Each Monday, our “What’s On Tap,” series will preview the week ahead in the world of sports betting. Come here for a summary of upcoming financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more. Also, check out our weekly review Get A Grip and Wide World of Gambling at US Bets for a look back at last week’s relevant news.
Monday, November 16
Vikings bid for third straight victory on MNF
Left for dead at 1-5, the Minnesota Vikings have shown some signs of resurgence with victories in consecutive weeks. A win tonight over the Bears, their longtime NFC North rivals, will put the Vikings back in playoff contention with seven games remaining. Ticket holders of futures on both teams to make the playoffs will watch Monday night’s showdown intently. The Bears, who have lost three straight following a 5-1 start, enter the matchup as consensus 3-point underdogs at Soldier Field. Chicago has scored 20 points or more in five of nine games this season. A prop on Bears’ total points of over 20 has odds of -112 at FanDuel. On the other side of the ball, the Bears face a tall task in containing Dalvin Cook. Over the last two games, Cook has 369 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Midseason @NextGenStats leaders: Dalvin Cook's jaw-dropping statshttps://t.co/CpSutLnLrt pic.twitter.com/7qn2mRgsqf
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 13, 2020
Tuesday, November 17
Lots of meetings
The Illinois Gaming Board will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. CST, and the Tennessee Lottery’s Board of Directors will meet at 1 p.m. local time for the first time since sports betting operators launched on Nov. 1.
According to the agenda, the Illinois Gaming Board will consider approving Vincent Sumner as a the new Argosy Casino Alton sportsbook manager, as well as some other personnel approvals. The board will also consider renewing Grand Victoria Casino’s license, and other casino business.
BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Tennessee Action 24/7 became the first digital platforms to go live in Tennessee just over two weeks ago. Churchill Downs, William Hill, and Wynn have also filed applications, and there should be some discussion about where those operators are in the approval process. No agenda is available for the meeting. In addition to this meeting, the TEL’s Sports Wagering Advisory Council was scheduled to meet Monday.
Wednesday, November 18
T’wolves projected to take Ball with No. 1 overall pick
With considerable needs in the backcourt, Minnesota could fill a void on Wednesday by drafting point guard LaMelo Ball or shooting guard Anthony Edwards. At FanDuel, Ball has odds of -210 to be selected with the top overall pick. Edwards, the SEC Freshman of the Year, is next at +155, followed by Memphis center James Wiseman (+550). The Warriors, who hold the No. 3 pick, may look to trade their selection. As a result, FanDuel lists seven players with odds below +1500 to be taken third overall.
Odds on players to be selected with No. 3 pick:
- Anthony Edwards, guard, +164
- James Wiseman, center, +230
- LaMelo Ball, guard, +430
- Deni Avdija, forward, +750
- Killian Hayes, guard, +1300
- Onyeka Okongwu, forward, +1300
- Obi Toppin, forward, +1400
Heading into 2020 NBA draft, who do you have for ROY?
— NBADraft.net (@nbadraftnet) November 14, 2020
Thursday, November 19
Showdown for supremacy in NFC West
The Cardinals pulled off a miraculous 32-30 win over the Bills on Sunday when Kyler Murray connected with DeAndre Hopkins on a Hail Mary in the waning seconds for the victory. The Seahawks, meanwhile, fell into a three-way tie for the NFC West lead by losing 23-16 to the Rams. The showdown is a rematch of a Week 7 barnburner between the two clubs, won by Arizona 37-34 in overtime. The Cardinals fell behind by 10 on a Tyler Lockett touchdown with 6:44 remaining, but they rallied with two late scores to force overtime. A Seahawks potential game-winning drive stalled in overtime on a Russell Wilson interception that led to a Cardinals field goal.
Saturday, November 21
Top 10-Big 10: Buckeyes vs. Hoosiers
Indiana gained one spot to No. 9 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, moving to its highest ranking since 1967 when the Hoosiers were ranked fourth in the nation. The Hoosiers enter Saturday’s matchup as decisive 20-point underdogs against the Buckeyes. Fireworks are expected in Columbus with the total hovering near 65 points. Indiana is averaging 33.8 points per game, while Ohio State has scored at least 49 in two of three games this season. The total in all three Ohio State games has been above 62. The No. 3 Buckeyes received one first-place vote in Sunday’s poll.
Sunday, November 22
Djokovic seeks sixth title at ATP Finals
Although Novak Djokovic has already won five championships at the year-end ATP World Tour Finals, his last title came in 2015 when he defeated Roger Federer in straight sets. BetMGM pegs Djokovic as the tournament favorite at +150, ahead of Rafael Nadal (+350) and Daniil Medvedev (+500). Nadal, remarkably, could play on Sunday for his first ATP Finals title. During his illustrious career, Nadal has only made one singles final at the event. Nadal is tied with Federer for most career grand slams with 20 apiece.
