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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 11/21/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action in the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and the EPL.Week 11 in the National Football League continues with 15 games. Nine games kickoff the card at 1 PM ET. Green Bay visits Minnesota as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 47.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Philadelphia plays at home against New Orleans as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 42.5. Baltimore travels to Chicago as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 43.5. San Francisco plays at Jacksonville as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 45.5. Cleveland hosts Detroit as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 42. Carolina is at home against Washington as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 42.5. Buffalo plays at home against Indianapolis as a 7-point favorite with a total of 49.5. Tennessee hosts Houston as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 45. Miami visits the New York Jets as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 44.5. Three games take place in the second afternoon window. Cincinnati travels to Las Vegas at 4:05 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 50.5. Kansas City plays at home against Dallas as a 3-point favorite with a total of 56. Seattle is at home against Arizona as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 46.5. The Los Angeles Chargers host the Pittsburgh Steelers on NBC at 8:20 PM ET for Sunday Night Football. The Chargers come off a 27-20 upset loss to Minnesota as a 3-point favorite last week. The Steelers settled for a 16-16 tie with Detroit as a 6-point favorite on Sunday. Los Angeles is a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 47.5.Five games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. The Los Angeles Clippers play at home against Dallas at 3:40 PM ET as a 3-point favorite. The Los Angeles Lakers visit Detroit as a 7.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 210. Two NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. Chicago is at home against New York as an 8-point favorite with a total of 209.5. Phoenix plays at home against Denver as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 211. Golden State hosts Toronto at 8:40 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite.Seven games are on the slate in the National Hockey League. Tampa Bay is at home against Minnesota at 5:08 PM ET as a -155 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. The New York Rangers are at home against Buffalo as a -220 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Boston is at home against Calgary at 7:08 PM ET as a -165 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Toronto visits the New York Islanders at 7:38 PM ET as a -125 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Vancouver hosts Chicago as a -135 money line favorite with a total of 6. Washington travels to Seattle as a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings play at home against Arizona at 10:08 PM ET as a -220 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Seventeen games are on national television in college basketball. The Charleston Classic concludes with four games at the TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina. Temple plays against Elon on ESPNU at 10:30 AM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5. Boise State plays Mississippi on ESPN2 at 1 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. West Virginia faces Clemson on ESPN2 at 5 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 137.5. St. Bonaventure faces Marquette on ESPNU at 7:30 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Xavier hosts Norfolk State on FS1 at noon PM ET. The Myrtle Beach Invitational continues with four games at the HTC Arena in Conway, South Carolina. Old Dominion plays Pennsylvania on ESPN News as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 130.5. Oklahoma goes against Utah State on ESP2 as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. Davidson plays East Carolina on ESPNU at 6 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 139.5. New Mexico State plays Indiana State on ESPN2 at 8:30 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 140. Villanova plays Purdue in the finals of the Hall of Fame Classic at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on ABC at 1 PM ET. Tennessee plays North Carolina on ESPN in the consolation match at 3:30 PM ET. Loyola-Marymount plays Florida State at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, at 5:30 PM ET. The Seminoles are an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 140. The Roman Main Event concludes with two games at T-Mobile Arena. Michigan plays Arizona on ESPN at 9:30 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 142 in the championship game. Wichita State plays UNLV at midnight as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 131 on ESPN2.Matchweek 12 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches on the NBC Sports Network. Manchester City hosts Everton at 9 AM ET as -2 goal favorite with a total of 3. Tottenham plays at home against Leeds United as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Rink Report

by Ben Burns

Sunday, Nov 21, 2021

November is busy. With so much football and basketball, it can be hard to keep up with hockey. While it might seem like the season just started, some teams have already played 20 games. Let's get caught up. BEST CONFERENCEThe Stanley Cup has gone to a team from the Eastern Conference in five of the past six seasons. So far, the top three teams, in terms of records, all reside in the East. Florida has the most points (29) but Carolina has the best record. The (14-2) Hurricanes have 28 points but have played two fewer games than the Panthers. Next, comes Washington with 27 points. Edmonton, #1 in the West, has the fourth most points overall. There's a big gap between the haves and the have nots. The Coyotes and the Kraken, a pair of Western Conference teams, are the worst of the bunch. They have eight and nine points, respectively. Ottawa also has nine points but has played a few less games. Edmonton averages four goals per game, Arizona averages just 1.8. PROFITABLE TEAMSWith their strong records, it stands to reason that Carolina, Florida and Edmonton are among the most profitable teams. Likewise, Arizona and Seattle have hurt their backers the most. Some other teams might surprise you though. Columbus, Anaheim, Vegas, Minnesota, Boston and the NY Rangers have all produced solid profits. Teams like Montreal, Chicago, Pittsburgh and the Islanders are all significantly in the red. HOME SWEET HOMEDoes playing at home matter? It depends on which team you ask. The Panthers are 10-0 at home but 3-2-3 on the road. On the other hand, the defending champions have been better on the road than at home. Overall, on the season, home teams have won 56.3% of the time. TOTALSThus far, there have been more 'unders' than 'overs.' At 52.3% to 47.7%, the difference is fairly modest. We'll keep an eye out to see if the gap narrows, or widens. Interestingly, 63.5% of overtime games have stayed below the number. VEZINA TROPHY IN TORONTO?There are a number of goalies with excellent stats. Jack Campbell is right there in all the major categories. Of goalies who have played at least 10 games, the Leafs' netminder has the best goals-against-average (1.66) and also the best save percentage (.944). However, it's Calgary's Jacob Markstrom who leads the league in shutouts. He's already got five. Campbell is tied for second, at three. Good luck with the games. I wish everyone the best, during the upcoming holiday season. 

