Monday 1/10/22 free thread for handicapping and expert predictions for NFL, NCAAF, NCAAB & NBA games.
Marc Lawrence
Super Hot Never Lost CFB Championship
Alabama
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The Prez
5% Championship Game Bet
Georgia -3
8 PM EST, January 10, 2022
5% Best Bet on Georgia minus the points over Alabama
This is the matchup that we all saw coming down the pike back in October and now a rematch of the SEC Championship game held over a month ago. On Friday, each team dominated its College Football Playoff semifinal opponent, earning the opportunity to meet again in the game for the national crown and we can only hope and pray the game is not disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
I am extremely bullish on Georgia and love this game. Still, all bettors must be tuned in to the newsfeeds for any coronavirus news, whether adverse or beneficial, that can impact the integrity of this game. I will be watching and providing any updates when needed.
So, Alabama head coach Nick Saban will be looking to add an eighth National Championship since taking over the program in 2007 and the 6th Championship game since 2015. Georgia has come close but has not won the national championship game since 1980 but have advanced to the Title game twice in the past five years. They most recently lost in overtime to Alabama in the 2018 championship game. There is no comparison to this year’s edition from the previous teams that came so close to taking down the title of National Champion.
The Georgia defense ranks among the all-time best unit in over two decades. Yes, they allowed 41 points in the SEC Championship loss to Alabama, but they still managed to post a 26.9 yards per point allowed ratio this season. Only seven teams in the past 20 seasons have ever finished a season at 25 or higher and prior to the Tide loss sat at 32 YPPT. This means that over the course of the season opponents needed to gain 26.7 yards to get one point on the scoreboard. By comparison, there were three other teams at 20 or higher and they were Clemson (20.6), Texas A&M (20.5), and Penn State (20.5). The difference between Georgia’s 26.7 YPPT ratio and the next three-best teams is monumental and cannot be underestimated.
What is underestimated is the fact that Georgia, despite their plodding, sometimes boring, offensive schemes evolved into one of the most efficient units in the nation. They rank 5th in the nation of 130 teams with a 11.4 yards per point offensive ratio. Alabama is 11th and right behind Georgia with a 11.7 YPPT ratio. The differential between Georgia’s offensive and defensive YPPT ratio is the widest by any team since at least 1980 and one of the dominant reasons I see Georgia winning this game and potentially by double digits.
In the loss to Alabama, the Georgia defense did not record a sack. Once the prop bets come out, I already like betting the OVER number of Georgia sacks. Alabama at times over the course of the season saw their offensive line struggle with missed assignments and poor pass blocking technique. In the Iron Bowl, the Auburn defense provided the recipe that confused the offensive lineman throughout the entire game. Alabama loves to use misdirection plays in the RPO against overly aggressive defenses. However, Georgia plays disciplined defense and know Alabama better than any offensive unit they face.
Here is a great betting system that has produced a 49-22 ATS record for 69% winning bets over the last five seasons, 27-10 ATS for 73% winning bets over the past three seasons and is 11-2 ATS for 85% winning bets over the past season. Bet on any team from Week 8 on out including bowl games and the CFP that is averaging 200 to 249.9 rushing yards per game, allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards in their previous game, and facing an opponent that averages 150 to 199.9 RYPG.
This betting system also does very well betting the first half line and has earned a 49-19 ATS record for 72% winning bets over the last five seasons, 25-12 ATS record for 68% winners over the last three seasons, and 11-2 ATS for 85% winners this season.
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Gianni the Greek
287) Georgia ML (-145)…(4%)
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Greg Shaker
2 Alabama/Georgia O51.5
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Norm Hitzges' Picks of the Pole
Single Play
Alabama-Georgia under 52
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1* Alabama/Georgia 'under' 52.5, 8:00 pm
Big Al
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The Prez
(Pretty sure these games are/will be cancelled)
[NHL] (43) Ottawa Senators at (44) Edmonton Oilers
3% REGULATION Edmonton Oilers -145
[NHL] (37) Tampa Bay Lightning at (38) New Jersey Devils
4% Total Over 6.0 (+100)
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Ben Burns
10* Alabama/Georgia U52.5
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Adam Trigger
4% - Georgia ML (CFB)
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IC
5 Units Georgia/Alabama Under 52
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Clay Travis
Georgia -2.5 and under 52
Final score prediction 24-17
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Josh Nagel
GEORGIA @ ALABAMA | 01/10 | 8:00 PM EST
ALABAMA +3
ANALYSIS: This is somewhat reminiscent of the 2018 CFP title game in which Georgia appeared to have the slightly better overall personnel, but Alabama found a way to win after coach Nick Saban turned to then-freshman QB Tua Tagovailoa to engineer a memorable second-half comeback. In this year's SEC title game, Alabama turned around an early 10-0 deficit behind a 31-7 blitz spanning the second and third quarters. Heisman winner Bryce Young accounted for four touchdowns during the spurt, which included a pick-six by the defense from Georgia QB Stetson Bennett. Alabama has the better player at the most important position and a coach who never loses to former assistants. The points could come into play, and taking a Sana-coached team as an underdog is too much of a value to pass up.
