[h=1]Today's NFL Picks[/h] [h=2]Oakland at Green Bay[/h] The Packers split their first two preseason contests on the road, losing at Tennessee (20-16) in the opener and winning at St. Louis (21-7) last week.. Tonight, Green Bay returns home to Lambeau Field to host the Oakland Raiders. Green Bay is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Packers favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-7). Here are all of this week's NFL preseason picks.
| FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST (8/20) |
| Game 253-254: Jacksonville at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 119.913; Detroit 119.628 Dunkel Line: Even; 40 Vegas Line: Detroit by 3; 44 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (+3); Under |
| Game 255-256: Carolina at New England (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 120.647; New England 127.834 Dunkel Line: New England by 7; 41 Vegas Line: New England by 5 1/2; 45 1/2 Dunkel Pick: New England (-5 1/2); Under |
| Game 257-258: NY Giants at NY Jets (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 123.112; NY Jets 120.310 Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 3; 38 Vegas Line: Pick; 42 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Giants; Under |
| Game 259-260: Oakland at Green Bay (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 117.593; Green Bay 127.752 Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 10; 39 Vegas Line: Green Bay by 7; 43 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-7); Under |
| Game 261-262: Chicago at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 123.063; Seattle 114.292 Dunkel Line: Seattle by 4; 49 Vegas Line: Seattle by 7; 45 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7); Over |
[h=1]WNBA Basketball Picks[/h] [h=2]Chicago at Atlanta[/h] The Sky head to Atlanta tonight to open up their playoff series against a Dream team that is 0-8 ATS in its last 8 games versus Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks
| FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST |
| Game 605-606: Chicago at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 108.840; Atlanta 110.371 Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 148 Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 3 1/2; 155 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2); Under |
| Game 607-608: Los Angeles at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 111.036; Phoenix 123.664 Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 12 1/2; 150 Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 156 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-10 1/2); Under |
[h=1]Today's MLB Picks[/h] [h=2]LA Angels at Oakland[/h] The Angels head to Oakland tonight to open up a big AL West series and come into the contest with an 18-4 record in their last 22 games against division opponents. LA is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+140). Here are all of today's MLB picks.
| FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST |
| Game 9-1-902: St. Louis at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 17.778; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 14.698 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 3; 8 Vegas Line: St. Louis (-175); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-175); Over |
| Game 903-904: San Francisco at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Hudson) 14.756; Washington (Fister) 17.320 Dunkel Line: Washington by 2 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Washington (-160); 7 Dunkel Pick: Washington (-160); Over |
| Game 905-906: Atlanta at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Minor) 16.228; Cincinnati (Latos) 13.193 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 3; 7 Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-125) 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Under |
| Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Locke) 16.112; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.298 Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; ;7 Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 8 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+130); Under |
| Game 909-910: Miami at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Alvarez) 16.409; Colorado (Morales) 14.986 Dunkel Line: Miami by 1 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: Miami (-135); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Miami (-135); Under |
| Game 911-912: San Diego at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Despaigne) 15.456; Arizona (Collmenter) 13.465 Dunkel Line: San Diego by 2; 7 Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+100); Under |
| Game 913-914: NY Mets at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 15.412; LA Dodgers (Haren) 13.869 Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+120); Over |
| Game 915-916: Houston at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Peacock) 13.212; Cleveland (Carrasco) 16.533 Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 3 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: Cleveland (-210); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-210); Over |
| Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 14.554; NY Yankees (Greene) 16.295 Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-180); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-180); Under |
| Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Smyly) 14.612; Toronto 16.998 Dunkel Line: Toronto by 2 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Toronto (-135); 8 Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-135); Under |
| Game 921-922: Seattle at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 16.108; Boston (Kelly) 13.574 Dunkel Line: Seattle by 2 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Seattle (-170); 7 Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-170); Over |
| Game 923-924: Kansas City at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Ventura) 14.339; Texas (Lewis) 15.201 Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 10 Vegas Line: Kansas City (-145); 9 Dunkel Pick: Texas (+125); Over |
| Game 925-926: Detroit at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Ray) 14.879; Minnesota (Milone) 16.428 Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Minnesota (-110); 9 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-110); Under |
| Game 927-928: LA Angels at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santiago) 15.271; Oakland (Gray) 13/962 Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Oakland (-160); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+140); Under |
| Game 929-930: Baltimore at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gausman) 16.504; Cubs (Arrieta) 14.235 Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 2 1/2; 9 1/2 Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-120); No Run Total Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+100); N/A |
WNBA Betting Recap - 8/11-8/17
By Joe Williams
League Betting Notes
Favorites went 7-2 straight up
Favorites went 5-4 against the spread (ATS)
Home teams posted a 5-4 SU record
Road teams posted a 5-4 ATS record
The 'under' went 7-2
Team Betting Notes
The 'under' went 18-8 in the final two weeks of the WNBA regular season.
Phoenix (29-5) set a WNBA record with its 29th victory of the regular season in the finale in Seattle (12-22). The Mercury was on fire in the win-loss column, but they wrapped up the regular season just 2-7 ATS over their final nine.
The Mercury will meet Los Angeles (16-18) in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. LA won two of the final three games, with that only loss coming against Phoenix. The Sparks were 3-0 ATS in the final three, and the 'under' cashed in 12 of the final 17 games of the regular season.
Phoenix went 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in five regular season meetings against Los Angeles.
Minnesota (25-9) will likely give Phoenix its biggest run for the money, but they must get by San Antonio (16-18) first. The Lynx went 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS against the Stars this season, dropping the final meeting in San Antonio by a 92-76 score on Aug. 15.
Atlanta (19-15) held on for the top seed in the East, but they definitely tumbled down the stretch. The Dream won just four of their final 14 regular season games after a 15-5 start. They're face Chicago (15-19) in Round 1 of the playoffs.
The Sky went 7-5 SU in its final 12 games, and they were 6-5-1 ATS during the span. The constant was the 'under', which went 15-6 in the final 21 games.
In head-to-head meetings this season, the Sky went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS against the Dream, winning and covering both meetings at home.
Indiana (16-18) and Washington (16-18) will meet in the first round, with the Fever as the two-seed. In a strange twist, the visitor won and covered in each of the four regular season meetings.
By Joe Williams
League Betting Notes
Favorites went 7-2 straight up
Favorites went 5-4 against the spread (ATS)
Home teams posted a 5-4 SU record
Road teams posted a 5-4 ATS record
The 'under' went 7-2
Team Betting Notes
The 'under' went 18-8 in the final two weeks of the WNBA regular season.
