BREWERS @ CUBS BOOKIE BREAKER

The winner of this contest will move on to the NLDS while the loser will face either the Rockies or the Dodgers in a Wild Card game tomorrow. 

I like the price we get on the Brewers here as I think the early first pitch will benefit the visitors. 

Brewers right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (15-8, 3.56 ERA) is 4-2 with a 2.96 ERA in 10 day starts on the season while Cubs' left-hander Jose Quintana (13-11, 4.09 ERA) owns a 5.32 ERA in 17 day starts. Brew Crew also have a psychological advantage having won seven straight overall and seven of the last 10 meetings with the Cubs. 

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

NFL GAME OF THE MONTH (10* TOTAL)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been involved in two shootouts already this season, and I'm confident we'll see a high-scoring game when they host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night. 

The Ravens opened the season with a 47-3 thumping of Buffalo and have scored 50 in their last two games combined to make it a season average of 32.3 ppg. Baltimore averages 292 ypg through the air and Pittsburgh ranks among the worst against the pass, giving up 288.0 yards per game. 

Offensively the Steelers are doing just fine and their 453.3 yards of total offense per game is 2nd only to Tampa Bay. Ben Roethlisberger has found the end zone seven times and thrown for 1,140 yards and James Connor has been the go-to man in the backfield with 222 yards and two scores. 

Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings at Pittsburgh and the Steelers won last season's meeting at Heinz Field 39-38.

10* NFL TOTAL OF THE MONTH: OVER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL DAYTIME DESTROYER

The New Orleans Saints look like a solid road favorite at New York Giants Sunday afternoon. 

The Giants are coming off a 27-22 victory over the winless Houston Texans, but they were quite lucky to win that game considering they were outgained 427-379. Here they'll face one of the hottest offenses in the league with the Saints and QB Drew Brees coming off a 43-37 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Brees completed 39-of-49 passes for 396 yards, threw three touchdown passes and added two on the ground, including the game-winning score. 

The Saints defense has surrendered a league-worst 34.3 points per contest, but I do not think the Giants have the weapons to capitilize. Note that while the Saints have scored a NFC-best 104 points through three games, the Giants have mustered only 55 points. 

Saints are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 road games. Saints are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six meetings.

8* play on New Orleans Saints. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL *NO-BRAINER*

Huge let down spot for Cleveland Browns who had won just one of their previous 37 contests before defeating the Jets last week. Here they'll face a disappointed and desperate Oakland side which is still looking for its first win of the season. The Raiders are not nearly as bad as their 0-3 record might indicate though, having lost to three teams with a combined 8-1 record. Oakland QB Derek Carr has a 76.6 completion percentage, second in the NFL only to the Saints' Drew Brees, and I think he'll guide the Raiders to their first win of the season in front of the home town crowd Sunday afternoon. 

8* play on Oakland Raiders. 

NFL GAME OF THE WEEK (TOP RATED 10* SIDE)

The Houston Texans will be desperate for a win here after opening the season with three straight losses. They're 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games in Week 4 and should get the job done when visiting the Colts Sunday afternoon. 

Houston's offense has been a bright spot and ranks eighth in the NFL with 397 total yards per game. The Colts D gave up 379 total yards in a 20-16 road loss to the Eagles last week and I think Houston QB Deshaun Watson will tear them apart in this contest. Watson notched 385 passing yards with two TD’s against one INT against the Giants last week and we can also expect Houston to do a lot of damage on the ground against a Colts’ D that allows 106.0 rushing yards per game.

The Colts offense rank in the bottom 10 of the NFL in several offensive categories and collected only 209 total yards last week. Colts QB Andrew Colt owns a poor 5:3 TD/INT ratio on the season and their running game is among the worst in the league. 

Great value on the visitors. 

10* NFL SIDE OF THE WEEK: Houston Texans. 

BENGALS @ FALCONS TOTAL

The Atlanta Falcons will host the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon. While the bookmakers have added to the total throughout the week (opened at 48), I still think this game will fly over the current number with ease. 

Both teams have big arms under center. Cincinnati's Andy Dalton having completed 74-of-116 passes for 860 yards in three games and is tied for third in the league with eight touchdowns. Atlanta's Matt Ryan has completed 70-of-106 passes for 897 yards and seven touchdowns, five in last week's 43-37 loss to New Orleans. 

Cincinnati is giving up 270.3 passing yards per game (23rd) while Atlanta is giving up 276.0 passing yards per game (25th). We should see plenty of big plays from both QBs. 

8* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Burnley are known for their sturdy defense, but seven of their last eight games have seen at least two goals and five of those at least three goals. They scored four against Bournemouth last week and should have no trouble to find the net against this weak Cardiff defense which has conceded 15 goals through its last four games.

The home team is desperate for a win after opening the season with a pair of draws and four losses.

I think we'll see a wide open high-scoring affair.

8* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT MLB TOP PLAY (10* MONEYLINE) TESTS 9-3 RUN!

The red hot Colorado Rockies have won eight straight games. They clinched a postseason berth with a 5-2 win Friday night but will most likely need to win their last two games of the regular season in order to hold on to their one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. 

I think the Rockies keep rolling here with Jon Gray (12-8, 4.91 ERA) on the mound. The right-hander held Philadelphia to one run and four hits over seven innings of a 10-1 victory his last time out and he owns a 7-3 record and 4.50 ERA in 15 starts at Coors Field this season.

The Nats turn to right-hander Stephen Strasburg (9-7, 3.77 ERA) who has struggled at Coors Field throughout his career, going 1-3 behind a 7.20 ERA in four appearances.

10* play on Colorado Rockies. 

OHIO STATE @ PENN STATE BIG TEN BOOKIE BREAKER

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions will clash in a showdown of top offenses Saturday night. The winner of the annual game has gone on to win the Big Ten in each of the past two years so there's plenty at stake here. 

The Buckeyes come into the game ranking second in points scored per game (54.5) and third in yards gained per game (599). QB Dwayne Haskins has 16 touchdown passes on the season and running back Mike Weber is putting up good numbers on the ground. They have barely been tested defensively yet, but I think their D will be well prepared and ready for this matchup. 

Penn State leads all FBS teams in scoring at 55.5 points per game but rank "only" 16th with their 515 yards per game. QB Trace McSorley is a dual-threat who can make plays with both his arm and his feet and has won 26 of his 31 career starts. He has however completed only 53.8 percent of his passes this year and thrown a pick in each of the last two games. 

The Nittany Lions have shown some vulnerability already. They went to overtime in their season opener against Appalachian State before eventually squeaking out a 45-38 victory in that game, and trailed 24-21 in the third quarter last week against Illinois before finishing the game with 42 unanswered points.

Penn State does have one significant advantage in playing in its home stadium, but Ohio State appears to be the slightly better team on both offense and defense.

8* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

CFB SATURDAY NIGHT ATS ANNIHILATOR *NO-BRAINER*

The Iowa State Cyclones have been money against the spread in recent seasons, covering in 19 of their last 26 games overall. 

The TCU Horned Frogs meanwhile are often ovverated as a home team, going just 3-14 ATS in their last 17 home games. They have struggled with turnovers in their last two games, and TCU quarterback Shawn Robinson has thrown just six TDs vs. five picks this season. 

The Cyclones are coming off their first win of the season (26-13 against Akron at home), and each of their two losses were by 10 points. We can also note that they have covered the spread six out of the last seven times they were listed as a double-digit road underdog. 

Iowa State has held teams to 345 yards and 21.0 ppg through its first three games and I think the Cyclones resilient defense will keep them in this game. 

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

CFB GAME OF THE MONTH (10* TOTAL)

The Northwestern Wildcats host the Michigan Wolverines Saturday afternoon. While we may not see a massive shootout, I'm very confident we'll see this game fly over the total we're offered. 

Michigan ran for 285 yards and accumulated 491 yards of total offense in a 56-10 triumph over Nebraska last week. QB Shea Patterson has recorded seven touchdowns and just one interception over his last three games. Over is 19-8-1 in Wolverines last 28 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game and 9-3 in their last 12 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

Northwestern is coming off its bye week and blew a 21-3 halftime lead to take a 39-34 home loss to Akron its last game. QB Clayton Thorson completed 33-of-52 passes for 383 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Zips and the Wildcats average a solid 424 yards per game of total offense. Over is 4-0 in Wildcats last four games following a bye week and I think they can put up decent numbers against Michigan.

10* CFB TOTAL OF THE MONTH: OVER

CFB GAME OF THE WEEK (10* ATS)

The No. 12 West Virginia Mountaineers will be putting their perfect 3-0 start on the line when they visit a Big 12 rival, the No. 25 Texas Tech Raiders, Saturday afternoon. 

Texas Tech tops the nation with 623.5 yards per game while West Virginia is eighth at 545.3. WVU is by far the better defensive team though; note that the Red Raiders are allowing 437 yards per game (110th) while WVU is giving up an average of only 304 yards and 12.3 points per game. 

Texas Tech has won three straight since dropping its season opener and thumped then-No. 14 Oklahoma State 41-17 on the road last week. I think that triumph has made the Red Raiders overvalued by the bookmakers in this matchup, particularly in what could be a let down spot. 

