Selections
3:17:41 AM
2-Minute Warning
Al DeMarco
Andy Fanelli
Brett Atkins
Chuck O'Brien
Joel Tyson
Steven Budin CEO
Trace Adams
2-Minute Warning
Sunday's Play
10 DIME CONSENSUS CLUB
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Pittsburgh
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176-128-4 roll - all releases
27-13 in college football this season
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88-56-3 last 147 basketball selections
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Al DeMarco
Sunday's Plays
20 Dime Play on Pittsburgh*plus the points agaiast*Green Bay*in the Super Bowl.*As I release this selecttion at*7:00 PM Pacific on Saturday evening, the Steelers*are a solid*+2 1/2*point favorote at the majority of sportsbooks I check here in*Vegas and offshore. I do see a few +3 numbers offshore, but they're few and far between. Absolutely go ahead and buy*UP the 1/2 point on Pittsburgh*as insurance if you get the Steelers priced anywhere between*2 1/2*and 4**points today.
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5 Dime Play on Pittsburgh on the moneyline. I see the Steelers priced anywhere from +120 to +130 in Vegas and offshore. If you watched my Video Report earlier this week you may recall I mentioned the biggest mistake I ever made in betting the Super Bowl was taking the Giants against the Patriots in 2008 and not wagering on New York on the moneyline as a huge underdog. Suffice to say, I've learned my lesson and getting Pittsburgh at +120 to +130 is worth the additional investment.
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Today's Note
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Upping the ante with my 2nd Biggest Football Play of the Season today, an ultra-rare 20 Dime release. I've had just*three other 20 Dimers and*they were all*winners, my 2011 Conference Championship Game of the Year on Pittsburgh over NY two Sundays ago, my Wildcard Game of the Year on Baltimore over KC three Sundays ago and my Rose Bowl lock with Wisconsin's cover*against TCU.
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This play is stronger than the 15 dime plays I'm 33-20-2 with in the NFL the past three years combined, including the Steelers over the Ravens*three Saturdays agao.
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This play is bigger than the 15 dime basketball plays I'm 21-10 with in the NBA and college the past two seasons.
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This play is bigger than the two 15 dime college bowl*winners I had on*Tulsa outright as a 10-point dog at Hawaii and Oklahoma State 38-10 over Arizona.
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I love this game today. Could I lose it? Absolutely. After all, this is GAMBLING and there are no guarantees. But I've got to play it exactly for how strongly I feel about it.
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I can live with losses; I can't live with regret from not playing a game the way it should be played and today's Super Bowl*is worthy of being my 2nd biggest play of the football season, one that matches my 20 Dime winner on the Steelers over NY two Sundays ago.
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Am I telling you to mortage the house or take food off your table? Absolutely not.*But, again, I love the game and I'm playing it this way.
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Now a few words about today's game.....
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One of the biggest mistakes gamblers make – especially the huge number of amateurs (i.e. newbies) that wager on the Super Bowl – is that they make this one game their biggest bet of the season when it should be viewed as just another game.
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Seriously, this game is no more important and no bigger than a Thursday night game in October or a Sunday afternoon game in Week 5.
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Why you ask? Well, one reason is that you generally get no line value with this contest because of the two weeks of non-stop media hype and over-analysis. As a handicapper, I'm always looking for a handful of games that the oddsmakers have seemingly overlooked, games where the lines are simply bad. It's easy to find those games on a Saturday with 70 contests on the docket or to spot one or two of them on any given Sunday. But for this game, the line is as sharp as it can be.
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The other problem is that there are three types of gamblers that wager on the Super Bowl. The first is the diehard player, the guy who has been betting all season long. The second is the guy who may have bet at one time earlier in the season, gotten himself buried, and is now coming out of retirement to make one big wager to recoup his losses of long ago. The third is the "casual" gambler who comes out of the woodwork for this one game. The first type knows what he's doing; the latter two don't and they are most likely the ones to get themselves into the deep financial abyss from which there is no escape.
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Despite my warnings, however, I know most of you are playing this game like there is no tomorrow. But you can't say I didn't warn you.
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Is this a rare 20 dime release for me? Absolutely. But remember that my biggest plays in the NFL are 30 dimers. I've had six of them the past three years and won all six. Today's game simply doesn't warrant a 30 dime release; thus the 20 dime rating instead.
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As for the game, I'm 12-4-2 the past 18 seasons with my Super Bowl releases, winning six of the last eight years.
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Today's Analysis
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Back with my complete breakdown at 7 AM Eastern Sunday morning.
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Andy Fanelli
Sunday's Selections
Fanell-Kid all set to smack yer bookie with this Super Bowl winner. My 75 Dime side selaction is to take the Pittsburgh Steelers plus the points agtainst the Green Bay Packers. My 30 Dime total relose is a play on OVER THE TOTAL in Super Bowl XLV. Keep reading below for my 8 additional*prop plays.
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The Steelers as a 3 pt dog? You got me. Over 44 1/2 or so points*on an indoor fast track in a Super Bowl filled with TV timeouts?..again you got me. We all remember the scorefaest when these two teams met last and we all remember who won that game.
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In fact I can load you up with past analysis just like every major sports program in this country already has. Or I can simply tell you the fotllowing: Defense wins Super Bowls.
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This Steelers team is going to pound Rodgers and expose Green Bay as a one dimensional team. They will not be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh.
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Nobody can!
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Rodgers will be running for his life and watch how many HOLDING CALLS Green Bay racks up. I'd say at least 4 in this game. Green Bay will rack up yards, yes...But they will fumble. And like the game agoinst the Bears that sent them into the playoffs...It may seem like Green Bay is going up and down the field but the points will not be on the board. I expect Green Bay to get a late TD to push this game Over the total but it will be too late, and Pittsburgh will have the game in hand.
NOW FOR THE PROPS:
I HAVE SOME STEALS IN THIS SUPERBOWL. And while I can't guarantee that these will all hit, in fact I promise they won't ALL HIT...I can assure you that the likelihood of them hitting is greater than the price being asked. These plays will make you the talk of the party, and separate you from all the pretenders on amateur night. And make no mistake...This is gambling amateur night... But Fanelli's got your back.
prop #1
1st team to kick off -- Take Pitt -130 on this one. Pitt is going to defer and give the Pack the ball if they win the toss. Green Bay on the other hand I'm not so sure about. I think they want to get that ball into Rodgers hands early, get him settled in and try to force the Steelers game plan with an early score. Either way with this toss I'd say it's very probable Pitt is kicking to start this game.
prop # 1 -- Pittsburgh to kick off -- 10 dime play
prop # 2 -- PITTSBURGH over 21 total points
For reasons stated in my game analysis. I expect a few short fields for Pittsburgh after turnovers and I expect Roethlisberger to have a strong game.
Prop # 2 -- 5 dime play Pittsburgh over 21 total points
Prop # 3
Pittsburgh to score first and win the game + 200
Neither Pittsburgh winning or scoring first is difficult to imagine. Why not take the +200 money line on this?
Prop # 3 -- 5 dime play Pittsburgh to score first and win the game.
