Taking the PENGUINS, and going Big Money on the PUCK LINE. You can lay the -160. But I am looking to build my Bowl and NFL bankroll. Avalanche beat Pitt last week 2-1. They were out-shot 40-28. I expect a revenge Pens team to drop at least 4 goals tonight. Colorado has score more than 2 goals just twice in their last 9 games. 3 in their last 10 if you take a 3-2 shoot-out win into account. 4* PL Money PITT PENGUINS

Taking COLUMBUS. As you know a lot of my ice is based on spots. And this isn't a prime one for Boston. Start of a b2b with a game on the road tomorrow. 4th game in 6 days tonight. Give me the Jackets as a small dog. 4* COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS 

Taking EAST CAROLINA. Both teams with new coaches calling plays on the sidelines. ECU has reeled off 3 straight wins since their change. Charlotte hopes for the same after canning Mark Price and his 3-6 start. Price's son is also out the door looking for a new team. Guy was shooting 62% from the field on the year. 32 of 51 from the field including 52% from 3. The leading scoring for the 49ers now is shooting 36% 38 of 105. Double Price's kids shot and nearly the same amount of baskets. That is who is leading this team. A mad shooter (26% 3pt). They have 2 other guys around scoring 10ppg. Not sure how they respond. You read from the AD the kids quit on Price. Maybe they did. Who knows. What I do know is that there is zero depth and 6 scholarship players on the roster. Even at the mid-major level, that is going to hurt. I'll lay the short number with a home fave. 4* Money Maker EAST CAROLINA 

Taking IDAHO tonight. First. Let me say sorry for the late additions today. Normally I like to have everything up before lunch. My knee has been bothering me for over week, had to get it check out. Whattayaknow.. A meniscus tear and to make Christmas even more festive, my knee-cap isn't centered! woo-hoo. So enough of the worlds smallest violins playing my sad song. Last note. Even though we cashed our Top Play on Minny, not a winning day of NFL. Dallas with a push. I hate Garrett. Please go for it on the 1 on the road. Forget a cover. This guys makes terrible decisions every year. Philly and Saints just bad. That is what I get for laying heavy numbers. Still. 16-4 is not a shabby month. Free Play video will probably be on the Falcons. -- Now -On to the VANDELS. Look. You know I have these guys as my Big Sky leaders. And even though Western Michigan is a top MAC program, I am leaning heavy on my experienced visitors tonight. They can hit 3s. They rebound. They hit their FTs. This seems more than enough points and think that we should win this one outright. 4* Money Maker IDAHO 

Taking the COWBOYS. Would be easy to grab the home dogs, but not happening. Dallas sees playoff hope here. They have strung together a couple wins. They get their RB back soon. Eagles lose their QB. They have a playoff shot if they can win out. Raiders a lost season. I said at the start of they year when I had the Titans in Game 1 that the Raiders were lucky a lot last year. You can't sustain that 2 years in a row. Not going to get every break, or 1 point win or 2 pt conversion. Cowboys defense strong lately forcing TOs. 4* Money Maker DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking MERCER. We grabbed Furman earlier today, and will again back a So Con team. This is an experienced group. LaSalle won in OT in last years game. I think we get pay-back this afternoon. Explores in off Nova. That was a 9pt loss where they lead at the half and down 2 with 4 to play. Just a prime let down spot in my eyes. Not sure what they have in the tank for Mercer. 4* Money Maker MERCER 

Taking FURMAN here. Would be easy to lean on NCW coming off 3 straight road losses and now being home. They have a beast inside in Cacok averaging 18 +12. He should get those numbers today. I just don't see how the team slows down the Paladins. NCW giving up nearly 90ppg. Both offenses at 80 per. But Furman giving up less than 70. For me, I have Furman as the one of the top teams in the SoCon, while I have the Seahawks as a middling CAA team. Furman with losses to Duke, Butler and Big South Winthrop, who is a top 3 team in conference. NCW has only beating NC Wesleyan and Big South Campbell, who is projected near the bottom of their conference. Going road warrior style this afternoon. 4* Money Maker FURMAN 

be sure to check back after 12 EST to see if I have added any plays

Taking the SAINTS. Yeah. I will lay more than 2 TDs with Brees at home. First. We have extra rest from that Atlanta loss (Though we cashed the Falcons) We catch the Jets coming off getting shut out and losing their QB. They will turn to Petty. Good luck in the dome kid. Bottom line for me here is this. New Orleans needs to keep winning as the Panthers 9-4 and Falcons 8-5 are right on their heels. Things are getting crazy in the NFC with Wentz out and Rodgers on the mend. And who knows about Dallas running the table to get back in the hunt. Saints 17-2-1 ATS last 20 at home when they are sporting a winning record. Final though on this one. Brees tossed that INT in the end-zone real late last week. You know that is killing him. He is coming out breathing fire today. Won't be shocked to see 14-0 end of 1st quarter en rout to a 40+ point day. 4* Money Maker NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Taking the EAGLES. 9-1 ATS last 10 for Philly. Yes, they lost their QB. But Foles is no slouch. Guess people forget the guy had 27 TDs and 2 INTs back in 2013 in 13 games, 10 starts for these same Eagles. And right now, let's be honest. He is probably better than Eli. He has the better parts around him that is for sure. Really for me though is this. Giants are done. Last week would have been the game for them. New coach. Eli back. Home vs Cowboys. Nope. Doors blown off in the 4th. You can hear any life being sucked out of the building. 5* Best Bet PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 

Taking the VIKINGS. Two teams in total opposite directions. Cincy off getting smoked at home by the Bears. Where is there motivation? Their season was lost 2 weeks ago when they blew the game vs the Steelers. There will be, or least should be, a coaching change for the Bengals. Do we really think they rally around the coach? Time for a change from the top down. Minny home after 3 straight road games. Still have a lot to play for. I can't see their defense giving up more than 10-14 points today. 8* Sure Shot MINNESOTA VIKINGS 

Taking the FLAMES tonight. 3rd game in 4 nights for Nashville. We had them for big money on the PL to start their trip, but will back the home team tonight. Predators 3-7 last 10 meetings with Calgary. 4* Money Maker CALGARY FLAMES

Taking the CHIEFS here. Cashed big last week on KC. We will head back to them today. We also had the Chargers last week. We can toss out the trends. Chiefs 6-2 ATS last 8 but LAC 4-1 ATS last 5 in Kansas City. Andy Reid 17-7 ATS as home dog. 5* Best Bet KC CHIEFS

