Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Playoff team favored as Aaron Rodgers’ next landing spot

Aaron Rodgers headlines the list of veteran quarterbacks expected to be on the move this offseason, and several potential landing spots have emerged as the favorite next NFL destination for the four-time MVP.

With the New York Jets reportedly telling the 41-year-old that he won’t be returning next year, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been installed as the +200 favorite by DraftKings to sign Rodgers. The Steelers are reportedly ready to move on from Russell Wilson, with Justin Fields considered more likely to return to Pittsburgh.

The second-shortest odds belong to Las Vegas at +300. The Raiders used journeyman Gardner Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell last year. New coach Pete Carroll is expected to seek a veteran signal-caller, and the Raiders have been the most popular choice with the public, backing Las Vegas with 25 percent of the money wagered on Rodgers’ next team.

While Rodgers is expected to play at least one more season, the Raiders wouldn’t appear to provide an opportunity to compete for the postseason immediately in the deep AFC West.

The second-most popular choice with the public has been San Francisco, with the 49ers backed by 15 percent of the money to sign Rodgers. 49ers owner Jed York and general manager John Lynch have both stated their intention to sign Brock Purdy to a long-term contract this offseason. But Rodgers also has strong ties to Northern California, where he starred for Cal after growing up in Chico.

The Steelers are third with 12 percent of the money backing them to sign Rodgers, followed by Indianapolis with 9 percent at +650 and the New York Giants with 8 percent at +1200. The Colts have 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson, who was benched for a period last season, while the Giants released former first-round pick Daniel Jones midseason.

AARON RODGERS NEXT TEAM ODDS*
Pittsburgh Steelers (+200)
Las Vegas Raiders (+300)
San Francisco 49ers (+350)
Minnesota Vikings (+400)
Tennessee Titans (+750)
Indianapolis Colts (+850)
Los Angeles Rams (+1000)
New York Giants (+1200)
Cleveland Browns (+1400)
New York Jets (+1800)
Seattle Seahawks (+2000)
New Orleans Saints (+4000)
Miami Dolphins (+7500)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+7500)
Houston Texans (+7500)
Green Bay Packers (+7500)
Detroit Lions (+7500)
Dallas Cowboys (+7500)
Carolina Panthers (+7500)
Atlanta Falcons (+7500)
New England Patriots (+7500)
Los Angeles Chargers (+10000)
Kansas City Chiefs (+10000)
Denver Broncos (+10000)
Cincinnati Bengals (+10000)
Chicago Bears (+10000)
Buffalo Bills (+10000)
Baltimore Ravens (+10000)
Arizona Cardinals (+10000)
Washington Commanders (+10000)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+10000)
Philadelphia Eagles (+10000)
*via DraftKings

Rodgers, 41, recently flew to New York to meet with the Jets’ front office only to be told that the team doesn’t intend to bring him back next season, according to Fox Sports.

It would be a pricey breakup for the Jets following two disappointing seasons since signing him.

He suffered a torn Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 campaign. Last season, he rebounded to start all 17 games but the Jets finished only 5-12. He completed 63.0 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Coach Robert Saleh was fired during the season, with former Jets cornerback Aaron Glenn hired to take over last month.

If the Jets were to designate Rodgers as a post-June 1 cut, they would take a $49 million hit in dead salary cap money — $14 million in 2025 and $35 million in 2026. However, it would also allow Rodgers to sign with another team once the new league year begins March 12.

The Jets could also explore trade options, although Rodgers does have a full no-trade clause. And the return on any deal would likely be marginal given Rodgers’ age and declining production.

–Field Level Media

Feb 4, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts speaks with the media during a press conference at Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Super Bowl LIX: Betting Report

Wagers have been pouring in at sportsbooks since the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles clinched their spots in Super Bowl LIX, to be played Sunday in New Orleans. If you decide to move past the Super Bowl squares this year and wager in a different fashion, there’s still time to put at least a few dollars on the Big Game.

But what has changed in terms of betting since the Chiefs and Eagles booked their tickets? A lot actually. And it continues to change.

Super Bowl LIX: The Odds

The opening betting line for Super Bowl:
Point spread: Chiefs -1.5; Eagles +1.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -120; Eagles +100
TOTAL: O/U 49.5

The line briefly moved to +/-2 after the opening odds were posted, but the line settled back down at +/-1.5 by the next morning, where it remained for the next week. But on Monday of this week, after sharp bettors got behind the Eagles, the spread dipped down to +/-1 at a couple of sportsbooks.

