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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and UEFA Champions League Previews and Odds - 10/25/2022

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022

The Tuesday sports card features action in the NBA, NHL, and UEFA Champions League.The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. The Washington Wizards host the Detroit Pistons at 7 PM ET as a 5-point favorite, with the total set at 223. The Dallas Mavericks visit the New Orleans Hornets on TNT at 7:30 PM ET as a 4.5-point road favorite. The Los Angeles Clippers play at Oklahoma City at 8 PM ET as a 9.5-point road favorite. The Phoenix Suns are at home against the Golden State Warriors on TNT as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5.The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Four games drop the puck at 7 PM ET. The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Arizona Coyotes as a -210 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play at home against the Dallas Stars as a -145 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Minnesota Wild play at Montreal against the Canadiens as a -190 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche play in New York against the Rangers on ESPN with both teams priced at -110 with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers travel to Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 8:30 PM ET as a -240 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Calgary Flames are at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 9 PM ET as a -150 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Seattle Kraken host the Buffalo Sabres at 10 PM ET as a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 10:30 PM ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning visit Los Angeles to play the Kings as a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights play at San Jose against the Sharks on ESPN as a -190 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Matchday 5 in the UEFA Champions League begins with eight group-stage matches. Two matches start at 12:45 PM ET. Chelsea plays at Salzburg as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Sevilla plays at home against FC Copenhagen as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Six more matches begin at 3 PM ET. AC Milan travels to Dinamo Zagreb as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Celtic plays at home against Shakhtar Donetsk as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Real Madrid travels to RB Leipzig in a pick ‘em contest with a total of 3. Manchester City is at Borussia Dortmund as a -1 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3. Paris Saint-Germain plays at home against Maccabi Haifa as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Benfica is at home against Juventus as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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NHL Off the Post: October 24th

by Sean Murphy

Monday, Oct 24, 2022

We're a little more than two weeks into the 2022-23 NHL season with interesting early trends emerging. Here's a look at some news and notes from around the league. Sleepless in SeattleThe Kraken are hoping to take a step forward after going through considerable growing pains during their inaugural season in 2021-22. So far, not so good as Seattle has won twice in seven games. On a positive note, both wins did come in the role of substantial underdog on the road against the Kings and Avalanche. The Kraken will get three home games in five nights this week before heading back on the road for a three-game trip. They've been outscored by a 14-6 margin in suffering three consecutive losses at home to open the campaign. Note that they've alternated 'over' and 'under' results through seven games, most recently dropping a 5-4 decision in Chicago on Sunday.Sens-ational startThe Ottawa Senators have been Eastern Conference bottom-dwellers for years' now but some savvy offseason moves have seemingly breathed new life into the sagging franchise. The new-look Sens have reeled off three straight victories following an 0-2 start and perhaps most importantly, the fans are back in the seats in Kanata, Ontario thanks to an entertaining brand of hockey put forth by their home team. Ottawa has lit the lamp 18 times in the first four games of its current five-game homestand. It will host Dallas as a short favorite on Tuesday night before wrapping its homestand against struggling Minnesota on Thursday.Broadway Blues-hirtsMost had the New York Rangers pegged as a Stanley Cup contender at the outset of the season and while they're still worthy of being in that conversation, they're by no means off to a solid start. New York is just 3-3 out of the gates, including consecutive home losses as a favorite priced well north of -200. The usually stout Blueshirts defense has been sieve-like during its current 1-3 slide, allowing 16 goals along the way. New York will host the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche on Tuesday before opening a three-game road trip with a short trip to Long Island to face the rival Islanders on Wednesday. Thundering herdWhile Buffalo is still firmly entrenched in a rebuild there's no denying it has gotten off to a tremendous start, notching four wins in its first five contests. There were valid questions as to who would step up offensively for the Sabres this season but that's been a non-issue in the early going as they've produced 22 goals in five games, despite three of their first five contests coming against playoff teams from 21-22. With a win on Tuesday against the struggling Kraken in Seattle, Buffalo would wrap up a perfect four-game road trip before heading home for its next four contests. All eyes on OvieAlex Ovechkin has scored two goals so far this season, edging a little closer in the chase for Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal-scoring record. Gretzky finished his career with 894 goals and Ovechkin currently sits 112 goals behind at 782. At 37 years old, provided Ovie can stay healthy it's likely a matter of 'if' not 'when' he will break Gretzky's record. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 10/24/2022

