Sports Picks & Predictions

At 7:30 pm, on Friday, our selection is on the Virginia Cavaliers minus the points over Pittsburgh.  The Panthers upset the Duke Blue Devils, 54-45, last week, as a 2.5-point home underdog.  And they'll now try to make it two upsets in a row when they take on the 23rd-ranked Cavaliers, who are on a 3-game win streak.  Unfortunately for the Panthers, road teams off an upset win as a home dog have cashed just 34% since 1980 vs. foes off back to back wins, if our road team wasn't getting more than 10 points.  Take Virginia to blow out Pitt.  NCAA High Roller Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Anaheim Ducks over the New York Rangers.  For perhaps the second year in a row, the expectations in Manhattan are quite low for the NHL team.  It's basically at the point where anything the Rangers accomplish will be seen as a plus as the team is clearly in re-building mode.  Part of that re-building will be the departure -- hopefully gracefully -- of veteran goalie Henrik Lundqvist.  Lundqvist was arguably the most consistent net-minder in the NHL for a decade (2006-2015) but in the last two seasons, we've seen a decline in his numbers.  It's expected that this season, 22-year-old back-up Alexandar Georgiev will see more playing time.  The second-year goalie needs the experience as he is still learning his way around the NHL and will certainly struggle as he gets more minutes.  The Ducks are coming off of a rare six-game losing streak and will look to bounce back tonight at home.  That home ice is important tonight as the host team has won four straight and six out of the last seven meetings.  New York is also a dreadful 0-7 in their last seven games following a win.  Take Anaheim.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers to go over the total.  Both of these teams have had defensive issues this season.  Oakland is giving up 31.1 ppg, while the Niners are surrendering 29.5.  Since 1980, in NFL games with lines of 45 or more points, the OVER has cashed 25 of 33 games if both teams had defenses that gave up 29+ points.  Take the over.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Atlanta Hawks + the points over Sacramento.  The Kings are one of the early-season surprises in the NBA.  After Tuesday's win at Orlando, they've won their last four games, and were underdogs in each game.  Their road trip continues tonight in Atlanta, but they won't make it five straight upsets, as they've been installed in the rare (for them) role of a road favorite.  The Kings, not surprisingly, have not found much success as road favorites, as they're 26-53-2 ATS in that role since 2004, including 0-16-1 ATS their last 17 when laying less than 3 points against an opponent off a loss!  The Hawks also fall into a 236-159 ATS system of mine which plays against certain winning teams (like Sacramento).  Take Atlanta.  Perfect 10 Club Play. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Detroit Red Wings.  It's hard to think of the Red Wings as a bad hockey team.  But for at least the next year or two, that's probably what fans of this one-great franchise are going to have to get used to.  Not surprisingly, the Wings got off to a 1-9 start before -- surprisingly -- they won their last two in a row heading into this home match-up with the Devils.  New Jersey was steamrolled on Wednesday by a very good Tampa team, 8-3, which was its fourth loss in its last five games.  Three of those four losses, though, came against very good teams (Colorado, Nashville, and the aforementioned Lightning) so New Jersey is going down in class tonight.  One of the few offensive weapons that Detroit has -- RW Andreas Athanasio who had five points in his last six games --  just suffered an undisclosed injury and won't be available tonight.  Also, being the road team in this match-up is not necessarily a bad thing for the Devils, as the visitors are 6-2 in the last eight meetings.  Finally, the Red Wings are 8-20 off back-to-back wins.  Take the Devils.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the New York Islanders.  In one of the biggest upsets of the young season, the Penguins lost badly (6-3) at home on Tuesday to the John Tavares-less Islanders.  But that's the Pens for you.  They will play like Champs against good teams for a bunch of games in a row and then throw a clunker as a big favorite for seemingly no reason.  The good thing about this particular clunker is that the Pens get to avenge that loss immediately as they travel to Brooklyn tonight.  The Isles are 7-14 in their last 21 home games coming off of a win.  Take the Penguins.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Blackhawks over the Vancouver Canucks.  There's a lot of young talent on the the front lines of the Canucks, including rookie Swedish sensation Elias Pettersson and 21-year-old star Brock Boeser.  But the defense is another story.  Vancouver's 3.16 goals-against per game last season was the second-worst such number in the West.  The Canucks have lacked a difference-maker on the blue line and since they didn't address that in the off-season, the depth and health of that defense is going to be critical this season.  Unfortunately, they are already behind the eight ball in that respect as two of the top defensemen -- Alexander Edler and Chris Tanev -- are out with injuries and won't be available tonight.  That doesn't bode well for a team that has already allowed 42 goals in 13 games.  The Hawks have lost back-to-back games so they're hungry to get back on track against a team that they've struggled against recently (0-4 in the last four meetings).  The Canucks won their last game -- which was at home -- but they are just 12-24 off a home win, and 4-17 in their last 21 after scoring 5+ goals.  Take Chicago.  NHL Elite Info Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Brooklyn Nets minus the points over Detroit.  These two teams met on opening night, and the Pistons handed Brooklyn a narrow 3-point defeat.  The Nets covered the 6-point spread, though, and are 4-3 ATS to start the season.  Detroit, meanwhile, has not made many friends in Las Vegas thus far, as it's just 2-4 ATS.  The Nets have lost just two games BOTH SU and ATS -- and those two games were at Indiana, and at New York.  But Brooklyn played each of those two games without rest.  Tonight, however, the Nets are well-rested, and catch the Pistons playing without rest.  Brooklyn falls into a 188-101 ATS revenge system of mine.  Lay the points.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Ball State Cardinals + the points over Toledo.  Ball State was blown out by 38 points (as a 10-point underdog) in its last game.  And it lost by 22 points (as a 2.5-point dog) in its game two weeks ago.  Thus, over its two previous games, it failed to cover the spread by a combined 47.5 points.  But the Cardinals fall into a 64-32 ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams off back to back ATS losses by 19+ points.  And Ball State is also 55-26 ATS on the road since Oct. 29, 2005, including 8-0 ATS when priced from +16 to +19.5 points.  Take Ball State.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Nashville Predators over the Vegas Golden Knights.  One of the early season favorites to win it all -- some sites have their Cup odds as low as 8-1 -- the Predators are off to a fast start.  But, oddly, they've won all of their road games while going just 3-3 here at home.  That trend won't last however as the Preds were one of the best home teams last season.  Who will be the NHL's next young goalie to break out?  Some think it might be 23-year-old Juuse Saros.  Saros had 26 games in net for the Preds last season backing up veteran Pekka Rinne and he figured he'd be doing the same this fall.  But an injury to Rinne has given Saros the starting job for now and he has been up to the task so far, posting a 5-2 record in seven games (six starts).  Speaking of goalies, Marc-Andre Fleury was signed to a new contract after leading the Knights to the Finals, but he's off to a very slow start, going 5-5 with an .897 saves percentage in 10 games so far.  The Predators lost their last game, 5-3, here to Edmonton and they are 5-0 in their last five immediately after allowing five or more goals.  Take Nashville.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Tampa Bay Lightning over the New Jersey Devils.  Not only did the Lightning not win the last game of their 5-game road trip in Arizona last Saturday, but they got spanked, 7-1.  It's very likely that the Bolts were simply tired after playing five games in five different cities in the span of a week.  So we're more than willing to give Tampa Bay a pass on that game.  Tonight, it will be a very good Devils team visiting Tampa for the first time this season.  But this has been a very host-friendly series lately as the home team is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings.  The Devils are 1-7 in the last eight meetings in Tampa while the Lightning are 6-1 in their last seven following a loss by 3+ goals.  Take the Lightning.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Buffalo Sabres over Calgary.  The Flames won last night in Toronto, 3-1, and will be playing without rest tonight, in Buffalo.  And Calgary is 2-5 its last seven when playing without rest. It's also won just 2 of the last 15 meetings in Buffalo.  Take the Sabres.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie. 

