Saturday 8-25-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

::speak::

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Raphael Esparza

Mayweather / McGregor Over 4.5 Rounds

I know this juice is high, but if you take a breath and think about both fighters there is no way this fight ends in 5 rounds or less. Mayweather has one of the best boxing defenses I have ever seen in the boxing ring, and his boxing style will bother McGregor early and often. If anybody is getting KO'd it will be in the later rounds, and I believe this 4.5 Round Prop should be around -600 or higher. I know this fight is a circus, and the cost to watch this fight is outrageous, but there are two great undercard fights on the card as well. It wouldn't shock me to see this mega-fight go the distance, and this fight will see the later rounds.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robert Ferringo

Chicago/Tennessee
Under 43.5

The Bears first-team defense has looked outstanding, allowing just 10 points in four quarters against the Broncos and Cardinals. They've gone 'over' in each of their first two preseason games, but I don't see them going 3-0 against the total. The Titans are coming off a really high-scoring game against Carolina (34-27). They managed those 34 points despite just 360 yards of total offense and cashed in on two turnovers deep in Carolina territory for 14 cheap points. The Bears are No. 3 in the preseason in rushing attempts and the Titans are No. 7. I see both teams just trying to grind through this game and both pounding the ball on the ground. I don't think either offense is going to break out, and I can see this one somewhere in the 23-13 range.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ben Burns

Redblacks -2

The situation and schedule favors Ottawa in this one. Both teams played last Friday. The Redbacks "got healthy" with a momentum-building 37-18 win over Hamilton. With that game being played in southern Ontario, there was no travel between time zones. The Lions, on the other hand, are off a "deflating" 21-17 setback, on the West Coast, against Calgary. That close loss was preceded by a 41-8 thrashing at the hands of Saskatchewan. I think the Redblacks are probably catching them at the right time.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

RED DOG SPORTS
Soccer | Aug 26, 2017
Reims vs. Lorient
under 2.5

The free soccer play for Saturday takes place in France at 9am ET. Take the under in the match between Lorient and Reims.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CAPPERS CLUB

Umass vs. Hawaii Over 61.5

This play just missed out on our premium card. The UMass Minutemen and the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors kick off on Saturday, and after how they showed out last year the over has a lot of value.
Last year these two teams faced off and the Rainbow Warriors won by a final score of 46-40 and I expect a game like that again this year.
Last year the Rainbow Warriors offense had their way with the Minutmen defense, and with most of the key players back from last year, nothing should change.
Quarterback Dru Brown threw for 311 yards and five touchdowns last year against UMass and I would expect something like that again.
The Rainbow Warriors defense also struggles so UMass should have no issue running up the score when they are on offense.
Some trends to note. Over is 6-0 in Rainbow Warriors last 6 non-conference games. Over is 5-1 in Minutemen last 6 games overall.
Back the Over.

[New York Knight]

Sean Higgs (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/371/sean higgs/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 7:30 PM in 21h
NCAA-F | South Florida vs San Jose State

Play on: San Jose State +22 -110 at Bovada



Game Analysis



Ready to kick of the College Football season in style as I have a Top Rated 10* MONEY BOMB going her on opening Saturday! Do not miss that WINNER $


So, pretty simple in my thinking on this one. First, a pair of new HCs for these teams. Charlie Strong ousted in Texas, takes over a pretty talented South Florida team. But never easy to lay 3 TDs and travel 3000 miles cross country to open a season. Not saying that USF will be a bad club. Just this is a tough spot to lay this number.


And why is that? Spartans also have a new regime. What really stands out to me here though is the OC. He was part of the offense in Texas with Charlie Strong and his OC Sterlin Gilbert. We only need the slightest bit of edge to slow down an offense just an ounce. Being familiar with what could be coming at you is never a bad thing.


The Bulls have a very talented QB and offense overall. Most times I am taking dogs and not even worry about points as I think they should win outright. But with a number like this, I am thinking it is close for a half before we might need one of those late back door covers. Ether way, I feel good about this home puppy.

[New York Knight]

Art Aronson (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/507/art aronson/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 8:10 PM in 22h
MLB | SFO vs ARI

Play on: UNDER 8½ +100



Game Analysis



Recent form displayed by these starting pitchers suggests that runs will likely be at a premium in this one.


Madison Bumgarner: He’s 3-5 with a 2.87 ERA. Bumgarner gave up one run off four hits over six innings against Philadelphia on Sunday, also walking one and striking out seven in the unfortunate no-decision. Bumgarner will be looking to finish the season strong despite the Giants now almost completely without hope in making the playoffs (note that he owns a 2.85 ERA on the road.)


Taijuan Walker: He’s 6-7 with a 3.66 ERA. Walker went 5.1 scoreless innings against the Mets on Monday, also unfortunate to receive a no-decision for his superb effort. Walker sports a respectable 1.32 WHP and 8.0 K/9.


The bottom line: We’re expecting these competent hurlers to battle into the latter frames. Consider a play on the UNDER.

[New York Knight]

Doug Upstone
Aug 26 '17, 2:30 PM in 15h
NCAA-F | Oregon State vs Colorado State


Play on: OVER 60 -110



The first battle of the new season will be played in a brand new venue, currently named Colorado State Stadium. The pictures are gorgeous and both squads have their starting quarterbacks returning. The betting interest has been on the totals side, dumping it 62.5 to 60. Each team does bring back eight defensive starters from ordinary defenses. With the Rams at home, a good team and excited about first game in a new stadium, I prefer the higher score.

[New York Knight]

Sean Murphy
Aug 26 '17, 8:00 PM in 20h
NFLX | Raiders vs Cowboys


Play on: Cowboys -3 -120 at 5Dimes



Saturday NFLX free play. My selection is on Dallas minus the points over Oakland at 8 pm et on Saturday.


I'll lay the points with the Cowboys on Saturday night. Dallas has the advantage of staying home for a second straight week while the Raiders will be playing in their third city in as many weeks. Of course, Dallas also has the advantage of playing its fourth game of the preseason. The Cowboys starters should see extended time in this one. While the same can be said for the Raiders first unit on both sides of the football, I'm not sure we'll see a real sense of urgency. Yes, Oakland is winless so far but a victory is by no means a must on Saturday night. I simply feel the Cowboys have a considerable edge in terms of depth, and they've looked every bit like a team that's interested in setting a winning tone here in August. Take Dallas (8*).

[New York Knight]

ASA
Aug 26 '17, 7:30 PM in 20h
NCAA-F | South Florida vs San Jose State


Play on: South Florida -21 -110 at BMaker



ASA FREE PLAY on South Florida Bulls (-) over San Jose State Spartans, Saturday at 7:30 PM ET

A pair of new head coaches matched up in this one but the head coaching experience edge goes to the Bulls Charlie Strong here. He also inherits the much more talented team including a very potent offense with QB Quinton Flowers and a host of returning talent for South Florida. The weakness for the Bulls was defense last season but that has been the focus for Strong and he'll have this unit ready to go early this season. That said, and with a match-up against an FCS team (Stonybrook) on deck, Strong wants to make a statement in this opening game of the season. With the point-spread coming back down to a 21 (from as high as a 22.5) we like the value here with USF as of Friday afternoon and we're laying the 21 points. The Bulls are on an 11-4 ATS run as a favorite and, overall, in Saturday games South Florida is on a 14-5 ATS run. The Spartans had one of the worst pass defenses in the nation last year and are now led by a 44-year old head coach, Brent Brennan, whom has no head coaching experience. San Jose State is on a 2-5 ATS run as a big dog of 13 points or more the past 3 seasons combined. Strong has some pent up frustration from the way his tenure ended at Texas. He will take out his frustration on San Jose State! FREE PLAY: Lay the big points with the South Florida Bulls in evening action Saturday!

[New York Knight]

At the Gate - Saturday
August 25, 2017
By Mike Dempsey (http://www.vegasinsider.com/handicappers/bios.cfm/hc/208/mike-dempsey)
VegasInsider



SAR Race 1 Md Sp Wt (11:35 ET)

#8 Good Magic 5-2
#2 Hazit 3-1
#6 High North 6-1
#5 Road to Meath 7-2

Analysis: Good Magic is one of two firsters in here sent out by the Chad Brown barn that is 20% winners overall with first time starters. Brown has hit with 3 of 13 juvie firsters at this meeting to date. This colt was a $1 million Keeneland purchase, by Curlin out of the stakes winner Glinda the Good ($226,758) who has dropped one winner. The colt is working quickly in the mornings capped off by a sharp gate drill on Aug. 20. He looks ready to fire.

Hazit debuts for the Pletcher barn that is 4 for 15 (with a +ROI) with two-year-old debut runners at this meeting. The $430,000 Ocala purchase is by War Front out of the stakes winner Rumor ($418,391) her first foal to race. Solid looking works over the Oklahoma training track and Johnny V. takes the call.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 2,8 / 2,5,6,8
TRI: 2,8 / 2,5,6,8 / 1,2,5,6,8



Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 10 The Sword Dancer G1 (4:49 ET)

#7 Idaho 2-1
#6 Erupt 3-1
#3 Sadler's Joy 5-1
#5 Money Multiplier 7-2

Analysis: Idaho ships in from overseas for the O'Brien barn. The colt won the Hardwicke (G2) two back at Ascot and then last out ran third in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth (G1) behind a couple of good runners. The winner Enable came back to win the Yorkshire Oaks (G1) on Thursday at York and the runner up Ulysses came back to win the Juddmonte International (G1) on Wednesday. The colt was no match for Erupt in the Canadian International (G1) at Woodbine last fall but comes in here in much better form than his main rival and Ryan Moore is in to ride.

Erupt faded to finish ninth in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud (G1) and has now lost three in a row since taking the Canadian International. He likes his ground firmer and he will get it this afternoon which should get him back on track. The multiple Group 1 winner is better than he has showed in his last three outings.

Wagering

WIN: #7 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 3,5,6,7
TRI: 6,7 / 3,5,6,7 / 2,3,5,6,7



Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:

DMR Race 9 The Pat O'Brien G2 (6:09 PT)

#8 Danzing Candy 8-5
#6 Kobe's Back 6-1
#1 Moe Candy 6-1
#4 Silent Bird 5-1

Analysis: Danzing Candy is going to be tough as the chalk here for Baffert. The colt dueled for the early lead and finished gamely to win the San Carlos (G2) last out by a neck. The runner up Ransom the Moon came back to win the Bing Crosby (G1) in his next outing on July 29. For a sprint, there is not much confirmed early speed in here and this guy is going to be on or just off the pace.

Kobe's Back was off a beat slow and after being outrun early came with a mild late run to finish fourth in the Bing Crosby, beaten 4 3/4 lengths for the top spot. The pace set up is not ideal for this guy but he does get an extra furlong here. Prat picks up the call and has been live when riding for this barn.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 1,4,6,8
TRI: 6,8 / 1,4,6,8 / 1,4,6,8,11


Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga

R3: #2 Chirping 12-1
R6: #5 Eskenformoney 12-1
R7: #7 Highway Star 10-1
R9: #1 Stallwalkin’ Dude 8-1
R11: #9 McCraken 12-1
R11: #1 Cloud Computing 8-1
R13: #6 Mohican 8-1
$13: #5 Champagne Papi 12-1

[New York Knight]

Saturday's Early Tips
By Brian Edwards (http://www.vegasinsider.com/handicappers/bios.cfm/hc/2/brian-edwards)
VegasInsider



**Oregon State at Colorado State**

-- Gary Andersen is entering his third season of a rebuild job in Corvallis after he left Wisconsin to replace Mike Riley at Oregon State. The Beavers went 2-10 straight up and 3-9 against the spread in his first year, improving to 4-8 SU and 8-4 versus the number last season. They finished 2016 on a tear for our purposes, compiling a 7-1 spread record in their last eight games, winning outright in their last two outings at home vs. Arizona (42-17) and Oregon (34-24).

-- Andersen named juco transfer Jake Luton his starting quarterback in mid-August, prompting Marcus McMaryion to leave the program for Fresno State as a grad transfer. McMaryion started the last six games for the Beavers in 2016. For the season, he completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 1,286 yards with a 10/5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

-- Oregon State returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense. OSU is loaded in the backfield with running back Ryan Nall returning. Nall rushed for 951 yards and 13 TDs while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. RB Artavis Pierce had a solid true freshman season in ’16, rushing for 523 yards and four TDs with a 5.3 YPC average. Andersen landed a pair of grad transfers for depth, including Trevorris Johnson from TCU and Oregon’s Thomas Tyner, who is a former 5-star recruit but hasn’t played since 2014 due to injuries. Nall also had 22 catches for 214 yards and two TDs last year, while Pierce had 21 receptions for 132 yards and one TD.

-- Oregon State junior WR Seth Collins is ‘out’ against the Rams due to a finger injury that could keep him sidelined into September. Collins, who started seven games at QB in 2015 before logging nine starts at WR last season, had 36 receptions for 418 yards and one TD in 2016.

-- As of Aug. 18, most betting shops had Colorado State installed as a 3.5-point favorite. One offshore book opened the total at 62 on Aug. 13, but it moved down to 61 a day later and remained there on Aug. 18. By Tuesday of this week (8/22), the total was at 58.5 or 59 at most spots, while the Rams remained 3.5-point home ‘chalk’ (with a couple of shops at four). Gamblers can take the Beavers on the money line for a +155 return (risk $100 to win $155).

-- Oregon State owns a 5-6 spread record as a road underdog during Anderson’s brief tenure. The Beavers are winless in those 11 road assignments, but we’ll point out that they did take the cash in last year’s season-opening loss at Minnesota by a 30-23 count as 13-point ‘dogs.

-- Colorado State has finished 7-6 in both of its first two seasons under Mike Bobo, the former QB and long-time offensive coordinator at Georgia before getting his first head-coaching gig at CSU. The Rams were an impressive 9-4 ATS last year, going 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS at home. They have compiled a 5-2 spread record in seven games as home favorites on Bobo’s watch.

-- CSU brings back six starters on offense and eight on defense. Bobo’s team returns its top four rushers, two excellent QBs and three of its top four WRs. Nick Stevens completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 1,936 yards with a 19/5 TD-INT ratio in ’16. He also ran for a pair of scores. Stevens has a 41/17 career TD-INT ratio in 21 career starts, but he was intercepted only three times in his last seven starts of last season. He was a second-team All-MWC selection in ’15.

-- As a true freshman in ’16, CSU’s Collin Hill was named the starting QB in Week 3. He would go 2-2 in four starts before going down with a season-ending injury in a 31-24 home win over Utah State Before the injury, Hill connected on 58.1 percent of his throws for 1,096 yards with an 8/2 TD-INT ratio. Stevens has been named the starter, but Hill is healthy and ready to go.

-- Stevens has one of the best wideouts in the Mountain West Conference in senior Michael Gallup, who earned first-team All-MWC honors after catching 76 balls for 1,272 yards and 14 TDs in ’16. Olabisi Johnson had 28 receptions for 613 yards and four TDs last season, averaging 21.9 yards per catch.

-- Colorado State’s offensive line is anchored by center Jake Bennett, a second-team All-MWC selection last year who has 29 career starts to his credit. The only other o-line starter that’s back is senior OT Zack Golditch, who has made 25 career starts. This unit will look to pave holes for Dalyn Dawkins, Izzy Matthews, Marvin Kinsey and Detrich Clark, who combined to rush for nearly 2,300 yards and 27 rushing TDs last year.

-- Kinsey rushed for a team-best 919 yards and four TDs with a 5.7 YPC average last season. Matthews rushed for 734 yards and a team-high 13 TDs while averaging 4.8 YPC. Kinsey, who is listed as ‘questionable’ vs. OSU with a knee injury, rushed for 546 yards and seven TDs with a 5.9 YPC average. Clark has moved to WR after rushing for 247 yards and three TDs on 36 attempts (6.9 YPC).

-- CSU junior DB Braylin Scott is out indefinitely due to legal issues. Scott recorded 39 tackles and three interceptions last year. Senior LB Deonte Clyburn, a likely starter if he can get back to 100-percent health remained out indefinitely due to blood clots. Clyburn redshirted last season for a similar issue, but he registered 74 tackles and seven tackles for loss in ’15.

-- These schools have met twice before, splitting a pair of meetings, but they haven’t faced each other since 1975. This is OSU’s first trip to Ft. Collins and it is only the fourth time a Power Five opponent has come here since 2004. Andersen went 1-1 against the Rams when he was the head coach at Utah State prior to leaving for Wisconsin.

-- Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Eastern on the CBS Sports College Network.




**Hawaii at Massachusetts**

-- As of Aug. 18, this game was a pick ‘em at many spots, while others had either team favored by one point. One offshore shop opened the total at 64, but it went up to 64.5 the next day and that’s where it remained as of Aug. 18. By Tuesday of this week (8/22), most books had UMass favored by 1.5 or two with the total down to 62.5 points.

-- Hawaii went 7-7 SU and 5-8-1 ATS last season, going to its first bowl game since 2010 in its first year under head coach Nick Rolovich. The Warriors thumped Middle Tennessee by a 52-35 count as seven-point home underdog in the Hawaii Bowl. However, we should note that the Blue Raiders were without their star QB Brent Stockstill.

-- During Norm Chow’s dismal tenure at Hawaii from 2012-2015, the Warriors lost 23 of 24 road games. However, they went 3-3 on the road last year under Rolovich, winning outright at San Jose State, at Air Force (in double overtime as 16.5-point ‘dogs) and at Fresno State

-- Hawaii returns eight starters on offense and six on defense. The offense is led by sophomore QB Dru Brown, who took over as the starter after the Warriors lost three of their first four games last season. Brown completed 62.4 percent of his throws for 2,488 yards with a 19/7 TD-INT ratio. He loses his favorite target Marcus Kemp, but the team has plenty of depth and experience at the WR position. As a redshirt freshman in ’16, John Ursua hauled in 53 receptions for 652 yards and three TDs. Dylan Collie added 33 catches for 322 yards and four TDs.

-- Hawaii RB Diocemy Saint Juste rushed for a team-high 1,006 yards and three TDs last year, averaging 6.1 YPC in the process. He also had eight catches for 56 yards and one TD.

-- Hawaii’s defense is led by All-American candidate Jahlani Tavai, a junior LB who garnered first-team All-MWC honors after tallying 129 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four QB hurries, two forced fumbles, two passes broken up, one fumble recovery and one interception in ’16. Senior safety Trayvon Henderson is another standout, recording 90 tackles, 8.5 TFL’s, two sacks, seven PBU, one QB hurry, one blocked kick and three interceptions, including one pick-six. This unit gave up 37.3 points per game in ’16 and has a new coordinator in Legi Suiaunoa, who has been a d-line coach at Montana (’11-’15) and Hawaii since 2011.

-- UMass finished ’16 with a 2-10 SU record and a 7-5 ATS mark. Although the Minutemen are an abysmal 8-28 SU since HC Mark Whipple took over for his second stint here in ’14, they have been decent for our purposes with a 19-17 ATS record.

-- UMass lost three one-possession games last season and picked up its wins at home vs. FIU (21-13) and vs. Wagner (34-10). The Minutemen faced three SEC opponents, going 3-0 ATS in losses at Florida (24-7), vs. Mississippi State (47-35) and at South Carolina (34-28). They bring back six starters on offense and nine on defense.

-- Junior QB Andrew Ford started nine of 12 games last year, throwing for 2,665 yards with a 26/14 TD-INT ratio. He also ran for a pair of scores. Ford has one of the nation’s best tight ends, former five-star recruit Adam Breneman who signed with Penn State out of high school and was prep teammates with Ford. In his first season with UMass, Breneman made 70 catches for 808 yards and eight TDs. Junior WR Andy Isabella is off an excellent sophomore year when he brought down 62 balls for 801 yards and seven TDs. UMass also returns leading rusher Marquis Young, who had 898 rushing yards and four TDs with a 4.6 YPC average in ’16.

-- When these teams met in the regular-season finale last season at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii captured a 46-40 win but the Minutemen took the money as a 7.5-point road underdog. The 86 combined points soared ‘over’ the 57-point total. Trailing 40-26 with less than seven minutes remaining, UMass scored a pair of TDs in less than 90 seconds to pull even. However, Brown would find Kellan Ewaliko on a 56-yard scoring strike with 3:52 left to provide the winning points. For bettors who might’ve bought the hook to seven from 7.5 with a Hawaii wager, they were left furious (& push-less) when the extra-point kick was missed.

-- This is a non-televised game that will kick at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.



**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- BYU will square off with FCS opponent Portland State in Provo on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. This game did not have a spread as of Tuesday, but some books will probably throw up a number by later Friday afternoon. Most games between FBS and FCS teams eventually get a line, but the books usually don’t release it until late Friday or early Saturday.

-- Georgia Tech took a big loss late last week when sophomore RB Dedrick Mills was kicked off the team for undisclosed reasons. Mills led the Yellow Jackets in rushing as a true freshman, gaining 771 yards and scoring 12 TDs with a 5.1 YPC average. They open at the new Mercedes Dome in Atlanta against Tennessee in Week 1.

-- Mark Richt named junior Malik Rosier as Miami’s starting QB on Aug. 22. Rosier threw for 272 yards in his only career start in ’15 when the Hurricanes won at Duke on the wild and controversial finish with laterals galore on the kick return as time expired.

-- Kentucky senior WR Dorian Baker is out for an indefinite period of time with an ankle injury, and there’s speculation he could done for the entire season. Baker has started 23 career games, producing 88 receptions for 1,015 yards and six TDs. He had a team-best 55 catches in ’15.

-- Rutgers has named ex-Louisville QB Kyle Bolin as its starter for the opener vs. Washington.

-- Florida landed a transfer on Monday when Texas offensive lineman Jean Delance decided to become a Gator. Delance was a four-star recruit for the Longhorns in the ’16 class. He’ll sit out this year per transfer rules and then have three years of eligibility for UF.

[New York Knight]

Saturday's Late Tips
By Brian Edwards (http://www.vegasinsider.com/handicappers/bios.cfm/hc/2/brian-edwards)
VegasInsider



**South Florida at San Jose State**

-- As of Friday afternoon, most betting shops had USF installed as a 21.5-point favorite with a total of 71.5 points for ‘over/under’ wagers. The total was at 66.5 on Wednesday, moving five points in the span of just 48 hours. The Bulls were favored by 20.5 earlier in the week, but the number on the side eventually slipped north of the key number of 21. Most spots had the Spartans with 10/1 odds on the money line (risk $100 to win $1,000).

-- South Florida lost head coach Willie Taggart to Oregon, but it found an excellent replacement in Charlie Strong. Strong cut his teeth as a long-time defensive coordinator at multiple SEC schools like Florida and South Carolina before a strong run as head coach at Louisville, where he went 11-2 and 12-1 in ’12 and ‘13. That success earned him an offer at Texas, which came with greenbacks galore but was never going to be a good fit. The Texas job brings with it the demands of The Longhorn Network, something that worked perfectly for Mack Brown but was never going to mesh with Strong’s personality. So he gets a fresh start right in the heart of an area he’s thrived in as a recruiter for more than two decades. Strong inherits enough talent and such a soft schedule that going undefeated is a realistic goal.

-- USF returns seven starters on offense and nine on defense from a team that finished 11-2 with its only losses coming vs. FSU and at Temple (on a short week in a cold-weather game). The Bulls beat South Carolina 46-39 in overtime at the Birmingham Bowl. Seven of their victories came by margins of 15 points or more.