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Oct 24, 2022

The Monday sports card features action in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and EPL.Week 7 in the National Football League concludes with one game for Monday Night Football. The New England Patriots host the Chicago Bears on ESPN and on ESPN2's Peyton and Eli “Manningcast” at 8:15 PM ET. The Patriots won their second straight game last Sunday with their 38-15 upset win at Cleveland as a 2.5-point underdog. They evened their record at 3-3 with the win, putting them in a tie for third place in the AFC East standings. The Bears are on a three-game losing streak after a 12-7 loss at home to Washington as a 1-point underdog on Sunday. Chicago’s record dropped to 2-4 with the loss, placing them in third place in the NFC North. New England is an 8-point favorite, with the total set at 40 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers play at home against the Indiana Pacers at 7 PM ET as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226. Two more NBA games tip-off at 7:30 PM ET. The Miami Heat are at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 217.5. The New York Knicks host the Orlando Magic as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 219. Four more games start at 8 PM ET. The Boston Celtics visit Chicago to play the Bulls as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Utah Jazz play at Houston against the Rockets. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Brooklyn Nets as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves are at home against the San Antonio Spurs as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Denver Nuggets play at Portland against the Trail Blazers at 10 PM ET. The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. Two games drop the puck at 7 PM ET. The Dallas Stars travel to Ottawa to play the Senators as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils host the Washington Capitals as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8 PM ET. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -120 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues play at Winnipeg against the Jets as a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Vegas against the Golden Knights at 10 PM ET with both teams priced as a  -110 favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes visit Vancouver to play the Canucks at 10:30 PM ET as a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Matchweek 13 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. West Ham United hosts Bournemouth on the USA Network at 3 PM ET. The Hammers are a -1 goal-line favorite at BetMGM with an over/under of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 10/23/2022

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Oct 23, 2022

The Sunday sports card features action in the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and EPL.Week 7 in the National Football League continues with 12 games. Seven games kick off at 1 PM ET. The Dallas Cowboys host the Detroit Lions as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 49 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The Green Bay Packers play at Washington against the Commanders as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 41.5. The Tennessee Titans are at home against the Indianapolis Colts as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 41.5. The Jacksonville Jaguars play at home against the New York Giants as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 43.5. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit Carolina to play the Panthers as a 13-point road favorite with a total of 39.5. The Baltimore Ravens host the Cleveland Browns as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5. The Cincinnati Bengals are at home against the Atlanta Falcons as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 47. Two NFL games start at 4:05 PM ET. The New York Jets travel to Denver to play the Broncos as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 37. The Las Vegas Raiders play at home against the Houston Texans as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 46. Two more NFL games begin at 4:25 PM ET. The Kansas City Chiefs are in San Francisco against the 49ers as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 49. The Los Angeles Chargers host the Seattle Seahawks as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 50.5.Sunday Night Football on NBC has the Miami Dolphins playing at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:20 PM ET. The Dolphins are a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45.The League Championship Series in Major League Baseball continues with two games. The Philadelphia Phillies host the San Diego Padres on FS1 at 2:47 PM ET. The Phillies grabbed a 3-1 lead in this best-of-seven series with a 10-6 win at home on Saturday. Philadelphia sends Zack Wheeler to the mound to pitch against the Padres' Yu Darvish. The Phillies are a -135 money line favorite with a total of 6.5.The New York Yankees are at home against the Houston Astros on TBS at 7:07 PM ET. The Astros took a 3-0 lead in this best-of-seven series with their 5-0 victory yesterday. Nestor Cortes, Jr. takes the mound for the Yankees against Lance McCullers, Jr. for Houston. New York is a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Los Angeles Lakers host the Portland Trail Blazers at 3:30 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 223.5. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Charlotte Hornets at 5 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 7 PM ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers are at home against the Washington Wizards as a 3.5-point favorite. The New Orleans Pelicans host the Utah Jazz as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves visit Oklahoma City to play the Thunder at 8 PM ET as a 7-point road favorite. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 8:30 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite. The Los Angeles Clippers are at home against the Phoenix Suns at 10 PM ET as a 2-point favorite. The National Hockey League has five games on its slate. The Seattle Kraken travels to Chicago to play the Blackhawks at 2 PM ET as a -140 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Three more NHL games drop the puck at 5 PM ET. The Detroit Red Wings host the Anaheim Ducks on ESPN as a -145 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Rangers play at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Florida Panthers are at home against the New York Islanders as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Philadelphia Flyers host the San Jose Sharks at 7 PM ET as a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Matchweek 13 in the English Premier League continues with five matches. Four games start at 9 AM ET. Aston Villa plays at home against Brentford as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Leeds United is at home against Fulham as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Arsenal visits Southampton as a -1 goal-line favorite with a total of 3. Wolverhampton is at home against Leicester City on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Tottenham hosts Newcastle United on the USA Network at 11:30 AM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5.

