NHL BIG HITTER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Montreal Canadiens have alternated wins and losses through their last six games and took a 4-1 loss to Dallas their last time out. Canadiens are 20-6 in their last 26 games following a home loss of three or more goals and I love the price we get on the home team in this matchup.

The Habs will face a Washington team in a let down spot off a 4-3 SO win at Calgary and this will be the Caps fourth straight on the road. We can also note that Washington has yet to claim back-to-back victories on the season. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA SIDE)

The Utah Jazz will close out a four-game road swing with a matchup with the Timberwolves at Minnesota Wednesday night.

They've breezed past Houston, New Orleans and Orlando in the first three games of the trek and will be fairly rested here playing on two days rest, so I'm pretty confident they'll show up for this contest, particularly as the Jazz are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Minnesota.

We can also note that the Jazz have been lighting up the scoreboard lately, and here they'll face a Wolves team which has allowed 120+ points in each of its last two games. 

Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games and 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on 2 days rest. Timberwolves are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games playing on one days rest and 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on Utah Jazz. 

NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY (10* TOP PLAY)

The Oklahoma City Thunder recorded their first win of the season with a  117-110 home triumph over the Suns on Sunday. Russell Westbrook missed the first two games of the season following knee surgery but led the team with 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists against Phoenix. The LA Clippers are off a 136-104 win over the Washington Wizards and have now scored 130+ points in two straight games. The Clippers beat the Westbrook-less Thunder 108-92 on Oct. 19, but I think we'll see a closer game with a higher score here with the OKC superstar back in the mix. 

Over is 5-1 in Clippers last six games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game. Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Oklahoma City.

10* play on OVER. 

KINGS @ MAGIC HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Sacramento Kings will play on no rest following an upset win at Miami Monday night, although they don't have to worry about heavy travel for this matchup with the Magic at Orlando. I think this young Kings team will deal with back-to-back games just fine supported by the fact that they're 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on 0 days rest. The Magic are coming off back-to-back losses, the most recent a 113-91 setback at Milwaukee on Saturday. They're just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games and 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games playing on two days rest. We can also note that the underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

8* play on Sacramento Kings. 

HEAT @ HORNETS TOTAL

I think we'll see a high-scoring contest when the Charlotte Hornets host the Miami Heat Tuesday night.

The visitors are likely to struggle with the intensity on defense as they'll be playing on no rest following a 123-113 loss to Sacramento on Monday. The Hornets should have a lot of energy and looking to play high tempo basketball following two days rest since a 105-103 setback at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Over is 9-1 in Heat's last 10 games playing on 0 days rest. Over is 18-7-1 in Hornets' last 26 home games.

8* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 97-85 upset win at Atlanta on Saturday, putting them in a let down spot here when hosting the Golden State Warriors Monday night. 

The Warriors will be playing on no rest but made light work of Brooklyn without exhausting themselves last night. They've now won four in a row since their lone loss (100-98 at Denver on Oct 21) and the previous three were all by at least 20 points.

Trends supporting Golden State: Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday games. Bulls are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Monday games.

With the under 10-4 in the last 14 meetings at United Center I also recommend a play on this game to go under the total.

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 97-85 upset win at Atlanta on Saturday, putting them in a let down spot here when hosting the Golden State Warriors Monday night. 

The Warriors will be playing on no rest but made light work of Brooklyn without exhausting themselves last night. They've now won four in a row since their lone loss (100-98 at Denver on Oct 21) and the previous three were all by at least 20 points.

Trends supporting Golden State: Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday games. Bulls are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Monday games.

With the under 10-4 in the last 14 meetings at United Center I also recommend a play on this game to go under the total.

8* play on UNDER.

NBA 3-PACK

The Indiana Pacers are perfect 2-0 SU and ATS home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on the season, beating Brooklyn and Memphis by a combined 48 points. Here they'll return home from a 2-1 road trip including wins at San Antonio and Cleveland, and I think the Pacers will prove too much to handle for the Trail Blazers in this matchup. Portland is in the middle of a four-game road trip and took a 120-11 loss at Miami on Saturday. The Blazers are only 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Pacers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games and 12-3 ATS in their last 15 Monday games.

8* play on Indiana Pacers. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL NO-BRAINER

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have to do without Auston Matthew in Monday's matchup with the Flames, but I still think they'll beat Calgary rather comfortably.

The Flames have been outscored 16-6 in three consecutive losses and allowed five goals while shorthanded during that stretch. Here they'll face a Toronto team which has the second best power play in the NHL with a 32.1 percent conversion rate. 

Flames are 4-10 in their last 14 vs. Eastern Conference while Maple Leafs are 11-2 in their last 13 vs. Western Conference. Maple Leafs are 14-3 in the last 17 meetings in Toronto.

8* play on Toronto Maple Leafs. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA TOTAL)

The Utah Jazz defeated the Pelicans 132-111 Saturday night. I think we'll see another high-scoring affair involving the Jazz when they visit Dallas Saturday evening. 

The Mavs have been giving up an average of 118.6 points through their first five games and Utah has scored 123 points or more in three of its five games. The Jazz might struggle with fatigue and intensity on the defensive end of the court playing on no rest, giving the Mavs some easy buckets. 

Trends supporting the Over: Over is 12-5 in Jazz last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 5-1 in Mavericks last six vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) - MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 8 ATS *BEST BET* 

The Washington Redskins are coming off back-to-back wins over Dallas and Carolina to improve to 4-2 on the season. Here they'll face a NY Giants team which is tied for the worst record in the league at 1-6 with the 49ers and Cardinals. 

The Giants will play on a short week following a 23-20 setback at Atlanta Monday night. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley failed to reach 100 total yards for the first time in his professional career and is likely in for another tough matchup Sunday afternoon.

Washington ranks No.3 in the NFL against the run giving up only 87.3 ypg and held Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott to 31 yards overall on 14 carries last week. 

New York couldn't exploit an Atlanta D which had given up 32.0 points per game heading into Monday, and I'm more than happy to back the hotter team with the better defense in this contest.

10* play on Washington Redskins. 

BUCS @ BENGALS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers snapped a three-game skid with a 26-23 OT win over Cleveland last week. They still failed to cover the spread for a fourth straight game and I think they're in for a tough game at Cincinnati Sunday afternoon. 

The Bengals have lost back-to-back games and were embarrassed in a 45-10 loss at Kansas City Sunday night. Their defense had been solid prior to that game while the Buccaneers have the worst scoring defense in the league. We can also note that this will be Cincinnati's last game before its bye week, so I expect the home team to go all in here. 

Trends supporting Cincinnati: Bengals are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game. Bengals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games. Buccaneers are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 road games. Buccaneers are 0-7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in October.

8* play on Cincinnati Bengals. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL NO-BRAINER

The Seattle Seahawks have won three of their last four games and put a 27-3 beating on the Raiders in London, England two weeks ago. They'll be well rested coming off their bye and have had plenty of success running the ball lately. Detroit is among the worst teams in the NFL at defending the run, and on the other side of the ball I think the Lions will struggle to put points on the board against a Seattle D which has improved a lot in recent weeks. 

8* play on Seattle Seahawks. 

SUNDAY MORNING MASSACRE ~ EAGLES/JAGUARS @ LONDON 

Philadelphia will take on Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, England on Sunday.

The Jaguars have lost three straight games by a combined 90-28 and averaged only 9.3 points scored during that stretch. QB Blake Bortles has completed just 54.6% of his attempts for 640 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions but get another start here. It'll be tough for the Jags to keep this close with a scuffling quarterback as they're unlikely to have much success on the ground either, coming up against the No. 1 rush defense in the NFL. 

The Eagles will be looking to bounce back from Sunday’s disastrous home loss to the Panthers, whom they led 17-0 in the fourth quarter. "These are games that galvanize football teams, and this is going to do that," Coach Doug Pederson told reporters. "This is going to bring us even closer together... Pressure’s off of us. Nobody on the outside world is giving us a chance to do much of anything."

QB Carson Wentz had another great game with 310 passing yards and two TD’s, and he has registered at least two TD passes in four straight games. I like the Eagles to come through with a win. 

8* play on Philadelphia Eagles. 

JAZZ @ PELICANS BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The New Orleans Pelicans remain unbeaten as they came from behind and outscored Brooklyn 9-0 down the stretch to earn a 117-115 victory Friday night. They've been prolific with the ball in their hands but here they'll face a defensively strong Utah team which will come in well rested following a rather comfortable 100-89 triumph over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. 

Jazz are 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings overall and 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings at Smoothie King Center. 

