Locks

NCAA Football (0.5 Unit) 2-Team 6 Point Teaser (-110; Odds via Caesars)

Stanford/Syracuse Over 51.5: 6:30 PM CT on ESPN

Ok, first of all, teasing college football is not the best idea, especially totals. But it’s a slow Friday night, and what are you, a cop? I think we see plenty of points in this game, and I want to move the total down below a couple of key numbers for insurance. Stanford really can’t stop anything, so a rejuvenated Kyle McCord leading a pass-first Syracuse offense shouldn’t have any trouble scoring inside the dome.

But Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels is an excellent dual threat, and the Orange have had trouble with that kind of QB already this season. I think this could be closer than the 8.5 point spread implies, but that probably also creates a back-and-forth affair that gets over this adjusted total.

San Jose State @ Washington State -6: 9:00 PM CT on The CW

This could be a bit of a sleepy spot for Washington State after taking the new-look Apple Cup last week, so I’m glad to get the number underneath a touchdown here. Wazzu looks great on offense as John Mateer runs wild, and I expect him to keep it up tonight against a fraudulent San Jose team. The Spartans have beaten nobody, so this tough and motivated Wazzu squad will be their first actual test. I just don’t think the SJSU defense has what it takes to contain the legs of Mateer, so give me the Cougars to win by at least a touchdown.

Degenerates

MLB LA Dodgers Team Total Over 5.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 9:10 PM CT on COLR

I’m hesitant to trust the Dodgers to be on top of their game in this one, after they dropped a 20-burger on the Marlins yesterday with Shohei showing out in historical fashion. LA also clinched their playoff spot, so there was probably some celebrating that could impact the energy level for tonight. But the regression from scoring 20 runs still leaves plenty of room for enough offense to get over this total, especially considering the Dodgers scored 9, 9, 9, and 8 runs leading into last night. This offense is just plain hot, enjoying being fully healthy and locked in, so it would not be difficult to tee off against Kyle Freeland and Colorado’s bottom-feeding bullpen.

Tiny Nick has gained +94.5 Units on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage. 

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.