Zaire Franklin Player Props: Expert Bet for Colts vs Cowboys

Zaire Franklin Tackles and Assists

Franklin not only leads the Colts with 121 combined tackles this season, but he's also second in the NFL, trailing only Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (122). Franklin has reached double-digit tackles in seven of his 12 games this season.

The Colts zone-heavy defensive scheme has afforded Franklin plenty of tackle opportunities. Shaquille Leonard, who is sidelined with a back injury, was a direct beneficiary before Franklin, compiling 9.3 combined tackles per game over his first four seasons.

Without Leonard, Franklin serves as one of the Colts primary box linebackers, playing alongside Bobby Okereke. The Syracuse product almost never comes off the field and has played all but three defensive snaps this season.

With the Colts struggling to find their footing offensively, I expect Franklin and Indianapolis’ defensive unit to remain on the field for the majority of the game against the Cowboys.

Offensively, Dallas will look to establish its run game with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. That should open up a good amount of tackling opportunities for Franklin.

Since Jeff Saturday took the reigns as Colts interim coach, Franklin is three-for-three to the over on this line, compiling 34 combined tackles. I have him projected at another 11 tonight.