Sunday 1/24/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tar Heels (17-2) at Hokies (12-7)

Date: January 24, 2016 6:30 PM EDT

With its archrival in a tailspin, North Carolina has re-staked its claim as the premier basketball program on Tobacco Road. A spot atop the national polls may soon follow.

The second-ranked Tar Heels will likely regain the No. 1 position if they get past improving Virginia Tech on Sunday and earn an 11th consecutive win.

Ranked No. 1 in the season's first two AP polls, the Tar Heels slid to ninth following a 71-67 upset loss at Northern Iowa on Nov. 21, but have steadily climbed since their other setback, a last-second defeat at Texas on Dec. 12. North Carolina (17-2, 6-0 ACC) has posted nine double-digit victories during its streak behind Division I's second-highest scoring offense at 86.2 points per game.

The Tar Heels haven't been in peak form of late, however. After shooting 50 percent or better in each of their previous five games, they've connected at a 38.1 percent clip in home wins over North Carolina State and Wake Forest. They've hit just 22.9 percent of their 3-point attempts over their last five following a 3 of 18 effort in Wednesday's 83-68 victory over the Demon Deacons.

"Everybody shows up to my weekly press conference and talks about what a great shooting team we are," coach Roy Williams said. "Remember, don't ask me that question any more."

Off to its best start in the ACC since beginning 11-0 in 2000-01, North Carolina keeps on winning despite Marcus Paige's prolonged offensive slump. The senior guard has totaled eight points over a three-game stretch in which he's 3 of 25 from the field and 1 of 17 beyond the arc.

'As long as we win, I'm fine,' said Paige, held to two points on 1 of 8 shooting by Wake Forest. 'I'll be ready when I'm needed to make shots. (Wednesday), we didn't need me to make very many shots. We just played better than them, so I'm not too worried about it."

While Paige continues to struggle, Brice Johnson bounced back from last Saturday's six-point effort against North Carolina State with 27 on Wednesday. The senior had 15 in a first half in which the Tar Heels forced 12 of their 19 turnovers to build a 46-30 lead.

North Carolina shot just 26.5 percent in the second half, though, and may need a more consistent effort to take down a Virginia Tech team that already owns one home win over a top-five opponent this season, having edged then-No. 4 Virginia 70-68 on Jan. 4.

The Hokies (12-7, 4-2) have already doubled their two-win total in conference play in coach Buzz Williams' 2014-15 debut, and nearly had a fifth when Seth Allen's 3-point try at the buzzer rimmed out in Wednesday's 83-81 loss at Notre Dame.

'We showed great maturity (Wednesday),' Williams said. 'It's easily the best game we've played on the road since we've been (at Virginia Tech).'

The Hokies are averaging 85.0 points in winning two of three since an 82-58 loss at now-struggling Duke on Jan. 9, their lone ACC game that hasn't been decided by two points or less or in overtime.

Virginia Tech is 3-0 at home in league games but has lost 20 of 21 to ranked opponents. The Hokies have dropped five straight and 10 of 11 to North Carolina, which outrebounded them 49-22 in a 68-53 win in Chapel Hill last January.

The Hokies' last win over the Tar Heels was a 74-70 victory in Blacksburg on Feb. 4, 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orange (13-7) at Cavaliers (14-4)

Date: January 24, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

In what's been a roller-coaster season for Syracuse, an alteration to the schedule feels like par for the course.

The resurgent Orange will fly out Sunday morning for that night's game at No. 13 Virginia, pushed back one day by the blizzard that's rocked the East Coast.

Adjusting on the fly has been nothing new for Syracuse, which went a month without Jim Boeheim when the NCAA moved up the Hall of Fame coach's nine-game suspension for multiple program infractions two days before a Dec. 5 game at Georgetown. There's been plenty of inconsistency on the court as well during a season in which the Orange (13-7, 3-4 ACC) won their first six, then dropped seven of 11 before righting themselves with three straight victories following an 0-4 start to ACC play.

Though Boeheim's return has helped, defense and rebounding have been the biggest factors to the turnaround. Syracuse has held opponents to 34.2 percent shooting while yielding 52.3 points during the streak and has won the battle on the glass in all three wins.

"Our rebounding has been better and our defense has been better and those are two things you have to do, especially defense," said Boeheim, 3-1 since his reinstatement. "Our offense has been good at times, but it is streaky and we are streaky, but I think we can still get better."

Tyler Roberson's emergence has been critical as well. The junior posted a third consecutive double-double and set a Cameron Indoor Stadium record for a visiting player with 20 rebounds to key Monday's 64-62 road upset of No. 20 Duke.

Syracuse ranks second in the ACC in field goal percentage defense (39.8) and will likely need to play to that level to earn a second straight win over a ranked conference team, as the Cavaliers have shot under 41 percent in three of their four losses. Virginia (14-4, 3-3) is also 11-1 when outrebounding its opponent.

The Orange will have their work cut out for them, as the Cavaliers have won 35 of 36 at home and are 20-1 in ACC play over that span. They recorded their 14th straight home win with Tuesday's 69-62 victory over Clemson that followed a 1-3 stretch.

Virginia shot 54.3 percent against the Tigers after a 39.3 percent showing in Sunday's 69-62 loss at Florida State.

"It felt like we were playing as a team again. We were really gelling," forward Isaiah Wilkins said. "We just had this vibe that we were going to get it done and it paid off."

A return to form from Malcolm Brogdon also helped. The Cavaliers' top scorer had 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting after being held to 10 on 4 of 17 from the field against Florida State.

"Coach (Tony Bennett) got on me a little bit about forcing some shots, and I tried to respond well to it and play better with my teammates," he said.

The Cavaliers finished 4 of 7 from 3-point range and lead the ACC in that category at 40.2 percent. Point guard London Perrantes is hitting at a 55.6 percent rate to rank second in Division I.

Syracuse, though, tops the conference in 3-point percentage defense (28.9) and has limited teams to 23.2 percent in ACC games. The Orange forced Wake Forest into a 2-of-20 performance in an 83-55 rout last Saturday.

Virginia, which handed the Orange a 59-47 loss at the Carrier Dome last season, also had its game at Wake Forest shifted from Monday to Tuesday due to the winter storm, which brought over a foot of snow to the Charlottesville area.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Sunday's games..........

Iowa (+8) won 70-63 Jan 2 at Purdue, rallying back from down 17 at the half; its third win in last four series games. Boilers lost 58-48/83-76 in last two visits here. Hawkeyes won last eight games overall, winning by 13-11-11 points in first three Big 14 home games. Big 14 home favorites of 5 or less points are 3-4 vs spread. Purdue won its last three games by 17-50-11 points since loss at Illinois- they're 2-1 on Big 14 road.

