The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.
Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.
Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.
Oakland Raiders plus-2.5 at San Francisco 49ers: $660 to win $600
The Oakland Raiders are clearly playing out this season — and probably next season as well — with two eyes on Las Vegas. The franchise is positioning itself to open a window of contention when it arrives in Vegas in 2020, and that means punting on 2018. The Raiders are selling for future draft picks, and everyone is available.
That makes today's Thursday Night Football matchup against San Francisco important, because these teams are battling for draft position. Oakland is 1-6, San Francisco is 1-7, and the loser of this game could very well end up picking No. 1 in the draft. The prudent move from a long-term perspective would be to tank the game, but that's easier said than done.
I like struggling Raiders QB Derek Carr more than anyone San Francisco can put out there, and with backup C.J. Beathard questionable for the game, I think the Raiders are a pretty good bet to cover this spread and maybe even win outright. Whether that's actually good for the rebuilding franchise is another matter.
Current Standings: Grimala (10-8, $7,615), Keefer (12-12-2, $7,431), Brewer (5-11-1, $5,100)
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