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NBA

2012 NBA Rookie Of The Year Predictions & Betting Preview

ROTY Gambling Picks – NBA Odds

The 2012 NBA draft class has been touted as one of the deepest groups to enter the league in quite some time.

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NBA

Utah Jazz Predictions: 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

Utah Jazz Season Preview – NBA Predictions

The 2011-12 NBA season was Tyrone Corbin’s first full season as the head coach of the Utah Jazz. Expectations were low, but they were able to sneak into the playoffs as an eighth seed. The Jazz play in one of the tougher divisions in all of basketball, and with virtually all five teams having improved this summer, all of them will be vying for a spot in the postseason.

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NBA

Dallas Mavericks Predictions: 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

Dallas Mavericks Season Preview – NBA Predictions

The Dallas Mavericks were on top of the world following their 2011 NBA Championship, but they came crashing back down to earth last season when they lost in the first round of the playoffs for the fifth time in the last seven years. In the lockout-shortened season, Dirk Nowitzki came in and put up unexpectedly low numbers.

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NBA

Philadelphia 76ers Predictions: 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

Philadelphia 76ers Season Preview – NBA Predictions

The Philadelphia 76ers made headlines this summer when they jumped into the blockbuster deal that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers. The team was able to compete with most squads last season, but with the acquisition of big man Andrew Bynum, they could move a step closer to the next level in 2013.

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NBA

Portland Trail Blazers Predictions: 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

Portland Trail Blazers Season Preview – NBA Predictions

The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off a disappointing season. In what began with such promise, a 7-2 start in a lockout-shortened year quickly turned into a depressing scene for fans in Rip City, as the team seemingly stopped trying to win when faced with adversity.

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NBA

Chicago Bulls Predictions: 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

Chicago Bulls Season Preview — NBA Predictions

The Chicago Bulls have become known as of late as perennial championship contenders, but heading into the 2012-13 season, health could cause a serious setback when it comes to challenging the Miami Heat for supremacy out East. NBA megastar Derrick Rose is expected to miss most of the year following his torn ACL in last season’s playoffs, and consensus No. 2 option Luol Deng is dealing with a wrist injury, himself.

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NBA

San Antonio Spurs Predictions: 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

San Antonio Spurs Season Preview – NBA Predictions

No team in the NBA likes to fly under the radar as much as the San Antonio Spurs, and that’s exactly what they did throughout the 2012 offseason. The Spurs quietly re-signed Tim Duncan, Tony Parker avoided too much publicity following an eye injury (that took place at a rap concert) and the team should enter the new year with hopes of returning to the Western Conference Finals.

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NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 NBA Future Lines & Gambling Analysis

OKC Thunder Season Preview – NBA Predictions

The defending Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t made any drastic changes to their lineup, but if the old adage sticks true, why would they fix what simply isn’t broken? Heading into the 2012-13 season, OKC will be the favorites in the eyes of many to come out of the West, but they must get past a number of tough teams that have gotten tougher throughout the summer.

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NFL

MNF Lions vs. Bears Gambling Odds & Week 7 free NFL pick

Monday Night Football – Lions vs Bears Betting

Headline: NFC North Showdown Highlights NFL Week 7 Schedule

The Detroit Lions will look to erase the memories of an unflattering start to their 2012 campaign when they travel to Chicago in Week 7 to take on a Bears squad that has been impressive thus far and is coming off their bye. With the NFC North wide open, every divisional game is critical – needless to say this should be an interesting matchup.

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NFL

Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers Free Gambling Prediction & Week 7 Preview

Cowboys vs Panthers NFL Football Spread/Handicapping

Dallas Cowboys (2-3) vs Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Sunday October 21
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
1:00PM
Moneyline:  Dallas -133, Carolina +115
Spread:  Dallas -2.5
O/U:  46

Dallas

Dallas is in last place in the NFC East so it has only taken 5 games for things to ride off the rails.  Last week they came off their bye week with a spirited loss (with ATS cover) at Baltimore and they desperately need this one because the next three games will be very tough:  @Giants, @Falcons and home to Philadelphia.  This team has talent but makes way too many costly mistakes.  I also don’t like the coach.

