Football Action: NFL Week 15, Pistons' 19-Match Slump, Bowl Season Kicks Off
Sports Betting Week Ahead: Get ready for a thrilling ride as we unravel the week's events in the world of sports betting! From nail-biting games to eye-catching legislative movements, we've got you covered. Plus, don't miss our weekly review, "*Get a G*rip****," for a quick recap of last week's notable happenings.
Monday, December 11
Detroit Pistons in the midst of a jaw-dropping losing streak
With a disappointing defeat against the Orlando Magic over the weekend, the Detroit Pistons have now lost a staggering 19 games in a row, dropping their season record to 2-20. This grim milestone places them just two losses away from equaling the franchise's all-time record for consecutive defeats, set back in 1980.
The Pistons' next four games are lined up, starting Monday with a home match against the Pacers. If they lose this one, the Pistons will find themselves closing in on the record with a chance to equal it on Wednesday against the Sixers. The heart-pounding potential 22nd straight loss is scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia in the second half of a back-to-back.
Despite the tough time the Pistons are going through, they have a remote chance of winning the Central Division, with odds of +100000 at BetMGM. However, they are already 13 games behind the division-leading Bucks.
Follow the Detroit Free Press on Twitter for the latest updates on the Pistons: "@freep"
Revenue Reports Shed Light on ESPN BET Launch
As many as six states could release their monthly sports betting revenue reports this week, providing an early glimpse into the impact of ESPN BET's launch. Some states will share November reports, while others will publish October reports for comparison purposes, as PENN Entertainment's final month with Barstool Sportsbook was October.
According to Barclays, ESPN BET is projected to capture an online sports betting market share of 6.1% in Q4 2023, up from Barstool Sportsbook's 2.8% in the previous quarter. Reports from Arizona, Kentucky, Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, and Colorado sportsbooks are expected throughout the week. ESPN BET currently operates in 17 states.
"Launch of ESPN Bet with generous sign-up bonuses supported an acceleration of wagering activity during the month. (But) gross hold declined 50 bps YoY and was below TTM average of 9.2%"
- JMP Securities
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Man U on the brink of elimination
Manchester United's performance in the UEFA Champions League group play has been mediocre, with only one victory in five matches. On Tuesday, Manchester United faces a crucial game against Bayern Munich in the final week of group play. The Red Devils desperately need a win over Bayern and a tie between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to qualify for the next round. PointsBet lists Bayern Munich as a +130 favorite for the match, while odds for a tie sit at +300.
While defending champion Manchester City has already secured a spot in the knockout stage, other teams set to join them include Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, to name a few. City is the favorite to win the Champions League title at +200, followed by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at +400 and +650, respectively.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Former Jaguars employee faces federal court for alleged embezzlement
Last week, reports emerged concerning a former Jacksonville Jaguars employee accused of embezzling millions from the team through a comprehensive credit card scheme. Amit Patel, who faces charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft, reportedly used approximately 99% of the stolen money to fund his gambling losses through fantasy sports and sports wagers placed on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Patel has waived his right to an indictment by a grand jury and will appear in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on Thursday to enter a guilty plea, according to his attorney.
"Approx 99 percent of the funds from the Jaguars' VCC program were gambling losses." @KatieJStrang
Saturday, Dec. 16
College bowl season kicks off with six exciting games
The 2023-24 bowl season begins on Saturday with Georgia Southern taking on Ohio in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Despite being 3.5-point underdogs, Ohio has an opportunity to end the season on a four-game winning streak. The Eagles have a talented quarterback in Davis Brin but have allowed at least 38 points in three of their last four games.
In total, there are six games scheduled for Saturday, with UCLA facing Boise State in the Starco Brands LA Bowl, marking UCLA's final game as a member of the Pac-12. The Bruins, who are 2-point favorites, will face a challenging 49.5-point total. Later, Cal will meet Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl, with the Red Raiders listed as 3-point favorites and a total of 58.5 points.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Ravens fight for the top spot in the AFC
The Ravens managed to secure a 37-31 overtime victory against the Rams on Sunday, retain the top spot in the AFC playoff race, and keep the Miami Dolphins at bay at 9.5 games. ESPN BET has listed the Ravens as 3.5-point favorites over the Jaguars on Sunday, with a 43.5-point total.
In other notable games on Sunday, the Cowboys head to western New York to face the Bills, who edged out Kansas City 20-17 in their last contest. The Cowboys, on the other hand, played a dominating first half against the Eagles to secure a 24-6 lead and ultimately win 33-13. The Bills are listed as 1.5-point favorites at ESPN BET for this matchup, featuring a 49.5-point total.
Key injuries and absences ahead of Week 15:
- Justin Jefferson returned after missing seven games with a hamstring injury, but concerns arose when he was taken to a hospital on Sunday after experiencing a chest injury. Despite the scare, there is an optimistic outlook that Jefferson will be available for the game against the Bengals, according to the Star Tribune. The Vikings are 1-point favorites at BetRivers with a 42.5-point total for this matchup.
- C.J. Stroud left the game against the Jets with a concussion and may be in the concussion protocol for the majority of the week. The Texans also suffered a setback when wideout Nico Collins exited the game with a calf injury. Both Stroud and Collins could potentially miss the matchup against the Titans at Caesars Sportsbook, which features a 42.5-point total.
- Justin Herbert's fractured throwing-hand index finger could potentially jeopardize his 62-game consecutive-starts streak, with the risk of this injury being season-ending, according to NFL Network reports. The Chargers, who are 3.5-point favorites over the Raiders at bet365, will be affected by this development, with the game featuring a 42.5-point total.
- Ahead of the Detroit Pistons' losing streak reaching the franchise's all-time record, fans are referring to their favorite team as a sure stake for losses.
- Betting enthusiasts are closely watching the line for the Detroit Pistons' upcoming games, with the odds heavily favoring their opponents.
- As the Pistons struggle, sports-betting analysts see this as a prime opportunity for those willing to wager on their opponents.
- When it comes to sports betting, Monday's game between the Pistons and Pacers is shaping up to be a bettors' delight.
- For those interested in American football, the NFL's Detroit Pistons' struggles provide an interesting study in sports-analysis.
- Meanwhile, sportsbooks across the country are keeping a close eye on ESPN BET's launch and its potential impact on the online sports betting market share.
- In the world of sports betting, ESPN BET's projected 6.1% market share for Q4 2023 is an odds-defying leap from its predecessor, Barstool Sportsbook.
- Apart from the NFL, sports betting interest extends to other sports such as basketball, with the NBA's early-round action heating up.
- For basketball fans, the NBA's Man U team is on the brink of elimination in the UEFA Champions League group play.
- In a high-stakes match, Man U faces Bayern Munich in the final week of group play, with odds heavily favoring Bayern.
- Following an alleged embezzlement scandal, the former Jacksonville Jaguars employee's preference for sports betting on DraftKings and FanDuel has come under scrutiny.
