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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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08-27-23 | Texans +2.5 v. Saints | Top | 17-13 | Win | 100 | 13 h 55 m | Show |
NFLX Sunday 10* Top Play Houston Texans +2.5 @ New Orleans Saints @ 8 ET - The Texans are the overall younger roster with some key position battles going on. The Saints are a more veteran team and already more established in that regard. Also, Houston just got blasted by 25 points last week while the Saints are off another win and are 2-0 in the preseason. Everything sets up well for the road underdog in this battle to be the more motivated team and I expect some of their key personnel to play a little longer when you look at the Texans and compare to New Orleans. This line was in the 3.5 range and has dropped to a 2.5 and for the books to be willing to move past the key number of 3 you know that they are respecting some of the action the Texans have seen in the betting markets. I expect an outright upset here but we will grab the points just in case. This is the final game of the preseason and there have been plenty of underdog upsets and also the points can prove invaluable when you consider that 12 games already in the preseason have been decided by 2 or less points. Grab the points here in the preseason finale and expect an upset or, at the very least, a game decided by the slimmest of margins. 10* HOUSTON +2.5 |
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08-24-23 | Steelers v. Falcons +5 | Top | 24-0 | Loss | -112 | 16 h 26 m | Show |
NFL Thursday 10* Top Play Atlanta Falcons + points vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 7:30 ET - Currently this line is available as a high as a +5 with the dominant number being +4.5 right now. Simply put, this is a great line value as even a 3 or 4 point loss (both key numbers) would still be a win for Atlanta ATS. Generally speaking, I like fading teams who are off of outright upset wins as an underdog and the Steelers are in that role here. Historically, and Pittsburgh's recent seasons are no exception, teams do not perform well in that role in the preseason. We are getting some extra value here because both of Pittsburgh's wins in this preseason have been by a double digit margin. However, what seems to be ignored here is that the Falcons are allowing an average of only 8 points per game so far in this preseason and Atlanta is undefeated thus far with one win and one tie. No team has allowed fewer points than the Falcons in this preseason plus the Steelers, though undefeated, have allowed twice as many points! I know Pittsburgh has solid depth at QB and this is the final preseason game so depth is important. However, Atlanta also has respectable depth at QB too and I feel the Steelers WR group is very thin on depth too. That said the Falcons absolutely could pull off the upset here and, in my mind, the points are offering a fantastic value here. 10* ATLANTA + points |
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08-21-23 | Ravens v. Commanders +1.5 | Top | 28-29 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
NFL Monday 10* Top Play Washington Commanders +1.5 vs Baltimore Ravens @ 8 ET - The Ravens have won 24 straight preseason games and yet this line is basically a pick'em. This tells me all I need to know here. However, of course we'll give you a little more to chew on with this one! The fact is that neither Lamar Jackson nor Tyler Huntley will see any time at QB in this one for the Ravens. That means Baltimore will only go with their #3 and #4 guys, Josh Johnson and Anthony Brown, in this one. The Ravens barely snuck by the Eagles last week. The Commanders also got a tight win last week but they seem more motivated this season and more cohesive. A lot has changed with this Washington organization recently and this is a different team this season that wants to set a different standard. They have played 2nd fiddle to the Ravens in the Baltimore/DC region for years now. Even though this is only a preseason game, the fact that the Ravens have won 24 in a row actually could give the Commanders a little extra incentive here. They also are going to be giving more playing time to their stronger QB battles than what Baltimore is. Ravens dealing with just a 3/4 battle because they won't risk Jackson this week and because Huntley tweaked something last week so they won't risk him this week either. I don't believe in trap lines per se but I do believe in further analytics when a line looks a little funny to the masses. That is the case here and, in this case, the 24-game winning streak is primed to end! We'll grab the +1.5 just in case it is another 1-point win for the Ravens but look for an outright win for the home team in this one. 10* WASHINGTON +1.5 |
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08-19-23 | Titans v. Vikings +3 | Top | 24-16 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
