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Will the Presidents' Trophy Curse Live On This NHL Season?

by Vegas Writer

Monday, Dec 29, 2025

Every year the NHL's 32 teams play 82 games each to fight for a place in the 16-team postseason playoffs.Before the postseason, however, there's the matter of handing out the Presidents' Trophy to the team that scores the highest points in the regular season.Problem is, the last 12 Presidents' Trophy winners haven't won the Stanley Cup, and the last team that did - the Chicago Blackhawks - comes with an asterisk, as the season was shortened with a 48-game regular season for each team.Since the official introduction of the Presidents' Trophy in the 1985-86 season, only eight teams have been able to follow the Presidents' Trophy with a Stanley Cup hoist.Thus, there is the matter of the Presidents' Trophy curse.As we approach the turn of the calendar year, however, the current league-leading Colorado Avalanche have a very strong case to be the first Presidents' Trophy and Stanley Cup winner in 13 seasons.Heading into Monday's home game against the Los Angeles Kings, the Avalanche had just two regulation losses, sitting at 28-2-7.At +320 to win the Stanley Cup (at DraftKings), you could be looking at the best price you could ask for before the Olympic break in February.To wit (with all stats before Monday's game): Colorado earned points in 27 of its previous 28 games, going 23-1-4 during this stretch.The Avalanche were 15-0-2 at Ball Arena, tied for the second-longest home point streak in franchise history.The Avs head into 2026 with a 9-1-2 mark in their last 12 road matches.The Avalanche led the NHL in points (63), wins (28), regulation wins (25), points percentage (.851), goals-per-game (3.97), goals-against per game (2.19) and goal differential (+63).The Avalanche had led 53.3% of the time this season (1201:41 total), by far the highest percentage of any team.Colorado had trailed only 17.8% of the time (401:09), also the lowest percentage of any team. Impressive numbers for a highly impressive team with scoring up and down the lineup and stellar goaltending.If you're looking to invest in an NHL future, this could be the year we see a team break the Presidents' Trophy curse.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/29/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Dec 29, 2025

The Monday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. Week 17 in the NFL concludes with one game. The Los Angeles Rams travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons on ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Rams had won two games in a row before their 38-37 loss in overtime at Seattle as a 2-point underdog on December 18th. The Falcons have won two games in a row after a 26-19 win at Arizona as a 2.5-point favorite on December 21st. Los Angeles is a 7-point road favorite with the total set at 49.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The college football bowl season continues with one game on ESPN at 2:00 p.m. ET. Georgia Southern takes on Appalachian State in the Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The Eagles have won three of their previous four games after a 24-19 upset win at Marshall as a 10-point underdog on November 29th. The Mountaineers lost for the fifth time in their last six games in a 30-29 loss at home against Arkansas State as a 1-point underdog on November 29th. Georgia Southern is an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 58.5. The National Basketball Association has 11 games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Phoenix Suns play on the road against the Washington Wizards as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 233.5. Three more NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Orlando Magic are on the road against the Toronto Raptors as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Golden State visit the Brooklyn Nets as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The Denver Nuggets play in Miami against the Heat as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 245.5. Five NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks are on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 243.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Chicago to face the Chicago Bulls as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 239.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Atlanta Hawks as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 235.5. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The San Antonio Spurs are home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on NBC as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 241.5. The Portland Trail Blazers host the Dallas Mavericks on NBC at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 236.5. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Ottawa Senators play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are home against the New York Rangers as a -185 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Florida Panthers host the Washington Capitals as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers play in Winnipeg against the Jets at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres are on the road against the St. Louis Blues at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Three NHL games start at 9:07 p.m. ET. The Utah Mammoth plays at home against the Nashville Predators as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche are home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -238 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.  The Calgary Flames host the Boston Bruins as a -138 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Three games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Vegas Golden Knights play at home against the Minnesota Wild as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Anaheim Ducks are home against the San Jose Sharks as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks visit Seattle to take on the Kraken as a -120 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at 1:00 p.m. ET with 68 games involving Division I opponents. Two games are on FS1. Michigan State hosts Cornell at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 26.5-point favorite with a total of 157.5. Washington plays at home against Utah at 11:00 p.m. ET as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 159.5. 

