The first weekend of no NFL since August can give gamblers a hangover effect betting-wise, but fear not, there is football this weekend. The Alliance of American Football begins its season this week.
The league has four games on the schedule in its debut season. There is also a full slate of Premier League soccer, NHL hockey, NBA and college basketball, two golf tournaments, and UFC 234.
OG looks at five bets we like and offer them below.
1. 2-1 Correct Score Manchester United vs. Fulham 14/1
Manchester United is a 4/6 favorite to beat Chelsea on Saturday, but the score might be far closer than oddsmakers believe. Manchester United is without two key defensemen, and it could make them vulnerable.
Fulham will probably keep this game close, and it could be tied going into the late stages, with Manchester United scoring the game winning, to make it 2-1. At 14/1 it is a great value bet.
Take 2-1 as correct score.
2. AAF Salt Lake City vs. Arizona Over/Under 53.5 Points
The new football league has touted offense and these two teams should provide it. Arizona is the top-ranked team, and Salt Lake City is ranked fourth out of the eight AAF teams.
Arizona, who is coached by former USFL quarterback Rick Neuheisel, has two quality signal callers in John Wolford and Trevor Knight. Experience will be key as well, since All but three players on the Arizona roster have NFL experience.
Salt Lake City has the second best odds behind Arizona to win the title and is coached by former NCAA coach Dennis Erickson.
This should be an entertaining shootout and 53.5 points seems low.
Take the over.
3. San Jose vs. Edmonton Over/Under 6.5 Goals
San Jose is one of the top teams in the NHL’s Western Conference, while the Edmonton Oilers are fighting for a playoff spot. Edmonton’s defense is their main problem. They give up more than three goals a game on average, and are third worst in the league.
But the Sharks aren’t much better. Their goals against average is 2.96, good for 20th out of 31 teams.
Both teams know how to score, and have potent weapons. The Oilers have Leon Draisaitl, who is tied for third in goals with 32. Teammate Connor McDavid is a goal behind with 31. San Jose’s Joe Pavelski is tied for ninth with 29.
This has the potential to be a shootout.
Take the over.
4. MMA Robert Whittaker -227 vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Robert Whittaker has won his last nine fights and takes on Kelvin Gastelum in the main bout of UFC 234. Whittaker won the middleweight belt in UFC 213.
Gastelum is 15-3 and has won his last two fights, including a knockout of Michael Bisping.
The two haven’t fought in nearly a year, and the long layoff is a concern. That should benefit Whittaker, who has odds of -227 to win the bout.
Take Whittaker to win.
5. Paul Casey 6/1 to Win Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Paul Casey is tied with five others for the lead in the second round of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which was suspended due to rain. The good thing is Casey finished his round before play was called for the day.
The Englishman shot up the leaderboard after Friday’s 64, the best round of the day. This is his first tour event since missing the cut at the Sony Open in January, but he has four top-20 finishes in his other events this season. The odds of 6/1 are the best of the leaders.
Take Casey to win Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
