Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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09-16-21 | Ohio v. UL-Lafayette -20 | Top | 14-49 | Win | 100 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
NCAAF 10* Top Play Louisiana -20 - The Bobcats are a mess as long-time veteran head coach Frank Solich stepping down over the summer really seemed to hurt this program. While Tim Albin already was with the program, the head coaching experience here is new to him and Ohio University has really struggled. After a season-opening home loss to Syracuse by a 20 point margin the Bobcats should have been ready to respond. The fact they then lost again at home, and this time to an FCS program, speaks volumes about the state of this team right now. Certainly I also know that UL Lafayette did not look good last week and were also facing an FCS opponent. However, the difference is that the Ragin' Cajuns came into this season as a ranked team and were off a demoralizing loss at Texas to open the season. Louisiana was still getting over that defeat when they barely edged Nicholls State last week. That said, I look for ULL to finally play a complete game here and they will not take their foot off the gas here. The Bobcats have been particularly bad on defense early this season and ULL will pound away all game long. Also, Ohio U only scored 9 points in their only game against an FBS school this season. The stats of the ULL game at Texas show that the Cajuns were not as bad as the final score shows. That being said, we truly have value here even with this big number. I expect the home team to win by 4 to 5 touchdowns in this one as the Bobcats continue to suffer some early season growing pains under Albin. 10* LOUISIANA -20 |
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09-16-21 | A's v. Royals OVER 9.5 | Top | 7-2 | Loss | -114 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
MLB 10* Top Play OVER 9.5 in Kansas City - The Royals scored 10 yesterday but it still was not enough as the A's scored a dozen! However, it did mark the 2nd straight day that Kansas City reached the double digit mark in runs scored. The Royals have scored an average of 6 runs per game last dozen games! The A's are averaging 7.5 runs scored in their last 8 road games. This is why, no matter who pitches here, I like the over in this match-up. The starters are expected to be Blackburn and Lynch and I will mention their numbers here but, again, no matter who pitches I like the over based on the hot sticks in these two lineups. Blackburn is 0-2 with 7.00 ERA in his two road starts this season and he has been hit hard in each of his last two starts and one of those was at home. Lynch has 6.83 ERA at home this season and he has been hammered in each of his last two starts and one of those was on the road. The point is these guys getting rocked everywhere of late but their home/road splits also show the value with this play. Look for a pair of red hot lineups to lead the way to an easy over again here. 10* OVER 9.5 in Oakland |
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09-15-21 | Red Sox v. Mariners OVER 8.5 | Top | 9-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Seattle - The over is now 11-0 in Seattle's last 11 games. The Mariners bullpen helped the cause again last night in an 8-4 final that included plenty of late scoring. Getting an 8.5 on this total is a great value. The rather low total is because Marco Gonzales is on the mound for the Mariners. Yes he does have decent overall numbers but he has allowed 16 homers in his 11 home starts this season and has a 5.87 ERA in his 3 career starts against the Red Sox. The over is 7-4 in Boston's last 11 games and the Red Sox have scored an average of 5.5 runs during this stretch. They build off last night's 8-4 win with another strong performance at the plate here. The issue for Boston however will be their own starting pitching situation. Tanner Houck is winless in his 11 starts this season and has a 4.86 ERA in his road starts. He has been roughed up in his last two road starts plus has had 7 walks against just 4 strikeouts in those outings. That does not bode well for him here as the Mariners have averaged 5.4 runs per game during their 11-game over streak. Look for that run to reach a perfect dozen this afternoon! 11-0 L11 and another one expected here. 10* OVER 8.5 runs in Seattle |
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09-15-21 | Brewers -1.5 v. Tigers | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -131 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
9* Top Play Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 -130 - The Brewers lost yesterday in an unexpected 1-0 extra-innings battle. That made no sense based on the pitching match-up and the way those two starters had been pitching. That said, look for reality to return this afternoon. Brandon Woodruff has a 2.48 ERA in his 27 starts this season. Matt Manning has a 6.13 ERA in his 14 starts this season. In the last road start Woodruff made, he allowed 1 earned run in 6 innings. In the last home start Manning made, he allowed 8 earned runs in less than 4 innings of work. Brewers 49-25 on the road this season. Tigers have been a decent team this season but this one set up to be a complete mismatch and a road rout should result. 9* Milwaukee Brewers -1.5 -130 |
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09-14-21 | Cubs v. Phillies -1.5 | Top | 6-3 | Loss | -100 | 14 h 54 m | Show |
MLB 10* Top Play Philadelphia Run Line -1.5 +100 - The Phillies offering great line value here. I know Kyle Gibson has struggled last two starts but both were on the road. Between his time with both the Rangers and Phillies this season, Texas and Philadelphia went 10-1 in his 11 home starts. Gibson has a 7-1 record this season pitching has a host with a fantastic 1.59 ERA. He has pitched very well at Citizens Ball Park since coming to Philly. As for the Cubs, they have lost 3 straight and 4 of last 5 and those games were at home. On the road this season Chicago has a 26-43 record and I am expecting another blowout road loss here. The Cubs are 32-52 this season against teams with a winning record. Adrian Sampson has good numbers this season but in limited action. This is a guy who is 6-14 with a 5.37 ERA in his 47 career MLB games (22 starts). Phillies still very much alive in the playoff race and yesterday's off-day will prove to serve them well here as Gibson and his teammates bounce back big at home. 10* PHILADELPHIA -1.5 runs +100 |
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09-14-21 | Yankees v. Orioles OVER 9 | Top | 7-2 | Push | 0 | 13 h 34 m | Show |
MLB 10* OVER 9 in Baltimore - Yes Gerrit Cole is on the mound for the Yankees but that is keeping this total lower than it would otherwise be. The Orioles pitching situation is such a mess. Baltimore expected to start Alexander Wells here but really it never matters who the Orioles start because their pitching staff is such a mess including a league-worst bullpen. There has been only one under in Baltimore's last 6 games and they have allowed an average of 10 runs per game during this stretch. The Orioles have just 2 unders last 9 games have scored at least 6 runs in 6 of those 9 games so they have been hitting decently and are known for hitting better when at home. Wells has a 7.94 ERA in his 4 starts this season and just faced the Yankees and got rocked. The over is 5-0 in the Yankees last 5 games and New York has allowed an average of 7 runs per game last 9 games! In other words, their bullpen has not been overly sharp of late and, as noted above, the Orioles bullpen has been a train-wreck. Yankees have scored at least 6 runs in 3 straight games and stay hot here. 10* OVER 9 in Baltimore |
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09-13-21 | Ravens -4 v. Raiders | Top | 27-33 | Loss | -107 | 17 h 3 m | Show |
NFL 10* Top Play BALTIMORE -4 - Way back in May when the NFL schedules first came out, the Ravens were in the range of a full TD favorite. Now the line is down to a -4. I'll take it! Defense wins football games. Take a look at the results so far in Week 1 to gauge what I am telling you. The teams that allowed 16 points or less went 10-0. Only one of the wins was by less than a 4 point margin by the way. But what about teams that score real well. Surely they do perfectly well also, right? Actually you would be surprised. There were 5 teams that scored 21 points or more and still lost their games. Those 5 teams averaged 27.2 points per game. That is not a bad scoring average but, as you can see, it is still defense that wins the games. Now look at this match-up. The Ravens are known for having huge preseasons and then opening the new season with a week one win in blowout fashion and I do not see this game being any different. Baltimore was one of the best defenses in the league last season. Las Vegas was one of the worst. The Raiders made some moves in the off-season to address their poor D but it will take some time for the units to jell on that side of the ball. I love the fact that the Ravens are on the road here because we get a much more favorable line. At home they would be a double digit favorite. Instead, on the road and because the betting public is enamored with the Las Vegas team being at home and having a potent offense, we get a low line of only -4. This one should be an absolute rout as the Raiders may hang around for awhile but this Ravens team too strong on both sides of the ball and that eventually wears down Vegas as this game goes on and the road fave should pull away for a win by a double digit margin. 10* BALTIMORE -4 |
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09-13-21 | Astros v. Rangers OVER 9 | Top | 15-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 27 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER 9 in Texas - The Rangers Spencer Howard, former Phillie, has made 11 starts this season and has not won any of them. Amazingly he has trended under this season but that has truly kept him under the radar in terms of his poor performance and the fact that we should see some overs the rest of the year with him. Why? Well Howard has a 5.69 ERA this season and has been particularly poor at home with a 9.45 ERA as a host this season. He'll be opposed by Jake Odorizzi in this one. The Astros right-hander has seen the over go 12-7-1 in his starts this season and with both teams off unders yesterday (despite Rangers having 11 hits) I feel we have some value with this total posted at just 9 runs. Texas has had a disappointing season but they have been surprisingly competitive late in the year. The Rangers have been relegated to playing for next year so to speak but have won 9 of last 13 in that role. Texas has averaged 5 runs per game during this stretch. As for the Astros, they are off back to back low-scoring games but this was preceded by a stretch of 4 straight overs and Houston averaged scoring 7.8 runs during this 4-game stretch. They are sure to get going again at the plate as they face a struggling Howard here. The decent recent hitting for each club is why I really don't care who the starting pitchers are as I look for the over to improve to 10-6 in what is now the 16th game between these in-state rivals this season. 10* OVER 9 in Texas |
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09-13-21 | Burnley v. Everton OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER 2.5 +120 in Everton - I am well aware of the fact that Burnley struggles to score goals. It has been their M.O. for a few seasons now as they just try to turn matches into grinders and hope for the best. However, Everton is not going to let that happen here. Under the direction of Rafael Benitez, this club has been rejuvenated. Everton has already scored 7 goals in 3 matches and they have scored at least twice in each match. Here is the key to the over though. Everton could be flat here. I really believe we are going to see some issues for this club just like we saw when Tottenham battled Crystal Palace early Saturday. Tottenham had been rolling and winning key matches and then came out flat and lost 3-0. I am not expecting a clean sheet for either club though here. Everton will score but I am looking for Burnley to find some leaky defense to their liking here as Everton makes the mistake of underestimating here. Keep in mind, Burnley won here 2 to 1 last season and a similar result here would not be a surprise. Either way I am looking for at least 3 goals here because this has proven to be a favorable match-up for Burnley in recent seasons and I feel they will again catch Everton at the right time to make this match a dandy and it sees 3 or 4 goals as a result. 10* OVER 2.5 +120 in Everton |
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09-12-21 | Bears v. Rams -7.5 | Top | 14-34 | Win | 100 | 16 h 33 m | Show |
10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams -7.5 - The Rams had the #1 defense in the NFL last season. The Bears and Rams had similar production on offense last season in terms of points per game but the Bears ranked 26th based on yardage while Los Angeles was 11th. Also, consider this key fact, Matthew Stafford is a gamer that played for a bad Lions team for years. The new Rams QB comes from Detroit where the Lions register double digits in losses year after year. Now he comes to LA where the Rams have averaged double digits in wins the last 3 years. Stafford could truly excel now on a much better team and this Bears defense is "okay" but still a little suspect in my mind. They are definitely not on the Rams level. That being said, you have the better defense and better offense and the much better overall team. Keep in mind Chicago is now going with Andy Dalton at QB. No disrespect to him as I have always felt he is a real gamer too but his best seasons are behind him. Coming to Chicago is not going to change his fortunes like Stafford going to the Rams will do. Dalton 30 tds and 22 ints last 2 seasons and one of those with a Cowboys team that had some talent. Look at Stafford's last 2 years, both with bad Lions teams, and he piled up a ton of yardage and threw for 45 td's against just 15 int's. This line is low as 7.5 which if you give the Rams say 3.5 points for home field edge that would mean the line is -4 on a neutral field. I feel, based on all the match-up edges here, LA is much better than 4 points in comparison with the Bears. I wish we could get -7 here of course but that won't happen but I am expecting the Chicago offense to struggle badly to score and that means Rams by 2 TDs in this one in my opinion so we still have great value here. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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09-12-21 | Packers v. Saints OVER 49 | Top | 3-38 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER the total in New Orleans - This game was moved to Jacksonville because of the hurricane damage in New Orleans. This total is as low as 49 as of early game day morning and I love the value here. The Saints defense performed admirably well last season but lost a ton of veteran experience and now relying on some youth and inexperience. They'll be fine long-term but facing Aaron Rodgers and the top-scoring offense from last season is not how you want to open up your new season breaking in a lot of new guys on defense. While the Packers averaged 32 points per game last season, they also allowed 27 points per game in their first 7 road games of the season (last game held decrepit Bears offense to 16 points at Chicago). So the point is, away from Lambeau Field in particular, the Packers defense is not so special. I know the Saints offense (averaged 30 points a game last year) will not be the same without Drew Brees. However, this is still a well-coached team with a lot of weapons on offense and I except them to have success against a Packers defense that has proven to NOT travel well. 10* OVER the total in New Orleans |
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09-12-21 | Rockies v. Phillies -1.5 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -120 | 6 h 17 m | Show |
MLB 10* Philadelphia Phillies Run Line -1.5 runs -120 vs Colorado Rockies @ 1:05 ET - Momentum is huge in any sport and the clubhouse spirit will finally be much better in Philly than it has been. Not only did they get a much needed win yesterday to snap their losing skid, the Phillies also saw all the teams they are chasing each lose. The Braves, Reds, Padres all lost yesterday and so Philly picked up a game in both the divisional race and the race for the final wild card spot. Snapping their losing skid yesterday look for the Phillies to come up with another big win here. Wil grab the run line of course because Philadelphia is priced very high in this game so the money line is out of the question. But the run line should prove well worth it as the Rockies have been dreadful on the road this season and the Phillies have a huge pitching edge here. Colorado is 20-51 in road games this season and Feltner got destroyed in his first start of the season last Sunday against the Braves. As for Nola, though he has been up and down this season, he has been more consistent again at home this season. Solid 3.33 ERA at Citizens Bank Park plus a very impressive 0.99 WHIP at home. The Phillies are 5-0 in Nola starts versus Rockies and he has a 3.06 ERA in those 5 outings in his career. Keep in mind that includes outings at hitter-friendly Coors Field too. 10* PHILADELPHIA -1.5 -120 |
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09-12-21 | Rays v. Tigers OVER 9 | Top | 7-8 | Win | 100 | 6 h 49 m | Show |
MLB 10* OVER 9 runs in Detroit - No matter who pitches here I like the over as the Rays continue to be on a high-scoring tear long-term. However, the pitching match-up here that is scheduled certainly does not hurt our chances of a slugfest! Tampa Bay's Luis Patino is off a start in which he allowed 4 earned runs in less than 3 innings and this was at home. Note that Patino has an ugly 7.44 ERA in his 3 road starts this season! As for Tigers starter Tarik Skubal, he has a 9.00 ERA his last two starts and has allowed 5 homers in his last 3 starts overall. The over 5-1 last 6 Rays games and 7-3 last 10 Tigers games and that trending continues here. 10* OVER 9 runs in Detroit |
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09-12-21 | Liverpool v. Leeds United OVER 3 | Top | 3-0 | Push | 0 | 6 h 44 m | Show |
