Thursday 11/10/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Thursday’s games

Bucks won last two games with New Orleans, after losing previous six; Pelicans are 3-2 in last five visits to Milwaukee. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games. New Orleans is 0-8, 1-3 as a road underdog, losing away games by 19-8-10-6 points- over is 5-3 in their games. Bucks won three of last four games; over is 5-2 in their last seven. Milwaukee is 1-1 as a home favorite.

Dwyane Wade returns to Miami here with Bulls, who lost last four games (0-4 vs spread) with Miami; seven of last nine series games stayed under total. Chicago lost by 18-8 points in last two visits here. Bulls lost in Atlanta last nite, their 4th loss in last five games; Chicago is 1-3 on road, 0-3 as a road underdog- four of their last five games stayed under. Heat lost four of last five games; favorites covered all three of their home games.

Golden State won four of last five games with Denver, but Nuggets are 5-1 vs spread in last six series games. Last six series games went over the total. Warriors won six of last seven games after crushing Dallas last nite; they’re 1-3 as a road favorite, winning away games by 23-6-8 points. Over is 4-3 in their games this season. Denver lost four of last six games; they lost only home game by hoop in OT to Portland. Over is 5-3 in their games.

Sacramento beat the Lakers seven games in a row (5-1-1 vs spread); LA lost its last five visits to the state capital, losing by 3-18-10-7-5 points (over 3-1 in last four). Lakers won three of last four games; they’re 3-1 as a road underdog- four of their last five games went over. Sacramento won its last two games after a 1-5 start; three of their last four games stayed under. Kings are 2-0 as a home favorite.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wade's Bulls should be favored in Miami
By Tony Mejia

Dwyane Wade returns to South Florida for the first time in a Bulls uniform on Thursday, which should spark the Heat’s notoriously late-arriving crowd into making sure they’re in their seats for introductions.

Normally, Heat nation being situated prior to tip-off at American Airlines Arena would normally be an upset on par with Florida Gulf Coast over Georgetown, but there won’t be anything normal about the biggest sporting event of the year there. Because of who’s back in town, Miami fans paying their respects to the most revered player in franchise history is something that should be expected.

In fact, oddsmakers had to consider something that practically never comes into play when placing a number on this one: the visitors might wind up with a homecourt advantage.

Think that’s unlikely? Wade, just recently did something once considered impossible in the region. Upon leaving, he inspired debate over who that area’s all-time sporting icon was, Dan Marino, or him.


Bitter ending will drive former Heat icon

Miami is listed as only a 1.5-point favorite despite being off on Wednesday night while Chicago is playing a difficult game in Atlanta.

Don’t question whether he’ll have the juice to make it through games on consecutive nights, especially this early in the season.

"Even coming off a back-to-back, if my team don't have energy for that night, (it’s) going to be a problem," Wade told reporters after the Bulls destroyed Orlando on Monday. "I expect us to come in and give whatever we have. Go out there, and I want everyone to enjoy the environment, enjoy the moment. It's going to be a great environment to play in. I want our team, early in the season, to experience that kind of environment and try to seize it."

They’re planning a video montage for Wade and he’ll undoubtedly get a standing ovation, but it could go beyond that for him.

If anyone boos Wade when he’s introduced, they’ll be drowned out. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s cheered every time he touches the ball. If the Bulls are down late and Wade squares off against Justise Winslow or Josh Richardson, terrific young second-year defenders he helped mentor as rookies, it wouldn’t be surprising if most Heat fans are cheering on the familiar No. 3 despite him now wearing the Bulls’ red and black.

This isn't like LeBron James returning to Cleveland, or for that matter Miami. It's not Dwight Howard playing in Orlando for the first time after breaking hearts. Those guys got booed. Throughout the years, players like Shaquille O'Neal, James Harden and Amar'e Stoudemire have returned to old stomping grounds to varying receptions. This won't be like that. This is in the same vein as Karl Malone returning to Utah, Allen Iverson to Philadelphia, Steve Nash to Phoenix, Kevin Garnett to Minnesota or Paul Pierce to Boston. Reverence will reign.

That should be worth a few points to the books,

Because of the way he left, walking away from a contract offer that should’ve come earlier and been more lucrative, many of the team’s fans saw Wade’s departure as him moving on so the franchise would. Upon signing with Chicago, he discussed the lure of coming home after commenting that it would’ve been nice to have felt more wanted. He'll turn 35 this January.

Wade left for a two-year deal worth $47 million that he can get out of after one season, so he got himself a raise over what the Heat offered, but there’s no question his decision to leave wasn’t financial. It was personal.

This is not just a sentimental return, but a revenge game,

Team president Pat Riley chose to turn the page. Given what has happened with Chris Bosh, it’s probably the right move to chalk this season up to rebuilding with youth and clearing cap space for a run at free agents next summer, but it had to hurt to see center Hassan Whiteside courted while he was asked to bide his time. The franchise leader in every major category except blocks and 3-pointers made was put on the backburner. Wade has gone out of his way to say how much he loves and respects Riley, but has made no secret he felt slighted.

Wade and Riley haven’t spoken since last season ended, which tells you how serious the Heat were about keeping him. He's talked to good friend Udonis Haslem. He's texted with head coach Erik Spoelstra and even former backcourt mate Goran Dragic, but the divide between him and Riley is apparently deep.

“I know who Pat is. It’s no secret to me,” Wade told reporters in Atlanta on Wednesday. “If you’re not with him, you’re against him. That’s just the way he is. You’ve got to understand that, man. I’m cool with it. I’m fine, 100 percent. I was there 13 years and I’ve seen a lot of video tributes. I’ve seen a lot of players come in and go out. And I’ve seen how he responded to them. And I know if you’re not with him, you’re against him.”

And I know, since Riley can’t get out there and guard him, being 50 years removed from his best days athletically, who this favors in this particular game. Wade, one of the most resilient players of his generation, a three-time champion who has thrived on grit as much as his talent, is going in attack mode.

Wade still has juice, too. He’s turned back the clock with a few springy dunks to christen his Homecoming and is averaging 16.9 points despite easing into the season by playing a career-low 28.1 minutes entering the Atlanta game. He’s shooting 43.5 percent from 3-points range and 89.7 percent from the free-throw line, numbers that can’t last but would blow out career-bests. Clearly, he’s locked in.

Heat fans, unlikely to be immune to nostalgia with the wounds still so fresh, are going to back him. “Let’s Go, Heat” will be audible, but there are going to be too many people in that building who’s heart strings are being pulled. This is Wade’s only appearance all season. The die-hards can boo him on his next visit. He’ll be back home in Wade County here. Fans will back him. He’ll bring it.

