The Impact of Mahomes’ Slide on Bettors’ Wallets
Posted on: October 2, 2023, 02:40h.
Last updated on: October 2, 2023, 02:40h.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ decision to slide instead of scoring a touchdown in the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the New York Jets had a significant impact on sports bettors. While the Chiefs secured a 23-20 victory, they failed to cover the point spread, resulting in millions of dollars lost in wagers during Sunday Night Football.
The Chiefs’ decision to slide instead of scoring the touchdown caused them to fall short of covering the point spread. With quarterback Mahomes choosing to secure the victory by running out the clock, rather than ensuring a bigger point differential, bettors who backed the Chiefs were left empty-handed.
Adding more excitement to the game was the presence of pop star Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift’s appearance for the second consecutive week attracted a broader audience, including her fans known as Swifties. This celebrity involvement has been speculated to boost the sports betting industry.
Mahomes’ Slide and the Costly Outcome
Mahomes’ decision to slide instead of scoring the touchdown was a strategically sound move for the team but resulted in a costly outcome for bettors. The Chiefs were leading by three points in the fourth quarter, and a touchdown would have helped them cover the point spread. However, by opting to slide, Mahomes secured the victory, regardless of its impact on the gambling outcomes.
In this particular instance, millions of dollars were at stake as the majority of the public had placed bets on the Chiefs to cover the point spread, as well as on parlays and teasers.
The Impact on Sunday Night Football Bettors
Sunday Night Football games often provide bettors with an opportunity to either recover their losses or increase their winnings. This week’s game between the Jets and the Chiefs received even more attention due to Swift’s involvement. The NBC broadcast resembled Super Bowl coverage, attracting a larger audience of Swifties eager to watch Taylor’s boyfriend play.
As for the betting action, numerous sportsbooks heavily favored the Chiefs, with several reporting that a significant portion of point-spread bets were placed on Kansas City. This one-sided betting pattern resulted in a substantial swing in favor of the books.
According to multiple reports, an estimated $80 million was wagered on the Chiefs-Jets game on Sunday night. Mahomes’ decision to slide before scoring the touchdown that would have covered the spread caused a significant shift in betting outcomes, benefiting the sportsbooks.
Futures Market: Chiefs and Jets’ Odds
Through the first four games of the season, both the Chiefs and the Jets hold a 2-2 record against the point spread. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams lead the way as the top betting team with a 3-0-1 record against the spread.
While the Chiefs are considered the favorites to win Super Bowl LVII, sharing +550 odds with the San Francisco 49ers, the Jets sit at the bottom of the futures board with slim +7000 odds. The Chiefs are also heavily favored to win the AFC West division, while the Jets face long odds in their quest to win the AFC East.
As the NFL season progresses, bettors will continue to closely monitor the Chiefs and Jets, not only because of their on-field performances but also due to the potentially significant impact their games can have on the betting market.