-- Marlon Mack, the school’s all-time leading rusher who produced 3,609 yards on the ground in three seasons, elected to skip his senior season to turn pro a year early. But D’Ernest Johnson is a capable replacement who ran for 543 yards and eight TDs while averaging 4.9 yards per carry in 2016.

-- Senior QB Quinton Flowers will break Mack’s school rushing record if he can duplicate the 1,530 rushing yards he produced last year. Flowers is third in school annals currently with 2,594 career rushing yards. He had 18 TDs on the ground last year. Flowers also completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,812 yards with a 24/7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

-- USF lost Flowers’ favorite target in Rodney Adams (67 catches for 822 yards), but four of the top five pass catchers are back. Senior WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling started all 13 games in ’16, hauling in 22 receptions for 415 yards and five TDs. Tyre McCants had 25 catches for 384 yards and four TDs, while Johnson had 28 grabs for 293 yards and five TDs.

-- USF averaged 43.8 points per game last season, but it also gave up 31.6 PPG. Strong’s ‘D’ will be led by senior LB Auggie Sanchez, a second-team All-AAC selection in ’16 when he recorded 120 tackles, six sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, three passes broken up, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one QB hurry. Senior CB Deatrich Nichols was also a second-team All-AAC pick last season. He had 49 tackles, four interceptions, seven PBU and two TFL’s.

-- USF senior WR Ryeshene Bronson is listed as ‘doubtful’ with a shoulder injury. He has started 17 career games.

-- San Jose St. limped to a 4-8 SU record with a 6-6 ATS mark last year, resulting in the dismissal of Ron Caragher after four seasons. He took the Trojans to only one bowl game. His replacement is Brent Brennan, a first-time head coach who has spent the last six years serving as the WR coach at Oregon St. Brennan served as an assistant on the staffs of both Dick Tomey (’05-’10) and Mike MacIntyre (’11-’16) at San Jose St. Brennan has hired Andrew Sowder as his offensive coordinator, and the former Baylor tight tend is the youngest FBS coordinator at the age of 28.

-- San Jose St. has compiled an 8-5 spread record in 13 games as a home underdog since 2011. The Spartans beat UNLV outright as a three-point home ‘dogs last year before taking the cash in a 41-38 loss to Air Force as 11-point puppies.

-- San Jose St. brings back seven starters on offense and eight on defense. Five of the defenses’ top six tacklers return, including junior LB Frank Ginda, who recorded 99 tackles, 6.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and one pass broken up in 2016. Phil Steele’s magazine ranks the Spartans’ secondary as the best in the Mountain West Conference thanks to the presence of senior cornerback Andre Chachere, who finished ’16 with 14 PBU (tops in the MWC), four interceptions (fourth in the MWC) and a spot on the first-team of All-MWC selections. Senior safety Maurice McKnight had 68 tackles, two interceptions, three PBU and one QB hurry.

-- San Jose St. posted a 3-3 SU record and a 4-2 ATS ledger last year. The wins came over Portland St., Nevada and UNLV, while the Spartans picked up their other victory at Fresno St. in the regular-season finale. They lost six of their games by margins of 14 points or more.

-- San Jose St. returns its leading rusher and two of its top three WRs. Junior RB Malik Roberson rushed for a team-best 508 yards and two TDs with a 5.1 YPC average despite starting only three games. Justin Holmes hauled in 39 receptions for 613 yards and three TDs, while fellow junior wideout Tre Hartley caught 33 balls for 572 yards and four TDs.

-- USF owns 4-2 spread record in its last six games as a road favorite.

-- Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on the CBS Sports College Network.



**Stanford vs. Rice**

-- This is the second Sydney Cup game that will take place in Australia at Allianz Stadium, where California defeated Hawaii by a 51-31 count last August. The facility has a capacity of 45,500 and is used for rugby and soccer.

-- As of Friday afternoon, most books had Stanford installed as an enormous 30.5-point favorite with a total of 51.5 points. Not many shops are offering a money-line return on the Owls, but they are available for a +4750 payout at 5Dimes.eu (risk $100 to win $,4750).

-- Stanford returns 16 of 22 starters (eight on each side of the ball) from a team that went 10-3 SU and 6-6-1 ATS last season. The Cardinal dropped three of four games midway through the year before finishing with a six-game winning streak, including a 25-23 victory over North Carolina at the Sun Bowl.

-- With the exception of an 8-5 record in 2014, Stanford has posted double-digit win totals in five of six seasons on David Shaw’s watch. The Cardinal has won at least 11 games in four of those years and it has won 12 twice.

-- Stanford lost its top two tacklers from a salty defense that allowed only 20.4 PPG, but it has eight of its top 10 tacklers back. This unit is led by junior LB Joey Alferi, who had 51 tackles, five sacks, 5.5 TFL’s, nine QB hurries, two interceptions and one PBU last season. Junior DT Harrison Phillips was a third-team All Pac-12 selection in ’16 when he had 46 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three TFL’s, three QB hurries and one PBU.

-- Stanford’s offense struggled last year, averaging just 26.3 PPG. This unit improved when Keller Chryst became the starter in the last six games (all wins), but he tore his ACL in the bowl game. Nevertheless, he has recovered and will get the starting nod in this spot. The junior signal caller connected on 56.6 percent of his throws for 905 yards with a 10/2 TD-INT ratio. His top two WRs are back, including Trenton Irwin, who had 37 receptions for 442 yards and one TD. JJ Arcega-Whiteside had 24 catches for 379 yards and five TDs.

-- Look for Stanford TE Kaden Smith to emerge as one of the nation’s top redshirt freshman. The five star recruit out of Marcus High School in the Dallas area chose Stanford over Alabama. Still bouncing back from a knee injury sustained during his senior year of HS and with plenty of depth at “Tight End U,” the Cardinal opted to redshirt Smith in ’16 but he’s poised to make an instant impact now.

-- Stanford lost RB Christian McCaffrey, the school’s third all-time leading rusher who produced 1,603 rushing yards, 13 TDs and a 6.3 YPC average last year. There’s a more-than-able replacement ready to step in and fill his shoes, however. Junior RB Bryce Love rushed for 783 yards and three TDs in ’16, averaging 7.1 YPC. He also had eight catches for 83 yards and one TD.

-- These schools met in last season’s regular-season finale with Stanford capturing a 41-17 victory in Palo Alto. Rice took the cash, however, covering the 35-point number as a massive road underdog. Gamblers on the total were looking at a push until Rice scored a TD with only 1:17 remaining to get the 58 combined points ‘over’ the 51-point tally. Chryst completed 11-of-16 passes for 154 yards and two TDs without an interception. He also had a 62-yard TD run to open the scoring early in the first quarter. McCaffrey ran for 204 yards and one TD, while Love had 111 rushing yards and one TD on just seven carries.

-- Rice finished 3-9 SU and 6-5-1 ATS in David Bailiff’s 10th season at the helm in 2016. It was the worst season on Bailiff’s watch since going 2-10 in 2009. He also went 3-9 in the first year of his tenure at the Conference USA school in Houston. Baliff’s overall record at Rice is 56-69, but he has led the school to a pair of 10-wins seasons (2008 & 2013) and a 3-1 record in four bowl games. Nevertheless, this is obviously a crucial year for C-USA’s second-longest tenured coach. (Middle Tennessee’s Rick Stockstill is entering his 12th season.)

-- Rice returns seven starters on offense and eight on defense. The Owls’ defense is led by senior LB Emmanuel Ellerbee, a first-team All C-USA selection last season when he recorded 118 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4.5 TFL’s, three QB hurries, one PBU and one interception. They gave up 37.3 PPG in ’16.

-- A three-man race for the Rice starting QB job was won by redshirt freshman Sam Glaesmann, who stands 6’3” and threw for 178 yards and accounted for three TDs in the team’s spring game. The Waco Midway HS product had a 70-yard TD run in the scrimmage. Glaesmann threw for 3,017 yards and 29 TDs while also rushing for 605 yards and four TDs as a prep senior.

-- Rice’s leading rusher Sam Stewart is back. The junior rushed for 479 yards and three TDs with a 6.3 YPC average in ’16. Stewart also had 15 receptions for 107 yards and three TDs.

-- ESPN will have the telecast at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.

[New York Knight]

Saturday's Best Bets
August 25, 2017
By BetOnline.ag (http://www.vegasinsider.com/link_hitcount.cfm?LTid=10661)



BetOnline.ag Best Bet #1 (http://www.vegasinsider.com/link_hitcount.cfm?LTid=10661): Colorado State Rams -4

Colorado State and Oregon State were great for bettors a year ago, as CSU finished with a 9-4 ATS record, while OSU was 8-4 ATS; including 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall. But this year is a new year, and with Oregon State now in Year 3 of Gary Andersen's rebuilding project there, I just don't believe they'll have the talent on the field to match up with a veteran Colorado State squad.

The Rams bring back a total of 14 starters and many of them were significant pieces to their success a year ago. Three of its top four WR's are back in the fold, as are their top two QB's, led by Nick Stevens. Stevens through 19 TD's to just 5 INT's a year ago for Colorado State, and with three of his top weapons back on the outside, a Colorado State offense that scored 42+ points in five of their last six games a year ago should be well on their way to threatening that number in this year's season opener. All four of CSU's top rushers from a year ago are back as well, so a productive, balanced attack is what is likely going to lead Colorado State to success here.

Oregon State has made solid improvements in Andersen's first two years, but naming juco transfer Jake Luton as his starter compared to Marcus McMaryion (started last six games for Oregon State in 2016), might hinder the Beavers growth early on. McMaryion has since transferred to try and get playing time elsewhere, so it's all on Luton's shoulders here, and that might not be a particularly good thing. Oregon State is built this year to move the ball on the ground, and with Colorado State's gameplan that's likely to be heavy on stopping the run, if Luton shows any kind of nerves or struggles in his first Div-1 game, Colorado State could easily run away with this thing.



BetOnline.ag Best Bet #2 (http://www.vegasinsider.com/link_hitcount.cfm?LTid=10661): Rice +30.5

The nightcap on Saturday has the Rice Owls as heavy road underdogs against Stanford, in an odd scheduling quirk. See, Rice's final game a year ago was in Stanford too, losing 41-17 to the Cardinal – but covering the +34 point spread – and now they turn around and open up the 2017 season at the same venue. If there ever was a spot where a revenge angle applied between two non-conference foes with one typically being as weak as Rice has over the years, this would be it.

As bad as Rice has been for years, they did manage to go 6-3-1 ATS over their final 10 games a year go, and they get to play a Stanford team that's going through some drastic changes themselves. There is no more Christian McCaffrey doing anything and everything for the Cardinal, and he killed Rice last year. McCaffrey had 204 rushing yards and a TD on 30 carries on the ground, and 23 receiving yards on two catches and a TD through the air in last year's game vs. Rice. There's no question that Stanford has plenty of talented guys to step up and take over McCaffrey's spot, but filling his shoes at Stanford is going to be next to impossible, and it might take the Cardinal a week or two to fully grasp that the McCaffrey era is gone.

With Rice doing enough to hold their own and cover ATS despite McCaffrey's skills a year ago, I don't see how oddsmakers can give them a similar number to cover this year. In a game where controlling the ball through the running game will be the motive for both sides, time will tick away quicker than Stanford backers will want, in trying to cover a big number like this.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Assiniboia Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $8700 Class Rating: 73

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE FEBRUARY 26 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 117 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,500 MANITOBA BRED RESTRICTED RACES NOT CONSIDERED FOR ELIGIBILITY PURPOSES).


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 SHE'S A TEN 6/5

# 4 SHE BE FAST 15/1

# 3 PEAKABOO BRIDE 10/1

I favor SHE'S A TEN here. Is worth serious consideration and may be a bet - strong speed figures (73 average) at today's distance and surface lately. Has a solid shot for this event if you like back class. Boasts reliable speed figs on average overall when put alongside the rest of this field. SHE BE FAST - Strong average Equibase Speed Figures in dirt route races make this racer a key contender. Should be given a chance here on the basis of the figures in the speed realm alone.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belterra Park - Race #1 - Post: 1:20pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,700 Class Rating: 55

Rating: 4

#1 SEEKING THE ROSE (ML=6/1)


SEEKING THE ROSE - Have to make this mare a serious competitor; she comes off a strong contest on Aug 3rd. A repeat of that recent effort on August 3rd where she registered a speed rating of 50 looks strong enough to win in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 KATE'S SONG (ML=5/2), #4 SAMURAI JEAN (ML=7/2), #7 AZICHARGE (ML=4/1),

KATE'S SONG - This probable favorite ran on July 22nd and hasn't had a drill since then. SAMURAI JEAN - Run-of-the-mill speed rating last time out at Belterra Park at 1 mile. Don't believe this mount will improve too much in today's event. AZICHARGE - Registered a substandard rating in the last race in a $6,250 Maiden Claiming race on August 11th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 SEEKING THE ROSE is going to be the play if we are getting 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds - Race 4

Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / Daily Double


Claiming $5,000 • 870 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 62 • Purse: $5,500 • Post: 1:51P
QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * GAME ON VINCE: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating.
6
GAME ON VINCE
7/2

5/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Hazel Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 4.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 39

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 RUN AWAY B B 7/2

# 5 RED ROCK STAR 3/1

# 2 COME ON SID 6/1

I give the nod to RUN AWAY B B here. Will probably compete admirably in the early speed clash which bodes well with this field. Ran a solid last race. Look for this racer to be close up at the finish versus these ponies. RED ROCK STAR - This pony is ranked high in this group in earnings per start at the distance/surface. His chances to prove victorious are much better this time around facing this easier bunch. COME ON SID - This field is much easier than the last one he ran against.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #6 - Post: 5:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 60

Rating: 4

#9 WRECK EM (ML=5/2)
#3 SONG CAPTAIN (ML=12/1)


WRECK EM - This jockey/conditioner duo has been producing a very favorable ROI, right at +100. This thoroughbred may have too much power on the grass for the rest of the field. When the field turns for home, he could put these away. Just see his last speed fig, 58. That one looks good in this field. SONG CAPTAIN - Ran last out against tougher competition at Lone Star Park. The move down in the class scale should suit him well. I'm focusing on the class of this mount, and this one is the 'classiest' of the bunch.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 INTERNAL STORM (ML=2/1), #4 BILLIARDS (ML=4/1), #6 SECRET POMATINI (ML=5/1),

INTERNAL STORM - This probable favorite may be out of form without any recent workouts. BILLIARDS - Hard to wager on at 4/1 odds after the last two outings. Tough for this closer horse to get up today. Without a hot pace to stir things up, the lone pace is going to make it awfully hard to get the job done. SECRET POMATINI - The seventh place result in the last affair was not the greatest. This gelding recorded a speed rating in his last contest which probably isn't good enough in today's event.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Turf Man - WRECK EM - Don't overlook this horse in your wagering. He owns the best average class figure against these horses in this race.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 WRECK EM on top if we're getting at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #6 - 2:20 PM
The Personal Ensign Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I STAKES $700,000.00 PURSE

#2 SONGBIRD
#4 FOREVER UNBRIDLED
#3 GOING FOR BROKE
#5 ESKENFORMONEY

Known as the Firenze Stakesfrom 1948-85 and the John A. Morris Stakes from 1986-97, the Personal Ensign was renamed in honor of the undefeated champion filly owned and bred by Ogden Phipps. Her dramatic victory in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff capped a 13-for-13 career as she became the first major horse in more than 80 years to accomplish such a feat. Here in the 68th renewal of "TheEnsign," #2 SONGBIRD qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, including a quartet of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey Mike Smith has been in her irons on 14 previous occasions, hitting the board in each, winning 13 times, and is back today here at "The Spa" for ride #15. #4 FOREVER UNBRIDLED has also hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both her last start, as well as in her 3rd race back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Timonium

Timonium - Race 5

Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 5 &6) 50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)


Claiming $4,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 87 • Purse: $12,000 • Post: 3:15P
(PLUS UP TO 30% MBF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 26 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 26 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 26 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $3,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. POMEROY'S PACKAGE is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * POMEROY'S PACKAGE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/su rface. Horse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
6
POMEROY'S PACKAGE
6/1

2/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Saturday, August 26

National League
Mets @ Nationals
Gsellman is 0-2, 8.25 in his last five starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Mets are 3-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-9-1

Gonzalez is 4-0, 0.65 inches last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Washington is 6-6 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 15-5-5

Mets are 3-9 in their last 12 games; under is 6-2 in their last eight. Washington is 7-4 in last 11 home games; under is 12-1-1 in their last 14 games.

Cubs @ Phillies
Hendricks is 0-0, 2.16 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Cubs are 3-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-6-3

Lively is 0-3, 5.40 in his last four starts (under 6-1-1). Phillies are 1-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 0-7-1

Cubs won five of last seven games; over is 7-4 in their last 11. Phillies are 4-9 in last 13 games; over is 8-4 in their last 12.

Pirates @ Reds
Cole is 1-1, 5.13 in his last four starts, last three of which went over. Pirates are 7-1 in his last eight road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-13-4

Castillo is 0-2, 3.63 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Reds are 2-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-8

Pirates are 3-10 in last 13 games; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten. Cincinnati lost three of last five games; over is 8-1 in their last nine home games.

Padres @ Marlins
Lamet is 4-1, 2.75 in his last six starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. San Diego is 4-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-7

Despaigne allowed eight runs in 4.2 IP (100 PT) in his only ’17 start, an 11-3 loss to the Mets on May 6. Miami’s first 5-inning record with him: 0-1

Padres are 4-8 in last 12 road games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games overall. Miami is 11-3 in its last 14 games; over is 5-1 in their last six.

Rockies @ Braves
Freeland is 1-1, 5.29 in his last four starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Colorado is 7-2 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-9-1

Newcomb is 1-1, 3.18 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Atlanta is 2-6 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-9

Rockies lost five of last six games; under is 8-1-1 in their last ten road games. Atlanta is 6-11 in its last 17 games; under is 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

Giants @ Diamondbacks
Bumgarner is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Giants are 1-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-6-2

Walker is 0-4, 4.91 in his last six starts (over 4-2). Arizona is 5-3 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-8-4

Giants are 3-11 in last 14 road games; their last five games overall stayed under. Arizona won four of last five games; over is 6-4-2 in their last 12 home games.

Brewers @ Dodgers
Davies is 3-3, 2.93 in his last six starts; under is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Brewers are 9-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-8-5

This is a bullpen game for LA. Striping is making his first ’17 start- he is 3-4, 3.41 in 35 relief stints this year (58 IP). He was 5-9, 3.96 in 22 games (14 starts) for the Dodgers last year.

Milwaukee is 7-4 in its last 11 games, last six of which stayed under. Dodgers are 10-2 in last 12 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

——————————–

American League
Mariners @ New York
Gallardo is 0-2, 7.78 in his last four starts; over is 10-4 in his last 14. Seattle is 4-6 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-10-3

Gray is 1-3, 4.30 in four starts for New York (under 3-1). Home team won all four of his NY starts. New York’s first 5-inning record with him: 1-3

Mariners won seven of last nine games; under is 5-3 in their last eight road tilts. New York is 7-4 in its last 11 games; over is 5-3 in their last eight.

Twins @ Blue Jays
Gee allowed one run in six IP (69 PT) in his first ’17 start, a 10-2 win in Chicago. Twins’ first 5-inning record with him: 1-0

Estrada is 1-1, 4.67 in his last three starts; over is 7-3 in his last ten. Toronto 5-5 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-15-3

Minnesota won seven of its last ten games; their last four games stayed under. Blue Jays lost six of last seven games; under is 8-1 in their last nine home games.

Orioles @ Red Sox
Gausman is 1-2, 6.06 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Orioles are 5-8 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-14

Rodriguez is 0-0, 4.39 in his last five starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Boston is 6-1 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-8

Orioles are 4-5 in last nine games; four of their last six games stayed under. Boston is 6-4 in its last ten games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Royals @ Indians
Hammel is 1-1, 4.63 in his last four starts, last three of which went over. Royals are 3-7 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-12-5

Clevinger is 1-1, 5.65 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Cleveland is 3-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-5-2

Royals are 7-5 in last 12 games; over is 13-8 in their last 21 games. Cleveland is 11-4 in its last 15 games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 home games.

Tigers @ White Sox
Farmer is making his first start since June 18; he is 2-1, 6.62 in four starts this year (over 2-2). Detroit won his only road start— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-2

Rodon is 1-0, 2.25 in his last five starts (over 4-4-2). Chicago won his last three home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-6-1

Tigers lost nine of last 11 games; over is 6-3 in their last nine. Chicago is 6-3 in its last nine games, last four of which stayed under.

Rangers @ A’s
Hamels is 4-0, 2.17 in his last four starts (over 10-5-1). Texas is 2-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 14-0-2

Manaea is 0-3, 14.92 in his last four starts; over is 7-1 in his last eight starts. Oakland is 5-6 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-10-4

Rangers are 11-5 in last 16 games; over is 6-5 in their last 11. A’s lost five of last eight games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Astros @ Angels
Peacock is 1-1, 6.04 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Houston is 7-1 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-3

Skaggs is 0-3, 4.35 in his last four starts (under 6-2-1). Angels are 2-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-5-2

Houston lost three of last five games; under is 7-1 in their last eight. Angels lost four of last five games; under is 9-3 in their last 12.

__________________________

Interleague

Rays @ Cardinals
Snell is 2-0, 2.33 in his last three starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Tampa Bay is 4-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-8-2

Leake is 0-4, 9.64 in his last five starts; over is 4-1-2 in his last seven. Cardinals are 1-7 in his last eight road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-12-3

Rays won four of last five games; under is 10-5 in their last 15. St Louis lost five of last six games; over is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
NY-Wsh: Gsellman 7-9; Gonzalez 15-10
Chi-Phil: Hendricks 8-9; Lively 2-6
Pitt-Cin: Cole 16-11; Castillo 5-7
SD-Mia: Lamet 9-6; Despaigne 0-1
Col-Atl: Freeland 14-9; Newcomb 4-9
SF-Az: Bumgarner 3-9; Walker 11-10
Mil-LA: Davies 16-10; Stripling 0-0

American League
Sea-NY: Gallardo 7-13; Gray 1-3 (8-8)
Minn-Tor: Gee 1-0; Estrada 11-15
Balt-Bos: Gausman 13-14; Rodriguez 10-7
KC-Clev: Hammel 8-17; Clevinger 9-7
Det-Chi: Farmer 2-2; Rodon 4-6
Tex-A’s: Hamels 10-6; Manaea 10-13
Hst-LA: Peacock 11-4; Skaggs 4-5

Interleague
TB-StL: Snell 7-9; Leake 10-15

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
NY-Wsh: Gsellman 8-16; Gonzalez 8-25
Chi-Phil: Hendricks 6-17; Lively 3-8
Pitt-Cin: Cole 9-27; Castillo 2-12
SD-Mia: Lamet 5-15; Despaigne 1-1
Col-Atl: Freeland 6-22; Newcomb 3-13
SF-Az: Bumgarner 2-12; Walker 6-21
Mil-LA: Davies 8-26; Stripling 0-0

American League
Sea-NY: Gallardo 11-20; Gray 3-20
Minn-Tor: Gee 0-1; Estrada 9-26
Balt-Bos: Gausman 9-27; Rodriguez 4-17
KC-Clev: Hammel 4-25; Clevinger 2-16
Det-Chi: Farmer 2-4; Rodon 4-10
Tex-A’s: Hamels 6-16; Manaea 8-23
Hst-LA: Peacock 2-15; Skaggs 5-9

Interleague
TB-StL: Snell 4-16; Leake 8-25 (4 of last 4)

_________________________

Umpires
National League
NY-Wsh: Over is 3-0-1 in last four Welke games.
Chi-Phil: Under is 7-4-1 in last dozen Layne games.
Pitt-Cin: Six of last eight Timmons games stayed under.
SD-Mia: Favorites are 20-3 in Nauert games this year.
Col-Atl: Home team won last six Barber games.
SF-Az: Over is 6-2 in last eight Meals games.
Mil-LA: Four of last five Cederstrom games.