Home side won seven of last eight USC-Oregon State games; Trojans are 0-6 in last six visits to Corvallis, 4-12-19-4-6-4 points. USC is 4-2 in the Pac-12 (average total, 166.2), splitting four road tilts, winning at Wazzu, UCLA, losing at Washington/Oregon. Pac-12 home underdogs are 10-5 vs spread. Beavers scored 60 ppg in losing last three games, by 17-6-9 points; they're forcing turnovers 21.2% of time in conference play.

Indiana State won eight of last 11 games with Evansville, winning last four played here by 2-10-5-4 points- they lost 70-62 at Evansville Dec 30 after leading by 8 at half. Sycamores lost last two games overall by 20-13 points after winning seven of previous eight games; they're 3-0 at home in Valley, winning by 15-12-14 points. Evansville won last four games, allowing 50.3 ppg. MVC home underdogs are 5-9 vs spread.

Utah won three of last four games with Washington, winning two of its three visits here; dogs are 3-2 vs spread in last five series games. Pac-12 home underdogs are 10-5 vs spread. Utes play slowest tempo in league games, Washington fastest. Utah won three of last four games, winning last two road games at Colorado/Utah. Huskies are surprising 5-1 so far in Pac-12, winning its first three home games by 3-2-12 points.

Canisius won its last six games with Siena, winning last three in Buffalo by 32-15-34 points- they beat Saints in OT in last two visits to Albany. Griffins beat rival Niagara Friday; they lost last three MAAC home tilts by 2-8-17 points- this is their first home game in 15 days. Siena lost five of last six road games, with lone win at Quinnipiac. MAAC favorites of 6 or less points are 1-6 against the spread.

Quinnipiac lost eight of last nine games; lone win was 64-60 over Rider at home Jan 4; they were +19 in boards that night. Home side won four of last five series games; Bobcats lost 90-78/94-83 in two visits to Rider. Five of last seven Rider games were decided by 5 or less points; Broncs won three of last four home games, with two of three wins in overtime. MAAC home favorites of more than 6 points are 7-10 vs spread.

St Joe's-LaSalle split last eight meetings; Hawks lost three of last four at LaSalle, losing by 5-12-7 points. St Joe's is 11-1 in last 12 games with four straight wins, by 5-14-25-15 points; they won two A-14 road tilts by 4-14 points. Explorers are 1-10 in last 11 games; the win was as 12-point dog to Dayton- they lost last three games by 22-11-13 points A-14 home underdogs are 4-10 against the spread.

Virginia beat Syracuse 75-56/59-47 in its two ACC meetings; Cavaliers are 2-3 in last five games after 12-1 start, all three losses were on road. Virginia is 3-0 at home in ACC, winning by 11-8-7. Syracuse is 3-1 since Boeheim came back from suspensions, allowing 52.3 ppg in its last three games; Orange lost at Pitt/Miami by 11-13 points before winning last two on road, at Wake/Duke. ACC single digit home favorites are 8-9.

Villanova won its last five games with Providence, winning 91-61/89-61 in last two played here; Wildcats won last nine games, winning its three Big East home games by 31-9-15 points. Big East home favorites of 7+ points are 6-8 vs spread. Providence won eight of last ten games, with both losses at home; they won both Big East road games, at Creighton, Butler. Villanova is shooting 56.3% inside arc in conference play.

SMU is playing to be first team on probation to go thru season with no losses since NC State in 1973. Mustangs won three AAC road games by 12-24-15 points; they've rebounded 43.6% of their own misses shots, #1 in country. SMU is 4-1 vs Temple in AAC play, winning 60-55 in LY's game after losing 71-64 here year before. Temple won four of last five games; three of those five games were decided by exactly two points.

VCU lost 73-71 in Olean LY, its first loss in three A-14 games against St Bonaventure; Rams won last nine games after a 5-5 start- they won all three A-14 home games, by 24-34-22 points- they're still just 2-5 vs top 100 teams, winning last two. Bonnies allowed 90 ppg in losing last two games vs 6-7 points, after a 12-3 start. A-14 double digit home favorites are 9-4 vs spread. Rams force turnovers 24% of time in A-14 games.

Hofstra won in triple OT at Northeastern Thursday; they used two subs for 7-9 minutes- all five starters played 49:00+. Having game moved to Sunday after the snow has to help some here. Pride lost last four games with Wm&Mary, losing in two OTs to them in CAA tourney in March. Home side won seven of last eight series games. W&M won five of its last six games, with only loss in OT at NC-Wilmington.

Belmont/Tennessee State are last two unbeatens in OVC, Bruins won 11 of last 12 games with TSU, winning last six played here, with four of six won by 11+ points. Belmont won its last seven games after a 7-6 start, winning all three OVC home games by 26-8-18 points. State won its two OVC home games by 5-6 points; they lost by 5 at Tennessee in only top 100 game this season. OVC home favorites are 17-13 vs spread.

 

[CaVengo]

NewWorldInsiders any?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL notebook: Manning praises Brady, Patriots
By The Sports Xchange

Peyton Manning is 5-11 in his career against Tom Brady's New England Patriots and it comes as no surprise to the veteran Denver Broncos' quarterback that he needs to slay the familiar foe to reach Super Bowl 50.
"They are there for a reason. There's a reason the head coach and quarterback have been there for as long as they have," Manning said. "You have to give them a lot of credit. When the schedule comes out and you know you are going to play them in the regular season, when the final second ticks off you know there's a good chance you are going to see them again if you do your job."
Manning was idle for the Nov. 29 win started by Brock Osweiler. Manning missed six games with plantar fasciitis. He said it has been an honor and privilege to play against Brady, who is 0-1 facing the top-ranked defense in the NFL this season, losing to the Broncos 30-24 in Denver.

---Tom Brady appeared amused when asked about comments from Denver Broncos defenders Antonio Smith and Malik Jackson, who said the Patriots quarterback is a "crybaby" and "whiner" when complaining to referees.
Brady was asked by reporters if he works referees more than others players.
"I'm not sure what the other quarterbacks do," Brady said before the team's first practice in advance of Sunday's AFC Championship Game in Denver. "If the refs want to throw the flag, I love when they throw flags on the defenders, absolutely. It advances our team. That's just part of football."

---Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming confirmed that he rescued a woman from a smoking car last week and played with 22 stitches in his leg in Saturday's divisional playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fleming said he was injured when he kicked in a window to pull the woman out of the smoking car about a mile from Gillette Stadium two days before the game. Fleming's agent also confirmed the story after the fourth-year player's alma mater, St. Rita High School in Chicago, posted about the incident on Facebook. Walpole police confirmed that a three-car incident took place last Thursday afternoon and that two of the cars had to be towed from the scene.
Fleming's primary contributions in Saturday's 27-20 win came on special teams, where he played 16 snaps between the punt coverage, kickoff coverage, kickoff return and punt return units, recording one tackle. He also filled in for 10 defensive snaps late in the game when linebackers Jamie Collins (back) and Jerod Mayo (shoulder) left with injuries, adding a tackle on defense.

---Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took issue with Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr.'s comments to "hit him in his knees" as the teams prepare for the Sunday's AFC Championship Game.
Asked during an ESPN's "SportsCenter" interview Tuesday for the best way to defend Gronkowski, Harris said: "You gotta hit him low, man. Hit him in his knees. That's the best chance you got of hitting him."
Gronkowski, who has a history of knee problems, responded on Twitter and posted a comment Tuesday night that many consider funny but a double entendre. His Twitter response has been retweeted more than 47,000 times.

---Chip Kelly was drawn to the job of San Francisco 49ers head coach for many reasons, but it all boiled down to his passion for coaching.
"Everybody makes mistakes," Kelly said of settling into a job in which he won't have as much control in personnel. "To me, it's just the lines of communication. Are they open? To me, I just want to coach football. I just want to coach."
Kelly was 26-21 in nearly three seasons with the Eagles. He said he took calls from Patriots coach Bill Belichick, former Colts general manager Bill Polian, Alabama coach Nick Saban and former Colts coach Tony Dungy. Kelly described those calls as encouragement.

---Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart was not practicing Wednesday as the team prepared for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Stewart tweaked his ankle in last Sunday's divisional-round 31-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The injury is not expected to be a factor for the NFC title game.
Panthers backup running back Fozzy Whittaker was back at practice Wednesday. He has been sidelined three weeks with a high-ankle sprain. As expected, defensive end Jared Allen (fractured foot) did not practice. An MRI confirmed he broke a bone in his foot during the fourth quarter against the Seahawks.

---Six Pittsburgh Steelers players, including five starters, will need offseason surgeries, head coach Mike Tomlin said.
Two players -- safety Mike Mitchell and punter Jordan Berry -- will undergo shoulder surgery that will keep them out for four months. Both likely will miss offseason training activities and minicamp but should be ready for the start of training camp in late July.
Linebacker Ryan Shazier (knee), tight end Matt Spaeth (knee), guard David DeCastro (ankle) and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) will have minor procedures that will require rehabilitation for a few weeks. Tomlin said that more serious injuries to center Maurkice Pouncey (fibula) running back Le'Veon Bell (torn MCL) and left tackle Kelvin Beachum (torn ACL) have progressed according to plan.
Running back DeAngelo Williams does not need surgery on the right foot injury that sidelined him for the two playoff games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger does not anticipate having offseason surgery on his injured shoulder.

---Houston Texans rookie cornerback Kevin Johnson was undergoing foot surgery in Charlotte, N.C.
According to the Houston Chronicle, renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist who is the Carolina Panthers' team doctor, performed the procedure.
Johnson, 23, played with a stress fracture in his fifth metatarsal for the last month of the season.
Johnson also will undergo surgery to repair a broken left wrist next month. He played through the injury during the Texans' 30-0 AFC wild-card playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 9. He left the game after recording three tackles.

---Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has applied for reinstatement from his indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy, according to reports.
Gordon, 24, was suspended for a minimum of a year on Feb. 3, 2015 after his third violation of the league's policy. By NFL rule, Gordon could apply for reinstatement within 60 days of his suspension. Commissioner Roger Goodell now has 60 days in which to rule on his reinstatement.

---The coaching staffs of the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs were selected to lead the 2016 Pro Bowl teams in Hawaii, the NFL announced.
The 2016 Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, Jan. 31 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
Head coaches Mike McCarthy of the Packers and Andy Reid of the Chiefs, along with their assistants, will be assigned to teams through the Pro Bowl Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime and the New England Patriots beat the Chiefs 27-20 in divisional-round playoff games last weekend. The 2016 Pro Bowl Draft will be held on Jan. 27.

---Eric Rogers, one of the top wide receivers in the Canadian Football League for the Calgary Stampeders last season, signed with the San Francisco 49ers, according to media reports.
Rogers reportedly received a $125,000 signing bonus and $100,000 in guaranteed salary. The 49ers were one of 16 NFL teams who took a look at Rogers, who led the CFL with 1,448 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while making 87 receptions last season.

---The Miami Dolphins signed quarterback Zac Dysert and tight end Dominique Jones to reserve/future contracts.

---Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was named to the Pro Bowl roster on Wednesday as a replacement for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Also added to the Pro Bowl roster were Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry and offensive tackle Branden Albert as replacements for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown and Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams.
Carr was scheduled to be an alternate for the Jan. 31 game in Honolulu before Rodgers backed out with an injury.

---The Miami Dolphins named Clyde Christensen as offensive coordinator, Bo Hardegree as quarterbacks coach and Jeremiah Washburn as assistant offensive line coach.
Christensen left with the Indianapolis Colts for 14 seasons as wide receivers coach, assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, working with Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. Hardegree was an offensive assistant with the Chicago Bears in 2015. Washburn worked with the offensive line for the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2015.

---The Indianapolis Colts hired Greg Williams as defensive backs coach.
Williams replaces Mike Gillhamer, who was let go after the 2015 season ended as one of several changes to head coach Chuck Pagano's staff. Williams was with the San Diego Chargers for the past seven seasons as assistant linebackers coach for four years and assistant defensive backs coach for three.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL notebook: Panthers DE Allen ruled out vs. Cardinals
By The Sports Xchange

Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen has been ruled out for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Arizona Cardinals because of a fractured foot.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera announced Friday he was holding out Allen, who broke a small bone in his right foot against the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.
Rivera acknowledged that Allen would have played Sunday had he been given a choice.
Allen said he was disappointed he will not be allowed to play.
"(I'm) not happy, plain and simple," said Allen, who practiced on a limited basis Thursday. "I'm ready to rock. Coach's decision, gotta live with it."
Second-year defensive end Kony Ealy will start in Allen's place and Ryan Delaire is expected to see increased playing time.
Panthers running backs Jonathan Stewart (ankle) and Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) are listed as probable for Sunday along with defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (foot) and defensive end Charles Johnson (not injury related).
The Cardinals listed seven players as probable on the team's final injury report of the week.
Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer continues to be listed because of a dislocated finger, but he hasn't missed any practice time as a result of the injury.
Cornerback Justin Bethel (ankle), wide receiver John Brown (shoulder), linebacker Markus Golden (knee), running back David Johnson (toe), defensive tackle Josh Mauro (calf) and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (ankle) also are listed as probable.