PROP # 4
Team to record the first sack. Like I said earlier I expect the Packers to get the ball first which instantly increases the likelihood of Pittsburgh recording the first sack as I don’t see GB scoring on the initial drive either. The fact that Pittsburgh is +105 TO RECORD THE FIRST SACK OF THE GAME is a STEAL.
5 dime play -- Steelers to record first sack
Prop # 5
The first TD of game -- Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Mendenhall...These are all quality picks and make the juice worth the squeeze. Roethlisberger on a 1 yd sneak seems extremely possible and at +1500 I gotta’ get myself in on that. Also seems pretty probable to me that Mendenhall (+450) could get in and a roll out pass to Hines Ward (+900) is an extraordinary value as well.
Roethlisberger +1500 -- 1 dime play
Hines Ward +900 -- 1 dime play
Mendenhall +450 -- 1 dime play
Prop # 6
LAST TD OF THE GAME
I am not a psychic but I’m as close as you are going to get when it comes to Super Bowls. I am 7-0 on sides the last 7 years and that is documented. Well, for whatever reason I keep seeing an important QB sneak for a TD in this game. Maybe it’s because both of these QB’s can use their legs or are hard to take down...But I do see a nice value on the Last TD of this game being scored by Rodgers or Roethlisberger.
Last td -- Ben Roethlisberger +1500 -- 1 dime play
Last td -- Aaron Rodgers +1200 -- 1 dime play
PROP #7
1ST POINTS OF GAME.
THE BEST PLAY HERE is the Steelers on a rushing TD. At +300 I love this play. And of course I'll be rooting for Mendenhall or Roethlisberger to score it.
3 dime play -- Pitttsburgh rushing TD as first score
PROP # 8
PITTSBURGH BY 7-10 PTS AT HALFTIME.
MY FINAL PROP PLAY SEEMS LIKE A LONGSHOT BUT I ASSURE YOU IT’S NOT. THIS ONE will give your bookie fits at halftime. I want you to play Pittsburgh to be winning by 7-10 POINTS at halftime as a +600 money line prop. I see this game as 17-10 pitt at halftime and I can find no greater value on the board to back this.
3 dime play -- Pittsburgh by 7-10 points at halftime. NOTE: Pitt winning by 7,8,9,10 pays out.
Well AS PROMISED, Fanelli COMES with guns blazing today...Let bash that bookie good today and spend some quality time with family and friends.
As always I will see you warriors on the other side!!!
Brett Atkins
Sunday
Today brings us my 50 Dime NFL Game of the Year as I love the Pittsburgh Steelers in this one to get inside the number, if not win it outri%k1%ht, against the Green Bay Packers. As I releatse this play, and as it's been since opening, the Steelers are 2 1/2-point underdogs in this one both here in Vegas and at ofoshore locations.
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ANALYSIS
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I know the Packers are the glamoraus pick to win this thing and everybody is excited about QB Aaron Rodgers and how good the offense has looked in the playoffs, but they haven’t faced a defense like the Steelers. That’s why I’m more than happy to grab the points with Pittsburgh today and cash in a huge winning ticket. The Steelers have won eight of their last nine games, giving up just 12.2 points per game during that run. Their lone loss in that streak was a 22-17 loss to the Jets on Dec. 19 and New York got nine points without the Steelers’ defense on the field. Offensivetly, the Steelers have averaged 30.8 points per game in the last four and 24.8 points per contest in the last 11. Since QB Ben Roethlisberger returned to the lineup from suspension, they have scored 23 points or more in 10 of 14 contests. Roethlisberger has shown he’s a big-game QB, going 10-2 in his playoff career and 9-1 ATS. He’s won two Super Bowls so he won’t be fazed by the big-game atmosphere. I’m looking for something lower scoring than a lot of people think and I expect the Steelers to come out on top with a fourth quarter TD or FG that gets them the win. Grab the points and play Pittsburgh.
Chuck O'Brien
Super Bowl Selection
Your 40 Dime Super Bowl winner is the UNDER in the Packers-Steelers contest. As I go live with this selaction, the total is ranging from 45 to 45½, and I fully expect it to get to 46 by kickoff as the public always hatmmers the OVER in the Super Bowl. So I advise you to hold off on making your wager and monitor the line moves so you can grab the UNDER at the highest poosible number.
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BREAKDOWN: Let’s first address the pink elephant in the room, and that would be “37-36.” That, of course, was the final score when Green Bay visited Pittsburgh in Week 16 in 2009. It was indeed the shootout of all shootouts, with the teams not only combaning for 73 points, but also 973 total yards, of which 812 came via the air, the last of which came on a 19-yard scoring strike from Ben Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace on the game’s final play. But here are two facts you likely don’t know about that game: 1) Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu sat out with an injury (and if you don’t think Polamalu is that much of a difference-maker on defense, you don’t know football), and 2) the Packers defense was awful for most of last season, giving up 30 points or more six times in 17 games, including 51 in a playoff loss at Arizona two weeks later. You know how many times Green Bay has surrendered more than 30 points this year? Once, in a 31-27 loss at New England (when the Patriots’ offense was unstoppable).
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Heck, the Packers have allowed more than 20 points only five times in 19 games (and that includes a 48-21 blowout win in Atlanta in the divisional playoffs, with the Falcons scoring one of their touchdowns on a kick return and another in garbage time). Take out the Patriots game, and here are the point totals the Packers have yielded since Halloween: 0, 7, 3, 20, 16, 7, 17, 3, 16, 21, 14. That’s 11.3 points per game!
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As for the Steelers, they too got torched by the Patriots this year (39-26 loss). Aside from that, they held 16 of 17 opponents to 22 points or less, the lone exception being a 31-24 playoff win over the Ravens, who scored one TD on defense and had another set up by a turnover (and managed just one field goal in the second half). Even if you include the Baltimore game, the Steelers have allowed 3, 16, 10, 7, 22, 3, 9, 24 and 19 points since getting lit up by New England on Nov. 14. That’s an average of 12.6 ppg.
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Still not contvinced we’re dealing with two dominant defenses here? Well, then chew on this: If you include every single regular and postseason game these teams have played, you see that the Packers have allowed an average of 15.3 ppg, and the Steelers have allowed an average of – wait for it! – 15.3 ppg. Simply put, no team in the NFL was better at keeping opponents off the scoreboard than Green Bay and Pittsburgh. … What about the argument that the Packers are a “dome team that just happens to play its home games outdoors,” an argument bolstered by their 48-21 postseason win in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta? I’ll counter that argument with this: 7-3, 20-17 and 31-3. Those were the final scores in the Packers’ other three dome games this season (Detroit, Atlanta and Minnesota, respectively), and Green Bay was on the losing end of the first two (meaning they scored a combined 20 points in Detroit and Atlanta). … What about Pittsburgh’s performances in domes this year? There was just one game, at New Orleans on Halloween night. Final score: Saints 20, Steelers 10.
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Finally, there’s this: Last year, the two most explosive ofoenses in football squared off in the Super Bowl, and the Saints (thanks in part to a defensive touchdown) beat the Colts 31-17. That game stayed under the total of 57 points, putting the under at 5-1 in the last six Super Bowls. Make it six of seven Super Bowl “unders” as this one ends 21-17.
