The bets I’m making this Wildcard Monday.

Five games down, one to go.

Having laid waste to five teams over the last two days, Wildcard Weekend has one more franchise to send packing on Monday Night Football.

The Rams were perhaps slight underdogs heading into this one, but the lack of a true home-field advantage (tonight’s game is to be played in Arizona, due to the devastating fires in California) pushes the odds slightly further in the direction of Minnesota.

The spread sits at just 2.5 points though, which is no-doubt due to the respect that Sean McVay demands in any match-up.

If the Vikings do manage to get the job done though, they’ll be one of only two wildcard teams to make the divisional round, after the Commanders left Tampa Bay with a W last night.

In terms of my own bets for tonight’s game, I’ve leaned heavily in Minnesota’s direction. I hope the Rams can get back to form in the passing game, but there were too many question marks for me to feel confident there.

Instead, as you may have guessed from the cover photo, I’m putting money on Jalen Nailor‘s receiving props. I took a punt on Nailor in last week’s “Big Bet” and he nearly paid off with a big receiving day. I’m going back to the well this week, as his props remain incredibly modest.

Player Bets for Wildcard Monday

Cam Akers

I’ll start off with a nod to Cam Akers‘ recent involvement. The 25 year-old has impressed of late whilst spelling for Aaron Jones. Playing against a former coach that he seemed to have a hot-and-cold relationship with, I expect him to be given further opportunity to impress tonight.

Over his last two games, Akers has caught four of five targets for 19 yards and a touchdown. Those aren’t massive numbers by any means, but they make a mockery of this line.

Cam Akers over 0.5 receiving yards 20/21

Joshua Karty

Next is my sole Rams-only bet, and I’ll warn you, it’s not that exciting.

As previously mentioned, the question marks surrounding the Rams passing attack left me looking elsewhere this weekend. Kyren Williams‘ rushing yards prop is do-able (83.5 at time of writing) but could fall victim to a negative game-script if the Vikings show up to play.

Instead, I’ve backed Joshua Karty to make two or more field goals. Like I said, not the most exciting bet, but it felt like the right way to go. Karty has hit 12 of 12 attempts over his last four games (4,2,2,4).

LA Rams over 1.5 field goals made 5/6

Jalen Nailor

And now for Jalen Nailor, who also features in this week’s “Big Bet”.

Nailor put in what could have been seen as an outlier performance in week 17, but backed that up last weekend against Detroit.

Over his last two games, Nailor has caught eight of nine targets for 134 yards and a touchdown. A sure-handed, reliable target, Nailor should be able to comfortably surpass this week’s props, and even push for more.

I’ve backed him at his current lines, and beyond for tonight’s game, I’ve listed a few different options that I think are good value. Full disclosure, I’ve personally backed the 10/11 and 4/1 bets.

Jalen Nailor over 17.5 receiving yards 10/11

Jalen Nailor 3+ receptions 23/10

Jalen Nailor 30+ receiving yards 9/5

Jalen Nailor 3+ receptions and 30+ receiving yards 4/1

MNF “Big Bet” of The Week

This week’s “Big Bet” is, again, heavily focused on the Vikings, but Kyren Williams also makes the cut.

As well as Jalen Nailor, I’ve backed Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson to contribute at their usual rate through the air, whilst adding a couple of touchdown scorers to boost the odds.

Aaron Jones has 12 receptions in his last three games (3,4,5) and with some impressive young pass-rushers looking to pressure Sam Darnold, I expect more check-downs tonight.

Justin Jefferson had a quiet day against Detroit last weekend, but had recorded 7+ receptions in each of his previous five games. I’m requiring a modest five catches from him tonight, something he should be able to achieve fairly comfortably.

Finally, I’m backing both Jefferson and Kyren Williams to find the end-zone. Williams has bagged six scores over his last six games, whilst the Rams have allowed nine passing touchdowns over their last five outings. Big occasions call for big players, I expect these two to show up.

Jalen Nailor and Aaron Jones 3+ receptions each, Justin Jefferson 5+ receptions, Jefferson and Kyren Williams both to score a touchdown 18/1

That’s me done for Wildcard Weekend. I hope this has provided some inspiration for some of your own bets tonight. If you are betting, make sure to do so responsibly and to let me know in the comments.

In other news, I’ve recently begun a writing role with Pro Football Network, which I’ll be doing alongside my work at LastWordOnSports.com and my writing here.

Finally, my love and thoughts to anyone affected by the tragic and devastating fires in California. Anything I could think to write just felt redundant, but I also couldn’t bring the article to a close without mentioning it.

Stay safe, enjoy the game, I’ll be back in the week.

In-depth stats from Pro Football Reference.

Odds taken from Bet365 (UK).

All odds accurate at the time of writing.