Minshew vs Bridgewater Props: Odds on Who Will Have More Passing Yards in Week 6
- Gardener Minshew is coming off a career-best 374-yard performance in Week 5
- Teddy Bridgewater is coming off a dominant performance in New Orleans’ 31-24 win over Tampa Bay in Week 5
- Read below as we analyze the head-to-head betting prop between the two pivots
Gardner Minshew II enjoyed a breakthrough performance in Jacksonville’s 34-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers last weekend. The rookie pivot now leads the Jaguars into their Week 6 clash with New Orleans pegged as a strong -175 favorite to outpace Saints pivot Teddy Bridgewater in passing yards in the NFL specials.
Minshew vs Bridgewater – Most Passing Yards Odds
| Player | Odds to Have More Passing Yards in Week 6 |
|---|---|
| Gardner Minshew | -175 |
| Teddy Bridgewater | +135 |
*Odds from 11/10/19
Minshew Embracing Starter’s Role
Pressed into service as the Jaguars’ starter after veteran Nick Foles was sidelined indefinitely by a shoulder injury in Week 1, Minshew has emerged as somewhat of a revelation in his first NFL campaign. Selected 178th overall in this year’s NFL Draft, the 23-year-old has guided Jacksonville to victory in two of his four starts to date, capped by last weekend’s 374-passing yard, two-touchdown performance in the team’s 34-27 loss to Carolina.
Most yards allowed by Carolina in 3 seasons. BRO. pic.twitter.com/MkOQxlooPL
— Jaguatever (@JagsPoolBoy) October 10, 2019
With Minshew under center, the Jaguars have climbed to No. 10 in the NFL in team passing yards, averaging 228.8 yards per game in the rookie’s four starts and 254.6 yards per game on the season.
Minshew’s breakthrough last weekend is all the more impressive, considering it came against a stingy Panthers pass defense that had surrendered more than 200 passing yards just once in their previous seven contests
Minshew’s breakthrough last weekend is all the more impressive, considering it came against a stingy Panthers pass defense that had surrendered more than 200 passing yards just once in their previous seven contests.
Jaguars Face Severe Test Against Saints Pass Defense
However, Minshew and the Jaguars can expect to face another tough test in Sunday’s Week 6 matchup with the Saints at TIAA Bank Field. The New Orleans pass defense proved effective last weekend against Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 31-24 win. After averaging over 380 yards per game and connecting on seven total scoring passes in Tampa Bay’s consecutive wins over the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams, Winston was limited to just 204 yards in Week 5 while getting sacked six times.
In #Saints win over Bucs:
2nd yr DE Marcus Davenport recorded 2 sacks, 2 solo tackles.
I talked with him after the game on if he's pleased with his progression…answer – "I don't like missing things so no, not really." @MarcusJD84 pic.twitter.com/4ux7a0D74K
— Brooke Kirchhofer (@brookechesney) October 7, 2019
That marked the second time this season that the Saints have tallied six sacks in a game, after getting to Houston Texans starter Deshaun Watson on six occasions in a 30-28 win in Week 1. The Saints defense also stood tall in a 12-10 win over Dallas in Week 4, limiting the Cowboys to just 257 total yards, and quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-low 223 passing yards.
Team Passing Stats in Minshew & Bridgewater Starts
| 228.8 | Passing Yards per Game | 242 |
| 266.8 | Passing Yards Allowed per Game | 301.7 |
Bridgewater Aims for Repeat of Week 5 Performance
While the Saints pass defense has proven that it is likely up to the task of containing Minshew as they vie for a fourth straight SU and ATS victory over the Jaguars, the question is whether Teddy Bridgewater will be able to come close to the 314 passing yards he racked up in last week’s win over the Buccaneers.
Teddy Throwsevelt! ?
Teddy Bridgewater is the first Saints QB not named Drew Brees with 4 pass TD in a game since 2003. pic.twitter.com/GusMY32cKK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 6, 2019
Bridgewater has shown steady improvement since taking over under center for injured Saints starter Drew Brees, and sits as an attractive +135 bet to top Minshew in passing yards on Sunday. The former Minnesota Vikings star struggled with serious injuries over the past three years, and had seen action as a starter just once since 2015 before taking over the reins this season. However, the 26-year-old has demonstrated veteran poise while guiding the Saints to wins in each of his three starts.
Kamara, Thomas Key to Bridgewater’s Success
Bridgewater has enjoyed the benefit of having Alvin Kamara in the backfield. The 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has averaged 118 total yards per game over the past three contests, including over 51 receiving yards per game. Concerns linger as to Kamara’s fitness for Sunday’s contest after the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year missed time at practice this week with an ankle injury.
11 catches. 182 yards. 2 TDs.
They just @Cantguardmike. ⚜ @Saints | #Saints pic.twitter.com/GLpmUNAQFW
— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2019
But regardless of Kamara’s status, expect Bridgewater to regularly target receiver Michael Thomas on Sunday. Last year’s NFL receptions leader is coming off a season-best 182-yard performance last weekend, and now leads the NFL with 543 receiving yards on the season.
Pick: Bridgewater (+135)
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
