Norm Hitzges
NFL
Double Plays
· Kansas City -8 vs Arizona
· Baltimore -10 vs Carolina
· New Orleans -11.5 vs Seattle
Single Plays
· Indianapolis +3.5 vs New England
· San Francisco -3 vs Tampa Bay
· St. Louis +3 vs Atlanta
· Cleveland +1.5 vs Jacksonville
· Green Bay -3 vs Minnesota
· Dallas -6.5 vs Detroit
NFL
Double Plays
· Kansas City -8 vs Arizona
· Baltimore -10 vs Carolina
· New Orleans -11.5 vs Seattle
Single Plays
· Indianapolis +3.5 vs New England
· San Francisco -3 vs Tampa Bay
· St. Louis +3 vs Atlanta
· Cleveland +1.5 vs Jacksonville
· Green Bay -3 vs Minnesota
· Dallas -6.5 vs Detroit
The Prediction Machine
Sides
Against the Spread Picks (Based on Games Played 50,000 times):
Rot Time (ET) ATS Pick Opp Line Margin Win% ATS Boxscore Calc Play
436 8:20 PM @ PHI NYG -3 7.0 61.8 Boxscore Calc --> Play
423 1:00 PM CLE @ JAC 1.5 3.1 61.8 Boxscore Calc --> Play
429 4:05 PM ATL @ STL -3 6.8 61.4 Boxscore Calc --> Play
417 1:00 PM DET @ DAL 6.5 -3.1 59.9 Boxscore Calc --> Play
432 4:05 PM @ SF TB -3 6.1 59.6 Boxscore Calc --> Play
427 4:05 PM SEA @ NO 12 -9.9 59.5 Boxscore Calc --> Play
422 1:00 PM @ CIN BUF -5.5 8.0 58.7 Boxscore Calc --> Play
409 1:00 PM OAK @ PIT 7.5 -5.3 57.6 Boxscore Calc --> Play
416 1:00 PM @ TEN WAS -7 9.1 57.4 Boxscore Calc --> Play
Sides
Against the Spread Picks (Based on Games Played 50,000 times):
Rot Time (ET) ATS Pick Opp Line Margin Win% ATS Boxscore Calc Play
436 8:20 PM @ PHI NYG -3 7.0 61.8 Boxscore Calc --> Play
423 1:00 PM CLE @ JAC 1.5 3.1 61.8 Boxscore Calc --> Play
429 4:05 PM ATL @ STL -3 6.8 61.4 Boxscore Calc --> Play
417 1:00 PM DET @ DAL 6.5 -3.1 59.9 Boxscore Calc --> Play
432 4:05 PM @ SF TB -3 6.1 59.6 Boxscore Calc --> Play
427 4:05 PM SEA @ NO 12 -9.9 59.5 Boxscore Calc --> Play
422 1:00 PM @ CIN BUF -5.5 8.0 58.7 Boxscore Calc --> Play
409 1:00 PM OAK @ PIT 7.5 -5.3 57.6 Boxscore Calc --> Play
416 1:00 PM @ TEN WAS -7 9.1 57.4 Boxscore Calc --> Play
CFL DUNKEL
BC at Saskatchewan
The Lions look to build on their 20-6-1 ATS record in their last 27 games as an underdog from 3 1/2 to 10 points. BC is the pick (+5) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: BC (+5). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Game 281-282: Toronto at Hamilton (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 105.873; Hamilton 116.915
Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 11; 52
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 6 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (-6 1/2); Over
Game 283-284: BC at Saskatchewan (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 112.516; Saskatchewan 112.402
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 5; 52
Dunkel Pick: BC (+5); Under
BC at Saskatchewan
The Lions look to build on their 20-6-1 ATS record in their last 27 games as an underdog from 3 1/2 to 10 points. BC is the pick (+5) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: BC (+5). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Game 281-282: Toronto at Hamilton (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 105.873; Hamilton 116.915
Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 11; 52
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 6 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (-6 1/2); Over
Game 283-284: BC at Saskatchewan (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 112.516; Saskatchewan 112.402
Dunkel Line: Even; 47
Vegas Line: Saskatchewan by 5; 52
Dunkel Pick: BC (+5); Under
CFL WRITE-UP
Conference finals, CFL playoffs
Toronto (10-9) @ Montreal (12-6)-- Teams split four meetings this year with road team winning in last two weeks of regular season. Argos lost 41-10/37-30, won 37-22/30-4. Montreal is 1-4 vs spread last five games as home favorite. Toronto is playing on road for fourth time in last five weeks; they're 5-3 in last eight games as dog. Eight of last nine Toronto games, three of last four Montreal games stayed under total.
