Matt Fargo – Sports Handicapper

This is a play on the DENVER NUGGETS for our Sunday Enforcer. The Lakers took Game One of this series on Friday as they pulled away in the second half. Denver took a two-point lead after the first quarter, its biggest lead of the game, but the Lakers outscored the Nuggets 67-41 over the next two quarters and cruised from there. In the second quarter alone, Los Angeles attempted 24 free throws as the Nuggets top players got into foul trouble, so it was not an even matchup for a good portion as Nikola Jokic played just three minutes in that quarter. For Denver to have a chance to even up the series after committing 16 turnovers in Game One, valuing each possession and being able to have more control over the pace of the game will be key. If this postseason has taught us anything about the resiliency of the Nuggets young core, it is that one game does not make a series. Denver has covered four of its last five games following a loss. 10* (705) Denver Nuggets

This is a play on the LOS ANGELES ANGELS for our MLB Sunday Sweet Spot. The Angeles are keeping their slim layoff hopes alive after winning their third straight game on Saturday. They are now three and a half games behind Houston and will likely have to win out with seven games left. Los Angeles is 11-5 since September 3rd. The Rangers have the worst record in the American League at 18-34 following their third straight loss. They send Kyle Cody to the hill who has a solid 1.42 ERA through three starts but he is coming off Tommy John surgery and he is not being stretched out for good reason. Julio Teheran counters for the Angels and he has had a tough go at it but that is keeping this number in check. Here, we play against teams averaging 3.6 or fewer rpg going up against a starting pitcher whose ERA is 6.20 or worse with a bullpen whose WHIP is 1.35 to 1.45 on the season. This situation is 39-14 (73.6percent) since 1997. 10* (980) Los Angeles Angels

This is a play on the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS for our NFL Sunday Star Attraction. New England is coming off a win in its first game without Tom Brady as his replacement Cam Newton looked very solid as he has this offense down. Overall, the Patriots racked up 357 yards of offense including 217 yards on the ground and it needs to be noted that six players had at least 22 yards with five averaging at least 4.0 ypg. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense looked great, though that was against a below-average defense in Atlanta. They face a much tougher test against the Patriots. One of the loudest venues in the NFL will be silent for the Seattle home opener. No fans will be allowed in CenturyLink Field for at least the first three home games for the Seahawks and that is a big disadvantage for one of the loudest venues in the NFL. Here, we play against home favorites that allowed 24 or more ppg last season, after scoring 30 points or more last game. This situation is 24-2 ATS (92.3 percent) since 1983. 9* (287) New England Patriots

This is a play on the MINNESOTA VIKINGS for our NFL Sunday Enforcer. Minnesota and Indianapolis are both coming off disappointing losses in their season openers and we expect the Vikings to be the team that rebounds. They lost to Green Bay 43-34 as they were thoroughly outgained until a late fourth quarter surge and while a lot can be blamed on the defense, the offense was on the field for just 18:44, the lowest in franchise history. That led to a gassed defense that just could not keep up. They will be in better shape here against Philip Rivers that struggled against Jacksonville in a 27-0 loss. He threw two interceptions and Pro Bowl receiver T.Y. Hilton dropped the last two passes of the game while Marlon Mack was lost for the season. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is 12-4 ATS off a loss against a division rival. Here, we play on road underdogs or pickems allowed 335 or more ypg last season, after allowing 450 or more total yards in their previous game. This situation is 24-3 ATS (88.9 percent) since 1983. 9* (273) Minnesota Vikings

This is a play on the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS for our NFL Game of the Month. The 49ers are coming off a disappointing season opener as they lost to the Cardinals, continuing the trend of the Super Bowl loser hangover. A big part of the 49ers loss to the Cardinals was the scrambling of quarterback Kyler Murray, but Sam Darnold will be a relative sitting duck for the San Francisco pass rush. This San Francisco defense will be playing with a chip on its shoulder after allowing 404 yards to the Cardinals. Jimmy Garoppolo had an efficient game and can thrive against the Jets which allowed 404 yards against Buffalo. Tight end George Kittle is upgraded to probable after having just four catches last week. Here, we play on teams in Week Two after losing in Week One as favorites of six points or more. This situation is 15-4 ATS (78.9 percent) since 2002. 10* (269) San Francisco 49ers