Show notes
Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for Friday. Friday’s Cash That Ticket episode on the Straight Outta Vegas AM feed moved across several betting markets, with Munaf Manji and Dave Essler touching on college basketball, MLB futures, NFL offseason movement, and Friday best bets. The tone opened with some frustration after both hosts dropped their Thursday selections, but they framed it as a bump in a strong recent run and turned quickly toward Friday’s card. Essler also shared details from a long volunteer shift at The Players Championship, describing the physical toll of a full day on his feet in the rain, while also reflecting on the contrast between players who treated volunteers and fans with appreciation and those who did not. He highlighted Ben Griffin and Eric Cole for thanking volunteers, and noted Patton Kizzire and Nicolai Hojgaard for handing balls to kids during tournament play. On the betting side, the MLB discussion centered on the Toronto Blue Jays. Manji noted Toronto’s 94 win season, AL East title, strong home record, World Series appearance, and current win total in the 87.5 to 88.5 range. Essler said he was higher on Toronto than the market, arguing the club had strengthened its pitching despite losing Chris Bassitt, pointing to additions including Dylan Cease and other offseason moves. He questioned why the team was being priced several wins lower than last season and said he liked the over on the win total. Manji agreed, citing Vladimir Guerrero Jr., roster depth, front office aggression, and the organization’s willingness to spend and make in season upgrades. He said Toronto could reach 90 wins again and backed the over 88.5. The conversation then shifted to NFL win totals and quarterback changes. Atlanta drew attention after Tua Tagovailoa joined the Falcons on a one year deal. Manji framed the move as a fresh start for a quarterback whose availability has been a recurring issue, and asked whether Atlanta could clear a 7.5 win total with new coach Kevin Stefanski, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts in place. Essler was skeptical, raising concerns about Tagovailoa’s durability, Atlanta’s ceiling at quarterback, and whether Stefanski’s reputation exceeds the results. He said everything would need to break right for the Falcons to get to eight wins, though he conceded the division leaves room for a team to outperform modest expectations. Manji leaned under 7.5, saying the number likely comes down to health and whether Tagovailoa can hold up for a full season. The Minnesota Vikings were also discussed after signing Kyler Murray. Manji argued that Murray was an upgrade and could benefit from Kevin O’Connell’s offensive approach, even if the fit still comes with questions. Essler pushed back harder, saying Arizona’s willingness to move on spoke loudly and questioning whether Murray matches what Minnesota wants to do offensively. He also noted uncertainty at quarterback overall and said the Vikings’ finish last season looked less impressive under closer inspection. Both hosts leaned under Minnesota’s 8.5 win total, with Essler saying the team was still moving in the wrong direction from where it stood a few years earlier. To close the show, the hosts gave out Friday best bets. Essler went with the under in Timberwolves Warriors, saying recent high scoring Minnesota games would drive an overreaction in the market and create value on a lower total in a matchup he expected to play slower. Manji backed the Pacers plus 13.5 against the Knicks, citing Indiana’s recent competitiveness in the series and what he described as a growing rivalry between the teams. Essler also added a bonus bet on Kennesaw State plus 3.5.
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