Contributing Writer

UFC 318 fight card and betting odds: Dustin Poirier a slight underdog vs. Max Holloway

Dustin Poirier makes one last trip to the octagon against a familiar foe in Max Holloway.

The pre-fight narrative: It’ll be their third fight with Poirier up 2-0 in the rivalry. Holloway is coming off an impressive win over Justin Gaethje at lightweight and looks to spoil “The Diamond’s” retirement fight in his home state of Louisiana.

Check out my UFC 318 odds and the fight card for the July 19 event in New Orleans.

UFC 318 odds

Fighter	Odds	Weight class	Odds	Fighter
Dustin Poirier (5)	+110	Lightweight	-139	Max Holloway (6)
Paulo Costa (13)	+180	Middeweight	-239	Roman Kopylov (14)
Kevin Holland (13)	-550	Middeweight	+330	Daniel Rodriguez
Dan Ige (12)	-239	Featherweight	+175	Patricio Pitbull
Michael Johnson	+450	Lightweight	-750	Daniel Zellhuber

UFC 318 odds as of 12:15 p.m. on 07/17/2025.

See all UFC 318 fights and betting lines

Poirier vs. Holloway main event

That lightweight bout with Gaethje wasn’t Holloway’s last fight, though. He fought for the featherweight title against Ilia Topuria and lost by brutal KO in the third round.

But that is seemingly unavoidable when facing the new lightweight king, and Holloway had never been knocked down before that bout.

Poirier fought for the title just at 155 last June and put up a valiant effort against Islam Makhachev. He ultimately lost by fifth-round submission, but his stock rose in that effort.

This is a rare non-title fight that is worthy of a PPV main event due to the name value of these two stars. Despite it being Poirier’s final bout, both competitors come into this near their prime.

Costa vs. Kopylov odds

Costa is an anomaly in the MMA space. He looked like a future champ after his win against Yoel Romero back in 2019. But he was rather inactive since and went 1-4 when he did show up.

Kopylov is the opposite and has been very active during his time in the UFC. He’s gone 6-1 since the start of 2022 and definitely carries the momentum. This should be a great striking match between two skilled middleweights.

Holland vs. Rodriguez odds

The always-active Holland will make his fourth appearance of 2025. He’s on a two-fight win streak heading into his meeting with Rodriguez. The powerful veteran finished Santiago Ponzinibbio in the third round with a left hook back in May, so it’s fair to say both fighters are in form heading into Saturday.

UFC 318 Ige vs. Pitbull odds

Pitbull made his debut at UFC 314 and lost by unanimous decision against Yair Rodriguez. The former Bellator champ only landed 17 strikes to his opponent’s 70 in a contest that wasn’t close. Pitbull gets a chance for redemption against a lower-ranked, but dangerous, Ige.

He showed that dangerous striking skill in his third-round KO over Sean Woodson at UFC 314. Overall, four of Ige’s past five wins have come inside the distance.

Johnson vs. Zellhuber odds

The card begins with what should be a win for Zellhuber, an up-and-coming fighter from Mexico with a 15-2 record. The “Golden Boy” has won 10 of his 15 fights via finish and battles 39-year-old Michael Johnson, who is 13 years his senior.

MLB home run picks July 13: Target Teoscar Hernandez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Two big-time sluggers headline Sunday’s MLB home run picks.

Today’s MLB HR narrative: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been crushing lefties this season and gets a Grade-A matchup to take advantage of. Elsewhere, Teoscar Hernandez faces a red-hot Robbie Ray, but there’s value on the side of the designated hitter.

Check out the best MLB home run picks and analysis for July 13.

MLB home run picks

Best bet: Hernandez to hit a home run (+450)

I love the value on Hernandez in this matchup, and that’s basically due to Ray being a lefty.

The San Francisco Giants starter is having a great season (9-3, 2.68 ERA), but no southpaw is safe against Hernandez.

vs. RHP: .231 average (.404 SLG)
vs. LHP: .356 average (.695 SLG)

His 8.1% home-run rate against lefties also towers over his rate against righties (3.7%).

Hernandez is in a bit of a dry spell with no home runs in his last 13 games, but Sunday provides a great opportunity for him to go deep.

