SPORTS ADVISORS
Philadelphia (3-2 SU and ATS) at Washington (2-4 SU and ATS)
Two teams coming off ugly losses will try to turn things around when the Eagles visit FedEx Field in Washington, D.C., to take on the Redskins in an NFC East showdown.
The Eagles made the cross-country trip to Oakland last week as 14-point favorites and came back with a 13-9 loss to the lowly Raiders. Philly had put up 22 points or more in every game this season until being stymied by the Oakland defense, finishing with just 283 total yards. While he didn’t have a TD or INT last week, QB Donovan McNabb threw for 269 yards and has 612 yards with five TDs and one INT in limited action this season.
The dysfunctional Redskins fell 14-6 at home last weekend to the winless Chiefs, failing as a 6½-point favorite. As a result, head coach Jim Zorn has had his play-calling responsibilities taken from him and given to recently hired assistant Sherman Lewis, but Zorn has been told he will remain the head coach at least through the end of the season. Washington’s offense has not scored more than 17 points in any game this season, averaging 13.2 points a game, the fourth-lowest total, in the NFL and it has failed to get in the end zone in two of three games at home, where the ‘Skins average 10.3 points and 301.3 yards per game.
Both squads have been strong defensively. Philadelphia yields 19.8 points and 282.8 yards per game (103.8 rushing ypg), while Washington gives up just 16 points and 286.5 yards per outing (117.5 rushing ypg). Both are particularly solid against the pass, with the Redskins ranking third in the league (169 passing ypg allowed) and the Eagles rating fifth (179 ypg). However, Philadelphia is tied for the league-lead with 11 interceptions, compared to just three for Washington.
The Redskins swept this series last season, winning 23-17 as 6½-point dogs in Philly in October and then prevailing 10-3 as a 4½-point home pup in December. The road team, and underdog, has won four of the last five games outright and Washington is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine series clashes.
Philadelphia has failed to cash in nine of its last 12 roadies against teams with losing home records, but otherwise is on ATS surges of 10-4 against the NFC, 13-6 on the road, 5-1 on Monday and 4-0 following both a SU loss and non-cover. Meanwhile the Redskins are on a plethora of negative ATS runs, including 3-9-2 overall, 1-8 at home 1-3-1 as a home ‘dog, 4-9-1 in October and 1-5 in Week 7 contests.
The Eagles went over the total in five straight games before last week’s contest at Oakland stayed low, but the team is also on “under” runs of 5-2 on the highway, 13-6-3 on Monday, 42-20-5 as a favorite and 21-10-3 against losing teams. Washington has stayed under the total in five straight games and is on additional “under” streaks of 19-6-1 overall, 18-7-2 at home, 9-1-1 after a non-cover, 6-0-1 in October and 5-0 against teams with a winning record. In this rivalry, the under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings overall and 5-2-1 in the last eight at FedEx Field.
Finally, the “over” is 17-5-1 in Monday Night Football games dating to last season (6-1 this year).
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
DUNKEL
Philadelphia at Washington
The Eagles look to bounce back from their 13-9 loss to Oakland and build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games after scoring less than 15 points in the previous game. Philadelphia is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Eagles favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-7)
Game 437-438: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 138.357; Washington 126.121
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 12; 41
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 7; 37 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-7); Over
NHL
Minnesota at Chicago
The Wild look to build on their 6-1 record in their last 7 visits to Chicago. Minnesota is the pick (+175) according to Dunkel, which has the Wild favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+175)
Game 51-52: Phoenix at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.773; NY Rangers 11.915
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-160); Over
Game 53-54: NY Islanders at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 9.927; Montreal 11.411
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-185); Under
Game 55-56: Minnesota at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.999; Chicago 11.439
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+175); Under
Game 57-58: Toronto at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 9.988; Anaheim 10.857
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-165); 6
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-165); Over
EZWINNERS
Minnesota Wild @ Chicago Blackhawks
Play: Chicago Blackhawks -193
I'll pay the high price to back the Chicago Blackhawks on their home ice against a struggling Minnesota Wild team. Chicago is off to a 6-3-1 start and their defensive men have been the key. Not only has their defense been solid, but thanks to solid goaltender play, they have also been able to be offensively aggressive. Minnesota is off to their worst start in franchise history, including their inaugural season just nine years ago. The players are trying to adjust to a new system and its going to take time. Play on Chicago.
