15* MLB Friday Night BLOWOUT on Kansas City Royals -131

I love the spot for the Kansas City Royals tonight.  They had yesterday off and were able to stay at home after being at home in their last series.  Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins just completed a 4-game series in Tampa Bay yesterday and will be a tired team with a tired bullpen with four of their last five games decided by exactly one run.

The Royals have a big advantage on the mound tonight as well.  Cole Ragans is 10-9 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 28 starts this season with 197 K's in 161 1/3 innings.  Ragans has owned the Twins this season, allowing just 5 earned runs in 18 innings with 24 K's in three starts against them in 2024.

Rookie Zeb Matthews is off to a rough start for the Twins.  Matthews is 1-2 with a 7.41 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in four starts this season, allowing 14 earned runs and 5 homers in 17 innings.  Bet the Royals Friday.

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Baltimore Orioles -136

The Baltimore Orioles lead the New York Yankees by 0.5 games in the AL East and have a lot to play for.  The Tampa Bay Rays are all but eliminated from postseason contention and will struggle to be motivated the rest of the way.

I love the fact that the Orioles have the rest advantage over the Rays after having yesterday off, while the Rays were completing a 4-game series against the Twins yesterday.  Their 4-0 comeback attempt came up short in a 4-3 loss, and there could be a hangover effect here.

Dean Kremer has been pretty solid in his last four starts allowing 9 earned runs in 21 1/3 innings without allowing a single homer.  He has owned the Rays of late, allowing one earned run in 11 innings in his last two starts against them.  Baltimore will get to Shane Baz tonight as well.  

Baltimore is 6-1 in its last seven meetings with Tampa Bay with all six wins coming by 2 runs or more.  Bet the Orioles Friday.

20* BYU/SMU ESPN 2 No-Brainer on OVER 56.5

The BYU Cougars and SMU Mustangs should take part in a shootout Friday night at Gerald Ford Stadium in Dallas, TX.  The forecast is perfect with temps in the 90's and light winds at game time as both defenses will be worn out in the second half with these hot temps.

SMU is an offensive juggernaut this season and has been for the last five years.  The Mustangs have averaged at least 37.2 points per game for five consecutive seasons.  They put up 38.7 points per game and 454 yards per game last season and brought back eight starters from that team.

QB Prestone Stone is back after completing 60% of his passes for 3,197 yards with a 28-to-6 TD/INT ratio.  Each of his top six receivers are back as are each of the top three running backs.  The Mustangs led 42-7 at halftime against Houston Christian last time out before calling off the dogs in a 59-7 win.  

With this spread sitting at -11 right now, this game is expected to be competitive so SMU will keep the foot on the gas for four quarters.  The Mustangs run one of the fastest tempos in all of college football ranking 4th in seconds per play (20.6) currently.

BYU should be improved offensively in a big way this season.  The Cougars return eight starters on offense.  Kedon Slovis was a major disappointment at QB last year, and backup Jake Retzlaff is ready to take the reigns.  Retzlaff threw for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 41-13 win over Southern Illinois in the opener as a 16.5-point favorite.

Six of the top seven receivers return including Chase Roberts, who had 42 receptions for 573 yards and 5 TD last season.  He had 7 receptions for 108 yards in the opener.  Leading rusher LJ Martin returns after rushing for 518 yards and 4 TD on 4.8 per carry last year.  Martin had 67 rushing yards on 13 carries and a score in the opener.  This is a veteran offensive line as well.

BYU had its worst season in years defensively after joining the Big 12 last season.  The Cougars allowed 29.8 points per game and 418 yards per game.  They only return six starters on defense and lose their top two tacklers.  SMU should be able to name its number on this BYU defense, which allowed 31 or more points eight times last year against mostly Big 12 competition.  The Cougars will have to try and play catch up which will only benefit this OVER 56.5 ticket.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Ravens/Chiefs NFL Season Opener on UNDER 47.5

The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens meet in a rematch from the AFC Championship Game last year.  Familiarity favors defense and low-scoring games, and these teams have had all offseason to prepare for one another to boot.  Points will be hard to come by as a result.

UNDERS usually dominate in Week 1 of the NFL season with defenses ahead of the offenses.  I expect that to be the case here.  Kansas City beat Baltimore 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game for just 27 combined points.  It should be more of the same in the rematch.

A lot has been made of the improvements the Chiefs have made offensively in the offseason adding Hollywood Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy.  However, Brown has been ruled out with an injury, and I don't expect much from Worthy in his first game in the league.  This Kansas City offense won't be hitting on all cylinders until Brown returns.

Lamar Jackson will be rusty after not seeing any action in the preseason.  The Chiefs have him figured out as well as their Cover 0 scheme is the one he struggles against most.  After making a big mistake by throwing the ball too much against KC in the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens will be looking to pound the rock which is what they are best at.

Both teams have their best chance at success on the ground.  Both defenses are way more vulnerable against the run than they are against the pass.  With so much of this game being played on the ground, there will be fewer clock stoppages.  These were two of the top scoring defenses in the NFL last year and both will be elite again this season.  Bet the UNDER in this game Thursday.

15* MLB Thursday Total DOMINATOR on Phillies/Marlins OVER 8

The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best offenses in baseball scoring 4.8 runs per game.  The Miami Marlins have been a dead nuts OVER team this season due to allowing 5.1 runs per game.  They are hitting well of late scoring 4.9 runs per game in their last eight games.

Ranger Suarez just returned from injury after missing a month and has been on a pitch count with just 72 and 78 pitches in his first two starts back from injury.  Suarez allowed 4 earned runs and 2 homers in 4 innings to the Braves in his last start.  Suarez allowed 6 earned runs and 12 base runners in 4 2/3 innings in his last start against the Marlins on June 30th.

Adam Oller is getting too much respect here for the Marlins.  Oller is 4-10 with a 6.53 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 18 starts and 13 relief appearances in his career in the big leagues.  He is a pitch to contact pitcher with just 75 K's in 110 1/3 innings.  

The Marlins and Phillies have combined for at least 8 runs in nine of their last 13 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Diamondbacks/Giants OVER 7

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 27-11 in their last 38 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 162 runs in their last 23 games for an average of 7.0 runs per game.  They have the best offense in baseball at 5.5 runs per game.

The San Francisco Giants are improved offensively this season scoring 4.3 runs per game.  They have scored at least 3 runs in 10 of their last 11 games coming in.  The OVER is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings between the Diamondbacks and Giants.  They have combined for at least 8 runs in seven of those eight meetings, including 10 runs or more six times.

Merrill Kelly has been a mess since returning from injury for the Diamondbacks.  He was out from April until August.  Kelly has allowed 14 earned runs, 6 homers and 31 base runners in 16 1/3 innings in his last three starts.  Kelly has allowed 14 earned runs, 5 homers and 29 base runners in 16 1/3 innings in his last three starts against the Giants as well.

No question Blake Snell is one of the best starters in baseball.  But he struggled mightily in his lone start against the Diamondbacks this season, who have the best offense in the league.  Snell allowed 5 earned runs and 10 base runners in 4 2/3 innings of a 17-1 loss to Arizona on April 19th.

The OVER is 28-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 36 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 28 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Diamondbacks/Giants OVER 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 26-11 in their last 37 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 156 runs in their last 22 games for an average of 7.1 runs per game.  They have the best offense in baseball at 5.5 runs per game.

The San Francisco Giants are improved offensively this season scoring 4.3 runs per game.  They have scored at least 3 runs in nine of their last 10 games coming in.  The OVER is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings between the Diamondbacks and Giants.  They have combined for at least 8 runs in six of those seven meetings, including 10 runs or more five times.

The Diamondbacks are capable of covering this total on their own against Hayden Birdson, who his 3-4 with a 5.14 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 11 starts for the Giants this season.  Birdsong has really struggled of late, allowing 18 earned runs and 5 homers in 18 2/3 innings in his last five starts.

Zac Gallen gets a lot of respect but he has regressed this season with a 3.87 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 23 starts.  He has huge home/road splits in his career, going 30-18 with a 3.01 ERA at home but 19-19 with a 3.63 ERA on the road.  Gallen has allowed 12 earned runs, 4 homers and 26 base runners in 16 innings in his last three starts against San Francisco.

The OVER is 27-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 35 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 27 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Giants/Diamondbacks OVER 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 25-11 in their last 36 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 148 runs in their last 21 games for an average of 7.0 runs per game.  They have the best offense in baseball at 5.4 runs per game.

The San Francisco Giants are improved offensively this season scoring 4.3 runs per game.  They have scored at least 3 runs in eight of their last nine games coming in.  They should do enough against Ryne Nelson, who is 9-6 with a 4.22 ERA in 23 starts this season for the Diamondbacks.

But Arizona should do the heavy lifting today against the Giants, who are likely to make this a bullpen game.  The OVER is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings between the Diamondbacks and Giants.  They have combined for at least 8 runs in five of those six meetings, including 10 runs or more four times.  

The OVER is 26-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 34 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 26 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* MLB Tuesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Dodgers/Angels OVER 9

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in nine of their last 12 games and are now scoring 5.0 runs per game on the season.  They have scored a total of 32 runs in their last four games.

The Dodgers will do the heavy lifting in us cashing this OVER 9 ticket tonight.  They should feast on Reid Detmers, who is 3-6 with a 6.14 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 12 starts this season.  Detmers will be making his first start since June 1st and will be on a pitch count.  He allowed 7 earned runs and 3 homers in 3 1/3 innings of a 10-5 loss to the Dodgers in his last start against them.

The Angels should do their fair share of damage off Walker Buehler, who just hasn't been the same pitcher he was before injury.  Buehler is 1-4 with a 5.88 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 11 starts this season.  His velocity is way down as he has just 39 K's in 49 innings.  

The OVER is 6-0 in Dodgers last six games overall with 9 or more combined runs in all six.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NL Central TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Pirates/Cubs OVER 7

The Chicago Cubs are 9-2 in their last 11 games overall to play themselves back into NL Wild Card contention.  They are riding the hottest offense in baseball scoring a total of 102 runs in their last 11 games for an average of 9.3 runs per game.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 8-19 in their last 27 games overall to play themselves out of contention.  This Pittsburgh staff has been atrocious as the Pirates have allowed 60 runs in their last seven games overall for an average of 8.6 runs per game.

It's mind-blowing that the Cubs keep sending Kyle Hendricks out there.  He is 3-10 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 19 starts this season with just 69 K's in 102 2/3 innings.  Hendricks has allowed a whopping 13 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings in his last two starts against the Pirates this season.