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the Buffalo Bills + the points over New England.  One of the more reliable long-term NFL situations has been to play on double-digit home underdogs against opponents off straight-up wins.  Since 1980, they've gone 87-56-2 ATS.  And though there's nothing wrong with such a record, we can improve it by filtering out double-digit underdogs that were non-competitive in their two previous games (failing to cover each by more than 7+ points).  With that filter in place, our 87-56-2 record zooms to 75-38-2 ATS.  And, yes, it's certainly true that Tom Brady's Patriots have been the standard-bearer in the NFL for the last 18 years.  But New England's been poor lately in the role of a big favorite away from home, as they've cashed just 3 of their last 13 when laying 9 or more points (and just 1 of 9 if it wasn't off a loss).  Take Buffalo.  Monday Night Football Game of the Month!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Miami Heat minus the points over Sacramento.  The Kings enter this game off back to back upset wins over Memphis and Washington.  And those two games leveled their record at 3-3 this season.  But the Kings have been horrible off wins the past 2+ years, as they're 23-35 ATS, including 5-14 ATS vs. .600 (or better) opposition.  And when the Kings were off 2+ wins, then those two stats devolve to 5-11 and 0-5 ATS.  Miami has dominated this series vs. Sacramento, with a 35-14 ATS record since 1992, including a perfect 9-0 ATS if Sacramento was off back to back wins!  Take Miami.  Perfect 10 Club play.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Boston Red Sox.  With the Red Sox one game away from another World Title, we are back to the top of the Dodgers' rotation for Game 5 in Los Angeles.  That means lefthander Clayton Kershaw will go to the mound.  He wasn't sharp vs. Boston in Game 1, but there is reason to think that Kershaw can turn the tables tonight.  For one thing, in Game 1, Kershaw was in unfamiliar territory, playing in a park he had never pitched in before and having to do it in cold weather.  But now Kershaw will be back home, where he has amazing numbers.  In 164 appearances at Dodger Stadium (all starts), Kershaw is 83-34 with a ridiculous 2.08 ERA in just under 1113 innings.  And he's given up just one run on five hits, with 12 strikeouts in 15 post-season innings pitched at home this season.  Finally, the Dodgers are 7-3 when trailing in a Playoff series, and 20-8 in their last 28 inter-league games.  Take Los Angeles.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Blackhawks over the Edmonton Oilers.  The Blackhawks missed the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons under coach Joel Quenneville.  It was a disastrous year, but this team isn’t devoid of talent.  Goalie Corey Crawford was on track for his best numbers ever before concussion symptoms ended his year.  Not wanting to take additional chances, the 'Hawks signed veteran netminder Cam Ward to a one-year contract.  So far, the Blackhawks have not needed to rely on Ward as their main goalie as Crawford appears to be fully recovered from his injuries and has been nothing short of spectacular.  The veteran -- who has spent all 11+ seasons in Chicago -- is 3-1 in four games with a 1.52 GAA and .946 Saves percentage.  Tonight, though, Chicago's insurance policy of having Ward on its roster should pay a dividend, as it's the 2nd of back-to-back nights for the Blackhawks, a situation which generally means the backup netminder will start.  Edmonton also played last night, and they're just 2-6 in the last eight meetings in Chicago as well as 26-70 in their last 96 when playing on zero days of rest.  Take the Blackhawks.  NHL HIGH ROLLER.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Green Bay Packers + the points over the LA Rams.  The Packers had last week off to rest and prepare for the 7-0 Rams.  Immediately before their bye week, the Packers survived a tough game, at home, vs. San Francisco, and won 33-30, as an 8.5-point favorite.  The Packers are just 2-4 ATS this season, but with Aaron Rodgers as their starting QB, they've been extremely profitable.  In his career, the Packers are 94-66 ATS with him under center, including a fantastic 36-20 ATS off a point spread loss (and 9-2 ATS as an underdog).  And Rodgers is also 10-0 ATS if the Packers had a losing ATS record on the season and were playing an opponent off a win.  Take Green Bay.  Perfect 10 Club Play! 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 Denver Broncos + the points over Kansas City.  This is the 2nd meeting this season between these AFC West division rivals.  In the first meeting, the Broncos actually had a lead after three quarters, but KC came back to win, 27-23 (and covered the closing line of -3.5).  Impressively, the Chiefs are the 21st NFL team since 1980 to not lose against the spread in any of its first six games.  But what's remarkable about KC's ATS win streak thus far is that they are doing it in spite of a very leaky defense.  Indeed, of the 21 teams that were undefeated ATS through their first six games, the Chiefs have -- by far  -- the worst defense.  KC is giving up 26 points per game...but none of the other 20 clubs had a defense which gave up more than 21.16 ppg!  This doesn't bode well for the Chiefs going forward.  And especially not in their games, like this particular one, where they are favored by a large amount.  For technical support, consider that NFL favorites of -8 or more points, that give up 23.67 (or more) points per game, are an awful 35-77-1 ATS at Game 6 forward since 1980.  Moreover, AFC West division teams playing with same-season revenge have gone 113-71-5 ATS since 1980 vs. division rivals that did not have a losing ATS record, provided our revenger was not favored by more than 6 points.  Denver did everything BUT win in the first meeting, back on October 1st.  However, I expect the Broncos to not let this game slip away this time.  Take the points. AFC West Game of the Year!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the New York Giants over the Washington Redskins.  The Redskins come into the Meadowlands off back to back upset wins, at home, vs. Carolina and Dallas.  And they’ve now been installed as a road favorite vs. a Giants team on a 4-game losing streak.  Unfortunately for Washington, teams off back to back upset wins are an awful 52-77 ATS since 1980 vs. opponents off back to back losses.  Likewise, teams off back to back SU/ATS wins, as well as an upset win in their previous game, are 28-47 ATS vs. opponents off 4 or more defeats.  Finally, New York is a solid 37-21 ATS at home vs. division rivals off a point spread win.  Take the Giants.  NFL Roadkill Play.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Red Sox over the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Last night we had a huge play on the Dodgers, and were rewarded with a thrilling 3-2, 18-inning victory.  Tonight, the Red Sox will look to rebound, and will hand the ball to southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez.  At first, it looked like the Red Sox would start Drew Pomeranz, and I would not have played on Boston had he been listed as the starter.  But Boston's coaches must not have had the requisite confidence in him, given his 6.08 ERA this season, so they are now turning to Rodriguez, which is a smart move.  The 25-year-old Venezuelan made 23 starts this season, and Boston won 19 of them (including 9-1 on the road, and 2-0 in interleague starts), so they will be extremely confident with him on the hill.  Meanwhile, Los Angeles has struggled when priced at home between -125 and -175, as it's gone 22-24, minus 15 games on the money line.  Take Boston.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the St. Louis Blues over the Chicago Blackhawks.  With the offensive upgrades the Blues made in the off-season, adding forwards Maroon, O'Reilly, Bozak, and Perron, the biggest key to their success will undoubtedly be between the pipes with Jake Allen.  Unfortunately for them, Allen's struggle with inconsistent play has carried over into this season, including losses to Columbus (7-4) and Winnipeg (5-4) in St Louis' last two games.  Because they were concerned about that, the Blues picked up a new back-up in the off-season in the form of veteran Chad Johnson.  But St. Louis is hoping that Johnson can stay on the bench tonight as Allen faces the team he's had more experience against than any other.  And the majority of that experience has been positive.  In 16 career games vs. the Hawks, Allen is 8-5-3 with a 2.76 GAA.  One of the Blackhawks' biggest problems last season was their inability to win on the road.  Their 15 wins away from Chicago was tied for the second-lowest road success rate in the Western Conference.  Another problem was an inability to string together a bunch of wins, as the Blackhawks are 13-25 in their last 38 coming off a win.  We'll back the home club tonight, as St Louis is a solid 6-1 after giving up more than four goals in each of its past two games.  Take the Blues.  Western Conference Game of the Month!  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Cleveland Cavaliers + the points over Indiana.  The Cavs will look to snap their five-game losing streak on this Saturday night.  And they'll take on division rival, Indiana, which upset San Antone in the Alamo City on Wednesday.  We'll grab the points with the home dog, as NBA underdogs of more than 3 points are 61-21 ATS since 1992 off 5+ losses, if they're playing a division opponent off an upset win.  Take Cleveland.  NBA Elite Info Winner. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers + the points over Florida International.  Last week, the Hilltoppers suffered, perhaps, the most excruciating loss of the season (a game which really needed to be SEEN to be believed).  Indeed, the Hilltoppers actually led 34-27 with 1:37 left in regulation.  But Old Dominion scored a tying TD with nine seconds left, and then a WINNING Field Goal with no time (literally) on the clock, as they game had seemingly ended three plays before.  But because of rules violations on three successive plays (including a game-winning FG attempt by Western Kentucky), there were three untimed downs after the clock had expired.  And on the 3rd untimed down, it was Florida International which kicked the game-winner.  That was the Hilltoppers' 3rd straight loss and, for some, it might be a crushing loss.  But this is actually a perfect spot for Mike Sanford's team to bounce back, as it's homecoming night for Western Kentucky, so the campus will be excited, and the team will be motivated.   Indeed, coach Sanford was asked if he felt his team was snake-bit after last week's loss, and he said, 'no,' that he 'doesn't believe in karma' but rather 'hard work' which his players continue to exude.  Now, it's true that the Panthers are 3-0 in Conference USA, while the Hilltoppers are 0-3 within the Conference.  But, as discussed above, the Hilltoppers were less than two minutes away from a victory (and point spread cover) last week.  And, for the season, the Hilltoppers are 4-3 ATS, with several close losses (four of their six losses were by a mere three points, so they certainly have not played badly).  One of the things I love to do, at Conference Game 4 forward, is play on home teams winless in Conference play, if they were matched up against an opponent which was unbeaten in conference play, and the game was competitively-priced with a point spread of 10 points or less.  Over the last 38 seasons, our home teams have covered 80% of the time.  Moreover, Western Kentucky is a perfect 9-0 ATS as a home underdog of +6 or less points since November 2009.  Take the Hilltoppers.  CUSA Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the North Carolina State Wolfpack minus the points over Syracuse.  The Wolfpack were blown out by Clemson, 41-7, last week, which was their first loss of the season.  However, I look for them to bounce back and get a road victory this evening.  Not only have coach Dave Doreen's Wolfpack won each of the last four meetings vs. Syracuse, but they're also 8-1-1 ATS their last 10 as a road favorite.  And, going back to Doreen's stint as head coach of Northern Illinois, his teams have gone 12-2-1 ATS as a road favorite, including 3-0-1 ATS off a loss.  Finally, winning road favorites have gone 152-112 ATS since 1993 off a conference loss by 10+ points, if they also failed to cover the spread by 12+ points in that loss.  Take NC State.  NCAA Road Warrior Winner.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 12 Noon, our selection is on the Florida State Seminoles + the points over Clemson.  The Tigers enter this contest on a 7-game win streak, including 63-3 and 41-7 blowout wins over their last two foes (Wake Forest, NC State).  Unfortunately, NCAA favorites (or PK) off back to back stellar defensive performances, where they held their two opponents to less than 10 points, are a poor 29-62-1 ATS away from home since 1982 vs. winning teams off a SU/ATS win.  That's one reason I love the Seminoles.  Another is that Willie Taggart's teams (Western Kentucky, South Florida, Oregon, Florida State) have excelled as underdogs (or as a small favorite of -3 or less points) with him as the head coach, including 31-14-1 ATS their last 46 vs. conference foes.  Take Florida State.  NCAA High Noon Hanging!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12:05 pm, our selection is on the New Jersey Devils over the Florida Panthers.  The Devils' hot start to the season has been cooled off a bit as they are currently on a three-game losing streak coming into this daytime home affair against the Panthers.  New Jersey should get a boost today from the return of #2 center Travis Zajac who's been battling a lower-body injury but is expected to suit up this afternoon.  Future Hall-of-Fame goalie Roberto Luongo started the season for the Panthers and made it through 32 minutes of that opening game before succumbing to a knee injury that has kept him out since.  The Panthers have been relying on the combination of James Reimer and Michael Hutchinson but it has not gone well for the most part and the team sorely needs Luongo back in net.  The Panthers are 49-90 in their last 139 off a road win by one goal (they beat the Isles in OT on Wednesday).  Also, the home team is 17-5 in the last 22 meetings of these two.  Take the Devils.  NHL High Roller Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards minus the points over Sacramento.  In its last game, Washington was blown out, 144-122, by the Golden State Warriors.  But off that big loss, we'll lay the points with the Wizards in Sacramento on this Friday.  For technical support, consider that NBA favorites of -2.5 (or more) points have gone 45-19 ATS off a blowout loss by 15+ points, if they gave up more than 130 points in that defeat.  We actually just saw this situation present itself last Saturday, when the Houston Rockets rebounded from their 131-112 defeat to New Orleans to upend the Lakers, 124-115.  Similarly, I look for the Wizards to roll tonight over Sacramento.  Lay the points.  NBA High Roller Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Brooklyn Nets + the points over New Orleans.  After shooting 53.1% and 58.9% from the field in their first two games, the Pelicans came back down to earth in their 3rd game, where they shot just 43.0% from the field.  So, it was no surprise that their offensive production went from 131 and 149 points (which they got in Games 1 + 2) to 116 points, and that their margin of victory went from 19 and 20 points to just seven points.  Of course, New Orleans' particular opponents in those games had a lot to do with their offensive field goal percentage.  In games 1 + 2, the Pelicans faced Houston and Sacramento -- teams that are allowing more than 48% of opponents' shots to be converted, and giving up 115.2 and 122.0 points, respectively.  In contrast, New Orleans' last opponent (the Clippers) is only allowing 106.7 ppg, on 41.2% FG shooting, and ranks 1st in effective FG percentage (46.2%).  Likewise, tonight's foe (Brooklyn) is only allowing 44.1% of shot attempts to be converted, and ranks 6th in effective FG percentage (48.6%), and 8th in defensive ppg (106.5).  I expect the Pelicans to once again have a more difficult time on offense, and for this game to be extremely close.  The Nets are 25-9 their last 34 as road underdogs, 17-4-1 ATS their last 22 on the road vs. a foe off an ATS win, and 41-17-2 ATS their last 60 on the road when playing with rest.  Take the points with Brooklyn. NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Boston Red Sox.  The Sox dominated the first two games of this series at home , including a 4-2 victory on Wednesday, in which they held LA's batters to just three hits.  That second defeat now puts the Dodgers in a must-win situation in L.A. tonight.  RH Rick Porcello goes for the visitors, and by most accounts, Porcello has been a very solid starter throughout his career, even winning an AL Cy Young in 2016.  But the Sox may have wanted to start him at home because in two starts at Dodger Stadium, the 29 year old has not fared well.  In 10 2/3 innings here, Porcello has a 5.91 ERA and has allowed 18 hits with three walks for an atrocious WHIP of 1.97.  The Dodgers will counter with rookie LH Walker Buehler.  When we last saw Buehler, he was closing out the NLCS with 4 2/3 sparkling innings in Milwaukee in game seven.  He's still looking for his first post-season victory, and he's back home tonight where he has a career ERA of 2.31 in 16 appearances (12 starts).  With their victory in that NLCS Game 7, the Dodgers have now won six of Buehler's last nine starts going back to the end of August.  Even better:  the Dodgers are an awesome 121-86 (+18 games on the money line) after getting less than five hits in their previous game.  Take Los Angeles. Interleague Game of the Month! As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 6:30 pm, our selection is on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs + the points over Florida Atlantic.  The Owls were upset, 31-7, last Saturday on the road by the Marshall Thundering Herd.  They've now been installed as a home favorite vs. LA Tech.  Unfortunately, home favorites of 7 or less points are an awful 108-179 ATS off an upset road loss.  Even worse:  Florida Atlantic is a poor 27-44 ATS at home, including 1-8 ATS when priced from -3.5 to -7 points.  Take Louisiana Tech.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 6:05 pm, our selection is on the Vegas Golden Knights over the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Last season's surprise Stanley Cup Finalists are hoping to get back there again and why not?  The Golden Knights just might be far and away the best team in what looks like a weak Pacific Division -- although they have gotten off to a somewhat slow start.  An unfortunate suspension for a PED violation has left the Knights without a top blue-line player, as D Nate Schmidt is sitting out for 20 games (eligible to return in about a month).  But this is still a very talented group that returns most of the key pieces from last season and the additions of forwards Max Pacioretty and Paul Stastny should more than make up for the losses of James Neal and David Perron.  Vegas is at its best at home against top-level road teams as the Knights are 6-0 in their last six home games vs. teams with a road winning % of greater than .600 (Tampa is 27-17, .613, going back to the beginning of last season).  Take Vegas.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers + the points over Denver.  The Nuggets have sprinted out to a 4-0 record, including an impressive upset win, at home, over the Golden State Warriors.  Now, they'll try to go into Staples Center to defeat LeBron James & Co.  We played on Los Angeles last night and got the $$$$ in a blowout win over Phoenix.  I like LA to make it two in a row tonight, as home underdogs have gone 158-119 ATS vs. non-division foes off 4 SU/ATS wins, if such foe owned a winning SU/ATS record on the season.  Take the Lakers.  NBA Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Calgary Flames over the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The Penguins are half-way through their Canadian road swing and so far, so good.  After shutting out a very good Maple Leafs team in Toronto, the Pens then needed overtime, but beat the Oilers in Edmonton, 6-5.  But three-game road winning streaks have been very elusive for Sidney Crosby and Company, as they didn't have one all of last season.  In fact, you have go all the way back to early March of 2017 to find the last time this talented group was able to win three straight away from the Steel City.  And that's not the only reason to like the home team tonight.  Despite the fact that the Pens have been much more accomplished in recent seasons than their opponents, the Flames have won five of the last six meetings going back to November of 2015.  And the Pens also seem to have a tendency to have a power outage after a big offensive night, as they are 4-10 in their last 14 after scoring five or more goals in their previous game.  Pittsburgh is also 4-14 in its last 18 in game three of a road trip, and 27-30 (minus 19 games on the money line) off a win.  Take the Flames. NHL High Roller. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Georgia Southern Eagles + the points over Appalachian St.  The Mountaineers are 5-1, and have not lost since their opening day, overtime loss, at Penn State.  Today, they'll take on the 6-1 Eagles, who routed New Mexico St. last weekend, 48-31.  For the season, the Eagles are outscoring their foes, on average, by a score of 31.0 to 19.3.  But at home, those numbers improve to 36.7 ppg, on offense, and just 13.2 ppg, on defense.  Additionally, Georgia Southern falls into a very good 88-28 ATS system of mine which plays on certain teams, at home, off a win.  And, finally, since 1980, NCAA underdogs of more than 2 points are 239-167 ATS off back to back wins, if they average more than 29.5 points per game on offense.  Take Georgia Southern.  NCAA Roadkill play.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Baylor Bears + the points over West Virginia.  The Mountaineers come into tonight's game off a 30-14 loss to Iowa State, which was WVU's first defeat of the season (after starting with 5 straight wins).  One of the things I love to do when betting College Football games is to go against certain teams off their initial loss of the season, if they had a 5-0 (or better) record prior to the defeat.  These teams, more often than not, fail to bounce back from their first loss of the season.  And Baylor is a play out of a super 97-47 ATS system of mine which goes against such teams (like WVU) off their first loss.  Even worse for the Mountaineers:  they have a history of not rebounding off upset losses, as they're 1-9 ATS off an upset loss, generally, and also 2-15 ATS their last 17 off an upset loss by 10+ points.  Take Baylor. Thursday Night Football Game of the Month!  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Lakers minus the points over Phoenix.  The Lakers fell to 0-3 SU/ATS on Monday when they were upset in overtime, 143-142, by Gregg Popovich's Spurs.  However, it must be noted that Los Angeles' three opponents to start the season were all Western Conference playoff participants last year.  In stark contrast, their opponent tonight -- the Phoenix Suns -- were the NBA's absolute worst team last season.  That bodes well for the Lakers to break through with a win tonight.  Also, LeBron James has opened a regular season with four straight losses just once (2003), and I don't expect history to repeat itself tonight.  Indeed, in his career, his teams have gone 20-6 ATS on the road off an upset defeat, if they were matched up against a .373 (or worse) opponent in their current game. And the Suns have cashed just 13 of their last 38 at home.  Take the Lakers.  NBA Road Warrior Winner.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Boston Red Sox.  The Dodgers are down 1-0 after a battle of the aces (Sale vs. Kershaw) went to the home team, 8-4, on Tuesday.  Now L.A. will use LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu to start Game 2.  I really like L.A., as the Dodgers are 5-1 in their last six Game 2s of a series.  And they'll be matched up against southpaw David Price, who has recorded just one victory in 12 Playoff starts.  It's true that Boston was able to get to L.A.'s All Star lefty, Clayton Kershaw, last night.  But over the last three years, the Red Sox have struggled somewhat vs. lefty starters.  Indeed, Boston has gone 240-147 (+47 games on the money line) vs. righties, but just 63-53 (minus 5 games on the money line) vs. lefties.  And Ryu isn't just any lefty.  He had a sparkling 1.97 ERA this regular season in 15 starts.  Take L.A.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Sacramento Kings + the points over Denver.  The Kings won their first game of this young season in impressive fashion on Sunday, as they upset the OKC Thunder, 131-120, as a 10.5-point underdog.  And that game serves as a "buy signal" for me, as NBA road underdogs of more than 9 points, off exactly one win, have cashed 60% since 1990 if they covered the point spread by 20+ points in their previous game.  With Denver in off an upset win over the Golden State Warriors, I look for a huge letdown as a double-digit favorite tonight.  Indeed, home teams have gone 5-13 ATS the last 4+ seasons after upsetting the Warriors at home in their previous game.  Take Sacramento plus the points.  NBA ELITE INFO PLAY.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8 pm, our selection is on the Troy State Trojans minus the points over South Alabama.  The Jaguars come into tonight's game off a blowout win, at home, vs. Alabama State.  Unfortunately, the Jaguars are an awful 1-9 ATS off a point spread win.  And they're just 17-32 ATS in Conference games.  Meanwhile, Troy State is a solid 15-6 ATS its last 21 road games.  Lay the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Boston Bruins over the Ottawa Senators.  The Bruins got out of the gates fast this season, winning their opener in Buffalo before reeling off three more at home to go to 4-0.  But for the past week, they've been on a road swing through Canada that hasn't gone well, losing three straight in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.  That's nothing new as, despite the second-best record in the East last season, Boston was only 22-19 on the road.  They'll try again tonight in Ottawa, where the the Senators have won three straight here at the Canadian Tire Center.  But that's not necessarily a good thing for tonight as Ottawa is a disastrous 5-11, -8 games on the money line in its last 16 off of three straight wins.  Even worse:  the Sens have been hit by the injury bug early on, with six regulars either out indefinitely or not suiting up tonight due to various maladies.  Meanwhile, Boston is 17-11 +7 games on the money line in their last 28 when coming off three straight road losses and 45-29 off back-to-back losses by a single goal.  They are also 5-0 in the last five meetings and 4-1 in the last five in Ottawa.  This will be a blowout.  Take the Bruins.  NHL Game of the Month. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards + the points over Portland.  The Trail Blazers enter this game off back to back SU/ATS wins over the Los Angeles Lakers (128-119) and San Antonio Spurs (121-108).  In contrast, Washington checks in off back to back upset losses, at home, vs. the Heat and Raptors.  But if there is a silver lining to Washington's 0-2 start, it's that it lost those two games by a combined five points.  I expect Washington to break through with an upset win tonight, as losing teams have cashed 31 of 36 on the road off a point spread defeat, if they were matched up against an .866 (or better) non-division foe off a point spread win.  Additionally, road dogs of +5 or less points have gone 101-72 ATS after back to back losses by 5 or less points.   And NBA favorites off back to back wins in which they scored 117+ points, have cashed just 38% since 1990 vs. foes off back to back SU/ATS losses.  Grab the points with Washington. NBA Underdog of the Month! Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Capitals over the Vancouver Canucks.  Alex Ovechkin and Co.'s all-night benders after winning the Stanley Cup last Summer were well documented.  It appears now that goalie Braden Holtby was part of the revelry as well.  Indeed, Holtby's play so far this season indicates he is suffering from an extended hangover.  After getting shelled again on Friday -- a 6-5 SO loss to Florida -- Holtby was pulled from net and now sports an .881 save pct.  The Caps traded Philipp Grubauer in the off-season but have a capable backup in Pheonix Copley and they're showing Holtby that they're not afraid to use him.  Holtby will no doubt get his act together and what better time to start than tonight, as the Caps embark on a four-game road trip through the provinces of Canada.  The Canucks have only played two games here this season, but so far, it's been home-sweet-home as they topped the Flames in their season opener and the Bruins on Saturday.  This game, though, will be more difficult to win.  One factor is Vancouver's schedule.  This will be its fourth game in seven days.  And the Canucks are a poor 25-55 when playing their fourth game in seven days.  Moreover, a frustrated and under-achieving Caps team poses a bigger threat than did Vancouver's first two opponents here, at home.  To wit:  Washington is 49-28 off a loss, and 5-1 in the last six meetings.  Meanwhile, the Canucks are a poor 12-23 off a home win.  Take the Caps. NHL Elite Info Winner. As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 7:35 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Detroit Red Wings.  The Red Wings did something on Saturday that they hadn't done since last March.  They won an NHL game.  Detroit's last win was March 31 against the Senators until they beat Florida Saturday night in OT, 4-3.  But make no mistake -- this is still a bad hockey team.  And the only way they're going to get better -- to the point where they make playoffs again -- is to be bad enough that they get some quality players through the draft, as they did in June.  This is a rebuilding that will take several years to complete, and the worst-case scenario is if Detroit is better than expected and gets stuck in the rut of mediocrity.  That's not likely to happen.  The 'Canes -- so far anyway -- are benefiting from being in the inferior Metropolitan Division where they are surprisingly at the top of the heap.  For a team that hasn't made the playoffs in 10 years, they'll take it.  After a 4-0-1 start, the 'Canes have now lost three straight, and there is likely no better remedy than playing Detroit.  The road team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.  Take Carolina.  NHL High Roller Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Clippers over the Houston Rockets.  This is a horrid scheduling spot for Houston.  It played its first road game of the season last night vs. the Lakers, and now continues this early season road trip without the benefit of a day off.  Meanwhile, the Clippers had Saturday off following their blowout win over the Thunder.  For technical support, consider that, since 1990, one would have cashed 71% by playing against unrested NBA favorites on the road if they were coming off a win in their first road game of the season.  Even better:  if our road team had a win percentage of .666 (or better) the previous season, then our 71% ATS system zooms to 83% ATS since 1990.  Take the Los Angeles Clippers to blow out Houston.  NBA Elite Info Winner!  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Anaheim Ducks over the Buffalo Sabres.  The Ducks had a very successful regular season last year, finishing in second place in the Pacific Division with 101 points -- their fifth straight season over the century mark.  But they were a major disappointment in the playoffs, getting swept by the Sharks in the first round.  Not too much has changed this season, and that's not a bad thing.  But the Ducks have to figure out how to get by for a while without a slew of their forwards on the right side, as injuries have decimated them at that position.  So far, so good, as the Anaheim is off to one of its best starts in a while, going 5-2-1 in its first eight games heading into Sunday.  Credit goes to the Ducks' defense as this team has one of the deepest blue lines in the league.  The Sabres pulled off a major upset on Saturday in Los Angeles, beating the Kings handily, 5-1.  Unfortunately, they're 8-24 their last 32 off a win by 2+ goals, including 2-9 their last 11 after a road win.  Anaheim goalie John Gibson should have received consideration for the Vezina trophy last season, but didn't and now he's playing with a chip on his shoulder and has a .948 save percentage as a result.  Take the Ducks.  NHL High Roller Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:30 am, early on Sunday morning, our selection is on the Tennessee Titans + the points over the Los Angeles Chargers.  This game will be played in London, England.  The Chargers are 4-2 on the season, including back to back wins (and covers) in their last two games.  Going in the opposite direction are the Titans, who are 3-3, but off back to back SU/ATS losses.  So, the Titans will be looking to rebound.  And they'll surely be in an ornery mood since they were shutout, 21-0, last week by Baltimore.  The good news, though, for Tennessee fans is that, since 1980, it's been profitable to bet on teams off shutout losses, and especially when priced from +2.5 to +9.5 in non-division games.  Indeed, those teams are 37-8 ATS their last 45!  That's one reason to favor Tennessee in this game.  Another is that the Chargers are a poor 16% ATS away from home since 1980 off back to back SU/ATS wins, if they're playing a non-division foe off back to back SU/ATS losses.  Take the Titans + the points on Sunday morning.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Mavericks + the points over the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Last night, Minnesota bested Cleveland, 131-123, while Dallas had the last two nights off following its 121-100 defeat at Phoenix on Wednesday.  I look for Rick Carlisle's men to bounce back tonight, as they're 45-21-4 ATS off a road loss, if they're playing an opponent off a win, including a perfect 7-0 SU/ATS if they lost by more than 20 points in their previous game.  Take Dallas.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Milwaukee Brewers.  If you had told the Brewers back in April that they would need to win two straight home games to make it to the World Series, they would certainly take that.  Now the two games are down to just one as the Brewers took care of the Dodgers and Hyun-Jin Ryu on Friday night fairly handily.  And not only do they need just one more game, but they get to send the man most would consider their best starter of 2018 to the mound (RHP Jhoulys Chacin) opposite a rookie (RH Walker Buehler).  But Buehler isn't just any first-year pitcher.  The 24-year-old took the league by storm this season, going 8-5 with a 2.62 ERA in 24 games (23 starts).  From an ERA standpoint, his previous NLCS start doesn't look so good (four runs in seven IP).  But Buehler struck out eight and walked one with six hits allowed, so he was pretty darn good.  The Dodgers won five of Buehler's final seven starts of the regular season and now they will ride their rookie to their second straight World Series appearance.  Take Los Angeles.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Purdue Boilermakers + the points over Ohio State.  The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked 2nd in the country with a 7-0 record.  But they've been ice-cold in Las Vegas, as they've failed to cover the point spread in each of their last three games.  In contrast, Purdue has been paying off its bettors, as the Boilermakers have covered each of their last four games, and have won their last three straight-up.  Even more impressive is the fact that the Boilermakers have covered the spread by double-digits in each of their last three games.  And home teams have gone 147-90 ATS in conference games, if they weren't favored by 6 or more points, and they're off back to back wins, in which they covered the spread by double-digits.  Take Purdue + the points.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:30 pm, our selection is on the Washington State Cougars minus the points over Oregon.  We played on Oregon as a home underdog vs. Washington, and got the $$$$ when Oregon won outright, 30-27, in overtime.  But off that upset win, we will fade Oregon against the once-beaten (5-1) Cougars.  A key factor for me in this game is that Washington State had last week off, so it will be well-rested.  And it's awfully difficult to win back to back games vs. excellent teams (and especially if one's opponent is well rested).  Indeed, since 1980, rested .750 (or better) NCAA Teams have cashed 67.7% since 1980 against foes off an upset win as a home underdog vs. another .750 (or better) foe.  Take Washington State minus the points.  Pac-12 Game of the Week.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Wizards over the Toronto Raptors.  The fans in Toronto must be giddy with excitement after the Kawhi Leonard acquisition.  In two games, he's averaging 27.5 ppg, and also 11.5 rpg.  But both of Toronto's two games this season were at home; tonight's game is on the road.  And the Raptors will also be playing without rest.  This is a horrific scheduling situation for the Raptors, as they will be playing without rest, and will also be playing their third game in four nights to start their season.  Since 1996, unrested NBA favorites have cashed just 19% when opening the season with 3 games in 4 nights, and playing a rested foe.  Take Washington.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Indiana Pacers minus the points over the Brooklyn Nets.  The Pacers were blown out by 17 points last night in Milwaukee.  But Indiana's back home tonight, and will be taking on a 1-1 Brooklyn squad that won at home last night vs. New York.  The Pacers are a super 40-14 ATS off a loss by more than 12 points, if they're matched up against a .400 (or better) foe.  And they're also 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings vs. the Nets.  Lay the points with Indy.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles minus the points over Texas San Antonio.  The Golden Eagles laid an egg at North Texas last week, as they scored just seven points in a 30-7 defeat.  And that was Southern Miss's second straight loss (it also lost to SEC power Auburn, 24-13, two weeks ago).  But after being installed as an underdog each of the past two weeks, Southern Miss will no doubt be thrilled to play the Roadrunners, here, in Hattiesburg on Saturday evening.  After all, Southern Miss is a perfect 2-0 SU/ATS as double-digit favorites this season.  Even better:  over the last 39 seasons, in conference games, NCAA home favorites of 16+ points have covered 68% off conference defeats by 16+ points, if they also lost two games back.  The Golden Eagles are also 60% ATS as double-digit favorites off a loss over the past 39 seasons.  Take Southern Miss.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons + the points over Florida St.  Both of these two ACC Conference rivals are 3-3 this season.  And each comes into this afternoon's game off straight-up losses.  But the nature of those defeats could not be more different.  Florida State fell by a mere point, 28-27, to Miami-Fla, while Wake Forest was walloped, 63-3, by Clemson.  I look for Wake Forest to bounce back off that 60-point loss, as road underdogs have cashed 63.8% over the last 39 seasons if they lost by more than 40 points in their previous game, and were playing an opponent also off a loss.  This system is already 3-0 this season, including a 45-20 win last week by Louisiana Monroe +6.5 over Coastal Carolina following Monroe's 70-21 blowout loss at the hands of Ole Miss.  The Demon Deacons will bounce back in a similar fashion.  Take Wake Forest.

