Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Virginia Tech Hokies +8 vs West Virginia @ Noon ET - I am well aware of the fact that Chris Clarke is out for the Hokies today but the fact is that Virginia Tech's scoring so far this season has been quite balanced. Coach Buzz Williams brought in a a lot of new talent through transfers coming into this season and he's starting to build a winning feeling with these Hokies. Virginia Tech will be poised to bounce back after their ugly loss to St Joseph's in their most recent game. The Hokies were a solid 8-3 on the season before that ugly loss. Also, Virginia Tech has solid depth at the guard position and they have the talent in the backcourt to not only contend with but also breakdown the pressing techniques that the Mountaineers like to employ. The Hokies seek revenge for an ugly road loss at West Virginia last year. Having this game in Blacksburg is a big edge for Virginia Tech. The Mountaineers are 1-3 ATS in the month of December and also 1-3 ATS this season in games against teams that are averaging 77 points or more per game. In road games with a posted total in the 145 to 149.5 point range, West Virginia is on a 3-8 ATS run. The Hokies have won 6 of their 8 home games this season. This team is maturing quickly under coach Williams and he had some tremendous big game success in his years at Marquette. He'll have the Hokies ready to challenge coach Bob Huggins and his Mountaineers in this one. Play Virginia Tech +8 as a *10* Top Play selection. 

Rickenbach BOWL *10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders +7.5 vs LSU @ 9 ET - LSU entered the season as a title contender but they certainly fell well short of that with an 8-3 record. The Tigers certainly can't be too excited about playing in the Texas Bowl on December 29th when their aspirations heading into the season were certainly much higher than this. With that said, the motivated underdog Red Raiders are the play here. Texas Tech, similar to when they knocked off Arizona State in the 2013 Holiday Bowl, are very excited to be here. There is a strong possibility that the Red Raiders get another outright upset against a stronger foe once again in this bowl match-up. Texas Tech has such a potent offense with QB Patrick Mahomes leading the way that I just don't see LSU getting many defensive stops in this one. Certainly LSU will enjoy some offensive success against the Red Raiders D as the defense of Texas Tech is a weakness. However, RB Leonard Fournette truly finished up the season in disappointing fashion and I don't expect him to be at his best here after not even attending the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York. On the other side of the ball the Tigers defense faltered as the year went on and they're now facing a Red Raiders team that already knocked off a similar SEC team (Arkansas) in the regular season. Texas Tech is certainly going to give LSU all they can handle here and I will be surprised if the Tigers can even answer the Red Raiders score for score in this one. Grab the highly motivated, ultra dangerous underdog in this one. 

Rickenbach BOWL *8* Colorado State Rams -3 vs Nevada @ 7:30 ET - The Rams are looking to atone for last year's ugly 45-10 bowl loss against Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. Colorado State comes into this bowl match-up on a big roll as they have won four straight games and the average margin of victory was 11 points per game. The Wolf Pack come into this game heading the opposite direction as they have lost each of their past two games and Nevada allowed 31 points in each. Colorado State has a good history with the Wolf Pack as the Rams have won 11 of the last 13 meetings. Also, Nevada has won just 1 of 8 bowl games in their history. Though both teams have powerful ground-based attacks I look for the Rams to prevail here. CSU averaged 258 rushing yards per game in their last 4 games and Nevada was out-gained on the ground by a 320 to 35 mark in their season finale against San Diego State. The Wolf Pack do want to avoid a losing season but the Rams are the hotter team and you can bet that head coach Bobo has his team fired up for his first bowl game as a head coach. Colorado State is very hungry here and has the intensity I like to see from a team heading into a bowl game.

Rickenbach BOWL *8* California Golden Bears -6.5 vs Air Force @ 2 ET - I realize that, overall, Cal's defense was a weakness this season. However, they did defeat San Diego State 31 to 7 early this season and that is an Aztecs team that runs the ball very well. Air Force lost to that same San Diego State team in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game by a 27-24 final. California's defense will stack the line with eight men in the box to slow down the option attack of Air Force. As for when the Golden Bears are on offense, look out! Cal is led by QB Jared Goff and he should enjoy phenomenal success picking apart the weak pass defense of Air Force. California just missed getting to a bowl last season and that gives them even more motivation to take care of business in the Armed Forces Bowl Tuesday. With the Golden Bears able to focus on shutting down the running attack of the Falcons, look for Cal's more balanced offensive attack to be the difference in this match-up as Air Force only averages about 12 pass attempts per game. The Falcons offense simply won't be able to keep up with a Cal offense that produced 41 points per game in their last 3 games of the season. 

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks @ Florida Atlantic @ Noon ET - I don't normally get involved with the added board games in College Hoops but this situation is too good to pass up. Not only is Florida Atlantic 2-10 on the season, the Owls also recently dismissed a key player from their team as they had to let their leading scorer go. That leaves a bad team looking even worse and that has led to great line value here with the Skyhawks getting a bucket on the road. Tennessee-Martin comes into this game surging with a four game win streak and this is their final non-conference road game of the season. That said, the Skyhawks want to make sure they put forth a huge effort and notch another road win before the Ohio Valley Conference road games start. By the way, the Skyhawks came into this season again projected to be one of the top teams in the OVC while Florida Atlantic is again expected to be among the cellar dwellers in Conference USA. Great line value here with UT-Martin. Grab the points but expect the outright road win early Tuesday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Cincinnati Bengals +4 @ Denver @ 8:30 ET - Both teams have back-up QBs in this one but I give the edge to McCarron over Osweiler. The Bengals QB was very solid in his first career start and it was on the road where McCarron helped Cincinnati jump all over the 49'ers early and amass a 21-0 lead. The Bengals beat Denver last season in a similar situation as it was a Week 16 Monday night football game in Cincinnati. Even though this game is on the road, the Bengals are 14-5-2 ATS as a road dog. Overall, Cincy comes into this game with an 11-2-1 ATS mark on the season and the Broncos have struggled with Osweiler at the controls. Denver barely snuck by Chicago by 2 points, then were extremely fortunate in their win over the Patriots in OT, and most recently have lost two straight games. The Bengals big road win at San Francisco last week is a huge confidence boost for the team in their first full game without Dalton at QB. In a battle for playoff positioning I see great line value with the Bengals now a dog of more than 3 points in this one. Fade the line move and ride the hotter team in this one. Denver has a tremendous defense but continued struggles on the other side of the ball will prove to be the downfall of the Broncos once again Monday night. 

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Detroit +3 @ Eastern Michigan @ 7 ET - This is a contrarian play plain and simple. Many will get caught up looking at the fact that Detroit is 0-4 in road games this season and the fact that Eastern Michigan is 5-0 at home this season. The fact is that the line is so low on the Eagles in this game because this is the ideal spot for the Titans to get their first road win of the season. Detroit, in comparison with Eastern Michigan, has played the tougher schedule this season. Also, the Titans are 8-2 ATS the last three seasons combined when playing 5 or 6 days of rest. Detroit has been off since the 22nd and that was a tight loss at Western Kentucky, The Eagles are 0-3 SU and ATS when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest and they've been off since a win over Coppin State on the 21st. With Eastern Michigan off of a win and Detroit off of a loss you know where the motivational edge will be for this one. The Titans are very hungry for that elusive first road win of the season and they will take advantage of an Eastern Michigan team that is projected to be in the basement of the MAC this season. 

Rickenbach NFL *8* New York Giants +7 @ Minnesota @ 8:30 ET - This is a contrarian play as most will look at last night's results and figure that the Giants will "lay down" here at Minnesota and get blasted on Sunday night. The fact is that, even though New York was eliminated from the post-season by last night's Redskins win over the Eagles, the Giants are a likely to put up quite a fight tonight. The Giants still have their sights set on finishing at .500 for the season by getting wins this week and next week. Additionally, this is a primetime game and that means all the players want to bring their best efforts to shine under the lights of nighttime football and the national TV cameras. Though the Giants will be without Odell Beckham (suspension), the G-men have plenty of other talented players at the skill positions that are excited about stepping up in this spot under the national spotlight. Also giving value to the Giants here is the fact that it will be bitterly cold in Minnesota tonight. In almost all situations where weather is a factor, it tends to favor the dog. If there is difficulty hanging onto the ball or gripping it properly it means that it is more difficult for the better team to dominate in a way they otherwise might. When it's below 20 degrees fahrenheit outside it can become more difficult to grip the ball properly for QBs and for their receivers to make the catches. The Giants have averaged nearly 30 points per game in their last 7 games while the Vikes, before last week's big win over Chicago, had been held to an average of just 15 points per game in their four prior games. The Giants are 6-2 ATS in games played on turf this season and are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 December games. The Vikings have lost 2 of their last 3 home games and the two defeats came by at least 17 points apiece. The G-men are a dangerous dog here. Play the New York Giants plus the points as an *8* selection Sunday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play New York Knicks +7.5 @ Boston @ 7 ET - Both teams are in a back to back here but I look for the Knicks to be the hungrier team. Boston is off of a road win at Detroit while the Knicks had an ugly turnover-filled loss at Atlanta yesterday. Look for New York to quickly clean things up as they will be fully focused after the embarrassing 19 points loss to the Hawks. The Knicks also have the motivation of playing this game with triple revenge as they've lost three straight games to the Celtics. Boston comes into this game having lost three of their last four home games. They are a sizable favorite here and the Knicks are a dangerous dog considering the situation leading into this one. New York is on a 3-1 ATS run in the 2nd night of a back to back situation. Boston is 0-2 ATS this season when they are a playing a home game that is the 2nd night of a back to back situation. The Knicks are 4-1 ATS this season as a road dog of 6.5 to 9 points. New York is also a perfect 4-0 ATS this season in divisional games. Again, after yesterday's turnover-plagued effort, the Knicks are going to bring their "A game" tonight. After allowing 105 points or more in a game this season, New York has gone 6-2 ATS in the very next game. Boston is 9-20 ATS in Sunday games the last three seasons combined. In a home game with total posted between 200 and 204.5 points, the Celtics have gone 2-5 ATS this season. Play New York plus the points as a *10 Top Play Sunday.

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Green Bay Packers +5 @ Arizona @ 4:25 ET - The world is likely to be lining up on the Cardinals here and this line could move up to the 6 point range on this game. However, in the interest of getting my plays out early on this Sunday morning I am releasing this play at +5. It is a great value to have a solid 10-4 Packers team plus significant points. Yes, the Cardinals have been fantastic this season but they will be challenged here by a Green Bay team that is the hungrier of the two teams. The Cards have already locked up the NFC West but the Packers are in a dogfight for the NFC North crown as they battle with the Vikings. Both the Pack and the Cardinals benefited from turnovers in their wins last week and the Cards big win over the Eagles looks much less impressive when you look at how the Eagles performed in their do or die game against the Redskins last night. A key factor that many may overlook here is that the Packers have played a tougher schedule than have the Cardinals this season. I feel this oversight is resulting in extra line value here for Green Bay. The Packers are 5-2 ATS in road games this season and already 3-0 ATS against the NFC West this season. The Cardinals are 2-4 ATS in home games this season and 0-3 ATS against teams with a winning record. As strong as the Cards offense is, their defense has allowed at least 300 passing yards in 3 of their last 4 games. The Packers D has given up 252 passing yards or less in 6 straight games! Green Bay could spring the upset here and certainly there is significant value with the points. Play Green Bay plus the points as a *10* Top Play Sunday.

Rickenbach BOWL *10* Top Play Nebraska Cornhuskers +6.5 vs UCLA @ 9:15 ET Saturday -  Why is an 8-4 team favored by less than a TD against a 5-7 team? Precisely! Don't be fooled by this line. It's actually a great value to be able to play the Huskers here with this line at more than field goal. Nebraska battled hard and suffered many tight losses this season. That is helping to create line value here as, based on playing a tough schedule and suffering some tight beats, this line is much higher than it should be. 5 of Nebraska's 7 losses this season came by 5 points or less. The Cornhuskers did not have a single loss by more than 10 points and the average margin of defeat in their 7 losses was 4.7 points per defeat! The Huskers did fall short against Iowa in their regular season finale but Nebraska outgained the Hawkeyes by a 433 to 250 margin. The Huskers also had the big upset of Michigan State this season and I can't see the Bruins being too excited about this game as they are still lamenting their loss by a 40-21 loss to USC that wrapped up their regular season. Remember that UCLA even had national title aspirations coming into this season. Now their bowl game is the day after Christmas. The Bruins aren't nearly as excited as the Cornhuskers are to be here. Play Nebraska +6.5 as a *10* Top Play Saturday. 