Sharps also got behind the under, causing it to dip down to 48.5 at some sportsbooks.

As of Wednesday morning, the moneyline stood at Chiefs -115, Eagles +110.

John Murray, executive director at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, told ESPN the Eagles could end up being the betting favorite by kickoff.

“The consensus opinion in our risk room is that Philly will go off favored. Call it an educated guess,” he said. “We have been wrong about that before and could be wrong this time, but we think the Eagles will get there over the course of this week.”

We’ll see come Sunday if he’s right.

Super Bowl LIX: How’s the Public Betting?

“Fade the public.”

“Follow the money.”

If you bet long enough, you are bound to get advice that both strategies are the way to go. Without advising one strategy over the other, we can say information is key.

Here’s how the public was betting as of Wednesday morning, according to data aggregator Sports Betting Dime:

–Moneyline tickets: Chiefs, 52 percent; Eagles, 48 percent
–Moneyline handle: Chiefs, 32 percent; Eagles, 68 percent
–Spread (percentage of tickets): Chiefs, 31 percent; Eagles, 69 percent
–Spread (handle): Chiefs, 19 percent; Eagles, 81 percent
–Total (tickets): Chiefs, 76 percent; Eagles, 24 percent
–Total (handle): Chiefs, 71 percent; Eagles, 29 percent

At Fanatics, 50 percent of moneyline tickets and 67 percent of the money are on the Chiefs at -125. As for the spread, 54 percent of the tickets and money is on the Chiefs at -1.5.

Caesars has seen 52 percent of spread and 53 percent of moneyline tickets on the Eagles, but more money has come in on the Chiefs (51 percent and 54 percent, respectively).

DraftKings has experienced similar splits, with 54 percent of the money and 57 percent of the spread bets on the Chiefs. Bettors have hammered the over (83 percent of the money and 80 percent of bets). As for the moneyline split, the Eagles have seen more support, with 53 percent of the money and 54 percent of the bets.

Super Bowl LIX: The Player Props

Suppose you feel a little overwhelmed looking at the vast menu of player props. In that case, this may help: the players people are betting the most on are Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert, as well as Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

The most popular same-game parlay legs include the anytime TD props for Barkley, Hurts, Kelce and Kansas City’s Kareem Hunt. Barkley’s Anytime TD Scorer prop is the most popular TD prop at ESPN Bet (bets and money).

Super Bowl LIX: Notable Bets

As we get closer to kickoff and the volume of wagers continues to grow, we are bound to hear about some pretty big bets. Betting at legal sportsbooks is expected to top $1.7 billion.

Here are some of the bigger bets that have come in so far:

–$800K on the Eagles moneyline at +110 (BetMGM)
–$750K on the Eagles moneyline at +110 (BetMGM)
–$150K on the Eagles moneyline (DraftKings)
–$50K on the Eagles moneyline at +110 (Caesars)
–$30K on Eagles +3 at -141 (BetRivers)
–$300K on Eagles +0.5 at -120 (BetMGM)
–$326K on the Chiefs moneyline at -130 (BetMGM)
–$63,370 on the Chiefs moneyline at -135 (BetRivers)
–$55K on the Chiefs moneyline at -132 (BetRivers)
–$150K and $138.6K on under 49.5 (BetMGM)
–$110K on under 49.5 (Caesars)

Big money has come in on a few prop bets as well:

–$51K that an octopus would not be scored at -3335 (to win $1,530; BetRivers). An octopus occurs when the player who scored the touchdown also scores the 2-point conversion.
–$83.5K on “No player to score a rushing and receiving touchdown” at -835 (BetRivers)
–$25K on Kelce to win MVP at +1500 (BetMGM)
–$20K on Mahomes to win MVP at +110 (Caesars)

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) congratulates Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) after the game at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Myles Garrett Next Team Odds: Homeward bound to Dallas?

The Cleveland Browns might regret deciding not to move Myles Garrett before this season’s trade deadline.

Arguably the NFL’s most feared pass rusher, Garrett wants a change of NFL addresses so he can pursue a Super Bowl title with a team ready to win now. There figures to be no shortage of suitors among contending teams for the former No. 1 overall pick who turned 29 years old in December.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones could swiftly sweep the criticism of his handling of the Cowboys’ coaching change under the rug by acquiring the Arlington, Texas, native who starred at Texas A&M. Dallas finished 28th in total defense this season and next-to-last in allowing an average of 27.5 points per game.

