For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.
CLICK A CAPPERS NAME TO SEE THEIR PREMIUM DAILY EXPERT PLAYS + PREDICTIONS!
Schedule: NFL |Â CFB |Â MLB |Â NBA |Â CBB |Â NHL
WANT FREE SPORTS PICKS to your inbox? | Newsletter Sign-UP!
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01-06-22 | Blackhawks -155 v. Coyotes | 4-6 | Loss | -155 | 32 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Chicago over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Thursday. The Blackhawks are reeling right now but so are the Coyotes (and have been all season long). This is an ideal 'get right' spot for Chicago as it does have something to build on after a narrow overtime loss against the Avalanche two nights ago. The Blackhawks welcomed Marc-Andre Fleury back between the pipes for that game against Colorado - a welcome sight after giving up a whopping 11 goals in their first two games following the extended holiday break. Chicago just just 5-12 on the road this season but that's better than the Coyotes ugly 2-12 home record, where they've given up 4.2 goals per contest. Note that Arizona has allowed an average of 4.0 goals and has been outscored by 1.1 goals on average when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent where it scored just one goal over the last two seasons, as is the case here after dropping the first meeting this season by a 2-1 score in Chicago. This is really the only gimme on the Blackhawks current three-game road trip as they'll follow it up with stops in Las Vegas and Columbus. Take Chicago (6*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Washington State +2 v. Colorado | 78-83 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 55 m | Show | |
My selection is on Washington State plus the points over Colorado at 9 pm et on Thursday. To say that Colorado has owned this series here in Boulder would be a massive understatement. However, the Buffaloes home dominance over Washington State over the years shouldn't mean much to the Cougars core which is largely made up of transfers into the program this year with Michael Flowers, Tyrell Roberts and Noah Williams leading the way. Washington State has faced the tougher schedule than Colorado according to KenPom this season and has arguably put up better numbers at both ends of the floor. I'm confident that we'll see the Cougars really push the Buffaloes in this one, noting that we've seen Washington State pick up the tempo a little more than in recent years, to some considerable success with eight wins in its first 13 games this season. While the 'rest vs. rust' conversation could be had when it comes to both teams, at least Wazzu has been able to play four games since the 11th of December. Colorado, on the other hand, will be taking the floor in game action for just the third time since December 10th. Take Washington State (9*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Pistons v. Grizzlies UNDER 220 | 88-118 | Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Detroit and Memphis at 8:10 pm et on Thursday. We just missed with the 'over' in the Grizzlies most recent game in Cleveland two nights ago (most actually cashed in that game as the total shifted throughout the day). Here, I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the 'under' as the spot sets up perfectly to do so on Thursday night. I came close to playing the 'under' in the Pistons game in Charlotte last night but wisely laid off as that game sailed 'over' the number. The Pistons had actually been playing well defensively going into that contest but ran into a buzzsaw against a Hornets squad coming off a tough loss in Washington. Here, I think we can anticipate the Grizzlies 'managing' this game with a two-game trip to Los Angeles on deck (and playing their third game in four nights with a number of key contributors likely still sidelined due to illness/injury). The Pistons have scored 117, 115 and 111 points over their last three games although that first result was aided by overtime. They still average just over 101 points per game on the road this season, however, and put up only 95 points in their lone visit to Memphis last season. Note that the 'under' is 11-1 in the Pistons last 12 games after giving up 130+ points, as is the case here while the 'under' checks in a perfect 8-0 in the Grizzlies last eight home games following four or more consecutive victories. Take the under (9*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Southern Miss +4 v. Texas-San Antonio | Top | 74-73 | Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
C-USA Game of the Year. My selection is on Southern Miss plus the points over UTSA at 8 pm et on Thursday. Southern Miss has plenty of returning experience on this year's team but isn't expected to make much noise in C-USA. Things have generally played out accordingly so far as the Golden Eagles check in 4-8 on the season, coming off six consecutive losses. With that being said, I see this as a winnable game. Note that while Southern Miss has only faced the 216th toughest schedule in the country according to KenPom, UTSA ranks 335th in that department. A closer inspection of the Roadrunners seven wins finds that they've defeated the likes of Trinity College (non-Div. 1), 5-11 Denver, 1-10 IUPUI (by three points at home), 2-13 Lamar, St. Mary's-Texas (non-Div. 1), Sam Houston State (their lone credible win) and Dallas Christian (non-Div. 1). It's not as if UTSA has been overly impressive in its wins - in fact, it checks in just 4-6 ATS in lined games this season. I do think that Southern Miss can frustrate UTSA with it's methodical pace, much like it did against East Carolina in a narrow one-point loss last time out. Interestingly, while the Golden Eagles average five fewer three-point attempts per game than the Roadrunners, they only make one fewer on average. Despite attempting 10 fewer field goals per contest, Southern Miss actually averages one more assist per game than UTSA. The Roadrunners have taken three straight meetings in this series although both of last year's matchups were close, with each game decided by exactly six points. Note that prior to those three consecutive wins, UTSA hadn't previously managed to win back-to-back meetings in the first 10 matchups all-time in this series. Take Southern Miss (10*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Appalachian State +6.5 v. South Alabama | 72-64 | Win | 100 | 9 h 8 m | Show | |
My selection is on Appalachian State plus the points over South Alabama at 8 pm et on Thursday. I'll grab all the points I can get with the Mountaineers in this one as they take on South Alabama on Thursday night. Appalachian State is hoping to have one of its top scoring options Justin Forrest back for this game after he missed the last two contests due to Covid protocols. Even if he can't go, I still like Appalachian State's chances of keeping this game competitive. Note that home court hasn't meant a whole lot in this series with the road team winning six of the last seven meetings outright. The Mountaineers have dropped the last two meetings in this series by a combined four points. South Alabama is off to a terrific 10-4 start this season but it's worth noting that the Jaguars check in just 10-22 ATS in their last 32 lined games in the role of favorite. Also note that Appalachian State sits inside the top-90 in the country in terms of strength of schedule according to KenPom while South Alabama sits 179th. Noting that the Mountaineers allow just one more made three-pointer per game on four additional attempts while also holding opponents to just 12 free throw attempts per contest compared to South Alabama's 15, I look for Appalachian State to take this one down to the wire. Take Appalachian State (8*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Celtics v. Knicks +1.5 | Top | 105-108 | Win | 100 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
NBA Atlantic Division Game of the Month. My selection is on New York plus the points over Boston at 7:35 pm et on Thursday. We won with the Knicks in the first meeting between these two teams way back in October before passing on their next matchup in December - a game New York lost by seven points in Boston. Here, I won't hesitate to get behind the Knicks again as they look to build some positive momentum off a win over the Pacers two nights ago. New York will be without both Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose for this one. I don't mind that as it allows Jerome Randle and R.J. Barrett to step up, just as they did all last season. The Celtics have been a disappointment for the most part again this season and we just cashed a ticket fading them in their outright loss to the Spurs at home last night. Most will likely be looking to back Boston in this bounce-back spot but I don't see it. Note that the Celtics are just 7-12 SU on the road this season and check in a miserable 7-18 ATS in their last 25 games against Atlantic Division opponents, outscored by an average margin of 6.1 points. New York on the other hand is 20-6 ATS in its last 26 games when the line is between +3 and -3, as is the case here at the time of writing. Take New York (10*). |
|||||||
01-06-22 | Flames v. Lightning -138 | Top | 1-4 | Win | 100 | 30 h 7 m | Show |
NHL Non-Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Tampa Bay over Calgary at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. We won with the Flames in their most recent victory on Sunday in Chicago but stayed away on Tuesday and rightfully so as they fell in blowout fashion against the Panthers. Credit the Flames for returning to the ice with a pair of wins to open this trip but it was always going to get tougher in Florida and I don't see Calgary getting back in the win column on Thursday against the Lightning. Tampa Bay rebounded from a rare three-game losing streak with a resounding 7-4 win in Columbus on Tuesday. Essentially as healthy as they've been all season, I like the Lightning's chances during this brief two-game homestand, noting they've gone 11-6 on home ice this season and have outscored opponents by an average margin of 1.0 goal the last 42 times they've come off two losses in their last three games, as is the case here. You would have to go back three meetings here in Tampa, all the way to 2018 to find the last time Calgary won a game at Amalie Arena. Since then, the Bolts have reeled off four straight wins against the Flames, scoring a whopping 22 goals in the process. Take Tampa Bay (10*). |
|||||||
01-05-22 | Heat v. Blazers | Top | 115-109 | Win | 100 | 13 h 18 m | Show |
NBA Game of the Week. My selection is on Miami over Portland at 10:10 pm et on Wednesday. Often times we see teams rise to the occasion without their best players and I believe that will be the case with the Heat on Wednesday as they look to snap a two-game losing streak with Jimmy Butler on the sidelines. Of course, tonight's opponent has its own injury issues with both Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum remaining out. The Blazers did step up on Monday, securing a wild 136-131 come-from-behind win over the Hawks with Anfernee Simons going off for 43 points. Don't count on a repeat performance here, noting that Portland has won just four of its last 18 games. You'd be hard-pressed to find a team playing worse defensive basketball than the Blazers right now as they've given up 130+ points in three of their last four games, allowing five straight opponents to shoot better than 52% from the field. Even without Butler, the Heat still have Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro capable of stepping up and taking advantage of the Blazers dismal defense. Here, we'll note that Miami is 10-2 ATS as an underdog this season, actually outscoring opponents by an average margin of 6.7 points in that situation. Take Miami (10*). |
|||||||
01-05-22 | Spurs +8 v. Celtics | 99-97 | Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on San Antonio plus the points over Boston at 7:40 pm et on Wednesday. I resisted the temptation to back the slumping Spurs catching a handful of points in Toronto last night as they dropped their fourth straight game with the loss coming in blowout fashion. I expect a much better performance from San Antonio on Wednesday as it goes up against a Celtics squad it has given plenty of problems, going 3-1 in the last four meetings with the lone loss coming by just three points. The Spurs are expected to have underrated star Dejounte Murray back from health and safety protocols for this game. All indications are that he could have returned in one of the last few games but the Spurs wisely decided not to rush him back. Boston is coming off consecutive wins to open its current homestand and will have Jayson Tatum back for this one. Note, however that the Celtics are just 10-22 ATS in their last 32 games following a home win, outscored by 1.2 points on average in that spot. They're also just 8-20 ATS when revenging a loss against an opponent as a favorite over the last two seasons, outscored by 0.4 points on average in that situation. Take San Antonio (9*). |
|||||||
01-05-22 | Oilers v. Maple Leafs -165 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 25 h 1 m | Show | |
My selection is on Toronto over Edmonton at 7:05 pm et on Wednesday. This was already going to be a difficult spot for the Oilers to snap out of their funk but it was made even more complicated with Connor McDavid's positive Covid test. With McDavid likely sidelined, I'll confidently back the Maple Leafs as they shoot for their fourth consecutive victory. This is actually a key spot for the Leafs before they head west for a road trip that begins with stops in Colorado and Las Vegas to face two of the league's best teams. For the Oilers, it's easy to envision them punting this game before they get a four-day break prior to a home date with the lowly Senators. Edmonton is a mess in goal right now with both Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen struggling. On the flip side, the Leafs have gotten excellent goaltending from Jack Campbell, one of the most underrated goalies in the entire league. He checks in 11-4 at home this season, where he's posted a terrific .939 save percentage. Here, we'll note that the Leafs have allowed just 1.7 goals per game while outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.8 goals the last 28 times they have played at home after allowing a goal or less in their most recent contest, as is the case here. Take Toronto (7*). |
|||||||
01-05-22 | VCU +3.5 v. Dayton | 53-52 | Win | 100 | 8 h 54 m | Show | |
My selection is on VCU plus the points over Dayton at 7 pm et on Wednesday. This line has shot up from its opener as bettors seem to be quick to back Dayton at home in this triple-revenge spot after dropping all three meetings against VCU last season. Keep in mind, the Flyers have actually managed to win only two of the last nine meetings in this series and both of those came when the Rams were in a down year in 2020 (Dayton was favored by 8.5 points in its home matchup against VCU that year). There's not a lot separating these two teams this season with the Rams entering with seven wins and Dayton checking in with eight. VCU has a nice upset win over Syracuse on its resume while Dayton has taken down Kansas and Virginia Tech but has also lost against the likes of Lipscomb and Austin Peay (both losses admittedly came at the outset of the season). VCU shouldn't be uncomfortable playing at Dayton's preferred slow pace in this one. I like the fact we're catching points with the Rams here noting that the last seven times we've seen one team favored by four points or less in this series, six of those contests have ultimately been decided by five points or less. We can expect another nip and tuck affair here with the total set in the 120's and I expect VCU to earn some extra possessions noting that they've forced nine more turnovers per game this season (and have faced the considerably tougher schedule according to KenPom - VCU ranks 49th while Dayton checks in 258th in strength of schedule). Take VCU (9*). |
|||||||
01-05-22 | DePaul +5 v. St. John's | Top | 84-89 | Push | 0 | 8 h 46 m | Show |
