MLB best bets: And the hits just keep on coming

We've been having a great week on the diamond, funny timing when all we really care about is getting to the gridiron. If we bet on batters hitting, and our bets keep hitting, why would we stop? 

Look to the bats as Dodgers-Braves series starts

We've got a treat on our hands this weekend, as the National League's two best square off for a four-game series. This could very well be an NLCS preview, and based on recent history, hits should be flowing.

The Dodgers have recorded 8+ hits in seven straight games against Atlanta, including three games of 12 hits in the past four meetings. The Braves have logged 8+ hits of their own in five of the past eight games against Los Angeles. We've got two great offenses and we expect both sides to step up in this Labor Day Weekend bout. As such, we're opting for a hits parlay.

We start with Will Smith. Smith has two straight games of two hits, and the Dodgers' catcher has a hit in 70% of his home games this season. Smith has seen Spencer Strider six times, slugging two singles and two doubles for a clean .667 average. That's history we're backing. 

We turn to Atlanta and tack on Ozzie Albies to the play. Albies has poured on five hits in his past two games, and he's recorded a hit in 18 of his past 21 games. It's not much of a sample size, but Albies has knocked a triple against Lance Lynn in three plate appearances. He's hot, so that's all we really need to see here.

That's it. Simple is sometimes best, especially when our main goal right now is building up our bankroll in advance of the NFL season.

Betting: Will Smith & Ozzie Albies 1+ hit each (+125 DraftKings).

In the news ...

Joe Burrow back at practice — We can all breathe a sigh of relief.  Bengals star Joe Burrow has returned to practice. This is obviously good news for Cincinnati, but it's also good news for those of us who have already locked in a few futures, such as Burrow to lead the NFL in passing yards and Ja'Marr Chase to win Offensive Player of the Year. We still like both bets, by the way, priced at +900 and +1200 respectively.

Nick Bosa expected to sign massive extension — We started seeing some Reddit rumors that the San Francisco 49ers and their star edge rusher Joey Bosa were at a crossroads that might result in a trade. Well, it appears that is not the case, as the 49ers are set to offer Bosa a contract that would make him the highest-paid DE in football. Bosa won Defensive Player of the Year honors last season on the back of his 18.5 sacks. It's the second straight season he's logged 15+ sacks. Bosa is +1200 to win DPOY again, and the 49ers are 2.5-point favorites in Pittsburgh for Week 1.

Week 1 of college football starts tonight — We have the NFL in one week. That can't come soon enough. However, we need not wait for a full slate of football, as the college season gets going with Week 1 starting today. We've got you covered with plenty of betting looks. Some of our favorites include Washington -14.5 and LSU -2.5. We'd recommend you read up from our resident NCAAF specialist Matt Wiesenfeld to learn why; we're just the messenger.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll. For more from Griffin, follow him on Substack: griffybets.substack.com.