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play New Orleans Pelicans +1.5 vs Houston @ 7:05 ET Saturday - Off a tight road loss yesterday in OT the Pelicans will be ready to bounce back huge here at home. The Rockets are off of a big home win over the Spurs yesterday. That was a game that Houston wanted badly and was a hard-fought home win for the Rockets. Now they have to travel in a back to back spot and the Rockets are likely to be flat after yesterday's big win. This line opened with New Orleans as a small favorite and Houston has gone 0-3 SU and ATS as a road dog of 3 points or less. The Rockets have lost three of their last four road games while the Pelicans have won 5 of their last 7 home games and that includes wins over the Spurs and Cavaliers. New Orleans has played very well at home while the Rockets have struggled on the road. Add in the situational advantage based on yesterday's results and you have the making of a blowout home win for the Pelicans in this one. The home team has won three of the last four meetings between these teams and New Orleans is playing this game with revenge for a road loss at Houston earlier this month. Play New Orleans +1.5 as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach BOWL *8* Washington Huskies -8 vs Southern Miss @ 2:20 ET Saturday - Why is a 6-6 team favored by more than a TD against a 9-4 team? Precisely! Don't be fooled by this line. It's actually a great value to be able to play the Huskies here with this line in single digits. Southern Mississippi played an extremely weak schedule, one of the weakest in all of NCAA Division 1 football. The Golden Eagles will be exposed here by a solid Pac-12 team that played a very tough schedule this season. The Huskies are led by head coach Petersen who went 5-2 SU and ATS in his bowl games with Boise State. That said, after losing the Cactus Bowl last year in his first bowl game with the Huskies, Petersen and Company are fired up about getting a big win in their second bowl game! In addition to the huge edge here based on strength of schedule, the Huskies have the vastly superior defense in comparison with Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are led by head coach Monken and this is his first ever bowl game. The Huskies faced 10 bowl teams this season while Southern Miss faced only 5 and the Golden Eagles lost 4 of those 5 game with the average margin of defeat at 16 points per loss. Another double digit loss looms here! Play Washington -8 as an *8* selection Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Louisville Cardinals +3 @ Kentucky @ Noon ET Saturday - Big revenge spot for Louisville as they have lost each of the last three meetings against Kentucky. The Cardinals play this game with triple revenge and the line is low here even though the Wildcats are at home because the Cards have absolutely closed the talent gap between these two teams this season. Louisville is now the stronger team in my opinion and the Cardinals are on an long-term 18-6 ATS run in games where they are a road dog of 3 points or less. There is a low total posted on this game because of the strength of the Cards defense and Kentucky has struggled to an 0-4 ATS mark this season in games with a posted total between 130 and 139.5 points. While Louisville played most recently on Wednesday, Kentucky has not played in a week and I look for "rust" to be an issue here after the long layoff. Play Louisville +3 as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Harvard Crimson +13.5 vs Oklahoma @ 9 ET - Harvard has made it to the NCAA Tournament each of the last four seasons and certainly Crimson coach Tommy Amaker knows a thing or two about having his team prepared for big games. Harvard, under coach Amaker has won all 8 of their in-season tournament games! Now certainly I don't necessarily expect the Crimson to get the outright upset in this game on Christmas Day. However, I absolutely to expect Harvard to give Oklahoma all they can handle and the Crimson should be in this game all the way! Harvard has been shooting extremely well from three point land and the Crimson also have been playing fantastic defense including their perimeter defense against the three ball. Opponents of Harvard are making only 38.3% of their shots including just 27.3% from three point land. Of course Oklahoma has also been playing stellar defense but they're not the ones GETTING 13.5 points in this match-up. Simply put, Harvard is not getting the respect they should by the odds makers in this one. The Crimson are on a 7-0 ATS run in all tournament games. Play Harvard +13.5 as a *10* Top Play on Friday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play San Antonio Spurs -7 @ Houston @ 8:05 ET - This is the first match-up between these divisional rivals this season. The Spurs have won each of the last three meetings between these teams but there is no shortage of motivation for San Antonio in the first match-up this season as they were not happy about last year's Christmas Day result. The Spurs lost at home against Oklahoma City last year on Christmas Day and that means you can bet that Gregg Popovich will have his team ready to go today. I feel that Christmas Day games favor the road teams as a general rule because the road team doesn't have the same distractions that a home team does when it's a holiday in your home city with family commitments, etc. For the Spurs it's all about business here and that means another huge performance on defense should be expected here. San Antonio is allowing only 89 points per game this season. In stark contrast, Houston is allowing 105.6 points per game this season! The Rockets are only 6-10 ATS in home games this season. The Spurs are 10-2 ATS in December and 9-4 ATS this season when they are off of a game where they scored 105 points or more. San Antonio comes into this game having won 7 straight games and the Spurs have covered all 7 of those games too! In their final road game until Jan 4th, the Spurs will not let up in this game. Play San Antonio -7 as a *10* Top Play Friday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Cleveland Cavaliers +7 @ Golden State @ 5:05 ET - Of course this is a huge revenge game for the Cavaliers as they lost in the NBA Finals to the Warriors last season. Golden State is off of a covering win against Utah but, overall they continue to be overpriced. The Warriors have only managed to cover back to back games one time in the past four weeks. Couple that with the fact that the Cavaliers come into this game having won six straight games and you have the perfect set-up for a Cavs upset. If the revenge-seeking Cavaliers do fall short it is likely to be by just one or two possessions. Only twice this entire season has Cleveland lost a game by more than 6 points. Look for Stephen Curry's calf to to be a hindrance to him today. He will certainly play today but I don't expect him to have his usual rate of success as a result of the nagging calf injury. The Cavaliers are 6-3 ATS this season against teams with a winning record. Cleveland is also 14-6 the last 3 seasons combined when they are off of a game where they allowed 85 points or less. The Cavaliers have held 4 of their last 5 opponents to 39% or less from the field and that super high defensive intensity will continue today as this is such a massive revenge game for the Cavs. Play Cleveland plus the points as a *10* Top Play Friday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Northern Iowa Panthers +3 vs BYU @ 3:30 ET - Playing without rest is a problem for Northern Iowa because they rely so heavily on their core players. That is why yesterday's off day means so much to the Panthers. This is a Northern Iowa team that has played a tougher schedule so far this season than have the Cougars. BYU comes in with an identical 8-4 record but the Cougars not only haven't played as tough of a schedule, Brigham Young is also not as strong defensively. The Cougars have been giving up some very concerning percentages from three point land in recent games and yet their 96-66 win over New Mexico on Wednesday was one of those victories that comes "too easily" and can leave a team "resting on their laurels" in their next game. That said, the Cougars will be in trouble here as they face a hungry Northern Iowa team that still has it's sights set on 3rd place in this tournament. The Panthers are 11-4 ATS in neutral court games (includes their non-covering 63-59 win Wednesday) and they are 23-12 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. The Cougars are 3-12 ATS in all tournament games the past three seasons. Play Northern Iowa +3 as an *8* selection Friday.

Rickenbach NBA *8* New Orleans Pelicans +5.5 @ Miami @ 12:05 PM ET - New Orleans has won two straight and three of their last four and two of those three wins came on the road. The Pelicans are playing with more and more confidence and that will be even more evident today after they blew out the Trail Blazers by 26 points on Wednesday. Even though the Heat are wrapping up a four game homestand today they have lost 2 of the first 3 games. Homecourt hasn't exactly been kind to Miami lately and they now host a Pelicans team that has won 3 of the last 4 meetings between the teams. The Heat are 1-6 ATS this season when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. In other words, complacency sets in when on an long homestand. Also, generally there are more distractions on Christmas Day for the home team because of the proximity to family and other obligations in their home city. The Pelicans are 3-1 ATS this season in road games with a posted total between 200 and 204.5 points. Play New Orleans plus the points as an *8* selection.

Rickenbach BOWL *10* Top Play Cincinnati Bearcats +3.5 vs San Diego State @ 8 ET Thursday - Both teams are missing their starting QB but the Bearcats are in much better shape with Hayden Moore at QB in comparison with San Diego State forced to go with Christian Chapman at QB. The Aztecs QB only had 38 pass attempts this season in comparison with 194 for Moore. The Bearcats have had trouble stopping the run this season but when that can be your focus (because you know you're facing a weak or injury-impacted offense) it does make a big difference. The Bearcats have good size on their defensive line and they won't just be run over by the Aztecs ground game. Look for Cincinnati to put 8 men in the box and to challenge a very inexperienced QB to try and beat them through the air. Cincy is a very talented team overall and, while their 7-5 record may not be overly impressive they did play a much tougher schedule than the 10-3 Aztecs. I also love fading the big line move here as it's moved by nearly a full TD. This is offering exceptional line value to an under-rated Cincinnati team that has a passing attack that is tough to stop and that is true even with Moore at the controls. San Diego State coach Long has a 2-7 bowl record while Bearcats coach Tuberville has a 7-5 record in bowls. Play Cincinnati plus the points as a *10* Top Play Thursday.

Rickenbach BOWL *8* Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders +4.5 vs Western Michigan @ Noon ET Thursday - The MAC teams started off red hot in the bowls but may have shown their true colors yesterday as both Northern Illinois and Bowling Green got blasted in bowl action. That doesn't bode well for what can be expected from a Western Michigan team that came into the season with many not expecting the Broncos to reach a bowl. The defense of Western Michigan was expected to be the weakness and still is truly an area of concern entering this game. Though the Broncos come into this game off of a big season-ending win over Toledo, it did seem the Rockets (9-1 at the time) truly overlooked Western Michigan (6-5 at the time) in that game. Middle Tennessee State certainly is not going to overlook the Broncos as the Blue Raiders are excited to be in this bowl. They did not make a bowl last season despite being eligible and this has the Blue Raiders playing with some extra motivation and hunger in this game. Western Michigan was invited to a bowl last season and they lost to Air Force by two TDs as the Broncos have now lost all four bowl games they've been in the past ten seasons. Before Western Michigan's surprising season-ending win over Toledo they had lost two straight. Conversely, the Blue Raiders wrapped up their season with four straight wins (and averaging over 300 passing yards per game in the victories) and definitely come into this bowl game riding a huge wave of momentum. Play Middle Tennessee State plus the points as an *8* selection Thursday.

Rickenbach BOWL *10* Top Play Bowling Green -7 vs Georgia Southern @ 8 PM ET - The MAC enters the December 23rd action with a perfect 3-0 ATS mark so far in the bowls. Not only is the MAC rolling so far but the situation with GODADDY BOWL looks particularly strong as Bowling Green is only laying a TD and yet they are facing a team from the weaker SunBelt Conference. Georgia Southern certainly deserves credit for a solid regular season and they did amass an 8-4 ATS mark on the year. However, they faced a much weaker schedule than did the Falcons and Bowling Green went 9-3-1 ATS on the year. The Eagles run the triple option on offense and though that can be a difficult offense to defend against it does mean that pass defense is nearly completely taken out of the equation. Also, coming from the MAC, the Falcons certainly have faced plenty of tough running attacks and the extra time off before the bowl game helps Bowling Green to be fully prepared for what Georgia Southern's offense is going to throw at them. The Falcons had back to back strong performances on defense to wrap up the regular season and that also boosts their confidence for facing the Eagles attack. Conversely, Georgia Southern's defense got ripped for nearly 500 yards in their ugly 34-7 loss to Georgia State in their season finale. The Falcons potent offensive attack (561 yards per game!) will be too much for the Eagles to keep up with. Play Bowling Green -7 as a *10* Top Play Wednesday.

Rickenbach NBA *8* Orlando Magic -1.5 vs Houston @ 7:05 PM ET - Orlando plays this game with double revenge as they lost to the Rockets in Houston in their final match-up last season and in their first match-up this season. The last time the Magic hosted the Rockets they got the home win by a margin of 7. Orlando opened as a very small favorite in this game but could end up moving and becoming a very small dog. This line is essentially right around a pick 'em. Orlando is 9-5 in home games this season. Also, the Magic are 5-1 ATS when off of an upset win as an underdog and 6-1 ATS after scoring 105 points or more in their prior game. When playing with revenge this season the Magic have gone 11-5 ATS. Against Western Conference teams, Orlando has gone 9-3 ATS. Conversely, the Rockets are 3-8 ATS against Eastern Conference teams. In road games with a posted total between 205 and 209.5 the Rockets have gone 0-3 SU and 0-3 ATS this season. The Magic have won 10 of their last 14 games and the Rockets have a huge Christmas Day showdown on deck with the Spurs. Play Orlando as an *8* selection Wednesday. 

Rickenbach BOWL *8* Northern Illinois +8.5 vs Boise State @ 4:30 PM ET - Northern Illinois lost starting QB Drew Hare but 2nd stringer Ryan Graham has been practicing with the first team offense and looks ready to go for this game. MAC teams have performed very well so far this bowl season and I expect that to continue Wednesday. Can't see the Broncos as being too excited about this match-up. They were playing in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Eve last year. Now Boise State is in the Poinsettia Bowl two days before Christmas. Play the motivated dog here as the Huskies powerful ground game will make a big difference in this one. Look for MAC teams to improve to 4-0 ATS so far in this bowl season. Play Northern Illinois +8.5 as an *8* selection Wednesday.

Rickenbach BOWL *10* Top Play Temple Owls -2.5 vs Toledo @ 7 ET - Temple has the vastly superior defense in comparison with Toledo. The Owls only allowed 329.5 yards per game this season. Additionally, the Owls have been very strong against the pass with only 203.3 passing yards allowed per game. Besides the defensive edge for Temple in this one there is also a large coaching edge. That's because the Rockets former head coach, Campbell, took the job at ISU and that mean that the offensive coordinator, Candle, is taking over the head coaching reins for this bowl game. Not only is this his first ever bowl game, it actually is his first game as a head coach ever. This coaching situation is certainly going to be impacting to Toledo as is the way they wrapped up the season. The Rockets were in control of their own destiny but lost AT HOME to Western Michigan and that prevented Toledo from making it to the MAC Championship Game. The disappointment of that sour ending to the season coupled with the questionable coaching situation for this game is putting Toledo at a significant disadvantage entering this game. Temple is a veteran team that entered the season loaded with returning starters and with plenty of seniors on the roster. These guys want to end their college careers the right way and this Owls team has impressed me throughout this season and I look for them to go out on top here. Play Temple -2.5 as an *8* selection Tuesday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Detroit Lions +3 @ New Orleans @ 8:30 PM ET - Good underdog line value here. The Lions fell flat last week at St Louis and fell short 21 to 14. Of course it was understandable that Detroit was a little "down" last week as they had lost their prior game in ridiculous fashion with a hail mary on the final play of the game. That long pass by the Packers gave the Lions a brutal divisional loss and left them very sapped of emotion heading into last week's game with the Rams. However, now off of the loss to St Louis, I look for a motivated Detroit group to respond on Monday night football. The Lions are catching the Saints off of a rare win so that certainly helps. Detroit is facing a Saints team that had lost four straight prior to last week's rare win and New Orleans has continued to have trouble on the defensive side of the football despite firing their defensive coordinator. Overall, the Saints continue to rank among the worst defenses in the league while the Lions have allowed an average of just 18.2 points per game in their last 5 games. The Lions have been solid against the pass this season and that will be a key in slowing down the New Orleans offense. At the same time, the Saints defense is unlikely to have any luck slowing down a Lions offense that was surging before last week's lackluster effort at St Louis. The Lions have some bad memories about key losses at the Superdome in years past and they want to erase those today with a strong performance. In a game with no playoff implications you look at motivation and current levels of play as key barometers. That said, the value here is with the underdog Lions. Play Detroit +3 as an *8* selection Monday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Charlotte Hornets +3 @ Houston @ 8:05 ET - Houston caught the Clippers in a tough spot (as the Clips had played in San Antonio the night before) and the Rockets were able to get the win over LA. They previously had hosted the other team from LA - the awful Lakers - and of course got that win. Prior to that though the Rockets had lost three of their five prior games and Houston has struggled against the East this season. In non-conference games the Rockets are 2-8 ATS this season. Also, Houston is 0-4 ATS in home games with a posted total between 205 and 209.5 points. The Rockets have gone just 6-12 ATS as a favorite this season and only 5-10 ATS in home games. Houston is hosting a Hornets team that is fired up after a 109 to 101 loss to the Wizards Saturday. Charlotte had previously won 10 of their 14 prior games and the Hornets are a perfect 6-0 straight-up and ATS when off of a game where they allowed 105 points or more. This line jumped off the page at me when I was reviewing the NBA card for today. That's because the odds seemed a little "odd" when seeing the Rockets as such a small home favorite. Of course upon closer inspection I can now see why the Hornets are such a small dog here based on the situation leading into this game for each team. Play Charlotte +3 as a *10* Top Play Monday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Western Kentucky -2.5 vs South Florida @ 2:30 PM ET - The key here is that the Bulls offense is not going to be able to keep up with the Hilltoppers. I am well aware of the fact that South Florida scored a bunch of points in their last few games of the season. However, a lot of that scoring was helped by the fact that the Bulls benefited from 9 turnovers in the last 3 games. The South Florida offense did run the ball very well but their passing attack is not "dangerous" enough and I look for Western Kentucky to work hard to stop the running game and this will challenge the Bulls offense to try and beat them through the air. The Hilltoppers defense gets a bad rap but they actually held their last 5 opponents to just 22.4 points per game. Also, Western Kentucky held their last five foes to an average of only 296.4 yards per game. These guys can play some defense and they are highly motivated about playing their former coach who ditched them to take the South Florida coaching game and that was right before a bowl game in 2012. The program hasn't forgotten that he bolted before the bowl game (one in which they lost) and that adds some extra incentive here. The Hilltoppers are averaging 520 yards and 44 points per game and this potent offense led by the fantastic talent of QB Brandon Doughty will prove to be too much for the Bulls to keep up with here. Play Western Kentucky minus the short number as an *8* selection Monday.

