Taking FLORIDA STATE. Yes Yes Yes. I know I said I like UL to go over their win total. But I haven't liked much of what we have seen the first 2 weeks. A game at Syracuse where you get steamed up to 5/6 pt fave and get demolished 31-7. Then, in basically a circle the wagons type of game for your Hot Seat HC, you upset UCF for the 2nd straight year 20-14. 2 long TDs called back a 2 minute drill stop save you from another road loss. Now - you get FSU. Another HC feeling the heat. They beat LSU basically in a home game for LSU. 2 straights win and 4 of 6 over the Noles for UL. But for me - I see some FSU run game here. 200 yards allowed in both games so far for the Cards. I think this team is going to take it right down ULs throats. These guys were in control of the entire game vs LSU. Don't let that 24-23 fool you. Late TDs. Wild finish. But you know what. A good team will withstand that. That is something a struggling team builds on. These guys have lost to UL enough. Time for some payback. 4* Money Maker FLORIDA STATE 

4* Money Maker DALLAS COWBOYS

Going UNDER the total. These are not the same teams from last year's opening night shootout. First. Brady. It is tough to say he will be rusty or take a step back. But fact is, he was not a round at all this offseason. Did he really come back in spite because his retirement was leaked? Who knows. I do know that the TB OL is banged up. The Dallas defense is it's strength. The offense, a hot mess. 1 WR, their best RB on the bench. The OL in shambles. 4* Total Money UNDER Bucs/ Boys 

Taking the GIANTS. Yes. I said on Mid Day Money - forget the Eagles or Cowboys, take the Giants +750 to win the NFC East. Make of break or look for a new team season for Daniel Jones. Barkley in the same boat after injuries. This team, for me, is really the most desperate to get a win under their belt this season. New HC wants to start out on the right foot as NY has lost 10 or more 5 straight seasons. And getting a TD on the road vs a team that, eh, maybe shouldn't be this much of fave. Henry will bully you all day. We will find out how tough the Giants are on defense in a fast minute today. Titans do play with fire a little bit with 6 wins by 3pts or less last year. 4* Money Maker NY GIANTS

4* Money Maker NY JETS

Taking the STEELERS. Oh man. The Bengals hype train. Super Bowl runner-ups. The new Broadway Joe. Joe Cool. Cinderella never goes back to the ball folks. Great season last year for Cincy. Maybe they are too busy reading their own press clippings. Hunter to hunted. It is just a new role for the team. A big AFC North battle to open things up for both teams though. Steelers first time in forever (18 years with Big Ben!) with a new QB. I am not selling this team short. They win and cover, somehow. They just do. They can run the ball. They can win with a game manager QB. Pitt isn't shy getting after opposing QBs either. And Burrow was sacked more times than a bagged lunch last season. Too many points. 4* Money Maker PITTSBURGH STEELERS 

Taking the BEARS. Tray Lance? Really? This is who you want to lay points with on the road in your season opener. Running my guy Jimmy G to the bench and almost out of town. Look - Chicago is not a good football team. But give me all the points I can get here. Fields a little better as the more inexperienced QB. An I say this often on my daily show about the Niners HC. I don't even like typing this clowns name out. He blew the 28-3 lead for the Falcons. He had the Niners up what, 20-10 in the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl over the Chiefs. Last year, San Fran led the Rams 17-7 in the 4th of last year NFC Championship Game. You want to blame Matt Ryan or Jimmy G. Not the defenses for blowing the leads. And oh no it is Not the Head Coach's play calling. All this hype on SF. Not buying it. Too many points. Remember last year the SF hype in Week 1. 38-10 lead. Lions 21-3 late and your should be cover is out the door and you barely hang on for the win. Also like the Under 41.5  4* Money Maker CHICAGO BEARS

Taking the LIONS. Oh yeah. You know I am fading away on another team that is suppose to be real good this season - The Filthadelphia Eagles. Do people forget they tried to get Watson and Wilson this offseason. Ok - Hurts has some new weapons. I'm not buying it. On the flip side - Uh , Hard Knocks. People don't get that every teams August. Another home dog that will be more than happy to take the points and possibly win outright. 4* Money Maker DETROIT LIONS 

Taking the TEXANS. Oh it seems like just last year at this time we were cashing our Texans ML home dog play in this spot vs the Jaguars. Now - Colts are better than the Jaguars. Matt Ryan isn't a rookie QB. But, they are still the Colts. They still find a way to play down to the competition. How about 4 straight opening day losses under this HC. I like this team. And not just because I moved to the area. I think they are a solid little bunch. We don't have to be sexy to cover. We just have to cover. Davis Mills can do that for us. Let's not forget last year either 31-0, 31-3 -- That is 62-3 for those who can't count Indy over Houston. No lack of motivation for the home team. It will be a grinder. And that leaves the backdoor wide open for us. 4* Money Maker HOUSTON TEXANS

