Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Yale plus the points over Rhode Island at 7 pm ET on Monday.

Yale enters this game off a surprising loss to Delaware, falling to 4-4 on the season. While that defeat was disappointing, the Bulldogs have had over a week to regroup and prepare for this tough road test. Yale’s balanced offense and disciplined approach should serve it well against a Rhode Island team that thrives in high-energy contests.

Rhode Island's 7-0 start has been impressive on the surface, but it comes with a caveat: the Rams are just 2-4 ATS in lined games. That suggests they've struggled to cover against the spread even when favored. The Rams are also facing a quick turnaround, having played twice since Yale's last outing.

This game carries added motivation for the Bulldogs, who will be eager to avenge a close loss to the Rams in last season's meeting. Expect Yale’s steady pace and effective ball movement to keep this game competitive, with the potential for the Bulldogs to spring an outright upset.

Projected score: Yale 71, Rhode Island 68.

AFC South Game of the Year. My selection is on Houston minus the points over Jacksonville at 1 pm ET on Sunday.

The Texans are primed for a strong response after last week’s upset loss at home to Tennessee, as they hit the road to face a struggling Jaguars team. Houston’s offense has shown explosiveness this season and should thrive against a Jacksonville defense that has been porous, allowing a staggering 52 points in its most recent outing against Detroit. Even with a bye week to regroup, the Jags' defensive issues are unlikely to be fully resolved.

Jacksonville’s offense, meanwhile, could be hampered by a less-than-healthy Trevor Lawrence, who has been battling injuries and has limited weapons to work with. Scoring consistently against a Texans defense that has shown flashes of competence will be a challenge for the Jags.

While Jacksonville has covered the spread in the last two meetings, Houston has largely had the upper hand in this series, and the Jaguars’ recent inconsistency makes them hard to trust in this spot. Look for the Texans to take control early and cover comfortably.

Take Houston. Projected score: Texans 31, Jaguars 17.

Sun Belt Conference Favorite of the Year. My selection is on James Madison minus the points over Marshall at 8 pm ET on Saturday.

Marshall has enjoyed a tremendous season, currently riding a five-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 9-1-1 ATS record. However, this sets up as a challenging spot for the Thundering Herd as they stay on the road following an emotional upset win over Old Dominion last Saturday. Marshall's road performance has been less impressive, going 2-3 away from home.

James Madison, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after seeing its three-game winning streak snapped in a surprising loss at Appalachian State last week. The Dukes have been dominant at home, where they remain undefeated this season. Additionally, JMU has the added confidence of having won last year’s matchup against Marshall 20-9, a result that saw its defense shine.

The Dukes' strong home form and motivation to finish the regular season on a high note give them the edge in this spot.

Take James Madison. Projected score: James Madison 28, Marshall 17.

PLEASE NOTE: This play is on The Raiders plus the points (as per below writeup), not the Chiefs as indicated above. AFC West Game of the Month. My selection is on Las Vegas plus the points over Kansas City at 3 pm ET on Friday.

Although the Raiders have been struggling, losing seven straight games and failing to cover in three consecutive contests, this is a divisional rivalry game that should bring out the best in them. Las Vegas will be looking for revenge after a 27-20 loss to Kansas City on October 27th and has historically played the Chiefs tough. In fact, the Raiders handed Kansas City an upset loss at home on Christmas Day last year, showing they can rise to the occasion in these matchups.

While Kansas City is a dominant 9-1 this season and favored in this spot, the Chiefs might not have the same level of motivation after a strong start to the year. The Raiders have plenty of incentive to battle hard, and their familiarity with Kansas City in close, hard-fought games gives them the confidence they can keep this one competitive.

This is a prime opportunity for the Raiders to show up in a big way, and with Kansas City potentially overlooking the challenge, the points should be enough to cover.

Take Las Vegas. Projected score: Chiefs 27, Raiders 24.

NFC East Game of the Month. My selection is on New York plus the points over Dallas at 4:30 pm ET on Thursday.

Dallas is garnering significant betting attention as a home favorite following their impressive road victory over Washington last Sunday. However, this sets up as a potential letdown spot, particularly given their documented struggles at home this season, where consistency has been elusive. The Cowboys' offensive explosion last week felt more like an outlier, especially with Cooper Rush under center in place of the injured Dak Prescott.

On the other side, the Giants are coming off a low point after a disastrous showing against Tampa Bay. While their 7-point effort last Sunday was dismal, it could serve as a wake-up call for a team that has traditionally rebounded well from such performances. Third-string quarterback Drew Lock brings a fresh dynamic to their offense, and the Giants have added motivation, seeking revenge for a narrow 20-15 loss to Dallas in the season's first meeting.

Expect New York to fight hard in this divisional rematch, keeping it close and possibly pulling off the outright win.

Take New York. Projected score: New York 21, Dallas 20.

Game of the Week. My selection is on Liberty plus the points over Kansas State at 8 pm ET on Sunday.

Liberty has impressed to start the season, boasting a 5-1 record and an identity built around stifling defense and deliberate play. The Flames rank tied for 327th nationally in pace and are 48th in defensive rating, making them a challenging opponent for any team. Kansas State, while a solid 4-1, has shown some defensive vulnerabilities, ranking tied for 157th in defensive rating. Both teams prefer slower tempos, which should keep this matchup close and limit scoring runs.

This contest, part of the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas, finds both teams coming off dominant wins on Friday, but Liberty’s disciplined approach makes them well-suited to compete against Kansas State’s methodical style. With their ability to control the pace and disrupt opponents defensively, the Flames are a live underdog in what projects to be a tightly contested game.

Take Liberty. Projected score: Liberty 67, Kansas State 64.

Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Indianapolis plus the points over Detroit at 1 pm ET on Sunday.

Detroit has been red-hot, winning eight straight games, including a dominant 52-6 win over Jacksonville last week. While the Lions have been impressive on the road, posting a 5-0 record away from home this season, the idea of them running the table on the road seems unlikely. This matchup comes just days before a Thanksgiving Day divisional clash against the Bears, which could make it a tricky spot for Detroit to maintain focus.

Indianapolis is coming off a gritty 28-27 road win against the Jets, led by a standout performance from QB Anthony Richardson. The Colts have shown resilience this season, as none of their losses have come by more than 10 points. With their home crowd behind them and Detroit potentially looking ahead, the Colts should have the opportunity to keep this game close.

Take Indianapolis. Projected score: Detroit 27, Indianapolis 24.

Mountain West Conference Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Wyoming plus the points over Boise State at 7 pm ET on Saturday.

Wyoming enters this game off a 24-10 loss at Colorado State last Saturday and will look to rebound in its home finale. The Cowboys have just two wins this season, so they’re already out of the Bowl picture, but they’ll be highly motivated to close out their home slate with a strong performance. Boise State has been impressive, winning eight straight games and moving up to 12th in the national rankings, but they’ll face a motivated and feisty Wyoming squad that will be eager for revenge after a 32-7 loss to the Broncos last year.

While Boise State is rolling, Wyoming has shown the ability to be competitive at home and could make this a tighter contest than expected. The Broncos have been solid, but this is a tough environment for them to cover such a big spread. Wyoming should be able to keep things close and potentially surprise Boise State with a stronger-than-expected effort.

Take Wyoming. Projected score: Boise State 31, Wyoming 17.

Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Connecticut plus the points over Syracuse at 12 noon ET on Saturday.

Connecticut has been on a strong run, winning three straight games, including a solid 31-23 victory at UAB on November 9th. With six wins against FBS opponents this season, the Huskies are a much-improved team compared to their 2022 meeting with Syracuse, where they lost 48-14. Connecticut enters this matchup rested and will be looking to carry over the momentum from its recent success.

Syracuse, on the other hand, is in a tough spot after a long road trip across the country following a 33-25 win over California last Saturday. The Orange also have six wins against FBS teams and will wrap up their regular season at home next week against Miami. Syracuse may struggle to keep its focus after a grueling travel schedule, and Connecticut’s recent form gives them a good chance to keep the game close.

Take Connecticut. Projected score: Syracuse 27, Connecticut 24.

Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Sacramento minus the points over Los Angeles at 10:30 pm ET on Friday.

Sacramento heads into this matchup looking to rebound after a narrow 109-108 home loss to Atlanta earlier in the week. The Kings stand at 8-7 on the season, with a solid 4-3 record on the road, showing they can compete effectively away from home.

The Clippers, meanwhile, are riding a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating Orlando 104-93. Los Angeles claimed a 107-98 victory in the first meeting between these teams on November 8th, a game heavily influenced by Sacramento's uncharacteristically poor shooting from beyond the arc, where they went just 3-for-26. It's unlikely the Kings will struggle to that extent again, giving them a strong opportunity to turn the tables in this rematch.

Sacramento's ability to push the tempo and create scoring chances in transition could be a decisive factor, as the Clippers have shown vulnerability in such situations. Additionally, the Kings’ depth should provide them with an edge over Los Angeles, which relies heavily on its stars.

Take Sacramento. Projected score: Sacramento 112, Los Angeles 106.

AFC North Game of the. Year. My selection is on Cleveland plus the points over Pittsburgh at 8:15 pm ET on Thursday.

Pittsburgh has been on an impressive run, winning five straight games both straight up and against the spread, including a narrow 18-16 victory over the Ravens last week. The Steelers are currently 8-2 and hold a two-game lead in the AFC North. However, despite their excellent record, Pittsburgh’s offense has been inconsistent, and their games have often been decided by slim margins. Cleveland, on the other hand, has struggled with a 2-8 record, losing their last two games by blowout margins. While the Browns haven’t been consistent this season, this is a big primetime game for them, especially given the rivalry against Pittsburgh. Cleveland has historically played Pittsburgh tough in divisional matchups, and they’ll be motivated to keep this one close.

While the Steelers are the more successful team this season, Cleveland will bring extra intensity to this game in front of a national audience. Pittsburgh may face a letdown after their recent success, which could give Cleveland an opportunity to cover the spread in a close, hard-fought game.

Take Cleveland. Projected score: Pittsburgh 13, Cleveland 12.

Western Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Utah plus the points over San Antonio at 8 pm ET on Thursday.

While Utah has struggled this season, it already showed it can compete with San Antonio, winning a close 111-110 contest here earlier this month. The Jazz have lost three straight to start their current road trip, but they’ve faced tougher opponents during that stretch. This matchup presents a more favorable opportunity to remain competitive. San Antonio, while coming off an impressive upset over Oklahoma City, continues to struggle offensively, ranking tied for 24th in the league in points per game.

The Spurs’ lack of pace (tied for 19th) and inconsistent scoring make them a vulnerable favorite in this spot. Without a reliable edge in offensive production, it could be difficult for San Antonio to pull away. Utah’s familiarity with this opponent, combined with the likely tighter tempo, sets the stage for a close game where the points hold value.

Take Utah. Projected score: San Antonio 109, Utah 108.

MAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Eastern Michigan minus the points over Buffalo at 7 pm ET on Wednesday.

Eastern Michigan enters this game needing to win out to become bowl eligible, making this matchup crucial. Despite a tough 35-10 loss at Ohio last week, the Eagles have been competitive and will be motivated to bounce back at home. Buffalo, on the other hand, has already secured six wins and will be looking ahead to their bowl eligibility, while also facing a winless Kent State next week. The Bulls have played well recently, but their 2-3 road record this season suggests they could struggle away from home against a hungry Eagles team.

Eastern Michigan's defense will look to stifle a Buffalo offense that has been up-and-down on the road. The Eagles have had success at home with a 3-2 record and will draw confidence from last season’s 24-11 victory over the Bulls. With Buffalo potentially distracted by their upcoming bowl scenario and Eastern Michigan playing with urgency, I expect the Eagles to cover the spread in this pivotal matchup.

Take Eastern Michigan. Projected score: Eastern Michigan 28, Buffalo 21.

MNF Game of the Month. My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Houston at 8:15 pm ET on Monday.

Dallas comes into this matchup struggling, having lost four straight games, including a lopsided 34-6 defeat to Philadelphia last Sunday. Despite their record, the Cowboys have a defense capable of keeping them competitive, particularly against a Houston team dealing with key injuries. Cooper Rush now leads the Dallas offense, and while he's not as dynamic as Dak Prescott, he brings stability and experience that could help the Cowboys improve their efficiency. Dallas will be motivated to snap its losing streak and build some momentum before facing Washington next week.

