During tonight’s Monday Night Football clash, which begins at 7:15 p.m. ET, either the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets will pick up their first win of the season. Both teams have been among the NFL’s most disappointing in the season’s early going, and only two other teams are still winless.
Both teams have some similarities: each is led by a highly-touted college prospect and early 2020’s draft pick at quarterback that experienced some success in his early NFL career but is under some pressure to prove himself this season, and each employs a dual-threat running back, in the Dolphins’ De’Von Achane and the Jets’ Breece Hall.
Miami is a 2.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total set to 44.5. Below, I’ve detailed my favorite prop bets centered around Achane.
Best De’Von Achane Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
De’Von Achane Anytime TD Scorer (-125)
In Achane, the Dolphins get a running back and a receiver in one. The third-year back leads the team in rushing yards and catches and is tied with Tyreek Hill for the most targets. His sure hands and elusiveness after the tackle make him a failsafe and his style contrasts perfectly with that of Hill, whose premier asset is his speed for deep targets. This season, Achane ranks ninth among 133 qualified receivers in yards after the catch per reception because Mike McDaniel’s quick slants and screens allow him to get in space by the time Tua Tagovailoa delivers him the ball. Even though rookie Ollie Gordon has taken more red zone carries than him so far, the overall volume discrepancy still gives him the best shot of finding the end zone.
To be fair, New York has been pretty solid at stopping opposing running backs so far this season. The Jets have allowed the 10th-fewest rushing yards to running backs on league-average efficiency and just three total touchdowns. They’ve been particularly stellar against dual-threat backs, holding Jaylen Warren, James Cook, and Bucky Irving — three running backs who typically get very involved in the passing game — to just 64 total receiving yards. Still, New York has missed the most tackles in the league despite playing just three games, so as long as Achane breaks a tackle, he should have no problem finding the end zone.
De’Von Achane 6+ Receptions (-116)
Fans should expect to see a lot of blitzes tonight: so far this season, Miami has blitzed at the league’s highest frequency, while the Jets rank fourth in that category. With deeper routes to Hill and Jaylen Waddle slower to materialize, Achane can either line up in the backfield and block capably for a moment before slipping out for a dump-off or set up in the slot against a blitzing safety. New York is particularly prone to giving up short completions, allowing the second-fewest yards before the catch in the league. The Jets’ strategy of preventing explosive plays over the top should work well for Achane, whose average depth of target has been negative in each of the last two seasons.