Garrett would make for a potential dynamic duo with Micah Parsons. They were ranked as the second- and third-best pass rushers in the league this season, respectively, by ProFootballFocus.com, behind only Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson.

The Cowboys were quickly installed as the +400 favorites to land Garrett should the Browns deal the four-time first-team All-Pro this offseason.

Washington reached the NFC Championship Game despite a porous defense, and the Commanders hold the second shortest odds at +600, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs at +700.

Another potential interesting destination is Las Vegas. While the Raiders’ roster would appear to be closer to rebuilding mode than title push, the Raiders didn’t hire 73-year-old coach Pete Carroll with the long game in mind.

The Raiders hold some intriguing assets, including the No. 6 and No. 37 overall draft picks in 2025, and veteran pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Whether Garrett would be open to Las Vegas is unknown, but the Raiders were installed with +700 odds.

MYLES GARRETT NEXT TEAM ODDS*
Dallas Cowboys (+400)
Washington Commanders (+500)
Kansas City Chiefs (+600)
Las Vegas Raiders (+700)
San Francisco 49ers (+800)
Philadelphia Eagles (+900)
Buffalo Bills (+1000)
Green Bay Packers (+1000)
Detroit Lions (+1400)
Miami Dolphins (+1600)
New England Patriots (+1600)
Denver Broncos (+1800)
Los Angeles Chargers (+1800)
Chicago Bears (+2000)
Minnesota Vikings (+2000)
Baltimore Ravens (+2500)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2500)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2500)
Cincinnati Bengals (+3300)
New York Jets (+3300)
Seattle Seahawks (+3300)
Indianapolis Colts (+4000)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+4000)
Los Angeles Rams (+4000)
Houston Texans (+5000)
New Orleans Saints (+5000)
Tennessee Titans (+5000)
Arizona Cardinals (+6600)
Atlanta Falcons (+6600)
Carolina Panthers (+6600)
New York Giants (+6600)
*SportsBetting.ag odds provided for entertainment purposes only.

The defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett made his trade request in a statement he released Monday morning.

“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns,” Garrett wrote, in part.

Garrett is one of five finalists for the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and a league-high 22 tackles for loss on the season, starting all 17 games.

NFL award recipients will be announced Thursday.

Since being selected No. 1 overall by the Browns in the 2017 draft, Garrett has racked up 102.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, 200 quarterback hits and 116 tackles for loss in 117 career games (114 starts).

He has made five straight Pro Bowls and six overall.

Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Browns in 2020 and is set to count $19.7 million against the team’s cap in 2025. He would become an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2027 season, according to Spotrac.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The Super Bowl LIX logo at the Super Bowl Host Committee Handoff press conference at the Super Bowl LVIII media center at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Super Bowl: Early line, MVP odds and general betting primer

We have a sequel, football fans! Either that or a remake/reboot, take your pick. The two teams playing in Super Bowl LIX should look familiar because they are the same two that played in Super Bowl LVII: the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.

Now that the Feb. 9 Big Game is set, it is time to get in on the action. Sportsbooks didn’t make us wait, posting odds quickly once the Chiefs officially won the AFC once again. Let’s take a look at the opening line, along with the odds for other Super Bowl betting markets.

–Super Bowl opening line:

Super Bowl LIX is the second for Philadelphia in three years, both vs. Kansas City, and the fifth in six years for the Chiefs. The Eagles were slight favorites when they played the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII (with Kansas City winning 38-35), but it appears that they are opening as slight underdogs this time:

Super Bowl LIX opening line (odds via FanDuel):
• Point spread: Eagles +1.5 (-105); Chiefs -1.5 (-115)
• Moneyline: Eagles +110; Chiefs -130
• Point total: O/U 49.5 (-110/-110)

Each conference has won the Super Bowl 29 times, but history has been much kinder to the AFC in recent years. Not only have the Chiefs won the last two, but a team from the AFC has won seven of the last 10. The AFC was the betting favorite in three and covered in each one.

The NFC was the underdog in two of its wins and failed to cover in the third. As for the point total, the OVER is 1-5 in the last six Super Bowls and 4-6 in the last 10.

As for our two competitors, the Eagles were the better team ATS this season, going 13-7, while the Chiefs were just 10-10 (postseason included). The OVER lost more than it won for both teams, going 9-11 for the Chiefs and the Eagles.

–Super Bowl MVP odds:

Super Bowl MVP odds have been available since the regular season ended and prior to the playoffs getting underway. But now that we are down to two teams, you no longer have to worry about betting on someone who may not even make the game.