10* play on Utah Jazz.

SATURDAY NIGHT PAC-12 PUNISHER

The Washington Huskies are coming off a dominant 27-13 win over Colorado. They'll face a tougher test when visiting the California Golden Bears on Saturday, but I'm well happy to give the points and take the visitors in this matchup. 

Huskies QB Jake Browning had a quiet game against the Buffaloes with only 150 passing yards, but note that Washington is 20-9-1 ATS in its last 30 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. The Huskies did most of their damage on the ground despite missing all-time leading rusher Myles Gaskin, and he's expected to be back for this contest. 

California had failed to cover the spread in four straight games prior to routing Oregon State its last time out, and the Huskies have dominated this matchup in recent seasons including a 38-7 triumph last year.

8* play on Washington Huskies. 

SATURDAY NHL POWER PLAY

The Washington Capitals have had a somewhat disappointing start to their title defending campaign and have yet to string together back-to-back wins. They took a 4-1 loss at Edmonton Thursday night, but it's only a matter of time before the Caps find their rhythm and I think they look good to bounce back and pick up a win at Calgary on Saturday. 

The Flames have been outscored 12-3 in their last two games combined and netminder Mike Smith has allowed at least four goals in five of his past seven starts.

We can also note that the road team is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.

8* play on Washington Capitals. 

IOWA @ PENN STATE AFTERNOON ASSASSIN (10* TOP PLAY)

I think the Iowa Hawkeyes are spotted way too many points to pass up on when they visit the Penn State Nittany Lions Saturday afternoon. 

Penn State had lost back-to-back games outright before finally getting back in the win column with a 33-28 win at Indiana last week. They still failed to cover the 14-point spread though and were actually outgained by 137 yards.

Here the Nittany Lions will face an Iowa team with a ton of momentum as it's going for a third straight win. The Hawkeyes D has been excellent all season and held Maryland to 47 passing yards along with 68 rushing yards in a 23-0 triumph last week. Penn State can run the ball, but it won't be enough here against a rush defense that is giving up an average of only 2.7 yards/rush attempt. I'm well happy to take the points on the underdog in this matchup. 

Trends supporting Iowa: Hawkeyes are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall. Hawkeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 conference games.

8* play on Iowa Hawkeyes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE *BEST BET*

Both Leicester and West Ham will be looking to snap two-game losing streaks, and I like the home team to come through with a win. The visitors are mightly banged up as Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sánchez, Andriy Yarmolenko, Pedro Obiang, Andy Carroll, Manuel Lanzini and Winston Reid all will miss the game. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is a fitness doubt but I expect him to be fit for fight. If not, Leicester still have solid backup options. 

Leicester have lost just one of their last seven Premier League games against West Ham and we can note that West Ham have lost seven of their last 10 away games in the Premier League.

10* play on Leicester. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB TOTAL) - MIKE'S TOP RATED *BEST BET* FOR OCTOBER!

The Army Black Knights will pay a visit to Eastern Michigan Eagles Saturday afternoon. I think the bookmakers have set the total way too low for this contest. 

Army beat the Miami RedHawks 31-30 in double overtime its last time out, and as usual it did most of its damage on the ground with 347 rushing yards. On the season, the Black Knights own the 2nd best running offense in the country and we can note that Eastern Michigan gave up 227 rushing yards to Ball State last week. The Eagles still won the game 42-20 and scored three touchdowns through the air, and Eastern Michigan QB Tyler Wiegers  should have decent success here as well against a vulnerable Army secondary.

Eastern Michigan averages a decent 29.5 ppg on the season while Army averages 32.3 ppg.  

10* play on OVER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Milwaukee Bucks have opened the season with four straight wins and look good to make it five in a row when they visit Minnesota Friday night. The Timberwolves are 2-3 following a 112-105 loss at Toronto last time out. The Bucks have dominated this series in recent seasons, winning six of the past eight meetings and covering the spread in seven of the last nine, and that's a trend likely to continue. 

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NETS @ PELICANS BANKROLL BUILDER

This looks like a good spot to fade the New Orleans Pelicans who have started the season a perfect 3-0 despite allowing an average of 116.7 ppg. They're been shooting 51.7 percent from the field which is simply unsustainable, and I would not be surprised to see them come out flat here against a Brooklyn side which must feel pretty good about itself following a 102-86 triumph at Cleveland Wednesday night. Nets are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

8* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S BEST PUCKLINE BET FOR OCTOBER

The Winnipeg Jets visit the lowly Detroit Red Wings Friday night, and I think we'll see an easy win for the visitors.

Detroit has won just one game all season (1-6-2) and each of its last five defeats were by at least two goals. Here the Red Wings will face a Winnipeg team which had won three straight before taking a 4-2 loss to Toronto Wednesday.

Note that the Jets are 10-4 in their last 14 after scoring two goals or less in their previous game while Red Wings are 1-10 in their last 11 when their opponent scores two goals or less in their previous game.

The Jets have scored at least one power play goal in six games while Detroit has struggled when shorthanded and allowed Carolina to convert on two of three chances with a man advantage Monday night. 

10* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

THURSDAY NIGHT HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be playing on no rest following a 102-86 home loss to Brooklyn yesterday. They've yet to win a game since King James left and have failed to cover the spread in two straight games.

Here the Cavs will face a Detroit Pistons team off four straight wins and the offense has really been clicking this season, averaging 118 ppg. I think they'll win big against the Cavs who have been terrible on defense, are low on confidence and here also fatigued. 

Trends supporting Detroit: Pistons are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Pistons are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games. Cavaliers are 15-41-2 ATS in their last 58 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

8* play on Detroit Pistons. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB) - MIKE'S BEST CFB ATS BET FOR OCTOBER!

The Western Michigan Broncos host the Toledo Rockets Thursday night. I predict an easy win for the home team. 

The Broncos are coming off a convincing 35-10 road win against Central Michigan to make it six straight wins. They limited Central Michigan to 269 total yards of offense while doing most if their damage on the ground with 305 rushing yards. They can attack through the air as well though and junior QB Jon Wassink has collected 1980 passing yards with a 16:6 TD to INT ratio on the season. 

Toledo has struggled to stop the run as well as the pass and gave up 326 passing yards in a 31-17 home loss to Buffalo last week. It has failed to cover the spread in four straight games and been outgained in each of its last six. WMU can move then chains both ways and should have no trouble to outscore this weak Toledo side. 

Trends supporting WMU: Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games. Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

10* play on Western Michigan Broncos. 

LATE LAKERS @ SUNS MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The LA Lakers are still searching for their first win both SU and ATS since LeBron James joined the team. They've had a tough schedule though, facing Portland, Houston and most recently San Antonio and I think they're ready to go off and get the W at Phoenix Wednesday night. 

The Suns have lost by 20+ points in both their last two games, at Denver and Golden State, but they're not covering the spread often at home either going 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games. 

LeBron will be angry after missing the game's last shot in Monday's frustrating 143-142 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and I don't see this young Phoenix team having an answer to King James. 

8* play on LA Lakers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA)

The San Antonio Spurs have plenty momentum as they're coming off a dramatic OT win at LA Lakers and aim for a third win in four games when they host the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night. 

The Pacers have split their first two games of the season, winning both at home while losing a pair on the road (0-2 ATS). They shot just 39.6 percent from the field in a 109-101 loss at Minnesota Monday night, and here they'll face a defensively strong Spurs team which is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 home games.

We also have a strong revenge angle favoring the home team as the Pacers swept two games from the Spurs last season.

10* play on San Antonio Spurs.  

NHL BIG HITTER (10* TOP PLAY)

The New York Islanders are 3-4 on the season despite playing just two games at home. They're off a four game trek and will hit the road for another three games after this matchup with the Panthers, so I think they'll want to make the most of this contest at Barclays Center. The energy levels should be high as they've had three days rest since a 4-1 loss at San Jose on Saturday while the Panthers will play on no rest (lost 4-1 at New York Rangers Tuesday night) and this is the visitors fourth game in six nights. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

TUESDAY NIGHT BASKET BRAWLER (10* TOP PLAY)

The New Orleans Pelicans host the LA Clippers Tuesday night. They went 3-1 against the Clippers last season and have covered the spread in 15 of the last 20 meetings as a home team. 

The Pels have opened the season 2-0 and pretty much scoring at will after putting up 131 against Houston in the season opener followed by a 149-129 rout of Sacramento. 

The Pelicans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win of more than 10 points and I think points will come fast and easy against this Clippers side which defeated Houston 115-112 Sunday but is only 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games following a straight up win.

