Sports Picks & Predictions

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the UNDER in the Las Vegas Raiders/Los Angeles Chargers game.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to take the 'over' tonight, given that the previous meeting totaled 57 points, and that each team has played a majority of its games over the total this season.  But we're going to run the other way, as six of the last eight (and 20 of the last 31) meetings between these two division rivals have gone 'under' the total.  Additionally, in its last game, Las Vegas combined for 71 points with the Indianapolis Colts (a 44-27 defeat).  But over the last 41 years, NFL division games have gone 'under' the total 66.1% of the time when the team's previous game totaled more than 58 points, and both the team's games, and its foe's games averaged 50+ points on the season.  Finally, the 'under' falls into 18-3, 101-46 and 123-84 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Green Bay/Detroit game.  The Packers come into this afternoon's game off back to back wins over Chicago (41-25) and Philadelphia (30-16).  Meanwhile, Detroit has played back to back high-scoring games its last two outings, as it lost 41-25 to Houston, and then defeated the Bears, 34-30, last week.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another high-scoring game here, as Green Bay's scored more than 70 points combined over its last two games, while Detroit's given up more than 70 points over its last two contests.  But over the last 41 years, NFL games have gone 'under' the total 58% when the underdog gave up more than 70 points over its last two games, and its opponent scored more than 70 in its last two.  Additionally, the 'under' falls into 127-77 and 62-28 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Las Vegas/Indianapolis game.  Through 12 games, both Las Vegas and Indianapolis own winning records, and are in contention for the playoffs.  But it's the last few weeks of the regular seasons that separate the contenders from the pretenders.  And all the teams understand how important defense is at this time of the year, as that old adage -- defense wins championships -- is actually very true when it comes to the NFL.  Not surprisingly, match-ups between winning teams in the final 6 weeks of the NFL season tend to go 'under' the total, and especially if the line is greater than 46 points, as those games have gone 'under' 60% of the time.  Take the 'under.'

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Seattle/New York game.  After scoring 10 points or less in four straight games (all of which went 'under' the total), the hapless Jets have quietly scored 27+ points in three of their last four games.  Not surprisingly, all three of those games sailed 'over' the total.  Now, New York will go up against a below-average Seahawks defense which is giving up 26.8 ppg (against foes that average 24.5).  So, New York -- which averages just 15 ppg -- will likely be able to exceed that number.  Still, defeating a Seattle team which was upset at home last week by the New York Giants will be a tall order.  And, since Pete Carroll was hired almost 11 years ago, the Seahawks have generally won and covered high-scoring games at home off a loss.  And 10 of 13 Seattle home games have gone 'over' the total if Seattle lost its previous game, and the line was greater than 43 points.  I look for a high-scoring game this afternoon.  Take the 'over.'

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Tennessee/Jacksonville game.  The Titans have played their last four games 'over' the total, including last week's 41-35 loss to Cleveland.  But each of those four games was against a winning, playoff-bound team.  Here, they're going to take on a Jacksonville team which has lost 11 straight games, and is averaging less than 21 points per game.  And, late in the season (the final four weeks), really bad teams -- with win percentages less than .200 -- have gone 'under' the total 77% of the time over the last 40 seasons when the O/U line has been greater than 46 points.  Even better:  the Jaguars have gone under in 18 of 29 home games.  And road favorites of -3 (or more) points, like Tennessee, have gone 'under' 76% of the time over the last 40 seasons when the line was 51+ points.  This will be a relatively-low scoring game.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Kansas City Chiefs/Denver Broncos game.  The Chiefs have gone 'under' the total in 21 of their last 28 division games with over/under lines of 47+ points, while Denver has gone 'under' in 23 of its last 31 division games with an over/under line greater than 42 points.  Not surprisingly, then, this series has gone 8-1-1 'under' the total when the line has been 48+ points.  This game, in particular, has all the earmarks of an 'under.'  The Chiefs are a double-digit favorite against an offensively-challenged Broncos team, with a high over/under line.  And the technicals back this up, as games that involve a 7-point (or greater) underdog which scores less than 19.6 ppg, have gone 'under' 100-65-2 when the line was 47+ points.  Even better:  The Chiefs have gone 'under' the total in 22 of their last 27 home games against teams with a negative scoring margin of -1.8 (or worse), including 6-0 'under' when KC was favored by more than 11 points.  This will be a relatively-low scoring game.  Take the Chiefs/Broncos 'under' the total.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints OVER the total.  The Saints have gone 'under' in each of their last four games (after starting the season with seven straight 'overs,' while Atlanta's previous two games have gone 'under.'  So, the knee-jerk reaction might be to look for a low-scoring game here.  Don't do it.  Generally speaking, teams off 4+ unders tend to go 'over' in their next game, including 58.3% since 1980 when the line was greater than 45 points and their opponent was also off an 'under.'  Take the 'over' in the Saints/Falcons game.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders to go OVER the total.  The Raiders generally go 'over' the total on the non-division road, including an 18-6-2 Over record when the line has been less than 49 points.  Likewise, the Jets have gone 18-8 Over at home in non-division games with lines less than 49 points.  Five of the last seven meetings between these teams have gone over the total, and we'll look for another high-scoring game here, as I believe the two teams will bounce back off their poor offensive performances last week.  The Jets only scored 3 vs. Miami, while Las Vegas managed just 6 at Atlanta.  But NFL games, with lines greater than 40 points, have gone over 62% of the time if the two teams combined for less than 10 points on offense their previous game.  Take the OVER.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Tennessee Titans/Indianapolis Colts game.  These two teams met just two weeks ago, and the over/under line was a couple of points less, at 49, than it is for this game here.  Indianapolis won that game, 34-17, so it went over the total by 2 points.  Now, for this game, the oddsmakers have adjusted the over/under line.  I believe it's an over-adjustment, and will look for a lower-scoring game, especially since this game will be played at Indianapolis.  Indeed, the Colts have gone 'under' in 25 of 34 home division contests, including 7-0 'under' when the line was greater than 48 points.  And this game also falls into 19-0 and 57-33 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders to go under the total.  The Chiefs were upset at home by Las Vegas, 40-32, as a 10-point favorite back on October 11.  Needless to say, Kansas City will be strongly motivated tonight to avenge that defeat.  And, generally speaking, NFL teams that were upset earlier in the season, and gave up 28+ points in that loss, do exact revenge, as they've covered the spread 55% of the time since 1984, including 10-0 ATS their last 10.  And a primary reason that our revengers do better against the spread in the 2nd meeting is that their defense plays much better.  Indeed, our games in this situation have gone 'under' 142-99-6.  Before giving up 40 to the Raiders in the last meeting, the Chiefs had allowed just 9, 10 and 3 points to the Raiders in the three meetings previous to that (all 3 went 'under').   Finally, six of KC's last seven road games have gone 'under,' as have 23 of the Raiders' last 30 division contests.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals to go UNDER the total.  These two teams less than four weeks ago, and the Cardinals came away with a 37-34 victory, in overtime.  And the Cardinals have now scored 30+ points in five straight games (33.2 avg.), and have gone 'over' the total in three straight.  That has contributed to this over/under being a couple points higher than it was just a few games ago!  But consider that Arizona's last three games -- that each went 'over' -- were all at home (where it averages 30.6 ppg (compared to a lower amount on the road)).  And also consider that, of Arizona's four road games this season, it has yet to face a team with a winning record!  Arizona's four road games have come against teams with a combined record of 9-29.  So, this will be a much more difficult test for the 6-3 Cardinals' offense, notwithstanding the fact that Seattle's defense is allowing 28.5 ppg at home this season.  The Seahawks should be in an angry mood on Thursday, as they're coming off back to back losses, and will be playing with revenge from that overtime game in Arizona which they led by 10 with less than seven minutes to go.  For technical support, consider that the Seahawks have gone under the total 88% of the time since 1980 when playing with revenge from an upset loss in which they gave up 28+ points (holding their opponents to an average of 13.3 ppg in those games).  And all four of Arizona's road games this season have also gone UNDER the total.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the UNDER in the Los Angeles Rams/Seattle Seahawks game.  From an Over/Under perspective, this will be an interesting game, to the extent it features two teams going in opposite directions.  The Seahawks own the league's worst pass defense, and have gone 'over' the total in their last three games, and six of their eight on the season.  In contrast, the Rams have gone 'under' the total in five straight, and also six of their eight games.  Generally speaking, when two teams with contrasting styles like this have met over the past 41 seasons, the 'unders' have cashed more often than not.  And that's the way we will play this game, as the 'under' falls into two Totals systems of mine that are 101-40 and 21-4 since 1980, as well as a 3rd Totals system which is 55-29 since 1983.  Even better:  the Seahawks have gone 'under' in 9 straight (and 17 of 22) after scoring more than 100 points over their three previous games, including 7-0 'under' when the line was greater than 45 points.  And the Rams have gone 'under' in 7 straight (and 12 of 14) in competitively-priced games with point spreads less than 4 points, if the O/U line was 50+.  Take the Rams/Seahawks UNDER the total.  Good luck as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Las Vegas Raiders/Denver Broncos game.  The Broncos come into this AFC West division battle off a 34-27 loss at Atlanta last Sunday.  And that was Denver's 3rd straight game that it surrendered 30+ points.  Not surprisingly, all three games sailed over the total.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another high-scoring game here, especially since Las Vegas checks in off a high-scoring, 31-26 win at the Chargers last Sunday.  But consider that teams that gave up 30+ points in each of their three previous games have gone 'under' 57% of the time since 1980, including 33-18 UNDER if their opponent scored 30+ in its last game.  Even better:  AFC West division games have gone UNDER 26-14 since 2017, while Denver's gone UNDER in nine straight road games after giving up more than 92 points in their three previous games.  Take the UNDER.  Good luck, as always..Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Tampa Bay Bucs and New Orleans Saints UNDER the total.  The Saints have played ALL 7 games over the total this season!  So, the knee-jerk reaction might be to play on the over in this game tonight.  But consider that, at Game 7 forward, in games with an over/under line of 47+ points, NFL teams that had gone over the total in at least 84% of their season's games, have gone UNDER the total 64.2% of the time.  Indeed, we saw this last week with the Las Vegas Raiders against Cleveland.  Going into that game, Las Vegas had gone OVER the total 5-0-1.  But it played its first under of the season last week when that game ended with just 22 points -- 25.5 points below the posted total.  I look for the Saints to also play their first under of the season tonight.  Take the UNDER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the over in the Pittsburgh/Dallas game.  The Cowboys have the league's worst defense, as it's giving up more than 33 points per game.  It's true that Dallas only gave up 23 and 25 their last two games (vs. Washington and Philadelphia), but the Steelers should do better, as their offense produces north of 30 points per game.  I also expect Dallas to do better this week than it did last week behind rookie Ben DiNucci.  For this game, Dallas coach Mike McCarthy will start either Garrett Gilbert (6th round pick, 2014) or Cooper Rush (2017), both of whom have more NFL experience than DiNucci.  So, even though the Cowboys have been moribund on offense, with just 22 points scored over their previous three games, that doesn't necessarily portend a low-scoring game today.  One thing which will help is that Dallas is back home this afternoon.  This season, the Cowboys have averaged 31.2 ppg at home, but just 15 ppg on the road.  Not surprisingly, three of the Cowboys' four home games have gone over the total (compared to one of their four road games).  And, going back further, Dallas has played 14 of its last 20 home games over the total (compared to just nine of its last 25 road games).  Additionally, home teams that scored 25 or less combined points in their three previous games, all of which went under the total, have proceeded to go over in their next game 66% of the time since 1989.  And Dallas has gone 78-50 'over' at home when the line was greater than 38 and less than 45 points, including 8-1 OVER their last nine if they were off unders in each of their three previous games.  Take the OVER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the under in the LA Chargers/Las Vegas Raiders game.  The Raiders are 14-1 UNDER their last 15 division road games (and 62-35 UNDER their last 97).  Meanwhile, the Chargers are 79-32 UNDER their last 111 division home games, including 6-0 under their last six.  Take the UNDER.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Over in the Sunday night game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.  It's true that the Cowboys' offense has sputtered without QB Dak Prescott.  Dallas' last two games have gone 'under' the total, as they've produced 48 and 28 points.  And Dallas' offensive problems is the reason for this relatively-low over/under number.  But, by my math, the oddsmakers' adjustment of the over/under number has been an overreaction.  The Cowboys' defense is still giving up TONS of points, as it's given up 25 or more points in each of its last six games (37.16 avg).  For the season, Dallas has allowed 34.7 ppg (against foes that score 25.6 ppg).  Meanwhile, Philly's defense has also been horrible, as it's surrendered 28 ppg (against foes that average 24.4 ppg).  Notably, each of Philadelphia's seven games this season have totaled 43+ points (51.2 avg), and five of the Eagles' seven games have soared 'over' the total.  Dallas has gone 'over' the total in 11 of 15 after playing an 'under,' while the Eagles have gone 'over' in 24 of 38 off an 'under.'  Take the Cowboys + Eagles to go OVER the total.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Minnesota/Green Bay game.  This rivalry has typically produced low-scoring games, with nine of the last 12 meetings sailing 'UNDER' the total.  I look for another relatively-low scoring game this afternoon, with Minnesota looking to bounce back off its 40-23 upset loss to Atlanta, as a 3.5-point favorite.  And NFL teams that get upset, and give up 35+ points in that upset loss, tend to bounce back and cover the spread, while also going 'under' the total -- and especially when the line is greater than 39 points (204-152 under (57.3%)).  And Mike Zimmer's Vikings have gone 'under' 28-13 after going 'over' in their previous game.  Take the 'under.'

