Free Picks: Service Plays for Thursday, September 19

DUNKEL INDEX

MLB

NY Yankees at Toronto
The Yankees look to build on their 5-1 record in Hiroki Kuroda's last 6 starts against the Blue Jays. New York is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-130)

Game 951-952: San Diego at Pittsburgh (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Kennedy) 15.770; Pittsburgh (Cole) 14.545
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-165); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+145); Over

Game 953-954: San Francisco at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 15.739; NY Mets (Niese) 14.137
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-150); Under

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Arrieta) 14.810; Milwaukee (Lohse) 14.113
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+135); Under

Game 957-958: St. Louis at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wacha) 15.111; Colorado (Oswalt) 13.790
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 10
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); Over

Game 959-960: LA Dodgers at Arizona (3:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Nolasco) 15.479; Arizona (Miley) 14.274
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Arizona (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-110); Under

Game 961-962: Miami at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Alvarez) 13.678; Washington (Gonzalez) 16.045
Dunkel Line: Washington by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-270); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-270); Over

Game 963-964: Seattle at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Paxton) 15.435; Detroit (Fister) 14.424
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+170); Under

Game 965-966: Houston at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Keuchel) 14.270; Cleveland (Jimenez) 15.727
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-240); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-240); Over

Game 967-968: NY Yankees at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Kuroda) 16.167; Toronto (Redmond) 14.765
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-130); Under

Game 969-970: Baltimore at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 17.449; Boston (Lackey) 16.658
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+120); Over

Game 971-972: Texas at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Darvish) 15.588; Tampa Bay (Moore) 14.671
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+100); Over

Game 973-974: Minnesota at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Correia) 13.553; Oakland (Straily) 16.026
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-230); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-230); Under

WNBA

Washington at Atlanta
The Dream look to open up the playoffs and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 home games versus the Mystics. Atlanta is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6)

Game 651-652: Washington at Atlanta (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 107.664; Atlanta 115.986
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8 1/2; 147
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6; 152
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6); Under

Game 653-654: Phoenix at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 110.163; Los Angeles 120.327
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 10; 168
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 7 1/2; 161 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-7 1/2); Over

Don Best ConsensusFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia EaglesSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: Philadelphia EaglesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Week 3 in the NFL will feature Andy Reid's homecoming to Philadelphia, a city where he had great success for many years. Coming off their first loss under coach Chip Kelly, the Eagles opened as 3-point favorites over the 2-0 Chiefs. Kelly took responsibility for some questionable time-management in the Eagles’ 33-30 loss to San Diego on Sunday and admitted he didn’t know one of the rules that would have allowed him to reinsert QB Mike Vick back into the lineup late into the game. The Eagles are 4-0 ATS vs. KC since 1992 and the Chiefs come in riding an ugly 1-11 SU mark in their past 12 games as an underdog. The Chiefs are much improved and will be competitive all season long, but we like the Eagles to put another 30 spot on the board which will prove to be too much for Kansas City to overcome.

Jim FeistFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado RockiesSERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: St. Louis CardinalsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
St. Louis has a powerhouse offense and is playing this one in a great hitter's park. Starter Michael Wacha (3-1, 2.81 ERA) is solid and the Rockies have never seen him before. Wacha has allowed only two runs over his last 24 2/3 innings of work. He is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in four appearances (one start). The Cardinals are 21-10 in their last 31 vs. a team with a losing record. Colorado picked up Roy Oswalt (0-6, 7.71 ERA) off the scrap heap and he looks done. Oswalt has allowed eight earned runs over his last 9 2/3 innings pitched. The Rockies are 19-39 in their last 58 games as an underdog and the Cardinals are 15-6 in the last 21 meetings.

