TOP RATED 10* QUICK LANE BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

Both teams will without a doubt be fired up for this Quick Lane Bowl matchup, but the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets perhaps a bit more with this being 11th-year coach Paul Johnson last game in charge. 

The Yellow Jackets enter this contest on a hot streak, having won six of eight since a 1-3 start to the season. Their triple-option offense is averaging a FBS-leading 334.9 yards per contest and has proven to be too much to handle for teams like Virginia Tech, Miami and Virginia 

Here they'll face a Minnesota Golden Gophers team that is giving up an average of 170.7 rushing yards per game, and its leading tackler, Blake Cashman, will not partake in the Quick Lane Bowl as he will prepare for the upcoming NFL draft.

10* play on Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 

TOP RATED 10* CHRISTMAS DAY NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Philadelphia 76ers may own a better overall record than the Boston Celtics this season, but they're just 6-9 SU (5-10 ATS) on the road. The 76ers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games when facing a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 which they will here with the Celtics 9-5 SU (8-6 ATS) at home. 

Before dropping three in a row, the Celtics reeled off eight straight wins and they should be very motivated to get back to their winning ways here. We can also note that the Celtics have dominated Philly in recent meetings, winning five of the last six and covering the spread in each win.

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

CHRISTMAS DAY NBA BUCKET BREAKER (TOTAL)

The Houston Rockets are coming off a 108-101 triumph over San Antonio, the seventh of their last 10 games to go under the total. 

Here they'll host an Oklahoma City side that owns the 2nd best defensive rating in the NBA behind Indiana. OKC is scoring significantly fewer points on the road than at home, and over/under is 5-11 in its 16 away games on the season. 

The Rockets and the Thunder clashed in OKC back in November, a game the home team won 98-80. Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings with Houston and I predict another relatively low-scoring affair here on Christmas Day. 

8* play on UNDER. 

BRONCOS @ RAIDERS MONDAY NIGHT NO-BRAINER

The Denver Broncos have been involved in low-scoring battles lately with each of their last five going under the total. Their last two contests have seen just 34 and 33 points respectively and I don't see this game going over the posted number. 

Oakland has struggled offensively all season, averaging only 18.6 ppg, and QB Derek Carr was sacked five times as the Raiders were held to 16 points at Cincinnati last week.

The Broncos won the first meeting of the season 20-19 at Denver in Week 2 and under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Portland Trail Blazers look like a solid home favorite against Dallas Mavericks Sunday night. 

The Mavs will be playing on no rest following a 120-116 loss at Golden State Saturday night. They're 1-7 ATS in their last eight games playing on no rest, and we can note that teams are 9-23 ATS on the season after matching up with the Warriors their previous game (0-4 ATS when playing on no rest).

Portland will surely be up for this game after taking a 111-102 loss at Dallas earlier this month. The Blazers are 10-4 ATS when looking to avenge a loss and I expect a blowout win for the home team here. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

CHIEFS @ SEAHAWKS SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 

The Seattle Seahawks will be extremely fired up here for several reasons.

First of all, they'll be looking to bounce back from a 26-23 overtime loss at San Francisco, and secondly, they would clinch a postseason birth with a win Sunday afternoon. Seattle is 4-1-1 ATS in their last six home games and 4-1-1 ATS as an underdog this season. 

The Seahawks average a NFL-best 159 rushing yards per game, and KC ranks just 26th in the NFL against the run. 

The Chiefs won't lack motivation either as they are coming into this contest aiming to lock up the AFC West title and a first-round bye and looking to bounce back from a stunning last-second loss to the Chargers. It will be extremely tough to get it done in a hostile environment at CenturyLink Field though, and my money is on the home team. 

8* play on Seattle Seahawks. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL) TOTAL

The Chicago Bears tenacious defense has allowed a total of just 23 points through the last two games. The Bears have already clinched a postseason berth but I think they'll still put up a fight here as they look to improve their seeding in the NFC playoffs. 

The San Francisco 49ers have no shot of making the postseason but have held Denver and Seattle to a combined 37 points in back-to-back wins. They're allowing 23.0 ppg home at Levi's Stadium which is well below their 26.6 ppg season average overall. 

Under is 8-3 in Bears last 11 vs. a team with a losing record and 7-1 in their last eight games in December. Under is 11-3 in 49ers last 14 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NFL) ATS REGULAR SEASON

The red hot Cleveland Browns look determined to finish a season with a winning record for the first time  since 2007.

They have won four of their last five games and even have a shot at their first playoff berth since 2002. I don't think they'll have any trouble to take down the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon.

The Bengals are coming off a 30-16 triumph over the tanking and banged up Oakland Raiders, and received some home cooking in their last home game of the season.

