Contrarian Dominator - Rickenbach Tuesday NBA 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (+) @ Brooklyn Nets @ 7:35 ET - The Suns have been a different team since the coaching change. They have covered 3 in a row and they were a dog in all 3 games and won 2 of the 3 outright. Phoenix is definitely putting more emphasis on defense and they've held their last 3 opponents to 43% from the field. The Nets are the same old no-defense Brooklyn team we're used to seeing. The Nets have allowed 5 of their 7 opponents to make at least 48% of their shots from the field! Brooklyn is allowing 118.3 points per game! While the Suns full season points allowed look nearly as bad as the Nets, keep in mind Phoenix has allowed only 105.7 points per game in their last 3 games which of course are the games since the coaching change. The Suns also have plenty of motivation here because they've been swept by Brooklyn each of the last two seasons and each loss last season came by at least 18 points. It's time for payback and Phoenix is well rested since they've been off since Saturday. Conversely, the Nets are playing their 5th game in 8 nights and have yet to have back to back off days this entire season (that finally happens after this game). Though the marketplace appears to be tempted to back Brooklyn here as they expect a response off of a bad loss, the Nets are actually 17-47 SU (26-38 ATS) when off of a loss by double digits! I am expecting the upset here but, should the Suns fall short, I expect it to be by no more than a bucket. 10* PHOENIX

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach Monday NFL 10* Top Play Denver Broncos (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:30 ET - Turnovers hurt badly in football and the Broncos have turned the ball over 3 times in each of their past two games. Keep in mind, Denver had started the season with a 3-1 record. Then they lost the winless Giants even though they outgained New York by a margin of 412 to 266. That was followed by a shutout loss (first for Broncos in 25 years) at Los Angeles last week against the Chargers. In that game Denver did outgain LA but they lost by 21 at the scoreboard. The point is that we're getting some solid line value this week with the Broncos at Kansas City because their results the past two weeks don't tell the full story. The fact is that Denver's defense ranks near the very top of the NFL while Kansas City's defense ranks near the very bottom of the NFL. Also, while the Chiefs seem to rate a huge edge on offense, a lot of the Broncos problems have been related to turnovers and missed opportunities. The way Denver has moved the ball ranks them in the middle of the league in terms of production on offense. The Broncos have won 7 of their last past 10 meetings with the Chiefs. Also, Kansas City enters this game off of a very tough last minute loss at Oakland last week. Not only are those defeats the toughest type to bounce back from, note that the Broncos are 12-2 ATS in divisional games when they are facing an opponent that is off of a loss (SU and ATS) in divisional action. That system fits here as the Chiefs were a 3-point fave at Oakland last week and lost outright to the Raiders. Also, KC is 1-9 ATS in their game after facing the Raiders. Last but certainly not least, the Chiefs are 1-8 ATS as a home fave in divisional action when they are off of a loss (SU and ATS) and facing an opponent off of a SU loss. I love the systems in play here in addition to the fact that I get an under-valued defense-minded divisional dog that is ready to explode with a strong game under the lights on Monday Night Football. 10* DENVER

NBA TV Dominator - Rickenbach Monday NBA 8* San Antonio Spurs (+) @ Boston Celtics @ 7:35 ET - The Spurs have won 10 straight meetings with the Celtics. San Antonio also has won each of their last 6 visits to Boston. The Spurs finally got a taste of their own medicine yesterday as they took control, as usual, in the 4th quarter and were up by 9 with under 7 minutes to go. However, this time San Antonio was on the wrong end of the late 4th quarter push and the Pacers ended up getting the 3 point win in Indiana. Even though this is a back to back spot for the Spurs it helps that yesterday's game was an afternoon game and it also helps that San Antonio has two days off after this game. Hungry from back to back losses, you can bet (literally!) that the Spurs are going to go very hard in this one. That said, I like the additional line value here as this line has been pushed higher as the morning has gone on. Boston has won 4 straight (both SU and ATS) but they are 11-27 ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. The Spurs, despite losing outright as a sizable road favorite yesterday, are still 46-25 ATS in game played in the first half of a season. They were again off to a fast start this season (prior to this 2-game skid) and I expect they'll get right back on track tonight. 8* SAN ANTONIO

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Pittsburgh Steelers (-) @ Detroit Lions @ 8:30 ET - At first glance this seems like a tough spot for the Steelers. The Lions are coming in rested off of their bye week and Pittsburgh is off of back to back big wins as they knocked off the previously undefeated Chiefs two weeks ago and then the division rival Bengals last week. However, the Steelers are the play here for numerous reasons. One is that Pittsburgh already had their "wake up call" three weeks ago when they got embarrassed on their home filed by the Jaguars. The Steelers took it to heart and they've used that as their motivation going forward. Also, Pittsburgh does have their bye week on deck and when they return from the bye they face a bad Colts team. In other words, there is no doubt the Steelers are fully focused on the Lions in a big primetime game as Pittsburgh knows they can rest later. They certainly won't let up tonight. Keep in mind, the Steelers are the #1 defense in the league and that is thanks in large part to their success defending the pass. Everyone knows the NFL is now a passing-dominated league and a key to success is stopping the pass. The Lions, unlike the Steelers, rank in the bottom third of the league in pass defense. Additionally, Detroit is ranked near the bottom of the league in terms of offensive production while the Steelers are in the top third of the league. The Lions have given up 39.5 points per game in their past two games. Detroit's production on offense at home has also dropped with each game as the yardage has gone from 367 to 324 to 242. The Lions also are 1-12 ATS when they are off of a game where they scored more than 35 points. Also, when Detroit is off of a game where they allowed more than 35 points and they're now facing a team that is off of a SU win, the Lions have gone 1-10 ATS! On deck for the Lions is a Monday night game at Green Bay and Detroit is on a 1-6 ATS run in their game before facing the Packers. Also, the Lions are just 1-4 ATS the game before a MNF game. The Steelers are 4-1 in games where they are a road favorite of 3 points or less and they are offering great value as a small fave here as they are fired up about staying hot and earning one more win before their bye week! 8* PITTSBURGH

NFC East Game of the Year - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 10* Top Play Washington Redskins (+) vs Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the road team has covered 6 straight in this series. However, the Redskins have played the tougher schedule this season and the Cowboys are getting way too much respect as this line has continued to move in their direction all week long and now through early gameday morning as well. The fact is that Dallas has faced only 2 winning teams this season while the Redskins have faced only 2 losing teams so far this year. Also, the Cowboys are off of a win but have yet to win back to back games this season while the Redskins are off of a loss and have yet to lose back to back games this season. Also, the Cowboys did win both games over the Redskins last season. This is a huge rivalry and Washington is hungry for payback here. The Cowboys are off of a big win over the 49ers but of course San Francisco is a winless team this season. In fact, the 3 wins Dallas has this season have come against teams that are combined 4-17 on the season! The Redskins have played a tough schedule and 2 of their losses have been to the 6-1 Eagles. Also, Washington did beat Oakland by 17 and the Raiders are better than their record would indicate. Also, the Redskins knocked off a Rams team that is 5-2. Most all of you probably also remember the Washington primetime game at Kansas City where the Redskins clearly looked like the better team before suffering a tight loss that was much closer than what the final score indicates. That was a bad beat for Skins backers and Washington clearly could have won the game outright too! The situation here is also set up well even though the Redskins are on a short week. The Cowboys are 2-11 ATS in divisional games when they are a road favorite off of a straight-up win by a double digit margin and now facing an opponent who is off of a straight-up loss! The Redskins are a perfect 6-0 ATS when they are a home dog and facing an opponent with a winning percentage of .401 or more. The Skins already knocked off the 2-0 Raiders with that same system in play earlier this season. 10* WASHINGTON

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Carolina Panthers (+) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ 1 ET - The Panthers are off of back to back losses but the first one came to the hottest team in the league, Eagles, and the second one saw Carolina lose despite holding the Bears to 153 yards of offense! Sometimes "fluke" games do happen and Chicago beat the Panthers 17-3 despite Carolina winning the yardage battle by 140 yards over the Bears. Suffice to say, the Panthers are fired up after back to back losses and they're ready to take out their frustration on a division rival. While Carolina is allowing only 261.9 yards per game (one of the top defenses in the league), Tampa Bay is allowing 408.5 yards per game and ranks as one of the worst defenses in the league. The Panthers are on a 7-2 ATS run as an underdog. The Buccaneers are on a 2-9 ATS run as a home favorite. Also, the Panthers are 6-2 SU and ATS in their last 8 meetings with Tampa Bay. 8* CAROLINA

PAC-12 Game of the Year - Rickenbach CFB Game #173 Saturday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (-) @ Arizona State Sun Devils @ 10:45 ET - After everyone watched USC get blasted at Notre Dame last week no one will want the Trojans here. The fact is that Southern Cal made some key early mistakes against the Fighting Irish and it "snowballed" from thereon. This is helping to give us some great line value because USC is still a very high quality team and they have played a bit of a tougher schedule than Arizona State has. Also, the Sun Devils caught a break last week against Utah as it was Utes QB Huntley's first game back. Yes ASU also knocked off Washington the prior week but just how good were the Huskies anyway? Washington was indeed undefeated at the time but the Huskies had played a very weak schedule and, in fact, were a favorite of at least 28 points in 5 of their first 6 games. Keep in mind, before these two solid defensive performances for ASU, they had allowed 483.6 yards per game! I am not sold on the Sun Devils defense just yet! Now Arizona State takes on an angry USC team playing with a chip on its shoulder and, before last week's loss to the Irish, the Trojans had gained over 450 yards of offense in 6 of their first 7 games. USC beat the Sun Devils by 3 TDs last season and by 4 TDs the prior season! Remember too that ASU's win last week was at Utah (a very physical team) and the Sun Devils may not have much left in the tank here! The Trojans are 11-0, 100% ATS when they are favored and are off of a game where they allowed more than 35 points! Southern Cal makes a statement tonight and that record moves to 12-0, 100% ATS! 10* USC

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play Edmonton Eskimos (+) vs Calgary Stampeders @ 7 ET - At first glance it would appear that Calgary is the play. After all, they've beaten Edmonton 5 straight times, they're the top team in the CFL, and they're off of a loss. However, situational handicapping is the key and that is why this play could be considered "contrarian". The fact is that the Stampeders have already locked up the #1 seed. Also, with last week's loss they don't have to worry about trying to maintain a long winning streak as that defeat snapped Calgary's long winning run. As for Edmonton, they surely don't want to slow down here. They are still holding out hopes of hosting a playoff game and they need to keep winning to keep those hopes alive. Also, Edmonton's offense is red hot again and they showed a lot of resiliency in coming back and knocking off BC in OT last week. Eskimos QB Mike Reilly has a league-high 5,252 passing yards this season and Edmonton is truly firing on all cylinders right now on offense. The motivation for the Eskimos is very high here and couple that with home field and an underdog price and you've got big value here. 10* EDMONTON

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CFB Game #186 Saturday 8* Northwestern Wildcats (+) vs Michigan State Spartans @ 3:30 ET - A ranked Michigan State team opened up right around a pick'em in this game and, of course, the public and the betting markets are all over the Spartans. This line has been driven up to as high as a 3 as of early gameday morning and I'll gladly grab the home dog here. First off the Spartans are off of a miracle cover last week as they were laying about a TD versus Indiana and were down 9-3 before scoring two TDs in the final 6 minutes. Michigan State is simply an over-rated football team this season and they're likely to be exposed these next few weeks. The Spartans have Penn State and Ohio State on deck after this "tougher than it looks" match-up with Northwestern. The Wildcats defense has allowing an average of just 338 yards per game their last 5 games and that included match-ups with Wisconsin and Penn State! Northwestern is at home for the 3rd time in 4 weeks while the Spartans are on the road for the 3rd time in 4 weeks plus have a "lookahead" situation with the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes on deck! Of course the Spartans have a strong defense but their struggles on offense are evident this season with just 22.7 points per game and they've been held to 18 points or less in 4 of their last 5 games. The Wildcats have averaged 447 yards per game at home this season while the Spartans have averaged just 308 yards of offense on the road this year. The line move has opened up great value here and Michigan State is on an 0-7 ATS run as a road favorite. The Wildcats are on a 9-3 ATS run in games played in Weeks 5 through 9 of a season. 8* NORTHWESTERN

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFB Game #204 Saturday 8* Ole Miss Rebels (-) vs Arkansas Razorbacks @ Noon ET - The loss of Austin Allen to injury at QB for Arkansas means Cole Kelley gets the start here. While Ole Miss also is without starting QB Shea Patterson, I like their replacement more than the Kelley for Allen situation. I also like the fact that Jordan Ta'amu gets this start at home. From a situational standpoint this is a great spot for Ole Miss as they're playing their 3rd straight home game while the Razorbacks are on the road for the 3rd time in 4 weeks. Also, Arkansas has lost 3 straight games by an average margin of 30 points per game! The Rebels have revenge from a 4 point loss at Arkansas last season as well as a loss (in 4 OT!) the last time Ole Miss hosted the Razorbacks. Prior to last week's loss to LSU, the Rebels were a perfect 3-0 at home this season. As for Arkansas, they have lost both road games and their other game played away from home (neutral site) this season. This line has dropped all the way down to a 3 but it is certainly worth noting that the Rebels are 4-0 SU and ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points and the long-term numbers on that are 19-6 SU and 17-8 ATS. Good spot for a big home win as Ta'amu is a dual-threat QB who certainly has a ton of potential. You'll see that today! 8* OLE MISS

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach Friday NBA 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets (+) @ New York Knicks @ 7:35 ET - Brooklyn is averaging 121.2 points per game this season while the Knicks are averaging 93.3 points per game on the young season. Of course the Nets defense is a different story but that doesn't change the fact that the Knicks are winless both SU and ATS while Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS and 3-2 SU on the season. The Nets have lost both their road games this season but, of course, this isn't much of a "road game" here considering the game is in New York! Also, it is the first divisional game of the season for Brooklyn so there is no way they'll be flat here even though they're off of a win versus the Cavs on Wednesday. The Nets have covered 4 games in a row while the Knicks are still seeking their first cover. Also, Brooklyn has won each of its last two meetings with New York and the Knicks just are not getting good backcourt play. That is why, even though the Nets are without guard D'Angelo Russell tonight, the Knicks don't have the backcourt firepower to take advantage. This total is hovering around the 220 mark and New York is 0-7 ATS in home games with a posted total of 220 or more in recent seasons. The Nets are 4-0 ATS this season in games with a posted O/U equal to 220 or greater! 10* BROOKLYN

Game of the Year - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Top Play Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+) @ Ottawa Redblacks @ 7 ET - Even though the Redblacks are off of their bye week and are the much more rested team, the Tiger-Cats are simply red hot right now and they also come in as the healthier team here in terms of key injuries. Ottawa just lost star receiver Brad Sinopoli and defensive starter Jerrell Gavins for the rest of the season. Conversely, Hamilton just got some good news with the expected return of leading receiver Jalen Saunders. Remember that the Ti-Cats began the season but 0-8 but they've been a different team since the coaching change to June Jones and are 5-3 in their last 8 games. Also, Ottawa is known for close games as, amazingly, 13 of their games this season have been decided by 7 points or less. Sure the Redblacks are hoping to win this game and keep their division title hopes alive but this Tiger-Cats team is a team on a mission. Remember that last week's game against Montreal was also a "meaningless" game for Hamilton and yet they crushed the Alouettes in domination fashion. Also, Redblacks starter QB Trevor Harris has won only 1 of his 5 starts versus the Tiger-Cats in his career! Hamilton is on an 8-3 ATS runs an underdog in a range of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Ottawa is on a 5-8 ATS run as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points. A lot of value with a Tiger-Cats team that has shown they're building for the future and also note that the Redblacks are just 5-10 SU when off of a bye week. 10* HAMILTON