---The New England Patriots listed 16 players as questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos listed 12 players on their injury report as probable.
The New England players were listed as limited participants in practice the last two day.
Linebackers Darius Fleming (back/shin), Jonathan Freeny (hand), Dont'a Hightower (knee) and Jamie Collins (back) are on the injury list. Linebacker Jerod Mayo has already been placed on injured reserve.
Wide receivers Danny Amendola (knee) Julian Edelman (foot), tight end Rob Gronkowski (knee/back), defensive ends Chandler Jones (abdomen/toe) and Rob Ninkovich (shin), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (ankle), center Bryan Stork (ankle), guard Tre' Jackson (knee), tight end Scott Chandler (knee), defensive back Nate Ebner (hand), special teamer Matthew Slater (shin) and tackle LaAdrian Waddle (shoulder) also are listed as questionable.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (ankle) has been a full participate in practice this week but is listed as probable.
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak said Friday that cornerback Chris Harris Jr. is ready for Sunday's title game.
Harris, who suffered a left shoulder injury in the Broncos' regular-season finale against the San Diego Chargers, practiced fully this week.
The Broncos limited cornerback Bradley Roby in practice Friday because of a sore hip.
Denver quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler, safeties Darian Stewart, T.J. Ward and Josh Bush, tight end Owen Daniels, linebackers DeMarcus Ware, Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis, and guard Max Garcia have been full participants this week and are listed as probable.

---Before winter weather rolled into the Northeast, the Patriots were flying out to Denver.
"It's a shorter turnaround," coach Bill Belichick said, pointing to the 3 p.m. ET scheduled start against the AFC's top-seeded Broncos.
For all the bluster coming from Broncos' defensive players -- outside linebacker Von Miller, cornerback Chris Harris Jr. and others have shared strong and critical opinions of the Patriots -- New England has been mostly tight-lipped. The Patriots lost a Sunday night game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Week 12, 30-24, but are playing in their record-tying fifth consecutive AFC title game.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman made it clear again Friday morning that the Patriots are focused on the prize.
"We're focusing on what they do, not what they say," said Edelman, who missed the Nov. 29 game at Denver with a broken foot but caught 10 passes for 100 yards last week. "They're a really good football team and we can't afford to get into that game. We have to really just sit back and see what these guys do and go out and prepare for that instead of saying something. ... That's what we do here."

---The Broncos' three finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 -- safety Steve Atwater, running back Terrell Davis and safety John Lynch -- will serve as honorary captains and participate in the coin toss for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.
Three-time Super Bowl champion and Patriots Hall of Famer Ty Law will serve as New England's honorary captain.

---The Cleveland Browns hired Ray Horton as their defensive coordinator, reprising the role he had with the team in 2013.
Horton, 55, has been an NFL defensive coordinator the past five seasons, including the 2013 season with the Browns and the last two years as coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
Horton has coached in the NFL the past 22 seasons following a 10-year playing career as a defensive back. As a player and coach, he has made it to the Super Bowl five times, where he has three wins.
Horton spent two seasons (2014-15) as the defensive coordinator for Tennessee.

---The Jacksonville Jaguars signed head coach Gus Bradley to a one-year contract extension despite a 12-36 record in his first three seasons.
Bradley was entering the final year of a four-year contract signed in 2013. Owner Shad Khan previously announced that Bradley would return for the 2016 season.
The Jaguars also promoted defensive line coach Todd Wash to defensive coordinator.
Wash, a defensive assistant for the Jaguars since Bradley's arrival in 2013, replaces Bob Babich as coordinator. Babich was fired two days after the Jaguars finished the 2015 season with a 5-11 record.

---New San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly fired defensive coordinator Eric Mangini, according to published reports.
The 49ers struggled on defense last season and Kelly has chosen to go in a different direction.
San Francisco interviewed Houston Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel earlier this week and Vrabel turned down the defensive coordinator post to stick with the Texans.
The 49ers reportedly have offered the offensive coordinator position to Curtis Modkins, who is the Detroit Lions' run game coordinator.

---Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan has no doubt Kathryn Smith will prove to be a solid NFL assistant coach.
Otherwise, Ryan said he wouldn't have hired the 30-year-old woman to be the club's special teams quality control coach, making her the first full-time female assistant coach in NFL history.
Smith's hiring was announced Wednesday and was the main topic of interest when Ryan met with reporters on Friday.
"I hired Kathryn because I believe she is going to do a tremendous job," Ryan said. "I have been around her for seven years professionally, actually met her at an Eric Mangini camp many years before that.
"But I have known her professionally for seven years and the reason that I think she is going to do a tremendous job here, it starts with everything else just like any profession, you have got to have a work ethic, you got to have a passion for it, and I just like the way she is. She is really all about the team, how she can help and all that, regardless of the job we have asked her to do. She has done a tremendous job in that and exceed what we thought she would do."

---The Pittsburgh Steelers signed cornerback Ross Cockrell to a one-year contract extension.
Cockrell had 43 tackles and two interceptions while playing in 15 games (seven starts) in 2015.
Cockrell spent his first NFL season with Buffalo in 2014 and was released shortly before the start of the 2015 campaign. The Steelers signed him on Sept. 5.

---The Washington Redskins hired Greg Manusky to coach the outside linebackers.
Manusky has 27 seasons of NFL experience - 12 as a player and 15 as a coach. He previously had a one-year stint as Washington's linebackers coach in 2001.

---The NFL released the names of 107 underclassmen who have been granted eligibility for the 2016 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 28-30 in Chicago.
On the official list, 96 were granted special eligibility while 11 others already graduated but had eligibility remaining. The deadline for underclassmen to declare was Jan. 18.
The 107 total is a new record, passing the 102 underclassmen who went pro early for the 2014 NFL Draft. The 96 who were granted special eligibility is second highest all-time behind the 98 in the 2014 NFL Draft.
A total of 35 underclassmen appeared on NFLDraftScout.com and Dane Brugler's top-50 draft board, including the top-six overall players.

---The active player captains for the 2016 Pro Bowl will be Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, the NFL announced.
Atkins and Freeman will be paired together, while Beckham and Donald will work as a duo.
These four captains will help determine rosters for Team Irvin and Team Rice during the Pro Bowl Draft on Jan. 27.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Jerry Rice will serve as NFL Legends captains for their Pro Bowl squads and will select their coaching staff. Irvin and Rice return for the second time after being the winning captains during the previous two Pro Bowls.
The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, Jan. 31 at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL notebook: Patriots LB Collins expected to play
By The Sports Xchange

New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins is expected to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game at the Denver Broncos despite being listed on the team's injury report as questionable, according to the Boston Herald.
Collins sustained a back injury during last week's AFC divisional playoff win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Collins practiced on a limited basis all week.
Wide receiver Matthew Slater, who was questionable with a shin injury, also made the trip to Denver and is expected to play.
Guard Tre Jackson (knee) and tackle LaAdrian Waddle (shoulder) were downgraded from questionable to out.