They had however lost five straight games prior to that, and Cleveland owns a big psychological advantage after beating the Bengals 35-20 at Paul Brown Stadium on Nov 25. 

10* play on Cleveland Browns. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL NO-BRAINER (TOTAL)

I think points will come at a premium for both sides when NFC North rivals Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings clash at Ford Field Sunday afternoon. 

Seven of Detroit's last eight games have gone under the total and the Lions have been held to 20 points or fewer in five straight games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with a sore back and here he'll face a Minnesota defense that ranks 4th in the NFL against the pass, giving up just 202.9 passing yards per game. 

The Lions have been great defensively lately, holding Arizona and Buffalo to a combined 17 points through their last two games. Minnesota put up 41 points against Miami last week but had scored a combined 17 points in its last two games prior to that. 

Under is 20-7 in Vikings last 27 vs. NFC North opponents and 8-2 in the last 10 meetings with Detroit.

8* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The NHL-best Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off back-to-back wins at Vancouver and Calgary to improve to a rock solid 12-3-2 on the road this season.

Here they'll visit a Edmonton team mired in a mini-slump with losses in three of its last four games. 

We can also note that while the Oilers should be well rested with three days off since taking a 4-1 loss to St. Louis Tuesday night, they're 0-2 in such situations this season and 21-48 in their last 69 games playing on three or more days rest long-term. 

The red hot Lightning are 7-0 in their last seven after scoring five goals or more in their previous game and Edmonton has allowed four goals or more in five straight games. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Lightning. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Utah riding a three-game winning streak, and they've had two solid days of rest since putting a 132-113 beating on the Kings at Sacramento Wednesday night. Here they'll take on a Utah team which will play on no rest, and its third game in four nights, after battling the Blazers at Portland late Friday.

Jazz are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games playing on zero days rest. Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last four games playing on two days rest.

I think the visitors' rest advantage will be the deciding factor and allow them to run away with the game. 

10* play on OKC Thunder. 

SATURDAY NIGHT NFL NO-BRAINER

The Baltimore Ravens head to LA in control of the AFC's No. 6 and final playoff seed, owning tiebreakers over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. 

The LA Chargers meanwhile have already clinched a spot in the postseason but still have plenty to play for as they're in the mix to lock up the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The red hot Chargers have won four in a row and pulled off a thrilling last-second victory at Kansas City last week.  

The Ravens' offense is far weaker on the road than at home and I don't trust rookie QB Lamar Jackson to deliver the goods in a game like this just yet. Jackson has yet to throw for more than 178 yards in either of his five starts, and while he's done plenty of damage on the ground I think he'll find it extremely difficult here against the Chargers' ninth-ranked run defense. 

8* play on LA Chargers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB) 

The Army Black Knights look like a favorite well worth backing when taking on Houston Cougars in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth. They're 10-2 on the season and forced overtime in their loss to Oklahoma, the closest win the Sooners have had all season. 

Army's triple-option offense led all of FBS in time of possession, holding the ball for almost 39 minutes per game, and can grind down just about any team while the defense held each of its last four opponents to 14 points or less. 

The Cougars have lost three of their last four and took a 52-31 loss as a 9.5-point underdog at Memphis last time out, the first game this season they didn't close as a favorite. We can also note that Houston has been without its starting QB for a while now and here it'll also be without its best defensive player, Ed Oliver, who has decided to skip the bowl game in order to prepare for the NFL draft.

10* play on Army Black Knights. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Sacramento Kings have allowed 132 points in back-to-back losses and they've played five straight overs, but here they'll face a defensive-minded Memphis team that won't allow the Kings to dictate the tempo. 

Under is 7-3 in Grizzlies last 10 overall and 8-3 in Kings last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Sacramento.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (NBA) SIDE

The Minnesota Timberwolves put a 128-89 beating on the San Antonio on Nov 28, but note that the Spurs are a phenomenal 13-1 ATS in revenge games this season.

The Spurs enter this contest red hot with wins in six of their last seven games, covering the spread in all triumphs. Here they'll host a Minnesota team heading in the opposite direction with five losses through its last six games, and the Wolves are just 2-12 SU (5-9 ATS) on the road this season. 

Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings and the avorite is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings. This is simply a GREAT spot to back the Spurs with a BIG BET!

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

NHL 3-PACK

The Winnipeg Jets saw their five-game winning streak come to an end with a 4-1 loss at Los Angeles Kings Tuesday night. I think they'll bounce back and play spoiler to end the San Jose Sharks' dito here Thursday night. The Jets are 5-1 in their last six games following a loss of three or more goals, and while the Sharks have been winning lately, note that they're 1-4 in their last five vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

8* play on Winnipeg Jets. 

