This article is part of our Soccer Picks series.
Welcome to the first addition of our weekly MLS betting picks from our two resident MLS experts, JD Bazzo and Schuyler Redpath. Having dominated season-long and daily fantasy Major League Soccer over the past few years, we've now tasked JD and Schuyler with using their extensive knowledge to help those geographically able to place bets on the United States' top soccer league.
While betting on every game each week isn't advised, JD and Schuyler will still make a moneyline pick for each game, as well as whether the game will have over or under 2.5 goals. We'll also track them each week based on how many picks they get correctly and their ROI, assuming each bet size for each game is the same (again, this is only for tracking purposes, as they are more confident in some games than others). The reason we'll track both is because one person may think a -500 favorite will win but also believe the +350 underdog to win is a better bet.
JD and Schuyler will also include their best bets each week to give you a better idea of which situations they really prefer.
And finally, we're including odds from both FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of publication to show which one may have better odds for the same bet. If you like one bet at +110 but the other site has it at +120, bet on the latter site. It's also important to add that odds can change at any time, so what you see below may not be available at a later time.
If you have any suggestions or questions, please leave a comment below.
| Matchup | Redpath Picks | Bazzo Picks | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML | O/U 2.5 | ML | O/U 2.5 | H | D | A | O 2.5 | U 2.5 | H | D | A | O 2.5 | U 2.5 | |
| DCU v. COL | Draw | Over | Draw | Under | -110 | +260 | +240 | -170 | +138 | -107 | +270 | +260 | -180 | +140 |
| MTL v. NER | NER | Over | NER | Over | +100 | +240 | +230 | -142 | +116 | +110 | +250 | +235 | -141 | +112 |
| HOU v. LAG | Draw | Over | Draw | Under | +135 | +250 | +160 | -182 | +148 | +143 | +260 | +170 | -180 | +140 |
| SJ v. TOR | SJ | Over | SJ | Under | -105 | +260 | +230 | -170 | +140 | +102 | +260 | +245 | -177 | +138 |
| DAL v. PHI | Draw | Under | Draw | Under | -115 | +260 | +260 | -142 | +116 | -109 | +260 | +280 | -141 | +112 |
| ORL v. RSL | ORL | Under | ORL | Under | -110 | +250 | +250 | -142 | +116 | -106 | +260 | +270 | -148 | +116 |
| NSH v. ATL | ATL | Under | ATL | Under | +200 | +250 | +110 | -146 | +120 | +215 | +260 | +113 | -148 | +116 |
| VAN v. SKC | VAN | Under | VAN | Under | +210 | +240 | +110 | -146 | +120 | +230 | +240 | +113 | -159 | +125 |
| CLB v. NYC | Draw | Under | CLB | Over | +120 | +230 | +195 | -128 | +106 | +120 | +245 | +215 | -134 | +105 |
| NYRB v. FCC | NYRB | Over | Draw | Under | -420 | +460 | +850 | -205 | +166 | -385 | +450 | +900 | -215 | +165 |
| SEA v. CHI | SEA | Under | CHI | Over | -110 | +250 | +250 | -150 | +124 | +100 | +245 | +265 | -159 | +125 |
| LAFC v. MIA | LAFC | Over | LAFC | Over | -280 | +400 | +500 | -290 | +225 | -250 | +400 | +575 | -278 | +210 |
| POR v. MIN | Draw | Over | Draw | Over | -125 | +260 | +280 | -164 | +134 | -112 | +260 | +280 | -167 | +133 |
Unanimous Bets
DCU v. COL draw, NER to win and over, HOU v. LA draw, SJ to win, DAL v. PHI draw and under, ORL to win and under, ATL to win and under, VAN to win and under, LAFC to win and over, POR v. MIN draw and over
Bazzo Best Bets
New England Revolution to win (+230 FD, +235 DK): Win or lose, their recent CONCACAF Champions League match will drain Montreal's energy before the season opener. The first leg showed both fitness and tactical concerns, and they're already down their best center back for 4-6 weeks.
Columbus Crew to win (+120 FD, +120 DK): Columbus should be very strong in all phases of the game this year. Against a less-rested and defensively lax NYC FC, I expect Columbus to open the year with a statement win.
Atlanta United to win (+110 FD, +113 DK): With their next CCL match over a week away, I don't expect Atlanta to rest the starters. Despite missing a few key pieces, including Miles Robinson and Mattheus Rosetto, Atlanta shouldn't have much trouble spoiling Nashville's debut.
New England to win at least one half (+108 DK): See above
Real Salt Lake to score under 0.5 goals (+225 DK): Salt Lake had a dreadful preseason and will be missing some key starters. Oscar Pareja teams rarely defend poorly, and without Nani and Dom Dwyer, the defensive end will be a major focus. If you think Orlando score, there are even better odds for a home win to nil.
Pity Martinez first goal (+700 DK): Pity appears focused and is a dark horse pick for MVP this year. His connection with Josef Martinez in the Atlanta attack already appears lethal heading into 2020.
Redpath Best Bets
Atlanta United to win (+113 DK): Nissan Stadium should be electric for Nashville SC's MLS debut, but Atlanta have shown they're already firing on all cylinders with a 3-0 CCL romp on Tuesday. Their talent and experience should trump the expansion side once the early adrenaline wears off.
Orlando City to win (-106 DK): New head coach Oscar Pareja gives Orlando City something to be excited about heading into their season opener. I fully expect the Lions to compete for a playoff spot, and three points in their home opener would certainly help set the tone.
LAFC v. MIA over 2.5 goals (-278 DK): LAFC led MLS in goals scored last season, and they kick the 2020 season off by hosting league newcomers Inter Miami. There's a real possibility that Carlos Vela could cover this total himself. It's a lot of juice, but it could be a nice addition to a parlay.
New England Revolution +1 at Montreal Impact (-130 FD): The Revs open 2020 against a Montreal Impact side that has put a lot of effort into two CCL games over the last 10 days. While they could be without key attacking cog Carles Gil for the opener, they have a revamped attack and I like their chances to come away from Canada with at least a draw.
Vancouver Whitecaps +1 v. Sporting KC (-145 FD): Vancouver are projected to be one of the worst teams in MLS this season, but with record-signing Lucas Cavallini fresh off a four-goal preseason, I expect them to put up a fight in their home opener.
