For the most part, Monday Night Football between the Commanders and the Eagles featured a total and a spread that were straightforward and most would call the "correct" outcome.
With a spread in the range of 10-11.5, the Commanders were never behind the number and ultimately got out in front of the Eagles before winning straight up on the moneyline.
The total sat around 41.5-43, and a scoring barrage in the first quarter ensured that we were on pace to hit the over from the early stages of the game.
However, in today's era, the prop markets and ability to bet on each individual player means each play matters until the final whistle, and we learned that again on Monday night.
Devonta Smith's over/under on receiving yards was 52.5, and the Eagles receiver had notched 53 yards on the game as Philly got the ball back on its own 10 with one play remaining in the contest.
Of course, if you had that over, you knew exactly what was going to happen when Smith caught the ball 10 yards down the field.
🚨 Bad Beat: DeVonta Smith over 52.5 rec yds
Prior to this play: 53 rec yds
After this play: 39 rec ydspic.twitter.com/5UFywuvyyC
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) November 15, 2022
In a brutal attempt at a lateral play, Smith flung the ball back to no one, with the ball rolling towards the end zone and Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill ultimately scooping it and scoring.
Smith's receiving yard total after the play? 39.
As with any betting controversy, people were quick to point out that the play wasn't reviewed to any capacity. To the naked eye, it certainly seems possible that Smith was down before the ball was released.
That wouldn't have only swung this prop, but it also would have swung a host of live wagers that were surely determined based on the six points added on the Commanders' score.
If you did happen to have the Washington defense to score at any time, enjoy one of the finest slices of betting luck you'll find.
