Free Picks and Predictions for August 28 and 29 from Handicapper Doug Upstone

In order to get some football in for line moves, we have college football for Thursday. We have not forgotten about baseball and are looking over Wednesday's card also. Take a minute to review all the betting trends, our free picks, and predictions (100-71-3 of late) to see what we are thinking about today. See you back here Friday.

MLB - (955) CINCINNATI at (956) MIAMI 7:10 ET FSOH, FSFL

After being swept at Pittsburgh, Cincinnati flew to South Beach and have done what many before them have done, used the Marlins as a "slump-buster". The Reds have taken the first two games against Miami and look to do no worse than taking this four-game series tonight. Those generating MLB picks like Cincy's chances, elevating them from -125 to -150. Going against the grain in this one, impressed with the current form of Miami's Sandy Alcantara (4-11, 4.15 ERA), who has 2.08 ERA in his last three starts. The Marlins at 15-9 (+14.4 Units) at home after allowing eight or more runs which will work here.

Betting Trend - 82% backing Cincinnati

Doug's Doc's Take - Lean Miami

MLB - (957) CHIC. CUBS at (958) N.Y. METS 7:10 ET NBCSNC, SNY (side and total)

The pitching matchup of Kyle Hendricks (9-9, 3.20) against Noah Syndergaard (9-6, 3.71) has those betting baseball thinking runs will be scarce, and the total was lowered from 8 to 7.5. With rare exception, each hurler had pitched well since the All-Star break. The Mets big man is on a 6-2 "Under" run and the Chicago right-hander is 11-2-1 Under in his last 14 starts. With both offenses not reaching season norms in scoring in their past seven outings, the Under is the play. In spite of the Cubs being at 26-39 on the road and the worst team to bet on (-16.2 units) away from home, they were still lowered in the cement jungle from +115 to +103. Not sure I can support that with the Mets 8-1 in home games vs. an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.15 or lower.

Betting Trend - 67% backing New York, 92% on Under

Doug's Doc's Take - New York wins, Play Under

MLB - (969) OAKLAND at (970) KANSAS CITY 8:15 ET NBCSNCA, FSKC

After these two American League clubs totaled 23 runs on Monday, last night was a low-scoring nail-biter with Oakland a 2-1 winner. Those wagering on this contest do not see a repeat of last night, but still, see the total being towards the lower end, taking the number from 9.5 to 9. While inclined to believe an Over is possible. Oakland starter Tanner Roark is 10-2 Under when working on five- or six-day's rest and Royals righty Jake Junis is 12-4 UNDER when the total is 8.5 to 10.

Betting Trend - 77% backing Over

Doug's Doc's Take - Play Under

CFB - Thursday - (133) UCLA at (134) CINCINNATI 7:00 ET ESPN

The first week of the college football season has some rather extreme line movement, largely because the lines were released back in late June or early July, depending on the sportsbooks, and have simmered like brisket in a crockpot. This matchup is one such game that fits the bill, with a total down a whopping seven points from 65 to 58. As to why: Cincinnati is a defensive-minded club under coach Luke Fickell. The Bearcats have the defensive speed to run with UCLA and are physical to keep the pressure on the Bruins offense. Cincy is 6-0 Under when the total is between 56.5 and 63. UCLA was humbled by Cincinnati at home last year 26-17 (the total was 63) and want payback and with 19 returning starters in their second year under Chip Kelly. They might get it, just in a lower-scoring affair, with somebody winning 27-24.

Betting Trend - 53% backing Under

Doug's Doc's Take - Play Under

CFB - Thursday - (135) GEORGIA TECH at (136) CLEMSON 8:00 ET ACCN

This is the first live football game on the ACC Network. And while it features the defending champs in Clemson, the Tigers are overwhelming favorites. Clemson opened at -33 over Georgia Tech and quickly went to -35, As the game approached this week, those betting college football raised the Tigers up to -37, which this the largest number the Yellow Jackets have ever had as an underdog. When a top team as coach Dabo Sweeney has, is this large a favorite, I call these "want to" games. If Clemson wants to, they cover. If they want to start slowly or build a big lead early and coast, they will. With the Tigers 15-22-1 ATS when handing out 20 or more points, they win 48-13 and barely fail to cover the spread.

Betting Trend - 71% backing Clemson

Doug's Doc's Take - Lean Georgia Tech

Public Consensus Record (2019) - 51% to 79% - 165-156-6 ATS

Public Consensus Record (2019) - 80% or Higher - 50-56-1 ATS

Line Movement Direction Record (2019) - 206-202-7 ATS

Doug Upstone is the newest handicapper at Doc's Sports and he brings years of experience with him. Doug has 21 documented No. 1 titles and finished in the Top Ten 80 other times in a distinguished career. Doug as a professional handicapper/writer, has written for various well-known sports betting websites and several of the football newsletters you have read before.

Doug excited about football this season coming off a 2018 monitored record of 65-43 ATS, 60.2 percent ($500 bettors up $6,660 profit) in college football and 2018 NFL record of 50-34, 59.4% ($500 bettors up $6,100 profit). He might be the new guy, but our experience says he's ready to deliver Big Profits. Check out Doug's Winning Plays!