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NFL System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Sunday, Jan 07, 2024

It's the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season, and there are a lot of things still to be decided with regard to the Playoffs, so the games will certainly be entertaining.  As a sports handicapper, I try to approach the final week much as I do any other week, though there are exceptions, of course.  One of the things I look for when handicapping the NFL is to find good situations to take teams off losses, or go against teams off wins.  Obviously, it's not quite that simple, as I look for well-defined situations.  But many of my best systems involve -- at their core -- playing on teams after a bad game, or going against a team after a good game.  For our NFL System of the Week, we're going to look at one such situation.Last week, the Arizona Cardinals played their best game of the season.  They were an 11-point underdog at Philadelphia, and upset the Eagles, 35-31.  Most impressive was the fact that Arizona outyarded Philly, 449-275.  That was the most yards that Arizona's offense gained all season, as well as its biggest yardage differential (+174).In the NFL, teams that pull huge upsets like this tend to underperform the following week.  And that leads us to our NFL System of the Week.  What we want to do is:  Play against any team that won outright as a 10.5-point (or greater) underdog the previous week.  Indeed, dating back to 1991, NFL teams in this adverse situation have gone 36-69-4, 34.2% ATS!And, although there's nothing wrong with 69-36-4, we can improve our numbers by focusing on home underdogs (or PK) off upset road wins.  These powerless pups have gone just 6-24 ATS, including a woeful 0-8 ATS in division games.This Sunday afternoon, the Arizona Cardinals have been installed as a home underdog vs. division rival, Seattle, so all of the criteria for our main system, and these subsets, are met.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/07/24

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Jan 07, 2024

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.Week 18 of the NFL regular season concludes with 14 games. Six NFL games kick off at 1 PM ET. The Jacksonville Jaguars travel to Tennessee to play the Titans as a 4.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 42 (all odds from DraftKings). The Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 46. The Cincinnati Bengals play at home against the Cleveland Browns as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 37. The New Orleans Saints are at home against the Atlanta Falcons as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 42.5. The New England Patriots host the New York Jets as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 29.5. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in Carolina against the Panthers as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 37.Seven NFL games start at 4:25 PM ET. The San Francisco 49ers are at home against the Los Angeles Rams as a 4-point favorite with a total of 41. The Green Bay Packers play at home against the Chicago Bears as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. The Los Angeles Chargers host the Kansas City Chiefs as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 35. The Las Vegas Raiders play at home against the Denver Broncos as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 37. The Seattle Seahawks are at Arizona against the Cardinals as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 47.5. The Philadelphia Eagles travel to New York to play the Giants as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 42. The Dallas Cowboys play in Washington to play the Commanders as a 13-point road favorite with a total of 46.5. The Buffalo Bills are in Miami to play the Dolphins on NBC at 8:15 PM ET for Sunday Night Football. The Bills are a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 48.5. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Cleveland Cavaliers are at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 1:10 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 234.5. The Brooklyn Nets host the Portland Trail Blazers at 3:10 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 225. Two more NBA games tip off at 6:10 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks travel to Orlando to play the Magic as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 240. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the New Orleans Pelicans as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are in Dallas to play the Mavericks at 7:45 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 229.5. Two NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Denver Nuggets are at home against the Detroit Pistons as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 236. The Phoenix Suns host the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:40 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 237.5. The Golden State Warriors are at home against the Toronto Raptors at 8:40 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under 237.5. The Los Angeles Clippers battle the Los Angeles Lakers at 9:40 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 231.The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 3:07 PM ET. The Calgary Flames visit Chicago to play the Blackhawks as a -250 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Los Angeles Kings play in Washington against the Capitals as a -165 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Winnipeg Jets are in Arizona to play the Coyotes at 7:07 PM ET as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Detroit Red Wings visit Anaheim to play the Ducks at 8:07 PM ET as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has five games on major national television. Two NCAAB games tip off at 1 PM ET. Wichita State plays at Temple as a 1.5-point road favorite on ESPNU as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Dayton hosts Massachusetts on ESPN2 as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5.Two NCAAB games tip off at 3 PM ET. Eastern Carolina plays at home against Tulsa on ESPNU as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Drake is at Belmont on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 155.5. Memphis plays at home against SMU at 5 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 149.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/6/24

