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.
Monday, Sept. 16
Leforbes' Arraignment in California
Damien Leforbes, a prominent poker player, is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday afternoon in Southern California. Last month, Leforbes pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering and operating an illegal sports betting ring. Over an 11-month period through Dec. 2023, Leforbes allegedly wagered more than $148 million at a Las Vegas venue identified in court filings as "Casino A." According to multiple sources, Leforbes has connections with Matthew Bowyer, another bookmaker. Bowyer, who allegedly accepted millions in wagers from Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, is awaiting sentencing in 2025.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Jets Return Home After Early Road Swing
On Sunday, the Jets defeated the Titans 24-17, giving Aaron Rodgers his first win in a full game with the team. Shelved for the season in 2023 with an Achilles injury, Rodgers led a team to a win for the first time in 623 days. Despite the victory, Rodgers has only averaged 171.5 yards per game through Week 2 of the NFL season.
The Jets will face the Patriots, their bitter AFC East rivals, on Thursday Night Football this week. New England fell to 1-1 Sunday with an overtime defeat to the Seahawks. New England ranks 27th in the league against the pass (233.0 yards per game). The Jets opened as 7-point favorites at bet365; the total is 39.5.
Friday, Sept. 20
Mets Host Phils in Key Homestand
The Mets suffered a stinging defeat to the Phillies on Sunday on a walk-off single by J.T. Realmuto with two outs in the ninth. Despite the loss, the Mets remained in a tie for the final wild-card spot in the National League. The teams will meet again for four games in New York, their last meeting of the regular season.
With two weeks left in the regular season, it appears that four teams are in contention for three wild-card spots in the NL. Arizona, the current No. 2 seed for the wild card, has odds of -1050 at FanDuel to make the playoffs. The Diamondbacks enter Monday with a two-game lead over the Braves and Mets. Atlanta has odds of -240 to make the playoffs, with the Mets at -106 to qualify for the postseason.
Odds to win National League at #BetMGM
Dodgers +160
Phillies +225
Padres +650
Brewers +900
Dbacks +1000
Braves +1400
Mets +1400
All other teams +20000 or longer odds17% of money (most) is on @Dodgers to win NL pic.twitter.com/Q5JdRGnIgt
— John Ewing (@johnewing) September 16, 2024
Saturday, Sept. 21
USC Travels to Ann Arbor to Face Michigan
During the storied history of the USC–Michigan rivalry, the teams have met numerous times at the Rose Bowl — with the national title on the line in several instances. On Saturday, though, they will square off in Ann Arbor for the first time as Big 10 opponents. USC, which has won the last three in the series, opened as a 5.5-point favorite at ESPN BET.
There are several other Top 25 matchups on Saturday. Sixth-ranked Tennessee travels to Norman to face No. 15 Oklahoma. The Sooners will have to slow an explosive Vols' offense, one that averages 63.6 points per game. Tennessee is a 7.5-point favorite; the total is 57.5. Finally, No. 12 Utah will take on No. 14 Oklahoma State in a potential Big 12 title preview. The Cowboys are 3-point home favorites.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Clark Makes First Appearance in WNBA Playoffs
Caitlin Clark scored a WNBA career-high 35 points on Sunday in leading the Fever to a one-point win over Dallas. With the victory, Indiana secured the No. 6 seed in the WNBA Playoffs. While the Fever's opponent has not been determined, Indiana could face the Lynx, Sun or Aces in Sunday's opener.
Already, Clark has set WNBA rookie records for points and assists. The Fever conclude the regular season on Thursday against the Mystics. At DraftKings, Clark has odds of 22-1 to win Finals MVP. Since the Fever are considered a long shot to win the title, Clark is the sixth choice on the futures market. Breanna Stewart is the favorite at +300, followed by Aces center A'ja Wilson at +350.
Caitlin Clark is a Top 5 most impactful player in the history of sports.
She has absolutely changed the game athletically and financially. pic.twitter.com/5izpHsEMUV
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) September 15, 2024
Saints Eye First 3-0 Start Since 2013
The Saints slaughtered the Cowboys 44-19 on Sunday, ending Dallas' 16-game regular-season home winning streak. New Orleans became the fourth NFL team since 1993 to score TDs on their first six offensive possessions of a game. For their next game, the Saints opened as 3.5-point home 'dogs against the Eagles; the total is 46.5.
There are several matchups between unbeaten teams in Week 3. The Vikings will host the Texans in a battle of two stifling defensive units. Houston opened as a 4-point favorite at Caesars Sportsbook; the total is 46.5 points. In addition, the Steelers will host the Chargers in another matchup of 2-0 teams. The Steelers opened as a 1.5-point favorite at BetRivers, where the total is 38.5 points — one of the lowest on the week.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, will attempt to rebound from the crushing loss to the Saints. Dallas will face the Ravens in a matchup of preseason Super Bowl contenders. The loser of the matchup at "Jerry's World" will be below .500 entering Week 4. The Cowboys are 1-point favorites at Bally Bet.
Have a good week, everyone!