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets to go OVER the total.  The Chiefs are favored by 20 points, which is the largest point spread yet this season.  And, over the past 20 years, NFL games with large point spreads tend to go over the total.  Indeed, home teams favored by more than 15 points have gone OVER 62.7% of the time.  I look for another high-scoring game here, as the Chiefs have also gone 'over' the total 57% of the time in the Patrick Mahomes era, including 6-0-1 OVER after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.  Of course, it's true that the Jets come into this game off 3 straight unders.  But consider that, since 1980, NFL teams off 3 straight unders have proceeded to go OVER the total 60.4% of the time when the line was greater than 48 points!  Take the OVER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the OVER in the Thursday Night Football game between Carolina and Atlanta.  This match-up pits two losing teams from the NFC South division.  Atlanta checks in with a 1-6 record, while Carolina is two games better, at 3-4.  The Falcons' problem has been on the defensive side of the football, as they've given up at least 23 points in each of their seven games this season.  Overall, their defense gives up 29.57 ppg, and two of their three road games have sailed 'over' the total, including their last road game -- a 40-23 win at Minnesota, in Raheem Morris' first game as Atlanta head coach.  We'll look for another high-scoring game tonight, as losing teams, that give up at least 29.5 ppg, have gone 'over' the total in 33 of 44 road games vs. other losing teams, if the line was at least 47 points (including 20-2 'OVER' if the O/U line was greater than 49 points).  Additionally, the 'Over' falls into 69-41 and 94-65 Totals systems of mine.  Take the OVER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays 'under' the total.  Game 4 was the most exciting contest (by far) in this World Series, and surely ranks as one of the best World Series games over the last 20 years.  After games dominated by pitching and defense on the winning side, the batting orders of these two teams took center stage on Saturday night with multiple lead changes and plenty of long balls.  At least part of that was due to the fact that the Rays threw a bullpen game and the Dodgers didn't have either of their top two starters available (although Urias pitched well enough).  But tonight, we're back to LHP Clayton Kershaw for L.A. and RHP Tyler Glasnow for Tampa, so look for much more of a pitchers' duel.  Kershaw was nothing short of spectacular in Game 1 of this series, allowing one run on two hits in six innings while throwing just 78 pitches before the bullpen took over.  The biggest potential issue for Glasnow tonight is the fact that the Rays offense hasn't been giving the 27-year-old much love in this post-season.  In Glasnow's last three starts (one ALDS, one ALCS, and one in this series) the Rays have plated two, three, and three runs.  Meanwhile Kershaw has a 2.88 ERA this post-season.  I expect both pitchers to be on top of their game.  Take the 'under.'  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets to go OVER the total.  Buffalo's offense has taken a leap forward this season with 3rd year QB Josh Allen.  Buffalo has scored 27, 31, 35, 30, 16 and 17 points in its six games, and only one of the six has gone 'under' the total.  The only game which went 'under' was -- not coincidentally -- the only game which Buffalo wasn't favored to win.  But when the Bills are favored, they've actually gone 'over' 26 of their last 37 games.  In contrast, when the Bills are an underdog, they've gone 'under' 18-4.  In this game, the Bills are substantially favored, as they're laying double-digits to the Jets.  And Buffalo's 14-0 'over' when laying 4 or more points on the road!  These two teams met earlier this season, and that game went 'over' the total by 5 points.  And the 'over' also falls into a 164-111 Totals system of mine.  We'll look for another 'over' this afternoon.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the UNDER in the Carolina/New Orleans game.  The Saints have played all 5 of their games OVER THE TOTAL this season.  But something will have to give today, as they'll be playing the Panthers, who have played UNDERS in each of their four previous games.  I actually look for a relatively-low scoring game here, as NFL teams have gone UNDER 60% of the time over the past 41 years when the line was greater than 49 points, if they played their previous four games over the total, and were playing an opponent which had played a majority of its games UNDER the total on the season.  Even better:  Sean Payton's Saints have gone UNDER 63% of the time over the past 13 seasons off 3+ overs.  And the UNDER also falls into one of my favorite Totals systems which is 98-59-2 since 1980.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the UNDER in the Cleveland/Cincinnati game.  The Cleveland Browns have played three road games this season, and have scored 6, 7 and 49 in those three games.  Of course, that 49-point game was vs. the Cowboys, who are giving up 36.3 ppg, so that Browns effort must be taken with a grain of salt.  Still, even with that 49-point outburst, the Browns are only averaging 20.66 ppg on the road (compared to 33.66 at home).  Likewise, the Bengals have played much better defense at home this season, as they've given up just 20.5 ppg at home (compared to 29 ppg on the road).  We'll look for a low-scoring game here in Cincinnati on Sunday, as the 'under' falls into 60-25 and 125-74 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the UNDER in the Dallas/Washington game.  The Cowboys' defense has given up 39, 38, 49, 34 and 38 points in their last five games.  But those five opponents all had better quarterbacks than does this Washington club.  Indeed, Washington has scored just 17, 10 and 19 points over its last three games.  And, outside of its first game vs. Philadelphia, where it benefited from three turnovers, it hasn't scored more than 20 points all season.  I fully expect Dallas' defense to play a terrific game on Sunday, especially since it will be "stepping down in class" by playing Washington.  And, for technical support, consider that teams whose games average 64+ points have gone under the total 57% when the O/U line 45 or less points.  Take the UNDER.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays 'under' the total.  When looking at who has the upper hand in the starting pitching match-up tonight, we're probably splitting hairs.  The Dodgers' Walker Buehler has a 1.89 ERA in four playoff starts covering 19 innings while the Rays' Charlie Morton has an even more ridiculous 0.57 ERA in his three post-season starts so far (one against the Yankees and two vs. the Astros).  Now put these two together on the same night in a pitchers' park such as Globe Life Field and the runs could truly be scarce.  There have been a lot of interesting stats in this postseason, but perhaps none more mind-boggling than the fact that the Rays are in this World Series despite only batting .213 as a team in 16 playoff games.  But when you look at the number of their games that have gone under the total, those numbers start to make more sense.  In Tampa's last six games following a victory, the under is 5-1 and in its last seven vs. a RH starter, the under is 6-1.  Meanwhile, the Dodgers have gone 'under' in nine of Buehler's last 10 starts, while 15 of Morton's last 19 starts (including the last five in a row) have gone 'under.'  This will be a low-scoring contest.  Take the 'under.'  As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals to go Under the total.  The Cowboys' defense has been a sieve thus far, as it's given up 36 points per game.  They've now played their last four games 'over' the total, which has led to an overwhelming majority of the tickets being written on the 'over,' and this number jumping a couple of points from the opener.  Certainly, as can be seen by the betting data, the knee-jerk reaction is to play a Cowboys game to go 'over' the total.  But consider that NFL teams that give up more than 28 ppg on defense, and have played their previous 4 games 'over' the total, have actually gone UNDER the total 72.5% of the time (29-11).  And teams playing on Monday Night Football have gone 9-0 UNDER if the line was at least 50 points, and none of their three previous games went under the total.  Take the Cowboys and Cardinals UNDER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers 'under' the total.  This series has featured strong pitching, for the most part, but that's not the entire story.  It's also been a showcase for great defense, as we saw again on Saturday in Game 6 when Mookie Betts made a leaping catch at the top of the wall against Marcell Ozuna.  That superb defensive play in the fifth inning preserve the Dodgers lead and helped force this seventh game.  