Las Vegas Raiders Underdogs Heading Into Monday Night Football

After triumphing over the Carolina Panthers 34-30 in their first season game last week, the Las Vegas Raiders stand at 1-0. This upcoming Monday, they will be playing their first home game in Sin City.

As the weekend approaches, Circa Sports has the Raiders as 5.5-point underdogs against the visiting New Orleans Saints.

Although fans will not have the opportunity to attend, this will mark the first football game that will occur at the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium.

Week 1: Las Vegas Raiders 34 – Carolina Panthers 30

Last Sunday, the Raiders celebrated their first victory as representatives of Las Vegas. The game was a thrilling tug-of-war with eight lead changes between the two teams. Despite the Panthers scoring 15 points in the final quarter, the Raiders managed to maintain a lead exceeding the 3-point spread.

Josh Jacobs, a second-year running back, topped the team’s rushing chart with 93 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, quarterback Derek Carr supplemented Jacobs’ performance by throwing for 239 yards and a touchdown.

Late in the game, the Panthers had an opportunity to take the lead. With just over a minute left in the game, they advanced into Raiders territory. However, the Raiders halted fullback Alex Armah on a crucial fourth down, ensuring their victory.

Although the Raiders emerged victorious from the game, the news was not entirely positive. Rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III sustained an injury in the second quarter.

He came back to the game despite his injury and did not participate in the team’s practice on Thursday or Friday.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Saints preview

Despite the absence of Saints’ star wide receiver Michael Thomas, Circa Sports lists Las Vegas as a +5.5 underdog. The game’s total is set at 49.5.

The injury of Thomas isn’t influencing the point spread for this game. In May, the Saints started as a 5-point favorite over the Raiders.

After their comfortable 34-23 victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home, the Saints are headed to Las Vegas. An examination of power rankings from The Lines reveals a notable gap between the teams, with the Saints ranked third and the Raiders lagging far behind at No. 22.

The Raiders aim to once again set up the running game with Josh Jacobs. Jacobs had 93 rushing yards against the Panthers, besides four catches and nearly 150 yards in total from the line of scrimmage.

The Raiders will have to defend against quarterback Drew Brees and running backs Alvin Kamara and former Raider Latavius Murray. Interestingly, in the first game of the season, Murray, the ex-Raiders running back, had more carries than Kamara.

Raiders futures moving

The futures odds for the Raiders have shifted following their first game win. Their Super Bowl odds at Circa Sports have changed from 40-1 to 35-1.

Here are some additional favorable odds shifts for the Raiders as they approach their second game of the season.

• The odds of the Raiders winning the Super Bowl are between -7200 and -6500.
• The odds for the Raiders to win the AFC have been updated from 18.5-1 to 17-1.
• The odds for the Raiders to win the AFC West have been adjusted from 12.5-1 to 10.5-1.

Josh Jacobs, with odds of 35-1, now has a greater chance of winning the NFL MVP award than Derek Carr, who stands at 60-1. There are also shifts in the odds for the NFL Coach of the Year award.

This week, the odds of head coach Jon Gruden winning the award shifted from 30-1 to 20-1.

While the Raiders might not be dominating the league, their chances have seen a small boost after their first victory. If they manage to beat the Saints on Monday Night Football, anticipate a further rise in their odds.

BetMGM becomes first official sports betting partner of Raiders

Mandalay Bay and Luxor, both operated by MGM Resorts, are the closest Las Vegas casinos to Allegiant Stadium, the home ground for the Raiders. These casinos are conveniently located within walking distance to the stadium.

The company has just declared a partnership deal that positions their sports betting app, BetMGM, as the Las Vegas Raiders’ first official sports betting partner.

Marc Badain, President of the Raiders, stated,

“We’re delighted to include BetMGM in the MGM Resorts partnership portfolio. The introduction of BetMGM will offer enhanced engagement opportunities for Raiders fans and Allegiant Stadium visitors.”

MGM Resorts not only became a founding partner for the stadium earlier this year but also secured a deal to become the official gaming partner of the Raiders.

The two agreements collectively bring the Raiders closer to MGM Resorts. Although these are primarily marketing deals, they will produce a tangible item that some Raiders fans can appreciate.

When Allegiant Stadium opens its doors to the public, it will include an exclusive MGM Club. This club will provide Raiders fans with a superior game viewing experience, complete with a fully-stocked premium bar, a luxurious lounge, and enhanced stadium seating.

Watching the Raiders on Monday Night Football

The upcoming football game marks the inaugural match at Allegiant Stadium. The team is eager to play their first game at the venue, known as the “Death Star”. Regardless of your opinion on the moniker, it arguably beats having the stadium likened to a Roomba.

This game, like all Monday Night Football games, will also be a special event on TV. It is scheduled to air on ESPN on Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:15 p.m. PT.

ABC will broadcast a simulcast of the game, marking the first time since 2005 that Monday Night Football will air on the network.

The game will have an alternate feed on ESPN2, hosted by Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit. This won’t follow the traditional format of a football game broadcast.

Throughout the night, appearances will be made by current and former Raiders players, famous Raiders fans, celebrities, and musicians.

Despite the absence of fans, a significant halftime performance will still be included in the game. The Killers, hailing from Las Vegas, will perform a pre-recorded section from Caesars Palace as part of the Las Vegas celebration. It is likely not by chance that the Killers also had a hand in inaugurating T-Mobile Arena, the most recent major entertainment venue in Las Vegas.

Fans of the Raiders can even order food from Allegiant Stadium to recreate some of the game day atmosphere at home.