American League
Sea-NY: Over is 7-4 in last 11 Dreckman games.
Minn-Tor: Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Miller games.
Balt-Bos: Last three Wolcott games went over total.
KC-Clev: Four of last five Reyburn games stayed under.
Det-Chi: Home teams won Mahrley’s first two games behind plate.
Tex-A’s: Favorites are 16-2 in last 18 Iassogna games.
Hst-LA: Under is 6-0-2 in last eight Eddings games.

Interleague
TB-StL: Favorites won nine of last 11 Carlson games.

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 76-55 AL, favorites +$103
AL @ NL– 69-62 NL, favorites +$144
Total: 139-123 AL, favorites +$247

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 65-65-3
AL @ NL: Over 70-55-7
Total: Over 135-120-10

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/25/17
Ariz 25-26-16……32-21–11……..57-47
Atl 23-30-9……23-33-7………..46-63
Cubs 29-29-7…….29-21-12………58-50
Reds 21-37-7……..24-34–6……….45-71
Colo 32-27-6…….34-24-4………..66-51
LA 30-19-12…….41-18-7……….71-37
Miami 28-29-8…….33-22-7………61-51
Milw 31-24-9…….31-26-8……….61-50
Mets 29-28-3……..25-36-6……..54-64
Philly 15-38-14……24-28-8……….39-66
Pitt 29-30-4…….26-28-11………56-58
St. Louis 25-28-8……35-22-9…………60-50
SD 20-39-6……..30-25–8……….50-64
SF 13-41-9……..27-28-11……….40-69
Wash 39-20-6……27-26-8………….66-46

Orioles 25-33-5……..28-31-5………53-64
Boston 29-28-8………30-31-2……..59-59
White Sox 21-35-9………23-35–4……..44-69
Cleveland 35-22-7……..30-24-7………65-46
Detroit 23-32-9…….27-29-8……..50-61
Astros 30-23-9……..40-24-4……..70-47
KC 24-29-8……..26-26-12…….50-55
Angels 25-31-8………27-24-13……..52-55
Twins 36-18-10………28-31-7……..64-48
NYY 28-36-6……….30-24-4…..…58-60
A’s 23-32-7……..26-30-11……..49-62
Seattle 26-31-8……..34-22-9………60-53
TB 30-23-10……..36-21-8……..66-44
Texas 30-22-11……..32-24-8………62-46
Toronto 24-36-4……..25-30-8……..49-66

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/25/17)
Ariz 20-65……..21-62………..41
Atl 13-61……….18-64……….31
Cubs 17-65……..23-62………..40
Reds 24-65……..25-63……….49
Colo 17-65……..23-62..………40
LA 18-61……..24-65..……..42
Miami 28-65……..23-62………51
Milw 21-64……25-66…..…..46
Mets 26-60……..22-67……….48
Philly 16-67……..19-61……….35
Pitt 19-63……..21-66……….40
StL 13-62……..21-65………..34
SD 23-65……….20-62……….43
SF 15-64……….20-66……….35
Wash 25-65……..24-61……….49

Orioles 14-64……..20-65……….34
Boston 20-65……..14-63……….34
White Sox 21-65……16-62………..37
Clev 15-64……..20-63………35
Detroit 16-64…….26-64………42
Astros 17-62……..26-67……….43
KC 16-62……..13-66……….29
Angels 23-66…….17-65…………40
Twins 14-62……..14-65……….28
NYY 16-69……..16-58……….32
A’s 15-62……..25-67………40
Seattle 20-65…….22-66………42
TB 18-63……..23-67……….41
Texas 24-64……..27-64………51
Toronto 22-64……..18-66………40

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Saturday, August 26

Trend Report

1:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Seattle is 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle

1:07 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TORONTO
Minnesota is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota

4:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against NY Mets

4:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Boston
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Boston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

4:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Texas's last 14 games when playing Oakland
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games

6:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Detroit

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Diego's last 13 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Diego's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego
Miami is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:10 PM
COLORADO vs. ATLANTA
Colorado is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Colorado is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:15 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Tampa Bay's last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:15 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Kansas City is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing at home against Kansas City

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 11 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Arizona is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against San Francisco

9:07 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Houston is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 15 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Angels's last 15 games when playing Houston
LA Angels are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Houston

9:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, August 26


Tampa Bay @ St. Louis

Game 929-930
August 26, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Snell) 13.120
St. Louis
(Leake) 15.946
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
N/A

Houston @ LA Angels

Game 927-928
August 26, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Peacock) 14.593
LA Angels
(Skaggs) 16.539
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-105); Under

Kansas City @ Cleveland

Game 925-926
August 26, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Hammel) 16.957
Cleveland
(Clevnger) 15.155
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-150
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+130); Over

Detroit @ Chicago White Sox

Game 923-924
August 26, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Farmer) 14.029
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 15.098
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-140); Under

Texas @ Oakland

Game 921-922
August 26, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Hamels) 15.685
Oakland
(Manaea) 14.106
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-115); Over

Baltimore @ Boston

Game 919-920
August 26, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gausman) 17.642
Boston
(Rdriguez) 14.748
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-150
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+130); Under

Minnesota @ Toronto

Game 917-918
August 26, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Gee) 15.988
Toronto
(Estrada) 13.983
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+120); Over

Seattle @ NY Yankees

Game 915-916
August 26, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Gallardo) 14.495
NY Yankees
(Gray) 15.737
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-200
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-200); Over

Milwaukee @ LA Dodgers

Game 913-914
August 26, 2017 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 14.567
LA Dodgers
(Strpling) 15.454
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-175); Under

San Francisco @ Arizona

Game 911-912
August 26, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Bmgrner) 15.500
Arizona
(Walker) 14.499
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+100); Over

San Diego @ Miami

Game 909-910
August 26, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Lamet) 16.582
Miami
(Despaigne) 13.085
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-105); Under

Colorado @ Atlanta

Game 907-908
August 26, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Freeland) 16.343
Atlanta
(Newcomb) 13.136
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 3
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+100); Over

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Game 905-906
August 26, 2017 @ 6:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 15.817
Cincinnati
(Castillo) 12.699
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+110); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
August 26, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 16.854
Philadelphia
(Lively) 13.778
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-200
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-200); Over

NY Mets @ Washington

Game 901-902
August 26, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Gsellman) 14.609
Washington
(Gnzalez) 15.108
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-200
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-200); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY METS (56 - 71) at WASHINGTON (76 - 50) - 4:05 PM
ROBERT GSELLMAN (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 56-71 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 11-25 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 12-35 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY METS are 39-25 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 21-24 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-25 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
GONZALEZ is 21-26 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-4 (+3.8 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

ROBERT GSELLMAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GSELLMAN is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.680.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 13-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.94 and a WHIP of 1.124.
His team's record is 15-7 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-11. (-3.3 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO CUBS (68 - 59) at PHILADELPHIA (47 - 80) - 7:05 PM
KYLE HENDRICKS (R) vs. BEN LIVELY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 68-59 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-19 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 272-322 (-69.8 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-49 (-27.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 816-770 (-161.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 431-430 (+46.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
HENDRICKS is 12-1 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 47-80 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-56 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-61 (-27.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-3 (+0.6 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HENDRICKS is 2-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 0.822.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

BEN LIVELY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (61 - 68) at CINCINNATI (55 - 74) - 6:40 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. LUIS CASTILLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 139-151 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-25 (-11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-17 (-9.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 90-111 (-34.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 38-49 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 103-124 (-33.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 66-84 (-24.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-36 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 27-26 (+8.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 47-48 (+7.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 399-429 (-100.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 401-366 (-83.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 9-2 (+9.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
COLE is 0-6 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.469.
His team's record is 0-9 (-12.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.5 units)

LUIS CASTILLO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (69 - 59) at ATLANTA (57 - 69) - 7:10 PM
KYLE FREELAND (L) vs. SEAN NEWCOMB (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 313-432 (-108.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 667-1026 (-185.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
COLORADO is 440-704 (-145.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
COLORADO is 66-69 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 30-36 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 125-162 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 61-80 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 32-37 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 69-59 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 32-26 (+6.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 41-66 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-2 (+2.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

KYLE FREELAND vs. ATLANTA since 1997
FREELAND is 0-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

SEAN NEWCOMB vs. COLORADO since 1997
NEWCOMB is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN DIEGO (57 - 71) at MIAMI (64 - 63) - 7:10 PM
DINELSON LAMET (R) vs. ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 64-63 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 15-8 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
MIAMI is 53-48 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 22-11 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN DIEGO is 57-71 (+3.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 42-45 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 44-50 (+7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 76-88 (+16.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

DINELSON LAMET vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN FRANCISCO (52 - 78) at ARIZONA (71 - 58) - 8:10 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. TAIJUAN WALKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-78 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-58 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-43 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-14 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-32 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 34-50 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-55 (-25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-45 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 11-35 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUMGARNER is 3-9 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 0-7 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 71-58 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 40-23 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 51-38 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 130-89 (+31.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 236-235 (-58.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 6-5 (+1.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BUMGARNER is 9-8 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 15-12 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-11. (+3.6 units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WALKER is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MILWAUKEE (66 - 63) at LA DODGERS (91 - 36) - 9:10 PM
ZACH DAVIES (R) vs. ROSS STRIPLING (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 91-36 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-11 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA DODGERS are 27-6 (+14.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 this season.
LA DODGERS are 52-14 (+26.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 38-8 (+24.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 65-27 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-25 (+24.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 64-26 (+23.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MILWAUKEE is 66-63 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 43-39 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 52-50 (+6.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 73-78 (+5.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 30-33 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIES is 16-10 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIES is 8-2 (+9.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DAVIES is 17-10 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DAVIES is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

ROSS STRIPLING vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEATTLE (66 - 63) at NY YANKEES (68 - 59) - 1:05 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. SONNY GRAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 74-70 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 55-46 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-15 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GRAY is 16-26 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRAY is 6-15 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GRAY is 10-20 (-12.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-2 (-0.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GALLARDO is 2-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.32 and a WHIP of 1.432.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.7 units)

SONNY GRAY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GRAY is 4-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.152.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (66 - 62) at TORONTO (60 - 68) - 1:05 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 41-66 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-62 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 20-13 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-7 (+9.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 this season.
MINNESOTA is 35-27 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 48-43 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-29 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
GEE is 33-26 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 60-68 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 24-33 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 21-33 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DILLON GEE vs. TORONTO since 1997
GEE is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.342.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
ESTRADA is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.009.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BALTIMORE (63 - 65) at BOSTON (73 - 55) - 4:05 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
GAUSMAN is 13-27 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 36-19 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 151-139 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 27-22 (+7.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 83-68 (+14.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-53 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 367-289 (-45.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 389-342 (-94.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 8-6 (+3.2 Units) against BOSTON this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
GAUSMAN is 2-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.11 and a WHIP of 1.367.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-2. (+4.7 units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.7 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEXAS (64 - 64) at OAKLAND (56 - 72) - 4:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. SEAN MANAEA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 8-21 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 159-134 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 71-48 (+27.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 71-75 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 29-22 (+16.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 50-29 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 31-15 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 70-54 (+18.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 74-64 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 110-98 (+23.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HAMELS is 34-15 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 24-10 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 20-5 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 193-259 (-54.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 103-125 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 48-79 (-22.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 44-78 (-34.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 6-4 (+1.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HAMELS is 2-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.94 and a WHIP of 1.366.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. TEXAS since 1997
MANAEA is 1-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.207.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (55 - 72) at CHI WHITE SOX (51 - 76) - 7:10 PM
BUCK FARMER (R) vs. CARLOS RODON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 55-72 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 31-53 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 23-35 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-23 (+15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
RODON is 8-0 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 7-6 (+2.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
10 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.9 Units)

BUCK FARMER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
FARMER is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.790.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

CARLOS RODON vs. DETROIT since 1997
RODON is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.55 and a WHIP of 1.909.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (64 - 63) at CLEVELAND (71 - 56) - 7:15 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. MIKE CLEVINGER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 64-63 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 48-32 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 70-57 (+16.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-43 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-27 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HAMMEL is 13-5 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 77-68 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 71-56 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 50-51 (-19.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 34-29 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-13 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 47-39 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-55 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 6-7 (+1.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HAMMEL is 3-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.89 and a WHIP of 1.196.
His team's record is 3-5 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.4 units)

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CLEVINGER is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.276.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (78 - 50) at LA ANGELS (65 - 64) - 9:05 PM
BRAD PEACOCK (R) vs. TYLER SKAGGS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 9-14 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
HOUSTON is 249-299 (-75.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 44-45 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 65-64 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 223-172 (+42.4 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 49-47 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-28 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 78-50 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-11 (+11.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 41-21 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 17-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 29-16 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 26-14 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 13-5 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PEACOCK is 18-13 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PEACOCK is 10-4 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-4 (+1.2 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

BRAD PEACOCK vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PEACOCK is 3-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.1 units)

TYLER SKAGGS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SKAGGS is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.49 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA BAY (64 - 66) at ST LOUIS (64 - 64) - 7:15 PM
BLAKE SNELL (L) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.8 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BLAKE SNELL vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE LEAKE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LEAKE is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 26

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INDIANA (9 - 22) at ATLANTA (11 - 20) - 8/26/2017, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (14 - 17) at WASHINGTON (17 - 12) - 8/26/2017, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-3 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA

Saturday, August 26

Trend Report

6:00 PM
INDIANA vs. ATLANTA
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Washington is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA
Dunkel

Saturday, August 26


Dallas @ Washington

Game 621-622
August 26, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
107.495
Washington
111.031
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3 1/2
180
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

Indiana @ Atlanta

Game 619-620
August 26, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
100.472
Atlanta
108.527
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 8
164
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 10
161 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+10); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF
Dunkel

Week 1

Saturday, August 26

Rice @ Stanford

Game 297-298
August 26, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Rice
66.159
Stanford
98.204
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Stanford
by 32
57
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Stanford
by 30
51
Dunkel Pick:
Stanford
(-30); Over

South Florida @ San Jose St

Game 295-296
August 26, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
South Florida
97.953
San Jose St
68.713
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Florida
by 29
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Florida
by 21 1/2
69
Dunkel Pick:
South Florida
(-21 1/2); Under

Hawaii @ Massachusetts

Game 293-294
August 26, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hawaii
73.292
Massachusetts
68.423
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hawaii
by 5
67
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Massachusetts
by 2
61 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Hawaii
(+2); Over

Oregon State @ Colorado State

Game 291-292
August 26, 2017 @ 2:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon State
90.082
Colorado State
89.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oregon State
Even
54
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado State
by 4
59
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon State
(+4); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OREGON ST (4 - 8) at COLORADO ST (7 - 6) - 8/26/2017, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO ST is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAWAII (7 - 7) at MASSACHUSETTS (2 - 10) - 8/26/2017, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HAWAII is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MASSACHUSETTS is 1-0 against the spread versus HAWAII over the last 3 seasons
HAWAII is 1-0 straight up against MASSACHUSETTS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S FLORIDA (11 - 2) at SAN JOSE ST (4 - 8) - 8/26/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S FLORIDA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RICE (3 - 9) vs. STANFORD (10 - 3) - 8/26/2017, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
RICE is 1-0 against the spread versus STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 1-0 straight up against RICE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF

Saturday, August 26

Trend Report

2:30 PM
OREGON STATE vs. COLORADO STATE
Oregon State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oregon State is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado State's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado State's last 5 games at home

3:00 PM
PORTLAND STATE vs. BYU
Portland State is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games
Portland State is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games on the road
BYU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
BYU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

6:00 PM
HAWAII vs. MASSACHUSETTS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hawaii's last 5 games
Hawaii is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games
Massachusetts is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Massachusetts is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games

7:30 PM
SOUTH FLORIDA vs. SAN JOSE STATE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of South Florida's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of South Florida's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Jose State's last 7 games
San Jose State is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

10:00 PM
STANFORD vs. RICE
Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Rice is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rice's last 6 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAF

Saturday, August 26

Colorado State returns 8 starters from team that lost 61-50 to Idaho in bowl game LY; Rams are 13-6-1 vs spread in non-MW games the last four years, 4-4-1 under Bobo. CSU is 13-5 vs spread as a home favorite since 2012, 5-2 under Bobo. Rams have senior QB with 21 starts; their OL has 64 returning starts. Since 2014, Oregon State is 5-11 vs spread on road; Beavers are 9-10 vs spread as an underdog under Anderson. OSU’s OL has 56 returning starts. JC transfer Luton gets first OSU start at QB; the 2nd-string QB transferred. Last two years, Pac-12 teams are 14-8-1 vs spread when facing a Mountain West squad.

Very long road trip for Hawai’i squad that is 0-4 vs spread as a road favorite the last six years. Rainbows (-7.5) beat UMass 46-40 at home LY- total yardage was 479-459. Hawai’i has soph QB who started 10 games LY; their offensive line has 79 returning starts, so it’s a veteran group. UMass has only 29 starts back on OL; their junior QB has nine starts under his belt, Minutemen are 4-6 vs spread as a home underdog under Whipple. Since 2012, UMass is 20-28 vs spread as an underdog.

South Florida has new coach, young OL (40 returning starts) but a senior QB with 26 starts. Since 2013, Bulls are 5-3 vs spread as a road favorite; since ’09, they’re 22-18 vs spread in non-league games. San Jose State has most experienced offensive line (125 returning starts) in country, but also has a new coach, new QB; Spartans are 8-5 vs spread in last 13 games as a home underdog. Last five years, Mountain West teams are 5-4 vs spread when facing an AAC opponent. USF went to bowl last two years, going +19 in turnovers.

Stanford (-35) whacked Rice 41-17 at home LY, running ball for 373 yards; they outgained the Owls, 528-291. Since 2013, Cardinal is 6-9-1 vs spread in non-league games; they play USC in first game back in US, in two weeks. Stanford had 8 starters back on both sides of ball but has new QB- they’re 12-9 vs spread in last 21 games as a favorite. Rice has an experienced OL (92 returning starts) but also has new QB; since ’14, Owls are 7-11-1 vs spread as an underdog- they’re 14-6-2 vs spread in last 22 non-league games. This game is in Australia.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

128 Key Betting Notes For 128 College Football Teams - Part I

Summer is coming to an end and that means the college football season is upon us. To celebrate, we bring you one essential betting tidbit for each of the 128 FBS programs for the upcoming season.

If you need some key betting info – and need it now – we have the hurry-up offense you’re looking for, offering a key betting tidbit for all 128 FBS college football programs.

American Athletic Conference

USF Bulls (2016: 11-2 SU, 7-5-1 ATS)

With expectations, the marketplace will adjust accordingly and thus it’s quite likely we’ll find USF “overvalued” on a game-by-game basis. Furthermore, the architect of the program (Willie Taggart) departed for Oregon. The cupboard is by no means bare for first year head man Charlie Strong, but there is a learning curve with a first year coach. Plus, Strong’s track record as a head coach isn’t all that great. USF should win the AAC, but don’t be surprised if they break their backers along the way.

Temple Owls: (2016: 10-4 SU, 12-2 ATS)

It was this team, not USF, that represented the East Division in last year’s AAC Title Game (they won it). For the first time in program history, the Owls are coming off back to back 10-plus win seasons where they also won a bowl. Last year, they were by far and away the most dominant team in AAC play, outgaining their foes by almost 209 yards per game in conference play.

UCF Golden Knights (2016: 6-7 SU, 8-5 ATS)

I hate to sound like a broken record here, but the prospect of dealing with increased expectations should prove difficult for the top three teams in the AAC East. Also, when a team makes a jump like the Knights did last year, you typically see regression in the win column the following year. They will have to play Temple (road) and USF (home) in the final two games of the regular season, in a six-day span.

UConn Huskies (2016: 3-9 SU, 3-8-1 ATS)

Well, it can’t go much worse than it did last season, right? Randy Edsall, who guided the program to a Fiesta Bowl appearance back in 2010, returns to Storrs after a failed experience at Maryland. They will be a home dog quite a bit as the likes of USF, Memphis, Tulsa and Missouri all come calling to Rentschler Field. The offense was actually quite a bit better than its paltry 14.8 PPG scoring average last year and with Edsall installing a faster pace scheme, the Huskies will score plenty more in 2017.

Cincinnati Bearcats (2016: 4-8 SU, 3-9 ATS)

This team was a massive disappointment in 2016, which led to the ousting of Tommy Tuberville. So that makes it FOUR first year head coaches in this division! Luke Fickell (former DC at Ohio State) may not be walking into the most stocked cupboard, but he’s also coached against far more elite talent than what he’ll see on a weekly basis here in the AAC. The schedule is also somewhat friendly as the top three teams in the West are not on it. I have this team improving far more than most might think.

East Carolina Pirates (2016: 3-9 SU, 3-8-1 ATS)

Incredibly, Scottie Montgomery joins UCF’s Scott Frost as elder statesmen of the AAC East Coaching fraternity. That means all six head coaches are either in their first or second seasons at the current job. So why can’t the Pirates compete? Yes, there was a sizable gap between the top and bottom three a year ago, but I look for that gap to close here in 2017. The ECU offense put up at least 400 total yards in every game but the final one. Last year’s horrid turnover margin of -16 should be improved upon. Before falling apart, ECU actually beat NC State last year (at home).

Houston Cougars (2016: 9-4 SU, 4-8-1 ATS)

Last year’s team was “this year’s USF” in the sense that they were expected to blow through the AAC and possibly play in a New Year’s Six Bowl Game. Neither of those things happened, so with expectations somewhat “down” for 2017, we may be able to take advantage. There are two Power 5 teams on the non-conference schedule (Arizona, Texas Tech), but both are winnable, leaving a late season visit to USF as the only remaining question mark. Greg Ward Jr, a two year starter at QB, may be gone. But Kyle Allen, a transfer from Texas A&M is ready to take over the starting gig,

Navy Midshipmen (2016: 9-5 SU, 9-5 ATS)

In his 10th year on the job, head coach Ken Niumatalolo is by far and away the most experienced coach in the conference. He’s the only one with more than three years logged at his current school. That kind of continuity is huge. The Middies are 10-4 ATS the last four seasons as underdogs and upset Notre Dame, at home, last season. The team is more experienced than last year, although only four starters are back on offense.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS)

This team was a surprise last year and will probably regress. They lose an insane amount of talent, including the all-time leader in passing yardage, two 1,000 yard receivers and RB James Flanders (1629 yards). After watching them go 8-5 against the spread in back to back seasons, you have to figure they’ll give some back this year, but that also depends on how quick the market is to react.

Memphis Tigers (2016: 8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Two years ago, the Tigers started 8-0 and were ranked in the top 15 (beat Ole Miss). But they didn’t finish well and after having to replace both the coach and QB, last year’s group struggled a bit. But still, they finished only a game worse and now figure to be better in the second season under Mike Norvell. They are the most experienced team in the AAC and should have the best offense.

