Whipsnakes vs. Chaos PLL Picks: 2021 Championship Rematch Takes Center Stage

The Whipsnakes and Chaos face off for the second time this season as the PLL returns from the All-Star break. With the Whips 4-1 and Chaos looking for their second victory of the season, we have the highlighted odds and best picks for Saturday’s 2021 Championship rematch with our Whipsnakes-Chaos picks.

The Whipsnakes and Chaos opened the season against one another in Albany in Week 1 in a tight 9-8 win for the former, led by a strong showing from Joe Nardella - he went 12-for-19 for a 63% faceoff percentage - and a hat trick for Mike Chanenchuk.

Now returning from the All-Star break, the Whipsnakes look to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season in Week 5 in Minneapolis to the Waterdogs. Andy Towers and the Chaos, on the other hand, hope to get their first win streak of the year going now that they’ve got their whole squad back together. They earned their first W of the season against the Cannons, 13-11, in Minneapolis. 

Here are my PLL picks and predictions for Saturday’s game between the Whipsnakes and Chaos (odds via BetMGM and DraftKings Sportsbook). 

Whipsnakes vs. Chaos Game Info

Date/Time: Saturday, July 23, 7:30 p.m. ETLocation: Rafferty Stadium, Fairfield, CTWeather: 93 degrees, 8-mph winds 

Whipsnakes vs. Chaos Odds Analysis 

The Whipsnakes range from -155 at DraftKings to -150 at BetMGM as Moneyline favorites in this matchup. They're also -120 favorites on the -1.5 goal line. 

Both sportsbooks set the total for 22.5, with the Over at -130 at DraftKings and -125 at BetMGM. 

Whipsnakes vs. Chaos Picks

Moneyline: Chaos (+125 via DraftKings) ???Spread: Chaos +1.5 (-120 via BetMGM) ????Over/Under: Under 22.5 goals (+100 via DraftKings) ???

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Whipsnakes vs. Chaos ML Pick

Chaos (+125)

It’s tough to beat the same team twice in lacrosse, but it’s even more difficult when one roster looks completely different the second time around.  

With the Chaos’ infamous Canadian offensive core out for the first few weeks of the season due to the NLL playoffs, the Whipsnakes didn't face the Chaos at full strength in the first contest. And that Week 1 contest was a close one-goal victory for the Whips, against the Chaos’ “B-team,” if you will. 

The Chaos are known for their impressive play during the second half of the season, just as we saw last year as they powered their way to their first championship title with a post-All-Star-break boost. Now with the likes of Dhane Smith, Josh Byrne, and Chase Fraser all well-rested, one could expect the same. The Chaos' win streak will start this weekend. 

Whipsnakes vs. Chaos ATS Pick

Chaos +1.5 (-120)

Of the Whipsnakes’ four wins this season, three have been by a one-goal margin. Additionally, their one loss to the Waterdogs was also by a one-goal margin. The Whipsnakes love one-goal games, which is all the more reason to take the Chaos +1.5 here. 

Keep in mind, again, this is the first game we’re seeing this season with a well-rested Smith, Byrne, and Fraser after going straight from the NLL playoffs to the PLL. We saw the Chaos' offense get back into their groove as a group right before the break, and I don't see a repeat of their one-goal loss in Week 1.

Whipsnakes vs. Chaos O/U Pick

Under 22.5 (+100) 

Even with two explosive offenses, this game is teed up to be a goaltending clinic between two greats.

While the Whipsnakes average 11 scores per game this season, reigning MVP and Goaltender of the Year Blaze Riorden has proven himself time and time again against this Whipsnakes’ offense. He held them to only nine goals in their first matchup of this season and did the same in the championship last year. He recorded a remarkable 63% save percentage with 15 stops in the title game. 

The Chaos' defense in front of him also always seems to lock in when facing the Whipsnakes. Jarrod Neumann, in particular, plays his matchup against attackman Matt Rambo well. Slowing down the Whips’ offensive catalyst in Rambo - especially now that he’s back to playing his two-man game with Zed Williams - is no easy feat, but Neumann always puts the pressure on him one-on-one. 

On the flip side, Whips’ goaltender Kyle Bernlohr has bounced back this season after an uncharacteristic 2021 for him. He ranks first among goaltenders who have made at least four starts this year in save percentage with a 59%, averaging 9.8 saves per game. 

Bernlohr is also aided by a strong defense in front of him. The Whipsnakes lead the league defensively with the lowest scores against with just 50. A particularly strong defensive midfield group led by LSM Michael Ehrhardt makes the Whipsnakes’ defense especially tough to crack in transition. 

Given the defensive strengths both in the cage and in front of it on both sides, this is shaping up to be another low-scoring battle.

Where to Bet on Whipsnakes vs. Chaos Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

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Whipsnakes-Chaos bets from 7/23/2022 at 1:20 p.m. ET.