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles +4 vs Arizona @ 8:30 PM ET - Even though the Cardinals have been one of the best teams in the league this season and are currently one of the hottest teams in the league, there is a reason the line on tonight's game is so low. The Eagles are a very dangerous underdog in this spot. Philadelphia will be fired up for hosting this primetime game but truly has no pressure on them. Sure it would help the Eagles to win this game but their most important games are up ahead and against the Redskins and Giants. Philadelphia controls their own playoff destiny but they can get in even with losing today's game. Being able to play loose and being spurred on by the recent return of Sam Bradford means the Eagles are likely to have a big game tonight on their home turf. In home games where Bradford is under center, the Eagles have played well this season. The Cardinals are certainly due credit for how well they've played this season but the schedule has also been quite favorable. In match-ups against potential playoff teams (like the Eagles) Arizona lost to Pittsburgh, gave up 32 points to Seattle, and barely snuck by Cincinnati and Minnesota by a field goal margin each time. The point is that there is a lot of value with this line in the +4 range for the Eagles. In the 11 games that Bradford has played in this season, the Eagles have gone 6-5 and 3 of the 5 losses were by 3 points or less. That said, giving Philly +4 in each of their games with Bradford at QB this season and they would have a 9-2 ATS mark. Philadelphia's linebacking group is much healthier now then it has been earlier this season. They have played as well as they have all season in recent weeks. Yes the Eagles have been giving up some big yardage at times but they are known as a bend but don't break defense and the Eagles are flying high right now off of the back to back wins. The Cardinals do have some extra rest heading into this game but the Arizona injury report shows much more 'damage' than the Eagles injury report heading into this game. The healthy, hungry, and confident Eagles will 'play loose' tonight and I expect that to lead to a huge game for the offense that functions so well when it is running right and Bradford is the most comfortable he's been all season. Play Philadelphia plus the points as a *10* Top Play Sunday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Pittsburgh Steelers -6 vs Denver @ 4:25 PM ET - Certainly Denver didn't necessarily "deserve" to lose to Oakland as the Broncos did outgain them by a 310-126 margin. However, the concern for the Broncos is simply that they don't have the offensive firepower to keep up with the red hot Steelers in this game. Denver has been held to 17 points or less in 4 of their last 5 games. The one game that Denver did eclipse 17 points was a bit of a fluke as they were down 21-7 to the Patriots in the FOURTH quarter of that game before the Pats essentially gave the game away. Now the struggling Broncos offense (still without Peyton Manning at QB) must try to keep up with a Steelers offense that has averaged 35 points per game in their last 5 games. Pittsburgh has not been held under 35 points in any of their last 5 games. The Steelers have won 4 of their last 5 games while the Broncos have split their last 6 games. Pittsburgh is on a 12-4 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record. Denver is on a 6-10 ATS run when they are off of a divisional game. While I certainly respect the Broncos defense, this is the toughest offense they have seen since facing the Patriots - a game they definitely should have lost. Sunday afternoon look for the Steelers potent offense to key this victory. Play Pittsburgh -6 as an *8* selection Sunday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Houston Texans +2 @ Indianapolis @ 1 PM ET - Both of these teams are off of bad losses last week but the Texans faced an angry and ultra-talented Patriots team that was fired up off of back to back losses. The Colts would struggle to find an excuse for their abysmal performance against the Jaguars last week. Indianapolis got blasted by Jacksonville and has now lost their last two games by a combined score of 96 to 26. The Colts performance (or lack thereof) on defense has been very concerning of late. That makes this a touch match-up for Indianapolis as they face a Texans team that has one of the top defenses in the league and that has been performing particularly well in recent weeks. Houston has allowed 313 yards or less in 5 of their last 6 games! The Texans are seeking revenge from a 27-20 home loss to the Colts earlier this season and will take advantage of Andrew Luck's absence today. Indianapolis is 1-4 ATS this season as a favorite. The Texans are 2-0 ATS this season (and 42-25 ATS long-term) when they enter a game on a losing streak of two games or more. Play Houston +2 as an *8* selection Sunday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* New York Jets -3 @ Dallas @ 8:25 ET - The Cowboys had a glimmer of hope of staying alive in the NFC East playoff race after the big Monday night win at Washington two weeks ago. However, even though they are still mathematically alive, the Cowboys have really hurt themselves with last week's loss at Green Bay. With all 3 of the other NFC East teams sitting at 6-7 on the season and Dallas a full two games back at 4-9 with just 3 games to go, the Cowboys know the handwriting is on the wall. Their playoff hopes are, for all intents and purposes, truly over. Dallas, after producing just 7 points on only 11 first downs and 270 yards at Green Bay last week, now has to host a Jets team playing with a ton of energy and emotion. The Jets have ripped off three straight wins to vault right into the AFC Wild Card race with a solid 8-5 record. This match-up Saturday is a classic case of two teams at the opposite end of the motivation/emotion scale and I look for the Jets to win this one in a road rout. The Jets have produced over 400 yards of offense in each of their last three games. The Cowboys have been held under 318 yards in each of their last three games. Look for Dallas to drop to 1-6 ATS in home games this season while the Jets improve to 9-2 ATS in December games the last three seasons combined. Play the New York Jets -3 as an *8* selection Saturday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play LA Clippers +1 @ Houston @ 8:05 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Clippers, motivation for this game is so huge that the Clips will have no trouble 'digging deep' for their energy in this one. The Clippers played right into the hands of revenge last night as they were at San Antonio and the Clips had knocked the Spurs out of the playoffs last spring. Ironically, on the very next night, the Clippers are now the ones playing with revenge as they face a Rockets team that knocked them out of the post-season. Not only that, the Clippers did lose at home to Houston earlier this season. With that said, this is truly a 'double revenge' scenario for the Clips and I expect a huge effort from them tonight. The Rockets, even though they were off last night, just returned from a road trip to the west coast. Teams returning from a trip like that oftentimes struggle in their first game back home. Prior to the win over the Lakers (a dreadful team), the Rockets had lost 11 of their last 19 games. Houston will not be able to match the intensity of the highly motivated Clippers here as the Clips remember all too well that they blew a 3-1 series lead over the Rockets last year. Also, the Clippers had won 8 of their last 10 games before the loss at San Antonio last night. The Clips are 4-1 on Saturdays this season and 31-7 in Saturday games the last 3 seasons combined. The Rockets are 4-10 ATS in home games this season. Play the LA Clippers +1 as a 10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Ohio University Bobcats +7.5 vs Appalachian State @ 5:30 PM ET - Though Ohio University has been dealing with injuries this season, the Bobcats have truly 'scratched and clawed' their way to a solid finish. Ohio U. ended up with an 8-4 record on the season thanks to three straight wins to end the season. This was a very impressive finish for a Bobcats team that was certainly impacted by injuries. Ohio University is highly motivated for this game as they feel disrespected by the line on this game. Appalachian State is a SunBelt Conference foe and, even with a 10-2 record on the season, the line on the Mountaineers here is truly over-inflated. The MAC may not be a power conference but it's stronger than the SunBelt. Additionally, the Bobcats beat a solid Northern Illinois team to wrap up the season. In addition to the motivation and 'strength of schedule' edges, Ohio U. also has the significantly better special teams units and a big coaching edge here with Solich having coached 6 bowl games with the Bobcats and 6 bowl games when he was with Nebraska. Mountaineers head coach Satterfield will be coaching his first ever bowl game. Appalachian State has a long-term 4-9 ATS record in non-conference games. Ohio U. is 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS in non-conference games this season. The motivated big dog is going to give Appalachian State all they can handle here and might even spring the outright upset. Play Ohio University +7.5 as an *8* selection Saturday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Boston Celtics -3.5 vs Atlanta @ 7:35 ET - The Hawks are off of a big win but it came against a very poor Philadelphia team whom Atlanta allowed to hit 52% of their shots from the field! The Hawks gave up 106 points to the Sixers and Atlanta is 1-7 ATS this season when off of a game where they allowed 105 points or more. Also, the Hawks had lost three straight SU and ATS prior to the win over a 1-26 Sixers team. Atlanta now is facing a tough challenge tonight as the Celtics are off of back to back losses and will be fired up and ready to go this evening on their home floor. The Celtics are off of a road loss at Detroit and their recent losses prior to this have been at the hands of some of the top teams in the league like Cleveland and Golden State and San Antonio. Boston will be ready to bounce back on their home floor tonight and they also play this game with revenge as they lost by 24 points at Atlanta just before Thanksgiving. That means it is payback time tonight. The Celtics were on a 13-7 run prior to the back to back losses and all 16 of their wins this season have come by at least 4 points. With this line dropping down below a 4 that means there is exceptional value with Boston here. The Celtics are 5-2 SU and ATS against teams from the Southeast Division this season. Also, Boston is 8-5 ATS this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Celtics also are 34-24 ATS the last three seasons when off of a game where they scored 105 points or more. Play Boston -3.5 as a *10* Top Play Friday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Clemson Tigers +2.5 vs South Carolina @ 7 ET - Love the fact that the Gamecocks are a perfect 9-0 on the season and yet the line on South Carolina in this game opened up as low as a -1.5 in some spots. When a team is going for a 10th straight win to open up the season and yet the line is in the pick'em range it certainly speaks volumes about the situation. Yes indeed this looks like the ideal spot for South Carolina's undefeated start to the season to come to an end. Clemson's normal home court is in Littlejohn Coliseum but that venue is undergoing a massive renovation so the Tigers are playing their home games this season in Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. Clemson is already use to their new temporary venue and has gone 6-1 here. For the Gamecocks, of course, it will be a first ever visit here. That means new sightlines, new shooting background, etc. That is going to make it even tougher for South Carolina to put up points against a Clemson defense that is allowing only 57 points per game this season! The Tigers also have plenty of motivation here because it is about more than just putting an end to the Gamecocks undefeated start to the season. Clemson also lost by 23 points at South Carolina last season despite having 57 shot attempts from the field compared to just 50 for the Gamecocks. It was just "one of those nights" for Clemson and a little paypack is certainly on order for tonight. The Gamecocks have a long history of struggling in situations like this as South Carolina has gone 6-13 SU and 5-13-1 ATS the last 19 times they've been on the road with a line in a range of a pick'em up to -3. The Tigers are 22-14 SU and ATS against teams from the SEC and they are extremely motivated for this contest tonight. The change in home venue is a huge edge here for the Tigers. Play Clemson +2.5 as a *10* Top Play Friday. 

Rickenbach NFL *8* Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 @ St Louis @ 8:25 ET Thursday - A lot of line movement toward the Rams here has opened up some nice line value for the Bucs here. St Louis is off of a win against the Lions on Sunday but the Rams had previously lost five straight games and three of those losses came by a margin of defeat of 24 points. That said, I see great line value with being able to get the Buccaneers at a full +3 in this game. Tampa Bay is off of a loss at New Orleans but had won three of their four prior games. The Bucs also are seeking revenge here for a home loss to the Rams last season. The Buccaneers have taken advantage when facing weaker competition this season as Tampa Bay is 4-1 ATS in their games against teams with a losing record. The Bucs are also 4-2 ATS in road games this season and, again, great value with getting the full field goal here. St Louis is 4-10 SU and 4-9-1 ATS the last three seasons in games with a line in a range of -3 to +3. The Rams don't have a good history with Thursday games either as they are 1-5 ATS in these weekday affairs. The Bucs defense has struggled recently against the pass but the Rams have one of the worst passing attacks in the league so St Louis will be unable to take advantage. That said, Tampa Bay's recent run of success at stopping the run continues here and that should turn this one into a nice road win for the Bucs. Take the better offense, off of a loss, and playing with home loss revenge. Play Tampa Bay +3 as an *8* selection Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Old Dominion Monarchs +5 @ Richmond @ 7 ET Wednesday - Old Dominion may have Brandan Stith back tonight as he's been recovering from his knee injury. The Monarchs knocked off Richmond last season and can do it again in this season's match-up. The Spiders have struggled when facing tougher defenses this season and they know that facing Old Dominion means they are now arguably playing the toughest defense they have faced yet this season. Richmond shot just 34% from the field against Florida and 39% against West Virginia. The Spiders lost both of those games and were held under 60 points in each game. Old Dominion is allowing just 57.8 points per game this season and have held opponents to just 37% from the field and 26.5% from three point land. Not only will the Monarchs shut down the Spiders offense but, even if Richmond is fortunate to be able to get the lead in this game and maintain it late, their 63% free throw shooting percentage could do them in as well. The Spiders went 2-11 ATS in December games the past two years. Also, Richmond is 11-20 ATS in non-conference action the past three seasons. Old Dominion is 7-3 ATS in road games with a posted total between 135 and 139.5 points. The Monarchs, even if they don't get the added benefit of Brandan Stith coming back, are ready to respond huge after a tight loss at Georgia State Saturday. Play Old Dominion +5 as a *10 Top Play Wednesday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Miami Dolphins +2 vs NY Giants @ 8:30 ET Monday - The Giants continue to find ways to lose games even when they have the late lead. This team just can't be trusted right now. Also, could Eli Manning's ankle be a bother to him tonight? You know the Dolphins defense tonight will be designed to pressure him early and often. As for the other side of the ball, much has been made of Ryan Tannehill's poor performance last week but he was off of a huge game against the Jets the week before. Also, the Giants are last in the league for sack percentage on defense. The inability of the Giants front line to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks has a lot to do with the secondary consistently getting burned as the Giants have the worst pass defense in the league. They were torched by the Jets last week and that's the same Jets team that Tannhehill just had a huge game against two weeks ago. The Giants only managed 14 first downs against the Jets. The Dolphins had 20 first downs in their game against the Jets. Miami is 3-1 straight-up and ATS in home games with a posted total between 45.5 and 49 points. The fact that a high-scoring game is expected here has mean going strong with the Dolphins. I feel their defense at home can be trusted much moreso than the Giants defense on the road to get the key stops necessary to win this game. The Giants defense has failed them so many times in the fourth quarter of games too. If you're looking for the Giants to bounce back just because they've lost three straight you may be disappointed. The Giants are 5-10 straight-up when they enter a game on a streak of two or more consecutive losses. Also, the Giants are 1-3 straight-up and ATS in their last 4 Monday night appearances. The Dolphins win over the Ravens last week was not pretty but it is a victory they can build off while the Giants sink further into their current state of a true meltdown. Play Miami as an *8* selection Monday night.

