Sunday 12/16/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for NCAAFB, NFL & NBA games.
SAL MICHAELS
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Patriots vs. Steelers
Free Play on Steelers +3 -115
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JACK JONES
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Cardinals vs. Falcons
Jack’s Free Pick Sunday: Arizona Cardinals +10
The Atlanta Falcons are just not in a good state of mind right now. And with their poor mental state, they have no business laying 10 points this week, not even against a team that’s considered to be one of the worst in the NFL in the Arizona Cardinals. Let’s dive a little deeper into Atlanta’s state of mind.
This is a Falcons team that went to the Super Bowl two years ago and lost to the Patriots in excruciating fashion. Then last year they earned their way back to the playoffs and even beat the Rams on the road before a tough loss to the Eagles. So this is a team used to playing in big games the past two seasons.
But here they sit at 4-9 on the season and with nothing to play for. It has been a challenge for them to find reasons to be motivated every week, and they just haven’t been. They got back to 4-4 on the season with back-to-back wins over the Giants and Redskins, but have completely fallen apart since.
Indeed, the Falcons are 0-5 SU & 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall. Four of those five losses came by double-digits, and the five losses have come by an average of 10.6 points per game. That’s the sign of a team that has quit, and at the very least one that is just going through the motions. How can they possibly be motivated to face this 3-10 Arizona team this week?
The Falcons have an atrocious defense that is giving up 28.2 points and 387.1 yards per game on the season. They have been even worse at home, giving up 28.7 points and 430.6 yards per game in their seven home games thus far. They are just 2-5 ATS at home this season, and 3-10 ATS overall.
The Cardinals have a first-year head coach and a rookie quarterback in Josh Rosen, who is making strides every week. They are exactly the type of team that even at 3-10 will show up every week. They certainly showed up two weeks ago in their last road game, a shocking 20-17 upset win at Green Bay as 13.5-point underdogs. That’s the same Packers team that just beat the Falcons 34-20 at home last week.
I think the Cardinals are being undervalued off their 3-17 home loss to the Lions last week. But that was one of the most misleading finals of the week. The Lions only had one offensive touchdown and managed just 218 total yards against this very solid Arizona defense. The Cardinals outgained them by 61 yards, yet lost by 14.
Rosen should get some help this week from running back David Johnson, who should have plenty of success against this Atlanta defense. The Falcons rank 26th in the NFL in giving up 131.2 rushing yards per game, and they are even worse ranking 29th in yards per carry (5.0) allowed. Opposing quarterbacks are also completing 71.3% of their passes inside the Georgia Dome this season. Rosen is in line for one of his best games of the season.
Plays on road teams (Arizona) - after failing to cover three of their last four games coming in, in December games are 43-16 (72.9%) ATS over the last five seasons. The Cardinals are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Arizona is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven against NFC opponents. The Falcons are 0-6 ATS in their last six vs. a team with a losing record. Bet the Cardinals Sunday.
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COLE FAXON
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Packers vs. Bears
FREE PLAY on Packers +6 -115
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RAY MONOHAN
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Cowboys vs. Colts
Dallas +3
The Cowboys have completely turned their season around.
After it looked like they were down and out, the offense has completely shifted gears with Amari Cooper coming over. He added the value on Sunday as he caught a deflected pass in overtime to help Dallas grab a win over Philadelphia.
They hold value here on Sunday as the Colts haven't been as sharp as they'd like to be as of late. Indianapolis has been sloppy taking caring of the ball and have struggled to cover the number at home.
Grab the points here. Back Dallas.
Good Luck, Razor Ray.
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TIM MICHAEL
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Cowboys vs. Colts
Cowboys+3 -115
T.M. Selection: Dallas Cowboys (FREE PLAY)
The Colts bounced back last week from a 6-0 defeat to Jacksonville to knock off the red hot Texans in an important divisional battle, but I think they’ll have their hands full with a Cowboys team which has completely turned its season around and looks great in all three phases. The Boys are 8-5 after last weekend’s crucial 29-23 OT home win over the Eagles. While Andrew Luck has the advantage over his counterpart Dak Prescott under center, I’m giving the nod to Dallas in the run game, on defense and also in special teams. Note as well that the Cowboys are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 as an underdog, while the Colts are just 10-11 ATS in their last 21 at home, including only 2-3 ATS this season. Consider Dallas.
