• About Us / Contact
  • Responsible Gambling
This site contains commercial content
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
  • News
No Result
View All Result
SportsHandle
No Result
View All Result

What’s On Tap: NFL Opening Week, U.S. Open Finals, And Ohio State-Oregon

The week includes the Bucs' start to SB title defense and Djoker's pursuit of grand slam record

Matt Rybaltowski by Matt Rybaltowski
September 7, 2021
in Sports
On Tap April 11

Shutterstock

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Each Monday, 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 and Wide World of Gambling at US Bets for a look back at last week’s notable news.

Tuesday, September 7

Fernandez seeks first major semifinal

Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez has taken the U.S. Open by storm with two upsets over the first week of the year’s final grand slam. Fernandez, 19, defeated two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the third round, then ousted former world’s No. 1 Angelique Kerber in Sunday’s Round of 16. In the process, Fernandez became the first player since Chris Evert in 1975 to defeat two former world No. 1 players en route to the U.S. Open quarterfinals. On Tuesday, Fernandez is a +215 underdog at DraftKings against fifth-seed Elina Svitolina (-270) in the women’s quarters. Aryna Sabalenka, the tournament’s second seed, is a -175 favorite on Tuesday against Barbora Krejcikova (+145). Following Saturday’s loss by top seed Ashleigh Barty, Sabalenka is favored to win the women’s title.

U.S. Open women’s futures odds at DraftKings:

  • Aryna Sabalenka: +275
  • Karolina Pliskova: +400
  • Elina Svitolina: +550
  • Belinda Bencic: +650
  • Emma Raducanu: +700
  • Barbora Krejcikova: +700
  • Maria Sakkari: +800
  • Leylah Fernandez: +1500

Thursday, September 9

Sports betting set to go live in Arizona

Arizona sportsbooks are expected to go live at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, in time for the start of the NFL regular season. Books in the Grand Canyon State began ramping up efforts on Monday evening when a Maricopa Superior Court Judge denied an injunction filed by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. The suit filed against Gov. Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) sought to delay the rollout on grounds that the state’s legalized sports betting scheme violates an exclusivity provision granted to tribal groups statewide. The ADG issued 18 licenses on Aug. 27, approving live sports betting for a number of prominent companies including: Bally’s (Bally Bet), BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Penn National Gaming (Barstool Sportsbook), Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers), and WynnBET,  among others.

Looks like Arizona sports betting launch still go to go Thursday morning: multiple media outlets are reporting a judge has denied a gaming tribe's injunction to delay the launch. Appeal seems likely and legal action is still possible, but – for now – launch is still on pace.

— Ryan Butler (@ButlerBets) September 7, 2021

Bucs begin attempt at Super Bowl repeat with opener vs. Cowboys

At the ripe age of 44, Tom Brady owns seven Super Bowl victories, the last coming in February when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers upset the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. With one more title, Brady will set the record for pro football championships won by a single player, a mark he currently shares with Otto Graham. The Bucs will raise their Super Bowl LV banner on Thursday night in the NFL regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs are 8-point favorites over the Cowboys; the total is 52 points.

As of Monday evening, the Bucs ranked second in Super Bowl futures at FanDuel, with odds of +650. Brady last won consecutive Super Bowls in 2005 when the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. One prop to check out on Thursday is on total receiving yards (now over/under 5.5 yards, after opening at 7.5) for Bucs running back Ronald Jones at DraftKings. In 2020, Jones finished with single-digit receiving yards in eight of 16 games in the regular season, then went without a catch in the playoffs. The Bucs also acquired Gio Bernard in the offseason, a veteran scatback adept at catching passes out of the backfield.

Here’s one of the Week 1 TNF Bucs-Cowboys player props I’ve already bet. For more, check out the @FTNBets Tracker: https://t.co/CufRbNJAZU pic.twitter.com/rQgdWnDDPn

— Matthew Freedman (@MattFtheOracle) September 5, 2021

Saturday, September 11

Potential Rose Bowl preview in Columbus

At first, Saturday’s tilt between fourth-ranked Ohio State and No. 11 Oregon had been one of the most anticipated during the early portion of the college football season. But the Ducks were lucky to escape on Saturday night with a 31-24 victory over Fresno State in a game in which Oregon closed as a 19.5-point favorite. Oregon star defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux sprained his ankle in the victory, and his status for Saturday afternoon’s matchup is unclear. Meanwhile, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud went 13-22 for 294 yards and four touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 45-31 win over Minnesota. As a result, Ohio State opened as a 13.5-point favorite at Circa Sports.

Also on Saturday, seventh-ranked Iowa State will host No. 18 Iowa in the 68th renewal of the intrastate rivalry. The Hawkeyes are coming off an impressive 34-6 win over No. 17 Indiana. Though Iowa has won five straight over the Cyclones, Iowa State opened as a 4.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, top-ranked Alabama returns to action when the Crimson Tide host Mercer in Tuscaloosa. Bama quarterback Bryce Young passed for 344 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-13 win over Miami (Fla.), setting program records for a quarterback making his first start.

As we wait for CFB week 2 lines, it’s worth noting that the Saban-factory machine, while unbeatable ATS week 1 vs good schools…

12-20-1 ATS as a favorite of 35 or more
6-12-1 ATS as a favorite of 40 or more

They play Mercer this week.

