Staff, Author at The Boost

NFL 2025 staff predictions and award winners: MVP bets on Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, plus more futures picks

Who’s going to win the Super Bowl? How about the MVP? We have some takes ahead of Thursday’s season opener.

The pre-season narrative: Josh Allen secured his first MVP last year, but the Buffalo Bills once again fell short of the ultimate prize. Our staff is avoiding Buffalo and Allen in what feels like a do-or-die season, with action on star quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson instead.

Check out our 2025 NFL predictions and find out our staff’s favourite futures bets for the upcoming season.

NFL 2025 predictions

NFL 2025 predictions via NorthStar Bets writers Jordan Horrobin, Avery Perri and Spencer Closs.

You’ll find picks on who they like to win the major individual awards and which teams they’re betting on to capture the Super Bowl.

Make sure to check out the key links below for all your NFL needs.

Super Bowl best bets

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The favourite: Philadelphia Eagles (+650)
Super Bowl betting markets

Horrobin’s pick: Baltimore Ravens (+700)
Analysis: In Jackson’s tenure, the Ravens are 68-32 in the regular season and 3-5 in the playoffs. That’s a problem, but it’s one I think this group can overcome in 2025.

Baltimore boasts a ton of continuity on its roster and in the coaching staff. Only two players who played more than 40.0% of snaps last year departed, per Over The Cap, and both coordinators have multiple years under their belts with the franchise.

Jackson is one of only three active players with multiple MVPs, and Derrick Henry showed last year that he can still bulldoze NFL defences with ease.

The Ravens, who finished top 10 in points and yards on offence and defence last year, should win the AFC North for a third straight year. From a talent standpoint, there’s absolutely zero reason to doubt this squad.

Bet on Ravens to win Super Bowl

Perri’s pick: San Francisco 49ers (+1,700)
Analysis: I’m all in on a bounce-back year from the 49ers.

Last season was a disaster from the get-go with contract disputes galore, Christian McCaffrey starting on injured reserve, and first-round pick Ricky Pearsall getting shot.

It was the Super Bowl hangover to end all Super Bowl hangovers — and they hadn’t even won.

But we shouldn’t forget what the Kyle Shanahan offence was capable of in 2023. The squad was top three in total offence and scoring offence, and first in EPA per play.

In fact, San Fran had nearly double the offensive EPA per play (+0.179) of third-place Buffalo (+0.097).

I think Kyle Shanahan can get his squad back to that place. McCaffrey, who is still on the right side of 30, looks great, by all reports. The offensive line is stout, George Kittle is still an all-pro talent, and the receiving room will be deep once Brandon Aiyuk returns from injury.

And I expect the Niners’ defence, which was ravaged by injury in 2024, to wreak havoc with Robert Saleh back as coordinator.

Bet on 49ers to win Super Bowl

Closs’s pick: Philadelphia Eagles (+650)
Analysis: If we go back to last season, the Eagles started slow for their expectations, going 2-2 through the first four weeks.

They followed that with a 12-1 run to close the season. Philly then went on to roll through the playoffs with an average margin of victory of 17 points.

In the Super Bowl, the Eagles shut out the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half and were up so big that they were celebrating for most of the second half.

It was a truly dominant run that has me believing Philly’s +650 price tag to repeat is tremendous value despite its status as favourite.

Bet on Eagles to win Super Bowl

NFL 2025 predictions: MVP

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The favourite: Lamar Jackson (+550)
NFL MVP betting markets

Horrobin’s pick: Jalen Hurts (+2,000)
Analysis: I like Burrow among the chalkiest options, but Hurts has the right combination of feasibility and value.

After all, we’re talking about the quarterback of probably the best team in the NFL. Over his past three seasons, Hurts averaged 14 rushing touchdowns and 3,487 passing yards.

He was the MVP runner-up in 2022 but didn’t even land on the ballot in 2024, which had a lot to do with the 2,000-yard season of his teammate, Saquon Barkley. Some regression for Barkley is likely, especially after the wear and tear of an NFL-high 378 touches, and Hurts is capable of picking up the slack

Hurts doesn’t have an MVP yet, which can sometimes be an unspoken tiebreaker for some voters. If he’s the best player on the best team, he’ll have a shot.

Bet on Hurts to win MVP

Perri’s pick: Burrow (+700)
Analysis: Burrow didn’t get a single first-place MVP vote after putting up video-game-like numbers last year. If you don’t think that’s ridiculous, check out his rankings in these major categories:

First in passing yards (4,918)
First in passing touchdowns (43)
Third in quarterback rating (74.7)
Fourth in completion percentage (70.6%)

All of that translated to just nine wins and a missed playoff berth, which is why Burrow didn’t get the consideration he deserved. But that was because of Cincinnati’s horrid defence, and I expect some improvements on that side of the ball with new DC Al Golden in charge.

The Bengals went all in on retaining their offence, inking Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive contract extensions amid speculation they’d have to break the band up.

There’s a good chance Cincy will be among the highest-scoring teams in football, and I think Burrow will finally get his flowers so long as everyone stays healthy.

Bet on Burrow to win MVP

Daniels for MVP?