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 06, 2024

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.Week 18 of the NFL regular season kicks off with two games on ABC and ESPN. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens at 4:30 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 4:30 PM ET (all odds from DraftKings). The Houston Texans play in Indianapolis against the Colts at 8:15 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 47.5.  The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics are in Indiana to play the Pacers as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 246. The New York Knicks visit Washington to play the Wizards as an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 239. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Utah Jazz at 7:40 PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 233.5. The Milwaukee Bucks play in Houston to play the Rockets as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. The Calgary Flames are in Philadelphia to play the Flyers at 1:07 PM ET as a -112 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Florida Panthers at 4:07 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Six NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to San Jose to play the Sharks as a -298 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Boston Bruins are at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Minnesota Wild play in Columbus Blue Jackets as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The New York Rangers are in Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -225 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The New Jersey Devils host the Vancouver Canucks as a -122 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Buffalo Sabres as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5.Two NHL games drop the puck at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars play at home against the Nashville Predators as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Vegas Golden Knights host the New York Islanders as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7.The college basketball schedule has 12 games on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at noon ET. Clemson is at home against North Carolina on ESPN2 as a 3-point favorite with a total of 158.5. Mississippi State travels to South Carolina on CBS as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 135.5. Florida hosts Kentucky on ESPN at 12:30 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 168.5. Villanova plays at home against St. John’s on Fox as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Two NCAAB games on major national television start at 2 PM ET. Kansas is at home against TCU on CBS as a 9-point favorite with a total of 152.5. Auburn plays at Arkansas on ESPN2 as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 157.5. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 4 PM ET. Georgia Tech hosts Boston College on ESPN2 as a 2-point favorite with a total of 146. San Diego State plays at home against UNLV as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 140. Kansas State is at home against Central Florida on ESPN2 at 6 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Two more NCAAB games start at 8 PM ET. Texas hosts Texas Tech on ESPN2 as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Ohio State visits Indiana on Fox as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 148. BYU plays at home against Cincinnati on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/5/24

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 05, 2024

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 14 games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics host the Utah Jazz as a 14-point favorite, with the total set at 239 (all odds from DraftKings). The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 263. Three more NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 234.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers are at home against the Washington Wizards as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 240. The Philadelphia 76ers host the New York Knicks on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 227.5. Three NBA games begin at 8:10 PM ET. The Chicago Bulls play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as an 8-point favorite with a total of 224. The Minnesota Timberwolves are in Houston to play the Rockets as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 218.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play in New Orleans against the Pelicans as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 229.5. The Dallas Mavericks are at home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 8:40 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 237. Two NBA games start at 9:10 PM ET. The Denver Nuggets host the Orlando Magic as a 10.5-point favorite, with a total of 224. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Miami Heat as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. Three more games complete the NBA card at 10:10 PM ET. The Golden State Warriors are at home against the Detroit Pistons as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 241. The Los Angeles Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 228. The Sacramento Kings play at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 5-point favorite with a total of 239. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The New Jersey Devils are at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -410 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes travel to Washington to play the Capitals as a -170 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Winnipeg Jets play in Anaheim to face the Ducks at 10:07 PM ET as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.The college basketball schedule has four games on national television. Connecticut is at Butler on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. Toledo hosts Miami (OH) on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM ET as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 157.5. Purdue plays at home against Illinois on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 154. Boise State is at San Jose State on FS1 at 10:30 PM ET as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 141.5. 

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Super Bowl Longshots Heading Into Week 18

by ASA, Inc.

