Welcome to the Full Field Ride, a compilation of our contributors’ best bets for this week! Each week, we’ll give out picks from three or more different games that you can bet on their own and/or include in a parlay.
Last week, we went 3-0 and hit a +589 parlay for +4.47 units in the process! Let’s take a look at what we’re betting in NLL Week 2.
Colorado Mammoth at Las Vegas Desert Dogs
Brad Taschuk
There were a lot of positives to take from Colorado’s 11-7 comeback victory over Vancouver in week 1. Dillon Ward saved the ball at 83.3%. Connor Kelly continues his development into one of the best shooters in the NLL. Zed Williams is quite possibly the most physically dominant offensive player in all of lacrosse. The young guys out the back door are developing quickly and look like they fit in well on a Pat Coyle-coached team.
The Mammoth were also far from their ceiling in that season debut. Will Malcom, Eli McLaughlin and Tyson Gibson combined for zero goals. Ryan Lee’s only point was on a late penalty shot once the outcome had already been decided. The transition D struggled early (perhaps chalk that up to the ‘Owen Grant effect’). The Mammoth generated a meager 16 SOG in the first half and only won about a third of faceoffs.
When I look at those two sets of observations, the list of improvements seems to far outweigh the potential regression from the positives. Friday’s matchup with Las Vegas also bodes well for them in a couple of areas: Tim Edwards should have an easier time with Connor Kirst at the dot than he did with Alex Stathakis and Las Vegas doesn’t clog shooting lanes anywhere near the way Vancouver does (evidenced by Las Vegas surrendering a near NLL record 72 SOG to Rochester last week).
If Colorado can eliminate Jonathan Donville’s skip passes to Casey Jackson, it will allow Ward to step out on his characteristically high arc to challenge Las Vegas’ shooters Jack Hannah and Kyle Killen. Without major contributions from Kirst and Shane Simpson in transition, it might be tough for the Desert Dogs to crack double digits and keep up with Colorado’s supremely talented offense. Give me Colorado to cover the -1.5.
Pick: Colorado Mammoth -1.5
Calgary Roughnecks at Halifax Thunderbirds
Brian Andrews
While the Thunderbirds have lost a couple of key offensive pieces in the offseason and are without Jake Withers for this game, they remain largely consistent in the defensive and transition game. On the other hand, the Roughnecks have lost offensive, defensive and transition players (though they added Curtis Dickson and Dane Dobbie back on this offense) and are notably without their 2023 NLL MVP goaltender Christian Del Bianco, leading to a lot of uncertainty on the team. Since the Roughnecks do have offensive weapons in Dickson, Dobbie and Jesse King, I think this game will come down to transition and defense. In both cases, I give the edge to the Thunderbirds and am taking Halifax -1.5.
Pick: Halifax Thunderbirds -1.5
Albany FireWolves at Toronto Rock
Matt Brignati
I expect the Albany Firewolves to bounce back after a Week 1 loss to the Rush and cover against the Toronto Rock in Week 2. The Firewolves have the clear advantage on draws with Joe Nardella and should win the possession battle with no TD Ierlan for Toronto. The Rock offense struggled mightily against Ottawa and will be without Tom Schreiber this week. I don’t see their offense being able to keep up with the Firewolves who will have the possession advantage and face a Toronto defense without Brad Kri, Challen Rogers and now Latrell Harris. Bet FireWolves +1.5 at -105 on Caesars.
Pick: Albany FireWolves +1.5
NLL Week 2 Best Bets & Parlay
- Colorado Mammoth -1.5: +110 on Caesars
- Halifax Thunderbirds -1.5: -110 on bet365
- Albany FireWolves +1.5: -105 on Caesars
- 3-Leg Parlay: +638 on Caesars (0.25 unit)
This week, you can parlay all of these picks on Caesars at +638! We recommend betting to win at least a unit on each bet on their own (i.e 1.2 units on -120, 1 unit on +120) and a 0.25 unit on a parlay of all three bets. Tag us on social media if you’re riding with us this week!