Closs’s pick: Jayden Daniels (+900)
Analysis: Other QBs that can move like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson both completed less than 60% of their passes as rookies.

What was Daniels’ pass completion percentage last year? Just 69.0%, which was sixth among quarterbacks who played five or more games.

He passed for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and just nine turnovers. All while adding 891 yards and six scores on the ground.

When Lamar Jackson won his MVP in his sophomore season, he passed for 3,127 yards, 36 TDs and threw six INTs while rushing for 1206 yards.

I’m not sure Daniels can get to 1200 rushing yards, but he could get to 4000+ passing yards, 1000+ rushing yards and 30+ passing TDs, which would be enough to get some serious consideration for MVP.

Bet on Daniels to win MVP

Offensive Rookie of the Year picks

The favourite: Ashton Jeanty (+250)
NFL OROY betting markets

Horrobin’s pick: Tetairoa McMillan (+1,200)
Analysis: If you’re willing to buy in at all on Bryce Young after his late-season surge, in which he was playing at a 3,800-yard, 26-touchdown pace over the final seven weeks, then McMillan should interest you.

The Big 12’s leading receiver last year has the size (6-foot-5, 212 pounds) and the hands to be a matchup problem from Day 1 in the league.

McMillan will be the first exciting X receiver in Young’s tenure in Carolina. If the Panthers are anywhere near as bad on defence as they were in 2024 — ranking dead last in points and yards allowed — the offence can stay in a pass-first mindset that should help the 22-year-old shine.

Bet on McMillan to win Rookie of the Year

Perri’s pick: Omarion Hampton (+1,000)
Analysis: It’s no secret Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman love smashmouth football. So I’m sure they’re salivating at the prospect of using Hampton as a battering ram this season.

The 6-foot-tall, 220-pound tailback rushed for 2,505 yards after contact and broke 155 tackles over three years with the North Carolina Tar Heels. He’s hard to take down and is liable to score a home run on any possession with 4.4 speed.

The worry here is that Hampton will be stuck in a timeshare with Najee Harris, which could limit his production.

But the former Pittsburgh Steeler looked slow more often than not last year, and had the sixth-highest RB “stuff rate” (52.1%), per Fantasy Points Data.

I can see the tread coming off of Harris’ tires quickly, and Hampton taking the reins as RB1.

Bet on Hampton to win Rookie of the Year

Cam Ward futures pick

Closs’ pick: Cam Ward (+350)
Analysis: Ward was electric in his senior year at Miami (FL), passing for 4,313 yards and 39 TDs while throwing seven picks.

He’s really the only quarterback in contention for this award, and it’s been dominated by the position lately.

Four of the past six winners have been QBs with two wide receivers mixed in.

Ward showed some promise in the preseason and has an alpha receiver in Calvin Ridley to rely on.

In 2024, Ridley managed another 1000-yard season despite having a less talented QB than Ward throwing to him.

It isn’t the best situation in the NFL for a rookie QB. But Ward still has a solid chance to be productive out of the gate.

Bet on Ward to win Rookie of the Year

NFL 2025 predictions made at 2 p.m. ET on 09/01/2025.

NFL 2025 division winner predictions: Top picks and a 45-to-1 parlay

There will likely be one team in 2025 that defies expectations and wins its division. Our staff makes some bold season-long picks ahead of Week 1.

The latest: Will we finally see a changing of the guard in the AFC West? Can the Detroit Lions keep their throne in an incredibly difficult NFC North? Will Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills extend their dominance over a soft division? These are all questions we’ll try to answer.

Check out our top NFL division winner predictions for the upcoming season, featuring a +4,558 parlay.

NFL division winner predictions

Parlay: Bills to win AFC East + Ravens to win AFC North (+123)

Bills to win AFC East (-286): The Jets and Patriots are improving, but they don’t have the firepower to match what Josh Allen brings.

Miami is always interesting, but an injury-prone Tua Tagovailoa and aging Tyreek Hill make it harder to trust them as the seasons pass.

The Bills are the only team in this division with a shot at the Super Bowl, and they should once again be the only team with more than 10 wins in the AFC East.

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Ravens to win AFC North (-155): The Bengals made no marked improvements to their defence, meaning the unit should be brutal once again.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are experimenting with a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and the Browns have no aspirations of winning the AFC North anytime soon.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are the most well-rounded team in the division. They are coming off a 12-win season and could even improve on that if everyone stays healthy.

-Spencer Closs

Bet on NFL division winners

Denver has value in AFC West

Broncos to win AFC West (+300): When it comes to competing for a Super Bowl, I still think the Chiefs are the most threatening team from the AFC West.

But this could be a let-down regular season for the Chiefs, who have every reason to be on cruise control.

Patrick Mahomes is coming off arguably his worst season in the NFL, while Travis Kelce creeps one step closer to retirement.

The Chiefs have played a significant amount of extra football in the playoffs over the years, and there are more question marks than ever with the current roster.

With Bo Nix hopefully building on his outstanding rookie season, I like the value on the Broncos, who should have both a top-10 offence and defence in the league.

An experienced head coach like Sean Payton at the helm doesn’t hurt either.

