Friday, August 14, 2026

Both teams have struggled recently before big wins yesterday. Neither team used its bullpen yesterday, though, so we should see high leverage arms in the late innings. That usually leads to low-scoring games.

Are we really going to ask the Jets to win a preseason game by six points or more? It's a no from me. The Bucs' defense is deeper than the Jets' offense.

While the Cardinals have been solid offensively, the Cubs have the edge with Holmes on the mound to start things off. This will be a great matchup between division rivals, but Chicago has the edge being at home -- and I don't think their offense stays cool for two days in a row.

The Dolphins as a franchise are undergoing plenty of changes as they move from the Mike McDaniel era to the Jeff Hafley era. Hafley brings a much different coaching style to the table, and Miami's depth is concerning. Laying points with this team in any situation right now is not the move.

Since losing his first two preseason games as Denver’s coach, Payton has rattled off seven straight preseason wins – all by at least four points. I’m going to trust that preseason form in this spot against a team with a new coach and a hobbled quarterback situation.

Gavin Williams is in elite form of late, striking out a ton of batters while still maintaining control of the zone. Michael King has delivered five very strong outings in his last seven attempts, and both starters are backed by talented bullpens. I favor the under on the posted game total.

While the Cardinals have been solid offensively, the Cubs have the edge with Holmes on the mound to start things off. This will be a great matchup between division rivals, but Chicago has the edge being at home -- and I don't think their offense stays cool for two days in a row.

The Dolphins as a franchise are undergoing plenty of changes as they move from the Mike McDaniel era to the Jeff Hafley era. Hafley brings a much different coaching style to the table, and Miami's depth is concerning. Laying points with this team in any situation right now is not the move.

Seattle has shown an ability to manufacture runs in close games and has the advantage of sending one of the league's best strike throwers to the mound. In what projects to be a low-scoring battle from start to finish, Kirby gives the Mariners just enough of an edge to back them on the money line.

While Alvarez does not need to be dominant, he gives the Nationals a clear advantage over the opening several innings. Combined with Stock's struggles and Washington's opportunity to build an early lead, the Nationals appear to have the stronger overall matchup and should be in position to begin the series with a road victory.

Both starting pitchers fall in the 10th percentile or worse in xERA, xBA and pitching run value. Things don’t get much better in relief, either. The KC bullpen ranks 29th in combined ERA (5.32) — also posting the worst ninth-inning ERA in the league — while LA ranks 22nd (4.31).

Are we really going to ask the Jets to win a preseason game by six points or more? It's a no from me. The Bucs' defense is deeper than the Jets' offense.

Both teams have offenses that are running hot lately, with Baltimore scoring 5+ runs in 4 straight, while Tampa has scored 30 runs in the last 3 games and has won 9 straight games. Neither team has a good pitching situation tonight, and we should see a lot of bullpen arms. Conditions are good for scoring tonight.

Are we really going to ask the Jets to win a preseason game by six points or more? It's a no from me. The Bucs' defense is deeper than the Jets' offense.

Since losing his first two preseason games as Denver’s coach, Payton has rattled off seven straight preseason wins – all by at least four points. I’m going to trust that preseason form in this spot against a team with a new coach and a hobbled quarterback situation.

Both teams have offenses that are running hot lately, with Baltimore scoring 5+ runs in 4 straight, while Tampa has scored 30 runs in the last 3 games and has won 9 straight games. Neither team has a good pitching situation tonight, and we should see a lot of bullpen arms. Conditions are good for scoring tonight.

Both teams have struggled recently before big wins yesterday. Neither team used its bullpen yesterday, though, so we should see high leverage arms in the late innings. That usually leads to low-scoring games.

Are we really going to ask the Jets to win a preseason game by six points or more? It's a no from me. The Bucs' defense is deeper than the Jets' offense.

Texas' Kumar Rocker has allowed 17 hits and 9 earned runs over just 8.1 innings of work in 2 starts this month. On the other side, Gage Jump is sporting a less-than-ideal 6.16 ERA and .302 BAA in 8 starts at home this season. This pitching matchup could lead to a high-scoring affair.

Neither offense has been particularly sharp, but I like Gerrit Cole in this spot. Cole is 9-2 with a 2.75 ERA against Toronto in his career, and Bieber holds a 7.50 ERA in his last three starts. Look for New York to get the win on the road.

Pfaadt has a 3.36 ERA in 85.2 innings, and has not given up an earned run in his last three starts, which total to 20.2 innings. Sale has been good all year long as he has a 12-7 record and a 2.20 ERA in 123.0 innings.

While the Cardinals have been solid offensively, the Cubs have the edge with Holmes on the mound to start things off. This will be a great matchup between division rivals, but Chicago has the edge being at home, and I don't think their offense stays cool for two days in a row.