Thursday, Jan 04, 2024

Buffalo Bills (+800)Buffalo’s season has been a rollercoaster in 2023, yet they managed to get in position to win the AFC East with a victory over Miami in their regular season finale. The Bills have been a powerhouse in recent years but took a step back with some uncharacteristic losses. All the pieces are still in play for another playoff run and statistically they seem as elite as previous years. Ranking sixth in points scored while also top four in points allowed, seems a good recipe  for playoff success. A Ravens team that has underperformed in the Playoffs in recent years with a 1-4 SU record, a beatable Chiefs team, and a Dolphins team that struggles against top tier competition are all that stand between Buffalo and their first Super Bowl appearance since 1994. Josh Allen is the true catalyst for this team, and his 42 total TDs (most in NFL) do not get the credit they deserve due to his turnovers and the team's struggles. Winners of four straight, the Bills are the 3rd best overall DVOA team and a top contender that comes at a discount. Cleveland Browns (+3500)It is hard to think of another player's resurgence that has had more of an impact on a team than Joe Flacco’s current hot streak. Nick Foles is the only one in the same ballpark and we know how that ended. Cleveland has also won four straight and in Flacco’s five starts he is averaging 323 ypg and about 3 TDs per game. On a team that ranks number one in yards allowed, it has been a welcome sight to see the offense carry its weight for once. Again, with the AFC having no established juggernauts, it is not out of the realm of possibilities to see the Browns new found success persevere into January. Flacco did go 4-0 with the Ravens in 2012 and won a Super Bowl. He’s playing with confidence, pressure free and has one more playoff run to settle the argument as to if he is an elite quarterback. Green Bay Packers (+12500)You never know which Jordan Love you are going to get, and despite his inconsistency the Packers could make an unexpected appearance in the playoffs. The NFC path for Green Bay seems near impossible, but a young Aaron Rodgers won the 2010 Super Bowl from a wild card spot, which gives some hope. A middle of the road offense and defense will need to play much better when they get a likely road matchup vs DAL or PHI in the Wildcard round. Jordan Love has had moments of greatness and played like a star this past week in Minnesota as well as week 12 and 13 against Detroit and Kansas City. Matt LaFluer has dialed up great schemes with GBs young wide receiver core and has the experience to lead the Packers on a Cinderella run IF he can get the best Jordan Love to show up. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/4/24

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jan 04, 2024

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has two games on its docket in a doubleheader on TNT. The Milwaukee Bucks travel to San Antonio to play the Spurs at 7:40 PM ET as a 9-point road favorite with the total set at 249.5. The Denver Nuggets play in Golden State against the Warriors at 10:10 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins host the Pittsburgh Penguins on ESPN as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Buffalo Sabres are in Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Rangers play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -395 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Philadelphia Flyers are at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Four NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars host the Colorado Avalanche as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning visit Minnesota to play the Wild as a -130 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Nashville Predators play at home against the Calgary Flames as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Vancouver Canucks are in St. Louis to play the Blues as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders play in Arizona to play the Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. Two NHL games begin at 10:07 PM ET. The Seattle Kraken host the Ottawa Senators as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers travel to Las Vegas to play the Golden Knights as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:37 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings play at home against the Detroit Red Wings as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play in San Jose to face the Sharks as a -258 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.The college basketball schedule has ten games on national television. Three NCAAB games tip off at 7 PM ET. Northeastern is home against Stony Brook on the CBS Sports Network as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Michigan State hosts Penn State on Peacock as a 13-point favorite, with a total of 145.5. Wright State plays at home against Cleveland State on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 161. Four NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. Wichita State is at home against North Texas on ESPN2 as a 2-point favorite with a total of 131.5. Michigan hosts Minnesota on Peacock as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5. UT-Martin plays at home against Eastern Illinois on ESPNU as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 151. New Mexico State is at home against UTEP on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Arizona hosts Colorado on ESPN at 9:30 PM ET as an 11-point favorite with a total of 162.5. Two more games complete the NCAAB card at 11 PM ET. Utah is at Arizona State on ESPN2 as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Saint Mary’s plays at San Diego on the CBS Sports Network as a 13.5-point road favorite with a total of 134.

