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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/11/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Aug 11, 2025

The Monday sports card features MLB action.Major League Baseball has 11 games scheduled. The Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:10 p.m. ET. The Reds have won two games in a row after their 14-8 victory at Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Phillies won for the sixth time in their last seven games in a 4-2 win at Texas yesterday. Cincinnati sends out Andrew Abbott to pitch against Philadelphia’s Taijuan Walker. The Reds are a -126 money-line favorite with the total set at 9.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The New York Yankees play at home against the Minnesota Twins at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Yankees lost for the seventh time in their last nine games after a 7-1 loss at home against Houston yesterday. The Twins won for the fourth time in their last five games after their 5-3 victory against Kansas City on Sunday. Will Warren gets the ball for New York to take on Zebby Matthews for Minnesota. The Yankees are a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. Three MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:40 p.m. ET. Detroit travels to Chicago with the Tigers turning to Chris Paddock to face the White Sox’s Elvis Peguero. The Tigers won for the second time in their last three games in a 9-5 victory against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The White Sox ended a six-game losing streak with a 6-4 victory against Cleveland yesterday. Detroit is a -137 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Kansas City is home against Washington, with Bailey Falter taking the mound for the Royals to duel against Cade Cavalli for the Nationals. The Royals lost for the second time in their last three games after their loss at Minnesota yesterday. The Nationals have won two games in a row after an 8-0 victory at San Francisco on Sunday. Kansas City is a -150 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. Milwaukee hosts Pittsburgh with the Brewers turning to Freddy Peralta to pitch against the Pirates’ Andrew Heaney. The Brewers are on a nine-game winning streak after a 7-6 victory against the New York Mets on Sunday. The Pirates have lost two games in a row after losing to the Reds yesterday. Milwaukee is a -208 money-line favorite with a total of 8.The St. Louis Cardinals play at home against the Colorado Rockies at 7:45 p.m. ET. The Cardinals won for the third time in their last four games in a 3-2 victory against the Chicago Cubs last night. The Rockies are on a seven-game losing streak after a 13-6 loss at Arizona on Sunday. Miles Mikolas gets the ball for St. Louis to challenge Chase Dollander for Colorado. The Cardinals are a -227 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5.The Texas Rangers are home against the Arizona Diamondbacks at 8:05 p.m. ET. The Rangers are on a four-game losing streak after a 4-2 loss against Boston on Sunday. The Diamondbacks are on a three-game winning streak after their victory against the Rockies yesterday. Texas taps Nathan Eovaldi to take on Arizona’s Ryne Nelson. The Rangers are a -164 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Boston Red Sox play in Houston against the Astros at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Red Sox lost for the third time in their last four games in a 6-2 loss at San Diego on Sunday. The Astros won for the fourth time in their last six games in their victory against the Yankees yesterday. Garrett Crochet takes the hill for Boston to battle Christian Javier for Houston. The Red Sox are a -182 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5.  The Los Angeles Dodgers play across town against the Los Angeles Angels at 9:38 p.m. ET. The Dodgers had won two games in a row before a 5-4 loss against Toronto on Sunday. The Angels lost for the fourth time in their last five games in their setback against the Tigers yesterday. The Dodgers send out Yoshinobu Yamamoto to face the Angels’ Jose Soriano. The Dodgers are a -182 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The San Francisco Giants are home against the San Diego Padres at 9:45 p.m. ET. The Giants have lost two games in a row after their loss against the Nationals yesterday. The Padres won for the fourth time in their last five games after beating the Red Sox on Sunday. Logan Webb gets the starting assignment for San Francisco to take on a starting pitcher yet to be assigned for San Diego. The Athletics host the Tampa Bay Rays at 10:05 p.m. ET. The Athletics are on a two-game winning streak after a 3-2 victory at Baltimore on Sunday. The Rays are on a three-game losing streak after a 6-3 loss at Seattle yesterday. The Athletics tap Jeffrey Springs to challenge Tampa Bay’s Ryan Pepiot. The Athletics are a -113 money-line favorite with an over/under of 10. 

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 AFC South: 2025 NFL Season Preview

