Broncos vs. Browns: The best player prop bets for TNF

A pair of 3-3 teams, desperate to get back in the win column, will meet on Thursday Night Football, when the Cleveland Browns host the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

Injuries have plagued both of these franchises during the early part of the season and may keep the starting quarterbacks on both sides from playing in this matchup. 

In last week's 37-14 setback against Arizona, Cleveland signal caller Baker Mayfield re-injured his left shoulder, which he dislocated in a Week 2 win against Houston.

Mayfield has been ruled out for Thursday and will be replaced by backup Case Keenum.

Running back Kareem Hunt also went down with a calf injury against the Cardinals and was placed on injured reserve. His backfield mate, Nick Chubb, is sidelined with a calf injury, as well.

Center JC Tretter, along with starting tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin, did not practice Tuesday, which could spell trouble for D'Ernest Johnson, who will start at running back Thursday.

As for Denver, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater injured his foot in Week 6 and is questionable for Week 7's outing, while tight end Noah Fant was limited in practice with a foot issue.

With all these injuries impacting Thursday's matchup, the line has shifted from six points to three.

Either side has a chance to come out on top on a short week. Let's take a closer look at this Thursday Night Football battle between the Broncos and Browns, as we examine the three best player props to bet.

Tim Patrick Over/Under 43.5 receiving yards

With Fant at less than 100%, Tim Patrick will be called upon to step up at receiver, against a Browns defense that ranks ninth in passing yards allowed (220.7).

On Sunday against the Raiders, Patrick had three receptions for 42 yards and a first-quarter score, while Fant and Courtland Sutton each tallied more than 90 receiving yards on a combined 25 targets.

Patrick may see an uptick in targets Thursday, but he has surpassed 43 receiving yards in only two of six games.

If Bridgewater isn't good to go, Patrick's production is at further risk of decline. When Drew Lock got the start in Week 4, Patrick totaled 39 receiving yards on only three receptions.

Although Cleveland's defense has its own set of injuries, it will frustrate Denver's depleted offense and turn up the pass rush on whichever quarterback is behind center.

Patrick will make a few big catches, but look for the Under to hit on his total receiving yards.

Pick: Under 43.5 receiving yards (-114)

Javonte Williams Over/Under 66.5 rushing and receiving yards

Rookie Javonte Williams is another player who will need a huge game to help Denver win on the road, as his team will face the sixth best run-stop unit in the league (87 yards per game).

In Week 6, Williams led the Broncos rushing attack, with 53 yards on 11 carries, and caught all three of his targets for 15 yards.

The week prior, he ran for 61 yards and added 25 receiving yards against Pittsburgh.

Veteran Melvin Gordon III will continue to split carries with Williams, but the dynamic back will play a critical role in the passing game Thursday.

Williams has hauled in all but one of his 15 targets this season and averages 15 receiving yards per game, in addition to 50 rushing yards per contest.

With the rookie trending upward in his last two games, he'll get the chance to shine in prime time and will hit the Over on 66.5 rushing and receiving yards.

Pick: Over 66.5 rushing and receiving yards (-112)

D'Ernest Johnson: anytime touchdown scorer

Cleveland's rushing attack will rely Johnson, who is in his third NFL season.

The USF product has seen little game action in his pro career, but with Chubb and Hunt relegated to the sideline, Johnson could enjoy a breakout performance, if he can get past Denver's fourth-ranked run defense (85.5 yards per game). 

Johnson has carried the ball just three times for 11 yards this season and has yet to score his first NFL touchdown. 

That will change Thursday against Denver's defense, which has given up at least one rushing touchdown in each of its last three games.

Pick: D'Ernest Johnson to score a touchdown (+123)