Sports Picks & Predictions

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Denver Broncos over Cleveland.  Last week, the Broncos were upset on the road by San Francisco, while Cleveland won outright as a home underdog vs. Carolina.  Since 1980, NFL home teams have cashed 63% off an upset road defeat if their opponent was off an upset home win.  Take Denver to blow out the Browns on Saturday night.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Pistons over Boston.  The Celtics have won eight straight, while Detroit has dropped six in a row.  Yet Boston is favored by a scant margin in this game.  This is a classic example of a sucker bet.  Indeed, consider that NBA road teams on win streaks of 5+ games that are not favored by more than 5 points against an opponent on a 5-game (or worse) losing streak have gone just 2-17 ATS over the past 11 years (and just 31% ATS over the past 29 years).  Take the points with Detroit.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders + the points over Toledo.  Nick McDevitt's first season as the Blue Raiders basketball coach hasn't gone as smoothly as he had hoped.  The Blue Raiders are 3-7 straight-up, and 0-8 ATS following their 22-point loss at Murray St. last weekend.  Tonight, they'll travel to Toledo, which is 9-1 SU and 5-4 ATS after its upset win at Marshall last Saturday.  Overall, the Rockets have won and covered two straight.  But Middle Tennessee is 59-35 ATS vs. foes off back to back SU/ATS wins, if that foe owns a winning point spread mark.  And the Rockets are a money-burning 3-11 ATS at home off an upset win in their previous game.  Finally, Middle Tennessee State falls into 492-279 and 395-213 ATS systems of mine that play on certain double-digit underdogs off a loss.  Take the points with the Blue Raiders.  NCAA High Roller Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the North Texas Mean Green + the points over Utah State.  The Mean Green have lost their last five games to the point spread.  But I love them to snap their streak this afternoon.  Indeed, since 1980, NCAA underdogs of 3.5 or more points have covered 83% in the post-season if they were on a 5-game (or worse) ATS losing streak.  Additionally, North Texas has covered eight of its last 10 vs. non-conference foes (and 19 of its last 28).  These two conferences (Conference USA + Mountain West) have met eight times in Bowl games over the past six season, with Conference USA dominating -- 6-2 ATS.  Take the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the St. Louis Blues.  After managing just five total goals in four consecutive games to begin the month, St. Louis' offense finally got going in its last game, netting four in a 4-3 victory over the Panthers.  Scoring has been a bit of an issue for the Blues all season, as they are averaging less than three goals per game (2.83) and in the month of November that number dropped to 2.64.  The Avalanche lost to the Blues, at home, earlier this year, and also come into this game off of back-to-back losses.  But one of those two defeats was against the red-hot Lightning, while the other was to an up-and-coming Oilers club, so they should get a bit of relief tonight in St. Louis against the 11-18 Blues.  Colorado's 11 road wins are tops in the Western Conference and second-best in the NHL (Toronto -- 12).  And, say what you want about the Avs up-and-down season so far, but they feature the most prolific line in the game with Nathan MacKinnon centered between wingers (captain) Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen.  Finally, the Blues are 2-8 in their 10 games coming off of a win this season.  Take Colorado.  NHL Payback Payday!  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks over Cleveland.  These two teams met earlier this week, and Milwaukee routed Cleveland by 16 points in a game which it never trailed.  Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't suit up for that game, but he'll be back on the court tonight.  He also played this past Wednesday, but Milwaukee was blown out by Indiana, 113-97, in that game.  I love the Bucks to bounce back tonight, as they're 6-2 ATS this season off a loss, while the Cavaliers are an awful 1-5 ATS this season off a win.  The Cavs pulled an upset in their previous game, here, at home vs. the Knicks.  Unfortunately, double-digit underdogs are a poor 13-39 ATS at home off an home upset win.  Take Milwaukee.  NBA Roadkill Winner!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over Boston.  The Pens were on a 6-2-2 streak before their 6-3 loss on Wednesday, at Chicago.  But I expect them to bounce back at home, tonight, vs. Boston.  The home team has won each of the past eight meetings in this series.  And the Penguins will also get back the services of #1 netminder, Matt Murray, who was activated off injured reserve earlier this week.  In his career, Murray is 3-2 with a 2.73 GAA vs. Boston.  And, finally, Mike Sullivan's squad are a solid 48-17, +23 games on the money line, off a loss by 2+ goals in their previous game.  Take Pittsburgh.  NHL High Roller Winner! Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

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 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Golden State Warriors minus the points over Toronto.  In the Steve Kerr era, the Warriors have been terrific at home in the regular season when playing teams off wins, if their opponent had to play the night before, as they've cashed 73%.  Even better:  the Warriors lost in Toronto to the Raptors last month.  But Golden State is 76.1% in the Kerr era when playing with revenge in the regular season vs. a foe off a straight-up win.  Take Golden State to blow out Toronto.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota T-Wolves minus the points over Sacramento.  The Kings come into this game off a blowout win over Chicago, while Minny has lost its last two games.  However, Minnesota was an underdog in each of those games (road tilts at Portland and Golden State), so those defeats weren't wholly unexpected.  Tonight, Minnesota is favored.  And the Kings are an awful 18-38 ATS at home when they won their previous game, and their foe is off a loss.  Additionally, Minnesota falls into a super 71.05% ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams off losses.  Take the T-Wolves.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the LSU Tigers.  Analysis to follow.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards + the points over Boston.  The Wizards return home tonight off a 2-2 road trip.  And Washington is 4-0 SU/ATS its last four home games.  We actually played on Washington in two of those four games (vs. Clippers and vs. Nets), and will come right back with the Wizards as a home underdog, tonight.  Point guard John Wall has been battling bone spurs in his heel, but he's going to give it a go in this game, so that's good news for the Wizards.  Meanwhile, the injury bug has afflicted Boston, as it could be without Aron Baynes, and will definitely play without Al Horford and Gordon Hayward tonight.  Finally, Washington falls into 39-19 and 58-31 ATS systems of mine that play on certain teams with losing SU/ATS records.  Take Washington.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over Edmonton.  The Oilers do come into this game off 3 straight wins, but the last two were both at home.  On the road this season, the Oilers have a losing record, and are being outscored by almost a goal per game.  Even worse:  the Oilers are a horrid 1-8 after winning each of their three previous games.  Take Colorado.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Rockets minus the points over Portland.  The Trail Blazers started the season red-hot, as they won 10 of their first 13 games thru November 11, and were the 2nd best team in the Western Conference.  Then, on November 14, we had our NBA Game of the Week on the Lakers against Portland, and I wrote that, "Portland is nowhere near the 2nd best team.  Indeed, its gaudy record has more to do with its schedule than its true talent.  The primary reason for Portland's record is that it has played nine of its 13 games at home.  And three of its four road games were played against teams that currently sport losing records!"  Those words were fairly prescient, as the Trail Blazers lost that night to the Lakers, and have now lost eight of their last 13 games to fall to sixth place (tied with Memphis) in the West.  Of course, the Rockets would LOVE to be tied for sixth place, as they're currently out of the playoff picture, with an 11-14 record.  But by season's end, I wouldn't be surprised if Houston is in the Playoffs, and the Trail Blazers are not.  Dating back to December 1996, Houston is a solid 63% ATS as a favorite of -5 or more points, if the Rockets are off back to back losses, while its opponent is off back to back wins.  Lay the points with Houston.  NBA Elite Info Winner! Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over the Montreal Canadiens.  It's been an up-and-down season for the Wild so far.  The team that had one of the biggest disparities last season between playing at home and on the road is repeating that pattern so far this season.  In 14 home games, Minnesota has featured a very efficient offense which has averaged 3.5 goals per game (10th-best in the league).  But in their 15 games away from Xcel Energy Center, the Wild has only managed almost a full goal less than their home average (2.60).  This certainly played out in their last five road games as the Wild went 1-4 and managed just eight total goals in trips to Chicago, Columbus, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.  They're back home tonight and facing a Canadiens team which has gotten hot seemingly out of nowhere.  The Habs have won three in a row, but before we get too excited about a return to their glory days, let's consider that those three wins have come against the 9-22 Blackhawks and the 13-18 Senators (twice).  Finally, for technical support, consider that the Wild is 18-2 in their last 20 games coming off back-to-back losses.  Take Minnesota.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Columbus Blue Jackets over the Vancouver Canucks.  After a season in which they averaged less than three goals per game (2.88), the task for Columbus this fall was simple -- improve the offense and bring the scoring totals up.  Mission accomplished.  Even though it's been to the detriment of their defense, the Jackets are scoring at a much better clip this season -- almost 3 1/2 goals per game through the first 1/3 of the season (tied for fifth in the league in that category).  RW Cam Atkinson has been the offensive spark plug so far, with 19 goals in 28 games, and only three behind NHL leader Alex Ovechkin.  They couldn't get it going at all on Saturday, here at home against the defending Cup Champs, falling to the Caps, 4-0.  Look for a big rebound tonight as the Canucks come to town for the first time in almost a year.  Vancouver's offense has been about average, but its defense has been far below as the Canucks are one of just four teams to have allowed more than 100 goals so far.  The Jackets are 6-1 in their last seven off of a blowout loss by four or more goals.  Take Columbus.