Sean MurphyFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Clemson vs. North Carolina StateFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: ClemsonFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
We cashed an easy outright winner with underdog Tulane over Louisiana Tech last Thursday, but we'll switch gears and back the favorite in this Thursday night matchup as Clemson travels to Raleigh to take on N.C. State.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I could really sum up my analysis of this play with one statement; I don't trust Wolfpack QB Pete Thomas.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
N.C. State was forced to reload after losing QB Mike Glennon to the NFL and fully expected to move forward with Arkansas transfer Brandon Mitchell under center before he went down to injury just a few series' into its season opener against Louisiana Tech.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Enter Pete Thomas.FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Colorado State transfer has taken over the reins, although he is being pushed by freshman Bryant Shirrefs. For his part, Thomas has thrown for 449 yards but has yet to toss a touchdown pass, while handing out three interceptions. That's in keeping with a long-term trend for Thomas, as he threw only 18 touchdownns compared to 21 interceptions in his two-year career with Colorado State.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Wolfpack do have an emerging ground game, but not a dominant one by any means. With that in mind, I have a tough time envisioning a scenario that allows them to keep up with a high-powered Clemson offense for four quarters, unless they can win the turnover battle by a considerable margin.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Tigers have scored 90 points in their first two games this season - not all that surprising for a team that's thought of as a true offensive juggernaut. They'll be taking a step up in class here after facing South Carolina State last time out (that was nearly two weeks ago as they're coming off a bye week), but it's worth noting that they did hang 38 points on Georgia back in Week 1.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Last year, Clemson defeated N.C. State by two touchdowns despite falling behind by double-digits early in the second quarter. If it weren't for the heroics of aforementioned Wolfpack QB Mike Glennon in that game (he threw for five touchdowns), it obviously would have been a much more lopsided beatdown in favor of the Tigers. N.C. State didn't have an answer for Tigers QB Tajh Boyd in that game, as he threw for five touchdowns and ran for three more. While I do expect it to do a better job of containing him here, with the scene shifting from Death Valley to Raleight, there's no way they'll silence him.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I think the real x-factor leading into this contest is the Clemson defense. The Tigers are known for their offensive prowess, but they also boast an experienced defense that is looking to take a big step forward this season. This is an opportunity for them to strut their stuff in front of a national audience, and I expect them to take full advantage.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
N.C. State is 2-0, but it's a 'paper tiger' at this point. I do expect the Wolfpack to return to prominence sooner rather than later, but this is a measuring stick game where they'll fall well short.

Jimmy Boyd

Los Angeles Dodgers + 100

The Dodgers are one of the few teams in baseball that score more runs on the road than they do at home. This season they have a .272 batting average and have put up 4.7 runs per game on the road. They have also performed well against division opponents, batting .274 and scoring 4.1 runs per game. That gives them a significant edge against this Diamondbacks team batting .253 against the division and scoring 3.9 runs per game.

The edge in favor of the Dodgers also extends to the matchup at starting pitcher. Ricky Nolasco has a 2.99 ERA on the road and a 6-3 record in 16 starts. Nolasco has performed well throughout his career against the Diamondbacks. His team is 9-2 in his 11 starts and he has a 3.48 ERA with a 1.051 WHIP. Arizona will give the start to Wade Miley today. In Miley's last three starts he has a 5.40 ERA and 1.600 WHIP.

Ray Monohan

Seattle Mariners +172

Lets try and take advantage of a hot new arm down the stretch in this one. Since coming up to the Majors lefty James Paxton of the Mariners has been near unhittable with just 6 hits allowed over 12 innings. He was only OK in the minors this year but he is facing Major Leaguers for the first time and it is working. Detroit is a very good hitting team but their average drops more than 20 points against lefties and Paxton will have the edge of facing the Tigers for the first time. Paxton has beaten top clubs before with wins against St. Louis and Tampa.

Rob Vinciletti

Boston Red Sox -136

Boston is a regular three unit selection here tonight as they fit a solid 34-8 League wide system that plays on certain home favorites off a home favored loss at -140 or higher while scoring 4 or less run on 10+ hits with no errors, vs an opponent off a road dog win that scored 5+ runs on 10 or more hits with 1 or less errors. Boston has Lackey going and his Home numbers are better than Baltimore C. Tillmans road numbers as Lackey has been superb at home with 2.63 home era. Lackey is 10-1 at home vs Baltimore and Tillman is 2-7 in September road starts the past few seasons. The Red sox average 5 runs per game in each of the 3 following categories. When playing at home, at night and over the past 7 games. Look for Boston to take the finale here tonight.

Bruce Marshall

Los Angeles Dodgers AT Arizona Diamondbacks
Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks

It's too late for Arizona to get back into the NL playoff picture, but have to admire the spunk shown by the D-backs, who appear hellbent to at least prevent the Dodgers from clinching the NL West in Phoenix. The Blue is not hitting on all cylinders at the moment, dropping 10 of its last 14 in its worst 2-week stretch since early June. And while Don Mattingly tries to set up his postseason pitching rotation, he has to be a bit concerned with a couple of his starters, including Ricky Nolasco, who gives it another shot this afternoon at Chase Field after getting tattooed in his last start by the Giants, allowing 5 runs, 7 htis and 3 walks in just 1 1/3 innings of work last Saturday in an eventual 19-3 loss. Any carryover could prove problematic on Thursday, especially since Arizona counterpart Wade Miley has been more than serviceable since the All-Star break, posting a solid 3.18 ERA in 11 starts and off of his first win in just over a month when besting the Rockies last Saturday.

