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The Tampa Bay Rays have been a feel good story in sports betting circles since 2008, when they went on an improbable run to the World Series and lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. Now nearly three years later, the Rays and their low budget of $41 million, have fans and analysts from across the nation, hoping that they out gun the super team known as the 2011 Boston Red Sox.

A month ago, the Tampa Bay Rays were 10 games out of a wild card spot. Entering tonight’s final game of the season against the MLB leading New York Yankees, Tampa must at the very least win to force a one game playoff with the Boston Red Sox. At the same time, the Boston Red Sox, experiencing a meteoric collapse similar to the 2007 New York Mets whom blew a 12 game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies, are hoping that their pitching gets its focus together. If Boston fails to win the wild card, they would become one of only 11 teams in the history of the league to have the best World Series betting odds prior to the season, only to lose the first six games of the season, and then fail to make the playoffs.

On the other hand, the Atlanta Braves are basically begging the St. Louis Cardinals to take the wild card spot from them. Since the beginning of September, the Braves have gone nine and 17 including a seven to one loss to Philadelphia yesterday. At the same time, St. Louis has accumulated a record of 17 and eight this month, including a five to nothing victory over the lowly Houston Astros last night.

Theoretically, if all four wild card teams remain in sync after tonight’s action, it would be the first time ever, that both the AL and NL played a one game playoff in the same year. With a rumored second wild card team being added to each league as early as next year, fans should expect to see a 163rd game almost every season, to determine the final entrants in the playoffs.

If each league’s wild card comes down to a one game playoff, expect the scores to go under the total, as each game will have great pitching matches. In the AL Josh Beckett takes on James Shields, and in the NL Edwin Jackson takes on Jair Jurrjens.

We’re not sure which was more blatant. The phantom holding call on a punt return in the final minute of the Green Bay-Chicago game that cost the Bears a backdoor cover or the blown extra-point call in regulation that gave the Orange the cover as they eventually outlasted Toledo in overtime (maybe it IS time to bring Tim Donahue on our staff).

However, despite a 6-2 ATS mark at home in this football betting series, we feel they’ll be no such ‘luck’ today for Doug Marrone’s men.

Rutgers’ offense fi nally awoke in its win-and-cover over the Bobcats last Saturday and that’ll serve as a buy sign in this contest.

And despite the Knights’ poor road record in the Free NFL Picks series, two of their last three trips to the Carrier Dome have resulted in a pair of SU wins and covers.

With the Scarlet Lettermen a red-faced ‘Mission Dog’ seeking revenge from a 13-10 home loss last season, we expect an A-type effort this afternoon in the Dome.

Grab the points early in the week and Fuggedaboutit as Schiano and company squeeze out the ‘W.” No ex-‘Cuses.

Current betting lie is: Syracuse listed as 1-point favorites versus the Scarlet Knights, while the game's total is sitting at 49½.

Sportsbook betting pick: Rutgers over Syracuse by 3.

Another coach taking a leave of absence for health reasons is Boston College fi rst-year offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers. Our college football betting database tells us that the Eagles’ offense has been on leave all season (13 PPG versus FBS foes) so we’re honestly not sure that Mr. Rogers will be all that missed in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood.

Don’t be fooled by last week’s 45-point outburst against Division 1-AA UMass – the Minutemeneked out single-digit wins over Holy Cross and Rhode Island prior to last week’s visit to Alumni Stadium.

And while we’re not willing to back the feeble Eagles and their 0-3 SU and ATS record against Division 1-A competition this season, there’s just no value in making a pledge to the Demons in this pick ‘em affair, as they arrive with an 0-4 ATS series record since 2007 (as well as a dog role in all four of their previous visits).

Wake’s 1-5 ATS mark with revenge versus .400 or less opposition also keeps us in bed for this 12:30 kickoff. Like AT&T, we’ll let you make the call in this snooze-fest.

Sportsbooks currently have the Demon Deacons listed as 1-point favorites versus the Eagles, while the game's total is sitting at 50.

