COLTS @ BUCS NFL NO BRAINER

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won three of four following a 2-6 start. Most recently they put a 28-11 beating on Jacksonville, and I think they'll get the job done again here against a reeling Indianapolis Colts team. 

Losers of four of their last five, the Colts have little to no momentum and QB Jacoby Brissett is struggling with most of his weapons sidelined by injuries as the team finished last week's 31-17 loss to Tennessee with only three healthy receivers.

Running the ball won't be easy against the Bucs who ranks No. 2 in the NFL for rushing yards allowed per game.

On the flip side, while Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston can be a turnover machine at times, he still has a great arm and only three teams in the league are averaging more passing yards per game than TB. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND TOTAL

The Clemson Tigers will do battle with the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2019 ACC Championship Game Saturday night, but looking at the points spread it's not supposed to be much of a contest. 

The Tigers are favored by four touchdowns, and while scores should come easy for this very talented Clemson team, I like the Cavs to put their fair share of points on the board as well. 

This is the fifth game of the season as a dog for Virginia with three of the previous four going over the total. It's last time out as an underdog it put up 39 points in a straight up win over Virginia Tech as senior quarterback Bryce Perkins had another big game with 475 yards total offense and three scores. 

Clemson has limited its last two opponents to three points each, but Virginia has more offensive firepower than Wake Forest and South Carolina.

10* play on OVER. 

CINCINNATI @ XAVIER CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Cincinnati Bearcats are coming off an 82-73 win over Vermont. They had played three straight overtime games prior to that one and I expect this Crosstown Shootout rivalry game with the Xavier Musketeers to go down to the wire as well. Cincinnati played Ohio State relatively close earlier in the season and Xavier has a tendency to play down to the competition. It has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games and it is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 home games. 

8* play on Cincinnati Bearcats. 

TOP RATED SATURDAY NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Mavericks own the best offensive efficiency rating in the NBA while the New Orleans Pelicans have one of the worst defensive efficiency scores. The Mavs are 14-7 to the over overall on the season and the over/under is 7-2 in Mavericks last 9 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. The Pels enter this game on a seven-game losing streak during which they've allowed boatloads of points. Last time out, they took a 139-132 OT loss to Phoenix and the over is 15-7 in Pelicans last 22 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND SIDE

The Oklahoma Sooners failed to cover the spread in a 34-31 win over Baylor on November 16, but it was all due to their own doing as they allowed Baylor to jump out to a 31-10  lead at halftime. 

OU showed its class following the intermission as it cranked up the intensity on both sides of the football to outscore the Bears 24-0, and I think they learned their lesson and will be on their toes from the get-go in this one. 

In their final tune-up for the Big 12 Championship Game the Sooners defeated Oklahoma State 34-16, and while Baylor has had a terrific season I don't think this game will be even close. 

10* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

SUPER EARLY SATURDAY "MACTION" TITLE GAME

I like the Miami-OH Redhawks to keep it reasonably close here in the MAC Championship Game against the Central Michigan Chippewas.

Miami-OH is not popular among bettors after giving up a 27-14 lead to lose 41-27 against Ball State in the regular season finale. It already had its spot here in the MAC title game locked up though, and recent results are why we're getting a couple of points too much on the Redhawks here, particularly with Central Michigan coming off a 49-7 rout of Toledo. 

While Miami's offensive numbers are not all that impressive, note that quarterback Brett Gabbert was named MAC Freshman of the Year this week and Miami's defense ranks 36th in the nation against the pass.

8* play on Miami-OH Redhawks. 

WARRIORS @ BULLS HARDWOOD HAMMER

This looks like a tough spot for the Golden State Warriors who have averaged just 92.8 points per game through four straight road losses (1-3 ATS). They'll close out the five-game road swing at Chicago, facing a Bulls team that has managed to put things together lately, covering the spread in three straight games and winning the last two outright. 

Additionally, note that this is a revenge game for Chicago after dropping a 104-90 decision in Oakland back at the end of November. 

Warriors are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Bulls are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.

8* play on Chicago Bulls. 

TOP RATED COWBOYS @ BEARS THURSDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Dallas Cowboys took a 26-15 loss to Buffalo last week and their sputtering offense has scored a total of just 24 points over the last two games. Dallas still owns the top ranked offense at 432.8 yards per game, but moving the ball against a Chicago Bears team that ranks near the top of the league for most defensive categories and has allowed an average of just 17.3 ppg on the season won't be easy. As for the Bears offense, they scare no one with only Washington, the NY Jets and Miami averaging fewer total yards of offense per game. 

The cold Chicago weather won't do either team's offense any favors either, and we can note that under is 13-3 in Cowboys last 16 games in December and 4-0 in Bears last 4 games in December. Additionally, the under is 5-0 in Bears last 5 games as an underdog.

10* play on UNDER. 

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

The Phoenix Suns will be playing on no rest following a 128-114 loss at Orlando Wednesday night. The Suns are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 in the second game of a back-to-back and I expect them to have enough gas left in the tank to take care of the New Orleans Pelicans who have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six overall.

The Suns might have a losing record (9-11), but they have a positive point differential which suggests that better things are to come.  This is just a bad matchup for the Pels who have one of the worst defensive efficiency ratings in the league while only four teams score more points per 100 possessions than Phoenix. 

Additionally, note that the Pelicans are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite.

10* play on Phoenix Suns. 

TOP RATED THURSDAY NIGHT NHL PUCKLINE PUNISHER

The Minnesota Wild are undefeated in regulation through their last 10 games, winning seven of those contests. I think they're way undervalued here, facing a Tampa Bay Lightning team that is 1-2-1 through its last four, with the lone win in OT at Nashville on Tuesday. 

Minnesota has won four of its last six games as road dogs while Tampa Bay has lost back-to-back games as home favorites. Additionally, note that the underdog is 4-1 in the last 5 head-to-head meetings between the two clubs. 

While Minnesota on the moneyline is also worth a shot, I think the puckline play should be a sure winner. 

10* play on Minnesota Wild +1.5. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): TOP RATED 10* WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Dallas Mavericks have won three on the bounce and eight of their last nine following a 118-97 win over New Orleans Tuesday night. They're a home favorite here against Minnesota but might find themselves in a tough spot with heavy legs. 

They'll face a Timberwolves team that has the fourth-highest pace factor in the league and will be playing on two days rest, so the visitors will surely make the Mavs run up and down the court. 

Scoring points is never an issue for the Mavericks who enter Wednesday with the highest offensive efficiency rating in the NBA, but playing on no rest might very well show on the defensive end. 

10* play on OVER. 

NOTRE DAME @ MARYLAND BANKROLL BUILDER

The Maryland Terrapins are a perfect 8-0 SU on the season after routing Marquette 84-63 in the final of the Orlando Invitational last time out.

That sets up a potential hangover spot here against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who have won six on the bounce after opening the season with a loss at North Carolina. While the Irish came up short against the Tar Heels, they held them to 75 points and are allowing just 61.1 ppg on the season.

I think Notre Dame will come into this one well prepared as they've had plenty of time off since they last played and Maryland's motivation for this contest is questionable. 

8* play on Notre Dame. 

TOP RATED LAKERS @ NUGGETS BEST BET

The LA Lakers had won 10 on the bounce prior to a 114-100 loss to Dallas last time out. Under is 5-0 in Lakers last 5 overall and 29-14 in their last 43 games following a straight up loss. Here they'll face a Denver team that played a sub-200 point game at Sacramento on Saturday despite going to overtime.

