UCLA @ WASHINGTON CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

I like the Washington Huskies to win and cover the spread here in their conference opener against visiting UCLA Bruins Thursday night. UCLA is 0-4 ATS in its last four games and has lost each of the last three straight up, the most recent as a 16-point favorite against Cal State Fullerton. The Bruins allowed their opponent to shoot 14-of-24 (58%) from 3-point range, and here they'll face a Washington team that is more than capable of lighting it up from behind the arc. 

Additionally, the Huskies had three straight SU and ATS as favorites before coming up just short in a 75-71 loss as a 2.5-point underdog to Houston last time out. Expect the home team to bounce back with an inspired performance in front of the home town crowd at Alaska Airlines Arena. 

8* play on Washington. 

HORNETS @ CAVALIERS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers are unreliable as favorites, and this looks like a tough spot in their first game back home from a tough three-game road trip with stops at Boston, Minnesota, and Toronto. 

As for the Charlotte Hornets, they're losers of six straight and they've failed to cover the spread in each of the last five. The Hornets are however 7-3-2 as an underdog of four points or fewer, and while I would not be remotely surprised if they win this one outright, take the points as insurance. 

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

NUGGETS @ PACERS TOTAL

The Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers are both among the best defensive teams in the NBA. That's also the reason why the bookmakers are giving us such a low total on this game, but I don't think they can make it low enough. Note that Indiana ranks 23rd for pace while only the Kings have a lower pace factor than Denver. 

Under is 8-2 in Nuggets last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and 25-10 in Pacers last 35 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

NEW YEAR'S DAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Marquette Golden Eagles limited Central Arkansas to 54 points on 31 percent shooting last time out and they rank 18th in the nation for defensive field goal percentage on the season. As for the Creighton Bluejays, they held Midland Lutheran to 54 points last time out and they've limited three of their last four opponents to 60 points or fewer. Under is 20-8 in Bluejays last 28 overall and we saw a total of just 126 points scored in the last headto-head meeting between these two teams.

8* play on UNDER. 

BLAZERS @ KNICKS NEW YEARS DAY *TOP PLAY*

The Portland Trail Blazers enter this contest as losers of four straight and they've allowed 120+ points in each of their last three games. This looks like a good spot to get back on track defensively against a Knicks team that is one of the worst in league with its 43 percent shooting from the field. Defensively, the Knicks have been solid over their last couple of games, first holding the Nets to 82 points and the Wizards to 100 points even last time out. Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings and I think this will be another relatively low-scoring affair. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NEW YEARS DAY NCAAB AFTERNOON ANNIHILATOR

The South Dakota Coyotes are coming off back-to-back 75 point performances.

Now while they lost those games, I think they'll get the job done in this one as they rank 23rd in the nation with their 48.3 percent shooting from the field and 12th with their shooting from 3-point range.

Today they'll face a Purdue Fort Wayne side that took an 89-59 beating as an 18-point dog at Iowa State last time out and a 74-65 loss as a four-point favorite at Indiana-Purdue prior to that. The offense is not clicking at the moment, and I think there's good reason to believe that the Mastodons will struggle to keep pace with the visitors. 

8* play on South Dakota. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE TOTAL

Chelsea are coming off a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Arsenal and 12 of their 14 away games in all competitions this season have seen three goals or more. Here they'll visit a Brighton team that is coming off a 2-0 win over Bournemouth, and the team has made itself known for its positive and attacking style of football. I think we'll see both sides going for the W, and one of them will most likely succeed but a shutout win for either side is unlikely. 

10* play on OVER. 

NEW YEARS EVE NBA 3-PACK

The San Antonio Spurs are 4-1 to the over through their last five games and they defeated Detroit 136-109 on Dec 28. The Golden State Warriors saw a four-game winning streak come to an end with a 141-121 loss to Dallas on the same night. New Years Eve games are 17-4 to the over over the last three seasons. 

8* play on OVER. 

NEW YEARS EVE NBA 3-PACK

The Los Angeles Clippers have seen four of their last five games go over the total following a 120-107 loss to Utah last time out. Over is 8-3 in Clippers last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points and 5-1 in their last 6 games as a favorite. As for the Sacramento Kings, they're 4-1 to the over in their last five as underdogs and they gave up 120 points in a loss at Denver last time out. New Years Eve games are 17-4 to the over over the last three seasons. 

8* play on OVER. 

NEW YEARS EVE NBA 3-PACK

The Boston Celtics took a 113-97 loss to Toronto last time out. They had played three straight overs prior to that and they're 20-8 to the over through their last 28 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points. Over is 5-1 in Hornets last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and New Years Eve games are 17-4 to the over over the last three seasons. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE FOR DECEMBER

The Temple Owls took a tough one-point defeat to Miami-Florida on Dec 17, but they bounced back with a dominant 78-66 triumph over Rider four days later. I like them to pick up another win here against a UFC side that saw a six-game winning streak come to an end with a one-point loss of its own at Oklahoma on Dec 21. The Knights covered the spread, but this won't be an easy matchup against an Owl team that is 10th in the nation in defensive field goal percentage and 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games. 

10* play on Temple. 

SUNS @ BLAZERS LATE NIGHT NBA *TOP PLAY*

Both teams rank in the top 10 for points scored per game and bottom 10 for points allowed. Last time out Portland took a 128-120 loss to the Lakers and Phoenix has seen four of its last five overall go over the total. 

Over is 17-6-1 in Trail Blazers last 24 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, 23-11-1 in their last 35 games as a home favorite and 4-0 in Suns last 4 games as an underdog.

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Portland.

10* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOTAL

The North Florida Osprey have averaged 75.5 points through their last two games, but still dropped both. Over is 6-1 in their last seven games and here they'll visit a Dayton team that is 8-4 to the over on the season. The Flyers rank sixth in the nation for points per game and they're first in field goal percentage. Ibi Watson scored a career-high 30 points in an 81-53 rout of Grambling State on Dec. 23. 

With both teams coming off a rather long Christmas break, I think a high tempo will make up for eventual rust. 

8* play on OVER. 

49ERS @ SEAHAWKS NFC EAST TITLE GAME

The Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers will duke it out for the NFC West title Sunday night. I think this contest will go down to the wire, and I'm well happy to take the points on the home team.

Seattle has been involved in mostly one-score games all season long and the 49ers are just 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite.