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NFL Top 10 Poll - Week 18

by Wayne Root

Wednesday, Jan 03, 2024

As football fans celebrate New Year’s Day and welcome in 2024, our latest Week 18 NFL power rankings take a look at everything that happened this weekend. The NFL’s playoff picture has taken a clear shape as we prepare for the final week of the regular season. In Week 17, the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers secured the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences, earning first-round byes. Five teams are alive for three playoff spots in the AFC and six teams are alive for two spots in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns clinched a playoff spot and the race for the NFC East opened up. No team better exemplifies the madness than the Bills, who can potentially win their division and move up to the No. 2 seed in the AFC but also miss the playoffs completely in the last of the 272 regular-games. 1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)Wow, what a performance by both Lamar Jackson and the defense. I doubted the Ravens because I was concerned about their tackle and cornerback play, but they dominated San Francisco and Miami. In a game between arguably the AFC’s two best teams, the Ravens routed the Dolphins, 56-19, to clinch the AFC North and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson might’ve clinched NFL MVP, too, with 321 passing yards, five touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 rating. Congrats to Jackson for wrapping up the MVP award.2. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)Is Christian McCaffrey OK? Luckily for the 49ers, they’ll be able to give him two weeks of rest before their first playoff game. With a little help elsewhere, the 49ers clinched the first-round bye extra time for Christian McCaffrey to heal from a possible strained calf muscle that caused him to leave in the third quarter after gaining 91 yards. Brock Purdy bounced back from his career-worst performance by throwing two touchdowns in a 27-10 win against the Commanders.3. Cleveland Browns (11-5)Joe Flacco hasn’t had a hot streak like this since his four-game playoff tear for the Ravens on the way to Super Bowl MVP in 2012. The Browns are somehow nearly 5-0 with Joe Flacco at quarterback. Though it seems odd, remember that Flacco could be deemed the best quarterback the Browns have had in a long time. Flacco has four straight 300-yard passing games, the latest of which included a career-high 296 in the first half during a playoff-berth-clinching 37-20 stomping of the Jets. I have to imagine all the young players on the team really look up to him because of his experience and leadership. Flacco was even able to succeed against a talented Jets secondary without Amari Cooper.4. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)The Cowboys are lucky they didn’t lose to the Lions. However, is there a better quarterback-receiver combination right now than Dak Prescott-CeeDee Lamb? They connected for 13 catches on 17 targets, resulting in 227 yards and a touchdown. Prescott directed a game-winning 75-yard fourth-quarter drive to complete an undefeated home schedule (8-0) for the first time since 1981.5. Detroit (11-5)An upset victory of the Cowboys was in the works until the officials penalized their trick two-point conversion pass to offensive lineman Taylor Decker with 23 seconds remaining. Was it a blown call? It looks that way. No solace to the Lions after falling short when their third try at the go-ahead two points ended on Jared Goff’s incompletion. The official, Brad Allen, screwed over the Bears recently as well, so it’s worth wondering whether he’s a Packers or a Vikings fan.6. Los Angeles Rams (9-7)After beating the Giants, 26-25, the surging Rams’ team plane reportedly waited at the airport for other games to end so they could celebrate clinching a playoff spot. The Rams were very sloppy against the Giants, but still were able to win. I don’t know if this is a good thing. On one hand, they were able to overcome poor play to prevail. On the other hand, it would obviously be troubling if this were the beginning of a trend where the Rams started being careless with the football. I’ve moved the Rams up to because they’re the only team in the top six of both offensive and defensive EPA. I worry about their special teams, but that’s about it.7. Buffalo Bills (10-6)Josh Allen ran for two touchdowns to send the Bills into a winner-take-division game against Miami. The Bills once again didn’t have the most convincing performance, as they’ve been sleepwalking ever since they beat the Cowboys in that lopsided statement game. It wasn’t as easy as it should’ve been but vengeance was exacted for an early-season loss by beating the Patriots, 27-21. The offense has been a big disappointment the past two weeks, and what has happened to Stefon Diggs? Buffalo needs Diggs to show some life with the playoffs soon underway.8. Miami Dolphins (11-5)A season-long explosive offense looked pedestrian without the injured duo of Raheem Mostert (NFL touchdowns leader) and Jaylen Waddle against the Ravens’ top-ranked scoring defense. The Dolphins suddenly have huge concerns because Tua Tagovailoa, Xavien Howard and Bradley Chubb all suffered injuries against the Ravens. Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns and two interceptions, leaving the AFC East title unclinched. I liked the Dolphins’ chances before the Baltimore game, but not anymore.9. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)The good news is that the Chiefs won and can rest their starters in Week 18 because they’ve clinched the No. 3 seed. The bad news is that the Chiefs continued to make dumb mistakes when they weren’t feeding the ball to Isiah Pacheco. If the Kansas City Chiefs are going to have any success in the playoffs, Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco have to be just as involved as Travis Kelce. We know Patrick Mahomes can amplify this offense, helping Rice look like a No. 1 receiver and Pacheco a dangerous three-down back. However, the Chiefs’ offense is still dealing with costly turnover problems and it will have to face much better defenses in the playoffs.10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)Just when you thought the Steelers were dead and incapable of giving Mike Tomlin another winning record. Mason Rudolph did just enough to likely keep the starting job, but the real standouts in Week 17 from Pittsburgh were Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers’ running backs made eclipsing 200 scrimmage yards look easy and it’s because of them that Pittsburgh has another winning season. They crushed the Bengals, then went into Seattle and won. Unfortunately for them, they need the Jaguars to lose to the Titans to make the postseason.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/3/24

