Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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09-22-19 | Texans +3 v. Chargers | 27-20 | Win | 105 | 64 h 55 m | Show | |
Both the Houston Texans and the LA Chargers come into this game 1-1 S/U and ATS. Houston lost a exciting game in the opener against the Saints, 28-30. They did cover the spread in that game. Then last week just got by the Jaguars at home, 13-12, but failing to cover the 7-point chalk line. After amassing over 400 yards vs the Saints, the Texans barely got over 250 yards in their second game vs the Jags. The Chargers opened with a win over the Colts, 30-24 and then lost last week at Detroit, 10-13. The Chargers led 10-3, but couldn't score in the 2nd half and lost. The Chargers defense lost S-Adrian Phillips to the IR last week. The injury list is growing as S-Teamer Jr, CB-Davis and CB-Williams all are hurt. This Chargers secondary is really banged-up and I expect to see the Texans take advantage of those injuries here today. I'm taking the field goal with the visitor. Play Houston. |
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09-22-19 | Dolphins v. Cowboys -21 | Top | 6-31 | Win | 100 | 88 h 4 m | Show |
The Miami Dolphins look like a team that has no desire to compete. The Dolphins have been blown out in both games, losing in the opener to the Ravens, 10-59 and then last week to the Patriots, 0-43. The offense has been horrendous, totaling 63 rushing yards combined for both games. The Passing game has 179 and 142 yards. As for defense, it's been shredded by the Ravens and Patriots. Won't get any easier today as the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliot should just run all over this Miami team. Dallas has won and covered both games thus far, scoring 35 against the Giants and last week beating the Redskins, 31-21. This is one of the biggest lines we've seen in the NFL in ages and realistically, it should be higher. That being said, if the Cowboys want to cover this game they will. The Dolphins likely won't score again this week. I'm going to take a chance and lay the big number with Dallas |
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09-22-19 | Falcons v. Colts | 24-27 | Win | 100 | 60 h 29 m | Show | |
Both these clubs come into today's contest with 1-1 S/U records and 1-1 ATS marks. The Falcons opened with that bad loss at Minnesota, 12-28. They rebounded last week at home against the Eagles with a win, 24-20, covering the one-point line. QB Ryan has thrown for 310 and 272 yards. However, the ground game has not been good with 57 and 73 yards. The Colt opened the season with a loss at the Chargers, 24-30 and then last week at Tennessee they won 19-17. They return for their first home game in the post-Luck era. The offensive stats have not been very impressive, with 376 yards against the Chargers and 288 vs the Titans. Colts laying just one-point at home here. They have been in each game while the Falcons haven't looked all that good - especially on the road. I'm going to lay the points with the Colts today. Play Indianapolis. |
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09-21-19 | UCLA v. Washington State -18 | 67-63 | Loss | -110 | 48 h 33 m | Show | |
UCLA still looking for that first win of the season will be hard pressed to get it here on Saturday night as they have to travel and face No 19 and undefeated Washington State. UCLA is both 0-3 S/U and ATS after their resounding loss last week at home to Oklahoma, 14-48. Oklahoma just piled-up the yards with 309 rushing and 302 passing for 611 total yards of offense to just 311 for UCLA. UCLA has scored 14 points in each of their first three games as the offense has not been clicking. Meantime, Wash State has been an offensive juggernaut with 58, 59 and 31 points in their three games. The passing attack has been potent, with 507 yards against New Mexico State, 481 yards against Northern Colorado and 440 yards against Houston. I normally don't like laying this many points, but I see this a a late night massacre for the Bruins. Play Washington State. |
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09-21-19 | Temple -13.5 v. Buffalo | 22-38 | Loss | -110 | 70 h 53 m | Show | |
Temple improved to 2-0 S/U with their win last week over ranked Maryland, 20-17. The Owls were a 5.5-point home dog to the Terapins, who had been rolling up the yards and points against their competition thus far. Temple held Maryland to just 179 yards passing and 161 yards rushing. The Owls take to the road for their first away game. Buffalo is 1-2 S/U and 0-3 ATS thus far in the season. The Bulls opened with a win over Robert Morris, lost to Penn State and then were shocked last week by Liberty, failing to cover the 5.5-point chalk line on the road. Liberty passed for 325 yards against Buffalo and scored 35 points. Temple definitely the class of this matchup today. We have to lay 14 points on the road with the Owls, but this Buffalo team has come way down from last year. Play Temple. |
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09-21-19 | UL-Lafayette v. Ohio -3 | 45-25 | Loss | -111 | 68 h 23 m | Show | |
UL Lafayette brings their 2-1 S/U and 2-0 ATS record to Ohio today to play the Bobcats. The Rajin Cajuns have three games under their belt after wins vs Liberty and Texas Southern. They outscored the last two opponents by a 112-20 margin. The Cajuns also ran up the yards with 748 yards vs Tx Southern and 594 vs Liberty. Their one loss came at home over Mississippi State, 28-38, though they did cover the 18.5-point dog line. Now, the Cajuns take to the road for the first time this year. Ohio opened with a win over Rhode Island, followed by losses to Pitt and last week to Marshall, 31-33. Ohio has played the last two games on the road and played well really, though they didn't cover vs Pitt and did vs Marshall. The Cats have rushed for 223 yards vs Marshall and 278 vs Rhode Island. I know this Lafayette team has been an offensive powerhouse, but against very good competition and at home. Now they are tested on the road and for me, laying 3 or 3.5 points with Ohio is the way to go. Play Ohio. |
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09-21-19 | Western Michigan v. Syracuse -5 | 33-52 | Win | 100 | 66 h 24 m | Show | |
Western Michigan improved to 2-1 S/U & ATS with a win at home over Georgia State last week, 57-10. This was after the pummeling they took the week before at Michigan State, 17-51. The Broncos are a passing team with 244 or more yards in each of their first three games. Syracuse is 1-2 S/U & ATS after three games. They started with a softball against Liberty, which they won 24-0. Then they got beat badly at Maryland, 20-63 and then lost to top ranked Clemson last week, 6-41. You can't fault the Orange for their loss last week, it's difficult to play in Death Valley, let alone against the top team in the nation. Syracuse only laying about 5 to 6 points here today, which to me is a gift. This Syracuse team is much better then they have shown thus far and they are in need of a big win today after a pair of humbling losses. I'm taking the home team, play Syracuse. |
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09-21-19 | Michigan State v. Northwestern +9.5 | 31-10 | Loss | -108 | 39 h 24 m | Show | |
Michigan State (2-1 S/U 1-2 ATS) takes on Big 10 foe Northwestern (1-1 S/U 0-2 ATS) early on Saturday. Michigan State opened with a win over Tulsa, then demolished Western Michigan, 51-17. Last week the Spartans fell completely apart, losing at home to Arizona State, 7-10 as a 15.5-point favorite. The Spartans played very good defensively, allowing ASU just 140 yards passing and 76 yards rushing. ASU scored the winning TD with just 50 seconds left in the game over the 19th ranked Spartans. MSU had over 400 yards of offense in the game, but managed just seven points. They also managed just four scoring opportunities. Northwestern, a 9-point dog in this game, lost its opener to Stanford 7-17 and then beat UNLV last week, 30-17. The Wildcats lost QB TJ Green (foot) for the year in the Stanford game. I have to wonder if this offensive mystery that hit MSU last week will cover over today. MSU hits the road and now lays almost double digits. Northwestern is good enough to stay in this contest, especially if we see any near repeat of what the Spartans did last week. Take the points here, play Northwestern. |
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09-20-19 | Air Force +7.5 v. Boise State | 19-30 | Loss | -125 | 24 h 48 m | Show | |
Two undefeated teams matchup here in Idaho on Friday as the 2-0 Air Force Falcons take on the 3-0 Boise State Broncos. Air Force opened with a softball game at home against Colgate, an easy 48-7 win. Then last week, the Falcons had to go to OT, but they got the upset over their neighbor to the North, Colorado, 30-23. The Falcons are as usual, a rushing machine. They had 423 yards vs Colgate and 289 yards against Colorado. However, they also added 155 yards of passing vs the Buffaloes. The defense has been very good, allowing Colgate 161 total yards and Colorado 325 total yards. Boise State beat Florida State to open the season, 36-31. Then came back at home against Marshall and beat them, 14-7. Last week it was an easy win for the Broncos at home against Portland State, 45-10. The defense has been very good, especially in the 2nd half of games. Today though they play an equally talented defense and must find a way to stop the Air Force ground attack. I believe that a TD is just too much for this Boise State team to be laying to a very good Air Force club. I'm taking the points. Play Air Force. |
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09-15-19 | Eagles v. Falcons +1.5 | 20-24 | Win | 100 | 8 h 23 m | Show | |
Sunday night action as the Falcons host the Eagles. The Eagles started last week's home game against the Redskins looking pretty bad and getting many boos from the home crowd, as they trailed at the half. But a 2nd half rally by the Eagles got them the win, but not the cover as a 10-point favorite, 32-27. Now they take to the road to play the Falcons who also struggled last week. Atlanta lost at Minnesota, 12-28 and was never in the game as they scored a TD with just seconds left to make the score more respectable. The defense was good though, holding Minnesota to just 97 yards passing, though they did give up a lot on the ground with 172 yards. I don't expect the Eagles to be able to run the ball like the Vikings did last week. Basically we just need Atlanta to win here tonight as they are a 1 or 2 point home dog. I like the Falcons to bounce back and take the win. Play Atlanta. |
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09-15-19 | 49ers v. Bengals | 41-17 | Loss | -125 | 83 h 9 m | Show | |
Both these teams looked very good in their openers, the 49ers winning at Tampa Bay and the Bengals losing at Seattle. The 49ers benifited from two, pick-six returns that ended up being the difference in a 31-17 win over Tampa Bay. The 49ers offense wasn't sharp though, rushing for 98 yards and passing for just 158 yards. They didn't need to do much though as the defense stiffened when needed. The Bucs outgained the 49ers with 121 yards rushing and 174 yards passing, but turnovers where the difference in this one. As for Cincinnati, they could have and really should have won at Seattle. The Bengals lost 20-21, but dominated the stats with 429 yards to just 233 yards for the Seahawks. The Bengals had three big fumbles though and lost the turnover battle 1-3. That was the difference in this one. Still, the Bengals looked the more complete offense and defense compared to the 49ers who really just benefited from those pick-six returns. I like the Bengals here at home today. The 49ers again make the long trip East, two weeks in a row now and that's tough on any team. Play Cincinnati. |
