MLB Wild Card Wednesday

Good morning,

Let’s dive in…

Developing Stories 📰

The upcoming Thursday Night Football game features the winless Chicago Bears heading to FedEx Field to face off against Washington in this week's matchup. The Bears have endured a challenging start to the season going 0-4, with their most recent setback being a loss at home to the previously winless Denver Broncos. The Commanders displayed strength taking the Philadelphia Eagles to overtime before losing on the road, leveling their record at 2-2. The game is set to kick off at 8:15 PM EST.

The Chicago Bears appeared ready for their first victory of the season last Sunday, taking a commanding 28-7 lead against the winless Broncos. However, their fortunes took a dramatic turn as turnovers led to a Broncos scoop-and-score, a failed fourth-down conversion, and an interception by quarterback Justin Fields that sealed their fate. Consequently, the Bears slumped to a 0-4 record, marking their 14th consecutive loss dating back to the previous season. Despite the loss, Fields had a standout performance, achieving career-high numbers with 335 passing yards and four touchdowns, completing 28 of 35 passes, including his first 16 attempts. The Bears' offense tallied 26 first downs and an impressive 471 total yards.

Defensively, the Bears yielded 311 total yards and allowed 17 first downs, with four tackles for loss, including one sack. Unfortunately, they were unable to force any turnovers in the game. As they head to D.C., the Bears are determined to break their 14-game losing streak and secure their first win of the 2023 season. In terms of offensive rankings, the Bears currently sit at 21st overall in the NFL, with the 13th-ranked rushing offense and the 24th-ranked passing offense. Notably, they excel in the red zone, ranking 8th in red zone efficiency. On the defensive side, the Bears are ranked 28th in total defense, 18th against the rush, and 29th against the pass. The Bears' struggles are reflected in their 28th-place standing in turnover differential and their 23rd ranking in penalties per game in the NFL this season.

The Washington Commanders find themselves at a 2-2 record this season. In their matchup against the Eagles they trailed 31-24 with just 1:24 left in the game but Howell orchestrated a game-tying touchdown drive connecting with Jahan Dotson as time expired. Howell finished the day with 29 completions on 41 attempts, amassing 290 yards and a touchdown. He rebounded from a turnover-filled previous game against the Bills and did not throw any interceptions, despite being sacked five times. The Commanders' offense accumulated 365 total yards and secured 26 first downs, with an 8-of-17 conversion rate on third downs.

Defensively, the Commanders gave up 415 total yards and allowed 23 first downs to the Eagles but they excelled on third-down defense limiting their opponents to a 4-of-12 conversion rate. The Commanders recorded six tackles for loss, including three sacks, and registered eight quarterback hits.

As they enter this matchup, the Commanders aim to regain a winning record after suffering two consecutive losses. They currently rank 20th in the NFL in total offense, with a 17th-place ranking in rushing and a 20th-place ranking in passing. On the defensive front, they sit at 21st in total defense, 21st against the run, and 20th against the pass. Notably, the Commanders have shown strength in the red zone, ranking 11th in red zone efficiency. In terms of turnovers, the Commanders rank 24th in the league, though Howell's performance against the Eagles was a marked improvement. Additionally, they stand at a solid 11th place in the NFL in terms of penalties per game this season.

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 2001 Barry Bonds hits his 70^th HR; ties Mark McGwire for the most HRs in a single season,

2018 Tom Brady becomes only the 3^rd NFL QB to record 500 career touchdown passes as he connects with Josh Gordon over the Colts.

New England Patriots CB, Christian Gonzalez, is out for the season after tearing his labrum.

The New England Patriots are trading for Chargers’ CB JC Jackson

The Rams designated WR Coooper Kupp to return to practice starting his 21-day practice window.

NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers says he is well ahead of schedule for his Achilles rehab; Rodgers says he’s eyeing a return for this season.

Buffalo star player Travis Hunter is likely to miss the next two games as he recovers from a lacerated liver.

The NCAA Council approved changes to the transfer portal window that will lower the number of days for students to enter their name in the portal.

The Minnesota Twins broke their playoff game losing streak after 19 years and 18 games.

The Rays wild card opener against the Rangers had the lowest attendance since 1919 with a crowd of 19,704.

James Harden is participating in practice with the Philadelphia 76ers at training camp.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

⚾️ Rangers at Rays

• Texas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

• Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home

• The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games

⚾️ Blue Jays at Twins

• Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto

⚾️ Diamondbacks at Brewers

• Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

• Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

⚾️ Marlins at Phillies

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games

• Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

🏈 Bears at Commanders

• Washington is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

⚾️ MLB

42% of bets and 60% of money is on OVER 8 TOR at MIN

🏈 NFL

27% of bets and 44% of money is on CHI +6

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Injury Report 🏥 via ESPN

CHI (S) Eddie Jackson | Probable - Foot

CHI (OT) Teven Jenkins | IR - Calf, was designated to return Monday

CHI (CB) Josh Blackwell | IR - Hamstring

WSH (WR) Jahan Dotson | Questionable - Ankle

WSH (WR) Curtis Samuel | Questionable - Quadriceps

ARI (RF) Jake McCarthy | Out - Will start today in RF and bat 7th

Picks 🔒

Twins -146 | Gray has been a top starter in 2023 holding 21 of his 32 opponents to two or fewer runs. He was 11th in the AL in innings pitched and 13th in strikeouts. With a couple of months of momentum on his side, Gray should have a quality start on Wednesday at home.

Bears +6.5 | The Bears looked like a normal football team last week. When you look at the numbers, both of these teams are much closer in most categories despite the two game record difference.