Houston is coming off a tough 26-23 loss to Detroit, falling to 6-4 on the season. While they get a boost with the return of WR Nico Collins, the absence of WR Stefon Diggs and DE Will Anderson will significantly impact both their offensive firepower and defensive strength. The Texans have been inconsistent this season, and while their record is better than Dallas', the injuries could level the playing field in this matchup. Take Dallas. Projected score: Houston 20, Dallas 17.

Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto plus the points over Indiana at 7:30 pm ET on Monday.

Toronto enters this matchup on a seven-game losing streak, including a hard-fought 126-123 overtime loss to Boston on Saturday. While the Raptors are struggling, they’ve shown the ability to remain competitive against tough opponents, especially at home. Their defense has been better than their record suggests, and they’ll likely prioritize stopping Indiana’s fast-paced attack to keep this game close. The Raptors should also benefit from Indiana playing the second game of a back-to-back, potentially facing fatigue.

Indiana improved to 6-7 with a 119-110 win over Miami yesterday but has been inconsistent on the road, where they are just 2-5 this season. While the Pacers have had offensive success, especially in transition, the scheduling spot could make it difficult for them to sustain their scoring output. Toronto’s home-court energy and defensive focus give the Raptors a strong chance to break their losing streak or at least keep this one within the number.

Take Toronto. Projected score: Indiana 116, Toronto 114.

NFC North Game of the Year. My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Green Bay at 1 pm ET on Sunday.

The Bears have struggled offensively in recent weeks, but their defense has been a bright spot, allowing 21 points or fewer in eight of their nine contests this season. That consistency gives them a fighting chance against a Green Bay team averaging 25.6 points per game, good for ninth in the NFL. While the Packers' offense has been productive, their most recent outing saw them limited to just 14 points in a loss to Detroit.

Green Bay has dominated this series over the years, including a 17-9 victory in their most recent meeting last January. However, this game will be played at Soldier Field, where the Bears will look to leverage their home-field advantage. Notably, all four of Chicago's wins this season have come at home, which could bolster their confidence in this critical divisional matchup.

While weather often plays a factor in November games in Chicago, the forecast calls for relatively mild temperatures and light winds on Sunday, which should make for ideal playing conditions. This could help both offenses find a bit of rhythm, though Chicago’s defense will still be a tough test for the Packers.

If the Bears can get any sort of spark offensively, they have a real shot at covering the spread or even pulling off the upset.

Take Chicago plus the points. Projected score: Green Bay 20, Chicago 17.

Sun Belt Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Old Dominion plus the points over James Madison at 4 pm ET on Saturday.

James Madison has been strong this season, but their blowout victories over Southern Miss and Georgia State don't fully capture the challenges they've faced against tougher opponents. While the Dukes' win over North Carolina earlier in the season garnered significant attention, they may not be as invincible as their record suggests. Old Dominion, despite their 4-5 record, has shown resilience, particularly during their three-game winning streak before their loss to Appalachian State. The Monarchs' defense and ability to stay competitive in close games make them dangerous underdogs in this matchup.

Old Dominion's ability to stay within reach of tough teams and their balanced offensive attack should allow them to cover the spread, and I see them winning outright in what should be a competitive, hard-fought game.

Take Old Dominion. Projected score: Old Dominion 27, James Madison 24.

C-USA Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Louisiana Tech plus the points over Western Kentucky at 12 pm ET on Saturday.

While Western Kentucky has had success at home, including their recent win over New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech has been competitive in several of its losses this season. The Bulldogs may have struggled with consistency, especially on the road, but they’ve been competitive in close games and have the potential to cover the spread here, especially considering Western Kentucky’s vulnerability to letting teams hang around.

Additionally, Louisiana Tech’s offense has the capability to put up points, and with the spread at +9 or more, they may be able to keep it within a one-score game or possibly even pull off a surprise upset. Western Kentucky's defensive struggles in past games could be a concern here, especially if Louisiana Tech can execute offensively.

Look for a hard-fought game with Louisiana Tech staying within the number, potentially leading to a close finish.

Take Louisiana Tech. Projected score: Western Kentucky 31, Louisiana Tech 27.

Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on New Orleans plus the points over Denver at 8 pm ET on Friday.

New Orleans enters this game on a six-game losing streak, both SU and ATS, but this matchup presents an opportunity for a turnaround. While the Pelicans struggled offensively in their 106-88 loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, they’ve shown flashes of being competitive earlier in the season. Denver has been winning games, but its defensive performance has been less than stellar of late, allowing at least 119 points in four straight contests. That defensive vulnerability could give the Pelicans a chance to keep this one close, particularly if their offense finds any rhythm.

Denver has been idle since Sunday, when it edged Dallas 122-120 at home. While the Nuggets have shown their usual offensive firepower, their inability to put teams away on the defensive end leaves the door open for New Orleans to hang around. With Denver being such a significant favorite, this line may slightly overestimate their edge against a desperate Pelicans squad.

Take New Orleans plus the points. Projected score: Denver 112, New Orleans 110.

Non-Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Washington plus the points over San Antonio at 8 pm ET on Wednesday.

The Wizards enter this matchup with a disappointing 2-7 record and are coming off a 107-92 loss in Houston. The silver lining is that Kyle Kuzma returned from injury in that game, providing a much-needed boost to their rotation. Washington will look to Kuzma to help elevate a struggling offense and keep pace with San Antonio, especially given their success in the last meeting, when they managed a 118-113 win over the Spurs last January.

San Antonio, meanwhile, is coming off an impressive 116-96 blowout win over Sacramento, showing their ability to step up defensively when needed. However, the Spurs have been inconsistent, sitting at 5-6 on the season, and could be vulnerable in a spot where they're expected to cover a larger spread. Washington's experience and Kuzma’s return should help them remain competitive here. Take Washington plus the points. Projected score: San Antonio 111, Washington 108.

Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Ball State plus the points over Dayton at 7 pm ET on Wednesday.

Ball State enters this matchup with a balanced 1-1 record, coming off a strong 27-point win over Franklin following a narrow five-point road loss against Georgia State. The Cardinals' early-season performance hints at potential resilience, and they've had ample rest since their last game on Friday, which could give them an edge in terms of preparation and recovery. Facing a more recognized opponent like Dayton presents an opportunity for Ball State to further assert itself.

Dayton is a perfect 2-0 but hasn’t faced particularly tough competition yet, with comfortable wins over St. Francis (PA) and Northwestern. However, the Flyers have occasionally struggled in games against unranked, yet capable, teams, making Ball State a worthy underdog in this spot. With Ball State's ability to stay competitive on the road and Dayton’s untested defense, this game could be tighter than expected. Take Ball State. Projected score: Dayton 73, Ball State 68.

Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Vancouver -1.5 goals over Calgary at 10 pm ET on Tuesday.

Calgary comes into this game on the heels of a solid 3-1 victory over Los Angeles, but the Flames have been inconsistent on the road this season. Vancouver, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back from a tough 7-3 home loss to Edmonton on Saturday. While Calgary won the first meeting of the season between these two teams 6-5, Vancouver has shown stronger offensive firepower overall and will look to capitalize on playing at home. The Canucks have the ability to put up big scores, and with their offense at full tilt, they should be able to cover the -1.5 spread in this matchup.

With the Flames' defensive struggles and Vancouver's offensive depth, the Canucks should be favored to win by more than a goal here. Vancouver is motivated to get back into the win column, and this game provides a prime opportunity to do so. Take Vancouver -1.5. Projected score: Vancouver 5, Calgary 2.

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on New York minus the points over Arizona at 4:25 pm ET on Sunday.

The Jets enter this matchup off a confidence-boosting win over Houston on Halloween Night, showcasing a defense that has kept them competitive, even amid recent coaching changes. With a renewed focus under interim leadership, the Jets’ defensive unit has continued to shine, setting a solid foundation for the team. Against an Arizona offense that’s performed well lately but benefited from favorable matchups, the Jets’ defense has the edge to stifle big plays and create key stops.

Arizona is on a three-game winning streak both straight up and against the spread but now faces a tougher defensive challenge than recent opponents. New York’s improving offense, meanwhile, gives the Jets the ability to take advantage of Arizona’s vulnerabilities on defense. In a game where the Jets’ balanced approach can shine, New York looks set to cover the spread with a solid all-around performance.

Take the Jets minus the points. Prediction: Jets 23, Cardinals 16.

NFC South Game of the Year. My selection is on New Orleans plus the points over Atlanta at 1 pm ET on Sunday.

The Saints enter this game with new leadership following the firing of head coach Dennis Allen after last week’s close loss to Carolina. Coaching changes often bring a jolt of energy, and with New Orleans seeking redemption in a divisional matchup, they’re well-positioned to keep this contest close. While Atlanta’s offense has been fairly explosive, New Orleans has the defensive depth to disrupt key plays and limit big gains. In a matchup where both sides know each other well, the Saints' renewed focus should help them stay competitive.

Atlanta, fresh off a win over Dallas, will be confident but must prepare for an extra-motivated New Orleans squad looking to improve after their early-season two-point loss to the Falcons. Even with the Falcons’ offensive firepower, divisional games tend to tighten up, and the Saints should capitalize on any defensive opportunities to keep it close.

Take New Orleans plus the points. Prediction: Saints 24, Falcons 23.

AFC Game of the Week. My selection is on Indianapolis plus the points over Buffalo at 1 pm ET on Sunday.

The Colts, though coming off back-to-back losses, have the experience of veteran Joe Flacco under center, which could bring stability and playmaking ability against a talented Bills defense. Despite Buffalo’s recent four-game winning streak, the Bills failed to cover the spread last week in a narrow three-point win over Miami. The loss of rookie WR Keon Coleman due to a wrist injury leaves a noticeable gap in Buffalo’s offensive depth, which could affect their ability to stretch the field. While Indianapolis also lost Michael Pittman to injury, his lack of production this season means his absence may not be as significant.

With Flacco leading the offense, Indianapolis should be able to remain competitive, especially with Buffalo’s offensive depth potentially compromised. The Colts' defense has shown the ability to keep games close, and home-field advantage could play a role here in allowing them to stay within the spread.

Take Indianapolis. Prediction: Bills 23, Colts 21.

Mountain West Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Fresno State minus the points over Air Force at 9:45 pm ET on Saturday.

Fresno State, coming off a narrow home loss to Hawaii, will be focused and motivated to bounce back as they continue their push toward bowl eligibility. With four wins against FBS opponents, Fresno State has proven they can compete effectively on both sides of the ball, and they’re well-positioned to avoid a letdown in this spot. Their offense has been generally efficient, while their defense has shown the ability to keep teams in check. Given these factors, Fresno State's balanced approach and execution make them a strong play with several matchup advantages over Air Force.

Air Force, at 1-7 and coming off a decisive loss to Army, has struggled to find consistency on offense, and their defense has been overmatched in many games this season. Fresno State’s solid offensive unit should capitalize on Air Force’s defensive gaps, while their defense is well-equipped to contain Air Force's run-heavy attack. Fresno State has the edge in motivation, preparation, and overall performance, making them a solid pick to cover the spread.

Take Fresno State. Prediction: Fresno State 34, Air Force 20.

CFL Playoff Game of the Year. My selection is on Saskatchewan plus the points over Winnipeg at 6:30 PM ET on Saturday.

While Winnipeg enters as the higher seed with an 11-7 record, Saskatchewan has proven to be a tough, battle-tested team throughout the season, and they’ve shown the ability to rise to the occasion in big games. The Roughriders are a team built for playoff football—physical on both sides of the ball, and with a defense that can disrupt even the most potent offenses. They’ve had a knack for keeping games close, even against teams as talented as Winnipeg. While the Blue Bombers have been strong all year, particularly with their explosive offense and veteran leadership, Saskatchewan’s ability to play gritty, disciplined football in high-pressure situations should allow them to keep this game within reach.

Winnipeg has been dominant at times this season, but they've also shown vulnerabilities, particularly when facing pressure. Saskatchewan's defense, led by a strong front seven, can get after Winnipeg’s quarterback, and their secondary has been opportunistic at forcing turnovers. Offensively, the Roughriders have a solid mix of run and pass plays that can exploit any weaknesses in the Winnipeg defense. Given the magnitude of the game, expect a close, hard-fought battle with Saskatchewan making it tough for the Blue Bombers to pull away. Take Saskatchewan (10*).

C-USA Game of the Year. My selection is on Liberty minus the points over Middle Tennessee State at 1 pm ET on Saturday.

Liberty comes into this game off a disappointing 31-21 loss to Jacksonville State, but this matchup presents a strong opportunity for a bounce-back performance. At 5-2, the Flames have been solid this season, and despite losing two straight games, they still have a much stronger overall team. Their offense, led by quarterback Kaidon Salter, has the potential to put up big numbers, and their defense has been solid enough to control a Middle Tennessee offense that has struggled at times. Despite the game being played in Middle Tennessee, Liberty’s high-powered attack and defense should be too much for a Blue Raiders team that sits at 3-6 and has shown inconsistencies throughout the season.

