NFL Betting Takeaways: How Will Tee Higgins Injury Impact Bengals Vs. Patriots Odds?

As usual, bookmakers are tinkering with odds for NFL Week 1. The odds of the Cincinnati Bengals versus the New England Patriots are no exception, hovering around a key number with the Bengals listed as favorites. Despite opening at -9.5, the Tee Higgins injury and Ja’Marr Chase holdout have caused bettors to consider the pedestrian dog. Below is more information on Higgins’ status and how his potential absence is baked into the spread.

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latest intel on tee Higgins injury

Although Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will return for the regular season opener after missing the last six games of the 2023 season, his two favorite weapons, Higgins (hamstring) and Chase (contract holdout), could be sidelined. As noted, the betting market reflects this notion.

Friday’s injury report listed Higgins as doubtful, with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor stating Higgins “tweaked” his hamstring in Thursday’s practice. Higgins was listed as a limited participant on Thursday but failed to suit up on Friday.

Additionally, Taylor was hesitant to provide much clarity on Chase’s status. The three-time Pro Bowler has been limited in practice since Wednesday after holding out with two years left on his deal. On Friday, Chase noted he would be willing to play this season if he and the organization fail to restructure his contract shortly.

However, he is unsure whether he will step on the new turf at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.

How Tee Higgins Injury Impacts Prop Betting

Even if Chase plays, Higgins’ potential absence would create more opportunities for second-year wide receiver Andrei Iosivas and tight end Mike Gesicki. You can price-shop their best odds against the Patriots below.

More props will become available over the weekend if one or both aren’t in the lineup.

Iosivas is set to replace Tyler Boyd as the Bengals’ primary slot receiver. Iosivas will line up on the outside if this trajectory for Higgins and Chase continues. It would also provide more targets for Gesicki over the middle.

Iosivas Player Props Catalog

Gesicki Player Props Catalog

WATCH: Cippolini Talks Tee Higgins Injury & Bengals Vs. Patriots

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