Lost in the hype of the the CFL's elite are a pair of wayward franchises sputtering in two of the country's largest markets. Though it may not be the best for business in big cities, it only adds drama to the CFL betting field.

This Friday the Toronto Argonauts, four years removed from a plus-.500 season and on the verge of missing the playoffs altogether, will host the equally disenfranchised B.C. Lions.

The match up may lack the fanfare of a contender tilt elsewhere in the Canadian Football League, but it's a reflection of the power shift in the game, and specifically the dog fight on the horizon at the bottom of the CFL betting board.

Though they each won their most recent match ups in Week 8, Toronto over Saskatchewan and B.C. over Edmonton, their desperate attempts to cling to a playoff berth are only just beginning.

With the current CFL playoff format, six of the league?s eight teams will qualify for a berth. That?s why, despite their 2-6 record, the Lions have 10/1 odds of winning the Grey Cup.

The reason the Lions face 10/1 odds, as opposed to Toronto's 30/1, is because B.C. currently sits third in the West Division (ahead of the 1-7 Saskatchewan Roughriders). The Argos, two games behind 4-4 Hamilton, sit fourth in the East.

Not all however is lost for Toronto, thanks to the CFL?s crossover playoff berth which allows a fourth-place team in one division to steal the berth of a third-place team in the opposing conference so long as they finish with more points in the regular season standings.

That backdoor entrance to the postseason is what will make this Friday?s basement-dwelling showdown an event with utmost playoff implications.

Bet CFL Action with Bodog.

CFL Odds Board in Flux as Bubble Contenders Clash

A winning streak will be on the line for the Cleveland Indians on Thursday when they battle the Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field.

Lefthander Gio Gonzalez will take the mound for the Athletics to start this game. Gonzalez is 11-11 this season with a 3.35 ERA.

It'll be Fausto Carmona toeing the rubber for the Indians in this contest. Righthander Carmona is 6-12 with a 4.85 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Athletics listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

In their last action, Oakland was a 4-3 loser on the road against the Indians. Bettors on Cleveland at -129 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (7) sent UNDER bettors home happy as well.

Current streak: Oakland has lost 5 straight games. Cleveland has won 3 straight games.

Team records: Oakland: 60-76 SU Cleveland: 68-65 SU

Oakland most recently: When playing on Thursday are 4-6 Before playing Seattle are 3-7 After playing Cleveland are 4-6 After a loss are 4-6

Cleveland most recently: When playing on Thursday are 8-2 Before playing Kansas City are 7-3 After playing Oakland are 6-4 After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Cleveland The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Oakland The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

Next up: Oakland home to Seattle, Friday, September 2 Cleveland at Kansas City, Friday, September 2

American League Preview: Oakland Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians

The fans at Fenway Park will be treated to a game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox when they take their seats on Thursday.

The Yankees will give the ball to starter AJ Burnett in this one. Righthander Burnett is 9-11 this season with a 5.31 ERA.

Burnett's opponent in this one will be Jon Lester. The Red Sox lefthander has a 3.09 ERA to go along with a 14-6 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 210-moneyline favorites versus the Yankees, while the game's total is sitting at 9½.

Last time out for New York, they were a 9-5 loser as they battled the Red Sox on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Red Sox at -169 were rewarded, while the 14 combined runs moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Team records: New York: 81-53 SU Boston: 83-52 SU

New York most recently: When playing on Thursday are 8-2 Before playing Toronto are 6-4 After playing Boston are 1-9 After a loss are 6-4

Boston most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Texas are 5-5 After playing NY Yankees are 10-0 After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 15 of NY Yankees's last 20 games when playing on the road against Boston The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 9 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston NY Yankees are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston Boston is 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing NY Yankees Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games The total has gone OVER in 15 of Boston's last 20 games when playing at home against NY Yankees Boston is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

Next up: NY Yankees home to Toronto, Friday, September 2 Boston home to Texas, Friday, September 2

AL East Preview: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

Amid the celebration and excitement over the dawn of a new NCAA football season, nestled between masses of cupcake opponents and non-conference showdowns, lies one of the most anticipated match ups of the college football season.

This Saturday, at a neutral location, the No. 4-ranked LSU Tigers will play host to the No. 3-ranked Oregon Ducks.

You can bet on the big game with Bodog's college football odds.

Fresh off a drama-filled offseason in which LSU head coach Les Miles was blasted by a former offensive coordinator, and quarterback Jordan Jefferson was caught fighting in a bar, the Tigers may still present as one of the nation?s top programs.

According to Bodog, the Tigers sit with 14/1 odds on the college football futures list. Think they can follow through?

