Category: Sports betting

RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Dortmund odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Dortmund odds and lines, with Bundesliga picks and predictions.

RB Leipzig (1 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws) welcomes Borussia Dortmund (4-1-0) to Red Bull Arena Leipzig with Saturday’s kickoff set for 8:30 a.m. ET. Below, we preview the RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Dortmund odds and lines, and make our best Bundesliga bets, picks and predictions.

Few would have believed that through 5 matches Dortmund would be sitting atop the league — while also having a loss. However, league-favorite Bayern Munich has drawn 2 matches.

Dortmund had scored 8 goals and allowed 4 in the first few weeks of the season. They’re also coming off a 3-0 UEFA Champions League win Tuesday over Copenhagen. Borussia is led in scoring by M Marco Reus, who has 2 goals and 2 assist in 5 matches.

RB Leipzig also qualified for the Champions League, however, it didn’t go as flawlessly. They lost 4-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk and have won just 1 of their first 5 league matches.

Leipzig is led by 24-year-old French F Christopher Nkunku, who has 4 goals. He led the team last season with 20 goals and 13 assists in 34 matches (31 starts). Leipzig is 1-0-1 at home this season.

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RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Dortmund odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday 2:11 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: RB Leipzig +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Borussia Dortmund +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Draw +275
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +133 | U: -170)

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Prediction

Borussia Dortmund 3, RB Leipzig 1

Money line (ML)

BET BORUSSIA DORTMUND (+175).

My favorite play in this match is to back the road side.

After all, Leipzig has been playing horrible soccer as of late, allowing 4 goals in their last 2 matches. They also kicked off the season with a 5-3 loss to Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup.

Similarly, while it has one hiccup, Dortmund has been dominant, winning 3 straight and allowing under 1 expected goal in each of those. Their defense, led by veteran D Mats Hummels, has been impressive, having yet to allow over 1.5 expected goals in any competition.

Dortmund is undefeated on the road as well, so they are familiar with being able to succeed in tough environments. Combine it all, and the value on Dortmund is too great not to play.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 3.5 (+133).

Dortmund has gone over this in just 2 of 5 matches in Bundesliga play, but it’s less about their ability to score and more about Leipzig’s recent bout of incompetence.

Leipzig has allowed 8 goals in their last 2 games. They have had 8 matches throughout all competitions and in 3 of them at least 4 goals have been scored by their opponent. In 5 of 8, their opponent has tallied at least 2.

Against a Dortmund side with a terrific midfield and speed up top, they should be able to break through with ease, much like Shakhtar did in the Champions League.

Also, while Dortmund’s defense has been great, Leipzig has scored at least once in 7 of their 8 matches, so they should be able to get on the board.

Couple that with Dortmund having played lacking offensive sides, and we should see a high-scoring match on Saturday.

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Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart odds and lines, with Bundesliga picks and predictions.

Bayern Munich (3 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws) welcomes VfB Stuttgart (0-1-4) to Allianz Arena Saturday. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart odds, and make our best Bundesliga bets, picks and predictions.

Bayern Munich is coming into this game after a midweek Champions League win over Inter Milan. They won 2-0 and had more than double the amount of shots as Inter.

However, Bayern has drawn 2 straight league matches, most recently against Union Berlin. Munich is led by star F Sadio Mané who was acquired this offseason from Liverpool.

Vfb Stuttgart has also drawn 2 straight and has proven to be a formidable foe. They have scored 4 goals and allowed 5 so far this season. They have had more expected goals than their opponent in 3 of the 5 matches.

F Silas Katompa is their main attacking option, but Stuttgart is led by a duo of talented midfielders as well. No player has more than 1 goal scored for the road side.

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Bayern Munich vs. Vfb Stuttgart odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:06 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bayern Munich -600 (bet $600 to win $100) | Vfb Stuttgart +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300) | Draw +750
  • Over/Under: 4.5 (O: +130 | U: -165)

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Prediction

Bayern Munich 3, Vfb Stuttgart 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

While I’d love to find some value to back Bayern, there just isn’t any. At -600, it’s not worth playing them to straight-up win.