NFL Saturday 10* Top Play Minnesota Vikings +2.5 vs Tennessee Titans @ 8 ET - The Titans gave up 8 sacks last week. Yes, EIGHT! Keep in mind this was to a Bears team that finished DEAD LAST in the NFL last year for sacks! In other words, this is absolutely concerning. Now, I know this was the back-ups that allowed all that damage but it is back-ups that usually decide preseason games. I think Tennessee is in trouble here on the road. The Vikings are angry off a double digit loss and they have performed well in the past in the preseason when they enter a game off a loss by a margin of 10 or more points. Minnesota will be ready here. Also, they are at home and they are catching a few points. I like the fact the Vikings blew a 10 point lead last week too. That insures proper focus here even though this is only a preseason game. Certainly both teams have some things to fix entering this game off losses last week but some things are more fixable than others. The back-up play for the players in the trenches in Tennessee leaves a lot to be desired and won't be fixed in one week. The Vikings have a lot of talent and depth at the WR position and I look for the Vikes to open things up a bit on offense as this game goes on and they will get the win through the aerial attack. I will grab the 2.5 points as added insurance in case they fall just short. 10* MINNESOTA +2.5 |
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08-18-23 | Bengals +6.5 v. Falcons | Top | 13-13 | Win | 100 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
NFL Friday 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bengals +6.5 @ Atlanta Falcons @ 7:30 ET - There has been an over-reaction here to the fact Joe Burrow is out for the Bengals and the fact the Falcons will be playing two quarterbacks who are their top two guys and who did not play last week. The key here is that Cincinnati will be mostly playing two quarterbacks that did play last week. Don't be surprised if having already worked out the rust benefits the Bengals QB situation here. Don't be surprised if the Cincy defense is much better this week after they got ram-rodded last week. Note also that the Falcons won 19 to 3 last week but they were outgained by about 100 yards in that game and they punted 5 times. Their opponent actually punted only 2 times in the game but they were done in by turnovers and being stopped on downs a couple times too. So the point is that Cincy is not nearly as bad as the final scored showed last week just like Atlanta is not nearly as good as the final score showed last week. Also, the Bengals may play even better here knowing that an injury to Burrow is NOT being risked. This is just too many points for this particularly preseason match-up. Don't be surprised if we see an outright upset here or a Bengals loss by 4 or less points. In recent seasons, the Falcons have a poor ATS record as a home favorite while the Bengals have been solid as a road dog. This is preseason ATS stuff I am talking about and I look for those trends to continue here. Give me the big points. 10* CINCINNATI +6.5 |
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08-17-23 | Browns +3.5 v. Eagles | Top | 18-18 | Win | 100 | 10 h 15 m | Show |
NFLX Thursday 10* Top Play Cleveland Browns +3.5 @ Philadelphia Eagles @ 7:30 ET - The Browns have performed well as a road dog in preseason action and also they have performed well as an underdog when they are facing a team that is below .500 in preseason action. That angle fits here as well as the Eagles are off a 1-point loss last week. I also like the fact that Cleveland is off a loss entering this one. The Browns off a 2-point loss and Philly off a 1-point loss and I am expecting an upset here but like the value of having the points on our side given numbers like this. In case we see another tight finish involving each of these teams, the points could prove very valuable. The Browns won the yardage battle by about 150 yards in the HOF Game and then again by about 100 yards in last week's loss to the Commanders. The point is that this is an underdog that has played quite well thus far in the preseason and the value of getting a FG plus the hook is something I will not pass up on here. 10* CLEVELAND +3.5 |
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08-12-23 | Eagles +5 v. Ravens | Top | 19-20 | Win | 100 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
NFL Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles +5 or +5.5 @ Baltimore Ravens @ 7 ET - Everyone knows the Ravens have been incredible in preseason for many years now. Trust me, everyone means the odds makers too! That said, this line opened up with Baltimore a FG favorite at home. That is totally an enticement to take the Ravens as the implication is that the teams are equal - under preseason standards - and the home team is merely getting their full 3 points as per usual. That said, is this line some massive mistake? Well, long-time followers know how I feel about perceived "mistakes" by the odds makers. That said, the fact the line is now up to a solid 5 and as high as a 5.5 as of gameday morning absolutely has me fading the masses and I am happy to have the additional line value the markets have given us compared to what the odds makers said the line should be. This play is going against the grain per se but, historically, I love plays like this one! 10* PHILADELPHIA +5.5 OR +5 |
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08-11-23 | Commanders +3 v. Browns | Top | 17-15 | Win | 100 | 12 h 41 m | Show |
