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CFP Player Prop Considerations – Alabama vs. Michigan

by Nelly's Sports

Saturday, Dec 30, 2023

Monday’s CFP semifinal between Alabama and Michigan features a spread below a field goal and should be the one of the most watched games in college football history given the stakes and the controversy surrounding Alabama’s inclusion and Michigan’s many headlines this season. Here is a look at six player prop considerations for Monday’s Rose Bowl.   J.J. McCarthy UNDER 189.5 Passing Yards McCarthy has not topped 148 yards in any of his past four games as the competition stiffened down the stretch. In the wins over Penn State and Ohio State, McCarthy completed a combined total of only 23 passes. After McCarthy allowed two interceptions to be returned for touchdowns in last season’s 51-45 loss to TCU in the CFP semifinal, Michigan is likely going to be cautious in the passing game unless they fall behind significantly. This is also statistically Alabama’s worst run defense per game and per carry since 2019 as Michigan’s game plan will start with the ground attack.  Jalen Milroe UNDER 198.5 Passing Yards Milroe has averaged only 14 completions per game this season and only once had more than 17 completions in a game. He did top 200 passing yards seven times, but reached only 192 in the SEC Championship against Georgia and that included 57 yards on the 4th quarter touchdown drive that put Alabama up by 10 points with fewer than six minutes remaining. Michigan allowed just over 152 passing yards per game this season and allowing 271 yards to Kyle McCord in the Ohio State game was driven by the game state with Michigan up by double-digits in portions of that contest.  Blake Corum OVER 83.5 Rushing Yards  Alabama’s run defense was not quite at its typical elite level for the season, and while the Tide held Georgia to just 78 rushing yards in the SEC Championship, a 17-7 halftime lead changed Georgia’s approach. The Bulldogs also weren’t as strong in the ground game as the past two seasons. Corum barely reached 1,000 yards rushing this season compared to amassing over 1,400 rushing yards last season, but Michigan kept his carries in check early in the season. Down the stretch in his final three regular season games against quality competition Corum got the ball 76 times and posted 327 rushing yards for an average of 109 yards per game. He had only 52 yards in the Big Ten Championship game but given the shutout result, not much was needed from the offense.  Donovan Edwards UNDER 30.5 Rushing Yards Edwards has been the change-of-pace back for Michigan and he had huge performances last season filling in against Ohio State, and in the Big Ten Championship against Purdue. He also had 119 yards in the CFP semifinal against TCU with Corum injured. Edwards averaged just 29 yards per game rushing this season and posted only 3.5 yards per carry despite often getting the ball in advantageous unconventional rushing situations. Edwards could have a role in the passing game but likely won’t have many designed runs in this contest.  Jalen Milroe UNDER 33.5 Rushing Yards Milroe had two 100 yard rushing games this season in big spots against LSU and Auburn but he had just 29 rushing yards against Georgia. Since returning to the starting role Milroe was held below 30 rushing yards in six of 10 games. Sacks are likely to occur in this contest as even if Milroe has a few successful scrambles, his end-game total could be modest with this figure likely a bit elevated from where it should project as the OVER will be a popular look.  Jermaine Burton UNDER 50.5 Receiving Yards Burton had the most receiving yards on the Alabama team this season at 777, but he had only 35 catches and was a boom-or-bust option. His 9-catch 197-yard game against Texas A&M was an extreme outlier that amount shifts his season figures dramatically as he didn’t have more than four catches in any other game. Burton is a big play threat, but Michigan has allowed just 153 passing yards per game this season and just 5.8 yards per pass attempt. Burton totaled only 28 yards vs. Georgia and only 29 yards vs. LSU in recent high-stakes games. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NCAAB, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/30/2023

