Tim Michael

T.M. Selection: Fever/Dream OVER (EAST-CONF RND 1 TOY)

These two teams are very familiar with each other. The first two games have both been scrappy lower-scoring outcomes, but everything points to a much faster-paced and more efficient Game 3. Note that Atlanta has also seen the total eclipse the posted number in 7 of its last 10 in trying to avenge a road loss as a favorite vs. an opponent. Look for a faster-paced affair to lead to more shots and for that to ultimately translate into a higher-scoring final outcome; this number is low in my opinion.

T.M. Prediction: 90-86 Atlanta.

T.M. Selection: Dolphins/Bills under.

The Bills have played to a couple of high-scoring games, but I'm anticipating a very low-scoring defensive battle here on Thursday night. Expect these offenses to take a step back on the short week. Miami is desperate to avoid a three-game slide to open the season, and it'll be looking to keep Josh Allen off the field as much and as long as possible, whenever possible. While the rest of the World goes one way, I'm going the other; the play is on the "under!"

T.M. Prediction: 27-13 Buffalo.

T.M. Selection: Rice moneyline.

Rice Owls (2-1) enter their AAC road opener as favorites against the Charlotte 49ers (1-2), poised to win and cover convincingly. Rice's balanced attack thrives under new coach Scott Abell, with QB Chase Jenkins amassing 326 total yards and 3 TDs in a 38-17 rout of Prairie View A&M last time out. Run-heavy RB Quinton Jackson has exploded for 200+ yards early, exploiting Charlotte's porous defense that yielded 382 passing yards in a 42-35 FCS win over Monmouth last time out. The 49ers' losses to App State and UNC (20-3) expose vulnerabilities against mobile QBs like Jenkins. On a short week, Rice's stingy D—under 300 yards allowed per game—stifles Harrell's arm, securing a victory and easy cover.

T.M. Prediction: 27-17 Rice.