Middle Tennessee is coming off a 20-13 win over UTEP but has struggled to generate consistent offensive production this season. They have been plagued by turnovers and inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, which will be problematic against a talented Liberty defense. While the Blue Raiders have been competitive, they are outmatched here, even at home. Liberty should control this game and create enough separation to cover the spread, particularly given their offensive depth and strong recent track record in these types of matchups.

Take Liberty. Prediction: Liberty 38, Middle Tennessee State 20.

Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington plus the points over Memphis at 8:10 pm ET on Friday.

Washington, though coming off consecutive losses, has had time to rest and prepare for this matchup since their last game on Monday. The Wizards are just 2-4, but they’ve shown flashes of competitive play and could take advantage of a Memphis team that may be looking ahead to an upcoming road trip. This game also marks the beginning of a five-game road trip for Washington, so they should be focused and motivated to get off to a strong start. The added rest could help Washington’s key players bring fresh energy, allowing them to keep this one closer than expected.

Memphis, sitting at 5-4, is coming off an impressive 131-114 win over the Lakers on Wednesday. However, with their own three-game road trip starting in Portland on Sunday, the Grizzlies could be in a prime letdown spot, especially with potential adjustments being made in light of recent injuries. Memphis has been solid at home, but with the focus potentially shifting toward the upcoming road games, they might not bring their sharpest intensity here. Washington’s rest advantage and Memphis’s possible shift in focus provide the Wizards with a solid opportunity to cover the spread.

Take Washington. Prediction: Memphis 114, Washington 111.

AAC Game of the Month. My selection is on Florida Atlantic plus the points over East Carolina at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday.

Florida Atlantic has struggled this season with a 2-6 record, including a disappointing 44-21 home loss to South Florida last week, but they have shown flashes of competitive play and have the potential to keep this game closer than expected. While their defense has had issues, particularly against high-scoring teams, East Carolina has been inconsistent at times, especially against teams that can push them on both sides of the ball. The Pirates are coming off a dominant 56-34 win over Temple, but they've been up and down all year, and their defense is susceptible to giving up points when forced into shootouts. FAU's offense has shown signs of life, and their ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground should keep them within striking distance.

East Carolina is favored at home, but their record of 4-4 reflects their own struggles against teams with solid balance. FAU has the talent to hang around in this game, and with East Carolina’s defensive vulnerabilities, Florida Atlantic should be able to keep it close. With East Carolina coming off a high-scoring win and facing a team that can stretch their defense, I see Florida Atlantic staying within the number. Take Florida Atlantic (10*).

Revenge Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle +1.5 goals over Colorado at 9:05 pm et on Tuesday.

I like the set up for this play on Tuesday as the Kraken come off three straight losses including back-to-back shutout defeats but still sit a single point ahead of the Avalanche in the Pacific Division standings. Colorado is off to a poor start this season - like Seattle, it has also dropped three straight games entering Tuesday's contest. The Kraken will enter this game seeking revenge for a 3-2 home loss against the Avs back on October 22nd. Noting that Seattle ranks tied for eighth in the league in goals allowed per game while Colorado sits in last place (32nd) in that department, we'll grab the extra goal with the Kraken on Tuesday. Take Seattle +1.5 goals (10*).

NFC Game of the Week. My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Arizona at 4:05 pm et on Sunday.

I like the bounce-back spot for the Bears off last Sunday's heart-breaking loss in Washington. Chicago has yet to notch a road victory this season but it's been right there in all three previous tilts away from home. I think we learned a lot about the Bears in last Sunday's near-miss - mostly positive. The Cardinals rallied for a win in Miami last week, taking advantage of a listless Dolphins defense. The Arizona offense has been good in fits and starts with Kyler Murray making a ton of plays with his legs to keep the chains moving. I'm not sold on him doing it against an elite Bears defense on Sunday, however. I see this as a game where Murray gets outshined by rookie Caleb Williams and the Bears finally get their road victory. Take Chicago (10*).

Big Ten Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Michigan State plus the points over Indiana at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

We'll grab the generous helping of points with the Spartans as they host red hot Indiana on Saturday in East Lansing. Michigan State put up a fight but fell a touchdown short against rival Michigan at the Big House last Saturday. A difficult schedule has certainly played a role in the Spartans 4-4 start to the campaign with losses against two of the best teams in the country in Ohio State and Oregon in the mix (they went 1-1 ATS in those contests). I like Michigan State's chances of surprising undefeated Indiana on Saturday. The Hoosiers are coming off a big home win over Washington last Saturday - they hosted ESPN College Gameday ahead of that one. Indiana has drawn a very favorable schedule to this point - it avoids Oregon and faces Ohio State in a couple of weeks. The Hoosiers haven't really been tested in two previous road games against UCLA and Northwestern but I think they will be here. In the grand scheme of things, a tight battle might be just what the doctor ordered for a team that has delivered blowout win after blowout win this season. Take Michigan State (10*).

Pacific Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Los Angeles at 10:40 pm et on Saturday.

This spot sets up beautifully for the Kings, who were idle last night following Thursday's narrow two-point home loss to the Timberwolves. Minnesota was in a bounce-back spot in that situation and came through. I expect Sacramento to do the same on Saturday. The Lakers rallied for a big win over the Suns on their home floor last night. They're off to a 2-0 start but I expect their success to be short-lived. Perception isn't reality in this case and I think the wrong team is being favored. Take Sacramento (10*).

Big 12 Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Texas Tech plus the points over TCU at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Texas Tech is coming off an embarrassing 59-35 home loss against Baylor last week, on Homecoming Weekend no less. That loss snapped the Red Raiders four-game winning streak. I look for them to bounce and hand TCU a Homecoming loss of their own on Saturday but we'll have the added benefit of grabbing a generous helping of points as well. TCU has managed to post consecutive victories just once this season, that coming in Weeks 1 and 2 against Stanford (who has turned out to be awful) and FCS squad LIU-Brooklyn. Since then, the Horned Frogs have gone 2-3 SU including consecutive home defeats at the hands of UCF and Houston. Here, we find TCU in a letdown spot following last week's ugly 13-7 win on the road against Utah. I like the fact that Texas Tech managed to deliver a tough road victory two weeks ago as it outlasted Oregon 28-22 in Tucson. That win was key after it failed to come through in a blowout loss at Washington State in its first road tilt this season. With an explosive, quick-strike offense the Red Raiders rarely find themselves out of a game and I'm confident they can trade blows with TCU all day long on Saturday. Take Texas Tech (10*).

Southwest Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Houston minus the points over Memphis at 8:10 pm et on Friday.

The Rockets, who entered the season with plenty of optimism, were stunned in their home opener on Wednesday, falling at the hands of the Hornets. I'm confident we'll see them rebound on Friday as they host division-rival Memphis, which recorded a narrow victory in Utah in its first game of the campaign. I'm willing to chalk up the Rockets season-opening defeat as an anomaly given that it hoisted up a whopping 103 field goal attempts (compared to the Hornets' 85) but could only knock down 38 of them. Houston was also just 13-for-43 (30%) from beyond the arc in that defeat. We should see a slingshot effect for the Rockets offense here against a Grizzlies squad that allowed Utah to shoot 40-of-85 (47%) from the field on Wednesday. Not only that, Memphis sent Utah to the free throw line 45 times in that victory. Take Houston (10*).

Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on San Francisco minus the points over Kansas City at 4:25 pm et on Sunday.

I really like the way this situation sets up for the 49ers as they look to gain an ounce of revenge after losing the Super Bowl at the hands of the Chiefs last February. While Kansas City has the benefit of coming off its bye week, San Francisco gets the best of both worlds in a sense as it had a few extra days of preparation thanks to playing in last week's Thursday nighter in Seattle but doesn't have to deal with the possible rust off the bye. While it's by no means a must-win for the Niners, it is a critical spot as they look to avoid falling below the .500 mark. The schedule isn't going to get much easier with tough sledding ahead including upcoming road games in Tampa, Green Bay and Buffalo. The Chiefs aren't going to run the table this season - that I'm certain of. With that being said, after this contest there's not a lot of resistance until a road game in Buffalo in the third week of November. We'll lay the short number with San Francisco. Take San Francisco (10*).

NFC East Game of the Month. My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points over New York at 1 pm et on Sunday.

The Giants had every opportunity to stage an upset against the Bengals last Sunday night but ultimately squandered those in a 10-point loss. While this isn't a bad matchup for the G-Men on paper given how the Eagles have struggled, I don't see it going their way. Philadelphia did manage to win last week's tougher-than-expected matchup with Cleveland and I do think that gives it some confidence moving forward. This is a 'get right' game for the Eagles defense against a familiar opponent and with the Giants losing LT Andrew Thomas to injury. I think Philadelphia will be able to pin its ears back defensively in this game and I'm confident the offense can take care of the rest, noting that A.J. Brown has made an obvious impact. When healthy, this Eagles offense can still be elite. Even with super rookie WR Malik Nabers back on the field, the same can't be said for New York. Take Philadelphia (10*).

MAC Game of the Year. My selection is on Western Michigan minus the points over Buffalo at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Western Michigan had a tough schedule out of the gate this season, lining up against Wisconsin and Ohio State in consecutive weeks, on the road no less. Since then, the Broncos have steadied themselves by posting three wins in their last four games. Last week, Buffalo staged an upset win at home against Toledo. The Bulls have been wildly inconsistent so far this season. I think they caught the Rockets in a spot where they figured they could sleepwalk their way to a victory. That's just not how the MAC works. Any team is capable of beating any other team on any given day. Here, I expect Western Michigan to take a more serious approach than Toledo and ultimately prevail. The Broncos know they can't take anything for granted. After all, their two straight wins over Ball State and Akron came by a grand total of just 13 points. These two teams haven't met since the 2021 season, when Western Michigan went on the road and won 24-17. The Broncos would like nothing more than to spoil the Bulls homecoming weekend on Saturday. Look for them to do just that. Take Western Michigan (10*).

AAC Game of the Month. My selection is on East Carolina plus the points over Army at 12 noon et on Saturday.

Army finds itself ranked in the national top-25 following six consecutive blowout wins to open the season. We'll fade the Black Knights on Saturday, however, as they've faced a ridiculously easy schedule so far including games against two of the country's worst FBS teams in Tulsa and UAB over the last two weeks. East Carolina started the season 2-0 but has dropped three of four games since. The Pirates come off their bye week, giving them extra time to prepare for Army's vaunted triple-option attack. East Carolina figures to be in a foul mood entering this contest after it was stunned 55-24 on the road against Charlotte last time out. Prior to that, the Pirates other two setbacks came against tough opponents in Appalachian State and Liberty, by a combined 13 points. We're catching a generous helping of points with East Carolina on Saturday, in a game that I expect to go down to the wire. Take East Carolina (10*).

ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Boston College plus the points over Virginia Tech at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

I'm not a big believer in this Virginia Tech squad. Yes, a night game in Blacksburg is a tough setting for an underdog visitor but I expect Boston College to be up for the challenge in this rivalry matchup. Note that the Hokies have taken the last two meetings in this series and neither game was close. Boston College checks in off a loss on the road against Virginia two weeks ago. Both teams will be coming off their bye weeks. I think the Virginia Tech offense is in line for some regression in this matchup after scoring 34 and 31 points in its last two games. The Hokies nearly upset Miami on the road two games back before taking their frustrations out on a reeling Stanford squad last time out. Wins over Marshall, Old Dominion and Stanford aren't all that impressive. While Boston College has dropped a couple of games, it has been right here in all seven contests. I'm confident head coach Bill O'Brien will have the right gameplan to attack the Hokies defense given the extra week to prepare. The schedule only gets tougher from here, look for the Eagles to put up a fight on Thursday. Take Boston College (10*).

Big 12 Game of the Month. My selection is on Kansas State minus the points over Colorado at 10:15 pm et on Saturday.

Both of these teams enter this showdown off their bye week and both are looking to follow up on impressive victories as Kansas State rolled Oklahoma State at home while Colorado blitzed Central Florida on the road. We'll fade the Buffaloes as they try for their fourth straight ATS victory. These two teams couldn't be more different. Give us the side that knows how to run the football - the Wildcats have been downright dominant on the ground so far this season, gaining 200+ rushing yards in all five games. Colorado has been virtually mistake-free lately but it will be tested by a Kansas State team that has forced six turnovers in its last four games. Take Kansas State (10*).

