Sean Higgs
MVP
Frank Gore 7-1
Ray Rice 12-1
1st TD Scored Bernard Pierce 28-1
Tackles and Assists for Suggs OVER 4.5 -135
Total Rushing Yards Ray Rice OVER 67.5 -125
Will Ray Rice Score a TD - YES -110
Will Bernard Pierce Score a TD - YES +400
Will Ed Reed Intercept a pass - YES + 275
Kaepernick throws 2 Interceptions +450
LeMichael James OVER 27.5 yards rushing -135
More rushing yards in the game Ray Rice +12.5 -110
Historical Matchup. Ray Rice + 32.5 yards -110 will have more than Jamaal Anderson 102
Will either team convert a 4th down conversion - YES -250
DAVID BANKS
Ravens / 49ers Under 48
Well, the big day has arrived as after two weeks of Harbaugh this and Harbaugh that, it is finally time for Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans Sunday at 6:30 ET on CBS. Fans may get the tight Super Bowl that they always crave, but it may not be as high scoring as some would like, and besides the two defenses, this game will probably be decided by who runs the ball better.
San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick has made the third fewest starts of any quarterback to ever start a Super Bowl, but he has performed like a grizzled veteran so far in the post-season, especially while leading the 49ers back from a 17-0 deficit on the road vs. the Falcons in the NFC Championship Game. Kaepernick actually won that game from the pocket with effective passing downfield after spending most of his time out of the pocket while setting an NFL single-game rushing record for a quarterback vs. the Green Bay Packers the previous week. Do not expect him to have the same passing success he had two weeks ago in this Super Bowl though, as the Ravens played perhaps the best pass defense in the NFL over the last month after struggling in that regard for about two-thirds of the season. Remember that Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs did not play together in a single game during the regular season as they have in the playoffs, but perhaps most important has been the development of Paul Kruger into one of the best rush linebackers in the league late in the year. But while Kaepernick may not match his recent passing success, his running, as well as that of Frank Gore, will be a major key to this game vs. a Baltimore team not accustomed to facing a read option offense,
Similarly, while Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco has been brilliant in the playoffs, we may see a lot more of running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce in this contest. The biggest beneficiary of the week off last week from either team may be 49ers defensive end Justin Smith, who is playing through a partially torn triceps tendon. Smith keyed a ferocious pass rush earlier in the year, and the San Francisco defense was not the same while Smith sat out the rest of the regular season after suffering the injury at New England, and it has not been the same with him back for the first two playoff games either. If the added rest allows him to get closer to what he was, then we should see the return of the dominant San Francisco defense since as great as Flacco has been, he is not the most mobile of quarterbacks.
The 'under' is 6-2 in the last eight Super Bowls. The 'under' is also 4-1 in the last five Baltimore games vs. teams with winning records, as well as 4-1 in the Ravens' last five games overall.
Bob Balfe
49ers -3.5 over Ravens
Let me start out by saying that the Super Bowl is not a football game. The team that handles this “event” better will win this game. The Ravens come into this game after knocking off two powerhouse football teams. Denver had Baltimore all but eliminated and gave up a huge play to allow the Ravens to move on. The 49ers had their own drama, being down 17 early to the Falcons. Both teams have their story lines, but none is bigger than Ray Lewis hanging it up after this game - win or lose. The truth is Ray Lewis is not a young man anymore and neither is a lot of the guys on defense. This is not the same Ravens defense from the last decade. This defense has been playing on pure emotion and the worst thing you can do to take that away is to sit a team for two weeks. The 49ers are a faster football team that really has not changed other than Colin Kaepernick taking over for Alex Smith and the increased involvement of Randy Moss. All of the guys on both sides of the ball have played together for a few seasons now. This offensive line is the very best in football and I just do not know if Baltimore is going to be able to stop the pistol offense. The Ravens cannot get aggressive defending this type of offense and will have to play on their heels to stop the quarterback from making them look silly. When the Ravens are on offense, they have many weapons. This team can hit you with the deep ball and utilize their excellent running game at any given time. The problem for them is San Francisco is good at stopping the run and they have pro bowlers in the secondary that can take away the deep ball from Torrey Smith. The 49ers do not easily give up the big play and I think that is the difference in this game. The game is changing whether you like it or not. The QB’s are being babied and teams cannot win with hard hitting defenses anymore because of all the flags. The Ravens have not played on turf in a dome all year long. The 49ers played in this stadium earlier this year and gives them a good advantage on Sunday. This is a fast-playing surface which favors the much quicker team. The NFL is changing. Guys like Kaepernick are the new stars in the NFL. This should be a great game. Take the 49ers.