I do like Bayern Munich to win with a clean sheet which we’ll talk about more below. The value on that is +120 and might be the best value bet in this match.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN ALTERNATE UNDER 3.5 (+140).

Bayern is coming off a midweek match, so it should be sluggish. At home, Bayern is 1-0-1 but has yet to top this total and has actually yet to even have more than 2 combined goals.

Their scoring hasn’t quite been the same this season outside of a 7-0 and 5-0 victory in league play.

They’ve only gone over this total in 2 of their last 6 matches. Also, in 5 of the 6 games in which expected goals have been recorded, Bayern has held their opponent to 1 or fewer.

Vfb doesn’t have a premier forward, so it should easily be held scoreless. They’ve been held without a goal in 2 of their last 3 as well. Vfb has had just 1 multi-goal game as well, so goals have not been plentiful for the road side.

They’ve scored in just 1 of 3 away matches which is where I see the value in the Bayern clean sheet.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The St. Louis Cardinals (81-57) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (50-86) Friday in the 1st game of a 3-game set at PNC Park. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cardinals vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Cardinals lead 8-2

The Cardinals’ bullpen reared its inconsistent head in Thursday’s 11-6 drubbing by the Washington Nationals, who split the 4-game series with the Cards. St. Louis is still 7-3 in the last 10 games and 21-9 in the last 30.

Pittsburgh has lost 4 of 6 as they were blanked 10-0 Wednesday by the New York Mets. The Bucs are 3-7 in the last 10 and a miserable 7-23 in the last 30 games. The Pirates are a little bit better at home with 27 wins and just 23 on the road. They have one of their bright prospects on the bump today.

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Cardinals at Pirates projected starters

RHP Miles Mikolas vs. RHP Roansy Contreras

Mikolas (11-10, 3.32 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9 in 176 1/3 IP.

  • Coming off 8 shutout IP with 2 H, 1 BB and 3 K against the Chicago Cubs Sept. 4
  • Has made 2 starts vs. Pirates this year: 1-0, 1.46 ERA, 12 1/3 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

Contreras (4-4, 3.41 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.31 WHIP, 4.0 BB/9 and 8.5 K/9 in 74 IP.

  • Last 2 starts: 11 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 4 BB and 12 K
  • June 15 vs. Cardinals: 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

Cardinals at Pirates odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cardinals -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Pirates +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cardinals -1.5 (-117)| Pirates +1.5 (-103)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

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Cardinals at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cardinals 5, Pirates 2

Money line

The Cards’ offense has been pretty productive with 6 games of at least 5 runs in the last 10. Contreras was good against them in his 1st start, but the Cards got to him in the 5th inning, which muddied his line. I look for a competitive game. If the Cards get him out of the game by the 7th, they’ll get to the Pirates’ pen, which is 4th-worst in baseball with a 4.64 ERA. The Cards’ ML is too expensive, but the CARDINALS FIRST 9 INNINGS (-165) is at a tolerable rate.

Run line/Against the spread

Of the Cards’ 8 wins against the Bucs this year, 7 have been by 2 or more runs. St. Louis’ top relievers didn’t pitch Thursday and will be ready to go. However, Mikolas has gone into the 7th inning in 4 of 5 starts. Take the CARDINALS -1.5 (-117).

Over/Under

Even though the Cards have been scoring, they are just 4-5-1 O/U in the last 10 games. The Over is trending in this series at 4-1-1 the last 6 games. The number was steamed up to 8.5 this morning, and that’s just enough leverage for the Under to sneak by. LEAN UNDER 8.5 (-130).

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Iowa State at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Iowa State at Iowa odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0) host the Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) at Kinnick Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Iowa State at Iowa school odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Both teams will enter undefeated and only will leave that way. For Iowa, it’ll hope to do that at home after a lackluster 7-3 home win over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Crazy enough, those 7 points were via 2 safeties and a field goal.

