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The Express Gazette
Friday, December 26, 2025

NFL Week 16 prop bets target De’Von Achane, Tyler Shough

Two underperforming teams offer value in Week 16 player props, with Achane and Shough drawing attention for favorable matchups and workload signals.

Sports 5 days ago
NFL Week 16 prop bets target De’Von Achane, Tyler Shough

NFL Week 16 brings a slate of player-prop bets that highlight value even in a season full of ups and downs, with De’Von Achane and Tyler Shough emerging as the most-wanted targets among bettors looking for upside. Analysts tracking Week 16 action point to two specific bets that could pay off as the schedule features 14 games. The focus: Achane’s workload against a weak run defense and Shough’s pass-volume potential as a rookie quarterback operating in a game where volume could swing outcomes. The bets come from a mix of sportsbook lines and market observations, illustrating how late-season matchups can tilt toward high-volume roles and favorable game scripts.

De’Von Achane is pegged for a heavy workload in a matchup that could yield multiple avenues to production. The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has been notably forgiving to opposing running backs, especially when it comes to yards from scrimmage. DraftKings lists Achane Over 115.5 rushing plus receiving yards (-111), while BetRivers shows an elevated Over 149.5 total yards at +310. The Bengals rank near the bottom of the league in both categories this season, allowing roughly 129.21 rushing yards per game to opposing backs and about 45.57 receiving yards to running backs (the latter being among the league’s worst marks). Those figures help explain why this particular prop set is drawing attention, with Achane considered one of the most versatile players in the league and likely to see a considerable snap share. In the last five games, he has crossed the 115.5-yard threshold in four of them, signaling that the line may be too conservative given the opportunity and the opponent. While a jump to even higher totals—such as 179.5—could be tempting for some bettors, the risk remains, and a measured, one-unit approach is prudent given the broader risk profile at this stage of the season.

Tyler Shough has drawn attention for the Saints as a rookie quarterback whose pass attempts look ripe for a boost in Week 16. The market shows Over 30.5 pass attempts (-105, Fanatics) and Over 38.5 pass attempts (+650, DraftKings) as two prominent lines. Shough has surpassed 30.5 pass attempts in three of his last four games, with a range of recent numbers that include 43, 38, 20 (in a rain-affected game), and 32 attempts. The Saints recently suffered a setback at running back with Devin Neal’s injury, which could push more responsibility onto the passing game and provide a favorable script for passing attempts. Evan Hull is expected to handle a larger share of the backfield work, potentially catalyzing more drops and check-downs that could translate into additional attempts for Shough. The overall trajectory for Shough’s workload remains positive as he continues to grow into his role down the stretch, making the Over 30.5 attempts an appealing target for bettors who want exposure to a developing quarterback in a situation that could produce a higher-volume game.

The betting analysis for Week 16 is part of a broader effort to identify value where matchups and workload signals align. New York Post Betting’s coverage of these picks emphasizes careful evaluation of opponent tendencies and the evolving roles within each team’s offense. The analysis notes that Shough’s recent pass-try patterns align with a trend toward higher opportunity in pass-driven game scripts, especially against defenses that might force the Saints into more passing downs to catch up or maintain drives. The source is associated with a track record in NFL prop markets, where select bets have shown profitability through careful selection and risk management over multiple seasons. While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the approach underscores disciplined, evidence-based wagering rather than chasing long shots.

As Week 16 unfolds, bettors should monitor a few practical considerations that could influence these prop outcomes. Weather conditions, late-game scripts, and injury reports can shift the likelihood of the Over on passing attempts or total yards. In particular, the Saints’ backfield situation and the opponent’s defensive adjustments could alter how aggressively Shough is deployed. For Achane, the Bengals’ defensive tendencies and the game’s script will matter: if Cincinnati can establish a short, efficient run game, Achane’s involvement could still remain robust but with a balancing effect from the defense’s carry load. Bettors are advised to align their stakes with the risk profile of each line and to be mindful of line movement as more information becomes available closer to kickoff.

The broader context of this Week 16 betting window is that even in a season with mixed results, late-season matchups can produce clear value when offenses lean into high-volume roles or games trend toward favorable game scripts. The two bets highlighted here—Achane’s yardage prop and Shough’s pass attempts—represent two distinct angles: one leverages a matchup-based ceiling on a versatile back, the other banks on a rookie quarterback’s growing trust within a passing-heavy game plan. For fans and bettors alike, the takeaway is to respect the numbers, monitor the evolving rosters, and approach each wager with a disciplined plan.

Erich Richter, whose work with New York Post Betting has focused on identifying profitable opportunities in the NFL prop market, has emphasized that the best bets often come from combining solid indicators like workload, opponent defense, and game script. Since 2022, Richter has highlighted a disciplined approach to long-shot bets while pursuing an overall positive return on investment, a reminder that high-probability value can coexist with some risk in week-to-week betting.

As the Week 16 slate arrives, the betting community will scrutinize these and other lines to gauge where the most reliable value lies. For Achane and Shough followers, the peppers could be hot: a workload-driven path to success for the rookie quarterback and a multi-faceted yards-guaranteed path for the dynamic running back. The outcomes will hinge on a combination of execution, play-calling decisions, and the evolving game conditions that define late-season NFL football. Whether one-unit plays or larger stakes are preferred, Week 16 promises another chapter in the ongoing NFL prop market narrative. Tyler Shough in action


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