West Virginia has claimed four straight in the series, including a 46-35 win last year. Red Raiders are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on West Virginia Mountaineers. 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON CFB *NO-BRAINER*

This looks like an absolute no-brainer to me. The Indiana Hoosiers had opened the season with three straight wins before taking a 35-21 loss to 18th-ranked Michigan State in Week 4. Indiana is averaging a solid 184 rushing yards per game and here it'll face a team which has given up an average of 220 yards on the ground this season. Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming off a 42-13 home defeat to Buffalo and they have lost three straight by an average margin of 39.6 points. Indiana has won two straight meetings and by an average margin of 23.5 points.

8* play on Indiana Hoosiers. 

FRIDAY NIGHT BASES BLOWOUT (TOTAL)

The Kansas City Royals are going for a fifth straight win when they host the Cleveland Indians Friday night. I don't think runs will come easy for KC though, coming up against Cleveland righty Mike Clevinger (12-8, 3.07 ERA) who owns a 2.37 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the Royals. Right-hander Ian Kennedy (3-8, 4.59 ERA) will take the mound for the home team. After missing nearly two months with an oblique strain, Kennedy was activated off the disabled list Sept. 9. He is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three starts since. 

Under is 8-3 in Kennedy's last 11 home starts. Under is 6-2-1 in Clevinger's last nine road starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

FRIDAY NIGHT MLB TOP PLAY (10* RUNLINE)

The Colorado Rockies have won seven in a row and own a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers at the top of the National League West. Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland (16-7, 2.84 ERA) who is 7-0, 2.10 in his past 10 starts. He has been remarkably good home at hitters-friendly Coors Field, boasting a 9-2 record behind a 3.36 ERA in 14 starts on the season. Colorado pitchers can almost always count on good run support in front of the home town crowd with the Rockies averaging 5.46 rpg and a .289 batting average at home. Washington is hitting .247 against southpaws this season which is below average in the majors.

The Nationals hand the ball to Joe Ross (0-1, 4.09 ERA) who will make his third start for the Nationals since returning from Tommy John surgery in July 2017. He gave up four runs (three earned) in six innings Friday in a 95-pitch start against the Mets. 

The Rockies are 12-1 in Freeland's last 13 home starts, and I expect the home team to roll to an easy victory. 

10* play on Colorado Rockies -1.5. 

MLB DAYTIME DESTROYER

There's plenty at stake when the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals open a season-ending three-game series Friday afternoon.

The Cubs have clinched a postseason berth already but are battling Milwaukee for the National League top seed while the Cardinals will be hoping to steal the second wild card in the NL. 

Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-11, 3.49 ERA) has allowed just one earned run in three of his four starts in September and he has posted a 1.55 ERA through his last seven starts.

Hendricks is 4-2 with a 3.49 ERA in 13 career starts against the Cards who turn to Adam Wainwright (2-3, 4.08 ERA). The veteran right-hander has made three starts since returning from the disabled list. He allowed four earned runs in both the first and the last of those outings with a scoreless outing against the Dodgers sandwiched in between. Cubs are hitting .268 in day games (2nd in the major leagues) and their bats should give Waino plenty of trouble today.

We can also note that the morale in the St. Louis camp must be rather low after opening the week with three devastating losses to Milwaukee. Good value on the Cubs in this matchup IMO.

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOBALL ~ VIKINGS @ RAMS *TOP PLAY*

The LA Rams will host the Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Thursday night. The Rams are coming into this game undefeated while the Vikings are coming off their first loss of the season following a 2-0 start. 

The Vikings took an embarrassing 24-16 loss as a 16.5-point home favorite against the Bills last week. Perhaps they underestimated the Bills and took a win for granted. That won't happen here though, and there's plenty of talent in this Minnesota team which is considered a serious Super Bowl contender. 

I like the Purples to bounce back with a big performance here against an LA Rams team which no doubt is good, but also overrated by the public and the bookmakers after opening the season with routs of Oakland, Arizona and most recently LA Chargers. Take the points on the visitors. 

10* play on Minnesota Vikings. 

THURSDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Atlanta Braves wrapped up the division relatively early, but they've kept on playing winning baseball down the stretch and enter this game as winners of six of their last seven. They're a solid 46-31 on the road this season and I love the price we get on the Braves when they visit the Mets at Citi Field Thursday night. 

Atlanta righty Julio Teheran (9-8, 4.03 ERA) has dominated the Mets this season, posting a 1.69 ERA in four starts. New York left-hander Jason Vargas (6-9, 6.25 ERA) on the other hand has been lit up with 10 runs on 19 hits and six walks in 14 2/3 innings for a 6.14 ERA in three starts against the Braves here in 2018. Atlanta's .272 batting average against southpaws is the 2nd best mark in baseball this year. 

Braves are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings at Citi Field.

8* play on Atlanta Braves. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

The Colorado Rockies have are coming off a 14-0 rout of Philly and they've outscored opponents 47-7 during a six-game winning streak. Here they'll face Philadelphia right-hander Jake Arrieta (10-10, 3.94 ERA) who has posted a 6.61 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies. Arrieta has been particularly poor at Coors Field where he owns a 14.54 ERA in two starts. Phillies are 2-7 in Arrieta's last nine starts and he is 1-4 with a 6.64 ERA in his last eight turns. 

Colorado counters with right-hander Antonio Senzatela (6-6, 4.52 ERA) who held Arizona to  one run and three hits over seven frames his last time out. This will be his first career start against the Phillies. 

The Rockies enter Thursday with a 0.5 game lead over the Dodgers at the top of the NL West. All games are must-win games for them, and I expect nothing less than a blowout win for the home team in this matchup. 

10* play on Colorado Rockies -1.5. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUNLINE RIPPER

Tuesday night the Seattle Mariners rallied from three-run deficits twice to defeat Oakland Athletics 10-8 in extra frames.

Tonight Seattle will hand the ball to Felix Hernandez (8-13, 5.46 ERA) who will start for the first time since Sept. 8 after spending some time on the DL with a hamstring injury. Hernandez owns a stellar 26-13 behind a 2.78 ERA in 51 career appearances against the A's. 

Oakland turns to right-hander Edwin Jackson (6-3, 3.18 ERA) who is 5-0 with a 1.30 ERA in five career starts against the Mariners, but one must wonder how motivated the A's will be for this contest. Last night's setback allowed Houston to claim the AL West, and Oakland sits 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the race for the top wild-card berth with only four games to go. 

Mariners are 9-3 in the last 12 meetings at Safeco. 

8* play on Seattle Mariners +1.5. 

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK ~ TOP RATED 10* MONEYLINE

National League West rivals LA Dodgers the Arizona Diamondbacks will close out a three-game series Wednesday night. The Dodgers are on a nice run but took a loss here at Arizona last night. They and need to get back to their winning ways if they want to hold on to their slim lead over Colorado at the top of the division and getting this price on a desperate Dodgers team feels like a steal. 

Dodger right-hander Ross Stripling (8-5, 2.84 ERA) has pitched exactly 3 1/3 innings in each of his three starts since sliding back into the Dodgers' rotation. He has allowed six runs in those starts, but also recorded 13 Ks against just three walks. 

Here Stripling will face a Diamondback team which is hitting just .211 on the month and we can note that the Diamondbacks are 3-13 in their last 16 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The D'Backs counter with Zack Greinke (14-11, 3.21 ERA). The ex-Dodger is having a great season, but he has started to slow down as of late and owns a 4.91 ERA in four September starts. 

10* MLB Game of the Week: LA Dodgers ML. 

TIGERS @ TWINS TOTAL

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-2 on Tuesday. I don't think we'll see many runs tonight either. Twins right-hander Jake Odorizzi (7-10, 4.35 ERA) owns a 3.15 ERA in seven career starts against the Tigers while Detroit southpaw Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.16 ERA) has compiled a 3.80 ERA in four meetings with Minnesota this season. 

Boyd lasted only 1 1/3 innings against KC his last time out but under is 5-1 in his last six starts following an outing of less than four innings in his last appearance. Under is 7-1 in Odorizzi's last eight starts overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB RUNLINE RIPPER

In this matchup the LA Dodgers will visit the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

The Dodgers opened the three-game series with a 7-4 victory Monday night and they're now 15-3 in their last 18 vs. National League West rivals. Note that the D'Backs are eliminated from playoff contention already while the Dodgers are looking to hold on to their division lead. 

Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.74 ERA) has posted a 1.58 ERA over his last 10 starts. He held fanned nine D'Backs through 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball when he took on Arizona on Sep 2. 

Arizona right-hander Matt Koch (5-5, 4.26 ERA), who has worked out of the bullpen most of the season, is making his second spot start in place of Clay Bucholz. Koch has faced the Dodgers once this season, giving up three runs (two earned) in five innings.

10* play on LA Dodgers -1.5. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Cincinnati Reds host the Kansas City Royals at Great American Ballpark Tuesday night.

This is the first game of the series with both teams getting Monday off. The Reds swept a two-game series in Kansas City earlier in the season, winning 5-1 in 10 innings on June 10 and 7-0 on June 11.

The Reds closed out last week with three losses at Miami, but they play much better in front of the home town crowd and boast a 36-16 record in their last 52 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Reds right-hander Matt Harvey (7-9, 4.92 ERA) owns a 5-1 record at GBP this season and should not have much to fear from a KC team which averages 3.73 rpg on the road. 

8* play on Cincinnati Reds. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Arizona Diamondbacks are officially eliminated from playoff contention after dropping three straight against the Rockies.

They'll face another division rival here Monday night when the NL West leading Dodgers are paying a visit to Chase Field. Dodgers' left-hander Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 2.45 ERA) has owned Arizona throughout his career, going 15-9 with a 2.53 ERA in 30 starts.

Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray (6-2, 3.92 ERA) has won three straight decisions and own a 2.63 ERA in 14 career starts against the Dodgers, but how much run support can he realistically expect here? Note that Arizona mustered only three runs over the weekend ... 

8* play on LA Dodgers.

TOP RATED 10* MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Colorado Rockies are coming off a sweep of the D'Backs at Arizona, and here they return home to Coors Field where they're 41-33 on the season. The visiting Philadelphia Phillies are just 31-46 on the road on the season and 7-20 in their last 27 away from home. 

The Rockies hand the ball to left-hander Tyler Anderson (6-9, 4.76 ERA) has allowed two runs in six innings in each of his last two starts. He is 2-1, 3.13 in four starts against the Phillies who counter with right-hander Zach Eflin (11-7, 4.09 ERA). He has allowed three or fewer runs in four of his past five starts and only one run and eight hits over 11 1/3 innings in his last two starts, but he owns a 7.50 ERA in two career starts against the Rockies. 

Philly has lost 11 of its last 15 and has no chance of making the playoffs. The Rockies on the other hand are 1 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and trail the St. Louis Cardinals by 1 1/2 games in the chase for the second NL wild-card spot. 

10* play on Colorado Rockies. 

TOP RATED 10* STEELERS @ BUCS MONDAY NIGHT MONEYMAKER

The winless Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled big time defensively through their first two games.

The Pitt D allowed Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes to throw six touchdown passes last week and Tampa Bay QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has opened the season with consecutive 400-yard, four-touchdown performances.

Fitzmagic has been awarded NFC Offensive Player of the Week in both weeks and should have another big game Monday night.

Note that the Steelers have covered the spread only once since linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a spinal injury in December and their top cornerback Joe Haden is banged up. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

SUNDAY NIGHT PATRIOTS @ LIONS BOOKIE BREAKER

The New England Patriots look like a solid road dog at Detroit Lions Sunday night. 

Here we'll get Bill Belichick's Patriots off a 31-20 road loss to the Jaguars, which is a great angle in itself to warrant a wager. Note that the Pats are 43-18-1 ATS in their last 62 games following a straight up loss and 14-4 ATS in their last 18 road games.

Detroit has helds its first two opponents (Jets and 49ers) to an average of 168 passing yards, but there's a world of difference in shutting down Jets Sam Darnold or Niners Jimmy Garoppolo and a Tom Brady led Patriots side. 

8* play on New England Patriots. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MLB *BIG HITTER* (10* TOP PLAY)

The slumping Arizona Diamondbacks took another beating by NL West rival Colorado on Saturday to fall to 5-15 through their last 20 games. They've lost the first two of this series and eight of the last 10 meetings with the Rockies, and I think the visitors will complete the sweep of this three game series Sunday afternoon. 

Colorado hands the ball to left.hander Kyle Freeland (15-7, 2.95 ERA) who has been at his very best home at Coors Field, but his 3.45 ERA on the road is nothing to be ashmed of. He was knocked around for four runs in four innings here at Chase Field back in July, but the Rockies still won the game. Diamondbacks are 4-11 in their last 15 home games vs. a left-handed starter and I don't think he'll have to fear here as Arizona has pretty much given up on the season by now. 

Arizona counters with Zack Godley (14-10, 4.79 ERA). The right-hander has been tagged with 14 runs through just 12 2/3 innings in his last three starts combined, including five in four innings at Colorado on Sep 10. On the season, he has posted a 6.14 ERA in three starts against the Rockies. 

Great value on the Rockies who are still battling for a postseason berth. 

10* play on Colorado Rockies. 

NFL GAME OF THE WEEK (10* SIDE)

The Baltimore Ravens annihilated the hapless Bills in their season opener, but they came out flat at Cincinnati last week and failed to fully climb out of an early 21-0 hole, eventually losing 34-23. 

I think the Ravens are in for a tough game here against the Denver Broncos who have opened the season with home wins over Seattle and most recently Oakland. 

Denver has looked solid on the defensive side of the ball and limited the Raiders to just 92 rushing yards last week. Baltimore has not posed much of a threat on the ground through the first two games which means the Broncos can focus on shutting down Baltimore QB Joe Flacco who was sacked four times against the Bengals.

Offensively the Broncos are dangerous on the ground and rank 2nd in the NFL in rushing with 314 yards on the season. Case Keenum is perhaps not an elite QB, but note that this Baltimore D allowed Bengals Andy Dalton to throw for 265 yards and four touchdowns last week. In addition, Baltimore cornerback Jimmy Smith is facing a multi-week suspension from the NFL because of an apparent violation of the league's personal-conduct policy.

Broncos are 7-2-2 ATS in their last 11 games in September. Ravens are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games in Week 3.

10* NFL Game of the Week (side): Denver Broncos.

NFL 3-PACK

The Atlanta Falcons fell at Philadelphia in Week 1 but bounced back with a 31-24 win over Carolina last Sunday. QB Matt Ryan had a great game completing 23-of-28 passes for a total of 272 yards with a pair of touchdown against one INT. Also worth noting that he added two scores on the ground as the Falcons went four-for-four in the red zone. 

The New Orleans Saints on the other hand needed some late game heroics to earn their first win last season, outscoring the Browns 18-6 in the 4th quarter to get the W. They're pretty one-dimensional on offense, having rushed for just 105 yards through the first two games of the season, and here it'll face an Atlanta team which has limited teams to 219 passing yards. 

The Saints are giving up 325.5 yards per game and were lit up through the air by Tampa Bay’s Ryan Fitzpatrick who threw for 418 yards in Week 1. They're gonna struggle to shut down Matt Ryan, and I expect Atlanta to run away with this game. 

8* play on Atlanta Falcons. 

NFL 3-PACK

The Miami Dolphins have opened the season with back-to-back wins, and I think they'll make it three in a row here against the Raiders who are coming off a mentally tough 20-19 loss to Denver to fall to 0-2 on the season. 

Here the Raiders have to travel across the country to face a Miami side which own 6th ranked ground attack in the league, bad news for Oakland which ranks 31st against the run and allowed Denver to run for 168 yards last week. 

The Raiders have an explosive offense led by QB Derek Carr, but they're simply not clicking at the moment, averaging only 16.0 ppg on the season. I expect the Dolphins to get the job done and win a low-scoring game at home in Week 3. 

Raiders are 4-10-2 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Raiders are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Under is 9-0 in Raiders last 9 games overall. Under is 5-1 in Raiders last 6 games in September. Under is 4-1 in Dolphins last 5 games in September.

8* play on Miami Dolphins. 

NFL 3-PACK

The Miami Dolphins have opened the season with back-to-back wins, and I think they'll make it three in a row here against the Raiders who are coming off a mentally tough 20-19 loss to Denver to fall to 0-2 on the season. 

Here the Raiders have to travel across the country to face a Miami side which own 6th ranked ground attack in the league, bad news for Oakland which ranks 31st against the run and allowed Denver to run for 168 yards last week. 

The Raiders have an explosive offense led by QB Derek Carr, but they're simply not clicking at the moment, averaging only 16.0 ppg on the season. I expect the Dolphins to get the job done and win a low-scoring game at home in Week 3. 

Raiders are 4-10-2 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Raiders are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Under is 9-0 in Raiders last 9 games overall. Under is 5-1 in Raiders last 6 games in September. Under is 4-1 in Dolphins last 5 games in September.

8* play on UNDER.

LATE NIGHT MLB RUNLINE RIPPER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Oakland Athletics had won each of Mike Fiers (12-7, 3.38 ERA) first seven starts with the team prior to a 5-4 loss his last time out. I think they'll book an easy W here when coming up against the Twins and Chase De Jong (0-1, 3.68 ERA) who surrendered five runs (three earned) on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings of a 10-3 loss at Kansas City on Sep 15. De Jong has made only two starts on the season and I don't think he'll be ready for the A's big bats. The A's have won three in a row, scoring 38 runs in the process ... 

Twins are 3-12 in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Athletics are 10-2 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

10* play on Oakland Athletics. 

SATURDAY NIGHT CFB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Michigan State Spartans have had an extra week to prepare following their 16-13 loss at Arizona State on Sep 9. I think they'll be well fired up for this Big 10 matchup with Indiana.

The Spartans have a solid squad and lost just three starters from a team that won 10 games a season ago.

The Hoosiers are off a perfect non-conference schedule, but this will be their first test real test of the season. Note that while Indiana is coming off a 38-10 rout of Ball State, the team is 0-7-1 ATS in its last eight games following a straight up win of more than 20 points.

Spartans are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings and won last year's matchup 17-9.

8* play on Michigan State Spartans. 

SATURDAY CFB AFTERNOON ASSASSIN

The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off a 55-14 rout of Rutgers, in a game they closed as just a 1-point favorite. They held the Scarlet Knights to 274 yards and are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game.

The Jayhawks accumulated 400 yards on the ground last week, and here they'll face a Baylor team which struggled to stop the run in a 40-27 home loss to Duke last week. T

he Bears are dangerous when attacking through the air, but note that receiver Denzel Mims, who has 213 yards on 11 catches with a touchdown, is questionable for this contest with a hamstring injury.

I don't think the visitors lose this one by more than a touchdown. 

8* play on Kansas Jayhawks. 

