Jordan Horrobin, Author at The Boost

Chiefs vs. Chargers Week 1 SGP predictions: Bet on Marquise Brown, Keenan Allen in +500 parlay for NFL Brazil game

The NFL returns to Sao Paulo, Brazil for a Friday night showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.

The pregame narrative: Last year’s Brazil game between the Packers and Eagles was a thrilling one, so hopefully these AFC West rivals can follow suit. On the Chiefs’ side, Isiah Pacheco looks to return to form after a sluggish run down the stretch for the eventual conference champions.

Check out my Chiefs vs. Chargers +500 same-game parlay predictions for Week 1, featuring prop bets on Keenan Allen and Marquise Brown.

Chiefs vs. Chargers SGP predictions

SGP: Allen over 3.5 catches | Pacheco 40+ rush yards | Brown 30+ rec. yards | Chargers +7.5 (+500)

Allen over 3.5 receptions (-121): The longtime Charger is back in the mix, and though I don’t expect him to feast like the good ol’ days, there should be room for him to make his mark.

Allen averaged 95 receptions per year over Herbert’s first four years in the NFL (2020-23) before splitting for Chicago last season.

The 33-year-old wideout won’t be the top target for L.A. — that’s Ladd McConkey’s role — but I think the longstanding connection with Herbert matters.

In his final season with Herbert’s Chargers, Allen averaged 8.3 receptions and went 12-1 vs. this prop.

Last year with the Bears, Allen averaged 4.7 receptions. That was a career-low mark, but it still led to a 10-5 result vs. this prop.

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Friday night SGP picks

Pacheco 40+ rushing yards (-177): Pacheco had decidedly little juice last season after returning from a fractured fibula. With a full offseason to rest and recover, he’s worth buying back in on.

I’m not going to make much of him turning four preseason carries into 29 rushing yards, but there’s been plenty of buzz about him finding his pre-injury gear.

Isiah Pacheco looking healthy 💪@MichaelFFlorio | @NextGenStats pic.twitter.com/hyAufHWBZ5
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) August 16, 2025

Pacheco’s first start post-injury came against the Chargers last year in Week 14, and he gutted out 55 yards on 14 carries. This milestone yardage mark really isn’t much for a starting tailback.

From the start of 2023 through Week 2 of last season, Pacheco cashed this bet in 17 of 20 games.

Brown 30+ receiving yards (-210): A preseason collarbone injury derailed Brown’s first season with the Chiefs, but he still had some moments of productivity in the closing weeks.

Brown played in just two regular-season games — Weeks 16 and 17 — and saw a whopping 15 targets. He was less active in the playoffs but still had 13 targets over three games.

All told, Brown had 141 yards over five games for the Chiefs, going 3-2 vs. this line.

Travis Kelce is another year older, and Rashee Rice is serving a suspension. Brown is the Chiefs’ WR2 right now, and this is an awfully low yardage total for someone in that position.

NFL Brazil game ATS pick

Chargers +7.5 (-250): I’d feel better about this pick if the Chargers were playing at home rather than being the “home” team in an international game. But I still expect a close battle between AFC West foes.

L.A. hasn’t beaten KC since 2021, but they consistently play close games against each other.

In 10 meetings since the 2020 season, the Chargers are 9-1 vs. this spread. Eight of those 10 games were decided by one score.

In Jim Harbaugh’s debut coaching season, the Chargers posted an NFL-best 12-6 ATS record.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, were just 9-11 ATS. They somehow only had a +59 point differential in the regular season despite compiling a 15-2 record.

KC deserves to be viewed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender again, but L.A. is a talented squad that knows how to hang in this matchup.

Chiefs vs. Chargers predictions made at 11:35 a.m. on 09/04/2025.

Best MLB prop bets Sept. 4: Fade Judge, look for Skenes to shine vs. Dodgers

There’s no shortage of star power in Thursday’s MLB prop bets, with Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes gracing the marquee.

Today’s MLB props narrative: Judge is a worthy fade candidate tonight against the Houston Astros, while Skenes looks to build on an impressive track record against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Check out my favourite MLB prop bets for Sept. 4, including a prediction on Yandy Diaz.

