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, November 21
U.S. takes on Wales in its 2022 World Cup opener
After missing the World Cup in 2018, the U.S. will play its first World Cup game in eight years on Monday in a Group B match against Wales. With a match upcoming against group favorite England on Friday, the Americans cannot afford an opening defeat if they hope to earn a spot in the knockout round. The U.S. enters the World Cup as the competition’s second-youngest team, with an average age of 25.2 years.
Against Wales, the U.S. will need to take a patient approach while facing a defensive-oriented squad that takes few chances. Wales is led by star winger Gareth Bale and Kieffer Moore, a rangy 6-foot-5 forward. Moore will pose a threat through the air on headers. Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner is expected to start in net for the U.S. Turner is familiar with the Wales lineup from his time in the English Premier League.
The #USMNT have one win in their last seven matches against teams going to the 2022 World Cup. They haven’t scored in the other six:
0-0 vs. Saudi Arabia
0-2 vs. Japan
0-0 vs. Uruguay
3-0 vs. Morocco
0-2 vs. Costa Rica
0-0 vs. Mexico
0-2 vs. Canada— Opta Analyst US (@OptaAnalystUS) September 27, 2022
The U.S. has odds of +140 at PointsBet to defeat Wales (+230) straight up, with odds of +200 on a draw. There are also odds of +140 on over 2.5 goals, with the under at -190. PointsBet has more than 50 markets for Monday’s match, including odds on numerous anytime goal scorers. Those include +240 on an anytime goal by U.S. striker Jesus Ferreira and +350 for a goal by Christian Pulisic. For Wales, there are odds of +210 for an anytime goal by Bale and +280 on an anytime score from Moore.
Devils pursue 13th straight win
After opening the NHL season 3-3, the New Jersey Devils have reeled off 12 straight victories to move to a Metropolitan Division-best 15-3-0 record. The Devils can tie the franchise record for consecutive victories on Monday night with a win over Edmonton. The franchise record has stood for more than two decades.
New Jersey, which missed the playoffs last year, has odds of 13/1 at Hard Rock Sportsbook to win the Stanley Cup. Only five teams have shorter odds. The Avalanche, the defending Stanley Cup champs, are still the top choice, with odds of +475.
THE NEW JERSEY DEVILS HAVE WON 12 STRAIGHT GAMES. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bISblb3RN0
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 19, 2022
Wednesday, November 23
Maryland expected to launch online sports betting
Last week, the Maryland Sports Wagering Application Review Commission issued mobile sports betting licenses to 10 operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Fanatics, Betfred, BetRivers, PointsBet, and betPARX. While Maryland is expected to go live with mobile sports betting on Wednesday, Maryland Lottery and Gaming has yet to set an initial start date. Before an initial rollout, each sportsbook has a set of operational requirements it must complete, according to the lottery.
Thursday, November 24
Cowboys face Giants on Thanksgiving Day
The Cowboys put forth one of the most dominant performances of the NFL season on Sunday, crushing the NFC North-leading Vikings 40-3. Tony Pollard had a breakthrough performance with 109 receiving yards and two touchdowns, along with 80 yards on the ground. The Giants, meanwhile, fell into a second-place tie with the Cowboys in the NFC East after a 31-18 loss to the Lions. Dallas is an 8.5-point home favorite at SuperBook Sports; the total is 44.5 points.
The Thanksgiving triple-header begins with a Lions-Bills matchup in Detroit. The Bills are 9.5-point favorites at bet365; the total is 54.5 points. The day’s slate ends in Minneapolis where the Vikings will face the Patriots. The Vikings are 3-point favorites at FOX Bet; the total is 41.5 points.
