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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 11/26/2023

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Nov 26, 2023

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. Week 12 in the NFL continues with 11 games. Six NFL games kick off at 1 PM ET. The New Orleans Saints travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons as a 2-point road favorite, with the total set at 41.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Pittsburgh Steelers play in Cincinnati against the Bengals as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 36. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in Houston against the Texans as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 48.5. The Indianapolis Colts host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. The New England Patriots play in New York against the Giants as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 34. The Tennessee Titans are at home against the Carolina Panthers as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 36.5. Two NFL games start at 4:05 PM ET. The Los Angeles Rams are in Arizona to play the Cardinals as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 45. The Denver Broncos play at home against the Cleveland Browns as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 37. Two more NFL games begin at 4:25 PM ET. The Kansas City Chiefs visit Las Vegas to play the Raiders as a 9-point road favorite with a total of 43.5. The Philadelphia Eagles host the Buffalo Bills as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5. Sunday Night Football on NBC has the Baltimore Ravens playing in Los Angeles against the Chargers at 8:20 PM ET. The Ravens are a 3-point road favorite with a total of 48.5. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 3:40 PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231. Four more NBA games tip off at 6:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics are at home against the Atlanta Hawks as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 235. The New York Knicks host the Phoenix Suns as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 221. The Orlando Magic play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 228.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are in Memphis to play the Grizzlies as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 217. Two NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Brooklyn Nets are at home against the Chicago Bulls as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 214.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Toronto Raptors as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 219.5. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 8:10 PM ET as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 228.5. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Minnesota Wild travel to Detroit to play the Red Wings at 1:07 PM ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues are in Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 2:07 PM ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes are at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5:07 PM ET as a -290 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play in Nashville against the Predators at 8:07 PM ET as a -120 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Edmonton Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks at 9:07 PM ET as a -265 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has five games on national television. Penn State battles VCU in the ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida, on ESPNU at 10:30 AM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Florida Atlantic plays Virginia Tech in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPN at 1 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Boise State faces Butler in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPN2 at 4 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 145. Iowa State goes against Texas A&M in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPN2 at 6:30 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 134. San Francisco plays at home against Minnesota on the CBS Sports Network at 8:30 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Matchweek 13 in the English Premier League continues with two matches on the USA Network. Aston Villa visits Tottenham at 9 AM ET in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 3 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Manchester United play at Everton at 11:30 AM ET in a pick ‘em contest with a total of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 11/25/2023

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Nov 25, 2023

The Saturday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action. The 13th week in college football concludes with 49 games between FBS opponents. Seven nationally televised NCAAF games kick off at noon ET. Louisville hosts Kentucky on ABC as a 7.5-point favorite, with the total set at 49.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Central Florida plays at home against Houston on FS1 as a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 60.5. Michigan is at home against Ohio State on Fox as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 46.5. LSU hosts Texas A&M on ESPN as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 66. Miami (OH) travels to Ball State on the CBS Sports Network as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 35. SMU plays at home against Navy on ESPN2 as a 19-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. Troy is at Southern Mississippi on ESPNU as a 17-point road favorite with a total of 48. Syracuse is at home against Wake Forest on The CW at 2 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. Seven NCAAF games are on national television at 3:30 PM ET. Alabama visits Auburn as a 13.5-point road favorite with a total of 47.5. Liberty plays at UTEP on the CBS Sports Network as a 17-point road favorite with an over/under of 55.5. Appalachian State hosts Georgia Southern on ESPNU as a 10-point favorite with a total of 63. James Madison is at Coastal Carolina on ESPN2 as an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 50.5. Oklahoma State plays at home against BYU on ABC as a 16.5-point favorite with a total of 55.5. Wisconsin is at Minnesota on FS1 as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 44.5. Arizona travels to Arizona State on ESPN as a 13-point road favorite with a total of 49.5. Washington is at home against Washington State on Fox at 4 PM ET as a 15.5-point favorite with an over/under of 66. Three NCAAF games on national television begin at 7 PM ET. West Virginia plays at Baylor on FS1 as an 11.5-point road favorite with a total of 54.5. South Alabama is at Texas State on the NFL Network as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 58. Florida State visits Florida on ESPN as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 49. Three more nationally televised NCAAF games start at 7:30 PM ET. Georgia plays at Georgia Tech on ABC as a 24-point road favorite with an over/under of 59.5. Kansas is at Cincinnati on ESPN2 as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 58. South Florida hosts Charlotte on ESPNU as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 57. Kansas State plays at home against Iowa State on Fox as a 10-point favorite with a total of 45.5. Wyoming travels to Nevada on the CBS Sports Network as an 11-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5. Two more NCAAF games are on national television at 10:30 PM ET. Fresno State plays at San Diego State on FS1 as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 46.5. UCLA is at home against California on ESPN as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 51.The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers are in Oklahoma City to play the Thunder as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 231.5. The Brooklyn Nets host the Miami Heat at 6:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 218.5. The Atlanta Hawks visit Washington to play the Wizards at 7:10 PM ET as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 248.5. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers at 7:40 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 225. The New Orleans Pelicans are in Utah to play the Jazz at 9:40 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 233.5. The Dallas Stars play in Los Angeles against the Clippers at 10:40 PM ET as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 237.5. The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. The Boston Bruins travel to New York to play the Rangers at 1:07 PM ET as a -118 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Los Angeles Kings are at home against the Montreal Canadiens at 4:07 PM ET as a -270 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The New Jersey Devils host the Buffalo Sabres as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:37 PM ET as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Three games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks are in San Jose to play the Sharks as a -245 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Arizona Coyotes as a -238 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Calgary Flames as a -175 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has four games on national television. Georgetown hosts Jackson State on FS2 at noon ET as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 150. Two more NCAAB games on national television tip-off at 7 PM ET. St. John’s plays at home against Holy Cross on FS2 as a 21-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. Ohio State battles Santa Clara in the Emerald Coast Classic at the Raider Arena in Niceville, Florida, on the CBS Sports Network. DePaul is at home against Northern Illinois on FS2 at 9 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 153. Matchweek 13 in the English Premier League begins with seven matches. Manchester City hosts Liverpool at 7:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 3 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Five more EPL matches start at 10 AM ET. West Ham United visits Burnley as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Crystal Palace plays at Luton Town as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite, with an over/under of 2.5. Chelsea is at Newcastle United in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5. Brighton and Hove Albion are in Nottingham Forest on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Bournemouth visits Sheffield United as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Arsenal plays at Brentford on the USA Network at 12:30 PM ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/24/2023