by Wayne Root

Sunday, Aug 10, 2025

The AFC South is poised for an exciting season in 2025, with each team showcasing unique strengths and challenges as they vie for divisional supremacy. Fans can expect thrilling matchups and potential surprises throughout the year.The AFC South features teams undergoing significant changes as they compete for supremacy in the division. Here’s an up-to-date overview.Coaches DeMeco Ryans: HOUSTON Ryans has led the Texans to back-to-back AFC South titles in his two seasons as head coach. He was a captain on the Texans as a linebacker and has guided the team to consecutive AFC South crowns.Shane Steichen: INDIANAPOLIS Steichen joined the Colts after being the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he led the team to the No. 3 offense in the NFL in 2022. He has accumulated a 17-17 record in his two seasons with the Colts.Liam Coen: JACKSONVILLE Coen was hired as the Jaguars' head coach and is known for his offensive-minded approach. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.Brian Callahan: TENNESSEE Callahan was hired by the Titans after spending five years as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. He takes over a team undergoing a rebuild in the AFC South. Strength of Offense and DefenseIndianapolis ColtsOffense QB: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Jason BeanFocused on a strong running game with Jonathan Taylor, complemented by a young quarterback.Defense: A solid front seven, but improvements are needed in the secondary.Tennessee TitansOffense QB: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen, Tim BoyleRB Tony Pollard remains the focal point, but the Titans are looking to diversify their passing game with Ripken and Lockett.Defense: Solid against the run, but the secondary has faced challenges.Jacksonville JaguarsOffense QB: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens, John Wolford, Seth HeniganA powerful offense led by Trevor Lawrence, with strong contributions from Travis Etienne.Defense: Young and aggressive, capable of creating turnovers while needing to improve consistency.Houston TexansOffense QB: CJ Stroud, Davis Mills, Graham Mertz, Kedon SlovisDeveloping under a new system, focusing on a mix of run and pass with rookie talent.Defense: Expected to be more aggressive and cohesive under Ryans.Offensive Line(s)Colts: Generally solid but dealing with some injuries and depth concerns.Titans: Experienced but aging, needing to protect their QB effectively.Jags: Improved significantly, providing good protection for Lawrence.Texans: Young and developing, still a work in progress.Additions and notes:Indianapolis ColtsQuarterback: Anthony Richardson is expected to lead the offense.Wide Receiver: New draft picks to enhance the receiving corps.Tennessee TitansQuarterback: Rookie Cam WardWide Receiver: New additions to boost the passing game.Defensive Lineman: Draft picks aimed at strengthening the defense.Jacksonville JaguarsTight End: Added depth to the passing game.Defensive Back: Young talent to improve secondary depth.Houston TexansWide Receiver: New speed options added to the roster.What Oddsmakers Predict:Current Oddsmakers Odds Houston +100Jacksonville +275Indianapolis +300Tennessee +750Detailed Analysis: Houston Texans:The Texans are the favorites to win the division for the third consecutive year, despite some analysts predicting a potential decline after a mixed 2024 season. Jacksonville Jaguars:The Jaguars are considered the second-best team in the division, with their performance hinging on Trevor Lawrence's ability to meet expectations under new head coach Liam Coen. Indianapolis Colts:The Colts are predicted to be a strong contender, with potential for a 10-win season if Anthony Richardson can perform well in his third year. Tennessee Titans:The Titans are seen as being in a rebuilding phase, with a rookie quarterback and a less talented roster compared to the other teams in the division. Key Factors to Consider: Houston Texans' Offense:The Texans' offensive line and receiving corps are question marks heading into the season. Jacksonville Jaguars' Offense:The Jaguars' success depends on Liam Coen's ability to elevate Trevor Lawrence and the team's running game. Indianapolis Colts' Quarterback:The Colts' performance relies heavily on Anthony Richardson's development and ability to lead the team. Tennessee Titans' Rebuilding Phase:The Titans are in a long-term rebuilding process, which will likely hinder their chances of winning the division in 2025.   Conclusion: The AFC South is expected to be a competitive division in 2025, with the Texans, Jaguars, and Colts all having a chance to win the division title. However, the Texans are still the favorites due to their strong defense and the potential for their offense to improve under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL and MLB Previews and Odds - 08/10/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Aug 10, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NFLX and MLB action.The NFLX 1 preseason concludes its Week 1 with two games on the NFL Network. The Chicago Bears host the Miami Dolphins at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 35.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Los Angeles Chargers play at home against the New Orleans Saints at 4:00 p.m. ET as a -0.5 point spread favorite with an over/under of 37.5. Major League Baseball has 15 games scheduled. The Kansas City Royals travel to Minnesota to play the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Royals send out Ryan Bergent to pitch against the Twins’ Jose Urena. Kansas City is a -123 money-line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Four MLB games throw out the first pitch at 1:35 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh is home against Cincinnati with Mike Burrows takes the ball for the Pirates to face Zack Little for the Reds. Both teams are priced as a -110 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. New York hosts Houston with the Yankees turning to Max Fried to take on the Astros’ Jason Alexander. The Yankees are a -208 money-line favorite with a total of 9. Baltimore plays at home against the Athletics with Cade Povich taking the hill for the Orioles to go against Luis Morales for the Athletics. The Orioles are a -132 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Atlanta