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09-15-19 | Bills v. Giants +2 | 28-14 | Loss | -105 | 26 h 15 m | Show | |
Buffalo has knocked off one New York team as they look to be the best so far in the state as they take on the other New Yorker here today in the Giants. Buffalo looked lost in their game vs the Jets, trailing 0-6 at the half and by 16-points in the 2nd half. But, QB Josh Allen led the Bills on a comeback and their defense stiffened up for a 17-16 win, scoring 17 unanswered points. Meanwhile, the Giants ran into the Dallas buzzsaw, losing 17-35 in Texas. The Giants had 151 yards rushing and 319 yards passing and really were also even with Dallas in total yards. But, fumbles were the difference as the Giants committed two turnovers to none for Dallas. I'm a bit surprised that Buffalo is a road favorite here, laying from 1 to 2 points. I know they had a nice comeback last week, but the Giants ran up the yards against a very good Dallas defense. I'm taking the Giants and needing nothing more than a straight up win here. Play New York Giants. |
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09-14-19 | Stanford v. Central Florida -7 | 27-45 | Win | 100 | 62 h 40 m | Show | |
Stanford showed us they might not be as good as what was previously believed. They struggled in game one vs Northwestern and while they covered, they only did so because of a last second fumble recovery in the end zone that got them the cover. Then last week they were in the game with USC at the half before getting blown out in the second half and losing, 20-45. They gave up 377 yards passing to a USC true freshman at QB. In addition, the Cardinal are forced to play a true freshman after losing their starting QB against Northwestern. Now they make the West to East coast travel to play Central Florida today. The Central Florida offense is clicking, beating Florida A&M 62-0 and then last week beating Florida Atlantic, 48-14. That's a 110-14 scoring margin for UCF. UCF got 356 yards passing in game one and 262 yards passing in game two. But this is a balanced team as they have 650 total rushing yards in the two games. I think the loss of the Cardinal QB is bigger than they think and they will have trouble staying with this UCF team here today. Play Central Florida. |
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09-14-19 | USC v. BYU +4 | 27-30 | Win | 100 | 22 h 48 m | Show | |
USC is 2-0 S/U and 1-1 ATS after two games. USC opened with a win at home over Fresno State, 31-23 and then last week beat Stanford, 45-20. The Trojans shut out the Cardinal in the 2nd half after leading 24-20 at the break. USC playing with a true freshman at QB after their starting QB was hurt against Fresno. Still, they passed for 377 yards last week vs Stanford. BYU opened their season against rival Utah, losing 12-30 but staying much closer than the final reflected. Then last week went to Tennessee and won outright 29-26 as 3.5-point dogs. Now they return home for a huge game against undefeated USC. The BYU defense has been good against the pass, allowing Utah 106 yards and last week 176 to Tennessee. They will be tested here today against this true freshman of USC. But again, USC plays on the road for the first time and for me that's a big test. Much easier for the freshman QB to play before the home crowd. How will he do here against a raucous BYU fan base? I like the home dog here today. Play BYU. |
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09-14-19 | Air Force +4 v. Colorado | 30-23 | Win | 100 | 19 h 20 m | Show | |
Two Colorado teams that aren't all that far apart meet up here today as Colorado hosts their rival Air Force. Air Force is 1-0 S/U and 1-0 ATS after their initial win over Colgate, 48-7. Hard to get a gauge on how good AF is against a team of Colgate's level. Air Force does what they do, run the ball. They got 423 yards on the ground vs Colgate and just 41 yards passing while holding them to just 161 yards. Colorado opened with a win over Colorado State, 52-31 and then played Nebraska in week two. Nebraska dominated that game in the first half, but things changed in the 2nd half as Colorado rallied for a 34-31 win and their 2nd cover of the season. The Buffaloes passed for 375 yards against Nebraska and rushed for 89. But they played from behind most of the time which took away a lot of their run attack. Against CSU, they rushed for 243 yards, so we know they can run the ball. This game really comes down to ball control. Air Force will run, run and run and so far Colorado hasn't done well vs the run. Nebraska got 179 yards and CSU got 131 yards against them. So I fully expect Air Force to pile up the yards on the ground. I'm taking the points here with Air Force as I don't see Colorado being able to hold this Falcons rushing game down. Play Air Force. |
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09-14-19 | Kansas State +7.5 v. Mississippi State | 31-24 | Win | 100 | 18 h 20 m | Show | |
Kansas State off to a 2-0 start this season after wins over Nicholls State and then last week against Bowling Green. The Wildcats are a big running team, with 361 yards on the ground vs Nicholls and then 333 yards last week vs Bowling Green. The defense has been very good, but gets there first test this week vs Miss State. The Mississippi State Bulldogs are 2-0 with wins over La Lafayette and then last week vs Southern Miss. They did struggle vs La Lafayette, winning by just 10 as a 18.5-point favorite. The offense is balanced with 471 yards total rushing and 412 yards passing. The defense hasn't been all that good as they allowed 164 yards on the ground to Lafayette and 110 yards on the ground to Southern Miss. They might have trouble today against the Wildcats ground game. Getting TD here with Kansas State is too much to pass on for me. This K State running game could control this game today. Take the points with Kansas State. |
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09-14-19 | Maryland v. Temple +7.5 | 17-20 | Win | 100 | 18 h 20 m | Show | |
Both these teams undefeated early in the season as Maryland is 2-0 S/U and ATS so far while Temple is 1-0 S/U and ATS. Maryland has been a scoring machine thus far, with 79 points against Howard in their opener and then 63 against a ranked Syracuse last week. Maryland has now outscored their two opponents 142-20. However, both those games have been at home and now they must travel to Philly to take on Temple. Temple got little push back against an overmatched Canisius club last week. Temple passed for 507 yards and rushed for another 188 in the win while holding Canisius to just 21 yards rushing in the 56-12 win. Today, Temple is getting a TD at home. Maryland has been good, but they get a big test here on the road today. This Maryland club isn't the same team away from home and laying points on the road is now what they should be doing. I'll take the points and won't be surprised at all by an outright Temple win. Take Temple. |
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09-09-19 | Broncos +1 v. Raiders | 16-24 | Loss | -110 | 173 h 37 m | Show | |
Monday Night football and we get an AFC divisional clash between two hated foes, the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders. Both teams have high expectations for the year. First, the Broncos have lots of new faces beginning with Head Coach Vic Fangio who created that excellent Bears defense of recent years. Fangio should also stress defense and hopefully bring back the Broncos defense that was the backbone of this team. Also new is QB Joe Flacco, who comes over from the Baltimore Ravens. Right now the Broncos don't have a backup QB with Drew Lock nursing a hurt thumb and the team having releases the other two backups. They wanted to get Hoyer, but Hoyer was snatched up earlier this week. So the Broncos had to sign Brandon Allen to backup Flacco. Allen has been with the Rams and Jagaurs in recent years. Allen did play against the Broncos in the preseason and apparently impressed them enough to be signed by Denver. The Raiders have high hopes also with Jon Gruden entering his second year. They went out and got Antonio Brown to play Wide Receiver, though he didn't play a snap in the preseason. Brown was nursing injured feed and then he had the much publicized helmet issue with the league. Both of these teams should be much better this year, but I'm siding with the Broncos here. I like Flacco at the helm and the Broncos defense will be much better than Oakland's. Take Denver. |
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09-09-19 | Texans +7.5 v. Saints | 28-30 | Win | 100 | 57 h 41 m | Show | |
The Saints are arguably one of the favorites in the NFC to go to the Super Bowl as they take the field for the first time since the infamous "no-call" in the playoffs vs the Rams. Expectations are high in the Big Easy as the season begins and any thing less than a Super Bowl appearance could be a disappointment. Gone is RB Mark Ingram who departed for the starting position in Baltimore. The Houston Texans are the defending AFC South champions and hope to improve on what they did last year. Bill O'Brien has done wonders in Houston, getting the team past .500 in four of the last five years and finishing first in the division three times. DeShaun Watson is a great starter with a 14-8 record under his belt. He hopes to take advantage of a Saints secondary that was not good last year. In fact, the Saints finished 6th from the bottom of the league in passer rating allowed. The Texans play well on the road, going 5-1 in their last six away games. With JJ Watt and Jackson and I like the points here and really wouldn't be shocked by an outright Texans win. This is too many points to lay to a very good Houston team. Play the Texans. |
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09-08-19 | Colts +7 v. Chargers | 24-30 | Win | 100 | 30 h 35 m | Show | |
The post Andrew Luck season begins today after the high profile QB retired suddenly a few weeks ago. Jacoby Brissett takes over the helm as the new, regular QB for the Colts. Keeping Chargers DE Joey Bosa off Brissett will be of the utmost importance here today. Bosa looks to be healthy after missing time last year and is arguably the best defensive player on the Chargers side of the ball. The Chargers will be without RB Melvin Gordon who has been a holdout with a contract dispute. The Chargers have been trying to trade the disgruntled running back and are looking for a first round draft pick in return. The Chargers will have QB Phillip Rivers back though and that is the mainstay of this offense. His best days might be behind him, but he's still one of the best. I think the Colts will be fine without Luck. They've done it in the past and now can move forward knowing he won't be back. I think Gordon's absence is what really will hurt the Chargers here on Sunday. The Colts are getting 6.5 or 7 points and for me that's just too many. I'm taking the dog and looking for a close game that could come down to a last second field goal. Play Indianapolis. |
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09-08-19 | Falcons v. Vikings -4 | Top | 12-28 | Win | 100 | 395 h 25 m | Show |
Arizona's offense not producing much in the preseason with just 200 yards average per game thus far. That's bodes bad for them here today against a Minnesota team that is 19-4 in preseason under HC Mike Zimmer. Zimmer is 5-0 with the Vikings in week 3 of the NFL preseason. That tells me that the Vikes take this dress rehearsal game serious. I'm looking at a big mismatch here on Saturday with the Vikes holding this Arizona team to low yards and score. I'm making a big play here on Minnesota. This will be my Preseason Game of the Year. Take Minnesota. |