Big East Game of the Year. My selection is on Depaul plus the points over St. John's at 6:30 pm et on Wednesday. Depaul will be looking to snap its first losing streak of the season as it takes on St. John's on Wednesday night. The Blue Demons won't have a hard time getting up for this one after suffering a 17-point beatdown at the hands of Providence last time out. Prior to that, their other two losses this season came by identical four-point margins against quality opponents in Loyola-Chicago and Butler. St. John's is coming off a loss of its own, dropping a two-point decision against a disappointing Pittsburgh squad. It's worth noting that the Blue Demons send opponents to the free throw line five fewer times per game while also getting there one additional time compared to the Red Storm this season. They also turn the ball over two fewer times despite playing at a slightly slower pace. St. John's has been the slightly better three-point shooting team but has also been the weaker team defending the three. While Depaul's strength of schedule ranks a poor 268th in the country according to KenPom, St. John's has faced the nation's 347th toughest schedule. In other words, there's little separating these two squads yet the Red Storm are being asked to lay a handful of points. Note that home court has meant very little in this particular series lately with the road team taking three consecutive meetings and six of the last nine overall. Take Depaul (10*). |
|||||||
01-04-22 | Jets -190 v. Coyotes | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 13 h 28 m | Show | |
My selection is on Winnipeg over Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Tuesday. The Jets posted a nice come-from-behind win over the Golden Knights on Sunday afternoon marking a successful return to the ice after an extended break. It's all for not of course if they can't follow it up with a win over the lowly Coyotes on Tuesday. Keep in mind, Winnipeg's current trip gets a lot tougher with a stop in Colorado up next on Thursday. The Coyotes check in as one of the league's worst teams, sitting at 2-11 on home ice, where they've been outscored by an average margin of 2.0 goals. Here, we'll note that the Jets are generally a solid positive momentum play on the road, having gone 21-13 when playing on the road after winning two of their last three games over the last three seasons, as is the case here, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.5 goals. Winnipeg is also 41-31 when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite over the last three seasons, as is the case here after the Coyotes stunned the Jets 1-0 in Winnipeg earlier this season. Take Winnipeg (6*). |
|||||||
01-04-22 | Virginia +4 v. Clemson | Top | 75-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Month. My selection is on Virginia plus the points over Clemson at 9 pm et on Tuesday. When these teams last met just two weeks ago in Virginia, Clemson exacted revenge for last year's 35-point beatdown at the hands of the Cavaliers, securing a decisive 17-point victory. Now the shoe is on the other foot as Virginia looks for revenge, noting that the Cavaliers own a terrific 22-11 ATS mark under head coach Tony Bennett when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 8.9 points in that situation. Also note that the Cavaliers are 32-19 under Bennett as a road underdog. Clemson, meanwhile, checks in a miserable 3-11 ATS, outscored by 6.5 points on average, when coming off five or six wins in their last seven games over the last three seasons, as is the case here. Take Virginia (10*). |
|||||||
01-04-22 | Grizzlies v. Cavs OVER 218 | Top | 110-106 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Memphis and Cleveland at 7:10 pm et on Tuesday. With the Grizzlies riding a five-game winning streak, having scored 127, 114, 104, 118 and 118 points over that stretch it's going to take quite an effort to knock them off course. The Cavs check in having allowed 108, 110, 121 and 104 points over their last four contests so Memphis should have plenty of runway to keep rolling on Tuesday. With that being said, Cleveland has also scored 118 and 108 points in its last two games and as a short home favorite, isn't likely to back down from the challenge here. Note that the 'over' is 10-1 with the Grizzlies playing on the road off a double-digit road win over the last two seasons, as is the case here following last night's rout of the Nets. That situation has produced an average total of a whopping 242.1 points. Meanwhile, the 'over' is 28-15 with the Cavs playing at home with the total set between 210 and 219.5 points over the last three seasons with that spot resulting in an average total of 220.0 points. The first meeting between these two teams this season totalled 253 points in Memphis back in October. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-03-22 | Browns -1 v. Steelers | Top | 14-26 | Loss | -102 | 23 h 47 m | Show |
MNF First Half Game of the Year. My selection is on Cleveland first half minus the points over Pittsburgh at 8:15 pm et on Monday. Maybe Big Ben has some magic left in his final home start at Heinz Field. I'm willing to bet it's the Browns that come out aggressively and take a lead into halftime on Monday night, however. Prior to last week against Green Bay, the Browns hadn't dropped the cash in the first half in consecutive games all season. So here, they enter riding their only first half losing streak of the season. It's been a different story for the Steelers, who have now failed to cover the first half pointspread in seven consecutive games. Over that stretch they've been outscored 124-29. That's no fluke. Pittsburgh averages only 9.4 points on 5.2 yards per play in the first half at home this season. By contrast, the Browns average 14.1 points on 6.3 yards per play in the first half on the road. After losing the first meeting of the season by a 15-10 score at home - a game in which they were never able to get anything going offensively - I look for Cleveland to go on the attack early in this one, pounding away on the Steelers weak run defense that has allowed an ugly 4.8 yards per rush this season. Take Cleveland first half (10*). |
|||||||
01-03-22 | Pistons v. Bucks -16 | 115-106 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on Milwaukee minus the points over Detroit at 8:10 pm et on Monday. The Bucks have had no trouble brushing aside the Pistons in two previous meetings this season, holding them to 89 and 93 points in wins by 28 and 21 points. Let's take a closer look at that most recent matchup - a 114-93 Milwaukee win. In that game, the Pistons actually made double-digit three-pointers (11), got to the free throw line two more times and turned the ball over seven fewer times. Yet they still lost by 21 points. Here, the Pistons are catching the Bucks at absolutely the wrong time. Milwaukee has put up its three highest point totals of the entire season in its last three games, winning by 17, 18 and 23 points. There's no reason to expect any sort of letdown from the Bucks on Monday as they look to take advantage of a Pistons squad that is still missing a number of key contributors (it is expected to get a few players back for this game). Here, we'll note that Detroit is just 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games following a home win, outscored by an average margin of 14.0 points in that situation. The Bucks, meanwhile, check in 24-9 ATS in their last 33 games against division opponents, outscoring them by an average margin of 14.1 points. Take Milwaukee (9*). |
|||||||
01-02-22 | Magic v. Celtics UNDER 216.5 | 111-116 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 59 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Orlando and Boston at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. Keeping in mind the Magic are just two games removed from their lowest scoring performance of the entire season while the Celtics posted their lowest point total of the season just two games back, not to mention the fact that these two teams combined to score only 171 points in their first meeting this season, I believe this total will prove too high. The Celtics caught the Suns flat-footed in a matinee affair in Boston on Friday, putting up 120 points in a double-digit win. They're still averaging just 107.5 points per game at home this season. The Magic, meanwhile, check in averaging just a shade over 103 points per contest on the road. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 15-5 with the Celtics playing in the role of favorite this season with that situation producing an average total of just 105.6 points. Take the under (9*). |
|||||||
01-02-22 | Texans +13 v. 49ers | Top | 7-23 | Loss | -112 | 18 h 19 m | Show |
NFL Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Houston plus the points over San Francisco at 4:05 pm et on Sunday. A strange thing has happened as the Texans have reeled off consecutive wins and have actually played .500 football over their last six games. While they're a significant underdog on Sunday in Santa Clara, I believe they can hang tough. I like the fact that Houston has gone on the offensive lately, with QB Davis Mills actually playing well and displaying a solid rapport with his receiving corps. The Texans have attempted 106 passes over the last three games alone. Now they get Brandin Cooks back from Covid protocol which should only help their cause against what I consider to be a beatable 49ers defense. San Francisco had been rolling along offensively before running into a desperate Titans squad last Thursday. The Niners lost Jimmy Garroppolo in that game, however, meaning they'll turn to rookie Trey Lance in this one. While 49ers fans are high on Lance, and for good reason, at this early stage of his career I believe his starting presence should warrant a downgrade when it comes to the Niners offense, especially their two top playmakers in George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. I'm not entirely sure what sort of gameplan head coach Kyle Shanahan will cook up in this one but I do feel it's a stretch to expect the Niners to win this one by two touchdowns or more. Take Houston (10*). |
|||||||
01-02-22 | Ducks v. Avalanche -260 | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 6 h 41 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Anaheim at 3 pm et on Sunday. This line may appear to be quite steep, but I believe it could (and should) be even higher. You would have to go back six meetings to find the last time the Ducks defeated the Avalanche and with Colorado getting back virtually to full strength and Anaheim still missing a number of key contributors up front, I don't believe this is the spot where the Ducks flip the script. Note that Anaheim is a woeful 1-15 when revenging a loss against an opponent by three goals or more over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 2.0 goals in that spot. The Ducks are averaging just 2.9 goals per game on the road this season while Colorado has gone 10-3 while averaging a whopping 4.7 goals per contest at home. Take Colorado (4*). |
|||||||
01-02-22 | Michigan State v. Northwestern UNDER 139.5 | Top | 73-67 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 10 m | Show |
Big Ten Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Michigan State and Northwestern at 2 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams have been filling up boxscores in the early going this season with Michigan State checking in with an 11-2 record and Northwestern sitting at 8-2. With both teams averaging just shy of 80 points per game I can understand why we're looking at a total in the high-130s on Sunday. I believe it will prove too high, however. This will be the toughest test either team has faced in the last month. I don't think we're going to see Michigan allow Northwestern to get out and push the pace as much as it would like in this home matchup. I do, however, believe that the Wildcats will be able to run their offense, noting that they're turning the ball over only nine times per game while Michigan State has forced just 11 turnovers per contest. While both teams have shot well, neither has put up over-the-top numbers in terms of three-pointers of free throws made per game. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 17-6 the last 23 times the Spartans have played on the road after scoring 75+ points in four straight games, as is the case here. Northwestern has had a tendency to struggle in these January Big Ten home games, averaging just 62 points per game while going 0-7 ATS in its last seven home tilts in the first month of the year. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
01-02-22 | Jaguars v. Patriots OVER 41 | Top | 10-50 | Win | 100 | 4 h 24 m | Show |
NFL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Jacksonville and New England at 1 pm et on Sunday. We've won with the 'over' in games involving the Jaguars in each of the last two weeks and I won't hesitate to go back to the well again here as we once again deal with a total set in the low-40's. Jacksonville has at least shown some life since ousting much-maligned head coach Urban Meyer. Over the last two games we've seen the Jags attempt a whopping 77 passes, completing 48 of those for well over 400 yards. That's progress as far as I'm concerned. Of course, we should temper expectations here as those last two performances came against the lowly Texans and Jets. That being said, I would expect to see the Jags stay aggressive as a massive underdog here. What do they have to lose? The Patriots on the other hand should absolutely go off in this bounce-back spot off last week's home loss against the Bills. The Jags have shown no semblance of run defense whatsoever, last week allowing the Jets to rush for a whopping 273 yards. That was before they lost a number of run-stuffers to the Covid list late in the week. Here, we'll note that Patriots home games have totalled an average of just shy of 50 points this season. Meanwhile, the Jags for all their problems still put up over 14 points per contest on the road, with those games averaging just shy of 42 total points. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-01-22 | Baylor v. Ole Miss -1 | Top | 21-7 | Loss | -111 | 24 h 38 m | Show |
CFB Bowl First Half Game of the Year. My selection is on Ole Miss 'first half' minus the points over Baylor at 8:45 pm et on Saturday. Baylor did what many didn't believe it could, upsetting Oklahoma State in a revenge game to capture the Big 12 Championship in early December. Here, I believe the Bears face a much different challenge but rather than lay the points with Ole Miss in the full game, we'll focus on the first half only. The Rebels should offer something of a 'shock to the system' for the Bears defense, which hasn't faced an offense like the one Ole Miss possesses in the Big 12. There were times when the Rebels offense didn't look quite as explosive or potent as most expected but a lot of that had to do with a number of key contributors being banged-up or sidelined entirely. With a full month off between games (the Rebels haven't played since Thanksgiving Night) Ole Miss should be 'all systems go' for this one with do-it-all QB Matt Corral somewhat surprisingly playing in this game instead of opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. I give Baylor all the credit in the world for winning the Big 12 title. We cashed a few tickets with the Bears over the course of the season and they could very well win this game as well as the Rebels do have the type of defense that will let opponents back in games. However, in the first half, I believe it will be Ole Miss that goes on the offensive (no pun intended) and gets plenty of licks in against a Bears defense you can throw on (we've seen a number of Baylor's opponents this season find success through the air). While Baylor has proven stout against the run, the Rebels offer a ground attack that can really disguise its looks and brings a different approach compared to what the Bears have seen, led by the dual-threat Corral. Also consider that if there's any team more built to play on the 'fast track' at the Superdome, it's the Rebels. Take Ole Miss first half (10*). |
|||||||
01-01-22 | Bulls v. Wizards OVER 217.5 | Top | 120-119 | Win | 100 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
NBA Eastern Conference Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Washington at 7:10 pm et on Saturday. Three of the Bulls four highest scoring totals of the season have come in their last five games and they're fresh off a thrilling 108-106 win in Indiana yesterday. The fact that both the Bulls and Wizards are coming off 'under' results helps keep Saturday's total in a very reasonable range. Consider that these two teams are just one meeting removed from a game that totalled 263 points. Washington is just three games removed from its second-highest scoring total of the season. While it did allow just 93 points in its most recent game that came against an undermanned Cavs squad due to Covid protocols. Prior to that, the Wiz had given up 117, 117 and 119 points over their last three games. Here, we'll note that the last 28 times the Wiz have played at home off an 'under' result, they have seen an average total of 234.0 points scored. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
