The Las Vegas Raiders are turning the page on a putrid 2025 season. Both of their starting quarterbacks – Geno Smith (15 starts) and Kenny Pickett (two starts) – have found new homes. The Raiders have retained Aidan O’Connell, who appeared in one game in 2025, but the top two quarterbacks on the depth charts are new to Sin City.

In April’s overhaul, the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins out of free agency and drafted Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Cousins would be the starter if the season started tomorrow, but Mendoza has the summer to wriggle into the starting job.

Keep reading for a look at the Raiders’ Week 1 quarterback odds, balancing Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O’Connell.

Las Vegas’ Week 1 Quarterback Odds

Prediction Markets

LV QB Contenders

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Kirk Cousins

67%

Fernando Mendoza

35%

Aidan O'Connell

1%

Predict

Kirk Cousins leads the way both on unofficial depth charts and in Kalshi odds, trading at 75¢. Fernando Mendoza is in second place, trading at 37¢. Not to be forgotten, Aidan O’Connell is trading at 8¢, a clear longshot.

As of Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 pm ET at Kalshi. Click “Predict” above to claim SBD’s Kalshi referral code.

Kirk Cousins

Signed on April 2, Cousins is the leader in the clubhouse to be the Raiders’ Week 1 starter. Cousins overlapped with head coach Klint Kubiak for three seasons in Minnesota. In 2019 and 2020, Kubiak was Minnesota’s quarterbacks coach before ascending to the offensive coordinator role in 2021. Cousins made two Pro Bowls and had a 105.0 passer rating in 47 starts under Kubiak.

Cousins’ age and 2023 Achilles injury have begun to take their toll on his career. After a sturdy run in Minnesota, Cousins has been below average the last two seasons with the Falcons. In 2024, Cousins led the NFL with 16 interceptions despite being benched late in the season. He had a passer rating below 90.0 and a QBR below 50.0 in both seasons as a Falcon.

Cousins is the highest floor option for the Raiders while being the second-highest ceiling. Cousins has 174 NFL games under his belt with 167 starts for three different teams. While a win-loss record is far from the most reliable metric, Cousins does have a career 88-77-2 record, posting a winning record in his time in Minnesota and Atlanta. With an NFL win total set at 5.5 wins, Cousins might be the best bet for the Raiders to clear that low mark.

Fernando Mendoza

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza elevated to superstar levels with a magnificent 2025 season. Mendoza led Indiana to an undefeated National Championship season, winning the Heisman. He played 36 games in three collegiate seasons, tossing 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.

Mendoza is in the middle of the pack in terms of college experience. He notably did feature in two different offenses, so he has shown a propensity to adapt – one positive that could help him start Week 1. In the Raiders’ history, Derek Carr is the only Week 1 quarterback starter (2014). Previous No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell did not start until Week 17 of the 2007 season.

The last six No. 1 pick quarterbacks started Week 1, including Cam Ward last season. The battle with Cousins has an additional wrinkle because Cousins played (at a Pro Bowl level) under Kubiak previously, but recent history has been slanted toward the No. 1 pick since Kyler Murray in 2019.

Mendoza offers the highest ceiling and the second-best floor of the group. Barring disaster, Mendoza will be the long-term starter in Las Vegas. It is just a matter of time before Klint Kubiak breaks the glass and inserts the 2025 Heisman into the lineup. Even without the guaranteed starting job, Mendoza is second in Offensive Rookie of the Year odds.

Aidan O’Connell

A fourth-round pick in 2023, O’Connell has played in 21 games in his NFL career. He has 17 starts, compiling a 7-10 record. He was Las Vegas’ primary starting in 2023, leading the Raiders to a 5-5 record with 12 passing touchdowns and seven interceptions.

O’Connell is the closest option to being an “incumbent,” but with a new coaching staff in place, the incumbent label does not hold much sway. Last season, O’Connell threw just 22 passes, all in a relief effort of Kenny Pickett in Week 18. On a technicality, O’Connell did lead a fourth-quarter comeback and game-winning drive to knock off the Chiefs.

O’Connell is likely the lowest floor and lowest ceiling option in the Raiders’ room. His value is his rapport with the likes of Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers.

The post Will Fernando Mendoza Start for Raiders? See Week 1 QB Odds for Las Vegas appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

After an exciting first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Day 2 is set to begin at 7:00 pm ET in Pittsburgh. Same as yesterday, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network will broadcast the draft. Today’s events include both Round 2 and Round 3, with 68 picks (32 second-round, 32 third-round picks, and four third-round compensatory picks) being made.

Keep reading for my predictions best bets for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft as well as various odds markets.

NFL Draft Position Odds (Day 2)

Prediction Markets

Draft Position Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Jordyn Tyson: Drafted under 8.5

99%

Akheem Mesidor: Drafted under 25.5

99%

Carnell Tate: Drafted under 7.5

99%

Chris Johnson: Drafted under 33.5

99%

Jeremiyah Love: Drafted under 4.5

99%

KC Concepcion: Drafted under 24.5

99%

Olaivavega Ioane: Drafted under 14.5

99%

Spencer Fano: Drafted under 10.5

99%

Ty Simpson: Drafted under 30.5

99%

David Bailey: Drafted under 5.5

99%

Predict

The teams who currenly hold the #33 through #36 picks have one need in common: high-upside defensive talent. The Cardinals and Raiders need defensive bodies to elevate from the worst defenses in the NFL. The 49ers and Bills could use a big-time difference maker in the middle of the defense to push them closer to a Super Bowl.

Top Draft Position Predictions & Best Bets

• CJ Allen Under 36.5 (49¢ at Kalshi)

The value here is having four bites at the apple. Any team from #33 to #36 could realistically select Allen to fit into their defense. While I am not particualrly confident in any individual team pulling the trigger, I would say any of the four teams has about a 20%-25% chance to take Allen.

• Denzel Boston Over 34.5 (64¢ at Kalshi)

While a trade is a possibility, neither the San Francisco 49ers nor Arizona Cardinals projects as receiver-needy teams. The Cardinals have a healthy corps with Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Kendrick Bourne. The 49ers have Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian Kirk. Both teams are in dire need of defensive talent – looking at you, CJ Allen.

Boston is a talented piece who will find a home quickly on Day 2, but that home is unlikely to be San Francisco or Arizona. On Kalshi, Cleveland is the favorite to take Boston, followed by Buffalo, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and the New York Giants. Barring a trade, any of those teams selecting Boston would satisfying this bet.

Second-Linebacker Drafted Odds

Prediction Markets

2nd LB Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Jacob Rodriguez

62%

CJ Allen

36%

Jake Golday

15%

Anthony Hill Jr.

8%

Josiah Trotter

2%

Sonny Styles

1%

Kyler Louis

1%

Jimmy Rolder

1%

Harold Perkins Jr.

1%

Bryce Boettcher

1%

Predict

Jacob Rodriguez is the favorite to be the second linebacker taken, following Sonny Styles going with the #7 pick (with Arvell Reese counting as an edge defender). However, I am backing the second option in Georgia’s CJ Allen.

Second Linebacker Drafted Pick: CJ Allen (29¢ at Kalshi)

Allen and Rodriguez share a position and second-round value, but they get to this spot in different ways. Allen is an impressive athlete who has room to grow in terms of his understanding of the position. Rodriguez is an advanced processor, but his less-than-elite athleticism could keep him from being an All-Pro in the NFL.

Given the NFL’s desire to have the best athletes as possible, I think Allen is a reasonable pick to be taken ahead of Rodriguez and the rest of the linebackers in this class. As mentioned, I expect Allen to be one of the first four players off the board in the second round.

Third Running Back Drafted Odds

Prediction Markets

3rd RB Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Mike Washington Jr

73%

Jonah Coleman

28%

J'mari Taylor

24%

CJ Donaldson

24%

Roman Hemby

15%

Emmett Johnson

11%

Nick Singleton

10%

Le'Veon Moss

4%

Adam Randall

4%

Rahsul Faison

4%

Predict

Both Notre Dame running backs went off the board in the first round, leaving a wide-open race for the third running back to hear his name called. Mike Washington Jr. and Jonah Coleman are the sizable favorites to be the third running back, but I have an inkling that Emmett Johnson will break through as an underdog.

Third Running Back Drafted Pick: Emmett Johnson (18¢ at Kalshi)

Johnson had an exceptional season for Nebraska. Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing, averaging just shy of 6.0 yards per carry despite being the focal point of the offense, especially after Dylan Raiola went down. Johnson also caught 46 passes and tallied 15 total touchdowns on the season. Among the candidates to be the third running back taken, Johnson is coming off the best season, and he has the least amount of wear of the group.

Team to Draft a Quarterback Odds

Prediction Markets

Which teams will draft a QB?

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Los Angeles R

99%

Las Vegas

90%

Arizona

80%

Pittsburgh

73%

New York J

46%

Miami

41%

Cleveland

40%

Tampa Bay

37%

Buffalo

15%

Denver

15%

Predict

The Cardinals currently have the #34 and #65 picks on Day 2 of the draft. While the Cardinals do need a quarterback, the rest of the team needs a dramatic overhaul before a quarterback can be asked to change the team’s fortunes. While Jacoby Brissett led the Cardinals to a 1-11 record in his starts last year, the real rotten part of Arizona’s team was the defense.

Best Bet to Draft a QB: Arizona Cardinals: No (50¢ at Kalshi)

I am expecting the Cardinals to balance out the luxury pick of Jeremiyah Love with two “meat and potatoes” picks on Day 2. At #34, the Cardinals could take a spine of the defense player, such as the aforementioned CJ Allen, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, or Kayden McDonald. The Cardinals could also be in the market for an offensive lineman such as Emmanuel Pregnon or Caleb Tiernan.

The post NFL Draft Predictions & Best Bets for Day 2 appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

At long last, the 2026 NFL Draft is here. With 257 players about to find NFL homes, there are a slew of betting markets to milk value from. While the #1 pick is almost certainly going to be Fernando Mendoza heading to Las Vegas, intrigue begins with the #2 pick, currently held by the New York Jets. Beyond the Jets, chaos will follow.

Pittsburgh will host the three-day event, with Round 1 beginning at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday night. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will televise the selections.

Keep reading for my four best NFL Draft value bets, as well as the odds for various markets to monitor tonight, Friday, and Saturday.

O/U Draft Position Pick: Jordyn Tyson Over 8.5

Prediction Markets

Jordyn Tyson O/U Draft Position

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Jordyn Tyson: Drafted Over 8.5

37%

Predict

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has a 63% chance to go in the top eight picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, but I am fading these odds. After the top four teams, there is a run of potential suitors, but the Giants, Browns, Commanders, and Saints not only have other needs than wide receiver, but Tyson is likely the second receiver off the board behind Carnell Tate.

Tyson is incredibly talented, but he has an extensive injury history for his entire collegiate career. He missed most of the 2023 season with a knee injury, and he missed Arizona State’s Big 12 Title game and CFP appearances in 2024. In 2025, he was in and out of the lineup. With other safer options in the top eight, I expect Tyson to slide into the middle of the first round.