The pitching should be on display again tonight when rookie Ian Anderson take the mound for Atlanta.  The 22-year-old has yet to allow a run in 15 2/3 post-season innings, so the Braves will try to ride those numbers to their first World Series since 1999.  Perhaps the best news for the Dodgers in Game 6 was the performance by veteran reliever Kenley Jansen, who pitched a perfect ninth inning to seal the deal for Los Angeles.  Dodgers relievers have now allowed just two runs in 10 innings in the last two games.  It will be an "all hands on deck" game for the Dodgers, who have yet to announce a starter (but we will take the 'under' regardless of which pitcher takes the mound in the 1st inning for L.A.)  Manager Dave Roberts has expressed that Tony Gonsolin will work several innings.  But he'll be joined by guys like Julio Urias, Brusdar Graterol, and perhaps even Clayton Kershaw.  The Dodgers have gone 'under' 74-55 when they've faced an NL starting pitcher with an ERA of 3.20 or better.  Take the 'under.'  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns to go 'under' the total.  The posted total for this game is the biggest number in the history of the series.  Indeed, until this game, the highest over/under number for this rivalry was 47.5.  Last season, these two teams played extremely low-scoring games (21-7, 20-13) that each went 'under' the total.  But this year -- so far -- the two teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs.  Pittsburgh's last three games have gone 'over' the number (26-21, 28-21, 38-29), while Cleveland's last four have gone 'over' (35-30, 34-20, 49-38, 32-23).  However, since 1980, NFL games with over/under lines less than 56 have gone 'under' the total 60% of the time (86-58-6) if both teams played their two previous games 'over,' and each of those games generated more than 47 points.  Additionally, the Steelers have gone 'under' 8 straight times after playing a game with 50+ points scored, while Cleveland is 13-4 'under' after a game that produced 50+ points.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays 'over' the total.  After Thursday night's bullpen game, the question for tonight is, "who's going to be left to pitch after the starters are done?"  Everyone knows that the days of Bob Gibson are over.  And most starters today would be lucky to get six innings in.  So even if Blake Snell (3.24 ERA; 1.20 WHIP) and Framber Valdez (3.57 ERA; 1.11 WHIP) pitch well tonight, they likely will leave the game with at least three or four more innings to go.  That's when the managerial strategy will be more difficult.  These two teams used a total of 11 relievers on Thursday, so 24 hours later it will be very interesting to see how they handle things when the two starters come out.  One thing's for certain -- the offenses may have a field day tonight in light of the situation.  The over was 9-5 in Snell's 14 starts (regular season plus playoffs) this season, while Houston has gone 'over' the total 60-37 vs. a starting AL pitcher whose WHIP is 1.20 or better.  Take the 'over.'  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Under in the New York Giants/Dallas Cowboys game.  The New York Giants have scored 9, 9, 13, and 16 points in their four games this season.  And three of the four have gone 'under' the total, with the lone game (NYG/SF) going 'over' the total by a single point.  But because of the propensity of the Cowboys to play high-scoring games (three of Dallas' four games have gone 'over'), the number for this game is the highest on a New York Giants game in almost two years, and the 2nd-highest in over 12 years.  We'll play on this game to go 'under,' as in the past 41 years, teams that have given up more than 31 points in each of their three previous games have gone 'under' the total 62.1% of the time.  And the 'under' also falls into 32-15, 69-43, 86-44, 61-28 and 84-41 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays 'under' the total.  The Wild Card round is over and now we move on to the Division Series which will be a best-of-five format.  They say timing is everything and certainly the Yankees are proving that.  In the regular season, the offense for New York's AL squad could barely hit the broad side of a barn, batting just .247.  But in their two games in the first round -- in which they made quick work of the Indians -- the Yanks batted .307 with a 1.06 OPS, the best such offensive numbers for any of the 16 MLB teams.  Now the question is -- can they keep that up?  They likely don't need to bat .307 tonight with their RH ace Gerrit Cole going to the mound.   Cole pitched the first game in the Cleveland series, and with a 3-of-5 format the Yanks might get to use him twice in this one and that could be huge for them.  He is a post-season machine, going 7-4 with a 2.60 ERA in 11 career playoff starts.  And he's be pitching with an extra day of rest tonight.  Likewise, Rays southpaw Blake Snell will be pitching with extra rest following his 5 2-3 scoreless innings in last week's 3-1 win over Toronto.  In Snell's last three starts, he's given up just 4 runs in 16 2-3 innings (2.16 ERA; 0.90 WHIP), and all three of those games went 'under' the total.  Even better:  27 of the last 46 meetings between the Yankees + Rays have gone 'under,' and I look for a relatively-low scoring game tonight.  Take the 'under.'  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the New York Jets/Denver Broncos game.  Through the season's first three weeks, the games have gone 'over' in 29 of the 48 games, with overall scoring up this year over last.  Neither of these teams has shown a propensity to stop their opponent's offense.  The Broncos have allowed 70 points over their first three games (and would have allowed much more, but for Titans' kicker Stephen Gostkowski missing several FGs and XPs in Week 1). Meanwhile, the Jets have given up 27, 31 and 36 in their first three games.  This over/under is the 2nd-lowest number of the 64 games scheduled thus far.  And, by my math, it's too low.  Indeed, the 'over' falls into a Totals system of mine which has cashed 72% since 1996.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Denver Nuggets/Los Angeles Clippers game.  This will be the Nuggets' fourth straight "Game 7" dating back to last year's playoffs.  In 2019, the Nuggets played Game 7s vs. the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers.  This season, Denver downed Utah in a Game 7 earlier this month, and now it will play another decisive game tonight.  Each of Denver's other Game 7s easily went 'under' the total -- and by very large margins.  Its game vs. San Antonio sailed under by 31.5 points; the Portland game went under by 15; and the Game 7 win over Utah went under by 59.5 points.  These two teams have gone under 4-0-2 in the last six meetings, and 21-9-3 under in the last 33 meetings.  Finally, the 'under' falls into 87-47 and 63-33 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Toronto Raptors/Boston Celtics Game 6.  The first five games of this series have each gone 'under' the total, which has driven down the number from 217.5 in Game 1 to 210 for this Game 6.  Some may take the 'over' today because of the relative "value,", but consider that each of the five games have also gone 'under' 210, as well.  Indeed, the average score of the five games in this series has been just 201.4 points.  The Celtics have now played seven straight 'unders' and 10 of their past 11, while the Raptors have gone 'under' in seven of eight.  And, dating back to the 2018 post-season, the Celtics have gone 'under' in 21 of 28 Playoff games, including 15-1 'under' when priced from 205 to 219.  This will be another low-scoring game.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets 'under' the total.  The first two games of this series were extremely high scoring.  Game 1 saw the Nuggets win, in overtime, 135-125, while Game 2 went to the Jazz, 124-105.  I actually look for a much lower-scoring game this afternoon, as NBA playoff games have sailed 'under' the total 60% of the time  since 1992 following two games in the series that each produced 225+ points.  Even better:  this series has gone 'under' the total in 21 of the last 29 meetings. Take the Under.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:40 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Philadelphia/Seattle game.  These two teams met earlier this season -- here in Philly -- and the Seahawks won a very low-scoring game, 17-9.  And that's been par for the course for Philadelphia here, as the Eagles have now gone 'under' the total in their last six (and in 24 of their last 34) home games.  And they've also gone 'under' the total 7-1-1 in their last nine home NFL Playoff games.  Additionally, the 'under' is 33-18 in competitively-priced games with point spreads less than 3.  And this game (to go 'under') also falls into a 23-3 Totals system of mine, which is statistically-based.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always, Al McMordie.