The Seahawks on the other hand are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games as a home underdog and we can note that they won by three when they visited San Francisco on Nov 11.  

8* play on Seattle Seahawks. 

THUNDER @ RAPTORS *TOP PLAY*

The Toronto Raptors have one of the best defensive efficiency ratings in the league, and they showed why in a 113-97 win at Boston last night. Playing on no rest, a low tempo game will be in the interest of the Raptors and I think the OKC Thunder will oblige as they average just100.9 possessions per game (25th in the league) anyhow. OKC is coming off a 104-102 win at Charlotte, a low-scoring game despite going to OT.  

Under is 36-15-1 in Thunder's last 52 games as a road underdog. Under is 5-2 in Raptors last 7 games as a favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

EAGLES @ GIANTS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Philadelphia Eagles are more or less in a must-win scenario, but I think they'll run into more resistance than they might expect here. The NY Giants are obviously going nowhere with their 4-11 record, but do not think for a second they wouldn't enjoy to spoil the season for an NFC East rival. Additionally, we can note that the Giants' offense has come to life in recent games with a total of 77 points over the last two; admittedely against two of the worst defenses in the league, but still encouraging signs. The public will be all over the visitors in this game, and that's why the value is on the home team. 

8* play on NY Giants. 

REDSKINS @COWBOYS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Dallas Cowboys are in a must-win spot and will also need the help of the Giants to beat Philly to get into the postseason. While they're a big home favorite over Washington, I think this game will be closer than the point spread suggest.

The Cowboys are reeling at the worst possible time with four losses in their last five games, and even though the Redskins are an NFC-worst 3-12 SU, note that they're 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog while the Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

Additionally, while the Skins will be without starting rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins, keep in mind that Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is dealing with a sprained right shoulder and was unable to practice Thursday.

The public will still be all over the Cowboys, and that's why the value is on Washington. 

8* play on Washington Redskins. 

TITANS @ TEXANS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Tennessee Titans are in win-and-in playoff scenario when visiting the Houston Texans. We know it, bookmakers know it and the public bettors know it, and that's why the value is on Houston. The Texans have the AFC South wrapped up and may elect to rest their starters if KC beats LA Chargers to lock in the No. 3 seed in the conference earlier in the day, but I still think they'll keep this closer than the point spread would suggest. 

Texans are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog. Titans are 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

8* play on Houston Texans. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 17 TOTAL

The Baltimore Ravens have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and are as a result expected to rest their starters. I don't see their backups moving the ball well against a Pittsburgh defense that is one of the best in the league, particularly with the Steelers highly motivated and still in the race for a wild-card spot.

As for the Steelers offense, it's been lackluster all season long and ranks 30th for total yards and 26th for points scored.

The Steelers have played seven straight unders and only three of their 15 games on the season have gone over the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED FALCONS @ BUCS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off three straight wins and they've dropped just two of their last seven games. They're 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall and I like their chances of recording an upset at Tampa Bay in the season finale Sunday afternoon. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw a four-game winning streak come to an end with a 23-20 loss to Houston last time out. QB Jameis Winston threw four interceptions to put the total at 28 for the season, just three shy of his TD count. Atlanta's defense has been decent in recent weeks and Jacksonville QB Gardner Minshew was limited to 181 yards on 13-of-31 passing last week. 

Additionally, the Bucs are 0-2-1 ATS as a home favorite on the season and Atlanta should be fired up after losing a 35-22 home loss to the Bucs in Week 12. 

10* play on Atlanta Falcons. 

CHELSEA @ ARSENAL LONDON DERBY

This will be new Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's second game in charge of the Gunners. He's taking over a side in disarray with just one win in their last 11 league games, but the good news is that visiting Chelsea have dropped five or their last seven. Still, Chelsea remains in the top four of the league thanks to their early success, and I think they would be happy with a point here, and I'm sure as would Arteta in his first London derby. 

8* play on DRAW. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NCAAF): MIKE'S STRONGEST BOWL BET 2019 - FIESTA BOWL

I like the points on the Ohio State Buckeyes when they take on the Clemson Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday. Despite the Tigers' experience, I give Ohio State the edge here as it's arguably the most complete team in the nation. It's also a team hungry for success while it won't be easy for the Tigers' to repeat last year's Championship win. Additionally, the crowd is expected to be pro-Ohio State with a projected 60%+ support for the Buckeyes.

Both teams will end up trading punches, and I'm happy to take the points on the underdog in a contest that's likely to be decided on the final possession.  

10* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S GRIZZLIES @ NUGGETS BEST BET

The Memphis Grizzlies have just 12 wins on the season, but six of those have been picked up over their last 10 games.

They defeated the Thunder 110-97 as a 5.5-point road underdog on Boxing Day and I think they'll give the Nuggets a scare here at Pepsi Center on Saturday.

The Nuggets have covered the spread in just one of their last six overall and they're 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite while Memphis is 4-0 ATS in its last 4 games as a road underdog.

10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

OKLAHOMA VS. LSU PEACH BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Oklahoma Sooners have struggled to cover numbers down the stretch (just 2-7 ATS over their last nine) but they closed all those games as massive favorites. They're spotted two touchdowns here in the Peach Bowl NCAA Championship semifinal showdown, and I'm happy to take the points on the Sooners in this game. 

The LSU Tigers have no doubt been dominant on both sides of the ball all season long, but this will the first time it'll face an offense like the Sooners. The closest comparison would be its Nov. 9 matchup with Alabama, which the Tigers won 46-41. 

8* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP PREMIER LEAGUE PICK FOR DECEMBER

Leicester City are coming off back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Liverpool, but I think they'll bounce back here against a West Ham side that has picked up one point in its last five home games. The Hammers have scored just three goals over their last five games overall, and that despite facing mostly mediocre/poor teams. Leicester had won six straight on the road prior to a 3-1 loss at Man City on Dec 22, but West Ham are not Manchester City ... 

10* play on Leicester. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

The Florida Gators shot just 32 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range in a 65-62 setback to Utah State last time out. I expect them to have much more success here against a Long Beach State side that is allowing 78.0 ppg and gave up 79 in a loss at Seattle on Dec 23.