SMU Mustangs (2016: 5-7 SU, 8-4 ATS)

There’s a good chance they start 4-1 straight up and that could take away some value down the stretch. The defense is still pretty bad as allowing 453 yards and 36.3 points per game last year actually marked a three-year LOW! Let’s not forget that with a bowl berth hanging in the balance in the regular season finale last year, they gave up 75 points to Navy – at home!

Tulane Green Wave (2016: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Well, they are the worst team in the conference. They have won just twice on the AAC road in their last 12 tries. Looking at last year’s four wins, one was against a FCS foe (Southern) while another required four overtimes. This team is probably not as close to getting to a bowl as it might think.


Atlantic Coast Conference

Boston College Eagles (2016: 7-6 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

Quarterback is a big time question mark no matter who wins the job. The wide receiver group isn't that great either, so the defense will be in a lot of tight, low-scoring battles if they do their job. There are several tough games to start the schedule, especially in the first game with an interesting matchup at Northern Illinois.

Clemson Tigers (2016: 14-1 SU, 8-7 ATS)

There will be a target on the national champ's backs, so we'll see how they handle being the hunted. The signal caller has yet to be decided and there will be growing pains trying to replace Deshaun Watson. Clemson gets Auburn and Louisville in the first three weeks of the season, so the new QB will not be eased into action. The team also has a tough road game at Virginia Tech at the end September.

Florida State Seminoles (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-4 ATS)

Much like Clemson, Florida State's defense is led by their front line. The Seminoles do have one of the best corners in the conference in Tavarus McFadden. He had eight interceptions last year. Deondre Francois flashed some brilliance as quarterback in 2016 and will be a year older. He's a threat to leave the pocket.

Louisville Cardinals (2016: 9-4 SU, 5-7-1 ATS)

Plain and simple, when you have Lamar Jackson you are going to win a lot of ballgames. The Heisman Trophy winner accounted for over 5,000 yards and 51 touchdowns in 2016. Reggie Bonnafon is a former quarterback that converted nicely to wide receiver. The team's secondary figures to be a strength led by Jaire Alexander.

NC State Wolfpack (2016: 7-6 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Ask almost any NC State fan about how their team performs with expectations. The Pack has consistently fallen short when people expect them to do well. For as good as the front seven will be, the secondary could be a weak point. Only Shawn Boone is back. They have a tough four-game stretch against Louisville, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Clemson.

Syracuse Orange (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Experience is huge with 19 starters back and an offense that is capable of keeping up with almost anyone. When healthy, Eric Dungey is a game changer with the ability to beat you on the ground and through the air. Amba Etta-Tawo had a great 2016 season at wide receiver so Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips could be busy.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2016: 7-6 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Kendall Hinton and John Wolford are alright at quarterback, but their biggest problem is staying healthy. There is not much in the way of depth behind them. The defense has only five starters back so it might take time for them to gel. They've got four games on the road over a six-week stretch which includes a bye week.

Duke Blue Devils (2016: 4-8 SU, 7-5 ATS)

The skill positions on offense are solid, but unspectacular. There are a lot of question marks on defense especially in the secondary. Some of those early home games are against Northwestern, Baylor, Miami and Florida State, so wins will be tough. Duke is still trying to build a consistent fan base when it comes to football.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2016: 9-4 SU, 7-4-1 ATS)

Special teams could be a struggle with a couple of freshmen in the mix at kicker and punter. The front seven is rather young, so getting to the quarterback might be an issue. They play UCF, Miami and Clemson on the road and none of those games will be easy. Conference opponents are becoming more familiar with defending the triple-option each season.

Miami Hurricanes (2016: 9-4 SU, 9-4 ATS)

There are some tricky games out of conference with a trip to Arkansas State before a big matchup in Tallahassee against Florida State. They also host Toledo who will not be an easy out. The quarterback position is undecided since Brad Kaaya left. Malik Rosier and N'Kosi Perry are both highly touted, but are unproven on the field.

North Carolina Tar Heels (2016: 8-5 SU, 8-5 ATS)

QB Mitchell Trubisky's departure was softened a bit by the pickup of Brandon Harris out of LSU. He has good experience and Austin Proehl out wide. Larry Fedora will do good things with this offense, especially if his preferred fast pace tires out the opposing defenses.

Pittsburgh Panthers (2016: 8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS)

The defense took a pair of hits in the offseason when the coaching staff suspended Jordan Whitehead for three games and kicked defensive lineman Rori Blair off the team. They were two of the four returning starters from a group that allowed 35.2 points per game in 2016. Chris Blewitt is gone, so a new kicker has to step up.

Virginia Cavaliers (2016: 2-10 SU, 4-7-1 ATS)

In a conference of talented defenses, the Cavaliers have Andrew Brown, Micah Kiser and Quin Blanding to rely on. It's nice to have a really good player on each level of the stop unit. Kurt Benkert provides some consistency at quarterback and the team hopes to use Olamide Zaccheaus more.

Virginia Tech Hokies (2016: 10-4 SU, 8-6 ATS)

Bud Foster's defense will be strong once again with arguably the best secondary in the ACC. Brandon Facyson and Greg Stroman will be playing on Sundays and Adonis Alexander provides good depth. The linebackers should flow nicely to the ball led by Andrew Motuapuaka. Joey Slye is a good kicker to have in close games.


Big 12 Conference

Oklahoma Sooners (2016: 11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS)

From a value standpoint, Oklahoma is the prohibitive favorite to win their third consecutive Big 12 title. With inexperience across their front seven on defense and a challenging road slate, the Sooners aren’t ‘bargain priced’ in the markets and they’ll need to get stops in order to cover consistently inflated pointspreads.

Oklahoma State Cowboys (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield gets all the hype, but it’s Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph who wins my "Preseason QB of the Year" award in the Big 12. Rudolph had a 28-4 TD-INT ratio as a junior and he enters the season as the No. 2 active leader in career passing yards in the country. Wide receiver James Washington averaged more than 19 yards per catch last year, which was tops in the country.

Texas Longhorns (2016: 5-7 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Tom Herman walks into a "the cupboard is full" situation in Austin, as Charlie Strong left a loaded roster, capable of contending for Big 12 supremacy. Herman’s track record is nothing short of outstanding. Dating back to his tenure as the Ohio State offensive coordinator and including his time as the Houston Cougars head coach, Herman’s teams are 48-8 SU including a ridiculous 11-0 SU mark as underdogs.

Kansas State Wildcats (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Fade 26-year-head coaching veteran Bill Snyder at your own risk. Last year, Kansas State was an underdog or pick ‘em in more than half of their games, yet they finished with a 9-4 record. This year, Snyder has a returning senior starter at quarterback in Zack Ertz; exactly the type of dual threat QB that he’s had in seasons where the Wildcats have contended for a Big 12 title.

TCU Horned Frogs (2016: 6-7 SU, 3-10 ATS)

Gary Patterson’s squad went 23-3 SU in 2014 and 2015 before taking a major step backwards in what was expected to be a rebuilding season last year. New play caller Sonny Cumbie has 10 starters back on offense to work with, including senior signal caller Kenny Hill. Hill was victimized by a whopping 38 dropped passes last year, a number that should decline precipitously in 2017.

West Virginia Mountaineers (2016 10-3 SU, 5-8 ATS)

West Virginia finished tied for second place in the Big 12 last year in large part due to the best defense in the conference, particularly in the secondary. But most of those defenders graduated in the offseason, leaving coordinator Tony Gibson a tall task – replacing his entire starting defensive line and both starting cornerbacks; bad news in an ‘offense first’ conference like this one.

Baylor Bears (2016: 7-6 SU, 4-9 ATS)

Rhule is installing a new ‘blended’ offense, using his power running schemes from Temple as well as the spread option attack that Baylor has been running (and recruiting for) in recent seasons. That doesn’t sound like an ideal gameplan on paper, especially with the holes on defense from a squad that has suffered MAJOR attrition on the roster and with recruiting since former head coach Art Briles was forced out of town.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (2016: 5-7 SU, 8-4 ATS)

Texas Tech is replacing the best QB in school history, Patrick Mahomes, a first round draft choice by the Kansas City Chiefs. Iowa transfer Nic Shimonek doesn’t have that level of upside, and the offensive line protecting him is loaded with question marks. That’s bad news for an ugly looking defense that has allowed more than 40 points per game in each of the last three seasons.

Iowa State Cyclones (2016: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS)

Matt Campbell guided Iowa State to only three victories last season, his first on the job. But Iowa State was competitive in defeat, week after week, hanging tough with the likes of Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Kansas State. Georgia transfer Jacob Park looked impressive down the stretch, primed for continued success as the full time starter in 2017.

Kansas Jayhawks (2016: 2-10 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Kansas hasn’t been the worst team in the Big 12 for the past decade by accident. They are behind the curve at nearly every position; unable to recruit well enough to compete with even the middling teams from this conference. They were outscored by 17 points per game last year; better than the 31 ppg they were outscored by in 2015 but still a long, long way from respectability.


Big Ten Conference

Ohio State Buckeyes (2016: 11-2 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Motivation. Ohio St. made it to the College Football Playoff last season but was embarrassed 31-0 by eventual champion Clemson. Going 11-1 during the regular season meant nothing because of that loss to the Tigers and the Buckeyes will be out to return by going 13-0. They bring back quarterback J.T. Barrett and possess one of the best offensive lines in the country so the offense will thrive under new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Ohio St. is again strong on defense and the schedule is on its side with three of its four toughest games taking place at home.

Penn St. Nittany Lions (2016: 11-3 SU, 10-3-1 ATS)

That trip to Ohio St. could be a season killer as a loss there could make things tougher the next week when they travel to Michigan St. The offense was great last season but they had to play catch up on numerous occasions and not because of the defense but because the Nittany Lions were one of the slowest starting teams on offense in the nation. That put pressure on the defense which this year has to replace key pass rushers so that defense could not be as strong late in games. The Nittany Lions also have other tough road games at Iowa and Northwestern.

Michigan Wolverines (2016: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

While the talent is there, it is very raw. Michigan is returning only five starters this season, which is the fewest in the country. Of this, only one starter is back on the defense which finished No. 1 in the nation in total defense and No. 2 in scoring defense. That is a lot to replace and success will not happen overnight. The Wolverines will be tested right away with an opening game against Florida in Arlington and must take on Penn St. and Wisconsin on the road later in the season. This could be the best team in the country, but not until 2018.

Michigan St. Spartans (2016: 3-9 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Michigan St. is coming off its worst season even under head coach Mark Dantonio and its first losing season since 2009. The three wins were the fewest since 1994 and this coming after a berth in the CFP in 2015 but all of this means we can buy low. Both offense and defense were dreadful last season as the offense had too many turnovers and the defense could not get off the field. The Spartans return only nine starters overall so this can be considered a rebuild by some but this is more of a reload as top programs do not stay down long.

Indiana Hoosiers (2016: 6-7 SU, 6-7 ATS)

While the pieces are in place, the loss of Wilson is big considering he was forced to resign over philosophical differences. The coaching switch should be seamless but how much improvement will there actually be? This team was very solid last season yet still finished 6-7 for a second straight year and now they are being asked to up that this season. Lagow had solid numbers but to go along with his 19 touchdowns, he also threw 17 picks. Opening the season against Ohio St. seems unfair and could put the Hoosiers in a bad place before the season has barely started.

Maryland Terrapins (2016: 6-7 SU, 4-9 ATS)

The rebuilding process is taking shape at Maryland as head coach D.J. Durkin got the Terrapins back into a bowl game in his first season and he brought in a loaded recruiting class for this season. 14 starters are back, seven on each side of the ball, and both units are in good position. The offense has solid playmakers and quarterback Kasim Hill comes in as one of the most highly touted recruits in a very long time. The defense has plenty of experience back even beyond the starters and they should improve upon their No. 77 total defense ranking from last season.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2016: 2-10 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Rutgers is coming off its worst season since 2002 as it won just two games and one of those was against Howard of the FCS. The offense was so bad within the conference as it scored seven points or less in six of nine Big Ten games including getting shutout four times. Johnathan Lewis is a four-star recruit at quarterback which is a position that has been desolate for years. He may not have success right away but paves the way for a bright future. Defensively, 10 of the top 13 tacklers are back which given them hope to slow some teams down and stay competitive.

Wisconsin Badgers (2016: 11-3 SU, 9-4-1 ATS)

Even though the offense returns a bulk of the starters from last season, it was a bad unit as the Badgers were No. 89 in total offense and No. 67 in scoring offense. Wisconsin scored 23 or fewer points seven times and two of those were overtime games. A year later, it will be better but how much better is the question as they relied on their defense too much. Wisconsin must replace another defense coordinator as Justin Wilcox left for the California head coaching job and in comes unproven Jim Leonhard. The defense needs some of the pressure taken off it.

Northwestern Wildcats (2016: 7-6 SU, 8-5 ATS)

The Wildcats defense last season was a bend-don’t-break unit as they finished No. 24 in points allowed and did not give up more than 29 points in any game. And this was with a secondary that was decimated with injuries. Northwestern brings back eight starters so the chance for improvement is there. The offense was far from strong however as it scored 21 points or less six times, all resulting in losses. Eight starters return on this side as well including running back Justin Jackson, a 1,500-yard rusher, and quarterback Clayton Thorson.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-5-2 ATS)

Nebraska has won at least nine games in eight of the last nine years but are projected well below that this season which creates some value. Neither the offense nor the defense all great enough to carry the team but both are adequate enough to keep the Cornhuskers in games. The loss of quarterback Tommy Armstrong is a blow but transfer Tanner Lee showed he is capable to make the offense better. The defense should be more physical with the hiring of former Connecticut head coach Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator and the return of six key starters.

Iowa Hawkeyes (2016: 8-5 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Coming up with a downfield passing attack is easier said than done. The Hawkeyes have struggled with this for years and the offense has not been able to generate much to help the defense. Iowa was on the field for only 27 minutes per game last season on offense and that will be a problem again. The schedule is not easy with crossover games against Ohio St. and Penn St. and the three toughest games from the West Division coming on the road.

Minnesota Golden Gophers (2016: 9-4 SU, 5-5-3 ATS)

Minnesota has won eight or more games in consecutive seasons only twice since 1962 and it will have to do it again to surpass the Vegas win total. The defense was surprisingly good last season but there is a new defensive coordinator as well with Robb Smith so that could cause some issues. That means the offense has to get better and with two unproven quarterbacks battling for the starting spot, that may not happen for a while. The back end of the schedule is brutal with the last five games against teams that went bowling a season ago.

Illinois Fighting Illini (2016: 3-9 SU, 5-7 ATS)

The best news coming into the offseason was the signing of JUCO quarterback Dwayne Lawson which was considered a savior for the inept offense. Unfortunately, he had academic issues and he did not enroll so the Illini are stuck at the quarterback position with little talent. Defensively, the Illini lost their entire front four and that is not good considering the defense allowed over 219 ypg on the ground. It is going to be at least another year until the rebuild starts to take shape and with the lack of talent on both sides, surpassing the win total from last year will be tough.

Purdue Boilermakers (2016: 3-9 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Purdue has not been relevant since the Joe Tiller days as Danny Hope and Darrell Hazell could not turn things around with Hazell winning just nine games in his four years. Enter Jeff Brohm who led Western Kentucky to success and produced the top ranked scoring offense last season. Quarterback David Blough will fit well into this system and the offense will no doubt improve upon its No. 101 ranking in points scored. The Boilermakers were even worse on defense but they will improve there as well but the total rebuild will take some time.


Conference USA

Charlotte 49ers (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

The team is 1-9 against FBS opponents that finished above .500. The running back group is a mess. Larry Ogunjobi and Brandon Banks are gone so the defensive line will probably get pushed around which puts more pressure on the rest of the defense. Charlotte has to go to Kansas State, Western Kentucky, Old Dominion and Southern Miss this season.

Florida Atlantic Owls (2016: 3-9 SU, 2-9-1 ATS)

Lane Kiffin and Kendal Briles give legitimacy to this team especially on the offensive side of the ball. New head coach Kiffin has stepped up recruiting, so there's some talent in Boca Raton. De'Andre Johnson comes over after briefly being at Florida State to play quarterback. He's got Devin Singletary and Buddy Howell at running back and they combined for nearly 1,900 rushing yards in last year.

FIU Panthers (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS)

An intriguing hire with Butch Davis taking over as the new head coach. If Alex McGough can cut down on his turnovers this offense should flourish with Alex Gardner at running back and Thomas Owens out wide. Nine starters are back on defense and Brent Guy is a good coordinator to get them playing well.

Marshall Thundering Herd (2016: 3-9 SU, 4-7-1 ATS)

Outside of Yurachek, it is going to take some time to find WR and RB talent. Both of those groups are relatively young which means they'll be inconsistent. Marshall needs to find a kicker after missing six of their 10 field goal attempts last year. They've got three road games over the first five weeks.

MTSU Blue Raiders (2016: 8-5 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

The offensive line will need to almost be completely rebuilt with just Chandler Brewer back as starter. The defense has eight starters back, but they allowed nearly 36 points per game in 2016. The front four needs to be completely replaced although Walter Brady comes in from Missouri.

Old Dominion Monarchs (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-4-1 ATS)

Confidence is high surrounding this team after they finished last year with six straight wins including a bowl victory over Eastern Michigan. They return 15 starters including running backs Ray Lawry and Jeremy Cox. Head coach Bobby Wilder has pieces to keep the offensive momentum going. Jonathan Duhart and Travis Fulgham will try to replace Zach Pascal who went to the pros.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2016: 11-3 SU, 7-7 ATS)

Nicholas Norris, Taywan Taylor and Forrest Lamp all graduated so they have to be replaced in the lineup. The defense brings back five starters from a group that was 2nd in the nation against the run. Mike Sanford is only 35 years old, so we'll see how he handles being the head coach after being an assistant for so long.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (2016: 9-5 SU, 8-6 ATS)

Skip Holtz has done good things at the school in his fifth season. He was able to bring over Teddy Veal from Tulane and Adrian Hardy who was once an Oklahoma signee to sure up the wide receiver corps. Jarred Craft and Boston Scott form a solid running back duo. Jaylon Ferguson is back at defensive end and he had 14.5 sacks in 2016.

North Texas Mean Green (2016: 5-8 SU, 7-5-1 ATS)

The switch to a spread offense saw some success at times in 2016. Mason Fine got a lot of work as a freshman and was able to throw for almost 1,600 yards in 10 games. Jeffery Wilson is back for his senior season and he's rushed for almost 2,000 yards in his three-year career. The team is also in the second year of their 3-3-5 defensive scheme so there should be more improvement there.

Rice Owls (2016: 3-9 SU, 6-5-1 ATS)

Three different candidates are vying for the quarterback job with two of them being sophomores J.T. Granato and Jackson Tyner. The defense last year allowed 30 points or more nine times and gave up over 500 yards per game on average. They are scrapping the 4-2-5 defensive format for multiple fronts which they hope will confuse opposing offenses. Special teams is weak. The Owls open with three straight games away from home.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2016: 7-6 SU, 4-8-1 ATS)

The offense has the pieces in place to be as strong as they were last year. Virtually everyone who caught or ran the ball in 2016 is back led by Ito Smith at running back and Allenzae Staggers out wide. The defense was 10th against the pass in 2016 and three of the five starters return this year.

UAB Blazers (2016: 0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)

Bill Clark was able to extract six wins from his first UAB team back in 2014. He's the right man to take over a program built almost completely from scratch. Shaq Jones played for the team and was the third leading tackler that year. He decided to stay on campus and will be counted on as a senior.

UTEP Miners (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS)

Aaron Jones was such a big part of the offense and now the running back position is left to Joshua Fields and Walter Dawn. The team was hoping Quadraiz Wadley would take over, but he got hurt in the spring and is out for the season. They are also looking for a kicker after making just five field goals last year.

UTSA Roadrunners (2016: 6-7 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Both sides of the ball experienced fantastic improvement last year which should continue with 13 total starters back this season. Marcus Davenport was second team all-conference in 2016 with 6.5 sacks. He's back along with four others in the front-six of the 4-2-5 defensive alignment. They avoid both Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee on the schedule.

Mid-American Conference

Miami (Ohio) Redhawks (2016: 6-7 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Miami is loaded on the offensive side of the ball, led by surprising QB Gus Ragland. As a sophomore last season Ragland basically saved the Redhawks’ season, taking the controls after an 0-6 start and leading Miami to six consecutive victories and a berth in the St. Petersburg Bowl. Ragland had only one interception in 179 passing attempts, and if he can even come close to duplicating that feat, then Miami will be a big factor in the conference.

Ohio Bobcats (2016: 8-6 SU, 8-6 ATS)

The QB spot is a problem and the receivers have a lot of improving to do. That limits what Ohio will be able to do, and puts great pressure on both the running game and the entire defense. Speaking of the defense, it was very good last year but will be missing a lot of the top performers this time around. There is talent, but bettors might want to take a long look and see how things come together before they put down money down. The lack of playmakers will be a real concern heading into camp.

Bowling Green Falcons (2016: 4-8 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Bowling Green was a little shell-shocked after a 1-8 start in 2016. The offense was going nowhere, the passing game was non-existent and fans couldn’t even give their tickets away. But the Falcons made a mid-course correction, switching to a running game, and the result was three straight wins and a huge boost in confidence for the program heading into this season. RB Josh Cleveland was a hammer down the stretch, averaging more than nine yards a carry in the final three games. And all that should make QB James Morgan more effective this time around.

Akron Zips (2016: 5-7 SU, 4-8 ATS)

One thing you can say about Akron – it can find a way to put the ball in the end zone. Assuming QB Thomas Woodson is sufficiently recovered from shoulder surgery, the Zips should be able to continue to light up the scoreboard. In anticipation of Woodson coming back, Akron has moved reserve QB Tra’Von Chapman to wideout, where the Zips are somewhat depleted. How that turns out is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure – the QB will have time to throw because the O-line features four returning starters.

Kent State Golden Flashes (2016: 3-9 SU, 6-6 ATS)

There’s no getting around the fact that the numbers are not impressive. Kent State has limped to 3-9 seasons in each of the last two years, and in 2015 ranked dead last in the country in offense. But if you are looking for a bright spot and reason to consider wagering on the Flashes, consider that they were competitive in several games last season and in three losses were one possession away from winning. QB Nick Holley moved from slot receiver last season and was a threat throwing (868 yards) and rushing (873). So there’s that.

Buffalo Bulls (2016: 2-10 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Buffalo’s regression to 2-10 after being competitive (5-7) in 2015 was a sobering experience for the entire program, and with the rest of the MAC looking improved, it could spell trouble for gamblers. There is a lot of experience returning on the defensive side of the ball, but these are the same players who gave up the most yards in the conference a year ago. Maybe they’re better this time around; maybe not. Caveat emptor.

Western Michigan Broncos (2016: 13-1 SU, 10-4 ATS)

There are concerns any time a team has to plug in a new quarterback, and Western Michigan has bid adieu to four-year starter Zach Terrell. Tom Flacco has the pedigree (his brother Joe is the man in Baltimore) but still has to win the job. Lester will be looking for a game manager-type QB who can hand off and at minimum keep defenses honest. Word out of Kalamazoo is that the receiving corps wasn’t all that impressive in spring practice, so expect other teams to stack the defense to stop the Bronco running game until Western Michigan proves it can move the ball through the air. The first two games (at USC, at Michigan State) are brutal tests.

