Betting: Barkley’s Potential Big Day vs. Panthers

Pamela Maldonado breaks down her top stats that matters for Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season.

Video Transcript

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PAMELA MALDONADO: Happy week two of the NFL at "Yahoo Sportsbook." I am Pam Maldonado bringing you another look at Stats That Matter. In week one, I targeted Carolina Panthers vulnerability against the run, backing Nick Chubb player props that came in for the cash.

For week two, I am going back to the well and targeting that exact same vulnerability, but this time utilizing Giants running back in Saquon Barkley. The play, over 74 and 1/2 rushing yards. And though there is no line yet available, when the time comes and the line is released, sprinkling on Barkley to hit over 100 rushing yards.

Now you can look at Barkley's week one performance and consider it an unlikely feat to replicate. 164 total rushing yards against the Titans defense. 9 yards per rush. Why unlikely? Because 101 of those yards came on just 2 carries. On each long run, Barkley ran for at least 13 yards before contact. His other 16 carries, just under 4 yards per carry.

Now why I say a Barkley can, in fact, replicate is because he is facing a Panthers rushing defense. Last year, 26th in opponent rushing percentage, giving up 140 rushing yards to Dalvin Cook and another 143 to Ezekiel Elliott. And just last week, gave up 217 total rushing yards to the Browns. Nick Chubb accounting for 141 of those yards.

Now Barkley rushed for over 100 yards just once last season against the Bears, but did so four times back in 2019 to teams like Washington, Miami, Bills, and the Cowboys. The ability for Barkley is definitely there. He is healthy. It is week two.

Plus he has a very smart playcaller in Brian Daboll, who I believe will absolutely target this Panthers rushing defense. So the play, Saquon Barkley over 74 and half rushing yards. Bet $10 and win $100 when you wager on any event. Sign up a BetMGM.com/YahooSpecial. New customers only. Must be 21 or older.