The Matchup
MLR makes its Nashville debut with the league’s hottest team taking on its coldest. The Chicago Hounds (2-0) are off to their best start in franchise history. The New England Free Jacks (0-2) — three-time defending champions — are off to their worst.
This is a neutral-site showcase at Geodis Park, the largest soccer-specific stadium in North America (30,000+ capacity). First time Major League Rugby has ever been played in Tennessee.
The Storylines
Chicago: Best Start Ever
The Hounds are rolling. They’re the only unbeaten team in MLR through Week 3, and they’ve never won their first two games before in franchise history.
Last week against California: 48-24 with 8 tries from 6 different scorers. Lucas Rumball and Theo Fourie both had braces. Chicago had 5 players named to the MLR Team of the Week — more than any other team.
The defense has been suffocating: 166 successful tackles vs California, 7 turnovers won. They’re clinical in the red zone (8 tries from 14 visits) and forcing opponents into mistakes.
New England: Champions in Crisis
The Free Jacks have never lost their first two games of a season. Until now.
Despite dominating possession (55%) and territory (64%) against Old Glory last week, they lost 19-21. They had 13 visits to the red zone but only scored 3 tries. The finishing just isn’t there.
But here’s the thing: In 2025, New England lost 3 of their first 5 games — including a 36-7 beatdown by Chicago — then won 7 straight and captured their third title. They know how to flip the switch.
Head-to-Head History
New England leads the all-time series 5-2. More importantly, they’ve beaten Chicago in the last two Eastern Conference Finals (2024 and 2025). When it matters most, the champs have owned this matchup.
This is their first meeting on neutral ground.
The Odds
|
Sportsbook |
Chicago ML |
New England ML |
Spread |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DraftKings |
-225 |
+190 |
CHI -5 |
53.5 |
|
FanDuel |
-255 |
+188 |
CHI -5.5 |
50.5 |
|
Caesars |
-250 |
+175 |
CHI -5.5 |
50.5 |
|
Fanatics |
-260 |
+170 |
CHI -5.5 |
50.5 |
Line Shopping Notes: - Best New England ML: +190 at DraftKings - Smallest spread: CHI -5 at DraftKings (vs -5.5 elsewhere) - Highest total: 53.5 at DraftKings (3 points higher than other books)
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Key Stats
Chicago: - 8 tries last week (most in MLR Week 3) - 166 tackles, only 18 missed vs California - 7 turnovers won - 5 players in Team of the Week
New England: - 13 red zone visits → only 3 tries vs Old Glory - Trailed at halftime in both losses - 142 tackles but 21 missed (discipline slipping) - Oscar Lennon: 104 passes, sole TOTW selection
The Picks
Spread: New England +5.5 (-115 FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐
The three-time champs are getting nearly a converted try on a neutral field. Yes, Chicago is rolling — but New England has beaten them when it matters (last 2 playoff meetings).
The Free Jacks started slow last year too (3 losses in first 5) before winning 7 straight. They have the talent to keep this close. Take the points.
Best book: DraftKings (+5 at -110) for the extra half-point
Total: Over 50.5 (-110 FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicago is averaging 44 points per game and just hung 48 on California. Even struggling New England scored 24 against California and 19 against Old Glory.
Both teams can put up points. Chicago’s attack is explosive, and New England will be desperate to get their offense going. Expect a high-scoring affair in Nashville.
Best book: FanDuel/Caesars/Fanatics (50.5 — avoid DraftKings’ 53.5)
Moneyline: Chicago -225 (DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
Chicago is the better team right now. Full stop. New England’s red zone struggles are concerning, and the Hounds’ defense is creating turnovers.
The value isn’t great at -225, but Chicago should win this game. If you want better value, take the spread instead.
Best book: DraftKings (-225 is cheapest)
Best Bets Summary
|
Pick |
Line |
Book |
Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New England +5.5 |
-115 |
FanDuel |
⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Over 50.5 |
-110 |
FanDuel |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Chicago ML |
-225 |
DraftKings |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Bet of the Game: Over 50.5 at FanDuel
Where to Bet on MLR
-
DraftKings — Best spread (CHI -5 vs -5.5) and New England ML (+190)
-
FanDuel — Best total (50.5) and spread juice
-
Caesars — Competitive across the board
-
Fanatics — Earn FanCash on every MLR wager
Lines current as of 2:40 PM ET, April 19, 2026.
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