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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB and WNBA Previews and Odds - 09/08/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Sep 08, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features action in MLB and the WNBA.Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. Three games begin in the afternoon. Houston hosts Seattle at 2:10 PM ET in the third game of their three-game series. Jose Urquidy pitches for the Astros against Tyler Anderson of the Mariners. Houston is a -210 money line favorite with the total set at 9. San Francisco plays at Colorado at 3:10 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. The Giants pitch Anthony DeSclafani against the Rockies’ Jon Gray. San Francisco is a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11. Arizona is at home against Texas at 3:40 PM ET in the second game of their two-game series. Luke Weaver pitches for the Diamondbacks against the Rangers’ Kohei Arihara. Arizona is a -155 money line favorite with a total of 8.5.Cleveland plays at home against Minnesota at 6:10 PM ET in the third game of their four-game series. The Indians pitch Triston McKenzie against the Twins’ Joe Ryan. Cleveland is a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Pittsburgh is at home against Detroit at 6:35 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. Mitch Keller pitches for the Pirates against Matt Manning of the Tigers. Pittsburgh is a -120 money line favorite with a total of 9. The New York Mets are at Miami at 6:40 PM ET in the second game of their three-game series. The Mets pitch Rich Hill against the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara. New York is a -125 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5.Two games begin at 7:05 PM ET. The New York Yankees are at home against Toronto in the third game of their four-game series. Luis Gil pitches for the Yankees against Alek Manoah of the Blue Jays. New York is a -125 money line favorite, with the total at 9.5. Kansas City is at Baltimore in the third game of their four-game series. The Royals pitch Mike Minor against the Orioles’ Matt Harvey. Kansas City is a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Boston hosts Tampa Bay at 7:10 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. Nathan Eovaldi pitches for the Red Sox against Shane McClanahan of the Rays. Both teams are priced at -110 with a total of 9.5. Atlanta is at home against Washington at 7:20 PM ET in Game 2 of their three-game series. The Braves pitch Touki Toussaint against the Nationals’ Sean Nolin. Atlanta is a -240 money line favorite with an over/under of 10. Two games start at 7:40 PM ET. Milwaukee plays at home against Philadelphia in the final game of their three-game series. Freddy Peralta pitches for the Brewers against Kyle Gibson of the Phillies. Milwaukee is a -170 money line favorite with a total of 8. Cincinnati is at Chicago against the Cubs in the third game of their three-game series. The Reds pitch Vladimir Gutierrez against the Cubs’ Alec Mills. Cincinnati is a -140 money line road favorite. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at St. Louis at 7:45 PM ET in the third game of their four-game series. Mitch White pitches for the Dodgers against Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals. Los Angeles is a -120 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. San Diego hosts the Los Angeles Angels at 8:10 PM ET in Game 2 of their two-game series. The Padres pitch Yu Darvish against a Dodgers pitcher that has yet to be officially named. San Diego is a -180 money line favorite with a total of 7. Oakland plays at home against the Chicago White Sox at 9:40 PM ET in the second game of their three-game series. Frankie Montas pitches for the A’s against Dallas Kuechel of the White Sox. Oakland is a -160 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5.Two games are on the WNBA slate. Phoenix visits Atlanta at 7 PM ET. Minnesota travels to Las Vegas on the CBS Sports Network at 9 PM ET.

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NFL Football Futures Bet: Baltimore Ravens to Win 2022 Super Bowl