Taking the Jaguars. New year - another new HC for Jacksonville. That is what you get when you go 3-29 over 32 games. I'd say Doug Pederson is a huge upgrade over Urban Meyer, but really, Rich Kotite is an upgrade over Urban. I'll take a rebuilt team with a Super Bowl Winning HC getting some points. Carson Wentz? You do know the Jags beat Wentz and the Colts last year to keep Indy out of the playoffs. And nearly upset them on the road earlier in the year. Riverboat Ron on the Hot Seat for sure. We won't get into the off-field non-sense the Redskins are dealing with this summer. 4* Money Maker JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

Taking CAROLINA. If you watch the daily Mid Day Money show, there would be absolute no way you are laying points today. But, people like to hold out to the bitter end and wait for some guy with a broadcasting degree or an ex-player to tell them what to bet on a Saturday or Sunday. Baker vs his old team is a nice little story. But the real story is if CMC is good to go. He is the difference maker that will decide the fate of Matt Rhule's hot seat this season. 4* Money Maker CAROLINA PANTHERS

Taking MIAMI here. We'll just start with the Dolphins 8-2 ATS last 10 vs the Patriots here in South Beach with outright wins in 4 of 5. Now the Patriots come in off a bad pre-season. The offense looks bad. Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, 2 guys canned as HC's, one a Defensive coach, the other Special Teams, now running the offense. I really don't like taking a lot of stock in pre-season. Now - I expect a bad joint practice vs the Raiders and their old offensive coaches. But against Carolina too? Mac Jones is taking a step back this season. Miami looking to build off a strong second half. 4* Money Maker MIAMI DOLPHINS 

4* Total Money UNDER Ravens/ Jets

4* Money Maker MISSISSIPPI STATE

Taking MICHIGAN. This line has moved across 50. Not shocking. I think this is 55-63 point outing for the Wolverines. Hawaii never travels to the mainland well. And to Michigan? Good Luck. 63 and 49 to Vandy and Western Kentucky at home. You score 10 and 17. Yeah. 63-8 sounds about right. 4* Money Maker MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 

Taking the GATORS. Right off the bat, a little concerned. Although I don't really worry about 'polls' - going from way unranked to Top 15. Not what I want to see. I want unranked Florida favored over 'ranked' Kentucky. Wildcats looked bad last week. You need a run game. Their best guy is out. Go look at that box score last week 10-10 in the 2nd until a FG as time expired. Open 3rd with a KO return TD. A fumble recover to a TD to  make it 27-17.  They had 50 yards on 26 carries. That won't cut it in The Swamp. I don't care how much a let down you think there might be. Gators opened as a fave over Utah. The Utes hype pushed it the other way. This Florida team was in the SEC a couple years ago. It isn't like they fell off a cliff. Great new HC. Made all the plays on offense and defense that a good team will do. 4* Money Maker FLORIDA GATORS

4* Money Maker TOLEDO ROCKETS

Taking OLD DOMINION. One of the few games we released that moved against us. Now  +13.5 out there. Obviously, not good for us as we want the best number. ECU off the near miss. We all saw it. Missed PAT, missed FG. Let's not forgot NC State with a blocked punt for a TD. Special teams a bit of problem. And laying double digits, it might leave that back-door open which we love. Nothing sexy about the Monarchs. They got turnovers last week and hung on for the win. Bigger battle for sure here. This is not a knock on ECU, we like the Pirates. Just going to grab the points. 4* Money Maker OLD DOMINION 

4* Money Maker MID TENN STATE 

Taking TEXAS TECH. I had been holding back on this for whatever reason. Actually, I thought this team would be an Under Win team so that is why I was hesitant. Now I see this line creeping to the 4 range. Makes sense though. Houston off a wild game. A big 4th quarter comeback - Take a lead with 23 seconds left- Blow a lead as time expires.- Then, 3 Over Times for the win! Emotions running high again for another in-state battle. TT with a backup QB. That's OK. Kid was sharp last week and was MVP of the Liberty Bowl vs an SEC team. New HC for Tech also wants to make a good impression vs an Texas school. 4* Money Maker TEXAS TECH

Taking the VOLS. Cashed these guys last week. Back on them here. While Tennessee was destroying Ball State, Pitt was enjoying a literal back yard brawl in a knock down, drag out win over West Virginia. Tennessee was probably game planning Pitt during their game vs Ball State. Pitt showed some flaws and I think the Vols exploit them. Also. Revenge angle for Pitt knocking them off at home. 4* Money Maker TENNESSEE

Taking AIR FORCE. Should be called Ground Force because this offense is going to run through you and your entire family. Colorado couldn't stop TCU last week. Falcons by 20+ 4* Money Maker AIR FORCE

