WAYNE ROOT
MILL--New Orleans +
No Limit--LA Rams +
Perfect Play--New York Giants +
____________________
Inner Circle--Philadelphia +
Knockout of the Month
Washington (6-5-1) is on the outside of the playoff picture with four games remaining and aims to record a much-needed victory. But Vegas oddsmakers don't care about that, they just make the line worst for Redskin followers. For the Eagles, last Sunday's 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals led first-year coach Doug Pederson to question the effort of some players and that ruffled some feelings in the locker room. This is the dialogue from the locker room, "I think guys are giving effort, but I think that we can take it to another level." Watch for the intensity in this game. The Eagles hope to have running back Ryan Mathews (knee) back after a two-game absence. Leading receiver Jordan Matthews (57 catches, 686 yards) might also play after an ankle injury held him out of the loss to the Bengals. The Skins have one problem that no QB or coach wants to have with that key position at center. It's two-fold as the center calls the offensive line changes and snaps the football. Back-up center Spencer Long (concuss) didn't practice Wednesday. Veteran center Kory Lichtensteiger, the starter at the beginning of the season, is now the back-up to third string John Sullivan who gets the start today. Playing on the road in a hostile environment is a recipe for something to go wrong. The game plan for Philadelphia is to establish the run. Carson Wentz tied an NFL rookie record with 36 completions last week. But he's throwing much more than the coaches like. They hope to establish the run early Sunday against the Redskins and stay with it. The Redskins are 29th in the league against the rush, allowing 4.6 yards per carry. From Vegas, the world is on Washington and the world is rarely right. Those Las Vegas casinos didn't build themselves. With an improved offense, and a defense that (despite two bad games in a row) has been pretty good at home overall, the Eagles should be able to squeak out a win in a game that few are giving them a chance.
________________________
Pinnacle--Buffalo + ***AFC Upset of Year
According to the betting, the Vegas Sportbooks should start paying off all Steelers bet as 85% of all bets are on them. Casino owners have to love the public as the casinos continue to win every week with the genius of the betting masses. This is why teams like Buffalo continue to play hard. For future jobs and the fact Pittsburgh controls its fate over the final four weeks of this season, but could cede that control with a single loss...to a team like Buffalo. The Bills are seventh in the playoff hunt and likely needs to win its last four games to end the longest active playoff drought (16 seasons) in North American sports. The Bills won four straight earlier this season, and enter a three-game home stretch hopeful they can repeat the feat. Off two straight wins before last week, they blew a huge lead and lost ground with their loss to Oakland. The Bills are optimistic Robert Woods can return this week after missing two games with a knee sprain. It would be the first time since Week 2 the Bills have had Woods and top wideout Sammy Watkins in the lineup together. There’s no reason to be fearful of the Steelers defense. It is certainly fallible as it ranks 19th against the pass and has not been a stout pass rush group. The Steelers have not scored more than 28 points in each of their last three wins which many discount. But laying point on the road in the wintertime in Buffalo changes many game plans. If rushing is the key depending on weather, the Bills would probably like their chances in that scenario. They lead the NFL in rushing while the Steelers are 18th. LeSean McCoy has been the Bills’ best player all season, running in a scheme that is very well conceived and super productive. If McCoy has another big day, and the Bills can contain Bell, they’ll have a chance to pull the upset. Again, last week was a dagger to their collective heart, but they have a realistic chance to win their final four games of the season. They should be favored in their final three games so this game today is their trip to make it to the playoffs.
MILL--New Orleans +
No Limit--LA Rams +
Perfect Play--New York Giants +
____________________
Inner Circle--Philadelphia +
Knockout of the Month
Washington (6-5-1) is on the outside of the playoff picture with four games remaining and aims to record a much-needed victory. But Vegas oddsmakers don't care about that, they just make the line worst for Redskin followers. For the Eagles, last Sunday's 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals led first-year coach Doug Pederson to question the effort of some players and that ruffled some feelings in the locker room. This is the dialogue from the locker room, "I think guys are giving effort, but I think that we can take it to another level." Watch for the intensity in this game. The Eagles hope to have running back Ryan Mathews (knee) back after a two-game absence. Leading receiver Jordan Matthews (57 catches, 686 yards) might also play after an ankle injury held him out of the loss to the Bengals. The Skins have one problem that no QB or coach wants to have with that key position at center. It's two-fold as the center calls the offensive line changes and snaps the football. Back-up center Spencer Long (concuss) didn't practice Wednesday. Veteran center Kory Lichtensteiger, the starter at the beginning of the season, is now the back-up to third string John Sullivan who gets the start today. Playing on the road in a hostile environment is a recipe for something to go wrong. The game plan for Philadelphia is to establish the run. Carson Wentz tied an NFL rookie record with 36 completions last week. But he's throwing much more than the coaches like. They hope to establish the run early Sunday against the Redskins and stay with it. The Redskins are 29th in the league against the rush, allowing 4.6 yards per carry. From Vegas, the world is on Washington and the world is rarely right. Those Las Vegas casinos didn't build themselves. With an improved offense, and a defense that (despite two bad games in a row) has been pretty good at home overall, the Eagles should be able to squeak out a win in a game that few are giving them a chance.