Best Bet

First Wide Receiver Drafted Pick: Carnell Tate

Prediction Markets

First WR Drafted Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Carnell Tate

50%

Predict

Keeping with the Tyson theme, I expect Ohio State’s Carnell Tate to be the first receiver off the board on Thursday night. As mentioned, the first four teams are unlikely to take a wide receiver, but Tate’s range begins at #5 with the Giants. Tate would be a natural fit for the Giants, slotting in as the #2 wide receiver once Malik Nabers returns from injury.

At #6, the Browns could opt to keep Tate in the state of Ohio as their top wide receiver. On Kalshi, the Browns have a 29% chance to take Tate, narrowly edging out Washington (28%) and New Orleans (18%). Tyson, meanwhile, is favored to go to the Giants (50%). However, much of that handle is based on the Giants holding the #10 pick in the draft.

By Kalshi’s draft position odds, this is also a reasonable bet as Tate’s position is set at 7.5 while Tyson’s is set at 8.5.

Best Bet: Carnell Tate as 1st Receiver Taken (Yes – 50¢)

Team to Draft Olaivavega Ioane: BAL Ravens

Prediction Markets

Team to Draft Olaivavega Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Baltimore

39%

Predict

The top guard in the class, Olaivavega Ioane is favored to be heading to Baltimore with a 41% chance on Kalshi. The Giants sit in second place with a 27% chance. The Chargers and Dolphins are at 13%, while the Steelers round out the top five with a 9% chance to keep Ioane in the state of Pennsylvania.

Baltimore currently holds the #14 pick in the NFL Draft. While they have enough draft ammo to move up, the Ravens generally operate on a “let the value fall to you” process on draft day. Ioane is the top interior offensive lineman in the class, a position of desperate need for Baltimore. On Kalshi, Baltimore has a 69% chance to draft an offensive lineman with its first pick, dwarfing wide receiver and tight end among other positions.

Best Bets: Ravens Draft Ioane (40¢), Ioane to be the #14 Pick (28¢)

Odds to Go in the 1st Round

Prediction Markets

First-round Pick Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Jermod McCoy

51%

Predict

For this prop, the value usually comes from the bottom of the round, taking shots on players to be one of the last few picks. In 2026, this includes players such as Cashius Howell (23%), Jadarian Price (18%), and Brandon Cisse (16%). However, I find tremendous value in Jermod McCoy being listed as a toss-up to be a first-round pick (49%).

McCoy missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from an ACL injury. However, he has been a mainstay in the top half of mock drafts the entire process. Even with the injury and the usual tumult of the draft order, McCoy is practically a toss-up with LSU’s Mansoor Delane to be the first cornerback taken and the second defensive back off the board (after safety Caleb Downs).

On Kalshi, McCoy’s over/under line is set at 25.5, a line I find highly questionable. At worst, McCoy is the second-best cornerback in the draft (Delane), and cornerback is among the most valuable positions. The window for McCoy begins with the Dolphins at #11 and heats up with the likes of the Jets (#16) and Cowboys (#20). Even if McCoy were to slip to the end of the round, teams such as Kansas City (#29), Miami (#30), and Seattle (#32) would be reasonable picks to cash this bet.

Best Bets: Jermod McCoy is a first-round pick (51¢), Under 25.5 (29¢)

The post Final NFL Draft Predictions – Best Value Bets for First Round appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The 2025 NFL season was forgettable for the Arizona Cardinals, who slumped to a 3-14 record. After a 2-0 start, Arizona lost all but one game the rest of the way, finishing a distant last place in an NFC West division that sent three teams to the playoffs. With a putrid record in the rearview mirror, the Cardinals have the #3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 2026 NFL Draft is slated to begin at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, April 23. Pittsburgh will host all three days of the draft. Round 1 will be Thursday. Rounds 2 and 3 will be held Friday, April 24. The final four rounds will be held on Saturday, April 25. ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network will cover the draft.

Keep reading for a breakdown on the top prospects who the Arizona Cardinals could take with the #3 pick.

Cardinals First Draft Pick Odds

Prediction Markets

NFL Draft #3 Odds

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Arvell Reese

50%

David Bailey

33%

Jeremiyah Love

20%

Francis Mauigoa

7%

Spencer Fano

3%

Rueben Bain Jr.

2%

Carnell Tate

2%

Sonny Styles

2%

Ty Simpson

2%

Fernando Mendoza

1%

Predict

Based on Kalshi’s odds, Arvell Reese is the favorite to go to the Cardinals with the #3 pick, listed with a 33% probability (equivalent to +203 odds). Behind Reese is fellow defender David Bailey at 25% (equivalent to +300 odds). Based on Matt McEwan’s odds-based mock draft, Bailey is the best bet to head to the desert with the No. 3 pick.

The highest-probability offensive player is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at 23% (equivalent to +335 odds). Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa rounds out the top four with a 10% chance (equivalent to +900 odds).

Who Will Be Off the Board When Arizona Picks #3?

While the Cardinals could opt to trade the #3 pick, they are likely to stand pat and select a player.

#1 Pick

The Las Vegas Raiders have the #1 pick, and they are overwhelmingly likely to select Indiana quarterback and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. In NFL Draft Odds, Mendoza has a 99% chance to be taken with the top pick. With this in mind, Mendoza is listed with a less than 1% chance to be taken with the #3 pick.

#2 Pick

The New York Jets hold the #2 pick, one of two first-round selections for the Jets. As of Tuesday night, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey has a 60% chance to be the #2 pick according to Kalshi. The only other player with a likelihood above 1% is Ohio State hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese.

With Mendoza’s selection essentially locked, the Jets will determine which top-tier pass rusher will fall to Arizona at the #3 pick.

Offensive Names to Watch

All percentages are accurate as of 7:30 pm ET on Tuesday, April 21.

Jeremiyah Love, 23%

A two-time 1,000-yard rusher at Notre Dame, Love finished third in 2025 Heisman voting after recording 1,652 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns. Love is an advanced pass catcher in addition to his elite profile as a runner. In three years in South Bend, Love accrued 2,882 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns.

Francis Mauigoa, 10%

Miami’s right tackle on its path to the CFP Title Game, Mauigoa is widely regarded as the top offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mauigoa played over 2,800 snaps over three seasons with the Hurricanes. The 6-foot-6 Mauigoa has a balanced profile, projecting to be an above-average pass protector and run blocker.

Carnell Tate, 3%

Yet another elite Ohio State wide receiver, Carnell Tate tallied 875 yards and nine receiving touchdowns as the No. 2 receiver for the Buckeyes (behind Jeremiah Smith). In three seasons, Tate posted 121 catches for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns. The former five-star recruit is a ball magnet, using his 6-foot-3 frame to box out defensive backs.

Spencer Fano, 3%

Experienced at both left tackle and right tackle, Fano is a stellar athlete. Fano spent the last two seasons at right tackle for one of the country’s top offensive lines in Utah. He tallied over 1,600 right tackle snaps and 500 left tackle snaps in three seasons. Fano can be beaten with a quality bull rush, but he has exceptional hands to parry pass rushers.

Ty Simpson, 2%

Likely to be the second quarterback off the board on Thursday night, Ty Simpson was a one-year starter for Alabama. He threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading the Crimson Tide to the CFP Quarterfinals. He was second in the SEC in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Defensive Names to Watch

All percentages are accurate as of 7:30 pm ET on Tuesday, April 21.

Arvell Reese, 33%

A linebacker at Ohio State, Reese is slated for the Micah Parsons track at the NFL level. In other words, Reese will likely be an off-ball linebacker who moonlights as a pass rusher early in his career before transitioning to being a pure edge rusher as his rookie deal goes along. Reese had 6.5 sacks and was an All-American in 2025.

David Bailey, 25%

The NCAA’s leader in sacks in 2025, David Bailey had a massive breakout season for a CFP-bound Texas Tech squad. A Stanford transfer, Bailey recorded 19.5 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks in his senior season. Unlike Reese, Bailey is a true pass rusher from Day 1 even if his athletic upside is not quite as high as Reese.

Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now

Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!

The post NFL #3 Pick Odds – Are Cardinals Favored to Go Offense or Defense Third Overall? appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

FanDuel has launched its 2026 Defensive Rookie of the Year odds ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 pm ET in Pittsburgh. Day 2 (Rounds 2 and 3) will commence at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, April 24. Day 3 (Rounds 4 through 7) will start at noon ET on Saturday, April 25.

Last season, Carson Schwesinger of the Browns won Defensive Rookie of the Year, the first non-Day 1 pick to win the award since 2018. Every Defensive Rookie of the Year since 1988 has been a top-40 pick, with Erik McMillan (63rd pick) being the last exception. In terms of late-round picks, Al Richardson won the 1980 Defensive Rookie of the Year after going in the 8th round (201st overall).

Continue reading for the top 25 Defensive Rookie of the Year odds as well as three value bets – both good value and bad value bets.

Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain leads the way with +550 odds. A trio of Buckeyes follows Bain in Sonny Styles (+650), Caleb Downs (+650), and Arvell Reese (+700). Cornerback Mansoor Delane rounds out the top five with +1000 odds.

By position, the leaders are edge rusher Bain (+550), linebacker Styles (+650), safety Downs (+650), and cornerback Delane (+1000). No interior defensive lineman is in the top 25 of odds, but Kayden McDonald and Peter Woods could be had for +10000 odds.

All odds are from FanDuel as of Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm ET.

Best DROY Value Picks

Akheem Mesidor, +2200

A six-year collegiate player, Mesidor is the highest-floor pass rusher in the class. Given the slant towards stats-accruing pass rushers in Defensive Rookie of the Year history, Mesidor is the best bet to hit the ground running as a solid player.

In college, Mesidor had 35.5 sacks in 65 games. He led the ACC with 12.5 sacks last season, recording four forced fumbles.

Keionte Scott, +6000

Admittedly, picking a non-edge to win DROY is often a fruitless endeavor, but Scott is the archetype to post gaudy numbers. He is a willing run defender and a tremendous blitzer. In 2025, Scott forced four turnovers, including two pick-sixes. He had 5.0 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss.

Scott played three years at Auburn and one year at Miami. In his collegiate career, he recorded 19 tackles for a loss, 6.0 sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. In 2025, he tied for the NCAA lead with a pair of pick-sixes.

Cashius Howell, +7500

Similar to Mesidor, Howell is quite experienced. Howell played 56 games across five years, playing three seasons at Bowling Green and two seasons at Texas A&M. Howell led the MAC in sacks in 2023 before transferring to College Station.

An All-American in 2025, Howell won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He posted 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss. Howell even deflected six passes, bringing his college total to 15 over five seasons.

Worst DROY Value Picks

Caleb Downs, +650

In the draft process, Downs has often been compared to Derwin James and Kyle Hamilton, two elite safeties who came to the NFL and made immediate impacts. James was named to the All-Pro team as a rookie while Hamilton helped turn a bottom-half defense into the No. 3 scoring defense in the NFL. Neither James nor Hamilton won Defensive Rookie of the Year.

In fact, no safety has won Defensive Rookie of the Year since 1990. This is not a bet against Downs the player – he is perhaps the likeliest player in the entire draft to be an All-Pro – moreso the position that he plays. As good as Downs is, he is also more of the “avoid mistakes” archetype of player than a “playmaker” type. Avoiding mistakes will help Downs’ team win, but it is unlikely to sway voters.

