Total Talk - WC Saturday
By Chris David
Week 17 Recap
Despite seeing a handful of high-scoring affairs, the ‘under’ produced a 9-7 mark in Week 17. The Steelers and Bengals closed out Sunday Night with an ‘under’ winners, which was a rare occurrence for the primetime games this season. Including that outcome, total players watched the ‘over’ go 33-17 (66%) in night games this season.
Looking at the overall numbers, there was a nice back and forth for bettors this season. The ‘under’ went 49-46-1 in divisional games while non-conference (NFC vs. AFC) matchups saw the ‘over’ go 34-30. Overall, the ‘under’ went 134-120-2 in the 256 games played during the regular season.
Wild Card Trends
The first round of the playoffs has watched the ‘under’ go 7-1 (87.5%) the last two years and 25-15 (62.5%) in the last 10 years. We do have lower totals for this week’s Wild Card games, which might help bettors playing the infamous “due” factor.
First Round Total History (2004-2013)
2004 (Under 3-1) 2005 (Under 3-1)
St. Louis 27 Seattle 20 - UNDER 50.5 Washington 17 Tampa Bay 10 - UNDER 37
N.Y. Jets 20 San Diego 17 - UNDER 43 New England 28 Jacksonville - UNDER 37
Indianapolis 49 Denver 24 - OVER 56 Carolina 23 N.Y. Giants 0 - UNDER 43.5
Minnesota 31 Green Bay 17 - UNDER 49.5 Pittsburgh 31 Cincinnati 17 - OVER 46.5
2006 (Under 3-1) 2007 (Total 2-2)
Indianapolis 23 Kansas City 8 - UNDER 50.5 Seattle 35 Washington 14 - OVER 39
Seattle 21 Dallas 20 - UNDER 48 Jacksonville 31 Pittsburgh 29 - OVER 41
New England 37 N.Y. Jets 16 - OVER 38.5 N.Y. Giants 24 Tampa Bay 14 - UNDER 39.5
Philadelphia 23 N.Y. Giants - UNDER 45.5 San Diego 17 Tennessee 6 - UNDER 39
2008 (Under 3-1) 2009 (Over 4-0)
Arizona 30 Atlanta 24 - OVER 51.5 N.Y. Jets 24 Cincinnati 14 - OVER 34
San Diego 23 Indianapolis 17 - UNDER 49 Dallas 34 Philadelphia 14 - OVER 45.5
Baltimore 27 Miami 9 - UNDER 38 Baltimore 33 New England 14 - OVER 43.5
Philadelphia 26 Minnesota 14 - UNDER 41 Arizona 51 Green Bay 45 - OVER 48
2010 (Under 3-1) 2011 (Over 3-1)
Seattle 41 New Orleans 36 - OVER 45.5 Cincinnati 10 Houston 31 - OVER 38
N.Y. Jets 17 Indianapolis 16 - UNDER 44 Detroit 28 New Orleans 45 - OVER 59.5
Baltimore 30 Kansas City 7 - UNDER 41 Atlanta 2 N.Y. Giants 24 - UNDER 47
Green Bay 21 Philadelphia 16 - UNDER 46.5 Pittsburgh 23 Denver 29 - OVER 34
2012 (Under 4-0) 2013 (Under 3-1)
Cincinnati 13 Houston 19 - UNDER 42.5 Kansas City 44 Indianapolis 45 - OVER 48
Minnesota 10 Green Bay 24 - UNDER 44 New Orleans 26 Philadelphia 24 - UNDER 55.5
Indianapolis 9 Baltimore 24 - UNDER 47.5 San Diego 27 Cincinnati 10 - UNDER 47.5
Seattle 24 Washington 14 - UNDER 45 San Francisco 23 Green Bay 20 - UNDER 46.5
Saturday, Jan. 3
For the playoffs, I’m going to break down each day and offer up my quick handicap and prediction on all the matchups. For those keeping track, I closed the regular season slightly in the red ($170). As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!
Arizona at Carolina
Oddsmakers opened this total at 39 and it’s down to 38 at most betting shops as of Friday. During this year’s regular season, there were six games with totals listed in the thirties and the ‘under’ went 4-1-1 in those contests. That note alone tells you to expect a low-scoring affair and when you look at the form for both clubs and the trends, it’s hard to argue against the downward move.