is at home against Miami with the Braves tapping Joey Wentz to challenge the Marlins’ Cal Quantrill. The Braves are a -136 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Detroit Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels at 1:40 p.m. ET. Casey Mize takes the hill for the Tigers to battle Jack Kochanowicz for the Angels. Detroit is a -208 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. Two MLB games start at 2:10 p.m. ET. Cleveland is in Chicago with the Guardians sending out Slade Cecconi to pitch against the White Sox’s Davis Martin. The Guardians are a -144 money-line road favorite with a total of 9. Milwaukee play at home against New York with Quinn Priester taking the hill for the Brewers to face Sean Manaea for the Mets. The Brewers are a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Philadelphia Phillies visit Texas to take on the Rangers at 2:35 p.m. ET. The Phillies send out Zack Wheeler to pitch against the Rangers’ Patrick Corbin. Philadelphia is a -157 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The San Francisco Giants are home against the Washington Nationals  at 4:05 p.m. ET. Justin Verlander gets the ball for the Giants to face Mackenzie Gore for the Nationals. San Francisco is a -137 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. Four MLB games begin at 4:10 p.m. ET. Arizona hosts Colorado with the Diamondbacks turning to Brandon Pfaadt to battle the Rockies’ Tanner Gordon. The Diamondbacks are a -273 money-line favorite with a total of 9. Seattle plays at home against Tampa Bay with Bryan Woo taking the hill for the Mariners to challenge Adrian Houser for the Rays. The Mariners are a -193 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Los Angeles is home against Toronto with the Dodgers turning to Tyler Glasnow to pitch against the Blue Jays Eric Lauer. The Dodgers are a -187 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. San Diego hosts Boston with Dylan Cease getting the ball for the Padres to take on Bryan Bello for the Red Sox. The Padres are a -143 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN features the Chicago Cubs play in St. Louis against the Cardinals at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cubs tap Shota Imanaga to take on the Cardinals’ Sonny Fray. Chicago is a -126 money-line road favorite with a total of 7.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/09/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Aug 09, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The NFLX 1 preseason continues its Week 1 with eight games. The Buffalo Bills host the New York Giants on the NFL Network at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 36.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Minnesota Vikings play at home against the Houston Texans on the NFL Network at 4:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 37.5.Two NFLX preseason games kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Dallas Cowboys travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 33.5. The Jacksonville Jaguars are home against the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 37.5. The Tennessee Titans play in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 32.5. Two NFLX preseason games start at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Kansas City Chiefs are in Arizona to face the Cardinals as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 39.5. The Green Bay Packers host the New York Jets on the NFL Network as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 38.5. The Denver Broncos visit San Francisco to face the 49ers at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 34.5. Major League Baseball has 16 games scheduled. The Miami Marlins play in Atlanta against the Braves in the opening game of their doubleheader at 1:15 p.m. ET, with both teams priced as -110 money-line favorites at BetMGM with an over/under of 9. The Houston Astros are in New York to challenge the Yankees at 2:05 p.m. ET as a -126 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The San Francisco Giants play at home against the Washington Nationals at 4:05 p.m. ET as a -164 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5.The Detroit Tigers are home against the Los Angeles Angels at 6:10 p.m. ET as a -144 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Cincinnati Reds visit Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates at 6:40 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line road favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 8.5. The Baltimore Orioles host the Athletics at 7:05 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 10. Three MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Guardians play in Chicago against the White Sox as a -144 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers are home against the New York Mets as a -150 money-line favorite at BetMGM with a total of 8.5. The Kansas City Royals are in Minnesota against the Twins as a -121 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Three MLB games start at 7:15 p.m. ET. The Marlins are on the road against the Braves in their second game of their doubleheader as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Two more MLB games are featured on Fox’s regional television coverage. The Texas Rangers host the Philadelphia Phillies as a -137 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Chicago Cubs travel to St. Louis to face the Cardinals as a -114 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Arizona Diamondbacks play at home against the Colorado Rockies at 8:10 p.m. ET as a -227 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The San Diego Padres are home against the Boston Red Sox at 8:40 p.m. ET as a -156 money-line favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Toronto Blue Jays at 9:10 p.m. ET as a -165 money-line favorite at Bet MGM with an over/under of 8.5. The Seattle Mariners play at home against the Tampa Bay Rays as a -126 money-line favorite with a total of 8.Week 10 in the Canadian Football League concludes with two games on the CBS Sports Network. The Toronto Argonauts are home against the Ottawa Redblacks at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 52.5. The Calgary Stampeders host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 51.5.

