10/12 Ruminations

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Who hasn't had the below feelings?

There's no such thing as a sure thing. Is there?
By DAVE TULEY

http://www.drf.com/news/article/50512.html

 

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http://www.drf.com/news/article/50428.html

The man everyone wants to hear
By DAVE TULEY

The most-anticipated first-round matchup in this year's Stardust Invitational football handicapping tournament takes place Friday night when oddsmaker Ken White takes on handicapper Lem Banker, possibly the best-known sports bettor of them all.

White, who won the first two editions of this nine-year-old event in 1995 and 1996, has been the owner and operator of Nevada Sports Executives since 1989, supplying odds and information to the Stardust and other sports books, and has said publicly that he is looking into buying Las Vegas Sports Consultants.

But the main attraction will be Banker, a winning sports bettor who shares his top plays on the "You Can Bet On It" radio show each Friday and on local newscasts. He is sure to have his own rooting section when each handicapper gives out seven plays in the hour-long program at 9 p.m. in the Stardust sports book (and aired live in nine western states on KDWN AM-720 and on the world wide web at kdwn.com).

"We've been trying to get Lem in the contest for years," race and sports book director Bob Scucci said. "We see this as a real coup. Both Lem and Ken have great opinions, and it should be a great show."

 

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Tough pick. I'll stick with the Giants -- who seem to be consistant and play with pride.
New York Giants +2.5 +102
New England Patriots -2.5 -112

I have to play Washington simply due to MA & KJ out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3.5 +104
Washington Redskins +3.5 -114

I have to play Oakland because the setup doesn't seem right. Oakland has too much talent and can outplay anybody when they are on -- I think they have some pride.
Oakland Raiders +3 +106
Cleveland Browns -3 -116

Indy is playing on all cylinders -- although I don't like the -5 spot -- I'll give it.
Carolina Panthers +5 -105
Indianapolis Colts -5 -105

I'll take KC because they only win.
Kansas City Chiefs +2 -106
Green Bay Packers -2 -104

I'll take Houston because Tennessee plays so much ball contol.
Houston Texans +9.5 -107
Tennessee Titans -9.5 -103

Byron up against Dol's secondary? Only bad things can happen at this point of his career.
Miami Dolphins -3 -123
Jacksonville Jaguars +3 +113

I'll take Chicago simply because NO is a NFL Europe type performer.
Chicago Bears +6 -108
New Orleans Saints -6 -102

Why not win another to spite Rush? I'll take Don over Quincy ever day of the I-have-a-gambling-problem-season.
Philadelphia Eagles +1 -105
Dallas Cowboys -1 -105 -110

I'll take Buffalo -- despite their abysmal performance the last 3-week.
Buffalo Bills -2.5 -112
New York Jets +2.5 +102

Denve @ home is a little too much for Mr. M. I'll take the Broncos.
Pittsburgh Steelers +7 -108
Denver Broncos -7 -102 -

I'll take the Ravens. What Arizona team will show up? It won't matter.
Baltimore Ravens -5.5 -110
Arizona Cardinals +5.5 +100

I'll take SF -- because Seattle really aren't as good as some folks think.
San Francisco 49ers +3.5 -103
Seattle Seahawks -3.5 -107

 

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Top plays:

1) Miami (-3)
2) Oakland (+3)
3) KC/GB (> 47.5)
4) KC (+2)
5) Denver (-7)
6) Phili (+1)

Oren1 -- you are all over Oakland with me? Right? (I know you are off the Raider bandwagon!)

 

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3-2 with Denver game going.