Dallas is 6th in yards but just 24th in points so clearly there is a disconnect.  There is plenty of blame to go around but you have to start in the pivot with Tony Romo.  Romo has more interceptions than TDs which makes it tough to play winning football.  It also puts their defense in tough spots as evidenced by the fact that they are second in yards allowed while 20th in points allowed.  The numbers just don’t add up but it is Dallas.

Based on talent level the Cowboys should be able to come into Charlotte and get a victory on Sunday.  If they do they should easily cover the number and it wouldn’t surprise me to see a blowout because Carolina is not all that good.  Still you have to be leary of the Cowboys who could just as easily lay an egg (we have seen it before).  If you are going to bet them do it sooner rather than later for maximum value.[soliloquy id=”82219″]

Carolina

The promise of last year’s season hasn’t really played out in 2012.  Cam Newton hasn’t looked as sharp and the defense which was supposed to be reinforced by the draft and players returning from injury hasn’t been all that good either.  The only positive note so far was a surprising win hosting New Orleans in week 2.  Though that might have backfired in terms of setting up some expectations that were hard to live up to.

The Panthers are as close to a one man team as their is in the NFL.  Cam Newton is a beast but his passing has been off this year and they are probably running him too much – he leads the team in rushing.  Newton may have to scramble even more than expected now that All-Pro centre Ryan Kalil has been placed on IR.  Linebacker Jon Beason is also not likely to suit up, weakening an already limping defense.

Carolina had a bye last week so maybe they come out more focused and ready than we have seen this season…its possible.  Still they are going to have a hard time stopping the Cowboys while their own attack does not command much respect.  Newton is always the wild card, able to make the kind of plays to win games and steal covers when least expected.  If you like the Panthers at least wait until it jumps to 3…it will.

Spread Pick:  Dallas -2.5
O/U Pick:  46
Score Prediction:  Dallas 30 – Carolina 19

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NFL

Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans Free Gambling Prediction & Week 7 Preview

Ravens vs Texans NFL Football Spread/Handicapping

Baltimore Ravens (5-1) vs Houston Texans (5-1)
Sunday October 21
Reliant Stadium – Houston, TX
1:00PM
Moneyline:  Houston -275, Baltimore +235
Spread:  Houston -7.5
O/U:  48

Baltimore

The Ravens got a clutch victory last week but paid the price losing defensive starters corner Lardarius Webb and the omnipresent linebacker Ray Lewis.  Those losses will put into even sharper focus how much this team has changed its identity this season.  There will be more pressure on the offense but they should be ready to handle it regardless of how things look this week on the road against maybe the best team in the league.

Baltimore is one of the most balanced offenses in the league this year.  RB Ray Rice is having another fine season and Joe Flacco has shown glimpses of greatness when called upon.  As good as the offense has been though they may want to slow down the pace to help their defense out.  Even before the injuries they were giving up a ton of yards – close to 400 a game.  But the defense stiffens when it needs to, ranking in the top third in points allowed.

This is such a tempting line to bet into as the oddsmakers might be overemphasizing the defensive losses in terms of their contribution, especially Lewis.  I think the Ravens will put together some drives against Houston, enough to keep them in the game until the last drive.  Not sure if this one will move much running up to kickoff though.

Houston

Even after losing to Green Bay last week you can make a reasonable argument that the Houston Texans are the league’s most complete team.   [soliloquy id=”82219″]

They have a defense that holds opponents down, a great running game and a QB that can make plays when they need to.  Sounds like a good combination for making a Super Bowl run…it also sounds like what we used to say about the Ravens.

Defensive end J.J Watt has emerged as one of the most fearsome defensive players in the league this season.  In just his second season has has already nearly doubled his sack total from his rookie season.  With the defense playing so strongly the Texans can be nice and patient on offense, pounding away at opponents with Arian Foster and Ben Tate.  They haven’t been as explosive this year but they are getting the job done.

This is a tricky line as it will be interesting to see how the Texans respond to last week’s loss.  Does it linger with them or are they able to put it behind them like good teams do.   The Ravens won’t give an inch and won’t be intimidated so Houston will have to stand up.  I like the Texans to win but I don’t think they will be able to bury Baltimore by the TD plus that is out there now.