EARLY SATURDAY EPL GAME OF THE WEEK ~ TOP RATED 10* SOCCER!

Tottenham will be desperate for a win after three straight losses, two in the domestic league and one in Champions League. Their offensive players are extremely talented, and here they'll face a Brighton side which has been forced to fight back from 2-0 down to get a draw in their past two games. Tottenham won't allow that to happen, once they take the lead here it's all over. 

10* Premier League Game of the Week: Tottenham. 

CFB GAME OF THE WEEK (10* SIDE)

The Navy Midshipmen opened the season with a shootout loss at Hawaii, but they've bounced back with back-to-back wins since. Here they'll face an 0-3 SMU squad (outscored 133-55 in the process), and I think the Mustangs will take another beating here. 

Navy ran for a total of 484 yards in a 51-21 blowout victory over FCS member Lehigh last week. Malcolm Perry accumulated 223 of those yards (three scores) and last year the senior quarterback ran for 282 yards on 33 carries with four touchdowns against SMU.

The Mustangs took a 45-20 loss at Michigan last Saturday and gave up 197 yards and two scores on the ground. On the season, they're giving up 170.7 ypg on the ground (83rd). They rank near the bottom nationally in total offense and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with Navy in this matchup. 

CFB Game of the Week: Navy Midshipmen. 

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK (10* MONEYLINE) ~ LIVE ON ESPN!

The Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks both got Thursday off, but the two NL West rivals are back in action with the opener of a three-game series at Chase Field Friday night.  

The Rockies are 7-2 in the last nine meetings and tonight they hand the ball to German Marquez (12-10, 3.96 ERA). He is 7-4 behind a 2.94 ERA in 15 road starts on the season and limited the D'Backs to a pair of runs with 11 Ks through seven innings of a 13-2 triumph here at Chase field on Sep 10. 

The D'Backs counter with Zack Greinke (14-10, 3.20 ERA) who has dominated the Rockies this year, but he's not been particularly sharp of late. The veteran right-hander struck out just two while surrendering four earned runs over 6 1/3 innings Sunday in a loss to the Astros. He has allowed a total of 14 earned runs through his last four starts.

The slumping D'Backs have won just five of their last 19 games and are now given just 0.1% of making the playoffs. I think the wrong team is favored here with the super motivated Rockies still in contention for a postseason berth. 

10* MLB Moneyline Game of the Week: Colorado Rockies. 

THURSDAY NIGHT JETS @ BROWNS 10* BEST BET

The Cleveland Browns are 0-18-1 since their last victory, in Week 16 of the 2016 season. Although they look improved this season the Browns still invent new ways to not win straight up, and I don't think they deserve to be favored against anyone (expect perhaps Buffalo) just yet. 

The New York Jets opened the season with a convincing win against the Lions so we know there's quality there, and here they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Week 2 loss to the Miami Dolphins. I also think the Jets will get extra motivation from the fact that they're considered an underdog in this matchup, with the Browns favored at home for the first time since 2015. 

Browns are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 home games. Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight up loss and 4-1 ATS in their last five Thursday night games.

10* play on New York Jets. 

EARLY ANGELS @ A'S DAYTIME DESTROYER *TOP PLAY*

The LA Angels and the Oakland Athletics will close out a three-game series Thursday afternoon. I like Oakland here with Edwin Jackson (5-3, 3.17 ERA) on the mound. The A's have won nine of his last 10 starts and he held the Halos to three hits and three walks through 7 1/3 scoreless innings on Aug 11. The Angels counter with Matt Shoemaker (2-1, 3.98 ERA) who got beaten up by the Mariners on Friday, getting the loss by going 4 2/3 innings and giving up three runs and five hits. He's made just four starts this year after missing most of the season with forearm issues. 

The A's are 14-5 as home favorites in day games this year. The Angels are 2-7 in the opposite spot. 

10* play on Oakland Athletics. 

MLB GAME OF THE YEAR (10* TOTAL)

I'm confident we'll see a low-scoring affair here with two hot pitchers on the mound.

Cubs Cole Hamels (9-9, 3.67 ERA) has posted a 1.57 ERA since coming over from Texas and the left-hander doesn't seem to mind to travel as he owns a 2.54 ERA in 15 road starts on the season. Hamels has had decent success at Arizona throughout his career, posting a 3.32 ERA in six starts at this park.

Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray (5-2, 4.14 ERA) has allowed just six runs through his last five starts with 38 Ks in 28 innings of work. Against the Cubs, he has gone 0-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three career starts. 

Under is 8-0 in Cubs last 8 overall (prior to Tuesday's game), under is 7-1 in Hamels' last 8 starts overall. Under is 7-1 in Diamondbacks last 8 games vs. a left-handed starter and 4-1 in Ray's last 5 starts overall.

Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings (prior to Tuesday's game).

MLB Regular Season Total of the Year: UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY CARDINALS @ BRAVES DAYTIME DESTROYER (12:10 PM ET START)

The Atlanta Braves are coming off four straight defeats, including an 8-1 setback to the Cardinals on Tuesday. Their pitching staff have failed to deliver lately and rookie right-hander Touki Toussaint (1-1, 4.67 ERA) is no exception. The 22 year old walked four and allowed two hits while giving up three runs in a one-inning relief outing against Washington last Saturday. He has struggled with his command in all his four big league outings and walked 13 through 17 1/3 innings of work. 

The Cards hand the ball to Jack Flaherty (8-7, 2.86 ERA) who was 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA in five starts last month and he's having a great September as well, boasting a 2.81 ERA in three outings. He limited the LA Dodgers to four hits and a run over six innings while striking out eight last Friday. Flaherty is 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in eight day starts. 

Cardinals are 17-5 in their last 22 road games. Atlanta is playing .500 baseball home at SunTrust Park this season and they're 5-17 in their last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

LATE NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The Oakland Athletics are battling the New York Yankees for the top wild card spot in the American League, and I think they'll come out 100% motivated for this series-opener with the LA Angels. 

Halos left-hander Tyler Skaggs (8-8, 3.78 ERA) was tagged with seven runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings in a 7-0 los to Oakland on Aug 11. He is 2-5 with a 5.32 ERA in eight career starts against Oakland which is 22-9 in its last 31 games vs. a left-handed starter. 

The A's hand the ball to right-hander Liam Hendriks (0-1, 5.60 ERA). He has allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings as an "opener" and will not be on the mound for too many innings with the A's making this a bullpen day.  

Athletics are 46-11 in their last 57 vs. a team with a losing record. Angels are 6-20 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Oakland Athletics. 

TUESDAY NIGHT MLB TOTAL BLOWOUT

Toronto right-hander Aaron Sanchez (4-6, 4.90 ERA) owns a 1.88 ERA in two starts against Baltimore on the season and he limited Boston to one run on three hits through seven frames his last time out. 

Baltimore right-hander Dylan Bundy (8-14, 5.48 ERA) has been knocked around by Toronto this year, giving up 14 runs in 16 innings, but he held Oakland to a pair runs with eight strikeouts through six innings last time out.

Toronto has scored more than four runs in only two of its last seven games while Baltimore has been shut out twice in its last four. 

Under is 8-1 in Sanchez's last 9 Tuesday starts. Under is 7-3-1 in Bundy's last 11 Tuesday starts.

8* play on UNDER. 

EARLY TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER IN THE BRONX

The Boston Red Sox have all but clinched the division already while the New York Yankees are battling the Oakland Athletics for the top wild card spot in the American League. Motivational advantage Yankees here, and my money is on the home team in this matchup. 

Yankees left-hander J.A. Happ (16-6, 3.75 ERA) owns a 6-0 record behind a 2.70 ERA in eight career starts against the Yankees and he's undefeated since coming over from Toronto. Red Sox hand the ball to right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.22 ERA) who has held the Yankees to five runs in 15 1/3 innings this season, but he gave up all five in 7 1/3 innings here in the Bronx back in June. 

Yankees are 7-1 in Happ's last eight starts and they've won six of the last eight when hosting Boston. 

10* play on New York Yankees. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

The Chicago Cubs have scored just 15 runs through their last seven games and here they'll come up against left-hander Patrick Corbin (11-5, 3.05 ERA) who is 5-1 with a 3.68 ERA in seven career appearances, six starts, against the Cubs. We can also note that Corbin owns a 2.49 ERA through his last eight starts. 

Chicago counters with Kyle Hendricks (11-11, 3.71 ERA) who owns a 3.24 ERA in three career starts against the Diamondbacks. He's been on fire lately, posting a 1.80 ERA through his last five starts. 

Under is 7-0 in Cubs last seven overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK

Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Wade Miley (4-2, 2.23 ERA) owns a 3.14 ERA in nine career meetings with Cincinnati and he has allowed fewer than three earned runs in 12 of his last 13 starts. Under is 7-2 in Reds last nine road games vs. a left-handed starter.

