Jimmy Adams

THE PLAY: Miami Dolphins +6.5 (-110)

As much as Tua’s absence hurts the Dolphins, Skylar Thompson is completely set up for success. Not only will Mike McDaniel cut down the playbook, but this is an offense designed for short passes that let their plethora of playmakers take care of the rest. Seattle is sitting happy at 2-0 even though both wins came by one score. The Seahawks beat a winless Denver team at home in their opener and needed overtime to take down the Patriots last week. Miami remains extremely talented, all Thompson has to do is not mess things up. Take the Dolphins. 

THE PLAY: 1H Minnesota Twins -130 P Lopez (RHP) Must Start

The Twins got their bats going yesterday in a 9-2 win over Cincy, a much needed victory with Detroit and Seattle right on their heels in the wild card race. In order to keep their lead in the playoffs they need a pitcher like Pablo Lopez to take the mound. Lopez hasn’t allowed an earned run in 4 of his past 5 starts, a truly remarkable feat considering he’s pitched at least 6 innings in every game. He does a great job with his off-speed pitches, mixing in a sweeper and changeup to go along with his elite fastball. We have a very small sample size to go off with Matthew Boyd, but we know he’s a low velocity southpaw and gave up 4 runs last time out to the lowly White Sox. Lopez is pure “bet on” material right now, and Minnesota needs to keep winning as they currently hold the final wild card spot in the AL. Take the Twins F5. 

THE PLAY: USC -6.0 (-110)

We faded Michigan in their first 2 games with success and will go right back to the window against them here. Michigan got a reality check by Texas and then beat Arkansas State by 10. This new look Wolverines squad remains overvalued in the betting market, and now USC comes to Ann Arbor to inflict damage, and they enter having had an extra week to prepare. The Trojans are averaging 37.5 points per game en route to a 2-0 start and allowing just 10. Lincoln Riley’s offense is clicking like we would expect with Miller Moss stepping up at quarterback. However, it’s the defensive improvement that is most substantial. That being said, the Trojans are averaging 7.18 yards per play and there’s simply no way Michigan will be able to keep up. Take USC.