That’s why the Bulls should win. It’s why Miami shouldn’t be favored.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ACC Report - Week 11
By Joe Williams

2016 ACC STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Boston College 4-5 1-5 3-5-1 3-6
Clemson 9-0 6-0 5-4 3-6
Duke 3-6 0-5 6-3 2-7
Florida State 6-3 3-3 4-4 4-4
Georgia Tech 5-4 2-4 3-4-1 5-2-1
Louisville 8-1 6-1 5-3-1 7-2
Miami (Fla.) 5-4 2-3 5-4 5-4
North Carolina 7-2 5-1 6-3 4-5
North Carolina State 4-5 1-4 6-3 4-4-1
Pittsburgh 5-4 2-3 3-6 8-1
Syracuse 4-5 2-3 4-5 2-7
Virginia 2-7 1-4 4-4-1 3-5-1
Virginia Tech 7-2 5-1 4-5 5-4
Wake Forest 6-3 3-2 5-4 4-5


North Carolina at Duke (Thurs. - ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET)
The Battle for the Victory Bell takes place at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham Thursday night, and it is expected to be a chilly night with temperatures around 50 degrees. But the action will be heated on the field, as UNC looks to keep its hopes alive for a Coastal Division win and appearance in the ACC Championship Game. Duke, meanwhile, is simply looking to keep their slim hopes for bowl eligibility alive, as they need to win out. The home team has covered in five of the past seven meetings, and Duke is about an 11-point underdog as of Wednesday morning. The 'under' is 4-1 in UNC's past five ACC games, and 7-0 in their past seven Thursday appearances. For Duke, the under is 4-1 in their past five conference tilts, 5-0 in their past five at home and 5-1 in their past six against a team with a winning record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bulls (4-4) at Heat (2-4)

Date: November 10, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

MIAMI -- For one night at least, Dade County will be Wade County once again.

When the Chicago Bulls (4-4) visit the Miami Heat (2-4) on Thursday, the lion's share of the focus will be on Dwyane Wade, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard, 12-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion.

Wade, the fifth pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, spent his entire career with the Heat until he bolted as a free agent this summer, landing in his hometown of Chicago.

His decision saddened and disappointed thousands of Heat fans, who grew to love what Wade accomplished in Miami's colors.

Wade's return to his adopted home of Miami will be an event, as evidenced by the national broadcast on TNT.

"I'm looking forward to it," Wade told ESPN after the Bulls beat the Orlando Magic on Monday night. "I'm looking forward to playing in the environment I played in for 13 years and competing against guys I've played with and have relationships with."

The Wade-in-Miami angle is so prominent that he talked about it even though there was another game to be played between the Bulls and the Hawks. The Bulls, in fact, lost 115-107 at Atlanta on Wednesday night. Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 39 points, and Wade added 25.

Meanwhile, the Heat (2-4) have been off since Monday and won't have to travel. That is a significant scheduling advantage for Miami, but it remains to be seen if Wade plays with a huge amount of emotion and if that will be enough to carry the night.

The Heat, during the game's first timeout, are expected to play a video montage of Wade's highlights during his career in Miami.

"I'll definitely be appreciative of that moment," Wade said. "It will be cool to see the love and support and people being thankful for what I did. Unless you are just cold-blooded, you are going to feel something.

"But it's not like a retirement ceremony where I will have a chance to be real emotional. I'm trying to beat their butt."

The Bulls (4-4) are trying to get back to the postseason, after all. They missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2008.

After the season, Chicago traded away star point guard Derrick Rose and watched center Joakim Noah and power forward Pau Gasol leave as free agents.

The Bulls regrouped by signing point guard Rajon Rondo and getting center Robin Lopez in the Rose trade. They signed Wade to a two-year, $47 million contract after he felt, in essence, disrespected by the Heat's two-year, $40 million offer.

Rondo, Wade and Lopez were added to the Bulls' nucleus, which consists primarily of Butler, the one star on the team who is still in his prime, and power forward Taj Gibson.

Chicago's bench is led by forwards Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic and guard Isaiah Canaan.

Bulls backup point guard Michael Carter-Williams made the road trip even though his bruised left knee likely will keep him out for another month.

The focus on Thursday, of course, will be on Wade. And Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, for one, is looking forward to the game and to the montage that will honor his former star.

"That will be a special moment," Spoelstra said. "Dwyane means a lot to myself and to all of us in Miami."

The Heat, though, has enough to worry about in terms of actually winning games. They are 1-2 at home and 1-2 on the road.

Point guard Goran Dragic leads Miami in scoring (18.0) and assists (6.2). Center Hassan Whiteside is averaging 17.5 points, 13.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Reserve guard Tyler Johnson is playing well, averaging 14.5 points while making 51.6 percent of his shots.

But Dragic, normally a terror while attacking the rim, is shooting just 43.9 percent on 2-pointers. And there is precious little in the way of perimeter shooting on this team once you get past Dragic and Johnson.

Maybe that is one reason why Miami's starting small forward, Justise Winslow, said Wade's arrival means little to him.

"It won't be emotional for us," said Winslow, who only played one year with Wade. "We play against former players all the time."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pac-12 Report - Week 11
By Joe Williams

2016 PAC-12 STANDINGS
Team SU Conference ATS Over/Under
Arizona 2-7 0-6 1-8 5-4
Arizona State 5-4 2-4 5-4 5-4
California 4-5 2-4 4-5 7-2
Colorado 7-2 5-1 8-1 3-6
Oregon 3-6 1-5 1-7-1 6-3
Oregon State 2-7 1-5 7-2 4-5
Southern California 6-3 5-2 5-4 2-7
Stanford 6-3 4-3 5-4 2-7
UCLA 3-6 1-5 3-6 3-5-1
Utah 7-2 4-2 5-4 5-4
Washington 9-0 6-0 5-4 8-1
Washington State 7-2 6-0 5-4 6-3

Utah at Arizona State (Thu. - FOX Sports 1, 9:30 p.m. ET)
Utah heads to Tempe looking to get back on track after a 31-24 setback against Washington two weeks ago. Now, they'll take on a skidding Arizona State team which has dropped three in a row, including an ugly 54-35 setback at Oregon last time out Oct. 29. The Utes head in 3-1 ATS over the past four outings, and 5-2 ATS over the past seven games. Arizona State has covered every other game over the past eight outings, and they're 5-4 ATS overall this season. The Sun Devils are 4-1 SU/5-0 ATS at home this season, and 9-4 ATS in their past 13 games overall. AZ State is also 7-1 ATS in their past eight against winning teams, and 8-0 ATS in their past eight home games. The 'over' is 5-2 ATS in their past seven games overall, and 7-2 ATS in their past nine games on the road. The 'over' is 11-2 in the past 13 Thursday appearances for Arizona State, and 5-2 in their past seven games at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tar Heels (7-2) at Blue Devils (3-6)

Date: November 10, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

DURHAM, N.C. -- Intent on maintaining a chance of winning an Atlantic Coast Conference championship, No. 17 North Carolina can't afford a hiccup Thursday night at Duke.