NFLX Friday 10* Top Play Washington Commanders +3 @ Cleveland Browns @ 7:30 ET - Cleveland won the HOF Game versus the Jets and dominated the game statistically. The fact they are at home again (prior game in nearby Canton, OH) and have a game under their belt would seem to favor the Browns here. However, teams actually tend to NOT perform well when off an outright upset win as an underdog and this includes in preseason action and this trend also includes specifically the Browns. That said, plus considering the fact Cleveland has not performed well in recent seasons in pre-season in the home favorite role has me siding with the Commanders here. This is one of those ugly dog spots where most will be lining up with the home favorite yet, historically, it is a great spot to grab the road dog. 10* WASHINGTON |
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08-21-22 | Eagles v. Browns +2.5 | Top | 21-20 | Win | 100 | 9 h 11 m | Show |
NFLX Sunday 10* Top Play Cleveland Browns +2.5 vs Philadelphia Eagles @ 1 ET - The weather is a concern in Cleveland for this one Sunday but hopefully they get this one in even if the start time of the game is delayed. Really like the Browns a lot here as the Eagles recent history of preseason ineptitude continued last week at home when they blew an early 14-0 lead by getting blown out 24-7 the rest of the way. Philly is now just 1-6-1 SU last 8 preseason games. The Browns, on the other hand, are off another preseason win last week and are now 7-1 SU last 8 preseason games. That one loss was by just a single point so, at the current line of +2.5 on this game...Cleveland would be 8-0 ATS last 8 preseason games. Dobbs and Rosen combined for 16 of 20 passing in last week's win for the Browns so the news about QB Watson really does not have any bearing on how a preseason game like this plays out anyway. Also, the Browns defense played well last week with QB pressure (and multiple sacks) plus notching two interceptions. In a potentially ugly-weather game I am happy to back the home dog here. 10* CLEVELAND +2.5 |
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08-14-22 | Vikings +5 v. Raiders | Top | 20-26 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 42 m | Show |
NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Minnesota Vikings +4.5 @ Las Vegas Raiders @ 4:25 ET - This line just too high in my opinion. The Raiders not only being asked to win this game but to win it by a sizable margin. Note that though Vegas won last week in the HOF Game that was against a dreadful Jaguars team that has now been outscored 51 to 24 in two preseason games this season and has lost 8 of last 9 preseason games. Now Raiders laying sizable points against a Vikings team that has seen its last 7 games feature only 1 game that was a loss by more than 4 points for them. Vegas head coach McDaniels came from a Patriots organization use to winning. Feel certain there is a little more hunger for the younger O'Connell here a little more eager. He came from the Rams organization but prior to that was mired in the Washington organization. I feel he and the Vikes are being undervalued here. 10* MINNESOTA +4.5 |
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08-11-22 | Titans +3.5 v. Ravens | Top | 10-23 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 57 m | Show |
NFLX Thursday 10* Top Play Tennessee Titans +3.5 @ Baltimore Ravens @ 7:30 ET - It is a new year. Just like we saw the Hall of Fame Game go over the total after a history of being dominated by unders, there is a changing of the guard underway. The Ravens have long been known for preseason success as coach John Harbaugh has shown a hunger to win even in the games that do not count. However, this Baltimore team is not what it once was and, even if the Ravens win this game, I expect the margin of victory to be 3 or less points. Note that Baltimore has been a good team for many years in regular season too for sure, not just preseason. But last year they had an 8-9 SU record in the regular season and went 2-9 ATS as a favorite! The Titans went 12-5 SU last season and are now 23-10 SU last two regular seasons SU. As for ATS records, Tennessee went 6-1 ATS as an underdog last season and is now 9-2 ATS the last seasons as an underdog. Again, this is OF COURSE not a regular season game but I see value here with a high quality team catching more than a field goal against a team trending the wrong direction that is over-valued because of past pre-season successes. Like I said in the lead-in for this one, it is a new year! Don't get me wrong, Ravens still a high-quality team but so too are Titans and big value with the points here in my opinion. 10* TENNESSEE +3.5 |
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08-23-21 | Jaguars +4 v. Saints | Top | 21-23 | Win | 100 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFLX 10* Top Play Jacksonville Jaguars +4 @ New Orleans Saints @ 8 ET - The more I looked at this game the more I liked it. The Jaguars have a bad recent preseason history but keep in mind they now have a new coach with Urban Meyer calling the shots. This team is hungry to improve and they certainly played a "cleaner" game last week than the Saints did. Yes both teams are off losses but Jacksonville turned the ball over just once while New Orleans had 6 turnovers in their game against the Ravens. The overall trajectory of these teams is going opposite directions. Of course I am not saying that in a regular season game the Jags are better than the Saints. I am not saying that all. But the point is that the Saints were 12-4 last season but Drew Brees has retired and this team lost a lot of defensive talent from last year's roster. This team will be on the decline this season. As for the Jaguars, off a 1-15 season, of course the only way to go is up but truly this team could be respectable this season and had a strong draft and there is some positive energy within this Jacksonville organization right now. With how sloppy New Orleans was last week, I feel we have a good shot at an outright upset here for the Jaguars and I certainly like the value with the points. Keep in mind, we have seen a good amount of upsets in week 2 of the preseason as well as some underdog ATS covers without notching the upset. Good value here getting a handful of points given all of the above. 10* JACKSONVILLE +4 |