Taking the AGGIES. Now. Cashing Appalachian State last week was pretty difficult. Forget the fact they are up 14 early 2nd quarter. You miss 2 2pt conversions. One wide open. Oh the pain. You score 40 points in the 4th quarter and lose- at home! Bruh.... Now you travel to face A&M. Granted. Miami Hurricanes are on deck for the Aggies. But this should be a 20pt win. Appalachian facing a better defense. Tough road stadium. And just a total flat spot. 4* Money Maker TEXAS A&M

4* Money Maker WISCONSIN

4* Total Money UNDER Marshall/ Irish

4* Total Money OVER South Alabama/ Central Michigan 

Taking KANSAS STATE. I really like this team. Like the HC. Guy is a winner. Now I see a lot of love on Missouri. I don't get it? Is it because they are SEC Missouri? They haven't played defense there in years working on their 3rd DC in 3 seasons. Nice big win last week for them. Super. K-State going through the motions vs South Dak. Now you see the SEC as a decent dog and think this is a no brainer? I think the Wildcats run on these guys. Granted, QB Martinez from Nebraska, yes that kid who was pretty good as freshmen, has yet to live up to expectations. But he's a kid who has played in big games. And with this HC, I think he shines this season. Especially vs a struggling defense. Big home game for KSt. I think they get it done by double digits.  4* Money Maker KANSAS STATE

Taking ALABAMA here and right to the window to cash a ticket. I mean really. Anytime I get this guys at less than 21 count me in. This won't a 30 like some dummy on ESPN said, but I can see it getting still moving up a few points by kickoff. Young with 5 TD passes on 18 attempts. Not missing a beat. The defense mauled an overwhelmed opponent. But how about Texas. Freshman QB. Tossed an INT and was sacked 3 times vs ULM. ULM. 3 sacks and an INT. What will he do against a defense that probably has a half dozen NFL players lined up against him. You think Texas stops these guys from putting up 40+? Crimson Tide in a burial. 4* Money Maker ALABAMA

4* Total Money UNDER Duke/ Northwestern 

Taking ARKANSAS here. Both teams in off wins. I think Cincy is a bit tougher than Georgia State though. And don't be fooled by the 35-14 score. This game was 12-7 South Carolina the half. A pair of blocked punt TDs make this look like an easy contest. Also. Spenser Rattler. Remember that cat. Heisman guy from last year lost his job because his NIL money went to his head and he hasn't been right since. Well, he tossed 2 picks. I think the Razorbacks absolutely maul the Gamecocks this afternoon. 4* Money Maker ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 

Taking NORTHWESTERN. A little extra prep time will help the home team here. Duke in off big win over Temple. Temple! Newsflash - Owls are trash. Also on the under with 2 defense first teams. That being said. Duke will actually play a team that resembles a CFB team today. I am not high on them this year. Don't think they score more than 13. 4* Money Maker NORTHWESTERN 

Taking OHIO. Only way for me to look here is the dog. Penn State does have a few extra days rest off that wild Boilermakers win. A tough Big 10 grinder to start the season. And what do we have here. A trip to Auburn on deck. Look. This is no knock to the MAC Conference. But PSU with the SEC on deck. We will get a straight forward win and go through the motions type game here for Penn State. Ohio will obviously be pumped playing up, but we are just looking for the door to be open just enough to sneak in under 30. Can't see PSU putting the screws here and risking an injury. 4* Money Maker OHIO BOBCATS

4* Total Money UNDER Carolina/ Georgia State 

Taking the BILLS. Opener had this at a PK or maybe even the Rams as a small favorite. Super Bowl Champs will be getting everyone's best shot. Bills maybe think they should have been in the Super Bowl. Now they are the odds on favorite to dethrone the defending champs. Well - nothing like starting Week 1 with a battle. For me, this really hinges on Stafford. I don't think he is 100%. Yes. Cupp is awesome - guy will catch 10 passes tonight. But I think sometimes being on top you tend to get a little fat and happy. Bills hungry. A lot to prove. In my eyes, a deeper team. 4* Money Maker BUFFALO BILLS