Karl Garrett
Philadelphia at WASHINGTON
Sunday comp play winner on New England drubbing Tampa Bay across the pond!
For Monday, have to go against the Monday night trend of OVERS, as I just don't see many points being scored in this Philadelphia-Washington contest.
Washington has played UNDER the total in 5 of their 6 games this season, and are 17-4-1 UNDER the total since head coach Jim Zorn took over. The Redskins have not topped 17-points in any of their 6 games this year, and will be hard-pressed to top 17-points tonight in this division showdown.
Philly had a string of 5 straight OVERS snapped in last week's loss at Oakland, and 9 of their last 11 meetings with the division rival have stayed UNDER the posted price.
Just too many UNDER numbers listed for the G-Man to think about looking for a sudden burst of offense from the Redskins in this game.
I am taking the LOW.
3♦ UNDER
Jr Tips
Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks
Things didn't end well with the Chicago Blackhawks for Martin Havlat and his beginning with the Minnesota Wild hasn't been too good, either. Havlat was the Blackhawks' leading scorer in two of his three seasons with the team and had a career-high 77 points during their 2008-09 campaign. Havlat hasn't gotten off to a strong start and neither have the Wild (3-7-0). The right winger has one goal and four assists, going pointless in the last five games although his teamate Clutterbuck was back from a five-game absence Saturday night and scored in overtime of a 3-2 victory over visiting Carolina. The Wild also activated right winger Petr Sykora off injured reserve before improving to 3-0-0 at home. However, they are a league-worst 0-7-0 on the road and will try to avoid a franchise-record eighth straight road loss by improving to 7-1-0 at the United Center since Jan. 22, 2006 where Minnesota has won 17 of the last 22 meetings overall, including three of four last season. The Blackhawks (5-3-1), meanwhile, were without captain Jonathan Toews and defenseman Brent Seabrook as they beat visiting Nashville 2-0 on Saturday. Toews and Seabrook are believed to have concussion-like symptoms, and it is uncertain whether they'll play tonight.They are two big parts of Chicago's team and you can't replace them. Minnesota's expected starter, Niklas Backstrom, earned a win in his only game at the United Center on Jan. 19th and is 3-2-0 with a 1.81 GAA all-time against the Blackhawks. This will be an emotional game for Havlat and Chicago has some major injuries that are hard to replace.This is a solid underdog.
TAKE WILD +177
Jeff Benton
I’m now on a 12-5 run with NFL freebies after Sunday’s easy winner on the Packers. For Monday, I’ll play the Eagles-Redskins OVER the total.
You can no longer ignore the ridiculous trend of high-scoring Monday night games. Six of seven this year have gone over the total, with the last three finishing in the 50s (53, 58, 57). Going back to last year, the over is 17-5 on Monday nights.
I’m well aware that both these teams are very strong defensively, and I also know Washington has had its offensive struggles (while the Eagles are coming off a loss in Oakland in which their scoring consisted of three field goals. However, there are a lot of playmakers on both offenses. Both of these defenses can force turnovers and either take them to the house or set up short fields for the offense. And both have explosive kick and punt returners.
And while this rivalry has seen its share of “unders” lately, it’s also true that two of the last three and four of the last six have seen combined point totals of 40 or more.
Finally, the last time we saw a total this low on Monday night was two weeks ago when the oddsmakers put up a 37-point total on the Dolphins-Jets. All those defensive-oriented teams did was score 35 fourth-quarter points in a 31-27 game – the highest-scoring game on Monday night this year! Gotta look OVER the number in this one.
3♦ Eagles-Redskins OVER
Craig Davis
Today's play is on the Washington/Philly game OVER the total. I believe this number is much too low and the Eagles are more than capable of going OVER it themselves. I'm not saying they will, but they're clearly loaded on offense and can score with just about anybody in the league on any given day. Washington has been up and down on defense and as the losses continue to pile up, it's going to take its toll on the psyche of this team. They can only take so much, and after Philly's 9-point performance vs. Oakland last week, you have to think the Eagles will come out firing. As for Washington, they've clearly been inept offensively, but the addition of OC Sherm Lewis calling plays should help open things up, at least early on. Washington needs (and probably will) to stick with the running game early. Clinton Portis is due for another big game and you can bet Lewis wants to get him more involved in the short passing game. Many expect a low scoring, defensive type game, but I'm looking for a lot of points in the first half. Play the OVER as today's top free of the day.