TOP RATED NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Vancouver Canucks took a 5-2 loss to Tampa Bay last time out. They had however won five of six prior to that setback and I think we're getting a good price on the Nucks when they host the St. Louis Blues Thursday night. 

The Blues opened a three-game trek through Western Canada with a 4-1 win at Edmonton Tuesday night but are just 1-6 in their last seven games following a win. 

Vancouver won the last meeting 6-1 at St. Louis earlier this month, and expect the Canucks to deliver another beatdown in this matchup.  

10* play on Vancouver Canucks. 

NHL 3-PACK

Two of the hottest teams in the NHL will clash at Scotiabank Saddledom Thursday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning are 9-0-1 through their last 10 games while the Calgary Flames are 12-3-1 through their last 16.

The Flames took a 2-0 loss at Dallas last time out though and I think there's a good chance they'll come out flat once again here. The Flames are 1-4 in their last five home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and the Lightning are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Calgary.

8* play on Tampa Bay Lightning.

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off back-to-back wins. First they defeated Toronto at home followed by taking down the Clippers as and underdog in LA Monday night. They're 4-1 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season and I think they'll get the job done here. 

The Blazers will face a slumping Grizzlies side that has lost five of its last six and failed to cover the spread in all those setbacks. The lone win during that stretch was a 92-83 win over Portland on December 12. Expect the Blazers to be ready to avenge that loss tonight and note that they're 9-4 ATS when playing on revenge this season. 

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Washington Capitals are riding a five-game winning streak and they'll be will be well rested for this contest with three days off since beating Buffalo on Dec 15.

Tonight Washington hosts a Pittsburgh team which took a 4-2 loss to Anaheim Monday night and will play its fourth game in six nights.

The Penguins are just 2-8 in their last 10 road games and I don't think they have enough gas in the tank here to keep up with the rested Caps.

8* play on Washington Capitals. 

CAVS @ HORNETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers earned their eighth win of the season with a 92-91 victory as a 12.5-point underdog at Indiana on Tuesday. Huge let down spot here playing on no rest off an upset win, and they'll face a Charlotte side which has had three days to rest, recover and mull over a 128-100 home loss to the Lakers on Saturday. 

We also have a revenge angle on the home team as the Cavs defeated the Hornets 113-89 in Cleveland Nov 11 in the most recent matchup.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Denver Nuggets are 12-3 SU (11-4 ATS) home at Pepsi Center on the season and they've opened this four-game homestand with three victories.

They took down the NBA-leading Toronto Raptors 95-86 on Sunday and here they'll host a Dallas team that's just 2-10 SU (5-7 ATS) on the road this season.

The Mavs are coming off off back-to-back losses to Phoenix and Sacramento and we can note that the home team is 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Calgary Flames are the hottest team in the NHL with eight wins in their last nine games and off a 7-2 triumph at St. Louis on Sunday.

Here they'll visit the Dallas Stars who are heading in the complete opposite direction with 19 goals allowed through four straight losses.

We can also note that the Flames will be seeking to avenge an overtime home loss to the Stars on Nov. 28 in the first of three meetings this season. 

Dallas has had an extra day of rest compared to its opponent, but Flames are 12-1 in their last 13 games playing on one days rest while Stars are 1-6 in their last seven games playing on two days rest.

8* play on Calgary Flames. 

TUESDAY NIGHT 3-PACK

The LA Lakers have seen three straight contests go over the total with an average final total of 234.3 during that stretch. 

Here they'll visit a red hot Brooklyn side that has scored at least 120 points in three straight games and an average of 122.8 ppg through a five-game winning streak. 

The Nets beat Atlanta 144-127 last time out and I don't think defense will be a priority for either side here.

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The New Orleans Saints are averaging 34.4 ppg on the season, but they've been held to a total of 38 points through their last two games. At the other end of the field, they've held five consecutive opponent to 17 or fewer points. Each of their last four have gone under the total and I expect a relatively low-scoring contest here when they visit Carolina Monday night.

The slumping Panthers have lost five in a row and scored more than 21 points just once during their skid. They rank 2nd in the NFL with 1,786 net rushing yards on the season but here the Panthers will run into the very best rush defense in the league, allowing just 3.6 yards/rush attempt. 

10* play on UNDER. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets have covered the spread in three straight victories. I think they'll keep the momentum going with a win against the Utah Jazz Monday night. 

The Jazz have dropped three of their last four and they're 0-4 SU and ATS through their last four on the road. Houston is a solid 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games and should be particularly fired up for this one after losing the first two meetings with Utah this season. 

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Timberwolves will be excited to be back home in Minnesota following an 0-4 road trip which included an 141-130 setback at Sacramento on Dec 12. 