10* play on New Orleans Pelicans. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S WORLD SERIES GAME 1 *BEST BET* TOTAL

I think we'll see a fair amount of runs scored when the Boston Red Sox host the LA Dodgers in the opener of the 2018 World Seris Tuesday night. 

Boston left-hander Chris Sale owns a 5.85 ERA in five career postseason appearances while Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw has posted a 4.09 ERA in 28 career playoff appearances. Over is 11-3 in Red Sox last 14 interleague games vs. a left-handed starter. Over is 8-2 in Dodgers last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.

The Dodgers have averaged 3.9 rpg through 11 games in the playoffs while Boston has averaged 6.22 rpg. 

10* play on OVER. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Nashville Predators are an NHL-best 7-1-0 on the season.

Their star netminder and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Pekka Rinne left Friday's 5-3 victory at Calgary with an undisclosed injury, but note that backup goalie Juuse Saros is 4-0-0 with a 1.54 GAA on the season.

The San Jose Sharks are coming off a pair of wins as big home favorites against Buffalo and NY Islanders, but dropped a pair of decisions on the road prior to that. Sharks are 8-20 in their last 28 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

The Predators have won four of the last five head-to-head matchups overall and six straight encounters at home. 

8* play on Nashville Predators. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Winnipeg Jets are 4-0-1 home at Bell MTS Centre on the season and look like a solid favorite here as they host St. Louis Monday night.

The Blues ended a three-game skid with a 4-1 victory at Toronto on Saturday, but this is a tough spot in the finale of a three-game trip through Canada.

The Jets beat St. Louis 5-1 on opening night and they've won nine of the last 11 head-to-head matchups. 

Trends supporting Winnipeg: Blues are 6-18 in their last 24 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Jets are 37-16 in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

8* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) - MIKE'S TOP RATED *BEST BET* TOTAL

The over/under is 27-12 in the NBA so far this season, and I think we'll see another game fly over the total when the Charlotte Hornets visit the Toronto Raptors Monday night. 

Charlotte has scored at least 113 points in each of its first three games of the season with a 115.0 ppg average. Kemba Walker is 19-of-38 from behind the arc so far in 2018-19 and scored a total of 39 points a 113-112 win over Miami on Saturday. 

Toronto is off to a perfect 3-0 start and has averaged 115.3 ppg. Kawhi Leonard has averaged 27.5 points and 11 rebounds in two games and should be well rested here after sitting out Saturday's 117-113 win at Washington. 

Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The over/under is 27-12 in the NBA so far this season, and I think we'll see another game fly over the total when the Charlotte Hornets visit the Toronto Raptors Monday night. 

Charlotte has scored at least 113 points in each of its first three games of the season with a 115.0 ppg average. Kemba Walker is 19-of-38 from behind the arc so far in 2018-19 and scored a total of 39 points a 113-112 win at Miami on Saturday. 

Toronto is off to a perfect 3-0 start and has averaged 115.3 ppg. Kawhi Leonard has averaged 27.5 points and 11 rebounds in two games and should be well rested here after sitting out Saturday's 117-113 win at Washington. 

Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

The Hornets have covered the spread in all their games this season and won outright as an underdog their last time out. Charlotte is 14-5 ATS in the last 19 meetings in Toronto and should be able to keep this a relatively close game.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets+. 

NBA PLAY OF THE DAY (TOP RATED 10*)

The Golden State Warriors have opened their title-defending campaign with a pair of wins, but got a real scare at Utah Friday night, winning only thanks to a tip-in at the buzzer. The Jazz were hitting 3-pointers at an amazing rate but were still unable to beat Golden State, which says a lot about this team.

Here the Warriors will take on a Denver Nuggets side playing on back-to-back nights following a matchup with Phoenix Saturday night.

Playing on no rest is never easy, particularly not in the Mile High City; Nuggets are 2-13 SU and ATS playing on no rest at home since the beginning of the 2014 season. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

SAINTS @ RAVENS GRIDIRON GOLDMINE

The Baltimore Ravens defense shut out the Titans in a 21-0 road win last week. They enter Week 7 as top three in the NFL in most major defensive categories and are limiting opponents to an NFL best 12.8 points per game.

New Orleans heads to Baltimore riding a four-game winning streak and will be fresh off a bye week but it relies heavy on QB Drew Brees to move the chains as the Saints running game ranks 21st in the NFL. We can however note that Baltimore leads the NFL with 26 sacks on the season (11 sacks on Titans' Mariota last week), so Brees is likely in for a tough one here. 

On the other side of the football, the Saints are allowing an average of 28 points, 26th overall in the NFL and I believe the better defense and home field advantage will be enough for Baltimore to claim this game.

Trends supporting Baltimore: Ravens are 6-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record and 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings with the Saints.

8* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* ATS ANNIHILATOR *BEST BET*

The reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles found their groove last week and delivered a 34-13 beatdown at New York Giants. Here they'll face a Carolina Panthers team which took a 23-17 loss at Washington in Week 6, and I like Philly to win and cover the spread in this matchup. 

We can note that Carolina is 0-2 on the road this season while Philly is 2-1 at home, the lone loss a 23-21 setback to Minnesota in Week 5. 

Philly QB Carson Wentz has been getting better and better throughout the season and finally looks fully recovered from a devastating knee injury that he suffered last year. Wentz threw for three TDs last week and owns an 8-to-1 TD/INT ratio on the season. 

The Panthers can do plenty of damage on the ground with their 4th ranked rushing offense, but the Eagles are 2nd at stopping the run and I think Philly has the edge in this game, particularly with the momentum from last week's blowout win. 

10* play on Philadelphia Eagles. 

BROWNS @ BUCS PIGSKIN PUNISHER

The Cleveland Browns laid an egg with a 34-14 loss to the Chargers in Week 6, but I think they'll come up with a better performance at Tampa Bay Sunday afternoon. 

The Bucs are coming off a 34-29 loss to the NFC South rival Falcons and fired defensive coordinator Mike Smith on Monday. On week earlier, Tampa Bay allowed Mitchell Trubisky to throw six touchdown passes in a 48-10 rout by the Bears. Through five games this season, Smith’s defense was giving up a league-worst 34.6 ppg and an average of 439.8 yards, the 2nd worst mark in the league. 

Cleveland's offense didnt' show up last week, but I expect the Browns to put enough points on the board to keep this a close game. 

8* play on Cleveland Browns. 

PREMIER LEAGUE MORNING MASSACRE (10* TOTAL TOP PLAY)

Crystal Palace are desperate for points after a poor start to the season. I think they'll be happy to leave Goodison Park with a point and we're likely to see the visitors enter this contest with a very cautious approach. We can also note that they've scored just two goals through their last five games and six of their last eight games have seen two goals or fewer. Everton are inconsistent and I think they'll struggle to create chances against Palace.

10* play on UNDER. 

NEVADA @ HAWAII MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors took a 49-23 beating at BYU last week, but they are a perfect 4-0 SU (2-2 ATS) home at Aloha Stadium this season. Here they'll host a Nevada team which is 1-2 SU and ATS on the road. 

The Wolf Pack rank 105th against the pass and are likely to struggle to slow down Rainbow Warriors' QB Cole McDonald and the 16th ranked passing offense of Hawaii. McDonald has thrown for 2,348 yards with 26 TDs and just three INTs on the season. 

Trends supporting Hawaii: Wolf Pack are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games and the home team is 4-1 ATS in their last five head-to-head meetings.

8* play on Hawaii-.

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* ATS *BEST BET*

The Indiana Pacers opened the season with a 28-point rout over Memphis but couldn't make it two in a row as they took a 118-101 beating at Milwaukee last night. 

I like Indiana to bounce back here against a Brooklyn side which is coming off a tight 107-105 win over the Knicks Friday night. Both teams will be playing on no rest, but this is a particularly tough spot for the the visitors who will play their third game in four nights. 

Indiana swept last season’s series and has won seven straight meetings between the teams while covering the spread in six of those games.

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

HOUSTON @ NAVY NO-BRAINER

This is a massive mismatch in Houston's favor IMO.

Navy is deadly on the ground but ranks dead last in the FBS in passing offense with 61.7 yards per game. Here the Mids will run into a Cougars D which ranks 20th in the nation against the run. Offensively the Cougars rank 3rd in the nation in scoring and are very versatile, ranking top 20 for both passing and rushing yards. 

Houston has won five of its first six games on the season and enters this game on a three-game winning streak. It's coming off a 42-20 triumph at East Carolina and 16-7 ATS in its last 23 games after scoring more than 40 points in its previous game. Navy has lost three straight and failed to cover the spread in four consecutive games.