Over is 6-1 in Beach last 7 road games and 5-1 in Gators last 6 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

SUPER EARLY CAMPING WORLD BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

I like the Iowa State Cyclones to keep it close and perhaps even run away with the outright victory here in the Camping World Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

Iowa State is undervalued by the bookmakers and the public here after failing to cover the spread in three straight and four of their last five while Notre Dame has covered the spread in four straight games. 

Iowa State has one of the most prolific passing offenses in college football, ranking 9th for passing yards and sophomore QB Brock Purdy has 3,760 yards passing and 27 touchdowns against nine INTs to go along with eight rushing scores. 

The Cyclones are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 games as an underdog. Fighting Irish are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 bowl games.

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Brighton may be winless through their last four games, but I think they played well in their latest contest, a 2-1 loss at Tottenham. Here they'll get to play in front of the home town crowd again, hosting a Bournemouth side that has lost five of its nine away games on the season. Additionally we can note that the visitors have several players in the injury list, something that will show here with their last game just about two days ago. 

8* play on Brighton. 

LATE NIGHT SUNS @ WARRIORS *TOP PLAY*

The Phoenix Suns have dropped seven straight games, but I think they'll come into this one rejuvenated after getting three full days off around the holiday. While Phoenix is in a "buy low" spot, we find the Golden State Warriors on the other end of the spectrum coming off three straight wins SU and ATS. 

Suns are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Warriors are 9-23-1 ATS in their last 33 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

LATE NIGHT KINGS @ SHARKS NHL BANKROLL BUILDER

The LA Kings took a 4-1 beating by St. Louis in their last game before the Christmas break. The setback was their third straight, but like the price we get on the Kings here against another reeling Pacific Division rival. The San Jose Sharks have just one win over their last 10 games overall and they have a losing home record on the season. 

The Kings are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals and they should be well up for this one after losing twice to the Sharks already this season. 

8* play on Los Angeles Kings. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Buffalo Sabres are a solid 11-3-3 overall and 5-3 as underdogs home at Keybank Stadium. They'll host a Boston Bruins team that has not been at its very best lately with just two wins in its last 10 games and it is 2-6 in its last 8 games as a favorite. This contest marks the opener of a home-and-home series, and I expect the home team to come through in this one. 

8* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

FRIDAY NIGHT CBB BOOKIE BLASTER

I like the Loyola (MD) Greyhounds to win and cover the spread when hosting the UMass Lowell River Hawks Friday night. UMass Lowell shot a season-worst 31.3 percent from the field in a 74-62 loss at home to Boston last Saturday and rusty shooting might very well be an issue in this one as well. As for Loyola, it cruised to a 72-45 victory against D-III Elizabethtown College last time out and it has averaged 84.8 ppg as a favorite. 

8* play on Loyola Maryland. 

EARLY CAVS @ CELTICS NBA NO BRAINER - 4 PM ET START

The Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the worst offensive efficiency ratings in the NBA, and here they'll run into a Boston team that is boasting one of the best defenses in the league. Over their last four games, the Celtics have allowed 103, 93, 93 and 102 points and it defeated Cleveland 110-88 on Dec. 3 in the last matchup in this series. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NORTH CAROLINA VS. TEMPLE MILITARY BOWL *TOP PLAY*

Temple head coach Rod Carey is 0-6 SU and ATS in Bowl games, and I think his Owl side will come up short both SU and ATS when taking on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Military Bowl. 

North Carolina freshman QB Sam Howell leads the ACC in passing yards and passing touchdowns and closed out the season with five 300-yard games in his last seven outings. Temple has a solid pass defense, but I expect the Tar Heels have put up good numbers against other strong Ds and should find enough holes to exploit. As for Temple's offense, it can sputter at times and we can note that UNC held its last two opponents to a combined 17 points. 

Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.

10* play on North Carolina Tar Heels. 

WOLVES @ KINGS THURSDAY NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The Sacramento Kings are 0-4 SU and ATS over their last four games, but I like their chances of coming out of the short Christmas break with a win when hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday night. 

Minnesota has dropped 11 straight games and the team is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games as an underdog. Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has missed four straight games and the star center is questionable for this contest. 

The Kings took a 113-104 home loss to Houston on Dec. 23 but they're 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games playing on 2 days rest and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up loss.

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

KNICKS @ NETS - BATTLE OF NEW YORK

The Brooklyn Nets are coming off a 122-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, but I think we'll see a lower scoring contest when they host their in-city rival New York Knicks on Thursday. The Knicks offense is one of the worst in the league, and Brooklyn ranks 5th in the NBA holding opponents to 43.3 percent shooting from the field. Each of the last seven meetings in this series has gone under the total.  

8* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT PELICANS @ NUGGETS XMAS DAY *TOP PLAY*

Last year the 10 NBA games on Christmas Day went 6-2-2 to the under, and I think this late matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Denver Nuggets will follow that trend.. Only three teams own a better defensive efficiency rating than Denver and the same is true for its pace factor. The New Orleans Pelicans have their struggles on the defensive end but note that the under is 7-2 in their last 9 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY CELTICS @ RAPTORS XMAS DAY TOTAL

Last year the 10 NBA games on Christmas Day went 6-2-2 to the under, and I think this early matchup will follow that trend.

The Boston Celtics have held two straight opponents (Detroit and Charlotte) to 93 points and only the Milwaukee Bucks own a better defensive efficiency rating than Boston and the Toronto Raptors this season. Toronto has been involved in several high-scoring affairs lately, but that's not all that surprising considering the opponents they've faced during that stretch. Still, under is 9-4 in Raptors last 13 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and 16-5 in Celtics last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. 

8* play on UNDER. 

HAWAII BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors will be competing in the Hawaii Bowl for a second straight year and will be looking to make amends for last year's loss to Louisiana Tech. The BYU Cougars will be looking to win their third straight bowl game, but I'm backing the Rainbow Warriors who must be hungry for success and playing at home. 

Hawaii owns one of the most potent passing offenses in college football. QB Cole McDonald ranks fifth nationally with 3,642 yards and 29 TDs versus 14 interceptions and the team can also lean on running back Miles Reed, who has rushed for 891 yards and eight scores.

BYU on the other hand has been forced to use three different starting quarterbacks this season due to injury, and it put up just three points last time out. The Cougars own a lights-out defense, but it won't be easy to stop the Bows in front of a rowdy home town crowd. 

BYU has dominated Hawaii in recent years, but it is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games as a favorite and 1-4 ATS in its last 5 Bowl games.