01-01-22 | Spurs -6.5 v. Pistons | 116-117 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on San Antonio minus the points over Detroit at 7 pm et on Saturday. With Dejounte Murray expected to return from Covid protocol the Spurs are in a bounce-back smash spot against the undermanned Pistons on Saturday night. Note that San Antonio has gone 19-9 ATS in its last 28 games following a double-digit loss, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Pistons are just 25-40 ATS the last 65 times they've sought revenge for a same-season loss, which is the situation here after they were blown out in San Antonio on Boxing Day. While the Spurs have run into trouble over their last two games, those came against two elite teams in the Jazz and Grizzlies. Note that while they've posted a 7-10 SU record on the road this season, they've actually outscored the opposition by an average margin of 0.7 points. Take San Antonio (8*). |
|||||||
01-01-22 | Blackhawks v. Predators -167 | 1-6 | Win | 100 | 16 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on Nashville over Chicago at 2:05 pm et on Saturday. The Preds are coming off consecutive losses post-holiday break, dropping games in Washington and Columbus. Here, I look for them to bounce back as they host the Blackhawks, who will be playing for the first time since the break. Note that the Preds are actually one of the league's healthiest teams right now given the roster issues most are dealing with due to Covid protocols. Nashville checks in 11-4 when coming off consecutive losses over the last two seasons and 27-13 after giving up three goals or more in consecutive games over the last three seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 0.6 goals in that situation. The Blackhawks are just 5-11 on the road this season where they've been outscored by an average margin of 1.0 goal. Take Nashville (7*). |
|||||||
01-01-22 | Creighton v. Marquette +1 | 75-69 | Loss | -106 | 4 h 43 m | Show | |
My selection is on Marquette plus the points over Creighton at 12 noon et on Saturday. It may be early but make no mistake, this is a big game for Shaka Smart's Marquette Golden Eagles. Missing Darryl Morsell due to Covid protocols, the Golden Eagles dropped their third game in a row, by eight points against UConn back on December 21st. While this is certainly a tough matchup against Creighton, I expect Marquette to rise to the occasion. The Blue Jays last played on December 17th, when they posted a stunning blowout win over Villanova. While Creighton is off to a fine start this season, it hasn't been all that consistent. Note that the Blue Jays have faced the nation's 131st toughest schedule this season according to KenPom. Marquette on the other hand has faced the 17th toughest. Take Marquette (8*). |
|||||||
12-31-21 | Clippers v. Raptors UNDER 211 | 108-116 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 39 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Los Angeles and Toronto at 7:40 pm et on Friday. I'm not anticipating a track meet between the undermanned Clippers and the Raptors on Friday night. Note that Toronto will have most of its players back for this game after dealing with Covid protocols and that means plenty of shuffling with its rotation for head coach Nick Nurse. The Raps have had some terrific offensive outbursts lately but still average just north of 104 points per game at home this season. Meanwhile, the Clippers have allowed two of their three lowest point totals of the season over their last four games and they'll need to continue to play that style with Paul George and a host of other key contributors sidelined. The Clips average right around 103 points per game on the road this season with those contests averaging 207.1 total points. Los Angeles has shot 40.7% or worse in consecutive games while Toronto checks in having shot 43.7% or worse over its last two contests. Take the under (8*). |
|||||||
12-31-21 | Capitals -150 v. Red Wings | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
NHL Eastern Conference Game of the Month. My selection is on Washington over Detroit at 7:35 pm et on Friday. I like what I saw from the Capitals as they jumped ahead early, blew a 3-0 lead but then rallied to win 5-3 against the Predators in their first game back from the holiday break two nights ago. We've seen some of that shakiness from most teams in their first game back on the ice, and should anticipate the same from the Red Wings on Friday. The Caps have most of their key contributors back from the Covid list and are primed to go on a run. They've only managed to split the first two meetings in this series this season but I like their chances here, noting the Red Wings have averaged just 1.7 goals and have been outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals when coming off consecutive games in which they scored 3+ goals, as is the case here, over the last two seasons (14-game sample size). Take Washington (10*). |
|||||||
12-31-21 | Rutgers v. Wake Forest -16.5 | 10-38 | Win | 100 | 3 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on Wake Forest 'first half' minus the points over Rutgers at 11 am et on Friday. I'll lay the points in the first half only with the Demon Deacons on Friday as I believe they can provide a 'shock to the system' of sorts early on against the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers didn't face many 'pass-first' teams over the course of the season. Wake Forest is likely to throw all over it on Friday, however. The Demon Deacons play fast and like to air it out, completing 20+ passes in each of their final seven games down the stretch. The issue with Wake Forest, however, is its defense and its tendency to let teams hang around and in many cases get back in the game after falling behind big. I can certainly see that situation unfolding again here, even with the limited nature of Rutgers' offense (the total sitting in the 60's is telling in my opinion). So instead we'll call for the Deacs' to jump ahead by double-digits early on and hold that lead through the first 30 minutes and not worry about what happens in the second half. Take Wake Forest 'first half' (8*). |
|||||||
12-30-21 | Arizona State v. Wisconsin OVER 41 | Top | 13-20 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 16 m | Show |
CFB Bowl First Half Total of the Year. My selection is on the first half 'over' between Arizona State and Wisconsin at 10:30 pm et on Thursday.
This is one of the lowest totals we'll see during Bowl season and while I can certainly understand the logic behind it, I believe it sets us up well to attack the first half total with a play on the 'over'. The common line of thinking here is that Wisconsin is going to pound the football all night long while Arizona State simply looks to possess the football for extended stretches and ultimately shorten this game in an effort to stay competitive. I actually think we'll see the Sun Devils and Badgers both take some shots down the field early on, however, in an effort to catch the opposing stout defenses off guard and open things up for the ground games to go off later in the contest. In other words, I can certainly see the game getting off to a relatively high-scoring start before the defenses and ground games settle in. Note that the Sun Devils saw an average total of 28.8 points scored in the first half in their games played away from home this season. Their defense certainly looked beatable away from Tempe, giving up 17 points per game in the first half. Wisconsin's defense allowed 1.5 points per game more in the first half away from home compared to at home, with its road contests totalling an average of 19.8 points - just shy of the number we're working with tonight. I have plenty of respect for the Wisconsin defense but here it will be facing a different type of offense than it's accustomed to seeing in the Big 10, with Sun Devils QB Jayden Daniels a dual-threat capable of creating splash plays with his arm or his legs. Meanwhile, Badgers fans are hoping this can be a lift-off game for QB Graham Mertz heading into 2022, something they've of course been starving for all season. Look for him to be afforded the opportunity to push the ball down field early on. Take the first half over (10*). |
|||||||
12-30-21 | Canadiens v. Hurricanes OVER 5.5 | 0-4 | Loss | -120 | 9 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Montreal and Carolina at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. The Canadiens couldn't have gotten a worse draw coming out of the holiday break, first facing the Lightning in Tampa before heading to Raleigh to take on the Hurricanes, all while being undermanned due to Covid protocols. It's dire straights for the Habs on defense and between the pipes right now and things don't figure to improve against a Hurricanes squad that will have most of its key contributors up front back from Covid quarantine on Thursday. However, Carolina will be without goaltender Frederik Andersen meaning we should see Antti Rantta in goal for this one. That does open the door for a Habs offense that had considerable success, albeit against the Lightning's third-string goaltender on Tuesday. Expect a relatively high-scoring affair here. Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-30-21 | St. Joe's v. Richmond -11.5 | Top | 83-56 | Loss | -107 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
A-10 Game of the Year. My selection is on Richmond minus the points over St. Joseph's at 7 pm et on Thursday. I like the way this one sets up as a smash spot for the red hot Richmond Spiders. St. Joseph's comes in off three straight ATS wins. Note the last time it reeled off three consecutive ATS victories it followed that up with a 29-point thumping at the hands of Villanova. Richmond has won six games in a row, going 4-2 ATS over that stretch. The Spiders should offer a bit of a 'shock to the system' for the St. Joe's defense here, noting that they average 10 more three-point attempts per game (26) than the Hawks have faced (16) so far this season. The Spiders are also getting to the free throw line an average of two more times per game while turning the ball over two fewer times and forcing three more turnovers, all while facing a much tougher schedule (top-95 in the country according to KenPom compared to St. Joe's top-250). This is a revenge spot for Richmond after it dropped a stunning 76-73 decision at home last March (as a 15-point favorite). The Spiders clearly overlooked the Hawks on that occasion after beating them by 20+ points on the road earlier in the season. Take Richmond (10*). |
|||||||
12-29-21 | Mavs v. Kings +1.5 | 94-95 | Win | 100 | 15 h 27 m | Show | |
My selection is on Sacramento plus the points over Dallas at 10:40 pm et on Wednesday. This is an ideal revenge spot for the Kings after they suffered a six-point loss in Dallas back on Halloween. The Mavs are far from full strength now, continuing to deal with Covid protocols that have kept a number of key contributors out of the lineup, including Luka Doncic. The Kings went through similar issues but have come out on the other side and enter this game off a slump-busting 117-111 win over the Thunder. Dallas, meanwhile, is coming off a pop-up 15-point win over the reeling Blazers in Portland as it took full advantage of an awful defensive performance on the part of the home side. Here, I'm not sure it will be so fortunate. Take Sacramento (8*). |
|||||||
12-29-21 | Canucks +1.5 v. Ducks | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 19 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vancouver +1.5 goals over Anaheim at 10:35 pm et on Wednesday. The Canucks find themselves in a double-revenge spot against the Ducks here after dropping the first two meetings between these teams this season, including a lopsided 5-1 result here in Anaheim back in November. Vancouver is obviously better-positioned to pick up a win over the Ducks here as it comes out of the extended holiday break off six consecutive wins, clearly playing its best hockey of the season. Both teams have dealt with Covid issues but the Canucks appear to be in better shape right now with Anaheim missing two key contributors up front in Trevor Zegras and Sam Steel. Note that since that 5-1 win over the Canucks on November 14th, the Ducks have gone just 3-13 when factoring in the -1.5 puck-line over their last 16 games with the three wins by two goals or more coming against three of the league's worst teams in Ottawa, Buffalo and Seattle. Here, we'll note that Anaheim is a miserable 4-18 when coming off two wins in its last three games over the last two seasons, as is the case here, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that situation. Take Vancouver +1.5 goals (5*). |
|||||||
12-29-21 | Iowa State v. Clemson OVER 44 | Top | 13-20 | Loss | -108 | 21 h 37 m | Show |
CFB Bowl Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Iowa State and Clemson at 5:45 pm et on Wednesday. This is one of the lowest posted totals we'll see in Bowl season. I believe it will prove too low. Iowa State is in for a bit of a 'shock to the system' here as Clemson ran the football 40+ times in six of its final 10 regular season games, and it had plenty of success doing so, particularly at the tail-end of the season as it piled up nearly 600 rushing yards in its final two contests. Only one of the Cyclones 12 opponents this season ran the football 40+ times. Note that two of their final three opponents gained over 200 yards on the ground. Of course, running the football equates to time off the clock. I'm not overly concerned, however, as I do feel the Clemson ground game should only serve to open things up for the pass. On the flip side, Iowa State is going to sling the football all over the field, especially without RB Breece Hall. The Cyclones threw the football 39, 42, 52 and 30 times over their final four regular season games, racking up over 300 yards passing in three of those games while scoring a whopping 48 points in the other. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-28-21 | Coyotes +1.5 v. Sharks | Top | 7-8 | Win | 100 | 37 h 24 m | Show |
NHL Puck-Line Game of the Month. My selection is on Arizona +1.5 goals over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. The extended holiday break probably came at a good time for the Coyotes, who can use this restart to the season perhaps as a perfect reset, and hopefully turning point for the campaign. Arizona did go into the break on a positive note, off a big 6-5 upset win in Anaheim. San Jose, meanwhile, limped into the break off consecutive home losses against Seattle and Vancouver. The Sharks are just 7-8 on home ice this season, outscored by an average margin of 0.7 goals so the case can certainly be made that they have no business laying such a steep price, regardless the opponent. The Coyotes are 4-12 on the road but actually allow just 0.1 goals per game more on average than the Sharks do at home. Here, we'll note that the Coyotes are 6-1 the last seven times they've played on the road after scoring six goals or more in their previous game, outscoring opponents by 1.2 goals on average in that spot. The Sharks are a woeful 2-12 when playing four or more consecutive games at home, outscored by 2.2 goals on average. Take Arizona +1.5 goals (10*). |
|||||||
12-28-21 | Golden Knights -148 v. Kings | Top | 6-3 | Win | 100 | 37 h 14 m | Show |
NHL Division Game of the Week. My selection is on Vegas over Los Angeles at 10:35 pm et on Tuesday. I really like the way this one sets up as a big revenge spot for the Golden Knights after they dropped a 6-2 decision against the Kings in the first meeting between these division rivals this season. Note that Vegas has gone an incredible 13-1 when seeking revenge for a road loss by three goals or more against an opponent, as is the case here, outscoring the opposition by an average margin of 1.7 goals in that situation. The Kings, meanwhile, are a woeful 2-14 when coming off four or more consecutive road games over the last three seasons, outscored by 1.3 goals on average in that spot. Interestingly, the Kings have averaged just 1.9 goals the last nine times they've played after being off for three or more days, which is obviously the case here following the extended holiday break. The Knights check in averaging an impressive 3.7 goals on the road this season, where they've gone 10-5. Take Vegas (10*). |