Even though quarterback Ryan Lindley appears to be showing some confidence, Arizona’s offense is still limited with him under center. He nearly completed 60 percent of his passes in last week’s 20-17 loss at San Francisco, but was also picked off three times. Even before Lindley took over the full-time duties, Arizona was struggling on offense. The Cardinals averaged 12.6 PPG in their last six games, which has resulted in a 2-4 mark.
Arizona will now be facing a Carolina defense that has allowed a total of 43 points in their last four games. Ironically, the Panthers gave up more points in their two home games (30) against guys named McCown, Manziel and Hoyer then they did against Brees and Ryan in the domes.
Arizona has watched the ‘under’ go 9-5-2 this season and that includes a 4-2-2 record on the road. The strength of the Cardinals has been their defense but the lack of offensive chemistry has taken a toll on the defense. In its last three games, Arizona’s unit has surrendered an average of 423 yards per game, which is the worst in the league. During this same span, Carolina has allowed 267 YPG, ranked fourth.
The Panthers have seen the ‘over/under’ go 8-8 this season but make no mistake that this is a strong ‘under’ team when playing at home. The Panthers have watched the ‘under’ go 13-4 in their last 17 games played at Bank of America Stadium, which includes a 6-2 mark this season.
Carolina has averaged less points at home (18.2) than on the road (24.1) this season. Outside of a 31-point performance against Chicago in Week 5 at home, the team hasn’t shown any explosiveness in Charlotte.
Not much history between the pair but they did meet in the 2013 regular season and Arizona captured a 22-6 home win. The Cardinals haven’t been in the playoffs since 2009 while the Panthers made a trip last season and lost at home in the divisional round to the 49ers, 23-10.
Fearless Prediction: I’m leaning to the ‘under’ but I believe the best wager in this matchup is the UNDER 21 ½ in the Carolina Panthers team total. As mentioned above, the Panthers have had trouble scoring at home and Arizona’s defense is sound against the run. Barring defensive or special teams strikes, I don’t see Carolina posting more than four scores and I expect them to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
The third and final meeting between the Steelers and Ravens won’t be an easy handicap for total bettors. This number opened at 47 and has dropped to 45 at most betting shops as of Friday.
A lot of pundits are focusing on the status of Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell (knee), who is listed as ‘out’ for Saturday. I don’t want to take anything away from Bell but the Steelers diced up the Ravens 43-23 behind QB Ben Roethlisberger (6 TDs, 340 yards) in their recent encounter. Not having Bell makes Pittsburgh more one dimensional, which is usually a good thing if you’re leaning ‘over’ on Saturday.
Despite two straight ‘under’ tickets at Heinz Field, the Steelers have been a solid ‘over’ team at home (6-2) and they have a knack for scoring in night games, 28.3 PPG in six primetime games this season. Pittsburgh has gone 5-1 both SU and ATS in those tilts with the one loss coming at Baltimore (26-6) in Week 1.
The Ravens enter the postseason with a 4-0 ‘under’ streak but outside of Miami and Ryan Tannehill, the defense hasn’t faced a formidable offense or quarterback during the last quarter of the season.
Offensively, Baltimore has averaged 25.3 PPG on the road this season, which has helped the ‘over’ go 5-3.
Including the two regular season meetings this season, the ‘over/under’ has gone 3-3 in the last six clashes but the totals have been getting higher, similar to the rest of the NFL.
The Steelers will be making their first playoff appearance since 2009 when they lost to the Broncos 29-23 on the road in the Wild Card round. Head coach Mike Tomlin has gone 5-3 in the playoffs for the Steelers behind an offense that has averaged 27.1 PPG, which has helped the ‘over’ go a perfect 8-0.
Since John Harbaugh took over the Ravens in 2008, he’s led the team to a 9-4 record in the playoffs. What’s even more impressive about that mark is seven of the wins came on the road. Baltimore has been known for its defense but the club has averaged 23.7 PPG in the playoffs under Harbaugh. During their Super Bowl run two years ago, Baltimore scored 24, 38, 28 and 34 points.
Tomlin and Harbaugh have already matched wits twice in the playoffs and the Steelers won both encounters (23-14, 31-24) at Heinz Field. The totals on those contests ranged between 35 ½ and 38 points and the ‘over’ connected in both.