T.M. Prediction: 27-21 Dallas.
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INFO PLAYS
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Eagles vs. Rams
1* Free Play on Eagles +11 -110
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MARK WILSON
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Titans vs. Giants
Free Play on Giants -2½ -120
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CALVIN KING
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Lions vs. Bills
[1%] Free Play on Bills -1
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ART ARONSON
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Bucs vs. Ravens
Ravens-8 -106
This is a 1* Free Play on the Baltimore Ravens.
The Bucs did their best to play “spoiler” to the Saints last weekend and while they looked “OK” for one quarter, eventually they’d stumble and succumb to the superior team. The Bucs laid everything on the line at home and the result was a 28-14 setback. Now they have to hit the road and face the league’s No. 1 defense which comes in off a tough 27-24 OT road loss in KC. The Ravens will be hungry to return to form and to keep pace in the playoff picture.
Additionally note that Tampa is just 3-6 ATS in its last nine after a loss by ten points or more, while Baltimore is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a home favorite in the 7.5 to 14 points range. Lay the points.
AAA Sports
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JOSEPH D'AMICO
Sunday's FREE NFL WINNER is the New England Patriots.
Game 327.
Yes, New England lost last week's matchup in Miami, 34-33. But, in all honesty, they haven't fared too well there, going 1-5 SU the last six at Hard Rock Stadium. One thing about the Patriots....they are money in bounce back situations, going 45-19-1 ATS the L65 games played following a SU loss. Pittsburgh is on a 3-game slide and haven't covered a game in over a month. They are banged-up and with no real ground game to keep defenses honest, they are having issues scoring points, which is resulting in their defense spending more time on the field, and in turn, yielding more points. More pressure on the aging, Big Ben, who doesn't have the talent pool as in recent years, this is why the QB has 7 TD's and a whopping, 6 INT's over the L4games. New England has taken 5 in a row in this series, going 4-1 ATS. The Steelers are 1-7 ATS the L8 games played in December and 3-8 ATS the L11 games played at home. The Patriots are 24-10 ATS the L34 vs. the AFC and 17-7 ATS the L24 on the road. Take New England. Thank you.
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MARC LAWRENCE
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Titans vs. Giants
Titans+2½ -105
Play - Tennessee Titans (Game 319).
Edges - Titans: 16-7 ATS all-time away versus NFC East; and 2-0 SUATS as dogs versus NFC East this season … Giants: 2-7 ATS home all-time versus AFC South … We recommend a 1* play on Tennessee. Thank you and good luck as always.
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STEPHEN NOVER
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Packers vs. Bears
UNDER 45½
There is a big reason why you can't take the Packers in this game. It is the same reason why Under the total is the best way to get involved in this matchup. That reason goes by the name of Jason Spriggs. He's an offensive right tackle, who is expected to start for injured Bryan Bulaga. That puts him up against Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. It's a mismatch of biblical proportions. Spriggs is a second-round bust. A wasted high draft pick courtesy of now demoted former general manager Ted Thompson, who may have been suffering from senility when he made the pick. Seriously. Thompson is an ill man. I'm not a fan of Mitchell Trubisky either. He's probaby not 100 percent back from a shoulder injury that cost him two games. Trubisky returned this past Sunday night against the Rams. The Bears won in spite of Trubisky, who missed open receivers while compiling a miserable 33.3 passer rating. The Bears held the Rams to six points. LA entered that matchup averaging nearly 35 points a game. Mack has lived up to his lofty reputation. He's in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Hicks is well above average. The Bears rank No. 3 in fewest points and fewest yards allowed. They lead the NFL in interceptions with 25. The next closest team has 19. Chicago has forced 34 turnovers, six more than the second-place team. Vic Fangio is in the discussion for best defensive coordinator in the league. So it's not a stretch to state this might be the Bears' best defense since their 1985 Super Bowl team. December games in the Midwest favor defense not offense. Teams often run more because of cold weather, which is another plus for an Under. The Packers were pumped in beating a sinking and demoralized Falcons team at home last Sunday, 34-20. That was their first game since Mike McCarthy was fired. Aaron Rodgers and Co. wanted to prove a point. They did. I'm not sure they are ready to move on, though. Firing McCarthy before the season was finished after getting upset at home by the Cardinals was a knee-jerk punk move by Green Bay president Mark Murphy and not in keeping with the Packers' tradition of class. Interim coach Joe Philbin is popular with the Packers players. But he's not head coach material. The Packers have to know their season is finished. The Packers should actually hold Rodgers out rather than risk him to a sure-fire pounding like the Eagles are doing with Carson Wentz in order to preserve their franchise quarterback for next year. Rodgers beat the Bears in Week 1 coming back from injury to do it. He's going to be hard-pressed to repeat that performance because of a battered offensive line, being on the road and facing a dominant defense that wants to beat him more than any other quarterback. Green Bay's defense held a strong Falcons offense to two touchdowns. The Packers actually have as many sacks as the Bears do with 40. That ties them for fourth-best in the NFL. They are fortunate to draw Trubisky. So I see defense - not offense - ruling this matchup.
