Matthew Lowrimore
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Let’s break down each of these plays.
MLB pick today: Houston Astros ML over Tampa Bay Rays (+100), 6:40 pm ET
Luis Garcia is by no means the ace of the Astros, but Houston does not deserve to be underdogs in this matchup. Through 140.1 innings, Garcia has an ERA of 4.04 ERA and has not had the best second half of the season. Garcia will likely allow a run or two in this matchup, but the Astros offense will provide him with the run support he needs. Houston averages 6.6 runs in their last 8 games, while the Rays have scored more than 5 runs just once in their last 10 games. After demolishing the Athletics 11-2 on Sunday, the Astros come into this matchup having won 7 of their last 8 games. For that reason, backing Houston to open this series with a win will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Houston Astros vs Tampa Bay Rays predictions
NFL pick today: Tennessee Titans +10 vs Buffalo Bills (-110), 7:15 pm ET
This Titans may be big underdogs, but fall well within a couple of big Week 1 to Week 2 trends, historically speaking. Teams like the Titans coming off Week 1 SU losses as favorites and are now underdogs in Week 2 have gone 19-9 (68%) ATS since 2010. Additionally, fading a team like the Bills that won in a blowout of 21 points or more in Week 1 has been profitable since 2010. Those teams have gone 7-19 ATS (27%) in Week 2. Also, head coach Mike Vrabel is a wizard as an underdog — even with a far inferior roster. The Titans are also 20-13 ATS as underdogs under Vrabel, including 13-3 ATS as ‘dogs of 4 points or more. For that reason, backing the Titans to keep this one within a couple of scores will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Tennessee Titans vs Buffalo Bills predictions
MLB pick today: Atlanta Braves -1.5 over Washington Nationals (-165), 7:20 pm ET
The Braves are starting Kyle Wright, who has 18 wins — which is the most in baseball. Meanwhile, the Nats are starting Cory Abbott; he has 0 wins to his name. As if Atlanta wasn’t already vastly superior in every way, that matchup only amplifies their advantages.
It also likely goes without saying that Wright has won both of his starts against the Nats this season. In fact, the Braves have lost just 1 of his last 14 starts. Because of the huge mismatch on the mound, backing the Braves on the run line will be the play on Monday night.
Be sure to check out our full Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves predictions
NFL pick today: Minnesota Vikings +2.5 over Philadelphia Eagles (-105), 8:15 pm ET
Minnesota secured a huge Week 1 win over NFC North rival Green Bay, and the Vikings are more than capable of following that up with another big performance against the Eagles. The key to victory for the Vikings is giving Kirk Cousins the time he needs to find his receivers. He was sacked just once against the Packers and the Eagles’ pass-rush is unlikely to perform much better – they sacked Jared Goff just once in Week 1 and had the 2nd-fewest sacks in the NFL last season. I’m expecting a close game between these two teams who will know they have very realistic chances of winning their respective divisions this year. For that reason, backing the Vikings on the spread will be the play.
Be sure to check out our full Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles predictions
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