Near and dear to my Emergency Department nurse heart are charities who care for the families of ill children. Perhaps no organization does this better than the Ronald McDonald House. Since 1974, RMH has provided a place to stay for the family members of hospitalized children across the globe. A total of 7,200 beds are available for those in need, saving over $700 million in hotel costs. This special nonprofit ensures parents safe places to rest, shower, and clean their clothes within proximity of their children’s medical center.
In 2014, then San Diego Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers, partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego to raise funds for his local chapter. Rivers, who has his share and then some children (eight at last count), used his throwing arm to help a lot of families out. He used passing yards as a marker for charitable donations. At just under $25 per passing yard, Philip easily topped his donation goal of $100,000 as he passed for 4,286 yards. His on-field accomplishments are many, but what he did for those families carries much more meaning. Today’s Teasers and Pleasers wager article is brought to you by RMH and Philip Rivers. Enjoy!
Arriving in Indianapolis last week, Philip Rivers began a familiar quest in unfamiliar threads. Now the starter under center for the Indianapolis Colts, Rivers will attempt to bolster a passing offense that struggled mightily in 2019 behind the arm of Jacoby Brissett. Combined, all Indy QBs totaled just 3,108 passing yards (30th in the NFL) on the campaign. Was this a system change or lack of talent? I’ll stand by the latter.
It appears Vegas hasn’t noticed the Colts upgrade at QB in 2020, because Philip Rivers passing yard prop sits at just 4000.5 (-110) yards over at DraftKings Sportsbook. Compare that to the FanDuel Sportsbook prop of 4099.5 yards, and you have reason one of a few why I like this line a lot.
Quick lesson: always shop for the best line. It is best to have your bankroll separated into a couple of different books to ensure you are getting the best bet. Also, be sure to check out the Teasers and Pleasers Intro to NFL Wagering article to understand some basics before diving in headfirst.
We have the right number, now why should you like it? The ’19 Colts were a mess at quarterback following the sudden retirement of franchise QB, Andrew Luck just before the season kicked off. They struggled as noted above, but if you go back only one season (when Luck was still there), Frank Reich and company attempted 644 passes, throwing for 4,461 yards. When Reich had a capable passer, he leaned on him to make plays, and that type of trust should return with Rivers at the helm this season.
Philip Rivers’ new squad has every reason to be confident. He has been a prodigious passer over his long career. Since 2008, he has amassed more than 4000 passing yards (the number we are trying to beat) every single season save one. Those 52,583 yards over the past 12 seasons average out to 4,382 per. Rivers loves to throw in high volume, with great depth (8.7 YPA in 2019) to any willing receiver on the field. He now pairs with T.Y. Hilton, Jack Doyle, Parris Campbell, and RB Nyheim Hines. There’s plenty of willing hands there.
Philip Rivers has been a virtual lock for 4300 passing yards (9 of last 12 seasons), and this year will be no different. Rudy Gamble gives his 2020 projections here, and I think you will like the number Rudy puts on Rivers passing total. Take the over 4000.5 passing yards, and next time you grab the kids a Happy Meal, toss a buck of your winnings in the collection slot in front of the register to support one of Philip’s charities, the Ronald McDonald House.
