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If not for point spreads, last weekend might have seemed relatively dull in the world of professional ultimate. Favorites refused to lose, winning all 11 games in the AUDL’s ninth week. Against the spread, however, those same favorites went just 4-7.
Obviously, that’s why this whole wagering endeavor can be so tricky.
After I went 3-0 against the spread the previous week by picking three underdogs, I am proud that I at least sensed the surge of favorites. My three locks last week all won their games, but two of the three frustratingly failed to cover. Most painfully, San Diego (-2) led by four midway through the fourth quarter, only to cough up just enough of their lead to ruin the pick. It happens to the best of us.
Alas, back at it in Week 10, with these three suggestions — a.k.a. “locks” — for the upcoming ultimate weekend.
Place your AUDL bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
Raleigh Flyers (+2)
I’ve got the Raleigh Flyers +2 on Saturday night in New York, and not just because the Flyers are the hottest team in the league, winners of six straight. Frankly, the Flyers’ six consecutive wins are all against lower-tier teams, and the schedule gets much tougher, starting this weekend against the Empire. But also remember that Raleigh’s two losses back in early June both came by just one goal. They are the only team in the league that hasn’t lost by more than one all year. I know they can win at New York, but if they don’t, they’ll certainly keep it close. Consequently, getting two feels like a gift, and the Flyers are the pick.
Austin Sol (+1.5)
In the high-stakes Texas tussle that’s set to unfold in Austin on Saturday evening, I’m riding with the Austin Sol +1.5 against the favored Dallas Roughnecks. Austin has been the big surprise all season long, and there is the slight fear that the clock will strike midnight on their seemingly Cinderella season. But no matter how shiny the stars are on Dallas’ roster, the Roughnecks have not played well together for more than a quarter or two at a time all season long. And Austin has outplayed Dallas in all three previous meetings, going 2-1 with one fluky overtime loss. If Dallas wins this game, they could go all the way to the title, but my gut says the Sol will get the win and prevent the Roughnecks from making the playoffs for the first time franchise history.
San Diego Growlers (-1.5)
Lastly, give me San Diego -1.5 at home against Los Angeles. Both teams will be shorthanded, but the Aviators have fewer experienced playmakers to begin with. With a deeper bench and a chance to clinch the division, the Growlers should take care of business against their SoCal rivals. The San Diego spread burned me last week, but I’m not about to let that fluky last five minutes throw me off the scent. The Growlers are still the top team in their division and are poised to win their second straight regular season title out West.
Free $1K DraftKings Sportsbook Pool
Even if you’re unable to wager on AUDL action due to your location, everyone is eligible for this week’s Free $1K American Ultimate Disc League Game of the Week Pool. Just answer the 10 questions about the results from the second half of our exclusive DraftKings broadcast featuring Raleigh and Boston and you can win your share of $1,000.
Here’s a few hints to get your free-to-play picks off on the right track:
Will Boston convert four or more break chances?
Choice: NO
Will Allan Laviolette complete 20 or more throws?
Choice: NO
Will Boston pull off the upset at home?
Choice: NO
To play the free $1K pool, head over to the DraftKings Sportsbook Pools page.
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