The Wolves have won just two games on the road all season, but they've been all the more dominant home at Target Center with an 11-4 SU (10-5 ATS) record. Here they'll be looking to take advantage of Kings team in a tough spot, mentally and physically, following an 120-113 upset win at Dallas on Sunday. 

The Kings are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on no rest and "due" to come out flat after a solid run. 

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

CBB BANKROLL BUILDER

The Arizona State Sun Devils bounced back from last week’s loss to Nevada with a 76-74 triumph over Georgia on Saturday. Here the Sun Devils will face a Vanderbilt team which will be well rested, but also most likely rusty, as it's back in action following a 12-day exam break. 

The Commodores are 6-2 SU on the season, but just 3-5 ATS and 8-24 ATS in their last 32 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. We can also note that Vanderbilt will have to do without star point guard Darius Garland who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Nov. 23.

8* play on Arizona State Sun Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* SUNDAY NIGHT NHL NO-BRAINER

This looks like a great spot to fade the Vancouver Canucks as they'll be playing the 2nd game of a back-to-back following a 5-1 win over Philadelphia Saturday night. They're 1-9 in their last 10 games playing on 0 days rest and and will host an Edmonton team which has won eight of its last 10 and five of the last seven meetings with the Nucks. 

10* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The New York Knicks had lost five on the bounce (0-5 ATS) before putting an end to the skid with a 126-124 OT win as a 10-point underdog at Charlotte Friday night. Huge letdown spot for the Knicks here, and they'll face a red hot Indiana team off six straight wins, covering the spread in each of the last five. 

The Pacers have held opponents to an average of 96 points during the six-game run while the Knicks have allowed 110 points or more in nine straight games. 

Knicks are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 Sunday games. Pacers are 37-15-1 ATS in their last 53 Sunday games.

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL)

The New England Patriots should be extremely fired up for this one after a wild loss at Miami last week. The Pats were on the verge of clinching their 10th consecutive AFC East title before losing to a last-second stunner. 

I think they'll be back in business and take out their frustrations on the Steelers here Sunday afternoon. 

Pittsburgh has lost three in a row SU and ATS and has struggled to slow down opposing QBs. Derek Carr was allowed to throw for 322 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 24-21 Oakland win last week, not very encouraging for Steelers backers considering Patriots QB Tom Brady is coming off a 358 yard outing with three TD passes. 

Patriots are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games in December and 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS vs. the Steelers since 2013.

Steelers are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games in December and have covered the spread in only three of their last 11 at home. 

10* play on New England Patriots. 

SUNDAY NFL NO-BRAINER

Two red hot teams will do battle at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday afternoon as the Indianapolis Colts, who have won six of their last seven, host a Dallas team on a five-game winning streak. 

The motivation is on the home team's side though with the Cowboys having the division all but locked down while the Colts one of several AFC South teams chasing a division title or wild-card playoff spot.

Dallas is just 2-4 on the road and it's offense doesn't travel, averaging only 17.2 ppg which is way below its 21.2 points per game average overall. The Colts offense is tremendous at home averaging 31.3 ppg and I think the home team will win this one rather comfortably. 

8* play on Indianapolis Colts. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The red hot Boston Celtics are looking to make it eight wins in a row as they visit Little Caesars Arena Saturday night. They'll be playing the 2nd game of a back-to-back, but they didn't have to put in much of an effort to beat Atlanta 129-108 Friday night. The Celtics led 108-82 after three quarters and let their reserves take over in the fourth quarter. 

Here Boston will face a Detroit team which is in a huge slump coming off six straight defeats, and its 108-107 loss at Charlotte Wednesday night was the first time during the skid the Pistons even covered the spread. 

The Celtics have covered the spread in six straight matchups at Detroit and I expect them to get the job done once again. 

10* play on Boston Celtics. 

SATURDAY NFL NO-BRAINER

The Houston Texans saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end with a 24-21 home loss against Indianapolis last week.

I expect to see an angry Texans team ready to go on another run to enter Met Life stadium here on Saturday.

The Jets are in the complete opposite spot as they snapped a six-game losing streak with a 27-23 triumph at Buffalo last week. They won despite a massive disadvantage in yardage, and I don't see how they could possibly keep up with Houston in this contest. 

8* play on Houston Texans. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S BEST VEGAS BOWL BET

The Fresno State Bulldogs have allowed just 13.7 ppg on the season and limited Boise State to 350 yards of total offense and 16 points last time out. Under is 13-3 in Bulldogs last 16 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. 

The Bulldogs managed just 19 points on 288 yards of total offense themselves against the Broncos though and I expect this to be a low-scoring game. 

The Arizona State Sun Devils are coming off a 41-40 win over Arizona and have played several high-scoring contests lately, but note that they'll' be without No. 1 receiver N'Keal Harry for this contest. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB)

The Seton Hall Pirates have won five of their last six games will enter this contest with great confidence following an 84-83 overtime win over No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats on national television Dec. 8. 