Going OVER the total here. Will tell you that I will have Mid Ten St on the ML as my free pick video play today. Just think we see some offense. As i backed off Boise and made it a no play saying to buy on Oregon. Much of the same to that move applies here. The QB play. Ducks were getting back a guy who led them to a fast start. On top of the fact the players all wanted this coach. So that changes things dramatically. Here, we get Stockstill back behind center. 144 points scored in his last 4 games back. Red Wolves bring their 6th best passing offense to the field. They won't meet much resistance from MDTNST defense that has a grand total of 8 takeaways in 12 games. 4( Total Money OVER Mid Tenn/ Ark St

Taking FRESNO here. You know I am jumping right in on this Mountain West favored over PAC 12. Ducks already lost to the Bulldogs brethren, Boise State, at home. Now they face a pretty good team in their first true road game. You don't think Fresno is chomping at the bit here? They were 15pt dogs on the road last year, lost by a dozen. Now favored. They can score and play a physical defense. 4* Money Maker FRESNO 

Taking AUBURN. Look. Man. It is tough not to pull the trigger on Mid Ten. I really like my mid-majors taking short points on the road vs big conferences. But this isn't last years CUSA champs and 1 loss team. There is no element of surprise as the Blue Raiders won last year at home 88-81. I think Tigers get some payback. Not sure Mid Tenn has the depth to keep up. 4* Money Maker AUBURN 

Taking MARSHALL. Well. We can grab the 5/ 5.5 if you want. But I think we win this outright. Better defense. Even in a slide we are competitive. Rams won this bowl back in 2008 and 2013. But since that 2013 win, they have dropped 3 straight bowl games. We know Marshall has won 5 straight bowls going back to 2009 (09-11-13-14-15) and are an unbelievable 10-2 ATS/ SU last 12 bowl games. I like Holiday over Bobo for us on the sidelines also. 4* Money Maker MARSHALL 

============ BUY OFF OF THIS +++ NO PLAY === 

Taking BOISE. This was a spot I was looking at even before the Ducks lost their coach. But now that Taggert is heading to FSU, we will officially jump on Boise. Will even sprinkle in some ML +260 - We have Mountain West vs big brother PAC 12. This wasn't an old-school Boise team, but they won 10 games. Most times I am heading to the other team when I see the proverbial 'ranked' team catching points from an unranked opponent. But here we see a PAC 12 team favored over the smaller school. Even a down year 7 win Ducks team has more talent across the roster. I just look at this as a good spot to play on the dogs though. Where is the motivation for Oregon? Hey, we are in the Las Vegas Bowl! I think people forget that Chip Kelly left these guys with a 3 year reduction of scholarships. That just ended. This isn't 2014 with Mariota in the Rose Bowl for the Championship. Those were Chip's recruits. I think Helfrich did a crap job recruiting. They were 4-8 in his last year, and just 7-5 with Taggart this year. As good as this job is with everything Nike, this is not the spot to be playing on TD+ favorites. Give me the hungry dog looking to take down the big name. 4* Money Maker BOISE

Taking MISSISSIPPI today. Alright. Ole Miss needs some Ws. Sitting in a 5 game home stretch of the winnable non-con part of schedule, the time is now. I was an Ill State backer last year. But that team lost 4 starters. They have Ill-Chi on deck. Maybe a bigger game in their eyes. They lost to BYU by a dozen on the road. Nevada crushed them by 30. They lost to Charleston Southern, at home by a bucket. 4 losses in their last 5 games. They are 4-6, and 2 of those wins are over Tulsa. I think the the guard play of Ole Miss keeps the tempo here. Over 80ppg. Not sure if the Redbirds keep the pace. 5* Best Bet OLE MISS 

Going OVER the total here in New Orleans. Right off the bat I will shocked if Troy doesn't put up at least 44 themselves. This North Texas defense is a poor bunch. 96th in Total Defense. 106th in points allowed. 113th in forced turnovers. Mean Green most likely without their top RB in Wilson. That being said, they have a pretty good QB in Fine who was CUSA first teamer. Troy also brings an experienced QB behind center. I just think we see closer to 70 here than 60. 4* Total Money OVER North Texas/ Troy

Taking the WARRIORS. Now. Normally I am shying away from double digit lines with GS and the Cavs alike. But in this spot, I see a big Warriors win. We have GS off for 2 days coming in. Then, they don't play again till Monday in LA against the Lakers. So this is really a game where they can come full throttle and not worry about rest. No Curry, no problem. I think Durant goes for 40 tonight and has a huge game. I actually thought this line would be higher. Warriors should pull away for at least a 15 point win. 4* Money Maker GS WARRIORS 

Taking COLTS and going MONEY LINE. I mean, you want 2.5/ 3 fine. But My thinking is we aren't going to lose by 2. They should have pulled out the blizzard game last week. Woulda coulda shoulda. That being said, how often are we saying Jacoby Brissett is the best QB on the field. And can we slow down on Denver. The defense hasn't been great all year. So they beat the Jets. The Jets that were suppose to go win-less or win 3 games this year. The Jets, who we cashed over KC the week before. That go from home dogs, to away favorites. I am sorry I over-looked the Broncos last week as I went 8-0 Thursday through Monday. I know Frank Gore was a beast last week in the snow. And he's what, 40 or something. Ok, not that old, but a short week for a grinder like him would hurt since he carries the Colts offense. But the guy is a border line Hall of Famer. Denver is scoring about 15ppg their last 11 games. I think we can put up at least 2 TDs here at home. Broncos 0-8 ATS last 8 on the road. 1-8 ATS last 9 overall. How about 0-6 ATS last 6 in Indy and a crazy 1-9 ATS last 10 in the series. Home dog for me on the short week. 4* Money Maker INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 

Trying for the big payday on NASHVILLE Puck Line. Canucks having trouble scoring lately. Injures not helping things. You can go -145 if you want. But I'll risk the 100 to take back 200+. 4* PL Money NASHVILLE PREDATORS 

