Jack Jones
USC -2
The USC Trojans (15-4) are one of the most improved teams in the country this season. Following an 81-89 loss at Oregon, they'll come back motivated for a victory today against the Oregon State Beavers.
The Trojans have won 10 of their last 12 games overall with their only two losses coming on the road to Washington (by 2) and Oregon (by 8). They have beaten the likes of Arizona State and Arizona at home, as well as UCLA and Washington State on the road within the conference.
Oregon State (11-6) is proving to be a fraud in conference play. The Ducks are just 2-4 within the conference, and they are coming off a 9-point home loss to UCLA. They also lost to Stanford at home earlier this season. They are very beatable because they rely on one player too much in Gary Payton Jr.
USC is 16-6-1 ATS in its last 23 games overall. The Trojans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following an ATS loss. The Beavers are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games vs. Pac-12 opponents. The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Dave Price
Houston Rockets -3
The Houston Rockets have turned their season around here of late, going 7-3 in their last 10 games overall. Now they get to face a Dallas Mavericks team that they have owned here of late. The Rockets are 6-2 SU in their last eight meetings with the Mavericks. Dallas has some injury concerns to a pair of starters in Dirk Nowitzki and Zaza Pachulia, who are both listed as questionable. The Mavericks are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Dallas is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 meetings with the Rockets, including 1-5 ATS in its last 6 trips to Houston.
Brian Hay
Patriots vs. Broncos
Play: Over 44½
Peyton Manning missed half the season due to injury, so he is well rested. Manning now has a full game under his belt, so you can expect him to be much more consistent this week. Tom Brady can light up the score board on any defense. The Patriots have went over the posted total in their last four playoff games, and the over is 5-1 in New England's last 6 road games when playing a team with a winning record at home. The over is 34-15 for the Broncos in their last 49 home games when playing a team that has a winning record, and the over is 6-1 in the last 7 games played between these two teams. Denver's defense just gave up 311 passing yards to an injured Roethlisberger. Tom Brady has a full complement of starting receivers and will be able to move the ball at will today. The Patriots defense has given up at least 20 points in three consecutive games and Denver will have to push the ball to try and keep up with New England. I believe we will see turnovers lead to easy points today making over the play.