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach Thursday NFL 8* Baltimore Ravens (-) vs Miami Dolphins @ 8:25 ET - The Ravens are banged up (particularly) on offense but they also are fired up and have enough healthy bodies here to get the job done against the Dolphins. Baltimore is out to prove themselves at home in a primetime game and this is when teams playing with a chip on their shoulder tend to be at their best. Look for Joe Flacco and company to surprise people tonight. Though it has been a frustrating season for the Ravens QB thusfar, Flacco has been better at home and only 3 of the 4 "home" games for Baltimore have been true home games as one was played in London. Baltimore has scored 24 points in 2 of their 3 games played in Baltimore and that type of production should be enough to take down the Dolphins. Sure Miami looked better after Matt Moore took over at QB for the injured Matt Moore last week but the Dolphins were facing a Jets team that was downtrodden after a tight loss to the Patriots the week before. Now Miami faces an angry Ravens team off of back to back losses. Baltimore is 6-0 ATS at home when they are off of back to back losses (both SU and ATS) and they're hosting a team with a winning percentage under .750 - that system is fully in play here. The Dolphins are on a 1-5 ATS run in games against the AFC North Division. 8* BALTIMORE

Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach Thursday NBA 10* Memphis Grizzlies (-) vs Dallas Mavericks @ 8:05 ET - This line yesterday was a -4 and that game was at Dallas and now the rematch is in Memphis in this rare back to back same team, different city match-up. The fact that the Grizzlies are now available at -8 (at the time of this posting) is a bargain because that is saying that home court is only worth 2 points...Memphis being a -6 on a neutral floor...and that is not right. Home court is worth more than 2 points and the Grizzlies are hungry for revenge here. Last night's loss was their first of the season and the Dallas win was the Mavericks first of the season. There is also another little tidbit that, though not huge, certainly also carries some value here. The Grizzlies do not want to play Chandler Parsons on back to back nights as he hasn't been medically cleared for that so he DID not play last night and WILL play tonight. As for the Mavericks, Devin Harris played last night (first game since shooting death of brother) but was not expected to travel with the team for this game. This personnel variance for each team in the Thursday rematch certainly leads to more home fave line value! The Mavericks are allowing opponents to make 48.7% from the field and 36.1% from three point land while the Grizzlies are holding opponents to 41.7% from the field and 30.7% from beyond the arc! Memphis is 22-13 ATS when playing back to backs while the Mavericks are 13-20 SU in back to backs. Remember that all 3 of the Grizzlies wins this season have come by 8 points or more and that includes winning at Houston and also knocking off the defending champ Warriors here in Tennessee! 10* MEMPHIS

Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach Wednesday NBA 10* Dallas Mavericks (+) vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:35 ET - Memphis is 3-0 SU and ATS this season. Dallas is 0-4 SU and ATS this season. Mavericks have no chance, right? Actually the inverse is true. The Mavs are extremely hungry for their first win of the season and they know it need to come against the Grizzlies because otherwise Dallas will be staring an 0-6 in the face. That's because tonight's game is followed by another match-up with the Grizz in Memphis tomorrow! While the Grizzlies rallied from a double digit 4th quarter deficit against the Rockets in Houston to get an improbable road win, the Mavs are off of an embarrassing home loss to Golden State. Dallas is 31-17 ATS when off of a loss by a double digit margin. The Grizzlies are 4-16 ATS when they enter a game on a streak of 3 or more consecutive unders. Also, Memphis is 14-27 (both SU and ATS) when off of a divisional game. Even though the Mavericks are also a divisional opponent the Grizzlies are justifiably more concerned with the Rockets than the Mavs and I see tonight's game as a flat spot for Memphis. Keep in mind, this is just the 2nd road game of the season for the Grizzlies and they were down by 10 points late in the game against the Rockets before their huge game-ending run. 10* DALLAS

Rickenbach Wednesday NBA 8* Miami Heat (+) vs San Antonio Spurs @ 8:05 ET - The Spurs continue to do the unthinkable and grind out wins (and tight covers) despite not having Kawhi Leonard or Tony Parker available. Now they also saw role player Joffrey Lauvergne get hurt and he provides a big body that gets key rebounds and gives LaMarcus Aldridge a rest. While Lauvergne is not a key player, you may be surprised at how he impact the playing rotation of San Antonio for tonight's game in terms of big men. Certainly this helps Miami as the Heat are still without the injured Hassan Whiteside. I really like the hungry home dog here hosting a Spurs team that has seemed to have everything break their way late in games this season. That changes tonight as the Heat look to win their 3rd straight. Good value spot here as the Heat have not covered a game yet while San Antonio has yet to suffer an ATS loss. The Spurs are 36-43 ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 games or more. The Heat are 13-7 (65%) ATS against teams from the Southwest Division and there certainly is "history" between the Heat and Spurs! 8* MIAMI

Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach Tuesday NBA 10* Indiana Pacers (+) @ Minnesota Timberwolves @ 8:05 ET - The Timberwolves are over-priced here. I am well aware of the fact that the Pacers are still without Myles Turner but they've been without him since he got hurt in their season opener and Indiana is off of a tight 4-point loss in their most recent game. The Pacers are getting big scoring from Victor Oladipo. They can hang tight with a Timberwolves team that they certainly are catching at the right time. Minnesota is off of a huge win at Oklahoma City on Sunday. That was a big upset win for Minny and they are 10-21 SU when off of an outright upset win as an underdog. Also, the Wolves are 9-18 ATS short-term (and 46-73 ATS long-term) when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. Also, Minnesota is known for playing down to the level of competition as they are 25-48 ATS in games against teams with a losing record. The Pacers are at the other end of the spectrum against teams with a winning record as they are on a 50-34 (60%) ATS run! Indiana also is 17-7 ATS when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Pacers are 3-1 in their last 4 meetings with Minnesota and the road team is a perfect 4-0 ATS in those games! 10* INDIANA PACERS

Rickenbach Tuesday NBA 8* New York Knicks (+) @ Boston Celtics @ 7:35 ET - The Knicks were up by 21 points versus Detroit Saturday in the first half but blew the big lead and ended up losing by 4. They know they need to focus more on defense and rebounding and I like their chances to stay inside an inflated number here. The Celtics, without Gordon Hayward now for the season, are relying on a deep rotation of players and that may help them when they're facing a tired opponent. But, in this case, they're facing a New York team that has been off since Saturday and doesn't play again until Friday. The Knicks will go "all out" here and are hungry off of a loss. Also, the road team has won each of the last 3 games (both SU and ATS) between these two divisional rivals. That said, it is also hard to expect the Celtics to win this game by double digits when they're making only 41.8% of their field goal attempts early this season. Boston is on a 13-20 ATS run in divisional games and I it certainly appears they are again over-priced here. The Celtics also have a "revenge game" at Milwaukee on deck for Thursday. The Bucks beat the C's and ruined their home opener Wednesday. 8* NEW YORK KNICKS

Rickenbach Monday NBA 10* Top Play Toronto Raptors (+) @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:35 ET - The Spurs are the popular choice here and I love to fade the masses. Yes, San Antonio is off to a 2-0 start but they pulled away very late to beat a Minnesota team that is still learning how to close out games and they then faced a Bulls team that is certainly having some issues and in-fighting right now. Now the Spurs take on a Raptors team that has had 48 or more wins each of the last 4 seasons and San Antonio is still without Tony Parker and, most importantly, Kawhi Leonard. Having won their first two games by a combined 51 points, abeit against weak competition (Bulls and Sixers), Toronto does roll into SA with plenty of confidence for this one. Keep in mind the Raptors are shooting better from the field (including from 3 point land) in comparison with San Antonio early this season. The Spurs are below .500 ATS (49-52 record) when facing a team with a winning record and the Raptors are fantastic 43-18 SU when off of a game they won by a double digit margin. Very confident and ready to make a statement in their first truly challenging game this season, the road team rolls in this one! 10* TORONTO

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (-) vs Washington Redskins @ 8:30 ET - The Eagles aren't getting very much respect here. Quick...name all the teams in the NFL with 1 loss or less...the answer is one word...Eagles. No one is undefeated as you know and Philadelphia is the last remaining 1 loss team even though 4 of their first 6 games have been on the road. The Eagles already beat the Redskins in their season opener in Washington and now they get them at home. Certainly I have plenty of respect for the Redskins, a quality division rival of Philadelphia. However, the Eagles went 5-1 last season when Lane Johnson was in the lineup. A top offensive tackle of the Eagles who was suspended for 10 games last season, Johnson makes a big difference when he is in there. Johnson has been dealing with a concussion but is listed as probable for this game and that's great news for Philly. Not only did they go 5-1 with him in the lineup last season they are already 5-1 this season and they know this game is huge in terms of creating significant gap at the top of the NFC East. The Redskins had owned the Eagles in recent seasons but Philly proved they already have turned the tables on this season with that win back in week 1. There is a certain "aura" around the Eagles that this is their year. They've played extremely well on both sides of the ball and are well rested here. Remember that Philly played on Thursday of last week in their impressive win over the Panthers. The Redskins are off of a Sunday game and did not impress in a rather tight win over the winless 49'ers. The Eagles are on a long-term 9-1 ATS run on MNF when they are off of a SU win. Also, under coach Doug Pederson, Philadelphia is 6-0 ATS in home games where they are facing a team off of a SU win! That streak continued when they blasted Arizona two weeks ago here in Philly. The Redskins are a long-term 10-21 ATS in Monday night games and that includes 0-4 ATS in MNF the last 3 seasons combined. So we have a perfect 10-0 ATS spot favoring the Eagles in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Rickenbach Monday NBA 8* Houston Rockets (-) vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:05 ET - Yes the Rockets are without Chris Paul but they were -13 with him on the floor in their upset win over the Warriors on opening night. Houston has also gone 2-0 without him as he has missed the past two games. Don't get me wrong, Paul is a fantastic player but the point is that others are filling in for very well. Look for the Rockets on Monday to take advantage of a Memphis team playing their first road game of the season. Also, the Grizzlies are coming off of a huge upset win over the Warriors on Saturday. Memphis has lost their last two games against the Rockets by an average margin of 19.5 points per game. The Grizzlies are on a 35-48 ATS run against teams with a winning record and I like the fact Houston is catching them off of an upset win over the defending champs. Keep in mind, the Rockets only non-cover this season was after they upset the Warriors at Golden State. 8* HOUSTON

Western Conf Dominator - Rickenbach Sunday NBA 8* New Orleans Pelicans (-) @ Los Angeles Lakers @ 9:35 ET - Another nice set up here for many reasons. First off the Pelicans are off of a loss but they faced the NBA Champion Warriors and they actually led Golden State by 15 points in the first half of that game. While New Orleans is coming into this one hungry off of a loss the Lakers are feeling satisfied off of a win Friday. That win, however, was at Phoenix, and the Suns don't play defense. Keep in mind, when Lonzo Ball and these Lakers faced the defensive-minded Clippers in their opener on Wednesday, the Lakers were dominated. The Clippers had too much size inside and Ball was out-classed by Patrick Beverley. This will prove to be another tough match-up for Ball and the Lakers because the Pelicans have another former UCLA star (Jrue Holiday) whom will match-up with Lonzo. Look for the highly motivated Holiday to win this battle. Also, in the paint, New Orleans has a huge edge with the big bodies of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. The early drop on this line also gives added value with the small road fave here. The Lakers are 2-6 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 130 points or more. Both these teams enter this game 1-1 but the Pelicans have played the much tougher schedule. Grab the line value here as the Pelicans get revenge for April's loss in the most recent meeting in Los Angeles. 8* NEW ORLEANS

Golden Ticket - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bengals (+) @ Pittsburgh Steelers @ 4:25 ET - The Steelers are off of their upset victory over the Chiefs at Kansas City last week while the Bengals were resting thanks to a bye week. I know Pittsburgh is known for being tough at home through the years but they've been an "up and down" team this season and have yet to cover 2 straight games. On the other side of the equation, the Bengals come into this game riding a 3-game ATS win streak and seeking revenge. Pittsburgh knocked Cincinnati out of the playoffs 2 years ago. Since then the Steelers also have won each of the last two regular season meetings. This is their first meeting this season however and the road team has covered 4 of the last 5 meetings. The Bengals also are on a 6-1 ATS run in road games with a posted total between 38.5 and 42 points. Specific to divisional road games, Cincy has covered 7 of their last 10. In the Steelers last 7 home games in regular season home games, they are just 2-5 ATS. Look for the Bengals momentum to continue here as, whether or not they get the upset and get their revenge, I do expect them to make it 4 in a row ATS with another cover here. 10* CINCINNATI

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* New Orleans Saints (-) @ Green Bay Packers @ 1 ET - There is a good chance of rain at this game but the winds are not expected to be significant and the rain is expected to just be light showers rather than heavy rain. That is significant here because with the Saints having Drew Brees and the Packers being without Aaron Rodgers, New Orleans holds a huge edge in terms of offensive potency in this one! Green Bay QB Brett Hundley had a 1-3 ratio last week and the Packers offense totaled only 227 yards last week. Surprisingly, even when Rodgers has been playing for Green Bay, the Packers offense has struggled overall this season. The Pack ranks 21st in the league on offense while New Orleans ranks 7th. The Saints defense also has come on strong and have forced 9 turnovers their last 3 games. I know that New Orleans gave up big points to Detroit last week but much of that happened after they had built up a huge lead and then "let up" in the game. Green Bay is looking ahead to their bye week and a chance to get healthy and to do a little more with their QB situation. As for the Saints, they're looking to 4 straight wins and I feel they will do just that and make it 4 straight covers also! New Orleans is 10-1 ATS when they are on the road after scoring more than 40 points. The Saints are also 9-0 ATS when facing an NFC opponent with a winning percentage above .666 as is the case with the 4-2 Packers. New Orleans is also 5-0 ATS in road games against NFC North teams. The Packers are 0-6 ATS when off a SU loss by a double digit margin in divisional action (Vikings last week) and now facing a non-divisional opponent in the current week. That means the Saints are supported by systems that are a combined 30-1 ATS including a triple perfect 20-0 ATS when combining those 3 perfect ATS stats! I'll take it! 8* NEW ORLEANS