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08-21-21 | Bills +4.5 v. Bears | Top | 41-15 | Win | 100 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - NFLX 10* Buffalo Bills +4.5 @ Chicago Bears @ 1 ET - Both teams off wins last week and Chicago did win by 7 while Buffalo won by just 1. However, I was impressed by the Bills defense too and note that they have now won 6 straight preseason games. They opened up as the favorite in this match-up in the early lines but are now a 4.5 point dog. Maybe, after a 6-0 SU win, the Bills do finally drop an NFLX game but that does not mean they do not cover. Many NFLX games are tight and, in fact, Chicago entered this season 3-6 SU the last 2 preseasons and 1 of the wins was by just a single point. The fact is there is too much value here regardless of the plan of how coaches use starters here, etc. Buffalo is the better team and has better depth and that will key the victory in crunch time as the Bills get the job done here. 10* BUFFALO +4.5 |
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08-20-21 | Chiefs v. Cardinals +3 | Top | 17-10 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
ESPN Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #404 Friday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (+) vs Kansas City Chiefs @ 8 ET - Both teams won by identical 19-16 scores last week but I like the fact that Arizona's came on a momentum-building last-second field goal. Also, the Cardinals are now getting 3 points as a home dog here. I know that Kansas City is planning to run their starters quite a bit in the first half of this game but this still a Chiefs team that had won just 1 of last 4 road preseason games prior to last week's tight win. It is the back-ups that often decide the final outcome of preseason games. Also, KC went just 1-3 overall in the most recent preseason. The Cardinals have now won 2 of last 3 preseason home games and offer solid value as an underdog here. Arizona proved last week they will push hard to win a preseason game and I look for them to get the job done again this week. If they do fall short the +3 could prove to be great value. 5 of the 16 games last week were decided by 3 or less points. 10* ARIZONA |
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08-19-21 | Patriots v. Eagles +1.5 | Top | 35-0 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 36 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach NFL Rotation #402 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles +1.5 vs New England Patriots @ 7:30 ET - The Eagles blew a 13-0 late 1st half lead last week and lost 24-16 as they are outscored 24-3 the rest of the way. Philadelphia is likely to struggle in the regular season this year but keep in mind this is preseason. With a first year head coach who demands plenty from his players, I look for a much better effort this week after the ugly 2nd half last week for the Eagles. As for the Patriots, a long TD run is what sealed their victory last week as they were clinging a 2-point lead at the time. The key here is that other than that run, one could easily argue that Washington was the much better team in that game. The Pats, not including that long TD run, were outgained by 138 yards. New England is 1-2 SU/ATS the last 2 preseasons when off a home win and they allowed an average of 25.3 points per game in those 3 games. Look for them to struggle again on the road in that role here and the Eagles bounce back from last week's second half debacle. 10* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 |
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08-12-21 | Steelers v. Eagles | Top | 24-16 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 3 m | Show |
PA Dominator - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #106 Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (PK) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 7:30 ET - The Eagles had a horrible season last year and are likely destined for another rough one this year. However, Philly does have a new coach and a young one at that. Nick Sirianni will be hungrier than most in the preseason and is going to demand a high compete level from his team even in a meaningless game. This Eagles team is going to struggle in the regular season barring a miracle turnaround because they need to time to jell and have had major roster turnover in recent seasons. However, in the preseason they could be a bit of a surprise given all of the above factors. The Steelers do have a solid preseason history including going in recent seasons but still went just 1-1 on the road in each of the last two preseasons. Coming off a win over the Cowboys in the HOF Game last week makes this road game even less important for the Steelers. As for the Eagles, new head coach Sirianni and company will be desperate for something to latch onto early in the year and that includes preseason where many roster battles are going on. 10* PHILADELPHIA pick'em |