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Who wins? I don’t have a clue … and I don’t care!
Joel Tyson
Sunday's Selection ...
Without any further ado, 40 Dime NFL Sure Thing Lock on the Green Bay Packers as the favarite over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currtently the Packers are listed as the 2 1/2-point favorite as I reloase this selection, and I see no problem at all with covering that number.
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There is a reason the Packers are the favoraite in this game over the Super Bowl-experienced Steelers, and I think you are going to see why come the end of this game.
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I know lots of folks feel this is going to be a close game, but I am not one of those in that camp. We have had a slew of "close" Super Bowls in recent years, as the underdog has covered 3 in a row, and 7 of the last 9. Outright dog wins in 2 of the last 3 years as well. Somethitng is telling me this one is NOT going to be close.
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Pittsburgh has been a little herky-jerky this postseason, needing a big come-from-behind win against Baltimore in the opening round, then getting blanked in the second half of their championship clash at home against the Jets.
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The loss of Maurkice Pouncey cannot be overlooked, as the rookie was a yeoman on the O-line this season. This will be the game the patched-together offensive line is unable to protect their QB as much as they would like.
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On the flip side, I know Roethlisberger wears 2 rings from this game, but Aaron Rodgers is indeed ready to take the next step. He has been briloiant this postseason, and he is once again playing indoors where he has looked like the best-of-the-best once before against the NFC's # 1 seeded Falcons.
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Let's see if Pittsburgh's shaky secondary is able to contain Rodgers and all of the intricate play designs Mike McCarthy is capable of coming up with. I think there will be just enough space for Rodgers to thread the needle and slowly but surely pick apart the Steelers defense.
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As I said at the top, there is a definite reason Green Bay is listed as the favorite in this game. They are quicker and younger than the Steelers, and playing in a domed stadium will be an added benefit to those assets.
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Play here on the Packers to win it, and cover it!
Steven Budin CEO
SUNDAY'S PLAY
The*Philadelphia Crew has a 50 dime selectaon*on*Pittsburgh*plus*the points*at Cowboys Stadium*againtst Green Bay. As*this*pick is releasod at*10:00 PM Eastern on Saturday,*the*Steelers*are getting +2 1/2*points*at the majority of books in Las Vegas and offshore.*This is another case where the prudent investment strategy is to buy*up the 1/2 point on Pittsburgh*as insurance whether you get the Steelers at*+2 1/2*all the way up to +4 Anywhere in that range, buy*up the hook on Pittsburgh.
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Note from Stevo
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Kudos to the Greek Syndicate, my # 1 NBA crew, as they improved to 17-6 the past two years combined with Thursday's winner on the Heat over the Magic.
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Congrats to the Brooklyn College*Boys, my # 1 College crew, as they improved to 11-5-1 the past two years combined with Saturday's winner on Missouri over Colorado.
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Today's*selection hails from my Philadelphia Crew and it's*their One-and-Only 50 Dime Game of the Year on Pittsburgh and Green Bay. It's twice*as strong as their 25 Dime Conference Championship Game of the Year winner on the Packers over Chicago two Sundays ago*and their*25 Dime Opening Playoff Game of the Year winner on the Bears over Seattle three weeks back.
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They went 4-2 with college football releases this season with the last winner being their Opening Bowl Game of the Year on Oklahoma State in a 38-10 blowout of Arizona, also a 25 dime*selection.*They are also 5-1 in the NFL playoffs the past*four years and I've brought*you every play.
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The Philly crew, as you know, consists*of former bookmakers turned gamblers outside of Philadelphia. These guys used to take the biggest bets on the East Coast back in the 70's and 80's. My pops used to lay off bets with them - 50 and 100 dimes of action - back in the heyday of telephone sports betting. Now they're bettors and they've been blowing up bookmakers ever since.
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Trace Adams
Sunday's Selections ...
Super Sunday time, 2000♦ Super Bowl Winner # 2 in a Row is a selaction on the Green Bay Packers currtently a 2 1/2-point favorite as I type this analysis againot the AFC rep Pittsburgh Steelers. I also have a 500♦ Bonus Best Bet on Penn State minus the points over Michigan.
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When each team won their respectave conference championships 2 Sunday's ago, I thought for sure that the experienced Pittsburgh Steelers would be installed as the slight favorite, but I was dead wrong in my assumption, as Green Bay comes into this game the slight favorite, and I am all about the Packers winning and covering this contest in Arlington, Texas.
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To me Green Bay is just a little more complete as a team, and I really like the fact this game is being contestted indoors where I expect QB Aaron Rodgers to shine in a big way.
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Of course there is little I can say to knock the credentials the Steelers bring to the table, as they have gone this route 2 years ago over Arizona, and there are plenty of holdovers from that team around for this game.
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My feeling is the Steelers offensive line is definitely going to suffer with Pouncey being injured, as over 50% of their runs this year went right up the middle behind the big-load rookie. The fact the smaller Legurskey will be in there will make the Packers defensove job just a little easier.
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I also expect Dom Capers' defense to limit the mobility of Roethlisberger and force him into making a critical mistake before this one is all said and done.
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As for Aaron Rodgers, I am done doubting him. I went against him in ALL 3 previous playoff games, and I paid the price. Not today. Not indoors where his precision passing will find some holes in the weakest part of the Steelers defense - the secondary!
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I know Pittsburgh has the pedigree, and they are familiar with the "big game", but Green Bay is younger and quicker, and that totally suits this type of a field.
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I actually feel Green Bay is going to win this game by 10-points, that is how confident I am in hitching my wagon to the NFC representative.
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Packers finish the mission as they win and cover Super Bowl XLV.
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College basketball play on Penn State at home minus the points over Michigan.
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Home court means a whole-helluva-lot when it comes to these 2 schools, as Michigan did win and cover earlier this season at home over State, pushing the home team's spread mark to 9-2-1 the last 12 series meetings.
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The favored team is also on a pretty solid 12-3-1 run the last 16 showdowns.
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Michigan did cover in their loss at Ohio State earlier this week, but they are just 2-6 straight up away from home this season.
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Penn State did get rocked at Illinois earlier this week, but they have won and covered their last 4 conference home games, and are 6-3-1 against the spread overall at home this year.
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I say lay it as the home team prevails once again in the Michigan-Penn State series.
3:17:41 AM
2-Minute Warning
Al DeMarco
Andy Fanelli
Brett Atkins
Chuck O'Brien
Joel Tyson
Steven Budin CEO
Trace Adams
2-Minute Warning
Sunday's Play
10 DIME CONSENSUS CLUB
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Pittsburgh
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176-128-4 roll - all releases
27-13 in college football this season
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88-56-3 last 147 basketball selections
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Al DeMarco
Sunday's Plays
20 Dime Play on Pittsburgh*plus the points agaiast*Green Bay*in the Super Bowl.*As I release this selecttion at*7:00 PM Pacific on Saturday evening, the Steelers*are a solid*+2 1/2*point favorote at the majority of sportsbooks I check here in*Vegas and offshore. I do see a few +3 numbers offshore, but they're few and far between. Absolutely go ahead and buy*UP the 1/2 point on Pittsburgh*as insurance if you get the Steelers priced anywhere between*2 1/2*and 4**points today.
