Kevin Thomas Handicapper Reviews & Picks

1 pm, the (125) Cleveland Browns got a new coach and a quarterback controversy, plus the third-string quarterback isn't too bad, Gabriel. The Browns retooled in the offseason and during the draft, so starting positions are up in the air. The (126) Chicago Bears, like most teams, need to know who's where, and this becomes an audition for the 3rd- and 4th-stringers. Most teams treat the joint practices as preseason. Browns have too many question marks, starting at quarterback, for them to compete all game. My prediction is: Take the (125) Cleveland Browns laying the points.

*Have up five premium wagers, with three of those bundled into my NFL Gridiron Gold (3-pack). One in MLB and "WNBA", which I'm now over 80% L7 days and 70% L30 days.

710 pm, the (919) Seattle Mariners (57-66) forced extra innings last night and took the loss. The good news for them is that they hit Abreu and Hader; that's the (920) Houston Astros' (63-60) bread and butter when it comes to their bullpen. The Mariners are deep in pitching and can attack the Astros with different looks, but still quality. I have the Astros with the advantage at starter, but Hayden Wesneski is only making his 4th start, and this will be the best team he'll face thus far. Take the (919) Seattle Mariners on the money line.

At 8 pm, at home or even at a neutral court, the (605) Minnesota Lynx (28-7) are the real deal. A steal of a player, with Olivia Miles dropping to the #2 spot as the Wings passed on her for Fudd. Miles will be the best player in the WNBA, let alone rookie of the year. With that said, the (606) Las Vegas Aces (24-11) sit behind the Valkyries at the 3rd seed, with the red-hot Fever two games back in the fourth seed. The keys to success are limiting the three-pointers and containing McBride and Miles. Keep one from double digits, and the Aces win. Take the (606) Las Vegas Aces plus the points.

1 pm, If I've learned one thing over my career, it's don't bet against John Harbaugh in the preseason. Now he is with his new team, the (124) New York Giants, who have a ton of talent, and the backups, especially at running back, are stacked. On the other side, the (123) Minnesota Vikings announced that Kyle Murray will be their starting quarterback, so JJ McCarthy should see the bulk of the action. The problem for me is their running backs; it looks like Demond Clairborne will get the majority of the work, and at 188 lbs, that is a lot to ask against this Giants defense. Harbaugh revamped the special teams; as we all know, many moons ago, that was his specialty. Take the (124) New York Giants plus the points.

At 1 pm, the (125) Cleveland Browns have a quarterback battle between Shedur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. If Watson can get back to the player who warranted that huge contract years ago, then this will be his team. Let's not forget Dillion Gabriel, who was the starter until his injury last season; Shedur kept the job, so Dillion has experience. The (126) Chicago Bears know who their quarterback is and who the backup is, and we know how good free-agent pickup Case Keenum has been over his career during the preseason. Bagent is listed as the backup, but this could be a battle for that role. Lots of quarterbacks want to show off. Take the over

7 pm, John Harbaugh liked to win these preseason games as the head coach of the (132) Baltimore Ravens, but times have changed, and he's with the Giants. Health is the main concern, so we have to look at the backups. The (131) Philadelphia Eagles brought in the red-rifle Andy Dalton and still have Tanner McKee; they also added Cole Payton in the draft, a work in progress who can take off and run, and he'll get to go against the 4th-stringers. The Ravens brought back Tyer Huntley, but we will see Joe Fagnano and maybe some Austin Reed. The Eagles' new offensive coordinator brings an under-center philosophy, which Andy and Tanner should thrive running. Take the (131) Philadelphia Eagles laying the points.