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NFL Sunday Player Props

by ASA, Inc.

Saturday, Oct 22, 2022

David Njoku Over 37.5 Rec Yards (-114)We are going “back to the well”, riding Njoku once more this week. He has had 58 or more yards in his last four games while commanding at least six targets during each contest. Baltimore ranks 28th in passing yards allowed per game which should give way for Njoku to once again surpass his low yardage projection set by oddsmakers. Until we see his target share decline, or oddsmakers boost his yardage total, Cleveland’s versatile TE will remain an intriguing option.Geno Smith Under .5 INTs (+110)Seattle has been one of the few NFL teams to actually surpass offensive expectations to start the year. Thought to have one of the worst offenses entering 2022, Geno Smith has led the Seahawks to a top 10 offense in points scored. Smith is playing the best football of his career, with a 9/2 TD/INT ratio and a 108.1 passer rating. With only 2 picks so far this year, plus money on Geno to have another clean game holds a lot of value.  Olamide Zaccheaus Over 31.5 Rec Yards (-114)Zaccheaus has been a quiet but vital part of the Falcons surprising 3-3 start. Despite Marcus Mariota’s lack of passing ability, he has connected with Zaccheaus at least twice every single game, usually for chunk plays. In 5 of their 6 games, Olamide has one catch of at least 20 or more yards, also surpassing 38 yards in all of those 5 games. With the few looks Zaccheaus gets, he is extremely efficient, catching 89% of his targets. This trend should continue in a high scoring matchup with the Bengals. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAAF, CFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 10/22/2022

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Oct 22, 2022

The Saturday sports card features action in NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL, CFL, and the EPL.Week 8 in college football continues with 47 games between FBS opponents. Six NCAAF games on national television kick off at Noon ET. Cincinnati travels to SMU on ESPN as a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 60 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Baylor hosts Kansas on ESPN2 as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 58. Ohio State plays at home against Iowa on Fox as a 29.5-point favorite with a total of 49.5. Army is at home against Louisiana-Monroe on the CBS Sports Network as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 56. Houston travels to Navy on ESPNU as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 50.5. Clemson hosts Syracuse on ABC as a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 49.5. Notre Dame plays at home against UNLV on Peacock at 2:30 PM ET as a 26.5-point favorite with a total of 47. Texas Tech is at home against West Virginia on FS1 at 3 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 65.5. Seven nationally-televised NCAAF games start at 3:30 PM ET. Miami, Ohio hosts Western Michigan on the CBS Sports Network as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 44. Texas visits Oklahoma State on ABC as a 6-point road favorite with an over/under of 60.5. LSU plays at home against Mississippi on CBS as a 1-point favorite with a total of 64.5. Oregon is at home against UCLA on Fox at 3:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 70.5. Wisconsin hosts Purdue on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 51.5. Tulane plays at home against Memphis on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 55.5. BYU travels to Liberty on ESPNU as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 58. Two NCAAF games on national television begin at 7 PM ET. Alabama is at home against Mississippi State on ESPN as a 21-point favorite with an over/under of 61. Air Force hosts Boise State on the CBS Sports Network as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 47. Two more nationally-televised NCAAF games start at 7:30 PM ET. Penn State plays at home against Minnesota on ABC as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 43. Central Florida visits East Carolina on ESPNU as a 5-point road favorite with a total of 63.5. TCU is at home against Kansas State on FS1 as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 54.5. Wyoming hosts Utah State on FS2 at 9:45 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 44.5. Two NCAAF games on national television begin at 10:30 PM ET. San Diego State travels to Nevada on the CBS Sports Network as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 36. Washington plays at California on ESPN as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 54.  