Spread Pick;  Baltimore +7.5
O/U Pick:  Under
Score Prediction:  Houston 24 – Baltimore 23

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NFL

Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL Week 7 Preview & Free Pick

NFL Handicapping – Browns vs Colts Betting Spread / Matchup

Venue/ Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Time/Date: 1 PM EST Sunday, October 21, 2012
NFL Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: Browns +110 / Colts -130  
Spread: Colts -2.5
Over/Under:  45.5  

Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts Preview

The Browns (1-5) are coming off their first win of the season and now are on the road to face a Colts’ (2-3) team that is coming off a blowout loss. Andrew Luck has had an up and down season with the Colts not losing or winning 2 straight all season and after a solid game in the shocking win over Green Bay he fell down to earth last week against the Jets with 2 picks and a lost fumble. His play will be key in this AFC match up since the Browns rank 30th in the NFL in pass defense. NFL lines have the Colts as 2.5-point home favorites with a total of 45.5.

In their last games the Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-24 while the Colts were blown out losing to the New York Jets 35-9.

On the season the Browns are 3-2-1 ATS with an Over/Under record of 3-3 and the Colts are 2-3 ATS with an Over/Under record of 3-2.

Brandon Weeden had a good game last week with over 230 passing yards and he and his decent WR corps may have a problem moving the chains in the air since the Colt have the league’s 3rd ranked pass defense. It is key that Weeden avoid the turnover and Weeden leads the NFL with 10 picks as opposed to only 7 TD.

The Colts have not been able to stop the run this season and that is a concern in this game. They may get Pro Bowl LB Robert Mathis back and they will need his help trying to contain Trent Richardson. He did not have a good game in the win over the Bengals, but he is the Browns leading rusher and 2nd leading receiver. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Luck also has to avoid the turnover and his main target of Reggie Wayne ranks 3rd in the league in receiving yards. While the Browns have been giving up a ton of yards in the air they rank 3rd in the NFL with 10 INT.

Cleveland does not have a very good run defense, but will that hurt them in this game? The Colts have struggled to run the ball this season and lead RB Donald Brown is out with a knee injury. Vick Ballard will get the call in the backfield, but for the season he only has 67 yards on a weak 2.3 yards per carry average.

The Browns have lost 10 straight on the road.

In some betting trends for this AFC match up the Browns are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 road games, 3-1-3 ATS vs. a team with a losing record, and they have an Under record of 12-5-1 in their last 18 games.

The Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games, 3-13 ATS vs. a team with a losing record, and they have an Under record of 7-1 in their last 8 home games.

Jason’s Pick: Even with a weak rushing attack I think Luck will play well and the Colts will win a cover in a close game.

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NFL

Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills NFL Week 7 Preview & Free Pick

NFL Handicapping – Titans vs Bills Betting Spread / Matchup

Venue/ Stadium: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY
Time/Date: 1 PM EST Sunday, October 21, 2012
NFL Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: Titans +105 / Bills -125
Spread: Bills -3
Over/Under:  46.5  

Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills Preview

The Bills (3-3) are coming off a win, which snapped their 2-game losing streak. To say there is a log jam atop the NFC East is an understatement since every team in the division is 3-3. The Titans (2-4) are coming off an upset win over the Steelers, which may have saved their season, but they still are a few games behind the Houston Texans (5-1), who are running away with the AFC South. NFL lines have the Bills as 3-point home favorites with a total of 46.5.

On the season the Titans are 2-4 ATS with an Over/Under record of 4-2 and the Bills are 3-3 ATS with an Over/Under record of 4-2.

In their last games the Titans beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-23 and the Bills beat the Arizona Cardinals 19-16 in OT.

Matt Hasselbeck will be making his 3rd start for the injured Jake Locker and in the Steelers’ game he passed for 290 yards. While the Bills’ pass D is decent they have no wins this season against teams with a good aerial attack.

In the Steelers game Titans’ RB Chris Johnson rushed for 91 yards, but he is still only averaging 3.3 yards per carry and Tennessee has the worst rushing offense in the league. However, Johnson may have another good game since the Bills’ rushing defense ranks dead last in the NFL. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been decent this season and he has a couple of solid WR’s in Steve Johnson and Scott Chandler, but it is key that he avoids the turnover. He only has 2 INT in his last 2 games and this is after getting picked off 4 times in the Bills blowout loss to the Patriots a few weeks back. The Titans’ pass defense only ranks 29th in the league and they have a weak pass rush with only 8 sacks on the season.