The latest odds make it clear who the favorites are. Here’s a partial list of the players listed at the top of FanDuel’s Super Bowl MVP betting board:
• Patrick Mahomes +105
• Saquon Barkley +290
• Jalen Hurts +380
• Travis Kelce +1700
• Xavier Worthy +3000
• A.J. Brown +3200
• DeVonta Smith +5000
• Marquise Brown +6500
• Kareem Hunt +6000
• Chris Jones +6000

Quarterbacks have, of course, won the most (33). They are followed by wide receivers (eight), running backs (seven), linebackers (four), defensive ends (two) and safeties (two), plus one cornerback, one defensive tackle and one kick/punt returner.

Patrick Mahomes won MVP in his three previous wins. A quarterback has won in seven of the last 10, with a wide receiver winning twice and a linebacker once.

The Chiefs offense is not the same explosive beast it was in its previous wins. But that will just make it more apparent when Mahomes saves the day. So, if you are thinking about putting money down on him, do it soon. His odds will not remain plus money for long.

–Additional Super Bowl LIX markets (odds via FanDuel):

If you’ve ever thought, “Wow, there sure are a lot of betting options on regular-season games,” then you haven’t seen anything yet. Sportsbooks give bettors a chance to bet on just about anything and everything related to the Super Bowl.

BetMGM has coin-toss odds available (-105 for heads or tails), but you’ll have to wait for the other, more popular exotic markets like those associated with Gatorade color, length of the national anthem, halftime props, etc.

But you can already bet on several common, popular prop bets like:
• Saquon Barkley, Anytime Touchdown -190
• Saquon Barkley, O/U 114.5 Rushing Yards (-114/-114)
• Jalen Hurts, O/U 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (+178/-240)
• Travis Kelce, O/U 6.5 Receptions (-110/-110)

The markets mentioned above are just a small sample of the hundreds of betting markets already available to bettors at their favorite sportsbook — and the fun is just getting started!

–Field Level Media

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Chiefs early 1.5-point favorites against Eagles in Super Bowl

Oddsmakers at three leading sportsbooks have listed the Kansas City Chiefs as 1.5-point favorites to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel also all have the total at 49.5 points. The game is a rematch of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, when the Chiefs won 38-35 in Glendale, Ariz.

The books couldn’t fully agree on the moneylines, though. DraftKings and BetMGM listed the Chiefs at -125 and the Eagles at +105, while FanDuel has Kansas City at -132 and Philadelphia at +112.

The Chiefs, who edged the visiting Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday night, will try to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been named the game’s MVP three times, coming away with the award at each of the past two Super Bowls.

Kansas City has won four Super Bowls in six appearances all-time.

The Eagles, who are headed to their fifth Super Bowl, took advantage of four turnovers by the visiting Washington Commanders for a 55-23 win in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia won its only Super Bowl title by beating the New England Patriots 41-33 on Feb. 4, 2018, in Minneapolis.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

GM’s comment rocks No. 1 NFL draft pick odds

The 2025 NFL Draft is still more than three months away, but the current owner of the No. 1 overall pick has already stirred the drama.

New Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said Wednesday that while the team wants to stockpile draft picks, he won’t pass on a “generational talent.”

Many took that as a thinly-veiled mention of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Colorado’s two-way playmaking star. That included oddsmakers, who quickly adjusted their markets for the No. 1 overall pick.

Hunter, who was a +1500 longshot to go No. 1 at BetMGM on Tuesday, had seen his odds shorten all the way to +150 after Borgonzi’s comments. That’s behind only Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who shifted from the -210 odds-on favorite to +100 in a little more than 24 hours.

Hunter is Field Level Media’s top-ranked overall prospect in this year’s class, with most teams viewing him as a defensive back who could moonlight as a wide receiver at the next level.

Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said the Titans won’t pass on a “generational talent” if they determine that player exists in the 2025 draft. However, Tennessee’s brass was in agreement that the franchise is open to dealing the No. 1 overall pick.

There are still months of smoke screens and negotiations to navigate, along with thousands of miles to be traveled to all-star games and prospect workouts. For now, the race to be the first name called to the stage by commissioner Roger Goodell on April 24 appears to be a four-man race:

NO. 1 OVERALL PICK ODDS*
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (+100)
Travis Hunger, CB/WR, Colorado (+150)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (+350)
Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State (+900)
Will Campbell, OT, LSU (+5000)
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (+5000)
*BetMGM

Hunter’s sudden ascension to the second favorite spot had many sportsbook sweating. At BetMGM, Hunter is the book’s biggest liability, with the public backing him with 37.9 percent of all bets and 19.3 percent of the money to go No. 1 overall.