The League Championship Series in Major League Baseball continues with two games. The New York Yankees are at home against the Houston Astros on TBS at 5:07 PM ET. The Astros hold a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series after a 3-2 victory on Thursday. Gerrit Cole takes the mound for the Yankees against Cristian Javier for Houston. New York is a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Philadelphia Phillies host the San Diego Padres on Fox at 7:45 PM ET. The Phillies took a 2-1 lead in this best-of-seven series with a 4-2 win at home on Friday. Philadelphia turns to Bailey Falter to pitch against the Padres’ Mike Clevinger. The Phillies are a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 8.5. The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Philadelphia 76ers play at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 6 PM ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. Two more NBA games top off at 7 PM ET. The Detroit Pistons are at Indiana against the Pacers as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 226.5. The Boston Celtics travel to Orlando to play the Magic as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 219. Three more NBA start at 8 PM ET. The Miami Heat host the Toronto Raptors as a 3-point favorite with a total of 215. The Cleveland Cavaliers play in Chicago against the Bulls as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 217.5. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the Houston Rockets as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 231. The Dallas Mavericks host the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:30 PM ET as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 220.5. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 9 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite. The Los Angeles Clippers visit Sacramento to play the Kings at 10 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 221.The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. The puck drops for two games at 1 PM ET. The Boston Bruins are at home against the Minnesota Wild as a -115 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils host the San Jose Sharks as a -195 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Two more NHL games begin at 4 PM ET. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the St. Louis Blues as a -150 money-line favorite with an over/under of 7. The Ottawa Senators are at home against the Arizona Coyotes as a -245 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Five NHL games start at 7 PM ET. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel to Winnipeg to play the Jets as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 7. The Dallas Stars play at Montreal Canadiens as a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 6. The Washington Capitals host the Los Angeles Kings as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the New York Islanders as a -165 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Pittsburgh Penguins are at Columbus against the Blue Jackets as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Nashville Predators are at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 8 PM ET as a -195 money line favorite with a total of 6. Three more NHL games start at 10 PM ET. The Vancouver Canucks host the Buffalo Sabres as a -170 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche visit Vegas to play the Golden Knights with both teams priced at -110 with a total of 6.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Carolina Hurricanes as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. Week 20 in the Canadian Football League concludes with two games. The Toronto Argonauts play at Montreal against the Alouettes at 4 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 48.5. The Calgary Stampeders are at Saskatchewan to play the Roughriders at 7 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 49.5. Matchweek 13 in the English Premier League begins with four matches. Liverpool travels to Nottingham Forest on the USA Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -2 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3. Two more matches begin at 10 AM ET. Crystal Palace plays at Everton on the USA Network in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City hosts Brighton and Hove Albion as a -2 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Chelsea is at home against Manchester United on NBC at 12:30 PM ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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NFL Top 10 (Thru Week 6)

