The National Lacrosse League officially returns this weekend with four games to open the season. Let’s take a look at what I’m betting for each of the NLL Week 1 games.
Note: The odds presented below are those at the time when Hutton sends his picks out on the Action App and are subject to change.
Toronto Rock at Oshawa FireWolves
 Toronto Moneyline/Spread | -166 / -1.5 |
 Oshawa Moneyline/Spread | +130 / +1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via DraftKings
The weekend begins with a Friday night matchup between the Toronto Rock and Oshawa FireWolves. I’m high on both teams and expect bounce-back seasons for both. I originally was planning on passing on this game. The total seems right and the opening line wasn’t long enough for me to bet the underdog FireWolves since I’d make this game a pick ’em. However, with DraftKings now hanging a +130 for Oshawa, I think the 30 cents of value is enough for me to bet them as underdogs.
I think Toronto is going to return to form this season, but I still think it could take a few meaningful games before this offense featuring three rookies fully clicks. Meanwhile, Oshawa’s offense is nearly identical to last year, with the exception of Taggart Clark coming in and Sam Firth departing. Albany’s defense should also be back to form as well as long as the injuries don’t pile up again. Last year, a healthy FireWolves destroyed a banged-up Rock squad, 15-4. While I expect this game to be much closer, these teams are too close in my power ratings to be getting these odds on the underdog. Bet the Oshawa FireWolves on the moneyline at +130 on DraftKings.
Pick: Oshawa FireWolves ML
San Diego Seals at Ottawa Black Bears
 San Diego Moneyline/Spread | -122 / -1.5 |
 Ottawa Moneyline/Spread | +100 / +1.5 |
| Total | 22.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via FanDuel
Another matchup featuring similarly power-rated teams is the San Diego Seals vs. the Ottawa Black Bears. Both offenses, led by 2025 MVP candidates (Jeff Teat and Wes Berg respectively), added a few pieces this offseason, with the Black Bears acquiring Rob Hellyer from San Diego and the Seals acquiring Corey Small and Connor Robinson.
On the flip side, both defenses are a bit thin. San Diego lost a few key defenders to this offseason and will be without Danny Logan to start the season. Ottawa’s defense is stronger and healthier, but will be without Matt Marinier. As good as both goaltenders Chris Origlieri and Zach Higgins are, I think we’ll see a much higher scoring game between these two than when they last faced. Bet this game to go Over 22.5 at +100 on FanDuel.
Pick: Over 22.5
Georgia Swarm at Buffalo Bandits
 Georgia Moneyline/Spread | +152 / +1.5 |
 Buffalo Moneyline/Spread | -188 / -1.5 |
| Total | 23.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via FanDuel
The three-time defending champion Bandits face the Georgia Swarm—a team that has given Buffalo some close games in the past. Yet, Georgia traded Andrew Kew to Colorado this offseason, and Brendan Bomberry departed in free agency. The Swarm offense was wildly inconsistent last year and will likely need some time to adjust without those two forwards.
Meanwhile, Buffalo managed to retool its roster and add Mike Triolo and Ryan Benesch to replace the free agency losses of Chris Cloutier and Chase Fraser. They also acquired defender Mitch De Snoo this week and should be just as good as years past. I expect them to be able to win by multiple goals in the season opener and recommend betting Buffalo Bandits -1.5 at -128 on FanDuel.
Pick: Buffalo Bandits -1.5
Colorado Mammoth at Vancouver Warriors
 Colorado Moneyline/Spread | +124 / +1.5 |
 Vancouver Moneyline/Spread | -160 / -1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via DraftKings
The final game of the weekend features the Colorado Mammoth and Vancouver Warriors. Colorado made some moves this offseason, trading away Zed Williams, Connor Robinson and Connor Kelly. All three played key roles on this offense, but the acquisition of Andrew Kew alleviates some of those losses and should complement Ryan Lee and Will Malcolm as the leading scorers for Colorado. Still, they’ll have to match a Vancouver Warriors offense that landed two veteran forwards in Curtis Dickson and Jesse King and transition threats in Shane Simpson and Tony Malcolm.
I think the Mammoth will be competitive this season and they held their own in their scrimmage with Vancouver last week, but with Eli McLaughlin still out of the lineup, I worry we’ll see a similar team to the one that lost five straight games to end last season. This Vancouver defense is going to be tough to get past and the Warriors have depth all over the floor. They’re my pick to win the NLL Finals this year for a reason and I think they come out strong against Colorado in a meaningful game. Bet the Vancouver Warriors -1.5 at -115 on DraftKings.
Pick: Vancouver Warriors -1.5
All bets are to win 1 unit or more (i.e. 1.2 units at -120, 1 unit at +120) unless otherwise specified.
Use code “Lax10” to get 10% off your Streaker Sports order!