The Iowa offense, led by QB Spencer Petras, did little against SDSU. He threw for 109 yards and 1 interception. Starting RB Leshon Williams did manage 72 yards on the ground.

Iowa State played a bit more exciting Week 1 matchup against Southeast Missouri State. It won 42-10, outscoring the road side 21-0 in the second half.

QB Hunter Dekkers threw for 293 yards and 4 touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore will look to lead Iowa State, a program heavily dependent on RB Breece Hall and the run game last season.

The Hawkeyes lead the all-time in-state series — a battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy — 46-22. Iowa won last year’s meeting 27-17 and is 6-0 against the Cyclones since 2015.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

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Iowa State at Iowa odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:01  a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Iowa State +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Iowa -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Iowa State +3.5 (-115) | Iowa -3.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110| U: -110)

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Iowa State at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa State 20, Iowa 16

Money line

SPRINKLE IOWA STATE (+155).

It’s difficult to back Iowa after its inability to move the ball against South Dakota State. To the Jackrabbits credit, they are 1 of the best FCS schools in the country. However, Iowa State will pose a much tougher test.

Jirehi Brock has taken over for Hall and averaged 6.5 rushing yards per carry in their opener (104 yards on 16 carries) with a TD. Given that this shouldn’t be a blowout, he should see an enhanced workload.

Iowa State hasn’t beaten Iowa since 2014, and this time around, it may have the more talented roster. Iowa’s strength isn’t in the pass game, so if the Cyclones can get up early, the Hawkeyes may struggle to regain that lead.

Against the spread

BET IOWA STATE +3.5 (-115).

Iowa State has had worse teams and kept these games close, so I expect a hard-fought, close battle. The Cyclones have held 2 of their last 4 matchups within 3.5 points.

Considering Iowa really only won in Week 1 due to SDSU errors, the Cyclones should be able to keep things close just by playing smart football, which is did in their opener.

An offensive line with 4 upperclassmen and a 5th-year senior transfer WR (Dimitri Stanley), the Cyclones experience should be a factor as well. This should be a close game, and I’ll take the road dog to cover here.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 40.5 (-110).

Iowa scored 7 points last week and didn’t have an offensive touchdown.

Getting to 41 or more combined will be a tough task. Petras is still under center, and in 12 games last season, he had just 10 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

The Hawkeyes allowed just over 23 points per game last season which included a 42-3 loss to Michigan. Aside from that, their opponent topped 20 strictly in Big Ten play (and in the Citrus Bowl against Kentucky).

Iowa has played well against non-Big Ten opponents. They haven’t allowed a non-Big Ten opponent to top 20 points in a game that wasn’t a bowl game since 2016 against North Dakota State.

Considering their style of play and the Cyclones potentially run-heavy attack, I’ll take the Under 40.5 (-110) here.

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South Carolina at Arkansas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s South Carolina at Arkansas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) and Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0) meet Saturday at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the South Carolina vs. Arkansas odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Gamecocks had a rather sluggish start last weekend against Georgia State of the Sun Belt, including a scoreless first quarter. South Carolina led just 12-7 at halftime before turning on the jets in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 23-7 en route to a 35-14 win and cover as the Under connected.

The Razorbacks were locked in a Top-25 battle last week against Cincinnati, a playoff team from a season ago. Arkansas opened the scoring with a 15-yard TD run by QB K.J. Jefferson, and it led wire to wire against the Bearcats in a 31-24 win and cover as the total pushed at most shops.

Arkansas is No. 17 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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South Carolina at Arkansas odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): South Carolina +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Arkansas -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): South Carolina +8.5 (-110) | Arkansas -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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South Carolina at Arkansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Arkansas 38, South Carolina 20

Money line

Arkansas (-340) will cost you nearly 3 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s rather risky despite the fact it looked rather impressive in last week’s opening win.

PASS.

Against the spread

ARKANSAS -8.5 (-110) should be able to handle a South Carolina side that really struggled to move the ball against a Sun Belt opponent.

