Category: Sports

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Monday, September 9

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

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[7:00 p.m. EST] Over 52.5 – Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Saints-Texans game that kicks off Monday Night Football’s doubleheader. We like the total going over in this one, considering we’ve got two of the most potent offenses in football going head to head.

This will be the first time New Orleans takes the field since last season’s blown-call in the NFC Championship that prohibited them from reaching the Super Bowl. It’ll be interesting to see how they rebound from that debacle, and if it could possibly affect them in a negative way.

There are plenty of expectations for the Texans in 2019, and most of it comes from the offensive side of the ball. Houston made some exciting moves right before the regular season started, getting offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills from Miami. That move for Tunsil, in particular, was a major upgrade for an O-line that allowed quarterback Deshaun Watson to get sacked over 60 times last season.

The Saints haven’t won a Week-1 game since 2013. For whatever reason, it’s usually the defense that prohibits them from victory, and they’ll have another heavy test on their hands in this one. New Orleans will be without two of its best interior pass rushers, Sheldon Rankins (injury) and David Onyematta (suspension),

Not to mention, there’s a huge mismatch between the Texans’ wide receivers and Saints’ secondary. New Orleans ranked 22nd in DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average) against the pass last season. Marcus Lattimore was toasted by marquee wide receivers last season while, more recently, Patrick Robinson had a horrendous preseason.

In the Saints last four home openers, they have allowed 48 (TB), 36 (NE), 35 (OAK) and 26 (TB) points.

Luckily, quarterback Drew Brees, running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas are still around to put points on the scoreboard. It’s not like the Saints will get blown out, but these guys always have a chance to be in games with that trio of talent moving the ball. Since 2006, the Saints have averaged 30.1 points per game at home.

* Final Score Prediction * New Orleans Saints: 30 – Houston Texans: 27

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Sunday, September 8

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

[4:25 p.m. EST] San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the 49ers-Buccaneers game. We like the total going over, considering these are two high-powered offenses with coaches that like to sling the rock going up against defenses with plenty of uncertainty. That’s a big reason why the total opened at 48.5 and currently sits at 50.5.

This will be a game with great storylines as we’ll see the return of Bucs head coach Bruce Arians and 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Jimmy G is ready to lead the 49ers after missing nearly all of 2018 with a torn ACL. He didn’t play particularly well in the preseason, but that’s exactly what it is – preseason. Not to mention, his main target, tight end George Kittle didn’t play one snap during the preseason.

However, the Bucs’ pass defense was absolutely horrendous last season, and that’s why Todd Bowles was brought in to run things. That unit can only improve, but they do have to learn a new 3-4 system and that can certainly take them a few games.

Last season, the Bucs’ passing attack was No. 1 in the NFL and that should continue to improve with a great wealth of weapons in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard – not to mention, a coach that wants to air it out as well. The 49ers ranked dead-last in coverage grades, according to Pro Football Focus, so all of Tampa’s studs will certainly take advantage of that weakness.

We’ve outlined the struggles of these defenses coming into this season, and that’s our basis for going over the total. Not to mention, both of these teams want to throw the ball – and they will. Look for plenty of points and if you’ve got fantasy players going in this game, your outlook is very bright.

* Final Score Prediction * Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 31 – San Francisco 49ers: 27

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Saturday, September 7

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[10:30 p.m. EST] Under 43 – #23 Stanford Cardinal at USC Trojans

The SpreadKnowledge College Football Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Stanford-USC game on Saturday. After all, both teams are missing the quarterback they started the season with, making this a game of field position – and lots of yawns.

While each program typically does a good job of recruiting, it’s all about preparation in this instance.

For Stanford, their offense already looked lost against Northwestern in the season opener. Then, their quarterback K.J. Costello had to leave the game with a concussion. Davis Mills, who the Cardinal will start tonight, filled in by 7-for-14 with 81 passing yards but the offense didn’t make any extra strides.

In fact, Stanford’s offense only managed 10 points, with their last touchdown coming in the final seconds on defense.

As for USC, their loss at quarterback could be a lot more detrimental. JT Daniels was expected to do big things for the Trojans but an ACL injury will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. Now, it’s up to Kedon Slovis to steer the ship from here on out in 2019.

Both defenses had their respective shining moments in the season opener, so it’s not like these quarterbacks are going to have an easy period of adjustment in this one. Look for both teams to struggle offensively, and it might even be a case of whoever gets to 20 first wins the ball game.

* Final Score Prediction * Stanford Cardinal: 20 – USC Trojans: 13

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Friday, September 6

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[8:00 p.m. EST] Wake Forest Demon Deacons (-19.5) at Rice Owls

The SpreadKnowledge College Football Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Wake Forest-Rice game. We’re taking the Demon Deacons to cover the massive 19.5-point spread and roll to victory over the Owls.

Wake Forest came from behind late in their season-opening win against Utah State. However, tonight’s matchup against Rice won’t require as much drama, considering it’s a much less-inferior opponent.

