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Giants vs. Jets Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The New York Giants and New York Jets are energized somewhat this season because of the presence of a couple of prized rookies, although only one of them is expected to make an immediate impact.

Between these teams, the Giants are the one that is settled at quarterback. And that probably makes them the more complete team offensively, because they also hope to have the most electrifying receiver in the game available to them on an extended basis.

The Jets, however, have their quarterback of the future, and that counts for something that can buy a management team and maybe even a coaching staff a little time, particularly when the chief executive (of the team, that is) is greatly enamored of him.

NFL Preseason game previews

From time to time, there's some animosity between these clubs, which spices up the proceedings. And in 2013, Rex Ryan put Mark Sanchez into this "rivalry" game, perhaps giving him an opportunity to beat out Geno Smith for the starting QB job, but Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury, which ended his career in New York (or New Jersey, as it were).

So here we go again, with these teams getting together on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, the home venue for both clubs. For this one, the Jets are the designated home team. Last week they lost 15-13 to Washington, while the Giants beat Detroit 30-17.

TV: 7:30 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Jets -2.5 (-115). O/U: 42

ABOUT THE GIANTS: Saquon Barkley, the first-round draft pick out of Penn State, sat out of the game against Detroit with an injury, and he is still nursing it, so action against the Jets is unlikely. The Giants would still like to get a look at some of their other running backs, so they can fill out the backfield after the top three of Barkley, Wayne Gallman and Jonathan Stewart. One of the people who will be on the spot is Robert Martin, who played his college ball around the corner at Rutgers and came to camp as an undrafted free agent. In the game against the Lions, Martin had 47 yards rushing and a touchdown. And the injury problems that have plagued the Giants' running back corps will help him, as they have been taking people from other positions to fill in during drills. Davis Webb got by far more work than the other two backup quarterbacks at Ford Field, but first-year coach Pat Shurmur says that there really isn't any depth chart beyond Eli Manning. Maybe that is a ploy so that Webb won't get too comfortable in his spot, but it probably means that additional opportunities will come to Kyle Lauletta, Alex Tanney, or both. The likelihood is that Lauletta and Tanney will compete for the third QB slot if the Giants settle on carrying three quarterbacks. The Giants did a very nice job of converting third downs against Detroit, doing so on six of 12 occasions last week. The Giants are priced at +450 to be the champions of the NFC East and +2800 to be Super Bowl champions.



ABOUT THE JETS: The original plan for the Jets was for Josh McCown to keep the seat warm at quarterback while Sam Darnold sat and learned - at least for a while. Well, a couple of things have happened. For one thing, Darnold has shown more impressive command of the offense than many expected, and he has progressed to the point where he is taking the majority of snaps in 11-on-11 drills with the first team. This is not to say that Darnold has more or less passed McCown on the list; for all we know, it may not have been all that unexpected that the USC product would benefit from a lot of work with the starters. And if McCown was really in a battle to save a starting job, maybe he may have gotten more than just one series of plays in the first two games. For what it's worth, though, McCown is indeed conceding that there may be a "competition" for the job, which he intends on winning. But as a 39-year-old, he has to be willing to accept the result. And he sounds genuinely excited to be witnessing a franchise QB emerging. But then there is the possibility of Teddy Bridgewater sneaking in there. The former Vikings QB, who is in his first full camp in three years, went 10-15 for 127 yards against Washington last week, and he is getting some practice time with the first team. He brings a lot to the table, including experience and elusiveness, provided his knee can take it. The Jets are listed at +1150 to win the AFC East and +8500 to win the Super Bowl.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Shurmur was Teddy Bridgewater's offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings and was right there when he tore the ACL. He isn't offering any predictions as to how the Jets' QB situation will turn out, but offers this: "The only thing I would say is don't sleep on Teddy because I think he's got it in him."

2. The Jets have a number of tight ends in camp, none of whom is all that accomplished. But of the five who seem to be vying for the job, Jordan Leggett, a fifth-round draft pick out of Clemson who had seven catches in the national championship game a couple of years ago, seems to be the guy in post position at the moment.

3. Shurmur was non-committal when asked about playing time for Odell Beckham Jr. on Friday. It appears he is getting quality reps in practice, and getting his timing down with Eli Manning. But everybody wants to be a little careful with him when it comes down to game situations and contact.

PREDICTION: Jets 23, Giants 19
 

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Giants vs. Jets Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The New York Giants and New York Jets are energized somewhat this season because of the presence of a couple of prized rookies, although only one of them is expected to make an immediate impact.

Between these teams, the Giants are the one that is settled at quarterback. And that probably makes them the more complete team offensively, because they also hope to have the most electrifying receiver in the game available to them on an extended basis.

The Jets, however, have their quarterback of the future, and that counts for something that can buy a management team and maybe even a coaching staff a little time, particularly when the chief executive (of the team, that is) is greatly enamored of him.

NFL Preseason game previews

From time to time, there's some animosity between these clubs, which spices up the proceedings. And in 2013, Rex Ryan put Mark Sanchez into this "rivalry" game, perhaps giving him an opportunity to beat out Geno Smith for the starting QB job, but Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury, which ended his career in New York (or New Jersey, as it were).

So here we go again, with these teams getting together on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, the home venue for both clubs. For this one, the Jets are the designated home team. Last week they lost 15-13 to Washington, while the Giants beat Detroit 30-17.

TV: 7:30 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Jets -2.5 (-115). O/U: 42

ABOUT THE GIANTS: Saquon Barkley, the first-round draft pick out of Penn State, sat out of the game against Detroit with an injury, and he is still nursing it, so action against the Jets is unlikely. The Giants would still like to get a look at some of their other running backs, so they can fill out the backfield after the top three of Barkley, Wayne Gallman and Jonathan Stewart. One of the people who will be on the spot is Robert Martin, who played his college ball around the corner at Rutgers and came to camp as an undrafted free agent. In the game against the Lions, Martin had 47 yards rushing and a touchdown. And the injury problems that have plagued the Giants' running back corps will help him, as they have been taking people from other positions to fill in during drills. Davis Webb got by far more work than the other two backup quarterbacks at Ford Field, but first-year coach Pat Shurmur says that there really isn't any depth chart beyond Eli Manning. Maybe that is a ploy so that Webb won't get too comfortable in his spot, but it probably means that additional opportunities will come to Kyle Lauletta, Alex Tanney, or both. The likelihood is that Lauletta and Tanney will compete for the third QB slot if the Giants settle on carrying three quarterbacks. The Giants did a very nice job of converting third downs against Detroit, doing so on six of 12 occasions last week. The Giants are priced at +450 to be the champions of the NFC East and +2800 to be Super Bowl champions.



