Everything that happens in sports has additional context when viewed from a betting perspective. From season-changing injuries to record-setting moments and so much more, the news cycle will constantly and significantly affect the sports betting industry.
Our betting buzz file — with contributions from David Purdum, Doug Greenberg and others — aims to provide fans a look at the sports betting stories that are driving the conversation.
Key links: Sports betting home | NFL odds page | NBA odds page | ESPN BET
March 1: Commanders Super Bowl odds shorten after Deebo Samuel trade
The Washington Commanders solidified themselves among NFC betting favorites for the Super Bowl after their trade for San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. The Commanders were 20-1 in early odds and 18-1 entering the weekend, shortening to 16-1 after the trade. Their odds to win the NFC to go to the Super Bowl shortened from +850 to +800.
The market does not see this move as a sign that the 49ers are preparing to rebuild; they are +650 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl and 13-1 to win it all, behind only the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles (+600) and Detroit Lions (+850) in the NFC.
The Kansas City Chiefs (+600) are the AFC favorites to win their third Super Bowl in four years, followed by the Baltimore Ravens (+650), Buffalo Bills (+700) and Cincinnati Bengals (13-1).
More: Complete list of AFC, NFC and Super Bowl championship odds.
Feb 3: Betting by the numbers: Los Angeles Lakers’ action spikes after Luka Doncic trade
David Purdum: The sports world and betting market is still buzzing about the stunning trade Saturday night that sent Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
The deal produced a flurry of betting activity, including more wagers on the championship winner market, on Sunday at ESPN BET than any other day since the season began. The majority of the bets were on the Lakers.
Here’s a look at the betting numbers behind the blockbuster move:
40-1 — The Lakers’ odds to win the NBA Finals at ESPN BET before the trade. The Lakers’ odds have since shortened to 16-1.
25-1 — The Mavericks’ odds to win the Finals at ESPN BET before the trade. The Mavericks’ odds have since moved to 33-1.
5 — The number of teams with shorter odds to win the NBA Finals at ESPN BET than the Lakers. The Boston Celtics remain the favorites (+210), followed closely by the Oklahoma City Thunder (+225). The Cleveland Cavaliers (+850), New York Knicks (+1300) and Denver Nuggets (+1400) round out the top five teams.
-4.5 — The early line at ESPN BET on the Feb. 25 game between the Mavericks and Lakers in Los Angeles. The Lakers opened as 5.5-point favorites. The line dipped to -4.5 by Monday.
69% — Since the trade broke overnight Saturday, 69% of the bets on the odds to win the Finals at Fanatics Sportsbook were on the Lakers, more than all other teams combined. The second-most popular bet since the trade? The Mavericks (11%).
+550 — The Mavericks’ odds to beat the Cavaliers on Sunday in their first game since the trade. More money-line bets were placed on the Mavericks than any other team Sunday at BetMGM sportsbooks. Cleveland won 144-101.
45.5 — The Mavericks’ season-win total ahead of the trade at ESPN BET. The book reposted the number after the trade at 44.5.
Jan 31: Breaking down the early Heisman favorites
Pamela Maldonado: Texas QB Arch Manning opened as the betting favorite to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy at +750 odds on Thursday night. The redshirt sophomore is entering his third season with the Longhorns after backing up Quinn Ewers his first two seasons. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier is second on the ESPN BET oddsboard at +800 with Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava (+1100), Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (+1200) and Penn State’s Drew Allar (+1200) rounding out the top five. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (+1500) has the shortest odds for a non-QB.
QB Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns (+750)
Manning is stepping into the spotlight as Texas’ full-time starting quarterback, ready to prove he’s more than just his last name. A product of the legendary Manning dynasty, he possesses the arm talent, accuracy, and a high level of football IQ that could make him a nightmare for defenses. In limited action during the 2024 season, Manning flashed his potential, throwing for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. His dual-threat ability was also on display, adding 108 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries — an element that only enhances Texas’ already high-powered offense.
The 2025 schedule, however, presents a challenge. Manning will be tested early with a road opener at Ohio State, followed by trips to Florida and Georgia, before closing the regular season at home against Texas A&M.
QB, Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Tigers (+800)
Nussmeier’s throwing power and quick release make him a perfect fit for LSU’s pro-style offense, and his 2024 numbers back it up: 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, ranking third in LSU’s single-season history.
Super Bowl LIX betting: Chiefs-Eagles
• Complete Super Bowl Betting Guide• Mike Clay’s Super Bowl betting playbook• Props history: The Fridge, Philly Special• A Swiftie’s guide to Taylor-themed props• My first bet: Initial plays for the game• Chiefs open as fave | Game, MVP odds• Tips for beginners | Buzz: Line move?LIX coverage | Betting home
But it’s more than just stats — Nussmeier has the clutch factor. He made a statement against Ole Miss in Week 7, lighting up their defense for 337 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime thriller. Even after a shoulder injury against Oklahoma in Week 14, he returned to fire two deep touchdowns to Chris Hilton, proving his toughness.
The key to his Heisman campaign? Sharpening his decision-making and avoiding forced throws. If he refines his game, LSU’s high-powered offense will give him every opportunity to be in the Heisman conversation all season long.
WR, Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Buckeyes (+1500)
Jeremiah Smith is the player everyone should watch this season. Listed as the sixth favorite to win the Heisman, the Ohio State wideout delivered a historic freshman season in 2024, recording 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns — setting FBS single-season records for a true freshman. His dominance earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Receiver of the Year, and Rose Bowl MVP honors after a 187-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Smith’s explosive playmaking, elite route-running and ability to deliver in big moments make him a legitimate Heisman contender. From his jaw-dropping, one-handed grab against Michigan State in Week 5 to a 60-yard reception vs. Nebraska in Week 9, Smith is a human highlight reel. Wide receivers rarely win the Heisman, but Smith has the production and star power to rewrite history.
Betting consideration: Wait and see
It’s January — so pump the brakes. Notre Dame is still licking its wounds from a National Championship loss to Ohio State, and the 2025 landscape is far from settled. While the favorites naturally draw attention, intriguing names are emerging. Quarterbacks like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik could present value worth monitoring.
Manning may be the frontrunner for now, but there are still seven months until the 2025 season kicks off. Preseason lines ahead of Week 0 will be key. Since 2009, only one preseason favorite — Marcus Mariota in 2014 — has gone on to win the Heisman. Whether Manning still holds that spot by kickoff remains to be seen.
As for Smith? He’s absolutely on my radar. Six sophomores have won the Heisman, from Tim Tebow in 2007 to Caleb Williams in 2022. However, with so much uncertainty ahead, patience might be the smarter play — for now.
