MIZZOU @ BOSTON COLLEGE SIDE

Boston College is coming into the weekend undefeated, but I think Missouri will hand them their first L of the season. While the Eagles' defense has been dominant, it has hardly been tested all season, and now it'll face a Tigers side that ranks third in the SEC in total yardage, averaging 513.7 yards per game. Missouri QB Connor Bazelak has thrown seven TD passes in the last two games, and I don't see Boston College keeping pace with the visitors. 

8* play on Missouri Tigers. 

PANTHERS @ TEXANS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BOOKIE BU$TER

The Panthers' defense ranks No. 1 in the NFL for several stats like points allowed and yards allowed per play. Offensively, Carolina has kept running back Christian McCaffrey busy, but he played in only three games last season because of injuries so playing on short rest could prove difficult. 

As for Houston's offense, QB Tyrod Taylor has suffered a rib injury and rookie Davis Mills, who started just 11 games in his final two seasons at Stanford, will replace. I expect this to be an even lower scoring affair than the total the books have posted. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GIANTS @ PADRES TOTAL

Giants' right-hander Logan Webb (10-3, 2.79 ERA) has posted a 1.97 ERA over his last 17 starts, and he owns a 2.81 ERA in four career outings against San Diego. Padres' righty Yu Darvish (8-10, 4.13 ERA) is coming off seven shutout innings at St. Louis. He has a 3.19 ERA over 96 innings home at Petco Park in 2021. 

8* play on UNDER. 

CARDINALS @ BREWERS SIDE

The red-hot Cardinals have won a season-high 11 games following a 10-2 triumph over Milwaukee on Wednesday. I like the price we get on them to complete the four-game sweep of this series with veteran righty Adam Wainwright (16-7, 2.89 ERA) on the mound. Wainwright is 19-12 with a 2.47 ERA in his career against the Brewers, and he is 9-1 with a 1.81 ERA in his last 12 starts overall. 

Milwaukee right-hander Adrian Houser (9-6, 3.43 ERA) has posted a 2.87 ERA over his last 17 outings (15 starts). Going against Houser isn't easy, but the Brewers bats are ice cold and we're getting a great price on the Cards. 

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

CARDINALS @ BREWERS TOTAL

The red-hot Cardinals have won a season-high 11 games following a 10-2 triumph over Milwaukee on Wednesday. I like the price we get on them to complete the four-game sweep of this series with veteran righty Adam Wainwright (16-7, 2.89 ERA) on the mound. Wainwright is 19-12 with a 2.47 ERA in his career against the Brewers, and he is 9-1 with a 1.81 ERA in his last 12 starts overall. 

Milwaukee right-hander Adrian Houser (9-6, 3.43 ERA) has posted a 2.87 ERA over his last 17 outings (15 starts). Going against Houser isn't easy, but the Brewers bats are ice cold and we're getting a great price on the Cards to prevail in a low-scoring affair. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - 10* IL TOTAL GAME OF THE MONTH

The Phillies have a .208 batting average over their last three games, and they've scored only five runs during that stretch. This looks like a good spot for Baltimore left-hander Keegan Akin (2-10, 6.93 ERA) to better his numbers, and he had a couple of solid starts prior to his last three outings. 

Baltimore has scored more than three runs in only one of their last eight games, and their .239 batting average for the season is one of the worst marks in baseball. Phillies' All-star right-hander Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.83 ERA) is having a great year, and he has a 2.04 ERA in his three career starts against the Orioles.

Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Philadelphia. Under is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

NATIONALS @ MARLINS TOTAL

The Marlins took a 7-1 loss to Washington on Tuesday. I like them to snap back here in the rubber match of this three-game series. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (1-2, 3.80 ERA) has posted a 3.47 ERA at home this season and he held Washington to two runs in five innings on Aug. 26. Nationals righty Josiah Gray (0-2, 6.24 ERA) has allowed a total of 22 runs through his last four starts. The Nats have lost each of his last five starts. 

I also like the over as I expect the Marlins bats to come alive, coming off a very disappointing game. Over is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 overall. Over is 11-2-1 in Nationals last 14 during game 3 of a series. Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on OVER. 

NATIONALS @ MARLINS SIDE

The Marlins took a 7-1 loss to Washington on Tuesday. I like them to snap back here in the rubber match of this three-game series. Miami right-hander Elieser Hernandez (1-2, 3.80 ERA) has posted a 3.47 ERA at home this season and he held Washington to two runs in five innings on Aug. 26. Nationals righty Josiah Gray (0-2, 6.24 ERA) has allowed a total of 22 runs through his last four starts. The Nats have lost each of his last five starts. 

I also like the over as I expect the Marlins bats to come alive, coming off a very disappointing game. Over is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Over is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 overall. Over is 11-2-1 in Nationals last 14 during game 3 of a series. Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

8* play on Miami Marlins

CARDINALS @ BREWERS TOTAL

Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Woodruff (9-9, 2.55 ERA) is having a fantastic year, and he's been at his best at home where he has posted a 2.37 ERA. St. Louis' righty Jake Woodford (2-3, 4.30 ERA) has made 23 appearances (five starts) this season. He has posted a 2.03 ERA and only nine hits allowed through 13 1/3 innings in his last three outings. The Brewers have struggled at the plate lately, and I think this will be a low-scoring affair.  

8* play on UNDER.

PIRATES @ REDS TOTAL

The Reds put up nine runs in Monday's triumph over Pittsburgh, but runs have otherwise been hard to come by lately. Pittsburgh right-hander Mitch Keller (4-11, 6.14 ERA) has a terrible track record against Cincinnati, but this could be a good spot better his numbers, especially as he has pitched reasonably well lately (3.38 ERA last three starts). Reds' right-hander Tyler Mahle (12-5, 3.59) has posted a 1.47 ERA in three starts against the Pirates this season. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Marlins rookie left-hander Trevor Rogers (7-7, 2.71 ERA) has made three career starts against Washington, resulting in a 3.86 ERA. Nats' lefty Josh Rogers (1-0, 2.60 ERA) held the Marlins to one hit, one walk, and no runs while striking out six in five innings last week. The Marlins won the opener of this series 8-7 on Monday. Under is 6-1-1 in Nationals last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 7-2-1 in Nationals last 10 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Under is 7-1 in Marlins' last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

10* play on UNDER.

