The Starting Lineup

July 17, 2026

Danan Hughes on Wide Receiver Accountability, Chad O’Shea, and Playing with Joe Montana

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kansas City Chiefs broadcast analyst and former wide receiver Danan Hughes to "The Starting Lineup" ahead of…

July 16, 2026

Chris Pinson on Shaking Up KOLR 10 Sports, the High School Facility Arms Race, & Local Golf Gripes

The Starting Lineup

We had a fantastic time catching up with KOLR 10 Sports Director Chris Pinson on The Starting Lineup. Chris made the massive leap from the relentless…

July 16, 2026

Rob Rains on Walker’s Big Contract, Gorman’s Struggles, & Springfield Phenoms

The Starting Lineup

We sat down with our resident St. Louis Cardinals insider, Rob Rains of STL Sports Page, to dive deep into the Redbirds' prospects as they head into…

July 16, 2026

Former MSU Soccer Coach Jon Leamy Previews World Cup Final, Spain’s Dominance, and Messi’s Final Run

The Starting Lineup

We love talking sports with the folks who have actually been in the trenches, and they don’t get much more legendary in the Ozarks than Soccer Hall…

July 15, 2026

Fatherhood, Faith, & the Football Portal: Why Ramone Green Jr. Chose to Stay a Missouri State Bear

The Starting Lineup

We had the absolute pleasure of catching up with former Nixa High School standout and current Missouri State Bears running back, Ramone Green Jr., on…

July 15, 2026

SEC Transfer Kellen Lindstrom, Heavy Lifting Gains, and CUSA Outlook

The Starting Lineup

We love talking Springfield football, and this morning on The Starting Lineup, we had a special guest who is making a massive homecoming. Former…

July 15, 2026

Open Championship Preview, Highland Springs Heartbreak, & LIV Golf’s Money Troubles with Bill Oakley

The Starting Lineup

We started our conversation with Bill Oakley on a bittersweet note for the local sports community. For the first time in decades, Springfield is…

July 14, 2026

Historic Sweeps at Lucas Oil, USMTS Road Warrior Grind, and NASCAR Going Old School

The Starting Lineup

Every Tuesday morning, we love catching up with our resident auto racing guru, Trenton Berry. This week, "T-Bear" called into the show live from a…

July 14, 2026

FIFA Volunteer Secrets, Arrowhead Atmosphere, & SGF Soccer Watch Parties with Michele Boswell

The Starting Lineup

We had a blast catching up with our friend Michele Boswell, host of the booming local podcast My Mom Calls It Soccer, to recap her incredible…

July 14, 2026

Local Media Veteran Brandon Hite on Small Crews, Massive Broadcasts, and 95+ Games an Autumn

The Starting Lineup

We love catching up with the unsung heroes of the Ozarks sports scene during the summer months, and today we had a fascinating conversation with…

Keys to the Kingdom

Around The Ozarks Sports Scene

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The Red Lot

NHL BRIEF

Who Will Win the 2027 NHL Stanley Cup?

July 2, 2026 11:36 am · vsin.com

AI Expert Analysis: As the NHL prepares for the 2027 Stanley Cup, recent developments in team rosters and betting odds present intriguing insights for bettors. The Washington Capitals have made significant strides, acquiring key players like Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, which has led to a drastic reduction in their Stanley Cup odds from 50/1 to 22/1, alongside improved division and conference odds. This upward momentum suggests a strong betting opportunity, particularly with Ovechkin’s return adding veteran leadership. Conversely, the Edmonton Oilers are under pressure to perform after a disappointing playoff exit, and their odds reflect a cautious optimism following roster changes, including the signing of goaltender Freddie Andersen. However, the Oilers' historically slow starts could be a concern for bettors, especially with a new coach in Mike Babcock. The focus will be on how these teams gel early in the season, as trends indicate that strong starts can significantly impact playoff positioning. Bettors should monitor the Capitals for potential value in futures markets, while keeping an eye on the Oilers' performance in October to gauge their ability to meet heightened expectations. Overall, the Capitals appear to be a more favorable bet given their recent improvements and favorable odds movement, while the Oilers' situation remains more volatile.