10* OVER 3 goals in Leeds United - Liverpool is off to a hot start and has already scored well early this season. The match against Chelsea, as you would expect with the Blues stingy defense, was a low-scoring battle. Other than that though, the Reds have impressed on the attack. As for Leeds United, that is what they are known for - to be aggressive on the attack. Being a host for this one I expect some extra aggression from Leeds on the attack as they are desperate for their first win of the new campaign. It has been two draws and a defeat thus far for the host and they can not afford to just sit back and think that will change their fortunes. This club is best when they are on the attack. Of course this often does carry some risk at the other end. Checking the numbers from last season, Leeds matches averaged 3 goals. As for Liverpool, they averaged 2 goals per match as travelers but Leeds averaged 1.63 goals per match on the season. You can see why I am expecting 4 goals here which would give us the win but even 3 goals gets us a push which is not the desired result but certainly a nice safety net here too. Just the way Liverpool has started and knowing what Leeds is capable of on the attack, I am looking for a 3-2 finish or a 2-2 draw here. Should be quite the entertaining affair given the scheduling factors as Liverpool ready to be turned loose on the attack after being bottled up by Chelsea in their league match before the international break. 10* OVER 3 goals in Leeds |
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09-11-21 | Stanford v. USC OVER 53 | Top | 42-28 | Win | 100 | 16 h 51 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER the total in USC Trojans vs Stanford Cardinal @ 10:30 ET - This is not the same Stanford teams of old. They will throw the ball more because they have to. The concern though is the Cardinal defense can absolutely be exposed by the talented USC offense. One of the keys I like here is that Stanford scored only 7 points last week but were done in by turnovers while the Trojans allowed only 7 points last week but were helped by turnovers. San Jose State threw for over 300 yards against USC last week and you know Stanford is likely to be forced to turn to their aerial attack here because they are likely to be playing catch-up. USC is a big favorite in this game with good reason. The Trojans just have too much talent at the skill positions and will be tough for the Cardinals defense to stop. For those of you that like historical data, which certainly does not hurt us here, the over is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings between these teams at USC. Note that Stanford allowed 200 yards rushing at Kansas State last week and that means Southern Cal can certainly gash the Cardinal D on the ground here and that will make the Trojans aerial attack even more dangerous. USC was very balanced on offense last week and had over 400 yards combined between the ground and through the air. The Cardinal allowed 32 points per game last season but also scored 32 points per game in the final 5 games of the season. Southern Cal did not have a single game finish with less than 50 points last season and 4 of the 6 totaled 55 points or more. I feel certain this one will too and we're getting line value here because each team off an under last week. 10* OVER the total in USC |
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09-11-21 | Washington v. Michigan -6.5 | Top | 10-31 | Win | 100 | 14 h 27 m | Show |
10* Top Play Michigan -6.5 - The Wolverines lost star WR Bell to a season-ending injury last week but the situation at WR for the Huskies is much much worse right now! When you look at who was expected to be the top 3 wide receivers on the depth chart all 3 are out right now! Of the 2nd teamers another guy is out as well right now. No wonder QB Dylan Morris threw 3 picks last week. How can the Huskies be in sync on offense when all the guys they thought they would be relying on to catch the ball are all out? Making matters worse, last week's game was a home game for Washington and was against an FCS school. Now they go on the road to the Big House and take on a Wolverines team hell-bent on having a better season this year. Michigan already pounded out a win over Western Michigan last week. Yes that is a MAC school but it was an impressive win nonetheless and these Wolverines are much more in sync right now on both sides of the ball than the Huskies are. Keep in mind, Washington played only 4 games last season and that was with a first year coach. Compare that to coach Jim Harbaugh, who love him or hate him, is now in his 7th season in his current tenure as Michigan's head coach and he is now 50-22 after last week's win. The retooled coaching staff under him has already implemented some positive changes for this season and I look for this very hungry team to "bring it" again on Saturday night and win this game by a margin of 2 to 3 touchdowns as the Huskies problems in the passing games are a major concern because they can not turn to the ground game for an alternative. Last week they were outgained 127 to 65 on the ground by Montana. The Wolverines only have Northern Illinois on deck so they were fully focused on this game as their toughest one in the first few contests of the season. That is bad news for Washington. This one gets ugly! 10* MICHIGAN -6.5 |
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09-11-21 | Calgary v. Edmonton Elks OVER 45.5 | Top | 32-16 | Win | 100 | 15 h 15 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER 45.5 in Edmonton - The Elks and Stampeders had a high-scoring game last week and the way Harris played at QB for Edmonton and with how leaky the Calgary defense has been, we should again see a huge game from the Elks offense. However, the Stampeders should get a boost with the return of Mitchell because, even under the direction of rookie QB Maier, the Calgary offense has been electric early this season. The Stampeders problem has been in terms of bogging down in the red zone. However, with the veteran Mitchell now back at the pivot, look for the Stamps to get more production out of all their red zone opportunities. No team has more red zone opportunities this season than Calgary. However, no defense has allowed more passing yardage than the Stampeders have. Another shootout likely here. 10* OVER 45.5 in Edmonton |
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09-11-21 | Rangers v. A's OVER 8.5 | Top | 8-6 | Win | 100 | 12 h 0 m | Show |
NOTE: Rangers now going with Wes Benjamin most likely. This is still a play for me. The other factors in totals are bullpens, how teams are hitting, situational, etc. It is not just about starting pitching so I do not care that Texas is starting Benjamin. The A's should still hit plenty here. This is still a play for me: 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Oakland - A's rolled to a 10-5 win yesterday and I look for another high-scoring game Saturday. Texas starts Kolby Allard and he is 2-12 with a 5.44 ERA on the season plus has been rocked for 2 homers in EACH of his last THREE starts. The Athletics start Cole Irvin here and he has been having a very rough time of late. He has allowed 5 homers in his last starts! Irvin has been hit very hard overall and has an 11.70 ERA in his last 3 starts. Allard has allowed 6 homers in his last 2 starts versus Oakland. Irvin just faced the Rangers and gave up 8 hits in 5 innings. Texas has been more competitive here late in the season and is 7-4 last 11 games and averaging 5.1 runs scored per game during this stretch. The A's have now scored an average of 6.2 runs last 10 games. Look for this one to get into double digits in runs scored. 10* OVER 8.5 runs in Oakland |
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09-11-21 | West Ham United v. Southampton OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-0 | Loss | -140 | 7 h 39 m | Show |
10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Southampton - West Ham United has not produced a clean sheet in 8 straight road matches. Southampton has not produced a clean sheet in 14 straight matches overall in league action. Considering that plus the fact West Ham's matches have averaged 5 goals this season and Southampton's matches have averaged 3.3 goals this season, you can see why I am comfortable with the over in this one! Strong odds that each club gets on the scoresheet based on the above and certainly neither club wants to settle for a 1-1 draw. That being said, look for at least a 2-1 final here but truly I am expecting 4 or more goals here. West Ham is a club not afraid to risks and go all in offensively but this does tend to expose their weaknesses defensively and the hosts more than capable of taking advantage here. 10* OVER 2.5 goals in Southampton |
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09-10-21 | UTEP v. Boise State OVER 56.5 | Top | 13-54 | Win | 100 | 17 h 13 m | Show |
10* OVER 56.5 in Boise State - The Broncos are angry off a loss at Central Florida. This Boise State can score points in bunches and this is particularly true when they are at home where they dominate. Coming off a loss, they will not take their foot off the gas here and they have no qualms about running up the score on teams. That said, UTEP is in trouble here. I feel the Miners defense, untested so far with two easy opponents to open the season, has no chance to stop the Broncos. One thing I will say though is the UTEP offense has a lot of returning starters and is capable of putting up some points here. I just see this one turning into a track meet with plenty of points. Of course the majority of the points will come from an angry Broncos team but they did not run the ball last week and that means plenty of passing throughout this game. The Miners also will be forced to pass to play catchup in this game and UTEP has essentially their entire offense back from last season so they will score some points here. I think the line is about right at a 4-TD margin but the over is the bet here because UTEP offense has capability especially in garbage time late in this game. 10* OVER 56.5 in Boise State |
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09-10-21 | Reds -125 v. Cardinals | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 14 h 20 m | Show |
10* CINCINNATI -125 - The Reds are 3-0 in Tyler Mahle's starts against St Louis this season. Mahle is 7-2 with a sparkling 1.79 ERA in road games this season. I know that Jon Lester also has good recent numbers and seems to be back in the zone again but I do not trust the southpaw here. Lester still has a losing record on the season and a 4.89 ERA on the year and I feel he is being over-valued by the markets now because of some surprising recent success. The Cardinals do enter this game off back to back wins. However, St Louis only has one long recent winning streak. Usually the streaks end after just two wins. The Cardinals are 1-5 the last 6 times they entered a game off exactly two consecutive wins. Good value with the road team here because Mahle has been piling up the strikeouts and can lead them to another win here but either way, no matter who starts, I like the Reds to bounce back here. If Lester goes, which is likely, look for the road team to pound him. 10* CINCINNATI -125 |
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09-10-21 | Hamilton +3 v. Toronto | Top | 16-17 | Win | 100 | 16 h 5 m | Show |
10* Top Play HAMILTON +3 - The Tiger-Cats were the top team in the East last season and went all the way to the Grey Cup Game where they fell short against Winnipeg. This Hamilton team is still being undervalued by the markets. Yes they started the season 0-2 with a pair of losses out west against teams known for being very strong at home. However, the Tiger-Cats have responded by winning two straight games in divisional action and now here is their chance to start creating some separation in the division. Right now things are very tight in the division and I know Toronto wants revenge here because of the loss last week at Hamilton. However, revenge is over-valued and the Argos still are too mistake-prone and not quite on the level of this Ti-Cats team just yet. 10* HAMILTON +3 |
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09-10-21 | Kansas +26.5 v. Coastal Carolina | Top | 22-49 | Loss | -108 | 16 h 35 m | Show |
10* KANSAS +26.5 - I know the Jayhawks have been a horrible team but Lance Leopold is a great coach. Granted he got a late start with this team as he was hired later than most new coaches are hired coming into a season. However, he is still - especially with help of coaching staff he brought over from Buffalo - going to get more out of this team than his predecessors have been getting here. They did struggled to run the ball against an FCS foe last week but I like how the defense performed. I also like the fact that, even as bad as the Jayhawks have been the last two seasons, they won the yardage battle against Coastal Carolina last season and the yardage battle was nearly equal in the 12-7 loss the year before that. The point is that there is not such a great separation between these programs as you would be led to believe by the huge spread posted on this game. I look for the Jayhawks to still lose this game by a couple touchdowns but that still gives us some cushion with this line at nearly four touchdowns! This team is going to play hard for Leopold and his staff and last week's game against an FCS foe was a good chance for the team to work through some early season issues. No overnight miracles here with these Jayhawks but I expect a competitive effort here and feel the Chanticleers will also be content to turn to their ground game and just start running clock once they do have a big lead. 10* KANSAS +26.5 |
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09-10-21 | Rays v. Tigers OVER 9 | Top | 4-10 | Win | 100 | 14 h 51 m | Show |
NOTE: Tyler Alexander now expected to start for the Tigers. Still like this play, it is about the lineups not just the pitchers. Tampa Bay has been one of the hottest hitting teams in the majors for quite some time now as noted below and will bounce back off a low-scoring loss. Alexander is 5-9 with a 4.36 ERA and a .277 BAA in his career. The Rays will hit him well. Original write-up: 10* OVER 9 in Detroit - The Rays are off a 2-1 loss Wednesday but that followed a stretch of 4 straight overs. Also, Tampa Bay has scored an average of 8.8 runs last 5 games before that low-scoring loss. TB had scored more than 10 runs on their own in 3 straight road games prior to the 2-1 loss. They should pound the Tigers pitching here as Matt Boyd has struggled in his two starts since coming back to the rotation and the Detroit pen is nothing special either. As for Rays starter Michael Wacha, he has a 6.23 ERA on the road this season and the over is 7-2-1 in those 10 starts. The over is 6-3 in the Tigers last 9 games and they have averaged scoring 6 runs last 8 games. 10* OVER 9 in Detroit |
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09-09-21 | Cowboys +8 v. Bucs | Top | 29-31 | Win | 100 | 36 h 53 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach NFL Rotation #451 Thursday 10* Top Play Dallas Cowboys +8 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ 8:20 ET - As long-time followers know, being a contrarian is ingrained into my long-term handicapping skillsets. That said, there is no sport more so than NFL where being a contrarian is a huge key to long-term success. I have also talked before about the sharpness of odds makers and about trusting their numbers in plenty of situations. Odds makers are known for being particularly sharp in the NFL and this is one of those cases where I am putting particularly strong faith in their numbers. Roll back the calendar 7 months ago and just imagine if the Super Bowl was on a neutral field and imagine if it was possible for two NFC teams to square off for the title and it was the 5-11 Cowboys against the 11-5 Bucs. Now make a line. Would your line have been -3? Of course not! Yet take a look at this now in the opening game of 2021. I could be proven wrong but I don't think I will but this could be the biggest "trap line" set in a long time. I am not a believe that the odds makers set trap lines on purpose. I am just saying when something looks "off" it generally fools the public and it is the sharps that end up cashing in. So back to that -3. When lines first opened on this game, and keep in mind the Bucs have all 22 starters back, the first number was a -6 in mid-May. Since this game is being played in TB that line is telling you the Bucs would only be a 3-point favorite on a neutral field. So now, according to the betting masses, the books have it all wrong. This line has been bet up to as high as an 8.5 and the odds makers just do not know what their doing. I am saying they did know what they are doing and the Cowboys are going to be a much improved team this season. The Bucs are, of course, still the better team but I look for this game to be decided by just a single score. Note that last season Dallas was without Prescott for 11 games and it was a disaster season in Dallas. This team will be much improved in year two under coach McCarthy. As for the Bucs, look for them to get caught being a little too "fat and happy" after last year's glorious season where everything seemingly broke their way for a clear path to the SB title. The Cowboys will punch them in the mouth a bit in this game and it will be a lot more competitive than most people are thinking. Keep in mind Tampa Bay went just 4-3 their last 7 home games last season and one of the wins was by 7 points and, overall, only 5 of the Buccaneers final 12 games (including playoffs) leading into their Super Bowl victory was a win by more than 8 points. Just a lot of value after the line move with this one and the odds makers had it right in my opinion so we'll happily grab the value on the other side in typical NFL contrarian style. 10* DALLAS |
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09-09-21 | Twins v. Indians OVER 9 | Top | 1-4 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 23 m | Show |