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Dec 30, 2023

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 17 of the NFL regular season continues with one game. The Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions on ABC and ESPN at 8:15 PM ET. The Cowboys are a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 52 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).The college football bowl season continues with four games. Penn State plays Mississippi on ESPN at noon ET in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The Nittany Lions are a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 50. Auburn battles Maryland on ABC at 2 PM ET in the Music City Bowl at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The Tigers are a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 47.5. Georgia faces Florida State on ESPN at 4 PM ET in the Orange Bowl at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Bulldogs are a 20-point favorite with an over/under of 44.5. Wyoming goes against Toledo on The CW at 4:30 PM ET in the Arizona Bowl at the Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. The Cowboys are a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 44.5. The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Miami Heat travel to Utah to play the Jazz at 5:10 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Toronto Raptors play in Detroit against the Pistons at 6:10 PM ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 230.5. The Indiana Pacers are at home against the New York Knicks at 7:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 247. Two NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Chicago Bulls play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 222.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Los Angeles Lakers as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 225. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Dallas Mavericks at 8:40 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 240.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. The Winnipeg Jets are at home against the Minnesota Wild at 2:07 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Buffalo Sabres host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5:07 PM ET as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 7. Six more NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Boston Bruins play at home against the New Jersey Devils as a -162 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Florida Panthers are at home against the Montreal Canadiens as a -258 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the St. Louis Blues as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the New York Rangers as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Toronto Maple Leafs are at home against the Carolina Hurricanes as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Nashville Predators visit Washington to play the Capitals, with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 6.5. The Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers at 10:07 PM ET as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has 11 games on national television. Two NCAAB games tip off at noon ET. Syracuse plays at home against Pittsburgh on The CW as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 148. St. John’s battles Hofstra on FS1 at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 149. Florida is at home against Quinnipiac on ESPNU at 1 PM ET as a 21.5-point favorite with a total of 160. Four nationally televised NCAAB games start at 2 PM ET. Marquette hosts Creighton on CBS as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 151.5. Duke plays at home against Queens University on The CW as a 27-point favorite with a total of 158.5. Wake Forest is at home against Virginia Tech on ESPN2 as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Michigan State hosts Indiana State on FS1 as a 9-point favorite with a total of 151. Three NCAAB games are on national television at 4 PM ET. Kansas faces Wichita State on ESPN2 at T-Mobile Arena in Kansas City, Missouri, as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 146. Oregon plays at home against UCLA on CBS as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. DePaul is at home against Chicago State on FS1 as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 135. Ohio State battles West Virginia on Fox at 7 PM ET at the Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio, as a 10-point favorite with a total of 146. Matchweek 20 in the English Premier League begins with six matches. Chelsea travels to Luton Town on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -1 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3. Four more EPL matches begin at 10 AM ET. Aston Villa hosts Burnley as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. Crystal Palace plays at home against Brentford as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City is at home against Sheffield United as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Everton plays at Wolverhampton on the USA Network in a pick ‘em match-up with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester United is at Nottingham Forest on NBC at 12:30 PM ET as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. 

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IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Primer

by Sean Murphy

Friday, Dec 29, 2023

We've already seen three full days of action at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden and while there has been one big upset with Germany taking down Finland for the first time in tournament history, the usual suspects sit at the top of the two pools. Here's a look at how I see the tournament progressing from this point forward.Current odds to win: USA +162, Canada +162, Sweden +250, Finland +1500, Slovakia +1500, Czechia +3300, Switzerland +15000, Germany +15000, Latvia +50000, Norway +100000You could argue that only the top five, perhaps six teams listed above have any shot at winning it all at this point. USA, Canada, Sweden and Slovakia are the only remaining undefeated teams. While the Americans undoubtedly boast the most talented team in tournament from top to bottom, I believe that Canada is well-positioned to peak at the right time and ultimately take the tournament for a third straight year. This is precisely the type of Canadian squad that tends to fare well at this tournament - a little overlooked at the outset but steadily building momentum and coming together as a team. Unlike in recent years, goaltending doesn't appear to be an issue for Canada with QMJHL standout Mathis Rousseau capable of stealing a game at any time and the clear number one between the pipes. In fact, it took Rousseau less than 10 minutes of action to record perhaps the save of the tournament in Canada's opener against Finland. If you're looking for a dark-horse to pin your hopes to at this stage, Slovakia would appear to be your best bet. The Slovaks have plenty of returning talent from last year's squad that nearly staged a massive upset of eventual champion Canada in the quarter-final round in Halifax. By finishing first or second in their group, they'll draw a favorable quarter-final round matchup (against Finland or Germany) this time around. The remaining group stage games to watch include Canada taking on host Sweden on Friday in a game that will likely decide the top team in Pool A. The USA will take on Czechia on Friday before an off day on Saturday. A New Year's Eve showdown between the Americans and Slovakia should determine who prevails in Pool B. Shockingly, as a result of a stunning loss against Germany, Finland will likely need a win over Latvia on Friday to avoid a one-game relegation showdown against Norway. The championship game is scheduled to take place at 1:30 pm et on January 5th in Gothenburg. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds 12/29/2023