ABOUT THE JETS: The original plan for the Jets was for Josh McCown to keep the seat warm at quarterback while Sam Darnold sat and learned - at least for a while. Well, a couple of things have happened. For one thing, Darnold has shown more impressive command of the offense than many expected, and he has progressed to the point where he is taking the majority of snaps in 11-on-11 drills with the first team. This is not to say that Darnold has more or less passed McCown on the list; for all we know, it may not have been all that unexpected that the USC product would benefit from a lot of work with the starters. And if McCown was really in a battle to save a starting job, maybe he may have gotten more than just one series of plays in the first two games. For what it's worth, though, McCown is indeed conceding that there may be a "competition" for the job, which he intends on winning. But as a 39-year-old, he has to be willing to accept the result. And he sounds genuinely excited to be witnessing a franchise QB emerging. But then there is the possibility of Teddy Bridgewater sneaking in there. The former Vikings QB, who is in his first full camp in three years, went 10-15 for 127 yards against Washington last week, and he is getting some practice time with the first team. He brings a lot to the table, including experience and elusiveness, provided his knee can take it. The Jets are listed at +1150 to win the AFC East and +8500 to win the Super Bowl.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Shurmur was Teddy Bridgewater's offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings and was right there when he tore the ACL. He isn't offering any predictions as to how the Jets' QB situation will turn out, but offers this: "The only thing I would say is don't sleep on Teddy because I think he's got it in him."

2. The Jets have a number of tight ends in camp, none of whom is all that accomplished. But of the five who seem to be vying for the job, Jordan Leggett, a fifth-round draft pick out of Clemson who had seven catches in the national championship game a couple of years ago, seems to be the guy in post position at the moment.

3. Shurmur was non-committal when asked about playing time for Odell Beckham Jr. on Friday. It appears he is getting quality reps in practice, and getting his timing down with Eli Manning. But everybody wants to be a little careful with him when it comes down to game situations and contact.

PREDICTION: Jets 23, Giants 19
 

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Patriots vs. Panthers Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 21st August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/21/2018

The New England Patriots hung a 37-20 loss on the Philadelphia Eagles last week, and that may have been somewhat satisfying, although they have been around the block long enough not to take a whole lot out of that "rematch" of the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, they appear to be progressing pretty well en route to making a return trip to the Big Game and are serious threats as long as Tom Brady is the quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers have a lot of the elements in place to make their own Super Bowl run, and of course, it was as recently as 2015 that the captured the NFC title. Cam Newton needs to be accurate and productive with what he has at his disposal, and he might have a little more this season. Defense is a strength, as it's often been, and this is what they'll have to rely on as they challenge the likes of New Orleans and Atlanta in the NFC South.

National Football League Previews

Coming off a 27-20 win over the Miami Dolphins, Carolina plays host to the Patriots in a Friday night game at Bank of American Stadium in Charlotte.

TV: 7:30, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Pick'em O/U: 46

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS: Tom Brady looked motivated against the Eagles, hitting 19 of 26 passes for 172 yards and a pair of touchdowns. James White wound up on the receiving end of six passes. Remember that with Dion Lewis having left the fold, White is going to be the primary pass-catching option out of the backfield. And if his seven targets and four receptions (including a touchdown grab) are any indication, Cordarrelle Patterson, who has mostly been utilized as a kick returner in his NFL career, is going to play more of a role as a wideout. Veteran Eric Decker, the new acquisition, was targeted twice without a reception, and Julian Edelman, who has a suspension that will cause him to miss the first four games of the regular season, caught four passes. Ultimately, Brady will have enough people to throw to. Brady admits that it is difficult to replace left tackle Nate Solder, who has become a member of the New York Giants, and now the Pats' first-round draft pick, Isaiah Wynn of the University of Georgia, is out for the season with an Achilles injury, which happened when he was pushed into Brady in the game against the Eagles. Brian Flores is not officially the team's defensive coordinator, but he is making the defensive calls in wake of Matt Patricia's departure to Detroit. Bill Belichick says, “I think Brian and our defensive staff has done a good job teaching the players and installing our system,” adding that the Pats do not "game plan" for pre-season opponents.



ABOUT THE PANTHERS: The Panthers realized that rookie receiver DJ Moore was fast, but they didn't realize he was THAT fast. Moore was recently ticketed for going 113 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone in his Mercedes in Charlotte, and he faces an October 2 court date to answer for it. In last week's game, he went without a reception. Christian McCaffrey, who has such a productive rookie season, had 120 yards from scrimmage against Miami - 92 on the ground (including a 71-yard touchdown) and 28 in receptions. One of the reasons Ron Rivera hired Norv Turner as offensive coordinator was to better utilize McCaffrey in the various phases of his game, including running between the tackles, so expect him to play an even more vital role this season. Cam Newton came out and moved the offense, completing nine of 12 passes for 89 yards, but he was also intercepted and sacked twice. And speaking of sacks, right now the Panthers are missing right tackle Daryl Williams, left guard Amini Silatolu and left tackle Matt Kalil on the offensive line. Kalil is "week to week," while the other two are lost for a longer period. So Carolina goes with second-team players at both tackle positions in this one. And consider that New England had eight sacks last week against Philadelphia.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Brady caught a lot of criticism when he did not shake Nick Foles' hand after the Super Bowl, but he explained that such a thing was inadvertent, and he visited with both Foles and Carson Wentz prior to warmups for last week's game.

2. Hedge fund manager David Tepper, who recently bought the Panthers from Jerry Richardson for $2.2 billion, spent his first home game as an owner by tailgating with fans. That was something Richardson, a former NFL player, never did. The purchase price for the franchise is the highest in the history of the NFL.

3. With Brian Flores taking over as a play caller, can the Patriots repeat last year's "bend but not break" defensive performance? They were only 29th best (fourth from the bottom) in yardage allowed last season but were fifth in points allowed (just 18.5 per game).

PREDICTION: Patriots 27, Panthers 17
 

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Seahawks vs. Vikings Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The custom in pre-season games is that the absolute priority is to have a chance to evaluate players, and that would be the priority over the result of winning and losing. But the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks have proven to be exceptions to that rule in recent years.

Both coaches - Mike Zimmer and Pete Carroll - obviously care about the result; otherwise, they would not have built the pre-season records they've had. Sometimes this is the kind of thing that can give the handicapper an edge at this time of the year, but happens if BOTH coaches want to win?

Preseason NFL Previews

Well, you take a closer look, we guess. The Vikings actually lost 14-10 to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, although one might submit that they were victimized by a bad call or two by the officials. As for the Seahawks, they took it on the chin by a 24-14 count while visiting the Los Angeles Chargers, a week after falling to the Indianapolis Colts at home.

