NCAAB: Wednesday's 2:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Butler/Villanova over 132 -105

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I say the first to 80 points wins. Both squads shoot well and they collect offensive boards and steals and that should lead to easy buckets. The Wildcats are favored by 11 but I think the Bulldogs can hang with them enough to make this a shootout. Butler has wins over North Carolina and Georgetown. Nova should have leading scorer Darrun Hilliard (concussion) back after a one-game absence. Even without Hilliard the Wildcats still managed to put up 92 points in their last contest. They shoot 48 percent and are averaging 77.9 ppg with five guys averaging between 12.6 and 9.4 points. The Bulldogs have six players scoring between 16.6 and 7.1 points.

Record: 237-180-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +137.97%

NCAAB: Wednesday's Noon ET play

Play: St. John's -1 -105

Time: Noon ET

Reasoning: Seton Hall had no problem playing without Isaiah Whitehead (foot) on Saturday against Maine, but it will have a problem without him on Wednesday against the Red Storm, who are ranked No. 17 in the country. St. John's has won seven straight and has outscored opponents by 16.6 ppg during that stretch. No team has reached 60 points against the Red Storm in those contests. Whitehead, who is out indefinitely with a stress fracture in his foot, is his team's second-leading scorer (11.9 ppg) and top assist man. I doubt Jaren Sina will be able to pick up the slack for Whitehead, as Sina went seven straight games without scoring in double figures before collecting 13 against Maine. St. John's has won the last three meetings and boasts four double-digit scorers. And its starting center, Chris Obekpa, averages 7.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocks.
 
Record: 237-180-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +137.97%

NBA: Tuesday's play

Play: San Antonio/Memphis under 194.5 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Spurs will have to make up for the combined 32.2 ppg put up by Tony Parker (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (hand). For this one the Grizzlies won't have Zach Randolph (knee) and his 16.1 ppg. Memphis doesn't shoot many threes and makes just 5.7 of them per game. San Antonio gives up just 95.1 ppg on the road and the Grizzlies give up only 97.6 ppg overall. Both teams are above average overall in opponents' field goal percentage and they are good at defensive rebounding. The over has hit in nine of the last 10 meetings, but only one of those last 10 saw a total as high as 194.5. The average total over that period was 186.5.

Record: 236-180-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +131.36%

NCAAF: Monday's plays

Plays: Texas A&M +1.5 -110 and Texas A&M/West Virginia over 65 -110

Time: 2 p.m. ET


Reasoning: This is a lot of points, but not for a game between these teams. Both squads score an average of more than 33.0 ppg. Aggies road games average 72.2 ppg. Each team ranks in the top 12 nationally in passing, so they can score points in a hurry. Mountaineers QB Skyler Howard has just one start under his belt (he took over for Clint Trickett because of his concussions), but Howard proved his mettle in that debut by throwing for 285 yards and three TDs in the regular-season finale. In relief of Trickett, Howard has completed 57.1% of his passes and has totaled five TDs. He also adds another element that Trickett doesn't possess: an ability to scramble. Howard rushed for 107 yards on 12 carries in three games. Still, I don't think it will be good enough for West Virginia to get by an A&M squad that has won its last three bowl games. The Aggies played the tougher schedule and they knocked off two Top 10 teams on the road. My power rankings say they should be the ones favored by two points. A&M's QB, Kyle Allen, is better than Howard. He hit on 61.3% of his passes since taking over for Kenny Hill. At then-No. 3 Auburn on Nov. 8, Allen led the Aggies to a 41-38 victory when he went 19-for-29 for 277 yards and four TDs vs. one INT. A&M will have to put up big numbers on offense to make up for its defensive inefficiencies. It allowed 449.0 ypg this season, the most in the SEC, and this prompted defensive coordinator Mark Snyder's firing. Linebackers coach Mark Hagan will act as the interim defensive coordinator for this one. 

Record: 234-180-8 (56.5%)
Bankroll: +119.40%

NBA: Sunday's plays

Play: San Antonio -1 -102

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Houston won the first matchup this season, but the Spurs were without Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili in that one. Both will play here and although Tony Parker won't, he's had a great replacement in Cory Joseph. In the past two games Joseph has averaged 17.0 points (on 13-of-16 shooting) and five assists. Joseph is averaging 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in his last nine contests. Dwight Howard disappeared in Friday's game, scoring just six points on four FG attempts. The Rockets shoot a ton of threes, but they are below average in three-point shooting percentage and San Antonio doesn't allow many perimeter attempts. Houston also is below average in overall shooting and on free throws and the Spurs are above average in all shooting categories. San Antonio's bench scores nearly twice as many points as the Rockets' bench.

 

Play: Dallas -4 -105

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I think the key here will be Dallas' new point guard Rajon Rondo. He scored a season-high 21 on Friday on 10-of-17 shooting and totaled eight rebounds and seven assists. He is averaging a league-high 10.5 assists. He also should guard Russell Westbrook, who will have to carry the load with Kevin Durant out. Durant (ankle) practice yesterday but there is no timetable for his return to game action. Westbrook has done a remarkable job with Durant out (he's scored 25 or more points in 11 straight games), but he's due for an off night. The Thunder are 1-8 vs. Top 10 teams. The Mavericks average a league-best 109.4 points and shoot 47.8 percent from the floor - second-best in the league. OKC is below average in all shooting categories and has the weaker bench.


Record: 231-176-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +126.86%

NFL: Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET plays

Play: San Francisco -6.5 -110

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Arizona already has a playoff berth in place. The Cardinals will start Ryan Lindley at QB, and he has thrown 225 passes without a TD (an NFL record). Arizona was destroyed by Seattle 35-6 last week. The Cardinals defense is worn down and safety Tyrann Mathieu is playing with a cast on his left hand. The 49ers are gonna want to look good in their home finale and at the same time snap a four-game skid. San Francisco has had an extra day to prepare for this one, and its veteran-laden roster should show up to play. Arizona is 1-4 ATS in their last five in the Bay Area and 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings overall. The Cardinals average only 80.7 ypg rushing and San Fran's defense allows just 18.6 ppg.

Plays: Detroit +7.5 -111 and Detroit/Green Bay over 47 -103

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Lions have won four straight and last week they did it in come-from-behind fashion. Detroit ranks second in the NFL in yards allowed (295.9 ypg) and scoring defense (16.8 ppg). The Lions could make the Packers one-dimensional, since they allow a league-best 63.8 ypg rushing. And Eddie Lacy ran for just 36 yards in the first meeting this season. Still, Green Bay averages 41.1 ppg at home, so I expect Detroit to limit them only so much. Aaron Rodgers suffered a strained left calf in last week's tilt with Tampa Bay, but he still has racked up 23 TDs against zero INTs at home in 2014. On offense the Lions have a pair of 1,000-yard receivers (Golden Tate and Calvin Johnson) and their backfield duo of Joique Bell and Reggie Bush is always dangerous. Matthew Stafford threw for 520 yards and five TDs in the regular-season finale (a 45-41 loss) in 2011. It will be a little chilly (about 20 degrees) in Green Bay on Sunday afternoon but the skies will be clear. The teams that give the Packers the most trouble are the ones that can stop the run. And since Nick Fairley went down before the second half of the season, Detroit has allowed just 52.1 ypg rushing.



Record: 231-176-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +126.86%

NFL: Sunday's 1 p.m. ET plays

Play: Tennessee +7 -103

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Indianapolis is already locked into the No. 4 seed. Their starters will play, but for how long? The Colts were destroyed by Dallas last week and they rushed for one yard on 10 carries against the Cowboys. Andrew Luck threw for a career-low 109 yards in that one before being removed in the third quarter. This should be Jake Locker's last game for the Titans and he'll want to go out on a positive note. Indianapolis has an average defense (it is allowing 31.0 points per game on the road) and has had trouble with QBs that operate like Locker.



Play: New Orleans/Tampa Bay over 46.5 -106

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The last time these teams tangled they combined for 68 points. The Saints have the NFL's top offense (416.3 ypg) and the league's second-worst defense (390.9 ypg). New Orleans has allowed 400 or more yards in five of its last six contests. The Buccaneers have offensive weapons in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, and both WR should top 1,000 yards. That would be the first time in history a pair of Tampa Bay receivers have achieved that feat. The starters should play for both teams, with each squad wanting to go out on a positive note. The Bucs have extra incentive because they don't want to go winless at home. Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing (4,671 yards) and he is second in completion percentage (69.6, which is seventh-best in league history).



Record: 231-176-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +126.86%

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Southern Cal -7.5 -110

Time: 8 p.m. ET


Reasoning: USC has never played in the Holiday Bowl, but with all of the support that the school has in San Diego I think this will be like a home game for the Trojans. Nebraska will have an interim coach, Barney Cotton, running the show in place of fired Bo Pelini. You have two very good offenses going here, with a combined scoring average of 72.5 ppg. But USC is more balanced and I think its linebacking group, led by Hayes Pullard and Su'a Cravens, can keep the Huskers' run game in check. Nebraska's defense has been atrocious in its last three games, allowing 40.3 ppg and 334.7 ypg rushing. The Huskers had the nation's third-best opponents' passer rating (100.6), however eight of the 11 FBS schools they faced finished 51st or worse in pass efficiency. Nebraska needed a 17-point rally in the fourth quarter to get by Iowa in its last contest. The Trojans ended their regular season with a 49-14 triumph of Notre Dame. USC has triplets in QB Cody Kessler, RB Javorius "Buck" Allen and WR Nelson Agholor. Kessler, a junior, racked up 3,505 yards and 36 TDs against just four INTs. He completed 70.7% of his passes and had a school-record passer rating of 168.8 (188.6 passer rating in his last six games). Allen totaled 1,337 rushing yards, topping 100 yards eight times. Agholor hauled in 97 balls for 1,223 yards and 11 TDs. The Trojans played the 26th-toughest schedule in the country while Nebraska played the 62nd-toughest. USC is 32-16 all-time in bowls, excluding two vacated games, and it is 8-2 in its last 10. It also is 5-1 ATS in its last six bowls. The Huskers are 25-25 all-time in bowl games and are 1-4 ATS in their last five neutral-site contests.