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AFC East Division Preview

by Wayne Root

Friday, Aug 08, 2025

Here's a breakdown of the AFC East heading into the 2025-2026 NFL season:1. Coaches and CoordinatorsBuffalo Bills: Sean McDermott remains the head coach.Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel is still the head coach.New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel takes over as head coach. Josh McDaniels is the offensive coordinator, with assistants including Tony Dews (running backs), Todd Downing (wide receivers), and Doug Marrone (offensive line).New York Jets: Aaron Glenn is the new head coach.2. Strength of Offense and DefenseBuffalo Bills: The Bills' defense added pieces like Joey Bosa, Maxwell Hairston and T.J. Sanders. In 2024, the Bills' offense set a franchise record with 525 points scored.Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins' offense has speed with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and DeVon Achane. The defense was good in 2024, finishing fourth in yards allowed.New England Patriots: The Patriots' defense is considered stout. The team finished second to last in total offense in 2024.New York Jets: The Jets' defense was good in 2024, finishing third in the NFL in yards allowed.3. Offensive LineBuffalo Bills: The Bills have continuity, returning all five starters from last season. They are considered to have the best offensive line in the AFC East.Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins' offensive line has been average at best.New England Patriots: The Patriots revamped their offensive line, adding Garrett Bradbury, Morgan Moses, and Will Campbell.New York Jets: The Jets have invested in their offensive line through the draft, selecting Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou in recent years.4. New Additions to TeamsBuffalo Bills: Added Joey Bosa, Josh Palmer, Larry Ogunjobi and Tre'Davious White. Drafted Maxwell Hairston.Miami Dolphins: Added James Daniels, Zach Wilson, Willie Gay Jr., Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Alexander Mattison. Drafted Kenneth Grant and Jonah Savaiinaea. New England Patriots: Added Stefon Diggs. Drafted Will Campbell and TreVeyon Henderson. Mike Vrabel is the new head coach.New York Jets: Added Justin Fields and Josh Reynolds. Drafted Armand Membou. Aaron Glenn is the new head coach. 5. What Oddsmakers PredictOdds to Win the Division Buffalo -325New England +400Miami +575NY Jets +2000AFC East Winner: The Buffalo Bills are the heavy favorites to win the AFC East.Playoff Predictions:The Bills are expected to make the playoffs and potentially make a Super Bowl run.The Patriots are given a chance to compete for a wild card spot.Team Records:Bills are predicted to have a strong record, potentially 12-5 or 15-2.Patriots are predicted to have a record around 8-9 or potentially 11-6.Dolphins are predicted to have a record around 7-10.Jets are predicted to struggle, potentially with a record around 3-14 or 5-12.6. Hidden Info or GemsBuffalo Bills: Landon Jackson (Edge).Miami Dolphins: Jason Marshall Jr. (CB).New England Patriots: Joshua Farmer (DT).New York Jets: Isaiah Davis (RB).7. Specific obstacles each team in the AFC East must overcome for the 2025-2026 season:Buffalo BillsPlayoff Pressure: The Bills face high expectations after consistent playoff appearances. They must manage the pressure to perform in crucial games.Injury Concerns: Key players, including Josh Allen, have faced injuries in the past, and maintaining health is crucial for a deep playoff run.Defensive Adjustments: With new additions, the defense must quickly gel to maintain their top-tier status.Miami DolphinsConsistency on Offense: While their skill positions are strong, the offensive line must improve to provide adequate protection for Tua Tagovailoa.Defensive Depth: The Dolphins need to improve their depth on defense, especially if injuries occur to key players.Coaching Adaptability: Mike McDaniel must demonstrate adaptability in his game plans to fully utilize the talent on the roster.New England PatriotsOffensive Revamp: Transitioning to a new offensive scheme under Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels requires time for players to adjust.Quarterback Stability: With new additions, the Patriots need to find a reliable starting quarterback to lead the offense effectively.Defensive Aging: Some defensive players are aging, and the team must integrate younger talent to maintain competitiveness.New York JetsQuarterback Performance: Justin Fields must adapt to the Jets’ system and demonstrate he can lead the team effectively.Inconsistent Playmaking: The Jets need to establish a reliable playmaking identity on both sides of the ball.Coaching Transition: Aaron Glenn’s first year as head coach will require smooth transitions and effective communication with players to create a cohesive unit.Addressing these obstacles will be crucial for each team’s success in the upcoming season.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/08/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Aug 08, 2025