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play New England Patriots -4.5 @ Houston @ 8:30 ET - The Patriots should blast the Texans here. JJ Watt's injury is a significant concern as it's not just the broken hand, it's the groin injury that is effecting him. The Patriots lost to the Eagles last week for a RARE second straight loss but they ougained Philadelphia by nearly 200 yards in the game. The same blunders (including special teams) that impacted them last week are unlikely to occur again this week. Of course with Tom Brady we have a huge edge at the QB position with comparing these two teams and the Patriots are extremely hungry and have not lost three straight games since 2002. The Texans defense has been getting a lot of positive press but they truly are impacted by the Watt injury and the fact they got shredded throughout the first half of the game against the Bills last week is cause for concern. Some of their other big recent performances had a lot to do with facing weak opposition. Even with some of his weapons being hurt, Brady still has plenty of options to go to and he and coach Belichick can absolutely pick apart this Texans defense. Look for the Pats to improve upon a 54-34 ATS record when in the last four weeks of the regular season. Also, New England is 22-13 ATS against AFC South opposition. The Texans are in trouble as the Patriots are angry, focused, and ready to operate at precision under the primetime lights Sunday night.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Philadelphia 76'ers +12.5 @ Toronto @ 6:05 ET - The Raptors could easily overlook the 1-23 Sixers here. Toronto has a game at Indiana against a 13-9 Pacers team so it would be easy for the Raptors to overlook a Philadelphia team they already destroyed by 16 points in Philly earlier this season. Besides the lookahead situation, the other key to this play is that Toronto has not been playing at a fast pace in recent games. The Raptors have averaged just 69 shots per game from the field in their last three games. The Sixers are 4-2 ATS this season as a road dog of 12.5 points or more. Philly also is 6-3 ATS this season when playing with home loss revenge. The Raptors are on a 5-10 ATS run as a home fave of 12.5 to 18 points. This line is simply over-inflated and, considering the scheduling situation, I don't look for Toronto to be too interest in attaining a blowout margin in this one. The Raptors just want to get the W and move forward looking ahead to Indiana. 

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Green Bay Packers -5.5 vs Dallas @ 4:25 ET - The Packers were indeed fortunate in their win at Detroit in last week's action. However, a win like that can also do wonders for a team's momentum and this is especially true when that team is now at home and also now in a tie for first place in their division. Green Bay comes into this game with extra rest since they faced the Lions in a Thursday night game last week. Also, they catch Dallas on short rest as the Cowboys battled the Redskins in Washington last week. That huge Cowboys win was the first for Dallas without Romo under center this season. The Cowboys are still just 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS in games that Romo has not started at QB for Dallas this season. I look for the Cowboys to get blasted on the road here. Huge home field edge for Green Bay here and the big rest edge is just adding even more line value. This line has dropped on gameday morning and that is adding even more value to this play. Green Bay is 18-9-1 ATS as a home favorite facing a non-divisional foe. Dallas has been held to 20 points or less in 7 of their last 9 games. The Cowboys anemic offense is going to struggle to keep up with a Packers offense that has scored at least 27 points in 7 of their 12 games this season. Look for Dallas to drop to 2-7 ATS in games not started by Romo while Rodgers and Company, rejuvenated by last week's results, roll at home here and improve on a long-term 60-36 ATS mark in December games.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5 @ Cincinnati @ 1 ET - Steelers seek revenge for home loss to Cincinnati earlier this season. Roethlisberger was rusty in that game as he had just returned from injury. There is certainly nothing rusty about the way the Pittsburgh QB has been playing now. The Steelers will build off of their absolutely dominating effort against the Colts on Sunday night by upsetting the Bengals on the road here. Going to grab the points but don't expect to need them. Steelers have been piling up yardage like crazy. The Bengals offense truly has not been as strong as some of their recent point totals would lead you to believe. Just take a look at the yardage stats for further evidence of that. Also, Cincinnati is 3-2 in their 5 games since facing the Steelers but they beat a 2-10 Browns team twice and a 4-8 St Louis team in the other game. The Bengals lost both of their games against tougher competition (Houston and Arizona) and Cincy now faces a red hot Steelers offense. Pittsburgh is on an 8-1 ATS run in December games. I don't see trend ending here. Pitt is fired up about finishing the season strong with Big Ben under center and healthy again. Key game for post-season aspirations of the Steelers and they get the job done here.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Philadelphia Eagles +1 vs Buffalo @ 1 ET - The Eagles were certainly fortunate in their huge upset win at New England last week. However, don't discount the fact that Philadelphia made plays when they had to on offense and certainly the defense and special teams made huge plays to be catalysts for the win. With that victory the Eagles are now tied for first place in the NFC East and that has done wonders for the locker room. What has also done wonders for the locker room in terms of adding motivation for this game Sunday is all the 'chalk board material' that Bills RB, and former Eagle, LeSean McCoy has been providing. The Eagles defense is fired up beyond belief for this game. At the same time, the offense is absolutely going to take advantage of a Bills defense that has been ravaged by injuries including losing some of their best players heading into this game. Buffalo is on a 13-24 ATS run as a road dog of 3 points or less. The Eagles are on a 17-11 ATS run against teams from the AFC East. Huge edge here with the line in a pick'em range, the Eagles at home, the Bills defense hurting, and with McCoy giving the Eagles plenty of motivation - not that they needed it, playoffs are in sight for Philly after last week's results.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Milwaukee Bucks +9 vs Golden State @ 8:35 ET - The Warriors 24-0 start to the season is, of course, nothing short of amazing. But now Golden State is off of a double OT win at Boston last night and then had to travel to Milwaukee for tonight's game. This match-up will be the 5th game in 8 nights for Golden State and the Warriors still have concerns about Klay Thompson's ankle. After this game the Warriors return home and have 3 full off days before beginning a homestand. With the big double OT win last night and with a lookahead situation here (Warriors looking forward to getting back home) I could easily see this being the trap game that trips up Golden State. I would not be surprised to see Milwaukee get the outright win but the big points are certainly generous in this spot. The Bucks are off of a loss at Toronto last night but they now return home where they have won 7 of their last 10 games. Milwaukee has gone 4-1 straight-up and a perfect 5-0 ATS when playing the 2nd game of a back to back this season. The Bucks have been playing solid defense the past two weeks and I like their chances here at home against a road-weary Warriors team that has a target on it's back right now. Every team they play is wanting so badly to take them down. It insures motivation from the opponent and the Warriors have now failed to cover 3 of their last 6 games. Golden State's lines continue to be inflated. Play Milwaukee +9 as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAB Game #581 - *10* Minnesota Golden Gophers +2 @ Oklahoma State @ 8:30 PM ET - On the surface it may look ultra attractive to grab OSU on a neutral floor at such a short price. But of course that is what drives balanced action for the books on a game like this. The fact is that Minny is the play because the Cowboys are hurting (literally!) at this point in time. Phil Forte is the key player and he's out with an elbow injury for Oklahoma State. He's their go-to guy and their #1 returning scorer from last season's team. Without him, the issues are significant and, adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Jeff Newberry and Tavarius Shine are both listed as questionable today and the depth of Oklahoma State is certainly being tested right now. Since Forte got hurt the Cowboys have averaged just 59.5 points and lost both games. Now they have to take on a Golden Gophers team that is averaging 76 points per game. In a nutshell, I just don't see the Cowboys being able to keep up with Minnesota in this one. Of course we get line value here with Minny since they are on the road and that is what elevated this play to Top Game rating. After shooting poorly in their last two games (and yet still scoring an average of 75.5 in the games), I look for the Golden Gophers to bounce back from two consecutive losses as Richard Pitino will draw the right X's and O's in this one to break down a damaged Cowboys team hurting without Forte. Play Minnesota +2 as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NBA *8* Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 @ Brooklyn @ 5:05 ET - The Nets got the cash against the Sixers Thursday but it certainly was a struggle. Brooklyn had to pull away late against the worst team in the league and still only won the game by 9 as a 7 point favorite. The Nets now have a much tougher test Saturday and I don't expect it to go well for them. Brooklyn is hosting the Clippers and Los Angeles is not in a good mood after their 83-80 loss at Chicago on Thursday. Look for a huge bounce back effort here from a Clips team that had won 6 of their last 7 before the loss to the Bulls. The Clippers are on a 15-5 ATS run the past three seasons (and incredible 41-16 ATS run long-term) when they are a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. After scoring 85 points or less the Clips have gone 4-0 ATS. After allowing 85 points or less the Clippers have gone 11-6 ATS. Brooklyn is playing game four of a six game homestand and this is a situation that has seen complacency set in for the Nets in the past. This is likely to occur again this time because the Nets are off of back to back victories too. In the past three seasons, when the Nets enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home, Brooklyn has gone 3-11 ATS. Play the Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 as an *8* selection Saturday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Boston Celtics +6.5 vs Golden State @ 7:35 ET - When this line first opened up at a 6 it jumped off the page at me. I patiently waited. Got in after the jump to 6.5 and now the markets are correctly moving this line back down. This is one of those games where the public is likely to be fooled and that is what helped retain some line value on this one. The reason the Warriors at 23-0 are only a 6 point favorite against a Boston team that is just 13-9 on the season is because the injuries issues, now including Klay Thompson's ankle, are starting to catch up with Golden State. The Warriors are playing their 6th straight road game and I look for the depth of the Celtics to wear down the Warriors in this one. Boston has covered five straight games and has held three of their last four opponents under 43% from the field. Of course a big total is posted on this game and the Celtics are a perfect 3-0 ATS this season and 14-3 ATS the last 3 seasons in games with a posted total of 210 or greater. Boston is 5-2 ATS as an underdog this season and four of those five wins have been outright victories. I expect the Celtics to get the upset win here. The timing is perfect. The Warriors injury issues have taken a turn for the worse and they do have another road game on deck for tomorrow. Tough spot for Golden State and I am calling for the outright upset tonight but certainly going to grab the generous points here. Play Boston +6.5 as a *10* Top Play Friday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers +7 @ Brooklyn @ 7:35 ET - Philadelphia is off their horrible loss against the Spurs that saw them lose by a ridiculous 119-68 count. The 76'ers previously were on a 6-1-1 ATS run. As bad as Philly has been this season the fact is that the Sixers were playing better before that disastrous effort against San Antonio. Look for Philly to bounce back big at Brooklyn tonight. The Nets are off of an outright upset win over Houston on Tuesday that saw them win by 5 as a 5 point dog. Brooklyn's straight-up record when off of an upset win as an underdog is an ugly 13-25 the last 3 seasons combined. It would not surprise me to see the Nets come out flat here against a hungry Sixers team. The 76'ers, on the other hand, are likely to be extremely motivated for a huge effort and they have gone 5-1 ATS this season when off of a game where they were held to 85 points or less. Overall, Philly has covered 8 of their last 11 road games. Not only is Brooklyn off an upset win over the Rockets, they also have a solid Clippers team on deck. It would be easy for the Nets to overlook a 1-21 Sixers team tonight. Another key tonight for Philly is a bigger game from Jahlil Okafor as he was definitely rusty in his first game back on Monday. Play Philadelphia +7 as a *10* Top Play Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Iowa State Cyclones -7.5 vs Iowa @ 7:30 ET - Iowa is seeking revenge here but Iowa State has won 7 of the last 10 home meetings with the Hawkeyes. Also, the Cyclones won by 15 points on the road last season as well. Iowa State is one of the top teams in the country and even though Iowa is off to a 7-2 start this season, the 7-0 Cyclones have played at least as tough of a schedule as have the Hawkeyes and yet they are undefeated on the year. Iowa lost a pair of key frontcourt players coming into this season with the departures of Gabriel Olaseni and Aaron White. This is the type of game where the cream rises to the top and the Cyclones have had the upper hand in this series. It's no fluke either as Iowa struggles more against the better teams. The Hawkeyes are on a 21-30 ATS run against teams with a winning record (including 1-3 ATS this season) while the Cyclones are on a 34-23 ATS run (including 3-0 ATS this season) in their games against teams with a winning record. Just like last season's match-up, the Hawkeyes have no answer for 6'8 230 Georges Niang. The Cyclones have continued to pour in big points under new coach Steve Prohm and their level of play on the defensive end has also been impressive so far this season. Though the spread is quite large here the home court edge is huge for the Cyclones and their average margin of victory this season has been 20 points per game. Play Iowa State minus the points as a *10 Top Play Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Indiana State Sycamores +7.5 vs Valparaiso @ 7 ET - Some statistical anomalies are helping to give line value to the home dog Sycamores here. First off, Indiana State is only 3-4 on the season while Valparaiso is 7-2 on the season. Secondly, the Sycamores are off of a 'strange' loss to Butler as the Bulldogs shot a ridiculous 57% from the field. Prior to that defeat the Sycamores saw Eastern Illinois hit a ridiculous 48% of their three pointers. These are unusual events unlikely to be repeated and, therefore, are helping to add line value for an Indiana State team that, prior to these losses, had held 4 previous opponents under 37.5% from the field in all four games. The Sycamores average margin of defeat this season -prior to the loss to Butler - was only 5.3 points per game. Indiana State is fired up about hosting an in-state rival that is getting a lot of hype early this season. Certainly the Crusaders are a solid team but I look for Tevonn Walker's knee injury to be an issue tonight. Also, in Valparaiso's games against tougher competition this season, the Crusaders have gone 3-2 with an average margin of victory of just 4.3 points per game in the 3 wins. This game is going to be a tight, hard-fought battle all the way through and the upset would not be a complete surprise but certainly the generous points are the way to go here. Play Indiana State plus the points as a *10* Top Play Wednesday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Virginia Cavaliers -4 vs West Virginia on Tuesday @ 7 ET - West Virginia, under coach Bob Huggins, relies on full court press and trying to make things happen in the transition game. The trouble is, when his Mountaineers face a team like the Tony Bennett coached Cavaliers team that is very heavy in terms of talent and depth at the guard position, it can backfire. Teams with guard play as a strength can quickly break right through the full court press and this can result in great opportunities going the other way. Additionally, Virginia is a very solid defensive team and they will force turnovers as well as quick Mountaineers misses that will allow the Cavs to break out in the transition game going the other way. I look for West Virginia to struggle against the solid defense of the Cavaliers. At the same time, it is certainly evident that Virginia's offense is quite improved over last season's team. The Cavs have been very efficient this season and are playing extremely well on both ends of the floor. That is why, even though this game is on a neutral floor and West Virginia is undefeated while Virginia is not, the Cavaliers are favored by a handful of points here. Look for the Cavs to win this one by double digits. The Mountaineers are 6-10 ATS in neutral court games with a posted total between 130 and 134.5 points. The Cavaliers are 12-3 SU and 10-4-1 ATS in games against teams averaging 77 points or more per game. The point of the two stats above? West Virginia struggles when teams force them to slow down and the Cavs excel at slowing teams down. Play Virginia -4 as a *10* Top Play Tuesday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Dallas Cowboys +4 @ Washington @ 8:30 PM ET Monday - The Cowboys are again without Tony Romo but their loss to Carolina on Thanksgiving Day was deceiving. Turnovers were the key as Dallas did hold the Panthers to just 294 yards of offense in that game. In fact, the Cowboys have now held five of their last six opponents to 327 yards of offense or less. This has all come since the bye week and, even in their final game before the bye week Dallas held New England to 356 yards. I like having the dog here in a primetime affair where motivation will be high (not to mention the fact this game is huge for Dallas to get back into the NFC East race). Also, the Cowboys have won 3 of their last 4 meetings with the Redskins and the lone loss came by just three points. Dallas has averaged 147 rushing yards per game in their last three road games. I look for the rested Cowboys to establish the run early against the Skins defense and I look for yet another solid performance from the Dallas defense to key this road upset win. I am grabbing the points but expecting the outright win. The Cowboys are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games played on grass. The Redskins are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games against teams with a losing record. The Skins have been held to 20 points or less in five of their last seven games. Washington has been held to 270 yards of offense or less in 4 of those 7 games. Look for the Redskins to again struggle in the role of a favorite. It's been an issue with Washington for a long time.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats -3.5 vs Oklahoma @ 7 ET - Both teams are undefeated on the season so something has to give. What I like here is that Villanova has played the tougher schedule early this season. The Wildcats also are the better free throw shooting team. The fact that the Sooners have shot better from three point land on the season had a lot to do with some big performances against some weak foes. Look for the key in today's game to be interior points and cashing in at the free throw line too. That sets up nicely for an advantage with Villanova in this one. Their inside-out game has been playing out well early this season and the 'scare' they just had in their recent 'Philly match-up' with St Joseph's actually serves them well here. That test goes a long way toward preparing for a big game they face now with the Sooners. Both teams have done well at the betting window in recent seasons but the Wildcats are a truly insane 49-19-1 as a favorite with only 6 straight-up losses in those 69 games. Look for the 'Cats to get the cash as a small favorite here. One of the key problems with the Sooners last year was team depth. That is expected to be improved this season but Oklahoma hasn't been truly tested yet this season. They absolutely will be tonight. Keep in mind, Villanova only lost three games last season, the Sooners lost 11. Oklahoma is improved...but not to the level they are being given credit for with the line on this game.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Pittsburgh Steelers -7.5 vs Indianapolis @ 8:30 ET Sunday - The Steelers put up over 500 yards of offense on the road at Seattle last week. That's not an easy thing to do at the home of the "12th Man". What is also not an easy thing to do is to put up over 500 yards of offense and still lose the game. Needless to say, the Steelers are fired up here after the tough defeat on the road and Pittsburgh is known for dominating in these primetime games. Look for the Steelers to bounce back off of that tough loss as they have some good game planning in place to put a stop the Colts improbable recent run. Indy's QB, Hasselbeck, is now 4-0 as a starter on the season but certainly Indianapolis has taken advantage of facing some weaker opposition and that all comes to an end this week as they face the Steelers in Pittsburgh and in primetime action and in a situation where the opposing defense will have their ears pinned back. The Steelers D was not happy at all about all the missed tackles and poor tackling last week and they will be extremely fired up for a huge performance on national TV tonight. Pittsburgh has gone 7-1 ATS in the month of December the past two seasons. Also, the Steelers are on a 10-4 ATS run in games against team with a winning record. The Colts are on 9-14 ATS run as a road dog of 7.5 to 10 points. Just like last year's 17 point victory in their match-up with Indy, look for the Steelers to get another blowout win here. Play Pittsburgh minus the points as an *8* selection Sunday night. 

