Sports

Week 5 NFL thrills: A pundit’s roadmap to gridiron showdowns

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

As the NFL games charges into the fifth week of its season, avid fans and analysts all are brimming with anticipation for the forthcoming gridiron skirmishes. This week’s lineup pledges an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, promising high stakes and pulsating encounters that are set to enthrall football aficionados nationwide. For many fans and bettors, the week 5 NFL picks are coming into sharper focus by the minute.

Commanders vs Bears

A riveting clash of tactics and talents unfolds as the Washington Commanders lock horns with the Chicago Bears. These two teams epitomize distinctive playing styles and strategic maneuvers. The Commanders, the reborn Washington Football Team, flaunt a formidable defense renowned for their relentless pass rush and an impenetrable secondary. Spearheaded by their star pass rusher Chase Young, their objective is to heap pressure on the opposition’s quarterback and disrupt offensive plays.

In contrast, the Chicago Bears boast a historical emphasis on defensive dominance and a traditional, hard-hitting running game. Their defensive lineup, characterized by a potent front seven and a legacy of exceptional linebackers, seeks to rattle the quarterback and force turnovers.

Dolphins vs Giants

The showdown between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants promises an engaging battle of strategic contrasts. The Dolphins, famed for their aggressive defensive prowess and a secondary that thrives on making big plays, aggressively target the quarterback and look to generate turnovers. Guided by their stellar cornerback Xavien Howard, they possess the knack to disrupt passing lanes and deliver crucial defensive stops.

On the flip side, the Giants are synonymous with a balanced offensive approach and a robust defensive line. Their game plan typically involves a medley of rushing and passing plays to keep the defense guessing. The defensive goal is to halt the run and exert pressure on rival quarterbacks.

Rams vs Eagles

As the Los Angeles Rams collide with the Philadelphia Eagles, an intriguing face-off of divergent offensive strategies takes center stage. The Rams are renowned for their aerial assault, orchestrated by the proficient quarterback Matthew Stafford and the dynamic receivers they line up. Their offensive playbook revolves around spreading the field, quick passes, and well-timed play-action maneuvers to engineer explosive plays.

On the opposing end, the Eagles embrace a ground-and-pound ethos, heavily relying on a robust rushing game. The mobility of quarterback Jalen Hurts injects a dynamic dimension into their offensive game, a facet that odds-makers and NFL enthusiasts could bank on in NFL player props and other types of bets. Their tactical objective is to control the clock and grind down the opposing defense through a blend of running plays and cleverly designed quarterback rushes.

Sports

Sports betting roundup: NFL and college football were all about the favourites

Published

20 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Anne Joseph

The past weekend of football was all about the favourites.

The favoured teams went 13-1 straight up and 10-4 against the spread in the NFL. In college football, the three most teams bet at the BetMGM Sportsbook in terms of number of bets and money all won and covered. All three were favourites.

Trends of the Week

The three most bet college teams that won and covered on Saturday were Ohio State (-3.5) vs. Penn State, Indiana (-7.5) at Michigan State and Oregon (-14.5) at Michigan. Penn State has now lost seven straight home games as underdogs. The Nittany Lions were up 10-0 in the first quarter and were 3.5-point favourites at the time. The Buckeyes won 17-10.

In the NFL, the three most bet teams in terms of number of bets and money were the Washington Commanders (-4) at the New York Giants, the Detroit Lions (-2.5) at the Green Bay Packers and the Buffalo Bills (-6) vs. the Miami Dolphins. All three teams won, but only two of the three covered the spread as Buffalo beat Miami 30-27.

When it came to the players with the most bets to score a touchdown on Sunday, only two of the five reached the end zone — Chase Brown (-125) and Taysom Hill (+185). David Montgomery (-140), Brian Robinson Jr. (+110) and AJ Barner (+500) did not score.

Upsets of the Week

The biggest upset in the NFL was the Carolina Panthers coming from behind to beat the New Orleans Saints 23-22. New Orleans closed as a 7-point favourite and took in 76% of the bets and 79% of the money in against-the-spread betting. The Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen following the loss. They have now lost seven straight games after starting the year 2-0.

Arguably the biggest upset in college football was South Carolina beating No. 10 Texas A&M 44-20 at home. Texas A&M closed as a 2.5-point favourite and took in 59% of the bets and 58% of the money.

Coming up

Right after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Yankees to win the World Series, odds for the 2025 World Series were released.

The Dodgers have the best odds at +400, while the Atlanta Braves and Yankees are next at +800.

The Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies round out the top five, both at +1100.

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This column was provided to The Associated Press by BetMGM online sportsbook.

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Sports

Longtime rivals Ovechkin, Crosby join Necas as NHL’s three stars of the week

Published

20 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Anne Joseph

NEW YORK – Washington Capitals left-wing Alex Ovechkin, Carolina Hurricanes centre Martin Necas and Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby have been named the NHL’s three stars of the week.

Ovechkin had a league-leading five goals and nine points in four games.

The 39-year-old Capitals captain has 14 points in 11 games this season, and his 860 career goals are just 34 shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record.

Necas shared the league lead with nine points (three goals, six assists) in three games.

Crosby factored on seven of the Penguins’ eight total goals scoring four goals and adding three assists in three appearances. The 37-year-old Penguins captain leads his team with 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 13 games this season.

Crosby and Ovechkin, longtime rivals since entering the league together in 2005-06, will meet for the 70th time in the regular season and 95th time overall when Pittsburgh visits Washington on Friday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2024.

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Sports

Oliveira, Mitchell named as finalists for CFL outstanding player award

Published

5 days ago

October 31, 2024

Anne Joseph

TORONTO – Running back Brady Oliveira of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell are the finalists for the CFL’s outstanding player award.

Oliveira led the CFL in rushing this season with 1,353 yards while Mitchell was the league leader in passing yards (5,451) and touchdowns (32).

Oliveira is also the West Division finalist for the CFL’s top Canadian award, the second straight year he’s been nominated for both.

Oliveira was the CFL’s outstanding Canadian in 2023 and the runner-up to Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for outstanding player.

Defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund of the Montreal Alouettes is the East Division’s top Canadian nominee.

Voting for the awards is conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada and the nine CFL head coaches.

The other award finalists include: defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal linebacker Tyrice Beverette (outstanding defensive player); Saskatchewan’s Logan Ferland and Toronto’s Ryan Hunter (outstanding lineman); B.C. Lions kicker Sean Whyte and Toronto returner Janarion Grant (special teams); and Edmonton Elks linebacker Nick Anderson and Hamilton receiver Shemar Bridges (outstanding rookie).

The coach of the year finalists are Saskatchewan’s Corey Mace and Montreal’s Jason Maas.

The CFL will honour its top individual performers Nov. 14 in Vancouver.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31.

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