-Closs

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Best bet to win NFC South

Falcons to win NFC South (+225): Two things need to go right for Atlanta to win the NFC South.

Michael Penix Jr. needs to be a baller, and rookie pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. need to be effective.

I’m dubious of the Buccaneers. Mike Evans showed signs of decline in 2024, and Chris Godwin will miss time to open the season.

The Falcons have a young, improving offence that should be among the best in the NFC. If the defence can keep pace, this is a pick to consider over the favoured Buccaneers.

-Steven Psihogios

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Long shot NFL division winner parlay predictions

Bengals, Texans, Lions and 49ers (+4,458): On a surface level, this seems like a lot to ask.

But in reality, I’m picking three divisional favourites, two at plus-money, and a team two years removed from winning their division at 12-4.

The latter squad is the Cincinnati Bengals, who come in at a healthy +240 price point.

The squad’s offence will be undeniable this year, led by Joe Burrow and the best one-two punch at receiver in the NFL, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Cincy has always started slow, but Burrow has gotten more preseason reps than ever and seems hellbent on starting the year hot. The AFC North is always a blood bath, but this is a battle-tested group that can come out on top.

The Detroit Lions will also have their work cut out for them, but they just ripped off a 15-2 season with the most electric offence in football and a defence that couldn’t stay off the injury report.

Assuming everyone stays healthy, I expect Detroit to win the division for a third straight year.

On to the San Francisco 49ers, who are flying dangerously under the radar. In my opinion, the NFC West is a two-horse race with the Los Angeles Rams.

Everything that could go wrong did go wrong for San Fran last year, but the squad still has immense skill on both sides of the ball and one of the best coaches in football.

Kyle Shanahan should have his group prepared against the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL.

Finally, I’ll touch on the Houston Texans. C.J. Stroud had a down year, and the squad’s receiving room was riddled with injuries, but Houston still cruised to a divisional title.

I’ll back the Texans any day against the Daniel Jones-led Indianapolis Colts and a Jacksonville Jaguars team with plenty of holes.

-Avery Perri

NFL division winner picks made on Aug. 31, 2025.

NFL 2025 long shot futures picks: Predictions on Brock Bowers, Baker Mayfield and a 60-to-1 MVP bet

There’s nothing wrong with betting on Josh Allen to win MVP or the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Super Bowl. But for those with a greater appetite for risk, certain long shot plays can be worth the reward.

The latest: Brock Bowers is coming off a legendary rookie season and now has a two-time Pro Bowler quarterback and Hall of Fame head coach ready to help him out. An offensive player of the year award isn’t out of the question, and neither are our two MVP award picks with odds north of 35-to-1.

Check out our staff’s top NFL long shot predictions for the 2025 season.

NFL long shot picks

Brock Bowers to win OPOY (+6,000): In case you’re curious: No tight end has ever won OPOY in its 53-year run as an award.

That’s obviously part of what makes this a long shot, since Bowers would have to break new ground to get it done. But the second-year tight end wasn’t shy about setting precedent in other ways during the 2024 season:

Most receptions by a rookie (112)

Most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,194)

Today’s tight ends are more like wideouts who have to block than linemen who are allowed to catch. And Bowers is the best of the bunch.

He should be the Raiders’ No. 1 target again this year, especially after Jakobi Meyers reportedly requested a trade on Aug. 25.

And let’s not overlook the quarterback change for the Raiders, as Bowers will now catch passes from Geno Smith. That’s a massive upgrade over last year’s combination of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder.

-Jordan Horrobin

Bet on NFL futures

NFL OROY prediction

Kaleb Johnson to win OROY (+4,000): Pittsburgh used a third-round pick on the back out of Iowa who had over 1,500 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns in his junior season.

With Najee Harris out of the picture, Jaylen Warren is expected to begin the season as the starter. But he has never handled a large workload.

In 2024, Warren received 29.9% of the Steelers’ carries.

Right out of the gate, this should be a split backfield between Warren and Johnson. The rookie should handle the short-yardage downs while the veteran takes on the third-down role.

But like Harris, Johnson is clearly Mike Tomlin’s type. At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, he’s capable of claiming a bell-cow role.

At 40-to-1, I like the value on a rookie who has the immediate chance to handle goal-line carries.

Aaron Rodgers is expected to be an upgrade over Russell Wilson, and I believe Johnson has the upside of a 1,000-yard rusher with double-digit TDs.

-Spencer Closs

NFL long shot picks: MVP

Bo Nix to win MVP (+6,000): This won’t be the flashiest pick for MVP, but at 60-to-1, I think this is at least worth considering.

If we look at Nix’s rookie season, he wasn’t very good to start.

62.8% completion rate, 0 TDs, 4 INTs through three weeks.

Now, take a look at his stats from the final 14 games:

67.2% completion rate, 29 TDs, 8 INTs.

Even after a tough start in 2024, Nix finished 12th in passing yards (3,775), sixth in TD passes (29) and eighth in rushing yards among QBs (430).

If he can improve on those stats and the Broncos manage to top their 10-win season to claim the AFC West, Nix should get some serious consideration for this award.

