Thursday Night Football has produced some bangers so far this season and Week 8 looks like it could be yet another one. The Minnesota Vikings travel to sunny Los Angeles for a battle against the Chargers, putting Justin Jefferson on tap for a matchup that could see plenty of points scored. If these offenses get rolling, what’s the outlook for the NFL’s top wideout?
Here are the best Justin Jefferson prop bets to consider on DraftKings Sportsbook for Vikings vs. Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.
Best Justin Jefferson prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Justin Jefferson faces plenty of challenges this year… he sees double coverage on a regular basis thanks to his reputation and has also dealt with questionable quarterback play from J.J. McCarthy, though Carson Wentz looks like a competent game manager when in action. The Vikings’ offense hasn’t quite posted the same numbers as last year, but through just six games, its top receiver has hauled in 34 receptions for 528 yards. His one touchdown may not impress, but Jefferson remains the clear-cut best talent at his position in the sport.
In Week 8, he takes that talent to Los Angeles against a somewhat imposing matchup. The Chargers rank ninth in passing yards allowed and are tied for fourth with just seven passing touchdowns conceded, but the team also falls 13th in defensive EPA/pass with a neutral score of zero in the stat. With the Chargers a very solid team that can put up points in a hurry, game script projects as a neutral affair for the Vikings but could also get out of hand in a hurry if Brian Flores’ blitz packages don’t bother opposing quarterback Justin Herbert.
Looking toward Jefferson’s prop bet lines, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the star receiver at 5.5 catches and 81.5 receiving yards with a longest reception of 26.5 yards. He also holds +145 odds of scoring an anytime touchdown.
Wentz once again starts at quarterback for the Vikings, marking a significant boost for Jefferson’s outlook. In five games with the veteran under center, the wide receiver averages 9.75 targets with 6.75 catches and 100.75 yards. He’s tallied at least five receptions and 75 receiving yards in all four games, and he also has two contests with seven or more catches for 123 or more yards. Plus, they’re connecting on deep balls with a longest reception of 29 or more yards in all four of those appearances. Jefferson’s floor appears quite safe with Wentz, while the ceiling seems high as ever despite a lack of touchdowns.
While his yardage total may come up short of the over/under, Jefferson should at least flirt with the line of 81.5 yards. However, a volume-based prop bet feels much better due to the target share of 28.73% the wideout sees and the consistent hands he displays week in and week out. Bettors should feel comfortable taking Jefferson to record over 5.5 catches at -134 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, but an alt line of 7+ receptions brings better value at +137 with about a coin flip’s chance to hit, if not slightly better. The Vikings’ best weapon is among the NFL’s elite and his quarterback treats him as such, so expect Jefferson to be the focus of the offense in a close game on Thursday Night Football.