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Taking an NFL Breather

by Tom Stryker

Saturday, Nov 20, 2021

It’s hard to win weekly in the NFL.  On any given day one team is capable of beating another regardless of their won/loss records. This week, I took a look at NFL teams competing in their 11th game of the season.  In particular, I focused on those squads that won 70 or 80 percent of their battles.  Out of curiosity, I wanted to see if those quality teams continued their successful run or if they would suffer a letdown.  Here’s the best of what I discovered: Since 1980, PLAY AGAINST any game 11 NFL team that holds an 8-2 SU or 7-3 SU record coming off a straight up win provided they are battling a division opponent that checks in off a straight up loss.  41-Year ATS Record = 29-9-3 ATS for 76.3 percent  This Week’s Play = HOUSTON TEXANS  Here we have a real simple system that just cashes tickets.  Tennessee holds an 8-2 SU mark and enters this AFC South battle off a home win over New Orleans and catches Houston off a week of rest and an ugly 17-9 loss at Miami.  That means the Titans qualify for this negative situation.  There is one additional parameter that can be added to this system that makes it even more profitable.  As long as our “play against” side is not laying -14 or more, this situation crumbles to a woeful 6-28-3 ATS! Hopefully, off a bye week, the Texans will show up and find a way to fall under this hefty number.  Good luck with Houston on Sunday.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, CFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 11/20/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Nov 20, 2021