---The Patriots promoted linebacker Kevin Snyder from the practice roster to the 53-man roster squad.
Snyder, 23, is an undrafted rookie free agent of the Detroit Lions. After his release in October, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad in late November. He was then released a week later and picked up by New England on Dec. 16.

---The league has finalized a five-year agreement that will keep the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis through 2020.
The NFL and the city worked on a longer-term deal for nearly a year instead of a year-to-year basis, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Indianapolis has hosted the combine since 1987.
The combine will be held in Indianapolis for the 30th consecutive year from Feb. 23-29.
According to reports, the combine was coveted by developers of the Los Angeles Rams' new multibillion-dollar stadium complex scheduled to open in Inglewood, Calif., in 2019.
The event is televised but not open to the public. It involves the evaluation of more than 300 college football players for the NFL Draft in May.

---The Detroit Lions have donated bottles of water to the residents of Flint, Mich., currently dealing with a crisis due to the presence of lead in the water supply.
Flint's water has forced the city's residents to use bottled water for drinking, bathing and cooking. A federal state of emergency has been declared.
Defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah traveled to Flint on Friday and led donations of 94,000 bottles of water.
"I am thankful to be in a position to do something about this," Ansah said in a statement. "I can only hope this helps as a more permanent solution is being determined. It speaks volumes that my teammates were happy to jump on board and support as well. These are our fans. These are the people that support us and it means something to be able to help them as well."
The Detroit Free Press reported that fellow defensive linemen Haloti Ngata, Darryl Tapp, Jason Jones, Gabe Wright and Caraun Reid contributed to the effort.
The Lions organization has made an undisclosed contribution to the United Way, specifically to fund the truck delivering water to Flint.

---Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls, a Flint native, has vowed to go to Flint and help in the weeks ahead.
"That's where I grew up at," Rawls, who is in Seattle recovering from a season-ending ankle injury he suffered in Week 14, said earlier this week. "So to know that the water is bad and to know that there's not a lot being done back in Flint, Michigan is kind of upsetting. It's kind of emotional just to know my family and friends and stuff there.
"One thing that I can control is do what I can do as far as on my end, and that's going back home, donating, having something around for the city as far as people having free water, stuff like that. Because it's kind of hard when you can't even shower in your own shower, when you can't drink your own water. It's kind of upsetting to know that I've got nieces and nephews, and (their) skin's breaking out. I've got friends, they have kids. It's already hard in the city just because. But just to add that on your plate, it's kind of tough.
"One thing I can tell you about the people in Flint is they're tough, and they are built for it. And that's one thing that I just want to display and show my gratitude through them, go back home and do a lot for the city."
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has apologized to Flint residents for the state's failures.

---The Lions will hire David Walker to be their running backs coach, according to FOX Sports.
Walker, 46, worked with Lions coach Jim Caldwell when they were with the Indianapolis Colts. Walker served as the Colts' running backs coach from 2011-14.

---The San Francisco 49ers hired Hardy Nickerson as their linebackers coach, according to reports.
Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reported that Nickerson will be joining the 49ers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he served as linebackers coach for the past two seasons. Nickerson also was linebackers coach with the Chicago Bears in 2007.

---The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Terrell Sinkfield to a reserve/future contract.
Sinkfield made 10 receptions for 120 yards and had 613 return yards with a touchdown in seven games in the Canadian Football League this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

AFC Championship Game Expert Picks: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
by Alan Matthews

The Pittsburgh Steelers might have beaten the Denver Broncos last week if top receiver Antonio Brown and starting running back DeAngelo Williams were healthy and/or if backup running back Fitzgerald Toussaint didn't commit a deadly late-game fumble.

The Kansas City Chiefs might have upset the Patriots in New England last week if Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and/or former K.C. offensive coordinator Doug Pederson (since hired as Eagles head coach) understood what clock management means.

So we could have had a Steelers-Chiefs AFC title game, and that would have been OK. But unless you are a fan of one of those teams, let's all be honest here and admit we wanted to see the Broncos and Patriots battle for a spot in Super Bowl 50 in what should be the final game ever between future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, maybe the two best quarterbacks in league history. Manning certainly is the best in regular-season history with his five MVPs and with just about every career record. But Manning has only the one Super Bowl title and is 12-13 in his playoff career.

Brady may go down as the best overall QB with his two MVPs and four Super Bowl rings. One more title would break a tie with Joe Montana, Brady's childhood idol, and Terry Bradshaw for the most by a quarterback. Brady already has the most playoff wins in history with 22.

It's the 17th meeting between these two, with Brady holding an 11-5 advantage. While Brady is still playing at a high level and certainly will be back next season, there's almost no chance Manning will be -- and I doubt the Broncos even would want that.

Patriots at Broncos Betting Story Lines

If history holds, the Broncos will win here as the home team has won all four playoff meetings between these two. Manning is on a two-game winning streak in that regard. His Colts beat Brady's Patriots in the 2006 AFC Championship Game in Indianapolis and Manning led the Broncos to a win over the Patriots in the 2013 AFC title game in Denver. Sunday's game will feature the most playoff starts among opposing players at any position in NFL history (55). Brady has 30 in his career, while Manning has 25. They will also set the record for the oldest combined age of the QBs in a playoff game in NFL history, with Manning nearly 40 and Brady about 38.5.

These two weren't close in the regular season. Brady probably finishes third in the MVP voting behind Cam Newton and Carson Palmer. Brady was third in the league in passing yards at 4,770 and led with 36 touchdowns against just seven picks, the top TD:INT ratio in the NFL among full-time starters. Manning had his worst season, completing only 59.8 percent of his passes for nine TDs and 17 picks, the worst TD:INT ratio in the league. He was second in the NFL in picks despite playing only nine-plus games due to a foot injury. Manning's arm strength is pretty much gone now. And he barely can move around. So the Denver offensive line must play fantastic Sunday to keep Manning clean.

Injury-wise, the Broncos have lost linebacker Jerod Mayo to season-ending injured reserve. He's the heart and soul of the defense from a leadership perspective, but it's not a huge deal otherwise as Mayo had been demoted to a reserve role this season. Top linebacker Jamie Collins and defensive end Chandler Jones (team-leading 12.5 sacks) both left the Chiefs win with injuries, but both will play. Denver has lost top return man Omar Bolden to season-ending IR. He tore a ligament early last week against the Steelers. The bigger injury is to No. 1 cornerback Chris Harris, who has battled a shoulder injury for a few weeks. He was burned a bit early last week and eventually relegated to a nickel role. It likely would be Harris who would get the call on Brady's third-down security blanket, receiver Julius Edelman.