Market Analytics - Rickenbach Saturday NBA 8* Chicago Bulls (+) vs San Antonio Spurs @ 8:05 ET - The Spurs got the win and cover versus the Timberwolves on Wednesday in San Antonio. However, that game was very tight until the final minutes and the final score is quite deceiving. This has resulted in some additional line value here because this is still an SA team that is without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker right now. The Bulls are hungry off of their 17 point road loss at Toronto Thursday and definitely want to come up with a big effort in their home opener. What could be better than winning a home opener against a highly respected team like the Spurs? I am not saying that will happen but, you get my point! The Bulls want this one and SA is still a banged up team. By the way, the Spurs are only 3-5 SU when off of an upset win as an underdog and now, after a mild upset of Minnesota, San Antonio is laying nearly double digits on the road. Chicago is 64-51 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. 8* CHICAGO

Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #401 Saturday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (+) @ Notre Dame @ 7:30 ET - The mystique of playing at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN causes a lot of shading of the line toward the Fighting Irish in home games. That is the case here and, simply put, it has resulted in phenomenal value for the better team. Southern Cal is on a mission to be a playoff team representing the Pac-12 Conference this season. The Trojans know they can ill afford another loss and they also have revenge against the Irish. Yes, USC did defeat them last year (rather handily too!) but they still remember the loss 2 years ago in South Bend where Notre Dame got the better of them despite the Trojans outgaining them by more than a football field! The Irish have not played an easy schedule, not at all, but Southern Cal's schedule has been even tougher. That strength of schedule edge for USC will come to the forefront here because Notre Dame also is fortunate to be 5-1 as they were outgained (again by more than a full football field) when they won at Michigan State earlier this season. 3 Spartans turnovers keyed that victory for the Irish. Give them credit of course but Notre Dame now faces a USC teams that is throwing for nearly 300 yards per game while the Fighting Irish are barely throwing for half that per game. Yes, ND does run the ball well but USC has been very tough against the run with just 118.8 rushing yards allowed per game the last 5 games. When Notre Dame is a favorite off of back to back wins (both victories SU and ATS) with the most recent win coming by a double digit margin, they've gone just 2-9 ATS! Look for Southern Cal to improve to 7-3 ATS in road games with a posted total between 63.5 and 70 points. 10* USC

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFB Game #398 Saturday 8* Florida State Seminoles (-) vs Louisville Cardinals @ Noon ET - Both teams are having tough seasons but Florida State has played the toughest schedule in the nation this year. The Cardinals defense has been awful this season. Taking a look at their last 5 games Louisville, of course, had an easy time with over-matched opponents like Kent State and Murray State. But, in their other 3 games, the Cards allowed an average of 562.7 yards per game! Compare that to a Seminoles defense that has had no cupcakes and yet is allowing only 330.6 yards per game on the season. FSU also has revenge from last season's embarrassing 63-20 loss at Louisville. The Noles get payback today and the drop in this line has opened up solid line value for us. I'll take it! Also, Louisville is 0-5 ATS when they are an underdog in conference play and coming off of a game where they allowed 35 points or more. After losing 45-42 at home versus Boston College last week, that perfect angle is in play here. Overall, the Cardinals are on a 3-14 ATS run dating back to last season and, though the Seminoles have been struggling at the betting window, the strength of opposition they have faced has had a lot to do with that. Look for last week's win at Duke to be a sign of things to come for the Noles. 8* FLORIDA STATE

Divisional Dominator Friday - Rickenbach CFL 8* Saskatchewan Roughriders (+) @ Calgary Stampeders @ 9 ET - The Roughriders held the Stampeders (best team in CFL) to just 5 field goals in their 15-9 home loss 4 weeks ago. Saskatchewan QB Kevin Glenn got hurt in that game but he's back now and coming off of a huge game last week (threw for nearly 400 yards) in the one point home loss to Ottawa. This game is very important for the Roughriders as they try to inch closer to securing a playoff spot. Though Calgary still has incentive too (locking up top spot in the league), this is a lot of points considering how well the Saskatchewan defense played against the Stampeders in their most recent meeting. Calgary is overpriced here simply because they've had such a great season (including at the betting window). The result is exceptional line value here. 8* SASKATCHEWAN

Top Play Annihilation Friday - Rickenbach NBA 10* Top Play Minnesota Timberwolves (-) vs Utah Jazz @ 8:05 ET - The Timberwolves actually led the Spurs with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. They also were down just 1 point with 4 minutes to go when they missed a 3-pointer that would have given them a 2 point lead. Anyway calling San Antonio an "easy win" Wednesday didn't watch the game very closely as it certainly could have gone either way in the final minutes. In any event, this Minnesota team is well coached and also has added a ton of talent. They've got much more of a veteran presence than the young teams they've had in recent seasons. The result is likely to be a solid season and while they're moving up the Jazz are on their way down. Yes Utah won 51 games last season but they also had Gordon Hayward. You're already seeing what is happening to Boston after they acquired Hayward but he got hurt just 6 minutes into the season opener. The Celtics have seen that no Hayward has left quite a hole. Certainly Utah will be a different team without him. The Jazz did win their home opener but that was against a Denver team projected to be dead last in the division this season. Now Utah is on the road and they've gone 18-50 SU and have covered just 28 of 68 ATS when they are an underdog. That said, I am very comfortable laying the small number with the Timberwolves in their home opener. Minny is on a 45-31 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record and the Wolves are looking for payback here as they've lost 3 of 4 to the Jazz each of the last two seasons. Utah has a home game with OKC tomorrow and they'll be looking ahead to that match-up as they get down by double digits in this one in my opinion. 10* MINNESOTA

ESPN Smash Pass Friday - Rickenbach CFB 8* Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (+) vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 7 ET - Blue Raiders starting QB Brent Stockstill is doubtful for tonight's game but sophomore QB John Urzua now has filled in quite well and this would be his 6th straight game. The key for Urzua is minimizing turnovers and he has been much better about that on the home compared to on the road. Look for another big game from him here at home where he has 3 TDs against just 1 INT plus Urzua has completed 49 of 63 (78%) at home! Overall he has thrown for 292 yards per game in his last 4 games and I like the fact that the Middle Tennessee has played a tougher schedule thus far in comparison with Marshall. Though the Thundering Herd are 2-0 in conference action they've faced Old Dominion and Charlotte - teams that are a combined 2-11 on the season! The teams that MTSU has faced are a combined 6-2 in conference action and none of the 3 teams has a losing record. Also, the Blue Raiders won their lone home game in CUSA action thus far and they won it by 20 points! Middle Tennessee plays this game with revenge after losing badly at Marshall last season due to a 4-0 turnover deficit! The host is a perfect 4-0 ATS all time in this series and I look for the Blue Raiders to make that 5-0 tonight! 8* MIDDLE TENNESSEE 

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach Wednesday NBA 8* Philadelphia 76'ers (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - The 76'ers were a sizable dog in all 3 match-ups with the Wizards last year. Not only did the Sixers cover 2 of the 3 games, they won the 2 games outright as a big dog each time. Also, in the lone loss, Philly was tied at Washington at half-time. The point is that the 76'ers did just fine "hanging with" the Wizards last season and now that they've substantially "closed the gap" this season and are likely to be a .500 team, this line seems very generous. The upstart Sixers are loaded with young talent and they are ready to go. Look for Philadelphia to immediately make a statement here in Game 1 with the ESPN cameras rolling. Joel Embiid is probable and he was only available for 31 games last season. Ben Simmons will also be on the floor after missing all of last season and he is considered a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year in the NBA this season. Additionally, Markelle Fultz is probable and he was a top draft choice in this year's draft. Yes indeed the Sixers are stacked and they are healthy and, with Gordon Hayward's injury last night being a devastating low for Boston, don't be surprised if the Sixers actually end up challenging the Raptors and Celtics for the top spot in the Atlantic this season. Philly has that much talent so the key will be remaining healthy. Also, coach Brett Brown is a strength as he came up as an assistant with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Now Brown finally has the pieces intact. This team is going to surprise some people and, if they do fall short against the Wizards, look for it to be by only a bucket or two as the Sixers have a great shot at the upset here. I am grabbing the generous points. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Tuesday NBA 8* Boston Celtics (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 8:05 ET - Kyrie Irving, former Cav, now in a Celtics uniform. Isaiah Thomas, former Celtic, now in a Cavs uniform. The difference is that Thomas won't be playing tonight. He's out for possibly 2 months dealing with an ankle injury. Additionally, Cleveland's LeBron James is dealing with an ankle injury. I do expect James to play tonight but I don't expect him to be 100%. I know the Cavaliers will have Derrick Rose at point guard tonight but he's truly not quite the same player he was before the injury issues. Remember there was a span of 3 seasons there where played a total of only 49 games! I also look for the Gordon Hayward acquisition to pay off big dividends for Boston as he averaged 22 points a game for Utah last season. The road team has dominated at the betting window in match-ups between these teams in recent season. In last year's playoff series, won 4-1 by Cleveland (and giving Boston a revenge factor here), the road team covered all 5 games. Dating back to last April it is a perfect 6-0 ATS run for the road team in meetings between these teams. Look for 7 in a row tonight! 8* BOSTON

Game of the Month - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Steelers (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 4:25 ET - The Chiefs magical luck on the field and at the betting window continues. Not only is Kansas City the only undefeated team this season - 5-0 SU mark - they also are the only 5-0 ATS team as well. Of course they deserve credit for achieving this mark but taking a look back at their games raises some interesting doubt. They rallied late at New England (deceiving final score) and KC then had to rally again versus the Eagles (Philadelphia looked like the better team for much of that game). Kansas City then beat a Chargers team that is only 1-4 on the season and that preceded the absolutely ridiculous miracle cover versus the Redskins (another game where Chiefs opponent looked like the better team for much of the game). Now, after a win at Houston (but allowing 34 points), I expect Kansas City's luck has run out. They're running into an angry Steelers team that is off of an embarrassing home loss to Jacksonville. Even though Pittsburgh's win at KC in the post-season gives the Chiefs revenge in this spot, the Steelers are so "ticked off" right now that they will be the team showing much more "fight" in this game. Also, that win at Kansas City only game by 2 points for the Steelers but they significantly ougained the Chiefs in that game. In fact, the Steelers have outgained KC by an average of 120 yards per game in the last two meetings. More of the same here. The AFC North is known for tough, physical football and the Chiefs can't hang. Look for them to drop to 2-5 ATS in their last 7 against the AFC North. I love having the substantial points here and the Steelers are a long-term 74-53 ATS as an underdog. Pittsburgh entered this season 10-1 ATS as dogs of more than 3 points when facing an opponent on a SU winning streak of 2 or more games. Also, the Steelers are 5-0 ATS as dogs when facing a team with a winning record that is playing against them with revenge! Chiefs are just 1-5 ATS when they are home off of a game where they scored more than 35 points. 10* PITTSBURGH

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NFL 8* Los Angeles Rams (+) @ Jacksonville Jaguars @ 4:05 ET - The Jaguars are off of their huge win at Pittsburgh last week. Jacksonville has yet to win back to back games this season and I don't expect that to change here. The Rams are hungry after their tough home loss versus the Seahawks last week. Los Angeles is a very improved football team this year as they actually outgained Seattle by over 130 yards in the 16-10 loss but they were done in by turnovers. That has helped to create some line value here and I do expect the Rams to respond in a big way after last week's frustrating loss to the Hawks. LA is averaging 272 passing yards per game as Jared Goff has responded very well to all the coaching staff changes that took place for the Rams heading into this season. By comparison, Jacksonville's passing attack is averaging only 159.6 yards per game. I look for the aerial attack to be a key difference-maker in this game. Being a favorite is certainly not a good role for the Jags. They've gone 2-6 ATS (and SU!) as a fave and the Jaguars are also an ugly 1-7 ATS (and SU!) in their games against NFC opponents. Give me the hungry road dog off of a loss as I expect Jacksonville gets caught still celebrating their huge win at Pittsburgh! 8* LOS ANGELES RAMS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Detroit Lions (+) @ New Orleans Saints @ 1 ET - The Saints are getting accolades for their defensive turnaround in their past two games but I am not sold on them just yet. Yes they had the good performance versus the Panthers 3 weeks ago but that was largely a victory fueled by 3 Carolina turnovers. Note that in their other 3 games, New Orleans has only forced 1 turnover! Also, the fact the Saints shut down the Dolphins two weeks ago could certainly have an asterisk by it for two reasons. One, strange things happen in those games played in London - Ravens completely annihilated by Jaguars there earlier this season! Secondly, the Dolphins are absolutely the worst offense in the NFL. The point is that the Saints face a major challenge this week with Matthew Stafford and company coming to town. The Lions, of course, are use to playing in a dome and they won here both last season and the prior season as well. Detroit will be very hungry here as they fell just short of the comeback win versus Carolina last week. In road games with a posted total of 49.5 or more, the Lions are on a perfect 4-0 ATS (and SU!) run. The Saints are 0-2 ATS (and SU!) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points. That makes this a "double perfect" spot to back the Lions and that's precisely what I am doing. The Saints are off of their bye week but the Lions have their bye week on deck and are coming off of a loss. They'll be hungry to get back on the winning track prior to their bye. 8* DETROIT

Sunday Special - Rickenbach CFB 8* Western Michigan Broncos (-) vs Akron Zips @ 1 ET - The weather is a key to this play. While the rain that forced the postponement of this game from Saturday to Sunday has mostly ended, the key weather element today is the wind. It will be very windy with gusts up to 40 mph. This is going to force these teams to rely on the rushing attack and that is where the Broncos have a huge edge. Western Michigan's weakness on defense has been the passing attack but the Zips can't exploit that, especially with today's weather. However, as for the ground game, the Broncos have allowed only 68 rushing yards per game in their last 3 games while their own offense has run for an average of 302 yards per game! Western Michigan is ultra talented in the backfield with 3 tailbacks that all can create havoc for opposing defenses. The Zips are off of a big win but they faced a Ball State without their starting QB. I know the Broncos are off of a 7 OT win versus Buffalo but the fact they did hang on for the win PLUS now got an extra day of rest thanks to Mother Nature AND they're at home here means that we've got a solid "play on" situation here. The Broncos battles with USC and Michigan State early this season really helped set the tone for them and they've now won 4 straight games and their 3 home games this season have all been wins by an average margin of 32 points per game. By the way, Western Michigan also beat the Zips by a count of 41-0 last season. Akron is on a 3-12 ATS run as a road dog of 10.5 to 14 points. The Broncos are 6-1 ATS when they are off of a game where they scored more than 35 points and are facing a team that is off of 2 or more consecutive SU wins. 8* WESTERN MICHIGAN

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #174 Saturday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (-) vs Utah Utes @ 8 ET - The Trojans have underachieved so far this season but they're getting a little healthier now and the odds makers set this line "big" even though USC is on an 0-4 ATS run because they know what they're doing! Southern Cal is set to blast Utah here as the Utes are definitely not the same team without QB Tyler Huntley and he is listed as doubtful for this game. Utah is off of a home loss to Stanford and the Cardinal aren't the powerhouse they once were so that says a lot right there. The Utes could be suffering from unbeaten letdown here. Also, USC has revenge from a 31-27 loss at Utah last year. Southern Cal is 3-0 both SU and ATS the last 3 times they've hosted the Utes. Also, USC has played a MUCH tougher schedule this season than the Utes have. Look for battle tested Southern Cal to be ready to blast Utah in this one. The markets and the public will be fooled here because they're not properly factoring in the QB situation for Utah (having to turn to Williams) and the fact that Utah has played the much easier schedule and now faces a tremendous road test here against a revenge-seeking Trojans team that also plans to make a "statement" in this game. 10* USC

