Jim Feist

The Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers play the final game of their three game set here on Sunday. The Tigers took game one on Friday, 1-0 and the Orioles took game two on Saturday, 4-2. The Tigers had a no hitter into the 9th inning before Gunnar Henderson broke it up. Henderson homered and doubled in Saturday's contest as he led the O's to the win. The O's are two games back of the AL East leading Yankees. They have the top spot in the AL Wild Card race with a 5.5 game lead over third place Minnesota. Detroit still has a shot at the Wild Card, just 2.5 games back of the Twins for that last spot. Cade Povich will start for the O's with a 2-8 record, 5.91 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. Povich has had one very good start in his last five starts. Other than that start, he's allowed 16 runs over 19 1/3 innings of work. Keider Montero will counter for the Tigers. Montero is 5-6 with a 4.88 ERA. He's coming off his best start of the season, going nine full innings and giving up three hits an no runs for the win over the Rockies. I like the Tigers to take the rubber game of this series here on Sunday. Play Detroit.

The Week 2 NFL matchup on September 15, 2024, between the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys is shaping up to be an exciting contest between two teams that dominated their openers. Both teams come in with 1-0 records after convincing victories—New Orleans routed Carolina 47-10, while Dallas handled Cleveland 33-17. Offensively, Dak Prescott was efficient in Week 1, but the Cowboys will need to clean up penalties and improve on third downs, where they went just 4-for-14. Look for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and running back Ezekiel Elliott to be pivotal to the Dallas attack, as both players are expected to play major roles.  The Saints are coming off a dominant performance in which Derek Carr threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns, and their defense stifled the Panthers' run game, allowing just 36 rushing yards. With a balanced offensive approach and the potential return of Alvin Kamara from suspension, the Saints could exploit a Cowboys team that, while solid defensively, has been susceptible to strong running games.  The game is expected to be close, with Dallas having a slight edge at home?. Expect a hard-fought, closely contested game with potential for fireworks on both sides of the ball. I'm taking the OVER here on Sunday.

The upcoming Week 2 matchup on Sunday, September 15, 2024, between the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium features two teams looking to bounce back from disappointing Week 1 losses. Both the Jets and the Titans enter this contest at 0-1, with the Jets coming off a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, while the Titans squandered a 17-3 lead to lose 24-17 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears had under 200 total yards and were still able to beat the Titans. Aaron Rodgers, in his second game as the Jets' starting quarterback, will aim to improve after a subpar performance against the 49ers. Despite the loss, Rodgers will rely heavily on running back Breece Hall, who looked impressive with 93 total yards in Week 1. The Jets' defense, although giving up 32 points to San Francisco, remains a strong unit and is expected to dominate the Titans, especially given Will Levis' struggles at quarterback for Tennessee. The Jets' defense ranked third in the NFL last season, allowing just 292.3 yards per game. The Titans' rookie quarterback, Will Levis, had a rough debut, throwing for only 127 yards and two interceptions. While Tennessee outgained Chicago in Week 1, turnovers and special teams miscues ultimately doomed them.  Tennessee's defense, which performed decently in their opener, must step up again to have any chance of keeping the game close. Neither team looked all that great in week one. However, I like taking the points in this kind of contest as I expect the Titans have an excellent chance to win straight up. Play Tennessee. 

The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings are set to clash on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Both teams come into Week 2 with strong performances from their season openers, and this matchup will test their strengths. San Francisco enters the game after a solid 32-19 victory against the New York Jets in Week 1. The 49ers' offense is spearheaded by quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been managing games efficiently without turning the ball over. Christian McCaffrey, who led the NFL in rushing yards last season, remains will miss his second game this season due to a calf and Achilles injury, so backup Jordan Mason will once again get the start. Mason had a huge game last week with 147 rushing yards, providing strong depth for the 49ers' running game. The defense, anchored by Nick Bosa, held the Jets to just 266 total yards and will be a formidable challenge for Minnesota. The Vikings are coming off a 28-6 rout of the New York Giants, with quarterback Sam Darnold impressing in his debut for Minnesota. He connected on 80% of his passes, throwing for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Darnold will need to maintain this form against a 49ers defense that ranked among the best in the league last season. Minnesota's rushing attack, led by Aaron Jones, will also face a tough test against San Francisco's stout defensive line. The Vikings' defense was solid in Week 1, holding the Giants to just 240 total yards. Minnesota's defense could keep it close, San Francisco's overall strength on both sides of the ball gives them the edge. I expect this game to come down to the wire and be decided by a field goal or less. I'll take the points at home with the Vikings.

The Chicago Bears and Houston Texans face off in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season in a Sunday Night Football showdown at NRG Stadium. Both teams come into the game with 1-0 records, but they are on different trajectories heading into this matchup. The Bears' rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a rocky NFL debut in Week 1, throwing for just 93 yards without an offensive touchdown in their 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Chicago's defense carried the team, scoring two touchdowns—a blocked punt return and a pick-six. However, the offense will need to improve significantly, especially with potential key injuries to wide receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. Allen is expected to play despite a heel injury, while Odunze is likely out. Williams will face a tougher challenge in the Texans' defense and will need better protection and execution to avoid falling behind. Led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, Houston had an impressive offensive outing in their 29-27 road win over the Colts. Stroud threw for 234 yards and two touchdowns, while new additions Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs made an immediate impact. Mixon totaled 178 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, and Diggs added two receiving scores. With the Bears' offense struggling in Week 1, the Texans look primed to capitalize on home-field advantage. If Mixon continues his strong performance and Stroud remains efficient. The Texans looks excellent with their new players while the Bears underwhelmed last week. I'm taking the Texans here in Week 2.