NOTE: Sticking with this play. Dobnak was scratched due to injury so modifying this write-up as of about 4 hours before first pitch. As noted below, there are situational reasons as to why I liked this play. Also, now Andrew Albers is the starter. He was called up from AAA to make this start but he has been getting rocked at a .288 clip by hitters at the AAA level. Also, at the MLB level, Albers got destroyed for 9 runs in 3 innings in most recent start and that was just earlier this month! ORIGINAL write-up: AL Total of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #961 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 9 runs in Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins @ 6:10 ET - Look for the 3rd time to be the charm in this match-up. I have seen this pattern before. Two ridiculously low-scoring games followed by an easy over in the next one and that is what I am expecting here based on this pitching match-up and that patterned situation I have seen many times before in the past. The Twins Randy Dobnak just moved back into the rotation and he allowed 5 earned runs in first start back. He is 1-4 with a 6.29 ERA as a starter this season. The Indians should finally get their bats going in this one. Cleveland has not hit well against the Twins so far in the first 3 games of this 4-game set but they entered this series having averaged 6 runs per game last 11 games. As for Minnesota, they have averaged nearly 5 runs per game last 10 road games and their 4-game winning streak also leads to extra confidence at the plate. That is bad news for Cal Quantrill because he is off a start in which he allowed 5 earned runs and 3 homers plus has struggled against Minnesota. Quantrill has an 8.68 ERA this season in his two starts against the Twins and was hit hard in both outings. 10* OVER 9 in Cleveland |
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09-08-21 | Twins v. Indians OVER 8.5 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -120 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
Top Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #915 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 in Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins @ 6:10 ET - If you want to describe Triston McKenzie's recent performances on the mound as falling into the category of Superman you would not be too far off of reality. However, if that is the case do note that these Twins have proven to be McKenzie's Kryptonite! McKenzie has made two starts against Minnesota in the past 12 months and he has been rocked to the tune of a 12.92 ERA in those two outings. That said, look for the Twins to continue their recent road success here but I can't trust their starting pitcher in this spot either. But, first off, about that road success - Minnesota is 5-3 last 8 road games and the Twins have scored an average of 5 runs per game last 9 games. I know the Indians have suddenly fallen quiet at the plate their last two games but that was preceded by a stretch in which Cleveland won 7 of 11 games and scored an average of 6 runs per game. I am looking for double digits to be scored in this one as Minnesota's Joe Ryan is making just his 2nd MLB start. Yes he has good minor league numbers but the step up to the bigs is a big one indeed. Even just looking at spring training 2020 note that he had a 6.14 ERA in 4 appearances (2 starts) against MLB competition. That said, this is also Ryan's first MLB road start and I expect the Indians offense to get back on track after being shutout yesterday. 10* OVER 8.5 in Cleveland |
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09-08-21 | Rangers v. Diamondbacks -1.5 | Top | 8-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
Run Line Rout - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #926 Wednesday 10* Top Play Arizona Diamondbacks Run Line -1.5 runs +130 vs Texas Rangers @ 3:40 ET - The Diamondbacks have lost 9 of 10 while the Rangers have won 6 of 9 and yet Arizona is favored as high as -165 on the money line as of very early gameday morning. Big mistake, right? Not at all but rather than laying that kind of price range, I am turning this around to a +130 payback by taking the Diamondbacks on the run line. Note that no team in MLB has fewer one-run wins than Arizona. In other words, if you like them to win, you generally come out much better laying the 1.5 runs with this team. 37 of their 45 wins have been by 2+ runs! As for the Rangers, 69 of their 88 losses have been by 2+ runs this season. The key in this one is the pitching match-up as Kohei Arihara has a 6.19 ERA this season while Luke Weaver, another starter who just came back to the rotation (like Arihara), is 3-0 with a 1.32 ERA in his home starts this season. Also, Weaver looked great in his first start back. The home team dominates after yesterday's putrid performance. 10* ARIZONA -1.5 runs +130 |
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09-07-21 | Phillies -107 v. Brewers | Top | 0-10 | Loss | -107 | 13 h 15 m | Show |
ACTION on the pitchers: Perfection Play - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #955 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Phillies Money Line -110 @ Milwaukee Brewers @ 7:40 ET - Aaron Nola has had an up and down season for the Phillies but he is a real gamer and I expect to do what he has shown a knack for and that is to bounce back off a bad outing. He was done in by a couple of two-out homers in his most recent start but take a look at what he done recently when off a start in which he allowed at least 4 earned runs. The last 3 times it happened Nola has responded in his next start every single time. The combined stats from those 3 starts: just 3 earned runs allowed on only 7 hits while striking out 27 in the 21 and 1/3 innings spanning those 3 outings. Look for Nola to again come up big here as he is 4-0 with a 2.75 ERA in his 7 career starts against the Brewers. The Phillies have gone 6-1 in those 7 Nola starts versus Milwaukee. No matter who pitches in this game for either team I am suggesting to make this play because the Phillies offense has been lethal of late. Philadelphia is 8-2 last 10 games and have scored an average of 7 runs per game last 11 games. The Brewers have been winning overall of late as well but Milwaukee a mediocre 6-6 last 12 games and averaging only 3.3 runs per game last dozen games. Brewers starter Eric Lauer has low ERA versus Phillies but he gave up 6 runs (but only 2 earned) on 8 hits (including 3 homers!) in 6 innings when these teams met in early May. The way the Phillies are hitting, look for more struggles in this match-up for Lauer and the Brewers bullpen too. 10* PHILADELPHIA -110 |
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09-07-21 | Twins v. Indians OVER 9.5 | Top | 3-0 | Loss | -112 | 13 h 40 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #963 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 9.5 in Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins @ 6:10 ET - These teams combined for 20 hits yesterday but the game stayed under the total. Look for plenty of hitting again today but this time it results in an over. The over was on an 8-3 run in Twins road games before yesterday's under. Minnesota did score 5 runs in the win and have now scored an average of 5 runs per game last 8 road games. The Indians were held to just 2 runs in the loss yesterday but Cleveland had won 7 of 11 games and scored an average of 6 runs per game during this stretch. Minnesota starter John Gant has a 7.30 ERA last 3 starts and each of his last two road starts have gone over the total. Cleveland starter Aaron Civale making his first start in quite some time but in his last start at home back in June he allowed 5 earned runs. He also allowed 4 earned runs earlier this season when he last faced Minnesota. 10* OVER 9.5 in Cleveland |
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09-06-21 | Louisville +10 v. Ole Miss | Top | 24-43 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 27 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #225 Monday 10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals (+) vs Ole Miss Rebels @ 8 ET - I have plenty of respect for the coordinators for the Rebels but they could have their hands full without their head coach (Lane Kiffin covid) here and facing a Cardinals team that is on a mission for big improvement under head coach Scott Satterfield this season. The key about the Rebels is they have a very bad defense. The Cards are going to score points here. The other thing is that, is a good as that Ole Miss offense is, I expect the Rebels to get caught trying to do a little too much here. What I mean by that is mistakes offensively because, without Kiffin on the sidelines, the play-calling will not be quite the same. There will be pressure on offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to call a great gameplan here but will this hurt the rhythm of the offense? Keep in mind Rebels QB Matt Corral had some great numbers last season but if you look at their non-home games last season (this is a neutral site match-up) the Rebels went just 3-2 and two of the three wins were by 6 or less points with one of the wins in OT. Also, Corral threw 11 of his 14 interceptions on the season in two of those road games - at Arkansas and LSU. The road game that was an OT win was at Kentucky. The other tight win was the bowl game against Indiana. We all just saw the Hoosiers get smoked by Iowa Saturday. As for Arky, LSU, and Kentucky - none of the 3 teams had a winning record last season! I am not saying the Rebels will not win this game but I feel hanging onto any type of margin will prove difficult. The porous Ole Miss defense also gives the Cardinals great backdoor cover potential should we need it. Tremendous respect for the Rebels capabilities on offense but also note that Louisville had the #1 pass rated defense in the ACC last season and ranked 17th nationally as they allowed only 189.2 yards per game through the air. This game should be a battle all the way to the end. Grab the big points. 10* LOUISVILLE +10 |
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09-06-21 | Edmonton Elks +6 v. Calgary | Top | 32-20 | Win | 100 | 12 h 41 m | Show |
ESPNews Network Rout - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #677 Monday 10* Top Play Edmonton Elks +6 @ Calgary Stampeders @ 4:30 ET - The Stampeders have played the tougher schedule. Also, they are at home for this rivalry game. However, there is plenty of reason to like the Elks in this one. I know their schedule has been a little weaker but in their 30-13 loss to Montreal the yardage was nearly equal. In their other two games they outgained their opponents by about 250 yards in one and 300 yards in the other. It is very hard to ignore domination like that and I like Edmonton getting 6 points here considering how tough their defense has been too this season. The Elks D has a lot of confidence right now and this offense actually averaging more yardage per game than any other team in the CFL. That said, love fading the line move here too as it went from an early opener of 3 to now as high as 6.5 for this Monday afternoon match-up. The Stampeders are a better team than their record shows but, still, they will have their hands full here. Also, with their #2 QB playing well but the #1 QB now coming back from injury, could this disrupt the chemistry on offense? I say yes it will and the Stamps will struggle just to win this game let alone cover the sizable spread. Elks off a bye week afforded by covid and they won their game solidly before the bye and were strong both on the ground and through the air and the defense does a great job with its pass rush. There is a lot to like in Edmonton right now but they are flying under the radar because of their 1-2 record. Grab the generous points. 10* EDMONTON |
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09-06-21 | Dodgers -1.5 v. Cardinals | Top | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 10 h 55 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #909 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Dodgers Run Line -1.5 -120 @ St Louis Cardinals @ 4:15 ET - The Dodgers are off a loss last night as Walker Buehler had a rare bad start at San Francisco. Look for a dominating effort from Max Scherzer to put them right back into the win column. The only thing I do not like about this play is it a day game in a back to back spot and the Dodgers had to travel east for it after playing on Sunday Night baseball last night. However, their game was a 4 PM local time start yesterday in San Francisco and so the travel situation really not all that bad. As for Scherzer, he is 4-0 with a dominating 1.29 ERA i his 6 starts since coming to the Dodgers! He also has held the Cardinals scoreless over 13 innings while striking out 20 in his last two starts against them including one this season! He'll be opposed by Miles Mikolas for St Louis. The Cardinals right-hander is off back to back starts in which he has allowed a total of 7 earned runs in a total of only 7 and 1/3 innings on the mound. Now facing a Dodgers lineup in bounce back mode, I do not expect this start to go well at all for Mikolas. Also, the Cardinals have to be feeling very "defeated" mentally after blowing a 5-1 ninth inning lead at Milwaukee yesterday. That is a crushing loss for a team chasing a playoff spot. The Dodgers, supported by the brilliance of Scherzer, take full advantage. 10* LOS ANGELES DODGERS Run Line -1.5 -120 |
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09-06-21 | Blue Jays v. Yankees OVER 9.5 | Top | 8-0 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 11 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #913 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 9.5 runs in New York Yankees vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 1:05 ET - The Yankees scored 7 runs but lost yesterday. The Blue Jays got 8 early runs in their game yesterday and then coasted to victory behind another dominating performance from Robbie Ray. Neither one of these pitchers are coming anywhere close to the level of a Robbie Ray right now. The Jays Hyun-Jin Ryu has allowed 10 earned runs in less than 10 innings over his last two starts. He gave up two homers and had more walks than strikeouts the last time he faced New York. The Yankees counter with Jameson Taillon here and he has a 9.22 ERA in his last 3 starts. All 3 of those went over the total and the over is 18-7 in his starts this season. The righty faced the Blue Jays earlier this season and got crushed for 5 earned runs in less than 4 innings of work! Toronto has won 4 straight games and scored an average of 8.5 runs per game. The Yankees have averaged 6 runs per game in their last 4 games against a southpaw starter. 10* OVER 9.5 runs in New York Yankees |
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09-06-21 | Toronto v. Hamilton OVER 44 | Top | 19-32 | Win | 100 | 9 h 49 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #675 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Toronto Argonauts @ 1 ET - I know this is a rivalry game and an early-season battle for first place in the East. However, the over should prove to be the play here. Hamilton is coming off a big road win at Montreal and got a big game from QB Dane Evans, filling in for the injured Jeremiah Masoli. Ironically, Evans also was the starting QB in the most recent Labor Day battle (2019) between these teams and he led them to the comeback win with 31 of 37 completions and over 440 yards passing! As for the Argonauts, they have looked very strong early this season and Nick Arbuckle coming off a huge game at QB for them two weeks ago in their big win versus Winnipeg. He completed 23 of 32 for over 300 yards of offense. Don't be surprised if both offenses fare much better than you would think in a typical rivalry game as each of these units is "feeling it" right now and playing with a lot of confidence. 10* OVER the total in Hamilton |
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09-05-21 | Notre Dame v. Florida State +7 | Top | 41-38 | Win | 100 | 16 h 59 m | Show |
Money Line Marquee - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #224 Sunday 10* Top Play Florida State Seminoles Money Line +240 vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 7:30 ET - No points needed here. We already saw a few upsets in Week 1 of CFB involving top 25 teams and we are going to see another one here in my opinion. This game is the chance to put Florida State back on the map in College Football. Why are they are only a TD underdog to a team that went 10-0 in the ACC regular season last year while the Seminoles went 2-6 in ACC action? Precisely! This Notre Dame team, of course, is still going to be a quality team this season. However, the Fighting Irish had so much turnover from last season's team. Particularly concerning are major losses on offense and they lost nearly their entire offensive line. That is bad news against a Seminoles defense hell-bent on playing much better this season. They added some key players through the transfer portal and this FSU defense is going to be much better this season. At home, with the nationally televised cameras rolling and being the only game on the big board, watch the Noles step up very big here and shock an over-rated Notre Dame team still living off last year's successes. This team is really a shell of its former self and is going to be knocked off right away here in game one. The Seminoles have a different look and different attitude coming into this season and have two quarterbacks available now with returning starter Jordan Travis and senior transfer McKenzie Milton both an option to start. ND has a new defensive coordinator who certainly comes in with a strong resume (was with Cincinnati!) but the loss of Clark Lea at DC and some key players on the defensive side of the ball that spearheaded the D before could certainly hurt. Keep in mind, in the first year under FSU head coach Mike Norvell, there were a lot of leftover players from the Fisher and Taggart days. A lot of those players, many unhappy, were dragging down the ship last season. Those guys are gone and there is a lot of strong talent happy to be here that is ready to step right in. I feel the Noles are going to surprise here in week one right away and Notre Dame lost more than half their starters from last year! Upset alert! 10* FLORIDA STATE +240 |
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09-05-21 | Winnipeg +190 v. Saskatchewan | Top | 23-8 | Win | 190 | 14 h 31 m | Show |