Jermod McCoy, +2500

McCoy missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL in January. While he has the prospect pedigree to still be a first-round pick even after missing a season, it seems logical that McCoy’s NFL team won’t push the rookie off an injury. For a recent example, Shavon Revel missed most of the 2024 season with an ACL injury ahead of being drafted in 2025. He only played seven games for the Cowboys in 2025.

Like Downs, this is not a bet against the prospect, it is a bet against the situation that prospect is in.

Malachi Lawrence, +2700

In four years at UCF, Lawrence was a steady presence more than an elite presence. He had 28 tackles for a loss and 20 sacks. He only finished in the top four in his conference in sacks or tackles for a loss once, finishing fourth in sacks in 2023. Lawrence also forced only three fumbles in 39 collegiate games.

Defensive Rookie of the Year is a numbers award. I am unsure that Lawrence will put up the necessary numbers to be a serious candidate.

Last Five Defensive Rookie of the Year Winners

Carson Schwesinger broke a Defensive Rookie of the Year monopoly with his win as a pure linebacker. Of the last seven awards, pass rushers have won five times. Schwesinger finished in the top 10 in the NFL in total tackles. He also had two interceptions and 2.5 sacks before an above-average Browns defense. Schwesinger won 88.2% of the vote, beating out the likes of Nick Emmanwori, James Pearce, and Xavier Watts.

Jared Verse had a modest sack total, but he generated a gargantuan amount of pressure as a rookie. He took home 36 first-place votes, quadrupling Quinyon Mitchell’s tally. In 2023, Will Anderson won a split vote, narrowly beating Jalen Carter and Kobie Turner despite winning just 16 of 50 first-place votes.

Sauce Gardner, the last cornerback to win DROY, romped to a 46-3-1 win over Aidan Hutchinson and Riq Woolen, securing 96.8% of the voting share. Gardner had two interceptions and an NFL-leading 20 passes defended.

A safety has not won Defensive Rookie of the Year since 1990, when Chicago’s Mark Carrier beat James Francis and Junior Seau to the award. Carrier unbelievably led the NFL with 10 interceptions and five forced fumbles, earning a Pro Bowl nod and a second-team All-Pro selection.

Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now

Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!

The post Opening Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds Ahead of 2026 Draft appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The 2026 NFL Draft will begin in earnest in Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 pm ET when the Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. After Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson is overwhelmingly likely to be the next quarterback off the board in NFL Draft odds. Beyond Simpson, however, there is intrigue.

Keep reading for a quick glance at the five most likely candidates to be the third quarterback drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Third Quarterback Drafted Odds (2026)

Prediction Markets

Third QB Favorites

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Haynes King

99%

Garrett Nussmeier

51%

Drew Allar

46%

Carson Beck

40%

Cole Payton

32%

Ty Simpson

24%

Taylen Green

8%

Diego Pavia

4%

Cade Klubnik

1%

Luke Altmyer

1%

Predict

Miami’s Carson Beck leads the way in odds here with a 47% chance to be the third quarterback off the board. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is a close second, representing a 41% chance. Other notables include North Dakota State’s Cole Payton and Penn State’s Drew Allar who are at 12% and 8% respectively. Diego Pavia rounds out the top five with a 1% chance.

Both Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza are available to be bet on, but they both have less than 1% chances to go in this slot. Mendoza is a mortal lock to be the #1 pick while Simpson is likely to go at some point in the first round. Matt McEwan has Simpson going in the first round in his odds-based 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

Drew Allar, 8%

Allar played four years at Penn State, serving as the team’s primary starter in 2023 and 2024 before sustaining a midseason injury in a disastrous 2025 season. In Happy Valley, Allar threw for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions. He also tacked on 12 rushing touchdowns, totaling 59 touchdowns in his two full years as a starter.

Allar looks like a prototypical quarterback, but his play has yet to match the tools. He has big game experience, leading the 2024 Nittany Lions to the CFP Semifinals, but he did not throw a touchdown in either of Penn State’s CFP games against Power 4 opponents.

Carson Beck, 47%

Beck played in 55 games across six collegiate seasons. He was a two-year starter at Georgia before transferring to Miami. At 6-foot-4, Beck checks off size and athleticism boxes, but his main concern is his decision-making. Beck fired 32 interceptions, including 12 in both 2024 and 2025. As poised as Beck was throughout Miami’s run to the CFP Final, the lasting image will be Beck throwing a season-ending interception.

Beck gets a massive checkmark in the experience department. He threw for over 11,700 yards in college and tossed 88 touchdowns. He won’t set any athleticism records, but he did have eight scrimmage touchdowns in college, including the game-winning touchdown in the CFP Semifinal against Ole Miss.

Garrett Nussmeier, 41%

A huge breakout in 2024, Nussmeier opted to return to school and aim to be the #1 pick. Unfortunately for Nussmeier and LSU, 2025 was a trying season that saw Brian Kelly lose his job. Nussmeier’s yardage and touchdown tallies were chopped in half as the senior only played nine games.

Son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Nussmeier is cerebrally excellent in his understanding of the game. However, he does not have the prototypical size or athleticism that the likes of Allar and Beck have. Nussmeier can be turnover prone – he tied Beck for the SEC lead in interceptions in 2024.

Cole Payton, 12%

The great unknown of the quarterback class, Payton was a one-year starter at North Dakota State. In 2025, threw for 2,719 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 225 attempts. He has rushing upside, both as a short-yardage threat and as a true runner. He tallied over 1,500 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns for the Bison in his career.

By far the least experienced of the contenders to be the third quarterback taken, Payton’s lack of experience reared its disastrous head in North Dakota State’s upset loss to Illinois State in the FCS Playoffs. Payton was held under 100 total yards. He is a great athlete, but he needs some seasoning as a passer.

Diego Pavia, 1%

On the other side of the coin, Pavia is not an NFL-caliber quarterback, athletically speaking, but he had enough moxie to impress Johnny Manziel. The runner-up to Mendoza in Heisman voting, Pavia led the SEC in completion percentage, passing touchdowns, yards per pass, and passing efficiency in 2025. Pavia was Offensive Player of the Year both in Conference-USA (in 2023 with New Mexico State) and SEC (in 2025 with Vanderbilt).

Pavia is likely destined to be a Day 3 pick or a priority free agent, but it would only take one team to fall in love with Pavia’s passion and playmaking for him to be the third quarterback off the board. He is also a culture changer and one of the best underdog stories in recent college football history.

Percentages are from Kalshi as of Wednesday, April 22, at 10:30 pm ET.

Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now

Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!

The post Third QB Drafted in 2026 – Who’s Favored After Mendoza, Simpson? appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Oklahoma City awaits the winner of the Golden State Warriors (37-45) and Phoenix Suns (45-37). The Warriors won the season series, but Phoenix has a big home-court advantage after a 25-16 mark in the regular season. Prime Video will broadcast the game at 10:00 pm ET on Friday, April 17. Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix will host the contest.

Keep reading for my Warriors vs Suns expert picks, two player predictions, and a look at the game’s betting splits.

Warriors vs Suns Expert Picks

• Warriors Moneyline (+125 at Bet365)

BET365
SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $10 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!

Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ KY).

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $10
GET $200

WIN OR LOSE!

CLAIM OFFER

Despite the Warriors’ road struggles this year, I am backing the Warriors to secure back-to-back play-in wins to notch the No. 8 seed and a date with the Thunder. Perhaps the basketball world will get one more vintage “Steph and Draymond” game as both future Hall of Famers come near the end of their careers.

Curry has been in vintage form this season, scoring 26.6 points per game. He has been banged up in recent weeks, but if he is on the court, he is a threat to drop 30 and end a team’s season. Green flashed his peak form in Golden State’s win over the Clippers, putting Kawhi Leonard into a scoring drought almost singlehandedly.

On the Suns’ side, Phoenix hasn’t been firing on all cylinders after reaching a high watermark of 12 games above .500. In the last 16 games, Phoenix is 6-10, not including its play-in loss. The Suns lost multiple games down the stretch despite 30-point and 40-point efforts from Devin Booker.

• Over 219.5 (-110, theScore Bet)

THESCORE BET

Offer

T&Cs

Get a 100% Bet Reset Up To $1,000 if Your First Bet Loses
Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

Must be 21+, offer available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

$1,000 BET RESET!

GET OFFER NOW

In the regular season, the over cashed in both games played at Golden State, while the under cashed in both games played in Phoenix. Even with the playoff environment, I expect both teams to be able to score reasonably well.

Curry and Booker are tremendous scorers who should pour in at least 25 points each. Golden State has a slew of playoff risers, including Al Horford and Draymond Green, who help, particularly with their passing.

Phoenix has its own sidekicks to Booker in the enigmatic Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. Brooks and Green combined for 55 points in the Suns’ play-in loss to the Blazers.

Warriors vs Suns Predictions

• Draymond Green O 0.5 Blocks (+105 at DraftKings)

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Draymond Green’s defensive impact often goes beyond the box score, but I think he gets at least one rejection on Friday night. He had a block in 29 of 68 regular-season games this year. He had a block in all three games against the Suns, including the December 20th contest in which he only played eight minutes.

I am under no illusions that this is the prime version of Green, but he has historically elevated in the playoffs. Green has raised his blocks per game average from 1.0 in the regular season to 1.3 in the playoffs. In 169 career playoff games, Green has at least one block in 122 of them, including at least three blocks 24 times.

• Devin Booker O 0.5 Threes (-137, PrizePicks)

In the regular season, Devin Booker hit a three-pointer in 55 of 64 games. He attempted at least two in every game and at least three 58 times. Booker made at least one three-pointer in all three games he played against Golden State this season. While this game is technically not a playoff game, Booker has made a three-pointer in 39 of 47 career playoff games.

Warriors vs Suns Betting Splits

As of Friday afternoon, the Warriors vs Suns betting splits are slanted heavily toward the road underdog Warriors in the NBA public betting splits. The Warriors are getting 74% of the ATS handle as 3.5-point underdogs, with an equivalent 74% of bets coming in on them. In contrast, the Suns are getting 26% of the ATS handle and 26% of the bets.

The moneyline is split. In terms of raw bets placed, 54% of bets are on the Warriors at +130, while 46% of bets are on the Suns at -145. However, the minority of Suns bets are larger wagers on a dollar amount, as 88% of the moneyline handle is backing the Suns. The Warriors are backed by just 12% of the moneyline handle.

The public is treating the over like a Black Friday sale. The over is being hammered on 94% of wagers, representing 93% of the betting handle. On the other hand, the under is taking only 6% of bets, spread across 5% of the total handle.

Warriors vs Suns Odds

Phoenix is a slight favorite to advance to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. For Phoenix bettors, take the Suns at -2.5 ATS on Caesars (-110 odds) or -140 odds on the moneyline at theScore Bet. For Golden State bettors, take the Warriors at +3.5 ATS on theScore Bet (-115 odds) or +125 on the moneyline at bet365.

The total is set between 219.5 and 220.5 points. Over bettors should take over 219.5 points at theScore Bet for -110 odds. Under bettors should take under 220.5 points at DraftKings for -112 odds.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US), 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET UP TO
$1,500 BACK

IN BONUS BETS!