Taking VILLANOVA tonight. Not normally a big fan of taking big road faves. Especially when I am laying points with the newly crowned '#1' ranked team in the land. I think Nova is a very good team. I don't when all is said and done if they are the best. That is why we play the games. But I think they are better than Temple. And there are the talking points. Home dog facing #1 team. Home dog in a rivalry. Make no mistake, this Philly 5 Series (Nova, Temple, St Joe's, LaSalle, Penn) is a big deal to the team. Villanova has swept through going 4-0 the last 4 years. They have already destroyed St Joe's by 41. They beat LaSalle by 9. But, that was also off their Gonzaga game. So maybe a bit of a 'going through the motions.' I just can't see Temple keeping pace here. Wildcats should pull away for a double digit win. 4* Money Maker VILLANOVA 

Taking TEXAS tonight. So I cashed, somehow, Michigan -4.5 in OT over UCLA. That line was moved up to 7 in spots. We get a gift missed layup for late buyers. But let's look at that a game. A game Michigan had no right to win. What do they have in the tank here? Oh yeah. You will hear, let's build off that great comeback. Blah, blah, blah. These guys are off that OT UCLA game which was after b2b Big 10 games, on the heels of North Carolina. Now they face the Shaka Smart Longhorns who will bring the defense and rebounding. Both teams with cupcakes coming up. Again. I can see this being a game for a half. Then the affects of the OT comeback win will rear their ugly faces as Texas pulls away for a 10pt win. 5* Best Bet TEXAS LONGHORNS 

Taking ALBANY. You already know my thoughts on Memphis. We had Mercer and Samford against them already. I will go again with a visitor. Great Danes the class of America East. This is a game they need to put under the belt. 4* Money Maker ALBANY GREAT DANES 

Taking GEORGIA SOUTHERN. These guys beat Wake on the road, and a Missouri State team on a neutral who I think should win the MVC Conference. These guys bring back good experience from last year. Ike Smith and Tookie Brown run the offense. Though Ike left last game with an ankle injury. Even if is limited, I think we still win this. Georgia Southern gets boards and leads the nation in offensive rebounding. This Mason team has zero depth and is really a 5 man crew. 4* Money Maker GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES 

Taking RUTGERS. This is a game that Rutgers has to win. That is why they put Fordham on the schedule. They won by 15 last year. Rams shooting the same 40% from the field as Rutgers. But 24% from 3 is terrible and 28 rebounds a game won't compete with the Scarlet Knights pulling down nearly 40 boards a game! If you take out the Rams top 2 scores, the team can't hit water falling out of a boat in the Atlantic Ocean. Again. Rutgers already 0-2 in Big 10 play. They need every win they can muster. 4* Money Maker RUTGERS

Taking the DUCKS here. I don't think Carolina has played exactly 1 home game since November 27th. That is a long time on the road. They have lost the first 3 on this road trip, the last 2 OT. I the proverbial break is in order and you would think they luck into a win. But what about our Ducks. They come home after a 1-6 road trip ending in b2b shoot-out losses. Win their first game back on home ice then lose in OT. This team needs some wins. I think against a road weary Hurricanes team they get it. Ducks 7-1 last 8 vs the 'Canes. 4* Money Maker ANAHEIM DUCKS 

Going UNDER the total tonight. Alright. As I write this we could be looking at nice 6-0 day of NFL action if the Ravens, up 31-20 right now, hold on for us +5. That being said. Still a nice December run as we are 12-1 in the month heading to that Sunday night game. I'm going to tell you that I am 11-12 on my totals this NFL season. But I can't lay double digits on the road, and I can't get in front of this NE beast. And what really sets this team apart lately is their defense. Remember how we said Pats were done after opening the year 0-2 at home. Blowing a lead to KC. Having to score in the final seconds to beat a rookie QB at home against the Texans. Letting Carolina drop 33 on them at home. The defense was terrible. Well. In 8 games since they haven't allowed more than 17 points. They have really turned it up lately. 3-8-16 points allowed their last 3 road games. As I said in our Ravens write up. Big game on deck vs Steelers up next for NE. Do we think this team is pulling out all the stops here? They show up and win by 10 just going through the motions. I think Gase is out this year. The Cutler job was brutal. Yeah. They exploded for 35 last week vs Denver. 2 defensive TDs and 2 safeties. Do you like those chances against Brady? I think Miami still has a decent defense. So I don't think NE gets to the mid-30s. And I can't see Miami getting more than 20. 4* Total Money UNDER Pats/ Dolphins 

Taking FIU and going ML. You can grab any points if you feel safer. But to be honest. With pair of bottom feeders in the AAC and CUSA, I think the value is on the ML. FIU I think is the better of the rebuilding schools. They have a couple wins under their belts. Not that Morgan State is a terrible MEAC school, I think they are a top 3 school in conference. But that being said. I really don't think they schedule MEAC schools to lose to them at home. Give me the Golden Panthers tonight. 4* Money Maker FIU 

Taking the RAVENS here. One really thing I like here is that Pitt is off that Cincy game. Man they hate Cincy. Almost as much as they hate Baltimore. Tough to come off such a physical, and emotional game like that. Now to get up for another hated division rival. Steelers appear, not to play down, but to always be in a game late. Maybe they are begging us to take Baltimore and Pitt rolls 34-17. But Ravens 4-1-1 ATS last 6 in the series. Pitt won 26-9 back in October. They have the Patriots on deck. I know they battled all the way back over Cincy. But the talk has been all New England and home field. I'll take the flyer on a division road dog. 4* Money Maker BALTIMORE RAVENS 

Taking the JAGUARS. Look. We cashed Seattle ML last week. But that was a home game. It was a totally disrespect game with a line starting at 6. This is a tougher game. First. Flying to the opposite coast. They get a break with a 4pm start. But they have a much bigger division game on deck vs Rams. And let's be honest here. This Jags defense is a beast. They will eat up this OL. Wilson will make a couple plays. But I think he is going to make a couple costly mistakes also. I think this is actually a 'statement' game for Jacksonville. They hear that Bortles is garbage and they can't win with him. I think they rally and show the league they are for real. We have to win by a FG not 2 TDs. 5* Best Bet JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

Taking the CHARGERS here. Easy to jump on LAC and say. Oh, no way they don't win by TD. I feel that every square will be on this play. And believe me. I have taken my lumps with dogs all year while the public has reaped the rewards of season of favorites. I'll tell you why I like this. Defense. Yes. Defense. LAC has been winning with their defense. 0-4 start for them. How about those first 2 losses. OT loss on the road to Jags. They have given up more than 24 points once on the year. To Philly (26). Not the Patriots in New England where they blew a cover losing 21-16. I can't take anything away from Cousins. Guy just fills the stat sheet. But I think Bosa (11.5 sacks) Ingram (8.5 sacks) get to him behind his banged up OL. Chargers 4th in sacks and 4th in INTs on the year. 4* Money Maker LA CHARGERS

