Issue #26

4 MNF Bets, Big Sports Betting Proposals, CFP Championship Sneak Peek, and Top CBB Matchups This Week

Table of Contents

2025 Betting Legislation Making Waves

2025 already has a number of interesting proposals - the ones highlighted below have the biggest potential to impact sports bettors across the US.

New Hampshire Sports Betting Age Increase to 21

New Hampshire is considering a legislative change that would raise the minimum sports betting age from 18 to 21.

This move would align the state with the national average, as most states require bettors to be at least 21 years old.

Future Considerations: The proposed age increase reflects a broader trend where brick-and-mortar casino gambling is restricted to those 21 and older, largely due to federal alcohol laws.

While digital gambling doesn't face the same restrictions, many states have opted for the 21-and-up rule for online sports betting.

In New Hampshire, DraftKings is the sole licensed mobile sportsbook, and this change could affect its user base if enacted.

New Jersey College Prop Ban

New Jersey, the trailblazer in legalizing single-sports betting outside Nevada, is considering a ban on player prop bets for individual college athletes.

The state already prohibits bets on in-state college teams, a stance shared by only a few others.

Future Considerations: Despite industry pushback, New Jersey continues to uphold its in-state betting ban.

The NCAA supports a nationwide ban on college player props, such as points scored or home runs hit, and New Jersey could become a focal point for this broader initiative.

As a leader in the gaming industry, New Jersey's decision could influence other states considering similar bans.

Texas Sports Betting and Casino Ballot Measure

Texas, the second-most populated state in the U.S., is once again eyeing a major leap into the world of commercial gaming.

This time, the proposal is more ambitious than ever.

The proposed legislation would allow Texas voters to decide on the state's first-ever commercial casinos and online sportsbooks.

If passed, this would mark the most significant expansion of gaming in Texas history.

Future Considerations: Unfortunately, the odds aren't looking great for this proposal.

While the Texas House of Representatives has shown some enthusiasm for both casinos and sportsbooks, the state Senate leaders have made it clear they won't entertain any gaming bills.

As it stands, this proposal seems like a long shot.

The Bottom Line

As these legislative proposals unfold, sports bettors across the U.S. could see significant changes in their betting landscape.

New Jersey's potential prop bet ban could set a precedent affecting college sports betting nationwide, while Texas's ambitious push for commercial gaming remains signals a growing appeal for the industry.

If successful, Texas could open new avenues for bettors in a major market, potentially influencing other states currently blocking gambling to reconsider their stance.

via Action Network

Staying informed and adaptable will be key as these trends develop. How will you adjust your strategy in response to these potential changes?

Community Cappers Lock In Their Weekly Picks

Last Week: 0-3 šŸ¤¢ (-3u)

  • Tyrese Haliburton u2.5 Threes (+130) āŒ

  • Notre Dame 1H TT o13.5 (+125) āŒ

  • Chargers/Ravens ML Parlay (-102) āŒ

2025 Record: 0-3 | -3u

2024: 23-31 | -6.76u

Flores admitted to the media that he wasnā€™t prepared for Nacua in their last matchup since he was activated hours before the game.

Flores and Co. still kept him at 7 Receptions, but now are even more prepared.

Where Nacua does damage is in the screen passing, yards after catch, and blocking games.

I anticipate that Nacua will be the emphasis on the Vikings defense and have the others play man coverage especially because of Flores Blitz packages used to create pressure on Stafford.

If the d-line can create pressure and the other d backs hold their own in man, this will allow Nacua to be kept in check.

Iā€™m sure Stafford will still target Nacua because the Rams have had success doing it, so I think the Vikings have taken notice and will make the adjustments this game.

W/ Kupp active, Nacua only averages 7.2 receptions per game so + money is a no-brainer.

How poorly do the Rams actually match up against opposing TEs?

  • With the exception of two, every tight end facing the Rams since Week 2 has surpassed their projected yardage.

Given his consistent target share and the Rams' vulnerabilities, Hockenson is well-positioned to surpass his 40.5-yard projection and then some.

Expecting a competitive game today, which means 5-10 routes should be a shoo-in with a good matchup vs. LAR, who rank bottom-10 in PFF coverage grade and tackling grade and have been getting cooked by tight ends galore.

Matthew Stafford ranks top-4 among all qualified quarterbacks in DVOA, yards per attempt, and EPA/play against the blitz AND Kupp sees a boost in TPRR and YPRR against both the blitz and 2-high (via Fantasy Points Data on X), and priority-read slot WRs have dominated MIN all year long.

If there was ever a matchup for Stafford & Kupp to turn back the clock and turn into the vintage playoff duo we know, it's this one.

Kupp's o4.5 receptions prop is rightfully juiced, but my projection for recYD (66.0) is wildly off from this line. šŸ§Ŗ

  • Check out ā€˜Ball Instituteā€™, Ahaanā€™s free Patreon if youā€™re interested in more write-ups from him!

The College Football National Championship Is One Week Away

The stage is set for the CFP National Championship, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 20 (Monday) at Atlantaā€™s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Notre Dame is seeking its first title since 1988, and Ohio State is aiming to add another trophy to their collection after a decade-long wait (2014).

Opening Lines

  • Spread: Ohio State -9.5

  • Notre Dame ML: +285

  • O/U: 46

Lines as of Monday, January 13

  • Spread: Ohio State -8

  • Notre Dame ML: +325

  • O/U: 46

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes have been nearly untouchable in the playoffs, winning by an average of 19.7 points against three high quality opponents.

The OSU defense has stifled opposing offenseā€™s all season long, with a powerful and well-rounded offense to back it up.