Phoenix (29-5) set a WNBA record with its 29th victory of the regular season in the finale in Seattle (12-22). The Mercury was on fire in the win-loss column, but they wrapped up the regular season just 2-7 ATS over their final nine.
The Mercury will meet Los Angeles (16-18) in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. LA won two of the final three games, with that only loss coming against Phoenix. The Sparks were 3-0 ATS in the final three, and the 'under' cashed in 12 of the final 17 games of the regular season.
Phoenix went 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in five regular season meetings against Los Angeles.
Minnesota (25-9) will likely give Phoenix its biggest run for the money, but they must get by San Antonio (16-18) first. The Lynx went 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS against the Stars this season, dropping the final meeting in San Antonio by a 92-76 score on Aug. 15.
Atlanta (19-15) held on for the top seed in the East, but they definitely tumbled down the stretch. The Dream won just four of their final 14 regular season games after a 15-5 start. They're face Chicago (15-19) in Round 1 of the playoffs.
The Sky went 7-5 SU in its final 12 games, and they were 6-5-1 ATS during the span. The constant was the 'under', which went 15-6 in the final 21 games.
In head-to-head meetings this season, the Sky went 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS against the Dream, winning and covering both meetings at home.
Indiana (16-18) and Washington (16-18) will meet in the first round, with the Fever as the two-seed. In a strange twist, the visitor won and covered in each of the four regular season meetings.
Preview: Angels (75-50) at Athletics (74-51)
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 22, 2014 10:05 PM EDT
Mike Trout may be slumping, but the Los Angeles Angels are rolling.
Given Trout's recent history at Oakland Coliseum, he could catch fire too Friday night as the Angels look to extend their advantage in the AL West when they open a three-game series with the Athletics.
The Angels (76-50) own a two-game edge over Oakland (74-52) and have won eight of nine after their first four-game sweep in Boston since 1962. Los Angeles' pitchers own a 2.70 ERA over the last nine games and Matt Shoemaker held the Red Sox hitless for 6 2-3 of his 7 2-3 innings in Thursday's 2-0 victory.
Though Trout's 89 RBIs rank third in the majors, he's 5 for 36 in that 8-1 stretch and 9 for 57 (.158) over his last 14 games with 20 strikeouts.
However, he's batting .357 over his last 10 games in Oakland with six home runs and 16 RBIs and homered in his lone game there this year.
These clubs haven't met since the Angels took two of three in Anaheim from June 9-11. Oakland totaled one run in each of its losses after tallying 26 runs in a three-game home sweep from May 30-June 1.
The Athletics (74-52) have lost eight of 10 with their starters posting a 5.08 ERA. All but one of those losses came on the road, though, so a return home should prove favorable. Oakland is a major league-best 35-14 at home since May 7.
Sonny Gray (12-7, 2.99 ERA) has lost four straight starts with a 4.94 ERA. Previously he had only lost consecutive starts once through his first 31 career outings.
Gray gave up four runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 4-3 road loss to Atlanta on Saturday. It marked the second time in three outings he failed to complete at least six innings after doing so in 20 of his previous 22 games.
He beat the Angels in a 6-3 home victory on June 1, allowing three runs in 6 2-3 innings. He didn't factor into the decision in his only other start against Los Angeles, yielding a run over six innings in a 2-1 victory on Sept. 17.
Trout is 1 for 4 versus Gray, though the lone hit was a home run.
Los Angeles will counter with Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.46). The left-hander is undefeated over his last 11 appearances - eight starts - with a 2.45 ERA, though he also has just three victories in that span. The Angels have lost his last three outings, but have supplied him with just five runs of support over 17 1-3 innings.
He yielded a run and four hits over six innings of Los Angeles' 3-2 defeat at Texas on Sunday. Santiago was in line for the victory before Huston Street's blown save.
"There's no doubt about his ability to throw strikes and I think he's commanding counts better," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's been keeping guys off-balance. He's been pitching good baseball."
Santiago is 1-0 in three starts versus Oakland, allowing two earned runs over 19 1-3 innings. He didn't receive a decision in either matchup this year while yielding eight hits in 13 innings
Josh Donaldson is 3 for 20 over his last six games and 1 for 8 versus Santiago.
Howie Kendrick, who went 5 for 9 over the last two games against Boston, is 3 for 7 against Gray. He has also hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games at Oakland with nine RBIs.
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 22, 2014 10:05 PM EDT
Mike Trout may be slumping, but the Los Angeles Angels are rolling.
Given Trout's recent history at Oakland Coliseum, he could catch fire too Friday night as the Angels look to extend their advantage in the AL West when they open a three-game series with the Athletics.
The Angels (76-50) own a two-game edge over Oakland (74-52) and have won eight of nine after their first four-game sweep in Boston since 1962. Los Angeles' pitchers own a 2.70 ERA over the last nine games and Matt Shoemaker held the Red Sox hitless for 6 2-3 of his 7 2-3 innings in Thursday's 2-0 victory.
Though Trout's 89 RBIs rank third in the majors, he's 5 for 36 in that 8-1 stretch and 9 for 57 (.158) over his last 14 games with 20 strikeouts.
However, he's batting .357 over his last 10 games in Oakland with six home runs and 16 RBIs and homered in his lone game there this year.
These clubs haven't met since the Angels took two of three in Anaheim from June 9-11. Oakland totaled one run in each of its losses after tallying 26 runs in a three-game home sweep from May 30-June 1.
The Athletics (74-52) have lost eight of 10 with their starters posting a 5.08 ERA. All but one of those losses came on the road, though, so a return home should prove favorable. Oakland is a major league-best 35-14 at home since May 7.
Sonny Gray (12-7, 2.99 ERA) has lost four straight starts with a 4.94 ERA. Previously he had only lost consecutive starts once through his first 31 career outings.
Gray gave up four runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 4-3 road loss to Atlanta on Saturday. It marked the second time in three outings he failed to complete at least six innings after doing so in 20 of his previous 22 games.
He beat the Angels in a 6-3 home victory on June 1, allowing three runs in 6 2-3 innings. He didn't factor into the decision in his only other start against Los Angeles, yielding a run over six innings in a 2-1 victory on Sept. 17.
Trout is 1 for 4 versus Gray, though the lone hit was a home run.