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the Seattle Seahawks minus the points over Minnesota.  These two playoff contenders are separated by a mere half-game, as Seattle is 7-5, while Minnesota is 6-5-1.  But, for my money, Seattle is the much more impressive team, as it's played a much more difficult schedule.  Compare Minnesota's home schedule to Seattle's.  Of Minny's 6 home games, four were against creampuffs (49ers, Bills, Cardinals, Lions), and it actually lost to one of them!  Seattle, on the other hand, has played just one weak opponent (49ers) so far at home, but has also played three playoff teams (Rams, Chargers, Cowboys) among its five home opponents.  And, even though Seattle has had a daunting home schedule, it's only lost both straight-up and ATS to one team (Chargers).  Meanwhile, Minnesota has covered just two (Eagles, Jets) of its six road games, though neither of those two opponents will be making the Playoffs this season.  Seattle falls into several of my favorite Monday Night Football Systems, with records of 117-55, 95-52, 80-37, 73-32, 68-28 and 57-21 ATS.  Lay the small number with the Seahawks.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on Marshall (Analysis to follow.)

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Dallas Stars.  After winning seven of their last eight games heading into Saturday, the Golden Knights laid a Golden Egg in Los Angeles.  After jumping out to a 1-0 lead early in the first period. the Knights said good night and went to sleep while the Kings scored five unanswered goals en route to an easy 5-1 victory.  The road has been a problem for the Knights this season, so coming back home after that disappointment should ignite the defending Western Conference Champs.  You could say the same about the Stars, who come into tonight on a four-game winning streak, but who are just 6-9 away from Dallas.  But the biggest problem for them right now is the health -- or lack thereof -- of their blue line.  Four regular Dallas defenders -- Klingberg, Johns, Methot, and Carrick -- are either on injured reserve or out of action due to injury.  Dallas is 18-37 in their last 55 (-28 games on the money line) immediately following a home win.  And they are 4-11 in their last 15 road games vs. teams with a home winning % of greater than .600.  Take Vegas.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Bears + the points over Los Angeles.  The Rams will try to make it a 4-0 SWEEP over the NFC North teams, as they defeated Minnesota and Green Bay earlier this year at home, and then downed Detroit on the road last week, 30-16.  But winning and covering back to back road games will be difficult for the Rams.  The last time they pulled off that trick was in Weeks 3, 4 in 2016.  Since then, they've played back to back road games four times, but weren't able to win and cover each of the two games in those successive weeks.  I love Chicago in this home underdog spot.  The Bears were upset on the road last week, 30-27, as a 3.5-point favorite by the New York Giants.  But winning teams have cashed a staggering 82% at home the past 39 years as an underdog (or pk) vs. .670 (or better) foes, if our home team was upset in its previous game as a 3-point (or greater) favorite.  Take the Bears.  NFC Game of the Month!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Blackhawks over Montreal.  The Canadiens erupted for 5 goals in each of their last two games (back to back 5-2 wins over the Senators).  Unfortunately, the Canadiens are an awful 8-22 after scoring 3+ goals in each of their two previous games, and 2-9 off a road win by 3+ goals.  The Blackhawks are certainly floundering right now, with six straight losses.  But those games largely came against the NHL's elite (Jets, Predators, Flames, Golden Knights (twice), Ducks).  I look for Chicago to snap its losing streak this evening, and extend its success at home vs. Montreal to 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.  Take the Blackhawks.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Eagles + the points over Dallas.  Last week, the Cowboys upset the New Orleans Saints by a score of 13-10.  And Dallas is now 7-5 this season, and has the NFC East division lead (by 1 game) over Philadelphia, which is 6-6.  Of course, the reason Dallas is one game ahead is because it upset the Eagles earlier this season, 27-20, as a 7.5-point road underdog.  I look for Philly to avenge that defeat, as NFL underdogs have cashed 65.7% since 1980 when playing with revenge from a loss where they were favored by 7+ points.  Lay the points.  NFL Division Game of the Month! Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Lions minus the points over Arizona.  The Arizona Cardinals had only defeated one other team (San Francisco, twice) before it stunned Green Bay on the road last week, 20-17, as a 13.5-point underdog.  So, it was no surprise that the Packers fired head coach Mike McCarthy following that loss.  Can Arizona make it two upset wins in a row?  It's not likely, as teams that won outright as a 13.5-point (or greater) underdog are 1-18 straight-up and 0-17-2 ATS since December 1995.  Detroit, meanwhile, lost 30-16 at home to the 11-1 Rams last week.  But Detroit is a super 35-10-3 ATS on the road off a loss by 13+ points.  Take Detroit. NFL Perfect 10 Club play. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Oakland Raiders + the points over Pittsburgh.  The Steelers come into this game off back to back upset losses (at Denver Broncos; home vs. LA Chargers).  And the knee-jerk reaction might be to play on the AFC North division leaders to bounce back in this critical game.  But winning teams have actually burned money on the road off back to back upset defeats, and especially when they've been favored by a touchdown or more, as they've cashed just 33% since 1980.  Take the Raiders as a double-digit home dog.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the San Francisco 49ers + the points over Denver.  The 49ers return home after getting walloped by Seattle, 43-16, in their last game.  But off that 27-point defeat, I love the Niners to rebound as a home underdog.  Indeed, since 1980, home underdogs have cashed 65% off a loss by 27+ points, if they were playing a .500 (or better) opponent off back to back SU/ATS wins.  Even better:  Denver is an awful 22-38-3 ATS on the road off a double-digit win when playing a non-division foe, including 1-10 ATS if that foe failed to cover the spread by 10+ points in its previous game.  Take the 49ers + the points.  NFL Roadkill play.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:05 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets over the Philadelphia Flyers.  The Jets had their four-game winning streak snapped on Friday here at home by the Blues.  The offense appeared to take the night off as St. Louis shut out Winnipeg, 1-0 and the Jets only managed 26 shots on goal but held the Blues to 27.  But the Blues have a very good defense -- especially away from home -- while today's opponent leaves a bit to be desired in that category.  The Flyers have allowed and average of 3.54 goals-per-game this season (3.58 on the road) and they had a quick turnaround from their victory in Buffalo yesterday to get to Winnipeg for this Sunday matinee.  The home team has ruled this series in recent years winning the last five meetings with the road team not having posted a victory in more than three years (November 7, 2015).   The Flyers' #1 Center, Sean Couturier had to sit out on Saturday due to a lower body injury and likely won't be available today either.  The loss in their last game may bode well for the Jets as they are 9-1 in their last 10 (+8 games on the money line) immediately following a defeat.  Take Winnipeg