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TEDDY COVERS
Event: (315) Detroit Lions at (316) Buffalo Bills
Sport/League: NFL
Date/Time: December 16, 2018 1PM EST
Play: Buffalo Bills -2.0 (-110)
3* Take Buffalo (#316)
Bills head coach Sean McDermott guided his team to the playoffs last year, and he’ll be back as their head coach next year – the Bills are most assuredly not a ‘dead’ team at this stage of the campaign. Buffalo has notched two wins and two competitive defeats in their last four games; a completely different team with Josh Allen behind center, compared to Nathan Peterman or Derek Anderson or Matt Barkley or any of the other garbage Buffalo has trotted out at QB this season.
Allen’s running ability has been a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators, with 335 rushing yards on just 31 carries since his return from injury. He found seven different receivers last week, but three turnovers and three red zone failures doomed the Bills chances in a ‘revenge’ game for the Jets.
From a statistical standpoint, the 4-9 Bills have the single best yardage differential in the NFL over the last five weeks; an eye-opening stat that speaks volumes about their defensive intensity down the stretch. They certainly haven’t quit on their coach or their season.
McDermott delivers a solid bet-on quote here: "We've eliminated ourselves from the playoffs, but there's a bigger purpose. he bigger purpose is how we develop into that team that we're trying to become, which is that caliber of team, that standard. Like I mentioned before, it's the quality of our play. That's really what I'm looking for from each and every individual, from us as coaches, from the units, offensive, defensive, and special teams is our quality of play that will lead to sustained success over the course of time and eventually, the ultimate goal."
The Lions are coming off a rare road win at Arizona. I do NOT want my money on the banged up Lions (even Matthew Stafford has a bad back) coming off a ‘W’ in a tough travel spot in cold, rainy conditions. Detroit hasn’t scored more than 20 points in any game over the past month; held under 220 yards against the Cardinals last week. Cheap price to lay with the superior team in the superior spot! Take the Bills.
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KEVIN DOLAN
Event: (321) Washington Redskins at (322) Jacksonville Jaguars
Sport/League: NFL
Date/Time: December 16, 2018 1PM EST
Play: Total Under 36.5 (-110)
An incredibly low total on Sunday as two struggling teams meet up in a battle of little consequence bar the obvious betting opportunity.
While technically still alive, Washington's season is all but over and QB Josh Johnson has been brought in, in an effort to revive this Redskins offense despite not playing a full game since 2011.
Washington have the 27th best offense in the league with Jacksonville ranking dead last over the previous three game span. Jacksonville have only crossed the 3 TD mark three times this season, and two of those came in Weeks 1-4. This offense is severly limited and the switch to Kessler in his more conservative approach means while the Jags are turning the ball over less, they're also scoring less.
Where Jacksonville does excel however is on defense and they have the number one D in the league at home, giving up just 4.3 ypp at home.
Jacksonville will look to keep this on the ground and give a healthy Leonard Fournette plenty of rush attempts in this one. Plenty of clock chewed up in the process and we just can't see Johnson putting up many points on the other end against this stout Jags defense.
Take the Skins/Jags to go Under even this low total on Sunday.
PICK: UNDER 36.5
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EXECUTIVE SPORTS
Event: (319) Tennessee Titans at (320) New York Giants
Sport/League: NFL
Date/Time: December 16, 2018 1PM EST
Play: New York Giants 0.0 (-108)
NY GIANTS ... Past 3 FREE Plays here have gone 3-0.