They're 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win and will face a Rutgers team off three straight defeats, the most recent a 78-70 loss as an 8-point favorite at Fordham. The Scarelet Knights have struggled on the defensive end lately, giving up an average of 75 ppg through their last four contests. 

Seton Hall is averaging 73.8 ppg home at Prudential Center and I think the Pirates have too much firepower for the visitors to cope with. 

10* play on Seton Hall. 

PREMIER LEAGUE PUNISHER

Leicester are a respectable 3-2-3 on the road this season. They've lost six games overall, but all of those losses came against teams in the top half of the table.

Here they'll face a Crystal Palace side which enters this game which is just two spots above the relegation zone and owns a 1-2-4 home record. Crystal Palace will have to do without two key players in Wilfried Zaha and James Tomkins.

Easy play on the visitors at this price. 

8* play on Leicester. 

SUPER LATE NBA NIGHTCRAWLER (TOTAL)

Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets rank in the top 5 for scoring defense. Under is 15-6 in Thunder last 21 road games and 7-2 in Nuggets last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record (OKC is 7-6 on the road).

Five of the last seven meetings have gone under the total and we saw just a total of 203 points scored when they clashed last month. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* TGIF NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Brooklyn Nets have won three on the bounce with triumphs over Toronto, NY Knicks and most recently Philadelphia. So aren't the Nets likely to come out flat tonight after an impressive run like that? 

I don't think so, particularly as they'll seek revenge for a 102-88 loss at Washington on December 1. The Nets must really like their chances facing a depleted and slumping Wizards side which is coming off three straight defeats and has John Wall and Otto Porter Jr. are questionable for this contest.

Wizards are 5-21 ATS in their last 26 road games and 8-24-1 ATS in their last 33 Friday night games.

10* play on Brooklyn Nets. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL PLAY OF THE DAY

The Carolina Hurricanes took a 6-4 loss at Montreal Thursday night, and I just don't see how they could keep up with the defending Stanley Cup champions Washington Capitals Friday night. The Canes have dropped five of their last six overall are 2-5 in their last seven playing on no rest. 

The red hot Caps on the other hand have won 10 of their last 12 and have had two days of rest since putting a 6-2 beating on Detroit last time out. They've outscored opponents 14-4 during a three-game winning streak with two of those games on the road (Columbus and Arizona) and have won six of their last seven away from home. 

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

FRIDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Boston Bruins travel to Pittsburgh riding a three-game winning streak, and they should be well rested after getting two days off since beating Arizona 4-3 Tuesday night. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins on the other hand have had just one day off since wrapping up a three-game road trip with a 6-3 loss at NHL-worst Chicago for their second loss in three games. 

With the Bruins 18-5 in their last 23 games playing on two day of rest and Pittsburgh 3-10 in its last 13 games playing on one days rest I think that angle alone is enough to warrant a play here. We can also note that Bruins are 10-4 in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.

8* play on Boston Bruins.

CHARGERS @ CHIEFS AFC WEST BOOKIE BREAKER

The LA Chargers look like a solid underdog when visiting Kansas City Chiefs in a matchup between the two teams with the best records in the AFC. 

KC has failed to cover the spread in four straight games and needed overtime to get past Baltimore last Sunday. The Chiefs gave up 132 yards on the ground and could be in big trouble here if Chargers RB Melvin Gordon takes the field after missing two games with a sprained right knee. 

"I've been grinding hard to get back and we're still trying to decide what we're going to do," Gordon said Tuesday (via ESPN.com). "I know Coach is trying to be careful and doesn't want me to further hurt myself or things like that. So we'll see where that goes, but I'm a lot stronger and more confident than I was last week."

Note that KC is banged up as well; wide receiver Tyreek Hill (foot) and running back Spencer Ware (shoulder/hamstring) are both in danger of missing the game. 

The Chargers have won three in a row and they're a solid 5-1 SU and ATS on the road this season. They're likely to be extra fired up here seeking revenge for a 38-28 home loss to the Chiefs back in September. 

10* play on LA Chargers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

I'm very happy to take the points on the LA Lakers at Houston Thursday night as they seek to avenge a 124-115 home loss to the Rockets on Oct. 20.

The Lakers have won six of seven and will be well rested as they've not played since failing to cover the spread in a 108-105 win over Miami on Monday. They're 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine vs. Western Conference foes and 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss.

The Houston Rockets had lost three straight before breaking out of the funk with a 111-104 win over Portland Tuesday night. They're just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall though and 1-5 ATS in their last six games playing on one days rest.

10* play on LA Lakers. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

Both the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes will be looking to bounce back from disappointing losses when they clash at Bell Centre Thursday night. I expect the home team to be up for this and grab the win. 