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 8 pm, our selection is on the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders + the points over Murray State.  The Blue Raiders have lost each of their last five games -- both straight-up and against the spread -- including a 79-51 blowout at Vanderbilt on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, Murray State is riding a four-game ATS win streak.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to play against the "ice cold" Blue Raiders.  But consider that NCAA teams on a 5-game SU/ATS losing streak have cashed 70.5% since 2004 against foes off back to back covers, including a perfect 9-0 ATS if our team lost by 27+ points in their previous game.  Take Middle Tennessee State.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Islanders over the Detroit Red Wings.  After getting the season off to a surprisingly strong start, the Islanders have faulted a bit lately and have fallen below the .500 mark for the first time since the end of October.  The Isles have lost four of their last five to get to this point.   But those five games came against five very good teams -- the Penguins, Jets, Blue Jackets, Bruins, and Capitals.  Four of those five have winning records, and the fifth (the Pens) have won two Stanley Cups in the last three years.  The Red Wings scored one of the biggest upsets of the season in their last game, beating the Maple Leafs in Toronto, 5-4, in overtime.  That huge win sets up Detroit for a let-down back at home tonight against a team which is 7-3 in its last 10 trips to the Motor City.  Although they won their last game vs. Toronto, it doesn't bode well for tonight as the Wings are 23-51 (-25 games on the money line) in their last 74 after allowing more than 3 goals in their previous game.  Also, the Isles are 5-0 in their last five after not scoring 3+ goals in either of their two previous games.  Take New York.  NHL HIGH ROLLER. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6 pm, our selection is on the Bowling Green Falcons minus the points over Wisconsin Green Bay.  The Phoenix come into tonight's game off back to back wins and covers, with home wins over Northern Illinois and Belmont.  But Green Bay is an awful 10-28-1 ATS away from home off back-to-back covers, if they were priced as an underdog of +13 or less points, including 0-9 ATS if they covered their previous game by more than 12 points.  Take Bowling Green.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Eastern Washington Eagles minus the points over Cal Davis.  Faithful followers know I love playing on College Football teams that can score.  And Eastern Washington has been doing just that -- in spades.  Last week, EWU put up 42 points in a 42-21 home win over Nicholls State.  And it scored 74 points in a 74-23 blowout win over Portland State two games back.  Then, three games back, it was a match-up against its opponent this afternoon -- Cal Davis.  The two teams entered that game ranked among the Top 10 in the FCS, and Eastern Washington rolled up 669 yards to defeat Cal Davis for the seventh straight time, 59-20 (after trailing 10-0 to start the game).  I don't see much changing, here in Cheney, Washington, this afternoon.  Lay the points with Eastern Washington.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Indiana Hoosiers minus the points over Louisville.  Over the last four years, these two teams have met three times, and the favorite has covered each of the three games.  And, dating back to 1990, they've met seven times, with the favorite covering each of the seven.  I look for Indiana to blow out the Cardinals this afternoon to stretch this streak to eight games in a row.  Key stat:  Indiana is 25-5 ATS at home when favored between -5.5 and -12.5 points vs. non-conference foes, including 8-0 ATS since 2010.  Lay the points.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Anaheim Ducks.  The Ducks were struggling early on, but all of a sudden, they are one of the hottest teams in the league, having won five straight and seven out of their last eight.  But if the Ducks are going to be a consistently good team this season, they're going to have to address their lack of scoring output.  For the season, Anaheim has averaged just 2.40 goals-per-game and that number barely varies whether the Ducks are at home (2.36) or on the road (2.44).  This is a revenge situation for the 'Canes, as the Ducks just beat them as part of this winning streak, 2-1, in overtime only a week ago.  Despite ending up on the wrong end of the scoreboard that night, Carolina out-played the Ducks and out-shot them by a 34-29 margin.  They will look to turn the tables tonight on the road where they've performed fairly well this season.  The Ducks won their last game here at Honda Center on Tuesday, beating the Blackhawks, 4-2.  But that may not bode well for tonight as Anaheim is 1-6 in its last seven immediately following a home win.  Take the Hurricanes.  NHL Game of the Month!  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Charlotte Hornets over the Denver Nuggets.  The Hornets will look to snap their 3-game SU/ATS losing streak tonight, as they come into this game off losses to Utah, New Orleans and Minnesota.  And the Hornets failed to cover the spread in each game by 10+ points.  Meanwhile, Charlotte's opponent tonight -- Denver -- currently has the Western Conference's #1 record, and the league's 2nd best record, overall.  And the Nuggets have been red-hot in Vegas, with seven straight point spread covers (as well as seven straight wins).  Unfortunately, NBA teams on a 7-game (or greater) point spread win streak have cashed just 17 of 68 regular season games vs. foes that failed to cover their previous game by more than nine points, including 1-13 ATS when the point spread was 3 points or less!  Take Charlotte tonight.  NBA Game of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Capitals over the Arizona Coyotes.  After seven straight victories, the inconsistent play that has plagued the Caps in the past appears to be back.  On Sunday, the Caps suffered one of their biggest meltdowns in franchise history, squandering a 5-1 lead late in the 2nd period to lose at home to the Ducks, 6-5.  Then, in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch, Washington put in a lackluster effort in Las Vegas on Tuesday and lost to the Knights, 5-3.  Trending in the opposite direction as the Caps are the Coyotes, who have won four straight coming into tonight by a combined score of 15-5.  But three of those four came on the road, and Arizona has really struggled  at home, losing four of its last five here at Gila River Arena.  The Coyotes' biggest problem right now is injuries, including having lost their top two goaltenders, Antti Raanta (lower body) and Darcy Kuemper (same).  #1 Raanta has been out for the last three games and is doubtful to return tonight which leaves the Coyotes with 22-year-old Adin Hill.  It's true that Arizona beat Washington, 4-1, earlier this season.  However, the Caps are 59-29, +20 games on the money line, when playing with revenge.  Even better:  the Caps are 25-6 off back to back losses.  And they're 11-3 after allowing more than 3 goals in back to back games.  Finally, Arizona is an awful 6-20 after allowing 2 goals or less in back to back games  Take the Capitals.  NHL ROAD WARRIOR WINNER!  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Tennessee Titans minus the points over Jacksonville.  The Jacksonville Jaguars snapped their seven-game losing streak last week when they shut out Indianapolis, 6-0.  But with a 4-8 record, it's definitely a case of "too little, too late," as Jacksonville has virtually no chance to make the playoffs.  QB Cody Kessler will make his second start for the Jaguars this Thursday night.  But even though Kessler led the Jaguars to victory last week, he's still just 1-8 as a starter in his career.  And his team will also be facing a much better defensive club in the Titans than it did last week vs. the Colts.  Indeed, Tennessee ranks among the Top 10 in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense.  I look for the Titans to blow out Jacksonville, as losing NFL teams are an awful 9-29 ATS off a home shutout victory, including 1-12 ATS as underdogs of less than 7 points.  Take Tennessee.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the BYU Cougars minus the points over Utah State.  The Cougars are 5-4 this season and have lost their last three games (both SU and ATS).  But three of their four losses came on the road, where BYU is 0-3 on the season.  At home, BYU is a solid 5-1 straight-up and 2-1 ATS.  Utah State, meanwhile, is 6-1 this year, but only one of its wins (Cal Irvine) came on its opponent's home court.  Tonight, the Aggies will travel to Provo to battle its Beehive State rival, BYU.  Unfortunately, BYU has dominated this rivalry, of late, with wins in each of the last six meetings (and point spread wins in each of the last five).  Also, the revenge-minded team in this series is a poor 3-13 ATS as an underdog, and 1-8 ATS on the road, so each of those stats does not bode well for Utah State tonight.  Admittedly, Utah State has looked great over its last two games, with blowout wins over Cal Irvine (89-65) and Northern Iowa (71-52).  However, the Aggies are a money-burning 0 for 12 since 1995 after winning their previous game by double-digits, if they're off back to back SU/ATS wins, and their opponent is off back to back SU/ATS losses.   And, finally, BYU is an awesome 31-0 straight-up, and 20-11 ATS as a home favorite, if it is off back to back losses (and it's 8-1 ATS its last nine as a home favorite off 3+ losses).  Take BYU.  