BET NOW

Odds from consensus best online sportsbook options on April 17 ahead of tip-off. New to the app? Lock in a BetMGM promo code before tip-off.

Warriors vs Suns: Regular Season

Golden State won the season series three games to one, but the Pacific Division rivals have only played once in 2026. Golden State won both home games, while the teams split the Phoenix matchups.

In the most recent game (Feb. 5th), Golden State had a strong come-from-behind win without Steph Curry. Pat Spencer led all Warriors with 20 points, as Gui Santos (18), De’Anthony Melton (17), and Gary Payton II (15) chipped in with 15-plus each. On the Phoenix side, Dillon Brooks scored 24, as neither Devin Booker nor Jalen Green played.

Warriors vs Suns: How They Got Here

Golden State Warriors

As the No. 10 seed, the Warriors sprung an upset on the Clippers, winning as 5.5-point underdogs. The Warriors had massive struggles on the road during the regular season (15-26), but Steph Curry and Draymond Green poured in vintage performances to lead the Dubs on Wednesday night. Curry had an electrifying 35 points while Green played lockdown defense on Kawhi Leonard.

Phoenix Suns

The No. 7 seed in the regular season, Phoenix lost at home to a plucky Portland squad, 114-110. Devin Booker had a cold night from the field, going 7-for-17 and missing five free throws, but Dillon Brooks (20 points) and Jalen Green (35 points) kept the Suns in it. Phoenix led with 20 seconds left before Deni Avdija had a go-ahead and-one.

The post Warriors vs Suns Expert Picks, Predictions & Betting Splits appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The No. 8 seed is up for grabs in the play-in game between the Charlotte Hornets (44-38) and Orlando Magic (45-37). Charlotte won three of four meetings in the regular season, but the Magic have home court in this do-or-die game. The Kia Center in Orlando will host Hornets vs Magic at 7:30 pm ET on Friday, April 17. Prime Video will carry the broadcast.

Continue reading for my Hornets vs Magic best bets as well as two expert player props for this play-in contest.

Hornets vs Magic Best Bets

• Hornets -3 (-110, Fanatics)

FANATICS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get a 100% Bet Match Up To $100 in FanCash for 10 Days
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, KY, MD, OH, MI, TN, VA, WV); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); (800) 327-5050 or mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); 1800gambler.net (WV)

One (1) sign up offer per user. Must place initial wager within 5 days of account opening. Terms apply.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

100% BET
MATCH

SIGN UP NOW

As many as 12 games below .500 deep into January, the Hornets were among the best teams in basketball for the last three months. Starting with a January 21st win over these Magic, Charlotte ended the season on a 28-10 run, a 60-win pace over 82 games. The Hornets rattled off three different winning streaks of at least five games.

The Magic have been quite streaky since March began. Orlando had a seven-game winning streak in March and a five-game winning streak in April, but they suffered six straight losses in the middle of March (including a loss to Charlotte). Through February, Orlando had been one of the steadier teams in the league, not going on massive swings.

With Charlotte’s elite form for nearly half the season now, I am backing the Hornets to win their second-straight elimination game and secure a date with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

• Over 218.5 (-105, theScore Bet)

THESCORE BET

Offer

T&Cs

Get a 100% Bet Reset Up To $1,000 if Your First Bet Loses
Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

Must be 21+, offer available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

$1,000 BET RESET!

GET OFFER NOW

This over would have cashed in all four regular-season meetings between the Magic and Hornets. While playoff basketball is played at a slower pace than the regular season, both teams should chip in enough to clear the 218.5 set total.

In the regular season, the Hornets were one of the slowest teams in the sport, finishing 26th in pace. However, Charlotte had the No. 5 offensive rating, a robust 119.5. Charlotte led the NBA with 1,343 made threes, shooting the second-most in the NBA while making the third-highest percentage.

Orlando’s offense was faster, 12th in the NBA in pace, but they were less efficient. The Magic were 19th in offensive rating and 21st in field goal percentage. However, Orlando lives at the free-throw line, leading the NBA with 22.0 makes per game and 27.5 attempts per game. The Magic’s 80.1% conversion rate at the line was 8th in the NBA.

Hornets vs Magic Expert Picks

• Kon Knueppel to Make 3+ Threes (-140, FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

The NBA’s regular-season leader in three-pointers did not make a three in Charlotte’s win over Miami, going 0-for-6 en route to a 2-for-12 night from the field. However, Knueppel did show a strong bounce-back ability in the regular season, making at least three threes in two of three games after going 0-for. In the regular season, Knueppel made three or more triples in 53 of 81 games played, including two of four against Orlando.

The mantra “shooters shoot” certainly applies to Knueppel who attempted at least three three-pointers in all 81 regular season games and the first play-in game. With the season on the line, Knueppel should get the green light to take (and hopefully make) a series of triples.

• Paolo Banchero to Record 8+ Rebounds (-170, FanDuel)

After a lackluster first play-in game, I anticipate Banchero trying to fill in the stat sheet even if his shot is not falling. In Orlando’s loss to Philadelphia, Banchero only had five rebounds and four assists, being outweighed by six costly turnovers. He averaged 8.4 rebounds per game in the regular season.

Panchero only recorded eight rebounds in one of four matchups with the Hornets in the regular season, but given the must-win nature of this contest, I expect Panchero to come out swinging. He has eight rebounds in seven of 12 career playoff games, posting eight or more in all three elimination games he has faced.

Hornets vs Magic Lines

The Hornets are slight road favorites in the play-in game. Charlotte bettors should take the Hornets at -3 ATS on Fanatics (-110 odds) or -155 on the moneyline at bet365. Orlando bettors should take the Magic at +3.5 ATS on BetMGM (-110 odds) or +140 on the moneyline at Caesars.

The total is set at 218.5 points. Over bettors should take over 218.5 points on theScore Bet for -105 odds. Under bettors should take under 218.5 points on bet365 for -110 odds.

How to Watch Hornets vs Magic

Prime Video will host Hornets vs Magic at 7:30 pm ET on Friday, April 17. Prime Video will also host the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed play-in game between the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns at 10:00 pm ET.

Regular-Season Results

Charlotte won three out of of four regular-season matchups, including both games in Orlando. The Magic won the first game of the season series back in October, but the Hornets answered back with wins in December, January, and March. All four games were decided by at least 15 points.

In the Hornets’ 130-111 win in March, Coby White led the way with 27 points, including five three-pointers. The Magic had two 20-point scorers, but they shot a subpar 41.9% from the field on the night as Charlotte led by as many as 35.

How They Got Here

Charlotte Hornets

After a 44-38 regular season, the Hornets earned the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference. In the 9th Place vs 10th Place game. the Hornets pulled out a miraculous win over the Miami Heat. With under two minutes to play in regulation, the Heat had a 97.5% win probability (ESPN), but Charlotte righted the ship before winning in overtime, 127-126.

Orlando Magic

The Magic played to a 45-37 record in the regular season, dropping to the No. 8 seed in the East on the final day of the season. In the 7th Place vs 8th Place game, Desmond Bane’s 34 points was not enough to topple the 76ers in Philadelphia. Paolo Banchero was heavily criticized after a 7-for-22 shooting night and a game-high six turnovers.

The post Best Bets, Expert Picks & How to Watch Hornets vs Magic appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Associated Press has given out the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award dating back to 1998. It has largely been dominated by quarterbacks, with two quarterbacks (Chad Pennington and Joe Burrow) winning the award twice. The last 10 awards have been won by offensive players, eight quarterbacks and two wide receivers.

Keep reading for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds as well as a look at three best bets.

NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds

Patrick Mahomes leads the way in odds, listed at +125 on FanDuel. New Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is second in odds at +1000. Fellow quarterbacks Daniel Jones (+1500) and Malik Willis (+2500) are also among the favorites.

Other non-quarterbacks on offense include Malik Nabers (+1500), George Kittle (+1900), and Tucker Kraft (+2500).

The first defensive player on the board is Packers’ pass rusher Micah Parsons who has 12-to-1 odds. Behind Parsons, other defenders include Nick Bosa (+2000), Fred Warner (+2000), and Travis Hunter (+2500).

NFL Comeback Player of the Year Best Bets

• Patrick Mahomes, +125

Mahomes’ candidacy has two strong forces behind it. First, Mahomes did not play at his usual level in 2025. He had the lowest full-season passer rating of his career and a career-low 22 passing touchdowns. Second, he is coming off a season-ending injury. As it stands, Mahomes is a great value bet at any plus-money given the talent level and double-pronged comeback.

Quarterbacks have won the last eight Comeback Player of the Year Awards. Mahomes seems to be on track to return in Week 1, but if he returns in September, he will likely run away with this award. The Chiefs are in the top 10 in 2027 Super Bowl Odds and are massive favorites to return to the playoffs in NFL Playoff Odds.

Mahomes is among the leaders in NFL MVP odds, an award he won in both 2019 and 2022.

• Malik Nabers, +1500

The last wide receiver to win Comeback Player of the Year was Keenan Allen for the 2017 Chargers, one of two receivers to win in the last 10 seasons. Nabers missed 13 games in 2025 after recording 18 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns in four games. He showed his immense potentual with a 167-yard, two-touchdown outburst in Week 2.

If Mahomes does not win, I like Nabers as a returning No. 1 wide receiver to post a massive season. In 2024, Nabers racked up 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Nabers made the Pro Bowl and finished fifth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. He has 205 targets in 19 games in his career.

• Nick Bosa, +2000

Since 2010, only one defensive player has won Comeback Player of the Year: Eric Berry in 2015. Nick Bosa did not receive any votes for the award in 2021 after returning from injury, but with a larger ballot now, Bosa is a decent contender.

A four-time Pro Bowler, Bosa missed 14 games and San Francisco’s playoff run last season. He has Defensive Player of the Year upside, an award he won in 2022. While he and Micah Parsons are a similar caliber of player, I prefer Bosa’s odds, and Bosa is three months further along in his recovery.

Bosa is listed at +1200 in Defensive Player of the Year odds, among the top 10.

Previous Comeback Player of the Year Winners

In 2025, Christian McCaffrey won the award after posting 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. He finished fourth in MVP voting and second in Offensive Player of the Year. He was named to the All-Pro team as well. In 2024, he missed 13 games.

The post NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds & Best Bets appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Go to: PICKS || ODDS || H2H STATS

How to Watch Duke vs UCLA

A spot in the Final Four is on the line as the #3 Duke Blue Devils (27-8) face the #1 UCLA Bruins (34-1). UCLA dominated the first matchup between the schools in November (89-59 on a neutral court in Vegas) but both teams have been boiling-hot since. The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, will play host to this Elite Eight game on Sunday, March 29 at 3:00 pm ET. ABC will broadcast the game.

ABC will handle the Duke vs UCLA broadcast at 3:00 pm ET on Sunday, March 29. Duke vs UCLA is the second of an Elite Eight doubleheader, following UConn vs Notre Dame.

Keep reading for my Duke vs UCLA picks and two key predictions for the game. I have also laid out the odds and a statistical preview for both sides.

Duke vs UCLA Predictions

• Lauren Betts Records a Double-Double

Betts is averaging 17.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season. The All-American has 12 double-doubles this season, including one in the first round versus California Baptist. Betts has 14 games this season with 10 or more rebounds and six games with at least 14. She even has a pair of games with 16 rebounds.

