Sports Handicapper Tom Macrina's Picks & Predictions

Both teams are strong offensively. Fever have been heating up and have played great at home. This win streak is because of strong team defense. Tempo have struggled. It's tough to ask them to score 90. This total is too high.

Take Tempo/Fever Under 177.5

The Nationals are rolling at the right time, playing some of their best baseball of the season and riding a strong win streak. Meanwhile, the Royals continue to deal with inconsistency and injuries, struggling to find any rhythm.
Michael Wacha has been one of Kansas City’s most dependable starters (3.58 ERA, 1.15 WHIP), but the lack of run support has saddled him with a losing record. On the flip side, Foster Griffin has been a pleasant surprise for Washington at 7-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He’s provided real stability to a rotation that’s exceeded expectations during this recent surge.
The offense gap is significant. Washington is putting up 5.4 runs per game and ranks among the league leaders in home runs and stolen bases — a dangerous mix of power and speed that creates constant pressure. The Royals are averaging just 4.0 runs per game, with Bobby Witt Jr. often carrying the load while the rest of the lineup fails to deliver consistent production.
At home, the hotter Nationals team has the clear edge in form, lineup depth, and this pitching matchup. Griffin has been excellent all year, and unless Wacha goes deep into his bag for a gem, Washington should dictate the action.
Best Bet: Nationals -126
Sprinkle: Nationals Run Line +160 (they’ve covered it in every game of this current win streak)

France enters this matchup as one of the most talented teams in the tournament, and their attacking depth is the biggest edge they hold. With elite pace on the wings and the ability to generate high-quality chances from multiple areas of the pitch, Les Bleus have the firepower to break down even the best-organized defenses.
That said, Senegal is far from a typical opening-round underdog. Head coach Pape Thiaw has a dangerous squad featuring proven stars like Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Kalidou Koulibaly, and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The Lions of Teranga bring serious physicality, excellent defensive structure, and a sharp counter-attacking threat. They've thrived in the underdog role before and will be fully confident in their ability to frustrate France and punish them on the break.
This has the ingredients for a tense, high-stakes battle. If France can score early, the game should open up and create more end-to-end action. But Senegal’s organization and transition threat make them one of the toughest Group Stage opponents any favorite could draw. Expect the Lions to make France work for every chance.
Final Score Prediction: France 2-1 Senegal
France’s superior talent should ultimately prove decisive, but don’t be surprised if Senegal forces them to grind out all three points. A French blowout remains on the table if Senegal’s press is broken early.
Best Bet: Senegal/France Over 2.5 Goals (-108)
I’m taking the Over here. Both sides have the quality to find the net, and the game script—France pushing forward combined with Senegal’s dangerous counters—should produce at least three goals. This feels like a match that ends with goals on both sides.