Friday night's game takes place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

TV: 8 PM ET. Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Vikings -3.5. O/U: 38.5

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS: With Rashaad Penny sitting out with a broken finger, Chris Carson has been called upon to do a little more, and thus he has an opportunity in a backfield that is still looking for answers. On Saturday, he had 34 yards on nine carries, with one of them a 12-yarder. But that means just 22 on his other eight carries, and he also fumbled the ball on the one-yard line, which isn't acceptable. The Seahawks finally did what some people thought would be inevitable - they cut punter Jon Ryan, a ten-year veteran who was committed to proving that the team was wrong to move in the draft to take Michael Dickson of Texas. As he had written to general manager John Schneider, "I love you. I have so much respect for you. But one way or the other, I'm going to make you look really dumb." Well, Dickson, the Ray Guy Award winner, has the ability to become one of those once-in-a-generation special teams players; one who can drastically change field position, and he was not going to wind up the odd man out. Not that head coach Pete Carroll has anything against "old legs." In fact, Sebastian Janikowski, who has been in the NFL since 2000, will be handling the placekicking duties, now that Jason Myers has been cut. Germain Ifedi has not impressed everyone with his play at right tackle, and Isaiah Battle and Jamarco Jones are out with injuries. George Fant, who is coming off ACL surgery, is ticketed to compete with him for the starting job at that position. He has been working as the backup to left tackle Duane Brown, a past Pro Bowler, who says that "I think George is ready for any challenge." Seattle is +500 to win the NFC West and +3500 to win the Super Bowl.



ABOUT THE VIKINGS: The Vikings' running backs have more yards from scrimmage during this pre-season than any other team in the NFL. And they are led in that category by Roc Thomas with 168. Thomas, of course, is the undrafted longshot candidate out of Jacksonville State who is doing enough that the Vikes can't possibly ignore him. Now you can add Mike Boone to the list of training camp surprises. Boone, who played his college ball at Cincinnati and, like Thomas, is an undrafted rookie, ran for 91 yards against the Jaguars and was praised by both head coach Mike Zimmer and quarterback Kirk Cousins for his ability in pass protection. Said Minnesota's high-priced quarterback, “Anytime you put these many good things on tape in preseason games, it’s not really a question of ‘if’ you’ll be in the league, but where." The Vikings need to get healthier up front. Only one starting offensive lineman from last season - Riley Reiff - was available for the game. Ifeadi Odenigbo, a seventh-round draft pick out of Northwestern last season, was pretty dominant against Jacksonville, with a pair of sacks and constant pressure on the quarterback. Odenigbo, who had switched from defensive end to defensive tackle, was told by D-line coach Andre Patterson to go back to defensive end on the day of the game, citing some injury absences, and he saw it as a "sign from God." It's also a sign he'll get more playing time. Minnesota is listed as the even-money favorite to win the NFC North championship and +850 to win Super Bowl 53.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Third-string quarterback Alex McGough, Seattle's sixth-round pick from Florida International, is progressing. He completed nine of 12 for 97 yards and a touchdown, for a passer rating of 126.0.

2. Minnesota failed to convert on all twelve of its third-down attempts against Jacksonville. Kirk Cousins threw for only a dozen yards.

3. Both head coaches have outstanding records in the pre-season. Pete Carroll (Seattle) is 32-19 straight-up and 31-17-3 against the spread, while Mike Zimmer (Minnesota) is 14-5 straight-up and 13-6 ATS. During this pre-season, however, the Vikings have split their two games, while Seattle has lost both of them, straight-up and against the number.

PREDICTION: Vikings 21, Seahawks 16
 

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Lions vs. Buccaneers Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 21st August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/21/2018

If new Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia had his druthers, his team would be pounding the football down the other team's throat, in addition to stretching defenses behind the special arm of Matthew Stafford. And you know what? They may not be far from doing just that.

If it were up to Tampa Bay Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter, he would have his starting quarterback available for the full regular season schedule - and he would be a little better behaved. And as for his own team's running game; well, we'll have to wait and see about that.

Preseason NFL Game Predictions

The Lions were not at all happy with last week's result - a 30-17 loss to the New York Giants in front of their home fans. The Bucs powered their way to a 30-14 win over the Tennessee Titans.

These teams will meet up on Friday night at Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

TV: 8 PM ET, Local Coverage, NFL Network (replay). LINE: Bucs -3 (-120) O/U: 45

ABOUT THE LIONS: Detroit threw the ball on two-thirds of its plays against the Giants, and averaged only three yards per carry. Rookie Kerryon Johnson, the second-round pick from Auburn, had nine yards on four carries. Matthew Stafford completed two passes for 51 yards, and the Lions got on the board with a field goal in the first quarter. But they did not dent the end zone until the fourth period. Jake Rudock got extensive playing time, completing 23 of 30 passes for 171 yards and a TD. Stafford, by the way, was sacked twice in three series, and that is not what offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was looking for out of his first-team interior line. Linebacker Jarrad Davis, who was drafted in the first round out of Florida last year, may be suffering from the same weaknesses in pass coverage that plagues him during 2017. Davis was burned badly on a play that resulted in an eight-yard TD reception by Giants' running back Wayne Gallman, and those are the kinds of assignments you just can't blow in the NFL. Defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah, who started out training camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, got his first action of the season against the Giants and got a couple of solo tackles. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Cornelius Washington, who counted more than $2 million against the salary cap, was cut, and this group was already not that deep. Cornerbacks Sterling Moore and Dexter McDougle, who were both with New Orleans last year, were signed.



ABOUT THE BUCS: Tampa Bay's receivers, who had been dominant in joint practices against the Titans earlier in the week, went out and had themselves a feast in Saturday's game. And they were getting the ball down the field. Mike Evans had two catches for 49 yards. DeSean Jackson caught two passes for 73. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who will be available after the first three games of the regular season (suspension) went 13 for 18 for 226 yards and two scores. Bucs fans are pleased that he is getting his reps in. Of course, there had to be some accommodation of both Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick with the first-team offensive players. Left tackle Donovan Smith, who had played in 48 consecutive games, suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's practice and had to be removed from the field during 11-on-11 drills. As of press time, there were no more specifics on the injury, but it's a pretty good bet he won't be in action on Friday. The Bucs, who are not deep on the offensive line, may have to go "on the street" to looks for potential reinforcements. Vita Vea, the mammoth first-round draft pick out of Washington, has been dealing with a calf injury that forced him to sit out the first two pre-season games, and the Buccaneers really need him out there on the field.

EXTRA POINTS

1. T.J. Lang, Detroit's Pro Bowl guard, got hurt in the first week of training camp, hasn't practiced in over a week, and it is a foregone conclusion that he won't play in this game. In fact, there are no guarantees that he'll be ready for the season opener.

2. While the Bucs' rookie DB's have been doing a good job, cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves and Carlton Davis have returned to the practice field, and there is a chance that one or both of them can play against Detroit.

3. In addressing the competition for the backup quarterback spot between Rudock and veteran Matt Cassel, Patricia was asked if he would consider bringing in Colin Kaepernick. He did his best to avoid a real answer. "We've got 90 guys on our roster," he said. "We're just going to focus on the guys that are here."

