All the pieces that occurs in sports activities has further context when considered from a betting perspective. From season-changing accidents to record-setting moments and a lot extra, the information cycle will consistently and considerably have an effect on the sports activities betting business.
Our betting buzz file — with contributions from David Purdum, Doug Greenberg and others — goals to offer followers a have a look at the sports activities betting tales which might be driving the dialog.
Key hyperlinks: Sports activities betting house | NFL odds web page | NBA odds web page | ESPN BET
March 1: Commanders Tremendous Bowl odds shorten after Deebo Samuel commerce
The Washington Commanders solidified themselves amongst NFC betting favorites for the Tremendous Bowl after their commerce for San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. The Commanders have been 20-1 in early odds and 18-1 getting into the weekend, shortening to 16-1 after the commerce. Their odds to win the NFC to go to the Tremendous Bowl shortened from +850 to +800.
The market doesn’t see this transfer as an indication that the 49ers are making ready to rebuild; they’re +650 to characterize the NFC within the Tremendous Bowl and 13-1 to win all of it, behind solely the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles (+600) and Detroit Lions (+850) within the NFC.
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (+600) are the AFC favorites to win their third Tremendous Bowl in 4 years, adopted by the Baltimore Ravens (+650), Buffalo Payments (+700) and Cincinnati Bengals (13-1).
Extra: Full checklist of AFC, NFC and Tremendous Bowl championship odds.
Feb 3: Betting by the numbers: Los Angeles Lakers’ motion spikes after Luka Doncic commerce
David Purdum: The sports activities world and betting market continues to be buzzing concerning the gorgeous commerce Saturday night time that despatched Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in trade for Anthony Davis.
The deal produced a flurry of betting exercise, together with extra wagers on the championship winner market, on Sunday at ESPN BET than another day because the season started. The vast majority of the bets have been on the Lakers.
This is a have a look at the betting numbers behind the blockbuster transfer:
40-1 — The Lakers’ odds to win the NBA Finals at ESPN BET earlier than the commerce. The Lakers’ odds have since shortened to 16-1.
25-1 — The Mavericks’ odds to win the Finals at ESPN BET earlier than the commerce. The Mavericks’ odds have since moved to 33-1.
5 — The variety of groups with shorter odds to win the NBA Finals at ESPN BET than the Lakers. The Boston Celtics stay the favorites (+210), adopted carefully by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (+225). The Cleveland Cavaliers (+850), New York Knicks (+1300) and Denver Nuggets (+1400) spherical out the highest 5 groups.
-4.5 — The early line at ESPN BET on the Feb. 25 sport between the Mavericks and Lakers in Los Angeles. The Lakers opened as 5.5-point favorites. The road dipped to -4.5 by Monday.
69% — Because the commerce broke in a single day Saturday, 69% of the bets on the percentages to win the Finals at Fanatics Sportsbook have been on the Lakers, greater than all different groups mixed. The second-most well-liked wager because the commerce? The Mavericks (11%).
+550 — The Mavericks’ odds to beat the Cavaliers on Sunday of their first sport because the commerce. Extra money-line bets have been positioned on the Mavericks than another workforce Sunday at BetMGM sportsbooks. Cleveland received 144-101.
45.5 — The Mavericks’ season-win whole forward of the commerce at ESPN BET. The guide reposted the quantity after the commerce at 44.5.
Jan 31: Breaking down the early Heisman favorites
Pamela Maldonado: Texas QB Arch Manning opened because the betting favourite to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy at +750 odds on Thursday night time. The redshirt sophomore is getting into his third season with the Longhorns after backing up Quinn Ewers his first two seasons. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is second on the ESPN BET oddsboard at +800 with Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava (+1100), Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (+1200) and Penn State’s Drew Allar (+1200) rounding out the highest 5. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (+1500) has the shortest odds for a non-QB.
QB Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns (+750)
Manning is entering into the highlight as Texas’ full-time beginning quarterback, able to show he is extra than simply his final title. A product of the legendary Manning dynasty, he possesses the arm expertise, accuracy, and a excessive stage of soccer IQ that might make him a nightmare for defenses. In restricted motion throughout the 2024 season, Manning flashed his potential, throwing for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns and solely 2 interceptions. His dual-threat capacity was additionally on show, including 108 speeding yards and 4 touchdowns on 25 carries — a component that solely enhances Texas’ already high-powered offense.
The 2025 schedule, nevertheless, presents a problem. Manning shall be examined early with a highway opener at Ohio State, adopted by journeys to Florida and Georgia, earlier than closing the common season at house in opposition to Texas A&M.
QB, Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers (+800)
Nussmeier’s throwing energy and fast launch make him an ideal match for LSU’s pro-style offense, and his 2024 numbers again it up: 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, rating third in LSU’s single-season historical past.
Tremendous Bowl LIX betting: Chiefs-Eagles
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However it’s extra than simply stats — Nussmeier has the clutch issue. He made a press release in opposition to Ole Miss in Week 7, lighting up their protection for 337 yards and three touchdowns in an time beyond regulation thriller. Even after a shoulder harm in opposition to Oklahoma in Week 14, he returned to fireplace two deep touchdowns to Chris Hilton, proving his toughness.
The important thing to his Heisman marketing campaign? Sharpening his decision-making and avoiding pressured throws. If he refines his sport, LSU’s high-powered offense will give him each alternative to be within the Heisman dialog all season lengthy.
WR, Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Buckeyes (+1500)
Jeremiah Smith is the participant everybody ought to watch this season. Listed because the sixth favourite to win the Heisman, the Ohio State wideout delivered a historic freshman season in 2024, recording 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns — setting FBS single-season data for a real freshman. His dominance earned him Massive Ten Freshman of the 12 months, Massive Ten Receiver of the 12 months, and Rose Bowl MVP honors after a 187-yard, two-touchdown efficiency.
Smith’s explosive playmaking, elite route-running and skill to ship in massive moments make him a authentic Heisman contender. From his jaw-dropping, one-handed seize in opposition to Michigan State in Week 5 to a 60-yard reception vs. Nebraska in Week 9, Smith is a human spotlight reel. Large receivers hardly ever win the Heisman, however Smith has the manufacturing and star energy to rewrite historical past.
Betting consideration: Wait and see
It is January — so pump the brakes. Notre Dame continues to be licking its wounds from a Nationwide Championship loss to Ohio State, and the 2025 panorama is much from settled. Whereas the favorites naturally draw consideration, intriguing names are rising. Quarterbacks like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik might current worth value monitoring.
Manning stands out as the frontrunner for now, however there are nonetheless seven months till the 2025 season kicks off. Preseason traces forward of Week 0 shall be key. Since 2009, just one preseason favourite — Marcus Mariota in 2014 — has gone on to win the Heisman. Whether or not Manning nonetheless holds that spot by kickoff stays to be seen.
As for Smith? He is completely on my radar. Six sophomores have received the Heisman, from Tim Tebow in 2007 to Caleb Williams in 2022. Nonetheless, with a lot uncertainty forward, endurance is likely to be the smarter play — for now.
