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This is one of my favorite times of the sports calendar. You have the beginning of the NHL season (be sure to check out BetNHL.ca for tips every day of the season), college football, the NFL and the MLB playoffs. There is always a ton to watch and a ton of options for making money. I love it.
There are two big MLB playoff games as the National League Division series starts up. It was late Tuesday/early Wednesday before the Rockies beat the Cubs and they burned a lot of pitchers to get that win. The Brewers have a bit of an advantage in this one thanks to that one.
The Dodgers host the Braves in the other game and while the Braves have an exciting young team, they might be overmatched here. The Dodgers were statistically the best team in the National League and they have some of the best pitching out there. They enter this game as a big favorite.
Of course, we have the big Thursday Night Football match-up as well with Andrew Luck and the Colts facing Tom Brady and the Patriots. Let’s get right into that.
Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots Betting Tips:
To me, this game looks like a clear over. Both of these teams looked really impressive on offense last week and have had defensive questions this year.
The Colts could be without three starters on defense as DT Hassan Ridgeway, LB Darius Leonard and LCB Quincy Wilson are all listed as questionable for this one. They gave up 477 yards and 37 points last week to a Houston offense that hasn’t exactly been setting the world on fire. The Pats are a big favorite here for a reason, they are going to put up points.
Last week’s comeback before losing was one of the best performances we’ve seen from Andrew Luck since he came back from injury. He’ll need to harness that same type of magic if he wants to keep his team in this. I think he’ll do well and fill up the stat sheet. I see a 35-24 type game here.
Bet Colts/Patriots Over 50.5 Points
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Tips:
Despite needing the game 163 to win their division, the Dodgers are the favorite to take the National League. It’s easy to see why. They have an offense that is absolutely on fire, hitting for a 119 wRC+ in the second half of the season. While their bullpen also really put it together in the second half with a 3.57 ERA/3.67 FIP/3.41 xFIP. They come in to this one healthy and with strength from both sides of the plate.
Mike Foltynewicz is coming off a great season where he finished with an awesome 2.85 ERA/3.37 FIP. I am a fan of his, but I hate this match-up for him. The Dodgers finished with a 115 wRC+ against righties on the season and I don’t see his bullpen being much help. They had a 4.02 ERA/3.93 FIP/4.23 xFIP in the second half. This could be a rough one for them as they aren’t beating up on the NL East anymore.
