In today’s newsletter…

1. Leading Off: A look at needed wins for playoff, Super Bowl contenders

2. NFL Bets to Watch: Insights on 20 bets across the league

3. Public Money: Bettors put trust in Blue Jays rookie pitcher in Game 6

4. Soccer: Liverpool has 7 goals in 3 EPL home games

5. Overtime: Verstappen’s F1 title hopes could get a boost after U.S. Grand Prix pole

1. Leading Off

It’s still too early in the NFL season for a true must-win game, but today we’re starting with a look at the teams that really need a win if they want to be seen as real contenders for either the playoffs or Super Bowl.

• Bears (3-2) vs. Saints: Playoff teams need to win when they play non-contenders, and despite their better-than-expected performances, the Saints still fall into that category. After three straight wins, the Bears can strengthen their playoff push today. Bears Playoff Odds: +240

• Patriots (4-2) vs. Titans: New England is one of the biggest surprises of the season, and the Titans are even worse than expected. This game shouldn’t be close. Patriots Playoff Odds: -260 (+185 to win the AFC East)

• Chiefs (3-3) vs. Raiders: Kansas City got a much-needed upset over Detroit last time out, while Las Vegas is a pretty mediocre, but not terrible, team. If the Chiefs lose and are 3-4, sportsbooks will start losing the faith they currently have in them to get back to the Super Bowl. Chiefs Super Bowl Odds: +650 (tied with Bills for #1)

• Eagles (4-2) vs. Vikings: Philadelphia has lost two straight and questions about whether the team lost too much talent from last season are getting louder. Minnesota is hanging in there with backup QB Carson Wentz but doesn’t have much in the way of expectations. Eagles Super Bowl Odds: +1000 (-170 to win NFC East)

• Commanders (3-3) vs. Cowboys (2-3-1): Both teams could really use a win here. The Commanders need to keep pace with the suddenly human Eagles in the NFC East, while a fourth loss for the Cowboys makes any chance at the playoffs tough. Commanders Playoff Odds: +160 (+240 to win NFC East); Cowboys Playoff Odds: +360

—Abe Rakov

2. NFL Bets to Watch

Hurts Went Over Today’s Passing Yards Total in 50% of Starts This Season

By Chris Farley

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts over 206.5 passing yards (-113 at DraftKings)
This is in no way an easy spot for Hurts and the Eagles' offense. We won't mince words talking about their pass game, because it hasn't looked good. Hurts is and has been…

5. Overtime

In the News 

• A final rundown of the NFL Week 7 injury report.

• Max Verstappen, who has won four straight Formula 1 Drivers’ Championships, is back in pole position today and his McLaren rivals are struggling.

• On the heels of LSU’s loss to Vanderbilt, a look at coach Brian Kelly’s buyout.

• Fired Penn State coach James Franklin thinks he can win a national title at another school.

• A college baseball manager could head straight to the majors.

What to Watch (times are ET)

• 9am: Tottenham vs. Aston Villa on USA

• 9:30am: Rams vs. Jaguars on NFL Network

• 11:30am: Liverpool vs. Manchester City on USA

• 1pm: Eagles vs. Vikings on FOX (or Raiders vs. Chiefs on CBS)

• 3pm: Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix on ABC

• 4:05pm: Colts vs. Chargers on CBS (or Commanders vs. Cowboys on FOX)

• 7pm: Bruins vs. Mammoth on NHL Network

• 8:03pm: Mariners (3-2) vs. Blue Jays on FS1

• 8:20pm: Falcons vs. 49ers on NBC