TST Best Bets: October 16, 2026

Tampa Bay needs a response Friday night as the Rays look to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole against Cleveland in the ALCS. Meanwhile, Purdue looks to build on consecutive Big Ten victories when Washington visits, with the Huskies still searching for their first conference win.

First Pick: Tampa Bay Rays ML (-110) over the Cleveland Guardians

Rundown: I'm backing Tampa Bay to even this series. The Rays won five of six against Cleveland during the regular season, and a one-run loss in Game 3 isn't enough to move me off them at this price.

The Rays need more out of their lineup after managing just three hits in that loss. Still, Cleveland needed Petey Halpin's two-run homer to pull ahead, and I don't see much reason to expect Tampa Bay to struggle that badly at the plate again.

Nick Martinez gives Tampa Bay a conventional starter against a Cleveland team relying on its bullpen. That alone doesn't guarantee an edge, but at essentially even money, I'm comfortable backing the Rays to even the series.

Oct 10, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Tra'mar Harris (11) escapes tackle by Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back John Nestor (17) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Rundown: Washington couldn't get anything going on the ground against Iowa, finishing with minus-3 rushing yards. Asking the passing game to carry that much of the load on the road is a tough way to snap a three-game skid.

Purdue should have more ways to move the ball. Fame Ijeboi rushed for 195 yards against Minnesota, while Ryan Browne added 81 of his own, giving a struggling Washington defense multiple threats to account for.

The Boilermakers' losses to UCLA and Wake Forest also look more understandable with both teams now ranked. Coming off a 28-point win over Minnesota, I trust Purdue to keep things rolling at home and cover the field goal.