The Overwatch League gets back in action on Wednesday, April 4. We have seen a flurry of activity since the New York Excelsior won the Stage 2 title two weeks ago. The Dallas Fuel and Los Angeles Valiant have completely overhauled their rosters, while the Shanghai Dragons have finally added Geguri and others to their line-up after dealing with Visa issues. Let’s take a look at some of the matches on the first day of Week 3. As always, check out the Healer Down podcast for weekly Overwatch betting updates. (Warning: Occasional swearing during the podcast)
https://soundcloud.com/user-78805168/healer-down-episode-9
Overwatch League Stage 3 Week 1 Betting Odds (Courtesy of BetDSI)
Dallas Fuel -625
Shanghai Dragons +382
It looks like we are finally going to see Geguri in action. The Overwatch League will likely see its first ever female player take the stage for Shanghai in the first match of Stage 3. She is widely considered one of the top Zarya players in the world and is also quite good on both D.Va and Roadhog, but whether or not that is enough to help Shanghai finally win its first match is another story.
The Dragons have easily been the worst team in the inaugural season of the Overwatch League. They are 0-20 and have won just eight of the 82 maps they have played. There are serious questions about their DPS play after the team released Undead, but the team has performed best in tank-heavy lineups.
This will be Shanghai’s best chance to win. Dallas is in turmoil and recently traded its shotcaller, Custa, to the Valiant. Without him directing the action, someone else will need to perform the role. Its likely that HarryHook or chipshajen will fill the void, but how it goes is yet to be determined. That makes Shanghai a very live dog.
Seoul Dynasty -526
Los Angeles Valiant +356
Seoul started Stage 1 and Stage 2 looking like the strongest team in the Overwatch League, but fizzled out at the tail end costing the Dynasty a spot in the playoffs both times. They are in third place overall after two stages and are just a game back of London, but there are serious questions about this team’s ability to come through in the clutch.
There are no questions about either ryujehong or fleta though. These are two of the best players in the Overwatch League and they continue to look great in action. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say the same about the rest of the team’s members, who have been inconsistent.
With that being said, I love Seoul in this match. The Valiant changed up their roster more than any other team during the offseason, and they will need time to adjust. They may be better later in the stage, but this team will go through some growing pains.
Los Angeles Gladiators -238
San Francisco Shock +175
The last match of the day will be the most interesting one. San Francisco is sure to be better with sinatraa and super eligible to play. The Shock have pulled off some upsets without two of their best players and could be the surprise team of Stage 3 with these two in the lineup.
Adding silkthread will give the Gladiators a number of options and strategies to use at DPS, but it feels like the team will have to move one of their other players in order for chemistry issues not to arise. That will be a worry later in the stage, but not quite at this point.