8* play on Houston Cougars-. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Virginia Cavaliers look like a live underdog as they visit Duke Blue Devils Saturday afternoon. 

The Cavs upset No. 16 Miami 16-13 at home last Saturday. They rank a solid 25th in the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to 19.2 points per game. Duke is coming off a 28-14 triumph at Georgia Tech, but was actually outgained 354-304 in that contest. The Blue Devils gave up 229 rushing yards and Virginia is more than capable of moving the chains on the ground, averaging a solid 183.0 ypg. All in all, this is a lot of points to cover in what should be a low-scoring game. 

Trends supporting Virginia: Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall and the underdog is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.

10* play on Virginia Cavaliers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S BEST PREMIER LEAGUE BET FOR OCTOBER!

Manchester United enter Saturday 8th in the Premier League with only 13 points after eight games. Chelsea are seven points better off and tied for first place with Man City and Liverpool. 

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has done a great job, but he's still not satisfied: "I'm very happy with the results but we need to improve, and we can improve."We've had no time to work; I had eight players at the beginning of August and now we've started to play every three days so it's very difficult to work, improve the team and improve the players. We need to improve our performances in the defensive phase. At the moment we are giving the opponents too many opportunities.". 

That kind of mentality is lacking at Man United as manager Jose Mourinho seems to have lost the confidence both the board and the players.

United have kept just one league clean sheet this season and conceded 14 goals. Chelsea have won 10 and lost just one of the last 16 head-to-head meetings at Stamford Bridge. 

10* play on Chelsea. 

WARRIORS @ JAZZ MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors opened the season with a 108-100 win against Oklahoma City Thunder. That game went way under the total which closed at 220 points, and I think we'll see another under involving the Warriors when they visit the Utah Jazz Friday night.

Utah held opponents to 99.8 ppg last season but struggled to slow down Sacramento in a 123-117 triumph on Wednesday. I expect the Jazz to play much better defense tonight, fueled by the motivation of putting beating the reigning champs.  

Trends supporting the under: Under is 12-3 in Warriors last 15 overall, 22-7-1 in their last 30 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game and 10-3 in their last 13 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Jazz last 8 games vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on UNDER. 

CAVS @ WOLVES HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Minnesota Timberwolves took a 112-108 season-opening loss to the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night. 

I think they'll get their first W of the season when hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers who are getting used to life after Lebron James, but it's simply impossible to replace a player like King James. This is proven by the fact that Cleveland fell 116-104 to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday and 14-40-2 ATS in its last 56 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. 

The Cavs are likely in for a very different kind of season than they're used to as they lack leaders, and I'm backing the talented Wolves to cover the spread in this matchup. 

8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

CELTICS @ RAPTORS BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Boston Celtics impressed with a 105-87 triumph over Philadelphia in Tuesday's season opener. They're one of the favorites to win the East, finally at full strength with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward both healthy, and I think they'll take it to the Toronto Raptors Friday night.

Toronto owned the conference’s top record last season and is another favorite to claim the conference this year as well. The Raptors opened the season with a 116-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday as Kawhi Leonard contributed with 12 rebounds to his 24 points in his team debut. The Celtics have just as much talent plus more depth, so my recommendation is to take the points on the visitors in a game likely to go down to the wire. 

Trends supporting Boston: Celtics are 27-13 ATS in their last 40 games overall and 23-9-1 ATS in their last 33 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Raptors are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

BRONCOS @ CARDINALS MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Denver Broncos opened the season with back-to-back triumphs. The wheels have however come off since as they will seek to end a four-game skid when they visit Arizona Cardinals Thursday night. The Broncos lost by only a field goal as a seven-point dog against the powerful Rams their last time out, and I think they will win this game outright. 

The Broncos are only 2-4 on the season, but Arizona is even worse at 1-5 and the Cardinals took a 27-17 beating at Minnesota last week. The Broncos have struggled to stop the run all season, something that shouldn't be an issue in this matchup as the Cardinals are averaging a league-worst 64.0 rushing yards per game. 

Trends supporting Denver: Cardinals are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games in Week 7 and 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight Thursday night games. Broncos are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 Thursday night games and 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.

8* play on Denver Broncos. 

HEAT @ WIZARDS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Miami Heat opened the season with a 104-101 loss at Orlando Wednesday night. I think they're in for another loss, playing on no rest here at Washington the following evening. 

Washington was forced to battle injuries to key players injuries last season, but five-time All-Star point guard John Wall is fit for fight for the opener and looking forward to bring success to the capital. "I'm the type of guy that wants to have a statue out front," Wall told reporters. "I want to bring a championship here. Those are all the things that I care about. If you're not winning as a group and doing things as a team, then you don't get individual success."

Washington struggled at home last season, but Miami is a bit banged up and could be worn down physically after a dogfight with Orlando last night. The Wizards on the other hand will come into this game well prepared and I'm backing the home team to win and cover the spread.   

8* play on Washington Wizards. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Columbus Blue Jackets had won back-to-back games prior to an 8-2 loss at Tampa Bay last Saturday. Sergei Bobrovsky had a nightmare between the pipes, but he's looking good to lead the Blue Jackets to a win here with a 10-3-1 record behind a 1.91 goals-against average and .933 save percentage in 14 career meetings with the Flyers. And the visitors know what they're up against: "He's unreal. He plays amazing against us every time," Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I think he's the hardest goalie to score on."

I like the price we get on Columbus to bounce back in front of the home town crowd.

Trends supporting Columbus: Blue Jackets are 13-3 in their last 16 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Blue Jackets are 6-2 in their last eight after scoring two goals or less in their previous game. Flyers are 0-6 in their last six after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game (they're off a 6-5 OT win against Florida).

8* play on Columbus Blue Jackets. 

WOLVES @ SPURS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The San Antonio Spurs were 34-9 SU and 27-15-1 ATS at home last season. They've lost former All-Star Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors but got shooting guard DeMar DeRozan in return. DeRozan seems excited to be playing under coach Gregg Popovich "You definitely want to be around a culture of this magnitude, play with a coach of this status, one of the greatest coaches of all time," DeRozan told reporters. "To be here is definitely a blessing."

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a talented team, but four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler has been disrupting the harmony demanding a trade for quite some time now. The Spurs won 13 of the past 14 meetings straight up, and I think they'll not only win but also cover the spread. 

Trends supporting San Antonio: Spurs are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games. Timberwolves are 7-18 ATS in their last 25 road games. Spurs are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings. 

8* play on San Antonio Spurs-. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (MLB): MIKE'S BEST BASES TOTAL BET FOR OCTOBER!

The Boston Red Sox beat the Houston Astros 8-2 on Tuesday for a 2-1 series lead, much thanks to a Jackie Bradley Jr. grand slam in the 8th inning. I think runs will come fairly easy for both teams here in Game 4 of the series. 

Boston right-hander Rick Porcello (17-7, 4.28 ERA) has allowed only one run through three outings covering 6 2/3 innings in the postseason this year, but he was tagged with seven runs (six earned) on 12 hits in as many innings against Houston during the regular season. Houston right-hander Charlie Morton (15-3, 3.13 ERA) made two starts against Boston and was charged with eight runs on 16 hits through 10 1/3 innings of work. 

Trends supporting the over: Over is 14-3-1 in Red Sox last 18 overall. Over is 14-2-1 in Astros last 17 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings at Minute Maid Park.

10* play on OVER.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GRIZZLIES @ PACERS BASKET BRAWLER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Indiana Pacers are coming off a 48 win season and finished just two games behind the Cavaliers in the race for the Central Division title. They're led by All-Star guard Victor Oladipo and picked up guard Tyreke Evans (19.4 ppg last season) and sharpshooter Doug McDermott during the offseason. They have a deep bench while Memphis rely too much on the duo of Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.

The Pacers were 17th in the league in scoring last season but sixth in the NBA in shooting at 47.2%. Indiana should should have no trouble to run away with this game against a poor emphis Grizzlies mustered only 22 victories last season. 

Trends supporting Indiana: Pacers are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games overall. Pacers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference. Grizzlies are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. Eastern Conference.

10* play on Indiana Pacers-. 

THUNDER @ WARRIORS BASKET BRAWLER (10* TOP PLAY)

Both Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors are extremely talented with the ball in their hands and play high-paced basketball, but I think the bookmakers have set the total too high for this contest. 

OKC allowed an average of 104.4 ppg last season while Golden State allowed 107.5 ppg and there's a good chance the shooting will be off for several players here in the season opener.  

