Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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11-11-19 | Coyotes v. Capitals OVER 6 | 4-3 | Win | 100 | 4 h 8 m | Show | |
The Capitals are 10-0-1 in their last 11 games. They also have gone Over in 10 of their last 11 games. Rather than lay heavy juice backing the Capitals, I'd rather ride their Over trend especially now that it is confirmed both teams will be starting backup goalies. The Capitals have scored at least three goals in 15 straight games and in 12 of those matchups they have produced four or more goals. John Carlson has become a monster offensive defenseman. Arizona has surrendered 11 goals in its last three games and have been shorthanded on the blue line due to injuries. The Coyotes, though, have scored three or more goals in six of their last eight games.
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11-10-19 | Vikings v. Cowboys UNDER 48.5 | Top | 28-24 | Loss | -109 | 27 h 14 m | Show |
Both teams have skill position stars. But it's defense that carries the Vikings and Cowboys, both of whom rank in the top-five in fewest points allowed per game. Bad offensive lines don't travel well. That could be the case here for the Vikings. I don't trust Kirk Cousins on the road against an elite defense either. Minneota could be without its most consistent wide receiver, too, with Adam Thielen reinjuring his hamstring last Sunday and not practicing this week. The Cowboys have faced just one elite defense - the Saints. They were held to a season-low 10 points by New Orleans.The Vikings' defense is just as good if not better. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is familiar with the Cowboys. He was a defensive assistant there for many years. Zimmer is conservative coach. He's going to pound the ball and play for field position. The Vikings have gone below the total in nine of their last 11 NFC matchups. The Cowboys are going to look to feed Ezekiel Elliott. Dallas' two best wide receivers, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, are both banged-up and at less than 100 percent. There should be a lot of running with Elliott and Dalvin Cook. So the clock will keep moving at a brisk pace with few stoppages.
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11-10-19 | Flyers v. Bruins -1.5 | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 19 m | Show | |
This sets up as a kill spot for the Bruins. The oddsmaker knows this, too, hence the high lay price. I'm not going to lay that big of a price. So I'll get involved with the Bruins on the puck line taking a plus price in the belief they will win by more than one goal. The Bruins are in rare stop-the-pain mode after losing a tough 5-4 road game to the Canadiens this past Tuesday and then suffering a shocking, 4-2, loss to the Red Wings on Friday. Now the Bruins are home where they are unbeaten with all of their home victories coming by multiple goals. The Flyers are playing well, but are in a letdown spot after nipping the Maple Leafs, 3-2, in a shootout Saturday. Bruins are the better team and are in the better spot. Lay it!
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11-10-19 | Edmonton v. Montreal -118 | 37-29 | Loss | -118 | 113 h 17 m | Show | |
I want the Alouettes going for me playing at home in their first playoff game since 2014. I like Montreal coach Khari Jones and trust QB Vernon Adams Jr. The Alouettes enter the matchup having just beat Ottawa, 42-32, on the road. Edmonton is off back-to-back losses to Saskatchewan. The Eskimos are 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine games.
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11-10-19 | Chiefs v. Titans +6.5 | 32-35 | Win | 100 | 20 h 40 m | Show | |
I'm taking the underdog Titans fully expecting Patrick Mahomes to play. If Mahomes doesn't, or is limited from his knee injury after being out just two weeks, so much for the better but I'm not counting on that. Instead I'm backing the Titans based on their merit, style of play and situation. The Titans are solid defensively. They've given up the sixth-fewest points per game in the NFL. Kansas City doesn't have an outstanding offensive line. Andy Reid is going to have to be more conservative in Mahomes' first game back from injury. This is a huge game for the Titans. They are two games behind in the AFC South Division and have a bye next week. Ryan Tannehill has been an upgrade on Marcus Mariota. The key, though, is the running of Derrick Henry. He's a powerful inside runner, who has a history of playing his best during November and December. The Chiefs rank 29th versus the run, surrendering 180 or more rushing yards four times this year. The Titans can maintain ball-control because of Henry keeping the Chiefs' high-octane offense off the field.
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11-10-19 | Falcons +14.5 v. Saints | 26-9 | Win | 100 | 20 h 31 m | Show | |
The Saints are 7-1 fat and happy. The Falcons are 1-7 despondent and desperate. It's a division rivalry. The Falcons are off a bye and have Matt Ryan back. That's enough to get me involved taking two touchdowns. Atlanta actually averages more yards per game than New Orleans. Thanks to Ryan, who is having an excellent season, the Falcons lead the NFL in passing. Ryan has dangerous weapons with Julio Jones - who is in the argument for best wideout in the league - Calvin Ridley, Devonta Freeman and tight end Austin Hopper. Only once this season have the Saints won by more than 11 points. This should be a shooout and the Falcons have backdoor capabilities.
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11-09-19 | Tennessee v. Kentucky -120 | 17-13 | Loss | -120 | 29 h 22 m | Show | |
I'm not buying into Tennessee being a much improved team. Kentucky has covered its last five home games. The Wildcats have gotten their weak QB play straighten out with the decision to make junior wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. their QB. Bowden has been very effective running the ball. He's a tremendous athlete who gives the Wildcats a different dimension from their previous QB's, Terry Wilson and Sawyer Smith. Alabama and LSU draw the SEC headlines. Quietly, though, Kentucky has covered eight of its last 10. This is just the Volunteers' third road game. They lost their first two by 33 points to Florida and by 22 points to Alabama.
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11-09-19 | Pelicans -111 v. Hornets | 115-110 | Win | 100 | 16 h 48 m | Show | |
Charlotte has been a mild surprise so far splitting its first eight games. I consider the Hornets, though, one of the weakest teams in the NBA. The Pelicans have the superior talent even without injured Zion Williamson. I rate Brandon Ingram, Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball ahead of anyone on Charlotte's roster. New Orleans should be motivated after being embarrassed, 122-104, at home by the Raptors on Friday. The Hornets just defeated the Pacers and lost to the Celtics. They have the 76ers on deck Sunday in a bigger game. This is their lone non-conference matchup during this four-game span. The Pelicans average nearly 12 more points per game than the Hornets. Lack of defense is the killer for New Orleans. But the Hornets don't have enough scorers to take advantage of that weakness.
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11-09-19 | Georgia State -135 v. UL-Monroe | Top | 31-45 | Loss | -135 | 29 h 14 m | Show |
Neither team plays good defense. But Georgia State has the better offense and is hot winning four in a row. Monroe has lost two in a row surrendering a staggering 100 points in those two defeats. Georgia State has good balance on offense averaging more than 200 yards both passing and rushing. Monroe gives up more than 200 yards both on the ground and through the air. The Panthers average 36.6 points a game, which ranks 21st in the country. Led by running back Tra Barnett and dual-threat QB Dan Ellington, the Panthers ranked 10th in rushing. Monroe permits more than 235 yards on the ground. Monroe averages nearly nine points fewer per game than Georgia State. The Warhawks yield 38.6 points a game. They do not have a good history at home either going 7-20-1 ATS during their past 28 home games. Georgia State upset Tennessee, winning 38-30 as 24 1/2-point road 'dogs. That victory seems impressive now considering that Tennessee has defeated Mississippi State, South Caroina and UAB during its past four games. |
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11-09-19 | Idaho +12.5 v. UC Riverside | 51-58 | Win | 100 | 15 h 13 m | Show | |
I'm expecting a letdown from Cal-Riverside. The Highlanders opened their season with a stunning 66-47 road win against Nebraska. Riverside was 15 1/2-point underdogs. In hindsight, though, the inexperienced Cornhuskers should not have been such a heavy favorite. I don't believe Riverside is that good. The Highlanders were 3-10 in non-league play last season with a point differential of minus 7.8 points. The Vandals have covered five of their last six games going back to last season. The Highlanders are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.
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11-09-19 | Iowa v. Wisconsin -9 | 22-24 | Loss | -105 | 26 h 9 m | Show | |
Wisconsin wasn't as good as advertised when it steamrolled its first six opponents by an average of 38 points. But the Badgers aren't as bad as they looked in a 38-7 loss to Ohio State two weeks ago and in letting themselves get upset by Illinois before that game in an obvious look-ahead spot to Ohio State. The Badgers had a much needed bye last week. I see a regrouped Badgers squad taking care of Iowa at home. Wisconsin is 16-5 ATS following a bye. Both teams are tough defensively. The difference is Wisconsin has a stud RB in Jonathan Taylor, who I consider the best RB in the country. Iowa ranks 94th in scoring offense averaging only 24.4 points a game. The Hawkeyes could be minus star offensive lineman Alaric Jackson, too. Wisconsin has won the last three in the series.
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11-09-19 | Stanford -3 v. Colorado | 13-16 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 22 m | Show | |
Stanford is a much better team now that QB K.J. Costello is back from a thumb injury. The Cardinal have a balanced attack with Costello, who has the skill set to find his second and third targets. Stanford also is in the hunt to become bowl eligible for the 11th consecutive season. The Cardinal can't afford to slip here. I don't they will given Colorado's woes. The Buffaloes entered the season with a great deal of optimism under first-year coach Mel Tucker. That's gone now. The Buffaloes have underachieved offensively scoring 14 or fewer points in three of their last four games and their defense has falled apart due to attriution and injuries. Colorado ranks second-to-last in the Pac-12 in scoring defense allowing 34.4 points.
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11-09-19 | East Carolina v. SMU -21 | 51-59 | Loss | -108 | 23 h 14 m | Show | |
Kill spot for SMU here off a six-point road loss to Memphis. This is the Mustangs' homecoming game and they need a victory to stay in the AAC hunt. East Carolina is a patsy. The Pirates' lone victories were against Gardner-Webb, Old Dominion and William & Mary. The Pirates played extremely hard against Cincinnati last week nearly pulling off an upset before losing, 46-43, as 25-point home 'dogs. That loss eliminated East Carolina from any hope of earning a bowl bid. The Pirates are likely to be deflated and don't have the offense, averaging fewer than 24 points a game, to keep pace with the Mustangs.