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jan 03, 2024

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards as a 9.5-point favorite, with the total set at 239.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Indiana to play the Pacers as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 257. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in Atlanta against the Hawks at 7:40 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 249. Three NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Houston Rockets are at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the New Orleans Pelicans as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 223. Two more NBA games begin at 8:40 PM ET. The Dallas Mavericks play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers as an 11-point favorite with a total of 234. The New York Knicks are at home against the Chicago Bulls on ABC as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 220. The Los Angeles Clippers play in Phoenix against the Suns at 9:10 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 233.5. The Utah Jazz host the Detroit Pistons as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. Two more games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 PM ET. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Miami Heat on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 226.5. The Sacramento Kings are at home against the Orlando Magic as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The National Hockey League has two games on its slate. The New Jersey Devils visit Washington on TNT at 7:37 PM ET as a -166 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play in Anaheim against the Ducks at 9:07 PM ET as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The college basketball schedule has nine games on national television. Providence hosts Seton Hall on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 138. Two more NCAAB games tip-off at 7 PM ET. Virginia plays at home against Louisville on ESPN2 as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 129. Dayton is at Davidson on the CBS Sports Network as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 136.5. Clemson plays at Miami (FL) on ESPN at 8 PM ET as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 155.5. Villanova is at home against Xavier on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 141.Three NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. UCLA is at home against Xavier on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Tulane hosts Rice on ESPNU as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 163. VCU plays at home against St. Bonaventure on the CBS Sports Network as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 134. San Diego State is at home against Fresno State on FS1 at 10:30 PM ET as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 136.

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NFL Week 18: VW's Power Rankings