Record: 231-175-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +133.88%

NBA: Friday's play

Play: Houston +2 -103

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Both teams had a Christmas break with three rest days, but which one should that benefit? Well, the Rockets are 3-1 ATS in their last four under that circumstance and Memphis is 0-4 ATS. Houston has won eight of its last 11. The Grizzlies have dropped three straight and have averaged just 93.0 ppg over that span. Two of those losses came at home. The Rockets are 9-2 on the road and have a higher scoring differential in away games. Houston's defense allows just 96.3 ppg, opponents shoot just 43.1% against it and it is forcing 16.5 turnovers per. In its last contest Memphis fell 97-91 to struggling Utah and it was outrebounded 49-34. The Rockets hammered Portland 110-95 on Monday and James Harden totaled 44 points, seven assists and five steals, and he turned the ball over just once. Harden is scoring an NBA-leading and career-best 27.0 ppg and also is putting up career-bests in rebounds (6.2), assists (7.0), steals (2.0), blocks (1.0) and free-throw shooting (88.7%). In his last five road games Harden is averaging 38.2 ppg on 53.2% shooting. Houston got a boost on Monday from newcomer Corey Brewer, who was acquired in a three-team trade last week. He had 12 points, four boards, four assists and five steals in 23 minutes. The Rockets make 11.4 three-pointers per game and the Grizzlies are below average at perimeter defense. Memphis also doesn't shoot many threes, so if it can't get it done inside... Tony Allen (eye) is probable for this one, but he's missed the last four tilts. Zach Randolph (knee) is questionable and he's missed the last two.



Record: 230-175-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +127.26%

NBA: Thursday's 10:30 p.m. ET play

Play: L.A. Clippers -1.5 -105


Time: 10:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: On Tuesday Golden State lost by 10 to the Lakers, who didn't have Kobe Bryant. The Warriors have dropped 15 of the last 20 road meetings with the Clippers, with the last three being by an average of 16.6 points. The Clips have won all seven of their home games this month by an average of 14.7 points. Blake Griffin is shooting 52.5% in his last five at home, averaging 29.6 ppg. Chris Paul has averaged 22.9 ppg against the Warriors since joining L.A. in 2011-12, his highest mark against any team during that span. DeAndre Jordan has averaged 16.5 points on 82.8% shooting (not a misprint) in his last four against Golden State. Jordan scored 15 and grabbed 22 rebounds (11 offensive) in his last contest. J.J. Redick is averaging 17.8 points in 13 games this month. And Draymond Green has totaled just eight points and 11 rebounds in his last two tilts.

Record: 229-174-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +127.58% 

NBA: Thursday's 2:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Oklahoma City/San Antonio under 196.5 -110

Time: 2:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Kevin Durant (ankle) is out so that will put more pressure on Russell Westbrook and company to make up for his 22.4 points per game. Without Durant this season, the Thunder are 6-14. They also are 1-10 when they are outscored in the paint. If the Spurs win this one handily, a real possibility, that will only help the under. Still, with Tony Parker (hamstring) and Manu Ginobili (shoulder) dinged, I think the under is a better play than San Antonio -5.5. Oklahoma City is allowing an NBA-low 95.9 ppg and opponents are shooting just 42.6% against the Thunder (second-best in the league). Oklahoma City doesn't shoot many threes (or shoot them well without Durant), so that shouldn't be a concern.

Record: 229-174-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +127.58%

No plays for Wednesday

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Record: 229-174-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +127.58% 

NHL: Tuesday's play

Play: Edmonton -123

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Oilers still haven't won under new coach Todd Nelson, but they appear to be getting better offensively. They scored five against against a hot Dallas team on Sunday and their goals have increased from one to three to five under Nelson. Under former coach Dallas Eakins, Edmonton scored just seven goals in his final five contests at the helm. Phoenix has allowed 35 goals in its last eight games (4.38 per). On Monday the Coyotes were destroyed 7-1 at Vancouver. They scored one goal on 39 shots. Phoenix also is horrific at killing penalties (73.9%, second-worst in the NHL). Opponents have scored five times in their last 11 power-play chances against the Coyotes. 

Record: 229-173-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +134.62% 

No plays for Monday

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Record: 229-173-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +134.62% 

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: Seattle/Arizona over 36 -110


Time:  8:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: Games for both teams average more points than this both overall and in the home/away splits. I like the Seahawks to get an early lead, to get their usual 168.8 yards per game rushing and to soften up the Cardinals' D and set up for big pass plays. Then I like Arizona to throw the ball in an attempt to catch up. And, although the Cardinals will have Ryan Lindley at QB, they also have had 10 days to prepare for this contest. It doesn't take much to eclipse 36 points in today's NFL. And the over has cashed in nine of the last 10 meetings at Arizona.

Record: 228-173-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +128.39% 

NHL: Saturday's play

Play: Washington/New Jersey over 5 -125


Time: 7 p.m. ET


Reasoning: The performances on special teams by both squads are what really stands out to me. The Capitals lead the NHL in power-play scoring (26.1%) and the Devils are seventh (22.2%). Washington is 27th in the league in penalty killing (76.3%) and New Jersey is 25th (77.6%). The Caps are scoring 3.30 goals per game over their last 10, and that's without getting much from Alex Ovechkin (scoreless in eight of his last nine games). Devils G Cory Schneider is expected to start Saturday and he's allowed eight goals over the last 83 shots he's faced. 

Record: 228-172-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +135.45% 

No plays for Friday

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Record: 228-172-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +135.45% 

NBA: Thursday's play

Play: Golden State -2.5 -103

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Oklahoma City is running into a buzzsaw here. The Thunder's seven-game winning streak pales in comparison to the Warriors' recent 16-game winning streak that finally ended on Tuesday at Memphis, when Golden State fell 105-98 following its second-worst shooting performance of the season (41.1%). Against the Grizzlies Stephen Curry went 1-for-10 on threes and that shouldn't happen again. OKC has been winning with defense since Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have recovered from injuries, but the Warriors' offense should be too much. At home they average 109.2 points per game, shoot 50.6% from the floor, 39.0% on threes and 78.0% from the line. They have five guys who average double-digits in scoring. The Thunder's win over Sacramento on Tuesday was deceiving, as they trailed in the fourth quater after blowing a 16-point lead. 

Record: 227-172-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +128.79%  

NBA: Wednesday's play

Play: Orlando/Boston over 200 -105

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Celtics have gone against five totals lower than 200 this season and the over cashed in every one of those contests. Boston games average nearly 210 points both overall and in the home/away splits. The Magic have four players (Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic, Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier) averaging at least 14.0 points. The Celts have four players averaging double-figures in scoring (Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger, Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk) and five additional members averaging between 8.0 and 9.1 points. Olynyk came off the bench and dropped 30 points on Philadelphia on Monday. Both teams are above average shooting the ball and below average in field goal defense.

Record: 226-172-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +122.44%  

No plays for Tuesday

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Record: 226-172-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +122.44% 

NBA: Monday's play

Play: Indiana -5 -105

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I like the Pacers to get right on Monday night. They have beaten the Lakers in four of the last five meetings, including wins of 20 and 12 points in the two matchups last season. Indiana had a furious comeback fall short against Portland on Saturday, but it was down by 29 at one point. Los Angeles won its second straight road game on Sunday, but that was against a lowly and injury-decimated Minnesota team. The Lakers are 1-4 this season with zero rest days and they are getting outscored by 12 points (and are allowing 111.6 points per game) in that scenario. And after the win against the Timberwolves Kobe Bryant was complaining about aches and pains. Bryant was 7-for-20 from the field against Minnesota and he was held scoreless in 12 minutes of play the last time he faced the Pacers. Indiana is 5-2 against below-average teams, and here it has a big rebounding advantage and a deeper bench.


Record: 225-172-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +116.26% 

No plays for Sunday

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Record: 225-172-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +116.26% 

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Army/Navy over 54.5 -105

Time: 3 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Five of the last six Army games have gone over, including the last two which were totals of 71.5 and 67.5. The last four Navy games have gone over, and the Midshipmen have scored at last 39 points in each of their last five. Games for both squads average about 60 points both overall and in the home/away splits. Navy is second in the nation in rushing (357.8 yards per game) and Army ranks sixth (305.5 ypg). Neither team has been particularly adept at stopping the run this season, with each allowing nearly 200 ypg rushing. On the road the Black Knights are giving up 224.8 ypg rushing.

Record: 225-171-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +122.95% 

NBA: Friday's play

Play: Chicago -2 -110


Time: 7 p.m. ET


Reasoning: Portland has won seven straight in the series, but Derrick Rose only played in two of those contests. In the games he played, Rose averaged 28 points. He'll start on Friday night after pouring in 23 points in 24 minutes in Wednesday's 105-80 rout of Brooklyn. The Blazers lost to lowly Minnesota on Wednesday and looked terrible in the process. They got only 23 points from their frontcourt and shot just 38.8%. Portland went 10-of-35 on threes had quarters of 16 and 15 points. LaMarcus Aldridge totaled just 10 points on 3-of-14 shooting against the Timberwolves, and he has averaged just 11 points on 27.9% shooting in his last three tilts with the Bulls. Chicago rookie forward Nikola Mirotic had 24 points and 11 rebounds on Nov. 21 against the Blazers. The Bulls lost that one 105-87, but Rose, Pau Gasol and Kirk Hinrich didn't play. Gasol has recorded seven consecutive double-doubles. Portland has played the NBA's third-easiest schedule this season.

Record: 224-171-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +117.03% 

No plays for Thursday

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Record: 224-171-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +117.03% 

NBA: Wednesday's 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET plays

Play: New Orleans/Dallas under 209 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Mavericks have won nine straight in the series and have held the Pelicans to 95.4 points per game during that run. Should we see a Dallas blowout here, I think it will only help the under. The same goes for New Orleans' improved defensive play, as the Pelicans have allowed just 90.0 ppg over their last two. Both teams played on Tuesday and, looking at past results, you'll see that New Orleans is giving up 91.0 ppg in five contests following no rest and Dallas is allowing 96.2 ppg in four tilts in that same scenario. Both figures are far below the defensive averages when there is rest between games. The average scores seen by this officiating crew of Zach Zarba, Leroy Richardson and Matt Boland are 194.0, 201.1 and 206.6, respectively. The Mavs scored only 43 after halftime on Tuesday on 34.9% shooting. Dirk Nowitzki went 4-for-17 from the field while Monta Ellis shot 1-of-11 and finished with two points while he played through nagging pain in his shooting arm. Tyson Chandler also has fallen off in his last two, averaging just 3.5 points after producing 14.3 ppg in his previous six contests.