PREDICTION: Tampa Bay 24, Detroit 19
 

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Packers vs. Raiders Preview and Predictions in NFL

NFL Previews 22nd August 2018 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 08/22/2018

The Oakland Raiders may have to go into the regular season without their best defensive player, and that wouldn't be tragic except for the fact that their stop unit is generally no stellar. Signing him, or executing some kind of satisfactory trade, is one order of business that has to be taken care of.

In a sense, the Green Bay Packers feel like they have taken care of a lot of their business, and it doesn't look like the offense is going to be much of a problem after scoring 82 points in the first two games.

The Raiders lost a rather lackluster game against the Los Angeles Rams last week (19-15), as there were only 438 yards from scrimmage. The Packers ran up a score that is very unusual for pre-season play as they beat Pittsburgh 51-34.

National Football League Game Predictions

These teams meet at the Coliseum in Oakland on Saturday night, and it is one of those games where the "ones" might be seeing considerable action against "twos," as we'll explain.

TV: 10:30 PM ET, NFL Network. LINE: Raiders -7. O/U: 41

ABOUT THE PACKERS: The Pittsburgh Steelers actually outgained the Packers by a 370-357 margin last week. But the Packers took advantage of a lot of Pittsburgh penalties and a couple of turnovers, one of which was an interception that Tramon Williams returned 25 yards for a touchdown. That pick-six was thrown by rookie Mason Rudolph, who had been pressed into a starting role when both Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones had been ruled out of the game. All indications out of the Green Bay camp are that Aaron Rodgers is finished for the pre-season. He had the ball in his hands for one possession last week and led the team on a seven-play touchdown drive. And now his agent is working on a contract extension that will keep him in town past 2019. Head coach Mike McCarthy may not do what most teams do in the third pre-season game, which is usually when starters play into the second half. He may have them in the game for only a series or two, or not at all. Hence the jump in the pointspread. DeShone Kizer, who is fighting to be the backup quarterback, had a big moment when he connected with Jake Kumerow on an 82-yard touchdown pass. Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones have been sidelined with injuries, and the Packers are still looking for running backs who can play a little. This week they signed LeShun Daniels, an Iowa grad who played four games with the Washington Redskins last season. And they also inked Bronson Hill, who is a journeyman, to say the least, now joining up with his ninth NFL team. The Packers are listed at +125 to win the NFC North and +1150 to win the Super Bowl.



ABOUT THE RAIDERS: Jon Gruden's team went "vanilla" for the most part on offense against the Los Angeles Rams last week, mindful of the fact that those teams are going to meet each other in the season opener. So they sat quarterback Derek Carr, leaving things up to the two guys who are dueling for the backup job - Connor Cook, who went 6 of 12 for 49 yards, and EJ Manuel, who completed ten of 16 for 89 yards and a TD. The guy who came away as most impressive, however, was running back Chris Warren, who had 110 yards on the ground and was the only Raider running back to get a carry. Undrafted out of the University of Texas, Warren is 6-2 and upwards of 245 pounds, and Gruden would love to be able to use him as a "big back" option. For wide receiver Jordy Nelson, this is sort of a bittersweet reunion with his former club. After ten years in Green Bay, Nelson was rather unceremoniously released, much to the chagrin of Rodgers, who always saw him as a dependable outlet, even if he was not always the primary target. He has played lightly in the first two games, so if Gruden is going to get him some work, this would be the opportunity to do it. Talk about teamwork - Donald Penn, coming off a foot injury, has been a Pro Bowl performer at left tackle, but he did not hesitate to move over to the left side so that the Raiders could insert rookie first-rounder Kolton Miller Offensive coordinator Greg Olson says Penn looks like "a natural" on the right side. The Raiders are priced at +300 to win the AFC West and +2800 for a Super Bowl victory.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kevin Harlan, known to many FOX audiences, handles the telecasts for the Packers TV Network. He is very much a part of the "family" there, as his father, Bob Harlan, is the former Chairman and CEO of the franchise and currently holds the position of "Chairman Emeritus."

2. Because he can't get together with the team on a new contract, All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack has been the focus of a lot of speculation around Raider Nation, with new rumors every day. Reportedly a lot of teams have inquired about him, but Oakland has been turning down all trade offers. Ironically, the Packers are supposed to be one of those teams that is very interested.

3. Green Bay's Jamaal Williams, who contends that his ankle was injured after a Pittsburgh Steeler tackler grabbed it and twisted it, says he will retaliate the next time somebody does that to him. "If they're twisting ankles, I'm for sure kicking," he says. "I'm kicking from now on."

PREDICTION: Raiders 30, Packers 20
 

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs have the best record in the National League despite disappointing numbers from some of their biggest offensive stars. One of those sluggers is heating up, however, and the Cubs will try for a third straight victory when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Friday afternoon.

After being limited to just one run in five straight games, the Cubs have broken out of their slump to score 15 times in their last two contests. Anthony Rizzo has homered in three consecutive contests and Javier Baez also went deep in Chicago's 7-1 triumph in the series opener. The Cubs, who lead St. Louis by three games in the NL Central, might need another offensive outburst behind spot starter Alec Mills. Matt Harvey is slated to take the mound for the Reds, but he reportedly was claimed off waivers on Wednesday and could be traded before the game.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (6-7, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Alec Mills (0-0, 0.00)

Harvey has made himself a valuable trade chip with two straight excellent outings. The 29-year-old former ace of the New York Mets has allowed two runs over 13 1/3 innings in his last two turns and is 6-5 with a 4.28 ERA in 17 outings with the Reds. Harvey is 2-1 with a 4.05 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs.
Mills will be recalled from Triple-A Iowa to make his first major-league start and fifth overall appearance. The 26-year-old made an appearance out of the bullpen for the Cubs on July 27 and tossed two scoreless innings at St. Louis. Mills has gone 5-12 with a 4.84 ERA in 23 starts for Iowa this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B Daniel Murphy has gone 2-for-5 in each of his first two games with the team and is a career .417 hitter at Wrigley Field.

2. Reds SS Jose Peraza has recorded multiple hits in six of his last eight contests, going 14-for-30 with four doubles and two homers during that stretch.

3. The Cubs placed Tyler Chatwood (hip) on the disabled list Thursday and recalled fellow RHP Dillon Maples from Iowa.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Cubs 5
 

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New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The New York Yankees have spent the bulk of August playing mostly sub-.500 teams, but they haven't been able to make much of a dent in the American League East standings. The Yankees hope to make some more headway in that regard beginning Friday when they visit Baltimore for the first of four games against the league-worst Orioles.