At 3 pm, our selection is on the Central Michigan Chippewas + the points over Western Michigan.  The Chippewas are off 3 straight losses, and are winless in Mid-American Conference play.  Moreover, they've failed to cover the point spread in each of their last two games.  Meanwhile, the Broncos come into this afternoon's game with an undefeated Mid-American Conference record, and have won five straight, overall.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to play on the red-hot Broncos against the ice-cold Chippewas.  But consider that single-digit Mid-American Conference home underdogs, off back-to-back ATS losses, have covered 72.9% since November 1999, if they were off a straight-up loss, and their opponent was off a straight-up win.  Grab the points with Central Michigan.  MAC Game of the Year. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 2:30 pm, our selection is on the Wyoming Cowboys + the points over Utah State.  On the surface, these two teams are headed in opposite directions.  The Aggies are 5-1, after winning each of their last five games.  Even more impressive is the fact that the Aggies have covered the point spread in all six of their games.  Meanwhile, the Cowboys are 2-5, on the heels of three straight losses.  And they've failed to cover their last six games.  Of course, the knee-jerk reaction might be to play on a team off 6 ATS wins vs. an opponent off 6 ATS losses.  But as Lee Corso might say, "Not so fast."  For example, consider that teams off 5+ ATS defeats have gone 60-36 ATS vs. foes off back to back SU/ATS wins!  And teams off 6+ ATS wins have covered just six of 20 on the road vs. foes off back to back SU/ATS losses.  Take Wyoming.