At 4:35 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Buffalo/Houston game.  The Buffalo Bills have now played six straight games that totaled 41 or less points.  And outside of their two games vs. Miami, none of their other 14 games equaled the posted total for this game.  And it's not just on the defensive side of the ball where points are hard-earned; the Bills, themselves, have scored just 6, 17, and 17 in their three previous games.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for yet another low-scoring Buffalo game on this Saturday.  But knee-jerk reactions are often the wrong move.  Indeed, teams (like Buffalo) that scored 42 or less points over their three previous games have gone 'over' the total 75 percent of the time over the last 26 seasons.  And these two teams also fall into 57-33 and 53-32 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Pittsburgh/Cleveland game.  This is a critical game for the AFC Playoff picture.  And the victor will be in a very good position to eventually snag the 6th, and final wild card spot.  Last week, the Cleveland Browns had their best offensive day of the season, when they scored 41 points vs. Miami.  And over his last three games, QB Baker Mayfield has been excellent, with seven touchdowns, and just one interception.  Over those three games, the Browns have averaged 27 ppg on offense.  The Steelers' offense has sputtered lately, so they've made a change at the quarterback position, and will start Devlin "Duck" Hodges, the former Samford star (and all-time FCS passing leader, with 14,584 career yards).  Hodges made one start earlier this season, and it was a positive one, as the Steelers went into Los Angeles, and upset the Chargers, 24-17.  I've liked what I've seen of Hodges when he's played this season (both in that start vs. the Charges, and as a relief QB).  And he's a definite upgrade over the erstwhile starter, Mason Rudolph.  This will be a relatively-high scoring game.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the KC Chiefs/Los Angeles Chargers game.  Kansas City's last three games have each gone 'over' the total, and those three games combined for 171 total points (55, 49 and 67).  But I look for a lower scoring game tonight, as NFL games have gone UNDER 167-117 (59%) since 1980, including 15-4 (79%) UNDER on Monday Night Football, when the O/U line was 47+ points -- provided one of the teams was off 3 OVERS, and its previous three games combined to exceed 160 total points.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the OVER in the Los Angeles Rams/Chicago Bears game.  Both of these teams enter tonight's contest off a string of relatively-low scoring games.  The Bears' last three games have all gone 'under' the total, while the Rams have gone 'under' in four straight games.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another low scoring game here, especially since last season's game between these two teams only produced 21 points (Chicago 15 Los Angeles 6).  But, over the last 40 seasons, match-ups between two teams that have each gone 'under' the total in each of their previous three games actually go 'OVER' the total more often than not.  Even better:  the Rams have gone 'OVER' the total in 12 of their last 13 games when they had gone 'under' in each of their four previous games, and they've also gone 'over' the total 33 of 55 games if their opponent was off three 'unders.'  Likewise, since 1980, the Bears have gone 'over' the total 62% of the time if their opponent was off four 'unders.'  Finally, the 'OVER' falls into a totals system of mine which is 61-34 since 1980.  Take the 'OVER.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs to go 'over' the total.  Trae Young (26.8 ppg) has been upgraded to 'probable,' and that's all I needed to pull the trigger on this game to go 'over' the total.  San Antonio is running a lot more this season, now that Dejounte Murray is healthy again (after missing last season).  Murray was one of the lone bright spots for the Spurs in their loss to the Lakers on Sunday, as he totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes.  And one can see what his presence in the line-up this year has done for the team's offensive strategy, as a whole.  This season, the Spurs rank #1 in fastbreak points per game (19.8), compared to ranking #30 last season (10.3 ppg).  And their pace of play has jumped from #22 to #11.  It's true that Murray is on a minutes restriction (24) and won't play on back-to-back nights for the first part of this season.  But that's not a problem in this game, since the Spurs are rested, and don't play again until Thursday.  So, he'll be on the floor.  I look for a relatively-high scoring game tonight.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys Under the total.  Each of these two teams come into this game off a string of relatively-high scoring games.  Dallas' last three games have produced 58, 46 and 47 points, while the New York Giants' last three games have generated 49, 48 and 57 points.   The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another high-scoring game, especially since the first meeting (in Week 1) between these two teams resulted in a 52-point game.  But match-ups between division rivals -- with Over/Under lines greater than 47 points -- have gone UNDER the total 62% of the time since 1980 if previous three games for each of the two teams resulted in 43+ points being scored.  Take the UNDER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz 'over' the total.  These two teams met just four days ago, and the Jazz held the Clippers to just 96 points, in a 110-96 win.  That was the only time this season that Los Angeles failed to score more than 100 points.  Of course, it also must be noted that Kawhi Leonard (and his 29.2 points per game) were in street clothes for that game.  In the five games that Leonard has been on the court, the Clippers have averaged 117.8 points per game.  The over/under for the first meeting was 216.5 points, and this number opened much lower, despite the fact that Leonard will play.  I believe it's an over-reaction to the result of the first meeting, as well as to the fact that both teams have gone 'under' the total by more than 10 points in each of their three previous games.  That's certainly not a common situation.  But it happened last season when Detroit and Philadelphia met on December 7.  The 76ers had gone 'under' the total by 14, 13.5 and 13 points in their three previous games, while the Pistons had gone 'under' by 19, 24.5 and 15.5 points in their three previous games.  But the two teams combined for 228 points, and sailed 'over' the total.  The Clippers have gone 'over' the total in 13 of their last 15 games when favored, and playing with revenge.  And the 15 games also averaged 232.4 ppg.  This game will be very high-scoring.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the 'OVER' in the Atlanta/Miami game.  These two teams played a few nights back, and the Heat won that game, 112-97.  The over/under line in that game was 224.5, so tonight's number is significantly less than what was offered for that game.  Admittedly, Atlanta guard Trae Young will be out tonight, but this over/under line is somewhat of an over-reaction.  The Hawks have gone 'over' the total in 39 of 59 home games off a loss, including 12-4 'over' vs. division rivals.  Also, the 'over' falls into a system of mine which has cashed 60.4% since 1990.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros 'under' the total.  In their worst nightmare the Nationals probably wouldn't have imagined the first three home World Series games played in DC in almost a century in which they would score a total of three runs on only 17 hits.  But that's what happened in Games 3-5 over the weekend and now the Nats must figure out a way to get some runs across the plate on the road.  Sure, they were able to do that in Game 2, but they were also held to two runs on six hits through the first six innings of that one thanks to some solid pitching by starter Justin Verlander.  Verlander gets the call again tonight opposite Nats' ace Stephen Strasburg, so this is the same match-up as that Game 2.  The Houston bullpen imploded in that one, but it has really settled down of late.  In the three games in DC, Astros' relievers allowed a total of just one run on four hits in 10 1/3 combined innings.  The under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings of these two teams in Houston and 16-6 in Verlander's last 22 starts vs. teams with winning records.  Take the 'under.'  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Tennessee Titans/Los Angeles Chargers game.  On the surface, this looks like it will be a very low-scoring game.  The Chargers' last five games have averaged 36.8 ppg, while the Titans' last five games have averaged 10 points less, at 26.8 ppg.  And each of those 10 games have gone 'under' the total.  So, the knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another 'under' here.  But such knee-jerk reactions are often wrong.  Indeed, over the last 40 years, NFL teams have gone 'over' 65% of the time if one team played its last 5 (or more) games 'under' the total, and its opponent played its last 3 (or more) games 'under' the total, and the Over/Under line was 42 or less points.  And the Titans have gone 57-30 'over' the total after scoring less than 14 points in their previous game, if the Over/Under line in their current game was 42 or less points.  Take the Chargers and Titans 'over' the total.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Washington/Miami game.  These two teams have combined to go 0-9 this season, and are arguably the two worst teams in football.  It's true that each team lacks skilled offensive players, which would greatly explain why Miami has yet to score two touchdowns in a game, and why Washington (after QB Case Keenum's injury) has been unable to score twice in either of its two previous games.  Of course, it must also be noted that both teams have played strong defenses this season.  Washington has faced New England, Chicago, Dallas and Philly, while Miami has also gone up New England and Dallas, and played the Chargers and Baltimore, as well.  Thus, today's game is a significant departure for each team, as far as the defense it will face (Washington gives up 30.2 ppg; Miami surrenders 40.7 ppg).  I expect both offenses to move the ball, and for this game to be relatively high-scoring.  Indeed, since 1986, NFL match-ups (at Game 3 forward) between two teams whose defenses have each given up more than 30 points per game have gone 'over' the total 64.2% of the time.  Take the 'over.'  NFL Non-Conference Total of the Month!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals 'under' the total.  At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals 'under' the total.  The Nats won their first NLDS in dramatic fashion, taking two of three victories on the road.  So they shouldn't mind starting this series in St. Louis, especially knowing that they finished the season with a better record than the Cards.  Having used all of their "Big 3" pitchers (Strasburg, Scherzer, Corbin) in some capacity over the last two games, the Nats will turn to veteran RH Anibal Sanchez.  The 35-year-old very quietly had a solid season for DC (11-8; 3.85 ERA in 30 starts) as well as a great performance in his Game 2 start of the NLDS (5 IP; 1 ER; 4 H; 9K; 2 BB).  And although the sample size is small, Sanchez seems to like pitching at Busch Stadium.  In three starts here, Sanchez is 1-0 with a very nice 2.60 ERA.  The Cards will go with RH Miles Mikolas and the under is 5-0-1 in Mikolas' last six home starts vs. teams with a winning record, and 9-1-2 in his last 12 overall vs. winning teams.  Take the 'under.'  MLB High Roller Total. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto/Golden State game 'under' the total.  These two teams went under the total in Game 5.  But the only reason it was close to the number was due to the opening quarter.  The two teams combined for 62 points in the 1Q, and 73 points in the first 14 minutes, 14 seconds.  But, of course, Kevin Durant was on the floor for much of that time period.  Thus, following the Durant injury, the two teams combined for 138 points over the final 33 minutes, 46 seconds, which extrapolates to 196.16 if that rate of scoring would apply for the full 48 minutes.  And that lines up almost perfectly with Game 4, which had a final score of 105-92.  The 'under' also falls into 139-92 and 85-45 Totals systems of mine.  This will be a very low-scoring game.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:30 pm, on Saturday, our selection is on the 'under' in the Game 6 between Toronto and Milwaukee.  The two teams combined for just 204 points in Game 5, which was the lowest aggregate total yet for the two teams in this Playoff series.  And Game 5 was a full 18 points less than Game 4.  As such, Game 5 went 'under' the total by 11.5 points!  I look for another low-scoring game on Saturday night, as #1-seeded teams, off an upset home loss, and now facing elimination on the road, have gone 'under' the total 78% since 1990.  Even better:  NBA Finals and Conference Finals games have gone 'under' the total 61.7% of the time if the two teams combined to go 'under' the total in their previous game by at least 8 points.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Houston/Golden State Game.  These two teams combined for just 203 points in Game 5, and it easily went 'under' the 221 Total.  I look for another very low-scoring game tonight, as this series has gone 'under' the total much more often than not.  Indeed, in the last 50 meetings, the 'under' has cashed 66% (33-17 'under'), including 16-6 'under' in the Playoffs.  Additionally, the Rockets have now gone 'under' in 23 of their last 32 Playoff games when they were not leading in the series, including 6-0 'under' when they were favored by more than 5 points.  And since Steve Kerr became head coach, the Warriors have gone 'under' the total in 18 of 23 games where they were priced as an underdog of +2.5 to +8 points.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Toronto/Philadelphia game.  The Raptors have gone 'under' the total in six of seven Playoff games this season.  And they haven't been close.  Indeed, in the Orlando series, the first four games went 'under' by 7, 19.5, 20, and 14 points, while the 5th game did go 'over' the total, but by just 5 points.  And this series is following down a similar path, as Games 1 + 2 have gone 'under' the total by 20 and 36.5 points.  In the Magic series, the oddsmakers were slow to adjust, as the first three games had totals of 212, 212.5 and 211.  Here, in this series, the oddsmakers have adjusted a bit more, as the first three games have had lines of 223, 219.5 and (currently) 216.5 for tonight's game.  But, based on my numbers, the line should be significantly lower, still.  Philly has gone 'under' in 27 of its last 40 home Playoff games, while Toronto has gone 'under' in 14 of its last 20 road Playoff games.  Finally, the total falls into 91-55, 89-54, 99-67, 22-12, 137-91 and 33-13 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Los Angeles/Golden State game.  The #1-seeded Warriors surrendered 129 points to the Clippers in Game 5, and that won't sit well with coach Steve Kerr.  Indeed, it was the 4th-worst defensive effort by his team in 88 Playoff since he's become head coach.  But after giving up 115+ points in a playoff game under Kerr, the Warriors have generally rebounded with a much better defensive effort, as they've gone 'under' the total 64% of the time.  And that dovetails with the Warriors' results, generally, off a loss since Kerr became coach, as they're 63-44 'under' the total after losing their previous game.  Moreover, dating back to 1993, #1-seeded teams have gone 'under' the total 79% of the time as road favorites (or PK) off an upset home loss in the Playoffs.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets to go 'under' the total.  San Antonio is in a 'must-win' situation tonight, as it is down 3-games-to-2.  And one of the things I love to do is play on the 'under' in "elimination" games, if the team in the 'must-win' position is favored, and off a double-digit loss.  Since 1991, such teams have gone 'under' the total 59.3% of the time.  The 'under' also falls into 73-51 and 84-43 Totals systems of mine.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Toronto/Orlando game.  We played on the 'under' in Game 2, and it easily sailed under the closing 211 number, as Toronto won, 98-93.  The number is a bit lower today, but the oddsmakers have yet to catch up to the rightful number.  Indeed, the three games in this Playoff series have gone 'under' all three times, by 7.5, 19.5 and 20 points.  And if we go back to the regular season, six of the seven meetings this season have gone 'under' (as have 14 of the last 19 meetings).  The Magic are 39-19 'under' off a straight-up loss, including 14-0 'under' their last 14 when priced from +4 to +9.5 points.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto/Orlando game to go 'under' the total.  The first two games of this series went 'under' the total.  And that's been "par for the course" in this series, as these two teams also went 'under' in three of their four meetings in the regular season this year (and 13 of the last 18, dating back to 2014).  The 'under' also falls into a super NBA Playoffs Totals system of mine which is 136-89 (60.4%) since 1991.  Take the 'under.'

