Each week, our “What’s on Tap” series previews 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” for a look back at last week’s notable news.
Tuesday, Oct. 11
Yankees open MLB playoffs against Guardians
Over the final two weeks of the MLB regular season, sportsbooks nationwide saw the handle on home run prop markets rise exponentially as Aaron Judge chased Roger Maris’ American League single-season record. Now having topped Maris with his 62nd homer of the season, Judge’s focus shifts to trying to lead the New York Yankees to the AL pennant.
Tuesday night, the Yankees will host the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of their divisional series. At BetMGM, the Yankees have odds of -225 both to win the first game and to win the best-of-five series against Cleveland (+180). The Houston Astros are favored by the same amount against the Seattle Mariners in their series and opener Tuesday in the other ALDS matchup. The Mariners completed an epic seven-run comeback Saturday to eliminate Toronto in the wild card round.
The Mariners have odds of +1100 to win the World Series at Caesars Sportsbook; only the Guardians have steeper odds at 18/1. Caesars has pegged the Los Angeles Dodgers as World Series favorites, with odds of +260.
What a comeback! The Mariners are headed to Houston.
Longest live ML +3500 when Seattle was down 8-1pic.twitter.com/eHyBUl0qAE
— Caesars Sportsbook (@CaesarsSports) October 9, 2022
G2E begins in Las Vegas
A bevy of sports betting industry leaders will converge in Las Vegas for the 2022 Global Gaming Expo, more commonly known as G2E. One panel on Tuesday at the Venetian Ballroom will feature appearances from FanDuel CEO Amy Howe, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins, Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim, and Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings. In total, nearly a dozen panels are to take place at G2E in the category labeled “The Sports Betting Playbook.” Each year, G2E is one of the world’s largest gaming conferences.
Wednesday, Oct. 12
Avs raise title banner for season opener against Blackhawks
Five months after hoisting the Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche will begin their quest for a repeat Wednesday night by hosting Chicago. The Avs open the season as heavy favorites to win the Cup at PointsBet, with odds of +425. Colorado is the only team on the futures market with odds under +850, underscoring the team’s returning star power.
PointsBet has set the season-point total on the Avs at 112.5, the highest in the league. The total is 50 points higher than the Blackhawks’ season-point total of 62.5 (over -115/under -115). Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, meanwhile, has a season-point total of 99.5 at PointsBet. While MacKinnon finished with 88 points last season, he only appeared in 65 games. Colorado defenseman Cale Makar has a season-point total of 79.5 after finishing with 86 points last season in 77 games.
Ahead of the season, the NHL Network ranked Makar and MacKinnon in the top echelon of its countdown of the league’s top 50 players.
It's official! Presenting the Top 50 Players in the @NHL right now.#NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/UUTHeVCDV0
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) October 9, 2022
Saturday, Oct. 15
Vols host Crimson Tide in Top 10 showdown
More than 15 years have passed since Tennessee defeated Alabama in college football. The Vols’ last victory against the Crimson Tide occurred in 2006, a year before Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa. But with Heisman Trophy candidate Hendon Hooker behind center, Tennessee has its best chance in years to upend its archrival. While No. 3 Alabama is a 7.5-point favorite over No. 6 Tennessee at FanDuel, the line is down by 9 points since it first came out in May.
In another Top 10 matchup Saturday, Michigan will take on Penn State in Ann Arbor. Michigan is a 7-point favorite; the total is 51.5 points. In another matchup of undefeated teams, TCU will face Oklahoma State in Fort Worth. TCU is a 3.5-point favorite; the total is 68. Finally, Syracuse could open a season 6-0 for the first time since 1987 by beating N.C. State. The Orange are favored by 4.5 points over the Wolfpack; the total is 44.5 at FanDuel.
Hendon Hooker continues rise in Heisman Trophy race, latest odds: https://t.co/FK5tOMwvQG pic.twitter.com/tCgeD1HS5Q
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 10, 2022
Sunday, Oct. 16
Potential AFC title preview in Kansas City
The Buffalo Bills’ offense is humming. Josh Allen and the Bills raced out to a 31-3 halftime lead on Sunday against Pittsburgh, en route to a 38-3 victory. Through five games, Buffalo is averaging 30.4 points per game — the only team across the NFL to average at least 30. On Sunday, the Bills will face the Kansas City Chiefs in a potential preview of the AFC Championship Game. The Bills are 2-point favorites at WynnBET.
Key injuries heading into Week 6 of the NFL season:
- Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater left Sunday’s loss to the Jets after being tested for a concussion. Bridgewater passed all concussion tests, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said following the 40-17 loss, but was ruled out under the NFL’s new concussion protocols. Already missing starter Tua Tagovailoa (head/neck), the Dolphins turned to rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson against the Jets. Bridgewater’s status against the Vikings is unknown. At DraftKings, the line moved 4 points as a result of the Dolphins’ uncertainty at quarterback. The Vikings hovered as 3-point favorites on Monday morning.
- Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield was spotted wearing a walking boot following Carolina’s loss to San Francisco on Sunday. The Panthers are already without backup Sam Darnold, who is on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. The Panthers are 9.5-point dogs against the Los Angeles Rams at BetRivers; the total is 41.5 points.
- The 49ers’ win over the Panthers proved costly. San Francisco safety Jimmie Ward suffered a broken hand, according to coach Kyle Shanahan, while the team fears that cornerback Emmanuel Moseley suffered a torn left ACL. Defensive end Nick Bosa also left the game with a groin injury. The Niners are 6-point favorites over the Atlanta Falcons at Unibet.