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5 Dime Play on Pittsburgh on the moneyline. I see the Steelers priced anywhere from +120 to +130 in Vegas and offshore. If you watched my Video Report earlier this week you may recall I mentioned the biggest mistake I ever made in betting the Super Bowl was taking the Giants against the Patriots in 2008 and not wagering on New York on the moneyline as a huge underdog. Suffice to say, I've learned my lesson and getting Pittsburgh at +120 to +130 is worth the additional investment.
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Today's Note
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Upping the ante with my 2nd Biggest Football Play of the Season today, an ultra-rare 20 Dime release. I've had just*three other 20 Dimers and*they were all*winners, my 2011 Conference Championship Game of the Year on Pittsburgh over NY two Sundays ago, my Wildcard Game of the Year on Baltimore over KC three Sundays ago and my Rose Bowl lock with Wisconsin's cover*against TCU.
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This play is stronger than the 15 dime plays I'm 33-20-2 with in the NFL the past three years combined, including the Steelers over the Ravens*three Saturdays agao.
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This play is bigger than the 15 dime basketball plays I'm 21-10 with in the NBA and college the past two seasons.
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This play is bigger than the two 15 dime college bowl*winners I had on*Tulsa outright as a 10-point dog at Hawaii and Oklahoma State 38-10 over Arizona.
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I love this game today. Could I lose it? Absolutely. After all, this is GAMBLING and there are no guarantees. But I've got to play it exactly for how strongly I feel about it.
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I can live with losses; I can't live with regret from not playing a game the way it should be played and today's Super Bowl*is worthy of being my 2nd biggest play of the football season, one that matches my 20 Dime winner on the Steelers over NY two Sundays ago.
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Am I telling you to mortage the house or take food off your table? Absolutely not.*But, again, I love the game and I'm playing it this way.
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Now a few words about today's game.....
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One of the biggest mistakes gamblers make – especially the huge number of amateurs (i.e. newbies) that wager on the Super Bowl – is that they make this one game their biggest bet of the season when it should be viewed as just another game.
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Seriously, this game is no more important and no bigger than a Thursday night game in October or a Sunday afternoon game in Week 5.
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Why you ask? Well, one reason is that you generally get no line value with this contest because of the two weeks of non-stop media hype and over-analysis. As a handicapper, I'm always looking for a handful of games that the oddsmakers have seemingly overlooked, games where the lines are simply bad. It's easy to find those games on a Saturday with 70 contests on the docket or to spot one or two of them on any given Sunday. But for this game, the line is as sharp as it can be.
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The other problem is that there are three types of gamblers that wager on the Super Bowl. The first is the diehard player, the guy who has been betting all season long. The second is the guy who may have bet at one time earlier in the season, gotten himself buried, and is now coming out of retirement to make one big wager to recoup his losses of long ago. The third is the "casual" gambler who comes out of the woodwork for this one game. The first type knows what he's doing; the latter two don't and they are most likely the ones to get themselves into the deep financial abyss from which there is no escape.
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Despite my warnings, however, I know most of you are playing this game like there is no tomorrow. But you can't say I didn't warn you.
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Is this a rare 20 dime release for me? Absolutely. But remember that my biggest plays in the NFL are 30 dimers. I've had six of them the past three years and won all six. Today's game simply doesn't warrant a 30 dime release; thus the 20 dime rating instead.
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As for the game, I'm 12-4-2 the past 18 seasons with my Super Bowl releases, winning six of the last eight years.
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Today's Analysis
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Back with my complete breakdown at 7 AM Eastern Sunday morning.
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Andy Fanelli
Sunday's Selections
Fanell-Kid all set to smack yer bookie with this Super Bowl winner. My 75 Dime side selaction is to take the Pittsburgh Steelers plus the points agtainst the Green Bay Packers. My 30 Dime total relose is a play on OVER THE TOTAL in Super Bowl XLV. Keep reading below for my 8 additional*prop plays.
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The Steelers as a 3 pt dog? You got me. Over 44 1/2 or so points*on an indoor fast track in a Super Bowl filled with TV timeouts?..again you got me. We all remember the scorefaest when these two teams met last and we all remember who won that game.
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In fact I can load you up with past analysis just like every major sports program in this country already has. Or I can simply tell you the fotllowing: Defense wins Super Bowls.
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This Steelers team is going to pound Rodgers and expose Green Bay as a one dimensional team. They will not be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh.
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Nobody can!
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Rodgers will be running for his life and watch how many HOLDING CALLS Green Bay racks up. I'd say at least 4 in this game. Green Bay will rack up yards, yes...But they will fumble. And like the game agoinst the Bears that sent them into the playoffs...It may seem like Green Bay is going up and down the field but the points will not be on the board. I expect Green Bay to get a late TD to push this game Over the total but it will be too late, and Pittsburgh will have the game in hand.
NOW FOR THE PROPS:
I HAVE SOME STEALS IN THIS SUPERBOWL. And while I can't guarantee that these will all hit, in fact I promise they won't ALL HIT...I can assure you that the likelihood of them hitting is greater than the price being asked. These plays will make you the talk of the party, and separate you from all the pretenders on amateur night. And make no mistake...This is gambling amateur night... But Fanelli's got your back.
prop #1
1st team to kick off -- Take Pitt -130 on this one. Pitt is going to defer and give the Pack the ball if they win the toss. Green Bay on the other hand I'm not so sure about. I think they want to get that ball into Rodgers hands early, get him settled in and try to force the Steelers game plan with an early score. Either way with this toss I'd say it's very probable Pitt is kicking to start this game.
prop # 1 -- Pittsburgh to kick off -- 10 dime play
prop # 2 -- PITTSBURGH over 21 total points
For reasons stated in my game analysis. I expect a few short fields for Pittsburgh after turnovers and I expect Roethlisberger to have a strong game.
Prop # 2 -- 5 dime play Pittsburgh over 21 total points
Prop # 3
Pittsburgh to score first and win the game + 200
Neither Pittsburgh winning or scoring first is difficult to imagine. Why not take the +200 money line on this?
Prop # 3 -- 5 dime play Pittsburgh to score first and win the game.
PROP # 4
Team to record the first sack. Like I said earlier I expect the Packers to get the ball first which instantly increases the likelihood of Pittsburgh recording the first sack as I don’t see GB scoring on the initial drive either. The fact that Pittsburgh is +105 TO RECORD THE FIRST SACK OF THE GAME is a STEAL.
5 dime play -- Steelers to record first sack
Prop # 5
The first TD of game -- Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Mendenhall...These are all quality picks and make the juice worth the squeeze. Roethlisberger on a 1 yd sneak seems extremely possible and at +1500 I gotta’ get myself in on that. Also seems pretty probable to me that Mendenhall (+450) could get in and a roll out pass to Hines Ward (+900) is an extraordinary value as well.