________________________
Pinnacle--Buffalo + ***AFC Upset of Year
According to the betting, the Vegas Sportbooks should start paying off all Steelers bet as 85% of all bets are on them. Casino owners have to love the public as the casinos continue to win every week with the genius of the betting masses. This is why teams like Buffalo continue to play hard. For future jobs and the fact Pittsburgh controls its fate over the final four weeks of this season, but could cede that control with a single loss...to a team like Buffalo. The Bills are seventh in the playoff hunt and likely needs to win its last four games to end the longest active playoff drought (16 seasons) in North American sports. The Bills won four straight earlier this season, and enter a three-game home stretch hopeful they can repeat the feat. Off two straight wins before last week, they blew a huge lead and lost ground with their loss to Oakland. The Bills are optimistic Robert Woods can return this week after missing two games with a knee sprain. It would be the first time since Week 2 the Bills have had Woods and top wideout Sammy Watkins in the lineup together. There’s no reason to be fearful of the Steelers defense. It is certainly fallible as it ranks 19th against the pass and has not been a stout pass rush group. The Steelers have not scored more than 28 points in each of their last three wins which many discount. But laying point on the road in the wintertime in Buffalo changes many game plans. If rushing is the key depending on weather, the Bills would probably like their chances in that scenario. They lead the NFL in rushing while the Steelers are 18th. LeSean McCoy has been the Bills’ best player all season, running in a scheme that is very well conceived and super productive. If McCoy has another big day, and the Bills can contain Bell, they’ll have a chance to pull the upset. Again, last week was a dagger to their collective heart, but they have a realistic chance to win their final four games of the season. They should be favored in their final three games so this game today is their trip to make it to the playoffs.
StatFox Super Situations
NBA*|*NEW YORK*at*LA LAKERS
Play Under - Any team after allowing 100 points or more 4 straight games against opponent after a close win by 3 points or less
46-18*over the last 5 seasons.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)
10-6*this year.**(*62.5%*|*3.4 units*)
NBA*|*GOLDEN STATE*at*MINNESOTA
Play Against - Home teams vs. the money line (MINNESOTA) off a home blowout loss of 20 points or more, with a losing record
58-26*over the last 5 seasons.**(*69.0%*|*29.2 units*)
3-3*this year.**(*50.0%*|*-2.0 units*)
NBA*|*BOSTON*at*OKLAHOMA CITY
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105 poor rebounding team - outrebounded by opponents by 3+ per game, on Sunday games
46-18*over the last 5 seasons.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)
3-1*this year.**(*75.0%*|*1.9 units*)
NBA*|*NEW YORK*at*LA LAKERS
Play Under - Any team after allowing 100 points or more 4 straight games against opponent after a close win by 3 points or less
46-18*over the last 5 seasons.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)
10-6*this year.**(*62.5%*|*3.4 units*)
NBA*|*GOLDEN STATE*at*MINNESOTA
Play Against - Home teams vs. the money line (MINNESOTA) off a home blowout loss of 20 points or more, with a losing record
58-26*over the last 5 seasons.**(*69.0%*|*29.2 units*)
3-3*this year.**(*50.0%*|*-2.0 units*)
NBA*|*BOSTON*at*OKLAHOMA CITY
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105 poor rebounding team - outrebounded by opponents by 3+ per game, on Sunday games
46-18*over the last 5 seasons.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)
3-1*this year.**(*75.0%*|*1.9 units*)
Does anyone have the play today from GD West? They have one play a year, if that, and it goes today. Record is 20-2 lifetime/14-1 the last 15. Last year I got it from HSW Hawaii Sports Wire but they always put it out 5-10 mins before kick because they get it so late. Didn't know if anyone else got it sooner. Thanks
StatFox Super Situations
CBB*|*ALABAMA*at*OREGON
