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

While most people have being focusing on the NFL betting that’s now in full swing, they might have missed the fact that there is a changing of the guards in the National League.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been the best team in the Majors but they are struggling right now. They are just 3-7 in their last 10 and have been playing .500 baseball since the All-Star Break.

Those betting online should note that the St. Louis Cardinals are making a push to become the best team in baseball. They have been on fire since they acquired slugger Matt Holliday and with the pitching to complement what is now a very potent batting lineup, the Cardinals could be the World Series favorites now in the National League.

St. Louis Cardinals @ Los Angeles Dodgers

The Cardinals and Dodgers pitching matchup on Wednesday is an exciting one. Both teams will send their hottest pitchers to the mound as Adam Wainwright takes on Clayton Kershaw.

Wainwright has been one of the most underrated pitchers in the National League this year as he doesn’t get the attention he deserves. He’s 14-7 with a 2.62 ERA. His 14 wins lead the National League, he’s second in innings pitched, and fifth in both strikeouts and ERA.

Even so, he’s not going to be among many sports picks to win the NL Cy Young, even though he should be.

Wainwright has been phenomenal after the All-Star Break. Prior to it, he had a 3.04 ERA with a 10-5 record. Post All-Star Break, his ERA is 1.30 and his record is 4-2.

Wainwright has given up just four earned runs over his last four starts (28.2 innings pitched), which puts his ERA at 1.28 over that span. He hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in a start since June 26^th.

He’ll take on Kershaw, who has been very dominant at home this season. On the road this year, Kershaw has a 5-4 record with a 4.12 ERA. At home, he’s 3-3 with a 1.86 ERA.

This should be a pitcher’s duel, which means under might be a good play but if you’re picking sides, stick with the streaking St. Louis Cardinals. They are getting better as the season winds down while the Dodgers are stumbling down the stretch. Stick with the hot team.

Sports betting system pick: Cardinals