Taking ARIZONA today. Now. Many times you will see just grab ML when there are +2.5/ 3 points dogs. Not in this case. As much as I want to, I have to ease up just a bit. This is more of a fade play on the Titans. How the heck are these guys 8-4 and have been outscored on the season. They get another end of game cover on a break away run. I'm not sold. And that is completely opposite of how I started the season on them over the Raiders. Arizona knocked off the Jags here. Is this team better? I don't think so. Plus, how can you lay points with Mariota on the road? 3rd road game in 4 weeks for Titans, while this is 3rd straight at home for Cards. 4* Money Maker ARIZONA CARDINALS 

Taking SIUE today. Not expecting much from either the South Alabama out of the Sun Belt, or SIUE out of the OVC. Both towards the bottom rung in my eyes. But I do see value. SIUE coming home after a road trip. They have played the much better schedule. Look for them to take care of business this afternoon. 4* Money Maker SIUE COUGARS 

Taking the NINERS going ML. You can grab 2.5 or 3. But for me, I don't play a dog thinking they are losing by a FG. I think they win outright. As the year winds down I look for good teams to play on. And by good, I mean spot plays. Niners injected new life with Jimmy G last week. No TDs. But the guy had the offense moving. Bears defense at home is pretty tough. We saw them knock off Pitt, Carolina and nearly the Falcons and Vikings. So forgive me if I think he can put a couple in the end-zone vs this Texans defense. I see no quit in SF. Forget their record. They play hard for their coach and now have their QB behind center. Same can't be said for a lost Houston season. Defense again lost with injuries. The loss of Watson at QB, huge. What a job he did. 4* Money Maker SF NINERS

Taking the CHIEFS this afternoon. We cashed the Jets last week over KC as we had a nice 6-1 of NFL action. I think we start off today just like last Sunday. Andy Reid handed over the reigns of the offense and Alex Smith aired it out for 4 TDs and 366 yards. We have revenge for that crazy 31-30 loss back in Oakland. Go youtube that ending. Tough for us KC backers. We know that the Chiefs have allowed more than 20 points once (21) in their last 11 home games. After a 5-0 start, the desperation is reaching a fever pitch. Remember that Oakland was in the same desperate hole on Thursday night. They were 2-4 having dropped 4 straight. Now the shoe is on the other foot. 8* Sure Shot KC CHIEFS 

Taking the JETS. Maybe this is a sucker line for us to jump on Winnipeg. This team still has 17 wins. I understand they have dropped 2 in row and this is game 3 of their road trip. But I think this is a 'statement' game for them against 20 win Tampa. Jets 4-1 last 5 in Tampa, and road team 7-1 last 8 in series. 4* Money Maker WINNIPEG JETS

Taking CINCY here. Florida is in trouble right now. Losing to Loy-Chi. Blowing a double digit lead? Live by the 3, die by the 3. Coach calls his kids soft all the time. Well if they are really marshmallows we will find out in a quick hurry. Angry Bearcats in off loss to X. I think Cincy is a Final 8 team. I think they are just going to man handle the Gators. If I lose this with Florida connecting on 20 3s so be it. 5* Best Bet CINCINNATI BEARCATS 

Taking WICHITA today. Cowboys came to town, unranked, and dropped 93 on the Shockers last December. I had to go back to the final regular season loss of 2013 to find the last time Wichita gave up 90 points. They got behind 13 in the second half to South Dak State last game and still won by 10. I think they were looking ahead to this trip. Payback time. If Shockers don't win this one by at least 10 I'll be shocked. 10* Money Bomb WICHITA STATE SHOCKERS  - even though this is a GOM play as an 11 or 12 unit game. -- We don't bet the house but will put a little more on this game then our usual 10*

Taking MICHIGAN here. As I have said in previous football and hoops write ups. Give me the unranked team all day long. Plus this UCLA is a mess. Look. Getting rid of the Ball Family is probably a blessing. I mean, the dad says no big deal shop lifting in China. Open a book Mr Ball. Geez. So at least we won't have to endure the freak show with the kids as they will be terrible in Europe. That being said, give me some Beilein at home vs a west coast team playing early game. 4* Money Maker MICHIGAN 

Taking USC tonight. I'll tell you this. I was ready to do a write up on the Sooners. I see a 'ranked' team as a dog or pk vs an unranked, and hoops or football I am getting involved. But as I look deeper at this game, I have to go Trojans. This is the proverbial 'circle the wagon' game. You get 5 starters back from a 26 win team and you get high hopes and big heads. Well, you then drop games to Texas A&M and SMU and you are reeling looking at slide out of the polls. Fresh in peoples mind is a 22-3 run by SMU in a 72-55 loss. People think freshman Trae Young is the next big thing off a big PK80 Tournament and his near 29ppg. I see a desperate USC team playing in their backyard in what is 'must win' for them. 4* Money Maker USC 

Taking MINNESOTA. This is just one of the teams I like. These guys Nashville. Avs at home have had some value. But the Wild are a team I was high on coming into the season. At 13-11-2-1 not exactly setting the world on fire. A tidy 8-3-2 at home, but 5-8-0-1 on the road including a loss to start this road trip. At this price, I will back them again. 4* Money Maker MINNESOTA WILD 

Taking the PISTONS. So, you can say GS is in revenge mode after losing at home 124-107 to these guys back in October. But I think that gives us some confidence. Detroit has played much better at home (8-2) than on the road (6-8). Warriors ending a 10 day, 6 game road trip with a chance at a 6-0 record. But losing Curry I think points out more to what they have to do the entire season. Which is not get injured. I think they were already taking the Cavs approach of, who cares if we lose some games in the regular season. It is about the playoffs and getting back to the Finals. Green missed last game. Iguodala nicked up. To a lesser extent missing Pachulia hurts. Every team is gunning for GS. Every team will bring their 'A' game to knock off the champs. Pistons no different. Not saying they get another outright win. But honestly. Would it really shock anyone to see the Warriors as double digit faves even on the road against 90% of the league? I'm grabbing the hungry home dogs. 4* Money Maker DETROIT PISTONS 