Cincinnati right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (7-5, 4.80 ERA) has allowed nine runs total over his last two outings, spanning 8 2/3 innings but he'll face a Milwaukee team which has mustered only a total of three runs in its last two games. Under is 5-1 in Brewers last six overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB 3-PACK

New York Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler (11-7, 3.23 ERA) has posted a 1.32 ERA in his last 10 starts, and while Philadelphia right-hander Jake Arrieta (10-9, 3.66 ERA) may have allowed seven runs in his last two, note that he's fanned 18 through 12 1/3 innings in those starts. Arrieta owns a 1.94 ERA in nine career starts versus New York and under is 4-0-1 in Mets last five overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

MLB GAME OF THE WEEK (10* TOTAL) ~ DODGERS @ CARDINALS

The LA Dodgers routed the Cardinals 17-4 on Saturday, but I don't think runs will come quite as easy here tonight against Adam Wainwright (1-3, 4.70 ERA). The veteran right-hander has posted a 2.69 ERA against the Dodgers in 15 career games (12 starts) and under is 6-2-1 in Dodgers last 9 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Dodgers counter with right-hander Ross Stripling (8-3, 2.61 ERA) who's having a great year, and he's been particularly sharp on the road where he has posted a 2.86 ERA in 18 outings (11 starts). Under is 7-2-1 in Stripling's last 10 road starts.

Under is 15-7 in the last 22 meetings in St. Louis. Under is 35-17 in the last 52 meetings overall.

10* MLB Game of the Week (Total): UNDER. 

PATS @ JAGS NFL TOTAL 

The Jacksonville Jaguars picked up a 20-15 victory over the New York Giants in Week 1. They gave up just 324 yards of total offense but musted only 305 yards themselves, and here they're likely to be without star running back Leonard Fournette who sustained a hamstring injury in the season opener. Fournette did not practice Friday and the Jaguars are "not optimistic" he will play according to a report from the NFL Network.

The New England Patriots got the job done in their season opener as well, coming off a 27-20 triumph over Houston. They could find it tougher to move the ball here though against one of the best defenses in the league, and they'll have to do it without WR Julian Edelman who is sitting out the first four games while serving a suspension. We can also note that the Pats are banged up in the backfield and will need to rely on QB Tom Brady and TE Rob Gronkowski to carry the weight. 

Under is 9-2 in Jaguars last 11 vs. AFC. Under is 6-2 in Patriots last 8 vs. AFC.

8* play on UNDER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON *ATS ANNIHILATOR*

The Washington Redskins held the Arizona Cardinals to 68 yards rushing in a dominant 24-6 win last Sunday. Quarterback Alex Smith was a solid 21-of-30 passing for 255 yards and a pair of TDs while running back Adrian Peterson ran 26 times for 96 yards and a score. In total, Redskins accumulated 182 rushing yards and I think their running game will be able to grind down this Indianapolis defense, just like the Colts folded at the end of their season opener to take a 34-23 home loss to Cincinnati. 

Colts QB Andrew Luck was sharp after missing the entire 2017 season, but note that Washington's pass defense ranked ninth in the NFL in 2017 and it looks hard to break through this year as well. 

Redskins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Colts are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games in September.

8* play on Washington Redskins. 

NFL 3-PACK

Both the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans opened the season with a loss with the Texans falling 27-20 at New England and the Titans losing by the same score at Miami. I like Houston to be the team to come out of this contest victorious. 

Tennessee franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered an elbow injury last week and is likely to be banged up here even if he gets the start. We can also note that left tackle Taylor Lewan (concussion) and right tackle Jack Conklin (knee) are ruled out for this contest leaving the Tennessee QB vulnerable. 

Houston QB Deshaun Watson was not particularly sharp in Week 1, completing just 50 percent of his passes for 176 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He should be much better here though and wide receiver Will Fuller, who sat out Week 1 with a hamstring injury, is expected to be back. 

Texans are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games in Week 2.

8* play on Houston Texans. 

NFL GAME OF THE MONTH (10* SIDE)

The Minnesota Vikings opened the season with an easy 24-16 home win against the 49ers while the Green Bay Packers just barely beat the Bears 24-23 at home Monday night. 

Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers left the game with a knee injury but returned in the second half to help the Packers come back from a 20-0 deficit. 

We can however note that Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy either could not or would not say anything specific Monday regarding his starting quarterback's knee injury or his status for Week 2. 

Rodgers will most likely be banged up even if he makes it to the field, and that simply can't be good against a Minnesota team which features among the best passing defenses in the league. 

I like the Vikings to win this game no matter Rodgers' status. 

10* NFL SIDE GAME OF THE WEEK: Minnesota Vikings. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Minnesota Vikings opened the season with an easy 24-16 home win against the 49ers while the Green Bay Packers just barely beat the Bears 24-23 at home Monday night. 

Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers left the game with a knee injury but returned in the second half to help the Packers come back from a 20-0 deficit. 

We can however note that Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy either could not or would not say anything specific Monday regarding his starting quarterback's knee injury or his status for Week 2. 

Rodgers will most likely be banged up even if he makes it to the field, and that simply can't be good against a Minnesota team which features among the best passing defenses in the league. 

I like the Vikings to win this game no matter Rodgers' status, and I think they'll keep it a low-scoring affair. Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

CFB GAME OF THE WEEK (10* TOTAL) ~ LATE KICK OFF!

The UCLA Bruins didn’t play well defensively in their last game as they gave up 485 yards in a 49-21 loss at Oklahoma. Here they'll come up against a balanced Fresno State team which opened the season with a 79-13 rout of Idaho followed by a 21-14 loss at Minnesota. 

The Bulldogs lead the nation with eight takeaways (5 interceptions, 3 fumbles) and that could spell big trouble for UCLA and its coach Chip Kelly who is still undecided on a starting quarterback for this contest. I think Fresno State will get plenty good opportunities in good field position leading to fast scores, but UCLA should be able to put up its fair share of points on the board as well.   

Over is 14-6-1 in Bulldogs last 21 non-conference games and 21-10 in their last 31 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Bruins last seven games in September.

10* CFB TOTAL OF THE WEEK: OVER

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Milwaukee Brewers have won 12 of their last 15 games, including a 7-4 triumph against Pittsburgh Friday night. Milwaukee right-hander Zack Davies (2-5, 4.75 ERA) has allowed only three runs through his last two starts (both Milwaukee wins) and he has conceded two runs or fewer in five of his last seven appearances. 

Milwaukee has plenty to play for sitting just one game back of the Cubs who are top of the NL Central while Pittsburgh's motivation must be questionable. Pittsburgh right-hander Ivan Nova (8-9, 4.17 ERA) had lost three straight decisions before throwing scoreless innings against Miami his last time out to earn the W. 

8* play on Milwaukee Brewers. 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK (10* SIDE)

The top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide have won their first two games of the season by a combined 87 points. I think they're in line for another blowout victory here when visiting Ole Miss Rebels Saturday afternoon.

Sure, the Rebels are also undefeated after beating up Texas Tech and Southern Illinois, but note that they've allowed 557.5 yards on average in these first two games. 

They were limited to a field goal in a 66-3 blowout loss to Alabama last year, and I don't see Ole Miss being able to stop Bama this year either. 

10* CFB Game of the Week: Alabama.

SOCCER GAME OF THE WEEK (10* SPREAD)

Watford are one of just three teams who will enter this round of games undefeated. They're coming off an impressive 2-1 triumph over Tottenham and I think they'll get at least one point here against an overrated Manchester United side. Man U manager Jose Mourinho is struggling to make the most of the talent he has at his disposal, and here they'll find a very tough opponent backed by a loud home-town crowd.

10* Spread/ML Soccer Game of the Week: Watford +0.5. 

SUPER EARLY SATURDAY CFB ATS *NO-BRAINER*

The Iowa State Cyclones stunned Oklahoma with a 38-31 triumph last year, the Sooners only regular-season loss for the season.

Oklahoma will no doubt have had this game circled and will be looking to execute revenge here. The Sooners have started the season in a solid fashion with back-to-back blowout wins over Florida Atlantic (63-14) and UCLA (49-21) and this should be another easy win for Oklahoma. 

Kyler Murray has done a great job replacing Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield under center, and he enters this contest as the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after completing 19-of-33 passes for 306 yards and three touchdowns plus 69 yards and two scores on the ground against UCLA. 

Iowa State mustered only 188 yards of offense in its 13-3 loss to Iowa last week, and I don't see the Cyclones keeping up with an Oklahoma side which has averaged 56 points in two games.  

Sooners are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 meetings.

8* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

CFB 3-PACK

The Miami-Florida Hurricanes took a loss to LSU in their season opener, but they bounced back in an impressive fashion and recorded a 77-0 rout of Savannah State in Week 2. I think they'll keep rolling here against a Toledo side which destroyed VMI 66-3 in its season opener Sept. 1. I'm not sure if a bye week is of any advantage this early in the season though, and we can note that the Hurricanes won last season's meeting 52-30 as a 13.5-point favorite. 

Hurricanes are 21-6 ATS in their last 27 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Rockets are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following a bye week.

8* play on Miami-Florida Hurricanes. 

HAWAII @ ARMY DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have opened the season with three straight triumphs (Rice, Navy, and Colorado State), but I think they're about to take their first loss when visiting Army Saturday afternoon. 

The Rainbow Warriors are far away from home here and do not underestimate how much the travel will affect these college kids. Note that the game will be played at 6am Hawaii time, no doubt a tough spot for the visitors. Rainbow Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.

The Army Black Knights racked up 449 rushing yards in last week's 38-14 win over Liberty and will pound Hawaii on the ground as well, eventually wearing them down. 

8* play on Army Black Knights. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE (10* TOP PLAY*)

We have the red hot Rockies visiting the reeling Giants Friday night, and I expect nothing less than a blowout win for the visitors. 

