Tyler Boyd or Hayden Hurst: Who Benefits Most from Tee Higgins' Ankle Injury?

Tee Higgins prop bettors and fantasy owners may have been the most unhappy people on Sunday night, as the Cincinnati Bengals star played just 10 snaps in the team’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. 

Higgins, who came into the game questionable but was active and expected to play, said that he realized he “wasn’t ready” running a route early in the game. That led to him sitting the entire second half. 

If you suffered a bad beat on Higgins, I feel for you. However, there may be a way to target a new player in Week 6 for Cincy if Higgins ends up sitting out. 

Why not change our luck around? 

Tyler Boyd and Hayden Hurst figured to be the primary beneficiaries of Higgins’ absence, but it was Hurst who really took advantage against Baltimore. 

The problem when Higgins is out is that the Bengals don’t have as much talent to stretch the field, which leads to Joe Burrow settling for more underneath routes. Hurst ended up leading the team with 53 receiving yards, catching six of his seven targets in the game. 

Only Ja’Marr Chase (seven catches, 50 yards on 12 targets) saw more looks than Hurst. Boyd finished the game with just four targets, catching three of them for 32 yards. 

Hurst has filled in well for the Bengals after they lost tight end C.J. Uzomah in free agency this past offseason, and he’s actually tied with Higgins and Joe Mixon with 20 receptions on the season, good for second on the team. 

The veteran tight end also has five more targets and receptions than Boyd on the season, showing that he may be the guy to trust as an anytime touchdown scorer, or in receiving props in Week 6. 

Boyd does have more yards than Hurst on the season, but if you’re looking for consistent production, Hurst appears to have a higher ceiling, especially if Higgins misses time.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.