Saskatchewan (11-8) @ Calgary (13-5)-- Stampeders won two of three in series this year, with only loss in OT; they beat Riders 40-20 (-1.5) in Week 4, then lost 43-37 in OT in Regina (-3) in Week 12, before winning 34-26 in Regina (+1.5) four weeks later. Saskatchewan is 2-4 in last six games; Calgary scored 90 points in winning its last two games, after 2-4 skid that followed their 9-1 start. Over is 11-1 in last 12 Calgary games.
Conference finals, CFL playoffs
Toronto (10-9) @ Montreal (12-6)-- Teams split four meetings this year with road team winning in last two weeks of regular season. Argos lost 41-10/37-30, won 37-22/30-4. Montreal is 1-4 vs spread last five games as home favorite. Toronto is playing on road for fourth time in last five weeks; they're 5-3 in last eight games as dog. Eight of last nine Toronto games, three of last four Montreal games stayed under total.
Saskatchewan (11-8) @ Calgary (13-5)-- Stampeders won two of three in series this year, with only loss in OT; they beat Riders 40-20 (-1.5) in Week 4, then lost 43-37 in OT in Regina (-3) in Week 12, before winning 34-26 in Regina (+1.5) four weeks later. Saskatchewan is 2-4 in last six games; Calgary scored 90 points in winning its last two games, after 2-4 skid that followed their 9-1 start. Over is 11-1 in last 12 Calgary games.
Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (-12, 217.5)
It was not good news for the Warriors when David Lee took a tooth to the elbow from New York's Wilson Chandler last week. Lee has missed four games now, and Golden State is 1-3 during that span while being out-rebounded by a combined 30 boards.
Little-used Vladimir Radmanovic is getting starts in place of Lee and the veteran is averaging a mere 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in just under 15 minutes. Head coach Keith Smart sounded only mildly encouraged when discussing Radmanovic. "He actually understands the defensive concepts," Smart told the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's in the right places. He's doing things for us there. Like any other player, he wants to make shots and is pressing a bit. But he adds veteran leadership and I am comfortable with him."
Lee's absence may not hurt quite as bad on the defensive end of the floor with L.A. still missing Andrew Bynum, but Pau Gasol has been a force down low. Gasol is on a streak of seven straight double-doubles heading into Friday's game.
The Warriors, meanwhile, were averaging an NBA-best 20.6 fast-break points per outing as of the start of this weekend.
Pick: Over
New Orleans Hornets at Sacramento Kings (5.5, 198)
The Hornets made headlines on Saturday along with the Raptors, because the two teams agreed on a five-player deal that features Peja Stojakovic and Jarrett Jack. Stojakovic goes to Toronto along with Jerryd Bayless in exchange for Jack, David Andersen, and Marcus Banks.
It's unlikely that New Orleans will have its new trio of players in time for a 6 p.m. Eastern tip against Sacramento. At the same time, that might not bee too costly. Stojakovic (7.5 points in fewer than 15 minutes) has struggle and Bayless (4.5 points, 2.5 assists) backs up Chris Paul. Jack will back up Paul, Andersen will come of the bench at center, and Banks (has played in only three games this season) won't play a key role.
Given the current form of the Hornets and Kings, even a five-player shakeup might not be enough to derail New Orleans. The Hornets are 10-1 overall; they are also 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 overall and 4-0-1 ATS in their last five road games. The 4-7 Kings are 1-7 ATS in their last eight overall.
Pick: Hornets
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (-12, 217.5)
It was not good news for the Warriors when David Lee took a tooth to the elbow from New York's Wilson Chandler last week. Lee has missed four games now, and Golden State is 1-3 during that span while being out-rebounded by a combined 30 boards.
Little-used Vladimir Radmanovic is getting starts in place of Lee and the veteran is averaging a mere 4.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in just under 15 minutes. Head coach Keith Smart sounded only mildly encouraged when discussing Radmanovic. "He actually understands the defensive concepts," Smart told the San Francisco Chronicle. "He's in the right places. He's doing things for us there. Like any other player, he wants to make shots and is pressing a bit. But he adds veteran leadership and I am comfortable with him."
Lee's absence may not hurt quite as bad on the defensive end of the floor with L.A. still missing Andrew Bynum, but Pau Gasol has been a force down low. Gasol is on a streak of seven straight double-doubles heading into Friday's game.
The Warriors, meanwhile, were averaging an NBA-best 20.6 fast-break points per outing as of the start of this weekend.
