If you don’t see an NFL betting line that interests you, why not bet on the baseball playoffs? The Red Sox and Angels kick off what should be the close of the two American League Division Series. Let’s get our playoff baseball picks started on the right foot.

Boston Red Sox @ Los Angeles Angels
Jon Lester (15-8, 3.41) vs John Lackey (11-8, 3.83)
Game 1 – Thursday, October 8, 9:37 p.m. ET
Sportsbook odds: Red Sox -115, Angels -105

The Red Sox and Angels both trot power pitchers to the mound to open the ALDS. If it weren’t for his ugly April and May, Jon Lester would’ve been part of the Cy Young discussion. From June until now, he’s been Boston’s best pitcher, allowing three or fewer runs 19 times in 21 starts. His nasty stuff leads to boatloads of strikeouts and his control is reasonable. His ERA was a full run higher on the road but he remained an effective pitcher away from Fenway Park this season. He didn’t face L.A. this season but the Angels were the only team to beat him at Fenway in 2008. That may sway bettors toward the Angels, but not so fast; look at the playoff numbers. Last year, Lester tossed 13 scoreless innings over two starts against the Angels.

Big John Lackey regained his impeccable control as the season progressed, going 7-4 with a 3.05 ERA after the All-Star break. In the regular season, he’s just 2-5 All-time against the Red Sox but, like Lester, he rises to the occasion in the playoffs. He held Boston to two runs in each of his two starts against them last October.

It’s a good idea to bet under the total (eight runs) in this matchup; in the end, I’d go with Boston. The Red Sox have an X-factor in David Ortiz, who quietly led the majors in homers from June to September. He bats .333 off Lackey with two homers and 10 RBI in 33 career at-bats, so he could be the difference maker Thursday night.

Betting services recommend: Red Sox -115