NCAA Roadkill Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Montreal Canadiens over the Ottawa Senators.  Through the first third of the season, the Canadiens and Senators have basically identical records, and that's not necessarily a good thing for either team.  The Sens are winners of three straight, however two of those (the last two) were at home where they've had the lion's share of their success this season.  And check out this incredible stat: In 12 road games this season, Ottawa has allowed in 61 goals, for a whopping 5.08 GAA!  That probably will come down over time, but it's still amazing to think that the Sens have won a single game -- much less three -- away from home with that poor of a road defense.  Things won't get any easier for the Sens in that department either as one of their top blue-line players, Mark Borowiecki, will miss another game tonight with his upper-body injury.  Montreal has a losing record at home (barely), but the Sens are 2-14 in their last 16 road games vs. teams with a losing home record.  The Senators are also 2-6 in the last eight meetings, and 0-4 in the last four here at Bell Centre.  Take Montreal.  NHL Roadkill Winner! As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Clemson Tigers minus the points over St Peters.  The Tigers started out with five straight wins, but stumbled in their last two games vs. Creighton (87-82 loss) and Nebraska (68-66 loss).  But Clemson will bounce back on Tuesday, as it's 100-59-4 ATS off back to back losses, including 56-26 ATS vs. an opponent off a straight-up win!  And the Tigers also fall into 56-18 and 101-45 ATS systems of mine that play on certain teams off losses.  Finally, ACC Conference teams are an awesome 41-0 SU and 31-10 ATS off a loss, when favored by 20+ points vs. a non-conference opponent.  Take Clemson.  NCAA Elite Info Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Eagles minus the points over Washington.  The Eagles come into this game with a losing record (5-6, .454), and on a 3-game ATS losing streak, after defeating the NY Giants, 25-22.  Meanwhile Washington is a game better at 6-5 (.545), following its 31-23 loss to Dallas.  With the Cowboys leading the division with a 7-5 record, this game is ultra-critical for both clubs.  We'll lay the points with Philly, as defending Super Bowl Champs, not off a SU/ATS win, have cashed 68.9% at home since 1984 against division opponents off a loss.  Even better:  in weekday football games, favorites off back to back ATS losses have cashed 58.2% since 1980.  Finally, no team has performed worse than Washington on Monday Night Football.  The Redskins are 15-39 SU and 16-37-1 ATS on Mondays since 1980, including 2-14 SU the past 11 years, and 0-6 SU/ATS since 2015.  Philly also falls into 61-19 and 91-33 ATS Monday Night Football systems of mine.  Take Philadelphia.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Timberwolves + the points over Houston.  Minnesota's 4-game SU/ATS win streak was snapped here, at home, vs. Boston on Saturday.  But I love the T-Wolves to bounce back and upset Houston, tonight.  Minnesota will be looking to avenge its Playoff series defeat last Spring at the hands of the Rockets, and fall into a 74-43 ATS revenge system of mine.  Minnesota is 28-10 straight-up and 24-13-1 ATS its last 38 home games, while Houston is a poor 4-11 ATS its last 15 off back to back wins.  Take the T-Wolves.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers + the points over New Orleans.  Los Angeles has been the NBA's most pleasant surprise this season.  At the start of the year, most believed the Clippers would not make the playoffs.  But 22 games into the season, L.A. is not only firmly entrenched in the Playoff mix, but it owns the league's 2nd best record (tied with Denver and Boston).  Tonight, L.A. will look to avenge a rare loss when it travels to New Orleans.  The Pelicans upended the Clippers, 116-109, in October.  But New Orleans was extremely well-rested (3 days) for that game.  Here, they will be playing without any rest, as they battled in Charlotte last night.  For technical support, consider that the Pelicans have covered just 7 of 37 games vs. .620 (or better) teams playing with revenge, if that opponent was off a straight-up loss.  Additionally, LA falls into a very good 101-42 ATS revenge system of mine.  Take Los Angeles.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Raptors minus the points over Denver.  The Nuggets have won (and covered) their last five games.  But road underdogs of more than 6 points have cashed just 14 of 46 games vs. .610 (or better) foes.  Take Toronto.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Avalanche over the Detroit Red Wings. The Avs look like they are for real this season. Sure, they feature perhaps the best all-around player on the planet in C Nathan MacKinnon.  But they are also showing this season that they are no one-trick pony. It's hard to believe that MacKinnon is still only 23 years old as the former number one pick has been in the league since 2013 when he was 18 years old. McKinnon barely missed the century mark last season, putting up 97 points, but he missed eight games due to injury. This season -- if he can stay healthy -- 100 points seems like a done deal as McKinnon has already registered 41 points in 26 games. In addition to having one of the best play-makers in the game, Colorado also features an improved defense which has allowed an average of 2.77 goals-per-game. After reeling off six straight wins, the Avs lost at home on Friday in OT to the Blues, 3-2.  But they earned a point, and extended their streak to 10 games that they've earned at least a point.  Also, interestingly, they are actually better on the road this season, with a 9-4-2 record away from Denver.  Finally, the road team is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings and the Avs are 4-1 in the last five in Detroit.   Take Colorado. NHL Road Warrior. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the San Jose Sharks over Montreal. We played on San Jose yesterday afternoon, and lost when the Ottawa Senators slaughtered the sharks, 6-2, notwithstanding the fact that San Jose outshot Ottawa 38-27.  But we'll come right back with San Jose, as it's 38-23 after allowing 4+ goals, and it's also won the last five meetings vs. Montreal.  Take San Jose.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Jets + the points over Tennessee.  The Jets have lost their last five games -- both straight-up and ATS.  Meanwhile, Tennessee hasn't been much better, as it's off back to back blowout losses.  So, each team will attempt to right the ship on this Sunday afternoon.  We will side with the road underdog Jets.  One of the things I love to do is play on teams that are on long (5+ games) SU/ATS losing streaks, as one often gets good point spread value.  Indeed, NFL teams have cashed 66 of 101 non-division games when they've lost (both SU/ATS) their last five games.  Take the Jets.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

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 Arizona Cardinals + the points over Green Bay.  The Packers, at 4-6-1, have their proverbial backs against the wall, as they will need to win their last five games of the season if they are to have a chance at the post-season.  Arizona, of course, doesn't have that problem, as it is 2-9, and won't be playing in January.  The problem for Green Bay has been its defense.  Since shutting out the woeful Bills in Week 4, the Packers have given up 31, 30, 29, 31, 12, 27 and 24 points, for an average of 26.3 ppg over their last seven.  For the season, their number is not much better, at 24.3.  It's dangerous to lay a lot of points with bad defensive clubs, no matter the opposition.  Indeed, since 1980, favorites of -8 or more points, with a defensive ppg. average of 23.67, have gone 39-80 ATS at Game 6 forward.  Arizona's 10-1 ATS its last 11 off back to back losses, if it owned a losing record.  Take the points with the Cardinals.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Lions + the points over the Los Angeles Rams.  The Rams have scored 54, 36 and 35 points in their three previous games.  In contrast, the Lions have scored just 16, 20 and 22 points in their last three games — a total of 58 points, or 67 points less than the Rams’ aggregate total of 125 points.   Unfortunately for Los Angeles, NFL teams that scored 123 or more points over their three previous games have gone 0-9 ATS on the road since 2001 vs. opponents off a loss.  Even better:  Detroit's been installed as a double-digit home underdog.  And home dogs of +10 or more points have gone 70-34 ATS since 1982 vs. opponents off a home win.  Take the Lions + the points.  NFL Shocker of the Month!