by Wayne Root

Friday, Oct 21, 2022

1. BUFFALO BILLS The highest of expectations were set for the Buffalo Bills, and they have shown why many thought this team could be the best in the league. While Josh Allen was doing his MVP act on one side of the ball, Von Miller was again making Buffalo's brass look like a genius collective by delivering a two-sack day and the QB pressure against Kansas City. With the win, the Bills gain a tiebreaker advantage that could have major ramifications come January. The team is getting healthier, but backups have largely been up to the task, showing just how well-rounded of a roster GM Brandon Beane has built. 2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES  This will give those halftime pep talks a new meaning for opposing teams. The Eagles have scored 112 second-quarter points in 2022, the most points in any quarter in NFL history through a team's first six games. Many thought quarterback Jalen Hurts would improve in his second full season as the starter, but I weren’t expecting him to be in the early MVP conversation. Hurts is a primary reason the Eagles are undefeated. As football's lone undefeated team, Philly will come out of its Week 7 bye facing a favorable schedule, with three straight games against teams owning two or fewer wins through Week 6.  3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS   With the Packers out of their way for now, the pressure has lessened for a short few weeks moment. Minnesota isn't anybody's idea of a juggernaut, but five wins in six games -- picked off only by the undefeated Eagles -- tells the story of a team that knows how to close. . "It's very much the inverse of 2021," said Kirk Cousins as he’s finally not the inverse hot topic on Sunday night TV crushing his confidence. The Vikings lack of injuries is incredible thru six weeks of banging. Not only were the Vikings ready to open 5-1, but 21 of their 22 starters have made every start that led to this turnaround.  4. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes play as they just can’t wait to get the regular season over and get to the playoffs. They need to figure out Von Miller by January if they’re going after another piece of the Lombardi hardware. Their only improvement needed is the need to improve their pass rush with their front four other than Chris Jones when they don't blitz. The Chiefs have eight sacks with their down linemen, including three from Jones. They need more quarterback sacks. They were 29th last year and barely show an improvement this season. 5. DALLAS COWBOYS “I’m back” said Dak. It's time for Dak Prescott to rejoin the gang. Cooper Rush's run as an undefeated starting QB came to an unceremonious end on Sunday Night Football, as the Eagles picked off the Dallas passer three times in a 26-17 loss at the Linc. Early reports point to a Prescott return this Sunday against the Lions. If the Cowboys get as jacked on their high horse as their fans, we can see the Cowboys extend their Wild Card run or if real lucky, overtaking the Eagles in the NFC East. Here’s some good news for Jerry’s radio show. The Cowboys play Detroit and Chicago before heading into the bye week. If Prescott plays as expected, the Cowboys will be in the thick of the playoff chase. 6. CINCINNATI BENGALS The big question here they’re asking are the Bengals waiting for someone or something to get them looking like the runner up of last years Super Bowl. His play was definitely inspired by where he was playing last Sunday. The third-year quarterback tallied 300 yards through the air and improvised brilliantly on the scramble in a successful Superdome homecoming for the LSU legend. Tigers teammate Ja'Marr Chase (7/132/2), put the Bengals ahead for good via a 60-yard catch-and-run score with two minutes to play. Chase had been bottled up for much of the season until the second half on Sunday. Burrow and Chase are fixin' to go on a rampage. Cincinnati is still in the middle of the pack in expected yards per play, and a 30-26 win over the New Orleans Saints hinted that the unit could be trending upward. 7. NY GIANTS It’s been quite some time since I last had the Giants rated with a single digit. They hadn't topped six wins in any of the previous five seasons. They’ve certainly had their share of luck and big blue come backs. Much credit is in order for Don "Wink" Martindale, who cooked up another fine defensive game plan that neutralized Baltimore’s QB Jackson and allowed the offense to wipe away a 10-point deficit in the second half. This is old hat by now: The Giants are 3-1 in games in which they trailed by double digits. Buyer Beware: If you let the Giants hang around in a game, there's a good chance they'll find a way to beat you. It doesn't matter that the Giants are 23rd in total offense and 15th in defense. Coach Brian Daboll has this team believing and finishing. They've outscored opponents 87-49 in the second half of games. 8. BALTIMORE RAVENS Try explaining this every Monday at the water-cooler. The Ravens are up to three losses in which they led by at least 10 points in a game -- matching a team record for most such losses in a season. Coming in, it was thought that the Ravens would have the NFL's best secondary. But Baltimore ranks 28th against the pass, giving up an average of 267.7 yards through the air. Through Week 6! Lamar Jackson is a former MVP who has had stretches this season when he’s looked better than ever. But the quarterback also bears his share of the responsibility for three confounding late-game meltdowns that have defined a .500 start. It’s unknown which way the Ravens are headed.  9. SAN FRANCISCO   The 49ers should begin their climb to the upper tier of the NFC West as they get half their team off the injured list. The 49ers are watching another season get turned upside down by injuries. At 3-3 and tied with the Seahawks and Rams, it should be like shooting fish in a barrel for them to win their division when players return. Their defense was the limping wounded. By the end of Sunday’s 28-14 loss to the Falcons, the Niners were down to four of 11 projected starters on their defense. San Francisco still struggles on kickoff returns, has given up 23.2 yards per kick return (ninth worst in the NFL) and had two field goals blocked. The result is a unit with an expected points added of minus-3.5, which is 21st in the NFL.  10. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS  What the heck has happened to the L.A. offense? Justin Herbert looked positively pedestrian, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt while leading Los Angeles on a single touchdown drive. At his best, Herbert attacks defenses downfield like no other quarterback, but a prime-time showcase put the gunslinger in constant checkdown mode to Austin Ekeler (10 catches on 16 targets) against a Broncos defense. And after ranking among the worst units in the NFL (No. 29 overall) allowing an average of 27 points per game in 2021, it was widely thought that the Bolts defense would catapult up the rankings after significant offseason upgrades in personnel. However, despite the additions of All Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack, Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, the Chargers remain ranked among the league's worst defenses (No. 26 overall), allowing an average of 25.3 points per game. Joey Boza can’t return fast enough. The Bolts can be better. They had so much potential to start the season. There’s two questions: Where did it go and can they find it?  