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09-08-19 | Rams v. Panthers +3 | 30-27 | Push | 0 | 139 h 21 m | Show | |
The LA Rams would like to put that terrible Super Bowl performance out of their minds as they enter the 2019 season. We aren't sure though about the starters in this one since none of the starters played in the preseason. You have to wonder if it will take a few games to get those "game legs" under them. WR Cooper Kupp is back after suffering that ACL tear last year and that will be big for the Rams. Back also are QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley, WR Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods. The defense should be even better this year with the addition of Clay Mathews at linebacker. There had been questions of Cam Newton playing today for the Panthers as he's had a foot injury. However, Newton took all the reps in practice this week and will likely be ready for today's game. The Panthers have five of the last six meetings with the Rams and Newton is 2-0 against them. Christian McCaffrey is a huge part of the Panthers offense both rushing and catching balls out of the backfield. I think the Panthers can match the Rams here point for point. Since we are getting points here at home with the Panthers, that is who I will take. Play Carolina. |
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09-08-19 | Ravens -6.5 v. Dolphins | 59-10 | Win | 100 | 26 h 55 m | Show | |
The Baltimore Ravens are the Kings of the NFL preseason. They haven't lost a preseason game since 2015 and again this year were not only undefeated but covered every game. Their only setback was a game called due to weather and they were covering that when it was called. The Ravens went out and got RB Mark Ingram from New Orleans in the offseason. They also settled on a QB, with Joe Flacco leaving for Denver in the offseason. The Dolphins are in a rebuilding mode as they enter the season. One of the biggest concerns for Miami is the offensive line, which lost tackle Lareny Tunsil and Ja'Wuan James. This to me is one of the keys here today. The Ravens lost some of their key defensive players, namely Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosely, but they will still dominate this Miami offensive line today. The Ravens have a deep secondary and a good one, so expect them to shut down Miami's air attack today. Lamar Jackson won't be looking over his shoulder and seeing Flacco there this year. This is his team and while you can expect this team to still be a run oriented offense, Jackson will give them that double threat of pass/run. It's no surprise the Dolphins have one of the youngest and least experienced teams in the NFL. The Ravens have won seven of their last eight vs the Dolphins and that is fully what I expect again here today. Play Baltimore. |
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09-07-19 | Minnesota v. Fresno State +3.5 | 38-35 | Win | 100 | 30 h 15 m | Show | |
Late action here on Saturday has Fresno hosting Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers hosted South Dakota State last week and won, but just barely at 28-21 as a 14-point favorite. The offense managed just 308 total yards while allowing 367 yards. Meanwhile, Fresno State gave ranked USC all it could handle last week in Southern Cal, losing 23-31 but covering the 14-point dog spread. The Bulldogs rushed for 206 yards and passed for another 256 against a good USC defense. That doesn't bode well for the Gophers here tonight who were outgained last week by South Dakota State. Step up in class and the long road trip doesn't make for a good night for Minnesota. I'm taking Fresno State as a late winner. |
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09-07-19 | Tulane +17.5 v. Auburn | 6-24 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 15 m | Show | |
Both these clubs opened with wins last week and both covered their respective spreads. Tulane hosted Florida International and won easily, 42-14 as 3-point favorites. The Green Wave rushed the ball for 350-yards in the win and allowed just 59-yards to FIU. Meanwhile, Auburn came from behind to beat Oregon last week, 27-21. The Tigers were behind the entire game until late in the 4th quarter and ended up covering the 4-point spread. Today the Tigers are laying around 17-points to Tulane. If the Green Wave can control the rushing game like they did last week they can cover this spread. Plus, Auburn might be in for a bit of a letdown after that emotional win over Oregon. I'm taking the points here with Tulane. |
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09-07-19 | Wyoming v. Texas State +7 | 23-14 | Loss | -105 | 27 h 44 m | Show | |
Wyoming pulled a mild shocker last week at home with a win over Missouri, 37-31 as a 15.5-point dog. The Cowboys gave up a ton of yards, but somehow still pulled out the win. Missouri rushed for 114 yards and passed for 423 yards for a total of 537 yards to Wyoming's 411 yards. Meanwhile, Texas State was pummeled at Texas A&M last week, 7-41. They did manage a spread push though as 34-point dogs. TSU rushed for just eight yards in that game. Texas State getting points here today, seven points in fact. I'm not convinced Wyoming is all that good. Or at least good enough to lay a touchdown on the road. I'm taking the home club here plus the points. Play Texas State. |
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09-07-19 | Nebraska -4 v. Colorado | Top | 31-34 | Loss | -109 | 23 h 14 m | Show |
Colorado had its hand full last week with rival Colorado State, but pulled away late for the win and the cover. Still, CSU played with them for most of the first half and into the 2nd half before winning 52-31. However, the final score wasn't indicative of how the Buffs played in that game. Nebraska hosted South Alabama last week and won the game 35-21, but failed to cover the 35-point line. Have to wonder how interested the Huskers were in that game with Colorado up here this week. This game used to be a rivalry when both were in the same conference. Still, these teams look at this matchup as a rivalry. The Huskers ranked No 24 in the polls make their first visit to Folsom Field since 2009. Nebraska only laying 4.5-points here on Saturday. The Colorado defense needs work after allowing CSU to go up and down the field on them. I'm taking Nebraska here on Saturday. |
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09-07-19 | Northern Illinois v. Utah -21.5 | 17-35 | Loss | -103 | 21 h 43 m | Show | |
Northern Illinois won their opener last week at home against Illinois State, 24-10, covering the 6.5-point favorite line. The Huskies allowed just 238 total yards to Illinois State in the win. Now, they make the trip west to take on a very good Utah club. Utah won last week in Salt Lake over their in-state rivals, BYU. The Utes pulled away in the fourth quarter for the win, 30-12 as 5-point chalks. Utah held BYU to 300 total yards. Utah has to lay around 3-td's here tonight. However, I don't see that as a problem with Northern Illinois' offense looking very sluggish against a much weaker opponent last week. Wouldn't be surprised by a Utah shutout here on Saturday. Play Utah. |
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09-05-19 | Packers +3.5 v. Bears | 10-3 | Win | 100 | 75 h 40 m | Show | |
A key divisional matchup right out of the gate for these two powerhouse NFC teams. The Packers hoping that a now healthy Aaron Rodgers will make a big difference to their playoff hopes this season. Rodgers played most of last year with that leg injury suffered against this Bears defense. This Bear's defense won't be as good with some key departures. This will also debut new Packers' head coach Matt LeFleur, who takes over for Mike McCarthy. Matt Nagy's bears should be good again this year with Khalil Mack on defense and a more season Mitch Trubisky behind center. But I'm taking the points here tonight with a healthy Rodgers at the helm for the Pack. Play Green Bay. |
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08-31-19 | Louisiana Tech +20.5 v. Texas | Top | 14-45 | Loss | -102 | 25 h 42 m | Show |
Texas had its string of 17 straight home opening wins broken a few seasons ago, but rebounded back last year to beat Tulsa by just seven points as a 22 1/2 point chalk. The Longhorns return just eight starters (three on Defense). The good new though is the return of QB Sam Ehlinger. Tech returns 11 starters including QB J'Mar Smith who is a 1st Team all conference player. Tech getting 20 1/2 points is too many for Texas to lay. We saw last season how they barely survived their opening game over a much less talented Tulsa club. I'm taking the points here with Louisiana Tech. |
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08-31-19 | Northwestern +6.5 v. Stanford | 7-17 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 37 m | Show | |
Northwestern is one of those teams with two QB's that could switch playing time. Hunter Johnson and Sr TJ Green look to split time at signal caller for Northwestern. Not so for Stanford, who returns Costello at QB after a 2018 campaign where he tossed 29 TD's and 11 INT's. The Cats have covered the last three vs the Cardinal. My only issue with this Stanford team is that they return just 9-starters and have to replace three wide receivers that Costello must now gel with. Northwestern as a dog is too much for me to pass on here. Play Northwestern. |
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08-31-19 | South Carolina -10 v. North Carolina | 20-24 | Loss | -110 | 76 h 28 m | Show | |
This game being played in Charlotte, NC has the Tarheels of NCU taking on the Gamecocks of South Carolina. NCU has had back-to-back bad seasons of 2-9 and 3-9. Meanwhile, South Carolina off that shutout loss in the Bowl to Virginia, 0-28. The Gamecocks have won the last three in this series straight-up and covered two of those. This will be the fourth meeting between these clubs in the last seven year. The difference for me in this game is that South Carolina returns a lot more experience compare to NCU. The Tarheels are also having issues at QB and that will show here today. Take South Carolina. |
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08-31-19 | Toledo +12 v. Kentucky | Top | 24-38 | Loss | -107 | 48 h 4 m | Show |
Toledo won seven games last year and you might think that's not bad, but not for a Toledo club that saw those seven wins as their lowest win total in the last five years. The Rockets have their top two QB's back this year and 11 starters returning. Kentucky will be hurting early on defense as they return just four starters on defense. The Wildcats are 0-7 ATS in their last seven vs FBS teams. So why in the world is Kentucky laying double digits here? I don't know, but I do know I'll be taking the points with Toledo. Play Toledo. |
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08-30-19 | Utah State +3.5 v. Wake Forest | 35-38 | Win | 100 | 57 h 59 m | Show | |
The Utah State Aggies had an excellent season last year and returns seven starters to a defense that allowed a stingy 22.2 ppg last season. Wake Forest returns 12 starters including their top rusher, Cade Carney. QB Newman also returns to Wake. Utah State has just two starters on offense, but one of them is QB Jordan Love who tossed 32 TD's and just 6 INT's last year. Wake Forest hasn't been good at covering at home, evidenced by their 1-6 mark at home their last 7-games. I like Utah State in this one getting points with a very good defense an especially Love returning at QB. Take Utah State. |
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08-29-19 | Utah v. BYU +7 | Top | 30-12 | Loss | -106 | 35 h 23 m | Show |