by Vegas Writer

Wednesday, Jan 03, 2024

It's the final week of the season, and all I ask is we have just as much excitement in Week 18 as we had in Week 17.Last week's action marked the first time in NFL history there was an offensive touchdown, defensive touchdown, kickoff-return touchdown, and punt-return touchdown each of at least 90 yards in the same week.The Dallas Cowboys saw wideout CeeDee Lamb with a 92-yard touchdown reception, Philadelphia Eagles safety Sydney Brown registered a 99-yard interception-return touchdown, New England Patriots return specialist Jalen Raegor turned in a 98-yard kickoff return for a score, and New York Giants returner Gunner Olszewski had a 94-yard punt-return touchdown.As we close out the regular season, make note of the best and worst five teams against the spread and teams involved in the five highest and lowest-scoring games:TOP 5 ATS: Ravens (11-5), Lions (11-5), Browns (11-5), Dolphins (10-6) and Buccaneers (10-6).BOTTOM 5 ATS: Chargers (5-10-1), Jets (5-10-1), Saints (5-10-1), Panthers (4-10-2) and Falcons (5-11).TOP 5 OVERS: Colts (11-5), Packers (10-6), Lions (10-6), Cardinals (9-6-1) and Browns (9-6-1).TOP 5 UNDERS: (six are tied at 5-11): Panthers, Saints, Chargers, Titans, Chiefs and Raiders.Okay, figured I'd get the important (betting) rankings out of th the way, now, let's get into this week's rankings:THE UPPER TIER1. Baltimore (13-3) - The Ravens crushed Miami, 56-19, to secure their first AFC North division title since 2019 and clinch the No. 1 seed, the AFC's only first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. This is the team to beat. (Last week 1)2. San Francisco (12-4) - After being humiliated by the Ravens the week before, the 49ers scraped by to defeat the lower-tier Washington Commanders, 27-10. That said, they clinched the No. 1 seed, the NFC's lone first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. (Last week 2)3. Dallas (11-5) - The referees won't be around every game to bail out the Cowboys. Nonetheless, this will still be a dangerous team if everything is clicking come playoff time. (Last week 4)4. Buffalo (10-6) - Chalk up more rushing for Josh Allen, who rushed for two touchdowns in the Bills' 27-21 win over New England. Allen has 15 rushing touchdowns this season, tied with Jalen Hurts (15 rushing touchdowns in 2023) for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season in NFL history. (Last week 8)5. Miami (11-5) - Tyreek Hill had six catches for 76 yards last week Hill and now has a career-high and franchise-record 1,717 receiving yards this season. He also had 1,710 receiving yards last season and is now the first player in NFL history to record at least 1,700 receiving yards in multiple seasons. (Last week 3)6. Detroit (11-5) - Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta had seven receptions for 84 yards on Saturday, and now has 81 receptions this season, tied with Keith Jackson (81 receptions in 1988) for the most receptions by a rookie tight end in NFL history. (Last week 6)7. Kansas City (10-6) - The Chiefs defeated Cincinnati, 25-17, and clinched their eighth-consecutive AFC West division title. I'm still not convinced they're making it to the AFC Championship. (Last week 7)8. Cleveland (10-5) - The Browns defeated the New York Jets, 37-20, and clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020. (Last week 9)9. Philadelphia (11-5) - The plight and plummet continues for the Eagles. (Last week 5)10. Green Bay (8-8) - Jordan Love ranks third in the NFL in touchdown passes (30) and ninth in EPA per attempt (.19), this being his first season as the full-time starter. Take that haters! (Last week 12)11. Denver (8-8) - The Broncos are sure to drop now that Sean Payton threw the white flag. He made it official this week when he benched Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham. (Last week 11)12. Jacksonville (9-7) - Linebacker Josh Allen recorded three sacks in the Jaguars' 26-0 win over Carolina. Allen – who had three sacks in Weeks 1, 4 and 17 and had 2.5 sacks in Week 12 – is the second player since 1982 with at least 2.5 sacks in four games within a season. (Last week 13)13. Houston (9-7) -  Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, last year's No. 2 pick, ranks fourth in the NFL with 274.57 passing yards per game, a surprise season that has Houston sitting eighth in the AFC. (Last week 14)14. Cincinnati (8-8) - Backup quarterback Jake Browning had his lowest-output game since replacing Joe Burrow, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 197 yards. (Last week 10)15. Indianapolis (9-7) - Coach Shane Steichen has the Colts playing for a spot in the playoffs despite losing rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. This weekend will be interesting. (Last week 15)16. Pittsburgh (9-7) - Coach Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers to a .500-or-better record in each of his 17 seasons under the headset and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer George Halas for the third-longest streak of consecutive .500-or-better seasons by a head coach in NFL history. (Last week 18)LOWER TIER17. L.A. Rams (8-8) - Los Angeles defeated the New York Giants, 26-25, and clinched a playoff berth for the third time in the past four seasons. (Last week 19)18. Tampa Bay (8-8) - If Baker Mayfield can lead the Bucs past the league-worst Panthers, he should get credit for guiding Tampa Bay to the playoffs by way of votes for Comeback Player of the Year. (Last week 20)19. Chicago (7-9) - The Bears will end up missing Justin Fields in the long run. (Last week 24)20. Atlanta (7-9) - This team has been doomed with one of the least efficient scoring offenses. (Last week 22)21. New Orleans (8-8) - The Saints head to the playoffs if they beat Atlanta and get a prayer answered with a Carolina win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. (Last week 26)22. Seattle (8-8) -  If the Seahawks make it to the postseason, it will be coach Pete Carroll’s 10th trip in his last 13 seasons as head coach. (Last week 16)23. Minnesota  (7-9) - The Vikings have cycled through quarterbacks Jaren Hall, Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens since losing Kirk Cousins to an Achilles injury. The Lions will feast this weekend. (Last week 17)24. Las Vegas (7-9) - The Raiders might be one of the best bets on the card this weekend, as they're non-meaningful game vs. the Broncos means the world to them. (Last week 21)25. N.Y. Jets (6-10) - After next week, Jets fans should be excited for next season with a new countdown to Aaron Rodgers. (Last week 23)26. New England (4-12) - Bill Belichick’s future remains a mystery. Will he stay, will he go? Where does he end up? (Last week 25)27. Tennessee (5-11) - The Titans had 187 yards of offense in last week's loss to the Texans. Who woulda thunk, they'd be the odd team out in Week 18 with a three-way tie atop the AFC South. (Last week 27)28. N.Y. Giants (5-11) - Will this team be able to unload Daniel Jones and that hefty contract? (Last week 28)29. L.A. Chargers (5-11) - The Chargers have lost four straight and seven of their last eight. Next up: the Chiefs. (Last week 29)30. Arizona (4-12) - The Cardinals overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to beat Philadelphia, 35-31, marking the first time a team defeated an opponent that entered the week with at least eight more wins in two years. (Last week 32)31. Washington (4-12) - Good news for the Commanders after this week, they should have a new coach and new quarterback come next season. (Last week 30)32. Carolina (2-14) - Owner Davide Tepper should have to buy Jaguars fans season tickets for next season for losing his temper. (Last week 31)

