U.S. Women Seek Three-Peat At World Cup

Each week, our “What’s on Tap” series previews the week ahead in the world of sports betting. Come here for a summary of upcoming financial happenings, legislative and regulatory meetings, industry conferences, top games scheduled for the week, and much more. Also, check out our weekly review, “Get a Grip,” for a look back at last week’s notable news.

Monday, July 17

Saquon, Jacobs eye long-term deals at franchise tag deadline

The market for elite running backs could be reset at 4 p.m. ET when NFL teams face a deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign multi-year contract extensions. There is a possibility that New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs of the Raiders could both hold out. Jacobs will not report to the start of Raiders training camp on July 25 without a new deal, FOX5 Las Vegas reported.

The Giants’ season win total at DraftKings is 7.5, with some juice on the under (-120). Last season, the Giants went 8-2 in games in which Barkley recorded at least 100 yards from scrimmage, but 0-3 when he finished with less than 50 yards. DraftKings lists the Raiders at +160 to eclipse 7.5 victories in 2023-24. Cowboys running back Tony Pollard is also looking for a long-term contract but has already signed a franchise tag.

Now that Jaguars TE Evan Engram has a new three-year deal, there are three remaining franchise players seeking long-term deals before Monday’s 4 pm ET deadline:

🏈Saquon Barkley
🏈Josh Jacobs
🏈Tony Pollard

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2023

Friday, July 21

Messi expected to make MLS debut with Inter Miami

Inter Miami CF formally introduced Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer in a glitzy ceremony Sunday. Messi, a seven-time World Player of the Year, is expected to make his Inter debut on Friday against Cruz Azul.

At Bet365, Messi has odds of 50/1 to end the regular season as the league’s top goal scorer. Four MLS players already have at least 11 goals on the season. Nashville SC midfielder Hany Mukhtar, the favorite at +333, has a league-high 13 goals. Inter Miami has 12 matches left in the regular season.

Lionel Messi’s MLS introduction is surreal to watch.

He won the World Cup eight months ago and was voted the tournament’s best player.

Miami’s stadium is sold out in the pouring rain and fans are buying $200 jerseys outside.

A historical moment for MLS.pic.twitter.com/OyN1ArARPa

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 17, 2023

Saturday, July 22

USWNT opens bid for World Cup three-peat

The U.S. captured the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in 2019 on second-half goals by Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. One of the most decorated players in U.S. women’s soccer history, Rapinoe begins her final World Cup on Saturday in a Group E opener against Vietnam. If you want to win $1 on the U.S. on the moneyline, you will need to pony up $2,000 at PointsBet. A massive upset by the Vietnamese team will pay out at 60/1. Last week, Vietnam lost to Spain 9-0 in a friendly.

Led by versatile midfielder Aitana Botami, Spain (+500) is the third choice at PointsBet to win the tournament. The U.S. is the +225 favorite to win its third straight World Cup, with England as the second choice at +400. Though Alex Morgan, Julie Ertz, and Rapinoe return for the Americans, the likes of Carli Lloyd, Christen Press, and Tobin Heath are no longer with the team. U.S. captain Becky Sauerbrunn will also miss the tournament with a foot injury.

.@BetMGM reports a 40% year-over-year increase in betting on women’s sports, including the WNBA, LPGA and WTA.

— David Payne Purdum (@DavidPurdum) July 11, 2023

Titans rookies start training camp, Hopkins reportedly close to signing

By Saturday, rookies will have reported to training camp for 23 of the NFL’s 32 franchises. While Titans rookies are set to report on Saturday, veterans will not arrive until July 25. By then, star receiver DeAndre Hopkins might have signed with Tennessee. Hopkins, a five-time All-Pro, is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Titans, ESPN reported. The Titans have odds of +320 at Caesars Sportsbook to win the AFC South.

Rookie quarterbacks Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud are expected start in Week 1 for their respective teams. Led by No. 1 pick Young, Carolina has odds of +340 to win the NFC South. Young (+450) is the second choice at BetMGM to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is the favorite at +250, while Texans QB Stroud is fifth on the odds board at +850.

Sunday, July 23

Vingegaard-Pogacar in match race at Tour De France

Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard enters the final week of the Tour De France with a slim 10-second lead over archrival Tadej Pogacar. The Tour wraps up on Sunday in Paris with a trek through the Champs-Élysées. Vingegaard, a Danish cyclist, called on fans to curb unruly behavior on the course after an incident led to a major pileup at the world’s most prestigious bicycle race.

Before Sunday’s final, the duo will be tested by Wednesday’s climb through the French Alps. The 166-kilometer stage includes an ascent up the famed Col de la Loze, a 21.5-kilometer climb that includes a 7% gradient. Vingegaard is a slight -125 favorite over Pogacar (Even) at Barstool Sportsbook. Spain’s Carlos Rodriguez is the third choice at +6500. Rodriguez trails Vingegaard by 4 minutes, 43 seconds.

Rory seeks first British Open title since 2014

Rory McIlroy won the Scottish Open on Sunday to become the first player ever to notch victories in The Open Championship, the Irish Open, and Scotland’s national championship. The British Open, also known as The Open Championship, will conclude on Sunday morning U.S. time at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Merseyside, England.

McIlroy has been installed as the 13/2 favorite at SuperBook Sports. When McIlory last won The Open in 2014, he defeated Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia by two shots on the same course.

It has been a long, trying year for Rory McIlroy. But the pride of Northern Ireland and staunch defender of the PGA Tour claimed his first tour title since October with a come-from-behind victory Sunday at the Scottish Open. https://t.co/tRnwffYXQq

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 16, 2023

Royal Liverpool has hosted The Open 13 times. Garcia, who finished tied for fifth at Liverpool in 2006, is a longshot at 100/1. Defending champion Cameron Smith is the fourth choice at 16/1, while former champs Collin Morikawa, Shane Lowry, and Jordan Spieth have steeper odds at 30/1. Fowler, the co-sixth choice at 20/1, only has one Top 5 Open finish since 2015.

Have a good week, everyone!