Marquez Valdes-Scantling & Justin Watson Super Bowl Player Props
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been the most maligned wide receiver in the NFL this season, but he has somehow regained the confidence of the coaching staff.
After playing just 20 and 17 snaps in the Wild Card Game and the Divisional Round, respectively, his playing time increased to 50 snaps in the AFC Championship Game against Baltimore. Valdes-Scantling has made three key plays for the Chiefs during this run, and his performance in the AFC Championship Game against the Bengals a year ago still resonates with the coaching staff, Chiefs fans and, most importantly, Patrick Mahomes.
Valdes-Scantling has an 82% or better route participation in all three playoff games this season and he has seen exactly one-third of his snaps in the slot during this playoff run. His movement around the formation creates a sliver of optimism regarding his outlook in this game.
For more Chiefs player props – including Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco and more – check out our Super Bowl best bets.
Charvarius Ward has only played 10 snaps as a slot defender this season, with 98.8% of his alignment on the outside of the formation. Ward has the fourth-highest coverage grade of all cornerbacks in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Valdes-Scantling will at least have a chance at some favorable matchups that could result in another chunk play downfield.
Justin Watson, meanwhile, has been on the field more than Valdes-Scantling during the playoffs, but it is notable that Watson has seen his snaps decrease after playing 54 snaps against the Dolphins in the Wild Card Game. It seems Valdes-Scantling has regained the upper hand as Watson has played only 58 total snaps over the last two games. Over those two weeks, Watson has earned only three targets in total, catching one pass for 16 yards. Valdes-Scantling has been targeted six times, catching four of those passes for 100 yards.
It’s difficult to feel confident in either heading into Super Bowl Sunday, but it is clear Valdes-Scantling has the upper hand between the two main boundary receivers for the Chiefs. Given Valdes-Scantling's recent form and Watson’s lack of production, I lean toward the trajectory for both players continuing.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling & Justin Watson Player Props
Betting Picks & Predictions
With that in mind, the best way to play Valdes-Scantling is for him to clear his line of 19.5 receiving yards, while the best bet for Watson is to stay under 1.5 receptions.
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