Hey Thanks for writing this. I want to COMPLETELY CONFIRM THIS. I have noticed that Fantasy Sports has been on a "great run" and then I started to check into this on their monitors and its all a bunch of bull. They completely manipulate their records and take spreads and play massive money lines. You know they arent giving out money line plays and if they lose the spread they will win on the money line usually which will give an inaccurate record. Guys please beware of this company and the claims they make. They really dont have long term packages either its just a daily pass for $50 bucks and they say if they lose you get the rest of the season all plays for free. So they honestly dont care if they win or lose they are just trying to make a quick buck. This company is almost as bad as that crook Kyle Bales. Always play with caution and buyer beware. Good Luck today everyone!
NBA DUNKEL
Dallas at Toronto
The Raptors look to take advantage of a Dallas team that is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games as a favorite. Toronto is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the Raptors favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Game 801-802: Dallas at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.387; Toronto 120.403
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2); Under
Game 803-804: Utah at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 119.669; Denver 123.669
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 4; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Dallas at Toronto
The Raptors look to take advantage of a Dallas team that is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games as a favorite. Toronto is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the Raptors favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Game 801-802: Dallas at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.387; Toronto 120.403
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2); Under
Game 803-804: Utah at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 119.669; Denver 123.669
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 4; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NBA WRITE-UP
Sunday, January 17
Hot Teams
-- Mavericks won five of their last seven road games. Raptors won nine of their last 12 games, six of seven at home.
-- Nuggets won four of their last five games. Jazz won five of six.
Cold Teams
-- None
Totals
-- Five of last six Dallas games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Denver games stayed under the total.
Sunday, January 17
Hot Teams
-- Mavericks won five of their last seven road games. Raptors won nine of their last 12 games, six of seven at home.
-- Nuggets won four of their last five games. Jazz won five of six.
Cold Teams
-- None
Totals
-- Five of last six Dallas games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Denver games stayed under the total.
NCAAB DUNKEL
Georgetown at Villanova
The Wildcats look to build on their 9-2 ATS record in their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. Villanova is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's games.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Game 805-806: Georgetown at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 69.174; Villanova 76.751
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-5 1/2)
Game 807-808: Toledo at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.816; Ball State 48.459
Dunkel Line: Ball State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Ball State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+8)
Game 809-810: DePaul at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 52.144; St. John's 62.809
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: St. John's by 13
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+13)
Game 811-812: Bowling Green at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 50.044; Kent State 61.423
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-10 1/2)
Game 813-814: Akron at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 62.088; Buffalo 57.608
Dunkel Line: Akron by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Akron
Game 815-816: Minnesota at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 70.945; Indiana 63.361
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 10
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+10)
Game 817-818: Providence at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 61.950; Marquette 69.711
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 8
Vegas Line: Marquette by 9
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+9)
Game 819-820: St. Louis at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 55.732; Charlotte 64.022
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-7 1/2)
Game 821-822: Connecticut at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 69.820; Michigan 66.656
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 3
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 1
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-1)
Game 823-824: Illinois State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 61.905; Drake 59.310
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+4)
Game 825-826: Wake Forest at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 67.754; Duke 83.140
Dunkel Line: Duke by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 14
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-14)
Game 827-828: San Jose State at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 51.369; Hawaii 58.324
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 7
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 2
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-2)
Game 829-830: Loyola-MD at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 50.467; St. Peter's 55.022
Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's
Game 831-832: Northern Arizona at Portland State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 48.086; Portland State 58.169
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 10
Vegas Line: Portland State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-8 1/2)
Game 833-834: Montana State at Sacramento State
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 50.395; Sacramento State 49.545
Dunkel Line: Montana State by 1
Vegas Line: Montana State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+4 1/2)
Game 835-836: Boston U at Vermont
Dunkel Ratings: Boston U 49.439; Vermont 57.945
Dunkel Line: Vermont by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Georgetown at Villanova
The Wildcats look to build on their 9-2 ATS record in their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. Villanova is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's games.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Game 805-806: Georgetown at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 69.174; Villanova 76.751
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-5 1/2)
Game 807-808: Toledo at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.816; Ball State 48.459
Dunkel Line: Ball State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Ball State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+8)
Game 809-810: DePaul at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 52.144; St. John's 62.809
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: St. John's by 13
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+13)
Game 811-812: Bowling Green at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 50.044; Kent State 61.423
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-10 1/2)
Game 813-814: Akron at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 62.088; Buffalo 57.608
Dunkel Line: Akron by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Akron
Game 815-816: Minnesota at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 70.945; Indiana 63.361
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 10
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+10)
Game 817-818: Providence at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 61.950; Marquette 69.711
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 8
Vegas Line: Marquette by 9
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+9)
Game 819-820: St. Louis at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 55.732; Charlotte 64.022
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-7 1/2)
Game 821-822: Connecticut at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 69.820; Michigan 66.656
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 3
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 1
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-1)
Game 823-824: Illinois State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 61.905; Drake 59.310
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+4)
Game 825-826: Wake Forest at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 67.754; Duke 83.140
Dunkel Line: Duke by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 14
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-14)
Game 827-828: San Jose State at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 51.369; Hawaii 58.324
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 7
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 2
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-2)
Game 829-830: Loyola-MD at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 50.467; St. Peter's 55.022
Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's
Game 831-832: Northern Arizona at Portland State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 48.086; Portland State 58.169
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 10
Vegas Line: Portland State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-8 1/2)
Game 833-834: Montana State at Sacramento State
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 50.395; Sacramento State 49.545
Dunkel Line: Montana State by 1
Vegas Line: Montana State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+4 1/2)
Game 835-836: Boston U at Vermont
Dunkel Ratings: Boston U 49.439; Vermont 57.945
Dunkel Line: Vermont by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB WRITE-UP
Saturday, January 17
Information on the best of Sunday's college basketball games........
