The upcoming NRL Round 26 clash between Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters is a critical late-season match at AAMI Park, pivotal for Melbourne's push for the minor premiership and the Roostersβ quest to solidify a top-eight finish. Melbourne sits 2nd on the ladder, while the Roosters occupy 8th, needing a strong performance especially after recent disruptions including the loss of key halfback Sam Walker to concussion. The match marks coach Craig Bellamy's 600th game milestone, adding sentimental significance.
Key Factors to Consider
Melbourne Storm have been dominant recently, winning their last seven head-to-head matches against the Roosters and securing a top-two ladder finish. They have shown adaptability with key players rested and replacements stepping up effectively. The Roosters have been inconsistent at AAMI Park, winning only 4 of their last 14 games there and struggling without Sam Walker. Melbourneβs recent form and squad depth provide them a strong advantage.
Melbourne Storm hold a psychological edge with seven consecutive wins against Sydney Roosters, including a close 34-30 Round 21 victory this season. The Roosters have not won at AAMI Park since Round 24, 2022, and historically struggle to overcome the Stormβs defensive resilience and tactical discipline on home turf.
Melbourne Storm will be without Harry Grant, Eliesa Katoa, Josh King, Nick Meaney, and Xavier Coates, with some key players rested strategically. The Roosters are missing star halfback Sam Walker due to concussion and also have Blake Steep, Daniel Tupou, Sandon Smith, Taylor Losalu, Toby Rodwell, and Tom Rodwell in the squad, with some returning from injury. The absence of Walker is a significant blow to Roostersβ playmaking.
Craig Bellamyβs milestone of 600 games as a senior coach could provide motivational uplift for Melbourne Storm. The home venue, AAMI Park, is a fortress for the Storm, making travel and crowd support an advantage. Weather and refereeing have not been noted as concern factors. Game officials include referee Todd Smith and senior review official Liam Kennedy.
Storm are fighting to secure the minor premiership and maintain top-four positioning for finals advantage, while the Roosters aim to climb into safer finals positioning after mixed recent form. The Stormβs established culture of success and milestone celebrations add motivation, whereas Roosters face pressure to overcome recent setbacks and key player losses.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Melbourne Storm: -152, Sydney Roosters: 132, Draw: 2000
Melbourne Storm to win
β β β β β 75%
Spread
Melbourne Storm: -2.5 -115, Sydney Roosters: +2.5 -115
Melbourne Storm -2.5
β β β β β 70%
Over/under
Over: 44.5 -115, Under: 44.5 -115
Over 44.5 points
β β β ββ 65%
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
Melbourne Storm 0%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Over 44.5 3%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 44.5 at 3% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 3.3% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Melbourne Storm are favored to extend their advantage and secure a home victory, given their superior form, psychological head-to-head dominance, and stronger squad depth despite some resting of key players. Sydney Roosters will struggle to contain Melbourne's structured attack and defend at AAMI Park without their star halfback.
Predicted Score: Melbourne Storm 28 – Sydney Roosters 20
Location: Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
Game Overview
The New Zealand Warriors face the Parramatta Eels in Round 26 of the NRL season at Mount Smart Stadium. The Warriors recently dominated the Parramatta Eels 54-4 in a NSW Cup clash, showing strong attacking form despite a narrow loss to Penrith recently. The Eels have named a strong squad but will be under pressure after that Parramatta Cup-level defeat. The Warriors aim to capitalize on home advantage and recent momentum to secure an important win late in the season.
Key Factors to Consider
The Warriors are in strong form with a recent comprehensive NSW Cup win against the Eels 54-4, highlighting attacking potency and defensive solidity. Their full-strength NRL squad features key players like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Parramatta have a solid lineup including Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses but have shown vulnerability against the Warriors in recent encounters.
Recent matchups favor the Warriors, evidenced by their overwhelming NSW Cup victory over Parramatta. Historically, matches have been competitive, but current form and home advantage give the Warriors an edge.
Warriors lost fullback Taine Tuaupiki early in their recent NSW Cup game due to a leg injury, but the NRL squad appears stable with no major injury concerns reported. Parramatta's injury list is not indicated as problematic for this match.
Playing at Mount Smart Stadium confers significant home advantage to the Warriors. Weather is expected to be fine on game day, limiting external disruptions. The match is late in the season, increasing stakes for finals positioning.