4* Money Maker BOISE STATE

4* Money Maker OHIO STATE 

4* Money Maker JAMES MADISON

4* Money Maker APPALACHIAN STATE

4* Money Maker ILLINI 

4* Money Maker MICHIGAN STATE

4* Money Maker PENN STATE

4* Money Maker TENNESSEE 

4* Total Money UNDER West Va/ Pitt

UNDER UNDER UNDER UNDER

4* Total Money UNDER Vandy/ Hawaii 

4* Money Maker NEW MEXICO STATE

4* Total Money UNDER A&M/ Carolina 

4* Total Money UNDER Nebraska/ Northwestern 

4* Total Money OVER Rams/Bengals 

Taking the RAMS. Ok. Not a huge home field advantage if any. We know this. Everyone loves Burrow. Kid is a flat out stud. Come on. First NFL Playoff run and he is in the Super Bowl. But let us look at the way the Bengals arrived. Last second INT at home to preserve a win. A game that shouldn't have even come to that but they couldn't score. Next week. They get gifted Tannehill INTs like he is giving out Halloween candy and still needed a miracle finish. Then, deja-vu all over again. Get down double digits to KC. Chiefs forget their are two halves to a game. People are shocked their OC can't get a HC job but he has 3 points with Mahomes, Kelce and Hill vs Cincy in 4+ quarters of football with the game on the line. Rams said we need a new QB to get to SB. Guess they forgot their old QB took them to a Super Bowl, and was beat by Brady. Where was the offense guru HC in that barn-burner? Look. easy to grab the points if you like Cincy. Actually, - if you like Cincy take them to win by less than 8 points. You can lay -110 and get an extra 4 points. Rams have been here before. It matters. Basically a rookie QB and a young HC still learning. I think Rams win this one by 10. That Cincy OL has been playing with fire and I think they get burned tonight. 8* Sure Shot LA RAMS 

Taking the RAMS. Have to say. And I have said this the last 2 weeks as I go against the Niners. I like this team. We had win total and division tickets on San Fran. I say all the time this team is hamstrung by injuries. I think people forget they had a lead in the Super Bowl vs the Chiefs. I cannot knock them at all. Huge comeback in Week 17 got them into the playoffs. And yeah, we can say - 4 straight road games. Well 2 are in LA vs a team that has zero home field and fans for SF will be here cheering them on. Maybe I look to the Under again as we have had the last 2 SF playoff games. And let us look at those. One. Dallas. I'm a Cowboys fan. But the coaching is terrible and, well, Niners did hold on for the win. But don't forget that Jimmy G did throw a late INT in that one and it nearly cost them. Then in GB. Packers score on the first drive and then take the rest of the game off! A blocked FG to end the half that would have been 10-3 GB. A blocked Punt returned for a TD at 10-3 (13-3) for a 10-10. I mean, 10 guys on the field for the Packers on the final GW FG attempt. What a cluster of errors. And to be great, you need to catch some breaks. And SF has caught them all so far. Gucci Garoppolo 11-19 131 yards 1 INT vs GB. 16-25 172 yards 1 INT vs Dallas. He had 2 INTs in the season finale comeback vs the Rams. Stafford out-Brady-ed Brady in Tampa. I think people will see the Rams collapse in Week 18 vs SF and the near collapse vs TB and think they are ripe for the fall. We have 2 very good SB HCs going at it here. The smallest of smallest edge to the home team. I think Stats Padford. Matt Statsford Pads Statford, I mean Matt Stafford makes the plays over Jimmy G. 4* Money Maker LA RAMS 

Taking the CHIEFS. Playoff revenge tour in full swing. Can we really get anything better in these Championship Games than what we have seen so far in these playoffs? Totally unbelievable games. So KC dispatched Bills who upset them at home. Now on tap are the Bengals who rallied back from 21-7 and 28-14 down to win 34-31 on a last second FG. Now. I thought the Titans would take care of Cincy last week. And again. Not knocking Cincy. But even when we backed them vs the Raiders, we really need an INT on the 1 to preserve a W. That game shouldn't have been close but Cincy couldn't finish. Then vs the Titans they get 3 INTs from Tannehill, a bumbling mess. I will tell you this, 4 FGs will not cut it against the Chiefs. Too much experience, and winning, playoff experience for KC here. Burrow is great. But Mahomes and Company have been in this spot for now 4 straight years. I'm laying it. 4* Money Maker KC CHIEFS 

Taking the RAMS. We cashed LA on Monday night. Right back on them today. Not a lover of Tampa. Nice easy cake walk over Philly. But now they face a veteran QB and a pretty decent HC calling the shots. Not the defense can make the stops when needed. Slight edge Rams defense here even vs the great Brady. Will take the points, but won't be shocked at an outright W. 4* Money Maker LA RAMS 

Taking GREEN BAY. Niners get past Dallas who continue to find new ways to lose. This would have been nice to see the old HC come back to face the Pack. And the Rodgers come out and throw 6 TD passes. But, we still get Rodgers throwing 4 TD passes here. I do like SF. You know this. We had a future win ticket and NFC West ticket on them. Should have had them ML last week as I thought the line should have been 4.5-5.5. Dumb move by me. But still a nice weekend of Wild Card action going 3-1 heading into Monday and us backing the Rams. Here though. I just think GB has a QB who won't make stupid mistakes. He won't let his HC make mistakes. Guy is MVP and HOFer. Also has a great WR. Solid RBs. The defense is underrated. 8* Sure Shot GREEN BAY PACKERS 