New York (79-47) began the month by dropping its first five contests to fall 9 1/2 games behind division-leading Boston after the Red Sox swept them in a four-game set from Aug. 2-5, but the club proceeded to win 11 of its next 16 - 10 of the victories coming against teams with losing records. The Yankees dropped 9 1/2 games back of Boston following Wednesday's 9-3 setback at Miami and a win by the Red Sox on Thursday, but maintained their 3 1/2-game edge over Oakland for the first wild-card slot in the AL. New York has inexplicably struggled to take advantage of the Orioles (37-90) this season, splitting 12 meetings against the team with the worst record in the majors. Baltimore is on pace for the second-worst season in franchise history - the 1939 St. Louis Browns finished 43-111-2 - and lost for the 11th time in 13 games following Wednesday's 6-0 defeat at Toronto to conclude a 1-5 road trip.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.32 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (4-15, 5.09)

Sabathia is expected to come off the disabled list and make his first start since Aug. 12 when he earned the victory after yielding one hit over six scoreless innings against Texas. The former Cy Young Award winner has struck out at least seven in three of his last four turns, but the last outing was his first quality start since July 4. Adam Jones is 24-for-84 with five homers and 15 RBIs against Sabathia, who is 0-1 with an 8.00 ERA in two starts versus Baltimore this season.

Cobb has turned his season around in August, going 2-1 with a 1.55 ERA this month after holding Cleveland to two runs in his first complete-game victory of the season. The 30-year-old Bostonian, who went 2-14 with a 6.08 ERA through the end of July, has produced five quality starts in as many tries after recording eight in his first 18 turns. Cobb's month began with a win in Yankee Stadium on Aug. 1, limiting New York to one run while fanning six in six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees placed LHP Aroldis Chapman, the team's closer, on the disabled list with left knee tendinitis prior to Wednesday's game.

2. Baltimore was shut out for the 12th time this season Wednesday, matching last's year total in 35 fewer games.

3. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton needs one home run to become the fourth-quickest (1,111 career games) and ninth-youngest (28 years, 289 days old) player in major-league history to reach 300.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Orioles 3
 

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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

After receiving a sterling start from their National League Cy Young candidate to snap a four-game losing skid, the Philadelphia Phillies look to a former recipient of that award to keep them headed in the right direction. Jake Arrieta takes the mound on Friday as the Phillies (69-58) begin their final interleague series with the opener of a three-game set versus the host Toronto Blue Jays (58-69).

Aaron Nola outdueled Max Scherzer to notch his 15th win and Odubel Herrera belted a two-run homer as Philadelphia kept within three games of NL East-leading Atlanta with Thursday's 2-0 victory over Washington. The Phillies hope their strong interleague play this season carries over into the weekend, as they've won 11 of 17 of contests -- although they dropped two of three to Toronto at Citizens Bank Park in May. Toronto answered a disastrous four-game losing skid in which it was outscored 34-15 by maintaining its mastery over Baltimore, completing a 10-game season sweep at Rogers Centre following Wednesday's 6-0 romp. Kendrys Morales belted his fifth homer in the last four games overall and is 3-for-6 with two RBIs in his career versus Arrieta.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (9-8, 3.25 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (2-3, 4.27)

Arrieta has followed up a 4-0 mark over a seven-start stretch with back-to-back losses, although he deserved a better fate in his last trip to the mound. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner allowed just one run on four hits while striking out six without walking a batter over six innings in a 3-1 setback to the New York Mets on Saturday. Curtis Granderson is 10-for-32 with three homers and 10 RBIs against Arrieta, who owns a 4-2 mark with a 4.85 ERA in eight career encounters versus the Blue Jays.

Borucki's last trip to the mound was a brief one, as the 24-year-old rookie was blitzed for a career-worst six runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 10-2 loss at the New York Yankees. Borucki allowed the first six batters he faced to reach base as the wheels came off in a hurry. He has yielded 14 runs on 19 hits and two homers in his last three starts after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous seven outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez has eight hits and six runs scored in his last seven games overall, although he went 1-for-12 in the previous series versus Toronto.

2. Granderson is 7-for-16 with three doubles and four runs scored in his last five contests.

3. Phillies C Wilson Ramos said he hopes to return for the series opener after being sidelined three games with a sore left wrist.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Blue Jays 2
 

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Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Detroit Tigers and Nicholas Castellanos try to continue their dominance of the Chicago White Sox when the American League Central teams reconvene for the second contest of their four-game series Friday at Comerica Park. Detroit improved to 10-3 versus Chicago this season with a 7-2 victory Thursday as Castellanos, the reigning AL Player of the Week, belted a solo home run among his two hits.

Castellanos (.293, 19 home runs, 71 RBIs), who leads the Tigers (53-75) in every major offensive category, is batting .400 in 55 at-bats with five home runs and 17 RBIs versus the White Sox this season. Chicago (48-79), which is 7-6 in a stretch of 16 straight games versus the American League Central, homered in its 15th straight game Thursday -- its longest run since 2012. Detroit's Michael Fulmer returns from the disabled list to make his first start since July 14 and opposes Reynaldo Lopez, who has struggled in his last two outings. White Sox bench coach Joe McEwing is expected to continue managing the club for a fifth straight game Friday as Rick Renteria returned to Chicago on Thursday to undergo more tests for lightheadedness, which landed him in a Minneapolis hospital Monday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.72 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-9, 4.50)

Lopez hasn't earned a decision in four August starts after allowing six runs, six hits and a walk while striking out five in two innings of Chicago's 7-6 victory over Kansas City on Sunday. The 24-year-old Dominican, who yielded four runs in five innings in a 9-5 loss at Detroit on Aug. 13, began the month by permitting three runs over a pair of seven-inning starts -- a loss to the New York Yankees on Aug. 7 and a win over the Royals on Aug. 2. James McCann is 7-for-11 and Castellanos is 7-for-15 with two doubles versus Lopez, who is 1-1 with a 3.66 ERA in five starts versus the Tigers -- 0-1, 3.24 in four outings this season.

Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said Fulmer will be limited to around 70 pitches Friday as he returns from a left oblique strain. "He feels great," Gardenhire said of the 25-year-old Oklahoman. "Everything's went great. He's passed all the tests. That's the right thing to do with him." Tim Anderson and Avisail Garcia are a combined 4-for-31 against Fulmer, who is 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA in six starts against the White Sox after winning at Chicago 6-1 on April 7 when he tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit rookie 2B Ronny Rodriguez (.211, 10 RBIs -- six in his last four games) hit his first career home run Thursday as part of a two-hit performance that extended his hitting career-high hitting streak to eight games (9-for-27).

2. Chicago has struck out a major league-most 1,222 times this season and is on pace to shatter the club record of 1,397 set last season.

3. Detroit CF JaCoby Jones (.204, eight home runs, 26 RBIs), who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Aug. 13 with a right hamstring injury, begins a three-game rehabilitation stint Friday with Triple-A Toledo.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, White Sox 5
 

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Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Washington Nationals' offense was held in check in their last outing after erupting for 18 runs and 28 hits in the previous two games. Washington (64-64) looks to heat up its bats once again versus a New York Mets club that it lit up for 29 runs during a two-game sweep 3 1/2 weeks ago when the National League East rivals open a three-game series on Friday at Citi Field.