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, EPL, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 1/2/24

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2024

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Chicago Bulls at 7:10 PM ET as a 10.5-point favorite, with the total set at 224 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Three more NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the San Antonio Spurs as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The New Orleans Pelicans are at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 230. The Boston Celtics travel to Oklahoma City to play the Thunder as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. Two games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 PM ET. The Golden State Warriors host the Orlando Magic as a 3-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Charlotte Hornets play in Sacramento against the Kings. The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins are in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -230 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Rangers play at home against the Carolina Hurricanes as a -122 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Pittsburgh Penguins are at home against the Washington Capitals at 7:37 PM ET as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. Four NHL games begin at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars host the Montreal Canadiens as a -298 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Minnesota Wild play at home against the Calgary Flames as a -118 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Nashville Predators play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -258 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets are at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three NHL games start at 9:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers visit Arizona to play the Coyotes as a -162 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche host the New York Islanders as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -185 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks are at home against the Ottawa Senators at 10:07 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games complete the NHL card at 10:37 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings host the Toronto Maple Leafs as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Detroit Red Wings play in San Jose against the Sharks as a -185 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Connecticut plays at home against DePaul on FS1 at 6:30 PM ET as a 24-point favorite with a total of 140. Five more NCAAB games are on national television at 7 PM ET. Purdue is in Maryland on Peacock as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 143. North Carolina travels to Pittsburgh on ESPN as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 158. East Carolina plays in Pittsburgh on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 158. Creighton is at Georgetown on the CBS Sports Network as a 12.5-point road favorite with a total of 149. Ohio is at home against Toledo on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 159. St. John’s hosts Butler on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 152.5. Three more NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. Duke plays at home against Syracuse as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5. SMU is at home against Charlotte on ESPN2 as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Drake is at home against Illinois State on the CBS Sports Network as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 158. Matchweek 20 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Brighton and Hove Albion travel to West Ham United on the USA Network at 2:30 PM ET in a pick ‘em match at BetMGM with a total of 3. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB, EPL and NCAAF Previews and Odds - 1/1/24

