Unpredictable NFL Week 2: Upsets, Nail-Biters, and Betting Trends

The second week of the NFL season was a rollercoaster ride, with a series of close games, surprising upsets, and intriguing betting trends that kept fans and bettors on the edge of their seats. From last-second field goals to dramatic comebacks, this week's action showcased the unpredictable nature of professional football.

Thrilling Finishes and Unexpected Outcomes Dominate the Landscape

Nail-Biting Finishes and Betting Pushes

The Chicago Bears' matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football exemplified the nail-biting finishes that characterized Week 2. Trailing 19-10 with just under three minutes remaining, the Bears' kicker, Cairo Santos, booted a 54-yard field goal to make it a 19-13 game. This seemingly inconsequential kick proved to be a significant moment for bettors at the BetMGM online sportsbook, as it allowed the game to end in a push, with the Texans favored by six points. In this game, 77% of the bets and 80% of the money were on the Texans to cover the spread.

Jets' Comeback and Covering the Spread

Another thrilling finish came in the matchup between the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans. With the game knotted at 17 late in the fourth quarter, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers led his team down the field, culminating in a touchdown by Braelon Allen. This not only gave the Jets the win but also allowed them to cover the four-point spread, as they were taking in 65% of the bets and 72% of the money in against-the-spread betting.

Unexpected Upsets Shake Up the Landscape

The three most heavily bet teams on Sunday at BetMGM – the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers – all failed to cover the spread, and even more surprisingly, they all lost their games outright. This underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where even the favorites can fall victim to unexpected upsets.

Touchdown Scorers Disappoint Bettors

In another twist, the five most heavily bet players to score a touchdown on Sunday – CeeDee Lamb, J.K. Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Derrick Henry – all had solid performances, but only Dobbins and Henry were able to find the end zone. This serves as a reminder that even when betting on individual player props, the outcomes can be highly unpredictable.

Kizzire's Surprise Win on the PGA Tour

The unpredictability extended beyond the NFL, as evidenced by Patton Kizzire's victory at the Procore Championship on the PGA Tour. Kizzire, who entered the week at +17500 to win, took home the title by a five-shot margin. This surprise win was reflected in the betting, as Kizzire only accounted for 0.3% of the bets and 0.1% of the money in pre-tournament betting.

College Football Remains Relatively Stable

In contrast to the NFL's chaotic week, the college football slate was relatively standard, with the top teams largely maintaining their dominance. One notable exception was Alabama, which easily covered the 16.5-point spread against Wisconsin, taking in 81% of the money in that matchup.

Looking Ahead: MLB Postseason Betting Heats Up

As the MLB regular season winds down, the focus shifts to the upcoming postseason, where the Los Angeles Dodgers (+325) are the favorites to win the World Series. However, the Philadelphia Phillies are the most popular team at +500, drawing the most bets (11%) and the most money (14.9%) at BetMGM. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are the third-most bet team (9.7%) and the second-most popular in terms of money (12.8%).In the ever-evolving world of sports betting, Week 2 of the NFL season has once again demonstrated the unpredictable nature of the game. From last-second heroics to surprising upsets, this week's action has left bettors and fans alike eagerly anticipating what the rest of the season has in store.