Volpe’s NFL Showdown Plays – 9/18/23:
? Monday Night Showdown Game #1 – 9/18/23 ?
Saints @ Panthers | 8:20 PM EST
Saints -3 | Over/Under 40
The Saints came out on top against a tough opponent in the Titans last week. Derek Carr targeted Olave ten times and had a big pass play to Shaheed to seal the game. They struggled to run the ball against one of the best defensive fronts in football. The Panthers allowed Allgeier and Bijan to run all over them, so I am endorsing Jamaal Williams tonight.
The Panthers struggled to move the ball in the air against the Falcons’ defense. DJ Chark could return, but Marshawn Lattimore is lurking for the Saints. The Saints are a good run-stopping defense, which could bring more problems in Carolina. I do think Miles Sanders could have some positive results as a receiver.
⭐ Notable News ⭐
- Saints rank first against opposing tight ends, only allowing 7.4 PPG
- CB Jaycee Horn is OUT
- Saints held Derrick Henry to 63 yards in week 1
? Key Injuries ?
- NO: QUES: Kendre Miller (RB, Hamstring)
- CAR: OUT: Jaycee Horn (CB, Hamstring) | QUES: DJ Chark (WR, Hamstring), Taylor Moton (OT, Biceps)
?️ Weather ?️
- Carolina (Outdoors) | 72°F, 5% chance of rain, Wind 5-8 MPH
? Last Matchups ?
- 1/2/22: Panthers 22-14
- 9/25/22: Saints 18-10
? QB Matchups ?
- Saints Defense: Ranked 8th | 15.4 FP/G allowed to QBs
- Panthers Defense: Ranked 21st | 18.6 FP/G allowed to QBs
? RB Matchups ?
- Saints Defense: Ranked 11th | 21.5 FP/G allowed to RBs
- Panthers Defense: Ranked 14th | 22.4 FP/G allowed to RBs
? Core Players ?
- Olave, Williams
? More of ?
- Carr, Shaheed, Sanders
? Best Values ?
- Miller, Mingo, Johnson, Thielen
? Less of ?
- Hurst, Bryce
?Players that can win large GPPs ?
- Kendre Miller
- Jonathan Mingo
- Shenault
? Prediction ?
- Saints 24-18
The Panthers missing cornerback Jaycee Horn and their running game matching up against a tough run defense isn’t a great combination. In addition, rookie QB Bryce Young’s wide receivers aren’t great and will be dealing with Marshawn Lattimore.
GAME 2
? Monday Night Showdown Game #2 – 9/18/23 ?
Browns @ Steelers | 8:20 PM EST
Browns -2 | Over/Under 38.5
I feel strongly about the Browns in this one as it seems the Steelers are heading in the wrong direction. Although they are at home in a divisional matchup, their running game has been subpar and they are without leading receiver Diontae Johnson. The Browns could be without Amari Cooper, but they have other receiving options that can beat the very weak corners of the Steelers. They also have Nick Chubb and a solid defense that can win a game on their own.
⭐ Notable News ⭐
- Amari Cooper is ACTIVE
- The Browns Defense ranked 1st against opposing QBs last season and shut down Burrow in week one
? Key Injuries ?
- CLE: QUES: Amari Cooper (WR)
- PIT: OUT: Anthony MacFarland (RB, Knee), Diontae Johnson (WR, Hamstring) |QUES: Larry Ogunjobi (DT, Foot), Chukwuma Okorafor (OT, Concussion), James Daniels (G, Ankle)
?️ Weather ?️
- Pittsburgh (Outdoors) | 65°F, 5% chance of rain, Wind 5-8 MPH
? Last Matchups ?
- 9/22/22: Browns 29-17
- 1/3/22: Steelers 26-14
? QB Matchups ?
- Browns Defense: Ranked 1st | allowed 14.5 FP/G to QBs
- Steelers Defense: Ranked 19th | allowed 17.7 FP/G to QBs
? RB Matchups ?
- Browns Defense: Ranked 26th | allowed 27.1 FP/G to RBs
- Steelers Defense: Ranked 9th | allowed 20.8 FP/G to RBs
? Core Players ?
- Watson, Chubb
? More of ?
- Moore, Freiermuth, Warren, Austin
? Best Values ?
- Calvin Austin, Jerome Ford
? Less of ?
- Pickett, Harris
?Players that can win large GPPs ?
- Deeper Browns WR if Cooper is out: Marquise Goodwin, Charles Tillman, David Bell
? Prediction ?
- Browns 24-17
? Bets ? (+0.95 Units)
- Shaheed o3.5 receptions. 1 unit to win 1.35 units
- Chubb o81.5 rushing yards. 1.2 units to win 1 unit