The Saturday sports card features action in NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, CFL, and the EPL.Week 12 in the college football regular season concludes with 51 games between FBS opponents. Seventeen games kick off the card in the opening window from noon ET to 3 PM ET. Five games are on national television at noon ET. Oklahoma hosts Iowa State on Fox as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 59.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Ohio State plays at home against Michigan State on ABC as a 19-point favorite with an over/under of 68.5. Clemson is at home against Wake Forest on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 57. West Virginia hosts Texas on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 56.5. Army plays at home against Massachusetts on the CBS Sports Network as a 35.5-point favorite with a total of 56. Iowa is at home against Illinois on FS1 as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 38.5. Notre Dame plays at home against Georgia Tech on NBC at 2:30 PM ET as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 58.5. Twenty-one NCAAF games take place from 3:30 PM ET through 5:30 PM ET. Five games are on national television at 3:30 PM ET. Wisconsin hosts Nebraska on ABC as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43. Alabama plays at home against Arkansas on CBS as a 20.5-point favorite with a total of 58. Cincinnati is at home against SMU on ESPN as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 66. Pittsburgh hosts Virginia on ESPN2 as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 66. East Carolina travels to Navy on the CBS Sports Network as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 47. Two games are on national television at 4 PM ET. UCLA visits USC on Fox as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 65.5. Liberty plays at home against Louisiana-Lafayette on ESPNU as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 53.5. Kansas State is at home against Baylor on FS1 at 5:30 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 50. Thirteen NCAAF games conclude the card starting at 7 PM ET. Auburn is at South Carolina on ESPN as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 44.5. Two games kick off on national television at 7:30 PM ET. Utah hosts Oregon on ABC as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 59. Tennessee plays at home against South Alabama on ESPNU as a 27.5-point favorite with a total of 62. Two more games are on national television beginning at 8 PM ET. Oklahoma State travels to Texas Tech on Fox as a 10-point road favorite with an over/under of 56.5. Utah State hosts Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network as a 6-point favorite with a total of 52.5. Two games are on national television at 9 PM ET. LSU is at home against Louisiana-Monroe on ESPN2 as a 29-point favorite with an over/under of 57.5. Boise State plays at home against New Mexico on FS1 as a 27-point favorite with a total of 58. Arizona State visits Oregon State on ESPN at 10:30 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 58.5. Nine games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. New York plays at home against Houston at 5:10 PM ET as an 11-point favorite with a total of 212. Two games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Indiana is at home against New Orleans as an 8-point favorite at BetRivers. Miami plays at Washington as a 1.5-point road favorite at BetRivers. Two more NBA games begin at 7:40 PM ET. Atlanta is at home against Charlotte as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 226. Boston hosts Oklahoma City as a 10.5-point favorite at BetRivers. Two NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. Milwaukee is an 11-point favorite at BetRivers. Minnesota plays at home against Memphis as a 1-point favorite with a total of 219. The NBA card concludes with two games at 10:10 PM ET. Portland is at home against Phoenix as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 218. Utah travels to Sacramento as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 223. Twelve games are on the slate in the National Hockey League. Two games begin the card at 4:08 PM ET. Tampa Bay plays at home against New Jersey as a -220 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Carolina visits Los Angeles as a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Florida is at home against Minnesota as a -150 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Four games drop the puck at 7:08 PM ET. The New York Islanders are at home against Calgary as a -120 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Boston plays at Philadelphia as a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Toronto is at home against Pittsburgh as a -175 money line favorite with a total of 6. Nashville plays at Montreal as a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two games in the NHL begin at 8:08 PM ET. Detroit visits Arizona as a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Dallas is at home against St. Louis as a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more games start at 10:08 PM ET. Vegas is at home against Columbus as a -150 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Edmonton plays at home against Chicago as a -215 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Washington travels to San Jose at 10:38 PM ET as a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 6. The New Rangers/Ottawa game got postponed because of the COVID outbreak with the Senators. Five games are on national television in college basketball. Connecticut hosts Binghamton at noon ET on FS2 as a 28.5-point favorite at William Hill with an over/under of 138.5. The Hall of Fame Tip-Off at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on ESPN News. The opening game at 1 PM ET has Villanova playing Tennessee as a 2-point favorite with a total of 140. Purdue plays North Carolina in the second game at 4 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 153. St. John’s plays at home against Farleigh Dickinson on FS2 at 6 PM ET as a 28.5-point favorite at William Hill with a total of 155.5. DePaul is at home against Western Illinois on FS2 at 8 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. Week 16 in the Canadian Football League concludes with two games on ESPN+. Hamilton hosts Saskatchewan at 4 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 41.5. Winnipeg visits Calgary at 7 PM ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5. Matchweek 12 in the English Premier League begins with eight matches. Chelsea travels to Leicester City on the NBC Sports Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal line road favorite at PlayMGM with a total of 2.5. Six games start at 10 AM ET. Brighton and Hove Albion visit Aston Villa on the NBC Sports Network in a pick ‘em match at PlayMGM with an over/under of 2.5. Crystal Palace plays at Burnley on Peacock in a pick ‘em match at PlayMGM with a total of 2.5. Newcastle United hosts Brentford on Peacock as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Southampton is at Norwich City on Peacock as a -0.5 goal line road favorite at PlayMGM with a total of 2.5. Manchester United travels to Watford on Peacock as a -1 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. West Ham United visits Wolverhampton on the USA Network in a pick ‘em match at PlayMGM with a total of 2.5. Liverpool hosts Arsenal on NBC at 12:30 PM ET as a -1 goal line favorite at PlayMGM with an over/under of 3.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and CFL Previews and Odds 11/19/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Nov 19, 2021