Toledo Rockets (2016: 9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Lots of reasons, actually. Toldeo has most of its core back from a team that won nine games last year and looks ready to cause of lot of damage this time around. Most of the offense, including senior QB Logan Woodside, and seven defensive starters return. Woodside threw an eye-popping 45 touchdown passes last season as the Rockets marched up and down the field to the tune of 38 points and 518 yards per game. With so many returning players, expect more of the same.

Northern Illinois Huskies (2016: 5-7 SU, 6-6 ATS)

The old adage “when you have more than one quarterback, you don’t any quarterback” applies here. Due to injuries, five different QBs have started for NIU over the last 26 games, and that can only mean trouble. The Huskies gave up one point for every one they scored last season, which is a huge letdown considering the success of the program over the last decade. It’s tough to be in patch mode before pre-season practices even start, but that’s what’s facing the Huskies as they try to right the program and return it to the elite status it enjoyed just a few seasons ago.

Eastern Michigan Eagles (2016: 7-6 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Head coach Chris Creighton has to be happy with the direction of the program. Last season the Eagles played in a bowl game for the first time in three-decades, and 16 starters are back this time around. Lots to like, especially at the quarterback slot where Brogan Roback returned from a suspension and tossed for 2,694 yards and 18 touchdowns in 10 games. EMU is also stacked in the backfield, which should give coaching staff time to straighten out things in an inexperienced O-line.

Central Michigan Chippewas (2016: 6-7 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Sometimes it all comes down to the quarterback, and CMU is still searching for one to replace four-year starter Cooper Rush as pre-season nears. Add in the fact that the Chippewas will be employing a new spread offense, and there could be some problems – especially in the early going. Finally, problems on special teams cropped up last season and CMU will have to spend practice time fixing those issues.

Ball State Cardinals (2016: 4-8 SU, 7-5 ATS)

They’re just not “there” yet. There is inexperience everywhere, and on a team with just 12 seniors, trouble is around every corner. Besides the offensive problems inherent on a team without a top-flight QB, the defense gave up the most yards in the league last season and created the fewest turnovers. Ball State is a year or two away from being a factor in the conference.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

128 Key Betting Notes For 128 College Football Teams - Part II

FBS Independents

BYU Cougars (2016: 9-4 SU, 9-4 ATS)

As is the case every year for BYU since becoming an Independent, the schedule is not easy. It has tough early three-game stretch against LSU, Utah and Wisconsin although none of those are true road games. The Cougars also face Boise St. to close out the first half. They need playmakers to emerge on offense as they lost their top three receivers as well as their top running back so the tough schedule early on could pose problems. Defensively, they were fortunate to hold teams to just 19.5 points per game because they could not stop anyone through the air, allowing 252.2 yards per game passing.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2016: 4-8 SU, 4-8 ATS)

After winning at least eight games in the first six years under Brian Kelly, the Irish went just 4-8 which was their worst season since 2007. Top programs do not stay down for long so a resurgence in South Bend can be expected. Notre Dame has to replace starting quarterback DeShone Kizer but Brandon Wimbush is smart and athletic and has a slew a talent at wide receiver. He will be protected by a strong and experienced offensive line as well. Defensively, the Irish were okay and now they have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Elko who turned Wake Forest around.

Army Black Knights (2016: 8-5 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Good things are happening at West Point as Army won eight games for the first time since 1996 including a thrilling victory over North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. While Army could not pass the ball, it did not need to as it finished No. 2 in the country in rushing offense at 339.6 ypg. Better numbers may be on the way in 2017 as the Black Knights bring back their top nine rushers including senior quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw. Additionally, four starters are back on the offensive line. They also the No. 4 defense and the schedule this year is easier.

Massachusetts Minutemen (2016: 2-10 SU, 7-5 ATS)

After winning two games last season, the Minutemen need just one additional victory to push the Vegas total and the schedule includes five games they have a shot to win. While they did lose 10 games last season, four of those were by eight points or less including two games against SEC teams and another loss against Florida was by a respectable 17 points. The passing game was strong at the time and while the defense was a disaster in almost every area, 10 starters are back so the experienced stop unit has a chance to improve.

Mountain West Conference

Air Force Falcons (2016 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

The Falcons defense is going to have their work cut out for them after graduating 12 of their top 13 tacklers from last year, a completely decimated stop unit. As recently as 2013, the Air Force stop unit allowed 40 points per game after replacing most of their defense. They went 2-10 SU, 3-9 ATS that year.

Boise State Broncos (2016 10-3 SU, 3-10 ATS)

The Broncos won ten games last year, but covered only three pointspreads, a clear illustration of how the betting markets have overvalued this squad. They just 2-10 ATS at home over the past two seasons, no longer one of the strongest home fields in college football and the Broncos created only nine turnovers all season last year – this D might not have the type of playmakers that we’re used to seeing at Boise.

Colorado State Rams (2016 7-6 SU, 10-3 ATS)

After starting the season 0-2 ATS last year, Mike Bobo’s squad proceeded to cover the spread at a 10-1 clip in their final eleven ballgames, consistently undervalued by the betting markets. With a returning senior QB n Nick Stevens and a defense primed for improvement with eight starters back, the Rams are poised to make a run at the conference title if Boise State has a hiccup or two.

Fresno State Bulldogs (2016 1-11 SU, 7-4-1 ATS)

The Tim DeRuyter era at Fresno did not end well, a squad that has ranked in the bottom half of the conference in recruit ratings in recent seasons. In other words, the reason this program has declined so quickly is because the talent on hand isn’t very good. Expect Tedford to get his recruits on the field rather quickly, which means ample playing time for the youngsters on this rebuilding squad.

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (2016: 7-7 SU, 6-7-1 ATS)

After five straight years of uncertainty at the QB position, the Warriors have a returning starter at QB in Dru Brown this season. While Brown may not be able to match the elite numbers posted by former Warriors QB’s Colt Brennan or Timmy Chang (both of whom went on to the NFL), he is most assuredly primed for a breakout sophomore season, with solid skill position talent surrounding him.

Nevada Wolfpack (2016: 5-7 SU, 4-8 ATS)

The Wolfpack is changing defensive schemes from a 3-3-5 to a 4-3. They’re changing offensive systems too, moving from a run first attack with star back James Butler to a more passer friendly offense – Norvell has been running an ‘Air Raid’ type offense for the better part of the last decade. Nevada’s current pieces don’t seem to fit what the coach wants to implement.

New Mexico Lobos (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS)

When Bob Davie got fired at Notre Dame and went into the broadcast booth for a decade, few pundits expected him to ever get back into coaching, let alone at a second tier program like New Mexico. But Davie has succeeded against the odds, turning a squad that went 3-33 SU in the three years before he arrived into a bowl team in both 2015 and 2016. Returning senior QB Lamar Jordan is quite capable of getting them back to a bowl again this year.

San Diego State Aztecs (2016: 11-3 SU, 7-6-1 ATS)

The Aztecs aren’t built to win games by big margins, a team that tends to play conservatively on offense and relies on their strong stop unit to win games. That’s why, despite back-to-back conference titles, they’ve only gone 13-13 ATS in those two seasons (not counting bowls). And all three units on defense lost their best player to graduation in the offseason; a stop unit that might not be quite as good as it was in 2016.

San Jose State Spartans (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-6-1 ATS)

The Spartans entered fall camp still looking for a starting quarterback. Their skill position talent is as weak as any in the conference and their defense is changing schemes and short on impact players. Non-conference games against USF, Texas and Utah are likely to leave this team battered and bruised before conference play even starts.

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (2016: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

If you’re looking for a deep sleeper in the Mountain West, the Rebels have that potential upside. Head coach Tony Sanchez is now in his third season on the job trying to build this long moribund program. Sanchez has his recruits in place to make a move, with nine returning starters on offense and a redshirt frosh QB in Armani Rodgers who has been turning heads in practice.

Utah State Aggies (2016: 3-9 SU, 3-9 ATS)

None of that offensive skill position talent will excel unless the offensive line can block. Yes, the Aggies brought in four JUCO transfers for the OL, but they return only one starter, a unit with big holes to fill. It’s a similar story on the defensive line, replacing all three starters from last year without a ‘sure thing’ recruit to help fill the void.

Wyoming Cowboys (2016: 8-6 SU, 9-5 ATS)

When Craig Bohl got hired in Laramie prior to the start of the 2014 campaign, I had several good sources tell me to ‘watch out for the Cowboys, they’re going to win for this guy’. And, after two mediocre seasons, that’s exactly what Wyoming did last year, making it all the way to the MWC Championship Game. Their QB, Josh Allen, is solid, and their offensive line is loaded with four quality returning starters.

Pac-12 Conference

Cal Bears (2016: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS)

One can't avoid the fact that this is truly a rebuilding year, so matching last year's five-win total highly unlikely. Cal lost all five of its road games last season (won neutral site game vs. Hawaii) and will take an eight-game road losing streak into its season-opener at North Carolina. If Cal can somehow 'steal' a road win, four or five wins is possible. However, I don't see that happening.

Oregon Ducks (2016: 4-8 SU, 2-9-1 ATS)

The Ducks draw both Washington and Stanford on the road but do have just five road contests against seven home ones in 2017. Still, there could easily be an adjustment period for Taggert (huge step up in class for him). Yes, Oregon's defense returns nine starters but this unit allowed 37.5 PPG in 2015 and then 41.4 PPG last season. The team's 2-9-1 ATS record last year should shout caution! Oregon hosts Southern Utah and Nebraska, then plays at Wyoming and Arizona St, before hosting Cal. Anything less than a 4-1 start will make getting to nine wins too much of a hill to climb. Seven or eight wins seems about right and I don't want to count on a bowl victory to reach eight (push) or nine wins (cha-ching).

Oregon State Beavers (2016: 4-8 SU, 9-3 ATS)

Oregon St draws Washington and Stanford at home, which basically means the Beavers only have four winnable chances at home. That bodes poorly when one considers OSU is 0-11 SU on the road the last two seasons and will take a 13-game road losing streak into its season-opener at Colorado St.

Stanford Cardinal (2016: 10-3 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Jim Harbaugh began the turnaround and David Shaw has continued it in Palo Alto. Shaw's teams have averaged 10.7 wins per season and captured four of six bowl games under his tenure. The team's best offensive player is gone (RB McCaffrey) and so is its best defensive player (DT Thomas) but 16 starters return. The team's OL is strong and defensively, Stanford's LBs and DBs may be the best units in the entire Pac-12.return.

Washington Huskies (2016: 12-2 SU, 7-7 ATS)

Chris Peterson led the Huskies to the Pac-12 championship last season in his third season in Seattle (remember that Year-3 'rule?'). Washington couldn't handle Alabama's defense in the CFP semis but finished 12-2. QB Jake Browning (43/9 ratio) is back as is RB Gaskin (1373 rush yards), so expect more fireworks for an offense that averaged 41.8 PPG. The defense followed a 2015 season when it allowed 18.8 PPG but allowing only 17.7 PPG last season and while a modest six starters return, four of the team's top-four tacklers are back. Washington has just five road games this season (again) but went a perfect 5-0 away from home last season (only Standford on Nov. 10 looms as a possible loss).

Washington State Cougars (2016: 8-5 SU & 6-7 ATS)

The team will finish with five away games in its last seven and while Leach brings an exciting offense to each contest, one just gets the feeling he can't be trusted. Case in point was they way WSU ended last season. On an eight-game losing streak, WSU lost 38-24 at Colorado, then 'laid a huge egg' in the Apple Cup (lost 45-17 at home to Washington) plus ) then the Cougars lost 17-12 against a Minnesota team depleted by suspensions in the Holiday Bowl.

Arizona Wildcats (2016: 3-9 SU, 2-10 ATS)

Arizona will be better in 2017 but a .500 team? The Wildcats will open the season having lost seven straight road games and only UTEP and Cal seem like possible (likely) wins. After losing eight of their last nine games in 2016, a fast start is almost a must. However, after opening at home against Northern Arizona, the Wildcats will likely be underdogs in their next four games until they host Oregon St on Nov. 11

Arizona State Sun Devils (2016: 5-7 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Todd Graham led ASU to four straight bowls from 2012-2015, winning 10 games in both '13 and '15. The Sun Devils opened 5-1 last season but lost their final six games. However, the team's top-two RBs plus QB Wilkins (3rd-leading rusher) are all back (among seven offensive starters). ASU gets seven home games which is good news, as under Graham, they are 25-8 SU in Tempe. In Graham's previous 11 seasons as a head coach, none of his teams have failed to win five games, with nine of the11 winning six or more (five of those teams had double-digit wins).

Colorado Buffs (2016: 10-4 SU, 10-4 ATS)

Two of the team's six home games will be against Washington and USC, contests Colorado is unlikely to win. What's more, UCLA and Arizona St, two teams with losing records last year, figure to be much better in 2017, making visits to the Rose Bowl and Tempe tough venues. MacIntyre did wonders with last year's defense but this year's team returns just t three starters.

UCLA Bruins (2016: 4-8 SU, 4-8 ATS)

UCLA's season was already a disappointing 3-3 with QB Seth Rosen was lost for the season. The Bruins lost the game in which Rosen got hurt, beginning a 1-6 slide. However, Rosen in back healthy, one of nine offensive starters are back. Few don't expect UCLA to rebound, considering that Mora's first five teams at UCLA have averaged 8.6 wins per season.

USC Trojans (2016: 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Sam Darnold got the start in USC's fourth game of the season, a 31-27 loss at Utah. However, the true freshman then led USC to nine straight wins, including a wild comeback win over Penn St. in the Rose Bowl. Clay Helton's team enters 2017 as the Pac-12 favorite and rightly so. Darnold (31-9 ratio) may have just one season left in LA but it is expected to a be a memorable one. USC gets seven home games (went 6-0 SU at home in 2016) and will be favored in all five road games. The Trojans avoid Washington during the regular season and the team's toughest opponents all will visit the Coliseum.

Utah Utes (2016: 9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Only nine returning starters in this highly-competitive conference spells trouble. Road games at USC and Washington are 'killers' plus visits to BYU and Oregon will be no "walk in the park." Besting Stanford and Colorado at home won't be easy and home games against Arizona St. and Washington St. are no gimmes.

Southeastern Conference

Florida Gators (2016: 9-4 SU, 5-7-1 ATS)

Callaway may be suspended for the opener against Michigan due to some offseason issues. While Randy Shannon is a solid defensive coordinator, there are still only three starters back and a lot of inexperience on the stop unit. The offense needs to improve after averaging 24 points per game or less in three of the past four seasons.

Georgia Bulldogs (2016: 8-5 SU, 6-7 ATS)

The wide reciever group other than Terry Godwin and Javon Wims is rather unimpressive. Rodrigo Blankenship struggled from long range as kicker for the Bulldogs and wasn't very good at kickoffs either. They have tough trips to Notre Dame, Auburn and Georgia Tech.

Kentucky Wildcats (2016: 7-6 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Kentucky may have gained a little bit of a winner's mentality after last year's dash to make a bowl. They beat Louisville at their place and return 16 starters overall. Freshman All-American Benny Snell ran for over 1,000 yards in 2016 and should be able to alleviate some pressure on Stephen Johnson under center. Several weapons also are on the team at wide receiver.

Missouri Tigers (2016: 4-8 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Yikes, the defense was pretty bad last year allowing nearly 500 yards per game. Only three starters are back and one of those is in the front seven. There will be some growing pains in the secondary with both Aarion Penton and John Gibson III graduating. Tucker McCann was pretty bad at kicker as a freshman. Finishing out the year with Florida, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Arkansas is tough.

South Carolina Gamecocks (2016: 6-7 SU, 6-6-1 ATS)

Jake Bentley is probably the best quarterback returning in the SEC East. He had just four interceptions in 190 attempts in 2016. Deebo Samuel is worth building around out wide. The offensive line is pretty much intact so there's no excuse for any slow start from the offense. Skai Moore is coming back from an injury after missing last season.

Tennessee Volunteers (2016: 9-4 SU, 6-7 ATS)

Depth is an issue at some key positions. As mentioned above, the wide receivers aren't great behind Jennings. The running backs behind Ty Kelly need some work as well. Defensively, they have to replace Derek Barnett who went to the Eagles. Injuries kept a lot of the first-team defense off the field during spring practice.

Vanderbilt Commodores (2016: 6-7 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Zach Cunningham isn't leaping over offensive lines anymore as he took his talent to the NFL. Shurmur threw nine touchdown passes to 10 interceptions. He obviously needs to pick it up if the offense hopes to use their weapons. Alabama and Georgia both come to Nashville, but the Commodores don't exactly have a strong home field advantage.

Alabama Crimson Tide (2016: 14-1 SU, 10-5 ATS)

An angry Tide team coming off a national championship game loss should be a motivated team this year. Jalen Hurts is showing improvement and he has Tua Tagovailoa right behind him. The ground game will be strong with Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough who punish their opponents. Calvin Ridley had 72 receptions last season and is back this year.

Arkansas Razorbacks (2016: 7-6 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Austin Allen put up some good numbers in this offense and could be one of the better signal callers in the SEC West. Devwah Whaley should be able to find holes with four of five offensive linemen back for the Hogs. Jared Cornelius is both a good wide receiver and punt returner helping with field position.

Auburn Tigers (2016: 8-5 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Gus Malzahn is on the hot seat right now as the team put talent in place for him to win. They lost Carl Lawson, Montravius Adams and Rudy Ford so it may take some time for the defense to gel. Unfortunately, the punting could be an issue with Ian Shannon being a question mark. They play at LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M in a row in mid-October to November.

LSU Tigers (2016: 8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS)

Once again, a strong LSU running back may see a stacked box consistently. Danny Etling doesn't scare anyone and his best receivers from 2016 are gone. The team will have to replace eight starters on defense with Tre'Davious White gone from the secondary. The kicker is a freshman which is a worry in big conference games.

Mississippi Rebels (2016: 5-7 SU, 4-8 ATS)

Shea Patterson is producing a ton of headlines this offseason and giving Rebels fans hope. Many think A.J. Brown, Van Jefferson and D.K. Metcalf will be one of the best trios in the league at wide receiver. Marquis Haynes has 24.5 career sacks and should play well with his NFL Draft status looming. Gary Wunderlich was a semi finalist for the Lou Groza Award.

Mississippi St. Bulldogs (2016: 6-7 SU, 5-8 ATS)

Grantham becomes the fourth defensive coordinator over the last four years. Three starters are gone from the offensive line while the team's skill positions also seem lean. Donald Gray had five touchdowns last year, but now he's going to have to be the number one wide receiver. Playing in the SEC West will be tough for these kids.

Texas A&M Aggies (2016: 8-5 SU, 4-9 ATS)

Kevin Sumlin is on the hot seat and he's dragging out his quarterback decision. Jake Hubenak is holding off Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond in that race. While there aren't a ton of true road games, they are at UCLA, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU which will not be easy. The defense will have to play better if they hope to win any of those games.

Sun Belt Conference

Appalachian St. Mountaineers (2016: 10-3 SU, 7-6 ATS)

This team knows how to win. The Mountaineers have won 27 of their last 32 games since mid-2014 with two of those losses coming against Miami (Fla) and Clemson. They are again favored to win the conference and both offense and defense will be rock solid. Appalachian St. quarterback Taylor Lamb will be in his fourth year as a starter and he has a great running game behind him as well as a strong offensive line in front of him while the defense finished No. 17 in the country last season. The Mountaineers miss both Troy and Arkansas St. from the conference.

Troy Trojans (2016: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS)

The Trojans two toughest games within the conference are both on the road and they must deal with Boise St. and LSU in nonconference action on the highway. Four losses right there and they cannot reach their win total considering the Sun Belt does not have a conference championship game. The defense that finished No. 34 overall has some major holes to fill in the front seven and that is not a good thing when facing a lot of strong rushing teams. The Trojans were picked near the bottom of the conference last season so they will not be sneaking up on anyone this year.

Arkansas St. Red Wolves (2016: 8-5 SU, 7-6 ATS)

Momentum. The Red Wolves opened last season 0-4, including a bad loss at home against Central Arkansas of the FCS, but went on to finish 8-1 with the only loss coming by just five points against UL-L. The numbers were not great on offense as Arkansas St. was No. 74 in scoring offense but they averaged 32 ppg over that nine-game closing stretch after averaging 16.8 ppg in that 0-4 start. The schedule opens with Nebraska and Miami but after that, it is very tame. The Red Wolves miss Appalachian St. and catch Troy at home in the season finale.

Georgia Southern Eagles (2016: 5-7 SU, 3-9 ATS)

2016 was a very disappointing season for the Eagles. After a 3-0 start, they would go on to lose seven of their last nine games which came after a combined 18-7 record over their first two seasons in the FBS. Most of losses were competitive however which means those can get turned around this season. Georgia Southern averaged 381 and 363 ypg in its first two years in the FBS but fell to just 225 ypg last season which is the main reason for the dropoff. They are expected to improve in that area in 2017 which could significantly increase their win total.

UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (2016: 6-7 SU, 8-5 ATS)

Getting into the postseason will be made difficult with the way the Sun Belt schedule has been made as the four easiest games are at home while the four hardest are on the road. The non-conference schedule includes SE Louisiana which is a sure season opening win but it also includes three road games at Tulsa, Texas A&M and Mississippi and those are sure losses. The offense needs to carry some of the load and take the pressure off the defense but that will not be easy after the scoring offense ranked No. 109 and the total offense ranked No. 107 last season.

Idaho Vandals (2016: 9-4 SU, 9-4 ATS)

Idaho matched a school record for victories with nine while making it to its third ever bowl game so there is plenty of momentum heading into the new season. There will also be plenty of motivation as this will be the last season in the FBS for the Vandals which are dropping down a level next year and playing out of the Big Sky Conference. That means this season they could be playing in their last bowl game ever. The offense will be a potent unit led by senior quarterback and four-year starter Matt Linehan. The defense held its own and should do so again.

South Alabama Jaguars (2016: 6-7 SU, 3-10 ATS)

The passing attack was lackluster so breaking in a new group of receivers may take some time. They also must move on without the services of tight end Gerald Everett, a second-round pick in the NFL draft. The health of Davis is a big concern as he was banged up last season and he missed spring ball with a shoulder injury. While the offensive line comes back intact, it was not very good last season as the Jaguars were ranked No. 102 in rushing offense while allowing 31 sacks. Of their six road games, only two of those look to be winnable.

New Mexico St. Aggies (2016: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS)

New Mexico St. has not been relevant for years as it has not had a winning season since 2002 and has not been to a bowl game since 2002. Those streaks look to come to an end this season as the Aggies return 15 starters which is tied for the second most in the conference. The offense was explosive at times last season but was way too inconsistent to even be competitive in most of their games. They were No. 64 in total offense but just No. 97 in scoring offense and it will be up to the redzone offense to get right. The defense has nowhere to go but up.

Georgia St. Panthers (2016: 3-9 SU, 7-5 ATS)

While the Panthers return 14 starters from last season, they returned 16 last year and the results were obviously not good. Experience is a good thing if the experience is talented and there are questions about some of the spots coming back. Namely, the offensive line. Georgia St. has never been a good rushing team as it has averaged over 100 ypg only once in four years at the FBS level but last season was a disaster as it averaged 87.7 ypg, third worst in the country. This area has to improve for the offense as a whole to get better but this could be too much to ask.