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Los Angeles/Golden State game.  The #1-seeded Warriors blew a 31-point lead in Game 2, and they fell to the Clippers, 135-131.  That was the 2nd-most points the Warriors have given up all season, and the reason was their defense in the 2nd half.  Golden State actually led 73-50 at halftime.  But it shockingly gave up 85 points in the 2nd half.  Coach Steve Kerr will no doubt emphasize defense for this road game at Staples Center.  And it should comfortably sail under the total, which is a very high number.  Indeed, dating back to 1991, #1-seeded teams have gone 'under' the total 83% of the time as road favorites (or PK) off an upset loss at home in the Playoffs.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3 pm, on Sunday, our selection is on the "OVER" in the Pro Bowl.  The line on this game opened signficantly higher, at 60 points, and has come down.  There is rain in the weather forecast for Sunday morning (40% chance), but it is expected to subside by the start of this game.  There's great value at this price, as six of the last nine Pro Bowls have gone 'over' the total, with the average combined score equaling 69.67 ppg. Take the Over.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6:40 pm, on Sunday, our selection is on the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots to go 'over' the total.  These two teams played in October, and the over/under was 59.5 points.  The Patriots won 43-40, and the game sailed OVER the total by 23.5 points.  Now, for this Playoff game, the Over/Under has opened a couple of points lower, which provides us with good value, in my opinion.  Moreover, NFL games, like this one, with very high totals (57 points or higher) generally go OVER the number, as they've gone 19-6-1 OVER since 1980, including a perfect 7-0-1 OVER if it's the last 4 weeks of the regular season, or the Playoffs.  Also, the Patriots have had a stark tendency to play high-scoring Playoff games.  Since 2010, they've gone OVER 14-6-1.  Take the OVER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1:05 pm, on Sunday, our selection is on the New England Patriots and LA Chargers to go 'over' the total, as it falls into Totals systems of mine that are 52-23 and 32-10.  After missing the Playoffs following their 2008 season, the Patriots have qualified for the post-season every single year.  And, even more impressively, they've owned one of the top 2 seeds (and, thus, at least one home game) in each of these 10 seasons.  And they've been a solid bet to go 'over' the total when playing at home, or on neutral fields.  And especially when the over/under line was greater than 43 points, as they've gone 'over' the total 13-4-1.  It's true that the Chargers have gone 'under' the total their last three games.  But they didn't face a quality offense in those three games (Ravens (twice); Broncos).  The last two times that the Chargers faced a potent offense (Chiefs, Steelers), they went 'over' the total in both games.  Finally, since 1980, in Playoff games between two teams that entered off 'unders' in their previous game, 58% have gone 'over' the total when the over/under line was 43+ points.  Take the 'over.'  NFL Total of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:40 pm, on Sunday, our selection is on the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles OVER the total.  The Eagles had a great season last year, and also had a great Playoffs run, as they held the Falcons to 10 points, and the Vikings to just seven points in their two NFC wins before winning the Super Bowl, 41-33, vs. New England.  But without a doubt, the fact that they had the #1 seed, and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs was a major factor in their success (and ability to hold the Falcons and Vikings to 17 points combined).  This season, it's a completely different story, as they won't play any of their games at home.  And that's problematic, as their defense didn't play well at all this season against teams that are currently in the Playoffs, and especially not on the road.  Philly had six regular season games against other current Playoff teams, and 10 games against teams that failed to make the Playoffs.  In those 6 games against Playoff competition, the Eagles' defense gave up 173 points for an average of 28.8 per game!  And on the road that defensive number ballooned to 33.3 ppg.  In contrast, the Eagles' defense gave up just 17.5 ppg vs. non-playoff teams (and just 16.8 in its road games vs. non-Playoff teams).  This will be a high-scoring game.  Take the 'over.'  NFL Conference Playoff Total of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders to go 'under' the total.  Both the Chiefs and Raiders have below average-defenses.  The Raiders are giving up a staggering 28.8 ppg, while KC is surrendering 27.9 ppg.  The Chiefs, though, have gone 'under' the total 12-0-1 as a home favorite when matched up against a defense which gives up 28.6 or more ppg.  And, yes, it's true that the Chiefs have played their last five games 'over' the total.  However, since 1980, teams off 5 (or more) straight 'overs' have gone 'under' the total more often than not, including 61.2% in their final regular season game.  I also have 166-99, 74-37 and 86-44 Totals systems on the 'under,' and I expect a relatively low-scoring game on Sunday afternoon.  Take the 'under.'  NFL Total of the Month!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the New England/NY Jets game.  The last five meetings between these two teams have gone 'under' the total.  And that's the way we'll look in this game, as the 'under' falls into a 94-57 Totals system of mine.  Additionally, the Jets lost at home last week, in overtime, 44-38, to the Green Bay Packers.  The over/under line for that game was 47.5, so it went 'over' the total by 34.5 points.  But teams that go significantly 'over' the total one week, tend to play lower-scoring games the next.  And especially if they were at home for the (first) higher-scoring game, and are now on the road for the (second) lower-scoring game.  Indeed, NFL teams that went 'over' the total at home by more than 31 points in their previous game have gone 'under' the total 69.6% of the time on the road when the line was 42+ points.  Take the 'under.'  AFC East Total of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers to go 'over' the total.  The Saints scored just 12 points last week.  But they generally bounce back on offense after such poor games.  And New Orleans has gone 'over' the total 86% under coach Sean Payton after not scoring 14+ points in their previous game.  And the Saints have also gone 'over' the total in 30 of 39 non-division home games vs. winning teams off a straight-up win.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Under in the Carolina/Atlanta game.  The Panthers have shelved star QB Cam Newton for their final two games of the season and will give backup QB Taylor Heinicke his first two career starts.  Heinicke has thrown just five passes in his NFL career, so it's an understatement to say nobody really knows what to expect from him this afternoon.  However, one thing I do expect is that Carolina's defense will play very well once again today.  Last week, it shut down the high-flying New Orleans offense, and held Drew Brees & Co. to just 12 points.  Nine of the last 11 meetings between these two teams have gone 'under' the total, including all five played here in Carolina.  And games between two losing teams (with win percentages below .450), in the final two weeks of the season, have gone 'under' the total 95 of 152 games (62.5%) since 1980.  Take the 'under.'  NFL Total of the Week!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Bucs to go 'over' the total.  Tampa Bay has generally played high-scoring games away from home, and low-scoring games at home.  To wit;  Tampa has gone 'over' the total in 13 of its last 16 road games (compared to going under in 14 of its last 18 home games).  I look for that trend to continue on this Sunday, and especially given that the Cowboys have gone 'over' the total in five of their last six home games.  Take the 'over.'