Trends to consider:

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wake Forest's last 6 games when playing Boston College

Wake Forest is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games

Wake Forest is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games

Wake Forest is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston College

The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston College's last 10 games

Boston College is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Wake Forest

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston College's last 5 games at home

Boston College is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home

Carolina rookie quarterback Cam Newton finally won his first NFL game in a rain-soaked week three affair against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The remaining hurricane conditions swept into Carolina and made it difficult to see the game, much less play it. But even in the muddy slop that he was forced to deal with, Newton still threw for 158 passing yards and a touchdown. Nothing that the Panthers experienced in its week three win over the Jaguars will prepare it to meet the Bears in week four. The Jacksonville defense was assisted by the weather conditions and still could not stop Newton and the Carolina offense. The Bears will not have that sort of problem in week four.

The NFL betting picks fans in Chicago are still not warming up to starting quarterback Jay Cutler. But what Chicago fans should really be worried about is the Bears’ offensive line. In its week three loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Bears were only able to manage 13 total rushing yards and Cutler accounted for 11 of those yards. The Bears’ offense could not stay on the field due to turnovers and a series of three-and-outs. The boos were cascading down on Cutler as he threw two interceptions that stalled Chicago drives and handed the ball back over to Green Bay. Cutler should have an easier time of it in week four, but if the offense does not pick up the pace then offensive coordinator Mike Martz may be bass fishing next year instead of coaching the Chicago offense.

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton appears to be the real deal at quarterback for the Panthers. He faced some seriously bad weather in week three and was able to pull out the win. In the first two games of the season, the Panthers were hampered by a bad defense. The bad weather seemed to really help the Carolina defense keep the Jacksonville offense under control. That bad defense will come to the forefront again in week four as the Chicago Bears are just waiting for a defense to tee off on and the weather conditions in Chicago rarely approach hurricane force winds and rain. Jay Cutler may be called upon to win this game for the Bears, and there may be little that the price per head Carolina defense can do about it.

Chicago Bears

The betonline reviews of the Chicago Bears defense this season have been extremely impressive. Veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher is playing like a man possessed and picking up interceptions at a frightening pace this season. But that Chicago defense will have its hands full with the elusive Cam Newton. The Bears’ secondary may not be able to keep up with the Carolina receivers and Newton could very well have another 300 to 400-yard passing day. But the Bears will keep the Panthers out of the endzone just enough to allow the Chicago offense to win this game.

The Bottom Line

The Carolina defense will get better as the season goes along, but it still lacks any kind of sustained pass rush that can give the Panthers a real chance at winning games. This one might be close, but it will be a Chicago win in the end.

Pick: Chicago Bears

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5)

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

Despite escaping with a sports betting win over the St. Louis Rams on Monday Night Football, the Giants looked like a shadow of the team expected to compete for a division title this season with the injuries that have ripped through the roster. With starters missing on every level of the defense, quarterback Eli Manning and the offense have done the best they can to keep New York competitive through two weeks, and they could be in trouble with a trip to Philadelphia. The Eagles were exposed against the Atlanta Falcons after Michael Vick went down with a concussion, and that one potential injury for Philadelphia could outweigh all of New York’s if he isn’t able to go on Sunday. The Eagles have the best cornerbacks in the league but their front-seven was exposed by Atlanta, and could be again if they don’t go fishing to tighten things up front. Philadelphia should win, but the Giants will keep it close if they can establish a running game.

NFL Betting Pick: New York Giants + 5.5

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys (-4)

Monday, 8:35 PM ET

The Redskins scored 10 straight points late in the fourth quarter to rally against the Cardinals at home, but they will need to be better overall to escape Dallas with a win this week. That is unless Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo cannot go after suffering cracked ribs and a punctured lung in his heroic comeback sportsbook odds win over the San Francisco 49ers, a game in which he literally willed his team back to prevent consecutive losses to open the year. The extra day off could help Romo and company in this matchup, and regardless of whether he plays or not, head coach Jason Garrett will need to get more out of his running backs. Felix Jones has not gotten enough touches early on this season and that has left Romo exposed, so the entire offense should benefit from a better running game. Washington quarterback Rex Grossman has been good through two starts but did toss a pair of interceptions in his last start, and that should have Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Rob Ryan salivating at the possibilities of what his units can do this NFL picks week.