Taking the FALCONS. So we had the Saints in a nice win in our 6-1 Sunday of action. But like I always say. It is what people see last. They see New Orleans winning, and the Falcons struggling at home vs the Vikings. This is the season for Atlanta. With a 45% of making the playoffs, they need to win 3 of 4 to have a chance. And facing NO twice and finishing up in Carolina, they will have a shot at getting in. Give me the desperate home team. 4* Money Maker ATLANTA FALCONS 

Taking ARLINGTON. One of the top mid majors in case you didn't know. But they have been getting some love so hopefully we can still find good value on them in conference play as it approaches. Their 80ppg (49% FG) offense start with PG Neil (13ppg 10astpg) - Hervey and Hamilton inside clear the glass with both at over 8 boards a game and Hervey pouring in 23ppg. Now Northern Iowa finished MVC play last year with the lowest offensive efficiency. Looks like it has carried over to their team 43% shooting and 68ppg. They have a 6'4 guard leading the team in rebounding at over 10ppg. That is a whole lot of missed jumpers drilling off the front of the rim. Koch is really the only guy with a shot that falls on a regular basis (63% FG). I just think that kind of shooting vs a team like UTA will eventually bite you in the rear end. 4* Money Maker UT ARLINGTON 

Taking IDAHO. Love seeing a Big Sky team favored over the PAC 12! As I have said in a previous winning write up with Idaho. This is a deep Vandels team. Should win their conference. Cougars beat them by 13 last year. Time for a little revenge. This is a huge game for the team this year. If they think they are as good as they are suppose to be this season. This is a 'must win' or a 'circled' game or whatever you want to call it. WSU 6-1 and getting points from a smaller school. Love Idaho here. 5* Best Bet IDAHO 

Taking the OILERS. Flyers finally end their losing streak on Monday night. Edmonton is rested, having last played on the 2nd. Philly won 2-1 back in October on their own ice. Oilers getting ready to head out on a road trip. At this price, we have to take the home faves. 4* Money Maker EDMONTON OILERS

Taking the KINGS. Yeah, these guys are a bad club. Cavs have won what, 12 in a row? I'll tell you why I like this game. I think this is a spot we LeBron get a few extra minutes off. They have the Pacers up next who came into Cleveland and won 124-107 back on November 1st. I think they want to make a statement in that game. Like they have been beating all the teams in the East. So I think we creep inside this number with the back-door open. 4* Money Maker SACRAMENTO KINGS 

Taking HARVARD tonight. I know that the Crimson are struggling a bit. They need to get more efficient putting the ball in the hoop. The below 30% on 3s hurts and we are barely hitting 41% of our shots. Let's not discount the schedule. My pick to win the Ivy, has stepped out to play 6 road games already including a little tourney out in Cali. They beat a better A10 team in St Joe's before losing to the host, Cal State Fullerton. But we also see games against WCC power St Mary's and monster SEC Kentucky. Northeastern is a solid CAA team and I have Manhattan #2 in the MAAC. I just think that Harvard has played a bit tougher schedule so far. Crimson are the better team and should win this one. 4* Money Maker HARVARD 

Taking the ANTELOPES late! Yes.. Finally a Grand Canyon lined game. You might not know about the 'Lopes, but I have been waiting for Thunder Dan's squad to arrive. They are now post-season eligible. They have gone 15-15, 17-15, 27-7 and 22-9 under Majerle. They should win the WAC. These guys can play D. They are deep. They have some size. This is nearly a home game just 8 miles from home, while STJ is traveling nearly 3000 miles. I do like St John's. But I like them better in a hunter role, rather than being hunted. Mullin and Majerle should have a 3pt shooting contest at the half! 4* Money Maker GRAND CANYON 

Taking MINNESOTA. You know I am high on the Wild this year. No shock at me grabbing them as small road dogs. Wild starting a Cali trip. But as I have said before, if we are playing the road team, lets get on them fully focused game 1. We get that here. Wild 4-1 last 5 vs Kings. 4* Money Maker MINNESOTA WILD

Taking ARIZONA. Have to tell you. I was ready to grab A&M until I see that they were favored. I think they are a talented bunch. I think they are capable of a Sweet 16 run. They can win the SEC Tournament. But I am on Arizona. They let me down in that OT win last game not covering the number. This is a still a very talented team. Just a little sluggish out of the gate. And again, I am going to be honest here. If they can't pull out the win here tonight, I am really going to reevaluate any thoughts of playing them in the near future. There is a lot more internal problems than I first thought. 4* Money Maker ARIZONA 

Taking SMU tonight. Though about TCU with double revenge. But SMU is still forcing TOs and steals so they will be a live dog here. TCU is good club. Should not be back in NIT defending their title. SMU just rolled USC at home who beat them in the NCAAs. So, yeah, I am hoping they aren't flat after that game. They are 8-2-1 ATS last 11 on the road though. They beat TCU by 15 last year and 5 the year before. Not really looking at the long trends since the teams are so different. 4* Money Maker SMU 

Taking UAB. I know Troy is defending Sun Belt champs, but I like my Blazers. This is a tough CUSA team. UAB has had Troy's number the last 2 years, and I don't see that changing tonight. 4* Money Maker UAB BLAZERS 

Taking SAMFORD here. A little SoCon for a Tuesday night. Not high on Memphis. You know this. We had Mercer ML vs them as a double OT loser last game. Bulldogs have a lot of pieces back from last year. They are one of those tough little middies. Now most times I take my dogs to win outright. But in this case, I think we stay inside this number. 4* Money Maker SAMFORD 

Taking the BLUES. 3 straight losses and 4 in their last 5 games. But they have had a couple days off to get things straight. This is still a pretty good team. I know Montreal has reeled off 5 straight. But they did drop their previous 5, so they are streaky. Just think the Blues get back in the win column tonight. At this price, we have to jump on the road team. 4* Money Maker STL BLUES

Taking the RED WINGS. 17 win Jets team as small faves over Detroit who lost 10-1 last game. Winnipeg has lit the lamp 12 times the last 2 games. For me, I am playing any ice team that gets whipped like that their next game. Not even batting an eye on this home dog. Then we see a short line with a team playing as well as the Jets? Maybe it is easy money on the Jets tonight. But in my life, nothing is ever as easy at is seems. 4* Money Maker DETROIT RED WINGS 

