Free Picks: Service Plays for Thursday, October 17

Ray Monohan

Miami -8

The Hurricanes and the other elite teams in the ACC benefited from the carnage of last weekend. Miami has to see the window that opened and remain perfect until they play FSU in a couple of weeks. This team is pretty good and even though they are on the road in prime time on Thursday where anything can happen I still like this team. The Canes are not grabbing headlines but this is a complete team. One that can run and pass and more importantly play defense. Their strengths match up well with North Carolina.

Do you post Jack Jones plays all week?

I post them when I see them.

Jim Feist

Miami (Fla) vs. North Carolina
Play: North Carolina +9½

This is only the second road game for Miami, and the other one barely counts, a win at (2-4) South Florida. They take on a North Carolina team that is 1-4 but has played hard in losses to South Carolina, and ACC losses by 8 and 10 to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, both on the road. The Tar Heels are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games and 16-5 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. And when these rivals meet the underdog is 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 meetings, so grab the fired up home dog. Play North Carolina!

Ray Monohan

Seattle Seahawks -6

Nobody is really talking much about Seattle right now after they were all the rage in September. That is a situation we can take advantage of as they take to the desert to face a mediocre Arizona team...featuring a QB who loves to give the ball to the opposition. This one is kind of interesting because last year the Cardinals beat Seattle during their hot start but then lost to them 58-0 late in the season. A result somewhere in between is what I see on Thursday night, something like 38-21, as Russell Wilson easily out-plays his opposite Carson Palmer.

Miami -8

The Hurricanes and the other elite teams in the ACC benefited from the carnage of last weekend. Miami has to see the window that opened and remain perfect until they play FSU in a couple of weeks. This team is pretty good and even though they are on the road in prime time on Thursday where anything can happen I still like this team. The Canes are not grabbing headlines but this is a complete team. One that can run and pass and more importantly play defense. Their strengths match up well with North Carolina.

EZWINNERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Arizona Cardinals +6FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
I'm sure the Cardinals remember the last meeting between these two teams on December 9th in Seattle where the Seahawks plastered the Cardinals to the tune of 58-0! I don't expect this game to be anywhere near a blowout. The Cardinals have actually won the last two meetings between these teams playing in Arizona and that was with John Skelton and Kevin Kolb under center for Arizona. This time around the Cardinals have Carson Palmer at quarterback. Palmer has been erratic this season, but the is no question that he is an upgrade at the position over Skelton and Kolb and Palmer actually makes a threat out of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald once again. The Seahawks are still not blowing anyone out on the road. Seattle has ugly road wins over Carolina and Houston and lost at Indianapolis so far this season and the offense has only produced four touchdowns in those road games. The Arizona defense is the strength of this Cardinals team and they rank seventh in the NFL against the run and they should do a pretty good job of containing Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. Arizona is 14-7 against the spread in their last twenty one games as a home underdog including 2-0 this season with outright wins over Detroit and Carolina. I do expect Seattle to win the game, but Arizona to cover this number. Play on Arizona plus the points and then play Seattle in a six point teaser with San Francisco Sunday afternoon and with Denver in the Sunday night game. If we get the front end of these teasers with Seattle I'll think we will just ride them out and not try to middle. Might look at halftime plays on those games.

Dave CokinFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Columbus at MontrealFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Take: ColumbusFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Scheduling dynamics play a major role for me when breaking down the NHL. That’s definitely a key factor tonight as Columbus heads to Montreal.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Canadiens are back home off a successful swing through Western Canada. The Habs dropped the opener at Calgary, but rebounded with wins at Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The fact these were all against fellow Canadian entries magnifies the potential for a flat spot tonight against the Blue Jackets.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
There is almost always something negative to consider, and in this case it’s Carey Price. As I mentioned the other day, he’s one of those goalies who can literally carry a team when he’s hot, and Price certainly qualifies on that count. That’s the one thing that concerns me about going against the Habs tonight.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
On the other hand, Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky takes a back seat to no one. He’s off to a solid start in defense of winning the Vezina. Bobrovsky also figures to be a little aggravated about giving up a very cheap game winner against Detroit in his last game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Blue Jackets are off to a sluggish 2-3 start, and the offense has been spotty. But they’ve played pretty good hockey overall and should have defeated the Red Wings on Tuesday. Their coach was very upbeat in his convo with the media yesterday and the chatter from the team is definitely positive.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Blue Jackets have a tough task here against the hot goalie and team that’s on a bit of a roll. But I am seeing Columbus as an underrated entry right now and it’s a spot where the Canadiens just might relax a bit. That’s good enough for a roll with the Blue Jackets as a decent money line underdog tonight.