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Nov 24, 2023

The Friday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action. Week 12 of the NFL regular season continues with one game on Amazon Prime at 3 PM ET. The Miami Dolphins travel to New York to play the Jets at 3 PM ET as a 10-point road favorite, with the total set at 41. The 13th week in college football continues with 13 games on national television between FBS opponents. Six games kick off at noon ET. Toledo plays at Central Michigan on ESPU as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 54.5. Ohio is at Akron on the CBS Sports Network as 14-point road favorite with a total of 41. Nebraska hosts Iowa on CBS as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 24.5. Miami (FL) visits Boston College on ABC as a 10-point road favorite with a total of 49. Oklahoma plays at home against TCU on Fox as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 63. Memphis plays at Temple on ESPN as a 13-point road favorite with a total of 64. Two NCAAF games start at 3:30 PM ET. Tulane is at home against UTSA  as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 52. Utah State is at New Mexico on the CBS Sports Network as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 60. Two more NCAAF games begin at 4 PM ET. Boise State hosts Air Force on FS1 as a 7-point favorite with a total of 46. Missouri travels to Arkansas on CBS as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 54.5. Two NCAAF games start at 7:30 PM ET. Texas plays at home against Texas Tech on ABC as a 14-point favorite with a total of 52.5. Penn State plays at Michigan State on NBC as a 22.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 48.5. Oregon is at home against Oregon State on Fox at 8:30 PM ET as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 62.The National Basketball Association has 10 games on its docket. The Boston Celtics is at Orlando to play the Magic at 2:40 PM ET as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The Phoenix Suns visit Memphis to play the Grizzlies at 5:10 PM ET as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 223. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:40 PM ET. The New York Knicks are at home against the Miami Heat on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 212. The Toronto Raptors host the Chicago Bulls as a 5-point favorite with a total of 217. Four NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Indiana Pacers play at home against the Detroit Pistons as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 247.5. The Denver Nuggets play in Houston against the Rockets as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 216.5. The Milwaukee Bucks are at home against the Washington Wizards as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 246.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Sacramento Kings as a 4-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the San Antonio Spurs on ESPN at 10:10 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the New Orleans Pelicans at 10:40 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 224. The National Hockey League has 15 games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 1:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins host the Detroit Red Wings as a -205 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New York Rangers are in Philadelphia to play the Flyers as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs visit Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 2:07 PM ET as a -265 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three NHL games start at 3:07 PM ET. The Nashville Predators play in St. Louis against the Blues, with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 6. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -258 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers are in Washington to play the Capitals as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 3:37 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks as a -198 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Montreal Canadiens play in San Jose as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Buffalo Sabres on TNT at 6:07 PM ET as a -120 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators are at home against the New York Islanders at 7:37 PM ET as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers play at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 8:37 PM ET. The Dallas Stars are at home against the Calgary Flames as a -180 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche travel to Minnesota on TNT as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vancouver Canucks play in Seattle against the Canucks at 10:07 PM ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 15 games on national television. Texas A&M battles Florida Atlantic in the ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida, on ESPN2 at 11 AM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 140. Xavier hosts Bryant on FS1 at noon ET on FS1 as a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under of 148. North Carolina faces Arkansas in the Battle 4 Atlantis at the Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas, on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite at 1 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 152.5. Connecticut plays at home against Manhattan on FS1 at 2 PM ET as a 35-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Pittsburgh goes against Oregon State in the NIT Preseason Tip-Off at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on ESPN2 at 3 PM ET as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Villanova faces Memphis in the Battle 4 Atlantis at the Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas, as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 146. Two more NCAAB games start at 5:30 PM ET. Baylor faces Florida in the NIT Preseason Tip-Off at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on ESPN as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 157. Iowa State battles Virginia Tech in the ESPN Events Invitational as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Michigan plays Texas Tech in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPNU at 6 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 141.5.Alabama battle Ohio State in the Emerald Coast Classic at the Raider Arena in Niceville, Florida, on the CBS Sports Network as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 153. Providence hosts Lehigh on FS2 as a 19-point favorite with a total of 144. Arizona State faces Vanderbilt in the Vegas Showdown at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on ESPN2 at 8 PM ET. Boise State plays VCU in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPNU as 2-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Oregon goes against Santa Clara on the CBS Sports Network at 9:30 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 144.5. North Carolina State faces Pacific in the in the Vegas Showdown at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