Play: San Antonio -10 -110

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I think New York is going to get blown out tonight. The Knicks have lost nine straight and are giving up 104.1 ppg on the road. They've dropped 10 straight on the road and could be without Carmelo Anthony (knee) tonight. If he's out New York will have just two players (Amar'e Stoudemire and J.R. Smith) who average double digits in scoring. The Spurs average 104.3 ppg at home and they should destroy the Knicks on the glass and bomb them from behind the arc. Tim Duncan has posted a double-double or triple-double in four straight games.

Record: 223-170-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +117.62% 

NBA: Tuesday's plays

Plays: Memphis -3.5 -104 and Dallas/Memphis under 203.5 -107

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Here you have the old irresistible force vs. immovable object scenario with the NBA's best offense (Dallas) vs. the best defense (Memphis). I'll take the latter. The Grizzlies are no slouches on offense either, shooting 47.2%, fifth-best in the league. On Sunday they shot 58.9%, with the guard trio of Mike Conley, Courtney Lee and Tony Allen shooting a collective 21-for-25 from the field and nailing all five three-point attempts. In that one against Miami, Memphis got 20 points and 12 rebounds (in 24 minutes) from reserve Jon Leuer, who has cleared 50% shooting in 11 of his last 12 appearances. Lee is third in the NBA from behind the arc (52.8%) and he is averaging a career-high 12.6 points per game. Prior to Friday's loss to the Spurs, the Grizzlies won 22 straight at home. The Mavericks have played the league's second-easiest schedule and they are 1-3 against Top 10 teams. At home Memphis shoots 49.4% from the floor and 39.9% on threes. Dallas allows opponents 39.9% shooting from behind the arc. The Grizzlies are better at the line and on the boards. They also allow just 93.4 ppg. Memphis is 4-2 vs. the spread when favored by 4.5 or fewer points. The Mavs score 105.5 ppg on the road, but that is down from 110.6 overall. This is the highest total the Grizzlies have faced this season, and their game set at 202.5 vs. the L.A. Lakers on Nov. 26 featured 192 points. 


Play: Sacramento +2.5 -110

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET


 Reasoning: The Kings are without DeMarcus Cousins, but are they really going to need him against the Lakers? My power rankings say Sacramento would be favored by six with Cousins in the lineup. Here they are catching two and a hook against a Los Angeles team that is 3-14 vs. Top 16 teams. Kobe Bryant is tied for the league lead in scoring (25.2 points per game), but that's not all that difficult when you take all of the shots. Bryant is shooting just 38.9% and he was held to 14 points on 6-of-18 shooting in a 17-point home loss to New Orleans on Sunday. He is scoring just 19.3 ppg this month. Jordan Hill has cooled off as well, failing to record a double-double in the last three contests after reaching that status in eight of his previous 10. Rudy Gay has picked up Cousins' scoring slack by averaging 22.5 points in the six games that Cousins has missed. The Kings got a lift from Nik Stauskas in Monday's 101-92 victory vs. Utah when the rookie recorded 15 points and eight rebounds. The Lake Show has lost three straight. Against the Pelicans Los Angeles shot just 40%. The Lakers are 2-9 at home and are averaging just 92.7 ppg and are giving up 109.3 ppg during their three-game skid. Getting his first start, Sacramento F Reggie Evans secured 13 rebounds against the Jazz, who the Kings held to 40.5% shooting. Gay has scored 63 points in his last two tries against Los Angeles and Darren Collison, who had 16 against Utah, has averaged 19.3 ppg in his last three vs. the Lakers. Los Angeles allows 48.2% shooting overall and 38.5% from behind the arc. The Kings are great from the line and should dominate the Lakers on the glass. Los Angeles has been favored in exactly one game this season and it lost that contest to Minnesota on Nov. 28.





Record: 222-168-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +124.62%

NHL: Monday's play

Play: New Jersey/Carolina over 5 -115

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Combined these teams allow 5.57 goals per game. They are 10th and 12th in the NHL, respectively, on the power play, and New Jersey allows a ton of man-advantages (101) and is 29th in the league in penalty killing (74.3%). Jeff Skinner was held scoreless on Sunday for the fifth time in six games, but he had 10 shots against Detroit and he's found the net three times in the last four meetings with New Jersey. Hurricanes G Anton Khudobin, who is expected to start this one, is still is searching for his first win of the season (0-6-2, 2.88 goals-against average). The over is 8-5 in New Jersey games with a total set at 5, and the over is 9-8 in Devils road games. The over is 6-1-2 in the last nine meetings. It's also 3-2 when the Hurricanes have no rest days and is 5-2 when New Jersey has one day of rest. The Devils have scored 12 goals in their last three contests at PNC Arena. New Jersey G Cory Schneider could get the night off since the Devils play Chicago on Tuesday. If so you'll see Scott Clemmensen and his .852 save percentage.


Record: 222-167-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +131.57%

No plays for Sunday

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Record: 222-167-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +131.57%

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Iowa State +34.5 -105

Time: noon ET

Reasoning: The Cyclones are 2-9 overall, but they are 3-2-1 this season when catching more than 10 points. Three of their losses (to Texas Tech, Texas and Kansas Sate) were by a combined 10 points. Iowa State won 37-23 on its last trip to Fort Worth (10/06/12) and it kept last season's meeting close (a 21-17 loss on 11/09/13). This is by far the most points the Cyclones have been spotted this season. Prior to this spread, they pushed as 21-point underdogs to Baylor. TCU's scoring margin is +24.2. This is the most the Horned Frogs have been favored by all season.


Record: 222-166-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +138.73%

NBA: Friday's play

Play: L.A. Lakers/Boston under 216 -104

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Games for neither team average this total both overall and in the home/away splits. The don't shoot or make many three-pointers and Boston has averaged just 98.6 points per game in its last five. This is the second-highest total the Lakers have faced this season and their game that had the 221 total saw just 195 points in overtime. This is the highest total Boston has seen this season. The Celts have horrible interior defense, but that shouldn't matter against L.A. The Lakers shot just 37.5% inside the arc and scored just 20 points in the paint at Washington on Wednesday night. Jeremy Lin didn't score at all (0-of-10 shooting) and Kobe Bryant went scoreless in the second half and is shooting just 34.2% in the second halves of games vs. 44.0% before halftime. Boston shot just 39.8% Wednesday vs. Detroit and held the Pistons to 36.3% shooting. Rajon Rondo is averaging just 8.3 ppg and he's always been terrible at the line. But he's shooting only 30% (not a misprint) from the stripe this season.


Record: 221-166-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +132.04% 

NFL: Thursday's plays

Plays: Chicago +3.5 +100 and Dallas/Chicago under 52 -110

Time: 8:25 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The power rankings say the Cowboys should be favored by 1. Dallas has played the second-easiest schedule in the NFL and the Bears have played the eighth-toughest. Chicago has won the last three meetings, including a 45-28 victory last season. In that one the Bears didn't punt, Josh McCown threw for 348 yards and four TDs. Tony Romo went 11-for-20 passing for 104 yards and in his career he's 12-17 as a starter in December. Last week against Philadelphia, Dallas was held to 267 yards. DeMarco Murray, the league's runaway rushing leader, was held to 73 yards on 20 carries and Romo threw two picks, zero TDs and absorbed four sacks en route to his lowest QB rating (53.7) since 2011. Defensively the Cowboys yielded a season-high 464 yards, including 256 on the ground, and they allowed the Eagles scoring drives of 80 and 88 yards in the first quarter. Chicago, which has won two straight at home, is 10th in the NFL in rushing defense (105.5 per contest). The Bears could be without Robbie Gould on Thursday because of a quadriceps injury. So Jay Feely may handle the kicking duties after being signed Wednesday. Games at Soldier Field have averaged just 41.4 points. And the temperature should be in the low 30s with a 10-15 mph wind.

Record: 221-164-8 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +146.86% 

NBA: Wednesday's play

Play: Brooklyn +8.5 -105

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: My power rankings say the Spurs should just be favored by six, so there is 2.5 extra points of value in this line. Tony Parker (ribs) is not 100 percent; he missed Monday's game, a 109-103 victory against winless Philadelphia. Parker is averaging just 14.8 points and 46.4 shooting in road games, down from 20.4 ppg on 56.0% shooting at home. Also, the 76ers held Danny Green to five points on 1-of-9 shooting. Brooklyn was victorious in the last meeting at Barclays Center. It shoots well from from behind the arc at home (38.0%). The Nets outscored the Knicks 48-26 in the paint Tuesday night and outrebounded New York 49-40. Brooklyn recorded a season-high 21 offensive rebounds in that one and got 13 total from Kevin Garnett. The Nets have different players who can step it up, as evidenced by Brook Lopez scoring 19 of his 23 points in the first half and Joe Johnson scoring 19 of his 22 points after halftime. Could this be a look-ahead game for the Spurs? They play Memphis on Friday.

Record: 220-164-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +140.00% 

No plays for Tuesday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 220-164-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +140.00%

NBA: Monday's plays

Plays: L.A. Clippers -14 -110 and Minnesota/L.A. Clippers under 216 -110

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is the perfect spot for a Clippers blowout and I think that increases the probability of an under as well. Los Angeles is coming off a road trip where it won six of seven games with the only loss coming against league-leading Memphis. The Clippers have won nine straight in the series and here they will face an injury-riddled Minnesota team. The Timberwolves are missing three starters because of injury (Ricky Rubio, Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic) as well as reserve Ronny Turiaf. Two of the 10 players used by Minnesota in Sunday's 107-93 loss in Portland played through illnesses (Mo Williams, strep throat, pink eye and Andrew Wiggins, flu). Rookie Zach LaVine didn't step up (zero points), but Shabazz Muhammad did and scored 28. But I wouldn't put too much stock in Muhammad's performance, as that's the same number of points he scored in the previous four games combined. With Pekovic out I like Blake Griffin to go hog-wild. In 15 career games against the Wolves Griffin has averaged 24.1 points and 9.7 rebounds. In Saturday’s win against Utah he scored 28 on 13-of-18 from the floor and he made his only three-point try. During the road trip Los Angeles held a 106.6-94.4 average scoring edge and it shot 50.4% from the floor and 41.6% on threes. Jamal Crawford has shot 53.4% over his last four games and has averaged 22.3 points. The Clippers won the most recent meeting in the series (March 31) by a score of 114-104 despite missing Griffin (back) and Crawford (calf). In that game Chris Paul had 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds while DeAndre Jordan pulled down 24 rebounds. Minnesota's perimeter defense is poor (41.6%) and Los Angeles can bomb (37.6%). Add to this the Clippers' propensity to shoot three-pointers (32.3% of their shots)... I like L.A. to get a good lead, rest its starters at the end of the contest nd thus cash both bets. 