ULM Warhawks (2016: 4-8 SU, 6-6 ATS)

The defense was so bad that even serious improvements may not be enough. ULM finished No. 119 in total defense and No. 122 in scoring defense as it regressed from what was a bad defense the year before. The Warhawks allowed over 400 yards on the ground three times and that cannot be fixed in one season. While the offense will be a notch better, the stop unit must go up several notches to produce more victories. The schedule is brutal with hardly any breathing room as they have no back-to-back home games.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (2016: N/A)

It is a big risk backing a team jumping up a level. While the winning attitude is there, the talent Coastal Carolina will have to face will be a challenge even if it is just the Sun Belt Conference. While the defense should be able to hold its own, the offense returns only five starters and they will be breaking in a new quarterback which is not an ideal situation for a team stepping up to the FBS. The Chanticleers have to play the top three teams in the conference including back-to-back road games at Arkansas St. and Appalachian St.

Texas St. Bobcats (2016: 2-10 SU, 5-7 ATS)

Texas St. upset Ohio in the season opener but then it was all downhill from there. The Bobcats did pick up another victory along the way against Incarnate Word of the FCS but of the 10 losses, only one was competitive. That gives Texas St. some value heading into this season as it will be on no one’s radar so it could pull a few surprises. The Bobcats have Mississippi St. transfer Damian Williams to take over at quarterback and he has the playmaking ability to keep defenses honest. The schedule is difficult but there are spots where they can have success.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 9

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 4-0 SU in Week 9
-- Favorites went 4-0 ATS in Week 9
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 8
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 ATS record in Week 8
-- The 'Under' went 2-1-1 in Week 9

Analysis

It was a 'chalky' week in the CFL as all four favorites won straight up and against the spread. All four of the matchups were divisional battles and things got a little interesting in the competitive West as Edmonton suffered its first loss of the season while Calgary inched closer with a road victory.

Even though we saw three teams post 30-plus points on the scoreboard, the 'under' produced a 2-1-1 record in Week 9.

Team Betting Notes

-- For the second straight week, British Columbia looked like a different team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. After getting embarrassed 41-8 at Saskatchewan in Week 8, the Lions were stifled 21-17 at home last Friday. It was the first time this season that BC had dropped back-to-back games. The 'under' has now cashed in three straight and is 6-3 overall.

-- Edmonton's chances of going undefeated this season were haulted on Friday as the club dropped a 33-26 decision at Winnipeg. The Eskimos were listed as short road underdogs and were catching points for just the third time this season. The 'over' connected in the setback and is now 4-1 in their last five games.

-- Hamilton (0-8) remained winless on the season as it suffered a 37-18 home loss to Ottawa on Friday. The Tiger-Cats actually held a 10-6 lead after the first quarter at Tim Horton's Stadium before getting outscored 31-8 over the final 45 minutes. The T-Cats haven't held an opponent under 30 points this season, which has helped the 'over' go 5-2-1. The team will be off in Week 10 and returning on Sept. 4 versus Toronto.

-- The Alouettes and Argonauts completed their home-and-home series on Saturday and Toronto earned the split at home. Montreal earned a 21-9 win at home in Week 8 but it was all Argos on Saturday as they cruised to a 38-6 victory. They led 35-0 at halftime but only a combined nine points were scored in the final 30 minutes, which helped the 'under' sweep the series. With the win, Toronto is back in first place of the East division.

-- The RedBlacks snapped their second three-game skid of the season on Friday with a road win over Hamilton. Bettors should note that Ottawa is now 4-0 ATS on the road this season despite going 1-3 SU.

-- The Blue Bombers extended their winning streak to four games this past Thursday with their 33-26 home win over previously unbeaten Edmonton. The club is 3-1 ATS during this run and is 6-2 overall versus the number, which is the best mark in the CFL. Winnipeg hits the road for back-to-back games over the next two weeks.

-- Saskatchewan was on bye in Week 9 but will be tested next Friday when its visits Edmonton, who is coming off its first defeat of the season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Dunkel

Week 10

Saturday, August 26

Toronto @ Calgary

Game 377-378
August 26, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
110.236
Calgary
124.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 14
62
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
by 10
55
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-10); Over

BC Lions @ Ottawa

Game 375-376
August 26, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
BC Lions
112.024
Ottawa
115.123
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ottawa
by 3
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa
by 1
55
Dunkel Pick:
Ottawa
(-1); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL
Long Sheet

Week 10

Saturday, August 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 4) at OTTAWA (2 - 6 - 1) - 8/26/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 92-66 ATS (+19.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games off a division game since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games in August games since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) off a loss against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 2-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 2-2 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (4 - 5) at CALGARY (6 - 1 - 1) - 8/26/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win over a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in August games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 10

Trend Report

Saturday, August 26

3:30 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. OTTAWA
British Columbia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
British Columbia is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 2-6-1 SU in its last 9 games ,
Ottawa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing British Columbia

9:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CALGARY
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Toronto is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Calgary is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 10 games when playing at home against Toronto

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

Week 10

BC Lions (5-4) @ Ottawa (2-6-1)— Lions beat Ottawa 29-23/40-33 in LY’s meetings; they’re 4-2 overall vs Ottawa— under was 4-1-1 in those games. BC lost three of last four games, scoring 8-17 points in losses the last two weeks. Lions’ last three games stayed under; they’re 3-2 on road, 1-1 as a road underdog. Five of Ottawa’s six losses are by 4 or less points; RedBlacks are 1-3-1 at home; they’re 2-3 vs spread as a favorite this season. Under is 5-1-1 in Ottawa’s last seven games.

Toronto (4-5) @ Calgary (6-1-1)— Stampeders (-6) won 41-24 at Toronto three weeks ago, their 7th win in a row over the Argonauts, who’ve lost last three visits to Calgary, by 7-5-18 points. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games played here. Toronto snapped 3-game skid with win over Montreal last week; Argos are 1-3 on road, 1-3 as a road underdog, with losses by 8-11-12 points, and the lone win 26-25 at Ottawa. Calgary won/covered its last four games; they’re 3-0 at home, 2-1 as a home favorite, winning by 4-17-59 points- this is their first home game in a month.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's NFL Week 3 preseason betting primer and odds

It's Week 3 of the NFL preseason, which is usually the final dress rehearsal for teams before heading into the regular season. Starters usually play about three quarters in this final tune up, which means bettors can finally get a real feel for how games will play out. We break down all nine of Saturday's preseason contests to help you get ready for the real thing in two weeks.

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5, 39)

About the Bills

Things are in disarray in Buffalo these days. Just this week veteran receiver Anquan Boldin quit camp and announced his retirement from the league. Boldin’s absence along with the departure of Sammy Watkins and the injury to newly acquired Jordan Matthews leaves the Bills extremely thin at receiver.

Buffalo first year head coach Sean McDermott is being coy about how much time his starters will see on Saturday. Some will play a couple series; others will play into the third quarter.
We’re going to assume quarterback Tyrod Taylor is one of the starters who’ll play into the third quarter. He’s played poorly in the preseason and the Bills would like to get him comfortable with his new offensive targets.

About the Ravens

Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco is still nursing a sore back and will not play for the Ravens on Saturday. QB Ryan Mallett has been filling in with the starters. He and the rest of the first teamers are expected to play only 20 snaps on Saturday.

New York Jets at New York Giants (-4.5, 37.5)

About the Jets

You get the sense head coach Todd Bowles either wants Christian Hackenberg to win the starting job or he wants Hackenberg to sink in the preseason so he can justify starting veteran Josh McCown once the regular season rolls around.

Bowles won’t say who’s starting at QB for the Jets on Saturday but does it really matter? For those of you who think it does – the best guess is Hackenberg starts, followed by Bryce Petty and finally McCown.

About the Giants

The Giants played their Week 2 preseason game on Monday, so this is a short week for them. Starters are expected to play into the third quarter for the G-Men, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise if head coach Ben McAdoo pulls them early.

All-Pro receiver Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a sprained ankle in game action on Monday and he will not play this weekend. The under is 5-0 in the Giants’ last five preseason games and the team has scored just 18 points in two games this month.

Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5, 43.5)

About the Cardinals

The Cardinals enter their fourth preseason game with intentions of letting Carson Palmer and the rest of the starters play the first half against the Falcons on Saturday.

Drew Stanton has locked up the backup quarterback job despite a strong training camp from former Jags starter Blaine Gabbert. Expect Stanton to get the bulk of the snaps in the second half.

About the Falcons

The Falcons played their starters just one series last week against the Steelers and last year head coach Dan Quinn pulled his first teamers after the first quarter. Fair to say the former Seahawks defensive coordinator is more cautious than most head coaches when it comes to starters’ playing time in the preseason.

Atlanta will be without starting running back Devonta Freeman and wideout Julio Jones is questionable. This will be Atlanta’s first game in their new home the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 40.5)

About the Colts

Indy is still missing starting quarterback Andrew Luck and while he’s been gone the first team offense has only produced one first down and three points in about three preseason quarters’ worth of work.

Head coach Chuck Pagano says his starters will play the first half and probably come out and play a series in the second half. He wouldn’t say if Scott Tolzien would receive all the first team snaps at QB or if Stephen Morris would get some as well.

About the Steelers

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and receiver Antonio Brown will both see their first preseason action on Saturday. Big Ben is expected to play a series maybe two for the Steelers before trading his helmet for ball cap on the sidelines. Running back Le’Veon Bell continues his contract holdout which means he will not, of course, be playing on Saturday.

The Steelers are 2-0 straight up and against the spread in the preseason this year.

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4, 41)

About the Browns

Cleveland made waves earlier this week when the team announced rookie QB DeShone Kizer would start on Saturday against the Bucs. QB Brock Osweiler is not expected to play according to ESPN’s Adam Shefter, leading many to speculate on Osweiler’s future in Cleveland.

Cody Kessel will back up Kizer. Whoever plays best on Saturday will most likely be the Week 1 starter for the Browns.

About the Bucs

The stars of this year’s Hard Knocks series host the Browns on Saturday. The Bucs first teamers are expected to play into the third quarter according to head coach Dirk Koetter.

Wideout Mike Evans is not expected to play after he sat out the two days of practice this week. Desean Jackson is expected to play but probably won’t be on the field as long as many of the other starters.

Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Rams (-2.5, 41.5)

About the Chargers

The Chargers are expected to play Philip Rivers and the rest of the Chargers starters for the entire first half. Rivers’ preseason playing time has been limited to one drive back on Aug. 13 against the Seahawks. LA will use the second half to determine who’ll be Rivers top backup during the season: Kellen Clemens or Cardale Jones.

About the Rams

The Rams are expected to play their starters about as much as they did last week against the Raiders. Jared Goff and the rest of the first team offense played almost the entire first half against Oakland.

Running back Todd Gurley isn’t expected to see quite that much time on the field against the Chargers. Goff was impressive last week completing 16 of his 20 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. The Rams are 2-0 straight up and against the spread so far this preseason.

Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints (-3, 43.5)

About the Texans

Houston’s starters are expected to play about the first half on Saturday. Quarterback Tom Savage is still in the group of first teamers so expect rookie Deshawn Watson to get the bulk of the snaps in the second half.

About the Saints

Drew Brees will be removed from his bubble wrap for a series maybe two against the Texans before he’s put back in the encasement until the start of the regular season. Running backs Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram are both expected to play for the Saints as well.

Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys (-3, 44)

About the Raiders

Oakland played its starters about a quarter and a half last week against the Rams and is expected to play Derek Carr and Company for the entire first half and maybe even a series in the third quarter. LT Donald Penn, who ended his contract holdout, is expected to suit-up and play against the Cowboys.

The Raiders are 0-2 SU and ATS in their two preseason games this season and are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 exhibition games overall.

About the Cowboys

The Cowboys starters looked sharp in limited action against the Colts last week. The first stringers are expected to play the entire first half this week including running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Elliott has yet to play a preseason snap this year and he’s still in the process of appealing the six-game suspension he was handed by the league earlier this month.

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos (-3, 42)

About the Packers

Starting tackle Bryan Bulaga will not play this weekend against the Broncos because of a banged up ankle but quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Jordy Nelson are expected to see some game action against the Broncos.

No word as to how much time Rodgers will be on the field but based on last year, bettors can assume A-Rod will play the first quarter before calling it a day.

About the Broncos

Denver named Trevor Siemian the starting quarterback and he’ll start and play the first half with the rest of the first teamers on Saturday. Defensive end Von Miller is expected to make his first preseason appearance this year as well.

Paxton Lynch should play the bulk of the second half along with the rest of the Denver backups.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Buffalo at Baltimore

ATS Trends
Buffalo

Bills are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games on fieldturf.
Bills are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Bills are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Bills are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. AFC.

Baltimore

Ravens are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Ravens are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. AFC.
Ravens are 8-17-1 ATS in their last 26 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends
Buffalo

Over is 4-0 in Bills last 4 Saturday games.
Under is 8-1 in Bills last 9 games on fieldturf.
Over is 10-2 in Bills last 12 games overall.
Over is 5-1 in Bills last 6 vs. AFC.

Baltimore

Over is 4-1 in Ravens last 5 games overall.
Over is 3-1-1 in Ravens last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 9-4 in Ravens last 13 home games.

Head to Head

Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Baltimore.
Bills are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Baltimore.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants

ATS Trends
N.Y. Jets

Jets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Jets are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.

N.Y. Giants

Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.
Giants are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.

OU Trends
N.Y. Jets

Under is 4-1 in Jets last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 8-3 in Jets last 11 road games.
Under is 5-2 in Jets last 7 games overall.

N.Y. Giants

Under is 4-0 in Giants last 4 home games.
Under is 4-0 in Giants last 4 games on fieldturf.
Over is 4-1 in Giants last 5 Saturday games.
Under is 7-2 in Giants last 9 games overall.

Head to Head

Jets are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Arizona at Atlanta

ATS Trends
Arizona

Cardinals are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games.
Cardinals are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Cardinals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.

Atlanta

Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC.
Falcons are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

OU Trends
Arizona

Over is 7-0 in Cardinals last 7 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 games on grass.
Over is 6-0 in Cardinals last 6 vs. NFC.
Over is 16-5 in Cardinals last 21 road games.

Atlanta

Over is 11-0 in Falcons last 11 home games.
Over is 8-1-1 in Falcons last 10 Saturday games.
Over is 16-4-1 in Falcons last 21 games overall.
Over is 12-3-1 in Falcons last 16 vs. NFC.
Under is 10-4-1 in Falcons last 15 games on grass.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta.
Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Atlanta.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Indianapolis at Pittsburgh

ATS Trends
Indianapolis

Colts are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC.

Pittsburgh

Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.
Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
Steelers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Steelers are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 vs. AFC.

OU Trends
Indianapolis

Over is 17-5 in Colts last 22 games on grass.
Over is 23-9 in Colts last 32 road games.
Under is 5-2 in Colts last 7 games overall.
Under is 5-2 in Colts last 7 vs. AFC.
Under is 7-3 in Colts last 10 Saturday games.

Pittsburgh

Under is 14-5 in Steelers last 19 vs. AFC.
Over is 5-2-1 in Steelers last 8 Saturday games.
Under is 7-3 in Steelers last 10 games on grass.
Under is 16-7 in Steelers last 23 games overall.

Head to Head

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Pittsburgh.
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Cleveland at Tampa Bay

ATS Trends
Cleveland

Browns are 5-20-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
Browns are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Browns are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games.

Tampa Bay

Buccaneers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
Buccaneers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Buccaneers are 21-45-1 ATS in their last 67 home games.
Buccaneers are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games.

OU Trends
Cleveland

Over is 6-1 in Browns last 7 road games.
Under is 5-1 in Browns last 6 games on grass.
Under is 6-2 in Browns last 8 games overall.

Tampa Bay

Under is 4-0-1 in Buccaneers last 5 games on grass.
Under is 5-1-1 in Buccaneers last 7 games overall.

Head to Head

Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
Browns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - L.A. Chargers at L.A. Rams

ATS Trends
L.A. Chargers

Chargers are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games.
Chargers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Saturday games.
Chargers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Chargers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.

L.A. Rams

Rams are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Rams are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.
Rams are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Rams are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.

OU Trends
L.A. Chargers

Under is 7-1 in Chargers last 8 Saturday games.
Under is 4-1-1 in Chargers last 6 games overall.
Under is 3-1-1 in Chargers last 5 games on grass.

L.A. Rams

Over is 6-2 in Rams last 8 Saturday games.
Under is 19-9 in Rams last 28 games overall.

Head to Head

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Houston at New Orleans

ATS Trends
Houston

Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

New Orleans

Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
Saints are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends
Houston
No trends available.
New Orleans

Over is 10-3-1 in Saints last 14 home games.
Over is 5-2 in Saints last 7 Saturday games.
Over is 11-5 in Saints last 16 games on fieldturf.

Head to Head

Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Oakland at Dallas

ATS Trends
Oakland

Raiders are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games.
Raiders are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games on fieldturf.

Dallas

Cowboys are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games on fieldturf.
Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

OU Trends
Oakland

Over is 4-1 in Raiders last 5 games on fieldturf.
Over is 8-3 in Raiders last 11 games overall.

Dallas
No trends available.
Head to Head
No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Green Bay at Denver

ATS Trends
Green Bay

Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.
Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Denver

Broncos are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games.
Broncos are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Broncos are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.

OU Trends
Green Bay

Over is 7-0 in Packers last 7 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Packers last 4 games on grass.
Over is 4-0 in Packers last 4 road games.

Denver

Under is 4-1 in Broncos last 5 games overall.
Under is 4-1 in Broncos last 5 games on grass.
Under is 13-6-1 in Broncos last 20 home games.

Head to Head

Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Oregon State at Colorado State

ATS Trends
Oregon State

Beavers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf.
Beavers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Beavers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. MWC.

Colorado State

Rams are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Rams are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
Rams are 14-4-1 ATS in their last 19 non-conference games.
Rams are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games.

OU Trends
Oregon State

Under is 5-2 in Beavers last 7 non-conference games.

Colorado State

Under is 4-0 in Rams last 4 vs. Pac-12.
Over is 4-0 in Rams last 4 games overall.
Under is 4-1 in Rams last 5 non-conference games.
Over is 4-1 in Rams last 5 home games.
Over is 5-2 in Rams last 7 games on fieldturf.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Hawaii at Massachusetts

ATS Trends
Hawaii

Rainbow Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in August.
Rainbow Warriors are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games on fieldturf.
Rainbow Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Massachusetts

Minutemen are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
Minutemen are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Minutemen are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.

OU Trends
Hawaii

Over is 6-0 in Rainbow Warriors last 6 non-conference games.
Over is 5-1 in Rainbow Warriors last 6 vs. INDEP.
Over is 4-1 in Rainbow Warriors last 5 games overall.
Over is 6-2 in Rainbow Warriors last 8 road games.
Over is 10-4 in Rainbow Warriors last 14 games on fieldturf.

Massachusetts

Over is 5-1 in Minutemen last 6 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Minutemen last 5 non-conference games.
Over is 4-1 in Minutemen last 5 games on fieldturf.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 21 South Florida at San Jose State

ATS Trends
South Florida

Bulls are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 games overall.

San Jose State

Spartans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in August.
Spartans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends
South Florida

Over is 6-1-1 in Bulls last 8 non-conference games.
Over is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 games overall.
Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 road games.

San Jose State

Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 games in August.
Under is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 games overall.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 14 Stanford vs Rice

ATS Trends
Stanford

Cardinal are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games.
Cardinal are 45-22-1 ATS in their last 68 games on grass.

Rice

Owls are 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 non-conference games.
Owls are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 Saturday games.
Owls are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Owls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.

OU Trends
Stanford

Under is 4-1 in Cardinal last 5 games on grass.
Over is 4-1 in Cardinal last 5 neutral site games.
Under is 25-12 in Cardinal last 37 Saturday games.

Rice

Over is 5-0 in Owls last 5 games in August.
Under is 6-1 in Owls last 7 neutral site games.
Over is 5-1 in Owls last 6 Saturday games.
Over is 5-1 in Owls last 6 games overall.
Over is 6-2 in Owls last 8 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 in Owls last 7 games on grass.

[New York Knight]

BetLabs


Current Pick: Stanford -31


This is not your average road trip. Stanford will face Rice in Sydney, Australia in Week 1. The Cardinal are massive favorites but the line has moved in Rice’s favor as the majority of spread tickets are on the Owls. Bet the Pac-12 team that won 10 games last year at the better line.



Current Pick: San Jose State vs. South Florida, OVER 67

USF averaged over 500 yards and 40 points last year. The Bulls return dual threat quarterback Quinton Flowers and should put up gaudy numbers once again. San Jose State’s defense was generous in 2016 allowing almost 35 points per game. The total is set at 67, bet the OVER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian Bitler

Brian's 9* MLB RL Winner

Seattle vs. NY Yankees, 08/26/2017 13:05 EDT

Point Spread: -1½/+108 NY Yankees

Sportsbook:
PinnacleSports

Important game for the Yankees as they have lost 2 straight games and one of the pitchers I always try and fade is on the mound for the Mariners in Yovani Gallardo he is 5-9 with a high 5.75 ERA. Sonny Gray has been solid all year and this is one of the best pickups at the deadline Gray is 7-8 with a low 3.38 ERA. Gray is 4-2 with a 2.86 ERA in 10 starts versus the Mariners. We will invest a 9 unit investment on the Yankees -1.5 as I think this game will be a blowout from the start. (I have two monster investments today don't be left out)

[New York Knight]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: MLB San Francisco w/Bumgarner +110 Over Arizona

[New York Knight]

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Saturday, August 26, 2017


08/26 04:10 PM MLB (907) COLORADO ROCKIES VS (908) ATLANTA BRAVES. Take: UNDER.


Your free play for Saturday, August 26, 2017 comes in baseball as Texas and the LA Angels clash in Anaheim. This is a good park to pitch in and Colorado is a long way from home on a 5-1 run under. The Under is also 15-5-1 when the Rockies are on the road against a left-handed starter, plus 17-4-2 under when Freeland starts. Atlanta has a weak offense, 24-10-3 under the total at home. And the Under is 19-7-2 in the Braves last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Play Colorado/Atlanta Under the total.

[New York Knight]

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR SATURDAY:


Take ARIZONA/ATLANTA OVER the total of 43½

[New York Knight]

Totals4U

Saturday's Free Selection: Cleveland Browns/Tampa Bay Buccaneers under 41

[New York Knight]

Jeff Allen Sports

Saturday's Free Selection is on the Rangers/A's Under

[New York Knight]

Roz's Saturday, August 26, 2017, Free Pick


8/26 06:10 PM MLB (913) MILWAUKEE BREWERS (Z DAVIES - R) VS (914) LOS ANGELES DODGERS (R STRIPLING - R).

Play Milwaukee.

[New York Knight]

Atlantic Sports

Saturday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Houston Astros - 115

[New York Knight]

#1 Sports

Saturday's Free Selection: Baltimore Ravens - 3 1/2

[New York Knight]

Platinum Plays

Free Pick: MLB the Pittsburgh Pirates w/Cole +120 over Cincinnati

[New York Knight]

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Saturday, August 26, 2017


8/26 04:10 PM MLB (907) COLORADO ROCKIES (K FREELAND - L) VS (908) ATLANTA BRAVES (S NEWCOMB).

Play UNDER the total.