Mike O'ConnorFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
ARIZONA (+6) 18 Seattle 22FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Seahawks come into this game off of a 20-13 home win versus the Titans where the final score didn’t really provide a good indication of the overall performance level of each team. The Seahawks really controlled this game and that is reflected in the stat line as Seattle outgained the Titans 407 yards at 6.6 yppl to 223 yards at 4.3 yppl overall. The Seahawks are a very good team and have demonstrated balance with all units performing well from a yppl perspective and efficiency numbers that match outcomes. On the other hand, the Cardinals have not been very good overall offensively but have a defense that has kept them competitive, particularly against the run. Reviewing this game, Carson Palmer could have thrown a couple more interceptions (he threw 2) and just appeared to have trouble at times seeing the field clearly. With Larry Fitzgerald injured and his impact on this game in question, I have concerns about the Cardinals being able to move the ball against a strong and aggressive Seattle defense. The Seahawks benefit from a 37-72-1 situation that plays against the Cardinals but my model has this game lined at -6.7 so I don’t see any line value. I also believe that the Cardinals are in a good spot playing at home on Thursday night off a loss while the Seahawks have had trouble on the road. Despite the situation, I like the spot for the Cardinals to keep it competitive here and will offer a weak lean on Arizona plus the points.

Jimmy Boyd

Arizona Cardinals +7

Seattle is a bit overvalued based on all the hype surrounding them earlier this season. The reality is, they have only won two games by more than seven points this season. Both of those games were at home, with one coming against a bitter rival, and the other coming against the worst team in football this season. The Seahawks squeaked by Carolina, Houston and Tennessee.

With the Seahawks having such a strong run bias, that should give the Cardinals a big advantage in this game. Arizona's run defense has been their greatest strength, holding opponents to 3.5 yards per carry and just 72 total rushing yards per game when they are playing at home. Russell Wilson has not been very accurate throwing the ball, completing 59.8% of his pass attempts on the road for a mere 199 passing yards.

The Cardinals have scored 23.5 points per game at home while Seattle is averaging 21 points per game on the road. Arizona's strength of schedule has been every bit as difficult as Seattle's, so those scoring averages are very relevant. I can see this game ending the same way most of Seattle's games have been played. The Seahawks have a 3-7 point lead late in the fourth quarter, and rely heavily on their defense to save the game. There is simply too much value on Arizona getting a touchdown to pass up.

Matt Fargo

Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
Play: Detroit Red Wings

Colorado is the early surprise of the NHL season as it is off to a 6-0 start. The Avalanche can match the best start in franchise history with a victory tonight but it will not come easy and it is laying a big number on top of it. The fact that they finished dead last in the Western Conference last season with 39 points is the biggest indication of the surprising turnaround but it has done so with new personnel and a new coaching staff as well. In addition to the franchise record, head coach Patrick Roy can set the NHL record for most consecutive victories to start a coaching career so there is no doubt Colorado will be playing hard tonight. The Avalanche face a tough opponent to get it done though as Detroit, which barely made the playoffs last season, is off to a 5-2 start including wins in its last three games. This is pretty impressive considering the Red Wings have been outshot in all three of those games and are getting outshot on the season as a whole. The same can be said for Colorado as it is getting outshot by five shots per game but the play of goalie Semyon Varlamov and his 1.20 GAA has been the difference. Throw in a shutout by backup Jean-Sebastien Giguere and the rest is history. On the other side, Detroit goalie Jonas Gustavsson has been very impressive as he has allowed just three goals in two games in backing up Jimmy Howard who has missed time because of a hand injury. No matter who goes tonight, the net will be in safe hands. The Red Wings are 8-3 in their last 11 games after scoring two goals or less in their previous game while the Avalanche are 29-62 in their last 91 games when their opponent allows two goals or less in their previous game. This is the fourth game in six night for Detroit but this is a situation its has eaten up in the past as it is 17-4 in its last 21 games playing its fourth game in six days.

Lee Williams

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers
Play: Boston Bruins

This is a Panther team that has issue across the board right now.Tim Thomas will start in net tonight vs his old team but has a .850 Save% and groin injury to boot.We arent sure how he will hold up tonight.Other troubling factors for Panthers tonight is they Panthers are 7-15 in their last 22 home games and are 7-22 in their last 29 games playing on 1 days rest. Panthers will face Rask tonight in net and he has been incredible so far this year with .951 Save% and rested here.Take Bruins tonight.