Denver has the 2nd best defensive efficiency rating in the NBA this season with 99.9 points allowed per 100 possessions while the Lakers are 4th with 100.3 points allowed per 100 possessions. Additionally, neither team is likely to push the tempo, especially with Denver rated the 4th slowest team in the league on the season. 

Under is 22-8 in Nuggets last 30 home games and 20-8-1 in their last 29 games playing on two days rest.

10* play on UNDER. 

MAVS @ PELICANS SIDE *TOP PLAY*

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the hottest teams in the league, and they defeated the Lakers in LA last time out to improve to 7-2 SU and ATS on the road. Here they'll face a New Orleans Pelicans team that has fewer wins overall than Dallas has away from home, and it has covered the spread in only one of its last five games. I recognize that this is a potential flat spot for the Mavs after taking down the Lakers, but the Pels will have to play out of their mind to keep this close, which will be tough with no momentum and a banged up roster. 

Road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

TOP RATED MICHIGAN @ LOUISVILLE CBB PLAY OF THE DAY

The No. 5 Michigan Wolverines and the top-ranked Louisville Cardinals will put undefeated 7-0 records on the line at KFC Yum! Center Tuesday night. The Cardinals are a home favorite, but while they're 5-0 SU at home they're just 1-4 against the spread. The Michigan Wolverines are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last four games with impressive underdog wins against North Carolina and Gonzaga to claim the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Louisville has been favored by double-digits in all games since opening the season as a 6.5-point fav at Miami. I'm not sure it is prepared for the fight Michigan will bring into this game. 

10* play on Michigan. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *$20 SPECIAL*

No team was better than the Philadelphia Flyers in November and they have only one regulation loss home at Wells Fargo Center on the season. 

The visiting Toronto Maple Leafs have won four of five since replacing coach Mike Babcock with Sheldon Keefe, but they closed most games as rather sizable favorites and in two of those games, backers were asked to lay -240 or more. 

I think the red hot Flyers and the home town crowd will be too much for the visitors to deal with.

8* play on Philadelphia Flyers.  

CLEMSON @ MINNESOTA CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3-1 SU and ATS home at Williams Arena after taking a loss as a 3.5-point favorite against DePaul last time out. Here they'll host a Clemson team that will play its first true road game of the season. The Tigers have covered the spread in six straight games but might find it tough to shake off a tough 73-69 overtime loss to No. 1 Colorado on Tuesday. 

Minnesota is just 3-4 on the season, but it has played several strong teams and has come through and won most games it was supposed to win. While Clemson has better stats across the board, that is without taking the strength of schedule into account and I expect the Gophers to get it done in their own building. 

8* play on Minnesota Golden Gophers. 

TOP RATED 10* VIKINGS @ SEAHAWKS MNF BOOKIE BREAKER

The Seattle Seahawks enter this Monday Night Football contest with the Minnesota Vikings with a 9-2 record. Most of their games have been one-score affairs though, and while Minnesota has a tendency to come out flat in primetime games I still like the visitors to keep it close and cover the spread in this one. 

Minnesota will be well fresh and well-rested coming off its bye while the Seahawks might be bruised up following a physical matchup with Denver. Seattle's defense ranks 29th in the league against the pass, and Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins and receiver Stefon Diggs are clicking and synced up. Add running back Dalvin Cook to the mix and you have one of the most interesting offensive units in the league at the moment, even without injured star receiver Adam Thielen. 

Seahawks are 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on Minnesota Vikings. 

WARRIORS @ HAWKS TOP RATED NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

These are two of the worst teams in the league on the defensive side of the ball with the Golden State Warriors giving up 116 ppg and the Atlanta Hawks 119 ppg. 

Additionally, both sides have a pace factor that ranks in the top half of the league with the Hawks tied for 8th averaging 15.4 possessions per game. 

Last time out the Hawks surrendered 158 points at Houston and they're 11-2 to the over in their last 13 games. The Warriors took a loss in a low-scoring game at Orlando on Sunday, but the over is 6-1 in their last seven in the second game of a back-to-back situation.

While both sides can be inconsistent when on the ball, I think their issues of getting stops are even bigger.

10* play on OVER. 

PATS @ TEXANS SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 

The Houston Texans have won three of their last four following a 20-17 win over Indianapolis last week. The lone loss during that four-game stretch was of the blowout variety at Baltimore, and I think they'll find it hard to keep it close here when hosting another of the true elite teams in the NFL Sunday afternoon. 

The New England Patriots have just one loss on the season (to Baltimore) and they're 7-4 ATS, despite often asked to cover inflated numbers. They came up just short of covering the point spread in a 13-9 win over Dallas last week but are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games in December.

The Texans on the other hand are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games in December and 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. 

The Pats have a chance to wrap up a playoff spot with a win here, and you better believe Bill Belichick would prefer to clinch it ASAP. 

8* play on New England Patriots. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Houston Texans have won three of their last four following a 20-17 win over Indianapolis last week. The lone loss during that four-game stretch was of the blowout variety at Baltimore, and I think they'll find it hard to keep it close here when hosting another of the true elite teams in the NFL Sunday afternoon. 

The New England Patriots have just one loss on the season (to Baltimore) and they're 7-4 ATS, despite often asked to cover inflated numbers. They came up just short of covering the point spread in a 13-9 win over Dallas last week but are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games in December.

The Texans on the other hand are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games in December and 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. 

The Pats have a chance to wrap up a playoff spot with a win here, and you better believe Bill Belichick would prefer to clinch it ASAP. 

Additionally, I like the trends supporting a relatively low-scoring game:

Under is 10-2 in Patriots last 12 games in December. Under is 25-10 in Patriots last 35 road games. Under is 8-1 in Texans last 9 home games. Under is 8-3 in Texans last 11 games in December.

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The New Orleans Pelicans are tied for the fourth highest pace factor in the NBA this season and they're tied for 24th in defensive efficiency. They've allowed 121+ ppg through a four-game losing streak. As for the OKC Thunder, they tend to play high-scoring games against poor teams with the over 7-2 in their last 9 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Additionally, the over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings at Smoothie King Center.

8* play on OVER. 

RAMS @ CARDINALS NFL NO BRAINER

The Arizona Cardinals have dropped four straight games, but it's a team that is battling and keeping it close more often than not. They'll have a big rest advantage here coming off their bye week while the LA Rams took a 45-6 beating by Baltimore Monday night. 

The Rams have found it incredibly hard to shake off their Super Bowl appearance hangover and Jared Goff had an absolutely terrible month of November with 0 TDs vs. 5 INTs. 

As for Arizona QB Kyler Murray, the rookie has a 10-1 TD/INT ratio since Week 5 and the Cardinals are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games. 

8* play on Arizona Cardinals. 

NBA 3-PACK

The LA Lakers have one of the best defensive efficiency ratings in the league, but they'll have their work cut out for them here against a Dallas Mavericks side that has the very highest offensive effiency rating with 113.7 points per 100 possessions. The Mavs have averaged 120.9 ppg through their eight road games on the season with seven of those contests going over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzlies rank bottom 10 in the NBA for defensive efficiency and they have the 6th highest pace factor. The Minnesota Timberwolves are tied for the fourth-highest pace factor in the league and have averaged 119 ppg over their last two games. Over is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 11-4 in Timberwolves last 15 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. 