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08-24-19 | Cardinals +6 v. Vikings | Top | 9-20 | Loss | -104 | 4 h 28 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #267 Saturday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (+) @ Minnesota Vikings @ 1 ET - The betting markets are enamored with the Vikings here as this line got driven up from a 4.5 to a 7 before settling in at a 6. Yes the Vikes have a great preseason history under head coach Mike Zimmer but lets not forget they went only 3-5 ATS the past two preseasons. Also, they were 0-2 ATS in home preseason games in BOTH 2017 and 2018. That said, after a big win and cover last week at home, I do not expect a repeat this week. The Cardinals have a first year head coach in Kliff Klingsbury and new head coaches tend to be a good "play on" team in preseason action. I am not saying the Cards win this game but I expect them to stay inside the inflated number and, certainly an outright upset would not be a surprise. Arizona went 3-2 SU in preseason games played away from the home the past two seasons and one of those losses came by just 2 points. I look for them to hang in this game for the full sixty as well! In their last 4 true road games, Arizona is 3-1 SU and ATS and the only SU/ATS loss was a meaningless week 4 game in 2017. Week 3 always carries more meaning and the Cardinals have covered this game each of the past two seasons while the Vikings have not. Minnesota drops to 1-5 ATS the last 6 times they have been a home favorite. Give me the big points with the underdog Cardinals. 10* ARIZONA |
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08-23-19 | Bills -2 v. Lions | Top | 24-20 | Win | 100 | 10 h 1 m | Show |
CBS Smash Pass - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #265 Friday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bills (-) @ Detroit Lions @ 8 ET - In regular season NFL over the past two decades I have enjoyed plenty of success fading line moves. Knowing when and why to go contrarian to the market moves is a key to beating regular season NFL games. However, preseason NFL is an entirely different animal and the line moves, especially in 2019, have proven to go the right way more often than not. That said, despite a move here (which of course is generally sharp and not square money when it comes to preseason), I still see great value with the Bills laying as little as a -2 in this match-up. When you see a 2-0 preseason team getting the action over an 0-2 team in preseason you know it is sharp money as, generally speaking, backing the winless teams in Week 3 of preseason over undefeated teams is a smart play. The key to this match-up is the Lions defense has been atrocious in this pre-season. The Bills defense has been much better. Also, the Lions are now 1-5 in preseason games under head coach Matt Patricia. The Bills are a perfect 3-0 SU and ATS in their last 3 preseason road games. Buffalo's QB rotation has been performing much better than Detroit's counterparts. Also, history is not on the side of the Lions here either as they are actually 4-10 ATS in preseason action when they enter a game off two or more consecutive preseason losses. Look for the Bills to improve to 5-1 ATS in preseason games under head coach Sean McDermott the past 3 years combined. 10* BUFFALO |
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08-16-19 | Bears +2.5 v. Giants | Top | 13-32 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #413 Friday 10* Top Play Chicago Bears (+) @ New York Giants @ 7:30 ET - This line opened up as low as a pick'em. This is despite the fact the Giants are at home, playing their final home game of the preseason, coming off a win, and have a QB battle going on. The Bears enter off a double digit loss at home, now are on the road, and have a less impressive QB situation in terms of the back-ups. That said, this line has been deemed a major mistake by the markets and has been driven up to a 2.5 on the Giants after opening up as low as a pick'em. Long-time followers know how I feel about supposed "mistakes" by the odds makers and I am going contrarian, as I so often do, and fading the market move. The Bears defense, back-ups mind you, were the key reason Chicago lost last week's game as they were outscored 17-3 after half-time. Teams respond after a game like that and I expect the Bears to have a little more "fire in the belly" in the second half of this game. Of course it is the 2nd half of these games that so often determine the outcome of these preseason match-ups. That said, the fact the Bears starters are likely to see little action here, with many sitting, is not the key to the outcome. Chicago is 5-1 ATS run as an underdog in preseason games. Also, as a road dog of 3 or less points the past two seasons, the Bears went a perfect 3-0 ATS. The Giants are on a 1-4 ATS run in home games in the preseason and they entered this season 0-4 ATS as a favorite in the past preseasons. Give me the road dog here! 10* CHICAGO |
