Sunday 12/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bills (6-5) at Raiders (9-2)

Date: December 04, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

Teenage Bills fans have no recollection of the last time Buffalo made the NFL playoffs.

Many of their elders, however, might not remember the last time the Bills won a game in Oakland, back when they were battling for position in the 1966 AFL playoffs.

"Fifty years ago? Phew," Bills coach Rex Ryan said this week. "That's amazing. Woof. You talk about a drought."

If the Bills can end one drought Sunday at Oakland's Alameda Coliseum, it could go a long way toward helping them put the other one in the past.

That won't be an easy task against a resurgent Raiders (9-2) team that is off to its best start since 2000 and tied with the New England Patriots for the best record in the AFC. Oakland is poised to end its own 13-season playoff drought, which is tied with Cleveland for the second-longest in the NFL behind Buffalo (16 seasons).

The Bills (6-5) enter December with a winning record for the second time in three years, but just the third time since 1999, their last playoff season. They are currently ninth in the conference standings and one game back of the final Wild Card spot.

Buffalo has not won a road game in December while still in playoff contention since 2004. The Bills were 8-6 when they traveled to Oakland two years ago and were knocked out of playoff contention with a 26-24 loss to the 2-12 Raiders.

While the Bills have struggled to take the next step since, the Raiders have risen to become one of the top teams in the league. Oakland has won five in a row and leads the competitive AFC West division by one game over Kansas City. The Raiders have already won two more games than they did last season.

"We're stacking up wins right now and we need to continue to do that," Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said.

Third-year quarterback Derek Carr has led five fourth quarter comebacks, most recently in last week's 35-32 victory over the Carolina Panthers after dislocating his the pinkie finger in his throwing hand.

Carr wore a glove on his right hand during practice Wednesday but said he will have "no limitations' for Sunday's game.

"My hand's doing great," Carr said with a smile. "Thank you for asking."

Defensive tackle Stacy McGee (ankle) did not practice Wednesday and running back Latavius Murray (ankle) was limited.

Carr has been touted as an MVP contender, but he may not be the only Raider in the discussion. Defensive counterpart Khalil Mack last week became the first player to record a sack, interception return for a touchdown, forced fumble and fumble recovery in the same game. Over his last eight games, Mack has nine sacks, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

"Talk all about him. I'm good with that," Carr said. "I'm good with doing my job and going home to my kids and my wife. Talk to him. He doesn't have any kids or a wife yet. Give him all the praise."

Ryan ranked Mack among the two best defensive players in the NFL, along with Denver's Von Miller, MVP of Super Bowl 50.

"Some guys are speed guys, but some don't play with power. Some guys are just power guys. But this guy can do it all," Ryan said. "He can truck you, he can run around you, he's got moves, he's creative with his pass rush. ... It's pretty much a nightmare."

Buffalo has won two in a row following a three-game losing streak. The Bills have been depleted by injuries and suspensions throughout the season, but are starting to get key players back healthy.

Top wideout Sammy Watkins returned from injured reserve to catch three passes for 80 yards and draw a key pass interference penalty in last week's 28-21 win over Jacksonville. But Watkins did not practice Wednesday due to lingering soreness in his foot following offseason surgery to repair a stress fracture.

Other starters sitting out practice were cornerback Ronald Darby (concussion), wide receiver Robert Woods (knee), tight end Charles Clay (knee), left tackle Cordy Glenn (back). Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (abdomen) was limited and quarterback Tyrod Taylor (groin) was listed on the injury report but participated fully.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Buccaneers (6-5) at Chargers (5-6)

Date: December 04, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played much of their best football on the road this season, and seek to extend their unlikely win streak to four games Sunday as they travel to face the San Diego Chargers.

That means trying to contain the NFL's No. 4 scoring offense and No. 5 passing game, led by quarterback Philip Rivers, who has 23 touchdowns despite missing some of his top targets this year.

"What I see on film is a top-flight NFL quarterback," Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said Wednesday. "This guy's a heck of a player, very accurate, great anticipation, full command of their system, gets them in the right play, a lot of calls at the line of scrimmage, incredible touch, tough as nails. That guy's a really good player."

Tapa Bay (6-5) is still alive for the postseason, one game back of NFC South-leading Atlanta and a half-game behind Washington for the NFC's second wild card. San Diego (5-6) is in a tougher position, stuck at the bottom of the AFC West - perhaps the best division in football - and two games behind the AFC's last wild card.

The Chargers could easily be taken as being better than their record -- they've led in all six of their losses, and in the second half of five of them. They led the Chiefs 21-3 at one point, led the Saints by 13 with five minutes to play, but find themselves as the worst second-half defense in the NFL, giving up 16 points per game.

"The record is what it is. You can't do anything about it," San Diego coach Mike McCoy said Wednesday. "There's some games there that you wish you would've made a play or two here and there or somewhere during the game, so you didn't put yourself in that opportunity. So, you can't worry about that now and that's one thing I think our players and coaches have done a great job of.

"You go week-to-week in this business and you have a short memory, so you move on to the next game, we either win or lose. A majority of our games, besides one, have all been decided by eight points or less, so it's a very competitive league and there's a great balance, so you've got to go out there and do what you can week-in and week-out and find a way to win the game."

The Bucs pulled off two straight upset wins, first at Kansas City and Sunday at home against Seattle as their defense continues a remarkable turnaround. After only two takeaways in the first four games of the season -- a 1-3 start for Tampa Bay -- the Bucs recorded 18 takeaways in their last seven, and a 5-2 mark to show for it.

The Chiefs' Alex Smith had only three interceptions before the Bucs got a game-clinching pick in the end zone two weeks ago and Seattle's Russell Wilson threw two all season before the Bucs intercepted him twice Sunday. So the prospect of facing a San Diego team that leads the NFL with 23 turnovers -- 12 interceptions by Rivers and 11 fumbles, tying for the NFL lead there as well -- seems exciting.

"Defensively speaking, knowing some of the guys on the staff there and how they coach, with the types of coaches they are, the success they've had at other places, with a lot of talented players," McCoy said. "Having played against (cornerback Brent) Grimes before in the past, the way he plays the game. A younger player in (cornerback Vernon) Hargreaves, a guy we watched and really liked coming out. (Lavonte) David at linebacker, they've got a lot of talented players. Up front, the way they've gotten after the quarterback, things like that. So, it's a talented football team."

The Bucs haven't played at Qualcomm Stadium in 12 years as they return to the site of their Super Bowl championship after the 2002 season, hoping for more of the same kind of defense that has gotten them to three straight wins, holding opponents to an NFL-low 10.7 points per game in that span.

"Success and confidence seem to go together," Koetter said. "It's funny how that works and our D's playing with a lot of confidence right now. But your confidence can be shaken quickly when you start watching San Diego's offense on tape because they've got weapons, they've got a quarterback, they move the ball on everybody."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Redskins (6-4) at Cardinals (4-6)

Date: December 04, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- When Jay Gruden was asked about the mad scramble that has become the NFC playoff chase, the Washington Redskins coach had to laugh.

"That's what it is and that's what it's going to be," Gruden said with a chuckle. "The last five weeks of the NFL season are always going to tell the tale. You want to be in position where you're not relying on everybody else. Fortunately, we're in a position where we don't have to worry about people losing; if we take care of our business we'll get in. That's where you like to be."

As for Washington's opponent on Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals, they'd like to be almost anywhere than the situation they find themselves in at a disappointing 4-6-1. They are winless in four of their last five games and even if they run the table during the next five weeks, there is no assurance of earning a postseason berth.

"Really, it is just this week," coach Cardinals Bruce Arians said. "You just take them one at a time. I think once we win one, we'll be fine. I think we'll add them up at nine and I think you have a great shot still, because we're going to be playing some of those teams that are going to be in the same spot we're in."

Washington, which is getting an MVP-type season out of quarterback Kirk Cousins, is in a much more enviable position than Arizona. The Redskins might sit in third place in the NFC East, but at 6-4-1, they presently own the No.6 seed in the conference and are in control of their own destiny.

"As long as you're in the hunt, you have something to play for," Gruden said. "A lot of things are going to happen. We're in a positon where we're going to take one game at a time and when the dust settles, we'll see if we're good enough to make it or not. But the minute you start looking at other teams and looking past a team is when you'll be getting ready for the draft and not playing in the playoffs."

Cousins has been consistent all season, but he's been on a tear in his last three games. In back-to-back wins over Minnesota and Green Bay and a close loss to Dallas, he has completed 84 of 116 passes (72.4 percent) for 1,086 yards (362 per game) with eight touchdowns and no interceptions.

One prevailing trend has been Cousins completing big chunk plays to his litany of weapons on offense, from DeSean Jackson and Jamison Crowder, tight ends Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis and slot man Pierre Garcon.

"On any team, big plays, explosive plays are going to help," Cousins said. "It's a statistic that can be critical to winning football games, so we continue to try and find ways to get chunk plays when we can."

Jackson and Reed are each dealing with left shoulder injuries that could limit their availability come Sunday, although Arians said he fully expects both players to test his top-rated overall defense, which is allowing just 294 yards per game and is second against the pass, allowing 195.1 yards per game.

Cousins stands to earn a jackpot in the offseason when the Redskins either sign him to a long-term deal or place him on another one-year franchise tag. Either way, Cousins knows he can't let up now with so much left on the line for the Redskins.

