Time for more Gamble Ramble, our weekly exploits in the futile effort that is trying to bet Las Vegas Raiders games. As the Raiders head to Denver this week to take on the Broncos, let’s see what betting opportunities we can find. All lines come via Draft Kings as of Saturday morning.
Smartest Bet: Raiders Moneyline (+120)
At this point, the smartest bet is not betting on anything in any Raiders game at all. If you are truly a degenerate and do feel the need to put money on this game, lay it on the Raiders. This may seem irresponsible, but it is the right move. The Raiders have dropped their last three games despite being favorites in all of them. Now, they’re a three-point underdog against the Broncos. Every time we think we know something in this league, we get proven wrong.
The fact that Denver is only laying three at home against a bad team should tell you all that you need to know. This is essentially a toss-up. In situations like that, go with the team that provides better value. Take the Raiders to eke one out at Mile High Stadium.
Safest Bet: Josh Jacobs to Score a Touchdown (+110)
I don’t know why this pick has plus odds. The first time these teams met this year, Jacobs had two touchdowns. The Raiders cannot trust their defense at all at this point, and the way that their passing offense has struggled to finish games, they have no choice but to grind this one out on the ground. Expect a heavy dose of Jacobs in this one. He should find his way across the goal line at least once.
Best Risky Bet: Josh Jacobs to Score the First Touchdown of the Game (+600)
We might as well double down on Jacobs in this one. He is more than likely going to score at least once in this game. There will probably only be four or maybe five touchdowns scored in the entire game. Probability gives you at least a 20 percent chance of this bet hitting. At +600, you could do a lot worse than this.
*Top Photo: The Herald Bulletin