Ryan Zimmerman belted a game-ending two-run homer in Wednesday's 8-7 win over Philadelphia before sitting out the series finale, a 2-0 setback that halted the Nationals' brief momentum. Zimmerman is batting .360 with six homers and 17 RBIs in his last 15 games overall, but is just 6-for-28 this season against New York (56-71). Todd Frazier, who has 13 RBIs in his last 14 games, went deep for the second straight outing on Thursday when he launched a solo homer in the Mets' 3-1 setback versus San Francisco. The 32-year-old Frazier is 5-for-21 with nine strikeouts against Washington this season and just 3-for-16 with eight strikeouts in his career versus Friday starter Gio Gonzalez.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-10, 4.51 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (3-8, 7.67)

Gonzalez has seen his once-promising season take a pronounced turn for the worse, as he fell to 1-8 in his last 12 starts after getting blitzed for eight runs on 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings in Sunday's 12-1 romp by Miami. The 32-year-old has been particularly brutal of late, having given up five or more runs in four of his past six starts. Gonzalez aims to turn around his fortunes versus a familiar foe, as he owns a 15-5 mark with a 2.90 ERA in 25 career starts against the Mets.

Vargas tasted victory in his last start for the first time since May 30, as he yielded two runs and didn't walk a batter in 5 1/3 innings of an 8-2 triumph over Philadelphia. The 35-year-old will look to establish a winning streak when he faces Washington, against which he has pitched well but owns an 0-3 mark despite recording a 1.15 ERA. Mark Reynolds is 3-for-8 with two doubles in a small sample size versus Vargas, who will face Washington for the first time since 2006.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RF Jay Bruce, who has been sidelined since June 19 with a sore right hip, is expected to be activated for the series opener.

2. Nationals OF Bryce Harper is 13-for-40 with four homers, 13 RBIs and 11 runs scored versus the Mets this season.

3. The availability of Mets C Devin Mesoraco is in question after he received an MRI exam on his stiff neck following Thursday's game.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Mets 3
 

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Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Atlanta Braves will play the second contest of their four-game series against the host Miami Marlins on Friday, and nobody can blame Ronald Acuna Jr. for looking forward to the matchup. The 20-year-old rookie belted a 432-foot homer in the second inning of Thursday's series-opening 5-0 victory, his 21st blast of the season that marked the sixth consecutive game against Miami in which he's gone deep - the longest such streak by a rookie against one opponent in major-league history.

Atlanta carries a three-game lead over Philadelphia in the National League East into the weekend thanks to a bounce-back effort from Sean Newcomb on the mound and homers by Acuna, Charlie Culberson and Ender Inciarte as the team won for the 18th time in 26 games. Atlanta's dominance of Miami - the Braves are 13-3 against the Marlins this season - is a big reason it resides in first place in the division. The Marlins have won only five of their last 21 contests, and Thursday's defeat dropped them to 18-37 against NL East rivals this year. Rookie Isaac Galloway went 1-for-4 on Thursday and is hitting .310 in his first taste of major-league action after 3,655 plate appearances across 11 seasons in the minor leagues.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (10-7, 2.72 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-6, 4.60)

Foltynewicz has flourished this month, going 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA, only six walks and 28 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old, who has matched the career high in victories he set last season, scattered four hits and struck out nine over seven scoreless frames against Colorado on Saturday, but Atlanta's bullpen was unable to hold the lead. Foltynewicz won both of his previous starts against Miami this season, posting a 0.69 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 13 innings.

Straily looks to snap a five-start winless streak during which he has posted a 6.39 ERA while allowing opponents to post a .306 batting average with six homers in 25 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old lost at Washington on Aug. 17, surrendering five runs and nine hits in six frames, and has won just once in his last nine starts despite allowing fewer than three earned runs on four occasions. Straily is 2-1 with a 4.02 ERA against the Braves this season but surrendered eight runs - five earned - over 3 2/3 innings in a loss on July 31.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami C J.T. Realmuto has struck out seven times while going hitless in his last 13 at-bats.

2. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman enters the weekend leading the NL in batting average (.317), while RF Nick Markakis is tied for second (.314).

3. Marlins LHP Jarlin Garcia left the series opener in the fifth inning after being hit in the right shin by a line drive off the bat of Markakis.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2
 

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Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/24/2018

The Boston Red Sox are the first team in the major leagues to reach the 90-win mark this season, and they start the push toward 100 when they open a three-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. The American League East-leading Red Sox are coming off a four-game set against AL Central-leading Cleveland in which they scored 17 runs while winning the final two contests.

Boston's Xander Bogaerts had a strong showing in the series against the Indians as he went 6-for-19 with two homers, two doubles and eight RBIs. Slugger J.D. Martinez recorded three RBIs in the series but didn't go deep and ranks second in the majors with 38 blasts. Tampa Bay has won five consecutive contests after notching a walk-off 4-3 win over Kansas City on Thursday, courtesy of a ninth-inning throwing error by Royals first baseman Ryan O'Hearn. Mallex Smith went 3-for-4 with two doubles on Thursday and is a torrid 16-for-36 with one homer and four two-base hits over his last eight games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Hector Velazquez (7-1, 2.74 ERA) vs. Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.47)

Velazquez suffered his first setback of the season after allowing one run and three hits over four innings in a start against the Rays on Sunday. The 29-year-old, who also has made 31 relief appearances, is 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA in five turns this season. Velazquez has gone 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 19 road appearances (two starts) this year.

Castillo is serving as the "opener" for the second time in less than a week as the Rays continue their trend of beginning games with relief pitchers. The 24-year-old started Sunday's contest against Boston and gave up one hit over 1 2/3 scoreless innings, departing after throwing 19 pitches. Castillo is unscored upon in five straight outings - a stretch of 7 1/3 frames - and has allowed just four hits over his last eight appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 1B Mitch Moreland departed Thursday's game with a bruised knee and will be re-evaluated prior to the series opener.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances after enduring a 3-for-28 funk over his previous eight contests.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts, who leads the majors with a .340 batting average, is mired in a 13-game power drought and hasn't driven in a run in seven straight contests.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Rays 4
 

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Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/24/2018

The Oakland Athletics still have a grasp of the second wild card in the American League, but their hopes of winning a division title are in danger of slipping away. Oakland looks to avoid a third consecutive loss when it visits the Minnesota Twins on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series.