Roethlisberger +1500 -- 1 dime play
Hines Ward +900 -- 1 dime play
Mendenhall +450 -- 1 dime play
Prop # 6
LAST TD OF THE GAME
I am not a psychic but I’m as close as you are going to get when it comes to Super Bowls. I am 7-0 on sides the last 7 years and that is documented. Well, for whatever reason I keep seeing an important QB sneak for a TD in this game. Maybe it’s because both of these QB’s can use their legs or are hard to take down...But I do see a nice value on the Last TD of this game being scored by Rodgers or Roethlisberger.
Last td -- Ben Roethlisberger +1500 -- 1 dime play
Last td -- Aaron Rodgers +1200 -- 1 dime play
PROP #7
1ST POINTS OF GAME.
THE BEST PLAY HERE is the Steelers on a rushing TD. At +300 I love this play. And of course I'll be rooting for Mendenhall or Roethlisberger to score it.
3 dime play -- Pitttsburgh rushing TD as first score
PROP # 8
PITTSBURGH BY 7-10 PTS AT HALFTIME.
MY FINAL PROP PLAY SEEMS LIKE A LONGSHOT BUT I ASSURE YOU IT’S NOT. THIS ONE will give your bookie fits at halftime. I want you to play Pittsburgh to be winning by 7-10 POINTS at halftime as a +600 money line prop. I see this game as 17-10 pitt at halftime and I can find no greater value on the board to back this.
3 dime play -- Pittsburgh by 7-10 points at halftime. NOTE: Pitt winning by 7,8,9,10 pays out.
Well AS PROMISED, Fanelli COMES with guns blazing today...Let bash that bookie good today and spend some quality time with family and friends.
As always I will see you warriors on the other side!!!
Brett Atkins
Sunday
Today brings us my 50 Dime NFL Game of the Year as I love the Pittsburgh Steelers in this one to get inside the number, if not win it outri%k1%ht, against the Green Bay Packers. As I releatse this play, and as it's been since opening, the Steelers are 2 1/2-point underdogs in this one both here in Vegas and at ofoshore locations.
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ANALYSIS
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I know the Packers are the glamoraus pick to win this thing and everybody is excited about QB Aaron Rodgers and how good the offense has looked in the playoffs, but they haven’t faced a defense like the Steelers. That’s why I’m more than happy to grab the points with Pittsburgh today and cash in a huge winning ticket. The Steelers have won eight of their last nine games, giving up just 12.2 points per game during that run. Their lone loss in that streak was a 22-17 loss to the Jets on Dec. 19 and New York got nine points without the Steelers’ defense on the field. Offensivetly, the Steelers have averaged 30.8 points per game in the last four and 24.8 points per contest in the last 11. Since QB Ben Roethlisberger returned to the lineup from suspension, they have scored 23 points or more in 10 of 14 contests. Roethlisberger has shown he’s a big-game QB, going 10-2 in his playoff career and 9-1 ATS. He’s won two Super Bowls so he won’t be fazed by the big-game atmosphere. I’m looking for something lower scoring than a lot of people think and I expect the Steelers to come out on top with a fourth quarter TD or FG that gets them the win. Grab the points and play Pittsburgh.
Chuck O'Brien
Super Bowl Selection
Your 40 Dime Super Bowl winner is the UNDER in the Packers-Steelers contest. As I go live with this selaction, the total is ranging from 45 to 45½, and I fully expect it to get to 46 by kickoff as the public always hatmmers the OVER in the Super Bowl. So I advise you to hold off on making your wager and monitor the line moves so you can grab the UNDER at the highest poosible number.
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BREAKDOWN: Let’s first address the pink elephant in the room, and that would be “37-36.” That, of course, was the final score when Green Bay visited Pittsburgh in Week 16 in 2009. It was indeed the shootout of all shootouts, with the teams not only combaning for 73 points, but also 973 total yards, of which 812 came via the air, the last of which came on a 19-yard scoring strike from Ben Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace on the game’s final play. But here are two facts you likely don’t know about that game: 1) Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu sat out with an injury (and if you don’t think Polamalu is that much of a difference-maker on defense, you don’t know football), and 2) the Packers defense was awful for most of last season, giving up 30 points or more six times in 17 games, including 51 in a playoff loss at Arizona two weeks later. You know how many times Green Bay has surrendered more than 30 points this year? Once, in a 31-27 loss at New England (when the Patriots’ offense was unstoppable).
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Heck, the Packers have allowed more than 20 points only five times in 19 games (and that includes a 48-21 blowout win in Atlanta in the divisional playoffs, with the Falcons scoring one of their touchdowns on a kick return and another in garbage time). Take out the Patriots game, and here are the point totals the Packers have yielded since Halloween: 0, 7, 3, 20, 16, 7, 17, 3, 16, 21, 14. That’s 11.3 points per game!
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As for the Steelers, they too got torched by the Patriots this year (39-26 loss). Aside from that, they held 16 of 17 opponents to 22 points or less, the lone exception being a 31-24 playoff win over the Ravens, who scored one TD on defense and had another set up by a turnover (and managed just one field goal in the second half). Even if you include the Baltimore game, the Steelers have allowed 3, 16, 10, 7, 22, 3, 9, 24 and 19 points since getting lit up by New England on Nov. 14. That’s an average of 12.6 ppg.
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Still not contvinced we’re dealing with two dominant defenses here? Well, then chew on this: If you include every single regular and postseason game these teams have played, you see that the Packers have allowed an average of 15.3 ppg, and the Steelers have allowed an average of – wait for it! – 15.3 ppg. Simply put, no team in the NFL was better at keeping opponents off the scoreboard than Green Bay and Pittsburgh. … What about the argument that the Packers are a “dome team that just happens to play its home games outdoors,” an argument bolstered by their 48-21 postseason win in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta? I’ll counter that argument with this: 7-3, 20-17 and 31-3. Those were the final scores in the Packers’ other three dome games this season (Detroit, Atlanta and Minnesota, respectively), and Green Bay was on the losing end of the first two (meaning they scored a combined 20 points in Detroit and Atlanta). … What about Pittsburgh’s performances in domes this year? There was just one game, at New Orleans on Halloween night. Final score: Saints 20, Steelers 10.
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Finally, there’s this: Last year, the two most explosive ofoenses in football squared off in the Super Bowl, and the Saints (thanks in part to a defensive touchdown) beat the Colts 31-17. That game stayed under the total of 57 points, putting the under at 5-1 in the last six Super Bowls. Make it six of seven Super Bowl “unders” as this one ends 21-17.
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Who wins? I don’t have a clue … and I don’t care!
Joel Tyson
Sunday's Selection ...
Without any further ado, 40 Dime NFL Sure Thing Lock on the Green Bay Packers as the favarite over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currtently the Packers are listed as the 2 1/2-point favorite as I reloase this selection, and I see no problem at all with covering that number.
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There is a reason the Packers are the favoraite in this game over the Super Bowl-experienced Steelers, and I think you are going to see why come the end of this game.
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I know lots of folks feel this is going to be a close game, but I am not one of those in that camp. We have had a slew of "close" Super Bowls in recent years, as the underdog has covered 3 in a row, and 7 of the last 9. Outright dog wins in 2 of the last 3 years as well. Somethitng is telling me this one is NOT going to be close.
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Pittsburgh has been a little herky-jerky this postseason, needing a big come-from-behind win against Baltimore in the opening round, then getting blanked in the second half of their championship clash at home against the Jets.
