Jim Feist

The Dodgers and Padres play Game 5 of the NLDS with the winner taking on the NY Mets in the NLCS. The Padres have been the hottest team in baseball since the break and the Dodgers had the best record in baseball so this makes for a Powerhouse showdown. The Dodgers will start Yoshinobu Yamamoto while the Padres counter with Yu Darvish. Yamamoto has had an injury plagued first MLB season after transitioning from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Despite his decent regular season ERA and WHIP, Yamamoto has faced limited postseason experience, which could be a factor. The Padres, with their playoff experience and power hitters like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado are known to capitalize on mistakes and can quickly rack up runs if Yamamoto falters, especially under the pressure of October baseball. Darvish, a seasoned veteran with extensive postseason experience, is capable of overpowering hitters but has also shown inconsistency in high-leverage games. While Darvish can dominate lineups when he's on, he's also prone to giving up the long ball, particularly in hitter-friendly ballparks like Dodger Stadium. In the regular season, Darvish has had mixed results against the Dodgers, a lineup that knows him well. The Dodgers' offense is formidable, led by Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Herhanadez (had a grand slam at San Diego in game two) and Max Muncy, all of whom excel in clutch situations. Freddie Freeman is still nursing an ankle injury and missed the last game. The Dodgers' offense has been one of the best in baseball throughout 2024. They've consistently ranked in the top five for runs scored, home runs, and slugging percentage. San Diego's offense is built for postseason success. I believe the Dodgers and Padres big hitting lineups will get to these starters and it will become a bullpen game. Even without Freeman the Dodgers have plenty of firepower. Look for an explosive game as we have seen in the first four of the series. Take the OVER.

 The upcoming Mountain West Conference matchup between UNLV and Utah State on Friday showcases two teams in very different positions this season. UNLV, currently 4-1, is having an impressive season with a potent offense averaging 44.4 points per game. Their recent loss to Syracuse was a high-scoring affair (44-41), but they are heavily favored against a struggling Utah State team that sits at 1-4 and has been inconsistent both offensively and defensively. UNLV's offense is led by quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, who has been a dual-threat with both his passing and rushing abilities. He leads the team with 260 rushing yards in addition to his passing contributions, making him the focal point of their offensive attack. Wide receiver Ricky White has also been a key player, with six touchdowns this season. Defensively, UNLV has been solid, allowing just 19.8 points per game, and their pass rush and secondary have combined for 10 interceptions, showing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Utah State, on the other hand, has struggled on both sides of the ball. Their defense ranks near the bottom of the FBS, giving up 41.4 points per game, which could be a major problem against a high-powered UNLV offense. Offensively, quarterback Spencer Petras has shown flashes but has been inconsistent, and his availability for this game is in question due to a leg injury. Wide receiver Jalen Royals has been a bright spot for the Aggies, leading the team in receiving yards, but Utah State will need a near-perfect performance to keep up with UNLV. With UNLV favored by 18.5 points, the Rebs should be able to use their high octane offense to cover this spread. Utah State could stay close if they cut down on turnovers though. I'll take the OVER as my free play in this game.

The Canadian Football League contest between the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday has the markings of a close contest coming down to the wire. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers come into this game on an impressive eight-game winning streak, thanks in large part to the standout performances of running back Brady Oliveira, who leads the league with 1,254 rushing yards. Quarterback Zach Collaros has also found form after a slow start, supported by an improving offensive line. Winnipeg's defense, led by Tyrell Ford with seven interceptions, is currently one of the best in the CFL, allowing just 20.3 points per game. The Toronto Argonauts, meanwhile, have struggled with consistency this season, especially on the road, where they are just 2-5. Quarterback Chad Kelly has had a rough season, posting a negative touchdown-to-interception ratio, which could be problematic against Winnipeg's strong secondary. Toronto's defense has allowed over 30 points in four of their last five games, which could spell trouble against a high-scoring Blue Bombers offense. The Blue Bombers' balanced attack and stout defense make them the side for me here on Friday. Play Winnipeg.