We’re finally at the season convergence point. Baseball playoffs, college football and the NHL will all be in action today, so we’ve got more than enough plays available to fill a card without having to get crazy.
With this much action available, narrowing it down to five isn’t going to be easy. Here are my best bets for October 7.
PREDATORS TTO 3.5, -105
There are two factors at play in this matchup. First, the Sharks are poor and have only gotten worse since last season. This is a bad team that’s got a tough rebuild ahead of it. Second, this game’s being played in the Czech Republic. The ice is wider on a European rink, which means there’s more space available for skill players to make a play. That should play well for Nashville to put up a fair amount of goals.
NEBRASKA-RUTGERS U50.5, -110
I’m not sure if Rutgers can move the ball on Nebraska, but I do think the Scarlet Knights can slow down the Cornhuskers’ attack. Nebraska might have put up a ton of points in the early games this season, but the Cornhuskers have mostly played fairly weak defenses. Rutgers isn’t letting teams move the ball and knows that it has to keep Nebraska below 20 to have a good chance to win. At the same time, the Scarlet Knights’ offense looks like something that was killed crossing the Jersey Turnpike. The under should be the play.
PHILLIES ML, -110
Zack Wheeler has faced off with the Cardinals twice this season. He went seven innings both times, and he didn’t give up a single run. That’s a pretty good sign at hitter-friendly Busch Stadium. The Phillies actually might have the better team in this matchup, and I don’t think the Cardinals’ diet of NL Central opponents prepared them for the playoffs. The lower seed looks like the play.
MARINERS-BLUE JAYS U7, -110
Both teams are sending strong pitchers to the mound in Game 1, and both should get solid results. Luis Castillo managed to hold Toronto to two runs this season while pitching for a horrible Cincinnati team, while Alek Manoah has pitched to the under in six straight against the AL West. Don’t expect a lot of offense in this situation.
SAN JOSE STATE -6.5, -110
I’m not buying UNLV right now, even though the Rebels have a strong record. The Spartans have played better competition and they’ve won three of the past four in this series. All three wins came by at least seven points, and that’s all we need to get a win here. San Jose State should handle UNLV at home.