At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the Carolina Hurricanes over the Colorado Avalanche.  The Avs are in the midst of a four-game, east coast road swing and in their last game they did something that no other NHL team has been able to do this season.  They beat the New Jersey Devils.  Now they head south for a Saturday matinee in Raleigh, a place that has not been kind to them.  Despite their success the other night, the Avalanche still have a lot of unanswered questions.  Sure, they had one of the biggest one-season turnarounds in modern NHL times, improving 47 points from the previous year and making the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.  But they still have to find a way to get consistent scoring from their lines other than the top combination of MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Rantanen, something that was not addressed in the off-season.  #2 right wing JT Compher is out indefinitely with a concussion which doesn't help matters.  This has been a very home-friendly series, as the host team is 15-3 in the last 18 meetings going back to 2004.  The Avs are 1-7 in the last eight at PNC Arena.  Take the 'Canes.  NHL High Roller Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 12:30, our selection is on the Duke Blue Devils minus the points over Virginia.  The Cavaliers upset Miami-Fla last week, 16-13, as a 7-point home underdog.  We had a play on Virginia, so we were not surprised by the result.  Virginia is now 4-2 on the season, and will look for a second straight upset, here, against the 6-1 Blue Devils.  But I look for a letdown on Tobacco Road by Virginia, as .666 (or better) teams have cashed just 20% on the road vs. winning conference foes, if our road team was off an upset win, as a 7-point (or greater) underdog the previous week, over another conference foe.  Take Duke.  High Noon Hanging.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12 Noon, our selection is on the TCU Horned Frogs + the points over Oklahoma.  The Horned Frogs enter this game off an upset loss to Texas Tech (as a 7.5-point favorite), while Oklahoma also enters off an upset loss to Texas.  The Horned Frogs have been installed as a sizable home underdog, notwithstanding the fact that their defense is more than 7 points better than Oklahoma's defense.  And one of the things I love to do is play on .500 (or better) underdogs of +6.5 (or more) points, off an upset loss, that own a defense which gives up at least 6.5 points less than their opponent's defense. Such teams have covered 73.1% since 1982.  Even better:  TCU plays with revenge from two losses suffered at the hands of the Sooners last season (including a loss in the Big 12 Conference Championship game).  But College teams playing at home with revenge from an NCAA post-season defeat have cashed a solid 60%.  Grab the points with TCU.  NCAA Payback Payday.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz + the points over Golden State.  The Jazz won all three meetings vs. Golden State last season after the calendar turned on January 1.  And they won those three games by an average of 29.67 points per game, even though they were -- on average -- an underdog of 3 points in those games.  I look for the Jazz to blow out Golden State tonight, as Game 2 road favorites are a soft 37-55-2 (40%) since 1990.  Take Utah + the points.  NBA Roadkill Winner.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the Boise State Broncos minus the points over Colorado State.  Boise comes into this game off rare (for it) back to back ATS losses.  But the Broncos are 143-105 ATS their last 248.  And they're 18-11 ATS off back to back ATS losses.  Finally, they've won seven straight meetings vs. the Rams, and have gone 5-2 ATS in those games.  Lay the points with Boise.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Brewers over the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Wade Miley will make a 2nd consecutive start for the Brewers, here, in Game 6.  Of course, his start in Game 5 lasted for just one batter (whom he walked).  But he will no doubt be allowed to pitch deeper into tonight's game, and he was masterful the last time he faced Los Angeles at the Brewers' home field.  That was last Saturday, in Game 2, and Miley shut out the Dodgers over 5 2-3 innings, and allowed just two baserunners.  I look for another great effort by the veteran southpaw tonight.  Take Milwaukee.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Sacramento Kings + the points over New Orleans.  The Pelicans upset Houston, which was the team with the league's best record last season (65-17).  Let's fade New Orleans at home on Friday, as NBA teams have cashed just 26.3% since 1990 as favorites off an upset win over an opponent which owned a .500 (or better) record the previous season.  Take Sacramento + the points.  NBA Road Warrior Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Dallas Stars over the Minnesota Wild.  The Stars were cruising towards the playoffs in the first half of the season last year, but went into a tailspin later on and could finish no better than 6th in the Central Division at the end.  Injuries were somewhat to blame as goalie Ben Bishop missed 13 of the final 15 games last Spring with a lower body injury.  He's healthy now but the team signed Anton Khudobin to a two-year contract in the off-season as insurance.  The biggest change however is behind the bench as Ken Hitchcock left after one season (he retired) and was replaced by new head coach Jim Montgomery.  Hitchcock's defense-centric structure wasn't a great fit for this group and the talented forwards on this team (Seguin, Benn, Radulov) are all hoping to benefit under Montgomery's system.  Dallas also has an elite offensive defenseman in John Klingberg and at 26, he is just entering his prime.  The Wild is short-handed right now at the Center position with Koivu, Eriksson Ek, and Hendricks all out with injuries.  Minny is 7-26 in the last 33 meetings in Dallas.  Take the Stars.  NHL Game of the Week.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Charlotte Hornets minus the points over Orlando.  The Hornets lost at home, on Wednesday, by a single point to the Milwaukee Bucks.  Meanwhile, Orlando upset the Miami Heat, 104-101, as a 2.5-point home dog.  We'll play against Orlando, as underdogs that opened the season with an upset win have covered just 20% of their Game 2s since 1990 when matched up against an opponent off a loss.  Take Charlotte. NBA Game of the Month. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 10:35 pm, our selection is on the Portland Trail Blazers minus the points over the LA Lakers.  To say the Blazers have dominated the Lakers would be an understatement.  Since April 2014, Portland has won ALL 15 meetings, and has covered the point spread in 13 of the 15 games.  Admittedly, this is a different Lakers team, with LeBron James being the featured player.  But Portland has won and covered its last four home meetings vs. LeBron James, so I'm not dissuaded from taking the Blazers.  Even better:  Portland has a second streak at play tonight, which is more impressive than its 15-0 record vs. the Lakers.  And that's Portland's record in its home openers.  It's the longest win streak in NBA history, and currently sits at 17 games (14-3 ATS).  Lay the points with the Trail Blazers.  NBA Elite Info Winner. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Denver Broncos minus the points over Arizona.  The Broncos have lost their last four games, and have been installed as a small favorite on the road vs. Arizona.  The knee-jerk reaction might be to go against the ice-cold Broncos.  But consider that NFL teams off back to back losses have gone 32-6 straight-up and 28-9-1 ATS (including 10-0-1 ATS since 2014) on Thursdays when installed as a favorite (or PK).  Moreover, Denver falls into terrific 211-118 and 306-210 ATS systems of mine that play on certain teams in non-division games.  Take the Broncos.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Winnipeg Jets over the Vancouver Canucks.  The Canucks finished the 2017-2018 season with a record of 31-40-11 and they've lost their two leaders (the Sedin twins) so it's hard to imagine they could get any better this season.  But they're off to a good start -- 4-2 -- with three road victories in a row including an OT win over the Penguins on Tuesday.  Can the Canucks keep it going?  To be blunt -- not likely.  Despite their success, they are not a very good team and they will continue to be without star rookie Elias Petterssen who suffered a concussion after a dirty hit by the Panthers' Michael Matheson.  The Jets finished last season with the second best record in the West and they should be even better this winter.  20-year-old winger Patrik Laine is a budding superstar who has been compared to Alex Ovechkin.  The Finnish sharpshooter is part of a group of young guns that includes Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey.  Vancouver is 0-5 in the last five meetings and 0-6 in the last six in Winnipeg.  With Vancouver playing its sixth straight road game tonight, and the Jets in the midst of a 6-game home stand, we'll back the home team.  Take the Jets.  NHL High Roller Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie. 