Record: 219-163-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +140.66%

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: San Diego +6.5 +100

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Chargers have won two straight and Philip Rivers was firing on all cylinders last week (29-of-35 for 291 yards). Here he will face the NFL's 29th-ranked pass defense that gave up 420 yards last Monday night. I think his short passing and no-huddle attack will be effective in neutralizing Baltimore's great pass rush. The Ravens are 7-4 but they are just 3-4 against non-NFC South teams. Baltimore got 182 yards and two TDs from Justin Forsett in the last contest and its sixth in the league in rushing. But San Diego allowed its last two opponents an average of 89 rushing yards. The Chargers have benefited from the return of LBs Melvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu and Manti Te'o from injuries. This is an early game for San Diego, but it's also a veteran team that defeated Buffalo in an early game in Week 3.

Record: 218-163-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +133.65%

No plays for Saturday

Subscribers have been credited a day.
 
Record: 218-163-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +133.65%

NCAAF: Friday's plays

Play: Stanford +6 -108

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Cardinal have won six straight in the series and have covered in five of them. They have frustrated UCLA's offense in those contests, allowing an average of 14.3 points per game. In last year's meeting, Stanford WR Devon Cajuste caught seven balls for 109 yards. Last week RB Remound Wright scored four TDs. The Cardinal is sixth in the country in total defense (289.7 ypg) and seventh in scoring defense (16.5 ppg) and the unit is led by ILB Blake Martinez (92 tackles, three INTs) and DE Henry Anderson (six sacks).



Play: Colorado State/Air Force under 60 -110

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Falcons are 5-0 at home and the Rams haven't won there since 2002. So I think Air Force could keep it relatively close. But I don't expect much out of Air Force's offense. Leading rusher Jacobi Owens is now out for the season (foot) and second-leading rusher (QB Kale Pearson) should be slowed by an unspecified injury. Colorado State's defense showcases LB Aaron Davis (104 tackles) and S Trent Matthews (3 INTs, 11 PBUs). These teams give up 24.2 and 23.1 points per game, respectively. On the road the Rams score far fewer points (29.6 ppg) than they do at home.




Play: Arizona State/Arizona over 62 -110

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Games for both teams average more points than this total in the home/away splits. The Sun Devils have scored 99 points in the last two meetings. ASU's Taylor Kelly threw for four TDs and D.J. Foster, the only active FBS running back with 900 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards this season, ran for three TDs last week. The Sun Devils also should have leading WR Jaelen Strong (71 receptions, 982 yards, nine TDs) back for this one after he missed last week's tilt with a concussion. Wildcats freshman RB Nick Wilson ran for 218 yards and three TDs last week. He went for three TDs in the previous game as well and has 1,085 rushing yards.



Record: 215-163-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +115.87% 

NFL: Thursday's 4:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Dallas -3 -115

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The last time Philadelphia played a good team (Green Bay) it allowed 53 points. The Eagles won their last game at Dallas (24-22) but the Cowboys didn't have Tony Romo (back surgery) on the field. Romo is flying high after tossing four TDs in Dallas' come-from-behind job on Sunday at New York. Romo also is 6-1 lifetime on Thanksgiving. Teammate DeMarco Murray has posted 10 consecutive 100-yard games. Philadelphia's Mark Sanchez has thrown two interceptions in each of his last two games and the Eagles have turned the ball over an NFL-worst 27 times. The Cowboys also have forced turnovers in 10 of their last 11 contests.


Record: 215-161-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +129.65% 

NFL: Thursday's 12:30 p.m. ET game

Play: Chicago +7 -110

Time: 12:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Detroit won on Thanksgiving last season, but that was its first Turkey Day victory in 10 years. The Lions have lost two straight and didn't score a touchdown in either of those contests. The Bears have won two in a row and I like them to control the line of scrimmage against Detroit's offense. The Lions are still without their best lineman (RG Larry Warford, knee) and they might start two undrafted free agents at the tackle spots. Against New England LT Riley Reiff (knee) went down on the first play and he is questionable for this tilt. Therefore I expect Jared Allen and Willie Young to wreak some havoc. Detroit has trouble running the ball anyway, but Reggie Bush being questionable (knee and back) doesn't help. Ditto Calvin Johnson's poor reception percentage (43.2%) since returning from an ankle injury in Week 10. Johnson has now gone three straight without catching 50 percent or more of his targets. The Lions also needed three consecutive come-from-behind wins in October and November to get where they are. Chicago will be fine if it uses quick passes (its strength) in its offensive strategy. In its last game Detroit allowed 34 points and Matthew Stafford went 18-for-46 (39.1%) passing.

Record: 215-161-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +129.65% 

No plays for Wednesday

Subscribers have been credited another day.
 
Record: 215-161-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +129.65% 

NBA: Tuesday's play

Play: Sacramento/New Orleans under 204.5 -110

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Pelicans give up just 95.4 points per game at home. Neither squad puts up many three-pointers within its shot selection (Sacramento 18.8%, New Orleans 23.3%, league average (26.5%). And neither team gets much scoring from their bench (Kings 28.7 ppg, Pelicans 29.3 ppg, NBA average 32.6 ppg). Sacramento guard Ramon Sessions (knee) is questionable and starters DeMarcus Cousins (hip) and Rudy Gay (Achilles) should be limited. New Orleans guard Eric Gordon is sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder injury after recent tests revealed that he tore his labrum in the last contest. And C Omer Asik is questionable after he missed the last four games with a bothersome back.


Record: 214-161-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +123.55% 

No plays for Monday

Subscribers have been credited a day. 

Record: 214-161-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +123.55% 

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: Cincinnati +2 -110

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Andy Dalton is 0-3 in his career against Houston, but he's going against a different Texans team than he faced in the last meeting (playoffs following the 2012 season). Last week at New Orleans, Dalton posted the highest passer rating of his career (143.9). He got an All-Pro performance from A.J. Green vs. the Saints (six catches, 127 yards and a score) and on Sunday he may have Giovani Bernard (hip) back on his side for the first time in four weeks. The Bengals haven't missed Bernard a ton because they have Jeremy Hill (389 yards in the last three weeks). Dalton completed 72.7% of his passes against New Orleans partly because his offensive line gave him protection. The line could be even better with Andre Smith's return, which is likely after he practiced this week. Houston can bring a pass rush, but Dalton ranks second in the NFL (after Peyton Manning) in shortest average time in the pocket. The Texans give up big plays. They have allowed 23 plays of 30 or more yards, worst in the league. Arian Foster (groin) is questionable and I doubt that Alfred Blue will match his 156 yards from his first-ever start last week. Ditto for Ryan Mallet, who won his first career start. Cincinnati held the Saints to 75 rushing yards.

Record: 213-161-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +117.61% 

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Missouri +4 -101

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Tennessee will be without LB Alexander Johnson and DB Michael Williams as they are suspended amidst rape allegations. As a result freshman LB Jakob Johnson, who has yet to start a game, will be at middle linebacker calling out defensive plays. The Tigers have won nine straight road tilts, including last week at Texas A&M. In that 34-27 victory Missouri had WR Darius White back at full strength for the first time in nearly two months. Overall the Tigers have won four consecutive contests and they are 16th in the country in scoring defense (20.1 points per game). The Volunteers are 0-5 this season vs. Top 30 teams. They fell to Missouri two years ago at Neyland Stadium and the Tigers destroyed them 31-3 in last season's meeting.

Record: 212-161-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +111.33%

NBA: Friday's plays

Plays: New Orleans -2.5 -110 and New Orleans/Denver under 213.5 -110

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is the highest total the Pelicans have faced this season and it's the second-highest number the Nuggets have seen. Games for both teams average well below 213.5 both overall and in the home/away splits. New Orleans is an above-average shooting team and is above-average defensively and Denver is below average shooting and defending. Behind the arc, offensively and defensively, the Pelicans' advantage is even more pronounced. My power rankings say New Orleans should be favored by 5.5 points. It has the better record and has played a tougher schedule. The Nuggets are 0-4 against Top 10 teams and 1-5 against Top 16 squads. The Pelicans take care of the ball and have big advantages in the steals and blocked shots departments. New Orleans got 28 points and nine rebounds from standout power forward Anthony Davis in its last game and he has scored 20 or more points in seven straight and nine of his last 10 contests. And swingman Tyreke Evans is averaging 16.1 points and shooting 46.7 percent from 3-point range. The athletic Evans fared well against Denver last season, averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.

Record: 212-159-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +124.81%

NBA: Thursday's play

Play: L.A. Clippers -4 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Dwayne Wade is doubtful (hamstring), Luol Deng is questionable (wrist) and Justin Hamilton (abdominal) and Josh McRoberts (foot) also are questionable for Miami, which isn't a deep team to begin with (26.6 bench points per game). Norris Cole has taken over for Wade, who has missed the last three games and who was limited at practice on Wednesday. Los Angeles played last night, but it should not be dealing with much fatigue because no one played more than 30 minutes in a 114-90 rout of the Magic. Against Orlando the Clippers were 12-of-21 on threes. They also got a big boost from their bench as Jamal Crawford, Jordan Farmar and Spencer Hawes combined for 45 points and went 7-of-9 from 3-point range. Crawford, who went 8-of-12 en route to a team-high 22 points, is 18-of-29 over the last two games. L.A. also has a big advantage in the blocked shots department.

Record: 211-159-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +118.56%

No plays for Wednesday

Subscribers have been credited another day.