MLB prop bets

Best bet: Judge under 1.5 total bases (-125)

Judge is having an otherworldly season, and it wouldn’t be wise to make a habit of fading him too often.

But he hasn’t been that great since the all-star break, and tonight’s matchup is one I’m comfortable fading him in.

In the second half, Judge is batting .229 with a 129 wRC+ (47th in MLB).

Most of his recent offensive value has come from walks rather than a power display. Judge has more walks (28) than hits (27) since July 18.

Houston right-hander Cristian Javier is known to walk batters in bunches. He has nine walks through 16.0 innings this season, and his 3.79 BB/9 since 2021 is 18th-highest among 200 qualifiers.

Walks are good for this bet because they don’t count as bases. Judge has a 99th-percentile walk rate (16.8%), per Baseball Savant, which makes him a good fit with the wild Javier.

There’s also Judge’s head-to-head history against Javier, which is strikingly in the pitcher’s favour.

Judge is 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts and two walks vs. Javier.

Key stat: Since the all-star break, Judge has gone under 1.5 bases in 22 of 33 games.

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Best MLB picks

Skenes over 6.5 Ks (-112): The Los Angeles Dodgers drew the short straw of facing Skenes in both series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s had no problem mowing down the defending champs.

On April 25 in L.A., Skenes struck out nine Dodgers over 6.1 innings.

Last year, Skenes had 16 Ks over 11.0 IP vs. the Dodgers, cashing this prop in both outings.

Those results are very encouraging, and they play into Skenes’ overall status as a big-time strikeout force.

He’s averaging 6.7 Ks per start this year and is 15-13 vs. this number.

Diaz over 0.5 runs (+100): Diaz has been feasting lately, and his even-money price to score on a struggling pitcher has my attention.

Over his past 25 games, Diaz has a .351/.400/.557 slash line. He has reached base multiple times in 16 of those games.

Diaz is 7-3 vs. this prop in his past 10 games.

Cleveland’s Logan Allen has a 5.28 ERA since the all-star break, allowing 63 baserunners in 44.1 IP.

Diaz has an .893 OPS vs. left-handed pitchers this season, so he’s wielding a nice platoon advantage, too.

MLB prop picks made at 9:25 a.m. ET on 09/04/2025.

CFL Week 14 predictions, picks and best bets: Roughriders have moneyline value vs. Blue Bombers

Coming out of Labour Day weekend, the CFL is back to a four-game menu for Week 14.

This week’s CFL narrative: It’s been a while since the Montreal Alouettes stepped on the field, and they should be dangerous home underdogs with the slumping Hamilton Tiger-Cats in town. Elsewhere on Saturday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers square off for the second time in as many weeks.

Check out the latest CFL Week 14 predictions for matchups beginning Friday, Sept. 5.

CFL Week 14 predictions

Best bet: Alouettes +3.5 (-110)

It’s rare in professional football to gain the kind of rest advantage Montreal will have this weekend.

The Alouettes last played on Friday, Aug. 21. By Saturday’s kickoff, the Als will have had 15 days of rest between matchups.

The Tiger-Cats, meanwhile, played this past Monday. That means they only have four days of rest between matchups.

Montreal has been atrocious since quarterback Davis Alexander went down with a hamstring injury, and he’s not on track to return until later this month. But Hamilton isn’t playing very inspiring football right now, either.

The Ti-Cats are 0-3 straight up and ATS in their past three matchups. They dropped two of those games as favourites.

Montreal won’t be at its best until Alexander is back, but the Als are likely getting some reinforcements coming out of the bye.

A pair of impact receivers, Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack, were full participants in practice on Tuesday. Philpot broke out with 86.6 yards per game last year, while Mack had 1,154 yards in his last fully healthy season (2023).

Key stat: Since the 2023 season, Montreal is 6-1 SU (5-1-1 ATS) against Hamilton.

Full CFL betting markets

CFL best bets

Roughriders moneyline (-108): Saskatchewan just won a thriller at home, 34-30, over Winnipeg last week. It’s the Bombers’ turn to host, but I still want to roll with the Riders.

The Grey Cup co-favourites rank first in total defence and second in scoring defence. Saskatchewan is also second in total offence and third in scoring offence.