TOP SHELF CHICAGO
San Francisco -4
The Ravens defense has not had to defend the likes of Kaepernick yet. And they do not have the personnel to do so. The defensive starters have been on the field more than any other team in NFL play-off history. Their best players are all nursing injuries. They are in a tough sot.
Last two weeks I have raved about Kaepernicks qualities. More about what he can do that others cannot match up with. The Ravens are built with size. They like to play in between the seems with the backers. You cannot set the edge vs a read option run by Kaepernick. You can only force one or the other and hope each man performs his responsibility well. This is how San Fran has gotten large chunks of yardage and convert on third down. Ray Lewis will be exposed.
The Ravens offense is rather basic. They are led by a pro bowl running back who does not see the ball enough. Their QB has a big arm who struggles with the intermediate pass. Whispers say they will attack the San Fran secondary deep. Much like Atlanta did. I see this being the wrong approach. Why? San Fran's defenses was top 5 in every category I look at. They only allowed 38 passes of more than 20 yards this season. Only 7 passes of more than 40 yards. They were third in QB rating against and have handled tight ends well. I just do not see the Ravens getting enough done.
Atlanta attacked the San Fran Backs with vertical play action and Pro Bowl wide outs like Jones and White. There is no Jones or White on the Ravens. The Ravens won't get more than 20. San Fran's kicking issues will not be a problem indoors. San Fran hangs a big number. San Fran and the over.
Ben BurnsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
New Jersey vs. NY IslandersFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: NY IslandersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
As a young child, I once attended an Islanders game (at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto) on my birthday. That was back in the Bossy/Trottier/Potvin/Smith days, when the Isles were the best team in the world. I loved hockey and it was a special night for me.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Since that era ended, the Isles have largely fallen on hard times.
The Devils have been a better team than them nearly every year in recent memory. That gap may be shrinking though. That was evident at New Jersey on 1/31, when the Isles escaped with a 5-4 victory.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Devils would obviously love some payback. However, they're not playing well right now and they're in a bit of a tough scheduling spot.
Meanwhile, having lived in the basement for so many years, the Isles would love to kick a struggling division rival while its down.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Although they are playing their first home game off a road trip, the Islanders come in well-rested and off back-to-back victories. The Devils played yesterday, suffering their fourth straight loss.
Despite having the venue and schedule in their favor, the Isles are only a very modest favorite, essentially a pick'em game. I feel that's based in part to the last 10+ years, which really isn't particularly relevant to this season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Isles are a profitable 20-15 (+9.6) the past couple of seasons, when playing with two day's rest in between games. I feel they're worth a look here.
David ChanFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
New Jersey vs. NY IslandersFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: NY IslandersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
New Jersey is coming off a 5-1 loss at Pittsburgh yesterday. The Devils have lost four straight, giving up 15 goals during the slide.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
And that doesn't bode well vs. this Islanders team which is averaging 3.86 GPG.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Note that New Jersey is already 0-3 (-3.1 units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
New York is 4-2-1 and is coming off a 5-4 OT win over New Jersey on the 31st.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
It was the successful end to an overall 3-1-1 road trip.
It's been the power-play which has been the difference, converting on 37.5% of its chances.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
And special teams have been equally adept at shutting down the man advantage, failing just once in 25 short-handed situations.
It's interesting to note that New York is 3-1 (+2.9 units) after scoring 4 goals or more in its previous game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
No need to overanalyze this play. These teams are moving in opposite directions, and I believe the Islanders take full advantage of this tired Devils side, finding a way to get the job done at the end of the day!