These teams met Week 11 in Denver, with the Patriots on a short week off a Monday night game. The Broncos handed New England its first loss of the year, 30-24 in OT on a snowy day. Manning was out then, with Brock Osweiler leading a fourth-quarter comeback from 21-7 down. He hit Andre Caldwell on a 4-yard TD pass with 1:22 left for a 24-21 lead, but Brady led a drive for a tying Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard field goal as time expired. Denver took possession first in OT and C.J. Anderson went 48 yards on a sweep for a score on 3rd-and-1 to end it. Brady threw for 280 yards and three scores but was sacked three times. The Pats ran the ball just 16 times for 39 yards. Neither Danny Amendola nor Edelman played that day. Rob Gronkowski had six catches for 88 yards and a score.

Patriots at Broncos Betting Odds and Trends

New England is a 3-point favorite (-115) with a total of 44.5. On the moneyline, the Patriots are -160 and Broncos +140. On the alternate lines, the Pats are -4 (+118), -3.5 (+110), -2.5 (-140) and -2 (-145). New England is 8-7-2 against the spread this season (3-5 on road) and 10-7 "over/under" (5-3 on road). Denver is 8-8-1 ATS (3-5-1 at home) and 6-10-1 O/U (2-6-1 at home).

New England has covered one of its past five after a win. The Patriots are 1-5 ATS in their past six road games overall and 1-5 ATS in their past six AFC title games. The Broncos have covered one of their past seven playoff games. They are 0-3-1 ATS in their past four at home overall. The over is 4-0 in the Pats' past four playoff games. It is 5-1 in New England's past six road games vs. teams with a winning home record. The under is 5-1 in Denver's past six at home vs. teams with a winning road record. The under is 4-1 in the Broncos' past five playoff games. The home team is 6-0 ATS in the past six meetings. The over is 6-1 in the past seven.

AFC Championship Game Expert Picks: Patriots at Broncos Betting Predictions

It will be cold in Denver but not crazy so. There could be some rain/snow showers. The Mile High City hasn't been kind to Brady, who is 2-6 in his career there and 0-2 in the playoffs. I doubt the Patriots can run the ball at all on that No. 1 Denver defense. Doubt they even try much. This really all comes down to what Manning has left.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFC Championship Game Picks: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers Prediction
by Alan Matthews

The AFC title game earlier on Sunday is going to get all the hype. It's two marquee franchises in the Broncos and Patriots as well as the two biggest stars in the NFL and the best players of this generation: Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

And that's fine. That game might even draw bigger ratings despite the 3:05 p.m. ET start. But if we are being honest, the 6:40 ET start from Charlotte between the NFC No. 2 Cardinals and top-seeded Panthers is the better matchup. Manning and Brady never won a Heisman, for example. I know, that matters little in the NFL. But Carson Palmer vs. Cam Newton is the first time ever that two Heisman-winning quarterbacks have faced off in an NFL postseason game. When I first saw that statistic, I couldn't believe it. Newton also is going to be your NFL MVP this season and Palmer most likely second in the voting.

The Panthers led the NFL with 15 wins during the season and were the only home unbeaten. The Cardinals were second with 13 wins and tied the Panthers for the NFL's best road record at 7-1. In fact, by many statistics the Cards were better away from home this year. While reaching the Super Bowl is old hat for the Patriots and Broncos, the Cardinals and Panthers have each made it just once -- each losing the title in the final minute in spectacular games.

Carolina is +200 to win Super Bowl 50, behind New England (+190), and Arizona +375. You can get the field at -500 against the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl (+400). The field is -230 against the Panthers (+190). At 5Dimes, Arizona is +1.5 vs. New England right now and -2.5 against Denver. Carolina is +1 against the Pats and -3 vs. the Broncos.

Cardinals at Panthers Betting Story Lines

These teams advanced in quite different fashion. Carolina totally dominated the Seahawks in the first half of last week's divisional-round game to the tune of a 31-0 halftime lead. Seattle made it interesting with 24 second-half points. And if you want to criticize Carolina for one thing this season, it has been a tendency to perhaps lose focus after leading big. The Panthers nearly lost to the Colts and Giants, for example, during the regular season after doing so. Carolina has won 12 straight games at home overall.

Arizona's divisional-round game with Green Bay was one of the most entertaining playoff games you will ever see. I love Cardinals coach Bruce Arians because he's the most aggressive play-caller in the NFL. When most coaches would run to eat clock late in the game with a lead, Arians isn't afraid to pass. It nearly cost him against the Packers as an incomplete Carson Palmer pass ahead of the two-minute warning essentially gave Aaron Rodgers another 35 seconds or so when Green Bay got the ball back down seven following a Cardinals field goal. Those extra seconds meant everything as Rodgers shockingly hit Jeff Janis on a Hail Mary to tie on the final play of regulation. Well, tie after the extra point; I still stay Coach Mike McCarthy should have gone for two points there. Arians' aggressive style was costly on that Hail Mary, too, as the Cardinals blitzed Rodgers, leaving just four guys back. You never see that. But Arizona won it on the first possession of overtime thanks to a tremendous 75-yard catch-and-run from Larry Fitzgerald. He would end it two plays later on a shuffle pass from Palmer from 5 yards out. Fitzgerald had had eight receptions for 176 yards and that score. He now has 10 playoff TD catches in his career, good for No. 3 all-time. Ahead are John Stallworth (12) and Jerry Rice (an uncatchable 22).

Injury-wise, the Cardinals got out of the Packers game in good shape. The Panthers saw Jonathan Stewart, who rushed for 106 yards and two scores on 19 carries, tweak an ankle but he's expected to be fine. Defensive end Jared Allen fractured his foot in the fourth quarter but might still play. The NFL's active career sacks leader has to prove he can be effective and play through the pain. The 33-year-old Allen isn't half the player he used to be but still fairly effective. He will play if at all possible as this might be his last chance at reaching his first Super Bowl. Kony Ealy will start at right end if Allen can't play.

These teams played in Charlotte in the wild-card round last year, but throw that game out because the Cardinals started third-stringer Ryan Lindley at quarterback and I think he's selling timeshares in San Diego these days. Carolina won 27-16 as the Cardinals set an NFL playoff record with all of 78 total yards (12 in second half). Lindley was predictably horrid. Newton threw for 198 yards and two scores with a pick. Stewart rushed for 123 yards and a score. Both teams are much better this season.