NFL Betting Pick: Dallas Cowboys - 4

For the first time in a very long time, the football fans of Western New York have a lot to cheer about. The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 after blowing out the Kansas City Chiefs in week one on the road, and then coming back to beat the Oakland Raiders at home in week two. Now the Bills face the ultimate AFC test as the 2-0 New England Patriots come to town. The most impressive part of the Bills’ game is its offense. After scoring almost 80 points in the first two games of the season, the Bills have shown an unforeseen ability to adjust to an opposing defense and put up points. While some will argue that it was not the New England defense the Bills were facing in week two, there are enough similarities between the Raiders’ defense and the Patriots to make this upcoming game interesting.

The NFL betting lines on the Patriots still have New England as the favorite to win the AFC East. But there are still cracks in the New England armor that head coach Bill Belichick sees and that the Buffalo Bills can try to exploit. The Patriots just got done dismantling the San Diego Chargers’ defense and pressuring the San Diego offense into the ground. The question that this game raises is whether or not the Buffalo Bills defense can do what Miami and San Diego failed to do; stop Tom Brady. Brady has had his problems in Buffalo early in games, but he usually comes out the winner. The online sportsbooks fans in Buffalo may have to sit and watch as Brady finds a way to beat the Bills yet again.

Buffalo Bills

If you are fishing for ways to give the Bills an edge in this game it would have to be at running back. Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller are proving to be a potent running combination, and the Bills’ offensive line is finding all kinds of ways to give the two running backs room to operate. But, even with some new players on the defensive line, the Buffalo Bills still cannot get consistent pressure on the quarterback. The Bills got to Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell enough time to pull out the win. But if Buffalo wants to stop Tom Brady, it will need consistent pressure on the New England quarterback. That was something that not even the San Diego defensive line was able to do.

New England Patriots

The New England offense is so potent that it could strike at any moment. If Wes Welker does not catch a timely pass in the slot, then Chad Ochocinco will take you deep. If you manage to somehow catch little Danny Woodhead, then the next play you will have to deal with the power of BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The only weakness on the Patriots’ team that may affect it in this game is the defensive secondary. If Buffalo quarterback can consistently get the ball past the front defensive seven, then the Bills can score points. But will the Bills be able to stop Tom Brady and the offense?

The Bottom Line

This is one of those NFL picks where you want to believe the upset could happen but you know it probably will not. It is conceivable that the Bills could hang with the Patriots for three quarters of a shoot-out. But, eventually, the Pats will pull away and put the Bills in second place in the AFC East.

Pick: New England Patriots

Toronto Blue Jays – The youthful Blue Jays have pretty much been out of the playoff picture since the middle of May. After officially being eliminated from fishing games contention yesterday, the Blue Jays became just another team looking to spoil a team’s shot at the playoffs. In 2010, Toronto found themselves in a similar situation, as they went 12 and four in their final 16 games, including a nine and two record to close out the MLB season.

Last week, the Blue Jays (74-74) took three of four from Boston, before taking two of three from Baltimore. Yesterday, Toronto was killed by Boston 18 to five. However, today they send ace Ricky Romero to the mound against John Lackey. Lackey has been an Achilles heel to any momentum Boston has built this season. With that in mind, a split with Boston and then a series win over the LA Angels later this month, would go along way in spoiling both teams World Series betting chances.

Los Angeles Dodgers – One of the most storied franchises in professional sports, the 2011 edition of the LA Dodgers, houses both an MVP candidate in Matt Kemp and a possible CY Young winner in Clayton Kershaw. Regardless, the Dodgers, who are currently run by the MLB betting , find themselves in the basement of the NL West division. Nevertheless, the Dodgers have embraced the role of spoiler over the last few weeks, as they have hampered the plans of NL wild card hopefuls the St. Louis Cardinals, and 2010 World Series winner the San Francisco Giants.

Despite losing the last two games to the NL West leading Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers have gone 15 and three in their past 18 games. Theoretically, the Dodgers may have a bounce back game in them tonight, as they look to prevent the Diamondbacks from clinching their first division title in nearly five years.

If LA is able to avoid the sweep, they could have a huge influence on the outcome of the NL West division in a couple of weeks, when they face the Giants and the Diamondbacks in back to back series.

Washington Nationals – Considered by many casual and hardcore baseball fans alike to be one of the worst teams in the MLB, the Washington Nationals have a wealth of young talent, that could help them finally contend in the ever daunting NL East. With games against Atlanta and Philadelphia, Washington has a shot at playing spoiler.