Villanova lost last five games vs Georgetown, with four of five losses by five or less points; Hoyas won three of last four visits here. Wildcats are 4-0 in Big East after rallying from 17 down to win at Louisville; they're 1-1 as home favorite, winning by 27-2. Hoyas' only league loss was by 3 at Marquette. Big East home favorites are 12-12 against the spread.
Saturday, January 17
Information on the best of Sunday's college basketball games........
Villanova lost last five games vs Georgetown, with four of five losses by five or less points; Hoyas won three of last four visits here. Wildcats are 4-0 in Big East after rallying from 17 down to win at Louisville; they're 1-1 as home favorite, winning by 27-2. Hoyas' only league loss was by 3 at Marquette. Big East home favorites are 12-12 against the spread.
NHL DUNKEL
Montreal at NY Rangers
The Canadiens look to take advantage of a New York team that is 3-10 in its last 13 home games. Montreal is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Game 1-2: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.534; Washington 13.281
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170); Over
Game 3-4: Chicago at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.305; Detroit 12.475
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+110); Under
Game 5-6: Montreal at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.389; NY Rangers 10.159
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130); Under
Game 7-8: Calgary at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.706; Anaheim 11.696
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-110); Under
Montreal at NY Rangers
The Canadiens look to take advantage of a New York team that is 3-10 in its last 13 home games. Montreal is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17
Game 1-2: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.534; Washington 13.281
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170); Over
Game 3-4: Chicago at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.305; Detroit 12.475
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+110); Under
Game 5-6: Montreal at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.389; NY Rangers 10.159
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+130); Under
Game 7-8: Calgary at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.706; Anaheim 11.696
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-110); Under
NHL WRITE-UP
Sunday, January 17
Hot Teams
-- Flyers won four of their last five games. Washington won five of six.
-- Blackhawks won ten of their last fourteen games. Detroit is 4-0 in last four games that followed a loss; they won last three home games.
-- Canadiens won six of their last eight road games.
-- Ducks won five of their last six games.
Cold Teams
-- Rangers lost four of last five games, scoring once in last three games.
-- Flames lost five of last six games, scoring three goals in last three.
Totals
-- Last five Washington games, six of last nine Philly road games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in Chicago's last eleven games; five of last six Detroit tilts stayed under.
-- Last five Ranger games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-0-2 in last eleven Calgary games.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Chicago won four of last five times they played the night before; Red Wings won five of last six times they played day/night before.
-- Canadiens won three of last four times they played night before.
Series Records
-- Washington won three of last four games against the Flyers, beating them 8-2 in last meeting.
-- Blackhawks lost four of last five visits to Detroit.
-- Canadiens lost five of last six games in Madison Square Garden.
-- Flames won six of last seven games against Calgary.
Sunday, January 17
Hot Teams
-- Flyers won four of their last five games. Washington won five of six.
-- Blackhawks won ten of their last fourteen games. Detroit is 4-0 in last four games that followed a loss; they won last three home games.
-- Canadiens won six of their last eight road games.
-- Ducks won five of their last six games.
Cold Teams
-- Rangers lost four of last five games, scoring once in last three games.
-- Flames lost five of last six games, scoring three goals in last three.
Totals
-- Last five Washington games, six of last nine Philly road games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in Chicago's last eleven games; five of last six Detroit tilts stayed under.