Paul Skenes goes for the Pirates but he is on a pitch count as they are close to shutting him down now that they are out of contention.  His pitch count has steadily decreased in his last three starts and he only lasted 5 innings in his last start against the Cubs after 82 pitches.  This Pittsburgh bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball after he departs.

The Pirates and Cubs have combined for at least 8 runs in 14 of their last 16 meetings.  The OVER is 10-1-1 in Cubs last 12 games overall with 8 or more combined runs in all 12 games, making for an 12-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 7-run total.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Phillies/Blue Jays Interleague ANNIHILATOR on OVER 8.5

The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best offenses in baseball scoring 4.8 runs per game.  They are basically fully healthy right now and potent when that's the case.  The Blue Jays have a great lineup and are healthy, but their pitching staff is one of the worst in baseball, especially their bullpen.

The Phillies should have plenty of success off Chris Bassitt, who is 9-13 with a 4.27 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 27 starts for the Blue Jays this season.  Bassitt has allowed 15 earned runs in 21 2/3 innings in his last four starts coming in.

The Blue Jays should also have plenty of success against Tyler Phillips, who has allowed 17 earned runs and 4 homers in 11 innings in his last three starts for a 13.91 ERA.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on White Sox/Orioles OVER 8.5

The Orioles beat the White Sox 13-3 in Game 1 yesterday and are more than capable of covering this total on their own in Game 2 as well.  But I expect the White Sox to have plenty of success at the plate in this one.

Cade Povich is 1-7 with a 6.58 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 11 starts for the Orioles this season.  He has allowed 41 earned runs, 9 homers and 26 walks in 52 innings.

Nick Nastrini is 0-6 with a 7.04 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in seven starts for the White Sox this season.  He has allowed 24 earned runs, 7 homers and 26 walks in 30 2/3 innings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* MLB Monday Total DOMINATOR on Pirates/Cubs OVER 7.5

The Chicago Cubs are 9-1 in their last 10 games overall to play themselves back into NL Wild Card contention.  They are riding the hottest offense in baseball scoring a total of 99 runs in their last 10 games for an average of 9.9 runs per game.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 7-19 in their last 26 games overall to play themselves out of contention.  This Pittsburgh staff has been atrocious as the Pirates have allowed 57 runs in their last six games overall for an average of 9.5 runs per game.

Jared Jones just returned from the IL and made his first start since July 3rd in a 9-5 loss to the Cubs on August 27th.  Jones allowed 5 earned runs, 2 homers and 8 base runners in 4 innings in that contest.  I expect the hot-hitting Cubs to get to him again.

But the Pirates should do enough off Jameson Taillon to contribute to us cashing this OVER 7.5 ticket.  Taillon has allowed 17 earned runs and 5 homers in 22 2/3 innings in his last four starts for a 6.75 ERA.  Taillon has allowed 10 earned runs, 4 homers and 24 base runners in 17 1/3 innings in his last three starts against the Pirates.

The Pirates and Cubs have combined for at least 9 runs in 13 of their last 15 meetings.  The OVER is 9-1-1 in Cubs last 11 games overall with 8 or more combined runs in all 11 games, making for an 11-0 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 7.5-run total.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* BC/Florida State ESPN No-Brainer on Boston College +20.5

Note: I released BC +20.5 last Saturday. Still a 20* down to +14.5 but will be graded at +20.5.

The Florida State Seminoles showed their vulnerabilities last year after losing starting QB Jordan Travis to injury.  They only beat Florida 24-15, beat Louisville 16-6 and lost 63-3 to Georgia in their final three games without him.  DJ Uiagalelei is on his 3rd team in 3 years and is a big step down from Travis.

Only five starters return on offense as the Seminoles lose their top three receivers from last year as well as leading rusher Trey Benson.  It's going to take a few games for Uiagalelei to get acclimated to Mike Norvell's offense and all these new playmakers.

Florida State only returns five starters from what was a loaded defense last year.  They lost five starters to the NFL draft including a first, two seconds and a 3rd-round pick.  It's a tall task for this inexperienced defense to try and have to defend a dual-threat QB like Thomas Castellanos in their 2nd game of the season.

I was on Georgia Tech +10.5 over Florida State in Dublin, Ireland.  The Yellow Jackets won outright.  I'm fading Florida State for many of the same reasons, plus a few others.  The trip back from Dublin will mean the Seminoles have spent a few days getting acclimated to the time zone change.  No question they will try to respond off that upset defeat, but they aren't good enough to beat Boston College by three touchdowns or more.

Georgia Tech manhandled Florida State at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.  There was nothing fluky about their upset win, and if anything they shouldn't have even needed a last-second field goal to beat the Seminoles.  Florida State's defense has struggled with dual-threat QB's like Haynes King.

Boston College is loaded with 17 returning starters as new head coach Bill O'Brien steps into a great situation.  O'Brien was born in Boston and meant to be a college head coach.  The key is returning QB Thomas Castellanos, who threw for 2,248 yards and 15 touchdowns last year while also rushing for 1,113 yards and 13 scores.

Boston College nearly upset Florida State in a 31-29 loss as 25-point underdogs last season.  The Eagles outgained the Seminoles 457 to 351, or by 106 total yards and should have won outright.  Castellanos went off for 305 passing yards and 95 rushing yards in the loss.  He will have another big game here to keep the revenge-minded Eagles in it for four quarters.  

Rested teams in Week 1 against teams that played in Week 0 have the advantage with film on their opponent who they have been preparing for all offseason.  Teams that played in Week 0 were game planning for a different opponent.  That is evident by the fact that the rested teams in Week 1 playing their first game of the season are 60-34 ATS since 2005 against teams with a game under their belt like Florida State.  Bet Boston College Monday.

20* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Dodgers/Diamondbacks OVER 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 25-10 in their last 35 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 142 runs in their last 20 games for an average of 7.1 runs per game.  They have the best offense in baseball at 5.4 runs per game.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in eight of their last 11 games and are now scoring 5.0 runs per game on the season.

Eduardo Rodriquez will be making just his 5th start of the season for the Diamondbacks.  He faces the Guardians, Rockies and Marlins in his first three starts and fared decent.  But then he stepped up in class against the Mets last time out and allowed 5 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.  Rodriquez now faces his toughest task of the season against the Dodgers.  He has allowed 9 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts against Los Angeles.

Jack Flaherty hasn't exactly been dominant since getting traded to the Dodgers.  He has allowed 11 earned runs, 6 homers and 30 base runners in 22 1/3 innings in his last four starts coming in.  Flaherty has allowed 9 earned runs, 3 homers and 24 base runners in 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts against the Diamondbacks as well.

The OVER is 25-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 33 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 25 of them.  The OVER is 8-1 in the last nine meetings between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks with 10 or more combined runs in eight of them, including 19, 14, and 17 combined runs in the first three games of this series.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* LSU/USC ABC No-Brainer on USC +4.5

The USC Trojans are going to be one of the best teams in the country this season.  Lincoln Riley has always been able to coach up an offense with several Heisman Trophy winners coming from his offenses at quarterback.  But he has neglected defense up to this point, until now.

Riley made one of the best hires of the offseason by bringing in defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn from crosstown rival UCLA.  His defense thrived last year and actually held USC to a season-low in points.  Not to mention, Riley was able to bring in two-time FCS national championship winning head coach Matt Entz from North Dakota State to be the linebackers coach and help out with the defense.

With nine starters back on defense and a ton of talent, I trust Lynn and Entz to get the most out of this unit.  This could be the best defense Riley has ever had.  And I trust his offense enough that I'm not worried about them returning just five starters on offense.  QB Miller Moss threw 6 touchdown passes against Louisville in the bowl game and is ready to be the next Heisman Trophy candidate.  Riley believes this is his most talented offensive line in his three years here as well.

Speaking of Heisman Trophy winners, LSU had to part ways with Jayden Daniels, who threw for 3,812 yards with a 40-to-4 TD/INT ratio, while also rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 TD last year.  He is simply irreplaceable, and I"m not a big fan of his replacement in Garrett Nussmeier, who has completed less than 60% of his passes in his three years here.  The Tigers lose two NFL receivers in Malik Nabers (89 receptions, 1,569 yards, 14 TD) and Brian Thomas (68, 1,177, 17 TD) to the draft.

LSU allowed 28.0 points per game and 417 yards per game last season.  Only six starters are back on defense, and this unit is a big question mark again heading into 2024.  Brian Kelly brought in defensive coordinator Blake Baker from Missouri, but that's not nearly as big of an upgrade as USC.  The Tigers also lost their offensive coordinator in Mike Denbrock to Notre Dame.

This game will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.  It's a short drive for USC fans and they will have the home-field advantage.  I think they are the better team and should not be underdogs in this opener as well.  Lincoln Riley is 38-4 SU in the first six games of the season, including a perfect 12-0 at USC.  Bet USC Sunday.

20* NL West TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Dodgers/Diamondbacks OVER 9

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 24-10 in their last 34 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 128 runs in their last 19 games for an average of 6.7 runs per game.  They have the best offense in baseball at 5.4 runs per game.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in eight of their last 10 games and are now scoring 5.0 runs per game on the season.

Justin Wrobleski is 1-1 with a 4.68 ERA in five starts this season with 7 homers allowed in 25 innings.  Brandon Pfaadt is 8-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 26 starts this season.  Pfaadt has allowed 14 earned runs and 3 homers in 17 innings in his last three starts coming in.

The OVER is 24-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 32 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 24 of them.  The OVER is 7-1 in the last eight meetings between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks with 10 or more combined runs in seven of them, including 19 and 14 combined runs in the first two games of this series.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* MLB Sunday Afternoon BLOWOUT on Baltimore Orioles -1.5 (-121)

The Baltimore Orioles are 1.5 behind the New York Yankees for 1st place in the AL East with a lot to play for over the final month of the season.  They should be bigger favorites on the Run Line against the Colorado Rockies, who are 51-86 this season and one of the worst teams in baseball.

The Orioles have a big advantage on the mound over the Rockies today.  Zach Eflin is 9-7 with a 3.72 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 23 starts this season.  Eflin has allowed just 3 earned runs in 19 1/3 innings in his last three starts coming in.  Eflin has allowed just 5 earned runs in 17 2/3 innings in his last three starts against the Rockies despite pitching at Coors Field in two of them.

Ty Blach is 3-6 with a 6.36 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 10 starts and eight relief appearances for the Rockies this season.  Blach has allowed 13 homers and 45 earned runs with only 34 K's in 63 2/3 innings this season.  Bet the Orioles on the Run Line Sunday.

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on New York Mets -1.5 (-104)

The New York Mets are trying to chase down the Atlanta Braves in the NL wild card race.  They cannot afford to take the Chicago White Sox lightly and they haven't.  The White Sox are 31-106 this season and setting records for being the worst team in baseball.

