Broncos vs Chargers Player Props: Primetime Pick for Eric Saubert

Eric Saubert Receiving Yards

I was actually on Over 7.5 receiving yards for Saubert in the Broncos' debacle against the Colts, and he cleared that with five catches for 36 yards. However, I'm going the other way tonight since this number is way too high.

Saubert has operated as the Broncos' main pass-catching tight end in their last two games, but there are a few reasons I like this under.

1) The Chargers have allowed a league-high 5.8 yards per carry. This could be a game that Denver leans on its running game.

2) With OT Garrett Bolles out for the season and LG Dalton Risner's status for tonight up in the air, the Broncos may opt to have Saubert stay in and block more often than the past two weeks.

3) The main reason I like this prop: Denver third-round rookie Greg Dulcich could make his NFL debut tonight.

Dulcich is a talented pass-catching TE out of UCLA who gives me T.J. Hockenson vibes. For now, I'm expecting him to have a minor role as he begins seeing action. Still, that will cut into Saubert's playing time enough for me to project his median receiving yards closer to 11.5.

I might be even too bullish on that projection, though, considering Saubert is dealing with an ankle injury. That could lead Dulcich to a leading role right out of the gate

I like taking this prop before we get any announcement that Dulcich is going to be active tonight. Once that happens, I think it plummets to around 12.5.