[New York Knight]

Easy Money Sports


Lee's Free Saturday Selection

Houston +3½

[New York Knight]

Nevada Sharpshooter


Your free winner for Saturday: Take GREEN BAY +3 over Denver

[New York Knight]

Golden Dragon Sports


Free Pick

Pittsburgh Cole +118

[New York Knight]

Hawkeye Sports

Saturday's Free Pick: Washington Nationals - 205

[New York Knight]

Huddle Up Sports

Free Play:

S Florida -22

[New York Knight]

The Vegas Steam Line


Your free winner for Saturday:Take OAKLAND/DALLAS OVER the total of 43½

[New York Knight]

High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Saturday: Chicago White Sox - 135

[New York Knight]

Kenny Towers


Over 8.5 Pit/Cin

[New York Knight]

John Anthony Sports

Saturday's Free Selection: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 4 1/2

[New York Knight]

Scott Rickenbach (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/471/scott rickenbach/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 2:30 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Oregon State vs Colorado State

Play on: Oregon State +4 -110 at 5Dimes



Game Analysis



Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach Free NCAAF Pick Saturday: Oregon State Beavers (+) @ Colorado State Rams @ 2:30 ET - Even though the Rams are opening up their new stadium and that will give them some extra motivation, the fact is that this is a tough spot for them as they have their rivalry game with Colorado on deck. As for the Beavers, they only have an FCS team (Portland State) on deck and that is set for Saturday while Colorado State is facing the Buffaloes Friday. Oregon State comes from the tougher conference and that is certainly noteworthy here as the Rams are on a long-term 4-12 SU (5-10-1 ATS) run against Pac-12 opponents. The Beavers are on a long-term 10-7 ATS (13-4 SU) run against Mountain West opponents. While Colorado State's strength is on the offensive side of the ball, Oregon State has the better defense. The Beavers do run the ball well and the Rams struggled to stop the run last season. I like having the better defense with a road dog that can also establish the running game. That said, I'll grab the line value with the points being offered in this one and, in doing so, I'll be grabbing the team from the much stronger conference as well. Free Pick on OREGON STATE Saturday afternoon. Best of luck, Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

[New York Knight]

Jack Jones (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/264/jack jones/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 2:30 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Oregon State vs Colorado State

Play on: Oregon State +4 -110 at 5Dimes


The Oregon State Beavers enter Year 3 under head coach Gary Andersen in 2017. This is the year where he has the players he recruited getting most of the playing time, and it's the year that they have a good chance of getting to a bowl game.

After going 2-10 in 2015 with only 9 returning starters, the Beavers went 4-8 last year with 13 starters back. But they were better than their record and a money-making machine as they went 9-3 ATS. They were way more competitive against the big bows as they were really only blown out twice.

Now the Beavers have 15 starters back in 2017 and this will be Andersen's best team yet. He has a stud JUCO transfer at quarterback in Jake Luton. The running game averaged 5.2 yards per carry last year and brings back their top two rushers in Ryan Nall and Artavis Pierce.

They made a big improvement defensively last year and should take a big jump again with eight starters back. Six of seven starters are back among the front seven, which will be the strength of their defense. I really believe this team is flying under the radar right now.

The betting public loves Colorado State because of the way they finished last year offensively. They scored 37 or more points in six straight games to close out the year. But they also lost 50-61 to lowly Idaho in their bowl game. And their defense is going to be a problem again.

While they may have the better offense in this game, the Rams' defense isn't going to be able to stop Oregon State. The Rams gave up 214 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry last year, which plays right into the Beavers' offensive strength with their rushing attack. Keep in mind that Colorado State lost 7-44 to Colorado last year, a fellow Pac-12 conference opponent of Oregon State.

Andersen is 20-8 ATS as a road underdog in all games he has coached. Andersen is 24-11 ATS in non-conference games in his career as well. The Beavers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall. Bet Oregon State Saturday.

[New York Knight]

Dennis Macklin (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/343/dennis macklin/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 8:10 PM in 8h
MLB | SFO vs ARI

Play on: UNDER 9 +105



Game Analysis



DMack's Free Play for Saturday, August 26, 2017 is on the Giants/DBacks Under


While their performance hasn't necessarily translated to wins, both these starters have been pretty good all year. Mad Bum (3-5, 2.87, 7-4 Under 11 starts) has been good all year when he's not riding quads. Walker rocks a decent 3.66 ERA in his 21 starts and comes off 5 2/3 shutout innings in his last start. Giants ... four straight unders. Snakes are 3-1 Under in L4 and hitting just .207 in their L7 games. Play the Under.

[New York Knight]

John Martin (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/280/john martin/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 7:00 PM in 7h
NFLX | Cardinals vs Falcons

Play on: Cardinals +3½ -110 at 5Dimes

[New York Knight]

Dave Price (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/275/dave price/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 8:10 PM in 8h
MLB | Giants vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Diamondbacks -120 at 5Dimes


Game Analysis



Dave's Saturday Free Play:

1* on Arizona Diamondbacks -120

The Key: We are getting the Arizona Diamondbacks at a great price at home here against the San Francisco Giants. The Diamondbacks obviously have a lot more to play for right now than the Giants do. And Taijuan Walker has been solid in his first season in Arizona, going 6-7 with a 3.66 ERA across 21 starts. He is 2-1 with a 3.75 ERA in 4 lifetime starts vs. San Francisco, 3 of which have come this season. Madison Bumgarner is still a great starter in this league, but he has actually lost his 2 starts against Arizona this year. The Giants are 3-9 in his 12 starts this year. Bumgarner is 0-7 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. The Diamondbacks are 20-7 in their last 27 home games vs. a left-handed starter. Take Arizona.

[New York Knight]

Jimmy Boyd (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/269/jimmy boyd/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 2:30 PM in 3h
NCAA-F | Oregon State vs Colorado State

Play on: Oregon State +4 -110 at 5Dimes


After a closer inspection of this game, I like the value with the Beavers catching over a field goal against the Rams. Despite finishing just 4-8 last year, Oregon State made big improvements in year two under head coach Gary Anderson. They were a lot more competitive than people think and closed out the season with back-to-back double-digit wins over Arizona and Oregon.

I know the Beavers haven't won a road game under Anderson (0-11), but this is by far their best chance, as they played at Michigan in 2015 and at Minnesota last year in their only two road games outside of the conference. Colorado State has high expectations this season, but are simply getting way to much respect here against a Power 5 program.

Last year the Beavers averaged 26.2 ppg, which was a massive improvement from the 19.0 ppg they put up in 2015. This year they got 7 starters back on offense, plus are adding in talented Juco transfer Jake Luton to take over at quarterback. That could take this offense to the next level, as they got two dynamic runners in Ryan Nall (6.5 yards/carry) and Artavis Pierce (5.3 yards/carry).

That ground attack figures to pose problems for the Rams, who allowed 214 yards/game and 4.8 yards/carry against the run last year. While Colorado State has 8 starters back on defense, they lost the heart and soul of their defense in linebacker Kevin Davis, who led the team with 110 tackles. All the talk is about the Rams and their offense, but I look for the Beavers to have the easier time moving the ball in this one. Take Oregon State!

[New York Knight]

Chip Chirimbes (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/421/chip chirimbes/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 6:40 PM in 7h
MLB | Pirates vs Reds

Play on: Reds -113 at 5Dimes

Reds over Pirates- Pittsburgh was expected to contend for a NL playoff spot but have disappointed their followers and are now 7-games under the breakwater mark having lost 10 of their last 13 games. Cincinnati will start Luis Castillo (2-6, 3.45 ERA) who has had three quality starts in his last four outings and is facing Pittsburgh for the first time. Gerrit Cole (10-8, 4.16) is 0-6 lifetime against Cincinnati with a 5.14 ERA in Nine starts. Take the REDS!

[New York Knight]

Tony Karpinski (https://www.capperspicks.com/respsportscapping.php?capper/capper/355/tony karpinski/AF23_15)Game Details
Aug 26 '17, 7:30 PM in 8h
NFLX | Browns vs Bucs

Play on: Bucs -5 -115 at Bovada



Game Analysis



Tampa Bay had a major eye opener - after putting up just 12 pts vs Jacksonville as they finished with the lazy win. The nonstop motor of the D of Tampa Bay will cause far too many problems for any offensive line as their LBs have shown. Winston and Mike Evans are an awful lot to handle for any team, let alone the guys of Cleveland. Doug Martin will be on attack mode - to try and shore up the RB position for Head Coach Dirk Koetter. The 23 year old QB has not been the most dominant QB in the NFL - but Jameis Winston can be the next best thing the Bucs could've hoped for. The biggest problem for Cleveland is they need to get better production from their offense - and Cleveland also desperately needs some sort of depth on defense as well. Cleveland is heading in the right direction, but matched up vs a budding team like the Bucs isn't the way to reset the wheels. Browns are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 road games Tampa Bay wins by 14

[New York Knight]

Brandon Lee
Aug 26 '17, 1:05 PM in 1h
MLB | Mariners vs Yankees


Play on: Yankees -1½ +105 at 5Dimes



10* FREE MLB PICK (Yankees -1.5, +105)


New York is worth a look here on the run line in Saturday's showdown against the Mariners. Yankees will send out Sonny Gray, who is due for some good fortunate after going a 1-3 in 4 starts, despite a strong 3.13 ERA since coming over from the A's. Gray has enjoyed pitching against Seattle, who he owns a 2.86 ERA and 1.152 WHIP in 10 starts against. Mariners will send out Yovani Gallardo, who has a 8.59 ERA and 1.774 WHIP in his last 3 starts and a 6.32 ERA in 7 career starts against New York. Gallardo has also struggled with keeping the ball in the park, giving up 2 homers in each of his last 3 starts and 21 in 20 starts overall this season. Give me the Yankees -1.5 (+105)!

[New York Knight]

Matt Josephs
Aug 26 '17, 1:05 PM in 1h
MLB | MIN vs TOR


Play on: OVER 9 -110



I fell short on my over in this one yesterday but I'll go back to the well on Saturday. Dillon Gee makes his second straight start for the Twins. He's allowed five runs and 10 hits over his two outings as starter so far with the other coming earlier this season. He'll face a Toronto team whose lineup is pretty much intact this afternoon with a few little changes. They got 10 hits yesterday but only one run. Marco Estrada is 5-8 with a 5.07 ERA in 26 starts for the Jays with 14 of them going over the total. Estrada has allowed nine runs and 15 hits over his last two starts. The righty has a 4.04 ERA in six career starts against Minnesota. The Twins are averaging six runs per game over their last seven and are in decent form as a unit. Both bullpens are highly mediocre. I suspect this one goes over the total.

[New York Knight]

Hunter Price
Aug 26 '17, 1:05 PM in 1h
MLB | Mariners vs Yankees


Play on: Yankees -187 at GTBets

[New York Knight]

NSA(The Legend) (http://www.nsawins.com/)
MLB - Red Sox over 9.5

[New York Knight]

Ray "The Playmaker" Bowden (http://www.vegasoddstoday.com/)

MLB - Twins over 9

[New York Knight]

VegasSI.com (http://www.vegassi.com/)
NFL - Falcons -3.5

[New York Knight]

SportsAction365.com (http://www.sportsaction365.com/)
NFL - Rams -2.5

[New York Knight]

Gameday Network (http://www.gamedaynetwork.com/)
MLB - Rays +115

[New York Knight]

Vegas Line Crushers (https://www.vegaslinecrushers.com/)
MLB - Cubs -1.5

[New York Knight]

InsiderSportsAction.com (http://www.insidersportsaction.com/)
MLB - Giants +110

[New York Knight]

Lou Panelli (http://www.nsawins.com/lou-big-play-panelli.shtml)
NFL - Texans +4

[New York Knight]

Gerry "Big Cat" Andino (http://www.nsawins.com/gerry-big-cat-andino.shtml)
MLB - Blue Jays over 9

[New York Knight]

VegasSI.com Platinum Info Club (http://www.vegassi.com/)
MLB - Rockies +110

[New York Knight]

William E. Stockton (http://www.nsawins.com/william-e-stockton.shtml)
MLB - Indians over 9

[New York Knight]

Vincent Pioli (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/vincentpioli.shtml)
MLB - Astros -110

[New York Knight]

Steve "Scoop" Kendall (http://www.nsawins.com/steve-scoop-kendall.shtml)
MLB - Dodgers -175

[New York Knight]

SCORE (http://www.pointspreadreport.com/)
MLB - Red Sox over 9.5

[New York Knight]

East Coast Line Movers (http://www.pointspreadreport.com/)
MLB - Indians -155

[New York Knight]

Tony Campone (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/tonycampone.shtml)
NFL - Rams -2.5

[New York Knight]

Chicago Sports Group (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/chicagosportsgroup.shtml)
MLB - Cubs -1.5

[New York Knight]

Hollywood Sportsline (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/hollywoodsportsline.shtml)
NFL - Ravens -4

[New York Knight]

VIP Action (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/vipactionsports.shtml)
MLB - Padres -110

[New York Knight]

South Beach Sports (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/southbeachsports.shtml)
MLB - Nationals over 8

[New York Knight]

Las Vegas Sports Commission (http://www.pointspreadreport.com/)
MLB - Dodgers -175

[New York Knight]

Sports Cash System (http://7d2d7a50a3-r5z1gubkiqvpoeb.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=FREE-PICKS)
MLB - Red Sox -140

[New York Knight]

BettingOnlineUSA.com (http://www.bettingonlineusa.com/)
NFL - Falcons -3.5

[New York Knight]

Sports Betting Professor (http://0a287gz67dqeavffr6svugdctl.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=FREE-PICKS)

MLB - Dodgers -175

[New York Knight]

NY Players Club (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/newyorkplayersclub.shtml)
NFL - Cowboys -3

[New York Knight]

Las Vegas Private CEO Club (https://www.vegaslinecrushers.com/)
MLB - Indians -155

[New York Knight]

Michigan Sports (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/michigansportsnetwork.shtml)
MLB - Astros -110

[New York Knight]

National Consensus Report (http://www.pointspreadreport.com/)
MLB - Twins +130

[New York Knight]

Fred Callahan (http://www.vegassi.com/handicappers/fredcallahan.shtml)
NFL - Cowboys -3

[New York Knight]

PointSpreadReport.com (http://www.pointspreadreport.com/)
NFL - Steelers -6

[New York Knight]

GAME: Seattle Mariners (65-63) at New York Yankees (68-58)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Mariners at Yankees
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

Between ugly brawls, bad losses and suspensions, it's been a rough couple of days for the New York Yankees, who will try to bounce back when they continue a three-game series with the visiting Seattle Mariners on Saturday. After Thursday's brawl-marred loss in Detroit led to the suspensions of catchers Gary Sanchez and Austin Romine, the Yankees saw struggling lefty Aroldis Chapman give up the tiebreaking home run in the 11th inning in a 2-1 loss Friday.

Yonder Alonso was the one who got to Chapman with a drive to center, keeping the Mariners - who have won seven of nine - within a half-game of the second wild-card in the American League. New York still leads the wild card but missed out on a chance to gain ground in the AL East, as it remained 4 1/2 games behind first-place Boston. Chapman, who was removed from the closer's role earlier this month, has surrendered homers in three of his last six appearances and has an ERA of 10.29 over a span of seven games. Mike Zunino also homered Friday for the Mariners, who hope to have star second baseman Robinson Cano (hamstring) back in the lineup after he was reduced to pinch-hitting duties in the series opener.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Yovani Gallardo (5-9, 5.75 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Sonny Gray (7-8, 3.38)

Gallardo is winless in four straight starts and has suffered the loss in his last two outings, although he spun a quality start at Tampa Bay on Sunday. He limited the Rays to three runs in 6 1/3 innings and struck out six, matching his best total since June 7. The 31-year-old has a 6.32 ERA in seven career starts against the Yankees and has been hit hard by several of their regulars, including Todd Frazier (14-for-39), Chase Headley (10-for-29) and Starlin Castro (16-for-45).

Gray failed to strike out a batter for the first time in his career over five innings of a loss at Fenway Park on Sunday. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in 10 consecutive starts but has gone eight in a row without completing seven frames. The Vanderbilt product saw plenty of the Mariners from his time in Oakland and is 4-2 with a 2.86 ERA in 10 career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Sanchez (four games) and Romine (two) are appealing their suspensions.

2. Seattle needs to win one of the final two games in New York to improve to 8-0-1 in its last nine road series.

3. Castro (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Friday and 1B Greg Bird (ankle) is expected to be activated Saturday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Mariners 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: Minnesota Twins (65-62) at Toronto Blue Jays (60-67)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Twins at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Minnesota Twins failed to gain any separation in the wild-card chase after playing five games against the American League's worst team earlier this week, but they got their weekend started off on the right foot against another cellar-dweller. The Twins continue their eight-game road trip Saturday when they visit the Blue Jays for the second of three contests in Toronto.

Minnesota began its trek this week by losing three of five to the Chicago White Sox, but Byron Buxton's bat (3-for-5, two RBIs) and glove (a diving catch on the warning track in the eighth inning with two runners on) played key roles in Friday's 6-1 series-opening victory. In addition to stopping a seven-game losing streak in Toronto that dated back to June 11, 2014, the Twins maintained their one-half game lead in the AL wild-card chase with the victory. The Blue Jays (60-68) continued their freefall with their sixth loss in their last seven outings but still remain only six games back of Minnesota despite falling eight games under .500. Toronto left 11 runners on base Friday and has scored only one run over its last two contests after clubbing six homers in Wednesday's 7-6 win over Tampa Bay.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), TVA Sports (Toronto), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Dillon Gee (1-0, 2.84 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (5-8, 5.07)

Gee solidified a spot in the rotation in his fifth appearance and first start since signing with Minnesota in June, holding the White Sox to one run on two hits over six innings to get the win Monday. The 31-year-old Texan is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA since making his Twins debut on Aug. 3, allowing only 13 hits and two walks in 18 2/3 frames. Jose Bautista is 3-for-7 with a home run versus Gee, who is 1-0 with a 4.26 ERA in two career starts against the Blue Jays.

Estrada turned in his fourth quality start in the last five outings in Sunday's no-decision in Chicago, permitting three runs on five hits over six innings to the Cubs. The Long Beach State product issued only one free pass in the outing, halting an 11-start stretch in which he walked at least four batters seven times and averaged 3.6. Estrada fanned nine over eight strong innings in a no-decision in his only turn versus the Twins last season and is 1-2 with a 4.23 ERA in eight appearances (six starts) against Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Twins' 14 wins since Aug. 6 are the most in the majors over that span.

2. Toronto 1B Justin Smoak accounted for the club's only run Friday with his 35th homer, breaking a tie with Jose Cruz Jr. for the most by a switch hitter in a single season in team history.

3. Friday marked only the second time Minnesota has defeated the Blue Jays in their last 12 meetings.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Blue Jays 2

[New York Knight]

GAME: Texas Rangers (64-63) at Oakland Athletics (55-72)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Rangers at Athletics
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Texas Rangers came up short in their attempt for a third straight win but look to bounce back when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Saturday afternoon for the middle contest of their three-game set. Texas began its 10-game road trip by taking three of four from the Los Angeles Angels but dropped a 3-1 decision to Oakland in the series opener.

Elvis Andrus and Delino DeShields each recorded two hits for the Rangers, who are two games back in the wild race for the American League's second wild-card spot. Adrian Beltre drove in the lone run for Texas on Friday and is 6-for-19 with seven RBIs over the first five games of the road trip. Oakland managed only four hits in the series opener, with two being home runs off the bat of Khris Davis. The 29-year-old Californian has hit 36 homers this year - six shy of the career high he set last season - and has gone deep three times in his last three games.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), NBCSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (9-1, 3.42 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (8-8, 4.58)

Hamels looks to complete August with a perfect record after going 4-0 with one complete game and a 1.86 ERA in four starts this month. The 33-year-old Californian extended his overall unbeaten streak to six outings on Monday, when he allowed two runs and three hits over seven innings in a road outing against the Los Angeles Angels. Hamels owns a 2-1 record and 2.94 ERA in five career starts against Oakland.

Manaea's winless streak reached six starts on Aug. 18, when he gave up three runs and six hits over six innings in a loss at Houston. The 25-year-old native of Indiana has not won since defeating Cleveland on July 16 and has not been victorious on the road since limiting the Astros to one run in 5 2/3 frames despite yielding nine hits and three walks on June 27. Manaea fell to 1-2 in five career starts against the Rangers when he struck out 10 but surrendered six runs in 5 1/3 innings at Texas on April 9.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Carlos Gomez (shoulder) could be activated from the disabled list on Saturday.

2. Oakland placed Paul Blackburn (hand/wrist) on the disabled list while recalling fellow RHP Michael Brady and 1B Mark Canha from Triple-A Nashville.

3. Texas recalled Nick Martinez from Triple-A Round Rock and sent LHP Jake Diekman (colon) to the Express for a rehab assignment while optioning RHP Nick Gardewine to Double-A Frisco.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Athletics 3

[New York Knight]

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (62-65) at Boston Red Sox (73-54)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Orioles at Red Sox
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Baltimore Orioles need to make a statement this weekend if they hope to remain in the wild card race, and they certainly gave a strong indication on Friday that they intend to do just that. The Orioles will try to follow up one drubbing with another when they visit the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox in the second of a three-game series on Saturday.

Baltimore wasted little time attacking reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello on Friday, battering him for 11 runs - four earned - and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings en route to a 16-3 win. The Orioles are winners of three of their last four games and remain three games behind the Minnesota Twins in a crowded race for the second AL wild card. The Red Sox tied a major league season high with five errors in the sloppy loss but lucked out with the New York Yankees losing as well and managed to hang onto their 4 ½-game lead in the AL East. Boston, which has dropped consecutive games for the first time this month, will try to bounce back behind Eduardo Rodriguez on Saturday while Baltimore counters with Kevin Gausman.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (9-9, 5.25 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 4.01)

Gausman allowed one or no runs in four straight starts between July 19 and Aug. 4 but posted just one quality start in his last three outings. The LSU product could not even make it through five innings against the Los Angeles Angels last Saturday, when he surrendered four home runs and was charged with five runs on six hits and four walks in four frames. Gausman is 0-2 in two outings against Boston this season while yielding a total of six runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Rodriguez has not won since May 26 and completed six innings in just two of his last eight outings. The Venezuela native struggled with his efficiency again at Cleveland on Monday and left after 5 2/3 innings despite allowing only three runs and four hits. Rodriguez worked six scoreless innings at Baltimore on April 23 but was rocked for seven runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings by the Orioles on June 1 before spending six weeks on the disabled list with a knee injury.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox INF Eduardo Nunez (wrist, thumb) left Friday's game and is day-to-day.

2. Orioles 3B Manny Machado homered five times in the last seven games.

3. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop collected four hits on Friday and has eight RBIs in his last five games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Orioles 6

[New York Knight]

GAME: New York Mets (55-71) at Washington Nationals (76-49)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Mets at Nationals
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The New York Mets and the Washington Nationals can spend the rest of the weekend comparing their respective injury lists, both of which continue to grow. The Nationals hope to have Ryan Zimmerman back in the lineup sometime this weekend and will try to even the series at one win apiece when they host the Mets on Saturday.

Zimmerman hurt his shoulder sliding into home plate in Thursday’s win over the Houston Astros and sat out Friday as Washington fell to New York 4-2. “I think he hurt his arm or shoulder,” Nationals manager Dusty Baker told reporters. “Really couldn’t swing. I don’t anticipate he’ll be much better (Saturday), but hopefully on Sunday.” The Mets lost their own middle-of-the-order slugger on Friday when Yoenis Cespedes went down with a right hamstring strain, one game after Michael Conforto went down with a shoulder injury. New York will send right-hander Robert Gsellman to the mound on Saturday while Washington counters with surging lefty Gio Gonzalez.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, SNY (New York), MASN 2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Robert Gsellman (5-5, 5.65 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (12-5, 2.39)

Gsellman is winless in his last five turns but pitched well enough to win on Monday, when he held the Arizona Diamondbacks to one run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision. The 24-year-old is making his third start since rejoining the team on Aug. 16 and surrendered a total of three earned runs and nine hits in 11 2/3 innings since his return. Gsellman was not as sharp against Washington on June 15, when he was lit up for seven runs and 11 hits in five innings.