Money Line Mauling - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #673 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Blue Bombers Money Line +190 @ Saskatchewan Roughriders @ 6 ET - Yes, the Roughriders want revenge for losing to the Blue Bombers in the post-season last season (2019). However, Winnipeg has plenty of motivation for this game as well. This is a big rivalry game and the Riders are currently the only undefeated team in the league sitting nicely at 3-0 on the young campaign. That means the Blue Bombers, the defending Grey Cup Champions, are not only on a mission to defend their title they also want to knock off their rivals and move into first place in the division. Winnipeg also has not forgotten losing here at Saskatchewan in the most recent CFL season and, in fact, they lost a pair of regular season meetings with the Roughriders in that year. There is no way they will overlook them here and they want to be the first to hand them a loss this season. In terms of line value, this one opened up with the home team at -3.5 and is now up to a -5. I love fading line moves and here is where the value gets really big. The very first money lines that came out on this game had Saskatchewan at -146 and Winnipeg at +122 and now that has been bet all the way up to the Roughriders being more than a 2 to 1 favorite and the Blue Bombers available at a +190 price. Give me the defending champs that will be highly motivated for a road win here and note Andrew Harris was back at running back last week and looked strong and he'll be ready to go here and is an MVP player for the road dog Bombers. 10* WINNIPEG +190 |
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09-05-21 | Indians v. Red Sox OVER 9.5 | Top | 11-5 | Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show |
NOTE: This is still a 10* Top Play for me. Pivetta was put on covid-19 list mid-morning today. So now Kutter Crawford makes MLB debut. Crawford had solid AA numbers in the minors this season but then struggled some when he faced AAA competition - 2-3 with 5.52 ERA in 6 appearances (5 starts). In his only spring training action (2019) he was rocked for 4 earned runs in 2 and 1/3 innings. I am betting he gets rocked again here. ORIGINAL write-up: Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #969 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 9.5 runs in Boston Red Sox vs Cleveland Indians @ 1:10 ET - Yesterday's game was very low-scoring. I do not expect a repeat here! The teams were both scoreless through six innings but this starting pitching match-up should mean runs early, often and throughout this contest. Cleveland's Zach Plesac is off a strong start but it was at Kansas City. He faces a much tougher test facing the Red Sox at Fenway Park. There have only been 6 unders in Plesac's 20 starts this season. He had been hit hard in each of his two starts preceding the good one against the Royals. Boston will counter with Nick Pivetta here and he is consistently getting hit hard of late. Pivetta has a 10.12 ERA in his last 3 starts. On the season the Red Sox right-hander has a 5.60 ERA in home starts. Prior to yesterday's under, the over was on a perfect 6-0 run in games at Fenway Park. Look for that over trending to resume immediately in this early afternoon match-up. 10* OVER 9.5 runs in Boston |
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09-05-21 | A's v. Blue Jays -1.5 | Top | 0-8 | Win | 100 | 7 h 3 m | Show |
AL RL Game of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #966 Sunday 10* Top Play Toronto Blue Jays Run Line -1.5 runs +100 vs Oakland A's @ 1:07 ET - Robbie Ray is on incredible run right now while Cole Irvin is struggling badly. Of course that is a big part of the reason the Blue Jays are a 2 to 1 money line favorite here. Where we get the value is by playing the run line as Toronto is available as low as even money by laying the 1.5 runs! This should certainly be a home blowout and note that 59 of the Blue Jays 72 wins this season have been by two or more runs! Ray has allowed just 9 earned runs in his last 7 starts spanning 47 innings! Also, he has struck out 35 batters in 22 innings in his last 3 starts! Ray is in top current form. As for Irvin, he is definitely at the other end of the spectrum. The Athletics left-hander has a 5.93 ERA his last 3 starts and he is fortunate that is not even higher! Irvin has a 2.12 WHIP in his last 3 starts. That means 2 baserunners per inning on average and he has 8 walks against only 3 strikeouts in his last 3 starts! This looks like a complete pitching mismatch plus Oakland has just 6 wins last 19 games while the Jays have won 6 of their last 7 games! 10* TORONTO -1.5 runs +100 |
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09-04-21 | LSU -2.5 v. UCLA | Top | 27-38 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 51 m | Show |
Bulldog's Best - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #213 Saturday 10* Top Play LSU Tigers -2.5 @ UCLA @ 8:30 ET - The Bruins have the edge of a game under their belt. Trouble is that game was against a Hawaii team that certainly did not look too good! This is the same UCLA team that only had 3 wins last season and the teams they beat went a combined 3-10 for the season. I still do not trust the Bruins QB against top tier competition. UCLA head coach Chip Kelly is going to have to prove to me that he can win a big game like this before I would hesitate to fade him. His Bruins just are not quite ready and this Tigers team comes into this game angry. Remember they just won the national championship but now are coming off a disappointing 5-5 season. Their defense was bad and they can not wait to make up for that. The process of the turnaround begins right here in Pasadena in Game One of the season and this highly talented SEC team goes on the road and makes a statement in their first game of the season. Love the fact that the line opened up in the -5 range over the summer but now is a -2.5 on gameday morning. We are getting great value here and keep in mind LSU projected to have a big bounce back season in a very tough SEC while the Bruins also play in a solid conference for sure but still UCLA nowhere close to the top tier programs like Oregon and USC in the Pac-12. Most of the rest of that conference nowhere close to SEC level and we have got great value with the Tigers here because everyone still remembering their disappointing campaign last season. 10* LSU -2.5 |
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09-04-21 | Indiana v. Iowa OVER 45.5 | Top | 6-34 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
Big Ten Total of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #173 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Indiana Hoosiers @ 3:30 ET - The over is 6-0 last 6 times these teams have met in Iowa. Yes, the Hawkeyes are known for their defense but they lost some key guys on that side of the ball heading into this season. Of course Iowa is still going to still be a quality defense but this Hoosiers offense is one that is not afraid to take risks. Indiana, as shown last season and as seen this season with being ranked again, is a quality program that can put points on the board against anyone. I don't totally trust the Hoosiers defense here though, particularly on the road. This total is just too low in my opinion. The Hawkeyes scored at least 20 in all 8 games last season and averaged 32 points per game. The Hoosiers scored at least 20 points in 7 of their 8 games (including bowl game) and averaged 29 points per game. If each team gets to at least 20 and you have got a total in the mid-40s you have a solid chance of hitting your over! I feel we have the odds in our favor in a big way here because I expect each offense to move the ball better than most are thinking in this one. We also have nice weather in the forecast in Iowa and these offensive units each have plenty of confidence based on how they performed last season. Penix now back from injury at QB for the Hoosiers and Petras always seems to gut out wins at QB for Hawkeyes despite his unspectacular play. So look for the Hoosiers to get some big plays downfield and the Hawkeyes to be methodical but productive on offense and it all adds up to this game getting into the 50s, at least, in total points! 10* OVER the total in Iowa |
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09-03-21 | Michigan State v. Northwestern -3 | Top | 38-21 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 44 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #154 Friday 10* Top Play Northwestern Wildcats (-) vs Michigan State Spartans @ 9 PM ET - The earliest numbers that came out on this game showed the oddsmakers set Northwestern as a 7.5 point favorite and the Cats now are all the way down to a -3 as of very early Friday morning. That means the betting markets are saying these teams are even on a neutral field and the Wildcats are essentially still getting the normal 3 points teams are often considered to have as a home field edge. I am not buying that. The Wildcats lost last season's game with the Spartans courtesy of 4 turnovers. It was their only loss of the regular season and is the first time in nearly a decade that they have lost back to back meetings with Michigan State. Northwestern will get some payback here. First off they are extremely well coached and have an excellent coaching staff put together. Secondly they are a system based team. They can not get the same talent that the bigger Big Ten schools are able to attract and bring in with their top recruits but it is their systems, smarts, hard work, and execution that make them a tough team. The problem with Michigan State (my pick to battle Rutgers for the worst spot in the Big Ten East) is that they have a head coach (Tucker) in his 3rd year overall as a head coach (2nd year with the Spartans) and he is trying to implement his systems but with many veteran players left over that were Dantonio recruits. The Spartans only other win last season, other than upsetting the Wildcats, was winning their annual biggest game of the year (versus rival Michigan). Other than that the Spartans had 5 losses and were outscored by a combined 202 to 70. Yes that works out to an average score of 40 to 14. I am not necessarily expecting that big of a margin here but this one will get ugly for Michigan State fans. The Spartans may get better as the season goes on but this team still trying to adjust to Tucker and his systems. 10* NORTHWESTERN -3 |
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09-03-21 | Montreal v. Ottawa +7.5 | Top | 51-29 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 44 m | Show |
East Div GAME OF THE MONTH - Rickenbach CFL Friday 10* Top Play Ottawa Redblacks +7.5 vs Montreal Alouettes @ 7:30 ET - These teams have traditionally played on Labour Day weekend in Canada for many years. The games are almost always tight. The odds makers know this too. This line opened up at a 2.5 and yet has been driven all the way up to a 7.5 and that means it is "go time" with the Redblacks in this one. Tremendous home dog value here. The offense looked much better for Ottawa last week in what was their first home game of the season. They should build off that performance this week and have much more in the way of points on the scoreboard to show for it. Montreal is simply over-valued here. This is particularly true when you consider they will be without a key O-lineman and key D-lineman in this game. The Alouettes have been a pleasant surprise early this season but this is a rivalry game and they are on the road and the Redblacks are showing signs of turning the corner. I will gladly grab the generous points being offered to the home dog in this one. 10* OTTAWA +7.5 |
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09-03-21 | Twins v. Rays OVER 9 | Top | 3-5 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 45 m | Show |
TOP Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #967 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 9 in Tampa Bay Rays vs Minnesota Twins @ 7:10 ET - Randy Dobnak coming back from an right middle finger strain. His most recent rehab appearance in the minors saw him walk 4 and allow 5 hits in less than 5 innings of work plus he struck out only 2. In the bigs this season Dobnak is 1-6 with a 7.83 ERA. Now he faces a Rays team that had been red hot but is off a shutout loss and has lost back to back games after a 9-game winning streak in which they scored an average of 7 runs per game! In other words, Dobnak is lined up to get rocked in my opinion. However, I am not playing Tampa Bay here because I simply can not trust Michael Wacha. The Rays right-hander is off a good start but was hit hard with 19 hits allowed in 10 innings spanning his two prior starts. Wacha also gave up 7 earned runs on 11 hits in 5 innings at Minnesota less than 3 weeks ago. Look for the Twins to pound him again here. I know Minnesota has, overall, not been scoring much of late but this is a good match-up for them and this flies over the total. 10* OVER 9 in Tampa Bay |
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09-02-21 | Ohio State v. Minnesota OVER 62.5 | Top | 45-31 | Win | 100 | 14 h 57 m | Show |
FOX Annihilation - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #145 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes @ 8 ET - I am aware of the rain moving into the Minneapolis area tonight but it might not even start during game time and if it does I do not expect it to be the heaviest stuff as that will come later. Either way, NOT a lot of wind is in the forecast and I expect the offenses to perform just fine here. I know the Golden Gophers are inexperienced at WR but they did add a lot of speed there and, per head coach PJ Fleck, this is the speediest group of wide receivers he has had here. Don't be surprised if they break open for some big gains as we have seen the Buckeyes secondary exposed before. Don't get me wrong, Ohio State is of course one of the best teams in the country and they are solid on both sides of the ball without a doubt. However, the Buckeyes allowed 25 points or more in 5 of their last 7 games last year. Also, the fact this game is on the road will certainly help the Golden Gophers and this Minny team has a solid O-line and is strong at RB and solid at QB. The issue for Minny is their defense and certainly the Buckeyes potent attack can (and will!) exploit that all game long. Ohio State should score plenty but don't be surprised if the Gophers respectable offense keeps them in this game. If they stay right around the 2-TD spread mark in this one (which I feel they will) that should mean plenty of points because I expect the Buckeyes offense to go wild in this one! I also like the fact this total was as high as 66.5 but has settled in at 62.5 as of very early gameday morning. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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09-02-21 | A's -1.5 v. Tigers | Top | 8-6 | Win | 100 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #909 Thursday 10* Top Play Oakland A's Run Line -1.5 runs +100 @ Detroit Tigers @ 1:10 ET - The A's have moved up Frankie Montas to start today's game and that is bad news for the Tigers. Montas has been in phenomenal form since the All Star break with a 2.16 ERA and holding opponents to a .203 BAA. Montas also is 4-2 with a 2.52 ERA in day game starts this season. He'll be opposed by Matt Manning of the Tigers in this one. The Detroit right-hander does have a lower ERA in the 2nd half of the season than he did in the 1st half but he has been quite fortunate. Manning got hit at a .330 clip in August and yet had a 5.23 ERA. As a result of some good fortune, he enters this start with a 3.24 ERA his last 3 starts. This is helping to give us some line value here with Oakland because Manning's stuff is still very hittable and the A's have averaged 5 runs per game last 6 games and had won 3 in a row before yesterday's 8-6 loss. That Tigers win was a rare offensive explosion as Detroit entered Wednesday's game averaging just 2 runs scored per game their last half dozen contests. Look for normalcy to return today and the Tigers resume their losing ways. Detroit had lost 4 straight prior to yesterday's win. Also, the Tigers are 38-50 against right-handers this season and the Athletics are 18-8 against AL Central division opponents this season. 53 of 71 Tigers losses by 2+ runs and 54 of 73 Oakland wins by 2+ runs this season. Those season-long trends continue with a road rout today! 10* OAKLAND Run Line -1.5 runs +100 |
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09-01-21 | UAB -15 v. Jacksonville State | Top | 31-0 | Win | 100 | 29 h 60 m | Show |
ESPN Annihilation - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #907 Wednesday 10* Top Play UAB Blazers -15 vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks @ 7:30 ET - The Blazers are a strong CUSA team. The Gamecocks are a solid program but are an FCS team. This is a step up in class for them. Remember last year Jacksonville State faced Florida State and jumped out to a 14-0 lead partially benefitting from an INT return for a touchdown. The Seminoles, who only won two other games last season by the way, stormed back for a blowout win. This UAB team is rock solid on both sides of the ball and very strong in the trenches. The Blazers defense looks particularly solid this season. As for the strength along the O-line and D-line that is where UAB will get the keys to this victory. Jacksonville State does have a solid QB, he was formerly a back-up at Clemson, but if his teammates are getting beat everywhere else on the field there is not much he can do. UAB begins the season with 4 games away from home (this is a neutral site game) so I expect them to be fully focused here and am expecting them to wear down Jacksonville State as this game goes on. The Blazers can wear teams down on the ground and the Gamecocks might be able to hang around in the first half but eventually UAB is just too strong and has the big talent edge and will eventually pull away and win this game by 20+ in my opinion. 10* UAB Blazers -15 |
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09-01-21 | Astros v. Mariners OVER 8.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