Last week the NYG won 42-16 over Washington ... Play On Home teams (NY GIANTS) in non-conference games, off a win by 10 points or more over a division rival. (33-9, 79% over the last 10 seasons.) The situation's record this season is: (3-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-1). Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4).
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JIMMY BOYD
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Cowboys vs. Colts
Colts-3
1* Free NFL Pick on Indianapolis Colts -3
I really like the value here with the Colts as a mere 3-point home favorite. Dallas is a huge public team. It doesn't take much for the books to inflate their lines and they come into this on a 5-game winning streak and have covered the number in all 5 wins.
They were extremely fortunate to cover as a 3.5-point home favorite last week against the Eagles, as they scored a TD in overtime to win by 6. The week before they caught the Saints in a really flat spot and snuck out a 13-10 win.
I get why people are excited about this team, but I think they aren't as good as people think. That plus they all but won the NFC East with last week's win over the Eagles, so it would be real easy for them to take their foot off the gas. I think Elliott has been overused and the entire offense will find it tough sledding without one of the best offensive linemen in the league in Zach Martin.
Not to mention the Colts are playing extremely well right now. Indianapolis has won 6 of their last 7. Andrew Luck is playing better than expected after a year off and the defense is a lot better than people think. I think the home team is going to dominate right from the start and win here by at least a touchdown. Take Indianapolis!
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STEVE JANUS
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Seahawks vs. 49ers
1* Free Sharp Play on 49ers +5 -115
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ROB VINCILETTI
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Cardinals vs. Falcons
Cardinals+10
The Sunday free play is on Arizona at 1;00 eastern. Arizona fits a nice system that is 52-17 to the spread long term and plays on non division dogs of +7 to +10 if both teams are off non division losses. Atlanta is under .500 and laying too many here. The Card are still playing hard and won as double digit dog in their last game. Look for a close game with the Cardinals Covering.
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Mike Wynn
Free Play: Baltimore -7½ Over Tampa Bay
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Totals4U
Early Sunday's Free Selection: Detroit Lions/Buffalo Bills under 40
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Atlantic Sports
Early Sunday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Troy + 12 1/2
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#1 Sports
Early Sunday's Free Selection: Arizona Cardinals + 9 1/2
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Platinum Plays
Free Pick: the Arizona Cardinals +9½ over Atlanta
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Hawkeye Sports
Early Sunday's Free Pick: Carolina Hurricanes - 175
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High Stakes Syndicate
Free Selection for Early Sunday: Rhode Island Rams + 7 (NCAA BB)
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John Anthony Sports
Early Sunday's Free Selection: UTEP Miners
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Razor Sharp
YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR EARLY SUNDAY: DALLAS/INDIANAPOLIS OVER the total of 47
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Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Sunday: Take ATLANTA -10 over Arizona
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Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Sunday, December 16, 2018
NFL (319) TENNESSEE TITANS VS (320) NEW YORK GIANTS
Take: (320) NEW YORK GIANTS
Reason: Your free play for Sunday, December 16, 2018 is in the NFL scheduled contest between the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants. Your FREE play is on the GIANTS.
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Jeff Allen
Sunday's Free Selection is on the Brooklyn Nets
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Roz Wins
Roz's Sunday, December 15, 2018, Free Pick
(313) DALLAS COWBOYS VS (314) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Take : Colts
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Sharp Bettor
SharpBettor FREE Play for Sunday, December 16, 2018
(315) DETROIT LIONS VS (316) BUFFALO BILLS
Take : Bills
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Golden Dragon
FREE WINNER for Sunday
Green Bay/Chicago over 45
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Huddle Up Sports
Free Play: Tampa Bay/Baltimore under 46'
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Arthur Ralph
FREE play SUN Vikings -7
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Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Sunday: Take SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO UNDER the total of 44
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Kenny Towers
FREE PLAY FOR SUNDAY - GREEN BAY/CHICAGO UNDER 47
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CAPPERS ACCESS
(NFL)
Bears
Titans
Seahawks
Rams
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BIG AL
Our complimentary selection for Saturday, Dec. 15 is:
Jacksonville -7.5 over Washington.
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TOMMY BRUNSON
Your comp play for Sunday comes in this Arizona-Atlanta game, as I think this battle of the birds could last until Tuesday and we would not see enough points to go Over the total.
The Cardinals have been held to 21 points or less in each of their last 8 games, and 12 of their 13 games overall for the year. The Under has cashed in each of their last pair of games, and 4 of their last 6. Overall, 8 of their 13 games games on the season have landed Under the total.