The Friday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The NFL 1 preseason continues its Week 1 with three games. Two NFL preseason games kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Detroit Lions travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons as a 3.5-point road favorite with the total set at 32.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Carolina Panthers host the Cleveland Browns on the NFL Network as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 32.5. The New England Patriots play at home against the Washington Commanders at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 34.5.Major League Baseball has 15 games scheduled. The Cincinnati Reds play in Pittsburgh against the Pirates on Apple TV+ at 6:40 p.m. ET, with both teams priced as -110 money-line favorites with an over/under of 8. Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Houston Astros are in New York to take on the Yankees on Apple TV+ as a -119 money-line road favorite with a total of 8. The Baltimore Orioles are home against the Athletics as a -117 money-line favorite with an over/under of 10.The Detroit Tigers host the Los Angeles Angels at 7:10 p.m. ET as a -344 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Miami Marlins visit Atlanta to face the Braves at 7:15 p.m. ET as a -119 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The Cleveland Guardians play in Chicago against the White Sox at 7:40 p.m. ET as a -172 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Philadelphia Phillies are in Texas to challenge the Rangers at 8:05 p.m. ET as a -136 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two more MLB games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Twins play at home against the Kansas City Royals as a -137 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Milwaukee Brewers are home against the New York Mets as a -127 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The Chicago Cubs travel to St. Louis to go against the Cardinals at 8:15 p.m. ET as a -156 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Three MLB games begin at 9:40 p.m. ET. The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies as a -246 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Seattle Mariners play at home against the Tampa Bay Rays as a -131 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The San Diego Padres are home against the Boston Red Sox as a -194 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Toronto Blue Jays at 10:10 p.m. ET as a -151 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The Washington Nationals play in San Francisco against the Giants at 10:15 p.m. ET.Week 10 in the Canadian Football League continues with one game. The Montreal Alouettes host the Edmonton Elks at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 51.5. 

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NFL System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Friday, Aug 08, 2025

The NFL Preseason schedule got underway last week with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.  The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Detroit Lions, 34-7.One of the things I like to do in the Preseason is play on a team with a game under its belt if its opponent is playing its first preseason game.  Since 1983, our teams that have played at least one preseason game have gone 72-51-8 ATS vs. an opponent playing its first preseason game.  And it doesn't matter whether our 'play-on' team is coming off a win (35-26-3 ATS) or a loss (37-25-5 ATS).  Or if it is at home (31-24-2 ATS) or playing away from home (41-27-6 ATS).  Or if it is an underdog/PK (33-19-5 ATS) or favored (39-32-3 ATS).  All subsets have shown a profit.This season, our NFL System of the Week has two plays:  the Lions are -3.5 at Atlanta on Friday, while the Chargers are a 1-point home dog vs. New Orleans on Sunday.Consider playing both Detroit and Los Angeles.Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

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NFL Quarterback Rotations for each Team

by Wayne Root

Thursday, Aug 07, 2025

Unleash Your Betting Potential This NFL Preseason By Wayne Allyn RootAttention, NFL fanatics and thrill-seeking gamblers! The preseason is your golden ticket to scoring big—if you play your cards right!For savvy bettors and eager amateurs alike, the NFL preseason is a treasure trove of untapped opportunities. This is the time when knowledge reigns supreme, and with the right intel, you can seize those coveted edges that vanish during the regular season.Understanding the quarterbacks you're wagering on is absolutely crucial. Picture this: the NY Giants favored over the Bills, but hold on—are you betting on Buffalo’s powerhouse first-team offense led by the legendary Josh Allen? Not quite! In preseason, it’s all about the depth charts, and no position holds more weight than the quarterback.Dive deep into the strategies of the coaches! Some are new to the scene and eager to instill a winning culture, opting to keep their starting QBs on the field longer than usual. Unlike the regular season, each coach enters the preseason with unique goals—winning isn’t always their top priority but is DEFINITELY OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AFC EastBuffalo Bills: Josh Allen, Mitchell Trubisky, Mike White, Shane BuecheleMiami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, Quinn EwersNew England Patriots: Drake Maye, Josh Dobbs, Ben WooldridgeNew York Jets: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, Brady CookAFC NorthBaltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson, Cooper Rush, Devin LearyCincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, Jake Browning, Desmond Ridder, Payton ThorneCleveland Browns: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur SandersPittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Skylar ThompsonAFC SouthHouston Texans: CJ Stroud, Davis Mills, Graham Mertz, Kedon SlovisIndianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Jason BeanJacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens, John Wolford, Seth HeniganTennessee Titans: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen, Tim BoyleAFC WestKansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe, Chris OladokunLos Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance, DJ UiagaleleiLas Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith, Aidan O’Connell, Cam MillerDenver Broncos: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Sam EhlingerNFC EastDallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III, Will GrierPhiladelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord, Dorian Thompson-RobinsonNew York Giants: Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVitoWashington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, Josh Johnson, Sam HartmanNFC NorthGreen Bay Packers: Jordan Love, Malik Willis, Sean Clifford, Taylor ElgersmaMinnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, Max BrosmerChicago Bears: Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, Austin ReedDetroit Lions: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker, Kyle AllenNFC SouthTampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask, Michael Pratt, Connor BazelakAtlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins, Easton Stick, Emory JonesNew Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, Hunter DekkersCarolina Panthers: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, Jack PlummerNFC WestLos Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, Stetson Bennett, Dresser WinnArizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett, Clayton TuneSan Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Kurtis Rourke, Tanner MordecaiSeattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/07/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Aug 07, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NFLX, MLB, and CFL action.The 2025 NFL preseason kicks off Week 1 with three games. The Indianapolis Colts travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens on the NFL Network at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Colts are a 6-point road favorite with the total set at 36.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The Cincinnati Bengals play in Philadelphia against the Eagles at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bengals are a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 37.5.The Las Vegas Raiders are in Seattle to take on the Seahawks on the NFL Network at 10:00 p.m. ET. The Raiders are a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 37.5. Major League Baseball has four games scheduled. The Athletics visit Washington at 12:05 p.m. ET. They have won two games in a row after their 2-1 victory against the Nationals on Wednesday. They are in last place in the AL West with a 50-66 record. Washington’s 45-68 record has them in last place in the NL East. The Athletics send out Jacob Lopez to pitch against the Nationals’ Mitchell Parker. The Athletics are a -132 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9.The Seattle Mariners host the Chicago White Sox at 4:10 p.m. ET. The Mariners have won three games in a row after an 8-6 victory against the White Sox yesterday. Their 62-53 record puts them in second place in the AL West. Chicago is in last place in the AL Central with a 42-72 record. Logan Gilbert takes the ball for the Mariners to face Shane Smith for the White Sox. Seattle is a -283 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5.The Pittsburgh Pirates play at home against the Cincinnati Reds at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Pirates are on a two-game losing streak after their 4-2 loss against San Francisco on Wednesday. Their 49-66 record puts them in last place in the NL Central. The Reds had won two games in a row before a 6-1 loss on the road against the Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati has a 60-55 record, which leaves them in third place in the NL Central. Pittsburgh turns to Paul Skenes to battle against the Reds’ Brady Singer. The Pirates are a -182 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.The Miami Marlins play in Atlanta against the Braves at 7:15 p.m. ET. The Marlins won for the sixth time in their last eight games after a 6-4 victory against Houston on Wednesday. They are in third place in the NL East with a 56-57 record. The Braves are on a three-game losing streak after a 5-4 loss against Milwaukee yesterday. Atlanta’s 47-66 record puts them in fourth place in the NL East. Miami taps Eury Perez to face Atlanta’s Carlos Carrasco. The Marlins are a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Week 10 in the Canadian Football League kicks off with one game. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are home against the British Columbia Lions at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Tiger-Cats are on a six-game winning streak after a 28-24 victory at Edmonton as a 4.5-point favorite last Friday. They are in first place in the East Division, up a 1/2 game on Montreal. The Lions have lost two games in a row after a 37-33 upset loss at home against Hamilton as a 2-point favorite back on July 27th. Hamilton is in fourth place in the West Division, trailing 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Saskatchewan Roughriders. Hamilton is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 55.5 total. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/06/2025

