The Columbus Crew are back-to-back MLS Cup champions. And while Ohio bettors flood the Browns and Bengals, MLS remains one of the most inefficient betting markets in American sports. Here's how to exploit it.
🏆 2023 & 2024 MLS Cup Champions
Ohio's most successful pro team over the last two years
Why MLS Is a Betting Edge
MLS is the least efficiently priced major American sports league. Here's why:
- Less betting volume: Sharps focus on NFL, NBA, and MLB. MLS gets less attention.
- Rotation complexity: Teams rotate heavily, and books struggle to price lineup changes.
- Travel factors: Cross-country travel and altitude (Colorado, Utah) create advantages books underestimate.
- Local knowledge: Ohio bettors have informational edges on Crew that national oddsmakers miss.
The Crew's dynasty status makes them a prime target for recreational bettors, which sometimes creates value on the other side. But their home dominance also creates consistent edges when the market underestimates them.
Lower.com Field: Fortress Columbus
The Crew's home field advantage is real and significant:
| Metric | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|
| Win Rate (2024) | 67% | 41% |
| Goals Per Game | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| Goals Allowed | 0.8 | 1.3 |
| Clean Sheets | 47% | 24% |
Lower.com Field's atmosphere is elite, and the Crew defend it fiercely. Home unders have been profitable given the stingy defensive record, while home wins (especially -0.5 Asian handicap) have covered at elevated rates.
Betting Angles That Work
Crew Home Unders
The Crew's defensive identity at home suppresses scoring. When totals are set at 2.5 or higher for Crew home games, the under has hit 58% of the time over the past two seasons. Their ability to control games and limit chances makes overs risky.
Crew After CCL Matches
As CONCACAF Champions League participants, the Crew occasionally face midweek travel to Central America or the Caribbean. Their MLS performance after CCL away legs has been inconsistent—fatigue is real. Fade them as heavy favorites in these spots.
vs. Western Conference Away
When Western Conference teams visit Columbus, they're dealing with cross-country travel, time zone changes, and unfamiliar Eastern Conference opponents. The Crew have been particularly strong against Pacific time zone teams at home.
Cucho Hernández is the engine. Check injury reports carefully—when he's out, the Crew's attack becomes predictable. Lines don't always adjust enough for his absence, creating value on the opponent's side.
MLS Betting Markets
MLS betting offers several market types:
3-Way Moneyline
Includes the draw as an outcome. Draws happen ~25% of MLS games, making this market tricky. The Crew draw less than average due to their quality—they tend to win or lose rather than settle for ties.
Asian Handicap (-0.5, -1, -1.5)
Removes the draw outcome. Crew -0.5 at home is essentially "Crew win" and has been profitable. Crew -1.5 requires a 2+ goal win, which is harder to predict but offers better odds.
Totals
Usually set at 2.5 for MLS. Crew home games trend under; away games are more variable. Double-check the lineup for rotation before betting totals.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
A popular MLS market. The Crew's home defensive record makes "BTTS No" a solid lean—they've kept clean sheets in nearly half their home games.
Situational Spots
| Situation | Crew Edge? | Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Home vs. Western teams | Strong | Crew -0.5 / Under |
| After CCL midweek away | Weak | Fade Crew or pass |
| Home playoff games | Strong | Crew ML / Under |
| Decision Day (final week) | Variable | Check motivation |
| Away in altitude (COL, RSL) | Weak | Lean opponent |
Books With Best MLS Lines
Not all Ohio sportsbooks price MLS equally:
- bet365: Best MLS coverage, most markets, competitive lines
- DraftKings: Good prop selection, early lines
- FanDuel: Clean interface, decent lines but fewer markets
- BetMGM: Adequate but not as deep as bet365
For MLS betting specifically, bet365's depth is unmatched. They offer Asian handicaps, half/full-time doubles, and player props that other Ohio books don't carry.
MLS lines vary more between books than NFL or NBA. Always check 2-3 apps before betting. A half-goal difference in Asian handicap can be the difference between winning and pushing.
The Crew Betting Checklist
- Check if Cucho is healthy and starting
- Review midweek schedule (CCL or US Open Cup travel?)
- Identify opponent's travel situation
- Check home vs. away trends
- Consider unders at Lower.com Field
- Line shop across bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel
MLS rewards bettors who do their homework. The Crew's consistency makes them a reliable betting team when you identify the right spots.