Highlights

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
    Eric Cohen
    +255
    (57%)
    12-9 in Last 21 MLB Player Props Picks
    player headshot
    Y. Diaz
    Over 1.5
    -104
    Bases
    Picked: Aug 15 @ 11:58pm

    Analysis

    We're getting the combination of an awesome hitter who's on a hot streak and who owns a .600 career lifetime average against the opposing starting pitcher. Over his last six games, Yandy Diaz is 13 for 28 (.464 average) and reached at least two total bases in five of them. Against Trevor Rogers, Diaz is 6 for 10 lifetime with three doubles. Though the Rays have a comfortable 6.5 game lead in the American League East, losing three straight games to the Orioles wouldn't inspire confidence. I think Diaz posts another multi-hit performance and goes well over 1.5 total bases on Sunday.
  • expert headshot
    Micah Roberts
    +80
    (60%)
    3-2 in Last 5 SJST ATS Picks
    USC -38.5
    -105
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 6 @ 3:14pm

    Analysis

    San Jose State went 3-9 last year, with the worst performances in their last three games. Coach Ken Niumatalolo only had two starters return, and they're both offensive linemen. Now he's got to face a USC team in the opener that is loaded this season, with nine starters back on offense, including senior quarterback Jayden Maiava, and five on defense. They have all five starters on the offensive line returning, and that's the biggest component I look at in these opening games. The cohesion is gonna be there, and apparently the boosters money is also there, as they had the No. 1 recruiting class in college football. I think USC could be the next Indiana this year. USC shows off for the nation.
  • expert headshot
    Thomas Casale
    Casale on Campus
    NCST +5.5
    -106
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 5 @ 11:16pm

    Analysis

    This game was moved from Brazil to Virginia, and the line jumped 2 points. I think that's a bit of an overreaction. I have these teams rated pretty close, and UVA doesn't have a huge home-field edge. I also think the Cavs are a bit overvalued coming off a 11-3 season. NC State is replacing a lot of production, but I think the Wolfpack have a more talented roster and are an interesting team in the ACC. Also, keep an eye on NC State QB CJ Bailey. He closed last season strong and could take a big step forward as a junior. I see this game going down to the wire, so I'll take the 5.5.
  • expert headshot
    Thomas Casale
    Casale on Campus
    JAXST +7
    -110
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 14 @ 2:54pm

    Analysis

    I held off betting this game at first because my numbers aren't close to the line. I make North Dakota State -3.5 at home. The only time I have that large of a discrepancy is the first few weeks of CBB where there are 360 teams. It almost never happens in football. I expect North Dakota State to be a bowl team in its first FBS season but they are a little overvalued here. Jacksonville State returns nine starters from last season's 9-5 team, including dual-threat QB Caden Creel. I expect a competitive, close game throughout, so I'll grab the seven points with Jacksonville State now that the number has dipped to 6.5 at some books.
  • expert headshot
    Jeff Hochman
    West Coast Wiseguy
    HAWAII +5.5
    -105
    Spread
    Picked: Aug 9 @ 7:43pm

    Analysis

    Hawaii is my top pick for Week 0, fitting the system profile as an underdog of four or more points with superior line play. Meanwhile, Stanford faces significant changes, from a new coaching staff to heavy roster turnover—especially in the secondary. That could spell trouble against Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang’s run-and-shoot attack, led by sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado, who completed nearly 70% of his throws in defeating Stanford by three points last year. Stanford’s new quarterback, Davis Warren, hasn’t taken a regular-season snap in two years. The Cardinal opened as three-point favorites, largely on perceived home-field advantage and Power Five reputation. The long flight for Hawaii doesn’t bother me in the first game of the season. Grab the points.

Betting Spotlight

See More

More Headlines

247 Sports
247sports-backroads.jpg

On the Backroads: Following blue-chip LB Nehemiah McCary in green grass 

Meet the rising star from Cache, Okla., whose recruitment is set to explode 

Recruiting Intel: Inside IMG Academy’s deep 2028 defensive line group 

SportsLine
josh-allen-buffalo-bills-imagn-images.jpg

2026 Fantasy football positional rankings, cheat sheets

UFC 330 odds: Makhachev vs. Machado Garry picks, best bets

Proven expert reveals best NFL preseason bets for Saturday

Betting

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

DraftKings Sportsbook review and promo code 2026

Kalshi promo code: CBSSPORTS for $25 in bonuses (August 2026)

Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS: deposit $10, get a $20 trading bonus

Fantasy

bhayshul-tuten-jacksonville-jaguars-imagn-images.jpg

Jacob Gibbs' top-175 overall Fantasy rankings and position strategies

Third-year WR breakouts for the 2026 Fantasy Football season

Preseason preview: Jeremiyah Love among Week 1 players to watch

NFL

randleel.jpg

Ben Johnson turns over play call duties during Bears win over Browns

Giants' Jaxson Dart 'puzzled' by NFL's handling of blue tent

NFL rookie leaves team for movie role after appearing in 'Space Jam'

College Football

gettyimages-2247416101-2.jpg

How 5-star QBs fared in key scrimmage battles around the SEC

Homegrown: College football teams with most in-state players in 2026

Miami RB Jordan Lyle charged with reckless driving, fleeing police

Golf

lebron.jpg

LeBron James launches YouTube golf channel with Cavs trip to Scotland

2026 St. Jude Championship TV schedule, streaming coverage

FedEx Cup standings: Jordan Spieth, Max Homa lead bubble watch

Soccer

untitled-design-2026-08-15t222649-332.png

Maresca’s City era begins with massive Arsenal Community Shield test

No offseason: English football returns with nonstop drama

From League One to Europe: Inside Sunderland’s incredible rise

NBA

dray-steph-klay-getty.png

NBA Hall of Fame tiers: Why Embiid, Draymond are first-ballot locks

Dennis Schröder trade grades: Cavs setting up for bigger move?

Timberwolves will finally retire Kevin Garnett's No. 21 in February

NCAA Basketball

untitled-design-397.png

Predicting Duke's lineup for 2026-27 as program eyes national title

Bill Self dishes on KU roster outlook, Tyran Stokes, Darryn Peterson

Top 25 And 1: Louisville in top 10 after landing UNC's Seth Trimble

NCAAW Basketball

mcdaniel-getty.png

South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel will not return to team

Over 100 women's college basketball players launch union campaign

How Europe molded UConn's Sarah Strong into the best collegiate player

MLB

baez-cardinals-getty.png

Cardinals' Joshua Báez makes MLB history with three-homer debut

Best MLB debuts of all-time: Where does Joshua Báez rank?

Mariners say SS Colt Emerson downplayed severity of wrist injury
Around the Web Promoted by Taboola