While the Blue Devils could put a big dent in the Tar Heels' title aspirations, there's a flip side when these rivals meet.

North Carolina might send Duke tumbling out of bowl contention when the teams collide at Wallace Wade Stadium (7:30 p.m., ESPN).

"It's about the next game, that's the only thing we can control is what we do in this game on Thursday night," North Carolina coach Larry Fedora said. "That's where our focus has been. Let's get ready for this game."

North Carolina (7-2, 5-1 ACC) has rattled off three consecutive victories, remaining in a first-place tie with Virginia Tech, which owns the tiebreaker on the Tar Heels.

Duke (3-6, 0-5), which is the only ACC team without a conference victory, holds a three-game losing streak going into its home finale.

"They could have very easily won all three of those games, there's no doubt about that," Fedora said. "We don't really look at their record, that's not something that we pay attention to. We know we're going to get their best game and hopefully we're going to give them our best game."

The Blue Devils have lost back-to-back games by three points.

"Obviously, everyone is well aware that we've played close football games all year long," Duke coach David Cutcliffe said. "We're 3-6 for a reason, you have to look at why."

North Carolina played strong in most areas against Georgia Tech on Saturday coming off an open week on the schedule. The refreshed team now faces a different type of challenge.

"I think we have a good plan for short weeks," Fedora said. "When you go a short week, it's more about making sure they're mentally fresh and their bodies are ready to go."

North Carolina's high-powered offense is bound to be troublesome for Duke, which has been prone to yielding big-yardage plays.

Tar Heels senior receivers Ryan Switzer and Bug Howard both rank among the top seven in the ACC in receptions per game and receiving yards per game, helping quarterback Mitch Trubisky's soaring efficiency ratings.

"You have to be really good on third downs (on defense) against this team," Cutcliffe said. "They're very difficult to defend anyway."

Part of the key for Duke's defense could be the play of linebacker Ben Humphreys, a sophomore coming off a career-high 16 tackles against Virginia Tech.

North Carolina has benefited from running back Elijah Hood working through some midseason ailments. He racked up 168 rushing yards in the Georgia Tech game.

That type of balance has the Tar Heels in a good frame of mind.

"Plays are being made, and everybody is having a lot of fun out there," Hood said.

Meanwhile, the Blue Devils have shown their coach a degree of resiliency.

"I'm real impressed with our team refocusing," Cutcliffe said. "We try to teach the same whether we've won or lost."

Redshirt freshman quarterback Daniel Jones, who is from Charlotte, will play in this rivalry for the first time. He said there's no reason to let the past few Duke results bring about frustration.

"If we get emotional about it, it's not going to help," Jones said.

North Carolina has won the last two meetings since Duke clinched the 2013 Coastal Division title by defeating the Tar Heels.

The teams play annually for possession of the Victory Bell, which is kept for a year by the winning team. North Carolina has captured 23 of the past 26 matchups.

For 27 Duke seniors, this is the last home game for a group that helped transform the program.

"They've won 30 games in their four-year career," Cutcliffe said. "That's pretty special."

But without a victory against North Carolina, the Blue Devils won't meet bowl eligibility, meaning a four-year streak of postseason play would come to an end.

This will be Duke's third game against a nationally ranked opponent in a four-game span. The Blue Devils have won four of their last 11 games against Top 25 opponents.

"They're going to give us everything they've got," Fedora said. "I hope that we're prepared and we give them everything we've got."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Pac-12 Action

Thursday College Football Betting Preview
Utah Utes vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Odds: Utah (-5.5); Total set at 58.5

The Pac-12 may not be getting much respect from the playoff selection committee in recent days – we will see if Washington gets into that #4 spot tonight – and part of that is because of the logjam atop the South division.

Colorado, USC and Utah will all be fighting one another down to the wire for the right to play in that conference Championship game, and this week it's Utah who hits the field first as they are in Arizona State.

The Sun Devils are trying to get to that critical six-win mark to become Bowl eligible themselves this year and they have no problem playing spoiler to Utah's division championship hopes.

Utah got their first win in five tries since joining the Pac-12 Conference vs Arizona State a season ago as the 34-18 victory was one of their better performances on the year.

The Utes have much higher hopes this season and need to rebound off a seven-point loss to undefeated Washington at the end of October. Utah was in that game with the Huskies all the way until the end as it was tied late in the 4th quarter before a 58-yard punt return TD by Washington broke the deadlock and held up as the winning score.

It was a solid ATS victory for Utah though, who've have covered the number in three of their last four, but things haven't come easy for them on the road in conference play. Utah is 2-1 SU on the road against Pac-12 rivals, but just 1-2 ATS in those games, and 0-2 ATS when laying points.

It's not like those two ATS losses came to quality opponents either as California - a 4-5 SU team – beat the Utes outright, and 2-7 SU Oregon State lost 19-14 to Utah when the Utes were laying 7.5 points.

There is no question that Arizona State is the best of the bunch in that regard and Utah better tighten things up away from home this week if they want a shot at the Pac-12 South crown.

ASU has been off since late October as well, and they've likely used that extra time off to tighten up some defensive deficiencies that have plagued them the past few weeks. Arizona State has given up 54, 37, and 40 points in their past three games – all losses – and that kind of play isn't going to give them a chance here.

Thankfully, the program has a history of keeping Utah's offense in check (aside from last year) as the Utes never scored more than 19 points against the Sun Devils in the four conference meetings prior to a season ago.

Three of the five meetings between these two in Pac-12 play have cashed 'under' tickets, and with extra rest on both sides this week, total bettors could see a similar result.

However, grabbing the points with the home dog in this spot is the better betting play this week because of Utah's struggles on the road against sub-par teams.

This is Arizona State's final home game of the season and the entire side should play inspired football. The Sun Devils are a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last eight at home and have been a solid team for bettors all year with a 9-4 ATS run going over their past 13 games.

ASU is also 4-1 ATS when coming off a loss and typically have no problems playing up to the level of their competition with a 7-1 ATS run going against winning teams.

Throw in the fact that it's Senior Day at ASU, a sixth win would make them Bowl eligible, and Utah's 1-4 ATS run when coming off a loss and this game should come right down to the wire.

Best Bet: Take Arizona State +5.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (3-5) at Georgia Southern Eagles (4-5)
By Randy Chambers
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 7:30 pm (Paulson Stadium)
The Line: Georgia Southern Eagles -10 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPNU

The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns and Georgia Southern Eagles meet Thursday night in a Sun Belt college football game at Allen E. Paulson Stadium on ESPNU.