The Friday sports card features action in NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and the CFL.Week 12 in the college football regular season continues with five games between FBS opponents. Louisiana Tech hosts Southern Mississippi on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM ET as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 49 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Washington State plays at home against Arizona as a 15-point favorite with an over/under of 52.5. Air Force visits Nevada on FS1 at 9 PM ET in a pick ‘em match up with a total of 52.5. Houston is at home against Memphis on ESPN2 at 9 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 59.5. San Diego State travels to UNLV on the CBS Sports Network at 11:30 PM ET. Nine games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. Two games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Charlotte plays at home against Indiana as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 215.5. Golden State plays at Detroit as a 9-point road favorite with a total of 210.5. Two more games start at 7:40 PM ET. Boston is at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 209.5. Brooklyn hosts Orlando as a 13-point favorite with a total of 209.5. Two more NBA games begin at 8:10 PM ET. Milwaukee is at home against Oklahoma State as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 215. The Los Angeles Clippers play at New Orleans as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 215. Denver hosts Chicago at 9:10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite at BetRivers. Two games conclude the card at 10:10 PM ET. Phoenix is at home against Dallas on ESPN as an 8-point favorite at BetRivers. Sacramento plays at home against Toronto as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 217.5. Two games are on the slate in the National Hockey League at 10:08 PM ET. Winnipeg visits Vancouver as a -120 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Colorado plays at Seattle as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. Fourteen games are on national television in college basketball. The Myrtle Beach Invitational continues at the HTC Center in Conway, South Carolina, with four second-round games on ESPNU. Boise State plays Temple at noon PM ET. Davidson faces Penn at 2:30 PM ET. Liberty plays Iona at 5 PM ET. Old Dominion faces East Carolina at 7:30 PM ET. The Charleston Classic continues with four games on ESPN2. New Mexico State plays Utah State at noon PM ET. St. Bonaventure plays Clemson at 2 PM ET. Oklahoma faces Indiana State at 5 PM ET. Marquette plays West Virginia at 7 PM ET.The Jersey’s Mike Classic continues on the CBS Sports Network with two games. Massachusetts plays UNC-Greensboro at 3 PM ET. Weber State plays Ball State at 5:30 PM ET.The Roman Main Event tips off with two games at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Arizona plays Wichita State on ESPNU at 10 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 133.5. Michigan plays UNLV on ESPN2 at 12:20 AM ET as a 14-point road favorite with a total of 135.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAB, NBA, NHL and NCAAF Previews and Odds - 11/18/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Nov 18, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action in the NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The eleventh week in the National Football League regular season kicks off with the New England Patriots traveling to Atlanta to play the Falcons on Fox and the NFL Network at 8:20 PM ET. The Patriots won their fourth straight game with a 45-7 victory against Cleveland as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Falcons lost their second game in their last three after a 43-3 loss at Dallas as an 8-point underdog on Sunday. New England is a 7-point road favorite with the total set at 47 (all odds from DraftKings).Week 12 in the college football regular season continues with Louisville traveling to Duke on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET. The Cardinals ended a two-game losing streak with a 41-3 win against Syracuse as a 3-point favorite on Saturday. The Blue Devils lost their sixth straight game after a 48-17 loss at Virginia Tech as a 13.5-point underdog last week. Louisville is a 20.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 60.Six games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. Two games tip-off at 7:40 PM ET. Golden State plays at Cleveland as an 8-point road favorite. Miami hosts Washington as a 6.5-point favorite. Two more games begin at 8:10 PM ET. The Los Angeles Clippers visit Memphis as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 220.5. Minnesota is at home against San Antonio as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 222. Two games conclude the NBA card at 9:10 PM ET. Denver plays at home against Philadelphia as a 7.5-point favorite. Utah hosts Toronto as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 213.The National Hockey League has 11 games on the slate. Calgary travels to Buffalo as a -180 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Toronto is at home against the New York Rangers as a -170 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Pittsburgh plays at Montreal as a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Florida hosts New Jersey as a -185 money line favorite with a total of 6. Tampa Bay visits Philadelphia as a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 8:08 PM ET. St. Louis is at home against San Jose as a -155 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Minnesota plays at home against Dallas as a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more games begin at 9:08 PM ET. Edmonton hosts Winnipeg as a -155 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. Columbus is at Arizona at 9:08 PM ET as a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The final two games on the NHL card start at 10:08 PM ET. Vegas plays at home against Detroit as a -165 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Carolina travels to Anaheim as a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Nashville/Ottawa game got postponed because of the COVID outbreak on the Senators roster. Fifteen games are on national television in college basketball, including the opening round of three invitational tournaments.The Myrtle Beach Invitational takes place at the HTC Center in Conway, South Carolina, with all four first-round games on ESPNU. Davidson plays New Mexico State at noon PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 133. Utah State goes against Pennsylvania as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Oklahoma battles East Carolina as a 13-point favorite with a total of 135.5. Old Dominion faces Indiana State at 9:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 133.5. The Charleston Classic takes place at the TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina, with its four opening games broadcast on ESPN2. St. Bonaventure goes against Boise State at 2 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 130.5. Clemson battles Temple at 4:30 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 133.5. Mississippi faces Marquette at 7 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5. West Virginia plays Elon at 9:30 PM ET as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. The Jersey’s Mike Classic takes place at McArthur Gymnasium in St. Petersburg, Florida, with its three opening games on the CBS Sports Network. UNC-Greensboro faces Green Bay as a 9-point favorite with a total of 126.5. Weber State plays Massachusetts at 5:30 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Ball State battles Florida International at 8 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 143.Four more games in NCAAB are on national television. Two games tip-off at 6:30 PM ET. Ohio State visits Xavier on FS1 as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 141.5. New Hampshire travels to Providence on FS2. Rutgers plays at DePaul on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 133.5. San Diego State hosts Arizona State on the CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 137.