AL West Total of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #963 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros @ 4:10 ET - Well aware of the fact that both teams have trended under of late but this game is set up perfectly for an over based on the pitching match-up. Jake Odorizzi starts for the Astros and the over is 11-6 in his starts this season and he has a 5.14 ERA on the road this season. In two starts at Seattle this season, Odorizzi allowed 7 earned runs in less than 10 innings of work. The Mariners start Logan Gilbert in this one. He has been rocked in his last 3 starts and one of those was against Houston and was a particularly rough one. In other words, this is unlikely to be the right match-up for him to turn things around. The over is 7-2 in Gilbert's home starts this season and he has a 5.66 ERA at home and a 13.50 ERA in his last 3 starts overall. Prior to yesterday's loss the Astros had won 8 of 11 games and scored an average of 7 runs in those 8 victories. Look for a big bounce back from Houston at the plate after being shutout by the Mariners yesterday but at the same time I certainly do not see Odorizzi enjoying success against the M's in this one either. 10* OVER 8.5 in Seattle |
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08-31-21 | Phillies +101 v. Nationals | Top | 12-6 | Win | 101 | 15 h 5 m | Show |
ACTION on pitchers - 10* Top Play PHILADELPHIA +101 - Hopefully they can get this one in before the rain hits DC area. They should have time to do so but then the weather from that hurricane that hit Louisiana is moving into the Northeast starting tonight. The Phillies are a red hot and that is why I do not care who pitches as the Nationals are ice cold. It has been a case of Lucky 7 for the Phillies as they have now scored exactly 7 runs in 5 straight games and in each of their last 2 road games. The Nationals will again be unable to match their offensive output. Philadelphia has also won 7 of 8 games at DC this season. Matt Moore may be tough to trust but he certainly is still capable of bettering Patrick Corbin. Note that Corbin has a 6.09 ERA as a starter on the season and an 8.36 ERA last 3 starts. The Nationals have now lost 7 of last 9 games and the road team gets it done again as they continue to narrow the gap with the Braves in the NL East. The Phillies are starting to believe as the Braves are starting to falter and now on a tough west coast road trip. 10* PHILADELPHIA +101 |
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08-30-21 | Red Sox v. Rays OVER 8.5 | Top | 1-6 | Loss | -118 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
ESPN Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #965 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:10 ET - Nick Pivetta is off back to back rough outings and has now struggled in 6 of his last 8 outings. In fact, in those 6 outings it has been quite ugly with 23 earned runs allowed in 23 and 2/3 innings! Now Pivetta has to face the hottest offense in baseball. The Rays have a slugging percentage of .486 last 30 days to top the majors. Guess who is #2 in that category in the American League? Yes, it is the Red Sox of course. That said we have two very potent lineups here but we get line value with a low total that opened up at a 9 and dropped to an 8.5 as of very early Monday morning. I will gladly grab the value here. I know Luis Patino has good numbers at home this season but he has been struggling a bit of late with too many walks and too many homers. That included allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits (including 2 homers) in 6 innings at Boston 3 weeks ago. The Red Sox should get to him again here. The over is 6-2 in Boston's last 8 games. The Rays have not had any unders in their last 7 home games. Those trends continue here! 10* OVER 8.5 runs in Tampa Bay |
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08-30-21 | Phillies -1.5 v. Nationals | Top | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 20 m | Show |
NL East Game of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #953 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Phillies Run Line -1.5 runs -100 @ Washington Nationals @ 7:05 ET - When you look at Zach Wheeler's ERA last 3 starts and then Josiah Gray's ERA last 3 starts, the money line in the -170 range posted on this game would not make sense to you. However, Wheeler was left in his last start too long and has been fantastic this season. This looks like the perfect spot for him to bounce right back. The Phillies are 6-1 at Washington this season. Also, Philadelphia has some momentum heading into this game after taking 3 straight from the Diamondbacks. As for the Nationals, they have been heading the wrong direction for quite some time now. Yesterday's loss dropped Washington to 2-6 last 8 games. Also, the Nats have lost 18 of 24 games. 7 of Washington's last 9 losses have been by a margin of 2 or more runs. The Phillies have scored 7 runs in 4 straight games and also scored 7 runs in most recent road games. The Nationals only had 3 hits yesterday and have scored an average of just 3.6 runs per game last 7 games. The Phillies in a road rout in this one as Wheeler comes up big and Gray gets hit hard as the road team is getting a 2nd look at the young hurler - 1st start against them 4 weeks ago. 10* Philadelphia Run Line -1.5 +100 |
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08-29-21 | Calgary v. Winnipeg -6.5 | Top | 16-18 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 47 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #686 Sunday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Blue Bombers -6.5 vs Calgary Stampeders @ 7 ET - I really like Jake Maier for Calgary at QB and he got much better as last week's game went on after a rough early start. That showed resilience and he also showed a lot of grit and determination in the 28-22 win versus Montreal. However, the back-up QB now goes on the road and he faces a very tough and physical Winnipeg defense which also is angry off their first loss of the season - at Toronto - last week. Keep in mind, the Blue Bombers are the defending champs and this defense allowed only 13 points total in its first two games this season. Those were at at home and this game is too and the Winnipeg defense bounces back. Also, I am looking for a huge game from the offense as well as they are expected to get a boost with the return of Andrew Harris at RB. He is a fantastic running back and, overall, one of the best players in the league at any position. All signs pointing to a home blowout here! 10* WINNIPEG -6.5 |
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08-29-21 | Rays -1.5 v. Orioles | Top | 12-8 | Win | 100 | 6 h 21 m | Show |
NOTE: I do not care who pitches here. If you have access to books that take all MLB plays as action on the pitchers that would be my best advice here. If you can not bet this play with action, I would recommend to re-bet it prior to game time (if sufficient time allows) if there would happen to be a pitching change in the hours leading up to game time. I will explain why in my write-up here: AL Run Line Game of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #913 Sunday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Rays Run Line -1.5 -140 @ Baltimore Orioles @ 1:05 ET - This play is based on the teams not the pitchers. Certainly Archer rates a massive edge over Watkins and I will talk about that here. However, here you have a Rays team with the much better overall pitching staff so who cares if Archer does not start here or is limited by his hip? Who cares if Watkins does not start either? Who else do the Orioles have available that would strike fear into the Rays hitters? Exactly! This is one is all about a Rays team that is now 17-1 this season against the Orioles including 8-0 at Baltimore. Yesterday's win was by just a single run margin but I am expecting a road blowout here as Means gave a surprisingly good start yesterday. Watkins has a 16.20 ERA in his last 3 starts and has allowed 4 earned runs in each of his last two starts versus TB. Archer just coming back from injury and now dealing with a hip ailment but has looked strong on the mound and piled up strikeouts in his limited action. Prior to yesterday's 1-run win, the Rays last 15 wins ALL were by 2+ runs! Look for this one to resume that trend as the Orioles season of misery continues. 10* TAMPA BAY RAYS Run Line -1.5 runs -140 |
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08-29-21 | Jaguars v. Cowboys OVER 36 | Top | 34-14 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show |
NFLX Total of the Year - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #125 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 36 in Dallas Cowboys vs Jacksonville Jaguars @ 1 ET - The Cowboys have a battle going on for the #2 QB spot behind Dak Prescott. Now that Prescott has been pronounced fit for week one of the regular season, that means Gilbert and Rush will definitely be fully turned loose in this game to battle it out in this contest. Considering they are up against a Jacksonville defense that has allowed 23 points in each game thus far, I like our chances for plenty of Cowboys points here. Both of these teams are winless on the preseason and that is even with Dallas having already played 3 games thus far. I don't think either team will hold back in going for the win here no matter that it is a preseason game. As for the Jaguars QB situation, of course we may not see starter Trevor Lawrence in this one but CJ Beathard has been solid for the Jags in the preseason. In fact, other than the 2 picks thrown by Gardner Minshew (now traded away to Eagles), take a look at the Jags other QB numbers: 50 of 75 for 443 yards and 4 TDs and no INTs. Considering that as well as a very aggressive effort from the Cowboys QBs in this one I am expecting a high-scoring contest here. 10* OVER 36 in Dallas |
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08-29-21 | Manchester United v. Wolverhampton Wanderers OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -104 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach EPL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United @ 11:30 AM ET - I know that Wolverhampton has yet to score this season but they have generated over 40 shots on goal and they are going to get their just deserve soon enough. In fact, Manchester United has not delivered a clean sheet in any of their last 10 matches across all competitions. In other words, look for Wolverhampton to get on the scoresheet finally in this one. However, I am looking for a 2-1 type match. These clubs always tend to have tight matches decided by a single goal but Manchester United has incredible attacking talent. After a 5-1 win in week 1 was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw in week 2, look for the visitors to be on the attack early and often in this match-up. The incredible signing of Ronaldo (though he will not play until after the international break) is a big momentum boost for this club as well. I look for the visitors to ride the positive wave of momentum here but I also expect the Wolves to put up quite a fight and all those chances they have been generating on the attack are finally going to yield some results. In fact a 2-1 type match is really my minimum estimate here. Look for a 3-2 type match as this one should prove highly entertaining at both ends of the pitch with plenty of quality chances. 10* OVER 2.5 goals in Wolverhampton |
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08-29-21 | Watford v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 56 m | Show |
Early Striker - Rickenbach EPL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Tottenham Hotspur vs Watford @ 9 AM ET - Tottenham his a heavy home favorite here for a reason. However, after opening up the season with back to back big wins, could the Hotspur overlook a newly promoted team like Watford? I do believe so and I feel Watford will find the back of the net at least once but Tottenham will ultimately prevail. Of course that puts this match at nothing less than 2-1 final which cashes our over ticket. I know Tottenham has been involved in low-scoring matches of late but with the international break on deck and with only Crystal Palace on deck in their next match after the break, I look for the Hotspur to be aggressive on the attack here. Watford will be forced to play the same style and, after all, what do they have to lose? Watford can take a run at Tottenham by trying to push hard for that first goal in the match but ultimately the Hotspur have too much attacking talent. Especially with the Harry Kane saga finally resolved, the home club should score plenty in this one and truly could end up getting this match over the total all by themselves. Look for a much more wide open match than the first two Hotspur matches this season. 10* OVER 2.5 goals in Tottenham |
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08-28-21 | Rays v. Orioles OVER 9.5 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -111 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
NOTE about pitchers. I really do not care who pitches here. If there is a pitching change I would be re-releasing the play because the Rays are likely to go with Wacha but could go with Patino. The Orioles have no strong pitching left as Means was their one guy who was solid earlier this season but now even he is struggling and their bullpen has been horrid. This play is ON no matter who pitches but looks like will be Means vs Wacha. Please re-bet the over if it changes sometime prior to first pitch in this one. TOTAL ANNIHILATION - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #971 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 9.5 in Baltimore Orioles vs Tampa Bay Rays @ 7:05 ET - Patino is not likely to start here but just mentioning he is winless with a 7.44 ERA in his 5 road starts this season. Wacha is more likely to start and he has a 7.64 ERA in his 7 starts since the All Star break. Look for the Orioles (10 hits yesterday and 31 runs the 3 preceding games) to enjoy some success at the plate no matter who is pitching for the Rays. The reverse is true as well as the Rays should pound whoever the Orioles have out there. Looks like will be Means and he is 0-3 with an 8.16 ERA last 3 starts as his recent struggles continue. The Orioles bullpen has been one of worst in majors this season. Tampa Bay has won 9 of 10 games and scored an average of 7.2 runs per game during this stretch. This game has over written all over it after yesterday's game fell just short. 10* OVER 9.5 runs in Baltimore |
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08-28-21 | BC v. Ottawa OVER 43.5 | Top | 24-12 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 26 m | Show |
ESPN+ Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #683 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 43.5 in Ottawa Redblacks vs BC Lions @ 7 ET - The news on the injury front for each of these teams was better on the offensive front and worse on the defensive front. That, in and of itself, certainly helps an over. What also helps an over is value in the line and this total has been pushed very low because of early season results. I look for both teams to come out strong offensively in this one. BC has allowed at least 21 points in 2 of 3 games this season. Ottawa has played only two games but did allow 23 points (and 400 yards!) last week at Saskatchewan. This is the Redblacks home opener. They should respond better at home and, looking to bounce back after some ugly performances on offense, I do expect Ottawa to score more in this one. However, the Redblacks also allowed just 12 points (but on 443 yards!) in their very fortunate week one upset at Edmonton. That said, this defense just can not be trusted and the BC offense is capable of a big showing here. It all points to this total being set far too low and I am expecting 50+ in this one so we elevate this one to a top play rating. 10* OVER 43.5 in Ottawa |
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08-28-21 | Nebraska -7 v. Illinois | Top | 22-30 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 41 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Rotation #299 Saturday 10* Top Play Nebraska Cornhuskers -7 @ Illinois Illini @ 1 ET - Certainly Bret Bielema at head coach is an upgrade over Lovie Smith at head coach for Illinois. However, that improvement is going to take some time to show up on the field. It will not be overnight and this is simply not a very good football team. I am certainly not high on Nebraska either. But, as it stands right now, this Cornhuskers team is certainly superior to the Illini. Additionally, they are out for revenge from an embarrassing home loss to Illinois last season. I also love the way we have seen the line react on this game. It opened up at nearly double digits and yet has since dropped to as low as a 6.5 but then every time it gets down to 6.5 the Huskers get market attention and it goes right back to 7. So, as of overnight Friday heading into Saturday what I am telling you is as follows: The Huskers opened up as a big road favorite for a reason. The odds makers are not stupid. The line dropping to 6.5 from nearly 10 but then always getting bet back to 7 is an indication that many believe, just as I do that, that the Cornhuskers win this game by at least 7 points and I am expecting a win by a double digit margin. The Huskers and Illini return plenty of defensive starters. I know the Nebraska offense is not a strength, especially through the air, but lets go back to those defenses for a minute. The Illini return plenty of guys but allowed 35 points per game and ranked as one of the worst defenses in the nation for yardage allowed. As for the Huskers, other than the Illini debacle and getting destroyed (like most teams do) by Ohio State, they allowed only 24 points per game in their other 6 games and never allowed more than 27 in any of those other 6 games. Do not be surprised if the better defense prevails in a big way in this match-up. Even including the beatdown against Ohio State in their numbers, the Huskers defense ranked 50th nationally in yardage allowed out of 130 teams. The Illini did NOT face Ohio State last year and still ranked 115th nationally in yardage allowed. The Huskers have their problems, but they are the better overall team and they have not forgotten what happened last year in Lincoln either. There is no better way to avenge a home loss than by getting payback on enemy turf and returning the favor. I fully expect the Cornhuskers to get their revenge in Champaign on Saturday. 10* NEBRASKA -7 |
