The inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off has been a huge success.  Canada's head coach, Jon Cooper, even ...

<p>The inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off has been a huge success.</p><p>Canada's head coach, Jon Cooper, even went as far as saying "nothing's done more for hockey in a decade than what this tournament's done," according to <a href="https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1891904631439028578">Sportsnet's Chris Jonhston</a>.</p><p>The event has been a pleasant surprise for the NHL in its first attempt to replace the non-competitive All-Star Game, and the appetite for best-on-best international hockey can be easily quantified by the action at sportsbooks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The round-robin game between Canada and the U.S. was the most-bet-on hockey event of the season," said Adrian Horton, head of North American trading at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><p>"Early action indicates Thursday's final will blow their first game out of the water based on the number of bets," Horton added. "It feels like a Stanley Cup Game 7."</p><p>The Americans won the round-robin meeting 3-1 and will host the Canadians in the final at TD Garden in Boston.</p><p>There's no favorite in the game, though. Canada and the USA are both -110 on the moneyline, meaning this game is a coin-flip despite the Americans' round-robin victory.</p><p>Team USA originally opened as -125 favorites, but that has since moved in Canada's favor. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> &amp; Co. have accumulated 57.5% of the bets placed on the moneyline and 65.9% of the handle (money wagered), likely one of the reasons for the shift in odds.</p><p>Canada also accumulated the most handle and bets on the tournament winner before the 4 Nations Face-Off began. </p><p>Plenty can change ahead of the final, which goes Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. But there's very little separating these two sides for now, and the stage is for what should be an incredible 60 minutes of high-intensity hockey.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30299213/related

4 Nations final drawing 'Stanley Cup Game 7' interest

The Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. couldn't come to a contract extension by Guerrero...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/4">Toronto Blue Jays</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> couldn't come to a contract extension by Guerrero's self-imposed deadline, meaning the slugger is very likely headed toward free agency after the 2025 season.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Specific details of the negotiations remain unclear. Guerrero <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3220568" href="https://thescore.com/news/3220568">asserted</a> the two sides were never close, while general manager Ross Atkins indicated the Blue Jays were ready to make Guerrero "one of the highest-paid players in the game," according to <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1891850832825495846">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>. </span></p><p>By walking away from the negotiating table, Guerrero is essentially betting on himself, believing his walk-year production will be good enough to earn him a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>-type contract (Soto signed a 15-year, $765-million deal with the New York Mets this offseason).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guerrero will get paid if he exceeds expectations. But what are those expectations?</p><p>The betting market is a good place to start when projecting stats and comparing them to other top-tier talent. </p><p>Guerrero's home run total for the 2025 season is set at 30.5 at theScoreBet/ESPN Bet, with the over having -125 odds (55.6% implied probability). </p><p>He has the 13th-shortest odds to lead the bigs in home runs at +4000, the same odds as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3836" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3836">Christian Walker</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12258">Gunnar Henderson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4066" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4066">Jose Ramirez</a>.</p><p>For comparison, Soto's total is set at 34.5 with the over at +105 (48.8% implied probability), and he has the seventh-shortest odds to top MLB in homers at +2500.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a>, currently playing on a nine-year, $360-million deal, is the +400 favorite to lead the league in homers.</p><p>Guerrero is +1500 to win the American League MVP, good for fifth on the oddsboard. Judge is the +350 favorite, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12336" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12336">Bobby Witt Jr.</a> (+450), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12258">Gunnar Henderson</a> (+750), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9552">Yordan Alvarez</a> (+750) ahead of Guerrero.</p><p>Outside of the betting market, <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/projections?pos=all&amp;stats=bat&amp;type=fangraphsdc">FanGraphs</a> projects Guerrero to have the 18th-highest WAR among batters, tied with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3924" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3924">Corey Seager</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9741" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9741">William Contreras</a>.</p><p>Judge projects to lead the league in WAR at 7.3. Witt (6.9), Henderson (6.7), Soto (6.5), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12373" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12373">Julio Rodríguez</a> (6.1) round out the top five. </p><p>Based on his season totals and FanGraphs' projections, Guerrero isn't expected to post career numbers in his walk year - he hit 48 home runs and posted 6.3 WAR in 2022.</p><p>With that said, Guerrero may not need a career year to get what he's asking for. Teams often overspend during free agency, especially when they're bidding on 26-year-old MVP candidates.</p><p>Still, Guerrero will likely need to hit the over on his season totals and at least meet FanGraphs' projections to warrant a contract that puts him among the likes of Soto and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>, assuming he was looking for a deal that pays him in the ballpark of $50 million a year.</p><p>Whether or not either side made the right call by not coming to an agreement before the season remains to be seen, but both parties are taking a gamble.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30290048/related

What the odds say: Did Guerrero make right call by betting on himself?

Myles Garrett dropped a bomb early last week by requesting a trade from the Browns.   Garrett has...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87669" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87669">Myles Garrett</a> dropped a bomb early last week by requesting a trade from the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a>. </p><p>Garrett has spent his entire eight-year career in Cleveland. He's a four-time first-team All-Pro and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award winner. Garrett has been the heart and soul of the Browns' defense for nearly a decade, but he's decided to move on with the franchise embarking on another rebuild.</p><p>Players of his caliber rarely become available via trade. Garrett has two years remaining on his current contract, which could seem like a bargain to some teams since it doesn't pay him top-five defensive player money.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Every team should call the Browns to find out the asking price. However, some clubs don't have the cap space or assets to acquire the 29-year-old, and Cleveland doesn't have to trade him despite Garrett's request.</p><p>So, where could he end up?</p><h3>Myles Garrett's next team odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Browns</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bears</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raiders</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Teams priced above +2500 aren't listed.</em></p><p>The Browns, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> are the +550 favorites at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet to roster Garrett next season. We'll ignore Cleveland because players typically get their way when making a trade request.</p><p>Both Buffalo and Washington desperately need a difference-maker like Garrett to get them over the edge. His addition would go a long way toward the Bills getting past the Chiefs and the Commanders making another run at the reigning champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>.</p><p>Working in Washington's favor is the team has $75.2 million in cap space this offseason. Buffalo doesn't have that luxury and would need to get creative to add Garrett.</p><p>Philadelphia is the third favorite to land Garrett, which would make its dominant defensive line - the one that won the team the Super Bowl - even scarier. The rest of the NFC, especially the division rival Commanders, should be willing to outspend the Eagles to prevent them from adding to their already loaded roster.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a> are an interesting option at +1500. Fellow edge rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161667">Micah Parsons</a> said he'd take a pay cut to help get Garrett in Dallas. Garrett is a Dallas native, so selling him on returning home may not be difficult.</p><p>Garrett may be the first chip to fall this offseason. The Browns would likely want picks back for the 2025 draft, and any team trying to acquire Garrett would want a deal done sooner rather than later so it can plan out the rest of the offseason.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30245460/related

What the odds say: Bills, Commanders favorites to land Garrett

The inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off will begin Wednesday with a game between Canada and Sweden. It's...

