Saturday’s UFC 102 fight card is being lauded as one of the deepest cards in a while, so let’s take a look at the top three fights that will take place in Portland.
UFC 102 Odds – Saturday, August 29, 10:00 PM ET
Randy Couture (16-9) vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1-1)
Couture is a -165 favorite in this heavyweight encounter between two legendary fighters, and both have something to prove as they come off losses. A win is essential, as these two former champions are jockeying for a spot in line to challenge Brock Lesnar, who beat Couture at UFC 91. Both are solid boxers, so it’ll be a fight between Couture’s wrestling and Nogueira’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MuayThai. The "Natural" has done it all in UFC, while Nogueira is 13 years younger, with more experience. Take "Big Nog" in an online betting upset.
Thiago Silva (13-1) vs Keith Jardine (14-5)
Jardine is favored at -155 by betting services, but he’s lost three of his last five fights, and his two wins came via split decision. He’s also facing a hungry Silva, who was knocked out by light-heavyweight champion LyotoMachida. Thiago’s hero is Wanderlei Silva, who knocked out Jardine in 38 seconds, and you can bet that Thiago has asked Wanderlei for tips. Look for Silva’s viciously Muay Thai knees to be the deciding factor. Go with Thiago Silva for another upset win.
Nate Marquardt (28-8-2) vsDemianMaia (10-0)
Marquardt is a -165 favorite in this contest that should play out on the mat. Marquardt is a submission specialist with a background in boxing, and he is currently the No.3 middleweight in the world. However, he’ll have his hands full with Maia, who has yet to lose and some people are calling him the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist on the planet. In four of his last five fights, he’s been awarded the "Submission of the Night". Marquardt has lost two of his last three against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, and Maia may be a betetr fighter than ThalesLeites, who Marquardt lost to at UFC 85. Take DemianMaia in Saturday’s sports picks.
The Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at RaymondJamesStadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Buccaneers listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Dolphins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Dolphins improved to 2-0 in the preseason with a 27-17 win over the Panthers last time out. The Dolphins covered the 2.5-point spread, and the 44 points made it OVER the posted total of 33.5.
LukeMcCown threw two touchdown passes to help the Buccaneers get past the Jaguars 24-23 in Week 2 of the preseason, as 3-point underdogs. That game’s 47 points sailed OVER the posted total of 34.
Team records: Miami: 11-5 SU, 8-8 ATS TampaBay: 9-7 SU, 8-8 ATS
Next up: Miami at New Orleans, Thursday, September 3 Tampa Bay home to Houston, Friday, September 4
The St. Louis Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Paul Brown Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Bengals listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Rams, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rams were defeated 20-13 by the Falcons in Week 2 of the preseason as 2.5-point underdogs. That game’s 33 points fell UNDER the posted total of 36.
J.T. O’Sullivan scored the only touchdown of the game in Week 2 of the preseason for the Bengals, as they defeated the Patriots 7-6. The Bengals won the game as 6.5-point road underdogs, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 36.
Team records: St. Louis: 2-14 SU, 6-10 ATS Cincinnati: 4-11-1 SU, 7-9 ATS
Next up: St. Louis home to Kansas City, Thursday, September 3 Cincinnati home to Indianapolis, Thursday, September 3
The Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Lincoln Financial Field.
Oddsmakers currently have the Eagles listed as 7½-point favorites versus the Jaguars, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Jaguars fell 24-23 to the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the preseason last time out, as 3-point favorites. That game’s 47 points sailed OVER the posted total of 34.
The Eagles lost 23-15 to the Colts in Week 2 of the preseason last time out, as 3.5-point favorites. That game’s 38 points made it OVER the night’s posted total of 36.5.
Team records: Jacksonville: 5-11 SU, 4-12 ATS Philadelphia: 9-6-1 SU, 10-6 ATS
Next up: Jacksonville home to Washington, Thursday, September 3 Philadelphia at NY Jets, Thursday, September 3
The New York Mets and the Florida Marlins will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at Land Shark Stadium.
The Mets will trot MichaelPelfrey out to the mound in this one. RighthanderPelfrey has a 9-8 record and a 4.67 ERA this season.