Los Angeles will counter with Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.46). The left-hander is undefeated over his last 11 appearances - eight starts - with a 2.45 ERA, though he also has just three victories in that span. The Angels have lost his last three outings, but have supplied him with just five runs of support over 17 1-3 innings.
He yielded a run and four hits over six innings of Los Angeles' 3-2 defeat at Texas on Sunday. Santiago was in line for the victory before Huston Street's blown save.
"There's no doubt about his ability to throw strikes and I think he's commanding counts better," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's been keeping guys off-balance. He's been pitching good baseball."
Santiago is 1-0 in three starts versus Oakland, allowing two earned runs over 19 1-3 innings. He didn't receive a decision in either matchup this year while yielding eight hits in 13 innings
Josh Donaldson is 3 for 20 over his last six games and 1 for 8 versus Santiago.
Howie Kendrick, who went 5 for 9 over the last two games against Boston, is 3 for 7 against Gray. He has also hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games at Oakland with nine RBIs.
NFL
'Dress-Rehearsal'
The third full week of NFL preseason football continues Friday with five on tap, followed by ten running Saturday through Sunday. Preseason results don’t count for anything in the end, but any NFL head coach would be concerned if his team went winless during the preseason. That said, the six winless teams at this juncture should play with a lot more urgency during dress-rehearsal week. NFLx sports bettors thinking of siding with these winless teams in WK-3 do so at some risk as they're a vig losing 17-17 ATS the past five years split between 10-12 ATS wearing a home jersey, 7-5 ATS on the road. NFLx sports bettors thinking of siding with the undefeated need to be cautious with home teams as they're 2-7 ATS while roadies are a profitable 14-8 ATS. In looking at how squads have done overall in what is the closest thing to a regular season game teams play in August. The Saints (7-0), Seahawks (10-2-1), 49ers (6-1), Eagles (7-2) have been some of the best bets recently while Patriots (0-6), Chiefs (2-9-1), Dolphins (2-7-1) have some of the worst stretches vs the betting line.
'Dress-Rehearsal'
The third full week of NFL preseason football continues Friday with five on tap, followed by ten running Saturday through Sunday. Preseason results don’t count for anything in the end, but any NFL head coach would be concerned if his team went winless during the preseason. That said, the six winless teams at this juncture should play with a lot more urgency during dress-rehearsal week. NFLx sports bettors thinking of siding with these winless teams in WK-3 do so at some risk as they're a vig losing 17-17 ATS the past five years split between 10-12 ATS wearing a home jersey, 7-5 ATS on the road. NFLx sports bettors thinking of siding with the undefeated need to be cautious with home teams as they're 2-7 ATS while roadies are a profitable 14-8 ATS. In looking at how squads have done overall in what is the closest thing to a regular season game teams play in August. The Saints (7-0), Seahawks (10-2-1), 49ers (6-1), Eagles (7-2) have been some of the best bets recently while Patriots (0-6), Chiefs (2-9-1), Dolphins (2-7-1) have some of the worst stretches vs the betting line.
NFL Preseason Point Spreads and Picks
By: Mike Wilkening
Got a few minutes for football on Friday night? Well, Raiders-Packers at Lambeau Field beckons.
Seriously, it does.
Of Friday’s five exhibition games, Raiders-Packers (8 p.m. ET, CBS) looks like the biggest mismatch. And that makes it compelling, because this is the time for handicappers to learn whether we’ve correctly assessed the 32 NFL teams. August is for learning; October is for sitting back and enjoying the fruits of our labor.
So let’s talk Raiders-Packers.
For starters: the Packers — 7-point favorites in this game — ought to be able to handle Oakland if their first-stringers play anywhere close to their best.
On the other hand, the Raiders bolstered their roster in free agency. They should be better this season.
We know what to expect from the Packers’ offense. But how will their defense fare against the Raiders’ offense? The Raiders’ passing game doesn’t look like one of their strengths. If the Packers can’t pressure slow-footed Oakland quarterback Matt Schaub . . . well, that won’t be a good look (and it surely will please those who take OVER 45 in this preseason contest).
Similarly, if the Raiders’ starters are flat-out overmatched in their last major preseason test, then that will be a big-time red flag. Oakland looks likely to be an underdog in most of its games. We need to know whether the Raiders will fight or fall.
For the record, the Packers are 5-3 overall and 4-4 against the number in penultimate preseason games since Mike McCarthy became head coach in 2006, per Covers.com data. The OVER and UNDER have each cashed four times apiece.
The Raiders are 1-1 in third exhibition games under Dennis Allen, with both contests going OVER.
The Linemakers’ lean: One of our guys in Vegas has a pick on the side, another likes the total.
Green Bay knows what it has in Aaron Rodgers, and coming off a win last week in St. Louis, its focus is on the regular season. Oakland, on the other hand, has been respectable this season but is still trying to integrate Matt Schaub. Allen, says Kenny White, has the Raiders close to where he needs them to be, while the Packers are quite comfortable ahead of the regular season. Kenny takes the Raiders plus the points.
Micah Roberts, meanwhile, recommends the UNDER, as we don’t expect Rodgers to play more than a few series, and both teams will try to work on their defenses.
Raiders and the UNDER are our plays.
Here’s a look at the rest of Friday’s card. The historical point spread data is from Covers.com, while the lines cited are the Las Vegas consensus as of Thursday evening. For updated spreads and totals, visit our live odds page.
Jacksonville at Detroit (-3.5, 44.5)
The Jaguars have a compelling QB situation, with rookie Blake Bortles making a case to start sooner than later with his promising play. Bortles will get some first-team snaps on Friday night, but Chad Henne will start.
Both teams are 2-0 against the spread in the preseason. The UNDER has cashed in both Jaguars exhibition games.
Carolina at New England (-5.5, 45.5)
The offense merits a close look in the final major tune-up for the Panthers, who were 24th in yards per play through two preseason games. Quarterback Cam Newton figures to see his most extended action of the summer.
Interestingly, the Patriots are just 6-8 straight-up in next-to-last preseason games in Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach.
New York Giants at New York Jets (pick 'em, 42.5)
The Giants are 3-0 straight-up and against the spread in the preseason, but quarterback Eli Manning is 7-of-16 for 49 yards in that span. Well, at least the Big Blue backers are happy.
The Jets are 3-2 straight-up against the Giants in exhibition play in Rex Ryan’s tenure, alternating wins (2009, 2011, 2013) with losses (2010, 2012).