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Ness Notes: NFL 2021 With Eight Weeks To Go

by Larry Ness

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021

The NFL's first-ever 17-game schedule (over 18 weeks) began back on Sep 9th, when the defending champions Bucs eked out a 31-29 win over a Dallas Cowboys team coming off a 6-10 season. Raise your hand if you predicted that through Week 10 of the season, the Bucs would be 6-3 (3-6 ATS), while the Cowboys would be 7-2 (8-1 ATS).That's just ONE of the many surprises that the 2021 NFL season has delivered.Consider this. FOUR teams entered Week 10 with a record under .500 and defeated a team that began the week in first place or tied for first. The Dolphins started things off with a 22-10 win over the Ravens last Thursday and then on Sunday, it was Washington 29-19 over Tampa Bay, Carolina 34-10 over Arizona and Minnesota 27-20 over the LA Chargers.Thirteen teams have either four or five wins, the most-ever through Week 10, and every team has lost at least twice. Twelve of the AFC's 16 teams are .500 or better, keeping playoff hopes alive for more teams than usual. The guys at FiveThirtyEight.com are reporting that 22 of 32 teams have a 20-plus percent chance of making the playoffs. My mom's favorite saying was, "It's too much for my pinhead brain," and I think I'm right there with her.The playoff format will be just like last season. Only the No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC will get a bye, with the other three division winners hosting the three teams with the best record among no-division winners. Here's how the playoffs would begin if the postseason were to begin today (Nov 17th). Giving a second shout to my mom, today would have been her 92nd birthday.8-2 Tennessee (South) would be the AFC's No. 1 seed, followed by division winners 6-3 Buffalo (East), 6-3 Baltimore (North) and 6-4 Kansas City (West). The three other qualifiers would be 5-3-1 Pittsburgh, 6-4 New England and the 5-4 LA Chargers (win tiebreakers over the 5-4 Raiders and Bengals). 8-2 Green Bay (North) would be the NFC's No. 1 seed, followed by division winners 8-2 Arizona (West), 7-2 Dallas (East) and 6-3 Tampa Bay (South). The three other qualifiers would be the 7-3 LA Rams, 5-4 New Orleans and 5-5 Carolina.Comparing last year's playoff field with the one through Week 10 of 2021, we find that the Browns and Colts would be replaced by the Pats and Chargers this season in the AFC. Over in the NFC, 2020 playoff teams like Seattle, Washington and Chicago, would be replaced by Arizona, Dallas and Carolina. Taking a closer look at the current playoff field, the Bills own the best point-differential (+145), 47 points higher than Ariona and New England's plus-98. The worst point differential of the 14 teams belongs to the Steelers, who are minus-8 points (only team with a negative point differential).I guess it's not a surprise that Pittsburgh owns a 3-6 ATS record, as do the Bucs and Ravens but the worst ATS mark belongs to the 3-7 Chiefs. Residing at the top of the ATS 'food chain' we have 9-1 Green Bay and 8-1 Dallas plus 7-3 Arizona and 7-3 Tennessee. Speaking of ATS records, my last NFL update gave records thru Week 4. Here's what I wrote. "Home teams went 132-123-1 two seasons ago (2019), the worst record since the advent of the 16-game schedule. Then, in 2020, home teams had a losing record for the first time in history, going 127-128-1. One could argue that empty and partially-empty stadiums played a role in that. However, that situation no longer applies in 2021 and after four weeks, home teams are just 30-33 (.476) SU and even worse ATS, going 28-35 (44.4%). You may be wondering about that 64th game but back in Week 1, the Saints had their home opener against the Packers moved to Jacksonville, creating a neutral-site situation." Let me get you up to speed through all games played through Week 10.Entering 'lucky' Week 11, the NFL has played 150 games. All but three have involved a home team. The exceptions are the two London games and the Week1 game played between the Packers and Saints that was moved from New Orleans to Jacksonville due to Hurricane Ida. Home teams remain sub-.500 SU, going 71-75-1 (.483). For those of you who may be betting on these games, home teams are a 'money-burning' 61-85-1 ATS or 41.7% (Ouch!). There have been years in which home dogs were seen as 'money in the bank' but home dogs are only 17-35 (.327) in 2021, although they are close to .500 ATS (25-27, .481). If one likes to play NFL totals, the numbers support playing the under. There have been 83 Unders, 65 Overs and two pushes. That's a 56.1% edge to the under.Good luck...Larry

