Saints vs Raiders Props – MNF Best Team and Player Prop Bets for Week 2

• The New Orleans Saints clash with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football (Sept. 21st, 8:15 pm EST)
• Our MNF prop bets were 1-4 in Week 1 (-1.9 units)
• Read below for analysis and our favorite Monday Night Football prop bets

We ran like the sun in Week 1 ATS wagers, but our prop bets were ice cold. Juju Smith-Schuster to score was our only winner, but we have an excellent chance to rebound in Week 2.

That’s because the New Orleans Saints go marching into Las Vegas to face the Raiders without their top receiving weapon. Michael Thomas is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain, meaning New Orleans’ tight touch distribution is about to get even tighter.

#Saints coach Sean Payton, on the high-ankle sprain for WR Michael Thomas and his prognosis going forward: “I’m not going to discuss injuries."

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2020

The Saints have a favorable matchup on the ground and through the air versus the Raiders, and will be looking to improve on the dismal 4.1 yards per play they averaged in Week 1.

Saints vs Raiders Player Props

All Odds taken Sept. 20th at DraftKings

Even without Thomas, New Orleans is a healthy 5.5-point favorite in the Saints vs Raiders odds. Game script should be in their favor which should mean plenty of rushing attempts. Last week, New Orleans rushed 34 times and the distribution of carries may surprise you.

Prop #1: Latavius Murray Over 8.5 Rush Attempts & 29.5 Yards

Latavius Murray earned 15 carries in the victory over Tampa Bay and is set up for double-digit touches yet again. Las Vegas coughed up 130 rushing yards and two TD in Week 1 against Carolina, and ranked 20th in run defense DVOA in 2019.

One thing I havent seen anyone talk about all week: Did you know that Latavius Murray got 15 carries last week? Yes, he did very little with those carries (in a really tough matchup) but everyone expects Kamara to be the sole RB to benefit from Thomas absence. Go steal Murray now

— Fantasy Force (@FantasyForceFB) September 19, 2020

This is also a revenge game for Murray, who was drafted by the Raiders in 2013. Yes, Alvin Kamara will soak up most of the work, but the Saints have been adamant about wanting to keep him fresh. Murray will have plenty of opportunities to spell Kamara, and will be New Orleans’ go to choice when they want to run out the clock down the stretch.

Pick: Latavius Murray Over 8.5 rush attempts (+106), 1 unit, Over 29.5 rushing yards (-112), 1 unit

Prop #2: Darren Waller Over 4.5 Receptions

Darren Waller burst onto the scene in 2019 to lead the Raiders in targets (117), receptions (90) and receiving yards (1,145). He picked up right where he left off in Week 1, hauling in 6 of his 8 targets for 45 yards.

Highest target share in Week 1 (TEs):

Darren Waller – 27%
Logan Thomas – 27%
Hunter Henry – 24%
Mark Andrews – 24% pic.twitter.com/LMynNU65eQ

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 17, 2020

He commanded a team-high 27% target marketshare and with the Saints featuring two shut down corners (Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins) expect most of Carr’s attempts to go over the middle of the field. Wallers has caught 5 or more passes in 11 of 16 games with Carr and is set-up to be a target hog yet again.

Pick: Darren Waller Over 4.5 receptions (-104)

Saints vs Raiders Scoring Props

Prop #3: Cook Finds the Paint First

Murray isn’t the only former Raider on the Saints roster. Jared Cook spent 2017 and 2018 with the Raiders, enjoying the most productive season of his career in 2018. He joined New Orleans last season and has had a strong connection with Drew Brees ever since.

Here's another look at Jared Cook's jump ball TD. (via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/yO7KFO5p3M

— SaintsNOW (@SaintsNOW) November 17, 2019

He caught 9 touchdowns in 2019 and has recorded at least 50 yards or a TD in 12 straight games. He led the Saints in catches (5) and receiving yards (80) in Week 1, and drew the most air yards of any tight end in the league.

Another player who has a great chance to hit pay dirt is gadget specialist Taysom Hill. Sean Payton seems obsessed with making Hill a big part of the offense even if it means taking Brees off the field. Hill is especially live to score down near the goal line as both a runner and a receiver.

🚨TAYSOM HILL TD 🚨#HOUvsNO (via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/TYMNPbDUBl

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 10, 2019

He scored seven touchdowns last season, four of which came in Island games like on Monday. With Thomas sidelined, we can expect Hill’s snaps to drastically increase.

Picks: Cook to score 1st TD (+1000), 0.25 units, Hill to score anytime TD (+300), 1 unit