"I think you never feel comfortable in this league, you're always trying to push," he said. "You just know how competitive it is and how easily you can get knocked off if you're not at the top of your game at all times. With five games to go, it just feels like there's a lot left to be done, a lot left to prove and it starts by coming to Arizona and being ready to go."

The Cardinals have absolutely no room for error as their hopes of reaching the postseason for a third consecutive season continue to fade. They may not have the service of speedy wide receiver John Brown, whose cramping hamstrings are thought to be the cause of the sickle-cell trait. Cornerback Patrick Peterson is also hurting because of a knee injury suffered in last week's loss at the Falcons.

One good thing going for the Cardinals is the continued torrid play of second-year running back David Johnson, who leads the league in yards from scrimmage and has recorded 13 touchdowns for the second straight year.

One more loss, however, and Arizona's playoff chances are likely kaput. That will feel like a major letdown after the Cardinals cruised to a 13-3 record a year ago and an appearance in the NFC Championship.

"Every year is so different. Sometimes you just roll right through it and you win games," Palmer said. "You win by large margins; you win close ones all the time. Sometimes you just can't catch a break and feel like the ball is not bouncing your way. I don't compare it to the talent or who we had last year, it's just the way the ball has bounced this year and the way things have gone.

"We're in the thick of it. There is not one guy in that locker room that thinks, 'aww man let's start thinking about next year.' There are a lot of weird records right now in this league. There are a lot of teams in the NFC in the hunt, and we're one of them. That's all that matters. This Sunday is really all that matters."

The Cardinals know they will have their hands full with Washington's second-ranked offense, which is averaging 426.4 yards a game.

"You've got to try and stop the run, for sure," linebacker Kevin Minter said, referring mainly to Washington's rookie running back Robert Kelley. "If you don't get a hold of him, it's going to be a long game. They've got talent across the board, offensively, and they've got a quarterback that's hot.

"We better have some pride. We earned that No. 1 defensive ranking and if we want to keep it, we better come with it on our mind come Sunday ready to hit someone in the mouth."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (8-3) at Steelers (6-5)

Date: December 04, 2016 4:25 PM EDT

There are few teams in the NFL as hot as the New York Giants.

The Giants (8-3) are riding a six-game winning streak and go on the road for their Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The last loss for the Giants was Oct. 9 in Green Bay.

The Steelers (6-5) can take solace in the fact they get home cooking for this matchup with major playoff implications.

The Steelers are 3-2 at home and two of the Giants' three losses have happened away from New York. This statistic may look good on paper, but when dissected, the Steelers have lost their last two home games. They are 2-4 in their last six games and last won at home, ironically, on Oct. 9 against the New York Jets.

These are two teams that appear to be headed in distinctly different directions at the most critical time of the season.

"It's December football. this is where the real football begins," Giants coach Ben McAdoo said. "All our hard work to this point has set the table for December. It's an exciting time against a lot of playoff teams and playoff environments. The margin for error is small. This is where our identity needs to take over."

Both the Steelers and the Giants have flaws that need to get corrected if either wants to be playing in late January.

The Steelers have an explosive offense but are lacking on defense.

The Giants' defense, which made major upgrades the offseason, has been dominant. The offense has not been. That unit, led by quarterback Eli Manning, produced only 296 yards in an escape win overt Cleveland in Week 12. Manning threw for a season-low 194 yards.

"I don't think we took a step back (against Cleveland), but I definitely think we could have taken a bigger step forward. We got time -- a couple more games left. Now it's time to progress this week," wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said of the offensive struggles.

To emphasize this lack of offense, Beckham Jr. has been held under 100 yards receiving in the last five games.

The Giants' offense will be facing a Steelers defense that has only allowed 16 points in the last two games. Granted, those games were against the Cody Kessler-led Browns and the Scott Tolzien-led Colts. Before those wins, the much=maligned defense had given up 113 points during the team's four-game losing streak.

The defense will need to play like they have the last two weeks and hope the Giants' offense continues to struggle.

The Steelers' offense is their strength and the play of the Giants' defense is how they win games. If those two units play to a stalemate, the winner of the New York offense against the Pittsburgh defense will heavily sway the winner of the game.

"Guys are definitely trying to make plays. Trying to be around the ball a lot more. Trying to be more physical and force the people to do what we want them to do," Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier said of the defense's improvement the past two weeks.

One way for that defense to tilt the game in their favor is to force the Giants to run the football.

Neither starter Rashad Jennings or rookie backup Paul Perkins has been able to light a spark in the rushing attack. Jennings is 30th in the NFL in rushing with only 395 yards.

Only the Minnesota Vikings have a worse run game than the Giants in the NFL. The Giants average 79.5 yards rushing per game and do not have a run for more than 40-plus yards this season.

The matchup to watch during this game for football purists will be the Ben Roethlisberger-led Steelers offense going against defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and the Giants.

The Steelers average 263.9 yards through the air and have scored 24 passing touchdowns. Pittsburgh has the eighth-best passing attack in the NFL. The Pittsburgh offensive line has done a solid job of protecting the quarterback, only allowing 14 sacks.

Pierre-Paul has been a man among boys the last two games. He has produced 5.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss, six quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Giants safety Landon Collins is tied for second in the NFL with five interceptions. These two playmakers have helped hold opponents to 19.4 points per game. That is tied for fifth in the NFL.

The Giants' defensive unit has only allowed 10 touchdowns, yet they have 10 interceptions and 25 sacks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Panthers (4-7) at Seahawks (7-3)

Date: December 04, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The Seattle Seahawks look at their small sample of shortcomings and figure things will turn around.

While the Seahawks have room for error, that has just about expired for the Carolina Panthers.

When the teams meet Sunday night in Seattle, it nearly qualifies as a must-win situation for Carolina, which is running out of second chances.

"We'll just keep fighting, keep playing," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "Now we still have an opportunity. We'll see what happens. There's no reason for us to look any other way, but there's a glimmer of hope. That's all you need sometimes."

The Seahawks (7-3-1) are coming off a puzzling 14-5 loss at Tampa Bay. Despite the setback, there's no sign of panic from the Seattle side.

"I'm not worried about it a bit," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. "Not one bit. Let's go back to work and get right. ... I don't think this is a trend. We'll get this thing fixed."

Seattle holds first place in an otherwise weak NFC West. Carolina (4-7) occupies last place in the NFC South, though that division isn't exactly a powerful group.

"We are just trying to win a game," Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said. "We will let all that sort itself out."

The Panthers remained on the West Coast following Sunday's 35-32 loss at Oakland. They've held practices at San Jose State before heading to Seattle.

Even with that, there have been significant developments. Center Ryan Kalil (shoulder) and his backup, Gino Gradkowski (knee), were placed on injured reserve. To replace them, the Panthers signed free-agent center Ryan Wendell and added tackle Dan France from the Cleveland Browns practice squad.

"The health of this football team is very frustrating," Rivera said.

Wendell played seven seasons with the New England Patriots from 2009-15, starting 49 regular-season games and seven postseason contests.

Kalil, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, started all eight games he played this season, but missed three contests with the shoulder injury.

The Panthers also signed offensive tackles Tyrus Thompson and Jake Rodgers to the practice squad.

"It's probably a positive thing that we aren't traveling back to the East Coast," said Carolina's A.J. Klein, who was the primary replacement for All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly last week.

Klein noted the need to recharge after the last outing. While it's unclear if Kuechly will be available after suffering an apparent concussion Nov. 17, the encouraging aspect was that he traveled with the Panthers to the West Coast and was on the sideline (though not in uniform) for the Oakland game.

Also among those on Carolina's injury list as late as Wednesday were safety Kurt Coleman (head) and receiver Kelvin Benjamin (shoulder)

The Seahawks have roster movement as well.

Linebacker Mike Morgan (sports hernia) should be back after sitting out on injured reserve, while the status of Michael Bennett, who has been out five weeks with a knee injury, remains in question. The Seahawks have used four players to start in Morgan's spot at strongside linebacker during his absence.

The situation on safety Earl Thomas is more in doubt after he missed a game with a hamstring aliment.

Meanwhile, Seattle brought back receiver Kevin Smith to the practice squad. He played in 2015 for the team and was in training camp this summer before a hamstring injury derailed his hopes of landing on the roster at the start of the season.

Don't expect major changes to how the Seahawks operate even following a loss.

"I'm going to go with what we know and how we know to be," Carroll said. "We'll get back on track."

The Seahawks are 5-0 at home, though three of Seattle's home victories have come by six points or less. While the Seahawks have been far from dominant at CenturyLink Field, it will be another hostile environment for the Panthers.

"This is why you come into the league, to play these type of games," Carolina quarterback Cam Newton said.

The nature of close defeats is wearing on the Panthers.

"Now it's five games where you've lost virtually in the last few minutes," Rivera said. "It's frustrating, but that's the nature of this game."

Despite the Seahawks' sluggish offense from time to time, they're continuing to find different ways to move the ball. Quarterback Russell Wilson's running ability is something that Carroll said has been encouraging as Seattle heads into the Carolina game.

Wilson has kept his normal unwavering demeanor for the most part.

"It's pretty simple," Wilson said, "we've just got to find ways to make plays and we will. We have before."

This will mark the seventh meeting during a five-season span as the teams met in the postseason each year of the last two seasons.

