Xam’s Gem(s):
Phillies/Diamondbacks Over 9 Runs -118
The Phillies have been tearing the cover off the ball since the postseason began. They’re on a historic home run streak since the playoffs began, in fact. Now, the Phillies face Brandon Pfaadt, who had a subpar year. He finished the year with a 5.72 ERA. He’s been okay in the postseason thus far, but he has only logged 7 innings in 2 starts. The Phillies have scored 15 runs in 2 games in this series, and their entire lineup has been locked in. The Diamondbacks know this game is their season, as if they lose and go down 0-3, the chances of them coming back to win are virtually over. After a day off, the lineup should be locked in. Ranger Suarez has been good in the playoffs this year, but he had a 4.18 ERA during the regular season. He also had a 4.57 ERA after the All-Star Break and a 5.20 ERA in September. This shows he’s hittable. Expect the Diamondbacks to come out motivated tonight and put some runs on the board.
Saints -1.5 -115
The Saints have played solid defense all year, and they are a different team at home. They have one of the best homefield advantages in the league, and they face Trevor Lawrence who hurt his knee just 4 days ago. The Saints should be able to generate pressure tonight. The Saints are allowing just 16 points per game. The key here will be Derek Carr and the offense getting it going. It’s been a struggle since Carr was brought in as the franchise QB of the Saints. However, the Jaguars have been up and down defensively this year. They gave up 37 points to the Texans at home and struggled at times last week against Gardner Minshew. Jamaal Williams should be back tonight, and the Saints should be able to utilize their 1-2 running back combo of Williams and Alvin Kamara effectively. This is the wrong matchup for the Jaguars to be banged up at QB.