*By Michael Teich*
Sports gamblers are betting that rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is the real deal.
The public seems to be getting behind the Jets during the second week of the NFL season after the New York team trampled the Detroit Lions 48-17 as a 7-point underdog in week one, said The Action Network's senior editor Chris Raybon.
The surprising performance is causing sportsbooks to swing the line to Jets -3 against the Miami Dolphins after initially predicting the game would be a toss-up, adjusting for the betting market's shifting sentiment towards the Jets.
“That’s a situation you sometimes want to be wary of. But I actually think this is legit," Raybon said. "I would expect the Jets to take care of business at home.”
While Raybon is high on the Jets, he sees the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles as the safest pick of the week.
“I love the Eagles. They’re actually my favorite pick this week," Raybon said. "They’re a three-point favorite against Tampa Bay, but Tampa Bay’s defense was really bad as well last week ー 32nd, dead last, in success rate versus both the run and the pass. Eagles with 10 days to prepare will be all over that."
The NFL season is well-underway and is already causing a spike in betting.
During Sunday’s season-opening games, DraftKings' sportsbook accepted more than 100,000 bets.
DraftKings, known for its daily fantasy sports games, launched its online sportsbook in New Jersey on August 1, and has already processed over [1 million wagers](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gambling-nfl/nfl-season-kicks-off-sports-betting-surge-for-draftkings-idUSKCN1LS33F?feedType=RSS&feedName=newsOne).
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/best-bets-for-nfl-week-2).
U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Famer and former Olympian Nancy Kerrigan spoke to Cheddar News about joining Ice Dreams, a national skating tour that connects legends of the sport with its next generation. Kerrigan spoke of the lessons she learned from the sport and how grateful she is for the opportunity to give something back. “I mean skating has taught me some of the greatest things in in my life," she said. "You know, you fall down, things get hard, but you get back up and you keep on trying. And if you're performing and doing something you love, I think you would actually do even better.”
Stephen Smith, Founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he explains how his company's intelligence platform is engineering change in how athletes and sports teams prepare for games.
Sportswear giant Adidas is giving student-athletes the opportunity to become partners as affiliate brand ambassadors to help grow their networks as professional athletes. Attorney Darren Heitner, the founder of Heitner Legal, joined Cheddar News to talk about the legalities of the process. "It is absolutely a game-changer because we see a major brand make a big splash, nine months into name image and likeness rights for college athletes," he said. "While it is a paid brand affiliate type of partnership, it will open the door for 50,000-plus athletes across the country to start making some money, even if it's just through other people clicking their links and making purchases."
State and county taxpayers will be asked to commit a record $850 million in public funds toward construction of the Buffalo Bills’ new stadium as part of a 30-year lease agreement.
Saint Peter's University - a small school in New Jersey school - has skyrocketed to the center of the sports world in a 'Cinderella' story for the record books. The ultimate underdog of the men's March Madness tournament is just the third 15-seed to reach the Sweet 16, after beating Murray State and college basketball powerhouse Kentucky. Throughout the university's historic run, Saint Pete's has reportedly been earning what amounts to millions of dollars in publicity. Amanda Christovich, reporter for Front Office Sports, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
ESPN College Gameday LaPhonso Ellis joins Cheddar Bets to break down the NCAA Tournament so far, and who will make noise all the way down to New Orleans.
Sponsored by BetMGM
BetMGM Host Olivia Harlan Dekker joins Cheddar Bets to talk about lessons learned from this year's NCAA Tournament and to share which teams have the best value going forward.
Sponsored by BetMGM
Emmanuel Acho joined Cheddar News to talk about his new book "Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits." The former NFL player, current broadcaster, and host is on a mission to help people see beyond the goals that they have set for themselves. “People say 'what is being illogical?'" he said. "To me, it's believing it is so even when it's not so — so that it can be so."