The Canadiens suffered a 7-1 setback at Minnesota Tuesday night, their most lopsided defeat of the season. It's however not all that surprising that they came out flat in that contest IMO; note that the Habs had won three in a row prior and it was the finale of a three-game road trip.

"We can choose to look at this two ways," Montreal forward Brendan Gallagher said. "It can crush us for a few games, or it can show the type of character that we have in this locker room." 

The Canes are in a slump with only one win through their last five games after taking a 4-1 home loss to Toronto Tuesday night. They've scored one goal or less in each of the fourth defeats and are averaging only 2.14 gpg on the road. 

10* play on Montreal Canadiens. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Miami Heat have dominated recent matchups with the Utah Jazz, claiming each of the last five, but I think that winning streak is about to come an end here Wednesday night. 

Utah is coming off back-to-back losses at San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but it has won its last two games by a combined 61 points.

The Heat are in a tough spot playing the fourth game on a six-game road trip. 

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The Miami Heat have dominated recent matchups with the Utah Jazz, claiming each of the last five, but I think that winning streak is about to come an end here Wednesday night. 

Utah is coming off back-to-back losses at San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but it has won its last two games by a combined 61 points. The Heat are in a tough spot playing the fourth game on a six-game road trip. 

Over is 8-2 at Vivint Smart Home Arena this season and note that Utah has scored 113 points or more three of its last four games overall. 

8* play on OVER. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA

The Dallas Mavericks have been money against the spread all season long, particularly at home where they're 12-2 SU and ATS.

I think they'll keep delivering the goods when taking on Atlanta Wednesday night, especially as they should be extra fired up for this contest as they seek to avenge a 111-104 loss at Atlanta back in October.  

The Hawks had lost four straight before coming through with a 106-98 win over Denver last time out. They've won just six games all season, and with the most recent losing streak snapped already I think they'll be a no-show tonight. 

10* play Dallas Mavericks. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Portland Trail Blazers will be playing on no rest following a 111-104 setback at Houston Tuesday night. They've won just three of their last 10 games and are 2-8 ATS during that stretch. 

Portland has struggled on the road all season and here it will face a Memphis team which will seek to bounce back from a pair of losses to Lakers and Denver.

The Grizzlies are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a losing road record and should get the job done here. 

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

HUMP DAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL BUCKET BREAKER

The Massachusetts Minutemen are coming off an encouraging performance as they rallied back from a 20-point deficit to beat Providence 79-78 on the road last Friday. They're 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600 and might very well record another upset here at Temple Wednesday night. 

The Owls lost by 10 at Villanova a week ago, and while they're undefeated through four games home at Liacouras Center for the season, note that they've not covered the spread once.

8* play on Massachusetts Minutemen. 

CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Colorado Buffaloes are going for a sixth consecutive win when visiting the New Mexico Lobos Tuesday night. 

While they're generally a rather poor away from home, note that the Buffaloes covered the spread by more than 30 points their last road game (at Air Force). 

New Mexico is trending in the opposite direction, coming off back-to-back blowout losses. "These last two games have been been exposing to us in a lot of ways that we're not where we want to be," New Mexico coach Paul Weir told reporters. "... Hopefully the reps that we're getting these guys, just like the reps for the guys last year, will allow us to grow and make us a really good team as the season unfolds."

Buffaloes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Lobos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

10* play on Colorado Buffaloes. 

TUESDAY NIGHT BLAZERS @ ROCKETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets have dropped seven of their last nine games, but I think they'll be fired up for this one as they return home from an 0-3 SU and ATS road trip. They'll host a Portland Trail Blazers side which has followed a 1-7 stretch with back-to-back wins over Phoenix and Minnesota. Both those wins came at home though, and they're 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.

We can also note that Houston will be looking to avenge a 104-85 home loss to Portland on October 30. 

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be looking to end a two-game slide when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night.

They've had two days rest since taking a 6-3 loss at Boston on Saturday and are a perfect 6-0 in their last six games playing on two days rest and 11-4 in their last 15 road games.

Here they'll face a Carolina team which managed to snap a three-game losing streak of its own with a 4-1 win at Anaheim Friday night.

While rest is generally an advantage, note that Hurricanes are 18-38 in their last 56 games playing on three or more days rest.  

10* play on Toronto Maple Leafs. 

NBA 3-PACK

This looks like a great time to fade the Miami Heat who are in a letdown spot following an upset win over the Clippers here in LA on Saturday.

Tonight they'll face a Lakers team which has won five of its last six and rebounded from a loss at San Antonio to crush the Memphis Grizzlies 111-88 on Saturday.  