At 8:35 pm, our selection is on the Houston Astros over the Boston Red Sox.  Game three of the ALCS was a case of which bullpen would break first and this time it turned out to be the Astros.  Normally the closer, Osuna was brought into the game in the eighth inning and it couldn't have gone worse.  Now the home team will turn to RH Charlie Morton, who was arguably its best pitcher in last season's World Series.  In two appearances in that series --  one start -- Morton posted a 1.74 ERA and 0.58 WHIP in 10 1/3 innings.  This will be Morton's first time on the mound in the 2018 playoffs and it's a critical start as the 'Stros can ill-afford to go down 3-1.  Tonight we will also find out if the bullpen appearance that RH Rick Porcello made in game two on Sunday will affect him as he gets the start for Boston.  In three career starts at Minute Maid Park, Porcello is 1-1 with a 5.59 ERA in just over 19 innings.  Despite the loss on Tuesday, the 'Stros are 13-4 in their last 17 home games.  Take Houston.  MLB High Roller.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Washington Capitals over the New York Rangers. For the first time ever, the Capitals are going to find out what it's like -- at least early on this season -- to have a big Stanley Cup target on your back. The defending Champs are going to get plenty of pressure this fall and winter from young, improved teams in the East. Two such teams, the Maple Leafs and Devils, took it to the Caps last week, beating them soundly in a pair of games by a combined 10-2. But one team that clearly hasn't improved itself is the Rangers. Finishing in the division cellar last season, the Rangers have immediately gone into rebuilding mode -- a mode that will insure some high draft picks in the years ahead. Gone are longtime Rangers Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, and J.T. Miller, leaving behind a 37-year-old goalie (Henrik Lundqvist) and not much of anything else. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Caps, who return almost everyone from their Cup-winning campaign, with some young talent that is poised to break out and make the veterans even more dangerous. Take the Caps. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Milwaukee Brewers over the Los Angeles Dodgers. If someone had told you a year ago that the best one-two starting pitching combination in the 2018 post-season would be Jhoulys Chacin and Wade Miley, you would have said they were punking you. For one thing, you wouldn't even know the team that person was talking about. Chacin joined the Brewers last December while Miley signed as a free agent two months later. Through four combined starts -- one NLDS and NLCS each -- Chacin and Miley have not allowed a run in 20 2/3 innings, surrendering just 11 hits. Today, it will be Miley's turn as he faces the Dodgers for the second time in this series. The veteran southpaw was spectacular in game two last Saturday, firing 5 2/3 shutout innings, allowing only two base runners. Anything close to that should get the job done today against the Dodgers and LH Clayton Kershaw who took the loss in game one. The fact that Miley's second NLCS start is on the road shouldn't matter as he is 4-0 with a 2.06 ERA in seven career starts at Dodger Stadium (48 innings). Even better: the Brewers have gone 52-34, +25 games on the money line, after scoring less than two runs. Take the Brewers in this underdog role this afternoon. MLB Elite Info Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 9:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Milwaukee Brewers.  The Brewers prevailed 4-0 on Monday night, putting the Dodgers in pretty-much a must-win situation tonight in Game 4.  Like game one, it will be a lefty-lefty match-up tonight at Dodger Stadium as Rich Hill gets the call for the home team and the Brewers turn to their Game 1 starter, Gio Gonzalez.  Both pitchers are veterans, but it's Hill who has been much more effective in the post-season.  Last year -- although they eventually lost to the Astros -- Hill was the Dodgers' best pitcher in the NLCS and World Series, allowing three runs and 10 hits in 13 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts and five walks in three starts in those two series.  And Hill loves pitching at Chavez Ravine.  In 30 games here -- 29 starts -- Hill is 14-10 with a 2.79 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in just over 164 innings.  Hill entered September with a 6-5 record, but by the end of the season he was 11-5, having gone 5-0 in the final month.  And when you include his start in the NLDS -- a 6-2 victory -- the Dodgers are now 6-0 in his last six starts.  Additionally, Los Angeles has won its last four games after being shut out.  Meanwhile, Gonzalez has struggled mightily on the road this season (26 runs in 25 2-3 innings; 9.11 ERA) vs. teams that finished the year with a winning record.  Take Los Angeles. MLB Game of the Year! As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Vancouver Canucks.  DC finally knocked the Penguins off of their throne in 2018, but don't be surprised if that Stanley Cup the Caps were parading around with all summer was just a rental and Pittsburgh is back on top of the heap next June.  After all, this is a team that returns all of its star players -- Crosby, Malkin, Kessel -- and has some really good youngsters ready to assume that title perhaps in short order (Jake Guentzel).  Goalie Matt Murray gave the team a scare when he left practice last Monday with concussion symptoms, but he's been cleared to play and should be back in net tonight.  Speaking of youngsters taking over, that's exactly what's happening in Vancouver these days.  Gone (retired) are the 37-year-old Sedin twins and it just might be that the best two players on the Canucks now are a pair of 21-year-olds (Brock Boeser and Elias Pattersson).  So the league better watch out...in about three years.  For now, however, it's veteran clubs like the Pens who will dominate.  Pittsburgh is 5-0 in its last five vs. Western Conference Teams, and 54-23 (+21 games on the moneyline) after allowing more than three goals in their previous game.  Take the Pens.  NHL High Roller.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie

At 5:05 pm, our selection is on the Houston Astros over the Boston Red Sox.  Boston was able to even this ALCS on Sunday, but it may have severely hurt its chances in the next three in Houston in the process.  In order to insure their lead -- due to the fact that they have an inferior bullpen to the 'Stros -- the Sox used SP Rick Porcello in the eighth inning.  The strategy worked, but it means they won't have Porcello as a starter tonight.  And with Porcello penciled in to start Game 4, he won't be available tonight out of the pen either.  This means the already wide gulf between the quality of Houston's playoff pitching and that of Boston just got wider.  Tonight it will be LH Dallas Keuchel going in front of a raucous home crowd at Minute Maid Park while the Sox are forced to go with RH Nathan Eovaldi.  Keuchel is an ace who is only three seasons removed from a Cy Young while Eovaldi is a journeyman who has a career 44-53 record with a 4.16 ERA.  He generally pitched well after Boston acquired him from Tampa, but won just three games in 11 starts pitching for the best offensive team in the game.  And his teams also have won just three of his last 13 starts as a road underdog.  Finally, the Astros are 87-48, +27 games on the moneyline, when priced from -100 to -150.  Take Houston.  MLB Elite Info Winner.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the New England Patriots minus the points over Kansas City.  The Chiefs enter this game with the conference's best record, at 5-0.  And they're also 5-0 ATS.  Unfortunately, they're likely to leave Foxborough with their first loss.  Key for me is the fact that the Patriots have gone 36-12 ATS vs. foes with a superior won/loss percentage.  Even better:  New England plays with revenge from a 42-27 upset loss to the Chiefs last season.  But the Patriots are 14-0-1 ATS when playing with revenge from an 8+ point upset loss the previous season.  Take New England.  Perfect 10 Club Play.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 7:05 pm, our selection is on the Boston Red Sox over the Houston Astros. The Astros took game one last night behind some solid pitching and timely hitting, taking advantage of multiple miscues, walks, and hit batsmen by the home team. But the big news is that Chris Sale left the game early with his fastball barely reaching 90 MPH while he showed an uncharacteristic inability to find the strike zone. That puts more pressure on the rest of the rotation, beginning tonight with David Price, whose own post-season struggles have been well documented. If ever there was a way to exorcise his demons, it is for Price to go out tonight and pitch a gem. And the veteran southpaw is more than capable of doing just that. Putting his playoff issues aside for a moment, Price has been very effective against the Astros, going 6-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 12 career games (10 starts) vs. Houston. And for all of his recent problems, Price still owns a career record of 26-7 with a 3.08 ERA at Fenway Park. On the flip side, 'Stros RHP Gerrit Cole is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two starts covering 11 innings here. Take the Red Sox. AL Game of the Week. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4:25 pm, our selection is on the Tennessee Titans + the points over Baltimore.  This is a horrible scheduling spot for the Ravens, who will be playing their 3rd straight road game.  And one of the things I love to do is play against a team in its 3rd straight road game, and especially if it's matched up against an opponent with a winning record.  Since 1980, our road teams are a dismal 53-91 ATS in this situation.  That bodes well for Tennessee as the home underdog, here.   As does the fact that Tennessee was upset as a road favorite last week, given that home underdogs, off an upset loss as a road favorite the previous week, have gone 79-53 ATS since 1980.  Take the Titans