Gonzalez dominated in his last four starts, allowing a total of two runs over 27 2/3 innings to cruise to wins in each outing. The Florida native struck out eight and issued only one walk in 6 2/3 innings at San Diego on Sunday and did not yield a home run in any of the last four outings. Gonzalez is making his third start of the season against New York and earned the win in the first two while surrendering a total of three runs and seven hits in 13 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cespedes will be examined in New York on Monday and could be lost for the rest of the season.

2. Nationals RHP Max Scherzer (neck) threw a bullpen session on Friday and could return as soon as Sunday.

3. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy is 4-for-31 in his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Mets 1

[New York Knight]

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (61-67) at Cincinnati Reds (54-74)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 6:40 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Pirates at Reds
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Pittsburgh Pirates are playing their way out of the race in the National League Central with losses in 10 of the last 13 contests. The Pirates will try to avoid another series loss when they visit the Cincinnati Reds in the second of a three-game series on Saturday.

Pittsburgh began a stretch of 28 straight games against NL Central competition on Friday and entered the key stretch with a dud in a 9-5 loss to the Reds to fall to 61-68. The bright spot for the Pirates was rookie Josh Bell, who belted a three-run homer among four hits. Cincinnati sits in last place in the NL Central but continues to be one of the most entertaining teams in the league with its power arms and power bats, including 24-year-old right-hander Robert Stephenson, who struck out a career-high 11 on Friday. Trying to match that on Saturday will be Reds rookie Luis Castillo, who goes up against Pittsburgh ace Gerrit Cole.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (10-8, 4.16 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (2-6, 3.45)

Cole stayed in one inning too long against the Dodgers on Monday, when he tossed six scoreless frames before being rocked for five runs in the seventh inning and not factoring in the decision. The former No. 1 overall pick totaled 16 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings over his last two outings but also surrendered nine runs and 13 hits. Cole is still searching for his first career win against Cincinnati and enters Saturday with a 0-6 record and 5.14 ERA in nine starts against the division rivals.

Castillo is winless in his last four outings despite posting three quality starts in that span. The lone outlier came at Atlanta on Sunday, when the rookie from the Dominican Republic struck out eight and yielded two runs but lasted only four innings. Castillo is facing Pittsburgh for the first time in his career and is 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in five starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

The Reds placed OF Jesse Winkler (hip) on the 10-day DL on Friday.

2. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli (left quad) left Friday’s game and is day-to-day.

3. Cincinnati LF Adam Duvall homered on Friday to reach 30 for the second straight season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: Chicago Cubs (68-58) at Philadelphia Phillies (46-80)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Cubs at Phillies
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Chicago Cubs' bats have cooled off while Philadelphia Phillies rookie Rhys Hoskins couldn't be much hotter at the plate. Hoskins will try to keep alive his impressive power surge as the Phillies aim for a second straight win over the visiting Cubs on Saturday.

Hoskins went deep for ninth time in 16 games - the fastest to that number in baseball history - since his promotion from the minors in Friday's 7-1 win in the opener of the three-game set. Chicago has scored a total of three runs in its last two games - both losses - after it averaged 7.8 runs during a five-game winning streak. The mini-slide has the first-place Cubs holding a three-game lead in the National League Central over Milwaukee, which also lost Friday. Hoskins will take aim Saturday at Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who has allowed three home runs in 33 innings since returning from the disabled list in late July after dealing with tendinitis in his pitching hand.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ABC 7 (Chicago), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.52 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Ben Lively (1-4, 3.70)

Hendricks has yet to win in six starts since coming off the DL last month despite posting a 2.45 ERA. He received a no-decision after surrendering three runs and fanning six batters in six innings against Toronto on Sunday. The 27-year-old Dartmouth product has a stellar 2.61 ERA in three career matchups with the Phillies, holding them to a .178 average.

Since winning his major-league debut June 3, Lively has gone 0-4 over a span of seven starts, although he has allowed three earned runs or fewer in six of them. The 25-year-old let up two runs in six innings at San Francisco on Sunday in his return to the majors after a stint at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Lively is seeing the Cubs for the first time and has a 3.18 ERA in three starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs LF Kyle Schwarber provided all his team's offense with a solo homer Friday and he is hitting .324 with three blasts over his last 10 games.

2. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez is 7-for-13 with three doubles and two triples in a three-game span.

3. Hoskins has gone deep in three straight games and six of his last seven, and the rookie has 16 RBIs in that seven-game stretch.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Phillies 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: Detroit Tigers (55-71) at Chicago White Sox (50-76)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Tigers at White Sox
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Detroit Tigers again will have slugger Miguel Cabrera in the lineup when they visit the Chicago White Sox on Saturday for the middle contest of the three-game series between the American League Central rivals. Cabrera received a seven-game suspension for his role in Thursday's benches-clearing brawl with the New York Yankees and immediately appealed, allowing him to continue playing.

Cabrera was hit with the lengthiest suspension as MLB chief executive officer Joe Torre cited him for inciting the first brawl - other Tigers suspended were right-hander Alex Wilson (four games) and manager Brad Ausmus (one). "Major League Baseball can do whatever they want. They have to control the situation," Cabrera told reporters. "But be fair. See the video. See the people throwing punches. See the people go after me when I was on the floor. That's it. I don't ask them to give me less games. But come on." Chicago won Friday's series opener 3-2 behind Yolmer Sanchez's RBI single in the ninth inning while Jose Abreu slugged his 26th homer of the campaign. The White Sox likely will be without rookie phenom Nicky Delmonico (wrist) for the second straight contest after he injured himself while swinging the bat on Thursday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Buck Farmer (2-1, 6.62 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (2-4, 3.88)

Farmer earned his first major-league victory on May 27, when he registered a career-high 11 strikeouts while giving up three hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings against the White Sox. He is back in the majors for the first time in over two months, and his last two starts in mid-June were horrendous as he gave up 13 earned runs in just 4 2/3 frames. The 26-year-old Farmer is 2-7 with a 6.80 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 36 career appearances (12 starts).

Rodon defeated Minnesota in his last turn as he gave up two runs and four hits while striking out nine in 6 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old has yielded fewer than three runs in each of his last five starts but endured a seven-start victory drought before excelling against the Twins. Rodon is 0-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts versus the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cabrera was hitless in four at-bats on Friday, is 0-for-12 over this last four contests and has failed to homer in each of his last 23 games.

2. Chicago 2B Yoan Moncada (shin) was placed on the 10-day disabled list while 3B Matt Davidson (wrist) was activated.

3. Detroit 3B Nicholas Castellanos was scratched Friday due to a wrist injury.

PREDICTION: White Sox 11, Tigers 5

[New York Knight]

GAME: San Diego Padres (57-70) at Miami Marlins (63-63)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Padres at Marlins
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

Giancarlo Stanton is smashing records at about the same rate he is home runs in August, and one more blast over the next week will put him in more exclusive company than he is already in. The four-time All-Star takes aim at matching the National League record for most home runs this month on Saturday when the Miami Marlins host the San Diego Padres for the middle contest of a three-game series.

Stanton clubbed his 15th and 16th homers in August during Friday's 8-6 series-opening victory over San Diego, moving within one home run of matching Willie Mays (1965) and Sammy Sosa (2001) for the most by a NL slugger in the month of August. In addition to helping Miami (64-63) climb within 4 1/2 games of the second wild-card spot, the major-league leader in homers finds himself on the verge of becoming the first NL player to swat 50 in a season since Milwaukee's Prince Fielder did so in 2007. While the Marlins eye their 12th victory in their last 15 games overall, San Diego hopes it can follow a recent pattern that has seen the team alternate wins and losses over its last seven contests. The Padres are getting solid production lately from the top two hitters in their lineup, as rookies Manuel Margot and Carlos Asuaje are a combined 11-for-18 with three RBIs and seven runs scored over the last two games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Dinelson Lamet (7-5, 4.84 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Odrisamer Despaigne (0-1, 4.42)

Lamet struck out eight but struggled with his command in Sunday's loss to Washington, giving up three runs on three hits and a season-high six walks over 4 2/3 innings to end a four-game winning streak. The 25-year-old rookie has impressed recently for the most part, however, carrying a 2.83 ERA over his last six outings. Lamet is 3-3 with a 5.72 ERA and 51 strikeouts across 39 1/3 innings in eight road turns this season as he makes his first career start against the Marlins.

After posting a 3.95 ERA in nine relief appearances, Despaigne will draw his first start since his season debut on May 6 in search of his first victory since defeating Miami over two years ago. The 30-year-old Cuban worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings at Philadelphia on Wednesday and gets the nod Saturday to help a rotation recovering from Tuesday's doubleheader against the Phillies. Despaigne faced the team that signed him as a free agent in 2014 twice in relief last season, holding the Padres scoreless in 1 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton needs two homers to tie and three to break Rudy York's major-league record of 18 home runs in August, set in 1937 with Detroit.

2. Margot is 9-for-17 in four career contests against the Marlins and batting .441 during an eight-game road hitting streak.

3. Miami OF Marcell Ozuna belted a three-run homer Friday to give himself 101 RBIs and the franchise its first pair of 100-RBI sluggers before the end of August.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Padres 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: Colorado Rockies (69-58) at Atlanta Braves (56-69)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Rockies at Braves
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

Kyle Freeland, who grew up in Denver, is trying to pitch his hometown Colorado Rockies to their first postseason berth since 2009 and the rookie left-hander takes the mound Saturday for the middle game of a weekend series at the Atlanta Braves. Freeland, one of three Rockies rookie pitchers with 10 or more victories, looks to snap a rough stretch for Colorado on the road, which has dropped 24 of its past 31 games away from home after Friday’s 5-2 defeat.

Center fielder Charlie Blackmon - who leads the National League in hitting at .337 - left Friday’s game with what appeared to be a leg injury and the Rockies hold a 3 1/2-game lead for the second NL wild-card spot. The Braves have split their past eight games, averaging 6.2 runs and 11 hits per contest during that stretch. Atlanta second baseman Brandon Phillips has recorded at least one hit in 18 of his 22 contests played in August, extending his hitting streak to 10 games and moving within seven hits of 2,000 in his career. Left fielder Matt Kemp belted his first homer since returning from the disabled list in Friday’s victory, and is 6-of-11 in his past three games after a three-hit performance.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (11-8, 3.71 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (2-7, 4.13)

Freeland is winless in two August starts, but has posted a 3.86 ERA with a .205 opponents batting average in those outings. The 24-year-old drew a no-decision against the Braves on Aug. 15 in Denver, giving up three runs on four hits with five strikeouts in six innings, but lost five days later to Milwaukee despite allowing just two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. Freeland actually has pitched worse on the road than at hitter-happy Coors Field, posting a 4.22 ERA with 10 homers allowed in 59 2/3 innings in 11 road appearances (10 starts).

Newcomb earned the first home victory of his major-league career Sunday against Cincinnati, pitching five scoreless innings and working around five walks for an 8-1 victory. The 24-year-old rookie has recorded a 3.32 ERA in four starts this month, but a WHIP of 1.66 with 17 walks in 21 2/3 innings. Newcomb gave up three solo homers against the Rockies on Aug. 15 in Denver, getting a no-decision after allowing three runs on five hits across six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta C Kurt Suzuki tied a career high with his 15th homer of the season Friday - his third in his last three games.

2. The Rockies dropped to 11-41 when scoring three runs or fewer.

3. Braves rookie 2B Ozzie Albies finished 2-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base in the series opener, and is hitting .429 during his current six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Rockies 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: Kansas City Royals (64-62) at Cleveland Indians (70-56)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Royals at Indians
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Cleveland Indians have a host of important players on the disabled list but look to continue to pull away in the American League Central when they host the division-rival Kansas City Royals for the middle contest of their three-game set on Saturday. The Indians took the series opener 4-0 for their 11th victory in 15 contests and maintained their 5 1/2-game lead over Minnesota while pushing the Royals seven back.

Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall and pitchers Josh Tomlin, Andrew Miller and Danny Salazar all have been on the shelf, but many others have stepped up to give Cleveland a comfortable spot in the playoff race. Mike Clevinger (2-0 lifetime versus Kansas City) will try to keep it going for the Indians when he takes the mound Saturday while the Royals counter with veteran Jason Hammel, who is 3-0 with a 3.38 ERA against Cleveland this year. Kansas City managed eight hits on Friday but stranded eight baserunners and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position to drop 1 ½ games behind Minnesota for the AL’s second wild-card spot. Eric Hosmer recorded two hits in the series opener and is 9-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak while improving his average to .386 against the Indians this year.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FS1, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jason Hammel (6-9, 4.73 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (6-5, 3.97)

Hammel has lost just once in his last eight turns and has posted four quality starts in that stretch, including an outing on Sunday in which he held Cleveland to three runs over six innings en route to victory. The 34-year-old South Carolina native, who came into the season 0-3 against the Indians, has issued just six walks and registered 31 strikeouts in his last seven starts. Edwin Encarnacion is 8-for-27 with four homers and Bradley Zimmer has gone 2-for-4 with one blast versus Hammel.

Clevinger struggled in his last two appearances after spinning seven scoreless innings at Tampa Bay, allowing two runs in 2 2/3 frames of relief at Minnesota before giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings against Boston on Monday. The 26-year-old Floridian has registered 99 strikeouts in 88 1/3 overall frames but walked seven in as many innings over his last two trips to the mound. Clevinger beat Kansas City in his season debut on May 7 with 5 2/3 scoreless frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals committed one error Friday but still have made the fewest miscues in the majors with 57 while the Indians rank second in the AL with 61.

2. Cleveland RF Jay Bruce was hitless in three at-bats Friday but is 19-for-58 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 16 games since being acquired from the New York Mets.

3. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas, who leads the team with 35 homers - including three against the Indians, is day-to-day with a sore knee after missing Friday’s game.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Royals 5

[New York Knight]

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (63-66) at St. Louis Cardinals (64-63)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Rays at Cardinals
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

Corey Dickerson is beginning to find his All-Star swing and hopes to continue surging when the Tampa Bay Rays visit the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game interleague series. Dickerson is 9-for-15 over his last four contests after recording four hits in Friday's 7-3 victory by the Rays, who have won four of the first five contests of their nine-game road trip.

Dickerson batted .312 before the All-Star break but was hitting just .206 since before getting it going over the last four days for Tampa Bay, which is three games out in the race for the American League’s second wild card. Blake Snell goes after his third straight win for the Rays while St. Louis counters with Mike Leake, who has given up seven hits to Tampa Bay's Lucas Duda in nine career at-bats. The Cardinals are going in the opposite direction with five losses in their last six contests and eight in 11, missing out again on a chance to make up ground while remaining 4 ½ games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central. Kolten Wong homered for St. Louis to extend his hitting streak to eight games - a stretch during which he is 14-for-35 with six RBIs.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (2-6, 4.42 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Mike Leake (7-12, 4.16)

Snell has won his last two outings after a 16-start winless stretch and limited Seattle to two hits while striking out eight over seven scoreless innings on Sunday. The 24-year-old Seattle native has completed at least six innings in three straight starts and permitted three runs or fewer in seven of his last eight turns. Snell, who will be facing St. Louis for the first time in his career, is 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA in five interleague starts.

Leake is winless with a 9.26 ERA in his last five starts and gave up 14 runs on 17 hits and two walks over 7 1/3 innings in his last two trips to the mound. The 29-year-old Arizona State product faced Tampa Bay in 2011 while with Cincinnati, limiting the Rays to four hits over six scoreless frames of a victory. Wilson Ramos has gone deep twice against Leake, who is 6-11 with a 4.35 ERA in 29 career interleague starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter returned to the lineup Friday after missing two games due to illness and went 1-for-3 with a run scored.

2. The Rays signed INF Danny Espinosa, who recently was released by Seattle and went 1-for-4 with a walk in his club debut on Friday.

3. Cardinals LHP Ryan Sherriff, a 27-year-old 28th-round pick, pitched three scoreless innings in the series opener and recorded four strikeouts in his major-league debut.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Cardinals 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: San Francisco Giants (52-77) at Arizona Diamondbacks (70-58)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

Paul Goldschmidt achieved more personal milestones in the series opener and strives to continue his stellar campaign when the Arizona Diamondbacks host the San Francisco Giants on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The All-Star first baseman secured the third 30-homer, 100-RBI season of his career after belting a three-run shot in Arizona's 4-3 victory on Friday.

Goldschmidt (101 RBIs) has recorded eight homers and 23 RBIs this month and has an opportunity to surpass his previous career bests of 36 blasts and 123 RBIs set in 2013. David Peralta is 6-for-9 with a walk over his last three games for the Diamondbacks, who have won four of their last five contests and hold a 1 1/2-game lead over Colorado for the National League's top wild-card spot. Giants ace Madison Bumgarner will try to cool down Goldschmidt and see if he can provide a boost to the Giants' poor 5-19 road mark against NL West rivals. San Francisco, which has dropped four of its last six overall games, is a horrendous 21-43 away from home.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (3-5, 2.87 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Taijuan Walker (6-7, 3.66)

Bumgarner is 2-0 over his last three starts as he tries to salvage a season interrupted by a dirt-bike accident in April. The 28-year-old is 3-2 with a 2.81 ERA in eight outings since coming off the disabled list and has issued fewer than three walks in each of them. Bumgarner is 9-8 with a 2.58 ERA in 28 career appearances (27 starts) against Arizona, including 0-1 with a 3.21 ERA in two 2017 outings.

Walker is winless in his last 10 starts (four losses) since defeating Colorado on June 21. The 25-year-old settled for a no-decision against the New York Mets in his last turn after scattering seven hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Walker is 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA in three starts against the Giants this season and 2-1 with a 3.75 ERA in four career outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Goldschmidt is the first player in Diamondbacks history with three 30-homer, 100-RBI campaigns, as former standout Luis Gonzalez registered a pair.

2. San Francisco 2B Joe Panik was activated from the seven-day concussion list and went 0-for-3 while INF Orlando Calixte was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.

3. Arizona 3B Jake Lamb was hitless in three at-bats on Friday and is 3-for-21 over his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Giants 2

[New York Knight]

GAME: Houston Astros (77-50) at Los Angeles Angels (65-63)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 9:07 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Astros at Angels
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

All-Star Jose Altuve could miss his second straight game when the Houston Astros visit the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. Altuve missed the opener of the three-game series due to a neck injury and manager A.J. Hinch termed his status as day-to-day.

Altuve was hurt while swinging the bat on Thursday, and both the American League batting leader and Hinch feel he could return during the series. "He's fine. He's still having a little bit of symptoms with his neck," Hinch told reporters. "He's not going to play until we feel like he is not going to irritate it anymore. Given the travel we had, I didn't really expect him to play (Friday) coming into the ballpark. So it's no surprise to me it's day-to-day." The Astros posted a 2-1 victory in the opener as Alex Bregman recorded his second straight three-hit performance to improve to 14-for-29 during his seven-game hitting streak. Los Angeles has lost four of its last five games and sits 1 1/2 games behind Minnesota for the AL's second wild-card spot.

TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (10-2, 3.21 ERA) vs. Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (1-4, 3.96)

Peacock lost to Oakland in his last turn, allowing three runs - one earned - and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings, after winning his previous seven decisions. The 29-year-old has only worked 10 total frames over his last two turns but has recorded 17 strikeouts during that stretch. Peacock is 3-2 with a 5.15 ERA in nine career appearances (six starts) against the Angels, including a loss on June 9 in which he yielded four runs, seven hits and four walks in three innings.

Skaggs has lost back-to-back starts and is 0-3 over his last four turns. The 26-year-old fell to Texas in his last start, when he gave up five runs - four earned - and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. Skaggs is 2-2 with a 2.49 ERA in four career starts against the Astros and has struggled to retire Altuve (4-for-9).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros are working on travel contingency plans in case they can't get back to Houston on Sunday due to Hurricane Harvey. The team is slated to open a home series against Texas on Tuesday.

2. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout is hitless in eight at-bats over his last three games and 3-for-22 over the last six contests.

3. Houston activated C/DH Evan Gattis from the seven-day concussion list and placed C Max Stassi (hand) on the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Angels 4

[New York Knight]

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (66-62) at Los Angeles Dodgers (90-36)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 26 - 9:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Preview: Brewers at Dodgers
Gracenote
Aug 26, 2017

The Milwaukee Brewers are facing the Los Angeles Dodgers at a bad time, but it’s tough to think of a good time to face the majors’ best team. The record-setting Dodgers have 91 wins heading into Saturday’s matchup against the visiting Brewers, who were held to one hit in Friday’s 3-1 loss and remained three games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the National League Central.

Kenta Maeda tossed six strong innings and Yasiel Puig belted his 23rd homer Friday as the Dodgers improved to 56-11 since June 7. The Dodgers plan to have a bullpen game on Saturday with Josh Ravin, Edward Paredes and Tony Cingrani all backing up spot starter Ross Stripling, who is expected to pitch three or four innings and throw about 40-50 pitches. The Brewers are 3 1/2 games behind Colorado for the second NL wild-card spot and need more production from right fielder Ryan Braun, who is 3-for-26 over the last seven games. Domingo Santana provided the lone highlight Friday with a solo homer to lead Milwaukee, which has scored a total of seven runs over its last four contests.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zach Davies (14-7, 4.09 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (3-4, 3.41)

Davies recorded his sixth quality start in his past seven outings last Monday, allowing two runs over six innings in a 2-0 loss to San Francisco. The 24-year-old owns a 7-3 record and 2.65 ERA in his last 11 outings while giving up a total of three home runs over that stretch. Adrian Gonzalez is 4-for-9 against Davies, who has gone 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA in three career starts against Los Angeles, including six scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory on June 4.

Stripling will move into the rotation to start in place of Alex Wood, who landed on the 10-day disabled list last Tuesday with a left shoulder injury. Stripling is making his first start for the Dodgers this season after switching between the rotation and bullpen in 2016, going 5-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 22 games (14 starts). The 27-year-old native of Texas owns a 6-5 record and 3.80 ERA in 28 career games (eight starts) at Dodger Stadium.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw (lower back strain) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday and could rejoin the rotation next weekend.

2. Braun is two homers away from 300 for his career.

3. Dodgers LHP Grant Dayton will undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday and could miss the entire 2018 season.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Dodgers 4

[New York Knight]

M's are 0-4 in Gallardo’s last 4 vs. A.L. East & Yanks are 9-2 in last 11 with Dreckman behind home.


SEA+170 / NYY-185

[New York Knight]

Rangers are 28-5 in Cole Hamels' last 33 vs. teams sub .500 & A's are 1-5 in Sean Manaea’s last 6.


TEX-110 / OAK+102

[New York Knight]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty was waiting on the Cardinals, which lost, on Friday and likes the Jets, Hawaii and Floyd Mayweather on Saturday. The deficit is 1195 sirignanos.

Three plays:
NY Jets
Hawaii Rainbows
Floyd "Money" Mayweather

[New York Knight]

Red Sox are 6-1 in Eduardo Rodriguez’s last 7 home starts & 5-1-1 in his last 7 starts vs. Orioles.

[New York Knight]

Nationals are 5-0 in Gio Gonzalez’s last 5 starts & 5-1 in his last 6 starts vs. Mets.


NYM+186 / WAS-203