The key to the Bills winning is their rushing game led by C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, who each scored in the win over Arizona and combined for 141 rushing yards. The Titans’ run D ranks 22nd in the league, but they stuffed the run last week. However, in their previous 2 losses, which were both blowouts, facing the good rushing teams of Houston and Minnesota they gave up a lot of yards on the ground.

The Titans have won 4 straight against the Bills.

In some betting trends for this AFC match up the Titans are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games, 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall, and they have an Over record of 4-1 in their last 5 games.

The Bills are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win, 4-9 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and they have an Over record of 4-0 in their last 4 home games.

Jason’s Pick: I have to go with the Titans in this one, as I think Johnson will have another good game and they will win a close low scoring affair.

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NFL

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Oakland Raiders NFL Week 7 Preview & Free Pick

NFL Handicapping – Jaguars vs Raiders Betting Spread / Matchup

Venue/ Stadium: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Time/Date: 4:25 PM EST Sunday, October 21, 2012
NFL Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: Jags +210 / Raiders -270  
Spread: Raiders -4
Over/Under:  44

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Oakland Raiders Preview

The Jaguars and Raiders are both at 1-4 and each team has lost 2 straight. The Jaguars have one thing going for them and that is they are coming off a bye so they will be well-rested. The Raiders may have some confidence not only because they are home facing a weak Jags’ team, but also in their last game they played well and almost beat the Falcons, who are the last undefeated team in the league. NFL lines have the Raiders as a 4-point home favorite with a total 44.

In their last games the Raiders lost to the Atlanta Falcons 23-20 and the Jags were crushed losing to the Chicago Bears 41-3.

On the season the Jags are 2-3 ATS and they have an Over/Under record of 2-3 and the Raiders are 2-3 ATS with an Over/Under record of 2-3.

In the Falcons’ game the Raiders were solid on both sides of the ball, as they ranked up 474 yards of total offense, they rushed for almost 150 yards, and they had 3 INT. If they play like that again facing Jacksonville, who are coming off 2 of their worst losses ever, they should easily win this game.

Carson Palmer played well last week and he has a pretty good WR corps and he leads the Raiders and their 12th ranked pass defense. The Jags only have the league’s 23rd ranked pass defense and their secondary will likely not get much help from the pass rush that ranks dead last in the league with only 3 sacks in 5 games.

The Jags have a terrible run defense ranking 30th in the league, but they will be facing Raiders/ RB Darren McFadden, who is only averaging 3.2 yards per carry. However, the last time these 2 teams met he had 209 yards from scrimmage and had 3 TD. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The Raiders’ defense only ranks 25th against the pass and 18th against the run, but they will be going up against a Jags’ offense that may be the weakest in the NFL. By may I mean they do, as Jacksonville ranks dead last in the league in total offense (241.2 yards per game), passing yards per game (142.8 ypg) and scoring (13.0 ppg). Blaine Gabbert has not progressed as a QB, but it does not help he lacks weapons on the outside. High draft pick Justin Blackmon has not panned out yet, but the Jags have stated he will be more involved in the offense this week.

The key to the Jags winning this game is the play of RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who has been decent this season, but since the Jags have gotten down early in their games he has not gotten as many touches and the team would like. If the Raiders can shut him down they will be sitting pretty.

In some betting trends for this AFC match up the Jags are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games and they have an Under record of 7-2-1 in their last road games.

The Raiders are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record and they have an Over record of 5-1 in their last 6 home games.

Jason’s Pick: I think the Raiders will easily win this game and cover the spread. I see this game getting ugly, as the Jags will get blown out.

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NFL

Washington Redskins vs. N.Y. Giants NFL Week 7 Preview & Free Pick

NFL Handicapping – Redskins vs Giants Betting Spread / Matchup

Venue/ Stadium: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Time/Date: 1 PM EST Sunday, October 21, 2012
NFL Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: Redskins +230 / Giants -270  
Spread: Giants -6.5
Over/Under:  51

Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants Preview

The Giants (4-2) have a 1-game lead over the Redskins (3-3) in the tough NFC East and they are coming off a great road win over the 49ers where they beat San Francisco at their own game playing great D and running the ball. The Skins were torched through the air in their last game, but RG3 had another solid game and rushed for over 130 yards in a Washington win. NFL lines have the Giants as 6.5-point home favorites with a total of 51.