Record: 211-159-8 (57.0%)
Bankroll: +118.56%

NCAAF: Tuesday's play

Play: Northern Illinois/Ohio over 47.5 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is the second-lowest total the Bobcats have faced this season and it is by far the lowest total (by 9.5 points) the Huskies have gone against. Ohio home games are averaging 50.2 points and Northern Illinois games are averaging 57 points both overall and on the road. The Bobcats are allowing 273.5 yards per game passing and they will go against Drew Hare, who has 12 TDs against one INT and who completes 60.9% of his passes. Hare is a dual-threat (687 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and he has two good RBs in Cameron Stingily (706 yards, 5.1 ypc, 10 TDs) and Joel Bouagnon (441 yards, 5.3 ypc, 5 TDs). Ohio, which is coming off of a bye, scored 37 in its last game (vs. Buffalo). The Bobcats are balanced on offense, as evidenced by it boasting six players with rushing TDs, five with TD receptions and 10 who average 11.4 or more yards per reception. Ohio WR Chase Cochran is his team's leading receiver and he is averaging 22.2 ypr. Northern Illinois is allowing an average of 164.2 rushing yards and 235.8 passing yards. It should be cold Tuesday night in Athens, Ohio, but it shouldn't be windy and there is only a slight chance of snow later in the game.

Record: 211-158-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +125.32%

No plays for Monday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 211-158-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +125.32%

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: New England/Indianapolis under 58.5 -110


Time: 8:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: This is by far the highest total either of these teams has faced this season. And scores for each team haven't averaged anywhere near this total in the overall and home/away splits. At home Indianapolis is giving up 15.0 points per game. Andrew Luck is 0-2 against the Patriots with seven INTs, and New England enters this one tied for first in the NFL in turnover margin (plus-12). Behind CBs Brandon Browner and Darrelle Revis, the Patriots have held their last two opponents to seven first-half points. New England hasn't had a run game since Stevan Ridley went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 6.

Record: 211-157-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +132.29%

NCAAF: Saturday's Auburn/Georgia play

Play: Auburn/Georgia under 70 -110

Time: 7:15 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is the highest total the Tigers have faced this season and by far the highest the Bulldogs have gone against. The average total for Auburn games is 61. For Georgia the figure is 56. The Tigers have the country's 29th-best rush defense and the Bulldogs are above average in stopping the run. Those rushing attacks are each team's strength, and with both squads allowing less than four yards per carry, I think the scoring pace will be quelled somewhat which will help the under's cause. The teams' combined points-allowed average is 47.3.

Record: 209-157-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +120.00% 

NCAAF: Saturday's Northwestern/Notre Dame play

Play: Northwestern/Notre Dame over 51 -105

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The last four Irish games have averaged 81.25 points. Everett Golson threw for a career-high 446 yards against Arizona State last week, but he also has committed 17 turnovers in six games, and I think that could lead to easy points for the Wildcats in this one. The same goes for Notre Dame's defense, which has recorded INTs in 12 straight contests. Northwestern's offense is run through freshman RB Justin Jackson, who was held to 35 yards last week but who averaged 123 yards over the previous four games. Notre Dame sophomore WR William Fuller has scored TDs in eight of the Irish's nine games. Two of Northwestern's best performances this season have come on the road -- a  stunning 29-6 win at Penn State and a 24-17 loss at Minnesota in a game where the teams were tied with under eight minutes left.

Record: 209-157-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +120.00%

No plays for Friday

Subscribers have been credited a day.


Record: 209-157-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +120.00%

NHL: Thursday's play

Play: Winnipeg/Carolina over 5 -134

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This is the lowest total the Hurricanes have faced this season. Their games average 5.5 goals and they score 0.67 more gpg at home. The 'canes have scored power-play goals in five of their last six contests and are hitting at 20%. They also give up PP goals (their penalty killing is at 78.3%). Jets captain Andrew Ladd has nine goals in 22 games against Carolina. Winnipeg has just six PP goals this season but has gone 2-for-4 twice, so it is capable. Carolina has scored three or more goals in seven of its last eight tilts.

Record: 209-156-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +126.8%

No plays for Wednesday

Subscribers have been credited.

Record: 209-156-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +126.8%

NBA: Tuesday's play

Play: Orlando +11.5 -110


Time: 7:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: This is the most points the Magic have been spotted in a game this season. This is a good matchup for them because they shoot well (46.5%) and Toronto is allowing opponents to shooting 46.0%. Orlando is shooting 37.1% on threes and the Raptors are below average defending shots behind the arc. Toronto also is getting outrebounded by 3.5 per game. In the first meeting (on Nov. 1), the Magic led by eight in the third quarter, but the Raptors attempted 24 more free throws and they were able to pull away. Since that game Orlando is 3-1 ATS. In that first meeting Magic rookie Elfrid Payton scored 16 and dished out nine assists. Orlando won't have Victor Oladipo until next month, but it is getting solid performances from Tobias Harris and Evan Fornier (combined average of 33 points). And C Nikola Vucevic is averaging 18.6 points and 12.3 boards and he has five double-doubles in seven games.



Record: 208-156-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +120.78%

No plays for Monday

Subscribers have been credited another day.

Record: 208-156-8 (57.1%)

Bankroll: +120.78%

NFL: Sunday's plays

Play: Detroit -2.5 -120

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Miami has won three straight and it dominated San Diego last week, but it faces a sterner test going into Detroit to face a Lions team that also has won three straight and has Calvin Johnson back from an ankle injury. Detroit also is coming off of a bye and it's 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games following byes. And it is 2-0 this season against Top 10 teams. The Lions have been doing it with defense, yielding the fewest points (15.8 per game) and yards (290.4 per game) in the NFL. With Johnson out they got a huge contribution from Golden Tate, who totaled 305 yards in the last two games.

Play: Atlanta -2.5 -125

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Falcons should get the cure for what has ailed them when they face a Tampa Bay team they dismantled 56-14 in Week 3. Atlanta has won nine of the last 12 meetings, and even though the Falcons have been atrocious on defense, they shouldn't get hurt too much by the league's 31st-ranked offense. Tampa Bay also stinks on defense, ranking 31st. The Buccaneers will run Luke McCown out there at QB, and he he recorded just 420 yards and two TDs (against four INTs) in the first three games of the season (all losses). McCown suffered a thumb injury in that game against Atlanta. In that game Matt Ryan completed 87.5% of his passes and put up a 155.9 QB rating. The Falcons lead the NFC in red-zone efficiency (76.5% TD rate) and they are tied with Denver for the league lead in big-play touchdowns (those of 20-plus yards).



Record: 206-156-8 (56.9%)

Bankroll: +110.47%

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Baylor/Oklahoma under 73 -105

Time: Noon ET

Reasoning: Both of these teams can score, but both average far fewer points in their home/away splits. Both squads also allow fewer than 22 points per game. And while they rank No. 1 and 2 in the Big 12 in rushing offense, they also rank No. 1 and 2 in rushing defense. This is a high total any way you cut it (10-plus TDs) and it is by far the highest total the Sooners have gone against this season (average total: 57). The average total for Bears games in 2014 is 69. In last season's meeting these teams combined for 53 points.


Record: 205-156-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +104.62%

NBA: Friday's play

Play: Charlotte -1.5 -107

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Hornets are a good team and they should get Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ribs) back on Friday. I also expect new addition Lance Stephenson to start scoring (so far he's averaged just 6.6 ppg on 26.7% shooting). At home Charlotte is allowing opponents just 88.7 ppg. The Hornets also take care of the ball (just 12.8 turnovers per game) and they out-rebound opponents (+3.4 differential). Atlanta is getting out-rebounded by, get this, nearly nine per game. The Hawks also are horrendous from the charity stripe (68.9%). And against San Antonio on Wednesday they scored just 14 points on 21 turnovers by the Spurs.

Record: 204-156-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +99.04%

NBA: Thursday's 10:30 p.m. ET play

Play: Portland -2 -108

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Dallas has won three straight, but it blew a 31-point lead against Boston on Monday and allowed the Celtics to get within one possession in the fourth quarter. On Saturday against New Orleans, the Mavericks squandered a 17-point lead. Dallas F Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) left Monday's game and is questionable for this one. Mavs G Raymond Felton is eligible to return from a four-game suspension on Thursday, but he is doubtful for this one (high-ankle sprain). Damian Lillard was just 11-for-41 from the field through the first three games, but he turned it around against Cleveland and scored 27 after hitting five three-pointers despite an abdominal strain in the Trail Blazers' 101-82 victory. Portland is allowing just 92.2 points per game (league average 98.7 ppg). Dallas is giving up 105.0 ppg. The Blazers are a great rebounding team and the Mavs are terrible on the glass.

Record: 203-154-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +105.67%

NBA: Thursday's 8 p.m. ET plays

Plays: San Antonio +6.5 -101 and SA/Houston over 198 -101

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I expect a bombs-away game between these squads, with both teams well above the league average in shooting and the Rockets hitting 46.1% of their threes and the Spurs connecting on 38.6% of theirs. San Antonio should keep it close if not win outright since they can neutralize opponents from behind the arc (28.1% in 3-point FG percentage defense). The Spurs are old but they also are deep (returning 14 players and all five starters from last season's championship team). Houston has a thin bench and it also could be without F Terrence Jones (leg) for a second straight game. Nevertheless the Rockets are averaging 105.6 points per game and have made 10 or more three-pointers in each of their five contests. Both teams are off the charts when it comes to trying threes, as the league average in threes vs. twos is 26.2%. Houston's percentage is 43.6% and San Antonio's is 32.3%.

Record: 203-154-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +105.67%

No plays for Wednesday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 203-154-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +105.67%

NHL: Tuesday's plays

Plays: New Jersey -110 and St. Louis/New Jersey over 5 -120

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: You can't blame the Blues if they are tired, because on Tuesday they will be playing their fourth game in six days and their third in four days. On top of this, their last two games ended in shootouts. As a result St. Louis likely will start backup goaltender Jake Allen. The Devils have won two straight, both in comeback-fashion. I expect some scoring on special teams, as New Jersey is converting power plays at 26.3% and only killing at 68.8%. The Blues are hitting on 21.4% of their man-advantages and are killing just 75.6% of them. Going against totals of 5 this season, the overs for these teams are a combined 5-1-5.


Record: 203-152-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +118.79%

NBA: Monday's play

Play: Memphis -4.5 -105

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Grizzlies have started 3-0 for the first time in their history. Here they will face a New Orleans team playing its first road game of the season. Last year the Pelicans were 12-29 on the road. Memphis has won 15 straight regular-season contests. It is allowing just 86.3 points per game and is forcing 20.3 turnovers per game. Two of the Grizzlies' wins have come on the road, including a 71-69 victory at Charlotte on Saturday. In that one Memphis held the Hornets to 36.1 percent shooting. In its two games New Orleans has shot just 41.6 percent. It won its opener against a bad Orlando team, but in its second tilt, against a good team, (Dallas) the Pelicans trailed by as many as 17 and they were outscored 62-46 in the paint. This plays to the Grizzlies' strength, as big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph have combined to average 44.4 points and 20.4 rebounds. Gasol is shooting 58.8 percent.