Fearless Prediction: Even though the weather isn’t expected to be great on Saturday night, my best wager for this game is playing the OVER 45. I can’t ignore the tendencies for both teams and both Flacco and Roethlisberger are legit quarterbacks that like to take chances. I expect both teams to get a minimum of four scores (at least 20 points) and wouldn’t be surprised to see short tracks created due to the weather. Winner should get at least 27 points in a tightly contested matchu
By Chris David
Week 17 Recap
Despite seeing a handful of high-scoring affairs, the ‘under’ produced a 9-7 mark in Week 17. The Steelers and Bengals closed out Sunday Night with an ‘under’ winners, which was a rare occurrence for the primetime games this season. Including that outcome, total players watched the ‘over’ go 33-17 (66%) in night games this season.
Looking at the overall numbers, there was a nice back and forth for bettors this season. The ‘under’ went 49-46-1 in divisional games while non-conference (NFC vs. AFC) matchups saw the ‘over’ go 34-30. Overall, the ‘under’ went 134-120-2 in the 256 games played during the regular season.
Wild Card Trends
The first round of the playoffs has watched the ‘under’ go 7-1 (87.5%) the last two years and 25-15 (62.5%) in the last 10 years. We do have lower totals for this week’s Wild Card games, which might help bettors playing the infamous “due” factor.
First Round Total History (2004-2013)
2004 (Under 3-1) 2005 (Under 3-1)
St. Louis 27 Seattle 20 - UNDER 50.5 Washington 17 Tampa Bay 10 - UNDER 37
N.Y. Jets 20 San Diego 17 - UNDER 43 New England 28 Jacksonville - UNDER 37
Indianapolis 49 Denver 24 - OVER 56 Carolina 23 N.Y. Giants 0 - UNDER 43.5
Minnesota 31 Green Bay 17 - UNDER 49.5 Pittsburgh 31 Cincinnati 17 - OVER 46.5
2006 (Under 3-1) 2007 (Total 2-2)
Indianapolis 23 Kansas City 8 - UNDER 50.5 Seattle 35 Washington 14 - OVER 39
Seattle 21 Dallas 20 - UNDER 48 Jacksonville 31 Pittsburgh 29 - OVER 41
New England 37 N.Y. Jets 16 - OVER 38.5 N.Y. Giants 24 Tampa Bay 14 - UNDER 39.5
Philadelphia 23 N.Y. Giants - UNDER 45.5 San Diego 17 Tennessee 6 - UNDER 39
2008 (Under 3-1) 2009 (Over 4-0)
Arizona 30 Atlanta 24 - OVER 51.5 N.Y. Jets 24 Cincinnati 14 - OVER 34
San Diego 23 Indianapolis 17 - UNDER 49 Dallas 34 Philadelphia 14 - OVER 45.5
Baltimore 27 Miami 9 - UNDER 38 Baltimore 33 New England 14 - OVER 43.5
Philadelphia 26 Minnesota 14 - UNDER 41 Arizona 51 Green Bay 45 - OVER 48
2010 (Under 3-1) 2011 (Over 3-1)
Seattle 41 New Orleans 36 - OVER 45.5 Cincinnati 10 Houston 31 - OVER 38
N.Y. Jets 17 Indianapolis 16 - UNDER 44 Detroit 28 New Orleans 45 - OVER 59.5
Baltimore 30 Kansas City 7 - UNDER 41 Atlanta 2 N.Y. Giants 24 - UNDER 47
Green Bay 21 Philadelphia 16 - UNDER 46.5 Pittsburgh 23 Denver 29 - OVER 34
2012 (Under 4-0) 2013 (Under 3-1)
Cincinnati 13 Houston 19 - UNDER 42.5 Kansas City 44 Indianapolis 45 - OVER 48
Minnesota 10 Green Bay 24 - UNDER 44 New Orleans 26 Philadelphia 24 - UNDER 55.5
Indianapolis 9 Baltimore 24 - UNDER 47.5 San Diego 27 Cincinnati 10 - UNDER 47.5
Seattle 24 Washington 14 - UNDER 45 San Francisco 23 Green Bay 20 - UNDER 46.5
Saturday, Jan. 3
For the playoffs, I’m going to break down each day and offer up my quick handicap and prediction on all the matchups. For those keeping track, I closed the regular season slightly in the red ($170). As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck!
