Week 3 MNF Predictions: Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua Prop Bet Picks for Bengals-Rams 9/25/23
It looks like Joe Burrow will play on Monday Night Football despite re-injuring his calf in Week 2.
The Cincinnati Bengals are winless and desperately need to beat the Los Angeles Rams in order to keep pace in the tough AFC.
Cincinnati is a three-point favorite and listed at -165 on the moneyline, per BetMGM on September 25th. The Rams are the +140 underdogs after playing better than expected the first two weeks. The scoring total is listed at 45 points.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Rams Betting Prediction
Here are three prop bets to consider heading into the Bengals vs. Rams Monday Night Football Matchup.
Prop Bet Pick: Bengals QB Joe Burrow Over/Under 23.5 Pass Completions
Will the Bengals try to protect their star quarterback by running the ball more? I don’t think so.
If Burrow is good enough to play, there shouldn’t be any play-calling restrictions. But he will be less mobile than usual, which could mean a propensity for shorter passes.
Burrow has struggled the first two weeks but his accuracy is among the best in the NFL when he is right. I think the Bengals will put the ball in his hands, and their star quarterback will get to work against the Rams in a bounceback showing.
Prediction: Joe Burrow over 23.5 pass completions (-120)
Prop Bet Pick: Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford Over/Under 250.5 Passing Yards
Stafford is throwing the ball all around the yard, averaging 320.5 passing yards per game through the first two. I expect more of the same in this one.
He is the Rams’ best offensive player and coach Sean McVay knows the best chance at an upset is by letting Stafford sling the rock.
The Bengals have a good defense but a standout quarterback will be able to rack up the yardage when he is on. There is also the chance of the Rams being down in the fourth quarter, which will cause Los Angeles to get pass-heavy in order to play catch-up.
Prediction: Matthew Stafford over 250.5 Passing Yards (-115)
Prop Bet Pick: Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua Over/Under 72.5 Receiving Yards
It’s been a blazing start for the rookie fifth-round pick, as Nacua has 25 catches for 266 yards through two games.
It’s gotten the attention of the oddsmakers, who have slotted Nacua into an over/under usually reserved for perennial Pro Bowlers.
Will he live up to the hype once again? I’m a bit wary. The Bengals assuredly have watched the tape and realize how much damage he has done early on.
Without Cooper Kupp on the field, I think Cincinnati will aim to take away Nacua and force others to beat them downfield. I’ll bet on the regression hitting Nacua this week.
Prediction: Puka Nacua under 72.5 receiving yards (-115)