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NFL System of the Week - 12/28/25

by Al McMordie

Sunday, Dec 28, 2025

We are in the final two weeks of the 2025 NFL season, and this is a great time of the year to play on home underdogs.  And we'll turn to a very good angle for our NFL System of the Week which does just that.One of the things that many bettors do not do well toward the end of the season is play on teams performing poorly, especially when installed as an underdog.  But the teams that are sputtering toward the finish line often offer great value.  This particular system is focused on home underdogs.What we want to do is play on any team off back to back losses, if it was a home underdog in the final two weeks of the regular season, and its opponent did NOT own a winning record.Since 1980, our NFL System has clocked in at 36-17-2 ATS, 67.9%.This week, we have two home pups which look to loudly bark:Miami Dolphins +4.5 over Tampa Bay BuccaneersLas Vegas Raiders +3 over New York GiantsAnd even though there's nothing wrong with 67.9%, we can improve our win percentage by bringing our opponent in off a point spread loss.  With that extra parameter applied, our angle zooms to 15-2 ATS, 88.2%, including 11-0 ATS since 2005!Consider playing on the Dolphins and Raiders this week.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/28/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Dec 28, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. Week 17 in the NFL continues with 10 games. Seven NFL games kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts as a 5.5-point road favorite with the total set at 48.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in Miami against the Dolphins as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 44.5. The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the road against the Cleveland Browns as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 34.5. The New England Patriots visit New York to take on the Jets as a 13.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The New Orleans Saints play in Tennessee against the Titans as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 39.5. The Seattle Seahawks are on the road against the Carolina Panthers as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The Cincinnati Bengals host the Arizona Cardinals as a 7-point favorite with a total of 53.5. Two NFL games start in the second afternoon window. The New York Giants travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders at 4:05 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5. The Buffalo Bills play at home against the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:25 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 44.5. Sunday Night Football on NBC has the San Francisco 49ers at home to play against the Chicago Bears at 8:20 p.m. ET. The 49ers are a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 52.5. The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 3:40 p.m. ET. The Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Philadelphia 76ers as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 225.5. The Golden State Warriors play in Toronto against the Raptors as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. Two NBA games start at 6:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics are on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 228.5. The Memphis Grizzlies visit Washington to challenge the Wizards as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The Detroit Pistons play in Los Angeles against the Clippers at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 225.5. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 5:07 p.m. ET. The Columbus Blue Jackets are home against the New York Islanders as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two NHL games begin at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Detroit Red Wings play at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -170 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Philadelphia Flyers travel to Seattle to battle the Kraken at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at noon p.m. ET with 41 games involving Division I opponents. One NCAAB game is on major national television. Texas Tech is home against Winthrop on TNT at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under of 165.5. Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches on the USA Network. Sunderland hosts Leeds United at 9:00 a.m. ET as a 0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Crystal Palace plays at home against Tottenham at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Quarterback Prop Bets for Week 17