Taking the TITANS. So we scored the win last week. Cincy as a Premium hold on and we also cash our Mid Day Money pick on the Under. But you know what I saw all the time. That 3.5 - man. Everyone will run to grab Burrow and that extra hook. Not so fast my friend. Titans by 10! Love the extra rest. We should be getting some guys back. Road playoff game for the youngsters from Cincy. Not happening Bengals fans. 5* Best Bet TENNESSEE TITANS 

Taking the RAMS. This is really about the coaching. Rams clear edge. Arizona again failing down the stretch. Like the Over here also after what we have seen from these defenses. We call him Pad Statsford or Stats Padford, but the guy can chuck it and he has a WR that has not be slowed all year. Cards defense in for a long night. Again. Huge coaching edge. 4* Money Maker LA RAMS

Taking the CHIEFS. I have written off Big Ben and the Steelers the last 2 weeks. I will do it again here on the road. I think this line gets to 2 TDs. KC does have banged up guys. But it is January after 18 weeks of football. There is zero shot of me getting behind this Pitt offense. Chiefs defense really turned it up the 2nd half of the year. Don't be fooled by 34-28 OT over LAC or 34-31 L at Cincy. Those offense are miles ahead of the Steelers and what they bring to the table. Didn't we just see a 36-10 win here after Christmas? I can't see how it's not the same.(we also have the UNDER) But I can't see Pitt getting more than 16. Give me Reid and Mahomes at home in the Playoffs. As much as I love Tomlin, the play calling has been brutal at time for the Steelers. 4* Money Maker KC CHIEFS

4* Total Money UNDER Steelers / Chiefs 

Taking DALLAS. Hey. Not going to say anything if people are grabbing SF on the ML. This is Dallas and I hate McCarthy. I thought this line would be higher based on the Cowboys dropping 51 and 56 on the Eagles and Washington. But you lay a clunker vs a playoff team and lose at home to Arizona and people react. And I do like SF. We had a SF NFC West future and over 10.5 ticket. So I am not one to sell them short. I want to even grab the Under here. The Dallas defense I think can rattle Jimmy G. They have 2 absolute studs on D with Diggs and Parsons this season who are just disruptors right now. Kittle, Deebo - yeah great weapons. I just think as much as Dallas has the #1 offense in the league, this is a defense team. We have seen Dak lay eggs with this offense. I just think their is too much offense for SF to slow down. They are in off a big game over the Rams. Maybe they start out a little slow here. Dallas should take advantage. Both OC/DC guys are being looked at for HC jobs. So you know they don't want to bomb out in the Wild Card round. 4* Money Maker DALLAS COWBOY

4* Total Money OVER Eagles/ Tampa

4* Money Maker  BUFFALO BILLS 

Taking the BENGALS. Look. We had the Raiders last week. But honestly, I thought they would go down to the Colts the week before. Line has come down a full point. And here I thought it would be Cincy -7. I still think Bengals win this by 10+. A nice 4 game win streak for LV. Upset Colts on road, OT win vs Vegas. But we saw b2b clunker offenses vs Broncos and Browns with backup QBs leading the charge for the other teams. Cincy game to Vegas and won 32-13 back in November. I have been surprised by Cincy this year. Not on the wins. They are talented. I am just not a lover of their coach. That being said- I will take Burrow and friend in the cold over Carr and company. 8* Sure Shot CINCINNATI BENGALS

Taking GEORGIA. Well. This is the team we had way back in August to win this thing. Can't get away from them now. They took care of Michigan with ease. Thought I had a decent number at +8 and 9 early. Wasn't meant to be. Now they get a rematch against Bama who rolled them in the SEC Championship. It is the last game of the year. We aren't going crazy. The defense will make their adjustments. Their offense seemed to be in sync vs the Wolverines. I think the Metchie loss will be felt more here than they needed vs Ciny. There is really nothing I can say about Alabama. ML the Tide if you like them. They run game was a beast with Robinson going for 200 vs Cincy. That is Cincy. Not Georgia. He went 16 for 55 vs the Bulldogs. It was Young hitting Williams for 180+ yards and Metchie for just about another 100 and 3 TDs for the duo that led Alabama. Hey. If Young comes out with another 400 yarder, what can I do. Bennett no slouch. He had 340 vs Tide, 2 INTs hurt. But solid vs Michigan for 310 and 3 TDs. It is tough to gage that game since they were in control the entire time. Almost like a tune up for both teams coming into the Championship. Putting my faith in Kirby to get the pass defense ready for Alabama. I think we see a new SEC National Champion. Take the GEORGIA BULLDOGS tonight. 

