MLR Betting Preview: Week 3

The Seawolves travel to Charlotte looking to make history, while an all-Australian coaching battle takes center stage in Chicago. Both games offer compelling betting angles for rugby bettors during this early-season stretch.

 

Seattle Seawolves at Anthem RC: Game Preview & Odds

Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET | American Legion Memorial Stadium, Charlotte

 

DraftKings Seattle Seawolves Odds

• Seattle Seawolves: -390 (Moneyline)

• Draw: +2500

• Anthem RC: +310

 

Why Seattle Seawolves Odds Are So Short

Seattle enters Charlotte with a chance to make MLR history. A victory would give the Seawolves 73 all-time wins, breaking the record they currently share with San Diego (72). The two-time MLR champions opened their 2026 campaign impressively, defeating Old Glory 33-16 despite playing the final 20 minutes with 14 men following a red card.

Anthem, meanwhile, continues their search for an elusive first home win. Since joining Major League Rugby in 2024, Cavalieri’s side has lost all 17 home fixtures. Their closest calls were single-point defeats to Miami (31-32) and Houston (45-46) last season.

 

Seattle Seawolves Key Stats

Finishing Strength: The Seawolves showed championship mentality against Old Glory, scoring two tries through Andre Warner and JP Smith while down a man in the final stretch. Davy Coetzer kicked 18 points (7/8 from the tee) on his debut after arriving from Houston.

Anthem’s Defensive Woes: Chicago carved up Anthem last week, winning 33-19 despite making just 298 meters from 110 carries. The Hounds converted 5 tries from 8 red zone visits (62.5%)—the best conversion rate in MLR this season. If Seattle can build similar pressure, Anthem’s leaky defense could be in for a long afternoon.

Head-to-Head History: Seattle dominated both meetings in 2025: - Week 7: Seattle 25-17 Anthem (Seawolves rallied with 22 second-half points) - Week 11: Seattle 60-19 Anthem (nine-try demolition in Charlotte)

 

Seattle Seawolves Betting Pick

Pick: Seattle Seawolves -390

The line is steep, but Seattle has earned every bit of this favoritism. Anthem’s winless home record (0-17) is a glaring red flag, and the Seawolves have outscored them 85-36 across their last two meetings.

Seattle’s new signings—particularly Davy Coetzer at fly-half and Mark Bennett from Edinburgh—add quality depth to an already talented roster. Bennett brings 29 Scotland caps and an Olympic silver medal in 7s. Against an Anthem side that shipped 33 points to Chicago’s efficient attack, expect the Seawolves to control possession and secure another comfortable victory.

 

California Legion at Chicago Hounds: Game Preview & Odds

 

Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET | SeatGeek Stadium, Chicago

 

DraftKings California Legion Odds

• California Legion: +360 (Moneyline)

• Draw: +2200

• Chicago Hounds: -475

 

California Legion’s Stunning Turnaround

What a difference a week makes. California went from losing by 13 points to an Old Glory side that had lost 32 consecutive MLR games to dismantling the three-time defending champion New England Free Jacks 43-5—a 51-point swing that has everyone taking notice.

The Legion’s 38-point victory was New England Free Jacks’ heaviest defeat in franchise history, surpassing the 29-point loss they suffered in Chicago during Week 3 last season (36-7). Now Stephen Hoiles brings his in-form squad to face Chris Latham’s Hounds in an all-Australian coaching showdown—both were Wallaby teammates at the 2007 World Cup.

 

California Legion Key Stats

Dominant Attack: The Legion lead MLR in virtually every attacking category through two games of season betting action: - Carries: 188.5 per game (1st in MLR) - Metres Made: 788 per game (1st in MLR) - Clean Breaks: 17 per game (1st in MLR) - Offloads: 12.5 per game (1st in MLR) - Tries: 5 per game (T-1st in MLR) - Points: 34 per game (1st in MLR)

 

Chicago Hounds Betting Concerns

Set-Piece Struggles: The Hounds have the worst lineout success rate in MLR (73%), which could be costly against a California side that has generated 7 of their 10 tries from set-piece ball (5 from lineouts, 2 from scrums). However, Chicago did record 4 lineout steals against Anthem, showing they can disrupt opposition ball.

 

Player to Watch: Coby Miln

California’s Kiwi fly-half was named Player of the Week after orchestrating the destruction of New England Free Jacks. His numbers are outstanding: - 34 carries, 126 metres, 3 clean breaks - 56 passes, 26 kicks in play (1,032 kick metres) - 82% goal-kicking, 24 points scored - 1 try, 1 try assist

He faces a tough battle against Chicago’s experienced Chris Hilsenbeck, who led MLR in scoring last season (109 points) and kicked an 83% clip.

 

California Legion Betting Pick

Pick: California Legion +360

This is the upset special of the weekend. Yes, Chicago Hounds betting odds favor the home side after they showed ruthless efficiency against Anthem (5 tries from 8 red zone visits). But consider:

1. The 51-point swing: California’s transformation from Week 1 to Week 2 was seismic. They’ve gone from early season laughingstock to genuine contenders overnight.

2. Attacking firepower: The Legion are making nearly 800 metres per game and breaking the line at will. Chicago made just 298 metres last week—California will punish that lack of ball-in-hand.

3. Maul dominance: California has set up 16 mauls for 49 meters, 3 penalties won, and 2 tries. Chicago’s lineout woes (73% success) feed directly into California’s strongest weapon.

4. Value: +360 for a team that just put 43 on the defending champions? That’s a gift. Even if you think Chicago wins, California has shown they can compete with anyone in Major League Rugby betting markets.

 

MLR Week 3 Best Bets Summary

Parlay Option: Seattle Seawolves + California Legion pays approximately +230 for a $100 stake returning ~$330.

 

 

More MLR Betting Resources

Looking for more Major League Rugby betting content? Check out our complete guides to MLR betting, including team previews, futures odds, and weekly picks throughout the 2026 season.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. Lines subject to change. Must be 21+ to wager. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.