Play Over - Home teams against the total after beating the spread by more than 24 points in their previous game against opponent after going over the total by 30 or more points total in their last five games
41-15*since 1997.**(*73.2%*|*24.5 units*)
CBB*|*NEVADA*at*WASHINGTON
Play Against - Favorites of -165 to -500 vs. the money line (WASHINGTON) poor defensive team - allowing 77+ points/game on the season, after a loss by 10 points or more
60-70*over the last 5 seasons.**(*46.2%*|*45.2 units*)
5-12*this year.**(*29.4%*|*-3.0 units*)
CBB*|*PEPPERDINE*at*USC
Play Under - Home teams against the total team from a major division 1-A conference against a team from a second tier conference
169-98*over the last 5 seasons.**(*63.3%*|*61.2 units*)
6-8*this year.**(*42.9%*|*-2.8 units*)
CBB*|*ALABAMA*at*OREGON
Play Over - Home teams against the total after beating the spread by more than 24 points in their previous game against opponent after going over the total by 30 or more points total in their last five games
41-15*since 1997.**(*73.2%*|*24.5 units*)
CBB*|*NEVADA*at*WASHINGTON
Play Against - Favorites of -165 to -500 vs. the money line (WASHINGTON) poor defensive team - allowing 77+ points/game on the season, after a loss by 10 points or more
60-70*over the last 5 seasons.**(*46.2%*|*45.2 units*)
5-12*this year.**(*29.4%*|*-3.0 units*)
CBB*|*PEPPERDINE*at*USC
Play Under - Home teams against the total team from a major division 1-A conference against a team from a second tier conference
169-98*over the last 5 seasons.**(*63.3%*|*61.2 units*)
6-8*this year.**(*42.9%*|*-2.8 units*)
StatFox Super Situations
NFL*|*MINNESOTA*at*JACKSONVILLE
Play Over - Any team against the total slow starting offensive team - scoring 7 or less PPG in the first half, after scoring 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games
46-18*over the last 5 seasons.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)
2-1*this year.**(*66.7%*|*0.9 units*)
NFL*|*CINCINNATI*at*CLEVELAND
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (CLEVELAND) revenging a road loss against opponent by 14 points or more, a terrible team (<=25%) playing a team with a losing record
46-17*since 1997.**(*73.0%*|*0.0 units*)
NFL*|*CHICAGO*at*DETROIT
Play Against - Road underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (CHICAGO) after beating the spread by 21 or more points total in their last three games, in the second half of the season
193-114*since 1997.**(*62.9%*|*67.6 units*)
5-0*this year.**(*100.0%*|*5.0 units*)
NFL*|*MINNESOTA*at*JACKSONVILLE
Play Over - Any team against the total slow starting offensive team - scoring 7 or less PPG in the first half, after scoring 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games
46-18*over the last 5 seasons.**(*71.9%*|*26.2 units*)
2-1*this year.**(*66.7%*|*0.9 units*)
NFL*|*CINCINNATI*at*CLEVELAND
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (CLEVELAND) revenging a road loss against opponent by 14 points or more, a terrible team (<=25%) playing a team with a losing record
46-17*since 1997.**(*73.0%*|*0.0 units*)
NFL*|*CHICAGO*at*DETROIT
Play Against - Road underdogs vs. the 1rst half line (CHICAGO) after beating the spread by 21 or more points total in their last three games, in the second half of the season
193-114*since 1997.**(*62.9%*|*67.6 units*)
5-0*this year.**(*100.0%*|*5.0 units*)
Hondo
Hondo still ‘excellerating’
Hondo roared out of the gate Sunday, charging to an 8-0 mark in the 1 o’clock tussles before settling for 9-6 record that nevertheless enabled him to gain ground on the fading Drew “No Can Do” Loftis.
As for the Best Bets, Mr. Aitch was able to hold onto his half of the top perch by nailing two of his three choices, which is what HondoNation expects from the defending BB champ.
Jets over 49ers: It’s tough to roll with Gang Green after Monday night’s debacle against the Colts. Fortunately for the Jets, the ratings are down this year so fewer viewers saw them waving the white flag for the full 60 minutes.
Then again, it’s equally difficult to back the 1-11 Niners, who are starting Kneel Kaepernick even though he was benched in the fourth quarter in Chicago for completing 1 of 5 passes for a whopping 4 yards. However, in fairness to Kaepernick, he obviously was still grief-stricken because of the death of Fidel Castro.