Taking the RAIDERS. Yes, the Raiders are basically assured of a playoff spot. But I can't see them losing here at home. Who thought they would be here after the season they just went through. But there they are. And the fact they can knock out a division rival of their shot at the playoffs -man, sign me up for Vegas. Plus, we get a little revenge angle at home. 28-14 last time these two met up with LAC up 21-0 at the half. Geez. You would think that Gus Bradley who was the season before with the Chargers would be able to game plan vs his old squad. I think he has the troops ready. I thin this is an outright win. Also like the OVER in this one. 8* Sure Shot LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 

Taking the PATRIOTS. Revenge game for the best coach in the league and a reeling Miami team. What more do we need. This line has already moved several points. I would lay 10 here. New England will eat the Dolphins like the stuff that gets scooped up in the tuna nets. Miami win streak bit the dust last week when they actually played a decent team. Add in that NE can win the AFC East with a win and Bills loss - no way they don't come out and play hard here the entire game. Might actually be looking at the UNDER in this game also. Scoreboard watch - if Bills get out to big early lead, wouldn't be shocked if Patriots goes run heavy with backups. 5* Best Bet NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Taking the NINERS. I am not a believer of this Rams team. They needed a big comeback last week. San Fran like a cornered Wolverine looking for a big win. Stafford has been brutal lately with 7 turnovers the last 3 games. Pads Statsford or Stats Padford, whatever you want to call him. He hasn't played any meaningful football while in Detroit. Not sure he can handle the pressure. SF with 5 straight wins (4-1 ATS) over LAR. Points are nice, but won't be shocked at an outright win this afternoon. 4* Money Maker SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 

Taking the LIONS. This line has totally moved since we posted. Still think Detroit puts up a fight though. 4* Money Maker DETROIT LIONS 

Taking the BEARS. Another game we get a good number. I think Minny folds up like a tent here. Coach will probably be shown the door. Maybe Cousins plays for some pride after missing last week's big game. I am not interested in laying with the Vikings. Bears have their own coach being shown the door. But the players haven't quit with a pair of wins in their last 2 games. 4* Money Maker CHICAGO BEARS

Taking CLEVELAND. Bad number for us on MNF with the Browns but it wouldn't have mattered anyway. Hopefully we get a benched Baker here and we can grind out a win with the run game. Utterly humiliated on MNF, I think we get a strong game today. Asking a lot. Probably. This is Cleveland. But I think they rally here for the fans and their own pride. Cincy with a way outside shot at the 1 seed. I can't see them risking Burrow all game here. Mixon could be out also. Plus. Off that huge comeback win over KC, I think this is a flat spot even vs a division rival. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND BROWNS 

4* Money Maker HOUSTON TEXANS 

4* Total Money OVER Bears/Minny 

4* Total Money UNDER Chiefs/ Broncos 

Taking KANSAS STATE. How the heck do you bet LSU here? New HC coming to town. You have opt outs. You have a back up QB. And you have LSU, big bad SEC LSU playing on a Tuesday night in the Tax Act Texas Bowl -- vs K-State. And this isn't New Years Day Tuesday or New Years Eve Tuesday in January. This is 3 days after the party? Are they pumped up? I doubt it. LSU could have left it all on the field in the Win one for the Gipper finale over A&M for Coach O. Wildcats a tough team. The coach will have these guys focused and you know they would love nothing better than to knock off the Tigers. 5* Best Bet KANSAS STATE 

Taking the BROWNS. Man. The Steelers just seem to always hang around games. And well the Browns, well Cleveland seems to lose a lot of games they should win. This team was thought to be a division winner and maybe a Super Bowl dark horse. Hello 7-8. Probably Big Ben's last game at home. Yeah. Lot of emotion. Will that make him a better player today? Browns still talented. Maybe it is because I can't stand Pitt, but I think Cleveland wins this by 10. Yes 10! If they just pound the ball they will break this defense. And their defense is good enough to get a turnover or two. Pitt hasn't score a TD in the first half in it's last 5 games! And we had Pitt vs the Titans. We also had GB over Cleveland. Off 4 INTs, you can't be worse Baker. The loser is out of the playoffs. Winner wins out and maybe wins division. I know the urge here is to go Big Ben and the home dog Steelers. Something seems off to me. Road fave gets the nod. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND BROWNS 

Taking the PACKERS. Maybe Rodgers lays an egg. But for me, the guy is the MVP. This team is just unbelievable. Always winning the NFC North. 13-3 seasons like its normal. I mean, a HOF QB. A great WR. The RB is no slouch. The defense makes plays when it has too. A home field like none other. They get Minny now with a back up QB. This line has doubled. Well. Hopefully you got it at around 7. 13 is steep, but I won't be shocked to see a big win here at home. I think Zimmer is on the way out. 4* Money Maker GREEN  BAY PACKERS