Cardinals at Panthers Betting Odds and Trends

Carolina is -3 (-115) with a total of 47.5. On the moneyline the Panthers are -163 and Cardinals +143. On the alternate lines, the Panthers are -4 (+118), -3.5 (+110) and -2.5 (-140). Arizona is 9-8 against the spread (6-2 on road) and 9-8 "over/under" (5-3 on road). Carolina is 12-5 ATS (7-2 at home) and 11-5-1 O/U (6-2-1 at home).

Arizona is 4-1 ATS in its past five road games. The Cards are 1-5 ATS in their past six January games. They are 1-6 ATS in their past seven vs. teams with a winning record. Carolina is 9-3 ATS in its past 12 vs. the NFC. The under is 6-1 in the Cardinals' past seven overall. The over is 12-3 in Carolina's past 15 vs. the NFC. It is 4-0 in the Cats' past four at home vs. teams with a winning road record. The home team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings.

NFL Championship Game Picks: Cardinals at Panthers Betting Predictions

It will be in the low 20s in Charlotte around kickoff with potentially icy conditions. Isn't expected to snow. I would say the cold benefits the Panthers as they are the more physical, run-heavy team. Plus the Cardinals are an indoor/warm-weather club. Thus I like the under here even though it's the two highest-scoring offenses in the regular season. Both are so dependent on their QBs that an injury would destroy either offense. History says it will be a close NFC title game as the past eight have been decided by seven points or fewer. That's amazing. Four of those eight have gone to overtime, including last year. Give the 2.5 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

After good days on Thursday and Friday at Gulfstream Park with 10 winners on top, Saturday turned out rather mediocre for us, but on the bright side I was not outside shoveling snow like many of you in the northeast.

I hope today you guys get a chance to relax, play the ponies and watch the NFL playoff games this afternoon.

Saturday ended with a huge upset in the $200,000 Santa Monica (G2), the lone graded stakes race of the weekend. My top pick was Ben’s Duchess who was never a threat and faded badly to finish dead last.

The upset winner was Lost Bus, who battled on gamely in the stretch to win by a neck over Finest City, returning $131.20 for a $2 wager. The $2 exacta with 9-1 Finest City paid a hefty $1,022.80.

There was a claim of foul by Corey Nakatani who was aboard the runner up, claiming he got bumped in the stretch by the winner who had Fernando Perez aboard, but the stewards let the results stand.

“Corey (Nakatani, on Finest City) was pushing me,” Perez stated after the race. “We were bumping a little bit down the stretch, but not much to be honest. He just had to take the shot to see if he could get the disqualification. I didn’t even see Mike (Smith, on favored Tara’s Tango) at the wire. I was too busy fighting with Corey and trying to beat him. I needed to get that done first.”

Nakatani saw things differently, telling Steve Anderson of The Daily Racing Form, “If I don’t get bumped, I win it.”

Lost Bus is trained by Gary Sherlock, who claimed him for $32,000 last November out of a race at Del Mar where he checked inn fourth.


Here is today’s opener from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $6,250N3L (12:35 ET)
#1 Criollas Boy 4-1
#3 Alcaravan 7-2
#9 Cool Union Man 5-2
#6 Sum Midnight Star 10-1

Analysis: Criollas Boy came with a five wide run, overcame getting bumped and got up to beat $6,250 non-winners of two in a game effort last out. The gelding finished behind a trio of these in earlier starts at this condition but appears to be heading back in the right direction form wise. He needs to move forward off his latest to win back but is in good form right now.

Alcaravan tracked the early pace and could not get to the loose on the lead gate to wire winner last out in a runner up finish. The colt dumped the jock and ran off briefly before the race. He owns a solid pace profile throughout but is sporting a 0 for 11 mark over the main track here.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 1,3 / 1,3,6,9
TRI: 1,3 / 1,3,6,9 / 1,3,5,6,9

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 10 OClm $25,000N1X (5:05 ET)
#1 Arghad 9-5
#10 Chiltern Street 6-1
#5 Speightstown Time 4-1
#9 Golden Rivet 5-1

Analysis: Arghad makes his second start off a six month layoff here for the McLaughlin barn. The colt broke his maiden in his debut back in June and missed at this level by just a head last out off the bench. The colt lugged in at the 1/8 pole and got beat by a nice runner in Tapitation and was 4 1/4 lengths clear of the rest of the field. This guy was a $450,000 Keeneland purchase, out of a A.P. Indy mare that has dropped five other winners including a pair of stakes winners, top earner Zanjero ($1.6 million).

Chiltern Street broke his maiden last out in a good looking effort at Tampa Bay Downs for the Ward barn in his fourth career start. He has come back with sharp works for a barn that has been icy at the meeting (1 for 17). The colt still appears to have some upside and has a nice pedigree, out of the stakes winner Marylebone ($171,800) who has dropped three other winners, top earner Bow Bells ($91,620).

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 8-5 or better.
EX: 1,10 / 1,5,9,10
TRI: 1,10 / 1,5,9,10 / 1,3,5,9,10

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Santa Anita:

SA Race 7 The Clocker's Corner (3:33 PT)
#1 Rocket Heat 7-2
#2 Holy Lute 6-1
#7 Coastline 4-1
#8 Home Run Kitten 4-1

Analysis: Rocket Heat set the early fractions and headed for home with a clear lead in the Dayton (G3) but got run down late, settling for third while beaten a half-length for the top spot. The gelding was coming off a career top two back beating Alw-2 optional claimers going five furlongs at Del Mar. He went off at 41-1 last out and we are going to have to settle for a much lighter price, but he is well spotted here facing non-winners of a graded stake since last July.

Holy Lute also exits the Daytona, tiring in the stretch to finish 11th. He has run well on the downhill previously including back to back runner up finishes here last spring. He is better than he showed last out and get a jock upgrade to Espinoza here.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,7,8
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,7,8 / 1,2,7,8,9

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Gulfstream Park
R1: #6 Sum Midnight Star 10-1
R2: #8 Summers Back 10-1
R3: #4 Gauche 8-1
R4: #7 Purple Panda 10-1
R5: #4 Wyo Girl 12-1
R6: #11 Dothraki Warrior 10-1
R6: #12 Number One 12-1
R7: #1 Major Asset 8-1
R9: #9 Voices Only 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne Harness: Sunday 1/24 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet: NORTHERN DALI (10th)

Spot Play: SCARLET N SILK (6th)


Race 1

(5) HTH LYNN ROY the pacer flashed a good move against better a few starts ago but has been disappointing since. He fits in with this group nicely. (4) NUBIAN PRINCE just missed first start off the bench and should be sharper moving forward. (1) LIMA JUGGERNAUT lightly raced pacer also has room to improve; threat.