-Closs

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Baker Mayfield futures prediction

Mayfield to win MVP (+3,500): My best bet to win the MVP is Joe Burrow, but I think Mayfield will raise some eyebrows this year.

The seventh-year pro was third in passing yards (4,500) and second in touchdowns (41) last year.

Mayfield rushed for nearly double his previous career high (378 yards, three TDs) and posted a career-best 106.8 passer rating.

Per RBSDM.com, Mayfield was fifth in EPA per play and success rate.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB did turn the ball over a lot and take plenty of sacks, which cost the Bucs a few games and Mayfield a chance at earning MVP votes.

But if he can tidy up the ball security — a big if — then Mayfield should be top of mind come voting season.

Mike Evans has been a pillar of durability and Chris Godwin should return in early October. On top of that, Emeka Egbuka is poised to become one of the best No. 3 receivers in the league.

-Avery Perri

NFL long shot picks made Aug. 23-26, 2025.

US Open tennis odds and 2025 betting favourites: Sinner, Sabalenka expected to repeat in New York

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have met in the last two major finals, and surely they have their eyes set on more Grand Slam glory at the U.S. Open.

The latest: Sinner won the end-of-summer tournament last year and is favoured to run it back. A win at Arthur Ashe Stadium would mark Sinner’s fifth major title in the past two seasons. On the women’s side, the favourite is reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka with the red-hot Iga Swiatek right behind.

Check out our latest U.S. Open Tennis Championships odds.

US Open odds: Men’s favourites

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Top contenders

Jannik Sinner (+100)

A crushing defeat at the French Open didn’t deter Sinner from lifting the trophy at Wimbledon.

After squandering triple championship break point and a service game for the title at Roland Garros, Sinner responded in London with a four-set victory in the final. Both matches were against the other half of the current two-headed monster in men’s tennis, Alcaraz.

Sinner holds the No. 1 ranking in the world, and he’s a dominant hard court player. He’s No. 1 in service games won (91.5%) and return games won (31.8%).

The Italian was recently forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final against Alcaraz due to illness, but he should be ready to go for Round 1 beginning on Aug. 24.

Carlos Alcaraz (+145)

It’s early, but Alcaraz/Sinner sure looks like the next iteration of Djokovic/Federer/Nadal.

The 22-year-old Spaniard already has five Grand Slam titles, including a U.S. Open in 2022, when he became the tournament’s youngest champion since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Alcaraz’s victory in Cincinnati marked his sixth ATP title this season and should be a confidence booster heading to New York.

Hard court is easily Alcaraz’s “weakest” surface, though. He has a .784 winning percentage on hard court, versus a combined .857 winning percentage on clay and grass.

Men’s US Open betting notes

Though we tied Novak Djokovic (+850) to an earlier era, he’s still very much a part of this one, too. He won the U.S. Open for a fourth time in 2023, before a third-round exit last year in what he called “some of the worst tennis I have ever played.” Djokovic has the third-shortest odds to win, but has been battling injuries and owns an underwhelming 12-5 hard court record this season.

Ben Shelton (+2,000) picked up his first ATP Masters 1000 series title in Toronto with a win over Karen Khachanov and looks to ride that momentum into the final major of the year. The hard-serving lefty was a finalist in 2023 and is 21-7 on hard courts this year.

None of the Canadians are viewed as legitimate title contenders, but Felix Auger-Aliassime (+6,600) is the closest of the bunch. The world’s 28th-ranked men’s player went on a magical run to the semifinals in New York City in 2021 … but he’s been a first-round casualty in back-to-back years.

US Open odds: Women’s favourites

Top contenders

Aryna Sabalenka (+250)

Like Sinner, Sabalenka is a No. 1-ranked player who won the U.S. Open last year.

Unlike Sinner, the 27-year-old Belarusian is searching for her first major title of the season in her last opportunity to get one.

Sabalenka reached the finals of the Australian Open and French Open, as well as the semifinals at Wimbledon. But as a three-time major winner who has spent 42 straight weeks atop the WTA rankings, her status as the favourite is completely warranted.

Iga Swiatek (+295)

She’s only 24, but Swiatek already has six major titles and the nickname “Queen of Clay.”

She’s awfully effective on hard courts, too, evidenced by a 145-26 record on the surface since 2022 and her recent victory in Cincinnati.

Swiatek has beaten Sabalenka at the U.S. Open before (in 2022, en route to winning it all). But both players have gotten their shots in over the years.

Swiatek is 8-5 vs. Sabalenka but lost their most recent meeting (2025 French Open semis) and their most recent meeting on hard court (2024 Cincinnati Open semis).

Women’s US Open betting notes

Coco Gauff (+500) caught some undue criticism from Sabalenka after their French Open final, with Sabalenka saying Gauff won “not because she played incredible … just because I made all of those mistakes, if you look from the outside, from kind of easy balls.” The two have since patched things up publicly, and they could be on a crash course at this tourney. Gauff beat Sabalenka in the 2023 U.S. Open final for her first of two majors.

Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko (+2,000) put the tennis world on notice with her win in Montreal this month. She knocked off major champions like Gauff and Sofia Kenin before beating Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final. The 18-year-old is running hot and has a 19-2 record on hard courts this year.