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11-08-19 | Illinois -7 v. Grand Canyon | 83-71 | Win | 100 | 19 h 58 m | Show | |
There is a huge talent gap between these two schools. Maybe the oddsmaker was swayed by Illinois having to go into overtime to dispatch Nicholls State, a 22 1/2-point 'dog, in its opener. Because this line is way short especially given the circumstances at Grand Canyon. The Antelopes lost, 82-73, at home to Division II opponent Davenport in their opener. Grand Canyon received bad news before that game that two of its best players, forward Oscar Frayer and guard Jaylen Fisher, would not be eligible until second semster because of academic troubles. This has really reduced Grand Canyon's depth as Antelopes coach Dan Majerle used just a seven-man rotation. Illinois shouldn't be nearly as tight at it was in its opener. The Illini have a strong guard tandem in Andres Feliz and Ayo Dosunmu and also a pair of promising big men in 6-foot-9 Giorgi Bezhanishvili and 7-footer Kofi Cockburn.
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11-08-19 | Raptors v. Pelicans UNDER 235 | 122-104 | Win | 100 | 10 h 20 m | Show | |
These teams met opening night and the Raptors won, 130-122, in overtime. There were 234 points scored in regulation. The total sailed Over a consensus closing total of 229 1/2. Now we have a much higher total in a revenge spot for the home Pelicans with both teams talking about playing better defense and having had first-hand experience against each other. I trust Nick Nurse to make solid adjustments to keep the Pelicans' scoring down. Nurse proved himself during the playoffs last season. The Raptors allow 108.7 points and rank No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage. Nurse wasn't happy, though, with the Raptors' defense in their last game, a 124-120 home win against the Kings two nights ago. The Kings were hot from deep range tying a franchise-record with 20 3-pointers. The Pelicans are the Pelicans. They are a high-scoring team that doesn't play much defense. It is difficult to get involved going Under in their games. But New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry is talking about defensive improvement and said a way to do that is be more patient on offense and not play such a helter-skelter style. If the Pelicans do slow things down it would be huge for the Under. It takes a lot to go Over a total this high. There is enough evidence for me here to go Under.
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11-08-19 | Lightning v. Sabres UNDER 6.5 | 3-2 | Win | 101 | 13 h 16 m | Show | |
Lots of rust. European venue. Sabres in a major scoring slump. Factor it all in and this total is too high. Tampa Bay hasn't played in a week. Buffalo last was in action six days ago. The reason for this long interval is this matchup is taking place in Stockholm. The puck drops at 11 a.m. American West Coast time. The two teams meet again at the same location on Saturday. All of these elements favor the Under. The Sabres are in a huge scoring slump managing just three goals in their last three games. They have been held to two goals or fewer in each of their last five games. The Sabres know the only way to end their three-game losing skid is slow down the tempo and keep the Lightning from breaking open the game. If you discount a 7-6 overtime victory against the defensively-challenged Devils, the Lightning is averaging only two goals during its past five games.
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11-07-19 | Thunder v. Spurs -4.5 | 112-121 | Win | 100 | 19 h 11 m | Show | |
Even when they had Russell Westbrook and Paul George, the Thunder still couldn't cover when playing in San Antonio. The Spurs have covered the past five times hosting Oklahoma City. I like the Spurs here to make it six straight home covers. Oklahoma City is coming off a 102-94 home win against Orlando on Tuesday. The Magic are the lowest-scoring team in the NBA and they got cold down the stretch against the Thunder. Now the Thunder draw a different foe in a different setting both of which are much more difficult. The Spurs are trying to avoid a three-game losing streak having lost, 103-96, at home to the Lakers and 108-100 to the Hawks on the road on Tuesday. The Thunder has played only two road games the last occurring back on Oct. 28. Oklahoma City is 0-2 away from home with a five-point loss to the Jazz and four-point defeat to the Rockets.
San Antonio is the superior team, home and in a better situation trying to halt a mini-losing streak before it gets out of hand. |
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11-07-19 | Canucks v. Blackhawks OVER 6 | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 11 h 60 m | Show | |
Only four teams score more goals per game than Vancouver. The Canucks have scored five or more goals in five of their last seven games. The Blackhawks have picked up their offense during their last three games. I expect the Blackhawks to be loose and up-tempo now that they are back home following a four-game road trip. I'm not sold on the Blackhawks' defense improvement either. Chicago has given up at least three goals in five of its past seven games.
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11-07-19 | Chargers -119 v. Raiders | Top | 24-26 | Loss | -119 | 24 h 1 m | Show |
The Chargers are a level higher than the Raiders. Injuries and Melvin Gordon's holdout held the Chargers back earlier in the season. But now they have gotten healthier and just played their most complete game in rolling over the then 7-1 Packers by 15 points this past Sunday. Look for that strong play to carry into this game. Gordon looked great against the Packers. Hunter Henry is back giving Philip Rivers a top-notch tight end receiving target. The Chargers' play-calling and tempo was much crisper, too, in Shane Steichen's first game as offensive coordinator. Rivers has averaged 304.2 yards with an 8-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his last four games against the Raiders. Oakland ranks last in pass defense and just lost one of its few decent pass rushers in Arden Key. Joey Bosa is the best defensive plater on the field. He could cause a lot of havoc for Derek Carr, who could be missing starting offensive right tackle Trent Brown and center Rodney Hudson. Carr isn't nearly as effective under a heavy pass rush as other quarterbacks. The Chargers have won the covered the past four in the series, including winning by an average of 15 points in the two games last season.
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11-07-19 | Canadiens v. Flyers -110 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 31 m | Show | |
The Flyers have looked good when playing at home with a 5-2 record. Their power play and penalty killing has been much better when home. Goalie Carter Hart is coming off an outstanding performance. This is the finale of a three-game homestand for the Flyers. After this matchup the Flyers take to the road for away games against the Maple Leafs and Bruins. So Philadelphia is likely looking at two losses making this home game important. Montreal isn't a good road team and has struggled at Philadelphia losing 18 of the past 23 times there. The Canadiens are fat-and-happy having just pulled off a 5-4 home victory against the Bruins Tuesday. Carey Price didn't play well in that game, though. His play has slipped a great deal during the past couple of seasons.
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11-06-19 | Bucks +1 v. Clippers | 129-124 | Win | 100 | 21 h 54 m | Show | |
I don't know if this line will hold in the morning when bookmakers realize the Clippers are resting Kawhi Leonard. I believe the Bucks are the best team in the NBA. The Clippers don't have Paul George yet and with Leonard sitting out they are not as good as Milwaukee. So I will lock into the Bucks now. Leonard was leading the Clippers in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Sparked by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were leading the NBA in scoring at 121.3 points per game.
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11-06-19 | 76ers v. Jazz -125 | 104-106 | Win | 100 | 20 h 55 m | Show | |
Utah is in stop-the-pain mode with a two-game losing streak. The Jazz have been idle since Sunday. It's the first time since the season began the Jazz have had a two-day break between games. They should be well prepared and motivated. The 76ers, on the other hand, are playing their third road game in five days. The 76ers have a strong starting lineup, but weak bench. Philadelphia does get back Joel Embiid following his two-game suspension. The 76ers really missed him when they lost, 114-109, to the Suns on Monday. The Jazz have maybe the best rim protector in the league, Rudy Gobert, to slow down Embiid.
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11-06-19 | Red Wings v. Rangers UNDER 6.5 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 18 h 48 m | Show | |
The Under is 9-1-1 the last 11 times the Rangers have hosted the Red Wings. I see another low-scoring matchup here. The Red Wings have given up 17 goals in their last three games. They have beaten the Rangers five consecutive times by playing steady defense and getting excellent goaltending. New York has failed to score more than two goals in each of its last five games versus Detroit. Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard has the Rangers' number compiling a 10-3-3 mark against them with a 1.77 GAA and.948 save percentage. The Rangers will be emphasizing defense after losing, 6-2, to Ottawa at home on Monday. The Rangers haven't allowed the Red Wings to score more than three goals during their last five meetings.
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11-06-19 | Belmont v. Illinois State +6.5 | Top | 72-79 | Win | 100 | 17 h 13 m | Show |
Belmont is coming off an outstanding season. But the Bruins could struggle in this opener. They are a team in transition right now playing with a new coach following the retirement of Rick Byrd and losing their two leading scorers from last season, Dylan Windler and Kevin McClain. Windler averaged 21.3 points and 10.8 rebounds. The Bruins draw Illinois State, a middle-of-the-road Missouri Valley Conference team. MVC schools are known for defense and slow tempos. Illinois State is no exception. I can see the Redbirds frustrating the Bruins at home and getting the cover if not pulling off the outright upset.
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11-05-19 | St. Mary's v. Wisconsin UNDER 129.5 | Top | 65-63 | Win | 100 | 12 h 56 m | Show |
This is a very good opening game, especially if you like defense. Saint Mary's plays at a slow, deliberate tempo under coach Randy Bennett. The Gaels have ranked among the bottom-10 percent in average possession length during each of the last six seasons. Wisconsin finished fourth in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency ratings last season. There is going to be an adjustment period, too, for the Badgers on offense with Ethan Happ gone. He was the focal part of Wisconsin's offense last season. Note this matchup is being played at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. So both teams will be dealing with a completely different environment in a small setting. Keep in mind, too, the new rule where the 3-point line has been moved back to the international distance. That's going to reduce the number of 3-pointers made.
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11-05-19 | Magic +2.5 v. Thunder | 94-102 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 12 m | Show | |
It's easy to be down on Orlando. The Magic are the only NBA team yet to reach triple digits. They rank last in scoring and field goal percentage. Behind that headline, though, are the Magic ranking No. 2 defensively in the league holding foes to 98.2 points per game. Oklahoma City is way down from last season. Chris Paul is the Thunder's lone star and he's off to a slow start. The Thunder also could be without their best big man as center Steven Adams has missed the last two games with a knee injury. The Magic are way overdue to have a good shooting game. They have a decent perimeter shootier in Evan Fournier to go with strong inside players Aaron Gordon and All-Star Nikola Vucevic. Orlando has covered in six of its last seven trips to Oklahoma City.
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11-05-19 | Devils v. Jets OVER 6.5 | 2-1 | Loss | -114 | 8 h 37 m | Show | |
New Jersy is giving up 4.1 goals per game. That's the worst mark in the league. The Devils have some strong offensive players headed by Taylor Hall. So it's not surprising they have gone Over in nine of their 12 games. There have been at least seven goals scored in six of New Jersey's past seven games. Winnipeg is a below average defensive team, too. But the Jets also pack some scoring punch especially with the return of sharpshooter Patrik Laine. The Jets have yielded at least three goals in six of their last nine games. So it's not too much to ask each team to produce three goals, which would get this total Over again.
