The Los Angeles Dodgers host the New York Mets in Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday, and they will be a heavy favorite. The Dodgers ace comes into this game on top form, and I don't like the Mets chances here in the series opener. I'll take the Dodgers on the runline in Game 1.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Clayton Kershaw struck out 20 batters through 12.2 innings in his final two starts of the season. He was 11-3 with a 1.67 ERA in 17 starts at Dodger Stadium this season. The Mets will counter with Jacob deGrom, who's numbers are far better at home than they are on the road, and far better during the day than they are at night.

2. Home Cookin' - The Dodgers finished with a major league best 55 home wins, and they have won six of their last eight home games during the post-season.

3. X-Factor - The Dodgers are 8-1 in Kershaw's last nine home starts versus the New York Mets.

Selection: This is a play on the LAD -1.5 on the Run Line (1* Free Pick)