Sean Manaea is 10-5 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 26 starts this season and one of the most underrated starters in baseball.  He has allowed 3 earned runs or fewer in seven consecutive starts and will extend that streak to eight today.

Chicago ace Garrett Crochet gets the ball today.  But the White Sox are close to shutting him down as they have pulled him after 4 innings in nine consecutive starts now.  That means the Mets will get to batter this awful Chicago bullpen for at least 5 innings, and that should be enough to win this game by multiple runs.  Bet the Mets on the Run Line Sunday.

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -115

The Chicago Cubs are 8-1 in their last nine games overall to play themselves back into NL Wild Card contention.  They are riding the hottest offense in baseball scoring a total of 85 runs in their last nine games for an average of 9.4 runs per game.

Jordan Wicks is 1-2 with a 4.18 ERA in six starts and one relief appearance for the Cubs this season.  He'll be opposed by Mitchell Parker, who is 7-8 with a 4.26 ERA in 24 starts for the Nationals this season.  Parker has allowed 12 earned runs, 3 homers and 25 base runners in 14 innings in his last three starts coming in.  Bet the Cubs Sunday.

20* Dodgers/DBacks NL West No-Brainer on OVER 9

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 24-9 in their last 33 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 122 runs in their last 18 games for an average of 6.8 runs per game.  They have the best offense in baseball at 5.4 runs per game.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in seven of their last nine games and are now scoring 5.0 runs per game on the season.

It has been a rough return from injury for Merrill Kelly, who has allowed 12 earned runs and 25 base runners in 16 innings in his three starts since returning from the IL.  Kelly has allowed 7 earned runs and 20 base runners in 11 1/3 innings in his last two starts against the Dodgers.

Gavin Stone pitches too much to contact and the Diamondbacks should get after him.  Stone has allowed 8 earned runs, 2 homers and 19 base runners in 9 innings in two starts against Arizona in 2024.

The OVER is 23-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 31 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 23 of them.  The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks with 10 or more combined runs in six of them, including 19 combined runs yesterday.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* MLB Saturday Night BLOWOUT on Baltimore Orioles -151

The Baltimore Orioles are one game behind the New York Yankees for 1st place in the AL East with a lot to play for over the final month of the season.  They should be closer to -200 favorites today against the Colorado Rockies, who are 50-86 this season and one of the worst teams in baseball.

I like what I've seen from Dean Kremer here of late.  He has allowed just 5 earned runs without a single homer in 18 innings in his last three starts against the Astros, Mets and Nationals.  I expect him to hold the Rockies in check today.

The Orioles should hang a big number on Ryan Feltner, who is 1-10 with a 4.95 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 24 starts for the Rockies this season.  This is a big step up in class for him here after getting to face the Giants (twice), Marlins, Angels and Mets in his last five starts.  The Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game this season with one of the best offenses in baseball.  Bet the Orioles Saturday.

20* Notre Dame/Texas A&M ABC No-Brainer on Texas A&M -3

Jimbo Fisher recruited some of the best talent in the country to College Station but he just didn't know how to get the most out of it.  In steps Mike Elko, who is knowing for getting the most out of his talent on hand.  He showed that at Duke doing a remarkable job there the last two years.  And he is familiar with Texas A&M considering he was the defensive coordinator here from 2018 to 2021.

Elko inherits all that talent that Fisher left behind with 18 returning starters.  He believes this is the most talented defense he has ever coached which is saying a lot.  The offense is also loaded and QB Conner Weigman has been great when healthy.  He completed 69% of his passes with an 8-to-2 TD/INT ratio last year while also rushing for a pair of touchdowns.

Notre Dame has gotten a lot of hype this offseason as a playoff contender due to a pretty easy schedule by their standards.  But things have not gone according to plan in the offseason.  The Fighting Irish will be starting three freshmen and two starters along the offensive line after Joe Alt was taken 5th in the NFL Draft.  They lost his replacement in Charles Jagusah to a torn pec in early August.

Notre Dame has the talent defensively to match that of Texas A&M, but the key advantage the Aggies have with their uber-talented defensive line up against this young Notre Dame offensive line will be the difference in this game.  Also, Elko will have the advantage knowing ND QB Riley Leonard's strengths and weaknesses after coaching him at Duke and will scheme it up to stop him.

Notre Dame's last win as a road underdog of +3 or higher came all the way back in 2012.  The Fighting Irish have come up short time and time again in these big road games.  College Station is one of the toughest places to play in the country, and this will be a rowdy crowd for a Saturday night game with fans excited about the new regime led by Elko and company.  Bet Texas A&M Saturday.

15* MLB Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Cubs/Nationals OVER 9

The Chicago Cubs are 7-1 in their last eight games overall to play themselves back into NL Wild Card contention.  They are riding the hottest offense in baseball scoring a total of 80 runs in their last eight games for an average of 10.0 runs per game.

Rookie DJ Herz is getting too much respect from oddsmakers here.  He is 2-6 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 14 starts this season.  This may be his tallest task of the season trying to tame this red-hot Chicago lineup.

Javier Assad is very fortunate to have a 3.15 ERA this season when he has a 1.34 WHIP and pitches to contact.  The Nationals have scored 4 runs or more in four of their last five, and 5 runs or more in five of their last nine and will do enough today to contribute to us cashing this OVER ticket.

The OVER is 8-0-1 in Cubs last nine games overall with 9 or more combined runs in all nine games.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -105

The Chicago Cubs are 7-1 in their last eight games overall to play themselves back into NL Wild Card contention.  They are riding the hottest offense in baseball scoring a total of 80 runs in their last eight games for an average of 10.0 runs per game.

Javier Assad has been the model of consistency for the Cubs allowing 3 earned runs or fewer in eight consecutive starts coming in.  Assad is now 6-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 24 starts this season.

Rookie DJ Herz is getting too much respect from oddsmakers here.  He is 2-6 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 14 starts this season.  This may be his tallest task of the season trying to tame this red-hot Chicago lineup.  Bet the Cubs Saturday.

20* CFB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Northwestern -2.5

Most are quick to dismiss Northwestern's 8-5 season last year.  Pat Fitzgerald was let go shortly before the season and defensive coordinator David Braun took over.  They were coming off a 1-11 season to boot and had just 11 starters back last year.

Players bought into Braun and delivered their first 8-win season since 2018.  They upset Minnesota, Maryland, Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois and Utah.  They continue to get no respect as 2.5-point home favorites over Miami Ohio from the MAC in the opener.

This despite the fact that Northwestern returns 15 starters from that 8-5 team.  They return eight starters on defense from a unit that allowed 22.5 points per game, and they should be just as good if not better defensively this season.

The offense returns seven starters and didn't get the best play from starting QB Ben Bryant, so losing him isn't that big of a loss.  They have plenty of capable replacements, including Vanderbilt transfer Mike Wright, who had a 21-11 TD/INT ratio and 902 rushing yards (5.2/carry) in his three seasons as a Commodore.

Miami Ohio is the team getting credit for winning the MAC last year with a school-record 11 wins.  This despite outgaining MAC opponents by just 10 yards per game with an 8-1 record. They were simply fortunate in close games, and a big reason why was Groza Award winner Graham Nicholson.  But their star kicker left for Alabama in the transfer portal, and not having him is a bigger loss than is being factored in to this team's projections.

Miami returns just 12 starters overall.  They lose their leading rusher and leading receiver, and they lose six of their top 10 tacklers on defense.  They lost 38-3 to the Miami Hurricanes in their opener last year, and that was just a 7-6 Miami team.  This is a big step up in class for the Redhawks having to face a team from the Big Ten in their opener again.  Bet Northwestern Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Afternoon BLOWOUT on Nebraska -27

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are going to be one of the most improved teams in the country.  In Matt Rhule I trust.  He is a program builder, and he will have the Huskers going bowling for the first time since 2016.  Rhule went 2-10, 6-6, 10-4 and then 10-4 in his four years at Temple.  He went 1-11, 7-6 and then started 10-1 in his three seasons at Baylor.

Rhule has 17 starters back this season.  Eight starters return to an elite defense that allowed just 18.3 points per game last season.  The Huskers have one of the best defensive lines in the country leading the way.  They can rely on this defense to be competitive in every game.

But the real excitement comes on offense, where nine starters return and they add in the 2nd-rated QB in the entire country in 5-star prospect Dylan Raiola.  He lit it up in the Spring Game and is the real deal.  Raiola gives the Huskers hope, and he has a solid offensive line and receivers in front of him.They added Jahmal Banks from Wake Forest and Isaiah Neyor from Wyoming as two very good weapons outside.

UTEP is going to be one of the worst teams in the country this season.  The Miners are rebuilding under first-year head coach Scotty Walden, who comes over from Austin Peay.  He brought with him 10 players from Austin Peay, and this is going to be a wide awakening for these players from playing FCS talent to FBS talent.

Only nine starters are back from last year's team that finished 3-9.  QB Cade McConnell is back to lead the offense after completing just 53.5% of his passes with a 6-to-4 TD/INT ratio last year.  They lose their top three receivers including Kelly Akharaiyi, who had 48 receptions for 1,033 yards and 7 touchdowns last year.  Each of their top three rushers are gone.  All five starters are gone on the offensive line.  Each of the top three tacklers on defense departed, including LB Tyrice Knight (140 tackles, 15.5 for loss).

Nebraska fans finally have something to look forward to with Rhule, QB Raiola and these 17 returning starters this year.  These players want to make a statement in Week 1 and show that they are for real this season and not just hype.  They will keep pouring on the points, thus I'm willing to lay the -27.  Bet Nebraska Saturday.

15* CFB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on Colorado State +32.5

Jay Norvell is entering Year 3 at Colorado State.  Year 3 is when coaches usually make their biggest impact because they have most of their players in place.  Norvell did a tremendous job turning around Nevada and leading them to four bowl games.  He will do the same at Colorado State.

Norvell now has most of his players in place and 14 returning starters that are accustomed to his systems.  The offense is loaded with QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and WR Tory Horton playing behind what will be a drastically improved offensive line from Year 1.  Fowler-Nicolosi completed 62.1% of his passes for 3,460 yards and 22 touchdowns last year.  Horton had 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and 8 TD last year and is one of the best receivers in the country.

This Colorado State defense figures to improve a lot as well with seven starters back from a unit that gave up 29.6 points per game last year.  They they led by first-team All-MWC SS Jack Howell (114 tackles last year) and 2nd-team All-MWC LB Chase Wilson (107 tackles last year).  Colorado State took Colorado to double-OT on the road last year, and they also upset Boise State at home.