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Miami Dolphins minus the points over Buffalo.  The Dolphins are off back to back SU road losses to Green Bay and Indianapolis.  But they were big underdogs (+9 vs. Indy; +11.5 vs. GB) in those two road games.  That's not the case here, as Miami is favored at home.  Meanwhile, Buffalo enters off back to back upset wins at the New York Jets, and at home vs. Jacksonville.  But before one congratulates the Bills for those two wins, it's worth noting that the Jets are on a 5-game SU/ATS losing streak, while Jacksonville has lost its last 7 games!  Since 1980, NFL home favorites of -3 or more points, off back to back road losses, have covered 72% vs. foes off back to back SU/ATS wins.  This season, the Dolphins 5-6 SU and 6-5 ATS.  But all six of Miami's losses came when they were an underdog of +3 or more points.  When Miami hasn't been an underdog of 3+ points, then it's 3-0 SU/ATS this season, and 10-3-2, 77% ATS its last 15.  Take the Dolphins to blow out Buffalo.  NFL Division Game of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

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 1 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Falcons minus the points over Baltimore.  The Falcons are 4-7, and off three straight losses, while Baltimore enters this game off back to back wins.  Of course, their competition had much to do with the results.  Atlanta's last two games were against the Saints and Cowboys, among the league's hottest teams.  In contrast, Baltimore's two wins were vs. the Raiders and the injury-riddled Bengals.  We'll lay the points with Atlanta, as NFL home teams off 3+ losses have gone 92-53 ATS vs. .500 (or better) foes off a double-digit win, if that foe also won two games back.  Take Atlanta.  NFL Roadkill Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, our selection is on the St Mary's Gaels minus the points over California.  The Gaels are on a 4-game losing streak, including back to back home losses as favorites of -7 and -9 points.  I love the Gaels to snap their slide tonight, as NCAA home teams have cashed 73% in non conference games as favorites of -5 (or more) points, off back to back losses where they were favored by more than 4 points.  Lay the double-digits with St. Mary's.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the Northwestern Wildcats + the points over Ohio State.  Last week, the Buckeyes rolled over their rival, Michigan, with a 62-39 upset win.  But off that huge upset win, we'll fade Ohio State on Saturday, as the Buckeyes fall into a negative system which is 0-21 ATS.  What we want to do is play against any 8-point (or greater) favorite off an upset win, if they won that game by more than 10 points, and are now matched up against a .666 (or better) foe.  Ohio State also falls into negative 27-66, 10-46 and 6-40 ATS systems.  Take Northwestern + the points.  NCAA Title Game of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the Arkansas Razorbacks minus the points over Florida International.  The Razorbacks have long been one of the best point spread-covering teams at home, including 59-42 ATS vs. non-conference foes, and 72-44 ATS on Saturdays.  Florida International, meanwhile, has been poor vs. non-conference foes, including 4-16, 20% ATS as dogs of more than 11 if their foe was off an 11-point (or greater) win.  This season, Arkansas is 4-1 ATS, and its only point spread defeat came when Montana State sank a 3-pointer to with 21 seconds left to end that game's scoring to cover by two points.  Otherwise, it would be 5-0 ATS this season.  Finally, the Razorbacks fall into a great 134-62 ATS system of mine which plays on certain favorites vs. foes off a SU win.  I look for Arkansas to move its point spread record to 5-1 with a blowout win tonight.  Lay the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.   

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards minus the points over Brooklyn.  The Wizards have started to turn the corner, somewhat, from their disastrous 2-9 SU/ATS start, as they've gone 6-5 SU/ATS since November 10.  But you wouldn't know it from their last two games.  The Wizards were blown out by 21 in New Orleans, and by 25 last night at Philly.  However, those two games were on the road.  Washington's won and covered its last three home games.  And each was against very good teams (Rockets, Clippers, Pelicans).  So, I look for Washington to rebound tonight against a Brooklyn team which also played last night, but which had to extend itself for an additional two overtime periods vs. Memphis.  Moreover, the Wizards play with revenge from a loss suffered to these Nets just 15 days ago, and fall into a super Revenge system of mine.  Take Washington.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Minnesota Wild over Toronto.  The Wild have dropped their last 2 games.  But I love them to bounce back against Toronto tonight.  The Wild have actually excelled vs. the league's best teams at home, as they're 12-3 vs. foes that have a scoring margin of +0.5 goals (or more) per game.  Even better, Toronto comes into this road game off 3 home wins, vs. Philly (6-0), Boston (4-2) and San Jose (5-3).  Unfortunately for the Leafs, they're an awful 1-9 on the road off a win by 2+ goals, and 3-16 on the road off back to back home wins by 2+ goals.  Finally, Minnesota is a spectacular 17-1 off back to back losses, while Toronto is a poor 71-105 on a 3-game (or better) unbeaten streak.  Take Minnesota.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 6 pm, our selection is on the Wyoming Cowboys over Northern Colorado.  Last season, the Bears went into Laramie, and upset Wyoming, 91-84, as a 9-point underdog.  But that loss has triggered a great 70-31 ATS revenge system of mine.  Also, the Cowboys are 29-11-1 ATS off a straight-up loss when not laying double-digits.  Take Wyoming to blow out Northern Colorado.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1:30 pm, our selection is on the UAB Blazers + the points over Middle Tennessee State.  The Blazers and Blue Raiders actually met last week (also here in Murfreesboro), and the Blue Raiders won, 27-3, as a 3-point home underdog.  That was also the 2nd straight defeat suffered by UAB, as it lost out of conference to Texas A&M two weeks ago.  I look for UAB to avenge last week's loss, as winning teams have cashed 61% the last 39 years off 21-point (or worse) SU/ATS losses, if they're on the road against a Conference foe off a SU/ATS win.  And if our team is off back to back SU/ATS losses, then our 61% system zooms to 77%.  Take UAB.  NCAA Payback Payday!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Creighton Blue Jays + the points over Gonzaga.  The Gonzaga Bulldogs upset then-No. 1 Duke, 89-87, 10 days ago, in Maui, to ascend to the #1 ranking.  But the Blue Jays are in a great position to hand the Bulldogs their first loss of the season.  Creighton's on a 4-game SU/ATS win streak, and also plays with revenge from a 17-point loss suffered at Gonzaga last season.  I love playing on great teams with revenge and strong home courts, and Creighton meets the criteria for all three, as they're 6-1 this season, and have won 35 of their last 42 home games (23-15 ATS).  Take the Blue Jays.

