Stephen Nover's MLB Total of the Week
(MLB) NY Mets vs. LA Dodgers,
Total: 5.50 | -125.00 Under
Result: Loss
Sure Jacob deGrom and Clayton Kershaw are studs. But a total this low means both pitchers have to be near perfect, something made more difficult by this being a playoff game. Each bullpen has to be close to perfect, too, which is far from a given since neither of these teams has great middle relief.

As great as Kershaw is during the regular season, his postseason work leaves much to be desired - 0-4 with a 7.15 ERA in his last four playoff starts. As for deGrom, this is his first playoff experience. It can be a concern anytime a young pitcher such as deGrom makes his postseason debut especially since deGrom was 0-2 with a 3.66 ERA in three career starts versus the Dodgers.

Everybody is talking about what great pitching the Mets and Dodgers have. But they also have good hitting. Each team's offense is being underrated not getting the respect it deserves.

The Mets led the National League in runs scored following the All-Star break. Their offense became highly potent after acquiring Yoenis Cespedes, who smacked 17 homers during the second half to go with 15 by Lucas Duda.

The Dodgers posted a .322 weighted on-base percentage to lead the National League and they also had the best walk rate in baseball at 9.2 percent.