Taking ALABAMA. So here we are. 3rd times a charm right. Who takes the crown? I had Clemson ML last year. Had Alabama minus points the year before. Back to the Tide. Look. All I heard coming into the playoff selection was how Bama didn't play anyone. Lost to the only good team they played. Didn't deserve to be here. Forget the fact they were ranked #1 all year long. You don't think Saban uses this crap to motivate. Hard to motivate when you have been favored in 50 straight games or whatever it is. Well. After I typed that I went all the back to the 2010 season. 1 game. They were a 1.5pt dog at Georgia in 2015. They won 38-10. These guys are healthy. The defenses might offset. But Bama offense has the edge. They aren't facing Watson who carved them up. Heck, we saw what he did in his brief NFL stint. No. They get Kelly Bryant. 13 TDs 6 INTs on the year. In the 2 previous Championships, we saw 76-75, Bama by 1. That was with Watson. As good as Clemson is. I can't sit here and think they are that good right now. I know you will here about their great bowl run the last few years. We aren't laying 6.5 like the previous 2 years. It's a FG. And I am in on the Tide. 8* Sure Shot ALABAMA 

Taking OKLAHOMA. Backing the Sooners to make it to the Championship. Strength vs strength. Georgia defense, vs the Heisman winner and a monster offense. I know, I know. Defense wins champions. Stoops can't win big games. Throwing that out here. This Sooner defense is good enough to slow things down on Georgia. I don't think the Bulldogs can do the same with Oklahoma. I am trying to find the offense they faced that is anything like what they see in this game. I have no idea what the heck happened at home vs Iowa State. Laying 31, losing outright. That is some mind-boggling crap. But that being said - Sooners went to the Horseshoe and dominated Ohio State. They took care of a pretty tough TCU squad twice. Georgia put up 50+ on Missouri who put up 16 on Texas. Not that I like comparing teams this way. But Georgia has yet to face this kind of team. I think Sooners win this by double digits. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA 

Going OVER the total here. Won't be shocked if we are over 50 by halftime today. UCF will put up some points. I think Auburn will get 40+. Look. We can sit here and say, oh, Auburn mails it in. They were a game away from the playoffs. And I can't blame you for that thinking. But then they get a match-up vs the only undefeated team. I think that will peak their interest. Again. Yes, they beat then #1 Georgia, and then #1 Alabama. But playing an undefeated team, even from the AAC will get their attention. Scott Frost and all the assistants stayed on to complete the 13-0 season. We know they will all-in here. Slaying an SEC team? A team that beat a pair of #1 ranked teams. Heck. That is a nice trophy to hang their hats on their. This game has absolute 45-44 thriller written all over it. Or the Tigers absolutely mail it in and get throttled 47-13. I am betting on a wild shoot-out. 5* Best Bet OVER Auburn/ Central Florida 

Taking the TITANS. Not sure where the Jags motivation is? They are locked into the 3 seed. They host a home game. Even off that SF loss, I can't see them risking getting guys injured. Maybe they play a half. I had Tennessee last Sunday. Win and they are in. I'll back the small home fave. 10* Money Bomb TENNESSEE TITANS 

Taking the FALCONS here. Man. All I am  hearing is talk about the Panthers. I know this isn't the same Super Bowl team as last year. The offense clearly not the same. I know Julio is banged up. But hell. It is Week 17. Playoff spot on the line. Time to man up. They win, they are in. They lose. And they need Arizona to beat Seattle. Just take care of business yourself. As for Carolina. They have some possible seed movement. Anywhere from 2-6. Not sure how they play it. They get down early, they might pull back. They just played a really tough game vs TB needed everything to win. Atlanta 7-2 ATS last 9 here at home vs Panthers. 5* Best Bet ATLANTA FALCONS 

Taking LOUISVILLE here. Big edge for the Cards. First, the coach. Plenty of bowls under his belt. Miss State HC left for greener pastures. Second. QBs. Last year's Heisman who had a pretty good follow up season, in his last college game. For the Miss State, their season starter lost for the year in Egg Bowl vs Ole Miss. I just think this lines up with a lot of positives for UL. Like I said - Mullen to the Gators. No Fitzgerald. Tough to overcome a UL team looking to make up for last years 29-9 loss to LSU, another SEC team. No lack of focus as their QB is looking to go out on a high note. 8* Sure Shot LOUISVILLE 

Taking NEW MEXICO STATE. First bowl game in nearly 60 years for the Aggies. These guys looked pretty evenly matched in my eyes. Not a far ride for Aggies backers. Word is they will be rolling in pretty deep with fan support. Huge game for the school. 5* Best Bet NEW MEXICO STATE 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE. Now. I will say that I was looking at Washington State. They lose their top 2 WRs for the game. Not that should matter since they have other players with 30+ catches. What really flipped me to Sparty is 1 - The coaches. Does anyone really have faith in Mike Leach? He tossed his hat into the ring of HC openings. Who knows if he was serious. But the coaches under maybe raised an eyebrow. Freshened up resumes. Dantonio, I know, will bring his A game. Dude got into with Michigan HC over the bowls. This team will come out angry with something to prove. 17-4 ATS 14 outright wins in Dantonio's last 21 listed as dogs. Now. This opened with Wash State as a the fave. Now it is a pk or even MSU favored. Either way, Sparty is the play. 8* Sure Shot MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking BOSTON COLLEGE. I like Steve Addazzio. I think the kids really play for him. We saw wins over Louisville and Florida State. They get up for big games. Playing a bowl game, even in Yankee Stadium is big for these guys. And really, how is Iowa laying points to anyone. Forget about them ripping apart Ohio State. That is clearly a blip in their season. These guys are a barely a .500 team that isn't that good. Iowa 0-5 SU their last 5 bowl games. Losing by 27 to Florida, 29 to Stanford, 17 to Tennessee, 7 to LSU and 17 to Oklahoma. Now, they are playing BC in the Bronx - Zero motivation factor in a step down spot. 5* Best Bet BOSTON COLLEGE 

Taking the COWBOYS this afternoon. Tough laying with Dallas at home especially with their terrible HC. But we are getting a fresh and angry Zeke back. That is enough to move the needle for us to Dallas. This Seattle team is in turmoil. Giving up tons of points. 72 points allowed last 2 weeks! Defense players tweeting at each other. Wilson is a great QB. Guy, by himself, has this team still alive for the playoffs. Now, we have seen Dallas and their brain dead HC crumble with playoffs on the line before. But I can't undervalue the return of Elliot. That is a huge boost. Coming off a 35pt home loss, you expect Seattle to be angry. But the defense is a shell of its former self. My thinking. Zeke, fresh off his break, bullies Seahawks late and Dallas wins this by 10. 5* Best Bet DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking ARIZONA. Simple thinking for me here. Giants mail it in here on Christmas Eve. The Eli show comes to an end at home, against rival Redskins. That is the game the Giants go all out. This has been a brutal year all around for NY. The coach. The QB. The WR. The defense. Everything. Good news is they will draft high. Last week they left it all on the field in a near win vs the Eagles. They can't get up like that again. Not a chance. Not 3 weeks in a row. Next week. We'll look to NYG. Both teams playing for pride. Final home game for the Cardinals. Give the fans an early Christmas gift with an easy win! 10* Money Bomb ARIZONA CARDINALS 

Taking SAN DIEGO STATE here. I know you worry about option running offenses. Normally, it is a team you take the points with they step up in class against a bigger school. But let's not forget that Rocky Long has seen this offense plenty. Air Force and New Mexico have the same run game. Aztecs defense gave up just 502 yards in those 2 games this year. Now SDST doesn't thrill you out of the stadium with their offense. But in RB Penny, they have a guy who can explode for us. Guy is a beast and will go over 2000 yards in this game. The defense should be the difference for us covering this number. 5* Best Bet SAN DIEGO STATE 

Taking CENTRAL MICHIGAN here. Man how times have changed. Last year we were riding a Cowboys wave with this team. Now we have a banged up QB who was the 'top pick' in the NFL draft coming into the season having thrown 13TD passes this year! Shane Morris for the Chips is on a nice 14-2 TD/Int run his last 5 games. 4th straight bowl for CMU, lost last year in Miami Bowl. Facing a week offensive team that has a pretty decent defense, I think the Chips are in position to pull out a nice 10pt win on the day. 10* Money Bomb CENTRAL MICHIGAN 