SEC Game of the Month. My selection is on Ole Miss minus the points over LSU at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

Ole Miss got the wake up call it needed two weeks ago as it was upset at home against Kentucky. The Rebels got off to a strong start in that contest and perhaps thought the down-trodden Wildcats would simply roll over. That wasn't the case. Last Saturday, South Carolina did Ole Miss a big favor by not offering much of a challenge at all. You see the Rebels were going to be at a disadvantage here with LSU coming off its bye week. However, Ole Miss took part in a glorified walk-through against the Gamecocks, rolling to a 27-3 victory. I'm certain Lane Kiffin has his team treating this second straight road tilt as a business trip. LSU checks in off four straight wins but is just 1-4 ATS on the campaign. Take Ole Miss (10*).

NFC West Game of the Month. My selection is on San Francisco minus the points over Seattle at 8:15 pm et on Thursday.

While it may seem like a fairly inconsequential loss as the Seahawks are still 3-2 on the campaign, make no mistake, they needed last Sunday's game against the Giants. Most thought that would be a layup for Seattle but New York ultimately won by a 27-20 score. Now the Seahawks begin arguably the most difficult five-game stretch on their schedule and to make matters worse, they'll be welcoming a 49ers team that will be in a foul mood following Sunday's upset loss to the Cardinals on Thursday night. The Niners have dominated this matchup in recent years, on both sides of the football. While San Francisco has sputtered in the early going this season, I see this as a 'get right' matchup on a short week. Look for the Niners offense to bully an undermanned Seahawks defense that is missing arguably its two best players in Riq Woolen and Byron Murphy. San Francisco is dealing with injuries of its own on defense but I expect it to expose a bad Seattle offensive line and roll to a convincing victory on Thursday. Take San Francisco (10*).

MNF Game of the Month. My selection is on New Orleans plus the points over Kansas City at 8:15 pm et on Monday.

It's already difficult enough to go undefeated through five games (the Vikings are the only team to do it so far this season). Here, the Chiefs will be trying to accomplish that feat but from a pointspread perspective are also laying a handful of points. I believe the spread will prove too high. Saints QB Derek Carr is certainly familiar with the Chiefs from his days with the division rival Raiders. Carr has been playing some of his best football so far this season, even if he has cooled off along with the Saints offense over the last couple of games. Off consecutive losses to the Eagles and Falcons by the narrowest of margins, I like New Orleans chances of bouncing back here but we'll grab the points as few teams have displayed the knack for pulling out victory from the jaws of defeat as the Chiefs have in recent years. Note that the Saints are 21-12 ATS in their last 33 road games following a road loss, as is the case here. The Chiefs are 26-30 ATS in their last 56 home games following three straight victories. Take New Orleans (10*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on UMass plus the points over Northern Illinois at 12 noon et on Saturday.

How quickly things can change. Northern Illinois pulled off a stunning upset win over Notre Dame in South Bend three weeks ago, improving to 2-0 on the season. That victory got the Huskies into the top-25 rankings and even into the expanded College Football Playoff conversation. Since then, Northern Illinois lost in overtime against Buffalo and in another close game on the road against N.C. State last week. I think it's going to be awfully tough for the Huskies to get up for an independent opponent in UMass this week (the Minutemen will join the MAC next season). Another rather sparse crowd is expected at Huskie Stadium and I think the door is open for the Minutemen to stay competitive for four quarters. UMass is off to a 1-4 start but has made some progress. Last Saturday, it gave Miami-Ohio all it could handle in a 23-20 overtime loss. Staying on the road to face another MAC opponent might just be a good thing for the Minutemen before the schedule really toughens up with SEC foe Missouri rolling into Hadley next week (they'll also face two additional SEC opponents in Mississippi State and Georgia later in the season, both away from home). This is just too many points for a pop-gun Huskies Northern Illinois to be laying. Take UMass (10*).

Conference USA Game of the Month. My selection is on UTEP plus the points over Sam Houston State at 9 pm et on Thursday.

This is an incredibly tough spot for Sam Houston State as it goes on the road following a thrilling come-from-behind win over Texas State last Saturday. The Bearkats are 4-1 SU and ATS on the season but check in just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite. Note that they were upset at home 37-34 by UTEP last October. As we know in college football, revenge is a dish best served at home. Here, I expect the Miners to be the more desperate team as they look to avoid an 0-5 start before heading on the road for a difficult game against Western Kentucky. Note that UTEP is a long-term 18-16 ATS against opponents that win 75% or more of their games including a 10-6 ATS mark at home. Take UTEP (10*).

Playoff Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas plus the points over New York at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday.

The Aces are now 0-3 against the Liberty this season after Sunday's 10-point loss in New York. The opener of this series fizzled as New York extended a double-digit halftime lead and never looked back. I look for Las Vegas to answer back on Tuesday.

There's plenty of room for improvement from the Aces. They actually got off a whopping 67 field goal attempts including 25 from beyond the arc but shot poorly and didn't do a good enough job on the boards. Keep in mind, prior to that contest, the Aces had reeled off seven straight wins with 11 victories in their last 12 contests. I don't expect them to get rattled by Sunday's setback.

The Liberty aren't likely to shoot the lights out again the way they did on Sunday (30-for-60). Nor do I anticipate them having as decisive of an edge in terms of trips to the free throw line. We'll grab all the points we can get with Las Vegas but hopefully won't need them. Take Las Vegas (10*).

NFC Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle plus the points over Detroit at 8:15 pm et on Monday.

The Lions may be considered to be an elite team but there's hasn't really been anything elite about what they've put on tape through three games this season.

Detroit is 2-1 with wins over the Rams and Cardinals (it lost to the Buccaneers in Week 2). The Lions have yet to score more than 24 points in a game. Note that the Lions are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games against opponents that allow 175 pass yards per game or less. They're also just 15-23 ATS in their last 38 home contests after giving up 14 points or less in their previous game, as is the case here.

Seattle remains undefeated at 3-0. While I don't love backing undefeated teams, I'm willing to make an exception when that team is catching as many points as the Seahawks are in this spot. Note that Seattle is 31-25 ATS in its last 56 road games against opponents that gain 4.5 yards per rush or more. The Seahawks have been stout against the run this season, holding opponents to just 3.9 yards per rush.

While most are anticipating a shootout in this game, I'm not convinced we'll see a ton of quick-strike plays. Instead look for these two efficient offenses to churn out long drives that effectively shorten proceedings. That favors the team catching points, especially when spotted more than a field goal. Take Seattle (10*).

AFC West Game of the Month. My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Kansas City at 4:25 pm et on Sunday.

The Chargers have major injury concerns right now but we know they're not conceding this divisional matchup as QB Justin Herbert is expected to play through his ankle injury. The Chiefs aren't going to run the table this season and I like Los Angeles' chances of effectively shortening proceedings on Sunday afternoon and at the very least taking this game down to the wire. Note that Kansas City is just 20-24 ATS in its last 44 road games following a road win, as is the case here. The Chiefs are also just 28-35 ATS in their last 63 road contests following a victory by six points or less. Meanwhile, the Chargers are 69-53 ATS in their last 122 games as an underdog of between 3.5 and 9.5 points and 38-32 ATS in their last 70 contests against a team that wins 75% or more of its games. Take Los Angeles (10*).

ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Stanford plus the points over Clemson at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Clemson delivered a high-profile 59-35 win over N.C. State last Saturday in a game that wasn't even as competitive as that final score indicated. The Tigers jumped ahead 28-0 before the end of the first quarter and 52-7 early in the third quarter. The Wolfpack weren't even able to run their offensive competently in that game, clearly struggling in the absence of big-time transfer QB Grayson McCall.

I expect a much different story to unfold this Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Stanford comes into this game brimming with confidence following an upset win over Syracuse, on the road no less, in its ACC opener last week. The Cardinal have looked like a true upstart in the early going this season and I'm confident their methodical offense and capable defense will keep them in this game on Saturday.

The Clemson offense is in line for some regression after scoring a ridiculous 125 points over its last two games. Untested since a season-opening 34-3 drubbing at the hands of mighty Georgia, I look for the Tigers to get involved in a battle against one of the ACC's scrappiest newcomers. Note that the Cardinal defense ranks seventh in the country in yards per rush allowed this season. I'm not convinced the Tigers will be able to salt this game away, keeping in mid they allowed N.C. State to score four touchdowns in the game's final 22 minutes last Saturday. Take Stanford (10*).

NFC East Game of the Month. My selection is on Dallas minus the points over New York at 8:15 pm et on Thursday.

This is a true 'get right' spot for Dallas on both sides of the football but on defense in particular. The Cowboys have been sieve-like on that side of the football over the last two weeks, getting lit up by the Saints and Ravens, at home no less. While the Giants are coming off their best offensive showing of the season, I don't like their prospects moving forward. New York has superstar-in-the-making WR Malik Nabers but not much else on offense. QB Daniel Jones is a turnover waiting to happen but was helped massively by game script, playing ahead most of the way against Cleveland last Sunday. The Giants defense was able to pin its ears back against Browns washed QB Deshaun Watson but won't be able to do the same against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. This is a massive bounce-back situation for Dallas WR CeeDee Lamb after he encountered blanket coverage against the Ravens last Sunday. I think this is a 'go off' spot for Lamb. Meanwhile, the Cowboys defense has been hearing the critics loud and clear ever since Sunday's loss to Baltimore. The Ravens have the type of offense that can make an opposing defense look bad in any given game, however. The Giants do not. Look for Dallas to key on Nabers and make someone else on the Giants offense beat them on Thursday. It won't happen. Take Dallas (10*).

MNF Game of the Year. My selection is on Jacksonville plus the points over Buffalo at 7:30 pm et on Monday.

The Bills have had 10 days to pat themselves on the back for their 2-0 start including a blowout win in primetime against division-rival Miami. I expect Buffalo to find the going much tougher against a hungry, winless team in the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday.

The Jags have run up against a tough early season schedule, first facing a full-strength Dolphins squad in the sweltering afternoon heat in Miami in Week 1 (they easily could have won that game were it not for a Travis Etienne goal-line fumble) and then hosting a loaded Browns defense that was coming off an embarrassing Week 1 loss at home against the Cowboys. Jacksonville has only been outscored by eight points through two games and that's with its offense producing next-to-nothing (a grand total of 30 points). I feel the Jags best days are ahead of them on offense and like the matchup against the Bills on Monday.

We know this Jacksonville offense can ball out. QB Trevor Lawrence admitted he hasn't been good enough through two games. Much is made about the awful track record of teams starting 0-2 in terms of reaching the playoffs. Keep in mind, the expanded playoffs do throw a wrench in that trend. Jacksonville still has everything to play for and the schedule does get a lot more manageable in October (vs. Colts, at Bears, vs. Patriots and vs. Packers). A win here could certainly flip the script. A loss and the Jags face the very real prospect of an 0-4 start with a difficult trip to Houston on deck next week.

The Bills have looked good through two games but we know what we're going to get with this team and that's often inconsistency. QB Josh Allen is being asked to shoulder more of the load on offense with a talent downgrade in terms of his weapons this season. So far, so good but I expect the Jags defense to offer far more resistance than the Cardinals and Dolphins did in the first two weeks.

Note that these two teams have met twice since 2021 with the Jaguars winning both matchups including a 25-20 victory in Buffalo last year. You would have to go back five meetings, all the way to 2016 to find the last time the Bills beat the Jags by more than a field goal. In last year's matchup the Jags prevailed despite Trevor Lawrence being sacked five times and Josh Allen throwing for 359 yards and two touchdowns (Jacksonville didn't record a single sack). I think there's actually room for improvement from the Jags on both sides of the football here, yet we're catching a handful of points. Take Jacksonville (10*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Tennessee minus the points over Green Bay at 1 pm et on Sunday.

Things could have gone sideways in a hurry for the Packers following the injury to QB Jordan Love in Week 1. However, we saw Green Bay pick up a much-needed win at home against Indianapolis last Sunday to give it a lift heading into this tougher than it may seem matchup in Tennessee in Week 3. Love is back practising and the betting markets have reacted by pushing this line in the Packers favor. I don't expect him to play but even if he does, I still like the winless Titans in this spot.

Green Bay's gameplan last week involved hiding backup QB Malik Willis and letting its defense take care of the rest. That approach worked wonders against an awful Colts run defense, not to mention an Indy offense that will struggle to play from behind all season. I expect a different story to unfold against the Titans.

Were it not for a couple of glaring mistakes from Tennessee QB Will Levis last week against the Jets, it likely would have controlled that contest from start to finish and picked up its first win of the season.