Gavin Williams is in elite form of late, striking out a ton of batters while still maintaining control of the zone. Michael King has delivered 5 very strong outings in his last 7 attempts, and both starters are backed by talented bullpens. I favor the under on the posted game total.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto presents the Dodgers with a sizable starting pitching edge over Robert Gasser and the Milwaukee Brewers. Milwaukee's lineup is tasked with a difficult matchup while Los Angeles gets Gasser who has really struggled on the road.

Colorado's reputation and Kyle Freeland's 6.63 ERA make the Rockies an uncomfortable wager, but that's precisely where the value emerges. San Francisco has done little offensively or collectively to warrant trust as a favourite. Landen Roupp owns better numbers (but nothing to marvel in), but the Giants remain a false-favourite archetype. Take Colorado at plus money.

Chicago and Detroit both possess capable offenses, but their divisional meetings have repeatedly developed into tight, highly contested games where scoring opportunities become precious. Familiarity, rivalry intensity, and the importance of individual moments create an environment conducive to another grind. Rather than overthinking the metrics, back the matchup itself. Take the Under.

Chase Burns has become one of baseball's premier starters, entering 13-2 with a 2.61 ERA, 143 strikeouts, and 3.5 WAR. Sandy Alcantara remains an elite opponent, but Burns is the better pitcher right now. With Cincinnati's offense getting the benefit of a home tilt at the GABP behind him, back the Reds here.

Are we really going to ask the Jets to win a preseason game by six points or more? It's a no from me. The Bucs' defense is deeper than the Jets' offense.

After joint practice on Tuesday, Coach Saleh mentioned that “everyone will play” for the Titans. Of course, this could be coachspeak, but it makes sense given he is in his first year with the organization, installing new systems on both sides of the ball. Conversely, Coach Shanahan shared that most starters will not play.

After joint practice on Tuesday, Coach Saleh mentioned that “everyone will play” for the Titans. Of course, this could be coachspeak, but it makes sense given he is in his first year with the organization, installing new systems on both sides of the ball. Conversely, Coach Shanahan shared that most starters will not play.

The Texans are dealing with a number of injuries, and the Chargers won't be playing any starters. Seeing a high-scoring affair in this one would be rather surprising.

Jacob deGrom has given up 12 earned runs in his last 18.0 innings, 10 of which came in two starts. Walbert Urena's most recent outing against the Miami Marlins lasted only 2.1 innings as he gave up 4 earned runs and walked three batters.

After joint practice on Tuesday, Coach Saleh mentioned that “everyone will play” for the Titans. Of course, this could be coachspeak, but it makes sense given he is in his first year with the organization, installing new systems on both sides of the ball. Conversely, Coach Shanahan shared that most starters will not play.

The Texans are dealing with a number of injuries, and the Chargers won't be playing any starters. Seeing a high-scoring affair in this one would be rather surprising.

The Colts ranked 31st in passing yards per game allowed last season, while New England cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III are both unlikely to play. With a decent amount of QB experience on both sides, there could be just enough offense to take this one over the total.

There is no way I am giving seven points in any preseason game. The Bengals are playing some of their defensive starters for at least a brief period of time, but don't count on seeing Joe Burrow.

Most of Green Bay's starters - including quarterback Jordan Love - will see the field in the preseason opener on Thursday night. That's enough for me.

The Texans are dealing with a number of injuries, and the Chargers won't be playing any starters. Seeing a high-scoring affair in this one would be rather surprising.

The Colts ranked 31st in passing yards per game allowed last season, while New England cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III are both unlikely to play. With a decent amount of QB experience on both sides, there could be just enough offense to take this one over the total.

Most of Green Bay's starters - including quarterback Jordan Love - will see the field in the preseason opener on Thursday night. That's enough for me.

After joint practice on Tuesday, Coach Saleh mentioned that “everyone will play” for the Titans. Of course, this could be coachspeak, but it makes sense given he is in his first year with the organization, installing new systems on both sides of the ball. Conversely, Coach Shanahan shared that most starters will not play.

The Texans are dealing with a number of injuries, and the Chargers won't be playing any starters. Seeing a high-scoring affair in this one would be rather surprising.

Vegas should be much better — at least watchable — this season, but with all the moving pieces from the staff to the quarterbacks and the linebackers, there’s going to be an adjustment period. Given how good the Cardinals looked last week, while having a game under their belt already to work out the kinks, Arizona is the move at plus-money if you have to bet this game.

The Colts ranked 31st in passing yards per game allowed last season, while New England cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III are both unlikely to play. With a decent amount of QB experience on both sides, there could be just enough offense to take this one over the total.

There is no way I am giving seven points in any preseason game. The Bengals are playing some of their defensive starters for at least a brief period of time, but don't count on seeing Joe Burrow.

Most of Green Bay's starters - including quarterback Jordan Love - will see the field in the preseason opener on Thursday night. That's enough for me.