NFL Week 8 player props: Running backs under the microscope

You can't turn profitable until you get over .500. A 7-3 Week 7 that brings us one game better than par for the season is a welcome sight as sample size accumulates, with the hope that the cream rises to the top.

Cooper Kupp: Over 84.5 receiving yards

Matthew Stafford's numbers against man coverage haven't been great this campaign. However, the quarterback has only had Cooper Kupp available for three games, and one of those was last week when he was under fire from the Steelers' front. The Cowboys are among those who play the most man-to-man in the NFL, so Kupp's pristine routes should be more effective in a contest that the betting market expects Los Angeles to trail in. With Kupp's total under 90 yards for the first time since his season debut, look for the receiver to get his Comeback Player of the Year-calibre season cooking again.

Ezekiel Elliott: Under 28.5 rushing yards

Ezekiel Elliott is averaging 32 yards per contest this season. However, he had an outlier 16-carry, 80-yard game that came when the Patriots had a rare lead that needed salting away, so his median yardage is 29, which is in line with his total. But Elliott's place in the game plan versus the Dolphins might look like the first matchup when he had only five carries for 13 yards. That's closer to the less than 3 yards per carry he averaged in three of his last four games.

Desmond Ridder: Over 10.5 rushing yards

Last week's Bijan Robinson fantasy football fiasco acts as a reminder for bettors that the under is also an option. After a rocking chair winner for us fading Robinson, we'll look at the Falcons' quarterback to do some running.

The Titans have faced a handful of statuesque QBs this season, but even Derek Carr and a hobbled Joe Burrow took off running a few times. Mobile quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson ran for 63 and 16 yards against Tennessee, respectively. Desmond Ridder has recorded at least four carries or 10-plus yards in four of his last six games. The opportunity should be there whether or not he fumbles at the goal line.

Jordan Addison: Under 58.5 receiving yards

The Vikings took advantage of in-breaking routes and a 49ers' secondary to win last Monday. Jordan Addison also wrestled a ball away from Charvarius Ward for 60 of his 123 yards. Replicating that six days later will be tough now that the rookie is the focal point for the Packers' defense and top cornerback Jaire Alexander. It'll be especially difficult considering this is the highest yardage total of Addison's young career.

Jalen Hurts: Over 249.5 passing yards

Does Jalen Hurts going over his passing yardage total in five straight games signal a shift in the Eagles' confidence in their quarterback? With 30 or more attempts in all but one contest this year - something he did in about half his games last season - the answer might be yes.

The Commanders have allowed 7.4 yards per attempt this campaign (fourth most). That equates to a 30-attempt day producing 222 yards, while just an average effort would result in 258 yards. In what's been a competitive matchup, Hurts' arm should see better-than-average volume and success.

Breece Hall: Over 91.5 rushing and receiving yards

Dalvin Cook wants a trade. The running back presumably wants out because he knows Breece Hall is back to 100% and, coming out of the Jets' bye week, about to get the workload reflective of a player who can gash the Giants via the run and in the passing game. We'll bypass Hall's rushing yards after seeing him get five receptions for 54 yards against Philadelphia last week. He's capable of a sizeable contribution via screens and Zach Wilson check-downs.

Juwan Johnson: Over 16.5 receiving yards

After a multiple-game absence, the Saints get Juwan Johnson back, with Taysom Hill questionable to play. Against a Colts defense thin in the secondary and giving up the third-most receptions to opposing tight ends, expect Derek Carr to happily find his biggest target, who's lined low after being out for a sizeable period. Johnson's as high as +500 to score a touchdown - good value to score as well.

Bryce Young: Under 230.5 passing yards

There's hope for a more efficient Panthers offense with Thomas Brown calling plays for the first time this year. However, based on what's being said out of Carolina, a focus on the run game might be coming. Chuba Hubbard showed he could handle more two weeks ago, Miles Sanders is back, and, in what should be a closer game than their last two, Bryce Young won't have to throw constantly in the second half.

Javonte Williams: Over 47.5 rushing yards

Javonte Williams ran effectively two weeks ago against the Chiefs with 52 yards on 10 carries. He followed that up with a boost in workload and an even better yard-per-carry clip (5.5) in a win over the Packers. The Broncos know they need to run the ball to stay in a game with the Chiefs after missing Williams in two close losses last season.

Austin Ekeler: Under 51.5 rushing yards

Whether he's still not 100% or the Chargers just can't block for Austin Ekeler, it's been a struggle since he returned from missing three games, with 28 carries for 72 yards. Playing twice in six days couldn't have helped any lingering issues for Ekeler, and neither will facing a sneaky-good run defense for the offensive line. The Bears are tied with the Patriots in giving up the fewest yards per carry this season, and Ekeler's still having some of his workload cut into by Joshua Kelley.

Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.