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, Sept. 19
MNF Doubleheader: Jefferson-Brown showdown in Philly; BUF-TEN rematch
On the opening weekend of the NFL season, Jordan Jefferson and A.J. Brown rewarded fantasy owners with stellar performances as both recorded at least 150 receiving yards in victories for their respective teams. The two star wideouts will face off on Monday night in the Philadelphia Eagles’ home opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
There are odds of -120 on Jefferson to eclipse 95.5 receiving yards at SI Sportsbook, with odds of -125 on Brown to top 73.5 yards through the air. The Vikings are 2.5-point dogs at WynnBet. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins is 2-9 in his career on Monday Night Football.
Kirk Cousins & Justin Jefferson 🎯
🔹 Cousins: 11/15, 191 yards, 2 TD targeting in-breaking routes; 14.6 YPA on play action vs 6.3 all others
🔹 Jefferson: Accounted for 70.3% of team air yards (behind only A.J. Brown 72.8% in Week 1); NFL-leading 82 YAC#GBvsMIN | #Skol pic.twitter.com/ruw00jP4pS
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 12, 2022
In an earlier contest Monday night, the Buffalo Bills, who opened the season with a resounding 31-10 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, are 10-point favorites over the Titans at Unibet. Tennessee fell to the Giants 21-20 in Week 1 when Randy Bullock’s 47-yard field goal with four seconds remaining ventured wide left. Last season, the Titans upset the Bills 34-31 on Monday Night Football.
Thursday, Sept. 22
NJ Gov. Murphy to give keynote address at East Coast Gaming Congress
The agenda at this week’s East Coast Gaming Congress in Atlantic City is highlighted by an appearance from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy for Thursday’s keynote address. Other prominent speakers at the three-day conference will include American Gaming Association CEO Bill Miller, 888 U.S. President Howard Mittman, and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small. The event is typically one of the year’s largest sports betting conferences on the East Coast.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission roundtable meeting
A roundtable meeting convened by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for Thursday will tackle whether the state plans to have a universal or staggered start when it eventually launches online sports betting. Massachusetts legalized sports betting this summer following breakthrough, 11th-hour negotiations. The commission can award up to seven stand-alone digital sports wagering licenses. Separately, the commission met Monday morning to discuss the approval of certified independent testing laboratories for sports betting.
Friday, Sept. 23
U.S. opens as heavy favorite for the Presidents Cup
The U.S. has dominated play at the bi-annual Presidents Cup, winning 11 of 13 overall matchups, which also included one tie in 2003. The U.S. has won the event, which opens Friday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, eight consecutive times. The U.S. is a -715 favorite at Barstool Sportsbook to defeat the International team (+550). There are odds of +1800 on a tie.
The U.S. will roll out a star-studded lineup with Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Xander Schauffele on the squad. The International team will counter with players who include 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, Sungjae Im, and Adam Scott. Golfers from the LIV Golf series are not allowed to participate in the Presidents Cup.
LIV Golf defections deliver a blow to Presidents Cup https://t.co/iY8gCr6mUx
— Don Lichterman (SCA) (@DonELichterman) September 18, 2022
Saturday, Sept. 24
Trojans-Beavers matchup highlights Week 4 slate in college football
USC moved to 3-0 under new coach Lincoln Riley by dismantling Fresno State, 45-17. The Trojans, who have won their three games by an average margin of 31 points, will face their stiffest test thus far Saturday when traveling to Corvalis to take on undefeated Oregon State. USC is a 6.5-point favorite at BetMGM, which has set the total at 68.5 points. Reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison has emerged as an early sleeper to win the Heisman Trophy.
Jordan Addison: 93.4 PFF Grade vs. single coverage
1st among all Power 5 WRs😤 pic.twitter.com/StlFiHSRye
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 15, 2022
In other action, Clemson will take on Wake Forest in a matchup of two Top 25 teams from the ACC. Wake escaped with a 37-36 win over Liberty on Saturday when stopping the Flames on a trick 2-point conversion call late in the fourth quarter. Clemson is a 7.5-point favorite at DraftKings, and the total is 55.5 points.
Elsewhere, No. 11 Tennessee looks to remain undefeated when it hosts archrival Florida at Neyland Stadium. The Vols crushed Akron 63-6 on Saturday to improve to 3-0. Tennessee is a 10.5-point favorite over Florida at Fubo Sportsbook. The Vols last defeated the Gators in 2016.
Sunday, Sept. 25
Laver Cup wraps up as Federer completes legendary career
While Roger Federer’s retirement announcement last week was hardly shocking, its timing may have caught legions of Fed fans by surprise. Federer indicated that he would appear in one last event — the Laver Cup. The three-day event concludes Sunday in London.
Roger Federer, 20-time Major winner, all-time mensch. A @sinow column on his retirement: https://t.co/4vpwQjzKzF
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) September 15, 2022
Federer will be joined on Team Europe by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Casper Ruud, among others. Team Europe will take on a Team World squad that features Frances Tiafoe, Felix Auger Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Diego Schwartzman. Team Europe is a heavy favorite over Team World at numerous sportsbooks.
Colts look to stop the bleeding against the Chiefs
Through two weeks, the most disappointing team in the NFL is arguably the Indianapolis Colts, who were the overwhelming preseason pick to win the AFC South. Indianapolis fell 24-0 to the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday in a game that was never competitive after halftime. The reeling Colts could use a win in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs to jumpstart their season. The Chiefs are 6.5-point favorites at BetRivers, a line that jumped 3 points from Friday’s opening spread.
Key injuries heading into Week 3 of the NFL regular season
- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after Sunday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks that quarterback Trey Lance will undergo season-ending ankle surgery. The 49ers are a pick’em on Sunday night at Caesars Sportsbook against the Denver Broncos.
- San Diego Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert remains day-to-day with a rib injury suffered last Thursday against the Chiefs. The Chargers are 7-point favorites Sunday over the Jags at Circa Sports, with the total at 47.5 points.
- Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner left Sunday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders with an ankle injury, and his status for a Week 3 matchup against the Rams is uncertain. The Rams are 4-point favorites over the Cardinals at SuperBook Sports.
- Tampa Bay Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans was ejected from Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints due to fighting. Evans does not believe that he will be suspended for a Week 3 showdown against the Green Bay Packers. The Bucs are 3-point favorites over the Packers at FanDuel.