Receiving touchdowns of at least 30 yards this season:
Tony Pollard on Sunday: 2
All other NFL running backs this entire season: 1 pic.twitter.com/KVu1n1JwF3
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 21, 2022
Friday, November 25
U.S. and England renew acquaintances in the World Cup
Despite its storied soccer history, England has never defeated the U.S. in the World Cup. In 2010, the last World Cup meeting between the squads, the U.S. salvaged a 1-all tie on a blunder by England goalkeeper Robert Green. England, the definitive Group B favorite, is one of the top choices to win the 2022 World Cup. England scored three goals in the first half on Monday en route to a 6-2 win over Iran.
The United States and England have a rivalry that goes way, way back.
To get us up to speed on England ahead of their World Cup matchup with the USMNT, @Zonal_Marking joins @joeclowery on The Backheeled Show.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts.https://t.co/zk4lK6DJo8
— Backheeled (@Backheeled) November 16, 2022
Ahead of Monday’s slate, FanDuel installed England as a heavy -170 favorite to defeat the U.S. (+480), with odds of +290 on a draw. On the futures market, England has odds of -240 to win Group B, far ahead of the U.S. and Wales, at +550 and +600 respectively. England also has odds of +800 to win the World Cup, fourth-best among all teams.
Saturday, November 26
Ohio State-Michigan showdown highlights Rivalry Saturday
Michigan survived an upset scare on Saturday when Jake Moody connected on a 35-yard with nine seconds left to lift the Wolverines to a 19-17 win over Illinois. Now, No. 3 Michigan travels to Columbus to face bitter rival Ohio State with a trip to the Big Ten Championship game on the line. No. 2 Ohio State needed to rally from a halftime deficit against Maryland to set up a showdown of undefeated powerhouses.
Already without running back Donovan Edwards, the Michigan offense took a hit when Blake Corum left the Illinois game with a knee injury. Corum’s status for the game against the Buckeyes is uncertain. Ohio State is an 8.5-point favorite at Caesars Sportsbook; the total is 57.
UM’s Blake Corum using his NIL money to donate turkeys for Thanksgiving in Ypsilanti a second straight year
Regarding his knee: “It’s good. I’ll be fine. I’ll be back” pic.twitter.com/AeC5T7OzKB
— angelique (@chengelis) November 20, 2022
Elsewhere, USC used a thrilling win over UCLA Saturday to move into the AP Top 5 for the first time since 2017. The Trojans face another tough game this week against No. 13 Notre Dame, one of the nation’s hottest teams. USC opened as a 5.5-point favorite; the total is 52.5.
No. 4 TCU has clinched a berth in the Big 12 Championship game and is hoping to complete an undefeated regular season. TCU edged Baylor 29-28 on a last-second field goal by Griffin Kell in Week 12. The Horned Frogs are 10.5-point home favorites over Iowa State; the total is 48.
Sunday, November 27
Packers look to save season in key matchup vs. Eagles
Despite a loss to the Titans Thursday night, Aaron Rodgers isn’t ready for an obituary on the Packers’ 2022 season. Still, Green Bay is 4-7 and might need to run the table to earn a spot in the playoffs. In Week 12, the Packers will face the 9-1 Eagles on Sunday night. Philadelphia edged the Colts 17-16 on Sunday on a last-minute run by Jalen Hurts for a touchdown. The Eagles are 6.5-point home favorites at Betway; the total is 45 points.
Key injuries and lineup changes heading into Week 12 of the NFL season:
- Bears quarterback Justin Fields suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Chicago coach Matt Eberflus said the Bears will have an update on Fields by Wednesday. At Circa Sports, the Bears are 6-point road dogs at the Jets; the total is 43 points.
- Bengals running back Joe Mixon left Sunday’s win over the Steelers with a concussion. The Bengals are 1-point road favorites over the Titans on Sunday at WynnBET. Samaje Perine, Mixon’s backup, had three touchdowns in the victory over Pittsburgh.
- Chiefs running back Clyde-Edwards Helaire (ankle) and wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring) were ruled out at halftime of Sunday night’s win over the Chargers. At SI Sportsbook, the Chiefs are massive 17-point favorites over the Rams in Week 12. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford left Sunday’s game against the Saints with a concussion.
