While NFL Week 1 odds are dancing in our brains, baseball’s pennant races rage on. Do the Braves have any fight left in them?

Wednesday, September 9

Tommy Hanson (9-3, 3.07) vs Wandy Rodriguez (13-9, 2.82)

If Philly’s J.A. Happ isn’t careful, he’ll have the National League Rookie of the Year Award stolen out from under him by Atlanta’s Tommy Hanson. The powerful rookie hurler seems totally unflappable, sporting an ERA below 3.00 in three of his four months in the big leagues. He also doesn’t pick his spots, having beaten – shut out, actually –teams like the Red Sox and Yankees.

But can Atlanta muster enough run support to help Hanson? It’s tough enough that the Braves are facing underrated Wandy Rodriguez, who is 8-2 with a 1.60 ERA at home in 2009. Their bats are also slumping badly and are the main reason why Atlanta is fading fast in the NL Wildcard race. That said, I think the Braves will do just enough to win on Wednesday. Go under the total in your online betting and pick Atlanta.

Betting services recommend: Braves

Thursday, September 10

Derek Lowe (13-9, 4.36) vs Roy Oswalt (8-5, 3.77)

Think it’s time for Houston to get revenge? Think again. As good as Roy Oswalt is year to year, he can’t beat the Braves. That’s no exaggeration – he’s literally winless all-time against Atlanta. Derek Lowe, meanwhile, has a 3.10 lifetime ERA against the ’Stros. While he hasn’t been a total revelation for Atlanta, as his .294 opponents’ average suggests, he’s still a serviceable innings eater at worst.

Since Lowe handles the Astros just fine and since Roy Oswalt may not be 100 per cent after dealing with back tightness last week, make the Braves your pick again.

Betting services recommend: Braves