Winnipeg ranks outside the top three in all four yards/points categories.

Saskatchewan also has a far greater point differential (+66 compared to +4).

The Riders did lose in Calgary two weeks ago, but they’re still 4-1 SU and ATS on the road this year.

Winnipeg is 3-5 in its past eight games, with three outright losses as the favourite in that span.

CFL Week 14 predictions as of 3:18 p.m. on 09/03/2025.

CFL Week 14 predictions, picks and best bets: Roughriders have moneyline value vs. Blue Bombers

Coming out of Labour Day weekend, the CFL is back to a four-game menu for Week 14.

This week’s CFL narrative: It’s been a while since the Montreal Alouettes stepped on the field, and they should be dangerous home underdogs with the slumping Hamilton Tiger-Cats in town. Elsewhere on Saturday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers square off for the second time in as many weeks.

Check out the latest CFL Week 14 predictions for matchups beginning Friday, Sept. 5.

CFL Week 14 predictions

Best bet: Alouettes +3.5 (-110)

It’s rare in professional football to gain the kind of rest advantage Montreal will have this weekend.

The Alouettes last played on Friday, Aug. 21. By Saturday’s kickoff, the Als will have had 15 days of rest between matchups.

The Tiger-Cats, meanwhile, played this past Monday. That means they only have four days of rest between matchups.

Montreal has been atrocious since quarterback Davis Alexander went down with a hamstring injury, and he’s not on track to return until later this month. But Hamilton isn’t playing very inspiring football right now, either.

The Ti-Cats are 0-3 straight up and ATS in their past three matchups. They dropped two of those games as favourites.

Montreal won’t be at its best until Alexander is back, but the Als are likely getting some reinforcements coming out of the bye.

A pair of impact receivers, Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack, were full participants in practice on Tuesday. Philpot broke out with 86.6 yards per game last year, while Mack had 1,154 yards in his last fully healthy season (2023).

Key stat: Since the 2023 season, Montreal is 6-1 SU (5-1-1 ATS) against Hamilton.

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Full CFL betting markets

CFL best bets

Roughriders moneyline (-110): Saskatchewan just won a thriller at home, 34-30, over Winnipeg last week. It’s the Bombers’ turn to host, but I still want to roll with the Riders.

The Grey Cup co-favourites rank first in total defence and second in scoring defence. Saskatchewan is also second in total offence and third in scoring offence.

Winnipeg ranks outside the top three in all four yards/points categories.

Saskatchewan also has a far greater point differential (+66 compared to +4).

The Riders did lose in Calgary two weeks ago, but they’re still 4-1 SU and ATS on the road this year.

Winnipeg is 3-5 in its past eight games, with three outright losses as the favourite in that span.

CFL Week 14 predictions as of 2:48 p.m. on 09/03/2025.

College football Week 2 parlay predictions: Look for Nebraska to roll, fade offence in Michigan vs. Oklahoma

The biggest college football matchup in Week 2 pits the Michigan Wolverines against the Oklahoma Sooners, and I’ve worked it into a +318 parlay.

The pregame narrative: No. 15 Michigan hits the road to face No. 18 Oklahoma in Saturday’s only ranked-on-ranked battle. Both teams boast talented defences that could turn the game into a slog.

Check out my college football parlay predictions for Week 2, featuring a pick on the Akron Zips vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers game.

College football predictions: Week 1 parlay

Parlay: Michigan/Oklahoma under 48.5 points | Nebraska -27.5 | Sam Houston/Hawaii over 47.5 points (+318)

Michigan/Oklahoma under 48.5 points (-152): I’m banking on two supremely talented defences to win out in this one.

Both defences ranked in the top 12 in yards per rush last year. They also both ranked inside the top 40 in EPA per play, according to Game On Paper.

Michigan returned five defensive starters and brought in two four-star defensive line transfers from the portal. The Wolverines have finished in the top 20 in EPA per play in eight of the past 10 seasons.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer might be the real deal, but the Washington State transfer isn’t used to facing a defence like this.

On the other side, Michigan’s five-star true freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, will be in a hostile road environment for the first time. Facing a defence with nine upperclassmen starters, I expect him to struggle.