Trends supporting the under: Under is 11-5 in Thunder last 16 overall. Under is 11-3 in Warriors last 14 overall. Under is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Golden State. Under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

76ERS @ CELTICS OPENING NIGHT TNT BUCKET BREAKER

The bookmakers have made the Boston Celtics favorites to win the East this season, but I think they're in for a dogfight when hosting Philadelphia in the season opener. 

The talented 76ers are coming off a stellar campaign and will be looking to avenge a Game 5 loss to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Now their young core led by Joel Embiid and reigning rookie of the year Ben Simmons has another preseason under its belt and we can also note that the underdog is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings. 

"I think our future is amazing," Sixers coach Brett Brown said recently. "I see a progressive growth. I think we've got a chance to be good for a decade, I think we have a chance to be good for a long time, and that's what excites me the most."

Boston must still be considered the better team until we're proven otherwise, but I think Philly will keep this close. 

8* play on Philadelphia 76ers+.

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL NO-BRAINER

The Florida Panthers are still looking for their first win of the season, and I think their search will extend beyond this matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night. 

Philly took a hard-luck 1-0 loss to Vegas on Saturday, playing arguably its best game of the season and out-shooting the Knights 26-12. "No matter how good you play, if you don't find a way to win, it's useless," forward Jakub Voracek told the media. "We all know we had a good game against Vegas. Did we win? No. I'd rather get outshot 40 to 15 and win 2-1, but like I said, I think defensively that was our best game." 

The Panthers have opened the season with three straight defeats, including back-to-back home losses to Columbus and Vancouver. I'm not quite sure if going on the road is what they need to turn it around. We can note that he home team has won each of the last five games in this matchup and the Flyers have won each of the last four at home against Florida. 

8* play on Philadelphia Flyers. 

RED SOX @ ASTROS BIG HITTER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Boston Red Sox dropped Game 1 of the ALCS 7-2 but bounced back with a 7-5 triumph Sunday. I don't see them upsetting the Astros here at Minute Maid Park though and I'm happy to back the home team at this price. 

Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74 ERA) will take the mound on seven days of rest since his start in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. The 30 year old does not have a great career record against Boston, but he should still be able to out-duel Boston right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81 ERA) who was just 2-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 13 road starts during the regular season. We can also note that Eovaldi served up four homers in six innings of a 5-1 loss when he visited Houston on June 20. 

Trends supporting Houston: Astros are 10-1 in their last 11 games following a loss, 13-3 in their last 16 home games and 4-0 in Keuchel's last four starts with seven or more days of rest.

10* play on Houston Astros. 

TUESDAY 5-PACK

The Boston Red Sox dropped Game 1 of the ALCS 7-2 but bounced back with a 7-5 triumph Sunday. I don't see them upsetting the Astros here at Minute Maid Park though and I'm happy to back the home team at this price. I also think we'll see a fair amount of runs scored so I'm also recommending a play on the over. 

Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74 ERA) will take the mound on seven days of rest since his start in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. The 30 year old does not have a great career record against Boston, but he should still be able to out-duel Boston right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81 ERA) who was just 2-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 13 road starts during the regular season. We can also note that Eovaldi served up four homers in six innings of a 5-1 loss when he visited Houston on June 20. 

Trends supporting Houston: Astros are 10-1 in their last 11 games following a loss, 13-3 in their last 16 home games and 4-0 in Keuchel's last four starts with seven or more days of rest.

Trends supporting the over: Over is 11-3 in Red Sox last 14 vs. a team with a winning record and 6-2-2 in Eovaldi's last 10 starts overall. Over is 7-0 in Astros last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on OVER. 

NINERS @ PACKERS GRIDIRON GOLDMINE

The Green Bay Packers are coming off a 31-23 loss at Detroit, but I doubt we'll see another shootout when they host the San Francisco 49ers Monday night. 

Green Bay is allowing only 17.3 ppg at home and its defense shut out Buffalo in a 22-0 victory its last time out at at Lambeau Field. Offensively Aaron Rodgers run the show, but he has few quality targets and virtually no protection; note that Rodgers has been sacked 16 times already. Green Bay's rushing game is below par, ranking 19th in the league averaging a pedestrian 101.9 yards per game.

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off an 18-28 loss to Arizona. They are banged up on the offensive side of the ball and will have to do without starting quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo) and top running back (Jerick McKinnon). On top of that, eight offensive players were on the sideline during Thursday's practice due to injuries. Backup QB C.J Beathard has as many picks (4) as touchdown passes on the season. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL ESPN ENFORCER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reeled off four straight victories and they've won the last three by two goals or more. 

The Leafs are coming off an impressive 4-2 triumph over last season's Stanley Cup champions Washington and center Auston Matthews is on absolute fire with a league-leading 10 goals through six games. I expect Toronto to have plenty of success on the man advantage here as it has converted on 47.1% of its opportunities on the season while the Kings have killed off only 73.3% of their penalties. 

The LA Kings took a 5-1 beating at Ottawa on Saturday. This is the finale of a four-game road trip for the Kings, and they might look ahead to next matchup with the Islanders at home. 

The Kings are 1-6 in their last eight road games and the home team is 7-1 in the last eight meetings with Toronto. 

10* play on Toronto Maple Leafs -1.5. 

MONDAY NIGHT RED WINGS @ CANADIENS TOTAL

The Detroit Red Wings opened a four-game road trip with an 8-2 loss at Boston. I think we'll see plenty of goals again as they visit the Montreal Canadiens Monday night. Detroit dead last in the league in goals allowed at 4.40 gpg and netminder Jimmy Howard owns an .871 save percentage against Montreal in his career. The Habs are hardly a high-scoring team, but they defeated Pittsburgh 4-3 in a shootout their last time out, despite going just 1-for-6 on the power play. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (MLB): MIKE'S ASTROS @ RED SOX BEST PLAYOFF BET 2018

The Houston Astros look primed for another World Series appearance following a 7-2 beatdown of Boston in Beantown Saturday night. Game 2 of the best-of-seven series goes Sunday night, and I think Houston will get the better of the Red Sox tonight as well. 

Houston right-hander Gerrit Cole (1-0, 1.29 ERA) put up a dominant display in the ALDS with 12 strikeouts through seven frames while allowing only one run on three hits to defeat Cleveland. Boston left-hander David Price (0-1, 16.20 ERA) wasn't quite as successful his last time out, giving up three runs on three hits (two homers) and a pair of walks in less than two innings of work. He' 0-9 with a 6.03 ERA in 10 career postseason starts and Astros are 12-3 in their last 15 games vs. a left-handed starter. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

JAGUARS @ COWBOYS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Jacksonville Jaguars look like a solid road favorite at Dallas Sunday afternoon. 

The Cowboys took a 19-16 loss in overtime at Houston last week. Their offense rank just 28th overall and the Jaguars owns the league's top-ranked defense, permitting an average of only 292.2 yards of total offense per game. 

Jacksonville will be angry and ready to bounce back from a humbling 30-14 loss at Kansas City. Blake Bortles threw for 430 yards but also committed five turnovers. That's highly unlikely to happen in back-to-back weeks, and I expect Bortles and the Jags to have a big game. 

Jaguars are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss of more than 14 points. Cowboys are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on Jacksonville Jaguars. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* WEEK 6 TOTAL

The undefeated LA Rams are coming off a 33-31 road win at Seattle. While spectators might hope for another shootout at Denver on Sunday, I expect to see this game stay under this somewhat bloated total. 

The Broncos have lost three straight and struggled to put points on the board during their skid, managing only 14 against the Ravens, 23 against the Chiefs and most recently 16 against the Jets. Rams defense hasn't been as terrific as it can be in recent weeks, but LA is still giving up an average of only 19.6 points on the season, good for seventh in the NFL. Additionally, the Broncos are likely to try and move the chains primarily on the ground which will eat time off the clock. 

Under is 8-2 in Broncos last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 9-3 in Rams last 12 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Chicago Bears should be well rested and ready to go as they're coming off their Week 5 bye. They trounced Tampa Bay 48-10 last time out and have now won three straight since losing their season opener at Green Bay.

The Miami Dolphins are trending in the opposite direction, coming off back-to-back losses to the Pats (38-17) and the Bengals (27-17). QB Ryan Tannehill threw two picks against Cincinnati and he has five INTS and four fumbles on the season. I expect him to get roughed up plenty by Chicago defensive end Khalil Mack who has recorded a sack and fumble in four straight games. 

