If there was a time to get in on C.J. Stroud, it might be tonight. Nico Collins (hamstring) makes his triumphant return in primetime. Tank Dell (back) should be active. Both may be on snap counts, but paired with Dalton Schultz, John Metchie, and Joe Mixon, this Texans offense might be as primed for big business as it has been in Weeks. They’ll need it if they have any hope of beating Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Lions in Houston tonight.
My colleague Sean Barnard writes a weekly Sunday Night Football prop bet column, and given that he and I evaluate the same markets, we’re both in on this C.J. Stroud prop for tonight.
If you’re looking for other bets I like for tonight, I wrote up a Jahmyr Gibbs prop I’m all over, as well.
But onto Stroud.
Best C.J. Stroud prop bets for Lions vs. Texans on Sunday Night Football
C.J. Stroud 100+ Passing Yards in Each Half (+200)
Sean brought this bet to my attention first, so I’ll quote his reason for backing it before I get to my analysis:
So far this season C.J. Stroud is averaging 237.7 passing yards per game. This comes following last season in which he led the entire NFL with 273.9 passing yards per game. Detroit ranks 21st in yards allowed and 29th in passing yards given up this season.
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Expect the Texans to air it out early and often. This is their most effective method of offensive attack and getting +200 odds for Stroud to throw for 100 yards in each half is great value. Buckle up for some offensive and expect Stroud to hold up his end of the bargain.
Given the statistical averages, it feels like a safe bet in a vacuum. But mix a little primetime magic into this, add in the expectation that this could turn into a shootout, and I truly believe Stroud can clear 100 passing yards in each half.
You can find this bet in the Player Specials tab of the SNF matchup on the DraftKings Sportsbook app, or just tap the the links to the odds in my headings in the body of this article:
Remember—just this morning, the Texans shuffled their offensive line personnel after Kenyon Green’s shoulder injury and being placed on Injured Reserve. Juice Scruggs will now start at left guard, and slotted in Jarrett Patterson at center. I’m choosing to believe this move by Demeco Ryans & co. will provide a marginal enough difference in Stroud’s time-to-pressure that he’ll be able to find Nico Collins for big gains in each half.
The Texans have been reliant on Joe Mixon in the backfield. But, other than Week 9, he’s had at least two receptions in each game. That’s been good for an average of 20+ yards, which will help chip away at this number. I expect Detroit’s run defense to smother.
Best bet: C.J. Stroud 100+ Passing Yards in Each Half (+200)
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