Two years ago, Amanda Anisimova (+1,400) took a mental health break for most of the 2023 season. Now she’s the No. 7 player in the world — her highest WTA ranking ever — and is coming off a Wimbledon final appearance. Anisimova has never gotten past the round of 32 at the U.S. Open, but her victory over Sabalenka in London should raise eyebrows.

U.S. Open odds as of 12:00 p.m. ET on 08/19/2025.

US Open tennis odds and 2025 betting favourites: Sinner, Sabalenka expected to repeat in New York

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have met in the last two major finals, and surely they have their eyes set on more Grand Slam glory at the U.S. Open.

The latest: Sinner won the end-of-summer tournament last year and is favoured to run it back. A win at Arthur Ashe Stadium would mark Sinner’s fifth major title in the past two seasons. On the women’s side, the favourite is reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka with the red-hot Iga Swiatek right behind.

Check out our latest U.S. Open Tennis Championships odds.

Visit full US Open betting markets.

US Open odds: Men’s favourites

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Top contenders

Jannik Sinner (+110)

A crushing defeat at the French Open didn’t deter Sinner from lifting the trophy at Wimbledon.

After squandering triple championship break point and a service game for the title at Roland Garros, Sinner responded in London with a four-set victory in the final. Both matches were against the other half of the current two-headed monster in men’s tennis, Alcaraz.

Sinner holds the No. 1 ranking in the world, and he’s a dominant hard court player. He’s No. 1 in service games won (91.5%) and return games won (31.8%).

The Italian was recently forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final against Alcaraz due to illness, but he should be ready to go for Round 1 beginning on Aug. 24.

Carlos Alcaraz (+150)

It’s early, but Alcaraz/Sinner sure looks like the next iteration of Djokovic/Federer/Nadal.

The 22-year-old Spaniard already has five Grand Slam titles, including a U.S. Open in 2022, when he became the tournament’s youngest champion since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Alcaraz’s victory in Cincinnati marked his sixth ATP title this season and should be a confidence booster heading to New York.

Hard court is easily Alcaraz’s “weakest” surface, though. He has a .784 winning percentage on hard court, versus a combined .857 winning percentage on clay and grass.

Men’s US Open betting notes

Though we tied Novak Djokovic (+1,300) to an earlier era, he’s still very much a part of this one, too. He won the U.S. Open for a fourth time in 2023, before a third-round exit last year in what he called “some of the worst tennis I have ever played.” Djokovic has the third-shortest odds to win, but has been battling injuries and owns an underwhelming 12-5 hard court record this season.

Ben Shelton (+1,400) picked up his first ATP Masters 1000 series title in Toronto with a win over Karen Khachanov and looks to ride that momentum into the final major of the year. The hard-serving lefty was a finalist in 2023 and is 21-7 on hard courts this year.

None of the Canadians are viewed as legitimate title contenders, but Felix Auger-Aliassime (+30,000) is the closest of the bunch. The world’s 28th-ranked men’s player went on a magical run to the semifinals in New York City in 2021 … but he’s been a first-round casualty in back-to-back years.

US Open odds: Women’s favourites

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Top contenders

Aryna Sabalenka (+210)

Like Sinner, Sabalenka is a No. 1-ranked player who won the U.S. Open last year.

Unlike Sinner, the 27-year-old Belarusian is searching for her first major title of the season in her last opportunity to get one.

Sabalenka reached the finals of the Australian Open and French Open, as well as the semifinals at Wimbledon. But as a three-time major winner who has spent 42 straight weeks atop the WTA rankings, her status as the favourite is completely warranted.

Iga Swiatek (+320)

She’s only 24, but Swiatek already has six major titles and the nickname “Queen of Clay.”

She’s awfully effective on hard courts, too, evidenced by a 145-26 record on the surface since 2022 and her recent victory in Cincinnati.

Swiatek has beaten Sabalenka at the U.S. Open before (in 2022, en route to winning it all). But both players have gotten their shots in over the years.

Swiatek is 8-5 vs. Sabalenka but lost their most recent meeting (2025 French Open semis) and their most recent meeting on hard court (2024 Cincinnati Open semis).

Women’s US Open betting notes

Coco Gauff (+650) caught some undue criticism from Sabalenka after their French Open final, with Sabalenka saying Gauff won “not because she played incredible … just because I made all of those mistakes, if you look from the outside, from kind of easy balls.” The two have since patched things up publicly, and they could be on a crash course at this tourney. Gauff beat Sabalenka in the 2023 U.S. Open final for her first of two majors.

Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko (+1,600) put the tennis world on notice with her win in Montreal this month. She knocked off major champions like Gauff and Sofia Kenin before beating Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final. The 18-year-old is running hot and has a 19-2 record on hard courts this year.

Two years ago, Amanda Anisimova (+1,600) took a mental health break for most of the 2023 season. Now she’s the No. 7 player in the world — her highest WTA ranking ever — and is coming off a Wimbledon final appearance. Anisimova has never gotten past the round of 32 at the U.S. Open, but her victory over Sabalenka in London should raise eyebrows.

