The 2026 PLL Championship Series continues with its second weekend of games. With only two matchups left in round robin play, three spots in the playoff round are up for grabs. Let’s take a look at my best bets for both games.
Carolina Chaos vs. Denver Outlaws
 Carolina Moneyline/Spread | +105 / +1.5 |
 Denver Moneyline/Spread | -130 / -1.5 |
| Total | 45.5 |
| Time | Thursday · 6 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via Caesars
It’s do or die for the 0-2 Carolina Chaos, who need a win to secure their spot in the next round. With a score differential just one less than Denver, they can leapfrog the Outlaws in the standings with a win. Denver can still advance with a loss if New York loses and finishes with a worse score differential than the Outlaws, but they’ll want to take care of business on Thursday.
Despite losing both games so far, my confidence in the Chaos hasn’t been shaken too much. They lost by just one goal to New York and took California into overtime, where they lost by two on a late two-point goal. On the flipside, I haven’t been too impressed with the Outlaws’ offense, despite dropping 32 on New York. They scored six two-point goals, which overinflated their win over Atlas. The Outlaws’ ability to score from beyond the arc is a valuable asset, but Carolina has been sound defensively and can also score from range.
Furthermore, Austin Kaut has ended up being the best goaltender of the series so far, stopping 48.8% of the shots he’s faced and setting a championship series record with 25 saves against California. On the other end, the Chaos match up with the Outlaws in a similar way as the Redwoods did, and Carolina’s combination of size and speed creates a lot of mismatches. Bet the Carolina Chaos moneyline at +105 on Caesars.
I don’t usually like betting a side and total in the same game, but I also feel strongly that this game will stay under the total of 45.5 based on play style and personnel. We mentioned Kaut’s impact in net for Carolina, but the best goaltending duo in this format is arguably Logan McNaney and Owen McElroy. McNaney has played just one half so far, but he entered the series as the best goaltender and will be fresh down the stretch. He stopped 41% of the shots he faced through two quarters and looked comfortable in this format. We could see him start the entire game on Thursday, but McElroy has also been solid if they split time again. McElroy’s save percentage is not far behind McNaney’s at 38%, and he should fare just fine if called upon.
As for the offensive end, Denver has been sloppy in transition, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they are more patient on offense on Thursday. Meanwhile, Carolina has also been less inclined to push in transition and has preferred to use the majority of the shot clock in their offensive sets. I think we could see a slower-paced game between these teams and think the total is too high considering this matchup. Bet this game to stay Under 45.5 at -110 on FanDuel.
I’m also betting a player prop in this game. When looking at the odds to score a two-point goal, one player in particular caught my eye: Chris Aslanian. The Carolina forward has not only displayed the inclination, but also the ability to shoot and score from beyond the arc. He’s had a two-pointer in each game so far and is shooting 50% from beyond the arc. I like his odds to score one on Thursday and recommend betting a half unit on Chris Aslanian to score a two-point goal at +144 on FanDuel.
Picks: Carolina Chaos ML, Under 45.5, Chris Aslanian to Score a Two-Point Goal (0.5 unit)
California Redwoods vs. New York Atlas
 California Moneyline/Spread | -125 / -1.5 |
 New York Moneyline/Spread | -105 / +1.5 |
| Total | 46.5 |
| Time | Friday · 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via DraftKings
The California Redwoods are in the driver’s seat for a bye and a trip to the 2026 PLL Championship Series final. They’re facing a New York team that would likely be eliminated with a Chaos win on Thursday night and a loss to California.
I admire how scrappy New York has played — Kyle Jackson’s ability to cause turnovers on opposing teams’ clears has been just as valuable has his goal-scoring. Yet, I think they’re outmatched against this Redwoods team. New York has been largely propelled by Golden Stick frontrunner Matt Traynor, but California has the personnel to shut him down and force other Atlas players to step up. Goaltending has also been a glaring weakness for New York, and it will be facing a lethal offense led by Andrew McAdorey (more on him soon).
Matt Knote has played really well for the Redwoods in net, and I think that continues on Friday if he plays. If Zach Vigue gets the nod, I’d still trust this California defense given its defensive-minded personnel headlined by Brian Tevlin, BJ Farrare and Carter Rice.
Now there are many ways to play the Redwoods. I considered betting them in the alternate team total market (25+ goals, 26+ goals, etc.), but I worry that California could take their foot off the gas, considering it would take a big win by Denver or New York to jump them in the standings and steal the bye.
So, I recommend betting to win a half unit on them to cover the full game spread and a full unit on the first quarter spread. Bet 0.525 unit on California Redwoods -1.5 at -105 on DraftKings and a 1.11 unit on California Redwoods -0.5 1st Quarter at -111 on FanDuel.
I also expect Andrew McAdorey to have another big game. He had five points in California’s first game and seven in their second. I think he matches up well against this Atlas team and his speed will allow him to have similar success as Shane Knobloch (7 points) and Ross Scott (5 points) did against New York. I recommend betting a full unit on Andrew McAdorey 7+ Points at +132 and a half unit on Andrew McAdorey 8+ Points at +240 on FanDuel.
Picks: California Redwoods -1.5 (0.525 unit), California Redwoods -0.5 1Q, Andrew McAdorey 7+ Points, Andrew McAdorey 8+ Points (0.5 unit)
All bets are to win 1 unit or more (i.e. 1.2 units at -120, 1 unit at +120) unless otherwise specified.