by Al McMordie

Tuesday, Sep 07, 2021

With apologies to The Amazing Kreskin, I don't think anyone could have had the success I have had over the last several years with Futures predictions.  So, let's go to work again, and pull out our crystal ball to select a team to win this year's Super Bowl.  As I mentioned, my success the last several years with Futures wagers is likely unparalleled.  Here's a quick review for newcomers.  In Basketball this past season, we cashed both the Milwaukee Bucks (at 13-2 odds) and the Baylor Bears (at 12-1 odds).  And that was the 2nd straight NCAA season we picked the winner in the preseason, as we cashed Virginia as our Futures wager (at 22-1 odds) to win the 2019 Title.  Also in 2019, we cashed our Futures wager on the Washington Nationals in Baseball, at 18-1 odds, and followed up the Nationals with our Preseason Futures pick on the Dodgers in 2020, at 4-1 odds.  And that made it three winning MLB Futures in four seasons, as we had Houston, at 10-1 odds, in 2017.  In hockey, we delivered with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020, at 7-1 odds.  And we cashed the Spurs (14-1, 2014), Warriors (-125, 2017), and Warriors again (-160, 2018) in the NBA.  Unfortunately, our current 2021 World Series pick on the Minnesota Twins (at 22-1 odds) never had a shot.  Let's move into our discussion of this season's football Futures wager.  I generally don't release college football, and only release an NFL selection.  This year, I will go out a little bit on a limb and select the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently listed at 16-1 odds at BetOnline.  The reason I say "out on a limb" isn't a reflection of Baltimore's overall talent, which is great, but is more a nod to its backfield's current injury-riddled state.  The Ravens have lost two of their top four running backs, as J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill have each been lost for the season.  Thus, Gus Edwards and Ty'Son Williams are the only healthy running backs, which has necessitated a search for depth at the position.  Currently, the Ravens are working out such fallen stars as Le'Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman.  But clearly, there's little room for error (i.e., further injury) at this position the rest of the season.So, why Baltimore?  Certainly, the Ravens have underachieved in the post-season.  Last year, they carried a six-game win streak into Buffalo, but were held to just three points by the Bills, in a 17-3 defeat.  The previous season, John Harbaugh's troops had won their final 12 regular season games (and were 14-2, overall) before being stunned by Tennessee, 28-12.  The Ravens were a 10-point favorite in that game, and had the NFL's #1 record.  And, then, in 2018, the Ravens won the AFC North, but were upset in their first playoff game by the Los Angeles Chargers, 23-17.  But it is exactly because Baltimore has had this string of playoff disappointment that I like it this season.  Indeed, the Ravens' situation is not unlike that of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, who I took (at 13-2 odds) this past NBA season.  Milwaukee had owned the NBA's #1 record each of the previous two seasons, only to flame out badly in the post-season (including an ignominious bounce out of the second round of the Playoffs by the Miami Heat in 2020).  Yet, Mike Budenholzer's men used that as fuel this past season, and wound up hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy.The key in the post-season will be the play of the Ravens' defense.  And of all the AFC contenders, none in my opinion has a better defense than does Baltimore.  Last season, the Ravens ranked 9th in DVOA and 2nd in points allowed.  They boast Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams up front, Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison up the middle, and have Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, Jimmy Smith and Tavon Young in the secondary.And, for all the negatives thrown the way of Lamar Jackson, let's not forget that just two seasons ago, in 2019, he passed for 3,127 yards, and ran for 1,206, and had 36 touchdown passes, and seven rushing TDs.  Most incredibly, he threw for a touchdown on 9% of his pass attempts, the highest rate in the NFL that season, and 2nd only to Peyton Manning's 9.9% rate in 2004.  It was to be expected that his numbers would decline somewhat last season, and they did.  But that doesn't mean that Jackson -- at just age 24 -- won't continue to take major steps forward in his career, which is still in its very early stage.Take the Ravens at 16-1 odds to win Super Bowl 56.Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB and WNBA Previews and Odds - 09/07/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Sep 07, 2021

The Tuesday sports card features action in MLB and the WNBA.Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. Cleveland hosts Minnesota at 6:10 PM ET in the second game of their four-game series. Aaron Civil pitches for the Indians against John Gant of the Twins. Cleveland is a -150 money line favorite with the total set at 9.5. Pittsburgh plays at home against Detroit at 6:35 PM ET in the second game of their three-game series. The Tigers pitch Wily Peralta against a starting pitcher yet to be named by the Pirates. Pittsburgh is a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The New York Mets travel to Miami to play the Marlins on FS1 at 6:40 PM ET. Carlos Carrasco pitches for the Mets against Miami’s Edward Cabrera. New York is a -160 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. Two games begin at 7:05 PM ET. Baltimore is at home against Kansas City in Game 2 of their four-game series. The Orioles pitch Alexander Wells against the Royals’ Jackson Kowar. Baltimore is a -120 money line favorite with a total of 10.5. The New York Yankees host Toronto in the second game of their four-game series. Gerrit Cole pitches for the Yankees against the Blue Jays’ Steven Matz. New York is a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Boston is at home against Tampa Bay at 7:10 PM ET in the second game of their three-game series. The Red Sox pitch Eduardo Rodriguez against the Rays’ Drew Rasmussen. Boston is a -115 money line favorite with a total of 9.5. Atlanta plays at home against Washington at 7:20 PM ET in the opener of their three-game series. Max Fried pitches for Atlanta against Paolo Espino of the Nationals. Atlanta is a -250 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Two games start at 7:40 PM ET. Philadelphia visits Milwaukee in the second game of their three-game series. The Phillies start Aaron Nola against the Brewers’ Eric Lauer. Both teams are a -110 money line favorite with the total at 8. Cincinnati plays at Chicago against the Cubs in Game 2 of their three-game series. Wade Miley pitches for the Reds against Adrian Sampson of the Cubs. Cincinnati is a -160 money line road favorite. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at St. Louis at 7:45 PM ET in the second game of their four-game series. The Cardinals pitch J.A. Happ against a starting pitcher yet to be named for the Dodgers. Los Angeles is a -170 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Houston plays at home against Seattle at 8:10 PM ET in the second game of their three-game series. Jake Odorizzi pitches for the Astros against the Mariners’ Logan Gilbert. Houston is a -180 money line favorite with a total of 9. San Francisco is at Colorado for Game 2 of their three-game series. The Giants pitch Logan Webb against the Rockies’ Chi Chi Gonzalez. San Francisco is a -195 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11.5. Two games begin at 9:40 PM ET. Arizona hosts Texas in the opener of their two-game series. Zac Gallen pitches for the Diamondbacks against Spencer Howard of the Rangers. Oakland is at home against the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of their three-game series. The A’s pitch James Kaprielian against the White Sox’s Jimmy Lambert. Oakland is a -120 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. San Diego is at home against the Los Angeles Angels at 10:10 PM ET in the opener of their two-game series. Blake Snell pitches for the Padres against Packy Naughton of the Angels. San Diego is a -380 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two games are on the WNBA slate. Connecticut visits Dallas at 8 PM ET. Washington plays at Seattle on the CBS Sports Network at 10 PM ET.