The Titans defense has impressed me. It had Jets QB Aaron Rodgers under duress all afternoon long.

Offensively, I would anticipate Tennessee going back to a run-centric approach against a Packers defense you can most definitely run on (Green Bay has allowed 5.5 yards per rush and two rushing touchdowns through two games). Backing the 0-2 Titans laying points against a potential playoff team may not be the easiest bet to make this week but I believe it's the right one. Take Tennessee (10*).

AAC Game of the Year. My selection is on Navy plus the points over Memphis at 3:30 pm et on Saturday.

Navy has undoubtedly had this in-conference showdown circled on its calendar after giving Memphis all it could handle in an eventual 28-24 defeat in Tennessee last year. Were it not for that loss, the Midshipmen would have gone Bowling.

Consider this a tough spot for the Tigers as they stay on the road for a second straight game after springing an upset win over reeling Florida State in Tallahassee last week. While that victory may not be as big given how the Seminoles have struggled, it's still one that could lead to a letdown this week.

These two programs are certainly familiar with one another having met in each of the last nine seasons. The Tigers have reeled off five straight wins in the series after dropping three of the first four.

Navy enters this game with a different mindset this year, sporting a 2-0 record. I like the experience the Middies return on both sides of the football and believe they can throw a wrench in the Tigers hopes of a potential undefeated regular season (it's on the table following the win at Florida State).

These two teams have split four previous meetings in Annapolis with Memphis winning only one of those games by more than a field goal. Take Navy (10*).

NFC East Game of the Year. My selection is on New York plus the points over Washington at 1 pm et on Sunday.

The fact that the Commanders managed to score 20 points in last week's loss in Tampa masked their ineptness. This is a bad team and one that I don't think has a lot of room for improvement on a week-to-week basis.

QB Jayden Daniels showed flashes against the Buccaneers but much of his success came on the ground. He took plenty of physical abuse in that game, to the point that head coach Dan Quinn mentioned in his post-game presser that Daniels won't be able to be subject to that sort of punishment moving forward. I'm anticipating an already limited offense might just simplify and scale things back even more this week. The Giants defense is loaded up front and capable of taking over this game.

Offensively, the Giants are a bit of a mess. However, I don't think things are quite as bad as they're being made out to be. QB Daniel Jones has taken a ton of criticism throughout his NFL career and it's often deserved. I do think he saves face for a week at least as he should be able to pick apart a porous Washington secondary. Rookie WR Malik Nabers was held relatively quiet in last week's loss to Minnesota. He figures to go off this week. Nabers was listed as limited on Thursday's practice report but all indications it was just a minor scare related to leg soreness.

Unlike the Commanders, who entered the season with extremely low expectations, the Giants need to right the ship in a hurry. Their schedule only gets tougher with a trip to Cleveland next week followed by a Thursday night home game against the Cowboys. Looking ahead even further, they'll travel to Seattle in Week 5 and then host the Bengals in Week 6. I could go on but the fact is, without a victory on Sunday there's a better than zero chance that New York doesn't win a game for a long time. Take New York (10*).

SEC Game of the Year. My selection is on Kentucky plus the points over Georgia at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

I really like the way this spot sets up for Kentucky. Most are down on the Wildcats after they got drilled in their SEC opener against South Carolina last Saturday, at home no less. The Wildcat faithful were heading for the exits early in the fourth quarter in that contest but I expect a different story to unfold as they host mighty Georgia this week.

The Bulldogs will travel for the first time this season (their season-opener against Clemson was played at a 'neutral site' in Atlanta) after starting a perfect 2-0. While they've owned this series and took last year's matchup by a 51-13 score, recent meetings in Lexington have been competitive. In fact, during Georgia's current 14-game winning streak against Kentucky, it has won by more than 17 points on the road only once (in the last seven matchups in Lexington). In fact, the Dawgs have won by more than 17 in Lexington only once in the last nine matchups here.

This game obviously carries a little extra meaning for Kentucky QB Brock Vandagriff - a former five-star recruit by Georgia. Last week's shortcomings can't all be pinned on the QB - he was only part of the problem. I look for the Wildcats to clean things up this week and ultimately give the mighty Dawgs more of a fight than most expect. Take Kentucky (10*).

Big Ten Game of the Month. My selection is on UCLA plus the points over Indiana at 7:30 pm et on Saturday.

UCLA delivered a ho-hum 16-13 win over Hawaii in its season-opener two weeks ago. A bye week early in the season isn't always welcomed but I think the Bruins - a team in a transition period on offense - were all for it. I'm anticipating a much sharper performance from the UCLA offense this week as the Bruins play their first-ever Big Ten game against Indiana.

The Hoosiers turned heads by putting up a school-record 77 points in last week's win over FCS squad Western Illinois. Indiana's potential defensive warts have been masked by an easy early season schedule that also included a game against Florida International. This will be the Hoosiers first road trip of the season.

While the Hoosiers have gotten off to a hot start offensively, I like the matchup for the Bruins defense here. UCLA stocked up in the right areas in the transfer portal and many of the new faces played key roles in the season-opening win over Hawaii (that was fuelled by the defense). Watch for transfers DL Jacob Busic and DB K.J. Wallace. Wallace had nine tackles and a sack in the opener while Busic contributed a pair of tackles to go along with a sack. Take UCLA (10*).

NFC South Game of the Month. My selection is on Carolina plus the points over New Orleans at 1 pm et on Sunday.

The Panthers started last season 0-6 and ultimately won only two games in what was a truly disastrous campaign. By all accounts, the needle is pointing up entering the 2024 season with first-year head coach Dave Canales taking over after a successful stint at the Buccaneers offensive coordinator. This is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to make a statement that things will be different this year after getting swept in the season series against the division-rival Saints last year.

Full disclosure, this play is more about fading the favored Saints and what I consider to be the league's worst head coach-QB tandem in Dennis Allen and Derek Carr. Allen is as conservative as it gets in today's NFL and I don't need to tell you that doesn't generally lead to success beating pointspreads. Carr has never seen a check-down he doesn't like and is clearly on the downside of his career. He'll be leaning heavily on RB Alvin Kamara who doesn't figure to have much tread left on his tires. I am high on Saints WR Chris Olave but that's it on an otherwise pedestrian offensive attack that has an extremely low ceiling thanks to an awful offensive line.

The Saints dominated this matchup last year and Panthers QB Bryce Young in particular. That's clearly been baked into this pointspread, however, as has been the offseason talent rotation out of Carolina's defense. I like the 'nobody believes in us' angle with underdogs like the Panthers early in the season, before all hope is potentially lost, and certainly in division games such as this one. Take Carolina (10*).

Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Buffalo plus the points over Missouri at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Talk about a lack of respect. While I understand Missouri is on a rocket ship as a football program and has the potential to shake up the new-look SEC this year, I don't think Buffalo is the down-trodden MAC squad that most believe it is.

Entering the campaign, most had the Bulls pegged to finish third-last in the MAC, ahead of only Ball State and Akron. It's early and that's certainly in the range of possible outcomes but I liked what I saw from Buffalo in its season-opener, even though it came against an FCS opponent in Lafayette last week.

In that contest, the Bulls didn't allow a touchdown (or any points for that matter) until just shy of five minutes into the third quarter. Offensively, QB C.J. Ogbonna showed that he can be more than just a runner, passing for just shy of 200 yards and two touchdowns. WR Nik McMillan has a chance to be a star in this offense and he showed flashes last week, hauling in five catches for 76 yards and a score. Boston College transfer Taji Johnson has the potential to be a load for opposing secondaries as well. His big frame made two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown in the win.

The ground game will be key here as the Bulls have an elite offensive line capable of paving the way for a terrific stable of running backs. I think Buffalo has a good chance of controlling the clock for stretches and ultimately shortening this football game - that's music to the ears of bettors grabbing as many points as we are here.

There's not a lot bad I can say about Missouri's 51-0 romp over Murray State last week. You do wonder whether we'll see the Tigers empty the tank here, however, with the schedule about to toughen up with a game against Boston College next week (followed by the start of SEC play a week later). Note that after scoring four touchdowns (three on offense) in the game's first 12 minutes last week, the Tigers only reached the end zone two more times the rest of the way and one of those scores came with just one second remaining before halftime. I certainly do think Buffalo can give Missouri a bit more of a push than FCS squad Murray State did. This is quite simply too many points. Take Buffalo (10*).

Underdog Game of the Month. My selection is on Old Dominion plus the points over South Carolina at 4:15 pm et on Saturday.

Last year, we successfully faded Old Dominion in Week 1 as it was in the wrong place at the wrong time, facing a revenge-minded Virginia Tech squad in Blacksburg, Expectations aren't all that high for Old Dominion this season, even if they've exceeded them time and time again. I like the continuity for the Monarchs with Ricky Rahne having been the head coach since 2020 and finally a carry-over at quarterback in Grant Wilson returning. Wilson is a standout but certainly not a household name. I like his chances of steadying the Monarchs offense and ultimately keeping his team competitive in this game.

South Carolina ushers in a new era at quarterback with LaNorris Sellers taking over. The redshirt freshman is loaded with potential as a dual-threat to ignite the Gamecocks offense. I'm just not sure an offense gets better by losing the likes of WR's Xavier Legette and Antwane Wells and TE Trey Knox. The fact that Sellers will be taking over the offense for the first time with a slew of other new faces is concerning from a pointspread perspective at least.

Much like Grant Wilson is the unquestioned leader on offense, the Monarchs boast a good one on defense as well in LB Jason Henderson. He led the entire country in tackles last season and is back to lead the way in 2024. Of course, there are changes to deal with on the defensive side of the football - par for the course in today's college football world. If there's a weakness or question mark on the Monarchs defense it's in the secondary, but I'm not convinced Sellers will be able to take full advantage right out of the gates.

I mentioned expectations are rather low for Old Dominion. Most have it pegged for sixth place (out of seven teams) in the ultra-competitive Sun Belt East Division. We're talking about a team that made great strides last season and narrowly missed out on a Bowl victory. I'm willing to give the Monarchs the benefit of the doubt, even against an SEC foe on the road in Week 1. Look for a closer game than most are expecting. Take Old Dominion (10*).

Western Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

The Aces have fallen on hard times from a poinstpread perspective. At least they managed to snap their two-game slide with a buzzer-beating win in Chicago on Sunday. That did their backers no favors as they let a late double-digit lead slip away in that contest. They enter Tuesday's contest in Dallas riding a three-game ATS losing skid.

I like the way this game sets up for Las Vegas. After being frustrated most of the game against a steadily-improving Sky defense, the Aces should be able to get loose against an awful Wings defense on Tuesday. Dallas needed a 40-point fourth quarter eruption to outlast a bad Sparks squad by a 113-110 score on Sunday. That wasn't enough to earn the cover.

This hasn't been a good matchup for Dallas this season as Las Vegas has taken the first two meetings by 14 and 19 points. This is a key spot for the Aces as they look to secure a winning road trip before returning home to host Atlanta on Friday. When Las Vegas puts it all together it is one of the league's best teams - we simply haven't seen it much lately. I did like what I saw from the Aces in the fourth quarter in Chicago on Sunday - at least until the final three minutes. Look for Las Vegas to make a point to leave little doubt on Tuesday in Dallas. Take Las Vegas (10*).

NFLX Game of the Year. My selection is on Arizona plus the points over Denver at 4:30 pm et on Sunday.

An 0-2 start certainly wasn't second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon had in mind for his Arizona Cardinals. Of course, preseason results mean little in the grand scheme of things, but when it comes to a team that desperately needs to get the nose of the airplane pointed back in 2024, salvaging a victory in the preseason finale would be a start. While no team is going to put earning a win ahead of staying healthy at this stage of August, I do think the Cards have some added motivation in this spot and I've been impressed by what I've seen from a number of their younger, unproven players, even in consecutive defeats.

I'm a believer in the letdown factor, even in the preseason. The Broncos are certainly prime candidates for such a letdown after they drilled the Packers 27-2 last Sunday night. Another strong performance under center earned rookie QB Bo Nix the Week 1 starting job so the pressure is off in some regard. I'm not expecting to see much game-planning from the Broncos this week and see little reason for them to be favored by more than a field goal (at the time of writing). Note that these same two teams met in Week 3 of the preseason last year with the Cardinals earning a narrow 18-17 victory. We'll grab all the points we can get with the visitors in this spot. Take Arizona (10*).

Interleague Game of the Week. My selection is on Los Angeles -1.5 runs over Tampa Bay at 9:10 pm et on Saturday.