The Ducks, however, have not been without their own offseason melodrama, thanks to questions of recruiting violations centered on head coach Chip Kelly and his involvement with controversial scouting service owner Willie Lyles.

Regardless of the summer commotion, both programs are expected to produce legitimate national contenders, the Tigers in the competitive SEC and the Ducks in the Pac-12.

In addition to 5/2 odds of winning their newly-expanded conference, the Ducks also have 14/1 odds of winning the BCS national championship.

With so much going on off the field, will these programs be ready to kick off their season the right way?

Get your college football odds at Bodog.

HOME OF THE BONE CRUSHING HIT.

College Football Betting Kicks off with No. 4 Tigers and No. 3 Ducks

The Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Memphis Tigers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Liberty Bowl.

Oddsmakers currently have the Bulldogs listed as 27½-point favorites versus the Tigers, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Team records: Mississippi State: 9-4 SU, 7-5 ATS Memphis: 1-11 SU, 5-7 ATS

Mississippi State most recently: When playing in September are 4-6 When playing on turf are 4-6 After outgaining opponent are 5-5 When playing outside the conference are 8-2

Memphis most recently: When playing in September are 4-6 When playing on turf are 1-9 After being outgained are 1-9 When playing outside the conference are 2-8

A few trends to consider: Mississippi State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis Mississippi State is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Mississippi State's last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Mississippi State's last 7 games Memphis is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up: Mississippi State at Auburn, Saturday, September 10 Memphis at Arkansas State, Saturday, September 10

NCAA Football Preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Memphis Tigers

The Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Twins will give the ball to starter Kevin Slowey in this one. Righthander Slowey is 0-2 this season with a 9.57 ERA.

It'll be Mark Buehrle toeing the rubber for the White Sox in this contest. Lefthander Buehrle is 10-6 with a 3.19 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the White Sox listed as 200-moneyline favorites versus the Twins, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.

In their last action, Minnesota was a 11-4 winner at home against the Tigers. Bettors on Minnesota at +106 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (15) sent OVER bettors home happy as well.

The White Sox were a 9-3 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Mariners. That made winners of bettors who got Chicago at -117 on the moneyline, while the total score (12) was good news for OVER bettors.

Current streak: Chicago has won 3 straight games.

Team records: Minnesota: 56-77 SU Chicago: 66-65 SU

Minnesota most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Chi White Sox are 5-5 After playing Detroit are 4-6 After a win are 1-9

Chicago most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Minnesota are 4-6 After playing Seattle are 9-1 After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider: Minnesota is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox Minnesota is 17-6 SU in their last 23 games when playing Chi White Sox Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Minnesota Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games

Next up: Chi White Sox home to Minnesota, Tuesday, August 30

AL Central Preview: Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox

A winning streak will be on the line for the Cincinnati Reds on Monday when they battle the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park.

The Phillies will trot Cole Hamels out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Hamels has a 13-7 record and a 2.62 ERA this season.

Hamels's opponent in this one will be Homer Bailey. The Reds righthander has a 4.44 ERA to go along with a 7-5 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

The Reds were a 5-4 winner in their most recent outing at home against the Nationals. That made winners of bettors who got Cincinnati at -140 on the moneyline, while the total score (9) was good news for OVER bettors.

Current streak: Philadelphia has lost 2 straight games. Cincinnati has won 4 straight games.

Team records: Philadelphia: 83-46 SU Cincinnati: 67-66 SU

Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Monday are 8-2 Before playing Cincinnati are 7-3 After playing Florida are 7-3 After a loss are 8-2

Cincinnati most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8 After playing Washington are 6-4 After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games Philadelphia is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Cincinnati The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati Philadelphia is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games on the road Cincinnati is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home Cincinnati is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia Cincinnati is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Next up: Cincinnati home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, August 30

National League Preview: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds

The fans at Progressive Field will be treated to a game between the Oakland Athletics and the Cleveland Indians when they take their seats on Monday.

Righthander Brandon McCarthy will take the mound for the Athletics to start this game. McCarthy is 7-6 this season with a 3.72 ERA.