The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns look for their second road victory to get a game away from a .500 record. The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns must win three of their final four games to become bowl eligible. Anthony Jennings is completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,442 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Jennings has one or less touchdown pass in four straight games. Al Riles and Ja'Marcus Bradley have combined for 677 receiving yards and two touchdowns while Keenan Barnes has 23 receptions. The Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns ground game is averaging 172.3 yards per contest, and Elijah McGuire leads the way with 727 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Louisiana Lafayette is allowing 27.3 points and 384.1 yards per game. Tre'maine Lightfoot leads the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns with 76 tackles, Joe Dillon has six sacks and Simeon Thomas has two interceptions.

The Georgia Southern Eagles are in need of a bounce back victory after losing five of their last six games. The Georgia Southern Eagles have to win two of their final three games to become bowl eligible. Kevin Ellison is completing 60.9 percent of his passes for 713 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Ellison has one or less touchdown pass in 10 of his last 11 games. Myles Campbell and BJ Johnson III have combined for 642 receiving yards and four touchdowns while Montay Crockett has 17 receptions. The Georgia Southern Eagles ground game is averaging 242.1 yards per contest, and Matt Breida leads the way with 506 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Georgia Southern is allowing 25.7 points and 393.6 yards per game. Ironhead Gallon leads the Georgia Southern Eagles with 81 tackles, Tre Griffin has two sacks and Darius Jones Jr. has two interceptions.

The Ragin' Cajuns are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 conference games and 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games on grass. The Eagles are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in November. The under is 11-5 in Eagles last 16 games overall and the under is 3-0-1 in Ragin' Cajuns last 4 games overall.

Georgia Southern should be the favorite given that it's at home and has a ground game that's tough to stop. However, I'm not laying double-digit points with a team that's lost five of its last six games and has failed to cover four straight at home. Louisiana Lafayette isn't a good football team and has had trouble covering in its ownright, but this is more of a fade against the line. Too many points to lay with a football team that's not that good.

RANDY'S PICK
Louisiana Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns +10

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Utes (7-2) at Sun Devils (5-4)

Date: November 10, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Utah will continue moving toward a possible berth in the Pac-12 championship game for the first time in program history while Arizona State simply hopes to have its starting quarterback back in the lineup when the teams meet Thursday (9:30 p.m., Fox Sports 1).

The No. 15 Utes (7-2, 4-2) are coming off a bye following a seven-point loss to undefeated Washington on Oct. 29, and despite the loss they still control their own destiny in a jumbled Pac-12 South race.

By winning its final three games, Utah would at worst force a three-way tie in the division, and in that scenario the Utes' victories over Colorado and USC would propel them to the title game against the Pac-12 North winner -- a likely rematch against Washington. Utah finishes the regular season at Colorado (7-2, 5-1) on Nov. 26. The Buffaloes are No. 12 in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings.

Arizona State (5-4, 2-4) has lost three games in a row and four of five while being beset with injuries all over the field but most crucially at the quarterback spot, its most fragile area entering the season. The Sun Devils played without 10 starters in a loss a 54-35 loss at Oregon in their last game Oct. 29.

Sophomore quarterback Manny Wilkins, who led the Sun Devils to 66 points over Texas Tech and 51 against California in September victories, has been in an and out of the lineup while dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries since. He was back in practice Sunday and appears set to return to the starting lineup.

"It's great to have him back," ASU coach Todd Graham said in anticipation of Wilkins' return. "It's obviously been tough."

Utah is led by surprise returnee running back Joe Williams, who has rushed for 683 yards and six touchdowns in three games since ending a self-imposed retirement on Oct. 11. Williams returned after injuries to the Utes' three top rushers, who were attempting to replace NFL draft choice Devontae Booker.

Williams had a school-record 332 yards in a 52-45 victory at UCLA on Oct. 22, the best rushing game in the FBS this season and the fourth-highest in Pac-12 history. He tied a school game record with four touchdowns against the Bruins.

"He's a different guy since he has come back," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "He has been a warrior. He said, 'Coach, I'm going to be your guy.' He said it very confidently. He said, 'Don't worry about taking me out, I want the ball.' That's exactly what's happened."

The Utes are averaging 214 yards rushing per game, third in a conference that is heavy on the pass, and because of that average 35:55 minutes of possession, second in the FBS.

Quarterback Troy Williams is averaging 209.8 yards passing per game, striking an almost 50-50 balance on the offense, but Whittingham said he hopes to use the passing game more down the stretch.

"We are still not throwing the ball as effectively as we need to," Whittingham said. "We have to get Troy opportunities early in the game to get some completions."We have to dial up some more throws, be more accurate and have fewer drops on the receiving end."

Utah has built its record with strong defense and special teams play, too. The Utes are tied with Memphis for the FBS lead with 23 takeaways, on 15 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. They also lead the FBS in net punting.

Arizona State has had a lot of trouble keeping opponents at bay. The Sun Devils have given up 513.6 yards total offense per game, which ranks 124th out of the 128 FBS programs. They have given up 36.6 points a game, which ranks 115th.

Wilkins' return should help ASU keep the ball away from the defense, at least. He has passed for 1,421 yards and rushed for 227 more while accounting for 11 touchdowns despite being less than full strength since suffering a left ankle injury in a loss at USC on Oct 1. He has not played since suffering a shoulder injury in the first quarter of a loss to Washington State on Oct. 22.

He threw passes with the first unit when the Sun Devils returned to practice Sunday following their bye week and he is expected to start Thursday. True freshmen Brady White and Dillon Sterling-Cole have been forced into starts for the Sun Devils in Wilkins' absence.

Sterling-Cole threw for 302 yards but also had three interceptions in the 54-35 loss to the Ducks, his first career start. Entering the season, Arizona State and Tulane were the only FBS programs without a quarterback who had thrown a pass in a college game.

Junior halfback Demario Richard, who leads the Sun Devils with 532 yards, also is expected to play after missing the Oregon game.

"You play them, you better bring it," Graham said of the Utes. "It's going to be a blocking, tackling game."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Thursday’s games

North Carolina is 4-0 on road this season, with wins at Florida St, Miami; Tar Heels are 5-1 in last six games as a road favorite, 2-0 this year. UNC is 16-3 in its last 19 games with Duke, winning 66-31/45-20 last two years. Underdogs are 4-2 vs spread in last six series games. Tar Heels are 8-1 in last nine visits here; three of their last four wins at Duke were by 8 or less points. Blue Devils allowed 836 rushing yards in losing last three games, by 10-3-3 points. Duke is 11-7 in its last 18 games as a home underdog, 1-0 this year. ACC home underdogs are 7-7 this season.