The Falcons once humming offense has lost its way, as they have been limited to 20 points or less in each of their last 5 games, 4 of those 5 games having landed Under the total. In fact, 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games this season have also landed Under the total.
I have a feeling that the Steve Sarkisian experiment as offensive coordinator may soon be a thing of the past once the calendar drops this last page of the year to the ground.
Cardinals and Falcons do NOT take flight today at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Under we go for Week 15.
4* ARIZONA-ATLANTA UNDER
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BOBBY CONN
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Redskins vs. Jaguars
1* Free Play on Jaguars -7½ -105
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CHIP CHIRIMBES
Oakland at Cincinnati 1:00 ET
Bengals (-) over Raiders
Golly, can it get any uglier? I really don't think so, But, as a former friend once barked to me 'there has got to be a winner somewhere.' If you want a winner get Chips' Afc Game of the Year! The Raiders are on a roll winning 24-21 last week against Pittsburgh (no Roethlisberger in 2nd half) and having 'covered' the last two weeks they are about done. Cincinnati has lost five straight and seven of eight since their collapse against Pittsburgh. And worst they are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight. Oakland still averages just 18 points per games while surrendering 29.8. Numbers on both sides are ugly as the Raiders are 0-8 ATS after a win and the bengals are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games and finally Oakland is just 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings. The beat goes on in Oakland where they fired 17-year general mange Reggie McKenzie as the off the field chaos continues. Jeff Driscoll gets his second start and is fortunate its the Raiders on the other side of the ball. Take the BENGALS!
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HUNTER PRICE
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Redskins vs. Jaguars
1* Free Pick on Jaguars -7½ -105
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VIC DUKE
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Patriots vs. Steelers
Patriots-1 -122
Patriots/Steelers 4:25: Patriots have consistently been a thorn in the side for Pittsburgh and I think that trend will continue. NE, 5-1 ATS in Pittsburgh, likes to go 4 wide or empty the backfield, spread Pittsburgh's defense out and let Brady dissect it. More of the same today as Brady will find the holes in the Steelers secondary if they zone it or run the crossing routes or quick check downs to RB White if they man it. Either way, we'll look for the Patriots to have laser focus off their last second loss last week. Pittsburgh sports a shaky 3-8 ATS mark in their last 11 at home and 1-7 ATS in December. Patriots 12-1 ATS after Miami and we should see Brady put up more big numbers here.
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KENNY WALKER
NFL | Dec 16, 2018
Redskins vs. Jaguars
Jaguars-7½ -105
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Sports Book Edge
Kevin 'Bubba' Smith
'Railside' Harry MLB Expert
#43/4 Buf.Sabres/Bo Bruins Over
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Priority Sports Info
Roy Maddux
#312 Baltimore Ravens
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TDS Pucks & Dunks
Sloan Shannon
Home of the Dog Pound
#522 Washington Wizards
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Golden Locks Sports
#307 Miami Dolphins
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Billy Irish Picks
Billy Irish
Original Pot of Gold Top Play
#40 Carolina Hurricanes
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Winning Colors Pks
TJ Elliot
Football & Basketball specialist
#307/8 Mi Dolphins/Min.Vikings Under
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Valley Sports
#326 San Francisco 49ers
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Vegas Hotsheet
#317 Green Bay Packers
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Todays Round Robin
Harry Walker
#309/0 Oak.Raiders/Cin.Bengals Over
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Team Underground
NFL LOS ANGELES RAMS ‑13
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Furbookie
nhl tampa bay lightning +100
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The Oracle
NFL NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ‑2.5
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RAY CHADWICK
Your comp play this Sunday is to take the points and the Dolphins, as things in the Land of 10,000 Lakes sure are not where they were last year at this time.
Bringing in Kirk Cousins was supposed to put the Vikings over the top in their pursuit of a Sunday in February game down in Atlanta, but with Tuesday's axing of their first-year offensive coordinator Minnesota is reaching for straws right now.
The Dolphins won on a miracle hook-and-ladder play to end the game last week against New England, which was their second win in a row, and more importantly their third straight cover, and fourth cover in their past five games played.
Minnesota is reeling, losers of their last pair and three of four overall. Their offense has averaged a mere 15-plus points per game during their 1-3 nosedive that has them clinging to that second Wild Card slot in the NFC.