+280 5-2 IN LAST 7 CFB PICKS
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Matt Severance
GEORGIA @ ALABAMA | 01/10 | 8:00 PM EST
ALABAMA +3
ANALYSIS: Let me be clear here: I am SO rooting for Georgia in this game as I still have a beef with Nick Saban over how he left Michigan State. However, I really don't understand why oddsmakers are giving the Tide any points after they dominated the Dawgs in the SEC title game about a month ago. What really has changed? While Georgia may have the slightly better defense, the offenses aren't close: Bryce Young > Stetson Bennett, who in two career games vs. Alabama has five interceptions. Ideally, UGA wins by 1 or 2 points, but the only school to beat Saban in a national title game was Clemson, and Bennett definitely is not Trevor Lawrence or Deshaun Watson.
+1084 62-45-2 IN LAST 109 CFB PICKS
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Barrett Sallee
GEORGIA @ ALABAMA | 01/10 | 8:00 PM EST
GEORGIA -2.5
ANALYSIS: The SEC Championship Game was the exception, and the Georgia defense we have seen for its other 13 games is the rule. Georgia was too passive against quarterback Bryce Young last time out, and that will change on Monday when it brings heat from all directions. We saw Cincinnati turn Young into a "one read and bail" quarterback at times in the semifinal. Georgia will follow that blueprint, but will actually get him on the ground -- something it didn't do on Dec. 4. This will be a lower-scoring game, and we'll see Georgia running back James Cook become a star.
+270 6-3 IN LAST 9 CFB PICKS
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Zack Cimini
GEORGIA @ ALABAMA | 01/10 | 8:00 PM EST
GEORGIA -2.5
ANALYSIS: Alabama and Georgia meet Monday for the second time in just over a month. Alabama’s consistent presence in the title game and its 41-24 victory over Georgia in December haven't affected the point spread. Like the Clemson Tigers in 2019, look for Georgia to override its history against the Crimson Tide. Take the Bulldogs to win the title.
+390 5-1 IN LAST 6 CFB PICKS
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Tom Fornelli
GEORGIA @ ALABAMA | 01/10 | 8:00 PM EST
GEORGIA -2.5
ANALYSIS: It's very hard to beat a great team. It's even harder to beat a great team twice, particularly when you'll be without one of your top receivers in the rematch, and your offensive line was banged up a bit the week before. Make no mistake about it, both of these teams are very capable of winning this game, but one terrible quarter in Atlanta changed the perception of the Georgia defense. I think it's still very good, and it will make some of the necessary adjustments to curtail the big plays and keep this one close. Keeping it close will in turn allow Georgia to stick to what it does best: lean on you.
+1600 56-37-2 IN LAST 95 CFB PICKS
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Max Gorenstein
ILL.-CHICAGO @ IUPUI | 01/10 | 7:00 PM EST
UNDER 125.5
ANALYSIS: The Jaguars are the perfect Under team. The Under has cashed in 10 of the Jaguars 11 games. Kenpom ranks them as the worst offense in Division I with the 15th slowest pace. The Flames also have a bad offense with a slow pace. This has allowed the Under to cash in four of their last five. This game is going to be played at a brutally slow pace. Both offenses will struggle to do anything in this game. This number is way too high. Take the Under in this Horizon League matchup.
+810 18-9 IN LAST 27 CBB O/U PICKS
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Power Sports
10* NCAAF ULTIMATE POWER (UGA-BAMA) ~ SIGNATURE RELEASE - Georgia -2.5 (-110)
8* CFP CHAMP GAME TOTAL POWER (UGA-BAMA) - Under 52.5 Georgia/Alabama
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Doug Knudson
Georgia vs. Alabama (NCAAF) - 8:00 PM EST
Pick: Money Line: -140 Georgia
At YouWager
Rating: 9*
MY MODELS MADE GEORGIA -6 Simple - Georgia was ranked #1 All-Season, then lost a meaningless game (as far as needing to make the playoffs) to a desperate Bama squad (who had Everything to Play for) - now my #1 Team is trying to prevent its 2nd loss of the season AND well be Fully Motivated to play against the lone team that beat them - about as Big as a Revenge you'll ever find!! - Only one other time the NCAAF Championship had revenge involved, and we know what happen there - as Georgia is trying to make it a Perfect 2-0 with the team that lost 1st time out!!
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Georgia Vs Alabama Sharp Action
The two best teams in College Football face off for the championship trophy. The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Georgia (13-1, 9-5 ATS) is ranked 3rd and just crushed Michigan 34-11 in the CFP semifinals, easily covering as 7.5-point favorites. Meanwhile, Alabama (13-1 SU, 8-6 ATS) is ranked 1st and just dismissed Cincinnati 27-6 in the semifinals, covering as 13-point favorites.
This line opened with Georgia listed as a 2.5-point neutral site favorite. Early on, we saw wiseguys lay the points with the Bulldogs, driving the line up to -3. Over the weekend, we saw buyback hit Alabama 3, dropping the line back down to 2.5. A very interesting bet split is shaping up for this one. The public is all over the Crimson dog as a trendy dog, with Alabama receiving 64% of bets at BetMGM. However, a larger proportion of respected money is laying the points with Georgia, who is only receiving 36% of bets but 48% of money.
Reading between the lines, this looks to be a battle around the key number of 3, with pros targeting Georgia -2.5 and value minded bettors buying back on Alabama 3. This is a revenge game for Georgia, who lost to Alabama 41-24 in the SEC Championship game, losing outright as 6-point favorites.
The total hasn't budged off the opener of 52.5. Currently 68% of bets and 75% of money is on the over.
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Stephen Oh
BOSTON @ WASHINGTON | 01/10 | 7:00 PM EST
WASHINGTON -115
ANALYSIS: My model says the Capitals win in almost 60 percent of the simulations, so you're getting strong value with them at this number. Washington is looking to end a three-game slide (0-1-2) as it returns home, where it has gone 10-3-5 this season. Alex Ovechkin is second in the NHL with 24 goals and third in points with 51. Evgeny Kuznetsov has recorded a goal in three of his last five contests for the Capitals. Expect Washington's Russian stars to lead the team to victory.
+1472 22-9 IN LAST 31 WAS ML PICKS
YESTERDAY 8:43 PM
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World's Worst Picker
Peabody's Play of the month:
Alabama
We take: Georgia
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VSiN Staff & Guests
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
CFP National Championship Alabama vs. Georgia (1/10)
Youmans: Alabama +3
Moss: Alabama +3
Pritchard: Georgia -3
Stanford Steve: Over 52.5
White: Under 52.5
Reynolds: Georgia ML (-135)
Murray: Georgia ML (-125)
Parles: Georgia -3; Under 52
Ross: Alabama +3
Burke: Alabama +3; Robinson Jr. Over 20.5 Receiving Yards; Cook Over 20.5 Receiving Yards
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JAN. NBA GAME OF THE MONTH
Handicapper: Ben Burns
League: NBA
Competition: San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks
Time: Monday, January 10, 07:40 pm ET
Bet Type: Point Spread
Pick: New York Knicks -6.5 (-110) (BetRivers)
Analysis:
I'm playing on NY. After playing at Brooklyn yesterday afternoon, at the end of a long road trip, one which began "last year," I don't expect the Spurs to have much left in the tank this evening. While they recently beat Boston, when playing the second of b2b games, this one sets up differently. Prior to that Boston game, the Spurs had been blown out by Toronto the previous day. They'd also had two days off, prior to that Toronto game. On the other hand, yesterday saw the Spurs lose a heartbreaker. They left it all on the floor and nearly scored the upset. In the end, however, they lost by two points, in OT. So, the first game of the b2b set was far more grueling (and gut-wrenching) this time. Also, unlike the setup for the previous b2b situation, this time, the Spurs are also playing their third game in four days. In fact, this will mark their fifth game in the past seven days. The Knicks, on the other hand, had yesterday off. They're going to be in an angry mood, after getting hammered by Boston on Saturday. The Knicks already won, at SA, by a dozen points. While the Spurs would love to avenge that loss, they're just 4-7 ATS (2-9 SU) their last 11, when attempting to avenge an earlier home loss. Look for the Knicks to have fresher legs and for them to pull away for another double-digit win, improving to 15-8 ATS their last 23, against teams from the Southwest.