Georgia Southern lost five of last six games, is 1-6 vs spread in last seven; Eagles lost 37-27 at Ole Miss five days ago, outgained 441-401- they’re 12-9 as a favorite since moving up to I-A, 1-3 this season. UL-Lafayette lost at home to Idaho Saturday, tis 4th loss in last five games; they’re 3-5 this year with two losses in OT. Cajuns are 1-2 on road this year with both losses in OT; they’re 4-10 in last 14 games as a home underdog, 0-2 this year. This is first time teams have met in last 20 years. Sun Belt home favorites are 6-9 vs spread in league play.

Arizona State lost four of last five games after a 4-0 start; they allowed 43.7 pts/game in losing last three games, by 24-5-19 points. ASU needs one more win to be bowl eligible; they allowed 734 yards in last game, a 54-35 loss to slumping Oregon. Utah is 8-2 but lost last game at home to Washington; Utes are 3-1 on road, with last three away games decided by 7 or less points. Utah is 3-3 as road favorite the last four years, 1-1 this year. ASU is 7-3-1 in its last 11 games as a home underdog, 3-3 under Graham, 2-0 this year. Pac-12 home teams are 22-14 vs spread this season, 9-5 as home dogs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Opening Line Report - Week 10
By Marcus DiNitto

Week 10 of the 2016 NFL season offers a solid card for your betting pleasure. Among the highlights: Broncos at Saints, Falcons at Eagles, Vikings at Redskins, Cowboys at Steelers, and Seahawks at Patriots.

Here are the opening lines for the full slate, with insight from Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook manager Ed Salmons and CG Technology vice president of risk Jason Simbal. Numbers listed are the Las Vegas consensus as of 11:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night, and early moves and differences among books are noted, too.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-10)

Another Thursday-night thriller awaits bettors this week, as Baltimore lays double digits at home against the winless Browns. CG Technology originally hung Ravens -9, with a quick move to -10, the number at which multiple other Vegas shops opened.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

North Carolina at Duke
By Joe Nelson

With college basketball set to start this week one of the best basketball rivalries will take place on the football field as North Carolina makes the short trip northeast to Durham in Thursday’s ACC Coastal matchup.

These teams have split the past four meetings and while both teams look likely to fall short of last season’s success, this is still an important late season game on both sides. Here is a preview of the Thursday night ESPN game between North Carolina and Duke.

Matchup: North Carolina Tar Heels at Duke Blue Devils
Venue: Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
Time/TV: Thursday, Nov. 10, 7:30 PM ET
Line: North Carolina -10½, Over/Under 60
Last Meeting: 2015, at North Carolina (-7½) 66, Duke 31

North Carolina fell just eight points short of the ACC championship last season and the Tar Heels are on pace for another successful season as they will be favored to win out to reach 10-2. The lone ACC loss came to Virginia Tech in an ugly 34-3 early October result in Chapel Hill. That tiebreaker puts the Hokies in control of the ACC Coastal division unless they lose one of two remaining home games vs. Georgia Tech or Virginia. North Carolina also lost its opening game against Georgia in Atlanta.

David Cutcliffe has brought the Duke program out of the basement with four consecutive bowl seasons the past four years. That run looks poised to end with a 3-6 mark this season and difficult games remaining. This is the home finale in Durham before the Blue Devils go on the road at Pittsburgh and at Miami in the final two weeks. Duke is 0-5 in ACC play but they did pick up a prominent win over Notre Dame and all six losses this season have come by 14 or fewer points. Duke is just 2-3 S/U at home this season with the wins coming vs. FCS NC Central and Army.

Both of these nearby rivals are 6-3 ATS on the season with the Tar Heels riding four straight covers and Duke having won against the spread in each of four games. The yardage statistics paint a clear edge for North Carolina with the Tar Heels posting 6.8 yards per play with huge passing numbers of over 300 yards per game in the air. Junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky has 19 touchdowns against just two interceptions this season while completing over 70 percent of his passes to emerge as a top NFL prospect.

Quarterback play has been an issue for Duke this season as projected starter senior Thomas Sirk was lost for the season in late August. Redshirt freshman Daniel Jones stepped into the starting role with no experience and while he has thrown for over 2,000 yards he has thrown nine interceptions. Duke has lacked the complimentary running game they have had in past seasons gaining only 4.1 yards per rush and Duke has wound up out-gained in seven of eight FBS games this season.

Duke won back-to-back games in this series as an underdog in 2012 and 2013 but the past two seasons North Carolina has won in blowout results including a 66-31 win for the Tar Heels last season with both teams posting over 500 yards. North Carolina won and covered in all four road games this season including winning convincingly twice in the road favorite role. Duke was a home underdog for the first time this season last week hosting Virginia Tech, losing just 24-21 with a comeback effort after falling behind 21-7, holding Virginia Tech below 400 yards in a relatively even game.

Larry Fedora has now turned in five consecutive bowl seasons for North Carolina as a program that underachieved and was caught in constant transition much of the past two decades has some stability looking like one of the top programs on the Coastal side of the ACC with most having forgotten about the cloud of potential NCAA sanctions that has lingered over the program the past two years.

The Tar Heels have lost as favorites in bowl action the past two seasons however and a prominent bowl slot might become available to this team with a strong finish. A New Year’s Six slot is a bit of long shot as Louisville looks destined to be the clear #1 draw out of the ACC behind Clemson who is expected to make the College Football Playoff. A Citrus Bowl or Belk Bowl slot vs. a SEC squad would be an appealing draw for the program or the Tar Heels could return to Orlando and the Russell Athletic Bowl vs. a Big XII squad where they lost to Baylor last season.

For Duke winning out to make the postseason looks like a severe long shot but Jones has proven to be a dynamic dual-threat quarterback that gained valuable experience to lead this team the next few seasons. Duke has marquee non-conference games early next season vs. Northwestern and Baylor as a bounce back season in 2017 will be possible especially considering how close most of this year’s defeats were including impressive close games with Louisville and Virginia Tech. A win over rival North Carolina would certainly provide a boost to the season even with the worst Blue Devils record since 2011.

Historical Trends:

-- North Carolina has won 23 of the last 26 meetings S/U while winning ATS in 12 of the past 19 meetings but Duke is 6-5 ATS in the last 11 meetings though just 3-5 under Cutcliffe.

-- Since Cutcliffe took over in 2008, Duke is 13-12 ATS as a home underdog including an 8-4 run in the last 12 instances, picking up four S/U upsets in those eight+ seasons with the only upset as a double-digit home underdog coming vs. the Tar Heels in 2012.

-- Regardless of venue, Duke is 36-29-2 ATS as an underdog since 2008 including a current 16-5 run going back to early 2013.

-- North Carolina is 6-1 ATS the last seven games as a road favorite with the last S/U loss in that role coming in this matchup in 2012.