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Dec 29, 2023

he Friday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The college football bowl season continues with four games. Clemson plays Kentucky on ESPN at noon ET in the Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The Tigers are a 4.5-point favorite, with the total set at 45 (all odds from DraftKings).Notre Dame battles Oregon State on CBS at 2 PM ET in the Sun Bowl at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The Fighting Irish are a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 41.5. Iowa State faces Memphis on ESPN at 3:30 PM ET in the Liberty Bowl at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. The Cyclones are a 10-point favorite, with a total of 57.5. Ohio State goes against Missouri on ESPN at 8 PM ET in Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Buckeyes are a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 49. The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Orlando Magic host the New York Knicks as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 227. The Brooklyn Nets travel to Washington to play the Wizards as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 241.5. Three more NBA games start at 7:40 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Sacramento Kings as a 1-point favorite with a total of 250.5. The Toronto Raptors are in Boston to play the Celtics. The Milwaukee Bucks play in Cleveland against the Cavaliers as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Philadelphia 76ers visit Houston to play the Rockets at 8:10 PM ET as a 1-point road favorite with a total of 220. Two more NBA games begin at 9:10 PM ET. The Denver Nuggets are at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The Phoenix Suns host the Charlotte Hornets as a 15-point favorite with a total of 233.5. The San Antonio Spurs play in Portland against the Trail Blazers at 10:10 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies are in Los Angeles to play the Clippers at 10:40 PM ET. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -198 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Detroit Red Wings play at home against the Nashville Predators as a -120 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Florida Panthers are at home against the New York Rangers as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New Jersey Devils play in Ottawa against the Senators as a -115 money-line road favorite with a total of 7. The New York Islanders host the Washington Capitals at 7:37 PM ET as a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Dallas Stars play at home against the Chicago Blackhawks as a -355 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Colorado Avalanche are in St. Louis to face the Blues as a -162 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Arizona Coyotes visit the Anaheim Ducks as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Seattle Kraken are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The college basketball schedule has six games on national television. Minnesota hosts Maine on Peacock at 7 PM ET as a 14-point favorite, with a total of 136.5. Two NCAAB games tip off at 8 PM ET. Northwestern plays at home against Jackson State on Peacock as a 17-point favorite with an over/under of 139. North Dakota is at home against St. Thomas-Minnesota on the CBS Sports Network as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 137. Two NCAAB games start at 9 PM ET. Gonzaga hosts San Diego State on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147. Colorado plays at home against Washington on ESPNU as a 9-point favorite with a total of 155.5. Stanford is at home against Arizona State on ESPN2 at 11 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. 

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College Basketball: Mid Major Conferences Betting Notes

by Kyle Hunter

Thursday, Dec 28, 2023

Conference play is tipping off in many of the college basketball conferences this week or next week at the latest. I like to cover the mid-major conferences very closely to look for value. I firmly believe that betting the smaller name games is where you can find bigger edges. Let’s take a look at a few conference notes that could help you when you bet on these conference matchups.Big Sky Conference This is a conference where very little defense is played. Over bettors have done very well in this conference. If you can find a team you believe will play good defense consistently in this league, you will likely have found the team that is going to win the conference. The over is at nearly 56% in the last decade in Big Sky games.Eastern Washington played a very tough non-conference schedule. That is a team that I believe is far better than their record would indicate.Metro Atlantic Athletic ConferenceMarist is 9-1 ATS so far this year and their games have gone 8-2 to the under. Coach Dunne is well known for his slow it down style and strong defensive squads. Quinnipiac is 7-3 to the under so far this year, but I think with the pace they are trying to play at this is a team that could trend back toward the over as their numbers get lower and lower with oddsmakers and the betting market adjusting.Missouri Valley ConferenceIndiana State is a really well coached team that is a tough matchup. They play far faster than anyone else in the MVC. Coach Schertz has this program on the rise in a big way. Indiana State is a heavy analytics team. They are going to shoot 3’s or take it to the rim and avoid the mid range jumper. This is a team that could make a run this season.Evansville is 8-2-1 ATS on the season. The Purple Aces are one of the most improved teams in the country. Having said that, I don’t believe they’ll be able to keep covering numbers as easily as they have. This could be a sell high candidate especially when they are laying points in conference play.Southern ConferenceFurman is 3-6-1 ATS this season. The Paladins beat Virginia in the NCAA Tournament last year, and I trust this team to improve a lot when they get healthy. Marcus Foster is arguably their best player and he should be coming back in the next couple weeks. Look for Furman to become a good bet on team in conference play.VMI has decided to run and gun this year and it isn’t working at all. They are the least talented team in the league, and they are getting run off the court in most of their games. VMI will be a big underdog in quite a few games, but with their style of play they risk being blown out over and over. Will they slow things down at some point? Wofford played a very tough non-conference schedule. They also picked up some decent road wins. I think the Terriers offense will put up a lot of points in SoCon action. I’ll be on the watch for some overs or chances to bet on Wofford.

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NFL Top 10 Rankings - Week 17