Our price per head betting readers realize the Zips are in ‘Dire Straits,’ starting the 2011 campaign 0-2 SU, ATS and ITS while losing both games by double digits (combined score of 83-3).

Sportsbooks odds currently have the Bearcats listed as 31-point favorites versus the Zips, and the game's total is sitting at 56.

And while these avenging squads (lost 17-15 at home to Cincy in 2008) are usually reliable play-on teams, the problem for Akron this afternoon in the Queen City is they’re facing a ‘Mission Team’ that heard Rocky Top for all four quarters last Saturday in Knoxville.

You can bet – though we won’t – that the Bearcats are itching to get back on the win track after that 45-23 thumping. And though they’ve averaged more than 52 PPG in their five wins under head coach Butch Jones, we can’t lay this kind of wood… not with an NC State revenger on deck and the Zips in that aforementioned ‘Dire Straits’ situation.

We’re also not ready to grab the points with Akron second-year man Ron Ianello (1-13 SU, 5-8 ATS), whose tread is wearing awfully thin in the Rubber City. Another nooner that just doesn’t pique our interest.

Trends:

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Akron's last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Akron's last 6 games on the road

Akron is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road

Akron is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games

Cincinnati is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home

Cincinnati is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

Maryland over West Virginia by 6

The meeting between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Maryland Terrapins si this Saturday at Byrd Stadium.

The current pay per head betting line is Terrapins listed as 1-point favorites against the Mountaineers, and the total is sitting at 53½.

Danny O’Brien and the Maryland offense looked good – though their uniforms did not – in their season-opening win over Miami. In fact, according to BSN Sports, “you couldn’t even ‘pay’ Miami players to wear those outfi ts.”

What does look good (and SMART) is the Terp’s 12-day respite. They’ll certainly need it as the Mountaineers are 10-2 ATS away before back-to-back homers, not to mention a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS in this series since 2005.

First-year head coach Randy Edsall will also be battling a nasty 0-6 ATS Game Two log as well as a 0-4ATS mark in the second game of three straight home contests. Yes, the trends all point to West Virginia but the handicappers warns otherwise and we’ll heed that advice.

One more word of caution: watch this line. Should the Hillbillies turn to chalk, they own a 0-9 ATS log as Game Three favorites of less than 10 points.

Whatever the case (pick, plus or minus), it’s venom over denim this afternoon in College Park as the Terps exact some revenge.

West Virginia most recently:

When playing in September are 8-2

When playing on grass are 3-7

After outgaining opponent are 6-4

When playing outside the conference are 7-3

Maryland most recently:

When playing in September are 6-4

When playing on grass are 7-3

After outgaining opponent are 3-7

When playing outside the conference are 6-4

Philadelphia Eagles (-1) @ Atlanta Falcons

The preseason NFL betting lines had been very favorable for the Atlanta Falcons. After all, the Falcons had added wide receiver Julio Jones in the draft to add to veteran receiver Roddy White as deep passing threats. But for all of its offensive prowess, the Falcons forgot to address their defense. That lack of defensive ability was on display in week one as the Bears ran through and around the Atlanta defense. The Eagles looked much better in its regular season opener than in any of the preseason games played this year. Michael Vick threw and ran the ball effectively while the Philadelphia defense shut down the upstart St. Louis offense. All of this does not bode well for the Falcons as they prepare for what should be one of the better games in the NFC for the first half of the season.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints

The Saints looked much better in this year’s season opener than it did in last year’s, but the results were different. The Saints won its season opener last year and lost it this year to the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers. But the price per head football fans in New Orleans should not give up hope. The Chicago Bears are not coming to New Orleans to enjoy the great bass fishing in the area, the team is coming to win. The Saints do not have the same kind of defense that the Falcons have which the Bears torched on opening day. If this turns into a shootout, the Bears are in trouble.

Pick: New Orleans Saints

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers

Are the Cowboys that bad? Are the 49ers that good? The Cowboys were barely beaten by a very good Jets team while the 49ers clobbered a sub-standard Seattle ball club. The strength of the 49ers is its defense, but that may not be enough to carry them to a win. The thing working against the Cowboys is injuries. If the Cowboys cannot get some of their injured cornerbacks back by this game, then it could be another close game and very long week for the Dallas Cowboys players and fans.