The Dolphins offense rank rank 30th in the NFL with an average of only 288 total yards per game and here it will come up against arguably the best defense in the NFL with Chicago giving up an average of only 294.5 yards of total offense. We can also note that Miami is highly unlikely to have any kind of success running the ball against a Bears rush defense that ranks #1 in the NFL.

Bears QB Mitch Trubisky was outstanding his last time out, massing 354 passing yards with six touchdown passes against the Bucs. Miami’s rush and pass defense both rank 20th in the NFL and I think points will come fast and easy for the visitors. 

10* play on Chicago Bears. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Chicago Bears should be well rested and ready to go as they're coming off their Week 5 bye. They trounced Tampa Bay 48-10 last time out and have now won three straight since losing their season opener at Green Bay.

The Miami Dolphins are trending in the opposite direction, coming off back-to-back losses to the Pats (38-17) and the Bengals (27-17). QB Ryan Tannehill threw two picks against Cincinnati and he has five INTS and four fumbles on the season. I expect him to get roughed up plenty by Chicago defensive end Khalil Mack who has recorded a sack and fumble in four straight games. 

The Dolphins offense rank rank 30th in the NFL with an average of only 288 total yards per game and here it will come up against arguably the best defense in the NFL with Chicago giving up an average of only 294.5 yards of total offense. We can also note that Miami is highly unlikely to have any kind of success running the ball against a Bears rush defense that ranks #1 in the NFL.

Bears QB Mitch Trubisky was outstanding his last time out, massing 354 passing yards with six touchdown passes against the Bucs. Miami’s rush and pass defense both rank 20th in the NFL and I think points will come fast and easy for the visitors. In addition to a Bears win I also expect this game to fly over the total.

8* play on OVER. 

COLTS @ JETS ATS GRIDIRON GOLDMINE

The New York Jets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 34-16 win over Denver. I think they'll find it hard to repeat here though, facing a Indianapolis Colts side which has had extra time to prepare since taking a 38-24 beating at New England on Oct. 4. In this matchup it will be the Colts who are seeking to end a three-game skid, and grabbing the points on the visitors is the right play IMO. Note that the underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings and Colts are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

8* play on Indianapolis Colts

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* NHL TOTAL 

The Buffalo Sabres had allowed just three goals through their first two games of the season before taking a 6-1 loss to Colorado their last time out. Arizona had been shut out in back-to-back games prior to earning their first win of the season with a 3-2 SO triumph at Anaheim. The Coyotes have only allowed a total of six goals in three games and I think this will be another low-scoring contest. Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings at Gila River Arena. 

10* play on UNDER. 

ASTROS @ RED SOX SATURDAY 10* MLB PLAY OF THE DAY

I think the Houston Astros look like great value as they visit Boston Red Sox for the opener of their American League Championship Series Saturday night.

Houston right-hander Justin Verlander held Cleveland to a pair of runs on as many hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-2 win in the ALDS. He was 12-2 with a 2.14 ERA in 15 road starts during the regular season and has the current Red Sox hitters limited to a .211 batting average over 171 at bats. 

Boston hands the ball to Chris Sale who held the Yankees to two runs through a combined 6 1/3 innings in a start and one relief effort in their ALDS. He gave up four runs in six frames of a 7-3 loss at Houston on June 1 and was rocked for for seven runs including three home runs in five innings in Game 1 of last year's ALDS vs. the Astros. 

10* play on Houston Astros. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Illinois Fighting Illini are coming off a 38-17 triumph at Rutgers, and I think they're spotted way too many points to pass up on as they host the Purdue Boilermakers Saturday afternoon.

Purdue is coming off its bye week, but perhaps it could have come at a better time instead of following back-to-back wins. The momentum is now gone, and here the Boilermakers will face a feisty D which forced three turnovers against Rutgers last week and has recorded 12 takeaways on the season.

I expect Illinois defense to keep this close. 

10* play on Illinois. 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON CFB NO-BRAINER

The Miami-Ohio Redhawks host Kent State Golden Flashes in a MAC conference matchup Saturday afternoon, and I expect a walk in the park triumph for the home team. 

Kent State is just 1-5 on the season and has lost four straight games. It covered the spread as an 11-point underdog in last week's 27-26 home loss to Ohio, but it lost by 26 points as a 7-point dog at Ball State its last time out on the road. 

The Golden Flashes are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS win and here they'll come up against a Redhawks side high on confidence from a 41-17 win as a 5-point dog at Akron. Miami-Ohio held Akron to just 259 yards of total offense while forcing five turnovers and put up 422 yards of total offense itself. Kent State has struggled on the defensive side of the ball all season and the home team's superior defense should be the deciding factor. 

8* play on Miami-Ohio Redhawks. 

EARLY COLLEGE FOOTBALL AFTERNOON ASSASSIN

The Southern Mississippi Golden Jaguars lost by just 11 points as a 27-point underdog against Auburn two weeks ago. They're coming off their bye here at North Texas Mean Green Saturday afternoon, and I like the visitors to cover the spread. The home team has been held to 27 points in back-to-back games and won by just three points as a 26-point favorite against an awful UTEP side last week. The Golden Jaguars have covered the spread in six of their last eight conference games and are holding teams to an average of just 300 yards of total offense on the season. Their defense and rest advantage should be enough to keep this a close game. 

8* play on Southern Miss. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S FRIDAY NIGHT TOP RATED TOTAL

The Air Force Falcons visit the San Diego State Aztecs Friday night, and I expect to see this game go over the total. 

Air Force is coming off an impressive 35-7 win over Navy. It rolled up a 399 yards of total offense in that contest and ranks 15th in the nation in rushing by putting up 255.2 yards per contest. The Aztecs boast a stingy D, but I think Air Force can find openings on the ground. Offensively San Diego State is very balanced, entering this contest ranked 115th in the nation in passing offense and 55th in rushing. Note that Air Force was torched for 436 yards of total offense in a 28-25 loss to Nevada two weeks ago so don't be surprised if San Diego State does the same. 

Air Force is giving up only 22.0 ppg on the season and San Diego State 19.8 ppg. With the over/under 1-4 for both teams on the season the publice expecting a low-scoring contest, the total has been set way too low. We take the contrarian rout here and back the over. 

10* play on OVER. 

The Milwaukee Brewers enter the National League Championship Series as winners of 11 straight, including a 3-0 sweep of the Rockies in the NLDS. I think their streak will come to an end here though against the LA Dodgers who will send left-hander Clayton Kershaw to the mound in the series opener. Kershaw limited Atlanta to two hits through eight scoreless innings his last time out and owns a 4-1 record behind a 1.40 ERA in seven career starts at Miller Park.

Milwaukee hands the ball to left-hander Gio Gonzalez who has stepped up his game since coming over from Washington, but I think he'll find it hard to slow down the Dodgers' bats.

The Dodgers homered eight times during their four-game series against the Braves and I think they'll prove well worth the price in this matchup. 

8* play on LA Dodgers.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ~ USF @ TULSA

I like Tulsa Golden Hurricane as a home dog Friday night. They've lost four straight while South Florida Bulls enter this contest as one of 11 unbeaten teams in the nation, leading to the bookmakers and the public undervaluing the home team in this matchup. Tulsa put up a good fight against Houston last week and held a six point lead after three quarters before getting outscored 24-3 in the fourth. It was still an encouraging performance, and I expect Tulsa to keep this a close game. 

8* play on Tulsa. 

AVALANCHE @ SABRES MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Buffalo Sabres opened the season with a shutout loss against Boston, but they've bounced back nicely with back-to-back home triumphs over New York Rangers and Vegas. This will be their last home game before embarking on a five-game road swing, and I think they'll close out the homestand with a win. 

Colorado had won back-to-back home games prior to taking a 5-2 loss at Columbus its last time out. The Avs are much stronger at home than away from home, entering this contest with a 17-52 record in their last 69 road games. 

We can also note that Buffalo netminder Carter Hutton is 5-1 with a 2.24 GAA in his career against Colorado.

8* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL TOTAL (10* TOP PLAY)

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Coyotes 1-0 in Phoenix on Saturday night. I think we'll see another low-scoring contest when the two teams face off in the Duck Pond Wednesday night. Arizona has yet to score a goal this season and it was the second lowest scoring team in the NHL last season at 2.51 goals per game. This is a team that does not give up many goals either though and we can note that Arizona netminder Antti Raanta has posted a 1.66 GAA in previous meetings with the Ducks.