Additionally, wind will be blowing out to left centre field between 7-10 mph for the duration of the game, per Swish Analytics.

Key stat: Hernandez is 3-for-7 in his career against Ray with three home runs.

Best HR predictions

Guererro to hit a home run (+333): Guerrero doesn’t rely on a platoon advantage, but he still enjoys one.

His .325 batting average and .513 SLG against lefties are both at least 50 points higher than against righties.

He only has 13 Ks against left-handed pitching this season in 94 at-bats, meaning he should put the ball in play.

Jeffery Springs is the southpaw taking the mound for the Athletics. His 3.95 ERA is fine, but his xERA of 4.17 ranks below average for a starter.

He also throws a slow four-seam fastball over 40% of the time (90.5 mph average, seventh percentile) —Guerrero is batting .333 and slugging .595 against four-seamers in 2025.

Today’s contest will also be played at the A’s makeshift home of Sutter Health Park.

It ranks just behind Coors Field as the second most batter-friendly ballpark in the majors based on scoring (23% more runs than average). A gentle wind of 5.8 mph will be heading out to centre field at first pitch.

MLB home run picks made at 11:56 a.m. ET on 07/13/2025.

MLB home run picks July 13: Target Teoscar Hernandez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Two big-time sluggers headline Sunday’s MLB home run picks.

Today’s MLB HR narrative: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been crushing lefties this season and gets a Grade-A matchup to take advantage of. Elsewhere, Teoscar Hernandez faces a red-hot Robbie Ray, but there’s value on the side of the designated hitter.

Check out the best MLB home run picks and analysis for July 13.

MLB home run picks

Best bet: Hernandez to hit a home run (+575)

I love the value on Hernandez in this matchup, and that’s basically due to Ray being a lefty.

The San Francisco Giants starter is having a great season (9-3, 2.68 ERA), but no southpaw is safe against Hernandez.

vs. RHP: .231 average (.404 SLG)
vs. LHP: .356 average (.695 SLG)

His 8.1% home-run rate against lefties also towers over his rate against righties (3.7%).

Hernandez is in a bit of a dry spell with no home runs in his last 13 games, but Sunday provides a great opportunity for him to go deep.

Additionally, wind will be blowing out to left centre field between 7-10 mph for the duration of the game, per Swish Analytics.

Key stat: Hernandez is 3-for-7 in his career against Ray with three home runs.

Embed: #115833

Best HR predictions

Guererro to hit a home run (+290): Guerrero doesn’t rely on a platoon advantage, but he still enjoys one.

His .325 batting average and .513 SLG against lefties are both at least 50 points higher than against righties.

He only has 13 Ks against left-handed pitching this season in 94 at-bats, meaning he should put the ball in play.

Jeffery Springs is the southpaw taking the mound for the Athletics. His 3.95 ERA is fine, but his xERA of 4.17 ranks below average for a starter.

He also throws a slow four-seam fastball over 40% of the time (90.5 mph average, seventh percentile) —Guerrero is batting .333 and slugging .595 against four-seamers in 2025.

Today’s contest will also be played at the A’s makeshift home of Sutter Health Park.

It ranks just behind Coors Field as the second most batter-friendly ballpark in the majors based on scoring (23% more runs than average). A gentle wind of 5.8 mph will be heading out to centre field at first pitch.

MLB home run picks made at 10:35 a.m. ET on 07/13/2025.

Wimbledon quarterfinal picks and predictions: Best bets for Djokovic vs. Cobolli, Sinner vs. Shelton

Two top players in the world play quarterfinal matches at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The latest: Jannik Sinner will be playing through an elbow injury against a streaking Ben Shelton. Starting just after that, Novak Djokovic looks to fend off a game underdog in Flavio Cobolli.

Check out my top Wimbledon predictions for July 9, featuring a pick on Iga Swiatek vs. Liudmila Samsonova.

Wimbledon predictions: July 9

Best Bet: Cobolli +2.5 sets (-112)

Cobolli is a massive underdog (+750) to beat Djokovic, which means the Italian has good value to win a set.

The 23-year-old is at the top of his game right now, ranking the highest he’s ever been in the ATP (No. 23).