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the Denver Broncos + the points over the Los Angeles Rams.  The Broncos were upset on the road last week by the New York Jets, and are now on a 3-game losing streak (and a 4-game ATS losing streak).  But I love them to bounce back against the NFL's best team.  Indeed, home underdogs of +6 or more points have cashed 67.8% over the last 38 years off an upset road loss.  And Denver is 30-17-3 ATS as a home underdog (or PK), including 23-11-1 ATS vs. non-division foes.  Finally, undefeated teams (like the Rams) have cashed just 36.8% when laying more than 6 points away from home.  Take Denver + the points.  NFL Game of the Month.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.  And don't miss my Red-Hot Winners, as we are 20-4 our last 24 selections.

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 Pittsburgh Steelers over the Cincy Bengals.  The Steelers leveled their record at 2-2-1 last week when they blew out the Atlanta Falcons, 41-17, while Cincy won its second straight game -- 27-17 at home vs. Miami -- to move to 4-1 this season.  This series has been completely dominated by Pittsburgh.  Indeed, since 1991, the Steelers are 42-14 straight-up, and 36-18-2 ATS, including 6-0 SU and 4-1-1 ATS since Dec. 2015.  And even though Pittsburgh is regarded as having one of the stronger home field in the league, it's actually been better on the road (20-7-2 ATS) vs. the Bengals, than at home (16-11 ATS).  Finally, the Steelers fall into a 60.8% ATS "contrarian" system of mine which plays on certain road teams with a worse win percentage than their opponent, provided they weren't getting more than three points.  Take the Steelers.

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 1 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Chargers + the points over Cleveland.  The Cleveland Browns were 0-16 last season, and no doubt are improved this season.  But I question whether they have improved enough to be favored over a team like the L.A. Chargers.  Indeed, for my money, the Chargers are flying a bit under the radar.  They're 3-2 on the year, but consider that their 2 losses were to the league's two undefeated teams (Kansas City + the LA Rams).  And the Chargers actually have out-yarded four of their five opponents this season.  Even though they lost to the Chiefs, they actually out-yarded them 541 to 362, but were done in by two turnovers.  For technical support, consider that teams that didn't win 2 (or more) games the previous season have gone 10-22 ATS as a favorite over the past 28 seasons.  Moreover, Cleveland's 10-19-1 ATS its last 30 as a home favorite.  Take the Chargers as a road underdog.  NFL Elite Info Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 1 pm, our selection is on the Washington Redskins + the points over Carolina.  We played against both of these teams last week, and got the cash with the Giants as a touchdown underdog at Carolina, and also with the Saints as a touchdown favorite vs. Washington.  New Orleans blew out Washington, 43-19, this past Monday.  But that defeat sets up our play, here, as home underdogs (or PK) are 72-49 after losing a game in which they gave up 40+ points if they're playing a foe off a straight-up win.  Take the Redskins to bounce back at home this afternoon. NFC Game of the Week. Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the Virginia Cavaliers + the points over Miami-Fla.  Virginia had last weekend off to rest and prepare for this game following its blowout, 35-21 loss at NC State. And that was Virginia's first game this season in which it failed to cover the point spread.  I love the Cavaliers to bounce back on Saturday, as it's been installed as a home underdog.  And Virginia's performed much better over the years as a home dog (12-5 Last 17) than as a home favorite (5-16-3 ATS its last 24), so that bodes well for it in this game.  As does the fact that the underdog is 12-2 in this series' last 14 meetings.  Indeed, last year, Virginia was a 20.5-point underdog and actually led by 14 points in the 2nd half.  But Miami stormed back late to win by 16, 44-28 (though it failed to cover).  Finally, single-digit ACC home underdogs off a straight-up loss are 106-53 ATS vs. .500 (or better) conference foes.  Take Virginia.

At 7 pm, our selection is on the West Virginia Mountaineers minus the points over Iowa State.  The 6th-ranked Mountaineers are 5-0 straight-up, and 4-1 ATS, and have been installed as a road favorite in this game.  I love the Mountaineers to blow out the Cyclones, as Iowa State comes into this game off an outright win as a double-digit underdog at Oklahoma State last week.  And, since 1980, teams off SU wins as a double-digit underdog the previous week have cashed just 40.9% when matched up against an opponent off a win.  This system is already a perfect 3-0 this season, and one of its wins was, coincidentally, in West Virginia's last road game, at Texas Tech.  The Red Raiders had blown out Oklahoma State, 41-17, as a 14.5-point underdog the previous week, and then came home to face WVU.  Unfortunately, they suffered a letdown, and the Mountaineers won (and covered) in a 42-34 victory.  Same result should occur here, in Ames, Iowa.  Take West Virginia.  Good luck, as always....Al McMordie.

At 5 pm, our selection is on the Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin Cajuns minus the points over New Mexico State.  We played on the Aggies last week, and got the $$$ when they upset the Liberty Flames, 49-41, as a 4-point home underdog.  However, I often like to go against teams off upset wins, as they are susceptible to letdowns.  And that, I believe, will happen here, as New Mexico State falls into a negative 22-72 ATS system of mine which fades certain teams, on the road, off upset wins.  Meanwhile, Lafayette checks in off a 42-27 blowout of Texas State, and falls into a 136-67 ATS 'momentum' system of mine which plays on certain teams off double-digit wins.  Finally, the Aggies are an awful 7-43 straight-up and 18-32 ATS as a road underdog in non-conference games.  Lay the points with the Cajuns.

