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.
What's On Tap: NFL Week 2, MLB Wild Card Races, And Aaron Rodgers' Return On MNF
Monday, Sept. 9
Jets' Rodgers Faces Niners In Tasty MNF Opener
Last September, Aaron Rodgers attempted one pass in his Jets' debut before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles on the team's first offensive drive. Rodgers' debut on Monday Night Football served as one of the most highly-anticipated moments in franchise history. Within an instant, Jets' fans saw their emotions swing from elation to despair as the loss of Rodgers jeopardized their Super Bowl chances.
A year later, Rodgers returns on Monday Night Football as the Jets take on the 49ers in Santa Clara. The Niners, the defending NFC Champions, are 3.5-point favorites at FanDuel. Rodgers' total for passing yards at FanDuel is 235.5. Rodgers has exceeded the total in three of his last four matchups against the Niners. FanDuel has set Rodgers' total on passing touchdowns at 1.5, with considerable juice on the under at -140.
Aaron Rodgers is my pick for 2024 NFL MVP.
What he’s about to do for Jets fans this season is something even he couldn’t grasp or foresee. pic.twitter.com/BAnmKE1rAA
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 4, 2024
Wednesday, Sept. 11
MGC Hearing On Betting Limits
An item on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's hearing Wednesday includes a discussion with licensed sportsbook operators on wagering limits. Given the impact of customer relations throughout the industry, the discussion could end up becoming the most consequential regulatory hearing of 2024. Or, the hearing could involve a considerable amount of bluster without leading to any meaningful change. A host of sportsbook operators abruptly pulled out of a scheduled hearing over the summer.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Bills Face Dolphins In Early AFC East Showdown
The Bills survived an upset scare Sunday when a late Cardinals' drive stalled in a 34-28 win. On Thursday, the Bills will face AFC East rival Miami in a rematch of last season's Week 17 thriller. The Dolphins also won in dramatic fashion when Jason Sanders connected on a walk-off 52-yard field goal.
Allen suffered an injury with his non-throwing hand in the victory. Following the win, Allen indicated that he will probably receive an X-ray early this week. Allen's status for Thursday's matchup is still unknown. The Dolphins are 2-point favorites at Caesars Sportsbook; the total is 50.5.
Friday, Sept. 13
Mets Open Critical Series Against Phillies
The Mets had a season-high nine-game winning streak snapped on Sunday in a loss to the Reds. Nevertheless, the 'Amazins are still tied with the Braves for the final wild-card spot in the National League. Jose Quintana is scheduled to take the hill for the Mets against Phillies' ace Aaron Nola.
While San Diego sits atop the Wild Card standings, the Padres only lead the Mets by two games. With 19 games remaining, the Mets have odds of -120 at DraftKings to make the playoffs. In the American League, the Twins have a 3.5-game lead for the final wild-card spot. Minnesota has odds of -800 to make the postseason.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Notre Dame Eyes Bounceback After Shocking Loss
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman may be on the hot seat after the Irish suffered a shocking 16-14 defeat in Week 2 against Northern Illinois. The Irish, which closed as 28.5-point favorites, experienced one of the 15-worst spread defeats in college football over the last 45 years. Notre Dame now faces an uphill climb to make the College Football Playoff. The Irish are 12.5-point favorites over Purdue at Bally's Bet; the total is 45.5.
Northern Illinois was a 28-point underdog today against Notre Dame.
It's the worst loss by spread for ND since losing the 1995 season opener as 28-pt favorites to Northwestern.
(via @EvanHAbrams) pic.twitter.com/t4CM1x9yXn
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) September 7, 2024
Also on Saturday, No. 6 Missouri will face Boston College in a Top 25 matchup. The Tigers' offense features wideout Luther Burden III, one of the most explosive wideouts nationwide. Missouri is a 16.5-point favorite at bet365; the total is 54.
Finally, No. 4 Alabama travels to Madison to face Wisconsin. Though Alabama defeated UCF 42-16 in Week 2, the Crimson Tide only led by a point at the start of the fourth quarter. Alabama is a 16.5-point favorite at BetRivers; the total is 51.5.
Sunday, Sept. 15
Bengals Look To Avoid 0-2 Start
The Bengals' loss to the Patriots on Sunday ranked as the largest upset in Week 1, knocking out large swaths of survivor pool entrants before the start of the fall. A chic pick to win the AFC, the Bengals are 6-point dogs at Kansas City in Week 2. The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs opened the season with a close win over the Ravens.
Several other Super Bowl contenders will look to avoid an 0-2 start. The Rams opened as a 1.5-point road favorite at Arizona; the total is 48.5. The Packers expect to be without Jordan Love for several weeks after the signal caller injured his knee against the Eagles. Green Bay is a 3-point dog against the Colts. In a matchup of 0-1 teams, the Browns will face the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The Jags are 3-point favorites; the total is 41.5.
Have a good week, everyone!