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Good spot to back the Indians after getting swept in a doubleheader against Kansas City on Monday. Cleveland right-hander Cal Quantrill (6-3, 2.89 ERA) is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four games (one start) against the Royals who hand the ball to Daniel Lynch (4-5, 5.34 ERA). The left-hander is 0-2 with a 9.28 ERA on the month, and he gave up three runs on four hits with four walks in 4 2/3 innings when he faced Cleveland back in May. 

8* play on Cleveland. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

Rays' righty Shane Baz may be making his MLB debut, but he's a top-prospect that has posted a 1.76 mark in 10 starts while holding opposing hitters to a .174 batting average in Triple-A this season. Also, Baz will be backed up by a Rays bullpen that is among the best in baseball. As for Toronto left-hander Robbie Ray (12-5, 2.64 ERA), the American League Cy Young Award candidate's numbers speak for themselves. In seven career outings against the Rays, Ray is 2-2 with an ERA of 2.45. 

Under is 6-0-2 in the last 8 meetings. Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.

10* play on UNDER. 

COWBOYS @ CHARGERS OVER

The Cowboys lost their season opener at defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay to a last-second field goal, but there was a lot to like about how they played. At least on the offensive side of the ball, with Dak Prescott completing 42-of-58 passes for 403 yards and three touchdown passes against one INT. 

Now they'll face a high-octane offense led by Justin Herbert who threw for 337 yards and a touchdown pass in a 20-16 20-16 road victory over Washington in Week 1. Herbert could be in for a huge one as Dallas could be without two of its top pass rushers (DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory). 

I have little doubt that this will be a shootout, as Prescott keeps rolling and Herbert to face a softer defense than his Week 1 opponent. 

8* play on OVER. 

VIKINGS @ CARDINALS NFL WEEK 2 BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Arizona Cardinals opened the season with an impressive 38-13 win at Tennessee. The defense was terrific and gave up only 248 total yards (3.9 yards per play) while QB Kyler Murray threw four touchdown passes and also added a score on the ground. 

The Vikes opened the season with a 27-24 loss as a 3-point favorite at Cincinnati. QB Kirk Cousins thew for 351 yards on 36-of-49 passing, but here he'll face an Arizona D that held Ryan Tannehill to 212 yards and 4.5 yards per pass attempt last week. 

The Vikings have failed to cover the spread in eight straight games and I don't see them covering this number.

8* play on Arizona Cardinals. 

BENGALS @ BEARS

The Bears took a 34-14 road loss to the Rams Sunday night. They looked poor on both sides of the ball, and I think they're in for another tough one here against a Cincinnati team that claimed a 27-24 OT win against Minnesota in Week 1. Second-year quarterback Joe Burrow passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns while running back Joe Mixon rushed 29 times for 127 yards and a touchdown.

I would not be surprised to see the Bengals win this one outright, but in a game likely to be decided by who holds the ball last, I'm happy to take the points on the underdog. 

8* play on Cincinnati Bengals. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - TOP-RATED 10* NFL GAME OF THE WEEK

I think the Saints are getting way too much respect here after putting a 38-3 beating on the Packers in their season opener. Carolina did not look too shabby either as it opened the season with a solid 19-14 victory against the New York Jets. Sure, the Jets are one of the weakest teams in the NFL, but Carolina is at home for a second straight week while the Saints are on the road in a potential letdown spot. 

The Panthers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games as an underdog and the underdog is 11-3 ATS in their last 14 head-to-head meetings between these two teams.

10* play on Carolina Panthers. 

TOP-RATED 10* NFL TOTAL OF THE WEEK

The Eagles opened the season with a 32-6 win against Atlanta. Falcons QB Matt Ryan was held to 164 passing yards on 21-of-35 passing and no touchdown passes. The Niners are coming off a shootout win at Detroit, a game where the teams were a combined 5-for-5 in the red zone. I expect a much better defensive performance from San Francisco in this one. 

Under is 5-0-1 in 49ers last 6 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 5-1-1 in 49ers last 7 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. Under is 22-8 in Eagles' last 30 home games. Under is 12-4 in Eagles last 16 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - MIKE'S 10* CFB GAME OF THE WEEK 

Both teams are coming into this contest a perfect 2-0 straight up and against the spread. The 22nd-ranked Auburn has not really been tested though, coming into its contests as a 37-point favorite against Akron and a 49.5-point favorite against Alabama State. I don't think the Tigers are way overrated after blowout out a couple of no-name teams, and I don't think they are quite prepared for what they're about to come up against in this one. 

No. 10 Penn State opened the season with a 16-10 road win as a 5.5-point underdog at then-No. 12 Wisconsin and it defeated Ball State 44-13 last time out. The Lions really impressed in their win against the Badgers, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. I think they'll slow down Auburn's untested offense enough to win and cover. 

Tigers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a road underdog. Tigers are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Nittany Lions are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games in September. Nittany Lions are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Nittany Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

10* play on Penn State Nittany Lions. 

EAST CAROLINA VS MARSHALL BOOKIE BLA$TER

East Carolina is in danger of its first 0-3 start since 2017. The Pirates have struggled on both sides of the ball, and now they'll take on a Marshall team that is looking to stay undefeated. The Thundering Herd are averaging the fifth most offensive yards in the nation with 582 yards per game and QB Grant Wells has completed 70.1% of his passes for 680 yards with three touchdowns against one interception. They defeated Navy by 42 points as a 3.5-point favorite in Week 1, and I fully expect Marshall to run away with this one as well. 

8* play on Marshall. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - TOP-RATED 10* CFB TOTAL OF THE MONTH

The No. 6 Clemson Tigers have allowed a total of only 13 points through their first two games of the season. Georgia Tech put up 45 points in a 28-point victory last week, but as a 20-point favorite against Kennesaw State. 

While Georgia Tech's defense has not really been tested yet, giving up only giving up 123.5 passing yards per game (8th) is impressive, and it's a better number than Clemson's 133.5 (13th) passing yards per game allowed. 