Chicago at Seattle (-7, 45)
There are no exhibitions for the Seahawks, just battle royales. The defending NFL champions have won their last six preseason home games dating to 2011, outscoring opponents 171-53 in this span.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll indicated Thursday that star running back Marshawn Lynch will play. That simply adds to the challenges for the Bears, who are playing their first exhibition road game of the summer.
The OVER has cashed in four of six exhibition games in Marc Trestman’s tenure as Bears coach.
By: Mike Wilkening
Got a few minutes for football on Friday night? Well, Raiders-Packers at Lambeau Field beckons.
Seriously, it does.
Of Friday’s five exhibition games, Raiders-Packers (8 p.m. ET, CBS) looks like the biggest mismatch. And that makes it compelling, because this is the time for handicappers to learn whether we’ve correctly assessed the 32 NFL teams. August is for learning; October is for sitting back and enjoying the fruits of our labor.
So let’s talk Raiders-Packers.
For starters: the Packers — 7-point favorites in this game — ought to be able to handle Oakland if their first-stringers play anywhere close to their best.
On the other hand, the Raiders bolstered their roster in free agency. They should be better this season.
We know what to expect from the Packers’ offense. But how will their defense fare against the Raiders’ offense? The Raiders’ passing game doesn’t look like one of their strengths. If the Packers can’t pressure slow-footed Oakland quarterback Matt Schaub . . . well, that won’t be a good look (and it surely will please those who take OVER 45 in this preseason contest).
Similarly, if the Raiders’ starters are flat-out overmatched in their last major preseason test, then that will be a big-time red flag. Oakland looks likely to be an underdog in most of its games. We need to know whether the Raiders will fight or fall.
For the record, the Packers are 5-3 overall and 4-4 against the number in penultimate preseason games since Mike McCarthy became head coach in 2006, per Covers.com data. The OVER and UNDER have each cashed four times apiece.
The Raiders are 1-1 in third exhibition games under Dennis Allen, with both contests going OVER.
The Linemakers’ lean: One of our guys in Vegas has a pick on the side, another likes the total.
Green Bay knows what it has in Aaron Rodgers, and coming off a win last week in St. Louis, its focus is on the regular season. Oakland, on the other hand, has been respectable this season but is still trying to integrate Matt Schaub. Allen, says Kenny White, has the Raiders close to where he needs them to be, while the Packers are quite comfortable ahead of the regular season. Kenny takes the Raiders plus the points.
Micah Roberts, meanwhile, recommends the UNDER, as we don’t expect Rodgers to play more than a few series, and both teams will try to work on their defenses.
Raiders and the UNDER are our plays.
Here’s a look at the rest of Friday’s card. The historical point spread data is from Covers.com, while the lines cited are the Las Vegas consensus as of Thursday evening. For updated spreads and totals, visit our live odds page.
Jacksonville at Detroit (-3.5, 44.5)
The Jaguars have a compelling QB situation, with rookie Blake Bortles making a case to start sooner than later with his promising play. Bortles will get some first-team snaps on Friday night, but Chad Henne will start.
Both teams are 2-0 against the spread in the preseason. The UNDER has cashed in both Jaguars exhibition games.
Carolina at New England (-5.5, 45.5)
The offense merits a close look in the final major tune-up for the Panthers, who were 24th in yards per play through two preseason games. Quarterback Cam Newton figures to see his most extended action of the summer.
Interestingly, the Patriots are just 6-8 straight-up in next-to-last preseason games in Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach.
New York Giants at New York Jets (pick 'em, 42.5)
The Giants are 3-0 straight-up and against the spread in the preseason, but quarterback Eli Manning is 7-of-16 for 49 yards in that span. Well, at least the Big Blue backers are happy.
The Jets are 3-2 straight-up against the Giants in exhibition play in Rex Ryan’s tenure, alternating wins (2009, 2011, 2013) with losses (2010, 2012).
Chicago at Seattle (-7, 45)
There are no exhibitions for the Seahawks, just battle royales. The defending NFL champions have won their last six preseason home games dating to 2011, outscoring opponents 171-53 in this span.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll indicated Thursday that star running back Marshawn Lynch will play. That simply adds to the challenges for the Bears, who are playing their first exhibition road game of the summer.
The OVER has cashed in four of six exhibition games in Marc Trestman’s tenure as Bears coach.
StatFox Super Situations
MLB | KANSAS CITY at TEXAS
Play On - Home underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 (TEXAS) stranding 6.9 or less runners on base per game on the season, after 3 straight games with no home runs
39-27 over the last 5 seasons. ( 59.1% | 28.1 units )
2-5 this year. ( 28.6% | -2.4 units )
StatFox Situational Power Trends
MLB | SEATTLE at BOSTON
SEATTLE is 20-9 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in Road games on the road when the total is 7 to 7.5 this season.
The average score was: SEATTLE (5.1) , OPPONENT (3.3)
MLB | KANSAS CITY at TEXAS
Play On - Home underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175 (TEXAS) stranding 6.9 or less runners on base per game on the season, after 3 straight games with no home runs
39-27 over the last 5 seasons. ( 59.1% | 28.1 units )
2-5 this year. ( 28.6% | -2.4 units )
StatFox Situational Power Trends
MLB | SEATTLE at BOSTON
SEATTLE is 20-9 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in Road games on the road when the total is 7 to 7.5 this season.
The average score was: SEATTLE (5.1) , OPPONENT (3.3)
STATSYSTEMS SPORTS AL PITCHING REPORT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_____________________________________
#915 HOUSTON @ #916 CLEVELAND - 7:05 PM
•Astros RH Brad Peacock (3-8, 5.47 ERA, WHIP: 1.637) - Peacock has done little to justify his spot in the starting rotation over his past five outings, going 0-3 and failing to go more than five innings in that span. He is coming off a rocky performance at Boston, when he was roughed up for six runs (five earned) and a pair of homers in 4 1/3 innings. Peacock has struggled miserably away from home with a 1-5 record, 6.69 ERA and 11 homers surrendered in only 39 innings.
•Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (5-4, 3.27 ERA, WHIP: 1.052) - Carrasco has made the most of his opportunity since returning to the starting rotation, registering back-to-back victories and not allowing a run over 12 innings. He limited Baltimore to three hits over seven innings in his last turn after permitting only two hits over five innings in a win at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 10. Carrasco, who has made only one relief appearance against Houston, also did not walk a batter in his last two starts.