This Miami team will be "loose and free" after their improbable win over New England, while this Minnesota team will be tight as a drum in front of a home crowd that will be ready to let their team know it if they are start slow this afternoon. The fact they haven't been able to run the football at all this year, and the fact Cousins continues to turn the football over - another defensive touchdown allowed at Seattle - does not bode well for laying this big number.
Until further notice, Minnesota is a go against.
Free play on Miami.
3* MIAMI
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GUS AUGUSTINE
Comp play for Sunday is Seattle to stay hot as they play against San Francisco in Santa Clara this afternoon.
Give the 49ers credit for not throwing in the towel, as they were able to stun playoff-minded Denver, 20-14 last weekend on their home field. I do not think the Niners are going to stun the playoff-minded Seahawks who are playing in their last road game of the season.
The Seahawks stuffed Minnesota on Monday night, winning and covering, 21-7 the final score. Seattle has now won 4 in a row as they look to lock down a Wild Card spot for themselves. Included is a 43-16 win just 2 weeks ago at home against 'Frisco.
That win moved the series win streak to 10 in a row in favor of Seattle, and it also put them at 8 covers in those 10 wins. The Seahawks are also on a nice run away from the Emerald City. If you include their win and cover over Oakland in London earlier this season, Seattle has won 4 of their last 5 games straight up away from home.
Seattle's rushing game is the best in the league, so expect a steady diet of Russell Wilson hand offs, and expect the Seahawks defense to continue bottling up the 49ers offense, much the way they did just 2 weeks ago when they limited San Francisco to just 16 points.
Go ahead and lay it with surging Seattle on Sunday.
2* SEATTLE
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LARRY NESS
NCAA-B | Dec 16, 2018
Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State
Nebraska-7
My free play is on Nebraska at 7:00 ET.
Nebraska was hoping to secure a home-and-home series with Oklahoma and Kansas State but that fell through in the off-season. Meanwhile, Oklahoma St was hoping to play a Power-Five opponent on a neutral court sometime during December. That prompted both schools to reach out to the officials of the 3,250-seat Pentago in Sioux Falls, S.D. An arrangement was soon made to pit the former Big Eight/Big 12 rivals against each other for the 118th time and leading the Cornhuskers to play their first game in South Dakota since 1942. Nebraska enters 8-2 (unranked in the AP poll but No. 25 in the Coaches' poll), while Oklahoma St comes in a disappointing 4-5. Nebraska will take to the court for the first time since last Saturday's 94-75 win over Creighton, moving the Cornhuskers to 1-1 halfway through their four-game stretch against opponents who qualified for postseason play in 2017-18. As for the Cowboys, they are off to their worst nine-game start since 1986-87, but have faced one of the more difficult schedules in the country. The Cowboys have dropped three straight and lost for the fourth time in five outings in a 63-53 setback against No. 24 Houston last Saturday.
Nebraska (under Tim Miles) is known for its defense, as the Cornhuskers are allowing just 59.6 PPG (14th). However, if the team's scoring average of 79.8 PPG could be maintained for a full season, it would be the highest mark since 1995-96! Nebraska's five starters are averaging between 8.1 and 18.7 PPG, led by James Palmer Jr. Despite the team's poor start, Oklahoma St is shooting a Big 12-best 41.6 percent from three-point range to rank 11th in Division I .The good news is, OSU’s Curtis Jones (an Indiana transfer) is now eligible but expect it to take some time for him to mesh with the other starters,.
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BOBBY LIGS
Event: (315) Detroit Lions at (316) Buffalo Bills
Sport/League: NFL
Date/Time: December 16, 2018 1PM EST
Play: Total Under 40.0 (-105)
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SCOTT DELANEY
My free play is on the Pittsburgh Steelers against the New England Patriots, off the later card. I love the home underdog here, and like with all football plays in this point-spread range, I want you active in buying the half point. Anytime there is an underdog catching between +2.5 and +4, you are to buy the half point up.
In a battle of division leaders, the Steelers a bit more in must-win mode with their 7-5-1 record. The Steelers lead Baltimore by just a mere half-game in the AFC North, but can reach the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season by winning its final three games. Easy right? Well...
Pittsburgh dropped a third straight defeat in Oakland, and the oddsmakers could easily have this number bigger. If the 3-point rule for homefield advantage is true, you're saying the Patriots would only be laying -5 1/2 in Foxborough?