SPORTS WAGERSFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Carolina +155 over TORONTOFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Regulation only. The Maple Leafs haven’t started out this well in over 20 years. Their 6-1 record combined with their huge popularity has this team as the league’s most overvalued at the moment. The Maple Leafs have some goal scorers to be sure and they’ve upgraded in goal but this is a fringe playoff team that has had every bounce go their way so far. Toronto’s last win over Minnesota was this season’s most misleading score so far, as the Wild dominated from the opening faceoff and played the entire game in the attacking zone while the Leafs were standing around. Behind the blueline, there has not been a worse team in the NHL than the Maple Leafs in terms of bad decisions, moving the puck out and giving it away. Being the worst defensive team in the NHL says the Maple Leafs winning games at this pace is completely unsustainable. Toronto is high on our fade list because there is a lot of money to be made fading the Leafs when they come in at prices like this. Furthermore, the Maple Leafs have the Blackhawks on deck in Chicago Saturday night and that contest has to have them looking ahead even a little bit.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Hurricanes have dropped three in a row and four of their past five games, which has also influenced this number but don’t put too much weight on that. Carolina has lost to Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh over that span and have not looked a bit out of place in any of those games, losing to both Chicago and L.A. in a shootout and being tied with Pittsburgh and Phoenix in the third period. Carolina also lost to the Red Wings in OT in its opening game of the season. Carolina has just two wins in seven games but if you take those 50/50 OT games and turn those losses to wins, suddenly you have a 5-2 team and this line would not be anywhere near +150. The Hurricanes have also played perhaps the toughest schedule in the NHL so far and have looked good every game that we’ve seen them play. When a team is going bad and the game goes into OT, it seems like they are fighting it in extra time and it’s for that reason we’re playing this one in regulation only. Huge overlay.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
PHILADELPHIA +156 over PittsburghFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Regulation only. Pittsburgh’s 6-1 record is the exact opposite of Philadelphia’s 1-6 record. The Pens need no introductions. They are an offensive force that is almost impossible to contain. Having Sidney Crosby healthy is like having Tom Brady in that it doesn’t matter who he’s playing with. When Crosby laces up, that team has a chance to win. That said, this wager is all about backing the Flyers at a sweet price at home.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Flyers stock is sinking fast and right now it may be lower than it’s been in a long time but this year’s Flyers are not close to being as bad as their record suggests. In fact, we’re suggesting that Philly is the league’s most undervalued club right now that is going to win a lot of hockey games this year. We’ll apply our buy-low philosophy here because Philadelphia is on the verge of snapping this thing in a big way. Luck plays a role in every sport and Philadelphia has had none so far. 10 seconds after going up 1-0 in its last game against Vancouver, the puck took a bizarre bounce off the boards on Steve Mason and Ryan Kesler buried it into a wide open net. Up 2-1 in the third, Sean Couturier clearly beat Roberto Luongo on a wrister that rang off the post that would have made it 3-1. Instead, the Canucks tied it and scored the winner with under 3 minutes remaining. Philadelphia has been the better team in four straight games now and it offers up much value as a big pooch in its own building, even against the Penguins.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Columbus +131 over MONTREALFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
OT included. We almost always like to fade a team coming home from a trip, even more so when said trip is successful and includes a visit to the Canadian West Coast. NHL players for years have called that three-game excursion through Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton the toughest of the season but in the Habs’ case, you can also throw in a game against Winnipeg. Montreal is playing well but this is a difficult spot against a quality club.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Blue Jackets have not got it going yet but they have played the least amount of games in the NHL with just five. Columbus is just 2-3 in those games but they have been better on the road with two wins and probably deserved a better fate in Detroit in its last game, a 2-1 defeat. The Jackets have not played in Montreal since November of 2009 so many of these players have never played in this historical hockey city. No question the Jackets will be extra juiced here and there is a lot to like about this group. They finished crazy strong last season (19-5-3 in last 27), but still missed the playoffs. They were 14-5-5 at home but still missed the playoffs. Their goalie won the Vezina and they only allowed 2.4 goal-against per-game (9th in league) but they still missed the playoffs. These are not the characteristics of a team that should miss the playoffs and this season they are quicker, deeper, more confident and will be a tough out every night. The situation and tag calls for a play on them here.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
San Jose -½ +111 over DALLASFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Regulation only. Eventually the Sharks are going to lose a game but right now this team is absolutely feeling it and they can’t wait to get back on the ice. There’s an old saying in sports betting that says you don’t get in the way of a freight train and that applies to the San Jose Sharks right now. As a dog against the Blue Notes in St. Louis on Tuesday, they went in there and made the Blues look like a Junior A team by burying them early. The Sharks have now outscored the opposition 30-9 in six games and they’ll face backup goaltender and career stiff Dan Ellis, as Kari Lehtonen remains on the rack.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Stars are an up and coming outfit that is going to provide us with plenty of opportunities throughout the year but this isn’t one of them and any game that includes Ellis will not be included. Ellis allowed three goals on 26 shots in Stars' 3-2 loss to the Avalanche Tuesday night. Ellis is struggling early this season with 0-2-0 record, .894 save percentage and 3.75 goals against average. No check that, he’s struggled his entire career. Additionally, the Stars have a long way to go to be able to compete with the force they will see here. Neither Alex Goligoski nor the ancient Sergei Gonchar can play a lick of defense, so for that they’ll turn to names like Brendon Dillon, Jordie Benn, Trevor Daley, and Stephane Robidas. Those guys couldn’t shut down a laptop and that’s been the big problem with Dallas. They are very weak defensively and that liability has been on display in at three of their games so far against Florida, Winnipeg and Minnesota. Imagine what’s in store for them here.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
CHICAGO -½ +118 over St. LouisFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Regulation only. The Blackhawks lost a game in St. Louis last week by a 3-2 count but they outplayed the Blue Notes and it was Chicago’s only game this season in which they failed to pick up at least one point. At home, Chicago is 3-0-1 and look as strong as ever.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Perhaps the Blue Notes are not as good as advertised. Teams that bow out of the playoffs quietly after great regular seasons tend to spiral downward and we may be witnessing that with this group. St. Louis was whacked by the Sharks and three of its four wins have come against Nashville, Florida and the Rangers. Looking deeper into them, there is zero “elite” offensive talent on this team. It’s a bunch of 2nd and 3rd-liners masquerading as skill so good luck when they need offense. The Blue Notes have had no playoff success and are getting so desperate they’re trying to resurrect the careers of guys like Brenden Morrow and Derek Roy (who did nothing to help their respective teams in the playoffs last year). They gave Vanilla McBeige (Jay Bouwmeester) a huge extension and we’ve seen how much he’s helped his teams go deep in the playoffs in the past. It’s amazing how mid-pack the Blues are at everything and with Brian Elliott still a game or two away from returning, Jaroslav Halak makes this club even more beatable.
FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Passing NFL, NCAAF & MLBFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM

LT ProfitsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Miami FL vs North CarolinaFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick : Miami FL -9.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Miami Hurricanes seem determined to get into a BCS Bowl after being banned from post-season play the past two years, and with either Clemson or Florida State guaranteed to lose this week, the Canes should show no mercy on the North Carolina Tar Heels as they look to remain one of what will be two unbeaten teams in the ACC. Miami is extremely well balanced, ranking an identical ninth in the country in points for (45.2) and points against (16.0) while ranking 21st in total offense and 13th in total defense, including leading the nation in passing defense at just 142.4 yards per game on a tiny 5.2 yards per attempt. North Carolina is 1-4 both straight up and ATS and starting quarterback Bryn Renner is questionable with a foot injury after missing the Heels’ last game. Miami is 7-0 ATS in its last seven games after gaining at least 450 total yards in its previous game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Boston vs DetroitFREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Pick : Under 7.5FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
After the offenses improved in a 7-2 win by the Detroit Tigers over the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, look for pitching to return to dominance in Game 5 of the ALCS in a pitching rematch of Game 1. Anibal Sanchez was the ERA king during the season as he went 14-8 with a 2.47 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 182 innings vs. only 54 walks. He tossed the first six innings of Detroit’s 1-0 win in Game 1, striking out 12 in a game where the Tigers carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning, settling for a combined one-hit shutout. Jon Lester was the Boston ace in 2013 at 15-8 with a 3.75 ERA and 177 strikeouts vs. 67 walks, and he was the hard-luck loser in Game 1 despite allowing one run on six hits in 6.1 innings. The ‘under’ is 21-6-2 in Lester’s last 29 starts as an underdog.

Sean Murphy

St. Louis vs. Chicago
Pick: Under

We won with the 'under' in this same matchup last Wednesday night, as St. Louis skated to a 3-2 win on home ice.

Now the scene shifts to Chicago, but I don't expect the result to change much, at least from a totals perspective.

The Blackhawks are known for their offensive prowess, but it's been their defense that has shouldered much of the load lately. Note that they've given up just five goals over their last three games - all victories. Corey Crawford is once again standing tall between the pipes, picking up where he left off last season. It's also worth noting that the 'Hawks penalty kill has gone a perfect 9-for-9 over the last three games.

The Blues are coming off an ugly 6-2 loss to the Sharks on home ice on Tuesday. Losses like that have been few and far between in St. Louis under head coach Ken Hitchcock's guidance. I'm expecting a positive response tonight. In fact, I came close to backing the Blues in this game, but that's another story.

Of course, St. Louis had scored 19 goals in its first four games this season before being held to only two against San Jose on Tuesday. This isn't a team built on the strength of its offense, so further correction can be expected.

Note that in last week's 3-2 win in favor of the Blues, we saw three power play goals. I expect both teams to do a better job when short-handed tonight. Considering there were a combined 62 shots on goal in that contest, I'm anticipating both to tighten things up defensively in general.

Going back to the start of last season, the 'under' has gone 5-1 in this series. That's despite the fact we've seen three closing totals of five. We're getting a more generous number tonight.