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2021 NFL: NFC East Division Preview

by Sean Murphy

Monday, Sep 06, 2021

The Dallas Cowboys are favored to win the NFC East Division but there's plenty to be decided in a division that has struggled to produce winning football teams in recent years. Here's a quick look at what to expect from all four squads entering the 2021 campaign.Odds to win (courtesy of BetOnline)Dallas Cowboys +160Washington Football Team +185New York Giants +325Philadelphia Eagles +625Dallas CowboysAll indications are that QB Dak Prescott is healthy and ready to start the season under center for the Cowboys. The sky is the limit for the Dallas offense with WR CeeDee Lamb well-positioned to ascend to superstar status this season. Of course, Lamb is only a part of an offense that is loaded at all of the skill positions but will have to deal with absences on the offensively line right out of the gate (due to injury and Covid protocols). The hope is that first round draft pick Micah Parsons can solidify a defense that has been porous at best in recent seasons. Dallas' schedule is ranked by most as the second-weakest in the entire NFL. The Cowboys will appear in at least five primetime games, including the Week 1 opener against the defending champion Bucs in Tampa. Washington Football TeamIs journeyman QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to answer for an offense that has plodded along for years now? That's the hope and there's reason to believe he can lift this offense that includes a couple of big-time playmakers in RB Antonio Gibson and WR Terry McLaurin but not much else. If TE Logan Thomas can stay healthy there's reason to believe he can be Fitzpatrick's security blanket, but that's a big if. Defensively, Washington should once again be tough with Chase Young ready to terrorize opposing quarterbacks in his sophomore season. Washington's schedule includes games against six playoff teams from last season. WFT does draw a favorable start to the campaign with consecutive (winnable) home games against the Chargers and Giants to open things up.New York GiantsThe Giants hopes ride on the legs of RB Saquon Barkley as he attempts to make it back to full strength after a devastating season-ending injury early in 2020. The offensive line remains a question mark. If they can give QB Daniel Jones enough time in the pocket, this offense could turn out to be a dynamic unit. If Jones is running for his life and Barkley struggles to find holes to run through, it could be another long season in New Jersey. The defense is mediocre at best and will have a hard time containing some of the league's better offenses. The good news is, the Giants draw the Broncos and Washington Football Team in the first two weeks of the season, giving the defense an opportunity to settle in before facing an explosive Falcons offense in Week 3. Philadelphia EaglesThe Eagles probably have the widest range of possible outcomes of any team in the NFC East. Is Jalen Hurts the answer at quarterback? Can he even hold onto the starting job with Gardner Minshew being brought in via trade in August? There are so many promising pieces in the Eagles offense but not a lot of proven talent. Philadelphia's defense just hasn't been good enough in recent years and downright awful in the secondary at times. Injuries have certainly played a factor but that's part of football and something Philadelphia needs to figure out a way to overcome. The Eagles did little in the offseason to rectify their defensive weaknesses which means it could be another long year in Philly. Both the offense and defense will need to ramp up in a hurry with a sneaky-tough season-opening matchup against the Falcons on tap in Week 1. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, MLB, WNBA and CFL Previews and Odds - 09/06/2021