He’s rolled through the competition at the All England Club, winning 12 of 13 possible sets. That includes two straight wins as an underdog.

There’s no denying that Djokovic is one of the best to ever do it on grass, sporting a 99-11 career record on the playing surface. But he’s allowed two of four opponents to take a set off of him at this event.

Cobolli’s been the better player, too. He needed over an hour less of time on court to reach the quarterfinal. There’s some stock in that.

It’s hard for someone playing as well as Cobolli to suddenly lose three straight sets, regardless of the opponent.

Go to full Wimbledon betting markets

Best Bet: Sinner vs. Shelton

Shelton +1.5 sets (+125): There is some major concern in the Sinner camp. In his match with Grigor Dimitrov, he injured his elbow before going down two sets and was in some serious trouble.

Dimitrov ended up having to retire in the third set with what appeared to be a pectoral injury. It was an unfortunate bounce that kept Sinner’s tournament alive.

Since then, the Italian cancelled practice and has an MRI scheduled for Tuesday to check for serious damage. If he is able to go, I’m certain he’ll be less than 100%.

And that’s not a good spot to be in against Shelton right now. The American has won three of his four matches at Wimbledon in straight sets. He’s also up to No. 10 in the world, the highest ranking of his young career.

The 21-year-old has saved 87% of his break points and won 95% of his service games on grass in 2025.

At 100%, I’d back Sinner in a heartbeat. But a concerning injury at this stage of the competition has me very worried for the Italian.

I’m officially putting this match on upset watch.

Best Bet: Swiatek vs. Samsonova

Swiatek -4 games (-112): The former world No. 1 looks in form right now and it’s a scary sight for her competitors.

She’s 7-1 on grass this season (29-7 in her career overall).

Six of those wins came in straight sets.

Her opponent, Samsonova, has also been playing really well, winning every set at Wimbledon, but she’s struggled in this matchup.

Swiatek is 4-0 vs. Samsonova in her career, winning the last three matches in straight sets and covering this spread in each of those meetings.

Wimbledon predictions made at 4:08 p.m. on 07/08/2025.

CFL 2025 Week 6 odds and betting lines: Saskatchewan host Calgary, BC looks for second straight win vs. Edmonton

A battle of elites in the West kicks off Week 6 of the CFL season.

The latest: The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the only remaining undefeated team in the CFL. They will host the Calgary Stampeders, who are 3-1 and one spot back in the West division. On Sunday, the BC Lions look to build on last week’s win against the Edmonton Elks.

Check out the latest CFL Week 6 odds for the start of the 2025 season, beginning Friday, July 11.

CFL Week 6 odds

Stampeders vs. Roughriders
Spread: Saskatchewan -5
Date: July 11 at 9 p.m. ET

Redblacks vs. Tiger-Cats
Spread: Hamilton -5
Date: July 12 at 7 p.m. ET

Lions vs. Elks
Spread: BC -3.5
Date: July 13 at 7 p.m. ET

Full CFL betting markets

Week 6 betting notes

The two top teams in the West meet when the undefeated Roughriders (4-0) host the Stampeders (3-1). Saskatchewan owns the league’s best-scoring offence while Calgary has allowed the fewest points per game (20.3). A.J. Ouellette continues to terrorize CFL defences, averaging 6.2 yards per carry out of the Riders’ backfield.

The Tiger-Cats are coming alive. They’ve won back-to-back games against the Alouettes and Argonauts. The side averaged 43.0 points per game in those wins, and quarterback Bo-Levi Mitchell had a 7:0 TD-to-INT ratio. The Redblacks (1-4) have allowed the second-most points in the CFL this season (150) and will have their hands full with Hamilton in Week 6.

BC saw the return of Nathan Rourke but still barely scraped out a 24-23 win on a last-minute field goal against the Alouettes, who were without starting QB Davis Alexander. Either way, the Lions are 2-0 in games that Rourke started. The Elks are 1-3 but are coming off their first win of the season in Week 5 over Ottawa. There could be a little momentum growing in Edmonton.