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08-10-19 | Rams +5 v. Raiders | Top | 3-14 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Rotation #279 Saturday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (+) @ Oakland Raiders @ 8 ET - The Raiders opened up as 2.5 point favorites in the earliest of lines that popped up globally on this game. Oakland then got be up to as high as a 5.5 before settling in at a -5 as of very early Saturday morning. The perception is that Gruden and the Raiders care more than McVay and the Rams. However, Gruden was with Oakland last year when they lost to Los Angeles in the preseason. Of course McVay was with the Rams then just as he was also in 2017 when LA also beat the Raiders in the preseason. Lets not forget that Oakland won only 4 regular season games last year. This season the Raiders are again projected to be one of the worst teams in the league. That said, with depth being an important factor in preseason outcomes, just how good can Oakland's depth be? Truly it is not o the level of the Rams. That said, even if one could surmise that the Raiders are the hungrier team here will that really translate to the less talented team and the team with less depth wining this game in convincing fashion? I think not! Give me the generous points being offered to the Rams as I would also like to note that LA is 2-1 in weeks 1 to 3 in each of the last two preseasons both SU and ATS and that included a loss by just 2 points. Remember week 4 of preseason is always a truly meaningless week so lets take that out of the equation. So the point is that the Rams 6 preseason games under McVay played in Weeks 1 through 3 of his two seasons have resulted in just ONE loss by more than two points! Give me the team that "supposedly" doesn't care here and "supposedly" will get blown out despite all the facts stated above! 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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08-08-19 | Falcons +4.5 v. Dolphins | Top | 27-34 | Loss | -104 | 9 h 57 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFLX Rotation #259 Thursday 10* Top Play Atlanta Falcons (+) @ Miami Dolphins @ 7:30 ET - If you listen to the "experts" the Falcons have no chance here. The line has moved after it opened up at -2.5 and has gone to a -4.5 on Miami in this game. I got absolutely ripped off when I used the Falcons in last week's HOF Game. They outgained the Broncos 261 to 188 yards in that game and were a +3 dog that also forced two fumbles. However, a late game interception (their only turnover in the game) followed by a pair of 4th down conversions for Denver in their game-deciding final minutes drive did me in. Keep in mind the Broncos won the game on a 4th and 14 play after already previously converting a 4th down play in that drive. Everyone who had Denver was very lucky. The Falcons defense played a great game and I expect that to be the case again this week. That said I am happy to grab the generous points being offered here. Yes, Atlanta has a poor SU/ATS record in preseason under Dan Quinn but we're still talking about fading the Dolphins here and getting 4.5 points in doing so! Sure Miami has a rookie coach (generally a good play on spot in preseason) and they have a QB battle going on. But how good can a roster be (including for depth) when they are projected to be the WORST team in the NFL this coming season? The fact that Miami also blasted the Falcons in Atlanta in the preseason last year only adds fuel to the fire for the Falcons back-ups in this one. I like their solid and deep defense against a bad Miami team. Keep in mind the Dolphins went 0-3 SU in their other 3 preseason games last season. Also, Miami was a mediocre 2-2 SU the year before in preseason and one of those wins came by just 3 points. That means in the past TWO years the Dolphins only have TWO wins by more than 3 points in preseason action. Give me the points and don't expect any game-ending nonsense to burn us this week! 10* ATLANTA |
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08-30-18 | Redskins +7 v. Ravens | Top | 20-30 | Loss | -115 | 49 h 26 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFLX Game #111 Thursday 10* Top Play Washington Redskins (+) @ Baltimore Ravens @ 7:30 ET - With the Ravens RG III having a shot to go against his former Redskins teammates and with Baltimore having a chance at an undefeated preseason of course they are going to go all out here and play most all of the starters for most all of the game in an attempt to blow away Washington. Of course I am being facetious here but this is truly an absolutely insane line move that has taken place here. This is week 4 of the preseason. No one cares about this week. Yes there are a few final roster battles going on but, at the end of the day, this is a very unimportant game. That said, where is the drive and the motivation for the Ravens to win this game by a full TD or more? It truly is not there. Of course RG III will want to play well here but what about the supporting cast. Also, how much motivation is it really when it is still preseason? Also, you don't think the Redskins want to contain Griffin too no matter whom is on the field? This line, going from -1.5 all the way up to as high as a -7 as of Tuesday, is simply