-- Last five Ranger games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-0-2 in last eleven Calgary games.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Chicago won four of last five times they played the night before; Red Wings won five of last six times they played day/night before.
-- Canadiens won three of last four times they played night before.
Series Records
-- Washington won three of last four games against the Flyers, beating them 8-2 in last meeting.
-- Blackhawks lost four of last five visits to Detroit.
-- Canadiens lost five of last six games in Madison Square Garden.
-- Flames won six of last seven games against Calgary.
BRIAN GRAVES
Guaranteed Selections
Date: Sunday, January 17, 2010
$25.00 Guaranteed: I had a GREAT SATURDAY as my five card went 4-1 with the lone loser being a tight on Nebraska. I had easy winners with Northeastern, Northern Illinois, Arizona St and Virginia. Today I have one last College Hoops game this week and it will surely to bring the curtain in style!! 1/16/2010
Game 821 UConn -1 over Michigan 1:30
The Huskies have had their problems lately in the Big East getting off to a 2-3 start, but they have an excellent matchup today against Michigan. The Wolverines just don't have the firepower to hang with UConn and Stanley Robinson and Dyson should have their way with the Michigan defense. The Huskies jump out early and build a comfortable lead as they cruise in the 2nd half to a 79-65 win!
Guaranteed Selections
Date: Sunday, January 17, 2010
$25.00 Guaranteed: I had a GREAT SATURDAY as my five card went 4-1 with the lone loser being a tight on Nebraska. I had easy winners with Northeastern, Northern Illinois, Arizona St and Virginia. Today I have one last College Hoops game this week and it will surely to bring the curtain in style!! 1/16/2010
Game 821 UConn -1 over Michigan 1:30
The Huskies have had their problems lately in the Big East getting off to a 2-3 start, but they have an excellent matchup today against Michigan. The Wolverines just don't have the firepower to hang with UConn and Stanley Robinson and Dyson should have their way with the Michigan defense. The Huskies jump out early and build a comfortable lead as they cruise in the 2nd half to a 79-65 win!
MORE COMPS...
SportsAction365.com.............. CBB - Connecticut over 132.5
NSA Wins ..............................CBB - Akron -1
VegasSI.com........................ CBB - Georgetown over 148
Charlies Sports..................... CBB - Georgetown over 148
GameDay Net....................... CBB - Bowling Green +10.5
Gerry "Big Cat" Andino ........... CBB - Montana State -5.5
Vincent Pioli ........................CBB - Northern Arizona under 150
Chicago Sports Group............. CBB - Northern Arizona +9
Fred Callahan ..................... NBA - Mavericks under 207
Tony Campone.................... CBB - Duke over 146.5
Tony Mathew's.....................cbb Ball st -7.5
John Fina..............................Selection: Buffalo [pick-em] (-110)
Brian Marshall.........................Marquette -9 (-110)
Valley Sports........................ Duke -13
Sports Book Edge....................Providence/Marquette O 155½
Priority Sports Info..................Villanova -6
Bob Akmens Sports...................Illionis St -3½
TJ Elliot................................ Michigan pk
Billy Irish...............................Wa Capitals
Jeff Alexander ....................... Da.Mavericks -1½
Vegas Hotsheet ...................... NY Jets/SD Chargers Ov.42
LPW Sports Forecast .............. To.Raptors +1½
Red Zone...............................Uconn/Michigan Ov.130
Jimmy Boyd............................Uconn -1
SportsAction365.com.............. CBB - Connecticut over 132.5
NSA Wins ..............................CBB - Akron -1
VegasSI.com........................ CBB - Georgetown over 148
Charlies Sports..................... CBB - Georgetown over 148
GameDay Net....................... CBB - Bowling Green +10.5
Gerry "Big Cat" Andino ........... CBB - Montana State -5.5
Vincent Pioli ........................CBB - Northern Arizona under 150
Chicago Sports Group............. CBB - Northern Arizona +9
Fred Callahan ..................... NBA - Mavericks under 207
Tony Campone.................... CBB - Duke over 146.5
Tony Mathew's.....................cbb Ball st -7.5
John Fina..............................Selection: Buffalo [pick-em] (-110)
Brian Marshall.........................Marquette -9 (-110)
Valley Sports........................ Duke -13
Sports Book Edge....................Providence/Marquette O 155½
Priority Sports Info..................Villanova -6
Bob Akmens Sports...................Illionis St -3½
TJ Elliot................................ Michigan pk
Billy Irish...............................Wa Capitals
Jeff Alexander ....................... Da.Mavericks -1½
Vegas Hotsheet ...................... NY Jets/SD Chargers Ov.42
LPW Sports Forecast .............. To.Raptors +1½
Red Zone...............................Uconn/Michigan Ov.130
Jimmy Boyd............................Uconn -1
SPORTS WAGERS
Dallas +1.29 over MINNESOTA