The Demon Deacons were led by quarterback Jamie Newman, who threw for 401 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s win. Wide receiver Sage Surratt was Newman’s favorite target, hauling in seven catches for 158 yards and a touchdown, while running back Cade Carney ran for 105 yards.

Rice has lost 12 of its last 13 games dating back to last season, with 10 of them coming by two touchdowns or more. Not to mention, the Owls’ offense has been in a sputtering motion with seven games of scoring 20 points or less in their last nine.

On the other hand, Wake Forest has scored a total of 134 points in their last three games dating back to last season.

All in all, Wake Forest’s offense will prove to be too much for Rice to handle tonight. The Demon Deacons have plenty of weapons on offense, while the Owls just can’t seem to get it together on that side of the ball. When it’s all said and done this season, we’ll be looking at Rice as one of the worst teams in the country – no surprise there.

* Final Score Prediction * Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 44 – Rice Owls: 17

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Thursday, September 5

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months 

[8:20 p.m. EST] Under 47 – Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the total in the opener of the NFL’s 100th season getting underway with the most historic of rivalries, as the Bears host the Packers. We’re taking the under in this game, considering there are a few unknowns on offense and two solid defensive units to take into account.

Aaron Rodgers may very well be the most talented quarterback in the NFL, but he’ll be put to the test against one of the league’s premier defensive units. What’s interesting is that Rodgers didn’t play one snap during the preseason, and that could present some challenges with a different game plan under new head coach Matt LaFleur.

Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky played three snaps in the preseason, and he didn’t attempt any passes either. This could mean that both Rodgers and Trubisky come out rusty in this one, leading us to a slow start.

Chicago’s defensive unit will be led by Chuck Pagano, with Vic Fangio heading to Denver as the new head coach. The Bears defense shouldn’t look too much different from a schematic standpoint, and they do have talented players all over the place. Their cornerbacks on the outside should make things difficult for Rodgers’ top receivers, so look for a lot more passes towards the middle of the field in the slot, which is one of the Bears’ glaring weaknesses on defense.

The Packers’ defense improved mightily in the draft and during free agency. Perhaps the biggest pluck came from tonight’s opponent, as they grabbed safety Adrian Amos from the Bears during the offseason. That’s a massive upgrade to their secondary, in addition to their corners getting valuable experience last year.

Both of these teams feature solid defenses, but we feel like the Packers will be able to move the ball up and down the field a little better. If bettors can push this total up to 47.5 points, that’d be a more comfortable number to deal with. However, 47 is good enough for us in this instance.

* Final Score Prediction * Green Bay Packers: 23 – Chicago Bears: 20

SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day – Wednesday, September 4

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[6:40 p.m. EST] Under 8.5 – Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati Reds
PHI: Aaron Nola – R (12-4, 3.45 ERA/1.21 WHIP)
CIN: Trevor Bauer – R (10-12, 4.53 ERA/1.29 WHIP)

The Phillies missed a golden opportunity to inch closer to the Cubs over the weekend, but they’ve won three straight games now to at least keep pace. While the Reds have fallen out of the playoff race, there is some motivation to not get completely clobbered in this series – tomorrow afternoon is the series finale. The over has seen plenty of bets early on for tonight’s total, but there might be a few reasons why that’s the wrong move.

We’re going with the under of 8.5 runs for the SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day.

Aaron Nola has stayed true to form as one of the best pitchers in baseball, allowing three runs or fewer in all six of his starts since the beginning of August. This is the time when Philly needs him most, as they try and make this last-month push towards the playoffs. As for Nola against Cincy, this is a matchup that has worked well before, considering its current roster owns a .171 batting average and four extra-base hits against him 82 career plate appearances.

The trade for Trevor Bauer to Cincy certainly hasn’t been one the team can be happy about. However, there’s something about Great American Ballpark that’s sitting well with him this season – even as a member of the Reds. In three starts there this season, Bauer owns a 2-1 record and 1.71 ERA/0.86 WHIP while striking out 31 batters – a span of 21 innings.

While Bauer’s numbers with the Reds aren’t great, it’s hard to ignore the success he’s had at Great American Ballpark this season. Nola is on top of his game and the Reds have only scored three runs in the first two games of this series.

We’ve had pre-game double-digit totals in the first two games of this series, and both games fell exactly at eight runs. So, with the 8.5-run total in tonight’s game, we’re going to see it fall just short of that number once again.

* Final Score Prediction * Philadelphia Phillies: 4 – Cincinnati Reds: 2

SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day – Tuesday, September 3

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

[7:05 p.m. EST] Under 7.5 – New York Mets at Washington Nationals
NYM: Jacob deGrom – R (8-8, 2.66 ERA/1.02 WHIP)
WSH: Max Scherzer – R (9-5, 2.46 ERA/1.02 WHIP)

The SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day comes to us from Tuesday’s Mets-Nationals game. We’re going with the under here, considering two of the game’s best starting pitchers will be on display.

Jacob deGrom had another bout of bad luck in his last start, allowing two homers to Cubs’ catcher Victor Caratini en route to a 4-1 loss. However, there’s something about this matchup against the Nationals that bring out the best in him. deGrom owns a microscopic 0.53 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 17 innings of work – a span of three starts.