At 4:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers once again defied the odds and beat the Dodgers -- and Clayton Kershaw -- in game one last night. And Brewers' Manager Craig Counsell looks like the biggest genius in sports today as a result. Counsell lifted Gio Gonzalez after two innings -- even though he was pitching very well -- and the man he replaced him with (Brandon Woodruff) not only pitched brilliantly, but proceeded to hit a home run off of Kershaw that was the beginning of the end for L.A. So with their proverbial backs against the wall, the Dodgers will turn to LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu in game two. That may seem like a downgrade from Kershaw, but Ryu was L.A.'s best starter at the end of the regular season, going 3-0 with just one run allowed in his last three starts (19 innings). He kept it up in the ALDS, throwing seven scoreless innings in game one against the Braves on October 4. That's a long time between starts which should be fine as Ryu is 10-6 with a 2.78 ERA in 24 career starts on six or more days of rest. Take the Dodgers. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

At 4 pm, our selection is on the Colorado State Rams minus the points over New Mexico. Last week, we played on the Lobos in their big upset win, as an 8-point underdog, at UNLV. The Lobos won that game, 50-14, so they covered by 44 points. Off that win, the Lobos have been installed as a PK against the Rams. But teams off upset wins, in which they covered by 39+ points, have cashed just 19.2% since 1980 away from home when PK'em or favored. And the Lobos, themselves, are 0-4 ATS as a road favorite (or PK) off an upset win. Take Colorado St. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Memphis Tigers + the points over Central Florida.  The Knights are currently riding an 18-game win streak, and are ranked among the Top 10 in the Country, with a 5-0 record this season.  But this is going to be a difficult game to win.  One factor going against them is the fact that they’re on the road after playing their four previous games at home.  And Central Florida covered the spread in each of their last three games vs. Florida Atlantic, Pittsburgh and SMU.  Unfortunately, road teams have covered just 38 of 107 games following three straight ATS wins at home, including 8-27 their last 35 when they owned a win percentage greater than .850.   Another factor on the side of Memphis is the fact that it will be playing with revenge from a 62-55 loss to the Knights in last season’s AAC Conference Title game.  And winning teams playing with revenge from a post-season defeat have cashed 62.8% since 1990 when installed as an underdog.  Take Memphis + the points.  AAC Conference Game of the Year.  Good luck, as always…Al McMordie.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Oregon Ducks + the points over Washington. The Huskies have rebounded nicely off their opening week loss to Auburn, and are now 5-1 on the season. But this is a major step-up in class from the types of opponents (e.g., Arizona St., BYU, UCLA) that Washington has seen over the last few weeks. Indeed, but for a senseless, last-minute collapse vs. Stanford, the Ducks would be 5-0, and ranked, like Washington, among the Top 10. So, this is a huge game, as it will go a long way toward determining the winner of the Pac-12 North Division. The Ducks have a big advantage in that they had last week off to rest and prepare for this game. And Oregon falls into a super 70-22, 76% ATS system of mine which plays on certain rested teams in Conference games, as well as a 101-48 ATS system of mine which plays on certain revenge-minded squads (Oregon lost 38-3 last season, so is playing with revenge). Finally, in games between winning teams (that were also both winning teams last season), home teams playing with revenge from a 33-point (or worse) defeat have gone 57-29 ATS since 1998, including 10-2 ATS when playing with rest. Take the Ducks.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the LSU Tigers + the points over Georgia. We played on Florida last week in a home dog role vs. LSU, and got the $$$ when the Gators upset the previously-unbeaten Tigers, 27-19. This week, however, I look for LSU to turn the tables on the undefeated Bulldogs. Indeed, winning teams have cashed 60.0% ATS as conference home underdogs off an upset conference loss on the road the previous week since 1980. Finally, LSU is 15-4-1 as an underdog of +3 or more points off an upset loss, including 9-1 ATS their last 10. Take LSU.

At 3:30 pm, our selection is on the Baylor Bears + the points over Texas. The Longhorns have reeled off 5 straight wins following their upset loss at Maryland to start the 2018 season. Last week, Texas' victim was Oklahoma, which entered the game undefeated, with a 5-0 record. But Texas upset the Sooners, as a 7-point underdog. And now they'll go for their sixth straight win, at home. vs. the 4-2 Bears. Let's grab the points with the Bears as winning, double-digit underdogs have cashed 67% since 1980 vs. conference foes off an upset conference win. Big 12 Conference Game of the Month. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 12 Noon, our selection is on the Vanderbilt Commodores + the points over Florida. We played on the Florida Gators last week in their upset win, at home, vs. the then-undefeated LSU Tigers. However, off that upset win, I look for a letdown this Saturday in Nashville. Indeed, one of the things I love to do is go against college football favorites away from home that upset a previously undefeated foe, if they're now matched up against a .500 (or better) opponent coming off a loss. Since 1982, such teams have covered just 25.4 percent of the time. And, yes, it's true that Florida has dominated this series, including winning the last 13 straight-up here in Nashville. But the Commodores are 12-5 ATS when playing with revenge vs. opponents off an upset win. Take Vanderbilt. NCAA High Noon Hanging. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 9 pm, our selection is on the San Diego State Aztecs minus the points over Air Force.  We played on SDSU last week as a huge underdog at Boise State, and were rewarded with a 19-13 upset win.  Some may look for a letdown on Friday night, but not me.  Indeed, winning home favorites of -7+ points, off outright wins as 8-point (or greater) road underdogs the previous week, have cashed 18 in a row vs. losing teams!  Meanwhile, Air Force is a horrid 11-24 ATS away from home vs. conference foes, including 1-8 ATS its last nine.  Lay the points with San Diego State.  Perfect 10 Club.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Milwaukee Brewers.  The good news for the Brewers is that they dispatched of the Rockies in three relatively easy games, advancing to their first NLCS since 2011 (only their second since 1982).  The other bit of good news is that because they finished with the best record in the NL, they get home field advantage in this series.  The bad news however is that the Dodgers only needed four games to do away with the Braves, which means Milwaukee may see Clayton Kershaw as many as three times in this series -- beginning with tonight's opener.  Widely regarded as the best LHP in the game (if not the best overall), Kershaw has had a checkered past in the Playoffs. But he didn't show any of that in a classic Kershaw outing in Game 2 vs. the Braves, when he held them to just two hits over eight scoreless innings.  And although he's only 6-5 in 14 starts vs. Milwaukee, he's been stellar at Miller Park.  In seven career starts in Milwaukee, Kershaw is 4-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 0.76 WHIP in just over 51 innings.  Finally, the Dodgers are a staggering 44-11 the last two years with Kershaw on the hill vs. winning teams!  Take the L.A. Dodgers in Game 1.  As always, good luck

At 8:20 pm, our selection is on the Philadelphia Eagles minus the points over the New York Giants.  The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles were upset, 23-21, at home last Sunday by the Vikings.  And that was their second straight loss, overall.  But those two defeats set up our play tonight, as defending champs have cashed 60% over the last 37 seasons off back to back losses, including 85% ATS on the road if they entered with a losing record.  The Eagles are 2-3, and know that they have to win tonight, if they are to have any hope of securing a Top 2 Conference record, and the all-important bye in the first round of the playoffs which comes with it.  The Giants are an awful 3-10 ATS their last 13 games as a home underdog of +4 or less points.  Take Philly.  NFL High Roller Winner.  Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

At 8:15 pm, our selection is on the New Orleans Saints minus the points over Washington.  The New Orleans Saints were expected to be one of the NFL's best teams this season, but did get off to a slow start, as they failed to cover the spread in their first two games -- both at home, by the way -- including a straight-up loss to Tampa Bay, as a 10-point favorite.  But then the Saints bounced back with impressive road wins at Atlanta, and at the New York Giants.  Now, they will try to cash a ticket in front of their home faithful, and they will welcome a Redskins team which upset Green Bay, 31-17, in its last game.   I like the Saints here, as Monday Night home favorites, off back to back road games, are 57-32-3 ATS, including 25-7 ATS if their win percentage was .700 or better.  Likewise, Monday Night home teams, off a SU/ATS win, with a winning record on the season, have gone 67-28 ATS vs. non-division foes.  And, finally, the Redskins have had very little success on Monday Night Football, as they've gone 16-36-1 ATS since 1980, including 2-15 ATS if they covered their previous game by more than 11 points.  Take New Orleans.  Good luck, as always.....Al McMordie.

At 7:40 pm, our selection is on the Boston Red Sox over the New York Yankees.  David Price experienced another post-season meltdown on Saturday, leaving Game 2 of the ALDS to a chorus of Fenway boos after only 1 2/3 innings.  Now the series shifts to the Bronx knotted up at a game apiece.  Boston will turn to RHP Nathan Eovaldi while the Yanks will send out their ace who pitched in the Wild Card Game last Wednesday, RHP Luis Severino.  Eovaldi's numbers since joining the Sox don't leap off the page at you, but he made quite an impression with Boston fans when he held the Yanks to three hits in eight shutout innings in his second start with the team.  Eovaldi hasn't allowed a run to New York in 16 innings since his mid-season trade from Tampa.  But this will be his most important start, not only with the Sox, but probably of his career so far as it marks his first playoff action.  The Yanks held the high-powered Boston lineup to just two runs on Saturday, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for the Sox as they are 6-1 in their last seven after scoring two runs or less in their previous game.  And they're also 11-6 as a road underdog of +150 or more (+12 games on the money line).  Take Boston.  As always, good luck...Al McMordie.