The over is 8-4 in Minnesota games with a total over 225 points this season. 

8* play on OVER. 

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

The Green Bay Packers took a humbling 37-8 beating by San Francisco last week.

Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers threw for just 104 yards on 20-of-33 passing but should have much more success against a Giants side that ranks near the bottom of the league for passing yards allowed per game and allowed a mediocre quarterback like Mitch Trubisky to put up 278 passing yards last week. 

The Giants have dropped seven straight and have little incentive to win games. Quite the opposite is true for the Packers who are tied with Minnesota for the lead in the NFC North. 

Packers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight-up loss. Giants are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 home games and 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

10* play on Green Bay Packers. 

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

I expect points to come relatively easy for both teams when the 6-5 Indianapolis Colts host the 6-5 Tennessee Titans Sunday afternoon. 

Tennessee has scored a total of 77 points in its last two games and QB Ryan Tannehill has a 10-4 TD/INT ratio since taking over from Marcus Mariota. The Titans churned out 219 rushing yards with four scores on the ground against Jacksonville last time out, and here they'll face a Colts D that has allowed 144.2 rushing yards per game on the season. 

As for the Titans D, it has allowed 52 points in the last two games and the Colts will be desperate for a win after losing three of their last four. 

Over is 5-0 in Titans last 5 games overall.

10* play on OVER. 

NINERS @ RAVENS BATTLE OF THE BEASTS

The 9-2 Baltimore Ravens have outscored opponents 202-62 over their last five games, that's an average winning margin of four touchdowns! The numbers are even more impressive when you consider that they've faced Seattle, New England, Houston and LA Rams during that stretch. 

Here they'll face a San Francisco 49ers team that has lost just one game (an OT loss against Seattle), but I think this is a bad matchup for the Niners.

Baltimore has the best rushing offense in the league (averaging 65 yards more than 2nd placed 49ers), and if this San Francisco D has a weakness it's stopping the run. The Niners rank 25th in the NFL for opponent yards per rush attempt and 19th for rushing yards allowed per game. 

Baltimore is clicking on both sides of the ball, and I think the home team will win this by a touchdown+. 

8* play on Baltimore Ravens. 

ARMY @ HAWAII LATE NIGHT NCAAF NO BRAINER

This looks like a potential flat spot for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors who secured their place in the Mountain West Championship Game with a hard-fought win over San Diego State last week. They'll have no additional time to prepare for the MWC Championship Game while the Army Black Knights will have a week off before taking on Navy on December 14, and the Knights are well aware they need to win out to become bowl eligible. 

I think Army will grind down Hawaii with its physical defense and triple-option offense which should have good success against a Rainbow Warriors side that has allowed 31.8 ppg and 422.3 ypg.

8* play on Army. 

BAMA @ AUBURN SEC BOOKIE BREAKER *TOP PLAY*

This Iron Bowl matchup means a ton for No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide who are trying to make a push for the College Football Playoffs. A loss to LSU has made it impossible for the Tide to reach the SEC Championship Game, so this is their last chance to impress the committee. 

Alabama is without QB Tua Tagovailo, but the backup, sophomore Mac Jones, has done a good enough job and the Tide can also roll on the ground. 

As for the No. 16 Auburn Tigers, they're just 2-3 against ranked teams on the season as quarterback Bo Nix has struggled to move the ball against elite teams. They have played an extremely tough schedule this season and took a 21-14 loss to Georgia on Nov 16, and one must wonder how much gas is left in the tank at this point. 

10* play on Alabama Crimson Tide. 

MIAMI-FL VS. DUKE

The Miami-Fl Hurricanes have been plagued by inconsistency all season. They had won three on the bounce, twice as underdogs, prior to an ugly 30-24 loss as a three-touchdown favorite at crosstown-rival Florida International, and I like the Canes to rebound in a big way here.

The Duke Blue Devils are 0-5 SU and ATS in their last five games, and even lost 49-6 as a 9-point favorite over Syracuse on Nov 16. The team has clearly given up a long time ago, and playing in front of the home crowd has not made much of a difference so far so I doubt they'll show up for this one. 

Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight-up loss. Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

8* play on Miami-FL. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED REG SEASON TOTAL

I'm confident we'll see this early Saturday afternoon matchup between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini stay under the total. 

Illinois has had a solid season by its standards, despite dropping a 19-10 decision at Iowa last week. Limiting Iowa to fewer than 20 points is quite impressive, and the Fighting Illini have played solid defense in recent weeks resulting in four of its last five going under the total. 

As for Northwestern, It has struggled to put points on the board all season and has averaged just 8.8 points scored away from home. That being said, the Wildcats have also allowed only 22.0 ppg on the road and the under is 4-0 in Wildcats four road games on the season. ´

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP RATED PREMIER LEAGUE SIDE

Tottenham have played very well under José Mourinho as a manager. First they put a beating on West Ham last week before turning a 2-0 deficit to a 4-2 win against Olympiakos in the Champions League midweek.

Here they'll face a Bournemouth team off back-to-back losses to Newcastle and Wolves, and they have just seven points in six road games on the season.

Spurs have a solid 11-5 goal differential in their six home games, and I expect them to keep pushing the pedal to the metal to build on the current momentum.

10* play on Tottenham. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA): MIKE'S TOP RATED FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Portland Trail Blazers have answered a four-game skid with back-to-back triumphs through which they've averaged 126.5 ppg. and the first of those two wins was a 117-94 win at Chicago on Nov 25. I think we'll see more points on the board for both teams here in the rematch on Black Friday. 

The Bulls may be one of the worst teams in the NBA for several offensive categories, but points should come fairly easy against a Portland side that ranks in the bottom 10 for defensive efficiency. Additionally, Portland has a top 10 pace factor and I think the home team will push the tempo and that the visitors will be more or less forced to oblige. 

Over is 9-2-1 in Trail Blazers last 12 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 Friday games. Over is 6-2 in Bulls last 8 Friday games.

10* play on OVER. 

IOWA VS. SAN DIEGO STATE LAS VEGAS INVITATIONAL BOOKIE BLASTER

The San Diego State Aztecs were dominant in their 83-52 semi-finals win over Creighton. They were 11-of-18 (61%) from 3-point range and won the battle of the boards 35-20. Here they'll face an Iowa team who might find it hard to recharge the batteries after an upset win over no. 12 TTU.  

I'm counting on San Diego State to claim the Las Vegas Invitational championship. 

8* play on San Diego State. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE *TOP PLAY*

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a slow start to the year, but they have won six of their last nine and had picked up three straight wins prior to a 4-3 loss to St. Louis last time out. They're just 4-7 against teams with winning records on the season though, and this is not an ideal spot playing on the road following three home games, a situation they're 0-2 in on the season. 

The Washington Capitals managed to defeat Florida 4-3 last time out despite getting outshot 40-20. They're 9-4 after scoring four goals or more in their previous game and I think we're getting a great price on the home favorite.

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

TEMPLE VS. TEXAS A&M ORLANDO INVITATIONAL BANKROLL BUILDER

The Temple Owls were undefeated heading into Friday's matchup of the Orlando Invitational. Now they'll need to refocus in order to bounce back from a loss for the first time this season following a seven-point loss to no. 8 Maryland. 