8* play on Hawaii. 

LATE NIGHT ROCKETS @ KINGS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Sacramento Kings look like a good bet when hosting the Houston Rockets Monday night. While they've covered just one of their last six overall, note that the non-covers were as a favorite and that they're 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games as an underdog. As for the Houston Rockets, they're consistently overvalued because of their big-name players and just 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.

8* play on Sacramento Kings. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Coyotes have alternated wins and losses through their last eight games, and coming off a 5-2 win at Detroit Monday night that trend would suggest they're due for a loss here at Nashville Monday night. The Predators are 3-0-1 over their last four contests, winning two of those as underdogs. With a one-day rest advantage over the Yotes I think they'll have no trouble to skate away with this game. 

8* play on Nashville Predators. 

TOP RATED BULLS @ MAGIC NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic have been one of the worst teams against the spread this season and they enter this contest as losers of six of their last seven straight up. They've averaged 103 ppg through their last three games and took a 118-103 loss at Portland last time out. Here they'll host a Chicago Bulls team that is coming off back-to-back road wins, most recently a 119-107 win as a 10-point dog at Detroit. 

The Bulls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog. The Magic meanwhile are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

Under is 16-5 in Magic last 21 vs. a team with a losing straight up record and they rank 27th in the NBA in field-goal percentage. I think their offensive struggles will continue against a Bulls team that is not all that bad defensively. 

10* play on Chicago Bulls. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Orlando Magic have been one of the worst teams against the spread this season and they enter this contest as losers of six of their last seven straight up. They've averaged 103 ppg through their last three games and took a 118-103 loss at Portland last time out. Here they'll host a Chicago Bulls team that is coming off back-to-back road wins, most recently a 119-107 win as a 10-point dog at Detroit. 

The Bulls are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games and 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog. The Magic meanwhile are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

Under is 16-5 in Magic last 21 vs. a team with a losing straight up record and they rank 27th in the NBA in field-goal percentage. I think their offensive struggles will continue against a Bulls team that is not all that bad defensively. 

8* play on UNDER. 

EARLY HURRICANES @ MAPLE LEAFS DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Carolina Hurricanes are a solid 12-6-2 on the road this season and look like a solid value bet when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night. Toronto is only 9-4-6 in Scotiabank Arena on the season and the road team is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in this series. Both teams have won seven of their last 10 overall, and I don't think home ice justify the price on the home team, particularly with Carolina off a loss while Toronto might be fat and happy riding a four-game winning streak. 

8* play on Carolina. 

SUNDAY NIGHT CHIEFS @ BEARS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Chicago Bears are going nowhere with their 7-7 record, but the KC Chiefs might be low on motivation as well. The division is clinched, and their chance of a No. 2 seed and a first-round bye took a big hit with New England's win over Buffalo on Saturday. 

The Bears had won three on the bounce before coming up short in a 21-13 loss at Green Bay last week, but it's worth noting that they outgained the Packers by 100+ yards. Their defense ranks third in fewest points allowed and surely the team will show up here in its last home game of the season. 

Bears are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Bears are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.

8* play on Chicago Bears. 

COWBOYS @ EAGLES NFC EAST BOOKIE BLASTER

The Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles will be battling for the NFC East title when they face off at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. The Eagles are coming off back-to-back wins, but against two poor teams in the Giants and the Redskins. The Cowboys, on the other hand, showed what they're capable of with a 44-21 demolition of the LA Rams last week and I think their powerful passing game will be too much to handle for a Philly team that has given up an abysmal 8.1 passing yards per attempt through the last three weeks. 

Cowboys are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Eagles are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games as a home underdog.

8* play on Dallas Cowboys. 

CARDINALS @ SEAHAWKS BANKROLL BUILDER

This is a clear look ahead spot for the Seattle Seahawks who will take on the San Francisco 49ers for the division title next week.

They'll face an Arizona Cardinals side that put a 38-24 beating on Cleveland last week and will be seeking revenge for a 27-10 loss to the Seahawks earlier in the season. That is Seattle's only double-digit win of the campaign, and I think the familiarity and will allow the Cards to keep it closer this time around despite playing on the road. 

Cardinals are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a road underdog. Seahawks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite.

8* play on Arizona Cardinals. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Davidson Wildcats put an 88-52 beating on Coppin St. last time out and they're 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are coming off five straight victories and they're 4-1 ATS during that stretch. I do however think that Davidson will match up rather well with the home team and I'm happy to take the points on the dog in what should a very close game. 

8* play on Davidson. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): EARLY RAVENS @ BROWNS *TOP PLAY*

The Baltimore Ravens rolled up 430 total yards of offense when they steamrolled the NY Jets 42-21 last week and can clinch the top seed in the AFC with a win against the Browns this Sunday. Additionally, the Ravens will be looking to avenge one of their two losses on the season after falling 40-25 at Cleveland in Week 4. Baltimore has won 10 straight since while Cleveland is having yet another disappointing season, and most recently it has lost two of its last three. There's little to no chemistry in the locker room, and I don't see how they'll be able to hang around with a red hot and motivated Ravens side. 

Ravens are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Browns are 6-22-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

NFL 5-PACK

Motivation will be low for both these also-rans at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday afternoon, but I wonder if Carolina doesn't have a small edge motivation-wise coming off six straight defeats. I also think the Panthers' will feel the need to step up and help rookie QB Will Grier in his NFL debut. They'll come up against a Colts side that has lost four straight and surrendered 30+ points in each of its last three. 

Colts are 1-6-2 ATS vs. a team with a losing record and 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.

8* play on Carolina Panthers. 

NFL 5-PACK

The Atlanta Falcons have been on a roll down the stretch, but this looks like a potential flat spot following a dramatic come-from-behind 29-22 win over San Francisco. They'll face a Jacksonville Jaguars team that had been mailing it in for five straight weeks before spoiling the Raiders' farewell party at Oakland with a comeback victory of its own last week. I think they'll ride that momentum in this one. Rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew is well capable of coming up with plays and this is simply too many points for the home team to cover.

8* play on Jacksonville Jaguars. 