Under is 6-2-2 in Yellow Jackets last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games as a favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

VIRGINIA TECH @ WEST VIRGINIA BOOKIE BU$TER

The Virginia Tech Hokies are traveling to West Virginia to put an undefeated 2-0 SU and ATS record on the line. This will be the first time the Hokies are on the road in 2021 though, and tight end James Mitchell is now out for the season with a knee injury.

They'll be facing a Mountaineers team that lost its season-opener to the Maryland Terrapins before bouncing back big with a 66-0 rout of Liberty, a game where it allowed only 95 yards of offense. 

West Virginia has won six consecutive games at home. The Mountaineers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a home favorite while the Hokies are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.

8* play on West Virginia. 

CINCINNATI @ INDIANA TOTAL

No. 8 Cincinnati has put up big numbers, but as massive favorites against Miami-Ohio and Murray State. This will be the Bearcats first real test of the season, and they'll face a Indiana defense that has allowed only 282.0 yards per game. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER GAME OF THE MONTH

Wolverhampton picked up their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, following an 0-3 start. They have decent talent, and I expect the Wolves to go on a bit of a run now, continuing with a home win against Brentford. Wolves are unbeaten in the past four league head-to-head meetings, and Brentford is cooling off, coming off back-to-back losses. 

10* play on Wolves. 

MARYLAND @ ILLINOIS FRIDAY NIGHT CFB BOOKIE BLA$TER

Maryland is a perfect 2-0 SU and ATS on the season after first defeating West Virginia as an underdog followed by a 62-0 rout of Howard last week. This will however be the Terps' first road game and first conference game of the season, and I think they are overvalued by the bookmakers in this one.  

Illinois has dropped back-to-back games since opening the season with an upset win against Nebraska, but it has its reasons. The Fighting Illini have been without their starting QB Brandon Peters in the last two games, but coach Bret Bielema said Peters has healed and will return as the starter Friday. Additionally, I expect to see a big reaction from Illinois after letting Virginia run away with a 42-14 win last week. 

Terrapins are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Terrapins are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a road favorite.

8* play on Illinois. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Phillies are coming off a 17-8 rout of the Cubs while the Mets took an 11-4 loss to St. Louis last time out. I expect both teams' bats to cool off here with two tough pitchers on the mound. 

Mets' righty Taijuan Walker (7-9, 4.29 ERA) has posted a 3.55 ERA in 14 outings (three starts) at home and a 3.80 ERA in four starts against the Phillies this season. Philadelphia righty Zack Wheeler (13-9, 2.86 ERA) has held the Mets to seven runs with 31 Ks over 29 1/3 innings (2.15 ERA) this year. 

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in New York. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GIANTS @ FOOTBALL TEAM THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BOOKIE BU$TER

Both teams opened the season with disappointing losses. Washington QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has been placed on IR after suffering a hip injury in last week's loss to the Chargers. He last started a regular-season game on Dec. 23, 2018.

The Giants won both regular-season meetings against Washington last year and they are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NFC East rivals. Additionally, the Giants are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 games as a road underdog and the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two teams. 

I think the Giants are undervalued here after coming out completely flat in their season opening 27-13 loss to Denver. 

8* play on New York Giants. 

ANGELS @ WHITE SOX TOTAL

Angels' right-hander Alex Cobb (7-3, 3.82 ERA) has posted a 10.70 ERA in his previous four career starts against the White Sox, but this looks like a good spot to better that number. The White Sox's bats have been very inconsistent lately, with the team scoring two runs or fewer in four of their last seven games. Additionally, Cobb has allowed only three runs through 24+ innings in his last four starts combined. The White Sox hand the ball to right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (3-2, 2.05 ERA) for his seventh start of the season. Lopez has allowed only three runs through 20 innings home at Guaranteed Rate Field. 

Under is 18-7 in Angels last 25 games as a road underdog. Under is 6-1-1 in White Sox last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 13-5 in the last 18 meetings in Chicago.

8* play on UNDER. 

REDS @ PIRATES SIDE

This looks like a great spot to fade the Pirates as they look to complete the three-game sweep. The Bucs are 0-10 this season when going for a sweep and 8-2 to the under. Desperation must be kicking in for the Reds who have lost four straight and seven of nine to fall out of a wild card spot. Reds' righty Tyler Mahle (11-5, 3.73 ERA) is 7-2 with a 1.97 ERA on the road and 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA against Pittsburgh this year. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY - REDS @ PIRATES TOTAL

This looks like a great spot to fade the Pirates as they look to complete the three-game sweep. The Bucs are 0-10 this season when going for a sweep and 8-2 to the under. Desperation must be kicking in for the Reds who have lost four straight and seven of nine to fall out of a wild card spot. Reds' righty Tyler Mahle (11-5, 3.73 ERA) is 7-2 with a 1.97 ERA on the road and 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA against Pittsburgh this year. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK - BOS/SEA UNDER

Tuesday's matchup between the Red Sox and the Mariners had only four runs scored until the two teams added eight runs in the last two frames for a final 8-4 Red Sox win. I expect to see fewer runs in this one. Red Sox righty Tanner Houck (0-4, 3.54 ERA) is still in search of his first win of the season, but to little fault of his own. Houck has yet to allow more than three runs in a start, and he has an impressive 63/15 K/BB ratio over his 53 1/3 innings of work. Seattle lefty Marco Gonzales (8-5, 3.95 ERA) has posted a 3.50 ERA in his last three starts and he has a 3.60 ERA at home on the season. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays won Tuesday's matchup 2-0, and I think the finale of this three-game series will be another low-scoring affair. Ray's righty Michael Wacha (3-4, 5.37 ERA) has posted a 2.35 ERA through his last three starts, with only nine hits allowed and 19 Ks over 15 1/3 innings of work. Blue Jays' left-hander Robbie Ray (11-5, 2.69 ERA) has posted a 2.50 ERA over his last three starts, with 28 Ks against 13 hits over 18 innings of work. 

The under is 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings. 

10* play on UNDER. 