Taking LA TECH on the ML. You can go +5 if you want, but it's Bowl Season, and we are gambling! Like me some Holtz coaching. Skip Holtz has won 3 straight bowls with the Bulldogs. We are sitting at 6-6, winning our last 2 games. So obviously getting over .500 is huge. As is winning another Bowl. They face a 7-5 SMU squad who lost their coach to Arkansas and the SEC. Not sure how much motivation they have playing. I know this is a game in Texas, but LA Tech has been in this area 3 of the last 4 years. Nothing new to them. But it is all new for the Mustangs. They haven't been bowling since 2012 Hawaii Bowl. So without their season long play-caller now ex-HC, I think SMU falls a little short offensively. We know their defense gives up points. I expect Holtz to get the most out of his team as he has done in previous bowls. 5* Best Bet LA TECH BULLDOGS 

Taking FLORIDA ATLANTIC. Yeah. I will lay 3+ TDs with Lane. The guy is a kook and a total follow on Twitter trolling old teams and coaches. So we get an extra home game with the Owl. Let's be honest. They can write their own score in. I am expecting at least 50. Lane will love to run it up here. You know he is looking for his next job already. Akron out of the MAC is miserable on defense. This is an average team like what FAU beat up all year in CUSA. Do we forget Akron down 38-0 in the 3rd in MAC Championship Game before Toledo called off the dogs for an unlikely back door cover (45-28)? Owls 9th in scoring just under 40 game. If this was another year, or some other team, I would be worried about motivation. But FAU has won 3 games each of the last 3 years. The home fans will be pumped to come see them roll to a Bowl Win. 8* Sure Shot FAU 

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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 AUBURN and going ML. I see 4.5, and even a 5 pop up. But I think the Tigers pull off the upset. What is there to say about Bama. We cashed them a few times this year. That being said, I thought the Tigers were the only team that would have the shot at knocking them off. And that's that. I know Auburn has 2 losses. But beating unbeaten Tide, and knocking them out of the Playoffs will erase those losses and thrust them into Playoff conversation. Iron Bowl 10* MONEY BOMB on the AUBURN TIGERS 

Taking BOSTON COLLEGE. BC read hot with the number 7-0-1 ATS last 8 and are now small faves over the Orange. Syracuse throttled their last 2 giving up 43 and 56 in those losses. Not sure where the motivation is as they sit at 4-6. BC looking to get to 7 wins which guarantees them a winning record regardless of bowl outcome. Syracuse has won the last 2 years in the series, so I think BC gets their revenge. 5* Best Bet BOSTON COLLEGE 

Taking TEXAS here. Just see 2 programs going in completely opposite directions. Wheels spinning for Texas Tech. Kingsbury should be on the hot seat for coaches as far as I am concerned. No such problems like that in Texas. New guy has this team believing. A win here clinches their first winning season since 2013. I'll tell you what. This Longhorns team has suffered for a few years. I think they win this one going away. And whatever bowl they end up, they will win that game also. 8* Sure Shot TEXAS LONGHORNS 

Taking the COWBOYS here. What a set up for us today. Are you kidding me. Down to a pk right now. Holy cow. Nothing like people betting on what they just saw. And what better for Chargers backers then seeing 54 points put up and Dallas getting crushed at home allowing 30 points in the 2nd half to Philly. Look. I like the Chargers. We have cashed with them a few times. Dallas looking lost with no Zeke the last 2 weeks. I have never liked Garrett. You can go through my write ups over the years about how he is a terrible coach. But this team is still pretty talented. As I write this, no word if Lee is suiting up for us. He is a huge key to the Boys defense. But again. It is about perception. Is LAC as good as what we saw, and is Dallas as bad? I don't think so. Thanksgiving short week. You damn well know the Cowboys will want to show the NFL World they are still 'America's Team' and going to make the playoffs. 10* Money Bomb DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking the VIKINGS. I do like this Rams team. We have cashed them a few times already. But in this spot, I have to go Minny. I think their coach is just better right now. That is not a knock by any means on the youngster on the LA sideline. But I think this defense will rattle the Goff this afternoon. Again. I am not knocking the Rams or their defense. They have an old dog in Phillips calling things that will trip up boy Case for sure. That being said, this should be a very good game. Rams 117-24 their last 3 games. But beating up on the Texans with Savage at QB and nary a defense to field and dropping a pitiful Arizona team 33-0 at home is nice for the fantasy fans. Let's not overlook Minny putting up a respectable 95 points their last 3 games, 2 on the road. So we can score a bit. As hot as the Rams have been, they are due for a market adjustment. I think it comes this afternoon. 5* Best Bet MINNESOTA VIKINGS 

Taking MEMPHIS here. Well, I don't like laying double digits with any team. But I think we still rate a nice edge. Memphis off their bye. Memphis has won the last 3 51-7, 63-0 and 48-10. I can see what you are thinking.. Oh revenge angle, huge. Now, the first 2 games, Memphis was favored by 20 and 22. Last year -3 on the road. Now 12. Look I do like the Mustangs. Nearly played them last week. But they are finishing up a tough run here. So back to back vs a team off their bye. While they faced Navy in a thrilling 43-40 last second loss. Down 34-11 and coming back to tie with 3 minutes left to lose as the clock hits 0. Tough one. That takes a bit out of you. A week before, you lose a back and forth 31-24 battle to undefeated Central Florida. How about that 38-34 comeback win over Tulsa before that. Or that 31-28 OT win over Cincy before that. I am not saying teams don't play close games. But there is a spot where you pull a clunker. SMU is bowl eligible. They wrap up their season with a winnable home game vs Tulane next. 7-4 is a nice year. 5* Best Bet MEMPHIS 

Taking TOLEDO tonight. Faded the Rockets last week and it paid off for us. But today, nope, all in on Toledo. Look. Bowling Green is bad. This is a recipe for disaster. Toledo will look to take out some frustration and get back on track. I know this is their 3rd road game in 4 weeks, but it is a cupcake. BG has given up 38-48-48 their last 3 losses. Take out the 2 games vs MAC elites Ohio and Northern Illinois, and Toledo has tallied 58-48 their 2 games vs lesser MAC teams. Rockets with the top offense in the MAC and just outside the Top 10 nationally. Bowling Green, a terrible defensive team, last in MAC play and 125 out of 129 teams overall giving up over 500 yards a game. I'll lay it as Toledo looks to lock up a rematch in the MAC Championship vs Ohio. 5* Best Bet TOLEDO ROCKETS

Taking the BILLS. They cost us last Thursday against the Jets. What a clunker. Holy cow. But. I still like the defense. I still like offense. And I will never stop liking fading dome teams in Buffalo. Saints a different team out of the dome. Brees a bit different in the elements. If you get lucky, you might be able to get a better number than this. I think the public will be on NO as they have been very good the last month. But I am on the dog and will probably come in a little ML also. 5* Best Bet BUFFALO BILLS 

Taking OKLAHOMA tonight. Won big with the Sooners as our Top 10* Money Bomb last week. And you would think that there is no place to go but down after 'Bedlam.' But as our pal Lee Corso says. Not so fast my friend. Yes. TCU has allowed  7-7-0-6 points in their last 4 games. Put all those 4 offenses together and you won't get the Sooners. TCU won at Ok State 44-31 in a game that will be very similar to this. We know that Oklahoma can't make a stop on defense. But there hasn't been many times they have been stopped on offense. But for our money, we are not backing Kenny Hill over Baker Mayfield. 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA 

Taking MISSOURI here. Wow. Talk about dead man walking. Put a fork in this Vols team. Shocked the coach isn't canned yet. What are you doing blowing a red-shirt QB for like, 2 plays or whatever. Absolute nonsense in Tennessee right now. Both teams need wins for a bowl bid. I just think that even off a win, the Vols are mailing it in. Tigers have been an offense machine the last few weeks. 45-52-68 run vs Florida, Uconn and Idaho. Not a murderer's row, but enough to build some confidence. Can't see Tenn putting enough points on the board here to stay within striking distance. 8* Sure Shot MISSOURI TIGERS 

