Sunday 11/20/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rhode Island Rams (4-0) at Duke Blue Devils (3-1)

Date: November 20, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

Rhode Island coach Dan Hurley said he thinks his brother, former Duke guard Bobby Hurley, will root for the Rams against the No. 1 Blue Devils when the teams meet in the final of the Naismith Hall of Fame Tipoff in Uncasville, Conn., on Sunday.

"That's a tough one. I mean, blood over Duke's family, Hurley's family -- I think he's with me though, because he talks to me more than K," Dan Hurley told ESPN after his No. 21 team survived "an NCAA tournament game" against No. 24 Cincinnati in the semifinal nightcap Saturday.

Bobby Hurley, a point guard who helped Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski to back-to-back NCAA titles, is the coach at Arizona State. He won't be at the Mohegan Sun Casino Arena on Sunday, but the Hurley brothers dad, noted high school coach Bob Hurley Sr. is there watching Dan and his 4-0 Rams, who face Krzyzewski and his battered Blue Devils for the tournament crown.

Once again, Rhode Island will have the crowd at its back -- these games being played 37 miles from its Kingston campus. The Rams face a Duke team (3-1) that came to Connecticut shorthanded and suffered more problems in Saturday's victory over Penn State.

"We're banged up more than any team I've ever coached," Krzyzewski said after "a hell of win" over Penn State that saw Chase Jeter go down with an ankle injury while Grayson Allen hobbled around on a bad toe.

"Before the game and then during the game ... I mean, Amile (Jefferson) has been hurt this week, he has 15 rebounds and 16 points. Matt (Jones, 15 points) plays the last two ball games in the second half with four fouls. The veteran play of those two kids really saved us."

Duke, which will likely fall out of the top spot in the poll because of a loss to Kansas on Tuesday, has three freshmen who haven't even played yet because of injury.

The three freshman won't play Sunday, Allen should and Jeter might as Krzyzewski tries for his 19th in-season title.

Rhode Island had to overcome some adversity Saturday as well, losing point guard Jarvis Garrett to what looked like a scary injury in the first half.

Garrett, hustling for a rebound, fell over the end line and appeared to hit his head on the knee of a cameraman. He was down for several minutes, got up on his feet but was taken from the court, his neck in a brace on a stretcher and sent to a hospital for evaluation.

Players from both teams wished Garrett well as he was wheeled away, with the Rhode Island bench emptying to wish their teammate well -- and Garrett was able to text his coach from the hospital.

"He's getting tests done. He has some type of neck injury," Hurley said. "No idea in terms of a timetable or as to the severity of it.

"I thought our guys' love for him and love for each other as brothers caused them to rise to the level and want it even more."

Asked about reacting to losing a key player, Hurley pointed to a pair of in-season tournament blowouts his team suffered the past two years, against Maryland and Kansas.

"Not this year. We're fully loaded," he said.

He said he thought Saturday was a sign. "That the hype about our teams was probably real; based on the way we've grown, with our young players, and the adversity of last year. Cincinnati's a heck of a team, probably underrated."

Saturday, the Rams missed their first nine 3-pointers before hitting eight of their last 12 with E.C. Matthews nailing a 3 from the right corner off a late out-of-bounds play.

And now they get Duke.

Special for the coach?

"I was coaching high school games seven years ago and driving vans around ... now we're nationally ranked and playing Duke (Sunday) for a championship," Hurley said, calling Duke "the premier program in the country that embodies everything you want in a college program. It kind of means a lot."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: The Citadel Bulldogs (3-1) at Iowa State Cyclones (2-0)

Date: November 20, 2016 2:00 PM EDT

If you like your basketball fast and high-scoring, The Citadel's trip to No. 20 Iowa State on Sunday might be for you.

The Bulldogs (3-1) average 112.3 points per game and just 14.2 seconds per possession, ranked 30th nationally according to kenpom.com. The Cyclones (2-0) tally 93 ppg and take only 12.9 seconds per possession, which is the sixth-fastest pace nationally.

Simply put, it won't be a shock if both teams crack 100 points and 100 possessions each. And if The Citadel is hitting a good percentage of 3-pointers, it won't be a surprise if it keeps this game competitive deep into the second half.

Bulldogs coach Duggar Baucom became a proponent of Paul Westhead's style of basketball early in his tenure at VMI, using it to post victories that program usually doesn't, like a season-opening win one year at Kentucky. He also took the Keydets to the collegeinsider.com tourney semifinals three seasons ago.

Thursday night's 116-112 win at Stetson was basically par for the course for The Citadel. It nailed 18 3-pointers in 41 attempts while also demonstrating great ball control with 24 assists against just nine turnovers.

"We tell kids we're going to shoot more 3s than any team in college basketball," Baucom said. "We're going to play the fastest tempo. We have now for 10 years. We're going to have a chance to lead the country in scoring, and there's just going to be a lot of shots available."

As proof for that statement, freshman guard Kaelon Harris came off the bench at Stetson to score a career-high 26 points. But the leading scorer in a balanced attack is sophomore forward Zane Najdawi (17.8 ppg, 10.3 rebounds), whose 60 blocked shots last season set a school freshman season mark.

All that offense aside, there's a reason Iowa State is a 30 1/2-point favorite in this one. The Cyclones, on paper, have almost every advantage possible.

They have the best player in preseason All-America point guard Monte Morris (19.5 ppg, 7.0 assists). They boast a huge checkmark in experience with five senior starters, as opposed to the Bulldogs' seven freshmen and three sophomores, and should have the savvy to recognize when to turn down a 12-footer to get a layup.

Coach Steve Prohm's first priority, though, is getting his team prepared to best defend The Citadel's unique style of play.

"I notice they hung up another (116) points the other night," he said. "I have a lot of respect for Duggar and what he's done for a long time. Obviously, transition defense is going to have to be a key."

Iowa State hasn't played since Monday night, when it dumped Mount St. Mary's 73-55 as it held the Mountaineers to less than 30 percent from the field. Opponents have made 30 percent of their shots against the Cyclones, the lowest field goal percentage against in the Big 12.

Iowa State owns a whopping 112-36 advantage in points in the paint despite starting a four-guard lineup. With the Bulldogs' emphasis on quick pace and shooting lots of 3s, the Cyclones could add to that margin greatly.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1) at Penn State Nittany Lions (2-2)

Date: November 20, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin clearly wasn't pleased with his players after the No. 24 Bearcats lost to No. 21 URI in Saturday's second semifinal game of the Naismith Hall of Fame Tipoff in Connecticut.

But Cronin, who recognizes the concerns he has about his team, also knows, "It's early."

And he also knows he has to get his team ready quickly for what likely will be a bit of a letdown game against Penn State in Sunday's consolation game at Mohegan Sun Casino Arena.

It's rare that the third-place game is played after the championship, but that's the way it is in this preseason tournament -- and while the Bearcats had to be thinking about a date with No. 1 Duke in the final, what they have is a meeting with the 2-2 Nittany Lions, who lost to Duke by 10 in the first game Saturday.

"We just wanted to win. We wanted to win today," Cronin snapped when asked if his team was thinking about Duke.

The Nittany Lions fell to 0-14 all-time when facing the No. 1 team in the nation, but coach Patrick Chambers saw the positives in the way his team played.

"We took another step today," he said. "We got better. And that's our goal Just keep getting better. It's a process that's going to take some time, but we're going to eventually get there."

Cronin, who lost a coaching battle to personal friend Dan Hurley and URI, hopes his guys learned a lesson.

"They taught us a lot about ourselves today and our deficiencies were physical and mental toughness," he said. "We got what we deserved. Rebounding's about heart and toughness.

Asked about both, Cronin said, "It's been our weakness with this particular team since practice started."

He went on to say his players could be relying on "what it says on our chest," and have to put in the work to get better.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose injury battered team moved onto the final, gave a nod to Penn State, saying, "We really prepared hard for Penn State. We think they're good and we prepared that way and it helped."

Said Chambers, who got 20 points out of Tony Carr Saturday: "There's so much more basketball to go. That's what's so exciting for me.

"Our focus is on Penn State and making Penn State better. Whoever we're playing Sunday, trying to get better that day. ... We need to get there hopefully by Big Ten season."