The Rockies scored have won nine of their last 13 and scored a total of 31 runs while taking three of four against Arizona to start the week. Tonight they'll face Giants right-hander Chris Stratton (9-9, 4.99 ERA) who has surrendered 17 runs (16 earned) through 14 2/3 innings of work against the Rockies this year. 

Colorado counters with left-hander Tyler Anderson (6-8, 4.89 ERA) who has struggled somewhat of late, but note that he has had the Giants number this season, fanning 20 while holding them to eight runs through 18 2/3 innings. San Francisco has lost 11 straight and scored only one run in three straight games. 

Rockies are 7-0 in the last seven meetings.

10* play on Colorado Rockies. 

THURSDAY NIGHT RAVENS @ BENGALS *NO-BRAINER* 

The Baltimore Ravens destroyed Buffalo 47-3 in Week 1 while Cincinnati Bengals notched a 34-23 season-opening victory over Indianapolis.

I expect less offense for both teams here with the defenses fired up for this AFC North showdown. Baltimore sure shut down the Bills effectively last week, allowing just 153 yards while recording six sacks and two turnovers but the Bengals won't give up easy points to their division rival. 

We can also note that under is 34-16-2 in Bengals last 52 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game and under is 4-1 in the last five meetings, with the exception a 31-27 Bengals win at Baltimore last year. 

8* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT RUNLINE RIPPER

The Oakland Athletics put a 10-0 beating on Baltimore yesterday, and I think they'll rout the poor Orioles again here Thursday night. 

Baltimore has lost six straight and right-hander Dylan Bundy (7-14, 5.58 ERA) is 0-5 with a 9.09 ERA through his last seven starts. Baltimore is 1-10 in his last 11 starts and Bundy has allowed five or more runs in seven of those 11 outings. 

Oakland counters with left-hander Brett Anderson (3-4, 4.02 ERA) who will make his first start since Aug 27 after a stint on the DL (strained left forearm). He posted a 2.15 ERA and did not allow a run in three of his five appearances last month. 

Baltimore has the majors' worst record (41-104) and has given up on the season a long time ago. Oakland has pretty much clinched a playoff berth but will want to overtake the Yankees for home field advantage in the wild card game. 

8* play on Oakland Athletics -1.5. 

MLB GAME OF THE MONTH (10* TOTAL)

I think the total is set way too high considering the pitching matchup here in the finale of an imporant series between two National League West foes.   

D'Backs right-hander Clay Buchholz (7-2, 2.01 ERA) has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 of 16 starts since May 20. He has posted a 1.04 WHIP and 81/22 K/BB ratio those starts and has thrived on the road (1.73 ERA). Under is 4-0 in Buchholz's last four road starts.

Colorado turns to Kyle Freeland (14-7, 2.91 ERA) who struck out eight through six innings of one-run ball against the Dodgers his last time out. He has posted a 2.21 ERA in 13 home starts on the season and under is 25-4 in Freelands last 29 home starts.

Under is 13-3-1 in Diamondbacks last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 38-13-1 in Rockies last 52 home games vs. a team with a winning record.

10* MLB Game of the Month (Total): UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MLB BIG HITTER (10* TOP PLAY)*

This intense series between two of the top teams in the National League West continues Wednesday night. Arizona might be behind 1st place Colorado in the standings, but I think the visitors have an edge in this particular matchup with left-hander Patrick Corbin on the mound. 

Corbin (11-5, 3.01 ERA) is 4-2 with a 2.86 ERA in 14 starts away from home and he has limited the Rockies to four runs on 12 hits with 14 Ks in 10 innings this year. 

The Rockies counter with Jon Gray (11-7, 4.69 ERA) who has made one start against the D'Backs this year, in which he gave up three runs on six hits and three walks in four innings of work. Gray has struggled with the long-ball and served up at least one homer in each of his last eight starts; he has given up a total of five in the last three starts alone. That could spell big trouble here at Coors Field ...

10* play on Arizona Diamondbacks. 

SUPER EARLY MLB *DAYTIME DESTROYER*

The St. Louis Cardinals are playing with a purpose and enter Wednesday with a three-game lead over the Dodgers for the second wild card in the National League. 

Still no time for rest though, and I expect to see another Cardinals win here Wednesday afternoon. 

Pirates hand the ball to Jameson Taillon (12-9, 3.40 ERA) who's on a solid run, but I think he'll find it tough to cool off the Cards bats. 

Cardinals turn to rookie right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon (0-1, 2.67 ERA) who will make his first big league appearance against the Pirates and his fourth start in 10 big league games. He has proven himself rather useful with a 23-to-12 K/BB ratio and a 1.15 WHIP over 27 innings of work.

Cardinals are 7-1 in the last eight meetings, and we're getting a great price on a very motivated home team. 

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks took a 13-2 beating here at Coors Field Monday night and have now lost three in a row and eight of their last 10. The Rockies lead the National League West by 1 1/2 games with the Diamondbacks in third place, 3 1/2 games back and the Dodgers sandwiched in between.

Arizona needs to get it together ASAP if it wants to make it to the postseason, and it should get an important win here with Zack Greinke on the mound.

Greinke (13-9, 3.08 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in three outings against Colorado this season and he owns a 4-1 behind a 4.20 ERA in 11 career games (10 starts) at Coors Field.

The Rockies counter with Antonio Senzatela (4-5, 4.92 ERA). He is 0-2, 6.75 in two games (one start) against the Diamondbacks this season and 0-3, 8.27 against them in six career games (two starts). He's 2-4, 4.47 in nine starts since returning to the rotation July 3.

10* MLB ML Game of the Month: Arizona Diamondbacks.

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The St. Louis Cardinals are playing with a purpose and enter Tuesday with a two-game lead over the Dodgers for the second wild card in the National League. They posted an 8-7 victory over Pittsburgh on Monday and we should see another Cards win Tuesday night. 

Cardinals righty Miles Mikolas (14-4, 3.06 ERA) is 0-2 despite owning a solid 3.38 ERA in four starts against Pittsburgh this year but I think the Cards bats will give him a better chance to get win here. Pittsburgh hands the ball to Joe Musgrove (6-8, 3.75 ERA). Pirates are 2-5 in Musgrove's last seven starts and he has given up 11 runs and served up five homers in his last three starts.

Cardinals are 5-1 in the last six meetings in the series.  

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

MONDAY NIGHT RAMS @ RAIDER 10* BEST BET

The Oakland Raiders are coming off a 6-10 campaign and I think they're in for a tough season here after trading away linebacker Khalil Mack to Chicago. The LA Rams meanwhile finished with an 11-5 record last season and are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley forms a formidable one-two punch on offense and Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh leading the defense. 

10* play on LA Rams. 

MONDAY NIGHT MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE

This is a huge series for both teams with the Colorado Rockies owning a one-half game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers at the top of the National League West and the Arizona Diamondbacks just 2 1/2 games back. 

The D'Backs are in a slump though having lost seven of their last nine games, and I think this is an excellent price on the home team. 

The Rockies hand the ball to right-hander German Marquez (11-9, 4.05 ERA) who gave up two runs but also fanned 11 through 6 2/3 innings against the Giants his last time out. Marquez is just 1-4 with a 4.72 ERA in 11 career games (10 starts) versus Arizona but this looks like a good time to better those stats.

The Diamondbacks turn to right-hander Zack Godley (14-8, 4.51 ERA) who was tagged with four runs over five innings against San Diego his last start. Godley could very well be out of rhythm and focus here after spending the week on the paternity list.

Diamondbacks are 2-7 in Godley's last nine starts vs. a team with a winning record. Rockies are 8-2 in Marquez's last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Colorado Rockies. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BEARS @ PACKERS *NO-BRAINER*

I think the Green Bay Packers will find it extremely tough to cover the spread here against Chicago Bears in their season opener Sunday night. 

The Bears were a solid defensive unit last year (10th in yards allowed, 9th in points allowed) and should be even stronger after acquiring the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker Khalil Mack from Oakland. "He makes this defense just a little bit more ferocious," Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks said. "It's just, well, shoot, a lot bit more ferocious. He's just that player, and I think he's going to make us just that much more feared." 

Green Bay is coming off a disappointing 7-9 campaign after losing star QB Aaron Rodgers in Week 6. He's back for this contest, but he won't have trusted target Jordy Nelson, who departed to Oakland in free agency. Chicago ranked No. 7 against the pass with an average of 211.0 yards in 2017 and I expect the Bears D to keep them in this game. 

8* play on Chicago Bears. 

MLB GAME OF THE YEAR (10* MONEYLINE)

The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off consecutive games to the Detroit Tigers. Quite surprising considering they have plenty to play for, sitting second in the National League wild-card standings, and I expect a fired up Cards team to bounce back and win easily here on Sunday. 

St. Louis right-hander John Gant (6-5, 3.19 ERA) has allowed two or fewer earned runs in his last six outings and he should have no trouble to outperform Detroit right-hander Michael Fulmer (3-10, 4.57) who will make his fourth start since returning from an oblique strain. Detroit has lost 11 of his last 12 starts dating to late May and he's 1-6 home at Comerica Park on the season. 

Cardinals are 12-4 in their last 16 road games and 18-6 in their last 24 games following a loss.

10* MLB Game of the Year: St. Louis Cardinals.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL WEEK 1 *NO-BRAINER*

The New England Patriots made it to their 8th Super Bowl in 17 years last season but came up short against the Eagles. I don't think they'll be 100% focused here in the first game of the season, and one must wonder for much longer QB Tom Brady can keep it up, especially as the Pats lack depth at WR this year. 