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NHL Off the Post: November 23rd

by Sean Murphy

Thursday, Nov 23, 2023

With the NHL taking a brief pause for Thanksgiving, it's a good time to take stock of what's been happening around the league. Here's a look at four teams to keep an eye on heading into December.Oil spillThe Oilers might just be the league's biggest disappointment through the first two months of the season. Edmonton sits third-last in the Western Conference standings, better than only the lowly Sharks and rebuilding Blackhawks. While it's certainly not too late for the Oilers to turn things around, it's going to take a monumental group effort and you have to wonder whether they have the right personnel in place beyond the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The good news is, Edmonton will play eight of its next 10 games on home ice. The bad news is, the Oilers are just 3-4-1 as hosts this season.Hurricane warningCarolina got off to a slow start this season but that had a lot to do with a number of key injuries. The Hurricanes have gotten healthier and head into Thanksgiving having recorded wins in five of their last seven games. That run has put them back into the top-eight in the Eastern Conference and they'll have a favorable schedule to continue their ascent with four of their next five contests coming at home. It's probably not a bad time to buy in to the Canes in terms of long-term futures as their stock had dropped a little more than it probably should have. Perennial contenders in the East, Carolina has the right pieces in place to hang with the likes of the Bruins and Rangers come playoff time.Devil of a timeOne of last year's breakout teams, the Devils have fallen on hard times so far this season. New Jersey enters the break having lost four of its last five games including an ugly 4-0 shutout defeat in Detroit on Wednesday. You have to wonder if head coach Lindy Ruff could be on the chopping block if the Devils can't turn it around in the next couple of weeks. Fortunately, aside from the Rangers, no other teams are really running away and hiding in the Metropolitan Division. Despite sitting in seventh place in the division, the Devils are just four points out of a Wild Card spot. New Jersey will play four of its next five games at home beginning with a winnable matchup with the lowly Blue Jackets on Friday.Crowning gloryWhile few are paying much attention, the Kings are thriving, off to a red hot 11-3-3 start to the season and riding a three-game winning streak into Thanksgiving. Few teams have been as stingy as Los Angeles as it has held an incredible eight of its last nine opponents to two goals or less. It's not as if the schedule is going to get a lot tougher in the coming weeks either with the likes of Anaheim, Montreal (twice), Columbus and New York (Islanders) on the ledger between now and December 9th. While the Kings currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division, they're just three points back of the first-place Golden Knights and have three games in hand. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/23/2023

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Nov 23, 2023

The Thursday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, and NCAAB action.Week 12 of the NFL regular season kicks off with the three games on the Thanksgiving Day card. The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers on Fox at 12:30 PM ET as an 8-point favorite, with the total set at 47.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Dallas Cowboys play at home against the Washington Commanders on CBS at 4:30 PM ET as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 49. The San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks on NBC at 8:20 PM ET as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 44. The 13th week in college football continues with one game on national television between FBS opponents. Mississippi visits Mississippi State on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET as a 10-point road favorite with an over/under of 54.5. The college basketball schedule has 13 games on national television. Two NCAAB games tip off at noon ET. Texas A&M battles Penn State in the ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida, on ESPN as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. Texas Tech plays Northern Iowa in the Battle 4 Atlantis at the Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas, on ESPN2 as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Two more NCAAB games start at 2:30 PM ET. North Carolina faces Villanova in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPN as a 2-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Florida Atlanta goes against Butler in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Iowa faces Oklahoma in the Rady Children’s Invitational at the Liontree Arena in San Diego, California, on FS1 at 3 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 160. Arizona battles Michigan State in the Acrisure Invitational at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, on Fox at 4 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Memphis goes against Arkansas in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPN at 5 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 153.5. Two more NCAAB games begin at 5:30 PM ET. Seton Hall plays USC in the Rady Children’s Invitational on FS1 as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Iowa State faces Virginia Commonwealth in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPN2 as an 11-point favorite with a total of 131. Michigan plays Stanford in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 152.5. Virginia Tech goes against Boise State in the ESPN Events Invitational on ESPN2 at 8 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 142. North Carolina State battles Vanderbilt in the Vegas Showdown at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on ESPN2 at 10 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 142.5. BYU faces Arizona State in the Vegas Showdown on ESPN2 at midnight ET as an 11-point favorite with a total of 143.