Jefferson showed why he is one of the rising stars in the SEC, posting 223 passing yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs while running for 62 yards and another score. The Gamecocks’ defense will have a tough time containing him, especially in a road game with a raucous crowd spurring on the Hogs.

Arkansas has lost the past 3 meetings in this series, but these schools haven’t met since Oct. 2017, when most of the coaching staff and all of the players were somewhere else, so don’t put too much stock into the head-to-head numbers.

Over/Under

OVER 52.5 (-110) is the play in this SEC opener for both teams.

The Over has cashed in the past 4 road games for South Carolina and has gone 7-3 in its last 10 games inside the SEC.

For Arkansas, the Over is 3-1-1 in its past 5 games in the month of September, with that lone push coming last week. And, for what it’s worth, the Over is 5-0 in the past 5 meetings. Again, these teams haven’t met in 5 years, but it’s still worth noting.

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Wake Forest at Vanderbilt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Wake Forest at Vanderbilt odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-0) and Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0) meet Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (SEC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Wake Forest at Vanderbilt odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Demon Deacons registered a 44-10 win over VMI of the FCS last week in the Triad, and that was with backup QB Mitch Griffis. The good news for the Deacons is that star QB Sam Hartman has been medically cleared to play after surgery in August to remove a blood clot.

The Commodores started off strong, recording a 63-10 win at Hawaii before coming home to drop Elon of the FCS last weekend. Vandy coughed up 31 points, 152 rushing yards and 343 passing yards to the Phoenix, so that splashed a little cold water on the 43-31 winning performance.

Wake Forest is No. 21 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Wake Forest at Vanderbilt odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:43 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Wake Forest -475 (bet $475 to win $100) | Vanderbilt +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wake Forest -12.5 (-112) | Vanderbilt +12.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 65.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Wake Forest at Vanderbilt picks and predictions

Prediction

Wake Forest 45, Vanderbilt 20

Money line

Wake Forest (-475) will cost you nearly 5 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for such little reward. The return of Hartman is nice, and Vanderbilt (+360) should offer little resistance, but the ‘Dores are still playing on their home field.

PASS.

Against the spread

WAKE FOREST -12.5 (-112) is a strong play laying the points, even if Hartman is eased into action. The Demon Deacons won the Atlantic Division with Hartman under center, and they’re just an offensive machine when he is healthy.

Vanderbilt +12.5 (-108) has been a feel-good story through the first 2 games, as coach Clark Lea has this program headed in the right direction. The Commodores have already equaled its win total from a season ago. Still, it isn’t quite on the same level as a Top 25 team such as Wake, and this will be a hard lesson on how far it still has to go.

Over/Under

UNDER 65.5 (-105) is worth playing lightly, although it’s always a dangerous proposition in Wake games.

The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 games for the Deacons on the road. However, the Under is 4-1 in the last 5 non-conference tilts, and 5-0 in the previous 5 outings in the month of September.

Vandy allowed Elon to run amok last week so there are concerns about the defense, especially against an elite QB. The Over is also 4-0-1 in its last 5 vs. ACC teams, and 5-2 in the last 7 at home, so tread lightly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Chicago White Sox at Oakland Athletics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago White Sox at Oakland Athletics odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago White Sox (70-68) and Oakland Athletics (50-88) meet Friday at 9:40 p.m. ET to continue a 4-game series at Oakland Coliseum. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the White Sox vs. Athletics odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Chicago leads 3-1

The White Sox won Thursday’s series opener 14-2 and are 7-2 in their last 9 games. Chicago pitching has been strong over that stretch, posting a fine 2.48 ERA, 1.06 WHIP. They’re 1.5 games out of 1st place in the AL Central.

The Athletics are just 1-7 in their last 8 games, and their pitching has trended the other way. Oakland has registered a 6.71 ERA in those 8 games and a 5.48 mark since Aug. 18.

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White Sox at Athletics projected starters

RHP Lucas Giolito vs. RHP James Kaprielian

Giolito (10-9, 5.21 ERA) has a 1.50 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 through 133 IP in 25 starts.