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11-04-19 | Rockets -5.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 107-100 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
A 13-point road loss to the Nets this past Friday followed by a humilitating 129-100 defeat to the Heat on Sunday. Now do the Rockets lose for a third straight time? No. I'm getting behind the Rockets in stop-the-pain mode. I understand the Rockets are not in sync and their defense is horrible. But this game sets up well for Houston. The Grizzlies are among the worst teams in the NBA. They are in serious rebuild and won't be seeing positive signs for a while fielding an extremely young lineup with a new coach. Memphis also isn't likely to have their most promising big man, Jaren Jackson Jr. He's questionable with a sore knee. James Harden and Russell Westbrook each played less than half of the game in the blowout loss to the Heat. The prideful superstars should be in line for huge performances as Memphis is really struggling, too, defensively. The Rockets have covered five of the last six in the series.
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11-03-19 | Patriots -3 v. Ravens | 20-37 | Loss | -103 | 54 h 28 m | Show | |
Don't overthink this. Just ride New England until proven otherwise. The Patriots have covered 71 percent of their last 65 games! Bill Belichick should enter the Hall of Fame just on that number alone. A lot is being made of the Patriots going up against the most dangerous dual-threat QB in the NFL in second-year man Lamar Jackson. Turn it around, though. Jackson is going up against a Patriots defense that could be Belichick's all-time best. The Patriots are surrendering an NFL-low 7.6 points per game. They rank No. 2 in totals yards and passing yards. New England has intercepted at least one pass in each game and rank first in interceptions and sacks. Oh, yes, the Patriots have won the last 21 times they've gone against a first or second-year QB. John Harbaugh has been tough following a bye. The Ravens, however, haven't been a strong home team failing to cover in their past six home contests.
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11-03-19 | Lions v. Raiders OVER 50.5 | 24-31 | Win | 100 | 50 h 23 m | Show | |
No Kerryon Johnson means no more emphasis from the Lions on a ground attack. Detroit doesn't need one thanks to a strong bounce back season from Matthew Stafford, who has a 16-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio and three solid wide receivers in Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola. The Raider rank 28th in scoring defense and 31st in pass defense. They are without their two best guys in the secondary with Jonathan Abram injured and Gareon Conley traded. The Lions should have a great deal of success throwing here. Oakland, though, is playing well offensively ranking sixth in yards per play. The Raiders haven't allowed a sack in the last three weeks. Derek Carr has thrown just one interception in the last five games and Josh Jacobs has come through at running back. The Lions are banged-up in the secondary, too, with cornerbacks Darius Slay and Rashaan Melvin each injured. Detroit traded safety and team leader Quandre Diggs. Carr should have time to throw as the Lions have had zero or one sack in three of their last four games.
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11-03-19 | Bucs +6 v. Seahawks | 34-40 | Push | 0 | 50 h 15 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay can pass the ball effectively and stop the run. Those are two key components when taking on the Seahawks. Seattle is heavily run-oriented. The Buccaneers give up just 68.6 yards rushing, best in the NFL. Tampa Bay's pass rush is upgraded, too, with the return of Jason Pierre-Paul. He'll team up with NFC sacks leader Shaq Barrett. Jameis Winston has strong receiving weapons. Seattle ranks 27th in pass defense and has injuries with safeties Tedric Thompson and newly acquired Quandre Diggs out. The Seahawks have only three sacks in their past four games. The Buccaneers have proven dangerous as road 'dogs already knocking off the Panthers and Rams. Seattle has failed to cover the past four times it has been a home favorite, including nearly losing to the Bengals and falling by 14 points to the Ravens two games ago.
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11-03-19 | Redskins v. Bills -9 | Top | 9-24 | Win | 100 | 48 h 4 m | Show |
The Redskins are averaging 8.5 points in their last six games. They may get shut out by a strong and angry Bills defense that is coming off an embarrassing, 31-13, home loss to the Eagles last Sunday. Before that game, the Bills had held five of their first six foes to 17 points or fewer. I see Buffalo's defense rebounding in big fashion against rookie QB Dwayne Haskins, who is in line to make his first NFL start. Jay Gruden was right about Haskins in that the first-year QB isn't nearly ready. Haskins has a 34.5 passer rating with four interceptions in two cameo appearances. The Bills should stack the line to stop ancient Adrian Peterson forcing Haskins to make plays, which I don't see him doing. The Bills are very alive to come up with a pick-six or two. The Bills don't have a good offense. But Josh Allen can make plays with his feet and Buffalo should be operating from outstanding field position. The Bills do own two double-digit victories this season.
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11-03-19 | Jets -3 v. Dolphins | 18-26 | Loss | -119 | 48 h 34 m | Show | |
The Jets have looked bad lately facing two strong defenses, New England and Jacksonville. Now, though, the Jets are stepping all the way down in class. The Dolphins have the worst personnel in the NFL and they just lost one of their few good players in Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard. The Jets have far more talent than the Dolphins. If there is one team Jets coach Adam Gase does not want to lose to it's his former team the Dolphins. Gase should know the Dolphins - or what is left of them - well having been Miami's head coach the previous three seasons. Miami is home, but on a short week having exerted a mental and physical effort in a Monday night road loss to the Steelers. All of Miami's losses, except the one to the Redskins, have been by double-digits.
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11-03-19 | Fresno State v. Hawaii UNDER 69.5 | Top | 41-38 | Loss | -102 | 49 h 6 m | Show |
Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford is a quarterback guru. That's something well known about Tedford. What isn't so well known is that Tedford's teams have a strong Under tendency especially on the road where the low side has covered 12 of the last 16 times. Neither defense here has been very good. Hawaii has an explosive passing attack. That is why the total is so high. But in the last four years the most points scored in this matchup was 56 in 2015. There were 52 points scored last year and just 27 in 2016. This isn't a vintage Fresno State offense and Jorge Reyna isn't one of Tedford's great QB's. Reyna has a 3-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his last four games. The Bulldogs have used five different offensive line combination and 11 players have made their first start for the offense. Lack of focus and execution has hurt Fresno State. Hawaii lost a bit of its receiving depth when Melquise Stovall was dismissed from the team last week. He was third on the team in TD catches. Fresno State has done a good job of limiting big plays tied with Boise State for fewest pass plays of 20 or more yards allowed. So I could see a fifth straight game of fewer than 60 points being scored.
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11-02-19 | Calgary -7 v. BC | 21-16 | Loss | -115 | 92 h 27 m | Show | |
Calgary is going for playoff seeding needing this game. BC is playing the string out. The Lions were on a four-game winning streak showing after losing seven in a row. But they are back to their losing ways scoring a combined 25 points in their last two games, losses to Edmonton and Saskatchewan. The Lions were without their quarterback, Mike Reilly, in both of those defeats. Reilly is out for the season with a wrist injury. BC's offense isn't nearly as good without him. BC has failed to step up in class all season losing 12 of 13 games versus playoff-bound teams going 3-9-1 ATS in those contests. Calgary is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six visits to British Columbia.
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11-02-19 | Cincinnati v. East Carolina OVER 47 | 46-43 | Win | 100 | 44 h 27 m | Show | |
Cincinnati's defense gets a lot of credit. But the Bearcats' offense has been producing. Cincinnati is averaging 35.2 points in its last five games. Desmond Ridder and Co. should have a field day against an East Carolina defense that ranks 88th in yards allowed and 99th in run defense. This isn't a big total to go Over and the Pirates could contribute to it. They have a talented quarterback in Holton Ahlers.
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11-02-19 | UAB +12.5 v. Tennessee | 7-30 | Loss | -109 | 43 h 24 m | Show | |
Look I get that Alabama Birmingham's 6-1 record is deceiving being littered by beating patsies. But I don't think Tennessee is that good with its three-headed QB monster running an offense that ranks 103rd in yards. The Blazers defense is impressive regardless ranking No. 8 in run defense and 11th in points allowed at just 15.7 per game. None of the Blazers' opponents have scored more than 20 points on them. UAB has a balanced attack. QB Tyler Johston III has thrown for 260 or more yards in five of the Blazers' last six games. Tennessee is in a letdown spot after its big win against South Carolina last week. The Volunteers don't have a good track record at home failing to cover in 15 of their last 21 home games. UAB has been a strong money-maker going 25-10-1 ATS in its last 36 games.
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11-02-19 | Kansas State v. Kansas +6.5 | Top | 38-10 | Loss | -115 | 55 h 55 m | Show |
Kansas is one of the most improved teams in the nation under Les Miles. The Jayhawks have posted upsets of Boston College and Texas Tech while nearly knocking off Texas losing at the gun. The Jayhawks' offense has picked up under offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon with Carter Stanley one of the more underrated QB's in the country. Kansas is ready to spring another upset, this time against arch-rival Kansas State. The Wildcats have dominated this series winning the last 10 times. The Jayhawks hung tough against the Wildcats last season on the road, losing 21-17. Now the Jayhawks are home, vastly improved, riding some confidence and catch the Wildcats in a letdown spot. Kansas State just pulled off a monster upset of Oklahoma last Saturday as a 23 1/2-point home 'dog. This is the Wildcats' first road game in four weeks and only their third road game of the season.
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11-02-19 | Army v. Air Force UNDER 46 | 13-17 | Win | 100 | 17 h 51 m | Show | |
The last five in this series have all gone Under, including Army's 17-14 win last year. It's no surprise considering these are both triple option teams, play at a slow pace and this is a heated rivalry. Not many teams run an option. But Army and Air Force each do so its defenses are familiar with that kind of unique attack. Army is averaging just 19.3 points in its last three games. Note the teams will be playing on a grass field, which is a plus for the Under.
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11-01-19 | Bucks -4.5 v. Magic | Top | 123-91 | Win | 100 | 17 h 51 m | Show |
Both Milwaukee and Orlando are 2-2. But that's where the similarity ends. The Bucks were the best team in the NBA during the regular season last year - and they could be even better this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a favorite to win MVP honors. The Bucks have drawn three tough opponents during their first four games - Rockets, Heat and Celtics. The Magic are a borderline playoff team. Orlando has faced three easy opponents in its first four games - Cavaliers, Hawks and Knicks. Yet, the Magic are last in the league in scoring at 95.8 points per game. That's 24 fewer points per game than what the Bucks average. Milwaukee is off a road loss to the Celtics. The Bucks are 22-7 ATS following a defeat. This spread is too low given the quality of the two teams and the Bucks being in bounce-back mode.