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to go 'under' the total.  After giving up 134 points in a four-week stretch from October 14 thru November 4, the Browns defense has played very well, and has averaged just 20.2 ppg over their last five games.  Not surprisingly, four of those five games went 'under' the total.  Additionally, the last five games between these two teams played here in Cleveland have gone 'under.'  And the Browns' final home game of the season has gone 'under' 13-4-1 the past 18 seasons.  Take the 'under.'

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Kansas City/Los Angeles game.  The Chiefs have gone 'over' the total in their last three games, while the Chargers have gone 'over' in two of their past three.  And both teams are scoring a lot of points this year, as the Chargers average over 28 ppg, and the Chiefs average over 36 ppg.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to play on the 'over,' but consider that NFL games between two teams that each average 28+ ppg on offense have gone UNDER the total 64.8% since 1980, if at least one of the two teams played its three previous games 'over' the total.  The 'under' also falls into two other totals systems of mine that have records of 85-43 and 76-36 since 1980.  This game will be low-scoring.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens under the total.  The Chiefs have racked up 37 points per game, which is #1 in the NFL.  But they will find it much more difficult to score on Sunday afternoon vs. this Ravens defense, which ranks #1 in both yards (281.7) and points (17.8) per game.  To wit:  the Chiefs have played only one other team currently ranked among the Top 5 in defensive yards given up (Jacksonville), and that was the 2nd lowest-scoring game (30-14) that KC has played all season, and it easily went 'under' the total.  The Chiefs are 3-0-1 'under' the total in their last four home games, 8-1-1 'under' in their last 10 at home, and 19-6-1 their last 26.  Finally, the 'under' falls into a 59-27 Totals system of mine.  Take the 'under.'  NFL Total of the Week. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Houston/Indianapolis game.  After giving up an average of 27 ppg in their first four contests, the Texans have played MUCH BETTER defense over their last eight games.  Houston hasn't given up more than 23 points in any of its last eight, and has averaged just 15.8 ppg on defense.  Not surprisingly, five of these eight games have gone 'under' the total.  Last week, Indianapolis completely failed to score in a 6-0 shutout loss to Jacksonville.  And that was the 3rd straight game the Colts have played 'under' the total.  With NFL teams off shutout losses going 'under' in 28 of their last 42 games, I look for a relatively low-scoring game here.  Take the 'under.'

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Tampa Bay/New Orleans game.  After scoring an average of 43.7 points over their previous four games, the Saints' offense sputtered last week, when it tallied just 10 points, in a 13-10 loss at Dallas.  And that was the 3rd straight New Orleans game that went 'under' the total.  Likewise, Tampa Bay has been playing 'unders' lately, with 3 of its last 4 games going 'under.'  I look for a low-scoring game in Central Florida, as Tampa Bay has gone 'under' in 23 of 30 home games with lines of 47+ points, including 13-2 'under' if the Bucs were installed as a home underdog of 3+ points.  Additionally, the 'under' falls into a 163-97 Totals system of mine.  Take the 'under.'

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Detroit Lions/Los Angeles Rams game.  The Rams enter this game off 3 extremely high-scoring games (45-35, 36-31 and 54-51).  The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another high-scoring game, given that Detroit has also gone 'over' the total in a majority of its contests.  But consider that favorites (like Los Angeles) that gave up 100+ points on defense over their last three games, while going over the total in each by at least 5+ points, have then gone 'under' the total 80 percent (24-6) of the time.  Even better:  games involving double-digit home underdogs have sailed 'under' the total 24 of the last 31.  Take the 'under.'