8* play on Stoke. 

8* play on OVER. 

8* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY MLB MONEYLINE UNDERDOG DELIGHT

The Brewers saw a five-game winning streak come to an end with a 1-0 loss to Detroit on Tuesday. I think they're in for another tough one here on Wednesday. Detroit right-hander Matt Manning (3-6, 6.14 ERA) held Pittsburgh to one run in three innings in his last start. Manning has posted a 4.72 ERA home at Comerica Park, a much better number than his ERA on the road. The Tigers are 4-3 in his seven starts at home, 3-1 as underdogs. The Brewers have a 5-6 team record as raod favorites with Brandon Woodruff (9-8, 2.48 ERA) on the mound. 

8* play on Detroit Tigers. 

8* play on Bouzkova. 

8* play on Tauson. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Phillies have lost five of their last six. They're four-and-a-half games behind the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East, and with only nine games left, they need to start winning. This looks like a good spot against a Cubs team that is 6-25 in its last 31 vs. a team with a winning record. 

Phillies' righty Kyle Gibson (10-6, 3.38 ERA) has struggled in his last two starts, but both were on the road. Now Gibson returns home to Citizens Bank Park where he is 7-2 with a 2.24 ERA on the season. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies -1.5. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Good spot to back the Reds to get a win after dropping five of their last seven. Cincinnati left-hander Wade Miley (12-5, 2.89 ERA) has posted a 3.21 ERA in 12 career starts against Pittsburgh and he has tossed 13 scoreless innings in two starts against the Pirates this season. Pittsburgh left-hander Dillon Peters (0-2, 3.38 ERA) has made only four starts this season as he's spent most of the year in Triple-A. I think he'll struggle to slow down a Reds team that is in a tight battle for the second Wild Card in the National League. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

8* play on Minnen. 

RAVENS @ RAIDERS MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Baltimore Ravens have been easy money in the preseason for several years, and the same has been true for their season openers. Over the last four seasons, the Ravens have outscored opponents by 20, 44, 49 and 32 points respectively in their opening game. The Raiders have revamped their defense after ranking in the bottom-3 of the NFL in many statistical categories last season, but I think they'll need a couple of games to get all the new parts to fit together.

8* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

RAVENS @ RAIDERS TOTAL

The Baltimore Ravens have been easy money in the preseason for several years, and the same has been true for their season openers. Over the last four seasons, the Ravens have outscored opponents by 20, 44, 49 and 32 points respectively in their opening game. The Raiders have revamped their defense after ranking in the bottom-3 of the NFL in many statistical categories last season, but I think they'll need a couple of games to get all the new parts to fit together.

In addition to the Ravens winning and covering the spread, I also like the under. 

Under is 6-1 in Ravens last 7 road games. Under is 5-2 in Ravens last 7 games in Week 1. Under is 11-4 in Ravens last 15 vs. AFC.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY TWINS @ YANKEES MLB BOOKIE BU$TER

Twins right-hander John Gant (5-9, 3.78 ERA) is  1-3 with a 4.85 ERA in 11 outings since coming over from the Cardinals. Gant is coming off five scoreless innings at Cleveland, but he conceded four runs through 3 1/3 innings in the Bronx last month. 

Yankees righty Luis Gil (1-0, 1.42 ERA) has impressed through his first four MLB starts. He has been issuing a fair amount of walks, but 24 Ks over 19 innings of work is impressive. The Yankees are desperate for wins after losing 12 of their last 15 games. They're still very in the playoff race though, and they've dominated Minnesota this season, winning five of six meetings. 

8* play on New York Yankees -1.5. 

TOP-RATED PACKERS @ SAINTS WEEK 1 NFL BOOKIE BREAKER

Aaron Rodgers is, despite a turbulent offseason, back under center for the Packers. They return very much the same core, unlike the Saints whose long-time QB Drew Brees has retired. On top of that, star-wide receiver Michael Thomas has been placed on the physically unable to perform list as he continues his recovery from foot surgery.

The Packers had the top-scoring offense in the league last season, and I think it will be too much for the Saints to keep up with.

10* play on Green Bay Packers.

JAGUARS @ TEXANS NFL WEEK 1 BOOKIE BU$TER

This has all the signs of an ugly game between two teams in rebuilding mode. I'm happy to take the points on the home underdog. Jacksonville rookie QB Trevor Lawrence is an exceptional talent, but should he and a Jacksonville team that won just one game in 2020 really be a favorite on the road against an experienced team like the Texans? I don't think so. 

Sure, Houston has lost a lot of star power, but its defense looked decent in the preseason and I think the home team is underrated in this one. 

8* play on Houston Texans. 

CHARGERS/WASHINGTON SIDE

Chargers' explosive offense led by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert against a Washington defense that gave up just 4.85 yards per play last season, No. 2 in the NFL. 

LA running back Austin Ekeler will either miss the game completely or be somewhat limited (hamstring injury), which means that Washington can put more focus on stopping Herbert. 

I'll take my chances with the Football Team at home, and I also like the under. 

8* play on Washington. 

CHARGERS/WASHINGTON UNDER

Chargers' explosive offense led by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert against a Washington defense that gave up just 4.85 yards per play last season, No. 2 in the NFL. 

LA running back Austin Ekeler will either miss the game completely or be somewhat limited (hamstring injury), which means that Washington can put more focus on stopping Herbert. 

I'll take my chances with the Football Team at home, and I also like the under. 

8* play on UNDER. 

SEAHAWKS @ COLTS SIDE

Colts' new QB Carson Wentz has had his preseason ruined by foot surgery and COVID-19 quarantine, but I'm still not sure I agree that Indianapolis should be a field goal underdog to Seattle in the season opener. Wentz is now reunited with head coach Frank Reich and their defense is elite and can keep the Colts in the game against even the trickies of opponents. Much respect for Seattle who's looking solid on both sides of the ball, but I'm happy to take the points on the home underdog in this one.

8* play on Indianapolis Colts. 

