Anthem RC vs Chicago Hounds: MLR Week 2 Betting Preview
For fans in legal betting states, here’s everything you need to know before kickoff at 4:00 PM ET.
At a Glance - Live Odds
|
Book |
CHI Spread |
ARC Spread |
CHI ML |
ARC ML |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DraftKings |
-6.5 (-110) |
+6.5 (-125) |
— |
— |
O/U 56.5 |
|
FanDuel |
-7.5 (-108) |
+7.5 (-114) |
— |
— |
— |
|
Caesars |
-7.5 (-115) |
+7.5 (-125) |
-380 |
+230 |
— |
|
Fanatics |
-7.5 (-115) |
+7.5 (-115) |
-350 |
+250 |
— |
The Matchup
Chicago Hounds
The Hounds open 2026 with championship aspirations after their best-ever season in 2025. Captain Michael Baska leads from scrum-half, orchestrating an attack built around international fly-half Ollie Devoto — a proven playmaker with Premiership Rugby experience.
The forward pack is physical and disciplined. Theo Fourie and Maclean Jones anchor the second row, while vice-captain Luke White and Jackson Zabierek provide energy at the breakdown. In the backs, Santiago Videla offers try-scoring threat at inside center, with Ruben De Haas (VC) providing speed out wide.
Head coach Chris Latham has preached consistency all offseason. Chicago doesn’t beat themselves — opponents have to earn every point.
Anthem Rugby Carolina
Anthem RC made history last week with their first-ever MLR victory. Wing Conner Mooneyham (VC) was electric with 2 tries on debut, while co-captain Cullen Maughan controlled tempo at fly-half. The young forward pack — featuring co-captain Ishma-eel Safodien at tighthead prop and Baden Godfrey at flanker — competed admirably at the breakdown.
Head coach Darran Coleman has built a squad with genuine upside. The Charlotte crowd provides a real home-field advantage, and confidence is sky-high after proving they belong in this league.
Key question: Can Anthem’s young pack handle Chicago’s physicality for 80 minutes?
Rosters
Chicago Hounds (Away) Jake Turnbull, Theo Fourie, Charles Abel, Tomas Casares, Nathan Den Hoedt, Mason Flesch, Maclean Jones, Lucas Rumball (C), Ruben De Haas (VC), Christopher Hilsenbeck, Noah Brown, Ollie Devoto, Tavite Lopeti, Mark O'Keeffe, Brock Webster, Jackson Zabierek, Luke White, Koby Baker, Brandon Harvey, Jake Kinneeveauk, Michael Baska, Reece Botha, Santiago Videla
Anthem Rugby Carolina (Home) Payton Telea Ilalio (VC), Seth Smith, Cullen Maughan, William Sherman, James Scott, Johan Momsen (C), Tesimoni Tonga'uiha, Makeen Alikhan, Zion Going, Luke Carty, Julian Roberts, Thomas Pittman, William Leonard, Conner Mooneyham, Jordan Trainor (VC), Ramiro Gurovich, Alessandro Heaney, Oliver Kane, Samuel Golla (C), Baden Godfrey, Ishma-eel Safodien, Marques Fualaau, Malacchi Esdale
Breaking Down the Odds
Moneyline
Chicago is a clear road favorite, ranging from -350 (Fanatics) to -380 (Caesars). For Anthem RC upset backers, Fanatics at +250 offers the best price, followed by Caesars at +230. Moneylines aren’t posted on DraftKings or FanDuel for this match.
Spread
There’s meaningful line variance here. DraftKings has Chicago -6.5, while FanDuel, Caesars, and Fanatics all sit at -7.5. If you like the Hounds, DraftKings offers a full point of value. If you’re backing Anthem RC, shop for +7.5 at Fanatics (-115) for the best juice.
Totals
Only DraftKings has posted a total: Over/Under 56.5 (-120/-115). Chicago’s grinding style typically produces lower-scoring affairs, but Anthem RC showed they can put up points (39 last week).
Bet on Today’s Game
If you haven’t yet signed up with one of our partner sportsbooks, all four are offering welcome bonuses for new users.
Bet on DraftKings
Best for: Chicago spread (-6.5) — full point better than other books
Spread: Chicago -6.5 (-110) | Anthem RC +6.5 (-125) Total: Over 56.5 (-120) | Under 56.5 (-115)
Bet on FanDuel
Best for: Best juice on Anthem RC spread
Spread: Chicago -7.5 (-108) | Anthem RC +7.5 (-114)
Bet on Caesars
Best for: Moneyline action
Spread: Chicago -7.5 (-115) | Anthem RC +7.5 (-125) Moneyline: Chicago -380 | Anthem RC +230
Bet on Fanatics
Best for: Anthem RC upset (+250) — best underdog price
Spread: Chicago -7.5 (-115) | Anthem RC +7.5 (-115) Moneyline: Chicago -350 | Anthem RC +250
Our Pick
Chicago Hounds -6.5 (DraftKings) — The Hounds are more talented, more experienced, and more physical. Anthem RC’s Week 1 win was meaningful, but that was against a California Legion team still finding its footing. Chicago is a legitimate playoff contender.
Ollie Devoto’s experience at fly-half gives Chicago a clear advantage in game management, and the Hounds’ forward pack will impose their will in the second half. The full point of line value at DraftKings makes this the play.
Prediction: Chicago 28, Anthem RC 18
Odds accurate as of 2:00 PM ET, April 4, 2026. Lines subject to change. Please check your sportsbook for the latest prices before placing a wager. This page contains affiliate links — MLR / XCLSV Media may earn a commission if you sign up through our links at no extra cost to you.
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Terms apply. Must be in an eligible state to bet