Pick: Over
New Orleans Hornets at Sacramento Kings (5.5, 198)
The Hornets made headlines on Saturday along with the Raptors, because the two teams agreed on a five-player deal that features Peja Stojakovic and Jarrett Jack. Stojakovic goes to Toronto along with Jerryd Bayless in exchange for Jack, David Andersen, and Marcus Banks.
It's unlikely that New Orleans will have its new trio of players in time for a 6 p.m. Eastern tip against Sacramento. At the same time, that might not bee too costly. Stojakovic (7.5 points in fewer than 15 minutes) has struggle and Bayless (4.5 points, 2.5 assists) backs up Chris Paul. Jack will back up Paul, Andersen will come of the bench at center, and Banks (has played in only three games this season) won't play a key role.
Given the current form of the Hornets and Kings, even a five-player shakeup might not be enough to derail New Orleans. The Hornets are 10-1 overall; they are also 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 overall and 4-0-1 ATS in their last five road games. The 4-7 Kings are 1-7 ATS in their last eight overall.
Pick: Hornets
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
Phoenix Coyotes at Vancouver Canucks (-180, 5.5)
The Coyotes have won five in a row, but they will hard-pressed to extended the streaking going on the road to Vancouver. The Canucks are 6-0-1 at home this season.
However, the Canucks have lost two straight and they scored only four goals combined in those two losses.
Vancouver is hoping that a new-look fourth line will invigorate the offense. The Canucks called up Joel Perrault from the Manitoba Moose on Friday and plan to use him with forwards Rick Rypien and Tanner Glass. Mario Bliznak was sent back to Manitoba.
"We'd like to spend a little more time in the offensive zone with that fourth line," Vigneault explained. "And we'd like to be able to get their minutes to maybe eight, nine minutes per game. That way we can spread the ice time a little bit more. The schedule is challenging, the travel is challenging and maybe our guys will have a little more energy."
Pick: Canucks
Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks (-196, 6)
Nikolai Khabibulin was recently placed on injured reserve by Edmonton due to a groin injury. Is that a blessing in disguise for the Oilers? Khabibulin was 4-11 with a 4.07 GAA in 15 games this season.
Of course, it hasn't really mattered who has been in goal for Edmonton so far; the defense has been absolutely awful. The team is 4-10-4 and has lost six in a row, eight of its last nine. The Oilers have given up an unbelievable 34 goals during the six-game streak.
Devan Dubnyk will see most of the action in Khabibulin's absence, although Martin Gerber could get a few starts of things continue to go south.
The Ducks, meanwhile, are coming off a Friday night game in which they recorded a season-high 50 shots despite losing 4-3 to Columbus. That is not good news for the Oilers, who lost 7-2 when they visited Anaheim in April of last season.
Pick: Over
Phoenix Coyotes at Vancouver Canucks (-180, 5.5)
The Coyotes have won five in a row, but they will hard-pressed to extended the streaking going on the road to Vancouver. The Canucks are 6-0-1 at home this season.
However, the Canucks have lost two straight and they scored only four goals combined in those two losses.
Vancouver is hoping that a new-look fourth line will invigorate the offense. The Canucks called up Joel Perrault from the Manitoba Moose on Friday and plan to use him with forwards Rick Rypien and Tanner Glass. Mario Bliznak was sent back to Manitoba.
"We'd like to spend a little more time in the offensive zone with that fourth line," Vigneault explained. "And we'd like to be able to get their minutes to maybe eight, nine minutes per game. That way we can spread the ice time a little bit more. The schedule is challenging, the travel is challenging and maybe our guys will have a little more energy."
Pick: Canucks
Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks (-196, 6)
Nikolai Khabibulin was recently placed on injured reserve by Edmonton due to a groin injury. Is that a blessing in disguise for the Oilers? Khabibulin was 4-11 with a 4.07 GAA in 15 games this season.
Of course, it hasn't really mattered who has been in goal for Edmonton so far; the defense has been absolutely awful. The team is 4-10-4 and has lost six in a row, eight of its last nine. The Oilers have given up an unbelievable 34 goals during the six-game streak.
Devan Dubnyk will see most of the action in Khabibulin's absence, although Martin Gerber could get a few starts of things continue to go south.
The Ducks, meanwhile, are coming off a Friday night game in which they recorded a season-high 50 shots despite losing 4-3 to Columbus. That is not good news for the Oilers, who lost 7-2 when they visited Anaheim in April of last season.
Pick: Over
Bettors’ best friend: Sunday’s wagering tips
Lines to keep an eye on
The Ducks opened between -210 and -215 against Edmonton at most shops, but the line is down to -196.
The Red Wings opened between -220 and -230 against Calgary at most shops, but the line is down to -205.
Who’s hot
The over is 5-0 in the Eagles' last five overall and 8-0 in the Giants' last eight against the NFC East.
