Best Bets for Thursday Night Football: Saints vs. Broncos, College Football, and NHL Picks
By BestGamblingWebsites.net - Oct 17th, 2024
Thursday Night Football: Saints vs. Broncos
One of the biggest draws of tonight’s action is the NFL matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Denver Broncos. While Thursday Night Football can sometimes provide thrilling contests, this one presents a challenge for bettors. Both teams have been struggling, and it’s tough to feel confident about either side.
Let’s break down the matchup.
Saints’ Struggles
The Saints enter this game banged up. They’re missing some key offensive players, including wide receiver Chris Olave and two other wideouts. This leaves their offense in a precarious position. They’ll be relying on their rookie quarterback, who hasn’t performed poorly but hasn’t exactly lit up the field either. With these offensive limitations, it’s hard to see where the Saints will find consistent production.
On the defensive side, the Saints have been lackluster. They’ve struggled to stop opposing offenses, which could create opportunities for the Broncos, despite Denver's own offensive struggles. Their defense has been their saving grace, but they’ll need more than that to secure a win tonight.
Broncos’ Offense Woes
The Broncos are dealing with their own set of issues. Their defense has been solid, but their offense is among the worst in the league. Scoring points has been a challenge all season long. They might find some success against a shaky Saints defense, but it’s tough to predict how much they’ll capitalize on that weakness.
The total line for this game is set at 37.5, a low number that reflects both teams' inability to score. The line for the game is sitting at Saints -3, but even that isn’t particularly appealing for many bettors. The unpredictability of this matchup makes it difficult to confidently pick a side or play the over/under.
Player Prop Picks for Saints vs. Broncos
Given the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the game, it’s a good night to look at player props rather than betting the spread or total. Two props stand out:
Alvin Kamara Anytime Touchdown (+100): Kamara is a bright spot in the Saints’ offense. With so many injuries at wide receiver, Kamara will likely be the focal point of their offensive attack. Betting on him to score an anytime touchdown is a solid play, especially at even money. He’s their most reliable option, and it’s hard to see the Saints scoring without him being involved.
Bo Nix Anytime Touchdown (+200): Bo Nix, while not a superstar passer, has shown mobility in the red zone. He’s been able to run the ball effectively in scoring situations, making this a great value pick at +200. With the Broncos' defensive strength and the Saints' weaknesses, there’s a good chance Nix will look to use his legs to get into the end zone.
NHL Betting Success: Starting the Season Strong
In addition to the NFL, the NHL has been a hotbed of early-season action. Starting off the year strong, the current season has already presented some fantastic betting opportunities. Last night’s results continue a winning streak that’s seen bettors cash in on smart plays.
Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh: Over Hits with Ease
One of the successful bets from last night’s NHL action was the over on the Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh game. The over hit comfortably as both teams combined for a high-scoring affair. Bettors who jumped on the over at 6.5 or 7 were rewarded as the game saw plenty of goals, providing a great start to the week.
Betting Against Korpisalo
One key strategy for this NHL season is to bet the over whenever Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo is in the net. Korpisalo has struggled mightily in his appearances, allowing goals at an alarming rate. The team knows he’s not stopping enough pucks, and that’s reflected in the higher-scoring games when he starts. Last night was no different, as goals came easy against him. Moving forward, this trend is one to keep an eye on.
Whenever Korpisalo is in the crease for Boston, betting the over is an excellent play. His struggles show no signs of letting up, and oddsmakers will likely adjust the total lines upwards soon.
College Football: Virginia Tech vs. Boston College
While Thursday Night Football grabs the headlines, college football bettors have a fantastic matchup to look forward to: Virginia Tech hosting Boston College. For those who enjoy wagering on college sports, this is shaping up to be a far more exciting game than Saints vs. Broncos.
Virginia Tech enters the game as a 7-point favorite, and this line has been creeping upwards. Many experts are confident in the Hokies’ ability to cover this spread, thanks to several key factors.
Extended Rest for Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has had an extended break, having last played on October 5th. Teams coming off a long rest tend to perform well, and under head coach Brent Pry, Virginia Tech is 4-1 straight up and 4-1 against the spread after extended rest. The Hokies are rested, prepared, and facing a Boston College team that has shown vulnerabilities.
Boston College has struggled in recent weeks, and though they had a valiant effort against Florida State, they were exposed in several areas. Virginia Tech’s solid defense and rejuvenated offense should be enough to cover the spread. The Hokies have the potential to not only win but win comfortably at home.
NHL Pick of the Night: Dallas Stars Moneyline
Switching back to the NHL, another solid play for tonight is the Dallas Stars moneyline against the Washington Capitals. The Stars have started the season 4-0 and look like one of the strongest teams in the league. With a deep roster and great goaltending, they’ve been winning games convincingly.
The Capitals, on the other hand, have been inconsistent. Though they did notch a win over the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week, they haven’t shown the same consistency or strength that Dallas has.
Dallas has dominated early in the season, and with a strong defensive core and potent offense, they’re likely to continue that trend tonight. Whether it’s Jake Oettinger or Casey DeSmith in net, the Stars are well-positioned to secure another victory. Betting the Stars’ moneyline at -142 offers solid value given their form and consistency.
Tonight's Betting Card
Here’s a quick rundown of the best bets for tonight across the NFL, college football, and NHL:
Alvin Kamara Anytime Touchdown (+100): Kamara is the most reliable option in the Saints’ offense. With so many injuries, expect him to find the end zone.
Bo Nix Anytime Touchdown (+200): Nix’s mobility in the red zone makes this a strong value play.
Virginia Tech -7 vs. Boston College: Virginia Tech is rested and ready to take on a struggling Boston College team. The Hokies are likely to cover the spread at home.
Dallas Stars Moneyline (-142): The Stars are off to a hot start and should continue their winning ways against an inconsistent Capitals team.
These four plays provide a solid mix of NFL, college football, and NHL action, offering something for every sports fan. Keep an eye on the player props for Saints vs. Broncos, as those might provide the best value in what’s shaping up to be a tough game to call.
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