Ty's Friday Future Sports Bets: 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year and Two NFL Locks
Hello, sports fans. What you’re about to read will become a fun Friday ritual.
What better way to end the week than to peer into my crystal ball as I tell you two bets to make right now, which, down the road, will pay for some of your weekend plans?
Sound good?
OK, here we go:
First up, following the June 21st NBA Draft, let’s look at the odds for the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year.
Let’s take a look at the latest odds to win the title per FanDuel, one of our favorite gambling sites out there along with BetMGM, DraftKings, and many more, the odds look like this:
NBA Rookie of the Year 2023-24
Victor Wembanyama -160
Scoot Henderson +400
Chet Holmgren +700
Brandon Miller +1300
Amen Thompson +2500
Ausar Thompson +4000
Jarace Walker +4000
Cam Whitmore +5000
Taylor Hendricks +5000
Anthony Black +5000
Cason Wallace +5500
Gradey Dick +5500
Bilal Coulibaly +7500
Jordan Hawkins +11000
Dereck Lively II +11000
Jett Howard +11000
Keyonte George +11000
Nick Smith Jr. +14000
Leonard Miller +14000
Kobe Bufkin +14000
Jalen Hood-Schifino +14000
Brice Sensabaugh +16000
Kris Murray +16000
So of course Wemby is the favorite, but I’m one of the few that has doubts about his sure-thing status.
Nothing to do with his talent but rather his stature and lack of strength. Do you remember a year ago at this time when everyone was gaga over Gonzaga rookie Chet Holmgren?
I warned folks that with his beanpole, brittle legs an injury was possible, and sure enough, he suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot and missed the entire 2022-23 season.
Ouch.
Not saying that will happen to Victor and I hope not, but skinny legs in today’s NBA make me concerned.
I like the chances of two other players being named Rookie of the Year in 2024: Scoot Henderson (+400) and Brandon Miller (+1300).
I think Henderson is a star from Day 1 whether or not he’s playing alongside Damian Lillard.
“A chance to be a transcendent player in this league,” Blazers general manager Joe Cronin said of Henderson.
Agreed.
I also believe there’s great value with Miller (+1300) who also projects as an Opening Night starter and an immediate stud for the Hornets.
Some believe Miller’s upside is so high that he could be the next Paul George. At worst, maybe the next Danny Granger.
In any case, Miller is gonna love playing with LaMelo Ball (the ROY in 2021) and Miller will get plenty of minutes and open looks.
I like those two over both Wembanyama and Holmgren.
Moving on to the NFL, which kicks off its season on Sept. 7 in Kansas City (Chiefs vs. Lions).
Pouring over the prop bets, I found one that made my jaw drop.
NFC East Winner 2023-24
Philadelphia Eagles -105
Dallas Cowboys +175
New York Giants +750
Washington Commanders +1000
Here’s what I wrote back in April:
“I’m telling you right now the Eagles are winning this thing next year.
They had an A-grade first-round draft, adding two Georgia defensive studs in controversial tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith.”
And now you’re telling me I can get the Eagles at almost even money just to win the damn division?
Pssh! Sold!
Money that comes in on the Cowboys is often just perception wagers. America’s Team and all that rah-rah B.S.
The Eagles have the easier schedule in 2023-24, they’ve improved more and they’re simply better.
Well, maybe by just a game or two, but this one does look like a no-brainer.
I’d put a big chunk of change on Philly in the East.
The two teams that I’m most bullish on to win their divisions are the Eagles and the Bengals.
AFC North Winner 2023-2023
Cincinnati Bengals +130
Baltimore Ravens +250
Cleveland Browns +390
Pittsburgh Steelers +470
The Bengals also got better this offseason and Joe Burrow is as stubborn as a mule and as competitive as it gets for an NFL QB.
He’ll eventually lead Cincy past both Kansas City and Buffalo in the AFC this next postseason – watch – and even if that doesn’t happen, you’re still looking at an easy division winner (at better than even-money odds!) over the Ravens.
Book all of these now and enjoy your weekend.