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NFL Top 10 Poll - Week 12

by Wayne Root

Wednesday, Nov 22, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving   Before we tuck into some turkey, here are the Week 12 power rankings. It was another wild weekend in the NFL which made it more difficult than ever. This week of play will certainly separate the has from the has no chance at the playoffs.   1. Philadelphia (9-1) Things did not look great at halftime on Monday night, but the defense clamped down in the second half, Jalen Hurts found a way to move the ball despite A.J. Brown being blanketed, and the Eagles came out on top in a game that lived up to the hype. The Philadelphia Eagles not only exacted a measure of revenge against Kansas City, but they remained on top of the NFC. Philadelphia has one of the best rosters in the league with few vulnerabilities.The Eagles made huge plays when they needed it most. Especially DeVonta Smith. He showed up…..big time! The Eagles next face desperate Buffalo with games against the 49ers and Cowboys on the horizon. If anyone is going to catch Philadelphia in the NFC, it will happen over the next few weeks. 2. San Francisco (7-3)  After a three-game skid, the San Francisco 49ers have decisively won their past two games. Offensively, QB Brock Purdy has reinserted himself into the MVP conversation after two stellar weeks. Blame the bots for all this "Brock Purdy isn't good" talk. That just ain't real. However, Brock Purdy had a perfect passer rating in that game, throwing for 333 yards and three touchdowns on just 25 attempts. Over the last five games, a span that includes two of their losses, Purdy has averaged a respectable 10 yards per attempt. Defensively, the addition of DE Chase Young has improved San Francisco’s already dangerous pass rush. When they are firing on all cylinders, the 49ers are the league’s most complete team.  3. Baltimore (8-3) The Baltimore Ravens are always good, which makes their current level of success a near expectation. Their defense is among the league’s best, and QB Lamar Jackson is an MVP contender. The story of the game last week was Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, but the Ravens lost Mark Andrews to what could also be a season-ending blow earlier in the game. The Ravens win, but Mark Andrews gets hurt. The Ravens have persevered though so many injuries. What's one more? Unfortunately, the loss of TE Mark Andrews will reduce the reliability and ceiling of Jackson’s passing attack. That’s why they’ve fallen below the 49ers in our rankings. Baltimore begins its toughest schedule stretch in Week 15 in Jacksonville. 4. Dallas (7-3) The Dallas Cowboys have been favored by a combined 27.5 points in these last two games, and they have won them by a combined 55 points. That's all you can ask for. The Cowboys have won four of their last five games while Dak Prescott has inserted himself into the MVP conversation. Prescott’s passing attack and the Cowboys’ premium pass rush are the team’s two biggest strengths. Those are the primary reasons why Dallas has won six games by at least three scores. Up next, one last game as a heavy favorite on Thursday before the schedule picks back up in a big way. Prescott gets a showcase game against Washington’s secondary before Dallas’ schedule stiffens up. From Week 13 to Week 17, they play the Seahawks, Eagles, Bills, Dolphins, and Lions. Dallas will need Dak Prescott to keep up his recent excellent form during that run. 5. Kansas City (7-3) The offensive concerns that have plagued this team since their blowout of the Bears were on full display in the second half against the Eagles. The offense went punt, punt, fumble, punt, punt, turnover on downs on their second-half possessions. They have not scored in the second half of a game since their fourth-quarter touchdown against the Chargers back in Week 7. Similar to their loss to the Lions on opening night, poorly timed drops cost the Kansas City Chiefs a win over the Eagles. Kansas City’s defense continues to perform at an elite level. Patrick Mahomes is still the best that there is. Receiver drops were a killer down the stretch vs. Philly. This defense is good, Patrick Mahomes is amazing, and betting on Andy Reid turning this offense around seems safe. Still, this loss highlights the issues Kansas City will have against good teams this year and how important it is for them to add quality receivers. However, his supporting cast of pass catchers continues to cost Kansas City against premium opponents. That’s why the Chiefs have fallen behind the 49ers and Ravens in our rankings. Kansas City faces two beatable opponents before it hosts Buffalo in Week 14. 6. Miami (7-3) So much talk about the Dolphins offense, you almost forget they have Jalen Ramsey. The elite CB made folks remember Sunday. The Miami Dolphins’ defense is better today than it was on opening day. That group, led by Jalen Ramsey, spearheaded their win against the Raiders. The Dolphins’ high-powered offense has back-to-back mediocre showings. If Miami is going to make any noise this season, its offense will drive that outcome. The offense’s mediocre play in the past two weeks is why the Dolphins have slid in our rankings. The Dolphins have a nice run of winnable games to sharpen up before they get the Cowboys, Ravens, and Bills to close out the season. 7. Detroit (8-2)  The Lions did everything they could to lose to the Bears, but they managed to score 17 points in the final three minutes to come away with a 31-26 victory. The Detroit Lions escaped with the win after being borderline dominated by Chicago for 57 minutes. To his credit, Jared Goff’s passing attack stormed back late in an otherwise subpar showing. On the positive side, the Lions are top-five in passing yards and rushing yards per game, making their offense one of the league’s most balanced. There's something fun about Aidan Hutchinson, a Michigan man and Michigan native, helping the Lions become elite. On the negative side, Detroit’s defense has given up 64 points in its past two games. What’s more concerning is the Lions’ defense hasn’t played well against an average or better opponent since Week 1. Similarly, the Lions haven’t beaten a .500 or better team since their one-point win in Kansas City on opening night. Detroit is a good football team, but its record is inflated by a soft schedule. 8. Houston (6-4) On the day when C.J. Stroud finally made some mistakes, his defense was there to pick him up. The Texans survived a tough, three-interception game from QB C.J. Stroud to log a win against a Cardinals team. Stroud’s offense was productive in the air and on the ground last week against the Cardinals. Turnovers kept Arizona within striking distance, but they also forced the Houston Texans’ defense to win a game. We talk a ton about C.J. Stroud in this space, but how 'bout the job DeMeco Ryans has done as Ryans' defense stood tall every time. The Texans are young, but they have become a more well-rounded team as the season has progressed. Houston will host the Jaguars this week in a matchup with massive AFC South ramifications. 9. Jacksonville (7-3)  We expected a spike week out of QB Trevor Lawrence last week, and that’s what we got against the Titans. Trevor Lawrence looked as good as he has all season. That’s good because the Texans are breathing down their neck in the division, and the Jaguars have to go to Houston this week. With one loss already to the Texans, the Jaguars need that game. When Slide Rid plays like that, the Jags are tough to stop. Overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars have won six of their past seven games, but Houston blew them out 37-17 in Week 3. Whoever wins this upcoming game will be in the driver’s seat for the AFC South crown. After a tough four-game stretch, the Jaguars finish the year against three sub-.500 teams. 10. Cleveland (7-3)  The Cleveland Browns are a solid quarterback away from being a contender. That’s been their reality all season. Unfortunately, Deshaun Watson is out for the rest of the season, leaving them with options like rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and 38-year-old Joe Flacco. The Browns signed Joe Flacco to the practice squad. He was rough last season with the Jets, but Cleveland has to try something. Cleveland’s defense is good enough to get it into the playoffs, but the quarterback situation caps its upside. Dorian Thompson-Robinson gets his first professional win so he remains the starter.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/22/2023