The Owls still covered the spread for a second straight game, and here they'll face a Texas A&M team that is 0-5 ATS on the season. The Aggies are 3-2 SU, but they have a negative average point differential and have scored only 59.2 ppg. Temple is averaging a healthy 70.8 ppg and should have too much firepower for Texas A&M to keep up with. 

Additionally, Texas A&M is shorthanded so playing on back-to-back days will be particularly tough for the Aggies. 

8* play on Temple Owls. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NCAAF): MIKE'S EARLY TEXAS TECH @ TEXAS FRIDAY *TOP PLAY*

I think the bookmakers have made the No. 19 Texas Longhorns too big of a favorite here against the Texas Tech Red Raiders Saturday afternoon. 

Texas has been a major disappointment and it has dropped three of its last four games. Last time out it took a two-touchdown loss at Baylor and it has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games. 

To be fair, the Red Raiders have not been any better with just one win in their last six games, but they're on the other hand also spotted a handful of points. They've kept it close in those losses with all five by 10 points or fewer and four of them by a field goal or less. 

Road team is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

10* play on Texas Tech. 

CBB LAS VEGAS INVITATIONAL MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

Write up posted shortly. 

8* play on San Diego State. 

NC STATE VS. MEMPHIS BARCLAYS CENTER CLASSIC BOOKIE BLASTER

Both the NC State Wolfpack and the Memphis Tigers enter this contest 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS. I like the Wolfpack to come through with a win here in the Barclays Center Classic Thursday afternoon. 

NC State opened the season with an OT loss to Georgia Tech but is undefeated since, including a dominant 74-58 win over Little Rock last time out. It has held three straight opponents to 64 points or fewer. Memphis gave up 86 points to Ole Miss last time out and has failed to cover the spread in back-to-back games.

Additionally, the Tigers will have to do without their leading scorer and All-American candidate James Wiseman who is suspended. 

8* play on NC State. 

EARLY TURKEY DAY BEARS @ LIONS BOOKIE BLASTER

The 3-7-1 Detroit Lions' have lost four straight games and even the lowly Washington Redskins defeated them last week. Backup QB Jeff Driskel was sacked six times and threw three interceptions but is expected to get the nod again as there's no reason to risk further damage to the banged up Matthew Stafford. Additionally, running back Kerryon Johnson is placed on injured reserve after having a procedure done on his right knee Tuesday morning. 

The 5-6 Chicago Bears' chances of making the playoffs are slim to none, but they've won two of their last three, including a 20-13 home win over Detroit on November 10. Their defense has stepped it up a notch again in recent weeks and should have no trouble to shut down this toothless Lions side. 

The Bears are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 vs. NFC North rivals and 11-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. The Lions are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC North teams and 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in November.

8* play on Chicago Bears. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL *TOP PLAY*

The Golden State Warriors are having an absolutely abysmal year. Injuries have not helped matters and there's a clear lack of healthy shooting talent on the roster right now. 

The Warriors shot just 41.6 percent from the field in a 100-97 loss to the OKC Thunder Monday night and they're 5-2 to the under over their last seven games. As for the Chicago Bulls, they were held to 41.9 percent shooting in a 117-94 loss to Portland last time out. On the season, Chicago ranks 27th for offensive efficiency and Golden State 24th. 

Under is 13-3 in Bulls last 16 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Under is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The New York Knicks have the second worst offensive efficiency in the NBA and only Orlando has a slower pace factor. They're 12-5 to the under on the season and here they'll face one of the best defensive teams in the league. The Toronto Raptors are coming off an impressive 101-96 win over Philly, and this looks like another game where they'll slow down the tempo and grind down their opponent. 

Under is 9-2-1 in Knicks last 12 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

8* play on UNDER. 

FLAMES @ SABRES MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Calgary Flames have just one win in their last eight games overall. They've been outscored 28-9 during that stretch and been shut out three times, and additionally they're a miserable 5-9-2 on the road this season. Here they'll face a Buffalo team that has been only marginally better in recent games, but at least the Sabres have a winning record in their own building. 

Sabres are 5-2 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Flames are 1-5 in their last 6 road games.

8* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Detroit Pistons are 4-1 to the under over their last five games. They've been limited to 90 points or fewer in two of those contests and held Orlando to 88 points in 103-88 triumph Monday night. As for the Charlotte Hornets, they've surrendered plenty of points through a five-game skid but should not be too worried about the Pistons, one of the slowest teams in the NBA, to run up the score. 

Under is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

NORTH CAROLINA VS. ALABAMA BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS BOOKIE BREAKER

The Alabama Crimson Tide look like a solid underdog as they take on the No. 4 North Carolina Tar Heels in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament on Wednesday. 

North Carolina is a perfect 4-0 on the season, but only 1-3 ATS and it had to battle back from a first-half deficit to beat Elon last time out. 

This might very well be another game where the Tar Heels just does enough to get the W and if the Tide can only take better care of the ball than they have in their first four games they'll keep this very close. 

8* play on Alabama. 

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

Two of the hottest teams in the Association will battle it out Tuesday night as the Dallas Mavericks host the LA Clippers. 

Dallas has won five straight SU and ATS and it has scored 137+ points in each of its last three games, including an impressive 137-123 triumph at Houston last time out. The Clippers have also won their last five straight up but had failed to cover the spread in three straight prior to a 134-109 beatdown of New Orleans last time out. I think this game will mean a lot more for the Mavs who will be looking forward to this opportunity to take down an elite team in front of the home town crowd. 

The Clippers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and despite their 12-5 overall record, they're just 1-4 SU and ATS on the road this season. The Mavs are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and they've covered the spread on four straight occasions when hosting the Clippers. 

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Two of the hottest teams in the Association will battle it out Tuesday night as the Dallas Mavericks host the LA Clippers. 

Dallas has won five straight SU and ATS and it has scored 137+ points in each of its last three games, including an impressive 137-123 triumph at Houston last time out. The Clippers have also won their last five straight up but had failed to cover the spread in three straight prior to a 134-109 beatdown of New Orleans last time out. I think this game will mean a lot more for the Mavs who will be looking forward to this opportunity to take down an elite team in front of the home town crowd. 

The Clippers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and despite their 12-5 overall record, they're just 1-4 SU and ATS on the road this season. The Mavs are 35-16 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600 and they've covered the spread on four straight occasions when hosting the Clippers. 

I also expect both teams to put up plenty of points to push the final score over the posted total. 

8* play on OVER. 

BRUINS @ HABS TUESDAY NIGHT $20 SPECIAL

The Boston Bruins have won three in a row and they're a solid 4-0-1 over their last five contests. They'll have to do without four-time Selke Trophy recipient Patrice Bergeron for this matchup but should still have enough talent on the ice to beat the Habs.

Montreal is winless over its last four games, and morale must be low after wasting a four-goal lead against the New York Rangers on Saturday. 

The Bruins defeated Minnesota 5-4 the same day and are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game and 12-5 in their last 17 road games. The Canadiens meanwhile are 1-8 in their last 9 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. 

8* play on Boston Bruins. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAB): MIKE'S TOP RATED CANCUN CHALLENGE TOTAL

The South Carolina Gamecocks have scored 70+ points in three straight games that all went over the total. I think points will be harder to come by here in their semifinal matchups of the Cancun Challenge as they'll face a Wichita State team that has held back-to-back opponents to fewer than 60 points and has held all five opponents to fewer than 63 points this season.  