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08-28-21 | Southampton v. Newcastle United OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 35 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach EPL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Newcastle United vs Southampton @ 10 AM ET - Great set-up here as this is the only match between two winless clubs on Saturday. Both clubs will go very hard to get the full 3 points here in the table and yet I do not foresee either club being held off the scoresheet. In other words, the likelihood of at least a 2-1 game is quite likely here. Newcastle has allowed an average of 3 goals per match on the young season and Southampton has allowed an average of 2 goals per match. The Saints have allowed an average of 3 goals per match in their last 6 matches on enemy pitch in league action. Newcastle has scored at least 1 goal in 11 of last 12 home matches in league action. Southampton off an 8-0 win in English Caraboa Cup action and will fare well here in the goal-scoring department as they are loaded with confidence. However, I do not foresee them slowing down Newcastle at St James Park. In fact, the last 3 meetings here have all been won by the hosts and all have totaled 3 or more goals with the average being 4 goals per match. I am expecting 4 in this one but 3 more gives us a winning ticket and I feel we have strong value here. No club allowed more goals on the road than Southampton last season. Only 2 out of 20 clubs allowed more goals at home than did Newscastle last season. Look for this one to see plenty of goals. 10* OVER 2.5 goals in Newcastle United |
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08-27-21 | Reds v. Marlins OVER 8 | Top | 6-0 | Loss | -104 | 13 h 22 m | Show |
Shocker Total of the Month - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #907 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 8 runs in Miami Marlins vs Cincinnati Reds @ 7:10 ET - Given the low ERA numbers of these two starters many will not expect a high-scoring game here. Hence, the shocker aspect of this pick. I do expect it to get crazy early in Miami on Friday. The Marlins are off a big 7-5 win over the Nationals yesterday. The Reds are off a big 5-1 win at Milwaukee yesterday. Cincinnati has won 7 of 11 games and scored an average of nearly 7 runs per game in those 7 wins. The Marlins have scored an average of 5.5 runs in back to back wins and should enjoy success against Wade Miley here. The Reds southpaw struggled with 5 hits and 3 walks in less than 5 innings versus Miami in his most recent start and was fortunate the damage was not worse than the 2 earned runs he allowed. Also, the over is 15-7 in his last 3 starts including 3-0 the last 3 and in his last road start Miley allowed 5 earned runs in 5 innings. The Marlins start Zach Thompson and he just faced the Reds and had decent success in the 5-inning start but now gives them a quick second look. The over is 3-0 in his last 3 starts and the over trends for each of these starters likely to continue here given the situation and the fact both lineups enter this game with plenty of confidence. 10* OVER 8 runs in Miami |
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08-27-21 | Cardinals v. Pirates UNDER 9 | Top | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 14 h 53 m | Show |
Contrarian Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #904 Friday 10* Top Play UNDER 9 in Pittsburgh Pirates vs St Louis Cardinals @ 7:05 ET - JA Happ has been completely rejuvenated since coming to the Cardinals. Also, he has dominated the Pirates twice this month already and, on the season, has allowed a total of only 3 earned runs in 3 starts versus Pittsburgh. Happ enters this start undefeated with a 1.99 ERA in his 4 starts since coming to St Louis. Dillon Peters starts for the Pirates here. He was solid against the Cardinals last week and the fact is St Louis generally just does not score well. The Cards scored 7 in yesterday's wild 11-7 game but you can definitely chalk that game up to a statistical anomaly. St Louis, prior to yesterday, had been held to 4 or less runs in 7 of last 8 games. The Cardinals averaged only 2.4 runs in those 7 games. The Pirates had been held to 2.4 runs per game game in going 4-7 last 11 games before yesterday's rare explosion at the plate. Things return to normal tonight. 10* UNDER 9 in Pittsburgh |
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08-26-21 | White Sox -103 v. Blue Jays | Top | 10-7 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show |
ACTION on pitchers, this play based on the TEAMS and the situational edges more so than starting pitching: Rickenbach MLB Rotation #965 Thursday 10* Top Play Chicago White Sox Money Line -105 @ Toronto Blue Jays @ 3:07 ET - The Blue Jays got the 3-1 win yesterday behind a very strong start from Robbie Ray. However, Hyun Jin Ryu is no Ray! He is off a good start but allowed 11 earned runs in 10 innings over his prior two starts. Also, he has only recorded 9 strikeouts in the 17 innings spanning his last 3 starts. The White Sox start Carlos Rodon here and he has struck out 20 over his last 13 innings of work. He also is coming off a dominating start. Rodon is 6-2 with a 2.21 ERA in his road starts this season. Ryu lost his only start against the White Sox and that was just two months ago. Rodon has been rock solid with a 2.45 ERA in 3 career starts against Toronto. The Blue Jays had lost 8 of 11 games prior to yesterday's win and did not win back to back games a single time during this stretch. Look for the White Sox to bounce back here regardless of the starting pitchers in this match-up. When Chicago is off a non-extra innings defeat that was by 2 or less runs, they have gone 4-0 L4. Look for that White Sox situational streak to improve to 5-0 while the Blue Jays continue their multi-week run of being unable to win back to back games. 10* Chicago White Sox -105 |
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08-25-21 | White Sox v. Blue Jays OVER 8.5 | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -106 | 15 h 8 m | Show |
Contrarian Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #917 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 in Toronto Blue Jays @ 7:07 ET - First off, when teams combine for 27 hits in a game those batting lineups are going to carry some confidence into the next day no matter what pitchers they are facing. That said, even though both these pitchers have some strong numbers and overall are well-respected starters, there is reason to believe each guy will struggle some on Wednesday. Keep in mind, we also get a low total - 8.5 - to work with here because of the reputation of these two hurlers. By the way, both bullpens got hit in yesterday's game too. As for these starters, Robbie Ray is on rest of only 4 off days between starts here and he just had his longest start of the season at 8 innings. He threw 109 pitches in that outing and I would not be surprised to see him wear down here against a solid White Sox lineup especially as he gets into the middle innings of this one. As for Lucas Giolito, he is off a 7 inning outing and he has often struggled this season when off an outing of at least 7 innings. Here are few examples of what followed a long outing for Giolito: 7 earned runs in 1 inning; 3 homers in 7 innings; 5 walks and 6 hits for 11 baserunners in 6 innings; and, 3 walks and 6 hits for 9 baserunners in 4 innings. He has truly only been strong one time in five starts this season when he is off an outing in which he threw 7 or more innings. 10* OVER 8.5 in Toronto |
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08-24-21 | White Sox v. Blue Jays OVER 9 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 2 m | Show |
The MLB Total of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #967 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 9 runs in Toronto Blue Jays vs Chicago White Sox @ 7:07 ET - After yesterday's pitchers duel, I look for both these starting pitchers to get hit very hard. Jose Berrios has been roughed up in each of his last two starts. Also, he came to Toronto from Minnesota. Of course the Twins are a division rival of the White Sox. The point is that Chicago has plenty of familiarity with him and he did allow 3 homers in his most recent start against them. Also, this was preceded by Berrios getting hit very hard in one of the two prior starts against the White Sox this season as well. The O/U is 7-3 in Berrios road starts this season. I know this start is a home start for him but it is not his usual home of Minnesota. Yes he pitched well in his first two home starts for Toronto but this will be the most challenging match-up yet. I do look for him to get plenty of run support though as the Blue Jays should pound Dylan Cease. The White Sox right-hander has a 5.86 ERA on the road this season and only 3 of the dozen starts resulted in an under. These two teams have solid lineups even when not 100% healthy and yesterday's game saw them go a combined 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position. I expect much better clutch hitting in this one based on the pitching match-up and we'll see a much higher scoring game today. 10* OVER 9 runs in Toronto |
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08-23-21 | Jaguars +4 v. Saints | Top | 21-23 | Win | 100 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFLX 10* Top Play Jacksonville Jaguars +4 @ New Orleans Saints @ 8 ET - The more I looked at this game the more I liked it. The Jaguars have a bad recent preseason history but keep in mind they now have a new coach with Urban Meyer calling the shots. This team is hungry to improve and they certainly played a "cleaner" game last week than the Saints did. Yes both teams are off losses but Jacksonville turned the ball over just once while New Orleans had 6 turnovers in their game against the Ravens. The overall trajectory of these teams is going opposite directions. Of course I am not saying that in a regular season game the Jags are better than the Saints. I am not saying that all. But the point is that the Saints were 12-4 last season but Drew Brees has retired and this team lost a lot of defensive talent from last year's roster. This team will be on the decline this season. As for the Jaguars, off a 1-15 season, of course the only way to go is up but truly this team could be respectable this season and had a strong draft and there is some positive energy within this Jacksonville organization right now. With how sloppy New Orleans was last week, I feel we have a good shot at an outright upset here for the Jaguars and I certainly like the value with the points. Keep in mind, we have seen a good amount of upsets in week 2 of the preseason as well as some underdog ATS covers without notching the upset. Good value here getting a handful of points given all of the above. 10* JACKSONVILLE +4 |
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08-23-21 | White Sox v. Blue Jays OVER 8.5 | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 27 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #905 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Toronto Blue Jays vs Chicago White Sox @ 7:07 ET - This is a contrarian play because, with these pitchers on the mound, you might first be thinking of an under. However, there is a lot to like here about an over with this play. The White Sox will respond after being shut out at Tampa Bay yesterday. Chicago had scored an average of 5.4 runs per game in last 9 games before that one. The Blue Jays are off a 5-3 extra innings loss that made them use some extra bullpen arms yesterday. That could come into play here as well but the point is that the Blue Jays are also in bounce back mode but could have some trouble in the later innings with their bullpen too. Toronto had scored 5.3 runs per game in their last 7 games against right-handed starters before surprisingly struggling yesterday. Look for them to get back on track versus Lance Lynn as he has great numbers on the season but has been a little off lately. Lynn has allowed 3 homers in 9 innings over his last two starts. Speaking of being off, Alek Manoah just got rocked for the Blue Jays in his most recent outing. That was on the road but he also was not nearly as strong in his most recent home start as he had been for much of this season either. That said, the over is 3-0 in his last 3 starts and two of those were on the road and now he is at home where the over is 4-1 this season. The over is 5-3 in Lynn's road starts this season. Take advantage of the low total here as these are two solid lineups matching up in this one. 10* OVER 8.5 runs in Toronto |
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08-23-21 | Leicester v. West Ham United OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 10 h 20 m | Show |
NBCSN Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach EPL Monday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in West Ham United vs Leicester @ 3 ET - West Ham opened the season with a 4-2 win and, dating back to last season, have won 3 straight matches and scored at least 3 goals in all 3 matches. The total on this game is sitting at 2.5 goals and, in theory, you can see why West Ham could arguably get this game over the total all by themselves. However, the travelers from Leicester certainly should enjoy some success in terms of finding the back of the net in this one. I know they scored only one goal last week but it was all the needed in the 1-0 victory but they will need more this week so they will have to be aggressive on the attack. Leicester has been involved in lower-scoring matches recently including a pair of club friendly matches last month and an English FA Community Shield match earlier this month. However, when Leicester matches up with West Ham it tends to be goals aplenty and I do expect the home club to dictate the pace here as well. The last 5 matches between these clubs have all totaled at least 3 goals and the average goals scored was 4 per match. More of the same here! 10* OVER 2.5 goals in West Ham |
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08-22-21 | Marlins v. Reds -137 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 6 h 1 m | Show |
ACTION on pitchers, this play based on the TEAMS moreso than starting pitching: 10* Cincinnati Reds -135 - The Marlins have lost 18 of last 24 road games. This line opened up painted in the -165 range and I even saw a -175 out there. Now it has come down to the -135 range as of very early Sunday morning. This is because Sandy Alcantara is on the mound for the Marlins and certainly he commands some respect. But the odds maker knew who was pitching too and yes set the line the way they did for a reason. I feel Cincinnati deserves to be a big favorite here and will take advantage of this lower pricing after the line move. The Marlins Alcantara has struggled much more on the road than at home this season. Prior to a great road outing in his most recent one, Alcantara had allowed 5 homers over his last 2 road starts and 16 earned runs over his last 3 road starts combined. Granted, one of those was at Coors Field but the fact is, prior to a quality start at San Diego, Alcantara had allowed at least 3 earned runs in 3 straight road outings and in 5 of 7 outings overall. Also, the Marlins enter this game having lost 11 of 15 games overall and I am expect more struggles here against a red hot Reds team. Cincinnati has won 17 of 25 games. Vladimir Gutierrez has gone at least 6 innings while allowing 2 earned runs or less in 5 straight games and 7 of his last 8 games. Too much small home fave value to pass up on in this one. 10* Cincinnati -135 |
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08-22-21 | Tigers v. Blue Jays OVER 10.5 | Top | 5-3 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 32 m | Show |
10* OVER 10.5 in Toronto - The Tigers are starting Hutchison and he got hammered and could not find the plate in his first start last week as he lasted less than two innings. Matz starts for the Blue Jays and is off a good road start but has been hit hard in recent home starts. Also, on the season, the Toronto lefty has a 4.57 ERA in home starts and that could easily be worse as he has an ugly 1.66 WHIP as a host this season. I know it has been back to back low-scoring unders so far in this series but look for the finale of the 3-game set to fly over the total. Both teams had been trending over coming into this series and this looks like the perfect pitching match-up for these lineups to come back to life and get off to a hot start and then carry the momentum through the game. Also, the over is 7-2 in Matz home starts this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER 10.5 in Toronto |
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08-22-21 | Giants v. Browns OVER 35 | Top | 13-17 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Rickenbach NFLX Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 35 in Cleveland Browns vs New York Giants @ 1 ET - Pair of Philly guys, both 39 years old, are squaring off in this coaching match-up. Joe Judge of the Giants and Kevin Stefanski of the Browns both grew up in Philly at the same time and have held joint practices this week leading into this game. This total opened up at a 38.5 and has dropped all the way to a 35. I see good value with the over. Cleveland played fast last week. The game had a good pace for both the Browns and their opponent. Cleveland did blitz some in that game and put quite a bit of pressure on the Jaguars. I do not expect that same aggressive game plan here. I actually expect a bit of a friendly game if you will because of this coaching match-up. That said, the Giants are off a disastrous effort and scored just 7 points last week and need to be much better this week. I feel certain they will open up the offense quite a bit more this week and, even though this game will again be all about the back-ups, look for plenty of points. Both teams cut loose a little bit here and I just do not expect a lot of special defensive scheming, etc. Love fading line moves and based on the Browns being at home and likely to dictate a fast pace again on offense here, I look for this one to fly over the total. 10* OVER 35 in Cleveland |