SUPER LATE COLLEGE BASKETBALL ATS MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The No. 17 Arizona Wildcats took an 84-80 loss to Gonzaga last Saturday. While they're expected to bounce back with a win here against St. John's, I think it'll be tighter than the point spread would suggest. The Red Storm are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall with a straight up win as a 4.5-point dog against West Virginia mixed in. St. John's can score with the best in the league, averaging 80.6 ppg and it has topped 80 points six times already. 

8* play on St. John's. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): TOP RATED SIDE FOR DECEMBER

I absolutely love the points on the LA Rams when they visit the San Francisco 49ers Saturday night. They're in a massive bounce-back spot after taking a 44-21 beating by Dallas last Sunday, and while their playoff chances are slim to none at this point I still expect them to show up here looking to revenge a loss to their division opponent earlier in the season. 

As for the Niners, they fell to the surging Atlanta Falcons last week and are now tied with Seattle at the top of the NFC West (currently losing the tiebreaker). They face the Seahawks in a matchup likely to decide the division next week, and I think that's where their focus is, particularly with a dinged up defense (SF was without five defensive starters against the Falcons). 

10* play on LA Rams. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 16 TOTAL

I think points will come at a premium for both sides at Foxboro this Saturday, and even though we're seeing a very low total I don't think the books can make this low enough. Buffalo is averaging only 20.9 ppg while the Pats have held opponents to 12.9 ppg and the Bills have scored 17 points in back-to-back games. As for New England, while it broke out for 34 points last time out, that was against the Bengals ... It had averaged only 17.6 ppg through its last five prior to that and the Bills defense ranks second to the Pats for points allowed at 15.9 ppg. 

Under is 7-0 in Bills last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 8-3 in Patriots last 11 home games. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

I think points will come at a premium for both sides at Foxboro this Saturday, and even though we're seeing a very low total I don't think the books can make this low enough. Buffalo is averaging only 20.9 ppg while the Pats have held opponents to 12.9 ppg and the Bills have scored 17 points in back-to-back games. As for New England, while it broke out for 34 points last time out, that was against the Bengals ... It had averaged only 17.6 ppg through its last five prior to that and the Bills defense ranks second to the Pats for points allowed at 15.9 ppg. 

Under is 7-0 in Bills last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 8-3 in Patriots last 11 home games. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Additionally, I like the Bills to keep this relatively close as a low-scoring game should favor the underdog, and the Patriots have struggled to get separation lately while the Bills are 4-1 ATS in their last five, only ATS loss by 0.5 points vs. Baltimore. 

8* play on Buffalo Bills. 

KENT STATE VS. UTAH STATE FRISCO BOWL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Kent State Golden Flashes will be hyper-motivated for this contest with a chance to win their first bowl game ever and first postseason appearance since 2012. On the other side of the field, we have a Utah State Aggies team that might be a bit too fat and happy with its seventh bowl appearance in nine years. 

Additionally, earlier this week several members of the Utah State football team have been charged with marijuana possession, among them junior quarterback Jordan Love and senior running back Gerold Bright ... On Wednesday night, a school spokesman said that the three players will play in the Frisco Bowl, but things might change. 

Kent State rarely has any trouble moving the football and the team has scored 30+ points in four straight games, winning the last three as underdogs. QB Dustin Crum owns an 18-2 TD/INT ratio while averaging 8.2 yards per pass attempt and also leads Kent State with 560 rushing yards. 

8* play on Kent State. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

Both sides rank near the bottom of the league for defensive efficiency with Memphis allowing 109.2 points per 100 possessions and Cleveland 111.3 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, while the Grizzlies have been known as a slow team in recent seasons, this edition is much different with only three teams playing at a faster pace. 

Over is 12-5 in Grizzlies last 17 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Over is 16-3 in Cavaliers last 19 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

10* play on OVER. 

NHL TGIF BANKROLL BUILDER

The Washington Capitals have split their last four games, and here they'll come up against a New Jersey Devils team that has answered a seven-game slide with back-to-back wins over Arizona and Anaheim. The Caps are without a doubt the better team, but the price warrants a play on the home team.

8* play on New Jersey Devils. 

TGIF NHL BOOKIE BLASTER

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a losing road record on the season and they're 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. The 16-13-4 NY Rangers fit the bill and they're 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals (lost 5-2 to Nashville last time out). The Leafs are without a doubt the better team, but the price warrants a play on the home team.

8* play on New York Rangers. 

TOP RATED NHL MONEYLINE PLAY OF THE DAY

The Colorado Avalanche will be playing on no rest after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Wednesday. I still expect them to have enough gas left in the tank to take care of business against a Carolina team that is in a potential flat spot following back-to-back road wins at Calgary and Winnipeg. The Canes will be closing out a road trip on which they're currently 3-0-1, but it'll be a hostile environment in Pepsi Center where the Avs are a solid 10-3-2 on the season. We can also note that Colorado should have its No. 1 netminder Philipp Grubauer back between the pipes as Pavel Francouz got the nod yesterday. 

10* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

NETS @ SPURS THURSDAY NIGHT TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The San Antonio Spurs will be looking to bounce back from a 109-107 loss at Houston on Monday. They did a good job defensively holding the Rockets to 41 percent shooting from the field and they're 8-2 to the under in their last 10 playing two days rest. Here they'll face a Brooklyn Nets side that is 5-1 to the under in its last six games and saw just 209 points in its last game, despite going to overtime. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED BULLS @ WIZARDS NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Washington Wizards defeated the Pistons 133-119 at Detroit on Monday to put an end to an ugly four-game losing streak. With the pressure off, I think they'll come up short against the visiting Chicago Bulls tonight. Note that the Wizards have not played at home since taking a 135-119 loss to the Clippers on Dec. 8 and that they're 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days and 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 1 days rest. As for the Chicago Bulls, they've lost more games than they've won lately, but they're 5-1 ATS in their last 6 and a perfect 4-0 in their last 4 away from home. 

10* play on Chicago Bulls. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): TOP RATED SIDE *MAJOR WAGER ALERT*

The LSU Tigers have scored 90+ points in three of their last four games, all wins SU and ATS. The East Tennessee St. Buccaneers on the other hand may have won four of their last five straight up, but they're just 0-4 ATS in lined games during that stretch. 

LSU has been shooting lights out home at Maravich Assembly Center all season, coming into this contest with a perfect 6-0 SU record and four straight covers ATS. ETSU took a 78-68 loss as a 3.5-point favorite at North Dakota State it's last time out on the road, and I don't see the visitors keeping pace with the home side in what will be a hostile environment. 

