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Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy - Managing Editor at Covers.com

Ryan Murphy

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Managing Editor Years of Experience Icon25+ years experience
Managing Editor
Years of Experience Icon25+ years experience Covers Email Icon Twitter Icon

Ryan Murphy began his love affair with sports journalism at the age of nine when he wrote his first article about his little league baseball team. He has since authored his own weekly column for Fox Sports and AskMen and has created successful campaigns for some of the biggest and most trusted brands in the world including Walt Disney, HBO, the WWE, the NHL, and the NFL.

“Murph,” as he’s known to friends, began his journey in sports betting in 2017, and enjoyed a highly rewarding tenure at Churchill Downs, where he oversaw the creation of the TwinSpires Edge and served as the publication’s first editor-in-chief. His nose for news and ability to find and nurture talent helped turn the site into a major player within the online gambling industry.

Although Ryan loves examining odds movement and breaking down matchups, he’s also a prolific creative writer whose critically acclaimed stories have been published in 21 books and have been featured on more than 170 radio stations and 40 newspapers. His latest book, My Life’s a Joke, is a laugh-out-loud memoir about the epic fails that thickened his skin and paved the way for a successful 15-year career as a touring stand-up comedian.

Ryan’s top piece of advice to sports bettors: “Bet with your head, not your heart. It pains me to be pragmatic, but blind loyalty has no place in sports wagering.”

Favorites
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Sport to bet on: NBA
Sports movie: Bull Durham
Sports snack: Wings
Covers feature: League Trends
I’d be lying if I told you I jumped on Blake Snell’s 2018 Cy Young odds when they were parked at +28,000. I’d be writing this passage from my own private island if I had. However, I did recognize his value early on when he got off to a 4-1 start and nabbed him at +5,000. By the time Snell picked up his hardware in November, most books had the lefty listed at -400.
Best Betting Memory Icon Best Betting Memory
I hate to admit it, but I was one of the few people in Canada that picked the Philadelphia 76ers to win Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals straight-up over the Toronto Raptors. The betting gods punished me for my lack of patriotism that evening when Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner bounced off the rim an excruciating four times before settling into the basket. I’m still recovering from the heart attack.
Best Betting Memory Icon Worst Beat

November 2024 Sports Calendar

Oct 31, 2024 • 3:43 PM ET

College hoops return in November and headline a busy month of sports action that also includes the Breeders' Cup, UFC 309, and oodles of NFL and NCAAF action.

How to Live Stream Texans vs Jets Game for Free

Oct 31, 2024 • 11:01 AM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Thursday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Texans tangle with the Jets during Week 9.

2025 NBA MVP Odds: Luka Leads 'em All, But Shai is Close Behind

Oct 29, 2024 • 12:29 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is in the pole position to win his first NBA MVP trophy, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is lurking close behind after a sensational first week.

2025 NBA Championship Odds: LeBron, Lakers Off to Fast Start

Oct 28, 2024 • 12:07 PM ET

Father Time may be undefeated, but he still hasn't knocked down LeBron James. The 39-year-old superstar has the Lakers off to a perfect start and back in the NBA Championship conversation.

How to Live Stream Giants vs Steelers MNF Game for Free

Oct 28, 2024 • 11:09 AM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Monday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Giants take on the Steelers in Week 8.

How to Watch and Live Stream Notre Dame vs Navy Game for free

Oct 26, 2024 • 8:44 AM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Notre Dame vs Navy? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Fighting Irish battle the Midshipmen in Week 9.

Vikings vs Rams Picks: 3 Experts Share Their Best Bets for Thursday Night Football

Oct 24, 2024 • 7:42 PM ET

The Rams will try to secure back-to-back wins for the first time all season when they host the Vikings in primetime. Our experts weigh in on the three best bets for this evening's TNF clash.

Thursday Night Football: How to Watch and Live Stream Vikings vs Rams for Free

Oct 24, 2024 • 4:13 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Thursday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Vikings battle the Rams during Week 8.

Covers NBA Staff Picks, Best Bets and Bold Predictions for 2024

Oct 22, 2024 • 12:33 PM ET

OKC becoming title town? An Embiid-less postseason? Wemby to score 60 in a game? These are just a sliver of our best bets and bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season.

Monday Night Football: How to Watch and Live Stream Ravens vs Buccaneers Game for Free

Oct 21, 2024 • 6:07 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Monday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Ravens battle the Buccaneers in Week 7.

How to Live Stream Chargers vs Cardinals Game for Free

Oct 21, 2024 • 4:22 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Monday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Chargers clash with the Cardinals in Week 7.

How to Watch Georgia vs Texas: TV Channel and Live Stream Info for NCAAF Week 8

Oct 19, 2024 • 6:22 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Georgia vs Texas? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Bulldogs battle the Longhorns in Week 8.

Thursday Night Football: How to Watch and Live Stream Broncos vs Saints Game for Free

Oct 17, 2024 • 5:39 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Thursday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Broncos battle the Saints during Week 7.

Key Dates for the 2024-25 NBA Season: From Opening Night to the NBA Finals

Oct 15, 2024 • 4:10 PM ET

We break down the biggest dates, deadlines, and events ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.

How to Live Stream Bills vs Jets Game for Free

Oct 14, 2024 • 10:55 AM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Monday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Bills battle the Jets in Week 6.

How to Live Stream Texas vs Oklahoma for Free

Oct 12, 2024 • 1:27 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Texas vs Oklahoma? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Longhorns tangle with the Sooners in Week 7.

Thursday Night Football: How to Watch and Live Stream 49ers vs Seahawks Game for Free

Oct 10, 2024 • 3:45 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Thursday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the 49ers take on the Seahawks during Week 6.

Monday Night Football: How to Watch and Live Stream Saints vs Chiefs Game for Free

Oct 7, 2024 • 6:34 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Monday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Saints clash with the Chiefs in Week 5.

How to Live Stream Auburn vs Georgia for Free

Oct 5, 2024 • 10:06 AM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Auburn vs Georgia? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Tigers tangle with the Bulldogs during Week 6.

Thursday Night Football: How to Watch and Live Stream Buccaneers vs Falcons Game for Free

Oct 3, 2024 • 7:38 PM ET

Looking for options other than cable TV to live stream Thursday Night Football? You're in luck! We break down the best sports betting sites to watch the Buccaneers battle the Falcons during Week 5.