Cincinnati started the season just barely on the outside of the rankings, at No. 26. The Bearcats won a game and moved up to 24 and need a win Sunday if they are to have any chance of staying in the Top 25.

"They were the tougher team. I thought they wanted it more," Cronin said of Rhode Island.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (1-2) at Michigan State Spartans (1-2)

Date: November 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Miles Bridges provided a glimpse on Friday of what he can do when he gets rolling offensively. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo would like to see his team feed the ball to his freshman phenom more often.

Bridges converted all but one of his 11 shots in the first half of a 100-53 victory over Mississippi Valley State. He scored only three points after halftime but finished the game with 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

Izzo wants to see the Spartans rely consistently on the talents of the 6-foot-7 Bridges, rather than take 28 3-point shots, as it did on Friday.

They will get another chance on Sunday when the No. 13 Spartans host Florida Gulf Coast.

"I am not looking for that at all," Izzo said of the 3-point shots. "I'm really looking to get the ball to Miles inside a little more."

Bridges bounced back from a six-point, nine-turnover performance against No. 2 Kentucky earlier in the week.

"He became more of a normal human being at the start of the second half," Izzo said. "I like him abnormal, personally. And that's what I told him at the end. We just gotta keep that fire.

"But he was never lazy, maybe the competitiveness, the want to win games, is there. But the competitiveness, the want to score or rebound, make assists, be aggressive, I thought dropped off a little bit in the second half."

Although Izzo wants to pound the ball inside, the Spartans' top perimeter threats regained their strokes. Senior Eron Harris and sophomore Matt McQuaid drained five 3-pointers apiece against the Delta Devils.

The Spartans (1-2) need to get in a groove with three upcoming games from Wednesday through Friday at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas.

"We're ready to go into the next game," Harris said. "We're feeling good right now. We need to get back-to-back wins so we can go into the Bahamas feeling good.

"Everything happened for us (Friday), but we still can improve. We still need to play better defense, we need to rebound the ball, and we need to take care of the ball a little better, too."

The Eagles (1-2) figure to offer more resistance to the Spartans than winless Mississippi Valley. They gave Baylor a tough battle on Friday, losing on the road 81-72.

Florida Gulf Coast trailed by 10 at the half but was down only one with less than three minutes remaining.

"Baylor did a good job in the first half of throwing the ball inside and putting us on our heels," Eagles coach Joe Dooley said. "A lot of those buckets that they got -- and the reason they shot such a high percentage -- was because we turned over too many live-ball situations."

Guard Brandon Goodwin, who leads the club with a 20.0 average, had a team-high 22 points against the Bears and guard Zach Johnson (15.7 average per game) added 17.

The Eagles have been playing without their top returning scorer and rebounder, Marc-Eddy Norelia, who is recovering from a broken left hand.

Baylor still needed a late 9-0 run to put them away, which should put the Spartans on notice.

"We regrouped in the second half and had our defense a little bit more situated," Dooley said. "We got into a better offensive flow. At the end, they made some plays and picked up a couple loose balls under the basket."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Xavier Musketeers (4-0) at Northern Iowa Panthers (3-0)

Date: November 20, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Sunday's championship game of the Tires Pro Invitational features two early breakout stars in No. 11 Xavier's J.P. Macura and Northern Iowa's Klint Carlson.

Macura, a junior sharpshooter, poured in a career-high 28 points in the Musketeers' win over Clemson on Friday. It was an impressive performance highlighted by six 3-pointers, some from way beyond the arc.

Clemson coach Brad Brownell called Macura "unbelievable." "He just kept backing up on us," Brownell said.

Xavier coach Chris Mack credited Macura's teammates for getting him the ball. The Musketeers (4-0) had 17 assists.

"His teammates really wanted to find him," Mack told reporters. "If you're hot the way he was, it's nice to know that people are looking for him in transition. And we ran a few plays for him to get him open."

Carlson was equally spectacular in Northern Iowa's comeback win over Oklahoma on Friday. He scored 22 points and led the Panthers back from an 18-point deficit in the second half with a barrage of 3-pointers and some slick moves to the basket. Eighteen of Carlson's points came in the last six minutes of regulation and overtime.

"I guess I was feeling it," Carlson told reporters after the overtime win over the Sooners. "I don't even remember how many shots I took, but at that point, I was just glad they were going in."

Xavier and Northern Iowa each suffered heartbreaking losses in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Musketeers surrendered two 3-pointers to Wisconsin in the final 12 seconds of a second-round loss to the Badgers.

Four of the Musketeers' top six scorers returned from last year's NCAA Tournament team, including junior guard Trevon Bluiett, who had 21 points against Clemson.

Bluiett, who needs just eight points to reach 1,000 for his career, combines with Macura to give Xavier one of the top backcourts in the nation.

Macura was the Big East's sixth man of the year last season and looks like he'll contend for player of the year this season. He's averaging 19.5 points during the Musketeers' 4-0 start. Xavier is expected to contend with defending national champion Villanova in the Big East.

Last season for Northern Iowa ended in gut-wrenching fashion. The Panthers squandered a 12-point lead in the final 44 seconds against Texas A&M and ended up losing in overtime to the Aggies in the second round of tournament.

Northern Iowa coach Ben Jacobson has a relatively young roster, featuring seven freshmen, but the Panthers played beyond their years in the comeback win against Oklahoma.

"We kept playing defense and rebounding when our offense was not very good and I like that," Jacobson said after the win over the Sooners. "And the other thing I like was that a relatively new group believed we could get all the way back."

The Musketeers and Panthers will tip off at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday at HP Field House in Orlando, Fla.

Xavier has won three regular-season tournament titles in the last 10 seasons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: N.C. State Wolfpack (3-0) at Creighton Bluejays (3-0)

Date: November 20, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

After rolling to an easy victory Friday night over Washington State, the next test for Creighton at the Paradise Jam tournament will be a bit more challenging.

The No. 22 Bluejays will play North Carolina State on Sunday in the semifinals of the eight-team tournament at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

There was no letdown by Creighton (3-0) en route to its 103-77 victory over Washington State three nights after an upset of No. 9 Wisconsin.

Creighton led 25-12 and 38-22 in the first half before taking a 60-36 halftime lead. Cole Huff led the Bluejays with a season-high 19 points while Kansas State transfer Marcus Foster and 7-foot freshman center Justin Patton finished with 16 and 10 points, respectively.

The 3-point game was working for the Jays as they made 15 of 27 shots from beyond the arc. Foster (4-of-5) and Huff (4-of-6) led the way, and Isaiah Zierden was 2-for-4 on his way to scoring eight points.

All 14 of the players who suited up for Creighton scored at least two points against the 2-1 Cougars.

One player the Bluejays need to focus on in Sunday's matchup with the Wolfpack (3-0) is Abdul-Malik Abu. The 6-foot-8 junior led N.C. State in its first round 85-72 comeback victory over Montana with 25 points, while freshman Dennis Smith Jr. added 21 points.

Montana led 40-38 at halftime and the game was still tied with less than 13 minutes to play. When the Wolfpack went on a 20-8 run, Abu had nine of N.C. State's points.

If the Bluejays can force Abu, Smith and N.C. State's other top scorers into taking quicker, less effective shots, Creighton proved it can be a force on the boards in the win over Washington State.

After getting outrebounded 42-27 in the win over Wisconsin, Creighton won the battle of the boards 39-33 over the Cougars. Huff led the way with six rebounds while Martin Krampelj and Ronnie Harrell Jr. had five apiece.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Duquesne Dukes (2-2) at Kentucky Wildcats (3-0)

Date: November 20, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- After playing in the bright lights and hype of the Champions Classic at New York's Madison Square Garden, a big question will be how No. 2 Kentucky responds to more subdued environment.

The Wildcats return home fresh off their impressive 69-48 rout of No. 13 Michigan State and they will get their answers Sunday night against Duquesne.

"Great question," Kentucky associate head coach Kenny Payne said Friday. "But we don't have to worry about that. The way that we coach, the way that we prepare those kids know that after that game is over, we celebrate. It's over. On to the next."