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, MLB and CFL Previews and Odds - 10/21/2022

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Oct 21, 2022

The Friday sports card features action in NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL, and the CFL.Week 8 in college football continues with two games. Tulsa plays at Temple on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET. The Golden Hurricane lost three in a row after their 53-21 upset loss at Navy as a 5-point favorite on October 8th. The Owls lost their second staight with a 70-13 loss at Central Florida as a 23.5-point favorite last Thursday. Tulsa is a 13-point favorite, with the total set at 52.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).Western Kentucky plays at home against UAB on the CBS Sports Network at 8 PM ET. The Hilltoppers ended a two-game losing streak with a 35-17 victory at Middle Tennessee as a 7.5-point favorite last Saturday. The Blazers have won three of their last four games after a 34-20 victory against Charlotte as a 21.5-point favorite on Saturday. Western Kentucky is a 1.5-point spread with an over/under of 58.5.The League Championship Series in Major League Baseball continues with the San Diego Padres playing at Philadelphia against the Phillies on FS1 at 7:37 PM ET. The Padres evened this series at 1-1 with their 8-5 victory on Wednesday. Joe Musgrove takes the ball for the Padres to pitch against Ranger Suarez for the Phillies. Both teams are priced at -100 for Game 1, with the total set at 7.5. The National Basketball Association has 11 games on its docket. Three games tip off at 7 PM ET. The New Orleans Pelicans play at Charlotte against the Hornets as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 209.5. The Indiana Pacers host the San Antonio Spurs as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of .231. Four more games start at 7:30 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Orlando Magic as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 222. The Brooklyn Nets are at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226.5. The Boston Celtics travel to Miami to play the Heat on ESPN as a 2.5-point road favorite with a total of 219. The New York Knicks host the Detroit Pistons as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217.5.Two NBA games start at 8 PM ET. The Memphis Grizzlies visit Houston the Rockets as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 230.0. The Minnesota Timberwolves play at home against the Utah Jazz as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229. Two more NBA games begin at 10 PM ET. The Golden State Warriors are at home against the Denver Nuggets as a 6-point favorite with a total of 229.5. The Phoenix Suns play at Portland against the Trail Blazers as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The Tampa Bay Lightning visits Florida to play the Panthers at 7:30 PM ET with both teams priced at -110 with an over/under of 6.5. The Detroit Red Wings play in Chicago against the Blackhawks as a -125 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche host the Seattle Kraken at 9 PM ET as a -275 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Week 20 in the Canadian Football League begins with two games. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats play at home against the Ottawa Redblacks as a 5-point favorite with a total of 49.5. The British Columbia Lions travel to Edmonton to play the Elks as a 7-point road favorite with an over/under of 49.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 10/20/2022

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Oct 20, 2022

The Thursday sports card features action in the NFL, NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL, and the EPL.Week 7 in the National Football League kicks off with the Arizona Cardinals hosting the New Orleans Saints on Amazon Prime at 8:15 PM ET. The Cardinals have lost two in a row after their 19-9 upset loss at Seattle as a 2.5-point road favorite on Sunday. The Saints lost at home to Cincinnati, 30-26, as a 3-point underdog on Sunday. Arizona is a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 44 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Week 8 in college football continues with two games that start at 7:30 PM ET. South Alabama plays at home against Troy on ESPNU. The Jaguars are on a three-game winning streak after their 41-34 win against Louisiana-Monroe as a 17-point favorite last Saturday. The Trojans are on a four-game winning streak after a 17-14 victory against Texas State as a 16.5-point favorite on Saturday. South Alabama is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 46.5. Georgia Tech is at home against Virginia on ESPN. The Yellow Jackets pulled off their second-straight upset win with a 23-20 victory in overtime against Duke as a 3.5-point underdog on October 8th. The Cavaliers are on a three-game losing streak after a 34-17 loss to Louisville as a 1.5-point underdog on October 8th. Georgia Tech is a 3-point favorite with a total of 47. The League Championship Series in Major League Baseball continues with the Houston Astros hosting the New York Yankees on TBS at 7:37 PM ET. The Astros took a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series with a 4-2 victory yesterday. Framber Valdez takes the mound for Houston tonight to pitch against Luis Severino for the Yankees. The Astros are a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 7. The National Basketball Association has two games on its docket, with a doubleheader on TNT. The Philadelphia 76ers play at home against the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 225. The Los Angeles Clippers are the technical road team playing in the Staples Center against the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. The National Hockey League has 12 games on its slate. Seven games drop the puck at 7 PM ET. The Boston Celtics are at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -215 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Montreal Canadiens host the Arizona Coyotes as a -165 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs play at home against the Dallas Stars as a -165 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are at home against the Los Angeles Kings as a -185 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Nashville Predators travel to Columbus to play the Blue Jackets as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Rangers host the San Jose Sharks as a -250 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Ottawa Senators play at home against the Washington Capitals as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Islanders are at home against the New Jersey Devils at 7:30 PM ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Minnesota Wild host the Vancouver Canucks at 8 PM ET as a -175 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Carolina Hurricanes at 9 PM ET as a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Calgary Flames are at home against the Buffalo Sabres at 9:30 PM ET as a -275 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the Winnipeg Jets at 10 PM ET as a —170 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Matchweek 12 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches. Aston Villa travels to Fulham on the USA Network at 2:30 PM ET in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5. Leicester City plays at home against Leeds United at 3:15 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 10/19/2022

