Overwatch League 2023 enters the playoffs this week, with the first games of the group stage, and here you can find betting picks for the first three games from our esports tipster, Michael Lee. Today, he looks at Dallas Fuel vs Seoul Infernal, Boston Uprising vs London Spitfire, and Houston Outlaws vs Florida Mayhem, who will meet on Thursday, September 28.
Check out our expert previews and betting tips below, and make sure to head over to Picklebet – Australia’s #1 esports betting site.
Esports Betting Tips: Thursday, September 28th 2023
Dallas Fuel vs Seoul Infernal
OWL 2023 Playoffs
Then, reigning champions, Dallas Fuel, have done a lot this season despite losing three key players during the offseason, and they are one of the candidates to win the OWL 2023 title. Seoul Infernal have looked very good in the Spring and Summer qualifiers, but, they didn’t make it far in either of the two events, ending the Midseason Madness and Summer Stage Knockouts in 5th-6th place.
The two teams last met at the end of July, during the Overwatch League 2023 - Summer Stage Qualifiers, when Dallas Fuel won 3-0. However, the Infernal won the previous three meetings with the Fuel during Overwatch League 2023 - Spring Stage Knockouts with 4-0, 3-1, and 3-0, which makes it seem like the Infernal might have a plan on how to approach this game.
Dallas Fuel looked much better at the end of the season, so I’m not surprised to see them priced as the favourites. However, while they’re undeniably very strong, Seoul Infernal might be a bit underestimated, especially in the current meta.
I expect the Fuel to win, but I can also see Seoul Infernal keeping the affair close.
Seoul Infernal +1.5 Maps
$1.80 (1 Unit)
Boston Uprising vs London Spitfire
OWL 2023 Playoffs
Boston Uprising were one of the most consistent teams of the season, having placed in the top four in every tournament they’ve attended since April when they finished Pro-Am in 5th-6th. However, Boston also haven’t won a tournament besides the two qualifiers: Overwatch League 2023 - Spring Stage Knockouts and the Play-Ins.
London Spitfire are the complete opposite and possibly one of the most inconsistent teams of the year. They’ve had high highs and low lows, but while the Spitfire haven’t looked amazing, something clicked at the end of the season when they made the finals of the Overwatch League 2023 - Play-Ins.
Despite their success in the Play-Ins, London Spitfire are underdogs for this match, which makes sense, considering they lost against Boston Uprising (1-3) on September 10, just two weeks ago. But it was a close game, so the final result might not paint the full picture.
Boston Uprising should win more times than not, but with the meta shifting into the Spitfire’s favour, this could be a very close game.
London Spitfire +1.5 Maps
$1.72 (1 Unit)
Houston Outlaws vs Florida Mayhem
OWL 2023 Playoffs
The final match of the group stage between Houston Outlaws and Florida Mayhem promises to be entertaining. The Mayhem are expected to win, which, considering their strong form, isn’t too shocking, but it would be unwise to underestimate what the Outlaws can do.
Florida Mayhem beat Houston Houston Outlaws 3-0 in July, and they’ve since not lost a single game. That includes wins against Boston Uprising, Atlanta Reign, Washington Justice, and Vancouver Titans. Interestingly, the Outlaws have played seven games since their loss against the Mayhem, have lost just one over that stretch, and enter this game on a six-game winning streak.
The Outlaws and Mayhem are both in good form and look even, yet the Mayhem are priced as favourites. This likely has to do with the fact that they crushed Houston Outlaws the last time, but it’s been two months since, not to mention that the Outlaws have recently beaten much stronger teams than the Mayhem.
Mayhem should be slightly favoured, but they’re not good enough to be 1.53 favourites for this match.
Houston Outlaws to win
$2.37 (1 Unit)