In last January's divisional playoff round, Carolina scored the first 31 points and held on for a 31-24 victory.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Panthers head to Seattle

Week 13 SNF Betting Preview
Carolina at Seattle

Odds: Seattle (-7); Total set at 44.5

A rematch of last year's NFC Divisional Playoffs takes place in the Pacific Northwest this week as both teams head in different directions. Carolina, the winner of that playoff game, has started to face reality that they won't be returning to the playoffs this season. Getting up for a playoff rematch game like this won't be hard when there isn't much left in the year to play for, especially when you can help spoil the opponent's playoff goals. Seeing if that's the kind of effort the Panthers show early here can be critical to betting this contest.

The Panthers got off to a brutal start in Oakland last week, eventually took the lead, only to lose the game late. That loss likely put the final nail in their coffin on the year, and another bad start and we will likely see them fold up shop this week. That possibility makes it tough to seriously consider the Panthers ATS, because Seattle won't be shy about putting the hammer down as revenge for that playoff loss should it turn into a blowout.

As mentioned before, it shouldn't be tough for Carolina to have the motivation for a much better start, but this defense has given up plenty of points on the road already this season (155 pts in five games). That works out to an average of 31 points/game, and if you eliminate the 10 points they allowed in L.A against a brutal offense, that average jumps up to 36.25 pts/game. Trusting this Panthers defense is tough and it makes taking all those points that much tougher.

Yet, laying the chalk with Seattle isn't without worry as this offense is coming off it's worst performance of the year. That was the third time this year that the Seahawks scored six or less points and that can't be a long term trend for Seattle if they want to make another run at a title. Laying a touchdown on a team that's had three games where they failed to score a touchdown can be disheartening as well. Seattle's offense should get back in a groove here at home though, and with revenge on the back of their minds, taking the home side is probably the better option here.

However, it's the total that's got me excited as it's a point or two too low now. The number opened up at 45.5 and has been bet down with about 70% 'under' action. There is no doubt that the combination of Seattle's poor offensive showing last week and the notion it will be like a defensive playoff game with the revenge angle in play has a lot to do with bettors taking the low side here. But these two teams put up 55 points in that playoff game a year ago and that was with each side getting shutout for an entire half.

Seattle is 5-2 O/U when coming off a game of scoring 15 or fewer points, and Carolina is 12-3 O/U in their last 15 games against a winning opponent. All five of the previous meetings between these two in Seattle cashed 'over' tickets, and this one should follow suit.

Remember all the possibilities mentioned about Carolina's defensive effort here? If they have the brutal start again and call it a day, Seattle's likely to hang 30+ on them and a couple of solid drives by Newton put it over. If Carolina's defense steps up to the challenge and keeps them in the game, then Carolina will embrace their “spoiler” role in a game, and understand that they'll need to put up 24+ to have a chance to win. The Panthers defense is a shell of itself from recent year's past and Carolina knows it.

The likelihood of them having success in a tight-low scoring game is less than it is otherwise, because eventually that Panthers defense will crack in that scenario. Either way, it's suggestive we see a few more points then expected.

Best Bet: Over 44.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Best Bets - Week 13

It's an interesting week in the NFL as there are a lot of quality teams currently in the playoffs catching points. That's what you get when there are only a couple of teams (New England, Seattle, Dallas, Oakland) that have really separated themselves from the pack.

There are also no division games on the card as teams prepare to deal with their rivals down the stretch, and that has helped create another interesting dynamic in handicapping this week's games. Will teams get caught looking ahead? Or will they look to hit top form for these rivalry games on tap and make their push towards the playoffs?

There are two games this week that I've isolated as tough spots for road teams as they begin the final quarter of their season and hopefully it leads to a 2-0 ATS record with my best bets this weekend.

Best Bet: #1: Atlanta Falcons (-4.5)

I've mentioned for a couple of weeks now that I'm not a believer in what the Kansas City Chiefs are doing this year as their in-depth stats are still quite unsustainable. Yes, the Chiefs defense is getting healthier again with the return of LB Justin Houston a few weeks ago and the entire nation saw just how much havoc Houston can cause when he took over the SNF game last week in Denver.

But this week they face the league's best offense, on their own field no less and I don't believe KC has the offense to keep up. That's not to say this will be a high-scoring game as the Chiefs defense should contain Matt Ryan and the Falcons somewhat, but the Chiefs are going to likely have to put up 24+ points to have a legitimate shot at covering this spread and that won't be the case.

For one, Kansas City's offense only averages 22.9 points/game and that number would be a little lower had they not forced OT and put up another six points in the extra frame last week. Atlanta's defense isn't great (27.2 points/game) but they've been getting better in recent weeks, understanding the fact that their offense is so good, they've got to limit the opposition to FG tries and the win is likely theirs.

With an average of 34.6 points per home game this year, the Falcons can explode at any moment and I fully expect them to control this game from start to finish.

Secondly, this is a brutal “sandwich” spot for Kansas City as they are locked in an intense three-way battle in the AFC West. Last week it was a trip to Denver in a battle for sole possession of 2nd place in the division, and next week it's a home date with the division leading Oakland Raiders. Throwing in a road game against a non-conference opponent of any record would be a tough spot for KC here, but the fact that it's the division-leading Falcons and their #1 offense makes it that much worse.

The Chiefs are 0-8 ATS after covering the spread the week before, and just 2-7 ATS after their last nine outright victories. That's a bad combination to add to the mix and the “pretenders” I truly believe the Chiefs to be show up in full force this weekend.

Best Bet: #2: San Diego Chargers (-3.5)

This game has some similarities to the KC/Atlanta game in that the Buccaneers are sandwiched in a tough spot here to travel cross-country and deal with a Chargers team that has been playing some good football.

There is no denying that Tampa looked great in shutting down Seattle last week, but big upset wins are always cause for concern in the betting markets, as that popular “letdown” word comes into play. Tampa is fighting for their playoff lives in the NFC right now so they don't have time for a 'letdown' game, but that possibility still lingers and the specifics of the situation do them no favors either.

This is a cross-country trip for the Buccaneers and San Diego's 5-6 SU record is a bit deceiving since at least three of those losses were games the Chargers flat out gave away early in the year.

San Diego is 6-1 ATS in their last seven against a winning team, and have gone 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall. Phillip Rivers and company have made a living off of capitalizing on situations like this when an East Coast team comes to town over the years, especially when that opponent has a huge divisional game on deck.

The Bucs have to deal with Drew Brees and the Saints next week in a game between the 2nd place teams in the AFC South and chances are Tampa has had one eye on that contest all week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NFL Picks: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Diego Chargers Odds and Predictions
by Alan Matthews

Is Bucs-Bolts the most intriguing matchup on Sunday in Week 13 of the NFL season? I suppose an argument can be made for Chiefs-Falcons or Lions-Saints or Texans-Packers or Bills-Raiders or even a playoff rematch between Carolina and Seattle in the prime-time matchup. But we've done plenty on many of those clubs already this year and still might with several in the playoff chase. And Tampa Bay has become one of the most interesting teams in the NFL.

A lot of people thought the Buccaneers' front office made a big mistake in firing experienced and previously successful head coach Lovie Smith after just two seasons and with Tampa showing plenty of improvement in 2015. But the franchise didn't want to lose offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter after the great job he did when then-rookie QB Jameis Winston last year. So Lovie, a defensive-minded guy, got the boot and Koetter was promoted before some other team like the Eagles could interview him.

That decision didn't look great when Tampa Bay started 1-3, but the season changed when the Bucs pulled off a 17-14 upset on Monday night in Carolina ahead of their bye week. If Tampa heads into the week off at 1-4, there's a bunch of negativity around the team and the playoffs are basically a pipe dream. But 2-4 with a manageable schedule after the bye, and suddenly things looked different -- it certainly helped the Bucs that Cam Newton missed that Week 5 game due to injury. Now the Bucs (6-5) head to San Diego on a three-game winning streak, just a game out of Atlanta's lead in the NFC South and also in the wild-card chase. Tampa hasn't made the playoffs since 2007.

San Diego (5-6) clearly has no chance in the ultra-tough AFC West as it's four games behind first-place Oakland. Is there any realistic shot at the playoffs? I doubt it. But I will say that winning out is not impossible. The Bolts are favored here and finish at Carolina, vs. Oakland, at Cleveland and vs. Kansas City. Obviously the Raiders and Chiefs are both good, but those are in San Diego. The Panthers probably have nothing left to play for by next week, and the Browns are, well, the Browns. I'm not saying San Diego's winning 10 games, but stranger things have happened. The Chargers were 4-6 in 2013 during Mike McCoy's first year as head coach and won five of their last six games to reach the postseason.

Bucs at Chargers Betting Story Lines

A very underrated thing that Koetter did was hire former Falcons head coach Mike Smith as his defensive coordinator, and that unit is really blossoming right now. Since allowing 43 points in a home loss to Atlanta in Week 9, the Bucs have given up a total of 32 in the winning streak. Last week's performance in a 14-5 win over Seattle was one of the best by any defense all season. The Seahawks had 11 possessions and had seven punts, three giveaways and one field goal. The Bucs sacked Russell Wilson six times and knocked him down probably double that number. Bucs cornerback Alterraun Verner, playing just 48 hours after his father Robert's passing, intercepted a pass just before halftime.