Arizona at Carolina
Oddsmakers opened this total at 39 and it’s down to 38 at most betting shops as of Friday. During this year’s regular season, there were six games with totals listed in the thirties and the ‘under’ went 4-1-1 in those contests. That note alone tells you to expect a low-scoring affair and when you look at the form for both clubs and the trends, it’s hard to argue against the downward move.
Even though quarterback Ryan Lindley appears to be showing some confidence, Arizona’s offense is still limited with him under center. He nearly completed 60 percent of his passes in last week’s 20-17 loss at San Francisco, but was also picked off three times. Even before Lindley took over the full-time duties, Arizona was struggling on offense. The Cardinals averaged 12.6 PPG in their last six games, which has resulted in a 2-4 mark.
Arizona will now be facing a Carolina defense that has allowed a total of 43 points in their last four games. Ironically, the Panthers gave up more points in their two home games (30) against guys named McCown, Manziel and Hoyer then they did against Brees and Ryan in the domes.
Arizona has watched the ‘under’ go 9-5-2 this season and that includes a 4-2-2 record on the road. The strength of the Cardinals has been their defense but the lack of offensive chemistry has taken a toll on the defense. In its last three games, Arizona’s unit has surrendered an average of 423 yards per game, which is the worst in the league. During this same span, Carolina has allowed 267 YPG, ranked fourth.
The Panthers have seen the ‘over/under’ go 8-8 this season but make no mistake that this is a strong ‘under’ team when playing at home. The Panthers have watched the ‘under’ go 13-4 in their last 17 games played at Bank of America Stadium, which includes a 6-2 mark this season.
Carolina has averaged less points at home (18.2) than on the road (24.1) this season. Outside of a 31-point performance against Chicago in Week 5 at home, the team hasn’t shown any explosiveness in Charlotte.
Not much history between the pair but they did meet in the 2013 regular season and Arizona captured a 22-6 home win. The Cardinals haven’t been in the playoffs since 2009 while the Panthers made a trip last season and lost at home in the divisional round to the 49ers, 23-10.
Fearless Prediction: I’m leaning to the ‘under’ but I believe the best wager in this matchup is the UNDER 21 ½ in the Carolina Panthers team total. As mentioned above, the Panthers have had trouble scoring at home and Arizona’s defense is sound against the run. Barring defensive or special teams strikes, I don’t see Carolina posting more than four scores and I expect them to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
The third and final meeting between the Steelers and Ravens won’t be an easy handicap for total bettors. This number opened at 47 and has dropped to 45 at most betting shops as of Friday.
A lot of pundits are focusing on the status of Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell (knee), who is listed as ‘out’ for Saturday. I don’t want to take anything away from Bell but the Steelers diced up the Ravens 43-23 behind QB Ben Roethlisberger (6 TDs, 340 yards) in their recent encounter. Not having Bell makes Pittsburgh more one dimensional, which is usually a good thing if you’re leaning ‘over’ on Saturday.
Despite two straight ‘under’ tickets at Heinz Field, the Steelers have been a solid ‘over’ team at home (6-2) and they have a knack for scoring in night games, 28.3 PPG in six primetime games this season. Pittsburgh has gone 5-1 both SU and ATS in those tilts with the one loss coming at Baltimore (26-6) in Week 1.
The Ravens enter the postseason with a 4-0 ‘under’ streak but outside of Miami and Ryan Tannehill, the defense hasn’t faced a formidable offense or quarterback during the last quarter of the season.
Offensively, Baltimore has averaged 25.3 PPG on the road this season, which has helped the ‘over’ go 5-3.
Including the two regular season meetings this season, the ‘over/under’ has gone 3-3 in the last six clashes but the totals have been getting higher, similar to the rest of the NFL.
The Steelers will be making their first playoff appearance since 2009 when they lost to the Broncos 29-23 on the road in the Wild Card round. Head coach Mike Tomlin has gone 5-3 in the playoffs for the Steelers behind an offense that has averaged 27.1 PPG, which has helped the ‘over’ go a perfect 8-0.
Since John Harbaugh took over the Ravens in 2008, he’s led the team to a 9-4 record in the playoffs. What’s even more impressive about that mark is seven of the wins came on the road. Baltimore has been known for its defense but the club has averaged 23.7 PPG in the playoffs under Harbaugh. During their Super Bowl run two years ago, Baltimore scored 24, 38, 28 and 34 points.