Grey Cup odds and 2025 CFL betting favourites: Roughriders stay on top, Alouettes continue to tumble

Through 11 weeks of the CFL season, the field of Grey Cup frontrunners is still pretty crowded.

The latest: The Montreal Alouettes have been the favourites most of the season, but they’ve given way to a trio of other contenders with odds of 4-to-1 or shorter, led by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Ahead of Week 11, check out our Grey Cup odds for the 2025 CFL season.

Grey Cup odds

Team	Odds (Aug. 17)	Odds (preseason)
Saskatchewan Roughriders	+220	+525
Hamilton Tiger-Cats	+300	+1,000
Calgary Stampeders	+350	+1,400
Montreal Alouettes	+500	+425
Winnipeg Blue Bombers	+1,100	+500
BC Lions	+1,200	+650
Toronto Argonauts	+1,600	+280
Ottawa Redblacks	+3,300	+700
Edmonton Elks	+6,000	+1,400

Grey Cup odds as of 3:30 p.m. ET on 08/17/2025.

The favourites: Roughriders (+200)

It’s been a pretty long time since the Roughriders have even reached the Grey Cup. A dozen years, in fact.

But thanks to an 8-1 start in 2025, the Riders are in a promising position to return to the CFL’s championship stage.

It’s not like Saskatchewan has been completely hapless in recent years, either. The team has played in the West Division final in three of the past five seasons … but Winnipeg had its number each time.

What has buoyed the Riders to so much success this year? A truly balanced approach.

Saskatchewan is top-two in the CFL in all four major statistical categories: It has the best scoring defence and total defence, and ranks second in scoring offence and total offence.

The Riders’ quarterback (Trevor Harris) is No. 1 in passer rating, their running back (A.J. Ouellette) is third in yards per rush, and they have two of the top seven receivers in terms of receiving yards (KeeSean Johnson, Dohnte Meyers).

Saskatchewan’s lone loss came against Calgary, a team that figures to be a tough out when the playoffs roll around.

Those squads will meet next Aug. 23 for a matchup that should be appointment viewing for any CFL fan.

CFL betting notes

Speaking of the Stampeders (+350), are they the real deal? After back-to-back losses with QB Vernon Adams Jr. on the shelf, Calgary got back in the win column with Adams in Week 10. There’s still plenty of time to catch the Roughriders, who lead the West Division by two games.

The Tiger-Cats (+300) are coming off their worst offensive game of the year, laying a nine-point egg against the Roughriders’ tough defence. Still, they lead the CFL in scoring (30.0 PPG) behind Bo Levi Mitchell, who is lighting it up in his 13th season. Hamilton’s defence has been pretty concerning at times, which might be a differentiating factor from some of the other contenders, but vibes are still high for the Ti-Cats overall.

The Alouettes (+500) have been frontrunners for a lot of the season, but confidence is waning thanks to a 2-5 stretch in recent weeks. Starting QB Davis Alexander (hamstring) is out for a handful of games, and Montreal is now down to its fourth-string QB James Morgan after two more injuries. This could be a buy-low spot if Alexander can get healthy down the stretch.

It’s looking like a lost season for the Argonauts (+2,500), who placed quarterback and 2023 MOP Chad Kelly on the six-game IL on July 26. In his absence, the reigning Grey Cup champs are 2-8 with the third-worst total offence in the league. Toronto is in stay-away territory.

10 Hot New Casino Games for August: Releases sure to entertain you this summer

Looking for the latest hot, new casino game releases at NorthStar Bets?

This past month’s lineup is packed with thrilling options that promise big entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of high-volatility action or prefer a more strategic gaming experience, there’s something for every type of player.

Here’s a quick guide with links to the latest titles. So get ready to spin, bet, and entertain yourself with the best new games at NorthStar Bets!

-> Play August’s New Releases: CLICK HERE

Hot New Casino Game Releases

1. Triple Money Jackpot
Volatility: High
Number of Reels: 3 x 2 | Paylines: 5
Description: Give the wheel a whirl and see where luck reveals its deals in this exhilarating five-line slot. Trigger the Triple Money Respin feature and watch Collector Coins accumulate your reward! With the Wheel of Luck awarding the Triple Money Respin feature, cash, mini, minor, or major prizes, or the jackpot, there’s a lot to spin for!

2. Sahara Riches Cash Collect MAX
Volatility: Medium-high
Number of Reels: 3 x 5 | Paylines: 30
Description: Explore the shifting sands of the Sahara in this amazing 30-line slot. Land a Cash Collect symbol on reel 5 to gather all coin symbols for great payouts. Hunt for big wins beneath the blazing sun where Cash Collect symbols lock for more chances to win cash prizes and extra bonus games.

-> Play August’s New Releases: CLICK HERE

3. Coco-Loco Cash
Volatility: High
Number of Reels: 5 | Paylines: 20
Description: The Cash Collect Bonus is the core feature of Coco-Loco Cash, delivering thrilling gameplay, escalating excitement, and massive entertainment potential! Triggered by landing Green Gems or guaranteed when Coco appears, the game transforms into a 5×5 collection grid where players chase cash prizes, jackpots, and expanding rewards!