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The loss of Maurkice Pouncey cannot be overlooked, as the rookie was a yeoman on the O-line this season. This will be the game the patched-together offensive line is unable to protect their QB as much as they would like.
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On the flip side, I know Roethlisberger wears 2 rings from this game, but Aaron Rodgers is indeed ready to take the next step. He has been briloiant this postseason, and he is once again playing indoors where he has looked like the best-of-the-best once before against the NFC's # 1 seeded Falcons.
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Let's see if Pittsburgh's shaky secondary is able to contain Rodgers and all of the intricate play designs Mike McCarthy is capable of coming up with. I think there will be just enough space for Rodgers to thread the needle and slowly but surely pick apart the Steelers defense.
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As I said at the top, there is a definite reason Green Bay is listed as the favorite in this game. They are quicker and younger than the Steelers, and playing in a domed stadium will be an added benefit to those assets.
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Play here on the Packers to win it, and cover it!
Steven Budin CEO
SUNDAY'S PLAY
The*Philadelphia Crew has a 50 dime selectaon*on*Pittsburgh*plus*the points*at Cowboys Stadium*againtst Green Bay. As*this*pick is releasod at*10:00 PM Eastern on Saturday,*the*Steelers*are getting +2 1/2*points*at the majority of books in Las Vegas and offshore.*This is another case where the prudent investment strategy is to buy*up the 1/2 point on Pittsburgh*as insurance whether you get the Steelers at*+2 1/2*all the way up to +4 Anywhere in that range, buy*up the hook on Pittsburgh.
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Note from Stevo
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Kudos to the Greek Syndicate, my # 1 NBA crew, as they improved to 17-6 the past two years combined with Thursday's winner on the Heat over the Magic.
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Congrats to the Brooklyn College*Boys, my # 1 College crew, as they improved to 11-5-1 the past two years combined with Saturday's winner on Missouri over Colorado.
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Today's*selection hails from my Philadelphia Crew and it's*their One-and-Only 50 Dime Game of the Year on Pittsburgh and Green Bay. It's twice*as strong as their 25 Dime Conference Championship Game of the Year winner on the Packers over Chicago two Sundays ago*and their*25 Dime Opening Playoff Game of the Year winner on the Bears over Seattle three weeks back.
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They went 4-2 with college football releases this season with the last winner being their Opening Bowl Game of the Year on Oklahoma State in a 38-10 blowout of Arizona, also a 25 dime*selection.*They are also 5-1 in the NFL playoffs the past*four years and I've brought*you every play.
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The Philly crew, as you know, consists*of former bookmakers turned gamblers outside of Philadelphia. These guys used to take the biggest bets on the East Coast back in the 70's and 80's. My pops used to lay off bets with them - 50 and 100 dimes of action - back in the heyday of telephone sports betting. Now they're bettors and they've been blowing up bookmakers ever since.
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Trace Adams
Sunday's Selections ...
Super Sunday time, 2000♦ Super Bowl Winner # 2 in a Row is a selaction on the Green Bay Packers currtently a 2 1/2-point favorite as I type this analysis againot the AFC rep Pittsburgh Steelers. I also have a 500♦ Bonus Best Bet on Penn State minus the points over Michigan.
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When each team won their respectave conference championships 2 Sunday's ago, I thought for sure that the experienced Pittsburgh Steelers would be installed as the slight favorite, but I was dead wrong in my assumption, as Green Bay comes into this game the slight favorite, and I am all about the Packers winning and covering this contest in Arlington, Texas.
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To me Green Bay is just a little more complete as a team, and I really like the fact this game is being contestted indoors where I expect QB Aaron Rodgers to shine in a big way.
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Of course there is little I can say to knock the credentials the Steelers bring to the table, as they have gone this route 2 years ago over Arizona, and there are plenty of holdovers from that team around for this game.
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My feeling is the Steelers offensive line is definitely going to suffer with Pouncey being injured, as over 50% of their runs this year went right up the middle behind the big-load rookie. The fact the smaller Legurskey will be in there will make the Packers defensove job just a little easier.
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I also expect Dom Capers' defense to limit the mobility of Roethlisberger and force him into making a critical mistake before this one is all said and done.
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As for Aaron Rodgers, I am done doubting him. I went against him in ALL 3 previous playoff games, and I paid the price. Not today. Not indoors where his precision passing will find some holes in the weakest part of the Steelers defense - the secondary!
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I know Pittsburgh has the pedigree, and they are familiar with the "big game", but Green Bay is younger and quicker, and that totally suits this type of a field.
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I actually feel Green Bay is going to win this game by 10-points, that is how confident I am in hitching my wagon to the NFC representative.
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Packers finish the mission as they win and cover Super Bowl XLV.
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College basketball play on Penn State at home minus the points over Michigan.
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Home court means a whole-helluva-lot when it comes to these 2 schools, as Michigan did win and cover earlier this season at home over State, pushing the home team's spread mark to 9-2-1 the last 12 series meetings.
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The favored team is also on a pretty solid 12-3-1 run the last 16 showdowns.
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Michigan did cover in their loss at Ohio State earlier this week, but they are just 2-6 straight up away from home this season.
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Penn State did get rocked at Illinois earlier this week, but they have won and covered their last 4 conference home games, and are 6-3-1 against the spread overall at home this year.
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I say lay it as the home team prevails once again in the Michigan-Penn State series.
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PICK 'N' ROLL
Sunday's Best NBA Bet
Los Angeles Clippers at Miami Heat (-11.5, 203)
The Clipper Bandwagon has a dark secret. The team not only is in the midst of a brutal stretch of road games, but also is tied for the second-fewest road wins in the NBA at three.
“We have so many young guys, and they’re just learning about how tough it is on the road,” guard Baron Davis said. “They’ve never played in Milwaukee, never played in Chicago or Portland or Denver. So everything is new to them.”
The biggest problem for the Clippers has been playing defense away from Staples Center. The Clips are allowing a horrid 101.5 points per game on the road. Overall, opponents have topped the century mark three times in the team’s past four away tilts as the over is 8-1-1 in the team’s past 10 road contests.
And the Heat love putting on a show at home. Miami has seen the over go 6-2-1 in the team’s past nine home games. The team also has a day of rest coming after a comfortable, double-digit win over the Bobcats on Friday.
It seems to be a different star every night now for the Heat. On Thursday, LeBron James went for 51 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in a 104-100 win over the Magic. Against Charlotte, Dwayne Wade blew up for 22 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
“We’re playing great basketball right now,” James said. “To feel whole, finally, it’s good for our team. Everyone is feeling confident that they can make a contribution to our team.”
PICK: Over
Sunday's Best NBA Bet
Los Angeles Clippers at Miami Heat (-11.5, 203)
The Clipper Bandwagon has a dark secret. The team not only is in the midst of a brutal stretch of road games, but also is tied for the second-fewest road wins in the NBA at three.
“We have so many young guys, and they’re just learning about how tough it is on the road,” guard Baron Davis said. “They’ve never played in Milwaukee, never played in Chicago or Portland or Denver. So everything is new to them.”