The Texas Longhorns made the four-team playoff last year and expectations are very high for them.  With those expectations come inflated lines, and I think that is the case here in Week 1.  That's especially the case with the Longhorns having a huge game on deck against Michigan next week, and they could easily be looking ahead to that game.  At the very least they will be looking to get their starters out in the 2H to keep them healthy for it.

Texas will be without its top two RB's in Baxter and Clark for this one after losing leading rusher Jonathon Brooks (1,139 yards, 10 TD) from last year.  The Longhorns also lose their top four receivers from a year ago.  I don't expect Quinn Ewers to be in sync with all his new playmakers to start the season.  I think this Rams defense can hold the Longhorns in check enough to stay within the number as a result.  Bet Colorado State Saturday.

20* Clemson/Georgia ABC No-Brainer on Clemson +14

The Clemson Tigers are one of the most underrated teams in the country heading into 2024.  The Tigers went 9-4 last season and failed to win 10 games for the first time since 2010, which was Dabo Swinney's 2nd year here.

In Clemson's four losses last year, they held a 94-60 edge in first downs over their opponents and easily could have won all four.  They haven't been this big of an underdog for a very long time, which just goes to show how underrated they are heading into the season.

Swinney has shunned the transfer portal and recruited within, therefore the team chemistry should be as good as any team in the country.  The Tigers have 14 starters back including nine on offense, and this should be one of the most improved offenses in the country.  Former top recruit Cade Klubnik came into his own at the end of last season and is primed for a monster junior season.  He returns his top receiver, top RB and four starters along the offensive line.

Clemson always has an elite defense and that won't change this season.  They allowed 21.1 points per game and 288 yards per game last season.  They have five starters back, but the six new starters all saw significant time last year, and there won't be a drop off in production.  Seven of the 11 starters were all ranked at the Top 15 at their position coming out of high school.

Georgia is the new king of college football.  But with the hype comes expectations that are hard to live up to.  That was evident last year when the Bulldogs went 13-1 SU but just 5-8-1 ATS.  You are consistently paying a premium to back the No. 1 ranked team in the country.

Georgia has three players that are facing suspension for the opener including their top two running backs.  Leading returning tackler LB Smael Mondon is also facing a possible suspension.  They lost three of their top four receivers and their top two rushers from last year already.  If Mondon doesn't go, they will be without five of their top seven tacklers from last year as well.

The talent discrepancy here isn't big enough to warrant Georgia being favored by two touchdowns on a neutral field over a fellow national title contender in Clemson.  Bet Clemson Saturday.

20* Dodgers/DBacks NL Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 24-8 in their last 32 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 113 runs in their last 17 games for an average of 6.6 runs per game.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in six of their last eight games and are now scoring 4.9 runs per game on the season.

The OVER is 22-7-1 in Diamondbacks last 30 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 22 of them.  The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks with 10 or more combined runs in five of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* MLB Friday UPSET SHOCKER on Arizona Diamondbacks +118

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 24-8 in their last 32 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 113 runs in their last 17 games for an average of 6.6 runs per game.

Now they get to host the Dodgers to try and gain more ground on them.  I like their chances of upsetting the Dodgers in Game 1 tonight due to their advantage on the mound.  Zach Gallen has huge home/road splits and has been dominant at home.  Gallen is 30-18 with a 2.93 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 68 career homes starts.

Clayton Kershaw allowed 5 earned runs and 11 base runners in 5 innings to the light-hitting Rays in his last start.  Kershaw allowed 6 earned runs in 1/3 of an inning in a 11-2 loss to the Diamondbacks in his last start against them.  He has now allowed 11 earned runs and 4 homers in 11 1/3 innings in his last three starts against them.  Wrong team favored here.  Bet the Diamondbacks Friday.

15* MLB Friday Night BLOWOUT on Baltimore Orioles -130

The Baltimore Orioles should be much bigger favorites over the Colorado Rockies tonight.  They have big advantages on the mound and at the plate and should be much closer to -200.

Albert Suarez is one of the most underrated starters in baseball.  He has gone 6-4 with a 3.18 ERA in 102 innings for the Orioles this season.  Suarez has allowed just 2 earned runs in 23 1/3 innings in his last four starts coming in.

Austin Gomber is 4-9 with a 4.70 ERA in 25 starts for the Rockies this season.  He has allowed a whopping 26 homers in those 25 starts.  The ball will be flying out tonight in Coors Field with temps in the 80's and light winds blowing out to left, which is bad news for Gomber.  Bet the Orioles Friday.

20* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Royals/Astros OVER 7.5

The Kansas City Royals are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 23 runs in their last four games.  The Astros are scoring 4.6 runs per game this season.  They have scored 16 runs in their last two games and have scored at least 5 runs in seven of their last 11 games.

Seth Lugo has really faltered of late for the Royals.  He has allowed 18 earned runs in 21 2/3 innings in his last four starts.  Lugo has allowed 12 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings in his last three starts against the Astros as well.

Framber Valdez consistently gets too much respect from oddsmakers.  He allowed 6 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-5 loss to the Royals in his last start against them.

The Astros and Royals have combined for at least 8 runs in seven of their last nine meetings, including 11 runs or more five times.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* CFB Friday Night BLOWOUT on Oklahoma -42

For starters, Week 1 favorites of -37 or more who are playing another FBS team are 16-0-1 ATS over the last handful of seasons.  These big spreads scare off bettors, and I'm usually taking the points with spreads this high, but not in this game.

Oklahoma makes the move to the SEC and is loaded this season.  The Sooners want to make a statement in their first game as a member of the SEC to prove they belong.  They will make that statement against arguably the worst team in all of college football in Temple.

The Sooners return 15 starters this season.  They are loaded defensively eight starters and nine of their top 10 tacklers back from a unit that allowed just 23.5 points per game this season.  It took a few years for head coach Brent Venables, the legendary DC at Clemson, to get his players in place.  But now this is going to be one of the top defenses in the country led by amazing LB's and DB's.  Temple may not score a single points.

Dillon Gabriel has taken the bag at Oregon and is the Heisman Trophy favorite.  However, Oklahoma had star QB Jackson Arnold waiting in the wings.  He flashed his talents in the bowl game and this team believes in him.  Seven starters return on offense and while they will have a hard time matching last year's 41.7 points per game and 507 yards per game, this will still be one of the top offenses in the country.  They return four of their top five receivers and their leading rusher, plus add in WR Deion Burks from Purdue.

Oklahoma beat Arkansas State 73-0 to open last season, and that was a quality Red Wolves team from the Sun Belt.  The Sooners beat Tulsa 66-17 on the road last year in their 3rd game of the season, and the Golden Hurricane are a fellow AAC team that was much better than Temple is going to be this year.

Temple went 3-9 last season with wins over Akron, Norfolk State and Navy.  They lost by 29 to Rutgers and by 34 to Miami in the non-conference.  After having 15 starters back last season, 3rd-year head coach Stan Drayton has just 10 starters back this season and will be even worse.

The big loss is QB EJ Warner, who was the only player keeping this team alive last year.  He threw for 3,076 yards with a 23-to-12 TD/INT ratio and has transferred to Rice to take over the starting job there.  They lose their top two receivers, their leading rushers and three starters along the offensive line including a 1st-team All-AAC selection.

Temple allowed 35.7 points per game and 442 yards per game last season.  The Owls lose nine of their top 10 tacklers from last year and will be even worse on defense.  Oklahoma can name its number on this defense, and I expect the Sooners to top 50 points in this one which is all it's going to take to cover -42.  Bet Oklahoma Friday.

20* Interleague TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Orioles/Dodgers OVER 9

Temps will be in the 70's with 10 MPH winds blowing out to right-center in Los Angeles tonight.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball with the Orioles scoring 5.0 runs per game and the Dodgers scoring 4.9 runs per game as well.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in five of their last seven games despite facing the Mariners and Rays, which both have good staffs.

Two gas cans go tonight on the mound so this total should be higher.  Cade Povich is 1-6 with a 6.10 ERA and 1.62 WHIP In 10 starts for the Orioles this season with just 34 K's in 48 2/3 innings.  He has allowed 9 homers, 25 walks and 33 earned runs in those 48 2/3 innings.

Bobby Miller is 1-3 with a 7.49 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in nine starts for the Dodgers this season.  He has allowed 33 earned runs, 11 homers and 69 base runners in 39 2/3 innings this season.

The Orioles and Dodgers have combined for at least 10 runs in seven of their last nine meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Mets/Diamondbacks OVER 8

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 24-7 in their last 30 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 111 runs in their last 16 games for an average of 6.9 runs per game.

David Peterson is a big regression candidate here down the stretch.  He has a 2.85 ERA this season but just 66 K's in 85 1/3 innings and pitches too much to contact to have that low of an ERA.  Peterson has allowed 6 earned runs and 15 base runners in 10 1/3 innings in his last three starts against Arizona.

Ryne Nelson is 9-6 with a 4.29 ERA in 22 starts for the Diamondbacks this season.  He also pitches to contact with 108 K's in 130 innings.  Nelson does not enjoy facing the Mets, allowing a whopping 13 earned runs and 4 homers in 7 1/3 innings in his last two starts against them.

The OVER is 22-6-1 in Diamondbacks last 29 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 22 of them.  The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings with 13, 11, 9, 15 and 19 combined runs.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* MLB Thursday Early ANNIHILATOR on Padres/Cardinals OVER 7.5

Temps will be in the 90's with light winds blowing out to left in St. Louis and the ball should be flying out this afternoon.  The first two games of this series saw 11 and 12 combined runs before settling for 7 runs in Game 3 in a walk off by the Cardinals.  I think we get 8-plus today in the series finale.

Michael King is one of the biggest regression candidates down the stretch because he had never pitched more than 105 innings in any season before throwing 146 1/3 innings thus far this season.  I question how well he'll handle this workload the rest of the way.

Sonny Gray is one of the most overrated starters in baseball, and he is showing signs of wearing down of late.  Gray has allowed 13 earned runs, 6 homers and 26 base runners in 16 innings in his last three starts.  The Padres are capable of covering this total on their own.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* Orioles/Dodgers MLB Late-Night BAILOUT on OVER 8.5

Temps will be in the 70's with 10 MPH winds blowing out to center in Los Angeles tonight.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball with the Orioles scoring 5.0 runs per game and the Dodgers scoring 4.9 runs per game as well.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in four of their last six games coming in despite facing the Mariners and Rays, which both have good staffs.

Corbin Burnes is going through his worst stretch of the season for the Orioles.  He has allowed 20 earned runs and 36 base runners in 20 2/3 innings in his last four starts for a 8.71 ERA.