<p>The inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off will begin Wednesday with a game between Canada and Sweden. It's the first time hockey's best will go toe to toe in an international competition in nearly a decade.</p><p>Canada is the betting favorite to win the tournament with +135 odds (42.6% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. The Canadians claimed the 2016 World Cup of Hockey - the last best-on-best competition.</p><p>Canada's stacked roster is headlined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> - the favorite to lead the tournament in points - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a>. However, there are question marks in net. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4649" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4649">Adin Hill</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4728" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4728">Sam Montembeault</a> form the weakest group of goalies in the tourney.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Goaltending concerns aren't keeping bettors away, though. Canada has received 51% of the bets and 66% of the handle (money wagered) placed on the tournament winner.</p><p>The USA is a close second favorite at +160, with Sweden (+425) and Finland (+900) rounding out the four-team field. The U.S. is the second-most backed team with 33% of the bets and 30% of the handle.</p><p>The Americans are led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a>, and brothers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a>. Their stout offensive lineup is backed by the best goalies in the tournament, with heavy Vezina favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> the likely starter.</p><p>Matthews is favored to lead the tournament in goals. His +650 odds (13.3% implied probability) are ahead of McDavid (+900), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a> (+900), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> (+900).</p><p>McDavid is also the favorite to win tournament MVP, which will more than likely be awarded to a player on the winning team.</p><h3>MVP odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player (Team)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Connor McDavid (CAN)</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon (CAN)</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auston Matthews (USA)</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Connor Hellebuyck (USA)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cale Makar (CAN)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Eichel (USA)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jack Hughes (USA)</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aleksander Barkov (FIN)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Connor (USA)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mitch Marner (CAN)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Reinhart (CAN)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sidney Crosby (CAN)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Nylander (SWE)</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Each team will play three round-robin games before the top two squads meet in the final Feb. 20.</p><p>Lines are out for all six round-robin games. </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Date</th>
<th>Game</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Feb. 12</td>
<td>Canada (-250) vs. Sweden (+210)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Feb. 13</td>
<td>USA (-360) vs. Finland (+280)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Feb. 15</td>
<td>Sweden (-180) vs. Finland (+140)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Canada (-120) vs. USA (-110)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Feb. 17</td>
<td>Canada (-375) vs. Finland (+260)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>USA (-220) vs. Sweden (+170)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Canada is favored in all three games, most notably as a very slight -120 favorite against the United States.</p><p>Wednesday's contest between Canada and Sweden starts at 8 p.m. ET from the Bell Centre in Montreal.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30208432/related

4 Nations Face-Off betting preview: Canada favored to win it all

Lost in the chaos that was Super Bowl week was the news that the Jets reportedly informed Aaron R...

<p>Lost in the chaos that was Super Bowl week was the news that the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/4">Jets</a> reportedly informed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> he won't be returning as their quarterback next season.</p><p>Rodgers' two-year tenure in New York was full of disappointment and controversy. A torn Achilles tendon in his debut sidelined him for all of 2023, and then he only won five games in 2024, a season in which head coach Robert Saleh lasted just five contests.</p><p>Despite a sluggish start to the year, the Jets gave up draft capital to acquire Rodgers' favorite target, Davante Adams, which now appears to have been very shortsighted and only done to please Rodgers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>To put things bluntly: The Rodgers era was a disaster.</p><p>However, the 41-year-old may still have some gas in the tank. He played his best games this season as the schedule came to a close, leaving the door open for another year in the NFL.</p><p>But what team needs - or wants - Rodgers' services?</p><p>The list is short, but there are a few suitors. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> are the betting favorites to be Rodgers' next team at theScore Bet/ESPN BET. Both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161671" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161671">Justin Fields</a> are free agents, and there's a chance neither re-signs in Pittsburgh. That would pave the way for Rodgers to step into a playoff-caliber roster for one last hurrah.</p><h3>Rodgers' next team odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>+165</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raiders</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>+425</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Titans</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colts</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giants</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Browns</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saints</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Teams above +3000 are not listed. </em></p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/7">Raiders</a> are the next favorites, but it seems unlikely that Rodgers would want to spend one of his last seasons with a rebuilding team. </span></p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a> are expected to sign <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a> to an extension, so you can cross them off the list. The <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> seem ready to hand the keys over to <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199765">J.J. McCarthy,</a> with <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> hitting the open market. </span></p><p>One potential long shot would be the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>, who may move on from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a>. Los Angeles has already made it known it plans to trade <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/68147" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68147">Cooper Kupp</a>, and maybe Stafford will follow him out the door if his contract can't be reworked. Flipping one aging quarterback for another would only make sense if Rodgers is the much cheaper option.</p><p>Retirement is always in play, as well. Rodgers will turn 42 next season and has nothing left to prove. Does he really want to go to a new environment, learn a new playbook, and grind out another year for a team unlikely to have a shot at winning a Super Bowl? With free agency looming and the NFL draft approaching, we'll likely find out very soon.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30219762/related

What the odds say: Where will Rodgers play next season?

While the confetti is still falling at Caesars Superdome after the Eagles' dominant victory over ...

<p>While the confetti is still falling at Caesars Superdome after the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>' dominant victory over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a>, it's never too early to see who's favored to hoist the Lombardi Trophy a year from now.</p><p>The Chiefs and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> share the top spot on the oddsboard to win Super Bowl LX. They are priced at +650 at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, slightly ahead of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a>, and reigning champion Eagles. </p><h3>Super Bowl LX odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49ers</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bengals</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texans</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Oddsmakers are not ready to determine the clear favorite; the top five teams are separated by only 0.8% implied probability. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, the odds drop noticeably with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a> at +1400. San Francisco was the second favorite, behind the Chiefs, to win Super Bowl LIX heading into this past season but injuries derailed its season. The 49ers have question marks surrounding their roster, making oddsmakers hesitant to put them back into the NFL elite tier.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> made the biggest year-to-year jump up the oddsboard after their surprising run to the NFC Championship Game. They were as long as +20000 before the 2024 NFL season but are now considered among the league's contenders at +2000. Washington has a ton of cap room to spend and could be in the running to land superstar DE <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87669" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87669">Myles Garrett</a>, who requested a trade from the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Browns</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bears</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cowboys</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dolphins</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Seahawks</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cardinals</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Falcons</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patriots</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jets</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Panthers</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Browns</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colts</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaguars</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saints</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raiders</td>
<td>+20000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Titans</td>
<td>+20000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giants</td>
<td>+25000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> headline the long shots for next year's Super Bowl. Both will head into 2025 with a second-year quarterback under center. The Broncos appear to be a step ahead of the Bears after reaching the playoffs in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a>'s first season while the Bears' new head coach, Ben Johnson, will try to elevate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199760" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199760">Caleb Williams</a>' play in Year 2.</p><p>The NFL offseason can alter some of these odds significantly before Week 1. Receivers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/68147" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68147">Cooper Kupp</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87611" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87611">Deebo Samuel</a> are two names reported to be on the move soon, and they won't be the only ones. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/4">Jets</a> are reportedly moving on from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a>, who could move to a quarterback-needy team and make it a playoff contender. Free agency - headlined by wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a> - and the NFL draft also provide teams opportunities to add missing pieces to improve their Super Bowl odds.</p>

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Chiefs, Ravens co-favorites over Eagles to win Super Bowl LX

The Super Bowl is the most bet on sporting event. With millions of dollars flying around leading ...