Taking ALABAMA here. I lost with these guys last week. But I will come back to them again. Look. These guys are good. I thought they would be motivated after being slighted to #2 in the Playoff Poll. And I still think they play with a chip on their shoulder tonight. How do you motivated guys who have won and played in National Championship Games? You gotta fire them up. Bama didn't look to interested going through the motions vs LSU. They were actually out-rushed. I think they come out here after hearing about their performance all week from their soft-spoken coach. 5* Best Bet ALABAMA 

Taking SEATTLE this afternoon. Redskins in off b2b division losses to Eagles and Cowboys. Now they have to head to one of the toughest places to play. Can't think it as an easy task. Washington is very banged up. I know everyone gets injury in the NFL. But the 'Skins are really hurting on their OL. Seattle on the flip side of things just picked up some huge OL help for their QB. Just think we have 2 teams heading in opposite directions. 5* Best Bet SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 

Taking the TITANS here. Now these guys have given me fits this year. I really thought they would be an improved club. I had them in Game 1 against Oakland. I really thought this offense would be a ground and pound type unit with a decent defense to fall back to. I still like the run game. I don't like the Ravens at all. I had Miami against the Ravens and was smashed. But that I think has more to do with the state of the Dolphins. This Baltimore team is still a banged up unit. Flacco has some extra rest, but we could easily see Mallet here. And to be honest, I think that is a better option if you like the Ravens. Flacco has been bad. 8 INTs and 6 TDs. I think the combo of Murray and Henry is the difference and wears down this Baltimore front. 8* Sure Shot TENNESSEE TITANS 

Taking VIRGINIA TECH. I do like my 'Canes, but I think they get picked off here. I mean, not really picked off as they are dogs, but this team has been really getting all the breaks so far this season. A couple injuries will catch up with them. Losing Walton has been a big blow to the run game.  Has Miami just been playing down the last couple weeks? 4 wins by 18 points. Just think VT a bit better on the defensive side of the ball right now. 5* Best Bet VA TECH 

Taking ALABAMA tonight. I hear everyone saying that Georgia should be 1 in the Playoff Poll. That 'who has Alabama beat' this year. You can't use the 'eye test'. Is that really a question when we are talking about the Tide? Well let's see. In 2014, 1st year of the Playoffs, Bama was the 1 seed and lost to eventual National Champion Ohio State. In 2015, they were the 2 seed and won the National Championship. In 2016 they lost in the National Championship to Clemson. Do people forget that epic game? 2 of the 3 years they were in the Championship. You can say they can easily be 2-0 or 0-2. But don't tell me that this coach will not have his teamed fired up here. I don't care if they are laying 30. This guy destroyed Vandy because statistically speaking, Vandy was the best defense in the SEC. You don't think that riled him up when a reporter asked how does it feel to face the best defense in the SEC? And Saban thinking to himself, I have had 18 defensive guys drafted to the NFL the last 4 years. I know LSU is talented. But their coach is in over his head tonight. 5-0 SU 4-1 ATS last 5 vs LSU with Bayou Kitty Cats putting up barely 10ppg. When you are this good, you need every bit of motivation for the disrespect card to be played. And the Committee just made LSU road kill. 8* Sure Shot ALABAMA

Taking OKLAHOMA today. uhhh. Yes - I know I said I liked the Cowboys to win the Big 12. But I just can't right now. Big hitter RB Hill left last weeks game and is banged up. I do like our QB a lot. It should probably be a shoot-out with Mayfield under center across from Rudolph. Sooners have run off 15 straight wins on the road and 20 of 21 wins in Big 12 play. Loser is out of any playoff talk. Oklahoma already with a big win under their belts winning at Ohio State. You can grab the points but I don't think it is necessary. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

Taking the COWBOYS here. Simple in my thinking here. Dallas just better. Dak is having another solid campaign. Yeah, they are only 3-3. But they are in much better shape than the Redskins who have dropped both division games already. They are in better shape health wise. They obviously have a little better OL and rush game which I think will be the difference maker today. I am going ML here as this line is bouncing around a bit. I have never been a fan of Jason Garrett. And as long as he doesn't do something stupid, Cowboys should walk away with a relatively easy win. 10* Money Bomb DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking the SAINTS today. Never a fan of laying big numbers like this. But in the back of my head, I hear, Pick the Winner. And when I do that, I see the Saints comfortably by double digits today. Bears won last week throwing 7 passes. Come on. What a terrible performance by Cam and the Panthers. Yes, Bears extremely tough at home. Should have beat the Falcons. Beat the Steelers and Panthers and losing a tough one to the Vikings. They scored an OT win over a beat up Ravens team, but I see blow-out losses at Tampa and Green Bay. Drew Brees is a pretty good QB. He seems reborn so far. The trading of AP helps balance the rush attack and take some pressure of the old timer. I just think John Fox has babied Mitch a bit too much lately. Because if they fall behind here and it is 10-14-17 to 0-3.. You need the rook to start chucking. Tough spot in the dome for a rookie QB against a team that sees it's opening in the division, and now the conference with Rodgers down. Could be the swan song for Brees and Payton. Big game for Nawlans. 5* Best Bet NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Taking the CHARGERS today. I know it would be easy to fade these guys coming east to face the Pats. But Rivers has always played NE tough. Let's be honest here. I am not sold on the NE defense being 'fixed.' Shutting down the Falcons who they stymied last in the Super Bowl and then did it the entire game last Sunday says more about Atlanta then NE. That Falcons staff is in trouble but that is a whole other story. Ryan was the only QB who hasn't thrown for 300 yards vs this defense. Oh, Rivers will get his yards. He has some toys to play with. They also have a couple pass rushers in Bosa and Ingram. 4* Money Maker LA CHARGERS 

Taking the BENGALS today. Might even put some +200 ML down on this puppy. I know that Cincy looked bad early. But I think this is a different team since the OC change. I think Mixon has a big day today. This Bengals team isn't afraid to go toe to toe with the Steelers. And what is Pitt anyway? Yeah, we cashed them last week over KC. But they have had the Chiefs number lately. Can someone explain the Jags game? I had Pitt. Jags 3rd straight road game. Figured they were out of gas. And they maul Pitt and have Big Ben talking retirement again. Cincy off their bye week so there is zero lack of focus. I just think they are trying to sucker us in with this line. We've seen 1 line over 3 just once in the last 10 meetings. Still on the dogs though. 8* Sure Shot CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Taking the RAMS here. Ok. So we are in London. Rams coming from Florida, while Arizona is flying, what, a quarter the way around the world. That can't be helpful. I guess everyone is loving the Cards since AP had a big debut. I am not sold. I think the Rams have a better defense than the Bucs. Rams played in England last year so they have a bit of an edge as to what expect. I like the Rams new staff. The offense is much improved. The defense getting better by the week under Wade Phillips. Gurley should have a nice game for us also. Again. Palmer will be on the run much of the game. Not sure what to expect from AP. I mean, he easily could have left it all on the field to prove he can still play. Not jumping on the Arizona train for sure. Short line on a neutral field seems right to me. Even turning the ball over 5 times to Seattle this team had a chance to win. They're scrappy. I'm in. 5* Best Bet LA RAMS 

Taking the VIKINGS this afternoon. Rolling large on Minny. And why wouldn't we. First. Flacco is having a terrible year. 4 TD and 8 INTs in his 6 games so far this season. Last time I checked, Vikes bring a very solid defense to the table. In fact, they have allowed just 2 300 yard passers their last 22 games. They lost by 3 in OT at home last week to the Bears. They needed 2 huge special team TDs (96KO 77Punt) to even get to OT. I am just taking Zimmer here as the coach. The guy gets the most out of his players. The defense alone should help us get 10-13 points off of TOs and field position. 10* Money Bomb MINNESOTA VIKINGS 