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Aug 06, 2025

The Wednesday sports card features MLB action. Major League Baseball has 15 games scheduled.Two MLB games throw out the first pitch at 12:35 p.m. ET. San Francisco travels to Pittsburgh with the Giants sending out Robbie Ray to pitch against the Pirates’ Andrew Heaney. The Giants are a -149 money-line road favorite with the total set at 7.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Philadelphia hosts Baltimore with Ranger Suarez getting the ball for the Phillies to face Trevor Rogers for the Orioles. The Phillies are a -157 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 1:10 p.m. ET. New York plays at home against Cleveland with the Mets tapping David Peterson to take on the Guardians’ Gavin Williams. The Mets are a -176 money-line favorite with a total of 8. Detroit is home against Minnesota with Jack Flaherty taking the hill for the Tigers to go against a starting pitcher yet to be named for the Twins. The Chicago Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds at 2:20 p.m. ET. The Cubs turn to Cade Horton to duel against the Reds’ Andrew Abbott. Chicago is a -144 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The New York Yankees play in Texas against the Rangers at 2:35 p.m. ET. Carlos Rodon gets the ball for the Yankees to face Jack Leiter for the Rangers. New York is a -136 money-line road favorite with a total of 8.The Toronto Blue Jays are in Colorado to battle the Rockies at 3:10 p.m. ET. The Blue Jays tap Shane Baz to take on the Rockies’ Kyle Freeland. Toronto is a -120 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 11.5. The Tampa Bay Rays visit Los Angeles to take on the Angels at 4:07 3 p.m. ET. Shane Baz takes the hill for the Rays to pitch against Tyler Anderson for the Angels. Tampa Bay is a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 9. The Los Angeles Dodgers host the St. Louis Cardinals at 4:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers send out Shohei Ohtani to face the Cardinals’ Matthew Liberatore. Los Angeles is a -219 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Houston Astros play in Miami against the Marlins at 4:40 p.m. ET. Spencer Arrighetti gets the ball first for the Astros to take on Janson Junk for the Marlins. Houston is a -113 money-line favorite with a total of 8.The Athletics are on the road against Washington at 6:45 p.m. ET. The Athletics tap Jeffrey Springs to face the Nationals' Cade Cavalli. The Athletics are a -132 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The Boston Red Sox play at home against the Kansas City Royals at 7:10 p.m. ET. The recently acquired Dustin May takes the hill for the Red Sox to challenge the Royals’ Michael Wacha. Boston is a -150 money-line favorite with a total of 9. The Atlanta Braves are home against the Milwaukee Brewers on FS1 at 7:15 p.m. ET. The Braves send out Spencer Strider to battle the Brewers' Jose Quintana. Atlanta is a -138 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. Two games conclude the MLB card at 9:40 p.m. ET. San Diego travels to Arizona with Nestor Cortes getting the ball for the Padres to take on Anthony DeSclafani for the Diamondbacks. The Padres are a -139 money-line road favorite with a total of 9.5.Seattle hosts Chicago with the Mariners tapping George Kirby to take the hill to take on the White Sox’s Jonathan Cannon for the White Sox. The Mariners are a -261 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.5.  