Ward is the book’s second biggest liability, leading the way with 48 percent of the money while being second to Hunter with 16.3 percent of all bets. Sanders is third in both with 14.3 percent of the bets and 17.8 percent of the money backing him.

Borgonzi said the Titans “want to make 30 draft picks over the next three years,” with “12 of those to be in the top 100s,” so he will be open to offers if the phone rings. Cleveland current holds the No. 2 overall pick, followed by the New York Giants, New England and Jacksonville.

Las Vegas, which could be in the market for one of the top quarterbacks, currently sits No. 6. Quarterback is also a major question mark for the Titans, who have only 2023 draft pick Will Levis under contract for next season, and he failed to lock down the position this season.

“The quarterback is the most important position, arguably in sports,” Borgonzi said. “So you have to solidify the quarterback position. We’re going to be relentless attacking this until we find the answer.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day before the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ohio State favored to repeat as Big 10, SEC dominate odds

Fresh off the program’s first national title since 2014, Ohio State has been installed as the favorite to repeat as the College Football Playoff champions next season.

The Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 34-23 on Monday night and are already the +450 favorites at DraftKings to repeat the feat.

Texas, which lost to Ohio State in this season’s semifinals, has the second shortest odds at +500, followed by Georgia at +550 and Oregon at +750. Of note is that each of the top four early favorites will be starting new quarterbacks in 2025.

The top six spots are all filled with Big 10 and SEC programs, including Penn State and returning quarterback Drew Allar at +900 for fifth on the list. Alabama is sixth at +1200. Independent Notre Dame has been installed with the seventh-shortest odds at +1600.

FanDuel opened with the same top five: Ohio State (+450), Texas (+650), Oregon (+650), Georgia (+700) and Penn State (+850).

Clemson has the shortest odds among ACC schools at DraftKings at +2000 ahead of Miami at +2500. Kansas State and Arizona State lead the way for the Big 12, albeit at longshot odds with both at +9000.

The first non-Power 4/independent team on the list is the Mountain West’s Boise State. The Broncos have been installed at +20000 following their run to this year’s quarterfinals.

Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes have to replace Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The Buffs have been installed with +10000 odds — the same as North Carolina with new coach Bill Belichick.

CFP 2024-25 TITLE ODDS*
Ohio State (+450)
Texas (+500)
Georgia (+550)
Oregon (+750)
Penn State (+900)
Alabama (+1200)
Notre Dame (+1600)
LSU (+2000)
Clemson (+2000)
Tennessee (+2000)
Miami, Fla. (+2500)
Ole Miss (+2500)
Michigan (+3000)
Texas A&M (+3500)
South Carolina (+4000)
Florida (+6000)
Southern Cal (+7000)
Oklahoma (+7000)
Auburn (+8000)
SMU (+8000)
Kansas State (+9000)
Arizona State (+9000)
Louisville (+10000)
North Carolina (+10000)
*DraftKings

–Field Level Media

Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith has 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

CFP Title Game: Ohio State-Notre Dame Preview, Props & Prediction

The first 12-team College Football Playoff comes to a conclusion when Ohio State and Notre Dame meet on Monday night.

In the previous four-team format, neither the No. 7 seed Fighting Irish (14-1) nor the eighth-seeded Buckeyes (13-2) would have made the CFP. Now, two of the most storied programs in college football history will battle it out for the title in Atlanta.

ODDS AND TRENDS
The Buckeyes are consensus 9.0-point favorites across regulated sportsbooks. The line on Monday was sitting at 9.5 at BetRivers, where the public has been split — backing Ohio State with 51 percent of the total spread-line bets but Notre Dame with 53 percent of the money.

However, it’s clear the public is expecting the Buckeyes to win the game outright, with their -455 moneyline drawing 65 percent of the bets and 53 percent of the money.

Meanwhile, BetMGM has seen the line shift from 9.5 to 8.5, leading to Ohio State commanding 55 percent of the spread-line bets and 64 percent of their money. The public has been split equally in the moneyline, backing the Buckeyes (-400) and Fighting Irish (+310) equally in terms of money wagered.

“If you include the futures market, we’ll be fine with either team taking home the trophy but Notre Dame moneyline betting will surely become an overall negative result by kickoff,” BetMGM senior sportsbook trader Michael Ranftle said.

One thing that has not been split is the total points line market.