With an edge on both sides of the ball, thereā€™s clear justification for Ohio State being favored by over a touchdown.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame won a nail-biter against the Nittany Lions to advance to the Championship game, and have shown resilience throughout the playoffs.

Much like the Buckeyes, Notre Dame has an elite defense that ranks second nationally in PPG Allowed.

The Irish offense is powered by Jeremiyah Love, who played with a knee brace against Penn State and was utilized much less than usual.

3 Common Opponents

Notre Dame and Ohio State have played three of the same teams throughout this season.

Hereā€™s how they faired against each:

Indiana Hoosiers

  • Notre Dame W 27-17

    • CFP First Round

  • Ohio State W 38-15

    • Week 2

Purdue

  • Notre Dame W 66-7

    • Week 3

  • Ohio State W 45-0

    • Week 4

Penn State

  • Notre Dame W 27-24

    • CFP Semifinal Round

  • Ohio State W 20-13

    • Week 5

While this reference isnā€™t a perfect analysis of how the two teams compare, itā€™s notable that the Irish played both Penn State and Indiana in closer matchups, with the games also having a bit more on the line for ND.

Way Too Early Leans

Treveyon Henderson ATD | +100 | FanDuel

Henderson broke out for an incredible run against Texas, showing his elusiveness and pure speed.

Heā€™s going to be a tough matchup for a battered Notre Dame D-Line.

The Irish gave up 204 total rush yards against Penn Stateā€™s dynamic backfield, and 3 touchdowns for Nicholas Singleton.

At even odds (for now), Henderson to score a touchdown reeks of value.

Jeremiyah Love 50+ Rush Yards | -110 | bet365

The Irish offense is fueled by its run game - which they will need to establish early and often.

Despite a banged up knee, Love tallied 13 carries in the win against Penn State, which is actually an increase from his last 2 games.

Love is a speedster who only needs a sliver of daylight to break out for a run, and can also be a bruiser on any down.

The Notre Dame rush offense will be the best that Ohio State has seen this season.

While this doesnā€™t discount for the strength of OSUā€™s run defense, Love should get plenty of opportunity to hit this line.

Ohio State Under 27.5 Points | +100 | bet365

OSUā€™s offense deserves the respect itā€™s gotten.

This pick is based less on the strength of the OSU offense and more on Notre Dameā€™s defense.

The Irish have given up and average of 17ppg against three talented offenses in the CFP, and 14.3ppg for the season.

Theyā€™ve only given up more than 27 points once - in the final regular season game against USC.

Notre Dame has nearly perfected the ā€œbend-donā€™t-breakā€ defensive style, and both these teams tend to leak clock when on offense.

Iā€™ve got the Irish holding OSU to a couple of field goals, but certainly giving up a few touchdowns.

Still, 27 points is a lot in a game with two defensive-minded teams.

The Bottom Line

With the Championship game set for one week from today, weā€™ll have a full betting preview ready for this game in next weekā€™s issue.

Stay tuned ā±ļø

Not subscribed yet?

Lock in to get our CFP National Championship betting breakdown in next weekā€™s issue!

The NFL Playoffs Kick Off

The NFL Playoffs kicked off this past weekend, and weā€™ve already got some great matchups set for the Divisional Round.

  • Winner of Rams/Vikings travels to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Eagles

Opening Divisional Round Lines

Texans @ Chiefs | Saturday, January 18 | 4:30pm EST

  • Chiefs -7.5

  • O/U: 41.5

Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions | Saturday | 8:00pm EST

  • Lions -8.5

  • O/U: 55.5

Rams/Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles | Sunday, Jan 19 | 3:00pm EST

Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills | Sunday | 6:30pm EST

  • BAL -1

  • O/U: 51.5

Top College Basketball Games This Week

All Times EST

Tuesday, January 14

7:00pm

  • #14 Mississippi State @ #2 Auburn

  • #23 Ole Miss @ #5 Alabama

  • #10 Texas A&M @ #6 Kentucky

  • #7 Marquette @ DePaul

  • #13 Illinois @ Indiana

9:00pm

  • Miami @ #4 Duke

  • Missouri @ #8 Florida

Wednesday, January 15

  • #11 Kansas @ #3 Iowa State | 7:00pm

8:00pm

  • Georgia @ #1 Tennessee

  • #21 West Virginia @ #12 Houston

10:00pm

  • Texas @ #17 Oklahoma

Thursday, January 16

7:00pm

  • #19 Memphis @ Temple

  • #24 Michigan @ Minnesota

#18 Gonzaga @ Oregon State | 11:00pm

Friday, January 17

  • Iowa @ #22 UCLA | 9:00pm

Saturday, January 18

12:00pm

  • #5 Alabama @ #6 Kentucky

  • Creighton @ #9 UConn

  • #2 Auburn @ Georgia | 1:00pm

2:00pm

  • Kansas State @ #11 Kansas

  • Xavier @ #7 Marquette

  • #20 Purdue @ #15 Oregon | 3:00pm

  • #1 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt | 3:30pm

  • #3 Iowa State @ #21 West Virginia | 5:00pm

  • #23 Ole Miss @ #14 Mississippi State | 6:00pm

  • LSU @ #10 Texas A&M | 8:30pm

  • Santa Clara @ #18 Gonzaga | 9:00pm

Sunday, January 19

  • #13 Illinois @ #16 Michigan State | 12:00pm

  • Northwestern @ #24 Michigan | 2:00pm

  • #19 Memphis @ Charlotte | 3:00pm

Slip of the Week

Pass this issue on to a fellow bettoršŸ‘‡

Reply

or to participate.