Everything that happens in sports has an additional context from a betting perspective. From season-changing injuries to record-breaking measurement moments, news cycles are constantly making a huge impact on the sports betting industry.
With contributions from David Purdum, Doug Greenberg and others, our bet buzz file aims to see the sports betting stories that drive conversations to fans.
Important Link: Sports Betting Home | NFL Odds Page | NBA Odds Page | ESPN Bet
March 1: Super Bowl odds are shortened after the Devo Samuel trade
David Purdham: The world of sports and betting markets remain bustling about the stunning trade on Saturday night, when Don Sic sent Don Sic to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The deal generated a surge in betting activities, including more betting in the championship winner market, with ESPN bets than any other day since the season began. The majority of the bets were with the Lakers.
Let’s take a look at the bet numbers behind the blockbuster moves.
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40-1-Lakers’ odds to win the NBA Finals in ESPN bets before trading. The Lakers’ odds have been reduced to 16-1.
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odds for the Mavericks to win the final in ESPN bets before trading 25-1-. The Mavericks’ odds have moved to 33-1.
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5-The number of teams with shorter odds to win the NBA Finals at ESPN BET than the Lakers. The Boston Celtics remained their favorite (+210), followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder (+225). The Cleveland Cavaliers (+850), New York Knicks (+1300) and the Denver Nuggets (+1400) rounded out their top five teams.
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-4.5 – ESPN’s early line bets on the February 25th game between the Mavericks and Lakers in Los Angeles. The Lakers opened as a 5.5-point favorite. The line had soaked at -4.5 by Monday.
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69% – Since trade was destroyed overnight on Saturday, 69% of the bets on the odds to win the final on Fanatics Sportsbook, with all other teams matching up. Second most popular bet since trading? Mavericks (11%).
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+550-The Mavericks odds to beat the Cavaliers on Sunday in their first match since the trade. Mavericks had more money line bets than any other team at BetMGM Sportsbooks. Cleveland won 144-101.
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45.5- Mavericks seasonal total prior to trading at ESPN BET. This book was reposted the number at 44.5 after the transaction.
January 31: Decompose Heisman’s early favorites
Pamela Maldonado: Texas QB Archmanning opened as a bet favourite to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy with +750 odds on Thursday night. The redshirt sophomore enters his third season with the Longhorns after backing up Quinn and then backing up his first two seasons. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is second on the +800 ESPN BET odds board with Nico Iamaleava (+1100) from Tennessee, Cade Klubnik from Clemson (+1200) and Drew Allar from Pennsylvania (+1200) from Pennsylvania (+1200). WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio (+1500) has the shortest odds outside of QB.
QB Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns (+750)
Manning has stepped into the spotlight as Texas full-time starting quarterback and is ready to prove he is more than his last name. A product of the legendary Manning dynasty, he has the talent of his arm, accuracy and a high level of football IQ that can make him a nightmare for defense. With limited action during the 2024 season, Manning flashed his potential, threw for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. His double threat abilities were also on display, adding 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns to 25 carries. This is a factor that bolsters Texas’ already powerful attack.
However, there are challenges to the 2025 schedule. Manning was tested early at the Ohio Road Opener, followed by a trip to Florida and Georgia, closing the regular season at home with Texas A&M.
QB, Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers (+800)
Nussmeier’s slow power and quick release make him a perfect fit for LSU’s pro-style offense, and his 2024 figures back it up: 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, ranking third in LSU’s single-season history.
But that’s not just a statistic – Nussmeier has a clutch factor. He made a statement against Ole Miss in week 7, lit up the defense with 337 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime thriller. Even after a shoulder injury to Oklahoma in week 14, he fired two deep touchdowns at Chris Hilton, proving his toughness.
The key to his Heisman campaign? He sharpens his decisions and avoids forced throws. If he refines his game, LSU’s powerful offense gives him every opportunity to participate in Heissman’s conversation throughout the season.
WR, Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Buckeyes (+1500)
Jeremiah Smith is a player everyone should watch this season. The Ohio State wideout is listed as the sixth favorite to win the Heisman, offering a historic freshman season in 2024, setting a true freshman FBS singleseason record with 76 catches, 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. His advantage earned him the Big 10 Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Rose Bowl MVP who scored 187 yards of two touchdown performances.
Smith’s explosive playmaking, elite route running and his ability to offer in big moments makes him a legitimate Heisman candidate. From a one-handed grab to a 60-yard reception vs. Nebraska in week 9, Smith is a human highlight reel. Wide receivers rarely acquire Heismans, but Smith has the power of production and starry to rewrite history.
Betting Considerations: Wait and Watch
It’s January – the brakes will be pumped. Notre Dame is still licking the wounds of the loss of the national championship to Ohio State, and the 2025 landscape is far from a solution. Favorites are naturally attracting attention, but they have intriguing names. Quarterbacks like South Carolina’s Lanoris Cellars and Clemson’s Cade Crunik can present value worthy of surveillance.
Manning may be a front runner for now, but it will last seven months before the 2025 season begins. The preseason line before week 0 is important. Since 2009, the 2014 preseason favourite – only Marcus Mariota of 2014 won the Heisman. It is still unknown if Manning still holds that spot every kickoff.
What about Smith? He’s definitely on my radar. Six sophomores took home the Heisman, from Timtebou in 2007 to Caleb Williams in 2022. But there is so much uncertainty and perseverance may be a smarter play – for now.