And the winner is: The Jets, who have no incentive to lose, as opposed to the Niners, who are still in the running for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Cowboys over Giants: Ben “Big Suit” McAdoo had no problem with Odell Beckham Jr. enjoying his pal Antonio Brown’s touchdown celebration during the Giants’ loss to the Steelers. McAdoo interpreted the OBJ smile as: “Hey, he made his play and now let’s go make ours.” Hondo and others had a different interpretation: “Hey, look at my buddy celebrating his TD. Isn’t that’s great! Who cares about my teammate, Leon Hall, getting burned on the play, or that we’re down 11-0?”
OBJ’s objectionable behavior continued this week when he trotted out the tired Stevie Wonder-referee joke, proving himself to be out of touch and tone deaf on tasteless blind jokes that don’t pass the smell test.
Titans over Broncos: Joe Biden is threatening to run for president in 2020. Apparently, the ol’ skinny-dipper knows he’s going to miss doing those naked cannonballs he enjoyed doing in front of his female Secret Service agents.
Panthers over Chargers: Actress Michelle Williams used her upcoming cover story in Elle to complain about the lack of privacy that comes with fame. Said Williams: “There’s … a guardedness that’s just death.” There’s only one way to alleviate such a problem: Pose for more magazine covers.
Colts over Texans: President Obama made the claim to CNN this week he didn’t see the rise of ISIS and its ability to “initiate major land offensives … on my intelligence radar screen.” That’s understandable; after all, who pays any attention to the J.V. team?
Obama says if he had listened to the intel briefings he would have stopped ISIS in its tracks by drawing “a red line.”
Bengals over Browns: Ohio’s State Senate voted 31-0 in favor of bill banning sex with animals. Who says the nation is divided? The only drawback to the bill is that the state’s tourism revenue will take a hit now that it no longer will be a destination point for bestiality enthusiasts.
Steelers over Bills: Newly re-elected House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi told CBS News: “I don’t think people want a new direction.” Says Odell: Even Ray Charles can see that’s not true.
Dolphins over Cardinals: Jimmy Kimmel will replace Chris Rock this year as host of the Academy Awards. Apparently, the producers weren’t affected much by the #OscarsSoWhite movement.
Bears over Lions: Experts expect Sofia Vergara to prevail in the right-to-live suit filed by her frozen embryos, aka Emma and Isabella, and ex-fiance Nick Loeb, Of course, that could change if lawyers for “the girls” are able to seat a jury of their peers, namely, 12 angry embryos.
Vikings over Jaguars: The Vikings, who have gone from 5-0 to 6-6, are desperate for a “W,” so they should be a safe bet since they’re visiting Jacksonville, an NFL sanctuary city for opponents.
Saints over Buccaneers: According to the City Health Department, school cafeterias are infested with rodents and roaches. Maybe it’s time for administrators to give the kids vouchers to eat at Mickey D’s so they don’t have to eat with Mickey Mouse. That said, the schools’ ratatouille is said to be quite tasty.
Redskins over Eagles: Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is known for his screaming postgame catchphrases, such as: “You like that?” and: “How do you like me now?” After Sunday’s failure to cover against the Cards, the answers from ’Skin backers are: “No,” and “Not in the least.”
Packers over Seahawks: Anthony “Ridiculous Bulge” Weiner reportedly is broke and looking for work, although that may be unnecessary. Pending the FBI’s investigation of him allegedly sexting with a 15-year-old girl, he may be receiving free room and board for the next several years.
Falcons over Rams: The recounts are going badly, Donald Trump has the stock market booming, and Hillary Clinton came in second again to El Donaldo, this time in the race for Time’s Person of the Year. Oh, the humanity! What will this do to all the wound-licking ’Crats? There aren’t nearly enough therapists to handle the demand.
Ravens over Patriots: Bryce Harper of the Nationals reportedly wants a 10-year $400 million contract when he becomes a free agent in 2018. If he has a season in 2017 like he had in 2016 — .243 average, 24 homers and 86 RBIs — and gets the deal, he would become a serious challenger to Roger “$44M-A-Year” Goodell as The World’s Most Overpaid Man.
Best bets: Colts, Bengals, Steelers
Thursday: Chiefs (W)
Hondo still ‘excellerating’
Hondo roared out of the gate Sunday, charging to an 8-0 mark in the 1 o’clock tussles before settling for 9-6 record that nevertheless enabled him to gain ground on the fading Drew “No Can Do” Loftis.
As for the Best Bets, Mr. Aitch was able to hold onto his half of the top perch by nailing two of his three choices, which is what HondoNation expects from the defending BB champ.
Jets over 49ers: It’s tough to roll with Gang Green after Monday night’s debacle against the Colts. Fortunately for the Jets, the ratings are down this year so fewer viewers saw them waving the white flag for the full 60 minutes.