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Tampa Bay/Carolina game.  Tampa Bay has played 12 of its last 16 home games 'under' the total, including last week's 27-9 victory over San Francisco.  And since 1980, teams that held their previous opponent to less than 10 points have gone 'under' the total 71% of the time when the line was greater than 54 points.  Even better:  the Panthers have gone 'under' 57-33 when they've been favored by more than 3 points, including 26-9 when playing a division rival.  Finally, the 'under' falls into 162-97 and 55-24 Totals Systems of mine.  This will be a relatively low-scoring game.  Take the 'under.'  NFL Total of the Week!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons 'UNDER' the total.  Both of these teams went UNDER the total last week.  And division games have gone UNDER the total 161-118-2 when both teams went 'under' in their previous game, the line was 43+ points.  Additionally, the 'under' falls into 70-36 and 79-43 Totals systems of mine.  This will be a relatively-low scoring game.  Take the 'under.'  NFL Total of the Week. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12:30 pm, our NFC NORTH DIVISION TOTAL OF THE MONTH is on the 'under' in the Chicago/Detroit game.  These two teams met just 11 days ago in Chicago.  The Bears won a high-scoring contest, 34-22, as a 7-point favorite.  In the NFL, when two teams met two games back, and played a high-scoring game that went 'over' the total, the rematch has gone 'under' the total 58% of the time.  The Under also falls into a 158-97 Totals System of mine.  Take the Bears and Lions UNDER.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Arizona/Oakland game.  Both of these two teams have been hemorrhaging points on defense.  In their last four games, the Raiders have given up 27, 42, 34 and 20 points (30.75 ppg), while Arizona has given up 27, 45, 15 and 26 points (28.25 ppg).  The over falls into 79-56, 110-73 and 159-108 systems of mine.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens to go 'under' the total.  The Ravens have issues at the quarterback position for this game, as starter Joe Flacco is out with a hip injury.  Thus, rookie first-round pick, Lamar Jackson, is going to get the nod, with Robert Griffin III to serve as his back-up.  Regardless, though, of who is going to be under center for Baltimore, I love the UNDER.  Baltimore has played six of its last seven UNDER the total.  And 12 of its last 16 home divisional match-ups have sailed UNDER the total.  The Ravens also have gone UNDER in 20 of their last 24 games that were priced between 43.5 and 49.5 points, including 9-1 UNDER if the Ravens were favored in those games by 4+ points.  The Bengals also will be without their best offensive player, A.J. Green.  Take the Ravens/Bengals UNDER the total.  AFC North Total of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Los Angeles Rams/Seattle Seahawks game.  This is the 2nd meeting this season between the Rams and Seahawks.  The first meeting was won in high-scoring fashion by the Rams, 33-31.  But since that game, the Rams have gone 'under' the total in three of their four games, while Seattle has gone 'under' the total in all three of its games. Moreover, in division games with over/under lines of 47 or more points, the games have gone 'under' 69 percent of the time if both teams scored 28+ points in the season's previous meeting.  Finally, nine of Seattle's last 11 road games (and 14 of its last 19 road division games) have gone 'under' the total.  Take the 'under.' NFL Total of the Month.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Buffalo Bills/Chicago Bears game.  The Bills offense is certainly moribund right now.  They've scored just 6 and 5 points in their last two games.  And their 87-point total through eight games is the lowest in franchise history.  Of course, the over/under line reflects Buffalo's ineptitude.  But we're now at the point where there's value in betting on a relatively high-scoring game.  Indeed, over the last 31 seasons, NFL teams that scored less than 12 points combined over their two previous games have gone 'over' the total 97-62.  Take the 'over' in the Bears/Bills game.  NFL Total of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Indianapolis/Oakland game.  The Indianapolis Colts' last four games have produced 71, 62, 76 and 42 points.  And they've gone 'over' the total by an average of 15.38 points per game.  Likewise, Oakland's last four games have gone 'over' the total by an average of 2.75 ppg.  Also, the Colts have gone 'over' 28-15-1 in their last 44 road games, while Oakland's gone 'over' 24-12-2 its last 38 home games.  This will be very high-scoring.  Take the 'over.'  NFL Total of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Tampa Bay/Atlanta game. Both of these teams have been involved in very high-scoring games of late, which has helped to move this total to a very high number. The problem for both teams is primarily on defense. The Falcons are off three straight losses, and have surrendered 121 points over their last 3 games, while Tampa is off two straight defeats, and has given up 78 points over those two games. The knee-jerk reaction might be to play on the 'over,' but faithful followers know I'm a contrarian at heart. Indeed, NFL teams that gave up 121+ points over their previous three games have gone 'under' the 70.9% over the past 38 years. Last season, for example, the Buffalo Bills gave up 54, 47 and 34 in their previous three games before holding the Chiefs to 10 points, in a 16-10 win (easily going under the 47.5 point total). Likewise, last season, the Broncos had given up 29, 51 and 41 in their previous three games before holding the Bengals to 20, and also going 'under' the total. I look for a similar result, here. Also, Dan Quinn's Falcons have gone 'under' the total in 19 of 29 games off a loss, while the Buccaneers have gone 'under' 31-13-1 off a loss if the line was 46+ points. Take the 'under.' NFL Division Total of the Year. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie. And don't miss my NFL Game of the Month, as we're on a 20-4 Run.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Buffalo/Houston game.  The Texans' quarterback, Deshaun Watson has been upgraded to 'probable,' which was all I needed to pull the trigger on this game to go 'over' the total.  Last year, Deshaun Watson made six starts before he suffered a season-ending injury, and the Texans averaged 34.67 points per game.  Not surprisingly, the 'over' was 5-1.  This season, in five starts, the Texans have gone 'over' in two of the five.  Thus, Houston has gone 'over' in seven of his 10 starts.  But it must be noted that, in two of the three 'unders,' the games came extremely close to going 'over,' missing by 2.5 and 4 points.  Overall, his 10 starts have sailed 'over' the total by an AVERAGE of 11.7 ppg.  This will be a high-scoring game.  Take the 'over.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our NFL Total of the Month is on the 'under' in the Los Angeles Chargers/Oakland Raiders game.  This season, the Oakland Raiders' games have averaged 55 points per game (24.25 offense; 30.75 defense), while the Chargers' games have averaged 57.75 points (27.75 offense; 30 defense).  The knee-jerk reaction, then, might be to play the 'over' in this contest, but consider that games with Over/Under lines greater than 41 points, between two teams that each average 22.8 ppg, have gone 'under' the total 194 of 337 games, if one or both of the teams have gone 'over' the total in each of their three previous games, including a perfect 5-0 'under' last season.  The 'under' has gone 24-6-1 the last 31 times the Raiders have visited the Chargers.  Take the 'under.'  NFL Total of the Month.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Seattle/Arizona game.  The Seattle Seahawks have played their last two games 'under' the total, while Arizona's gone 'under' in each of its last three games.  But we will run the other way, and look for a relatively high-scoring game on Sunday.  Indeed, Seattle has gone 'over' the total EIGHT STRAIGHT times off back to back Unders, while Arizona had gone 'over' the total in seven of its last eight (and 16 of its last 21) games after going 'under' in its last three games.  That's one reason, I like the 'over' in this game.  Another is that the 'over' falls into a Totals System of mine which has cashed 114 of 174 since 1980.  Take the 'over.'  NFL Total of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Chicago Bears/Arizona Cardinals game.  The Chicago Bears have scored 23 and 24 points in their first two games, while Arizona has given up 24 and 34 in its first two.  Arizona ranks among the bottom 7 teams in defensive efficiency, so I have no doubt the Bears are going to be able to move the ball into the end zone.  Arizona also should bounce back on offense after its shutout loss.  After all, that shutout was against the Rams, who own the league's very best scoring defense, and who were widely projected going into the season to have the #1 defense this year.  And it also was in Arizona's first road game of the year, while this game is at home.  Indeed, since 1980, teams that were shut out in their first road game of the season have rebounded to score, on average, 19.93 points per game, if that next game was at home.  Finally, teams (like Arizona) off back-to-back unders to start the season tend to go 'over' the total in Week 3, including 82-51 since 1980 if the line was less than 40 points, and 26-12 (regardless of the O/U line) the last five seasons.  Take the 'over.'  NFL Total of the Month.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Seattle/Chicago game.  The Seahawks and Bears both lost their openers last week.  Chicago fell, 24-23, to Green Bay, while Seattle lost at Denver, 27-24.  Certainly, NFL teams are especially desperate in Week 2 coming off a loss in Week 1, as an 0-2 start to a season is a huge hole out of which to dig, should one aspire to make the Playoffs.  So, it's not surprising that match-ups between 0-1 teams have tilted toward the 'under' 57% of the time since 1980 (and 63% if both teams also happened to go 'over' in Week 1).  Likewise, Monday Night Football match-ups have also gone 'under' 65.2% since 1980 if both combatants are off a loss, and each went 'over' the total in their previous game.  Finally, Chicago's played 19 of its last 30 home games 'under' the total, while Seattle's gone 'under' in seven of its last eight road games off a loss.  Take the 'under.'  MNF Total of the Month!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the 'over' in the Cleveland Browns/Detroit Lions game.  Last week, the Browns shut out the Philadelphia Eagles, 5-0.  And Cleveland has now gone 'under' in each of its first three preseason games.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to look for another low-scoring game on this Thursday.  But consider that teams have gone OVER the total 69% of the time over the past 36 Preseasons after being involved in a game that produced less than 12 points.  And this game also falls into a 2nd Preseason Totals System of mine which is 37-19 since 1983.  Take the 'Over.'  NFL Preseason Total of the Year. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox 'under' the total.  Stephen Gonsalves is rated as the #4 prospect in the Minnesota Twins system.  The southpaw pitcher has been in professional ball since 2013, but he is just 23-years-old which gives you some idea of how talented Gonsalves was even as a high-schooler in San DIego.  With the injury to Ervin Santana, Gonsalves will make his MLB debut tonight at his new home ballpark against the Chicago White Sox.  Although the lefty isn't a particularly hard-thrower, he's had a very solid Minor League career, posting a 2.46 ERA in 113 games (108 starts) covering 599 innings throughout all the various levels from rookie ball to AAA.  So clearly Gonsalves deserves this opportunity.  RHP Lucas Giolito came into the season with high expectations after a successful sophomore campaign in Chicago.  But 2018 has been a huge disappointment with Giolito going 8-9 with a 6.15 ERA in 24 starts.  However, he's been much better on the road (4.54 ERA) this season than at home (8.17 ERA).  Not surprisingly, eight of his 12 home starts this season have gone 'over' the total, while just one of his 14 road starts the past two seasons have gone 'over' (10 'unders'; 1 'over'; and 3 'pushes').  Take the 'under.'