New Casino Game Releases: August

4. Blazing Bison Gold Blitz King Millions
Volatility: High
Number of Reels: N/A | Paylines: 4,096
Description: Golden cash symbols with random awards up to 20 times the bet appear on the base game reels. When any Blitz symbol lands on reel 1 or 6, each one will instantly collect all! The Blitz symbol will also collect any of the three Jackpot symbols with static prizes of up to 2,500 times the bet!

5. In the Zone
Volatility: High
Number of Reels: N/A | Paylines: 44
Description: From a distance, this brass poshy 3-reeler could take center stage on any Vegas casino floor. But it’s under the hood that the real magic lies. In the Zone is like the Buick GNX. Take it for a spin and be amazed. An elegant classic slot that comes with Bigways, nudging wilds, linked reels, multipliers, respins, and a bonus game – all packed into a potential of 2,500x bet!

6. Diamond Cash – Mighty Cleopatra
Volatility: Medium
Number of Reels: 3 x 5 | Paylines: 25
Description: Embark on an epic adventure to an Egypt full of riches with Diamond Cash: Mighty Cleopatra – the new addition to the Diamond Cash series. Featuring the mighty Cleopatra, her heavy-hitting swords, a new Diamond sends wins Berserk and of course, the beloved Diamond Cash Feature!

-> Play August’s New Releases: CLICK HERE

7. Pinball Double Gold
Volatility: Medium
Number of Reels: N/A | Paylines: 9
Description: This 9-line game blends the timeless charm of the original hit with enhanced features, including the beloved Double Gold and Pinball math models for a low-volatility adventure. Enjoy frequent multipliers and trigger the thrilling Pinball Bonus by landing three bonus symbols on any active line. Get ready for fast-paced action and dynamic gameplay that will keep you spinning!

8. Fu Zhen Su Fe
Volatility: High
Number of Reels: 5 x 4, 5 x 6 | Paylines: N/A
Description: Unlock the Power of Prosperity with Fu Shen Zhu Fu, brimming with symbols of wealth and good fortune. An enchanting Asianthemed online and mobile slot that transports players into a world of magical rewards. This fun slot features a unique and thrilling “three bags” mechanic that sets the stage for powerful bonus combinations and golden winning opportunities.

9. Asian Fusion
Volatility: High
Number of Reels: 3 x 5 | Paylines: 20
Description: Step into the world of Asian Fusion, a 5×3 reel, 20-line slot where mystic energy flows through evolving feature tabs and semi-static jackpots that may upgrade or activate on any spin — enhancing both anticipation and potential!

10. Super Card Blackjack
Description: Super Card Blackjack is a variation of the original All Bets Blackjack game, with an extra twist, aimed at players who enjoy betting and side positions, larger potential payouts and more randomness introduced to the game they’re playing. This table also introduces the new set of unique side bets, including a table-specific Super Card side bet!

-> Play August’s New Releases: CLICK HERE

Big Bass Keeping it Reel Slot Review

Big Bass Keeping it Reel is the latest installment in the wildly popular Big Bass series.

This fishing-themed slot brings a fresh underwater adventure with cartoonish graphics, light-hearted audio effects, and fun mechanics.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of a lake, the game introduces upgraded visuals and an exciting new Reel It In feature, adding extra depth to the base game and Bonus Spins.

Whether you’re a seasoned spinner or new to online slots, Big Bass Keeping it Reel hooks you in with its charming design and high entertainment.

-> Claim Your Welcome Bonus & Start Spinning

Big Bass Keeping it Reel features & gameplay mechanics

Reels, Paylines & Symbols
Big Bass Keeping it Reel uses a classic 5×3 layout with 10 fixed paylines. Symbols include traditional card royals (10 to A), mid-tier tackle gear, and high-value fish. The fisherman acts as the Wild, substituting for other symbols to complete wins.

Special Features
The standout mechanic is the Fish Money Symbol, which carries cash values that can be collected during Bonus Spins. The Reel It In feature allows the Fisherman Wild to randomly collect money symbols in the base game, adding a twist rarely seen in previous versions.

Landing three or more Scatters triggers Bonus Spins, where the real excitement begins with Fisherman Wilds collecting fish values and progressing you toward higher multipliers.

-> Play Big Bass Keeping it Reel Now – No Download Needed

Mobile Gameplay
Optimized for all devices, Big Bass Keeping it Reel performs seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. The touchscreen interface is responsive, and the graphics maintain their quality across screen sizes.

Bonus Rounds & Bonus Spins

Triggering the Bonus Spins round requires landing three or more Scatters. Players start with 10, 15, or 20 spins depending on how many Scatters appear. During this bonus, every Fisherman Wild that lands collects visible Fish Money Symbols.

For every four Wilds collected, the feature retriggers with 10 more spins and an increased multiplier of 2x, 3x, or 10x on fish values, giving the bonus round strong progression potential.

The Reel It In feature can also randomly trigger during Bonus Spins, further increasing the payout potential by pulling in fish values even when no Wild lands.