Under is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The San Jose Sharks opened a five-game road swing with a 4-0 loss at New York Islanders Monday night. They'll get the chance to bounce back right away here at Philadelphia, and I think they'll get the win here. Note that Sharks are 10-4 in their last 14 games following a loss of three or more goals and playing on no rest shouldn't be much of an issue this early in the season. Philadelphia has split its first two games of the season after taking a 5-2 loss at Colorado on Saturday. The Flyers will have to do without James van Riemsdyk who sustained a lower-body injury in the loss to the Avs, and his absence will surely weaken this Flyers side. 

10* play on San Jose Sharks. 

NHL MONDAY AFTERNOON MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Buffalo Sabres were blanked by the Bruins in their season opener but bounced back with a 3-1 triumph over the Rangers on Saturday. They won despite losing the shots 44-29 and I don't think they'll be qite as lucky here as the Vegas Golden Knights are paying a visit to KeyBank Center. Vegas defeated Minnesota 2-1 in a shootout on Saturday and held a 42-30 advantage in shots on goal against the tough Wild team. 

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights.

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB) - MIKE'S ASTROS @ INDIANS BEST BET ~ 10* SIDE!

I think this is a great price on the Houston Astros to complete the sweep of this ALDS and move on to the American League Championship Series. They've outscored Cleveland 10-3 through the first two games of the series and Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74 ERA) owns a 4-1 record with a 2.79 ERA in eight lifetime appearances against the Tribe. He is 4-2 with a 3.24 ERA in eight postseason appearances (seven starts) and Indians are just 2-7 in their last nine home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Meanwhile, Cleveland right-hander Mike Clevinger (13-8, 3.02 ERA) has never started a postseason game before but has given up six runs, five earned, five hits, including two home runs in six relief appearances. In two starts against the Astros this year, he went 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA and the Indians are 2-7 in Clevinger's last nine starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Houston Astros. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* TOTAL

The LA Dodgers head to Atlanta with a commanding lead in this NLDS after shutting out the Braves in each of the first two games.

Here the Braves will face right-hander Walker Buehler (8-5, 2.62 ERA) who pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings Monday in the NL West tiebreaker against Colorado and he held the Braves to a run and two hits over 5 1/3 innings at Los Angeles on June 8. Atlanta hands the ball to left-hander Sean Newcomb (12-9, 3.90 ERA) pitched a no-hitter through 8 2/3 innings against the Dodgers in Atlanta on July 29. 

Under is 6-2-1 in Dodgers last nine playoff road games. Under is 5-0-1 in Buehler's last six starts overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL ATS ANNIHILATOR

The LA Chargers look like a solid home favorite against the Oakland Raiders Sunday afternoon. 

Oakland is coming off its first win of the season, a 45-42 OT triumph over Cleveland, but it has otherwise been a rocky start to the season for the Raiders. It's one thing to beat up on the battered Browns and their rookie QB Baker Mayfield and a whole other thing to take on the Chargers and quality QB Philip Rivers. We can also note that the Chargers have a potent running game led by Melvin Gordon (475) and Austin Ekeler (351) averaging 124.8 ypg for the 8th best mark in the NFL while the Raiders rank among the worst in the league against the run allowing 139.3 ypg.

Raiders are 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine road games and 0-6 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win. The Chargers won both meetings last season and have covered the spread in four of the last five meetings. 

8* play on LA Chargers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S BEST NFL SIDE FOR OCTOBER

I really like the Cincinnati Bengals as a home favorite against Miami Dolphins Sunday afternoon. 

The Bengals are coming off an impressive 37-36 win at Atlanta and they've scored at least 34 points in each of their three wins this season. QB Andy Dalton keeps putting up big numbers and torching defenses. He completed 29-of-41 passes for 337 yards with three TDs and an INT against Atlanta and has passed for 1197 yards with 11 TDs and six INTs on the season. 

I don't think the Bengals will have any trouble to pile up the points against a Miami team that was off to a 3-0 prior to getting exposed in a 38-7 loss to the Patriots last week. The Dolphins managed just 172 yards of total offense while giving up 449 yards of total offense in the defeat. Miami ranks 30th in the league in total offense and should not be able to keep up with this explosive Bengals team. 

Dolphins are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games and 3-8 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Bengals are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* NFL Game of the Month Side: Cincinnati Bengals ATS. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL NO-BRAINER

The Tennessee Titans are on a roll. First they defeated the Jaguars 9-6 in Week 3 before rallying from a 17-3 deficit to defeat the Eagles 26-23 last week. 

Here they'll face a Buffalo Bills team which has gotten smacked around in all its games, bar a massive upset against Minnesota in Week 3. The Bills came back down to earth with a 22-0 road loss to Green Bay last week and gave up 423 total yards including 282 yards in the air. The Titans QB Marcus Mariota was outstanding last week, accumulating 344 passing yards with two TD’s against one INT and he should have no trouble to torch this poor Bills defense. 

On the other side of the ball, the Titans feature a strong pass defense that is limiting opponents to 242 passing yards per game and Bills rookie QB Josh Allen is unlikely to have much success here. We can also note that Buffalo is scoring an average of only 12.5 points per game while Tennessee is holding opponents to 18.2 points, the sixth best mark in the NFL.

8* play on Tennessee Titans ATS. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR WEEK 5

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a solid 26-14 win at Pittsburgh. They shut out the Steelers in the second half and held one of the most potent offenses in the league to just 284 yards, 14 first downs and 19 rushing yards. On the season, Baltimore is giving up only 16.8 ppg. 

Cleveland is coming off a 45-42 loss at Oakland, but such high-scoring games are usually few and far between for the Browns. The highest scoring team through their first three games put just 21 points on the board and I expect their D to step up again here after a subpar outing. Note that under is 7-1 in Browns last eight games after allowing more than 30 points in their previous game.

The Browns have had plenty of success on the ground this season, entering this contest ranked 2nd in the league with 152.8 rushing yards per game. The bad news for them is that Baltimore's rush defense ranks 4th, allowing only 82.5 ypg and I'm still not convinced that rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield can hurt a defense like Baltimore's. 

10* NFL Total of the Week: BAL @ CLE UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT CFB ATS ANNIHILATOR

I like the Nevada Wolf Pack as a home dog when they host the Fresno State Bulldogs Saturday night. They're coming off a 28-25 victory at Air Force last week as quarterback Ty Gangi threw four touchdowns and finished with efficient 24-of-33 passing for 259 yards on the night. Nevada has a big-play offense and should be able to hold their own here. 

Sure, the Bulldogs are coming off an impressive 22-point victory over Toledo last week with five touchdown passes from QB Marcus McMaryion, but they're not quite as good on the road. We can also note that Nevada intercepted McMaryion three times in last year's matchup. 

Nevada has won both its home games so far while averaging 54.5 ppg while Frenso State is 1-1 on the road, scoring just 26.0 ppg. 

8* play on Nevada Wolf Pack. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* BEST MONEYLINE BET

Early let down spot for the Anaheim Ducks after opening the season with a 5-2 win at San Jose. Anaheim went 2-for-3 with a man advantage while killing all three San Jose power-play opportunities, but it's worth noting that they lost the shots 33-15. The Arizona Coyotes on meanwhile will be looking to earn their first win of the season following a 3-0 loss at Dallas on Thursday. They played decent hockey though, won the shots 30-25 and hit the post twice.

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

INDIANS @ ASTROS DAYTIME DESTROYER

In this matchup the Houston Astros will host the Cleveland Indians for the second game of the their ALDS. The Astros took command of the series with a 7-2 triumph on Friday and I like them  to come through with another win here Saturday afternoon. 

Houston right-hander Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.81) has been solid home at Minute Maid Park this season, entering the playoffs with an 8-2 record behind a 2.99 ERA in 15 starts. He struck out eight while allowing three runs on four hits against Cleveland back in May. 

Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco (17-10, 3.38 ERA) has been tagged with eight runs in 13 1/3 frames against Houston this season. Indians are 1-4 in Carrasco's last five road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Houston Astros. 

IOWA STATE @ OKLAHOMA STATE BANKROLL BUILDER

I like the Iowa State Cyclones as a road underdog at Oklahoma State Saturday afternoon. They're just 1-3 SU on the season, but that's not a surprise looking at their schedule. They played well at TCU last week, losing 17-14 to a field goal with 37 seconds left as an 11-point underdog, and are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine road games and 12-3-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. 

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are coming off 48-28 win over Kansas, but only one week earlier they were held to just 17 points by Texas Tech. They could struggle here against a tough Cyclones D which is giving up only 333.3 ypg which is the 31st best mark in the league and particularly impressive considering the teams they've played. 