<p>The Super Bowl is the most bet on sporting event. With millions of dollars flying around leading up to the game, everyone asks one question: Where's all the money going?</p><p>With two days until kick-off, the majority is on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>. </p><p>Philadelphia has amassed 54.6% of the bets and 59.3% of the handle (money wagered) placed on the moneyline. The Eagles' odds of winning the Super Bowl have subsequently moved to -110 at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Philly opened as +105 underdogs on the moneyline while getting 1.5 points on the spread. That line drifted in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a>' favor, with the Eagles getting to as long as +115. But those odds have vanished with Philadelphia receiving plenty of love from the betting market.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> and Co. have also seen 56.1% of the bets and 55.4% of the handle placed on the spread. However, since the spread has remained within a field goal since it opened, the majority of people backing the Eagles likely picked them to win the game at better odds. </p><p>The over is also being bet at a far higher rate than the under on the game's total. So far, 78.9% of the handle and 79.5% of the bets are on the over. The game's total opened at 49.5 but has moved down a point to 48.5 despite substantially more action on the over. </p><p>This is the definition of reverse-line movement. While it can sometimes be misleading information, it's certainly noteworthy during the Super Bowl. There's so much money being bet and attention given to one game that reverse-line movement has to mean sportsbooks have taken enough sharp money on the under to move the line despite having liability on the over.</p><p>Meanwhile, Eagles players are also getting love in prop markets. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> to score a touchdown is the most bet on prop in terms of number of bets. Hurts to punch one in is the second-most bet on prop.</p><h3>Top 10 most bet props</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Prop</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Saquon Barkley Anytime TD </td>
<td>-210</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Jalen hurts Anytime TD </td>
<td>-120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Travis Kelce Anytime TD </td>
<td>+130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Kareem Hunt Anytime TD  </td>
<td>+140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Xavier Worthy Anytime TD </td>
<td>+150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>AJ Brown Anytime TD </td>
<td>+175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Saquon Barkley 2+ TDs </td>
<td>+260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Patrick Mahomes 2+ Passing TDs </td>
<td>-175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Saquon Barkley 100+ Rushing Yards </td>
<td>-190</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Patrick Mahomes Anytime TD </td>
<td>+325</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Barkley has also received the most bets on who will score the first touchdown. </p>

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Super Bowl betting insights: Eagles money moves odds to pick'em

Tiger Woods committed to next week's Genesis Invitational, the tournament announced Friday, marki...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> committed to next week's Genesis Invitational, the tournament announced Friday, marking his first start on the PGA TOUR in 2025.</p><p>Woods hosts the tournament, which is usually played at Riviera Country Club but relocated to Torrey Pines in San Diego this year due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area.</p><p>Woods' last PGA tournament was the 2024 Open Championship in July. He played five times last season with his only made cut coming at the Masters. He was forced to withdraw from last year's Genesis Invitational with flu-like symptoms.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He also underwent another back surgery in September.</p><p>This will be Woods' first time playing Torrey Pines since 2020. He's an eight-time winner at the venue.</p><p>The Genesis Invitational is the third signature event on the PGA TOUR calendar. It will feature a stout 70-man field to be announced later Friday.</p>

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 14: Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club reacts on the seventh green during their TGL presented by SoFi match against the Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center on January 14, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

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Tiger to make 1st start of 2025 at Genesis Invitational

The focus heading into the Super Bowl is always on - understandably - who will win.   It's more e...

<p>The focus heading into the Super Bowl is always on - understandably - who will win. </p><p>It's more exciting to pick a team and cheer for it throughout the game. However, plenty of people don't have an opinion on who will win but might have a better guess about how the game will unfold. That's when betting on the total score can make sense.</p><p>The total for Super Bowl LIX is 48.5, down one point from the game's opening number. Still, 48.5 is higher than the average game totals throughout the season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>On the surface, that makes sense. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> have prolific offenses that have shown they can score points throughout the playoffs. The Eagles put up 55 on the Commanders, and the Chiefs posted 32 on the Bills in their respective conference championship games. Those two outings could have influenced the Super Bowl's total by a couple of points.</p><p>But these two teams also feature strong defenses, and - as the old adage goes - defense wins championships. The Chiefs allowed the fourth fewest points during the regular season, and the Eagles allowed the second fewest.</p><p>During the 2024 campaign, Chiefs games averaged 41.8 points, and Eagles tilts averaged 44.9 points. Setting game totals is a more complicated calculation than simply taking each team's averages, but it highlights how high 48.5 points is relative to what these two teams did all season.</p><p>Additionally, five of the past six Super Bowls went under the total. These teams could also come out a bit tight and nervous with so much at stake - the Chiefs' attempt at three-peat history and the Eagles' pursuit of dethroning the champs.</p><p>Coincidentally, the only one among those six that went over was the Chiefs-Eagles game two years ago. However, the Eagles' defense has improved since then, and the Chiefs' offense has arguably taken a small step back.</p><p>The Eagles would also benefit from keeping this game lower-scoring. Their strengths are their run game and defense, and getting into a shootout against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> is a bad idea. Philadelphia will likely have a run-heavy attack that will eat up a lot of clock in the first half and limit scoring opportunities for both sides. </p><p>This game seems to have a better chance at becoming a defensive struggle than an offensive shootout, making the under the side to play when betting on the total.</p><p><strong>Pick: Under 48.5</strong></p>

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Super Bowl over/under: Is there a good bet on the game's total?

After making our picks for player props and extracurricular markets for the Big Game, it's time t...