Taking the PANTHERS today. I know it is easy for me to say let's grab the Bears. We have cashed with them here at home a couple times already. But I think this a flat spot off that OT road win last week. Panthers in licking their wounds from a Thursday night clunker. Something tells me people are overreacting a bit on Chicago. I like their run game, but I think Cam and the Panthers offense puts some points up today. 5* Best Bet CAROLINA PANTHERS 

Taking SMU this afternoon. Will grab these guys off their bye. Last time I backed them, we were losing at Houston, but with over 500 yards of offense. After a week to recoup, they will be more than ready to face this week Cincy offense. 116th in total offense. They can't get in the end-zone, 117th in scoring. Mustangs putting up over 500 yards a game good for 11th nationally, and 6th in scoring at nearly 44ppg. The defense is no great shakes. And they give up points. Judging by wins over UConn and Arkansas State, I see the same outcome this afternoon. One of those 44-24 type games. Even 44-30 gets us the money. I would be really shocked if the Bearcats get more than 30 points on the board today. Mustangs need to get wins for a bowl bid. They did play 2 years ago and Cincy smoked them 41-3. Any remaining players will motivate their younger teammates to exact that revenge. 5* Best Bet SMU 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE this afternoon. So we have Sparty in off a giving up a back-door cover to Minny. But they dominated the stats. The Hoosiers come in off a big comeback, but eventual loss to Michigan. 10 points in the final 4 minutes is a nice job by them vs a very good Wolverine defense. But have to think of what they have left in the tank after losing in over-time. As an added bonus, Michigan State in with revenge as Indiana won last year winning in OT as a home dog. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking OKLAHOMA STATE. Look. Had the Sooners last week and again, like all Oklahoma teams before it. They give up a big lead and forget to score in the 2nd half. Well. We have Texas off that big comeback and have to wonder what they have left in the tank for State today. I know Herman's record as an underdog. That is fine. But the Cowboys were my pick to win the Big 12. And now that we have had a couple other teams join the 1 loss ranks, well the playoff door is wide open for Oklahoma State to enter the party. I expect OKST to come out fast and no doubt equal, or beat that 20-0 lead that the Sooners put up on Texas early. But unlike Oklahoma, the Pokes play a full game for us and deliver the 10+ point victory. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA STATE 

Taking the BRONCOS tonight. Big number for sure. But when I first look at a game I say this to myself. Who wins this game? If you win, you are more than likely covering. If I like a dog, I am not saying to myself.. Man.. Can't wait to catch the back door. I am thinking we win outright. Are the Giants winning outright tonight? Toss out the line. Look at the state of these 2 teams, and franchises as a whole. Giants at 0-5 just lost to a team that was 0-4 with a rookie HC on their own field when for all intention purposes this was a 'circle the wagons' 'must win' any analogy type game. NYG lost their best offensive weapon in ODB for the year. Their other WRs are also hobled. Hello No Fly Zone Denver defense. No rush attack for the G-Men to take pressure off Eli. Broncos in off of a bye week. Do we not think Von Miller and company are licking their chops waiting to face this OL? Denver destroyed the Cowboys. Giants not as good as Dallas and sure as heck aren't built to make a comeback or keep the Denver offense off the field. It is Tuesday, but I am saying we see Geno Smith playing at least a half on Sunday night. 5* Best Bet DENVER BRONCOS 

Taking the PATRIOTS today. I get that NE has 2 losses. Heading into Thursday night, the 2 teams that beat the Pats were a combined 9-1. Now we are suppose to believe in the Jets who beat Jay Cutler who was retired 2 months ago, and Blake Bortles and the Jags back from London at home. And hold off a Browns team that fumbled at the NY 7 and was picked off at the NY 2, missed a chippy FG attempt. I liked Tampa on Thursday thinking the Pats couldn't correct their defense on a short week. Well both teams played poorly, but TB needed a miracle late for a cover and to generate anything offensively. I can not see Team Hoodie showing up for this game, with extra rest, and tied. TIED with this Jets team and not coming out with a 20pt win. Brady is doing Brady things. He is going to get his 24 regardless of what kind of team he faces. 63-20 last years 2 games. I know Pats have Falcons on deck. But does that really mean as much to NE who won when it counted? I can't see them playing half-ass because the Jets were suppose to go 0-16 and suck for Sam. This team needs a huge game from both sides of the ball. This line is 9 and I would feel comfortable at 19. If Josh McCown keeps this games close, then the HC should be thinking of finding a new DC at the very least. 8* Sure Shot NE PATRIOTS 

Taking USC tonight. Easy to say let's grab the dogs. Utah though in off loss to Stanford (we failed to cover there) and did beat the Trojans last year. So a big revenge spot for SC. We played on SC vs Stanford. That was another spot where people were off Southern Cal. Like this spot, happily gobbling up the dog points. But in this spot, I see USC doing the exact same thing it to the Tree. Can't discount the revenge angle. We have the top spot in the PAC 12 on the line. Not sure that Utah can keep up the pace offensively with SC. If Darnold is mistake free tonight, we win this one by 20+. We can overcome an INT or fumble. Again. Just think this plays out like the Stanford game. *8 Sure Shot USC 

Taking ALABAMA tonight. So. Tide rolled up 125-3 wins in B2B beat downs of Vandy and Ole Miss. They had a 24-3 lead in the 3rd before a 27-19 final score. Safe to say, Saban was not happy. I expect a Vandy-esque performance tonight. Won't be shocked to see 30+ points by the half. Arkansas has allowed 98 points in their 2 SEC losses. 98! to A&M and South Carolina. Two teams who played the week before in a 24-17. 98 POINTS to those teams! Bama names the score tonight, but I am guessing 48-10. 5* Best Bet ALABAMA 

Taking the CHIEFS here. We scored a miracle cover on Monday night with these guys. I know it is a short week. I know it is another prime time spot for KC. But these guys just continue to win. What really gets me though is this. People talk about that crazy cover. I get it. But KC had already a regular W all but wrapped up. People are really talking about the Texans, or any NFL team for that matter, dropping 57 points in a game. 57! Now. I like Watson. I said when he was drafted the kid can play. I mean, you do what you do against Alabama in b2b Championship games with NFL talent against you, you can play in this league. Guy is a great leader. I just think the 57 is really giving KC the value here. They had 4 INTs last week against Mariota and Cassell. 3 put you on on Ten side of the field and the 4th was ran back for a TD. Plus a fumble recovered inside the red-zone. Those are gifts. You can't count on that helping your ROOKIE!! QB every week.  KC 13-3 ATS last 16 on the road. 5* Best Bet KC CHIEFS

Taking the COWBOYS today. We cashed big last week as the Rams won outright for us. But we will head to Dallas on the home today this afternoon. Looks like we get Lee back on defense. Huge. Guy is a key piece for the 'Boys. I know their defense is nothing special. And Rodgers is at the top of the QB food chain. But his line is still pretty banged up. And unlike recent Dallas editions, this defense actually has a guy getting QB sacks. (Demarcus Lawrence 7.5) In their only road game, Falcons ripped GB for 141 yards. I think Zeke is excited about this game. Cowboys also with that playoff home revenge loss fresh in their memory. Bye week next week for Dallas. GB has division opponents on deck. Off home loss to Rams, I expect a very focused effort from the Pokes. 8* Sure Shot DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking CINCY here. We had a monster play on the Bengals against the Packers and just missed out an outright win. At home vs the Bills who are off a pair of big wins themselves. Well this is a no brainer. New OC looks to be paying off so far for Cincy. We can't forget this is a playoff caliber team. We do forget that in August the Bills traded guys and people said rebuild. They were out-gained last week in Atlanta. They had a slug fest at home vs Denver. Now Cincy is feeling good off a beat down of the Browns. I think this can be a flat spot for Buffalo. Bengals defense not to shabby. 3 of 4 teams under 20 points (Packers). As I said. Cincy in off cake wake. Bills off another slug fest. 11 minute 4th quarter drive? Bengals win by double digits. 10* Money Bomb CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Taking VIRGINIA here. Now. You have heard me say I don't like taking 2.5 and 6.5 home faves because it looks to easy to say 'Hey, they win by a FG or TD' - But in this case, we know that Cavs started out as the dogs. Money has poured in on the home team flipping the number. And why wouldn't it. Duke was exposed in their Friday game. We have Virginia, a team that has a great coach and went on the road and won outright as double digit dogs in a tough spot. They QB is playing better every week. We have had just as much time off as Duke with our bye week. 10* Money Bomb VIRGINIA 