At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the San Jose Sharks over the Ottawa Senators.  The Sharks are in the midst of a very tough road trip and probably can't wait to get back to the Bay Area.  Sure, they've lost all three away from home by a combined 14-5, but those three have come against the likes of the red-hot Sabres, Golden Knights, and Maple Leafs.  So they will step down in class in this Saturday matinee in Ottawa.  The Senators have won two in a row over the Flyers (road) and Rangers (home) but they've paid a bit of a price with some injuries.  And prior to those two wins, the Sens had lost four in a row by a combined score of 23-15.  You can tell from those numbers what Ottawa's biggest problem this season has been.  With a 4.12 goals-against-average, the Sens sport the worst defensive numbers in the league (and they're the only team with a GAA of more than 4.0).  That porous defense has allowed an NHL-high 37.8 shots-on-goal per game.  Ottawa shut-out the Rangers 3-0 last time, however the Sens are 3-11 in their last 14 home games after a win by three or more goals.  Take the Sharks.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Northern Illinois Huskies + the points over Buffalo.  The Bulls are 10-2 this season, while the Huskies are 7-5.  But one team Buffalo has not been able to beat, of late, has been Northern Illinois.  Indeed, the Huskies have won the last 11 meetings, including all 10 since the Bulls joined the MAC in 1999.  (Buffalo did defeat the Huskies once, back in 1968).  Even worse for the Bulls:  in the MAC Conference Championship games, teams with a win percentage greater than .800 have gone 1-10 ATS vs. foes with a win percentage of .800 (or less).  Finally, Northern Illinois enters this game off back to back upset losses, including a 28-21 defeat at Western Michigan 10 days ago.  But NCAA teams off road upset losses have cashed 64% in Conference Title games.  Take Northern Illinois + the points.  NCAA Football Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Cowboys + the points over New Orleans. The Saints have won their last 10 games.  Even more improbably, they've covered the point spread in their last nine.  Even with 9 ATS wins in a row, they're far away from the 14 straight games that the Patriots covered up until getting blown out by the Bears in the Super Bowl 33 seasons ago.  Tonight, they'll face the Cowboys.  And while Dallas isn't on a 9-game SU/ATS win streak, it is playing well, and is on a 3-game SU/ATS win streak.  And home underdogs (or PK) on a 3-game (or better) SU/ATS win streak are 49-33-1 ATS since 1980.  Meanwhile, road favorites (or PK) on a 5-game (or better) win streak are 12-22 ATS vs. foes off a straight-up win.  The Saints also fall into negative 24-69, 4-17 and 38-68 ATS systems based on its recent results.  Take Dallas + the points.  NFL Thursday Night Football Game of the Month.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Buffalo Sabres.  The Sabres won another 3-2 OT game on Monday, this time against the San Jose Sharks.  It's the 10th win in a row for the Sabres, and the 9th out of 10 decided by one goal -- and 7th outside of regulation time.  You could say it's better to be lucky than good, or you could say that the Sabres have just been that much better than each of their competition over that span.  But tonight's test in Tampa against arguably the most talented team in the Conference will be perhaps their toughest since the streak began.  The Bolts have averaged four goals per game at Amalie Arena -- tops in the East -- while their 2.64 GAA here has resulted in a 1.36 home/road goal differential -- one of the best in the league.  Tampa had a bit of bad luck in its last game, falling to the Ducks on Monday by a 3-1 score despite out-shooting them by a lopsided 35-22 margin.  That was the Bolts' first loss in their last four games and only their second in their last seven.  The Sabres are 4-13 in the last 17 meetings and 2-7 in the last nine in Tampa.  Take the Lightning.  NHL Game of the Week.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10 pm, our selection is on the St Mary's Gaels minus the points over Cal Irvine.  Randy Bennett's Gaels come into this home game off a rare home loss, 74-68, to Harvard.  But the Gaels are an awesome 65-46-2 ATS at home vs. non-conference foes, including 9-0 ATS their last nine off an upset loss, if the Gaels were favored by 6 or more points in the current game.  Take St. Mary's.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Colorado Buffaloes minus the points over Portland.  The Pilots were blown out by Texas State, 91-68, as a 2-point home underdog on Saturday.  But that's been "par for the course" for Portland as it's an awful 13-34-1 ATS as underdogs of 19.5 or less points vs. Non-Conference foes (and 2-16 ATS when priced from +9.5 to +19.5).  Colorado routed Air Force, 93-56, and falls into a 101-48 ATS system of mine based on that victory.  Take the Buffaloes.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Maryland Terrapins + the points over Virginia.  The Cavaliers were my preseason pick (at 22-1 odds) to win the College Basketball championship this season.  But this is a great spot to fade Virginia and take the home underdog Terrapins.  Maryland enters off a momentum-building, 37-point blowout win over Marshall (as a 9-point favorite).  And the Terrapins are a terrific 60% ATS at home off wins by 15+ points over the last 29 seasons, including 7-1 ATS as a home underdog!  Take the Terps.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Memphis Grizzlies + the points over Toronto.  The Raptors are 17-4 and are outscoring their foes by 8.95 ppg.  But Memphis has excelled over the years vs. foes with an average margin of 6.10 (or better).  Indeed, in the regular season vs. such teams, Memphis is a superb 56-21 ATS when the Grizzlies entered with a winning record, and their opponent was off a straight-up win.  And, although, there's certainly nothing wrong with 56-21, we can improve our mark to 47-11 ATS by not going against teams playing with revenge from a loss earlier in the season (which Toronto is not).  The Grizzlies are 10-2 ATS their last 12 home games, and 21-9 ATS their last 30 as home dogs vs. an Eastern Conference foe.  Take Memphis.  NBA High Roller Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the San Jose Sharks over the Buffalo Sabres.  The Sabres beat Detroit on Saturday to extend their winning streak to nine games, which is the longest the franchise has enjoyed since the 2006-2007 season.  But if ever there was a tenuous streak, it's likely this one.  For one thing, eight of the nine victories have been by a single goal, and six have required OT or shootout.  Second, five of the nine wins have come against teams with a losing record.  Finally, the Sabres have been out-shot in six of the nine victories and the total shots-on-goal during the streak favor their opponents by a 306-284 margin.  Now the Sharks come to town for the second meeting of these two in a little over a month.  On October 18, San Jose handled Buffalo at home, 5-1, while out-shooting the Sabres by 39-25.  With the victory, the Sharks have now won the last four meetings going back to February 2007.  Despite their recent success, the Sabres don't do well at home against bad road teams as they are 5-16 in their last 21 here vs. teams with a road winning percentage of less than .400.   Take the Sharks.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie. 