Tomlin and Harbaugh have already matched wits twice in the playoffs and the Steelers won both encounters (23-14, 31-24) at Heinz Field. The totals on those contests ranged between 35 ½ and 38 points and the ‘over’ connected in both.
Fearless Prediction: Even though the weather isn’t expected to be great on Saturday night, my best wager for this game is playing the OVER 45. I can’t ignore the tendencies for both teams and both Flacco and Roethlisberger are legit quarterbacks that like to take chances. I expect both teams to get a minimum of four scores (at least 20 points) and wouldn’t be surprised to see short tracks created due to the weather. Winner should get at least 27 points in a tightly contested matchu
NFL
Trends
ARIZONA vs. CAROLINA
Arizona is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Carolina is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
BALTIMORE vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Trends
ARIZONA vs. CAROLINA
Arizona is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Carolina is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
BALTIMORE vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
BOB BALFE
Saturday NFL Playoff Comp Pick
Panthers -7 over Cardinals
Forget about the records in the regular season as they mean nothing now. The odds makers have this line pumped up because the Cardinals have been dealt the worst hand you could possibly have going into a January playoff game. Ryan Lindley will start for the Cardinals where he has just one regular season win in his career. This team is just 4-4 on the road and rank dead last in the NFL running the football. This roster only has 11 guys with playoff experience on it. Carolina is peaking at the right time. For starters this team won the division last year and again this year. This offense went through a patch this year with not one healthy running back on the roster. Literally not one. The Panthers are now healthier and are starting to find a combo on their offensive line that is working for them. Carolina when healthy was supposed to be a playoff team. Cam Newton is a duel threat QB that should take advantage of a banged up defense. This Arizona team is limping into this game and are a long way from Carson Palmer being in control of this offense. When you are limited at the QB position and at running back you basically have no shot to win the football game on the road. Carolina has been playing flawless on both sides of the ball the last few weeks and the momentum and energy in this stadium will be too much for Arizona to handle. Take the Panthers.
Saturday NFL Playoff Comp Pick
Panthers -7 over Cardinals
Forget about the records in the regular season as they mean nothing now. The odds makers have this line pumped up because the Cardinals have been dealt the worst hand you could possibly have going into a January playoff game. Ryan Lindley will start for the Cardinals where he has just one regular season win in his career. This team is just 4-4 on the road and rank dead last in the NFL running the football. This roster only has 11 guys with playoff experience on it. Carolina is peaking at the right time. For starters this team won the division last year and again this year. This offense went through a patch this year with not one healthy running back on the roster. Literally not one. The Panthers are now healthier and are starting to find a combo on their offensive line that is working for them. Carolina when healthy was supposed to be a playoff team. Cam Newton is a duel threat QB that should take advantage of a banged up defense. This Arizona team is limping into this game and are a long way from Carson Palmer being in control of this offense. When you are limited at the QB position and at running back you basically have no shot to win the football game on the road. Carolina has been playing flawless on both sides of the ball the last few weeks and the momentum and energy in this stadium will be too much for Arizona to handle. Take the Panthers.
[h=1]Today's NHL Picks[/h] [h=2]Philadelphia at New Jersey[/h] The Flyers head to New Jersey tonight to face a Devils team that is 0-7 in its last 7 Saturday games. Philadelphia is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+105). Here are all of today's NHL picks.
| SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 Time Posted: 10:00 a.m. EST |
| Game 1-2: Ottawa at Boston (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.362; Boston 11.719 Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 5 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-180); 5 Dunkel Pick: Boston (-180); Over |
| Game 3-4: Nashville at Los Angeles (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 12.323; Los Angeles 10.853 Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 4 Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-125); 5 Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+105); Under |
| Game 5-6: Montreal at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 12.607; Pittsburgh 11.565 Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 4 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-150); 5 Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130); Under |
| Game 7-8: Buffalo at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 9.752; NY Rangers 12.375 Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 2 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-325); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-325); Over |
| Game 9-10: Philadelphia at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.651; New Jersey 10.221 Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-125); 5 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+105); Over |
| Game 11-12: Toronto at Winnipeg (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.212; Winnipeg 11.775 Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1 1/2; 5 Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-145); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-145); Under |
| Game 13-14: Columbus at Arizona (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.078; Arizona 10.019 Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 2; 4 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Arizona (-115); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-105); Under |
| Game 15-16: Minnesota at Dallas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnnesota 10.663; Dallas 12.069 Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 6 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-140); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-140); Over |
| Game 17-18: Detroit at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.556; Vancouver 10.102 Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; ;5 Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-125); 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+105); Under |
| Game 19-20: St. Louis at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.756; San Jose 12.104 Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 5 1/2 Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-140); 5 Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-140); ;Over |
Updated Pointwise (Jan 2nd-8th):
Wild Card Games - Prophecy
Carolina 20 - Arizona 19 --- Rating 6
Pittsburgh 34 - Baltimore 27 --- Rating 6
Indy 38 - Cincinnati 24 --- Rating 4
Dallas 31 - Detroit 17 --- Rating 4
Florida 33 - East Carolina 31 --- Rating 6
Arkansas State 37 - Toledo 36 --- Rating 6
Wild Card Games - Prophecy
Carolina 20 - Arizona 19 --- Rating 6
Pittsburgh 34 - Baltimore 27 --- Rating 6
Indy 38 - Cincinnati 24 --- Rating 4
Dallas 31 - Detroit 17 --- Rating 4
Florida 33 - East Carolina 31 --- Rating 6
Arkansas State 37 - Toledo 36 --- Rating 6
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NCAAF Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on OVER in Florida vs. East Carolina @ 12:00 p.m. ET
The Florida Gators face the East Carolina Pirates in the Birmingham Bowl Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on OVER in Florida with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. East Carolina can put up points in a hurry, thanks to a passing game that finished third overall in the country – airing it out for 367.3 yards per game. Pirates QB Shane Carden and WR Justin Hardy have been the engines behind this offense, putting up more than 37 points per game. 2. The Gators are a program in flux right now with soon-fired defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin set as the interim coach for this bowl game. Durkin is going to be shown the door after this game so expect him to take some chances on both sides of the ball, which can mean big strikes for points on offense and defense. 3. While Florida is known more for its defense this season, the Gators have plenty of weapons with the football. We’ve seen this squad lay some lumber on teams recently, including a 52-3 win over FCS Eastern Kentucky. The Pirates defense has found itself in the middle of shootouts over the last four games of the year, giving up 124 points in that span and playing Over in three of those four outings.
Play on OVER in Florida as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.
NFL Jan 03 '15
4:35p Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers
Take: Arizona Cardinals +6½-110 in 5h
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Arizona at Carolina @ 4:35 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Arizona with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Arizona could be the most well-coached team in the NFL with Bruce Arians continuing to get the best out of his players. This Cardinals team has been decimated by injuries all year but continues to compete each and every Sunday. 2. The Cardinals have a speedy defense that can keeps them in any game. Arizona’s blitz-happy attack forces opponents into mistakes, which the Cardinals capitalize on. They grabbed 18 interceptions on the year and will try to contain Cam Newton and make him beat them with his arm. Newton had at least one interception in all but five games this season. 3. How good is Carolina really? The team picked up steam toward the end of the year and it was enough to win the NFL’s booby prize – AKA the NFC South title. The Panthers’ four-game winning streak featured three division opponents and the floundering Browns. Arizona has faced stiff competition week in and week out in the NFC West.
Play on Arizona as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.
Pick released on Jan 01 at 12:48 pm
-= TOP PLAY =-
NFL Jan 03 '15
8:15p Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Take: Baltimore Ravens +4-110 in 9h
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Baltimore at Pittsburgh @ 8:15 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Baltimore with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Steelers are holding their breath when it comes to the status of dynamic running back Le'Veon Bell, who has been the engine of one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL. Bell is nursing a knee injury and even if he can go, he won’t be 100 percent. Bell’s ability to run the ball and catch the short pass and pick up gains has kept defenses honest. If he’s unable to do that Saturday, Pittsburgh’s offense is very one dimensional. 2. With Bell dinged up, the Ravens will unleash their vaunted pass rush on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Baltimore has 49 sacks on the season – third most in the NFL – and can take advantage of a Pittsburgh offensive line that has struggled with protection on the past. 3. The Steelers live and die by the deep play, relying on big strikes downfield to keep the offense afloat. However, Pittsburgh has also been exposed by the big play on defense, allowing 30 passes of 25 yards or more and 56 runs of 25 yards or more this season. Baltimore has dangerous deep targets in Steve Smith and Torrey Smith, and RB Justin Forsett has erupted for massive gains in the second half of the season, averaging almost 94 yards rushing a game in he final seven contests.