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11-01-19 | Sabres +165 v. Capitals | 1-6 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 52 m | Show | |
The Sabres are much improved this season. They are in a great ambush spot against Washington. Buffalo last played on Monday at home losing 3-2 in a shootout to Arizona. The well-rested Sabres draw the Capitals in Washington's first game back from a highly successful five-game road swing. The combination of a huge plus price, Sabres' improvement and the letdown spot for the Capitals makes it worth backing the underdog.
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10-31-19 | Canadiens v. Golden Knights -1.5 | Top | 5-4 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 6 m | Show |
Kill spot here for the Golden Knights. The oddsmaker knows this, too, that's why the money line is so high. I don't lay prices that high, but will gladly take a plus price on the puck line laying 1 1/2 goals. The Golden Knights buried the Ducks, 5-2, in their last game. That was back on Sunday so Las Vegas will be well rested. Not so for Montreal. The Canadiens just beat Arizona, 4-1, last night with Carey Price in net. So the Canadiens either will start backup goalie Keith Kincaid, or a tired Price. The Golden Knights are the much superior team and this is a favorable spot for them.
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10-31-19 | West Virginia v. Baylor -17.5 | Top | 14-17 | Loss | -110 | 32 h 19 m | Show |
This matchup sets up well for Baylor coming off a bye. Baylor is very solid on both sides of the ball and is running hot with seven straight wins. West Virginia is at low ebb losing three in a row, being outscored in those games, 132-59, by Texas, Iowa State and Oklahoma State. Those are all good Big 12 teams. But so is unbeaten 11th-ranked Baylor. The Bears have the third-best scoring offense in the Big 12. The Bears have depth at running back, a receiving threat in Denzel Mims and dual threat quarterback Charlie Brewer knows how to take care of the ball. If you discount the Texas Tech game, Brewer hasn't thrown an interception all season. Brewer will be operating against a depleted West Virginia defense that gives up the most points in the Big 12 and just lost linebacker Josh Chandler to a knee injury.
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10-30-19 | Canucks -114 v. Kings | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 50 m | Show | |
The Canucks are on a 7-1-1 run. They began this run by burying the Kings, 8-2. The Canucks are on the road, but it isn't a bad spot as this is the Kings' first game back from a four-game road trip. The Kings are 2-6 int their last eight games. They've scored four goals in their last three games, while Vancouver has scored 17 goals in its last three games. The Canucks beat the Kings twice on the road last season and have won six of the past nine meetings.
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10-30-19 | Pistons +9 v. Raptors | Top | 113-125 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
Games against Toronto always hold extra meaning now for Detroit. That's become they come against Pistons coach Dwane Casey's former team. Casey knows the Raptors and their personnel well having been their head coach for seven seasons until two years ago. The Pistons went 3-0 versus the Raptors last season and they should be up for this one, too. Detroit has covered in six of its last eight visits to Toronto. This is the Raptors' fourth game in six days. Toronto's next game is much bigger - at the Bucks. Blake Griffin isn't back for Detroit yet. But the Pistons have been getting solid play from Christian Wood. He looked good during preseason and that has carried into the season.
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10-29-19 | Capitals v. Maple Leafs -120 | 4-3 | Loss | -120 | 18 h 25 m | Show | |
The Capitals haven't been a team to step in against this month, but this is the spot and matchup to do it. The Maple Leafs are in stop-the-pain mode having gone 1-3 in their last four games, including suffering a 5-2 road loss to the Canadians this past Saturday in their previous game. Washington is concluding its five-game road trip. The Capitals have won five of their last six games, including stunning Vancouver this past Friday rallying to win, 6-5, in a shootout after trailing by four goals. Toronto has the added incentive of revenge for a 4-3 road loss to the Capitals on Oct. 16. |
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10-28-19 | Panthers v. Canucks -115 | Top | 2-7 | Win | 100 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
Vancouver is out to make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season having missed them the past four years. The Canucks have been more than just talk. They are 6-2 in their last eight games. The Canucks won't forget their last game - and not in a good way. Vancouver got overconfident at home against a tired Capitals team and blew a 5-1 second period lead, losing 6-5 in a shootout. That was on Friday. The Canucks had all weekend to stew about that home loss. Now the Canucks are ready to unleash their frustrations and get back on the winning ledger drawing Florida at home. The Panthers are playing well, too, in their quest to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Florida, however, is in a letdown spot after an impressive 6-2 road win against Edmonton on Sunday. Sergei Bobrovsky was in net for the Panthers Sunday. He's likely to sit out this matchup in favor of backup goalie Samuel Montembeault. The Canucks are 7-3-1 the past 11 times hosting the Panthers.
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10-28-19 | Cavs v. Bucks -15 | Top | 112-129 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show |
The Bucks are in the mood for a blowout after kicking away a 21-point lead at home in a 131-126 overtime loss to the Heat on Saturday. Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a fast start. The Cavaliers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league and have inexperienced guards. Cleveland, though, is coming off an emotional 110-99 home victory against Indiana on Saturday. The Cavaliers played extremely well in that contest in giving coach Jim Beilein his first pro victory. I don't think the youthful Cavaliers have the maturity to stay close to maybe the best team in the NBA while taking to the road. The Bucks are 21-7 ATS following a defeat. The Bucks are 8-2-1 ATS the past 11 times laying double-digits. They beat the Cavaliers twice at home last season with the average winning margin being 19 points. |
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10-27-19 | Packers v. Chiefs +4.5 | Top | 31-24 | Loss | -110 | 45 h 14 m | Show |
OK, Patrick Mahomes isn't going to play. But the Chiefs are far from dead without Mahomes especially as a home 'dog in this price range. We can all agree Arrowhead Stadium is one of the tougher road venues. There should be unanimous agreement, too, that Andy Reid is an elite coach dangerous with extra prep time, which the Chiefs have from playing last Thursday. Veteran Matt Moore is one of the better backups in the league. I respect Moore because he throws downfield where many backups don't have the skill set to do anything except game manage and checkdown. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill provide Moore with a top-two tight end and perhaps the premier deep threat in the league. This is just Green Bay's second road game in seven weeks. Aaron Rodgers has a career losing road record and isn't expected to have his top wide receiver, injured Davonte Adams.
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10-27-19 | Ducks v. Golden Knights -1.5 | 2-5 | Win | 125 | 9 h 36 m | Show | |
I want the Golden Knights going for me here so I'll laying 1 1/2 goals on the puck line to reduce the heavy juice as the oddsmaker obviously believes the Golden Knights are the right side, too. Las Vegas was embarrassed at home on Friday by Colorado, 6-1. Afterward, Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant ripped his team. Now Las Vegas is back at T-Mobile Arena and should be primed for a huge effort. The timing is good, too. Las Vegas draws Anaheim. The Ducks are coming a big road win against the Avalanche, 5-2, last night. This marks the Ducks' third road game in four days. Their 28th-ranked offense can't stay with the Golden Knights.
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10-27-19 | Heat v. Wolves -6.5 | 109-116 | Win | 100 | 14 h 17 m | Show | |
Great play from center Karl-Anthony Towns. The continuity of fielding the same lineup from last season. A good vibe under 33-year-old head coach Ryan Saunders, son of the late coach Flip Saunders. These are all factors why the Timberwolves are off to a 2-0 start. I expect Minnesota to move that record to 3-0 today as they are not only playing well but in a great situational spot. Minnesota draws Miami at home after the Heat just upset the Bucks, 131-126 in overtime, at Milwaukee on Saturday. The Heat accomplished this without Jimmy Butler, who won't play today either. Obviously this is a monster letdown spot for the Heat.
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10-27-19 | Broncos v. Colts -4 | Top | 13-15 | Loss | -115 | 38 h 25 m | Show |
If the Broncos thought they could make a successful run with Joe Flacco at quarterback they were sadly delusional. It took a 30-6 home loss to the Chiefs last Thursday to figure that out. Now, at 2-5, the Broncos know they are dead. Only seven teams during the last 40 years have made the postseason after opening 2-5. Emmmanuel Sanders, Denver's best wideout, got traded. Others are likely to follow before Tuesday's trade deadline concludes. Unless Dwayne Haskins becomes the Redskins new first-stringer, Flacco is the worst starting QB in the NFL. And Garett Bolles may be the worst offensive left tackle in the league. It's a lethal combination that sinks the Broncos' popgun offense that has failed to break 16 points in five of their seven games. The Broncos' defense is good, but not great. Certainly it's not nearly strong enough to carry such a putrid offense. The Colts have proven time after time under Frank Reich that they are legitimate. Indy's defense has back it's best playmaker, linebacker Darius Leonard, and top defensive back in free safety Malik Hooker. The Colts are balanced on offense with Jacoby Brissett coming off a confidence-building four-touchdown performance in a 30-23 home win against Houston last Sunday. When you factor in home field advantage and the Colts being without a major weakness, this line comes up short.
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10-27-19 | Eagles +2.5 v. Bills | 31-13 | Win | 100 | 37 h 45 m | Show | |
The records show 5-1 and 3-4. But it's the Bills who are the 5-1 team. Buffalo has a very solid defense. The Bills' offense scares no one, though. Buffalo has built its record by beating the Jets, Giants, Bengals, Titans and Dolphins. Combined record of those teams is 6-27. None of those foes is above .500. The Eagles opened 3-2 before losing consecutive road games to the Vikings and Cowboys. Philly was outmatched in those games. The Eagles won't be here. They also won't lack motivation after a humiliating national TV loss to the Cowboys unlike the Bills, who are fat and happy. Buffalo is heavily run-oriented. Bills second-year QB Josh Allen is turnover-prone. The Eagles have gotten healthier in the secondary and rank seventh in rush defense. They've been tough on every running back except superstar Ezekiel Elliott.