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NFC West Preview: 2025 NFL Season

by Wayne Root

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2025

The NFC West has been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, featuring a mix of storied franchises and rising teams. This article delves into the key aspects of each team, including coaching staff, strengths on offense and defense, offensive line play, new additions, and insights from oddsmakers. Coaches and Coordinators1. San Francisco 49ers Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Slowik Defensive Coordinator: Steve WilksShanahan's innovative offensive schemes continue to be a hallmark of the 49ers' success. The addition of Slowik aims to further enhance the passing game, while Wilks brings a fresh perspective to a talented defense. 2. Seattle Seahawks Head Coach: Pete Carroll Offensive Coordinator: Shane Waldron Defensive Coordinator: Clint HurttCarroll’s experience and defensive acumen remain vital. Waldron is expected to build on last season's offensive successes, while Hurtt focuses on improving a defense that struggled in key moments. 3. Los Angeles Rams Head Coach: Sean McVay Offensive Coordinator: Mike LaFleur Defensive Coordinator: Raheem MorrisMcVay's high-octane offense is complemented by LaFleur’s fresh ideas. Morris aims to strengthen a defense that has seen its share of injuries, hoping to return to its top form. 4. Arizona Cardinals Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing Defensive Coordinator: Nick RallisGannon is entering his second year, focusing on building a cohesive unit. Petzing’s offense will need to adapt to the team's evolving personnel, while Rallis aims to improve defensive consistency. Strength of Offense and DefenseSan Francisco 49ers Offense: Strong running game supported by versatile playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey. Defense: One of the league's best, anchored by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, adept at pressuring quarterbacks and closing out games. Seattle Seahawks Offense: Led by quarterback Geno Smith, the Seahawks boast a formidable receiving corps, including DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Defense: An average unit that needs to enhance its pass rush and secondary coverage to compete effectively. Los Angeles Rams Offense: Matthew Stafford's leadership, paired with a deep receiving group, makes them a threat, but health is a concern. Defense: A solid defensive line, but the secondary has been inconsistent, requiring significant improvement. Arizona Cardinals Offense: Young and developing, with Kyler Murray's mobility and arm strength. The offense needs to find more consistency. Defense: Rebuilding phase, focused on improving against both the pass and run, with a young core of players. Offensive LineSan Francisco 49ersConsidered one of the best in the league, with versatile players who excel in both pass protection and run blocking.Seattle SeahawksAn average line with potential; they need to improve communication and cohesion to protect Smith effectively.Los Angeles RamsInjury-plagued last season, but with some key returns, they hope to regain their strength and protect Stafford.Arizona CardinalsA developing offensive line that needs to gel quickly, especially to support Murray's dynamic play style.New Additions to TeamsSan Francisco 49ers Key Addition: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey (trade), expected to bolster the secondary.Seattle Seahawks Key Addition: Running back Zach Charbonnet, bringing depth and versatility to the backfield.Los Angeles Rams Key Addition: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (return), looking to provide dynamic playmaking ability.Arizona Cardinals Key Addition: Rookie offensive tackle Paris Johnson, expected to solidify the line.Oddsmakers Predictions San Francisco 49ers: Favored to win the division, with strong playoff odds due to their solid roster and coaching. Seattle Seahawks: Considered a wild card contender, with a moderate chance of making a playoff run. Los Angeles Rams: Viewed as a dark horse, with odds reflecting uncertainty about health and performance. Arizona Cardinals: Predicted to struggle, with lower odds reflecting a rebuilding phase. Hidden Gems San Francisco 49ers: Watch for rookie tight end Cameron Latu, who could emerge as a reliable target in Shanahan's system. Seattle Seahawks: Look out for wide receiver D'Wayne Eskridge; he has the potential to break out with increased opportunities. Los Angeles Rams: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald remains a key player; his performance will be crucial for the defense's success. Arizona Cardinals: Keep an eye on linebacker Zaven Collins. His development could be pivotal for the defense. The NFC West remains a division full of potential and intrigue. Each team has its strengths, weaknesses, and key players to watch. As the season unfolds, these dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping the playoff landscape. Whether through coaching strategies or emerging talents, the NFC West is poised to deliver excitement and surprises. Odds LA Rams +145 San Francisco +155 Arizona +400 Seattle +475 NFC West Division, Oddsmakers predictions for the 2025 season can be compared to last season's results to gauge team performance and expectations. 2024 Season Overview San Francisco 49ers: Predicted to win the division last season, they delivered on those expectations, finishing at the top with a strong playoff run. Seattle Seahawks: Considered a playoff contender, they managed to secure a wild card spot, aligning with oddsmakers' forecasts. Los Angeles Rams: Viewed as a dark horse, they struggled with injuries and finished below expectations, missing the playoffs. Arizona Cardinals: Predicted to be at the bottom of the division, they indeed had a challenging season, confirming the oddsmakers' pessimism. Comparison to 2025 Predictions San Francisco 49ers: Again favored to lead the division, their consistency and roster strength support this prediction. Seattle Seahawks: Maintained status as a wild card contender, reflecting their recent performance. Los Angeles Rams: Still seen as a dark horse, but expectations are tempered due to last season's struggles. Arizona Cardinals: Continued low expectations, indicating a long-term rebuilding phase. Conclusion Overall, oddsmakers' predictions for the 2025 season align closely with the outcomes of the 2024 season, particularly for the 49ers and Seahawks. The Rams and Cardinals, however, reflect more uncertainty and ongoing challenges. This trend suggests that while some teams have solidified their positions, others are still in flux, making the upcoming season critical for proving or reshaping expectations.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/05/2025