MIKE'S CFB GAME OF THE WEEK - IOWA VS IOWA STATE TOP PLAY

No. 10 Iowa opened the season with a dominant 34-6 win as a 3.5-point favorite against Indiana while No. 9 Iowa State just barely beat Northern Iowa as a four-touchdown favorite. 

Those results are working in our favor here as we're getting Iowa State at a good number while putting Iowa in a potential letdown spot. There's just no way the Cyclones are coming out as flat here in this big-time rivalry game, so let's take advantage as the bookmakers and the public overreact to last week's results. 

Hawkeyes are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog. Cyclones are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss. Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

10* play on Iowa State. 

CFB TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK

College Football games between two academy teams are usually low-scoring affairs, and I don't see why this matchup between the Air Force Falcons and the Navy Midshipmen would be any different. Both teams will run the ball which will keep the clock ticking, and while Navy struggled on the defensive side of the ball in its 49-7 loss to Marshall last week, Air Force does not pose the same threat. Air Force is loaded with talent and experience on defense, so the Mids won't put up many points. 

Under is 20-6 in Midshipmen last 26 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 10-1 in Falcons last 11 games as a favorite. Under is 4-1 in Falcons last 5 games in September. Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

OREGON @ OHIO STATE BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Buckeyes defeated Minnesota by 14 points (pushed against the spread) in Week 1, despite trailing by four points at halftime. Ohio State redshirt freshman QB C.J. Stroud struggled in the early goings, but he really stepped it up in second half.

I expect a much faster start from Stroud and the rest of the Buckeyes here against a Ducks team that defeated Fresno State by only seven points as a 17.5-point favorite in its season opener.

The Ducks had only 172 passing yards in the victory, and they'll need a a lot more explosiveness to keep it close against a team like Ohio State. 

Back the Buckeyes to roll in their home opener. 

8* play on Ohio State. 

8* play on WBA -1. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - MIKE'S AL TOTAL GAME OF THE MONTH

Houston left-hander Framber Valdez (9-5, 3.08 ERA) has posted a 4.27 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against the Angels, but this will be his first start against them for this season. Valdez has posted a 2.73 ERA over 52 2/3 innings home at Minute Maid Park this year. Angels' right-hander Shohei Ohtani (9-1, 2.97 ERA) held Texas to two runs with eight Ks in seven innings last time out.

Houston took an 8-5 loss to Seattle on Wednesday after a late collapse. Under is 10-0-2 in Astros last 12 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.

The Angels are averaging only 3.68 runs per nine innings on the road against left-handers. Under is 8-3 in Angels last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.  Under is 15-5 in Angels last 20 games as a road underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

8* play on Birmingham. 

COWBOYS VS BUCS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BOOKIE BLA$TER

The Bucs are returning all 22 starters from their Super Bowl winning team. Veteran QB Tom Brady is a year older, but Tom Terrific has shown no signs of slowing down and I don't see Tampa Bay having any trouble what-so-ever with Dallas here in the season opener on Thursday. The Cowboys should be better (and healthier) than last season, but they're still missing some pieces and QB Dak Prescott didn't take a single snap in the preseason. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back an angry Braves team to snap back from a 4-2 loss to Washington. 

Atlanta right-hander Huascar Ynoa (4-5, 3.19 ERA) has posted a 2.29 ERA over 35 1/3 innings at home and he has a 2.19 ERA over 53 1/3 innings in night games. Ynoa has made two starts against Washington this season with only six hits and no earned runs allowed over 12 innings of work. 

Nats' righty Erick Fedde (6-9, 5.27 ERA) has posted a 6.14 ERA over his last three starts. Fedde is 0-3 with a 11.12 ERA in three starts against Atlanta on the season. 

Braves are 20-6 in their last 26 games as a favorite. Braves are 22-7 in their last 29 games following a loss. Nationals are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on Atlanta Braves -1.5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB BOOKIE BU$TER - GUARANTEED TO WIN

The Rockies are an abysmal 18-50 on the road. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela (4-9, 4.16 ERA) is 1-6 with a 4.56 ERA away from home. Phillies' lefty Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.38 ERA) is having a fantastic year, and he is 5-0 behind a 1.40 ERA at home. 

The Rockies have been outscored 38-14 over their last four games. The Phillies sit only 2 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East, and I expect nothing but full focus from them down the stretch. Phillies in a blowout. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK #2

White Sox left-hander Dallas Keuchel (8-8, 5.22 ERA) has been roughed up badly in recent outings, but this looks like a good spot to bounce back against an Oakland team that has scored only three runs through its last two games. Under is 13-3 in Athletics last 16 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Oakland righty Frankie Montas (11-9, 3.68 ERA) has posted a 1.31 ERA over his last three starts. Under is 4-0-1 in White Sox last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Cardinals veteran righty Adam Wainwright (14-7, 2.91 ERA) is having a terrific year. He's been even sharper down the stretch, with a 1.43 ERA in six starts last month and only one earned run allowed over 6 1/3 innings in his first start of September. Dodgers' right-hander Mitch White (1-2, 3.49 ERA) has been getting some starts lately as the Dodgers are coping with injuries to their regular starters. White is inexperienced, but he should be able to handle a Cardinals team that is averaging only 4.27 runs per game (26th), which drops to 3.94 runs per game at home. Under is 18-6-4 in Dodgers last 28 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 5-0-2 in Cardinals last 7 home games. Under is 8-2-1 in Cardinals last 11 games as a favorite. Under is 38-18-1 in the last 57 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK #1

The first two games of this series have seen a total of only 10 runs scored between them. Minnesota right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 5.40 ERA) fanned five Cubs hitters and gave up only three hits and a walk in his MLB debut. He should do alright here against a Cleveland team whose bats have gone quiet. Cleveland right-hander Triston McKenzie (4-5, 4.62 ERA) held Kansas City to one run on two hits in six innings last Thursday after being sidelined for 11 days due to shoulder fatigue. Under is 8-2-1 in Twins last 11 overall. Under is 5-2 in Indians last 7 overall. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MAJOR WAGER ALERT - MIKE'S AL TOTAL GAME OF THE WEEK

Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole (14-6, 2.73 ERA) has posted a 0.73 ERA in four starts after missing more than two weeks following a positive test for COVID-19. Cole is 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA in seven starts against the Blue Jays who hand the ball to Steven Matz (10-7, 3.80 ERA). Matz has posted a 2.12 ERA over his last three starts, and he'll face a slumping Yankees team that was shut out last night and has lost seven of its last nine.