Pick: San Francisco 49ers

St. Louis Rams @ New York Giants

This game is incredibly important to the final NFC standings for several reasons. The Giants were one of the popular NFL picks to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC this year. But Eli Manning and the Giants offense looked absolutely terrible against the Washington Redskins in week one. The St. Louis Rams made a lot of mistakes in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Rams may have just enough defense to keep the Giants off the scoreboard.

Pick: St. Louis Rams

Atlanta Falcons (-3) @ Chicago Bears

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

A loaded roster and consistent approach led to the Falcons winning an impressive 14 games last season, finishing with the best record in the NFC and clinching home field advantage for the playoffs. Unfortunately, their first postseason game was against the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, a home loss that left a bitter taste in their mouths through the offseason. Head coach Mike Smith’s group is back this year and with the addition of a playmaking wide receiver in Julio Jones, which the Falcons moved up in the first round to grab in the top-10. A dynamic receiver, Jones has looked good with Matt Ryan this preseason, and teamed with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta isn’t lacking firepower. The Bears ended last season with a loss to the Packers as well, only in the NFC Championship game with their starting quarterback watching from the sidelines after a knee sprain. That didn’t go over well with Chicago fans then, and as soon as he falters in this NFL picks game it’s likely he is going to hear about it.

NFL Betting Pick: Atlanta Falcons - 3

Philadelphia Eagles (-5) @ St. Louis Rams

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

The Eagles have already been labeled the “Dream Team” for the upcoming sports betting season, but now it is time for Philadelphia to be the “Nightmare” team for a young Rams’ team with a ton of potential week one. St. Louis enters this season with several reasons to believe that they can contend for a division title after falling one game short in Sam Bradford’s rookie season a year ago, but it won’t be easy to get that first victory this week as the Eagles look to load up once again. The Rams’ defense showed improvement as last year wore on, but now they will be asked to defend Michael Vick.

NFL Betting Pick: Philadelphia Eagles - 5

Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5)

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET

Both the Lions and Buccaneers are expected to contend for an NFC playoff spot this season, but only one can emerge with the win in week one. Considering that Tampa Bay has done it before and they are playing at home, it could be Josh Freeman and the boys that come out on top. How the Buccanners’ slow the Detroit pass rush and protect Freeman in the pocket will be a key, as well as how the Tampa Bay defense is able to slow down Matt Stafford by fishing for some pressure of their own up the middle.

NFL Betting Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1.5

Toronto Blue Jays fans are some of the most patient in the history of sports. The last time MLB betting Jays fans saw a playoff game, was the 1993 World Series when Toronto defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. In the 18 years since the World Series victory, Blue Jays fans have had little to cheer for. Whether it is the daunting task of winning the division, or poor management, Jay’s fans have been messed around on multiple occasions.

Since the 2010 season, the Toronto Blue Jays have provided their fans with a false sense of hope that they can contend in the next couple of seasons. Essentially, Jays GM Alex Anthopolous has revamped the entire minor league system, which in turn has allowed him to deal away veteran players and fill the current roster with youth. While the man known as AA is praised by the media for building up the youth of the roster, the rare veteran pieces he has added have been more then suspect.

For the reason that the 2010 and 11 Toronto Blue Jays have more or less appeared to be their own worst enemies, fans are really questioning if there is light at the end of the tunnel. AA’s Achilles heel has been his lack of attention spent on the bullpen. As a result of his neglect, Toronto has lost many games that they otherwise should have been in.

What’s more, in any other division in baseball, it takes roughly 90 wins to make the playoffs. Yet, in the AL East, it takes a minimum of 105 wins. Which means, that AA’s inability to fix the bullpen has caused the team to constantly hover around a 500 record, when really; they could be performing more consistently.

Now, some will argue, that the Blue Jays would have the proverbial smack down laid on them regardless of who is in the bullpen, but we disagree. As we noted earlier, the Blue Jays farm system has been revamped dramatically. This in turn should allow the team to not only deal from an area of strength for bullpen help, but also reveal to Jays fans, that a youthful bullpen can get the job done. By using homegrown talent, AA and the new look Toronto Blue Jays, should be able to contend for an MLB highlights playoff spot sooner rather than later.