Weekly Sports Betting Preview
Upcoming Sports Action: NFL Week 13, College Football Conference Finals, U.S.-Iran Developments
Each week, we bring you the lowdown on the week ahead in the exciting world of sports betting. From financial happenings and legislative meetings to top games and conferences, we've got you covered. Catch our weekly recap, "Get a Grip," for a look back at last week's key news.
Tuesday, November 29
A nail-biter for Team USA in the World Cup
Following a 0-0 tie against England, the U.S. is still fighting for a spot in the knockout stage at the World Cup. To ensure their ticket to the Round of 16, the U.S. must secure a win against Iran in their Group B finale. FanDuel gives the US odds of -110 for advancing, with Iran slightly favored at -125. Wales, with one point through two games, is a lengthy shot at +2300.
As for Wales, they will take on England in the other Group B match on Tuesday. England remains the group favorite, with odds of -800. England also sports odds of +950 to win the World Cup, the fifth best among all teams as of Monday morning.
MGM-Springfield's sports betting application hits the table at MGC meeting
With Massachusetts edging closer to a 2023 launch of legal sports betting, three casinos have applied for retail sports betting licensure. Next up for discussion: MGM-Springfield's sports betting license application at Tuesday's Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting. As Massachusetts sports betting operators line up for entry, each retail casino will be able to partner with two digital sports betting skins. While MGM Resorts has hinted that BetMGM will claim the first skin, the company has yet to disclose its plans for the second one.
Wednesday, November 30
ESPN Chairman Pitaro to shed light at the SBJ conference
As ESPN navigates a critical juncture on the sports calendar amid heightened uncertainty about its entry into the sports betting space, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro may offer some insight at Wednesday's appearance at the Sports Business Journal Media Innovators conference in New York City. Last month, ESPN appeared poised to enter the space after reports suggested a potential deal with DraftKings on a branding partnership was on the horizon. But the departure of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek has added a wrinkle to the timing. Bob Iger, Chapek's predecessor, returned to his previous role this month and seems less enthused about sports betting than Chapek.
Saturday, December 3
Michigan and Georgia chase consecutive CFP national semifinal berths
After a dominant 45-23 victory over archrival Ohio State, Michigan finds itself as the second favorite at DraftKings to win the national title. The Wolverines will face Purdue in the Big Ten championship game, favored by 16.5 points with a total of 50.
Defending champions Georgia remain the odds-on favorite, having defeated Georgia Tech to complete consecutive undefeated regular seasons for the first time in the school's history. The Bulldogs will tackle LSU in the SEC championship, favored by 16 points and a total of 50.5 points at Caesars Sportsbook.
One other undefeated team remains: TCU, who crushed Iowa State 62-14 to climb to No. 3 in the AP Top 25. The Horned Frogs will meet Kansas State in the Big 12 championship, favored by 1.5 points and a total of 60.5 points.
Sunday, December 4
MLB Winter Meetings kick off in San Diego
General managers from across Major League Baseball will converge in San Diego for the annual winter meetings, and some high-profile players could be on the move. The biggest question: Will Aaron Judge, this year's American League MVP, re-sign with the Yankees after seven seasons in the Bronx? The Giants and Dodgers are among the teams interested in Judge, who has odds of -165 at DraftKings to stay with the Yankees.
In addition to Judge, a host of shortstop options are available on the free-agent market, including the Dodgers' Trea Turner, Twins' Carlos Correa, Braves' Dansby Swanson, and Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts. Correa declined a guaranteed $35.1 million contract for the 2023 season in favor of testing the market.
For teams eyeing a World Series title, the Dodgers (+600) are slight favorites, with the Astros next at +700. The Braves (+1000), Yankees (+1000), and Mets (+1200) round out the top five. The Phillies, the defending National League champions, have odds of +1800 to win the World Series.
McDaniel faces Niners for the first time since joining the Dolphins
Since leaving the San Francisco 49ers at the end of last season, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has brought a dynamic offense to South Florida. This Sunday, McDaniel will take on his former team for the first time since departing his role as offensive coordinator in San Francisco.
McDaniel and the Dolphins will face a stingy Niners defense that recorded a shutout against New Orleans on Sunday, allowing only 260 total yards. The Niners opened as a 3.5-point home favorite at Circa Sports; the total is set at 46.5 points.
Key injuries and lineup uncertainties heading into Week 13:
- Aaron Rodgers suffered a rib injury during Sunday's loss against the Eagles. While Rodgers' rib X-rays came back inconclusive, he is expected to play against the Bears in Week 13, as long as the scans turn out OK. The Bears are currently 2.5-point consensus favorites at numerous major sportsbooks, but the line is off the board at many books pending Rodgers' status.
- Jets quarterback Mike White threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Bears. Coach Robert Saleh has hinted that he wants to play Zach Wilson before the season ends, but has not specified when Wilson will return to the starting lineup. The Vikings are 3-point home favorites over the Jets at WynnBET; the total is set at 42.5 points.
- Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs left the field on a cart in Sunday's loss to the Browns after suffering a foot injury. Wirfs' foot X-ray turned out negative, according to the NFL Network. Running back Leonard Fournette missed the game with a hip injury. The Bucs are 6-point home favorites over the Saints at BetRivers; the total is set at 40.5 points.
Have a great week, everyone!
- In the World Cup, the U.S. needs to win against Iran on Tuesday to secure odds of -110 for advancing, whilst Iran is slightly favored at -125.
- MGM-Springfield's sports betting application will be discussed in the Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting on Tuesday as Massachusetts edges closer to a 2023 launch of legal sports betting.
- ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro may offer some insight at Wednesday's appearance at the Sports Business Journal Media Innovators conference in New York City regarding ESPN's planned entry into the sports betting space.
- Michigan, after a dominant victory over Ohio State, finds itself as the second favorite at DraftKings to win the national title, with odds of +230 for the Wolverines to win the CFP national semifinal berth.
- In the NFL, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike McDaniel will face his former team for the first time since leaving, with the Dolphins taking on the 49ers as 3.5-point underdogs at Circa Sports.