Record: 202-152-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +112.71%

No plays for Friday, Saturday or Sunday

Taking the weekend off. Even handicappers need time off. Will be off the grid until Sunday.

Subscribers have been credited three days.

Record: 202-152-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +112.71%

No plays for Thursday

Subscribers were credited a day.

Record: 202-152-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +112.71% 

MLB: Wednesday's play

Play: San Francisco +1.5 -190 (Hudson vs. Guthrie)


Time: 8:07 p.m. ET


Reasoning: The Giants would be 123-55 if they were given 1.5 runs per game. The Royals would be 73-103 if they gave 1.5 rpg. For our purposes, San Francisco just has to keep it close. But if any squad is going to become the first road team to win a Game 7 since 1979 (nine chances), it will be this one. Tim Hudson has better numbers (3.58 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) than Jeremy Guthrie (4.06 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) this season. Hudson has a 3.53 ERA in 13 career postseason appearances (12 starts) and he has walked just one in 19.1 IP this postseason. Giants relievers have better overall numbers (2.95 ERA vs. 3.27 ERA), are better in the home/away splits (3.15 ERA vs. 3.86 ERA), and they have been better lately as well (3.38 ERA vs. 5.74 ERA in last five games and 2.65 ERA vs. 3.35 ERA in last 10 games). San Francisco also has nearly as good of a road record in 2014 (48-41) than Kansas City has at home (48-40). And I like Buster Posey to get off of the schneid on Wednesday because he is a great player who has just been dormant (4-for-22 in the series with zero extra-base hits in the postseason).





Record: 201-152-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +109.40% 

NBA: Tuesday's play

Play: Dallas +4 -107

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: These teams last met in the playoffs last season when the Mavericks took San Antonio to seven games. This offseason Dallas got much better. The Mavs brought in Chandler Parsons (16.6 ppg), Jameer Nelson (12.1 ppg, 7.0 apg) and Tyson Chandler (8.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg) to go along with Dirk Nowitzki (21.7 ppg) and Monta Ellis (19.0 ppg, 5.7 apg). The Spurs, at least for this game, will be weaker than when we last saw them because they won't have the services of starters Kawhi Leonard (infections in both eyes) and Tiago Splitter (calf). Both Leonard and Splitter play defense and rebound and I think they will be sorely missed. Patrick Mills (shoulder) is also out until January. Dallas is 6-1 ATS in the last seven in the series and it is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings at AT&T Center.

Record: 200-152-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +103.69% 

No plays for Monday

Subscribers have had days added to their subscriptions.

Record: 200-152-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +103.69% 

MLB: Sunday's play

Play: Kansas City/San Francisco under 6.5 -120 (Shields vs. Bumgarner)

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: James Shields has struggled throughout the postseason, but Royals manager Ned Yost still has confidence in him and so do I that he'll pitch well tonight. He's posted a 3.51 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 2014 and the Giants score less against RH. You have far fewer worries that Madison Bumgarner will do his part, as he has a 2.74 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP this season. In his last three starts he has a 1.59 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP. In Game 1 against Kansas City he allowed one run on three hits over seven innings. Bumgarner has 33 strikeouts against six walks this postseason and he has given up just one run over 22 innings in three career World Series starts. The Royals score less against LH and, in their last five games against southpaws, they have a .170 average and are scoring 0.66 runs per game against them. Both bullpens are excellent (2.90 ERA and 3.26 ERA) and San Francisco relievers have a 1.85 ERA in their last 10 contests. 






Record: 199-152-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +98.72% 

MLB: Saturday's play

Play: San Francisco -107 (action vs. Vogelsong)


Time: 8 p.m. ET


Reasoning: Ryan Vogelsong had a bad outing in his last start (against St. Louis), but even with that he's been decent over his last six starts (4.02 ERA). Kansas City has never seen him and he has a 3.23 ERA at home and he is about a half-run better during night games. He also has made a World Series start before (in 2012 vs. Detroit), and he pitched 5.2 innings of scoreless baseball in that one. Jason Vargas endured a four-start winless stretch in September where he gave up 18 earned runs in 18 innings and had to use side sessions to tweak his mechanics. And again, the Giants have the better bullpen (2.93 ERA vs. 3.14 ERA). I like Pablo Sandoval to get back on track after his 0-for-4 on Friday. Prior to that he reached base in 25 straight games. I also like Buster Posey to bust out, as he is just 2-for-13 in the series and hasn’t homered in the postseason. How long is that kid gonna remain quiet?


Record: 198-152-8 (56.6%)
Bankroll: +93.30% 

No plays for Friday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 198-152-8 (56.6%)
Bankroll: +93.30%

No plays for Thursday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 198-152-8 (56.6%)
Bankroll: +93.30%

NHL: Wednesday's play

Play: Washington -140

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: This could be a laugher. The Capitals, who are coming off of three rest days, are 3-0-0-2. The Oilers, who played on Monday, are 1-4-0-1. Washington's power-play conversion percentage is 25.0 percent. Edmonton's kill percentage is 76.2 percent. The Oilers also are oh-for-11 on power plays in their last four contests. Alex Ovechkin has five goals and an assist this season, and he has seven tallies and five assists in 12 career meetings with Edmonton. Also, the Caps' Jay Beagle is expected to make his season debut after suffering an upper-body injury during the preseason. Washington G Braden Holtby, who has a .932 save percentage, is 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average lifetime against the Oilers. The Capitals are scoring 3.4 goals per game and are giving up 1.80 gpg. Edmonton is scoring 2.33 gpg and is allowing 4.33 gpg (1.67 in the third period).

Record: 198-151-8 (56.7%)
Bankroll: +99.28%

MLB: Tuesday's play

Play: San Francisco -105 (Bumgarner vs. action)

Time: 8:07 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Kansas City is 8-0 this postseason, but it hasn't been to the World Series since 1985. This is the Giants' third trip in five seasons. San Francisco will send out NLCS MVP Madison Bumgarner for the opener and James Shields, who had to pass a kidney stone during the ALCS, will go for the Royals. Bumgarner has pitched at least seven innings in each of his postseason starts this October and he is holding opponents to a .170 batting average over that span. He has a 1.99 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP in his last three starts and has a 2.78 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 2014. Bumgarner also is 2-0, has allowed just five hits and hasn't allowed a run in 15 World Series innings. Shields has a .309 BAA this postseason and has a 5.62 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP in his last three turns. Unlike Bumgarner, who has a 2.78 ERA in both day games and night games, Shields allows one more run per game at night. The Giants also have the better bullpen (2.93 ERA vs. 3.19 ERA). Look for Pablo Sandoval (.326 average in the playoffs) to pace San Francisco.


Record: 197-151-8 (56.6%)
Bankroll: +93.75%

NFL: Monday's play

Play: Houston +3 -110

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Texans are better and my power rankings say they should be +1 for this game. Pittsburgh has really only played one game well, its 37-19 drubbing of Carolina on Sept. 21. The Texans only have one double-digit loss (by 13 at New York on Sept. 21) and they played Indianapolis and Dallas tough in their last two. And their game against the Colts was on Thursday night, so they've had three extra days to prepare for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has been giving up big plays through the air and on the ground. Last week the Steelers allowed the Browns 158 rushing yards and tonight they will face Arian Foster, who has 513 rushing yards. Foster entered the week third in the NFL in rushing, and that was despite his missing a game and the fact that he went for only eight yards against the Bills in Week 4. In Foster's last game against Pittsburgh he ran for 155 yards. And Houston's zone-blocking scheme likely will be a problem for the Steelers, as they usually have problems with teams using that system. Pitt's outside linebackers have accummulated only five sacks and 12 QB pressures in six games, and those are low numbers for a 3-4 defense. Pittsburgh has problems on offense as well, with Ben Roethlisberger getting sacked 11 times in the last three games and 17 times overall (second-highest in the league). The Steelers also are next-to-last in the NFL in red zone offense.

Record: 197-150-8 (56.8%)
Bankroll: +99.74%  

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: Chicago -3 -117

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Miami lost an emotionally-draining heartbreaker last week and now it has to face a potent Bears offense and an opportunistic Bears defense. Chicago has yet to score 30 this season, but I like it to get to that mark against a Dolphins team that has to use 5-foot-10 cornerbacks to cover 6-foot-4 Brandon Marshall and 6-foot-3 Alshon Jeffery. I also like the Bears to force some turnovers, which isn't too hard against Ryan Tannehill. Chicago is third in the NFL in takeaways (12) and has scored 49 points off of those turnovers. The Bears looked great against Atlanta last week (27-13 win). Jay Cutler threw for 381 yards and Matt Forte compiled 10-plus catches for the second straight week. Forte, who had two TDs against the Falcons, leads the NFL in receptions (46). Miami will be without Knowshon Moreno (season-ending knee injury last week). The Bears are 10th in the league in run defense. Dolphins WR Brian Hartline has been a big disappointment (zero catches last week, just 16 for the season). Against Atlanta, Willie Young, Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen combined for three sacks and eight hurries and their unit allowed the Falcons just 42 rushing yards. Chicago is 7-0 when winning the turnover battle under Marc Trestman.


Record: 197-149-8 (56.9%)
Bankroll: +105.92%  

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Georgia/Arkansas under 54.5 -110

Time: 4 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Georgia will be without RB Todd Gurley, but it still will keep it on the ground. The Bulldogs are second in the SEC in rushing (275.7 yards per game). Arkansas too will grind it out. It leads the SEC in rushing (278.7 ypg). The Razorbacks have been playing teams tough and for this one, being at home, I think they are ready to keep another one close and possibly pull off the upset. I expect big plays on defense for Arkansas, with linebacker Martrell Spaight (53 tackles), defensive end Trey Flowers (seven tackles for loss) and defensive tackle Darius Philon (seven tackles for loss) keying the unit. The Bulldogs have pitched two shutouts and are led by outside linebacker Amarlo Herrera (team-leading 47 tackles) and inside linebacker Ramik Wilson (41 tackles).

