Sports Betting Picks Today: NFL & MLB – September 24, 2026
Thursday's ASA board features a standalone NFL prime-time matchup as Atlanta visits Green Bay, plus three MLB games with Miami-Chicago, New York-Texas and Milwaukee-Philadelphia.
Four Matchups on the ASA Radar
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers
Falcons at Packers
Thursday Night Football brings Atlanta to Lambeau Field with the Falcons trying to recover from a difficult 0-2 start and Green Bay attempting to build momentum after Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Jets.
Atlanta's most important storyline is at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. is nearing a return from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season, while Tua Tagovailoa has also been working back from an oblique injury. That makes the Falcons' quarterback plan one of the most important pieces of information to confirm before Thursday's market is finalized.
Green Bay enters on a short week as well, but gets the benefit of playing its first home game of the season at Lambeau. The Packers are 1-1 after losing their opener at Minnesota and responding with a three-point road win against the Jets.
Atlanta's quarterback decision comes first. Confirm who is starting and how the market reacts before evaluating the side or total. Green Bay's defensive-front availability also deserves attention during the shortened practice week.
Miami Marlins at Chicago Cubs
Marlins at Cubs
Miami and Chicago finish their three-game series Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field, where weather and wind can become more meaningful to the total than at many other MLB parks.
Miami currently has right-hander Tyler Phillips lined up for the finale. Phillips enters the upcoming series listed at 5-6 with a 3.45 ERA. Chicago's Thursday starter has not yet been officially listed.
That incomplete pitching matchup is important. A confirmed starter for one side does not make the handicap complete, particularly when the opponent's starter and the condition of both bullpens remain unknown several days in advance.
Confirm Chicago's starter, Thursday's wind and weather, both starting lineups and bullpen usage from the first two games of the series before making a final decision.
New York Mets at Texas Rangers
Mets at Rangers
New York and Texas close their three-game series Thursday afternoon at Globe Life Field.
The Mets currently list left-hander Zac Thornton for the finale. Thornton enters the upcoming series at 5-5 with a 3.40 ERA, while Texas has not yet officially listed its Thursday starter.
Because this is the third game of the series, bullpen availability can become just as important as the starting matchup. Heavy relief usage Tuesday or Wednesday can materially alter Thursday's late-inning projection.
Wait for Texas to confirm its starter and evaluate relief usage from Tuesday and Wednesday. The moneyline can look substantially different once the complete pitching picture is available.
Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies
Brewers at Phillies
Milwaukee and Philadelphia finish their three-game series Thursday evening in a matchup involving two clubs that have spent the season producing winning baseball.
Milwaukee enters the upcoming schedule at 97-58, while Philadelphia is listed at 85-70. That gives this matchup considerably different late-September context than many games involving teams already buried in the standings.
The pitching matchup, however, is not ready to handicap yet. MLB currently lists both Thursday starters as TBD, making patience essential before evaluating the moneyline, run line or total.
This is the baseball matchup where waiting matters most. Confirm both starters, bullpen usage from the first two games and the final starting lineups before assigning value to either side or the total.
Four Variables That Matter Thursday
Atlanta's Quarterback
The Falcons' quarterback situation can materially affect both the spread and total. Confirm the starter rather than handicapping an assumption.
Short-Week Football
Thursday games compress recovery and preparation time. Practice participation and final availability carry additional importance.
MLB Starting Pitchers
Two of Thursday's three baseball matchups remain incomplete because at least one starter has not been officially announced.
September Bullpens
Late-season roster usage and the first two games of each series can significantly alter bullpen availability for Thursday's finales.
Before finalizing the board, confirm Atlanta's starting quarterback, the final NFL injury report, all MLB starting pitchers, Wrigley Field weather, starting lineups and bullpen availability. Thursday's early information does not need to become Thursday's final opinion.
Four Games to Analyze — Only Qualified Value Makes the Card
Thursday provides a nationally televised NFL game and three MLB series finales, but a smaller board does not mean bettors should force action. ASA premium selections are reserved for situations where the matchup, current information and available betting number create enough value to qualify.
More Sports Betting Analysis
Sports betting involves financial risk. Advanced Sports Advisors provides sports betting analysis, handicapping opinions and informational content. No pick, prediction or past result guarantees future performance. Verify final NFL injury reports, quarterback availability, MLB starting pitchers, starting lineups, bullpen availability, weather and current betting markets before making any wagering decision.