The Winston-to-Mike Evans combo is one of the best in the NFL as the former Heisman winner hit Evans on two more TD throws, burning Richard Sherman on both. Evans is second in the NFL with 1,020 receiving yards and tied for first with 10 TDs. He is just the fourth receiver in NFL history to record at least 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Winston still has a lapse or two but has thrown for 2,900 yards, 22 TDs and 11 picks. Doug Martin has gotten better in each game since returning from a long injury absence and had 87 yards vs. Seattle. This is a dangerous team that could be really good (think NFC version of Raiders) next year.

San Diego came out of its bye in Week 12 and handed Houston its first home loss of the season, 21-13. Philip Rivers threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns. WRs Tyrell Williams and Dontrelle Inman both suffered injuries in the game but should be fine for this one. Really the San Diego defense won that game as the Bolts picked off clueless Houston QB Brock Osweiler three times. I believe the Chargers, who have been destroyed by injuries this year, could win probably three other NFL divisions this year. The team is 4-3 since 2016 No. 3 overall pick Joey Bosa, a defensive end, got healthy enough to make his season debut. He has 4.5 sacks.

Bucs at Chargers Betting Odds and Trends

San Diego is a 4-point favorite (-110) with a total of 47.5. On the moneyline, the Bolts are -200 and Bucs +170. On the alternate lines, the Chargers are -4.5 (-103) and -3.5 (-117). Tampa is 6-5 against the spread (4-1 on road) and 6-5 "over/under" (2-3 on road). San Diego is 7-4 ATS (3-2 at home) and 8-3 O/U (4-1 at home).

The Bucs are 4-1 ATS in their past five games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. The Bolts are 6-1 ATS in their past seven vs. teams with a winning record. San Diego is 2-8 ATS in its past 10 after a win. The under is 5-2 in Tampa's past seven after a win. The under is 7-3 in San Diego's past 10 after a win.

Bucs at Chargers Betting Prediction

It's Tampa's first visit to Qualcomm Stadium since 2004, and that's also where the franchise won its lone Super Bowl on Jan. 26, 2003, over Oakland. I'm quite certain this will be Tampa's final trip ever to that field since the Chargers are either moving or getting a new building somehow.

If this game were in Tampa, I'd lean the Bucs for sure if it were a 10 a.m. Pacific start time. But going East Coast to West Coast isn't a big deal. I'm still going to take the points -- make it the 4.5 in case it ends 21-17 or something. Go under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Odds: Week 13 Line Movements & Last-Minute News
by Alan Matthews

The AFC race just got a lot more interesting -- perhaps not interesting to you if holding a New England Patriots ticket to win the conference title.

Can there be any argument that the second-most important player on the New England Patriots is tight end Rob Gronkowski? He's quite possibly the best receiving tight end ever and probably shatters every record for that position if he stays healthy. Alas, Gronk is a physical dude, which is what makes him so great but also take a toll on his body.

Gronkowski missed the Patriots' game in San Francisco in Week 11 with some sort of lung injury, but he was able to return last week against the Jets. However, he left that game with a back problem. I remember watching the Sunday night pregame and Mike Florio, as good an NFL reporter as anyone, saying the injury wasn't thought to be serious. I obviously follow this type of thing all week, and while Gronk hadn't practiced early in the week there didn't seem to be any major concern.

Then, boom: Thursday it was announced that Gronkowski was set for Friday surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back and that his season is surely over. Oh, it's possible he might get back for the Super Bowl, but that seems like wishful thinking with that sort of injury. You don't mess with a back injury -- look what happened to Texans star J.J. Watt earlier this year when he rushed to return from a back issue.

If I'm Gronk, I'm not coming back this year. He has had two previous surgeries to repair herniated discs in his back -- in 2009, when he was at Arizona and missed the entire season, and in 2013 with the Patriots, he underwent surgery in June and didn't return until Week 7. You name the statistic, and Tom Brady's numbers are significantly better with Gronk on the field since Gronkowski came to the NFL in 2010.

When Gronkowski and fellow tight end Martellus Bennett were both healthy, the Patriots were primarily a two-tight end offense this year. That's not really feasible now as the team's No. 3 tight end is Matt Lengel, who has played in one career game and is a blocker (the Pats traded a quality tight end, A.J. Derby, to Denver in October). Bennett is a good player and the Patriots are lucky they swindled the Bears to get him this offseason, but there's no sugarcoating this loss. It brings the Pats back to the field some in the AFC. They are still +110 favorites, but I'm feeling much more confident now if I'm the Raiders, Chiefs, Steelers or Broncos.

New England is still a sizable favorite Sunday vs. the Rams, and Gronk's injury shouldn't change that result. Here are some line moves or potential game-changing injury notes for Week 13.

Broncos at Jaguars (+3.5, 40): This line has dropped a point and the total three. The Jags are the biggest home dogs on the board Sunday, and I give them a decent chance of the upset -- despite losing six in a row overall and five straight at home -- after Denver played such a physical, draining game in its loss late Sunday night to Kansas City in overtime. And the Broncos won't have starting quarterback Trevor Siemian, who played great vs. the Chiefs. So it's rookie Paxton Lynch. He was solid in relief of Siemian in Week 4 against Tampa but struggled as the starter the next week in a loss to Atlanta. Jacksonville will be without running back Chris Ivory, and his co-No. 1 T.J. Yeldon is also hurting but more likely to play than Ivory. If not, we could be looking at Denard Robinson. Also out for the Jags is No. 2 receiver Allen Hurns.

Lions at Saints (-6, 53.5): New Orleans opened at -4.5. This has the highest total on the board and probably will be a shootout between Matthew Stafford, the king of the fourth-quarter comeback, and Drew Brees, yet again the NFL passing yardage leader. That Brees (3,587 yards) takes another passing title is -150 at Bovada this week with Kirk Cousins (3,540) at +300 and Matt Ryan (3,516) also at +300. How can you bet against Brees? He has won the yardage title a record seven times and the past three seasons. With 413 yards Sunday, Brees would become the first QB in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards through his team's first 12 games of a season twice in his career. Stafford, meanwhile, has led seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in 2016. One more gives him the single-season league record since the 1970 merger. One key injury to watch here: Saints running back Mark Ingram hadn't practiced through Thursday due to a toe injury. He had a monster game last week vs. the Rams.

Redskins at Cardinals (-2.5, 49): If Arizona has any shot at returning to the playoffs, it has to win out. But it's crucial to Washington as well as the Redskins are wild card or bust with the NFC East title out of reach. The Redskins, however, are likely to be without excellent tight end Jordan Reed. He's dealing with a shoulder injury. Reed has 59 catches for 630 yards and five scores. While Arizona's Carson Palmer is having a disappointing season, 33-year-old Larry Fitzgerald, who has made some noise about retiring, is having a tremendous year with 78 catches for 802 yards and five scores. With seven catches here, Fitz (1,096) would pass Hall of Famers Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102) for the third-most career receptions in NFL history. I think Jerry Rice's NFL record of 1,549 catches is safe forever. Fitzgerald is second in the league in catches behind Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown (82). Sportsbooks offer a prop on whom wins that crown: Brown (-200), Fitzgerald (+275) or Tampa's Mike Evans (+500), who has 73. Have to go Brown there.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 13
By Bruce Marshall

Sunday, Dec. 4

DENVER at JACKSONVILLE (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Into KC game last Sunday, Kubiak 9-3 vs. line last 12 dating to late LY. Broncos also “under” 8-4-1 last 13 since late 2015. Jags 2-4 vs. line last six TY, Gus Bradley now 23-34-2 vs. spread since taking over Jags in 2013.
Tech Edge: Broncos and “under,” based on team and “totals” trends.

KANSAS CITY at ATLANTA (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Falcons bounced back vs. Cards but no covers 3 of last 5 after five covers previous. Atlanta 2-3 vs. line at home TY, 3-8 last 11 vs. spread at home. Prior to Denver, Chiefs had covered last three on road this season and 8-2 vs. spread last ten road regular season games. Falcs “over” 9-2 in 2016, Chiefs “under” 8-2.
Tech Edge: Slight to Chiefs, based on team trends.

HOUSTON at GREEN BAY (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Texans 1-4 SU and vs. line away from home this season. Even after last Monday's win vs. Eagles, Pack just 4-8-1 last 13 vs. spread in reg.-season games. Pack “over” 4-1 last five this season.
Tech Edge: “Over,” based on “totals” and team trends.

PHILADELPHIA at CINCINNATI (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Bengals 2-9 vs. spread this season though 2-2 at home. Eagles have dropped four straight vs. spread on road and just 2-6 vs. spread overall last eight after loss to Pack on Monday. Birds also “over” 7-1 last 8 away (4-1 TY).
Tech Edge: “Over,” based on Eagles road “totals” trends.

DETROIT at NEW ORLEANS (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Lions now on 5-1-1 spread uptick though they’re only 2-3 vs. line away this season. Detroit only 1-4 vs. line last five after Thanksgiving. Saints on pointspread ascent with covers in 7 of last 8 TY. Saints also “over” 10-2 last 12 at Superdome.
Tech Edge: “Over,” based on “totals” trends.

SAN FRANCISCO at CHICAGO (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Niners only two covers last ten since opening win over Rams. Also “over’ 7-3 last ten. Bears, however, only 3-8 vs. line TY and 4-12 last 16 for John Fox since late 2015. Bears 3-10 vs. spread as host since LY and no covers last 5 as chalk.
Tech Edge: 49ers and “over,” based on extended and “totals” trends.