The Argonauts and Alouettes are on bye weeks, and it couldn’t come at a better time for both teams. Toronto is awaiting the return of QB Chad Kelly while Davis Alexander gets one more week to work his way back for Montreal.

CFL 2025 Week 6 odds and betting lines: Saskatchewan host Calgary, BC looks for second straight win vs. Edmonton

A battle of elites in the West kicks off Week 6 of the CFL season.

The latest: The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the only remaining undefeated team in the CFL. They will host the Calgary Stampeders, who are 3-1 and one spot back in the West division. On Sunday, the BC Lions look to build on last week’s win against the Edmonton Elks.

Check out the latest CFL Week 6 odds for the start of the 2025 season, beginning Friday, July 11.

CFL Week 6 odds

Stampeders vs. Roughriders

Embed: #115646

Redblacks vs. Tiger-Cats

Embed: #115647

Lions vs. Elks

Embed: #115648

Full CFL betting markets

Week 6 betting notes

The two top teams in the West meet when the undefeated Roughriders (4-0) host the Stampeders (3-1). Saskatchewan owns the league’s best-scoring offence while Calgary has allowed the fewest points per game (20.3). A.J. Ouellette continues to terrorize CFL defences, averaging 6.2 yards per carry out of the Riders’ backfield.

The Tiger-Cats are coming alive. They’ve won back-to-back games against the Alouettes and Argonauts. The side averaged 43.0 points per game in those wins, and quarterback Bo-Levi Mitchell had a 7:0 TD-to-INT ratio. The Redblacks (1-4) have allowed the second-most points in the CFL this season (150) and will have their hands full with Hamilton in Week 6.

BC saw the return of Nathan Rourke but still barely scraped out a 24-23 win on a last-minute field goal against the Alouettes, who were without starting QB Davis Alexander. Either way, the Lions are 2-0 in games that Rourke started. The Elks are 1-3 but are coming off their first win of the season in Week 5 over Ottawa. There could be a little momentum growing in Edmonton.

The Argonauts and Alouettes are on bye weeks, and it couldn’t come at a better time for both teams. Toronto is awaiting the return of QB Chad Kelly while Davis Alexander gets one more week to work his way back for Montreal.

Wimbledon quarterfinal picks and predictions: Best bets for Djokovic vs. Cobolli, Sinner vs. Shelton

Two top players in the world play quarterfinal matches at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The latest: Jannik Sinner will be playing through an elbow injury against a streaking Ben Shelton. Starting just after that, Novak Djokovic looks to fend off a game underdog in Flavio Cobolli.

Check out my top Wimbledon predictions for July 9, featuring a pick on Iga Swiatek vs. Liudmila Samsonova.

Wimbledon predictions: July 9

Best Bet: Cobolli +2.5 sets (-105)

Cobolli is a massive underdog (+750) to beat Djokovic, which means the Italian has good value to win a set.

The 23-year-old is at the top of his game right now, ranking the highest he’s ever been in the ATP (No. 23).

He’s rolled through the competition at the All England Club, winning 12 of 13 possible sets. That includes two straight wins as an underdog.

There’s no denying that Djokovic is one of the best to ever do it on grass, sporting a 99-11 career record on the playing surface. But he’s allowed two of four opponents to take a set off of him at this event.

Cobolli’s been the better player, too. He needed over an hour less of time on court to reach the quarterfinal. There’s some stock in that.

It’s hard for someone playing as well as Cobolli to suddenly lose three straight sets, regardless of the opponent.

Embed: #115640

Go to full Wimbledon betting markets

Best Bet: Sinner vs. Shelton

Shelton +1.5 sets (+150): There is some major concern in the Sinner camp. In his match with Grigor Dimitrov, he injured his elbow before going down two sets and was in some serious trouble.

Dimitrov ended up having to retire in the third set with what appeared to be a pectoral injury. It was an unfortunate bounce that kept Sinner’s tournament alive.

Since then, the Italian cancelled practice and has an MRI scheduled for Tuesday to check for serious damage. If he is able to go, I’m certain he’ll be less than 100%.

And that’s not a good spot to be in against Shelton right now. The American has won three of his four matches at Wimbledon in straight sets. He’s also up to No. 10 in the world, the highest ranking of his young career.