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Vanderbilt Commodores +3 @ Baylor @ 8 PM ET Sunday - As expected, everyone is jumping on Baylor here as the line has been driven up from the Bears -1.5 to the Bears -3 as of 1 PM ET on Sunday. This is a beautiful thing as everyone is grabbing Baylor because the game is at the Ferrell Center in Waco. The key to the value here with Vanderbilt is that the Bears haven't played any significant competition this season other than Oregon. The result of that game? It's the lone loss Baylor has as they dropped the game by 7 points. As for Vandy, the Commodores have played a tougher schedule and their only loss was against a stellar Kansas team that is among the top teams in the nation. That loss came by just seven points. Vanderbilt responded to the defeat by absolutely blasting Detroit on Wednesday. That 50 point margin of victory gives the Commodores a big boost heading into this match-up with the Bears Sunday. Vanderbilt is seeking revenge for a tight 3 point home loss to Baylor last season. Vandy is 14-7 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. The Commodores are 15-9 ATS on the road the past three seasons. The Bears are 6-11 ATS the past three seasons when they are off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. In my opinion this was a trap line that encouraged bettors to back the Bears and that is exactly what happened. I'll grab the value on the other side thank you very much! Play Vanderbilt plus the points as a *10* Top Play Sunday.

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Oakland Raiders +3 vs Kansas City @ 4:05 ET Sunday - This is a classic contrarian play. With the Chiefs having won and covered 5 straight games why would they only be a 3 point favorite against an Oakland team that has a combined 12-31 record the last 3 seasons combined? Seriously...think about that for a moment...and the conclusion you come to is that, indeed, it does not make sense! That is precisely a key reason as to why Oakland is the play here. The reason the Chiefs are such a small favorite here is because they are off some big wins and they've also been very fortunate. The turnover margin is 14-0 in favor of the Chiefs in their last five games. Certainly some credit goes to Kansas City for achieving that margin but, make no mistake about it, the ball has been bouncing their way. Now the Chiefs face a hungry Raiders team that definitely has its sights set on moving into a 2nd place tie in the AFC West with Kansas City by getting a big home win today. Note that the Chiefs allowed over 400 yards to the Bills last week and that game was in Kansas City. The Chiefs were fortunate to get that win and now head west to face a Raiders aerial attack that has produced at least 282 passing yards in 5 of their last 6 games. Oakland has averaged 26 points per game in their last 6 games. The Raiders defense has been quite solid in recent games and allowed less than 250 yards at Tennessee last week. Oakland is 6-2 ATS against AFC teams this season and the Raiders are 5-2 ATS as an underdog. The Chiefs are 0-2 SU and 0-2 ATS this season in road games with a posted total between 42.5 and 45 points. Play Oakland +3 as a *10* Top Play Sunday.

Rickenbach NCAAB Game #785 - *10* Wichita State Shockers -6.5 @ St Louis @ 9 ET - The key here is Wichita State getting back point guard Fred VanVleet. He's probable for tonight's game as he's recovered from a hamstring injury. The Shockers have struggled without their floor leader and are just 2-4 on the season but they have certainly played some tough opposition as well early this season. The Billikens started out the season 4-0 but that was against weak competition. St Louis has lost their last two games by an average margin of 17 points per game and the Billikens are in trouble here against a Shockers team that his happy to have a key player back and absolutely ready to impose their will as they are desperately in need of a big win. Wichita State is off of an ugly loss to a strong Iowa team last week and that was, by far, the Shockers worst performance this season. Wichita State responds in a big way here as let's not forget that St Louis was at the bottom of the Atlantic-10 Conference last season. The Shockers are 5-0 ATS as a road favorite of 6.5 to 9.5 points the past two seasons and 18-7 ATS on the road the past three seasons combined while St Louis is on an incredible 4-21 ATS run in Saturday games. Play Wichita State minus the points as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *10* Top Play Michigan State -3.5 vs Iowa @ 8:15 ET Saturday - The line may look 'off' to many but that's precisely why this is such a big play for me. Why is an undefeated and higher-ranked Iowa team the underdog in this match-up with an 11-1 Michigan State team? Precisely! It's exactly why I love the Spartans here and it doesn't take much investigation to uncover the key reasons for the 'head-scratching' line that was set on this game. The biggest key is strength of schedule. The Spartans played a much tougher schedule this season than did the Hawkeyes. The schedule worked out very favorably for Iowa this season as they were able to avoid all the power in the Big Ten East. The Hawkeyes did not play Michigan State, Ohio State, or Michigan this season. Note that the Spartans did play both the Buckeyes and the Wolverines and won both games. Though the Michigan win was certainly a fortunate win the fact is that just having played huge games against top tier teams in the conference like Michigan and Ohio State is giving a huge edge to Michigan State in this game in my opinion. The Hawkeyes are extremely fortunate they remained undefeated on the season as last week's game at Nebraska saw Iowa outgained by nearly 200 yards and the Cornhuskers doubled up the Hawkeyes in first downs! This is a huge game because, of course, the winner is heading for one of the top 4 playoff spots and Michigan State comes into this game with a full head of steam after following up their key win over Ohio State by steam-rolling Penn State last week! The Spartans late loss to Nebraska on November 7th actually helps them here as they no longer have the unbeaten pressure that still remains on Iowa. As shown recently, Michigan State is rolling ever since that defeat and the Hawkeyes are starting to show the effects of the unbeaten pressure as they were truly outplayed by Nebraska last week. This week it catches up with the Hawkeyes as they face their toughest test of the year and I don't see them having success against this fierce Spartans defense. Play Michigan State minus the points as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* San Diego State -6.5 vs Air Force @ 7:30 ET Saturday - The big news for the Aztecs is the injury to their QB but with their powerful ground game and the size edge they have with their offensive line, I just don't see the undersized Falcons stopping the powerful rushing attack of San Diego State. The Aztecs have absolutely dominated in Mountain West Conference action with an 8-0 SU mark and a 7-1 ATS mark and the Falcons are off of a game where they allowed 377 rushing yards at New Mexico! Air Force now has to try and stop a San Diego State team that put up 320 rushing yards on Nevada last week. Also concerning for the Falcons is the fact they are facing one of the top defensive units in the nation. The Aztecs are allowing an average of 11.3 points per game in their last 8 games. San Diego State has not allowed more than 17 points in any of those 8 games. They also are the host of this Mountain West Championship game and the Aztecs have averaged nearly 34 points per game in their home games this season. This game has blowout written all over it as the Falcons triple option attack is something the Aztecs defense is built to stop. Play San Diego State minus the points an *8* selection Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Bowling Green Falcons -12 vs Northern Illinois @ 8 ET Friday - As much as I do respect Northern Illinois their QB situation is simply so bad here that it is just too much to ask QB Tommy Fiedler to come in and be their savior in the MAC Championship Game. First off, the Huskies are lucky to even be here. Northern Illinois lost starting QB Ryan Graham to injury in the game against Ohio University last week and this helped pave the way for a loss to the Bobcats. The only reason the Huskies made it to the MAC Championship Game is because Western Michigan beat Toledo last week and that created a tie at the top of the standings that allowed Northern Illinois to sneak into this game. The Huskies can say all they want about how they're ready for this game and how they have full confidence in their freshman QB, etc. but the fact is this guy is going from no college action (prior to the Ohio game) to now starting in a MAC Championship Game and trying to help his team match scores with a Bowling Green aerial attack that has simply been phenomenal this season. I just don't see this happening. I don't see the Huskies being able to keep pace with the Falcons on the fast track at Ford Field. The Falcons also have revenge on their minds after losing to the Huskies by 34 in this game last year. The year before it was Bowling Green on the right side of a 20 point blowout. I look for this year's game to land somewhere in that range as well with BG on the right side of a win by a margin of 3 to 5 TD's. The Huskies offense will struggle with Fiedler at the helm while Bowling Green's offense comes in averaging a ridiculous 566 yards per game on the season. Additionally, the Falcons confidence on the defensive side of the ball has grown as they've allowed just 14.2 points per game in their lsat 5 wins so it hasn't just been the offense getting the job done for Bowling Green. The Falcons are 4-0 ATS this season as a fave of 10.5 to 21 points. The Huskies are on a 2-7 ATS run in dome games. Play Bowling Green minus the points as an *8* Play Friday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Pittsburgh Panthers -7 vs Duquesne @ 7 ET - The Panthers have completely dominating this Pittsburgh rivalry and this looks like the year where Duquesne has finally closed the gap substantially. Why then the play on Pittsburgh here? The Dukes have made one big mistake heading into this game. They've been talking a little too much 'trash' and this has caught the attention of the Panthers players. As you would expect with all the series domination in this intra-city 'rivalry' the game usually means much more to Duquesne than it does to Pitt. However, with this season's Dukes team off to a 6-1 start and now running their mouths about how they are faster than Pittsburgh, I look for the Panthers to quickly show them who the 'big brother' still is in this match-up. The Panthers are fired up about a strong performance defensively and they also should control the boards in this match-up. Pittsburgh also is shooting free throws much better this season than in past seasons. That will help ensure that once the Panthers have the nice lead they do retain it by knocking down foul shots late in the game as needed. Hats off to the Dukes for a good start this season but their schedule has not been that tough and they now really step in class and face a highly motivated Panthers team that has reason to exert their dominance Friday just as they've done in past meetings with Duquesne. Play Pittsburgh -7 as a *10* Top Play Friday.

