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.
Let’s take a look at what we’re betting for NLL Week 1!
Las Vegas Desert Dogs at Rochester Knighthawks
Brad Taschuk
The NLL’s most recent expansion franchise hasn’t experienced a ton of success on the floor yet, posting identical 5-13 records in their first two seasons. You’d be hard-pressed to explain that to the Knighthawks though, as they remain the only team who has not defeated the Desert Dogs in their short history.
Whether it’s a matter of game planning or simply a goalie who has a team’s number, Vegas and Landon Kells have held the high-flying Rochester offense under 10 goals—while posting save percentages above 85%—in both their meetings. Eventually, Rochester will get the better of the Dogs, but even if that happens this weekend I expect an improving Vegas team to keep it tight.
Pick: Las Vegas Desert Dogs +2.5
Saskatchewan Rush at Albany FireWolves
Hutton Jackson
I think there is value in betting the underdog Saskatchewan Rush to cover the 1.5-point spread against the Albany FireWolves.
I touched on why I’m bullish on Saskatchewan this season in my futures article and I expect them to build on what was an underrated season. Despite missing the playoffs at 8-10, the Rush had a +7 goal differential, which was the best among non-playoff teams and even better than some teams that made the postseason. In fact, they nearly beat Albany last season, falling to the FireWolves in overtime on New Year’s Eve.
To build upon their moderate success, they added rookies Brock Haley and Levi Anderson, acquired Austin Shanks in free agency, and welcomed back defender Matt Hossack via the Panther City dispersal draft. The Rush have the pieces to hang with the top teams and I expect them to keep it close with Albany and potentially even win outright.
Pick: Saskatchewan Rush +1.5
Philadelphia Wings at San Diego Seals
Brian Andrews
I’m betting over 22.5 in the Philadelphia Wings’ season opener against the San Diego Seals. The Wings particularly struggled in transition last season and the Seals are built to attack in transition in addition to their already stacked offense. Adding Nick Damude ensures there isn’t a dropoff in goalie play after trading Zach Higgins this offseason and bringing in Anthony Joaquim and a handful of former Panther City defenders should help Philly get better on defense, but I’m not expecting a dramatic improvement in this first game.
I also think the Seals have the potential to run the score up, but also like Philadelphia’s offensive pickups in Phil Caputo, Callum Crawford and first overall pick Brennan O’Neill to couple with Joe Resetarits, Mitch Jones, and Blaze Riorden. If the Wings can get to nine or more goals, this over should hit.
Pick: Over 22.5
NLL Week 1 Best Bets & Parlay
- Las Vegas Desert Dogs +2.5: -120 on Caesars (1 unit)
- Saskatchewan Rush +1.5: +105 on Caesars (1 unit)
- Philadelphia Wings vs. San Diego Seals Over 22.5: -120 on Caesars (1 unit)
- 3-Leg Parlay: +589 on Caesars (0.25 unit)
This week, you can parlay all of these picks on Caesars at +589! We recommend betting a unit on each bet on their own 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!
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