Expect Phillies to out-talent Marlins, again | Josh Allen shoots up QB Power Rankings

Good afternoon, sports fans. The MLB postseason certainly didn't disappoint as each series got underway.

It's hard not to be happy for the Twins and their fans (unless you're a Blue Jays fan) after seeing Minnesota capture a 3-1 win in Tuesday's Wild Card Series opener. The Twins previously had an 18-game losing streak in the postseason dating back to 2004. That's quite a few losses to say the least. It's understandable to have a sizable gap if a team hadn't reached the postseason often, but the Twins qualified for the playoffs in six of those campaigns. Whether you're a Twins fan is no matter, you have to enjoy the good vibes that a win like this brings to a fanbase.

The MLB postseason should continue to provide plenty of exciting action. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• Morocco, Portugal, and Spain named as hosts for 2030 World Cup.
• Browns GM Andrew Berry is "optimistic" about quarterback Deshaun Watson's shoulder injury.
• NCAA Council votes to reduce transfer portal window for Division I athletes.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

WEEK 5 NFL QUARTERBACK RANKINGS

A quarter of the NFL season is in the books, and there's been some stellar quarterback play throughout the league thus far. After a slow start to the 2023 season, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been thriving of late, accounting for a five touchdowns in a 48-20 win over the Dolphins. CBS Sports NFL writer Cody Benjamin unveiled the latest edition of his weekly quarterback rankings, and Allen moved up into the top three in this installment.

Here's why Allen made such a big jump:

• "His rugged dynamism will cost you some games, but more often than not, it'll win you them, as evidenced by his shellacking of the Dolphins. Despite a bumpy start, he's tied for the most combined TDs (11) among all QBs. He's a big-play machine."
  

Marlins at Phillies, 8:08 p.m. | TV: ESPN

• The Pick: Phillies -1.5 (+143)
• Key trend: Four of the Phillies' last six wins have come by at least two runs.

SportsLine expert Matt Snyder is 6-3 in his last nine MLB picks.

"Philly is the Vibe Capital of the baseball world right now, and it hasn't gotten annoying just yet. Team that with the Phillies being far more talented than the Marlins, and it's hard to see Game 2 being much different than Game 1. The Phillies should've actually scored more runs, too, and they didn't even need the longball. The Marlins probably have a better chance of getting to Aaron Nola than they did Zack Wheeler, but I'm still confident in a multi-run win, so it's the run line (-1.5, +143)."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has "C" picks on the spread, moneyline, and total, while more experts have picks on the game.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Diamondbacks at Brewers, 7:08 p.m. | TV: ESPN2

• The Projection: Brewers (-132) | Grade: B -- Moderate

SportsLine's Projection Model has "C" grades on the moneyline, spread, and total for this contest. It was deflating to see ace Corbin Burnes squander a 3-0 lead in Game 1, but the Brewers should be able to bounce back.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Wednesday night MLB slate and offered their best plays as the playoffs continue.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

* Open to new subscribers only. This offer of 7 days free of SportsLine expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on 12/31/23. Must use the promo codeNEWSLETTERto redeem the Offer. Offer is not transferable. Valid credit card is required.SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW AFTER THE 7 DAY TRIAL PERIOD, AND YOUR CARD WILL BE CHARGED BASED ON THE REGULAR PRICE OF $9.99 (MONTHLY), $24.99 (QUARTERLY), $99.99 (ANNUAL) ON AN ONGOING BASIS UNLESS YOU CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP PRIOR TO THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL. To cancel, call(888) 508-3055or email . Cancellation will be effective at end of then-current subscription period. No refunds. Other restrictions and taxes may apply. Offer may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Offer may be terminated or modified at any time without notice. For more information, see SportsLine Terms of Use.