This is the 94th edition of what has become known as the "Holy War" between these Utah schools. BYU looking to snap an 8-game losing streak to Utah here on Thursday. Both teams have decent returning starters with the Utes returning 14 and the Cougars return 17 starters. BYU QB Zach Wilson and his top 3 wide outs return. The Cougars are 23-11 as a dog. The dog in this series is 7-2. I'm taking the home dog here on Thursday. Take BYU. |
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08-29-19 | Ravens -5.5 v. Redskins | Top | 20-7 | Win | 100 | 9 h 31 m | Show |
What's the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Well, I've been on the Ravens every week so far and should be 4-0 if last week's game wasn't called before the 55 minute mark because of weather. The Ravens are the one team in the NFL this year that really wants to win these games. You have to take that serious since each game this year has been a blowout, including leading 26-0 at one point last week. Week four you really have to play small since you have no idea how far down the depth chart they will be pulling players. But if there is one team I have some hope in this week, it's Baltimore. Play the Ravens. |
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08-29-19 | A's -1.5 v. Royals | 9-8 | Loss | -145 | 2 h 16 m | Show | |
A's -1.5 Runs - The A's need to win these games over teams like the Royals, but fell short last night. The A's led the Royals on Wednesday 2-0 and 4-2 before losing 4-6 in the late innings. Today, they are a big favorite as Chris Bassitt is on the hill with a 9-5 record and 3.59 ERA. The Royals will counter with Glenn Sparkman who is 3-8 on the season with a 5.79 ERA. As much as I like Oakland today, I have to lay the 1 1/2 runs here with Bassitt. Play Oakland - 1 1/2 runs. |
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08-24-19 | Arizona v. Hawaii +11 | 38-45 | Win | 100 | 83 h 48 m | Show | |
Arizona HC Kevin Sumlin hopes to wipe the slate clean after a horrific 2018 campaign. This is the second season for Sumlin and likely a key one if he hopes to stick around. Now the Cats have to travel the long distance to play at Hawaii to open the season. The Hawaii Warriors return QB Cole McDonald, who threw for 3,800 yards last year. The 6-foot-4 QB threw for 36 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. The Wildcats are just 5-16 ATS in their last 21 road games and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games. Hawaii has done well vs the Pac-12, going 8-2 ATS in their last 10 tries. Hawaii getting 11-points here with a big, strong QB who can play. I don't think so. I'm taking the points and wouldn't be surprised by an outright Hawaii win. |
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08-24-19 | Florida v. Miami-FL +7.5 | 24-20 | Win | 100 | 79 h 28 m | Show | |
TV matchup here from Orlando, Florida has two old rivals facing each other as Miami-Florida takes on Florida. Expect these teams to be chippy here on Saturday as they meet to open the season. I also expect this game to be high scoring. Early games are usually not defensive battles, despite both of these teams being in the top 25 defensively last year. No 8 Florida is a 7-point favorite here on Saturday. The Gators begin their second season under HC Dan Mullen and return QB Franks. Former Dan Mullen assistant, Manny Diaz, begins his first season as the Miami head coach. Both teams return a lot of talent, but I just can't pass on the points here with the Hurricanes. Play Miami Florida. |
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08-16-19 | Bears v. Giants -2 | 13-32 | Win | 100 | 24 h 48 m | Show | |
The Giants exploded in week one of the preseason with 31-points while Chicago did what most teams do, struggle on offense. Eli Manning should see more playing time this week for the Giants as well as Mitch Trubisky for the Bears. Chicago was a dead under last year in the preseason and they just got under in week one. Giants QB Daniel Jones had a great first week completing five passes in a row and throwing for a TD. Jones likely will see most of the playing time in this game with Eli getting in some snaps. Giants -1.5 or 2 looks like a good play to me. Play the Giants. |
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08-15-19 | Packers v. Ravens -3.5 | Top | 13-26 | Win | 100 | 10 h 30 m | Show |
The Baltimore Ravens dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars in week one with a 29-0 shutout. The Ravens remain at home this week as they host the Green Bay Packers. The Ravens have now won 13 straight preseason games since 2015, so who says preseason doesn't matter to all teams. The Ravens DL had four sacks last week and wrecked havoc on the Jags. It will be interesting to see if they can duplicate that here tonight. Rookie Miles Boykin caught 5-of-10 passes for 56 yards in week one, but did have some drops. Expect Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to play some tonight. Bottom line, John Harbaugh says his team likes to win. So I expect that to continue here tonight. This team hasn't lost in preseason since 2015 and I'm playing them here tonight. |
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08-10-19 | Cowboys v. 49ers -3.5 | 9-17 | Win | 100 | 35 h 11 m | Show | |
Big news in Dallas is the absence of RB Ezekiel Elliot, who is still holding out with contract issues. Not that Elliot would even play in this game or any preseason game for that matter. So what to expect here tonight? For the fans, not much. If the starters play it will be a series or two and that's it. After that, it's all about evaluating players who will or won't be on that 53 man roster come September. For the Niners, it's a question of a backup QB battle behind Jimmy Garoppolo (who isn't expected to play at all tonight). For the Cowboys, expect to see a lot of Tony Pollard tonight at RB with Zeke out. Amari Cooper hurt his heal, so don't expect to see any of him tonight. Dak Prescot might see a series here, but not like when he was a rookie. For me here tonight, I don't see the Cowboys with much to play for even with the backups in contention. I like the 49ers at home here as Shanahan looks to try a lot of different players tonight, especially at the QB spot. Take San Francisco. |
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08-10-19 | Rams v. Raiders -5 | 3-14 | Win | 100 | 59 h 24 m | Show | |
Big news in Oakland is that of WR Antonio Brown, who is still not in camp for the Oakland Raiders with a foot issue. The Rams have won back to back division titles, but don't expect HC McVay to relax the reigns at all on this team. Raiders HC Jon Gruden begins his second year at the helm of the Raiders after a lackluster 2018 season. The Raiders did make a lot of good moves, none bigger than that of Brown at WR. Don't expect the Rams to play RB Todd Gurley here or maybe at all this preseason as he's still nursing some knee issues. Replacing him will be Malcolm Brown, John Kelly, Justin Davis and Darrell Henderson. The Rams may also give Blake Bortels a look in this preseason game. Brandon Allen and John Wolford will battle for that No 3 QB spot. The Raiders will be bringing in Nathan Peterman from Buffalo and he will likely start this game. Mike Glennon is currently the No 2 QB and will also see time in this game. I'm taking the Raiders here as I look for Oakland to be looking at more quality players they brought in during the off season that they need to get a good look at here. Take Oakland. |
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08-09-19 | Vikings +3 v. Saints | 34-25 | Win | 100 | 51 h 19 m | Show | |
This will be the first time these teams have met in the preseason since the 2001 season when Minnesota won 28-21. When these teams meet here on Friday, the Saints will be sporting some ex-Vikings players on their roster, including RB Latavius Murry, C Nick Easton and CB Marcus Shereles who all signed in the off season with the Saints. The Saints need to find a third WR after Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn. That should be on display here tonight. The Vikings want to reduce pressure on QB Kirk Cousins this year by getting the running game in gear. So expect a lot more running here tonight. The Saints lost Mark Ingram to the Ravens in the offseason so they also will be looking for a backup running back. Both teams have had mixed preseason pasts, the Vikings are 5-5 ATS their last 10 while the Saints are 3-1 ATS their last four. I don't expect a lot of scoring action here tonight, so I'll take the few points with the visitor who can easily win outright. Take Minnesota. |
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08-09-19 | Bucs +2.5 v. Steelers | 28-30 | Win | 100 | 45 h 47 m | Show | |
The Tampa Bay Bucs and Pittsburgh Steelers have not historically been good preseason teams. In fact, the Bucs have finished the preseason with a better than .500 record since 2008. Last season Tampa Bay went 2-2 in the preseason. The Steelers were 3-1 last year in the preseason. Pittsburgh isn't shy about shuffling personnel in preseason as they had three different QB lead them in passing last preseason and four rushers and four receivers led the team in those categories during preseason last year. Bruce Arians makes his debut as the Tampa Bay coach on Friday. Arians left Arizona after the 2017 season and brings a lot of new hope to Tampa Bay. Don't expect to see QB Ben Roethlisberger here tonight. The last three years, Big Ben has played only one time each preseason and that was in game three. Bucs QB Jameis Winston does play quite a bit in preseason, going 30-for-41 last year with 3 TD's. I like the Bucs here tonight. Take Tampa Bay. |
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08-08-19 | Broncos -2 v. Seahawks | 14-22 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 28 m | Show | |
The Broncos won the Hall of Fame game last week over the Atlanta Falcons. They did however need to come from behind and win in the final moments of the game. And, if the Atlanta QB had not gotten hurt and forced Matt Schaud back into the game, I'm not sure the Falcons lose that contest. New QB Joe Flacco didn't see any action in the Hall of Fame game, nor did most of the starters. Tonight, expect that to change a bit as Flacco should see a series or two with the first team. The Broncos have done well vs the Seahawks in the preseason with a 10-3 all time record, though they haven't met in preseason since 2015. After Flacco leaves, expect a lot of Drew Lock as they look to get the rookie a bunch of reps here tonight. As usual lately when we talk of the Seahawks it's all about QB Russell Wilson. There are a lot of questions at running back though as Chris Carson is expected to get the starting spot. This early in the preseason we will see starters for one or two series and then it's mostly guys who won't be around in four weeks. However, I do like Lock here for the Broncos. This kid has a great arm and you know the Broncos want a long look at him. For that reason alone I'll take Denver in this one. Play Denver. |
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08-08-19 | Falcons v. Dolphins -3.5 | Top | 27-34 | Win | 100 | 30 h 56 m | Show |
Brian Flores makes his Dolphins debut as the head coach. The Dolphins have had two bad seasons in a row and it's up to Flores to wright the ship. Dan Quinn's Falcons lost in the Hall of Fame Game to the Broncos in the final minutes of the contest. QB Benkert looked good against the Broncos before he hurt his toe and had to leave. QB Matt Simms replaces him here tonight as Benkert is out indefinitely. Matt Schaub will likely start here and didn't look particularly good last week against the Broncos. The Dolphins will be looking to improve tonight under their new head coach. If Benkert was available, I'd probably look at the Falcons side. However, with Schaub and Simms running the show, I'll be on the Dolphins. Take Miami. |