I’ll skip the pregame preliminaries on this one, as my hatred for Favre-gushing by announcers and analysts is at the point where I’m yelling at the TV screen to shut the f**k up already. Yeah, Favre has had an outstanding career and his 40,000 or so consecutive starts is incredible. We all get it and the more the media talks about how great he is the better because the Cowboys will completely disregard “the elephant in the room” and play a sound, methodical and great game just like they’ve been doing for over a month. When the Saints looked like they couldn’t be beat the Boys walked into New Orleans and ended the Saints dream for a perfect season. They followed that up with a 17-0 win over Washington and subsequently, when everyone said they couldn’t beat the Eagles three times in a season, they not only did that, they buried Philly in back-to-back games. The Boys are playing great defense, great offense and they’re on a big time roll. Meanwhile, the Vikes have not had a big game in about eight weeks. They stumbled into the playoffs by losing three of its last five and that includes a loss to the Bears. The Vikes last five wins came against the Giants, Cinci, Chicago, Seattle and Detroit. They have a history of coming up lame when the chips are down and you can be damn sure Dallas will be coming at the immobile Favre early and often. So yeah, Favre won a Super Bowl about 12 years ago with a great Packer team in his prime. Problem is, this is not a great Viking team and Favre isn’t in his prime. The Cowboys are a great team and Tony Romo is in his prime. You do the math. Keep the points. Play: Dallas +1.29 (Risking 2 units).
NY Jets +7 over SAN DIEGO
The Jets play great defense and the offense is gaining steam with each passing week. When the Jets have needed a score they’ve gotten one and when you combine a great defense with a great running game in the playoffs, it usually results in a win. Still, one cannot overlook the roll the Chargers have been on since week 4. Over that stretch they’ve beaten every bad team they’ve played and they also have wins over Dallas, Cincinnati, Philly, Denver and Tennessee. Philip Rivers is confident, precise and extremely talented and he has the personnel around him to do some serious damage. The Jets will blitz often, as they know they can’t give him time. They also know they can’t get into a shootout with this host, as they can’t win one. Having said that, these wildcard teams that get it going have been so dangerous over the years and these Jets look as dangerous as any of those. The Jets defense has kept them in games all season long. When the Jets lose they don’t lose by much and in fact, of its seven losses this season only two of them were by more than the points offered here and one of those losses occurred in New Orleans. The Jets have now won six of its last seven games and they’ve scored 90 points over its last three games. Sure, two of those wins came against teams that apparently “laid down” but they scored 24 last week on a brutally cold day in Cincinnati against what was supposed to be a tough defensive Bengal team. The Jets have momentum and that’s something that can’t be measured in yards or any other stat. Yes, San Diego is very dangerous and they, too, have momentum. However, they’re not the team getting seven points, the Jets are and they’ve proven over and over again all year that defense still wins football games. Play: NY Jets +7 (No bets).
Dallas +1.29 over MINNESOTA
I’ll skip the pregame preliminaries on this one, as my hatred for Favre-gushing by announcers and analysts is at the point where I’m yelling at the TV screen to shut the f**k up already. Yeah, Favre has had an outstanding career and his 40,000 or so consecutive starts is incredible. We all get it and the more the media talks about how great he is the better because the Cowboys will completely disregard “the elephant in the room” and play a sound, methodical and great game just like they’ve been doing for over a month. When the Saints looked like they couldn’t be beat the Boys walked into New Orleans and ended the Saints dream for a perfect season. They followed that up with a 17-0 win over Washington and subsequently, when everyone said they couldn’t beat the Eagles three times in a season, they not only did that, they buried Philly in back-to-back games. The Boys are playing great defense, great offense and they’re on a big time roll. Meanwhile, the Vikes have not had a big game in about eight weeks. They stumbled into the playoffs by losing three of its last five and that includes a loss to the Bears. The Vikes last five wins came against the Giants, Cinci, Chicago, Seattle and Detroit. They have a history of coming up lame when the chips are down and you can be damn sure Dallas will be coming at the immobile Favre early and often. So yeah, Favre won a Super Bowl about 12 years ago with a great Packer team in his prime. Problem is, this is not a great Viking team and Favre isn’t in his prime. The Cowboys are a great team and Tony Romo is in his prime. You do the math. Keep the points. Play: Dallas +1.29 (Risking 2 units).