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10-27-19 | Jets +7.5 v. Jaguars | 15-29 | Loss | -140 | 37 h 38 m | Show | |
The Jets aren't as good as they looked in beating the Cowboys two weeks ago. But they also aren't as befuddled as they looked this past Monday against the Patriots. New York's season stats are skewed because of the three games Luke Falk started. The Jets are much better with Sam Darnold behind center. The only ghost Darnold is going to see is the ghost of departed Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Jacksonville's defense isn't as good without Ramsey, their top defensive back, and injured lineman Marcell Dareus. Jacksonville also is banged up at linebacker. Darnold has gone against the Bills, in a game the Jets lost by one point, Cowboys and Patriots. The Jaguars aren't as good as those teams. I fail to see the publicity match the skill set with Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew. He's thrown one TD pass in his last two games while failing to complete even half of his passes in those two games.
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10-27-19 | Giants +7 v. Lions | 26-31 | Win | 100 | 37 h 32 m | Show | |
It seemed for a brief moment that the Lions might be better than mediocre this season. That moment has flickered away. The Lions are who they always have been - poorly coached, bad on defense, unable to run and adept at blowing leads. The Giants need to protect Daniel Jones better, but they don't lack for skill position weapons headed by the electrifying Saquan Barkley. He's in line for a huge game going against a beat-up Lions defense line that has injuries to Damon Harrison, Da'Shawn Hand and Mike Daniels. The Lions also are without their top cornerback, injured Darius Slay, and traded away safety Quandre Diggs. The Lions lack the pass rush to protect their now undermanned secondary. Detroit has yielded 430 or more yards in each of its last three games, the first time the Lions have done that in 11 years. The Lions' largest victory margin this season is three points. The Giants have covered eight of the last 10 times as a road 'dog. New York's defense can key on the pass as the Lions also lost their top running back, Kerryon Johnson.
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10-26-19 | Utah State v. Air Force OVER 58.5 | Top | 7-31 | Loss | -109 | 50 h 54 m | Show |
Look for a shootout between these two teams. Air Force is averaging 41.2 points in its last four games. The Falcons rank No. 2 in the nation in rushing. They have averaged 35 points the past two seasons against Utah State. Utah State has one of the best QB's in the country, Jordan Love. The Aggies play at an extremely fast tempo, which is a huge plus for the Over. The Falcons rank 74th in pass defense. Utah State has averaged 40 points versus Air Force during the past two years.
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10-26-19 | Raptors -3 v. Bulls | 108-84 | Win | 100 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
This line is too short. Both teams did play last night and won. The Raptors haven't fully developed their bench yet, but their seven-man rotation should not get fatigued this early into the season. Plus the Raptors had previously played last Tuesday when they opened the season. So they've had ample rest. Toronto is much the superior team. Even without Kawhi Leonard the Raptors are among the four top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are a borderline playoff team at best. Chicago lost to Charlotte in its first game. The Hornets could be the worst team in the NBA. Chicago then defeated Memphis, 110-102, last night in Memphis. So the Bulls won't be rested either flying in during the early morning hours. The Raptors have played the stronger competition going against New Orleans Boston last night. The Raptors lost, 112-106, to the Celtics on the road. Toronto is 11-3 ATS the past 14 times when playing on zero rest. The Raptors have the guard play with Kyle Lowery and Fred VanVleet to take advantage of the Bulls' weak transition defense. Toronto dominated the Bulls last season winning all four games by an average of 19.2 points.
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10-26-19 | Arizona State v. UCLA +3.5 | 32-42 | Win | 100 | 32 h 12 m | Show | |
UCLA is getting better. The Bruins are 2-1-1 ATS in their last four games, including SU road victories against Washington State and Stanford. The Bruins have improved their defense, allowing 366 yards per game during their last three games, and getting better QB play. Star running back Joshua Kelley is healthy again, too. Arizona State has been getting worse. The Sun Devils are coming off a lackluster 21-3 loss to Utah. UCLA has played a tougher schedule than Arizona State. The Sun Devils' early season win against Michigan State doesn't look so impressive now given the Spartans' woes. This has been an extremely tight series. The Sun Devils nipped UCLA, 31-28, last year. The Bruins are better than they were last season. I see them getting revenge at home.
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10-26-19 | Texas Tech -4.5 v. Kansas | 34-37 | Loss | -108 | 32 h 14 m | Show | |
Kansas is much improved under Les Miles. But the Jayhawks still have a long rebuild and this spot sets up great for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are coming off a tough 34-24 home loss to Iowa State. They can't afford a loss to Kansas in their quest to make a bowl game. The Red Raiders have plenty of firepower and should give the Jayhawks their best effort. Kansas, on the other hand, is in a letdown spot after nearly upsetting Texas in one of its best performances of the past few years. The Jayhawks had rallied several times to lead, but lost on a field goal at the gun, 50-48. Kansas played its guts out and it's going to be difficult for the Jayhaws to match that performance physically and emotionally. Texas Tech has dominated this series winning the past nine times while going 7-2 ATS. The Red Raiders' average win in this span has been by 24 points. Texas Tech has defeated Kansas by an average of 38 points during the last three years. The gap has narrowed. But not enough and the situation lays out well for the Red Raiders.
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10-26-19 | Auburn +11 v. LSU | 20-23 | Win | 100 | 28 h 34 m | Show | |
LSU hasn't faced a defense nearly this good all season. Auburn gives up just 17.1 points per game. That ranks 16th in the nation. Auburn also is 11th in run defense with its NFL-caliber defensive line. Auburn freshman QB Bo Nix is getting better. He's surrounded by strong pieces. LSU plays Alabama in its next game. So the Tigers have to guard against getting ahead of themselves. Not so with Auburn, which needs this game to keep in contention to win the Western Division portion of the SEC. Auburn has covered seven of its last eight games. This should be a highly competitive game just like the past three, which were decided by 1, 4 and 5 points.
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10-26-19 | Illinois v. Purdue -9.5 | Top | 24-6 | Loss | -106 | 41 h 45 m | Show |
Congrats to Illinois on pulling off the season's biggest upset with its 24-23 home victory against sixth-ranked Wisconsin last Saturday. The Illini were 28 1/2-point underdogs. It was the first time Illinois had defeated a ranked team in eight years. I'm not a fan of Illinois coach Lovie Smith, though, and I don't see the Illini being ready to go on the road to take on a frustrated Purdue team that has dominated them recently. This is the mother of all letdown spots for Illinois. Purdue has lost its quarterback, Elijah Sindelar, and star wide receiver Rondale Moore to injuries. However, backup QB Jack Plummer is showing steady improvement, the Boilermakers still have good receiving depth - including an excellent pass-catching tight end in Brycen Hopkins - and an edge in coaching with Jeff Brohm. Illinois could be missing its leading pass receiver, Ricky Smalling, and defensive end Oluwole Betiku, who ranks among the nation leaders in sacks. Both were injured against Wisconsin. The Boilermakers have beaten the Illini each of the last three years, including 46-7 on the road last season and 29-10 two years ago.
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10-25-19 | Blazers -2.5 v. Kings | Top | 122-112 | Win | 100 | 19 h 57 m | Show |
Let's just say Luke Walton's coaching debut with the Kings was less than stellar. That's as kind as I can put it. Sacramento was whipped by the lowly Suns, 124-95, at Phoenix this past Wednesday. The Kings had Marvin Bagley and Buddy Hield in that game. Those are two of their three best players with Bagley being their top big man. Bagley is out now with a broken right thumb and Hield is questionable with an ankle sprain. He didn't practice on Thursday. The Kings are in transition learning Walton's system and now they have to adjust again. The youthful Kings are going to encounter an angry Trail Blazers squad that had their 18-game win streak in home openers ended by Denver this past Wednesday. Portland caught a hot Denver team that made 18 of 32 3-pointers while the Trail Blazers missed 21 of 28 shots from beyond the arc. I trust All-Star guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum far more than what Sacramento has right now. I also like Portland coach Terry Stotts much more than Walton. Portland is 17-8-2 ATS(68%) following a point spread loss.
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10-25-19 | Calgary -140 v. Winnipeg | Top | 28-29 | Loss | -140 | 72 h 10 m | Show |
The teams just met last Saturday with Calgary winning, 37-33, but failing to cover as 6 1/2-point home favorites. The Stampeders won that game without star defensive back Tre Roberson, who has seven interceptions, and Don Jackson, one of the better RB's in the CFL. Both practiced on Tuesday and are expected to play. The Stampders have motivation trying to win the West Division. They are tied for first with Saskatchewan. Winnipeg is at low ebb having lost four of its past five games. Calgary holds a huge QB edge with Bo Levi Mitchell. The Blue Bombers may have third-stringer Zach Collaros as their starting QB. Chris Streveler, who was filling in for injured Matt Nichols, was limping during the Stampeders' win last week. Streveler was on crutches Tuesday. Collaros hasn't played since Week 1. Winnipeg is 2-6-1 ATS the past nine times hosting Calgary.
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10-25-19 | Astros v. Nationals +131 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 26 h 2 m | Show |
I can't - and won't - pass up a plus price offering on the red-hot Nationals. Not only is Washington the home team, where there will be no DH, but the Nationals are a blazing 18-2 in their last 20 games. They have won eight games in a row. The Nationals are 13-1 in their past 14 home games. Yet, despite these impressive streaks, Washington is the underdog. I don't get it. Houston is 2-3 on the road in the postseason. The Nationals beat Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander. They can defeat Zach Greinke, too. I like Greinke and this isn't a fade on him as it is a play on the hot Nationals, who have scored 17 runs in the first two games of this series. Greinke, though, is 36. He's not an "A" pitcher anymore in my book. I rate him as a solid "B" being more craft and guile than blowout stuff like he used to be. Greinke has a far bigger name than Washington starter Anibal Sanchez. It's a mistake to believe Sanchez takes a backseat to Greinke in the postseason, though. Sanchez has proven to be a big-play pitcher. He has a 2.57 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 56 postseason innings with 60 strikeouts. Sanchez nearly threw a no-hitter against the Cardinals in Game 1 of the NLCS during his previous start. He has a 0.71 ERA in the playoffs this season. The Astros have a deeper bullpen than the Nationals, who are vulnerable in middle relief. But the Nationals' two best relievers, Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson, are rested. No DH is a plus for the Nationals, who are used to playing by those rules. The Astros now have to decide if they are going to sit out Yordan Alvarez, or start him in the outfield taking a risk with his questionable fielding compared to Josh Reddick. The Astros haven't won since the news about assistant general manager Brandon Taubman's behavior toward a group of female reporters in the Houston clubhouse following the Astros' game-clinching series victory against the Yankees. This incident has caused MLB to investigate and is a distraction for the Astros. Bottom line is there just too much value not to ride the Nationals again.