Bruce MarshallFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Wisconsin vs. IllinoisFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: WisconsinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
No doubt that Illinois is in serious payback mode after getting drilled by 23 at Madison on Jan. 12, a day when the Illini hit only 35% from the floor and were throttled on the boards, with the Badgers owning 41-23 carom edge. But recent Illinois form doesn’t suggest revenge is likely, as the shortcomings that were evidenced in the paint in the first meeting have not abated in subsequent weeks, with Illini (3-6 SU last 9, 2-8 vs. the line last 10 thru Jan. 30) continuing to struggle, dropping into severe Big Dance bubble trouble. Bo Ryan’s hounding defense has disrupted the Illinois offensive flow the past few seasons, especially star G Brandon Paul, who was just 1 of 11 from the floor in first meeting and a is mere 12 of 39 the last three battles vs. the Badgers.
Jesse SchuleFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ottawa vs. MontrealFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick: OttawaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Habs were firing on all cylinders yesterday afternoon, as they exploded offensively against the Buffalo Sabres, chasing Ryan Miller from the goal after two periods in a 6-1 blowout win. They face what appears to be a tougher task this afternoon though, hosting the Ottawa Senators, a team that has allowed fewer goals than any other club this season.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Craig Anderson has been rock solid between the pipes for Ottawa so far, with a record of 5-1 and a miniscule GAA of 0.99. The Senators have been very efficient with their special teams play, ranking among the best in the NHL both with their power-play and penalty killing.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Senators defeated the Habs in Ottawa by a score of 5-1 on Wednesday, but Montreal's starting goalie Carey Price had the night off in that game. Price will be back between the pipes for the Habs this afternoon, after slamming the door on Buffalo, stopping 31 shots in yesterday's victory. Price is enjoying an excellent start to the season, with a record of 5-1 and posting a GAA of 1.82.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ottawa was dealt a cruel blow this week, learning that their leading scorer (last season) will likely miss the entire regular season. Jason Spezza will need surgery to repair a herniated disc, and it's unlikely Spezza will return before the playoffs. The Habs though have also been without their leading scorer from last season, as Max Pacioretty has missed time after having an appendectomy.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
With Montreal playing on the back end of a back to back, I don't expect the Canadiens to bring as much energy as they did in yesterday's blowout win over the Sabres. Both teams have been strong defensively, and I expect a close, tight checking game. This one might be a bit of a boring game to watch, as I don't expect a lot of action, with scoring chances being few and far between.
I will give the edge to the Senators, coming in with fresh legs, facing a Habs team that played yesterday. The Sens have the better goaltender, better penalty killing, and they should be able to take advantage of a tired Montreal team.
Jack JonesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Villanova -6FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Villanova Wildcats are one of the most underrated teams in the country this season. They are really improving under head coach Jay Wright as the season moves along. They have knocked off a pair of Top-10 opponents in Louisville and Syracuse in their last two home games.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Providence is simply not a very good team this season. It has really struggled in Big East play, going 2-7 against conference opponents this year. It has also not fared well on the road, going 2-7 away from home this season.
Villanova is out for revenge from a 66-69 road loss at Providence in their first meeting of the season on January 19th just two weeks ago. The Wildcats blew a 31-24 halftime lead and committed 25 turnovers in the game. They won't be lacking any motivation in this one as they look for payback.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Wildcats are 7-0 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in 8 days this season. Villanova is 12-2 ATS after playing 4 consecutive games as an underdog since 1997. The Wildcats are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record. Villanova is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games overall. Bet Villanova Sunday.
Alex SmartFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Ottawa +120FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Playing without No. 1 centre Jason Spezza and veteran blueliner Sergei Gonchar (lower body) the Senators were still able to hammer the Habs by a 5-1 count in front of their home town fans a few days ago. It was obvious to me in that game that the Sens current roster matched up very well against Montreal and that despite of Les Canadiens need for revenge, are still at a disadvantage. Yes even here at home in the Bell Center! Final notes & Key Trends: Canadiens are 3-10 in their last 13 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Jeff AlexanderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Wisconsin -1.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Illinois is on a 4-15 ATS slide as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pickem. It is also 0-7 ATS the last 2 seasons 15 or more games into the season when matched up against good teams that carry a winning percentage of 60% to 80%. They have lost these contests by an average of 10.1 points. Wiscy has had Illinois' number. It has won 4 straight in the series by an average of 12.8 points. The Badgers won the season's first meeting by 23. Bet the Badgers.