by Vegas Writer

Saturday, Dec 27, 2025

As teams continue to jockey for playoff position, these last two weeks become crucial for certain teams that will rely on their team leaders - the quarterbacks.Here are three quarterbacks to watch for when looking at prop bets for Sunday and Monday:SAM DARNOLDThe Seattle quarterback helped the Seahawks clinch their first playoff berth since 2022 and has led Seattle to 12 wins this season, the most since 2020.With a win on Sunday at Carolina, Darnold - who had 14 wins with Minnesota in 2024 - can become the fifth quarterback all-time to record at least 13 wins in consecutive seasons and the first to do so with different teams.If you can find Darnold at +100 or better to throw more than two touchdowns, it's worth the investment.DRAKE MAYEThe New England quarterback ranks third in the NFL with a 108.5 passer rating and is tied for fifth with 25 touchdown passes this season.With at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100 or higher on Sunday at the New York Jets, Maye can become the third player under the age of 24 with two or more touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100 or higher in 10 games in a single season all-time.His efficiency could be worth investing in, if you can find a plus price for over 260 yards.MATTHEW STAFFORDThe Los Angeles Rams quarterback leads the NFL with 40 touchdown passes and ranks first with a 112.1 passer rating this season.With three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 110 or higher on Monday Night Football, Stafford can become the fourth quarterback in NFL history with at least three touchdown passes and a passer rating of 110 or higher in four primetime games.Stafford faces a beleaguered Atlanta Falcons defense, which he might dissect with ease. Catching +140 for over 290 yards could be worth it, as the price to pay for over two touchdowns is rather high.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/27/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Dec 27, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 17 in the National Football League continues with two games. The Los Angeles Chargers host the Houston Texans on the NFL Network at 4:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with the total set at 39.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Green Bay Packers play at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Peacock at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 38.5.The college football bowl season continues with eight games. Pittsburgh takes on East Carolina in the Military Bowl at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, on ESPN at 11:00 a.m. ET. The Panthers are a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 52.5. Clemson faces Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, on ABC at noon ET. The Tigers are a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 47.5. Army West Point battles Connecticut in the Fenway Bowl in Boston, Massachusetts, on ESPN at 2:15 p.m. ET. The Black Knights are a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 41.5. BYU challenges Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Cougars are a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 55.5.Fresno State plays Miami (OH) in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, on The CW at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Bulldogs are a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 41.5. North Texas faces San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on ESPN at 5:45 p.m. ET. The Mean Green are a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 52.5. Missouri challenges Virginia in the Gator Bowl at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Tigers are a 4-point favorite with a total of 43.5. Houston takes on LSU in the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on ESPN at 9:15 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 41.5. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Dallas Mavericks travel to Sacramento to play the Kings at 5:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 231.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Phoenix Suns play in New Orleans against the Pelicans as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. Six games conclude the NBA card at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Houston Rockets are home against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 236.5. The Chicago Bulls host the Milwaukee Bucks as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Miami Heat play at home against the Indiana Pacers as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The New York Knicks visit the Atlanta Hawks as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 243.5. The San Antonio Spurs are home against the Utah Jazz as a 16.5-point favorite with a total of 246.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Brooklyn Nets as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. The New York Islanders play at home against the New York Rangers at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Ottawa Senators play in Toronto against the Maple Leafs as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are home against the Washington Capitals as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Buffalo Sabres host the Boston Bruins as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Minnesota Wild are on the road against the Winnipeg Jets as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers are home against the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The St. Louis Blues host the Nashville Predators as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Dallas Stars play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -360 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings are home against the Anaheim Ducks at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Edmonton Oilers travel to Calgary to face the Flames as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche play on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks host the San Jose Sharks as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule tips off at noon p.m. ET with three games involving Division I opponents. These games are not on major national television.Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League continues with seven matches. Manchester City is on the road against Nottingham Forest on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Five EPL matches begin at 10:00 a.m. ET. Arsenal plays at home against Brighton and Hove Albion on the USA Network as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Brentford is home against Bournemouth as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Everton visits Burnley as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Liverpool hosts Wolverhampton on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Fulham plays at West Ham United as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Chelsea plays at home against Aston Villa on NBC at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAF, and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/26/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Dec 26, 2025

