackles in pass blocking efficiency. He’ll likely have to deal with Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue who thrive over top of the left tackle.

Malik Jackson will pose a massive challenge on the interior.

The Pick: Mahomes Throws his 1st INT in Week 5 (-145)

Prop #3: Ravens Allow Their 1st TD in the 2nd Half

Will the Ravens give up a second half TD in Week 5? Odds
Yes -200
No +150

The Ravens saw their red zone perfection end last week. Now they put another streak on the line. Amazingly, the Baltimore defense has yet to allow a second half touchdown this season.

They travel to Cleveland to take on the suddenly frisky Browns and Baker Mayfield. Since Mayfield took over under center, Cleveland has managed five second half touchdowns.

Seem impressive? It is. But the thing is, Tyrod Taylor led them to five second half touchdowns, too.

So…are the Browns just a second half team?

In a lot of instances they’ve had to be. Playing from behind will do that. They’ve trailed in the fourth quarter of all four games so far. There’s also no reason to think that will change against the Ravens.

Divisional games are always harder, no matter the opponent. Especially with a revitalized roster, the Browns give Baltimore a run for their money.

The Pick: Cleveland Scores a 2nd-Half TD Against Ravens in Week 5 (-200)

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