out of whack. In fact, there is another key element here that also is to the advantage of the undervalued underdog. That factor is that the Ravens, by virtue of having played in the NFL Hall of Fame Game, will be playing their 5th game of the preseason. The last 8 teams in that situation have 0 ATS wins to show for it. One was a push (line was 3), one had their final game cancelled (Dallas/Houston last year) and the other 6 all failed to cover! You can see why I feel there is great value in the big points (biggest offering on the board) being offered in an otherwise meaningless Thursday preseason finale. Yes I understand about preseason QB rotations too and how these guys have played thusfar in the preseason but also keep in mind the Redskins did outscore the Broncos in the 2nd half last week. That said it is those same reserves that will play a critical role this week as well. 10* WASHINGTON |
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08-26-18 | Cardinals -2.5 v. Cowboys | Top | 27-3 | Win | 100 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFLX Game #281 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys @ 8 ET - There is a common practice in preseason wagering of backing winless teams and fading undefeated teams. However, most of this week's action is already in the books and note that Baltimore (4-0) won again this week, Miami (0-3) lost again this week, Tennessee (0-3) lost again this week, Philadelphia (0-3) lost again this week, Carolina (3-0) won again this week, Atlanta (0-3) lost again this week, Seattle (0-3) lost again this week. As you can see, not only is the undefeated/winless system worthy of being questioned, there is also merit to the fact that playing on the streaks is the better way to go. Of course the reality is that what matters the most in preseason is the coaches approach to the game and how much they care about winning. That is what ends up being a factor at the betting window too. While the Cardinals Steve Wilks is already 2-0 SU and ATS in his preseason debut, the Cowboys Jason Garrett (even with a rare cover in this preseason) is still an ugly long-term 11-20 ATS in preseason games. Based on the coaching factor as well as what I am hearing/seeing in reports from EACH of these camps on how they're going to play this one, I am backing the small road favorite here. Look for the goose egg to stay on the board in the loss column for Arizona and the win column for Dallas. Remember guys, preseason is a different animal compared to betting the NFL regular season. It is with very good reason that there has been a big move toward the Cardinals here with this line! 10* ARIZONA |
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08-20-18 | Ravens v. Colts +1 | Top | 20-19 | Push | 0 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFLX Game #432 Monday 10* Top Play Indianapolis Colts (+) vs Baltimore Ravens @ 8 ET - The Colts opened up as a 1.5 point favorite for this game but now are as much as a 1.5 point dog as of early game day morning. Of course the betting markets are jumping all over the Ravens here due to Baltimore's success in the preseason. Indeed Jim Harbaugh has a great record in preseason action but do you really think the odds makers aren't aware of this when they set these lines? The fact is that the betting markets are ignoring the fact that the Colts are very hungry right now with new head coach Frank Reich. They got the win at Seattle last week and, keep in mind, Indianapolis did score 5 times against the Seahawks. The reason for "only" 19 points was 4 field goals and just 1 touchdowns but there is no argument about the fact that the Colts played quite well last week. Now Indy makes their home debut under coach Reich and it is on Monday Night with ESPN cameras rolling. Of course it is still "just" preseason but I have no doubt that, given this situation, the Colts are going to "bring it" tonight. Conversely, the Ravens are off of a blowout win versus the Rams last week (33-7) and teams oftentimes fall short after big rout wins like that. Give me the more motivated team, the hungrier team, the home dog, in this one! 10* INDIANAPOLIS |
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08-31-17 | Seahawks v. Raiders +1.5 | Top | 17-13 | Loss | -105 | 54 h 38 m | Show |
Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFLX 10* Top Play Oakland Raiders (+) vs Seattle Seahawks @ 10 PM ET - Seattle is 3-0, 100% perfect this preseason campaign. However, going 4-0 is never easy - it does not happen often. Additionally, going 0-4 is not that likely either and the Raiders enter this one 0-3. The fact is that this is a perfect set up. The very first number on this game that came out was Oakland -2.5 and they then have moved to has high as a +2.5 in some books as of early Tuesday. The line has settled in around 1 or 1.5 since then (as of later Tuesday) but the fact remains this is a significant move toward the Seahawks. I am not surprised given the long-term numbers on Seattle that there has been such a significant move here. But the fact remains this is opening up line value on an Oakland team that is not without some solid depth. Remember that this team did go 12-4 and win their division last season. Their playoff fortunes changed with the loss of their star QB to injury and that certainly has this Oakland team hungry heading into the