Sitting at 45.0 at BetRivers, the Over has been backed by 76 percent of the money. The market has held steady at 45.5 at BetMGM, where the Over has drawn 74 percent of the money.

PROP PICKS
–Buckeyes QB Will Howard Over 225.0 Passing Yards (-205 at DraftKings): The speed of Notre Dame’s defense has been one of the storylines throughout this year’s CFP. So, too, has been the growth of Howard in Ohio State’s offense. He has averaged 306.3 passing yards through three CFP games, leading to this being the most popular player prop at the book.

–Fighting Irish RB Jeremiyah Love Under 42.5 Rushing Yards (-115 at BetMGM): Love leads Notre Dame with 1,122 rushing yards this season, but Notre Dame’s offense has fallen largely on the hands and legs of quarterback Riley Leonard of late. Love rushed for a combined 65 yards on just 17 carries in the past two games while dealing with a knee injury.

MATCHUP TO WATCH
Texas limited explosive Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith to one catch for 3 yards in the semifinals after he racked up 13 receptions for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ first two playoff wins over Tennessee and Oregon.

Texas put as many as three defenders around Smith to keep him in check, but Ohio State prevailed 28-14 at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10 at Arlington, Texas.

Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly gave no indication that Smith was rattled by his unusually quiet game. Instead, it seems like he is focused on helping Ohio State win its first national title in 10 years.

“He’s always a forward-looking guy; what’s next, what’s the next challenge and what do we get to do?” Kelly said.

Smith’s 1,227 receiving yards are the seventh-most in the nation, but Notre Dame has a star freshman of its own that could help make life difficult again for the touted receiver on Monday night.

Cornerback Leonard Moore, who was named the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday by the Football Writers Association of America, has tallied 10 pass breakups and two interceptions for the Fighting Irish.

Moore logged only one tackle in Notre Dame’s 27-24 semifinal win over Penn State on Jan. 9 but had two passes defended in a 23-10 quarterfinal victory over Georgia one week earlier.

The Fighting Irish pride themselves on playing man coverage, and Moore made it clear that will remain the case on Monday.

“A lot of teams have gone to a zone mindset when playing them,” he said. “I think Penn State played a decent amount of man because that’s their identity. Going into this game, we’re not going to change who we are. We’re going to play man coverage like we do every week.”

Smith’s slow night against Texas allowed Ohio State’s other weapons to contribute. Carnell Tate had seven catches for 87 yards and running back TreVeyon Henderson took a screen pass 75 yards for a score.

“They came out and bracketed (Smith) and everyone else had to win and do their job. That’s exactly what we did,” Tate said. “When (Smith) does his job, it opens it up for us. When we do our job, it opens it up for (Smith).”

Tate is regarded as the Buckeyes’ third-best receiver behind Smith (14 touchdowns on 71 receptions) and Emeka Egbuka (75 receptions, 947 yards, 10 touchdowns).

“You’re not going to be able to stop their receivers totally,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “They’re a talented bunch. So, we’ll come up with a plan and be able to adapt and adjust based off what’s going on in the game.”

THE NEWS
Freeman’s squad will also have to deal with Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, who has completed 73.9 percent of his passes (65 of 88) for 919 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions in the Buckeyes’ three playoff games.

The Fighting Irish secured their three-point win at the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Mitch Jeter’s 41-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining. That the field goal came after a Notre Dame interception was not surprising.

The Fighting Irish have plucked 19 picks this season, the fifth-most in FBS. They also rank second in pass defense (165.3 yards per game) and scoring defense (14.3 points allowed per game).

The team above them in the latter two categories? Ohio State.

The Buckeyes allow just 251.1 total yards and 12.2 points per game and present the ultimate test to a Notre Dame offense led by quarterback Riley Leonard.

The Duke transfer hasn’t had an explosive playoff like Howard, completing 67.1 percent of his throws (53 of 79) for 514 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, but Leonard can extend plays with his legs. He has added 145 rushing yards and two scores on 43 carries during the playoffs.

Leonard has 866 rushing yards on the season.

INJURY REPORT
The Fighting Irish’s line may be a bit more fragile without left tackle Anthonie Knapp, who will miss the championship due to a high-ankle sprain sustained during the Penn State game. Tosh Baker is expected to replace Knapp and make his first start of the season.

Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke, who did not play in the second half against Texas because of an upper-body injury, should be good for Monday, according to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

PREDICTION
The Buckeyes boast arguably the nation’s most dominating defensive line. Notre Dame will struggle in the trenches offensively, especially minus Knapp. That will make for tough sledding for four quarters, with the Buckeyes steadily pulling away in the second half while controlling time of possession and field position.