On the points side of things, Betts has cleared 10 points in 30 of 34 games this season. She has a season-high of 35 points, posted in the second round versus Oklahoma State. Betts has her two highest-scoring outputs of the season this month.

Betts did not play in UCLA’s win over Duke back in November, her only missed game of the season.

• Toby Fournier Scores 20+ Points

Predicting a 20-point game from a 17.5-point-per-game scorer is not exactly bold, but a 20-point outing from Fournier would be historic for Duke. Fournier has two 20-point games in the tournament, a feat surpassed by only Alana Beard in Duke history. Beard accomplished the feat in both the 2002 and 2003 tournaments. Beard was a three-time All-American and 2004 Wooden Award winner.

Fournier has 12 games with 20 points this season, scoring a season-high 27 versus Holy Cross in November. She scored 24 against Charleston in the first round and 22 against LSU in the Sweet 16. In Duke’s first matchup with UCLA, Fournier scored 17 points.

Duke vs UCLA Picks

• UCLA -10.5 (-125, theScore Bet)

THESCORE BET

Offer

T&Cs

Get a 100% Bet Reset Up To $1,000 if Your First Bet Loses
Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

Must be 21+, offer available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

$1,000 BET RESET!

GET OFFER NOW

I am again backing the Bruins to win – and win big – to punch their ticket to the Final Four. UCLA had never been to the Final Four before last season, improving upon the golden era of Bruins basketball.

Duke exacted revenge on LSU on Friday, but I do not anticipate the Blue Devils continuing the same magic on Sunday afternoon. As well as LSU played in 2026, UCLA is a cut above the Lady Tigers.

• Over 130.5 (-110, FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

This is a bet on UCLA in many ways. The Bruins have scored over 85 points per game this season, and they have not slowed in the tournament, averaging a shade under 88 points per contest. UCLA has scored 80 points in 26 of 35 games this season, surpassing it in all three tournament games and its win over Duke.

While I don’t expect Duke to set any scoring records, they will be competent enough to score at least 50 points to help push the game toward the over. Duke has scored 50 points in 34 of 35 games this season and 60 or more in 30 games.

Duke vs UCLA Odds

UCLA is a big favorite to advance to the Final Four. UCLA bettors should take the Bruins at -10.5 ATS at theScore Bet or -675 on the moneyline at DraftKings. On the Duke side, Blue Devils bettors can take +11.5 ATS from prediction market Kalshi (trading at 50¢, which is equal to +100 odds) or 14¢ to win straight-up (equal to a +614 on the moneyline).

The total ranges from 130.5 to 13/1.5 points. Over bettors should take over 130.5 points on FanDuel (-110 odds). Under bettors should take under 131.5 points, which is trading at just 44¢ at Kalshi (equal to +127 odds).

Duke vs UCLA: Statistical Profiles

Duke and UCLA battled in the Players Era Championship back in November. Even without Lauren Betts, UCLA led wire-to-wire in an 89-59 win. Gabriela Jaquez scored 23 points in the first win of UCLA’s current 28-game winning streak.

On the Duke side, Ashlon Jackson scored 18 points, and Toby Fournier had 17 points. Since this game, Duke has a strong 24-3 record.

The post Predictions, Picks & How to Watch #3 Duke vs #1 UCLA appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Two months on from pulling a shocking upset, the #4 Oklahoma Sooners (26-7) again face the #1 South Carolina Gamecocks (33-3). The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, will play host to this Sweet 16 game on Saturday, March 27 at 5:00 pm ET. ESPN will broadcast the game.

Keep reading for my Oklahoma vs South Carolina picks in this SEC battle. I have also provided the odds and how to watch the seventh of eight Sweet 16 games.

Oklahoma vs South Carolina Expert Picks

• South Carolina -17.5 (-105, DraftKings)

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

Of course, South Carolina lost the first matchup in Norman. The Gamecocks never led by even 10 points, let alone 18 points. However, South Carolina has won 24 of its 33 games by 18 or more points, including impressive wins over ranked squads: Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. Through two tournament games, South Carolina has outscored its opponents 204-95.

Oklahoma had an LSU problem in the regular season, suffering its two largest losses to the Lady Tigers. Otherwise, Oklahoma kept the rest of its games within 18 points. That said, Oklahoma went a poor 1-6 against top-10 teams, with the lone win coming at home against South Carolina. Away from home, the Sooners lost by 14 to UCLA (neutral site), 6 to Kentucky, 8 to Texas, 16 to Vanderbilt, and 34 to LSU.

With revenge on their mind, I expect the Gamecocks to win handily and punch their ticket to yet another Elite Eight. South Carolina has advanced to five straight Elite Eights and seven of the last eight.

• Under 154.5 Points (-110, Caesars)

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers!

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBDDYW

CODE: SBDDYW

SIGNUP PROMO

DOUBLE YOUR
WINNINGS

ON YOUR NEXT 10 WAGERS!

CLAIM OFFER

While the over eventually cashed in the regular-season matchup, it took overtime to exceed 150 points. South Carolina has one of the stingiest defenses in the entire country, allowing fewer than 60 points per game with a robust 77.3 defensive rating. The Gamecocks are seventh in the country in blocks per game with SEC rebounding champion Madina Okot leading the way with 1.5 blocks per game.

Oklahoma has a similarly sturdy defense. Oklahoma has held opponents to a 35.7% field goal percentage this year, the 11th-best mark in the country. The Sooners are the premier rebounders in the NCAA, averaging a country-best 32.5 defensive rebounds per game and second-best 48.7 total rebounds per game. Oklahoma averaged 15.3 steals plus blocks per game.

Oklahoma vs South Carolina Odds

South Carolina is a huge favorite to advance in Sacramento. South Carolina bettors should take the Gamecocks at 94¢ at Kalshi, which is equal to a -1567 moneyline price at other books. Without Kalshi, the odds spike to -2400 across various books. Against the spread, South Carolina bettors can find -17.5 at DraftKings for -105 odds.

On the Oklahoma side, bettors can take the Kalshi price of 7¢, a moneyline of +1329. Without Kalshi, the best bet is Caesars’ +1300 line. Against the spread, Sooners bettors should take +18.5 provided by BetMGM (-110 odds).

The total is set between 153.5 and 154.5 points. Over bettors should take over 153.5 points on FanDuel (-108 odds). Under bettors should take under 154.5 points on Caesars (-110 odds).

Odds as of Mar. 28, 2026. Sign up with Kalshi promo code DIME or check out college basketball apps.

How to Watch Oklahoma vs South Carolina

ESPN will handle the broadcast at 5:00 pm ET on Saturday, March 28. The winner will face the winner of the #3 TCU vs #10 Virginia, a matchup that will also be found on ESPN – around 7:30 pm ET.

By the Numbers: Oklahoma vs South Carolina

Oklahoma vs South Carolina: 1st Matchup

On January 22, Oklahoma delivered South Carolina’s only conference loss* with a 94-82 win in overtime. Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers hit a game-tying shot in the dying moments of regulation before the Sooners dominated in overtime. South Carolina was double-digit favorites in Norman.

All five Oklahoma starters poured in at least 11 points, but the most impressive was Aaliyah Chavez. After scoring 11 points in regulation, the guard scored 15 in overtime alone. Both Sahara Williams and the aforementioned Raegan Beers had double-doubles in the contest.

South Carolina shot a disastrous 37% from the field with a shoddy 23.8% conversion rate from three-point land. Tessa Johnson scored 19 points, knocking down three threes. Raven Johnson (16) and Joyce Edwards (12) also scored in double figures.

*Texas beat South Carolina twice, but the Players Era Championship and SEC Title Game are considered non-conference games.

The post Expert Picks, Odds & How to Watch Oklahoma vs South Carolina [NCAAW] appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Big Ten is on full display as the #1 UCLA Bruins face the #4 Minnesota Golden Gophers with a season sweep on their minds. The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, will play host to this Sweet 16 game on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 pm ET. ESPN will broadcast the game.

Continue reading for my UCLA vs Minnesota picks as well as the odds for this all-Big Ten clash. I have provided a statistical profile for both teams, as well as a recap of their matchup from January 14.

UCLA vs Minnesota Expert Picks

• Over 130.5 (-122, FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

Owners of the best offensive rating in the country, I anticipate UCLA being able to score at will. During the season, UCLA has scored 100 points twice, 90 points eight times, and 80 points a whopping 25 times. At a bare minimum, the Bruins are good to score at least 72 points, a mark they cleared in 32 of 34 games.

Minnesota is not a slouch when it comes to putting the ball in the bucket. Minnesota scored at least 60 points in 26 of 32 games. Given the oddsmakers’ general parameters (UCLA favored by 19, total set at 131), the expected score is 75-56. Minnesota has scored 56 points in all but two games this season, including in its blowout loss to UCLA.

In the first matchup, the teams combined for 134 points, narrowly clearing this over in UCLA’s 76-58 victory. Four women scored at least 15 points on that night. Outside of a nine-point first quarter for Minnesota, scoring was fairly healthy for both sides in each quarter.

• UCLA -18.5 (-110, DraftKings)

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

After a pair of close conference tournament games, UCLA has regained its status as a buzzsaw in its last three games. First, the Bruins dismantled Iowa by 51 in the Big Ten Title Game. In March Madness, UCLA has won by 53 points and 19 points, respectively. Out of 34 games this season, UCLA has won 24 of them by at least 19 points. Notably, this does not include UCLA’s win over Minnesota, just an 18-point win.

Minnesota did not lose a game by 19 or more points all season, with the Golden Gophers’ largest loss coming at the hands of UCLA. Minnesota did have a quartet of double-digit losses in Big Ten play, losing to Michigan, UCLA, Washington, and Michigan State.

I am backing the Bruins to deliver Minnesota’s largest loss of the season.

UCLA vs Minnesota Odds

UCLA is a massive favorite to advance in Sacramento. UCLA bettors should take the Bruins at 96¢ at Kalshi, which is equal to a -2400 moneyline price at other books. Without Kalshi, the odds spike to -5000 across various books. Against the spread, UCLA bettors can find -18.5 at DraftKings for -110 odds.

On the Minnesota side, bettors can take the Caesars moneyline of +1550 or the Kalshi price of 55¢ on a +19.5 ATS wager, equivalent to -122 odds. Without Kalshi, many books have the line at +18.5.

KALSHI TRADING

Offer

T&Cs

Trade at Kalshi & Get a $10 bonus when you sign up today!

Must be 18+ years or older & residing in the United States. Other Terms & Conditions may apply.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP TODAY

GET A $10
BONUS

GET OFFER

The total is set between 130.5 and 131.5 points. Over bettors should take over 130.5 at FanDuel (-122 odds). Under bettors should take under 131.5 at DraftKings (-110 odds).

UCLA vs Minnesota: Statistical Profiles

UCLA vs Minnesota: 1st Matchup

On January 14, then-No. 3 UCLA visited Minnesota and largely dominated. Minnesota jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but UCLA cruised the rest of the way. There was only one lead change as UCLA moved to 16-1 on the season. The Bruins won 76-58.