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NFL Week 11 Breakdown

by Will Rogers

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021

BEST GAME - Dallas at Kansas City (-2)Dallas 7-2 SU, 8-1 ATSKansas City 6-4 SU, 3-7 ATSWith 8 covers in 9 games, it appears that sports books are still playing catchup with the Cowboys, who are the No. 1 cover team in the NFL. Maybe their loss at home to the Broncos planted some seeds of doubt, but this past Sunday’s disemboweling of the Falcons means that Jerry Jones will arrive in Missouri this coming Sunday with a huge smile on his face. Any why not? The Boys have all but wrapped up the otherwise lethargic NFC East, and the rest of the schedule includes only one legitimate test (Arizona on Jan. 2). Likewise, the Chiefs seem to be – finally – getting their own house in order. With the rest of the AFC West in a fade pattern, KC has taken full advantage. Narrow wins over the Giants and Packers kept the slow-starting Chiefs on life support, and the offense put the pedal to the metal this past Sunday in a convincing 27-point victory over division rival Las Vegas. With both offenses rolling, bettors no doubt will be pounding the Over here – even though the number (54) is the highest on the board for Week 11.WORST GAME – Detroit at Cleveland (-10)Detroit 0-8-1SU, 5-4 ATSCleveland 5-5 SU, 5-5 ATSThe Browns lost by 31 in New England last Sunday, and the ugliness spilled over in the locker room when several Cleveland players blamed the coaching staff for not making adjustments when the Patriots took control of the game. If losing to the red-hot Patriots got them cranky, imagine what a loss to home to Detroit would do. Cleveland’s season of mediocrity has also raised questions about whether Baker Mayfield is the QB going forward. As for the Lions, the heat is off to an extent in that last week’s tie with Pittsburgh means they can’t go 0-17 and beat their own NFL-worst 0-16 record set 13 years ago.BIGGEST SPREAD -- New York Giants at Tampa Bay (-11.5)New York 3-6 SU, 5-4 ATSTampa Bay 6-3 SU, 3-6 ATSTwo losses in row? Tom Brady? Yikes. Well, it happened last November, too, when the Bucs dropped back-to-backs to the Rams and Chiefs. Brady and TB responded with a four-game win streak to end the season, then ran the table on the way to winning the Super Bowl. It could happen again, especially as the Bucs enter the soft underbelly of their schedule, with most of the remaining games dotted with mediocre opponents with no legit chance to make deep playoff runs (Dec. 12 Buffalo being the exception). Still, Tampa Bay’s loss to Washington this past Sunday was a cautionary tale in the Any Given Sunday league. Brady put TB in an early hole with two interceptions, and this time there was no late magic. The Bucs – who BTW have been a poor cover team this season, still should win the NFC South – but they’ll have to work for it.SMALLEST SPREAD -- Cincinnati at Las Vegas (-1)Cincinnati 5-4 SU, 4-5 ATSLas Vegas 5-4 SU, 4-5 ATSNot the best of weeks for the Raiders. First, former coach Jon Gruden went after the league and commissioner in court, then the team was not competitive at home against the Chiefs. Gruden may have gone on offense, but the LV offense was stagnant against a sketchy Chiefs D – and that has to raise lots of red flags. The O-Line bears much of the blame for an offense that has produced only 30 points total in the last two games. When you net only 50 yards on the ground against one of the worst defenses in the league, you need to re-assess. Cincinnati no doubt used tis bye week to do some soul-searching of its own after consecutive losses to the Jets and Browns.SMALLEST TOTAL -- Washington at Carolina (43.5)Washington 3-6 SU, 2-7 ATSCarolina 5-5 SU, 5-5 ATSCam Newton is back. Are the Panthers? Maybe. At least they’re not dead and buried, despite a nightmarish 0-4 October and a stinking loss to the Patriots a week ago. Their three-touchdown win over the best-record-in-the-league-at-the-time Cardinals opened up a playoff avenue for Carolina, who were no doubt energized by Newton’s return. Newton didn’t start, but finished off a few drives by relieving starter P.J. Walker in the red zone, and there will be pressure to start him against the WFT.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/17/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features action in NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.Week 12 in college football continues with two games in the Mid-American Conference at 7 PM ET. Central Michigan travels to Ball State on ESPNU. The Chippewas won their fourth game in their last five after their 54-30 victory against Kent State as a 2.5-point favorite on Wednesday. They improved their record to 6-4 with the win. The Cardinals lost their second game in their last three with a 30-29 upset loss at Northern Illinois as a 3-point favorite on Wednesday. Ball State has a 5-5 record. Central Michigan is a 1.5-point road favorite with the total set at 59 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Northern Illinois visits Buffalo on ESPN2. The Huskies won their sixth game in their last seven with their 30-29 upset victory as a 3-point underdog on Wednesday. They are 7-3 on the season. The Bulls lost their second-straight game in a 45-178 loss at Miami (Ohio) as a 7-point underdog last Tuesday. Buffalo has a 4-6 record. Northern Illinois is a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 60.5. Eleven games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. Two games tipoff at 7:10 PM ET. Charlotte hosts Washington as a 2.5-point favorite. Indiana plays at Detroit as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 211.5. Five games start at 7:38 PM ET. Atlanta is at home against Boston as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 214. Brooklyn plays at home against Cleveland as an 11-point favorite with a total of 206.5. Miami hosts New Orleans as an 8.5-point favorite. New York is at home against Orlando as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 209. Milwaukee plays at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN as a 7.5-point favorite.Two games in the NBA begin at 8:08 PM ET. Minnesota hosts Sacramento as a 2-point favorite with a total of 223. Oklahoma City is at home against Houston as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 211.5. Two games conclude the NBA card at 10:08 PM ET. Portland plays at home against Chicago as a 1-point favorite with a total of 220. Phoenix hosts Dallas in the second game of the ESPN doubleheader as an 8-point favorite. Three games are on the slate in the National Hockey League. Colorado travels to Vancouver at 9:08 PM ET as a -155 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Seattle hosts Chicago on TNT at 10:08 PM ET as a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Washington visits Los Angeles to play the Lakers at 10:38 PM ET as a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Five games are on national television in college basketball. Rhode Island plays at home against Boston College on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 137. Connecticut is at home against Long Island on FS2 at 6:30 PM ET as a 26-point favorite at William Hill with a total of 144. Michigan State plays at Butler on FS1 at 7 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 131.5. North Carolina State travels to Oklahoma State on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM ET. Indiana hosts St. John’s on FS1 at 9 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with a total of 148.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and CFL Previews and Odds - 11/16/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2021