LOS ANGELES at NEW ENGLAND (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Fisher “under” 7-4 TY and 19-8-1 last 28 since late 2014. Rams 1-4-2 vs. line last seven TY and 0-4-1 last five as dog, as Fisher dog marks have flattened since his first year with Rams in 2012. Belichick 8-3 vs. line TY and “under” 7-4.
Tech Edge: Patriots and “under,” based on team and “totals” trends.

MIAMI at BALTIMORE (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Dolphins have won six in a row SU and 5-1 vs. line in those games. Ravens “under” 8-3 in 2016, 10-3 last 13, 14-5 last 19 on board. Harbaugh 5-8-1 vs. spread last 14 at home though has covered last three.
Tech Edge: Dolphins and slight to “under,” based on team and “totals” trends.

BUFFALO at OAKLAND (CBS, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Bills 6-3 last 9 vs. line TY and 4-1 last 5 as dog. Raiders only 1-4 vs. spread in Coliseum TY and 3-10 in role as host since Del Rio arrived last season. Del Rio also “over” 9-2 this season.
Tech Edge: Bills and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

TAMPA BAY at SAN DIEGO (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Jameis Winston a surprising 4-1 SU and vs. line on road this season. Bucs also “over” 9-5 since late last season. Bolts 2-2 as home chalk TY, 6-9 last 15 in role. Also “over” 9-3 since late last season.
Tech Edge: “Over” and Bucs, based on “totals” and team trends.

WASHINGTON at ARIZONA (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Skins continue to surge vs. spread, now covers in four straight and eight of nine. Jay Gruden also 12-3 vs. line last 15 in regular season games. Skins also “over” 9-2 TY after Dallas game on Thanksgiving and “over” 14-2 last 16 since late 2015! Big Red no covers last five this season and just 3-9 vs. line last 12 regular season games on board.
Tech Edge: Redskins and “over,” based on team and “totals” trends.

NY GIANTS at PITTSBURGH (FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Eli has won last six SU this season and 5-1-1 vs. line last seven. Steel two covers in a row after four spread Ls, Steel also “under” 12-3 last 15 since late last season.
Tech Edge: Slight to “under” and Giants, based on “totals” and team trends.


CAROLINA at SEATTLE (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Rematch of playoffs from past two seasons. Panthers also won reg.-season matchup last year as they swept the 2015 meetings vs. Hawks. But Cam only 3-8-1 last 12 on board since late LY. These teams also “over” their last three meetings after “under previous three. Hawks only 2-4 vs. spread last six as host.
Tech Edge: “Over,” based on series “totals” trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 13

Sunday Games

Broncos (7-4) @ Jaguars (2-9)— Denver is 3-4 in last seven games after 4-0 start; they’re 3-2 on road, 1-1 as road favorite. Broncos are +6 in turnovers in their wins, -3 in losses. Jax lost its last six games (2-4 vs spread); they’re 0-4 at home- they were favored in last two home games. Jacksonville is -13 in turnovers in its last seven games, with only two takeaways- they have only seven TA’s for whole season. Broncos are 20-39 on 3rd down the last two games, but they lost tough OT game to Chiefs last week, a pivotal game. Jaguars won three of last four games with Denver; teams last met in ’13. Broncos lost three of last four visits here, with last win in ’05. Denver Jacksonville AFC West non-divisional favorites are 9-8 vs spread, 3-0 on road. AFC South underdogs are 7-11, 2-5 at home.

Chiefs (8-3) @ Falcons (7-4)— KC won six of its last seven games, is 4-2 on road this year, 2-2 as a road underdog. Chiefs’ last four games were all decided by 5 or less points- they converted 20 of last 36 3rd down plays. Atlanta is 3-2 at home this year, 1-3 as home favorite, with losses to Bucs/Chargers- only nine of their 67 plays vs Arizona LW came on third down, thats how well they moved ball. Chiefs are in Denver/Oakland sandwich; they host Raiders next Thursday. Falcons won 38-14/40-24 in last two series games; teams split last four meetings played here. AFC West non-divisional road underdogs are 8-3 vs spread this season; NFC South favorites are 6-9 vs spread, 4-7 at home. Under is 6-1 in last seven Chief games, 2-9 in Atlanta games this year.

Lions (7-4) @ Saints (5-6)— Detroit has trailed all 11 games in 4th quarter; all 11 games were decided by 7 or less points. Lions are 2-3 on road, 3-1 as road underdogs, with wins at Indy/Minnesota. Detroit has only 7 offensive TD’s in last five games; they had 16 in first six games. Saints won three of last four home games, are 1-3 as home favorites this year; they outscored opponent in second half of last six games (38-3 in last two games). Lions beat New Orleans 24-23/35-27 in last two meetings; Detroit is 3-9 on Bourbon Street, but won here by 8 LY. New Orleans NFC North non-divisional underdogs are 6-7 vs spread, 5-6 on road NFC South favorites are 6-9 vs spread, 4-7 at home. Under is 5-0 in last five Detroit games, 4-2 in Saints’ last six games.

49ers (1-10) @ Bears (2-9)— Niners lost last ten games (2-8 vs spread); they’re 0-5 on road, 2-3 as road underdog, losing away games by 19-19-29-3-7 points- they allowed 30+ points in six of last seven games. Chicago is 0-3 since its bye, losing by 26-6-6 points; they’re 2-3 at home, 0-2 as home favorite, beating Lions/Vikings. Barkley was 28-54/316 in his first NFL start, 27-21 loss to Titans LW. Bears are -6 in turnovers last three games; they have one takeaway in last four games. 49ers won three of last four series games, winning 26-20 in OT here LY, their first win in last five visits to Soldier Field. San Francisco Chicago NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 4-11 vs spread, 4-6 on road. NFC North favorites are 6-10 vs spread, 5-6 at home. Over is 5-2 in 49ers’ last seven games, 1-3-1 in Chicago home games.

Rams (4-7) @ Patriots (9-2)— LA got crushed in Superdome LW, has now lost six of last seven games- they appeared to quit late in game vs Saints. Rams are 3-3 in true road games, 4-1 as road underdog, with losses by 28-3-28 points in true road games. New England is 6-1 since Brady is back; they’re 2-2 as home favorite, winning home games by 7-27-18 points. Patriots won last four series games, winning last meeting 45-7 in London in ’12. Rams won three of last four visits here. Los Angeles New England NFC West non-divisional underdogs are 4-11 vs spread, 4-6 on road. AFC East non-divisional favorites are 7-5 vs spread, 3-5 at home. Under is 4-1 in Rams’ last five games, 6-3 in last nine Patriot games. Cal native Goff playing in Foxboro in December could be dicey; check the weather forecast.

Dolphins (7-4) @ Ravens (6-5)— Miami won/covered its last six games; they’re 2-3 on road, winning last two away games, at Chargers/Rams- they’re 2-2 as road underdogs. Baltimore is 3-1 since its bye, allowing 12.8 pts/game in last four home games. Ravens are 4-2 at home, 3-2 as home favorite- they lost at home to Raiders/Redskins. Ravens won five of last six series games; Dolphins lost 30-23/26-10 in last two visits here, last of which was in ’10. AFC East non-divisional underdogs are 9-7 vs spread, 5-5 on road. AFC North non-divisional favorites are 7-9 vs spread, 4-5 at home. Under is 3-2 in Miami games, 5-0 in last five Baltimore games. Miami is tied with Denver for second Wild Card spot; Ravens are tied with Steelers atop NFC North.

Bills (6-5) @ Raiders (9-2)— Buffalo won the two games since its bye by 4-7 points; they’re 3-3 on road, 3-1 as road underdog, with losses on foreign soil by 6-3-6 points- they won in Foxboro when Brady was out. Bills have only two giveaways, two takeaways in last five games. Oakland won its last five games (4-1 vs spread); they’re 3-2 at home, 1-3 as home favorites- they play Chiefs on Thursday better not look past this game. Raiders won five of last seven series games; Bills lost last six visits to Oakland- their last win here was in 1966 (they beat Raiders in LA in ’91). AFC East non-divisional underdogs are 9-7 vs spread, 5-5 on road. AFC West favorites are 9-8 vs spread, 5-8 at home. Over is 9-2 in Oakland games, 8-3 in Buffalo games.

Buccaneers (6-5) @ Chargers (5-6)— Tampa Bay won/covered last three games, allowing 10.7 pts/game; they allowed only three offensive TD’s on last 31 drives. Bucs are 4-1 on road, with only loss in Week 2 at Arizona- they’re 3-1 as road underdogs. San Diego won four of last six games, is 3-2 at home, 2-2 as home favorite, losing to Saints/Dolphins. Chargers are 8-2 in last ten series games; they split last four. Average total in last three series games is 59.3. Buccaneers lost three of four visits here, with last win in ’96. Tampa Bay San Diego NFC South non-divisional underdogs are 11-2 vs spread, 8-1 on road; AFC West favorites are 9-8 vs spread, 5-8 at home. Under is 4-2 in Tampa Bay’s last six games, 8-3 in Charger games this season.