Three Bruins finished in double figures, with Kiki Rice pouring in 25 points on just nine shots. Lauren Betts had a 17-point, 10-rebound performance, and Gabriela Jaquez scored 12 points.

The Golden Gophers scuffled from the field, hitting just 40% of their shots and 24% of their threes. Grace Grocholski played all 40 minutes, but she shot 4-for-17 from the field and 1-for-7 from three. Mara Braun (15 points) and Amaya Battle (16 points) led the way for Minnesota.

The post #1 UCLA vs #4 Minnesota Expert Picks & Odds (NCAAW) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

With a spot in the Elite Eight on the line, the #6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (24-10) face the #2 Vanderbilt Commodores (29-4) in Fort Worth on Friday, March 27. ESPN will carry the broadcast.

Keep reading for my Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt picks as well as the odds for the game. I have given two game predictions in addition to brief tournament histories for both schools.

Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt Picks

• Notre Dame +5.5 (+113, Kalshi)

Prediction Markets

ND vs VANDY ATS Pick

Learn more about Prediction Markets

Kalshi

Notre Dame +5.5

47%

Predict

While the women’s bracket tends to be on the chalkier side, Notre Dame pulled a second-round upset over #3 Ohio State with a 10-point win. Impressively, the Irish fought back from an 11-0 hole to open the game, taking the lead in the second quarter.

Vanderbilt is a step above Ohio State this season, but the Commodores do not get the benefit of playing at home as the Buckeyes did. Vandy went undefeated at home, but the Commodores sustained a pair of neutral-site losses to Ole Miss.

Notably, I do not need Notre Dame to win outright (although I would not be opposed to sprinkling a bet at the current +192 moneyline price on Caesars). I am backing the Irish to make enough shots, especially their free throws, to stay within +5.5 and cover the spread.

• Over 151.5 Points (-108, FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

Both teams are among the best offenses in the country, and neither have a true offensive weakness. Notre Dame is the lesser of the two offenses, and the Irish have the No. 30 offensive rating in the country. Notre Dame is top-20 in efficiency from the field, from the three-point line, and from the free-throw line. Both Notre Dame tournament games have exceeded this total.

Vanderbilt’s win over Illinois was a surprisingly low-scoring affair, but Vandy has a top-10 offensive both by raw points per game and offensive rating. The Commodores cracked 100 points in their first-round game, and they average north of 84 points per game on the season.

Both teams are in the middle of the pack in terms of points allowed per game and defensive rating. With two explosive offenses and two mediocre defenses, I expect the over to cash in this Sweet 16 showdown.

Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt Predictions

• Hannah Hidalgo Pours in 30 Points

The leading scorer in the ACC, Hannah Hidalgo has averaged 25.2 points per game this season. She has eight 30-point games on the season, maxing out with a hefty 44-point effort against Akron. Her most recent 30-burger came on March 1 versus Louisville. Hidalgo has averaged 24.5 points per game in March Madness.

• Sacha Washington Records a Double-Double

Sacha Washington is averaging 10.4 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game. The forward has eight games with double-digits rebounds, recording seven double-doubles. In Vandy’s first-round win over High Point, Washington had 10 points and a whopping 17 rebounds.

Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt Odds

Vanderbilt is favored in this neutral-site affair. Vanderbilt bettors should take the Commodores at -205 on the moneyline at DraftKings or -5.5 ATS, also at DraftKings (-102 odds). Notre Dame bettors should take the Fighting Irish at 30¢ at Kalshi, which is equal to a +223 moneyline price (or +192 at Caesars if you don’t live in a Kalshi region). Notre Dam’s best ATS price is +5.5 +113 at Kalshi (or -105 at BetMGM).

The total is set at 151.5 points. Traditional sportsbooks have -110 odds both ways across the board. Kalshi has the juice slightly lower at -108.

Notre Dame vs Vanderbilts: H2H Stats

Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt Tournament History

Notre Dame

Notre Dame was a perennial powerhouse under legendary coach Muffet McGraw, winning March Madness in 2001 and 2018, adding to seven other Final Four appearances. Since McGraw retired, Notre Dame has been a Sweet 16 mainstay, with 2026 marking the school’s fifth-straight appearance.

However, Niele Ivey’s Irish have yet to advance to Elite Eight in her six seasons at the helm. However, she won the National Championship with the Irish back in 2001 (as a player) and 2018 (as an assistant).

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is in its 15th Sweet 16, its first since 2009. Previously, Vanderbilt has five trips to the Elite Eight and one Final Four trip (1993). Vanderbilt has lost its last four Sweet 16 matches, losing in 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009.

Vanderbilt’s head coach, Shea Ralph, is a seven-time National Champion, winning the 2000 title as a player and six titles as a UConn assistant.

The post Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt Picks, Predictions & Odds (NCAAW) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

At the MVP and Cy Young level, 2025 was largely a repeat of 2024. Reigning MVPs Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani repeated as in 2025. On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal went back-to-back in the American League, while Paul Skenes jumped from NL Rookie of the Year to NL Cy Young winner.

Will anyone break the trend in 2026? Here are my best bets for the big six MLB awards.

2026 MLB Awards: Best Bets

AL MVP Best Bet: Julio Rodriguez (+1700 at DraftKings)

DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Sign Up Today & Receive Up to
$1,050 in Bonuses!

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

SIGN UP
& GET $1,050

BONUS BETS + DEPOSIT BONUS

GET PROMO

For being one of the streakiest players in MLB, Julio Rodriguez has notched three top-seven MVP finishes in four seasons. Through his career, Rodriguez has a .737 OPS in the first half and a .902 OPS in the second half. Given the floor provided by his defense and base running, Rodriguez is an MVP candidate even with inconsistencies.

However, with the ugly taste of a Game 7 loss lingering, I anticipate Rodriguez getting out to a hot start and putting the pieces together for an 8-WAR season. He could conceivably go 40-40 and win a Gold Glove. Knocking off Aaron Judge will be difficult, but Rodriguez has all the talent to usurp the three-time MVP. He’s good value at +1700 in the MLB MVP odds for the American League.

NL MVP Best Bet: Shohei Ohtani (-115 at Caesars)

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers!

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBDDYW

CODE: SBDDYW

SIGNUP PROMO

DOUBLE YOUR
WINNINGS

ON YOUR NEXT 10 WAGERS!

CLAIM OFFER

Only the second player ever to win four MVPs, Shohei Ohtani will look to make it four in a row and five overall in 2026. He is the best hitter in the National League, and he pitches. Although he has thrown only 47 regular-season innings for the Dodgers in two seasons, he won the MVP award unanimously in both seasons.

While I don’t think Ohtani will pitch enough to win the Cy Young (as he is aiming to do), the combination of elite hitting and any pitching will likely push him past even the most concerted efforts from the likes of Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ohtani is priced at a market-best -115 at Caesars Sportsbook. He’s as short as -145 at BetMGM.

AL Cy Young Best Bet: Dylan Cease (+3000 at BetMGM)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US), 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET UP TO
$1,500 BACK

IN BONUS BETS!

BET NOW

While I have faded Dylan Cease’s chances to lead the Majors in strikeouts, the defense behind Cease – when he isn’t striking out batters – is as good as it gets. The up-the-middle quartet of Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement, Andres Gimenez, and Daulton Varsho all have Platinum Glove-level upside.

Cease’s Cy Young viability has a near-perfect correlation to his BABIP. In 2022 and 2024, he finished in the top four of voting with BABIPs allowed below .270. In 2023 and 2025, Cease had an ERA north of 4.50 in large part due to a BABIP over .320.

With MLB’s best defense behind him, elite strikeout stuff, and impeccable health, Cease is a terrific value bet, priced at +3000 in the Cy Young odds at BetMGM.

NL Cy Young Best Bet: Logan Webb (+1800 at FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

Speaking of BABIP, Logan Webb surrendered an unholy .349 BABIP in 2025. As a groundball specialist, Webb trades a slightly higher BABIP for less slugging allowed, but the .349 BABIP is quite unsustainable. With a more modest BABIP and a continuation of his above-average strikeout rate, Webb could move from Cy Young bridesmaid to Cy Young in 2026.

Webb has finished in the top six in Cy Young voting in each of the last three seasons. He has led the NL in innings pitched all three years. Given the volume, if Webb’s ERA begins with a two rather than a three in 2026, he will have a sound case for the Cy Young.

AL Rookie of the Year Best Bet: Munetaka Murakami (+1000 at BetMGM)

Unlike the other five players who are +1000 or shorter in the AL Rookie of the Year odds, Munetaka Murakami is the safest bet to have a job the whole season. The likes of Kevin McGonigle, Kazuma Okamoto, Carter Jensen, Trey Yesavage, and Samuel Basallo could be integral pieces for October-bound teams. On the flip side, it would be quite logical for Detroit, Toronto, Kansas City, or Baltimore to pivot to a different option for the sake of keeping a contending team on the field in the case of severe struggles.

Murakami had huge contact issues in NPB that will likely only expand in the Majors, but the White Sox have no reason to not continue to put him out at first base or designated hitter on a daily basis. The milestones of 30 home runs and 100 RBI are not as sexy as they used to be, but Murakami is by far the best bet to hit either of these given the leash he will have.

NL Rookie of the Year Best Bet: Justin Crawford (+2500 at BetMGM)

The exact opposite of Murakami, Justin Crawford is a projection for hitting, speed, and defense in terms of winning the Rookie of the Year. A speedster like his father (former Rays left fielder Carl Crawford), the younger Crawford notched 40 steals in each of the last three seasons in the minors. He has an extreme groundball profile, but the combination of opposite field power and extreme groundball tendencies leads to a higher-than-expected batting average.

Crawford might not be a Gold Glove-level fielder in center, but he should be a solid defender. Additionally, hitting ninth in front of Philadelphia’s big boppers should provide ample run-scoring opportunities. Perhaps Crawford has a season similar to 2022 NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris, swapping a few home runs for stolen bases.

The post Best Bets for Every 2026 MLB Award, Including MVP, Cy Young, ROY appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

After an exciting first weekend of the tournament, 16 teams are left standing in the 2026 installment of March Madness. Seven of the top eight teams in the tournament are still alive, with only #1 Florida falling in the first weekend.

The Sweet 16 will take place between Thursday, March 26, and Friday, March 27. Thursday’s games will be hosted at the SAP Center in San Jose and the Toyota Center in Houston. Friday’s games will be hosted at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, and the United Center in Chicago.

Keep reading for the Sweet 16 odds as well as three underdogs to keep an eye on Thursday and Friday.

Sweet 16 Underdogs

All lines are updated as of 10:30 pm ET on Monday, March 23.

The biggest favorite in the Sweet 16 is Michigan, who is a whopping 10.5-point favorite over Alabama. Alabama bettors can take the Crimson Tide at +430 to win straight-up if they believe in the country’s No. 1 offense.

Other schools in the 2-to-1 underdog range are Texas (versus Purdue), Arkansas (versus Arizona), and St. John’s (versus Duke). Arizona and Duke are among the tournament’s heaviest favorites, giving them excellent odds to advance. Texas, meanwhile, is the lone remaining double-digit seed.

