With the return of National Football League action, this week’s sporting calendar is absolutely jam-packed with exciting contests. Choosing the best of them was a challenge, but we managed to narrow it down to these five.
Top 5 most exciting games to bet on this week:
Best NFL Betting
1. Monday Night Football – Philadelphia Eagles (+3.5) at Washington Redskins (-3.5)
The league’s most electrifying player goes up against what could be the league’s most exciting offense to kick off another year of Monday Night Football as Robert Griffin III’s Washington Redskins take on Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Mike Shanahan declared last year’s breakout star and Rookie of the Year as the starter for Week 1. The Redskins are currently -3.5 point favorites at home. Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 home games. But after coming off major knee surgery, just how effective will RGIII be?
Griffin will need to be on his game if Chip Kelly’s offense is as advertised. The former Oregon head coach Kelly brings his fast-paced, high-octane offense to a team that already boasts weapons such as Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson. Philadelphia is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road against Washington, a trend which could continue if the Kelly offense clicks.
2. Green Bay Packers (+4.5) at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)
Two of the teams to beat in the NFC face off on opening week when the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers meet once again. The two teams also met in Week 1 and in the divisional playoffs last season, with the Niners trumping the Packers both times.
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at Candlestick Park, and is a -4.5 point home favorite to make it three in a row against Green Bay.
Colin Kaepernick was instrumental in their playoff victory, as he set the quarterback playoff record for most rushing yards with 181. He will once again spearhead the 49ers’ read-option attack, with Frank Gore and LaMichael James acting as additional threats on the ground.
As for the Packers, the defense must contain Kaepernick and the read-option better or risk getting embarrassed by the Niners QB again. Despite its playoff loss, Green Bay is still 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Francisco.
Best NCAA Football Betting
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+3.5) at Michigan Wolverines (-3.5)
One of the most storied college football rivalries in history heats up as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Michigan Wolverines. The fires were stoked well before the game by Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly, who questioned the magnitude of the Fighting Irish-Wolverines rivalry. He has since reversed the statement.
Notre Dame won last season’s meeting 13-6 in South Bend. However, the Irish are +3.5 road underdogs for their upcoming meeting in Ann Arbor, where Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 home games. Notre Dame is also 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road, so something has to give.
Both teams are coming off strong opening week victories. The 14th-ranked Fighting Irish cruised to a 28-6 winner over Temple, while No. 17 Michigan demolished Central Michigan, 59-9.
Best Tennis Betting
4. 2013 US Open Tennis
The 2013 US Open is set to conclude this weekend as the last men and women standing battle it out for the final Grand Slam title of the year. Both No. 1 seeds, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, are still in contention and are firmly placed as favorites to win the title. However, some of the remaining higher seeds could cause an upset.
On the men’s side, Djokovic may have to contend with reigning US Open champion Andy Murray, who defeated the No. 1 seed in last year’s final. No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal and No. 5 Tomas Berdych could still spring a surprise upset.
On the women’s side, No. 2 seed Victoria Azarenka is in a collision course with Williams, to whom she lost in last year’s final. No. 5 seed Li Na will provide the stiffest test for either of the top two seeds.
Best MLB Betting
5. New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees resume their fierce rivalry with a four-game series this week. With the MLB’s regular season in its final weeks, both teams still have a lot to play for.
The AL-East leading Red Sox are hoping to secure the division and the top overall seed in the American League as quickly as possible in order to turn their attention to the postseason. A series win over the Yankees will go a long way in cementing their first AL East title in six years.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are still hoping to make the playoffs via the one-game Wild Card play-in game. They are battling division rivals Tampa Bay and Baltimore for the final slot.
With so much in store for the entire week, there’s no reason to miss out on all the great action. Visit the Top Bet sportsbook and place your bets now.