The Friday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, and EPL action.The college football bowl season continues with three games on ESPN. Northwestern plays Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Wildcats have lost four of their last five games after their 20-13 loss at Illinois as a 7-point underdog on November 29th. The Chippewas had won two games in a row before a 21-3 loss at home against Toledo as a 10.5-point underdog on November 29th. Northwestern is a 10.5-point favorite with the total set at 43.5. Minnesota takes on New Mexico in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Golden Gophers lost two games in a row before a 17-7 upset victory against Wisconsin as a 2.5-point underdog on November 29th. The Lobos have won six games in a row after their 23-17 upset victory in overtime at home against San Diego State on November 28th. Minnesota is a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 42.5. Texas-San Antonio faces Florida International in the First Responder Bowl at Gerald Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Roadrunners had won two games in a row before a 27-24 upset loss against Army as a 9-point favorite on November 29th. The Golden Panthers have won four games in a row after their 56-16 win at Sam Houston as an 11-point favorite on November 29th. UTSA is a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 60.5.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Four NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics travel to Indiana to play the Pacers as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 219.5. The Orlando Magic host the Charlotte Hornets as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Miami Heat as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 243.5. The Toronto Raptors play at Washington against the Wizards as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 228.5. The Chicago Bulls are home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Amazon Prime Video at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. Two NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Memphis Grizzlies host the Milwaukee Bucks as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 226.5. The Phoenix Suns are on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Detroit Pistons visit Utah to challenge the Jazz at 9:40 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with a total of 244.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play in Portland against the Trail Blazers on Amazon Prime Video at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 225.5. Matchweek 18 in the English Premier League begins with one match. Manchester United plays at home against Newcastle United on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. 

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NFL News and Notes Heading Into Week 17

by AAA Sports

Thursday, Dec 25, 2025

Chicago Bears Claim Full Control Of NFC NorthAfter winning last weekends game against Green Bay, Chicago now has the lead of the division. There's still two games left, so things could definitely change and shake up everything in terms of seeding. But, for now, the Bears have clinched and control their own destiny. The Packers are a game and a half behind and the Lions cannot catch Chicago anymore at three games back. What a story it's been for Chicago, who actually lost it's first two games of the season, beginning 0-2. Not only that, but both of those games were against opponents from the NFC North Division, making the Bears Divisional record not very strong. But, in the end, Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams has led this team back to the playoffs in the 2025-2026 season. So long Kansas City! Maybe Baltimore and Detroit as wellFor the first time since 1988, we're going to have a playoffs without a Manning, Brady or a Mahomes. Kansas City had been a dynasty over the past decade and will now have to suffer through a year of regathering to get back to the top. Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL a couple of weeks ago, meaning he'll be out for a lot of next season as well. Travis Kelce isn't getting any younger and might even call it quits after this season. Around the league more, Baltimore and Detroit are both teams that are on the ropes as well. One more loss and it's goodbye to those teams who have been some of the NFL's best over the last couple of seasons too. What does this mean? New teams to show the world what they are capable of. We're excited to see what happens!Is Philip Rivers too old? The 44 year old, from Decatur, Alabama made his return in week 15 against Seattle after nearly a five year hiatus. He's a legend in the sport of football, at the helm of both San Diego and Indianapolis throughout his career. Now, the Colts have brought him back and things haven't really gone to plan completely. The Colts have been competitive in the games, but haven't won anything since he's returned yet. People are starting to question if he's too old. With Indianapolis on the outside of the playoffs looking in after these losses, we can only find out over these next two weeks. Is the NFC West the best division in the NFL? At the NFL's current state, there's definitely some questions about who's in the best division. Over the last few years it's been the AFC North, the NFC East or the NFC North. But, going into Week 17 of the 2025-2026 season, three teams from the NFC West Division have records strong enough to make the playoffs in the NFC Conference. That has to mean something. If the division of the west coast isn't the best in the NFL right now, what other division is? We'd love to know. Who's coming out of the AFC Conference? With no Kansas City in this years playoffs. There's only one thing on everyones mind. Win now. Denver, New England and Buffalo are the favorites in the conference at the moment, but there's definitely some room to put Jacksonville, Houston and Los Angeles in the conversation too. All six of those teams have odds of +800 or better at the moment to reach the super bowl. How competitive! If Pittsburgh is able to hold on and get in. We aren't going to count the Steelers out either as vintage Rodgers would get his top wide receiver DK Metcalf back. Anticipate lots of battling!Happy Holidays and Happy Watching!