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NFL BRIEF

Top 2026 Win Total Picks from the NFL Betting Splits

July 16, 2026 12:11 pm · vsin.com

AI Expert Analysis: As the NFL season approaches, betting insights reveal significant trends in the win total market. The Los Angeles Rams, who finished strong last season, have seen their win total rise from 10.5 to 11.5, with 59% of bets and an impressive 95% of total dollars backing the over, indicating sharp money confidence in their ability to replicate or exceed last year's 12-win performance. This optimism is bolstered by offseason acquisitions, including Myles Garrett, and the potential return of Aaron Donald, alongside the continuity of quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay. Conversely, the Chicago Bears are facing a downturn in expectations, with their win total remaining at 9.5 but the under gaining traction, moving from -120 to -125. Despite 29% of bets on the under, a striking 80% of the money is backing it, suggesting a strong belief that the Bears will struggle against the league's toughest schedule, compounded by key player losses. This sharp divergence in betting sentiment highlights the Rams as a potential value play while cautioning against the Bears, making these insights crucial for informed wagering as the season nears.

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MLB BRIEF

Steve Makinen’s MLB Picks from Betting Splits and Systems for Saturday, July 18

July 18, 2026 12:18 pm · vsin.com

AI Expert Analysis: Analyzing the MLB betting landscape for July 18, 2026, several key insights emerge that can guide informed wagers. Notably, teams on seven or more game winning streaks facing intraleague opponents with a similar win percentage have demonstrated a strong track record, going 57-21 SU since 2020, making Boston (-109 vs. Tampa Bay) a compelling play. Seattle (-157 vs. San Francisco) also stands out, bolstered by a 26-6 home record with starter Bryan Woo since 2024. Conversely, Texas has struggled significantly on the road post-All-Star Break, with a dismal 5-23 record, suggesting a fade on Texas (-105 at Atlanta) is prudent. The analysis of bullpen strength reveals that backing teams with superior bullpen and starting pitcher ratings has historically yielded a solid ROI, reinforcing the value of Boston and Arizona (-120 vs. St. Louis) as plays today. Additionally, teams with elite starting pitchers but weak bullpens have underperformed, indicating a slight fade on Pittsburgh (+109 at Cleveland) and Philadelphia (-186 vs. New York Mets) may be wise. Overall, focusing on these trends and contextual factors, particularly the strength of starting pitchers and bullpens, can enhance betting strategies for today's MLB slate.

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NBA BRIEF

NBA Summer League Best Bets: Picks & Predictions for Saturday, July 18

July 18, 2026 12:03 am · vsin.com

AI Expert Analysis: As the NBA Summer League approaches its conclusion, the semifinals on July 18 present key betting opportunities. The Grizzlies, despite a challenging 5.5 to 6-point spread against the Rockets, are favored to win given their recent dominant performance, including a 32-point victory over Atlanta, showcasing their depth and talent. Cameron Boozer's presence in the paint and the strong perimeter defense led by Cedric Coward and Olivier-Maxence Prosper could prove decisive against Houston's backcourt. Betting on the Grizzlies to win the Summer League at +204 offers good value, especially considering their overall performance. Meanwhile, the Lakers, who have shown impressive consistency with a 4-0 record in group play and an average victory margin of 17.5 points, are also strong contenders against the Warriors. The uncertainty around the Warriors' lineup, particularly the status of Will Richard and Lachlan Olbrich, adds an element of risk for their backers. The Lakers' blend of athleticism and depth, particularly through players like Cameron Carr and Anton Watson, positions them well for a win, making a moneyline bet at -102 appealing. Overall, the Grizzlies and Lakers appear to be the teams to back in these pivotal matchups.

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