The Dodgers keep throwing Walker Buehler out there hoping he returns to form.  It keeps backfiring as Buehler is 1-4 with a 6.09 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 10 starts for the Dodgers this season.  He has allowed 30 earned runs and 11 homers in 44 1/3 innings this season.

The Orioles and Dodgers have combined for at least 10 runs in six of their last eight meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Mets/DBacks NL No-Brainer on OVER 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 23-7 in their last 30 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 103 runs in their last 15 games for an average of 6.9 runs per game.

Luis Severino is an absolute gas can for the Mets.  He has allowed 15 earned runs and 5 homers in 27 innings in his last five starts coming in.  Severino allowed 4 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings of a 10-9 win over the Diamondbacks in his lone start against them this season.

Eduardo Rodriquez is working his way back from injury and has been on a pitch count.  He will be making just his 4th start of the season.  He'll be facing a very good Mets lineup that scores 4.8 runs per game this season.  This is a big step up in class for him after facing the Marlins, Rockies and Guardians in his first three starts. 

The OVER is 21-6-1 in Diamondbacks last 28 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 21 of them.  The OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings with 11, 9, 15 and 19 combined runs.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Padres/Cardinals NL No-Brainer on OVER 8

Temps will be in the 90's tonight in St. Louis and the ball should be flying out tonight in what should be a high-scoring affair as these two lineups crush these two starting pitchers.  The first two games of this series saw 11 and 12 combined runs, and it should be more of the same tonight.

Joe Musgrove is 4-4 with a 4.43 ERA in 13 starts for the Padres this season.  Andre Pallante is 6-6 with a 3.84 ERA in 14 starts and nine relief appearances for the Cardinals this season.  Both starters are getting too much respect with this total set at only 8 runs tonight given the forecast.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* MLB Tuesday Late-Night BAILOUT on Orioles/Dodgers OVER 8.5

Temps will be in the 70's with 10 MPH winds blowing out to center in Los Angeles tonight.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball with the Orioles scoring 5.0 runs per game and the Dodgers scoring 5.0 runs per game as well.

The Dodgers have finally returned to health in their lineup and it is starting to show.  They have scored 6 runs or more in four of their last five games coming in despite facing the Mariners and Rays, which both have good staffs.

The Dodgers will tee off on Cole Irvin, who is 6-5 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.41 WHIP for the Orioles this season.  Irvin has allowed 28 earned runs and 9 homers in 30 2/3 innings in his last nine outings for a 8.22 ERA.

Jack Flaherty hasn't exactly been dominant since getting traded to the Dodgers.  He has allowed 8 earned runs, 4 homers and 22 base runners in 16 1/3 innings in his last three starts coming in despite getting to face the Mariners and Pirates.  

The Orioles and Dodgers have combined for at least 10 runs in six of their last seven meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Mets/Diamondbacks NL No-Brainer on OVER 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 23-6 in their last 29 games overall and closing in on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now scoring 100 runs in their last 14 games for an average of 7.1 runs per game.

Sean Manaea has allowed at least 3 runs in three consecutive starts coming into this one despite facing the Mariners and Marlins, two of the worst lineups in baseball.  This is a big step up in class for Manaea here.  He allowed 5 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 10-5 loss to the Diamondbacks in his lone start against them this season.

Eduardo Rodriquez is working his way back from injury and has been on a pitch count.  He will be making just his 4th start of the season.  He'll be facing a very good Mets lineup that scores 4.8 runs per game this season.  This is a big step up in class for him after facing the Marlins, Rockies and Guardians in his first three starts.  

The OVER is 20-6-1 in Diamondbacks last 27 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 20 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Padres/Cardinals NL No-Brainer on OVER 8

It's going to be approaching 100 degrees in St. Louis tonight with light winds blowing out to center.  The ball should be flying out tonight in what should be a high-scoring affair as these two lineups crush these two starting pitchers.

The Padres are capable of covering this total on their own against Miles Mikolas, who is 8-10 with a 5.19 ERA in 26 starts this season.  Mikolas has allowed 14 earned runs in 19 2/3 innings in his last four starts coming in.

Dylan Cease has regressed since throwing a no-hitter.  He has allowed 11 runs, 7 earned, and 26 base runners in 17 innings in his last three starts.  Cease allowed 5 earned runs in 6 innings in his last start against the Cardinals.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* Interleague Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on New York Yankees -1.5 (-140)

The Yankees are scoring 5.1 runs per game this season and have scored a total of 39 runs in their last seven games for an average of 5.6 runs per game.  They are basically as healthy as they have been all season in their lineup and it is showing.

Speaking of healthy, Gerrit Cole finally has returned to form after battling injury earlier this season.  Cole has allowed just one earned run in 17 1/3 innings with 20 K's in his last three starts for a minuscule 0.52 ERA.  He has allowed just 2 earned runs in 12 innings in his last two starts against the Nationals as well.

The Yankees have a big advantage on the mound with Cole over Patrick Corbin, who is one of the worst starters in baseball.  Corbin is 3-12 with a 5.73 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 26 starts for the Nationals this season.  He has allowed 21 earned runs and 5 homers in 23 1/3 innings in his last five starts coming in.  He has allowed 6 homers in 18 1/3 innings in his last three starts against the Yankees.  

The Yankees are 5-1 in their last six games overall with all five wins coming by 3 runs or more.  The Nationals are 4-8 in their last 12 games and have scored 2 runs or fewer seven times.  Bet the Yankees on the Run Line Tuesday.

15* Astros/Phillies Interleague ANNIHILATOR on OVER 8.5

Two hot offenses square off in this series between the Phillies and Astros.  Temps will be in the 80's with light winds blowing out to center, so the ball should be flying out in Game 2 in Philadelphia tonight.

The Astros have scored at least 5 runs in five of their last eight games overall and are scoring 4.6 runs per game on the season.  The Phillies are scoring 4.9 runs per game on the season after scoring a total of 25 runs in their last three games coming in.

Justin Verlander will be making his 2nd start back from injury since June 9th and will be on a pitch count.  Verlander has allowed 6 earned runs and 16 base runners in 10 innings in his last two starts against the Phillies.

Aaron Nola has allowed 23 homers in 26 starts this season as giving up the long ball has been his issue.  Nola has allowed 9 earned runs and 3 homers in 16 1/3 innings in his last three starts against the Astros.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Cubs/Pirates NL Central No-Brainer on OVER 7.5

The forecast is going to aid us in cashing this OVER 7.5 ticket between the Cubs and Pirates tonight.  Temperatures will be in the 90's with light winds blowing out to center, so the ball should be flying out.

The Cubs have scored a total of 50 runs in their last five games for an average of 10.0 runs per game.  The Pirates have scored a total of 27 runs in their last five games for an average of 5.4 runs per game.

Jared Jones will be making his first start since July 3rd and will be on a pitch count.  This Pirates bullpen got battered for 16 runs by the Cubs yesterday and will be short-handed.

Justin Steele has allowed 16 earned runs and 5 homers in 12 2/3 innings in his last three starts against the Pirates, who have just had his number.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NL Tuesday Night BLOWOUT on Chicago Cubs -113

The Cubs have scored a total of 50 runs in their last five games for an average of 10.0 runs per game.  They are absolutely raking at the plate right now, and they have the advantage on the mound over the Pirates tonight as well.

Justin Steele is 4-5 with a 3.07 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 21 starts for the Cubs this season.  He is in the midst of his best stretch of the year, allowing just 4 earned runs in 22 2/3 innings with 27 K's in his last four starts.

Jared Jones will be making his first start since July 3rd and will be on a pitch count.  This Pirates' bullpen got battered for 16 runs by the Cubs yesterday and will be short-handed.  Bet the Cubs Tuesday.

20* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Padres/Cardinals OVER 9

It's going to be approaching 100 degrees in St. Louis tonight with light winds blowing out to left-center.  The ball should be flying out tonight in what should be a high-scoring affair as these two lineups crush these two below-average starting pitchers.

Randy Vasquez is 3-6 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 17 starts for the Padres this season with just 53 K's in 81 2/3  innings.  Kyle Gibson is 7-5 with a 4.22 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 24 starts for the Cardinals this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* MLB Monday Total DOMINATOR on Yankees/Nationals OVER 9

Temps will be approaching 90 in Washington tonight and the ball should be flying out.  I'll gladly back the OVER in a matchup between two starting pitchers that I'm just not that fond of.

Mitchell Parker has allowed 10 earned runs, 2 homers and 18 base runners in 10 innings in his last two starts.  Now he must face a potent Yankees lineup that is about as healthy as they have been all season.  The Yankees are scoring 5.1 runs per game this season and have scored a total of 34 runs in their last six games.

The Nationals have scored at least 5 runs in four of their last seven games.  They should do some damage against Nestor Cortes, who is 7-10 with a 4.00 ERA in 26 starts for the Yankees this season.  Cortes has allowed 24 earned runs in 37 1/3 innings in his last seven starts for a 5.79 ERA.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

15* Astros/Phillies Interleague ANNIHILATOR on OVER 8

Two hot offenses square off in this series between the Phillies and Astros.  Temps will be in the 80's with light winds blowing out to right-center, so the ball should be flying out in Game 1 in Philadelphia tonight.

The Astros have scored at least 5 runs in five of their last seven games overall and are scoring 4.6 runs per game on the season.  The Phillies are scoring 4.9 runs per game on the season after scoring a total of 22 runs in their last two games coming in.

The Phillies are capable of covering this total on their own against Ronel Blanco, who allowed 5 earned runs and 10 base runners in 3 2/3 innings to the Red Sox in his last start.  Regression has really hit Blanco hard in recent starts.

I think the Astros will do enough off of Zack Wheeler to contribute to cashing this OVER 8 ticket.  Wheeler has allowed 12 earned runs and 6 homers in 31 innings in his last five starts coming in.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* Interleague TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Phillies/Royals OVER 9

Temps will be in the 90's with 15 MPH winds blowing out to left field today at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.  The ball will be flying out of the park again today.  The OVER is 5-0 in the last five meetings with 11 or more combined runs in all five. 

The Royals are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season while the Phillies are scoring 4.8 runs per game.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball.  The Royals have scored at least 5 runs in six of their last eight games overall.  The Phillies just hung 11 runs on the Royals yesterday.

Kolby Allard is 10-24 with a 5.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in his career in the big leagues.  Regression has hit Seth Lugo hard lately.  Lugo has allowed 20 earned runs in 30 2/3 innings in his last five starts for a 5.87 ERA.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* Titans/Saints NFLX No-Brainer on Tennessee -4.5

No analysis for preseason.