"The issue is outside of this environment. The friends. The parents. Their families. Now, they might talk to them about, 'Man, you all are the real deal.' But when they walk in this gym and they walk in our offices, they know it's on to the next. So they have no time to relax and feel good about anything. We're trying to get better."

Payne explained it is part of the regular process in playing at Kentucky where everyone else is always trying to fast-forward to an NCAA championship.

"It's in everything we do every single day," Payne said. "We're trying to get better every day. Are we happy we beat Michigan State that's a really good team? Yes, we are. Did we play our best? Not even close. Not even close."

The top concern for coaches is rebounding. Kentucky was out rebounded 44-40 by Michigan State and 36-28 by Stephen F. Austin. UK did top Canisius 39-36.

"I think one of the things that has been a little disappointing with our athleticism, energy and length is that we haven't dominated teams on the glass thus far," Payne said. "Don't see that as a long-term problem, but it's something that we have to focus on and get better at."

In Duquesne, the 3-0 Wildcats will face a team that is 2-2 on the young season. The Dukes defeated Loyola Maryland 65-60 and Saint Francis 89-75 but lost to Penn State 82-74 and Canisius 78-77 on Friday.

"We just need maturity and more time together," Duquesne coach Jim Ferry said. "The biggest issue we have is the schedule. We're basically playing every other day. So we've not had the practice time we really needed. Our practices have been our games (leading to) making decisions on the fly."

Duquesne is trying to restart after losing its top three scorers to graduation. Sophomore guard Tarin Smith leads the way at 15.5 points per game followed by freshman forward Isiaha Mike at 12.0. Darius Lewis, a 6-11 senior post player from Lexington, Ky., is the top rebounder at 6.5.

Kentucky is averaging 83 points per game and has three players scoring in double figures, all guards. Sophomore Isaiah Briscoe is tops at 19.7 points per game followed by freshman Malik Monk at 16.3 and De'Aaron Fox at 15.0.

Freshman Bam Adebayo and sophomore Isaac Humphries share the rebounding lead at 5.7 per game.

Monk is coming off his best game with a team-best 23 points against Michigan State during which he made 7-of-11 from 3-point range. In fact, it was the best overall game by Kentucky to date. To fend off any letdown, coaches make sure players are competing against themselves.

"They don't really know, and they're learning," Payne said. "For every one of these kids in this program, other than Isaiah Briscoe, everybody is still learning who they are as a player. There have been times when they haven't been in dog fights before. So, they're getting a chance to see."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Villanova Wildcats (4-0) at Central Florida Knights (3-0)

Date: November 20, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

The No. 3-ranked Villanova Wildcats will attempt to win their fourth consecutive regular season tournament when they battle UCF in the championship game of the Gildan Charleston Classic Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Villanova (4-0) defeated Western Michigan and Wake Forest to reach the final while UCF (3-0) knocked off Mississippi State and the College of Charleston.

The Villanova senior class has been part of a group that has registered an impressive 101-13 record along with the 2013 Battle 4 Atlantis, 2014 Legends Classic and 2015 NIT Season Tipoff titles in consecutive years.

In the 19-point semifinal win over Wake Forest, guard Josh Hart set a new career-high with 30 points while Mikal Bridges also scored a career-best 19 points.

"Second to our defense, we were really efficient offensively," Villanova head coach Jay Wright said to reporters after the win over the Demon Deacons. "Josh has not just been playing well, but efficiently. So when you get into a game like this, where there are a lot of offensive possessions, and you are playing efficiently, you are going to get some numbers."

Hart made 11 of his 14 shots, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Efficient indeed.

"It really comes down to making the right play," Hart said. "We came in with the mindset of, 'Do the right thing, make the right play.' The ball was really moving well today, it wasn't sticking. I think that was the biggest part of the efficiency."

UCF advanced to the championship by virtue of a 60-40 victory over the College of Charleston. UCF's defense was outstanding as it held the Cougars to 40 points on 26.8 percent shooting.

The last time the Knights played a defending national champion came on Nov. 25, 2011 when they defeated Connecticut 68-63 in the semifinals of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament. UCF lost to Harvard in the title game.

UCF coach Johnny Dawkins understands what the challenge looks like in ousting Villanova, especially since he lost to him last year at Stanford in the NIT Season Tip-off.

"Jay's a great coach and a friend," Dawkins told reporters. "He's done a terrific job with his team. I've watched them over the years, what they've done, he's built an amazing program. We have a chance to play for a championship. It will be a great opportunity for our guys to compete against one of the best teams in the nation."

UCF graduate transfer Nick Baynard has earned double figures in rebounding in all three wins and he had 10 rebounds, four points and three assists in the win over the Cougars. Before joining UCF, Banyard had reached double figures in rebounds just once in three seasons at New Mexico and Illinois State.

B.J. Taylor had 10 assists and zero turnovers in the quarterfinal victory and followed that performance with 21 points in the semifinal round. He leads the Knights in scoring at 17.3 points per game.

The defense must rise to another level against Villanova, one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the country.

"Defensively, I thought it was one of the best efforts we've had this season," Dawkins said after the 20-point victory over the College of Charleston. "Both halves, I thought we were as engaged as we've been this year."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Long Beach State 49ers (1-3) at UCLA Bruins (3-0)

Date: November 20, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Long Beach State's murderer's row type of schedule on the road to start the season continues Sunday at No. 16 UCLA.

After winning the season-opener at home against Cal State Los Angeles, Long Beach State embarked on an arduous road trip that has included blowout losses to Wichita State (92-55), North Carolina (93-67) and Louisville (88-56). The average margin of defeat in those three games is 28.3 points.

In the last game at Louisville on Thursday, Long Beach State's confidence was subdued from the start allowing an 18-0 run in a four-minute span early in the first half.

"We just weren't able to withstand that first blow to stay in the game," said Long Beach State head coach Dan Monson. "Once we got comfortable, it was too late, and the game was over. You come on these road trips to give the team some adversity, to help make them better, and I don't think we handled it any better than we did on Tuesday (against North Carolina)."

While Long Beach State has taken its lumps on the road, UCLA has won its first three games at Pauley Pavilion by lopsided scores. The Bruins improved to 3-0 Thursday night after defeating San Diego 88-68, which followed a 119-80 win over Pacific and 102-82 victory over Cal State Northridge.

The Bruins are scoring 103 points a game with five players with at least 14 points a game, led by freshman forward T.J Leaf and senior guard Bryce Alford, both of whom are averaging 20 points. Freshman point guard Lonzo Ball is averaging close to a triple-double at 15 points, 7.7 assists and 8.3 rebounds a game.

Leaf had 22 points and 15 rebounds in the opener against Pacific and tallied 26 points and 10 rebounds against San Diego. Junior center Thomas Welsh also had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

"I thought TJ was really good," said UCLA coach Steve Alford, who has lauded his team's versatility to shoot from the perimeter and score in the paint. "We wanted to attack inside. I thought we really started executing on offense that was geared towards getting the ball inside.

"It was a season-low for us in threes (5 of 22 performance against San Diego) but it was a game where our emphasis was really getting -- I thought all three of our bigs (including reserve center Gyorgy Goloman) did a really good job."

Long Beach State is averaging 68.2 points a game while shooting 36.8 percent from the field and 23.8 percent from 3-point range. Only two players are averaging scoring in double figures, forward Gabe Levin (13.3 points a game) and guard Evan Payne (10.8), both of whom are Loyola Marymount transfers.

Levin also leads the 49ers win rebounds with 7.5 a despite being a wing player at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds.

After the game against Long Beach State, UCLA leaves Pauley Pavilion but stays in southern California to play in the Wooden Legacy in Anaheim, Calif., on Thursday, Friday and Nov. 27. The field includes Dayton, Virginia Tech, New Mexico and Texas A&M.

The 49ers' difficult road trip continues with a game at Washington on Tuesday.