-- North Carolina is 11-8-1 ATS as a double-digit favorite under Fedora though this will be just the fourth instance for the Tar Heels laying double-digits on the road, going 1-2 in those instances.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Pac-12 Action

Thursday College Football Betting Preview
Utah Utes vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Odds: Utah (-5.5); Total set at 58.5

The Pac-12 may not be getting much respect from the playoff selection committee in recent days – we will see if Washington gets into that #4 spot tonight – and part of that is because of the logjam atop the South division.

Colorado, USC and Utah will all be fighting one another down to the wire for the right to play in that conference Championship game, and this week it's Utah who hits the field first as they are in Arizona State.

The Sun Devils are trying to get to that critical six-win mark to become Bowl eligible themselves this year and they have no problem playing spoiler to Utah's division championship hopes.

Utah got their first win in five tries since joining the Pac-12 Conference vs Arizona State a season ago as the 34-18 victory was one of their better performances on the year.

The Utes have much higher hopes this season and need to rebound off a seven-point loss to undefeated Washington at the end of October. Utah was in that game with the Huskies all the way until the end as it was tied late in the 4th quarter before a 58-yard punt return TD by Washington broke the deadlock and held up as the winning score.

It was a solid ATS victory for Utah though, who've have covered the number in three of their last four, but things haven't come easy for them on the road in conference play. Utah is 2-1 SU on the road against Pac-12 rivals, but just 1-2 ATS in those games, and 0-2 ATS when laying points.

It's not like those two ATS losses came to quality opponents either as California - a 4-5 SU team – beat the Utes outright, and 2-7 SU Oregon State lost 19-14 to Utah when the Utes were laying 7.5 points.

There is no question that Arizona State is the best of the bunch in that regard and Utah better tighten things up away from home this week if they want a shot at the Pac-12 South crown.

ASU has been off since late October as well, and they've likely used that extra time off to tighten up some defensive deficiencies that have plagued them the past few weeks. Arizona State has given up 54, 37, and 40 points in their past three games – all losses – and that kind of play isn't going to give them a chance here.

Thankfully, the program has a history of keeping Utah's offense in check (aside from last year) as the Utes never scored more than 19 points against the Sun Devils in the four conference meetings prior to a season ago.

Three of the five meetings between these two in Pac-12 play have cashed 'under' tickets, and with extra rest on both sides this week, total bettors could see a similar result.

However, grabbing the points with the home dog in this spot is the better betting play this week because of Utah's struggles on the road against sub-par teams.

This is Arizona State's final home game of the season and the entire side should play inspired football. The Sun Devils are a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last eight at home and have been a solid team for bettors all year with a 9-4 ATS run going over their past 13 games.

ASU is also 4-1 ATS when coming off a loss and typically have no problems playing up to the level of their competition with a 7-1 ATS run going against winning teams.

Throw in the fact that it's Senior Day at ASU, a sixth win would make them Bowl eligible, and Utah's 1-4 ATS run when coming off a loss and this game should come right down to the wire.

Best Bet: Take Arizona State +5.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 10 lines that make you go hmmm...
By PETER KORNER

Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmmm…” in Week 10:

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-10, 45)

The total in this game caught my eye for this AFC North rivalry on Thursday Night Football. As a 10-point favorite, one may assume the game will be controlled by the dominating team. Baltimore showed quite well versus Pittsburgh this past week, particularly its defense scheme. I don’t see how the Ravens won’t continue that trend against Cleveland.

They’re averaging less than 40 points per game and with the abbreviated work week, we don’t really see the teams trying to run up the score in this intra-divisional contest. Cleveland doesn’t have the firepower to suddenly chalk up too many points against a premier defensive unit. I can’t envision this game producing six touchdowns and a field goal just to tie the total. Any scoreless quarter will make it that much tougher to achieve.

Thursday nights haven’t produced the kind of excitement we usually feel for weekday games. At this point, we see both teams thinking about the extended time off after the game is over than playing full-tilt football. Go with the Under and watch your favorite hockey team instead on another channel.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 11
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Nov. 10

Matchup Skinny Edge

NORTH CAROLINA at DUKE...UNC has romped past two vs. Duke and is 4-0 vs. line as visitor this season. Fedora 8-1 vs. spread last nine as visitor. Cutcliffe 15-5 last 20 as dog but only 2-5 vs. points last seven at Durham.

UNC, based on team and recent series trends.


UL-LAFAYETTE at GEORGIA SOUTHERN...ULL 3-8-1 last 12 vs. line in Sun Belt and just 2-5 last 7 as dog. But GaSo 1-6 vs. line last seven this season.

Slight to ULL, based on recent Ga So woes.


UTAH at ARIZONA STATE...Sun Devils a rather remarkable 5-0 vs. line at home TY; combined with 0-4 road mark, the home teams are 9-0 vs. spread in ASU games this season. Sun Devil Tempe cover streak now at 7. Utes however have covered last three in series.

ASU, based on Sun Devil home trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday Night Football betting preview: Browns at Ravens

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-10, 45)

The Cleveland Browns will be looking to avoid moving one step closer to a dubious league record when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. The Browns not only are attempting to avoid matching the worst start in franchise history, but also end the chances of joining the Detroit Lions as the only team to finish 0-16.

"We're not going to go 0-16. That's for a fact," Cleveland linebacker Chris Kirksey said following Sunday's 35-10 home drubbing by Dallas. "We're not going to be winless". One of the reasons the Browns are in this predicament is a 25-20 loss to Baltimore in Week 2, when they blew a 20-2 first-quarter lead. The Ravens were mired in a slide of their own heading into their bye, but snapped a four-game skid with a 21-14 win over visiting Pittsburgh on Sunday. That victory moved Baltimore back to the .500 mark and, more importantly, into a tie with the Steelers atop the AFC North.

TV: 8:25 p.m. ET, NFL Network.

LINE HISTORY: The Baltimore Ravens opened as big 10.5-point home favorite over the winless Cleveland Browns and by Wednesday night that number was down to -10. The total opened at 45.5 and came down slightly to 45.

WEATHER: Conditions are expected to be clear with temperatures at around 50 degrees at kickoff. It's not expected to rain (POP 1-2 percent) and winds will be light (5 mph) and not a factor on the field.

INJURIES:

Browns - WR R. Louis (probable, hamstring), OL J. Thomas (probable, knee), DL J. Meder (probable, knee), DL C. Nassib (probable, eye), QB C. Kessler (probable, leg), WR T. Pryor Sr. (probable, hamstring), LB N. Orchard (questionable, ankle), DB J. Haden (questionable, groin), DB J. Taylor (out, groin), WR J. Gordon (out indefinitely, suspension), QB R. Griffin III (questionable, shoulder).