15* MLB Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Diamondbacks/Red Sox OVER 9.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.4 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 93 runs in their last 13 games for an average of 7.2 runs per game.  The OVER is 19-6-1 in Diamondbacks last 26 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 19 of them.

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 23-8-1 OVER in their last 32 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 25 of those 32 games.  The Red Sox are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season and they have one of the worst bullpens in baseball.

Merrill Kelly will be making his 3rd start back from injury.  He was shaky in his first two allowing 8 earned runs and 15 base runners in 10 innings to the Rays and Phillies.  I don't expect it to go much better for him today at hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

Regression has hit Tanner Houck hard since being named an All-Star.  Houck has allowed 26 earned runs in 49 1/3 innings in his last nine starts for a 4.74 ERA.  He allowed 4 earned runs and 2 homers in 4 innings in his lone career start against Arizona.  Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

15* MLB Saturday Late-Night BAILOUT on Rays/Dodgers OVER 7.5

The Los Angeles Dodgers are back to near full strength offensively and one of the best offenses in baseball when that's the case.  They have scored a total of 21 runs in their last three games and will do the heavy lifting tonight in us cashing this OVER 7.5 ticket.

The Tampa Bay Rays have gone 5-1 in their last six games and have scored at least 4 runs in four of them.  They will do enough against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers to get this OVER 7.5 ticket home.

Kershaw has been on a pitch count and this Dodgers bullpen will be tested today.  Kershaw allowed 4 earned runs in 5 innings in his last start against the Rays.  But Taj Bradley has struggled lately for the Rays, allowing 18 earned runs and 5 homers in 20 innings in his last four starts for a 8.10 ERA.

Temps will be in the 70's with 10 MPH winds blowing out to center to aid us in cashing this OVER 7.5 ticket tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* Phillies/Royals Interleague No-Brainer on OVER 9

The Royals are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season while the Phillies are scoring 4.8 runs per game.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball.  With temps in the 90's and 13 MPH winds blowing out to left in Kansas City tonight, the ball should be flying out of the park.

The Royals have scored at least 5 runs in six of their last seven games overall.  Ranger Suarez returns from the IL today and hasn't pitched since July 22nd.  He will be on a pitch count.  Suarez has allowed 18 earned runs in 21 innings in his last four starts coming in.

Brady Singer has allowed 10 earned runs and 27 base runners in 16 2/3 innings in his last three starts for the Royals.  I expect the Phillies to get their bats going against him today to help contribute to us cashing this OVER ticket.

The OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings with 11 or more combined runs in all four.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* DBacks/Red Sox Interleague No-Brainer on OVER 9.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 89 runs in their last 12 games for an average of 7.4 runs per game.  The OVER is 19-5-1 in Diamondbacks last 25 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 19 of them.

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 23-7-1 OVER in their last 31 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 25 of those 31 games.  The Red Sox are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season and they have one of the worst bullpens in baseball.

Zac Gallen is having a down year at 9-6 with a 3.85 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 21 starts.  Gallen has allowed 27 earned runs in 46 1/3 innings for a 5.24 ERA in his last nine starts.

Kutter Crawford has really struggled of late for the Red Sox and now he must face the hottest offense in baseball.  Crawford has allowed 29 earned runs and a whopping 14 homers in 29 1/3 innings in his last six starts for a 8.90 ERA.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* MLB Saturday Afternoon BLOWOUT on Milwaukee Brewers -124

The Milwaukee Brewers are 74-54 this season and have the best run differential (+108) in the National League.  They have been one of the most underrated teams in all of baseball, and they should be bigger favorites over the lowly Oakland A's today.

For starters, the Brewers have a big advantage on the mound today.  Colin Rea is 11-4 with a 3.52 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 135 1/3 innings for the Brewers this season.  Rea has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 12 of his last 15 starts.

Joe Boyle is 3-5 with a 6.21 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in nine starts for the A's this season.  Boyle has allowed 26 earned runs and 29 walks in 37 2/3 innings.  The Brewers scored 11 runs yesterday and should hang another big number on Boyle and company today.

The A's have been held to 3 runs or fewer in four consecutive games, including 2 runs or fewer in three of them and a total of 7 runs in those four games.  Bet the Brewers Saturday.

20* FSU/Georgia Tech CFB Season Opener on Georgia Tech +10.5

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are a big sleeper in the ACC this season.  They went 7-6 last season despite being picked to finish near the bottom of the conference.  They return 13 starters from that team, including one of the most underrated offenses in the country.

QB Haynes King completed 61.6% of his passes for 2,842 yards with a 27-to-16 TD/INT ratio last year, while also rushing for 737 yards and 10 scores.  He is one of the best QB's in the country that nobody is talking about.  He led the Yellow Jackets to a 30-17 win over UCF in the bowl game.  More impressive yet, GT nearly upset Georgia in a 31-23 loss as 24-point dogs in the regular season finale.

King is among eight returning starters on offense.  Each of his top two receivers are back as is leading rusher Jamal Haynes, who rushed for 1,059 yards while averaging 6.1 per carry last year.  Four starters return along the offensive line including a pair of All-ACC performers in C Weston Franklin and RT Jordan Williams.

The defense is the concern after allowing 29.5 points per game and bringing back just five starters.  But three of the top four tacklers return, the defensive line looks solid, and they are projected to have nine junior and senior starters.  I think this unit will be better than expected.

The Florida State Seminoles showed their vulnerabilities last year after losing starting QB Jordan Travis to injury.  They only beat Florida 24-15, beat Louisville 16-6 and lost 63-3 to Georgia in their final three games without him.  DJ Uiagalelei will be playing on his 3rd team in 3 years and is a big step down from Travis.

Only five starters return on offense as the Seminoles lose their top three receivers from last year as well as leading rusher Trey Benson.  It's going to take a few games for Uiagalelei to get acclimated to Mike Norvell's offense and all these new playmakers.

Florida State only returns five starters from what was a loaded defense last year.  They lost five starters to the NFL draft including a first, two seconds and a 3rd-round pick.  It's a tall task for this inexperienced defense to try and have to defend a dual-threat QB like King in their first game of the season.  

The Yellow Jackets are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings with the Seminoles, and six of the last seven meetings were decided by 6 points or fewer.  Bet Georgia Tech Saturday.

15* MLB Friday Late-Night BAILOUT on Rays/Dodgers OVER 8.5

The Los Angeles Dodgers are back to near full strength offensively and one of the best offenses in baseball when that's the case.  They just scored 14 runs in their last two games against the Mariners and two of their best starting pitchers coming into this series.

The Tampa Bay Rays are heating up at the plate winners of five straight while scoring at least 4 runs in four of those five victories.  I think both offenses stay hot tonight against these two gas can starting pitchers, especially with the forecast calling for 10 MPH winds blowing out to straightaway center.

Bobby Miller is 1-3 with an 8.02 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in eight starts for the Dodgers this season.  He has allowed 30 earned runs, 9 homers and 19 walks in 33 2/3 innings.  He'll be opposed by Tyler Alexander, who is 5-3 with a 5.17 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in six starts and 10 relief appearances for the Rays this season.  Alexander has allowed 44 earned runs and 16 homers in 76 2/3 innings.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Phillies/Royals Interleague No-Brainer on OVER 9

The Royals are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season while the Phillies are scoring 4.8 runs per game.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball, and I expect both lineups to have success today against these two starting pitchers.

The Royals have scored at least 5 runs in five of their last six games overall and will be licking their chops tonight.  They get to face Taijuan Walker, who is 3-4 with a 5.69 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 12 starts for the Phillies this season while allowing 15 homers in 61 2/3 innings.

Michael Wacha is having another solid year for the Royals, but I expect the Phillies to get to him tonight.  Wacha has allowed 5 homers in his last 5 starts.  He allowed 3 earned runs, one homer and 10 base runners in 4 innings to the Phillies in his last start against them.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* DBacks/Red Sox Interleague No-Brainer on OVER 9.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 77 runs in their last 11 games for an average of 7.0 runs per game.  The OVER is 18-5-1 in Diamondbacks last 24 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 18 of them.

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 22-7-1 OVER in their last 30 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 24 of those 30 games.  The Red Sox are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season.

Both starting pitchers have struggled overall this season and will continue to struggle today against these two hot lineups.  Brayan Bello is 11-5 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 23 starts for the Red Sox.  Ryne Nelson is 8-6 with a 4.35 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 21 starts for the Diamondbacks.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Mets/Padres OVER 7

Both the New York Mets and San Diego Padres are scoring 4.8 runs per game this season as two of the best offenses in the National League.  The Mets have scored at least 4 runs in eight of their last nine games.  The Padres have scored at least 4 runs in five of their last seven games, including 7 runs or more three times.

The Padres are capable of covering this total on their own against Luis Severino.  He has allowed at least 4 earned runs in three of his last four starts while not making it past the 5th inning in three of them.

Dylan Cease has struggled since throwing a no-hitter a few weeks ago.  He has allowed 8 runs, 5 earned, 2 homers and 16 base runners in 10 2/3 innings in his last two starts against the Marlins and Rockies.  Cease allowed 7 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of a 11-6 loss to the Mets in his lone start against them this season on June 16th.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

25* NFLX GAME OF THE YEAR on Chicago Bears ML -120

No analysis for preseason.

15* AL PLAY OF THE DAY on Astros/Orioles OVER 8

The Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game while the Astros are scoring 4.6 runs per game this season.  These are two of the best offenses in the American League currently, and this total of 8 is too low today.

Spencer Arrighetti is 5-11 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 22 starts for the Astros this season.  He has allowed 6 homers in his last four starts.  This is a very tough spot for the rookie on the road against one of the best offenses in baseball.

Corbin Burnes continues to get too much respect from the books.  He has allowed 15 earned runs, 3 homers and 26 base runners in 15 innings in his last three starts coming in.  Burnes has allowed 9 earned runs and 6 homers in 12 innings in his last two starts against Houston.  

The Astros and Orioles have combined for at least 9 runs in nine of their last 11 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Guardians/Yankees OVER 8

There will be 10-15 MPH winds blowing out to center at Yankee Stadium tonight.  That's bad news for these two gas can starting pitchers in what should be an absolute slug fest tonight after the 12-inning marathon last night that taxed both bullpens.

Joey Cantillo is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in three starts for the Guardians this season.  He has allowed 9 earned runs, 4 homers and 21 base runners in 13 innings.

Nestor Cortes has allowed at least 3 earned runs in seven of his last nine starts.  He has allowed 24 earned runs and 6 homers in 30 1/3 innings in his last six starts for a 7.12 ERA.  Cortes allowed 4 earned runs and 2 homers in 4 innings of an 8-7 loss to the Guardians in his lone start against them this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Diamondbacks/Marlins OVER 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 67 runs in their last 10 games for an average of 6.7 runs per game.  They are capable of covering this total on their own like they did in Game 1 in a 9-6 win over the Marlins.