The Marlins will counter Pelfrey with ace JoshJohnson. RighthanderJohnson has a 2.99 ERA to go along with a 12-3 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 250-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
SeanWest allowed one run over six innings to earn the win, as the Marlins clipped the Mets 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Florida won as a -110 home pick ’em, while the game played UNDER the 7.5-run total posted by oddsmakers.
RossGload went 2-for-4 with a run batted in for the Marlins, who got an RBI from DanUggla in the win.
FernandoTatis drove in the lone run for New York, while NelsonFigueroa gave up one earned run over five innings to take the loss for the Mets.
Current streak: New York has lost 4 straight games.
Team records: New York: 57-69 SU Florida: 66-59 SU
New York most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 3-7 Before playing Florida are 4-6 After playing Florida are 3-7 After a loss are 5-5
Florida most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 4-6 Before playing NY Mets are 5-5 After playing NY Mets are 8-2 After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider: NY Mets are 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Florida NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets Florida is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Next up: Florida home to NY Mets, Thursday, August 27
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at PNCPark.
The Phillies will give the ball to ace starter ColeHamels in this one. LefthanderHamels is 7-8 this season with a 4.78 ERA.
Starting this game for the Pirates will be PaulMaholm. The lefthander has a 4.74 ERA to go along with a 7-7 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 180-moneyline favorites versus the Pirates, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Andrew McCutchen’s walk-off, two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the Pirates over the Phillies 6-4 on Tuesday night.
Pittsburgh cashed as +165 home underdogs, while the game played OVER the 8.5-run total set by sportsbooks.
StevePearce was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer for the Pirates, as MattCapps picked up the win in relief of starter RossOhlendorf for Pittsburgh.
JimmyRollins went 2-for-5 with two solo dingers for Philadelphia, while BradLidge took the loss after allowing McCutchen’s walk-off in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Team records: Philadelphia: 72-51 SU Pittsburgh: 52-71 SU
Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 8-2 Before playing Pittsburgh are 8-2 After playing Pittsburgh are 8-2 After a loss are 5-5
Pittsburgh most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 4-6 Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8 After playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider: Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh Philadelphia is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up: Pittsburgh home to Philadelphia, Thursday, August 27
A winning streak will be on the line for the Texas Rangers on Wednesday when they battle the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
DerekHolland will be the starting pitcher for the Rangers on this day. LefthanderHolland is 5-6 this season with a 4.52 ERA.
Holland‘s opponent in this one will be AndyPettitte. The Yankees lefthander has a 4.25 ERA to go along with a 10-6 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Yankees listed as 200-moneyline favorites versus the Rangers, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
ElvisAndrus was 3-for-5 with three runs batted in, as the Rangers nipped the Yankees 10-9 on Tuesday night.
Texas cashed as +165 road underdogs, while the game played OVER the 9.5-run total posted by oddsmakers.
Michael Young went 2-for-5 with a two-run dinger and three RBIs for the Rangers, as Kevin Millwood recorded the win after giving up five runs over 5 2-3 innings for Texas.
JorgePosada was 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and three RBIs for New York, while Joba Chamberlain was roughed up for seven runs over four innings to take the loss for the Yankees.
Current streak: Texas has won 2 straight games.
Team records: Texas: 70-54 SU New York: 78-47 SU
Texas most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 6-4 Before playing NY Yankees are 6-4 After playing NY Yankees are 5-5 After a win are 5-5
New York most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 5-5 Before playing Texas are 5-5 After playing Texas are 5-5 After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider: Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road Texas is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees NY Yankees are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games at home NY Yankees are 16-5 SU in their last 21 games NY Yankees are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Texas
Next up: NY Yankees home to Texas, Thursday, August 27
This week’s Barclays betting odds are backing the world’s No.1 player to win the only one of the four FedEx Cup events he hasn’t won yet, but he’ll face some competition from two former rivals, a young gun, and a three-time major winner who is getting back to his best.
Barclays Betting – Thursday, August 27
Tiger Woods (+185) missed the cut at the British Open, then won two straight before fading in the PGA Championship, which may have stung more than the MC at Turnberry. Tiger famously skipped this event in ’07 and still went on to hoist the FedEx Cup, but he’s never played at Liberty National, which is holding a PGA event for the first time.