Ravens - RB K. Dixon (probable, chest), CB S. Wright (questionable, hamstring), TE C. Gilmore (questionable, thigh), LB K. Correa (questionable, thigh), G M. Yanda (doubtful, shoulder), LB E. Dumervil (out indefinitely, foot).

ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-9 SU, 2-7 ATS, 6-3 O/U): Cleveland has had a revolving door at quarterback, losing starter Robert Griffin III in the season opener and watching Josh McCown suffer a broken collarbone against the Ravens. While McCown returned to the lineup in a narrow loss to the New York Jets in Week 8, coach Hue Jackson went back to Cody Kessler on Sunday and will stick with the rookie Thursday despite a nondescript effort against the Cowboys. The Browns managed only 45 yards rushing versus Dallas, including four on six carries by Isaiah Crowell, who ran for a season-high 133 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. The Browns are yielding 421.7 yards and 30.3 points per game, each ranking 31st in the league.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS, 3-4-1 O/U): Baltimore's defense came up big in the win over bitter rival Pittsburgh, holding the Steelers to 277 total yards and 36 on the ground to build a 21-0 lead in the third quarter. There remain plenty of concerns over the offense, which produced one touchdown -- a 95-yard scoring pass to wideout Mike Wallace -- and also labored on the ground, rushing for 50 yards on 29 carries. Baltimore ranks 28th in the league with 81.8 yards rushing per game and is averaging 2.2 yards per carry over the past three contests -- a full two yards less than in the first five games. Quarterback Joe Flacco has more interceptions (seven) than TD passes (six) and a paltry 76.0 passer rating.

TRENDS:

* Browns are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 vs. AFC North.
* Ravens are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
* Over is 6-0 in Browns last 6 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
* Under is 4-1 in Ravens last 5 home games.
* Road team is 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The bettors are backing the Browns with 63 percent of the wagers on the road underdogs. As for the total, 51 percent of bettors are taking the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Browns (0-9) at Ravens (4-4)

Date: November 10, 2016 8:25 PM EDT

The Baltimore Ravens have an opportunity to take further control of the AFC North with a victory over the winless Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

The Ravens (4-4) sit atop the division after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14 in Week 9, which also snapped a four-game losing streak. Despite the Browns' 0-9 record, Ravens coach John Harbaugh is expecting another hard-fought game.

"We understand that this is a quality football team that we're dealing with," Harbaugh said. "Games are lost for different kinds of reasons. Usually, it's a play here and a play there, and some of those plays haven't gone their way. It can go that way. We've been in the same situation. We lost four in a row. It just was like that. That can happen. ... Our guys understand the rivalry that we have with Cleveland."

While the Ravens look to retain some momentum, the Browns are trying to avoid the first 0-10 start in the 66-year history of the franchise. Cleveland was completely dominated in a 35-10 loss to Dallas in Week 9. The Browns have allowed at least 25 points in each of its nine losses.

"We got to take the punches," Cleveland linebacker Chris Kirksey said. "Get back up and keep fighting. That's life. We're not going 0-16. We're not going to go winless. We're going to win a game."

One of the keys for the Ravens is getting several injured starters back in the lineup. The bye in Week 8 could not have come at a better time.

Ravens rookie left tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot) returned to action against Pittsburgh after missing the past four games. Stanley did show some rust and was penalized four times. Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder) also was back in the lineup after missing the past two games.

While the Ravens allowed three sacks, the offensive did appear more in sync.

Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (ankle) also returned after missing the prior two matchups. He finished with four receptions for 47 yards, including a 30-yard catch and run in the first quarter that provided a boost to the struggling offense. Linebackers CJ Mosley (thigh) and Terrell Suggs (biceps) started and made an immediate impact.

"It's all in how you finish," Suggs said. "If you miss the playoffs, who cares where your defense ranked. This is about winning games, going to the playoffs, winning division championships, winning championships. At the end of the year, you can 1/8say 3/8 'oh, they had a top-10 defense,' whatever, but if you don't win, it doesn't matter. Winning is the only thing that matters, the only thing."

The Ravens won the first matchup this season, 25-20, after trailing 20-0 in the first quarter. That was the second biggest comeback in franchise history. This time, Ravens will look to take the struggling Browns out of the game early.

Browns rookie quarterback Cody Kessler returned from a concussion and made the start against Dallas. He completed 19 of 27 pass attempts for 203 yards with a touchdown. However, he was sacked four times and appeared to be limping after the game.

Browns coach Hue Jackson confirmed Kessler will get the start Thursday against the Ravens.

"He is a young player, and I want to have an opportunity to watch him (against) the toughest competition so we can do a better job of evaluating him for our future," Jackson said.

Jackson was also looking forward to playing on the short week to hopefully take the sting out of the latest loss, but acknowledged the Ravens' aggressive defense poses a huge challenge.

"You get a chance to get that taste out of your mouth," Jackson said. "Obviously, that game was here at home in front of our fans and people that we like to go out and perform well for. We were not able to do that 1/8for them 3/8. We get a chance to go on the road and go play another game against a very good opponent."

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2015, gave the team and fans a scare in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh. Flacco was forced to hop off the field after he jammed his surgically repaired left knee on awkward slide in the third quarter. Flacco ran directly into the locker room and was able to return with a new knee brace.

Flacco said he is fully healthy and the Ravens need to take advantage of their situation in the current standings.

"We can say that we're atop the division," Flacco said. "I think when you have a handful of guys on your team, and this is the first time being in this game with these guys, it gives them a lot of confidence moving forward."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Thursday Night Football'

Playing on three days rest isn't ideal for either team, but it's more difficult on visiting teams as they must travel getting even less prep, practice time. This season, Thursday visitors have been on the wrong end of the score board six times with three victories while also recording a 3-6 record against the betting line. A small a sample to gleen meaningful betting information, so we revved up the trusted NFL betting number crunching machine looking at the last 78 Thursday games. Road team records remain consistent losers as they put up 34 W's, 44 L's for a 43.5% win rate. But, adding the great equalizer (point spread) roadies cashed at a 52.5% clip going 41-36-1 against the betting line including 25-24 ATS as pooches.

Breaking stats down further, shows road teams seem to dig down a little deeper on Thursday against divisional opponents coming up winners 48.2% of the time (27-29) going 31-24-1 ATS (55.3%) including 3-1 ATS as double digit underdogs.

Making a case for Cleveland (0-9, 2-7 ATS) has its challenges. However, for those willing to take a flyer on the squad keeping it within the 10.0 point spot The Ravens haven't been good bets recently laying DD in front of the home audience as the result has been 1 cashed ticket, 8 tossed in the waste bin. Even more eye-opening, four of those thrashed tickets have come against Browns.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NFL Picks: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens Odds & Expert Predictions
by Alan Matthews

I'm not going to sit here and hammer the NFL schedule-makers again because I've done that plenty this season amid declining ratings. I totally understand why the league wants every team to get a national spotlight on a Thursday once a season and why you can't put the Patriots or Cowboys in prime time every week because CBS and Fox paid big money for AFC and NFC rights, respectively, and they want to show New England and Dallas during their Sunday window too.