10* play on LSU Tigers. 

MAGIC @ JAZZ TUESDAY NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The Utah Jazz are holding opponents to 103 points per 100 possessions and they are very capable slowing down the tempo to a snail's pace, something that's likely to happen here with only two teams playing at a slower pace than the Orlando Magic.  Both the Jazz and the Magic rank in the bottom 10 of the NBA for offensive efficiency, with Orlando particularly poor at scoring just 103.4 points per 100 possessions.  

Under is 16-5 in Jazz last 21 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

The Ottawa Senators took a 6-1 loss at Florida last night, and heavy legs will certainly not do them any favors on the defensive end of the rink here at Tampa Bay the following night. The Sens have seen six of their last seven go over the total and the over is 9-2-1 in the Lightning's last 12 games as a home favorite. Seven of the last nine head-to-head meetings between these two clubs have gone over the total and I predict another high-scoring affair tonight. 

10* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Houston Rockets own the third-best offensive efficiency rating in the league and they also have the third-highest pace factor. Here they'll face a San Antonio Spurs team that is giving up 109.7 points per 100 possessions and has seen four straight games go to overtime. Over is 6-2 in Spurs last 8 road games and 5-2-1 in Rockets last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Bucks are playing at the highest pace in the league and they have the second-best offensive efficiency rating. No. 1 is the Dallas Mavericks who are 4-1 to the over in their last 5 games and 7-2 to the over in their last 9 games following a straight-up loss. Last time out, Dallas fell 122-118 in OT against Miami while Milwaukee is coming off a 125-107 win over Cleveland, the third straight game it scored 125+ points. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED AVS @ BLUES MONEYLINE MASSACRE

There will be plenty at stake at Enterprise Center Monday night as a Colorado Avalanche triumph in this one would see them leapfrog the St. Louis Blues to move top of the Central Division standings.

We can however note that even though the Avs are riding a nine-game point streak (8-0-1), they've routinely struggled in St. Louis in recent years, losing eight of the last nine encounters there.

The Blues are coming off back-to-back home wins over Vegas and Chicago, and I think this is the kind of game where the defending Stanley Cup champs really will be on their toes. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

Only the Milwaukee Bucks own a better defensive efficiency rating than the Toronto Raptors who limited Brooklyn to 102 points last time out. Each of the Raptors last three games have under the total and they're 6-1 to the under in their last 7 Monday games. As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they have just six wins in 26 games, own the second-worst offensive efficiency rating in the league and under is 21-7-1 in Raptors last 29 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. 

8* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Kent State Golden Flashes will clash with the UC Irvine Anteaters in the Sun Bowl Invitational at Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas Monday night.

The Anteaters are (6-5), coming off a dominant 120-63 win over Pacific Union, but I would not read too much into that result and the team is still just 6-5 SU on the season.

Kent State is 8-1 SU and ranks 44th in the nation with its 79.9 ppg. It put a 92-57 beating on Detroit on Dec. 3, the same Mercy team that defeated UC Irvine by 12 points back in November and while such comparisons never tell the whole story, it's still worth noting. 

8* play on Kent State. 

FALCONS @ 49ERS BOOKIE BLASTER - 4:25 PM ET START

The Atlanta Falcons have just four wins on the season, but three of those have come in their last five games. They put a 40-20 beating on Carolina last time out, and I think they'll keep it relatively close here against a San Francisco 49ers team in an emotional letdown spot following a dramatic win at New Orleans last time out. They did, however, lose star cornerback Richard Sherman to a hamstring strain, which won't' help an already dinged up defense. The Niners are just 4-9-1 ATS as favorites since the start of last season and this is only the second time they're asked to cover double-digits during that stretch. Last time they laid 10+ (against Arizona on Nov 17), they came up short of covering. 

8* play on Atlanta Falcons. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED NFL TOTAL FOR WEEK 15

I think Sunday afternoon's matchup between the LA Rams and the Dallas Cowboys will be a relatively low-scoring affair. Dallas has averaged just 13 ppg through a three-game slide, and here it'll face a Rams defense that has been one of the best in the league since acquiring star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The under is 7-1 in the Rams last 8 games overall and 12-3 in their last 15 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 15 SIDE

The Carolina Panthers have dropped five in a row and have failed to cover the spread in four of those games. They are nowhere near the playoffs, have fired head coach Ron Rivera and turned the ball over four times in last week's 40-20 loss at Atlanta. There's little fight left in the team, and I don't see how Carolina will be able to keep pace with a Seattle Seahawks team that is 6-1 SU on the road and looking to bounce back from a humbling 28-12 loss at the LA Rams on Sunday Night Football. 

The Panthers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games in December while the Seahawks are 25-12-1 ATS in their last 38 games in December.

10* play on Seattle Seahawks. 

BRONCOS @ CHIEFS NFL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Kansas City Chiefs have won three on the bounce, but I think they're in an emotional letdown spot after defeating the Patriots in Foxborough last week. They'll face a Denver Broncos team that is nowhere near the playoffs, but it has far from quit the season coming off back-to-back straight up wins and covering the spread in five of its last six. KC has already wrapped up its fourth straight division title, and I think it'll struggle to get separation. 

Additionally, note that while Denver’s run defense has been questionable of late, KC poses very little threat on the ground with just 93.0 (27th) rushing yards per game. 

8* play on Denver Broncos. 

TEXANS @ TITANS SUNDAY AFTERNOON TOTAL

The Tennessee Titans have won four on the bounce while averaging 37.5 points per game with Ryan Tannehill at the helm. The Houston Texans took a disappointing 38-24 home loss to the Denver Broncos last week and their defense ranks 25th in total defense and 27th in the league against the pass. On the offensive side of the ball, Houston rarely has any issues to move the ball and I expect a big bounce back game from QB Deshaun Watson who threw for 292 yards with a TD and two INTs last week. 

Over is 7-0 in Titans last 7 games overall.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED EPL SIDE FOR DECEMBER

Manchester United have picked up the pace following a slow start to the season. They enter this matchup with Everton coming off three straight victories, beating difficult opponents in Tottenham, Man City and most recently AZ Alkmaar in Europa League. 

While Everton are coming off a 3-1 win over Chelsea, note that they had dropped three straight prior to that and they're 1-1-6 on the road this season. 