The Indians will counter McCarthy with David Huff. Lefthander Huff has a 2.70 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Indians listed as 118-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

Last time out for Oakland, they were a 4-0 loser as they battled the Red Sox on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Red Sox at -235 were rewarded, while the 4 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Last time out for Cleveland, they were a 2-1 loser as they battled the Royals at home. Moneyline bettors who got the Royals at +153 were rewarded, while the 3 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Current streak: Oakland has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: Oakland: 60-73 SU Cleveland: 65-65 SU

Oakland most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Cleveland are 6-4 After playing Boston are 2-8 After a loss are 6-4

Cleveland most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Oakland are 5-5 After playing Kansas City are 7-3 After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Cleveland The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oakland's last 8 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Oakland The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing at home against Oakland The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Cleveland's last 21 games at home The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games

Next up: Cleveland home to Oakland, Tuesday, August 30

AL Wildcard Preview: Oakland Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians

The American League playoff picture may not be officially confirmed as the dog days of August wage on, but the MLB betting board has certainly started to get predictable in terms of which teams will be playing into October.

In one division though, perhaps the only one with any form of intrigue remaining, the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels find themselves in competition for the AL West pennant and the resulting postseason berth that comes with it.

Starting this Friday, the Rangers - currently up - will host their division rivals looking to widen the gap that separates them. The loser, thanks to the dual dominance of Boston and New York in the East, will forfeit their chance at a title.

After winning the American League last year before falling to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, the Rangers are the expected favorite on the MLB futures board with 10/1 odds.

The Angels sit considerably further back with 35/1 odds of winning the World Series. Though it won't be easy for them to claw their way back to the top of the AL West, the upcoming weekend series is as good a place as any to start.

If the squad can get behind revitalized ace Dan Haren and start knocking off some much needed victories starting this Friday at 8 PM EST, the Angels could temporarily be one of the most lucrative contenders in baseball.

Bodog is YOUR home for all the best baseball betting odds.

The AL West Division Race: Baseball Betting's Final Frontier

UFC 134 Betting Preview at Bodog

By Richard Gardner

The UFC returns to Brazil for the first time since 1998 on Saturday with Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami headlining the UFC 134 card at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Silva, a Brazilian who many regard as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, looks to defend his middleweight championship belt for an unprecedented ninth straight time against the Japanese contender Okami.

Silva (30-4-0) is on a 14-fight winning streak. That run began after a disqualification loss to Okami in January 2006, when Silva delivered an illegal upkick to the jaw of his opponent. Okami had the opportunity to fight on but decided that he couldn't. Silva is still angry over that because he believes that Okami could have continued.

"I was a little surprised with his reaction to that [upkick]," Silva said. "Do I think he could have continued? I do think he could have continued. But he had the rules in his favor. I did an illegal kick and he chose that it was better not to continue.?

Most recently, the "Spider" knocked out countryman Vitor Belfort in February at UFC 126 with a front kick that landed flush on Belfort's jaw and sent him reeling to the canvas.

Since losing a 2009 bout to Chael Sonnen, Okami (26-5-0) has trained with his Sonnen to improve his wrestling technique (Silva?s toughest UFC fight came against Sonnen). And it has appeared to work as ?Thunder? has won three straight fights in 2010, knocking out Lucio Linhares before outpointing Mark Munoz and Nate Marquardt to earn his shot at Silva's title. Many consider Okami to be the best MMA fighter to ever come out of Japan.

The action thus far at Bodog has been heavily on Silva, to the tune of more than 84 percent, including nearly all of the parlay action. We opened the champion at -500 but he is now at -625, with Okami at +425.

Should Silva prevail as expected, we might see one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC history with a rumored Silva vs. welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre bout in the works. The winner of that potential fight would be the undisputed pound-for-pound king. UFC president Dana White said that fight very well could take place this year; St-Pierre won his ninth straight fight by beating Jake Shields via unanimous decision at UFC 129 at the end of April.

But back to Saturday's card. The other main matchup is also a rematch between Forrest Griffin (18-6-0) and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua (19-5-0). Griffin is currently on a two-fight win streak, with his last victory a unanimous decision over former middleweight champion Rich Franklin at UFC 126. Rua looks to rebound in his home country after a TKO loss to Jon Jones at UFC 128.

When Griffin stepped into the cage with Rua the first time, Griffin was a huge underdog in Rua's UFC debut in September 2007. But in one of the biggest upsets in MMA history, Griffin, the winner of "Ultimate Fighter 1" snapped on a rear-naked choke, forcing Rua, a former PRIDE champion, to submit in the third round. Rua would undergo knee surgery following the loss and remained sidelined for 16 months.

The action on this bout originally was heavy on Rua, so he moved from the -200 favorite to -250 with a little more than 62 percent of the action on "Shogun." However, late action has been more balanced, with Griffin now at +195 after opening at +160.

The winner of this fight likely will be right behind No. 1 light-heavyweight contender Rashad Evans for a title shot, with that belt currently held by Jones, who fights Rampage Jackson at UFC 135 next month.

UFC 134 Betting Preview at Bodog