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Nov 22, 2023

The Wednesday 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 Charlotte Hornets host the Washington Wizards as a 4-point favorite, with the total set at 242 (all odds from DraftKings). The Denver Nuggets travel to Orlando to play the Magic as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 217.5.  Four more NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 4-point favorite with a total of 233.5. The Boston Celtics are at home against the Milwaukee Bucks on ESPN as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 235.5. The Miami Heat play in Cleveland against the Cavaliers as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 213. The Indiana Pacers host the Toronto Raptors as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 237.5. Five NBA games begin at 8:10 PM ET. The Houston Rockets play at home against the Memphis Grizzlies as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 213. The Minnesota Timberwolves are at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 219. The Sacramento Kings visit the New Orleans Pelicans as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 237. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Chicago Bulls as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 224. The Los Angeles Clippers play in San Antonio against the Spurs as an 8.5-point road favorite with a total of 231. Two more NBA games start at 10:10 PM ET. The Phoenix Suns are at home against the Golden State Warriors on ESPN as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The Utah Jazz are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 226. The Los Angeles Clippers host the Dallas Mavericks at 10:40 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 236.The National Hockey League has 14 games on its slate. Seven games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Edmonton Oilers as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils visit Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -166 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play in Florida against the Panthers on TNT as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The New York Rangers are in Pittsburgh to play the Penguins as a -112 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -118 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:37 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two more NHL games begin at 9:07 PM ET. The Arizona Coyotes are at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Calgary Flames travel to Nashville to play the Predators, with both teams priced at -112 with a total of 6. The Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights on TNT at 9:37 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Three games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Anaheim Ducks play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Seattle Kraken host the San Jose Sharks as a -298 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 15 games on national television. North Carolina faces Northern Iowa in the Battle 4 Atlantis at the Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas,, on ESPN at noon ET as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 149. Colorado State battles Boston College in the Hall of Fame Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on the CBS Sports Network at 1:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5. Tennessee plays Kansas in the Maui Invitational at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on ESPN at 2:30 PM ET. Creighton goes against Loyola-Chicago in the Hall of Fame Classic on the CBS Sports Network at 4 PM ET as an 18-point favorite with a total of 144.5. Two NCAAB games tip off at 5 PM ET. Purdue faces Marquette in the Maui Invitational on ESPN. Memphis plays Michigan in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPN2 as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156. Virginia battles West Virginia in the Fort Myers Tip-Off at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida as a 10-point favorite with a total of 118.5. Baylor goes against Oregon State in the NIT Season Tip-Off in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET as a 16.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Arkansas plays Stanford in the Battle 4 Atlantis on ESPNU at 7:30 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with a total of 155. Wisconsin battles SMU in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Two more NCAAB games begin at 9:30 PM ET. Florida faces Pittsburgh in the NIT Season Tip-Off on ESPN2 as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 156.5. Syracuse plays Chaminade in the Maui Invitational on ESPNU. Bradley goes against UTEP in the SoCal Challenge at JSerra Pavilion in San Juan Capistrano, California, on the CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Gonzaga goes against UCLA in the Maui Invitational on ESPN2 at 11:59 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 139. Tulane plays California in the SoCal Challenge on the CBS Sports Network at 12:30 AM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5.

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NCAA Football Top 10 Poll - Week 13

