2013 NFL Picks / Prop Bets
He’s claimed the receiving title in each of the last two years, by a wide margin, but there’s just no fun in backing Calvin Johnson (+300) to pull off the same feat a third year in a row. Many bettors disagree, as the appeal of backing a man who just broke Jerry Rice’s single-season receiving mark can be too much for some to resist.
For our purposes, that leaves value in the other names on the board, and that’s precisely where we’ll focus our attention. Here are five receivers that could steal the receiving crown from Detroit’s star wideout this season.
Odds courtesy of BetOnline.
Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys (+800)
When Dallas leaned heavily on their passing game in the latter half of the 2012 season, the biggest beneficiary was Bryant, who established himself as one of the elite receivers in the game. Over the final eight games of the regular season, Bryant caught 50 of the 72 balls thrown his way for 879 yards. With the Cowboys expected to continue to focus on their passing game this season, and Bryant’s off the field issues a thing of the past, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy appears poised to take his game to the next level.
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals (+800)
It was Green who was pegged as the man that would dethrone Calvin Johnson as the best receiver in football a year ago, but Megatron wasn’t quite ready to hand over his crown. Green did take a big step forward though, ranking in the top-10 in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, hauling in 97 balls for 1,350 yards. Green remains the focal point of the Bengal offense this season, and another offseason of work with quarterback Andy Dalton will only help the two continue to develop a rapport with one another.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons (+1200)
Jones has cut into Roddy White’s share of the targets in each of his first two years in the league, and with Jones slated to earn an even bigger share of the pie this season, he should put up his best numbers yet. The theory that all elite wide receivers enjoy their breakout season in their third year in the league has been proven to be incorrect, nevertheless, there are still plenty of reasons to like the prospect of a big season from the former Alabama product. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals (+1500)
It’s been disappointing having to watch Fitzgerald’s prime years go to waste in Arizona as he dealt with terrible quarterback play, but the Cardinals have finally provided him with a competent passer, and that should lead to Fitzgerald’s best season in recent memory. Carson Palmer isn’t the second coming of Kurt Warner by any means, but he’ll put the ball where it needs to be to allow Fitzgerald to use his trademark athleticism to make plays. Bruce Arians taking over as the team’s head coach is also good news for Fitzgerald, as Arians did a great job of helping to rejuvenate Reggie Wayne a year ago.
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs (+2000)
2012 was a disappointing year for Bowe, who took a step backward in production, but that can largely be attributed to poor quarterback play. New head coach Andy Reid gave Bowe a major vote of confidence as the team signed the wideout to a rich extension that will keep him under contract for another five years. Bowe will get to play with the best quarterback he’s ever been teamed up with in Alex Smith, and he’ll be the best wide receiver pass-happy Andy Reid has gotten to work with since Terrell Owens. How quickly Bowe can develop a rapport with Smith will determine his worth in 2013, but as a 20-to-1 underdog, Bowe offers significant value.
NFL regular season receiving yardage leader odds:
Calvin Johnson +300
Brandon Marshall +650
Dez Bryant +800
A.J. Green +800
Wes Welker +1200
Victor Cruz +1200
Julio Jones +1200
Danny Amendola +1200
Demaryius Thomas +1200
Anquan Boldin +1500
Randall Cobb +1500
Marques Colston +1500
Larry Fitzgerald +1500
Percy Harvin +1500
Vincent Jackson +1500
Roddy White +1500
DeSean Jackson +1800
Andre Johnson +1800
Miles Austin +2000
Dwayne Bowe +2000
Steve Smith +2000