Over/under is 2-8 in South Carolina's last 10 games on a neutral court game where the total is 130 to 134.5 and all but one of the Shockers' five games this season have gone under the total. 

10* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED VEGAS @ DALLAS NHL POWER PLAY

The Dallas Stars have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL in recent weeks, coming into this contest on a six-game winning streak and 10-0-1 over their last 11 games. The Vegas Golden Knights on the other hand have just two wins over their last nine games. This game means a lot to Dallas who must be liking its chances of improving its terrible 1-5-0 record in the all time series with Vegas. 

Note that the Golden Knights are just 4-18 in their last 22 games as an underdog.

10* play on Dallas Stars. 

TOP-RATED NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY 

The red hot LA Lakers travel to San Antonio riding a seven-game winning streak. They've scored 120 points or more in five of those games and here they'll face a San Antonio Spurs team that has had huge issues on the defensive end of the hardwood all season long. 

The Spurs surrendered a ridiculous 122.4 ppg through an ugly eight-game skid before picking up a 111-104 win at the low-scoring New York Knicks on Saturday. They have one of the worst defensive efficiencies in the league, but on the flip side, they're also top five for offensive efficiency and I think they'll force the Lakers into a shootout.

Over is 9-2 in Spurs last 11 home games. Over is 12-4 in the last 16 meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

Both the South Carolina State Bulldogs and the Austin Peay Governors are 2-3 on the season, but they're two very different teams despite the identical record. 

Austin Peay has won big in both games as a favorite and won 81-60 as an 11.5-point favorite over Southeastern Louisiana last time out. Even in their losses the Governors have put a decent amount of points on the board and they average a healthy 73.2 ppg. South Carolina State on the other hand is averaging only 54.3 ppg with 86.3 ppg allowed. 

Last time out the Bulldogs allowed Vanderbilt to shoot 60.3% from the field in a 97-60 Commodores triumph, and I expect Austin Peay to run away with this game and win comfortably. 

8* play on Austin Peay. 

SABRES @ LIGHTNING NHL MONEYMAKER

The Buffalo Sabres will be playing on no rest following a 5-2 win at Florida on Sunday. I still like the price we get on the Sabres against a Tampa Bay Lightning side that has heated up lately, but this is a possible flat spot with the Lightning coming off a 6-2 win over Anaheim and just 1-8 in their last 9 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.

Buffalo owns a solid 5-6-1 road record and I don't think the visitors should be this big of a dog in this matchup. 

8* play on Buffalo Sabres. 

EARLY TOP-RATED CAYMAN ISLANDS CLASSIC *TOP PLAY*

The Loyola-Chicago Ramblers are coming off back-to-back wins and were 9-for-16 (56.2%) from 3-point range in an 85-62 win over Indiana-Purdue on Wednesday. They've scored 85 points in back-to-back games and I think they'll take care of business here against a South Florida team that had lost two straight including a 17-point loss as a 17-point favorite over Indiana-Purdue, prior to defeating Wofford last time out. The Bulls are averaging only 63.0 ppg and I don't see how they're going to be able to keep up with the Ramblers firepower. 

10* play on Loyola-Chicago. 

SUNDAY NIGHT NHL NO BRAINER

The Detroit Red Wings enter Sunday as losers of five straight games, but only one of those setbacks came home at Little Caesars Arena. 

They're 4-6-1 in front of the home town crowd on the season and while the visiting Carolina Hurricanes have been hot lately, note that they barely have a winning road record on the season. 

Both teams will be playing on no rest, and with all the uncertainties such situations bring I really like the price we get on the home team. 

8* play on Detroit Red Wings.

TOP RATED SUNDAY AFTERNOON SEAHAWKS @ EAGLES BEST BET

The Seattle Seahawks will travel to Philadelphia rested and well prepared following their bye week.

They beat the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers on the road last time out to improve to 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS away from home on the season, and I think they'll get the win here. 

Sure, Philadelphia is in "must-win" mode sitting 2nd in the NFC East at 5-5 on the season, but desperation can only take you so far. QB Carson Wentz was 20-for-40 passing for 214 yards in last week's 17-10 loss to the Patriots and he was sacked five times. Philly is without its top running back, so it's up to Wentz to move the chains, and here he's supposed to outduel MVP candidate Russell Wilson? I don't think so...

The Seahawks have been relentless in close games and we can also note that they're 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings with the Eagles.

10* play on Seattle Seahawks. 

STEELERS @ BENGALS BANROLL BUILDER

The 5-5 Pittsburgh Steelers need a win against the 0-10 Cincinnati Bengals to keep their playoff hopes alive. They might very well win this one straight up, but I like Cincy to keep it relatively close. 

This won't be an easy one for the Steelers who not only lost the game to the Browns last week, but also center Maurice Pouncey to suspension in the aftermath from the Myles Garrett/Mason Rudolph incident. Additionally, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner, Pittsburgh’s top playmakers' are banged up and at risk of missing the game as well. Backup QB Mason Rudolph is hardly someone who can make things happen on his own, and he threw four picks last week. 

The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games as a favorite of 5 points or more and Cincy usually shows up in divisional matchups. 

8* play on Cincinnati Bengals. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED NFL TOTAL FOR NOVEMBER

The Atlanta Hawks defense has improved a lot lately and they've held their last two opponents to a combined 12 points. 

The Falcons are still one of the worst teams in the league against the pass and allowed a mediocre QB like Kyle Allen to throw for 325 yards last week (but also picked him off four times). Here they'll face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that very much prefers to move the ball through the air and ranks 4th in the NFL with 285.6 passing yards per game. 

One of the few teams ahead of the Bucs in passing yards per game is Atlanta with its 300.3 pypg, and while Tampa Bay is one of the best teams at stopping the run, it is the second-worst in the league against the pass. 

I expect both teams to have plenty of success with explosive plays and a pass first, run second approach which also will stop the clock from running. 

10* play on OVER. 

BRONCOS @ BILLS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Denver Broncos led by 20 at the half at Minnesota last week but somehow managed to get outscored by 24 points after the intermission. They still covered the 10-point spread and I like them to keep it close here against the Buffalo Bills.

While Denver failed to fully contain Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins who finished the game with 319 passing yards on 29-of-35 passing, Bills QB Josh Allen is just not that guy. I don't see Buffalo having much success on the ground either with Denver being one of the best teams in the NFL at stopping the run allowing just 3.9 yards per rush attempt which goes down to 3.3 ypra over its last three games.

On the other side of the ball, Denver is more than capable of moving the sticks on the ground and Buffalo ranks 27th for run defense efficiency. 

Denver is 5-2 ATS as an underdog this season and of its seven straight up losses, three have come by just two points each.

8* play on Denver Broncos. 

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

The Atlanta Hawks have one of the worst defensive efficiency ratings in the NBA, and their lack of defense was on full display in Friday night's 128-103 loss at Detroit. 

Playing on no rest won't do the Hawks any favors, and I expect the Raptors to run up the score quite freely. That being said, Atlanta has scored 100+ points in eight straight games and they put up 127 their last time out home at State Farm Arena. 

Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Over is 8-0 in Hawks last 8 overall.

10* play on OVER. 