NY Jets +7 over SAN DIEGO
The Jets play great defense and the offense is gaining steam with each passing week. When the Jets have needed a score they’ve gotten one and when you combine a great defense with a great running game in the playoffs, it usually results in a win. Still, one cannot overlook the roll the Chargers have been on since week 4. Over that stretch they’ve beaten every bad team they’ve played and they also have wins over Dallas, Cincinnati, Philly, Denver and Tennessee. Philip Rivers is confident, precise and extremely talented and he has the personnel around him to do some serious damage. The Jets will blitz often, as they know they can’t give him time. They also know they can’t get into a shootout with this host, as they can’t win one. Having said that, these wildcard teams that get it going have been so dangerous over the years and these Jets look as dangerous as any of those. The Jets defense has kept them in games all season long. When the Jets lose they don’t lose by much and in fact, of its seven losses this season only two of them were by more than the points offered here and one of those losses occurred in New Orleans. The Jets have now won six of its last seven games and they’ve scored 90 points over its last three games. Sure, two of those wins came against teams that apparently “laid down” but they scored 24 last week on a brutally cold day in Cincinnati against what was supposed to be a tough defensive Bengal team. The Jets have momentum and that’s something that can’t be measured in yards or any other stat. Yes, San Diego is very dangerous and they, too, have momentum. However, they’re not the team getting seven points, the Jets are and they’ve proven over and over again all year that defense still wins football games. Play: NY Jets +7 (No bets).
RANDALL THE HANDLE
Cowboys @ Vikings
Minnesota was the beneficiary of a very gratuitous schedule. Having defeated just one team with a winning record outside of its division, Cincinnati, aided the Vikings and QB Brett Favre in both stats and perceptions. Over the past decade or so, Favre has been a late season and playoff slumper. He has entered the post-season with far better teams than this one but has found his way to quick exits, largely due to his own ineptitude. No. 4 has failed against teams with less talent than these Cowboys. Dallas has it going on right now and it’s no fluke. The defence has been stifling. Over the past four weeks, the Cowboys have recorded two shutouts, held the Saints to 17 points and spanked the potent Eagles twice. Conversely, the Vikings have struggled by losing three of five with final victory occurring against a disinterested Giants squad. One of the more notable defeats occurred against the Panthers and that was due largely in part by constant pressure applied by defensive end Julius Peppers. The Cowboys have an equally talented Demarcus Ware all ready to chase down No. 4 and with Anthony Spencer infiltrating from the other side, the Vikings can expect havoc in its backfield all afternoon. Dallas has weapons on both sides of the ball and they will all be deployed against this mediocre opponent.
TAKING: Dallas +2½ RISKING: 2 units
Jets @ Chargers
We hear a lot about New York’s No. 1 defence. While we respect what Rex Ryan has done since arriving as the head man, this will be a better barometer of how far his squad has come. Much of New York’s noticeable defensive stats were accumulated in the second half of the season. In that latter stage, the Jets faced the futile Bills, Bucs, Falcons and Panthers under Delhomme and his four interceptions before completing the season against two teams that rolled over. New York was impressive in its wild card win last week against Cincinnati. QB Mark Sanchez was efficient and went into the ‘manage the game’ mode quite well. This will be different. This is not the Bengals. This opponent is not lying down. The Jets will be asked to travel across the country to face the league’s hottest team. The Chargers have won 11 straight and are considered by many to be the league’s best team. Philip Rivers is one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, having thrown for more than 4200 yards and 28 touchdowns. Rivers is well aware of the Jets defensive prowess but despite all of its success this year, New York does not have a impact end rusher to pressure San Diego’s leader. Give Rivers time and he’ll burn you. Give the Chargers the lead against a novice quarterback on the road and we like our chances.
TAKING: San Diego –7 RISKING: 2.02 units to win 2
Cowboys @ Vikings
Minnesota was the beneficiary of a very gratuitous schedule. Having defeated just one team with a winning record outside of its division, Cincinnati, aided the Vikings and QB Brett Favre in both stats and perceptions. Over the past decade or so, Favre has been a late season and playoff slumper. He has entered the post-season with far better teams than this one but has found his way to quick exits, largely due to his own ineptitude. No. 4 has failed against teams with less talent than these Cowboys. Dallas has it going on right now and it’s no fluke. The defence has been stifling. Over the past four weeks, the Cowboys have recorded two shutouts, held the Saints to 17 points and spanked the potent Eagles twice. Conversely, the Vikings have struggled by losing three of five with final victory occurring against a disinterested Giants squad. One of the more notable defeats occurred against the Panthers and that was due largely in part by constant pressure applied by defensive end Julius Peppers. The Cowboys have an equally talented Demarcus Ware all ready to chase down No. 4 and with Anthony Spencer infiltrating from the other side, the Vikings can expect havoc in its backfield all afternoon. Dallas has weapons on both sides of the ball and they will all be deployed against this mediocre opponent.