Game of the Week - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play BC Lions (+) @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 4 ET - The last 5 meetings between these teams have all been decided by 3 points or less with an average margin of just 2.4 points per game during this stretch. That said, I love having the 5.5 points here with a hungry BC team that is still very much alive in the playoff chase. The fact that Winnipeg's QB Matt Nichols is going to play actually helps us here because the injury he has is to his throwing hand and I expect this to impact him. The Lions certainly could "steal" this one on the road and, even if BC falls short of the upset they should still stay well within the inflated number in this one. When the Lions enter a game on a streak of 2 or more losses they are on a 7-2 ATS run. Also, as a road dog of 3.5 to 7 points, British Columbia has gone 4-0 ATS. As for Winnipeg, when in the 2nd half of a season and facing a team with a losing record on the year, the Blue Bombers have gone 4-8 ATS. This is the perfect set-up for an upset here with Winnipeg still reeling from their home loss to Hamilton. 10* BC LIONS

Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+) vs Calgary Stampeders @ 7 ET - The Stampeders are the top team in the CFL but they are off of a bye week and now laying practically double digits on the road against a Tiger-Cats team that has proven to be very resilient. After a horrific 0-8 start to the campaign, Hamilton has now gone 4-2 since their bye week. The two losses have each come by 8 points and one of those was in overtime. As you can see, the Ti-Cats haven't lost a game by more than 8 points in nearly 2 months. Additionally, as you can see, sometimes a teams fortune can quickly change after a bye week. Don't be surprised if Calgary is a little sluggish after their bye week. After all, the Stampeders have already clinched a post-season spot and they can't help but be peeking ahead at future divisional games too rather than worrying about an East Division foe like Hamilton. Calgary is 0-3 ATS as a road fave of 7.5 to 10 points. The Tiger-Cats are on a 7-3 ATS run as an underdog in a range of 3.5 to 9.5 points. 10* HAMILTON

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Friday CFB 8* Syracuse Orange (+) vs Clemson Tigers @ 7 ET - With QB Kelly Bryant now listed as probable for this game, the line has jumped to as high as 24 as of early gameday morning. Keep in mind, the last thing the Tigers want to do is risk further injury to their starting QB in a game which they should win comfortably. In other words, I am looking for Clemson to win this game by about 10 to 17 points but that's it. They will look to coast to victory once they get up by a decent margin and Syracuse certainly has the potential for a backdoor cover too (if needed). The Orange offense has averaged 468.8 yards per game this season. Syracuse is also known for being much tougher to play against when they are at home. As a perfect example of that, the Orange got blown out 54-0 last year at Clemson but they only lost by 10 points the prior year when they faced them in Syracuse. I also like the fact that the Tigers have a bye on deck here. They could end up being a little too "relaxed" for this one as Clemson is 6-0 on the season and playing for a 7th straight week and certainly they are looking ahead to enjoying a much-needed week off. It could result in this game being much closer than many are expecting as Syracuse is averaging 32 points a game this season. Clemson is on a 2-4 ATS run as a favorite of 21.5 to 31 points. The Orange are on a 5-2 ATS run as an underdog of 21.5 to 31 points. Also, the Orange have gone 8-4 ATS their last 12 games versus teams with a winning record and that includes a perfect 2-0 ATS this season. 8* SYRACUSE

Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach NFL 8* Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Carolina Panthers @ 8:25 ET - Even though Panthers are 4-1 on the season, they are 2-1 in the last 3 games and those 2 losses each came by just a field goal. Getting the Eagles at +3.5 is certainly a great value here as the Panthers only blowout win this season came against a 49'ers team that is still winless on the season. The Panthers other win saw them score just 9 points versus Buffalo. Although the Eagles are expected to be without offensive tackle Lane Johnson in this one, his back-up is Halapoulivaati Vaitai and he has plenty of experience. Also, Philadelphia will look to take advantage of a Panthers secondary that is a bit banged up right now. Keep in mind the Eagles offense averages 397.8 yards per game which is behind only the Patriots and Chiefs this season! That's pretty good company to keep and Philly is averaging 27.4 points per game this season whereas the Panthers have scored a TOTAL of only 22 points in their two home games this year! Also, the road team has won 4 of the 5 Thursday games this season and while the Panthers were in Detroit Sunday the Eagles enjoyed a home game Sunday versus Arizona. The Panthers are 2-6 ATS all time in Thursday games. Even though this line is currently 3.5, it is still worth noting that the Eagles are 13-1 ATS as a road dog of more than 4 points when they are playing with revenge against an NFC team. It shows you that Philadelphia does play well in scenarios like this and the Eagles lost in their last visit here in October of 2015 and I am expecting payback tonight. 8* PHILADELPHIA

MNF Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach Monday NFL 8* Chicago Bears (+) vs Minnesota Vikings @ 8:30 ET - The Bears have been very strong on defense this season. Chicago is allowing only 306.2 yards per game. Their biggest problem has been turnovers by the offense. That is why the switch to rookie QB Mitchell Trubisky certainly doesn't cause me concern. It actually does give the Bears a better chance to win because QB Mike Glennon had been a turnover machine for Chicago. Although Sam Bradford is likely to be back at QB for the Vikings here, his knee is not 100% and the Bears defense is very aggressive and likely to cause some problems for an inconsistent Minnesota offensive attack. The home team has won each of the last 3 meetings between the teams and the one loss by a home team in the last 4 meetings came by just 3 points. In this spot we're getting more points than that with the home dog Bears and I like our chances. Chicago is actually 7-0 ATS in home games with a posted total between 35.5 and 42 points. Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in a road game with a posted total between 38.5 and 42 points. The Bears had the Thursday game last week so they've had extra time to prepare Trubisky for this game and get him ready working with the other starters on the offense as they prepare for this critical divisional match-up. The Bears have revenge from a 38-10 beating at Minnesota in the last meeting with the Vikes. That is significant here as Chicago is off of a blowout loss at Green Bay (due to turnovers) and the Bears are 11-2 ATS when they are at home and playing with revenge and coming off of an ATS loss by a double digit margin! The Vikings, in divisional games, are 1-7 as road favorites when they are off a loss (both SU and ATS). The Vikes were favored last week and they lost outright to Detroit. That is noteworthy here as Minnesota is 0-10 ATS when they are road favorites and coming off of an upset loss as a favorite. Also, the Vikings are 0-6 ATS on the road in Monday night games. As you see, there are plenty of ATS stats that support playing on Chicago and playing against Minnesota. Just adding up the perfect ones (1 in support of the Bears and 2 going against the Vikes) and you have a 23-0 ATS spot tonight that favors the Bears. I'll take it! 8* CHICAGO

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach Monday CFL 10* Top Play Edmonton Eskimos (-) @ Montreal Alouettes @ 2 ET - The Alouettes can say all they want about the fact that they're not going to stop fighting and they're still mathematically alive in the playoff race but the fact is that Montreal is playing dreadful football. They got crushed by the Stampeders last week and their still without starting QB Durant. The Als turned to Willy at QB versus Calgary and he was out of the game by the 3rd quarter as Montreal got demolished. Their offense is the worst in the league while the Eskimos, despite also being on a losing streak like the Als are, have the top offense in the league for yardage. Edmonton picked up a running back heading into this game whom is a solid blocking back but their ground game also could do some damage here against a Montreal rush defense that has been getting shredded on the ground. The Eskimos have dominated East Division teams this season and they still control their own destiny in the playoff races so I expect a big effort from a resurgent Edmonton team to surface in this afternoon match-up on Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Look for the Eskimos to improve to 6-1 against the East this season and, as for the cover, though Edmonton's full season ATS numbers are ugly, the Alouettes just don't have the offensive weapons to keep up here so I see the Eskimos finally cashing a ticket ATS in this one as well. Look for them to win by a dozen points or more. Though Montreal is playing with revenge they are 0-9 SU (and 2-7 ATS) this season when playing with revenge. Also, the Alouettes are on an 0-3 ATS and SU run in Monday games. More of the same here! 10* EDMONTON

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Arizona Cardinals (+) @ Philadelphia Eagles @ 1 ET - The Eagles defense is still quite banged up and they have a short turnaround ahead as they travel to Carolina for a Thursday night game this coming week. Philadelphia has given up 354 passing yards per game in their past two weeks. That spells trouble against an Arizona team that has thrown for an average of 302 passing yards per game the past 3 weeks! On the flip-side, the Cardinals have allowed an average of only 191 passing yards per game the past 3 weeks. The Eagles are 3-1 on the season but, in Week 1, they didn't pull comfortably away from the Redskins until very late. Since then the Eagles have gone 2-1 but the two victories each came by no more that a field goal margin. The point is that Philadelphia is going to again have their hands full this week as nothing has come easy for them this season. Should the Eagles prevail I look for it to again be by 3 points or less. The Cardinals are 0-4 ATS on the season but they are certainly one of the best win-less ATS teams that have seen at this point in a season and we are getting extra line value as a result. I'll take it. The past two seasons the Eagles have gone 1-3 (both SU and ATS) when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 games or more. Philadelphia is also 0-4 ATS their last 4 against NFC West opponents. Arizona is 11-1 ATS when on the road against a non-divisional opponent with a winning percentage greater than .700 and the Eagles currently sit at .750 on the young season. Combining these "play on" and "play against" factors and you have an 18-2 (90%) ATS spot in favor of the Cardinals. 8* ARIZONA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach CFL Saturday 10* Top Play BC Lions (-) vs Ottawa Redblacks @ 7 ET - Both teams have struggled recently and will be looking to bounce back but this situation strongly favors the Lions and not just because of the home field edge with this game being played in BC. The Lions also are off of their bye week whereas last week the Redblacks were in action and lost a tight one versus Saskatchewan. While Ottawa is frustrated mentally and fatigued physically, BC is fired up and refreshed coming out of their bye week. The Lions know they are in a must win situation and I like the fact that BC is 7-1 ATS the past 3 seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 games or more. I know that the Redblacks have a lot of impressive ATS stats but they are a long-term 5-12 ATS as a road dog in a range of 3.5 to 7 points. Also, Ottawa is an ugly 1-6 SU in games against the West Division this season. The Lions are 4-2 this season and 14-8 the past 3 seasons combined (both of those records both SU and ATS) when they are facing teams from the East. It's more West dominance over the East here in a situation that is very favorable with the rested home team laying a small number here. 10* BC LIONS

Insider Game of the Week - Rickenbach CFB Game #351 Saturday 10* Top Play Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (+) @ UTSA Roadrunners @ 7 ET - This game is being played in my backyard as I live in the San Antonio area. As a matter of fact my 4-year university degree is from UTSA and I follow the Roadrunners closely. This is the perfect spot to fade them. They are 3-0 this season but truly are over-hyped at this point. They've played a super easy schedule as the 3 teams they have beaten are a combined 2-11 on the season. Also, the Runners are the most penalized team in the nation as they've averaged 103 penalty yards per game! That is going to eventually catch up with them in a close game and that is precisely what I am expecting here. UTSA is facing a revenge-minded conference foe as Southern Miss got embarrassed in their last game here (last October). The Golden Eagles lost by 23 even though they held a 31-17 edge in first downs! Needless to say it was a "fluke" final score and payback is on order here. The Southern Miss running back, Ito Smith, is one of the best backs in the conference. Their wide receivers, Allenzae Staggers and Korey Robertson, are both 6'1 and very athletic and will create some match-up problems for the UTSA secondary. The Golden Eagles have had this game circled and they were 3-0 ATS on the season before last week's embarrassing home loss to North Texas. That loss to the Mean Green helped to create additional line value here as well. UTSA does have North Texas on deck and they are 0-4 ATS the week before facing the Mean Green. Also, the Roadrunners entered this season just 1-5 ATS when they are a favorite of more than 6 points against an opponent seeking revenge. That is the case here and the Golden Eagles are going to give them all they can handle in this one which makes the big points very generous. 10* SOUTHERN MISS

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CFB Game #387 Saturday 8* West Virginia Mountaineers (+) @ TCU Horned Frogs @ 3:30 ET - Oftentimes, when a team is rolling, the last thing they need is a break but they don't have a choice. That is the case here with a TCU team that is off to a 4-0 start this season but then had a bye week last week. Note that last season the Horned Frogs went 0-2 ATS when coming off of a bye. Another factor against TCU here is that they've been winning even though they're giving up huge yardage. The Horned Frogs allowed at least 463 yards in each of their last two games and yet managed to win each by an average of 16.5 points. In their final game before the bye they were actually outgained at Oklahoma State but managed to win by 13 thanks to 4 Cowboys turnovers. All of this has created line value here because, while TCU certainly should win this game, they are over-priced. West Virginia's defense certainly hasn't been impressive either but they're not the team laying nearly two touchdowns here! That said, it is the Mountaineers offense that will keep them in this game. As noted above, the Horned Frogs have been giving up some big yardage but have been taking advantage of turnovers. West Virginia has had 0 or 1 turnover in 3 of their 4 games and another solid effort from a Mountaineers offense that is averaging 596 yards of offense per game is going to keep pressure on TCU all game long. West Virginia's only loss this season was the opener against Virginia Tech but the Mountaineers did outgain the Hokies by 123 yards in that game! TCU is on a 6-16 ATS run as a favorite and the Horned Frogs are 0-5 ATS in home games with a posted total between 63.5 and 70 points. As you can see, TCU hasn't fared well in home games expected to be shootouts and this one certainly fits that description! I am expecting this play against situation that favors the Mountaineers to improve to a perfect 6-0 ATS! 8* WEST VIRGINIA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Top Play Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+) @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 8:30 ET - The Tiger-Cats started this season 0-8. But they have certainly been a different team since then. Fortunately for Hamilton they play in the watered down East Division and they actually are still alive in the playoff chase. The Ti-Cats got a much needed bye after their 0-8 start and they have been a different team ever since. Hamilton has gone 3-2 but the 2 losses each came by single digit margins and one of those was in OT as well. The point is that Hamilton is offering good value here as a big underdog when one considers how they have been playing. Although Winnipeg has certainly been playing great football and is unquestionably the 2nd best team in the league (behind Calgary) right now, the fact is that the Blue Bombers are in a tough scheduling spot here. They are off of a win at Edmonton and they have a big game at BC on deck. Of course both of those teams are divisional foes and that makes this a "sandwich game" for Winnipeg. I see the Blue Bombers doing enough to get the win here but I don't see them covering this large number against a hungry underdog that has proven they still have plenty of fight left in them. 10* HAMILTON

NHL Network Smash - Rickenbach Friday NHL 8* Dallas Stars Puck Line -1.5 goals (+130) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 8:35 ET - Certainly Dallas has a big game on deck at St Louis for tomorrow night. However, this is the season opener and, of course, home opener for the Stars and that means there is no way they're going to overlook the Golden Knights. While Vegas has a decent defense (at least based on the roster they've built), I believe their goaltending is a definite area of concern as Marc-Andre Fleury has certainly seen his better years. Also, the offense is a concern as that looks like the weakness of this Vegas team. They've certainly been able to pool some talent and they're going to sneak up on some teams throughout the season, particularly at home, but they are destined to get beat badly in their season opener. Dallas will be amped up for their home opener and the Stars had arguably the best off-season of any of the NHL teams. Of course I don't lay big juice so no way would I be recommending a play on the money line here. However, I love the added value of the +130 range currently being offered on this puck line play. Dallas should win this by 2 or more as Vegas still has to adjust to all the new faces and playing together as a team in this, their expansion, year. The Golden Knights will improve as the season goes on but I foresee some struggles early on and that begins here against a Stars team determined for a hot start after missing out on the playoffs last season. They are fired up! 8* DALLAS on the puck line -1.5 goals +130

Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach NFL 8* New England Patriots (-) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ 8:25 ET - As I had mentioned prior to this season, the Patriots were one of my teams to generally fade this season as they had such ridiculous ATS success last season. That included burning me in the Super Bowl in that miracle comeback and cover versus the Falcons. In any event, indeed the Pats have been a team to fade this season and they've gone just 1-3 ATS thus far. However, their lone cover came after their first SU loss and I expect New England to again respond off of a loss here with a cover. The Patriots have played a much tougher schedule thus far in comparison with the Buccaneers. Also, Tampa Bay has turned the ball over 4 times this season and they have not forced any turnovers in their past two games. New England has turned the ball over only once this entire season and the Pats have forced 4 turnovers in their past two games. Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU and ATS in Thursday games. The Patriots, in weeks 5 through 9, are on a 9-0 SU run and 7-1-1 ATS. 8* NEW ENGLAND

ESPN Smash Pass Monday - Rickenbach NFL 8* Washington Redskins (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:30 PM ET - It so hard to win in the NFL week in and week out and, with the Falcons getting upset at home by the Bills Sunday, the lone remaining undefeated team is the Chiefs. Now certainly Kansas City has played good football this season but they're also over-rated in my opinion. Last week against the Chargers they were certainly helped by 3 Los Angeles turnovers. The fact is that the Chiefs were outgained by the Chargers in that game and the 14 point win for KC certainly fits the bill as a deceiving final. When factor that along with the fact that Kansas City truly pulled away late in each of their first two wins (at New England and versus Philadelphia) and you have the perfect recipe of an over-priced, over-rated team. The Chiefs scoring defense ranks high but their defense based on yardage ranks them near the bottom of the league and that right there tells you a lot. The Redskins defense (based on yardage) actually ranks near the top of the league and comparing these two offenses (based on yards per game) shows the Chiefs ranked only slightly higher. The point is we're getting fantastic value here with a Redskins team that is quite talented and you know Washington is going to "bring it" on a national TV Monday night game. By the way, the Skins also have an edge over the Chiefs in pass protection with KC ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks allowed. I also like the fact that the Redskins completely obliterated the Raiders last week and now have a bye week on deck! They are loaded with confidence and definitely read to go after undefeated Kansas City here. Redskins are a long-term 43-24 ATS as a road dog of 3.5 to 7 points. The Chiefs are on a 6-11 ATS run in home games. An outright upset wouldn't surprise here but certainly I am grabbing the generous points. The Chiefs are over-rated at this point in the season and, while the Redskins have a bye on deck, KC has a tough match-up with red hot Deshaun Watson in Houston next week! 8* WASHINGTON

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Seattle Seahawks (-) vs Indianapolis Colts @ 8:30 ET - Normally I don't lay this many points but this is not a "normal" situation and I do expect the Seahawks to roll easily in this one! I know Seattle is 0-3 ATS on the season but they've played a much tougher schedule than the Colts have. Also, Indianapolis is, of course, still without Andrew Luck at QB. They're going to struggle to move the ball at Seattle - arguably the toughest place for visitors in the NFL The 49'ers were held to 312 yards when they played here in Week 2 and, back in Week 1, the Seahawks defense also was strong on the road as they held a solid Packers team to just 225 yards of offense. Of course the Seattle defense will be dialed here as they are off of that frustrating loss at Tennessee last week. As for the Colts defense, they've given up an average of 283.7 passing yards per game this season and their ground defense has been betting bashed the past two weeks. More of the same here and that turns this one into a rout. The Seahawks have won 7 of their last 9 games against AFC foes and they've only lost 2 times ATS in those 9 games. 8* SEATTLE

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL 10* Top Play Oakland Raiders (+) @ Denver Broncos @ 4:25 ET - It is hard to look much worse than the Raiders did at Washington last week but that is part of the key to value in a spot like this. In fact, it is likely that Oakland was already peeking ahead to this game. Not only is Denver a divisional foe but the Broncos knocked the Raiders playoff positioning by upsetting them in the final regular season game last year. Of course Oakland was without Derek Carr in that game and now Carr and the Raiders are anxious for their revenge. As for the Broncos, though they still have a solid defense, they've got some significant issues on their offensive line and Oakland has the pass rushing ability to take advantage. It is likely going to be hard for the Denver offense to do much here and the Broncos have been a turnover-prone team with 2 in each game so far. Oakland is on a 13-6 ATS run in road games including 4-1 ATS when they are a road dog of 3 points or less. That is the case here and I love the value with the healthier team coming in off of an ugly loss and also seeking divisional revenge that had a playoff impact. 10* OAKLAND

Early Contrarian - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Los Angeles Rams (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 1 ET - Most will likely end up looking the way of Dallas here as everyone remembers the Rams dreadful season last year and certainly the Cowboys looked better in their bounce back effort versus the Cardinals. However, there are a couple of key edges here that offer significant line value for Los Angeles! The Rams last played a week ago Thursday so they have a huge rest edge over a Dallas team that just played on Monday night. Also, even though LA has a divisional foe (Seattle) on deck, the Cowboys have a huge revenge game versus the Packers up next. Remember Green Bay knocked them out of the playoffs on a last second field goal last year. Dallas certainly hasn't forgotten. On a short week and with a huge game on deck and with the Cowboys documented struggles at home, I have every reason to believe the Rams are going to present a major challenge on Sunday. Los Angeles has averaged 374.3 yards per game this season. By comparison, the Cowboys have averaged just 311 yards per game this season. Dallas is on an 8-15 ATS run in games played on turf and the Cowboys are on a 4-9 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record. The Rams have only been a road dog in the 3.5 to 7 point range twice in recent seasons. The result? Not only a perfect 2-0 ATS but also a 2-0 SU!  I am grabbing the points here but an outright win certainly would not be a complete shock. The Cowboys are in a true sandwich spot as they love being inthe spotlight and they are off of the MNF game and now have the huge game with the Pack on deck. 8* LOS ANGELES RAMS 

Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #194 Saturday 10* Top Play Virginia Tech Hokies (+) vs Clemson Tigers @ 8 ET - Virginia Tech has taken on a much easier schedule than Clemson but the Tigers schedule has been so tough that they could run out of gas here. Clemson is playing their 3rd tough game in a span of 4 weeks as the other tough match-ups were with Auburn and Louisville and now they take on a solid Virginia Tech team. The Hokies defense has settled in nicely after struggling versus West Virginia in the opener. Of course everyone is gunning for the Tigers this season and Virginia Tech is excited about this opportunity to host the defending national champs who, like the Hokies, are a perfect 4-0 this season. Clemson did give up over 400 yards in their only road game this season, at Louisville, and I feel this will be another tough test for the Tigers. Virginia Tech is loaded with confidence after their red hot start to this season and, of course, that makes them a very dangerous dog in this spot. The Hokies are 21-11 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points and, within that number, they are also a perfect 4-0 ATS as a home dog of 3.5 to 7 points. The Tigers are an ugly 7-12 ATS as a road fave of 3.5 to 7 points. Keep in mind the Hokies have revenge from last season's ACC Championship Game loss to the Tigers and Clemson is without their kicker as he was lost for the season with an injury. The Tigers are on a 2-6 ATS run in conference action. The Hokies are on a 14-7 ATS run as a dog in conference action. 10* VIRGINIA TECH

ABC Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Game #148 Saturday 8* Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+) vs Florida State Seminoles @ 3:30 ET - The Seminoles have had a rough start to the season with all the schedule changes due to Hurricane Irma. Florida State sits at 0-2 on the young season and certainly looks to bounce back and get their first win under their belt with a W over Wake Forest in his one. However, the Noles do have a big game with Miami on deck. Considering that FSU did play Alabama their YTD numbers don't look too bad after 2 games but they certainly didn't play well against NC State. Now, with Miami on deck, and having won 21 of their last 25 meetings with the Demon Deacons, it would not surprise to see FSU underestimate Wake Forest here. Keep in mind, the Demon Deacons have certainly not played a tough schedule but the fact that they are a perfect 4-0 has allowed them to build up plenty of confidence. A revenge-seeking team that is a big home dog and that has had their confidence boosted is the very definition of a tough "out". That said, the Noles are going to have trouble putting the Demon Deacons away in this one. FSU is a long-term 25-36 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points. WF is on a 12-6 ATS run as an underdog. Grab the generous points here as the Demon Deacons already have 4 games under their belt while FSU has played just two games so far. That is another edge for the home dog here. 8* WAKE FOREST

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFB Game #118 Saturday 8* East Carolina Pirates (+) vs South Florida Bulls @ Noon ET - The Bulls numbers look great but their schedule has been super soft! They've played Stony Brook, an FCS team, plus San Jose State, Illinois, and Temple. San Jose State is 1-4 SU, Illinois is 1-2 ATS, Temple is 0-4 ATS. Three underachieving teams that all have been struggling. The point is that the Bulls are laying quite a steep price here considering their weak schedule and the fact that they're on the road facing an East Carolina team that has a decent offense. The Pirates have averaged 321.8 passing yards per game this season. The Pirates defense has certainly been a weakness but they've got the offense to hang around in this game against an over-priced favorite. South Florida has dominated in this series and may overlook the Pirates as a result. They have a bye week on deck and may already be going into "relax mode" before playing the full 60 minutes in this one. The Bulls also have benefited greatly from being +10 in turnovers while the Pirates are -6 in turnovers this season. The result is line value here in a spot where I expect East Carolina to be excited about stepping up at home as they host a ranked conference foe. Keep in mind this is the first conference road game for the Bulls under coach Strong. 8* EAST CAROLINA

Friday Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFL 10* Top Play Saskatchewan Roughriders (-) @ Ottawa Redblacks @ 7 ET - Even though the Redblacks have the rest edge (played Friday) over the Roughriders (played Sunday), Saskatchewan is a road favorite here with good reason. This is a key game in the playoff chase so the Roughriders will be ready to bounce back off of their loss and they are 3-1 this season against teams from the East. As for Ottawa, they've gone just 1-5-1 against teams from the West this season. The Redblacks have struggled with QB play as Trevor Harris has been hurt and his replacement, Ryan Lindley, struggled last week. The Roughriders have won 4 of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Also, Saskatchewan is 4-0 ATS when off of a loss in divisional action this season and 4-0 ATS in non-divisional games. I'll gladly test this double perfect situation Friday. 10* SASKATCHEWAN

Earliest Cash Friday - Rickenbach CFB 8* Duke Blue Devils (+) vs Miami Hurricanes @ 7 ET - The Hurricanes have only played 2 games this season due to scheduling issues caused by, coincidentally, a hurricane! Miami really hasn't been able to get into a rhythm yet with all the scheduling complications and the Canes were only up 38-30 in the middle of the 4th quarter of last week's win over Toledo. Also, Miami's first win was over an FCS team as they faced Bethune Cookman. With that said, the Hurricanes really haven't been challenged yet and, again, they didn't look all that sharp versus the Rockets last week. Now the Canes make their first road trip of the season and they're facing a Blue Devils team that is 4-0 SU and ATS this season. Duke has faced some tougher competition than Miami has. Also, with the Hurricanes having dominated this series long-term, you know that Duke is fired up about this opportunity at home in a big weeknight match-up. I look for the Blue Devils to make the most of it. Though both teams have impressive stats on offense so far this season, the key edge favoring Duke is the strength of schedule as well as the fact that their defense is allowing 128 yards per game less than Miami's. Also, the Hurricanes have a big game on deck with Florida State. The Canes are on a long-term 7-11 ATS run as a road fave in a range of 3.5 to 7 points. The Blue Devils are on a 10-5 ATS run as an underdog and a long-term run of 15-5 ATS in home games with a posted total between 56.5 and 63 points! Remember too that the last time Duke hosted the Hurricanes they lost on a last-second crazy play with 8 laterals that really shouldn't have counted but ended up giving Miami the win over the Blue Devils at the final gun. Crazy finish and it's revenge time here. 8* DUKE

Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach NFL 8* Chicago Bears (+) @ Green Bay Packers @ 8:25 ET - 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams have been decided by a single possession. The average margin of victory in those 3 games was 5 points and I look for the Bears to again "hang tight" in this one. Chicago did win in Green Bay in November of 2015. Also, in their most recent meeting, December of 2016 in Chicago, the Bears lost by just 3 points. The Packers off of a draining overtime win versus Cincinnati where they had to rally for the win against the Bengals. That type of win expends a lot of energy and the Packers now are playing short rest with this being a Thursday match-up. The Bears are also off of an overtime win but they let most of the game so it didn't require the same effort that Green Bay's W did. Also, Chicago has been running the ball better and defending the run better than the Packers have so far this season. I like defensive-minded dogs that hold an edge in the ground game. Especially when they're getting more than a TD like the Bears are in this one. Chicago is 13-8 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. The Bears have been tough already in this TD price range this season and I look for another cover here as the Packers are also dealing with more injuries than the underdogs in this one. 8* CHICAGO

Earliest Cash Run Line - Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 8* Colorado Rockies -1.5 runs vs Miami Marlins @ 3:10 ET - Miami's Adam Conley has a 10.49 ERA in his last 3 starts. In his only career start at Colorado he was rocked for 6 earned runs in 5 innings. Colorado's Jon Gray has a 1.50 ERA in his last 3 starts. Also, at home this season he has gone 4-1 with a 2.92 ERA. It will be a chilly, rather raw afternoon in Denver with the wind blowing in so I expect Gray to have continued success on his home mound. Rockies have averaged 6.4 runs per game in their last 8 home games. Overall, Colorado is on a 13-9 run their last 22 games after last night's shutout win. The Marlins are 8-20 their last 28 games. All signs point to a rout here and 6 of the Marlins last 7 losses have come by 2 runs or more. As for the Rockies, each of their last 6 wins have come by 2 runs or more. 8* COLORADO Run Line Wednesday afternoon

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach Monday NFL 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (+) vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:30 ET - The Cardinals had a disappointing 7-8-1 season last year while the Cowboys went 13-3. The key though is that the breaks really seemed to go the way of Dallas last year in tight games while Arizona was at the other end of the spectrum. The result is line value in a spot like this because Dallas actually was ranked in the lower 3rd of the league for pass offense and pass defense last season. Now they come into this game off of a match-up where RB Ezekiel Elliott just couldn't get going last week and with an inability to establish the run it exposes the fact that QB Dak Prescott does not have a great arm for getting the ball downfield. As for the pass defense, the Cowboys have some injury issues in the secondary and this puts them at risk here. Arizona was actually a solid all-around team statistically last year with their offense ranking 9th in the league and their defense ranked 2nd! The point is that they deserved better than where their record ended up. Hence, the value here. Now, in week 1 they did fall apart at Detroit as turnovers ate them alive as the game went on. However, the ability to bounce back and win on the road last week (albeit in OT) was a big confidence-booster for the Cards. Speaking of confidence, Arizona has won 4 straight versus the 'Boys. This is the Cardinals home opener and they are 5-0 ATS their last 5 as a home dog in non-divisional action. Couple that with the 4-0 ATS mark in their last 4 versus Dallas and you have a 9-0, 100% PERFECT combined mark favoring the home dog Cards here. I won't be surprised to see them get the outright win in this one but certainly am happy to grab the generous points. 10* ARIZONA