by Wayne Root

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023

It was a wild week 12 in college football.  College Football Playoff hopefuls like Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, and Oregon took care of business. However, we saw several Playoff contenders seemingly have their backs against the wall in tough road matchups on Saturday with Washington going to the wire with Oregon State, Louisville doing the same with Miami, Texas having early trouble at Iowa State, and perhaps most shockingly with Michigan holding on against Maryland. Let’s check out the Top 10…..  1. Georgia Georgia has now demolished three top-20 ranked teams in a row, including two-score victories over top-10 teams. Georgia has now won 28 straight games under Kirby Smart. Much like they've done throughout the season, the Bulldogs punished a quality opponent for the third straight week, this time doing so on the road. Georgia knocked Tennessee out fairly easily after a poor defensive play to begin the game. After the Bulldogs gave up a touchdown on the opening drive, Georgia outscored Tennessee 38-3 over the rest of the game. Carson Beck has elevated his game, Brock Bowers is back and this Bulldogs’ defense is rounding into form. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck threw for 298 yards and three scores -- with only six incompletions in the Tennessee hostile environment. Beck and Georgia will go on the road once again this week, as the Bulldogs travel to Atlanta to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Georgia should be favored to three-peat now. Georgia is the best team in the nation. 2. Michigan In Week 12, the Wolverines played a lot more like a program led by an inexperienced coach with a locker room that was looking ahead to Ohio State. It nearly cost Michigan its entire season. Michigan overcame a couple turnovers and not its best effort offensively to improve to 11-0 ahead of next week's showdown. The Wolverines will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in a huge Big Ten regular season matchup before the Big Ten Championship. Michigan held off upset-minded Maryland without Jim Harbaugh. Michigan led by 13 points at halftime before the Terrapins pulled back in it within five points following Billy Edwards' third touchdown run with 16 seconds left in the third quarter. The winner of this game will take on Iowa with a chance to make the College Football Playoff. The loser won't win any championship this year. The Wolverines’ panic meter is high right now. 3. Ohio St The stage is now set for the best college football game this season. Ohio State might come into this one even more confident after seeing how McCarthy and the Wolverines’ offense has fared in the last two weeks. As for Ohio State, they rolled as a 30-point favorite with a dismantling of the Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. TreVeyon Henderson gashed the opposition for 146 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries, while Marvin Harrison Jr. added another score to his Big Ten-leading receiving totals. Kyle McCord threw two touchdown passes. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame but that won't be enough to help them get into the College Football Playoff with a loss to Michigan. The Buckeyes need this one just as much as Michigan does. One thing that seems evident, the 2023 Ohio State vs Michigan game likely won’t be nearly as high-scoring as previous matchups. The wins sets up this week's matchup of unbeatens with the winner of Ohio State-Michigan moving on to the conference championship game against Iowa. 4. Washington Another week, another close win for Washington. It wasn’t pretty, especially for the defense and the second-half offense, but the Washington Huskies kept their undefeated season intact on Saturday night. The Huskies stayed unbeaten with fourth-quarter magic defensively on the road. Washington shows up in the big games and squeaks by in the less-hyped matchups. Washington won't be playing any more less-hyped games this season. That's good news for the Huskies. Michael Penix Jr. wasn't at his best, but it was good enough for the Pac-12 leaders after he tossed a pair of touchdown passes. Washington picked off DJ Uiagalelei twice and managed to win despite Damien Martinez's 126-yard rushing performance on the opposite sideline. Washington is playing for its Playoff spot the next two weekends after locking in a Pac-12 title game berth. The Huskies have a playoff resume and with two more wins, they’ll be the No. 3 seed in the CFP Semifinal. 5. Florida State   Devastating. That’s the only way to describe the Jordan Travis injury for the Florida State Seminoles. FSU avoided a catastrophic upset, but did suffer an unfortunate situation in the first half of its win over North Alabama after quarterback Jordan Travis was carted off with an injury. Losing Travis will hurt. But if Florida State wants to make the College Football Playoff, they'll need to beat Florida and Louisville in their next two games. Do that, and they'll be in, even without Travis. Given how much he means to this Seminoles team, it's certainly deflating for the ACC frontrunners this late in the season with a College Football Playoff berth on the horizon with two more victories. FSU will move forward with Tate Rodemaker under center it appears. FSU trailed at one point, 13-0, before scoring the game's final 58 points in last week’s game.  6. Oregon The Oregon Ducks still find themselves needing a few dominoes to fall their way to earn a spot in the CFP Semifinal. However, the Ducks can likely push for a top-five spot next weekend with a victory in the Civil War over Oregon State and the loser of Michigan vs Ohio State dropping in the college football rankings. Bo Nix is continuing to do everything in his power to lead this season's Heisman voting entering rivalry week after a near-perfect performance on the road. Nix tossed three of his six touchdown passes in the first quarter as the Ducks built a 42-point lead at halftime en route to a blowout. Bo Nix is looking for that Heisman Award. After six passing touchdowns, the Ducks rolled past Arizona State. Oregon will play Oregon State next week with a chance to keep its playoff hopes alive with a win. Oregon might not necessarily have the best resume of the top teams, but an 11-1 record with a Heisman Trophy finalist should at least get them in the debate for a top-four spot. If Oregon finishes 12-1 with a conference title under its belt, the resume will be sparkling. 7. Alabama The Alabama Crimson Tide have just been a different football team since coming out of the locker room at halftime against Tennessee. In the last 14 quarters, the Crimson Tide have outscored opponents by a +125 point margin, demonstrating they are one of the best teams in college football. Alabama's win against Chattanooga will keep them at No. 7. Why, why, why do the get to not only play cupcake teams but they only play 8 conference games while others play nine? Meanwhile, Jalen Milroe tossed three touchdown passes, all coming in the first half, as the Crimson Tide handled Chattanooga prior to next week’s Iron Bowl against Auburn. Speaking of those rival Tigers, Hugh Freeze’s team dropped a home game against New Mexico State and will come into their biggest game of the campaign limping quite a bit. If Nick Saban's team wins out and beats an unbeaten Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, chances are high they're going to the playoff. The Oddsmakers set the line todays and opened up Georgia Bulldogs at - 4.5. 8. Texas There weren’t a ton of style points racked up by the Teas Longhorns on Saturday night, but they battled on the road to take out an Iowa State Cyclones team that has always given them problems. The Longhorns earned a 26-16 win over Iowa State. That'll do. After one of Iowa State's veteran offensive linemen took a shot the Longhorns this week, Texas took things personal on the road. Quinn Ewers has started looking more comfortable in his second game back and CJ Baxter stepped up, too. Ewers had two touchdown throws in the second half, including a 31-yarder to Gunnar Helm early in the fourth quarter that pushed the Longhorns' lead to 23-9. After Iowa State responded, the Longhorns went on a clock-eating six-minute drive to push ahead by 10 and put it away. 9. Louisville Behind three touchdown passes from Jack Plummer and a late stand defensively, Louisville clinched its first trip to the ACC Championship Game since joining the conference in 2014 with a win over the Hurricanes. The Louisville Cardinals are headed to the ACC Championship with just one loss this season. They'll have to prepare for a tough matchup against Kentucky first. Given their automatic placement in the ACC, even if the Cardinals lose to FSU in two weeksin the league finale, Louisville is likely heading to the Orange Bowl after a spectacular first season under coach Jeff Brohm. 10. Missouri   Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis nailed a chip-shot field goal with five seconds left to help the Tigers stave off the Gators. Florida thought it was in position to become bowl-eligible, but the Tigers converted a long fourth down on their final possession after Brady Cook found Luther Burden down the middle of the field. The Tigers escaped the Florida Gators with a game-winning field goal. It wasn't pretty, but wins are hard to come by in the SEC. Missouri found a way. Hats off to Missouri, a deep team that has proven it’s one of the 10 best college football teams in 2023. The victory keeps Missouri in line for a possible Cotton Bowl berth if the Tigers beat Arkansas next week.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/21/2023