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08-08-19 | Jaguars v. Ravens -4 | 0-29 | Win | 100 | 30 h 56 m | Show | |
Reports from camp have been that the Ravens revamped defense struggled last week against the Jaguars during practices. The Ravens will feature four new starters this year on the defensive side of the ball. However, don't expect the starters in for long tonight, maybe one or two drives at most. The Jags will be featuring new QB Nick Foles this year. QB Lamar Jackson is not expected to see time tonight. Last season he was a backup and played quite a bit in the preseason. IT is possible we might still see Jackson in this game, but not much. The Ravens will also feature new RB Mark Ingram. It's very tough in this initial preseason game, but I'm taking the Ravens. These teams have seen enough of each other in joint practices this week. Take Baltimore. |
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08-01-19 | Aces +2 v. Sparks | 68-76 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
The WNBA heads into the home stretch and the Las Vegas Aces are tied for the best record in the league with a 14-6 S/U mark. The Aces have a +7.4 scoring differential this season and have won three straight and eight of their last 10 games. The LA Sparks aren't too far behind at 11-8 on the season, but have just a +0.4 point differential this season. The Sparks are also just 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games after a straight-up win and 1-4 ATS in their last four vs the Western Conference. This looks to be one of the best games today in the WNBA, but I'll take the visitor in this one. Play the Aces. |
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08-01-19 | Hamilton v. Saskatchewan -3 | 19-24 | Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show | |
Hamilton is tied for the best record in the CFL with a 5-1 record both S/U and ATS. The Tiger Cats lone loss was at Montreal, 29-36 as a 12.5 point favorite. The Cats don't much like playing these early Thursday games, evidenced by their 1-5-1 ATS mark the last 7 Thursday. Meanwhile, the Roughriders are 4-1 ATS in their last five games. The are 3-3 S/U and 4-2 ATS on the season. Saskatchewan has won two of its three home games this year while Hamilton is 1-1 on the road. I like the host here tonight. I'll lay the short price with Saskatchewan. |
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08-01-19 | Broncos -2.5 v. Falcons | 14-10 | Win | 100 | 58 h 28 m | Show | |
Hall of Fame game kicks off the NFL preseason here on Thursday. It's great to have football back, even for preseason. The Denver Broncos big move in the offseason was bringing in QB Joe Flacco from Baltimore. Flacco has a strong arm and in that thin Denver air he may just be able to throw over that mountain (Sorry Uncle Rico). Doubt we'll see much of starters in this game though. Both these teams looking to improve on their sub-par 7-9 campaign last year. I think we'll see Flacco for a little bit in this game, but not much. The Broncos have beat the Falcons in four of their last five matchups. I expect we'll see a low scoring game here and as such, I'll make a fun play on the Broncos at -2.5-points. Enjoy the game, don't go crazy on it. |
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07-05-19 | Mystics v. Aces -1 | 51-36 | Loss | -107 | 9 h 2 m | Show | |
The Washington Mystics have the best record in the WNBA at 9-3. They are 5-2 on the road and have won five straight games. The Mystics also have the league's best scoring differential at +13.6 points. Las Vegas is the third best team in the WNBA at 8-5. The Aces are 6-2 at home and have a scoring differential of +4.5. Both teams are on winning runs with LV at 7-3 and Washington at 8-2. Las Vegas has covered six of the last eight meetings in this series. Las Vegas just a 1 1/2 point favorite on its home court tonight. Washington having to make the long West Coast trip for this one. Vegas is good and with both teams playing hot, I'll take the host at this small line and just look for an outright win. Play Las Vegas. |
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07-05-19 | Winnipeg +4 v. Ottawa | 29-14 | Win | 100 | 6 h 3 m | Show | |
Winnipeg looking to remain unbeaten in the CFL after a 2-0 start. The Blue Bombers opened the season with a win at British Columbia, 33-23. Then in week 2 they won at home over Edmonton, 28-21. The defense has been very good, allowing 23 and under both games thus far. They allowed just four rushing yards in the win over BC. Ottawa has also started the season 2-0. The Redblacks opened with a win at Calgary, 32-28 and then beat Saskatchewan on the road, 44-41. The Bombers have covered eight of their last 10 games overall. They are also a excellent road team, as Winnipeg is 21-8 in their last 29 road games. In addition. Winnipeg is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings with the Redblacks at Ottawa and 4-1 ATS in their last four overall. I'm taking the visitor here today. Play Winnipeg. |
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06-30-19 | Mercury v. Storm +2 | 69-67 | Push | 0 | 7 h 30 m | Show | |
Phoenix brings their 4-5 record to Seattle tonight. Phoenix has won two straight games but is still 1-4 on the road. In addition, the Mercury are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last six road games. Seattle has the 3rd best record in the WNBA at 8-5. The Storm have are a perfect 5-0 at home this season. Seattle also does well vs the West, going 6-1 ATS their last seven games. Hard to beat a team that is perfect at home against a struggling WNBA club. I'm going to lay the points tonight with Seattle. Not sure how the Storm are a home dog here tonight against a losing Phoenix team. I'll bite though, I'm taking Seattle plus the points as a perfect 5-0 on their home court. |
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06-29-19 | BC v. Calgary -10.5 | 32-36 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 26 m | Show | |
The British Columbia Lions still looking for that first win of the young CFL season after a 0-2 start. The Lions have allowed an average of 36 ppg while scoring just 23 ppg thus far. The Lions opened with a loss at home to Winnipeg, 23-33 and then lost at Edmonton, 23-39. Calgary has just one game under their belt and that was a loss at home to Ottaw, 28-32. The stats are pretty even at this point, but Calgary is the much better team. I like Calgary at home here today with that one fewer game. The Stampeders had last week off to prepare for this game, so I'm not afraid to lay the points here today. Play Calgary. |
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06-18-19 | Astros -1.5 v. Reds | 3-4 | Loss | -103 | 9 h 6 m | Show | |
The Astros bring a two-game losing streak into tonight's contest while the Reds bring a two-game win streak. Houston lost to the Reds last night, 2-3 and on Sunday to Toronto, 0-12. Tonight they turn to Justin Verlander who is 9-2 in his 15 games this season. Verlander has 13 quality starts to go along with his 2.50 ERA and 0.735 WHIP. Verlander has allowed over three runs in a game just twice in his 14 starts and that was four runs. The Reds will send Anthony Desclafani to the hill. Desclafani is 3-3 in his 13 starts with just 3 quality starts. In addition, Desclafani has a 4.43 ERA and 1.323 WHIP. The Astros are too good to lose three straight, especially with their ACE on the mound tonight. I'm taking the Astros and laying 1.5 runs. Play Houston -1.5 runs. |
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06-16-19 | Chile (W) v. USA (W) -4.5 | 0-3 | Loss | -103 | 24 h 26 m | Show | |
The defending Women's World Cup USA team didn't disappoint in their opening match vs Thailand. They sent a message to the rest of the World that they are again the team to beat this year with a 13-1 blowout of Thailand. Some analysts say that was unsportman-like to run up the score. I say it isn't in a sport where goals can count in the end. So today, the USA once again plays a very inferior team in Chile. They are laying 4 1/2 goals today and I could easily see a 8-0 or thereabouts score. The USA will cruise through this game, just like they did Thailand. Lay the goals and enjoy the show. Play the USA -4.5 goals. |
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06-15-19 | Sky +4 v. Fever | 70-64 | Win | 100 | 7 h 27 m | Show | |
The Chicago Sky are sitting in 4th place in the WNBA with a 3-2 record and have won two-straight games. The Indiana Fever are 6th in the WNBA with a 4-3 record and have won one straight. Surprisingly, the Fever are just 2-2 at home this year. The Sky have done well vs winning teams, going 5-0 in their last five games. They are also 7-3 ATS in their last 10 dating back to last season. The Fever have not been a good covering team, evidenced by their 9-19 ATS mark their last 28 games. They are also 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games with a day's rest and 9-23 ATS at home their last 32 games. I like the Sky getting points here today and won't be surprised by a straight up Chicago win. Play Chicago. |
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06-11-19 | Mercury v. Sky +4.5 | 75-82 | Win | 100 | 4 h 26 m | Show | |
The Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury both come into tonight's contest with two wins and two losses each. The Sky have won both home games and lost both road games this season. The Sun are 1-2 on the road. Chicago is led by Diamond DeShields, who is averaging 13 points per game this year. The Mercury are led by DeWanna Bonner who is averaging 23.2 ppg. The Sky got a day off for this game and they are 5-2 ATS when doing so. They are also 5-2 ATS in their last seven games vs the Western Conference. The Sky have not lost yet at home and I look for that to continue here tonight. Play the Chicago Sky. |
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06-09-19 | Sun -5.5 v. Dream | 65-59 | Win | 100 | 3 h 20 m | Show | |
The Connecticut Sun are the best team in the WNBA right now with a 4-1 record and have the 2nd best point differential of +7.4. Today, the Sun take on the Atlanta Dream. The Dream are off to a shaky start at just 1-3 and have lost their last three after an opening win of the season. The Dream also have the worst point differential in the league at -14.0. The Sun are led by Jonquel Jones, who averages 17.0 ppg and also leads the team in field goal percentage at 48.4%. The Dream are led by Brittney Sykes, averaging 11.5 ppg. Right now these teams have big difference between them as the Dream are getting beat badly and now face the best of the WNBA. I'm laying the points on the road today with Connecticut. |
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06-07-19 | Raptors v. Warriors -4.5 | Top | 105-92 | Loss | -103 | 18 h 5 m | Show |
Game 4 here in Northern California sees the Toronto Raptors up 2-1 in this series. The Warriors don't want to go down 1-3 in this series either. In game three they were without Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney. Durant still won't play here tonight, but the good news is that Thompson will be back and Looney is a possibility. Thompson is a key cog in this offense and they can ill afford to do with out the shooting guard. This is a game where I fully expect the Warriors to rebound from that poor performance in game three. This is too good a team to not show up again here tonight. In addition, the Warriors seem to play their best when their backs are up against the wall as they are tonight. This might be the closest to a must win this Warriors team has seen this season. I like the Warriors to rise to the occasion. Play Golden State. |
