All but two teams are playing this weekend in the National Lacrosse League and I have bets for four of the six NLL Week 5 games. We’re coming off our fourth straight profitable week, going 2-0 for +2.2 units and bringing our season record to 12-5 for +7.575 units and an ROI of +43.66%. Let’s take a look at my favorite bets for this weekend.
Note: The odds presented below are those at the time when Hutton sends his picks out to DubClub subscribers and are subject to change. Subscribe to Hutton Jackson’s lacrosse picks on DubClub so you never miss out on the best odds for these picks. As soon as Hutton places a bet, you’ll immediately get a notification with both the pick and brief analysis. Picks are sent out at least 20 minutes in advance of articles published on Bet On Lacrosse.
Albany FireWolves at Halifax Thunderbirds
 Albany Moneyline/Spread | -130 / -1.5 |
 Halifax Moneyline/Spread | +100 / +1.5 |
| Total | 23.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 6 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+/TSN+ |
Odds via Caesars
Both Albany and Halifax have lost close games this season to similar opponents. Yet, I’m less concerned about the FireWolves than I am about the Thunderbirds.
Last year, Albany beat Halifax 12-10 in the regular season and 9-3 in the playoffs. While the FireWolves roster is mostly the same as last season, Halifax is adjusting to some big losses on both sides of the ball and starting goalie Warren Hill has struggled this season. It’s not all Hill’s fault either, as the Halifax defense has been consistently beaten on simple pick plays and simple ball movement. Albany should have a lot of success on offense against this defense and I expect rookie Dyson Williams, who continues to make strides each week, to have a breakout performance.
The absences of John Wagner and Travis Longboat are notable for Albany, but Halifax will be missing defender Tyson Bell due to suspension as well. Ultimately, I think the FireWolves will be able to outlast Halifax en route to a multi-goal win at the nest. Bet Albany -1.5 at +115 on Caesars.
Pick: Albany FireWolves -1.5
Rochester Knighthawks at Buffalo Bandits
 Rochester Moneyline/Spread | +240 / +2.5 |
 Buffalo Moneyline/Spread | -300 / -2.5 |
| Total | 22.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 6:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2/TSN+ |
Odds via Caesars
We get another chapter in the Upstate New York rivalry as the Bandits host the Knighthawks for Buffalo’s championship banner-raising night. Buffalo has looked like the team to beat through two games and are my top-ranked team for a reason, but my model is showing value on Rochester given the odds. While, Buffalo defeated Rochester by a score of 15-7 just a few weeks ago, the 2.5-point spread is an overreaction.
Buffalo only led 7-6 with 12 minutes left in the game, before pulling away in the fourth quarter. The final score is also misleading, as the Bandits scored two empty net goals to ice the game in the final minutes. Last season, Buffalo edged Rochester in both games, but only won by the scores of 15-13 and 15-14.
I’ve been critical of the Rochester defense, but there’s a chance we see goalie Kevin Orleman start and the defense played much better during the limited time he was in net last weekend. Even if Riley Hutchcraft gets the nod again, this bet is more a vote of confidence in the Rochester offense, which looked much more like its 2023-24 self against a solid Saskatchewan defense. Trust Rochester to keep it close and bet Knighthawks +2.5 at -110 on Caesars or DraftKings. While it’s not a best bet, I’ll also be sprinkling a little on the Rochester moneyline at +240 on Bet Rivers or Caesars.
In addition to betting the Knighthawks, I also expect this game to go over the total of 22.5. I expect this game to be more high-scoring than their earlier matchup. Every other game between these teams since 2023 has gone over this mark (29, 28, 28, 23, 27), with the average total sitting at 27 goals, and their Week 2 meeting fell just a half goal short of going over.
Expect the Bandits to still score double-digit goals against a Rochester defense still trying to find its footing, even with forward Chris Cloutier listed as doubtful. Furthermore, Buffalo defenders Matt Spanger and Cam Wyers are also listed as questionable, which could help Rochester forward Connor Fields break out of his slump. Buffalo was successful on defense by aggressively pressing out on Rochester, but the Knigthhawks’ ball movement has improved and has been pushing in transition more during the past two games than they did against Buffalo. Bet this game to go Over 22.5 at -105 on FanDuel.
Picks: Rochester Knighthawks +2.5, Over 22.5
Philadelphia Wings at Saskatchewan Rush
 Philadelphia Moneyline/Spread | +100 / +1.5 |
 Saskatchewan Moneyline/Spread | -130 / -1.5 |
| Total | 24.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+/TSN+ |
Odds via Caesars
The Rush host the Wings on Saturday night with a chance to improve to 4-0. None of Saskatchewan’s wins have been dominant, with two going to overtime. Yet, they match up well against a Philadelphia team that is a bit overrated following back-to-back blowout wins over the league’s worst team.
Despite being undefeated, Saskatchewan has yet to play a complete game. They started slow against Albany and Halifax, then let Rochester come back late in their most recent win. I think we could see a solid full 60 minutes from the Rush against a Wings team that still struggles on defense even with Nick Damude playing better.
The biggest improvement for the Rush between last season and this season is the Frank Scigliano-led defense, which is allowing just 9.7 goals per game—good for third best in the NLL. Matt Hossack has been incredible in his return to Saskatchewan and the Rush should be able to stifle Philly’s offense better than Las Vegas and even San Diego did. Bet the Rush -1.5 at +110 on Caesars
Pick: Saskatchewan Rush -1.5
Georgia Swarm at Colorado Mammoth
 Georgia Moneyline/Spread | -134 / -1.5 |
 Colorado Moneyline/Spread | +105 / +1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Sunday · 4 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+/TSN+ |
Odds via Bet Rivers
The Swarm travel to Colorado on Sunday to face the Mammoth and are hoping to remain unbeaten. Rather than bet a side though, I’m targeting the total of 21.5.
Both matchups last year went over this game’s total of 21.5 and while Colorado’s defense has improved, so has its offense. Ryan Lee’s return to the lineup has helped elevate the rest of the team and Colorado is currently averaging 14 goals per game, scoring at least 11 goals in each. Georgia is also averaging double digits as well against arguably tougher defenses (Toronto and San Diego). Both offenses haven’t been shy in pushing transition and we could see a back-and-forth battle with a lot of fast break goals.
While on the surface the goalie battle between Dillon Ward and Brett Dobson implies a low-scoring game, this total is too low and underestimates these two offenses.Trust these teams to score enough to push this game Over 21.5 on Sunday.
Pick: Over 21.5
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