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Jan 01, 2024

The Monday New Year’s Day sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The college football bowl postseason continues with five games. LSU plays Wisconsin on ESPN2 at noon ET in the Reliaquest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Tigers are a 9-point favorite, with the total set at 57.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Two college football bowl games kick off at 1 PM ET. Tennessee battles Iowa on ESPN in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Volunteers are a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 36. Oregon takes on Liberty on ABC in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Ducks are an 18-point favorite with a total of 68.5. The college football playoffs begin at 5 PM ET, with Michigan facing Alabama on ESPN in the Rose Bowl at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Wolverines are a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45. Texas plays Washington in the nightcap on ESPN at 8:45 PM ET in the Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Longhorns are a 4-point favorite with a total of 63.5. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to New York to play the Knicks at 3:10 PM ET as a -1.5 point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The Toronto Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:40 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 224. Two more NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Detroit Pistons as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Milwaukee Bucks are at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 7-point favorite with a total of 259.5. Four more games conclude the NBA card at 9:10 PM ET. The Denver Nuggets host the Charlotte Hornets as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers as an 11-point favorite, with a total of 229. The Dallas Mavericks visit Utah to play the Jazz as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 245.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the Miami Heat as a 6.5-point favorite, with a total of 228.The National Hockey League has one game on its slate. Vegas battles Seattle on TNT at 3:07 PM ET in the Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The Golden Knights are a  -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The college basketball schedule has one game on national television. Drexel hosts Hampton on the CBS Sports Network at noon ET as a 14.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Matchweek 20 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Liverpool plays at home against Newcastle United on the USA Network at 3 PM ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 3.5.

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The Houston Rockets Defensive Turnaround

by Team Del Genio

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023

The Houston Rockets were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season. By allowing 118.6 adjusted points per 100 possessions, the Rockets ranked 29th in the league in defensive efficiency. It was the fourth straight season where they had a bottom-four defense when measured by efficiency. With Houston beginning the second phase of their rebuild under general manager Rafael Stone, improving their play on defense was a high priority. Stone hired former Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka who oversaw a significant improvement in the play of the Celtics on the defensive end of the court in 2021-22 before being suspended from the team last year for his off-the-court scandal. With those issues behind him with a new start in Houston, Udoka was given the mandate to establish a new culture. Stone made two big splashes in the free agent market to help establish this new defensive identity. Fred VanVleet was signed for a three-year $130 million contract. Not only does VanVleet bring a championship pedigree from Toronto, but he is also one of the better on-the-ball defenders in the league. Stone also inked a four-year $86 million contract to wing defender Dillon Brooks who was selected to the all-defensive second team last year. Brooks prides himself on his defensive play which is an attitude that Udoka hopes is infectious to the core group of young players on the roster like Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun. The improvement in defense has been immediate and dramatic. The Rockets are holding their opponents to 109.7 points per game on 45.0% shooting from the field. Their opponents are making only 32.5% of their 3-point shots, which is the best mark in the NBA. They rank sixth in the league by allowing just 111.4 adjusted points per 100 possessions this season, an improvement of more than seven adjusted points against their defensive efficiency of last season. Houston’s strong play on the defensive end of the court has been even more pronounced when they are playing at home. In their seventeen games at home, the Rockets are holding their opponents to 43.8% shooting from the field with these teams averaging just 105.1 points per game. Opponents are making just 31.0% of their 3-point attempts when playing in Houston, ranking as the second lowest mark in the NBA to Minnesota when taking home courts into account. The Rockets do a good job of controlling their defensive glass. Led by Sengun who is undergoing a breakout season, Houston limits their opponents to rebounding 28.1% of their missed shots. That mark is tied with New Orleans for the tenth-best in the league. Udoka is not emphasizing forcing turnovers. Houston is only forcing turnovers in 13.5% of their opponent's possessions, ranking 19th in the NBA. Instead, Udoka's approach is to prioritize making things difficult for their opponent to take good shots. Houston ranks second in the NBA with an opponent's effective field goal percentage of 51.6%. Houston's efforts on defense have taken a step back as of late with Indiana, Phoenix, and Philadelphia all scoring 123 or more points against them with each of those teams making 52.3% or more of their shots against them despite all three of those games being played in Houston. Not having Brooks for those games as he nurses an abdominal injury should be considered when looking at these recent results. Those are three of the best offenses in the NBA as well. The Pacers lead the league in offensive efficiency and the 76ers rank third in offensive efficiency. The Suns rank eleventh in offensive efficiency yet should climb in those rankings with Bradley Beal back on the court. The Rockets have held five opponents to under 100 points this season. Once Brooks gets back on the court, Houston will hold more opponents to less than 100 points. Yet despite their improved defense, the market is well aware since only sixteen of their thirty games have finished under the number. Good luck - Team Del Genio.

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