The Dodgers won on a Shohei Ohtani walk-off grand slam last night, saving their run-line backers on the game's final pitch. I look for Saturday's result to be a little more straight-forward as Los Angeles sends Clayton Kershaw to the hill against Taj Bradley of Tampa Bay.

Kershaw is locked in right now, having allowed just two earned runs over his last three starts. On the season he has posted a 3.00 FIP and 1.25 WHIP, making only five starts to date. I see that as a positive as he has a live arm down the stretch. Of course, it helps that the Dodgers bullpen will have all hands on deck after using just three relievers for 35 pitches last night (and following an off day on Thursday). Kershaw will be happy to be facing the Rays as he's held their current hitters to just six hits in 32 at-bats (.188) with a .438 OPS.

Bradley is approaching his career-high in innings pitched (he'll likely eclipse that mark on Saturday). We've seen him sputter lately, allowing a whopping 18 earned runs over his last four outings. Note that Tampa Bay lost all four of those contests with each defeat coming by at least three runs. Current Dodgers hitters are 4-for-14 (.286) off of Bradley with a .714 OPS. Take Los Angeles -1.5 runs (10*).

N.L. Game of the Week. My selection is on San Diego -1.5 runs over New York at 9:40 pm et on Friday.

The Mets are hitting right now and that was on full display in last night's series-opening win here in San Diego. The Padres have been hot at the plate as well, however, and I look for them to bounce back on Friday night.

Paul Blackburn gets the start for New York. A key piece brought over prior to the trade deadline, he's been mostly effective in his four starts since joining the Mets. However, it's worth noting that he's faced the Angels, Rockies, A's and Marlins. Current Padres hitters are 7-for-21 (.333) off of Blackburn with a .745 OPS. San Diego ranks eighth in the majors in weighted on base average over the last seven days.

Joe Musgrove will take the ball for San Diego. He continues to get stretched out after being on the I.L. for a couple of months. In two starts since rejoining the rotation, Musgrove has allowed just one earned run in 8 2/3 innings of work. Current Mets hitters are 26-for-121 (.215) off of the veteran right-hander with a .663 OPS.

Perhaps no team boasts as deep of a bullpen as the Padres and they look like they'll have all hands on deck after using just two relievers last night. Take San Diego -1.5 runs (10*).

CFL Game of the Month. My selection is on Saskatchewan plus the points over Toronto at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

The Roughriders let the defending champion Alouettes off the hook last week, it really is as simple as that. They settled for too many field goal attempts (that kicker Brett Lauther inexplicably missed) and ultimately lost by the narrowest of margins. Here, I look for Saskatchewan to bounce back as it heads on the road to face what has been an up-and-down Argos squad this season.

In a swirl of controversy, Toronto has brought QB Chad Kelly back into the fold. It remains to be seen whether he'll be fully acclimated with the offense having not played for so long. I like the opportunistic nature of the Riders defense and think they can take advantage of a potentially rusty Kelly on Thursday night.

Saskatchewan checks into this game having gone 0-3-1 over its last four contests but remains atop the West Division standings. The Riders have a massive opportunity in front of them with this game followed by the Labor Day Weekend Classic at home against the Blue Bombers next week. I look for Corey Mace's squad to turn the tide on Thursday in Toronto. Take Saskatchewan (10*).

Western Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Wednesday.

The Aces certainly haven't forgotten a 100-86 beatdown they suffered at the hands of the Lynx on this floor back in early June. Las Vegas has only managed to earn a split on its current homestand, upping the importance of this showdown with first-place Minnesota. The Lynx check in off consecutive wins coming out of the Olympic break but both of those victories came against the lowly Mystics.

Keep in mind, we know the Aces are capable of handling the Lynx. Las Vegas secured an 80-66 victory in the Twin Cities in the first meeting between these two teams this season. This will serve as the front-end of a home-and-home series.

I'm not sure I'm buying the Lynx as the best team in the West, especially when you consider how things have gone since the beginning of July. Minnesota is riding a three-game winning streak but just 5-4 SU over its last nine games. It seems that the Lynx have been getting tripped up every time they've stepped up in class lately, including losses to the Liberty, Sun and Storm. Yes, the Lynx did win the Commissioner's Cup earlier in the season thanks to an impressive Championship Game win over New York. All that's done is serve to put a bullseye on their back, however.

This will be one of only three home games for the Aces between now and September 13th. Look for them to make the most of the opportunity. Take Las Vegas (10*).

Interleague Game of the Year. My selection is on Chicago -1.5 runs over Cleveland at 6:40 pm et on Monday.

The Cubs have turned things around and even if a Wild Card spot is virtually out of reach, I look for them to continue to relish playing the role of spoiler down the stretch.

Chicago has shown steady improvement offensively, rising in the weighted on base average rankings over the last 30, 14 and 7 days. In fact, over the last week, the Cubs rank seventh in the majors in that category. That's in stark contrast to the Guardians, who have been scuffing their heels offensively for weeks and rank 29th in wOBA over the last seven days - only the White Sox have been worse over that stretch.

Cleveland doesn't figure to turn things around against Cubs ace Shota Imanaga. He'll be starting on full rest (five days) following a masterful performance against the Twins last week (seven innings, two earned runs allowed, 10 strikeouts). The Cubs are 5-0 in his last five outings and 9-2 in his last 11.

Ben Lively will counter for the Guardians. He's already 20-plus innings north of his career-high. We have seen some regression lately - he allowed four earned runs in five innings in his most recent start. Here, he'll be starting on short rest (four days). On the season, Lively owns a 4.76 FIP to go along with a 1.17 WHIP.

Finally, I'll note that the Guardians bullpen is in rough shape with three key relievers having worked each of the last two days. Meanwhile, the Cubs had a rare Sunday off following a two-game set with the White Sox. Take Chicago -1.5 runs (10*).

American League Game of the Month. My selection is on Boston -1.5 runs over Houston at 4:10 pm et on Saturday.

This sets up as a bullpen game for the Red Sox with Josh Winckowski starting as they look to rebound from last night's lopsided defeat. I like their chances of doing just that.

Note that Boston has been red hot offensively, not just in recent days but over the last several weeks and month. In fact, the Red Sox rank top-five or better in weighted on base average over the last 30, 14 and 7 days. In stark contrast, Houston - despite last night's outburst - ranks 17th in the majors in wOBA over the last seven days.

Spencer Arrighetti will take the ball for the Astros. He's coming off a fantastic start against the Rays as he allowed just one earned run and struck out 12 over six innings. Still, the Astros have lost each of his last six starts going back to the beginning of July. Also note that he owns an ERA more than two runs higher on the road compared to at home this season (he's benefited from making three of his last four starts at home).

Winckowski figures to see just an inning or two for the Red Sox. That's just fine as their bullpen is exceptionally deep. While they did use four relievers last night, none of them threw more than 20 pitches and they had an off day on Thursday. Take Boston -1.5 runs (10*).

National League Game of the Week. My selection is on Atlanta -1.5 runs over Milwaukee at 7:20 pm et on Wednesday.

Freddy Peralta has fallen on hard times for the Brewers. Milwaukee has lost four of his last five starts with each of those defeats coming by multiple runs. While his overall numbers aren't bad this season, he's given up 12 earned runs in 26 1/3 innings of work since the beginning of July. He catches the Braves in a bounce-back spot once again here after Atlanta prevailed 6-2 against him last week in Milwaukee.

Chris Sale has earned N.L. Cy Young Award consideration, recording a 2.32 FIP and 0.95 WHIP this season. The Braves have won four of his last five starts with each of those victories coming by multiple runs. He'll be happy to be facing the Brewers again as current Milwaukee hitters are just 12-for-58 (.207) against him with a .556 OPS. Take Atlanta -1.5 runs (10*).

National League Game of the Month. My selection is on Cincinnati -1.5 runs over San Francisco at 7:15 pm et on Saturday.

Reds starter Hunter Greene has quietly been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last month. He's made four starts since the start of July, allowing nine hits and one earned run in 27 innings of work over that stretch. The right-hander is allowing a ridiculous 5.9 hits per nine innings this season. Current Giants hitters haven't seen much of Greene but have struggled when they have gone against him - 4-for-18 (.222) with a .652 OPS. While the Giants have performed reasonably well at the plate lately, they check in 21st in the majors in weighted on base average against right-handed pitching this season (at the time of writing).

Left-hander Kyle Harrison will get the call for San Francisco. He was masterful in his most recent start against the Rockies and the Giants won that game in blowout fashion. Note that the Giants haven't won consecutive Harrison starts since May - they're 3-4 in his last seven outings. Harrison has dealt with command issues on the road this season, where he owns a 1.39 WHIP compared to 1.18 at home. Note that San Francisco has lost each of Harrison's last three road starts. I'm anticipating regression from Harrison in upcoming outings as he eclipses the 100-inning mark for the first time in his big league career (that's likely to happen on Saturday). Take Cincinnati -1.5 runs (10*).

West Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Edmonton plus the points over Saskatchewan at 7 pm et on Saturday.

Maybe I should have given up on the Elks long ago but I still feel they do have some redeeming qualities, even at 0-7 on the season.

This is undoubtedly a game Edmonton has had circled on its calendar since dropping its season-opener 29-21 at home against Saskatchewan. Keep in mind, the Elks led that game 18-8 entering the fourth quarter before the Roughriders rallied around QB Trevor Harris. Harris isn't in the picture now as he remains sidelined due to injury.

The Riders are 5-2 on the season - one of the league's surprise teams in the early going. With that being said, their two losses have come in their last three games. They've been held to 20 points or fewer in three straight contests, perhaps opening the door for the Elks to finally steal their first victory of the campaign on Saturday. Take Edmonton (10*).

N.L. West Game of the Week. My selection is on San Diego -1.5 runs over Los Angeles at 8:40 pm et on Wednesday.

Dylan Cease was so close to winning a Cy Young Award two seasons ago as he finished runner-up in the American League. He's in the conversation again this season - this time in the National League - and is currently enjoying one of the best stretches we've ever seen from a starting pitcher. Over his last three outings, Cease has allowed just two hits while striking out 30 and walking seven in 23 innings of work. Of course, he's coming off a no-hitter last time out against the Nationals. We'll support him with a potential generous return on the run-line on Wednesday.

Note that current Dodgers hitters are just 15-for-72 (.208) against Cease with a .662 OPS.

Clayton Kershaw will take the ball for the Dodgers as he makes his second start since returning from injury. He was good in his season debut last week, but certainly not great. It's going to take some time for Kershaw to work himself back up, at least that's the way I see things unfolding. Current Padres hitters are a respectable 41-for-158 (.259) against Kershaw with a .744 OPS. They'll be facing a somewhat downgraded version of the future Hall of Famer on Wednesday.

The Padres entered Tuesday's action ranked fourth in the majors in weighted on base average over the last seven days. The Dodgers were 12th over the same stretch. Both teams are 'all-in' after a busy trade deadline period. Look for the Padres to gain the upper hand on this night. Take San Diego -1.5 runs (10*).

N.L. East Game of the Week. My selection is on Atlanta -1.5 runs over New York at 4:10 pm et on Saturday.

NOTE: The line has shifted in the Mets favor so Braves -1.5 is only available as a reverse run-line play now. I do like that play but if the moneyline is a more straightforward option for you, that works as well.

I really like the way this one sets up for the Braves as they look to snap their skid and finally grab a game against the Mets on Saturday.

The starting pitching matchup sets up well for Atlanta as it sends rookie Spencer Schewellenbach to the hill against Tylor Megill of New York.

The Braves have won two of Schwellenbach's last three starts. He owns a 3.83 FIP and 1.16 WHIP in nine starts this season.

Megill hasn't enjoyed the same success. The Mets have lost three of his last four starts. While he has posted a solid 3.32 FIP, his 1.44 WHIP leaves a lot to be desired.

This is obviously a big game for Atlanta as it looks to get back on track in this divisional series. Look for the Braves to ultimately pull away for a convincing victory. Take Atlanta -1.5 runs (8*).

Non-Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Calgary minus the points over Ottawa at 7:30 pm et on Friday.

The RedBlacks are what I consider to be a 'paper tiger' as we wind down the month of July. Ottawa is off to a 4-2 start and sits just two points behind the first-place Alouettes in the East Division. With that being said, the RedBlacks four victories have come against the Blue Bombers, Tiger-Cats and Elks (two wins). By most metrics, those are the league's three worst teams so far this season. Also keep in mind, after scoring a touchdown less than four minutes into their game against the lowly Elks last week, they never reached the end zone again the rest of the way, narrowly hanging on for a 20-14 win (they beat the Elks by a field goal the week previous).