by Wayne Root

Thursday, Dec 28, 2023

It seems that nothing gets settled in the NFL and both conferences just continue to trade places. Depending on the week, the top four teams in the conference flip flop between dominant and highly beatable, often times landing in between. While the Cowboys are nursing their first losing streak since 2021, the Philadelphia Eagles broke their three-game skid. The Detroit Lions won again, but the hottest team in the world, the San Francisco 49ers, got ransacked in their own house. Which brings the conversation to the AFC, where the Baltimore Ravens are settling in as the top dog. What they did to the perceived best team in the league on Monday night was eye-opening, even with how well they had played all year. Meanwhile, Miami and Buffalo are taking advantage of a weird free-fall by the defending world champs, the Kansas City Chiefs. All together, it’s a wild Week 17 Power Rankings. 1. Baltimore RavensThe Ravens passed their test with flying colors, turning over the 49ers’ seemingly unstoppable offense and cruising to an easy win. What a performance by both Lamar Jackson and the defense. I doubted the Ravens because I was concerned about their tackle and cornerback play, but they dominated San Francisco. They get another test this week at home against the Dolphins. If they win that game, they will lock up the No. 1 seed before their season finale against the Steelers in Week 18.2. San Francisco 49ersInjuries were the primary talking point about the 49ers’ three-game losing streak earlier in the season, but turnovers were the real story of those three losses. I’d be concerned about BrockPurdy’s performance against the Ravens if we hadn’t already seen him crush the Cowboys and Eagles. The issue popped up again Christmas night, with Brock Purdy throwing four interceptions before he left and Sam Darnold adding another to end the game. The possibility of one of those turnover meltdowns is the real concern as this team heads into the postseason. I’m confident Purdy will rebound and lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl.3. Miami DolphinsMiami finally got their signature win, but it was not easy. After allowing the Cowboys to come back and take a one-point lead, Tua Tagovailoa led a game-winning drive that ended with a field goal as time expired. Tua Tagovailoa didn’t play his best against the Cowboys, yet the Dolphins found a way to win. This just shows how much Miami’s defense has improved since some ugly showings at the beginning of the season. The road does not get any easier with a trip to Baltimore up next and the Bills in the season finale, but the Dolphins needed a win like this.4. Buffalo BillsThe Bills had such an obvious trap game that I thought it was too obvious so that it wouldn’t be a trap game, yet it still was a trap game. The Bills were able to overcome the trap game, however, and beat the Chargers with a final drive to really help themselves in the AFC playoff race. It was far from a convincing win, but Josh Allen led a game-winning field goal drive in the closing seconds to knock off the Chargers and move the Bills to 9-6 on the season. That win is important both because it put them in a great position in the Wild Card race and kept open the possibility of an AFC East showdown with the Dolphins in Week 18. For that to happen, the Bills need to take care of business against the Patriots and have Miami lose to the Ravens.5. Dallas CowboysIt has been a tough trip through the AFC East the last two weeks for the Cowboys. After getting demolished in Buffalo, Dallas came up just short in Miami despite taking the lead late. Now they head home to face a Lions team that just clinched their first playoff appearance since 2016. The Cowboys lost, but they didn’t have Tyron Smith. Zack Martin was also banged up. We know how important it is for Dak Prescott to have everything perfect around him to succeed, so Dallas will need those two blockers to get healthy ahead of the playoffs. They need a win here at home to keep their division dreams alive. 6. Detroit LionsCongratulations to Detroit for winning the NFC North for the first time ever. The Lions received great news that Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has been cleared to practice. He may not return until the playoffs, but his presence will be a huge, much-needed boost. Despite a lackluster run that saw them lose to the Packers and Bears, the Lions suddenly find themselves tied with the Eagles and 49ers atop the NFC after dispatching the Vikings on Sunday. The defense did force turnovers in that game and stopped Minnesota’s rushing attack, but Nick Mullens averaged 11.4 yards per attempt and had the Vikings in position to score a game-winning touchdown before throwing his fourth interception. Detroit’s defense remains their Achilles heel, and that is a concern with a trip to Dallas next up on the schedule.7. Cleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are officially a problem for the division leaders in the AFC. The Browns are somehow nearly 4-0 with Joe Flacco at quarterback. Though it seems odd, remember that Flacco could be deemed the best quarterback the Browns have had in a long time. I have to imagine all the young players on the team really look up to him because of his experience and leadership. Joe Flacco threw another three touchdowns, Amari Cooper set a franchise record with 265 yards, and the offense put it on the Texans in a win that was more comprehensive than the final score indicates. Flacco still has some rough throws and has turned the ball over too much, but just having a functional offense attached to this defense makes the Browns a dangerous team.8. Philadelphia EaglesPhilly’s offense had some impressive drives in the fourth quarter to seal the win, but it is a concern a 20-3 halftime lead was cut to just two points late in the third quarter against one of the worst teams in the league, a team that might have beaten them if Tyrod Taylor played the entire game. Oh, and the Eagles weren’t remotely competitive against the 49ers and Cowboys (second meeting). Things should have gotten easier against Seattle, but the Eagles lost to them, too. They won by eight versus the Giants, but the Giants suck. Philadelphia’s secondary is a disaster. Like a lot of the “top” teams in the league, they head into the final couple of weeks with serious questions. Of course, they get to face the Cardinals and then the Giants again to close things out, and they are currently tied for the No. 1 seed with the 49ers.9. Kansas City ChiefsAfter losing to the Raiders on Christmas Day, the Chiefs are now 3-5 over their last eight games, and some of the wins during that stretch have not been impressive. Why couldn’t the Chiefs play like they did on Christmas versus the Raiders in their first meeting? I couldn’t bet on Aidan O’Connell after seeing that performance, and it turns out I was right about fading O’Connell. Yet, the Raiders still won despite not completing a pass in the final three quarters! They went down early to these same Raiders back in Week 12, and it was a struggle for them to beat the Patriots in Week 15. We are beyond trusting Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to flip the switch and get this offense moving. Something is broken, and they are running out of time to get it fixed.10. Tampa Bay BuccaneersThere’s no doubt there are other teams deserving this final top 10 spot. They’re in because they are leading the NFC-South. The Bucs have been impressive the last two weeks, beating the Packers in Lambeau and then dominating the Jaguars at home. A defense that had been struggling stood strong against Trevor Lawrence on Sunday, and the passing game continues to be effective. The Buccaneers were very lucky in games earlier in the season, and that continued to be the case recently. They had no business beating the Falcons because they were outgained by 150 net yards and two yards per play. The Falcons couldn’t get the job done because they constantly shot themselves in the foot. However, Baker Mayfield was on fire against the Packers and Jaguars. Tampa Bay will have a chance to win in January if Mayfield can keep playing this way. They have a chance to clinch the division this week against the Saints.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/28/2023