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Sep 06, 2021

The Monday sports card features action NCAAF, MLB, WNBA, and CFL.A final game completes Week 1 of the college football season with Louisville playing Mississippi on ESPN at 8 PM ET. The game takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Rebels are a 9.5-point favorite with the total set at 75.Twelve games are on the MLB Labor Day card. Nine games start in the afternoon. Three games begin at 1:05 PM ET. The New York Mets play at Washington in the fifth game of their five-game series. Trevor Williams pitches for the Mets against the Nationals’ Patrick Corbin. New York is a -125 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The New York Yankees host Toronto in Game 1 of their four-game series. The Yankees pitch James Taillon against the Blue Jays’ Hyun Jin Ryu. New York is a -135 money line favorite with a total of 9.5. Baltimore plays at home against Kansas City in the opener of their four-game series. Zac Lowther pitches for the Orioles against the Royals’ Kris Bubic. Baltimore is a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 10. Boston hosts Tampa Bay on ESPN at 1:10 PM ET in the first game of their three-game series. The Red Sox pitch Chris Sale against the Rays’ Ryan Yarbrough. Boston is a -180 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Detroit visits Pittsburgh at 1:35 PM ET in the opener of their three-game series. Tarik Skubal pitches for the Tigers against Bryse Wilson of the Pirates. Detroit is a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Milwaukee plays at home against Philadelphia at 2:10 PM ET in the opener of their three-game series. The Brewers pitch Brandon Woodruff against the Phillies’ Zach Wheeler. Milwaukee is a -140 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. Cincinnati travels to Chicago against the Cubs in the first game of their three-game series. Sonny Gray pitches for the Reds against Justin Steele for Chicago. Cincinnati is a -155 money line road favorite. San Francisco visits Colorado on ESPN at 4:10 PM ET in the first game of their three-game series. The Giants pitch Kevin Gausman against the Rockies’ Kyle Freeland. San Francisco is a -165 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at St. Louis at 4:15 PM ET. Max Scherzer pitches for the Dodgers against Milos Mikolas of the Cardinals in Game 1 of their four-game series. Los Angeles is a -220 money line road favorite with a total of 8. Minnesota travels to Cleveland at 6:10 PM ET in the opening game of their four-game series. The Twins pitch Bailey Ober against the Indians’ Logan Allen. Minnesota is a -130 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Houston hosts Seattle at 7:10 PM ET in the first game of their three-game series. Lance McCullers pitches for the Astros against the Yusei Kikuchi of the Mariners. Houston is a -220 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Los Angeles Angels play against Texas at 9:07 PM ET in the final game of their four-game series. The Angels pitch Jaime Barria against the Rangers’ A.J. Alexy. Los Angeles is a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. One game takes place in the WNBA. Phoenix visits Indiana at 7 PM ET. Two games take place on the traditional Labour Day card in the Canadian n Football League. Hamilton hosts Toronto on ESPN+ at 1 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 45.5. Calgary hosts Edmonton on ESPN News at 4:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 43. 