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08-22-21 | Chelsea -121 v. Arsenal | Top | 2-0 | Win | 100 | 7 h 43 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout - Rickenbach EPL Sunday 10* Top Play Chelsea Money Line -120 @ Arsenal @ 11:30 AM ET - While it is difficult to make too many comparisons early in the season here is one for you that matters. Last week, Arsenal lost 2-0 to Brentford - a club that just arrived to Premier League this season. Yesterday Brentford faced Crystal Palace and it was a scoreless draw. That is the same Crystal Palace that Chelsea faced in week one and thrashed 3-0. So as you can see, those signs all point to Chelsea getting the win here and I love this spot because we get line value since Chelsea is on the road for this match. If they were the host they would be to pricey. Ever since Tuchel took over coaching duties for Chelsea they have been a different club but Arsenal did take both matches last season and Tuchel was on the sidelines for one of those. He and the travelers get some payback here as Arsenal is a quality club that often rises up against tougher competition but Chelsea is simply the better and healthier club right now. Also, the revenge factor is a key here and I just do not see the visitors being denied in their quest for payback here. They do not allow many goals at all and will likely deliver a clean sheet here while Arsenal has some question marks defensively and the visitors will take advantage. 10* Chelsea Money Line -120 |
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08-21-21 | Braves v. Orioles OVER 10.5 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 40 m | Show |
IL Blowout - MLB 10* OVER 10.5 runs in Baltimore Orioles vs Atlanta Braves @ 7:05 ET - I know I fell short with this play last night but I do expect tonight to make up for it and for a lot of runs to be scored. Entering yesterday's action, as mentioned here in Friday's write-up, the Orioles had a .436 slugging percentage against lefties this season and that ranked 5th in the majors! Braves southpaw Drew Smyly has been struggling recently and this includes away from home where he has a 4.52 ERA on the road this season and the over is 11-2 in those 13 starts. Orioles right-hander Matt Harvey is likely to get rocked as he is 2-7 with a 6.60 ERA in his 11 home starts this season. Harvey, 7.45 ERA last 2 starts, faces a Braves team that is rolling on a hot streak. Atlanta has averaged scoring 6.5 runs per game last 11 games and the over was 6-2 last 8 Braves games prior to yesterday's low-scoring win. Orioles pitching, including bullpen, continues to get pounded as they have allowed nearly 9 runs per game during their current 16-game losing streak. 10* OVER 10.5 runs in Baltimore |
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08-21-21 | Winnipeg v. Toronto +3.5 | Top | 23-30 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - CFL 10* Toronto Argonauts +3.5 vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 4 ET - Look for a strong effort from the Argos here as they play their home opener. They lost at Winnipeg last week so they will take advantage of this shot at revenge right away this week. The Argonauts did get a boost in the game when they made a QB switch and I expect that to wake up the team and give them some momentum for this week's rematch. The Blue Bombers were already down RB Harris but now also lost WR Demski to injury. Things are starting to catch up with this Winnipeg offense and the Argos did do a solid job defensively last week and could be even stronger this week in their home opener in my opinion. That said, value with the home dog in this one. The Blue Bombers did open up as a TD favorite here and are now in the range of a FG but this line move was fully justified based on the Winnipeg injury issues and the fact that the home dog is a revenge-minded one that had some positives to pull from last week's game for sure. 10* TORONTO +3.5 |
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08-21-21 | Bills +4.5 v. Bears | Top | 41-15 | Win | 100 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - NFLX 10* Buffalo Bills +4.5 @ Chicago Bears @ 1 ET - Both teams off wins last week and Chicago did win by 7 while Buffalo won by just 1. However, I was impressed by the Bills defense too and note that they have now won 6 straight preseason games. They opened up as the favorite in this match-up in the early lines but are now a 4.5 point dog. Maybe, after a 6-0 SU win, the Bills do finally drop an NFLX game but that does not mean they do not cover. Many NFLX games are tight and, in fact, Chicago entered this season 3-6 SU the last 2 preseasons and 1 of the wins was by just a single point. The fact is there is too much value here regardless of the plan of how coaches use starters here, etc. Buffalo is the better team and has better depth and that will key the victory in crunch time as the Bills get the job done here. 10* BUFFALO +4.5 |
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08-21-21 | Watford v. Brighton & Hove Albion -135 | Top | 0-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 22 m | Show |
NBC National TV Rout - 10* Brighton & Hove vs Watford @ 12:30 ET - Watford got an opening week win but they are just back up to the Premier League this season after previously being relegated. The last time they played in the top flight they won just 2 of 19 road matches. In other words, do not be surprised if they struggle on the road here after a bit of a surprise win last week for them. Watford is facing a Brighton & Hove team that had a lot of positive energy and emotion coming into the season and it carried right into a positive week one opener. Now, in their home opener and on a positive run in recent home tilts, I do not see the hosts being denied in this one. 10* BRIGHTON & HOVE -135 |
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08-21-21 | Norwich City v. Manchester City OVER 3.5 | Top | 0-5 | Win | 100 | 5 h 23 m | Show |
TV Total Annihilation - 10* OVER 3.5 goals in Manchester City vs Norwich City @ 10 AM ET - After being shutdown by Tottenham in a low-scoring 1-0 battle last week, I do not see Manchester City letting up here. They should score plenty and could get to this total all by themselves but look for Norwich City to find the back of the net at least once and there is a reason Manchester City is a massive favorite on the money line in this match. In other words 3 to 1 or 4 to 0 or 4 to 1 are all logical finals for this one. 10* OVER 3.5 goals in Manchester City |
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08-20-21 | Montreal v. Calgary +5.5 | Top | 22-28 | Win | 100 | 15 h 47 m | Show |
ESPN+ Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #674 Friday 10* Top Play Calgary Stampeders +5.5 vs Montreal Alouettes @ 9:30 ET - Some are surprised at who the starting QB is for Calgary here as they are going with the perceived #3 and letting the #2 serve as the back-up as the #1 guy Bo Levi Mitchell now out with an injury. However, the way I view this is that the Stampeders have seen some good things from the UC-Davis product and he is in line for a big game here. Love the line move as, because of Mitchell's injury, the line has gone from Calgary being about a 2-point favorite to now being a +5.5 dog. The Stampeders were great at home last season but now already off to an 0-2 start at home this season. In other words, the likelihood of them falling into an 0-3 start at home is slim odds in my opinion and I love having the big points. Yes Montreal is off a blowout win last week but the yardage was very nearly equal in their 30-13 win at Edmonton. I do respect the Alouettes but they are over-valued in this spot and the value is with the big home dog no matter who is at the pivot position for the hosts! 10* CALGARY +5.5 |
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08-20-21 | Chiefs v. Cardinals +3 | Top | 17-10 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
ESPN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #404 Friday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (+) vs Kansas City Chiefs @ 8 ET - Both teams won by identical 19-16 scores last week but I like the fact that Arizona's came on a momentum-building last-second field goal. Also, the Cardinals are now getting 3 points as a home dog here. I know that Kansas City is planning to run their starters quite a bit in the first half of this game but this still a Chiefs team that had won just 1 of last 4 road preseason games prior to last week's tight win. It is the back-ups that often decide the final outcome of preseason games. Also, KC went just 1-3 overall in the most recent preseason. The Cardinals have now won 2 of last 3 preseason home games and offer solid value as an underdog here. Arizona proved last week they will push hard to win a preseason game and I look for them to get the job done again this week. If they do fall short the +3 could prove to be great value. 5 of the 16 games last week were decided by 3 or less points. 10* ARIZONA |
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08-20-21 | White Sox v. Rays OVER 9 | Top | 7-5 | Win | 102 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #971 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 9 runs in Tampa Bay Rays vs Chicago White Sox @ 7:10 ET - The White Sox have Lucas Giolito on the mound and the over is 9-3 in his road starts this season. He has been hit a little harder in recent starts too as he has struggled in 2 of his last 3 outings. I know Giolito is certainly a solid pitcher overall but this Rays team is swinging very hot sticks right now. Tampa Bay has won 11 of 14 games and scored an average of 7.7 runs per game during this hot stretch. The White Sox are also rolling again overall as they had won 8 of 12 before yesterday's 5-4 loss. Chicago had averaged 5.8 runs per game in those dozen games and should have no trouble with the offerings of Michael Wacha here. The Rays right-hander is 0-2 with an 11.57 ERA in his last 3 starts. The over is 10-4-2 in Wacha's 16 starts this season. More of the same on tap here and both teams have huge days at the plate. 10* OVER 9 in Tampa Bay |
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08-19-21 | Edmonton Elks +4 v. BC | Top | 21-16 | Win | 100 | 18 h 37 m | Show |
ESPN2 Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #671 Thursday 10* Top Play Edmonton Elks +4 @ BC Lions @ 10 ET - Statistically, the Elks have been much better than what has been reflected on the scoreboard the first two weeks. That is helping lead to line value here especially with Edmonton available at +4 in this one. The road team is a perfect 2-0 ATS in BC games this season and 2-0 SU/ATS in Elks games this season and I look for that trend to continue here but will grab the points as added insurance. Keep in mind, the Lions lost in Week 1 by just 4 points and Edmonton also lost in Week 1 by just a 4-point margin. 10* EDMONTON +4 |
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08-19-21 | Patriots v. Eagles +1.5 | Top | 35-0 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 36 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach NFL Rotation #402 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles +1.5 vs New England Patriots @ 7:30 ET - The Eagles blew a 13-0 late 1st half lead last week and lost 24-16 as they are outscored 24-3 the rest of the way. Philadelphia is likely to struggle in the regular season this year but keep in mind this is preseason. With a first year head coach who demands plenty from his players, I look for a much better effort this week after the ugly 2nd half last week for the Eagles. As for the Patriots, a long TD run is what sealed their victory last week as they were clinging a 2-point lead at the time. The key here is that other than that run, one could easily argue that Washington was the much better team in that game. The Pats, not including that long TD run, were outgained by 138 yards. New England is 1-2 SU/ATS the last 2 preseasons when off a home win and they allowed an average of 25.3 points per game in those 3 games. Look for them to struggle again on the road in that role here and the Eagles bounce back from last week's second half debacle. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 |
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08-19-21 | Mariners v. Rangers OVER 8.5 | Top | 9-8 | Win | 100 | 8 h 48 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #913 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Texas Rangers vs Seattle Mariners @ 2:05 ET - I know neither one of these lineups have been juggernauts in terms of scoring runs of late but this looks like the perfect match-up for a breakthrough game for each. That said, I love the value of this very low total, 8.5, for an American League game when you consider the pitching match-up here. Chris Flexen has struggled throughout his career and after a surprising run through much of this season, particularly in his home starts, he is starting to revert back to normal of late. Flexen has been hit much harder over his last 4 starts. Also, on the season he has proven to be much more susceptible to getting roughed up on the road and that was also true in his lone start at Texas earlier this season. Flexen has a 5.44 ERA in his road starts this season and opponents are hitting .327 against him away from home. The Rangers start former Phillie Spencer Howard here and the Mariners just faced him in his most recent start. This is a big edge to the hitters and they will get to him this time around. Though he was successful in that outing, Howard only lasted 3 innings and now Seattle gets another look. Keep in mind, he entered that start with an 8.03 ERA over his 3 prior starts. Return to normal here and both teams see their lineups have big games here. 10* OVER 8.5 in Texas |
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08-18-21 | Angels v. Tigers OVER 8.5 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -106 | 14 h 5 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Tigers vs Los Angeles Angels @ 7:10 ET - This total is an 8.5 and it is a contrarian play because both Shohei Ohtani and Tarik Skubal have been pitching well of late. However, I like the over here as Skubal is going to return to norms as I am expecting a regression to the mean. Also, the Angels exploding for 6 runs in the top of the 9th yesterday gives this team a ton of momentum heading into today's match-up. As for Ohtani, he has been known to be a much better pitcher at home in comparison with on the road. That said, I do expect some struggles for him here. He entered this season with a 6.20 ERA in his career on the road and he has a 4.54 ERA in his 7 road starts this season and that is even including a good one in his most recent outing. I know the Tigers offense has been quite in the past two games but this followed Detroit scoring an average of 6 runs a game over 6 prior games. The Angels have averaged scoring 5 runs per game in their last 4 road wins and Skubal's most recent home start was a good one but that was preceded by him allowing 3 homers in his prior home start. Just a strong feeling here that the Angels carry momentum from yesterday's huge 9th inning while the Tigers also hit well as Ohtani has some road struggles as his long-term tendency for that resumes here. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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08-17-21 | Braves v. Marlins +118 | Top | 2-0 | Loss | -100 | 15 h 3 m | Show |
ACTION on the pitchers. This is a TEAM based money line play. NO listed pitchers: Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #904 Tuesday 10* Top Play Miami Marlins +115 vs Atlanta Braves @ 7:10 ET - Yes the Braves have been very hot but the Marlins are a respectable home team and will bounce back after yesterday's ugly loss. Miami has a starting pitching edge. Additionally their home bullpen ERA is a full run lower than Atlanta's road bullpen ERA. I like the fact that Sandy Alcantara has a 2.58 ERA at home this season. Also, the Marlins are 5-2 in Alcantara's career starts against the Braves and he has a solid 3.14 ERA in those 7 outings. The Braves are starting Huascar Ynoa and he was strong against Marlins in most recent outing but struggled when he first faced them and now this is the first time he will be starting at Miami. Note that Ynoa is 1-2 with a 4.87 ERA in road outings this season. The Marlins had won 4 straight games overall and 4 straight home games before yesterday's embarrassing defeat. Perfect time to back them for a bounce back effort on Tuesday. 10* MIAMI +115 |
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08-17-21 | Orioles v. Rays OVER 8 | Top | 0-10 | Win | 100 | 14 h 29 m | Show |
NOTE: Drew Rasmussen is making just his 4th start of the season and is averaging only 3 innings per start. He is not a true starter. The Rays could change their mind and use an opener and then let Rasmussen get the bulk of the work - 3 or 4 innings. That said, I just want to emphasize that, just like yesterday's play involving these teams, I do not care who the starting pitchers are for either team. If possible, I would recommend to bet this total at a book that has action on pitchers on all bets in MLB. Either way, I am telling you straight away that if there is a pitching change, this is still a play for me and I would recommend to re-bet it if you did not already have action: Total of the Month: Rickenbach MLB Rotation #921 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 8 runs in Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:10 ET - As for the Orioles, John Means is scheduled to start. With how hot the Rays bats have been it does not matter whom Baltimore starts here and plus the Orioles bullpen has been dreadful and that continued yesterday. As for Means, he has a decent ERA his last 3 starts but his numbers, particularly in his last 2 starts, have certainly left a lot to be desired and this is helping to lead to value in this spot. Means has allowed 16 hits in just 9 and 1/3 innings in his last two starts and that including giving up just 1 earned run but 8 hits to the Rays. Also, Means just got absolutely destroyed by the Tigers when he gave them a quick 2nd look and now he is doing the same by facing this hot Tampa Bay lineup again after just seeing them two starts ago - exact same situation he just had relating to Detroit. Also, the Rays are on an 8-2 run to the over as TB has been hot. The Rays have scored an average of nearly 9 runs per game in their last 8 victories. The Orioles have allowed an average of about 9 runs per game last 12 games! Also, the Orioles had scored an average of 5 runs per game in last 6 games versus Rays prior to being held to just 2 runs yesterday. They should fare better today plus the TB bats should remain FIRE! 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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08-16-21 | Orioles v. Rays OVER 8.5 | Top | 2-9 | Win | 100 | 15 h 26 m | Show |
