'TNF' best bets: Don't pass up this +490 receiving parlay

Bang bang that's how you end an MLB season! We cashed our +726 SGP last night (h/t to our Jack Dougherty) and can ride off into the sunset with some green to end the 2023 baseball year. Congrats to the Texas Rangers on their first World Series. 

Just like that, it's Thursday, and you know what that means.

'TNF' Same Game Parlay

Remember to check both DraftKings and FanDuel for the sweat-free offerings they provide for SGPs on Thursday night games. You can get a bonus bet back if your wager loses for some added insurance, though we were thinking it would be better if we just go ahead and win.

Both secondaries are looking vulnerable tonight based on the 2023 numbers we tend to look at, which makes the passing games the clear area of interest in this one.

Leg 1: Diontae Johnson 70+ receiving yards

Pittsburgh WR Diontae Johnson is back from injury and has seen 20 targets over his past two games. Knowing this target monster is back in the fold is a wonderful sight against a Tennessee defense that allows the third-most receptions per game to WRs.

We considered Johnson's receptions, they're currently plus-money at 5.5, but we saw something interesting when Johnson does rack up those catches.

In the past five games that Johnson has caught 5+ balls, he's averaged 81.6 yards per game, going for 70+ four times.

In two full games this season, Johnson has finished with 79 and 85 yards. Asking for 70+ tonight at solid odds seems more than reasonable, don't you think?

Leg 2: DeAndre Hopkins 70+ receiving yards

As of this writing, DeAndre Hopkins is questionable, but we're working under the assumption that he'll be good to go. That's good news against a Pittsburgh secondary that has gotten gashed by wide receivers. Pittsburgh has allowed the third-most yards per game to opposing WRs.

Take a look at how top WRs have fared against the Steelers this season, working backward from Week 8:

• Calvin Ridley (83)
• Puka Nacua (154)
• Zay Flowers (73)
• Nico Collins (168)
• Davante Adams (172)
• Amari Cooper (90)
• Brandon Aiyuk (129)

And we are asking Hopkins for just 70+ yards. Wow, are we reasonable or what?

Hopkins popped with Will Levis at the helm, catching three touchdowns and going for 128 yards last week. He's now gone for 128+ yards in two of his last three games and should have his chances in this one.

Together, these two looks come in at +490 on DraftKings. Opt for some higher numbers if you so please; we're trying to be somewhat conservative and secure a win this evening. See you back here tomorrow!

In the news ...

Rangers win first World Series in franchise history — The Texas Rangers have done it! After 62 years, the Rangers are finally World Series champs, taking down Arizona 5-0 in Game 5 to win the series 4-1. Nathan Eovaldi and Zac Gallen battled beautifully for six innings before Gallen allowed a run in the seventh, and an error in the ninth tacked on the insurance runs to bring home a championship for Texas. Corey Seager was named World Series MVP, becoming the fourth player in MLB history to win the award for two separate teams. The Rangers are +900 to repeat next season as champs, with the Braves (+700) and Dodgers (+750) ahead of them. Texas did all this without one of its prized offseason acquisitions in Jacob deGrom. Imagine what this team could look like with another elite starter.

Desmond Ridder benched for Week 9 and possibly beyond — Desmond Ridder was taken out of Atlanta's Week 8 game to be evaluated for a concussion, then got cleared but remained on the bench. Taylor Heinicke came in, and he will be the Falcons starting QB this weekend, and possibly the rest of the season. While Falcons coach Arthur Smith denies this has anything to do with Ridder's play, actions speak louder than words. Consider us pro-Heinicke. This Falcons offense is on the precipice of being incredibly fun with some competent QB play. Atlanta is currently tied for the lead in the NFC South at 4-4, and you can grab them at +115 to win the division if you believe in Heinicke at the helm.

Bob Knight dies at age of 83 — Legendary college basketball head coach Bob Knight passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. Knight will be remembered as one of the most accomplished basketball coaches of all time. He coached the Indiana Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000, leading them to three NCAA titles and 11 Big Ten championships. 

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll, the guy who won $8K on a $20 NFL parlay. Follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.