It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The most exciting betting event of the year is here: The Big Game. Also, one of the few occasions when you don’t have to feel guilty for ordering food delivery three times in a single sitting.
BetMGM has you covered with every available option for Sunday’s epic showdown: Straight bets, player props, One-Game Parlays and so much more.
As a refresher, The Showstopper is where BetMGM previews the must-see games of the weekend and breaks down all the angles that could swing your wagers.
Besides the epic clash in Tampa, we’ve got the Vegas Golden Knights finally on the ice again, and a primetime NBA contest packed with star power.
Let’s get to the action!
NFL
The Big Game: Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, February 7 | TV: CBS
In order for the Bucs to improve their chances of pulling off the upset, two things likely need to happen. First, Tampa Bay must put points on the board early (and often) to avoid falling behind. Second, the running game has to become a priority to help keep the time of possession in check. But containing the Chiefs’ high-powered offense? Yeah, probably not happening.
When the Chiefs narrowly beat the Bucs 27-24 earlier this season, Tyreek Hill absolutely decimated Tampa Bay’s defense, totaling 13 catches, 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. The wrench in the works for the rematch, though, is the Chiefs will be missing left tackle Eric Fisher due to injury. Kansas City’s reshuffled offensive line is good news for the Bucs’ fearsome pass rush and could make it harder for Patrick Mahomes to find him downfield. Travis Kelce, on the other hand, should be a frequent target if the edges of the pocket collapse.
Smaller, shiftier backs have found running room against the Chiefs, including Ronald Jones II, who averaged 7.3 yards per carry and a 37-yard receiving TD on Nov. 29. He might be the X-factor for a couple of big plays if the Bucs can keep him in the mix along with Leonard Fournette.
All in all, the Big Game is shaping up to be a blockbuster with plenty of interesting prop bets.
Some other Bucs tidbits worth noting:
- Bucs have been using two-TE sets more frequently as of late. Cameron Brate has received at least 5 targets in each of their playoff games. Expect that trend to continue here.
- Linebacker Lavonte David and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. have been practicing this week and are on track to play in spite of their injuries. Big plus for Tampa Bay.
- Antonio Brown missed the NFC Championship Game due to a knee injury, but he’s practicing in full now. Every extra weapon helps Tom Brady match Mahomes’ firepower, and you can bet he’ll look Brown’s way if Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are well-covered..
- The Chiefs will also likely get an offensive boost, as wideout Sammy Watkins returned to practice. Despite his multi-game absence, Watkins could be a real difference-maker with all the defensive focus on Hill and Kelce.
NHL
Los Angeles Kings @ Vegas Golden Knights
Friday, February 5 and Sunday, February 7
The Vegas Golden Knights (5-1-1) are back on the ice this weekend after having three straight games postponed due to the league’s COVID-19 protocol. Up next are two juicy matchups with the L.A. Kings (3-4-2), who are coming off a couple of low-scoring defeats to the Ducks and the Wild.
The Golden Knights are trying to improve their power play attack after it’s dropped significantly compared to last season. They’ll hope that goal-scoring leader Max Pacioretty, who collected a hat trick against the Blues on Jan. 26, remains hot despite the long layoff.
Recent injuries to Matt Roy and Sean Walker are a serious blow to the Kings’ defensive efforts, clearing a path for the Golden Knights to find their mojo on offense. And the Kings have ranked toward the bottom of the league in shots on goal, yet another reason why we could see the Golden Knights take full advantage of these back-to-back home games.
NBA
Brooklyn Nets @ Philadelphia 76ers
Saturday, February 6
Among the many surprises in the East this season, the biggest eye-opener has been the 76ers leading the conference, and MVP candidate Joel Embiid deserves a lot of the credit. Not only does he currently rank No. 1 in Player Efficiency Rating, Embiid expanded his long-distance shooting and is getting to the free-throw line at an incredible rate.
“The Process” will have his work cut out for him against the Nets, who have become the offensive powerhouse everyone predicted with James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant combining forces. One basketball? No problem for these guys.
What continues to be a problem for the Nets, however, is their defense. It stinks. They gave up a ridiculous 78 combined points to Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook in a recent loss, making Ben Simmons a sneaky pick to score more than usual. Keep a close eye on his pre-game status, though, since he sat out the 76ers’ last game due to calf tightness. Missing Simmons again would be a big blow.
When these two teams last met on Jan. 7, the Nets found a way to win without any stars (Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant both were out), so expect the Clippers to amp up the intensity this time around.
The Nets will be on the second game of a back-to-back – one night after playing the Raptors – which could play in the 76ers’ favor. Also of note: The 76ers possess the best home record in the NBA.