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NFL Week 1 Breakdown

by Will Rogers

Sunday, Sep 05, 2021

Week 1BEST GAME – Pittsburgh at BuffaloA battle between one team hoping to take the Next Step and another desperate to bleed one more year out of its veteran quarterback. As if emerging QB Josh Allen wasn’t already one of the best in the league, his job got easier with the emergence of RB Devin Singletary as a potent weapon. Meanwhile, the Steelers will be relying on their defense this season and praying that Ben Roethlisberger’s 39-year-old battered body will grind its way through 17 games and one last decent playoff run. This game opened at Bills -6.5, and that number has held steady with early money pretty much evenly divided.WORST GAME – Jacksonville at HoustonAnyone and everyone who follows the NFL seems ready to toss dirt on both teams, and this could be the first time in league history that the No. 1 draft pick is determined on Opening Day. Houston, which still hasn’t figured out what to do with accused miscreant QB Deshaun Watson, is in full 76ers-type tank mode. Meanwhile, new Jags coach Urban Meyer has more than his share of problems repairing a team which lost its last 15 games last season, by an average margin of nearly 13 a game. Still, SOMEONE has to win, and the books like Jacksonville as a 3-point road favorite.LARGEST SPREAD – San Francisco at Detroit (+7.5)It’s always about the future for the Lions, and this season is no different. Sending out Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff is an obvious downgrade, and the receivers are hardly household names. Detroit really needs its O-Line to improve so it can make defenses at least somewhat respect the running game. If that’s not too encouraging, the Lions drew a short straw with SF in the opener. The Niners are a much better team than the injury ravaged 6-10 club of a year ago, and if they sort out the Garoppolo/Lance quarterback situation it could own the NFC West. Simply put, there is a huge talent gap here and the 49ers would have to turn over the ball several times to make this a game.SMALLEST SPREAD – Los Angeles Chargers at Washington (+1)This one opened as a PK until some early Charger cash pushed it to 1. LA has its 10-year franchise quarterback, which is always the most expensive and difficult part of a rebuilding franchise. Now the Chargers just have to build on Justin Herbert’s foundation. HC Brandon Staley figures to make the defense better and avoid last year’s maddening string of close losses. The WFT most likely won’t be able to win the NFC East with 7 or 8 wins this year, but playing in the worst division does have its perks. Can a good draft and athletes all around cover for aging (he turns 39 the day before Thanksgiving) QB Ryan Fitzpatrick? This one opened as a PK until some early Charger cash pushed it to Washinton +1.LARGEST TOTAL – Cleveland at Kansas City (53.5)Tough opener for the Browns, who are coming off an 11-win season and want to keep the momentum flowing this season. There will be immediate pressure on a Cleveland secondary which was awful last season and rebuilt over the summer. The good news is that the Browns figure to be able to move the ball against a mediocre Chiefs defense. Over players figure to hit this one hard despite the large number.LOWEST TOTAL – Denver at New York Giants (42.5)Wasn’t that long ago that the average betting total in an NFL game was 41. This week no game is that low, and six games opened at 50 or above (although Seattle-Indianapolis was quickly bet down to 48.5). Bettors are looking at a Giants QB, Daniel Jones, who was just ok in the pre-season, and a Denver defense that will carry the Broncos this year. Hardly a recipe for a lot of points.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, MLB, WNBA and CFL Previews and Odds - 09/05/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Sep 05, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action NCAAF, MLB, WNBA, and CFL.One game continues Week 1 of the college football season with Notre Dame playing at Florida State on ABC at 7:30 PM ET. The Fighting Irish are a 7-point road favorite with the total set at 55.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. Two games begin at 1:05 PM ET. The New York Yankees play at home against Baltimore in the third game of their three-game series. Corey Kluber pitches for the Yankees against Keegan Akin of the Orioles. New York is a -305 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The New York Mets play at Washington in Game 4 of their five-game series. The Mets pitch Taijuan Walker against the Nationals’ Josiah Gray. New York is a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Toronto plays at home against Oakland at 1:07 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. Robbie Ray pitches for the Blue Jays against Cole Irvin of the A’s. Oakland is a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Four games start at 1:10 PM ET. Philadelphia is at Miami in the third game of their three-game series. The Marlins pitch Elieser Hernandez against a starting pitcher yet to be named for the Phillies. Philadelphia is a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 7. Boston plays at home against Cleveland in the third game of their three-game series. Nick Pivetta pitches for the Red Sox against Zach Plesac of the Indians. Boston is a -160 money line favorite with an over/under of 10. Tampa Bay hosts Minnesota in Game 3 of their three-game series. The Rays pitch Luis Patino against the Twins’ Griffin Jax. Tampa Bay is a -210 money line favorite with a total of 9. Cincinnati is at home against Detroit in the final game of their three-game series. Luis Castillo pitches for the Reds against Casey Mize of the Tigers. Cincinnati is a -235 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two games begin at 2:10 PM ET. Milwaukee is at home against St. Louis in the final game of their three-game series. The Brewers pitch Corbin Burnes against the Cardinals’ Jon Lester. Milwaukee is a -260 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Chicago White Sox are at Kansas City in the third game of their three-game series. Dylan Cease pitches for the White Sox against Brady Singer of the Royals. Chicago is a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 9. The Chicago Cubs are at home against Pittsburgh at 2:20 PM ET in the fourth game of their four-game series. The Cubs pitch Zach Davies against the Pirates’ Will Crowe. Chicago is a -150 money line favorite. Atlanta is at Colorado at 3:10 PM ET in Game 4 of their four-game series. Charlie Morton pitches for the Braves against Ryan Feltner of the Rockies. Atlanta is a -195 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11. Texas plays in Los Angeles against the Angeles at 4:07 PM ET in the third game of their four-game series. The Rangers pitch Taylor Hearn against the Angels’ Jason Junk. Both teams are a -110 money line favorite with the total at 8. Two games start at 4:10 PM ET. Seattle is at Arizona in the third game of their three-game series. Chris Flexen pitches for the Mariners against Tyler Gilbert of the Diamondbacks. Seattle is a -140 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Houston plays at San Diego in the final game of their three-game series. The Astros pitch Luis Garcia against the Padres’ Chris Paddack. Houston is a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 9. The Los Angeles Dodgers conclude their series at San Francisco on ESPN at 7:08 PM ET. Walker Buehler pitches for the Dodgers against a starting pitcher yet to be named for the Giants. Los Angeles is a -150 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5.Two games take place in the WNBA. Las Vegas visits Chicago on ABC at 3 PM ET. Atlanta travels to Dallas on the CBS Sports Network at 4 PM ET. The Canadien Football League has Saskatchewan playing at home against Winnipeg on ESPN News at 6 PM ET. The Roughriders are a 5-point favorite with a total of 42.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, MLB and WNBA Previews and Odds - 09/04/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Sep 04, 2021