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06-07-19 | Pirates v. Brewers -1.5 | 4-10 | Win | 100 | 20 h 11 m | Show | |
The Brewers snapped that two game losing streak to the Marlins with a nice comeback win on Thursday, 5-1. The Pirates beat the Braves on Thursday, 6-1 and have now won two-straight games and are just one game from the .500 mark. Rookie Davis makes his first start for the Pirates. Davis missed all of last year with a hip problem. The 6-foot-5, 255 lb Davis is a big presence on the mound. He'll need all that intimidation today. He will have to face the best pitcher so far this year for the Brewers in Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff is 7-1 in his 12 starts with a 3.82 ERA and 1.200 WHIP. Woodruff had a tough start last time out, allowing six runs over just four innings. However, prior to that he allowed five total runs in his previous five starts. Davis still has too many question marks to back here today. Instead, I'll lay the 1.5 runs with the Brewers best in Woodruff. Play Milwaukee -1.5 Runs. |
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06-05-19 | Raptors +5.5 v. Warriors | 123-109 | Win | 100 | 34 h 39 m | Show | |
This best of seven series is now tied at 1-1 after the Warriors took game 2 in Toronto. The glaring issue here today is the injury to Klay Thompson of the Warriors. Thompson hurt his hamstring in the last game and officially is questionable today. Kevin Durant is also listed as Questionable though some question if he will return at all. It's a revolving door in the injury department for the Warriors right now. The Warriors came in at 5 1/2 point favorites. The Warriors miss Thompson's shooting and defense. Thompson says he will go in game three, but how effective he will be is yet to be seen. Thompson is really a key to this game today. Stephen Curry was also battling an illness in game 2. So lots of questions on this Warriors team for game three. I'm going to have to take the Raptors here plus the points in game three. Play a healthier Toronto tonight. |
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06-05-19 | Yankees -1.5 v. Blue Jays | 7-11 | Loss | -128 | 9 h 21 m | Show | |
The Yankees look to snap a 2-game losing streak today against Toronto. The Yankees lost game one yesterday, 3-4. Today they send James Paxton to the hill. Paxton is 3-2 in his eight starts with a nifty 2.81 ERA and 1.128 WHIP. Paxton has been red-hot, allowing no earned runs in four of his last five starts (all team wins). The Blues Jays win on Tuesday snapped a six game losing streak as Toronto is now 22-38 and in dead last in the AL East. The Jays will send Trent Thornton to the hill today. Thornton is 1-4 in his 12 starts with a 4.52 ERA and 1.340 WHIP. Paxton has been so perfect of late that it's hard not to take him here today. But he's laying a big price, so I'm going to lay the 1.5 runs. Play New York -1.5 Runs. |
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06-04-19 | Dodgers -1.5 v. Diamondbacks | 9-0 | Win | 100 | 10 h 12 m | Show | |
While the other two NL divisions both have close races, the NL West is being dominated by the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers have opened up a 9 1/2 game lead in the West over the Rockies with the Diamondbacks now 12 games back. The Dodgers have the best record in baseball and have won six straight games. Hyun-Jin Ryu is having a Cy Young type of year for the Dodgers with a 8-1 record, 1.48 ERA and 0.808 WHIP. Ryu has been amazing this year, allowing no runs in four of his last five starts. The D'backs will counter today with Taylor Clarke. Clarke is 1-1 in his three starts with a 6.28 ERA and 1.535 WHIP. Hard to pass on Ryu here today against Clarke. But I'm going to have to lay the 1.5 runs. Take Los Angeles -1.5 Runs. |
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06-03-19 | Angels v. Cubs -1.5 | Top | 1-8 | Win | 130 | 6 h 11 m | Show |
Very short schedule here on the Monday baseball slate with just four games. I'm going to look at this IL contest between the Angels and the Cubs. The Angels won on Sunday big, beating the Mariners 13-3. Meanwhile, the Cubs lost a tough one on the road to the Cardinals, 1-2. The Angels switched pitchers overnight from Cahill to Cam Bedrosian. Bedrosian is 0-1 in his four starts with a 4.50 ERA and 1.250 WHIP. The Angels pull a page from the Rays playbook today by starting a relief pitcher. Bedrosian won't go more than one inning and in his last two starts he's allowed a run in that inning. The Cubs will send Jon Lester to the hill. Lester is jsut 3-4 in his 10 starts, but has a 3.59 ERA and 1.386 WHIP. Lester got hit hard his last start, but I look for the veteran to rebound here today. Plus the Angels will lose their DH in this one. Take the Cubbies on the Run Line. |
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06-02-19 | Sun v. Aces -5 | 80-74 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 33 m | Show | |
The Las Vegas Aces return home at 1-1 after a heartbreaking loss at Phoenix. The Aces led by as many as 12-points only to see a last second shot miss for a potential OT score. Now the Aces return home where they won their opening game of the season over the Sparks, 83-70. The Connecticut Sun are 2-1 in their opening three games including 0-1 on the road. The Sun won their opening two games but lost their last game at the Sparks, 70-77. The Aces are much improved this season especially with the return of center Liz Cambage who was dealing with an Achilles issue. The Aces are one of the favorites this year in the WNBA and I like there here at home on Sunday. Play Las Vegas. |
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05-31-19 | Storm v. Dream -6.5 | 82-66 | Loss | -109 | 6 h 24 m | Show | |
Early WNBA season action has Seattle Storm at the Atlanta Dream. Seattle is 1-1 on the season both S/U and ATS. The Dream is 1-0 S/U and 0-1 ATS. Seattle coming off a loss at Minnesota where they lost 61-72 as a 4-point dog. The Storm got killed on the boards in that loss, 30-52. Atlanta beat Dallas in their lone game, 76-72, but failed to cover the 10.5-point line. Atlanta shot 43% from the field and 28.6% from the arc, but got out rebounded 51-48. Atlanta a 6-point home favorite here today. The Dream is a top tier team in this league and at home they should win this game easily. Take Atlanta. |
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05-29-19 | Blue Jays v. Rays -1.5 | 3-4 | Loss | -111 | 14 h 1 m | Show | |
The Tampa Bay Rays look to win their fourth game tonight after beating the Blue Jays on Tuesday, 3-1. Blake Snell will get the start tonight for the Rays. Snell is 3-4 in his 10 starts with a 3.07 ERA and 1.006 WHIP. Snell has been very good in recent starts, allowing two runs over his last two games and four runs over his last four games. Toronto dropped their second game in a row and fifth in their last six games. Trent Thornton will start tonight for the Blue Jays. Thornton is 1-4 in his 11 starts with a 4.42 ERA and 1.272 WHIP. Thornton is off a decent start, allowing three runs over six innings. The Rays continue to play exceptionally well and with Snell on the hill I look for another one sided win. I'm laying the 1.5 runs here with the Rays tonight. Play Tampa Bay -1.5 |
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05-28-19 | Blue Jays v. Rays -1.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
The Tampa Bay Rays improved to 32-19 with their win over the Blue Jays on Monday, 8-3. Meanwhile, the Jays dropped to 21-33 on the season. The Rays are expected to start Ryne Stanek today. Stanek has started 14 games this season and only twice has he allowed runs. Yes, he only goes one or two innings, but in doing so he's allowed the Rays to go 10-4 in his starts. Stanek allowed three runs back on May 1st to the Royals and since then he's goner 10 1/3 innings in his last six starts and allowed just one run. His ERA for the season sits at 1.64. The Jays will start Clayton Richard. Richard is a southpaw who sports a 2.25 ERA but only has one start this season. I like the Rays to continue winning in this spot where they start Stanek. Take the Rays and lay 1.5 runs. |
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05-25-19 | Bucks v. Raptors -2.5 | 94-100 | Win | 100 | 29 h 27 m | Show | |
The Raptors have a golden opportunity to close out the Milwaukee Bucks in their best of seven playoff series. The Raptors took game five in Milwaukee on Thursday and now look to advance to the NBA finals here on Saturday. Standing in their way was the NBA's best regular season team in the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are 10-4 in the playoffs while the Raptors are 11-6. The Raptors know they can't go back and take game 7 at Milwaukee so I look for tonight's to be the best effort the Raptors can put forward. Play the Raptors. |
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05-23-19 | Raptors v. Bucks -7 | 105-99 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 52 m | Show | |
This best of seven Eastern conference finals tied at 2-games each as the series moves back to Milwaukee tonight for game 3. The bad news here is that the Raptors star player Kawhi Leonard is dealing with an injury. Moreover, Kyle Lowry has also been nursing injuries and these are the two guys directly responsible for this series being tied right now. Leonard is dealing with leg soreness and has to play through the pain right now. Lowry is also playing in pain, but looks to be improving. The issue is that the Raptors have lost and failed to cover games 1 and 2 in Milwaukee. The Bucks have been amazing, covering six of their last eight and 10 of their last 13 games. The Raptors at 100% would have trouble playing in Milwaukee tonight, but with their two stars hobbled even a little bit by injuries, this will just put them even further in the hole. I'm taking Milwaukee. |
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05-20-19 | Warriors -3.5 v. Blazers | Top | 119-117 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 36 m | Show |
The Trailblazers face elimination here tonight as they are down 0-3. They had another chance at a win in game three leading by 13 points at the half. However, a 13-point third quarter followed by a 20-point fourth quarter and the Blazers lost 99-110. That makes two games in a row that they have led by double digits only to lose. Makes you wonder how they can have any confidence in any lead they get, knowing that the Warriors have the ability to come back. Their can't be a lot left in the tank tonight for the Blazers. I'm taking Golden State as they look for the sweep. |
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05-15-19 | Raptors v. Bucks -6 | Top | 100-108 | Win | 100 | 9 h 45 m | Show |
The two best teams in the East square off for the chance to go to the NBA finals. The Raptors had that amazing finish to their game 7 with Kwahi Leonard hitting that buzzer-beater to win the series. Have to wonder if the Raptors will have a bit of a letdown going into game one here. The Bucks have more rest, having dispatched the Celtics in relative easy fashion. You can make a case for either team here, but I do like the well rested Bucks to show why they were the best team in the NBA this season. Take Milwaukee. |
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05-15-19 | Astros -1.5 v. Tigers | 5-1 | Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show | |