TAKING: Dallas +2½ RISKING: 2 units
Jets @ Chargers
We hear a lot about New York’s No. 1 defence. While we respect what Rex Ryan has done since arriving as the head man, this will be a better barometer of how far his squad has come. Much of New York’s noticeable defensive stats were accumulated in the second half of the season. In that latter stage, the Jets faced the futile Bills, Bucs, Falcons and Panthers under Delhomme and his four interceptions before completing the season against two teams that rolled over. New York was impressive in its wild card win last week against Cincinnati. QB Mark Sanchez was efficient and went into the ‘manage the game’ mode quite well. This will be different. This is not the Bengals. This opponent is not lying down. The Jets will be asked to travel across the country to face the league’s hottest team. The Chargers have won 11 straight and are considered by many to be the league’s best team. Philip Rivers is one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, having thrown for more than 4200 yards and 28 touchdowns. Rivers is well aware of the Jets defensive prowess but despite all of its success this year, New York does not have a impact end rusher to pressure San Diego’s leader. Give Rivers time and he’ll burn you. Give the Chargers the lead against a novice quarterback on the road and we like our chances.
TAKING: San Diego –7 RISKING: 2.02 units to win 2
Craig Davis
Sunday's Lineup
50 Dime – Cowboys-Vikings UNDER
20 Dime – COWBOYS (absolutely advise you to buy the 1/2 point up to +3 or +3 1/2)
10 Dime – JETS (buy the half point if your line is +7 or if it drops down to +6 1/2)
COWBOYS/VIKINGS UNDER --- Top play of the weekend on the Cowboys/Vikings NFC Divisional matchup to go under a ridiculously high total. I think Vegas set this number just low enough for people to go nuts on the over... and they have... and the number has gone in the wrong direction. Reverse line movement if I've ever seen it. This total opened up at around 48 and has been recently seen as low as 45 in some places, yet as of the time of this writing, over 80% of the wagers are coming in on the OVER. It appears to me, at least on the surface, that Vegas is begging you to take the over.
But before I even looked at those numbers, I looked at these two defenses and the fact that both teams still want to establish the run. Think about it... if you're either offensive coordinator today, would you rather throw the ball or keep it on the ground so the other offense is sitting on the sidelines? Since both teams are built to run the ball (huge offensive lines and workhorse backs), it's only common sense to think both teams will try to rely on their ground game, especially early, in an attempt to soften the opposing defense before they really open up the passing game.
Let's first look at Dallas, defensively. Has there been a better defense in the last 10 weeks than the Dallas Cowboys? Forget the fact they held Philadelphia to just 14 points in the last two games (and 7 of those came in garbage time). Forget the fact they held the vauted New Orleans offense to just 17 points (3 at halftime). Let's look at the fact the Cowboys have allowed over 20 points just once in the last 11 games and only four times all season. On the road they allow just over 17 PPG and have proven to be one of the best run defenses in the league. Having the ability to stop the run combined with a pass rush that comes from the front three or four allows the secondary and linebackers to drop back in coverage. This will make it extra tough on Brett Favre today because he's used to having an extraordinary amount of time in the pocket behind this huge offensive line.
As for Minnesota's defense, let's just say they are happy to be playing at home. Yes, I realize they've been a little suspect in some recent road games, but it's almost as if they were going through the motions. For whatever reason, this defense thrives off its crowd more than most teams do and it's going to cause problems for Tony Romo and the Dallas defense. Listen to these numbers... 7, 10, 9, 10, and 10. Those are the points allowed by Minnesota's defense in its last five home games. And again, that's why I think the Cowboys would love nothing more than to keep the ball on the ground, keep everything in front of the Minnesota defense and play somewhat conservative. I can promise you Dallas doesn't want to get into a shootout with Brett Favre in the Metrodome. On the other hand, I don't believe Minnesota wants to get into a shootout with Dallas either.
The last 10 meetings between these two teams have seen an average of 37 PPG between them and seven of those ten games saw totals finish with less than 45 points. I'm telling you right now, the only way this game goes over the total is if some crazy, fluky things like kick returns for TDs or silly turnovers that result in touchdowns or phenomenal field position. Otherwise, I think we're looking at a final score in the neighborhood of 20-17. Top play of the day on the UNDER.
