Author: Al Walsh

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

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Friday, August 30

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
SpreadKnowledge is going with a new format for our free article/mailer from here on out. For our highest-rated picks, you can sign up 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] #19 Wisconsin Badgers (-10.5) at South Florida Bulls

Paul Chryst and his Badgers head down to Tampa to take on Charlie Strong and the Bulls in an early-season showdown. We’re taking the Badgers in this one, considering there’s one matchup that should control the tempo of this game.

If you know anything about college football, you know that Wisconsin that runs that rock right down their opponents’ throats on a regular basis. Well, things will be no different tonight as running back Jonathan Taylor leads a potent attack against a USF defense that is incapable of stopping the ground attack. Taylor actually accumulated the most rushing yards as a freshman in NCAA history, and then came back last season to have the most yards as a sophomore in NCAA history. Can he break the junior mark now? Time will tell…

Look for the Badgers to stay true to who they are and control the clock all night.

The Bulls have a new offensive coordinator in Kerwin Bell, a Division II national championship-winning coach at Valdosta State. We expect him to have success at some point, but his first bout of installing this new offense at USF could certainly be a rocky one.

Don’t worry about USF having home-field advantage in this one, because honestly – it’s really not much of an advantage. The Bulls play at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and there’s more of a state-fair feel to the crowd rather than a rawkus college atmosphere.

We like the Badgers to take control of this game early and never look back. 10.5 points is a lot to lay on the road, but we feel like the Bulls are a bit overhyped coming into this one.

* Final Score Prediction * Wisconsin Badgers: 31 – South Florida Bulls: 13

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Thursday, August 29

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
SpreadKnowledge is going with a new format for our free article/mailer from here on out. For our highest-rated picks, you can sign up 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 *

 

[10:15 p.m. EST] #14 Utah Utes (-6.5) at BYU Cougars

Tonight will be the 100th installment of the Holy War rivalry as the BYU Cougars host the No. 14 Utah Utes. This game might not resonate with most of the country, but these two teams from The Beehive State absolutely despise each other and that should make for some great late-night TV on ESPN for us East coast viewers.

Utah won last year’s game by the score of 35-27, having to overcome a daunting 20-0 halftime deficit. The Utes outscored the Cougars 21-0 in the final quarter before walking away with the victory.

That loss was a massive blow for the entire BYU community, and it’ll certainly be in the back of their minds. However, the game is played on the field, and Utah’s personnel (particularly on offense) is much better than that of BYU.

Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley and running Zack Moss both missed last year’s game against BYU and a good chunk of the Utes’ final stretch run in 2018. They’ll certainly be excited to show the Cougars, and the rest of the nation, what people have missing for so long. Add in a very deep, and talented, Utes’ receiving core and new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, and we’ve got smiles from ear to ear for this one.

Expect the ball to get spread around quite a bit tonight for the Utes. In addition to Moss, Utah has other talented running backs that can tote the rock as well.

BYU does have a talented quarterback in Zach Wilson, who completed all 18 of his passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns in the 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl win over Western Michigan. However, that defense is nothing like the one he’ll be facing tonight.

Utah’s defensive line boasts numerous guys up front that’ll likely be playing on Sundays in the near future. While BYU’s O-line isn’t one to be considered a slouch, this will certainly make life difficult on their offense. Senior transfer Ty’Son Williams from South Carolina is expected to have a big year, but it could very well get off to a rocky start if Utah’s D-line brings their A-game.

That major comeback from last year’s game isn’t only on the minds of BYU. Expect Utah to come out with lots of energy and not let that same deficit haunt them this time around.

It’s important for bettors to act early and get that 6.5-point Utes’ spread, as opposed to the 7.0 one that might be floating around before kickoff.

* Final Score Prediction * Utah Utes: 31 – BYU Cougars: 20

SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day – Wednesday, August 28

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
* 2019 MLB Record: 224-173-10 (56.5%) *
SpreadKnowledge is going with a new format for our free article/mailer from here on out. For our highest-rated picks, you can sign up 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 *

 

Under 9.5 – Atlanta Braves at Toronto Blue Jays
ATL: Mike Foltynewicz – R (4-5, 5.68 ERA/1.40 WHIP)
TOR: Jacob Waguespack – R (4-1, 3.63 ERA/1.17 WHIP)

The SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Braves-Blue Jays game. We’re taking the total to go under in this one, considering nine of the last 10 Braves’ games have done just that.

Jacob Waguespack against the Braves is the key matchup here. The rookie right-hander has been absolutely magnificent since the final day of July, allowing two runs or fewer in four of those five starts – the only misnomer coming against the almighty Yankees. In Waguespack’s last start, he pitched seven innings of shutout ball, allowing only one hit and one walk while striking out five.

We mentioned these Braves’ games hitting the under a lot lately, but it’s their recent travel schedule that should have these guys in a funk for yet another night. After finishing a three-game series over the weekend in New York, the Braves had to travel out to Colorado for a make-up game before heading all the way up to Toronto for this two-game series.

Obviously, the Braves are well on their way to the postseason, so it makes plenty of sense that they’d be going through the motions at this point.

Now, the wild card to this whole operation is Mike Foltynewicz. After making the All-Star team last season, Folty had a brutal start to the 2019 campaign and was actually sent down to the minors for a little over a month. Since returning, he’s calmed down quite a bit with a 2-0 record to go along with a 3.91 ERA/1.35 WHIP. We’d love to see the walks come down, but it’s worth noting the Blue Jays own the fifth-worst walk-strikeout ratio in baseball against right-handed pitching.

The Braves’ bullpen does own the eighth-best ERA (3.74) in baseball over the last 14 days – hence, why we’ve seen so many unders from their games lately.

* Final Score Prediction * Atlanta Braves: 4 – Toronto Blue Jays: 3

SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day – Tuesday, August 27

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
* 2019 MLB Record: 222-171-10 (56.5%) *

SpreadKnowledge is going with a new format for our free article/mailer from here on out. For our highest-rated picks, you can sign up 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 *

 

[8:10 p.m. EST] Under 7.5 – Tampa Bay Rays at Houston Astros
TB: Charlie Morton – R (13-5, 2.85 ERA/1.06 WHIP)
HOU: Justin Verlander – R (15-5, 2.77 ERA/0.81 WHIP)

The SpreadKnowledge MLB Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Astros-Rays game on Tuesday night. We’re going with the under in this game, considering Vegas adjusted the game total from 8.5 to 7.5, with both sides getting significant IRT (implied run total) decreases – Rays: -0.7, Astros: -0.4.

Justin Verlander has endured some of the worst possible luck in recent starts, but he’s still pitching at an elite level. In fact, the electric righty has now posted double-digit strikeout games in each of his last seven outings.

Although it was all the way back in March, Verlander dazzled the Rays in seven innings of one-run ball while striking out nine batters. Tampa Bay comes into today’s game after losing two straight games to the Orioles, followed by on off-day, so their bats and minds are still likely to be in a funk on Tuesday night.

Charlie Morton returns to the city that basically reinvented his career, and got him a World Series ring. The veteran righty has talked in recent days about loving it here in Houston and having all the respect in the world for his old teammates, but he’s got a job to do – and more importantly, the Rays are still fighting for that second AL Wild Card spot.

This is a matchup between two of the best arms in baseball, so we should definitely expect these guys to feed off one another. It’s worth noting, many opposing pitchers have done the same in trying to match Verlander, as six of his last seven starts have resulted in the game total reaching seven runs or fewer.

* Final Score Prediction * Houston Astros: 3 – Tampa Bay Rays: 2