Taking WEST VA tonight. Should be an interesting game. But, I gotta go with my gut here. Line has moved a bit. I see a lot of ML on VA, but spread on WVa. I like Huggins. Worried a bit about their shooting vs a tough VA defense. But WVA can bring pressure themselves. We saw a 49-37 game in Wiscy / Va. So you know they can get pretty ugly. That being said, West Va gets the call. 4* Money Maker WEST VA

Taking VILLANOVA. I can't blame anyone for grabbing Zags and the points. It isn't like they are chopped liver. Just back to back OTs vs Florida and Texas. Then a huge second half to beat Creighton. Now flying cross country. This may as well be a home game for Nova and they are no strangers to playing in MSG. 4* Money Maker VILLANOVA 

Taking VERMONT. How many people are blindly betting on Marquette here. Vermont? Who? What's a Catamount? This is a really top flight mid-major. They have a nice guard in Haynes and an inside guy in Lamb. 4* Money Maker VERMONT 

Taking FLORIDA here. People see 6-0 Seminoles 5-1 Gators. Battle of Florida. I see a team that is clearly better than the other. I think Florida defense is the difference here. Scoring 113 vs Citidel or 98 vs Kennesaw is not playing a team like the Gators. Florida State score 78 vs Rutgers. On the flip side, Gators have been mixing it up vs Gonzaga, Duke and Stanford. Off a tough Duke loss, I think they win this one going away. Maybe run 'Noles out of the building by 20. 4* Money Maker FLORIDA GATORS 

4* Total Money OVER Wolves/ Grizzlies 

Taking the BRUINS. Like this spot for Boston. So, Nashville has a bigger divisional game tomorrow night and off a divisional game. So this could be a flat, or look-ahead or whatever you want to call it. Division games always more important. Bruins have won 6 of 7 and allowed more than 3 goals just once. 4* Money Maker BOSTON BRUINS 

Taking MISSOURI STATE. Now, you have seen me back these guys already a couple times this year. I missed them last guy and I hope I am not a day late/ dollar short backing them in this spot. I would have been on them at this price either way, but I would obviously feel more comfortable if we cashed with them last game. That being said. I this this guys are the MVC faves. NDST is in the top tier of the Summit. They did face each other just a couple weeks ago with NDST winning 57-54 as 9.5pt dogs. So I expect the quick angle revenge here tonight. 4* Money Maker MISSOURI STATE 

Taking the CAPS tonight. 3rd game in 4 nights for this Sharks team on the road. They do have some trends working in their favor against Washington. But I am going with the home fave in this spot. 4* Money Maker WASHINGTON CAPITALS 

Taking SEATTLE and going ML. Heck. At 3 maybe I would be interested a tad in Philly. But there is no way I am laying a near TD with this group on the road. Not in this spot. This is a tough place to play. I know the defense is missing a lot of talent. I am not running down their IR list or injury report. Seattle isn't an elite group anymore, but they are good. And this is a pretty disrespectful line if you ask me. And I hate Seattle. I try to go out of my way to find a reason to fade them. But I will grab Wilson in this spot. The kid makes plays. 8 straight wins and covers for Philly. I am bucking that trend and calling home dogs outright on Sunday night. 4* Money Maker SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 

Taking the SAINTS. Yeah, the win streak is over. But losing to the Rams was expected from me. This is their must win game. They already took care of Carolina on the road and went on a nice run. They win this one and they wrap up the division like an early Christmas gift. Panthers with a lucky cover last week. I think they are in for a battle today. Saints bringing a pretty good run game to counter Brees and his accurate arm. Granted, the NO defense is always leaky. But Cam can bring a clunker when times get tough. 10* Money Bomb NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Taking the CHARGERS today. Yeah. Big number. Last week we lost with the Bears and Dolphins as big dogs. Pulled out Bills. That being said. The Browns aren't either of those teams. This franchise is a train wreck. 1-26 SU last 27 games.  We laid the number with Cincy last week over Cleveland. Let's not forget. Browns BEAT the Chargers last year. What an embarrassing loss for the franchise! Payback time. 4-17 ATS last 21 for Cleveland. Chargers in a groove. Extra rest with win over Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Playoffs are in site. 4* Money Maker CHARGERS

Taking VANDY. I know they are 3-4 so when I say they play a tougher schedule, you think, well, they lost. How good are they? But playing teams like Belmont, the top dog in OVC play who routinely upsets Power 5 teams is good. Playing Southern Cal who should compete for the PAC 12 crown is good. Virginia, Seton Hall. These are tournament teams. Oral Roberts, George Washington, Northern Arizona, Irvine, American and Kansas City aren't. Those are stat fillers and Ws to fill your schedule. K-State's only loss in their 6-1 record was to the only real school they played, Arizona State. Give me the 3-4 home team, with a tough court to play on. 4* Money Maker VANDERBILT 

Taking the NINERS here. Should probably just go +140/160 in the ML this afternoon. Look. I just think we have 2 teams, organizations if you will, heading in opposite directions. Where the Bears look to be moving on from Fox, SF is firmly behind its new hire. The players will be extra motivated with Jimmy G getting his first start. The guy looked good in his only starts. Granted. That is with the Hoodie directing the attack. Also. This Bears offense is anemic. How can you trust them laying any points. They had 6 rushing yards last week. Again, I am not saying SF is Philly. But I think we have at least the 'spark and motivation' factor with our QB. I'll take the 1 win Niners. 4* Money Maker SF NINERS 

Taking the PACKERS. Obviously, we had a nice showing from GB last week in Pitt. I hate just going off 1 game. But after 6 games, you would think he is grasping, or at least, getting better in the system. And let us not mistake Tampa for some great team. I think that HC Koetter could be given his walking papers at the end of the year. The Bucs give up the most yards per game. Tough to not like GB at home laying such a short number. 4* Money Maker GREEN BAY PACKERS 

Taking the JAGS. Can't believe I am backing Bortles laying this number. But the defense is no joke. And at least for us, the Colts are a complete joke. Jags with the road shut-out 27-0 in Indy. Now home, off a pair of back to back road games going 1-1 ending with a loss in Arizona last week. I think they come out angry. I think that 7-2 in conference play, they need every win they can get with the Titans breathing down their necks here in the South. Jax with 10 sacks in the first meeting. Colts still having problems on the OL as the Titans sacked the QB 8 times last week. Jags 3-0 SU/ ATS after a loss this year winning each game by at least 21. 44-7 over Ravens. 30-9 over Steelers and 27-0 over these Colts. 4* Money Maker JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