The Saturday sports card features action NCAAF, MLB, and the WNBA.Thirty-five games between FBS opponents are on the college football slate. Nine games kickoff between noon and 2 PM ET. Five games are on national television at noon. Wisconsin hosts Penn State on Fox as a 5.5-point favorite with the total set at 49 (all odds from DraftKings). Oklahoma is at home against Tulane on ABC as a 27-point favorite with an over/under of 69.5. Michigan plays at home at the Big House against Western Michigan on ESPN as a 17-point favorite with a total of 66. Georgia State is at home against Army on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 50.5. Kansas State plays Stanford at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on FS1 as a 3-point favorite with a total of 53.Ten college football games start in the 3:30 PM ET to 5 PM ET window. Three games are on national television at 3:30 PM ET. Alabama faces Miami (FL) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on ABC as a 19.5-point favorite with an over/under of 61.5. West Virginia travels to Maryland on ESPN as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 57. Marshall travels to Navy on the CBS Sports Network as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 46.5. Mississippi State hosts Louisiana Tech on ESPNU at 4 PM ET as a 23-point favorite with a total of 52.5. Texas plays at home against Louisiana on Fox at 4:30 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 58.Twelve games kickoff in the 7 PM ET to 8:30 PM ET window. Three games kick off on national television at 7 PM ET. Houston plays Texas Tech at NRG Stadium on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 64.5. Purdue is at home against Oregon State on FS1 as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 69. Syracuse visits Ohio on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 56. Clemson battles Georgia at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on ABC at 7:30 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 50.5. Texas A&M is at home against Kent State on ESPNU at 8 PM ET as a 29.5-point favorite with an over/under of 67. LSU visits UCLA on Fox at 8:30 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 68.5. Four games conclude the college football card beginning at 10:30 PM ET. Three games are on national television at 10:30 PM ET. California plays at home against Nevada on FS1 as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 52.5. BYU plays Arizona at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on ESPN at 10:30 PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 54. San Diego State hosts New Mexico State on the CBS Sports Network as a 30-point favorite with an over/under of 50. Sixteen games are on the MLB slate. Six games start in the afternoon starting at 1:05 PM ET. Tampa Bay plays at home against Minnesota on FS1 at 4:05 PM ET. Chris Archer pitches for the Rays against Andrew Albers of the Twins. Tampa Bay is a -220 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Ten games conclude the card starting at 6:05 PM ET. Two games are in the WNBA. Phoenix visits Indiana at 1 PM ET. Washington plays at Minnesota at 8 PM ET. 

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College Football's Early Season Difficult Encore

by Tom Stryker

Friday, Sep 03, 2021

It’s never easy handicapping college football games in the first few weeks of the season.  Aside from the knowledge of what key starters are returning, it usually takes a battle or two in order to determine the true pulse of a team.With the help of my college football database, the same one that was featured in the December 13th, 2010 issue of the ESPN Insider magazine, I’ve been able to isolate and profit from a number of early season technical situations that have performed very well.  In September, I will be sharing a few of those with you that have churned a respectable profit.Usually, in the first few games of the season, momentum can be a solid tool when it comes to picking pointspread winners.  This issue’s System of the Week goes against the grain.  Take a look at what I like to call, “College Football’s Early Season Difficult Encore.”Since 1980, PLAY AGAINST any game two non-conference underdog priced at +10.5 or more provided they take the field of battle off a blowout home win of 10 points or more provided they won seven games or less a year ago.41-Year ATS Record = 108-72-1 ATS for 60.0 percentThis Week’s Play’s = OREGON & USCWhen college football teams check in off impressive performances early in the season, the “buy” sign is usually shining bright.  In this situation, it appears to be turned off.  The fact that this team only won seven games or less last year likely means they’re still a work in progress.  (Last year, in a shortened season, Fresno State went 3-3 SU and San Jose State finished 7-1 SU.  The argument could be made that the Spartans would have won more than seven games in 2020 and that would push SJS out of this system.)There is one situation that can be added to this general system that really makes it pop.  If our “play against” side is battling an opponent that won eight games or less a season ago, this system falls to an eye-popping 28-59-1 ATS.  Last year, Oregon won six games and USC tasted victory in five battles.  Unfortunately, it was a rare COVID-19 season in 2020 and the Ducks only competed in seven total contests and the Trojans fought in only six.  Even though the tightener applies, we’ll consider it with a grain of salt.Still, Fresno State and San Jose State are locked into this general negative situation this week and we’ll look to play against the Bulldogs and Spartans.  Best of luck with the UO and the Men of Troy.  