NOTE: Fleming likely to get most of the work for Rays while McHugh will serve as an opener here. I do not care who the starting pitchers are for either team. If possible, I would recommend to bet this total at a book that has action on pitchers on all bets in MLB. Either way, I am telling you straight away that if there is a pitching change, this is still a play for me and I would recommend to re-bet it if you did not already have action: Rickenbach MLB Rotation #963 Monday 10* Top Play OVER 8.5 runs in Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles @ 7:10 ET - Collin McHugh expected to only serve as an opener here so lets discuss Josh Fleming as he is projected to get most of the action. Fleming has been hit hard and has a 10.13 ERA in his last 3 starts and the over is 7-4 in his 11 starts this season. Again, I know he is not the listed starter here but essentially he is the starter by virtue of getting most of the work here. As for the Orioles Matt Harvey is scheduled to start. With how hot the Rays bats have been it does not matter whom Baltimore starts here and plus the Orioles bullpen has been dreadful. As for Harvey, he has a decent ERA his last 3 starts but his numbers, particularly in his last 2 starts, have certainly left a lot to be desired and this is helping to lead to value in this spot. Harvey got absolutely destroyed by Tampa Bay earlier this season. Also, the Rays are off a 5-4 loss that stayed under the total but this was preceded by a 7-1 run to the over as TB had been hot. The Rays have scored an average of nearly 9 runs per game in their last 7 victories. The Orioles are off a 6-2 loss that stayed under the total but Baltimore has allowed an average of about 9.5 runs per game last 11 games! Also, the Orioles have scored an average of 5 runs per game in last 5 games versus Rays. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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08-15-21 | Dodgers -1.5 v. Mets | Top | 14-4 | Win | 100 | 12 h 59 m | Show |
Run Line Game of the Year - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #913 Sunday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Dodgers Run Line -1.5 runs -100 @ New York Mets @ 7:08 ET - The Dodgers are without Mookie Betts but Justin Turner got back on the field yesterday and will likely be in the starting lineup tonight. If Betts was available of course this line would be even higher but I am taking advantage of the added line value here. The Dodgers are available at practically even money on the run line in this game and this is superb value in my opinion. The Dodgers have won 9 of 12 games. The Mets have lost 11 of 16. I know there have been some tight 1-run games included in these stretches for each team but I fully expect a blowout here. Carlos Carrasco is simply "not right" yet and he showed that again in his most recent rain-shortened start (he likely would have been pulled early) while Max Scherzer dominated in his most recent start which was also shortened by rain. Carrasco has a 6.75 ERA in his 3 starts and has been hit hard. Scherzer has a dominating 2.67 ERA on the season and a 1.65 ERA in his last 3 starts and continues to be a strikeout machine. Considering his strong current form and the fact that this is his first start against the Mets this season, look for New York's lineup to struggle badly as the strikeouts pile up and contact made is likely to be weak. 10* LOS ANGELES DODGERS Run Line -1.5 runs -100 |
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08-15-21 | Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 2 m | Show |
NBCSN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach EPL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City @ 11:30 AM ET - Of course these are two of the best clubs in the league and they are equally strong on defense as well on the attack. Those balanced attributes are what helped lead to successful campaigns last season for each club. That said it is hard to argue against the strengths of the defense and goalkeeping of each of these clubs. However, I like all the Harry Kane drama surrounding this match-up and the fact that Tottenham made some key offseason acquisitions to strengthen their club plus they have a new head coach in Nuno Espírito Santo and he had enjoyed success at Wolverhampton. Manchester City averaged scoring 2.2 goals last season and Tottenham averaged 1.8 goals per game. That totals 4 goals and while I do not necessarily expect that many here I do feel we should get at least 3. Just so much firepower for each club and I do not see either team being shutout. Nor do I foresee either team being willing to settle for a draw. That said, if this game gets to 1-1 each club will be gunning hard for that 2-1 win and will be willing to take some risk by being aggressive on the attack. A lot of positive dynamics for an over in this one in my opinion. 10* OVER 2.5 goals in Tottenham |
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08-14-21 | Hamilton +3 v. Saskatchewan | Top | 8-30 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
ESPNews Network Rout - Rickenbach CFL Saturday 10* Top Play Hamilton Tiger-Cats +1.5 @ Saskatchewan Roughriders @ 10 ET - Saskatchewan off a non-covering win in which they nearly entirely blew a 31-0 lead in their season opener. That gives me some major question marks about the Roughriders defense but really this play is more about taking an extremely good team as an underdog coming off a loss. Yes we faded Hamilton with Winnipeg in Week 1 and got the win but the Blue Bombers, now 2-0 on the season, certainly look quite strong. Also, the Tiger-Cats were done in by turnovers in that game and that is helping to give us line value here as the Blue Bombers defense has looked strong this season. Hamilton will take advantage of a leaky Riders defense in this one and I look for the hungry Ti-Cats, a true Grey Cup favorite this season, to gets into the win column! 10* HAMILTON |
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08-14-21 | Orioles v. Red Sox OVER 9.5 | Top | 2-16 | Win | 100 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #965 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 9.5 runs in Boston Red Sox vs Baltimore Orioles @ 4:10 ET - The Orioles were held to just 1 run yesterday and that was the difference in the game staying under the total as the Red Sox did explode for 8 runs in that game. Today I look for the Boston bats to again be rolling but, this time, the Baltimore bats should enjoy some success too. Chris Sale, of course, brings a certain reputation to the mound. But this will be his first MLB start in two years. Coming back from a major elbow issue, Sales will not work very deep into this game. Also, the last time he hosted the Orioles he did allow 3 earned runs in less than 5 innings of work. Jorge Lopez starts for the visitors in this one. I know he has some decent stats of late but Lopez also has a 7.45 ERA in his two starts versus the Red Sox this season. Boston enters this game scoring an average of 8.2 runs last 5 games. The Orioles have allowed 9.1 runs last 9 games. The Orioles lead the AL in slugging percentage versus southpaws this season so could surprise here with some success versus Sale. Also, over the past week, Baltimore is hitting .262 and the Red Sox are hitting .286 and we should see plenty of scoring today. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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08-14-21 | Liverpool v. Norwich City OVER 3 | Top | 3-0 | Push | 0 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
NBC Total of the Week - Rickenbach EPL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 3 goals in Norwich City vs Liverpool @ 12:30 ET - Liverpool known for some crazy high-scoring matches to begin new seasons and last year was no exception. This season they are on the road at Norwich City and I am aware that the last time these clubs met was a 1-0 Liverpool win. However, 3 of the 4 prior meetings totaled at least 5 goals and I would not be surprised to see today's match do the same. Liverpool finished last season well but they know they were fortunate to have some help from other clubs in the way things finished out. That said, they want to do a better job of having strong early season success this year and I expect them to view this as a statement match. In other words, Liverpool will be strong on the attack throughout this game and will not take their foot off the gas. Norwich City, though at home, also fully realizes they are a bit outclassed here. That said, they will not be able to stop Liverpool but they have some talented forwards that will be a little extra aggressive on the counter-attack which should lead to a goal or two for a club that was very impressive last season and certainly earned their promotion to the premier league for this season. Look for an entertaining affair with plenty of scoring to wrap up Saturday's slate of matches. 10* OVER 3 goals in Norwich City |
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08-13-21 | Toronto v. Winnipeg OVER 47.5 | Top | 7-20 | Loss | -104 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #681 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Toronto Argonauts @ 8:30 ET - The early line on this total was a 47.5 and it dropped to a 46.5 but where it goes from there is a big question mark as the odds makers have been slow putting up numbers on CFL action early this season. In any event, I am going big on the over here as both teams are off victories last week in which they each received strong QB play. Also, Blue Bombers still missing RB Andrew Harris which could make them pass even more which is good for an over. Toronto was a pass-heavy team last week and that should continue here. Winnipeg off big win in a Grey Cup rematch and Argonauts off big upset road win. That sets this one up well for a bit of a letdown for each defense and we have good value with the early line movement on an already low total. I know we have seen a lot of unders so far in this young season but this one should play out much differently. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg |
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08-13-21 | Indians v. Tigers OVER 9 | Top | 7-4 | Win | 100 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator – Rickenbach MLB Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians @ 7 ET – The Tigers scored 6 runs yesterday but the game just stayed under the total. Detroit has been piling up hits lately and also should have no trouble with the offering of a struggling Zach Plesac. The Indians just got hammered 17-0 yesterday and now send Plesac to the hill likely to see more big runs scored. Plesac has a 7.71 ERA in his last 3 starts and all went over the total. The Tigers are 3-1 to the over in Tyler Alexander’s home starts this season. The fact that Cleveland just saw him is likely to help the hitters too. Alexander did enjoy some surprising success in that start but this is still a guy that is getting hit at a .284 clip at the MLB level. Alexander is a lefty and the Indians are 3-1 to the over in last 4 road games against a left-handed starter and they scored an average of 6.3 runs in those 4 games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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08-13-21 | Titans v. Falcons -115 | Top | 23-3 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 27 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter – Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #107 Friday 10* Top Play Atlanta Falcons (Pick) vs Tennessee Titans @ 7 ET – I like that fact that new Falcons head coach Arthur Smith was most recently the offensive coordinator for Tennessee the past two seasons and, overall, had spent the past decade coaching in the Titans organization. The Falcons do not have a good history in pre-season recently but keep in mind the Titans are only 2-6 in preseason under Vrabel. Also, Atlanta should be the hungrier team here with a new coach and ready to turn things around after a 4-12 season. The fact he is facing his former team sweetens this one. There is a reason the normally better regular season team in this match-up is actually the dog. Do not let the line fool you. Grab the home team. 10* ATLANTA |
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08-13-21 | Arsenal -116 v. Brentford | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -116 | 9 h 8 m | Show |
NBCSN Daytime Rout – Rickenbach EPL Friday 10* Top Play Arsenal Money Line -115 vs Brenford @ 3 ET – Brentford had the better preseason results but, just as in other sports, one must be careful to not put too much weight into preseason results. Also, Brentford just got elevated to the Premier League for the first time ever but none of the 9 London teams before them to accomplish the feat have ever won their first fixture in EPL regular season action. I look for that trend to continue here and we have enough line value with Arsenal being the road team in this match that we are able to go with a top play here. For the first time in 25 years Arsenal, in excruciating fashion on the last day of last season, did not qualify for European competition. I fully believe we are going to see some extra hunger here from the visitors as a result and they are the more talented club and will spoil the home opener for the Bees. Brentford has waited 74 years for this chance at top flight league action but are facing a very tough opening match and the hunger will be there for the road team to take the full 3 points in this one. 10* ARSENAL -115 |
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08-12-21 | BC v. Calgary -7 | Top | 15-9 | Loss | -106 | 11 h 9 m | Show |
ESPN+ Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFL Rotation #680 Thursday 10* Top Play Calgary Stampeders (-) vs BC Lions @ 9:30 ET - The early line on this game was a 6.5 but where it goes from there is a big question mark as the odds makers have been slow putting up numbers on CFL action early this season. In any event, I am going big on the Stampeders here as they blew a 20-12 lead in the 4th quarter to lose their opener to Toronto. Calgary is well aware of the fact that BC rallied from a 31-0 deficit to put a scare into the Roughriders last week at Saskatchewan. The Riders appeared to let up with a big lead and the Stamps will not make the same mistake here and should prove to be the better team on the ground in this one as well. 10* CALGARY |
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08-12-21 | Steelers v. Eagles | Top | 24-16 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 3 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #106 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (PK) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 7:30 ET - The Eagles had a horrible season last year and are likely destined for another rough one this year. However, Philly does have a new coach and a young one at that. Nick Sirianni will be hungrier than most in the preseason and is going to demand a high compete level from his team even in a meaningless game. This Eagles team is going to struggle in the regular season barring a miracle turnaround because they need to time to jell and have had major roster turnover in recent seasons. However, in the preseason they could be a bit of a surprise given all of the above factors. The Steelers do have a solid preseason history including going in recent seasons but still went just 1-1 on the road in each of the last two preseasons. Coming off a win over the Cowboys in the HOF Game last week makes this road game even less important for the Steelers. As for the Eagles, new head coach Sirianni and company will be desperate for something to latch onto early in the year and that includes preseason where many roster battles are going on. 10* PHILADELPHIA pick'em |
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08-12-21 | Tigers v. Orioles OVER 10.5 | Top | 6-4 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #967 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Orioles vs Detroit Tigers @ 4:05 ET - The Tigers and Orioles combined for 20 hits in yesterday's game after combining for 19 hits in Tuesday's game. Even though there were more hits yesterday there were only 7 runs scored after the teams combined for 13 runs on Tuesday. The fact is the teams are swinging hot bats and that should continue here and this one should make up for yesterday's shortfall of runs. The Orioles are starting John Means and he has been a little harder in each of his last two home starts and overall the over is 4-2 in his home starts this season. The Tigers are starting Matt Manning and he is 0-4 with a 9.13 ERA in his road starts this season. Manning has a 7.36 ERA in his last 3 starts and that includes getting hit hard by the Orioles but 3 of the 5 runs were unearned. In other words, his ERA last 3 starts could easily be higher. Look for plenty of runs here as these are also two of the worst bullpens in the league too. 10* OVER the total in Baltimore |
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08-12-21 | Cardinals -120 v. Pirates | Top | 7-6 | Win | 100 | 6 h 24 m | Show |
ACTION on pitchers: Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Rotation #953 Thursday 10* St Louis Cardinals Money Line (-) @ Pittsburgh Pirates @ 12:35 ET - It is not pretty but LeBlanc continues to find a way to have some success on the mound and he faces a Pittsburgh team that has lost 7 straight games and 9 of 10. It is just too much to ignore especially with the Pirates starting JT Brubaker in this one. Pittsburgh is 5-15 in his starts this season and he is coming off an ugly one and he is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA against the Cardinals this season. 10* ST LOUIS -120 |