Redskins (6-4-1) @ Cardinals (4-6-1)— Washington is 6-2-1 in its last nine games; they’re 2-2 in true road games, 3-1 vs spread as road underdogs, with losses by 3 at Detroit, 5 at Dallas. Redskins are 47-91 on 3rd down in their last six games. Arizona lost three of last four games, is 3-2-1 at home, with losses to Pats/Rams- they’re 2-4 as home favorites, have turned ball over nine times in last four games (-5). Redskins won eight of last nine series games; they lost 30-20 in last meeting couple years ago. Washington is 4-8 in its last dozen trips to the desert. NFC East non-divisional underdogs are 8-4 vs spread, 4-3 on road. NFC West favorites are 5-7 vs spread, 3-4 at home. Over is 9-2 in Washington games, 0-6 in Arizona home games. Arizona was outscored 41-16 in second half of its last three games.

Giants (8-3) @ Steelers (6-5)— New York won its last six games (5-1 vs spread) but last week in Cleveland was only true road game in that span- they beat Rams in London. Giants are 2-2 in true road games, losing by 14 in Minnesota, 7 in Green Bay; they also won in Dallas. Pittsburgh won last two games, allowing total of 16 points; Steelers lost last two home games, to Pats/Cowboys- they’re 3-1 as home favorites this year. Home side lost last three Giant-Steeler games; Pitt is 3-2 in last five series games. This is only 2nd time Giants have been in Steel City since 1991. NFC East non-divisional underdogs are 8-4 vs spread, 4-3 on road. AFC North favorites are 7-9 vs spread, 3-4 at home. Under is 6-2 in last eight Giant games, 8-2 in last ten Steeler games.


Sunday Night

Panthers (4-7) @ Seahawks (7-3-1)— Last four Carolina games were all decided by exactly three points; Panthers are 1-4 on road- they were favored in four of the five games- they’re 1-0 as an underdog this year. Carolina is 2-5 this season in games decided by three or less points. Seahawks are 6-2-1 in last nine games, 5-0 at home, 2-3 vs spread as a home favorite, with home wins by 2-19-2-6-11 points. Carolina-Seattle met in playoffs last two years; Panthers won 27-23/31-24 in two meetings with Seahawks LY. Carolina lost four of last five visits here. NFC South non-divisional underdogs are 11-2 vs spread, 8-1 on road;* NFC West favorites are 5-7 vs spread, 3-4 at home. Under is 3-1 in last four Carolina games, 4-2 in last six Seattle games. Seahawks new 1-3-1 this season when scoring less than 26 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Brady seeks win # 201'

Los Angeles Rams at New England Patriots December 4, 1:00 EST

Tom Brady tied Peyton Manning for most wins by a quarterback in NFL history Sunday, getting his 200th in a 22-17 win over Jets. Home field is something Patriots can tap into as Brady shoots for Win # 201. The Patriots have won 38 of the past 45 regular season games in front of the home audience with a 26-17-2 record against the betting line winning by a 9.9 points/game margin.

Patriots are a hefty 13.5 to 14.5 point favorites for Brady's record breaking game. Take note, over the 45 mentioned home games Patriots have not responded vs the spread as double digit chalk. In thirteen situations the result is in 7 cashed tickets, 6 tossed in the waste basket. Additionally, Patriots are a money-burning 1-4 ATS as home faves following a win the previous effort then battling an NFC West opponent .

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Dunkel

Week 13

Sunday, December 4

Carolina @ Seattle

Game 375-376
December 4, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Carolina
131.896
Seattle
141.476
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 9 1/2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
by 6 1/2
44 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-6 1/2); Under

NY Giants @ Pittsburgh

Game 373-374
December 4, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Giants
137.157
Pittsburgh
133.718
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Giants
by 3 1/2
38
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
by 6
48 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Giants
(+6); Under

Washington @ Arizona

Game 371-372
December 4, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
134.329
Arizona
130.114
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 4
56
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 3
49
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+3); Over

Tampa Bay @ San Diego

Game 369-370
December 4, 2016 @ 4:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
132.069
San Diego
140.505
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 8 1/2
52
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
by 3 1/2
47 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-3 1/2); Over

Buffalo @ Oakland

Game 367-368
December 4, 2016 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
132.942
Oakland
139.162
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 6
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 3
49
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-3); Under

Miami @ Baltimore

Game 365-366
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
134.094
Baltimore
131.678
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 2 1/2
36
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
by 3 1/2
41
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+3 1/2); Under

Los Angeles @ New England

Game 363-364
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
130.961
New England
134.929
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New England
by 4
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New England
by 13 1/2
44 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(+13 1/2); Under

San Francisco @ Chicago

Game 361-362
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
127.405
Chicago
131.779
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 4 1/2
39
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 1
43 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-1); Under

Detroit @ New Orleans

Game 359-360
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
131.052
New Orleans
139.296
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 8
58
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 5 1/2
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-5 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Cincinnati

Game 357-358
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
134.547
Cincinnati
127.678
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 7
47
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
Pick
42
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
Over

Houston @ Green Bay

Game 355-356
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
122.970
Green Bay
137.764
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 15
48
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Green Bay
by 6 1/2
45
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(-6 1/2); Over

Kansas City @ Atlanta

Game 353-354
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
139.682
Atlanta
134.509
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 5
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 4
49
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+4); Over

Denver @ Jacksonville

Game 351-352
December 4, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
134.039
Jacksonville
126.608
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 7 1/2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 4
40 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-4); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 13

Sunday, December 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DENVER (7 - 4) at JACKSONVILLE (2 - 9) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (8 - 3) at ATLANTA (7 - 4) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (6 - 5) at GREEN BAY (5 - 6) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 103-76 ATS (+19.4 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 177-126 ATS (+38.4 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 62-37 ATS (+21.3 Units) in December games since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 66-41 ATS (+20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
HOUSTON is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (5 - 6) at CINCINNATI (3 - 7 - 1) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 this season.
CINCINNATI is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (7 - 4) at NEW ORLEANS (5 - 6) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 62-87 ATS (-33.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1992.
DETROIT is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in road games off a win against a division rival since 1992.
DETROIT is 8-26 ATS (-20.6 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1992.
DETROIT is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 1-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN FRANCISCO (1 - 10) at CHICAGO (2 - 9) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1992.
CHICAGO is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 1-1 against the spread versus SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 1-1 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA RAMS (4 - 7) at NEW ENGLAND (9 - 2) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA RAMS is 175-219 ATS (-65.9 Units) in all games since 1992.
LA RAMS is 175-219 ATS (-65.9 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
LA RAMS is 80-112 ATS (-43.2 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
LA RAMS is 137-173 ATS (-53.3 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
LA RAMS is 64-92 ATS (-37.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 230-186 ATS (+25.4 Units) in all games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 230-186 ATS (+25.4 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 103-76 ATS (+19.4 Units) in games played on turf since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (7 - 4) at BALTIMORE (6 - 5) - 12/4/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BALTIMORE is 1-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUFFALO (6 - 5) at OAKLAND (9 - 2) - 12/4/2016, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 45-77 ATS (-39.7 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1992.
OAKLAND is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1992.
OAKLAND is 71-101 ATS (-40.1 Units) in home games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 71-101 ATS (-40.1 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 55-81 ATS (-34.1 Units) in home games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1992.
OAKLAND is 71-101 ATS (-40.1 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1992.
OAKLAND is 30-57 ATS (-32.7 Units) in December games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 1-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA BAY (6 - 5) at SAN DIEGO (5 - 6) - 12/4/2016, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points since 1992.
SAN DIEGO is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (6 - 4 - 1) at ARIZONA (4 - 6 - 1) - 12/4/2016, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive losses since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY GIANTS (8 - 3) at PITTSBURGH (6 - 5) - 12/4/2016, 4:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 33-56 ATS (-28.6 Units) in weeks 10 through 13 since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 99-69 ATS (+23.1 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 48-28 ATS (+17.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NY GIANTS are 40-19 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAROLINA (4 - 7) at SEATTLE (7 - 3 - 1) - 12/4/2016, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 64-35 ATS (+25.5 Units) in December games since 1992.
CAROLINA is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in a road game where the total is between 42.5 and 45 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 54-32 ATS (+18.8 Units) in December games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 3-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 2-2 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 13

Sun – Dec. 4

Denver at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM ET
Denver: 3-9 ATS off a division game
Jacksonville: 4-2 ATS off 2 consecutive road losses by 7 points or less

Kansas City at Atlanta, 1:00 PM ET
Kansas City: 9-1 ATS in road games after allowing 400 or more total yards in 2 consecutive games
Atlanta: 2-14 ATS in home games off a home win by 10 points or more

Houston at Green Bay, 1:00 PM ET
Houston: 1-3 ATS as a road underdog
Green Bay: 60-39 ATS off a road win

Philadelphia at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM ET
Philadelphia: 9-1 ATS in non-conference games
Cincinnati: 2-8 ATS in all lined games

Detroit at New Orleans, 1:00 PM ET
Detroit: 1-11 ATS in road games after having won 6 or 7 out of their last 8
New Orleans: 5-1 ATS after covering the spread in 2 out of their last 3 games

San Francisco at Chicago, 1:00 PM ET
San Francisco: 7-20 ATS after allowing 30 points or more in 2 straight games
Chicago: 7-0 ATS after 3 or more consecutive losses

LA Rams at New England, 1:00 PM ET
Los Angeles: 6-0 UNDER off a road blowout loss by 14 points or more
New England: 11-1 ATS after allowing 6 or more yards/play in their previous game