— David Bearman ESPN (@DBearmanESPN) September 5, 2021

Sunday, September 12

Djokovic eyes calendar grand slam

Despite dropping a set in both his third- and fourth-round matches, Novak Djokovic has arrived at the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open relatively unscathed. If he reaches and wins Sunday’s final, Djokovic will win his 21st career grand slam, breaking a three-way tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the all-time mark. Djokovic would also become the sixth player, male or female, ever to win all four grand slams in the same calendar year.

As of Monday evening, Djokovic had overwhelming odds of -120 at DraftKings to win the men’s singles title. Ahead of the tournament, Djokovic was selected to win the Open on 54% of all tickets, representing an astounding 65% of the handle. On the other side of the draw, several imposing challengers lurk in Daniil Medvedev (+190), Carlos Alcaraz (35/1), and Felix Auger-Aliassime (40/1). Oddsmakers largely expect a Djokovic-Medvedev final after the latter sailed through the first four rounds without dropping a set.

Chiefs-Browns highlights first Sunday of NFL season

More than a dozen games are on the the first Sunday slate of the NFL regular season, including one in Kansas City where the defending AFC champion Chiefs face Cleveland in a matchup of two Super Bowl contenders. The Chiefs are 6-point favorites over the Browns at BetMGM. On the futures market, the Chiefs (+450) are the top Super Bowl champion choice at BetMGM, while the Browns are the eighth choice at 16/1. In January, the Chiefs edged the Browns 22-17 in a thrilling AFC Divisional Round victory. Last season, according to Barstool Sportsbook, only four teams — the Dolphins, Ravens, Bills, and Packers — covered at a rate of 60% or higher.

The Packers are 4-point favorites in Jacksonville against the Saints. The matchup between two of the top teams in the NFC was moved from New Orleans to Jacksonville due to the impact of Hurricane Ida. Last season, underdogs won against the spread at a 55.8% clip, according to ESPN Chalk, with road dogs covering at a higher rate than home dogs. There is not a single game with a double-digit underdog in Week 1.

Biggest Dogs In Week 1 (lines via PointsBet)

  • Bears +7.5 at Rams (-115). Moneyline: +275
  • Lions +7.5 vs 49ers (-115). Moneyline: +275
  • Steelers +6.5 at Bills (-110). Moneyline: +225
  • Browns +6 at Chiefs (-110). Moneyline: +215
  • Jets +5 at Panthers (-110). Moneyline: +190

Have a good week, everyone!

ShareTweetShare
Matt Rybaltowski

Matt Rybaltowski

Matt is a veteran writer with a specific focus on the emerging sports gambling market. During Matt's two decade career in journalism, he has written for the New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian, Reuters and CBSSports.com among others. In his spare time, Matt is an avid reader, a weekend tennis player and a frequent embarrassment to the sport of running. Contact Matt at matt@usbets.com.

Related Posts

dorian-finney-smith-shooting-layup
Industry

NBA Tells Operators To Stop Saying ‘Risk-Free Bet’ In Advertising

February 3, 2023
New York chases $2 billion handle
Analysis

New York Moves Closer To First $2 Billion Monthly Sports Wagering Handle

February 3, 2023
Load More

Top Stories

fanduel-retail-sportsbook-front

Requiem For The So-Called ‘Risk-Free Bet’

February 2, 2023
garnett mgm springfield

Sports Betting Launches In Massachusetts, Giving Three Retail Books A Head Start

January 31, 2023
fanatics-grand-opening

Fanatics Sportsbook At FedEx Field Offers Unique Retail Option In Maryland

January 23, 2023
Shutterstock

Missouri Legislators Lament Exodus Of Bettors To Neighboring States

January 27, 2023

State Sports Betting Guides

Ohio (U.S. state) flag waving against clear blue sky, close up, isolated with clipping path mask alpha channel transparency, perfect for film, news, composition

Ohio Sports Betting – Where To Play, Bonus Offers And Promo Codes

by Brian Pempus
February 2, 2023

Downtown Detroit at twilight (Shutterstock)

Michigan Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
February 3, 2023

VA captial

Virginia Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonus Offers

by Brett Smiley
January 17, 2023

nj flag

New Jersey Sports Betting — Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQ

by Brett Smiley
October 20, 2022

pa online sportsbooks

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks And Bonuses

by Brett Smiley
October 6, 2022

Canada Sports Betting Guides

Canada Sports Betting – Best Sportsbook Apps & Bonus Offers

British Columbia Sports Betting – Legal Update, Available Sportsbooks, and FAQ

Ontario Sports Betting – Legal Status And Where To Play

gambling therapy
ncpg
igaming ontario
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/OH/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
19+. Please play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. 
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in igaming in Ontario. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit ConnexOntario or call their helpline at 1-866-531-2600. Operators on this website operate pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario.

Search Sports Handle

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us / Contact
  • Responsible Gambling

No Result
View All Result
  • US Sports Betting
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Mississippi
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
    • Virginia
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming
  • Pending States
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Missouri
    • North Carolina
  • Canada
    • Ontario
    • British Columbia
    • Alberta
  • Sportsbook Apps
    • FanDuel
    • BetMGM
    • Caesars
    • PointsBet
    • BetRivers
  • Tools
    • Sportsbook Bonuses Explained
    • Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
    • Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Partnership Tracker
    • Expected Value
    • Sports Scores And Odds Apps
    • Sports Betting Twitter
  • News

loading

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location