<p>After making our picks for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204989" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204989">player props</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3205804" href="https://thescore.com/news/3205804">extracurricular markets</a> for the Big Game, it's time to predict who will win the Super Bowl.</p><p>Our two betting writers, Sam Oshtry and Eric Patterson, couldn't agree on who will hoist the Lombardi Trophy. So they went head-to-head, laying out the case for both the Eagles and the Chiefs. And since the point spread is down to Chiefs -1, we're tossing it away and making these picks straight-up.</p><p>Who are you siding with?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Case for Eagles</h3><p>The only reasonable argument for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> is they have the NFL's best quarterback who's in contention as the greatest signal-caller ever. Granted, that's a good reason to pick the Chiefs as they attempt to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. Kansas City has won an NFL record 17 consecutive one-score games this season, which certainly requires some luck - and a quarterback as talented as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>.</p><p>Eventually, though, someone has to dethrone the Chiefs, and this <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> team is built for the task. Philadelphia has an edge at every position other than quarterback and kicker.</p><p>Two years ago, the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. However, this Eagles team is much different - and better - than the 2022 squad. First, Philadelphia's run game is on another level thanks to free-agent acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, who runs behind an unstoppable and physically dominant offensive line.</p><p>The Eagles are a run-first club with Barkley in the backfield and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> under center, but their passing game has also produced when needed. Hurts has an elite wide receiver duo on the outside in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161668" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161668"> DeVonta Smith</a>, and he has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82025" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82025">Dallas Goedert</a> at tight end.</p><p>Defenses rarely implement a two-high safety scheme against Philly because of its dangerous rushing attack, which opens up receivers. The Chiefs play primarily man-to-man coverage. Hurts, who threw for over 300 passing yards and had four total touchdowns in the last Super Bowl against K.C., should exploit the Chiefs' coverage through the air. Steve Spagnuolo is an accomplished and brilliant defensive coordinator, but Kansas City doesn't have the defensive personnel to stop the Eagles' offense.</p><p>Philadelphia's defense has also significantly improved since Super Bowl LVII - eight of its starters are new, including dominant defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188180" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188180">Jalen Carter</a>, linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98213" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98213">Zack Baun</a>, and rookie cornerbacks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199758" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199758">Quinyon Mitchell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199825" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199825">Cooper DeJean</a>. The Eagles hold opponents to 18.3 points per game, the league's second-best mark. The Chiefs' offense, meanwhile, struggled against solid defensive units like those of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> (16 points scored) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> (23 points scored in the divisional round).</p><p>Historically, teams that have won the turnover battle in the Super Bowl are 38-7. Neither offense has turned the ball over in the playoffs, but Philly's defense has 10 takeaways this postseason and was plus-11 in turnover margin in the regular season. Meanwhile, K.C.'s defense hasn't forced a turnover in the playoffs and only had a plus-6 turnover margin over the 2024 campaign. </p><p>Another trend to watch is that the team that ran for the most yards is 43-15 in the Big Game. The Eagles didn't establish their run game the last time these teams played, but that won't be the case Sunday. Philadelphia has outgained their opponents on the ground in 17 of the last 18 games its starters played.</p><p>Mahomes is remarkable and, if the Chiefs' offense is driving in a tight game as the clock winds down, Eagles fans should be worried. However, this Philly squad has the rushing attack, offensive weapons, and defense to dethrone Kansas City.</p><p><em>- Sam Oshtry</em></p><h3>Case for Chiefs</h3><p>I'll start by conceding that the Eagles have more talent on offense except at quarterback I'm also going to include tight ends, though. Barkley outclasses the duo of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/75836" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/75836">Kareem Hunt</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174108" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174108">Isiah Pacheco</a>, and Brown and Smith are better than the large rotation of wideouts the Chiefs deploy. But, even at 35, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> remains one of the best tight ends in football.</p><p>However, the differences between the rest of the personnel on both sides of the ball aren't drastic enough to be heavily considered when handicapping the game.</p><p>The Eagles' offensive line has been one of the best units in the game for a while. But the Chiefs roster two first-team All-Pros in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161823" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161823">Creed Humphrey</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/52828" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/52828">Joe Thuney</a>, so you could argue Kansas City's is equally as strong.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53977" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53977">Chris Jones</a>, meanwhile, is the best defender in the game and is a big reason the Chiefs were fifth in pressure rate (26.1%) and sixth in hurry rate (9.0%) during the regular season. The Eagles were 28th and last in those two categories, respectively.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Kansas City's defense features <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173980">George Karlaftis</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161822">Nick Bolton</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173979">Trent McDuffie</a>, all of whom have been to the Big Game before. All-Pro linebacker Baun and rookie corners Mitchell and DeJean will make their first Super Bowl appearances for Philadelphia. It's hard to overstate the importance of experience on the game's biggest stage. </span></p><p>And the Chiefs make up for whatever talent they may lack by trotting out the league's best quarterback. It's a movie we've seen before - Kansas City may not look like the better team on paper, but people seem to forget the magic of Mahomes, who's had the best first seven seasons of any signal-caller the NFL has ever seen.</p><p>On top of all that, Mahomes has Andy Reid on his sideline, so we have to give the Chiefs the coaching advantage in a game that - if closely contested - could come down to a decision made by the head coach. </p><p>It may sound simplistic, but sometimes backing an all-time great is the only play to make. Mahomes and the Chiefs will make history Sunday by becoming the first team to achieve a Super Bowl three-peat - whether you like it or not.</p><p><em>- Eric Patterson</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30141136/related

Super Bowl picks: Making a case for each team

The Super Bowl MVP market isn't simply about picking the best player in the game. It's about sele...

<p>The Super Bowl MVP market isn't simply about picking the best player in the game. It's about selecting the best player on the team you believe will lift the Lombardi Trophy.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> is the overwhelming favorite with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> slightly favored. It's rare for a running back to sit near the top of the oddsboard in this market, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>'s historic season earned him the second-best odds as he goes for the single-season rushing record in the Big Game.</p><p>But is Barkley the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> player to bet on or should you target someone else? And how can you find value on a Chiefs player other than Mahomes?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Super Bowl MVP odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Mahomes</td>
<td>+105</td>
<td>9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saquon Barkley</td>
<td>+275</td>
<td>24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Hurts</td>
<td>+350</td>
<td>11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Kelce</td>
<td>+1800</td>
<td>8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xavier Worthy</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A.J. Brown</td>
<td>+3000</td>
<td>4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DeVonta Smith</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kareem Hunt</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Jones</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Carter</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marquise Brown</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dallas Goedert</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zack Baun</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deandre Hopkins</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Karlaftis</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Jalen Hurts (+350)</h3><p>The Eagles' running game got them this far, but their passing game will finish the task. Although Philadelphia's rushing attack is borderline unstoppable, the team came out passing aggressively against the Commanders in the NFC championship. Even after Barkley broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on his first touch, the Eagles stayed aggressive, passing on nine of their first 14 plays and throwing the ball more than running it in the first half. Expect a similar game plan in the Super Bowl.</p><p>Philly's offense rarely faces a two-high safety scheme because teams are worried about Barkley in the backfield, and the Chiefs play primarily man-to-man defense. That should allow <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts </a>to cook in the passing game with incredible offensive playmakers on the outside. </p><p>If the Eagles win, Hurts could still have a difficult task jumping Barkley for MVP despite the fact 13 of the last 18 Super Bowl MVPs were quarterbacks. The national media has discredited Hurts all season because he's surrounded by elite talent and because the Eagles rely on their extraordinary running game (which Hurts is involved in). Those same media members are the ones voting on the award, which is why Barkley is ahead of Hurts on the oddsboard.</p><p>But Hurts has shown he can use his arm to make plays and step up in crucial moments. There are few quarterbacks as clutch as Hurts that consistently meet the moment. He'll have to produce a monstrous performance in a win to earn the honor, but he threw for over 300 passing yards and had four total touchdowns in the last Super Bowl against Kansas City two years ago. </p><h3>Chris Jones (+6000)</h3><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Okay, so you think the Chiefs will win, but you want to capitalize on a scenario in which <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514" target="_blank">Patrick Mahomes</a> doesn't win MVP. The odds suggest there's roughly a 51% chance Mahomes doesn't win the award for a fourth time. </span></p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> or another offensive weapon could be a contender, but it's hard to envision an offensive player on the Chiefs having a big game without Mahomes turning in an MVP-caliber performance. </span></p><p>That leaves us looking at the defensive side of the ball, and the more you analyze the options at some big numbers, the more intriguing betting on a defensive player gets. </p><p>Both teams field very stingy defenses, and it wouldn't be shocking to see either team struggle to score points. The game's total is 48.5, but the odds of the game going under 38.5 are only +300. If this game becomes a defensive battle, then someone like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53977" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53977">Chris Jones</a> has a far greater chance of winning MVP than +6000 would suggest. </p><p>The Eagles' offense depends on the run, and Jones is one of the league's best run-stoppers. If he can get into the backfield to disrupt <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a>, and perhaps log a handful of tackles for a loss or multiple sacks, then Jones will receive MVP consideration, which is all you can ask for at +6000.</p><h3>George Karlaftis (+10000)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173980" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173980">George Karlaftis</a> is the second Chiefs defender to target who can disrupt the Eagles' offense. Karlaftis led the Chiefs in sacks during the regular season and already has three in this postseason to go along with three tackles for a loss. </p><p>With Jones clogging up the middle, the Eagles may be more inclined to run the ball to the outside. Karlaftis should have plenty of opportunities to make big plays behind the line of scrimmage, and one strip-sack with a few tackles for a loss could be enough to get him into the MVP conversation.</p>

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Super Bowl MVP bets: Will someone end Mahomes' run?

