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.
Monday, December 19
Ingles expected to return for Bucks
Nearly 12 months after suffering a torn knee ligament, Joe Ingles is expected to make his debut for the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 35-year-old Ingles, who spent the previous eight seasons with the Utah Jazz, is expected to give Milwaukee another long-range shooter off the bench as the Bucks pursue the top seed in the East.
As of Monday, the Bucks led the Celtics by one game for first in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have odds of +280 at DraftKings to win the Eastern Conference and odds of +600 to win the NBA Championship.
Joe Ingles brings a big heart (and a lot of trash talk) to the #Bucks. Can he help bring another NBA title too? https://t.co/EAsDI3XDHG
— Robert Zizzo (@robertzizzo) December 19, 2022
Tuesday, December 20
Mass. sports betting licensing hearings continue
Last week, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) delayed a vote on awarding a digital sports betting license to Caesars Sportsbook, citing issues related to problem gambling and suitability. The MGC also delayed a vote on MGM-Springfield’s Category 1 retail sports betting application, contending that the application is tied to BetMGM‘s digital sports betting licensing bid.
While the MGC is scheduled to hold licensing hearings during the first two days this week, the commission did not set a target on how many companies will be up for licensing. The MGC is also set to cover both PENN/Barstool‘s and Fanatics’ applications for Category 3 Sports Wagering Licenses tethered to Plainridge Park Casino this week, the commission said in a statement.
Thursday, December 22
Jags-Jets cling to playoff hopes in TNF matchup
Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins picked off a Dak Prescott pass in overtime Sunday and returned it 52 yards to cap Jacksonville’s 40-34 comeback win over Dallas. With the victory, Jacksonville (6-8) moved to one game back of Tennessee for the AFC South lead.
The Jaguars have won three of their last four. The Jets, meanwhile, dropped their third straight in a crushing loss Sunday to the Lions. New York quarterback Mike White missed the loss with a rib injury, but he might return Thursday night against the Jags. The Jets (7-7) are 1-point favorites at WynnBET; the total is 40. Both teams need a victory to bolster their playoff chances.
.@7BoomerEsiason remembers way back in the day Eli & Coughlin being in the same spot as Zach Wilson & Robert Saleh – but are the Jets in a much different situation? @WFANMornings pic.twitter.com/WLnwWq6LRa
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) December 19, 2022
Friday, December 23
High-flying Wake offense takes on Mizzou in Gasparilla Bowl
During the regular season, Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman led one of the top offenses in the ACC, passing for 3,421 yards and 35 touchdowns. As a result, the total for Friday’s Gasparilla Bowl matchup against Missouri hovers around 60 points, one of the largest thus far during bowl season.
There are eight bowl games this week ahead of Christmas Day, including two on Friday. The sheer unpredictability of bowl season gives fans an ample opportunity to let it ride. A successful $10, 8-team parlay on every moneyline underdog at FanDuel Sportsbook would pay $39,750.63. Alternatively, a $10 wager that parlays all eight favorites on the moneyline would generate a payout of $219.22.
Saturday, December 24
Eagles face Cowboys in NFC East showdown
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons triggered a war of words with the Eagles last week when he downplayed Jalen Hurts’ NFL MVP chances. The comments add intrigue to Saturday’s Christmas Eve showdown in Dallas. The Eagles enter with a league-best 13-1 record, three games ahead of the Cowboys in the NFC East. Still, the Cowboys are 1.5-point home favorites at Caesars Sportsbook, where the total is 51.5.
The slate on Saturday ends with a prime-time matchup between the Raiders and Steelers in Pittsburgh. The night game commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Steelers’ victory over the Raiders in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoffs. Pittsburgh won the game 13-7 on a bizarre deflection that caromed off the helmet of Raiders safety Jack Tatum and into the hands of Franco Harris. Harris’ 60-yard touchdown completed a play known in NFL lore as “The Immaculate Reception.” The Steelers, if you were wondering, were 2-point favorites in that game.
This coming Saturday against the Raiders, the Steelers are 2.5-point home favorites at SI Sportsbook, where the total is 40.5. The majority of the Week 16 schedule has been moved up to Saturday due to the Christmas holiday.
Key injuries and lineup uncertainties heading into Week 16:
- Lamar Jackson, sidelined for a second straight week with a knee sprain, missed the Ravens’ loss to the Browns on Saturday. The Ravens are hopeful that Jackson will return in Week 16 against the Falcons. Baltimore is a 7-point favorite at Circa Sports; the total is 39.5.
- Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard left Sunday’s win over the Bucs with a calf injury. Hubbard’s status for a Week 16 matchup against the Pats is still unclear. The Bengals are 3.5-point favorites at SuperBook Sports; the total is 40.
- Colts running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain in a Week 15 loss to the Vikings. It is highly unlikely that Taylor will play again this season, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Colts are 3-point underdogs in Week 16 against the Chargers at BetMGM; the total is 47.5.
Sunday, December 25
Dolphins look to end three-game skid
Despite a stinging 32-29 loss to the Bills on Saturday, the Dolphins would still make the 2022 NFL playoffs if the postseason began today. Miami (8-6) maintains a one-game lead over the Patriots and Jets for the final AFC wild card spot.
When Miami hosts the Packers on Christmas Day, the Dolphins will look to halt a three-game losing streak. The Dolphins are 4.5-point favorites at BetRivers; the total is 46.5.
There are two other games on Christmas Day. The Rams will host the Broncos in Los Angeles, while the Bucs will take on the Cardinals in Arizona. The Bucs cling to a one-game lead over three teams in the NFC South. Tampa is a 4-point favorite over the Cards at PointsBet; the total is 40.5.