The Athletics own a four-game lead over AL West-rival Seattle for the wild-card spot but fell 1 1/2 games behind division-leading Houston with Thursday's 6-4 setback. Khris Davis belted his major league-high 39th home run and Jed Lowrie also went deep for Oakland, which has lost consecutive contests for the first time since enduring a three-game sweep in Colorado from July 27-29. Davis, who is four blasts away from matching the career high he set last season, has homered five times in as many games and a league-best 10 times this month. Minnesota overcame an early 2-0 deficit to post its ninth win in 11 home contests as Joe Mauer delivered an RBI single during a three-run fourth inning for his 2,085th career hit, tying Rod Carew for second place on the franchise list.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (11-9, 3.70 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (5-7, 4.55)

The team leader in victories, Manaea has alternated wins and losses over his last six decisions after being tagged for six runs and nine hits over four innings of a setback against Houston on Sunday. The 26-year-old native of Indiana has not suffered back-to-back defeats since the final week of May, when he surrendered 10 runs and 13 hits over 8 2/3 frames in losses to Arizona and Tampa Bay. Manaea has split his two career starts against Minnesota, allowing seven runs on 12 hits and six walks with 13 strikeouts in 11 innings.

Odorizzi is unbeaten in four starts this month but has notched just one win as he escaped with a no-decision against Detroit on Sunday after yielding four runs and four hits across five innings. The 28-year-old from Illinois has worked more than five frames only four times in his last 15 outings and has yet to go more than six this season. Odorizzi has made five career starts versus Oakland, going 1-2 with a 3.34 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins C Bobby Wilson walked and scored a run on Thursday before exiting with a sprained right ankle.

2. Lowrie has reached the 20-homer plateau for the first time in his career and is the third Athletic to hit the mark this year.

3. Minnesota has gone 20-6 at home since June 24.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Twins 3
 

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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers' hold on the National League's final wild-card spot is tenuous at best, making this weekend a bad time to welcome a team it has struggled against this season. The Brewers attempt to solve the riddle of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday when the NL Central rivals meet in Milwaukee for the opener of a three-game set.

Red-hot St. Louis bypassed the Brewers (71-58) in the Central and in the wild-card standings earlier this week, leaving them in a virtual tie with Colorado for the final wild-card slot and 3 1/2 games back of the division-leading Chicago Cubs. Milwaukee has steadied the ship of late by winning three of four following a 5-10 start to August, but the club needs to look no further than its 2-8 record against Pittsburgh as to why it doesn't have more margin for error. The Pirates got the majority of their eight wins in the season series right before the All-Star break, sweeping a five-game series from July 12-15. The Pirates enter this series 7 1/2 games behind the Brewers and may have trouble replicating their earlier success against Milwaukee, as they have scored a total of 16 runs while dropping eight of their last 10 contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (5-7, 3.31 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (2-2, 2.18)

Musgrove registered his fifth consecutive quality start in a win against Chicago on Saturday, limiting the Cubs to one run while striking out seven on only 87 pitches across seven innings. The 25-year-old leads Pittsburgh's rotation in ERA and WHIP (1.18) and has worked at least seven frames in five of his last six trips to the mound. Musgrove's strong recent stretch began immediately after a rough outing against Milwaukee, which tagged him for five runs over 7 2/3 innings in a no-decision on July 15.

Miley has yet to yield more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts after spending separate stints on the disabled list with groin and rib injuries earlier this season. The Southeast Louisiana product took the loss at St. Louis on Saturday, permitting four runs (one earned) despite striking out a season-high seven over five frames. David Freese is 6-for-15 with a home run and four walks versus Miley, who was saddled with the loss in Pittsburgh after giving up two runs over five innings on July 12.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers OF Christian Yelich, whose next home run will give him a career-high 22, is riding a nine-game hitting streak.

2. Pittsburgh's rotation has lost four of five decisions despite posting a 1.69 ERA over the last seven contests.

3. Milwaukee OF Lorenzo Cain is on a six-game hitting streak and batting .370 in August.

PREDICTION: Brewers 3, Pirates 2
 

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Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/24/2018

The Cleveland Indians just battled the team with the best record in baseball and now take aim at a club with one of the worst when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Cleveland lost the final two games of its set against American League East-leading Boston for a four-game split and look to halt the minor slide against the Royals, who own the second-worst record in the majors.

Cleveland stars Jose Ramirez (2-for-14) and Francisco Lindor (3-for-17) both failed to drive in a run in the series versus Boston as their team was outscored 17-4 in the final two contests. "There were good things and bad things in this four-game series," Lindor told reporters. "We could have done a couple of things better. But it's live and learn. We move forward. We continue to get better day in and day out. They have a good team. You can't be too mad." Kansas City has dropped five straight games after first baseman Ryan O'Hearn's errant throw home allowed Tampa Bay to post a 4-3 walk-off victory on Thursday. Whit Merrifield went 3-for-4 in the defeat and has gone 19-for-47 with two homers and seven RBIs during his 12-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (9-7, 3.25 ERA) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (6-5, 3.32)

Clevinger is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA over his last three starts and pitched six scoreless innings in a win over Baltimore in his last turn. The 27-year-old has a solid 2.75 ERA while going 5-4 in 12 road outings. Clevinger is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two starts against Kansas City this season and 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts).

Keller has recorded back-to-back victories, allowing two runs in 12 innings. The 23-year-old is 3-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 17 home appearances (seven starts) this season. Keller has tossed 4 1/3 scoreless frames in two relief appearances against the Indians this season and picked up the victory on May 11, when he worked three innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians swept a three-game set in Kansas City from July 2-4 and have a 7-2 record in the season series.

2. Kansas City activated LHP Danny Duffy (shoulder), who pitched five innings on Thursday, from the 10-day disabled list and optioned RHP Glenn Sparkman to Triple-A Omaha.

3. Cleveland placed Neil Ramirez (back) on the 10-day DL and activated fellow RHP Josh Tomlin (hamstring), who worked three frames on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Royals 2
 

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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals are both riding hot streaks and each team is making a run at first place in their respective divisions. The Cardinals and Rockies are also locked in a duel for the top two wild cards in the National League as they prepare to open a three-game series on Friday night at Colorado's Coors Field.

St. Louis has won 13 of its last 15 after completing a three-game sweep at the Los Angeles Dodgers to move atop the wild-card chase and into second place in the NL Central. "It shows the resilience of our team. Everyone steps up on a nightly basis," said Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong, who delivered a tie-breaking two-run homer in the ninth during Wednesday's series finale in Los Angeles. "It's always someone new coming through." The Rockies are coming off a dramatic win of their own as Ian Desmond clubbed a walk-off two-run blast in the ninth in Thursday's 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres. It was the 10th win in 12 games for the Rockies to pull them into a virtual tie for the second wild card - a half-game behind St. Louis - and one game back of division-leading Arizona in the NL West.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (13-3, 2.80 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-3, 4.47)

Mikolas continued his rags-to-riches tale after spending the past three years pitching in Japan, winning his fifth consecutive decision by limiting Milwaukee to one run and five hits over six innings on Saturday. He has permitted two runs or fewer in nine of his last 11 starts. That included a no-decision against the Rockies on Aug. 2, when he yielded two runs (one earned) over seven innings.

