With the NFL season fast approaching, there is uncertainty regarding the availability of online betting apps in West Virginia by the time the games begin. Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating their launch, particularly in the football-loving Mountain State.
West Virginians, lacking a professional football team of their own, must seek alternative rooting interests for Monday Night Football. Although fans of all NFL teams can be found throughout the state, four teams emerge as clear favorites in West Virginia. For a comprehensive guide on betting on the NFL in West Virginia, please refer to our link here.
- West Virginia’s Comprehensive Guide to NFL Betting
Pittsburgh Steelers
In the previous season, the team achieved a record of 9 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie, securing the second position in the AFC North.
Players to watch:
- Ben Roethlisberger
- James Conner
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
Key additions:
- Devin Bush, a first-round draft pick, is a linebacker.
- CB Justin Layne, who was selected in the third round of the draft.
- Steven Nelson, a free agent cornerback.
In 2018, the Steelers experienced a rollercoaster of a season. Their journey began with a tie against the Browns, and their inconsistent performance in the early part of the season proved to be their downfall. Unfortunately, a defeat against the Saints in Week 16 sealed their fate and prevented them from making it to the playoffs. This marked only the fifth time since 2001 that the Steelers had missed out on the postseason.
Despite some setbacks, there were several positive moments worth mentioning. One notable highlight was a six-game winning streak during the season, although it was later interrupted by three consecutive losses. Additionally, the team celebrated a satisfying victory over the Patriots in December.
Fans will be left pondering whether the Steelers’ decline last season was a one-time occurrence or a sign of their fading prowess. Despite Ben Roethlisberger’s impressive feat of throwing for over 5,000 yards and 34 touchdowns, his performance was marred by 16 interceptions.
The defense had its challenges, ranking 16th in points allowed per game. In order to address this, Pittsburgh bolstered their defense through the draft by acquiring linebacker Devin Bush and cornerback Justin Layne.
In the offseason, the team made significant signings by bringing in cornerback Steven Nelson and safety Mark Barron. Nelson, who previously played for the Chiefs, had an outstanding season with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups, setting new career highs. Additionally, Barron’s arrival from the Rams adds further importance to the team’s defensive capabilities.
The turmoil in Pittsburgh undeniably contributed to their struggles, with Le’Veon Bell’s prolonged contract holdout casting a shadow over a significant portion of the season. Additionally, Antonio Brown’s late-season antics further added to the distractions within the team.
After their departure, the team is determined to make a strong comeback. James Conner, who impressively stepped in as the running back, recorded 973 yards and 12 touchdowns. Eager to amplify his achievements, he aims to further enhance his performance.
It is uncertain how JuJu Smith-Schuster will perform without Brown, but his impressive stats of 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns cannot be denied. The presence of Donte Moncrief, a former Colts wide receiver, could potentially offer another valuable option for Roethlisberger.
The upcoming season still holds uncertainty for the Steelers.
Betting perspective: In 2018, the team had a record of 8-7-1 against the spread. With an improved defense, Pittsburgh is expected to provide good betting opportunities. Additionally, if their offense continues to perform well, it might be worth considering placing bets on potential over outcomes.
Washington Redskins
In the previous season, the team ended with a record of 7 wins and 9 losses, securing the third position within the NFC East.
Players to watch:
- Adrian Peterson
- Case Keenum
- Jamison Crowder
Key additions:
- Dwayne Haskins, the first-round draft pick, is a talented quarterback.
- Montez Sweat, outside linebacker, chosen in the second round of the draft.
- Case Keenum, a free agent, is a quarterback.
- Landon Collins, the free agent strong safety, is currently available for signing.
The Redskins had a strong start with a 5-2 record, but unfortunately, they faced a significant downfall in the second half of the season. Their performance declined, resulting in a disappointing 2-7 record in their last nine games. This decline was mainly attributed to injuries, with Alex Smith being absent for the final six games.
The defense concluded the NFL season with an average of 22.4 points per game, placing them in the middle of the pack at 15th. With the addition of Landon Collins, the secondary unit is expected to enhance their performance.
Washington’s offense posed the greatest challenge for the team. With a meager average of 17.6 points per game, the Redskins ranked 29th in scoring.
If Head coach Jay Gruden intends to continue coaching in the capital after the upcoming season, he will need to make significant improvements.
In an effort to enhance their offensive strength, the Skins acquired quarterback Dwayne Haskins and his Ohio State Buckeye teammate, wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
At the age of 34, Adrian Peterson makes his return to the running back position, although it is evident that he is in the latter stages of his career.
In addition, the Redskins boosted their offensive arsenal by making further acquisitions in free agency. Taking over as the quarterback, Case Keenum is expected to enhance the team’s performance from the pivotal position.
The wide receiver trio consisting of Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson, and Jordan Reed remains unproven, leaving Keenum in need of one of them to step up.
Betting perspective: In 2018, the Washington Redskins had a 9-7 record against the spread. While their overall performance may not have been outstanding, they managed to reward bettors and keep games competitive. Nonetheless, the Redskins remain a risky choice on a week-to-week basis.