Full NCAAF betting markets

NCAAF parlay picks

Nebraska -27.5 (-295): Akron lost 10-0 at home last week in its season opener. This is a bottom-of-the-barrel NCAA Division I program.

Last year, Akron ranked 125th among 134 schools in EPA per play. Against three Power 4 schools in non-conference play, the Zips were outscored by 121 points and failed to cover a +27.5 spread each time.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (33 of 42, 245 yards, two TDs) was solid in the season opener. He connected in the end zone with both of the Huskers’ four-star transfer wideouts, Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter.

Raiola should have the offence humming against an Akron squad that allowed 42.8 PPG in non-conference play last year.

Sam Houston/Hawaii over 47.5 points (-114): The Sam Houston Bearkats had a strong defence a year ago, but things have changed drastically in 2025.

None of the Bearkats’ defensive starters returned, and they entered the year with just four players having 110+ FBS snaps a season ago.

The early returns for the completely remade group are … not good.

Sam Houston has allowed 910 yards and 79 total points through two games, losing to Western Kentucky and UNLV in the process. Both games soared past this total.

I’m hoping some of that defensive ineptitude sparks something for Micah Alejado and the Hawaii Warriors, who’ve been sluggish out of the gate.

Both of Hawaii’s games went under this total, albeit not by much (43 points, 46 points). Alejado already has 70 pass attempts, so you know the Warriors are looking to sling it.

Sam Houston’s first two opponents combined for 650 passing yards, five TDs and a 70.3% completion rate.

College football predictions made at 1:30 p.m. on 09/03/2025.

Cowboys vs. Eagles TNF Week 1 SGP predictions: Bet on Jalen Hurts and George Pickens in 2025 NFL opener

A fresh NFL season is here, as the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles kick things off on Thursday Night Football to open Week 1.

The pregame narrative: Philadelphia, the defending Super Bowl champion, has high hopes of running it back, while Dallas is looking to forget about last year’s 7-10 result. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles begin their title defence as 8.5-point home favourites in prime time.

Check out my Cowboys vs. Eagles same-game parlay predictions for Week 1 below, featuring George Pickens.

Cowboys vs. Eagles SGP predictions

SGP: Hurts anytime TD | Pickens 50+ rec. yards | Over 45.5 points (+300)

Pickens 50+ receiving yards (-143): A new chapter in Pickens’ career begins Thursday, one that should come with an upgrade in quarterback play.

After putting up with the likes of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and late-stage Russell Wilson, it’s time to see what a Dak-Prescott-to-Pickens connection looks like.

Prescott had an injury-riddled 2024 season, but he was the MVP runner-up in 2023 and has thrown for 4,400-plus yards three times in his career.

Pickens cashed this bet in 11 of 15 games last season, averaging 65.8 yards/game.

Though the 24-year-old will be the secondary option behind CeeDee Lamb, the underdog Cowboys should have to throw enough for both players to see ample targets.

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Thursday Night Football SGP picks

Hurts anytime TD (-162): What would Hurts’ touchdown price be if the Tush Push had been banned this offseason?

I guess we’ll never know.

No one executes the short-yardage plunge quite like Hurts, who “ran” for 19 TDs in 19 games last year. A lot of those were him simply falling forward, but no one said it had to look pretty.

Hurts had 19 carries inside the five-yard line in 15 regular-season games last year, per Fantasy Pros. That was the fourth-most among all players.

In his lone game against the Cowboys in 2024, Hurts turned seven carries into 56 yards and two scores.

Over 45.5 points (-141): The Dallas Cowboys had the second-worst scoring defence last year, allowing 27.5 points per game. Trading away Micah Parsons isn’t going to make that group better.

I don’t expect Dallas to get steamrolled without putting up some points of its own, though.

As my colleague Avery Perri pointed out in his TNF picks piece, Prescott didn’t play in either game against Philly last year. Having him under centre will make a big difference.

In 2022-23, the Prescott-led Cowboys averaged 30.0 PPG in three matchups vs. the Eagles. This over went 3-0 in those games.