  • Has notched a 3.91 ERA in 69 road innings
  • Has been roughed up by a .354 batting average on balls in play
  • Facing an Oakland club that ranks 29th in the league with a .620 OPS against right-handed pitching

Kaprielian (3-9, 4.79 ERA) makes his 23rd start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 6.3 K/9 in 109 IP.

  • Figures to see a right-leaning Chicago batting order and has scuffled against bats from that side (.848 OPS allowed)
  • Has benefited from a .264 BABIP

White Sox at Athletics odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:18 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: White Sox -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Athletics +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox -1.5 (+102) | Athletics +1.5 (-125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

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White Sox at Athletics picks and predictions

Prediction

White Sox 5, Athletics 3

Money line

Chicago is on a nice roll and is playing important games. Oakland is out of it and is playing out meaningless quadruple-A at-bats.

The starting pitching matchup has some hidden edge to it. BACK THE WHITE SOX -170.

Run line/Against the spread

Four of Oakland’s last 5 losses have been by 3 runs or more. The Athletics have lost 24 games this season by 5 runs or more.

BACK THE WHITE SOX -1.5 (+102).

Over/Under

No lean to either side: STEER CLEAR.

Want some action on this game or any other MLB matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Arizona Diamondbacks (65-71) continue their 6-game road trip with a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies (58-79) beginning Friday. First pitch in the final series of the season between the two NL West teams is 8:40 p.m. ET at Coors Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Diamondbacks vs. Rockies odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 8-8

The Diamondbacks have won 9 of their last 12 games, but dropped the final 2 games of their series against the San Diego Padres.

The Rockies took 2 of 3 games from the Milwaukee Brewers at home in their last series, but have lost 9 or their last 14 games and 15 of their last 23.

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Diamondbacks at Rockies projected starters

RHP Zach Davies vs. RHP German Marquez

Davies (2-4, 3.74 ERA) makes his 23rd start. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 in 113 IP.

  • Has not had a decision since June 20, but Arizona has won his last 4 starts and 5 of his last 6
  • Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in each of his last 4 starts and in 5 of his last 6

Marquez (8-10, 4.86 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 153 2/3 IP.

  • Has pitched at least 6 innings in his last 11 starts
  • Is 1-1 in 3 starts against Arizona with 3.32 ERA

Diamondbacks at Rockies odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:04 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Diamondbacks -102 (bet $102 to win $100) | Rockies -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Diamondbacks +1.5 (-190) | Rockies +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 10.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

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Diamondbacks at Rockies picks and predictions

Prediction

Diamondbacks 6, Rockies 4

Money line

Arizona has struggled more on the road this season as they are 28-36 away from home. However, they are 9-5 in their last 14 road games.

The Rockies are 37-33 at home but lost their last home series against the Diamondbacks.

Davies has been very good over the last month. Marquez has had quality starts in 5 of his last 6 appearances.

But Arizona is simply playing better baseball right now.

Take the DIAMONDBACKS (+102).

Run line/Against the spread

Fifteen of the Diamondbacks’ last 18 wins have been by 2 or more runs. One-run games are tough for them because their bullpen has blown 21 saves. They need bigger leads.

The Diamondbacks are 40-25 ATS on the road.

The Rockies are 41-30 ATS at home.

Both teams are 3-3 ATS against one another at Coors Field.

It’s pricey, but I lean DIAMONDBACKS +1.5 (-190).

Over/Under

Davies’ last 6 starts and 12 of his last 13 starts have had totals of 10 or fewer runs.

Nine of the 16 games they have played one another have had 10 or fewer runs, including 2 of the last 3 at Coors Field.

Take UNDER 10.5 (-120).

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Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Angels (60-77) will begin a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (88-49) on Friday at Minute Maid Park with 1st pitch at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Angels vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Astros lead 11-5

The Angels have had an extremely disappointing season, but they’ve won 8 of their last 12 games. Los Angeles just outscored the Detroit Tigers 19-9 in 3 games earlier this week.