The Blue Jays bats have been hot, but if anyone can keep them quiet it's Cole. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Good spot to back the Indians to bounce back from a 5-2 loss to the Twins on Monday. Cleveland scored only two runs despite getting nine baserunners, and I expect them to have more success here against John Gant (4-9, 3.98 ERA) who is 0-3 with a 6.14 ERA in his last three starts. 

Cleveland righty Aaron Civale (10-2, 3.32 ERA) will make his first major league start in more than two months as he's been on the injured list due to a sprained right middle finger, but note that the Indians have won six of his last seven starts. 

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

LOUISVILLE VS OLE MISS  MONDAY NIGHT CFB BOOKIE BU$TER

Ole Miss ranked in the top-20 in the FBS in several different categories for offense last year, but I think the total is a bit inflated here in the Rebels season opener. Louisville ranked 49th in scoring defense and 39th in total defense last season, and while the Cardinals have lost some starters, I still think their defense will hold against a rusty Ole Miss offense. Both teams are returning their starting QBs, yet another reason for the books to give us a big number, and I think they've overadjusted.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE - BIG HITTER

The Mariners closed out last week with a 10-4 win at Arizona, with seven of their runs being scored in extra-innings. I highly doubt the Mariners will score anywhere close to as many runs here against Lance McCullers Jr. (10-4, 3.20 ERA) who is 9-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 17 career starts against Seattle. Mariners' lefty Yusei Kikuchi (7-7, 4.12 ERA) is 1-4 with a 5.50 ERA in 10 career starts against Houston. The Astros are coming off back-to-back losses at San Diego, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way in this one. 

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - RAYS

The Rays put an 11-4 beating on Minnesota on Saturday, and I think they'll come through with a big win again on Sunday. Twins righty Griffin Jax has a 6.71 ERA in 12 outings (eight starts) in 2021. He is 1-2 with a 7.07 ERA on the road and 0-2 with a 9.77 ERA in his last three starts. Rays' righty Luis Patino (4-3, 4.24 ERA) has posted a 2.01 ERA over 31 1/3 innings home at Tropicana Field. Patino is 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA over his last three starts. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - REDS

Reds' righty Luis Castillo (7-14, 4.30 ERA) has posted a 2.79 ERA over his last three starts. Tigers righty Casey Mize (7-7, 3.59 ERA) gave up three runs in six innings in a loss to Minnesota in his last start, and here he'll face a Reds team that is averaging 6.33 runs per nine innings against right-handers home at Great American Ball Park. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds -1.5. 

SUPER EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB *NO-BRAINER*

The Yankees took a 4-3 loss as a massive favorite against the Orioles on Saturday. They're huge favorites once again in rubbergame of this three-game series on Sunday, and I expect the Bronx Bombers to bounce back in a big way. 

Orioles' Keegan Akin (2-8, 6.90 ERA) is coming off his best two outings of the season, but I think that just sets up a letdown spot for the left-hander. The Yankees hand the ball to Corey Kluber (4-3, 3.61 ERA) who's in a bounce back spot after giving up five runs in four innings against the Angels on Aug 30. That was his first start since May, and we should see a much better outing from Kluber today.

8* play on New York Yankees -1.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays are 10-1 SU as home favorites of -200 or more this season. While they've not done quite as well against the runline, I expect them to come through with a blowout win against the Twins on Saturday. 

Minnesota left-hander Andrew Albers (1-0, 0.96 ERA) has only two outings (one start) on the season, and while both were solid, now he'll take to deal with a Rays team that is averaging 5.40 runs per game. 

Tampa Bay right-hander Chris Archer (0-1, 4.35 ERA) has made four appearances (three starts) in 2021. After giving up four runs (three earned) in two innings as a reliever in his season debut, Archer has allowed only two runs through 8 2/3 innings in the next three starts. 

Twins are 1-6 in their last 7 games as a road underdog and 2-6 against the runline on the road with the opponent favored of -200 or more. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* BAMA @ MIAMI-FL BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL

The Alabama Crimson Tide are coming into the season opener against Miami-Florida as a sizeable favorite. That Bama will come out ahead is a foregone conclusion, but I think they'll win with their defense rather than their offense. Bryce Young is taking over at quarterback to replace Mac Jones, and with only three returning starters on offense, it might take a couple of games for their offense to click. Defensively though, Bama looks solid with seven starters back, led by linebackers Will Anderson Jr. and Christian Harris and cornerback Josh Job.

10* play on UNDER. 

MARSHALL VS NAVY CFB BOOKIE BLA$TER

Navy will as always be all about the run, but I don't expect much from the Midshipmen's triple-option attack in Week 1 as they are bringing in three new running backs and they have weak QB options. Marshall led the nation in scoring defense (13.0 points per game) last year, and I think the Thundering Herd's defense will lead them to victory. 

8* play on Marshall. 

TOP-RATED 10* TGIF MLB BIG HITTER

The Angles are 5-1 SU and 3-3 against the runline as home favorites of -200 or more this season. The Rangers are 4-15 SU and 5-14 against the runline on the road with the opponent favored of -200 or more. 

Angels' righty Shohei Ohtani (8-1, 3.00 ERA) is 5-1 with a 1.92 ERA at home on the season. Rangers' righty Glenn Otto (0-0, 0.00 ERA) has only five innings of big league experience under his belt. 

10* play on Los Angeles Angels -1.5. 

NORTH CAROLINA @ VIRGINIA TECH BOOKIE BU$TER

These two teams met in October last year, a game the Tar Heels won 56-45. I think that result combined with North Carolina's returning QB, Heisman Trophy candidate Sam Howell, has made the bookmakers posting a way inflated total for this contest.