10* play on Manchester United. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The bookmakers have posted a low total for this game, but that does not discourage me from betting the under. Note that the Nuggets are 6-1-1 to the under in games with a total of 210 points or less this season while the Thunder are 3-0 to the under in such games. Denver has held its last two opponents to fewer than 100 points and OKC took a 94-93 loss to Sacramento last time out to make the under 6-1 in their last seven games overall. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S ARMY VS. NAVY BEST BET

Army has won three straight meetings with Navy, and even though the Midshipmen are expected to put an end to that losing streak this year I think they'll struggle to get separation from their opponent. Neither team is really trying to move the ball through the air, but particularly Navy is likely to end up one-dimensional with Army's defense 18th in the nation against the pass. 

Additionally, six of Army's seven losses this season came by single digits and we can also note that while Navy has a Bowl game on Dec. 31 to look forward to, this is Army's season finale so it will hold nothing back. 

10* play on Army. 

DELAWARE VS. VILLANOVA BANKROLL BUILDER

The Villanova Wildcats have had a week off since defeating rival Saint Joseph's by 12 points last Saturday. I think they'll be looking to hit the ground running again here when taking on the Delaware Blue Hens in the Never Forget Tribute Classic Saturday afternoon. 

Delaware had won their first nine games before come up short in a 66-56 loss at George Washington last weekend, but this will be the first time in almost a month it'll enter a game as an underdog. The Blue Hens have played an easy schedule and might not be ready for the intensity and quality Nova will bring into this contest. 

8* play on Villanova Wildcats. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED SIDE

This looks like an emotional letdown spot for the Chicago Bulls after snapping a three-game skid with a dominant 136-102 win over Atlanta last time out. 

Tonight they'll face a Charlotte Hornets side that is consistently undervalued against teams in the lower end of the standings, going 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. 

The 9-17 Bulls fit the bill, and we can also note that Chicago is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

10* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, but I think the total is set too high for this matchup with the Detroit Pistons. 

Detroit is one of the slower teams in the league and it has played solid defense lately, holding four of its last five opponents to 103 points or fewer. Dallas saw a five-game winning streak come to an end with a 110-106 loss to Sacramento on Sunday. The Mavs have also played decent defense lately and their fresh legs should make it difficult for Detroit to get good looks.

The under is 4-1 in Mavericks last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 4-1 in Pistons last 5 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Blackhawks in a shootout at Chicago on December 8, but I like the price we get on the Hawks to execute revenge tonight. While the Yotes are one of the strongest road teams in the league, they're just 7-7-1 in their own building and the Blackhawks are 10-3 in the last 13 meetings in Arizona.

8* play on Chicago Blackhawks. 

THURSDAY NIGHT JETS @ RAVENS *TOP PLAY*

This should be a game the Baltimore Ravens will be looking to win with as little effort as possible. Star QB Lamar Jackson is dinged up, and even though he's expected to play Jackson could be heading to the bench once/if the Ravens build up a comfortable lead. After that, they can lean on their defense to get the job done. 

The NY Jets do not have the players to challenge elite defenses and should find it difficult to move the ball against this vaunted Baltimore defense that has allowed an average of 12 ppg through its last five contests. 

Under is 9-4 in Jets last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 5-1 in Ravens last 6 games as a home favorite.

10* play on UNDER. 

IOWA @ IOWA STATE CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Iowa State Cyclones are coming off an impressive 76-66 win as a 3-point favorite against Seton Hall to improve to 5-1 ATS in their last 6 as a favorite. They get a chance to improve on those numbers here against an Iowa team that won last time out but is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games following a straight up win. Additionally, we can note that the Hawkeyes are just 5-17-1 ATS on the road since the start of the 2017 season and considering how well Iowa State has been shooting the ball this season (82.0 ppg, 26th), I don't see how the visitors will be able to keep this close. 

8* play on Iowa State. 

NBA 3-PACK

The struggling NY Knicks have lost 10 straight after taking a 115-87 beating at Portland last night. Under is 10-1 in the Knicks last 11 games playing on no rest and 7-2 in Knicks last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. That applies to the 5-20 Golden State Warriors who have averaged just 93.6 ppg over their last five games. 

The Knicks have the worst offensive efficiency rating in the NBA and the Warriors are only marginally better. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED TOTAL FOR DECEMBER

The Missouri State Bears are coming off an 86-62 win over Mississippi Valley State and three of their last four games have gone over the total. They struggled to defend the perimeter last time out though as their opponent was allowed to go 8-of-17 (47%) from behind the arc. Here they'll face an Arkansas State side that shot 43% from deep last time out and is shooting a respectable 37.1 percent from 3-point land on the season. Additionally, the Red Wolves have scored 70+ points in five of their last seven games. 

10* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED NBA TOTAL

The Orlando Magic rank near the bottom of the league for offensive efficiency while only three teams have a better defensive efficiency rating than the LA Lakers who are 8-2 to the under in their last 10 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. The under is 8-1 in Magic last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record and they've averaged below 100 points through their last two games. 

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

Both the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics are among the most solid teams in the NBA on the defensive end of the court and both sides have a pace factor in the bottom 10 of the league. 

The under is 9-3 in the Celtics last 12 overall and 16-5 in their last 21 games as an underdog. Under is 4-0 in the Pacers last 4 overall and 8-2 in their last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points, a situation that fits here as they're coming off a 110-99 loss to the LA Clippers. 

The Celtics have limited three straight opponents to fewer than 95 points. 

8* play on UNDER. 

RANGERS @ KINGS NHL NO BRAINER

The LA Kings have just 11 wins on the season, but nine of those have been recorded home at Staples Center and they're 6-2-1 in the last nine in their own building.

Here they'll face a New York Rangers team in a potential flat spot after winning three straight away from home. The Kings, on the other hand, will have plenty of motivation as they seek to put an end to a season-high-tying four-game slide. They took a 4-3 loss to the Flames last time out but I expect LA to bounce back in this one.

8* play on LA Kings. 

LATE NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

The Vancouver Canucks have owned the Leafs home at Rogers Arena in recent seasons, winning 10 of the last 11 matchups. They've won three of their last four overall and enter this game off back-to-back home wins. Toronto, on the other hand, is in a slightly tougher spot as this will be the second contest of a four-game road trip. 