DALLAS COWBOYS (absolutely advise you to buy the 1/2 point up to +3 or +3 1/2) --- Two fairly evenly matched teams here, but I'm just a little more confident in Dallas' defense than I am Minnesota's. Yes, I realize that in my above analysis I stated how well the Vikings defense has played at home... and they do... but they are missing a HUGE piece to that defensive puzzle that I believe will hurt the Vikings in the running department. EJ Henderson broke his leg in the Vikings Monday night loss to the Bears a few weeks back and have since tried to piece things together in their linebacking corps. And I'm still not 100% sold on this secondary with the injury to Antoine Winfield. Granted, he's doing better in practice this week, healthwise, but for those of you who watched him in that Monday night loss to Chicago, you know he wasn't close to healthy and was beaten on numerous occasions... including the game winner.
Though Brett Favre has the advantage over Tony Romo in terms of seasons played and playoff games won, but one thing that continues to haunt him is the 0-3 record, all-time, vs. the Cowboys in the playoffs. And let's also not forget that Favre only plays as well as Adrian Peterson plays. If the running game gets going, Favre looks a lot better. If Peterson and Taylor struggle early, Favre struggles. I'm putting my money on the Dallas run defense to keep A.D. in check and forcing Brett Favre to beat them. Field position and penalties will be the key, and I know for a fact that Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett have preached penalty control all week in practice. I think you'll see a focused Cowboys team come out and win this game outright today, 20-17.
NY JETS (buy the half point if your line is +7 or if it drops down to +6 1/2) --- To be honest with you, this selection has as much to do with picking the underdog as it does picking the Jets because of their defense. What you have to understand in handicapping is that it's not always about backing the better team or the hotter team, it's more about getting a feel about how things are going in Vegas and hopping on a side because they fit a spot and not necessarily because they're the better team. This game is a prime example of that scenario.
Let's not kid ourselves... the Jets aren't as good as San Diego as a whole. You know it and I know it. But we've all heard about backdoor covers and upsets, right? In a perfect world I'd probably select San Diego minus the number because I believe they are 7 points (or more) better than the Jets. But with both favorites covering yesterday by a comfortable margin the underdogs are due. I've never seen in all my years of sports betting/capping where all four favorites covered in the Divisional Weekend. And since both favs covered Saturday, I know the average bettor will be ALL OVER the Chargers today.
The Jets do two things quite well that will keep them within the 7-point line today. First, they run the ball better than any team in the NFL and their o-line is built to do just that. Faneca, Mangold, Ferguson, etc. These guys are the best in the business at opening holes for the backs in the run game which should soften the Chargers up just enough for Sanchez to be effective in the short passing game. Secondly, aside from Dallas, the Jets might be the most complete defense in the league and they absolutely will not allow Philip Rivers and company to treat them like a hand puppet. San Diego doesn't need to prove anything today and although I'm not saying they won't try their hardest, I do believe they'll do whatever they can to "just get by" without showing anything to the Colts. Take the Jets and the points.
Sunday's Lineup
50 Dime – Cowboys-Vikings UNDER
20 Dime – COWBOYS (absolutely advise you to buy the 1/2 point up to +3 or +3 1/2)
10 Dime – JETS (buy the half point if your line is +7 or if it drops down to +6 1/2)
COWBOYS/VIKINGS UNDER --- Top play of the weekend on the Cowboys/Vikings NFC Divisional matchup to go under a ridiculously high total. I think Vegas set this number just low enough for people to go nuts on the over... and they have... and the number has gone in the wrong direction. Reverse line movement if I've ever seen it. This total opened up at around 48 and has been recently seen as low as 45 in some places, yet as of the time of this writing, over 80% of the wagers are coming in on the OVER. It appears to me, at least on the surface, that Vegas is begging you to take the over.
But before I even looked at those numbers, I looked at these two defenses and the fact that both teams still want to establish the run. Think about it... if you're either offensive coordinator today, would you rather throw the ball or keep it on the ground so the other offense is sitting on the sidelines? Since both teams are built to run the ball (huge offensive lines and workhorse backs), it's only common sense to think both teams will try to rely on their ground game, especially early, in an attempt to soften the opposing defense before they really open up the passing game.