We already outlined some safer bets to make for the Big Game, dishing out eight hopeful winners i...

<p>We already outlined some safer bets to make for the Big Game, dishing out eight hopeful winners in our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204989" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204989">player props article</a>. But those are mundane props that will see plenty of action from bettors.</p><p>Now, we're diving into some unique props that require some digging. A few have reasonable odds and others are long shots. Whether it's exact outcomes, player combos, or betting on overtime, we chose our six favorite distinctive props in order of the shortest odds (most likely to hit) to the longest odds (least likely to hit).</p><h3>Race to 10 points - Eagles (-105)</h3><p>In the Chiefs' last three Super Bowls, their opponent reached 10 points before Kansas City. Mahomes' squad doesn't get off to fast starts in the Big Game, although they did mount double-digit comebacks in the last two Super Bowls.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Two seasons ago, Philadelphia raced out to a 14-7 lead and led by 10 at halftime. Of course, we know how that game ended. But the Eagles have scored on their opening drive and beaten their opponents to 10 points in every playoff game. The Bills beat the Chiefs to 10 points in the AFC championship. Kansas City's offense may be brilliant, but history tells us it takes time to start humming on the biggest stage.</p><h3>Lowest-scoring quarter - 1st quarter (+175)</h3><p>While the Eagles have started fast in the playoffs and still seem likely to score 10 points first, we're leaning into the idea that teams can start slow in Super Bowls as they get a feel for the game and their opponent. This theory has held true more often than the +175 odds indicate; since 2000, the first quarter's been the lowest-scoring quarter in 11 of the 24 Super Bowls. That's a 45.8% rate, and +175 odds imply a probability of 36.4%.</p><h3>1st Eagles offensive drive exact outcome - Rushing touchdown (+500)</h3><p>It's worth exploring the Eagles to score a rushing touchdown on their opening drive based on similar logic as picking them to put up 10 points first.</p><p>Philadelphia's slow starts were a concern earlier this season, as the team built an extended streak of failing to score in the opening quarter. But the Eagles scored on the opening drive in all three playoff games, and they did so with rushing touchdowns in the divisional round and NFC championship.</p><p>The Eagles will use a healthy balance of passes and runs to march downfield. But once they enter the red zone, Philly turns to its prolific ground game and dials up plays for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> to score.</p><h3>1st Eagles drive - Successful 4th-down conversion - Yes (+800)</h3><p>The importance of scoring first in the Super Bowl - especially against the Chiefs - cannot be understated. The team that scores first has won 65.5% of Super Bowls (38 of 58), and the Eagles will want to set the tempo early. They have a cheat code with the Tush Push, and if they get to a fourth-and-1 situation around midfield, head coach Nick Sirianni will be aggressive.</p><p>This bet still plays if the Chiefs score on their first drive. It's tough to win games against the Chiefs if you're punting, and the Eagles know it.</p><h3>Will there be overtime? - Yes (+1100)</h3><p>Why not take a flier on overtime? The Chiefs' last two Super Bowl appearances came down to the closing seconds, including last year's overtime win versus the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a>. Maybe the NFL script calls for back-to-back Super Bowls ending in overtime.</p><p>The last Super Bowl between the Eagles and Chiefs was decided by three points, and so was last week's AFC championship. The Eagles and Chiefs are evenly matched, and oddsmakers anticipate a close finish given the spread. The Chiefs' recent marquee postseason games have been so close that it's worth sprinkling on overtime at a +1100 price.</p><h3>Gatorade color dumped on winning coach - Clear/water (+1100)</h3><p>It's the Super Bowl - why not have some fun?</p><p>Let's be transparent: This is purely a guess. However, since 2001, clear/water has been the color of choice <a href="https://x.com/Nick_Friar/status/1886803143167762534">16.7% of the time</a> for teams dousing their head coaches. Clear/water is the longest shot in this market, and odds of +1100 imply a probability of 8.3%.</p><p>This prop is also independent of the winning team. The Eagles poured yellow Gatorade on Sirianni after winning the NFC championship, and in their previous three Super Bowl victories, the Chiefs poured purple Gatorade on Andy Reid twice and orange once.</p><p>Both teams will have water on the sideline, so take the only valuable number on the board with a small wager for the end-of-game shenanigans. </p>

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Deep dive into unique Super Bowl props

Opening a sportsbook app can be overwhelming for many bettors. The offerings feel endless, especi...

