Week 8 Monday Night Football Props (Patriots vs Bills)

• The New England Patriots visit the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football for Week 8
• Why New England kicker Stephen Gostkowski should have your attention in the prop market
• Which Bills will be key to Buffalo staying competitive with the high-flying Patriots?

Week 8’s Monday Night Football matchup features a divisional rivalry between the 5-2 New England Patriots and the 2-5 Buffalo Bills. We dig into the prop cards to find the three best bets for MNF.

Best Week 8 Monday Night Football Props

Prop #1: Julian Edelman To Have At Least 1 Receiving TD

*For more options please follow the link in the table. All odds taken on 10/27/18.

The Patriots are likely to be down, or limited with, some of their offensive weapons for their trip to Buffalo.

As of Saturday night RB Sony Michel (knee) was listed as doubtful, while TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle, back) and WR Josh Gordon (hamstring) were both questionable.

But someone who’s not on the injury report is WR Julian Edelman, who should be in line for high usage considering the injuries. Edelman has been targeted 24 times in his three games since returning from suspension.

How we feeeeeel #PatsWin pic.twitter.com/U3oG5eE5w0

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) October 21, 2018

In those games he has 16 catches and two touchdowns. The two TDs are tied for the most of any Patriots’ receiver and only behind RB James White’s six.

Edelman has caught a TD in each of the past two games and I expect that streak to continue on Monday night.

Pick: Julian Edelman To Have At Least 1 Receiving TD

Prop #2: Total New England Field Goals Over 1.5

Kicking in football isn’t sexy and fans generally want to cheer for big plays and touchdowns. But here’s why Stephen Gostkowski should be one of your favorite Patriots on Monday.

There’s little doubt the Pats should win this game, but don’t overlook the Bills’ stout defensive unit. The Bills own the league’s fourth-ranked defense in total YPG. Their run and pass units rank 16th and fourth respectively.

That pass defense will be especially important against the explosive Patriots and Tom Brady. The Bills are likely to find themselves behind in this game but a bend-but-don’t-break style could force New England into settling for field goals over TDs.

It was all business for #SG3 when the game was on the line Sunday night. @STEVEBURTONWBZ sits down with Stephen Gostkowski. pic.twitter.com/YO3tvWZbE3

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 19, 2018

The Bills allow the seventh-most field goals overall at 13, which in this case I view as a good thing for this prop. The Patriots coincidentally have kicked 13 field goals which is tied for ninth overall.

Those have all come from Stephen Gostkowski who is 13/14, having kicked multiple FGs three times this season and five in Week 6.

Pick: Total New England Field Goals Over 1.5

Prop #3: Kelvin Benjamin & Zay Jones Will Combine for At Least 80 Receiving Yards and 5 Receptions

The Bills were throttled 37-5 against the Colts last week in new QB Derek Anderson’s first start and could again be in for a long day. That said, I think I’ve found a betting angle for Bills’ fans to get behind.

Derek Anderson to Kelvin Benjamin pic.twitter.com/YIeqjgRVNx

— Bills QB Watch (@BillsQBwatch) October 22, 2018

Much like last week, Buffalo will likely be behind in this game, meaning Anderson will be forced to throw often. Add in the fact RB LeSean McCoy remains in concussion protocol and Buffalo may be forced to rely even more heavily on the passing game.

Benjamin and Jones are the Bills’ top two receivers in both targets and receiving yards. Jones leads the team with 19 receptions and Benjamin ranks third with 14.

This prop would’ve cashed easily by looking at last week’s stats, where the two combined for seven receptions and 98 yards. It would’ve missed by only two yards in Week 6.

Against a Patriots’ defense which ranks 25th in YPG, the two receivers should be able to cash this prop even if it comes down to garbage time in the fourth quarter.

Kelvin Benjamin vs Zay Jones Receptions & Yards

Pick: Kelvin Benjamin & Zay Jones Will Combine for At Least 80 Receiving Yards and 5 Receptions