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Aug 05, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features MLB action. Major League Baseball has 15 games scheduled.Three MLB games throw out the first pitch at 6:40 p.m. ET. San Francisco travels to Pittsburgh with the Giants sending out Logan Webb to pitch against the Pirates’ Mike Burrows. The Giants are a -158 money-line road favorite with the total set at 7.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Detroit hosts Minnesota with Chris Paddock taking the ball for the Tigers to take on Zebby Matthews for the Twins. The Tigers are a -164 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Houston plays at Miami with the Astros tapping a starting pitcher yet to be named to throw against the Marlins’ Cal Quantrill. Both teams are priced as a -110 money-line favorites with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games start at 6:45 p.m. ET. Philadelphia plays at home against Baltimore with Taijuan Walker taking the hill for the Phillies to face Dean Kremer for the Orioles. The Phillies are a -145 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Washington is home against the Athletics, with the Nationals turning to MacKenzie Gore to duel against the Athletics’ Luis Severino. The Nationals are a -143 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games begin at 7:10 p.m. ET. New York hosts Cleveland with Clay Holmes taking the ball for the Mets to challenge Logan Allen for the Guardians. The Mets are a -200 money-line favorite with an over/under of 8. Boston plays at home against Kansas City with the Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet getting the starting pitcher assignment to go against the Royals’ Ryan Bergert. The Red Sox are a -244 money-line favorite with a total of 8.The Milwaukee Brewers are in Atlanta to play the Braves at 7:15 p.m. ET. Freddy Peralta takes the hill for the Brewers to battle Joey Wentz for the Braves. Milwaukee is a -150 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 8. Two MLB games start at 8:05 p.m. ET. Chicago is home against Cincinnati on TBS with the Cubs sending out Shota Imanaga to face the Reds’ newly acquired Zack Littell. The Cubs are a -191 money-line favorite. Texas hosts New York with Nathan Eovaldi getting the ball for the Rangers to take on Will Warren for the Yankees. The Rangers are a -137 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The Toronto Blue Jays visit Colorado to battle the Rockies at 8:40 p.m. ET. The Blue Jays send out Jose Berrios to pitch against the Rockies’ Anthony Molina. Toronto is a -227 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 11.5. The Los Angeles Angels play at home against the Tampa Bay Rays at 9:38 p.m. ET. Jose Soriano takes the mound for the Angels to challenge Ryan Pepiot for the Rays. Los Angeles is a -126 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. Two MLB games begin at 9:40 p.m. ET. San Diego plays in Arizona with the Padres tapping Yu Darvish to take on the Diamondbacks’ Ryne Nelson. The Padres are a -137 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Seattle plays at home against Chicago with Bryan Woo getting the ball for the Mariners to face the White Sox’s Davis Martin. The Mariners are a -250 money-line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers are home against the St. Louis Cardinals at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers tap Emmett Sheehan to pitch against the Cardinals’ Miles Mikolas. Los Angeles is a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 9.

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