The Tuesday sports card features action in NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and the CFL.Week 12 in college football kicks off with three games in Mid-American Conference action. Toledo visits Ohio on ESPN+ at 7 PM ET. The Rockets have won two of their last three games with their 49-17 victory at Bowling Green as a 10.5-point favorite on Wednesday. The Bobcats won their second straight game with a 34-26 upset victory at Eastern Michigan as a 6-point underdog on Tuesday. Toledo is a 7-point road favorite with a total set at 55.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Western Michigan travels to Eastern Michigan on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET. The Broncos ended their two-game losing streak with a 45-40 win against Akron as a 25-point favorite on Tuesday. The Eagles’ two-game winning streak ended with their upset loss to Ohio last week. Western Michigan is a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 66. Miami (Ohio) plays at home against Bowling Green on ESPNU at 8 PM ET. The RedHawks won their third game in their last four with a 45-18 victory against Buffalo as a 7-point favorite on Tuesday. The Falcons lost their fifth game in their last six with their loss to Toledo last week. Miami (Ohio) is a 17-point favorite with a total of 51. Three games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. Brooklyn plays at home against Golden State on TNT at 7:40 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 220. Utah hosts Philadelphia in the second game of the TNT doubleheader at 10:40 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 217.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against San Antonio as a 6-point favorite at 10:40 PM ET with an over/under of 218.5. Eleven games are on the slate in the National Hockey League. Five games drop the puck at 7:08 PM ET. Toronto plays at home against Nashville as a -195 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Florida hosts the New York Islanders as a -175 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers are at home against Montreal as a -175 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Calgary visits Philadelphia as a -120 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Pittsburgh is at home against Buffalo as a -245 money line favorite with a total of 6. Three games in the NHL start at 8:08 PM ET. St. Louis hosts Arizona as a -320 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Minnesota plays at home against San Jose as a -195 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Edmonton travels to Winnipeg as a -115 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Dallas plays at home against Detroit at 8:38 PM ET as a -175 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. The final two games in the NHL start at 10:08 PM ET. Carolina plays at Vegas as a -125 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Washington is at Anaheim as a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Ottawa at New Jersey game got postponed because of the COVID outbreak on the Senators team.Nine games are on national television in college basketball. Two games tip-off at 6 PM ET. USC visits the Florida Gulf Coast on ESPNU. Miami (Florida) plays at Florida Atlantic on the CBS Sports Network as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Villanova hosts Howard on FS2 at 6:30 PM ET. Nebraska plays at home against Creighton on FS1 as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Houston hosts Virginia on ESPN at 8 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 123. North Carolina visits Charleston on the CBS Sports Network at 8:30 PM ET as a 13-point road favorite with an over/under of 153. Georgetown plays at home against American on FS2 at 8:30 PM ET. Michigan is at home against Seton Hall on FS1 at 9 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 138.5. Oregon hosts BYU on ESPN at 10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5.Week 16 in the Canadian Football League kicks off with Toronto playing at home against Edmonton at 7:30 PM ET. The Argonauts won their third straight game with their 31-12 upset win at Hamilton on Friday. The Elks lost their eighth straight game with their 29-24 loss at Saskatchewan as a 12-point underdog on Friday. Toronto is a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 47.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and NFL Previews and Odds - 11/15/2021