--KEY STAT: CARRASCO is 3-13 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CARRASCO 2.9, OPPONENT 6.2.
#917 CHI WHITE SOX @ #918 NY YANKEES - 7:05 PM
•White Sox LH John Danks (9-8, 4.94 ERA, WHIP: 1.464) - Danks did not factor in the last decision last time out, permitting three runs over six innings against Toronto to stretch his winless drought to four starts. It represented a positive step for the 29-year-old Texan, who had allowed at least four runs in each of his previous five starts. Danks owns a 2-3 record and 5.67 ERA in seven career starts versus the Yankees, but he pitched eight scoreless innings of three-hit ball against them May 24.
--KEY STAT: DANKS is 5-19 (-13.6 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.7, OPPONENT 5.8.
--DANKS is 9-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.7, OPPONENT 5.5.
--DANKS is 6-21 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.8, OPPONENT 6.4.
--DANKS is 2-14 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.0, OPPONENT 5.5.
--DANKS is 7-20 against the run line (-17.3 Units) when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.8, OPPONENT 6.4.
--DANKS is 8-1 OVER (+7.3 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 4.7, OPPONENT 7.9.
•Yankees RH Shane Greene (3-1, 2.91 ERA, WHIP: 1.224) - Greene turned in his second straight stellar effort in his last turn, striking out a career-high 10 while yielding two runs over seven innings in a no-decision at Tampa Bay. That followed eight scoreless innings of five-hit ball in a 1-0 victory over Detroit in his previous start. Greene has struck out 25 of 78 right-handed batters faced and held them to a collective .229 batting average.
#919 TAMPA BAY @ #920 TORONTO - 7:05 PM
•Rays LH Drew Smyly (7-10, 3.66 ERA, WHIP: 1.344) - Smyly is 1-1 in three starts since being acquired from Detroit, allowing five runs and 14 hits over 20 innings with 19 strikeouts and six walks. The University of Arkansas product has permitted two or fewer runs in four of his last six outings overall. Smyly, who boasts 108 strikeouts and 37 walks in 125 1/3 innings, did not give up a run in three career relief appearances against Toronto.
--KEY STAT: SMYLY is 7-13 (-10.8 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SMYLY 4.4, OPPONENT 3.7.
--SMYLY is 5-11 (-10.6 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SMYLY 3.6, OPPONENT 4.3.
•Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (7-4, 3.83 ERA, WHIP: 1.172) - Stroman looks to rebound from his worst major-league appearance when he yielded five runs without getting out of the first inning last Friday. The 23-year-old rookie has allowed two runs or fewer in 10 of 14 starts, though, and completed at least six innings in 10 starts. Stroman, who faces Tampa Bay for the first time, is 5-1 at home with a 2.70 ERA as opposed to the road (2-3, 6.33).
--KEY STAT: STROMAN is 5-0 against the run line (+7.0 Units) in home games versus teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was STROMAN 7.0, OPPONENT 1.4.
--STROMAN is 7-1 against the run line (+8.0 Units) in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was STROMAN 5.4, OPPONENT 2.5.
#921 SEATTLE @ #922 BOSTON - 7:10 PM
•Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (13-4, 1.99 ERA, WHIP: 0.874) - Hernandez was hit in the hip with a comebacker at Detroit on Saturday and left after five innings, ending a string of 16 straight starts with at least seven innings pitched and two or fewer earned runs allowed. The Cy Young frontrunner, who yielded two runs to the Tigers and suffered the loss, has issued a total of three walks in his last five starts. Hernandez has always had success against Boston and owns an 8-2 record with a 2.97 ERA in 15 career starts against the Red Sox.
--KEY STAT: HERNANDEZ is 52-30 UNDER (+18.2 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was HERNANDEZ 3.4, OPPONENT 3.5.
--HERNANDEZ is 19-5 UNDER (+12.9 Units) after walking <=1 hitters each of his last 2 outings over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HERNANDEZ 2.7, OPPONENT 2.9.
--HERNANDEZ is 56-28 UNDER (+24.7 Units) in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was HERNANDEZ 3.9, OPPONENT 3.5.
•Red Sox RH Joe Kelly (2-3, 4.67 ERA, WHIP: 1.519) - Kelly ran into his first spot of trouble since joining Boston on Sunday, when he was reached for seven runs in four innings to suffer a loss against Houston. The former Cardinal issued six walks in that turn and has allowed 13 free passes in 17 innings with the Red Sox. Kelly has never faced Seattle, and that beating against the Astros marked his first start against an AL opponent this season.
--KEY STAT: KELLY is 12-3 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was KELLY 5.3, OPPONENT 2.9.
________________________________________
Covered And Smothered
Do you have everything you need for football season yet? StatSystemsSports.net has you covered and smothered like Waffle House hash browns for NCAA College Football along with the National Football League:
•Daily Stat/Sheets: For the handicapper who wants to dig into the stats, there's nothing that compares to the wealth of both Match-up and Situational Power Trends and Betting Systems offered by the Stat/Sheets.
•StatSystems Sports Bi-Weekly Newsletter Report: Only the very best trends from our Huge Library of Power Trends stored in our database along with expert write-ups for each match-up from our Expert Staff of Handicappers, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday and Saturday.
•Best Bets: The top plays from our handicappers every week, with detailed matchup information and wagering advice. Note: Best Bets subscriptions include The Bi-Weekly Newsletter Report at no additional cost!
Get the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
“Get a monthly package now - you'll be real glad you did!”
_________________________________________________
#923 KANSAS CITY @ #924 TEXAS - 8:05 PM
•Royals RH Yordano Ventura (9-9, 3.48 ERA, WHIP: 1.310) - Ventura has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last five starts but is struggling with his control of late. The 23-year-old issued a total of 10 walks in his last two starts, including six over 6 2/3 innings in a loss at Minnesota on Saturday. Ventura is making his first career start against Texas and is 5-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 10 starts on the road in 2014.
--KEY STAT: VENTURA is 10-2 UNDER (+7.8 Units) when the money line is -100 to -150 this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VENTURA 2.9, OPPONENT 3.1.
•Rangers RH Colby Lewis (8-10, 5.52 ERA, WHIP: 1.659) - Lewis is the one consistent piece in the Rangers rotation and notched a season high with 10 strikeouts on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. However, the veteran was knocked around for five runs on 10 hits - two home runs - in that turn to suffer his second straight loss. Lewis does not have much success in his career against Kansas City, posting a 1-2 record with a 6.86 ERA in five games - four starts.
