𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Primetime NFL games bring in the numbers — and the bets. In an attempt to boost gamer bankrolls, this only occasionally profitable bettor will attempt to stack greenbacks under the lights. As always, fade or follow — that’s up to you.

All bets are worth 1 unit plus the juice. Example: -115 equals 1.15 units wagered. Statistics in this article are via TruMedia, PFF, FFToday or PlayerProfiler unless otherwise stated.

How to watch Vikings at Chargers

• Venue: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, Calif.
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• TV (national): Prime Video
• Vikings (in market): FOX 9 KMSP-TV
• Chargers (in market): FOX 11 KTTV
• Streaming (local): Fubo (Stream Free Now)
• Watching in person? Get tickets on Stubhub

Quentin Johnston over 47.5 receiving yards

Looks can be deceiving.

On the surface, the Minnesota Vikings’ stingy secondary is one of the least forgiving defensive units in the NFL. Entering Week 8 action, it ranks No. 3 in defensive expected points added per dropback (EPA/DB), surrendering only 1.33 passing touchdowns per game and the fourth-fewest wide receiver yards in the league.

However, the wizard behind the curtain could soon be revealed. Cracks in the dam are visible on the back end of Brian Flores’ defense. Soon, the smoke and mirrors trick will be exposed. Thursday night, in a city known for its silver screen illusions, it’s only appropriate that a disclosure occurs.

Johnston is in the midst of a breakout season. Though a hamstring setback temporarily halted his ascension, he immediately reclaimed his premium WR2 status in his Week 7 return against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts undeniably trampled Justin Herbert and company in the game, but the former Horned Frog hopped up the ranks, collecting 30 yards and a touchdown.

With 83.4 half-PPR fantasy points tallied on the season, he’s WR10 overall entering the week. Examining his advanced data under the microscope, continued favorable fusions are in the forecast. Through six games, he’s top-20 in red-zone target share, air yards, yards after catch and deep-ball targets. Again, the lab report outlines a compelling case for steady success.

Minnesota’s weakest link on pass defense is unequivocally Byron Murphy — Johnston’s projected primary assignment. The beatable corner has allowed the eighth-highest passer rating (143.5) among qualifying defensive backs, yielding three touchdowns and a 78.9 catch percentage to his assignments. Titillating.

With six teams on a one-week siesta — the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks — bye-mageddon thoughts have already tied fantasy managers into knots. Any kind of serviceable production will be welcomed.

Under the lights, Johnston delivers for all gaming audiences. No sleight of hand required.

Season props record: 4-3, +0.62 units

Single-game parlay

Carson Wentz over 10.5 rushing yards
Justin Jefferson 50+ receiving yards

+130 odds

Wentz: Spin those wheels, Wentz. The redheaded runner should call his own number at least three to four times on Thursday. The Los Angeles Chargers only dial up pocket pressure on 17.6 percent of opponent dropbacks, but several advantageous quarterbacks have scurried to sizable ground gains against them. In fact, five totaled at least 20 rushing yards versus the Chargers this year — Geno Smith was one of them. Most promising, only the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants have yielded more rushing yards to quarterbacks. Wentz, who’s scrambled for at least 12 rushing yards in three consecutive games, consumes enough hashmarks with his legs.

Jefferson: Wentz getting another start is a major plus for Jefferson. In primetime, the decorated wide receiver’s bling is bound to sparkle. The Chargers’ No. 12 standing in defensive EPA/DB is a fallacy. Nine wide receivers have collected at least 50 receiving yards against them. The two-time All-Pro is scheduled to lock horns most often with Donte Jackson, a defensive back who checks in at a modest No. 38 in pass coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Most convincing, Jackson’s 15.6 average depth of target allowed suggests Wentz will uncork at least a time or three to his most explosive playmaker. Averaging 8.67 targets per game while slotting top-15 among WRs in air yards (640), yards after catch (208) and yards per route run (2.42), Jefferson is likely to be dyno-mite. For the sixth time this season, he should easily cross the 50-yard mark.

Season parlay record: 2-5, -2.75 units

Expert picks

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