Record: 197-148-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +112.29% 

No plays for Friday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 197-148-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +112.29% 

No plays for Thursday

Subscribers have been credited a day.


Record: 197-148-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +112.29% 

MLB: Wednesday's play

Play: St. Louis +103 (Miller vs. action)

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I expect good things from Shelby Miller on Wednesday because he pitched well in his postseason debut against the Dodgers last week. He is 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA lifetime against San Francisco, and the Giants didn't see him this season. The Cardinals did see Ryan Vogelsong this year and the right-hander went 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA in two turns against them. Vogelsong is 2-6 with a 6.17 ERA in 19 career appearances (nine starts) against the St. Louis. Matt Carpenter, who has four homers this postseason, is 5-for-10 lifetime against Vogelsong. The Cardinals have five homers in the series and the Giants have zero. Kolten Wong has one of those round-trippers, as he hit a walk-off in Game 2. Wong had a two-run triple on Tuesday. And Yadier Molina (oblique) is reportedly considering a cortisone injection in an attempt to play in this one. 


Record: 197-147-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +118.86% 

MLB: Tuesday's play

Play: Baltimore -108 (Chen vs. action)

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: My analysis is the same for this matchup as it was yesterday. Unfortunately I couldn't get it for Monday's price (+102), but it's still worth a play... No team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in the ALCS after losing the first two at home, but I'm not expecting the Orioles to do that. I just like them on Tuesday. Baltimore is scoring 0.66 more runs per game vs. RH. Here they will face Jeremy Guthrie, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 26. The Orioles have gone 47-35 on the road in 2014. Kansas City is just 44-39 at home this season. Baltimore will start Wei-Yin Chen, and he has better numbers than Guthrie. Chen surrendered two or fewer runs in each of his last five regular-season turns. The Orioles also have the better bullpen (3.11 ERA vs. 3.24 ERA). Look for Nelson Cruz to keep up his torrid pace (multiple hits in all five of Baltimore's postseason games).

Record: 197-146-8 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +125.63%

MLB: Monday's play

Play: Baltimore +102 (Chen vs. action)

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: No team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in the ALCS after losing the first two at home, but I'm not expecting the Orioles to do that. I just like them on Monday. Baltimore is scoring 0.66 more runs per game vs. RH. Here they will face Jeremy Guthrie, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 26. The Orioles have gone 47-35 on the road in 2014. Kansas City is just 44-39 at home this season. Baltimore will start Wei-Yin Chen, and he has better numbers than Guthrie. Chen surrendered two or fewer runs in each of his last five regular-season turns. The Orioles also have the better bullpen (3.11 ERA vs. 3.24 ERA). Look for Nelson Cruz to keep up his torrid pace (multiple hits in all five of Baltimore's postseason games).

Record: 197-146-8 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +125.63%

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: Philadelphia -2.5 -115

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: My power rankings say the Eagles should be favored by 3.5 or 4. Philadelphia has been putting up points this season, but not just on offense. It has seven defensive and special teams TDs through five games, which ties it with the 1920 Buffalo All-Americans for the most in league history through this point in a campaign. So far this season no other team has more than two defensive and special teams TDs. LeSean McCoy has yet to get untracked, but he led the league in rushing last year and he has four career games of at least 111 yards against New York. And Darren Sproles has picked up the slack for McCoy, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. The Giants will be without RB Rashad Jennings, who sprained his MCL last week. He is fourth in the NFL in rushing (396 yards) and there is no timetable for his return. New York's defense, which has fewer sacks than the Eagles' unit, is dinged and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is battling ankle and hip injuries. Philadelphia is hopeful that LB DeMeco Ryans (groin) is good to go for this one.

Record: 196-146-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +119.89%

No plays for Saturday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 196-146-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +119.89%

MLB: Friday's play

Play: Kansas City/Baltimore over 7 +101 (Shields vs. Tillman)

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Games for both teams average about eight runs both overall and in the home/away splits. This season the Orioles led the majors in home runs and the Royals led the majors in stolen bases. James Shields has a 4.76 ERA in his last three starts and he is 3-4 with a 4.96 ERA in eight career postseason turns. Baltimore hits RH better and scores 0.69 more runs per game against them. The Orioles are averaging 6.26 rpg in their last five games against RH. Nelson Cruz has 16 career postseason homers, including eight in 12 ALCS games. Chris Tillman has a 4.00 ERA in his last three starts and he's completed seven innings only once in his last seven starts.


Record: 195-146-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +113.43%

No plays for Thursday

Subscribers have been credited a day.


Record: 195-146-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +113.43%

No plays for Wednesday

Subscribers have been credited a day.


Record: 195-146-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +113.43%

MLB: Tuesday's play

Play: San Francisco +1.5 -155 (Gonzalez vs. Vogelsong)

Time: 9 p.m. ET


Reasoning: The Giants would be 110-52 if they were given 1.5 runs per game. The Nationals would be 70-92 if they gave 1.5 rpg. Washington hits just .241 against RH. On the road they score a quarter-run less per game against RH and hit just .225. In their last five game the Nationals have scored just 2.25 rpg. In the last five games vs. LH, San Francisco has averaged 6.75 rpg. At home Ryan Vogelsong has a 3.06 ERA. Bryce Harper is 1-for-8 lifetime against Vogelsong with four strikeouts. Pablo Sandoval has a 14-game postseason hitting streak, one shy of the NL record. Brandon Belt has an eight-game hitting streak and he is 7-for-17 this postseason. Giants relievers have a 0.82 ERA in their last 10 games and they have a 0.56 ERA in their last five games.

Record: 194-146-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +109.38%

NFL: Monday's play

Play: Washington +7.5 -115

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Redskins are better than their record indicates. They are in the top 10 in the league in both offense and defense and they also lead the NFL on first-down offense and defense. But turnovers have hurt them (minus-5 in the differential). Through the first four weeks Washington led the league in sacks (11). And it will face a Seattle team that is having trouble stopping pass-rushers off the edge. Seahawks LT Russell Okung is playing poorly for him and RT Justin Britt is a rookie. Also, Seattle's defense is not as good as it was last season, as the unit is missing six players from the 2013 squad (Chris Clemons, Red Bryant, Clinton McDonald, Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond and Chris Maragos). Nickelback Jeremy Lane is still with the team, but he'll be out until midseason with a groin injury. The Seahawks also won't have TE Zach Miller on Monday, as he'll miss several games after undergoing ankle surgery.


Record: 194-145-8 (57.2%)
Bankroll: +115.86%

MLB: Sunday's play

Play: L.A. Angels +121 (Wilson vs. action)

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I expect both Mike Trout and Josh Hamilton to get off the schneid Sunday evening. They will face "Big Game" James Shields, he of the 2-4 record and 5.26 ERA in seven postseason starts. On Tuesday Shields allowed four runs in five-plus innings against Oakland. He has a 5.09 ERA in his last three outings. C.J. Wilson has been much better of late, posting a 3.29 ERA in his last three turns. In the regular season the Angels were better on the road (46-35) than Kansas City was at home (42-39).  Los Angeles averages nearly five runs per game away from home and its bullpen's road ERA is a half-run better than the Royals relievers are at home. At home Kansas City scores a half-run less per game vs. LH.



Record: 194-144-8 (57.4%)
Bankroll: +122.54%

NCAAF: Oklahoma-TCU

Play: TCU +5 -110

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Horned Frogs played Oklahoma close over the last two seasons (losing both games by a combined 10 points). But this time TCU's junior quarterback, Trevone Boykin, should be ready to get his team over the hump. Boykin leads the squad in rushing (183 yards) and is averaging 6.3 yards per carry. He's thrown for eight TDs against just one INT and he's completing 64.2 percent of his passes. His numbers are way up what they were the last two years. The Sooners likely will be without running back Keith Ford (broken fibula) for the second straight game. The Horned Frogs are second in the nation in total defense (218.7 yards per game) and they have allowed only 7.0 points per contest. Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight is still learning his role and has thrown three INTs and just four TDs. And TCU is 63-14 under coach Gary Patterson at Amon G. Carter Stadium.





Record: 193-144-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +116.63%

No plays for Friday

Subscribers have been credited a day.


Record: 193-144-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +116.63%

MLB: Thursday's play

Play: Kansas City +1.5 -130 (Vargas vs. action)

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Royals would have been 114-48 if they were given 1.5 runs per game this season. The Angels would have been 71-91 if they gave 1.5 rpg in 2014. Kansas City is hot, obviously. It tied a postseason record with seven stolen bases in its thrilling 9-8 come-from-behind victory on Tuesday against Oakland. The Royals have won seven of their last nine contests and they went 47-34 on the road this season. Los Angeles went 3-7 in its last 10 games overall and it went 3-5 in its last eight home games. The Angels have averaged just 2.87 rpg in their last 10 and they are hitting .185 and are scoring only 2.30 rpg in their last five. Jason Vargas is 5-4 with a 3.02 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) against Los Angeles. Jered Weaver had a 3.66 ERA in five September starts and he allowed three homers to Seattle in his last turn. On the road Kansas City's bullpen has a 2.47 ERA and it has a 1.89 ERA in its last 10 games. The Angels bullpen has a 4.20 ERA in its last 10. Josh Hamilton says he's healthy, but he missed 22 of his team's last 23 games with chest and shoulder injuries. These teams split the regular-season series 3-3.


Record: 192-144-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +111.75%

No plays for Wednesday

Subscribers have been credited a day.

Record: 192-144-8 (57.1%)
Bankroll: +111.75%

MLB: Tuesday's play

Play: Oakland -101 (Lester vs. Shields)

Time: 8:05 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The Athletics backed into the playoffs, but on Tuesday they will start a guy who has had incredible success lately and against Kansas City and, maybe most importantly, in the postseason. Jon Lester has a 2.00 ERA in five starts this month and he has a 2.35 ERA in 11 starts since arriving from Boston. He is 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA vs. the Royals in 2014 and he is 9-3 with a 1.84 ERA in 13 career starts against them. Lester also was 2-0 with a 0.59 ERA in the World Series last year and is 6-4 with a 2.11 ERA in 13 career playoff appearances (11 starts). James Shields has the nickname "Big Game James," but history tells us he is 2-4 with a 4.98 ERA in six playoff starts. And Josh Reddick, who is 16-for-33 in his last 10 games, is hitting .318 with three homers in 22 at-bats lifetime against Shields. Bullpen-wise K.C. is solid. But Oakland's relievers are better (2.91 ERA vs. 3.30 ERA). And A's closer Sean Doolittle has 89 strikeouts against just eight walks. Oakland hits RH better and scores more against them and the Royals score less vs. LH. At home, Kansas City was just 42-39 this season. And will these teams' postseason experience be a factor? Because the A's are in the playoffs for the third straight season and the Royals are playing their first postseason game in 29 years.