The 21-year-old has saved 87% of his break points and won 95% of his service games on grass in 2025.

At 100%, I’d back Sinner in a heartbeat. But a concerning injury at this stage of the competition has me very worried for the Italian.

I’m officially putting this match on upset watch.

Best Bet: Swiatek vs. Samsonova

Swiatek -3.5 games (-130): The former world No. 1 looks in form right now and it’s a scary sight for her competitors.

She’s 7-1 on grass this season (29-7 in her career overall).

Six of those wins came in straight sets.

Her opponent, Samsonova, has also been playing really well, winning every set at Wimbledon, but she’s struggled in this matchup.

Swiatek is 4-0 vs. Samsonova in her career, winning the last three matches in straight sets and covering this spread in each of those meetings.

Wimbledon predictions made at 1:16 p.m. on 07/08/2025.

PSG vs. Real Madrid SGP predictions July 9: Back Paris to win semifinal, Ousmane Dembele to create

Two European powerhouses meet with only one spot in the FIFA Club World Cup final to play for.

The pregame narrative: PSG can put a cap on its incredible season by winning the FIFA CWC. First, the French side will have to get through Real Madrid, which is undefeated at the tournament.

Check out my PSG vs. Real Madrid SGP predictions for the semifinal on July 9, featuring Ousmane Dembele.

PSG vs. Real Madrid predictions

Parlay: PSG to win | Real Madrid under 1.5 goals | Dembele over 2.5 shots (+280)

PSG to win (+132): The French side already won the treble, capped off by claiming the Champions League trophy for the first time in club history.

This truly is one of the greatest seasons we’ve ever seen, and it appears the squad is hungry for more.

PSG has conceded just one goal through five matches, holding a +11 goal differential.

For context, Real Madrid has four wins and a draw and is +7. The real difference is the defence. The Spanish side has allowed a goal in three of five fixtures.

Paris has won every game in the knockout stages by at least two goals so far, without conceding a goal.

Luis Enrique’s side has just been dominant, plain and simple, and I believe it’s smart to get behind them with only two possible chances left to do so this season.

Go to full PSG vs. Real Madrid betting markets

Other SGP legs

Real Madrid under 1.5 goals (-148): Let me reiterate — PSG has conceded one goal all tournament and hasn’t conceded in the knockout stages.

The most impressive of the wins was a 2-0 shutdown of Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal.

This is nothing new for Paris. It held 10 straight opponents to fewer than two goals, dating back to the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal.

Real Madrid has a great offence, I can’t just ignore that. The Spanish giant has scored two or more goals in three of five matches.

But PSG is cut from a different cloth. Enrique’s side has allowed just 2.8 xG at the FIFA CWC. That unsurprisingly leads any team, regardless of when they were eliminated.

Dembele over 2.5 shots (-195): The French attacker has been a huge part of PSG’s success this season.

He wasn’t available for the group stage at this tournament but returned to his team for the knockout stages.

Dembele came off the bench in the round of 16 and played less than 30 minutes. But he started in the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich, and scored on three shot attempts, cashing this wager.

Real Madrid is the weaker defensive side in this matchup. It’s allowed the ninth most xG (6.9) of any team in the FIFA CWC.

If anyone is going to take advantage of that with his creation, it’s Dembele. Across all competitions, he cashed this wager in 24 of his past 27 starts for PSG.

PSG vs. Real Madrid predictions made at 11:27 a.m. on 07/07/2025.

Rangers vs. Angels SGP predictions July 8: Back Mike Trout in +325 wager

The Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels for the second of a four-game series.

The pregame narrative: The Angels won last night and look to jump out to a two-game series lead behind Jose Soriano (3.72 ERA). Texas counters with its ace, Nathan Eovaldi (1.75 ERA), who’s shaping back into form after missing time with an injury.

Check out my Rangers vs. Angels predictions, including prop picks on Mike Trout and Evan Carter.

Rangers vs. Angels predictions

Parlay: Under 9.5 runs | Trout over 0.5 hits | Carter over 0.5 hits (+320)

Under 9.5 runs (-205): This should be a pitching duel between two strong starting pitchers.