In their last games the Giants beat the San Francisco 49ers 26-3 and the Redskins beat the Minnesota Vikings 38-26.

On the season the Redskins are 3-3 ATS with an Over/Under record of 3-3 and the Giants are 3-2-1 ATS with an Over/Under record of 2-4.

The Giants beat the 49ers last week because they played great D and RB Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for over 100 yards for the 2nd straight game. Eli Manning had a good game, but he did not have to light up the scoreboard with how good the New York D played. He has a great young WR corps and will be facing a Redskins’ pass D that ranks dead last in the NFL.

Bradshaw may have a hard time hitting the 100-yard rushing barrier 3 straight games, as the Redskins have a solid run D and held Adrian Peterson and the Vikings to under 100 rushing yards last week.

RG3 was a monster on the ground last week and in the air he passed for 182 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. Fred Davis and Santana Moss are his main targets and while the Giants only rank 21st in the league in pass defense their secondary had 3 picks and their pass rush played great. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The Redskins have to get good play from their offensive line both protecting RG3 and opening up holes for the rushing game, which Washington will look to establish early.

RB Alfred Morris has had a great rookie season, but he did not have a good game against the Vikings and he has to play well. They cannot count on RG3 to run the ball like he did last week and the more he runs the ball the more he has a chance to get injured just like Michael Vick.

In some betting trends for this NFC East match up the Redskins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win and they have an Over record of 6-1-1 in their last 8 games.

The Giants are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games, 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 14 points, and they have an Under record of 10-3 in their last 13 games.

Jason’s Pick: I hate to go with the Giants since I love the Skins, but have to do so, as I think Manning will light up the sketchy Washington secondary and while RG3 will have another good game he cannot do it all.

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NFL

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots NFL Week 7 Preview & Free Pick

NFL Handicapping – Jets vs Patriots Betting Spread / Matchup

Venue/ Stadium: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
Time/Date: 4:25 PM EST Sunday, October 21, 2012
NFL Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: Jets +400 / Patriots -500  
Spread: Patriots -10.5
Over/Under:  47.5

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots Preview

The Jets are coming off win while the Patriots are coming off a loss and every team in the AFC is at 3-3. The Pats have had the Jets number as of late and in their last 3 games facing them they have scored 112 points and given up 40. Tim Tebow has not seen much time under center this season, but since the RB corps is really banged up in this division match he may play in the backfield. NFL lines have the Patriots as big 10.5-point home favorites with a total of 47.5.

In their last games the Jets had no problem in beating the Indianapolis Colts 35-9 while the Patriots lost to the 24-23.

On the season the Jets are 4-2 ATS and they have an Over/Under record of 3-3 and the Patriots are 4-2 ATS with an Over/Under record of 4-2.

Mark Sanchez only passed for 82 yards last week, but he did have 2 TD and not only is the RB corps banged up, but so is the WR corps. He may have to carry the offense with his no-name wide-outs since the Pats’ run defense is good while their pass defense only ranks 28th in the league.

Jets’ RB Shonn Greene is healthy and his play is key in this game. He had really struggled all season and last week he blew up for 161 yards with 3 TD. However, that was facing a weak Colts’ run defense and this game he faces a New England run defense that ranks a solid 5th in the league.

Tom Brady passed for almost 400 yards in the loss to Seattle with 2 TD, but 2 costly INT’s. We all know that the Pats have a very solid WR corps, led by Wes Welker who ranks 2nd in the NFL in passing yards, and a couple of great pass catching TE’s. Brady has to avoid the INT and that will be easier in this game since star CB Darrelle Revis is out for the season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Brady has 10 TD passes in his last 4 games facing the Jets and in their last meeting The Patriots beat the Jets 37-16.

After rushing for over 100 yards in 2 straight games Stevan Ridley only had 34 rushing yards averaging 2.1 yards per carry in the loss to the Seahawks. However, Seattle has one of the bets run defenses in the league while the Jets have one of the worst only ranking 28th in the league.

In some betting trends for this AFC East match up the Jets are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games, 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC, and they have an Over record of 19-7 in their last 26 road games.

The Patriots are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss and they have an Over record of 16-7 in their last 23 home games.

Jason’s Pick: This one is an easy call, as even though the Pats are coming off a loss and I think they will easily win this game and cover the spread.