Thursday brings another strong day of sports betting action, with the NFL, MLB, college football, WNBA and European soccer all providing opportunities for today's card.
The ProCappers free picks give bettors a starting point for today's biggest games, while our premium handicappers go deeper into matchups, injuries, trends, line movement and value.
Today's Free Picks
NFL – Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills
Free Pick: Buffalo Bills -4.5
The NFL takes center stage tonight when the Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions in Thursday Night Football. Both teams enter the matchup at 1-0, making this an early-season test between two teams with postseason expectations.
Buffalo is currently listed as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total sitting around 54.5 points.
Free Pick: Bills -4.5
The home-field advantage and Buffalo's ability to generate pressure and control the pace make the Bills the selection in tonight's matchup.
College Football – Syracuse at Pittsburgh
Free Pick: Pittsburgh
Thursday's college football schedule features Syracuse traveling to Pittsburgh. The matchup kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Free Pick: Pittsburgh to win
The Panthers get the nod at home in a game that should be competitive early. Pittsburgh's home-field advantage makes the Panthers the preferred side for today's free college football selection.
MLB – Los Angeles Dodgers at Cincinnati Reds
Free Pick: Dodgers moneyline
The Dodgers visit Cincinnati for an afternoon matchup with first pitch scheduled for 12:40 p.m. ET.
Free Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles remains one of the most talented teams in baseball, and the Dodgers are the free-pick selection in today's matchup.
MLB – San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies
Free Pick: Padres moneyline
San Diego and Colorado meet in Denver in another important Thursday afternoon matchup. The Padres enter the game having won nine of their last ten games, while Colorado has lost nine of its last ten.
Free Pick: San Diego Padres
The recent form of the two clubs makes San Diego the selection for today's free MLB pick.
MLB – Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets
Free Pick: Phillies moneyline
Philadelphia travels to New York for a 7:15 p.m. ET matchup.
Free Pick: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are the selection in what should be one of the more competitive games on Thursday's MLB schedule.
WNBA – Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm
Free Pick: Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces visit the Seattle Storm tonight in a 10 p.m. ET matchup.
Free Pick: Las Vegas Aces
Las Vegas gets the nod in tonight's WNBA matchup. The Aces are the free selection on the late WNBA card.
Europa League – Real Sociedad vs. Bournemouth
Free Pick: Real Sociedad
The Europa League league phase continues Thursday with Real Sociedad hosting Bournemouth. The match is scheduled for 8 p.m. UK time, or 3 p.m. ET.
Free Pick: Real Sociedad
Home-field advantage makes Real Sociedad the selection in this European matchup.
Today's Featured Free Pick
Buffalo Bills -4.5
For bettors looking for one game to follow from today's major sports schedule, the Buffalo Bills are the ProCappers featured free pick against the Detroit Lions.
The NFL matchup gets underway at 8:15 p.m. ET tonight, giving football bettors a prime-time game to close out Thursday's card.
Betting Lines Can Move
As always, bettors should check the current line before placing a wager. Sports betting lines can move significantly between the time an article is published and game time.
A half-point can make a difference, particularly around key NFL numbers, so always compare the current number with the line used in the handicap.
Looking for More Than Free Picks?
The ProCappers free picks are designed to give sports bettors useful daily analysis across the major sports. But the free selections are only a small sample of the work available from professional handicappers.
ProCappers premium services provide access to additional selections, deeper analysis and full daily betting cards.
If you're serious about sports betting, check out the ProCappers handicappers and subscription options before today's games begin.
Bet Responsibly
Sports betting involves risk. No pick or handicap is guaranteed to win, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always wager responsibly and within your budget.
Final Free Picks for Thursday, September 17, 2026
NFL: Buffalo Bills -4.5
College Football: Pittsburgh
MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers moneyline
MLB: San Diego Padres moneyline
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies moneyline
WNBA: Las Vegas Aces
Europa League: Real Sociedad
Check ProCappers throughout the day for additional picks, line movement and premium selections.