Woeful quarterback play to star on Thursday

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are hurting at quarterback. Bailey Zappe and Mitch Trubisky are some of the worst arms this league has to offer, and fading both is the strategy in primetime between two semi-competent defences. NFL quarterback play is at an all-time low and that'll be on full display on Thursday.

Best bet

Zappe longest completion — under 31.5 passing yards (-120)

Thursday Night Football delivered with a thrilling, back-andfourth matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys in Week 13. A repeat performance seems highly unlikely.

Zappe orchestrated a zero-point effort in New England’s 6-0 loss at home to the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Patriots have lost three consecutive games despite holding the opposition to 10 points or fewer in each.

A lack of explosive plays is a big reason why the offence continues to nosedive. The Pats are tied for last in big-play passes (passes of 25-plus yards) with 11 this season per Stats.com.

Zappe has attempted 15 passes or fewer in four of his five outings. His lack of volume and arm strength make this a wager worth making.