But Miami is a much better offensive team than they get credit for.  The Marlins have scored at least 5 runs in five of their last nine games overall.  They are 69-55-2 OVER in all games this season.  They have a terrible staff and bullpen and give up 5.1 runs per game.

Two gas can starting pitchers go tonight.  Roddery Munoz is 2-7 with a 5.88 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 15 starts for the Marlins this season.  He has allowed a whopping 22 homers in 78 innings.  Jordan Montgomery is 8-6 with a 6.25 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 18 starts for the Diamondbacks this season.

The OVER is 17-5-1 in Diamondbacks last 23 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 17 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on Twins/Padres OVER 8

The Twins are scoring 4.9 runs per game while the Padres are scoring 4.8 runs per game as these are two of the best offenses in baseball.  This is a very low total of 8 given what these two offenses are capable of up against these two gas can starting pitchers.

Rookie Simeon Woods-Richardson is 4-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 21 starts for the Twins this season.  He has allowed 13 earned runs and 4 homers in 19 1/3 innings in his last four starts coming in for a 6.05 ERA.

Matt Waldron is 7-10 with a 4.29 ERA in 25 starts for the Padres this season.  Waldron has allowed 18 earned runs and 5 homers in 19 2/3 innings in his last four starts coming in for an 8.24 ERA.

The Twins and Padres have combined for at least 7 runs in nine of their last 11 meetings.  There are expected to be 10-15 MPH winds blowing out to right-center in San Diego tonight.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* NL Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Brewers/Cardinals OVER 7.5

The Milwaukee Brewers are scoring 4.8 runs per game this season with one of the most underrated offenses in baseball.  This is a very low total for a game involving the Brewers.

The Cardinals have been an average offensive team, but they should get their bats going against gas can Frankie Montas tonight.  Montas is 5-8 with a 4.86 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 22 starts for the Brewers this season.

The Cardinals traded for Erick Fedde from the White Sox.  While he was decent in Chicago, it has been a struggle for him of late.  Fedde has allowed 15 earned runs and 7 homers in 26 1/3 innings in his last five starts coming in.  He allowed 4 earned runs and 13 base runners in 5 innings of a 12-5 loss to the Brewers in his lone start against them this season.

The OVER is 7-0 in Montas' last seven starts with 9 or more combined runs in all seven.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* Interleague TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Orioles/Mets OVER 8

The Baltimore Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game while the New York Mets are scoring 4.8 runs per game this season.  This total of 8 is too low for a game involving these two offenses up against these two suspect starting pitchers.

Dean Kremer is 5-9 with a 4.48 ERA in 17 starts for the Orioles this season.  Kremer has allowed 10 earned runs and 24 base runners in 15 1/3 innings in his last three starts coming in.

Jose Quintana is 6-8 with a 4.26 ERA in 24 starts for the Mets this season.  Quintana has allowed 12 earned runs and 24 base runners in 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts coming in despite facing three of the worst offenses in baseball in the Angels, Mariners and A's.  

The OVER is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings with 9 or more combined runs in 10 of those 14 games.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Diamondbacks/Marlins OVER 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 64 runs in their last nine games for an average of 7.1 runs per game.  They are capable of covering this total on their own like they did in Game 1 yesterday in a 9-6 win over the Marlins.

But Miami is a much better offensive team than they get credit for.  The Marlins have scored at least 5 runs in five of their last eight games overall.  They are 69-54-2 OVER in all games this season.  They have a terrible staff and bullpen and give up 5.1 runs per game.

Eduardo Rodriquez will be making just his 3rd start of the season.  He has allowed 6 earned runs and 2 homers in 10 2/3 innings. Edward Cabrera is an absolute gas can for the Marlins.  He is 2-4 with a 5.76 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 13 starts this season while allowing 38 earned runs and 11 homers in 59 1/3 innings.

The OVER is 17-4-1 in Diamondbacks last 22 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 17 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* MLB Monday Late-Night BAILOUT on Twins/Padres OVER 7

The Twins are scoring 4.9 runs per game while the Padres are scoring 4.8 runs per game as these are two of the best offenses in baseball.  This is a very low total of 7 given what these two offenses are capable of.

Rookie Zebbie Matthews will be making just his 2nd start of the season for the Twins.  Michael King is having a solid season, but he is also getting too much respect here.  He isn't used to eating up this many innings and regression will hit him sooner rather than later.

The Twins and Padres have combined for at least 7 runs in seven of their last nine meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* Red Sox/Astros AL No-Brainer on OVER 8

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 20-6-1 OVER in their last 27 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 22 of those 27 games.  The Red Sox are scoring 5.0 runs per game while the Astros are scoring 4.6 runs per game.

The Astros and Red Sox have combined for at least 8 runs in 10 consecutive meetings, including 9 runs or more in nine of those.  That makes for a 9-0-1 system backing the OVER pertaining to this 8-run total.

Yusei Kikuchi does not enjoy facing the Red Sox, allowing 15 earned runs and 7 homers in 12 2/3 innings in his last three starts against them.  Regression has hit Tanner Houck hard since the All-Star Break.  He has allowed 24 earned runs in 43 1/3 innings for a 4.98 ERA in his last eight starts.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* Orioles/Mets Interleague No-Brainer on OVER 8.5

The Baltimore Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game this season while the New York Mets are scoring 4.8 runs per game.  These are two of the best offenses in baseball, and the result should be a slug fest tonight in New York.

Trevor Rogers has been an absolute gas can all season.  He is 2-11 with a 4.89 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 24 starts between the Marlins and Orioles.  Rogers has allowed 12 earned runs and 27 base runners in 14 1/3 innings in his three starts since getting traded to Baltimore.

David Peterson is having a solid season for the Mets but he is fortunate to have a 3.04 ERA in 13 starts when you consider he has a 1.39 WHIP and just 56 K's in 71 innings.  Regression will hit him, especially taking a big step up in class here against the Orioles.

The OVER is 5-1 in the last five meetings.  The OVER is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings with 9 or more combined runs in 10 of those 13 games.  Bet the OVER in this game Monday.

20* Interleague GAME OF THE MONTH on Arizona Diamondbacks -110

The Arizona Diamondbacks will be highly motivated for a victory after losing the first two games of this series to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Diamondbacks are 18-5 in their last 23 games overall and not only motivated to make the postseason, but to catch the Dodgers in the NL West as well.

Reinforcements are on the way as Merrill Kelly just returned from injury and allowed just 2 earned runs in 5 innings to the Phillies in his last start. He should only get stronger as the season goes on.

Drew Rasmussen will be making just his 2nd start of the season for the Rays. He allowed 3 earned runs in one innings of a 7-5 loss to the Orioles on August 10th. Bet the Diamondbacks Sunday.

15* MLB Sunday Total DOMINATOR on Red Sox/Orioles OVER 9

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 20-5-1 OVER in their last 26 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 22 of those 26 games.  The Baltimore Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game this season behind one of the best offenses in baseball.

Regression has hit Kutter Crawford hard in recent weeks.  Crawford has allowed a whopping 26 earned runs and 13 homers in 24 innings in his last five starts coming in.  He allowed 5 earned runs in 6 innings to the Orioles in his last start against them as well. The Orioles will do the heavy lifting as we easily cash this OVER 9 ticket. Bet the OVER in this game Sunday.

20* AL East GAME OF THE MONTH on Baltimore Orioles -125

The Baltimore Orioles will be highly motivated for a victory after losing the first two games of this series to the Boston Red Sox. They will avoid the sweep today due to their big advantage on the mound.

Albert Suarez is 5-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 90 1/3 innings this season. Suarez held the Red Sox to 2 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings in his lone career start against them.

Regression has hit Kutter Crawford hard in recent weeks. Crawford has allowed a whopping 26 earned runs and 13 homers in 24 innings in his last five starts coming in. He allowed 5 earned runs in 6 innings to the Orioles in his last start against them as well. Bet the Orioles Sunday.

20* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Dodgers/Cardinals OVER 8

The Dodgers are back to near full strength offensively and one of the most potent offenses in baseball when that's the case. They have scored at least 4 runs in nine consecutive games.

The Dodgers and Cardinals have combined for at least 9 runs in seven consecutive meetings, making for a 7-0 system backing the OVER. Miller and Pallante are both overmatched starters in this one. Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

20* AL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Red Sox/Orioles OVER 9

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 20-4-1 OVER in their last 25 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 22 of those 25 games.  The Baltimore Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game this season behind one of the best offenses in baseball.

This total is too short tonight when you consider there will be 11 MPH winds blowing out to left in Baltimore today.  The OVER is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings with 11 or more combined runs in five of them. Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

25* NFLX TOTAL OF THE YEAR on Cardinals/Colts OVER 37.5

No analysis for preseason.

20* NFLX GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington Commanders +1

No analysis for preseason.

20* NFLX Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Commanders/Dolphins OVER 37

No analysis for preseason.

15* NL Saturday Total DOMINATOR on Marlins/Mets OVER 8.5

The forecast is going to aid us in cashing this OVER 8.5 ticket between the Marlins and Mets today. There will be 13 MPH winds blowing out to left with temps in the 80's at Citi Field.

Max Meyer has allowed 14 earned runs and 4 homers in 15 1/3 innings in his last three starts. Luis Severino has allowed 14 earned runs and 5 homers in 13 innings in his last three starts. Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on DBacks/Rays OVER 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 47 runs in their last six games.  They are capable of covering this total on their own today.

The OVER is 15-3-1 in Diamondbacks last 19 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 15 of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Saturday.

15* Braves/Angels MLB Late-Night BAILOUT on Atlanta -134

The Atlanta Braves have a big advantage at the plate over the Los Angeles Angels tonight. They have scored at least 5 runs in six of their last nine games overall. The Angels have been held to 2 runs or fewer in five of their last nine games.

I like what I've seen from Spencer Schwellenbach, who is 4-5 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 12 starts for the Braves this season. He has allowed just 5 earned runs and 16 base runners in 20 innings with 28 K's in his last three starts coming in. Bet the Braves Friday.

15* Guardians/Brewers Interleague ANNIHILATOR on OVER 8

Two gas can starting pitchers go tonight against two of the most underrated lineups in baseball. The Brewers are scoring 4.8 runs per game while the Guardians are scoring 4.6 runs per game this season.

Gavin Williams is 2-4 with a 4.38 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in eight starts for the Guardians this season. Williams has allowed 7 earned runs and 2 homers in 10 innings in his last two starts coming in.