--KEY STAT: LEWIS is 7-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when working on 5 or 6 days rest this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 7.1, OPPONENT 3.9.
--LEWIS is 5-15 against the run line (-12.2 Units) versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 3.5, OPPONENT 4.3.
--LEWIS is 10-1 against the run line (+10.0 Units) as a home underdog when the run line price is +215 to -130 since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 5.4, OPPONENT 4.5.
--LEWIS is 26-12 OVER (+12.8 Units) in home games versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 6.8, OPPONENT 5.9.
#925 DETROIT @ #926 MINNESOTA - 8:10 PM
•Tigers LH Robbie Ray (1-4, 5.33 ERA, WHIP: 1.660) - Ray is in his second stint with the Tigers this season, taking the place of an injured Anibal Sanchez, but he has not fared well in either of his last two starts. The 22-year-old from Tennessee has lost both outings, allowing four runs over five innings in each, and hasn't received much help from an offense that produced three runs. He had the best outing of his brief career versus Minnesota on May 11 with six scoreless innings.
•Twins LH Tommy Milone (6-4, 3.99 ERA, WHIP: 1.292) - Milone made his first home start since he was acquired from Oakland and it was a disaster - he lasted a career-low 1 1/3 innings and was tagged for seven runs (six earned). It was the first loss since May 3 for Milone, who hopes to continue a fine track record against the Tigers. Milone is 3-0 with a 2.31 ERA in four starts versus Detroit, including 6 2/3 scoreless innings of four-hit ball on May 26 while with Oakland.
--KEY STAT: MILONE is 17-4 (+13.6 Units) against the money line versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MILONE 5.1, OPPONENT 3.3.
--MILONE is 34-15 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MILONE 5.0, OPPONENT 3.6.
--MILONE is 14-6 OVER (+8.4 Units) against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MILONE 5.6, OPPONENT 4.7.
#927 LA ANGELS @ #928 OAKLAND - 10:05 PM
•Angels LH Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.46 ERA, WHIP: 1.215) - Santiago allowed a total of one earned run in his last two starts but did not factor in the decision in either turn. The 26-year-old struggles to last deep into games and has only gone more than six innings once in 2014 - a seven-inning stint against Oakland on Apr. 14 in which he allowed one run. Santiago faced the Athletics again on June 10 but again did not factor in the decision despite scattering three hits and striking out eight in six scoreless frames.
--KEY STAT: SANTIAGO is 12-2 UNDER (+9.5 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SANTIAGO 2.6, OPPONENT 3.4.
--SANTIAGO is 9-1 UNDER (+8.1 Units) versus teams outscoring opponent by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SANTIAGO 2.6, OPPONENT 3.2.
•Athletics RH Sonny Gray (12-7, 2.99 ERA, WHIP: 1.223) - Gray went 5-0 in July but is 0-4 in four starts this month and has had a rough time in two of his last three outings. The Vanderbilt product was knocked around for four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings at Atlanta on Saturday - the second time in three starts that he failed to complete six frames. Gray picked up a win over Los Angeles on June 1, yielding three runs on seven hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings.
--KEY STAT: GRAY is 8-1 against the run line (+8.3 Units) versus division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GRAY 4.8, OPPONENT 1.9.
--GRAY is 14-6 against the run line (+9.8 Units) after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was GRAY 5.1, OPPONENT 1.7.
Interleague
#929 BALTIMORE @ #930 CHICAGO CUBS - 2:20 PM
•Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (7-4, 3.70 ERA, WHIP: 1.384) - Gausman is coming off his third win in four starts, a 4-1 triumph at Cleveland in which he allowed one run on two hits and four walks in six innings. The 23-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in each of his last five outings, going 3-1 in that span. Gausman, who is 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA in six road starts this season, has never faced the Cubs.
--KEY STAT: GAUSMAN is 9-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GAUSMAN 4.1, OPPONENT 3.0.
•Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (6-4, 2.61 ERA, WHIP: 1.023) - Arrieta enters with a three-start winless streak despite allowing a total of two runs over 14 1/3 innings in his last two outings. The 28-year-old, who has posted just one victory in his last eight turns, settled for a no-decision against the Mets in New York on Sunday despite striking out nine and yielding only two hits over seven scoreless frames. Arrieta, who registered a career-high 10 wins for Baltimore in 2011, will be facing his former team for the first time.
________________________________________________
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_____________________________________
#915 HOUSTON @ #916 CLEVELAND - 7:05 PM
•Astros RH Brad Peacock (3-8, 5.47 ERA, WHIP: 1.637) - Peacock has done little to justify his spot in the starting rotation over his past five outings, going 0-3 and failing to go more than five innings in that span. He is coming off a rocky performance at Boston, when he was roughed up for six runs (five earned) and a pair of homers in 4 1/3 innings. Peacock has struggled miserably away from home with a 1-5 record, 6.69 ERA and 11 homers surrendered in only 39 innings.
•Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (5-4, 3.27 ERA, WHIP: 1.052) - Carrasco has made the most of his opportunity since returning to the starting rotation, registering back-to-back victories and not allowing a run over 12 innings. He limited Baltimore to three hits over seven innings in his last turn after permitting only two hits over five innings in a win at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 10. Carrasco, who has made only one relief appearance against Houston, also did not walk a batter in his last two starts.
--KEY STAT: CARRASCO is 3-13 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CARRASCO 2.9, OPPONENT 6.2.
#917 CHI WHITE SOX @ #918 NY YANKEES - 7:05 PM
•White Sox LH John Danks (9-8, 4.94 ERA, WHIP: 1.464) - Danks did not factor in the last decision last time out, permitting three runs over six innings against Toronto to stretch his winless drought to four starts. It represented a positive step for the 29-year-old Texan, who had allowed at least four runs in each of his previous five starts. Danks owns a 2-3 record and 5.67 ERA in seven career starts versus the Yankees, but he pitched eight scoreless innings of three-hit ball against them May 24.
--KEY STAT: DANKS is 5-19 (-13.6 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.7, OPPONENT 5.8.
--DANKS is 9-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.7, OPPONENT 5.5.
--DANKS is 6-21 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.8, OPPONENT 6.4.
--DANKS is 2-14 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.0, OPPONENT 5.5.
--DANKS is 7-20 against the run line (-17.3 Units) when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 3.8, OPPONENT 6.4.
