Monday Night Football for NFL Week 3 on September 22 showcases a marquee matchup as the Ravens battle the Lions.
For my top NFL PrizePicks and Underdog plays, I’m spotlighting Rashod Bateman, Isaac TeSlaa, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Rashod Bateman
More Than 2.5 Receptions
The Ravens have surprisingly been passing more than rushing through the first two games of the season, and it has produced tremendous results as it has kept the ball in Lamar Jackson's hands a ton.
However, the uptick in passing volume presents an opportunity for contributors who are often overlooked to get involved.
While DeAndre Hopkins was brought over to be the No. 2 wide receiver, Rashod Bateman is actually second on the team in targets. Now, his eight targets pale in comparison to Zay Flowers' 20, but with Detroit struggling against the pass, and Flowers drawing attention, we should see the extra volume go to Bateman, who's now a veteran in the offensive system.
Back him to haul in at least three receptions tonight.
Isaac TeSlaa
More Than 14.5 Receiving Yards
Isaac TeSlaa made a name for himself in the preseason and has continued to grab the spotlight over the first two weeks of the season. While his role in the Lions offense is small, averaging just one target per game, he has made the most of them by hauling in two one-handed catches.
Yes, there are no style points in the NFL, but those types of big plays should earn him more opportunities as the Lions have been throwing the ball 58% of the time and should continue to do so against a Ravens defense that ranks 21st in receiving yards allowed to wide receivers.
We should see TeSlaa's role expand tonight, and this yardage square does not accurately represent that. He has the ability to surpass it with one reception, but it's likely he does more than that.
DeAndre Hopkins
More Than 18.5 Receiving Yards
I mentioned him above, and while his target share has been unexpectedly low, DeAndre Hopkins has proven he can make an impact in this Ravens offense. The veteran wide receiver is averaging 24.8 yards per reception as he's caught all four targets he's seen over the first two games of the year.
Much like we talked about above, the Ravens are apt to keep throwing the football at a higher rate tonight, and Hopkins is nearly guaranteed a handful of targets.
We've already seen market support for Hopkins, as I personally got this total at 16.5 on Sunday night. While it is rising rapidly, there is still plenty of value due to Hopkins' sure hands and big-play ability.
