Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints Player Props (12/2/21)

Thursday Night Football this week features two teams in the Cowboys and Saints, who played on Thanksgiving one week ago. Both teams have significant injuries that have left their lineups up in the air for this week, making it difficult to nail down player props we like. On the Saints’ side, with Taysom Hill likely making his first start at quarterback this season and Alvin Kamara’s status unclear, it isn’t easy to make any sweeping proclamations. We know more about the Dallas side of the ball right now, so that’s what I’ll be focusing on for this article. You can use the player prop search tool below to find the best values for Cowboys vs. Saints props in your betting market.

Amari Cooper Over 46.5 Receiving Yards

The Cowboys activated Cooper from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday morning, making it likely that the Pro Bowl wide receiver will play this week against the Saints. Cooper could be a bit rusty as he hasn’t been with the team in about 12 days, but the Saints’ pass defense hasn’t been as good as we’re used to – they have allowed 251.8 passing yards per game, the tenth-most in the NFL. Cooper has gone over this line in six of his nine games this season and five of his last six, and it’s a reduced line due to the prior uncertainty about him playing. I’m happy to bet on Cooper having strong production in his return to the field in an exploitable matchup.

CeeDee Lamb Longest Reception Over 24.5 Yards

One of my favorite player props to bet on, the longest reception prop simply requires one big play to hit. Lamb has been a big-play machine this season with a catch of 30+ yards in seven of his ten games. The Saints have uncharacteristically allowed an explosive play on 10% of opponents’ pass attempts, the sixth-highest rate in the NFL, as their limited pass rush due to injuries has left their secondary exposed too often. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb should be able to connect for a big play or two in this game, regardless of how often Marshon Lattimore is matched up with the second-year wideout.

Ezekiel Elliott Under 46.5 Rushing Yards

Zeke has been awfully quiet lately as he’s averaging just 39.8 rushing yards per game over his last five and just 32.6 over his previous three. He has to face the New Orleans run defense that ranks first in yards per carry allowed and third in rushing yards allowed. Football Outsiders rates them as the best rush defense in the NFL in DVOA. In addition, Elliott has been dealing with a knee injury that has held him back in recent weeks. There was some discussion of Elliott sitting for a couple of games to get healthier for the stretch run, and while he is going to play this week, I wouldn’t be shocked to see his workload significantly reduced.

Tony Pollard Over 9.5 Rushing Attempts

With Zeke injured and not as productive as of late, Tony Pollard has played a more significant role in the offense. Pollard has taken 10+ carries in seven of eleven games this season and two of his last three despite not playing on more than 42% of snaps once all season. The Saints’ run defense is the best in the NFL like I mentioned above, but the Cowboys should be playing with a lead and will look to control possession through a balanced offensive approach. Pollard is a competent runner, and I’m expecting him to have a significant role in the game plan this week with Zeke hobbled.