Philadelphia has an overload of star power on offence, so I’m not concerned about the defending champs tearing Dallas’ defence to shreds. But the important thing is that Prescott and the Cowboys have enough weapons to strike back.

Overs went 11-6 in Dallas games last season.

Cowboys vs. Eagles predictions made at 11:35 a.m. on 09/03/2025.

Blue Jays vs. Reds best bets Sept. 3: Bieber, Bichette should help Toronto dominate in rubber match

The Toronto Blue Jays face the Cincinnati Reds in a rubber match on Wednesday night, with Shane Bieber taking the mound for the visitors.

The pregame narrative: Bieber has posted a pair of solid outings as a Blue Jay and should be relied upon for a hearty workload tonight. Cincinnati counters with Zack Littell, a low-strikeout arm who gives up plenty of loud contact.

Check out my Blue Jays best bets vs. the Reds for Sept. 3, featuring Bo Bichette.

Blue Jays best bets vs. Reds

Best bet: Littell under 3.5 Ks (-120)

There are two viable pathways for the Jays to keep Littell under this strikeout line:

Chase him early. Toronto has a .290/.354/.489 slash line in the second half, and all three of those numbers lead the majors in that span. For context, Corey Seager is 30th in the majors this year with a .487 SLG.
Stay selective. The Jays have the league’s lowest strikeout rate (17.6%) and whiff rate (21.2%), per Baseball Savant, as well as the highest out-of-zone contact rate (63.6%).

Littell only struck out two Jays over 7.1 innings when he faced the club back in May.

The righty only garnered six whiffs on 42 swings in that game, equating to a paltry 14.3% whiff rate (MLB average is 25.0%).

Littell’s pitch arsenal consists primarily of sliders, splitters and four-seamers. Facing that combo of pitches from right-handers, Toronto has the second-lowest whiff rate in the majors (22.4%).

As a former Tampa Bay Ray, Littell has made his fair share of appearances against Jays hitters. He hasn’t fooled them much in the past, and I don’t expect that to change.

Key stat: Toronto’s active lineup is 26-for-82 (.317) vs. Littell with eight extra-base hits and just nine strikeouts.

Jays predictions

Bichette over 1.5 total bases (-130): I can’t stay away from this market right now. Bichette is absolutely on fire, and I love the matchup against Littell.

Bichette is 17-12 vs. this prop since Aug. 1, posting a .385/.442/.598 slash line in that span.

Two games into this series, the shortstop is 5-for-8 with four extra-base hits (13 total bases).

Littell rarely walks players (4.1% walk rate, 98th percentile). He also has a 20th-percentile xBA (.270) and average exit velocity (90.4 mph).

Oh, and Bichette is 5-for-11 with a double against Littell already. The history and the hot streak are both working in Bichette’s favour.

Blue Jays -1.5 (+100): Simply put, I think Bieber gives the Blue Jays a chance to really separate against Littell and the Reds tonight.

Bieber has more strikeouts (15) than hits/walks/runs allowed (10), and he looks totally comfortable on an MLB mound despite missing a year and a half.

Toronto has a 79-60 (56.8%) run line record, which is third in MLB, while Cincinnati’s run line is a far more pedestrian 71-68 (51.1%).

The Reds are 3-7 in their past 10 games, and all seven losses came by multiple runs.

Blue Jays best bets made at 10:10 a.m. ET on 09/03/2025.

Blue Jays vs. Reds best bets Sept. 3: Bieber, Bichette should help Toronto dominate in rubber match

The Toronto Blue Jays face the Cincinnati Reds in a rubber match on Wednesday night, with Shane Bieber taking the mound for the visitors.

The pregame narrative: Bieber has posted a pair of solid outings as a Blue Jay and should be relied upon for a hearty workload tonight. Cincinnati counters with Zack Littell, a low-strikeout arm who gives up plenty of loud contact.

Check out my Blue Jays best bets vs. the Reds for Sept. 3, featuring both starting pitchers and Bo Bichette.