|||||||
12-28-21 | Northwestern State v. Baylor UNDER 146 | Top | 68-104 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 48 m | Show |
CBB Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Northwestern State and Baylor at 8 pm et on Tuesday. I like the way this one sets up as a lower-scoring game than most are anticipating on Tuesday night. Northwestern State has faced an extremely tough schedule so far this season - the seventh-toughest in the country according to KenPom. It faces another very tough matchup on the road against defending national champion Baylor on Tuesday. I expect it to once again struggle offensively, noting that it checks in averaging just six made three-pointers and 13 free throw attempts per game this season. Baylor meanwhile allows an average of only five made threes per game at home while sending opponents to the free throw line just 13 times per game on average. The question becomes whether Baylor goes off offensively in this one. It scored 94 points in its most recent game against Alcorn State. Prior to that it had scored fewer than 80 points in five of its last six games. Note that the Bears average nine made threes per game and should approach that average here. However, they also average only 10 made free throws per contest. Despite facing a difficult schedule, Northwestern State has managed to force an average of 12 turnovers per game while Baylor has turned it over 10 or more times in six consecutive games heading into this one. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
12-28-21 | Wizards v. Heat -6 | 112-119 | Win | 100 | 11 h 12 m | Show | |
My selection is on Miami minus the points over Washington at 7:40 pm et on Tuesday. I'll lay the points with the Heat on Tuesday as they aim for their fourth consecutive victory. Both teams are dealing with Covid issues but who isn't these days? The Heat check in allowing just a shade over 100 points per game at home this season where they've outscored opponents by an average margin of around eight points. The Wizards, meanwhile, did register consecutive wins to wrap up their most recent road trip but remain just 9-11 away from home this season where they give up an average of over 108 points per game. The Heat have taken the last two matchups with the Wizards here in Miami by 27 and 15 points. Note that the Heat are coming off a 10-point win over the Magic last time out that saw them give up their lowest point total of the entire season (83 points). The Wiz haven't allowed fewer than 100 points in a game since way back on November 26th against Oklahoma City. Take Miami (9*). |
|||||||
12-28-21 | Louisville v. Air Force +1.5 | Top | 28-31 | Win | 100 | 22 h 2 m | Show |
CFB Bowl Game of the Year. My selection is on Air Force plus the points over Louisville at 3:15 pm et on Tuesday. We've seen plenty of support for Louisville leading up to this game, flipping the line from the opener that saw Air Force as a short favorite. I don't agree with the move. The Falcons have done nothing but win under head coach Troy Calhoun - particularly since a disastrous 2-10 2013 season. This year, we saw Air Force navigate a tough Mountain West Conference schedule to go 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS. I guess you could say Louisville's most impressive win came at home against Central Florida early in the season. There were also ugly lopsided losses against the likes of Ole Miss, N.C. State and Kentucky in the Cardinals regular season finale. Air Force closed out the regular season on a roll, winning three straight games and scoring 124 points in the process. I expect the Falcons to offer a real shock to the system to the Louisville defense here - a defense that struggled to stop the run at the best of times this season. The Cardinals can run as well, and will need to with a couple of key contributors at the wide receiver position transferring out of the program, but Air Force was stout against the run all season, allowing just 3.2 yards per rush against opponents that average 3.8 ypr. While few expect the Falcons to take to the air often in this game, I do think there will be opportunities for them to do so, noting that they did average 9.6 yards per pass attempt over the course of the regular season while Louisville was only average against the pass, giving up 7.0 yppa. Take Air Force (10*). |
|||||||
12-27-21 | Jazz v. Spurs OVER 228.5 | Top | 110-104 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 36 m | Show |
Western Conference Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Utah and San Antonio at 8:40 pm et on Monday. We won with the 'over' in this same matchup on December 17th and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play in Monday's rematch. The Jazz are coming off a close call against the undermanned Mavs on Saturday. Three of their six highest point totals allowed this season have come over their last five games. Now they'll have to contend with a Spurs squad that has registered its three highest point totals of the season over its last five contests. Also note, however, that three of San Antonio's four highest point totals given up this season have also come in its last eight games. The Jazz will be without Donovan Mitchell for Monday's game (back) but he's been in and out of the lineup numerous times over the last couple of seasons so they're accustomed to playing without him. Outside of that, the Jazz and Spurs have remained two of the most unscathed teams when it comes to Covid protocols. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-27-21 | Dolphins v. Saints UNDER 37 | Top | 20-3 | Win | 102 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
NFL MNF 1H Total of the Month. My selection is on the first half 'under' between Miami and New Orleans at 8:15 pm et on Monday. We'll play the first half total only in this one as there's obviously plenty of uncertainty when it comes to the Saints gameplan on both sides of the football with so many key contributors sidelined. I like the way it sets up as a low-scoring start. While this looks like a slam dunk for the Fins on paper given all of the Saints absences, they'll have to be careful not to overlook New Orleans, which still has many of its defensive anchors on the field. I'm anticipating a more conservative offensive gameplan here after QB Tua Tagovailoa turned the football over twice in last week's win over the Jets, including one interception that was returned for a touchdown. We've seen renewed balance from the Miami offense lately as it has ran the football at least 39 times in two of its last three games and finally appears to have a fully healthy backfield for this one. The Saints are going to be extra-cautious when they have the football with fourth-string QB Ian Book running the offense. We can obviously expect to see a heavy dose of RB Alvin Kamara in this one. Regardless, I'm not expecting much from the New Orleans offense. Note that the Saints are averaging a woeful 6.0 points in the first half at home this season. The Dolphins, meanwhile, average 9.5 points in the first half on the road. The 'under' has gone a perfect 6-0 in the first half of their next game with the Saints coming off a win this season, resulting in an average total of just 14.5 points in that situation. Meanwhile, the 'under' is 55-33 in the first half with the Fins coming off a win over a division opponent, as is the case here. Take the first half under (10*). |
|||||||
12-27-21 | Western Michigan v. Nevada UNDER 56.5 | 52-24 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Western Michigan and Nevada at 11 am et on Monday. The 'over' has been the best bet during Bowl season so far but I believe we'll see a different story unfold in Monday's Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. Nevada will be missing the core of its team for this one with QB Carson Strong and WR Romeo Doubs among those sitting the game out to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, not to mention half the coaching staff moving on with head coach Jay Norvell. While the Wolf Pack boasted a high-octane offense throughout the regular season, I wouldn't count on seeing that here. Western Michigan had a few standout performances over the course of the season but for the most part, its offense disappointed. Here, the Broncos will need to be cautious as they've had a tendency to turn the football over and Nevada has had a knack for forcing the same with 12 over its final five regular season games. Western Michigan has generally been a run-first team, topping out at 22 or less pass completions in all but one of its games this season (that coming in a stunning 44-41 upset win at Pitt back in September). I think we'll see both teams come out and look to control the time of possession in this one, ultimately working into our favor with a play on the 'under'. Take the under (8*). |
|||||||
12-26-21 | Nuggets v. Clippers OVER 212 | 103-100 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Denver and Los Angeles at 9:10 pm et on Sunday. The Nuggets are just two games removed from their highest-scoring performance of the season but are coming off consecutive subpar showings, putting up only 94 and 107 points in back-to-back losses prior to the Christmas break. Here, I look for them to bounce back against the Paul George-less Clippers. Two of the Clippers six highest point totals allowed this season have come in their last four contests. Paul George is now sidelined indefinitely but the Clips should have Luke Kennard back in the lineup on Sunday. Here, they'll face a Nuggets squad that has consistently been allowing plenty of points, giving up 107 points or more in nine consecutive games. They've given up 115 points or more in three of their last four contests. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-26-21 | Bears v. Seahawks OVER 41.5 | 25-24 | Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Seattle at 4:05 pm et on Sunday. Both of these teams are coming off low-scoring games earlier this week but I expect a different story to unfold on Sunday. The Bears will likely turn to Nick Foles at quarterback as Justin Fields deals with an ankle injury. Given what we've seen from Fields it's hard to envision much of a downgrade. If anything Foles may be able to do a better job of pushing the football down the field. It's not as if the Bears are bereft of playmakers on offense. RB David Montgomery is in line to go off against a weak Seattle run defense here. The Seahawks got some good news as WR Tyler Lockett sounds like he'll be able to play. Chicago's defense continues to play on without a number of key contributors and doesn't figure to offer much resistance here. Robert Quinn and the Bears pass rush is certainly a concern but I think the Seahawks can stay balanced and find some success regardless, noting that they scored 30 points in their lone home game over their last four contests. Take the over (9*). |
|||||||
12-26-21 | Jaguars v. Jets OVER 41 | Top | 21-26 | Win | 100 | 5 h 29 m | Show |
NFL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Jacksonville and New York at 1 pm et on Sunday. We won with the 'over' in the Jaguars home loss to the Texans last week and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as they travel to New York to face the Jets. The Jags offense did show some signs of life or at least some semblance of an identity in last week's loss - the first game of the post-Urban Meyer era. RB James Robinson should be the focal point of the Jags offense moving forward and he figures to go off against the Jets league-worst run defense. New York is favored for a reason here, however, and I would anticipate the Jets offense enjoying some success against a Jags defense that will be missing arguably its best player in DE Josh Allen. Despite gaining only 228 total yards of offense in last week's loss in Miami, the Jets still managed to manufacture 24 points. They'll be taking a considerable step down in class against the Jags here and I expect them to turn Zach Wilson loose (which as we know could lead to points for either team). Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-25-21 | Colts v. Cardinals -1 | 22-16 | Loss | -117 | 24 h 13 m | Show | |
My selection is on Arizona minus the points over Indianapolis at 8:15 pm et on Saturday. With the Colts dealing with considerable Covid issues I can certainly see them punting this one, especially with games against the Raiders and Jaguars on deck. I liked the situation prior, but now that we have a little more clarity I see this as an ideal spot to back Arizona as a short favorite at home as it looks to bounce back from last week's dismal performance against the Lions. It's not difficult to come back from that type of poor performance as we saw from the Cards last week, particularly at home. Take Arizona (10*). |
|||||||
12-25-21 | Warriors v. Suns -3.5 | 116-107 | Loss | -110 | 33 h 25 m | Show | |
My selection is on Phoenix minus the points over Golden State at 5:10 pm et on Saturday. With Steph Curry going off on Thursday against the Grizzlies and the Suns failing to cover against the Thunder, I like the way this one sets up for Phoenix as these two Western Conference powerhouses do battle for the third time this season. The home team has won and covered the first two matchups (keep in mind, the Suns were without Devin Booker for the rematch in San Francisco). Phoenix enters this game on a serious roll, firing on all cylinders at both ends of the floor. I like the way Monty Williams managed Thursday's game as Devin Booker got truly stretched out for the first time since returning from injury, seeing 35 minutes of action (and pouring in 30 points). DeAndre Ayton and Chris Paul played just 30 and 31 minutes, respectively. While most teams have dealth with Covid issues, the Suns have been relatively unscathed (fingers crossed that remains the case for Saturday). Here, we'll note that the Suns are 22-5 ATS as a home favorite of six points or less over the last two seasons, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 10.1 points. They're also an incredible 16-3 ATS when revenging a double-digit loss against an opponent over that same time frame, as is the case here, outscoring foes by 13.7 points on average. Take Phoenix (10*). |
|||||||
12-25-21 | Warriors v. Suns UNDER 228.5 | 116-107 | Win | 100 | 33 h 10 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Golden State and Phoenix at 5:10 pm et on Saturday. NOTE: There are currently large discrepancies across several books with this total. I would anticipate playing it in the 218-220 range once the numbers settle out. Both of these teams scored exactly 113 points in Thursday's victories. The first two meetings in this series this season totalled just 200 and 214 points. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is a perfect 7-0 when the Suns face Pacific Division opponents this season with those games totalling an average of only 209.8 points. The 'under' is also 35-16 in the Warriors last 51 road games. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
12-25-21 | Browns v. Packers -7.5 | 22-24 | Loss | -102 | 29 h 46 m | Show | |
NFL Game of the Week. My selection is on Green Bay minus the points over Cleveland at 4:30 pm et on Saturday. I'm not going to get caught overthinking this one. The Browns are missing so many key contributors and let's face it, they weren't playing all that well to begin with. Yes, Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry are among those players expected back from Covid protocols. No I don't think they have any sort of advantage against a Packers defense that should be in a foul mood after giving up 30 points against the Ravens last Sunday. Offensively, there's little reason to expect anything other than Aaron Rodgers and the Pack offense running roughshod over the Browns overrated defense. Cleveland held up well against the Raiders on Monday but that had more to do with the limited nature and cautious, conservative approach by the Las Vegas offense than anything else in my opinion. The Browns don't get better with defensive anchor Myles Garrett dealing with a nagging groin injury and playing on a very short week. They also lose key safety John Johnson. Take Green Bay (10*). |
|||||||
12-23-21 | Thunder v. Suns UNDER 214.5 | Top | 101-113 | Win | 100 | 12 h 19 m | Show |
NBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Oklahoma City and Phoenix at 9:10 pm et on Thursday. The Suns are rolling along right now but they're also in a stretch that will see them play a ton of basketball between now and January 8th. Here, they'll be playing their third game in five nights with a big game against the Warriors looming on Christmas Day. From there they'll play three more times before the end of the year before four games in the first eight days of January. Workload management becomes a factor and I think this is a contest where they can post a victory without going full throttle for four quarters - one of the few opportunities they may have to do so in the next couple of weeks. Oklahoma City is in a back-to-back spot off a big win over the Nuggets last night. Note that the Thunder have allowed two of their five lowest point totals of the season over their last two games. The 'under' is 9-5 in their 14 road games this season, largely due to their own awful scoring average of 96.9 points per game. Off three consecutive victories I'm just not sure we're going to see a peak offensive performance from the Thunder as they look ahead to the holiday break (their next game comes on Boxing Day). Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
12-23-21 | Bucks v. Mavs OVER 214 | 102-95 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 40 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Milwaukee and Dallas at 8:40 pm et on Thursday. We won with the 'over' in the Bucks rout of Houston last night and I won't hesitate to go back to the well as they play the second of back-to-backs in Dallas on Thursday. Both teams are missing a number of key contributors - Dallas in particular. However, we're dealing with a considerably lower total than we would normally see in this matchup as a result (that goes without saying, I know). Note that the Bucks have allowed two of their five highest point totals of the season in their last five games alone. They welcomed back Khris Middleton from injury last night and ultimately put up a whopping 126 points. The Mavs have managed to score over 100 points in five straight games despite missing so many pieces. They scored 114 points in a double-digit win over Minnesota two nights ago with a similar lineup to the one we're likely to see on Thursday. Note, however that Dallas has also given up 107, 111 and 102 points over its last three games and doesn't figure to improve on those numbers as it takes a step up in class against the Bucks (Milwaukee has proven it is a top-flight team even without Giannis). Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-23-21 | 49ers v. Titans OVER 44 | Top | 17-20 | Loss | -105 | 28 h 59 m | Show |
TNF Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between San Francisco and Tennessee at 8:20 pm et on Thursday. After watching the Titans dismal offensive performance against the Steelers last Sunday this is a bit of a 'plug-your-nose and bet it' type of play on Thursday night but I love the way it sets up. The 49ers offense is set up to go off both on the ground and through the air as Jimmy G. in particular remains an undervalued commodity, even after a string of top flight performances. The question becomes whether the Titans offense can keep up, but I believe they can. Derrick Henry remains sidelined, as does Julio Jones. However, Tennessee got some good news with the return of WR A.J. Brown. He's in line to go off against a very beatable 49ers pass defense here. I'm still a believer in Titans QB Ryan Tannehill, even after last Sunday's ugly performance against the Steelers. The 49ers defense is thought of as a top-level unit but it has been getting regularly torched by opposing wide receivers. Last week's mistake-laden effort in Pittsburgh couldn't have sat well with the Titans. I expect them to come out aggressively as a result here. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-23-21 | Central Florida v. Florida UNDER 56 | 29-17 | Win | 100 | 28 h 35 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Central Florida and Florida at 7 pm et on Thursday. It seems that all anyone can remember when it comes to Florida - apart from its horrible play under then-head coach Dan Mullen - was the fact that it gave up 52 points against Samford back in November. Since then, the Gators have tightened things up, allowing 24 points against Missouri and 21 against Florida State. Here, they'll face a Central Florida squad that really only busted out offensively against the likes of Bethune-Cookman, Temple and UConn - three of the worst defensive teams around. On a positive note, the Knights did hold five of their final six opponents to 17 points or less and I do think they can manage this matchup as well, noting that outside of that 70-point outburst against Samford, Florida was held to 24 points or less in four of its final five games. We're talking about two defenses that held opponents to 59.4% passing (Central Florida) and 57% passing (Florida) this season. Given the fact that both teams have been somewhat vulnerable against the run this season, I expect both offenses to focus on keeping it on the ground for stretches in this one and with a total in the mid-to-high 50's that has me firmly on the 'under'. Take the under (8*). |
|||||||
12-23-21 | Miami-OH v. North Texas UNDER 55 | Top | 27-14 | Win | 100 | 24 h 21 m | Show |
CFB Bowl Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Miami-Ohio and North Texas at 3:30 pm et on Thursday. I love the way this one sets up as a lower-scoring game than most are expecting on Thursday. Miami-Ohio is coming off a wild 48-47 loss to Kent State (who we saw light it up but also fail to come up with any stops in Tuesday's lopsided loss against Wyoming). In fact, the 'over' has cashed in three of the Redhawks last four games. They threw all over the likes of Ohio, Buffalo and aforementioned Kent State over that stretch. I wouldn't anticipate them doing the same here. Note that North Texas allowed 20+ pass completions on only three occasions this season, against SMU, Missouri and Marshall. Over the Mean Green Eagles' last six games they held the opposition to a combined 97-for-184 (53%) passing. It's not as if teams simply elected to run all over them either, only UTSA (with standout RB Sincere McCormick) managed to gain more than 113 yards on the ground against them over that stretch. On the flip side, North Texas employs a run-first offense. Only twice this season did it complete more than 17 passes and it managed to score a combined 38 points in those two contests against SMU and Liberty where it was forced to play in catch-up mode. Miami-Ohio was respectable defending the run this season, holding opponents that average 4.4 yards per rush to 4.3 ypr. I don't envision the Redhawks getting taken advantage of through the air in this one, noting that they've been accustomed to facing pass-first offenses in the MAC, noting that they've seen 30+ pass attempts in eight straight games heading into this one. Here, we'll note that the 'under' is 70-48 the last 118 times Miami-Ohio has come off a loss with those games totalling an average of just 47.3 points. Meanwhile, the 'under' is a perfect 7-0 with North Texas coming off five or more consecutive wins, as is the case here, with that spot producing an average total of 47.0 points. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
12-22-21 | Rockets v. Bucks OVER 224 | 106-126 | Win | 100 | 8 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Milwaukee at 8:10 pm et on Wednesday. I'll take a flyer on the 'over' in this one even with Christian Wood's status still up in the air due to a nagging knee injury. I believe there's a better chance that he plays than doesn't in this, the first of back-to-back games for the Rockets (I would expect the Rockets to play Wood against an undermanned Bucks team rather than on the second of back-to-backs in Indiana tomorrow). Note that the Rockets have allowed three of their five highest point totals of the season over their last five contests. The good news is, they have continued to produce offensively, scoring 103, 116 and 118 points in their last three games. As for the Bucks, they're expected to welcome back Khris Middleton on Wednesday night. You don't get worse offensively by adding a guy like Middleton to the lineup and while the Bucks were awful at that end of the floor last time out (90 points scored against Cleveland) they had put up 114 and 112 points in their previous two games. Note that the Bucks have given up three of their seven highest point totals of the season in their last four games alone. These two teams just met in Houston back on December 10th and combined to score 237 total points. Covid has obviously ravaged the Bucks roster since but I still think we see this one find its way 'over' the total (which has been adjusted downward since that last meeting). Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-22-21 | Hofstra +6 v. Monmouth | Top | 77-71 | Win | 100 | 12 h 52 m | Show |
CBB Game of the Week. My selection is Hofstra plus the points over Monmouth at 7 pm et on Wednesday. The Monmouth Hawks are off to an incredible 12-0 ATS start this season but I think their run of perfection (ATS-wise at least) comes to an end on Wednesday. Hofstra is a quality squad that you just don't hear much about. The Pride have faced the 25th toughest schedule in the country (according to KenPom) but have managed to post a respectable 7-5 SU and 7-3 ATS (in lined games) overall record. They're limiting opponents to just 13 free throw attempts per game and a disciplined brand of defense will be key against a Monmouth squad that lives at the line, getting there 19 times per game this season. The Pride also turn the ball over three fewer times than the Hawks while forcing two additional turnovers per contest. Monmouth's offense has benefited from some sharp shooting from beyond the arc, particularly at home where it knocks down over 40% of its three-point attempts. Hofstra is capable of matching it in that regard, however, averaging 10 made threes per game. The Pride should offer the Hawks a bit of a change of pace here as they average 29 three-point attempts per game - five north of the 24 Monmouth has seen on average. These two teams met last December as well with Hofstra scoring 96 points in an eight-point road win (as a -1.5 favorite). Look for Speedy Claxton's squad to give red hot Monmouth a serious run on Wednesday night. Take Hofstra (10*). |
|||||||
12-21-21 | Suns -7 v. Lakers | Top | 108-90 | Win | 100 | 14 h 39 m | Show |
NBA Pacific Division Game of the Year. My selection is on Phoenix minus the points over Los Angeles at 10:05 pm et on Tuesday. I can't help but think this game means very little to the Lakers in the grand scheme of things. They know they can't match up with the Suns right now, not with Anthony Davis among those sidelined and Lebron James less than 100% healthy. The Suns welcomed Devin Booker back on Sunday and he filled the statsheet in only 26 minutes of action. While Booker was sidelined we saw the Suns continue to stack up wins with a number of other players picking up the scoring slack in his absence. I believe Phoenix is better for it. The Suns have been a terrific positive momentum play in recent years, going 13-4 ATS in their last 17 games following consecutive double-digit wins, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Lakers are a miserable 20-36 ATS in their last 56 home games and limp into this game off a 1-2 road trip in which the only win came against a Luka-less Mavs squad. It's worth noting that the straight-up winner has also covered the spread in 11 straight meetings in this series. Take Phoenix (10*). |
|||||||
12-21-21 | Seahawks v. Rams OVER 46.5 | 10-20 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 18 m | Show | |
My selection is on the ‘over’ between Seattle and Los Angeles at 7 pm et on Tuesday. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here, Seattle is going to relish playing the spoiler role down the stretch. The Seahawks could have folded the tent but instead they’re playing well off consecutive wins and I don’t expect them to roll over against the division rival Rams, in a revenge spot no less. On the flip side, the Rams are making up for lost time in a sense as well and should tee off on a very beatable Seahawks defense here - just as they did in the season’s first meeting. The loser gets to 21-24 points in this one and that should cash our ticket with ease. Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-21-21 | Washington Football Team v. Eagles -6.5 | 17-27 | Win | 100 | 7 h 17 m | Show | |
My selection is on Philadelphia minus the points at 7 pm et on Tuesday. I’m not going to overthink this one. The Washington Football Team made things a lot closer than they probably should have been in last week’s home loss to the Cowboys. Now, likely missing a number of key cogs against the Eagles, on the road no less, I look for them to struggle mightily to stay competitive. Philadelphia is as healthy as you could hope for in the midst of this Omicron wave. And the Eagles obviously still have everything to play for at this point. Only Dallas miscues on offense kept the Football Team from getting embarrassed last Sunday. I can’t see them benefitting from the same against the Eagles though. Philadelphia has won three of its last four games with the lone loss coming in a clear letdown spot against the Giants on the road. They also put up 30+ points in those three wins and should be able to approach that number again here. Take Philadelphia (8*).  |
|||||||
12-21-21 | Wyoming v. Kent State +3.5 | 52-38 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 4 m | Show | |
My selection is on Kent State plus the points over Wyoming at 3:30 pm et on Tuesday. The Golden Flashes go from being favored by 3.5 points in the MAC Championship Game against Northern Illinois to catching the same number of points against a Wyoming squad that has lost six of its last eight games. The common line of thinking here is that the Cowboys have the superior defense and will therefore be able to control proceedings in this contest. I'm not so easily convinced. Keep in mind, the best two offenses Wyoming faced this season were arguably Fresno State and Boise State and they lost those two games by a combined 40-13 score. Note that the Cowboys want to run the football on offense. In fact, they didn't complete more than 18 passes on a single occasion this season. The problem is the Golden Flashes are more than used to facing similar offenses. Five opponents ran the football 40+ times against them over the course of the season. They've allowed 4.7 yards per rush against opponents that average 4.4 ypr. The Flashes have faced an average of 41 rush attempts per game and Wyoming runs the football an average of, you guessed it, 41 times per game. Interestingly, Wyoming's run defense hasn't been a whole lot better, allowing 4.4 ypr against opponents that average 4.1 ypr. It's the Cowboys pass defense that has been a difference-maker, but here I'm willing to bet on the talent of the Golden Flashes aerial attack led by QB Dustin Crum. Kent State head coach Sean Lewis has come on and turned the program around. The Flashes went 2-10 in his first season in 2018 but have posted three consecutive winning seasons since, including a win in the Frisco Bowl in 2019 (the program's first ever Bowl victory). Take Kent State (8*). |
|||||||
12-20-21 | Spurs v. Clippers UNDER 217.5 | 116-92 | Win | 100 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between San Antonio and Los Angeles at 10:40 pm et on Monday. The 'over' has cashed in three straight games involving the Spurs and we were on board for one of those contests on Saturday night in Utah. I look for that trend to reverse on Monday, however, as they play the second of back-to-back nights off a loss in Sacramento on Sunday. The Spurs are still averaging just north of 105 points per game on the road this season. They'll be up against a Clippers squad that will be in a foul mood after losing consecutive games in Utah and Oklahoma City. The Clips have been a different team at home, however, where they've gone 12-7, allowing just 103.7 points per game with the 'under' cashing at a 10-3-1 clip. Note that the most recent meeting between these two teams totalled only 198 points right here in Los Angeles back on November 16th. Take the under (8*). |
|||||||
12-20-21 | Vikings v. Bears OVER 44 | Top | 17-9 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 9 m | Show |