"We'll get better from this, watching it, and our guys will grow," Monson said of the early-season schedule. "We have to get into our league and be the best team in our league, and that's why we challenge ourselves as best as we can with this schedule."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday’s games

Stanford won its first three games under new coach Haase by 10-27-18 points, allowing 62.7 pts/game- teams are shooting 21.3% on arc against them. Cardinal has 4 starters back from LY’s 15-15 team. Colorado State beat New Mexico State by 3 in its only D-I game so far; Rams outscored Aggies 25-11 on line, were just 1-14 on arc. Pac-12 home favorites are 11-5 vs spread so far this month. Mountain West road underdogs are 9-8 vs spread, 2-3 as underdogs.

UCLA beat Long Beach State by 7-14 points last two years; Bruins won first three games this year, by 39-15-20 points, scoring 103 pts/game. UCLA is playing #13 pace in country, has made 41.2% on arc. Long Beach has been on road, getting guarantee checks while losing games by 37-26-32 points to Wichita-UNC-Louisville; they’re in over their heads. Pac-12 home favorites are 11-5 vs spread so far this month. Big West road underdogs are 1-10 against the spread.

East Tennessee State won its first two home games by 37-29 points; their whole team except for one kid is juniors/seniors (mostly JC kids). Bucs made 45.5% on arc in first two games- they turned ball over 21 times in 94-73 home loss to NC-Wilmington LY. Seahawks won by 9 in OT at Eastern Kentucky in their first D-I game this month, blowing a 17-point first half lead. SoCon road underdogs are 7-5 vs spread. CAA home favorites are 1-4 this month.

Iona was 9-31 on arc in 99-78 loss at Florida State Tuesday; they put Seminoles on line 40 times in their only game so far this month. Gaels lost 3 starters from a 22-11 team but have a couple transfers stepping in. Nevada won its first two home games by 15-25 over LMU/Oregon State after a loss at St Mary’s; Wolf Pack was up 23 at half on the Beavers last game. MAAC road underdogs are 6-7 vs spread. Mountain West home favorites are 7-5 against spread.


Hall of Fame tip-off

Duke beat Penn State by 10 yesterday; they used five guys 35+ minutes- they’ve got four subs out hurt- the other three kids who played Saturday played total of 16:00. Rhode Island beat Cincinnati by 5, losing G Garrett to a head injury. Rams are 4-0, beating three stiffs before the Cincy game- they’ve made 40.3% of their 3’s. URI played three kids 33+ minutes, used five other 13:00+.* A-14 underdogs are 4-4 vs spread. ACC favorites are 15-8.


Paradise Jam, Virgin Islands

Ole Miss is 3-0 despite allowing 86.3 pts/game- their wins are all by 3 or less points or in OT. Rebels are turning ball over 23% of time, but grabbing 42% of their own missed shots.- they were down 5 with 1:14 left vs ORU Friday, rallied to win in OT, making 12-26 on arc. St Joe’s won its first three games, by 1-20-14 points;* they’re forcing turnovers 23.7% of time. One of Ole Miss wins was by hoop over UMass, an A-14 rival of the Hawks. This is jump up in competition for both teams. SEC teams are 11-18 vs spread. Atlantic 14 teams are 12-17 vs spread.

NC State scored 84 pts/game in its 3-0 start, wins by 2-25-13 points; Wolfpack only played seven guys Friday (one only 7:00) as they wait for injured/ineligible players to return. State made only 20% of its 3’s so far this month. Creighton scored 90.3 pts/game in its 3-0 start, which includes a win over Wisconsin. Bluejays are playing #36 pace in country; they’ve made 48.4% of their 3’s so far. Big East teams are 12-8 vs spread this month; ACC teams are 16-12.


Charleston tournament

Howland-Floyd is an old USC-UCLA coaching matchup. Mississippi State has protected ball well in its 2-1 start- they lost by 25 to UCF Thursday, then beat Boise State by 12 Friday- they are starting two freshmen, two sophs, figure to improve a lot by New Year’s- they’re 2nd-youngest team in country. UTEP lost by 22 to Wake Forest Thursday, then beat WMU by 10 Friday; Miners start 3 juniors and a senior- they’re making 39.4% from arc this month.

Host Charleston was held to 40 points Friday in loss to UCF; Cougars are 3-1, allowing 59.8 pts/game- but are shooting 26.4% on arc themselves. Charleston is playing 5th-slowest pace in country so far. Wake Forest won its first three games by 21-20-22 points before Villanova beat them by by 19 Friday. Deacons are making 45.3% on arc- they’re still very young team. CAA teams are 9-10 vs spread so far this year. ACC teams are 16-12 against the spread.

Central Florida won its first three games by 24-25-20 points, allowing 52.3 pts/game; Knights have a 7-6 center who has 11 blocked shots already. Teams are shooting 33.9% inside arc vs UCF, #4 in country- they’ve made only 21.6% on arc (#17). Villanova is huge step up in class for UCF; defending national champs are 4-0, scoring 84.8 pts/game. Wildcats are shooting 42% on arc, 60.7% inside arc, curious to see if UCF can come close to slowing them down.


Tire Pros tourney, Orlando

Davidson is off to 2-1 start, with all three games decided by 12+ points; they lost to Clemson because Tigers were too athletic for them. Star guard Gibbs was also rusty vs Clemson (his 1st game of year), looked much better vs Mizzou. Davidson has players from 7 different countries; chemistry might take little longer to gel. Arizona State beat Tulane by 9 after losing badly to Northern Iowa Thursday; Holder only had 8 points Friday- they need more out of him than that.

Clemson ran Davidson off floor Thursday, then lost by 6 to Xavier when they really only played six guys (7th guy played 5:00). Tigers are #17 experience team in country; they protect ball well, but Xavier matched them athletically. Oklahoma will too, but Sooners are #324 experience team. Sooners lost a 16-point lead and lost in OT to Northern Iowa Friday, after they beat an overmatched Tulane by 19. Oklahoma is turning ball over 22.5% of time, which could help Clemson run.

Northern Iowa is smart, tough and shoots well; they made 25-61 on arc in first two games of this tourney. Panthers know games like this will be bigger for them on Selection Sunday than Xavier, which plays in a better league. UNI/Xavier both start 3 juniors, one senior. Xavier won its first four games, beating Clemson by 6 Friday after surviving Mizzou in OT Thursday. Musketeers are scoring 84 pts/game this month, but UNI plays #340 pace- tough to get 84 that way.

Oddity: Northern Iowa-Xavier play each other again next Saturday in Cincinnati.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Finals
By David Schwab

2016 Playoff Results

The final four teams in this year’s quest for a CFL Grey Cup title are set after Edmonton got past Hamilton 24-21 as a three-point road favorite in the East Division Semifinal Round and British Columbia snuck past Winnipeg 32-31 in the West Semifinals as a five-point favorite at home.

Here is the betting breakdown for this Sunday’s Division Finals.

East Division Final (ESPNNews, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Edmonton Eskimos (10-8 SU, 8-9-1 ATS) vs. Ottawa RedBlacks (8-9-1 SU, 7-11 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -3
Total: 56

Game Overview

Edmonton’s PUSH against Hamilton raised its record to 6-1 straight-up over its last seven games. The Eskimos have gone a profitable 5-1-1 against the spread during this run and the total has stayed UNDER in three of their last four games. Edmonton has been a tough out on the road lately with a SU 4-1 SU (3-1-1 ATS) record in its last five road games.

Mike Reilly led the CFL in total passing yards this season with 5,554, but he went just 10-of-19 for 133 yards in this past Sunday before leaving the game with an injury. His playing status for this game has been upgraded to probable. The difference maker was running back John White with 160 rushing yards and two scores on 20 carries. This is the time of the year in Canada when effectively running the ball can make all the difference in the world.

Ottawa stumbled its way to a second-straight East Division title with just two victories in its last six games both SU and ATS. The RedBlacks closed out the regular season with a 33-20 loss to Winnipeg as four-point home underdogs in a game that went OVER the 49 ½-point closing line. It has now gone OVER in five of their last six games.

To earn a return trip to this year’s Grey Cup, Ottawa is going to need a big effort from quarterback Trevor Harris, who was sixth in the league in passing with 3,666 yards. The RedBlacks also got a strong contribution from veteran quarterback Henry Burris with 2,419 passing yards. The trio of Greg Ellingson, Chris Williams and Ernest Jackson each posted more than 1,200 yards in receptions; however Williams was lost for the season with a knee injury in late October.