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English Premier League Update

by Ben Burns

Friday, Sep 03, 2021

EPL UpdateThe Premier League recently started its season. Each of the teams has played three matches. Many clubs are right about where we'd expect them to be. However, there are some early surprises. Let's take a closer look.TOTTENHAMThe fact that only one team has a perfect 3-0 record is somewhat surprising. The fact that the team is Tottenham is even more so. Manchester City has a loss while Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool all have a draw. (West Ham and Everton, too.) With an opening match against Man. City and dealing with the drama surrounding what was supposed to be the imminent departure of Harry Kane, even diehard Tottenham fans weren't expecting this fast a start. Yet, here the Spurs are and now Kane is reportedly staying.The 28-year old Kane had this to say: "My focus moving forward is to win silverware at Tottenham and this year is no different. We have started brilliantly in the Premier League with three wins and we have a new manager. This is my focus. We want to win as many games as possible and get that trophy I have wanted all my career."Kane and co. could easily be 4-0 when they take on Chelsea on September 19. Before that showdown comes Crystal Palace. The Spurs are currently laying in the minus 110 to minus 120 range, on the 3-way line. Note that the next league games don't come until September 11. For its part, Chelse should be undefeated for the Tottenham match; the Blues are heavy favorites against Aston Villa in their next match. ARSENALEight teams remain winless in league play. Five of those have earned a draw. The other three, Wolverhampton, Norwich, and Arsenal are all 0-3. Naturally, each of those clubs was hoping for a better start. Arsenal fans are arguably the most disappointed. Not only are the Gunners 0-3, but they haven't even managed a goal. That makes this their worst start since 1954. Wolverhampton is the only other club that has yet to find the back of the net. However, while the Wolves have allowed just three goals, the Gunners have conceded nine. Even Norwich, which has allowed 10 goals, has at least scored one of its own. Good news for Arsenal and Norwich. Those clubs face each other on September 11. So, at least one will have its first point/s. Needless to say, Gunner fans will be completely disgusted if their team can't win that one. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 09/03/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Sep 03, 2021