2♦ OVER
VEGAS EXPERTS
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
The Redskins just don't score many points (have topped 20 points just 3 times in last 17 games) and let's not forget that Philly only managed nine points against Oakland last week. Washington has gone Under in 17 of its last 21 games overall, including 10 of 11 here at home. Twelve of the last 16 games played here in Washington between these teams have gone Under as well. The Redskins have also gone Under in six straight October games.
Play on: Washington
LT Profits
New York Islanders at Montreal Canadians
The New York Islanders have won just once in nine games (1-4-4) while the Montreal Canadiens have won three straight games including a 5-1 win over the Isles here in Bell Centre, but we actually this New York has value at this fat price.
The Islanders are really not as bad as their record, as they are actually improved compared to the dreadful team they put on the ice last season. They are just running low on luck right now, as five of their nine games have gone to either overtime or a shootout, and they are an unfortunate 1-4 in those games.
They have actually been in almost every game, and we look for them to improve on what was their worst game of the season here last Thursday. They bounced back from that outing by limiting the high-powered Washington Capitals offense in a tough 3-2 overtime loss Saturday, and anything close to that kind of effort should result an a big upset here.
Now we realize that the Canadiens are hot right now, but this is a team in transition that replaced its five leading scorers from last year, and the Habs may also be going through a transition in net, as supposed backup Jaroslav Halak has outplayed the incumbent, Carey Price. This should lead to inconsistency, and that has been the case as Montreal was 2-5 before the current three-game winning streak.
Thus, we really do not trust the Canadiens just yet laying this kind of big chalk, and with the Islanders undervalued with their record not matching up with the effort and performance, this seems like a nice spot for a value pop.
Pick: Islanders +170
Tom Freese
New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens
Prediction: Over
The Islanders are 12-4 OVER their last 16 games when playing their fourth game in six nights and they are 6-1 OVER their last 7 road games. New York is 4-0 OVER their last 4 games vs. teams with a winning home record and they are 3-1-1 OVER their last 5 meetings with the Habs. Montreal is 19-9 OVER their last 28 games after scoring 5 or more goals in their last game and they are 17-8-3 OVER their last 28 games vs. a team with a win percentage of less than 40%. The Canadiens 5-2-1 OVER off a win. PLAY ON 'OVER'
Hunter Price
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins
Play: Over 37
The Cowboys manage to weather the early attack of the Falcons after they took a 7-0 lead and then put the foot on the gas pedal and held off the Falcons for the win and cover. Tomorrow is the kick off to the NBA season and I'm pumped up to get the season in gear as I love just about everything that has anything to do with the NBA and have dominated the boards for years now. Make sure you jump on one of NBA packages so you don't miss a minute. Also, remember to check me out on twitter (HunterPrice35) as I give my opinions on numerous games that go on each day as well as answer any questions sent to me. OK, enough of the back end work lets jump into tonight's Monday Night game. So far this year the over is 6-1 on MNF and I don't see that trend letting up tonight as Philly could get close to that number their self. The Redskins have been able to hold their opponents to 20 points or less in 5 of their first 6 games this year and in the other game the Giants scored 23. That being said those teams KC, STL, DET, TB, and CAR. These teams rank in the bottom of the NFL in scoring and Washington was able to capitalize on that. The Eagles on the other hand have a good set of WR for McNabb to use and I think they get tons of work today and as a result the Eagles should be able to put up no less than 24 points. For the Redskins I think their ability to put up points tonight has more to do with the Eagles defense then the skins offense. The Eagles are not the same ball hawking defense from years prior and as a result will give up points in bunches. Lets keep it simple and roll with the over tonight.