The Astros domination of the Tigers continue here on Tuesday. Houston won the opener on Monday 8-1 and then again with last night's contest 11-4. That means Houston has outscored Detroit 19-5 in their two games thus far. Won't get any easier tonight for the Tigers as they face a very good vet in Justin Verlander. Verlander is 6-1 on the season with a nice 2.51 ERA and 0.820 WHIP. Verlander is coming off a seven inning performance at Texas where he allowed dno runs and one hit for the win. The Tigers will start Gregory Soto tonight. Soto has just one start this season and that didn't turn out well. Soto went just four innings at Minnesota, allowed nine hits and seven runs in the loss. I look for another total domination here tonight by the visitors. I'm going to lay the 1 1/5 runs with the Astros. Play Houston -1.5 runs. |
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05-14-19 | Rockies v. Red Sox -1.5 | 5-4 | Loss | -112 | 8 h 1 m | Show | |
The Red Sox bring a five-game win streak into tonight's contest against the NL's Colorado Rockies. This is a short, 2-game series between these Interleague teams. The Red Sox will send Chris Sale to the hill. Sale looking to regain that form that he had last year, looks to be getting back into that groove. Sale is just 1-5 on the season, but his ERA has dropped to 4.50 and WHIP is 1.114. Sale has pitched very well his last four starts, allowing two runs or less in each start with a total of five walks and 42 KO's. The Rockies will counter with Kyle Freeland who is 2-5 on the year with a 5.84 ERA and 1.343 WHIP. Freeland has not pitched well of late, allowing 14 earned runs over his last three starts (17 innings). Sale is looking much like his old self and that means I'll be laying the runs here with the host tonight. Play Boston -1.5 Runs. |
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05-12-19 | 76ers +6.5 v. Raptors | 90-92 | Win | 100 | 7 h 47 m | Show | |
Game 7 here in the Eastern conference semifinals for the right to advance and face the Milwaukee Bucks in the conference championships. This series has been evenly matched with both teams covering three games each. Philly has covered two of their three at home and Toronto has done the same. Kawhi Leonard has been the star for Toronto, but really has not always receive much support. The Sixers start his Joel Embiid, but illness has slowed him down in this series at times. Embiid played bad in game five with that illness, but rebounded for a fine game six performance where he had 17 points and 12 rebounds. This has been a close series and I find taking the points just too much to pass on here. I'm taking the dog in this one. Take Philadelphia. |
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05-12-19 | Blazers v. Nuggets -5.5 | Top | 100-96 | Loss | -105 | 3 h 18 m | Show |
IT's game 7 between the Blazers and Nuggets for the right to move to the Conference Championship series against the Warriors. The Blazers forced this game seven with a win at home in game six, 119-108. As I predicted in game one, these might be the most evenly matched teams in the NBA Playoffs and they have provided it here. The Nuggets have covered four of the six in this series though including two of three at home. A big concern for the Blazers here in game seven is center Niola Jokic. Jovic has been someone that the Blazers have been unable to contain. The game 7 experience goes to the Nuggets in this one and with Jokic being a force, I look for the Nuggets to cover and advance in this one. Take Denver. |
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05-10-19 | Warriors +7.5 v. Rockets | 118-113 | Win | 100 | 6 h 10 m | Show | |
The Warriors lead this best of seven series 3-2, but they lost a big cog in their wheel in Forward Kevin Durant. Durant was injured in the last game in what at first appeared to be a Achille's heal. However, now it looks to be a calf injury and while he won't play the rest of this series, might return in the next if the Warriors advance. The loss of Durant was the second big loss this post season, as DeMarcus Cousins was lost in the first series. Still, we are talking the Warriors here and they still have Stephen Curry and company left to contend with. And yet the Rockets are a 7-point favorite here tonight. Every game in this series has been close and even without Durant, I do expect the Warriors to be in this game. They could still easily lose this series, but the points here tonight are just too many to pass on. Take the Warriors. |
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05-08-19 | Rockets v. Warriors -6 | 99-104 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 27 m | Show | |
Houston and Golden State are tied at 2-2 in this series after Houston took both games at home. The Rockets won game four 112-108. Now the series moves back to Northern California for game five. This series has been close, with the Warriors winning both games at home but by margins of six and four. Last year, this is the same spot these teams were in, tied at two, but the Rockets won game five in Houston and Golden State took games six and seven. Draymond Green of Golden State probably put it best after game four. "We didn't match their physicality until the last four minutes of the game," he told reporters after the Game 4 loss. "It's been that way for about the last 96 minutes of the series, so we have to correct that." The Warriors don't want to go back to Houston down 2-3 and I expect them to put forth their best effort of the series here tonight. I'm laying the points with the home team tonight. Play Golden State. |
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05-08-19 | Celtics v. Bucks -8.5 | Top | 91-116 | Win | 100 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
Bucks can close out their series with the Celtics tonight on their home court. The Bucks, leading 2-1, took game four at Boston to take a commanding 3-1 lead in this best of seven series. Since their game one loss to the Celtics, Milwaukee has kept the Boston offense in check, holding them to 40, 43 and 38 percent from the field. They have also out rebounded the Celtics in the last three games. Moreover, Milwaukee has now covered seven of their eight playoff games this season. Boston won game one of the series by 22-points. Since then, they really haven't come close, losing by 21, 7 and 12 points in games two thru four. The Celtics are now 3-7 ATS their last 10 games vs a team with a 60% winning record. I believe the Bucks took the wind out of the Celtics sails with that game four win at Boston. Boston knows they can't take three straight from the NBA's best team during the regular season. I look for Milwaukee to wrap up this series tonight. Take Milwaukee. |
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05-07-19 | Blazers +5 v. Nuggets | 98-124 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 33 m | Show | |
This best of seven series between the Trailblazers and Nuggets is now tied at 2-2 after a Denver win in game four, 116-112. Of all the NBA series currently going on, I look at these two teams as the most evenly matched. That's why I like the dog here in this game. The Blazers have been very good following an ATS loss, going 15-7-1 ATS their last 23 games. Conversely, the Nuggets are just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 after an ATS win. The road team and dog has taken four of the last five in this series. I look for that trend to continue here with these evenly matched teams. I'm taking the points. Play Portland. |
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05-07-19 | 76ers +6.5 v. Raptors | 89-125 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 57 m | Show | |
The Sixers and Raptors are now tied at 2-2 in this best of seven series after the Raptors took game four at Philadelphia, 101-96. So far this has been a low scoring series with all four games going UNDER the total. Philly has also been a good covering team in these playoffs, with a 6-3 ATS record in nine games. The dog has been a good play in this series of late, with the dog taking four of the last five against the spread. I look for the Sixers to return with a win here tonight. Take Philadelphia. |
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05-06-19 | Marlins v. Cubs -1.5 | 6-5 | Loss | -118 | 8 h 53 m | Show | |
The Miami Marlins have one of the worst records in baseball with a 9-24 mark and bring a 3-game losing streak into today's game. The Marlins will turn to Sandy Alcantara today who is 1-3 overall in his six starts. Alcantara has a 4.86 ERA with a 1.560 WHIP and is coming off a 5 1/3 inning contest where he allowed six runs and seven hits. The Cubs have been red-hot, winners of seven straight games and now 19-12 on the season. The Cubs will start Cole Hamels who is 3-0 in his six starts this season. Hamels has a nice 3.19 ERA with a 1.091 WHIP. Hamels has allowed more than two earned runs just once since his opening start this season. I look for the hot Cubbies to dominate here today behind a solid Cole Hamels. I'm laying 1.5 runs with Chicago. |
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05-06-19 | Bucks v. Celtics -1.5 | 113-101 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 49 m | Show | |
Boston in a pretty much must-win spot here today as they down 1-2 in their best of seven series with the Bucks. The Celtics stole a game in Milwaukee, winning game one 112-90. They lost game two at Milwaukee, 102-123 and then lost game three at the Garden in Boston, 116-123. A loss tonight by the Celtics and the series looks to be lost. The Celtics do have history on their side in this matchup. They are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 meetings with the Bucks and 6-2 ATS at home. In addition, the favorite is 9-4 in their last 13 meetings. I look for the best effort tonight to be on the side of the Celtics. Take Boston. |
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05-05-19 | Astros -1.5 v. Angels | 10-4 | Win | 100 | 14 h 16 m | Show | |
Houston destroyed the Angels on Saturday, 14-2. The Astros improved to 19-14 on the season and snapped their 2-game losing streak. Justin Verlander starts today and is having another excellent season. Verlander is 4-1 in his seven starts with a 2.45 ERA and very good 0.864 WHIP. Verlander has been so consistent that he's allowed just one earned run in each of his last four starts (27 innings) with just five walks and 34 KO's. The Angels had their 4-game win streak snapped on Saturday, dropping them to 15-18. Matt Harvey toes the rubber today for the Halos. Harvey has a 1-2 record in his six starts with a lofty 6.54 ERA and 1.390 WHIP. Harvey not enjoying the kind of success he had in the NL with the Mets. The Angels will have a tough road today against one of the best pitchers in baseball. I'm laying the 1.5 runs with the Astros. |
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05-05-19 | Raptors v. 76ers -1.5 | Top | 101-96 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 41 m | Show |
The Philadelphia 76ers can take a commanding 3-1 lead in their best of seven series with the Raptors with a win today at home. The Sixers lost game one in Toronto, but then rebounded for wins in game 2 and game 3. The last game coming at home and a Philly blowout, 116-95. Philly saw it's shooting percentage skyrocket from 39% in games 1 and 2 to 51% in game three. They have also out rebounded the Raptors in all three games by a combined 169-142. I like the Sixers here in game four. They are controlling the boards, getting second shots and if they shoot anywhere near what they did in game three, this will be another Sixers blowout. Play Philadelphia. |
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05-04-19 | Warriors v. Rockets -3 | Top | 121-126 | Win | 100 | 10 h 1 m | Show |