–Ohio State 27, Notre Dame 19

–Field Level Media

Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles, Chiefs open as conference championship favorites

The Philadelphia Eagles emerged from their dramatic divisional playoff win with significant injury questions, but also as the title favorite among the remaining for teams.

The Eagles are the +180 favorite at DraftKings to win Super Bowl LIV ahead of Kansas City at +240 as the Chiefs chase a three-peat.

Philadelphia survived a late rally from the visiting Los Angeles Rams to win 28-22 in snowy conditions on Sunday. The Eagles were installed as a 4.5-point favorite by DraftKings at home against the Washington Commanders for the NFC Championship. Philadelphia is a 5.0-point favorite at some other sportsbooks, including BetRivers.

That’s despite quarterback Jalen Hurts playing through a left leg injury suffered in the second half of Sunday’s win over the Rams.

“It was a tough game, a challenging game,” Hurts said after the game. “I was able to finish the game, and we’ll see how the week goes.”

The Eagles’ Super Bowl odds shortened thanks in part to their upcoming opponent, with NFC East rival Washington taking out the No. 1-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will attempt to continue the Cinderella run, with the Commanders holding by far the longest title odds remaining at +650.

The fourth and final team to join the conference championship fray was Buffalo, which survived a heavyweight battle at home against Baltimore on Sunday night. After Josh Allen was able to outduel fellow MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, he has now booked another highly anticipated playoff date against the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes.

The Bills have slightly longer Super Bowl odds than the Chiefs at +270, with No. 1-seeded Kansas City installed as a slight 1.5-point favorite by DraftKings and BetRivers for the AFC Championship Game. The teams also met for the AFC title in the 2020 season, when the Chiefs emerged as a 38-24 winner.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to throw the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Commanders-Lions Preview, Props & Prediction

Detroit will be the final playoff team to begin its playoff journey this season when the Lions play host to the Washington Commanders in the second NFL game on Saturday night.

Detroit claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history.

“We came into this year ready for games like this,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff said. “If we win, we get another one at home. That’s a big reward.”

ODDS AND TRENDS
The Lions are consensus 9.0-point favorites among regulated sportsbooks. That includes at BetRivers, where Detroit has been backed by 54 percent of the spread-line tickets and 74 percent of the money.

Detroit’s -560 moneyline has been a far more popular play. Despite the low odds and potential payout, the Lions have drawn 81 and 87 percent of the action, respectively.

The 55.5 total points line has since the Over heavily supported with 71 percent of the money.

PROP PICK
Lions WR Jameson Williams Over 3.5 Receptions (-150 at DraftKings): The third-year big-play wide receiver has become an integral part of the passing game, averaging seven targets over his past eight games. He has had at least five receptions in all but one of those games, which is why this has been the most popular player prop at the book.

THE NEWS
Runners up to the 49ers in the NFC last season, the Lions (15-2) set a franchise record for wins in the 2024 regular season, clinching the NFC North with a Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. That victory secured the only first-round bye in the conference.

While the Lions rested and plotted ways to protect their injury-ravaged defense, the Commanders scored their first postseason victory since 2005 at Tampa Bay, 23-20 behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

A completion percentage of 72 percent with 12 touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime helped define Daniels’ stellar rookie season. He threw a game-tying TD pass to No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin on fourth down at Tampa Bay and, after the Buccaneers tied the game, he calmly connected on three straight passes and ran for a first down to set up the game-winning field goal.

Daniels led five comeback wins and helped Washington crash the playoffs with three fourth-quarter touchdown passes to beat the Eagles last month.

Daniels, described by his coach as a “killer inside that helmet,” might not fit the description of rookie at this point in the season. He helped the Commanders improve from four wins to a 12-5 finish and was 8-3 in one-score games.

“He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said.

The No. 6 seed in the NFC goes back on the road for the fourth playoff matchup with the Lions, who are 0-3 against Washington in the playoffs. With a win, the Commanders would advance to the conference championship for the first time since they defeated the Lions in the 1991 NFC title game.

“Jayden has such poise in these winning time moments. And that is contagious as well,” Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said.

Beating Detroit on its home turf is likely to require another clutch showing from Daniels and the Washington defense. The Commanders slowed down Baker Mayfield and the Bucs last week, but the Lions are a different animal.

