Josh Jacobs Could Have Sneaky Value in Receiving Yards Props in Week 6

As with any NFL prop bettor, I’m always on the hunt for betting value on players that don’t get the attention they deserve. Enter the Raiders’ running back Josh Jacobs. The running back, who's missed two games due to injury, has been getting some extra attention since his return to the roster. This goes double for the passing game and could make Jacobs a sneaky prop bet to go over in receptions and receiving yards.

Last weekend, Jacobs ran for 48 yards and a touchdown on 15 attempts. It was his 3rd rushing touchdown in as many games for Jacobs, who scored twice against Baltimore in Week 1.

Not only has Jacobs’ role expanded each week since his return, but he is being used as a legitimate receiving option for the first time this season. In fact, Jacobs has seen more targets over the last two weeks and any two week period of his career. 

Jacobs and the Raiders played the Bears and Chargers in the last two weeks, respectively. While they lost both games, Jacobs' use in the air can’t be overlooked. He was targeted five times in each game and, even better news, he caught nine of those 10 passes. His yardage total might not blow your socks off, with just 36 total yards on 9 catches. But 3.60 yards per target for a Raiders running back this season has me thinking ahead to his prop value this week against the Broncos. 

Josh Jacobs prop value vs Broncos in Week 6

The Raiders face off against the 3-2 Broncos at Mile High on Sunday afternoon and Jacobs has a real shot to cash some sleeper prop bets. While WynnBET Sportsbook has yet to put odds up for Jacobs yet, when they do, I think they will be something to target. 

First off, Jacobs has been a very strong receiving back throughout his career. While he doesn’t get used enough so it doesn’t much matter, his career 63 receptions for 446 yards is respectable at worst. He has a 75% catch rate and a YPC number of 7.1. This season, his catch rate is 83.3% which ranks him 31st in the league, tied with Cedrick Wilson of the Cowboys. 

Going back to his college years at Alabama, we can see that Jacobs contributed to the passing game there as well. In three seasons for the Crimson Tide, Jacobs caught 48 passes for 571 yards and 5 touchdowns. 

Coming back to this season, and more specifically this game, Jacobs has a good chance to beat the odds on his receiving props. I realize that the Broncos have a good passing defense, ranking 1st in opponent pass completion percentage and 6th best in passing yards allowed. But, in a way, I see this as a win. 

While we don’t know what the odds are exactly for Jacobs, they are not going to be very high. I am not expecting him to light up the game, but even a small contribution will likely be enough. The other advantage to Denver’s defense is that they will be focusing their attention elsewhere on other threats from the Raiders. I think Jacobs will get lost in the mix a few times and act as a safety blanket for when Carr gets into trouble. 

So, keep an eye on WynnBET’s props page and hit the OVER when Jacobs’ props get released.