--DANKS is 8-1 OVER (+7.3 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was DANKS 4.7, OPPONENT 7.9.
•Yankees RH Shane Greene (3-1, 2.91 ERA, WHIP: 1.224) - Greene turned in his second straight stellar effort in his last turn, striking out a career-high 10 while yielding two runs over seven innings in a no-decision at Tampa Bay. That followed eight scoreless innings of five-hit ball in a 1-0 victory over Detroit in his previous start. Greene has struck out 25 of 78 right-handed batters faced and held them to a collective .229 batting average.
#919 TAMPA BAY @ #920 TORONTO - 7:05 PM
•Rays LH Drew Smyly (7-10, 3.66 ERA, WHIP: 1.344) - Smyly is 1-1 in three starts since being acquired from Detroit, allowing five runs and 14 hits over 20 innings with 19 strikeouts and six walks. The University of Arkansas product has permitted two or fewer runs in four of his last six outings overall. Smyly, who boasts 108 strikeouts and 37 walks in 125 1/3 innings, did not give up a run in three career relief appearances against Toronto.
--KEY STAT: SMYLY is 7-13 (-10.8 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SMYLY 4.4, OPPONENT 3.7.
--SMYLY is 5-11 (-10.6 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SMYLY 3.6, OPPONENT 4.3.
•Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (7-4, 3.83 ERA, WHIP: 1.172) - Stroman looks to rebound from his worst major-league appearance when he yielded five runs without getting out of the first inning last Friday. The 23-year-old rookie has allowed two runs or fewer in 10 of 14 starts, though, and completed at least six innings in 10 starts. Stroman, who faces Tampa Bay for the first time, is 5-1 at home with a 2.70 ERA as opposed to the road (2-3, 6.33).
--KEY STAT: STROMAN is 5-0 against the run line (+7.0 Units) in home games versus teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was STROMAN 7.0, OPPONENT 1.4.
--STROMAN is 7-1 against the run line (+8.0 Units) in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was STROMAN 5.4, OPPONENT 2.5.
#921 SEATTLE @ #922 BOSTON - 7:10 PM
•Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (13-4, 1.99 ERA, WHIP: 0.874) - Hernandez was hit in the hip with a comebacker at Detroit on Saturday and left after five innings, ending a string of 16 straight starts with at least seven innings pitched and two or fewer earned runs allowed. The Cy Young frontrunner, who yielded two runs to the Tigers and suffered the loss, has issued a total of three walks in his last five starts. Hernandez has always had success against Boston and owns an 8-2 record with a 2.97 ERA in 15 career starts against the Red Sox.
--KEY STAT: HERNANDEZ is 52-30 UNDER (+18.2 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was HERNANDEZ 3.4, OPPONENT 3.5.
--HERNANDEZ is 19-5 UNDER (+12.9 Units) after walking <=1 hitters each of his last 2 outings over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HERNANDEZ 2.7, OPPONENT 2.9.
--HERNANDEZ is 56-28 UNDER (+24.7 Units) in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was HERNANDEZ 3.9, OPPONENT 3.5.
•Red Sox RH Joe Kelly (2-3, 4.67 ERA, WHIP: 1.519) - Kelly ran into his first spot of trouble since joining Boston on Sunday, when he was reached for seven runs in four innings to suffer a loss against Houston. The former Cardinal issued six walks in that turn and has allowed 13 free passes in 17 innings with the Red Sox. Kelly has never faced Seattle, and that beating against the Astros marked his first start against an AL opponent this season.
--KEY STAT: KELLY is 12-3 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was KELLY 5.3, OPPONENT 2.9.
________________________________________
Covered And Smothered
Do you have everything you need for football season yet? StatSystemsSports.net has you covered and smothered like Waffle House hash browns for NCAA College Football along with the National Football League:
•Daily Stat/Sheets: For the handicapper who wants to dig into the stats, there's nothing that compares to the wealth of both Match-up and Situational Power Trends and Betting Systems offered by the Stat/Sheets.
•StatSystems Sports Bi-Weekly Newsletter Report: Only the very best trends from our Huge Library of Power Trends stored in our database along with expert write-ups for each match-up from our Expert Staff of Handicappers, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday and Saturday.
•Best Bets: The top plays from our handicappers every week, with detailed matchup information and wagering advice. Note: Best Bets subscriptions include The Bi-Weekly Newsletter Report at no additional cost!
Get the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
“Get a monthly package now - you'll be real glad you did!”
_________________________________________________
#923 KANSAS CITY @ #924 TEXAS - 8:05 PM
•Royals RH Yordano Ventura (9-9, 3.48 ERA, WHIP: 1.310) - Ventura has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last five starts but is struggling with his control of late. The 23-year-old issued a total of 10 walks in his last two starts, including six over 6 2/3 innings in a loss at Minnesota on Saturday. Ventura is making his first career start against Texas and is 5-3 with a 3.62 ERA in 10 starts on the road in 2014.
--KEY STAT: VENTURA is 10-2 UNDER (+7.8 Units) when the money line is -100 to -150 this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VENTURA 2.9, OPPONENT 3.1.
•Rangers RH Colby Lewis (8-10, 5.52 ERA, WHIP: 1.659) - Lewis is the one consistent piece in the Rangers rotation and notched a season high with 10 strikeouts on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. However, the veteran was knocked around for five runs on 10 hits - two home runs - in that turn to suffer his second straight loss. Lewis does not have much success in his career against Kansas City, posting a 1-2 record with a 6.86 ERA in five games - four starts.
--KEY STAT: LEWIS is 7-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when working on 5 or 6 days rest this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 7.1, OPPONENT 3.9.
--LEWIS is 5-15 against the run line (-12.2 Units) versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 3.5, OPPONENT 4.3.
--LEWIS is 10-1 against the run line (+10.0 Units) as a home underdog when the run line price is +215 to -130 since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 5.4, OPPONENT 4.5.
--LEWIS is 26-12 OVER (+12.8 Units) in home games versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LEWIS 6.8, OPPONENT 5.9.
#925 DETROIT @ #926 MINNESOTA - 8:10 PM
•Tigers LH Robbie Ray (1-4, 5.33 ERA, WHIP: 1.660) - Ray is in his second stint with the Tigers this season, taking the place of an injured Anibal Sanchez, but he has not fared well in either of his last two starts. The 22-year-old from Tennessee has lost both outings, allowing four runs over five innings in each, and hasn't received much help from an offense that produced three runs. He had the best outing of his brief career versus Minnesota on May 11 with six scoreless innings.