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Dec 28, 2023

The Thursday sports card features NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.Week 17 of the NFL regular season kicks off with one game. The Cleveland Browns host the New York Jets on Prime Video at 8:15 PM ET. The Browns are a 7.5-point favorite, with the total set at 34.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The college football bowl season continues with four games on ESPN. SMU plays Boston College at 11 AM ET in the Fenway Bowl at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Mustangs are a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 47.5. Rutgers battles Miami (FL) at 2:15 PM ET in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City, New York. The Scarlet Knights are a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 41.5. Kansas State faces North Carolina State at 5:45 PM ET in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Wildcats are a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 47. Arizona goes against Oklahoma at 9:15 PM ET in the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Wildcats are a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 59.5. The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Boston Celtics play at home against the Detroit Pistons at 7:40 PM ET as a 17-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. Three more NBA games tip off at 8:10 PM ET. The Indiana Pacers travel to Chicago to play the Bulls as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 240.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are at home against the Dallas Stars as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The New Orleans Pelicans host the Utah Jazz as an 8-point favorite with a total of 238.5.The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Memphis Grizzlies at 9:10 PM ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 225.5. Two more NBA games start at 10:10 PM ET. The Golden State Warriors are at home against the Miami Heat as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 227. The Portland Trail Blazers host the San Antonio Spurs as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Los Angeles Lakers play at home against the Charlotte Hornets at 10:40 PM ET as a 13-point favorite with a total of 228. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. The Carolina Hurricanes are at home against the Montreal Canadiens at 7:07 PM ET as a -270 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 10:07 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks host the Philadelphia Flyers as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 6. The Vegas Golden Knights play at home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Edmonton Oilers visit San Jose to play the Sharks at 10:37 PM ET as a -310 money-line road favorite with a total of 7The college basketball schedule has two games on national television at 9 PM ET. Oregon is at home against USC on ESPN2 as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 148. UC-Santa Barbara travels to UC-Davis on ESPNU as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 146. Matchweek 19 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches. Brighton and Hove Albion host Tottenham on the USA Network at 2:30 PM ET in a pick ‘em contest with an over/under of 3.5. Arsenal plays at home against West Ham United at 3:15 PM ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. 

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NFL Week 17: VW's Power Rankings