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Nov 15, 2021

The Monday sports card features action in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Football League concludes Week 10 with the Los Angeles Rams visiting the San Francisco 49ers on ESPN at 8:15 PM ET. The Rams had their four-game winning streak end with their 28-16 upset loss to Tennessee as a 7-point underdog on Sunday. The Rams outgained the Titans by a 347 to 194 mark in yardage, but a 24-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Kevin Byard helped Tennessee go into the locker room at halftime with a 21-3 lead. LA fell to 7-2 with the setback. The 49ers have lost five of their last six games with their 31-17 upset loss to Arizona last week. A -3 net turnover margin for the Niners proved too much to overcome. San Francisco has a 3-5 record after the loss. The 49ers swept the two games against the Rams last year for the second straight season. Los Angeles is a 3.5-point road favorite with the total set at 50 (all odds from DraftKings).Eleven games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. Three games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Boston visits Cleveland as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 200. Sacramento plays at Detroit as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 213. Washington is at home against New Orleans as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 213.5. Two games tip-off at 7:40 PM ET. Atlanta hosts Orlando as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 215.5. New York plays at home against Indiana as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 215.5. Four games in the NBA begin at 8:05 PM ET. Dallas plays at home against Denver as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 209.5. Memphis hosts Houston as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 219.5. Phoenix travels to Minnesota as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 221. Miami visits Oklahoma City as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 229.5. Portland plays at home against Toronto at 10:10 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 214.5. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against Chicago as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 218.5.Two games are on the slate in the National Hockey League. Tampa Bay hosts the New York Islanders as a -135 money line favorite with an over/under of 5. Columbus plays at home against Detroit as a -130 money line road favorite. Five games are on the card in college basketball. Three games tip-off at 7:PM ET. Illinois visits Marquette at 7 PM ET on FS1 as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 142. LSU hosts Liberty on ESPNU. Penn State visits Mass on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 143.5. Wisconsin hosts Providence on FS1 at 9 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 132. Oregon State visits Tulsa on ESPNU at 9 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 133.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NHL, NBA and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/14/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Nov 14, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB.The National Football League continues Week 10 in the regular season with 12 games. Seven games kick off the card at 1 PM ET. Tennessee hosts New Orleans as a 3-point favorite with a total set at 43.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Indianapolis plays at home against Jacksonville as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 47.5. Dallas is at home against Atlanta as an 8-point favorite with a total of 54.5. Buffalo visits the New York Jets as a 13.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 47.5. Tampa Bay travels to Washington as a 9-point road favorite with a total of 50.5. New England is at home against Cleveland as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45. Pittsburgh hosts Detroit as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 41. Four games take place in the second-afternoon window. Two games start at 4:05 PM ET. Arizona is at home against Carolina as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 43. The Los Angeles Chargers are at home against Minnesota as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 53. Two games kick-off at 4:25 PM ET. Green Bay hosts Seattle as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 49.5. Denver plays at home against Philadelphia as a 2-point favorite with a total of 45. Kansas City travels to Las Vegas to play the Raiders on NBC at 8:20 PM ET for Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs come off a 13-7 victory against Green Bay as a 7.5-point favorite last Sunday. Las Vegas got upset by the New York Giants, 23-16, as a 3-point favorite last week. Kansas City is a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 51.5. Seven games are on the docket in the National Basketball Association. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against San Antonio at 3:40 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 222. Atlanta hosts Milwaukee at 6:40 PM ET as a 1-point favorite. Three games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Philadelphia plays at Houston as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 222.5. Golden State visits Charlotte as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 224.5. Brooklyn is at Oklahoma City as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 214.5. Denver plays at home against Portland at 8:10 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against Chicago at 9:40 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217.5.Six games are on the slate in the National Hockey League. Calgary travels to Ottawa at 5:08 PM ET as a -175 money line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Four games drop the puck at 7:08 PM ET. The New York Rangers are at home against New Jersey as a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Washington hosts Pittsburgh as a -165 money line favorite with a total of 6. St. Louis plays at home against Edmonton as a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Boston hosts Montreal as a -200 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Anaheim plays at home against Vancouver at 8:08 PM ET as a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.Five games are on national television in college basketball. Seton Hall plays at home against Yale on FS1 at noon PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 147. Florida hosts Florida State on ESPN at 1 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 145. South Carolina is at home against Western Kentucky on ESPNU at 5 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 147. Syracuse plays at home against Drexel on ESPN2 as a 16-point favorite with an over/under of 142.5. Minnesota visits Princeton on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 135.5.

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