Toronto has a losing road record on the season and special teams could play a big role here with the Nucks leading the NHL in power-play goals while Toronto is one of the worst in the league when short-handed. 

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

KNICKS @ BLAZERS NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The New York Knicks have the worst offensive efficiency rating in the NBA and only two teams have a lower pace factor. They've not scored more than 104 points through a nine-game skid and the under is 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Here they'll face the 9-15 Portland Trail Blazers who are having a tough season and shot just 36 percent from the field and 9-of-33 (27%) from 3-point range in a 108-96 loss to OKC last time out.  

10* play on UNDER. 

JIMMY V CLASSIC NCAAB BANKROLL BUILDER

The top-ranked Louisville Cardinals are a perfect 9-0 SU on the season, but just 5-4 ATS despite winning eight of their games by double-digits. I think they're asked to cover too many points here against last year's finalist in the NCAA title game, the now unranked Texas Red Raiders.

The Red Raiders are coming into this first round of the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on a three-game losing streak (all as favorites), but that does not seem to worry coach Chris Beard all that much. "We've been in three close one-possession games where a basket or a stop there and our record and our mood feels a lot different ... To me, you stay the course. We could be sitting here with an 8-0 record instead of three losses but we're still the same team. The idea is to get better each game and I think we are doing that."

Louisville's stifling defense has held opponents to 57.6 ppg but might find it tough to contain a Texas Tech team that has averaged 79.0 ppg. 

8* play on Texas Tech Red Raiders.

GIANTS @ EAGLES MONDAY NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The New York Giants have dropped eight straight since their 2-2 start to the season. They've put up a total of just 27 points through their last two games and scored just 13 against Green Bay's porous defense last time out. 

As for the Philadelphia Eagles, they're losers of three straight and had scored just 19 points through the first two prior to a particularly embarrassing 37-31 loss at Miami last time out. I expect the Eagles' defense to bounce back in a big way, and it should not have much to fear from a Giants' team that will have a rusty Eli Manning under center for the first time since Week 2 as rookie Daniel Jones is out with an ankle sprain. 

Moving the ball on the ground won't be easy against the Eagles' elite run defense, and I don't see the Giants putting many points on the board. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT RAPTORS @ BULLS TOTAL

Both the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls will be playing on no rest. I think both teams will suffer from heavy legs and struggle to stop the other side on the break leading to a relatively high-scoring affair. 

Additionally, the Raptors are coming off three consecutive defeats and the over is 7-2-1 in Raptors last 10 games following a straight up loss while it's 14-4 in Bulls last 18 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings at United Center and I particularly like the Raptors to run up the score as they'll be desperate to put an end to their losing streak. 

8* play on OVER.

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY 

Both the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls will be playing on no rest. I think both teams will suffer from heavy legs and struggle to stop the other side on the break leading to a relatively high-scoring affair. 

Additionally, the Raptors are coming off three consecutive defeats and the over is 7-2-1 in Raptors last 10 games following a straight up loss while it's 14-4 in Bulls last 18 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings at United Center and I particularly like the Raptors to run up the score as they'll be desperate to put an end to their losing streak. 

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

SUNDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Chicago Bulls have one of the worst offensive efficiency ratings in the league while only a handful of teams are more efficient than the Miami Heat on defense. Additionally, neither of these two teams are playing at a particularly high tempo and the Bulls are 5-1 to the under in their last 6 while the under is 14-5 in the Heat's last 19 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Additionally, note that the under is 14-6 in the last 20 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

STEELERS @ CARDINALS BANKROLL BULDER

This looks like a potential flat spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers who are coming off a satisfying revenge win over Cleveland. What Mike Tomlin has been able to accomplish with this banged up Steelers team is extremely impressive, but one must wonder if they're not about to run out of gas. 

Here they'll face a hungry Arizona Cardinals team that has lost five straight and coming off arguably its worst game of the season. I think the Cards will be ready for this one to avoid getting embarassed in front of the home town crowd. 

Additionally, we can note that the Steelers are 5-11 ATS as a favorite dating back to the start of last season, 1-3 ATS this campaign. Arizona on the other hand is 8-3 ATS as a dog this season. 

8* play on Arizona Cardinals. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NFL): MIKE'S BEST NFL TOTAL FOR 2018/19 REG SEASON!

The LA Chargers are 8-4 to the under this season. Last week's matchup at Denver saw 43 points scored between the two teams with a closing total of 39, but I'm extremely confident the total is set too high when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon. 

Points have been hard to come by for Jacksonville all season, but recent weeks have been particularly poor with an average of just 11.8 ppg through a four-game skid. Gardner Minshew will be back at the helm following a disastrous Nick Foles comeback, but I don't see him moving the ball freely against this competent Chargers defense that tranks 4th in the NFL against the pass with fewer than 200 passing yards allowed per game. 

Additionally, note that the Chargers are one of the slowest teams in the NFL taking almost 29 seconds between plays and the Jags are unlikely to push the tempo as a home dog. 

Under is 20-5-1 in Chargers last 26 games in December. Under is 9-2 in Jaguars last 11 home games.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 14 SIDE

The San Francisco 49ers dropped a 20-17 decision at Baltimore last week. They've played a tough schedule in recent weeks and are just 2-2 SU over their last four games. 

I think they're in for another loss here against a New Orleans Saints team that has averaged over 30 ppg through a three-game winning streak since putting up just nine points in a shocking double-digit home loss to Atlanta. 

We can also note that the Saints will have a decent rest advantage after coasting to a 26-17 win over Atlanta on Thanksgiving Thursday last time out while the Niners spent a lot of energy battling Baltimore on Sunday. 

The Saints clinched a playoff spot last week, but I think they'll keep pushing the pedal to the metal to give themselves a chance to earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, which could be huge considering the Saints advantage in the Superdome. 

10* play on New Orleans Saints. 

BRONCOS @ TEXANS ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Denver Broncos are nowhere near the playoff picture, but they've never stopped battling and defeated the Chargers straight up as an underdog last week. They've covered the spread in four of their last five and five of their last seven, and here they'll face a Houston team in a potential flat spot following a marquee win over the New England Patriots Sunday night. 

Houston is 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine as favorites and I think Denver will keep this a lot closer than the point spread would suggest. 

8* play on Denver Broncos.