I don't think so. Keep in mind, the Steelers' three losses have been by a combined 13 points.
Something about this line tells me the books are begging you to lay the points with the road team, but it's Pittsburgh that is more dangerous, against New England's rather soft defense.
I know the Patriots have won each of the past five meetings, but after witnessing the Miami Miracle last week, and knowing how they've struggled against the run all season - especially on the road - I don't think the Steelers will have a problem moving the football today.
James Conner, who is sixth in the NFL in yards rushing, is expected to be back after sitting out last week's game against Oakland with an ankle injury. He would balance an offense for Ben Roethlisberger, who is second in the NFL in yards passing (4,227). He will target JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is sixth in NFL in receptions (91) and fourth in yards receiving (1,234)
And speaking of balance, the Steelers have the fourth-best offense in the league, and the seventh-best defense.
New England's offense checks in at No. 5, but it also has the 22nd-ranked defense. And now it travels to Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are 10-2 in the month of December since 2013.
Play Pittsburgh tonight.
3* STEELERS
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BRODY VAUGHN
NCAA-B | Dec 16, 2018
North Carolina Central vs. Coastal Carolina
North Carolina Central+21½ -115
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Top Dog
NFL DALLAS COWBOYS +150
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Top Shelf Sports Pick
NBA LOS ANGELES LAKERS ‑130
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income1million
NFL SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ‑3.5
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Mikey Money
NFL OAKLAND RAIDERS +3
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Tony Diamond
NFL CHICAGO BEARS ‑5
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CHRIS JORDAN
I'm going to play the Cincinnati Bengals as my free play on Sunday, as I think they're going to annihilate the Oakland Raiders.
This will be a rough trip for the Raiders, into cold country, all the way from Oaktown. Especially when trying to warm up with the 28th-ranked defense. Cincinnati is no better on the stat sheet this season, but it is at home, and it's used to this type of weather.
So if there were ever a spot for Cincinnati to snap out of a funk, it's this game. The Bengals have lost seven of eight and five in a row, their third-longest losing streak under coach Marvin Lewis.
This is Cincinnati's final home game, so it will be looking to end the home campaign on a positive note, for what has been another disappointing season in Lewis' 16th year as coach. (Is he finally getting fired??)
I'll be leaning heavily on running back Joe Mixon as he's facing a defense ranked No. 31 against run. He just had a career-high 26 carries for 111 yards during a 26-21 loss to the Chargers in Los Angeles.
On the other side of the ball, the Bengals defense will be up against Oakland's banged up offensive line, and could make things difficult for quarterback Derek Carr.
Ugly game, with two ugly teams. But there has to be value somewhere. I'll say it's with Cincinnati. And as I always insist, with football favorites laying anywhere between -3 and -4' points, I want you purchasing the half point down.
2* BENGALS
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JACK BRAYMAN
The Chicago Bears are out for revenge from their season-opener, and have had this date circled all season. Remember when Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the Packers from 20 points down to a 24-23 victory at Lambeau Field after suffering a knee injury? Well, the Bears remember, and that's all that matters.
So even though the Pack have won nine of the past 10 meetings against Chicago, the team is 0-6 on the road, and have dropped eight straight away from Lambeau Field.
Green Bay's eight-game win streak at Soldier Field is about to come to a crashing halt.
With a 6-1 mark, the Bears have matched their highest home win total since going 6-2 in 2008. And with a win today, the 7-1 finish at Soldier Field would be a first since 2005.
The same defense that helped the Bears topple the high-octane Los Angeles Rams last week leads the NFL in turnover differential at (plus 13) and interceptions (25). I don't think Rodgers stands a chance against the league's No. 3 defense. Cornerback Kyle Fuller is tied for the NFL lead with Miami's Xavien Howard with seven interceptions. Linebacker Khalil Mack leads the Bears with 10 sacks, and is tied for the NFL lead with six forced fumbles.
And running back Jordan Howard, who ran for a season-high 101 yards last week, should have no trouble running through Green Bay's 24th-ranked rushing defense.
On special teams, there is Tarik Cohen, who leads the NFL with 360 punt return yards, and ranks second among NFL running backs with 679 yards receiving.'
All around domination today, as the Bears roll Green Bay back to Milwaukee.
2* CHICAGO
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