Race 2

(4) TWINKLE LIKE ASTAR takes a huge dropdown against much weaker and looks tough to beat with a decent effort. (2) C NOTE raced big at a price last week just missing; threat. (6) PARKLANE INDY is also facing weaker and owns a decent burst of speed.

Race 3

(1) FOX VALLEY AMANDA gets the best post against and inconsistent field. (6) MYSTICAL MJ is not as good as she once was but might be able to get the job done against this group. (7) FINANCIAL EFFORT should probably be considered the horse to beat making her third start back but had no excuse last week; command a price.

Race 4

(6) WINDOW WIPER is a huge threat at this level but might need to do it from off the pace instead of on the lead. (10) WESTERN DAME owns wins against much better but is up against it from the far outside. (2) KESONS AVAIA pacing mare makes her third start back off a layoff and has hit the board in three straight.

Race 5

(8) BELL VALLEY TIGER isn't the most consistent but should offer a fair price and can score with a decent setup. (5) DONTDOUBTTHELAKERS rarely wins but has been racing much better in his last two; threat. (2) WESTERN DEAL the pacer gets a good starting post and is capable of pacing a good mile.

Race 6

(9) SCARLET N SILK mare was bet down to the favorite last week against much tougher. With a smooth trip she's the horse to beat. (8) MUY CALIENTE made the most money in the field last year and comes into the race off a solid victory. (5) LIVE LOVE LAUGH is just now back in racing shape and has room to improve down in class.

Race 7

(8) ROCK HOLLYWOOD scored a victory against similar two back; threat. (10) KWEEN MIGHTUS owns some back class and will offer a big price. (3) PINSTRIPE PLAYER has been driven very conservatively in his last two. The 4-year-old stallion can score with a smooth trip.

Race 8

In a wide open and evenly matched race, (1) AS SEELY PROMISED gets the best post and will look to go two for two to start the year. (5) SIR LEHIGH Z TAM was facing tougher out east; versatile. (6) OUR MISS LILY needed the start last week off a month and should improve.

Race 9

(7) LIL AL BUNDY gets sent out for capable connections against a suspect bunch. (2) MAJOR MALE just missed last week against similar; threat. (9) CAPELO was also close last week and can pick up the pieces with a good setup.

Race 10

(9) NORTHERN DALI is very talented and finds a nice spot to do some damage. (3) AWESUM WORLD needed the start last week and raced well to a tough opponent. (8) LUCY FLEW has shown signs of turning it around and should be closer turning for home this week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Fair Grounds (2nd) Forty One Smarts, 6-1
(3rd) For Gloryalleluia, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Barrel of Love, 8-1
(7th) Black Beauty, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Who's That Chick, 6-1
(8th) Silvery Starlet, 8-1


Oaklawn Park (1st) Rhetorical, 8-1
(3rd) Belle Supreme, 5-1


Santa Anita (5th) Show Stealer, 6-1
(9th) Miss Gifted, 3-1


Tampa Bay Downs (4th) Political Man, 7-2
(6th) Sandy Whirlwind, 8-1


Turf Paradise (6th) Chelokee's Gem, 3-1
(8th) Felicity Doll, 7-2


Turfway Park (2nd) Candy Chant, 7-2
(5th) Twilight Appeal, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Sunday

843 PURDUE @ 844 IOWA 1:00 PM

Take: PURDUE +3.5

We’ve arrived at the point of the college basketball season where there will be an increasing number of rematches taking place. I’ve always paid very close attention to same season revenge spots in college hoops, and I’ve generally enjoyed a good deal of success isolating the right spots as far as this goes.

A key for me is measuring how meaningful the revenge variable might be. In other words, I’m not just blindly betting on the team that lost the first meeting to avenge the defeat in the rematch. But there are some good statistical edges that I’ve put into play with good results and then there are games like today’s second time around between Purdue and Iowa.

The first game between the Boilermakers and Hawkeyes was, in effect, a weird doubleheader. Purdue completely dominated the first 20 minutes, amassing a 19-point lead and heading off the court with a 37-20 lead.

But after halftime, it was if the Boilermakers decided the game was over and they proceeded to get obliterated by the Hawkeyes. Iowa outscored Purdue 50-26 in the second half, and the Boilermakers were humbled on their home court in the process.

I don’t think there’s much question about what Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey will go with here in terms of a game plan. Defensive pressure was the game changer in that January 3 clash and it’s not broken, then don’t try to fix it.

As for the Boilermakers, they need to do what they didn’t do in the collapse that took place in the first game. Purdue has to attack the Iowa defense. The absolutely did little of that during the epic melt and paid a very unfortunate price.

We should find out quite a bit about this Purdue team today. Regardless of the final score, it’s vital for the Boilermakers to have an aggressive attitude for 40 minutes in this game. If they get mentally dominated as they did during the disaster that took place at West Lafayette, I don’t think it bodes well for the Boilermakers down the road. If they stay in attack mode throughout the game, that’s a positive that will tell me this outfit is for real, even if they come up short on the scoreboard.

For me, this comes down to taking points with an avenging opponent I expect to see play with tremendous intensity, and while there will be those who disagree, I also think the Boilermakers match up really well against the Hawkeyes. Iowa is generally a bigger team than most opponents but that’s not the case here and Purdue is also the more physical squad.

The Boilermakers will likely lose the possession battle here as Iowa is simply outstanding when it comes to ball security and Purdue really doesn’t force many turnovers. But Purdue is as good as it gets at making life miserable for opposing shooters and I can see them dominating the glass here. This should be a terrific game, and I’m taking the points with Purdue in what ought to be a thriller.

 

[Jeff232323]

Anybody have fezziks props?

 

[Incubus]

We're all patiently waiting to see who Brandon (Link) Lang is on for either the AFC or NFC Championship Game before we make our bets! @)

 

[EStraightKillah]

Well.. that's it.. the 7 day free trial is over for me, today was the last day. So who is going to step up and do it tomorrow for the next seven daze? Please say I! tia

 

[CaVengo]

Well.. that's it.. the 7 day free trial is over for me, today was the last day. So who is going to step up and do it tomorrow for the next seven daze? Please say I! tia

Tell me more, and I will do it.

 

[gobluegold]

I'll do it tomorrow

 

[yankees10]

We're all patiently waiting to see who Brandon (Link) Lang is on for either the AFC or NFC Championship Game before we make our bets! @)

Afc so I'm assuming New England based on his radio plays

 

[EStraightKillah]

Tell me more, and I will do it.

Thanks for your response and willingness to help. You can do it the week after GoBlueGold does it. It is very simple and it will be explained to you when it's time. Thanks again. Bol today.