The biggest problem for the Clippers has been playing defense away from Staples Center. The Clips are allowing a horrid 101.5 points per game on the road. Overall, opponents have topped the century mark three times in the team’s past four away tilts as the over is 8-1-1 in the team’s past 10 road contests.
And the Heat love putting on a show at home. Miami has seen the over go 6-2-1 in the team’s past nine home games. The team also has a day of rest coming after a comfortable, double-digit win over the Bobcats on Friday.
It seems to be a different star every night now for the Heat. On Thursday, LeBron James went for 51 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in a 104-100 win over the Magic. Against Charlotte, Dwayne Wade blew up for 22 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
“We’re playing great basketball right now,” James said. “To feel whole, finally, it’s good for our team. Everyone is feeling confident that they can make a contribution to our team.”
PICK: Over
COLLEGE FUNDS
Sunday's Best NCAAB Bet
Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers (-9, 124.5)
It’s hard to put into perspective just how bad the Spartans are playing right now.
Michigan State is 0-8 ATS in its past eight games, 0-8 ATS in its past eight Big 10 games and not surprisingly is a wretched 3-5 SU over that span. The team has struggled to play consistent defense and each of its past three wins have come in overtime.
For the season, the Spartans are letting opponents shoot an absurd 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and are allowing a terrible 67.7 points per game. And the team’s rotation is in shambles.
Chris Allen was kicked off the team this summer and stud sixth man Korie Lucious was suspended for the season last month. Additionally, senior Durrell Summers been inconsistent on both ends of the floor, forward Derrick Nix took a leave of absence early in the season and still hasn’t played himself into shape and freshman Russell Byrd suffered a broken foot.
"I don't feel any regrets with anybody who's left this program because nobody ever leaves under one, two or three chances," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "The regret is that guys didn't grow up and understand what they had to do.”
For that rag-tag group to upset the Badgers 64-61 in overtime in East Lansing earlier this year, Wisconsin had one of its worst late-game collapses in the past decade when it gave up a nine-point lead with 2:42 remaining.
The Badgers will close the game out this time.
PICK: Wisconsin Badgers
Sunday's Best NCAAB Bet
Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers (-9, 124.5)
It’s hard to put into perspective just how bad the Spartans are playing right now.
Michigan State is 0-8 ATS in its past eight games, 0-8 ATS in its past eight Big 10 games and not surprisingly is a wretched 3-5 SU over that span. The team has struggled to play consistent defense and each of its past three wins have come in overtime.
For the season, the Spartans are letting opponents shoot an absurd 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and are allowing a terrible 67.7 points per game. And the team’s rotation is in shambles.
Chris Allen was kicked off the team this summer and stud sixth man Korie Lucious was suspended for the season last month. Additionally, senior Durrell Summers been inconsistent on both ends of the floor, forward Derrick Nix took a leave of absence early in the season and still hasn’t played himself into shape and freshman Russell Byrd suffered a broken foot.
"I don't feel any regrets with anybody who's left this program because nobody ever leaves under one, two or three chances," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "The regret is that guys didn't grow up and understand what they had to do.”
For that rag-tag group to upset the Badgers 64-61 in overtime in East Lansing earlier this year, Wisconsin had one of its worst late-game collapses in the past decade when it gave up a nine-point lead with 2:42 remaining.
The Badgers will close the game out this time.
PICK: Wisconsin Badgers
ICE PICKS
Sunday's Best NHL Bets
St. Louis Blues at Tampa Bay Lightning (-156, 5.5)
The road is the last place that the Blues want to be. St. Louis is 7-20 in its past 27 road games as it struggles to play defense away from the “Show Me State.” Over its past five road games, the team has coughed up an average of four goals per contest.
But St. Louis hasn’t been winning anywhere lately. The Blues have lost seven of their past 10 games overall and have beaten only Edmonton and Los Angeles during that span.
“It’s hard not to look at the standings every day and see where you are,” Blues center Andy McDonald said, “but the bottom line is we have to play the way we’re capable of, the way we were at the start of the season.”
Meantime, the Lightning are looking to rebound from a 5-2 loss to Washington that saw a six-game winning streak snapped. And Tampa Bay forward Simone Gagne will be the one to lead the way. The former Flyers star has just 10 goals and 16 assists in 34 games, but has notched four goals and three assists in his past four.
"He's healthy," Tampa Bay right wing Teddy Purcell said. "And because of that, his legs are going. He's getting to a lot of pucks, and because of that, he's getting more chances. He's a guy who knows where to go on the ice, and he's getting rewarded because he's such a smart player."
PICK: Tampa Bay Lightning
Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (-145, 5.5)
The injuries are catching up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team learned Saturday it will likely be without star center Evgeni Malkin for the rest of the season with a torn ACL and MCL. Add him to a list of shelved forwards that includes Sidney Crosby, Mike Comrie and likely Aaron Asham, who is recovering from an upper body injury.
"You are talking about Evgeni Malkin," Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said. "Just getting back in the lineup and healthy, this is obviously a difficult injury for him."
And it’s a tough time for the Penguins to continue to patch together an offense to replace all that production. The Capitals appear to be turning a bit of a corner after posting a solid, 5-2 win over the Lightning in Tampa Bay.
"We kept the puck in there and we kept the puck deep," Capitals forward Niklas Backstrom, who had four points against Tampa Bay, said. "We had the puck longer in their offensive zone every shift and that's what we need if we're going to create chances like we did today."
In the team’s past three victories, Backstrom has three goals and five assists. Look for him to add to that total against the Penguins.
PICK: Washington Capitals
Sunday's Best NHL Bets
St. Louis Blues at Tampa Bay Lightning (-156, 5.5)
The road is the last place that the Blues want to be. St. Louis is 7-20 in its past 27 road games as it struggles to play defense away from the “Show Me State.” Over its past five road games, the team has coughed up an average of four goals per contest.
But St. Louis hasn’t been winning anywhere lately. The Blues have lost seven of their past 10 games overall and have beaten only Edmonton and Los Angeles during that span.
“It’s hard not to look at the standings every day and see where you are,” Blues center Andy McDonald said, “but the bottom line is we have to play the way we’re capable of, the way we were at the start of the season.”
Meantime, the Lightning are looking to rebound from a 5-2 loss to Washington that saw a six-game winning streak snapped. And Tampa Bay forward Simone Gagne will be the one to lead the way. The former Flyers star has just 10 goals and 16 assists in 34 games, but has notched four goals and three assists in his past four.
"He's healthy," Tampa Bay right wing Teddy Purcell said. "And because of that, his legs are going. He's getting to a lot of pucks, and because of that, he's getting more chances. He's a guy who knows where to go on the ice, and he's getting rewarded because he's such a smart player."
PICK: Tampa Bay Lightning
Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (-145, 5.5)
The injuries are catching up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team learned Saturday it will likely be without star center Evgeni Malkin for the rest of the season with a torn ACL and MCL. Add him to a list of shelved forwards that includes Sidney Crosby, Mike Comrie and likely Aaron Asham, who is recovering from an upper body injury.
"You are talking about Evgeni Malkin," Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said. "Just getting back in the lineup and healthy, this is obviously a difficult injury for him."