<p>Opening a sportsbook app can be overwhelming for many bettors. The offerings feel endless, especially when you wade into the waters of player props.</p><p>But if you don't have an opinion on who will win the Big Game, betting on player props can keep you engaged while you devour chicken wings and nachos. Below, we've identified eight player props we think have a better chance of hitting than their odds suggest.</p><h3>Jalen Hurts - Over 199.5 passing yards (-140)</h3><p>While much has been made of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a>' role in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>' run-heavy offense, Philadelphia came out with a clear plan against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a>. Sure, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on his first carry, but the Eagles passed the ball on nine of their first 14 plays. Even with a lead, Philly stayed aggressive, running more pass plays than run plays in the first half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That's different from the approach the Eagles displayed much of the season. It's important to earn and maintain a lead in the Super Bowl, and the fastest way to get ahead is through the passing game. Expect the Eagles to follow a similar script to the NFC championship - staying aggressive with their passing while also establishing the run.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a>' defensive strength is stopping the run; their pass defense falls behind. Hurts totaled 550 passing yards, eight total touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the two most important games of his career thus far: Super Bowl LVII and last week's NFC title game. You can count on Hurts to make plays in the biggest moments, and the Eagles will need that to get their revenge.</p><h3>Jalen Hurts - Anytime TD scorer (-115)</h3><p>Are we missing something here? Maybe, but at these odds, backing Hurts to find the end zone is a no-brainer. The Eagles call Hurts' number near the goal line all the time, and their Tush Push is the most successful one in the league.</p><p>Hurts has scored 18 rushing touchdowns this season and only failed to cross the goal line in six of 18 games. The -110 odds imply a probability of 52.4%, but he's scored in 66.7% of them. Take that value and run.</p><h3>Patrick Mahomes - Over 35.5 passing attempts (-130)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>' last two Super Bowl wins followed similar scripts: The Chiefs trailed and relied on Mahomes' greatness to will them back to a win. That usually requires Mahomes to throw the ball frequently to get back in the game. He averages 40.7 pass attempts per game across his previous four Super Bowl appearances.</p><p>Kansas City's offense is pass-heavy - understandably so with Mahomes behind center. He recorded fewer than 30 passing attempts in the Chiefs' two playoff wins, but he threw at least 36 passes in the last six regular-season games and 11 of the final 14 regular-season games.</p><h3>A.J. Brown - Longest reception over 24.5 yards (-110)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> is Hurts' top target. He had a down season and still led the Eagles in targets and receiving yards. Philadelphia relies on its running game to move the chains, but its passing game needs to come alive for the Eagles to compete with Mahomes. If Hurts is cooking, it's likely because he's consistently throwing to Brown.</p><p>Brown is unstoppable on slants and often breaks free for massive gains. Wagering on Brown's longest reception prop is worth a bet if you - like me - believe Brown will be targeted often.</p><p>Brown's over 5.5 receptions could also be worth a look. If he records at least five catches, he'll surely have one for at least 25 yards. Brown's longest reception exceeded 25 yards in nine of the 11 games he had at least five catches.</p><h3>Dallas Goedert - Under 4.5 receptions (+107)</h3><p>When everyone zigs, it can be good to zag. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82025" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82025">Dallas Goedert</a> has been a popular Hurts target throughout their playoff run, so bettors are eager to place wagers on Goedert's over props.</p><p>While Goedert is exceptional at gaining extra yards after the catch, he doesn't rack up receptions at a high rate. This is a good fade spot as the market overreacts to Goedert's impressive postseason run. He's recorded less than five catches in eight of his 12 games this year, and he only had four catches in two of the three playoff games.</p><h3>Xavier Worthy - Over 6.5 rushing yards (-115)</h3><p>Kansas City isn't afraid to involve dynamic receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a> in the running game. He's handled 11 carries - some of which are passes from Mahomes that count as laterals - in the last five games and surpassed 6.5 rushing yards in four of those. The Chiefs often give Worthy plenty of action around the line of scrimmage with screens or jet sweeps, and you have to imagine Andy Reid will find creative ways to get the speedster involved.</p><h3>Xavier Worthy - Anytime TD scorer (+150)</h3><p>Worthy found the end zone in three of his last four games as his role in the Chiefs' offense grows. He's clearly their best wide receiver, but the betting market isn't treating him as such.</p><h3>Noah Gray - Under 1.5 receptions (-145)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161969" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161969">Noah Gray</a> hasn't been involved in the Chiefs' offense lately. He's caught one pass at most in four of his past five games, including a zero-catch effort against the Bills in the AFC Championship Game when he ran only seven routes.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> is hogging tight end snaps, keeping Gray on the sideline. There's no reason to expect the Chiefs will change that game plan, especially with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114847" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114847">Hollywood Brown</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87570" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87570">JuJu Smith-Schuster</a> making bigger contributions.</p>

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Super Bowl player props: Will Hurts exceed expectations again on the big stage?

NBA bettors rushed to back the Los Angeles Lakers after they acquired Luka Doncic in a shocking d...

<p>NBA bettors rushed to back the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/18" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/18">Los Angeles Lakers</a> after they acquired <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> in a shocking deal with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/21">Dallas Mavericks</a> and traded away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a>.</p><p>Since the trade, the Lakers have amassed 46.6% of bets and 65.2% of handle (money wagered) placed on the NBA championship market on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. </p><p>As of 11 a.m. ET on Sunday - roughly 11 hours after the trade - theScore Bet/ESPN Bet had already taken the second-highest number of bets on the NBA champion in a single day since the season started.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lakers' title odds shifted drastically as a result of landing Doncic, going from +3300 to +1600 (5.9% implied probability). </p><p>People were also eager to back the Doncic-less Mavericks; since the trade, Dallas garnered the second-most bets and handle. However, the Mavericks' title odds have lengthened from +2500 to +3000.</p><p>The Lakers and Mavericks will meet for the first time since the trade Feb. 25. The Lakers are 4.5-point favorites at home.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/1">Boston Celtics</a> remain the favorite to win their second straight NBA title at +210. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/28">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> are just behind them at +225.</p>

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Bettors rush to back Lakers after landing Doncic

The Super Bowl is a sports-betting extravaganza. Nearly everyone tuning in to watch the Eagles an...

<p>The Super Bowl is a sports-betting extravaganza. Nearly everyone tuning in to watch the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> will have some action on the game - whether with a bet on a sportsbook or a friendly wager at their Super Bowl party.</p><p>It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the Super Bowl. But we're here to help you make your viewing experience more enjoyable with simple do's and don'ts.</p><p><strong>Don't - Bet the coin toss if the odds aren't even money</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>We all know the house takes a little bit off the top for every wager placed on a sportsbook. Juice, or "vig," is a part of the sports-betting business, but there's no point in paying it for the truest 50-50 shot of them all - a coin flip. </p><p><strong>Do - Bet the coin toss only if you're getting even odds</strong></p><p>OK, so you really want action on the opening coin toss, but you can't find any takers at your Super Bowl party willing to challenge the "tails never fails" mantra. The only advisable way to do so is by finding a book offering +100 (even money) odds on both sides of the coin toss. Thankfully, theScoreBet and ESPN Bet are <a href="https://thescore.bet/sport/football/organization/united-states/competition/nfl/event/ac964c45-081d-478d-9bce-cb67e302ad8c/section/specials">offering these odds</a>, so have at it if you must!</p><p><strong>Do - Bet on touchdown scorers</strong></p><p>What's better than picking someone to score a touchdown and shifting to the edge of your seat as their team nears the goal line? Touchdowns are what everyone is rooting for, so increase that excitement with a wager on an anytime touchdown scorer or, if you're feeling a bit riskier, the first TD scorer of the game. </p><p><strong>Don't - Go overboard, though</strong></p><p>With all that said, not every offensive player can punch one in. If you bet on too many players, there's a chance you end up with fewer dollars in your pocket by the game's end, even though you've bet on multiple touchdown scorers correctly.</p><p><strong>Do - Bet unders</strong></p><p>One of the biggest mistakes recreational bettors make is their tendency to bet overs. Whether it's the over on the game or the over on an individual's player props, people want to see points and big plays, so it's natural to hope players will perform above expectations.</p><p>But betting unders can be far more profitable. Sure, no one wants to be the person at a party hoping a running back gets stuffed at the line of scrimmage or cheering when a receiver drops a pass, but those types of plays happen all the time. Why not target players you think may have a down game on the big stage and bet their unders?</p><p><strong>Do - Bet with your head, not your heart</strong></p><p>Perhaps you're a die-hard Cowboys or disgruntled Giants fan, and you never want to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Don't let that cloud your judgment when picking a winner. Just because you despise the Eagles doesn't mean they can't win.</p><p>On the flip side, maybe you're tired of seeing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> celebrate with the Lombardi Trophy and betting on the Eagles as a result. Don't. Bet with your head, not your heart, which goes for every wager you place.</p><p><strong>Don't - Get caught up in goofy novelty bets</strong></p><p>While it can be fun to bet on the color of Gatorade the winning team will dump on their head coach or how many times Taylor Swift will appear on the broadcast, you're just guessing. These markets have zero predictability, so don't get carried away with the buffet of novelty bets that sportsbooks offer.</p><p><strong>Do - Bet within your means</strong></p><p>Just because it's the Big Game doesn't mean you have to spend big. It can be easy to get carried away by placing multiple same-game parlays in hopes of cashing in on a big payday. But if you only have $20 to spend, you must budget accordingly.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30056983/related

Super Bowl betting do's and don'ts

We're still well over a week away from the Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and Eagles, but ...