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023

The Tuesday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The 13th week in college football begins with two games on national television between FBS opponents. Bowling Green travels to Western Michigan on ESNU at 7 PM ET as a 2-point road favorite, with the total set at 52. Buffalo hosts Eastern Michigan on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 35. The National Basketball Association continues its In-Season Tournament with five games on the Tournament Night docket. The Orlando Magic play at home against the Orlando Magic at 7:10 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 216. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:40 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks are at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 251. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on TNT as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 220.5. The Phoenix Suns play at home against the Portland Trail Blazers at 9:10 PM ET as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 225. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against the Utah Jazz on TNT at 10:10 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 236. The National Hockey League has 14 games on its slate. Seven games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Edmonton Oilers as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Columbus Blue Jackets play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils visit Detroit to play the Red Wings as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Boston Bruins play in Florida against the Panthers on TNT as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning are at home against the Winnipeg Jets as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:37 PM ET as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Two more NHL games begin at 9:07 PM ET. The Arizona Coyotes are at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Calgary Flames travel to Nashville to play the Predators with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 6. The Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights on TNT at 9:37 PM ET as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6. Three games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Anaheim Ducks play at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -142 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Seattle Kraken host the San Jose Sharks as a -270 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has six games on national television. Gonzaga battles Syracuse in the Maui Invitational at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on ESPN2 at 2:30 PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 160. UCLA faces Chaminade in the Maui Invitational on ESPN2 at 5 PM ET. James Madison goes against Southern Illinois in the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera in Cancun, Mexico, on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Purdue plays Tennessee in the Maui Invitational on ESPN at 8 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Fresno State faces New Mexico State in the Cancun Challenge on the CBS Sports Network as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Kansas goes against Marquette in the Maui Invitational on ESPN at 10:30 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 155. 

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Around The Horn

by AAA Sports

Monday, Nov 20, 2023

Searching for some stability in Any Given Sunday league? Look no further than the AFC North. Maybe.The Baltimore/Cleveland/Pittsburgh/Cincinnati Combine was clearly the best division in the NFL heading into the holidays. Through Week 11 the four teams had a combined 26-14 record SU. Against out-of-division competition, they are 17-7-1 ATS. No other division comes close to either mark. But with two Pro Bowl QBs (Joe Burrow and DeShaun Watson) done for the year, the North may start to head south.A brief look:BALTIMORE – The Ravens created some separation with their Week 11 victory over Cincinnati, and seem to have more balance than anyone with a Top 10 offense and a Top 3 defense. Week 12 – at Los Angeles Chargers.CLEVELAND – The Browns have quietly assembled the best defense in the league, allowing only 243 yards a game. Can they hang on and make the playoffs after DeShaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury? Week 12 – at DenverPITTSBURGH – The Steelers somehow keep hanging in despite being outscored over the season by nearly 30 points. Next five games are against teams .500 or below. WEEK 11 – at CincinnatiCINCINNATI – Like Watson, Joe Burrow is cooked for the rest of the season, and with that any Super Bowl hopes are also gone. It’s all about evaluation and draft position from here on in. WEEK 12 – Pittsburgh.CAN TRAVIS KELCE BEAT THE ODDS?The way she goes through boyfriends, the anecdotal chances of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce still being America’s sweethearts when the next Super Bowl kicks off wouldn’t seem to be all that great. The betting odds say otherwise, however. BetOnline says it’s -140 that the lovebirds will still be at it through the middle of next February, and you can get +100 if you think he’ll be cast aside by then (because in reality no one dumps Swift).Kelce is the replacement for British actor Joe Alwyn, who was the replacement for actor Tom Hiddleston, who was the replacement for Scottish singer Calvin Harris, who was the replacement for singer/actor Harry Styles, who was the replacement for – guess it doesn’t matter. Those who keep count say that Swift has had 16 (somewhat) significant others since 2008.NETS HAVE BEEN A BARGAINThrough the first month of the NBA season, everything about the Brooklyn Nets screamed average. The Nets were 6-6 – 3-3- at home and 3-3 on the road. They were 5-5 in the Eastern Conference. All of which put them on a pace to barely make the play-in tournament in April. But as mundane as Brooklyn has been, the Nets have gotten the attention of bettors with a 9-2-1 record ATS. The Nets opened the season with five straight covers, pushed in a loss at home to Boston, then covered four of the next five. Philadelphia, Orlando and Oklahoma City all covered nine of their first 12.BRAVES EARLY SERIES FAVORITE FOR 2024The Braves couldn’t get it done in the post-season, but going 104-58 in regular season play and bringing back the entire gang in 2024 makes Atlanta the betting favorite (+750) to win the Series next season. The Dodgers are close behind at +800, with WS champion Texas the favorite to come out of the American League (also +800). If you have cash to burn or want to buy someone a gag Christmas present, you can get tickets on either Colorado or Oakland at +20000.LINING UP IN FOXBOROWith the loss to the Colts in Germany, the Patriots have now been beyond godawful on two continents this season, leading to increased speculation that GOAT coach Bill Belichick will not be around for OTAs next spring. If not Belichick, then who? The abysmal offense and regression of QB Mac Jones basically eliminates OC Bill O’Brien, and any on-staff hiring spec would start with LB coach and Bob Kraft favorite Jerod Mayo. Former Pats LB coach Mike Vrabel could be had if Tennessee doesn’t get it together, and Jim Harbaugh could be available if Michigan wants to dump him and help get the NCAA off its back.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 11/20/2023