by Vegas Writer

Thursday, Dec 28, 2023

Two weeks left in the season and we have 10 NFL teams entering this week better than they were the year before, already compiling more wins than they had in all of 2022.In 18 of the last 20 seasons, at least one team has won its division the year after finishing last or tied for last.Will Houston join that worst-to-first group this season?Week 17 features eight matchups between teams in contention for Super Bowl LVIII, and five games between teams from the same division.Let's get into this week's rankings:THE UPPER TIER:1. Baltimore (12-3) - Back-to-back statement wins by the Ravens, both on the road in Jacksonville and San Francisco, the latter being the most impressive. And suddenly, the Ravens are the team to beat. (Last week 3)2. San Francisco (11-4) - The 49ers' six-game win streak was snapped by possibly the lone legitimate contender in seven games. Wait, are the 49ers imposters considering their opponents? (Last week 1)3. Miami (11-4) - Move over Tua and Tyreek. Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert now has 21 scrimmage TDs this season, the second-most TDs by an undrafted player in a season since 1967. (Last week 6)4. Dallas (10-5) - There go the Cowboys, doing Cowboysie things again. Two straight losses, albeit on the road to two very good AFC teams that could end up in Las Vegas in February. Nevertheless, beat someone worthwhile, would ya Pokes. (Last week 2)5. Philadelphia (11-4) - Yes, the Eagles finally secured a win and snapped their three-game losing skid. Yep, it was only against the Giants and they could have lost that game. I no longer know if they even get to the conference championship. (Last week 4)6. Detroit (11-4) - WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is heating up, as he had 12 receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown last week, and now has 302 receptions to become the fourth player in NFL history with at least 300 catches in his first three seasons. (Last week 7)7. Kansas City (9-6) - I can't tell you how interested I am to see the Chiefs lose the rest of the way and open the door for the Raiders to close the season strong and win the AFC West. Wait, never mind, they end the season on the road versus the Chargers. (Last week 5)8. Buffalo (9-6) - Josh Allen is reminding us just how dangerous he can be, as he totaled three touchdowns last week, including two on the ground. He now has 51 rushing TDs, joining Cam Newton as one of two QBs in NFL history with 50 or more. (Last week 9)9. Cleveland (10-5) - Just let anyone throw the ball at this point. I mean, we did just see WR Amari Cooper register a single-game franchise-record 265 yards and on 11 receptions, include two touchdowns, in the Browns' 36-22 win over Houston. (Last week 10)10. Cincinnati (8-7) - The Bengals travel to face the Chiefs, and this might be a great spot to bounce back from last week's loss in Pittsburgh. I mean, the Raiders did leave a blueprint on how it's done. (Last week 12)11. Denver (7-8) - And just like that, the injury clause in Russell Wilson's is under protection. Jarrett Stidham will now step in as quarterback to protect Denver's bankroll, the same way he did the final two games in Las Vegas last season. (Last week 8)12. Green Bay (7-8) - Alright Packers fans, riddle me this: has Jordan Love done enough for this organization and proved he is the franchise quarterback of the future? (Last week 14)13. Jacksonville (8-7) - Good news, they host the lowly Panthers this week. Bad news, they close the season with upset-minded Tennessee and could still miss the postseason. This is the team that will make the last two weeks in the AFC South fun. (Last week 11)14. Houston (8-7) - I'm holding out hope the Texans get C.J. Stroud back and close the season 2-0 and sneak into the playoffs. This is the team that will make the last two weeks in the AFC South fun. No wait, that sounds like déjà vu. (Last week 13)15. Indianapolis (8-7) - This is the team that will make the last two weeks in the AFC South fun. Wait a minute, I believe I just read that somewhere, twice. So, déjà vu vu?  (Last week 15)16. Seattle (8-7) - The Seahawks are learning how to win. They're the third team since 1970 with four game-winning touchdowns in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime in a season. (Last week 19)THE LOWER TIER:17. Minnesota  (7-8) - I'm beginning to wonder if WR Justin Jefferson deserves better. (Last week 16)18. Pittsburgh (8-7) - Who will it be: Mason Rudolph or Kenny Pickett? (Last week 17)19. L.A. Rams (7-8) - If the Rams sneak into the postseason, Matthew Stafford better buy Puka Nacua a new watch, cause this dude is right on time. (Last week 24)20. Tampa Bay (8-7) - Mike Evans might be the MVP of this team. He has 13 TD receptions and is the fifth player in NFL history to record at least 12 TD catches in five or more seasons. (Last week 26)21. Las Vegas (7-8) - When will Mark Davis remove the interim tag from Antonio Pierce's title? (Last week 28)22. Atlanta (7-8) - The Falcons aren't dead yet. Plenty of work to do. (Last week 21)23. N.Y. Jets (6-9) - It's understandable why head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas will be back next season, as they deserve a chance with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. (Last week 23)24. Chicago (6-9) - I respect this team. How can you not after seeing a very respectable brand of football following a 0-4 start, having gone 6-5 since? (Last week 25)25. New England (4-11) - I have to wonder why Bill Belichick isn't as interested in the Patriots' draft position as the team may be. Oh yeah, cause he's got one foot out the door. (Last week 30)26. New Orleans (7-8) - Both Tampa Bay and Atlanta won last week, thus pushing the Saints into third place in the NFC South. This week versus the Bucs won't be pretty. (Last week 20)27. Tennessee (5-10) - Who needs a quarterback when you have a RB like Derrick Henry, who just had his third-career game with both a TD pass and rushing TD. (Last week 27)28. N.Y. Giants (5-10) - Fantasy people? RB Breece Hall became the second player in NFL history with at least 10 receptions, 95 rushing yards and 95 receiving yards and two rushing TDs in a game. (Last week 22)29. L.A. Chargers (5-10) - I feel bad for interim coach Giff Smith. Just two more weeks. (Last week 18)30. Washington (4-11) - A four-win team suddenly amid a quarterback controversy. (Last week 29)31. Carolina (2-13) - The Panthers have been more competitive of late, so they're back to being second-worst in the league. (Last week 32)32. Arizona (3-12) - Will Kyler Murray be on the roster next season? (Last week 31)