Aaron Civale is 3-8 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 23 starts this season. He has allowed 7 earned runs and 2 homers in 10 1/3 innings in his last two starts coming in. Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on Diamondbacks/Rays OVER 7.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 43 runs in their last five games.  They are capable of covering this total on their own today.

The OVER is 14-3-1 in Diamondbacks last 18 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 14 of them. Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* DBacks/Rays Interleague ANNIHILATOR on Arizona -102

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.3 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 43 runs in their last five games. The Diamondbacks are 18-3 in their last 21 games overall and rolling right now.

The Tampa Bay Rays are all but eliminated from the playoffs after being big sellers at the deadline. This is a cold Tampa Bay offense right now as well.

Ryne Nelson should hold the Rays in check. He has allowed 4 earned runs or fewer in eight consecutive starts, including one earned run or fewer four times. Bet the Diamondbacks Friday.

20* NL East TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Nationals/Phillies OVER 9

Patrick Corbin is 2-12 with a 5.98 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 24 starts this season. Corbin has allowed 18 earned runs and 4 homers in 13 innings in his last three starts. He has also allowing 11 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts against Philadelphia.

The Phillies are capable of covering this total on their own considering they have scored 22 runs in their last two games. But the Nationals should get to Aaron Nola as well. Nola has allowed 7 earned runs and 3 homers in 11 innings in his last two starts. Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

15* Twins/Rangers AL ANNIHILATOR on OVER 8

The Minnesota Twins have one of the most potent offenses in baseball.  They are scoring 4.9 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 22 runs in their last three games.  The Texas Rangers have scored at least 4 runs in five consecutive games.  Both teams will get 4-plus runs today.

Bailey Ober is 12-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 22 starts for the Twins this season.  Ober has allowed 7 earned runs and 3 homers in 9 innings in his last two starts against Texas.

Cody Bradford is making his way back from injury making just his 3rd start since April.  Bradford has allowed 4 earned runs and 2 homers in 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts coming in.  He will be on a pitch count, and the Twins will get into this awful Texas bullpen early.

The Twins and Rangers have combined for at least 8 runs in eight of their last 10 meetings.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

20* Eagles/Patriots NFLX No-Brainer on New England -2.5

No analysis for preseason.

20* AL East TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Red Sox/Orioles OVER 8.5

The Boston Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 19-3-1 OVER in their last 23 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 12 consecutive games and 21 of those 23 games.  The Baltimore Orioles are scoring 5.0 runs per game this season behind one of the best offenses in baseball.  This total is too short tonight.

Nick Pivetta is 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA in 18 starts for the Red Sox this season.  He has allowed 12 earned runs and 6 homers in 14 innings in his last three starts coming in.

Zach Eflin is one of the most overrated starters in baseball.  He is 8-7 with a 3.83 ERA in 22 starts between the Orioles and Rays this season.  Eflin has allowed 9 earned runs and 3 homers in 15 innings in his last three starts against Boston.

The OVER is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings with 11 or more combined runs in four of them.  Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

15* Dodgers/Brewers NL ANNIHILATOR on OVER 9

The Los Angeles Dodgers are scoring 5.0 runs per game this season.  They just got Mookie Betts back from injury and are almost back to full strength offensively.  They have scored at least 4 runs in six consecutive games.

The Milwaukee Brewers are scoring 4.8 runs per game this season behind one of the most underrated offenses in baseball.  They have scored a total of 50 runs in their last eight games for an average of 6.3 runs per game.  Both offenses should have their way against these two starting pitchers tonight.

Frankie Montas is 5-8 with a 5.10 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 21 starts for the Brewers and Reds this season.  Montas has allowed 22 earned runs and 6 homers in 25 innings in his last five starts coming in. Montas has allowed 15 earned runs and 6 homers in 11 2/3 innings in his last three starts against the Dodgers.

Walker Buehler is 1-4 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in eight starts for the Dodgers this season.  He will be making his first start since June 18th as he works his way back from injury.  Buehler will be on a pitch count, meaning the Brewers should get into the Dodgers' bullpen early.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

15* Cubs/Guardians Interleague ANNIHILATOR on OVER 8.5

The offenses should have their way against these two suspect starting pitchers in Game 3 between the Cubs and Guardians tonight.  I'm expecting both teams to get 4-plus runs to cash this OVER 8.5 ticket.

James Taillon has allowed 12 earned runs, 5 homers and 22 base runners in 15 1/3 innings in his last three starts for the Cubs.  He allowed 6 runs, 4 earned, in 5 innings of an 8-6 loss to the Guardians in his last start against them.

Alex Cobb will be making just his 2nd start of the season for the Guardians and will be on a pitch count.  His first was ugly as he allowed 5 runs, 4 earned, and 10 base runners in 4 2/3 innings of a 6-3 loss to the Twins on August 9th.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* Interleague TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Nationals/Orioles OVER 8.5

The Baltimore Orioles are scoring 5.1 runs per game this season with one of the best offenses in baseball.  The Washington Nationals have scored at least 4 runs in six of their last seven games overall.  I expect both offenses to get 4-plus runs against these two gas can starting pitchers tonight.

DJ Herz is 2-4 with a 4.41 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 11 starts for the Nationals this season.  Herz hasn't made it past the 5th inning in any of his last five starts, so the Orioles are likely to get into this suspect Washington bullpen early.

Dean Kremer is 4-9 with a 4.70 ERA in 16 starts for the Orioles this season.  Kremer has allowed 9 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings in his last two starts coming in.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* AL Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Rangers/Red Sox OVER 9

The Red Sox are a dead nuts OVER team, going 18-3-1 OVER in their last 22 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 11 consecutive games and 20 of those 22 games.  Two gas can starting pitchers go tonight in what should be a slug fest between the Red Sox and Rangers.

Regression has hit Tanner Houck hard in recent starts.  He has allowed 22 earned runs and 6 homers in 36 1/3 innings in his last seven starts for a 5.45 ERA during this span.  One of those starts came against Texas on August 3rd when Houck allowed 6 earned runs, 2 homers and 10 base runners in 5 innings of a 7-4 defeat.

Dane Dunning is 4-7 with a 4.77 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 12 starts and eight relief appearances for the Rangers this season.  The Rangers will be making this a bullpen game, and their bullpen has been absolutely rocked in recent weeks.

The OVER is 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings with 9 or more combined runs in all seven.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NL Wednesday Total DOMINATOR on Rockies/Diamondbacks OVER 9

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.2 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 32 runs in their last four games.  The OVER is 13-3-1 in Diamondbacks last 17 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 13 of them.  The Rockies have scored a total of 30 runs in their last five games.

Both offenses should have their way against these two gas can starting pitchers today.  Tanner Gordon is 0-3 with a 6.15 ERA in five starts for the Rockies this season while allowing 18 earned runs and 7 homers in 26 1/3 innings.

Jordan Montgomery is one of the most overrated starters in baseball, and it's amazing that the Diamondbacks keep sending him out there.  Montgomery is 7-6 with a 6.37 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 17 starts this season.  Bet the OVER in this game Wednesday.

20* NL TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Rockies/Diamondbacks OVER 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are scoring 5.2 runs per game this season.  They have scored a total of 28 runs in their last three games.  The OVER is 13-2-1 in Diamondbacks last 16 games overall with 9 or more combined runs in 13 of them.

Arizona should stay hot at the plate against Austin Gomber, who is 3-8 with a 4.92 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 22 starts for the Rockies this season.  Gomber has allowed 18 earned runs and 8 homers in 24 1/3 innings in his last five starts.  Gomber has allowed 12 earned runs, 4 homers and 27 base runners in 16 innings in his last three starts against Arizona.

The Rockies have scored a total of 27 runs in their last four games.  They should do enough against Eduardo Rodriquez, who will be making just his 2nd start of the season for the Diamondbacks.  Rodriquez threw only 65 pitches and allowed 3 earned runs and 2 homers in 5 2/3 innings against the Guardians in his first start back from injury.  He will be on a pitch count again today.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* NL Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Pirates/Padres OVER 8

The OVER is 10-5 in Padres last 15 games overall.  They are the hottest team in baseball since the All-Star Break.  They have scored at least 6 runs in 12 of their last 15 games overall.

The OVER is 10-5 in Pirates last 15 games overall.  They have scored at least 4 runs in 12 of their last 16 games overall.  This total of 8 is very low tonight for a game involving these two offenses.

Regression has hit Luis Ortiz hard recently.  Ortiz has allowed 13 earned runs and 20 base runners in 16 1/3 innings in his last three starts.  He just faced the Padres in his last start and allowed 4 earned runs in 6 innings of a 7-6 defeat.  Ortiz has now allowed 8 earned runs and 4 homers in 10 2/3 innings in two career starts against San Diego.

Michael King also faced the Pirates in his last start and it did not go well for him.  He allowed 4 runs and 8 base runners in 5 innings of a 9-8 victory on August 7th.  So both lineups will have the advantage having just seen these two starters less than a week ago.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

15* MLB Tuesday Undervalued Underdog on Chicago White Sox +250

The New York Yankees are 2-4 in their last six games overall.  That includes losses to the White Sox as -340 favorites, to the Angels as -245 favorites and to the Angels as -225 favorites.  They should not be -300 favorites against the White Sox today.

Nestor Cortes has no business being a -300 favorite against anyone right now.  Cortes has allowed 24 earned runs, 6 homers and 45 base runners in 22 1/3 innings in his last five starts for a 9.67 ERA.  The White Sox just busted out for 12 runs yesterday and should stay hot against Cortes today.

Jonathan Cannon has been one of the bright spots for the White Sox this season.  Cannon has posted a 3.91 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 12 starts and two relief appearances.  He has been very sharp in his last three starts, allowing just 4 earned runs in 19 innings for a 1.89 ERA.  The value on Cannon and Chicago is too good to pass up today.  Bet the White Sox Tuesday.

15* AL Tuesday Total DOMINATOR on Royals/Twins OVER 8.5

Two of the best lineups in the American League today square off against two starting pitchers that are getting too much respect.  The Twins are scoring 4.9 runs per game while the Royals are scoring 4.8 runs per game this season, so this total of 8 is pretty low given these two offenses.

Zebby Matthews will be making his MLB debut for the Twins tonight.  While Matthews dominated at the A and AA levels, he has pitched to a 5.68 ERA in four starts at Triple-A.  I don't expect it to go well for him tonight in his first start in the majors.

Regression has hit Seth Lugo hard in recent starts.  He has allowed 13 runs, 11 earned, and 22 base runners in 19 2/3 innings in his last three starts coming in.  This will be Minnesota's 3rd time seeing him this season and they will be ready for him.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.