JIM FEIST
BOSTON CELTICS / CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
TAKE: UNDER
What a great matchup to start the NBA season. Two Eastern conference powerhouses, both with expectations of the NBA finals for this year, both having bolstered their rosters in the off season. The Cavs found out in the NBA finals that their lack of size was too much to overcome. So what did they do? They went out and go the BIG Man of Big Men, Shaq!! With Shaq holding down the pivot position, the Cavs have something they have badly needed these past years, size inside. The Celtics have their starting five back in tact, the same five starters they won the NBA Championship with two seasons ago. And, like the Cavs, they went out and signed ex-Piston's forward Rasheed Wallace to add extra depth to their bench, something they were very inconsistent with in 2008-09. Both these teams are defensive powers and when you look at their recent meetings, the numbers support their defensive play. The last four meetings between these teams have gone UNDER the total. In fact, only one team has even scored more than 100 points in any of those games and just two times did a team get 90 or more points. With added defensive strength on both teams, don't look for this trend to change. Take the UNDER when these clubs meet up on Tuesday.
Randall the Handle
Philadelphia -7½ over WASHINGTON
It’s not customary for me to lay road points in the NFL, especially this many and especially on Monday night but this year is a whole lot different than previous years. The disparity between teams this season is about as large as its ever been and certainly the largest I’ve seen in the past 25 years. There are a slew of junk teams and Redskins just might be the worst of them all. They have zero talent at the key positions, its offensive line is a complete joke and the Skins results this year speak volumes. The Skins have played the easiest schedule in the league and its 2-4 record could easily be 0-6. They lost to the Giants in week 1, 23-17 but were down 23-10 with just a minute left in the game. They beat the 0-7 or 0-17 Rams 9-7 in Washington and followed that up with a 19-14 loss at the then 0-18 Detroit Lions. The Skins rebounded off that embarrassing loss with a narrow 16-13 home win over the 0-7 Bucs, followed by a 20-17 loss at Carolina and finally a 14-6 loss at Kansas City. Combined, the record of the Skins opponents minus the Giants is 4-29. Incidentally, as it turns out the Giants aren’t that strong either. Now the Skins are being scrutinized inside and out, pressure is highest than its ever been and the coaches, players and front office are more confused and disoriented than Zigfriend and Roy at a nanny convention. Yesterday we saw the Bucs get smoked, the Chiefs get smoked, the Rams get smoked, the Panthers get beaten by a bad Buffalo team and the Giants went down at home too as a 7-point favorite. These are all the results of Washington’s opponents this season and after an embarrassing loss at Oakland last week there is no way the Eagles come up lame again. They’ll score plenty, they won’t allow much and they should bury this dumpster-fire of a team in the same fashion all those garbage squads were buried yesterday. Play: Philadelphia -7½ (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
NY Islanders +1.80 over MONTREAL
The Habs are on a bit of a roll and have looked a whole lot better than they did in its first few games but this could be a vulnerable spot for them. For one, they’ve been at home for two full weeks after finishing up a road trip on Oct 10. This will be the Canadiens sixth straight game at home and long home stands are rarely favorable. The Habs just beat these Islanders 5-1, they’re coming off a nice 5-4 win over the Rangers and now that the pressure has been alleviated they could very well be caught flat-footed here. The Islanders are feisty and they’ve been in quite a few close games and OT games including a 3-2 loss to Washington, a 4-3 OT loss to Pittsburgh, a 3-2 OT loss to Ottawa and a 4-3 OT loss to Boston. That’s very close to having a strong record and what you can expect from them here is another good effort with a chance to win. The Canadiens are overpriced and for a team that is average at best, this line is simply too high. Play: NY Islanders +1.80 (Risking 2 units).
Lenny Del Genio
WAS / PHI Under 37
The Redskins have gone Under in 17 of their previous 21 games, scoring more than 20 points in just three of those games. Of the last 16 times they've hosted the Eagles, 12 of those games have gone Under. Overall, Washington has gone Under in five straight games. They are 16-5 Under off a SU loss as a favorite, dating back to 1992. They have gone Under in six straight October games. They are 11-1 Under off an ATS loss. Take Under.
John Ryan
Phoenix Coyotes vs. New York Rangers
Play: Phoenix Coyotes
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Phoenix as they face NY Rangers set to start at 7:00 EST. Phoenix is a solid 9-3 against the money line (+11.7 Units) off a home loss by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons. AiS shows an 85% probability that the Rangers will score 2 or fewer goals. Note that in past games when Phoenix has allowed 2 or fewer goals they have produced a 59-17 record making 59.2 units and a 336-72 record making an impressive 3428 units since 1996. Take Phoenix