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NHL Off the Post: December 27th

by Sean Murphy

Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023

The three-day NHL holiday break is over as the teams return to the ice on Wednesday with a full slate of action on tap. Here's a look at some news and notes from around the league as the New Year approaches.Shooting StarsDallas has predictably returned to form, winning three straight and five of its last six games leading up to the break. The Stars will draw the Blues in St. Louis on Wednesday, noting that they'll be out for revenge after dropping a 4-3 decision on the road earlier this month. The Blues check in off consecutive wins by two goals or more which is notable as they're 0-7 in their last seven games played in that situation. Interestingly, Dallas owns identical 10-6 records at home and on the road this season.Devils dueNew Jersey has been plagued by injuries but also sloppy play on its way to a mediocre 17-13-2 record this season. The Devils posted a 3-2 win over the Red Wings to snap a three-game losing streak prior to the break. Continuing a theme from last year's campaign, New Jersey has struggled in Newark, going 7-10 in front of the home faithful. Note that six of the Devils next eight games will be played on the road.Coming up snake eyesThe Golden Knights have dropped three straight games and will mercifully wrap up their four-game road trip with a stop in Anaheim on Wednesday. Vegas has the added distraction of playing in the annual Winter Classic in Seattle on New Year's Day. There's reason to believe in the Knights moving forward, however, as they'll play eight of their next 10 games on home ice following Wednesday's stop in Anaheim. Vegas is just 9-9 on the road this season but 12-5 at home. Power surgeTampa Bay hasn't shown the consistency we've come to expect in recent years but the Bolts did go into the break on a 7-3 run. Tampa Bay stares down at a three-game stretch at home that will begin with a showdown against the rival Panthers on Wednesday. The return of goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy from injury has steadied the ship as the Lightning have gone 8-5 with him between the pipes and he has recorded a respectable .910 save percentage. Tampa will play seven of its next 10 contests on home ice.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, EPL, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 12/27/2023

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023

The Wednesday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The college football bowl season continues with four games. Virginia Tech plays Tulane on ESPN at 2 PM ET in the Military Bowl at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The Hokies are a 10.5-point favorite, with the total set at 44.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). West Virginia battles North Carolina on ESPN at 5:30 PM ET in Duke’s Mayo Bowl at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hokies are a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 56.5. Louisville faces USC on Fox at 8 PM ET in the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park in San Diego, California. The Cardinals are a 7-point favorite with a total of 59. Oklahoma State goes against Texas A&M on ESPN at 9 PM ET in the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Cowboys are a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 54. The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Orlando Magic host the Philadelphia 76ers as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 224.5. The Toronto Raptors travel to Washington to play the Wizards as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. The Milwaukee Bucks play in Brooklyn against the Nets at 7:40 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 240.5. Two NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Phoenix Suns are in Houston to play the Rockets as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 225.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are at home against the New York Knicks as a 2-point favorite with a total of 239. The Dallas Mavericks host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8:40 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 232.The National Hockey League has 14 games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 PM ET. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -265 money-line favorite with a total of 7. The New York Rangers are at home against the Washington Capitals as a -218 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. Two NHL games begin at 7:37 PM ET. The Boston Bruins visit Buffalo to play the Sabres on TNT as a -155 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The New York Islanders are at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. Three more NHL games start at 8:07 PM ET. The Minnesota Wild host the Detroit Red Wings as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play in Nashville against the Predators as a -135 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6. The Dallas Stars are in St. Louis against the Blues as a -166 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Two NHL games begin at 9:07 PM ET. The Colorado Avalanche travel to Arizona to play the Coyotes as a -170 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play in Chicago against the Blackhawks as a -225 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Seattle Kraken at 9:37 PM ET as a -148 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 PM ET. The Vegas Golden Knights are in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -238 money-line road favorite with a total of 6. The Los Angeles Kings are at home against the San Jose Sharks as a -360 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The college basketball schedule has three games involving Division I teams. None of these games are on national television. Matchweek 19 in the English Premier League continues with three matches. Two EPL matches start at 2:30 PM ET. Brentford hosts Wolverhampton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Chelsea plays at home against Crystal Palace as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City visits Everton on the USA Network at 3:15 PM ET as a -1 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5.

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Big Questions Left In The NFL