Taking GEORGIA here. Stepped in front of this Georgia train last week like a suicide victim. Won't happen again especially when the week prior I cashed with the Bulldogs as our Top 10* Money Bomb. We cashed a miracle cover with Florida over Vandy last week. So 2 weeks ago Vandy is absolutely demolished at home by Bama. Then they are in it at The Swamp only to have a cover and possibly a shot at an outright win ripped from them. Those are tough to rebound from. 11 rushing allowed the last 2 games. And here comes Georgia with their super RB tag-team. Plus, revenge for last years home loss ! 8* Sure Shot  GEORGIA 

Taking AUBURN here. Won an easy one last week as the Tide demolished Ole Miss. How do you back a team on a 1-11 ATS run. This team, and program is in shambles right now. Bad coaches. Bad play. Bad defense. Tigers really putting it together lately. They saw what Bama did and want to get a blowout somewhere along those lines. So a 50 spot should be on the menu this afternoon. 5* Best Bet AUBURN TIGERS 

Taking the CHARGERS here. Man this team knows how to lose but we are on them as a Best Bet today. Eagles off huge last second win over hated Giants. Now come cross country to face a win-less and dangerous team. I think the Chargers have a big edge with Rivers going against this Eagles secondary. Think we have an edge at QB too. Eagles will have a hard time running the ball vs Bosa and this defense. A lot of pressure on Wentz to shoulder the load here. They couldn't get a sack last week vs the Giants and that OL and needed a desperation 61 yard FG to win. I think they are in trouble today. Philly 2-8 SU last 10 on the road. 10* Money Bomb CHARGERS 

Taking the RAMS here. We scored a nice back-door last Thursday with the Niners over these Rams. But, with extra prep time and the Cowboys off a MNF win (we had ARZ), we are fading away. Dallas has bad home ATS numbers. We know this. I should have put this out when we could have gotten more points earlier in the week. But honestly, I won't be shocked if the Rams have a shot to win this one outright. Dallas defense do not impress me. This Rams team can take advantage of the Cowboys secondary. Rams defense will get pressure on Dak. Dallas OL is not the same as last year. I think Zeke has put on a few pounds is not running the same. So the 'Boys 0-2 ATS on short rest last year. 0-3 ATS short rest in 2015. 0-2 ATS short rest in 2014. And 0-2 ATS short rest in 2013. You know what hasn't changed in that time. The HC. 8* Sure Shot LA RAMS 

Taking the JAGUARS today. Had Jax in blow-out fashion last Sunday, and will back them again on the road. Any other team coming home from London (Baltimore) without a bye and I am fading you. But not in this case. Jags have been a London team for years and will continue to be so. The players are accustomed to the travel. Plus. This is NY. Not a terrible flight home. And by crushing the Ravens they essentially took the 2nd half off. Jags impressive on the road so far crushing 2 defenses that were suppose to be pretty good in Texas and Baltimore. Their defense is not getting the respect it deserves. They will ground and pound and hope Bortles doesn't do something stupid. Let's not forget that Doug Marrone, after quitting the Bills, thought he was getting the NYJ job only to be turned away. A little extra motivation for the players to rally behind their coach. Jets with a big win last week to upset their fans who wanted an 0-16 season. But I think Jags a bit more talented even with Bortles more TO prone than McCowen. NY still lacking talent. 5* Best Bet JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

Taking OKLAHOMA STATE. So their goes the dreams of an undefeated season for the Cowboys. 4 turnovers are costly. Fumble at TCU 37= TD for TCU, INT own 42= TD for TCU, .. Down 27-10 and you have given up 14 on TOs.  37-24 and an INT on the TCU 5 yard line. Then a final INT with 2 minutes to go. Oklahoma State still managed to out-gain the Horned Frogs 499-466 while TCU held the ball for 39 minutes! Nearly 20 minutes less and they still moved the ball. Now. Texas Tech off a big upset of their own knocking off Houston. But I am not putting the Red Raiders defense on the same side of the fence as TCU. Heck, I don't think they are even on the same block. Cowboys know that a 1 loss team can still make some playoff noise. They need to win out and play their game. With a Big 12 Conference Championship Game to be played, they are still alive. 2 years ago this was a 70-53 game - The real crazy part is that Texas Tech led 38-28 at half. And was SHUT OUT in the 3rd quarter. WR James Washington had to 70+ yard TD receptions and there was the pick for 7 to really make it a blow out. Red Raiders won't milk the clock like TCU and the plays into the hands of this prolific offense. 10* Money Bomb OKLAHOMA STATE 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE here. Had ND as a free pick video play last weekend. And let's look how that played out. Sparty put up nearly 500 yards of offense only to be done in by 3 TOs that lead directly to 21 Irish points and a 38-18 loss. We have Iowa, who was out-gained by nearly 300 yards against Penn State, but yet lost on a last second TD pass! 2 teams. 2 losses. 2 completely different set of numbers. One team hurt themselves. One team coming in with a world of pain after losing in heart-break fashion. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking the BENGALS. yeah baby. Hold that nose as we grab this stinky diaper. Cincy have yet to score a TD in their 2 home game losses. Packers figure to be in a foul mood after the Falcons crushed them again. I saw a stat that Marvin Lewis is 17-3-2 ATS as an underdog vs NFC teams. Are you kidding me! That alone should at least get you a moving a bit on Cincy. Ok- So I get thinking the Pack roll at home. Last year they won by 7,7,16,8,18,13, -38 (playoffs) at home. Plus a 14 point loss to Dallas and 5pt loss to the Colts. Bengals seem to have a decent defense. It's not like it hasn't performed well this year, or in the past. They gave up more than 24 points just 4 times last year. Just think this is a big number to lay for GB. Trying to not weigh their injuries too much, but it can't help their cause. Finally. At 0-2, canning their OC and their HC on the very hot seat. This is a season breaker for the Bengals. They need to put up 24+ points and if they do that they have the chance at an outright W this afternoon. 10* Money Bomb CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Taking the BILLS here. I think Buffalo wins this one outright. I nearly made this my Game of the Week. First off. Every square will be on Denver and this line will probably move by game day. They see the Broncos drop 40+ on the Cowboys and think this is a juggernaut offense. Same people who cashed with Dallas over the Giants and missed New York not do a darn thing at home vs the Lions. The Cowboys have a bad defense and can't play catch-up. Team isn't built that way. Bills with another solid defensive game. Who cares if it was against the Jets and Panthers, who I think are in for a long year with Cam behind center. Taylor is underrated behind center. This team even with their trades still is fielding a talented, and competitive team. This is Denver's first road game and it is an early start time. They have the Raiders on deck. We have 2 teams with drastic outcomes last week. 42 points for Denver at home. Bills with 3 points on the road. #BillsMafia let's get it ! - 8* Sure Shot BUFFALO BILLS 

Taking the JAGUARS here. Want to go +170 in the ML as well. But last week that hurt us as the Colts covered after blowing the lead, but our ML play went down in flames. I'll stick to the 'easier' win with the points. For me, this is about the Jags defense. They were terrible in the 2nd half last week. They were fantastic in Game 1. Ravens lose another OL and Flacco is a statue. I know the Ravens have a solid defense. Cincy ended up firing their OC, so maybe it was more Bengals than Ravens. And then they get the Browns would couldn't get in the back door. Bortles is no elite QB. So they are dealt another favorable schedule spot. I just think their own offense is as bad or worse. Can't see laying with them on the road. 5* Best Bet JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

Taking GEORGIA here. Man. One win over LSU and Mississippi State is a trendy topic. When was the last time LSU had any offense? Didn't this team have ODB and Landry at WR at were still anemic? I get they have a new HC. But with that new HC comes new schemes on both offense and defense. They have talent galore. Lining up against Georgia, who is just as talented, and at home between the hedges. Forget it. The perception is State is some juggernaut. Georgia basically off a bye with win over Samford. Before that, they absolutely shut down ND. They have their own NFL bound RB. The QB looks good. And the defense, as mentioned, is always a very good unit. I thought Miss State would be a dark horse with their new DC. And he looked the part last week. But on the road is a bit tougher. Have to lay the short number 10* Money Bomb GEORGIA BULLDOGS 

