New York Red Bulls at Philadelphia Union
Among the best MLS betting sites, this Red Bulls at Union contest is one of the closest first-round games in terms of betting lines. Both teams are currently plus-money to win, whereas the other five games have a clear-cut favorite with a minus betting line.
The odds come as a surprise because Philadelphia is +750 to win the entire MLS Cup at BetOnline — which is the fourth-best line among the 14 playoff teams. Not only that, but New York is a whopping +4000 to win it all, which is the second-lowest. This is one of the few rare times when bookmakers are misplacing value, but hey, that just means it's a golden opportunity for you to wager on!
Yes, we're betting Union to win AND in regulation. Give us that +115 betting line! The two near-city rivals dueled three different times in the regular season and the result was the same each time: the Red Bulls failed to win. Philly won 1-0 in the first meeting, while the next games finished in 1-1 ties.
Those results do make betting on the tie (+225) plausible. However, we're passing because Philadelphia is clearly more talented than New York. While they could afford to be on cruise control in the regular season, no such thing exists right now. A more motivated Union club, and one at home, should have no struggles topping the Red Bulls in 90 minutes.
Atlanta United at New York FC
Let's talk about the other New York team now, FC, who draws a home game against Atlanta United. We're not going to mince words either, Atlanta at New York feels like an upset alert to us.
Let's first address the elephant in the room: NYCFC can't be trusted in big-time moments. At all. They've made the playoffs all but one year since its founding in 2015 and each of those seasons ended in quarterfinals exits. This time around, we don't even trust them to escape round one.
You see, NYCFC head coach Ronny Deila prioritizes offense, as he should with the dangerous front line the team possesses. But at the same time, that can be a crutch when defending the counter-attack. This Atlanta team is very dangerous in that scenario and we believe United will capitalize on those counter-attack opportunities to steal the game on the road.
Over/Under 3 Goals: Minnesota United FC at Portland Timbers
Most first-round matchups have the goal total pegged at 2.5 — but not this United at Timbers battle, which should hint at the offensive capability of both clubs. Portland is the more explosive side of the two with a season-long goal tally of 55 — fifth-highest in the MLS. Minnesota, while not as offensively furious, wasn't far behind with 49 goals scored.
Our money is on over three goals being scored. Not only do the Timbers have the offensive firepower to make it happen, but they're also at home in front of its crazed fan base. That combo should mean points will fly when both teams collide on Sunday.
Orlando City at Nashville SC
On all three occasions in 2021 when Orlando and Nashville played, the game ended in a tie. And each occasion was relatively recent too. In August, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Then it was 2-2 at the end of September. Finally, it was a 1-all game again a few weeks ago on Halloween.
Do you think that's not a trend worth considering when betting on this game? We certainly do, hence why we're wagering it ends in a draw for the fourth time this year. Heck, it might take penalty shots to decide which team is the better of the two — that's how close the talent levels are.
How To Bet On 2021 MLS Playoffs?
To make all your MLS playoff bets, head to one of the bookmakers listed underneath. The table we've created includes unbiased online sportsbook reviews and details on currently-available sign-up bonuses for online players. This will help you pick the best bookie possible and maximize the amount of free play you earn from them! Hit one of the "play now" buttons to redeem your reward before the MLS postseason begins on Saturday!