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Greg Peterson
Western Carolina vs East Tennessee St Under 148.5
UIC -7.5 vs IUPUI
UMKC -9.5 vs Omaha
Colgate -7 vs Army
Pepperdine -3 vs San Diego
Updated Record 155-132-4
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Alabama ML +125 vs Georgia
Alabama / Georgia UNDER 52.5
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SportsLine Projection Model
NO. 1 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE VS. NO. 3 GEORGIA BULLDOGS | 1/10 | 8 p.m. ET
CFP National Championship, Indianapolis
Against the spread
Pick: Alabama +2.5
The Tide cover in 48 percent of simulations, and the model has found value on this side
Money Line
Pick: Alabama +115
Alabama wins in 45 percent of simulations, bringing value at these odds
Over/Under
Pick: Under 52.5
The Under cashes in 62 percent of simulations.
Projected final score: Georgia 25, Alabama 22
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Northcoast
2* Georgia -2.5
Top Opinions Marquee Double: Under 52 Georgia/Alabama
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Greg Shaker
BIG PLAY ALERT CFB CHAMPIONSHIP - Alabama / Georgia Over 51.5
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Carmine Bianco
3% Boston Bruins at Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals -120
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Power Sports
10* NCAAF ULTIMATE POWER (UGA-BAMA) ~ SIGNATURE RELEASE - Georgia -2.5 (-110)
8* CFP CHAMP GAME TOTAL POWER (UGA-BAMA) - Under 52.5 Georgia/Alabama
8* NBA O/U POWER-BOMB - Over 223 Jazz/Pistons
8* MONDAY POWER-SMASH - Texas Southern -18.5
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Bob Balfe
Georgia -2.5
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Hello Shazman, anything on marco today? i know i know lol sorry.lol Also the clown brandon lang or the fade king if you can find him? Thanks for all you do and happy new year
National Sports Service
4* Utah/Detroit UNDER 221 (NBA)
3* Alabama +2.5 over Georgia (NCAAF)
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Tony Finn
5% [NBA] (541) Cleveland Cavaliers at (542) Sacramento Kings
Time: 10:10 PM EST Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5 (-110)
Analysis: Play on the Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5 (play good to -7)
5% confidence rating
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Doug Upstone
NBA
2U San Antonio +6
Season: 31 - 45 / -51.7U
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Gianni the Greek
Upgraded
287) Georgia ML (-145)…(5%) - BetOnline at ML -140
UPGRADED to BIG MOVE
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August Young
8-Unit CFB Championship GOY
Georgia -3 -105 over Alabama
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Justin Perri
NAVY @ LAFAYETTE | 01/10 | 7:00 PM EST
LAFAYETTE +10
ANALYSIS: This is a pretty big Patriot league game for Lafayette, as Navy is expected to be the best team in the conference. Even though they likely lose the game, the Leopards are going to fight hard today just as they always do against the Midshipmen. The last two times these teams met it was a a 2 point game, and they have only once had a double digit margin in their last 10 meetings dating back to 2016. My model agrees with the play and is projecting this at 7.5 points. Take the value in the home underdog.
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Kevin Dolan
4% - Georgia ML
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Scott Spreitzer
4* Capitals -115
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Al McMordie
NCAA FOOTBALL TOTAL OF THE YEAR - Under 52.5
NBA TRIPLE PACK - Milwaukee -2 , Utah -11.5 , Brooklyn -10.5
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Vegas Sports Informer
4* GA Over 52
3* GA -3
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Doug Upstone
4* GA -3
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Brandon Lang
National Championship Winner
MONEY MAKER
100 Dime Georgia -2.5
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PickersMx
La Barba Pickers
100 Dimes O/U NCAAF
Over 52 Alabama vs Georgia
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Tomas Sports
Georgia ml
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IC
NCAAB -39.4u (31-33)
4 - ILL Chicago -8 vs IUPUI
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Pure Lock
10* Utah Jazz -12
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Steve Budin
50 Dime- Cavs
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Doug Knudson
NON-CONFERENCE CLASH
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sacramento Kings (NBA)
Pick: Point Spread: 5/-110 Sacramento Kings
Rating: 9*
MY MODELS MADE GAME PICKEM
GAME OF THE WEEK
Brooklyn Nets vs. Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
Pick: Point Spread: -9/-110 Brooklyn Nets
Rating: 10*
MY MODELS MADE NETS -19
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