EM Sports
CBB:
1 unit: Iowa
1 unit: Belmont
NFL:
1 unit: Pitt/NY Under
1/2 unit (opinion only): Steelers
I have no opinion on the GB/Chic game. As much as Packers deserve to be away faves given the way they've been playing (particularly Rodgers), it remains a tall order for them to beat the Bears at home. This is especially the case for teams coming off a high-scoring affair as history has not been kind to them ATS-wise. Meanwhile, in my opinion the Bears have been unfairly regarded all year as "soft" and lucky to have won so many games. To me this provides an added edge for Bears in this game as you saw what an extra intangible like a chip-on-shoulder attitude can do for a team last week in the Jets. I have no opinion on the total since the weakness for GB defense is stopping the run, which means the Bears could successfully establish its rush attack and eat up clock = Under. However, Bears are weaker on D in pass defense which means Rodgers could light them up = Over.
I expect the Pitt/NY game to be low scoring. Jets depend on establishing their run and yet Steeler D is extremely stout vs. run. Meanwhile, Big Ben is the key strength on Pitt offense and yet Jets D very good vs. the pass and should frustrate Ben. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lack-of-rhythm game much like Pats game, which to me likewise should've went Under (Pats last TD was all but allowed by NY). I think the side play is very difficult to figure and will go with just an opinion on Steelers. The home field edge is huge, and to some extent Jets needed to regroup emotionally off of what in many respects was a Super Bowl-like win for them last week. Yes, this game obviously huge to Jets also, but humans are humans and oddly enough this game is a slight step-down to them emotionally versus their hated rivals. But then again, Rex Ryan has proven himself to be a master motivator with quite the bag of tricks when it comes to prepping for games, not to mention he can game plan with the best of them.
CBB:
1 unit: Iowa
1 unit: Belmont
NFL:
1 unit: Pitt/NY Under
1/2 unit (opinion only): Steelers
I have no opinion on the GB/Chic game. As much as Packers deserve to be away faves given the way they've been playing (particularly Rodgers), it remains a tall order for them to beat the Bears at home. This is especially the case for teams coming off a high-scoring affair as history has not been kind to them ATS-wise. Meanwhile, in my opinion the Bears have been unfairly regarded all year as "soft" and lucky to have won so many games. To me this provides an added edge for Bears in this game as you saw what an extra intangible like a chip-on-shoulder attitude can do for a team last week in the Jets. I have no opinion on the total since the weakness for GB defense is stopping the run, which means the Bears could successfully establish its rush attack and eat up clock = Under. However, Bears are weaker on D in pass defense which means Rodgers could light them up = Over.
I expect the Pitt/NY game to be low scoring. Jets depend on establishing their run and yet Steeler D is extremely stout vs. run. Meanwhile, Big Ben is the key strength on Pitt offense and yet Jets D very good vs. the pass and should frustrate Ben. I wouldn't be surprised to see a lack-of-rhythm game much like Pats game, which to me likewise should've went Under (Pats last TD was all but allowed by NY). I think the side play is very difficult to figure and will go with just an opinion on Steelers. The home field edge is huge, and to some extent Jets needed to regroup emotionally off of what in many respects was a Super Bowl-like win for them last week. Yes, this game obviously huge to Jets also, but humans are humans and oddly enough this game is a slight step-down to them emotionally versus their hated rivals. But then again, Rex Ryan has proven himself to be a master motivator with quite the bag of tricks when it comes to prepping for games, not to mention he can game plan with the best of them.
hno:
