Jets vs. 49ers predictions: Player prop picks for ‘Monday Night Football’

Thank heavens football is back.

And in anticipation of the season’s first Monday Night Football game, here are our three favorite player props for the Jets vs. 49ers, featuring Deebo Samuel, Garrett Wilson and Christian McCaffrey.

Jets vs. 49ers player props

Deebo Samuel over 4.5 receptions (-114, Caesars)

Due to a contract protracted dispute that got resolved at the 11th hour, Brandon Aiyuk will see fewer snaps on Monday as he continues to ramp back up into playing shape. Coach Kyle Shanahan said he would “be surprised” if Aiyuk played his typical snap count.

Aiyuk’s inevitably smaller role means a more significant workload for other receiving options, especially since the Jets could stack the box and prioritize limiting McCaffrey’s output on Monday night.

Enter Samuel. 

San Francisco’s offensive line is not expected to be a top-tier unit by any stretch of the imagination, meaning the Niners will ensure that quarterback Brock Purdy gets the ball out of his hands quickly. And that’s what usually happens in Shanahan’s offenses.

Because of that, expect lots of screen passes to try and get Samuel opportunities to make plays in the open field against a Jets defense that will be incredibly formidable in the secondary this season.

Garrett Wilson over 5.5 receptions (-145, FanDuel)

It is well within the realm of possibility that Wilson has a massive breakout season in 2024. 

Last season, the Jets wide receiver reeled in 95 catches and totaled 1,042 receiving yards despite having a combination of Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian as his quarterback.

Now Wilson will have Aaron Rodgers throwing to him, which should result in more production, especially since the offensive line is entering the 2024 season healthy.

Even with an injured offensive line and horrendous quarterback play last season, Wilson still managed to grab six or more receptions in seven of the Jets’ 17 regular-season games. 

His output will only increase with Rodgers putting perfectly placed passes between the numbers this season.

Christian McCaffrey anytime touchdown scorer (-165, FanDuel)

The “McCaffrey Anytime Touchdown Scorer” prop was a betting to add to parlays last year because McCaffrey constantly found himself in the end zone.

The line for this prop was never longer than -210 in the running back’s last 10 games of 2023; it was as short as -325 in the NFC title game against the Lions.

The Jets’ defense will be among the best units in the NFL this season, barring an unexpected injury bug making its rounds.

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However, McCaffrey is utilized so frequently in Shanahan’s offense that it seems likely that he will be able to break one loose or at least punch one in the end zone when the Niners do get in the red zone.

Last season, McCaffrey had 21 combined touchdowns and scored at least one in 13 of the 16 regular-season games in which he was available. 

While there have been concerns over McCaffrey’s calf injury, he says he is ready to go.