Phil Mickelson (+1850) is no stranger to Liberty National, as he is one of its most famous members. This hopefully points to a Tiger/Mickelson Sunday duel something like the final round of the 2007 Deutsche Bank Championship, and this year’s Masters shootout. Mickelson needs the familiarity of Liberty National as he hasn’t broken the top 50 in two events since coming back after dealing with personal problems.
Padraig Harrington (+2050) has rattled off two top-10s in a row after a miserable season, and he may have won those events if not for one bad hole. Harrington’s swing changes are coming around, and one more solid showing will get some betting management players on his side.
Hunter Mahan (+2250) has been one of the most consistent players this season, and although he doesn’t have a win, he has four top-10s in his last six starts, and he’s missed the cut only once in 20 events. Mahan is in the top 10 in terms of birdies and total driving, and if the putting can be consistent, he could be a FedEx Cup bettingdarkhorse to win the whole thing.
Steve Stricker (+3050) won this event in 2007, and finished T-19 last year. In eight FedEx Cup events, he’s cracked the top 20 seven times. He’s second in scoring average to only Woods (and two spots in front of Mahan), and the only knock on him is that he’s coming off a missed-cut in the PGA Championship.
Since Mickelson knows the course better than anyone in the field, most will go with “Lefty”. But I’m picking an angry Tiger Woods, as he’s been quiet since losing the Sunday lead at Hazeltime for the first time in a major, and we all know what he did after missing the cut at Turnberry. Take Tiger Woods in this week’s sports picks.
The 2009 US Open Tennis odds are up. Roger Federer is the overwhelming favorite, but Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal are considered reasonable bets according to the US Open Vegas odds.
Serena Williams edges out her sister Venus as the chalk from the ladies side. Bet Online has a preview of the tournament from a betting standpoint.
The legendary Federer is 11/10 favorite on the male side with Murray at 10/3, Nadal at 11/2.
Other contenders include Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick at 10/1.
The current betting line for Serena is 7/4 and 9/2 for Venus. Maria Sharapova leads the non-Williams contenders at 8/1, followed by Elena Dementieva at 10/1.
A slightly more contact sport MMA has the UFC 102 odds up. Randy Couture is -180 against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, while Keith Jardine is -145 over Thiago Silva. Complete and live MMA Oddsare at OffshoreInsiders.com.
Other entertainment and political betting odds include the latest Vegas odds on who will win Season 9 of Dancing With the Stars as Natalie Coughlin still edges out Joanna Krupa, Melissa Joan Hart, and Mya.
Also included are odds for the 2009 Emmy Awards and even betting odds on the gender of Caster Semenya.
The Florida Marlins will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Tuesday when they take on the New York Mets at LandShark Stadium.
NelsonFigueroa will be the starting pitcher for the Mets on this day. RighthanderFigueroa is 0-2 this season with a 10.56 ERA.
It’ll be SeanWest toeing the rubber for the Marlins in this contest. LefthanderWest is 4-5 with a 4.70 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 210-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
FernandoTatis drove in a run for New York in its 6-2 loss to Philadelphia on Monday.
Philadelphia cashed as -300 road favorites, while the game played OVER the 7.5-run total set by oddsmakers.
The Marlins lost to Atlanta 7-5 as a +115 underdog on Sunday. The 12 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (8.5).
Ronny Paulino drove in three runs for the Marlins and RickyNolasco gave up four runs on nine hits in four 1-3 innings.
Current streak: New York has lost 3 straight games. Florida has lost 2 straight games.
Team records: New York: 57-68 SU Florida: 65-59 SU
New York most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 8-2 Before playing Florida are 5-5 After playing Philadelphia are 1-9 After a loss are 5-5
Florida most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing NY Mets are 5-5 After playing Atlanta are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets’s last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida The total has gone UNDER in 11 of NY Mets’s last 14 games when playing Florida The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Mets’s last 10 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida’s last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida’s last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Florida’s last 14 games when playing NY Mets
Next up: Florida home to NY Mets, Wednesday, August 26
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