NFC North Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Chicago at 8:15 pm et on Monday. With all of the Bears projected absences on defense due to Covid protocols and other various injuries and ailments there's absolutely no excuse for the Vikings not to approach 30 points in this game. The Vikes are still missing WR Adam Thielen but the emergence of K.J. Osborn certainly lessens the blow. This one should be all about RB Dalvin Cook and WR Justin Jefferson anyway. Cook is in a smash spot against a very beatable Bears run defense that as I mentioned is missing a number of key cogs. Jefferson is always a strong candidate to find the end zone and he's likely to avoid Bears standout CB Jaylon Johnson here as he was moved to the Covid list on Sunday. The question becomes whether the Bears can do enough to help this one 'over' the total. I believe they can. Few teams have struggled as badly against opposing wide receivers as the Vikings this season and Bears rookie QB Justin Fields seems to be building a better rapport with his receiving corps with each passing week. WR Darnell Mooney brings the big play potential but it's actually Damiere Byrd and Jakeem Grant that I would keep an eye on in this one. Allen Robinson is likely going to be sidelined after hitting the Covid list but he's never been on the same page as Fields this season anyway, coming off another low-key performance last Sunday in Green Bay. The Vikings have been anything but stout against the run this season opening the door for a possible big game from Bears RB David Montgomery as well. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-20-21 | Vikings v. Bears +6.5 | 17-9 | Loss | -104 | 23 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Chicago plus the points over Minnesota at 8:15 pm et on Monday. While the Bears are ravaged by Covid-related absences I'm willing to take a flyer on them grabbing nearly a full touchdown at home against what I consider to be an untrustworthy Vikings squad. Minnesota's most lopsided road win this season came by only seven points against the Chargers last month. The Vikes defense remains extremely vulnerable and it's obvious that the Bears offense is on an uptick right now, having scored 22 and 30 points in losses to the Cardinals and Packers - two very difficult matchups - over the last two weeks. Rookie QB Justin Fields is starting to build a good rapport with his receivers and I expect to see further progression against a very beatable Vikings secondary here. Note that the last three meetings in this series have been decided by a grand total of just 14 points with the Bears winning two of those games outright. Take Chicago (8*). |
|||||||
12-20-21 | Oral Roberts -3 v. South Dakota | 82-73 | Win | 100 | 8 h 49 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oral Roberts minus the points over South Dakota at 8 pm et on Monday. We won with Oral Roberts in its last game and I won't hesitate to go back to the well again here. ORU should offer a 'shock to the system' of sorts as it averages 33 three-point attempts per game (making 13 of those on average) while South Dakota has faced just 22 threes per contest. USD has lived at the free throw line where it averages 22 attempts per game but now faces an ORU squad that has limited opponents to only 12 attempts from the charity stripe per contest. Also note that while ORU ranks in the 130's in terms of strength of schedule (according to KenPom), USD checks in north of 300th in that department. Off consecutive home wins, I look for South Dakota to fall short here. Take Oral Roberts (8*). |
|||||||
12-20-21 | Raiders v. Browns OVER 41 | 16-14 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 30 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Las Vegas and Cleveland at 5 pm et on Monday. Even with all of the uncertainly around Covid-related absences leading up to this game, I believe the potential is there for a relatively high-scoring affair. That's definitely a contrarian take when you consider the Raiders have been held to 16 or less points in five of their last six games. With that being said I like the way this one sets up for a couple of skill players in particular, those being WR Hunter Renfrow and RB Josh Jacobs. Renfrow should feast on an undermanned Browns secondary that has allowed opponents to complete 69% of their passes over their last eight games. Things don't figure to get better in that regard with a number of key cogs in the Cleveland pass defense sidelined for this one. Meanwhile, the Cleveland run defense has been average at best this season and we have seen Jacobs find the end zone in two of the last three games. On the flip side, the Browns QB situation remains clouded with Nick Mullens the most likely candidate to play in this one. I'm not sure it matters all that much as this one should be all about RB Nick Chubb who figures to go off against a weak Raiders run defense that allows 125 rush yards per game on 4.3 yards per rush this season. Vegas' pass defense checks in having allowed a whopping 7.9 yards per pass attempt over its last three games and has been particularly soft against opposing tight ends this season. While the Browns are unlikely to have TE Austin Hooper for this game, that is a position where they do boast considerable depth. Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-20-21 | Tulsa -8.5 v. Old Dominion | 30-17 | Win | 100 | 6 h 37 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tulsa minus the points over Old Dominion at 2:30 pm et on Monday. I believe there's a talent gap that isn't being properly reflected in this line. Tulsa had high hopes this season but a very difficult schedule ended up contributing to a 6-6 campaign. After a bitter two-point defeat in last year's Armed Forces Bowl you can be sure the Golden Hurricane's wealth of returning talent will be up for this game - even if it is 'only' the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Old Dominion reached this game thanks to reeling off five straight wins to close out the regular season. Of course, those wins came against a weak slate of opponents - the toughest being Middle Tennessee State, which the Monarchs upset as a three-point underdog. While Tulsa QB Davis Brin struggled for the most part this season, I'm not sure this is his game to win. Instead I look for the Golden Hurricane to lean heavily on their excellent ground attack led by RB Sharmari Brooks, along with their experienced defense which will be looking to make a statement after not quite living up to expectations over the course of the season. Underdogs have ruled Bowl season so far, but I look for Tulsa to reverse that trend on Monday. Take Tulsa (8*). |
|||||||
12-19-21 | Blazers v. Grizzlies OVER 218 | 105-100 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 15 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Memphis and Portland at 6:10 pm et on Sunday. Thanks to their last meeting totalling just 216 points in Portland just last week we're dealing with a lower posted total in this quick rematch in Memphis. The last two meetings in this series have now stayed 'under' the total. That's worth noting as we haven't seen three consecutive matchups between these two teams go 'under' since way back in 2015. The Blazers finally snapped their losing streak with a 125-116 win over Charlotte last time out (we won with the 'over' in that game). They've scored at least 103 points in four straight games after being held to 94 points or less in three of their previous four contests. The Grizzlies have now given up 103 points or more in three of their last four games after holding five of their previous six opponents to 95 points or less. They're rolling offensively right now, posting two of their six highest point totals of the season in their last three contests. Take the over (9*). |
|||||||
12-19-21 | Bengals v. Broncos UNDER 45 | 15-10 | Win | 100 | 6 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Cincinnati and Denver at 4:05 pm et on Sunday. The Broncos saw their six-game 'under' streak come to an end in last Sunday's 38-10 rout of the Lions. That outcome had everything to do with Detroit's inability to control the game (or the football). I expect a different story to unfold here. I generally like playing Bengals 'overs' in games where they're projected to be playing from behind. I'm not convinced that's the case here. QB Joe Burrow leads what at times looks like one of the most explosive offenses in the league. At others, he's relegated to game-manager and I can see that being the case here against a Broncos defense that has held up well against the pass and the run. On the flip side, the Bengals defense has held six straight opponents to fewer than 300 yards passing and the Broncos don't figure to test that streak here, noting that they've thrown for 250 yards or less in seven consecutive games. Cincinnati has also held four straight opponents to 100 yards rushing or less. Note that on two previous occasions where they scored 28 points or more in a game this season, the Broncos proceeded to score 13 and 9 points the next week. Take the under (9*). |
|||||||
12-19-21 | Dartmouth +12 v. California | Top | 55-61 | Win | 100 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
CBB Non-Conference Underdog Game of the Year. My selection is on Darmouth plus the points over California at 4 pm et on Sunday. Dartmouth gave Stanford everything it could handle on Friday night before fading in overtime in an 11-point loss. The eventual lopsided nature of that game ends up providing us with some value here as the Big Green should bring plenty of confidence as a decided underdog at Cal on Sunday. Note that Dartmouth ranks 77th in the nation in terms of strength of schedule. Cal checks in 119th. Coming off consecutive blowout wins to open their four-game homestand it would be easy for the Bears to overlook the Big Green here. That would be a mistake as Dartmouth can hang thanks to its terrific outside shooting (10 made threes per game on 37.2% shooting from beyond the arc). The knock on the Big Green is their inability to get to the free throw line with much consistency (they average only 11 attempts per game). However, they do knock down nearly 75% of their free throw attempts and it's not as if Cal has been much better in that regard, averaging 15 trips to the charity stripe per contest. Cal also averages only five made threes per contest. Additionally, Dartmouth forces three more turnovers per game while the two teams are on par in terms of turnovers lost, averaging 12 each. While I'm not about to call for the outright upset, I do think Dartmouth can take this one down to the wire. Take Dartmouth (10*). |
|||||||
12-19-21 | Golden Knights v. Islanders +1.5 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 3 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on New York +1.5 goals over Vegas at 2:05 pm et on Sunday. I'll grab the insurance goal with the Islanders here as they look to continue to claw back to respectability. The Golden Knights are off to a perfect 3-0 start on their current road trip after we cashed with them in a shootout win over the Rangers on Friday. Here, they'll be looking to avenge a 2-0 loss to the Isles on home ice earlier this season. Note that they're just 14-20 the last 34 times they've sought revenge against an opponent for a loss as a home favorite. We'll likely see Ilya Sorokin back between the pipes for New York today after Semyon Varlamov helped them secure a 3-1 win over Boston last time out. That's notable as the Isles haven't lost a game by more than a single goal with Sorokin between the pipes since back on November 21st against Toronto. He owns a .942 save percentage in four home starts this season. Take New York +1.5 goals (5*). |
|||||||
12-19-21 | Texans v. Jaguars OVER 39.5 | Top | 30-16 | Win | 100 | 15 h 18 m | Show |
NFL AFC South Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Houston and Jacksonville at 1 pm et on Sunday. It's hard not to envision the Jaguars offense getting a much-needed boost following the firing of head coach Urban Meyer. This is a smash spot for the Jags offense against a Texans defense that has never been able to find its footing this season and has been absolutely drummed by opposing ground attacks. Jags RB James Robinson was inexplicably in Meyer's doghouse but should be unleashed under interim head coach Darrell Bevell's guidance. If Robinson can get going in this one that should really open things up for Lawrence, who faces the Texans very beatable defense for the second time this season. Let's give credit where credit is due; Texans QB Davis Mills has shown signs of improvement recently and given the way the Jags secondary has struggled to defend opposing wide receivers, there's reason to believe Mills can enjoy another fine day on the statsheet on Sunday. As long as the Texans have a healthy Brandin Cooks they have the ability to move the chains and put points on the board. Let's not forget that the last time these two teams met, way back in Week 1, the Texans scored a season-high 37 points. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-19-21 | Titans v. Steelers OVER 42.5 | 13-19 | Loss | -103 | 15 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Tennessee and Pittsburgh at 1 pm et on Sunday. We won with the 'over' in the Steelers loss in Minnesota last week and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here. Let's face it, the Steelers defense is horrible. Yes, they'll get T.J. Watt and Joe Haden back this week but as far as I'm concerned this unit is broken. While the Titans are still injury-depleted on offense, I'm confident enough in their aggressive play-calling and in QB Ryan Tannehill that they can continue to expose the Steelers shoddy defense here. On the flip side, the Titans defense hasn't been particularly good as a whole this season either. With that being said that unit is coming off a shutout performance last week. That came against the lowly Jaguars, however, in what turned out to be head coach Urban Meyer's swan-song. The Steelers offense has quietly been putting points on the board and should find some success in this desperation spot at home. We're being given a very reasonable total to work with here. Take the over (9*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | Marshall v. UL-Lafayette UNDER 55.5 | 21-36 | Loss | -107 | 13 h 46 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Marshall and Louisiana-Lafayette at 9:15 pm et on Saturday. There always seems to be a tendency for bettors to look to play the 'over' in the New Orleans Bowl with the game being played on the 'fast track' at the Superdome annually. It's worth noting, however, that five of the last New Orleans Bowls have totaled 48 points or less. Here, I'm anticipating another 'under' result. Marshall actually posted two of its three lowest scoring totals of the season in two of its last three games. The Thundering Herd have more of a 'pass-first' offense but could run into trouble here given Louisiana-Lafayette has allowed just two opponents to complete 20+ passes this season and in those two teams they still gave up only 24 and 21 points. The Ragin' Cajuns have more of a 'run-first' mentality and enter this game with a number of key cogs on offense banged up or sidelined altogether due to injury. You would have to go back to October 30th to find the last time they completed more than 19 passes. They did so only three times all season and two of those performances came in the first three weeks of the season. Marshall is by no means a defensive juggernaut but did hold opponents to 54% pass completions and just 6.2 yards per pass attempt over the course of the regular season. Take the under (8*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | Wizards v. Jazz OVER 223 | 109-103 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 11 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Saturday. We won with the 'over' in this same matchup last Saturday night in Washington, despite the Wizards contributing just 98 points. Here, I look for even more of a track meet - just as we saw with our 'over' play between the Spurs and Jazz in Utah last night - a game that totalled 254 points. Note that three of the Wizards six highest point totals allowed this season have come in their last four games. As for the Jazz, they've put up 136, 118, 123, 124 and 126 points in their last four games. This has certainly been a high-scoring series, especially in Utah where we've seen point totals of 246, 248 and 252 points in the last three meetings here. Take the over (9*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | Patriots v. Colts OVER 45 | Top | 17-27 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 0 m | Show |
