The 2021/22 National Football League (NFL) season is now in its 13th gameweek, and with sports betting expanding across the country, the sport is grabbing the attention of much of the general public.

Commenting on this week’s matches, Fox Bet pundit Colin Cowherd picked the Miami Dolphins as the outfit that bettors should keep a look at for, in particular praising their defensive abilities as they go up against the New york Giants, a fixture which his co-host predicted will be a ‘defensive battle’.

“Jaylen Waddle gives them a flair on the outside,” Cowherd said. “If you take the last four to five games for Brian Flores and last year, that’s the top three or four defenses in the league.

“In September and October they got the quarterback controversy, a ton of injuries. Brian Flores (Dolphins coach) is a great coach, they have great corners and can create a pass rush – this is a real defense. 

“Daniel Jones (Giants coach) against real defenses really struggles to put first downs together – not just scoring.”

The Giants come in at the +2.5 underdog in the upcoming match, whilst the Dolphins are the -2.5 favourite – although both teams are major outsiders to clinch the Super Bowl this year, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers the top three favourites.

As the most popular sport in the US, many American sportsbook operators have been desperate to secure as many licenses as possible in time for the ongoing top-tier American football season.

Commenting on the Legal Sports Report in September as the campaign began, Matt Brown noted that the beginning NFL season coincides with the highest customer acquisition rates and the largest handle for sports betting operators.

Meanwhile, leagues, teams and athletes have been clamouring to secure sponsorship agreements with the burgeoning sector, with New Orleans Saints Super Bowl champion Drew Brees appearing in a recent advert for PointsBet.