Betting Trends

Ottawa won both meetings this season SU with a 1-1 split ATS. The total stayed UNDER 58 in a tight 23-20 victory at home on Aug. 6 in a game where Edmonton covered as a 3 ½-point road underdog. Before this season’s series, the Eskimos had won five previous meetings SU while going 3-2 ATS.

West Division Final (ESPN3, 4:30 p.m. ET)

British Columbia Lions (12-6 SU, 13-5 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (15-2-1 SU, 13-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -7
Total: 54

Game Overview

The Lions started this season with a stunning 20-18 victory against Calgary as 2 ½-point underdogs at home and they are just one of two teams to actually beat the Stampeders SU this season. They failed to cover in Sunday’s win against Winnipeg; however they are 3-1 ATS in their last four games while going a perfect 4-0 SU. The total went OVER 55 ½-points against the Blue Bombers and it has gone OVER in five of BC’s last seven games.

BC needed a 13-point fourth quarter effort to earn a trip to this division final. Jonathon Jennings overcame two first-quarter turnovers by saving his best for last with a nine yard game-winning touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. He ended the day with 329 passing yards and two scores while completing 26-of-35 attempts. Jeremiah Johnson anchored the running game with 110 yards and a score on 11 carries.

Calgary has been patiently waiting for the chance to complete its run to a title after cruising its way through the regular season. You can basically throw-out a meaningless loss to Montreal in Week 19 in what was one of the most dominating runs in recent CFL memory. The Stampeders’ SU winning streak this season extended to 14 games and going back to early August they went 10-2 ATS before that loss to the Alouettes.

This is going to be a very tough team to take down behind an offense that led the league in scoring with an average of 32.6 points a game. This effort complemented the stingiest defense in the CFL that allowed just 20.5 points a game over the course of its 18-game regular season schedule. Bo Levi Mitchell was second in the league in passing yards (5,385) and he led the way in passing touchdowns (32). Jerome Messam rushed for 1,198 yards while finding the end zone 11 times. Both stats were both at the top of the list in the CFL.

Betting Trends

Calgary got the best of things in the final two meetings this season SU, but BC was able to cover in a wild 44-41 overtime loss on July 29 as a 4 ½-point road underdog. The total in this West Division rivalry has stayed UNDER in four of the last five meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: Edmonton Eskimos (12-8) vs Ottawa Red Blacks (8-9)
Sunday, November 20, 2016 |Time: 1:00 PM Venue: TD Place Stadium - Ottawa, ON
Edmonton Eskimos -2 | Total: 54


About the Edmonton Eskimos

The Edmonton Eskimos enter this game with a 12-8 record, including an 6-4 record on the road.

When it comes to betting the Eskimos AGAINST THE SPREAD, they hold a record of 9-9. On the road, as is the case today, Edmonton is 6-3 AGAINST THE SPREAD.

In betting the Total in Eskimos games, OVER THE TOTAL has been the case 10 times, while UNDER THE TOTAL has cashed the ticket on 9 occasion. On the road, Edmonton games have gone 4-6 respectively.

VISITING TEAM SNAPSHOT
Edmonton Eskimos Stats & Trends
* 12-8 Straight Up this season
* 6-4 on the road
* 9-9 Against the Spread this season
* 6-3 ATS on the road
* 10-9 Over/Under
* 29.9 Average Points Scored
* 26.4 Average Points Allowed


About the Ottawa Red Blacks

The Ottawa Red Blacks enter this game with a 8-9 record, including an - record on the road.

When it comes to betting the Red Blacks AGAINST THE SPREAD, they hold a record of 7-11. When playing here at home, as is the case today, Ottawa is 1-8 AGAINST THE SPREAD.

In betting the Total in Red Blacks games, OVER THE TOTAL has been the case 9 times, while UNDER THE TOTAL has cashed the ticket on 8 occasion. Here in Ottawa, games have gone 4-4 respectively.

HOME TEAM SNAPSHOT
Ottawa Red Blacks Stats & Trends
* 8-9 Straight Up this season
* 2-6 at home
* 7-11 Against the Spread this season
* 1-8 ATS at home
* 9-8 Over/Under
* 28.6 Average Points Scored
* 29.1 Average Points Allowed


Prior Games Between the Eskimos and the Red Blacks

Date Away Score Home Score Line Total
August 6, 2016 Edmonton 20 Ottawa 23 -3.5 58.0
June 25, 2016 Ottawa 45 Edmonton 37 -6.0 52.5
November 29, 2015 Ottawa 20 Edmonton 26 -7.0 52.5
July 17, 2015 Edmonton 23 Ottawa 12 3.0 48.5
July 9, 2015 Ottawa 17 Edmonton 46 -6.0 45.5

The Predicted Final Score of this game is Ottawa Red Blacks 30 - Edmonton Eskimos 28

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: BC Lions (13-6) vs Calgary Stampeders (15-2)
Sunday, November 20, 2016 | Time: 4:30 PM Venue: McMahon Stadium - Calgary, AB
Calgary Stampeders -7 | Total: 53.5


About the BC Lions

The BC Lions enter this game with a 13-6 record, including an 6-3 record on the road.

When it comes to betting the Lions AGAINST THE SPREAD, they hold a record of 13-6. On the road, as is the case today, BC is 7-2 AGAINST THE SPREAD.

In betting the Total in Lions games, OVER THE TOTAL has been the case 10 times, while UNDER THE TOTAL has cashed the ticket on 9 occasion. On the road, BC games have gone 4-5 respectively.

VISITING TEAM SNAPSHOT
BC Lions Stats & Trends
* 13-6 Straight Up this season
* 6-3 on the road
* 13-6 Against the Spread this season
* 7-2 ATS on the road
* 10-9 Over/Under
* 30.4 Average Points Scored
* 25.5 Average Points Allowed


About the Calgary Stampeders

The Calgary Stampeders enter this game with a 15-2 record, including an - record on the road.

When it comes to betting the Stampeders AGAINST THE SPREAD, they hold a record of 13-5. When playing here at home, as is the case today, Calgary is 6-3 AGAINST THE SPREAD.

In betting the Total in Stampeders games, OVER THE TOTAL has been the case 8 times, while UNDER THE TOTAL has cashed the ticket on 9 occasion. Here in Calgary, games have gone 5-4 respectively.

HOME TEAM SNAPSHOT
Calgary Stampeders Stats & Trends
* 15-2 Straight Up this season
* 9-0 at home
* 13-5 Against the Spread this season
* 6-3 ATS at home
* 8-9 Over/Under
* 34.3 Average Points Scored
* 21.7 Average Points Allowed



Prior Games Between the Lions and the Stampeders

Date Away Score Home Score Line Total
August 19, 2016 Calgary 37 BC 9 -3.0 55.5
July 29, 2016 BC 41 Calgary 44 -4.0 48.5
June 25, 2016 Calgary 18 BC 20 2.5 47.5
November 15, 2015 BC 9 Calgary 35 -9.0 49.5
November 7, 2015 Calgary 28 BC 7 1.0 47.5

The Predicted Final Score of this game is Calgary Stampeders 32 - BC Lions 24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL playoffs, second round

Keep in mind that the two home teams this week had last week off; the two road teams both won close games to get here:

Edmonton (12-7) @ Ottawa (8-9-1)— Redblacks beat Edmonton twice this year, 45-37 (-6) in OT in Edmonton June 25, then 23-20 (-3.5) here August 6. Under is 5-2 in series games, 3-0 here. Eskimos won six of last seven games; four of their last five wins were on road. Edmonton is 3-3 as an underdog this year; three of their last four games stayed under the total. Ottawa lost its last three home games, with two of those in OT; they’re 2-4 in last six games, with five of those six going over total. RedBlacks are 3-8 vs spread as a favorite this season.

British Columbia (13-6) @ Calgary (15-2-1)— Stampeders had their 14-game win streak ended by Montreal in regular season finale; Calgary won two of three vs British Columbia this season, winning 44-41 in OT in only meeting here July 29,- they’re 7-1 in last eight series games. Lions lost last four visits to Calgary by 7-12-26-3 points. Stampeders are 6-3 vs spread as a home favorite this season; five of their last six games went over total. BC Lions won last four games, winning 32-31 over Winnipeg last week; they’re 5-1 vs spread as an underdog this season. Four of their last five road games stayed under.