Blue Jays best bets vs. Reds

Best bet: Littell under 3.5 Ks (-115)

There are two viable pathways for the Jays to keep Littell under this strikeout line:

Chase him early. Toronto has a .290/.354/.489 slash line in the second half, and all three of those numbers lead the majors in that span. For context, Corey Seager is 30th in the majors this year with a .487 SLG.
Stay selective. The Jays have the league’s lowest strikeout rate (17.6%) and whiff rate (21.2%), per Baseball Savant, as well as the highest out-of-zone contact rate (63.6%).

Littell only struck out two Jays over 7.1 innings when he faced the club back in May.

The righty only garnered six whiffs on 42 swings in that game, equating to a paltry 14.3% whiff rate (MLB average is 25.0%).

Littell’s pitch arsenal consists primarily of sliders, splitters and four-seamers. Facing that combo of pitches from right-handers, Toronto has the second-lowest whiff rate in the majors (22.4%).

As a former Tampa Bay Ray, Littell has made his fair share of appearances against Jays hitters. He hasn’t fooled them much in the past, and I don’t expect that to change.

Key stat: Toronto’s active lineup is 26-for-82 (.317) vs. Littell with eight extra-base hits and just nine strikeouts.

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Jays prop picks

Bichette over 1.5 total bases (-106): At a near-even-money price point, I can’t stay away from this market right now.

Bichette is absolutely on fire, and I love the matchup against Littell.

Bichette is 17-12 vs. this prop since Aug. 1, posting a .385/.442/.598 slash line in that span.

Two games into this series, the shortstop is 5-for-8 with four extra-base hits (13 total bases).

Littell rarely walks players (4.1% walk rate, 98th percentile). He also has a 20th-percentile xBA (.270) and average exit velocity (90.4 mph).

Oh, and Bichette is 5-for-11 with a double against Littell already. The history and the hot streak are both working in Bichette’s favour.

Bieber over 17.5 outs (-118): Jose Berrios let me down on his outs market yesterday, but that only makes me more bullish about Bieber’s opportunity to work deep.

Berrios was chased after just 2.0 innings, giving way to a parade of five relievers. Toronto does have an off-day tomorrow, mercifully, but the bullpen could still use a breather right now.

The two highest-leverage arms, Jeff Hoffman and Seranthony Dominguez, have pitched three times apiece in the past four days.

Three other relievers have pitched twice in the past three days, while rotation castoff Eric Lauer (50 pitches on Tuesday) will almost certainly be unavailable as well.

Bieber is 1-1 vs. this line since debuting with the Blue Jays on Aug. 22. He’s allowed three runs on seven hits over 11.1 innings and at least worked into the sixth both times.

The right-hander has yet to walk anyone, which should help keep his pitch count low. And he’s facing a Reds team that has a 91 wRC+ since the all-star break (24th in MLB).

Blue Jays vs. Reds run line prediction

Blue Jays -1.5 (+105): Simply put, I think Bieber gives the Blue Jays a chance to really separate against Littell and the Reds tonight.

Bieber has more strikeouts (15) than hits/walks/runs allowed (10), and he looks totally comfortable on an MLB mound despite missing a year and a half.

Toronto has a 79-60 (56.8%) run line record, which is third in MLB, while Cincinnati’s run line is a far more pedestrian 71-68 (51.1%).

The Reds are 3-7 in their past 10 games, and all seven losses came by multiple runs.

Blue Jays best bets made at 9:30 a.m. ET on 09/03/2025.

College football Week 2 picks and predictions: NCAAF best bets on Arizona State, Oregon and Navy

Three favourites are featured in my college football picks for Week 2, including a pair of schools that are laying more than three touchdowns.

The pregame narrative: The Oregon Ducks cruised in their season opener and should keep their feet on the gas against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Elsewhere, the Navy Midshipmen are a perfect stylistic match to dominate against the UAB Blazers.

Check out the best college football Week 2 picks, featuring an over/under prediction on North Carolina vs. Charlotte.

College football picks Week 2

Full NCAAF betting markets

Best bet: Oregon -28 (-110)

No. 6 Oregon had a perfect start to the season, and they should cruise again on Saturday afternoon.

Last weekend, the Ducks dismantled Montana State (FCS), 59-13. They scored on every possession except the last one, which concluded in victory formation.

