Ray Monohan Sports Picks

Guardians -110

The Guardians and White Sox meet in Game 4 and it’s Cleveland with the value. Cleveland was able to force this Game 4 after a 9-3 win on Wednesday that kept their season alive. The pressure is on the White Sox now to try and clinch this at home, but it won’t be easy going against Parker Messick. The LH made one mistake in Game 1, but has been Cleveland’s most reliable pitcher all season. Hagen Smith will go for the White Sox as they’ll go with their bullpen strategy again. It didn’t work Wednesday and now with no off day in between, it’s going to be on no rest for this pen. Cleveland has the pitching edge and they have their offensive groove back. Back the Guardians.

Thursday 3* MLB ML Play

OVER 6

Calgary can't score (they'll bag a couple tonight), can't defend, and now gets a Colorado offense that's been lighting up scoreboards. The Flames have surrendered 16 goals through three games, including a pair of six-goal beatdowns by Seattle. Dustin Wolf has been getting hung out to dry, and facing Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and Cale Makar isn't exactly the cure for those defensive headaches. Colorado has already scored 16 goals in three outings, and even Wednesday's loss to Winnipeg featured plenty of quality chances. The Avs are playing consecutive nights, but that doesn't bother me much with their offensive depth and ability to roll multiple dangerous lines. Calgary's lineup changes haven't solved anything yet, and Jonathan Huberdeau's absence certainly doesn't help its scoring punch. The Flames don't need to contribute a whole lot here. Colorado has enough firepower to do most of the damage itself, and a couple of Calgary goals should put this comfortably OVER. At 6, we also have some protection if the game lands there. Take the OVER.

Thursday 3* NHL O/U Play

Preds +155

Montreal is getting priced like a legitimate contender, but I'm not laying that kind of juice on a team that's been this shaky defensively. Both clubs enter 1-1-1, and I've liked what Nashville has shown despite some frustrating results. The Predators are creating better scoring chances at even strength, getting bodies into dangerous areas and spending more time putting pressure on opposing defenses. Montreal has plenty of offensive talent, but the Canadiens have been careless with the puck and far too generous around their own net. That's not exactly a recipe for laying heavy odds. Injuries to Demidov and Guhle only complicate matters. Nashville has enough veteran firepower to take advantage, with Stamkos finding his scoring touch early and Filip Forsberg capable of breaking loose at any moment. Juuse Saros also gives the Predators a fighting chance between the pipes. At +155, I'm getting paid handsomely to back a live dog against a vulnerable favorite. Take Nashville ML.

Thursday 1* NHL ML Play

OVER 47.5

Dallas has become an OVER machine because the Cowboys can score and can't stop anybody. Their first four games have averaged 59 combined points, and they've now cashed 10 straight OVERs. Dak Prescott has 8 TD passes against just 1 interception, while Dallas is converting 81% of its red-zone trips. That's the heavy lifting. The Tampa side is where this wager gets interesting. Jalon Daniels doesn't need to be polished against a Cowboys defense sitting near the bottom of the league in yards per play, third-down defense and explosive plays allowed. Dallas has also generated only 4 sacks, a huge break for a Bucs offense that has surrendered 16. Daniels showed he can create with his legs last week, and Tampa should be throwing if Dallas gets ahead. The Cowboys have allowed 13 TD's through four games and opponents are finishing 73% of their red-zone trips. That's gasoline around an offense already holding the match. At 47.5, I'm betting another Dallas shootout. Take the OVER.

Thursday 2* NFL O/U Play

OVER 49.5

UTSA's offense comes alive at home, scoring 59 and 45 in its two Alamodome games this season while going OVER in 12 straight there. USF can help against a Roadrunners defense allowing 218 rushing yards per game, and the Bulls have already scored 13 rushing TD's. We don't need a track meet at 49.5. UTSA gets into the 30's, USF does enough, and we're in business. Locking this in early. Ray’s daily FREE plays are meant to be smaller bankroll plays. Money management is everything in this game, and these freebies are designed to keep you moving in the right direction. FREE selection is a strong lean on the OVER 49.5. The number makes sense, the spot is right, and it’s a play worth taking. You know what to do. Good luck — Razor Ray.

Thursday FREE NCAAF O/U Play

The current run has been strong. A BIG Card is going up for this weekend, and Ray’s DISCOUNTED Day Pass gets you full access. Razor is a top-ranked handicapper across every network where his plays are sold, and he’s continuing to climb the leaderboards. As always… “Pad that bankroll one day at a time.”

UTSA -7

UTSA is a different football team inside the Alamodome, and laying 7 is playable before this gets beyond the key number. Jeff Traylor is 35-5 at home and an absurd 25-1 there against conference opponents. Now he gets a South Florida offense that has scored only 27 points over its last two games and has struggled to create explosive plays. Michael Van Buren has just 3 TD passes through five games and has already been sacked 9 times. UTSA has the more dangerous offense, with Owen McCown completing 68% of his passes and a ground game averaging better than 5 yards per carry. Last week's 16-14 escape at Rice wasn't pretty, but two turnovers helped keep that game uncomfortable. Back home, I expect a cleaner performance. USF's defense is legitimate, but its schedule hasn't provided anything close to this combination of offense and environment. The Bulls can hang around for a while; UTSA has the weapons to create separation. Lay the 7 with the Roadrunners.

Thursday 2* NCAAF ATS Play