new year. Even though it's only preseason, I just don't see the Raiders going 0-4 and note that the #2 QB for Seattle, Trevone Boykin threw 7 passes in last week's game with the only "completion" being an interception for his opponent! The fact is that the Seahawks are getting a lot of respect here considering that even though they've beaten Oakland the past few preseasons in the finale, the Raiders have actually held the edge in first downs in each match-up. These teams are not that far apart in terms of talent level and depth and I like the hungrier team at home getting points! Remember even just getting 1.5 points is significant because in preseason teams play for the win as they don't want to tie and go to OT. So if Oakland is ahead by 7 and Seattle scores a TD late they're likely to be going for 2 and a 1-point win. Speaking of tight wins, 5 of the Seahawks 8 preseason games the past 2 seasons were decided by a COMBINED 7 points. 0-4 preseasons for the Raiders are rare and I am grabbing the value with the hungry home dog. Back-up QBs for Oakland get revenge over Seattle's back-up signal-callers for this one after losing the Week 4 preseason match-up last year. 10* OAKLAND |
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08-27-17 | 49ers +5 v. Vikings | Top | 31-32 | Win | 100 | 12 h 49 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFLX Sunday 10* Top Play San Francisco 49'ers (+) @ Minnesota Vikings @ 8 ET - Both teams are 1-1 but San Francisco got blasted last week, embarrassed at home, thanks to 5 turnovers! The 49'ers had 4 fumbles and threw 1 interception versus the Broncos. Suffice to say, the Niners are fired up about responding this week. The Vikings are off of a road loss at Seattle. In regular season action the Vikes would be the play here of course. But this isn't the regular season and motivation is a little tougher to come by. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer does have a good track record in preseason but the Vikes certainly haven't impressed this season. They've been substantially outgained in each of their first two games of this preseason. Even though Minnesota went 4-0 in last year's preseason, 2 of the wins came by 2 points or less. The Niners, with a new head coach, are looking for some positives after a dreadful season last year. With that said, look for a little extra hunger from San Francisco to be a difference maker here as last week's sloppy home loss has the 49'ers fired up. With the move up into the 5 and 5.5 point range on this one, there is a lot of value with the big road dog. 10* SAN FRANCISCO Sunday evening |
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08-28-16 | Chargers +5.5 v. Vikings | Top | 10-23 | Loss | -107 | 23 h 44 m | Show |
Rickenbach NFLX Game #277 - Game of the Year - 10* Top Play San Diego Chargers +5.5 @ Minnesota Vikings @ 1 ET Sunday - After opening up at a 4 this line has been driven as high as a 5.5 in some shops as of about 24 hours before kickoff. I am pulling the trigger now on what I feel is a fantastic value situation. I am certainly well aware of the stellar record that the Vikings have had in PreSeason action under head coach Mike Zimmer. However, they won their first game this season by just a single point. Then, even though they won the 2nd game by a full TD that came on an INT returned for a touchdown. The point is that the Vikings have not been as impressive this preseason as they were the last two years. They are opening up a new stadium Sunday but, in PreSeason action, that is just not going to be the boost that it will be in the regular season when crowd noise is truly a factor. That's, of course, because that's when the games count. As for this NFLX match-up, I don't see the Vikings being able to create a big margin in this game. The Chargers are off a win last week and their defense was very strong against the run. San Diego, in my mind, is rallying around the entire Joey Bosa situation and his holdout is actually strengthening the resolve of this defensive unit. I look for another strong effort from the Chargers Sunday. The Chargers ugly loss in Week 1 of this PreSeason was a wake-up call and they've answered it. San Diego was "only" 2-2 SU in the PreSeason last year but the two losses came by a COMBINED 3 points. In other words, as a dog in this pointspread range the Bolts would have been 4-0 ATS last NFLX season and they'd now be on a 6-1 ATS run dating back to the final game of the 2014 preseason. The point is that, as a general rule, the Chargers have avoided ugly losses in preseason action. After resting QB Phillip Rivers last week, the Chargers are ready for the "dress rehearsal" game and I like the value with the big points here as the Vikings only had 258 yards of offense last week and they only won their week 1 game by a single point as I noted above. The Vikings will be the "trendy" pick in this one but I am fading the masses and everything I am seeing points to a very focused effort from the Chargers in this one. 10* SAN DIEGO Sunday |
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08-16-14 | Buffalo Bills v. Pittsburgh Steelers -1 | Top | 16-19 | Win | 100 | 57 h 41 m | Show |
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Preseason Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo @ 7:30 p.m. ET |
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