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA and NFL Previews and Odds - 12/25/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Dec 25, 2025

The Thursday Christmas Day sports card features NFL and NBA action.Week 17 in the National Football League kicks off with three games. The Dallas Cowboys travel to Washington to play the Commanders on Netflix at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Cowboys are on a three-game losing streak after their 34-17 upset loss at home against the Los Angeles Chargers as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Commanders have lost nine of their last ten games after a 29-18 loss at home against Philadelphia last Saturday. Dallas is an 8.5-point road favorite with the total set at 50.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The Detroit Lions play in Minnesota against the Vikings on Netflix at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Lions lost for the third time in their previous four games in a 29-24 upset loss at home against Pittsburgh as an 8-point favorite last Sunday. The Vikings are on a three-game winning streak after their 16-13 win in New York against the Giants as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. Detroit is a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The Denver Broncos are on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs on Amazon Prime Video at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Broncos’ 11-game winning streak ended last Sunday in a 34-20 upset loss at home against Jacksonville as a 3.5-point favorite. The Chiefs lost for the fourth time in a row after a 26-9 upset loss at Tennessee as a 3.5-point road favorite on Sunday. Denver is a 13.5-point road favorite with a total of 36.5 The National Basketball Association has five games on ABC/ESPN on its docket. The New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 12:10 p.m. ET. The Knicks lost for the second time in their previous three games after a 115-104 loss at Minnesota as a 7-point underdog on Tuesday. The Cavaliers are on a two-game winning streak after a 141-118 victory against New Orleans as a 9.5-point favorite on Tuesday. New York is a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 2:40 p.m. ET. The Thunder lost for the second time in their previous three games in a 130-110 upset loss at San Antonio as a 6.5-point underdog on Tuesday. The Spurs have won seven of their previous eight games with that upset victory two days ago. Oklahoma City is a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 232.5.The Golden State Warriors are home against the Dallas Mavericks at 5:10 p.m. ET. The Warriors have won two games in a row after a 120-97 victory against Orlando as a 6-point favorite on Monday. The Mavericks ended a two-game losing streak with their 131-120 upset win at home against Denver as a 6-point underdog on Tuesday. Golden State is an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Houston Rockets visit Los Angeles to take on the Lakers at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Rockets lost for the fourth time in their previous five games in a 128-102 upset loss in Los Angeles against the Clippers as a 7-point favorite two days ago. The Lakers are on a two-game losing streak after a 132-118 loss at Phoenix as a 3.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Houston is a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 230.5. The Denver Nuggets host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:40 p.m. ET. The Nuggets lost for the second time in their previous three games in their upset loss against the Mavericks on Tuesday. The Timberwolves won for the 10th time in their last 12 games with their victory against the Knicks. Denver is a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 238.5.  

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF Previews and Odds - 12/24/2025

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Dec 24, 2025

The Wednesday sports card features only NCAAF action on Christmas Eve. The college football bowl season continues with one game on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET. Hawaii hosts California in the Hawaii Bowl at their Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. The Rainbow Warriors won two of their final three games in the regular season after a 27-7 victory against Wyoming as an 8.5-point favorite on November 29th. They come into this game with an 8-4 record. California fired head coach Justin Wilcox in his ninth season with the program after a 31-10 upset loss at Stanford as a 4-point favorite on November 22nd. General manager Ron Rivera named co-offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich as the interim head coach. The Golden Bears then won for the second time in their final three regular season games with a 38-35 upset victory at home against SMU as a 13.5-point underdog on November 29th. Cal comes into this bowl game with a 7-5 record. Rolovich returns to Hawaii, where he was once the head coach for four seasons before taking the head coaching job at Washington State. The Golden Bears have hired Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as their next head coach after this game. Hawaii is a 1.5-point favorite with the total set at 50.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The National Basketball Association does not have any games on its docket. Five games are on tap for their traditional Christmas Day card. The National Hockey League does not have any games on its slate for the next three days before returning to the ice for regular season games on Saturday.The NCAAB college basketball schedule has all Division I opponents taking the next three days off before a light card returning on Saturday.