Houston is coming off a disastrous 4-12 campaign and suffered season-ending injuries to key players in QB DeShaun Watson and defensive end JJ Watt, but they're healthy and ready to go here.

We can also note that both teams are coming off a solid 3-1 preseason. The Patriots are likely to win SU, but the Texans kept it close in a 36-33 loss last year and I think they'll bring it to New England in this matchup.

8* play on Houston Texans. 

10* NFL GAME OF THE WEEK

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a perfect 5-0 preseason, and I think they'll ride the momentum to easy victory against the Buffalo Bills at home in Week 1 of the regular season. 

The Bills salvaged a 2-2 preseason record with a 28-27 win at Chicago last week, but this is a team without much talent and the they're still undecided whether to start Josh Allen or AJ McCarron under center. The Bills will need to rely on running back LeSean McCoy, but the Ravens aggressive D has an advantage all across the board and should be able to keep the Bills caged.

There will be few surprises from the Ravens and John Harbaugh know exactly where he has his team after five preseason games. They have a strong go-to QB in Joe Flacco and a solid running game which ranked 11th in the NFL last year. Buffalo finished the 2017 season with the fourth worst rushing defense in the NFL and gave up plenty of yards during its preseason games. 

Also, let's not underestimate the home field advantage here with a hostile crowd guaranteed to make it difficult for the visitors.  

10* NFL Game of the Week: Baltimore Ravens. 

SATURDAY NIGHT CFB *BOOKIE BASHER*

The Penn State Nittany Lions just barely avoided a huge upset when they defeated Appalachian State 45-38 in overtime last week. They closed as a 24-point favorite and it can't be a good sign that they allowed App State to score 28 points in the fourth quarter.

I think Pittsburgh will be able to keep this a close game.

The Panthers will have plenty of energy and confidence after gaining 238 yards on the ground while cruising to a 33-7 win over Albany in their opener. Senior Qadree Ollison had a season-high 96 rushing yards in just 15 attempts at Penn State last year and Pitt's running game should keep them in this one. 

We can also note that the Nittany Lions have dropped back-to-back road games to the Panthers. 

8* play on Pittsburgh Panthers. 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Florida Gators opened the season with a 53-6 rout of Charleston Southern. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Feleipe Franks completed 16-of-24 passes for 219 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in the victory and here Florida will face a Kentucky team which didn't impress defensively and failed to cover the -17.5-point spread in its season-opening 35-20 triumph over Central Michigan. Kentucky committed four turnovers in its win while Florida forced three turnovers from Charleston, and I expect Florida do dominate on both sides of the ball here. 

We can also note that Florida has won 31 straight meetings and covered the spread in nine of the last 11.

8* play on Florida Gators.  

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The Cleveland Indians had won four in a row before taking a 3-2 extra-inning loss here at Toronto Friday night. The Jays are still just 4-8 through their last 12 games, and I like Cleveland to bounce back Saturday with right-hander Adam Plutko (4-5, 5.04 ERA) on the hill. Plutko surrendered four earned runs over six innings Monday in a loss to the Royals, but also tallied eight strikeouts against zero walks. Toronto turns to Sean Reid-Foley (1-2, 5.51 ERA) who handcuffed Miami through seven one-run innings his last time out, but this will mark just his fourth start in the big leagues and not a good time to face an Indians team off a loss. Cleveland has the division wrapped up, but I doubt they want to get into the habit of dropping back-to-back games.

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

EARLY ARIZONA @ HOUSTON GAME OF THE WEEK (10* CFB SIDE)

The Houston Cougars racked up 581 yards of total offense in their 45-27 home win over Rice in the season opener. I expect another comfortable win for Houston here as they host Arizona in Week 2. The Wildcats are coming off a 28-23 home loss to a rather weak BYU team and dual-threat quarterback Khalil Tate didn't get much done. Houston returns only 10 players while Arizona returns 16 from last season, but I think the home team has a clear edge in this matchup. 

10* play on Houston Cougars. 

YANKEES @ MARINERS MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The New York Yankees have dropped three of their last four, but I like the price we get on the Bronx Bombers at Seattle Friday night. Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka (10-5, 3.83 ERA) is 6-0 with a 2.34 ERA in seven career starts against Seattle while Mariners left-hander James Paxton (11-5, 3.74) allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in his lone career start against NYY back in June. 

Both teams had Thursday off, but note that while Yankees are 9-4 in their last 13 games following an off day Seattle is just 1-4 in its last five games following an off day. 

8* play on New York Yankees. 

TOP RATED 10* TCU @ SMU BEST BET

The TCU Horned Frogs opened the season with a dominant 55-7 triumph over Southern Jaguars. They outgained their opponent 499-185 in that matchup and look good to record another blowout win here at SMU Mustangs Friday night.

SMU took a 46-23 road loss to North Texas in Week 1 and surrendered 530 total yards in the process. The Mustangs were one of the worst defensive teams in the country last year (allowing an average of 36.7 points per game), and here they'll face an explosive TCU offense with a solid quarterback and three running backs that can all do big damage.

10* play on TCU Horned Frogs. 

TOP RATED 10* FALCONS @ EAGLES *BOOKIE BREAKER*

The Phildelphia Eagles managed to overcome a late season-ending ACL injury to their star QB Carson Wentz last year and went all the way to beat New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. They could always lean a stingy defense that ranked first against the pass and third against the run in 2017, and I think the same will be true here in 2018. 

Wentz will miss the season opener against Atlanta Falcons, and the Eagles are also dealing with injuries to their receivers. We can also add in the fact that running back Jay Ajayi was held out in the final two games of the preseason and I think it's fair to assume that points will be hard to come by for the Eagles. Atlanta has an explosive offense, but I expect Philly's D to shut down the Falcons effectively. 

Under is 7-0 in Falcons last 7 games overall. Under is 9-4 in Eagles last 13 games in Week 1. Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The Toronto Blue Jays scored seven runs in the first inning as they rolled to a 10-3 triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday night. They've still dropped 10 of their last 13 games, and I think they're in for a much tougher matchup here as they host the Cleveland Indians for the opener of a four-game series. 

Cleveland hands the ball to Shane Bieber (8-3, 4.66 ERA) who will face the Blue Jays for the first time in his career. He's 4-0 with a 4.44 ERA in eight road starts this season (Cleveland 6-2 team record in those games).

Toronto turns to Sam Gaviglio (3-7, 5.02 ERA) who will face Cleveland for the first time in his career. Gaviglio has pitched very well home at Rogers Centre, entering this game with a 2.68 ERA in 11 appearances (nine starts) on the season, but I expect him to run into serious trouble with this Cleveland lineup. We can also note that Blue Jays are 1-6 in Gaviglio's last seven starts overall and he has been charged with 11 runs in his last three starts combined. 

8* play on Cleveland Indians. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Brewers have claimed the first two games of a critical three-game set at Miller Park to move just three games behind the NL Central-leading Cubs in the division. The Cubs rarely lose back-to-back games, nevermind three in a row, and I like the price we get on the Cubs to bounce back here in Game 3 of the series. I don't expect a ton of runs though and like the under as well.

Cubs left-hander Jose Quintana (11-9, 4.21 ERA) is 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA in four starts against the Brewers this season and 4-2 with a 1.67 ERA in eight career matchups. He has conceded only four runs through his last three starts overall.

Milwaukee right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (14-5, 3.53 ERA) has tossed 13 scoreless innings against the Cubs this season, but I think the visitors will score enough off him and the relievers to earn the win. 

Cubs are 9-2 in Quintana's last 11 starts during Game 3 of a series, Cubs are 8-3 in their last 11 during Game 3 of a series. Under is 20-6 in the last 26 meetings.

8* play on Chicago Cubs. 

MLB 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Brewers have claimed the first two games of a critical three-game set at Miller Park to move just three games behind the NL Central-leading Cubs in the division. The Cubs rarely lose back-to-back games, nevermind three in a row, and I like the price we get on the Cubs to bounce back here in Game 3 of the series. I don't expect a ton of runs though and like the under as well.

Cubs left-hander Jose Quintana (11-9, 4.21 ERA) is 2-1 with a 2.63 ERA in four starts against the Brewers this season and 4-2 with a 1.67 ERA in eight career matchups. He has conceded only four runs through his last three starts overall.

Milwaukee right-hander Jhoulys Chacin (14-5, 3.53 ERA) has tossed 13 scoreless innings against the Cubs this season, but I think the visitors will score enough off him and the relievers to earn the win. 

Cubs are 9-2 in Quintana's last 11 starts during Game 3 of a series, Cubs are 8-3 in their last 11 during Game 3 of a series. Under is 20-6 in the last 26 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB *BIG HITTER*

The Toronto Blue Jays have dropped seven of their last nine including back-to-back losses to Tampa Bay. I think they're in line for another loss here in Game 3 of the series. 

The Rays hand the ball to Tyler Glasnow (1-4, 3.95 ERA) who has posted a 3.23 ERA in six starts since coming over from Pittsburgh. He held Cleveland to one run through a career-high seven innings his last time out. Toronto hands the ball to Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 5.22 ERA) who has posted an 11.88 ERA in two starts since coming off the DL (injured right index finger). 

The Rays have won four in a row and 13 of their past 15 games. They're 9-2 against the Blue Jays on the season and held them to five or fewer hits for seven straight games. 

10* play on Tampa Bay Rays. 

