Will Rogers Handicapping Review & Free Picks Page

The set-up: While neither of these starters instills a ton of confidence, I still think that this number is high. After the Marlins’ 19-11 slug-fest victory yesterday, I think the stage is set for more of a “duel” on Saturday night. The visitors hand the ball to Zach Eflin, while the home side counters with Jordan Yamamoto.

The pitchers: Efin (7-11, 4.57 ERA) is 3-2 with a 4.37 ERA in seven career starts vs. the Marlins.

Yamamoto (4-4, 4.31) struck out a career-high nine batters over six innings in a no-decision to the Rockies on Sunday and he’s 1-0 with a 3.99 ERA in two starts vs. the Phillies this year. 

The pick: Note that Philly slugger Bryce Harper remains out of the line-up, as he’s expecting a new child. I think these hungry starters throw deep and I look for this total to indeed sneak under once it’s all said and done.

Miami Marlins/Philadelphia Phillies UNDER 10* play

The set-up: Real Salt Lake had its five match unbeaten streak ended with a 2-0 loss to LAFC last time out and clearly it’ll be out to atone for that. Colorado won’t be lacking for motivation here though after losing three of the last four in this series, as well as dropping three and drowning once in its last six overall. 

The pick: These teams have a history of playing to higher-scoring affairs, but the injuries to Real Salt Lake are real at the moment: Jordan Allen out with a knee injury; Tony Beltran out with knee injury and Nick Besler out with a foot injury and Aaron Herrera out after picking up a red card last match. With Colorado content to play a “war of attrition,” and considering the injuries to the home side, I believe this one falls well below the posted number once it’s all said and done.

Real Salt Lake/Colorado Rapids UNDER 10* play

The set-up: Sheffield United is unbeaten so far in the campaign, but I believe that string runs out here. The Foxes won’t be lacking for motivation here after only picking up two points through two games. Last weekend they drew with Chelsea 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. 

The pick: The Blades have so far proved the doubters wrong, but the step up vs. the Foxes, who won’t be taking anything for granted after back-to-back draws (and while that doesn’t look very impressive on paper, Leicester has been dominant in both matches in time of possession and I believe that finally works in its favor today. Great value on the “better/more experienced” club. 

Leicester City 10* play

The set-up: No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as the Chargers have already stated that starting QB Philip Rivers won’t see any action at all in this one. LA still has plenty of talent of course, but when looking for “difference makers” in the preseason (especially in Week 3, the all important “dress rehearsal”), then I do definitely believe that this is significant. 

The pick: I’m also partial to Seattle’s backup QB Geno Smith, who wlll reportedly see significant time here as well (the Hawks will also feature third stringer JT Barrett as well today). The Chargers turn to Tyrod Tyalor and Cardelle Jones, both of whom I believe will struggle vs. the Hawks’ aggressive defensive front. I’m banking on Wilson and company delivering the goods in Week 3. Play on the Hawks money-line.

Seattle Seahawks 10* play

The set-up: Outright upset? It’s not out of the realm of possibility at all in my opinion. After finishing 4-17 in 2017, the Gators went 10-3 in Dan Mullen’s first year as head coach. That included a win over Michigan in the Peach Bowl. While QB Feleipe Franks is back under center for Florida, the big question mark for the Gators (and I think it’s significant in Week 1), is that there are four new starters on the offensive line. 

The pick: Miami was just 7-6 last year. Manny Diaz is now the head coach for the Hurricanes and he went out and grabbed a top play-caller in Dan Enos. Jarren Williams beat out N’Kosi Perry and Tate Martell for the starting QB position for the home side. Williams had two of the ACC’s top receivers in Coral Gables and buffalo transfer KJ Osborn. The uncertain up front for Florida makes the Hurricanes the correct call in Week 1 in my opinion. Grab the points.

Miami Florida 10* play