Cleveland Browns
In the previous season, the team recorded a 7-8-1 record and secured the third position in the AFC North.
Players to watch:
- Baker Mayfield
- Nick Chubb
- Jamie Collins
Key additions:
- CB Greedy Williams, selected in the second round of the draft.
- LB Sione Takitaki, who was selected in the third round of the draft.
- Sheldon Richardson, a free agent defensive tackle.
Cleveland benefited from the decision to fire Hue Jackson as head coach midseason. Following a disappointing 2-5-1 start, the Browns saw significant improvement under interim coach Greg Williams, who guided them to a 5-3 record for the remainder of the season.
The Cleveland team was just one tie away from achieving its first non-losing season since 2007, falling short against the Steelers. However, their new head coach, Freddie Kitchens, who was promoted from interim offensive coordinator, now has an opportunity to build upon their promising performance in 2018.
Baker Mayfield, the rookie quarterback, played a significant role in this achievement, amassing over 3,700 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. Although he had a relatively high number of interceptions at 14, his presence injected much-needed energy into the team.
Running back Nick Chubb (996 rushing yards, 8 TDs) and wide receiver Jarvis Landry (976 yards, 4 TDs) spearheaded the team as leaders. To reinforce the offensive line, Cleveland made several free-agent acquisitions during the offseason.
After ranking 21st in average points per game, the defense must focus on enhancing their performance. However, amidst this, there were some notable highlights. Linebacker Jamie Collins, a true force, emerged as the team’s leading tackler.
Damarious Randall showcased his safety skills with four interceptions, while Myles Garrett dominated with an impressive 13.5 sacks. The Browns made impactful defensive additions through the draft, welcoming cornerback Greedy Williams and linebacker Sione Takitaki, both of whom are expected to contribute effectively.
The presence of Sheldon Richardson, a former Vikings defensive tackle, is expected to create a formidable defensive front.
When it comes to betting, it’s important to consider that the Browns had a remarkable 10-6 record against the spread in 2018. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to approach their games with caution, given their history as the Browns.
Cleveland has shown glimpses of being a promising team in the past, with a 7-9 finish in 2014. However, the following three seasons resulted in disappointing records of 3-13, 1-15, and 0-16. Despite this troubled history, the Browns currently possess a solid foundation that makes them a viable choice for betting each week.
Cincinnati Bengals
In the previous season, the team’s record stood at 6 wins and 10 losses, placing them fourth in the AFC North.
Players to watch:
- Andy Dalton
- Joe Mixon
- Tyler Boyd
- Shawn Williams
Key additions:
- Jonah Williams, the offensive lineman selected in the first round of the draft.
- John Miller (free agent)
The Bengals began the 2018 season with high hopes. However, their promising start, marked by a 4-1 record, took a drastic turn. They experienced a downfall, suffering four defeats from their division rivals, the Steelers and Browns.
Joe Mixon had a solid season as a running back, accumulating nearly 1,200 rushing yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. In the upcoming year, he is expected to be a key contributor for the Bengals.
Tyler Boyd, the wide receiver, experienced a remarkable season by surpassing 1,000 yards and making 7 touchdown catches. However, there were instances where quarterback Andy Dalton and the offensive line faced challenges and struggled. In order to address this issue, the management is relying on their first-round pick, Jonah Williams, an offensive lineman, to strengthen and stabilize the line.
To bolster their upfront effort, the team also brought in John Miller, a former guard for the Buffalo Bills.
In 2018, the Bengals’ defense proved to be their major weakness as they finished 30th, allowing an average of 28.4 points per game. The linebacker corps suffered from injuries, further exacerbating the issue. However, amidst these struggles, Shawn Williams emerged as a standout player, leading the team in tackles and securing five interceptions.
Germaine Platt, a third-round outside linebacker, is anticipated to provide assistance. Despite having significant gaps in their defense, the Bengals opted to select a tight end in the second round. Nonetheless, they made a valuable addition to their secondary with the arrival of cornerback B.W. Webb, who is expected to contribute positively.
Betting perspective: Despite their decent 9-7 record against the spread last season, the Bengals seem to be in a rebuilding phase.
Is it possible for them to gather enough wins for a playoff run with the resurgent Browns and Steelers in their division? It seems unlikely. Those who place bets might want to avoid Cincinnati until they demonstrate greater defensive consistency. Betting on the Rams on Oct 27 could be a smart choice.
Sports betting on football in West Virginia
Football, whether it be the NFL or WVU, entices bettors in West Virginia, with some enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the sport all year long.
At present, bettors in WV have the option to choose from three retail sportsbooks.
- The Charles Town Races and Hollywood Casino
- Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort – a premier destination for gaming, horse racing, and luxurious accommodations.
- The Greenbrier’s Casino Club
Although the West Virginia Lottery has granted approval for three online sports betting apps, none of them have been launched in the market.
It is indisputable that football is the favored sport among bettors, and many will make their way to the live sportsbooks in WV and potentially venture north to Pennsylvania.
Sports bettors will persistently seek avenues to place their bets, but for West Virginia to fully benefit from sports betting, the presence of an online sportsbook is imperative.
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