Rickenbach NFL *10* Detroit Lions +3 vs Green Bay @ 8:25 ET Thursday - Many may be looking for Detroit to be flat after their big Thanksgiving win over the Eagles and for the Packers to be in full bounce back mode are their Thanksgiving loss to the Bears. In fact, that is what is helping to give line value to the home dog Lions here. The fact is that this is a case of two teams heading in opposite directions but we can take advantage of line value being offered because of traditional market metrics. The traditional market adjustments would suggest that the Packers need to bounce back off of a loss, the Lions will be flat off of a big win, and Green Bay will be fired up to avenge their home loss to Green Bay a few weeks back. The reality though is that the Packers have lost four of their last five games since their bye week while Detroit has won three straight games since their bye week. The Lions are peaking at the right time and have played exceptionally well on both sides of the ball the last two weeks. The Packers have struggled so much recently that there is a bit of weakness now in this locker room and the same confident swagger this team had before just isn't there right now as injuries have certainly also impacted that factor as well. Detroit has won and covered the last two meetings here by a combined score of 59 to 17 and the Lions have a ton of confidence heading into this game. The Packers are on a 4-11 ATS run in games against teams with a losing record (as GB continues to be overvalued) while I look for the Lions to improve to 4-0 SU and ATS in their last 4 Thursday games! Play Detroit plus the points as a *10* Top Play Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play South Florida Bulls (+) @ Delaware @ 7 PM ET - This line may look funny on the surface and one should be wary of falling for the trap here. Why is a 3-2 Delaware team such a small home favorite over a 2-5 South Florida team? It is because the Bulls have a great shot at the upset here. Like I said, don't fall for the trap. Delaware has played a weaker schedule so far this season and also is dealing with a cluster of injuries. In their first game after the injuries you saw the typical 'rally the troops' type game as the Fightin' Blue Hens blasted Bradley. Delaware was fired up for that game as they wanted to show how they could respond and play well even after losing some key players. However, the Hens were certainly helped by the fact that they faced a Braves team that is having an awful season thusfar. The situation is quite different tonight. The Fightin' Blue Hens now are hosting a Bulls team that has won 2 of their last 3 games and that has some size inside that is likely to cause problems for Delaware. The Bulls have played better than their record would indicate early this season and they are playing with more confidence after winning two of the last three games. The Bulls are 2-0 ATS as an underdog this season and the Blue Hens are 2-5 ATS (and 12-21 ATS long-term) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. The big game an injury-depleted Delaware team put forth against Bradley will be hard to duplicate here and that spells trouble against a tough and hungry Bulls team. Play South Florida plus the points as a *10* Top Play Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Butler Bulldogs +5.5 @ Cincinnati @ 7 ET Wednesday - Cincinnati is off to an undefeated start this season but this is their toughest test so far on the young season. Although the Bearcats have been playing solid defense this season their recent offensive struggles are a concern as they now take on a tough Butler team. The Cats are averaging just 63 points per game and only making 40 percent of their shots the last three games. Cincy is now taking on a Bulldogs team that has shot 56% or better in three of their five games this season. Also, Butler has shot 43.8% or better from beyond the arc in three of their five games on the young season. The Bulldogs have slipped up a bit on defense in recent games but you can bet that coach Chris Holtmann will have his troops ready here. Coach Holtmann and the Butler players are fired up for this game as this is a match-up they wanted. They've set up a home and home schedule with the Bearcats that begins right now tonight after having not faced each other since '97. After facing an easy early season schedule Cincinnati finally stepped up in class in their last two games. Though they won both the victories came by 4 and 5 points, respectively. The Bearcats certainly will struggle to get much of a lead on the Bulldogs here as Butler has been the hotter offense coming into this game and the Bearcats continue to struggled with offensive efficiency. Both teams are solid defensively but the hot shooting of Butler will be the difference here. The Bulldogs continue to be undervalued and are 18-10 ATS in non-conference games. The Bearcats are 0-4 ATS against Big East opposition and 9-20 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. Play Butler plus the points as a *10* Top Play Wednesday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers +1 vs LA Lakers @ 7:05 ET - This is set up perfectly to be "the game" for the Sixers finally. Their 0-18 start to the season of course is making headlines but there is a reason this line is where it is for Tuesday night. The Sixers are battling harder than ever and have covered five straight games even though they've still fallen short of that elusive first straight-up win of the season. Taking on a floundering 2-14 Lakers team looks like the perfect spot for the 76'ers to finally get into the win column. Los Angeles has failed to cover 5 of their last 6 games overall and 5 of their last 6 games on the road. The Lakers have just one straight-up win in their 9 road games this season and just made the cross-country road trip after hosting the Pacers on Sunday. This will be their third game in four days and even though Kobe Bryant is making his return to his native Philly I just don't see him having a big game here. He's having an awful season and of course has now announced his retirement that will come after this season ends. There is no denying that these are the two worst teams in basketball meeting on the court Tuesday night but the Sixers have big edges here. They are at home, they catch the Lakers right after coming cross country, they get the Lakers playing 3rd game in 4 days, and the Sixers confidence is up as they've had some recent 'near misses' in attempts at victories in recent games. The Sixers have been so utterly close to that elusive first win they could practically taste it. Tonight they finally should as the 76'ers are playing better defense and shooting the ball better than the Lakers in recent games and they have the all important 'hunger factor' on their side in this game. Play Philadelphia as a *10* Top Play Tuesday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play St Joseph's +12 vs Villanova @ 7 ET - Last year when these teams met the Wildcats were nearly a 20 point favorite and, deservedly so, as they won the game by nearly 30 points. However, the Hawks have certainly closed the gap on the Cats heading into this season. The Wildcats are stacked as usual but did lose some key personnel from last season's team while St Joseph's brought back their key players and have a solid frontcourt with a top tandem in Isaiah Miles and DeAndre Bembry. These key cogs are leading to match-up problems for opponents on both ends of the floor and another key to the Hawks keeping this game much closer than the past two years against Villanova (both were blowout losses) is the fact that the Wildcats just aren't shooting well at all from three point land this season. Couple that factor with the fact the Hawks are playing some solid interior defense and I just don't see the Wildcats being able to build up much of a margin in a game that is a fiercely contested Philly rivalry. These guys love going hard against each other and this is the season where, once again, the Hawks have the talent level to compete with the Wildcats. While St Joseph's may not be able to spring the upset they certainly can stay within single digits throughout this game. The Hawks are playing great defense this season and they are well-rested here as they have not played since beating Old Dominion over a week ago. St Joseph's is 3-1 ATS when they enter a game with 7 or more days of rest. The Hawks are also 10-4 ATS in home games with a posted total between 140 and 144.5 points. Villanova has been a covering machine once again this season but their poor shooting catches up with them here as this rivalry game brings out the best in the most talented Hawks team we've seen in a few years. Play St Joseph's plus the points as a *10* Top Play Tuesday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Chicago Bulls +4 vs San Antonio @ 8:05 ET - The Spurs have been so hot that they are not getting a little overvalued even when in a tough spot like this. Note that San Antonio has a phenomenal record on the season but that's helped by their 9-0 mark at home. On the road the Spurs are only 5-3 this season. Also, tonight will be their 7th game in the last 11 days. That's tough on an aging roster like San Antonio has. The Bulls situation is much better as they are playing just their third game in the last ten days. Chicago is well rested here but coming off of a road loss at Indiana so they will certainly be fired up tonight and they are happy to be back home. The Bulls are already a sparkling 5-1 at the United Center this season. Chicago will seek to revenge an 11 point loss at San Antonio in March and the Bulls did knock off San Antonio by 23 points the last time they hosted them (January). Chicago has a strong history of responding well off of bad losses. They lost to the Pacers by double digits in their most recent game but they are 2-0 both SU and ATS this season when off of a loss by 10 or more points. Also, looking at the last three seasons combined their record in this situation is 28-10 SU and they are getting points tonight against the Spurs so the SU record is absolutely a good barometer for tonight's game. Rested and hungry Bulls against a Spurs team that is a little weary and has won five straight and has a home game on deck...this is a beautiful spot for the home team. Play Chicago plus the points as a *10 Play Monday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Illinois State Redbirds +20.5 @ Kentucky @ 7 ET - Of course Kentucky is a deserved large favorite here. They are the top team in the country. But I think the Wildcats are going to have trouble trying to completely obliterate this scrappy Redbirds team. Illinois State is projected to be one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference this season and they do have a strong point guard in Paris Lee. His play is a key as to why I like the big points so much here. He'll be matched up with Wildcats phenom point guard Tyler Ulis who is dealing with an elbow injury. The lingering effects of that injury could hamper the production of Ulis tonight and Lee has the talent to take advantage as a floor general on both ends of the floor. The Redbirds will not be intimidated here as they already played at Viejas Arena at San Diego State and that was certainly a large and hostile environment  as well. Indiana State coach Dan Muller was an assistant coach at Vanderbilt for 12 years so he's had plenty of experience as an SEC foe in Rupp Arena. The Redbirds know they are up against a monumental force tonight but they have the backcourt talent necessary to keep this one well within 20. Illinois State has a history of doing well in this role as they are 18-8 ATS as a road dog of 12.5 points or more. Included in that mark is a 3-1 ATS record as a road dog of 18.5 to 24 points as they are tonight. Also, the Redbirds are a perfect 4-0 ATS against the SEC. Illinois State is only 3-4 on the young season but the Wildcats have a history of playing down to the level of competition as they are 3-6 ATS the last 3 seasons in games against teams with a losing record. Play Illinois State plus the points as a *10* Top Play Monday. 

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play New England Patriots -2.5 @ Denver @ 8:30 ET Sunday - Bill Belichick is going to have a field day with Brock Osweiler. Sure the Broncos QB had a good first NFL career start against a 4-6 Bears team last week but now he faces the 10-0 Patriots and NFL mastermind Belihick. The Patriots head coach has long been known for throwing confusing defensive schematics at young, in experienced QBs and you know that Belichick will have some tricks up his sleeve for this one. The Broncos were fortunate to escape Chicago with a victory and the QB situation here of Tom Brady over Osweiler makes this play a very safe bet barring any unforeseen nonsense in this game. New England's defense has quietly shut down 3 of their last 4 opponents as the Pats have allowed just 10 points per game in those 3 games. Denver's defense has been the 'headliner' this season but the Broncos now face the top ranked offense in the league. Also, Denver's defense did allow 28 points per game in their two games prior to sneaking out the win over the Bears. New England has won the last two regular season meetings between the teams but lost in the playoffs in Denver in January of 2014. That means it's time for a little payback on Sunday and, as noted above, a huge key is going to be how Belichick's D completely frustrates the young Denver QB while Brady and Company continue their solid season on the other side of the ball. Yes, the Pats offense certainly has a few injury issues but this team is still an offensive juggernaut that will get the job done in the mile high city tonight. A little snow is not a bother to the Pats. Play England -2.5 as a *10* Top Play Sunday night.

Rickenbach NBA *8* Phoenix Suns +5.5 @ Toronto @ 6:05 ET Sunday - Toronto is off of a come from behind win on the road at Washington last night. The victory also was a big emotional win for the Raptors not only because of how it played out but because Toronto had been swept from the playoffs by the Wizards last spring. The point is that the Raptors wanted this game badly and getting that huge win on the road last night could absolutely leaven them a little flat for this early evening start against the rested Suns on Sunday. Phoenix comes into this game on a losing run but the Suns were off yesterday and so they are rested here as well as ready to respond after a tough four game losing streak. The Suns are an incredible 17-3 ATS in their last 20 games against Atlantic Division opposition and Phoenix also is a fantastic 54-31 ATS in road games the last three seasons combined. The Suns are off of an ugly loss to Golden State Friday and Phoenix has gone 2-1 ATS this season and 18-9 ATS the last three seasons combined when they are off of a loss by a margin of 10 points or more. Toronto enters this game on a four game winning streak but the Raptors are 14-20 ATS the last 3 seasons when they enter a game on a winning streak of three games or more. Also, Toronto is on an 8-13 ATS run as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points. Play Phoenix plus the points as an *8* selection Sunday.

Rickenbach NFL *8* Washington Redskins +3 vs NY Giants @ 1:00 ET Sunday - The Giants are off of their bye week but New York is actually 0-2 ATS when off of a bye week and, long-term the Giants have covered just 11 times in 29 chances when off of a bye week! As for the Redskins, certainly they did not perform well at all at Carolina last week but they are a different team when playing in Washington. This season the Redskins have won 4 of their 5 home games and the average score edge has been 27 to 18 and Washington has outgained opponents by an average of nearly 100 yards per game in home games this season. The Giants are only a .500 team on the season so not a lot separates these two teams and the Redskins are certainly fired up about the prospect of tying up the Giants for first place in the NFC East (or should I say NFC Least) standings! With that said, there is great value here with a home dog getting about a field goal against a team, the Giants, that has been outgained by an average of over 100 yards per game in their road games this season. Look for a big difference maker in this game to be the Redskins pass defense which is vastly superior to that of the Giants - last in the league. Play Washington plus the points as an *8* selection early Sunday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *10* Top Play Oklahoma Sooners -7 @ Oklahoma State @ 8 ET - The Sooners have won 10 of the last 12 meetings with Oklahoma State. Though it may seem surprising that Oklahoma is favored in the range of a TD here even though the game is in Stillwater, don't be fooled. The Sooners have played a tougher schedule than the Cowboys have and OU also has the much stronger defense when you compare these teams. It has been nearly 15 years since OSU has won back to back games in this series and they did get the HUGE upset win at OU last year in overtime even though they were down by two TD's at half-time. That big win for the Cowboys last year means there is no doubt that Oklahoma is fully focused on payback in this match-up Saturday. The Sooners barely got by TCU last week but OU lost QB Mayfield in the 2nd quarter with a concussion. He is back this week and will be ready to lead his team to a huge road win that OU must have if they want to win the Big 12. The Cowboys just don't have the defense to get enough stops to win this. OSU gave up 700 yards of offense in their loss to Baylor last week. Keep in mind the Bears were down to their third straight QB in that game so that says even more about just how weak this Cowboys defense is. Oklahoma is 8-3 ATS on the season and the Sooners are on a long-term 13-6 ATS run away from home! They can win this one in road rout fashion. Play Oklahoma -7 as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Georgia Bulldogs +3 @ Seton Hall @ 7:30 ET - Seton Hall is 4-1 on the season but the Bulldogs have veteran guards and one of the key concerns with the Pirates early this season is that they have a lot of youth and that includes in the backcourt. With that said, I particularly like grabbing teams with the veteran guards when it's an early season match-up and I am getting points and going against a potentially over-rated squad. Keep in mind that Seton Hall's early season schedule has included teams like Dartmouth and Wagner. The Pirates did defeat Ole Miss but they also lost to Long Beach State. The win over the Rebels was an upset win for the Pirates and was their most recent game. Look for that to leave Seton Hall a little flat for this game and I really like what coach Mark Fox has been building at Georgia as they certainly have a lot of veteran leadership on this season's team. The Bulldogs have not shot well recently but they've played extremely strong on the defensive end and I look for that to continue to lead the way today. Another key today is that Georgia has confidence already on their side as they got up by 19 at halftime against the Pirates in last season's match-up and they went on to win that game by 18 points. In Seton Hall's last five games as a home favorite of 3 points or less down to a pick'em, they have covered just 1 of the 5. The Bulldogs are on a respectable 25-18 ATS run in games against teams with a winning record. Look for them to add another W to that ledger tonight. Play Georgia plus the points as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Toronto Raptors -2.5 @ Washington @ 7:05 ET - This is a beautiful setup as the Wizards are not only in a back to back situation, they are playing their 4th game in 5 nights. Plus, Washington is certainly floundering as the Wizards have lost 3 straight games by an average margin of defeat of 21.7 points per game. This is nothing new as all but one of Washington's losses have come by a margin of 14 points or more this season. When the Wizards lose they have a tendency to get blown out and while they are struggling and playing their 4th game in 5 nights, the situation is quite different for Toronto. The Raptors have gotten back on track by winning three straight games and they are playing just their 2nd game in the past 6 days. They are rested, confident, and ready. Also, the Raptors were swept out of the playoffs by the Wizards last spring so a little payback is on order for today. Washington is 1-5 ATS as an underdog this season. The Raptors are 11-4 ATS on the season and continue to be undervalued by the betting markets. We'll take advantage here. Play Toronto minus the short number as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Illinois Illini +3.5 vs Northwestern @ 3:30 ET - This game is being played at Soldier Field in Chicago and Illinois looks to replicate their effort from last year when they got the upset win over Northwestern. Truly there is no reason to expect anything different this year. The Illini are off of a loss at Minnesota last week but Illinois outgained the Golden Gophers by nearly a full football field and it was a bit of a deceiving final score as a result. That is helping to offer some line value this week as we get the hungry Illini plus points even though they are in a 'must win' situation as they need this victory for bowl eligibility. Illinois is catching Northwestern at a good time to spring the upset as the Wildcats are off of an upset win of their own (over Wisconsin) last week. The Cats were fortunate to get that win as they certainly benefited from 5 Badgers turnovers in that game. Note that Northwestern has covered just 17 of their last 50 games as a favorite. Underdog Illinois has the better offense in this match-up and I look for the Illini (with the situational advantages as well) to ride that offense to the mild upset victory. Play Illinois plus the points as an *8* selection.