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College Football Bowl Betting- 5 Last Minute Tips

by Kyle Hunter

Tuesday, Dec 23, 2025

We are getting into the thick of bowl season. Let’s take a look at five last minute tips for betting these bowl games. In this article, I’m talking about the smaller bowl games and not the College Football Playoffs.  Understand that betting the bowl season is absolutely nothing like betting during the regular season. If you are using the same process to bet these games as the week to week regular season games, you are asking for trouble. It’s a completely different type of game and should be treated as such.  Never Assume Too Much- Do not place your wager “assuming” that certain players will or won’t play. This is the time of the year to dig and look for information as hard as possible. Many key players won’t play. There will be plenty of players who just play for a short time and then sit out the rest of the game. There are teams who “should” be excited for a bowl game, but for one reason or another are not.  Motivation is everything and figuring out who is or isn’t motivated is your ultimate goal especially when placing a wager on a side in bowl season. There is no flashing light telling you who will be motivated and who will not. At times, the press conferences and quotes from the players before the games will say a lot. Live bettors can use motivation to their advantage too. Often you can tell in the first couple series of a game whether a certain team is motivated to win a football game. There are live bettors who are extremely successful by just focusing closely on effort levels in the early going of these games. Keep an eye on the first half unders- Many of these games so far this season have started out very low scoring. In fact, the first half under is 7-3 on these smaller bowl seasons contests. Fans in general could tell you too that these games have been very sloppy for the most part. There are a lot of guys playing that haven’t played in key spots like this throughout the season. It seems to be leading to more of a feeling out process than what we usually see.  Keep The Volume Lower- I recommend betting fewer games than normal. There are a lot of moving parts in these bowl games. You don’t have to have action on all these games. Only look to bet the games where you feel you have some kind of edge. There are plenty of games through the season, so there will be a lot of opportunities! 

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NBA Underdogs Barking- What's Next?

by Kyle Hunter

Tuesday, Dec 23, 2025

NBA Underdogs Barking- What’s Next?The dogs are barking in a big way in the NBA this season. That is especially the case in the last 30 days. Underdogs are 108-78-1 ATS (58.2% ATS) in the last 30 days in the NBA. For the season, underdogs are at nearly 54% ATS in the NBA.Which teams have been best as an underdogs so far this season?Houston is 3-0 ATS as an underdogDetroit is 5-1 ATS as an underdog. They are 3-0 ATS as a road underdog. The Chicago Bulls are 11-3 ATS as an underdogPortland is 13-5 ATS as an underdog. They are 7-1 ATS as a home underdog. The Lakers are 8-4 ATS as an underdogUtah is 10-4 ATS as a home underdog. They are just 13-11 ATS as an underdog overall. Which teams have performed poorly as an underdog?Memphis is 6-12 ATS as an underdog this seasonSacramento is 9-17 ATS as an underdogWashington is 110-15 ATS as an underdog Home underdogs are 97-76-1 ATS in the NBA as a whole for the season. Finding NBA underdogs with the rest advantage has been particularly powerful in recent years, and that has continued so far this season. Impressive numbers for the season overall, and very impressive numbers in recent weeks for the underdogs. What does that mean you should do next? One thing I would be careful about doing is just backing all underdogs because they have done so well in this period of time. Keep in mind that often when the whole betting public starts jumping on a trend in a league as large as the NBA, the adjustments have already been made by the oddsmakers. Continue to look for situational spot advantages. Fading favorites after a long road trip in their first game back at home should still be a winning strategy. Keep an eye on the situational spots around Christmas and New Year’s as well. The teams who have a lot of traveling to do could be hard to lay points with.On the whole, these things even themselves out, but being aware of the recent blips can help you make well informed wagers. 

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