2016 MLB Season Opening Day Underdog Picks

I say forget all those pet-restricting laws…my dogs are coming off the leash this weekend for MLB betting enthusiasts that are looking to cash in big on the full slate of Opening Days games that will take place over the next 48-72 hours. No, I don’t mean literal dogs, (woof, woof) but a trio of bankroll-boosting MLB underdogs that all have a great chance to win their respective openers against their favored opponents. With Opening Day quickly approaching, let’s get started.

MLB Opening Day Underdog Picks

That’s right Esky, only 2 days left until #OpeningNight! pic.twitter.com/0n9Z5hP51e

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 1, 2016

NY Mets at Kansas City

When: Sunday, April 3 at 8:37 PM ETWhere: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MissouriTV: ESPN

Betting Analysis:

I have no idea why the Royals are dogs at home in this contest, but they’re coming off the leash big-time!Not only did K.C. beat the Mets in five games in the World Series, but they clearly have a chip on their shoulders for the disrespect they’re receiving despite winning it all. Not only that, but the Royals don’t like the Mets at all and reports say they want revenge for Noah Syndergaard’s brush-back (yeah right) pitches.The Royals will go with veteran right-hander Edinson Volquez (14-9, 3.73 ERA) opposite New York righty Matt Harvey (15-8, 2.88 ERA), but I don’t think it matters to the Royals one bit who’s pitching for either team. They’re out for revenge and to make a statement and I believe they will!“These guys are not complacent,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “We don’t have that problem. Complacency is not an issue with these guys. They have a chance to make history, and they want to take advantage of it.”The Pick: Royals 4 Mets 3

Houston Astros at New York Yankees

When: Monday, April 4 1:05 PM ETWhere: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

Betting Analysis

I expect the Astros to be road dogs against the Yankees in this matchup, but Houston is my pick to win this opener mostly because they’ll be sending right-hander Dallas Keuchel (22-8, 2.39 ERA) to the mound opposite New York righty Masahiro Tanaka (12-8, 3.51 ERA).Keuchel is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball today and will lead the young and enthusiastic Astros to victory.Houston won all three of their games against the Yankees last season with Keuchel on the mound and they’ll make it four straight by bagging the win in this one.

Philadelphia at Cincinnati

When: Monday, April 4 at 4:10 PM ETWhere: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Betting Analysis:

Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (9-12, 4.62 ERA) gets the start for Philly while Cincy counters with right-hander Raisel Iglesias (3-7, 4.00 ERA). Wile the Reds are playing at home in this affair, they aren’t much better than Philadelphia if they’re even better at all.The Reds won the last four meetings against Philly last season, but the Phillies won last season’s first two meetings and could take this one as well. Jeremy Hellickson is the better starter for me and Philadelphia has a ton of young talent coming up and coming fast. This one should be a high-scoring nail-biter.The Pick: Philadelphia 6 Cincinnati 5