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10-25-19 | Sharks v. Maple Leafs -1.5 | 1-4 | Win | 130 | 6 h 1 m | Show | |
The Maple Leafs are in stop-the-pain mode with two straight losses and draw the Sharks at home in a good spot. Toronto lost 4-3 at home on a penalty shot in overtime to Columbus and then fell to the Bruins, 4-2, on the road this past Tuesday. So Toronto will be rested and ready for this matchup. San Jose defeated Montreal, 4-2, last night. This marks the Sharks' third road game in four days. The Maple Leafs went 2-0 versus San Jose last season winning each of those games by two goals.
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10-24-19 | Clippers -123 v. Warriors | 141-122 | Win | 100 | 20 h 24 m | Show | |
The Clippers don't have Paul George yet. They do have Kawhi Leoanrd and maybe the best bench in the NBA. They also have played one game while the Warriors have yet to see action. I consider that a huge advantage for the Clippers. Take away Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguadola and Shaun Livingston and Golden State isn't the dominant force and team to beat as in years past. Now the Warriors are merely playoff contenders. The Clippers looked extremely good in beating the Lakers, 112-102, on Wednesday. They have the depth and defenders to bother Stephen Curry. LA certainly won't lack motivation. The Warriors eliminated the Clippers in the playoffs last season.
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10-24-19 | SMU v. Houston +14.5 | Top | 34-31 | Win | 100 | 18 h 24 m | Show |
These are heady times for SMU. The Mustangs are 7-0 for the first time in 37 years and ranked 16th in the AP's Top 25 poll. That's the highest the Mustangs have been rated since 1985. The combination of that and the perception that Houston is a dead team after losing outright as 21-point road favorites to lowly Connecticut last week push this line to the two-touchdown mark. I'm stepping in at this point. Houston still has bowl aspirations. The Cougars also should get back QB Clayton Tune. He's a big upgrade on third-stringer Logan Holgorsen, who was behind center against Connecticut. Tune didn't play in that huge upset because of a hamstring injury. He is practicing this week and expected to play. The Cougars rank 22nd in rushing. They have the capability to play ball control preventing SMU's high octane offense from taking the field. This also is a big in-state rivalry and has recruting ramifications. The Cougars have revenge motivation, too. They were ranked 17th in the country when SMU beat them last season as 14-point home 'dogs.
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10-24-19 | Hawks v. Pistons | 117-100 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 14 m | Show | |
Surprised by this game being in the pick range? Apparently there is some negative Detroit sentiment due to the Pistons playing Wednesday and being without Blake Griffin. He will miss the first five games of the season with an injured hamstring and sore knee. But I like that the Pistons already have played a game - and what a game! They defeated the Pacers on the road, 119-110. Andre Drummond had a monster performance with 32 points and 23 rebounds. An important takeaway is the Pistons' bench outscoring Indiana's reserves, 57-16. Now the Pistons play at home for the first time drawing the rebuilding Hawks. Atlanta has some intriguing young talent. But the Hawks are still in rebuild mode after having won fewer than 30 games each of the last two seasons. This is their first game of the season. Detroit doesn't just want to hand back that great opening night win by falling at home to Atlanta. The Pistons should be pumped. Fatigue shouldn't be such a big factor this early in the season and Detroit showed it has a bench. It's not too much to ask the Pistons just to win this game without having to cover a margin.
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10-24-19 | Sabres v. Rangers +111 | 2-6 | Win | 111 | 8 h 53 m | Show | |
These teams have been going in opposite directions. But I see the Rangers bouncing back against the Sabres, a team they have beaten six of the last seven times. Buffalo is playing for the fifth time in eight days, all at different venues. The Sabres are fat and happy having just completed a home/road series sweep against the Sharks, winning each game by one goal. This is the Rangers' third of a five-game homestand. They dropped the first two games to the Canucks and Coyotes each by one goal. After this game, the Rangers host the Bruins and Lightning. So this becomes a crucial game for the Rangers.
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10-23-19 | Wolves +4 v. Nets | Top | 127-126 | Win | 100 | 18 h 24 m | Show |
I like the Nets and their coach, Kenny Atkinson. Let me be more precise, though. I like and prefer the Nets in an underdog role. They made a huge splash in free agency signing Kyrie Irving, DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Durant, who likely is out for this season. The Nets are getting ahead of themselves. I'm not sold on them being a better team than the Timberwolves. Certainly Minnesota will have the best big man on the court in Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves bring back the same team from last season. That's a plus because of the continuity. The Nets had good chemistry last season. Let's see if that continues and how things work now that they have Irving, who didn't turn out to be a good fit for Boston last season. It's not a plus either for the Nets that they spend some of their preseason in China. By contrast, Minnesota is under-the-radar right now. Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders is just 33, the youngest coach in the NBA. He has the Timberwolves playing up-tempo and firing up 3-pointers. That's popular with his players. The Timberwolves don't take a backseat to the Nets in terms of talent with a healthy and rejuvenated Jeff Teague at point guard, wing players Andrew Wiggins and Robert Covington along with Towns, one of the best big men in the game.
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10-23-19 | Red Wings v. Senators UNDER 6 | 2-5 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 12 m | Show | |
The Red Wings are 27th in scoring. They have managed just seven goals in their last five games. The Senators are worse, though.They are last in the league in scoring at 2.1 goals on the season. The Red Wings have held the Senators to two or fewer goals in six of the past eight meetings. Maybe these teams find their offenses here playing each other. But until then I've got to believe there will be fewer than six goals scored.
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10-22-19 | Golden Knights -116 v. Blackhawks | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 19 h 34 m | Show | |
There's a huge class difference here that makes this short road chalk price well worth it. Yes, the Golden Knights are playing without rest. But fatigue should not factor this early in the season plus Las Vegas should be highly motivated after losing, 6-2, to the Flyers in Philadelphia on Monday. Marc-Andre Fleury will be back in goal for Las Vegas. The Golden Knights went with backup goalie Oscar Dansk against the Flyers. The Golden Knights have won 12 of the last 17 times they have been a road favorite. They also are 6-0 lifetime against the Blackhawks.
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10-22-19 | Pelicans v. Raptors UNDER 231.5 | Top | 122-130 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 35 m | Show |
Maybe if Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard were playing this high of a total might be justified. But they aren't. So Under is the way to go here. Williamson gave a glimpse of just how good he is during preseason averaging 23.3 points and shooting 71.4 percent from the floor before suffering a knee injury. Now the Pelicans have to figure out their offense and scoring roles with go-to-guy Williamson out. New Orleans is breaking in four new starters. So there's a double adjustment period. Jrue Holiday is an offensive-minded point guard. Brandon Ingram has a hig ceiling. But the Pelicans' three other starters - Lonzo Ball, Derrick Favors and Kenrich Williams - are not big scorers. Toronto had a top-10 defense last season ranking ninth in defensive scoring and fifth in defensive field goal percentage. The Raptors are patient on offense moreso now with Leonard gone and Marc Gasol becoming a large part of the team. Gasol also is a strong defender. Note, too, the teams concluded preseason this past Friday. So there could be a rust factor.
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10-21-19 | Patriots v. Jets +10.5 | Top | 33-0 | Loss | -130 | 121 h 7 m | Show |
The Jets are a much different - and better - team with Sam Darnold at QB. They should be mentally ready to take on the Patriots off a confidence-building home victory against the Cowboys last week. Statistically speaking, the Patriots have the best defense in the NFL. Darnold has weapons, though, with Le'Veon Bell, deep threat Robbie Anderson and much underrated slot man Jamison Crowder. The Patriots' offense hasn't been that sharp. This has largely gone unnoticed because their defense has been so good and because of an easy schedule. New England, however, is banged up at wide receiver, deficient at tight end and weak at the offensive tackle spots. The Jets should be up for this game more than any other matchup all season being against their most hated division rival and at home on Monday night.
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10-20-19 | Eagles +3 v. Cowboys | 10-37 | Loss | -114 | 97 h 9 m | Show | |
Why the Eagles? Better team getting points especially with Dallas not playing well losing to the Jets and Packers, who scored the first 24 points in that game. The Cowboys are dealing with key injuries. Both of Dallas' starting offensive tackles have been out the last couple of weeks. The Cowboys rely on Ezekiel Elliott to produce yardage on the ground, but the Eagles rank second in run defense. Dak Prescott isn't that effective in the air without his top wideout, Amari Cooper, who isn't expected to play. The Cowboys also could be minus their top cornerback, Byron Jones. He's dealing with a hamstring injury. The Eagles, on the other hand, are getting healthier as several of their cornerbacks could play after being out. This has been a road series with the visitor covering 11 of the last 15 times.
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10-20-19 | Saints v. Bears -3 | 36-25 | Loss | -120 | 93 h 15 m | Show | |
I want the Bears going for me at home having had two weeks to stew about their embarrassing loss to the Raiders in London. The Saints are overdue for a loss. They are 5-1 with an average winning margin of 4.8 points. They have outscored their opponents by just six points in six games. Teddy Bridgewater is a game manager. He needs weapons. Unfortunately for New Orleans, Alvin Kamara is dealing with an ankle injury that may cause him to miss this game if not limit his effectiveness. The Bears are in the argument for having the best defense in football. This also is an off-surface for the Saints, who play on turf indoors not outdoors on grass.
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10-20-19 | Raiders v. Packers -5 | 24-42 | Win | 100 | 90 h 47 m | Show | |
Kudos to the Raiders for maybe putting forth their best effort ever under Jon Gruden in upsetting the Bears two weeks ago in London. But I'm not sold on Oakland especially when playing away from home, which they will be doing for the fourth straight time. The Raiders are 3-8 SU, 4-7 ATS when not playing in Oakland under Gruden. It's easy to remember the Raiders' stirring performance across the pond. But earlier they were smashed, 34-14, by the Vikings on the road. Green Bay defeated the Vikings at home earlier this season. This is an early start time, too, for the Raiders. They are 1-6 SU and ATS the past seven times when playing at 10 a.m. PDT. All of those losses have been by at least seven points. Aaron Rodgers doesn't need Davante Adams to beat Oakland. Obviously it's a nice plus if Adams is over his toe injury that has caused him to miss the last two games. Rodgers, though, is an elite QB with a monster edge on Derek Carr, who is far more of a dink-and-dunker than gunslinger and lacks receiving weapons. Green Bay's defense is one of the most improved units in football ranking ninth in fewest points allowed. The Raiders average less than two sacks per game, are penalty prone and give up nearly 25 points a game.