Sunday Night Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL 10* Top Play Oakland Raiders (-) @ Washington Redskins @ 8:30 ET - The Raiders showed a lot in their season opening win at Tennessee and then they were able to coast to a blowout win over the hapless Jets last week. That home win over the Jets certainly came much easier than what the Redskins went through last week. Not only did Washington have a tough divisional battle in Week 1 with the Eagles (and they lost badly and were outplayed significantly) they then had to go to battle with a Rams team in Los Angeles last week that was much tougher to "put away" then expected. The Redskins passing attack has not looked good this season whereas the Raiders overall offensive production has them ranked among the top teams in the league. Also, Oakland's aerial attack can take advantage of a Redskins pass defense that ranks among the worst in the league here in the early going this season. The Raiders are on a fantastic 13-3 ATS run in road games and QB Carr and WR Crabtree are proving to be a dangerous combo. Even though Oakland has a big divisional game on deck with Denver, they aren't going to overlook a Sunday Night game. Also, the Raiders are a "team on a mission" after getting ousted from the playoffs last season so quickly (because QB Carr had gotten hurt at the end of the regular season). Their "mission" continues Sunday night. 10* OAKLAND

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Los Angeles Chargers (+) vs Kansas City Chiefs @ 4:25 ET - A lot of home dog value here because the Chargers have essentially blown both of their games as they lost by 3 points or less each time and the Chiefs have won big despite being involved in games that were very close very late each time. Kansas City certainly has impressive wins for their "resume" with a 15-point win over the Patriots and a 7-point win over the Eagles but the fact is those were close games that "turned on a dime" in the 4th quarter. That's not to say that won't happen again here but the fact is that Los Angeles has been "on the cusp" in each game and the Chargers are catching the Chiefs at the right time to "get over the hump". That was an emotional win for Kansas City in their home opener last week and I look for them to be "spent' after head coach Andy Reid led his troops to victory over a former protege (Eagles head coach Doug Pederson) and his former team (Philadelphia). The Chargers have been swept by the Chiefs each of the last 3 years and this is LA's first divisional home game. In other words, the Chargers have had this one circled! 8* LOS ANGELES CHARGERS in late afternoon action Sunday

Game of the Week - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bengals (+) @ Green Bay Packers @ 4:25 ET - Both teams are off of losses last week but, statistically, both were "right there" with their opponents even though the fell short on the scoreboard. That said, the difference is the Packers lost a very important game as they were seeking revenge against the Falcons for defeating them in the NFC Championship Game in January and preventing a Super Bowl trip for Green Bay. Though the Bengals are also off of a loss last week it wasn't nearly as "deflating" of a defeat and the fact is that Cincinnati, sitting at 0-2 on the season, comes into this one very hungry as a result. The Bengals defense has played well and the team as a whole hasn't played as bad as their results would indicate as they were done in by turnovers in Week 1 and then, in Week 2, they played out a "defensive struggle" with the Texans. Keep in mind the Packers were down by as much as 24 in their loss at Atlanta last week so they certainly did not impress overall. The Bengals are 5-1 ATS when they are off of a game where they held to less than 10 points. Also, Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS when they are a dog in the first of back to back road games. The Bengals do have another road game on deck next Sunday while the Packers are in a tough scheduling spot off of a big Sunday night game and with a Thursday night game on deck. 10* CINCINNATI plus the big points in late afternoon action Sunday

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach Sunday CFL 8* Saskatchewan Roughriders (+) vs Calgary Stampeders @ 4 ET - Certainly Calgary is the hottest team in the league right now but Sasktachewan has also been hot as the Roughriders have won 4 of its last 5 games. Couple that with the fact that Regina is one of the toughest places for opponents to play and I like my chances here with the big dog. Of course Saskatchewan has big-time revenge on their minds here as they've been on a long losing streak in this series. However, what make this one have a little extra "tinge" of revenge is the fact that the Roughriders lost by 9 points the last time they hosted Calgary and that was even though Saskatchwan had a yardage edge and 23-17 edge in first downs. As you can see, the Roughriders deserved better and the other significance in that is that it is the only time the home team has not covered in the last 6 meetings between these clubs. On Sunday, I look for the home team dominance to continue as homers improve to 6-1 ATS in this series. The Roughriders are playing with more confidence than they have had in a long, long time and they appear poised for the upset win here. The unexpected BC loss Friday has given Saskatchewan a boost in terms of the race for a playoff spot and the beauty of this play is we don't have to get the straight-up win to get the cash. Grab the generous points available here with a dangerous home dog. 8* SASKATCHEWAN

Contrarian Crusher Early - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Buffalo Bills (+) vs Denver Broncos @ 1 ET - Nice set-up here. The Broncos are off of a huge home win versus Dallas as they were up big in terms of emotions heading into that one. Now they travel for the first time this season and, not only that, Denver has a huge game on deck with division rival Oakland. This definitely looks like a "trap game" for the Broncos and, in addition, a "trap game" for the betting public. This line has been driven up from an opener of 1 to as high as a 3.5 as of Saturday evening. The Bills are on a 10-4 ATS run as a home dog and truly are "built" to be a dangerous home dog. That's because their defense ranks right up there statistically with Denver so far this season and Buffalo has a good ground game on offense. That rushing attack could surprise many by enjoying success against a Broncos run defense that, surprisingly, actually ranked among the league's worst last season. Don't be surprised if the Bills get the upset but certainly the available points are well worth the taking. 8* BUFFALO in early afternoon action

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Sunday CFB 8* East Carolina Pirates (+) @ Connecticut Huskies @ Noon ET - This game was originally scheduled for November 4th but got moved to a RARE Sunday date in late September due to the scheduling impacts of Hurricane Irma. As a result we get some RARE Sunday College Football here and I look for the underdog Pirates to respond after firing their defensive coordinator. Yes, East Carolina fired him BEFORE the Virginia Tech game and the Pirates still got throttled by the Hokies but that team is certainly at a much different level than the Huskies. Connecticut entered this season 14-35 the last 4 seasons! They only scored 20 TD's last year which was dead last in the nation. The Huskies averaged just 16 points per game on offense the last 3 seasons combined. Already this season they are struggling too as they only put up 27 in a win over Holy Cross - a team they should have blasted. The UConn defense has been giving up huge yardage too. While the same can be said of the Pirates defense, East Carolina has played the tougher schedule with games against West Virginia and Virginia Tech the past two weeks. In other words, this is the week for the Pirates to put it all together. They have the much better offense in comparison with the Huskies and I like the East Carolina D to respond here now that they've had some time since the DC was fired. Note that the Huskies are 0-7 ATS when they are at home after a non-conference game. Also, the Pirates are 9-0 ATS when they are a road dog of less than 6 points and they're coming off of a loss by double digits. Conference opener for both teams and a chance for winless East Carolina to have a fresh start. I look for them to take advantage and I certainly like the combined 16-0, 100% ATS factors in favor of the Pirates as detailed above. 8* EAST CAROLINA

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play CFB Game #364: Wyoming Cowboys (-) vs Hawaii Warriors @ 10:15 ET - Wyoming is getting some help from the weathermen here. Hawaii has been known to struggle in cold weather games. The Warriors just aren't used to it. Even though the calendar shows September, it's already going to be getting downright cold in Laramie, Wyoming Saturday night (Cowboys also helped by this being a night game). Temperatures will likely be in the low 40s at kickoff and could even drop into the 30s as the game goes on. Additionally it will be chilly due to a very cold rain falling and the Warriors were already at a disadvantage simply because of playing on the road and in high altitude. Hawaii relies on their offense to stay in games and I expect them to struggle in the unusual conditions. As for the Warriors defense, they have allowed over 400 yards in each of their three games and, keep in mind, that included a very bad Massachusetts team and Western Carolina - an FCS team. As for the Wyoming defense, they did struggle against Oregon (who doesn't?) but in their other two games they allowed an average of just 229 yards per game. Historically speaking, the Cowboys have won each of their last 4 times hosting Hawaii and Wyoming went 3-1 ATS in those games. Also, this is a conference game and the Cowboys are on a 10-6 ATS in conference action while the Warriors are on a 4-12 ATS run in conference games. Also, as a road dog of 3.5 to 7 points, Hawaii is a long-term 2-17 SU run and 5-14 ATS! The Cowboys have played the much tougher schedule and are just 1-2 on the season but the Warriors are on a 1-9 ATS run in their last 10 games against teams with a losing record. 10* WYOMING

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday 8* CFB Game #377: Arkansas State Red Wolves (+) @ SMU Mustangs @ 7 ET - Nice situation here for the Red Wolves. They're off their easy win versus an FCS team (Arkansas-Pine Bluff). Keep in mind, the Mustangs also had one of those earlier this season as they crushed Stephen F Austin. The key difference though is what happened in the other games for these teams. The Red Wolves fought hard in a 7-point loss at Nebraska in their season opener. As for the Mustangs, they actually did NOT outgain North Texas in their 22 point win over the Eagles. Then, in SMU's most recent game, they hung around with TCU for awhile but then fall apart as the game went on. It was a demoralizing loss because they felt it slip away as the game went on and TCU is their DFW rival. Each of the last 4 seasons, SMU has lost their next game after facing the Horned Frogs. The Red Wolves have a bye on deck and they are on an 8-3 ATS in their last 11 as they are 1-1 this season and wrapped up last season on a 7-2 run at the betting window. Even though Arkansas State is a Sun Belt team, they are up at the top of the conference each and every season and have a winning culture. As for SMU, they entered this season with an 8-28 SU record the last 3 seasons. Grab the undervalued dog here. 8* ARKANSAS STATE

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play Montreal Alouettes (+) @ Toronto Argonauts @ 7 ET - I successfully played against Montreal last week as they had just made some wholesale coaching staff changes. This week I'll come back and play on the Alouettes as things have now settled down some within the organization and I look for Montreal to be "back in business" this week. With the mediocrity of the East division (and the fact Ottawa lost last night), there is plenty of incentive for both these teams as there are only 5 points in the standings separating worst from first in the East. Montreal is looking to avenge an embarrassing 38 to 6 loss at Toronto last month. In their prior meeting with the Argonauts this season (week prior to the ugly loss), the Alouettes had won 21 to 9. Though the Als are winless on the road this one has the looks of an upset, especially with the Argos off of a big home win versus Edmonton last week. Also, the Als have played well as a sizable dog and I look for them to improve to 4-2 ATS this season (and 11-7 ATS the L3 seasons combined) when they're a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Also, Montreal is 4-1 ATS in Saturday games the L3 seasons combined. The Argonauts are on a 6-16 ATS run in home games and are over-priced here. 10* MONTREAL

Big Ten Network Day Game - Rickenbach Saturday 8* CFB Game #350: Nebraska Cornhuskers (-) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 3:30 ET - With the firing of their athletic director on Thursday, there are shockwaves going through Nebraska right now. However, one thing is for sure, the players know it is "put up or shut up time" and I expect a huge effort as a result. The Huskers didn't play well in their season-opening win over Arkansas State but their 7-point loss at Oregon certainly wasn't unexpected as they were a 14-point dog. Then in looking at their loss to Northern Illinois they outgained the Huskies 384 to 213 but were done in by turnovers. I firmly believe all this has served to give us fantastic line value here because now Nebraska, whom hasn't played as bad as the "bad rap" they're getting in some circles, is actually a manageable favorite against a bad Rutgers team that certainly has issues of it's own. The Scarlet Knights just don't belong as a Big Ten team. They are 6-18 the past two seasons and this season they already lost to a MAC team (just like Nebraska did last week) but, unlike the Huskers, Rutgers was outgained in their loss to a MAC foe. The Scarlet Knights are on a 6-13 ATS run as an underdog. Nebraska is 3-0 straight-up (and undefeated ATS) the past 2 seasons when they've entered a game on a losing streak of 2 games or more. Keep in mind too, this is the Scarlet Knights first road game this season. Also, this is a Big Ten opener so Nebraska will be fully focused and the Cornhuskers are 10-1 ATS when they are a favorite of more than 5 points coming off of a non-conference game. After being embarrassed by Northern Illinois last week, huge response here. 8* NEBRASKA

Game of the Month - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Top Play Ottawa Redblacks (+) @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 8 ET - On the one hand, Winnipeg has a scheduling advantage since they are off of their bye week and Ottawa just played on Sunday. However, on the other hand, they truly are in a bit of a tough scheduling situation here as the Blue Bombers have a huge divisional game with Edmonton on deck while the Redblacks have another non-divisional match-up next week. Couple that with the fact that Ottawa is trying to hang on to the first place spot in the East Division and you truly have some solid line value here with the Redblacks plus the big points. With Trevor Harris already out with injury and Drew Tate likely to dress but not start in this one, the QB spot certainly could be questionable for Ottawa Friday. However, Ryan Lindley is likely to get the start and he had a solid college career at San Diego State and then even played a few seasons in the NFL. Lindley will be ready to go here and it helps having some time to prepare as the #1 guy like he was able to this week unlike last week when Tate got the start and Lindley only came in because of the Tate injury. The Blue Bombers went 1-3 (both SU and ATS) when off of a bye week the past two seasons and also went 3-7 ATS when, after the midway point of the season, they faced a team with a losing record. The Redblacks, when playing with 6 or less days of rest, are 18-7 ATS. Also, Ottawa is on an 18-5 ATS run in road games and a 22-6 ATS run as an underdog. Combining these ATS records with the "go against" ATS records of Winnipeg, the Redblacks are a "play on" team here at an ATS factor that combines for a 68-22 (76%) Run! 10* OTTAWA

TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach Friday CFB 10* Top Play Virginia Cavaliers (+) @ Boise State Broncos @ 8 ET - The Broncos were actually outgained in last week's win over New Mexico and they failed to cover in the 28-14 win. Boise State returned only 9 starters coming into this season and, even though QB Brett Rypien is probable for this game, he has not been overly impressive early this season. That said, I feel the Broncos are overpriced here. Overall, this team has failed to cover 11 straight home games. You read that right, it is an 0-11 ATS run for Boise State on the Blue FieldTurf at Albertsons Stadium. Even when Boise State has played back to back home games it hasn't helped either as they are on a long-term run of 1-8 ATS in the 2nd game of back to back home games. Also, as a weekday home fave of more than 7 points, the Broncos are on an 0-8 ATS run! Boise State has a bye on deck but then they face BYU. The Broncos are on an 0-4 ATS run in their games that precede facing the Cougars. Ironically, Brigham Young is a "tie-in" feature here as it relates to this match-up with Virginia. That's because Cavaliers head coach Bronco Mendenhall used to coach BYU so he has plenty of familiarity with the Boise State program. Prior to Mendenhall coming to the Cavs, they were blown out at home (56-14) by the Broncos in 2015. Certainly the Cavaliers are looking to avenge that embarrassing home loss and Virginia is 6-1 ATS when playing with revenge against an opponent with a winning record. Both these teams come into this game having gone 2-1 this season and both have a bye on deck. While an upset is asking a lot I certainly do expect the revenge-minded Cavs to stay within single digits of the Broncos in this one! Boise State is averaging only 340.7 yards of offense per game this season and the Cavaliers passing offense alone is averaging 325 yards per game this season. Coming off of a confidence-building win by a huge margin over Connecticut last week, the Cavs are a very dangerous dog here. 10* VIRGINIA