Taking DALLAS. This line getting a bit high, but I think with good reason. Cowboys demolished a depleted WFT on national TV. You know the money will coming in on them. We had the Colts over Arizona last week. We said in Mid Day Money to take the Lions over Arizona the week before. And we said Rams ML the week before that. 3 straight losses as a favorite. A 7-0 start and MVP Murray chants have gone the wayside. This team is not playing well. 3-5-7. I don't think it matters. Hopkins status? Murray health? The kicking last week? Look. Dallas can lay an egg. We saw that on Thanksgiving. And Dak had been just average before breaking out on Sunday night. But the Dallas Defense has been pretty consistent. A 4-0 December, 3 on the road, the Boys look tough. Arizona with road game 4 in 6 weeks and since that 7-0 is now 3-5. We know Dallas is an ATS burner at home over the years with inflate name value lines. But 12-3 ATS this season, and I will ride them again this afternoon. 4* Money Maker DALLAS COWBOYS

Taking the COLTS. I think Wentz is playing. 5,6,7,8,9. Indy by double digits. Look. Raiders to me, still a mess. Beating Denver? They have beaten the Broncos 4 straight. Plus, they faced a backup QB on the road. Oh, the Browns. Again, a backup QB. Maybe they are lucky enough to get 3rd straight backup QB lining up under center against them. I doubt it. NFL changed the rules the day the Wentz news came out. Colts will hammer these guys with their run game no matter who is under center. Their coach is good enough even with a backup where I have faith in him to make the right calls. Colts defense #2 in takeaways on the season. Vegas will make mistakes. 4* Money Maker INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

4* Total Money UNDER Vegas/Colts

Taking the PATRIOTS. Huge number. I will say it often that you don't make money laying double digits in the NFL. But there is no way, well, maybe if you give me 21.5, that I would take the Jaguars. Back to back losses for NE. Last week here vs Buffalo. You know that is a stinger. HC will not be happy. We know his edge vs rookie QBs. Now he gets one having a miserable year. A team having a miserable year. A team with no HC. A team that should have won, but you see why this franchise is how it is. 1st and goal inside the 5, and, nothing. I can't see them bouncing back from that. 7 straight losses. January in New England. Weather probably a bit chiller than Jacksonville. This offense is putrid. NE defense will probably do what the Titans did and get a couple INTs. This offense won't squander them - again, off 2 straight losses, 33 and 27 points allowed. Jags putting up 12 a game and have lost 16 straight on the road. I'm saying NE 34-11. 4* Money Maker NE PATRIOTS 

4* Total Money UNDER Giants/Bears 

4* Total Money UNDER Bucs/Jets

Taking WASHINGTON 56-14 is all people will remember heading into this one. I thought I would be able to get around 6, maybe closer to kick off. We last saw that Sunday night beatdown. We also remember Philly winning by 10 at home putting up 500 yards of offense. Let us not forget the 4 straight WFT wins before that. Before covid hit. Before they ran out a QB off the street last week. Look. For me. This is straight pride play. You give up 56 on national TV in front of your peers. You are facing a team that ran over 2 weeks ago. If you are any kind of man, you are ready to go into the stands and tackle Eagles family members. Philly hasn't beaten a team over .500 all year. These guys lost 13-7 to the Giants at the Meadowlands. Then beat the Jets with a rookie QB in Wilson, Garrett Gilbert off the street for WFT and then Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm last week. Get out of here. Heinicke isn't some savior, but he is better than those guys. Won't be shocked if Washington wins outright. 5* Best Bet WFT 

4* Money Maker BAYLOR

Taking NOTRE DAME. No coach. No problem. This team loves the new guy in charge. No lack of motivation. These guys are excited. Plus, they get a shot a big name program like Oklahoma. Who lost their HC and bring back an old HC to coach the bowl game. Why do I think some guys will be opting out for Oklahoma here? Give me the Irish in an absolute blowout. 5*  Best Bet NOTRE DAME

Taking ARKANSAS. Huge motivational edge here for the Hogs. First bowl game in 5 years - a New Years Day bowl, it has been a decade since that happened. PSU DC is out the door. 5 defensive starters opted out also. That is a big chunk for a team that went 7-5 on the season. 4* Money Maker ARKANSAS 

4* Total Money OVER Georgia/ Michigan 

Taking MICHIGAN here. This is it for Harbaugh. Time to deliver. You have the same NFL talent as Georgia does. Bulldogs defense very good. But, we have seen them vs Alabama and NFL talent. They can give up points. Wolverines can move the ball. We are also on this OVER. For me, this is really about Harbaugh getting over the hump and delivering. The guy can recruit. He finally got the big win he needed. Huge pressure lifted. I think these guys win outright tonight. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 

4* Money Maker WAKE FOREST 

Taking MICHIGAN STATE. I know Sparty is missing their stud RB. Big loss. But I think that the Panthers losing their QB is a lot more to be worried about. Nick Patti is a junior who has thrown 14 passes this year. I guess we saw flashes as a freshman where he went 26-43 3 TDs 1 INT in 4 games. But with losing their OC Whipple to Nebraska, do we really think they have a great game plan laid out here? Even with a top WR and a MSU pass defense that is not the Legion of Boom? I can't buy on Pitt here even as they price up into + points. Might very well be using UNDER 56 here as Free Pick Play tomorrow. 4* Money Maker MICHIGAN STATE