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10-20-19 | Cardinals v. Giants -3 | Top | 27-21 | Loss | -100 | 90 h 46 m | Show |
The Giants are home, have a huge scheduling advantage and get back Saquan Barkley and Evan Engram. Barkley is a top-three running back and I rate Engram as a top-five tight end. The Cardinals have a porous defense ranking among the bottom-four in several key statistical categories, including yards allowed, points and pass defense. The return of cornerback Patrick Peterson from suspension is a plus for the Cardinals, but doesn't move the needle nearly enough. The Cardinals are coming off a 34-33 home victory against the Falcons. The Cardinals achieved the victory when normally reliable veteran Matt Bryant missed an extra point after the Falcons scored a touchdown with less than two minutes left. The Cardinals nipped the Bengals at the gun on a field gun two weeks ago. The Falcons and Bengals are a combined 1-11. The spread would be much higher here if the Cardinals held a 0-5-1 mark instead of a far more respectable 2-3-1 record. This also is Arizona's longest trip of the season and it's at an early West Coast start time. The Cardinals are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 Eastern Standard Time games. The Giants are on extra rest having played last Thursday.
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10-20-19 | Jaguars -4 v. Bengals | 27-17 | Win | 100 | 9 h 18 m | Show | |
If the NFL draft were to take place today it would not be the Miami Dolphins picking first. Instead it would be the Bengals because they have the worst record in the NFL at 0-6. The Bengals aren't tanking, but they are as bad as Miami. Cincinnati ranks last in rushing and last in stopping the run. On top of this, the Bengals have cluster injury situations in their offensive line and secondary with both starting cornerbacks out. A.J. Green, their best wideout, remains sidelined. Some regard the Saints as the best team in the NFC. Yet the Jaguars were nearly a field goal favorite against New Orleans last week. The Jaguars are slightly more than a field goal favorite against the Bengals. Doesn't make sense. Yes, the Jaguars were home against the Saints. Cincinnati, though, has a minimal home field edge. The Jaguars have an above average defense. That's without star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who missed the past three games. Ramsey getting traded could help the Jaguars' morale. He certainly won't be a distraction anymore. Jacksonville needs this game being two games out of first in the wide open AFC South Division. In their last five games, the Jaguars have defeated the Broncos and Titans while losing on the road to the Texans by one point and by seven to the Panthers. Jacksonville fell to the Saints by seven points at home last Sunday. The Jaguars are at their best when Leonard Fournette is gashing defenses. Fournette is having his best season averaging 5.1 yards a carry and ranking No. 2 in the AFC in rushing. The Bengals have allowed half of their opponents to rush for at least 250 yards. An effective Fournette sets up Gardner Minshew's play action passes. On top of all their injuries, the Bengals' defense carries a high fatigue rating. They were on the field for nearly 40 minutes and more than 80 snaps against the Ravens last week.
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10-19-19 | Kansas +21.5 v. Texas | Top | 48-50 | Win | 100 | 32 h 50 m | Show |
This line might make sense - it it were last year. Les Miles has made Kansas far more respectable. But even before Miles came on board the Jayhawks have given Texas trouble. The Longhorns defeated the Jayhawks, 24-17, last year failing to cover as 15 1/2-point road favorites. Texas beat Kansas by 15 points at home two seasons ago failing to cover as 32-point favorites and three years ago the Jayhawks stunned the Longhorns, 24-21, as 23 1/2-point home 'dogs. Kansas had a bye last week. The Jayhawks draw the Longhorns after Texas just had its annual Red River Shootout against arch-rival Oklahoma. The Longhorns are at TCU next week. So the spot clearly favors Kansas. Sam Ehlinger is one of the best QB's in the country. But I see the Jayhawks having the weapons to hang with Texas especially since the Longhorns have multiple defensive injuries. The Longhorns are giving up 453.3 yards per game, which ranks 111th. They have permitted an average of 31.6 points in their three Big 12 games. Kansas senior QB Carter Stanley ranks among the top 10 QB's statistically in Kansas history. He should be helped by a switch in offensive coordinators that has a more aggressive approach. Stanley has a pair of capable WR's in Andrew Parchment and Stephon Robinson Jr. plus one of the best running backs in the conference, Pooka Williams. |
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10-19-19 | Central Michigan -10.5 v. Bowling Green | 38-20 | Win | 100 | 26 h 51 m | Show | |
Central Michigan is playing its best ball with consecutive blowout victories against Eastern Michigan and New Mexico State. New Mexico State is a very bad team. So is Bowling Green. Don't look for the Chippewas to overlook Bowling Green, though. Not after the Falcons stunned Toldeo at home last Saturday winning 20-7 as 26 1/2-point 'dogs. That game was a total exception. Bowling Green is terrible on both sides of the ball. The Falcons had allowed four of their previous six opponents to score 35 or more points. They are 4-18 ATS in their last 22 home games. Bowling Green also is 1-6 ATS following a victory. Bowling Green had not beaten Toldeo, a rivalry matchup, since 2009. The Falcons' defense is weak especially against the run. Central Michigan has a balanced offense averaging 32.3 points. The Chippewas rank 51th in rushing while Bowling Green rates 111th in run defense yielding 208 yards on the ground per game. The Falcons also are 127th in scoring averaging a meager 15.5 points. Central Michigan has covered four of the last five times versus below .500 opponents.
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10-19-19 | Clemson v. Louisville OVER 61 | 45-10 | Loss | -116 | 24 h 26 m | Show | |
Scott Satterfield is doing a miraculous job with Louisville. But he can't hide the Cardinals' pass defense woes. The Cardinals have allowed nearly 1,400 yards with 14 TD's during the last three weeks. Clemson buried Louisville, 77-16, last season. The score is going to be closer this time around, but the Cardinals won't be able to slow down the Tigers. The Tigers put up 45 points on Florid State last week. Travis Etienne is one of the best RB's in the country and the Tigers have maybe the best WR's in the nation. Trevor Lawrence is due to put up huge numbers. Louisville is putting up numbers close to Clemson on offense ranking 16th in yardage and 24th in scoring at 37.3 points a game. The Cardinals have scored 103 points during the past two weeks facing Boston College and Wake Forest. Their ground attack has churned out 200 yards in every game except one. |
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10-19-19 | Florida -4.5 v. South Carolina | 38-27 | Win | 100 | 24 h 8 m | Show | |
You can't hold it against South Carolina if the Gamecocks suffer a letdown here against a strong Florida team. South Carolina is coming off a monster upset of then third-ranked Georgia, 20-17, in double overtime last week. The Gators are looking to rebound following a 42-28 loss to third-ranked LSU. Florida had won 10 in a row until falling to the Tigers.The Gators still have a shot to reach the SEC title game, but they need to win here. Kyle Trask is playing better at QB and the Gators own the superior defense in this matchup. Florida was leading the nation in sacks until last week. |
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10-19-19 | NC State v. Boston College +3.5 | 24-45 | Win | 100 | 24 h 1 m | Show | |
Boston College is 3-3, but 4-2 ATS, including 3-0 ATS as an underdog. The Eagles were idle last week. That has given more time to new QB Dennis Grosel, who replaces injured Anthony Brown. Grosel looked good in the Eagles' 41-39 road loss to Louisville two weeks ago when Brown was injured. NC State loves to blitz. The Eagles, however, have allowed just three sacks. The Wolfpack also are using a backup QB, Bailey Hockman. I prefer Grosel especially since he's backed by star RB AJ Dillon, who leads the ACC in rushing. NC State has failed to cover in its last four road games. The Wolfpacks are 1-5-1 ATS in their seven visits to BC. |
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10-18-19 | UNLV v. Fresno State UNDER 53.5 | Top | 27-56 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 18 m | Show |
UNLV upset Vanderbilt, 34-10, on the road last Saturday. The Rebels accomplished this by playing tough defense and running the ball a season-high 53 times. Now, on a short week with less practice time, the Rebels figure to stay on the ground. Running plays keep the clock moving. Tony Sanchez is fighting to keep his job as UNLV head coach. He knows the Rebels are 7-3 the last 10 times they have run the ball 50 or more times. Prior to putting up 34 points against the Commodores, the Rebels averaged 15.2 points in their past four games. Fresno State ranks 49th in fewest yards allowed per game. The Rebels don't have a very good passing attack. I'm not impressed either with Fresno State QB Jorge Reyna. Bulldogs coach Jeff Tedford has developed a lot of good QB's. Reyna, though, isn't one of them. Fresno State's statistics are padded from having played games against Sacramento State and New Mexico State.
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10-18-19 | Stars +129 v. Penguins | 2-4 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 8 m | Show | |
Dallas is off to a very slow start going 1-7. However, all but two of these defeats have been by a single goal. The Stars are due for some good fortune and I see them getting it here against an extremely banged-up Penguins squad. The Penguins have won four in a row, the last occurring two nights ago in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Avalanche. So I like the spot for Dallas. This will be Pittsburgh's fourth game in seven days. The Penguins are missing injured Evgeni Malkin, Nick Bjugstad, Bryan Rust and Alex Galchenyuk. Despite their record, the Stars rank second defensively in fewest shots on goal and have one of the top goalies in the NHL, Ben Bishop.
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10-17-19 | Predators v. Coyotes +108 | 2-5 | Win | 108 | 10 h 45 m | Show | |
Arizona has one of the hottest goalies on the planet in Darcy Kuemper. He has a .955 save percentage stopping 127 of 133 shots while emerging as an elite goalie. Kuemper last faced Nashville on Nov. 15 and made 44 saves in a 2-1 victory. Nashville ranks first in the NHL in scoring. But the Predators could be minus their leading goal scorer, Flip Forsberg. He suffered a lower body injury in Nashville's last game two days ago. The Predators upset Las Vegas, 5-2, in that game. So they could be in for a letdown. The Coyotes had a winning home record last season. This year at home they beat Las Vegas, 4-1, and lost to Boston, 1-0. Now they are stepping down in class from those two powerhouses.