That said, why on earth are the winless Cleveland Browns (0-9) on Thursday night football this week in Baltimore? The 1976 expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers are probably the worst single-season team in NFL history. This century, that honor belongs to the 2008 Detroit Lions, the only team to finish 0-16. I don't think the Browns club is as bad as that Lions club, which was pre-Matthew Stafford, but it's close.

The Browns have some good veteran players any team would like to have, such as left tackle Joe Thomas, newly-acquired linebacker Jamie Collins and defensive back Joe Haden. And former quarterback Terrelle Pryor has blossomed into a weapon at receiver. First-round rookie receiver Corey Coleman also has shown some flashes when briefly healthy. Maybe Cody Kessler can become a quality starting QB. But overall, this roster is barren. At least the Browns are stocked with future draft picks going forward, including most likely the No. 1 overall pick next spring. Most mock drafts actually have the Browns taking Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett at that spot over a quarterback, but that largely depends on how Kessler plays the rest of the way. Also remember that the Browns hold the Eagles' first-round pick, and that's looking better and better with Philly dropping four of its past five games.

Baltimore (4-4) can take sole possession of first place in the AFC North for at least a few days with a win here as the Ravens are tied with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati (3-4-1) a game back in the win column. The Ravens are +275 to win the North.

Browns at Ravens Betting Story Lines

If I'm being honest, I thought the Browns had a shot of upsetting visiting Dallas on Sunday. I believed the Cowboys might be a bit flat off a huge comeback win the previous week over the Eagles and that maybe Dak Prescott would finally play like a rookie. Cleveland hung in for a half but was held to 28 yards and zero points after intermission and lost 35-10. Kessler returned from missing a game with a concussion and was 19-for-27 for 203 yards with a TD but obviously that was mostly in the first half. Pryor caught another TD pass, his fourth, and Coleman returned from a broken hand with four catches.

That's about the extent of the good news. It was Cleveland's franchise-record 12th straight loss overall. It is 1-19 over the past 20 games and 3-27 since starting the 2014 season a surprising 7-4. The Browns are the first team since the merger to allow at least 25 points in each of its first nine games and have given up a minimum of 30 six times. Dallas had scoring drives of 75, 69, 67, 75 and 64 yards, all at least nine plays.

The Browns have never started 0-10, but that's obviously likely on Thursday. The coaching staff is safe, as it should be in just Year 1. Kessler also will stick as the starting QB even though Josh McCown is healthy as Coach Hue Jackson has said the rest of the season is Kessler's audition to be the team's No. 1 guy in 2017.

As for the Ravens, they played a terrific defensive game Sunday in beating visiting Pittsburgh 21-14 to end a four-game losing streak in Ben Roethlisberger's return from a knee injury. I certainly didn't see the Steelers being shut out for the first three quarters coming. The Baltimore offense was equally bad other than a 95-yard catch-and run touchdown reception from former Steeler Mike Wallace in the first quarter. It was the longest play from scrimmage in Ravens history, and Wallace, who has been a good offseason pickup, became the first player in league annals to have at least a 95-yard TD catch with two teams -- he also did it five years ago with Pittsburgh.

Defense (and kicker Justin Tucker) has definitely been saving the Ravens this year as Joe Flacco is one of the lowest-rated QBs in the NFL and there's not much of a running game to speak of. The Ravens are on pace for the fewest points scored (19.3 per game) in the nine-year John Harbaugh era. Baltimore's defense ranks second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed, and the Ravens' 14 forced turnovers already match last season's total.

Browns at Ravens Betting Odds and Trends

Baltimore is an 11-point favorite (+105) with a total of 45.5. On the moneyline, the Ravens are -600 and Browns +450. On the alternate lines, Baltimore is -10.5 (+100), -10 (-110) and -9.5 (-120). Cleveland is 2-7 against the spread (2-3 on road) and 6-3 "over/under" (4-1 on road). Baltimore is 3-5 ATS (2-2 at home) and 3-4-1 O/U (1-3 at home).

The Browns are 5-1 ATS in their past six Thursday games. They are 2-6 ATS in their past eight after allowing at least 30 points in their previous game. Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its past six following a loss of at least 14 points. The Ravens are 5-0 ATS in their past five vs. the AFC North. The Ravens have covered only two of their past nine on Thursday. The under is 5-1 in Cleveland's past six on Thursday. It is 5-2-1 in Baltimore's previous eight vs. the AFC. The under is 4-1 in the past five meetings in Baltimore. Cleveland is 5-1 in its past six there.

Browns at Ravens Betting Prediction

Baltimore is 15-2 in this series under Harbaugh. The fewest points the Browns have given up this season was a 25-20 home loss to the Ravens in Week 2. The complexion of that game totally changed late in the first quarter when Baltimore returned a blocked Browns PAT for 2 points. So instead of trailing 21-0 Cleveland it was 20-2, and the Ravens dominated the rest of the way. Kessler hadn't yet made his debut then as it was McCown under center. Wallace had two TD catches for Baltimore.

No question I'm backing Baltimore, but this spread concerns me. The last time Baltimore beat a team by more than eight points (one score) was two years ago in the playoffs when the Ravens upset the Steelers 30-17. Baltimore's average margin of victory the past two seasons is 4.2 points. I'll take the 11 and go under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL Week 10 lines that make you go hmmm...
By PETER KORNER

Longtime Las Vegas oddsmaker Peter Korner sizes up this week’s NFL schedule and picks out some of the lines making him go “hmmmm…” in Week 10:

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-10, 45)

The total in this game caught my eye for this AFC North rivalry on Thursday Night Football. As a 10-point favorite, one may assume the game will be controlled by the dominating team. Baltimore showed quite well versus Pittsburgh this past week, particularly its defense scheme. I don’t see how the Ravens won’t continue that trend against Cleveland.

They’re averaging less than 40 points per game and with the abbreviated work week, we don’t really see the teams trying to run up the score in this intra-divisional contest. Cleveland doesn’t have the firepower to suddenly chalk up too many points against a premier defensive unit. I can’t envision this game producing six touchdowns and a field goal just to tie the total. Any scoreless quarter will make it that much tougher to achieve.

Thursday nights haven’t produced the kind of excitement we usually feel for weekday games. At this point, we see both teams thinking about the extended time off after the game is over than playing full-tilt football. Go with the Under and watch your favorite hockey team instead on another channel.