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Whether you’re throwing your support behind Messi and Miami, riding a heater in the UFC, banking on a NASCAR road-course ace, or sweating a golf pick come Sunday afternoon, this week’s betting slate has a little something for everyone.
We’re talking about a soccer team that’s catching fire at the perfect time, a surging middleweight who’s been running through the competition, a NASCAR driver built for the twists and turns of Watkins Glen, and a rising name on the PGA Tour who’s been knocking on the door of another big finish.
Each of these bets brings a mix of value and intrigue. So whether you’re in it for the entertainment or chasing the edge, these are five events we’re watching closely. Let’s get into the matchups, the odds, and why these picks are worth a spot on your bet slip at the best legal sportsbooks.
NFL Preseason Week 1 — Four Quick Picks
Football is back, ladies and gentlemen! The NFL preseason is tricky to bet, but depth charts, coaching tendencies, and QB rotations can create edges.
Here are four matchups we like this week. Choose from any of our recommended NFL betting sites and place your bets ASAP!
Lions (-3.5) vs. Falcons
Detroit looked rough in the Hall of Fame Game, but Hendon Hooker’s start gives them a better shot at an offensive rhythm. Atlanta’s likely QB rotation without Penix or Cousins doesn’t inspire confidence. Expect Detroit to bounce back.
Chiefs (+105 ML) vs. Cardinals
Kansas City’s depth is a weapon, even in the preseason. Andy Reid has historically gotten good performances from backups, and the Cardinals’ unsettled QB situation makes the Chiefs a live underdog.
Raiders (-4.5) vs. Seahawks
Pete Carroll’s starters may play early, but Las Vegas still has the deeper roster in this matchup. Motivation is high for Carroll against his former team, but the Raiders’ second and third units should take over late.
Bears (-3) vs. Dolphins
Chicago may give Caleb Williams some live reps to adapt to Ben Johnson’s system, while Miami likely sits most starters. The Bears’ QB depth at home gives them the edge.
Inter Miami to Win MLS Cup
Odds: +225
Sportsbook: DraftKings
Why We Like It:
Inter Miami isn’t just a trendy bet — it’s a legitimate title contender with real firepower. Since Lionel Messi joined the club, their trajectory has changed dramatically. With Messi pulling strings, Luis Suárez burying chances, and Jordi Alba adding structure to the backline, this team plays with championship-level chemistry. Their attack is averaging over 2.5 goals per game during their current run, and their bench depth allows them to rotate without losing much firepower.
What makes this bet especially juicy is the blend of star power and form. They’re not squeaking out wins — they’re dominating. Miami has lost just once in its last nine across all competitions, scoring 30+ goals in the process. Plus, the playoff format favors experienced squads with elite-level talent. Messi has shown he can carry a team in crunch time, and this Miami team is built to run through the postseason.
+225 may not last long if their form continues. We love grabbing value now before it dips closer to even money by playoff time.
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Anthony Hernandez to Win at UFC Fight Night
Odds: -345
Sportsbook: FanDuel
Why We Like It:
Anthony Hernandez has been on an absolute tear. The middleweight contender enters UFC Fight Night on a five-fight win streak with a well-rounded game that’s improving every time out. His most recent wins include a dominant decision over Brendan Allen and a brutal KO of Michel Pereira. Hernandez brings elite cardio, underrated wrestling, and the kind of tenacity that wears down opponents.
This week, he’s matched up against Roman Dolidze — a solid fighter, but one who’s struggled with pressure and pace. Hernandez averages 6.27 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands nearly 70% of his significant strikes. Dolidze, by contrast, tends to slow down in later rounds and hasn’t faced the same level of aggression Hernandez brings.
While -345 is steep, it’s deserved. Hernandez has demonstrated his ability to win by knockout, submission, or decision. If you want a parlay anchor or feel confident enough to stake straight chalk, this is a fighter who looks every bit the part of a future title challenger.
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Kyle Larson Top 5 at Go Bowling at The Glen
Odds: +130
Sportsbook: BetMGM
Why We Like It:
Kyle Larson on a road course is just about as automatic as it gets in NASCAR. Watkins Glen has always been a Larson-friendly track — he’s a two-time winner here (2021 and 2022) and is one of the few drivers in the field who seems to thrive in technical layouts where braking and precision matter more than sheer speed.
Larson has six top-5 finishes already this season and has looked sharper in the second half of the campaign. His crew’s strategy has been spot on lately, and he’s coming off a strong run at Indianapolis, where he showed solid handling and control in similar conditions. The Hendrick Motorsports team always shows up at Watkins Glen, and Larson’s familiarity with the course gives him a major edge.
At +130, the value is substantial considering his track record and the relatively limited field of true contenders at road courses. A podium finish here wouldn’t be a surprise — it feels more like an expectation.
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Chris Gotterup Top 20 at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Odds: +115
Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook
Why We Like It:
Chris Gotterup is making noise at exactly the right time. After securing his first PGA TOUR win at the Genesis Scottish Open in July, the 25-year-old has rattled off top-25 finishes in four straight starts, including a T10 at the 3M Open and a T3 at The Open Championship. He’s currently playing with a confidence that’s translating to every part of his game — especially his approach play and putting.
At TPC Southwind, precision and short game control are key, and Gotterup’s recent form fits that mold. He ranks inside the top 20 in strokes gained: approach over the last two months and has improved his par-4 scoring on courses under 7,300 yards. Southwind plays to his strengths, and his iron play could give him plenty of birdie looks this week.
+115 feels generous for a golfer in this kind of form. He’s not just showing up — he’s contending. A top-20 at a familiar course in hot weather with soft greens? We’ll take that every time.
August 7 Weekly Betting Primer Wrap-Up
This week’s betting slate brings a mix of stars and sleepers. You’ve got Messi and company storming toward the MLS playoffs, a UFC brawler who just keeps leveling up, NASCAR’s best road warrior returning to one of his strongest tracks, and a young gun golfer looking to cement his status among the tour’s elite.
Whether you’re building a parlay, stacking straights, or just tailing one of these angles, each pick brings sharp value and real momentum.
As always, shop around for the best number and keep an eye on line movement — especially for Inter Miami, which could tighten if their streak continues.