Second*round CFL playoff games

— Edmonton (-2, 56) @ Ottawa

— British Columbia @ Calgary (-7.5, 54)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL notebook: Patriots DE Sheard out vs. 49ers
By The Sports Xchange

New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard did not travel with the team to the Bay Area and will not play in Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Sheard, 27, was not on the team's injury report this week but was left home because of a performance-based decision, NFL Network's Rapoport reported Saturday.
Sheard posted on his Instagram page Friday night that he was attending the Boston Celtics-Golden State Warriors game after the team flight had taken off. The post has since been deleted.
Sheard, who is in the final season of a two-year, $11 million contract, was demoted as the starter for last Sunday night's 31-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He played only 16 snaps in a backup role. He has 18 tackles and 3.5 sacks in nine games this season.
Trey Flowers started in Sheard's place and had two sacks against the Seahawks.

--President-elect Donald Trump says Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is "totally innocent" in the Deflategate scandal.
Trump's comments, shared in a video clip by TMZ Sports, aired Friday night on FOX News in a one-hour special called "OBJECTified: Donald Trump." The special was filmed on Sept. 15 at the then-presidential candidate's home.
"He's a friend of mine, he's a great guy, and he's a great athlete obviously, but he's a winner," Trump said of Brady.
Brady was suspended four games without pay by the NFL to start the 2016 season after the league determined he had knowledge of the Patriots using deflated footballs in the AFC Championship Game in 2015 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots went on the win the Super Bowl two weeks later.
"He played better when he had the other ball," Trump said, noting Brady's performance in the AFC title game with a fully-inflated football. "I think Tom is totally innocent. I think Tom, first of all I know him and he's an honorable guy, and I'm with him all the way."

--The Indianapolis Colts placed defensive end Kendall Langford on the injured reserve list.
Langford, 30, had already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans with a knee injury. He had knee surgery in early August.
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Langford started the first seven games of the 2016 season and posted 11 tackles, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery. He had a streak of 135 consecutive games played, which was the longest among active NFL defensive linemen before it ended on Oct. 30.
The Colts also elevated cornerback Christopher Milton to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
The 5-11, 190-pound Milton was originally signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech on May 2. He was waived at the conclusion of training camp and signed to the team's practice squad where he spent the first nine games of the season.

--Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has been subpoenaed to appear in a videotaped deposition in a civil lawsuit against his family business in Tennessee.
Haslam, CEO of the Pilot Flying J truck-stop chain, is scheduled to appear at the deposition in Knoxville, Tenn., on Dec. 13 to answer questions by lawyers involved in the lawsuit filed over diesel fuel rebate fraud.
The business is owned by the family of Haslam and his brother, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. A court notice was filed Friday in Franklin County, Ohio, for Jimmy Haslam to appear at the deposition.
The lawsuit was filed by companies that declined to participate in an $85 million settlement between Pilot Flying J and 5,500 trucking companies. Pilot also paid a $92 million federal penalty to the U.S. Department of Justice. Haslam has denied any knowledge of the fraud and has not been charged.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL injury report for Sunday's games

ARIZONA CARDINALS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS
ARIZONA CARDINALS
--Doubtful: DT Corey Peters (foot)
--Questionable: S Deone Bucannon (ankle), S Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder), CB Tharold Simon (ankle)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
--Out: DT Sharrif Floyd (knee)
--Questionable: LB Eric Kendricks (hip), CB Captain Munnerlyn (ankle), CB Marcus Sherels (ankle)

BALTIMORE RAVENS at DALLAS COWBOYS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
--Out: TE Crockett Gilmore (thigh), T Alex Lewis (ankle)
--Doubtful: LB Elvis Dumervil (foot), CB Jimmy Smith (back), RB Lorenzo Taliaferro (thigh)
--Questionable: LB Kamalei Correa (thigh), DT Timmy Jernigan (shoulder), LB C.J. Mosley (thigh), CB Shareece Wright (thigh), G Marshal Yanda (shoulder)
DALLAS COWBOYS
--Out: S Barry Church (forearm), CB Morris Claiborne (groin)
--Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (back), T Chaz Green (foot, back), DE Demarcus Lawrence (back), QB Tony Romo (back), T Tyron Smith (back, hip)

BUFFALO BILLS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
BUFFALO BILLS
--Out: DT Corbin Bryant (shoulder)
--Questionable: DT Marcell Dareus (groin), LB Jerry Hughes (hand), WR Justin Hunter (groin), WR Walter Powell (hip), WR Robert Woods (foot)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
--Doubtful: TE C.J. Uzomah (calf)
--Questionable: DE Wallace Gilberry (calf)

CHICAGO BEARS at NEW YORK GIANTS
CHICAGO BEARS
--Doubtful: CB Deiondre' Hall (ankle), T Bobby Massie (concussion), DE Mitch Unrein (back)
--Questionable: CB Bryce Callahan (hamstring), DT Eddie Goldman (ankle), LB Pernell McPhee (knee), CB Tracy Porter (knee), WR Eddie Royal (toe), G Josh Sitton (ankle), WR Marquess Wilson (foot), LB Willie Young (ankle)
NEW YORK GIANTS
--Out: C Brett Jones (calf), G Justin Pugh (knee)
--Questionable: RB Orleans Darkwa (lower leg), G Adam Gettis (calf)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at DETROIT LIONS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
--Out: DE Chris Smith (eye)
--Questionable: LB Dan Skuta (back), TE Neal Sterling (foot), WR Bryan Walters (concussion)
DETROIT LIONS
--Doubtful: LB DeAndre Levy (knee)
--Questionable: DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), RB Theo Riddick (ankle)

MIAMI DOLPHINS at LOS ANGELES RAMS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
--Out: T Branden Albert (wrist), CB Xavien Howard (knee)
--Doubtful: LB Jelani Jenkins (knee, hand), C Mike Pouncey (hip)
--Questionable: S Isa Abdul-Quddus (ankle), T Jermon Bushrod (shoulder), LB Mike Hull (knee), DE Jason Jones (knee), WR Jarvis Landry (shoulder), G Anthony Steen (neck), WR Kenny Stills (calf), DE Mario Williams (ankle)
LOS ANGELES RAMS
--Questionable: C Tim Barnes (foot), RB Todd Gurley (thigh), CB Lamarcus Joyner (ankle), DE Robert Quinn (illness), DE Eugene Sims (concussion)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
--Out: TE Rob Gronkowski (chest), WR Chris Hogan (back)
--Questionable: TE Martellus Bennett (ankle), WR Julian Edelman (foot)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
--Out: LB Aaron Lynch (ankle)
--Questionable: CB Rashard Robinson (knee), WR Torrey Smith (shoulder)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
--Out: S Terrence Brooks (hamstring)
--Questionable: TE Zach Ertz (hamstring), WR Jordan Matthews (back)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
--Out: DE Michael Bennett (knee), LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (hamstring)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
--Out: DE Cameron Heyward (pectoral), WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot), S Shamarko Thomas (groin), WR Markus Wheaton (shoulder), RB DeAngelo Williams (knee)
--Questionable: S Jordan Dangerfield (groin), TE Xaiver Grimble (quadricep)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
--Questionable: CB Tramon Williams (knee)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
--Out: T Kevin Pamphile (concussion), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (foot), C Evan Smith (knee)
--Questionable: C Joe Hawley (knee), WR Russell Shepard (hip), TE Luke Stocker (ankle)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
--Out: WR Jeremy Maclin (groin)
--Doubtful: DE Jaye Howard (hip)
--Questionable: CB Phillip Gaines (neck), LB Justin Houston (knee), LB Derrick Johnson (hamstring), CB Marcus Peters (hip), DT Dontari Poe (knee), LS James Winchester (not injury related)

TENNESSEE TITANS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
TENNESSEE TITANS
No injuries.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
--Out: DE Kendall Langford (knee)
--Doubtful: CB Patrick Robinson (groin)
--Questionable: DT Arthur Jones (illness)

