Early in the week, Sharp Money on the 49ers-Cowboys Playoff Game showed up on both teams.
On Sunday, the Cowboys opened as 3-point favorites against the 49ers at Circa Sports in Las Vegas. This sportsbook is known for its sharp bettors and has a Las Vegas-based location called Circa Sports. A respected bettor placed under the 49ers +3 for the limit on Monday night. A second, equally respected, bettor chose the Cowboys +3 (+110) for the limit a day later.
Chris Bennett, who manages NFL odds at Circa Sports said that although it’s not uncommon for two powerful bettors to be on opposite sides of a match, it does happen often at different lines. Both bettors can lay and take three for the 49ers-Cowboys at slightly adjusted prices (-100% and even). However, it is not common.
Bennett stated Wednesday that he respected both bettors.
Bennett stated that the Raiders and the under in Eagles – Buccaneers had also attracted early interest from punters. After opening as 6.5-point road favorites to the Bengals, the Raiders had fallen to 5.5 by Wednesday. The Eagles-Buccaneers total dropped from 48.5 and 46 to 46. In Tampa, wind is forecast.
Caesars Sportsbook reported that Wednesday’s largest bets were:
• $110,000 on under 47 Steelers-Chiefs
• $100,000 on Eagles money line +330
• $110,000 on under 50.5 Cardinals-Rams
NFL market watch
This is our weekly update on how the NFL betting market looks heading into the weekend.
If not noted, all lines, totals, and betting percentages are from Caesars Sportsbook. These percentages do not reflect the current line or total, but are intended to give a glimpse of early action. These look-ahead lines were provided in advance of the week’s games. Most numbers were reopened Sunday evening.
Las Vegas RaidersAt Cincinnati Bengals
Open: Bengals -6, 48.5
Wednesday: Bengals -5.5, 48.5
Spread the word:54% of bets were placed on Bengals, while 57% are on Raiders.
Total action67% and 63% respectively of the bets are on the over.
New England PatriotsAt Buffalo Bills
Open: Bills -4.5, 43.5
Wednesday: Bills -5.5, 48.5
Spread the word:The Bills account for 74% of all bets and 68%, respectively.
Total action59% of all bets were on the under while 71% of money was wagered on the over.
Philadelphia EaglesAt Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Open: Buccaneers -9, 49
Wednesday: Buccaneers -8.5, 47
Spread actionThe Buccaneers accounted for 68% and 65% respectively of all bets.
Total action58% of bets are placed on the over while 82% of the money is wagered on the under.
Note:“The Eagles only have one victory over a team that has a winning record but they have played some close matches against good teams,” Adam Pullen said in a press release. He is also the assistant director of trading for Caesars Sportsbook. “They lost by six against Tampa and were also close to the 49ers, Chargers.”
San Francisco 49ersAt Dallas Cowboys
Open:Cowboys 3 (-120), 50
Wednesday:Cowboys -3, 51
Spread actionCowboys account for 62% of all bets and 51% money wagered.
Total action57% and 85% respectively of the wagers are on the over.
Pittsburgh SteelersAt Kansas City Chiefs
Open: Chiefs -13, 47
Wednesday: Chiefs -12.5, 46.5
Spread the word:54% of bets were placed on Bengals, while 57% are placed on Raiders.
Total action67% and 63% respectively of the money bets are on the over.
Note:Pullen stated, “I made this Line Chiefs -11.5.” It’s not surprising to me that the spread dropped. However, it could rise again. This line may rise depending on the results of earlier games. The game could go up if all the favorites show up and you are facing huge liability. While the Steelers might be considered fortunate to find themselves in this situation, I doubt that they have the public trust.
Arizona CardinalsAt Los Angeles Rams
Open:Rams -4.5 and 50.5
Wednesday:Rams -4, 49
Spread the word:52% of all bets are placed on the Rams and 54% on the Cardinals.
Total action72% of all bets are placed on the under. However, 92% of money wagered is on this side.