Both teams are motivated to maintain or improve their ladder positions ahead of the finals. The Warriorsβ recent dominant performance against Parramatta boosts confidence and motivation to reinforce their status. The Eels will seek redemption and points to secure their finals berth.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
New Zealand Warriors: -164, Parramatta Eels: 142, Draw: 2100
Win by New Zealand Warriors
β β β β β 73%
Spread
New Zealand Warriors -4.5: -110, Parramatta Eels +4.5: -120
New Zealand Warriors -4.5
β β β ββ 68%
Over/under
Over 44.5: -110, Under 44.5: -120
Over 44.5 points
β β β ββ 62%
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
New Zealand Warriors -5%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Over 44.5 5%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 44.5 at 5% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 5.5% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
New Zealand Warriors are favored to win given their recent dominant form against Parramatta, home ground advantage, and a stable squad. Parramatta can challenge but must improve defense and counter the Warriors' attacking threats.
Predicted Score: New Zealand Warriors 28 – Parramatta Eels 18
The 2025 NCAA football opening match features the favored San Diego State Aztecs hosting the Stony Brook Seawolves. SDSU, competing in the Mountain West Conference with a strong program and a home field advantage, faces Stony Brook from the CAA, a team less proven in top-tier matchups. The game is expected to heavily favor San Diego State given disparities in team strength, talent, and schedule difficulty.
Key Factors to Consider
San Diego State Aztecs are known for a solid defense and balanced offense, finishing top in Mountain West historically and maintaining strong preseason form. Stony Brook enters without any prior games in 2025, indicating less tested match readiness at this level and weaker overall team metrics.
There is no recent significant head-to-head history between these teams, as Stony Brook rarely competes against Mountain West opponents. Therefore, historical direct matchup data is limited and less reliable for prediction.
No current reported key injuries for either team prior to this opening match, implying both teams should be at near-full strength.
Playing at Snapdragon Stadium gives San Diego State a strong home field advantage in front of supportive fans. Weather conditions in San Diego are usually favorable for football, with minimal risk of weather disruption.
Opening game motivation is typically high for both teams as they set tone for the season. San Diego State aims to start strong as conference contenders, whereas Stony Brook will look to prove competitiveness against a superior opponent.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
San Diego State Aztecs: -1050, Stony Brook Seawolves: 660
San Diego State Aztecs win
β β β β β 90%
Spread
San Diego State Aztecs: -18.5 -110, Stony Brook Seawolves: +18.5 -110
San Diego State covers the spread
β β β β β 80%
Over/under
Over: 53.5 -110, Under: 53.5 -110
Over 53.5 points
β β β ββ 65%
Top EV Betting Odds
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Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
San Diego State Aztecs -1%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Over 53.5 24%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 53.5 at 24% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 26.5% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
San Diego State Aztecs are strongly favored to win decisively against Stony Brook Seawolves given program strength, home advantage, and historical performance differences.
Predicted Score: San Diego State Aztecs 42 – Stony Brook Seawolves 17
The opening game of the 2025 college football season features the Wisconsin Badgers hosting the Miami (OH) RedHawks. Wisconsin enters as a strong favorite after a 5-7 record in 2024 without a bowl appearance, whereas Miami (OH) had a successful 9-5 season capped by an Arizona Bowl victory, highlighting their strong defense and competitive offense.
Key Factors to Consider
Wisconsin struggled offensively last year, averaging 22.6 points per game and allowing 23.1, ranking them 108th and 42nd nationally respectively. Miami (OH) was more balanced with 24.1 points scored per game (96th) and a stingy defense conceding just 18.8 points per game (15th). Wisconsin is favored by 17.5 points suggesting a significant talent and depth gap.
Recent direct encounters data is limited; however, Miami (OH) has a strong recent record against non-AP-ranked teams, winning eight of their last nine, while Wisconsin has struggled in similar matchups, losing six of seven. Historically, Wisconsin is likely the stronger program but early-season performance varies.
No specific injury data available for either team at this time.
