Will Rogers

THE PLAY: Pittsburgh Penguins +1.5 (-135)

My complimentary selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins on the puck-line. Last season, these teams kicked off against each other, with the Penguins suffering a humiliating 6-0 loss at home. Though the Rangers remain the stronger side, the Penguins are likely to put up a much better fight this time. Having an extra +1.5 goals can be comfortable feeling in a tight game. 

After the initial lopsided score, last season's other three matchups were tighter, each decided by two goals or less. Pittsburgh has also won two of its last three games at Madison Square Garden. 

New York’s new coach, Mike Sullivan, who led the Penguins for a decade, is eager to win his Rangers debut, but his former players are just as determined to prevent him from doing so. Sullivan should be a good hire but the results may not be immediate. A fired-up Penguins squad shows up ready to spoil the party. Play Pittsburgh on the puck-line. 

THE PLAY: Pittsburgh Steelers -225

My selection is on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns have a long history of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, like their collapse in London on Sunday despite leading. Sure, they've had occasional bright spots, but disappointment is the norm for Cleveland fans. This season, the Browns are 1-4, with two tight losses and two routs, struggling to score more than anyone else while playing solid defense—typical Browns.

In contrast, the Steelers excel at winning close games, sitting at 3-1 with two victories by three points or fewer and one by seven. Both teams faced Minnesota in Europe recently, but Pittsburgh had a bye week to rest. While the Browns have had some success against the Steelers in Cleveland, they’ve dropped their last four games in Pittsburgh. It may or may not be close but either way, the Steelers are likely to end up on top. Play on Pittsburgh

THE PLAY: Oklahoma State +14.0 (-110)

Last Saturday, I had a complimentary selection on UCLA against Penn State. I didn’t really expect the Bruins to win outright, but I thought Penn State might lack energy on the road after their first loss. This Saturday, I'll play against another team coming off its first loss of th season. 

Last week, I said this: "Penn State narrowly lost a crucial game against Oregon in double overtime at home. Trailing 17-3 in the fourth quarter, the Nittany Lions rallied back, with quarterback Allar throwing a touchdown to Devonte Ross with 30 seconds remaining, making it 17-16. Coach Franklin opted for the extra point to tie the game at 17-17 instead of attempting a two-point conversion for the win, a choice now questioned by some after the loss in overtime.

Off that gut-wrenching loss, the Lions have to travel across the country and they're being asked to win by nearly four touchdowns. Given the circumstances, that's too much. With UCLA’s history of covering a similar spread as a 28-point underdog last year in Happy Valley, losing by only 16, I'm taking the generous points with the home underdog."

Unlike Penn State, the Cougars didn’t suffer a devastating defeat, and they don’t have to travel far. However, they’re coming off their first loss and are favored by a large margin on the road. Like UCLA, the Cowboys have had a rough start to their season. A victory over Houston would be a big boost. The Cowboys defeated the Cougars in their last meeting in 2023, their first as Big 12 opponents. Once again, I'm taking the generous points with the home underdog.