Let's first look at Dallas, defensively. Has there been a better defense in the last 10 weeks than the Dallas Cowboys? Forget the fact they held Philadelphia to just 14 points in the last two games (and 7 of those came in garbage time). Forget the fact they held the vauted New Orleans offense to just 17 points (3 at halftime). Let's look at the fact the Cowboys have allowed over 20 points just once in the last 11 games and only four times all season. On the road they allow just over 17 PPG and have proven to be one of the best run defenses in the league. Having the ability to stop the run combined with a pass rush that comes from the front three or four allows the secondary and linebackers to drop back in coverage. This will make it extra tough on Brett Favre today because he's used to having an extraordinary amount of time in the pocket behind this huge offensive line.
As for Minnesota's defense, let's just say they are happy to be playing at home. Yes, I realize they've been a little suspect in some recent road games, but it's almost as if they were going through the motions. For whatever reason, this defense thrives off its crowd more than most teams do and it's going to cause problems for Tony Romo and the Dallas defense. Listen to these numbers... 7, 10, 9, 10, and 10. Those are the points allowed by Minnesota's defense in its last five home games. And again, that's why I think the Cowboys would love nothing more than to keep the ball on the ground, keep everything in front of the Minnesota defense and play somewhat conservative. I can promise you Dallas doesn't want to get into a shootout with Brett Favre in the Metrodome. On the other hand, I don't believe Minnesota wants to get into a shootout with Dallas either.
The last 10 meetings between these two teams have seen an average of 37 PPG between them and seven of those ten games saw totals finish with less than 45 points. I'm telling you right now, the only way this game goes over the total is if some crazy, fluky things like kick returns for TDs or silly turnovers that result in touchdowns or phenomenal field position. Otherwise, I think we're looking at a final score in the neighborhood of 20-17. Top play of the day on the UNDER.
DALLAS COWBOYS (absolutely advise you to buy the 1/2 point up to +3 or +3 1/2) --- Two fairly evenly matched teams here, but I'm just a little more confident in Dallas' defense than I am Minnesota's. Yes, I realize that in my above analysis I stated how well the Vikings defense has played at home... and they do... but they are missing a HUGE piece to that defensive puzzle that I believe will hurt the Vikings in the running department. EJ Henderson broke his leg in the Vikings Monday night loss to the Bears a few weeks back and have since tried to piece things together in their linebacking corps. And I'm still not 100% sold on this secondary with the injury to Antoine Winfield. Granted, he's doing better in practice this week, healthwise, but for those of you who watched him in that Monday night loss to Chicago, you know he wasn't close to healthy and was beaten on numerous occasions... including the game winner.
Though Brett Favre has the advantage over Tony Romo in terms of seasons played and playoff games won, but one thing that continues to haunt him is the 0-3 record, all-time, vs. the Cowboys in the playoffs. And let's also not forget that Favre only plays as well as Adrian Peterson plays. If the running game gets going, Favre looks a lot better. If Peterson and Taylor struggle early, Favre struggles. I'm putting my money on the Dallas run defense to keep A.D. in check and forcing Brett Favre to beat them. Field position and penalties will be the key, and I know for a fact that Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett have preached penalty control all week in practice. I think you'll see a focused Cowboys team come out and win this game outright today, 20-17.
NY JETS (buy the half point if your line is +7 or if it drops down to +6 1/2) --- To be honest with you, this selection has as much to do with picking the underdog as it does picking the Jets because of their defense. What you have to understand in handicapping is that it's not always about backing the better team or the hotter team, it's more about getting a feel about how things are going in Vegas and hopping on a side because they fit a spot and not necessarily because they're the better team. This game is a prime example of that scenario.
Let's not kid ourselves... the Jets aren't as good as San Diego as a whole. You know it and I know it. But we've all heard about backdoor covers and upsets, right? In a perfect world I'd probably select San Diego minus the number because I believe they are 7 points (or more) better than the Jets. But with both favorites covering yesterday by a comfortable margin the underdogs are due. I've never seen in all my years of sports betting/capping where all four favorites covered in the Divisional Weekend. And since both favs covered Saturday, I know the average bettor will be ALL OVER the Chargers today.
The Jets do two things quite well that will keep them within the 7-point line today. First, they run the ball better than any team in the NFL and their o-line is built to do just that. Faneca, Mangold, Ferguson, etc. These guys are the best in the business at opening holes for the backs in the run game which should soften the Chargers up just enough for Sanchez to be effective in the short passing game. Secondly, aside from Dallas, the Jets might be the most complete defense in the league and they absolutely will not allow Philip Rivers and company to treat them like a hand puppet. San Diego doesn't need to prove anything today and although I'm not saying they won't try their hardest, I do believe they'll do whatever they can to "just get by" without showing anything to the Colts. Take the Jets and the points.