Miami at Baltimore, 1:00 PM ET
Miami: 2-10 ATS after allowing 400 or more total yards in their previous game
Baltimore: 30-16 ATS in home games after allowing 75 or less rushing yards last game

Buffalo at Oakland, 4:05 PM ET
Buffalo: 11-3 UNDER as a road underdog of 7 points or less
Oakland: 1-10 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 49.5

Tampa Bay at San Diego, 4:25 PM ET
Tampa Bay: 18-6 ATS in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49
San Diego: 9-1 UNDER in home games after gaining 99 or less rushing yards in 2 straight games

Washington at Arizona, 4:25 PM ET
Washington: 6-0 ATS after gaining 6 or more yards/play in 2 consecutive games
Arizona: 0-6 ATS after allowing 30 points or more last game

NY Giants at Pittsburgh, 4:25 PM ET
New York: 33-56 ATS in weeks 10 through 13
Pittsburgh: 8-1 ATS after gaining 6.5 or more yards/play in their previous game

Carolina at Seattle, 8:30 PM ET
Carolina: 54-34 ATS off a road loss
Seattle: 13-4 OVER in home games after scoring and allowing 14 pts or less point

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL

Week 13

Trend Report

Sunday, December 4

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BALTIMORE
Miami is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

1:00 PM
DETROIT vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Detroit
New Orleans is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit

1:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. GREEN BAY
Houston is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Green Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Green Bay is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home

1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Cincinnati is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

1:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CHICAGO
San Francisco is 1-8-1 ATS in its last 10 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games at home
Chicago is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games at home

1:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW ENGLAND
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New England
Los Angeles is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New England's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New England's last 9 games

1:00 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games on the road
Kansas City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home

1:00 PM
DENVER vs. JACKSONVILLE
Denver is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
Denver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Jacksonville
Jacksonville is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Denver
Jacksonville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

4:05 PM
BUFFALO vs. OAKLAND
Buffalo is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Buffalo is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo

4:25 PM
NY GIANTS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Giants last 5 games on the road
NY Giants are 2-2-2 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

4:25 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Washington's last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington
Arizona is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,

4:25 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. SAN DIEGO
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay

8:30 PM
CAROLINA vs. SEATTLE
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina
Seattle is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

 

[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga TODAY 11:00

Real Betis

v

Celta Vigo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		11/8	9/4	21/10	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT REAL BETIS	RECENT FORM
A WH LA LH WA LH W​ Most recent​	1 - 1 1 - 2 1 - 0 1 - 1	A LH WA LH DH WA W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Celta have scored in eight of their last nine fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Celta Vigo have won on just one of their six La Liga road trips this season but have every chance of banking maximum points against struggling Betis. Confidence is returning for Celta, who have won their last two games, but Betis are under pressure after five defeats in their last seven league fixtures.

RECOMMENDATION: Celta Vigo
1

Premier League TODAY 13:30

Bournemouth

v

Liverpool

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		4	3	8/11	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BOURNEMOUTH	RECENT FORM
H WH DA LH LA WA L​ Most recent​	1 - 2 1 - 3 0 - 2 0 - 0	H WA WH WA DH WH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Liverpool are unbeaten in their last seven away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Liverpool have not lost on the road since their shock 2-0 defeat at Burnley in August and they should have too much quality for Bournemouth. Burnley caused Liverpool problems by sitting deep, but Bournemouth will be more positive and are likely to leave themselves exposed to the rampant Reds on the counter attack.

RECOMMENDATION: Liverpool
2


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:

Dutch Eredivisie TODAY 13:30

Feyenoord

v

Sp. Rotterdam

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		3/10	4	10	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT FEYENOORD	RECENT FORM
H DA DA LH WA LA D​ Most recent​	3 - 0 1 - 0 2 - 0 3 - 2	H DA LA DH WA LH D​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Feyenoord are unbeaten in 13 Eredivisie home matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Feyenoord are showing signs of cracking having won just one of their last five Eredivisie matches but they can bounce back in true fashion in the derby against Sparta Rotterdam. The hosts, who scored two late goals to grab a point in Utrecht, will be happier returning to De Kuip and should punish the visitors, who have won just once on their travels.

RECOMMENDATION: Feyenoord-Feyenoord double result
1

Italian Serie A TODAY 14:00

Lazio

v

Roma

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		9/5	12/5	6/4	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LAZIO	RECENT FORM
A DH WH WA DH WA W​ Most recent​	1 - 4 1 - 2 0 - 0 3 - 2	A DA WH WA LH WH W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Roma have kept one clean sheet in ten away matches this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Lazio are emerging as credible contenders for a top-three finish and can leapfrog fierce city rivals Roma by winning the derby. Simeone Inzaghi’s side have not lost in nine matches and are targeting a fourth successive home win. They are showing more consistency than Roma, who made hard work of winning 3-2 at home to lowly Pescara.

RECOMMENDATION: Lazio
1

German Bundesliga TODAY 14:30

SV Darmstadt

v

Hamburg

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT3		17/10	21/10	9/5	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SV DARMSTADT	RECENT FORM
H WA LH LA LH LA L​ Most recent​	1 - 1 2 - 2 1 - 2	H LA WA LH LA DH D​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Darmstadt have lost their last five matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Darmstadt have won just three home Bundesliga matches since promotion the season before last, while Hamburg are still looking for their first win of the campaign. The visitors have earned draws in their last two matches against Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen and this could be another close encounter.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

Spanish La Liga TODAY 15:15

Ath Bilbao

v

Eibar

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS3		17/20	12/5	15/4	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ATH BILBAO	RECENT FORM
H WA DH WH WA LA W​ Most recent​	5 - 2 0 - 0 1 - 1	A DH WA LH WH WA W​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Eibar have failed to win 15 of their last 16 away league games

EXPERT VERDICT: Athletic hammered their Basque neighbours in Bilbao in January, but there looks little to choose between them right now. The league table shows them a point apart with Athletic, in particular, struggling to score. So it cannot help that their top scorers, the ageless Aritz Aduriz and Raul Garcia, who have bagged ten of their 17 goals, are suspended.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL roundup: Coyotes' Smith makes 58 saves in loss
By The Sports Xchange

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Cam Atkinson and Sam Gagner scored in the shootout and the Columbus Blue Jackets overcame a franchise-record 58 saves from Arizona Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith to post a 3-2 victory Saturday.
Boone Jenner and Alex Wennberg scored for Columbus in regulation to improve the Blue Jackets 8-1-2 in their last 11 games. Backup goalie Curtis McElhinney made 32 saves for Columbus to post his first win of the season.
Radim Vrbata and Shane Doan (399th career goal) scored for Arizona. Smith made 22 stops in the third period after turning aside 11 in the first and 15 in the second.
It was the 17th one-goal game for the Coyotes in 23 games this season. The NHL record for one-goal (or tie) games in a season is 54 by the 1999-2000 Edmonton Oilers.

Rangers 4, Hurricanes 2
NEW YORK -- Chris Kreider scored the tiebreaking goal with 7:35 remaining in the third period to lift New York over Carolina.
This was the second time in five days the Rangers beat the Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden and the winning goals were similar. On Tuesday, it was left winger Jimmy Vesey scoring off a net-mouth scramble with 5:12 remaining to snap a 2-2 tie.
Derek Stepan and left winger Michael Grabner also scored for the Rangers, who received 26 saves from goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Stepan also had two assists.
Left winger Viktor Stalberg, who scored twice against the Rangers on Tuesday, scored again against his former team. Center Viktor Rask tied the game in the third period for Carolina.

Flyers 3, Blackhawks 1
PHILADELPHIA -- Rookie defenseman Ivan Provorov recorded the first two-goal game of his NHL career to lead Philadelphia to its fourth straight win.
Brayden Schenn also scored for the Flyers, who moved into playoff position for the first time since opening the season with a victory. Goaltender Steve Mason stopped 26 of 27 shots to pick up his third straight victory.
Artemi Panarin scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks, who saw their 3-0-1 streak snapped.
Goaltender Scott Darling (27 saves) suffered his first regulation loss of the season (4-1-1) for the Blackhawks, who were without starting goaltender Corey Crawford (emergency appendectomy) and captain Jonathan Toews.

Oilers 3, Ducks 2 (OT)
EDMONTON, Alberta -- Leon Draisaitl scored with 1:44 left in overtime to lift Edmonton over Anaheim.
The Oilers snapped a two-game home losing streak and won for only the second time in their last seven games on Rogers Centre ice.
Edmonton killed a penalty to behind the overtime, and then Draisaitl was Johnny-on-the spot to slam home a pass from defenseman Andrej Sekera.
Cam Talbot made 31 saves for the Oilers.
Edmonton's Connor McDavid, the NHL's leading scorer, had his seven-game point-scoring streak snapped.

Bruins 2, Sabres 1
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron scored, and Tuukka Rask made 35 saves to lead Boston over Buffalo.
Boston has won two in a row and is 3-0-1 in its last four games.
Evander Kane scored for the Sabres, who were unable to build off a rare scoring surge in recent games. Robin Lehner made 29 saves.
Bruins left winger Matt Beleskey left the game early in the second period because of a lower-body injury and did not return.