by AAA Sports

Tuesday, Dec 26, 2023

Just call it Moving Week.Week 17 is the NFL’s equivalent to Saturday on the PGA Tour as teams maneuver for playoff spots, playoff home games and hope against hope that there are no major injuries heading into the playoffs.Lots of questions need to be answered.  Among them:WHO MOST NEEDS A HOME PLAYOFF GAME? Not much doubt on this. The Cowboys would give back all their presents to start the playoffs in Dallas, where they are 7-0 as opposed to 3-5 on the road. The last thing Dallas (10-5) wants is to travel to red-hot Tampa Bay, but leap-frogging the 11-4 Eagles and winning the East (and a home game) seems a bridge too far.WHO IN THE NFC HAS THE MOST MOMENTUM? Speaking of the Buccaneers, TB was left for dead after losing to Indianapolis in late November, but has won four straight and has averaged 31 in its last three games. Might be fool’s gold and a loss at home to New Orleans could put an end to the fun, but the Bucs are opening some eyes.WHO HAS THE MOST ISSUES? Just what is going on in Kansas City, where the Chiefs are angry with each other even though they are going to win the AFC West and get a home playoff game? Is it way too early to think that the Kardashians are off the hook and now there is a Taylor Swift Curse? The Chiefs’ road to the Super Bowl could now go through BOTH Miami and Baltimore.WHO IS THE TEAM NO ONE WANTS TO PLAY? Ask the 49ers, who got bent, folded, and mutilated – at home, no less – on Christmas by the Ravens. Baltimore has a top 5 offense, a top 6 defense, and is peaking at the right time. And that Lamar Jackson guy is pretty good. Remember six months ago any team could have had him for the right contract number.  Despite the loss, however, SF is still the betting favorite to win the Super Bowl at +210, with oddsmakers figuring that the loss to Baltimore was a one-off.WHO’S LEFT STANDING IN THE AFC? Five AFC teams enter Week 17 at 8-7. One of them will win the South, and one of the others from a group of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Houston will win at musical chairs and sneak into the final playoff spot. The insanely complicated tie-breaker rules will almost certainly be applied here, and right now the Colts seem to have the edge over several other teams.WHAT’S UP WITH BUFFALO? The Bills are in but will have to win at least one road game in the playoffs, and they have already lost at Denver, New England, and New York (Jets) this year. Still, Buffalo has won three in a row and is in a position to perhaps rest some key players this coming weekend in Foxboro and in a Week 18 matchup against Miami that is likely to be meaningless.WHICH NFL DIVISION CHAMP GETS THE BYE? San Francisco, Detroit, and Philadelphia head down the home stretch nose to nose, all at 11-4. The NFL is full of quicksand, but right now the Eagles seem to have the easier road home with games at home vs. Arizona and in New York against the Giants. San Francisco, licking wounds after the loss to Baltimore, gets to right the ship against the Commanders in Washington before closing against the Rams at home. Detroit has two nasty games – at Dallas and then at home against the Vikings.WHO’S THE MVP THIS SEASON? Heading into Week 16 it was Brock Purdy’s to lose, and he might just have done that with four interceptions in the awful loss to the Ravens. And it just so happens that the only player with a chance to catch Purdy was Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson. LJ did nothing to hurt his chances at winning his second MVP, throwing for 252 yards, two TDs, and zero interceptions while Purdy was throwing four picks. The two performances flipped the MVP odds upside down, with Jackson now -150 and Purdy now third at +600. Niners RB Christian McCaffrey is ahead of Purdy at +400.  Had Purdy’s awful performance come in Week 3 he might have been able to survive it, but recency bias will likely end his chances.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAAF and EPL Previews and Odds - 12/26/2023

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Dec 26, 2023

The Tuesday sports card features NCAAF, NBA, and EPL action.The college football bowl season continues with three games on ESPN. Minnesota battles Bowling Green at 2 PM ET in the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The Golden Gophers are on a four-game losing streak after their 28-14 loss at home to Wisconsin as a 2.5-point underdog on November 25th. The Falcons won for the fifth time in their last six games with a 34-10 victory at Western Michigan as a 3-point favorite on November 21st. Minnesota is a 3-point favorite, with the total set at 39.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Texas State faces Rice at 5:30 PM ET in the First Responder Bowl at the Gerald Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. The Bobcats ended a two-game losing streak with their 52-44 upset victory at home against South Alabama as a 6-point underdog on November 25th. The Owls have won two games in a row after their 24-21 victory against Florida Atlantic as a 4-point favorite on November 25th. Texas State is a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 60. Kansas goes against UNLV on ESPN at 9 PM ET in the Guaranteed Rate Arizona Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The Jayhawks ended a two-game losing streak with a 49-16 victory at Cincinnati as a 7-point favorite on November 25th. The Rebels have lost two games in a row after a 44-20 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West Conference championship game as a 2.5-point underdog on December 2nd. Kansas is a 13-point favorite with a total of 67.5.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 PM ET. The Brooklyn Nets travel to Detroit to play the Pistons as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The Orlando Magic play in Washington against the Wizards as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 237.5. Five NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. The Chicago Bulls host the Atlanta Hawks as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 234. The Houston Rockets plays at home against the Indiana Pacers as a 2-point favorite with a total of 238. The New Orleans Pelicans are at home against the Memphis Grizzlies as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 225.5. The Utah Jazz visit San Antonio to play the Spurs as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 242.5. The Sacramento Kings play in Portland against the Trail Blazers at 10:10 PM ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 236.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the Charlotte Hornets at 10:40 PM ET as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. Matchweek 19 in the English Premier League begins with five matches on Boxing Day. Newcastle United plays at home against Nottingham Forest on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -1 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Two EPL matches begin at 10 AM ET. Bournemouth hosts Fulham on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Luton Town plays at Sheffield United in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5. Liverpool is at Burnley on the USA Network at 12:30 PM ET as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3. Aston Villa plays at Manchester United on the USA Network at 3 PM ET in a pick ‘em match with a total of 3.

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