The Astros boast the best record in the AL and are 11 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. Houston has won 7 of their last 9 games, including 3 straight series wins.

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Angels at Astros projected starters

RHP Michael Lorenzen vs. RHP Lance McCullers Jr.

Lorenzen (6-6, 4.94 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 in 71 IP.

  • Hasn’t pitched since July 1st (shoulder)
  • July 1 at Astros: 3 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

McCullers (2-1, 2.08 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.52 WHIP, 5.8 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 21 2/3 IP.

  • Has walked 3 or more batters in each of his first 4 starts
  • Sept. 2 at Angels: 5 2/3 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K

Angels at Astros odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:39 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Angels +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Astros -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Angels +1.5 (-117) | Astros -1.5 (-103)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

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Angels at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 6, Angels 3

Money line

The Astros are reasonably favored in this game with the best record in the AL and the game taking place at Minute Maid Park. Even with Houston likely winning this game, I’ll PASS on the pricey money line.

Run line/Against the spread

Despite McCuller’s issues with walking batters this season, Houston is facing a pitcher that hasn’t been on the mound for 2 months. The Astros have won by multiple runs in 9 of their 11 wins over the Angels this season, so I’ll side with ASTROS -1.5 (-103) in this contest.

Over/Under

McCullers has shown that you can score runs on him by drawing walks and Lorenzen hasn’t thrown a major-league pitch in 2 months. OVER 8.5 RUNS (+100) is an enticing wager at plus odds given the pitching matchup.

The Over has been achieved in Lorenzen’s last 6 road starts and in his last 4 starts against a team with a winning record. Also, the Over has hit in 17 of the last 24 meetings between the Angels and the Astros.

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Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Rays (77-58) and New York Yankees (83-55) meet Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET to launch a 3-game AL East series at Yankee Stadium. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Yankees odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: New York leads 9-7

The Rays have won 3 straight games and 8 of their last 9. Over that stretch, they have outscored foes 46-17. Tampa Bay heads into this series after a day off Thursday.

The Yankees — who lead the Rays by 4 1/2 games in the AL East standings — lost to the Minnesota Twins Thursday to snap a 4-game win streak. A struggling New York offense has come around a bit of late, at least at home. The Yanks own a .750 OPS over their last 7 at Yankee Stadium.

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Rays at Yankees projected starters

RHP Drew Rasmussen vs. RHP Frankie Montas

Rasmussen (9-4, 2.70 ERA) is tabbed for his 24th start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 116 2/3 IP.

  • Making a return from the paternity list: last pitched Aug. 31
  • Has walked just 5 batters against 37 K while posting a 1.85 ERA over his last 39 IP

Montas (5-11, 3.79 ERA) owns a 1.18 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 through 135 1/3 IP over 25 starts.

  • Facing the Rays for a 2nd straight start (5 scoreless IP Sunday)
  • Current Tampa Bay batters own an aggregate .485 OPS against him
  • Making his 7th start for New York after being acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline; posted a Boeing 7.01 ERA in his first 5 starts for the Yankees

Rays at Yankees odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rays -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Yankees -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+160) | Yankees +1.5 (-200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

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Rays at Yankees picks and predictions

Prediction

Yankees 4, Rays3

Money line

The Yankees are a walking wounded of late, with big names missing games left and right and up and down the lineup. But New York’s offensive woes have been underpinned by support numbers that bring a lot of bad luck and timing into the picture.

Since Aug. 1, the Yanks own a .258 BABIP in high-leverage situations. They have hit .221 with runners in scoring position, but that figure is colored by a .248 BABIP. And all the while over that same time frame, New York’s contact and hard-hit rates have been right around league average.

Add in the Rasmussen-Montas matchup — one that fits as overrated-underrated, respectively — and NEW YORK (-110) is s a decent play.

Run line/Against the spread

Avoid the extra juice here. STEER CLEAR.

Over/Under

The UNDER (+100) is a slight lean.

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