NFL Week 5 Player Props: Pick for Richie James in Giants vs Packers

Richie James Longest Reception

The Giants' list of injured receivers reads longer than a CVS receipt. With upwards of five pass-catchers unavailable for Sunday, it's forced the likes of Richie James, David Sills and Darius Slayton into action.

The emergence of James has been a welcomed (if not necessary) occurrence for Big Blue. Having served as a return specialist during his first three seasons in the league, James leads Giants receivers in targets (excluding Sterling Shepard, who is out for the season)) and yards this season.

That being said, I’m seeing plenty of value on the under of James’ longest reception prop.

First, James has stayed under this line in each of the first 4 games. His longest reception has only gone for 16 yards, and his average depth of target (aDOT) is only 8.9 yards.

The Giants offense, predicated on getting the run game going, has been anemic through the air. Daniel Jones’ 6.4 yards per target is last in the NFL amongst qualified QBs. And now, coming off an ankle injury, I expect New York’s passing game to be predicated on short, quick throws.

James, who has yet to see a target travel at least 18 air yards this season, might have to deal with Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander in coverage. The Packers also rank ninth in QB pressure percentage (26.9%) and have the 2nd lowest defensive aDOT (6.1 yards).

The speedy receiver is coming off his own ankle injury that hindered him in practice this week. Facing a tough secondary and playing in a run-heavy offensive attack, I expect James to be kept at bay.