The Nationals’ offense just hasn’t been able to figure out deGrom yet, but they’re certainly not alone. They were able to pick on Orioles and Marlins pitching in the four games prior to Monday. However, tonight’s task is certainly one that can have them scratching their heads all night.

Max Scherzer recently came off the injured list at the end of August. The Nationals haven’t been extending him much in these first two starts since, letting him throw a total of 8 1/3 innings. Tonight, however, could be a chance for the Nationals (and Scherzer) to see what he’s truly made of at this point in Tuesday’s outing, considering his workload did increase gradually in those outings. In three starts against the Mets this season, Scherzer has a 1-1 record and 2.70 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 20 innings of work – a span of three starts.

The Mets’ offense has gotten back on track over the last few days, scoring at least six runs in four of the last six games. While this matchup against one of the best pitchers in baseball doesn’t usually provide much optimism, chipping away is probably the best they can do in this scenario.

This will be the third time that deGrom and Scherzer go head to head, and the Mets have taken each of those first two meetings. While there’s a not particular side that we’re fond of in the third version of deGrom-Scherzer.

Bullpens probably won’t play a huge part in this game, but it’s comforting to know that both teams’ units have been above average over the last 14 days.

* Final Score Prediction * Washington Nationals: 3 – New York Mets: 2

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Monday, September 2

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[8:00 p.m. EST] #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Louisville Cardinals (+18.5)

The SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day comes to us from college football’s version of Monday Night Football, as Notre Dame hits the road to take on Louisville. We’ll be taking the Cardinals to cover the massive 18.5-point spread.

While Notre Dame does win a lot of regular-season games, they typically don’t do it by a wide margin. Six of their 12 regular-season wins last season came by 10 points or fewer, including winning each of their first three games by single-digits.

The Fighting Irish lost a ton of talent on the defensive end from last year’s squad, but they’ll also be missing some key offensive players who were set to make an impact this season. Tight end Cole Kmet and receivers Michael Young and Kevin Austin all won’t suit up for this game. Not to mention, Notre Dame has a new kicker and punter on their roster from last season.

Louisville had an absolutely disastrous 2018 season, finishing 2-10 overall and 1-11 against the spread. However, there’s a new coaching staff in town that has a lot of people excited – particularly on the defensive end, where the 3-4 scheme is a better fit for the personnel the Cardinals already have in place.

We’re not looking for Louisville to win this game outright, but the home-field advantage does help their chances to keep it close. Look for the Notre Dame offense to get off to its usual slow start, and for Louisville to play some inspired ball for the new coaching staff.

* Final Score Prediction * Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 24 – Louisville Cardinals: 17

SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day – Sunday, September 1

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[7:00 p.m. EST] New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies (ML: +105)
NYM: Marcus Stroman – R (1-1, 4.91 ERA/1.30 WHIP)
PHI: Zach Eflin – R (8-11, 4.50 ERA/1.38 WHIP)

The SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Mets-Phillies game on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Philly will be looking to avoid the sweep, and that’s why we’re taking them on the moneyline.

Zach Eflin got back on the good foot in his last start against the Marlins, going six innings while allowing only two runs en route to getting the win.

The Mets’ offense tends to love hitting at Citizens Bank Park, so the Phils will have to counter with some runs of their own. That’s certainly doable against Marcus Stroman, who still has yet to have that signature start as a member of the Mets.

Stroman has his struggles with control at times, and the Phils are a very disciplined and patient team at the plate. Look for them to put a few guys on base tonight and make Stroman pay for his mistakes.

We say it all the time – “The most dangerous baseball team is a desperate one.” With the season entering the final month, look for the Phils to have a sense of urgency and get this win tonight.

* Final Score Prediction * Philadelphia Phillies: 5 – New York Mets: 3

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Saturday, August 31

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[7:30 p.m. EST] Georgia Southern Eagles (+27) at #6 LSU Tigers

Today’s NCAAF Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Georgia Southern-LSU game. While the Tigers may be a big player once the College Football Playoff rolls around, we don’t expect them to beat the Eagles by enough today to cover the spread.

LSU has a new offense they’ll be putting in place this season, and we’ve seen a few programs struggle in order to get on the same page right off the bat. It’s also worth noting that Ed Orgeron’s LSU teams are 0-7 against the spread when favored by 25+ points in his time there.

There’s also a big matchup against Texas next week for LSU, so we shouldn’t expect them to roll too many big plays out. The more they do of that, the more film the Longhorns will have on them for next week.

While Georgia Southern certain won’t walk into Death Valley and get a win, they do have enough talent to keep this game close. In the past, this program has played well against Power-5 Conference opponents and come up just shy.

If bettors can move the number up to +28, that would be ideal. Getting the bet to that number would give the bettor the opportunity to keep it at an even four touchdowns (plus extra point). It’s not a bad idea to keep it cautious in this instance, but everything should be fine going with the +27 if you don’t want to lay the extra money.

* Final Score Prediction * LSU Tigers: 34 – Georgia Southern Eagles: 14