NFL Strategy Pays Off & MLB Game 5 Showdown Tonight

A New Approach, A Winning Night, and Big Things Ahead

We did exactly what we said we would do. After facing some early-season struggles in the NFL, we put our heads down, tackled our challenges, and got super critical with our approach. Our team dug deep, dissected what went wrong, and unpacked how things could have been done differently. From there, we re-prioritized the NFL betting indicators that we value most. Last night, the results showed that all that hard work paid off.

It was a 6-3 night overall, but the real highlight was our performance in Thursday Night Football. We went 5-1 in our six plays for the matchup. Yes, we said we might scale back, but when the indicators light up, we don’t ignore them. What would have been the point of all our effort if we then chose to disregard the plays that stood out? Instead, we trusted our updated process, and the results speak for themselves. This is BrownBagBets in a nutshell—analyzing, adjusting, and always staying committed to finding value.

Tonight’s Slate: NCAAF, MLB Game 5, and an NHL Pick on the Horizon

As we pivot our attention to tonight, we have a few exciting opportunities lined up:

• NCAAF Action: With three college football games on the schedule, we’ve zeroed in on at least one play for the night—Utah at Arizona State in the late game. We’ll share our analysis and the reasoning behind this play as we aim to build on last night’s momentum.

• MLB Game 5 Decider: It doesn’t get much better than this—a winner-take-all Game 5 between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers. These moments are what baseball fans live for, and we’re thrilled to have identified a solid play for this high-stakes matchup.

• NHL Pick Update: Despite our efforts to empower the leadership team to step up in the NHL space, we haven’t found the right fit—until now. A junior member has stepped up, showing the grit and willingness to contribute to this crucial area. We won’t rush things; our priority is your money and quality over quantity. But tonight, we have our first NHL pick coming your way. We’re excited to see how this new addition unfolds, and we’re optimistic that this is just the start of something special.

Let’s Keep the Money Train Rolling

At BrownBagBets, our community knows that we don’t shy away from tough moments—we adapt and come back stronger. It’s that relentless drive for excellence that keeps us moving forward, and it’s the reason why our followers trust us with their betting journey. Last night was a great start, but it’s only the beginning of what’s to come.

Let’s keep this winning Friday night going strong and set ourselves up for a successful weekend of plays. Follow along, trust the picks, and let’s make this October one to remember!

NCAAF: Utah at Arizona State
Pick: Arizona State +6.5 / Wager: 3%

Injury Concerns for Utah:
Kyle Whittingham is growing accustomed to quarterback Cam Rising's uncertain status following knee issues and a more recent wrist injury suffered against Baylor on September 7. With Rising sidelined, freshman Isaac Wilson has taken over, but his performance has been inconsistent, throwing six touchdown passes along with seven interceptions this season.

Arizona State's Improvement:
This Arizona State team is a far cry from the squad that suffered a crushing 55-3 defeat in Salt Lake City last year. The Sun Devils have found their footing at home, remaining unbeaten and averaging over 37 points per game in Tempe. They recently showcased their offensive prowess with a thrilling 35-31 victory over Kansas, indicating a significant turnaround.

Key Players Making an Impact:
Michigan State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has emerged as a strong addition for second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, providing stability and leadership on offense. Meanwhile, running back Cam Skattebo demonstrated his explosive capabilities last weekend, rushing for an impressive 182 yards against Kansas.

MLB Divisional Playoff Series (Game 5): San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers

Pick: Padres ML @ +120 / Wager: 3%

Winner-Take-All Showdown:
It's come down to a winner-take-all scenario in the NLDS tonight, and the momentum might lean towards the Padres. Yu Darvish has been exceptional on the mound recently, with San Diego winning all six of his starts since the beginning of September. This includes a stellar performance in Game 2, where Darvish surrendered just one run and three hits over seven innings, dominating a potent Dodger lineup.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Struggles:
On the other side, the Dodgers are sending Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound, who struggled significantly in Game One, allowing five runs and five hits before being chased in the third inning. While the Dodgers' offense managed to spare him a loss, Yamamoto's inconsistency raises concerns about his ability to handle the high-pressure environment of a decisive playoff game.

Padres Thriving at Chavez Ravine:
Historically, the Padres have embraced their visits to Chavez Ravine, finding success even when faced with tough matchups. This psychological edge could play a crucial role in a game where every detail matters. With Darvish's confidence and the Padres' lineup ready to capitalize on any pitching mistakes, we expect them to seize this opportunity.

NHL: St. Louis Blues at Las Vegas Knights
Pick: Over 5.5 / Wager: 2%

Blues' Offensive Momentum:
The Blues are off to a strong start this season, currently 2-0 after victories against Seattle and San Jose. Their most recent win against the Sharks showcased their resilience, as they rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the second period. Justin Faulk's late goal leveled the score, and Brayden Schenn secured the victory just 45 seconds into overtime. This comeback not only boosts their confidence but also highlights their offensive potential.

Knights' Offensive Firepower:
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Knights displayed their offensive prowess in an impressive 8-4 win over the Colorado Avalanche. The lineup, led by a healthy Mark Stone, who scored twice, is brimming with playmakers. Ivan Barbashev and newly-acquired Victor Olofsson also contributed significantly, each netting two goals. The Knights' ability to score in bunches makes them a formidable opponent.

Scoring Potential:
Given both teams' recent performances, clearing the 5.5 goal mark seems well within reach. With the Blues showing they can score late in games and the Knights demonstrating a high-scoring offense, expect a competitive matchup that could see multiple goals from both sides.