Although our NJ Betting expert did lose a little bonus pick, we compiled a 3-1 record with our best bets the of week last week. That now puts us on a little 6-1 run over the last 14 days. Before we start sounding like a tout that’s trying to sell you picks, let’s set up this week’s selections, featuring UFC 241.
Bets Of The Week – Featuring UFC 241
For this week, we’ve focused solely on the UFC 241 mega event that’s upcoming on Saturday. The main event will feature Heavyweight Daniel Cormier, putting his title on the line in a rematch with Stipe Miocic, and Stockton’s own Nate Diaz takes on Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis for the co-main event.
Daniel Cormier vs Stipe Miocic
- Odds: Cormier -143, Miocic +115 at PointsBet
- Date: Saturday, August 17th
Cormier and Miocic were the headline act at UFC 226 when Cormier stunned Miocic with a first-round knockout. Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler, is better known for his ground game as only 10 of his 22 wins have come via knockout, so that was a bit of a surprise.
Only one of his previous eight fights had ended with a knockout win. As for Miocic, he hadn’t been knocked out since 2012 – the only time that had ever happened – so that’s what makes last July’s result so surprising.
So what’s in store for the rematch?
Miocic had been on fire prior to that loss as he had won six straight fights – including four of which were via first-round knockouts.
I’m not expecting another knockout from Cormier but he’s confident in this matchup. He wasn’t scared of Miocic’s knockout power in the first meeting and he won’t be this time.
Cormier should also have a huge edge if he can get Miocic down to the ground and drag this fight out. He’s used to long bouts; Miocic is used to being in a lot of quick knockouts.
Our Pick: Daniel Cormier -150
Anthony Pettis vs Nate Diaz
- Odds: Pettis -134, Diaz +110 at DraftKings
- Date: Saturday, August 17th
Fight fans are excited about the return of Nate Diaz, who hasn’t been in the Octagon since his majority decision loss to Conor McGregor back in 2016. He’s an entertaining, in-your-face fighter who is going to bring the action to this party.
What should make this bout even more electrifying is the fact that Anthony Pettis is a fighter who also likes to engage. These two won’t be tap-dancing around the edges.
Rust could be a factor, but most people know that Diaz is born to fight and is still just 34 years old. He’s always had impressive cardio, so it’s hard to imagine him returning and not being prepared.
Pettis sets up as a tough-but-beatable opponent in his return. Pettis has won one, lost one for eight straight fights and while he’s coming off a win, he’s just 4-6 in his last 10 overall.
Diaz tends to be a straightline kind of guy, moving forward and using his long reach advantage to box. He’s got strong jiu-jitsu if things go down to the mat. Pettis will try to neutralize with kicks and wrestling, making this a true tossup.
That being the case, I’ll take the dog as Diaz has a great shot to pull this out at UFC 241.
Our Pick: Nate Diaz +110
Yoel Romero vs Paulo Costa
- Odds: Romero -152, Costa +126 at Fanduel Sportsbook
- Date: UFC 241 – Saturday, August 17th
Fourth time’s a charm at UFC 241?
This is the fourth time the UFC has tried to set up this fight in the last year and now it’s finally upon us. Yoel Romero enters as a sizable favorite but he’s lost two of his last three bouts, both times to Robert Whittaker.
On the flip side, Paul Costa is a perfect 12-0 in his career but he hasn’t really fought anyone just yet.
Romero’s losses shouldn’t weight on your mind too much as both were by narrow decisions. The Cuban native is a very patient, balanced fighter that is a big step up from what Costa has seen.
Costa is a very aggressive fighter and while that may have worked against lesser opponents, he better be more careful here. He’s absorbed 5.79 strikes per minute. If that number continues on Saturday, he’ll be going to sleep early.
Our Pick: Yoel Romero -152
Other Things To Watch This Week
New York Mets at Atlanta Braves – A couple of weeks ago, nobody would have cared about this series. However, the Mets have won 15 if 17 to climb within one win of a Wild Card spot. The Mets will try to keep their momentum rolling as they face the Braves, who lead the National League East. The Mets are just 4-6 against the Braves so far this season.
Chicago Bears at New York Giants – The Giants looked strong in their preseason opener as Daniel Jones went 5-for-5 for 67 yards and a touchdown in his lone series. Both he and Eli Manning will probably see a bit more work this week. The four quarterbacks who played last week compiled 374 passing yards but we’ll get a better idea if that was just a one-week show or if this passing game is better than expected. NJ sports betting online sites should have a field day with this one.
Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars – The Eagles will see a familiar face on the opposing sidelines when they visit Nick Foles and the Jaguars this week. The game takes on extra meaning for the Eagles as not only did they lose Foles in free agency, they lost backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld to a broken wrist in Week 1 of the preseason. They need to figure out who’ll be their backup with Sudfeld out. DraftKings might even have a few NJ sports betting bonuses up their sleeve for this matchup.
See you same time next week when we start off the week with our Best Bets Of The Week!