Early NFL Player Props to Target for Week 2: Pacheco, Parkinson & More

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) carries the ball out of the backfield in the first quarter during a Week 17 NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

• Which Week 2 NFL player props should you target?
• I’ve got my eyes on Pacheco’s rushing yards vs Cincinnati, among others
• Below, see the best early NFL player props to target for Week 2

The 2024 NFL season started with a bang, and now it’s time to shift our attention to Week 2. NFL player props for Week 2 will soon be available at sportsbooks, and I’ve got my eye on several potential over/unders.

One of my favorite player props for Week 2 can be found in the Cincinnati vs Kansas City showdown, where I forecast Isiah Pacheco to have a big day on the ground against the Bengals’ struggling run defense. Elsewhere, Rams’ tight end Colby Parkinson lands a favorable matchup against Arizona.

Let’s dive further into the early NFL player props I’m targeting for Week 2.

NFL Week 2 Player Props to Target

Browse the top NFL betting apps for player props so you can lock in these bets as soon as they become available.

Isiah Pacheco Rushing Yards

One of my favorite Week 2 NFL Player Props is the “over” on the rushing total for Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco against Cincinnati. I’m expecting this betting line to open around 60-65 yards after Pacheco rushed for only 45 yards in the season opener against Baltimore.

Pacheco has had notable success against the Bengals in his young career. He’s rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns in two career games against Cincy. In those matchups, Pacheco has carried the ball 32 times, highlighting KC’s tendency to rely on him against a rival.

Isiah Pacheco refusing to go down ‼️

📺: #Kickoff2024 on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/7PwbG2WqSu

— NFL (@NFL) September 6, 2024

Stopping the run looks like it will be a major problem for the Bengals in 2024. Cincinnati allowed 170 rushing yards to the Patriots in a 16-10 Week 1 loss, with Rhamondre Stevenson rushing for 120 of those yards on 25 carries.

Pacheco clearly has the Bengals’ number so far in his short NFL career, and I project him to exploit this defense that gave up 5.3 yards per carry in Week 1. Look for the Chiefs’ offensive line to consistently move Cincinnati’s defenders and create running lanes for Pacheco to help him cash his prop over.

• NFL Prop Pick: Isiah Pacheco 65+ Rushing Yards

Colby Parkinson Receiving Yards

Another NFL player prop I’m keeping an eye on is the receiving yards total for Colby Parkinson. I’ll be hitting the “over” if it’s below 50, and will also be looking to sprinkle on the 25-year-old as an anytime TD scorer.

Parkinson recorded four receptions for 47 yards in Sunday’s season opener against Detroit, and he should be a focal point of LA’s offense going forward. The former Seattle Seahawk only conceded one target to backup Davis Allen, while former starter Tyler Higbee is still on the active/PUP list due to a knee injury.

I would be adding Colby Parkinson everywhere, especially the managers who miss out on Isaiah Likely. He saw 5 targets, including 3 for first downs. With Puka potentially missing time, he should see reliable volume from Stafford. pic.twitter.com/bJk98HkFfv

— Jack Lucenay (@JackLucenay) September 9, 2024

With Puka Nacua also suffering a knee injury, Parkinson should be in line for an expanded role moving forward in the Rams’ pass-heavy offense. He ran a team-high 42 routes at tight end and played on 87% of snaps in Week 1.

According to PFF, Parkinson has one of the best TE/DB matchups in Week 2 facing Jalen Thompson, who is graded just above 50%. Arizona gave up eight receiving touchdowns to tight ends one season ago, and I predict Parkinson will have a big night in his growing role with LA.

• NFL Prop Picks: Colby Parkinson 50+ Receiving Yards, Anytime TD

Adam Thielen Receiving Yards

The Carolina Panthers were the laughing stock of NFL Week 1, and there’s some betting value to be had heading into Week 2. I’m looking to fade Bryce Young’s top target Adam Thielen in a tough matchup against the Chargers’ defense.

Thielen caught three passes for 49 yards in Sunday’s 47-10 blowout loss to the Saints. While the veteran did lead the Panthers in receiving yards, most of that real estate came on a 32-yard reception in garbage time during the fourth quarter.

Despite the 37-point loss, Adam Thielen says Panthers “are not going to go back to last year.” pic.twitter.com/b6YUZv3qvM

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 8, 2024

Thielen will likely see plenty of cornerback Asante Samuel, who racked up five solo tackles in Week 1, although he missed a key one on Alexander Mattison that led to a TD. Still, I only expect this Chargers’ secondary to improve under new DC Jesse Minter as the season wears on.

Thielen’s receiving yards line should open in the 40-50 range, and I’m looking to bet the “under” here. Thielen is Young’s security blanket for short passes under new coach Dave Canales, but he’s only topped 50+ yards in one of his past five outings. I don’t see things drastically improving given Young’s struggles.

• NFL Prop Pick: Adam Thielen Under 45 Receiving Yards

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