<p>We're still well over a week away from the Super Bowl rematch between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>, but eager bettors are already getting in on the action.</p><p>The Eagles are getting love from those who have already placed a wager on the Big Game's spread. Philadelphia has amassed 54.7% of the bets and 59.6% of the handle (money wagered) as 1.5-point underdogs to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>' Chiefs on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. </p><p>However, the Chiefs are getting backed on the moneyline, with 64.1% of the handle on Kansas City to win its third straight Super Bowl.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The difference between the spread and moneyline makes sense. People who think the Eagles will win are taking them against the spread, with the 1.5 points acting as a small piece of insurance. Those who believe the Chiefs will win are paying a bit extra to take them straight up instead of needing them to cover the 1.5 points.</p><p>The game's total is 49.5 - unchanged since it opened - with the over attracting 89.5% of the bets and 84.3% of the handle. Those are significant numbers, yet the total remains steady at 49.5, which is something to monitor as the game approaches. </p><p>In the props markets, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> are popular options. Hurts has received 23.6% of the handle, while Barkley has received 22.5% of the handle for all bets placed on a player to score a touchdown.</p><p>Barkley is also the most-backed player to win Super Bowl MVP. He's collected 28.9% of the bets and 38.5% of the handle on the MVP market, and he's amassed nearly three times as many wagers as the next player, Mahomes. The Eagles' running back is the second favorite on the oddsboard at +275. Mahomes is the +105 favorite.</p><p>Hurts is third in both bets and handle, while also being the third favorite to win MVP at +360. </p><p>The over on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Dallas Goedart</a>'s receiving prop, 49.5, has collected the most handle of any player prop. The Eagles' tight end has been a huge factor in their playoff run, tallying 47, 56, and 85 yards on the way to the Super Bowl.</p><p>The under on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a>'s reception line, 5.5, is the player prop with the second-highest handle. Worthy caught six or more passes in four of his past five games. The under's odds are -140 (58.3% implied probability).</p>

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Who are eager bettors backing for Super Bowl LIX?

Monday night's TGL match between Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links and Rory McIlroy's Boston Common Golf...

<p>Monday night's TGL match between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a>' Jupiter Links and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>'s Boston Common Golf Club was precisely what everyone with a vested interest in the league needed to see. </p><p>The showdown featuring the two biggest stars on the league's roster delivered on all fronts, displaying TGL's full potential while allowing the players, team owners, sponsors, and everyone else who's invested a boatload of money into this start-up league (there are a lot of them) to breathe a giant sigh of relief. </p><p>Missed Monday night's action? You aren't alone. In fact, there's a chance you've yet to tune into a single match.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The indoor simulator golf league consisting of six teams and 24 players is only four weeks old. It's still brand-new and still has its issues as a result. But Monday's match was exactly what Tiger and Co. envisioned for their latest venture.</p><p>Woods' Jupiter Links won in the tightest match of the four played thus far. They defeated Boston Common Golf Club in overtime - a three-on-three closest-to-the-pin competition - while providing entertaining moments throughout the battle.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5772" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5772">Tom Kim</a> brought his Presidents Cup antics indoors, egging the crowd on after making important putts to help his team pull off the upset. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1209" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1209">Kevin Kisner</a> - who made highlights for all the wrong reasons in Week 2 - also entertained viewers with witty remarks and contributed a few clutch shots of his own.</p><p>Woods took a back seat to his teammates in the entertainment department, which probably doesn't bother him; he isn't a showman and would much rather let his game do the talking. He was heard loud and clear as his team defeated McIlroy's side as huge underdogs.</p><p>But TGL can't run superstars out there every week, and not every match will go to overtime. The first three weeks of TGL's inaugural season proved this, as they lacked star power (Woods and McIlroy combined for one appearance) and the three matchups weren't close.</p><p>Opening night was a hit, but mainly for non-golf-related reasons. It was exciting to witness a new format and see the SoFi Center, especially after TGL's start date was delayed a year because the original structure it intended to play in collapsed. Over 900,000 viewers tuned in to see what it was all about, and not many of those spectators would have been overly concerned that the match wasn't competitive.</p><p>Woods made his debut in Week 2 in a savvy move by organizers to let curiosity drive first-week ratings and then bring in the big guns. Over 1 million people watched the 15-time major winner play simulator golf in the middle of January.</p><p>Despite the strong ratings, the results in Weeks 1 and 2 were practically decided halfway through the broadcast. From a golf standpoint, you couldn't have drawn up two worse opening matches.</p><p>Televising match play is a big risk. Blowouts can be boring and feel like they drag on. TGL matches are already shortened to 15 holes from the traditional 18, but after the first two weeks, critics questioned if 15 was still too many.</p><p>Once the initial curiosity had waned and Woods' team wasn't scheduled to play, Week 3 ratings took a major plunge. The biggest name of the six golfers participating in the third match was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a>, who doesn't exactly move the needle among casual golf fans. Ratings dropped 32% from Week 2 and doubters were left wondering if TGL had any hope of long-term success.</p><p>But in hindsight, judging TGL based on three matches was completely unfair. If you did that in any of the other major sports and were stuck watching, for example, three midweek NBA blowouts, you'd probably think there were competition concerns in basketball. Perhaps TGL just got unlucky with three lopsided contests and Monday's tilt will turn out to be closer to the norm.</p><p>While there's no way of knowing how the rest of this season will play out, there's already plenty to learn from the first month of TGL action.</p><p>First, the shot clock is essential and makes it hard to look away (take notes, PGA TOUR). Second, buy-in from the players is a requirement, and we've seen it from a handful already. Kim, Kisner, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1771" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1771">Billy Horschel</a> - not exactly the stars of the league - brought great energy to their matches, helping elevate the product. Not every player is as eccentric as those three, but viewers need to feel as though these golfers care when they're competing.</p><p>Finally, TGL can be successful if it's treated as what it is: a supplementary product in professional golf that isn't trying to replicate the standard 72-hole model. It's a fantastic Monday or Tuesday evening viewing experience for those who have time to watch, and if you miss a hole or two, or even a full match, it's not the end of the world.</p><p>There's certainly room for improvement. The technology can become more accurate and the format can be tweaked to try to enhance the competition. But if Monday night's match taught us anything, it's to have patience.</p><p>It took four weeks for TGL to live up to its potential and deliver its first thrilling match. It might take a lot longer to work out all the kinks. But when TGL does, the league no one knew they wanted will become a staple in golf fans' weekly schedules.</p>

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It took some time, but TGL's finally showing its full potential