Thursday ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB 8* Temple Owls (+) @ South Florida Bulls @ 7:30 ET - Certainly Temple has not impressed early this season but, keep in mind, South Florida was down 16-0 to a very poor San Jose State in Week 1 before they pulled away and won by 20. Then, the Bulls were actually tied with Stony Brook, an FCS team, in the 4th quarter before they pulled away and won by 14. The point is that, even though the Owls have struggled this season, they're getting nearly 3 touchdowns here against a Bulls team that hadn't truly looked good until they put it all together and played a complete game against Illinois last week. In that win over the Illini, they got 3 picks from the Illinois QB which certainly keyed the win. Note that Temple's QB has yet to thrown an INT this season so the Bulls defense is unlikely to be so fortunate here. Even though South Florida covered last week, that was their first cover the last 8 times as a favorite in a weekday game when coming off of a SU win. In other words, it is still a 1-7 ATS run for the Bulls as a weekday fave and coming off of a win and last week they had extra rest due to their game against UConn being postponed. This week USF will be on short rest having just played on Friday. As for the Owls, they have covered 6 straight weekday games against conference opponents! Look for that run to reach 7-0 ATS by the time this Thursday night affair is in the books. 8* TEMPLE

Monday Night Top Play - Rickenbach NFL 10* Detroit Lions (+) @ New York Giants @ 8:30 ET - Not only are the Giants off of a divisional loss (at Dallas), they have a another divisional match-up (at Philadelphia) on deck. This is significant as the Giants are on a 3-7 ATS run in games that precede a divisional match-up. New York, has played 18 games (including one playoff game) since Ben McAdoo took over as head coach. They've gone 9-8-1 SU in those 18 games but have averaged just 18 points per game! In their last 7 games, the Giants have averaged just 13.6 points per game. It's hard to cover any type of spread as a favorite when you're not scoring points and, even if Odell Beckham Jr returns tonight, he's not 100% and he's also not necessarily going to be a magical elixir for the struggling Giants offense. Their long-term numbers tell the real story and I look for their struggles scoring points to continue. On the other side of the equation here, the Lions are off of a big season-opening win over the Cardinals and the way they rallied from a 3rd quarter deficit and then turned it into a blowout victory gives them plenty of momentum heading into this game. Also, Detroit is playing this game with revenge as they lost at New York in a late season match-up last year. That is significant here because the Lions are on an 8-1 ATS run when they are a road dog of less than 6 points and they are playing with revenge. Detroit was done in by turnovers in the loss at New York last year as the Lions did outgain the Giants in the 17-6 defeat. Payback time here. 10* DETROIT

Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Washington Redskins (+) @ Los Angeles Rams @ 4:25 ET - You'll be hard pressed to find a more value-filled situation than this one. The Rams are off of a huge win last week and now are getting a ton of respect from the betting markets in this one. I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone that Los Angeles was 4-12 last season and let's talk about the Colts team they just beat. Indianapolis was without QB Andrew Luck and the Colts defense was one of the worst in the league last season. Certainly the Rams benefited from Indy turnovers in that game just like the Redskins were hurt by turnovers in their loss to the Eagles last week. By the way, Philadelphia is certainly viewed as a team with playoff potential this season while the Colts (without Luck) are viewed as a team that is arguably going to be the worst team in the league this year. With that said, Washington's loss to Philly gives them huge motivation here while the Rams have a false sense of confidence after crushing a Colts team that is a mess right now. Keep in mind Los Angeles has still covered only 2 of their last 13 games while the Redskins are on a 14-6 ATS after last week's home loss. Last year the Rams defense was one of the worst in the league (including against the pass) and they now face a Redskins passing attack that was one of the best in the league last season. Look for Washington QB Kirk Cousins to bounce back with a huge effort this week. By the way, Los Angeles does have their divisional opener on deck and it is a Thursday game! Tough spot for the Rams here and the Redskins are angry! 10* WASHINGTON

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 1 ET - The Chiefs just beat the defending Super Bowl champs. That was a huge upset win in the NFL season opener and it leaves Kansas City ripe for an upset here. While KC is off of an upset win, the Eagles are off of a win in a game that was right around a "pick 'em" spread. Philadelphia played very well on defense and forced turnovers in that game while QB Carson Wentz also proved his value with a solid game and making big plays when he had to. The Eagles are on an 11-2 ATS run against AFC opponents. A tightener within that is that it is a perfect 7-0 ATS run if their non-conference opponent has a winning percentage of .400 or more. Of course the Chiefs are 1-0 after their big 42-27 win at New England. Note that Kansas City is 0-5 ATS when they are at home off of a game where they scored 35 points or more! That means this spot is a combined 12-0 ATS in favor of the Eagles. I'll take it. Remember the Eagles were 5-1 last season in the games that offensive lineman Lane Johnson played in. He is back this season after the 10-game suspension last year and the Eagles running game looks very potent with LaGarrette Blount now in the mix! 8* PHILADELPHIA

Early No Doubt Rout - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 8* Arizona Cardinals (-) @ Indianapolis Colts @ 1 ET - Last week, Arizona looked like they were headed for a road win against a Lions team that was in the playoffs last season. However, the Cardinals were outscored 24-6 to finish the game as they blew the lead thanks in part to a rare turnover-filled game from QB Carson Palmer. The Colts are also off of a loss but their situation was much different. Indianapolis was simply dreadful last week at Los Angeles and the Colts got buried by a 37-point margin by a Rams team that was 4-12 last season. That is bad news for Indy here as they're really taking a step up in class this week as Arizona is much better than their 6-10 record last season and yes I am aware that RB David Johnson is out with injury. The Colts are not only still without QB Andrew Luck, they also were one of the worst defenses in the league last season while the Cardinals ranked as one of the best stop units in the NFL. The Cards are on a 6-3 ATS run as a road fave of 3.5 to 7 points. The Colts are 1-6 ATS when they're facing a non-divisional opponent that is off of a straight-up loss as a favorite. The Cardinals were a small fave at Detroit last week and they're fired up about the way they let that game get away and the way they came unglued as the game went on. The Cardinals need to "get right" before their home opener against Dallas coming up on Monday night. Look for the Cards to use the down-trodden Colts as their "punching bag" in this one. Road rout. 8* ARIZONA 

Game of the Week Top Play - Rickenbach CFB 10* Saturday Game #148 - Louisville Cardinals (+) vs Clemson Tigers @ 8 ET - Clemson, reigning national champs, gets a ton of respect from the betting markets. Of course when you're coming off of a championship season you should but the fact is that the Tigers lost a ton of talent from last year's team. A QB who threw for over 4,000 yards plus a running back who ran for over 1,000 yards and a receiver who had more than 1,000 yards gained on receptions last season. Certainly this is still a very talented team but they did lose a lot of starters from last year's squad. Of course those "holes" haven't showed up yet but as they now face a conference foe that is ultra talented and gunning for them, I think you'll see it first-hand today! The Cardinals have the edge as their defense, just like Clemson, is fantastic but Louisville has the extra edge at QB. Of course former Tiger Deshaun Watson is now in the NFL but the Cards Lamar Jackson is still at the collegiate level wrecking havoc on defenses. He will be the difference maker here. The Cardinals are on a 7-1 ATS run when they are an underdog of less than 6 points. Considering the big posted total here, the odds makers expect quite a bit of scoring. The Tigers are on a 5-10 ATS run long-term in road games with a posted total between 56.5 and 63 points. The fact that two high quality defenses are matched up and yet a big total is posted here tells you that some big plays are going to be made here. When all is said and done I certainly like the revenge-minded Cardinals and ultra-talented Jackson to be the ones making more of those big plays on offense! The Tigers offense is still adjusting after losing key talent from last year. 10* LOUISVILLE

Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach CFB 8* Saturday Game #187 - LSU Tigers (-) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs @ 7 ET - Mississippi State, of course, will be amped up and hoping for the big performance at home necessary to knock off a strong LSU team. However, don't lose sight of the fact that the Bulldogs only won 5 games in the regular season last year. In fact, Mississippi State entered this season on a 6-9 SU run in their last 15 regular season games. Both the Bulldogs and Tigers have impressed early this season but of course the competition has been weak. The key here is that there is more of a difference between the current state of these two SEC foes than what is being factored into this line but we're getting line value because Mississippi State has played weak competition and hasn't been "exposed" just yet. The Tigers are the stronger team in the trenches and have much more in the way of game-changing speed and talent on both sides of the ball. LSU has won each of the last two meetings but by slim margins. That's because the Tigers have blown big leads in each game. They've learned their lesson and I expect them to keep their foot on the gas in this one. In other words, they again get up by double digits but this time they don't let the Bulldogs get back into it. The Tigers are 7-1 ATS as a favorite in a range of 3.5 to 10 points! Mississippi State is on a 3-6 ATS run in home games. 8* LSU

Divisional Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* BC Lions (+) @ Calgary Stampeders @ 7 ET - The Stampeders are on a fantastic winning streak. However, they are very banged up at receiver. Also, they're facing a very physical Lions team that has their eyes set on revenge here. BC lost at home to Calgary last month in a tight game. BC also got embarrassed by the Stamps in last year's post-season. That said, this is a big game for the Lions and I like getting the big points. This is especially true with Calgary missing some key talent at the receiver spot. I don't necessarily expect the Lions to get the outright win here but certainly they should keep this one to a TD or less. For the 4th time in the last 6 meetings, look for this one to be decided by 4 points or less. Lions QB Jonathan Jennings made an impressive return to the lineup last week for the injury Travis Lulay. British Columbia is an impressive 55-29 ATS long-term as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Grab the big points here! 10* BC LIONS early Saturday evening

ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB 8* Saturday Game #115 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-) @ Boston College Eagles @ 3:30 ET - The Eagles were a small home dog last week versus Wake Forest and got blasted 34-10. That drops Boston College to 0-7 ATS the last 7 times they've been a home dog! This ATS losing streak dates back to the 2014 season and the long-term futility is likely to continue here. The Eagles defense is again playing quite well this season but so too is Notre Dame's. The difference in this game is that the play of the two offenses is light years apart! The Fighting Irish are off of a tight loss last week but that was against a quality SEC program as Georgia nipped Notre Dame. That has the Fighting Irish fighting mad for this one and the Eagles defense hasn't faced anything close to the offensive weapons that Notre Dame brings to this one. Keep in mind, Boston College has faced Northern Illinois and Wake Forest thus far. Now they take on a very dangerous offense this afternoon. Also, Notre Dame is poised to respond huge after the tight loss last week. They have a tough game at Michigan State next week which means this game is a must win for them. Though they only beat Boston College by 3 the last time they faced them (in 2015) that outcome was impacted by turnovers as the Irish outgained the Eagles by 145 yards in that game. Look for the Fighting Irish to improve to 21-12 ATS in road games with a posted total between 49.5 and 56 points while Boston College drops to 3-12 ATS in their last 15 home games and loses for the 8th straight time (ATS too!) as a home dog! 8* NOTRE DAME

Philly's Finest Friday - Rickenbach NCAAF 8* Temple Owls (-) vs UMass Minutemen @ 7 ET - The Owls certainly have not impressed thus far as they were blown out by Notre Dame and then blew a 13 point lead against Villanova last week before eking out a 3 point win. Temple gave up a lot of yardage in the loss to Notre Dame and then also gave up a lot of passing yardage versus the Wildcats. The secondary of the Owls was supposed to be their strength this season. That said, those guys are playing with a chip on their shoulder here and have something to prove. They are hell-bent on shutting down UMass and the good news is that the Owls will benefit from taking on a Minutemen team that scored just 7 points against an FCS team, Old Dominion, last week. Massachusetts is now 9-42 since the start of the 2013 season as they're already 0-3 this season. Though each of their 3 games this season has been decided by 10 points or less, that does not mean they'll be able to compete with Temple here. The Owls barely got by UMass when these teams met 2 seasons ago but the Minutemen have regressed since then and the Temple talent level (even though down from last year) is still vastly superior to that of UMass. The Minutemen gave up 8 sacks in last week's game! Even though Massachusetts has revenge here, they actually entered this season on a 1-8 ATS run when playing with revenge. Also, the Owls entered this season on a 13-0 ATS run when facing an opponent playing with revenge. Additionally, Temple is 6-0 ATS when facing a team off of back to back straight-up losses and the Owls are on an overall 11-3 ATS run in home games. 8* TEMPLE

Football Friday - Rickenbach CFL 8* Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+) vs Saskatchewan Roughriders @ 7 ET - Not only has Hamilton won two straight games, Saskatchewan QB Kevin Glenn has a hand injury. If he plays he will not be 100%. Also, back-up QB Brandon Bridge has seen limited action in his CFL career. The Tiger-Cats defense has impressed and now that their 8-game losing streak that began the season is becoming more and more of a memory, their roll could very likely continue here with a 3rd straight win. Certainly there is value with the home dog points. The Ti-Cats are hosting a Roughriders team that is only 1-4 in road games this season. Hamilton also plays this game with revenge as they did lose at Saskatchewan earlier this season. Prior to that loss the Tiger-Cats had won 3 of the last 4 meetings with the lone loss coming by just 2 points. Saskatchewan is on a 1-5 ATS run as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points. The Tiger-Cats are on a 7-3 ATS run as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. 8* HAMILTON

Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play St Louis Cardinals Run Line -1.5 runs (-115) vs Cincinnati Reds @ 1:45 ET - The Cardinals got embarrassed 6-0 yesterday at home but had previously won 10 of their 12 prior games. Also, the average margin of victory in those 10 wins was 4 runs! 9 of the 10 W's came by at least 2 runs and that is why I am totally comfortable in laying the 1.5 runs here in a game the Cards should win easily as they have a decided pitching edge with Luke Weaver over Amir Garrett. The Cardinals right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his 6 starts. The Reds left-hander is 3-7 with a 7.39 ERA in his 13 starts this season. Of the Reds last 8 losses, all have come by 2 runs or more and will Cincy lose here? Well, they're 2-10 this season as a road dog of +175 to +250 so I would say a loss is quite likely! As for the Cardinals, they are 11-5 this season as a home fave of -175 to -250. Also, the Cards are 4-1 this season when off of a shutout loss. They'll respond HUGE here and I am happy to lay the -1.5 runs and look for a blowout win here. 10* ST LOUIS CARDINALS Run Line

Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 8* Washington Nationals Run Line -1.5 runs (-140) vs Atlanta Braves @ 7:05 ET - Even on the run line there is a bit of a price to lay here but it should prove to be well worth it. After getting thoroughly embarrassed 8-0 yesterday, Washington bounces back in a big way on Wednesday! The Nationals have a huge pitching edge here with veteran Max Scherzer over rookie Luiz Gohara. The Nats Scherzer has been simply fantastic this season and is 11-1 in his night games this year. Scherzer has made 27 starts this season and he has held opponents to a minuscule .175 batting average. The Braves Gohara struggled with command in his MLB debut but, also, when he did find the plate he was hit hard. The southpaw had never pitched above the Single A level of the minors until the 2017 season so, keep in mind, this is a big jump for Gohara. Now he faces one of the top hitting teams in the majors and he faces them off of an 8-0 beatdown yesterday. In other words, this is unlikely to go well for him! 8* WASHINGTON Run Line -1.5 runs

Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 8* Tampa Bay Rays Run Line +1.5 runs (-120) vs New York Yankees @ 7:10 ET - The Rays Blake Snell is off of a tough start but previously had allowed just 2 earned runs in 20 and 2/3 innings spanning his 3 prior starts. Also, he has a stellar 2.89 ERA in his 6 starts versus the Yankees in his career. The Yanks Sonny Gray has given up 25 hits in his last 17 and 1/3 innings versus the Rays. Gray has allowed 14 runs (11 earned) in those 3 starts and the Rays should be in this one all the way. That is why I am grabbing the run line in this one. Although we could have Tampa at +130 on the money line I feel there is great value to only have to lay about -120 and yet have the Rays at +1.5 runs. In Gray's last 8 starts only 2 have resulted in a victory by more than 1 run. In Snell's last 8 starts only 2 have resulted in a loss by more than 2 runs. 8* TAMPA BAY RAYS run line +1.5 runs

Game of the Week - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 10* Top Play New York Giants (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 8:30 ET - Are you ready for the sophomore slump? Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott had great rookie campaigns for the Cowboys last season but Dallas finished the season on a 1-6 ATS run (including post-season loss versus Green Bay) and that is a sign of things to come. Even though Elliott is playing in this game his suspension issues have been a major distraction for Dallas. Also, the offensive line did lose two starters from last season's team and that could certainly be an issue here. The Cowboys were also very poor against the pass last season and the Giants are chomping at the bit to turn Eli Manning and Company loose in this one after a disappointing performance for the Giants offense in coach Ben McAdoo's first year at the helm. I like the offseason moves the Giants made to strengthen the offense. Also, the G-men have had the Cowboys number as they are on a 5-0 ATS run in games versus Dallas. That includes 3 straight SU wins and the most recent loss came by just a single point at Dallas in the season opener of the 2015 season. The Cowboys are off of a "miracle season" where everything seemed to fall in place for them in the regular season but lets not forget they were 4-12 in 2015. This is still a quality Cowboys team but they haven't had back to back playoff seasons in many, many years and New York has been a nemesis for them. In road games with a posted total between 45.5 and 49 points, the Giants are on a 28-16 ATS run. In games played on turf the past two seasons, Dallas is 6-15 ATS! More struggles for them at the betting window in this one! 10* NEW YORK GIANTS

Run Line Game of the Month - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play Cleveland Indians Run Line -1.5 runs -110 vs Baltimore Orioles @ 8:05 ET - The Indians are on an insane run and have won 17 in a row. Of course I am never comfortable laying big money lines and they are nearly a 2 to 1 favorite on the money line in this one. However, on the run line we get them at basically a pick'em price by simply laying the 1.5 runs. Is that a good value? You bet (literally!) because the Indians 17 game winning streak has featured 15 of the 17 wins coming by 2 runs or more! As for Baltimore, each of their last 7 losses have come by 2 runs or more. The Orioles send Jeremy Hellickson to the mound and he has allowed 12 runs (10 earned) in just 7 innings of work spanning his last two starts. As for the Indians, they'll have Trevor Bauer on the mound and he is 8-3 at home this season. Also, he enters this start with a spectacular 2.22 ERA in his last 8 starts! Not only should the Indians make it 18 in a row here, the run line success rate is likely to reach 16-2 (89%) in this streak with another win by 2 runs or more. 10* Top Play CLEVELAND INDIANS Run Line -1.5 runs

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play Edmonton Eskimos (+) vs Calgary Stampeders @ 9 ET - The Stampeders blasted the Eskimos last week but that game was at Calgary and now this provincial battle shifts northward to Edmonton. The fact is that the Eskimos outgained the Stampeders last week but were done in by turnovers. I expect Edmonton to make the most of this opportunity for quick revenge. While they may not get the outright win the points are certainly generous and this spread has been inflated because of last week's results. Yes, Edmonton has lost 3 straight games after a 7-0 start to the season but this is still an Eskimos team that is 4-1 at home this season. The Stampeders have won just 3 of their 5 road games this season and here they're being asked to win by a sizable margin. Calgary is 7-3 ATS on the season while Edmonton is only 3-7 ATS. Those ATS records have a way of evening out as a season goes on as over-adjustments are made. I feel that will be the case here and note that the home team has won 5 of the last 7 meetings between these teams and the only 2 losses both came by 6 points or less. 10* EDMONTON

Contrarian Crusher - NCAAF Game #388: Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (-) vs Stanford Cardinal @ 8:30 ET - The Trojans seek revenge for their loss by 17 points at Stanford last season. Keep in mind, star QB Darnold did not play in that game. Although USC struggled some in their eventual 18 point win versus Western Michigan last week, the Broncos are a quality football program and Southern Cal also could not be blamed if they were perhaps peeking ahead to this big Pac-12 battle. As for Stanford, they had a bye week after blasting Rice in Australia two weeks ago. As impressive as that win may seem, the Owls are dreadful and the Cardinal (after an early season bye) may struggle to match the Trojans intensity here as USC benefits from having just played last week (maintaining early season rhythm) and from facing a higher quality opponent. Stanford has held the upper hand in this series in recent years but the odds makers certainly are not stupid. The first numbers that were posted on this game were up near 10. It quickly moved down before the big money could be bet put the point is I side with the odds makers here and love the value of having a team that should win by double digits and yet they're laying less than a TD. Note that the Trojans are on a long-term 24-12 ATS run as a home favorite. In all home games the past 3 seasons, Southern Cal is 9-5 ATS. The Cardinal lost some key personnel from last year's team and that certainly was not an issue against a team like Rice but it will be an issue here against the revenge-minded Trojans. Southern Cal has won 10 straight games and I look for another one here as they cover the small number along the way. 10* USC

Daytime Dominator - NCAAF Game #309 - Rickenbach Saturday 8* Western Michigan Broncos (+) @ Michigan State Spartans @ 3:30 ET - The Broncos gave a valiant effort against a very strong Trojans team at USC last Saturday. Though Western Michigan fell short on the scoreboard, they showed that this solid MAC program isn't going to lay down for anyone even though they lost head coach PJ Fleck. The fact is that they're in very good hands with Tim Lester at the helm. At the same time, the fact is that the Spartans are in for more struggles this season. Remember they fell to 3-9 last season and now Michigan State returns very few starters this season. The fact that Sparty blasted a weak Bowling Green team (also from MAC but nowhere near the current level of Western Michigan program) is helping to give us line value here. Keep in mind the Spartans also have a bye on deck and then face Notre Dame and then start their Big Ten schedule. In other words, Michigan State could get caught looking ahead here while Western Michigan certainly is not going to be looking ahead to anything. They want this game against the "big boys" from in-state. Substantial ATS support here too! The Broncos are on a 6-0 ATS run as non-conference dogs of more than 3 points. Also, Western Michigan has covered 6 of their last 7 (86%) as a dog playing with revenge. The Broncos lost to Michigan State at home to open their 2015 season - that was when Spartans were much stronger and Western Michigan had not quite yet emerged. As for Michigan State, they are on a 2-11 ATS run when they are at home and off of a non-conference game. Also, the Spartans have covered just 1 of 9 (11%) as a non-conference favorite of less than 28 points. That system fits here as well! 8* WESTERN MICHIGAN

Game of the Week Friday - Rickenbach CFL 10* Top Play BC Lions (-) vs Montreal Alouettes @ 10 PM ET - Travis Lulay gets the start at QB for the BC Lions and they are coming off of their bye week. He'll replace Jonathan Jennings due to the ineffectiveness of the young starter. Note that the veteran Lulay did very well filling in for Jennings earlier this season and certainly the Lions are in need of a boost now after some recent struggles. That said, the bye week could not have come at a more perfect time for BC and I look for the Lions to come roaring out of the gate in this one! The Lions are 3-1 against East Division teams this season while Montreal is only 3-7 on the entire season! The Als already lost to BC earlier this season back east and facing an angry Lions team out west won't do any favors for the Alouettes here. The Lions have won each of the last 4 meetings between these clubs and the average margin has been 12 points. BC is on a 13-7 ATS run against the East Division and also is 6-1 ATS when they enter a game off of 2 or more consecutive SU losses. Montreal got hammered in a divisional loss last week and the Alouettes are on a 6-14 ATS run when off of a divisional game. 10* BC LIONS

8* WASHINGTON Run Line -1.5 runs - The Phillies Jake Thompson is off of a surprisingly strong start at Miami. However, in his two prior starts at the MLB level he allowed a combined 5 homers. Also, in the minors this season at AAA Lehigh Valley he went 5-14 with a 5.25 ERA. In other words, one shouldn't over-react to one good start and now he faces the ace of the Nationals as Max Scherzer gets the call for Washington here. The right-hander is 8-1 with a 2.04 ERA in his 13 career starts versus the Phillies. Scherzer is also 13-5 with a 2.18 ERA this season and has piled up strikeouts at home where the Nats have gone 9-3 in his 12 starts. Of course I am not laying the huge price on the money line but I am very comfortable being in the -135 range by taking the Nationals at -1.5 runs on the run line. Though Washington only won by a single run last night, this one has blowout written all over it. The average margin of victory in the Nationals last 10 wins is 3.9 runs. The Phillies last 7 losses have come by an average margin of 5 runs. Keep in mind Philadelphia is only 25-50 on the road this season and the Nationals do have some familiarity with Jake Thompson and that's bad news for him with the way 2017 has gone for him at the MLB and minor league levels. 

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Thursday NFL 8* New England Patriots (-) vs Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:30 ET - Though I expect a "correction" on the Patriots this season after their insane ATS success last season and then improbable comeback win in the Super Bowl, the "correction" does not begin here. That's because, even though they lost WR Julian Edelman for the season with an injury suffered in preseason action, their offense is still light years ahead of the Chiefs. In fact, their defense is too. The key to the Chiefs success last season was being +18 in turnovers on the year. If you look closely at Kansas City's numbers, they ranked well in scoring offense and scoring defense last season but they were very fortunate with turnovers. The fact is that their defense ranked 24th as they allowed 369 yards per game and their offense only ranked 20th with just 343 yards per game. By comparison, the Patriots ranked at or near the top of the league in all 4 of those categories - yards and points both offense and defense. The fact is that the Chiefs offense is a concern that they did little to address in the off-season. This is nothing against QB Alex Smith but more so it is about the weapons (or lack thereof) that surround him. Also, the KC defensive line lost some key starters from last year's unit. Add in the fact that the Patriots unfurl their Championship banner tonight, QB Tom Brady is eager to make up for missing the first 4 games last season, and that the Patriots are seeking revenge for the last regular season meeting between the clubs. Yes, the Pats got some revenge with a playoff win following the 2015 season but they were embarrassed on national TV in regular season action at Kansas City in the 2014 season. That was Bill Belichick vs Andy Reid as well. Who do you think comes out on top this time? This one gets UGLY for the Chiefs. 8* NEW ENGLAND

Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 8* Washington Nationals Run Line (-1.5) @ Miami Marlins @ 7:10 ET - Stephen Strasburg gets the start for the Nationals and the right-hander is in fantastic current form with just 3 earned runs allowed in his last 30 innings of work. As strong as Strasburg has been for the Nationals I do not like to lay big prices on the money line. That said, my play here is on the run line and I don't mind laying the 1.5 runs with the Nationals last 10 wins with Strasburg on the mound coming by a margin of 3.4 runs per victory. The Marlins have lost 7 of their last 8 games and the 7 defeats have come by an average margin of 4 runs per loss. Miami will have Odrisamer Despaigne on the mound and the right-hander has given up 12 runs (7 earned) in the less than 15 innings of work spanning his 3 starts this season. He also had as many walks as strikeouts in those starts and, of course, that's never a good sign for a starting pitcher. 8* WASHINGTON on the run line

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Monday CFL 8* Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+) vs Toronto Argonauts @ 6:30 ET - The Tiger-Cats are 0-8 on the season but they're off of a bye week and note that 6 of their first 8 games this season have come against tough West Division foes. Certainly Hamilton is not without issues...any 0-8 team has issues! But, the point is that this is the perfect spot to back them. They are at home, a sizable dog, and playing with revenge against a struggling division rival. Toronto has lost 4 of its last 5 games and those 4 defeats came by a combined score of 123 to 67. Hamilton has won and covered each of the last four times they've hosted the Argonauts. Also, Toronto is just 1-4 (both SU and ATS) on the road this season. In games played in weeks 10 through 15 the Argos are on a 2-9 run both SU and ATS! The Ti-Cats are 7-3 ATS (including 2-0 this season) as an underdog in a range of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Look for the Tiger-Cats to improve to 4-0 (both SU and ATS) in Monday games with an outright upset here BUT my advice is to grab the points in case they do fall just short. 8* HAMILTON

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Sunday NCAAF 8* UCLA Bruins (-) vs Texas A & M Aggies @ 7:30 ET - The Bruins have revenge on their minds in this one and that includes QB Josh Rosen. The UCLA quarterback got hurt and missed the rest of the season after early October but he faced the Aggies a year ago to the day and he threw 3 picks in that game. He still was able to rally the Bruins back and force overtime but UCLA then lost in OT. The noteworthy aspect of the 3 picks in that game is that Rosen threw a TOTAL of only 2 picks in the other 5 games he played last season. Indeed Rosen has revenge on his mind here and I expect him to lead the way to a convincing victory over an Aggies team that lost a lot of starters from last season and is also now having to test an inexperienced QB on the road against a tough Bruins defense. Even though Texas A & M head coach Sumlin has a history of strong starts with plenty of wins (and covers) in recent seasons in August and September games, I am happy to go contrarian here and lay the points with the revenge-minded Bruins whom are on a rough 3-10 ATS run in home games. This is not just "any" home game for UCLA! Also, note that the Bruins are on a long-term ATS run against SEC opponents. 8* UCLA

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach Thursday CFL 10* Top Play Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders @ 4 ET - Saskatchewan certainly has improved this season but last week they took advantage of an Edmonton team that was looking ahead to a big showdown with Calgary this week. The result of the Roughriders big win over the Eskimos is helping to give us some line value here as we can get a solid Blue Bombers team at a full +3 in this one. Keep in mind, a lot of points are expected in this one (O/U posted at 61) and Winnipeg is on an 11-1 ATS run in road games with a posted total of 52 points or more! The Blue Bombers are also a perfect 5-0 ATS in road games this season! As for Saskatchewan, they are a dismal 3-10 ATS in games where they are a favorite. Grab the underdog value here! 10* WINNIPEG