MLS 2021 Playoffs Round 1 Matches Betting Analysis & Odds

The first four games of the MLS playoffs are in the books, but there is plenty more fun on the way. The first round of the playoffs concludes on Tuesday with two more matches, while the quarterfinals of the playoffs get underway on Thursday. Let’s take a closer look at all of the games on the horizon so you can continue betting against the MLS odds.

Best MLS Games to Watch and Wager On the Week (Nov. 23rd)

Orlando City SC (+380) vs Nashville SC (-120)

This should be a fascinating first-round game, as it’s a replay of a 1-1 draw between Orlando and Nashville on Halloween. Less than a month later, Nashville is a huge favorite at home with a -109 Moneyline compared to Orlando’s Moneyline of +300. This season, Nashville tied for the fewest goals conceded in MLS and has American international Walker Zimmerman leading the backline. The home side will also look to Hany Mukhtar and C.J. Sapong, who combined for 28 regular seasons. In other words, Orlando will be challenged at both ends of the field. However, Nani might have a few tricks up his sleeve while Daryl Dike scored in four straight matches to finish the season so that he will threaten Nashville’s stout defense.

Real Salt Lake (+440) vs Seattle Sounders (-178)

The Sounders couldn’t quite lock up the top seed in the Western Conference to earn a bye, although they will be heavy home favorites to open their playoff campaign. Seattle’s Moneyline is set at -158, while Salt Lake is listed at +390. The Sounders finished the regular season tied with Nashville for the fewest goals allowed in the league. Despite being winless in six straight matches to close out the regular season, they are a tough egg to crack. On the attacking end, Raul Ruidiaz is likely to return after missing Decision Day with an injury. With Fredy Montero and Cristian Roldan supporting him, Ruidiaz will be tough to stop after scoring 17 goals in 26 matches during the regular season. Real Salt Lake will be a challenge, which didn’t finish the season in great form. However, Salt Lake does have one of the more potent attacking lineups in the league.

Portland Timbers (+370) vs Colorado Rapids (-161)

In their playoff opener, the Timbers looked impressive in a 3-1 win over Minnesota, but their reward is the top-seeded Rapids. Colorado is heavily favored at home with a Moneyline of -163 compared to Portland’s Moneyline of +360. Including the playoff win over Minnesota, the Timbers have now scored three goals in three straight matches. However, Portland also has one of the worst defensive records of any team in the playoffs. If the Timbers can’t make the most of their chances against a tough Colorado backline, it’ll be tough to keep the Rapids off the scoreboard, especially after Colorado beat Portland 2-0 last month.

New York City FC vs New England Revolution

After dominating the rest of the league all season, the Revolution is in a must-win mode in the playoffs against an NYCFC team that already has a playoff win. At +295, New England is the betting favorite to win MLS Cup. However, the New England defense was leaky late, giving up seven goals in the club’s final five matches. Even with the best attack in the league, that’s a potential problem against Golden Boot winner Valentin Castellanos, who has scored in five straight games, including New York’s playoff win over Atlanta.