The Hokies have lost last year’s starters at quarterback and running back. The Tar Heels have lost two receivers (Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome) and two running backs (Michael Carter and Javonte Williams) to the NFL Draft. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Rockies are a really strong home at Coors Field, but now they'll face a Braves team that has won 16 straight as favorites on the road. Braves righty Touki Toussaint (3-2, 3.60 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last three starts, and he has posted a 2.45 ERA over 24 innings on the road this year. Colorado righty Chi Chi Gonzalez (3-6, 6.08 ERA) has posted a 7.00 ERA over his last three starts.

10* play on Atlanta Braves -1.5.

OHIO STATE VS MINNESOTA BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off an impressive season. They made it all the way to the College Football Playoff Championship game where they came up short against Alabama. Redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud will replace Justin Fields at quarterback, but several reliable targets and running back Master Teague III returns. 

The Gophers went 3-4 in conference play last year and ranked near the bottom in most defensive categories. I don't see the Gophers keeping pace with the Buckeyes, despite home field advantage. 

8* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

8* play on Poland. 

LATE-NIGHT MLB BAILOUT PLAY

Atlanta left-hander Max Fried (11-7, 3.54 ERA) was red hot in August, but he is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA in four starts against the Dodgers. Dodgers' righty Max Scherzer (12-4, 2.51 ERA) has a mediocre 4.04 ERA in 26 career outings (24 starts) against the Braves, but he's been lights out since coming over from the Nats, going 4-0 behind a 1.55 ERA. 

The Braves have lost five of their last seven, and I expect the Dodgers to win and cover the RL. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

3-PACK - BOS/TB UNDER

Red Sox righty Chris Sale (3-0, 2.35 ERA) has posted a 2.94 ERA in 20 career appearances (18 starts) against the Rays. Rays' Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 3.46 ERA) owns a 2.70 ERA in three career appearances (one start) against the Rex Sox, all this season. Under is 13-3 in Red Sox last 16 games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Under is 11-3-2 in Red Sox last 16 during game 3 of a series.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB TOP PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back the Jays after getting held to six hits in a disappointing 4-2 loss to Baltimore and Keegan Akin on Tuesday. The Blue Jays are 4-0 SU and 3-1 against the runline off a loss as a -200 favorite or more on the season. 

Baltimore righty Matt Harvey (6-14, 6.18 ERA) is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in his last three starts. Toronto left-hander Steven Matz (10-7, 3.81 ERA) posted a 1.30 ERA through five starts while covering 27 2/3 innings in August. 

10* play on Toronto Blue Jays -1.5. 

LATE-NIGHT MLB TOTAL TOP PLAY *BAILOUT PLAY

Padres' left-hander Blake Snell (6-5, 4.58 ERA) has an ugly 7.01 ERA on the road, but he has posted a 3.06 ERA in his last three starts (two home, one away). I don't think the tanking D'Backs will do much damage off him as Snell is 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA in three starts against the Diamondbacks this season.

Arizona righty Zac Gallen (2-7, 4.32 ERA) has 15 strikeouts through 12 scoreless innings in his last two starts. Gallen is 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA in four starts against the Padres this year.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK - YANKEES

Good spot to back the Yankees to snap back from three straight defeats, a highly disappointing 8-7 setback against the Angels on Monday included. Angels' right-hander Jaime Barria (2-2, 5.56 ERA) has allowed a total of 12 runs through 14 1/3 innings over his last four starts. Yankees' righty Jameson Taillon (8-4, 4.18 ERA) has not been particularly sharp in his last couple of starts, but he is still unbeaten in his past 15 starts, sporting a 7-0 record behind a 3.63 ERA with an 11-4 team record. The team has won each of his last nine starts. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

8* play on under 18.5 games. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Good spot to back the Dodgers to bounce back from a 5-0 loss to Colorado. They are 3-1 off a shutout loss on the season and 8-2 in this spot over the last three years. 

Atlanta left-hander Drew Smyly (9-3, 4.54 ERA) has allowed three runs in six of his last eight starts, and he served up three homers to Baltimore last time out. Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias (14-3, 3.17 ERA) is 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA over his last three starts. 

10* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - WHITE SOX

The White Sox are 19-5 as favorites off a loss as a favorite, perfect 3-0 as favorites of -200 or more. Cubs'right-hander Kyle Hendricks (14-5, 4.09 ERA) has posted a 7.41 ERA in his last three starts. White Sox righty Dylan Cease (10-6, 3.92 ERA) is 1-0 with a 3.50 ERA in his last three starts and he is 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA at home on the season. 

8* play on Chicago White Sox -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - GIANTS/BRAVES UNDER

The Braves got shut out in a 5-0 loss to the Giants on Saturday. I think runs will be hard to come by for Atlanta in this one as well, coming up against Anthony DeSclafani (11-5, 3.26 ERA) who has psoted a 2.80 ERA on the road this season. Only one of Atlanta's last seven games has gone over the total. Ian Anderson (5-5, 3.56 ERA) will take the ball for the Braves. Under is 9-0 in Giants last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter and 17-5 in Giants last 22 during game 3 of a series.

8* play on UNDER. 

BRAVES

The Braves got shut out in a 5-0 loss to the Giants on Saturday. I think runs will be hard to come by for Atlanta in this one as well, coming up against Anthony DeSclafani (11-5, 3.26 ERA) who has posted a 2.80 ERA on the road this season. Only one of Atlanta's last seven games has gone over the total. Ian Anderson (5-5, 3.56 ERA) will take the ball for the Braves. Under is 9-0 in Giants last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter and 17-5 in Giants last 22 during game 3 of a series.

In addition to the under, I also think we're getting a decent price on the Braves to bounce back from getting shut out and close out the series with a win. 

8* play on Atlanta Braves.

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

The Rays won but failed to cover the runline on Saturday's matchup with the Orioles. They're 17-1 SU and 14-4 against the runline versus Baltimore this season and I expect to see a comfortable win for the Rays here in the finale of this three-game series on Sunday. 

Baltimore right-hander Spenser Watkins (2-6, 7.07 ERA) has allowed four runs or more in six straight starts, all losses. Watkins gave up eight runs in just two innings against the Angels in his last start. 