Taking OKLAHOMA STATE again. Have cashed on the Cowboys twice already in their 3 games and will get on them this afternoon. I have said all along these guys were going to crash the Playoff Party and Mason Rudolph is a legit Heisman finalist. Maybe after he tosses 5 TDs today he will get some traction in his campaign. Now, I like TCU. I'm a Gary Patterson guy. But I a cashed with the Horned Frogs 2 weeks ago on the road in Arkansas. It wasn't pretty. QB goes for 166 through the air. That isn't working on the road, especially in Stillwater. Yeah, they put up points on SMU winning 56-36. What was most concerning there was 2 big plays by the Mustangs. A 58 and a 61 yard TD pass. OKST with 10 plays of 40 or more yards for TDs already this year. In 3 games! If this game was in Ft Worth, maybe I think about TCU. Cowboys haven't been home in 2 weeks and are opening up Big 12 play to what should be a great crowd. I think we really need only 1 stop for a cover here. If this game is withing 2 TDs I would be shocked. I know we probably will be laying extra with the way this offense has been scoring. But it won't stop us from cashing another ticket. 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA STATE 

Taking NAVY here. What am I missing here? I faded Cincy last week and they needed a miracle to produce a win ripping victory from my hands. If they had problems vs a MAC team. How they heck are slowing down this Navy team that just continues to win games. Cincy with an entirely new regime running things. Navy is a well oiled machine that sticks to what it does. Nothing fancy. Nothing sexy. Just a triple option smash your face in style that will be like Chinese Arithmetic to a Bearcats team that doesn't see it often. Midshipmen also off a bye so they will be totally tuned into taking care of business here. 8* Sure Shot NAVY

Taking the FALCONS tonight. It is easy to grab Rodgers and the Pack with double revenge from last year. 33-32 win for Atlanta, then a blistering 44-21 beat down in the NFC Championship Game. That game was 31-0 before GB did anything. Now, Falcons in off a game they should have lost to the Bears. (We cashed the home pups) But that was a walk-through wake up call. GB (who we also cashed) had a tough physical game vs Seattle. After playing the Seahawks, teams always have a tough time. Now the Falcons open up a new billion dollar stadium. I know they have a new OC. But the offense will be able to move on the Pack. The defense is what is so improved for Atlanta. Pack lost to Minny, the Redskins and Titans on the road last year. That is what happens without a RB to help your All-Word QB. They still don't have a RB. I think ATL wins this one by double digits. 8* Sure Shot 

Taking the RAMS this afternoon. Had these guys last week and had them at + points since we were way ahead of the curve knowing in August that there was no chance Luck was playing at least until October regardless of what was coming out of Indy ahead of time. This one comes down to coaching for me. And the Rams new HC just happened to be the OC in Washington the last 3 years while their LB coach was the Redskins DC for the last 2 years. Safe to think that they will have a slight idea to what each player across the field brings to the table. I think the LA has a better defense with wiz Wade Phillips at the helm. I like that they aren't having Goff do anything crazy. The Skins turned the ball over 4 times last week which makes the loss look worse. Just as the Rams getting some points on defense inflate their final. Washington still lost a pair of 1000 yard receivers. Cousins will have to find his comfort receiver. Goff seems to have found his in Cupp. I really can't see LAR HC McVay overlooking this game. In fact, I would say this is the game his team will be really pumped for, while someone losing to a 49ers bunch next week. 10* Money Bomb LA RAMS 

Taking the DOLPHINS this afternoon. Short week as they were Game 2 of the MNF double header. Then we take into account they flurry of action to get them to the point of them missing out on tying the game. That will take a toll on the body. Now they face a rested Miami team. And they have division rival, KC Chiefs on deck. I know it is there home opener. But really. In LA? What kind of crowd will be here? I am not worried about Cutler. Guy looked pretty good in preseason against the Eagles. He is familiar with the system. That is why he is here not Kap. No team is signing that guy to revamp an offense for him. Not happening. Cutler has some decent toys to play with. Love Thomas at TE. Landry can stretch things out. A capable RB behind him. Plus, what I feel is the better defense. 5* Best Bet MIAMI DOLPHINS 

Taking TROY tonight. Have to say, maybe this is the too good too be true line of the day. Troy won last year 52-6 laying 20. 52-7 in 2015 and 41-24 in 2014. So we have a much shorter line here on the road which is understandable. I guess coming off another upset off of rival New Mexico shaves another point or 2 off the number. But a game like that is expected. Aggies have now won the last 2 in that series as dogs. Barely holding on they will be a bit flat while Troy is ready finally ready for their 'A' game to come out having lost at Boise and a walk-through win over Alabama State. Did you know that the Aggies have had 4 winning season the last 49 years and no post season action in 56! They have 5 conference games the last 3 years with 2 being in OT and 2 over the only team worse than them in Texas State. I'll lay it with the road fave. 10* Money Maker TROY

Taking MIAMI O tonight. MAC favored over the AAC tonight and in-state big brother Cincinnati. Sign me up! Redhawks the more experience bunch on the field. They have covered 4 straight years. I think, and obviously so do the lines-makers, that now is the time. New regime on the sidelines for Cincy. That means new schemes. Players learning new things. And we have a 4th year HC who has taken his lumps in the series and is 21-11-1 ATS in his lined games here. Homecoming weekend. Should be a big night for us. 5* Best Bet MIAMI OHIO 

Taking MISSOURI here. Yeah. So, I was like man, Purdue getting 7, 7.5 from a team that gave up 43 points to Missouri State! Then they put up 13 points, while allowing 31 (3 TOs and a KO return hurt) to South Carolina after they scored 73 !! 73 over those state rivals. Missouri cans their DC and expects a quick improvement. I like Brohm. Purdue looked good against his former club. Not that his old coach would take him behind a woodshed even though Louisville can run it up. Then they beat Ohio. Things are looking up. But the players are still mostly the same that had been 3-30 in Big Ten play  with a combined 9-39 SU record the last 4 years. It will take more than 2 games to change the talent level. MizzU still is an SEC team that is more talented then the Boilermakers. Purdue juggling QBs already. Blough had 21 INTs last year and 2 already this year. Sindelar has more pass attempts this year (41) than all of last year (32). That is not a recipe for road success. 8* Sure Shot MISSOURI TIGERS 

Taking MEMPHIS here. Now. I had UCLA opening up the season and they needed an A&M QB injury and a miracle to pull out an outright win which they had no right getting. If I am going down ATS, then the entire team should suffer with me. Then they come back to beat Hawaii. So after 2 home games, the Bruins still have zero run game as they have been out-rushed 663-119. Call me crazy if you want. But I don't think you win or cover road games, when you leave your defense on the field vs an offense that can score. Memphis will put points on the board. They will pound the ball with their RB. They will put the ball in the air with their near 3500 yard QB. This is a veteran team led by seniors. They have 9 starters on offense, 6 more back on defense. Off a bye week with a cancelled game. They should battle for the AAC Championship. You don't think they want to knock off a Power 5 UCLA team out of the PAC 12 with a Heisman hopeful QB? Live dog alert. 5* Best Bet MEMPHIS TIGERS 

Taking the GIANTS here. Look. I like the Cowboys. I am a Dallas fan. But I am not sold on this defense at all. The offense is fluid, no doubt. But I believe that the NY defense is the best in this division. Cowboys of a great year. Better than anyone expected after Romo went down. Part of me wants to just grab the GMen at +170 and forget the points. I will sprinkle some on that but cash by taking the points as the easier money. 8* Sure Shot NY GIANTS 

