Phil Naessens
Phil Naessens
18+ years experience 18+ years experience
Prior to joining Covers in 2022, Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a resident tennis pro in Las Vegas, Mykonos, and Corfu Greece. He’s the past host of the Phil Naessens Show (Armed Forces Radio), and currently hosts the tennis betting podcast, This Week in Tennis.
Phil is the author of the Betting 101 series (MLB, NFL, NCAAF, and Tennis) and has written for numerous publications including SB Nation, FanSided and Lenny Melnick Fantasy Sports. Phil curates the Chip and Charge Tennis Newsletter and pens a weekly tennis column called “10 Things About the ATP Tour," for Passing Shot Productions.
His favorite sports to bet on are tennis, MLB, WNBA, Euro men’s and women’s hoops, NCAA sports, NFL, and the NBA. Phil has numerous betting accounts in the US and Europe and his best advice is to line shop for the best value possible.
Sport to bet on: NFL
Sports movie: Remember the Titans
Sports snack: Ice cream
Covers feature: Scores & Matchups
Best Betting Memory
Worst Beat
Pistons vs Pacers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin has stepped up when facing Central Division foes, especially the Pistons. His scoring will surge tonight against visiting Detroit.
Kings vs Nets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
Noah Clowney's recent surge in minutes has also led to more threes for the talented big. Look for the Nets forward to expose the Kings' lackluster perimeter defense in Brooklyn tonight, per our NBA betting picks.
NFL Props: Bills vs Chiefs Anytime Touchdown Picks — AFC Championship Game
There’s no better safety valve in football than Travis Kelce, and we expect the Chiefs’ superstar tight end to find the end zone against Buffalo.
Sinner vs Zverev Predictions, Picks & Odds for the Australian Open Final
Jannik Sinner is a killer on hardcourt, but a nagging illness opens the door for the big bruiser Zverev to power his way to an upset.
Sinner vs Shelton Predictions, Picks & Odds for the Australian Open Semifinals
While Ben Shelton lacks the consistency needed to take down No. 1 Jannik Sinner, he's more than capable of snagging a set from him.
Djokovic vs Zverev Predictions, Picks & Odds for the Australian Open Semifinals
Novak Djokovic will take on Alexander Zverev with a spot in the finale hanging in the balance, and while the 10-time champ is favored, our picks are siding with the underdog German.
NFL Props: Ravens vs Bills Anytime Touchdown Picks for the Divisional Round
The pick of the divisional round goes Sunday night with the two MVP frontrunners squaring off. Find out why Phil Naessens is backing both Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to score a touchdown on Sunday.
Wizards vs Warriors Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
The Golden State Warriors will look to gain traction in the Western Conference with an impressive showing at the Chase Center tonight, and we expect Steph Curry to give us a vintage performance from beyond the arc.
NFL Props: Texans vs Chiefs Anytime Touchdown Picks for the Divisional Round
Despite a sub-par regular season by his lofty standards, Travis Kelce is still one of the best tight ends in the game, and Phil Naessens believes he can find the endzone for the second straight game.
NFL Props: Broncos vs Bills Anytime Touchdown Picks for Wild Card Weekend
Wild Card weekend in the NFL is in full effect and Phil Naessens sets his sights on Broncos WR Courtland Sutton and Bills TE Dawson Knox having standout games to help propel their respective teams to the Divisional Round.
Nuggets vs Mavericks Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Today's NBA Game
Klay Thompson's coming off an 0-for-4 night beyond the arc, but our Nuggets vs. Mavericks predictions expect him to refind his shooting touch tonight.
NFL Props: Chargers vs Texans Anytime Touchdown Picks for Wild Card Weekend
Ladd McConkey quickly earned Justin Herbert's trust down the stretch, and the rookie receiver should remain a key focal point of the red zone attack in Houston.
Australian Open 2025 Men's Tennis Odds, Favorites, & Sleepers: Can Sinner Fend Off Alcaraz, Joker?
While the typical Big 3 of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner remains intact for the 2025 Australian Open, World No. 1 Sinner is entering this year's edition as the clear favorite.
Spurs vs Bulls Prediction, Picks, & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game
The Bulls are playing an improved defense and match up well against the visiting Spurs, who haven't particularly played well on the road. We're eyeing a minor upset by backing the home underdogs to win outright.
NFL MVP Odds: Josh Allen Leads Field After Incredible Campaign
Bills QB Josh Allen barely played in Week 18 but it didn't matter much. He finishes the year as the betting favorite to win NFL MVP over the likes of Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.
Giants vs Eagles Prop Bets: Lock It Up
The Giants are playing for pride and auditioning for next year vs. a disinterested Eagles squad in Week 18. Phil Naessens' NFL betting picks are calling for Drew Lock & Co. to put on a show on offense.
NFL Props: Anytime Touchdown Picks for Bengals vs Steelers
Ja'Marr Chase is set to finish as the league leader in several receiving categories, and we expect the Bengals superstar wideout to find paydirt against the Steelers on Saturday.
NFL Props: Anytime Touchdown Picks for Browns vs Ravens
Lamar Jackson is looking to make one final push for MVP, and our anytime touchdown picks expect Rashod Bateman to help him do so.
TCU vs Arizona Prediction, Picks, and Odds for Tonight’s College Basketball Game
Caleb Love is beginning to heat up after a difficult start to the season, and TCU won't cause many problems for the Senior.
NFL MVP Odds: Joe Burrow Tunnels Way Back Into Conversation
Bengals QB Joe Burrow is trying his damndest to drag Cincinnati kicking and screaming into the playoffs, and it's brought him back into the NFL MVP odds conversation. Josh Allen still has a healthy lead, but Burrow isn't dead yet.