Play on Baltimore as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.
NFL Jan 04 '15
1:00p Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Colts
Take: Total 49 ov-110 in 1d
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on OVER in Indianapolis vs. Cincinnati @ 1:05 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts host the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on OVER in Indianapolis with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Colts have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, putting up an average of 28.6 points on 406.6 yards per game, including the top-ranked pass attack that throws for 305.9 yards a contest. Indianapolis passes on 62.44 percent of its snaps, which keeps the chains moving and clock stopped – a perfect Over combo. 2. The Bengals defense has been a major weakness all season long and didn’t improve down the stretch. Cincinnati gave up 28 points to Denver and 27 points to Pittsburgh – two of the top passing teams in the league – and now face another airborne attack in Indianapolis. The Bengals record only 20 sacks on the season and their pass rush isn’t putting any pressure on opposing passers. 3. The Bengals have the ability to control the tempo and clock with their running game. But if the defense can’t hold up against the Colts, Cincinnati will be force to abandon the ground-and-pound playbook and open up the passing game. Bengals WR AJ Green returned to practice this week and is expected to be cleared to play Sunday after suffering a mild concussion against the Steelers last Sunday.
Play on OVER in Indianapolis as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.
Pick released on Jan 01 at 02:52 pm
-= TOP PLAY =-
NFL Jan 04 '15
4:40p Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys
Take: Detroit Lions +6½+100 in 1d
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Detroit at Dallas @ 4:40 p.m. ET
The Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Detroit with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Lions defense is No. 1 against the run, giving up only 69.3 yards on the ground per game. Detroit will stuff Dallas RB DeMarco Murray and put the game on Tony Romo’s shoulders. The Lions defensive line is able to get pressure by itself, allowing the linebackers to drop into coverage and plug up the passing lanes. 2. Detroit’s offense has underperformed all season but on paper, the Lions have some of the best weapons in the game. Dallas’ defense has gotten away with a lot this year, thanks in part to the offense limiting the amount of exposure they have on the field. Detroit should exploit that soft stop unit and find its potent pass game once again. 3. AT&T Stadium is hardly home-field advantage for the Cowboys. Dallas was perfect on the road but went only 4-4 SU and 3-5 ATS as hosts this season. Opponents get up to play in the league’s premier stadium and visiting fans will make the trip to cheer on their team when you have a destination like “Jerry’s World”. The indoor track in Arlington appeals to the Lions up-tempo pace, with players like Calvin Johnson, Golden State and Reggie Bush enjoying the fast surface in Dallas.
Play on Detroit as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.
The Florida Gators face the East Carolina Pirates in the Birmingham Bowl Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on OVER in Florida with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. East Carolina can put up points in a hurry, thanks to a passing game that finished third overall in the country – airing it out for 367.3 yards per game. Pirates QB Shane Carden and WR Justin Hardy have been the engines behind this offense, putting up more than 37 points per game. 2. The Gators are a program in flux right now with soon-fired defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin set as the interim coach for this bowl game. Durkin is going to be shown the door after this game so expect him to take some chances on both sides of the ball, which can mean big strikes for points on offense and defense. 3. While Florida is known more for its defense this season, the Gators have plenty of weapons with the football. We’ve seen this squad lay some lumber on teams recently, including a 52-3 win over FCS Eastern Kentucky. The Pirates defense has found itself in the middle of shootouts over the last four games of the year, giving up 124 points in that span and playing Over in three of those four outings.
Play on OVER in Florida as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.
NFL Jan 03 '15
4:35p Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers
Take: Arizona Cardinals +6½-110 in 5h
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Saturday 8* (Regular Play) on Arizona at Carolina @ 4:35 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Arizona with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. Arizona could be the most well-coached team in the NFL with Bruce Arians continuing to get the best out of his players. This Cardinals team has been decimated by injuries all year but continues to compete each and every Sunday. 2. The Cardinals have a speedy defense that can keeps them in any game. Arizona’s blitz-happy attack forces opponents into mistakes, which the Cardinals capitalize on. They grabbed 18 interceptions on the year and will try to contain Cam Newton and make him beat them with his arm. Newton had at least one interception in all but five games this season. 3. How good is Carolina really? The team picked up steam toward the end of the year and it was enough to win the NFL’s booby prize – AKA the NFC South title. The Panthers’ four-game winning streak featured three division opponents and the floundering Browns. Arizona has faced stiff competition week in and week out in the NFC West.