GREEN BAY PACKERS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS on Sunday night
GREEN BAY PACKERS
--Out: G T.J. Lang (foot), CB Damarious Randall (groin), LB Jake Ryan (ankle), C J.C. Tretter (knee)
--Questionable: TE Jared Cook (ankle), LB Clay Matthews (hamstring)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
--Questionable: WR DeSean Jackson (shoulder), T Morgan Moses (ankle), LS Nick Sundberg (back)

HOUSTON TEXANS at OAKLAND RAIDERS on Monday night
HOUSTON TEXANS
--Out: RB Alfred Blue (calf), RB Jonathan Grimes (illness), WR Jaelen Strong (ankle)
--Questionable: WR Will Fuller (knee), RB Jay Prosch (hamstring), DT Vince Wilfork (groin)
OAKLAND RAIDERS
--Questionable: WR Amari Cooper (back), C Rodney Hudson (knee), DT Stacy McGee (ankle), RB Latavius Murray (ankle), G Kelechi Osemele (knee), CB Sean Smith (shoulder)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 11
By Marcus DiNitto

Here are the opening betting lines for Week 11 of the 2016 NFL season, with insight from Ed Salmons, oddsmaker at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook.

Numbers listed are the Vegas consensus as of Sunday night at about 11 p.m. ET, and early moves and differences among sports books are also noted.

Sunday, Nov. 20

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (-3, -120)

Tennessee has won four of its last six games, while Indy has alternated wins and losses over its last seven. Still, it’ll take some guts to back the Titans here, as they have lost 10 straight meetings against the Colts and 15 of the last 16. The Colts won in Tennessee in Week 7, 34-26 as 4-point dogs.

Meanwhile, these are two of the best ‘over’ teams in the league, Tennessee sporting an 8-2 O/U record and Indy going 7-2 to the ‘over’ so far.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions (-6.5)

The Lions are on a quiet run, winning four of their last five games. They’re also coming off a bye to face a woeful Jaguars team that has lost four in a row. But this game has a similar feel to Detroit’s Week 2 contest against Tennessee, when the Lions were beaten 16-15 as 6-point favorites.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs (-7.5)

The Chiefs opened as high as -9, at CG Technology, but the line was adjusted to -8 about 20 minutes later. Most Vegas bet shops, though, opened Kansas City -7.5.

Chicago Bears at New York Giants (-6)

It was strange seeing the two-win Bears as field-goal road favorites Sunday, and sure enough, they were beaten in Tampa Bay, 36-10. Chicago is now 0-5 on the road this season, both SU and ATS.

Arizona Cardinals (-1) at Minnesota Vikings

This NFC clash opened pick ‘em on some betting boards in Vegas.

Looking like one of the better teams in the league after a 5-0 start, Minnesota’s loss at Washington on Sunday was its fourth straight defeat.

Arizona isn’t lighting it up, either. The Cardinals’ last three games: a dreary 6-6 tie at Seattle, a 30-20 loss in Carolina, a game they were never really in; and a too-close-for-comfort 23-20 win as 13.5-point home favorites against San Francisco on Sunday.

Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals (-4)

The Westgate opened Cincy -4, while CG Technology went -4.5. Even though the Bengals are home, this is a tough spot for them, as they have a short week after Monday’s game at the Giants and the Bills are coming off a bye.

Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys (-7)

The streaky Ravens take a major step up in class with a visit to 8-1 Dallas, but this is a sandwich game for the Cowboys, in between Sunday’s whacky win in Pittsburgh and a Thanksgiving Day meeting with the Redskins.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-9) at Cleveland Browns

At the Westgate on Sunday night, Pittsburgh bounced between -8.5 and -9.5, big numbers to lay on the road for a team that has lost four in a row outright and whose defense is having trouble getting stops. Then again, the Steelers are playing the winless Browns, who have covered just two spreads all season.

Miami Dolphins (-1) at Los Angeles Rams

This game opened pick ‘em at the Westgate before a move in Miami’s direction. The Dolphins, whose 31-24 win at San Diego was their fourth straight overall, are staying on the West Coast this week as they prepare for the Rams.

Salmons likes what coach Adam Gase is doing in Miami. “They (traditionally have done) so many stupid things out there, and it’s hard to get them out of that,” Salmons said of the Dolphins. “But he’s slowly but surely doing it. He’s done a really nice job there.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter report Sunday morning that the Rams may start Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, vs. Miami for the first time. That’s a move Salmons believes should have been made a long time ago.

“The Rams offense is atomically bad,” Salmons said. “It’s amazing they refuse to switch quarterbacks”

New England Patriots (-14) at San Francisco 49ers

The league’s highest-rated team visiting one of the lowest results in a two-touchdown road favorite, an NFL rarity.

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks (-5)

The Seahawks opened -4.5 and were pushed to -5 at the Westgate. Winning at Seattle is a tall order for the Eagles, whose only win on the road this season came in Week 2 at Chicago. Other than that game, they are 0-4 SU and ATS away from Philly.

Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins (-2.5)

Washington opened -3 at the Westgate before a move off the key number to -2.5. Before you lay the short number, remember that the Redskins were 2-point favorites over the Packers in the playoff last season and got waxed, 35-18.

Monday, Nov. 21

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders (-5)

The Westgate opened Oakland -3.5 but went to -5, a move based more on the market price than on action, Salmons said. Some shops, in fact, were dealing 5.5 as their opening number.

“We’re more anti-Houston than pro-Oakland,” Salmons said. “….There’s not a lot to like about Houston, even though they won (Sunday). That says more about Jacksonville.”

Despite their 7-2 record, Salmons isn’t too high on the Raiders. He rates Denver, Kansas City and Pittsburgh all a notch higher in the AFC, in addition to the Patriots, obviously.

“I’ve got a bunch of teams I like better than them,” Salmons said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL opening line report: Cowboys heavily favored over visiting Ravens in Week 11
By PATRICK EVERSON

Through 10 weeks of the NFL season, the team with the best record in the land is the one that lost its starting quarterback in the preseason. We talk about the Week 11 opening lines with Peter Childs, risk management supervisor.

Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys (-7)

Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott just keep getting it done for Dallas, and Week 10 was no exception. The Cowboys (8-1 SU and ATS) scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes – on Elliott runs of 14 and 32 runs, sandwiched between a Pittsburgh TD – to pull out a riveting 35-30 victory as a 3-point road underdog.

Since dropping their season opener against the visiting New York Giants, the Cowboys are a perfect 8-0 SU and ATS, sitting not only atop the NFC, but the rest of the league after New England lost to Seattle on Sunday night.

Baltimore (5-4 SU, 4-5 ATS) has posted back-to-back wins, both in division play, and now actually leads the muddled AFC North. The Ravens drubbed league doormat Cleveland 28-7 laying 7.5 points in the Week 10 Thursday nighter.

“The Cowboys are the hottest team in football, and they’re going to attract a ton of money in this game,” Childs said. “The Ravens, having played Thursday night, have what I like to call a ‘mini bye,’ giving them three days for extra rest and extra prep time. We opened the Cowboys a full touchdown favorite, and as expected, we’ve seen our fair share of Cowboys money. But not enough to move off the key number of 7, so we added 5 more cents of juice, going to -7 (-115).”

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks (-6)

Seattle just might be in its back-to-back Super Bowl seasons form. The Seahawks (6-2-1 SU, 5-4 ATS) went into New England on Sunday night as a 7.5-point pup and came out with a 31-24 victory after making a goal-line stand in the final minute.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia might be recapturing some of its early-season magic. The Eagles (5-4 SU and ATS) snapped a 1-4 SU and ATS slide by handcuffing Atlanta’s potent offense in a 24-15 win laying 2 points at home.

“After a very impressive Sunday night win, we opened the Seahawks -6,” Childs said. “While the Eagles have played solid football this season, they’re a disappointing 1-4 both straight up and against the spread on the road. Seattle is arguably the loudest and toughest place to play for road teams. Throw in the Seahawks’ impressive win on the road against one of the best teams in the NFL on national TV, and I can see this line only going up.”

Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins (-3)

Green Bay beat Washington in the wild-card round of the playoffs last year, but Aaron Rodgers and Co. return to D.C. looking nothing like the team that posted a 35-18 win getting 2 points. On Sunday at Tennessee, the Packers (4-5 SU, 4-4-1 ATS) gave up 35 first-half points in a 47-25 loss as a 3-point favorite.

Washington is trying to get in gear in the NFC playoff chase. The Redskins (5-3-1 SU, 6-3 ATS) topped Minnesota 26-20 as a 2.5-point home fave Sunday.

“No question, the Packers are the most disappointing team this season. For a team that had Super Bowl aspirations, they’re in a dogfight just to make the playoffs,” Childs said. “That said, they’ve been a bookmaker’s dream, because week in and week out, they’re taking action from the public and not getting the money. But this is flat out must win game for the Packers, against a team they dominated last year in the playoffs.

“The Redskins are off a very nice win over the Vikings, but playing in the ultra-competitive NFC East, this game is huge for them to keep pace for a wild-card spot. Throw in the fact that the ‘Skins face three straight road games after this game, and it’s almost a must-win home game for them.”

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders (-5.5)

Oakland is in unfamiliar territory for this time of year, tied atop the AFC West with Kansas City, and both those teams share the conference’s best record with New England. The Raiders (7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS) will be well-rested, coming off their bye week after stuffing defending Super Bowl champion Denver 30-20 as a 1-point chalk in Week 9.

Houston (6-3 SU, 5-3-1 ATS) maintained its lead in the lackluster AFC South by beating Jacksonville 24-21 catching 3 points on the road Sunday.

“The Raiders are coming off arguably their biggest win in franchise history in the past 10 years,” Childs said. “They beat the defending Super Bowl champs at home in a Sunday night prime-time game. They are playing with a ton of confidence, having won three straight and six of their last seven games.

“But the Texans are off a solid win on the road, albeit against a very bad Jags teams. It was Houston’s first road win of the season. We opened Raiders -5.5, and all the early action is on the Raiders, so we just went to -6 this morning.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 11 lines that make you go hmmm...
By PETER KORNER

Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmmm…” in Week 11:

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks (-6, 46)

This opener struck me as a little low from the onset, especially as it appears that Seattle may be reaching its preseason hype and potential after beating the New England Patriots this past week.

I made this number at the -7 mark, actually - no lower than -7 (-120), so I was surprised to see this a couple of plays below the key number. But I understand why it stands at -6. After their first road victory of the season against a lame Chicago team, the Eagles have lost four straight away from Philadelphia. To their credit they hung close in all four losses but playing in Seattle may be a bigger bite than they can chew.

Seattle’s results at home have not been by wide margins by any means and this too, definitely played into the early low number. But sometimes you can’t go by what was, and have to forecast that these two teams do not equate to their previous results. I see nothing but pay dirt for Seattle this week and do not fear a letdown after their big win in New England. I definitely see Seahawk money come kickoff so the play is early in the week for this one if you’re a Seattle backer.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs (-7.5, 44.5)

If you haven’t noticed, the Chiefs are on a five-game win streak which has been driven by their defense. Allowing a tad over 15 points per game in the current skein, Kansas City is undefeated at home as well. I made this game closer to -8.5, bordering -9, as I am unimpressed with Tampa Bay’s slick 3-1 record on the road.

Add to that, that the Buccaneers last three wins overall have come against Carolina, San Francisco and Chicago – who have a combined 6-21 record. I’m missing something here that has the inferior team within a one-possession game.

The Chiefs have the incentive here as they are engaged with Oakland and Denver in the hotly contested AFC West. They also possess the playoff advantages in the division that they know can be lost in a moment’s notice.

We’re coming into the time where we will be playing the teams that are playing well, fighting for playoff positioning and playing in venues where victories are common, The Chiefs fit that bill in this one and we liken them to throw down the hammer here.

Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys (-7, 45)

Dallas has been living the dream this year but a closer look unveils a streak of excellent games against mediocre opponents. Though last week’s win over Pittsburgh is well noted, the emotional high of the quality game spells letdown against a sneaky-good team that possesses an excellent defense of their own.

Baltimore is 5-4 and leading its division. This is due to the Ravens’ defensive efforts throughout the season - a consistent resistance that has yielded scores of 20 or less in six of their nine games. Coming off two straight wins, including a win of their own over Pittsburgh just two weeks ago, tells me the Ravens can get the deal done this week. They may not win, but this looks like a closer game than what bookmakers are currently dealing. I made this game in the -6 range. I actually see a Baltimore +7.5 on the board so if you can grab it, do so.

This game appears to have opened at -6.5 at a scant few places before some early pops on the line lifted this up a little higher than what I think is achievable. This is not on the bookmakers as much as the early money drove this to unattainable levels. Maybe a set up? We’ll have to see where the money goes on game day. But for now, if you see the hook, take it. Just don’t miss out on the points before it goes below the key number.

Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders (-6, 46)

My first instincts said this line was too low for the home favorite. I was mistaken with Houston this past week against Jacksonville and overvalued the Jaguars’ level of play and expectant result. But this is not a last-place 2-7 Jacksonville team. This is a first-place 7-2 Oakland team on the back side of two consecutive road games.

My gut call on this line was -7. But again, I realize why oddsmakers made this lower with what Houston has done to this point. All the more to our advantage if you like the Raiders as I do this week. Both teams beat Jacksonville away - Houston by three, Oakland by 17. But where Oakland really grabs my attention is its three-game win streak, the last being a 10-point win over Denver at home then a nice break this past week with the bye week.

A possible letdown game? I don’t think so only because this Raiders team has momentum and a chip on its shoulder. Kick in the fact the Silver and Black are in a close fight with Kansas City and the Broncos, all within a half-game of each other for the top spot in the West, I see the Raiders rolling in this one and collecting another feather in their helmet, beating another first-place team.

As far as where the money goes, I’m not as sure that Houston won’t have its backers so you might want to wait and see when the first crack in the line appears and go from there.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wiseguys are advising that these Week 11 NFL lines are going to move
By AAA SPORTS

Each week during the pro football season, Art Aronson of AAA Sports looks at the NFL odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later, and which total to watch as the week plays out.

Game to bet now

Tampa Bay at Kansas City (-7.5)

Looks like we’ve been sleeping on the Chiefs, who have reeled off five straight wins and now share (with New England and Oakland) the best record in the AFC at 7-2. Granted, those last four wins (New Orleans, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Carolina) have come against teams with a combined 13-23 record, but they all count.

The Chiefs have this one more game against a mediocre opponent before running a Denver-Atlanta-Oakland gauntlet which will go a long way toward determining if they can stand up to the league’s iron. Tampa Bay hasn’t been able to string two wins together this season but remains in both the NFC South and playoff mixes in a muddled NFC. Betting is steady on both ends in this one and the line should remain stable barring any new injury reports or heavy one-way betting.

Game to wait on

Houston at Oakland (-5.5) (Monday night)

The AFC West is where the action is this season, where the Chiefs and Broncos now have to contend with the Raiders. The swag is definitely back in Oakland, where the Raiders are giving their fans plenty to remember in what may be their final year on the coast before moving to Las Vegas. Oakland has won three in a row, is coming off its biggest win in years (at home over Denver on Nov. 6), has had a bye week off to rest and get healthy, and has three more home games in a row.

Houston, which is 6-3 but has been outscored by 188-161 this season, looks like the weakest division leader. The Texans had just enough gas to get by Jacksonville last week, but there is concern about Brock Osweiler, who was just 14 for 27 against the Jags and threw for only 99 yards.

Total to watch

Buffalo at Cincinnati (46.5)

At 4-5 the Bills look like they’re headed for another trip to Mediocreville, but there is one bright spot – namely, Buffalo has shown that it can score points on the road. In fact, the Bills have averaged nearly 27 points in their last three road games and are a solid 7-2 on the over this season.

The semi-burst has allowed the Bills to move toward the middle of the pack in the league offensively, and bodes well for this Sunday’s game against the Bengals – who rank 24th in the league defensively. Over players have already bet this game up a point from its 46.5 open.