DraftKings’ current sign-up offer gives new customers $200 in bonus bets after placing an initial $5 wager, with the bonus credited within 21 days. With a big NFL and college football weekend approaching, the SportsLine Projection Model and its panel of experts have already identified several plays they like.
Among Sunday’s NFL contests is an NFC East matchup between the Cowboys and Commanders; expert Mike McClure is leaning on Dallas to cover as 3.5-point favorites. College football analyst Tom Fornelli has also locked in his selection for Saturday’s LSU vs. Ole Miss game. For tonight’s MLB slate, the model favors the Under 9 total runs in the Astros vs. Royals game as one of its Wednesday best bets. New users can take advantage of the DraftKings promo to receive $200 in bonus bets after their first $5 wager.
The SportsLine Projection Model runs each MLB game through 10,000 simulations and, entering Week 26, has gone 28-23 on its top-rated money-line picks, a streak that would have returned nearly $800 for $100 bettors following those selections.
Wednesday’s best bets at DraftKings (odds subject to change)
– Royals vs. Astros: Under 9 total runs (-115)
– Ole Miss +3 vs. LSU (-110)
– Cowboys -3.5 vs. Commanders (-123) (Sunday)
A parlay combining those three plays would pay about +541 (risk $100 to win $541).
Why the picks
– Royals vs. Astros — Under 9 (-115): The Under has hit in eight of the Royals’ last nine games (8-0-1) and in four of Houston’s last five outings. Royals starter Daniel Lynch IV has allowed two runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, and Cristian Javier has yielded one run in each of his past two starts (1.64 ERA across those appearances). The model projects the Under to come through in roughly 56.3% of simulations.
– Ole Miss +3 vs. LSU (-110): Tom Fornelli points to the matchup’s most decisive factor being the quarterbacks. He argues Ole Miss’ signal-caller has repeatedly shown the ability to elevate his team, while LSU’s QB recently threw three interceptions against Louisiana Tech. Despite LSU’s stronger overall roster, Fornelli favors Ole Miss at home and expects the Rebels to cover the spread.
– Cowboys -3.5 vs. Commanders (-123): Mike McClure notes a noticeable split in Dallas’ performance between indoor home games and outdoor contests. He believes the controlled, indoor environment enhances Dallas’ passing and kicking strengths and expects an improved defensive effort in the home opener, which supports backing the Cowboys to cover.
Responsible gaming
DraftKings offers a Responsible Gaming Center on user profiles, featuring tools to limit deposit amounts (daily, weekly or monthly), set wagering and maximum-bet caps, and impose time limits. The site provides 24/7 live-chat support and lists state and national helplines for those who need extra assistance; anyone concerned about gambling can call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
Fan Take: This promo and the expert/model-driven picks matter because they make betting more accessible and can boost fan engagement around NFL games, especially on rivalry weekends. Increased wagering interest can grow viewership and revenue for the sport, but it also raises the importance of responsible-gaming measures and the need to monitor how gambling shapes fan behavior.
Source: www.cbssports.com