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Oct 19, 2022

The Wednesday sports card features action in NCAAF, MLB, NBA, NHL, and the EPL.Week 8 in college football kicks off with Appalachian State hosting Georgia State on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET. The Mountaineers lost for the second time in their last three games with their 36-24 upset loss at Texas State as a 19-point road favorite on October 8th. The Panthers are on a two-game winning streak after a 41-33 victory at home against Georgia Southern as a 2.5-point favorite on October 8th. Appalachian State is a 9.5-point favorite, with the total set at 59 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).The League Championship Series continues in Major League Baseball with two games. The San Diego Padres play at home against the Philadelphia Phillies on Fox and FS1 at 4:35 PM ET. The Phillies won the opening game of this best-of-seven series with their 2-0 victory on Tuesday. Blake Snell gets the start for the Padres against Aaron Nola for Philadelphia. San Diego is a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.The Houston Astros are at home against the New York Yankees on TBS at 7:37 PM ET. The Astros advanced to the ALCS with their 1-0 win in 18 innings at Seattle on Saturday to complete a three-game sweep. The Yankees beat Cleveland, 3-2, yesterday to win that ALDS in five games. Houston taps Justin Verlander to pitch against New York’s Jameson Taillon. The Astros are a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. Two games tip off at 7 PM ET. The Detroit Pistons host the Orlando Magic as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217. The Washington Wizards visit Indiana to play the Pacers as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 228. Five more NBA games start at 7:30 PM ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Houston Rockets as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 233. The Brooklyn Nets are at home against the New Orleans Pelicans as a 3-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Miami Heat host the Chicago Bulls as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The Toronto Raptors play at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 214.5. The Memphis Grizzlies are at home against the New York Knicks on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 226. Two NBA games begin at 8 PM ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 227. The Charlotte Hornets travel to San Antonio to play the Spurs as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 226. The Denver Nuggets play at Utah against the Jazz as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 226. Two more NBA games start at 10 PM ET. The Phoenix Suns are at home against the Dallas Mavericks on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 216.5. The Sacramento Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers as a 2-point favorite with a total of 226.5. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The Florida Panthers play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on TNT at 7:30 PM  ET as a -305 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche are at home against the Winnipeg Jets at 8 PM ET as a -205 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The St. Louis Blues visit Seattle to play the Kraken on TNT at 10 PM ET as a -150 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Matchweek 12 in the English Premier League continues with five matches. Four matches begin at 2:30 PM ET. Southampton travels to Bournemouth in a pick ‘em match with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Chelsea plays at Brentford on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Liverpool hosts West Ham United as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3. Newcastle United plays at home against Everton as a -1 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Tottenham is at Manchester United at 3:15 PM ET in a pick ‘em contest with a total of 2.5.  

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NBA: Western Conference Preview