Taking the JETS here. Might even go +150 ML today. No way you can step on the KC train right now. Are you playing the they are do card? I get they have some nice weapons. But the run game has been awful. The QB play terrible. And the coaching is just not getting it done. Jets have played hard every game for their HC. This is the joke team that was suppose to go 0-16 or win 3 games this year. Jets have blown 4 4th quarter leads this year. They should be undefeated ATS at home. 4* Money Maker NY JETS 

Taking ARIZONA here. Could have had these guys at -4 last night but just didn't pull the trigger. Not sure why I second guess my initial thought on a game. These guys started the year, what, ranked 2? Then they dropped 3 straight to fall completely out of the rankings. I think this a good team for them to play. Zona likes to force it on defense and I think UNLV will turn it over, and the Zona make them pay. We can't discount how good this team is on 'paper' even the way they opened the season. I think we have a big edge inside to help also. 4* Money Maker ARIZONA 

Taking WISCONSIN. Well. We can grab the 6.5 or 7, but I am more interested in the +220 ML play. How they heck aren't these guys chomping at the bit to come out and attack Ohio State. Undefeated Big 10 team. Holy Cow. If this was Michigan or Ohio State, forget about it. They would be the #1 seed in the playoffs. But, it's the Badgers. Ho-hum. You can't ask for a better disrespect card to be played. I can't blame you for leaning OSU. Urban Meyer championship games have a knack for scoring a W. But I have seen Bucky lose at home to Oklahoma. I saw them rally to an improbable win over Penn State at home. I saw them, gassed from said win, get absolutely trucked at Iowa. Then come out and totally pound Michigan State into submission after that loss. So who shows up? Not that the 59-0 absolute beat-down OSU gave Wiscy in the 2014 Big 10 Championship Game have any ramifications. But rest assured, oh some old Badger players made the rounds and are looking for a pound of flesh in the revenge world. You look at this Wiscy schedule and see nothing sexy or flashing. Just win after win after win. I will tell you on Sunday night, I said to myself. Yeah, OSU as a TD fave. Should get their. Too much talent. But, the game isn't played on paper. I'll take my ML shot tonight. 4* Money Maker WISCONSIN 

Taking FRESNO. A quick rematch off of last week's Fresno win. 28-17 doggy outright. What has changed? I think this guys are pretty equal teams. And more importantly for me. The famed 'Smurf Turf' has lost its luster. Boise 3-12 ATS last 15 at home. Maybe this is a huge square play I am getting reeled in on. But I'm biting on the dog anyway. 4* Money Maker FRESNO STATE 

Taking CLEMSON tonight. Let's start with the Tigers and their 5-1 SU post-season record the last 2 years. Experience. Depth. Those two things alone vault us to a 10pt edge over the Canes. And I'm a U fan. Believe me. I hope that Mark Richt can bring back the glory days of Miami past. But this team is not talented enough to play in this spot. 10-1 is a great year. But really. These guys pulled out some miracles. We faded and played on them in key spots. They have been up and down all year. They bring the show for the marquee teams. Florida State, Va Tech, ND. 2 convincing wins, but a last second one over FSU. How about that win over GT? Or the play down to Syracuse and NC. Again. I just don't think Miami has the horses for Clemson. This is the Tigers 5th ACC Championship Game. The first for the Hurricanes. Tigers have been a top recruiting team for years and Dabo just reloads. With Bama out of the picture, Clemson is the marquee football school. Not Ohio State. This is the 11th straight game week for The U. Clemson had a bye in mid-October. They scheduled a cake walk in mid-November 61-3. The jumped out to a 34-0 lead before South Carolina got a FG on the board in the 4th quarter. This team is rested and focused. Oh, it won't be 58-0 like 2015 when the Tigers mauled Miami on the road. But this should be at least a 14-17pt win for Clemson. 10* Money Bomb CLEMSON TIGERS 

Taking MARSHALL. Not sure why this line is moving like it is. Maybe they expect Akron to stink up the place. Because that is what I think. A rebuilding job taking place for the Zips. Marshall with revenge for last years 99-88 game. Major difference this year is that The Herd can still put up 90ppg. We'll lay it. 4* Money Maker MARSHALL 

Taking MERCER. How many people are saying? Who? Another SoCon titan! 5 seniors and depth behind them. Memphis is not that good. This line says it all. 4* Money Maker MERCER 

Taking FURMAN. Money earnin' Furman for us today. I have this guys at the top of my SoCon food chain. We are deep with experienced guys in the back-court. I do love my OVC schools. And Tenn Tech will be something I look at more in conference play. But I think Furman handles them this afternoon. 4* Money Maker FURMAN 

Taking ORAL ROBERTS here. Will grab these after I faded them the other night. Not a fan at all of Little Rock. I think they have more work to do than our guys. This is a nice number for us and I won't be shocked if we have a shot at the outright win late. 4* Money Maker ORAL ROBERTS 

Taking AUBURN. Well. We had Auburn over these guys when the first met. We had Auburn ML last week over Alabama. And will get behind them again as they ride into the Playoffs. I said in August I thought the winner of the Iron Bowl wins the SEC. Not changing now. I know Georgia had a great year. But I don't trust them in this spot. I can't harp on them for their Clemson loss. And I think they learned a valuable lesson up 20-0 in the 2nd quarter before letting LSU claw their way back to a late victory. That kind of loss stays with you and eats at your insides. They have been on a mission since with winning margins of 32, 15 (both on road), 40-17 over this Georgia team, 28, and last weeks 26-14 win over Alabama. Is a true frosh QB ready for this kind of game even with a big revenge angle in his favor? 4* Money Maker AUBURN TIGERS 

Taking CAL DAVIS.  Just think we get a little let down game from Washington State. Undefeated. Off a nice 3-0 Wooden Legacy Tourney run. UCD is not a terrible Big West team. They will get up for the PAC 12 and I think 8 is a generous number. 4* Money Maker UC DAVIS 

Taking MARQUETTE. These guys can shoot the ball no doubt. The defense is a bit lacking. But I don't fear the Bulldogs. 4* Money Maker MARQUETTE