NFL AFC Non-Division Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between New England and Indianapolis at 8:20 pm et on Saturday. Most are expecting a defensive slugfest between these two old AFC rivals on Saturday night but I think we're in for an entertaining, relatively high-scoring affair. As the total continues to drop we'll step in now with a play on the 'over'. All most remember when it comes to the Patriots is that run-dominated 14-10 in windy Buffalo two Mondays ago. However, the Pats enter this game having posted their six highest point totals of the entire season over the last eight games alone. Take away that wind-induced low-scoring performance in Buffalo and you'll see just how consistent New England has been offensively on the road, scoring 25, 25, 27, 24 and 25 points in their five other road contests. As for the Colts, three of their four highest scoring performances of the season have come in their last three games as they've put up 41, 31 and 31 points. They know they're going to need to put some points on the board in order to prevail in this game as their defense simply hasn't held up well against the run (allowing 4.5 yards per rush) and they figure to face an onslaught from the Pats ground attack here. Don't discount Mac Jones in this one though either. He has completed 22 or more passes in nine of 13 games this season. Finally, I'll point out that the Pats haven't posted consecutive 'under' results since opening the season with four straight 'unders'. Meanwhile, the Colts have yet to post back-to-back 'under' results this season. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | Oregon State v. Utah State +7.5 | 13-24 | Win | 100 | 11 h 52 m | Show | |
My selection is on Utah State plus the points over Oregon State at 7:30 pm et on Saturday. Upset wins over USC, Utah and Arizona State have had plenty of bettors high on the Oregon State Beavers this season. What I see, however, is a team that had a rather uneven season and lopsided victories were few and far between over the last two months of the campaign. The Beavers did beat Stanford by 21 and aforementioned Arizona State by 14 in November but they did so by holding those two teams to 14 and 10 points, respectively and both wins came at home. I would certainly expect Utah State to score far more than that here, and I'm confident the upstart Aggies can stay inside what I consider to be an inflated pointspread. Utah State has gone a perfect 7-0 away from home this season, capping it off with a Mountain West Conference championship in a decisive win over San Diego State. I absolutely love the Aggies senior class and fully expect them to go out on a high note here. First-year head coach Blake Anderson was involved in a swirl of controversy this week when a recording of his comments regarding sexual assault victims (from an address to his team at Fall camp) came out earlier this week. If anything I would expect that controversy to perhaps galvanize this team even more heading into Saturday's game. Take Utah State (9*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | Northern Colorado v. Washington State OVER 141 | 56-82 | Loss | -101 | 6 h 53 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Northern Colorado and Washington State at 4 pm et on Saturday. The 'over' has now cashed in six straight games involving Northern Colorado while Washington State has seen the 'under' cash in five of its last six contests. I expect the former to prevail on Saturday as the Bears and Cougars do battle in Pullman. Both defenses may be in for a bit of a 'shock to the system' in this one as the two offenses live beyond the three-point line where Northern Colorado averages 26 attempts per game (and makes 10 of them on average) and Washington State puts up 25 per contest (making nine on average). Note that Northern Colorado has faced an average of 19 three-point shots per game while Washington State checks in at 20. Both teams have been terrific at getting to the free throw line and knocking their shots down when they do, noting that Washington in particular averages 21 free throws per game, making good on better than 75% of them. Washington State checks in having averaged over 64 field goal attempts per game over its last three and I don't think Northern Colorado will shy away from running with the Cougars here. Note that the Bears have shot better than 44% from the field in six straight games. Despite attempting fewer than 60 shots in each of their last three games they still managed to score 78, 74 and 76 points. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | UTEP v. Fresno State OVER 51.5 | Top | 24-31 | Win | 100 | 6 h 7 m | Show |
Bowl Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between UTEP and Fresno State at 2:15 pm et on Saturday. There's a lot of uncertainty around Fresno State this week, stemming from QB Jake Haener seemingly transferring from the program but then reversing course and returning to the team in time for Bowl week. I'm not overly concerned. Haener is with the team and likely to at least see some action in this one. Even if he doesn't, the Bulldogs offense is capable of going off against a Miners defense that sagged down the stretch. UTEP comes in on a 1-4 slide, allowing 28, 44, 20, 28 and 42 points over that stretch. The good news for the Miners is they do have an offense capable of putting points on the board with a standout WR duo in Jacob Cowing and Justin Garrett who have the ability to blow the top off of any secondary. Note that while the Miners are generally a run-first team, they're likely to be playing from behind for the majority of this game and in that scenario we saw them bomb away down the stretch, attempting 30+ passes in four of their final five regular season games. The 'over' went 4-1 in UTEP's five losses this season. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-18-21 | Rockets v. Pistons | 116-107 | Loss | -108 | 2 h 32 m | Show | |
My selection is on Detroit over Houston at 12:10 pm et on Saturday. With tipoff quickly approaching I'll keep my analysis for this play short. I understand the apprehension around backing the Pistons here as they haven't won a game since November 17th. Keep in mind, they've only been favored in one game since then. The Rockets had a brief surge but have now gone back in the tank, losers of four of their last five games. Here, we'll note that Houston 123, 113, 126, 124 and 116 points over its last five contests. Detroit, meanwhile, has posted two of its four highest scoring totals of the season over its last four games. Also note that Detroit has taken the last two meetings in this series. Take Detroit (8*). |
|||||||
12-17-21 | Hornets v. Blazers OVER 227 | Top | 116-125 | Win | 100 | 16 h 54 m | Show |
NBA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between Charlotte and Portland at 10:10 pm et on Friday. This is the highest total on Friday's NBA board (at the time of writing) and it is that way for a reason in my opinion. The Hornets are getting involved in track meet after track meet right now. Five of their nine highest scoring outputs of the season have come in their last seven games. That's come at the expense of their defense, however, as they've also allowed six of their nine highest point totals of the season in their last nine games. Here, they'll be facing a desperate Blazers squad that has lost seven games in a row, despite welcoming Damian Lillard back to the lineup late last week. Since his return, they've scored 111, 107 and 103 points but lost all three games. After shooting a miserable 37.8% from the field in Wednesday's 10-point loss against Memphis, I expect a positive response here. Note that the 'over' is 14-4 the last 18 times the Blazers have come off consecutive 'under' results, as is the case here, resulting in an average total of 233.0 points. The 'over' is also 20-8 the last 28 times they've sought revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite, with that spot producing an average total of 233.8 points. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-17-21 | Coyotes v. Ducks -245 | 6-5 | Loss | -245 | 16 h 38 m | Show | |
My selection is on Anaheim over Arizona at 10:05 pm et on Friday. This play sets up similarly to our play on the heavily favored Lightning last night, even though it's not a revenge spot. It sets up similarly because I believe the line could be much higher than it is. The Coyotes are reeling, and have been all season. They check in losers of six games in a row, scoring more than three goals only once over that stretch and that came in a two-goal loss to the Flyers. They're averaging a woeful 1.3 goals per game on the road this season, outscored by an average margin of 1.9 goals while going 3-12. The Ducks are scoring 3.3 goals per game on home ice which is notable when you consider they've only given up a grand total of five goals over their last five games combined. The Ducks took the first meeting between these two teams this season by a 3-1 score on home ice back in early November. That's notable as the Coyotes are a miserable 2-14 the last 16 times they've sought revenge for a road loss by two goals or more, outscored by 1.4 goals on average in that situation. With two days off followed by a tough western Canadian trip before Christmas on deck, the Ducks will want to head off on a positive note. Take Anaheim (5*). |
|||||||
12-17-21 | St. Mary's v. San Diego State UNDER 119 | 53-63 | Win | 100 | 10 h 57 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between St. Mary's and San Diego State at 10 pm et on Friday. Now that this total has bumped back up a couple of points, we'll step in with a play on the 'under'. Needless to say, both teams have trended to the 'under' so far this season. St. Mary's has allowed just four of 12 opponents to score 60+ points. San Diego State has held four of its last five opponents to 58 points or less. Neither team has been adept from beyond the three-point line with St. Mary's averaging seven made threes per game but only five per game away from home. San Diego State averages just five made three-pointers per contest. While San Diego State does get to the free throw line 20 times per game, they might struggle to approach that average here given St. Mary's has been one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the country, giving up just 13 free throw attempts per contest. When these two teams met last season they combined to score 123 points. That was a 74-49 rout in favor of San Diego State. In what should be a far more competitive affair this time around and I'm anticipating a low-scoring contest. Take the under (8*). |
|||||||
12-17-21 | Spurs v. Jazz OVER 225.5 | 128-126 | Win | 100 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between San Antonio and Utah at 9:10 pm et on Friday. This total continues to climb but I'm still not sure it has been set high enough. The Spurs have allowed two of their highest point totals allowed this season in their last three games. They also check in having scored 123, 112, 112 and 115 points over their last four contests. The Jazz, meanwhile, have posted their six highest point totals of the season over their last eight games. With that being said, they've also given up 105, 107, 130 and 103 points in their last four home games - that's despite being favored by 7.5 points or more in all four games. Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-17-21 | Golden Knights -130 v. Rangers | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 7 h 23 m | Show | |
My selection is on Vegas over New York at 7:05 pm et on Friday. Don't be fooled by the Rangers come-from-behind win in Arizona on Wednesday. They're still not playing great hockey, losers of three of their last five games while scoring a grand total of 10 goals in the process. It sounds like Artemi Panarin will miss Friday's game. As will goaltender Igor Shesterkin as he continues to work his way back from injury. The Golden Knights are in a back-to-back spot off last night's win over the Devils in Newark. There's little reason for concern, however, as they've gone 20-5 the last 25 times they've been in the back half of back-to-backs, outscoring opponents by 1.4 goals on average in that spot. As for the Rangers, they're 1-7 the last eight times they've returned home off a one-goal win on the road, outscored by 1.6 goals on average in that situation. The Knights have come away victorious in their last two trips to Manhattan, not losing here since way back in 2017. Take Vegas (8*). |
|||||||
12-17-21 | Coastal Carolina v. Northern Illinois OVER 62.5 | 47-41 | Win | 100 | 9 h 51 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'over' between Coastal Carolina and Northern Illinois at 6 pm et on Friday. I'm expecting plenty of offensive fireworks between these two teams on Friday. Northern Illinois could be in for a shock to the system here as few opponents have elected to attack them through the air with any consistency this season but Coastal Carolina will with standout QB Grayson McCall looking to show off his talents in front of both NFL scouts and perhaps other schools as well as it sounds like he may be back for a final year of college but is likely to transfer from CCU. When the Huskies did face pass-first offenses this season they gave up 20 points against Eastern Michigan, 26 points against Bowling Green and 38 points against Central Michigan - all three boasting far weaker aerial attacks than the one they'll face on Friday. On the flip side, the Chanticleers are going to face a much different challenge than they're used to here as well, noting that Northern Illinois will pound the football on the ground and has had a ton of success doing so. Coastal Carolina gave up 25 points against Buffalo, 30 points against Appalachian State and 42 points against Georgia State in three previous games where the opposition ran the football 40+ times this season - as NIU is likely to do on Friday. Note that the Huskies enter this game having scored 34, 39, 47, 30, 33, 21 and 41 points in their last seven games. The 21-point performance came in a game against Western Michigan where they played their backups with a spot in the MAC Championship Game already clinched. Take the over (8*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Canucks v. Sharks -125 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -125 | 15 h 48 m | Show |
NHL Pacific Division Game of the Year. My selection is on San Jose over Vancouver at 10:35 pm et on Thursday. The Sharks are one of the few teams in the NHL not dealing with Covid issues right now (I realize the situation is very fluid). Here, I think they're catching the Canucks at the right time, 'fat and happy' off five straight wins and with this being a tough one-game trip before heading back home for two. The Sharks are off a tough 3-1 loss to expansion Seattle two nights ago as they ran into a hot goalie in Chris Driedger (seems strange saying that but San Jose outshot Seattle 34-30 in that contest). The Canucks recent success has come at home. They're still just 5-9 on the road this season where they allow 3.6 goals per game. Things aren't going to get any easier on Thursday as they'll be missing a number of key cogs due to Covid protocols. Note that the Sharks have done a tremendous job of tightening things up defensively off a home loss this season, allowing only 1.2 goals per game the six previous times that situation has come up, outscoring opponents by 1.1 goals on average in that spot. Take San Jose (10*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Dartmouth v. Stanford UNDER 131.5 | 78-89 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 33 m | Show | |
My selection is on the 'under' between Dartmouth and Stanford at 10 pm et on Thursday. Both of these teams enter this game trending strongly to the 'over' with Dartmouth's last four games going 'over' the total and Stanford's last three doing the same. I expect a different story to unfold on Thursday, however. Dartmouth has been heavily reliant on the three-ball, knocking down an average of 10 made threes per game this season. It would be reasonable to question where the scoring will come from on Thursday, however, as the Big Green face a Stanford squad that boasts a ton of length on the perimeter and won't give up many easy looks. As a team, Dartmouth has shot just 42.8% from the field against opponents that allow an average of 45.8% shooting this season. On a positive note for Dartmouth, it is sending opponents to the free throw line only 15 times per game and while it has allowed a disappointing nine made threes per contest, Stanford doesn't figure to abuse it on the perimeter, noting that the Cardinal are averaging only six made threes per contest. Stanford has played a very disciplined brand of defense, allowing just 13 free throw attempts per game and here will face a Big Green squad that gets to the line only 10 times per contest. In what doesn't figure to be an ultra-competitive game with a whole lot of late fouling, I'm comfortable calling for this one to stay 'under' the total. Take the under (9*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Wizards v. Suns -8.5 | Top | 98-118 | Win | 100 | 14 h 1 m | Show |
