I give the Giants a pass for falling short, as they had to deal with injuries to Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley in getting blown out by the Cowboys. The Broncos and Raiders (especially the Raiders) deserve no such sympathy, as both AFC West teams got behind early and could never get even again. At least Denver tried to make a game of it, but at the end of the day, it was a losing effort for Sunday.
Monday brings a full slate of postseason baseball, some international soccer and a Monday night football game, so we’ve got plenty of options today. Plus, we’ve got hockey starting this week, so our days of a light Moneyline Monday are over. Here are my picks for October 11.
CROATIA, -250
Sometimes, you just have to take your wins where you can get them. Slovakia is 0-5-2 since 2000 against Croatia, and the Blazers are playing excellent soccer right now, having won their past two matches by 3-0. Plus, Croatia is playing for a return to the World Cup and trying to hold off a credible Russian charge, while Slovakia sit in fourth and need a miracle to finish in the top two. It’s not happening for the Falcons.
WALES, -190
Wales gave itself a chance by getting a result in Prague, and now the Dragons hold their fate in their own hands. All the Welsh have to do to make the playoffs is beat Estonia and Belarus and either snatch a draw with Belgium or avoid a heavy defeat in the final match against the Red Devils. They shouldn’t be losing to Estonia in this situation, even on the road. The Blueshirts have nothing to play for, and Wales should get three points here.
WHITE SOX, -125
The Sox looked dead in the water early on against Houston, but they battled back to earn the first postseason win by the AL Central champion since the 2017 ALDS. Now they’ve got Carlos Rodon going, and the left-handed was dominant the last time he faced the Astros in Chicago, striking out 10 and allowing just one hit in seven innings. The South Siders have a chance, and I think they can get this thing back to Texas.
RAVENS, -300
Baltimore’s defensive line shouldn’t have much problem getting to Carson Wentz. The Colts’ line is in shambles and the Ravens will take away the run for most of the night, leaving Wentz and the league’s 27th-ranked passing attack to try to attack the Ravens through the air. That’s not going to work. Baltimore should get a comfortable win here.
DODGERS, -190
The Giants aren’t dead in this series, but I’m sure not going to ride with them against Max Scherzer. That’s especially true with Alex Wood on the mound, as the Giants have gone 0-3 against Los Angeles with Wood on the hill in 2021. I still think this series goes five, but I’m backing the Dodgers here.