Taking ST BONAVENTURE. Not sure why we are sleeping on the Bonnies. I think these guys are a pretty good group. I do like Buffalo. They should be the top 1 or 2 team in the MAC. I just think Mobley is the difference maker for us today. 4* ST BONAVENTURE 

Taking ST LOUIS. Just like this group. They have been bad. But I think this is a break-out year for HC Ford and his kids. Butler in off big win over Ohio State. I know they are the 'bigger' name, and people just auto check names as easy wins. I think we keep this one close. 4* Money Maker STL BILLIKENS 

Taking a shot FLYERS on the PUCK LINE. 9 straight losses. Yikes! Not that I like to play the 'they are due' card. But a few days off to clear their heads. It is a new month, they are 0-0. Home team has won 4 of the last 5 in the series. OPINION FLYERS Puck Line 

Taking OKLAHOMA. I'll tell you what it really comes down to for me. I know that TCU is the prime defense in the Big 12. But this Sooners offense has been pretty good. We know that Baker Mayfield can move the ball on the Horned Frogs. Do you have that kind of faith in Kenny Hill? I sure don't. 2 years ago it was 49-24 Sooners heading to the fourth quarter. Don't be fooled by a 52-49 final. 64 and 74 yard TD passes for Hill. I know Sooners defense is leaky. But it can be when you have a QB with 37 TDs and just 5 INTs. 8* Sure Shot OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking CINCY. Will probably play this on the ML when it is posted. I like this Bearcats team. I know X is a tough out. But I think that Cincinnati has a real chance at a deep tournament run. Tough battle, but I like us to win this thing. 4* Money Maker CINCINNATI BEARCATS 

Taking MEMPHIS and grabbing the ML +240/250. Look UCF is undefeated. Nothing negative to really say about the team. They ambushed Memphis with 17 unanswered in the 2nd quarter back in September in rout to a 40-13 win. But this is a talented bunch so I think it worth sprinkle a small unit or 2 on them. Opinion Play MEMPHIS ML 

Taking USC here in the PAC 12 Championship. This is it. Pretty simple thinking for me. Forget the fact that the Trojans beat these guys 42-24 back in September. What really jumps out for me on SC is this. They are off a bye. How huge is this in December! After 12 straight games, a 10-2 record and 4 game win streak, Trojans should have an edge tonight. Stanford in off 38-20 thrashing of Notre Dame. But that game was 20-17 heading into the fourth quarter before 3 Cardinal TDs. Love is a beast RB. Again. I saw USC have 2 RBs go for over 100 vs Stanford when they first met. Plus I saw SC QB toss for 300+ yards while Stanford went for 160. A near 20pt win and your QB has 2 INTs. You take away a 75 yard run for Love and that 160 drops to 85. SC hasn't won the PAC 12 since 2008! Stanford has won it 3 times since then. I know Darnold and the offense is a bit turnover prone. But this is a short number. I can't under-value the extra prep + rest for USC. 5* Best Bet USC TROJANS 

Taking TOWSON here in Ireland! The Belfast Basketball Classic? I don't even have words. Let's get to the Tigers. These guys play hard at both ends of the court. I have them as possibly the #2 CAA team. I have LaSalle pegged for the middle, at best in the A10. Give me the better rebounding team. 4* Money Maker TOWSON TIGERS 

Taking the TRAILBLAZERS. You just finished up a nice 4-1 road trip. 3 straight wins. 5 of 6. 7 of your last 10. You must take care of business vs the Bucks tonight. Milwaukee wrapping up a 4 game 4 game road, 2-1 so far beating the Suns in OT and the Kings. Lost to the Jazz. I think it is safe to say Blazers are the best team they face on this trip. Looking for a big game from Lillard and McCollum tonight. 4* Money Maker PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS 

Taking TEMPLE. Gotta say. I like Dunphy. Guy does a super job with this club. Not that high on Frank Martin. Both these teams, those gritty, fill the stat sheet type clubs. Hustle and ugly. Maybe people think Carolina was in the Final Four so they are that good this year. I think this is a bit of rebuild for them. 4* Money Maker TEMPLE OWLS 

Going OVER the total here. So. Both these guys on regular rest as they both played on Thanksgiving. Redskins pulled out an ugly win. Cowboys laid an egg in ugly loss. Never have I been a fan of Jason Garrett. Guy is trash. We have all seen the outscored by 72-6 in 2nd half last 3 games. But the guy is a terrible coach. People want to rip Romo. Man. If the guy had a coach who could game plan maybe he would have won a playoff game. Instead, you sent Romo out there to win it on his talent. Well. Dak isn't Romo. And when you have a banged up OL and no RB, it doesn't matter who is behind center, you are in trouble. The defense has been leaky for umpteenth years. Whatever limited hope for a wild-card berth is there, both 5-6 teams will be, safe to say, desperate tonight. I nearly went Redskins. I can see Cousins to Doctson for 3 TDs today. 4* Total Money OVER Redskins/ Cowboys 

Taking the WILD tonight and going PUCK LINE for the big money. I said before that I think it is time to get off the Knights train. What a great feel-good story. But I just don't think this team keeps this pace all season. They are still an expansion team. Wild home after getting smoked 7-2 and 6-3 their last 2 road games. I expect a crisp performance and a 4-1 win tonight. 4* PL Money MINNESOTA WILD 

Taking WILMINGTON. Not sure why this line is getting all the way steamed up. But I would have been involved either way. A bit of a rebuild for NCW. But this team is still a top CAA club. Same can't be said for ECU expected to be a low rung AAC team. 4* Money Maker NC WILMINGTON 

Taking the CAPITALS. So the Kings notched a win over the Red Wings to start their road trip. I think that Washington, winners of 3 straight, get it done today. LA is 10-3 last 13 in the series. But as I dig deeper into that trend, I find us some value. Last 3 games here in Washington. 5-0, 3-1 and 4-0 Capitals. 4* Money Maker WASHINGTON CAPITALS 

Taking SOUTH FLORIDA. Now. I don't have the Bulls high in conference play. And I think Elon will be a top tier CAA team. But I call me a sucker. I don't care. I will take these points. I think SoFla has a shot at an outright win here. Maybe my notes are totally off and we lose by 18. But I see a close game, easily withing a couple buckets. 4* Money Maker SOUTH FLORIDA