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10-17-19 | Predators v. Coyotes UNDER 6 | 2-5 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 43 m | Show | |
Arizona has yet to go Over the total during its first five games. The Coyotes are getting tremendous goalie play from Darcy Kuemper. Arizona has held its first five foes to eight goals in regulation. The Coyotes, though, are averaging only 2.2 goals per game. Nashville may not have its leading goal scorer as Flip Forsberg is questionable with a lower body injury sustained in the team's victory against the Golden Knights this past Tuesday.
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10-17-19 | UCLA v. Stanford UNDER 51 | Top | 34-16 | Win | 100 | 19 h 28 m | Show |
Youthful quarterbacks and underrated defenses help put me on the Under. I'm not overly fond of UCLA's quarterbacks. Sophomore Austin Burton could be in line to make his second start for the Bruins in place of Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has a leg injury. The Bruins remain without perhaps their most talented wider receiver with Theo Howard out. If you discount their games against Washington State and Oregon State, the Bruins are averaging 14.7 points in their four other games. Stanford's defense has come on. The Cardinal have given up an average of 20.6 points in their last three games taking on Oregon, Oregon State and Washington. The Ducks and Huskies each have top-30 offenses while Oregon State ranks 48th in scoring. The Cardinal are expected go with sophomore Jack West at quarterback with K.J. Costello sidelined. Stanford also is starting three true freshmen on its offensive line. An inexperienced QB behind three-fifths of an inexperienced O-line usually isn't a good combination. I'm sure the Cardinal will play conservative, which is the style of their coach, David Shaw, and run the ball frequently with Cameron Scarlett. That will keep the clock moving.
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10-16-19 | Hurricanes v. Sharks -125 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 14 h 52 m | Show |
San Jose began the season with four losses in a row. But the buy sign is on now for the Sharks, who have won two straight and are in a good situational spot here. Carolina is playing for the fourth time in six days. The Hurricanes defeated the Kings, 2-0, in LA last night. The Sharks have had two days of rest after defeating the Flames, 3-1, at home this past Sunday. Patrick Marleau has provided a lift for the Sharks returning to the team he spent the first 19 years of his career. The Sharks are 2-0 since Marleau rejoined them.
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10-16-19 | Sabres +115 v. Ducks | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 9 m | Show | |
The Sabres are out of the gates fast at 5-0-1 looking very much improved. Anaheim is off to a hot start, too, but I regard the Sabres as the better team certainly offensively. The spot favors the rested Sabres even though they are the visitor. This is the Ducks' first home game in 11 days and their fifth game in nine days - all at different venues. The Sabres have done well against the Ducks winning four of the last five times.
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10-15-19 | Red Wings +137 v. Canucks | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 19 h 47 m | Show | |
Detroit appears to be much improved. The Red Wings are off to a 3-2 start. They already have won road games against Nashville and Montreal. A key to the Red Wings' success is better depth. They have been getting good play from their fourth line. Vancouver is a bit fat and happy posting consecutive home wins against the Kings and Flyers in a shootout this past Saturday. The Canucks won't have starting goalie Jacob Markstrom, who is attending a family matter. He'll be replaced by Thatcher Demko, who has yet to make a start this season.
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10-15-19 | Lightning -134 v. Canadiens | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 16 h 47 m | Show |
I want Tampa Bay going for me in a bounce back spot after the Lightning lost, 4-2, to the previously winless Senators this past Saturday. Tampa Bay is 7-1-1 in its last nine games versus Montreal. The Canadiens are off a 6-3 victory against the Stanley Cup champion Blues this past Saturday. This marks the Canadiens' fourth game in seven days. Carey Price hasn't been an elite goalie for the past couple of seasons. He's off to a slow start this year with a 3.38 GAA. Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is 7-1-2 lifetime against the Canadiens with a 2.16 GAA and.929 save percentage. He should be fresh since he did not play against Ottawa.
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10-14-19 | Cardinals +121 v. Nationals | Top | 1-8 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 38 m | Show |
I have the utmost respect for Stephen Strasburg. But I like Jack Flaherty better. I believe there is value getting Flaherty and the Cardinals - in a desperate spot down 0-2 - at an underdog price. Yes, St. Louis is on the road now. But the Cardinals have beaten the Nationals five of the past six times as a visitor. Yes, the Cardinals aren't hitting. But the Nationals aren't exactly tearing the cover off the ball having scored five runs in the first two games of the series. Yes, Strasburg is a stud pitcher. But Flaherty was the best pitcher in the National League during August and September with a 0.91 ERA following All-Star break. Flaherty has stayed hot in the postseason with a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings. St. Louis is 11-5 in his last 16 starts.
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10-14-19 | Ducks v. Bruins UNDER 5.5 | 2-4 | Loss | -135 | 4 h 9 m | Show | |
The juice is high, but the number is wrong. The oddsmaker should not be putting up higher than a 5 total on Anaheim games right now. The Ducks have been a dead nuts Under team. There has not been more than four goals scored in any of their first five games, all of which have easily gone Under. Anaheim is the perfect Under team. The Ducks are totally defensive-minded and have been receiving outstanding goaltending. They have allowed just six goals in five games. The Ducks have failed to score more than than three goals in a game. They average just 2.2 goals. Boston is the No. 2 defensive team in the league permitting only 1.6 goals a game. The Bruins have yet to fully get their offense going at this early juncture. They rank 24th in scoring at 2.4 goals a game. This is the Ducks' fourth road game in seven days. So they surely aren't going to change their deliberate, plodding style. Note this is a very early West Coast time start for the Ducks, another plus for the Under.
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10-13-19 | Titans v. Broncos OVER 39 | 0-16 | Loss | -109 | 98 h 28 m | Show | |
Unless you have a pair of dominant defenses going, this is a short total in the NFL these days with the rules skewed toward offense. Denver's defense is overrated. The Broncos have yielded at least 23 points in five of their last seven games. Denver is down Bradley Chubb and ranks 22nd in run defense. The Titans should have scored far more than seven points against the Bills last week. They had a touchdown called back and missed four field goals. Tennessee mercifully has a new kicker this week. Derrick Henry should be able to run on Denver, which in turn will make Marcus Mariota far more effective off play-action. I'm not a fan of Joe Flacco. But Denver's offense has shown more the past two games averaging 22 points during this span.
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10-13-19 | Cowboys v. Jets UNDER 45 | 22-24 | Loss | -117 | 48 h 13 m | Show | |
The Jets rank last in yards and second-to-last in scoring. Maybe the oddsmaker believes their scoring will pick up with Sam Darnold set to go behind center for the first time since opening week after being felled by mononucleosis because this total seems high to me. Darnold is a major improvement on Luke Falk, who had no business ever starting an NFL game. But Darnold figures to be rusty and may not be 100 percent. This is just his second year in the NFL. He was inconsistent as a rookie. The Cowboys could be without their two starting offensive tackles, six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith and right tackle La'el Collins. I forsee a lot of running in this game, which eats up clock. The Jets heavily rely on Le'Veon Bell, who isn't such a superstar behind a sub-par offensive line. Dallas is going to feed Ezekiel Elliott.
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10-13-19 | 49ers v. Rams -3 | Top | 20-7 | Loss | -120 | 54 h 28 m | Show |
The Rams are feeling heat from the Seahawks and 49ers having lost two in a row. So this becomes a crucial game. Sean McVay is the best coach in the NFC. Jared Goff has a history of playing much better at home. The 49ers are not used to taking on opponents who are extremely motivated to play them - until now. San Francisco is much improved as its 4-0 record attests. But do note those victories have come against the Buccaneers, Bengals, Steelers and Browns. The combined record of those teams is 5-15. LA is on extra rest having played last Thursday. The Rams are 7-1 ATS when having a rest advantage under McVay. The 49ers, on the other hand, are on a short week coming off a great Monday night home win against the Browns. Lost in the glare of the 49ers' dismantling of the Browns, though, was two key injuries - fullback Kyle Juszcyk and offensive right tackle Mike McGlinchey. Both are out long-term. Juszcyk may be the best fullback in the league. Compounding McGlinchey's injury is San Francisco already is minus star offensive left tackle Joe Staley. Aaron Donald should be in for a monster game. The Rams' defense isn't as down as some may perceive. LA's offense has been turning the ball over, which has put its defense in difficult field position. Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't have that much starting QB experience. He's going to face a heavy pass rush without his starting tackles. I don't see him keeping up with a high caliber Rams offense that should be well-designed with nine days to prepare under QB guru McVay. Todd Gurley may not play, but the Rams have two other good running backs. One of the keys to McVay's success has been a 10-3 division record. The 49ers are 2-10 against NFC West foes under Kyle Shanahan.
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10-13-19 | Bengals +12.5 v. Ravens | Top | 17-23 | Win | 100 | 96 h 45 m | Show |
As bad as the Bengals are, the Ravens aren't nearly good enough to lay this big of a number in a division matchup. The Ravens' defense has surrendered 96 points in its last three games. They rank 29th in pass defense and are down several key members in their secondary, including Jimmy Smith and Tony Jefferson. It's become obvious how much Baltimore misses former defensive stalwarts Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley, both of whom departed via free agency. The Bengals have proven to be a feisty underdog covering five of the past six times in that role. They nearly beat Seattle and Buffalo straight-up on the road this season. Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS during its last five visits to Baltimore. The Ravens have failed to cover in their last five games and are 1-6 ATS the past seven times they have been favored. Their heavy reliance on running the ball makes them an especially poor choice to lay double-digits.
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10-13-19 | Eagles v. Vikings -3 | 20-38 | Win | 100 | 95 h 23 m | Show | |
The Vikings are healthier and a better team than the Eagles right now. I also believe the Vikings' strong home field is worth more than the standard three points. So this line is short. Minnesota is 15-5 SU and ATS the last 20 times when laying five points or less at home. Kirk Cousins does his best work against bad teams and crippled secondaries. The Eagles have a cluster injury problem in their secondary. Cousins has a strong history versus Philadelphia, too, with a 101.2 career passer rating that includes 17 TD passes in eight games. The Eagles have to respect Dalvin Cook. So the Vikings are balanced and should have no problem moving the ball. Not so with the Eagles. Carson Wentz hasn't been sharp so far this season and he's squaring off on the road against an elite defense.
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