Eddie JFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Chiefs at EaglesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OverFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Andy Reid will make his return to Philadelphia as his 2-0 Chiefs will face the high flying 1-1 Eagles.Michael Vick has flourished under Chip Kelly's offense. Vick has thrown for 631 yards with 4 TD and 0 INT. Vick has compiled a 119.0 QB rating. Vick isn't the only Eagles weapon as Desean Jackson has 297 receiving yards and Leshon Mccoy 356 total yards so far. Overall the Eagles have totaled 954 yards and 7 TD thru week 2. The Chiefs D has been strong only allowing 1 TD thus far but they will have their hands full and with Donovan Mcnabb getting his number retired the birds will be playing with alot of emotion. The Eagles defense has been just as bad as the offense is good and their weakness is a solid passing QB. Andy Reid loves to throw the ball and until the oddsmakers adjust on Eagles's totals keep pounding the OVER.

Line Lounge

Clemson -13.5 over NC State

Clemson has come out firing this season. They started with a great win over Georgia, where Tahj Boyd and the Clemson offense showed they still have a lot of fire power. Tahj Boyd has already thrown 439 yards for 3 TDS and has also ran for two. He has been supported by RB McDowell who is averaging 5.8 yards per rush. Sammy Watkins has picked up right where he left off last year, catching 9 passes for 146 yards. Clemson is averaging 37.7 points a game, which is to be expected. Their defense has been the surprise this year, making much improvement over last year.

NC State started off the season with an easy win over Louisiana Tech, but struggled in their next against a mediocre Richmond team. QB Thomas threw 2 interceptions and didn't seem to really be in rhythm. The defense gave up 322 yards, 300 of them passing. NC State is going to have trouble keeping up with Clemson on both sides of the field. NC State has a weak running game, and the Clemson defense should get a few sacks in this one as the Wolfpack only have one offensive option. The Clemson offense should run through the Wolfpack defense quite easily, as the running and passing threat will both be prevalently.

Projected Score: Clemson 41 North Carolina State 14

Jeff Clement

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Play: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have Ricky Nolasco(13-10) with an ERA of 3.36 on the mound against Arizona's Wade Miley(10-10) ERA of 3.70. Nolasco is 7-0 with an ERA of 1.59 in his last 8 starts and Adrian Gonzalez is batting .381 with 11 RBI's in his last 12 games. The Dodgers magic number is 2 to clinch the N.L. West Division and should do that today behind Nolasco's outstanding pitching of late.

Doug Upstone

Boston Red Sox -135

On Thursday, Play Against underdogs like Baltimore with a money line of +100 or higher, with a starting pitcher (Chris Tillman) whose winning percentage is better than 70 percent, against opponent with an AL starting pitcher (John Lackey) whose WHIP is 1.300 or better on the season. Since 2009, this system is 55-13, 80.9 percent, which include 13-2 this season!

Steve Janus

St Louis Cardinals -1.5

I look for the Cardinals to close out their 4-game series against the Rockies with a convincing win in the finale. The Cardinals are an impressive 71-40 against right-handed starters, averaging 5.1 runs/game and hitting a solid .275 as a team. Tonight they face Roy Oswalt, who has been awful in his five starts this season. Oswalt is 0-5 with a 6.85 ERA and 1.746 WHIP in those five starts. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cardinals put up a 10 spot tonight, as they try an build on their 2-game lead in the NL Central.

Adding to the value on the Cardinals run line is that they will be sending out talked youngster Michael Wacha, who is 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in seven starts. Hitter friendly Coors Field won't bother this kid, he went into Cincinnati offense friendly park a few starts back and threw six shutout innings.

When the Rockies are listed as a big dog it's usually been for a good reason. Colorado is just 4-22 when listed as an underdog of +150 or more this season, losing these games by an average of 3 runs/game.

BOOKIEMONSTERS

148-98-2 run

24-15-3 run last 42 plays

pod tigers game under 8