Week 2 NFL action has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions facing off as both teams come off week 1 wins. The Bucs beat the Washington Commanders in week 1, 37-20. The Bucs spoiled the debut of Commanders QB Jaylen Daniels. Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four TD's to lead the Bucs to the win. The Detroit Lions needed to go to OT to beat the LA Rams on Sunday night, 26-20. David Montgomery rushed for 91 yards and scored the winning TD in OT. Tampa's offense continues to lean on its reliable veteran wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans, one of the most consistent receivers in NFL history, remains Mayfield's primary target, while Godwin provides a valuable option in the slot. The Bucs are also hoping to get more production out of their ground game with running back Rachaad White looking to establish himself as a true lead back. On defense, Tampa Bay will rely on its experienced core, led by linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Vita Vea, to control the game. Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers will likely employ an aggressive approach, looking to get after Lions quarterback Jared Goff and disrupt the timing of Detroit's high-powered offense. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled a tough, gritty culture that has won over fans and helped Detroit become one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams in the league. Led by quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions' offense has become a balanced, versatile unit that can attack defenses in multiple ways. Aidan Hutchinson will lead Detroit's defensive front in an effort to disrupt Mayfield and force the Buccaneers' offense into mistakes. Mayfield's ability to handle pressure will be critical, as his decision-making will be put to the test. Both teams can put up points with lots of offensive weapons on both sides. I'm taking the OVER here in the game on Sunday.

Week 2 NFL action has the LA Chargers travelling to Carolina to take on the Panthers from the Bank of America Stadium. Both teams are coming off mixed results in Week 1 and will look to establish momentum early in the season. One aspect of this game that stands out is the potential for a lower-scoring contest, making the under an intriguing angle for this matchup. The Chargers' high-powered offense, led by Justin Herbert, has the potential to put up points in bunches. However, they'll be facing a Panthers defense that, despite some inconsistencies, has shown flashes of being able to disrupt passing attacks. Carolina's young secondary, could limit big plays down the field, forcing Herbert to rely on short, methodical drives. The Chargers' offense is known for having stretches of inconsistency. The Panthers' offense is still finding its identity under quarterback Bryce Young. The rookie signal-caller has shown promise but has been up and down, and the Chargers' defense will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Panthers' offensive line. The Panthers offense garnered only 10 points last week in their loss at New Orleans, 10-47. If the Panthers' game plan is to control the clock and keep the ball out of Herbert's hands, this could further shorten the game and keep the score low. Look for a more conservative approach from Carolina, particularly if they want to avoid putting too much pressure on their young quarterback. Carolina's best bet for competing in this game may be to play a ball-control style, limiting the number of possessions for both teams and keeping the game relatively low-scoring. The likelihood of a lower-scoring affair is high. The Chargers' offensive talent may be somewhat neutralized by Carolina's defensive schemes, while the Panthers' conservative, run-heavy approach could keep the clock moving and limit scoring opportunities. As a result, the under looks like a solid angle for this contest.

Week 2 NFL action has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions facing off as both teams come off week 1 wins. The Bucs beat the Washington Commanders in week 1, 37-20. The Bucs spoiled the debut of Commanders QB Jaylen Daniels. Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four TD's to lead the Bucs to the win. The Detroit Lions needed to go to OT to beat the LA Rams on Sunday night, 26-20. David Montgomery rushed for 91 yards and scored the winning TD in OT. Tampa's offense continues to lean on its reliable veteran wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Evans, one of the most consistent receivers in NFL history, remains Mayfield's primary target, while Godwin provides a valuable option in the slot. The Bucs are also hoping to get more production out of their ground game with running back Rachaad White looking to establish himself as a true lead back. On defense, Tampa Bay will rely on its experienced core, led by linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Vita Vea, to control the game. Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers will likely employ an aggressive approach, looking to get after Lions quarterback Jared Goff and disrupt the timing of Detroit's high-powered offense. Head coach Dan Campbell has instilled a tough, gritty culture that has won over fans and helped Detroit become one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams in the league. Led by quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions' offense has become a balanced, versatile unit that can attack defenses in multiple ways. Aidan Hutchinson will lead Detroit's defensive front in an effort to disrupt Mayfield and force the Buccaneers' offense into mistakes. Mayfield's ability to handle pressure will be critical, as his decision-making will be put to the test. For the Bucs to win, they need Mayfield to manage the game effectively and avoid turnovers. Establishing a solid run game will also be critical, as it will help open up opportunities in the passing game. Defensively, getting pressure on Goff and disrupting Detroit's offensive rhythm will be key. Both teams come into this contest evenly matched with balanced offenses and solid defenses. Still, the Bucs getting a lot of points here on Thursday. I'll take the dog in this matchup. Play Tampa Bay.