The game is at Wisconsin's home stadium, Camp Randall, providing a home-field advantage. Weather conditions and other external factors have not been specified and appear standard for late August in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin aims to start strongly to avoid slow starts that have plagued them in previous seasons. Miami (OH) looks to build on recent successes under head coach Chuck Martin, seeking to prove they can compete against Big Ten opposition.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Miami (OH): 600, Wisconsin: -900
Wisconsin win
β β β β β 91%
Spread
Miami (OH): 17.5 -112, Wisconsin: -17.5 -108
Wisconsin to cover the -17.5 spread
β β β β β 75%
Over/under
over: 39.5 -112, under: 39.5 -108
Under 39.5 total points
β β β ββ 65%
Top EV Betting Odds
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Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
Wisconsin Badgers 536%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Under 39.5 25%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Wisconsin Badgers at 536% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 89.3% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Wisconsin is expected to win decisively given the talent disparity, home advantage, and historical expectations. Miami (OH) may keep the margin closer than the large spread but an outright upset is unlikely.
The 2025 College Football season opener features the Nebraska Cornhuskers facing the Cincinnati Bearcats at a neutral site, Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams enter the game with 0-0 records. Nebraska, coming off a win against Boston College, is favored at home and led by head coach Matt Rhule. Cincinnati, under Scott Satterfield, is looking to bounce back after a close loss to TCU. Historically, Nebraska leads the all-time series 1-0, with the last meeting occurring in 1906 with a 41-0 Nebraska victory.
Key Factors to Consider
Nebraska seems stronger with their recent win versus Boston College and home-state advantage in a neutral Kansas City venue. Cincinnati suffered a close defeat to TCU but competes in a tougher Big 12 conference. Both teams are opening their seasons, so current form is unknown but Nebraska's coach Matt Rhule has a solid record, while Cincinnatiβs Scott Satterfield is under some pressure after previous struggles.
The teams have met only once before in 1906, with Nebraska winning decisively 41-0. No recent matchups reduce direct historical relevance; thus, analyses rely heavily on current season prep, coaching, and roster updates.
No specific injury reports are available from the provided data, indicating no significant known absences on either side up to this date.
The game is at a neutral site, Arrowhead Stadium. Weather or other conditions arenβt specified, but the neutral venue removes typical home-field advantage, though Nebraska is geographically closer, possibly offering some crowd favor.
Nebraska, ranked in the receiving votes (RV) in AP and Coaches Polls, aims to assert Big Ten presence with a strong start. Cincinnati looks to make an impact in their new Big 12 conference season after a loss, aiming to establish competitiveness early.
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
Cincinnati Bearcats -1%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Over 53.5 14%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 53.5 at 14% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 15.2% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Nebraska is favored to win, supported by stronger recent performance, advantageous location, and betting odds. Expect a moderately high-scoring game given the over/under line near 54.
The UAB Blazers will host the Alabama State Hornets at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama on August 28, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET. This is an early non-conference matchup for both teams as they begin their 2025 NCAA football seasons, broadcast live on ESPN+. UAB is heavily favored given their stronger program history, with Alabama State entering as clear underdogs.
Key Factors to Consider
UAB is coming off strong seasons with a competitive roster capable of dominating at home. Alabama State, a SWAC team, typically faces challenges against FBS opponents like UAB. Early season games may see UAB showcase superior conditioning and execution.
This matchup is uncommon for these teams as they play in different divisions/conferences (UAB in FBS, Alabama State in FCS-SWAC). Historical regular-season matchups are rare or nonexistent in recent years, favoring UAB given the division strength.
No current public injury reports indicate significant absences for either side ahead of this game, allowing both teams to field near full strength.
Home-field advantage strongly favors UAB playing in Birmingham at Protective Stadium. Weather is not expected to significantly impact gameplay. Media coverage is concentrated on UAB's strong position.
UAB aims to start the season decisively with a home victory setting momentum for the challenging schedule ahead. Alabama State looks motivated to prove competitiveness against higher-tier FBS competition.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Alabama State Hornets: +640, UAB Blazers: -1000
UAB Blazers win
β β β β β 92%
Spread
Alabama State Hornets: +17.5 (-110), UAB Blazers: -17.5 (-110)
UAB Blazers -17.5
β β β β β 85%
Over/under
Over 53.5: -110, Under 53.5: -110
Over 53.5 points
β β β ββ 65%
Top EV Betting Odds
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Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
UAB Blazers -1%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Over 53.5 15%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 53.5 at 15% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 16% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Considering UAB's higher-tier status, home advantage, and massive odds disparity, UAB is the strong favorite to win comfortably. A UAB win by a large margin is very likely.