Rickenbach NCAAF *10* Top Play TCU Horned Frogs -1 vs Baylor @ 7:30 ET - This is another one of those games where the line looks a little funny. Baylor is the significantly higher ranked team in this match-up and yet the Horned Frogs opened up as a small favorite. To me, this looks like another "trap game" situation on a rather highly ranked team. I'll gladly take the hometown Horned Frogs as they are hungry to avenge last season's loss to the Bears. TCU blew a huge lead in that game and ended up losing by a field goal. This is the second year in a row that the Horned Frogs have lost to the Bears by just a field goal and now it's time for a little payback. The Bears are off of a huge performance against Oklahoma State last week and now could fall a little flat here in a match-up that is expected to be a tighter, lower-scoring game. I like having a strong team like TCU here off of a loss. The Horned Frogs lost by a single point to Oklahoma last week. The Horned Frogs may have got caught looking ahead to this game as they certainly haven't forgotten last season's tight loss to Baylor and how that changed the playoff picture last season. The Horned Frogs have won 8 of their last 10 home finales and they've produced a 7-3 ATS mark in those 10 games. Overall, TCU is on a 15-8 ATS run and they get their revenge here on a chilly evening in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Once again, don't fall for the trap line here, take the lower ranked team (with added motivation) in a game where the line is basically a pick'em. Home team payback.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Nebraska Cornhuskers +2.5 vs Iowa @ 3:30 ET - Long-time followers know I like to be anti-public when a line doesn't look right. In this case, one would have to wonder how in the world the undefeated Hawkeyes have been installed as such a small favorite against a Nebraska team that has a losing record on the season. I have said it before and I'll say it again, anything that looks too good to be true usually is too good to be true. In this particular case, this looks like a trap game for Iowa. The Hawkeyes are off of a win over Purdue but they were actually outgained in the game. Also, Nebraska is off of a bye week. Huskers coach Mike Riley had a solid 10-3 ATS mark at Oregon State in when off of a bye week. The Cornhuskers have some extra confidence heading into this match-up as they already up set Michigan State three weeks ago at home and the Huskers then went on the road and dominated Rutgers two weeks ago. With last week's bye, it's undoubtedly true that Nebraska comes into this game in good shape both physically and mentally. The Huskers also have added confidence from knocking off the Hawkeyes in Iowa last year. Don't fall for the trap line here, look for Nebraska to get this much needed sixth win to clinch bowl eligibility as they knock off the 11-0 Hawkeyes. 

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Chicago Bears +9 @ Green Bay @ 8:30 PM ET - Weather can be the great equalizer...not that a big equalizer is needed in this match-up anyway...but the fact remains that rainy and cold conditions at Lambeau Field do favor the big dog. Weather like this can make it difficult for the better team to 'impose their will' but, in this case, just how much better are the Packers anyway. Green Bay had lost three straight games before getting that big road win over the Vikes on Sunday. As for the Bears, after struggling in their first three games this season they truly have turned things around. Chicago has won 4 of their last 7 games but what is most impressive about this stretch is that the three losses have come by 3 points or less. In other words, the Bears have not lost a game by a margin of more than field goal since all the way back in September in Week 3 of the season. Chicago will again be ultra-competitive on Thursday night as their offense is averaging more yards per game than the Packers and actually giving up less yards than the Packers defense as well. Truly this line is inflated due to the long-term perceptions about each of these teams and the reality is there is not a big difference separating these teams especially when you look at how each is performing in recent weeks. With the added value of the weather benefiting the dangerous dog I look for the Packers to be in a battle just to win this game...let alone cover the inflated spread. The Bears are 4-1 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season. The Packers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games against teams with a losing record as they tend to play down to the level of competition. Play Chicago +9 as a *10* Top Play Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders +1 @ Texas @ 7:30 ET - This is a big rivalry game and is now known as the battle for the "Chancellor's Spurs". There is certainly no love lost between these teams and I look for a huge effort from the Red Raiders to atone for bad losses each of the last two years. Certainly the recent history of this series has favored Texas but the Red Raiders have absolutely closed the gap between the two teams. The Longhorns are off of a loss by 18 points in their most recent game and they've been run all over by their opponents in two of their last three games. The Red Raiders have the much more potent offense as they are averaging more than 200 yards more per game than the Horns are this season. Texas Tech's defense has been their weakness as usual but their coming off of a decent effort in their most recent game (against Kansas State) as they held the potent Wildcats to just 123 yards on the ground. The Red Raiders got the win in that game and their momentum roll continues here while the Longhorns are already pondering what "might have been" this season as they need two wins for bowl eligibility but also have Baylor on deck. With that said, the Horns have already 'faced the music' and I expect them to struggle with their motivational level for this game while the Red Raiders are very motivated by recent ugly losses to UT. 

Rickenbach NFL *8* Philadelphia Eagles +2.5 @ Detroit @ 12:30 PM ET - The Lions are getting a lot of attention from the betting markets but last time I checked this is still a Lions team that is 3-7 on the season even AFTER getting back to back wins the last two weeks. Each of those victories were tight ones and that's because the Lions anemic offense has averaged just 16 points per game in their last 4 games. Detroit simply won't be able to keep up with Philly in this one. The Eagles are averaging 25 points per game in their last six games and, even with Sanchez at QB, have been moving the ball well enough. They just need to avoid costly turnovers as that has plagued them each of the last two weeks. I feel last week was rock bottom for Philly and there will be a huge response this week after the embarrassing 45-17 loss they took at the hands of Tampa Bay last week. The Eagles are 4-1 SU and ATS when they are a road dog of 3 points or less. Also, Philadelphia is 8-3 ATS in November games the past three seasons combined. In road games with a posted total between 42.5 and 45 points the Eagles have gone a perfect 3-0 ATS. Detroit enters this game off of back to back wins and the Lions are 1-8 ATS when they enter a game off of two or more consecutive wins. Detroit also is 1-7 ATS in all games with a posted total between 42.5 and 49 points this season. Play Philadelphia plus the points as an *8* selection Thursday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Georgia State Panthers +6 (@ Ole Miss) @ 5 PM ET - Any time you see a big-name SEC team like Ole Miss laying such a short number to a small-school team like Georgia State I feel it merits taking a look at the underdog. I love the fact the line has already moved up from as low as a -5 up to a -6 as of Wednesday morning. People are already flocking to the big SEC school and not giving enough credit to the small-school Panthers. Georgia State upset Baylor last spring in one of the best moments in college basketball as RJ Hunter hit a very long 3 for the win. Though RJ is now in the NBA, the Panthers (coached by his father) have reloaded with some key incoming talent including transfers that were ready to go. This is still a solid Panthers team even without RJ and Georgia State is already 2-0 on the young season and playing very solid defense. Mississippi already has two losses on the young season and they weren't exactly powerhouse programs that they lost to. The Rebels suffered defeats at the hands of Seton Hall and George Mason. Ole Miss allowed 49% shooting in those games and the Rebels have shot poorly in 3 of their last 4 games as they've been held to 38% or less from the field in those three games. The Panthers will be up for this game and a chance to shine against a big-name foe while the Rebels continue to exhibit their early season struggles. Play Georgia State plus the points as a *10* Top Play Wednesday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Louisiana Tech Bulldogs +9 @ Ohio State @ 8 ET - Ohio State lost a lot of talent from last year's team. Guys like D'Angelo Russell, Shannon Scott, Sam Thompson, and Amir Williams are gone now. This Buckeyes teams is likely to lag far behind where last season's team was and this is particularly true early in the season. Ohio State has a lot of young talent but it takes awhile for a young team to jell and the Buckeyes still are struggling with their inside play as well as their free throw shooting. Of course ineptitude with the latter makes it particularly tough to cover spreads in this range. That's because the Bulldogs are likely to hang around throughout this game and then Louisiana Tech can foul late, watch the missed free throws, and honestly have a chance at the outright upset just with a few made threes. I look for this game to be tight all the way through as the Bulldogs are a solid group. They have won at least 27 games each of the last three seasons. Sure they are from Conference USA and sure they have had a coaching change, but this is still an ultra-talented basketball program that has played well early this season. The Bulldogs have shot the ball very well early this season and also are playing strong defense. The Buckeyes are off of a loss to UT-Arlington, the same team that the Bulldogs beat by double digits, and I look for Ohio State to struggle to pull away in this game. Ohio State is making just 57% of their free throws this season. The Buckeyes are on a 4-8 ATS run in November games. The Bulldogs are 20-13-1 ATS and 22-12 SU in their last 34 games against teams with a winning record. Play Louisiana Tech +9 as a *10* Top Play Tuesday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *10* Top Play Northern Illinois Huskies -13 vs Ohio University @ 7:30 ET Tuesday - The Huskies can clinch yet another MAC Conference West Division title by getting this victory tonight. Certainly the Bobcats will be gunning for the upset but Ohio University is simply loaded with injuries right now. The Ohio U injury list looks like a MASH unit report. That is going to make it difficult for the Bobcats to hang around in this game because they are 'talking the talk' coming into this game but basically are going to be physically unable to 'walk the walk' in this one. Ohio U, after a very rough stretch, has responded by getting back to back wins in their last two games but those came at home against weak and struggling foes. Now the Bobcats are back on the road where they have lost their last two games by a combined score of 103 to 41. The average margin of defeat in those Ohio U road losses was 31 points per game. Northern Illinois is certainly capable of putting a whipping on the Bobcats in De Kalb, IL Tuesday. The Huskies are a perfect 5-0 at home this season and the average margin of victory has been 19 points per game. After losing their MAC opener this season, Northern Illinois has responded by winning six straight MAC games by an average margin of victory of 17 points per win. The Huskies punishing ground attack will open up the ability to attack the injury-depleted Bobcats secondary down the field with an aerial attack. This one has home rout written all over it. Play Northern Illinois -13 as a *10* Top Play Tuesday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Marquette Golden Eagles +6 vs LSU @ 7:00 ET - With the Tigers 3-0 to start the season and the Golden Eagles an ugly 1-2 so far on the season, it is no surprise to see this line where it is. That said, I do believe it's offering HUGE VALUE to Marquette. LSU's unblemished record sure may look nice on the surface but dig a little deeper and you will realize the Tigers haven't played anybody yet this season. They really have not faced any true competition. That certainly is not the case for Marquette. The Golden Eagles lost a tight one to Belmont whom is actually the top team from the Ohio Valley Conference and, therefore, certainly a respectable foe. Marquette's other loss came in their most recent game and that was an embarrassing loss to Iowa. Yes, the Hawkeyes are a solid team and should make the big tourney this year but the Golden Eagles should not have gotten drilled the way they did in that game. What that means here is that is a chance for Marquette to get some redemption on national TV tonight when they face a ranked foe in the Fanduel Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I look for the Golden Eagles to make the most of it. They are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 neutral court games with a posted total between 145 and 149.5 points. Overall, the Golden Eagles are on a 6-3 ATS run in Tournament Games. For LSU, the loss of guard Keith Hornsby until mid-December is certainly significant. The Tigers are just 3-7 ATS in November games the last 3 seasons combined. Play Marquette +6 as an *8* selection Monday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Butler Bulldogs +4.5 vs Miami (FL) @ 7:30 ET Sunday - These are teams are playing for the championship in the Puerto Rico Tip-off Tournament. I like the value being offered to the defensive-minded underdog in this one. Butler has been strong on the defensive end so far this season and they've held opponents to just 33% from the field and 22% from three point land. Conversely, the Hurricanes are allowing opponents to make 45% of their shots including 35% from beyond the arc! Miami has managed to get by thanks to a red hot offense but don't lose sight of the fact that the Bulldogs have also been red hot on the offensive end. Couple Butler's hot start on offensive with the fact that the defense has remained rock solid even with the departure of Alex Barlow and Cameron Woods and I would not be surprised to see the Bulldogs get the outright upset of the Canes here. If they do fall short I expect it to be by one possession. The Hurricanes simply have not been as disciplined on the defensive end as Butler has early this season and that's a key factor in a tourney championship game. Look for the Bulldogs to improve on their amazing 9-3 ATS mark in tournament games the past three seasons combined. 

Rickenbach NBA *8* Dallas Mavericks +5.5 @ Oklahoma City @ 7:05 ET - Dallas has won 5 of the last 7 meetings between these clubs. They also come into this game red hot as the Mavericks have won six straight games (and gone 5-1 ATS in those games). The Thunder are slumping as Kevin Durant is dealing with a hamstring injury and Oklahoma City has lost three of their last four games straight-up and has gone 1-3 ATS during this rough stretch. If you look at their overall combined stats in their last four home games they are not shooting well at all and they now face a Mavs team that has been playing solid defense throughout their winning streak. Also, the Mavericks have shot very well from the field in three of their last four games. The Thunder are 0-3 straight-up and ATS when off of an upset loss as a favorite this season. The Mavericks are a long-term 96-73 ATS when they are a road underdog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points.  