Taking TENNESSEE here. Everyone and their grandmother will be on the Raiders. In fact, the public loves them yet the line has flipped from +2 to as high as -2 in some spots. Raiders had a great run last year. The were catching lighting in a bottle most of the year. Do we forget Week 1 TD and 2pt conversion with under a minute left on the road to beat the Saints? The scored with a little over 2 minutes left to beat Baltimore. They won in OT over Tampa after a TD with under 2 to play. A pair of nail-biters over the Chargers. I know Carr broke his leg, but these guys got a lot of breaks last year. Like Alabama scoring a dozen defensive TDs last year, there will be a regression here. Titans are a solid bunch. Everyone loves the Texans to win this division. I say Tennessee takes it. 5* Best Bet TENNESSEE TITANS 

Taking the TEXANS here. Only thing going through my head right now is how the Saints beat the Falcons in Game 1 after Hurricane Katrina. Blocked punt for New Orleans in that one. But I expect to see a defensive TD for JJ Watt and friends. Fact is, Bortles in 0-6 vs the Texans. He hasn't done much. He nearly lost his job to Chad Henne this August. Yes, they drafted a stud RB. Yes, the defense is a decent unit and facing Tom Savage. I will be really honest with ya. Before Harvey arrived, I was eyeing up these Jaguars. The aforementioned QB issues. The fact they are 2-22 SU L24 as road dogs, 1-10 SU (4-7 ATS) L 11 roadies. 24-21 and 21-20 wins last year for the Texans. Just think with high emotions, and this defense, they win this one by 10. 10* Money Bomb HOUSTON TEXANS 

Taking WASHINGTON STATE tonight. Last year, we had these guys + the points and ML and nearly pulled out both. Boise is not the same Boise. Hello! 10pt dogs. These guys have been dogs like once the last 40 games. But we have a big experienced team on both sides of the ball. We have a senior QB who owns Leach's Air Raid system. No Blue Turf miracles here. Boise benched their starting QB last week so he Rypien could be jittery and make some questionable plays early. I think the Cougars win this one going away. 5* Best Bet WASHINGTON STATE 

Taking USC tonight. Man. All I hear is that Stanford is going to roll these guys. Stanford has won 7 of the last 9 in the series. Stanford has covered 10 of the last 14. Stanford 14-2-1 ATS last 17 on the road. Stanford HC Shaw 8-2-1 ATS last 11 as dog. Stanford too physical. Stanford beat them last year, 27-10. Stanford with extra week off. SC couldn't handle Western Michigan. And yet, they are getting 5. Man. How can we not back the Trojans! The QB doesn't toss a TD pass and they still put up 49. The old perception vs reality play. Perception. Oh Stanford wins 62-7. Oh USC holds on to win 49-31 over MAC Western Michigan. Stanford owns these guys lately. Easy winner. Yeah. They build those billion dollar buildings in a desert because they make it so easy for everyone. 5* Best Bet USC TROJANS 

Taking AUBURN here. I can guarantee you this. The Tigers will win this one tonight! Will gladly gobble up any points you want to send me on an SEC team that is capable of being in the playoffs this year. I know the Clemson Tigers are the defending champs. But these guys beat the Auburn Tigers last year in an ugly game. Points at premium.  I can't see a blowout. 5* Best Bet AUBURN 

Taking MID TEN STATE here. I lost last week with the Blue Raiders, but will jump right back on them. So they are a FG home dog to an SEC team with a superior defense. Somehow they rate 10 points in the Dome? What am I missing here. Ok, Orange have some starters back. But this MDTNST offense should be able to put up some points. Their OC was fired from Syracuse's HC before taking over here. A little revenge will be on the plate for sure. 8* Sure Shot MID TEN STATE 

Taking the PATRIOTS tonight. I could probably make a case for KC. But I really like them more next week. Extra prep time for Andy Reid facing his old club. Eagles at Arrowhead, that will be a big game for the HC. Plus, they have division rival SD on deck. Patriots are the Patriots. Brady will do his thing. The loss of Edelman will be felt. Will it? This team continues to plug pieces on both sides of the ball and wins. Wins Big! Chiefs lost their best RB in preseason. WR Maclin is also gone. Poe and Howard were a big force on the DL. Can't see Alex Smith getting into a shootout with Brady. This should be a 10-16 point win for NE. 5* Best Bet NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Taking UCLA big. First. We have revenge angle from last years 31-24 in College Station. (we had A&M) Bruins had a terrible year after being picked to win the PAC 12 going 4-8. That is what happens when your NFL QB goes down injured. Well, Rosen is back and if his play equals his mouth this team is a playoff contender. I know that there is a new OC in town and UCLA's old OC is now on the Aggies. But A&M lost their 2 best defensive guys. Rosen, at home, should be a little more mature in the pocket. Texas A&M, as of this writing Friday hasn't said who their QB is. Whoever it is, it wasn't last years starter. So he won't have help from their top 4 WRs from last year who have all departed. UCLA needs Rosen to shine. A&M is such an underachieving bunch. UCLA 30-10 ATS last 40 at home vs non-conference teams. Bruins need a fast start to wipe out that bad season stench from LY. 10* Money Bomb UCLA BRUINS

Taking FLORIDA STATE tonight. You know I have no problem backing Bama. Though we did have Clemson ML in the Championship. I don't mind laying points with this guys. We opened up last year with them as a 10* Money Bomb beat-down over USC. But times are different. They don't have the Seminoles old HC working for them. They do bring in yet another OC to run the show. Look. Bama has NFL talent every year. Clearly the cream of the crop at recruiting. But this is an early game vs a very good team that is title contender. Both teams have top 5 defenses. I can't see the Tide getting what, another dozen defensive TDs this year. Have to grab the points for sure. 8* Sure Shot FLORIDA STATE 

Going OKLAHOMA STATE. I really like these guys this year. Well, I liked them last year and they crushed me out of the gate in Game 2. The old Central Michigan debacle. Man, up 14-0 and I think we are going to have a blowout. They lose in crazy fashion. Which is why I absolutely love them today. Not a chance in hell that Gundy takes his foot off the gas for one second. Tulsa was explosive last year. They had 2 1000 WRs, 2 1000 RBs and a 3000 yard QB. Well everyone of those guys is gone except 1 RB. They hit Stillwater with a young QB vs a team that is loaded offensively. Rudolph, Hill and Washington could be the best QB-RB-WR trio in the land this year. This is a tough spot for a young Golden Hurricane team. These guys are a legit Championship contender. It starts tonight! 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA STATE

Taking COLORADO STATE. No problem opening up the College Football season with a Top 10*. This Rams team should be playing a bowl game on New Year's Day. The offense is going to punish a lot of defenses. Their own defense has 8 starters back and should be able to handle the Beavers. The schedule lines up for this guys to probably win the MWC. Oregon State, for me, is probably the 11th best team in the Pac 12. Yes, I think they are a bottom Power 5 team. I know they have 15 starters back off a 4-8 season. And they were pretty decent ATS wise covering 8 games. I just feel at this price. Rams home vs the bigger Pac 12. The crowd will be an advantage. Rams should cash this one by double digits. 10* Money Bomb COLORADO STATE 

Taking the FALCONS here. Should really just go +140 ML, but I will take whatever points I can get with this high powered offense. So I can have a huge drawn out story as to why I like Atlanta. But let's keep it simple. Pats in their 7th Super Bowl in 15 years. Let's see. NE 20 STL 17  .. NE 32 CAR 29 .. NE 24 PHI 21 .. NYG 17 NE 14 ... NYG 21 NE 17 .. NE 28  SEA 24 ... I see some close games here people. And as much as teams change, this one doesn't. It is still lead by the same HC and QB. So we are getting a close game. I think we will see a lot more Blount from NE than people think. They need to keep their defense off the field, because Matty Ice will torch them. We hear about how NE didn't face any good offenses on the year, but they showed up to slow down the Steelers. Well, as we cashed with NE I noted Big Ben's terrible road splits. Add in they lose their super RB and the game plan is out the window and Pitt is in trouble. Nobody has respected the Falcons all year. The public probably jumps on them with us, since everyone hates Brady. Dan Quinn's defense is the difference. It has been improving all year and is on top of it's game right now. The highest total in Super Bowl history makes it an easy UNDER play for me. Seeing 59, 59.5s right now. Like I said. I expect more of a rush attack here. Long drives. But we will be taking the Dirty Birds to end a miracle season. 10* Money Bomb ATLANTA FALCONS 