Dave PriceFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Georgia Tech +2FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Expect a letdown from Virginia following Tuesday's big win over NC State. The Cavaliers are on a 5-17 ATS slide off a close home win by 3 points or less. They are also on a 5-15 ATS skid in road games after a close win by 3 points or less. Georgia Tech has played well in its last two and covered the spread in both of those as a result. Plus, the Yellow Jackets will be lacking no motivation here as they looks to pay Virginia back for the 70-38 loss they were handed on this floor last season. It is significant that Georgia Tech checks in off a narrow defeat at Clemson. That's because plays on teams that return all five starters and are coming off a close road loss of 3 points or less are 77-36 ATS the last 5 seasons. This system is 9-3 ATS this season. The Yellow Jackets are 9-2 at home this season while the Cavs are 2-4 in games played away from home. Take Tech.
BRETT ATKINS
I won't worry much about the fact the Fighting Illni being 5-3 all-time when playing on Super Sunday, that doesn't matter when this is an entirely different team. Instead, let's focus more on the fact that Illinois is one of seven teams that has beaten a total of three opponents featured in the current Associated Press Top 25 - tied for the most nationally along with Michigan, Duke, Syracuse, Arizona, Butler and Indiana State. Illinois has also faced seven foes currently in the RPI Top 25, the most of any team in the nation.
Illinois has outscored its opponent in points off turnovers in 17 of 22 games, and comes into this one averaging 17.2 points per game off turnovers. That will be huge today in this game against Wisconsin, which steps into a hostile environment to take on a feisty Illinois team.
The Illini lost to the nationally ranked Michigan State Spartans, 75-80, in their last game, so I suspect they're going to be fired up for this one and won't be letting up like they did against Sparty. Illinois led 37-32 at halftime, but watched Michigan State's Keith Appling take over in the second half to give his team the victory.
Wisconsin is 1-4 in their last four games and comes in after losing to the Ohio State Buckeyes, 58-49, in its last game.
Look for Illinois' defense and 3-point shooting to be the keys to the outright win.
2* ILLINOIS
CHRIS JORDAN
My free winner is on the Stanford Cardinal (13-8, 4-4 Pac-12), as it is looking to maintain momentum after Wednesday's impressive 76-52 victory over No. 10 Oregon. Another big win shouldn't be too hard against the Oregon State Beavers (11-10, 1-7 Pac-12), who are in after a 71-68 loss at California on Thursday.
While a 10-3 non-conference record raised expectations in Corvallis, I've definitely seen all those expectations deflate with a disappointing conference season. Oregon State, which was picked to finish eighth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll, is averaging 74.0 points and 37.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the field.
And while they appear to be sound on offense, the Beavers allow a league-worst 69.6 points per game. That won't bode well today at Stanford in Maples Pavilion, where Stanford is 61-20 under head coach Johnny Dawkins. The Cardinal won a school-record 17 home games last season en route to winning the NIT title and has reached the 10-win mark at Maples Pavilion for 19 straight seasons.
Look for the home dominance to emerge today, as the Cardinal wins and covers.
1* STANFORD
Harry Bondi
MIAMI (-4.5) over Toronto
The Heat are typically overvalued by the oddsmakers and bettors so we tend to stay away, but today we expect a fully focused effort from Lebron and Co. and that's exactly when you want to be "ON" this team. Miami is coming off a loss to the Pacers, and has covered its last four games following a loss. What's more, Miami had to go to overtime to beat the Raptors earlier this year. The Heat have a vastly superior front line and Toronto is still getting used to its new lineup featuring Rudy Gay, who will help his new team on offense, but will make it even weaker on the defensive end. The Heat bounce back with an easy road win.