•Twins LH Tommy Milone (6-4, 3.99 ERA, WHIP: 1.292) - Milone made his first home start since he was acquired from Oakland and it was a disaster - he lasted a career-low 1 1/3 innings and was tagged for seven runs (six earned). It was the first loss since May 3 for Milone, who hopes to continue a fine track record against the Tigers. Milone is 3-0 with a 2.31 ERA in four starts versus Detroit, including 6 2/3 scoreless innings of four-hit ball on May 26 while with Oakland.
--KEY STAT: MILONE is 17-4 (+13.6 Units) against the money line versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MILONE 5.1, OPPONENT 3.3.
--MILONE is 34-15 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MILONE 5.0, OPPONENT 3.6.
--MILONE is 14-6 OVER (+8.4 Units) against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was MILONE 5.6, OPPONENT 4.7.
#927 LA ANGELS @ #928 OAKLAND - 10:05 PM
•Angels LH Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.46 ERA, WHIP: 1.215) - Santiago allowed a total of one earned run in his last two starts but did not factor in the decision in either turn. The 26-year-old struggles to last deep into games and has only gone more than six innings once in 2014 - a seven-inning stint against Oakland on Apr. 14 in which he allowed one run. Santiago faced the Athletics again on June 10 but again did not factor in the decision despite scattering three hits and striking out eight in six scoreless frames.
--KEY STAT: SANTIAGO is 12-2 UNDER (+9.5 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SANTIAGO 2.6, OPPONENT 3.4.
--SANTIAGO is 9-1 UNDER (+8.1 Units) versus teams outscoring opponent by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SANTIAGO 2.6, OPPONENT 3.2.
•Athletics RH Sonny Gray (12-7, 2.99 ERA, WHIP: 1.223) - Gray went 5-0 in July but is 0-4 in four starts this month and has had a rough time in two of his last three outings. The Vanderbilt product was knocked around for four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings at Atlanta on Saturday - the second time in three starts that he failed to complete six frames. Gray picked up a win over Los Angeles on June 1, yielding three runs on seven hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings.
--KEY STAT: GRAY is 8-1 against the run line (+8.3 Units) versus division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GRAY 4.8, OPPONENT 1.9.
--GRAY is 14-6 against the run line (+9.8 Units) after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was GRAY 5.1, OPPONENT 1.7.
Interleague
#929 BALTIMORE @ #930 CHICAGO CUBS - 2:20 PM
•Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (7-4, 3.70 ERA, WHIP: 1.384) - Gausman is coming off his third win in four starts, a 4-1 triumph at Cleveland in which he allowed one run on two hits and four walks in six innings. The 23-year-old has yielded three runs or fewer in each of his last five outings, going 3-1 in that span. Gausman, who is 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA in six road starts this season, has never faced the Cubs.
--KEY STAT: GAUSMAN is 9-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GAUSMAN 4.1, OPPONENT 3.0.
•Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (6-4, 2.61 ERA, WHIP: 1.023) - Arrieta enters with a three-start winless streak despite allowing a total of two runs over 14 1/3 innings in his last two outings. The 28-year-old, who has posted just one victory in his last eight turns, settled for a no-decision against the Mets in New York on Sunday despite striking out nine and yielding only two hits over seven scoreless frames. Arrieta, who registered a career-high 10 wins for Baltimore in 2011, will be facing his former team for the first time.
________________________________________________
CFL
Week 9
Montreal (1-6) @ Winnipeg (5-3)-- Bombers (+3) won 34-33 at Montreal in Week 3, even though they were outgained by 105 yards- that game started Als on 5-game losing streak. Winnipeg won three in row, five of last six series games with visitor winning five of last six meetings. Alouettes scored total of 24 points in losing all three road games, by 21-36-5 points (1-2 as road underdog); five of their last seven visits here went over total. Montreal was outscored 64-20 in first half of their last four games. Bombers lost last two games after 5-1 start; they're 1-1 as home favorites, winning first two home games by 24-8 points, losing last two at home.
Week 9
Montreal (1-6) @ Winnipeg (5-3)-- Bombers (+3) won 34-33 at Montreal in Week 3, even though they were outgained by 105 yards- that game started Als on 5-game losing streak. Winnipeg won three in row, five of last six series games with visitor winning five of last six meetings. Alouettes scored total of 24 points in losing all three road games, by 21-36-5 points (1-2 as road underdog); five of their last seven visits here went over total. Montreal was outscored 64-20 in first half of their last four games. Bombers lost last two games after 5-1 start; they're 1-1 as home favorites, winning first two home games by 24-8 points, losing last two at home.
StatFox Super Situations – FoxSheets
WNBA | LOS ANGELES at PHOENIX
Play Under – Home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 140 off 2 consecutive wins against division rivals, playing with 3 or more days rest
55-24 since 1997. ( 69.6% | 28.6 units )
3-1 this year. ( 75.0% | 1.9 units )
WNBA | CHICAGO at ATLANTA
Play On – Home favorites vs. the money line (ATLANTA) off a loss against a division rival, in August or September games
243-86 since 1997. ( 73.9% | 0.0 units )
7-2 this year. ( 77.8% | 0.0 units )
WNBA | LOS ANGELES at PHOENIX
Play Under – Road teams where the first half total is greater than 65.5 after a game where they covered the spread, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% after 15 or more games
139-78 since 1997. ( 64.1% | 53.2 units )
14-4 this year. ( 77.8% | 9.6 units )
WNBA | LOS ANGELES at PHOENIX
Play Under – Home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 140 off 2 consecutive wins against division rivals, playing with 3 or more days rest
55-24 since 1997. ( 69.6% | 28.6 units )
3-1 this year. ( 75.0% | 1.9 units )
WNBA | CHICAGO at ATLANTA
Play On – Home favorites vs. the money line (ATLANTA) off a loss against a division rival, in August or September games
243-86 since 1997. ( 73.9% | 0.0 units )
7-2 this year. ( 77.8% | 0.0 units )
WNBA | LOS ANGELES at PHOENIX
Play Under – Road teams where the first half total is greater than 65.5 after a game where they covered the spread, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% after 15 or more games
139-78 since 1997. ( 64.1% | 53.2 units )
14-4 this year. ( 77.8% | 9.6 units )
