We have two games left to decide MLB’s Final Four.
The Cubs and Brewers will play a Game 5 Saturday in Milwaukee after Chicago’s 6-0 victory on Thursday night. The winner will meet the Dodgers, who eliminated the Phillies 2-1 in 11 innings on a walk-off throwing error by Philadelphia pitcher Orion Kerkering.
Tonight (8:08 ET), the Tigers (-128 at Circa) and Mariners (+115) will decide who advances to play the Blue Jays.
Adam Burke will file his Best Bets and Steve Makinen will have his Analytics Report later this morning.
The Game 5 starting pitchers for the Brewers and Cubs aren’t obvious, so I asked Greg — proud Wisconsin native and Brewers fan — what he would do.
I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision because the Brewers will likely have nobody going more than 2-3 innings. Perhaps they give Jacob Misirowski some bulk innings, but he’s been shaky since coming off of the injured list. The starter frankly isn’t going to play a big role for Milwaukee because whoever starts won’t be in the game very long and might be nothing more than an opener.
The Cubs will start Shota Imanaga. He’s the lone guy they have on normal rest, and has regressed big time in the past month, which is great news for Milwaukee.
DraftKings made the Brewers -132 favorites vs. the Cubs +109.
NFL: Another Dog wins outright
Underdogs picked up where they left off last week as the Giants (+7) routed the Eagles 34-17 in the Week 6 opener. The Total went Over the closing 41 at Circa.
With that win, dogs are now 39-38 against the spread for the season. >>More ATS data from Dave Tuley. Congrats to Dave for being so confident about the Giants.
FYI: The Opta AI player prop projections went 25-19.
Everything we post on NFL Week 6 will be here.
QB Updates:
>Mac Jones looks like he will get the nod for the 49ers over the still-injured Brock Purdy (toe).
>Lamar Jackson (hamstring) still hasn’t practiced this week, so Cooper Rush is looking more likely for the Ravens.
>Kyler Murray (foot) also sat out Cardinals practice on Thursday.
Three NFL podcasts for your listening pleasure:
>Beating The Book with Gill Alexander, regulars Todd Wishnev and Will Hill, and special guest Joe Peta. >Listen.
>Sharp Money with Patrick Meagher and Mike Somich. >Listen.
>And for something completely different: The Fade Us Sports podcast with poker’s Phil Hellmuth, Mike Matusow, Brandon Cantu and David Woodley. >Listen.
College football: 3 games on menu
South Florida (+1 at Circa) at North Texas (7:30 ET, ESPN) is the featured attraction on a three-game menu tonight.
Adam Burke shares his thoughts on all three.
Steve Makinen has a Best Bet on Fresno State-Colorado State.
Josh Appelbaum’s CFB Sharp Report will be posted later this morning.
FYI: Oklahoma QB John Mateer is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game with Texas (+1).
Thursday steam alerts from DonBest Sports:
Oklahoma-Texas Over 43
UCLA +8.5 vs. Michigan State
Indiana-Oregon Under 55
Get these steam alerts and more in real time from the DonBest Screen. Sign up now for a 7-day free trial at go.donbest.com. Use the promo code VSIN10 for 10% off your initial subscription.
>CFB Week 7 Hub with stories and resources.
Tim Murray shares his play on Oklahoma-Texas and Matt Youmans has one on Indiana-Oregon, among their many Best Bets, on the VSiN College Football Betting Podcast. >Watch. >Listen.
Circa Friday Football resumes
The aforementioned Matt Youmans will announce 175 picks from 25 contestants tonight on the Circa Friday Football Invitational show (7-10 p.m. ET).
Guests include Circa owner Derek Stevens, who put up the $30,000 in prize money, plus contestants Chris Macero, Chuck Edell, Alex White and Chris Piper.
Las Vegas pro bettor Frank Carulli has a one-point lead heading into Week 6. >>Standings.
Quick Hits
NBA: The VSiN NBA Betting Guide is ready for download in plenty of time for the Oct. 21 regular-season openers. LeBron James, however, will not be ready for the start of the season as the Lakers announced he will miss the next 2-4 weeks with sciatica on his right side. Zach Cohen writes that LA’s season win total is already moving toward the Under.
NHL: VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis will post his Best Bets around mid-day. Steve Makinen makes daily power ratings that generate an estimated score for every game that is displayed on our NHL matchups page.
Horse Racing: “Mr. Ed” Sehon offers his picks for today’s Keeneland card. Mike Somich and Aaron Halterman discuss the Breeders’ Cup Classic and have Best Bets for weekend racing at Keeneland and Santa Anita on the VSiN At The Track podcast. >>Listen now.
Horse racing coverage is sponsored by 1/ST BET. Use the code VSiN250 to get your $250 sign-up bonus.
UFC: Dave Ross and Rob Moreno handicap Saturday’s card in Rio de Janeiro on the First Strike podcast. >Watch. Listen. Rob has a few more details in his VSiN.com story. Lou Finocchiaro posted his plays.