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Green Bay Packers +1 @ Minnesota @ 4:25 ET - As longtime followers know, I love to go with contrarian plays and this is certainly another one of those. This definitely looks like a trap line. The Vikings are at home and they've been rolling and the Packers are on the road and are struggling in recent weeks. Additionally, Minnesota is playing with revenge as they have not won any of the past four games between these division rivals. With all that said, why would this game be in a pick 'em price range? Especially when you consider that the Vikings have won five straight games and covered 8 straight games while the Packers have now lost three straight? That's why the NFL is known for being successful toward contrarian handicappers. We want to fade what the public will think and the Vikings are definitely a public play in a situation like this. The way I see it is a huge response coming from the Packers as they are so hungry and so fired up while the Vikings get caught "going through the motions" as they come into this game feeling just a little too good about themselves! Note that Green Bay has the better passing attack in this match-up and the weather, though cold, is expected to be cloudy with rather light winds and no precipitation. That adds up to a nice situation for the Packers to get their powerful offense back into high gear after some recent struggles. Green Bay did hold the Lions under 300 yards in last week's loss while the Vikings gave up nearly 400 yards of offense against the Raiders last week. Look for the Packers to get the much needed win here and tighten up the race the in the NFC North.  

Rickenbach NFL *8* Houston Texans +3.5 vs New York Jets @ 1 ET - This is a contrarian play as the Texans are now without their starting QB and therefore Tyler Yates will be getting the start for Houston today. However, contrarian plays generally work quite well in the NFL and I certainly like the way the Texans have been playing of late. They have been very stingy to their opponents on defense and the Jets are not known for their offensive prowess. With that said, look for the Jets to struggle moving the ball here and I would not be surprised to see them also again struggle with turnovers. The Jets turned it over 4 times last week and the Texans have forced 9 turnovers in their last 4 games. Houston has allowed just 6 points in each of their last two games and they have won 3 of their last 4 games while the Jets have lost 3 of their last 4 games. With the Jets losing a key divisional game last week while the Texans scored a big upset in their divisional game last week, this is clearly a case of two teams heading in opposite directions right now. That said, there is great value with grabbing the points with the undervalued home dog.

Rickenbach NCAAF *10* Top Play Washington State -14 vs Colorado @ 10:45 PM ET - Normally one might look to fade a team like the Cougars in this situation. They are off of a big upset win over UCLA last week and the game winning touchdown came very late in the 4th quarter. However, the key here is that the Cougars offense is simply too potent for a weak Buffaloes defense and Colorado just lost their starting QB (Liufau) to injury during last week's game so the Buffs just are not going to be able to keep up in this game. Colorado is going to be starting a redshirt freshman (Apsay) and he'll be making his first start on the road in a big Pac-12 game and facing a Washington team that is a perfect 7-0 ATS in conference games this season. The Buffaloes are dealing with more than just the QB situation here too. Colorado blew a 17-3 lead last week against USC and that guarantees a losing season for the Buffaloes as they dropped to a disappointing 4-7 on the season. It's hard to get up for a game after a disappointing result like that in the prior week. Making things even more difficult for the Buffaloes here is the fact that Washington State will be riding sky high after last week's win. Colorado is not known for traveling well and they have failed to cover 10 of their last 15 away from Boulder. Play Washington State -14 as a *10* Top Play Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Arizona State Sun Devils -7 vs Arizona @ 3:30 ET - Perfect set up here as Arizona is off of their upset win over Utah which came in double overtime and now the Wildcats are ripe to be faded. Arizona State plays this game with revenge from last season's road loss at Arizona. The Sun Devils did knock off the Wildcats by a 58-21 final score the last time Arizona State hosted. This was two seasons ago and I look for another big dominating win here. The Sun Devils catch the Cats off of an upset win and, at the same time, this is the home finale for Arizona State. The Sun Devils have a road game at Cal on deck and ASU still needs one win for bowl eligibility. That said, notching the victory at home this week is of paramount importance. The Sun Devils will ride the momentum of outscoring Washington 27 to 0 to finish last week's game and forcing four turnovers in the Huskies last four possessions. That's the kind of late-season win that can trigger a teams run toward bowl season. The Sun Devils will carry that momentum into this week. Arizona QB Solomon is dealing with an injury issue here and the Wildcats are 9-14 ATS in their last 23 as a road dog. ASU is 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five home finales. They win bak the Territorial Cup in this big rivalry game Saturday.

Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Mississippi State Bulldogs +10 vs Miami-FL in Puerto Rico @ 5 PM ET Thursday - Miami is already 2-0 on the season but they have faced UT-Rio Grande Valley and UL-Lafayette. The fact that the Hurricanes got a couple of blowout wins over out-classed foes to open up the season is helping to drive the line value up on this game Thursday. The Bulldogs are a double digit underdog here even though they will be fired up beyond belief after their upset loss to Southern University on Monday. Look for a huge effort from Mississippi State who shot poorly in that game after opening up the season with scoring 106 points on 62% shooting from the field in their first game of the season (against Eastern Washington). The Bulldogs made a lot of noise with the hiring of Ben Howland and they've also added some strong talent heading into their first season under a new head coach. Though it will take some time for Mississippi State to completely gel with the new faces and the new leadership, the fact is they have plenty of firepower and talent to keep this game much closer than what many are expecting. Over the past two seasons Miami went just 13-22 ATS as a favorite. The Bulldogs Malik Newman is healing up from toe injury and I expect a much bigger game from him today after struggling against Southern U. earlier this week.

Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Towson Tigers +9 vs Oklahoma State in Charleston, South Carolina @ 2:30 ET - The Cowboys are 2-0 on the season but they've played Tennessee-Martin and Arkansas-Pine Bluff so they certainly have not yet been tested this season. Towson plays in a respectable conference, the Colonial Athletic Association, and Tigers coach Pat Skerry is confident in his team this season. Last season Towson had to use some makeshift lineups and not really use their role players in the way they wanted to because they were also loaded with freshmen. This season it's a different story altogether and the Tigers are fully capable of being a dangerous dog in a match-up like this. The addition of Wake Forest transfer Arnaud William Adala Moto is big for this team and he's already averaged 17.5 points per game so far this season. Towson battled hard and lost by just two points in their season opener with LaSalle. They followed that up with a win over Morgan State in their second game. So the Tigers definitely have some confidence heading into this match-up and will be a 'tough out' for the Cowboys in this one. Oklahoma State is on a 4-9 ATS run in all neutral court games. The Tigers are on a 7-3 ATS run in all tournament games. 

Rickenbach NCAAB *8* Temple Owls +1 vs Minnesota in Puerto Rico @ 11:30 AM ET Thursday - Temple is off of a blowout loss to North Carolina to open up their season. Facing a powerful team like the Tar Heels and taking one on the chin to open up the season is a good way to build up some resolve for a team. Look for the Owls to come out fired up in this one and to take advantage of a Golden Gophers team that is 2-0 on the season but has played weak opposition to open up their season. Minnesota's schedule thus far has been the exact opposite of the Owls and that will show up in the results that play out today. The Golden Gophers appear to still be going through the adjustment phase with coach Richard Pitino as they have gone just 14-22 in Big Ten games in his first two seasons at the helm. Temple, of course, is much more settled under coach Fran Dunphy as he has been with the Owls since 2006. Look for Temple to improve to 38-20 straight-up when they enter a game with 5 or 6 days of rest. 

Rickenbach NCAAF *8* Northern Illinois -2.5 vs Western Michigan @ 8 ET - Northern Illinois has won six straight meetings with Western Michigan. Certainly that makes this a big time revenge game for the Broncos but the Huskies have 'had the Broncos number' as they have covered 14 of the last 18 meetings. Northern Illinois is off a win at Buffalo last Tuesday and they've now won five straight games after a tough 2-3 start to the season. These two teams are battling with Toledo for the top spot in the MAC West and it's going to be tough for the Broncos porous defense to come in and stop the Huskies in DeKalb. Northern Illinois is averaging an incredible 45.2 points per game in their last 5 games. Even though they lost their starting QB to a season-ending injury, the back-up has come in and done a great job. Also, the key tonight could be the running attack as gusty winds are expected throughout the game in DeKalb tonight. The windy conditions are enough to have some impact on the passing attack and this could hurt the Broncos because a ground-based or short-yardage passing game favors the Huskies. So home field and weather is on the side of Northern Illinois in this one. Other than a big win at Ohio U. earlier this season, the Broncos have struggled on the road with 36 points allowed per game in their other three road contests. The Huskies are a perfect 4-0 at home this season and have averaged 51 points per game in their four home games! The Broncos are 1-3 this season and 6-15 the last three seasons (straight up records) when they are an underdog. This bodes well for the Huskies laying the short number here. The Huskies are known for coming up big at this time of year and they have a 7-1 ATS mark in games in weeks 10 through 13 the last 3 seasons combined. Play Northern Illinois -2.5 as an *8* selection Wednesday.

Rickenbach NBA *10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers +7.5 vs Indiana @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers have some injury issues and the Sixers are continuing to get some nice line value based on their 0-11 straight-up record so far this season. Indiana has injury issues with Myles Turner out for this game and George Hill also likely to be out for this one. Additionally, Rodney Stuckey is dealing with an ankle issue that could limit his production or perhaps even keep him off the floor tonight. The Pacers also are in a bit of a 'sandwich spot' here as they are off of a big divisional match-up with Chicago and they have another divisional game with Milwaukee on deck. With that said, it's hard to imagine Indiana being able to get highly motivated for a match-up with an 0-11 Philadelphia team. Of course that is what makes Philadelphia a dangerous dog in a spot like this and I expect the 76'ers to get their third straight cover. Even with way too many turnovers in their most recent game, Philadelphia still got the cover versus Dallas. The Sixers have been competing hard on the defensive end and on the glass and certainly are earning 'hustle points' with their style of play. That will make them a 'tough out' for Indiana tonight. The Pacers have covered just 1 of their 3 games as a favorite this season. Also, Indiana entered this season with a 15-21 ATS mark against Atlantic Division opponents the past two seasons. The Sixers are 3-1 ATS against Central Division opponents this season and 3-0 ATS this season when off of a non-conference game. I would not be surprised to see the Sixers get their first SU win of the season tonight but certainly they should hang tough for the ATS cover. Play Philadelphia plus the points as a *10* Top Play. 

Rickenbach NCAAB *10* Top Play Oklahoma Sooners -4 @ Memphis @ 5 ET - The Sooners truly have the potential to be a Final Four team this season. They bring back a ton of talent and with, Lon Kruger at the helm, Oklahoma is certainly very well coached. Even though Memphis is off of an impressive season-opening win, that came against Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles are truly expected to have a down year and that big win for the Tigers was not a surprise. What was a surprise in that game is that Memphis gave up a ton of offensive rebounds to Southern Miss. Also, the Tigers did not shoot the ball well at all from three point land. Those two variables are likely to be keys again when they face the Sooners Tuesday. Oklahoma simply has too much talent and will take advantage of these areas of weakness for the Tigers. Memphis lost some key players from last season's team and they just don't have the talent level to upset the Sooners in this match-up. With that said, I'll gladly play Oklahoma minus the short number in this one as they are hungry to get their season off to a fantastic start. Playing this first game on the road also ensures they are fully focused here and I expect a road rout as a result. Play Oklahoma minus the points as a *10* Top Play Tuesday.

Rickenbach NBA *8* Utah Jazz +5.5 @ Atlanta @ 6:05 ET - People jumped on the Hawks early to drive this line up to as high as a 5.5 but it has since started to come back down. The Jazz, even though they have lost 3 straight games, have averaged 10 more shots from the field than their opponent in these last 3 games. All 3 defeats have come by single digits and the Jazz either get over the hump today or lose another very close game decided by one possession in my opinion. The Hawks are back home but off of a 13 point loss at Boston and have lost two of their past three games. The Jazz are the much better defensive team in this match-up. Also, Utah is 14-6 ATS in road games with a posted total between 190 and 194.5 points. The Jazz also are a perfect 3-0 ATS in road games this season. The Hawks are just 2-4 ATS at home this season and only 5-11 ATS in Sunday games the past two seasons. This is their first Sunday game this season and I look for another ATS loss for the struggling Hawks as the better defensive team gets this one. The Jazz are so hungry because they've played well recently but still come up just short on the scoreboard. That means another huge effort is coming today and, this time, I expect them to come out on top.

Rickenbach NFL *8* New England Patriots -7.5 @ New York Giants @ 4:25 ET - The Patriots have lost each of their last three meetings with the Giants and that includes twice in the Super Bowl. Now stop and think for a few seconds about how that might make Tom Brady and Bill Belichick feel. The fact is, they want this game and they want it bad. Whether they would admit or not, that is a factual statement. The last thing the Pats want is to see the Giants end their unbeaten season. That Patriots truly have 'had enough' of the Giants through the years. With that said, the only thing that prevented this from being a top play for me is the line. It's up in the 7 range and inching higher. I do expect the Pats to win by more than 7 but still would have been happy to see this line a little lower than it is. The Giants are off of a win at Tampa Bay but they were outgained in the game. New York benefited from three Buccaneers fumbles in that victory. The Giants have one of the worst defenses in the league and will simply be no match for a highly motivated Patriots team in this one. New England is on a 9-2 ATS run in non-conference games the past three seasons. This game is forecast to be a high-scoring game and the Giants simply won't be able to keep up with the Pats as the Patriots do have the vastly superior defense in this match-up. The Giants are 1-5 ATS in home games with a posted total of 49.5 points or more. The Giants also are 3-6 ATS in non-conference games.

Rickenbach NFL *10* Top Play Oakland Raiders -2.5 vs Minnesota @ 4:05 ET - Although the rain is expected to clear out of Oakland before this game gets underway, it is expected to be very windy this afternoon by the bay. This will help Oakland. The Raiders weakness is their past defense. The good news for Oakland fans today is the Vikings weakness on offense is their passing game. Combining that with the fact that the wind is going to limit Minnesota's ability to attack the weakness the Raiders defense has and you have a good edge for Oakland here. I also love this line. The Raiders are a small favorite even though it is the Vikings that have the winning record on the season with a 6-2 mark. This certainly appears to be a trap line. Don't fall for the trap, the play here is the Raiders. While Oakland is fired up off of a tight loss, the Vikings are off of an OT win. Also, Minny has a huge divisional game on deck with Green Bay. With that said, there are huge situational edges here for Oakland. The Raiders are 8-4 ATS in the month of November the last three seasons combined. Oakland has the much stronger offense in this match-up and I don't think Minnesota is going to be keep up in this match-up with the wind factor and situational factors favoring the Raiders in this one. Oakland has produced 35 points per game and 434 yards per game in their three games since the bye and they only lost last weekend's game because of turnovers, particularly three fumbles. Look for Oakland to bounce back big here.