Heat are 2-9-3 ATS in their last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points. Lakers are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

8* play on LA Lakers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Golden State Warriors are getting healthier and will enter this matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-game winning streak. 

Two-time MVP Stephen Curry has averaged 30.7 points in the three triumphs and if lucky, the Warriors could have All-Star forward Draymond Green back from an 11-game absence due to a toe injury for this contest. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won six of their last eight but only two of those wins were on the road, at Brooklyn and Cleveland. The Wolves are 2-9 SU (4-7 ATS) on the road this season and 11-25 ATS in their last 36 road games.

Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record and should get the job done here. 

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY

The Orlando Magic travel to Dallas looking to end a two-game slide, but I think they'll find it difficult to do so against a Mavericks team which has proven extremely hard to beat at American Airlines Center.

The Mavs are coming off a 107-104 win over Houston and have been money at home winning and covering the spread in nine straight games. 

Orlando is 9-3 ATS on the road this season, but home court advantage has been proved to have a huge siginficance in this series with the home team going 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The NY Islanders have won just two of their last six games but should be fired up for this one as they seek to avenge a 6-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Dec 6. The home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings and I really don't think the Islanders should be an underdog here. 

The Penguins took a 2-1 OT loss at Ottawa on Saturday and have won just one of their last eight on the road. The Islanders meanwhile showed great resilience as they battled back from an early two-goal deficit in a 3-2 win at Detroit last time out. 

This is a terrific price on the Islanders, considering they're the team with the better record and home ice advantage. 

10* play on New York Islanders. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA)

The Toronto Raptors took a 108-105 OT loss at Brooklyn Friday night, perhaps guilty of looking past the lowly Nets and ahead to this marquee matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

They've outscored opponents by a combined 49 points in their last two games following a loss and I expect the Raptors to drop the hammer the Bucks tonight. 

The Bucks have traded wins and losses through their last eight games, but unlike the Raptors I doubt they were looking past their last opponent (Golden State Warriors). 

Milwaukee owns a 16-8 record overall, but it's just 4-5 on the road for the season and 3-11 ATS in their last 14 road games.

10* play on Toronto Raptors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) ATS

The Houston Texans are the hottest team in the NFL coming off nine straight wins, a streak that started with a 37-34 OT win over the Colts.

The Texans had no trouble whatsoever to take care of business against Cleveland last week (29-13 triumph) and look like a solid home favorite here against Indianapolis in Week 14. 

The Colts had won five straight before losing all momentum with a deflating 6-0 loss at Jacksonville last week. They managed just 265 yards of total offense in the defeat and QB Andrew Luck was sacked three times.

This figures to another tough matchup for Luck and the rest of the Colt as they'll be coming up against one of the best defenses in the league. Houston ranks 4th in the NFL for points allowed and is tied for third with 41.0 sacks.  

Houston could clinch a playoff berth and the AFC South division title with a win here so there's plenty of motivation for the home team on top of trying to keep the winning streak alive.

10* play on Houston Texans. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The New England Patriots put a 38-7 beating on Miami at Foxboro back in September. 

Their scoring has slowed down since though and the Pats have averaged only 20.3 ppg through their last three games. 

It's no coincidence that two of those games where on the road where NE is averaging 21.7 ppg on the season, and here it'll face a Miami team which has held opponents to 20.5 ppg in six games at Hard Rock Stadium. Offensively, Miami does not pose much of a threat and ranks 29th in the NFL for total offense with 302.1 ypg. 

Under is 8-2 in Patriots last 10 road games. Under is 5-0 in Patriots last five  games overall and 4-0 in Dolphins last four games overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

NFL NO-BRAINER

I absolutely love the Green Bay Packers as a home favorite against Atlanta Falcons here in week 14. They should be mighty fired up for this one following the firing of longtime coach Mike McCarthy, particularly QB Aaron Rodgers. 

"I think we all share in the responsibility (of McCarthy's firing). That's the toughest part," Rodgers said. "The players are the ones who are playing. Obviously, coaches have responsibility to prepare and teach and demand, but the players on the field are performing and obviously our performance level wasn't such that we could keep Mike in his place."

Rodgers might be saying the right things, but I doubt he's said to see McCarthy go... 

Atlanta has dropped its last four games while failing to score 20 points in each and I predict a blowout win for the home team. 

8* play on Green Bay Packers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY OF THE DAY (TOTAL)

The LA Clippers had scored 110 points or more in four straight games before getting held to a season-worst 86 in a loss to Memphis Wednesday night. 

I think they'll be back to their free-scoring ways here against a Miami team which opened a six-game road trip with a 115-98 victory over Phoenix Friday night. 

Playing on no rest will almost certainly not do the Heat any favors defensively, and we can note that over is 11-1 in their last 12 games playing on 0 days rest. 

