Fans of NFL betting were infuriated by the conclusion of Sunday’s matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos. With the Raiders trailing by ten, they completed a pass to Denver’s 33-yard line. The clock nearly expired before Las Vegas could run another play, but a delay of game penalty was called on the defense, stopping the clock with four seconds left.
The Raiders then kicked a pointless field goal as time ended, losing by seven. Bettors alleged foul play since the spread was Broncos -8.5, and the field goal meant Denver didn’t cover the spread:
Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy was among the upset bettors. He posted a video on X calling for a probe into the Raiders, describing it as the “worst beat of all time”:
Portnoy criticized the ref for the penalty, calling it “the most random bogus phantom flag of all time.” The extent of Portnoy’s bet on the Broncos covering the spread is unknown.
the plan was to attempt a field goal and then have enough time to go for an onside kick
More rational observers clarified the Raiders’ field goal decision. Adam Turriger reasoned that their strategy was to kick a field goal and then attempt an onside kick, though the clock didn’t align with this plan.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com