Senzatela has rebounded nicely from a pair of rocky efforts that sandwiched the All-Star break, when he was touched for 10 runs over 11 1/3 innings in losses at Seattle and Arizona. He has allowed a combined four runs over his last three starts, including a no-decision against Mikolas and St. Louis when he pitched six innings of one-run ball. Senzatela is 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in six home appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies SS Trevor Story is 10-for-25 over his last six games.

2. St. Louis has homered in 15 consecutive games, one shy of Philadelphia's season-best mark.

3. Rockies LF Matt Holliday made his season debut and went 0-for-3 in his first game with Colorado since 2008.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Cardinals 3
 

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Seattle Mariners vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Seattle Mariners are struggling to keep pace with the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics in the American League West, and the schedule isn't getting any easier. The Mariners will try to bust out of the slump when they enter their fifth consecutive series against a playoff contender by visiting the National League West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.

The Mariners sit four games behind the Athletics for the second AL wild card and 5 1/2 in back of the Astros in the division after going 3-6 in the last nine games against Oakland, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston. "I think we have a lot of time left to get everything firing on all cylinders, and this team's done a great job," Mariners left-hander Marco Gonzales told reporters after absorbing the loss on Wednesday. "When one part struggles, the other part steps up. We're really close for everything to be firing, and we have September to get hot, and I think that's gonna be good for us." The Diamondbacks own a one-game lead in the NL West and are winners of six of their last seven after polishing off a two-game sweep of another AL West opponent - the Los Angeles Angels - on Wednesday. Arizona will greet Seattle with right-hander Zack Godley while the Mariners counter with righty Erasmo Ramirez.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Erasmo Ramirez (0-2, 5.49 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (13-6, 4.44)

Ramirez is making his fifth start since joining the Seattle rotation and surrendered a total of one run and seven hits across 10 innings over his last two turns. The Nicaragua native issued four walks against the Dodgers on Saturday to drive up his pitch count and has yet to earn a win. Ramirez is making his third career appearance against Arizona and is 5-5 with a 5.33 ERA in 22 career interleague games - 12 starts.

Godley last absorbed a loss on July 1 but was knocked around a bit in a no-decision at San Diego on Saturday, surrendering six runs on eight hits and four walks over five innings. The 28-year-old did not yield a home run in that outing and last surrendered a blast on June 26 at Miami. Godley won his lone previous start against the Mariners and is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA in nine career interleague games - five starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano, who made his first career start at 3B on Wednesday, hit safely in seven of eight games since returning from an 80-game suspension.

2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt hit safely in each of the last 14 contests.

3. Seattle SS Jean Segura (ribs) left Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Mariners 4
 

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Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The Houston Astros are clinging to their spot atop the American League West while battling through a tough road trip against division foes. The Astros will try to finish strong when they reach the last stop of the trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a three-game set on Friday.

Houston looked ready to relinquish its hold on first place briefly last weekend at Oakland but fought to avoid a sweep in that series and then took two of three at Seattle to push 1 1/2 games ahead of the Athletics and 5 1/2 clear of the Mariners entering play on Thursday. "I think the good thing about our team is that once someone gets out or gets a hit, they come back to the dugout and are really communicative toward their teammates," outfielder Tony Kemp told reporters. "That's good. Sometimes you hit slumps, you hit ruts, and people don't talk as much. But I think the main thing is our communication is at a high level right now, and that's what we have to keep doing to be successful." The Angels are 14 1/2 back but will get a chance to impact the race in the West with 10 more games against the Astros and six versus Oakland. Los Angeles will try to snap a three-game slide behind lefty Andrew Heaney on Friday while Houston counters with former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (9-10, 3.59 ERA) vs. Angels LH Andrew Heaney (7-7, 4.11)

Keuchel is winless in his last three starts and was knocked around for five runs on nine hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings at Oakland on Saturday. The 30-year-old surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his previous eight outings. The best performance in that bunch came at Los Angeles on July 20, when Keuchel breezed through 7 2/3 innings on two hits and yielded only an unearned run in the win.

Heaney struggled at Texas on Saturday, allowing six runs on 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings without factoring in the decision. The Oklahoma native failed to post a quality start in three of his last four turns and owns a 1-1 record with a 6.46 ERA in that span. Heaney was sharp at home against the Astros on July 22, when he scattered one run and four hits over six innings to earn a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF George Springer (quad) sat out the last three games and is day-to-day.

2. Los Angeles INF David Fletcher (knee) left Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.

3. Houston C Martin Maldonado has homered in three of his last four starts.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Angels 4
 

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San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-24-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 23rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/23/2018

The return of closer Kenley Jansen has failed to provide a stabilizing effect on the skidding Los Angeles Dodgers, who attempt to get back on track against the National League's worst team. The Dodgers had a day off to regroup from a sweep by visiting St. Louis and look to bounce back in Friday's opener of a three-game home set versus the San Diego Padres.

Jansen was victimized in each of his last two appearances after coming off the disabled due to an irregular heartbeat, giving up a pair of solo homers in the ninth in Monday's defeat before serving up a two-run blast in Wednesday's loss to St. Louis. "Very frustrating. Got to figure out how to get back out of this mess," said Jansen after Los Angeles fell to 3-9 over its last 12 games. While the Dodgers are 3 1/2 games out of the second wild card and 4 1/2 behind first-place Arizona in the NL West, the Padres are 30 games below .500 and nestled in last place in the division. San Diego was one out from a series win at Colorado on Thursday before Ian Desmond delivered a walk-off, two-run homer to send the Padres to their eighth loss in 10 games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, SportsNet LA

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-10, 5.11 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Rich Hill (5-4, 3.73)

Since winning his first four starts in June, Richard has gone 10 consecutive outings without a victory, including no-decisions in his last four appearances. He failed to pitch past five innings for the fifth time in six starts last out time, giving up five runs and nine hits to Arizona. Matt Kemp is 15-for-38 with three homers off Richard, who pitched six innings of four-run ball in a loss to the Dodgers on May 25.

Hill pitched at least six innings for the fifth time in six starts since the All-Star break at Seattle on Saturday, but did not factor in the decision after allowing four runs and four hits. He permitted a combined six earned runs in his previous five turns, compiling a 3-0 record in that span. Hill's last loss came in San Diego on July 10, when he gave up four runs and eight hits in a season high-tying seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles, which hasn't had a losing record at home since 2005, is 32-33 at Dodger Stadium.

2. Padres 3B Christian Villanueva (fractured finger) went on the 10-day disabled list

3. Dodgers OF Joc Pederson homered Wednesday but is mired in a 2-for-26 slump.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Padres 3
 

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