Week 8 player prop bets: Can Steelers contain Hollywood Brown?

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Happy Week 8, folks. Who's ready to crush some player props on this lovely Halloween weekend?

Here's what we're rolling with Sunday.

Marquise Brown's longest reception over 21.5 yards and over 56.5 receiving yards

The Steelers are at or near the top of numerous defensive categories, but we're starting to see some cracks in the armor - namely, a secondary that's No. 25 in the NFL in explosive pass rate. Enter the man they call "Hollywood" Brown.

The Ravens' second-year receiver has been a splash-play machine this season, recording a catch of 20-plus yards in five of six games. Volume hasn't been an issue, either, as Brown's seen at least six targets in each contest.

Lamar Jackson might be wise to make Brown his primary target in the passing game Sunday. The Steelers allow the fifth-most fantasy points to outside receivers, where Brown's lined up for over 83% of his offensive snaps in 2020.

Preston Williams under 36.5 receiving yards

This is a terrible matchup for Williams, no matter how you slice it.

Defensive backs are pressing Williams at the second-highest rate among wide receivers. The result: just 1.7 yards of separation - the worst clip in the league among qualified pass-catchers.

Secondly, the Rams rank No. 11 in DVOA pass defense. The Dolphins haven't drawn a secondary yet this season that currently ranks better than 13th (49ers). To call their strength of schedule a cakewalk would be an understatement: The 'Fins have played DVOA pass defenses that currently rank 32nd (Jaguars), 30th (Seahawks), 28th (Jets), 23rd (Patriots), and 18th (Bills).

Sam Darnold over 10.5 rushing yards

The Jets are three-touchdown underdogs to the Chiefs, so Darnold should find himself in plenty of passing situations. However, it's his rushing prop that piques my interest.

The third-year quarterback didn't record a rushing stat last weekend against the Bills, but he combined for 104 yards on 11 attempts in his previous two games.

The Jets are also down two of their top receiving options in Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder. I wouldn't count on an inexperienced supporting cast to get open against Kansas City's No. 5 DVOA pass defense. Darnold should have to flee the pocket at times, and when he does, he should find some success against a D that allows the sixth-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks.

Jamaal Williams over 66.5 rushing yards

Williams will get an increased role in the Packers' offense for the second straight week with running back Aaron Jones still out with a calf injury. Williams stuffed the stat sheet against the Texans in Week 7, totaling 77 yards on the ground. He should run it back this Sunday against the Vikings.

Although Minnesota is No. 2 in explosive rush rate, Williams has left some on the table. He's posting 0.63 rushing yards over expected per attempt, which ranks 10th among qualified running backs.

He should feast in a game that has shootout written all over it.

(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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