NXTbets Inc

Best Bets: PBR UTB Albany Pre-Event Odds Analysis

Derek Kolbaba’s stunning victory in Manchester, his first premier series win since 2017, highlighted a growing trend in the 2025 season – the resurgence of PBR’s veteran riders. Going a perfect 3-for-3, including a championship-round 90-pointer aboard Feeds Red River, Kolbaba vaulted from No. 33 to No. 4 in the world standings, demonstrating that experience still counts for plenty in professional bull riding.

As PBR’s elite tour rolls into MVP Arena, the betting landscape reflects a fascinating intersection of momentum and track record. Seven of the top ten ranked riders are seasoned veterans aged 25 or older, yet the odds still favor youth – creating potential value opportunities across the board. With world No. 1 John Crimber coming off a rare scoreless event and several veterans finding their stride, Albany sets the stage for another dramatic shuffle in the championship race.

Place your wagers for the PBR UTB Albany at our partner sportsbooks.

1
Hot & Trending
BET $5 ON PBR, GET $200
IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY
7449 other players have claimed this offer
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
logo

Offer Score

9.7
2
Fan Favorite
GET UP TO $1000 IN BONUS BETS
PAID BACK IF YOU LOSE
7449 other players have claimed this offer
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
logo

Offer Score

9.7

Schedule and How to Watch PBR UTB Albany

MVP Arena hosts this northeastern stop of the Unleash The Beast tour December 27-28. Both nights kick off at 7:45 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on RidePass on Pluto TV and PBR’s YouTube channel, bringing the year’s final regular-season event to fans worldwide. For those keeping an eye on the odds, NXTbets will have analysis and updates throughout the series. Join the excitement of PBR Unleash The Beast, whether you’re cheering from the arena seats or the comfort of your own home.

Odds Subject to Change

Please note, the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available at the time of publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape. For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article: Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change?. Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.

Best Bets and Picks for PBR UTB Albany

Top Picks

Rider

Event Winner

Payout per $20

John Crimber

+650

$150.00

Sandro Batista

+1100

$240.00

Brady Fielder

+1100

$240.00

World leader John Crimber (+650) enters as favorite despite going 0-for-2 in Manchester. For bettors, his season stats tell the real story – a 7-for-13 conversion rate (53.85%) and four 90-point rides through five events. Most tellingly for wagering purposes, Crimber has yet to go consecutive events without posting a qualified ride this season. After a scoreless Manchester outing, historical patterns suggest a strong bounce-back performance, making the chalk play more appealing than usual.

Sandro Batista (+1100) offers an intriguing risk-reward profile. His qualified rides in all five events this season translate to a solid floor for bettors, while his current 24th world ranking suggests room for a breakout performance. The return on Batista essentially asks bettors whether his consistency can finally align with the high-scoring potential he’s flashed throughout 2024. His technical style matches well with the expected Albany pen, where control typically outweighs pure athleticism.

Brady Fielder (+1100) presents classic “fresh legs” betting value. With only three events under his belt, he brings both rest advantage and hunger to Albany. For handicapping purposes, his limited sample size this season means bettors must weigh his career 45% conversion rate more heavily. His history of strong performances in similar venues makes him a calculated play for bettors looking to capitalize on his relatively light season workload.

Outsider Picks

Rider

Event Winner

Payout per $20

Sage Kimzey

+1200

$260.00

Koltin Hevalow

+1400

$300.00

Derek Kolbaba

+1600

$340.00

Sage Kimzey (+1200) requires bettors to evaluate how much his Wichita foot injury impacts his winning potential. The seven-time PRCA champion has maintained his No. 3 world ranking and 46.2% riding percentage (6-for-13) while competing through the injury. His Manchester performance – posting 87 points in Round 2 – suggests he can still deliver winning scores. Betting Kimzey means wagering that his championship experience outweighs any physical limitations.

Koltin Hevalow (+1400) represents a pure upside play. The sophomore’s 2025 campaign features three rides of 87+ points, demonstrating the scoring potential needed to win events. For bettors, the question is whether his 47.67% conversion rate this season can spike high enough to piece together multiple qualified rides. His past success with the style of bulls typically seen at MVP Arena adds supporting context to a value-hunting strategy.

Derek Kolbaba (+1600) brings momentum that betting trends historically favor. His perfect Manchester performance included the kind of 90-point rides typically needed to win events. Now fourth in the world standings, Kolbaba’s current form aligns with his proven ability to string together high-scoring rides. The longer odds reflect the rarity of back-to-back wins but offer substantial value on a rider who’s clearly found his peak form.

Expert Pick

John Crimber (+650) stands out as the percentage play in Albany despite the shorter odds. His season-long consistency and proven ability to bounce back from disappointing outings make him the smart choice. The world No. 1 has yet to go consecutive events without a qualified ride in 2025, and his four 90-point rides through five events demonstrate the scoring potential needed to justify backing the favorite. While others may offer more lucrative payouts, Crimber’s combination of elite conversion rate and explosive scoring ability makes him the most reliable bet for this final event of 2024.

Where to Bet on PBR UTB Albany

Armed with these insights, prepare to place your bets on the PBR UTB Albany. Secure the latest futures odds and special promotions at our affiliate sportsbooks to place your bets. Dive into our exclusive PBR Betting Primer for comprehensive analyses and betting tactics. Whether you’re backing the seasoned champions or rooting for the rookies, each ride promises a pulse-pounding experience. 

The final regular-season event of 2024 promises high stakes and intense action as riders jockey for position heading into the new year. With multiple title contenders in top form and others looking to build momentum, MVP Arena sets the stage for another dramatic chapter in what’s becoming one of PBR’s most compelling championship races in recent memory.

21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

1
Hot & Trending
BET $5 ON PBR, GET $200
IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY
7449 other players have claimed this offer
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
logo

Offer Score

9.7
2
Fan Favorite
GET UP TO $1000 IN BONUS BETS
PAID BACK IF YOU LOSE
7449 other players have claimed this offer
Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
logo

Offer Score

9.7
Related Posts: