Bobby Maxwell
Minnesota -10 at DETROIT
Today in the NFL we're laying some chalk as we offer a FREE play on the Vikings as they visit hapless Detroit.
Minnesota grabbed sole possession of first place in the NFC North last week with a big win over the Bears and now they've got some extra motivation to go out today and crush the Lions.
The Vikings are trying to keep their defensive tackles, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, on the roster after they were suspended by the league for four games. They are listed as probable in this one after the Vikings had an injunction filed that keeps them playing. But who knows for how much longer and Minnesota wants to win as many games as they can with them in the lineup.
Minnesota beat the Bears 34-14 a week ago as a five-point home favorite. The Vikings are getting outstanding play from second-year RB Adrian Peterson who might just be the best back in the league. He had 131 yards on 28 carries against Chicago and should be able to torch the Lions. We saw their home run defense on Thanksgiving when the Titans ran wild.
The Vikings have the NFL's second-rated defense, allowing 73.1 yards per game and with the Willams boys in the lineup they are as good as it gets.
Minnesota is still a bit embarrassed by their 12-10 home win over the Lions in October, not coming close as a 13-point favorite. Look for the Vikings to deliver a big 24-10 victory in this one.
3♦ MINNESOTA
Karl Garrett
Philadelphia at NY GIANTS -7
G-Man delivering once again on Saturday with Navy as my comp play. That is now a 9-0-1 free play run the last 10 days, and today we hit the NFL for a free winner on the Giants.
Seriously, how do you go-against the Giants these days?
All New York has done is compile an 11-1 straight up record, and a 9-2 spread mark in those 11 games. The Giants are currently on a 7-game win, and cover streak. Included is a 36-31 Sunday night win at Philadelphia as the 3-point underdog that pushed their winning streak over their division rivals to 3 in a row both SU, and ATS!
No Plaxico? No problem for Big Blue, as Tom Coughlin just inserts another player to do his job, and keep the defending Super Bowl champs humming right along!
Philadelphia has had a few extra days since their much-needed home rout over Arizona on Thanksgiving night, but while Donovan McNabb may have silenced the critics for a few extra days, throwing against the Giants defense is a whole different story than shredding the poor-traveling, and poor-defending Cardinals.
I guess Philly still technically has a playoff pulse as they hit the Meadowlands field this Sunday, but that pulse will be snuffed out in a hurry, as the Giants machine just keeps on rolling.
Lay the points.
3♦ NY GIANTS
Brett Maverick Sports
Toronto +2
The Raptors are 8-2 ats the last 10 when facing Portland and 4-1 vs the number the last five at home in this series. We love home dogs who shoot over 80% from the free throw line, and the Raptors are hitting 83% this season. Add to that they lead by 4 rebounds per game over the Blazers, and we give the nod to the home dog. Take the Raptors.
Brian Edwards's Pick Pack
NFL Season Package
Premium Plays
Matchup: Atlanta at New Orleans
Time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: Atlanta (ML +155)
Line Source: LEROYS
Posted on: December 6, 2008 @ 1:29:19 PM EST
I know New Orleans has been tough at home but other than Tampa Bay, who have the Saints beaten at home that's on the Falcons' level? Nobody. This Atlanta team is gaining confidence every week and might have the best team chemistry in the league one year after having the worst. I think Matt Ryan torches New Orleans' defense all day just like he did when these teams met in Atlanta a few weeks ago. Let's go the money-line route for the generous payout. Falcons win outright!
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Matchup: New York-A at San Fran.
Time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: Over (44.0 -110)
Line Source: LEROYS
Posted on: December 4, 2008 @ 2:29:30 AM EST
The 'over' is on a 5-0-1 run for the Jets and a 6-2 surge for the 49ers, who return to California weather this week after the 'under' cashed in San Francisco's cold-weather win at Buffalo. We know the Jets can put up points and that their pass defense is very vulnerable. Shaun Hill doesn't always look smooth, but he gets the job done, as evidenced by his 8/3 TD-INT ratio. I like the 'over' here. More picks to follow, should have 4-5 up by late Friday or early Saturday.
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Matchup: Washington at Baltimore
Time: 8:15 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: Over (35.0 -110)
Line Source: BET365
Posted on: December 6, 2008 @ 1:46:55 PM EST
The 'over' is on a 6-0-1 tear in Baltimore's last seven games. During that stretch, the Ravens have scored 27 points or more in six of the games with the lone exception coming at the Giants, and I grant mulligans when it comes to what the rest of the league does against the G-Men, who I say have the best team in the NFL. This is a low total that goes 'over.'
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Member Plays
Matchup: Phila. at New York-N
Time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: New York-N (-6.5 -110)
Line Source: BET365
Posted on: December 6, 2008 @ 1:25:38 PM EST
The Giants look like the best team in the NFL to me. They are nasty at home, posting a 6-0 straight-up record and a 5-1 against-the-spread mark. Even with the Plax Distrax, this team hasn't lost its focus one bit. Philly did look better in its Thanksgiving night drubbing of the Cardinals, but the Eagles are just 2-3-1 SU and 3-3 ATS on the road this year. Give me the G-Men! Also, not sure if I'll back the Bears laying the 6 1/2, but I do think they are a good team to wrap up in a teaser with the Giants. In that teaser, all you need is for Chicago and New York to win outright at home.
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Guaranteed Plays
Matchup: Dallas at Pittsburgh
Time: 4:15 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: Over (38 -110)
Line Source: BETUS
Posted on: December 5, 2008 @ 11:43:33 AM EST
With Tony Romo back to 100 percent, Dallas has its offense back on track, scoring 35 and 34 points in its last two games. The 'over' is 7-5 overall for both squads, 4-2 in Pittsburgh home games. Anytime you have a number in the 30s, you're tempted to look 'over,' especially in a game in which both offenses have weapons galore like T.O., Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, etc. Let's go with the 'over.'
Bill Marzano
Member Plays
Matchup: New England at Seattle
Time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: New England (-4.5-110)
I really like the NE Patriots in this game vs the Seattle Seahawks...NE was destroyed in their last game vs Pittsburgh and I expect them to turn things around in this game...NE has not lost back to back games all year...they are still in the hunt for the Division crown and will need to beat teams like Seattle if they are going to have any chance...NE gets it done here...NE is the play
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Matchup: Kansas City at Denver
Time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: Denver (-8.0-110)
I really like the Denver Broncos in this game even though this team has been very hard to predict...first of all I like Denver because they are @ home and KC already beat Denver in their earlier meeting this season...KC has not beat Denver in back to back games in 7 years...KC got their rare road win last week vs Oakland...Denver is riding sky high after crushing the NY Jets...look for the Broncos to pad their lead with a dominating performance offensively...Denver is the play here
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immy Boyd
Member Plays
Matchup: New England at Seattle
Time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sun)
Play: New England (-4.0-110)
Patriots -4
I love the Pats in a bounce back spot against 2-10 Seattle . New England is as resilient a team as there is in the NFL because it is not used to losing. The Pats have followed every loss with a win this season SU and ATS and I will ride this trend this week. Seattle has lost 5 in a row and is just 1-5 SU and 1-4-1 ATS at home this season. Mike Holmgren’s Seattle teams are just 2-12 ATS vs. AFC East foes while Bill Belichick boasts a 10-1 ATS mark vs. the NFC West while with New England . Every game down the home stretch is a must-win for the Pats who trail in the division and the wild card by a game. We also have two strong system plays in favor of our side. Plays on road favorites ( NEW ENGLAND ) - good rushing team (125-150 RY/G) against an average rushing defense (95-125 RY/G) after 8+ games are 24-6 ATS the last 5 seasons. Plays on road teams ( NEW ENGLAND ) - off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite against opponent off a road loss are 29-7 ATS the last 5 seasons. In addition, New England is 17-6 ATS in road games over the last 3 seasons. Pound the Pats.
Get your bets in now on Jimmy Boyd's NFL GOTY in his Sunday NFL 3-Pack! He's already cashed in his NCAAF GOTY (UL Lafayette 11/1) and now he's ready to dominate with the NFL version!
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DUNKEL
Washington at Baltimore
The Ravens bring a 9-3 ATS record into the contest against a Washington team that is just 2-7 ATS in non-conference games over the last three seasons. Baltimore is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Ravens favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-5).
Game 135-136: Cincinnati at Indianapolis
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 124.949; Indianapolis 138.131
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 13; 45
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 13 1/2; 42
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+13 1/2); Over
Game 137-138: Jacksonville at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 127.067; Chicago 135.081
Dunkel Line: Chicago by 8; 37
Vegas Line: Chicago by 6 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-6 1/2); Under
Game 139-140: Houston at Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 132.017; Green Bay 136.328
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 4; 43
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 6; 47
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+6); Under
Game 141-142: Cleveland at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 129.530; Tennessee 140.547
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 11; 32
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 13 1/2; 37
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+13 1/2); Under
Game 143-144: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 131.092; Detroit 123.401
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 7 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 9 1/2; 46
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+9 1/2); Under
Game 145-146: Washington at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 129.383; Baltimore 141.942
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 12 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 5; 36
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-5); Over
Game 147-148: Philadelphia at NY Giants
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 134.907; NY Giants 146.982
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 12; 41
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 6 1/2; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (-6 1/2); Under
Game 149-150: Atlanta at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 133.208; New Orleans 137.912
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 46
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 3; 51 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Under
Game 151-152: NY Jets at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 135.537; San Francisco 129.976
Dunkel Line: NY Jets by 5 1/2; 40 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 3 1/2; 44 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (-3 1/2); Under
Game 153-154: Miami at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.488; Buffalo 131.627
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 5; 38
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 1; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-1); Under
Game 155-156: Kansas City at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 124.143; Denver 130.199
Dunkel Line: Denver by 6; 46
Vegas Line: Denver by 9; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+9); Under
Game 157-158: St. Louis at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 115.869; Arizona 132.857
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 17; 53
Vegas Line: Arizona by 14; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-14); Over
Game 159-160: Dallas at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 135.989; Pittsburgh 139.646
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 3 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 3; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-3); Over
Game 161-162: New England at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: New England 132.523; Seattle 129.557
Dunkel Line: New England by 3; 39
Vegas Line: New England by 4 1/2; 43
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+4 1/2); Under
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
Game 163-164: Tampa Bay at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 133.738; Carolina 137.604
Dunkel Line: Carolina by 4; 36
Vegas Line: Carolina by 3; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-3); Under
NBA
Detroit at New York
The Pistons are just 2-4 ATS versus the Atlantic Division and run into a New York team that is 3-0 at home when the total is between 205 and 209 1/2 points. The Knicks are the underdog pick (+7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Detroit favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: New York (+7 1/2)
Game 501-502: Detroit at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 118.219; New York 116.090
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 7 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: New York (+7 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Portland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 122.536; Toronto 120.878
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 1 1/2; 185 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Boston at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 129.018; Indiana 119.367
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 10; 206 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7 1/2); Over
Game 507-508: Milwaukee at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.019; LA Lakers 132.792
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 19; 217 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 13 1/2; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-13 1/2); Over
NCAABB
Nebraska at Arizona State
The Sun Devils look to take advantage of a Nebraska team that is just 7-16 ATS on the road over the last three seasons. Arizona State is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun Devils favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-9).
Game 509-510: Nebraska at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 60.568; Arizona State 72.771
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 12
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-9)
Game 511-512: California at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: California 65.444; Missouri 74.222
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 9
Vegas Line: Missouri by 6
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-6)
Game 513-514: Bradley at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 56.540; Michigan State 72.990
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-15)
Game 515-516: Oklahoma at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 69.690; Tulsa 68.825
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 1
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+6 1/2)
Game 517-518: Florida at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 66.644; Florida State 66.621
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Florida by 2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (+2)
Game 519-520: Maryland vs. George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 63.624; George Washington 56.101
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Maryland by 3
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-3)
Game 521-522: Kansas State at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 64.415; Oregon 67.481
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 3
Vegas Line: Oregon by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (-1 1/2)
Game 523-524: CS-Northridge at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 50.287; UCLA 77.535
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 27
Vegas Line: UCLA by 22
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-22)
Game 525-526: Ohio at Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 527-528: Lamar vs. Indiana State
Dunkel Ratings: Lamar
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 529-530: Niagara at Loyola-Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 59.813; Loyola-Maryland 51.568
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 8
Vegas Line: Niagara by 5
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-5)
Game 531-532: Manhattan at Rider
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 52.496; Rider 55.292
Dunkel Line: Rider by 3
Vegas Line: Rider by 6
Dunkel Pick: Manhattan (+6)
Game 533-534: Canisius at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 48.342; St. Peter's 48.336
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Canisius by 2
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+2)
Game 535-536: Iona at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 53.859; Fairfield 54.477
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 1
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 4
Dunkel Pick: Iona (+4)
Game 537-538: UL Lafayette at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: UL Lafayette 45.994; Alabama 64.280
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Alabama by 17
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-17)
Game 539-540: UC Irvine at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: UC Irvine 46.457; Pepperdine 47.352
Dunkel Line: Pepperdine by 1
Vegas Line: Pepperdine by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC Irvine (+2 1/2)
NHL
Vancouver at Colorado
The Avalanche look to bounce back from their loss at Dallas (2-1) and build on their 5-2 record after being held to 1 goal or less in their previous game. Colorado is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125).
Game 1-2: Washington at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.448; Carolina 11.420
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 3-4: Phoenix at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.530; Chicago 12.531
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-170); Over
Game 5-6: Calgary at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.677; NY Rangers 11.370
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-130); Under
Game 7-8: Vancouver at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.959; Colorado 12.108
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under
Game 9-10: Columbus at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.045; Anaheim 12.337
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-185); Under
Sportsbettingstats
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens
Last week the Redskins lost to the Giants 23-7 while the Ravens crushed the Bengals 34-3. The Redskins really need to win this game to stay in the NFC Wild card picture. The Skins have lost 3 of their last 4 games and are in 3rd place in the NFC East. The Ravens are in 2nd place in the AFC North and they can gain some ground with a win tonight, as the 1st place Steelers play the red-hot Dallas Cowboys today. The Redskins are led by QB Jason Campbell (2560 yds 10 TD 4 INT) and his main targets are Chris Cooley (66 rec 701 yds 1 TD) and Santana Moss (57 rec 828 yds 5 TD). The Redskins rushing attack is led by Clinton Portis (1228 yds 7 TD). The Ravens are led by rookie QB Joe Flacco (2276 yds 12 TD 9 INT) and his main targets are Derrick Mason (62 rec 811 yds 3 TD) and Mark Clayton (28 rec 475 yds 3 TD). The Ravens rushing attack is led by Le'Ron McClain (545 yds 6 TD).
What's up with the Skins lately? Portis is the NFL's leading rusher, but teams are now focusing on stopping the passing game of the Skins, which has let them down as Campbell has not played well in their last few games. Campbell needs to bounce back in this game and for the next few if the Skins are going to make the post season. That will not be easy today, as the Ravens have the league's 2nd ranked defense. QB Joe Flacco has proved he is a legit NFL starter and he has looked good in the 2nd half of the season. The Redskins D is ranked 6th in the league and they will have to get to Flacco early and often. The Skins also need to top the running game of the Ravens and make Flacco beat them with his arm. If Portis can pick up some yards and break down the ferocious front line of the Ravens the Redskins will be successful. However, the key to this game will be if Campbell can step up and snap out of his recent funk. There are a few other teams ahead of the Redskins in the NFC Wild Card race, so this game is almost a must win for them. Look for Campbell to have a good game and for the Redskins to play a great defensive game against the Ravens, as they will win this game and get right back in the heart of the NFC Wild Card race.
Staff Pick: What's up with the Skins lately? Portis is the NFL's leading rusher, but teams are now focusing on stopping the passing game of the Skins, which has let them down as Campbell has not played well in their last few games. Campbell needs to bounce back in this game and for the next few if the Skins are going to make the post season. That will not be easy today, as the Ravens have the league's 2nd ranked defense. QB Joe Flacco has proved he is a legit NFL starter and he has looked good in the 2nd half of the season. The Redskins D is ranked 6th in the league and they will have to get to Flacco early and often. The Skins also need to top the running game of the Ravens and make Flacco beat them with his arm. If Portis can pick up some yards and break down the ferocious front line of the Ravens the Redskins will be successful. However, the key to this game will be if Campbell can step up and snap out of his recent funk. There are a few other teams ahead of the Redskins in the NFC Wild Card race, so this game is almost a must win for them. Look for Campbell to have a good game and for the Redskins to play a great defensive game against the Ravens, as they will win this game and get right back in the heart of the NFC Wild Card race.
Redskins 24 Ravens 18
GINA
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
The Vikings have won last two meetings versus the winless Lions and 12 of their last 13, including five of the last six in Detroit. Look for running back Adrian Peterson to run over Lions defense while the rest of the team takes it easy. The powerless Lions are 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home against Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings -10
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
The Packers powerless run defense, ranked 27th will have big problems with Texans’ running back Steve Slaton, but its December and playing at Lambeau Field in frigid conditions is a huge advantage for the Green Bay Packers. In addition, Houston has been dreadful on the road. Take the Packers to win again in their second ever meeting against the Texans at home.
Green Bay Packers -6
Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens
The Redskins key weapon is running back Clinton Portis, who is questionable for today's battle with a neck injury. Even so, the Ravens run defense has been terrific, ranked third the NFL. Go with Baltimore. Washington’s defense is decent, but their offense is bad and will struggle to score against the Ravens' forceful defense. Baltimore is tough at home, 4-1 both straight-up and against the spread at M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore Ravens -5
Tom Freese
Maryland vs. George Washington
George Washington is 20-8-1 ATS on a neutral court and they are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a win percentage of over 60%. The Colonials are 5-2 ATS their last 7 games. Maryland is 1-5-1 ATS their last 7 neutral site games and they are 0-7 ATS on Sunday. The Terrapins are 7-22 ATS their last 29 December road games. PLAY ON GEORGE WASHINGTON +
Dennis Macklin
Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans
Prediction: Cleveland Browns
Despite things looking bleak for the Browns, we are catching two touchdowns and DD dog had been gold until last week. Cleveland starts Dorsey and will be missing Winslow but they should be able to shorten the game by getting the running game going with Lewis and then picking spots going downfield. Cleveland has done it's best work on the road, 3-1 SU L4 and AFC North road dogs have gome 10-5 ATS. Titans have extra time but have no urgency here and will also shorten the game by rushing the football. Interesting note, for whatever reason, every team off Lions has failed to cover next, that's 0-11 ATS. Brownies worth a flyer getting boatload of points.
LARRY NESS
Kansas State @ Oregon
PICK: Oregon
Bob Huggins came to Manhattan two years ago and led the Jayhawks to a 23-win season but then left to return to his alma mater (West Va). There were hard feelings but Frank Martin, in just his first season as a head coach, led the Wildcats to 21 wins, including an NCAA appearance last year (and a first-round win over USC), something Huggins was not able to do (settled for the NIT, two years ago). Of course, Michael Beasley (26.2-12.4) just may have had something to do with that. So did Bill Walker (16.1-6.3) and both of those players are off to the NBA. KSU has two 6-10 players up front this year, in Kent (9.3-6.3) and Colon (6.1-4.7) plus a 6-7 freshman in Samuels (10.0-5.3) and a solid swingman in Sutton (10.1-6.3). The backcourt is in the hands of sophomore Pullen (16.6) and Miami-Fla transfer, Clemente (11.4-3.0 APG). KSU opened with five straight wins (not tested), before losing twice in a Las Vegas tourney, each time by two points. First it was Kentucky (74-72) and then, Iowa (65-63). The Wildcats head to the Pacific Northwest for this game with the Ducks, who have lost quite a lot of talent from teams which have made back-to-back NCAA appearances (reached the Elite 8 two years ago, finishing with 29 wins). The 5-6 Porter (12.9) returns to lead the team and that's both good and bad news, as he shoots his team into and out of, games. The 6-6 Catron (9.4-8.3) is a solid inside player plus vets Longmire (9.6) and Odia (4.9) aren't bad. The key to the team this year is 6-10 freshman Dunigan, who leads in both scoring (14.0) and rebounding (7.0). However, he sat out Oregon's last game with an elbow injury (questionable here) and Catron left that 95-81 loss at Utah with an ankle injury and didn't return. I expect both to play but will proceed with caution. This contest opens a seven-game homestand that won't end until early January, when the Ducks open their Pac 10 schedule with home games against USC (1/2) and UCLA (1/4). The next time this team will leave the state of Oregon won't be until January 8th and 10th, with a trip to play the two Arizona schools. It's a good time for Ernie Kent's team to build some confidence. That starts here with a winnable game against KSU and I'll take the Ducks.
Michael Cannon
Jacksonville at CHICAGO -6'
Take the Bears as the home chalk this afternoon over the Jaguars.
Jacksonville has thrown in the towel on this season. Anyone who watched the Monday Night game last week against the Texans could see that.
This team goes into a prime-time, national TV game and plays with no passion. How in the world are they going to get up for a road game against the Bears in that climate?
The SU winner is 23-2-1 ATS in the Bears’ last 26 games (10-1-1 this year) and is 8-0 ATS in the Jaguars’ last eight.
I don’t see Jacksonville getting the win here, sorry.
Take the Bears minus the points as they grab the home win and cover
3♦ CHICAGO
Atlanta at NEW ORLEANS -3
Take the Saints as the small home chalk today over the Falcons.
No question the Falcons have been one of the biggest surprises this NFL season, but New Orleans needs this game bad to stay alive in the playoff chase.
The Saints have been a solid play at home this year, and I think their fans will give them a big advantage today under the dome.
New Orleans is on ATS runs of 4-1 overall, 5-1 at home and 6-0 after a SU loss.
For all the success the Falcons have had so far, this is still a road game against a division rival and despite how well Matt Ryan has played, he’s still a rookie.
Take the Saints minus the points as they grab the win and cover.
4♦ NEW ORLEANS
Drew Gordon
St. Louis at ARIZONA -14
Bad bad match up for the reeling Rams, as they not only go on the road, where they've been utter garbage, but also face an Arizona team primed for redemption after getting their asses handed to them by the Eagles last week.
No question the Cardinals high-powered offense will be looking to bounce back here, and what better place than at home, where they average 32 ppg on the season! Ironically, the Rams defense allows exactly 32 ppg when they travel, so needless to say, the Cardinals should score at will in this spot. We saw what the Jets and 49ers did to this Rams team in their last two roadies, and I see little reason to believe it'll be any different today.
Also, from a defensive standpoint, its clear the Cardinals improved defense got thoroughly embarassed by the Eagles in their last one. They get just what the doctor ordered today, as the inept Rams offense is averaging just 10 ppg over their last 3 games. Not only that, but as long as Bulger continues to be their quarterback, they will continue to lose games. He's a shell of his former self, and his inability to deliver the ball quickly and on time is killing this offense.
Finally, from a trend standpoint, the Cardinals have been money at home when coming off a SU loss, going 6-0 SU & 5-1 ATS. In other words, look for a strong bounce back effort this afternoon at home, as the sorry-ass Rams don't stand a chance once they fall behind. St. Louis doesn't have the firepower to stick with this Cardinals team, and that will become abundantly clear early on in this match up! Cards roll!
Take Arizona BIG over St. Louis in this NFL match up.
2♦ ARIZONA
NY Jets -3' at SAN FRANCISCO
I'll be the first to admit the line on this contest is a bit fishy, but in some cases, things are as simple as they appear. This is fundamentally a bad match up for the 49ers, who run smack into a furious Jets team hell-bent on redemption in this one. But let me explain further...
We all know the Jets got embarassed by the Broncos at home 34-17 last week, and in all honesty, it may have been just what they needed. Fresh off an impressive win over then-undefeated Tennessee, the Jets got a little confident and paid the price against Cutler and company. Rest-assured that will not happen this time around, as despite playing an inferior opponent, the Jets will be highly focused in this contest.
While I commend coach Singletary for the "no-nonsense" attitude he's trying to instill in his team, let's not get carried away, the 49ers are still a long ways away from being relevant. Sure they beat sorry-ass St. Louis in their last home game, but they also lost badly to terrible Seattle team in the home game prior. In other words, don't believe the hype, this is the same 49ers team, with the same issues on both sides of the ball.
Finally, as far as match ups are concerned, the 49ers are going to be hard-pressed to get much of anything done against this Jets defense. Make no mistake, they'll be keying on Frank Gore, and when he struggles, the 49ers usually struggle. Mangini will force San Fran to win behind Shaun Hill's arm, and that's NOT a good thing.
Bottom line, while I expect a valiant effort from the 49ers in this contest, they're simply overmatched by a more talented Jets team playing with tremendous motivation. Favre and the offense get just enough done, while the Jets D takes care of the rest!
Take the NY Jets over San Francisco in this NFL match up.
2♦ NY JETS
Mr A
Jacksonville at Chicago
The struggling Jaguars have lost three straigh and four of their last five. Look for Bears running back Matt Forte to have a great day against a Jacksonville' defense that has struggled against the run. Take the Bears at Soldier Field. The home team in this series has covered the spread in the last four meetings in the Windy City.
Chicago Bears -6½
Cincinnati at Indianapolis
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and crew should have no problems against the collapse Bengals and will easily handle the Bengals' ineffective offense, the worse in the NFL. Take the Colts to win their sixth straight over the Cincinnati Bengals in Indianapolis. The Bengals are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall and 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings versus the Colts
Indianapolis Colts -13½
Triple Threat Sports
2* Green Bay (-) over Houston
Packers catching warm weather Texans off a Monday Night game and travelling on a short week and coming into a December day in Wisconsin in which the gametime high is expected to be 19 degrees, with things dropping from there. Houston off a massive win on Monday Night Football in what was the team's first ever appearance under the prime time Monday lights. As such they are due for a letdown here, and with the Packers in must win mode and the fact that prior to last week Green Bay had dominated at home with 37-3 and 34-14 wins over likely playoff teams, we are willing to lay the points in this one.
Mikey Sports
St Louis @ Arizona
Play: St Louis (+) pts
R&R Totals
Dallas @ Pittsburgh
Play: OVER
Pure Lock
ST LOUIS @ ARIZONA
PLAY: ARIZONA (-) PTS