HURRICANES @ GOLDEN PANTHERS BOOKIE BLASTER

The Miami-Florida Hurricanes have reeled off three straight wins and put a 52-27 beating on Louisville as a 6.5-point favorite last time out. They're 20-8 ATS in their last 28 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points and have had plenty of time to prepare coming off their bye week. 

The FIU Panthers are also coming off their bye but lost by 30 at Florida Atlantic last time out. They're 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game and have been held to a total of 48 points through their last three games. 

The Golden Panthers are giving up 206.2 rushing yards per contest and will be put to the test by a Miami side that put up close to 200 yards on the ground in its win over Louisville. Additionally, Miami's defense has been solid in recent weeks and I expect the visitors to cover the three touchdowns. 

8* play on Miami-FL Hurricanes. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CFB): MIKE'S TOP RATED CFB SIDE 2019

The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter this contest on a four-game losing streak, but I think they'll get the job done here against a Maryland team that has lost five on the bounce and seven of its last eight.

The Terps lost by just shy of 60 points at Ohio State last time out and have been held to a combined 31 points over their last three games. At 3-7, Maryland's season is over but Nebraska still has a shot to win its final two games and reach a bowl game.  

The Cornhuskers failed to cover the 14.5-point spread in a 37-21 loss to Wisconsin last time out, but they put up a respectable 493 total yards, nine yards more than the Badgers. Additionally, the Cornhuskers are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

10* play on Nebraska Cornhuskers. 

WOLVERINES @ HOOSIERS NCAAFB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Indiana Hoosiers have covered the spread in six of their last seven games, the exception a six-point win as a 6.5-point favorite at Maryland. They had won four on the bounce straight up including an upset win at Nebraska prior to a 34-27 loss at PSU last week. 

The No. 13 Michigan Wolverines have played very well lately as well with a 6-1 SU and ATS record through their last seven games, but this is a potential flat spot before taking on Ohio State. Note that Michigan is 0-3 ATS in their last game prior to a matchup with OSU dating back to 2015, and I think they'll be in for a tough contest here at The Rock.

Additionally, while Michigan has dominated the Hoosiers outright, note that Indiana is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four head-to-head meetings.  

8* play on Indiana Hoosiers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 13 SIDE

The Northwestern Wildcats are just 2-8 SU and ATS on the season and they're 0-7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games. They ended a seven-game skid with a 45-6 win over Massachusets last time out, but still failed to cover the 39.5-point spread. 

Here they'll face an angry Minnesota Golden Gophers team looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season, and I don't see the Gophers giving Northwestern a chance to hang around in this one. Note that Minnesota is averaging a healthy 35.7 ppg while Northwestern is scoring a conference-low 14.5 points per contest. Gophers by 20 would not surprise me. 

10* play on Minnesota Golden Gophers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (SOCCER): MIKE'S TOP PREMIER LEAGUE BET NOVEMBER

Leicester City come into Saturday tied with Chelsea for second place in the Premier League, eight points behind Liverpool in first. They've scored a total of 15 goals through a four-game winning streak, and I think we're getting good value on the Foxes when they visit Brighton Saturday. 

Brighton are cemented in the middle of the table, and while they've won three straight home at the Amex, they've mostly been taking advantage of lesser or reeling teams. They fell 3-1 at Manchester United last time out and this looks like a tough spot to bounce back. 

10* play on Leicester. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Houston Rockets have one of the best offensive efficiency ratings in the league and only Milwaukee beats them for pace. They had won eight on the bounce and averaged 123 ppg through their last three before coming out flat in a 105-95 loss at Denver last time out. The Rockets defense can easily be exploited by top teams, and the Clippers with their 10-5 record fall into that category. Additionally, note that over is 13-6 in Clippers last 19 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on OVER. 

SPURS @ SIXERS FRIDAY NIGHT *TOP PLAY*

The San Antonio Spurs are going through a miserable stretch with losses in seven straight games, during which they've allowed an average of 123.4 ppg.

Here they'll face a Philadelphia team that hardly has been lighting up the scoreboard lately, but the over is still 7-3 in 76ers last 10 overall. 7-1 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

The Spurs can't defend against anyone, but they can put points on the board and I expect the final score to breeze over the posted total. 

10* play on OVER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Atlanta Hawks have allowed an average of 134 ppg through a four-game slide. They've topped 100 themselves in each of those games and put up a healthy 127 points against Milwaukee last time out, but still lost by eight. The Hawks rank near the bottom of the league for defensive efficiency, and Detroit is only marginally better. The Pistons have also dropped five on the bounce, and I think we'll see these two bottom-feeders try to outscore each other rather than hoping to shut down their opponent. 

8* play OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* PELS @ SUNS TOTAL *BAILOUT PLAY*

Both the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns have top 10 offensive efficiency ratings on the season. The Pels are also one of the worst defensive teams in the league though with 118.9 points allowed per game on average and I'm confident we'll see points come fast and easy for both teams in this contest.

The Suns took a 120-116 loss at Sacramento a couple of nights ago and they're on a 10-2 run to the over following a straight up loss. Additionally, the over is 5-1 in the last 6 head-to-head meetings.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL): MIKE'S BEST MONEYLINE FOR NOVEMBER

The Arizona Coyotes have dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs in recent seasons, winning eight of the last 10 matchups including a 2-0 sweep as +155 and +235 dogs last season. I love the price we get on the Yotes here when they host Toronto Thursday night. 

Note that the Leafs are coming into this game on a six-game skid and they've just fired veteran coach Mike Babcock. Arizona on the other hand has played solid hockey of late and been rewarded with wins in four of their last five games. It has shut out each of its last two opponents while Toronto has surrendered 24 goals in the last five games.

10* play on Arizona Coyotes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S COLTS @ TEXANS BEST BET

The Houston Texans took an embarrassing 41-7 beating by Baltimore last Sunday. I like them to bounce back in a big way here against the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night. Note that the Texans are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS loss and 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game.

As for the Indianapolis Colts, they snapped a two-game slide with a dominant 33-13 win against Jacksonville in Week 11. Most of their damage was done on the ground as they rumbled for 264 rushing yards on 36 carries, but here it'll face a Houston team that has limited opponents to a respectable 102.2 rushing yards per game overall (86.8 rypg at home). 

Additionally, Houston will be looking to avenge a loss by a touchdown at Indianapolis on October 20. 

10* play on Houston Texans. 

CAVS @ HEAT WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Cleveland Cavaliers have averaged just 98.5 ppg through a four-game skid. Here they'll face one of the best defensive teams in the NBA in the Miami Heat who are holding opponents to 98.4 points per 100 possessions. With Cleveland near the bottom of the league for pace and Miami only marginally better, I think we have a solid case for a low-scoring game.

Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers' last 6 overall. Under is 7-2 in Heat's last 9 overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The New York Knicks are one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, and they're most likely in for a tough one against a Philadelphia team that is holding opponents to a solid 102.7 points per 100 possessions. The Knicks are also among the slowest teams in the league with just over 100 possesions per game while the Sixers rank in the middle of the pack for pace. 