The closest affairs are Iowa (versus Nebraska) and Michigan State (versus UConn). Bettors can get the Hawkeyes or Spartans for as short as 1.5 or 2.5 points ATS or +110 to +120 on the moneyline. Nebraska is the lowest-seeded of the “favorites” while Michigan State is likely the best team among the “underdogs”

Best Upset Picks

• #11 Texas over #2 Purdue (+270, Caesars)

While Purdue escaped double-digit upsets in 2024 and 2025, the Boilermakers are prone to a collapse as a high seed. In the last 10 tournaments, Purdue has lost to a double-digit seed four times. Additionally, they have lost as the higher seed in the Sweet 16 twice: 2018 to Texas Tech and 2022 to Saint Peter’s (a 15 seed).

On the Texas side, head coach Sean Miller has a slew of solid tournament runs to his name. Miller’s Xavier and Arizona teams went 4-4 in the Sweet 16. In 2011, Miller’s Wildcats sprung the Sweet 16 upset over #1 Duke to advance to the Elite Eight.

Matas Vokietaitis has played at a high level through March Madness. The Lithuanian 7-footer has averaged north of 18 points per game with 11 rebounds, fueling Texas’ 3-0 spurt. Senior guard Jordan Pope poured in 17 points in Texas’ upset over #3 Gonzaga, as well.

• #3 Illinois over #2 Houston (+140, Caesars)

Houston has been a perennial powerhouse in recent years, but the Cougars have been prone to an early exit. In both 2023 and 2024, Houston lost as a 1 seed in the Sweet 16, falling to #5 Miami (FL) and #4 Duke, respectively. While Houston did pull off a run to the National Championship last year, an upset would be far from shocking.

Illinois can score – and score in bunches. By points per game, the Fighting Illini are No. 17 in scoring, but by offensive rating, Illinois has the best offense in the country. Houston has its usual stifling defense (No. 2 in points allowed per game), but they did struggle against the best offense they played, getting swept by Arizona.

Illinois has scored 90.5 points per game in the NCAA Tournament. David Mirkovic poured in 29 points and 17 rebounds against Penn while Andrej Stojakovic scored 21 against VCU.

• #6 Tennessee over #2 Iowa State (+165, BetMGM)

Since last making the Elite Eight in 2000, Iowa State has had quite a difficult ride in March Madness. The Cyclones have lost as the higher seed a whopping seven times, including Sweet 16 losses in 2014, 2022, and 2024. Iowa State has lost its last four Sweet 16 games.

Tennessee has made back-to-back Elite Eights, snapping a three-game Sweet 16 losing streak from 2014 through 2023. Neither of these were upsets (by seed), but at least Tennessee has a recent track record of advancing through this stage. The Elite Eight, on the other hand, has been a massive hurdle for the Vols and head coach Rick Barnes.

Iowa State could be without All-American Joshua Jefferson. Jefferson sustained an ankle injury in Iowa State’s first-round win over Tennessee State. While he was not needed in ISU’s win over Kentucky, he is the key piece to the Cyclones making their deepest tourney run in a generation.

On the Tennessee side, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has ascended in March. He has 50 points and 15 assists through two March Madness games. He is a blistering 9-for-16 on three-point shots, and he has led the Vols in scoring in both tournament games.

Upsets in Previous Sweet 16s

2025 featured an incredibly chalky tournament with zero Sweet 16 upsets (by seed). The only team not on the 1-line or 2-line in the Elite Eight was #3 Texas Tech, who beat #10 Arkansas in the Sweet 16. The missing top seed was #2 St. John’s, who lost in the Second Round.

In 2024, a whopping five lower seeds pulled upsets in the Sweet 16. This included #11 NC State and an eventual Elite Eight matchup between #4 Alabama and #6 Clemson.

The post The Best Sweet 16 Upset Picks – Which Underdogs Should Bettors Target EARLY? appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Two non-traditional basketball powers look to advance to the Sweet 16 as the #7 Illinois Fighting Illini (22-11) face the #2 Vanderbilt Commodores (28-4) in Nashville. The Memorial Gymnasium will host the clash at 7:00 pm ET on Monday, March 23. ESPN2 will carry the broadcast.

Continue reading for my Illinois vs Vanderbilt picks in addition to the odds for this game. I have also provided a brief history of both teams’ March Madness performances as well as the odds for Monday night’s game.

Illinois vs Vanderbilt Picks

• Illinois +12.5 (-105, BetMGM)

Fading the favorite in women’s March Madness is often a fool’s errand, but few teams in the country can score as Illinois can. Illinois is just outside the top-20 in points per game and offensive rating. The Fighting Illini have five double-digit scorers on average, led by Berry Wallace. Wallace averaged over 18 points per game with good efficiency. She scored 18 against Colorado in the First Round.

Keep an eye on Illinois’ free-throw shooting. Out of 363 Division I schools, only Rice shot a better percentage from the line than the Fighting Illini did.

While I do not expect Illinois to win, I think they have the offense to keep up with Vanderbilt.

• Over 151.5 (-110, Caesars)

Both teams have elite offenses. Vanderbilt has the nation’s leading scorer in Mikayla Blakes (867 points, 27.1 PPG). Both teams are elite shooting squads, both from three and the free-throw line. Additionally, neither team resembles the 2004 Detroit Pistons on the defensive end. Points should come easily for both sides.

In 32 games this season, Blakes has topped 30 points 13 times, including Saturday versus High Point. In the last 11 games, she has 10 games with 29 or more points, only missing the mark with 24 points in Vandy’s loss in the SEC Tournament.

Illinois vs Vanderbilt Odds

Vanderbilt is a big home favorite tonight. Vanderbilt bettors should take the Commodores at -800 on the moneyline at FanDuel or -12.5 ATS at FanDuel (-110). Illinois bettors should take the Fighting Illini at +650 on the moneyline at Caesars or +12.5 ATS at BetMGM (-105 odds).

The total is set between 151.5 and 152.5 points. Over bettors should take over 151.5 points at Caesars for -110 odds. Under bettors should take under 152.5 points at DraftKings for -110 odds.

Illinois vs Vanderbilt H2H Stats

Illinois vs Vanderbilt History

This will be the first Illinois vs Vanderbilt matchup in postseason history. The schools last played in 1987 with Illinois pulling out a narrow win at home. The only other matchup was an overtime clash in Nashville, with the Commodores pulling out a 83-75 win.

Historic Tournament Performances

While neither team could remotely be considered a “Blue Blood,” both Illinois and Vanderbilt have solid performances to their names in previous tournaments.

Illinois

Illinois is in its 11th March Madness. The Fighting Illini had a solid run in the late ’90s, making two Sweet 16s, but they went on a tournament winning drought from 2001 to 2024, going 0-2 overall. Illinois broke the streak last year, winning a game as an 8 seed. A win would give Illinois its best tourney performance since 1998.

Vanderbilt

This is Vanderbilt’s 30th trip to March Madness. The Commodores have 14 Sweet 16s, five Elite 8s, and one Final Four in their history. The school’s best run was from 1990 to 1997 in which Vanderbilt made eight straight Sweet 16s, including a trip to the Final Four in 1993. However, Vandy has not made a Sweet 16 since 2009 or an Elite Eight since 2002.

Vanderbilt’s billing as a No. 2 seed is the school’s best since 2004.

The post #7 Illinois vs #2 Vanderbilt Picks for NCAAW Tournament appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Jump to: ODDS || PICKS || HOW TO WATCH

A Sweet 16 matchup with #1 Texas is on the line as the #5 Kentucky Wildcats (24-10) and #4 West Virginia Mountaineers (28-6) battle in Morgantown, WV. The WVU Coliseum will host the game at 5:00 pm ET on Monday, March 23. ESPN2 will handle the broadcast.

Keep reading for my Kentucky vs West Virginia picks as well as the odds for the second round showdown. I have provided a statistical profile for both teams as well as the semi-recent history of their matchups.

Kentucky vs West Virginia Odds

West Virginia is favored at home for this tournament clash. West Virginia bettors should take the Mountaineers at -175 on the moneyline at BetMGM or -3.5 ATS at DraftKings (-110). Kentucky bettors should take the Wildcats at +152 on the moneyline at Caesars or +3.5 ATS at BetMGM (-110 odds).

The total is set between 129.5 and 130 points. Over bettors should take over 129.5 points at BetMGM for -110 odds. Under bettors should take under 130 points at Caesars for -110 odds.

Kentucky vs West Virginia Picks

• Under 130 (-110, Caesars)

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers!

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBDDYW

CODE: SBDDYW

SIGNUP PROMO

DOUBLE YOUR
WINNINGS

ON YOUR NEXT 10 WAGERS!

CLAIM OFFER

While both teams have prolific offenses among the top 35 in the country, I anticipate a turnover fest. West Virginia forces the 13th-most turnovers in the country (21.9 per game) while Kentucky leads the nation with 6.6 blocks per game. Additionally, neither team is particularly efficient from the stripe. The Mountaineers are the slightly superior team, but they have only knocked down 70.8% of their freebies, a bottom-half mark.

Facing a de facto “Press Virginia” style, Kentucky should break the press a few times for easy layups, but the relentless pressure could wear on the Wildcats, especially in the second half. The key player to watch as a press breaker is Tonie Morgan. Morgan led the SEC with 8.1 assists per game, but she averaged north of 3.6 turnovers per game.

• Kentucky +152 (Caesars)

The most important player on the floor is Kentucky’s Clara Strack. The double-double machine is Kentucky’s leader in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Her 243 defensive rebounds top the SEC. Her defensive presence will be the difference between winning and losing.

One underrated piece of Strack’s game is her passing. She won’t set any records for accruing assists, but Kentucky did go 6-1 when she had three or more assists. She had four in Kentucky’s Round 1 win over James Madison.

While West Virginia is favored for good reason, I like Caesars’ price here at +152. With those odds, the implied win probability is a shade under 40% (39.68%). I view the game as more of a tossup, so I will happily take the extra potential profit.

Kentucky vs West Virginia: Team Stats

Kentucky vs West Virginia: History

This is the first Kentucky vs West Virginia showdown on the hardwood since December 2021. Kentucky holds a 3-1 lifetime edge over the Mountaineers, winning all three regular-season matchups.

In the 2005 Women’s NIT, West Virginia knocked off Kentucky (in Lexington) in double overtime to reach the final. Now, Kentucky will make its first-ever trip to Morgantown, looking to enact postseason revenge.

Kentucky won the most recent matchup 83-60. Rhyne Howard led the way, scoring 27 points and knocking down five threes. On the West Virginia side, Kirsten Deans had 20 points, and Esmery Martinez had a double-double.

How to Watch Kentucky vs West Virginia

ESPN2 will carry the Kentucky vs West Virginia broadcast at 5:00 pm ET on Monday, March 23. The winner will advance to face top-seeded Texas on March 28 in a to-be-determined time slot.

The post Odds, Picks & How to Watch or #5 Kentucky vs #4 West Virginia appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Big Ten Tournament opens with a matchup between the Maryland Terrapins (11-20, 4-16 in the Big Ten) and the Oregon Ducks (12-19, 5-15 in the Big Ten). Maryland is the No. 17 seed in the Big Ten Tournament while Oregon is the No. 16 seed.

The United Center in Chicago, Illinois will play host at 5:00 pm ET. Peacock will handle the broadcast.