The over is 7-1 in the Cardinals' last eight overall.
The Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall and 4-0 ATS in their last four against the NFC.
The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall.
The Coyotes are 5-0 in their last five overall.
Who’s not
The Texans are 0-5 ATS in their last five overall.
The Bengals are 1-5 ATS in their last six overall and 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games.
The Vikings are 0-4 ATS in their last four overall.
The Sacramento Kings are 1-7 ATS in their last eight overall.
The Ducks are 0-4 in their last four overall.
Key stat
301.3 – Passing yards per game allowed by the Houston Texans, worst in the NFL. The Jets boast the league's fourth-ranked rushing offense, but Mark Sanchez and company will be tempted to take to the air against such a porous Houston secondary.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
The high-powered San Diego Chargers' offense has a big opportunity going up against a Denver team that ranks 25th in the NFL in total defense. Unfortunately for the Bolts, they might not be able to capitalize on Monday night. Tight end Antonio Gates (toe, foot) and running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) both missed practice on Saturday. They are listed as questionable and doubtful, respectively.
Biggest game on the slate
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots (-4, 49.5)
Notable quotable
"I was just like everyone else was; put the pencil down and become a fan.... Not really. I got indigestion and a stomach ache." – Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin on watching Michael Vick carve up the Redskins last week. Coughlin's Giants face the Eagles on Sunday.
Tips and notes
Saints' running back Reggie Bush could return for the first time since breaking his leg in Week 2 when New Orleans hosts Seattle on Sunday afternoon. Head coach Sean Payton said that "there's a good chance" that Bush will play and that Bush would be "all in" if he looks good in pre-game warmups. This looks like the right time to return for Bush, who would be going up against a Seattle defense that is 27th overall in the NFL and 27th against the run.
The Hornets and Raptors swung a five-player deal on Saturday, with Peja Stojakovic and Jerryd Bayless going to Toronto in exchange for Jarrett Jack, David Andersen, and Marcus Banks. It's not likely that Stojakovic and Bayless will be in uniform for an early 1 p.m. start at home against Boston. That does not bode well for the Raptors, who have lost eight in a row to the Celtics.
Lines to keep an eye on
The Ducks opened between -210 and -215 against Edmonton at most shops, but the line is down to -196.
The Red Wings opened between -220 and -230 against Calgary at most shops, but the line is down to -205.
Who’s hot
The over is 5-0 in the Eagles' last five overall and 8-0 in the Giants' last eight against the NFC East.
The over is 7-1 in the Cardinals' last eight overall.
The Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall and 4-0 ATS in their last four against the NFC.
The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall.
The Coyotes are 5-0 in their last five overall.
Who’s not
The Texans are 0-5 ATS in their last five overall.
The Bengals are 1-5 ATS in their last six overall and 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games.
The Vikings are 0-4 ATS in their last four overall.
The Sacramento Kings are 1-7 ATS in their last eight overall.
The Ducks are 0-4 in their last four overall.
Key stat
301.3 – Passing yards per game allowed by the Houston Texans, worst in the NFL. The Jets boast the league's fourth-ranked rushing offense, but Mark Sanchez and company will be tempted to take to the air against such a porous Houston secondary.
Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
The high-powered San Diego Chargers' offense has a big opportunity going up against a Denver team that ranks 25th in the NFL in total defense. Unfortunately for the Bolts, they might not be able to capitalize on Monday night. Tight end Antonio Gates (toe, foot) and running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) both missed practice on Saturday. They are listed as questionable and doubtful, respectively.
Biggest game on the slate
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots (-4, 49.5)
Notable quotable
"I was just like everyone else was; put the pencil down and become a fan.... Not really. I got indigestion and a stomach ache." – Giants' head coach Tom Coughlin on watching Michael Vick carve up the Redskins last week. Coughlin's Giants face the Eagles on Sunday.
Tips and notes
Saints' running back Reggie Bush could return for the first time since breaking his leg in Week 2 when New Orleans hosts Seattle on Sunday afternoon. Head coach Sean Payton said that "there's a good chance" that Bush will play and that Bush would be "all in" if he looks good in pre-game warmups. This looks like the right time to return for Bush, who would be going up against a Seattle defense that is 27th overall in the NFL and 27th against the run.
The Hornets and Raptors swung a five-player deal on Saturday, with Peja Stojakovic and Jerryd Bayless going to Toronto in exchange for Jarrett Jack, David Andersen, and Marcus Banks. It's not likely that Stojakovic and Bayless will be in uniform for an early 1 p.m. start at home against Boston. That does not bode well for the Raptors, who have lost eight in a row to the Celtics.
