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August 21, 2023: 'MNF' bets: Preseason streak means a lot to the Ravens

In 17 days we'll be betting on Week 1 of the NFL. What a feeling. Late August is the time to start ramping up to a football mindset, and with one game tonight, we'd like to attack it in two ways.

Today's picks and sports betting news you need to know
 
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'MNF' bets: Preseason streak means a lot to the Ravens

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Sean Ryan. Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

In 17 days we'll be betting on Week 1 of the NFL. What a feeling. Late August is the time to start ramping up to a football mindset, and with one game tonight, we'd like to attack it in two ways. Do you use any DFS apps like Underdog or PrizePicks? They've been offering some player prop lines for these preseason games. This writer may or may not have gone 4-1 on player props Saturday. Don't judge — the wife was out of town and there were 10+ games to dig into. With that established, we've got a take on the game's result and a player you might want to consider loading up on PrizePicks/Underdog.

Baltimore loves winning in the preseason

The lone game tonight is between the Ravens and the Commanders. In case you've missed it, Baltimore has won 24 straight preseason games. That streak is both impressive and extremely weird. Who really cares? Still, the culture has clearly been set in this locker room and after watching John Harbaugh keep a clearly hobbled quarterback in last week to try and secure a win, it's obvious this is a streak the staff wants to preserve.

We could look at players and trends all we want, but why not just cap it there? To each their own. The Ravens want to win this game, and that is more than enough reason to back them tonight.

Betting: Baltimore moneyline (-130 DraftKings)

Look to the air for some prop plays tonight

The backup Washington secondary was reasonably picked apart in their first game last week, allowing 257 yards to Cleveland.

One name to keep an eye on is Baltimore WR Sean Ryan. Ryan led Baltimore pass-catchers in targets last week with seven, turning that work into four catches for 37 yards. On DFS apps, his line is set at just 25.5 tonight. He's very likely to play deep into this game, and four pass-catchers exceeded this number last week against the Commanders. Now, you'll need to find another player to pair with, as is the DFS structure, but we've got one leg ready for you.

Betting: Sean Ryan over 24.5 receiving yards (Underdog)


In the news ...

Spain defeats England in Women's World Cup final — For the first time in its country's history, Spain has won the Women's World Cup, taking down England 1-0. Spain was +550 pre-tournament to win it all. The next World Cup is not until 2026 for the men, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Viktor Hovland shoots a final-round 61 to win BMW Championship — Viktor Hovland entered the weekend at just -4, yet proceeded to win the BMW Championship at 18-under thanks to his 61 on Sunday. His final-round score set a course record and a personal record, and it was the lowest final round in FedExCup Playoffs history. We've got just one FedExCup event left: the Tour Championship this week. This event is structured differently, taking into account the FedExCup Standings. Scottie Scheffler is +140 to win it all with starting strokes included. Hovland is +500, right behind Rory McIlroy.

Rookie Gunnar Henderson sets Baltimore record — Orioles rookie infielder Gunnar Henderson continues his strong season, becoming the youngest player in Baltimore history to tally four extra-base hits in a single game, breaking Cal Ripken Jr.'s record. Henderson has knocked 20 homers this year while slashing .242/.326/.462, and he's currently the -300 favorite to win Rookie of the Year.


Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll

Quick Picks

1 St. Louis Cardinals @ Pittsburgh Pirates

It seems best if we bet against Bailey Falter here. Pittsburgh's starter has still not won a start this season, and his 4.86 ERA doesn't bring about much confidence. St. Louis is no world-beater, and they've had issues against the Pirates, but Falter is not a guy we want to back. We'll opt for the Cardinals' moneyline at -122.
Monday, 7:05 PM Eastern SPREAD MONEY LINE OVER / UNDER
Cardinals
-1 (+102) -122 > 9.5 (-125)
Pirates
+1.5 (-148) +106 < 9.5 (-104)
2 New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves

It's definitely best to bet the Braves here. Atlanta is one of the strongest teams in baseball, and that starts at the plate where they should be able to whack David Peterson. They forced Peterson out after five innings the last time they saw him. Atlanta -1.5 at -105 is our preferred look.
Monday, 7:20 PM Eastern SPREAD MONEY LINE OVER / UNDER
Mets
+1.5 (+100) +195 > 10 (-120)
Braves
-1.5 (-110) -210 < 10 (-108)
3 James Paxton over 5.5 hits allowed

James Paxton has started to look far less dominant on the rubber for the Red Sox, allowing 28 hits over his past four starts. Next up is a Houston team that hits lefties extremely well. The Astros rank third in the league in wRC+ and fourth in OBP vs. LHP. Best to fade Paxton here and grab the over on his hits allowed prop.

Latest Odds:  -125
4 Cristian Javier under 5.5 strikeouts

Houston's Javier has failed to exceed 5.5 strikeouts in three straight starts and 16 of 23 games this season. In fact, he's only gone for 6+ Ks twice since the beginning of May. Today he'll face a Red Sox team that strikes out at the sixth-lowest rate against RHP. This number is too high; fade Javier's strikeouts.

Latest Odds:  -130
5 Cincinnati Reds @ Los Angeles Angels

This should be a fun game to bet. Both offenses are tied for ninth in runs per game, and neither pitcher has been particularly strong. Graham Ashcraft (4.89 ERA) and Lucas Giolito (4.44 ERA) have been a part of high-scoring games more often than not, making our decision clear. Bet over 8.5 runs.
Monday, 9:38 PM Eastern SPREAD MONEY LINE OVER / UNDER
Reds
+1.5 (-175) +120 > 9 (-109)
Angels
-1 (+110) -130 < 9 (-137)

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