It's a much different story for the Stampeders. They've battle hard on their way to a 3-3 record with all three of their losses coming by single-digit margins. Last Sunday they hung on for an impressive 25-24 win over the first-place Lions.

While I've been among Calgary QB Jake Maier's critics at times, there's no denying he's playing the best football of his CFL career right now. On Sunday he took on a fierce B.C. defense and threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns (perhaps more importantly no interceptions). Calgary is a well-coached team with a number of players that are really starting to round into form. I'm sure they see this as a tremendous opportunity to get over the hump and keep within striking distance of the Lions and Roughriders at the top of the West Division. Take Calgary (10*).

N.L. West Game of the Year. My selection is on San Francisco -1.5 runs over Colorado at 8:10 pm et on Saturday.

Rockies starter Kyle Freeland has inexplicably strung together three straight team wins in his last three starts. In fact, you would have to go back five Freeland outings to find the last time the Rockies lost by more than a single run with him on the hill. We'll go against that trend on Saturday, however, as I still feel that Freeland is one of baseball's weakest starters and enters with a miserable track record against current Giants hitters.

San Francisco will be happy to be facing Freeland, noting that its current hitters have gone 30-for-91 (.330) against him with a .906 OPS. Despite his recent success, the Rockies left-hander still owns a 4.29 FIP and 1.62 WHIP this season.

It's a much different story for Giants starter Logan Webb. The N.L. All-Star checks in with a 2.80 FIP and 1.24 WHIP but will be looking to bounce back following an ugly outing against Toronto on July 10th. Note that current Rockies hitters are just 37-for-154 (.240) off of Webb with a .611 OPS.

The Giants were serious about securing a win in a tight ball game last night as they used four key relievers (and ultimately fell short). That's of little consequence here with the All-Star break barely in the rear-view mirror. It should be all hands on deck for the San Francisco 'pen on Saturday. Take San Francisco -1.5 runs (10*).

Game of the Week. My selection is on Edmonton plus the points over Ottawa at 7 pm et on Friday.

The spot doesn't get much stronger for the winless (0-5) Elks on Friday as they get a quick revenge opportunity after letting one get away against these same RedBlacks last Sunday. The big news out of Edmonton on Monday was the firing of head coach and general manager Chris Jones. Consider it addition by subtraction as Jones' days in Edmonton were numbered and the move likely came a week or two too late.

I do think the Elks get an immediate lift from interim head coach Jarious Jackson. A former quarterback in the league, Jackson will bring accountability back to the team - something that had been sorely missing under Jones.

The fact is, Edmonton has been right there in the majority of its five losses this season. Keep in mind, as bad as the Elks defense has been from a statistical standpoint, it is just one game removed from holding the mighty Lions offense to only 24 points in a three-point loss, on the road no less.

Ottawa is off to a 3-2 start but talent-wise, I consider the RedBlacks to be one of the league's weaker teams. They gave the Blue Bombers their first victory of the season two weeks ago and I believe they're in for a similar fate here against the desperate Elks. Credit Ottawa for rallying for the victory in Edmonton last weekend but I expect it to fall short on Friday. Take Edmonton (10*).

West Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Winnipeg minus the points over Calgary at 8:30 pm et on Friday.

Calgary left it all on the field but ultimately came up just short in its upset bid in Montreal last Saturday. I say the Stampeders left it all on the field but the fact was they didn't really show up in the second half, letting the discombobulated Alouettes off the hook. While Calgary sits in third place in the five-team West Division, two spots ahead of the Blue Bombers, I expect it to have its hands full with revenge-minded Winnipeg on Friday.

The Bombers continue to deal with a rash of injuries on the offensive side of the football but they have to feel pretty good about themselves after finally earning a victory last week against Ottawa. We wanted to see a response from Winnipeg in that game and we got it as it delivered a 25-16 home victory. Now it gets the chance to stay home and start building some positive momentum with this matchup against Calgary.

Talent-wise, you could make the argument that the Stamps are in the league's bottom-tier. Yes, they're 2-2 on the campaign but there have been issues. Namely their run defense and their unsteady quarterback play out of Jake Maier. They can be exposed in both departments by a Bombers squad that is showing signs of coming together. Just two weeks ago, Winnipeg went into Calgary and dropped a 22-19 overtime decision. Revenge is an angle that works well in the nine-team CFL, particularly from a divisional perspective (just look at the Argos upset win over the Als last night). Take Winnipeg (10*).

East Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Toronto plus the points over Montreal at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

Maybe we're getting baited with this line now that it has moved past a touchdown to +7.5 but I'm willing to risk 'taking the bait' as I simply feel the Argos are catching too many points in this double-revenge spot.

Not only did Toronto lose to Montreal just two weeks ago, it also dropped the East Final against the Alouettes at the tail-end at what had been a dream season to that point last November. The Argos enter this contest on the heels of back-to-back losses after losing only two games in the entire regular season last year.

I'm not going to knock Toronto for last week's 'upset' loss in Saskatchewan. Riders head coach Corey Mase knows the Argos in and out after serving as their defensive coordinator. He completely eliminated the Argos aerial attack with rookie QB Cameron Dukes turning in his worst performance of the season (four interceptions and barely over 200 yards passing). A bounce-back should be in order here and it's worth noting that the Als are expected to be without the heart-and-soul of their defense in Marc-Antoine Dequoy (he's listed as doubtful due to injury).

Montreal was let off the hook by Calgary last Saturday, surging to its fifth straight win to open the campaign. Toronto is not Calgary and isn't likely to fold in the same way the Stamps did last week. Expect a tightly-contested affair between these division rivals. Take Toronto (10*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Chicago at 6 pm et on Sunday.

The Sky took the opener of this two-game set in Seattle on Friday as rookie Angel Reese extended her double-double streak to 12 games. The win served as successful revenge for Chicago after it dropped an earlier matchup at home against the Storm.

For Seattle, the loss snapped a four-game winning streak (with all four of those wins coming by double-digits). I look for the Storm to answer back on Sunday, noting that Chicago was never really able to pull away on Friday despite Seattle clearly having an off night. This is a key spot for the Storm as their schedule will only get tougher with visits from Las Vegas and Minnesota on deck this coming week. Chicago on the other hand will have an eye on a return home, already feeling pretty good about itself after winning the first two games (both in upset fashion) of this road trip. Take Seattle (10*).

Non-Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Winnipeg minus the points over Ottawa at 8:30 pm et on Friday.

The West Division is quickly getting away from the Blue Bombers as they're off to an 0-4 start with the Lions and Roughriders sitting at 3-1 and 3-0, respectively. This isn't a must-win game for Winnipeg, but it's as close as it gets.

Ottawa is 2-1 but could just as easily be 1-2 as it came away victorious thanks to a last-second field goal against Hamilton last weekend. The one time we saw the RedBlacks hit the road this season they were blasted 47-21 in Montreal.

This is actually a rematch of a Week 2 matchup between these two teams that saw Ottawa prevail by a 23-19 score at home.

Bombers QB Zach Collaros is questionable to play on Thursday but this one should be all about RB Brady Oliveira - one of the CFL's best players - after he missed that first matchup with Ottawa this season. I like Winnipeg's chances of finally getting into the win column. Take Winnipeg (10*).

Interleague Game of the Week. My selection is on Kansas City -1.5 runs over Miami at 8:10 pm et on Monday.

This game should serve as a 'slump-buster' for the Royals offense as they look to tee off on the Marlins pitching staff on a night where the temperature is expected to approach or eclipse 100 degrees while the wind blows out to left-center.

Roddery Munoz will get the start for the Marlins. He hasn't just been bad this season, he's been downright awful, sporting a 7.46 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in six starts. The Royals rank second in baseball in team OPS at home this season, trailing only the Astros in that category.

Cole Ragans owns a stellar 2.63 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in 16 starts this season, including one complete game. While he hasn't had his best stuff in recent outings, he's still hung in there to go at least six innings in four straight starts. Note that the Marlins rank last (30th) in the majors in team OPS vs. left-handed pitching this season.

While the Marlins were forced to use four relievers in yesterday's game, the Royals deployed only two relief arms for a combined 27 pitches. This will be an 'all hands on deck' situation for the Kansas City 'pen but I project things to be out of hand by that point anyway. Take Kansas City -1.5 runs (10*).

Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington plus the points over Dallas at 3 pm et on Saturday.

Washington is a team on the rise right now having gone 4-1 ATS in its last four games with the lone pointspread defeat coming earlier this week in Indiana (in a game the Mystics were competitive in right down to the wire).

There's no such glimmer of hope for the Wings right now as they're mired in a nine-game losing streak including seven ATS losses in their last eight contests.

Dallas has allowed eight straight and 12 of its last 13 opponents to connect on at least 30 field goals. That should be music to the ears of the Mystics, who have cooled off over the last couple of games, making good on just 28 and 29 field goals.

Washington has settled into a nice identity at the defensive end of the floor, where it has held five straight opponents to 67 or fewer field goal attempts and 14 of 15 foes to 68 or less. Take Washington (10*).

Game of the Week. My selection is on B.C. minus the points over Calgary at 7 pm et on Saturday.

The turnover bug bit the Lions in Toronto again last week as they dropped their season opener in stunning fashion against an Argos team baptizing a new quarterback. I'm confident we'll see B.C. bounce back in its home opener against Calgary on Saturday.

The Stampeders employed a 'bend but don't break' defense in their victory over the Tiger-Cats last week. Hamilton has a 'pop-gun' type of offense in my opinion so it was concerning to see it move the football the way it did. I don't have high expectations for the Stamps offense with QB Jake Maier getting another shot at the starting job. He did enough in last week's game but will face a much tougher test against a Lions defense that is sure to be in a foul mood off last week's performance. Take B.C. (10*).

Game of the Week. My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Boston at 8:30 pm et on Friday.

The Mavericks certainly aren't going to rally to win this series but I do think we'll see them at least save face by avoiding the sweep on Friday night in Dallas.

We'll back the trends here, noting that the Mavs are 15-3 ATS when coming off an upset loss this season and 12-3 ATS when coming off three straight losses over the last three seasons, including a 4-0 ATS mark in that situation this season.

The Celtics are 3-5 ATS when coming off nine straight wins over the last three seasons, as is the case here, and just 21-21 ATS as a road favorite this season. Also note that Boston is a long-term 3-5 ATS when leading a playoff series 3-0. Take Dallas (10*).

NBA Finals Game of the Year. My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Boston at 8 pm et on Sunday.

Everything I've seen from the Mavericks in practice over the last couple of days points to this being a loose, confident group despite the blowout result in the Celtics favor in Game 1.

We won with Boston in the series opener, but did note that this figures to be a long series (both literally and figuratively).

Game 1 ultimately turned on a ridiculous stretch that saw the Celtics go unconscious from the field late in the second quarter, outscoring the Mavs 15-2. Now it's Dallas' turn to make the necessary adjustments, especially after seeing how Kristaps Porzingis would fit back in the rotation after missing an extended period of time.

While they say a series doesn't really begin until a team wins a game on the road, the Mavs have to display a sense of urgency here as they're highly unlikely to win four of the next five games against a team as good as the Celtics should they fall behind 2-0 in this series.

There's no reason for Dallas to push the panic button. After all, it has gone 32-19 SU and 34-17 ATS on the road this season and found itself in similar bounce-back spots in Game 2 against the Clippers and Thunder, winning on both occasions (I realize the Celtics are a more formidable opponent).

The Mavs are 10-2 ATS when seeking revenge for consecutive double-digit losses against an opponent over the last three seasons, as is the case here, including a 4-1 ATS mark in that situation this season.

While Boston is a winning team from an ATS perspective this season, it checks in just 13-13 ATS when coming off a double-digit home victory. The C's have also gone 3-6 ATS when leading in a playoff series. Take Dallas (10*).

N.L. Central Game of the Month. My selection is on Chicago -1.5 runs over Cincinnati at 4:10 pm et on Saturday.

I'll lay the extra run on the reverse run-line to get the favorable price with the Cubs in this massive bounce-back spot on Saturday. Chicago has dropped the first two games in this series but I like its chances of rebounding against Andrew Abbott and the Reds on Saturday.

Cubs rookie Ben Brown has shown flashes of brilliance in the early going this season. He was roughed up in his most recent start which was made on short rest (four days). The good news is, he threw only 76 pitches in that contest and now gets back on regular schedule. Note that Brown has recorded a 2.63 FIP and 1.09 WHIP this season.

