Well we didn’t get you those UFC and CFL picks during the day but here we are at the wee-hours doing just that. Skipping WNBA Saturday, don’t feel like I have an edge, but we’re onto more CFL, UFC, and here are some early NFL preseason week 1 picks, too!
CFL Picks (12-10, +1.95 units):\
BC Lions over 30.5 points (-120), to win 1 unit
First Score of Game, Lions TD (+190), to win 1.9 units
Lions 1H -6.5 (-110), to win 1 unit
Teaser (6.5 points): Lions -3.5 and Game over 45 (-120), to win 1 unit
The way to play this game is to play the BC Lions and I’m not sure anyone could tell me differently. Some may say well, the Elks had a week off and BC haven’t yet and that favors Edmonton blah blah. If that’s the case, so be it, but all the data points and all the momentum tells us to wager and wager big on the BC Lions. BC owns the best offense in nearly every category, you name it (TDs, Points, Yards Per Play, 2nd Down Conversion), while Edmonton is defensively at the bottom of almost every pile. In their first matchup, also in BC, the Lions trounced the Elks in a 59-15 beatdown. I don’t think the margin will be as wide in this contest, Edmonton has to have some pride, but BC knows it can’t blow games like this with big Winnipeg still leading the conference, the one team that bested them so far. BC continues putting up points and decimates the Elks once again.
UFC Fight Night Picks (7-12, +2.26 units)
Jamahal Hill wins in Round 1 (+375), to win 1 unit
Jamahal Hill wins in Round 2 (+475), to win 1 unit
No, Fight Does Not Complete 2 Full Rounds (-125), to win 2 units
These are the two most likely outcomes to this fight, so why not put 2 units to win at least 3.75 units? Thiago Santos is always dangerous with that jackhammer of a punch he owns, but this is Hill’s time to shine. The 31 year old is in his prime and coming off two very impressive 1st round finishes. Santos is a huge threat, no doubt, but Hill looks and checks out as a ready contender. Hill takes it early; Santos isn’t one to play cautious and he’ll pay for it.
Mohammad Usman by KO, TKO, or DQ (+500), 0.6 units to win 3 units
This is worth a shot. Winner earns a UFC contract, which is both fighter’s dreams, and even though Pauga seems like the better athlete, Usman is one hell of a name with one hell of a gene pool and the big boy seems very motivated. Training with brother and arguably the current UFC GOAT Kamaru Usman can only pay dividends and if he wins this heavyweight battle, it’ll probably be by one of those heavy ass hands he likes to land. Pauga is good; but all it takes is one swipe from big Muhammad. I’m rollin’ with the underdog with elite DNA.
Cory McKenna (-210), to win 1 unit
A hefty price to pay unfortunately but IMO we’re wasting money if we try to predict how this fight will end. Instead, sometimes you just gotta go with the best bet, even if it’s priced a little high. McKenna is beyond eager to get back into the octagon after a split-decision loss back in March. The right strawweight probably won that bout, but the red-head from Wales was on a 4-fight win streak leading up to it. She was also ready to bust out as a real threat in her division. The UFC wanted it, too– that’s why they’re giving her Miranda Granger. Granger is a decently experienced UFC fighter who’s had one impressive victory against Hannah Goldy. Her last fight was nearly 2 years ago and she’s heading into this fight, cold, with a 2-fight losing streak. This is McKenna’s to dominate and regain momentum.
NFL Preseason Week 1 Picks (0-1, -1.1 units):
Previously Given- Ravens -4 (-110, Preseason Week 1, Aug 11), to win 1.5 units
Well it’s pretty well-documented how good John Harbaugh is in the preseason. In case you didn’t know, he’s 40-12 (77%) straight up in exhibition games and in general, tends to care WAY more about his talent putting in effort and gaining momentum before the regular season begins. At -4, at home, this is a line that should only rise and in reality – take the Ravens.
Giants ML (+105), to win 0.50 units
As an avid reader of all things NY Giants, I can tell you one thing – this team is excited to get on the field. New HC Brian Daboll brings a new regime and new ideas to a NY Giants offense that desperately needs it. Billy Belichik, on the other hand, could probably care less about the game, save for a few good plays from the starters in 1 or 2 drives. Another good way to bet this game is by expecting the Pats to go up early and bet NYG live at a better moneyline price.
Jaguars ML (-125), to win 1 unit
Jaguars 1Q ML (not out yet, probably -115), to win 1 unit
Nice setup for Jacksonville to get a symbolic win under their new head coach. The Hall of Fame game was blown open from the opening drive where that lofty dumb pass fell in the hands of one of LV’s wide receivers. The Jags didn’t play anyone of value but they’ll need more reps in a new system. Take the Jags early and overall; I think they’ll care way more than the Browns do.