Oregon was a 28-point favourite in that game, so a thrashing by the reigning Big Ten champions was expected. A confidence-boosting blowout is what you want in a season opener — especially with a new quarterback under centre.

Dante Moore, a five-star sophomore who was 247 Sports’ No. 3 QB in the 2023 class, completed 18 of 23 passes for 213 yards and three TDs. Oregon also ran at will, turning 39 carries into 253 yards.

Next up on the schedule is Oklahoma State, which should pose a tougher test as a fellow NCAA Division I program. But the Pokes were truly dreadful last year, and I don’t expect them to hang around.

Oklahoma State went 0-9 straight up and ATS in conference play last season after winning a trio of cupcake matchups to start.

Understandably, the Cowboys overhauled their roster in the transfer portal. More than half of their starters are new to the program in 2025.

New doesn’t necessarily equate to improved, though. Only one of Oklahoma State’s 41 transfer commits came in with a four-star grade.

Oregon ranked 13th in D-I in net EPA per play last year, according to Game On Paper. Oklahoma State was 105th. These schools aren’t in the same weight class.

Key stat: Oklahoma State went 1-4 ATS as a road underdog last year, per Team Rankings.

College football best bets

Navy -21 (-110): Navy operates as an 11-man battering ram on offence, with an ability to run at will against overmatched opponents.

That should work out really well against UAB.

The Blazers just allowed 42 points and more than 500 yards of offence to FCS-level Alabama State in Week 1. Woof.

Last season, UAB allowed 212.9 rush yards per game, which ranked 125th among 133 D-I schools. Also, the Blazers’ defence was 120th in EPA/rush.

Navy rushed for 247.5 yards/game last year, ranking sixth in the country. That equated to 27th in offensive EPA/rush.

The Midshipmen are 5-1 ATS over their past six games dating back to the 2024 campaign. I expect them to control the clock and run over the Blazers.

As underdogs by more than two TDs last season, UAB went 1-3 ATS.

Full NCAAF betting markets

Arizona State -6.5 (-110): Is this line too good to be true? Mississippi State has a raucous home crowd, but I can’t stomach backing the Bulldogs on Saturday night.

Keep in mind that Mississippi State went 2-10 SU last year while allowing nearly 35.0 points/game.

No. 12 Arizona State, meanwhile, boasts practically unmatched roster continuity after a banner season.

Cam Skattebo’s NFL graduation aside, the Sun Devils returned 79% of last year’s snap production, per ESPN. That’s the second-most in the country.

ASU went an FBS-best 12-2 ATS last season — including 7-0 ATS as a favourite — and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt was named the Big 12 preseason Offensive Player of the Year, which gives the team a nice foundation to work from.

Leavitt struggled mightily against Mississippi State last year in Week 2, but he got stronger as the season wore on.

Also, despite his struggles in last year’s early-September matchup, Arizona State covered this number against Mississippi State (30-23).

Belichick’s Tar Heels face 49ers

North Carolina/Charlotte under 49.5 points (-110): Bill Belichick’s collegiate coaching debut went south quickly, and I think his offence will struggle again in Week 2.

Starting QB Gio Lopez was atrocious on Monday night, going more than two full hours between completions. He eventually exited due to injury, and his status in this short week is unknown as of Tuesday afternoon.

All told, the Tar Heels turned 49 offensive plays into just 222 yards and 14 points.

Charlotte was no better in its season opener, scoring 11 points on 218 yards against Appalachian State.

I could see this being a run-heavy, grind-it-out matchup. Belichick’s QB room looks untrustworthy, while Charlotte head coach Tim Albin has been known to feature his ground game prominently.

Last year at the helm for Ohio University, Albin’s offence had the 11th-highest run play percentage (60.57%) in D-I.

College football picks made at 3 p.m. on 09/02/2025.

College football Week 2 picks and predictions: NCAAF best bets on Arizona State, Oregon and Navy

Three favourites are featured in my college football picks for Week 2, including a pair of schools that are laying more than three touchdowns.

The pregame narrative: The Oregon Ducks cruised in their season opener and should keep their feet on the gas against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Elsewhere, the Navy Midshipmen are a perfect stylistic match to dominate against the UAB Blazers.