Predicted Score: UAB Blazers 42 – Alabama State Hornets 17
The Buffalo Bulls (0-0) open their 112th football season facing the Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-0) at Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium. Buffalo, led by second-year Head Coach Pete Lembo, aims to build on their previous 9-4 season, the best for a first-year coach in program history. Minnesota, competing in the BIG TEN, and Buffalo, in the MAC, have no current season records. The game is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 8:00 pm EST and will be televised on FS1. Coach Pete Lembo and Minnesotaβs P.J. Fleck have a previous coaching rivalry, with Fleck holding a 2-1 advantage in prior meetings.
Key Factors to Consider
Minnesota Golden Gophers are favored heavily based on betting odds and conference strength (BIG TEN vs. MAC). Previous season performances and historical power rankings suggest Minnesota has superior talent and depth. Buffalo showed improvement under Pete Lembo last season but faces a significant step up in competition.
No prior matchups between Minnesota Golden Gophers and Buffalo Bulls are recorded. However, coaches Lembo and Fleck met in past collegiate coaching roles with Fleck owning a 2-1 record.
No specific injury reports found for either team as of current date August 26, 2025, indicating likely full-strength lineups for this season opener.
Buffalo is traveling for an away game in the hostile environment of Huntington Bank Stadium, Minnesota. Weather and travel fatigue may slightly favor Minnesota. The game is nationally televised, adding pressure.
Buffalo seeks to build early momentum for a promising season. Minnesota aims to assert dominance early in a challenging Big Ten conference schedule.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Buffalo Bulls: +625, Minnesota Golden Gophers: -950
Minnesota Golden Gophers
β β β β β 90%
Spread
Buffalo Bulls: +17.5 (-110), Minnesota Golden Gophers: -17.5 (-110)
Minnesota Golden Gophers to cover -17.5
β β β β β 75%
Over/under
Over: 44.5 (-110), Under: 44.5 (-110)
Under 44.5
β β β ββ 60%
Top EV Betting Odds
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Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
Minnesota Golden Gophers -1%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Under 44.5 15%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Under 44.5 at 15% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 16% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Minnesota Golden Gophers will win comfortably due to stronger roster, superior conference competition, home advantage, and high betting confidence.
Predicted Score: Minnesota Golden Gophers 34 – 14 Buffalo Bulls
The Houston Cougars host the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on August 28, 2025, for their season opener. Houston, now competing in the Big 12, faces a lower-division FCS opponent, historically leading to a significant disparity in team strength and expectations. Houston aims to avoid an upset and demonstrate offensive progress after a challenging previous season.
Key Factors to Consider
Houston struggled offensively in 2024, scoring over 40 points only twice in two seasons in the Big 12 and facing an eight-quarter scoring drought. The Cougars seek to break recent trends and leverage home-field advantage. Stephen F. Austin, an FCS team, typically lacks the depth and talent of FBS teams like Houston, making a competitive upset unlikely.
There is limited recent head-to-head data between Houston Cougars and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, as they compete at different levels, with Houston in FBS and Stephen F. Austin in FCS. Previous matchups are rare, contributing to a historical imbalance in favor of Houston.
Current injury reports for both teams around the game date are unavailable, suggesting no significant injuries affecting either team's lineup that could impact this matchup critically.
The game is set for early evening at Houston's TDECU Stadium, providing Houston a familiar home environment. Weather and local conditions are expected to be favorable. Motivation is high for Houston as an FBS program seeking to avoid an upset and gain momentum.
Houston seeks immediate redemption after past offensive struggles and to capitalize on being a Big 12 member hosting an FCS opponent. Stephen F. Austin, as an underdog, is motivated to challenge an FBS opponent and gain recognition, though the probability of a win is low.
Odds and Predictions
Category
Odds
Prediction
Confidence
Moneyline
Houston Cougars: -2100, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks: 1000
Houston Cougars win
β β β β β 95%
Spread
Houston Cougars: -22.5 -110, Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks: +22.5 -110
Houston Covers -22.5 spread
β β β β β 90%
Over/under
Over 55.5: -105, Under 55.5: -115
Over 55.5 total points
β β β β β 70%
Top EV Betting Odds
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Market
EV Pick
Moneyline
Houston Cougars -5%
Spread
N/A
Over/Under
Over 55.5 27%
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 55.5 at 27% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 28.3% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Houston Cougars are heavily favored to win by a large margin, with a predicted high-scoring game surpassing 50 points for Houston to break their recent scoring trends. Stephen F. Austin is expected to score modestly but face offensive challenges against Houston's defense.
Predicted Score: Houston Cougars 56 – 17 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks