Week 9 player prop bets: Who steps up for the Lions' offense?

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We enjoyed another positive weekend in the player prop market last Sunday, going 3-2.

Here are some notable bets that should be on your radar in Week 9.

T.J. Hockenson over 43.5 receiving yards

The Lions' receiving corps won't have Kenny Golladay - who's either caught a touchdown pass or surpassed the 100-yard mark in the four games he's played this season. With quarterback Matthew Stafford on track for Sunday, who will step up in Golladay's absence?

We're going with Hockenson. The tight end has been getting more involved in the offense, seeing an increase in targets in each of the last four.

The spread and game script both play a factor here - Detroit is a sizable 'dog and should have success throwing on a depleted Vikings defense down a few starters in the back end.

Teddy Bridgewater's longest completion over 37.5 yards

Bettors know Bridgewater is a marvelous game manager when catching points, going 18-4 against the spread as an underdog.

However, can he afford to dink and dunk in a game where Patrick Mahomes is on the opposite sideline?

Carolina's been able to open up some shots down the field, ranking No. 8 in the league in explosive pass rate. The offense is going to need at least a couple of shots to stay in this game against the Chiefs.

Look for wide receivers Robby Anderson or D.J. Moore to get this one home.

Philip Rivers' longest completion over 38.5 yards

Remember all the flak Rivers took following his performance against the Browns in Week 6? Over the last two games, he's posted 636 yards and six touchdowns. He's also thrown for 8.76 and 9.77 air yards per attempt against the Bengals and Lions, respectively.

Rivers has a tough matchup in general against the Ravens, but he'll catch the secondary napping at least once. The Colts are No. 3 in explosive pass rate and pace the league in that category when playing at home this season.

Jonathan Taylor under 50.5 rushing yards

We'll slide down the Colts' roster to Taylor, who has his hands full in Week 9. The rookie running back's had an easy go of it lately, facing the No. 20, 21, and 25 DVOA rush defenses over the last three games.

The Ravens currently pace the league in that category, making Taylor an easy fade.

Noah Fant over 49.5 receiving yards

Fant was clutch in the Broncos' comeback win over the Chargers last week. The second-year tight end hauled in a season-high seven receptions for 47 yards.

Fant should see plenty of volume against a Falcons defense that allows the third-most yards per game in the league to tight ends. He's also been consistent with targets, seeing at least six in five of six contests this year.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.

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