-> Try Big Bass Keeping it Reel with Bonus Features Live

Where to Play Big Bass Keeping it Reel in Ontario

Ontario players can enjoy it at top-rated, licensed online casinos such as NorthStar Bets. Sign up here.

Big Bass Keeping it Reel is a worthy successor in the Big Bass franchise, combining familiar elements with fresh features like Reel It In.

Its potential for retriggers and large multipliers makes it a great choice for players who enjoy high-volatility games with exciting bonus rounds.

Visually charming and mobile-friendly, it’s ideal for fans of fishing-themed slots or those seeking big-win thrills.

– > Not yet registered? Join Today & Reel In Your First Big Catch!

(Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI. This article was edited by NorthStar Bets’ editorial staff before publication.)

Premier League Golden Boot odds: Haaland is favoured to lead the league in scoring for a third time

Erling Haaland paces the odds board to win the 2025-26 EPL Golden Boot.

The latest: Haaland holds +100 odds to win a third scoring title, with Mohamed Salah right behind. The Egyptian is coming off a legendary season for Liverpool, where he led the league in goals (29) and assists (18) en route to winning the Premiership.

Here are the latest Premier League Golden Boot odds.

Premier League Golden Boot odds

Go to full Premier League futures markets. Click linked odds to bet now.

Player	Odds
Erling Haaland	+100
Mohamed Salah	+400
Alexander Isak	+700
Cole Palmer	+1,600
Ollie Watkins	+2,500
Matheus Cunha	+2,500
Bukayo Saka	+3,300
Dominic Solanke	+3,300
Liam Delap	+3,300

Best Premier League Golden Boot odds

The favourite: Erling Haaland (+100)

Haaland is coming off a “down year” for the Citizens, where he scored 22 goals in 31 games.

But context is key. He still ranked third in the Premiership, behind Salah and Alexander Isak, and that 22-goal mark would have been enough to win the Golden Boot seven times since the turn of the century.

Haaland’s 22.0 xG generated was only 3.4 behind Salah, according to Fotmob, and he played seven fewer games.

No one had a higher xG per 90 than Haaland’s 0.70.

In the two years before, Haaland put home 27 and 36 goals — the latter being the most in EPL history.

With Rodri returning from injury and Rayan Cherki added to the mix, Haaland should return to his previous highs.

Other Golden Boot choices

Mohamed Salah (+400)

Salah just put together one of the best seasons in EPL history, adding a fourth Golden Boot to his trophy cabinet and leading Liverpool to a title.

No player has ever won five Golden Boots, so does the Egyptian King have what it takes?

Salah will lead Arne Slot’s dynamic attack, alongside young stars like Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and, now, German superstar Florian Wirtz.

He had the best FotMob rating in the EPL last year (9.0) while ranking third in xG per 90. He also left some goals on the table with 24 big chances missed (second-most in EPL).

Durability is also key for this award, and Salah had played 30-plus games in all but one of his seasons with Liverpool, and even then, he played 28.

Premier League Golden Boot notes

Alexander Isak has emerged as Newcastle’s alpha dog and tortured opposing defences last season. The Swedish striker nabbed the second-most goals (23) and ranked third in xG (20.4). surged up the odds board at +600 price to win the Golden Boot.

Cole Palmer is England’s fastest-rising star and has been vital to Chelsea’s recent success and FIFA Club World Cup win. The 23-year-old attacker was ninth in the goal tally, with 15, and is supported by good playmakers in midfield.

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AL MVP odds and 2025 betting favourites: Cal Raleigh is closing the gap on Aaron Judge

Cal Raleigh is closing the gap on Aaron Judge for the AL MVP award.

The latest: Judge is still a -670 favourite to win a third MVP award, mind you, but Raleigh is the only other player even close to dethroning the big slugger. The Seattle Mariners’ catcher leads MLB in home runs and RBI entering play on July 19.

Let’s take a look at the current AL MVP odds.

AL MVP odds

Embed: #108103

Best AL MVP odds

The favourite: Aaron Judge (-1,430)

These were Judge’s numbers entering the all-star break:

1st in batting average (.355)
1st in OPS (1.194)
2nd in RBI (81)
2nd in HR (35)

Incredible stuff, really.

Judge hitting for power is a given, but can he sustain this average? His previous career-high is .322 from last year.

But even a sizeable amount of regression, which we saw in June, comfortably puts the Yankee star in contention to win the AL Triple Crown.

Judge’s current batting average paces MLB, and the next-closest player in batting average is Jacob Wilson (.326).

And none of this has been luck-driven; Judge ranks in the 100th percentile in xwOBA, xBA, and xSLG.

AL MVP notes

Raleigh (+300) seems like the only man who can topple Judge. The catcher’s 38 home runs and 83 RBI pace the league. He’s also an 85th percentile framer behind the plate. Raleigh would be just the third catcher to win MVP this century, and the second since Buster Posey in 2012 with the San Francisco Giants.

Guererro Jr. (+20,000) isn’t doing anything special so far, posting a .275/.383/.431 slash line, but Toronto’s first baseman tends to heat up as the season goes on. The Blue Jays committed to Vladdy with a 14-year, $500-million deal in early April and will look to get more production from him as the they hunt for a wild-card spot.

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