No. 1 in the NFL in scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and second in total offense (409.5 yards per game) during the regular season, Detroit welcomes the return of running back David Montgomery (1,116 yards from scrimmage, 12 rushing TDs in 2024) after he missed three games with a knee injury sustained Dec. 15. Montgomery was considered a surgery candidate but said rehab has him feeling stronger than he was before the injury.

“He’s a big part of this team. Anytime you get a key player and a guy like him — the way he runs, you really can’t replace it,” Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said. “To have him back, we’re all pretty excited on the offensive side of the ball because he sets a tone for us as an offense. I feel like he gets guys going. We can’t wait to have him out there. I’m excited to see him even go in practice again and then be out there for the game.”

A key to slowing Montgomery down for the Commanders is middle linebacker Bobby Wagner. A second-team All-Pro in 2024, Wagner injured his ankle on the second-to-last defensive play of the wild-card win last week and didn’t practice Tuesday or Wednesday.

The 34-year-old was back on the field Thursday in a limited capacity and is expected to play Saturday.

Wagner followed Quinn to Washington and topped 100 tackles for the 11th consecutive season. Described as a “heartbeat” presence on defense, Wagner has 17 playoff appearances in the NFL.

The 230-pound Montgomery’s pad-popping running style is the ideal complement to speedy Jahmyr Gibbs, who topped 21 miles per hour on two of his TDs (70-yard run, 54-yard reception), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Gibbs led the team with 1,412 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, plus 52 catches for 517 yards and four more TDs. St. Brown was named All-Pro in 2024 with a team-high 115 receptions for 1,263 yards and 12 TDs, and Goff throwing 37 TD passes and completing 72.4 percent of his attempts.

“They’re all really good,” Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. “They test your discipline. I think (offensive coordinator) Ben (Johnson) does a really nice job of understanding coverages. He understands the responsibility of every player, and he’s going to test the discipline of those players in coverage. … And then they have really good players.”

Detroit’s defense has been dominant on third down despite being besieged by injuries. The Lions led the NFL in third-down defense and beat the Vikings by surprising Minnesota with more than 50 percent man-to-man coverage, far higher than the league average. Even with subs in several key positions, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn hasn’t changed the approach. Twelve defensive players who were starters or key backups are on IR.

But staying the course and delivering results is the big reason he’s been a popular target for teams with a vacancy at head coach.

“One thing I’ve respected is so many times when you see a team have injuries, they change to play differently,” Quinn said. “And ‘let’s play more of this,’ which they never did. I thought there’s some boldness and confidence that goes with that.”

Washington and Detroit are both plenty bold when it comes to rolling the dice. The Commanders led the NFL in fourth-down conversion percentage, moving the chains on 20 of 23 attempts. Campbell and Johnson went for it on fourth down more than any other team this season and converted 22 of 33 tries. They lead the NFL with 151 attempts on fourth down since 2021.

The Commanders converted three times in five fourth-down tries last week.

“I think that’s who we are the whole season,” Quinn said. “But when you do get stopped early, you just have to stay the course knowing that, ‘Hey, keep your chin tucked and keep swinging,’ knowing that this is going to be a game that’s going to go all the way down to the end.”

Goff, a No. 1 pick in 2016 who played in a Super Bowl with the Rams before joining the Lions via trade, said Daniels, drafted No. 2 in 2024, appears comfortable no matter the circumstance.

“It doesn’t look like he is a rookie, it doesn’t look like he feels like a rookie,” Goff said. “It feels like he understands the moment and is comfortable in it and our job on defense is to try to make him uncomfortable. It’s been a challenge for a lot of teams this year, but I’m excited to see what they do.”

KEY STAT
Rookie quarterbacks are 5-7 in the Divisional Playoffs since 1950 and 1-4 since 2010. Only Mark Sanchez (2009 with the Jets) and Joe Flacco (2008, Ravens) have won multiple road games as rookie starters.

INJURY REPORT
Montgomery practiced in full all week, as did Detroit cornerback Terrion Arnold (foot).

Detroit will be without right guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring), with rookie Christian Mahogany due to step in for his second NFL start. Lions reserve defensive lineman Pat O’Connor (calf) is out, and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw (hamstring/illness) was considered questionable.

Washington ruled out reserve linebacker Jordan Magee (hamstring) while listing reserve linebacker Mykal Walker (illness) as questionable.

PREDICTION
The Lions managed their way through a slew of defensive injuries to roll off 15 wins during the regular season. The offense is explosive in the run and pass games, putting Daniels in a precarious position of trying to keep pace in a shootout on the road in a raucous environment.

–Lions 34, Commanders 24

–Field Level Media