Devils 5, Predators 4
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Michael Cammalleri's second goal of the day at 4:42 of overtime completed New Jersey's comeback from a three-goal deficit en route to beating Nashville.
Streaking down the left side, Cammalleri took a pass from Taylor Hall and scored his ninth goal of the season.
The result snapped a four-game losing skid for New Jersey and ended a six-game winning streak at home for Nashville.
Keith Kinkaid (3-1-2) stopped 38 shots for the Devils, while Pekka Rinne (10-5-4) turned aside 17 of 22 shots in the defeat.

Senators 2, Panthers 0
OTTAWA -- Ottawa scored two goals 19 seconds apart in the first period and received shutout goaltending from Mike Condon to defeat Florida.
It was the second shutout of the season in six games played for Condon, who made 24 saves.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson and center Derick Brassard provided all the offense Ottawa needed.
The Panthers pulled goalie Roberto Luongo with three minutes to play, but still couldn't hit the board. Luongo made 18 saves.

Penguins 5, Red Wings 3
PITTSBURGH -- Phil Kessel scored his second goal of the game and Matt Cullen was awarded an empty-net goal to complete a four-goal third-period comeback by the Pittsburgh, ruining the NHL debut of Detroit goaltender Jared Coreau.
Henrik Zetterberg, Frans Nielson and Dylan Larkin gave Detroit a 3-1 lead through two periods, with Kessel the only Penguins player to beat Coreau to that point.
Nick Bonino and Justin Schultz scored in the first seven minutes of the third to pull Pittsburgh even at 3-3.
Kessel finished off a feed from Carl Hagelin at 10:54 of the third to give Pittsburgh its first lead 4-3. Cullen was awarded an empty-net goal with 40.9 seconds left when he was interfered with.

Jets 3, Blues 2 (OT)
ST. LOUIS -- Right winger Patrik Laine continued his goal-scoring streak and center Bryan Little scored the game-winner in overtime as Winnipeg beat St. Louis.
Right wingers Chris Thorburn also scored and goalie Michael Hutchinson made 20 saves as the Jets snapped a six-game road losing streak.
Left winger Alexander Steen and right winger Dmitrij Jaskin scored for the Blues and goalie Carter Hutton made 20 saves.
Little scored 17 seconds into overtime on a 2-on-1 with Laine, who got his seventh assist on the winner.

Canucks 3, Maple Leafs 2 (SO)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Markus Granlund and Bo Horvat scored in a shootout as Vancouver defeated Toronto.
Mitch Marner also scored for the Maple Leafs in the shootout. Vancouver goaltender Ryan Miller sealed the win by stopping Tyler Bozak's final attempt of the shootout.
Daniel Sedin and Sven Baertschi scored in regulation for the Canucks. Captain Henrik Sedin also collected an assist, giving him at least one point in Vancouver's last five home games.
James van Riemsdyk and rookie Auston Matthews scored for Toronto.

Lightning 2, Capitals 1
TAMPA, Fla. -- Ben Bishop and Brian Boyle helped Tampa Bay snap its longest losing streak in more than three years by beating Washington.
Bishop finished with 34 saves while Boyle had the shootout deciding goal to as the Lightning ended a four-game regulation losing streak. Tampa Bay last lost four consecutive games at the end of the 2013 season.
Nikita Kucherov scored a power play goal for the Lightning, while Brayden Point also converted his shootout attempt.
Nicklas Backstrom notched his seventh of the season for Washington. Braden Holtby finished with 32 saves before allowing two of four shooters to convert in the shootout.

Stars 3, Avalanche 0
DENVER -- Kari Lehtonen made 23 saves for his first shutout of the season and Tyler Seguin had a goal and an assist as Dallas defeated struggling Colorado.
Lehtonen stopped five shots in the third period for his 35th career shutout. Curtis McKenzie and Patrick Eaves also scored for the Stars.
Semyon Varlamov had 30 saves for the Avalanche, who were shut out for the fifth time this season and finished their homestand 0-4-1.
Things got worse for Colorado when No. 1 defenseman Erik Johnson left the game in the second period with a leg injury and didn't return. He blocked a shot on one of the Stars' power plays and went to the locker room.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Canadiens (16-6) at Kings (13-10)

Date: December 04, 2016 3:00 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- The Montreal Canadiens will continue their annual trek through California when they face the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon. Though the temperatures are warmer than back home in their native Quebec, the reception from their hosts has been ice cold.

Montreal (16-6-2) sits atop the Atlantic Division thanks to its superior 12-1-1 record at home. Its 1-0 loss at San Jose on Friday dropped their road record below .500 (4-5-1).

The road through California has been especially rough with Montreal posting a 1-8-2 record in the last 11 games against the California teams (San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles). The Canadiens have struggled to find their offense in the first three games of this road trip, posting only five goals in three games and wasting two strong performances by goaltender Carey Price.

"You just have to keep grinding," said Price after suffering his third regulation loss in 17 games. "You just have to keep working and hopefully our fortunes will turn for the rest of the trip."

The challenge for Montreal is the contrast of styles posed by Los Angeles. The Canadiens' speed game was successful in a 4-1 win over the Kings on Nov. 10, but they have been worn down by both the Ducks and Sharks in consecutive losses. In order to break their losing streak and sweep the season series against the Kings, the Canadiens know they must control the tempo.

"We've gotten away from our game," defenseman Jeff Petry told the Montreal Gazette prior to the San Jose loss. "We were using our speed then we got away from that. It's something that we need to learn from because if we use our speed, we're a tough team to handle."

The Kings (13-10-1) will look to avenge last month's loss at Montreal with continuing strong play on home ice. They enter the game with a 9-3-0 home record and appear to have found their stride after an inconsistent opening month. A 4-3 win in Arizona on Thursday was the sixth in seven games for the Kings, who trail the division-leading San Jose Sharks by four points with a game in hand.

After being besieged with injuries to start the season, Los Angeles' depth is bolstered by the return of two key players and better health by one of its stars. Left winger Marian Gaborik missed the season's first 20 games with a broken foot. Goaltender Jeff Zatkoff, plagued by groin injuries that limited him to just five appearances, earned his first win as a King in the Arizona victory.

Anze Kopitar put up his first multi-point game since missing five games with a wrist injury, registering two assists in the Arizona win.

Zatkoff was thought to be the starter after Jonathan Quick was sidelined with a serious groin injury but Peter Budaj was anointed by coach Darryl Sutter with Zatkoff's health issues. Budaj had appeared in 22 consecutive games before being relieved by Zatkoff after the first period in Arizona.

"Not playing eats away at you in the sense that you want to play, you want to contribute to the team and you want to be a piece of the puzzle," Zatkoff said. "I feel really comfortable with my game and I just want to keep building on it."

If Los Angeles creates enough offense to split the season series, it will likely do it without help from its special teams. Despite having a star-studded lineup and one of the best home records in the league, the Kings' power-play production at home has been virtually non-existent, converting on 3 of 26 chances to tie them with the New York Islanders for 28th place in the NHL.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lightning (14-11) at Hurricanes (9-10)

Date: December 04, 2016 5:00 PM EDT

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes are in need of something more than just encouraging performances, especially after a series of disturbing results.

For the most part, the same applies to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Hurricanes failed to win on a three-game road trip, so they return to PNC Arena for Sunday's game against the Lightning in a bit of a surly mood.

"At this point, we're sort of beyond the moral victories," Hurricanes forward Lee Stempniak said. "I think we need to start producing wins."

Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak, but it took a shootout to do it Saturday night against the Washington Capitals.

Both teams had games Saturday, so whichever side makes the quickest recovery is bound to be in the best position for this encounter.

The Hurricanes played an afternoon game in New York and ended up with a 4-2 loss to the Rangers, while Tampa Bay was at home in a game that was extended to the shootout Saturday night.

Carolina has a five-game home-ice winning streak, so there could be something to build on from that perspective.

Tampa Bay doesn't want to waste a chance either.

"They're important points now, especially when you're going against teams in the East," Lightning goalie Ben Bishop said. "... You've got to find a way to get points."

The Hurricanes didn't produce strong finishes on their road trip and that's something that needs to be addressed along with the continued concerned about inconsistent offense. Carolina is the second-lowest scoring team in the Eastern Conference.

"You got to get hungry to score," Hurricanes coach Bill Peters said. "You can't just be content to play well. You need offensive contributions from your top six (forwards). That's the reality, especially when you have a few injuries and you need players to step up."

The Hurricanes figure to turn to goalie Cam Ward, who sat out Saturday's game. Last weekend, Carolina also split goalie duties, but Michael Leighton drew the home assignment then.

So this would make this Ward's first home outing since Nov. 20.

The last time the Hurricanes played at home a week ago, they lost center Jordan Staal to a concussion. He hasn't played since then and it's unlikely that he'll be activated for Sunday's game.

The matchup against Tampa Bay is Carolina's only home game during a six-game stretch. The Hurricanes are headed to the West Coast next.

Tampa Bay played Saturday night without right winger Ryan Callahan and defenseman Aaron Garrison, but Lightning coach Jon Cooper said there's no time to fret about the absence of injured players.

"Every position is getting tested," Cooper said. "You have to have depth in the organization and that has helped us in the past."

After the hectic weekend, the Lightning will have three days off. So the team will want to go into the break on the schedule with a positive vibe and part of that might come with how Tampa Bay begins the game in Raleigh.

"It's about being ready for the start," Bishop said. "We can talk about it all we want, but it's about going out and doing it."