The Knicks are coming off a 123-105 win over Cleveland on Monday. The under is 11-2-1 in their last 14 games playing on 1 days rest and 23-9-1 in their last 33 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Philly had put a 114-95 beating on that same Cleveland team the night before, and the under is 10-4 in its last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

10* play on UNDER. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT COLLEGE BASKETBALL BANKROLL BUILDER

I like the St. John's Red Storm to bounce back from a 70-68 home loss as a favorite against Vermont. The Red Storm shot just 34.5% from the field in that contest, but here they'll face a Columbia side that shot an abysmal 28.6% in a loss to Virginia last time out. Now I'm certainly not saying that St. John's defense is anywhere near the Cavs, but it has held opponents to 38.1 FG% on the season and the team has averaged a healthy 84.5 ppg on the offensive end. I don't see Columbia being able to keep up with the home team's scoring. 

8* play on St. John's Red Storm. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA): MIKE'S BEST NBA TOTAL FOR NOVEMBER

The LA Lakers are tied for the best record in the league while having the very best point-differential, and arguably the biggest reason for their success is their play on the defensive end of the hardwood. The Lakers have the very best defensive efficiency in the NBA (even better than Utah!) and they've allowed an average of just over 97 ppg over their last three contests. The OKC Thunder have been held to fewer than 90 points in two of their last three games, including a 90-88 loss to the Clippers here at Staples Center Monday night. 

Under is 34-16-1 in Thunder last 51 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 15-7 in Lakers last 22 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Vegas Golden Knights snapped an ugly five-game skid in an impressive way when they defeated the Flames 6-0 in the second leg of a back-to-back situation on Sunday. I like them to use that momentum to power past the Toronto Maple Leafs who enter this contest as losers in five a row, the most recent a 6-1 loss at Pittsburgh. The Maple Leafs are 1-6 in their last 7 road games while Vegas is 18-7 in its last 25 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

CBB 3-PACK

The UT Arlington Mavericks have their work cut out for them when they visit the No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs Tuesday night. Note that the Bulldogs put a 79-49 beating on Texas A&M last time out to improve to 4-0 SU on the season. They've covered the spread in three straight games, twice as favorites of 29 points or more, and they're 17-6 ATS in their last 23 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. The Mavericks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games and unlikely to be able to hang with the superior Bulldogs. 

8* play on Gonzaga. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Dallas Stars won just one of their first nine games on the season. They've turned it around completely since, entering this contest with 10 wins in their last 12 games, and here they'll host a Vancouver Canucks team that has just one win in its last seven games. The Nucks have really struggled on the defensive end lately with four or more goals allowed in four of their last five games, and I'm expecting the red hot Stars to take full advantage of their reeling opponent. 

8* play on Dallas Stars. 

CBB 3-PACK

The No. 7 Maryland Terrapins are a perfect 3-0 SU on the season and they've covered the spread in back-to-back-to-back games following an 80-50 rout as a 19-point favorite over Oakland. The visiting Fairfield Stags on the other hand have dropped three of their first four games on the season following a demoralizing OT loss at Loyola-Maryland last time out. They are just 6-14 ATS in their last 20 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and I expect Maryland to win by 30+. 

8* play on Maryland. 

CBB 3-PACK

The No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks should have no trouble to take care of business against East Tennessee St. home in Allen Fieldhouse. Note that while the visiting Buccaneers have averaged 76.5 ppg while opening the season 3-0 SU, they're just 1-2 ATS and have not played a team near the caliber of this Jayhawks side. 

Kansas put up 112 points in a rout of Monmouth-NJ last time out and are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game plus 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games. 

8* play on Kansas. 

NHL 3-PACK

The New York Islanders have been the hottest team in the NHL lately with 13 wins and an overtime loss through their last 14 games. That OT loss came against Pittsburgh on Nov. 7, and I like the Penguins to get the better of the Isles again in this matchup. Pittsburgh has been inconsistent and enters this contest banged up, but it is 7-3-1 home at PPG PAINTS Arena and the Islanders can't keep winning forever.

8* play on Pittsburgh Penguins. 

MONDAY NIGHT CHIEFS VS. CHARGERS @ MEXICO CITY *TOP PLAY*

The Kansas City Chiefs have dropped four of six since a perfect 4-0 start to the season. They fell 35-32 at Tennessee last week, and I think they have a difficult task at hand tonight when taking on the LA Chargers in Mexico City Monday night. 

The Chargers battled themselves back in postseason contention with back-to-back victories, but their dreams of a playoff berth took a hit with a narrow loss to Oakland last week. They enter this game third in the division at 4-6 (all one-score losses), with KC and Oakland ahead of them at 6-4.  "I don’t think desperation ... I think urgency. Any other word you can think of ... I don’t think we feel desperate, although we know how crucial this game is." Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers told media. 

The Chiefs have struggled to stop the run all season long, which is good news for Chargers RB Melvin Gordon who rumbled for a season-high 108 yards and a score last week.

This one is likely to go down to the wire, and I'm well happy to take the points on the Chargers. 

10* play on LA Chargers. 

HORNETS @ RAPTORS MONDAY NIGHT TOTAL

The Charlotte Hornets are 4-2 to the under over their last six games, and their very last matchup (at New York on Saturday) saw just a total of 205 points scored. Here they'll run into one of the strongest defenses in the league, and I think this looks primed to be a low-scoring affair. The Raptors are just coming back from a tough five-game road trip and ran out of gas in the second half of a loss at Dallas last time out so they're unlikely to drive up the tempo. Meanwhile, I don't see why Charlotte would want to turn this into anything but a slow game they might be able to steal. 

Under is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 Monday games. Under is 6-1 in Hornets last 7 Monday games.

8* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The New York Knicks have the worst offensive efficiency in the NBA while the Cleveland Cavaliers are only marginally better, and they've been held to 97 points or fewer in three straight games. The Knicks are 8-2 to the under in their last 10 games while the Cavs have seen each of their last five games go under the total. 

Scared of the low number? Don't be. Note that the over/under is 3-8 in Knicks games with a total under 218 points and 0-5 in the Cavs' five games with a total lower than 215 points. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED HAWKS @ LAKERS NBA TOTAL PLAY OF THE DAY

The LA Lakers have the best defensive efficiency in the league, allowing just 97.2 points per 100 possessions. Atlanta has one of the worst offensive efficiency ratings in the NBA and the Hawks will be playing on no rest after taking a 119-83 beating by the Clippers last night. I think we can safely assume that the Clippers will run away with this game early and then keep the Hawks at a distance.   

Under is 15-6 in Lakers last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.

10* play on UNDER. 

BEARS @ RAMS SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

The Chicago Bears snapped an ugly three-game skid with a 20-13 win over Detroit last week. I'm not sure if they can make it two straight up wins in a row when they visit the LA Rams Sunday afternoon, but I feel confident the home team is asked to cover too many points. 

The Rams put up just 12 points and turned the ball over four times in a defeat at Pittsburgh last week, and for all the Bears' issues, their defense has not been the problem. They do not offer much on the offensive side of the ball, but Chicago QB Mitch Trubisky threw three touchdown passes last time out which should work wonders for his confidence. 

We can also note that the Rams have dropped three of their last five, with wins over Atlanta and Cincinnati. 

8* play on Chicago Bears. 

TOP RATED LATE NIGHT COLLEGE BASKETBALL BAILOUT

Oregon is putting its undefeated 3-0 record on the line aginast Texas-Arlington Sunday night, but I don't expect this to be much of a test for the Ducks. 

