October’s Grand Finale: MNF, World Series, and a Dash of NHL/NBA

Welcome to BrownBagBets' October Grand Finale! As we wrap up an exhilarating month of sports betting, we're sitting pretty with a bankroll at 121%—a testament to our disciplined yet dynamic bankroll management. Tonight, we're not just dipping our toes but diving headfirst into a diverse array of sports action.

First up, Monday Night Football, where we believe the Detroit Lions are not just going to win but dominate the Las Vegas Raiders. We've got some compelling picks that we think will make you a believer too. Shifting gears, we're eyeing totals in both the World Series and NHL, looking for those sweet spots that others might overlook. And for our basketball aficionados, we've got a single but potent NBA play as the Bulls head to Indiana to face the Pacers.

So, buckle up as we aim to close out October on a high note, building on our already robust bankroll. Let's get into it!

Game #1: Las Vegas Raiders @ Detroit Lions, 8:15 PM, ESPN/ABC

Pick: Lions -7
Wager: 10% Bankroll
The Lions have been a model of consistency when it comes to beating lesser teams, and the Raiders fit that bill. Detroit has won by 14 or more against similar competition. Coming off a tough loss to the Ravens, the Lions are primed for a bounce-back performance. A compelling stat to consider: teams with a 60% or better win rate, coming off a 20-point loss, are 80-39-1 ATS since 2003. The Lions are also on a 12-3 ATS streak at home, averaging 32.5 points. The Raiders' defense isn't exactly a fortress, making this a strong play.

Pick: Raiders Under 19.5 points
Wager: 8% Bankroll
Detroit's defense will be laser-focused after a humbling game against Baltimore. The Raiders have struggled to put up points all season, and their kicking game is questionable due to Daniel Carlson's groin injury. We expect the Lions' defense to keep the Raiders under 20 points.

Pick: Jakobi Meyers over 4.5 Receptions
Wager: 5% Bankroll
With Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm for the Raiders, Jakobi Meyers is set to see a lot of action. Meyers has been targeted heavily in games with Garoppolo, making this a high-probability play, especially if the Raiders find themselves playing catch-up.

Pick: Jahmyr Gibbs over 69.5 rushing yards
Wager: 5% Bankroll
With David Montgomery out, Jahmyr Gibbs takes the lead back role for the second consecutive week. He's performed admirably against tougher run defenses and now faces a Raiders unit that's been porous against the run. Expect Gibbs to be a focal point of the Lions' game plan, making this an excellent opportunity to cash in.

Game #2: World Series Game 3, Texas Rangers @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 8:03 PM, Fox

Pick: Under 9.5 Runs
Wager: 8% Bankroll
While Max Scherzer's recent starts have trended towards the Over, we're leaning on the Under for this game. The real gem here is Arizona's starter, Brandon Pfaadt. He's been a revelation this postseason, and the Diamondbacks have won all of his starts. His games have consistently stayed Under, with a season record of 4-16-2 to the Under. The open roof in Arizona traditionally adds runs, but Chase Field uses a humidor, similar to Coors Field, which should help keep the scoring down. With Pfaadt's recent form and the humidor in play, we're confident in taking the Under.

Pick: Diamondbacks ML
Wager: 8% Bankroll
The name recognition of Max Scherzer has likely inflated the Rangers' value in this matchup. Scherzer has shown signs of decline this season and has been hit hard this postseason. On the flip side, Brandon Pfaadt has been nothing short of spectacular. With a 20.6% swinging strike rate this postseason and a diverse pitch arsenal that confounds both righties and lefties, Pfaadt is the pitcher to back in this game. At just 25 years old, he's shown that the big stage doesn't faze him. Add to that a stronger Diamondbacks bullpen, and we're liking Arizona to take this one.

Game #3: Florida Panthers @ Boston Bruins, 7 PM, ESPN+
Pick: Bruins ML
Wager: 5% Bankroll

This play fits squarely within out “revenge” betting system which has proven highly profitable to date. The Bruins are out for blood tonight, looking to make amends for their shocking first-round playoff loss to the Panthers last season. Our "revenge" algorithm has been profitable, and it's signaling a strong play on the Bruins. Boston hasn't lost in regulation yet this season, and they'll be eager to defend their home ice, where they were nearly unbeatable last regular season.

Game #4: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Dallas Stars, 8 PM, ESPN+
Pick: Under 6.5
Wager: 8% Bankroll
We're testing a new approach to NHL unders, which we spoke about starting a little over a week ago, and this game fits the bill. Jake Oettinger will be in net for the Stars, and we're confident in his ability to keep the score low. This is a game where we expect both defenses to shine, making the Under 6.5 a solid play.

Game #5: Chicago Blackhawks @ Arizona Coyotes, 10 PM, ESPN+
Pick: Under 6.5
Wager: 8% Bankroll
This is another game that's flagging as a strong Under play in our beta testing. Both teams have been struggling to find the back of the net, averaging less than 5.00 goals per game combined. We expect a low-scoring affair, making the Under 6.5 a compelling choice.

Game #6: Chicago Bulls @ Indiana Pacers, 7 PM
Pick: Pacers ML
Wager: 5% Bankroll
The Pacers are riding high on positive energy, largely thanks to Tyrese Halliburton's leadership. They showcased their depth and shooting prowess in their last game against Cleveland, hitting 49% from the field. On the flip side, the Bulls are dealing with a Zach LaVine issue. Despite scoring 51 points in their last game, he recorded zero assists, highlighting a lack of team play. LaVine is also a game-time decision for tonight's matchup. The Bulls have been struggling on both ends of the floor, ranking 28th in the league in pace and averaging just 103.3 points per game. Meanwhile, the Pacers are 3rd in pace and lead the league in scoring, averaging 134 points per game. We expect Indiana to dictate the tempo, making it tough for Chicago to keep up.

Tonight's picks are a culmination of rigorous analysis, strategic thinking, and a dash of intuition. We're not just throwing darts; we're making calculated decisions to maximize our bankroll, which currently sits at a healthy 121%. With only two days left in October, we're pressing for a strong finish to the month. Whether it's Monday Night Football, the World Series, or a mix of NHL and NBA action, we've got you covered. Let's close out October on a high note, and as always, bet responsibly.