Taking the FALCONS here. Here comes the team nobody is talking about. Well. We cashed them huge last week as a Top 10, and will do it again this afternoon. Let's be honest here. Cowboys really should have won last week. If they have a real coach, that game isn't close. But their HC again gets his butt handed to him in the playoffs. Can we get off that Romo is a choke artist. The play calling cost Dallas again. That being said. I expect something totally different here with Atlanta. Their coach will unleash their best weapon, Ryan to Jones to destroy a putrid GB secondary. Falcons run game isn't chopped liver either. I get that Rodgers getting points is a nice option. But against a team, a HC, and a QB that is a veteran squad, it will be a different ballgame. Atlanta defense isn't all that bad either. I am not saying we won't see a shoot-out here. I am liking this over right now at 60.5. But this Atlanta team has been the group that nobody saw coming. We heard about the Giants defense taking them to the Super Bowl. The Seattle play-off magic. The resurgent Cowboys with a dynamic rookie duo. But nothing about the Dirty Birds. That will change as they head to Houston for Super Bowl 51 - 10* Money Bomb ATLANTA FALCONS 

Taking the CHIEFS here. So we have KC basically a PK here at home. Steelers throttled them back in Week 4 to the tune of 43-14. They abused the Dolphins so bad, PETA is looking into animal cruelty chargers against Pitt! I had Miami as a free play and the game was not ever close. Steelers completely dominated. Brown with 2 TD catches, 50 and 62 yards. Bell rumbles for 167 and is still carrying tacklers to the airport. And yet, this line is Pk, -1 maybe depending when you are getting this play. Steelers have a prolific attack without a doubt. But they just beat, basically a journeyman QB and a team from Miami playing in 15 degree weather. KC is 23-5 their last 28 games. Steelers blew them up at Heinz Field. But their 3 other losses were 19-12, 19-17, 19-17. I like Mike Tomlin as a HC. But give me Andy Reid with an extra time any day of the week. They can say whatever they want, but we all know they have been planning to face the Steelers since the season ended. Huge revenge game. Home field. And they have probably the key X-factor of both teams in rookie return man Tyreek Hill. 5* Best Bet KC CHIEFS 

Taking the FALCONS here. I have to be honest. I think this team has been the most under the radar squad in the NFL this year. Them and probably KC. How are people over looking this offense? I have been on them a couple times, faded them like in their finale against the Saints (moneybomb winner). This team has really taken a huge step on the defensive side of the ball under Quinn. I'll come back to Atlanta in a second. On to Seattle. Look. We cashed them as a Best Bet last week. But we had them at home, with the world on the Lions and Stafford and his bum finger injury. Dome teams playing in the elements, especially against a team like Seattle, in that stadium. It was really no-brainer in the Seahawks or nothing. Falcons have been putting up some crazy points this year. It will be tough here in their dome. Seattle I think, will have a big problem in their secondary. Tough trying to duplicate the production and what Earl Thomas brings to the field. Julio Jones went for 139 in Seattle (I had Seattle. ATL off big home win over Car, then road win at Denver). Richard Sherman wasn't exactly the best CB in the league that day. And now he is missing some big help with Thomas out. Seattle went 3-4-1 on the road this year. Lost 9-3 to the Rams. 14-5 to the Bucs. Tied Arizona 6-6. Lost at NO 25-20. Lost at GB 38-10. Look at the points they scored. Or should I say didn't score. I will say they beat the Jets 27-24. Beat SF 25-23. Beat Patriots 31-24. They played a near perfect game last week. Can't expect that every week. Especially in the playoffs. Falcons offense, like our Packers 10* Winner over the Giants last week, will be the difference maker. 10* Money Bomb ATLANTA FALCONS

Taking CLEMSON here. Last year, we had Bama in this spot. But I think as I wrote in my Tigers write up about them blowing up Ohio State, they just have this team circled since the start of the season. We know they can move the ball vs this defense. Tide has had problems with QBs like this. I can't knock Alabama one bit. And it is tough going against a team that is the defending champ and nary a team hangs competes. I can't help but think losing Kiffen hurts a bit too. Sark is a good coach, but to do this a week before a title game? I dunno, something is up and it will come out. We knew Lane was leaving, but he was ready to get that ring along with everyone else. Nick is too good a coach to let this be an issue you would think. That being said, something just tells me Clemson is ready to take that next big step. 10* Money-Bomb CLEMSON TIGERS 

Taking the PACKERS here. How can we go against a red hot A-A-Ron here at home? Pack have won 6 straight making good on the 'we'll run the table' guarantee. Enter the NY Giants who will be playing their 3rd straight road game. Granted. The defense looked good last week with a must win game for Washington. But wasn't it just the week before they lost on the road to a rookie QB in Philly when they themselves could have locked up a playoff spot with a win? Rodgers has been torching defenses lately to the tune of 18TDs and 0 picks the last 7 games. Giants defense has been very good, and I can't throw any knocks their way. But Green Bay put up 38 on Seattle and Minnesota here in December. Those teams aren't weak on the defensive side of the ball. Nor can I throw out the 31 they put up on the Lions on the road. Look. Prior to Detroit getting rolled by Dallas on Monday night, they had given up 20 or more points Once in their last 8 games. And a final thought here on the Giants offense. That was suppose to carry the team. But it has been pedestrian all season. Who expects them to turn it on here in January after 4 full months of football. The line is short because of the way the Giants defense has been playing. I just can't go against a decent GB defense that handled these guys in October allowing 220 yards in that game and being up 23-9 before a late ODB TD pass from Eli. The Giants offense isn't better. 10* Money Bomb GREEN BAY PACKERS 

Taking SEATTLE here. I get it. I know how you can grab the points here. Lions seem to be in every game. Believe me. Last week we had them and I wrote about the close losses. But I just do not like this spot for them. First. Dome team playing outside. And outside in one of the toughest stadium. Do we add that temps will be near 30 with a chance of rain or snow? I will be the first to say I have been down on Seattle all year. But I think they play angry here. Last home game they were blitzed by Arizona. Lions look like they have run out of steam the last 3 weeks. Both teams have limped to the finish line. But this line screams to take the points with the way Seattle has been playing. The public last saw Seattle barely beating SF. Something tells me Pete Carroll gets his troops playing perfect ball tonight. 5* Best Bet SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 

Taking USC here. I faded these guys day 1 against Alabama, but this team is playing some excellent ball lately. And truth be told, the Big 10 hasn't impressed in bowls. Yes we cashed with Indiana and Northwestern, but also fading Ohio State and Michigan in big fashion. Do we think that Penn State is really the cream of the crop from this conference? For the sake of the selection committee, let's hope not. They left a Conference Champion off the playoff roster. No team probably playing with a bigger chip on their shoulder than Penn State. Do they channel teams of past, like the 86 bunch, and the 'fatigue game' vs Miami? I don't hear SC taking that kind of smack. But I just get the feeling that the Lions haven't faced an offense like what they will see out of the Trojans here. 5* Best Bet USC TROJANS 

Taking FLORIDA here. I was leaning a little Iowa when the lines were first posted. But I am all in on the Gators here. They won 16-10 at LSU. Lost at Florida State 31-13. Were throttled by Alabama (we had Bama) 54-16. But as I said in my Bama write up that day. Gators are in off a brutal stretch. They were missing key guys. The scheduling was brutal. Now they get guys back. They are playing in-state. When was the last time Iowa plucked out a huge Florida recruit? This is a big game for them. Get the losing taste out of their mouth. And honestly. I have backed Iowa in bowls before and it hurts. 8* Sure Shot FLORIDA GATORS 

Taking the SAINTS here. I know Atlanta is playing for that 2 seed. But I think there is way too much pride on the other side lines here. Getting to 8-8 is a big deal. No way Brees and Payton want a 3rd straight 7-9 season. New Orleans 6 of 8 losses have been by 1,3,6,2,3 and 5. And we get a points like this with Brees and the #1 offense. +290 Dog Outright in play here. 10* Money Bomb NEW ORLEANS SAINTS