Tampa Bay righty Chris Archer (0-1, 4.26 ERA) is working his way back into the starting rotation after missing four months due to a forearm strain and a hip issue. Through his last two starts, Archer has fanned eight while allowing only four hits and a walk through 4 1/3 scoreless innings. Acher is still building up his pitch count, but is backed up by the best bullpen in baseball.  

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

8* play on Barboza. 

LATE NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Dodgers fell to 10-4 against the Rockies with a 4-2 loss on Friday. They've won seven of their last eight coming off a loss, and here they get to hit off Jon Gray (7-10, 4.20 ERA) who has allowed 15 runs through his last four starts, all losses. 

8* play on Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK

This game should go under the total as the Cubs are unlikely to put many runs on the board against White Sox righty Lance Lynn who has posted a 2.27 ERA on the season. The White Sox have scored a total of 27 runs over their last two games, but their bats had been cold prior to those two outings. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

Rays' righty Michael Wacha (2-4, 5.88 ERA) is having a rough year, but he should be able to contain the Orioles. Wacha should also be getting a decent amount of run support as Baltimore left-hander John Means (5-6, 3.50 ERA) has allowed 13 runs through his last three starts alone. The team has lost 10 of his last 12 starts overall and the Orioles are 0-4 SU and against the runline with Means as the starter against the Rays this year. 

The Rays are 16-1 and 14-3 against the runline versus Baltimore this season. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

NFL PRESEASON BOOKIE BU$TER

The Baltimore Ravens are going for their 20th consecutive preseason victory. It would seem that coach John Harbaugh simply coaches to win no matter the setting and he knows how to get his players fired up for these types of games. Washington coach Ron Rivera has said he doesn't see any value in preseason wins and losses, as it's "all about how they play."

8* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

UCONN @ FRESNO STATE CFB BOOKIE BREAKER

Fresno State is coming off an solid first season with Jake Haener under center, and I expect them to wreck UConn here in the opener of the new season. Haener threw for 2,021 yards with 14 touchdowns against only five INTs, and coach Kalen DeBoer also welcomes back his top three rushers. 

UConn called off last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have yet to declare a No. 1 quarterback. I don't see the Huskies keeping pace with Fresno State in this one. 

8* play on Fresno State. 

*MAJOR WAGER ALERT* AL RUNLINE GAME OF THE YEAR

The Baltimore Orioles are coming off back-to-back upset wins against the Angels, but they had lost 18 straight prior to those wins and I don't think they'll stand much of a chance here against the Rays on Friday. 

Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan (8-4, 3.63 ERA) is 3-0 with 22 Ks over 17 1/3 innings of work over his last three starts. McClanahan also has a solid 3.80 ERA on the road and he has a 3-0 record with a 2.65 ERA in three starts against the Orioles on the season. 

Baltimore hands the ball to Matt Harvey (6-13, 6.27 ERA) who has allowed 11 runs on 12 hits over just 6 1/3 innings against the Rays this year. Harvey is 2-8 with a 6.62 ERA at home. 

The Rays are 15-1 ad 13-3 against the runline versus Baltimore this season.

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

Cards' righty Miles Mikolas (0-1, 1.00 ERA) will be making his second start after being sidelined since late May due to injury. He owns a 2.85 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) against the Pirates. 

Pittsburgh righty Mitch Keller (4-10, 6.35 ERA) has a 0.56 ERA in three career starts against the Cardinals, but I think they'll get to him tonight. The Cardinals are still in the playoff race, but they can not afford to drop many games. I expect a focused St. Louis team to get it done. 

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

SUPER EARLY TOP-RATED AL MONEYLINE GAME OF THE MONTH

The Orioles had lost 18 in a row prior to a 10-6 triumph against the Angels on Wednesday. I think they'll be back to their losing ways today. Baltimore left-hander Keegan Akin (0-8, 7.92 ERA) is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in his last three outings. The team is 1-10 in his 11 starts on the season. 

Angels' right-hander Jaime Barria (2-2, 5.87 ERA) is certainly no ace, but he should be able to contain this tanking Orioles team.

10* play on Los Angeles Angels. 

ROCKIES @ CUBS GAME 1 BOOKIE BLA$TER

Backing the Rockies on the road has rarely been a winning proposition this year, but I like them to get the W in Game 1 of a double-header at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. 

Rockies' right-hander German Marquez (11-9, 3.80 ERA) is 3-1 in his last four starts, and the team has won seven of his last 10 starts. Cubs right-hander Zach Davies (6-10, 5.04 ERA) is 0-4 with an 8.25 ERA and 11 homers allowed in 24 innings in his last six starts. The team has lost eight of his last nine starts. 

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

The Astros opened the series with a 4-0 win on Monday. Now they get to tee off versus left-hander Mike Minor (8-11, 5.34) who is 0-2 with a 5.51 ERA in his last three starts. The team has lost each of his last four and eight of his last 10 starts. During that stretch, they covered the runline in none of the defeats. Houston right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (10-4, 3.21 ERA) who is 1-0 with a 2.73 ERA over five career starts against the Royals. 

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

TOP-RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER

Huge bounce back spot for the Astors after taking a humbling 7-1 loss as massive favorites against KC on Monday. Astros right-hander Luis Garcia is 5-3 with a 2.02 ERA at home. Royals righty Brady Singer is 3-8 with a 5.23 ERA on the season (1-3, 5.25 ERA on the road). With Houston only three games ahead of Oakland in the AL West division, I expect the Astros to come out focused and hungry to snap back. 

10* play on Houston Astros -1.5. 

MLB 3-PACK - BRAVES

The Braves had their nine-game winning streak come to an end Monday. I think they have a significant edge in this matchup, and that they'll return the favor and end the Yankees' 10-game winning streak. 

Braves' righty Charlie Morton is having a great year, and he is 5-2 with a 3.81 ERA at home and 12-2 with a 3.18 ERA in night games. The Yankees are averaging only 3.89 runs per nine innings on the road against right-handers.

Yankees' left-hander Andrew Heaney has made four starts for the Bronx Bombers since coming over the Angels. Through these four outings, Heaney has allowed 16 runs in 22 innings. 

8* play on Atlanta Braves.