They've covered the spread in back-to-back games since coming up just short of the number in their season opener, including a solid 82-74 win over No. 15 Memphis in the Phil Knight Invitational. Here they'll face a Mavericks team that took an 80-73 loss at Nevada last time out in its first road game of the season. Nevada shot just 34.4% from the field in that contest and such shooting won't keep it close here.

The Ducks have been money for quite some time dating back to last season, going Ducks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall and 11-0 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

10* play on Oregon Ducks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 11 SIDE

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off three consecutive straight up losses, but they're 5-1 ATS over their last six games. That stretch includes a tight 28-25 home loss to the 49ers, and I like them to keep it close at San Francisco this week. 

The Niners fell in OT against Seattle last week, their first defeat of the season. I would not be surprised to see them come out flat here with no undefeated record to defend, and several of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's weapons are hurting. 

Will San Francisco bounce back with a win? Almost certainly, but I think the Niners will find themselves in a much closer game than they might expect. 

Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC West. 49ers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. NFC West. Underdog is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.

10* play on Arizona Cardinals. 

EARLY 76ERS @ CAVS NBA BANKROLL BUILDER

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers rank in the bottom half of the league for pace with Cleveland just outside of the bottom five. The Cavs have played four straight unders and they've been held to 97 points in back-to-back games. Philly gave up 127 points in an OT loss at OKC last time out, but note that the under is 7-2 in the 76ers last 9 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

Additionally, the under is 6-2 in Cleveland games with a total lower than 218 points.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL): MIKE'S TOP RATED WEEK 11 TOTAL

The Atlanta Falcons have allowed 28.1 ppg on the season, but their defense has been playing much better in recent weeks. Last time out they held Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints without a touchdown in a 26-9 win, and here today they will face a Carolina team that scored just 16 points at Green Bay last week. On a positive note, the Panthers defense held Aaron Rodgers to just 233 passing yards without a touchdown, and I think they'll be able to slow down the Falcons prolific passing attack.

Under is 5-0 in Falcons last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 19-9 in Panthers' last 28 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 9-2-1 in the last 12 meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Atlanta Falcons have allowed 28.1 ppg on the season, but their defense has been playing much better in recent weeks. Last time out they held Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints without a touchdown in a 26-9 win, and here today they will face a Carolina team that scored just 16 points at Green Bay last week. On a positive note, the Panthers defense held Aaron Rodgers to just 233 passing yards without a touchdown, and I think they'll be able to slow down the Falcons prolific passing attack. Still, I wouldn't trust Carolina to cover the spread in this one, particularly considering how dominant Atlanta has been against the spread in recent head-to-head matchups (6-1 ATS L7). 

8* play on Atlanta Falcons. 

TEXANS @ RAVENS NFL BOOKIE BLASTER

The Baltimore Ravens are unbeaten through their last five games and they've covered the spread in each of their last three. I think they're in for a tough one here though, hosting a Houston Texans team coming off its bye week. 

Houston won 26-3 at Jacksonville last time out, and if there's a QB that can go toe-to-toe with Baltimore's Lamar Jackson right now, it's Texans' Deshaun Watson who has 18 TDs vs. five INTs on the season. Houston has all the weapons to put pressure on a Ravens defense that doesn’t attack the QB well, and with plenty of time to prepare and study their opponent, I think taking the points on the visitors is the way to go in this one. 

8* play on Houston Texans. 

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

San Antonio Spurs have one of the worst marks in the league for defensive efficiency, and this looks like a trouble spot defensively as they'll be playing on no rest.

The over is 15-5 in Spurs last 20 games playing on 0 days rest, and for all of Portland's struggles this season, putting the ball in the basket has rarely been an issue.

The Blazers will be playing on two days rest and I think they'll drive up the tempo to take advantage of the home team's tired legs, forcing a high-paced shootout.

10* play on OVER. 

LOUISVILLE @ NC STATE NCAAF BANKROLL BUILDER

The NC State Wolfpack are 4-5 on the season, but all their wins have come in front of the home town crowd at Carter-Finley Stadium. 

They took a 55-10 loss to Clemson last week but are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit loss at home and the Wolfpack should be fired up for this one. "I wouldn’t say morale is bad. I think guys are mad, more than having bad morale. … These guys want to win. They are frustrated. They all understand at the same time that we are playing with a short deck right now. They get that and they are playing hard. But we are not playing smart enough to win." Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren told reporters after the loss to Clemson. 

The visiting Louisville Cardinals are coming off a 52-27 setback at Miami (Fla.) and are only 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. They rank dead last in the ACC in scoring defense giving up 34.1 ppg and I'm happy to take the points on the home team in this matchup. 

8* play on NC State. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NCAAF): OKLAHOMA @ BAYLOR *BEST BET*

The No. 12 Baylor Bears will be forced to putting their perfect 9-0 record on the line against the one-loss No. 9 Oklahoma on Saturday. 

The Sooners' lone setback was a stunning upset loss as a 23.5-point favorite at Kansas State, and while they just barely escaped with a win Iowa State last week, I think they'll be well up for this one.

A win here would put Oklahoma right back in the College Football Playoff hunt, and it'll face a Baylor team that might be low on energy following last week's draining triple-OT win at TCU. 

I don't see Baylor being able to keep up with the best offense in college football. 

10* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Dallas Stars have caught fire after a slow start to the season and travel to Edmonton riding a 9-1-1 run. This is a tough spot for them though, playing their third road game in four nights after winning at Calgary and Vancouver Wednesday/Thursday. 

The Oilers have won three of their last four, and I think they'll get the better of the Stars in this one. Note that Edmonton is a solid 7-2-1 home at Rogers Place while Dallas has a losing road record. Additionally, the home team is 6-1 in the past seven meetings.

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

SYRACUSE @ DUKE BANKROLL BUILDER

The Syracuse Orange have just three straight up wins and two wins against the spread this season, but that's also why they're spotted double-digits in this matchup with the Duke Blue Devils. 

Duke has not played well lately either, entering this contest on a three-game losing streak during which it has scored a total of just 38 points. Syracuse has had two weeks to mull over a blowout loss to Boston College and I think coach Dino Babers with have his Orange side well prepared for this one.

8* play on Syracuse Orange. 

SUPER EARLY FLORIDA @ MIZZOU BOOKIE BLASTER

The No. 11 Florida Gators are favored by a touchdown at Missouri this Saturday. I like the home team to cover the spread. 

Missouri is coming off a shut out loss at Georgia and it has failed to cover the spread in four straight games, but it is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS home at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. It'll face a Florida team who just come out flat following a 56-0 win over Vanderbilt. The Gators are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game.

The Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and Mizzou won last season's meeting 38-17 as a 6.5-point underdog.

8* play on Missouri Tigers. 

TOP RATED CBB PLAY OF THE DAY *SUPER EARLY*

The Columbia Lions are coming off their first win of the season, but they're not expected to stand much of a chance when visiting the undefeated defending national champions Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday. 

Virginia has played lockdown defense in its first two games of the season, holding Syracuse and James Madison to 34 points each. With Columbia relying heavy on senior guard Mike Smith (21.3 ppg, 5.3 apg) I don't think the Cavs will have any trouble to cage the Lions. 

Note that Virginia is 2-0 against the spread despite shooting just 39.3% from the field and a woeful 16% from beyond the arc. I expect them to find their range resulting in better shooting here in their second home game of the season, and the visitors should find it extremely tough to keep up in this one. 

10* play on Virginia Cavaliers.