Ask the Oddsmakers: Who are Sharps, Public Siding With on Wild Card Weekend
By Reed Wallach
NFL Super Wild Card Weekend is upon us and sports bettors are weighing in on who seems to be the right side.
We had the opportunity to speak with WynnBET Sportsbook's Junior Trader John Manica to see who is generating both sharp and public action ahead of the six Wild Card games.
“The most respected opinions have been on the Raiders +6 and the Eagles +9," Manica said. "We will certainly see quite a few money line parlays consisting of the Chiefs and Buccaneers from the public. It will also be a popular teaser combination.”
The Raiders have moved from +6 to +5.5 behind interesting action at WynnBET which features 60% of the spread bets on the Bengals but nearly 57% of the handle with the visiting Raiders.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have also moved a half-point behind respect bettors. Despite 63% of the bets on Tampa Bay, 59% of the handle is with the underdog Eagles.
Looking at the popular favorites, both Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady-led teams are generating popular public action as the two biggest favorites on the board.
Manica also weighed in on the Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals game on Monday night, highlighting the pressure on the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“There is a great deal of pressure on Matthew Stafford to perform well on Monday," Manica told BetSided.
"He is supposed to be the guy that brings glory to the Rams. It is really a no-win situation for him. If he loses, he will be cast as the failure some believe he is. If he wins, it is what was supposed to happen. I see the Cardinals with far less pressure on them, which may allow them to get off to a fast start. If Stafford and the Rams make an early mistake, it could make for an interesting game.”