The Houston Rockets are in that much dreaded "Must WIN" situation. As they return home to Houston they are down 0-2 in their best of seven series with the Warriors. The Warriors won game one, 104-100 and then game two 115-109. The Warriors shot 51% from the field in game one and 46% from the field in game two. Rebounds have been a big issue in this series, with the Rockets grabbing 39 in game one and 47 in game two. However, the Warriors grabbed 52 boards in both games to dominate that part of the game with Houston and why the Rockets are down 0-2 here today. I expect this is the game for Houston to pull out all the stops and they will have to hit those boards if they hope to stay alive in this series. Play HOUSTON. |
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05-03-19 | Nuggets +4 v. Blazers | 137-140 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show | |
The best of seven series is even at 1-1 as the series moves to the Northwest at Portland here for game three. Denver won game one of the series, 121-113 and then lost game two 90-97. Denver went from shooting 51% in game one to just 35% in game two. It will be difficult for Denver to shoot much worse here in game three and we shouldn't expect that. "We couldn't make a damn shot," head coach Mike Malone told reporters after the game. "We just have to be better. We have to come out more physical, be ready to play in Portland, and those shots will fall." The Nuggets have done well in this series, going 6-2-1 ATS their last nine overall vs the Blazers. They are also 5-2 ATS their last seven in Portland. I look for Denver to rebound here tonight and get those shots to start falling. Take Denver. |
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05-03-19 | Bucks v. Celtics -2 | 123-116 | Loss | -106 | 43 h 5 m | Show | |
Game three of this best of seven series moves to the Garden at Boston. The Celtics took game one and with it home court advantage. The Bucks rebounded in game two with a blowout win of their own. The Celtics are a small favorite here of 1 1/2 or 2 points. The Celtics are 18-7 ATS at home their last 25 against a team with a winning road record. They are also 8-2 ATS in their last 10 conference semifinals, 6-1 ATS their last seven and 8-2 ATS their last 10 games. These teams have met twice this year in Boston with the teams splitting their two games at the Garden. The Celtics still do well at home vs Milwaukee, going 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings in Boston. In addition, the favorite is 9-3 ATS their last 12 meetings and the Celtics are 11-4 ATS their last 15 overall meetings. I like Boston to take this game three at home. Play Boston. |
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05-01-19 | Rays -1.5 v. Royals | 2-8 | Loss | -121 | 6 h 23 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay has one of the best records in baseball at 19-9. The Rays are doing this with a very good pitching staff. In fact, of their six starters, Morton has the highest current ERA at 2.75. Today's starter will be Blake Snell, the AL Cy Young award winner for 2018. Snell is 2-2 on the season with a nice 2.54 ERA and 0.918 WHIP. Snell has pitched great since his opening start where he allowed five runs. Since that start, Snell has allowed four total runs in four starts (22 1/3 innings). Snell did go only 3 1/3 innings in his last start vs KC as he was battling a toe issue. However, that seems to be fine now and we should see Snell back to his normal self. The Royals have struggled to a 9-20 record and lost two straight and eight of their last 10 games. This is game 2 of the Wednesday doubleheader and the Royals will start Glenn Sparkman. Sparkman was called up to make a spot start here in game two. Sparkman has thrown 6 2/3 innings of relief for the Royals with a 8.10 ERA and 2.25 WHIP. Tall order for Sparkman here against the reigning Cy Young winner. Take Tampa Bay on the Run Line in game 2. |
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05-01-19 | Rays -1.5 v. Royals | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 3 h 3 m | Show | |
Doubleheader here on Wednesday as this contest was rained out on Tuesday. This game one matchup has Ryan Stanek making his eighth start. Stanek is a hard throwing reliever that has been started this year to basically old opponents to 1 or 2 scoreless innings. And, he's done a pretty good job with a 0.00 ERA in his 10 2/3 innings of work with no runs, one walk and 12 KO's. Jake Junis will start game one after missing Tuesday's rainout game. Junis is 2-2 with a 5.57 ERA and 1.485 WHIP. Junis has a 6.75 ERA at home in three starts this season. I like the Rays here in game one with Stanek doing his usual and not allowing any runs early. Play Tampa Bay -1.5 runs (game 1). |
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04-30-19 | Rockets +5.5 v. Warriors | 109-115 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 35 m | Show | |
Golden State took game one of this series in what was a very low scoring game, 104-100. Despite the low score, the Warriors still hit 51% of their shots from the field. Houston hit 42% of their shots from the field. The Rockets are now 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games and 5-0 ATS in their last five vs the NBA Pacific division. The Rockets have also been a great under team. Houston is 0-4 O/U in their last four road games, 6-20-2 O/U in their last 28 games with 1 day rest and 6-19-1 O/U in their last 26 overall games. The Warriors have had their issues covering games, evidenced by their 10-23-1 ATS mark in their last 34 home games. They are also 1-4 ATS in their last five conference semifinal games. Surprisingly, the Warriors have also been a good under team. They are 0-4 O/U in their last four conference semifinals and 5-16 O/U in their last 21 games playing on one day rest. They are also have gone under in 11 of their last 15 home games. I expect another close game here tonight. I'm taking the points with the Rockets. |
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04-29-19 | 76ers +6.5 v. Raptors | Top | 94-89 | Win | 100 | 20 h 58 m | Show |
Game two of this best of seven series has the Raptors leading 1-0 after Saturday's win at Toronto, 108-95. Toronto has now held opponents to fewer than 100 points in five straight games. It's rare for the Sixers offense to be held below the century mark, so don't look for that again here tonight. Philly has covered four of their last five games. In fact, they are 11-3 ATS their last 14 after a straight-up loss of 10 points or more. I do like the bounce back factor here tonight with the dog. I'm taking the points with Philly. |
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04-25-19 | Nuggets v. Spurs -2.5 | 103-120 | Win | 100 | 19 h 58 m | Show | |
The Spurs face elimination here tonight as Denver went up 3-2 in this best of seven series. The Spurs lost at Denver in game five, 90-108. The Spurs hit 41% of their shots compared to Denver's 50% and were out rebounded 47-55. The Nuggets have not done well in the quarterfinals, going just 3-9 ATS their last 12 tries. They are also 4-10 ATS their last 14 on one day of rest. The favorite seems to have the big edge in this series, covering 13 of the last 19 in this series. Spurs a small enough favorite here on Thursday for me to back them. I'm taking San Antonio to tie up this best of seven series here tonight. Play San Antonio. |
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04-24-19 | Royals v. Rays -1.5 | 10-2 | Loss | -117 | 2 h 6 m | Show | |
Early start here today as the red-hot Rays host the Kansas City Royals. Good news for the Rays is the return of Blake Snell today. Snell had a broken toe but looks to return here today. Snell is the reigning Cy-Young winner and a fluke accident had him with an ailing toe. But he and the Rays are confident his toe won't affect his pitching performance. Tampa is 16-8 on the season and has won two straight games. They face a 7-17 KC squad that now has lost five straight. The Royals will start Jake Junis who is 1-2 on the season. Junis has a 6.26 ERA and 1.537 WHIP. No brainer for me in this one. Snell is the best and if he's pitching he's healthy. Don't expect the struggling Royals to get much if anything here. I'll lay the 1.5 runs with the Rays. |
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04-23-19 | Thunder v. Blazers -4 | Top | 115-118 | Loss | -106 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
Portland can win this series tonight over the Thunder with a win on their home court. The Blazers split their two games in Oklahoma City, taking game four 111-98 and with it a commanding 3-1 series lead. Surprisingly, the Blazers defense has been the standout in this series, holding Oklahoma City to under 100 points in all three of their wins. Portland is now 25-9 ATS in their last 34 games when holding their opponent to less than 100 points in the previous game. They are also 43-21-1 ATS in their last 65 home games. Portland has now covered six of the last eight in this series and I expect them to close out this series tonight. Play Portland. |
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04-23-19 | Spurs +5.5 v. Nuggets | 90-108 | Loss | -102 | 9 h 31 m | Show | |
Denver won a very rare game at San Antonio and it was much needed as the Nuggets evened this series at 2-2 as they return home for tonight's game five. Of course it didn't help the Spurs that DeMar DeRozan was ejected for tossing the ball at the referee. The Nuggets changed their lineup and put their best defenders into the starting role and it worked. But will it work again tonight? I expect the Spurs to make their own adjustments here tonight and also get DeRozan off his frustration pity party he had in game four. The Spurs have already proven they can play well in Denver. I expect a bounce back game here tonight out of the Spurs. Play San Antonio. |
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04-23-19 | Royals v. Rays -1.5 | 2-5 | Win | 110 | 6 h 10 m | Show | |
Tampa Bay snapped it's short 4-game losing streak with a win on Monday over Kansas City, 6-3. Ryan Stanek starts today in their unique relief/starter package. Stanek will only go one or two innings, but he's been brilliant in this mode. Stanek has started five games, gone eight innings and allowed just two hits and no runs. He's also walked just one batter and struck out 11. The Royals have lost four straight and dropped to 7-16 on the season. Homer Bailey will get the start today for the Royals. Bailey has pitched well with a 2-1 record, 4.30 ERA and 1.087 WHIP. After a pair of shaky starts, Bailey has put together two nice starts where he's allowed just one run over 13 innings. Still, the Rays are playing great, especially in this role where they start a relief pitcher like Stanek. I'm going to lay the 1.5-runs here today with the Rays. Take Tampa Bay -1.5 Runs. |
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04-21-19 | Raptors v. Magic +5.5 | 107-85 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 7 m | Show | |
Toronto took a 2 game to 1 lead in this best of seven series with a win on the Magic home court on Friday, 98-93 as a 5.5-point favorite. The Raptors just failed to cover the spread by a half point and now have covered just one of their three playoff games against the Magic. The Magic kept it close in game three but came up just short. The Magic didn't shoot all that well, hitting 36.3% from the field and 29.5% from beyond the arc. What kept them close was free throws, as they had made 22 of 23 compared to just 9 of 10 by the Raptors. We get the same line here in game four and I expect another low scoring, close game. The Magic can regain home court with a win here tonight and I fully expect an all out effort from them to keep from going down 1-3. Play the Magic plus the points. |