Then again, it’s equally difficult to back the 1-11 Niners, who are starting Kneel Kaepernick even though he was benched in the fourth quarter in Chicago for completing 1 of 5 passes for a whopping 4 yards. However, in fairness to Kaepernick, he obviously was still grief-stricken because of the death of Fidel Castro.
And the winner is: The Jets, who have no incentive to lose, as opposed to the Niners, who are still in the running for the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Cowboys over Giants: Ben “Big Suit” McAdoo had no problem with Odell Beckham Jr. enjoying his pal Antonio Brown’s touchdown celebration during the Giants’ loss to the Steelers. McAdoo interpreted the OBJ smile as: “Hey, he made his play and now let’s go make ours.” Hondo and others had a different interpretation: “Hey, look at my buddy celebrating his TD. Isn’t that’s great! Who cares about my teammate, Leon Hall, getting burned on the play, or that we’re down 11-0?”
OBJ’s objectionable behavior continued this week when he trotted out the tired Stevie Wonder-referee joke, proving himself to be out of touch and tone deaf on tasteless blind jokes that don’t pass the smell test.
Titans over Broncos: Joe Biden is threatening to run for president in 2020. Apparently, the ol’ skinny-dipper knows he’s going to miss doing those naked cannonballs he enjoyed doing in front of his female Secret Service agents.
Panthers over Chargers: Actress Michelle Williams used her upcoming cover story in Elle to complain about the lack of privacy that comes with fame. Said Williams: “There’s … a guardedness that’s just death.” There’s only one way to alleviate such a problem: Pose for more magazine covers.
Colts over Texans: President Obama made the claim to CNN this week he didn’t see the rise of ISIS and its ability to “initiate major land offensives … on my intelligence radar screen.” That’s understandable; after all, who pays any attention to the J.V. team?
Obama says if he had listened to the intel briefings he would have stopped ISIS in its tracks by drawing “a red line.”
Bengals over Browns: Ohio’s State Senate voted 31-0 in favor of bill banning sex with animals. Who says the nation is divided? The only drawback to the bill is that the state’s tourism revenue will take a hit now that it no longer will be a destination point for bestiality enthusiasts.
Steelers over Bills: Newly re-elected House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi told CBS News: “I don’t think people want a new direction.” Says Odell: Even Ray Charles can see that’s not true.
Dolphins over Cardinals: Jimmy Kimmel will replace Chris Rock this year as host of the Academy Awards. Apparently, the producers weren’t affected much by the #OscarsSoWhite movement.
Bears over Lions: Experts expect Sofia Vergara to prevail in the right-to-live suit filed by her frozen embryos, aka Emma and Isabella, and ex-fiance Nick Loeb, Of course, that could change if lawyers for “the girls” are able to seat a jury of their peers, namely, 12 angry embryos.
Vikings over Jaguars: The Vikings, who have gone from 5-0 to 6-6, are desperate for a “W,” so they should be a safe bet since they’re visiting Jacksonville, an NFL sanctuary city for opponents.
Saints over Buccaneers: According to the City Health Department, school cafeterias are infested with rodents and roaches. Maybe it’s time for administrators to give the kids vouchers to eat at Mickey D’s so they don’t have to eat with Mickey Mouse. That said, the schools’ ratatouille is said to be quite tasty.
Redskins over Eagles: Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is known for his screaming postgame catchphrases, such as: “You like that?” and: “How do you like me now?” After Sunday’s failure to cover against the Cards, the answers from ’Skin backers are: “No,” and “Not in the least.”
Packers over Seahawks: Anthony “Ridiculous Bulge” Weiner reportedly is broke and looking for work, although that may be unnecessary. Pending the FBI’s investigation of him allegedly sexting with a 15-year-old girl, he may be receiving free room and board for the next several years.
Falcons over Rams: The recounts are going badly, Donald Trump has the stock market booming, and Hillary Clinton came in second again to El Donaldo, this time in the race for Time’s Person of the Year. Oh, the humanity! What will this do to all the wound-licking ’Crats? There aren’t nearly enough therapists to handle the demand.
Ravens over Patriots: Bryce Harper of the Nationals reportedly wants a 10-year $400 million contract when he becomes a free agent in 2018. If he has a season in 2017 like he had in 2016 — .243 average, 24 homers and 86 RBIs — and gets the deal, he would become a serious challenger to Roger “$44M-A-Year” Goodell as The World’s Most Overpaid Man.
Best bets: Colts, Bengals, Steelers
Thursday: Chiefs (W)