by Will Rogers

Tuesday, Oct 18, 2022

Southeast DivisionYou’ve got three playoff teams and two non-contending teams here. I’m not exactly certain who will win the Southwest, or if that team even finishes top four in the Western Conference. In the mix are: Memphis (49.5 wins), Dallas (48.5 wins) and New Orleans (44.5 wins). My gut says the Mavs finish first among the three as the Grizzlies definitely won’t match last season’s 56 wins, but the key is do you think they will regress by seven or more games? With several teams in the West now better than they were in 2021-22 and the Grizz losing a few pieces, the chance for heavy regression is there. I think I’m talking myself into the Mavs, who lost Jalen Brunson but should get a MVP caliber season out of Luka Doncic. The Pelicans started horribly last year, but then were basically a .500 team the rest of the way. How much will Zion Williamson play though after sitting out all of last season? Whereas the books are calling for 6.5-win regression from Memphis, they are also calling for 8.5 game improvement from NO. That’s kind of a lot, even if you think Williamson ends up playing in a majority of the games. San Antonio has been a playoff mainstay for two decades, but this season they are a lock for the lottery and (they hope) a top three pick. Both the Spurs and Houston are projected for only 23.5 wins, tied with two other teams in the West + Indiana for fewest in the entire league. No value on playing either win total for me. Northwest DivisionThe Northwest is similar to the Southeast in that you have two teams competing for the top, one clearly in the middle and two clearly at the bottom. At the top, you’re talking Denver and Minnesota. I think the Nuggets finish first and they should be a top four seed in the West pretty easily. Under Michael Malone, the Nuggets have dominated sub-.500 opposition the last two years, going 54-16! Such domination goes a long way towards a successful regular season. Interestingly, Denver and Minnesota were the two top Over teams (in terms of totals) in the league last year. The Timberwolves added Rudy Gobert to a team that more than doubled its win total. Not sure they can crack the top six in the West and I give the Nuggets a clear edge at winning this division.Portland lost both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to injuries last season and they were absolutely atrocious down the stretch as a result (lost last 11 games). Can they get back to 42 wins, which is where they were two years ago? Probably not. But the win total is set at 39.5. If they hit that number, then they are probably in the play-in round. The Blazers were dead last in the league ATS last season at 32-50. Oklahoma City continues to rebuild and Utah, a top three team in the West each of the last two seasons, is set to join them in that process. I like Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, but the Thunder lost a game by 70 points last season. Utah lost Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, thus no team is expected to fall harder. I can actually see both OKC and the Jazz exceeding their win totals, but not by much.Pacific DivisionThis star-studded division is absolutely loaded with three teams projected for 51+ wins, one of them the reigning NBA Champs (Golden State), another the team that finished with the best regular season record last season (Phoenix) and the third being the favorite to win the 2023 NBA Finals (Clippers).Golden State’s win total (53.5) seems high considering they don’t have a lot to prove coming off another championship season. Plus, you just had Draymond Green beat up Jordan Poole. Not optimal! Phoenix (52.5 wins) is a lock to regress this season. But that’s built into the win total. I’d say no value there.With Kawhi Leonard returning, the Clippers are now favored to win the NBA Title. I certainly won’t be betting them to accomplish that feat, at least at this juncture, but finishing with the best regular season record is a distinct possibility. Go Over on 51.5 wins.Oh yeah, what about the Lakers? They win 70% of the time when LeBron James and Anthony Davis both suit up. Problem is, that didn’t happen very often last season. They are projected for 44.5 wins this season. If you think James and Davis can stay healthy, bet the Over as Lakers will then finish in the top six and that’s certainly going to require at least 45 wins. Poor Sacramento. They are doomed to last place and have a projected 33.5 wins. With the Seattle Mariners making the MLB playoffs this year, the Kings now have the distinction of longest postseason drought in all four major sports. Does making the play-in round count as snapping it? I’ll allow you to make an official ruling, but the Kings should battle the Blazers for the final play-in spot and I’d go Over on this win total. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 10/18/22

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Oct 18, 2022

The Tuesday sports card features action in MLB, NBA, NHL, and the EPL.Major League Baseball has 15 games on its schedule. The Divisional Series in the American League concludes with the New York Yankees hosting the Cleveland Guardians on TBS at 4:07 PM ET in Game 5 of their best-of-five series in a makeup of last night’s game that got postponed because of weather. The Yankees forced this Game 5 with their 4-2 victory in Cleveland on Sunday. Nestor Cortes, Jr. takes the ball for New York to pitch against Aaron Civale for the Guardians. The Yankees are a -165 money line favorite, with the total set at 7 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise).The National League Championship Series begins with the San Diego Padres hosting the Philadelphia Phillies on FS1 at 8:03 PM ET. The Padres reached the NLCS after their 5-3 victory at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday to clinch that series in four games. The Phillies advanced to the NLCS with an 8-3 win at home against Atlanta on Saturday to end that series in four games. San Diego taps Yu Darvish to pitch against Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler. The Padres are a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The National Basketball Association season tips off with two games on TNT. The Boston Celtics are at home against the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 216. The Golden State Warriors host the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 225.The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. Four games drop the puck at 7 PM ET. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Anaheim Ducks as a -185 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Ottawa Senators are at home against the Boston Bruins as a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Vancouver Canucks as a -120 money line favorite with a total of 6. The Tampa Bay Lightning play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers on ESPN as a -275 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders are at home against the San Jose Sharks at 7:30 PM ET as a -205 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more NHL games start at 9 PM ET. The Edmonton Oilers host the Buffalo Sabres as a -265 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Calgary Flames play at home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -115 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Nashville Predators are at home against the Los Angeles Kings on ESPN at 9:30 PM ET as a -150 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Matchweek 12 in the English Premier League begins with two matches. Brighton and Hove Albion hosts Nottingham Forest on the USA Network at 2:30 PM ET as a -1.5 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from BetMGM). Crystal Palace plays at home against Wolverhampton at 3:15 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.

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