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Toronto/Boston game.  Both starting pitchers come into this game in fine form.  Rick Porcello has a 2.18 ERA and 0.67 WHIP over his last three starts.  Not to be outdone, Ryan Borucki's ERA in his last three starts is 0.90, while his WHIP is 0.85.  Boston is 114-90 'under' the total as a favorite, while Toronto is 14-5 'under' as a home underdog this season (and 28-13 'under' as a home underdog the past three seasons).  Take the 'under.'

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers 'under' the total.  J.A. Happ will get the start tonight after missing his last start due to contracting hand, foot and mouth disease.  Happ has been brilliant over his last three starts (1.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP), and his teams have gone 'under' in 70 of his 111 starts as a favorite, and in 66 of his 105 starts vs. losing foes.  Meanwhile, Texas is 50-28 'under' when priced from +150 to +200 on the road, and 31-20 'under' in its road games this season (regardless of the price).  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 8:10 pm, our selection is on the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers 'under' the total.  With the non-waiver trade deadline having passed, the Padres put Tyson Ross and Jordan Lyles on Waivers and they were both claimed (Ross by the Cards and Lyles by the Brewers) and San Diego did not rescind the moves.  So the Padres have some openings in the rotation -- which was not that deep to begin with.  It hasn't taken long for a deserving youngster to get his shot as 24-year-old RHP Brett Kennedy is being called up from AAA to start tonight for the Pads.  You'd be hard-pressed to find a kid in the minors more deserving than Kennedy based purely on the numbers.  In 16 starts at AAA El Paso, Kennedy is 10-0 with a 2.72 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 80 strikeouts with 77 hits allowed in 89 1/3 innings.  The Brewers have a dangerous line-up, but they've obviously never seen Kennedy before and they may find his ground ball-inducing pitches tough to handle the first few times through the order.  RHP Jhoulys Chacin goes for Milwaukee and the under is 17-8-1 in the Padres last 26 road games vs. RH starters, and 22-11 in the Padres' last 33 road games vs. winning teams.  Take the 'under.'  MLB Total of the Month.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Yankees/Orioles game.  Yefrey Ramirez and Masahiro Tanaka will battle tonight in the Bronx.  The Orioles have gone 'under' the total in 45 of 75 games as an underdog this season, while the Yankees have gone 'under' in 13 of 19 games as a favorite priced -200 or higher.  Moreover, Tanaka has gone 'under' in 36 of 61 home games, and has a 2.29 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over his last three starts.  This will be a low-scoring game.  Take the 'under.'

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Anaheim/Seattle game.  This match-up of AL West rivals features two southpaw starters:  Wade LeBlanc and Andrew Heaney.  LeBlanc has been super this season, with a 6-1 record, and a 3.25 ERA.  He has a solid 1.08 WHIP, and has gone 9-5-1 'under' in his 15 starts this season.  Meanwhile, Heaney is also strongly 'under' the total this season (11-6-1), and has a 2.31 ERA at home this year (6-3 'under').  Finally, the Mariners have gone 'under' 55-31 vs. pitchers with a 1.20 (or better) WHIP, while Anaheim is 110-79 'under' vs. winning teams.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Philadelphia/Cincinnati game.  This match-up will pit Philadelphia's southpaw rookie Ranger Suarez vs. Reds RHP Tyler Mahle.  Interestingly, this will be the first time in 667 days that a lefty has started a game for Philly.  And Suarez has been pitching very well this season, albeit for AA-Reading and AAA-Lehigh Valley.  At Reading, Suarez went 4-3 with a 2.76 ERA in 12 starts.  And, then, at Lehigh Valley, he's posted a 0.57 ERA over three starts.  Tonight, he will face a Reds team which has scored two runs or less in six of its last seven games.  And the Reds have gone 'under' the total in 14 of Mahle's 22 starts in his career.  Take the 'under.'  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds 'under' the total.  It's safe to say that Daniel Poncedeleon's path to the Majors has been different than anyone else's in recent history.  Fourteen months ago, he took a liner to the head when pitching for AAA Memphis and was rushed to the hospital for live-saving brain surgery.  The 26-year-old not only made a full recovery, but was back pitching for Memphis this season.  And he's been performing at a very high level, posting a 2.15 ERA in 18 games, including 17 starts, covering 92 innings.  The Reds will send RHP Luis Castillo to the mound for his 21st start of the season.  Castillo's overall numbers are nothing to write home about, but he has pitched much better lately and the Reds have won four of Castillo's last five starts.  In fact, his last start was against this Cardinals team and Castillo allowed two runs in five innings with five hits and no walks in an 8-2 victory.  This will be a low-scoring game.  Take the 'under.'  MLB Total of the Week.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:10 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets 'under' the total.  With each of these teams having played five games in the last four days, including a double-header here yesterday, they need to dig deep into their reserves to come up with starting pitchers for tonight.  For the Phillies, it will be 22 YO RH Enyel De Los Santos and for the Mets 28 YO RH Drew Gagnon.  De Los Santos is the Phillies #11 prospect, so putting him out there today makes some tactical sense since they are trying to swing a deal before the trade deadline.  A strong outing could raise his value in the eyes of some of the potential trading partners.  And I have no doubt that De Los Santos will pitch well, as he led the International League with a 1.89 ERA this season, and was slated to start in the Triple A's All Star Game tomorrow (before his call-up).  Gagnon has a lot of minor league experience having pitched in the Milwaukee and Anaheim systems before coming to the Mets.  He owns a 2.45 ERA in his last five starts at AAA Vegas.  It's safe to say the hitters on both teams won't know what's coming at them tonight (other than what they've seen in scouting reports and films).  The under is 7-1 in the Phils last eight overall and 12-3 in the Mets last 15 at home vs. teams with a losing road record.  And each of the previous six meetings this season between these two rivals has gone 'under' the total.  Take the 'under.'

At 2:00 pm, on Saturday, our selection is on Russia/Croatia 'under' the total of 2 goals.  Both of these sides advanced to the quarterfinals after winning via a shootout.  Croatia bested Denmark after that match remained deadlocked at a 1-1 score after 120 minutes.  Likewise, Russia defeated Spain to shock the 2010 World Cup champions after that match was deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time.  I expect Russia to likely again park the bus in back and do everything it can to take its chances with penalty kicks.  Russia survived Spain by controlling possession for 75% of that match while tallying 25 total shots.  The Bears have size, and they worked hard to prevent La Roja from scoring a winning goal on Sunday.  They also have an experienced quality keeper in Igor Akinfeev, who leads all remaining goalies in the World Cup with 14 saves.  But Russia has scored only one goal in their last two matches.  For Croatia, it looked like it was destined for a high-scoring affair with Denmark on Sunday when they broke a World Cup record for the fastest match to reach a 1-1 score after just four minutes.  But neither team could score for the next 116 combined minutes which led to that shootout finale.  The Blazers have only allowed two goals in their four World Cup matches -- after giving up only four goals in their 10 qualification matches -- so it will be very hard for the Russians to get much offense going when they are so focused on playing defense.  Take the under.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4:10 pm, our selection is on the 'under' in the Mets/Marlins game.  deGrom has gone 'under' the total in nine of his last 12 starts, which isn't surprising, given that he leads the league with a 1.69 ERA.  The Mets have also gone 'under' in 17 of 27 games off back to back losses, and 14 of 23 daytime games.  Take the Mets and Marlins to go 'under' in this afternoon game.