Record: 192-143-8 (57.3%)
Bankroll: +118.30%

NFL: Monday's play

Play: New England/Kansas City under 47 -107


Time: 8:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: Both teams are struggling to protect their QBs. The Patriots have allowed seven sacks, and with Tom Brady under so much duress he hasn't topped 250 yards in a game this season. Brady also is 26th out of 35 qualifiers in passer rating. The Chiefs are fourth in the NFL with nine sacks and they got to Ryan Tannehill four times last week. Kansas City LBs Tamba Hali and Justin Houston have combined for five of the sacks. Because of the pressure, the Chiefs have allowed just five passing plays of 20 or more yards, and that's tied for the league lead. On offense, K.C. has allowed 11 sacks. New England, who now employs Darrelle Revis, has given up just 16 points in its last two games. It is third in total defense and No. 1 against the pass. And Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt has amazing ability to drop punts inside the 20-yard line.

Record: 192-142-8 (57.5%)
Bankroll: +125.05%

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: Atlanta -3 -115

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Minnesota rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater will make his first career start in place of Matt Cassel, who suffered a season-ending foot injury last week. Bridgewater, who will be the Vikings' eighth starting QB since the 2009 NFC Championship Game, will have to try to match the Falcons' top-ranked offense. Minnesota also will have to do it without Adrian Peterson, who is away from the team and trying to deal with child-abuse charges. The Vikings have scored just 16 points in their last two games and running back Matt Asiata didn't reach 40 yards rushing in either game. Matt Ryan has thrown for 965 yards and seven TDs in three games, and the Falcons put up 56 points last week against Tampa Bay. And they did that without the services of Roddy White (hamstring). White has told reporters he is healthy for this contest. Minnesota's defense will be without LB Chad Greenway (hand, broken rib). The Vikings offense will be without TE Kyle Rudolph (groin) for six weeks, and its already shaky line won't have RG Brandon Fusco (placed on IR, pectoral). Bridgewater missed some easy throws when he entered last week's game for Cassel, and he'll have to face an Atlanta pass rush that recorded three sacks and seven QB hits against the Buccaneers. Minnesota's pass rush has been inconsistent, so this one could get bloody. Look for Ryan to go after second-year CB Xavier Rhodes.












Record: 192-141-8 (57.7%)
Bankroll: +132.01%

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: Texas A&M -9 -109


Time: 3:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: My power rankings say this line should be 14, so you're already getting five free points. The Aggies are looking for their first 5-0 start since 2001 and they've won two straight in this series (they won 45-33 at Arkansas in 2013 and 58-10 at home in 2012). Texas A&M is averaging an SEC-best 55.3 points per game and its won every game by at least 24 points. The Aggies opened the season with a 52-28 victory at then-No. 9 South Carolina in QB Kenny Hill's starting debut. Last week A&M totaled 663 yards in a 58-6 shellacking of Southern Methodist. The Aggies registered eight sacks in that one and didn't allow a first down until midway through the second quarter. So far this season nine receivers have scored TDs for A&M. So the Razorbacks, who may be down four defenders for this one, could be in some real trouble. Arkansas has lost 13 straight SEC contests. Hill is tied for third in the nation with 13 TD passes. And he can also do it with his feet, as evidenced by his 58-yard scamper on a busted play against SMU.


Record: 192-140-8 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +139.19%

No plays for Friday

Subscribers have been credited a day.


Record: 192-140-8 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +139.19%

NFL: Thursday's play

Play: N.Y. Giants/Washington over 46 -101

Time: 8:25 p.m. ET

Reasoning: The way these teams' offenses played last week, and with the injuries to their defenses, this could be a shootout. On Sunday New York scored 30 against Houston and the Redskins put up 34 against Philadelphia. The Giants got 176 yards out of RB Rashad Jennings against the Texans and Washington is second in the NFL in total offense (444 yards per game). Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, filling in for an injured Robert Griffin III, threw for a career-high 427 yards and three scores against the Eagles. Washington RB Alfred Morris is fourth in the league in rushing and WR DeSean Jackson has tortured New York (seven career TDs vs. the Giants). Against the Texans Eli Manning totaled 234 yards passing with two TDs and he didn't throw an interception for the first time in eight contests. Houston sacked Manning just once and entered that game having given up just 20 points in its first two games.Washington's defense has lost CB DeAngelo Hall (Achilles) and S Duke Ihenacho (foot) for the season, and LBs Brian Orakpo (left middle finger) and Jason Hatcher (hamstring) also are hurting. Orakpo will have to play wearing a hard cast. New York LB Jon Beason (foot) is doubtful for this one. And the forecast for Landover, Md. is ideal: temperatures in the low-60s with partly cloudy skies.

Record: 191-140-8 (57.7%)
Bankroll: +132.29

No plays for Wednesday

I've credited all of my subscribers another day on their subscriptions.

Record: 191-140-8 (57.7%)
Bankroll: +132.29

MLB: Tuesday's play

Play: Milwaukee/Cincinnati over 6 -108 (Fiers vs. Cueto)

Time: 7:10 p.m. ET

Reasoning: I had a feeling this total would drop from its opening figure of 6.5 and it finally did. Games for these teams average between 7.33 and 8.15 runs in both the overall and the home/away splits. The starters (Mike Fiers and Johnny Cueto) have had excellent seasons, and thus the total is as low as it is even though they are playing this one in Great American Ball Park. Fiers allowed four earned runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings in his last start against the Reds. Cueto was rocked in his last start (6 ER, 5 BB in 5.2 IP vs. the Cubs). And Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez is 14-for-42 with five homers and 11 RBIs versus Cueto. Bullpen-wise both teams are shaky (3.68 and 4.13, respectively, in overall ERA). Brewers relievers have a 4.38 ERA in their last five games and Cincinnati relievers have a 4.91 ERA in their last 10 games.


Record: 191-139-8 (57.9%)
Bankroll: +139.47%

No plays for Monday

Subscribers have had a day added to their subscriptions.



Record: 191-139-8 (57.9%)
Bankroll: +139.47%

NFL: Sunday's play

Play: Baltimore -1.5 -105

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Joe Flacco is 11-1 in his career against the Browns. The Ravens dominated last week in their 26-6 victory against Pittsburgh, and that game was on Thursday night. So they've had three extra days to prepare for this tilt. Even without Ray Rice Baltimore's run game seems to be doing fine (6.6 yards per carry). And the Ravens have averaged 160 rushing yards per game in their last six trips to Cleveland. Baltimore's defense has allowed just one touchdown in two games. That TD was the result of backup CB Chykie Brown getting beat on a 77-yard pass to A.J. Green. The Ravens, who many believe have their fastest defense in years, should have CBs Ladarius Webb (back) and Asa Jackson (concussion) available for this one. Cleveland likely will be without RB Ben Tate (knee), and TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) has been limited.


Record: 190-139-8 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +132.82%

NCAAF: Saturday's play

Play: North Carolina +2.5 -105

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Reasoning: My power rankings say this game should be a pick 'em, so there's automatic value with this line. East Carolina has an excellent quarterback in Shane Carden, but the Tar Heels boast a defense that can neutralize his effectiveness. North Carolina has intercepted five passes (and has forced nine turnovers) in two games. Cornerback Brian Walker has two of the picks, and he returned one 100 yards for a TD against San Diego State. The Heels' QB (Marquise Williams) is no slouch either. He can sling it and he also leads his squad in rushing. Williams has two game-breaking WRs in Mack Hollins and Ryan Switzer, who also is dangerous when returning punts. North Carolina is coming off of a bye, is 12-3-1 in the all-time series and it's 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. The Pirates are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 vs. teams with winning records.


Record: 190-138-8 (57.9%)
Bankroll: +140.02%

MLB: Friday's play

Play: Tampa Bay -129 (action vs. Hellickson)


Time: 7:10 ET

Reasoning: The White Sox have lost three of their last four and 13 of their last 17 on the road. The Rays have won three of their last four and their bullpen is nearly a run better per game than Chicago's bullpen (4.32 ERA). Jose Quintana has stringed together three together three straight solid starts, but prior to that he allowed 14 ER in 17.2 IP. He also has a 5.87 career ERA against Tampa Bay. Jeremy Hellickson has a 3.86 ERA lifetime against the Sox. And Evan Longoria has been playing like Hack Wilson since the All-Star break (46 RBI in 56 games).

 
Record: 190-137-8 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +147.45%

No plays for Thursday

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Record: 190-137-8 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +147.45%

No plays for Wednesday

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Record: 190-137-8 (58.1%)
Bankroll: +147.45%

MLB: Tuesday's play

Play: Toronto/Baltimore over 8 +105 (Hutchison vs. Jimenez)

Time: 7:05 p.m. ET

Reasoning: Toronto has been getting a lot out of its starting pitching of late, but I think with Drew Hutchison toeing the slab Tuesday an implosion is in order. The right-hander has a 4.36 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. He's been very good of late, but a closer look reveals that in his last four road starts he has coughed up 20 earned runs in his last 21.2 IP (8.31 ERA). For the Orioles, Ubaldo Jimenez, who only recently was brought back into the rotation after a demotion to the bullpen, has a 4.96 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. In his last three turns he has an 8.36 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP. He also was leading the AL in walks before being relegated to relief duty, and he is 0-2 in his home starts this season vs. the Blue Jays. On top of this, the umpire for this contest is Chad Fairchild. His games have averaged 8.93 runs this season and over his last six seasons his games have averaged well over eight runs in each of those campaigns. Go back a few seasons and Fairchild posted years where his games averaged 10.65 runs and 10.97 runs. In 2014, Toronto games have averaged 8.77 runs and Baltimore games have averaged 8.05 runs. Both teams hit better and they each score a half-run more per game against RH. And the Blue Jays bullpen has a 4.13 ERA.

Record: 189-137-8 (58.0%)
Bankroll: +139.89%