NBA Non-Conference Game of the Year. My selection is on Phoenix minus the points over Washington at 9:10 pm et on Thursday. The Wizards are reeling right now, losers of six of their last seven games, going 0-6-1 ATS over that stretch. Thursday's date with the Suns, on a back-to-back no less, doesn't figure to be the 'get right' spot they're looking for. Phoenix is still without Devin Booker although his return is getting closer. The Suns keep rolling along regardless, winners of three of their last four games despite missing DeAndre Ayton for part of that stretch as well. Ayton returned on Tuesday and played a big part in a 111-107 overtime win in Portland. I don't expect the Suns to face nearly as much resistance against the Wiz on Thursday. Washington got 29 points from Deni Avdija and Montresz Harrell off the bench and Bradley Beal scored 30 points for the first time in five games (and only the fourth time this season) yet still lost by 14 points in Sacramento last night. Here, we'll note that Washington has allowed a whopping 120.9 points per game the last 51 times it has played consecutive road games, as is the case here as it continues a long six-game trip. The Suns, meanwhile, are 29-16 ATS in their last 45 home games following a win, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 9.1 points in that situation. Take Phoenix (10*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Chiefs v. Chargers UNDER 52.5 | Top | 34-28 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
AFC West Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Kansas City and Los Angeles at 8:20 pm et on Thursday. All three primetime games went 'over' the total last week but I expect a different story to unfold as the division-rival Chiefs and Chargers kick off Week 15 with a good matchup on Thursday night. The Chargers defense has actually had the Chiefs number since the start of last season, allowing only 24, 23 and 21 points in three matchups, winning two of those. While Los Angeles did light up the Kansas City defense for 30 points in the last matchup between these two teams back in September, there's no question the Chiefs 'D' is playing much better now. While Kansas City will be without key pass rusher Chris Jones for this one, the Chargers will be without arguably their best o-lineman in rookie Rashawn Slater. That's not to mention the fact that WR Keenan Allen is coming out of Covid protocols after missing last week's game while RB Austin Ekeler is questionable to play due to an ankle injury. To put it simply, I don't expect Chargers QB Justin Herbert to enjoy the same level of success he did against Kansas City back in September. The Chargers defensive strength has been against the pass this season as they come in having held their last seven opponents to 138-of-235 (59%) passing - awful numbers for opposing QB's by today's NFL standards. Yes, you can beat the Chargers on the ground but the Chiefs by no means possess a dominant ground attack. With so much on the line in this one, I'm confident we'll see points come at a premium. Take the under (10*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Chiefs v. Chargers +3 | 34-28 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
My selection is on Los Angeles plus the points over Kansas City at 8:20 pm et on Thursday. I'm expecting a tightly-contested affair between the Chiefs and Chargers on Thursday night and will grab the points accordingly with Los Angeles in an underdog role. The Chargers have been frustratingly inconsistent this season. One thing that has been consistent about Los Angeles since Justin Herbert took over at quarterback last season is its ability to play the Chiefs tough, however. I expect nothing different here. Yes, the Chiefs are rolling right now. They've won six straight games, including four in a row ATS. Keep in mind, five of those games were played at Arrowhead. The only road win over that stretch came against a reeling Raiders squad. The Chargers are banged-up for this one but will get WR Keenan Allen back and it sounds like RB Austin Ekeler is more likely to play than not. The Chiefs are missing some key cogs as well, including DT Chris Jones. Here, we'll note that Kansas City has averaged just 18.7 points and outscored opponents by a narrow margin of 0.9 points the last six times it has played on the road after a victory by 14 points or more, as is the case here. Meanwhile, the Chargers have outscored opponents by an average margin of 6.4 points the last 25 times they've played at home with a posted total of 49.5 points or higher. Take Los Angeles (8*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Avalanche -145 v. Predators | 2-5 | Loss | -145 | 13 h 37 m | Show | |
My selection is on Colorado over Nashville at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. We've been riding the Avs hard lately as I continue to point out that in order to defeat them right now based on how well they're playing it's going to take a monumental effort. I certainly don't feel the Predators, who are now dealing with multiple Covid-related absences, have it in them. To find the last time Nashville defeated Colorado here at home you would have to go back five meetings, all the way to their 2018 playoff series. While the Avs are just 7-6 on the road this season their struggles were largely due to a number of key absences earlier in the season. They're as healthy as any team in the NHL right now all things considered, and I'll still point out that they average an impressive 4.0 goals per game away from home. The Preds meanwhile are putting up just 2.8 goals per contest at home and as I mentioned, they're stretched pretty thin due to Covid protocols right now. Yes, they've won five games in a row but that only means they can afford to 'punt' this tough matchup with the Avs. Take Colorado (8*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Sabres v. Wild -1.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 58 m | Show | |
My selection is on Minnesota -1.5 goals over Buffalo at 8:05 pm et on Thursday. I think there's a good chance we see the Sabres 'punt' this game on Thursday coming off a stunning win in Winnipeg two nights ago and ahead of a stop in Pittsburgh tomorrow night and perhaps go with Aaron Dell in goal (noting that he has allowed a whopping 15 goals in his last four starts). Meanwhile, the Wild are back home off consecutive losses, well-rested after their game against Carolina on Tuesday was postponed due to the Canes Covid issues. The Wild are 10-2 on home ice this season where they have outscored opponents by 1.7 goals on average. While the Sabres did win in Winnipeg, they're still just 3-9 on the road this season and have been outscored by 1.2 goals on average. Worse still, they're 4-20 in their last 24 road games following a win, outscored by an average margin of 1.4 goals in that spot. The Wild on the other hand are 11-1 the last 12 times they've come off consecutive losses, outscoring foes by 1.2 goals on average in that situation. We'll lay the extra goal with the Wild here. Take Minnesota -1.5 goals (8*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Jackson State v. Drake -15.5 | 65-70 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 50 m | Show | |
My selection is on Drake minus the points over Jackson State at 8 pm et on Thursday. Drake enters this game on an eight-game ATS losing streak and also off a 'real' loss, that coming by 10 points as a two-point underdog against Clemson on Saturday. Here, we're finally able to back the Bulldogs as a somewhat reasonably-priced favorites as their recent ATS struggles begin to factor into the line. Jackson State actually enters this game on a three-game ATS winning streak. There's no doubt it's been tough sledding for it to open the season having yet to play a home game. Note that two of its four lowest point outputs of the season have come in its last two contests. Jackson State has faced a tough schedule but it's still worth mentioning that it is getting to the free throw line only 11 times per game while sending opponents to the charity stripe a whopping 22 times per contest. Also note that it averages just six made three-pointers per game and turns the basketball over an average of 15 times. Drake obviously excels in all of those departments. The Bulldogs are getting to the free throw line seven more times on average, make an additional three made threes and turn the ball over four fewer times - all on a per game average. This is a chance for Drake to ramp up in its next two games against inferior opponents before wrapping up its pre-holiday slate with a tough game against St. Louis next week. Take Drake (10*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Texas-Arlington v. Oral Roberts -7.5 | 62-71 | Win | 100 | 13 h 16 m | Show | |
My selection is on Oral Roberts minus the points over Texas-Arlington at 8 pm et on Thursday. Oral Roberts is coming off a disappointing loss at Missouri State to cap off a 1-2 road trip. It shouldn't come away all that discouraged, however, as it was only really expected to win one of those three games, and it did manage to go 2-1 ATS. I like the way ORU matches up against Texas-Arlington, which comes in riding its first winning streak of the season. Note that Texas-Arlington continues to struggle to find consistency at the offensive end of the floor, where it has been held to 45, 36 and 56 points on three occasions this season. It did manage to put up 71 points earlier in the campaign against a tough Abilene Christian squad but still lost by nine points despite shooting 47% from the field while its opponent shot 33%. A lack of defensive discipline has been a problem as Arlington sends opponents to the free throw line 21 times per game. It also turns the basketball over 17 times per game. Both are problem areas against an ORU squad that excels in both departments. ORU has allowed just 12 free throw attempts per contest and turns the ball over just 12 times per game. That's not to mention the fact that ORU has the potential to serve as a real 'shock to the system' for Arlington here as it hoists up a whopping 33 three-point attempts per game, knocking down 13 of them on average. Arlington averages only five made threes on 17 attempts per game this season. This one gets away from the Mavericks. Take Oral Roberts (9*). |
|||||||
12-16-21 | Senators v. Lightning -240 | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 29 m | Show | |
My selection is on Tampa Bay over Ottawa at 7:05 pm et on Thursday. While we're being asked to lay a very steep price with the Lightning in this spot, I believe the line could be much higher. Ottawa got the better of the Lightning last Saturday in a game Tampa Bay essentially 'punted' at the end of its road trip, starting journeyman backup goaltender Brian Elliott in that one. We successfully backed the Bolts as they returned home and secured a 3-2 overtime win over the Kings two nights ago and will do so again here in this quick revenge spot against the Sens. Ottawa is coming off a head-turning win over the Panthers two nights ago but I think a Florida sweep will prove elusive. Note that the Bolts are an incredible 26-5 over the last two seasons when seeking revenge for a loss against an opponent as a favorite, outscoring opponents by an average margin of 1.6 goals in that spot. The Sens average just 2.4 goals in their last 17 games following consecutive wins by two goals or more over division opponents, as is the case here, and I don't believe they'll have the offensive firepower to keep pace with the Lightning in this one. Take Tampa Bay (4*). |
|||||||
12-15-21 | Clippers v. Jazz -9.5 | 103-124 | Win | 100 | 12 h 45 m | Show | |
My selection is on Utah minus the points over Los Angeles at 10:10 pm et on Wednesday. The Jazz are rolling right now, winners of seven straight games. Each of their five highest scoring performances of the season have come over that stretch. They've also held opponents to two of their six lowest point totals of the season over their last two contests. In other words, it's going to take quite a performance to take down Utah right now. I'm not convinced the undermanned Clippers are up for it. Los Angeles checks in 'fat and happy' off four consecutive wins - a streak that started with a double-digit victory in Portland. Still, the Clips are a losing team on the road this season where they average just 104.9 points per game. That's not going to cut it against a Jazz squad that averages over 116 points per contest on its home floor. This is Utah's first shot at Los Angeles after bowing out at the hands of the Clips in the playoffs last June. Expect the Jazz to make a statement. Take Utah (8*). |
|||||||
12-15-21 | Rangers v. Coyotes OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -104 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
NHL Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Arizona at 9:05 pm et on Wednesday. I'll back the 'over' as the Rangers continue their road trip in Glendale on Wednesday night. This is of course a back-to-back spot for New York after losing by a 4-2 score in Colorado last night (we won with the Avalanche in that game). You have to wonder whether New York will go back to Alex Georgiev in goal as this would be his third game in the last four nights and fourth in the last six. Georgiev has been serviceable this season but certainly not elite, posting an .898 save percentage. Keith Kinkaid was the backup last night while Igor Shesterkin continues to work his way back from injury and likely isn't ready to go just yet. The Coyotes will have Scott Wedgewood in goal. In his last five contests, the Coyotes have given up 3, 4, 5, 3 and 5 goals. Note that the 'Yotes are allowing a whopping 4.6 goals per game on home ice this season. While they average just 2.3 goals per game here in Glendale, they are in a favorable spot here, noting that they average 2.8 goals per game when coming off consecutive home losses over the last three seasons. Take the over (10*). |
|||||||
12-15-21 | Pacers v. Bucks -1.5 | Top | 99-114 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
NBA Central Division Game of the Month. My selection is on Milwaukee minus the points over Indiana at 8:10 pm et on Wednesday. The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo among others on Wednesday night. No one is going to feel sorry for the defending champs though. This game opens a six-game in 11-day stretch for Milwaukee. Off a double-digit loss in Boston two nights ago, I look for the Bucks to bounce back on their home floor. The Pacers check in having won three of their last four games. All three of those wins came in the role of favorite. They lost by two points against the Warriors two nights ago so most will expect them to have little trouble taking the undermanned Bucks down to the wire in this one as well. I'm not so sure. Milwaukee has owned the Central Division lately, going 13-4 ATS in its last 17 matchups against divisional foes. It has also taken six straight meetings against Indiana, winning all six of those games by at least nine points. Note that the Pacers check in a miserable 3-10 on the road this season. The fact that Giannis will miss this game isn't lost on the oddsmakers. The Bucks are still being favored for a reason in my opinion. Take Milwaukee (10*). |
- Early Lines
- High Limits
- NEW VIP Rewards
- VIP Program
- Mobile Betting
- Crypto
- VIP Program
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting!
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting
- 48 Hour Payouts
- 35% Crypto Bonus
- Live Betting
- Mobile Friendly
Guaranteed Winners or your money back and Free Picks in the NFL football, NBA basketball, MLB baseball, NCAA college football and basketball, Nascar Racing, Arena Football nhl hockey leagues and more.
We are part of the internets Premier Sports Handicappers League with full documentation of all members on this sports betting news and info portal. Free Membership, Join Today and start Winning!
For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.