2026 Olympic Games: Medal Predictions, Odds and Picks for Feb. 18
Wednesday sets up as one of the more compelling USA-centric betting days of the Olympic Games because it combines three very different types of pressure. Team USA faces Sweden in a men’s hockey quarterfinal where one bad period can end a medal chase. Redmond Gerard competes in the men’s snowboard slopestyle final, a judged event where execution matters more than reputation and one missed landing can swing the podium. Then the U.S. women’s biathlon relay team enters a true medal race that is defined by volatility, where penalty loops and shooting swings can flip the standings in real time.
For bettors using sports betting apps, this slate offers a clean mix of structure and upside. Hockey provides the most predictable framework, with a defined matchup and a clear path to advance. Snowboard slopestyle offers high variance and a legitimate American gold angle in Gerard, a proven Olympic champion who has delivered on the biggest stage before. The biathlon relay is the longshot swing, but relays are exactly where underdogs can steal medals if favorites melt down on the range. If you want a USA-first card with real rooting interest, Wednesday checks every box.
All odds via DraftKings
Men’s Ice Hockey Quarterfinal: USA vs Sweden
Pick: USA Moneyline (-220)
This is a serious matchup. Sweden is one of the deepest hockey nations in the field and earned this quarterfinal after a strong preliminary round. The Swedes bring structure, disciplined defensive play and dangerous finishing ability, which makes this the most complete opponent the United States has faced so far.
Team USA’s edge remains speed and depth. With multiple scoring lines and elite goaltending, the Americans have shown they can dictate pace when they control the neutral zone. In a knockout setting where one mistake can end a tournament, backing the deeper and faster side is the cleanest angle.
Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final
Pick: Redmond Gerard To Win Gold (+250)
Redmond Gerard represents the strongest American gold opportunity on Wednesday. The 2018 Olympic champion enters another slopestyle final with the experience and technical consistency required to contend against a stacked international field that includes Mark McMorris, the favorite from Canada.
Slopestyle is judged and inherently volatile. One missed rail or slight landing error can swing the podium. Gerard’s ability to deliver under pressure makes him the most realistic U.S. medal bet of the day in an event where execution matters more than reputation.
Biathlon: Women’s 4x6km Relay
Pick: USA To Win Gold (+10000)
France and Sweden headline the relay as clear favorites, with Norway and Italy also firmly in the medal mix. The United States sits further down the board, but relay racing introduces volatility that individual biathlon races often do not.
Clean shooting is everything. One penalty loop from a favorite can completely reshape the standings. If the American team stays disciplined on the range and skis steady legs, this becomes a legitimate upset opportunity. As a longshot play, this is the type of ticket that carries serious upside if the favorites falter.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins! Wednesday blends elimination intensity with medal volatility. Hockey brings a quarterfinal against a top-tier opponent, Gerard offers realistic gold equity in a judged final, and the biathlon relay provides a high upside longshot angle. Anchor your card with hockey, lean on Gerard for medal value and sprinkle the relay for ceiling as Team USA chases another strong Olympic day.
All Odds as of Feb. 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET
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