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Nov 20, 2023

The Monday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.Week 11 in the NFL concludes with one game for Monday Night Football. The Kansas City Chiefs host the Philadelphia Eagles on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN2 Manningcast at 8:15 PM ET. The Chiefs are a 2.5-point favorite, with the total set at 45 (all odds from DraftKings).The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 232. The Denver Nuggets play in Detroit against the Pistons as an 8.5-point road favorite, with a total of 220. The Milwaukee Bucks are in Washington to play the Wizards as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 244.5. Four NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Miami Heat visit Chicago to play the Bulls as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 211. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the New York Knicks as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 213.5. The Sacramento Kings are in New Orleans to play the Pelicans as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 237. The Los Angeles Clippers play in San Antonio against the Spurs as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 230.5. The Golden State Warriors are at home against the Houston Rockets at 10:10 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 221. The National Hockey League has seven games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Florida Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Boston Bruins play in Tampa Bay against the Lightning as a -135 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars are at home against the New York Rangers as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Colorado Avalanche are in Nashville to play the Predators as a -170 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Los Angeles Kings play in Arizona against the Coyotes at 9:07 PM ET as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games complete the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Seattle Kraken host the Calgary Flames as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Vancouver Canucks play at home against the San Jose Sharks as a -395 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 16 games on national television. Tennessee battles Syracuse in the Maui Invitational at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, on ESPN2 at 2:30 PM ET as a 14-point favorite with a total of 146. Indiana plays Louisville in the Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City on ESPNU at 4:30 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 146. Purdue faces Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational on ESPN2 at 5 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 155.5. Florida State goes against UNLV in the Sunshine Slam at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida on the CBS Sports Network at 5:30 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149.5. Virginia plays Wisconsin in the Fort Myers Tip-Off at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida on FS1 at 6 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 126.5. Connecticut faces Texas in the Empire Classic on ESPNU at 7 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Colorado battles Richmond in the Sunshine Slam on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 144. SMU goes against West Virginia in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on FS1 at 8:30 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Kansas faces Chaminade in the Maui Invitational on ESPNU at 9 PM ET. Bradley battles Tulane in the SoCal Challenge at JSerra Pavilion in San Juan Capistrano, California, on the CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 146. Marquette goes against UCLA in the Maui Invitational on ESPN2 at 11:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 138.5. UTEP plays California in the SoCal Challenge on the CBS Sports Network at 1 AM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 143. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and CFL Previews and Odds - 11/19/2023

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Nov 19, 2023

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and CFL action.Week 11 in the NFL continues with 12 games. Eight NFL games kick off at 1 PM ET. The Houston Texans host the Arizona Cardinals as a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 48 (all odds from DraftKings). The Jacksonville Jaguars play at home against the Tennessee Titans as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 39.5. The Cleveland Browns are at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 33. The Miami Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 46. The Los Angeles Chargers travel to Green Bay to play the Packers as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 44. The Dallas Cowboys travel to Carolina to play the Panthers as a 10.5-point road favorite, with an over/under of 42.5. The Washington Commanders play at home against the New York Giants as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 38.5. The Detroit Lions are at home against the Chicago Bears as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 49. The San Francisco 49ers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:05 PM ET as a 12-point favorite with a total of 41.5. Two more NFL games start at 4:25 PM ET. The Los Angeles Rams play at home against the Seattle Seahawks as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 46.5. The Buffalo Bills are at home against the New York Jets as a 7-point favorite with a total of 39. Sunday Night Football on NBC has the Denver Broncos hosting the Minnesota Vikings at 8:20 PM ET. The Broncos are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 41. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers visit Brooklyn to play the Nets at 3:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 223.5. The Toronto Raptors play at home against the Detroit Pistons at 4:10 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217.5. The Indiana Pacers are at home against the Orlando Magic at 5:10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 232.5. The Denver Nuggets play in Cleveland against the Cavaliers at 6:10 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The Dallas Mavericks host the Sacramento Kings at 7:40 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 245.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Boston Celtics are in Memphis to play the Grizzlies. The Phoenix Suns travel to Utah to play the Jazz as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 237.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder play in Portland against the Trail Blazers at 9:10 PM ET as a 7.5-point road favorite, with a total of 226. The Los Angeles Lakers are at home against the Houston Rockets at 9:40 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 218.5. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Toronto Maple Leafs battle the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Global Series at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, at 8:07 AM ET as a -162 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Philadelphia Flyers host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5:37 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights are in Pittsburgh to play the Penguins at 6:07 PM ET as a -120 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Buffalo Sabres travel to Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 7:07 PM ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Anaheim Ducks play at home against the St. Louis Blues at 8:07 PM ET as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 16 games on national television. Furman faces Wyoming in the Myrtle Beach Invitational at the HTC Arena in Conway, South Carolina, on ESPN2 at 10:30 AM ET as a 6-point favorite with a total of 153.5. Providence plays Georgia in the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship at the Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas, on the CBS Sports Network at noon ET as a 5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Two more NCAA-B games tip off at 1 PM ET. Connecticut goes against Indiana in the Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City on ESPN at 1 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Mississippi State battles Northwestern at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 130. Miami (FL) faces Kansas State in the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship on the CBS Sports Network at 2:30 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 157. LSU battles Wake Forest in the Charleston Classic at TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina, on ESPN2 at 3 PM ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 150. Two more NCAAB games tip-off at 3:30 PM ET. Texas goes against Louisville in the Empire Classic on ESPN as a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Washington State plays Rhode Island at the Mohegan Sun Arena on ESPNU as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Two more college basketball games begin at 4:30 PM ET. San Francisco battles DePaul in the Arizona Tip-Off at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on the CBS Sports Network as an 8-point favorite with a total of 143. Georgetown plays American University in the Georgetown MTE at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on FS2 as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 144.5. Two more NCAAB games start at 5:30 PM ET. Liberty goes against Vermont in the Myrtle Beach Invitational on ESPN2 as a 5-point favorite with a total of 133.5. Utah battles St. John’s in the Charleston Classic on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5. Grand Canyon faces South Carolina in the Arizona Tip-Off on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Wichita State plays against Saint Louis in the Myrtle Beach Invitational on ESPN2 at 8 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Houston battles Dayton in the Charleston Classic on ESPN at 8:30 PM ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 131.5. Washington faces San Diego State in the Continental Tire Main Event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on ESPN2 as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 146.The Canadian Football League postseason concludes with the Grey Cup played on a neutral field at Tim Horton’s Field in Hamilton, Ontario at 6 PM ET. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers play the Montreal Alouettes as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 47.

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