Previews & Best Bets

Today's Top Free Expert Picks

This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and sign up, make a deposit, or place a wager, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
  • expert headshot
    Jeff Hochman
    +571.5
    (67%)
    6-3-1 in Last 10 MLB Picks
    NYM
    +122
    Money Line
    Picked: Jul 15 @ 1:15pm

    Analysis

    Sports betting isn’t just about analyzing matchups and picking a side or total, etc. There are proven systems that consistently deliver results over time. One I’ve trusted for many years focuses on the All-Star Game host team, which always plays at home right after the break. Since 2002, these teams are just 8-15, including a 2-6 mark since 2017. The only recent winners: the 2022 Dodgers and the 2025 Braves. I like the Mets’ Christian Scott against Aaron Nola, but with these systems, you set it and forget it. This approach has paid off, especially since most of these teams are underdogs. Additionally, all of the host teams have played on Friday, but this year the Phillies have to play on Thursday.
  • expert headshot
    Matt Severance
    +1266
    (64%)
    118-66-1 in Last 185 MLB Picks
    Under 10
    -115
    Over/Under
    Picked: Jul 15 @ 3:02pm

    Analysis

    I'm not so sure that Phils manager Don Mattingly doesn't rest Kyle Schwarber and/or Bryce Harper after they competed in both Monday's and Tuesday's All-Star activities and then with Friday off for the Phils. Those two didn't get an AS break other than Wednesday. Plus, both bullpens are obviously fully rested behind the Mets' Christian Scott and Phillies' Aaron Nola, respectively. Scott has been pretty good; Nola hasn't but not quite as horrible lately. We push, we push.
  • expert headshot
    Prop Bet Guy
    #1
    +2002
    (70%)
    42-18 in Last 60 MLB Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    A. Nola
    Under 16.5
    -115
    Outs Recorded
    Picked: Jul 15 @ 7:44pm

    Analysis

    DraftKings / Caesar’s. With only one game on the docket for Thursday, we might as well jump on this line early. Aaron Nola is under this line in 14/19 starts, including all eight home outings, where his ERA is 6.81. His pitch efficieny takes a nosedive against lefties, as his walk rate balloons to 10.8%, and his pitches per plate appearance 4.20. The Mets likely start 6-7 lefties, and had been hitting well (although nothing is given coming out of the break). But Nola has lost the trust of Don Mattingly, as he’s been pulled at 86 pitches or less in seven of his last eleven starts.
  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    #4
    +1070
    (80%)
    8-2-1 in Last 11 MLB Picks
    NYM
    +112
    Money Line
    Picked: Jul 15 @ 8:00pm

    Analysis

    Christian Scott is playing his best baseball during his second full year starting for the Mets. He comes off one of his best outings of the season against the Royals, allowing no runs in five innings of a 6-2 Mets win. Three starts ago, the Mets beat the Phillies 6-2 with Scott allowing two runs. The Mets have won five of his last six starts, and I think they jump-start the second half with an immediate win against the Phillies. The Mets have 40 wins on the season, 16 games back of the Braves in the NL East, while the Phillies have won 54 games and are only two back. I think the Mets can take solace in what the Red Sox are doing.
  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    +552
    (60%)
    3-2 in Last 5 MLB Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    J. Soto
    YES
    +230
    Hit A Home Run
    Picked: Jul 15 @ 9:09pm

    Analysis

    The Mets' Juan Soto has hit .290 this season with 21 homers, and apparently, everyone else isn't hitting, as the Mets have only won 40 games and sit in last place. Soto hasn't hit a home run in his last three games against the Red Sox, but four games ago against the Royals, he went deep. In six games against the Phillies this season, he has seven hits in 19 at-bats, two home runs, and six walks. I think the Mets are going to take this game, and Soto would be the perfect send-off for the Mets offense, showing themselves that they're back for business in the second half. Aaron Nola is starting for Philly. Soto to hit a home run.

Betting Spotlight

See More

More Headlines

247 Sports
247sports-football-recruiting.jpg

Midsummer recruiting storylines, key battles as a new season approaches 

Early Crystal Ball calls for four top Class of 2028 Sunshine State recruits 

Top247 RB Gibson explains decision to flip from Penn State to Rutgers 

SportsLine
ludvig-aberg-pga-golf-imagn-images.jpg

2026 Open Championship picks by model that nailed 17 majors

2026 Open Championship props, bets, golf parlay pays over $140,000

2026 Open Championship picks by expert who's up 18 units

Betting

getty-kylian-mbappe-vinicius-junior-real-madrid-january.jpg

DraftKings Sportsbook review and promo code 2026

Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS: $50 trading bonus with $20+ deposit

Kalshi promo code: CBSSPORTS for $15 bonus

Fantasy

jahmyr-gibbs-lions-imagn-cbs.jpg

Dynasty Fantasy football superflex startup mock

Fantasy Baseball Re-Draft: Witt jumps to No. 1

Fantasy All-Stars: Misiorowski earns top breakout

NFL

pickens.jpg

No extension: George Pickens to play under $27.3M franchise tag

Five contenders that should sign Jadeveon Clowney

Tony Romo admits biggest Cowboys career regret

College Football

Michigan v Northwestern

Michigan board not expected to discuss Warde Manuel's future this week

NC State bets big on QB CJ Bailey, and the ACC payoff could be huge

Mike Norvell says this year's squad reminds him of 2023

Golf

rory-mcilroy-open-grass-walk.jpg

Where to watch 2026 Open live on Thursday in Round 1

2026 Open field: Ranking the top players from 1-26 at Royal Birkdale

2026 Open Championship TV schedule: Complete coverage, viewing guide

Soccer

argentina-england.jpg

England's loss to Argentina a 'similar story' as World Cup dream ends

What to know about England vs. Argentina

Argentina vs. England picks by expert on 19-7 run

NBA

lebron-getty-7-2.png

How will LeBron announce? The King set for live podcast this week

Explaining the four most head-scratching moves of the NBA offseason

NBA Summer League winners and losers: Bucks' Burries stands out

NCAA Basketball

2026 NBA Summer League - Toronto Raptors v Indiana Pacers

Coaches worry NBA Summer League players may try to return to college

NCAA faces massive legal battle over fifth-year eligibility

Top 25 And 1: Gonzaga out of top 10 after Mario Saint-Supery leaves

NCAAW Basketball

ncaa-womens-final-four-phoenix.png

NCAA women's tournament makes big bracket rule change for top 16 seeds

Quiet Sarah Strong embracing 'uncomfortable' leadership role at UConn

How JuJu Watkins used her GM skills to recruit Saniyah Hall to USC

MLB

w-contreras-getty.png

MLB rumors: Padres 'open-minded' going into trade deadline

Bold predictions for MLB's second half: Ohtani, Judge, more

AL blanks NL to win MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia
Around the Web Promoted by Taboola