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Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Blake Bortles is headed into his first start of his NFL career on the road against the San Diego Chargers, a team that ranks in the Top 15 in the NFL in pass defense. In a half of action against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, Bortles threw for 223 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, which has led to some interesting prop bets in Las Vegas for his first start.
Here's what Bovada has running right now on Bortles:
Total Passing Yards - Blake Bortles Week 4
Over/Under 250½
Total TD Passes - Blake Bortles Week 4
Over/Under 1½ (+120, 6/5)
Over/Under 1½ (-150, 2/3)
Total Interceptions - Blake Bortles Week 4
Over ½ (-250, 2/5)
Under ½ (+200, 2/1)
None of these lines really seem all that outrageous at first glance. The Chargers are giving up an average of 223 yards per game in the air, but one would think the Jaguars will likely be playing from behind in Sunday's game (at least looking at the odds), so Bortles is going to be passing the ball. Bortles has also shown a knack for pushing the ball downfield and picking up chunks of yards. I would think Bortles would go over the 250 yard mark, but the Chargers also do a nice job of holding on to the ball.
As far as the touchdowns and interceptions, I would guess the over on the interceptions with it just being a hook. I think Bortles will probably throw at least one pick, simply because he's aggressive throwing down the field and he's a rookie. He's going to make some mistakes. The touchdowns line however I think I'd stay away from. At 1.5 you really have to bank that he's going to throw two.