Play on Arizona as an 8* Regular Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.
Pick released on Jan 01 at 12:48 pm
-= TOP PLAY =-
NFL Jan 03 '15
8:15p Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Take: Baltimore Ravens +4-110 in 9h
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Saturday 10* (Top Play) on Baltimore at Pittsburgh @ 8:15 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens Saturday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Baltimore with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Steelers are holding their breath when it comes to the status of dynamic running back Le'Veon Bell, who has been the engine of one of the most powerful offenses in the NFL. Bell is nursing a knee injury and even if he can go, he won’t be 100 percent. Bell’s ability to run the ball and catch the short pass and pick up gains has kept defenses honest. If he’s unable to do that Saturday, Pittsburgh’s offense is very one dimensional. 2. With Bell dinged up, the Ravens will unleash their vaunted pass rush on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Baltimore has 49 sacks on the season – third most in the NFL – and can take advantage of a Pittsburgh offensive line that has struggled with protection on the past. 3. The Steelers live and die by the deep play, relying on big strikes downfield to keep the offense afloat. However, Pittsburgh has also been exposed by the big play on defense, allowing 30 passes of 25 yards or more and 56 runs of 25 yards or more this season. Baltimore has dangerous deep targets in Steve Smith and Torrey Smith, and RB Justin Forsett has erupted for massive gains in the second half of the season, averaging almost 94 yards rushing a game in he final seven contests.
Play on Baltimore as a 10* Top Selection Saturday.
Good luck, Scott.
NFL Jan 04 '15
1:00p Cincinnati Bengals vs Indianapolis Colts
Take: Total 49 ov-110 in 1d
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* (Regular Play) on OVER in Indianapolis vs. Cincinnati @ 1:05 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts host the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on OVER in Indianapolis with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Colts have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, putting up an average of 28.6 points on 406.6 yards per game, including the top-ranked pass attack that throws for 305.9 yards a contest. Indianapolis passes on 62.44 percent of its snaps, which keeps the chains moving and clock stopped – a perfect Over combo. 2. The Bengals defense has been a major weakness all season long and didn’t improve down the stretch. Cincinnati gave up 28 points to Denver and 27 points to Pittsburgh – two of the top passing teams in the league – and now face another airborne attack in Indianapolis. The Bengals record only 20 sacks on the season and their pass rush isn’t putting any pressure on opposing passers. 3. The Bengals have the ability to control the tempo and clock with their running game. But if the defense can’t hold up against the Colts, Cincinnati will be force to abandon the ground-and-pound playbook and open up the passing game. Bengals WR AJ Green returned to practice this week and is expected to be cleared to play Sunday after suffering a mild concussion against the Steelers last Sunday.
Play on OVER in Indianapolis as an 8* Regular Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.
Pick released on Jan 01 at 02:52 pm
-= TOP PLAY =-
NFL Jan 04 '15
4:40p Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys
Take: Detroit Lions +6½+100 in 1d
Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* (Top Play) on Detroit at Dallas @ 4:40 p.m. ET
The Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions Sunday. “The Bulldog” breaks down his selection on Detroit with his Three-Factor Analysis: 1. The Lions defense is No. 1 against the run, giving up only 69.3 yards on the ground per game. Detroit will stuff Dallas RB DeMarco Murray and put the game on Tony Romo’s shoulders. The Lions defensive line is able to get pressure by itself, allowing the linebackers to drop into coverage and plug up the passing lanes. 2. Detroit’s offense has underperformed all season but on paper, the Lions have some of the best weapons in the game. Dallas’ defense has gotten away with a lot this year, thanks in part to the offense limiting the amount of exposure they have on the field. Detroit should exploit that soft stop unit and find its potent pass game once again. 3. AT&T Stadium is hardly home-field advantage for the Cowboys. Dallas was perfect on the road but went only 4-4 SU and 3-5 ATS as hosts this season. Opponents get up to play in the league’s premier stadium and visiting fans will make the trip to cheer on their team when you have a destination like “Jerry’s World”. The indoor track in Arlington appeals to the Lions up-tempo pace, with players like Calvin Johnson, Golden State and Reggie Bush enjoying the fast surface in Dallas.
Play on Detroit as a 10* Top Selection Sunday.
Good luck, Scott.