The Friday sports card features action NCAAF, MLB, and the CFL. Four games are on the NCAAF card. North Carolina visits Virginia Tech on ESPN at 6 PM ET. The Tar Heels are a 5.5-point road favorite with the total set at 63 (all odds from DraftKings). Duke travels to Charlotte on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM ET. The Blue Devils are a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 60.5. Wake Forest plays at home against Old Dominion at 7 PM ET as a 32-point favorite with a total of 64. Northwestern hosts Michigan State in the second game of the ESPN doubleheader at 9 PM ET. The Wildcats are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. The Chicago Cubs are at home against Pittsburgh at 2:20 PM ET. Alec Mills pitches for the Cubs against Steven Brault of the Pirates. Chicago is a -140 money line favorite. Two games being the schedule under the lights at 7:05 PM ET. The New York Mets visit Washington in the first game of their five-game weekend series through Labor Day. Rich Hill pitches for the Mets against Sean Nolin of the Nationals. New York is a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 9. The New York Yankees are at home against Baltimore in the opening of their three-game series. The Yankees pitch Nestor Cortes against the Orioles’ John Means. New York is a -255 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Toronto plays at home against Oakland at 7:07 PM ET in Game 1 of their three-game series. Alek Manoah pitches for the Blue Jays against Sean Manaea of the A’s. Toronto is a -155 money line favorite with a total of 9. Four MLB begins at 7:10 PM ET. Tampa Bay hosts Minnesota in the first game of their three-game series. The Rays pitch Michael Wacha against the Twins’ Randy Dobnak. Tampa Bay is a -195 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Boston is at home against Cleveland in the opener of their three-game series. Nathan Eovaldi pitches for the Red Sox against Cal Quantrill of the Indians. Boston is a -195 money line favorite with a total of 9. Cincinnati plays at home against Detroit in Game 1 of their three-game series. The Reds pitch Vladimir Gutierrez against the Tigers’ Tyler Alexander. Cincinnati is a -190 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Philadelphia travels to Miami for the first game of their three-game series. Kyle Gibson pitches for the Phillies against Jesus Luzardo of the Marlins. Philadelphia is a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. Two MLB games begin at 8:10 PM ET. The Chicago White Sox visits Kansas City for the opener of their three-game series. The White Sox pitch Dallas Keuchel against Kris Bubic of the Royals. Chicago is a -220 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Milwaukee hosts St. Louis in Game 1 of their three-game series. Freddy Peralta pitches for the Brewers against the Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright. Milwaukee is a -180 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. Atlanta plays at Colorado at 8:40 PM ET in the second game of their four-game series. Huascar Ynoa pitches for the Braves against Antonio Senzatela of the Rockies. Atlanta is a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 11.5. The Los Angeles Angels play at home against Texas at 9:38 PM ET in the first game of the four-game series. The Angels pitch Shohei Ohtani against the Rangers’ Glenn Otto. Los Angeles is a -220 money line favorite with a total of 8. Seattle travels to Arizona at 9:40 PM ET in the first game of their three-game series. Tyler Alexander pitches for the Mariners against Madison Bumgarner of the Diamondbacks. Seattle is a -130 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers visit San Francisco at 9:45 PM ET in Game 1 of their three-game series. The Dodgers pitch David Price against the Giants’ Anthony DeSclafani. Los Angeles is a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Houston plays at San Diego at 10:10 PM ET in the opener of their three-game series. Jose Urquidy pitches for the Astros against the Padres’   Jake Arrieta. Houston is a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The fifth week of the Canadian Football League kicks off with one game. Montreal travels to Ottawa on ESPN+ at 7:30 PM ET. The Alouettes are a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 43.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, MLB and WNBA Previews and Odds - 09/02/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Sep 02, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action NCAA-F, MLB, and the WNBA. Six games are on the NCAA-F card. Rutgers hosts Temple at 6:30 PM ET. The Scarlet Knights are a 14.5-point favorite with the total set at 52 at 5Dimes. Central Florida plays at home against Boise State on ESPN at 7 PM ET. The Knights are a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 68 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Two games begin at 7:30 PM ET. North Carolina State is at home against South Florida as a 19-point favorite with a total of 59. Appalachian State hosts East Carolina on ESPNU as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 55.5.Two games conclude the NCAA-F slate at 8 PM ET. Ohio State visits Minnesota on Fox as a 14-point road favorite with a total of 63.5. Tennessee plays at home against Bowling Green as a 35-point favorite with a total of 65.5.Eight games are on the MLB docket. Three games take place in the afternoon. Philadelphia plays at Washington at 1:05 PM ET after their game on Tuesday was postponed. The starting pitchers have yet to be named for either team. Oakland plays at Detroit at 1:10 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. Sean Manaea pitches for the A’s against Matt Manning of the Tigers. Oakland is a -170 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. San Francisco is at home against Milwaukee at 3:45 PM ET in the fourth game of their four-game series. The Giants pitch Logan Webb against the Brewers’ Eric Lauer. San Francisco is a -180 money line favorite with a total of 8. Two games start at 7:10 PM ET. The New York Mets are at home against Miami in the second game of their two-game series. Carlos Carrasco pitches for the Mets against Zach Thompson of the Marlins. New York is a -180 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Tampa Bay hosts Boston in the final game of their fourth game series. The Rays pitch Shane McClanahan against the Red Sox’s Eduardo Rodriguez. Tampa Bay is a -160 money line favorite with a total of 8. Pittsburgh travels to Chicago to play against the Cubs at 8:05 PM ET in Game 1 of their four-game weekend series. Mitch Keller pitches for the Pirates against Keegan Thompson of the Cubs. Cleveland is at Kansas City at 8:10 PM ET in the third game of their three-game series. The Indians pitch Triston McKenzie against the Royals’ Mike Minor. Cleveland is a -120 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Atlanta visits Colorado at 8:40 PM ET in the opener of their four-game series. Touki Toussaint pitches for the Braves against Chi Chi Gonzalez of the Rockies. Four games take place in the WNBA. Two games begin at 8 PM ET. Atlanta visits Dallas. Los Angeles plays at Minnesota. The two other games start at 10 PM ET. Chicago is at Las Vegas. New York travels to Seattle. 

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