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Charlotte Hornets + the points over Milwaukee.  These two teams actually met on Opening Night, and the Bucks eked out a 1-point victory, 113-112, here in Charlotte.  However, Charlotte covered the 3-point spread.  Tonight, they're getting more than that.  And we will grab the points, as Charlotte is 6-3 SU and 6-3 ATS at home this season.  Even better:  none of its three home losses has come by more than 4 points.  Last night, the Hornets suffered an embarrassing 124-123 defeat at the hands of the league's worst team, the Atlanta Hawks.  Atlanta had lost its previous nine games.  But NBA teams upset by opponents on a 7-game (or worse) losing streak, when they were favored by 6+ points, generally bounce back in their next game, and have covered 92 of 154.  Take Charlotte as a home dog tonight.  NBA Payback Payday!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the South Carolina Gamecocks minus the points over Wofford.  The Gamecocks snapped their four-game ATS losing streak with a 90-55 win over George Washington.   And that blowout win has triggered a very good 'momentum' system of mine which has cashed 63% over the last 29 years.  The Terriers are 4-2, but this will be just Wofford's second road game vs. a Division 1 school.  It failed to cover its first one vs. the Sooners, back on November 18.  And it's a poor 8-20 ATS its last 28 road games vs. teams from major and mid-major Conferences on the regular Vegas rotation (as opposed to schools on the Added board).  Meanwhile, South Carolina is a solid 26-10 ATS as favorites of -6 (or more) points vs. teams from minor conferences NOT in Vegas' regular rotation, including 12-1 ATS vs. foes that had a .500 (or better) record.  Take South Carolina.  NCAA Roadkill Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Portland Trail Blazers minus the points over Los Angeles.  The Clippers are 12-6 this season, but all of their profit has been at home, where they are 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS.  On the road, the Clippers are a pedestrian 4-5 SU/ATS.  Likewise, the Blazers are 7-2 SU/ATS at home, but just 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS on the road.  So, it wasn't much of a surprise when the Trail Blazers ended their 6-game road trip with back to back blowout losses  at Milwaukee (143-100) and Golden State (125-97).  But .630 (or better) home favorites are 95-55 ATS off back to back losses by more than 8 points.  Coincidentally, this angle also applied to the Warriors in their 125-97 win over Portland this past Friday, as Golden State entered that game off double-digit losses to the Spurs and Thunder.  I look for Portland to bounce back this evening.  Take the Trail Blazers.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Nashville Predators over the Anaheim Ducks.  After winning their first eight road games of the season on their way to the best record in the league, the Predators' road dominance has come to a screeching halt.  Nashville has now lost its last four away from Bridgestone Arena, including Friday's blow-out loss in St. Louis, 6-2.  Should the Preds be worried?  Probably not.  If this were to happen in March, it could be a major concern heading into the post-season.  But the Predators have plenty of time to figure out their road woes and make the proper adjustments.  That's not a problem for tonight, of course, as the Preds are back home to face a 10-14 Anaheim team.  D-man Hampus Lindholm is the latest to join the long list of the Ducks' wounded as his lower body injury will keep him out of action for an undetermined amount of time.  In this series, the host is 4-1 in the last five meetings.  In addition, the Ducks are 1-6 in the last seven meetings in Nashville.  Take the Predators.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Memphis Grizzlies minus the points over the New York Knicks.  The Knicks just pulled off back to back upsets.  They earned the biggest upset yet this season when they knocked off Boston, as a 14.5-point underdog.  Then they followed that up with a 114-109 win over New Orleans.  But New York likely would have lost that game vs. the Pelicans had Anthony Davis not gotten injured in that game's 3rd quarter, and had been able to finish.  Still, New York rides into Memphis on a 2-game win streak.  But NBA teams off back to back upset wins as 8+ point underdogs have cashed just 36% since 1990.  Take Memphis minus the points. NBA High Roller Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Denver Broncos + the points over Pittsburgh.  The Steelers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat last week, in Jacksonville.  But the Jags have been in a death spiral, with six straight losses.  Denver, on the other hand, comes into this game off an upset win over the LA Chargers, and have covered four of their last five.  Denver's also 31-17-3 ATS as a home underdog (or PK), including 24-11-1 ATS vs. non-division foes.  Finally, teams (like Pittsburgh) on a 6-game (or better) win streak, have been poor on the road as favorites vs. non-division foes, going 33-54 ATS since 1980.  Take the Broncos.  AFC Conference Game of the Month!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks + the points over Boston.  The Mavericks have been awesome over the last couple of seasons at home vs. opponents off a win, as they're 33-16-1 ATS their last 50 in this situation.  The Celtics, on the other hand, have been dreadful on the road lately.  Admittedly, Boston did win by 18 on the road last night in Atlanta.  But the Hawks are the league's worst team, with a 3-16 (.157) record.  And, speaking of 3-16, the Celtics are an awful 3-16 ATS their last 19 road games vs. opponents with a .200 (or better) win percentage.  Take Dallas.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the OKC Thunder minus the points over Denver.  The Nuggets had to play last night, at home, and then travel to take on the Thunder tonight.  Unfortunately, Denver has covered just 76 of 179 road games off a home game the previous night.  Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is an awesome 24-9 at home vs. opponents that played a home game the previous night, including 10-0 ATS vs. .600 (or better) opponents off a win.  Take Oklahoma City.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the USC Trojans + the points over Notre Dame.  The Trojans are off back to back SU/ATS losses, but they're an incredible 8-0 ATS off a SU/ATS loss, if they also lost 2 games back.  Grab the points with the Trojans.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on Houston minus the points over Cleveland.  The Cavaliers stunned the 76ers as a 13-point underdog last night.  But that was just their 3rd win of the season.  And bad teams rarely win back to back games.  Indeed, double-digit home underdogs have cashed just 33% since 1995 off wins as double-digit dogs.  Take Houston.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the North Texas Mean Green minus the points over Texas San Antonio.  The Roadrunners have scored a sum total of 10 points over their last three games.  Unfortunately for the Roadrunners, home underdogs have cashed just 38 of 116 games over the past 24 years if they didn't score more than 23 points over their three previous games (and just 1 of 13 if they didn't score more than 10).  Lay the big number with North Texas.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Iowa State Cyclones minus the points over Kansas State.  This is a major revenge spot for Iowa State, which has lost the last 10 meetings to KSU.  And the Cyclones fall into a 64-34 ATS revenge angle of mine which plays on certain big favorites with revenge.  Additionally, the Cyclones are 7-1 ATS off a road loss, while K-State is a poor 1-5 ATS off an upset win over a Big 12 Conference rival.  Lay the points.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Philadelphia Flyers.  We had a big play on the Flyers yesterday, and they got the first shutout performance of the season from their goalie Calvin Pickard, in a 4-0 home win against the Rangers.  But it was from a netminder who had been one of the worst in the league, with a GAA over 4.00 and a saves percentage around .850.  Anyway, one shutout does not make a season, so we will have to see some consistent play from Pickard and the Flyers' defense before declaring that there has been a turnaround.  Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs' climb to the top of the NHL ladder took a little detour in their last game.  After four straight wins, the Leafs went into Raleigh and Columbus in their last two where they proceeded to get thumped pretty good.  But they're back home tonight where they've won three straight vs. some pretty good teams -- Columbus, New Jersey, and Vegas.  Being the home team in this series is pretty important lately as the hosts have won five of the last six meetings between the Leafs and Flyers.  And Toronto is also 35-17 in its last 52 games here at Scotiabank Arena.  Take the Leafs.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Montreal Canadiens over Boston  If the season ended today, these two teams would take the last two spots in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  And that would be quite an accomplishment for Montreal, which comes in off a year in which it won just 29 of 82 games.  Last season, Montreal's failings were largely on offense.  The Canadiens were a horrid offensive team, and ranked next-to-last, with a 2.5 goals per game average.  This year, though, it's a different story, as the Canadiens are scoring 3.2 goals per game, and rank among the better NHL teams in that category.  And that is one of the most important factors in the Canadiens' success in the early going.  These two rivals met four weeks ago in Boston, and the Canadiens upset Boston, 3-0, behind a 33-saves performance by Carey Price.  Boston, though, has been poor in the revenge role, as it's 27-32, minus 21 games on the money line, when playing with revenge.  Even worse for Boston:  it's underperformed vs. NHL teams that average 3.0 (or more) goals per game, as it's 34-44, minus 21 games on the money line.  