With the NFL Draft one week from today, VSiN’s Matt Youmans weighs in with his mock draft:
The draft is an information-based event that generally has meant a feast for bettors and famine for sportsbooks the past seven years, so it’s no surprise that bookmakers are going conservative and posting fewer props. The market is drying up and getting tougher to beat, which probably will mean fewer best bets this year, but I’ll continue to search for more plays.
For those of us who bet on the draft, working through the exercise of a mock first round has a purpose. In forming a plan of attack for prop wagers, it’s important to analyze team needs and dig for information to predict how the puzzle pieces might fit.
Here is Matt’s top 10:
- 1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
- 2. Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
- 3. Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
- 4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
- 5. Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
- 6. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- 7. Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
- 8. Panthers: Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
- 9. Saints: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
- 10. Bears: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
>>Get the rest of Matt’s draft and his early Best Bets.
One aspect of this draft that Zach Cohen points out, Colorado dual threat Travis Hunter is classified by DraftKings Sportsbook as a cornerback, not both.
>>More on Hunter’s betting prospects.
With Hunter out of the mix, Adam Burke looks at the betting markets for wide receivers.
Battle for the NBA 8th seeds
The Heat (+1.5) routed the Bulls 109-90 in Chicago to advance to the No. 8 seed elimination game against the Hawks (-1) on Friday. The Mavs (+6) upset the Kings 120-106 on the road and will play the Grizzlies (-6.5).
>VSiN’s NBA Playoff Hub page with Zach Cohen‘s previews for the pairings that are already set for this weekend.
NHL playoff pairings set
On the second to last day of the regular season, the Canadians clinched the final spot in the NHL playoffs, which begin Saturday.
The Stars will head into the playoffs as the favorites to raise the Stanley Cup at +700, followed by the Avalanche and Panthers at +800.
Jonathan Davis will post his playoff predictions in the next few days.
Today in MLB
Greg Peterson has filed his top plays for today.
Steve Makinen, Josh Appelbaum and Adam Burke will file their contributions by mid-morning and you can find them on the MLB page.
>Our daily matchup page with more detail by clicking on “Matchup Analysis.”
>Makinen’s daily power ratings
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits
Quick Hits
Horse Racing: Keeneland picks from Ed Sehon and Jeremy Plonk.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Thursday, April 17. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