Patrick Mahomes is the favorite to win the Super Bowl MVP now that the matchup between the Chiefs...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> is the favorite to win the Super Bowl MVP now that the matchup between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> is set.</p><p>Mahomes is +110 (47.6% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet to earn his fourth Super Bowl MVP award.</p><p>Kansas City is -130 (56.5% implied probability) to beat the Eagles on Feb. 9. The difference in Mahomes' odds to win MVP and the Chiefs' odds to win the Super Bowl suggest oddsmakers believe there's roughly a 10% chance someone other than Mahomes wins the award if Kansas City hoists the Lombardi Trophy.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> is the second favorite to win Super Bowl MVP at +275 (26.7% implied probability). Barkley has dominated throughout the Eagles' playoff run, rushing for 442 yards and five touchdowns in three games.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> is the next most likely MVP winner. The Eagles quarterback is +360 (21.7% implied probability) and the only other player priced below +1800. </p><p>Oddsmakers have identified Mahomes, Barkley, and Hurts as the most likely MVP winners by far. Their combined implied probability is 96%, making it highly unlikely that anyone outside this trio will win the award.</p><h3>Super Bowl MVP odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Mahomes</td>
<td>+105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saquon Barkley</td>
<td>+275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Hurts</td>
<td>+360</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Travis Kelce</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xavier Worthy</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A.J. Brown</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kareem Hunt</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Jones</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DeVonta Smith</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Isiah Pacheco</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marquise Brown</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jalen Carter</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dallas Goedert</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DeAndre Hopkins</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Karlaftis</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harrison Butker</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Elliott</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Players above +10000 are not listed. </em></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> are the next three on the oddsboard. They'll try to join <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/68147" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/68147">Cooper Kupp</a> and Julian Edelman as pass-catchers to win MVP in the last 15 years.</p><p>Chiefs' defensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53977" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53977">Chris Jones</a> has the shortest odds of any defensive player at +6000. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/21358" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/21358">Von Miller</a> was the last defensive player to be voted Super Bowl MVP when the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> beat the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/32" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/32">Panthers</a> in 2016. </p>

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Mahomes tops Barkley as Super Bowl MVP favorite

The Kansas City Chiefs opened as 1.5-point favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles for Super Bowl ...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a> opened as 1.5-point favorites over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Philadelphia Eagles</a> for Super Bowl LIX.</p><p>Kansas City is also -125 on the moneyline, implying a 55.6% probability that it becomes the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.</p><p>The Chiefs' 32-29 victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">the Buffalo Bills</a> and the Eagles' 55-23 beatdown of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Washington Commanders</a> set up a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, when the Chiefs won as two-point underdogs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Big Game's total is set at 49.5, slightly higher than average totals seen throughout the season.</p><p>Super Bowl LIX is Feb. 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.</p>

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Chiefs open as 1.5-point favorites over Eagles in Super Bowl LIX

The selection of player props is dwindling now that it's down to the final four teams. However, w...

<p>The selection of player props is dwindling now that it's down to the final four teams. However, we managed to pick out four from each game to supplement our selections against the spread in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3197385" href="https://thescore.com/news/3197385">AFC</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3195752" href="https://thescore.com/news/3195752">NFC</a>. </p><p>Let's dive in. </p><h3>Eagles vs. Commanders</h3><p><strong>Jayden Daniels - Over 224.5 passing yards (-110)</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>There are two scenarios in which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> surpasses his passing-yard total: either the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> lead most of the game and Washington is forced to play catch-up, or the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> get an early lead and the game turns into a shootout. Both game scripts are possible, and both involve Daniels throwing the ball a ton.</p><p>Running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174076" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174076">Brian Robinson Jr.</a> rushed well against the Lions, but he'd been rather ineffective in the handful of games prior. He ran for 16 yards against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Buccaneers</a> and 24 yards in the Commanders' last meeting with the Eagles.</p><p>If you leave out Week 18, when Daniels didn't play the second half against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a>, he's thrown for at least 225 yards in five straight games and six of his last seven. Washington needs to live and die with its rookie quarterback and should give him plenty of opportunities to make big plays.</p><p><strong>Dyami Brown - Over 44.5 receiving yards (+100)</strong></p><p>The betting market seems slow to react to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161874" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161874">Dyami Brown</a>'s role in the Commanders' offense. With <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87880" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87880">Noah Brown</a> sidelined, Dyami's stepped up as the No. 2 receiver and earned Daniels' trust. He's seen four or more targets in six straight games and gone over 89 yards in both playoff games.</p><p>Whatever the Commanders are doing on offense has been working, and Brown's played a big part in that success. There's no reason to believe Daniels will stop looking his way against the Eagles.</p><p><strong>Terry McLaurin - Longest reception over 23.5 yards (-120)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87889" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87889">Terry McLaurin</a> had a massive game against the Lions and is playing the best football of his career. You could also target his receiving total of 59.5 yards, but 23.5 for his longest reception is the play.</p><p>He's gone over this number in 10 of his last 17 games, which includes a 58-yard reception last week and a 35-yarder against the Bucs. McLaurin's speed can turn a screen pass into a 25-yard gain, and he's elite at hauling in contested downfield catches.</p><p><strong>Jalen Hurts - Over 24.5 passing attempts (+100)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> hasn't been asked to throw the ball these playoffs; he's only got 41 attempts through two games. However, there's a good chance he'll have to air it out a bit more if the Commanders put up some points on Philadelphia's defense.</p><p>Although he recorded a full practice Thursday, the quarterback is dealing with a knee injury and may be less willing to scramble than usual. If you turn a few of his seven rush attempts from last week into passing attempts, combined with the Eagles calling more passing plays, Hurts should be able to clear 24.5 attempts with ease.</p><h3>Chiefs vs. Bills</h3><p><strong>Xavier Worthy - Over 4.5 receptions (-165)</strong></p><p>This prop is heavily juiced, and with good reason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a> has caught five or more balls for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> in six straight games, a decent sample size despite these odds suggesting only a 62.3% implied probability.</p><p>Four players caught a pass from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> last week. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> accounted for seven passes with Worthy next at five. Mahomes trusts his rookie wideout in a big way and should look his direction often in a crucial meeting with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a>.</p><p><strong>Travis Kelce - Over 6.5 receptions (-125)</strong></p><p>Kelce added to his incredible playoff track record with a seven-catch, 117-yard showing last week against the Texans. He's averaging over eight receptions per game in the postseason and proved he still has plenty in the tank to help get the Chiefs to another Super Bowl. </p><p>We hit Worthy's and Kelce's overs last week, so why not go back to the well?</p><p><strong>Patrick Mahomes - Under 24.5 rushing yards (-120)</strong></p><p>This was another prop we targeted last week and hit. Mahomes rushed seven times for 14 yards against Houston, but two late kneel downs accounted for negative 9 yards rushing (the under would have hit regardless). You can't bank on Mahomes backtracking before taking a knee at the end of the game, but it's nice to know the option is there.</p><p>Still, Mahomes rushed for 25 or more yards just four times all season. His seven carries last week - five before the kneel downs - represented his highest mark of the year. He's simply not running enough to eclipse 25 rushing yards consistently.</p><p><strong>Josh Allen - Over 9.5 rushing attempts (-105)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> only attempted 10 or more rushes in four games this season, but the quality of the opponent appears to be a factor. In games against the Ravens, Lions, Rams, and Chiefs - four playoff teams - Allen averaged 10.75 carries. The Bills quarterback also attempted 11 or more rushes in his two most recent playoff meetings with the Chiefs.</p><p>Allen will be doing everything in his power to win Sunday. If he has the option of throwing it away to avoid a hit or potentially gaining 1 yard by lowering his shoulder, you'd better believe he's going to fight for that yard. Allen will want the ball in his hands in what's arguably the biggest game of his career.</p>

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Conference championship props: QBs to elevate with Super Bowl trip at stake

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Eric Patterson

Betting Supervisor

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