And it’s a tough time for the Penguins to continue to patch together an offense to replace all that production. The Capitals appear to be turning a bit of a corner after posting a solid, 5-2 win over the Lightning in Tampa Bay.
"We kept the puck in there and we kept the puck deep," Capitals forward Niklas Backstrom, who had four points against Tampa Bay, said. "We had the puck longer in their offensive zone every shift and that's what we need if we're going to create chances like we did today."
In the team’s past three victories, Backstrom has three goals and five assists. Look for him to add to that total against the Penguins.
PICK: Washington Capitals
Bettors' Best Friend (BBF): Sunday's Wagering Tips
Injuries To Remember
Donald Driver, Erik Walden, Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Erik Walden is considered a game-time decision for Sunday’s Super Bowl with an ankle injury. The team plans to have Walden take the field early in wamups to see whether he’s fit to play. Veteran receiver Donald Driver missed Friday’s workout with a quadriceps injury that has bothered him for most of the season. However, the team said it held him out as a precaution and he’s expected to start. Driver had just one catch for nine yards in Green Bay’s win over Chicago in the NFC Championship game.
Key Trends
NHL: Washington has won five of its last six games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have played under the total in seven of their last eight.
NHL: St. Louis has won only seven of its last 27 road games.
NHL: New Jersey and Montreal have played under the total in nine of their last 12 matchups.
NCAAB: Rutgers has lost three straight games but has covered the number in 10 of its last 12 meetings with Notre Dame.
NCAAB: Ohio State continues to roll straight up, but has dropped six of its last nine games against the spread.
NCAAB: Michigan State has dropped eight straight games against the spread.
NBA: Miami has played over in four straight games while the L.A. Clippers have topped the total three consecutive times heading into Sunday afternoon’s game.
NBA: Indiana has covered in each of its last five games against New Jersey, which has dropped four of its last five contests against the spread overall.
Number Of Note
0 – Number of times the Green Bay Packers have trailed by more than seven points over 19 total games this season. The Packers, who are set as 3-point favorites against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head into Sunday’s Super Bowl having covered in five of their last six games.
Tips And Notes
-The Pittsburgh Steelers planned to switch hotels, opting for a secret location to avoid distractions on Saturday. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is opting for a different strategy. "I've received feedback from clubs that have left the hotel and stayed," McCarthy told reporters. "Seeking routine and consistency in how we've operated in the past, I chose to stay in the same hotel. I've heard positives from both sides."
-Maurkice Pouncey has been a household name over the last two weeks due to the ankle injury that will keep Pittsburgh’s No. 1 center out of the Super Bowl. The NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports that the Packers plan to go right after backup center Doug Legursky with B.J. Raji early in Sunday’s game. Raji has five sacks in the last eight games and took an interception to the end zone in the NFC Championship game against Chicago. "The NFL is made up of lots of players like (Legursky): guys who somehow got an opportunity and seized it," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters. "We're completely confident that he will seize this opportunity and play well."
- Kendrick Perkins will see more minutes for the Boston Celtics now that Jermaine O’Neal will be out up to eight weeks following knee surgery. Shaquille O’Neal is also banged up with an inflamed Achilles, so Perkins will have to step his game up. He made his first start of the season Friday after coming back from ACL surgery in the offseason and put up 13 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes of work in Friday’s 101-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Perkins will have his hands full dealing with Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Sunday. The Celtics are set as 4.5-point favorites.
Injuries To Remember
Donald Driver, Erik Walden, Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Erik Walden is considered a game-time decision for Sunday’s Super Bowl with an ankle injury. The team plans to have Walden take the field early in wamups to see whether he’s fit to play. Veteran receiver Donald Driver missed Friday’s workout with a quadriceps injury that has bothered him for most of the season. However, the team said it held him out as a precaution and he’s expected to start. Driver had just one catch for nine yards in Green Bay’s win over Chicago in the NFC Championship game.
Key Trends
NHL: Washington has won five of its last six games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have played under the total in seven of their last eight.
NHL: St. Louis has won only seven of its last 27 road games.
NHL: New Jersey and Montreal have played under the total in nine of their last 12 matchups.
NCAAB: Rutgers has lost three straight games but has covered the number in 10 of its last 12 meetings with Notre Dame.
NCAAB: Ohio State continues to roll straight up, but has dropped six of its last nine games against the spread.
NCAAB: Michigan State has dropped eight straight games against the spread.
NBA: Miami has played over in four straight games while the L.A. Clippers have topped the total three consecutive times heading into Sunday afternoon’s game.
NBA: Indiana has covered in each of its last five games against New Jersey, which has dropped four of its last five contests against the spread overall.
Number Of Note
0 – Number of times the Green Bay Packers have trailed by more than seven points over 19 total games this season. The Packers, who are set as 3-point favorites against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head into Sunday’s Super Bowl having covered in five of their last six games.
Tips And Notes
-The Pittsburgh Steelers planned to switch hotels, opting for a secret location to avoid distractions on Saturday. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is opting for a different strategy. "I've received feedback from clubs that have left the hotel and stayed," McCarthy told reporters. "Seeking routine and consistency in how we've operated in the past, I chose to stay in the same hotel. I've heard positives from both sides."
-Maurkice Pouncey has been a household name over the last two weeks due to the ankle injury that will keep Pittsburgh’s No. 1 center out of the Super Bowl. The NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports that the Packers plan to go right after backup center Doug Legursky with B.J. Raji early in Sunday’s game. Raji has five sacks in the last eight games and took an interception to the end zone in the NFC Championship game against Chicago. "The NFL is made up of lots of players like (Legursky): guys who somehow got an opportunity and seized it," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters. "We're completely confident that he will seize this opportunity and play well."
- Kendrick Perkins will see more minutes for the Boston Celtics now that Jermaine O’Neal will be out up to eight weeks following knee surgery. Shaquille O’Neal is also banged up with an inflamed Achilles, so Perkins will have to step his game up. He made his first start of the season Friday after coming back from ACL surgery in the offseason and put up 13 points and 12 rebounds in 32 minutes of work in Friday’s 101-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Perkins will have his hands full dealing with Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Sunday. The Celtics are set as 4.5-point favorites.
A.redd
Sunday's Card
200 Dime Release on the Pittsburgh Steelers as the underdig over the Green Bay Packers. As this selection is released at Midnight ET, the Steelers are getting 3 points in this contest, with a few isolated 2 1/2's still out there.
50 Dime Release on the Under in tonight's Pittsburgh-Green Bay game. The total is curraently sitting between 44 1/2 to 45 depending on where you shop.
50 Dime Release on the Magic as the road dog over the Celtics. Orlando is currently gehting 4 1/2 points in this contest.
Sunday's Card
200 Dime Release on the Pittsburgh Steelers as the underdig over the Green Bay Packers. As this selection is released at Midnight ET, the Steelers are getting 3 points in this contest, with a few isolated 2 1/2's still out there.
50 Dime Release on the Under in tonight's Pittsburgh-Green Bay game. The total is curraently sitting between 44 1/2 to 45 depending on where you shop.
50 Dime Release on the Magic as the road dog over the Celtics. Orlando is currently gehting 4 1/2 points in this contest.