Taking TENNESSEE. This team really surprised me this season. Was not expecting such a quick turnaround. But here we are. And playing basically a home game. Huge edge here for Vols. Line moved accordingly. Look Perdue was 8-4.  Beat Michigan State, Iowa on the road. Lost 27-13 to ND. The team plays defense. Vols offense will put that to the test. This team can move the ball and put points on the board, just about 39ppg. Boilermakers best defense player opted out of the bowl. Their best WR also is sitting out as both get draft ready. Not sure Purdue has enough bullets to go shot for shot here. 8* Sure Shot TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 

4* Money Maker OKLAHOMA SOONERS 

4* Money Maker CLEMSON

Taking MARYLAND. Uh Not a huge fan of their HC. But sitting at 6-6,  he has a QB looking to end the year on a high note, let's ride the Terps. VT comes in with their QB in transfer portal and canned their HC so we have a interim on the sidelines. One guy needs this more than the other in a real bad way. Terps needed Rutgers after losing 3 straight to even sniff this game. Well Virginia Tech is more Rutgers than Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State If Locksley can't stop a true freshmen QB and a guy who hast thrown 17 college football passes, the school should make him walk home the Bronx. The guy can recruit - maybe stop off at Rutgers and get on that staff if he flames out this afternoon. 4* Money Maker MARYLAND TERPS

Taking HOUSTON here. I know everyone will be grabbing the SEC and Auburn. Tigers in off a tough Bama game. 4 game losing streak. Lose as a fave to South Carolina. Blow an 18pt halftime lead at home and lose by 9, again, as a fave. Losing 20-3 to A&M on the road I can live with. Nix transfers to Oregon. Fire OC Mike Bobo (old school GA QB!) New HC from the NFL. So they come in with new plays to mix things up? Eh. Maybe. Cougars want to prove they belong in the Big 12 and not the AAC. No lack of motivation for them. The have been pretty good albeit vs inferior teams than what Auburn has played. My lone fear is that even being a lesser bowl, it is in home territory for War Eagle. I just can't pass up the points though. 4* Money Maker HOUSTON COUGARS 

4* Total Money UNDER Pitt/Chiefs 

Taking TAMPA here. Bucs in off shutout. You think Brady isn't licking his chops this afternoon. Carolina has lost 9 of their last 11. Cam Newton. Come on. Again - Tampa shut out. Brady will look to redeem himself. My question is this? One - you think that Panthers have figured it out and will hold Tampa to under 20. Because that is the only shot these guys have at covering. How are they putting up 14+ points? I don't see it. I think TB wins this 34-13. 4* Money Maker TAMPA BAY

Taking HOUSTON. Yeah. Going big time ugly Christmas sweater here. I just can't back the Chargers laying this kind of number on the road. Ok. They are rested. Ok. They are angry off of blowing that KC game. Ok. Texans in off win before that had lost 8 games this year by 10 or more points. I've said many times I do not like the LAC coach. 4* Money Maker HOUSTON TEXANS

4* Total Money UNDER Bills/ Patriots

Taking the COLTS. We had Indy last week, will come back again. This is a good solid team. You can go back to our August NFL show and see how told you to take them to win the AFC South. Good HC. Solid defense. Solid run game. And believe it or a not, a solid QB. Wish we could have grabbed that +5, but any points a bonus here. This Arizona team looks to be a bit banged up right now. Murray does not look close to 100%. I know it is Christmas, a long season - no one is 100%. But he didn't look good in that 30-12 debacle vs the Lions. And even throwing for 380 yards vs the Rams, I wasn't running out to get MVP tickets. 7-0 to 10-4 for Arizona. For the math challenged, that is a not so good 3-4 run. HC edge for us in this one. And that can loom large in a game that can come down to 1 score game. 4* Money Maker INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Taking GREEN BAY. I hate saying something is easy. But there was zero chance I was going to take the Browns here. And you know I am big Cleveland backer. But this is an extremely short week. Add in the Covid tests. Who knows what we get here from them. On the other side. Man. What a brutal loss with GB -2 last week. Are you kidding me? At least off that game I know here at home, the defense will want to atone for that disaster. We also have the MVP behind center. Not sure what the Browns have left in the tank at this point of the season. Much higher hopes coming into this season after last year. Now sitting at .500, I don't know if they have the heart to win this thing. Make no mistake. Browns win this one outright or they get run out of the Lambeau by 20. I think we see the latter. 5* Best Bet GREEN BAY PACKERS

4* Total Money OVER Ball State/ Georgia State