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S TOP RATED 10* WEEK 6 SIDE

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are way underrated by the the bookmakers and the public here after three consecutive losses.

Note that their last two defeats have come by just three points in OT and they're 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

I like the Eagles to cover the spread at Western Michigan Saturday afternoon as the Broncos are in a completely opposite spot, clearly overrated by the bookmakers and public following three straight wins.

The Broncos have won four straight against EMU, but needed OT to get past the Eagles in Ypsilanti last year. WMU second-year head coach Tim Lester: “They’ve had one of the hardest schedules in our league and they’ve battled every team, Lester said. "San Diego (State) is a great team, Northern (Illinois) is a great team, Buffalo’s a great team. They are a physical bunch. I think on defense they are really exceptional, so it’s going to be unbelievable test for us as the games get tighter and tighter.”

EMU defeated Purdue as a 15-point underdog on Sep. 8 and I would not be surprised to see them win this one outright. 

10* play on Eastern Michigan Eagles. 

FRIDAY MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

In this matchup the Houston Astros will host the Cleveland Indians for the opener of their ALDS. I like them home team to come through with a win with veteran right-hander Justin Verlander on the mound. 

Verlander (16-9, 2.52 ERA), who did not crossmatch against the Indians this season, enters the postseason red hot after going 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA over five September starts. The Indians turn to right-hander Corey Kluber (20-7, 2.89 ERA) who finished 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA over two starts against the Astros this season, but he was tagged with three runs in five innings at Kansas City his last time out. For the season, Kluber posted a 3.80 ERA in 16 road starts compared to a 2.14 ERA at home and we can note that he gave up nine runs over 6 1/3 innings in the playoffs last season. 

Indians are 2-5 in Kluber's last seven starts vs. a team with a winning record. Astros are 13-6 in Verlander's last 19 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Houston Astros. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Vegas Golden Knights stunned the world and made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season, and they look good to open the new season with a win against Philadelphia Flyers Thursday night. Vegas netminder Marc-Andre Fleury's 2.24 goals-against average and .927 save percentage last year were the best of his 14 NHL seasons and he owns a 28-18-2 career record against the Flyers. Philadelphia has nowhere near the same quality between the pipes with its tandem of oft-injured Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott, both ranked in the bottom 10 of the NHL last year in save percentage. Golden Knights are 36-15 in their last 51 home games and should get the job done. 

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

THURSDAY NIGHT BRAVES @ DODGERS NLDS TOTAL

I think runs will come at a premium for both teams when the LA Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves for the opener of their National League Divisional Series Thursday night. 

Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97 ERA) will take the ball for the Dodgers. The South Korean southpaw missed 3 1/2 months of the season with a groin strain and should be relatively fresh for the postseason. This will be his first start against Atlanta in 2018. 

The Braves hand the ball to right-hander Mike Foltynewicz (13-10, 2.85 ERA). He was even more effective on the road than at home during the regular season, posting a 2.48 ERA in 15 starts away from home. I think he'll be able to handle the Dodgers' bats and it's also worth mentioning that rested bullpens naturally will favor a low-scoring game. 

Under is 17-5-1 in Dodgers last 23 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 11-5-1 in Dodgers last 17 games following an off day.

8* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL COLTS @ PATS TOTAL

Two capable offenses will clash at Foxborough Thursday night so naturally we should this game fly over the total, right? Not neccessarily in my opinion. 

Both teams are banged up on offense with the Colts' star receiver, T.Y. Hilton, unlikely to play and Pats All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. We can also note that Indianapolis QB Andrew Luck has struggled big time in previous matchups at Foxborough, completing only 48 percent of his pass attempts with nine interceptions in three games.

Under is 10-2 in Colts last 12 games overall. Under is 13-6 in Patriots last 19 games overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Boston Bruins opened the season with an embarrassing 7-0 loss at reigning Stanley Cup champions Washington Wednesday night. They fell behind 2-0 just 1:47 into the game and were never able to recover, but I expect a much better showing from an angry Bruins team here at Buffalo the very next day.

The Bruins are 7-1 in the last eight meetings at KeyBank Center, 7-2 in their last nine after allowing five goals or more in their previous game and 20-6 in their last 26 after scoring two or fewer in their previous game. 

Playing on no rest shouldn't be an issue this early in the season and might even be an advantage with Buffalo, known for its slow starts over the years, possibly still in preseason mode. 

10* play on Boston Bruins. 

NHL OPENING NIGHT NO-BRAINER

The Calgary Flames look to get back in the playoffs after missing out two years in a row. They've brought in some talent in the off-season and should get out of Vancouver with a win in the season-opener Wednesday night. 

The Canucks finished last year 14th in the Western Conference with a 31-40-11 record, good for just 73 points, and now they'll have to start life without the Sedin twins who hung up their skates at the end of last season. 

These two played each other in the preseason twice, with the Flames winning both games by scores of 4-1 and 5-2. They also won three out of the four games between the two teams last year, including both games at Rogers Arena.

8* play on Calgary Flames. 

ATHLETICS @ YANKEES RUNLINE RIPPER

The NY Yankees host the Oakland Athletics in the American League Wild Card game Tuesday night. I think the bookmakers have made the home team too big of a favorite in this matchup and I'm happy to take the extra run and half on Oakland at this price. 

Oakland will head to the Bronx filled with confidence knowing that they reached Yankees right-hander Luis Severino (19-8, 3.39 ERA) for six runs (five earned) on six hits and a walk in 2 2/3 innings last month. Severino was razor sharp before the All Star break but only 5-6 with a 5.57 ERA in his last 12 starts and he is 1-1 with a 5.63 ERA in four postseason starts. 

The A's will not use a traditional starter but instead utilize an opener in Liam Hendricks (0-1, 4.13 ERA). Hendricks' will be backed up by veteran starters Edwin Jackson and Mike Fiers along with relievers Fernando Rodney, Jeurys Familia, Shawn Kelley and closer Blake Treinen among others. Note that Oakland used the opener technique nine times in September and went 4-5 with a 1.86 ERA in those games.

10* play on Oakland Athletics +1.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB) - MIKE'S TOP RATED ROCKIES @ CUBS BEST BET

The Colorado Rockies had won nine of 10 games prior to Monday’s loss to the LA Dodgers in the tiebreaker for the NL West title. I think they'll get back to their winning ways here in the Wild Card game against the Chicago Cubs. 

The Cubs spent a lot of energy and arms out of the bullpen in their 3-1 loss to Milwaukee in the NL Central tiebreaker yesterday. Tonight's starter, right-hander Jon Lester (18-6, 3.32 ERA) has held two of his last three opponents scoreless and allowed only two runs during that stretch. It's one thing to face Cincinnati, Chicago White Sod and Pittsburgh and a whole other thing to take on Colorado's red hot bats. 

Rockies right-hander Kyle Freeland (17-7, 2.85 ERA) is 9-1 with a 2.41 ERA in 14 starts since the All-Star break. Rockies are 12-2 in Freeland's last 14 starts vs. a team with a winning record and 21-6 in his last 27 starts overall.

I like the price we get on the visitors in the National League Wild Card game. 

10* play on Colorado Rockies. 

CHIEFS @ BRONCOS MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL *TOP PLAY*

The Kansas City Chiefs are travelling to Mile High City undefeated 3-0 on the season. They're the league's highest-scoring team having scored 38 points or more in each contest and average a healthy 295.0 passing yards per game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has 16 touchdown passes and no interceptions. 

Denver has struggled to stop the pass, and while KC has surrendered 30.7 points per game I don't think the Broncos have the weapons to hurt them. Note that Denver quarterback Case Keenum has passed for just three touchdowns against five interceptions and he's coming off a season-low 192 yards passing at Baltimore.

Chiefs are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall and 12-4 ATS in their last 16 road games. Broncos are 7-18-2 ATS in their last 27 games overall and 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven home games. Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings and 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Denver.

10* play on Kansas City Chiefs. 

ROCKIES @ DODGERS TOTAL 

The LA Dodgers will host the Colorado Rockies for a one-game playoff to decide the National League West title Monday afternoon. Both teams have been red hot at the plate down the stretch, and I think the total for this contest is set way too low. 

Sure, both starters, Rockies right-hander German Marquez (14-10, 3.76 ERA) and Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.76 ERA), are solid pitchers with good numbers against today's opponent, but this not being a one-and-done game makes it an awkward situation. 

The loser will play a Wild Card game tomorrow, and the losing team might opt to rest their best relievers if things go wrong early today.

8* play on OVER.