Take Montreal.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Red Wings over Buffalo.  Both of these teams are playing very well.  The Sabres have won eight straight games, and nine of their last 10.  But Buffalo's streak shouldn't overshadow what the Red Wings are doing.  Detroit has won nine of its last 12 games, including six of its last seven here, at home.  And the Wings have won 31 of the last 41 games (+17 games on the money line) vs. Buffalo.  Both teams played last night, with the Sabres using their #1 netminder, Carter Hutton, and Detroit employing its #2 netminder, Jonathan Bernier.  Tonight, it should be Detroit's #1 goalie, Jimmy Howard, vs. Buffalo's #2 goalie, Linus Ullmark, so that will be in the Red Wings' favor.  I look for Detroit to snap Buffalo's win streak this evening.  Take Detroit.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Illinois Illini + the points over Northwestern.  Last week, Illinois was thoroughly embarrassed by Iowa, in a 63-0 beatdown.  But off that whitewash, I look for Illinois to bounce back in their final game of the season.  Indeed, since 1998, teams that failed to cover the point spread by 35+ points in their penultimate game of the season, have rebounded to cash 68% in their final game.  Take Illinois.  Big 10 Game of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Miami-Fla Hurricanes minus the points over Pittsburgh.  The Hurricanes were 10-0 last season, and ranked #2 in the country, when they went into Pittsburgh last season.  The Panthers roiled Miami's season with a 24-14 upset win.  The 'Canes then proceeded to lose their next two games, as well, including the ACC Title game to Clemson, and the Orange Bowl vs. Wisconsin.  This season, it's Pittsburgh which has ACC Championship hopes, as the Panthers will play Clemson in the ACC Title game next week.  So, even if Miami wins today, the Panthers can still win the Conference next week.  Regardless, I love Miami in this revenge match, as the 'Canes fall into a 53-27 ATS revenge system of mine which plays on certain revenge-minded teams that were winning clubs the previous season.  Even worse for Pitt:  It's covered its last six games, and falls into a 51-23 ATS "Last Road Game" system of mine which goes against certain teams off ATS wins.  Lay the points with Miami.  NCAA Payback Payday.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Georgia State Panthers + the points over the Georgia Southern Eagles.  The Panthers have lost their last six games SU and their last five games ATS.  But Georgia State falls into a 99-58 ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams off SU/ATS losses vs. foes off SU/ATS wins.  Moreover, teams on a 5-game (or worse) point spread losing streak have gone 42-13 their last 55 vs. opponents on a point spread win streak (and home teams have gone 24-5 ATS their last 29 in this situation)!  Take the Panthers + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Buffalo Bulls minus the points over Marist.  The Bulls are ranked #22 in the country, with a 4-0 SU record and a 3-0 ATS mark.  Not to be outdone, Marist is now 4-0 ATS (though 1-3 straight-up) after covering the 7.5-point spread in a 64-60 loss at Stephen F. Austin.  So, something will have to give today, with both teams entering the game with 100% ATS records.  We will fade Marist, which is an awful 12-34-2 ATS as underdogs of more than 8 points off a point spread win.  Meanwhile, Buffalo is a solid 21-7 ATS its last 28 as a favorite of more than 10 points, including a perfect 13-0 ATS if the Bulls won their two previous games.  Lay the points with Buffalo.  Perfect 10 Club Play. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 2 pm, our selection is on the Eastern Michigan Eagles minus the points over Detroit.  Eastern Michigan was blown out on the road, 63-36, by Rutgers, as a 7-point underdog, on Monday.  But the good news for the Eagles is that they are back home this afternoon.  And teams playing at home, or on a neutral court, have cashed 61% the past 29 years off a 23-point (or worse) defeat in which they scored 36 or less points.  Take Eastern Michigan minus the points this afternoon.  Elite Info Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Pelicans minus the points over the New York Knicks.  New York pulled off the biggest upset yet this season when it won, 117-109, as a 14.5-point dog on Wednesday.  And that was New York's second straight ATS win.  Unfortunately for the Knicks, NBA teams off upset wins as dogs of more than 14 points, and also an ATS win two games back, have cashed their next game just 33% of the time.  Take New Orleans.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Texas A&M Aggies minus the points over South Alabama.  The Aggies have dropped four straight games.  But three of those losses were on the road to #3-ranked Gonzaga (which just beat #1-ranked Duke), or at neutral sites against quality clubs from Power Conferences like Washington and Minnesota.  This evening, then, will represent a major step-down in class for Texas A&M, and it should be able to re-enter the win column, here at home.  The Aggies have done really well vs. non conference foes when playing at home (or on a neutral court) off a loss.  And if Texas A&M was favored, or getting less than 9 points, then they've cashed 26 of 31 since Dec. 21, 2001.  The Aggies also fall into 82-48 and 56-19 ATS systems of mine which play on certain favorites of more than 8 points off a defeat.  Take the Aggies.  NCAA Roadkill Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Detroit Pistons + the points over Houston.  These two teams met on Tuesday in Houston, and the Rockets came away with a 2-point victory.  Since 1990, in regular season home-and-home (i.e., "back-to-back") meetings between winning teams,  underdogs have cashed 62.1% if they lost the first of the 2-game set.  Take Detroit.

At 4:15 pm, our selection is on the South Florida Bulls + the points over Central Florida.  The Knights have won their last 23 games, dating back to last season, while South Florida has dropped four straight (following a 7-0 start).  I love the Bulls as a two touchdown underdog on Friday, as underdogs of +19 or less points have cashed 67.5% since 1980 in their final home game of the season, if they were playing a conference foe off back to back wins.  Take the Bulls as the home dog.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:35 pm, our selection is on the LA Clippers minus the points over Memphis.  The Grizzlies have won their last five games -- both straight-up and ATS.  But this game will likely end the win streak.  The Clippers are a super 7-1 at home this season, including 7-0 after their loss to Denver on Opening Night.  And road underdogs of more than 2 points, off 5+ wins and covers, have cashed just 63 of 150 games.  Take the Clippers.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Cincinnati Bearcats minus the points over East Carolina.  Cincy was blown out, 38-13, last week by Central Florida.  But I love them to bounce back as a double-digit home favorite today, on Friday.  Indeed, since 1988, teams playing their final home game of the season have cashed 66.0% if they were favored by 16+ points, and lost their previous game by 16+ points.  Lay the points with the Bearcats.

At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Flyers over the New York Rangers.  In an effort to fix their goaltending issues, the Flyers used their third starting net-minder in as many games on Wednesday.  After giving starts to veterans Brian Elliott (vs. Devils on Nov. 15), and Calvin Pickard (Lightning on Nov. 17), Philly turned to 2nd year NHLer Alex Lyon for his first start of the season.  Unfortunately, Lyon couldn't turn around the Flyers' fortune.  But the good news is that when the struggling Pickard replaced Lyon after four goals in 12 shots, Pickard was perfect the rest of the way.  He should be back in goal in this matinee special against the visiting Rangers.  This is the first meeting of the season between these two, and the last time they met -- April 7 -- the Flyers shut out the Rangers 5-0 while out-shooting them 40-17.  This has been a very host-friendly series lately as the home team has won four of the last five meetings.  Admittedly, the Rangers have won three straight by a combined score of 11-3.  But they are a poor 4-14 in their last 18 road games after allowing two goals or less in each of their last two games.  Take Philly.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 12 Noon, our selection is on the Iowa Hawkeyes minus the points over Nebraska.  The Cornhuskers have won their last two games, but each of those were at home.  And the Huskers were favored in both games.  Now, they have to travel to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes in Iowa's final home game of the season.  And Nebraska's an ugly 0-13 SU and 3-9-13 ATS as road underdogs of +3 or more points off back to back wins as a favorite.  The Hawkeyes exploded for 63 points last week, in a 63-0 win at Illinois.  And single-digit home favorites (or PK) have covered 62.8% since 1980 after scoring 60+ points in a win the previous week.  Take Iowa.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Falcons + the points over New Orleans, as Atlanta falls into my best NFL system, which is 216-128 ATS.  That angle is 4-1 this season, though it did lose last week on the Eagles against these Saints.  New Orleans made a mockery of the defending Super Bowl champs last week, with a 48-7 blowout win.  I'll go against the Saints as a double-digit favorite, as NFL teams that scored more than 85 points over their two previous games have cashed just 31% since 1980 vs. foes that weren't off an ATS win, including an awful 0-12 ATS in division contests against revenge-minded opponents.  With Atlanta off an upset loss to Dallas last week, and also playing with revenge from a 43-37 loss to the Saints in September, we'll grab the points with Matt Ryan & Co.  Take the Falcons.  NFL Division Game of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.