Keep reading for my Maryland vs Oregon predictions and picks.

Maryland vs Oregon Picks

• Oregon -3.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Get Up To $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US), 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1500

CODE: SBD1500

SIGNUP BONUS

GET UP TO
$1,500 BACK

IN BONUS BETS!

BET NOW

When these teams first battled, Oregon won in College Park by 10 points, largely controlling the game. The Ducks are far from a juggernaut this season, but I anticipate them sending Maryland to a first-round exit in a low-scoring affair.

Oregon is buzzing after a season finale victory over its hated rival, Washington. Even in the Ducks’ first losing season since 2008-2009, they were able to pull one over on their rivals to push the Huskies to a losing regular-season record.

Watch for center Nate Bittle to propel the Ducks to the win. The senior leads Oregon in scoring (16.8 points per game) and blocks (1.9 blocks per game) while being a reliable rebounder and solid enough shooter. In the first Maryland game, Bittle had 16 points with seven rebounds, three assists, and a massive five blocks.

• Under 139.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

Oregon has the better offense of the two squads, ranking a miserable 287th in scoring in the country with a slightly better offensive rating of 106.4 (247th). For Power conference standards, Maryland had a truly abysmal offense, pouring in a shade under 70 points per game. Maryland ranks 313th in scoring and 298th in offensive rating.

Neither team has a particularly dynamic defense, but both defenses rank better in terms of points allowed than points scored. Oregon has even managed to squeeze inside the top 200 defenses.

I anticipate something of a slog as both teams miss shots. Oregon is 311th in field goal percentage while Maryland ranks a preposterous 353th out of 365 schools in field goal percentage.

In the first matchup, Oregon won 64-54, a total that would have cleared this under by over 20 points. Oregon shot a solid percentage from the field, but the Ducks hit 61.9% of their free throws and committed 13 turnovers. Maryland hit a paltry 27.7% of its shots with a truly atrocious 7-for-35 showing from three.

Maryland vs Oregon Predictions

Maryland Sustains Its 1st 5-Game Losing Streak

Buzz Williams’ first year in College Park has been less than ideal, with the Terps finishing with just 11 regular-season wins. Last season, Maryland advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to the eventual champion Florida Gators. This season has been nothing short of a disaster after a 5-1 start.

Maryland, however, has had a knack for breaking their losing streaks before they get to be unbearable. Maryland opens the Big Ten Tournament on a four-game losing streak, but the Terps managed to win in the other two occasions they were sitting on a four-game losing streak. However, I think that run ends here at the hands of the Ducks.

Oregon’s Tournament Run Ends Tomorrow

Even with a win on Tuesday night, the Ducks will face an uphill battle in Iowa, the No. 9 seed in the Big Ten bracket. Iowa knocked off the Ducks in Eugene back in February, winning by 18 points. Iowa is a bubble teams for March Madness purposes, but the Hawkeyes would likely only need to beat Oregon (or Maryland) to finish on the inside of the bubble.

Maryland vs Oregon Odds

Oregon is a neutral-site favorite in this Big Ten Tournament opener. Oregon bettors should bet the Ducks at -180 on the moneyline at Fanatics or -3.5 ATS at NorthStar Bets (-118 odds). Maryland bettors should bet the Terrapins at +158 on the moneyline at Caesars or +4.5 ATS at BetMGM (-110 odds).

The total is set between 138.5 and 139.5 points. Over bettors should take over 138.5 points at DraftKings for -105 odds. Under bettors should take under 139.5 points at NorthStar Bets for -113 odds.

Maryland vs Oregon: How to Watch

Peacock will broadcast Maryland vs Oregon at 5:00 pm ET on March 10. The next three games in the Big Ten Tournament will also be on Peacock before a run of games on the Big Ten Network. The semifinals and final will be broadcast on CBS.

Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now

Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!

The post Maryland vs Oregon Picks, Predictions & How to Watch (Big Ten Tournament) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Chock-full of national powerhouses, the 2026 Big 12 tournament is slated to be a bloodbath. At least half of the conference is likely to make March Madness, with the lower seeds just a five-game spurt away from stealing a bid, a la 2024 North Carolina State.

Continue reading for my Big 12 Tournament predictions as well as a breakdown of the odds and tournament schedule.

Big 12 Tournament Predictions

BYU Functions as a Cinderella

Nationally ranked for much of the season, BYU scuffled late, losing nine of 13 games from January 17 through March 3. BYU is still essentially a March Madness lock, but falling from 16-1 to 20-10 is not a great look.

In BYU’s favor, though, is a season-ending win over No. 10 Texas Tech in an inspired comeback performance. BYU also has the preeminent superstar in the conference in AJ Dybantsa. While Dybantsa did not win conference player of the year (Arizona’s Jaden Bradley did), he was a unanimous selection on the All-Big 12 First Team, unlike Bradley. While Dybantsa won’t catch Cameron Boozer in the Wooden Award odds, he is a likely second-place finisher.

On FanDuel, BYU is +5000 to win the Big 12 tournament. As the No. 10 seed in the tournament, the Cougars face five games in five days to win the tournament, starting with No. 15 Kansas State and No. 7 West Virginia.

Arizona Gets a Great Draw

With only two losses in the regular season, Arizona has an iron-clad resume and will likely be one of the No. 1 seeds in March Madness. Arizona only lost to Texas Tech and Kansas. Texas Tech no longer has its best player, JT Toppin, so they are less of a threat, while the Kansas loss was rectified 19 days later.

Arizona not only beat the remaining top contenders, but won games at BYU, Houston, and TCU. The Wildcats also dismantled third-favorites Iowa State just eight days ago. They are favorites for a reason. Arizona is also a major threat in the 2026 March Madness odds, listed shorter than 5-to-1 to win the whole tournament for the first time since 1997.

Big 12 Tournament Pick: Arizona to Win (+115 at FanDuel)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!

Must be 21+. T&C Apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Offer not available in AR.

LOCK IN PROMO

SIGNUP PROMO

BET $5
GET $150

IF YOUR BET WINS!

BET NOW

2026 Big 12 Tournament Odds

The top-seeded Arizona Wildcats are big favorites, listed at +115, a 46.51% implied chance to win the tournament. The reigning Big 12 champs, Houston, are second at +210 odds, with a 32.26% implied chance to win the tournament.

The other double-bye teams are fourth and fifth in odds with No. 3 Kansas (+850) and No. 4 Texas Tech (+1700) slipping behind an impressive, but No. 5-ranked, Iowa State squad (+650).

In terms of teams playing in the first round, No. 10 BYU has the best odds at +5000.

All odds are from FanDuel on March 9.

Big 12 Tournament Schedule

The Big 12 Tournament will be played over five days (March 10-14). The top eight seeds receive a bye, while the top four seeds receive a double bye. The ESPN family will broadcast the games. The opening round will be on ESPN+ while later rounds will be on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU.

The opening round features No. 13 Baylor vs No. 12 Arizona State, No. 16 Utah vs No. 9 Cincinnati, No. 15 Kansas State vs No. 10 BYU, and No. 14 Oklahoma State vs No. 11 Colorado in games spread from 12:30 pm ET to 9:30 pm ET on Tuesday, March 10.

The second round will be played on March 11 with No. 5 Iowa State, No. 8 UCF, No. 7 West Virginia, and No. 6 TCU joining the fray. The final add-ins are the top four seeds on March 12: No. 4 Texas Tech, No. 1 Arizona, No. 2 Houston, and No. 3 Kansas.

The semifinals take place on March 13 with the final coming on March 14. Teams will get to sit for a day before Selection Sunday on March 15 and the start of the First Four on Tuesday, March 17.

Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now

Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!

The post Big 12 Tournament Predictions, Betting Lines & How to Watch appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Big 12 basketball slate comes to an end with a late-night battle between two tournament teams. Texas Tech and BYU will play at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah at 10:30 pm ET on Saturday, March 7. ESPN will carry the broadcast.

Continue reading for my Texas Tech vs BYU best bets and predictions. I have also added the game’s odds as well as a breakdown of the five previous matchups between the Red Raiders and Cougars.

Texas Tech vs BYU Best Bets

• BYU -2.5 (-109, NorthStar Bets)

BYU has been in a slide, dropping each of its last three games, but they have been sturdy at home, posting an 11-3 record in Provo. This includes an upset win over then-No. 6 Iowa State two weeks ago. BYU also picked up a ranked win in a neutral-site game against then-No. 23 Wisconsin.

Texas Tech had kept the train on the tracks since losing JT Toppin, winning its first three games without him, but the Red Raiders dropped their last game to an unranked TCU squad on Tuesday.

I like the Cougars to snap their losing streak and perform well in their final home game of the season, locking up a top-half seed in March Madness.

• Under 159.5 (-105, FanDuel)

On the BYU side, this under would have hit in four of its last five games. On the Texas Tech side, only one game has featured 160 points since February began: the Red Raiders’ demolition of Kansas State on Feb. 21.

The average BYU game this season has featured 160.2 points, but with Toppin’s absence weighing large, I expect BYU to have a slightly more effective defensive performance. Toppin led the Red Raiders with a scoring average north of 21 points per game.

Texas Tech is a much more middle-of-the-pack defense, allowing 72.2 points per game. The average Texas Tech game has featured 153.7 points. The first time these teams played, only 155 points were scored, a mark which would hit this under line.

Texas Tech vs BYU Predictions

• AJ Dybantsa to Record a Double-Double (+300, NorthStar Bets)

Dybantsa had perhaps his worst game of the season when the Cougars played in Lubbock, struggling to 13 points on a 6-for-17 shooting night. By both scoring and GameScore, it was Dybantsa’s worst performance of the season. With this in mind, I expect Dybantsa to answer back in a big way with a well-rounded performance.

Dybantsa has three double-doubles and a triple-double this season. He has four games with 10 or more rebounds and one game with 10 assists. In the first matchup with Texas Tech, Dybantsa only had three rebounds and one assist, so there is plenty of room to grow here.

Texas Tech vs BYU Lines

BYU is a narrow home favorite in its regular-season finale. If you are looking to bet on the Cougars, take them -140 on the moneyline at FanDuel or -2.5 ATS at NorthStar Bets (-109 odds). For Red Raider bettors, take them at +130 on the moneyline or +3 ATS (-110 odds), with both lines coming from Fanatics.

The total is set between 158.5 and 159.5 points. Over bettors should take over 158.5 points at Caesars for -110 odds. Under bettors should take under 159.5 points at FanDuel for -105 odds.

Texas Tech vs BYU: Last Five Matchups

Texas Tech holds the all-time edge, winning four of the seven matchups. BYU won the first three matchups, but Texas Tech has won the last four, including all three matchups since BYU joined the Big 12. Texas Tech won the home matchup back in January by 13.

Texas Tech pulled away late in the first matchup. JT Toppin poured in 27 points and 12 rebounds, one of three Red Raiders to score 20 points. Toppin, notably, is out for the season.

On the BYU side, future top pick AJ Dybantsa struggled, hitting just six of 17 shots for 13 points. Robert Wright led the Cougars with a game-high 28 points.

The post Texas Tech vs BYU Best Bets, Predictions & Lines (Mar 7) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.