So, you want to be a big-time NFL bettor. Well, first, you need tons of cash. Then, you need nerves of steel.
The Saints tested one investor's nerve as they played a roller-coaster Monday night game vs. the Chargers.
MORE: SN's NFL Week 6 picks against the spread
Action Network reported Monday that one investor placed two wagers totaling $1.487 million on the Saints to beat the Chargers straight-up on "Monday Night Football," using DraftKings' sportsbook site, about a half-hour before kickoff.
New Orleans was heavily favored; based on Action Network's calculations, the money line odds were minus-333 (bet $100 to win $33.33). The combined potential payoff for these bets was $446,100, per Action Network.
Then came the game. Try sitting through all this with almost a million-five on the line, no matter how rich or gutsy you are:
— The Saints falling behind 20-3 in the second quarter, with LA rookie quarterback Justin Herbert throwing three touchdown passes and the Chargers' defense intercepting Drew Brees.
— New Orleans cutting the gap to 20-10 by halftime.
— The Saints tying the game 20-20 early in the fourth quarter.
— The Chargers taking a 27-20 lead with 3:40 remaining in regulation on Herbert's fourth TD pass of the game.
— Brees driving the Saints downfield and Taysom Hill capping the drive with a touchdown run with 52 seconds to play. (The 33-yard extra point made it 27-27).
— Herbert and Mike Williams combining for a 29-yard completion to put LA in range to win the game with a field goal.
— LA kicker Michael Badgley hitting the right upright with his 50-yard attempt as time expired in the fourth quarter. Badgley also missed a PAT kick after LA's first touchdown.
If this field goal goes in, a bettor loses $1.4 million.... 🙏🤷♂️🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/rYOTIxB5ob
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 13, 2020
— New Orleans settling for three on its lone possession in overtime.
— LA getting to midfield on the ensuing drive, only to turn the ball over on downs to end the game.
New Orleans 30, Los Angeles 27. Exhale.
High-roller bets are common in Las Vegas and online (just dealing with legal wagers here), but seven-figure wagers still get noticed. And even if this was just a routine play by a mega-rich person or a betting syndicate, the Chargers and Saints still made someone sweat.