Check out the best college football Week 2 picks, featuring an over/under prediction on North Carolina vs. Charlotte.

College football picks Week 2

Best bet: Oregon -28 (-118)

No. 6 Oregon had a perfect start to the season, and they should cruise again on Saturday afternoon.

Last weekend, the Ducks dismantled Montana State (FCS), 59-13. They scored on every possession except the last one, which concluded in victory formation.

Oregon was a 28-point favourite in that game, so a thrashing by the reigning Big Ten champions was expected. A confidence-boosting blowout is what you want in a season opener — especially with a new quarterback under centre.

Dante Moore, a five-star sophomore who was 247 Sports’ No. 3 QB in the 2023 class, completed 18 of 23 passes for 213 yards and three TDs. Oregon also ran at will, turning 39 carries into 253 yards.

Next up on the schedule is Oklahoma State, which should pose a tougher test as a fellow NCAA Division I program. But the Pokes were truly dreadful last year, and I don’t expect them to hang around.

Oklahoma State went 0-9 straight up and ATS in conference play last season after winning a trio of cupcake matchups to start.

Understandably, the Cowboys overhauled their roster in the transfer portal. More than half of their starters are new to the program in 2025.

New doesn’t necessarily equate to improved, though. Only one of Oklahoma State’s 41 transfer commits came in with a four-star grade.

Oregon ranked 13th in D-I in net EPA per play last year, according to Game On Paper. Oklahoma State was 105th. These schools aren’t in the same weight class.

Key stat: Oklahoma State went 1-4 ATS as a road underdog last year, per Team Rankings.

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College football best bets

Navy -21.5 (-110): Navy operates as an 11-man battering ram on offence, with an ability to run at will against overmatched opponents.

That should work out really well against UAB.

The Blazers just allowed 42 points and more than 500 yards of offence to FCS-level Alabama State in Week 1. Woof.

Last season, UAB allowed 212.9 rush yards per game, which ranked 125th among 133 D-I schools. Also, the Blazers’ defence was 120th in EPA/rush.

Navy rushed for 247.5 yards/game last year, ranking sixth in the country. That equated to 27th in offensive EPA/rush.

The Midshipmen are 5-1 ATS over their past six games dating back to the 2024 campaign. I expect them to control the clock and run over the Blazers.

As underdogs by more than two TDs last season, UAB went 1-3 ATS.

Full NCAAF betting markets

Arizona State -6.5 (-112): Is this line too good to be true? Mississippi State has a raucous home crowd, but I can’t stomach backing the Bulldogs on Saturday night.

Keep in mind that Mississippi State went 2-10 SU last year while allowing nearly 35.0 points/game.

No. 12 Arizona State, meanwhile, boasts practically unmatched roster continuity after a banner season.

Cam Skattebo’s NFL graduation aside, the Sun Devils returned 79% of last year’s snap production, per ESPN. That’s the second-most in the country.

ASU went an FBS-best 12-2 ATS last season — including 7-0 ATS as a favourite — and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt was named the Big 12 preseason Offensive Player of the Year, which gives the team a nice foundation to work from.

Leavitt struggled mightily against Mississippi State last year in Week 2, but he got stronger as the season wore on.

Also, despite his struggles in last year’s early-September matchup, Arizona State covered this number against Mississippi State (30-23).

Belichick’s Tar Heels face 49ers

North Carolina/Charlotte under 47.5 points (-110): Bill Belichick’s collegiate coaching debut went south quickly, and I think his offence will struggle again in Week 2.

Starting QB Gio Lopez was atrocious on Monday night, going more than two full hours between completions. He eventually exited due to injury, and his status in this short week is unknown as of Tuesday afternoon.

All told, the Tar Heels turned 49 offensive plays into just 222 yards and 14 points.

Charlotte was no better in its season opener, scoring 11 points on 218 yards against Appalachian State.

I could see this being a run-heavy, grind-it-out matchup. Belichick’s QB room looks untrustworthy, while Charlotte head coach Tim Albin has been known to feature his ground game prominently.

Last year at the helm for Ohio University, Albin’s offence had the 11th-highest run play percentage (60.57%) in D-I.

College football picks made at 2 p.m. on 09/02/2025.