The St. Louis Cardinals suffered a third straight loss with a disappointing 4-3, 10th innings setback to the Washington Nationals on Monday. I think they'll bounce back here in Game 2 of the series with Miles Mikolas (13-4, 2.96 ERA) on the  mound. 

The Cards had won six straight Mikolas starts prior to a hard-luck 2-0 loss against Pittsburgh his last time out. The 30 year old right-hander should get more run support here with Washington handing the ball to Erick Fedde (1-3, 5.79 ERA). Fedde will make just his seventh start of the season and he's a poor 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in six career starts home at Nationals Park with the Nats losing all of those six games.

Cardinals are 10-2 in their last 12 road games and 17-5 in their last 22 games following a loss.

Edit: John Gant (6-5, 3.34 ERA) will get the nod for Cardinals instead of Mikolas. He struck out six through 5 2/3 scoreless innings against Pittsburgh his last time out.  In his last five starts, the 26-year-old has gone 3-1, allowing just five runs over 28 1/3 frames. My pick on STL stands. 

10* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER 

Good value on the Oakland Athletics here in the opener of a three-game series with the New York Yankees. 

Oakland right-hander Trevor Cahill (5-3, 3.60 ERA) has been tagged with eight earned runs through his lat two outings, but they were both on the road (at Minnesota and Houston). He's been near unhittable home at Oakland Coliseum this year, entering this game with a 4-0 record behind a minuscule 0.85 ERA while holding opponents to a .157 AVG with 57 Ks through 52 2/3 innings of work. 

The Yankees turn to veteran left-hander CC Sabathia (7-5, 3.36 ERA) who is 2-3 with a 4.27 ERA in 11 road starts and note that Athletics are 10-4 in their last 14 home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Yankees have dropped seven of their last eight vs. a team with a winning record. 

10* play on Oakland Athletics. 

SUPER EARLY RED SOX @ BRAVES ~ LIVE ON ESPN (1:05 PM ET START)

The Boston Red Sox look like a solid road favorite here at Atlanta Monday afternoon. They took an 8-2 loss to the White Sox at Chicago yesterday but are 13-3 in their last 16 interleague road games while Braves are just 6-21 in their last 27 interleague home games vs. a right-handed starter. Here Atlanta will face Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.35 ERA) who is a 4-1 behind a solid 1.95 ERA in six day starts on the season, and note that Boston as a team is 30-8 in day games. 

Atlanta hands the ball to 22 year old rookie right-hander Touki Toussaint (1-0, 1.50 ERA) for his second major league start. He impressed in his major-league debut Aug. 13 against Miami, but facing a Red Sox team off a loss is a completely different ballgame. 

8* play on Boston Red Sox. 

SUNDAY NIGHT ANGELS @ ASTROS BASE BRAWLER 

The first two games of this series saw just a total of 10 runs scored before Houston's bast came alive in a 7-3 triumph on Saturday. I think runs will come at a premium for both sides here Sunday night with a terrific pitching matchup on the mound. 

LAA right-hander Shohei Ohtani (4-1, 3.10 ERA) will make first start on the mound since June 6 as he's been on the DL with a right UCL sprain. He'll be looking for revenge after conceding four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings at Houston on April 24. Under is 4-0 in Ohtani's last four starts overall and under is 10-3-1 in Astros last 14 games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Astros turn to right-hander Gerrit Cole (12-5, 2.85 ERA) who has posted a 3.71 ERA in his last three starts and owns a 3.60 ERA in four career starts against the Halos. Under is 4-0 in Angels last four road games vs. a right-handed starter. 

Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (MLB)

The Oakland Athletics should be fired up to salvage a split of this four-game series after coming out flat Saturday night.

Oakland righty Edwin Jackson (4-3, 3.03 ERA) is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA in six home starts on the season and Athletics are 6-1 in Jackson's last seven starts.

Seattle right-hander Felix Hernandez (8-12, 5.49 ERA) is 4-7 with a 6.95 ERA in 13 appearances (12 starts) on the road and 1-3 with a 4.13 ERA in four outings (three starts) against Oakland this year. Mariners are 1-6 in Hernandez's last seven road starts and 3-13 in his last 16 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Oakland Athletics. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Both Tottenham and Watford enter this contest with a perfect 3-0-0 record, Tottenham with a 8-2 goal differential and Watford with a 7-2 goal differential. I'm confident we'll see plenty of goals here. Tottenham have phenomenal attacking talent but note that they're likely to be without Hugo Lloris due to a thigh injury which should make Watford more confident going on the attack turning this into a wide open contest. 

10* Soccer Game of the Week: OVER. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The St. Louis Cardinals put a 12-5 beating on the Cincinnati Reds Friday night, and I think they're in line for another triumph here on Saturday with talented rookie right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon (0-0, 2.08 ERA) on the mound. Poncedeleon fanned 11 through four innings of one-run ball against the Dodgers his last time out and delivered seven hitless innings in his first major league start at Cincinnati on July 23. The Reds turn to right-hander Luis Castillo (7-11, 5.07 ERA) who is 0-2 with a 4.64 ERA in four starts against the Cards this season. 

Cinci has dropped eight of its last nine while St. Louis has won seven of its last 10 and 21-6 in its last 27 overall. Reds are 3-14 in their last 17 road games.

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals. 

TOP RATED 10* MLB BIG HITTER (TOTAL)

The Cleveland Indians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 Friday night, and I think we'll see another low-scoring contest here in the middle-game of this three-game series. 

Tampa Bay left-hander Blake Snell (16-5, 2.05 ERA) is coming off six innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox and has yielded just three runs through his last five starts, covering a total of 26 innings. Under is 5-1 in Indians last six games vs. a left-handed starter and 8-0 in Snell's last eight road starts..

Cleveland turns to right-hander Shane Bieber (8-2, 4.52 ERA) who has allowed 3, 3 and 4 runs in his last three starts, all on the road. He's been sharper home at Progressive Field and we can note that under is 4-1-1 in Bieber's last six starts overall. 

Under is 11-1 in Rays last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT CFB BOOKIE BREAKER TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

New UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly has been forced to deal with serious internal distractions ahead of the season opener with Cincinnati Bearcats Saturday night. Several players have been suspended  for violating unspecified athletic department policies, and it has hit their defense the worst. They'll face a Cincinnati team which will return 13 starters, including its leading passer, rusher and receiver, and I expect to see the scoreboard light up plenty here at Rose Bowl tonight.

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY GAME OF THE WEEK (10* CFB SIDE)

Sure, Ohio State Buckeyes will be without suspended head coach Urban Meyer and they've lost QB J.T. Barrett to the NFL, but make no mistake, this is a very talented bunch who should cover the number against Oregon State. 

We'll see two super motivated quarterbacks battling for the Ohio State QB position with both sophomore Dwayne Haskins and redshirt freshman Tate Martell expected to see action. The Buckeyes can do a lot of damage on the ground as well returning sophomore J.K. Dobbins (1,403 yards last season) and junior Mike Weber (1,722 yards in two seasons). 

Oregon State went 1-11 last year and were third worst in the FBS in scoring defense, giving up 43 points per game. OSU meanwhile ranked 15th in the nation in scoring defense by allowing 19 points per game. Huge advantages on both sides of the ball and home field advantage for Ohio State. 

10* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

EARLY PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Liverpool have started the year with three convincing triumphs, defeating West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton with a 7-0 goal differential. Here they'll face the toughest test so far though, and I think we'll see a wide open game with plenty of goals for both sides.

Liverpool have plenty of talented attacking players, but I'm not convinced about their D despite three straight clean sheets. Leicester are no pushovers and have won two of three league games plus a 4-0 win over Fleetwood Town in the League Cup. 

8* play on OVER. 

MLB MONEYLINE MASSACRE *NO-BRAINER*

The worst teams in baseball will clash in the opener of a three-game series Friday night when the Kansas City Royals (42-91) host the Baltimore Orioles (40-94). The Orioles have won just 16 games on the road all season and I'm happy to back the home team in this matchup. 

KC righty Brad Keller (6-5, 3.33 ERA) has allowed just four runs while covering 17 innings through his last three starts and he's 3-1 with a 3.23 ERA at home. Baltimore righty Andrew Cashner (4-12, 4.79 ERA) has allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 16 his in 13 innings through his last two starts alone and he's 2-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season. 

Both teams got Thursday off. Royals are 4-1 in their last 5 games following an off day and while Orioles are coming off a three-sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, note that they're 5-22 in their last 27 games following an off day.

8* play on Kansas City Royals. 

FRIDAY NIGHT BASES BLOWOUT

The Chicago Cubs have won eight of their last nine games, but I think they're about to run into trouble here at Philadelphia Friday night.

Philly right-hander Nick Pivetta (7-10, 4.76 ERA) are coming off a couple of disappointing outings after allowing just three runs through his first three starts of the month. He should be fired up to close out the month with a solid start and has a terrific 162/38 K/BB ratio through 136 innings of work this year.

Cubs left-hander Jose Quintana (11-9, 4.33 ERA) has gone only five innings in each of his last three starts. He has walked five in his last two starts and struggled with his command all season long, entering this game with a 116/60 K/BB ratio.

We can also note that this is an awkward spot for the Cubs who played home in Chicago on Wednesday, traveled to Atlanta for a makeup game on Thursday and now they're in Philly on Friday. The value is on the home team in this matchup. 

8* play on Philadelphia Phillies.