Abbott is a 'what you see is what you get' type of pitcher at this point. He logged a 4.20 FIP last season and has posted a 4.72 FIP this year. Abbott will be pitching on short rest here, having thrown at least 92 pitches in each of his last four outings.

The Cubs bullpen is set up well after only Drew Smyly was called on (to throw eight pitches) in last night's game. In fact, Cubs relievers have combined to throw only 34 pitches in this series. Reds closer Alexis Diaz has now pitched in each of the last two games meaning he's likely unavailable on Saturday. Take Chicago -1.5 runs (10*).

A.L. West Game of the Year. My selection is on Houston -1.5 runs over Los Angeles at 9:35 pm et on Friday.

The time is now for the Astros to start making a move back to the .500 mark as they currently sit seven games below but still well within striking distance of the first-place Mariners in the A.L. West. With 99 games left on the schedule, it's still early in the season all things considered but Houston has dug itself enough of a hole that it has little time to waste.

I like the Astros chances of busting up the Angels on Friday night in Anaheim. While Los Angeles did just complete a three-game sweep of the Padres, it actually mustered just 15 hits and 11 runs in that series. In fact, the Halos rank 30th (that's last place) in the majors in team OPS over the last seven days (in stark contrast, the Astros are 10th).

Framber Valdez will have revenge on his mind after getting roughed up in his lone previous start against Los Angeles this season. Valdez is a guy the Astros will be counting on to help lead the turnaround and he does have the tools to do it, noting he has quietly recorded a 3.94 FIP and 1.24 WHIP this season (those are in line with his career numbers of 3.64 and 1.22). This isn't a bad matchup for Valdez noting that the Astros are 10-5 in his 15 previous outings against them and he has logged a 4.24 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.

Griffin Canning will counter for Los Angeles. He owns a 6.99 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in seven career starts against Houston. Canning was sharp in his most recent outing in Seattle but is a prototypical back-of-the-rotation type of starter with a 5.30 FIP and 1.37 WHIP on the season (compared to his 4.66 and 1.31 career numbers).

Houston holds the bullpen edge in this matchup and both teams were idle yesterday so it will be all hands on deck in the later innings on Friday. Over the last seven games, Astros relievers have logged a 2.81 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Take Houston -1.5 runs (10*).

Non-Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Los Angeles -1.5 runs over Pittsburgh at 6:40 pm et on Thursday.

The Dodgers have dropped the first two games of this series but will have a chance to get some retribution on Thursday.

Bailey Falter will start for Pittsburgh and he's been a bit of an enigma this season, logging a 4.52 FIP and a 0.95 WHIP. One thing we know is that the Dodgers love to hit left-handers, ranking second in the majors in team OPS vs. southpaw pitchers this season.

Behind Falter is a Pirates bullpen that has been overworked over the last couple of nights. Pittsburgh threw five relievers at Los Angeles last night as it fought off a comeback charge.

Walker Buehler gets the start for the Dodgers. He's had an up-and-down return to the starting rotation, recording a 5.42 FIP and 1.32 WHIP. We have seen flashes of brilliance, however, and we do know what the right-hander is capable of. I expect better days ahead. He draws a favorable matchup here as the Pirates rank 27th in baseball in team OPS over the last seven days.

Los Angeles' bullpen is set up fairly well for this one with no fewer than four relievers having not worked at all since Sunday. Take Los Angeles -1.5 runs (10*).

Game of the Month. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Dallas at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Aces are coming off an upset loss at the hands of the Atlanta Dream last time out, spoiling a two-game winning streak. I'm confident we'll see them bounce back in a big way on Wednesday as they travel to Dallas to face a Wings squad that checks in off back-to-back losses and plays matador-like defense having allowed all seven opponents they've faced this season to knock down at least 29 field goals. In stark contrast, Las Vegas has held its last two opponents to just 24 and 22 made field goals. This will be the Aces first game since last Friday while the Wings played Sunday in Minnesota. Expect Las Vegas to roll. Take Las Vegas (10*).

Eastern Conference Game of the Week. My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Boston at 8 pm et on Monday.

While the Pacers aren't going to rally to win this series, they can at least gain some respectability by avoiding the sweep at home on Monday night. Indiana has been right there in two of the three games in this series, ultimately dropping all three contests. The Celtics remain a long-term losing bet when leading a playoff series having gone 9-11 ATS in that situation over the last three seasons including a 3-5 ATS mark this season. Interestingly, the C's are also 2-5 ATS when coming off a road win by three points or less over the last three seasons including an 0-2 ATS record this season. Indiana is a long-term 19-13 ATS when facing elimination in a playoff series including 2-0 ATS this season. They're an incredible 13-2 ATS when coming off a home defeat this season including 4-0 ATS when that loss came by three points or less. Take Indiana (10*).

Eastern Conference Finals Game of the Year. My selection is on Indiana plus the points over Boston at 8:30 pm et on Saturday.

Bettors are certainly spooked when it comes to backing the Pacers after they were drilled in Game 2 AND lost Tyrese Haliburton to what appears to be a hamstring injury (he's questionable to play on Saturday at the time of writing). We won't shy away from backing Indiana here, however, as it knows this series is over if it can't muster a victory on its home floor on Saturday. The Celtics have looked like a team on a mission through the first two games of this series and remain favorites to win the NBA title, rightfully so. We also know that they're prone to letdowns in certain situations and this will mark the first time in these playoffs they enter Game 3 sporting a 2-0 series lead. We don't need the Pacers to win this game outright, only to keep things competitive, just as they did in the opener in Beantown. I like Indiana to at the very least take Boston down to the wire on Saturday, regardless whether Haliburton is able to go. Take Indiana (10*).

American League Game of the Month. My selection is on Baltimore -1.5 runs over Chicago at 7:40 pm et on Friday.

Now that the Orioles have snapped their losing skid (with an 8-6 win here in Chicago last night), we'll comfortably get behind them as they look to start a winning streak of their own on Friday. Baltimore ace Corbin Burnes will take the ball. As a member of the Brewers, Burnes finished at least top-eight in N.L. Cy Young Award voting in each of the last four seasons. While he got off to a bit of a slow start with his new club this season, he's since locked in, lowering his FIP to 3.19 and his WHIP to 1.02. I like his chances of continued success on Friday as he squares off against a White Sox team that ranks 27th in team OPS over the last seven days. Baltimore's offense awoke from its slumber in last night's game and I'm confident we'll see some carry-over from that performance here. Chris Flexen start for the White Sox. He owns a pedestrian 4.67 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 10 appearances this season. Take Baltimore -1.5 runs (10*).

Western Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Minnesota at 9:30 pm et on Friday.

The Storm were stunned in their home opener against these same Lynx on Tuesday, dropping an 83-70 decision as 7.5-point favorites. The good news is, Seattle is a long-term 225-182 ATS when coming off an ATS defeat including 23-16 ATS in that situation over the last two-plus seasons. The Storm are also a long-term 42-34 ATS when coming off an upset loss at home. Meanwhile, Minnesota is a long-term 46-49 ATS as a home underdog including 7-11 ATS over the last two-plus seasons. Take Seattle (10*).

Eastern Conference Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Indiana minus the points over New York at 7 pm et on Friday.

The Pacers return home facing an 2-0 series deficit and while they'll be hard-pressed to win four of the next five games and take this series, I do expect them to at least make things interesting back at home as they check in as considerable favorites in Game 3 on Friday. Note that Indiana is 29-11 ATS when coming off an ATS loss this season and 8-3 ATS when following consecutive SU defeats. Meanwhile, the Knicks are 0-3 ATS after scoring 130 points or more in their previous game this season not to mention 22-25 ATS when coming off an ATS victory and 10-11 ATS when checking in off three straight wins. New York has quite simply shot the lights out in the first two games in this series. It's not as if they've been playing with a large margin for error having gotten off 82 and 86 field goal attempts compared to the Pacers' 88 and 93 through the first two games in this series. This is a matchup where the pointspread hasn't factored in much with the SU winner going 17-1 ATS in the last 18 meetings. With that in mind, we'll lay the points with the Pacers. Take Indiana (10*).

Non-Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Dallas plus the points over Oklahoma City at 9:30 pm et on Thursday.

The Thunder have now won four straight home meetings against the Mavericks with the closest margin of victory being seven points after drilling Dallas by a 117-95 score in Game 1 of this series. Note that Oklahoma City has now won three straight games against Dallas going back to the regular season. Keep in mind, the Thunder haven't defeated in the Mavs in four straight matchups since back in 2016-17. Dallas checks in 44-39 ATS in its last 83 games when seeking revenge for a loss in which its opponent scored 110 points or more including a 23-14 ATS mark in that situation this season. The Mavs are also 9-2 ATS when seeking revenge for consecutive double-digit losses against an opponent over the last three seasons including a 3-1 ATS record this season. The Thunder have now reeled off four straight ATS wins - matching their longest such winning streak since February. The last time they posted four consecutive ATS victories they went on to win their next game by only two points (as 8.5-point favorites) in Game 1 against the Pelicans last round. Take Dallas (10*).

Second Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Denver minus the points over Minnesota at 10 pm et on Monday.

The Timberwolves have reeled off five straight wins both SU and ATS but I look for those streaks to end here. Note that Minnesota is a long-term 18-33 ATS in its last 51 games following five consecutive ATS victories including a 3-7 ATS mark in that spot over the last three seasons and a 1-2 ATS record this season. The Nuggets have thrived when seeking revenge for a home loss against an opponent going 22-13 ATS in that situation over the last three seasons and 6-2 ATS this season. Additionally, Denver is a long-term 25-16 ATS when coming off an upset loss at home against a divisional opponent, as is the case here, including a 6-0 ATS mark in that spot over the last three seasons and 3-0 ATS this season. I certainly don't expect the defending champion Nuggets to go down 2-0 in this series and it's worth noting that the T'Wolves have failed to cover the spread in 14 of their last 15 straight-up losses. Take Denver (10*).

Game of the Week. My selection is on Cleveland minus the points over Orlando at 1 pm et on Sunday.

The Magic rallied for a win (and cover) in Game 6 of this series on Friday. That's par for the course as the home team has won each and every game in this series so far. I look for that trend to continue in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. Note that the Cavaliers are 58-51 ATS when seeking revenge for a loss in which their opponent scored 100 points or more over the last three seasons including an 18-14 ATS mark in that situation this season. They're 54-50 ATS when coming off a loss over the last three seasons including a 20-14 ATS record this season. The Magic have had a double-digit advantage in terms of free throw attempts in each of the last two games and that's ultimately proved to be the difference from a pointspread perspective. As is often the case, I expect the script to flip as the scene shifts to Cleveland for Game 7 on Sunday. Take Cleveland (10*).

Interleague Game of the Week. My selection is on Houston -1.5 runs over Cleveland at 8:10 pm et on Tuesday.

The Astros righted the ship with a pair of wins over the Rockies in Mexico and now return home to host the Guardians on Tuesday night. Houston has been one of baseball's biggest disappointments so far this season but it's still very early. I like their chances of teeing off on Guardians starter Carlos Carrasco on Tuesday. Note that Carrasco owns a lofty 5.04 FIP and 1.63 WHIP in five starts this season. Current Astros hitters have gone a combined 35-for-127 against him including seven home runs. Of note, Yordan Alvarez is 2-for-2 with two home runs off of Carrasco. With all of that experience there's plenty of knowledge to impart up and down the lineup. It's a much different story for Astros starter Hunter Brown against the Guardians. Only Ramon Laureano has seen him before and he's gone 0-for-5. Brown isn't having a banner sophomore campaign by any means but I'll take a flyer on him here noting that he has pitched better in his last two outings including a home start against the Braves in which he gave up just two earned runs over six innings. The Guardians bullpen has been superior to that of the Astros this season but over the last week or so, it's been more of a wash. Take Houston -1.5 runs (10*).

Eastern Conference First Round Game of the Year. My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points over New York at 7:30 pm et on Thursday.

The Knicks held serve at home, winning each of the first two games in this series to head to Philadelphia ahead 2-0. I still think the potential is there for this to be a long series and look for the 76ers to bounce back in Game 3. With that being said, it's worth noting that the Knicks have gone 1-17 ATS in their 18 road losses this season. New York is a long-term 39-54 ATS when coming off a home win by three points or less including a 3-6 ATS mark in that situation over the last three seasons and 1-2 ATS this season. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is 62-49 ATS in its last 111 contests as a home favorite including a 21-12 ATS record this season. The 76ers are also 31-23 ATS in their last 54 games following a road loss including a 13-6 ATS mark this season. Take Philadelphia (10*).