Soriano has given up one or fewer runs in four of his last five starts. He did get shelled for eight in the outlier, but I can look past that with how good he was in the other games.

Overall, with that outing included, he still owns a 2.84 ERA (1.98 FIP) over those five starts. He also struck out 38 batters in the 31.2 innings pitched.

For the Rangers, Eovaldi would be in the Cy Young conversation if he didn’t miss a month recovering from an injury.

His first start back was rough, allowing three earned runs in 3.0 IP against the Seattle Mariners. But he bounced back with five innings of scoreless baseball against the Baltimore Orioles in his last start. He only gave up two hits in that outing.

For the season, Eovaldi has only given up three or more runs two times. He’s started 14 games, so that’s a very reliable floor to work with.

If one of these pitchers has a quality start, it should be good enough to keep the game under this total, barring a one-sided offensive outburst.

MLB SGP legs

Trout over 0.5 hits (-235): Trout is swinging a hot bat right now, and I want to take advantage, no matter who’s pitching to him.

He has a hit in 10 of the last 11 games that he started.

He’s batting .278 over that span, which is over 40 points higher than his season average (.233).

Trout has no multi-hit games in that time, but he’s been consistently grabbing a hit, and that’s what’s needed for this wager.

Plus, the veteran outfielder has a .292 average against Eovaldi in 28 plate appearances.

Carter over 0.5 hits (-157): Carter went hitless in back-to-back games, but check out his stats from the nine games before:

.343 average
9-0 against this wager

The speedy outfielder only had six at-bats in the past two games. He was a pinch hitter in yesterday’s contest, so he still has a hit in nine of his past 10 starts.

Carter will also have the platoon advantage. He bats .275 against righties and only .200 against lefties this season.

Rangers vs. Angels predictions made at 9:41 a.m. ET on 07/08/2025.

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Cooper Flagg NBA Summer League futures markets: Betting odds for Mavericks’ No. 1 pick

Cooper Flagg is expected to make his NBA Summer League debut when the Dallas Mavericks take the court on July 10.

The latest: After going No. 1 overall in the NBA draft in June, Flagg has a lot of hype ahead of his first game in a Mavs uniform. It’s just the Summer League, but the 18-year-old is expected to dominate other young talent from around the league.

Check out the latest Flagg Summer League futures markets for 2025.

Cooper Flagg Summer League futures markets

Flagg is one of the most NBA-ready prospects scouts have seen in recent years, thanks to his elite defensive upside and ability to score at all three levels.

He was the second youngest player to ever be selected first overall, behind LeBron James. Despite that, it is believed he is already one of the better defensive players in the NBA.

Flagg averaged 2.8 steals/blocks in his one season at Duke.

In addition to that defence is a flourishing offensive game. He shot 48.1% from the field (38.5% from three) while adding 4.2 assists in college.

Check out the latest NBA odds. Click linked odds to add selection to your betslip.

Flagg futures markets	Betting odds
To score 25+ points in any game	+120
To score 30+ points in any game	+450
To score 4+ threes in any game	+400
To record a double double	-110
To record a triple-double	+2,500

Cooper Flagg Summer League odds as of 2:31 p.m. ET on 07/07/2024.

Go to full NBA Summer League betting markets

Flagg best futures bet

Best Bet: Flagg to score 25+ points in any game (+120)

Let’s get back to that scoring upside.

Flagg averaged 19.2 points per game last season with Duke.

He upped that average to 20.5 points over the final 25 games.

Not only that, but his shooting splits got exceptionally better over that stretch. He shot 51.1% from the field and 45.1% from three on 3.6 attempts per game.

He showed at Duke that he was more than willing to buy into a team approach, so don’t expect Flagg to be a shotchucker in any regard.

But he’s ultra-efficient, and one hot shooting night would be enough to give him a 25-point or better performance.

The No. 3 overall pick, V.J. Edgecomb, just accomplished this feat, scoring 28 points in his Summer League debut. His college career high was 30 points.

Key stat: Flagg’s season high with Duke in 2024-25 was 42 points on an 11-of-14 shooting night (78.6%) vs. Notre Dame.

Pick made at 2:45 p.m. on 07/07/25.