Combine it with the fact that over is 10-3 in Clippers last 13 overall and I think we have a solid case for the over here.

10* play on OVER. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Minnesota Timberwolves should be fresh and lively after two solid days off since putting a 121-104 beating on Charlotte Wednesday night. They're red hot with wins in six of the last seven contests and have covered the spread in all triumphs. 

Here they'll take on a Portland side which has lost six of its last eight and had failed to cover the spread in eight straight games before finally putting together a solid performance with a 108-86 win over Phoenix on Thursday. Phoenix is also in a rut though, and the Blazers will face a much bigger challenge tonight. 

Minnesota has won back-to-back games away from home after opening the season with an 0-8 road record. I expect the hungry Wolves to make it three in a row with a win at Portland Saturday night. 

8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves.

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB)

The Army Black Knights have won the last two meetings with Navy Midshipmen despite closing at underdogs in both games. They're a rather sizable favorite in this year's matchup but I fully expect them to win by double digits. 

Army enters this contest on a seven-game winning streak and boasts good numbers on both sides of the ball. It owns the No. 12 rush defense in the nation, giving up just 106.5 yards so Navy's No. 3 rushing game could be in big trouble. Defensively, Navy has been poor this season allowing 438.9 yards per game and 34.9 points per game. 

The Black Knights have lost just two games all season, one of them an OT loss at Oklahoma as a 30-point underdog. They're clearly the superior team here and I expect the final score to reflect that.

10* play on Army Black Knights. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Chelsea have lost two of their last three Premier League games, most recently a 2-1 setback at Wolves midweek. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri seems to be quite concerned about the lack of results lately. "I knew very well that sooner or later we have to face difficulties. When you change the way of playing, the way of football, you need to change the mentality. You need to change the mentality in 25 minds, so it's not a short way. It's very difficult."

Here they'll host a Manchester City team which is still undefeated in the league season (13 wins, 2 draws), and it as conceded just two goals in seven away games. We can also note that the Citizens have won the last three meetings in all competitions (including this season's Community Shield) without conceding a goal.

10* play on Man City. 

TOP RATED 10* BACKYARD BRAWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The West Virginia Mountaineers had won four on the bounce before taking a 66-56 loss to Florida. They shot just 29.7 percent in the defeat and here they'll face a Pittsburgh team which ranks  third in the ACC in field-goal percentage defense at 37.9 percent. 

The Panthers are 7-2 SU and ATS on the season and they should be fired up for this after a 1-point loss as a 16.5-point favorite against Niagara on Monday.

“As a team, we probably thought we were a little better than we were,” senior Jared Wilson-Frame said afterwards. “I’m pretty sure we’ll be ready for (West Virginia), let alone what happened today. Everybody who watches college basketball or is a part of college basketball knows the importance of that rivalry and how big it is, not only to the cities, but the programs and schools behind them. I don’t think there’s going to be much talking. We’re just going to be focused and ready to fight. It’s called a brawl for a reason.”  

Look for the Panthers to cover he spread and potentially win outright here in the Backyard Brawl. 

10* play on Pittsburgh Panthers. 

NHL POWER PLAY

The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a 3-2 SO win at St. Louis and have won four of their last five. 

They've played excellent defense during that stretch, allowing only a total of four goals in the wins and here they'll face a Minnesota team heading in the opposite directions having lost four of their last five and coming off a 2-0 loss at Carolina last night. 

Wild are 1-6 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and playing on no rest against a streaking Oilers side will be a tough ask. 

8* play on Edmonton Oilers. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies held the Clippers to their lowest point total of the season and 33.8 percent shooting in a 96-86 triumph Wednesday night.

I expect their top rated defense to allow them to keep it close here at New Orleans Friday night. 

The Pelicans are coming off a 132-106 win over Dallas, but they've not played particularly well lately winning just three of their last nine games. They might be scoring at will, but it's often on expense of their defense and their scoring defense ranks among the worst in the NBA.

Look for Memphis to control the tempo of this game and threaten to win outright.  

Grizzlies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Friday games. Pelicans are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.

10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (TOTAL)

The Houston Rockets had played eight straight overs before taking a 103-91 loss at Minnesota Monday night (with a total closing at 222.5 points). The Rockets had scored 120+ points in three of their last four games prior to that that dudd and here they'll face a Utah team which scored a season-high 139 points against San Antonio on Tuesday. 

Since acquiring Kyle Korver, the Jazz are the 3rd best 3 point shooting team in the league, hitting 43.3% of their shots from downtown, and they scored a franchise high 20 three pointers against the Spurs. 

Over is 7-0 in Jazz last 7 home games and 10-4 in Jazz last 14 games playing on one days rest.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) MONEYLINE

The Washington Capitals will head into this contest looking to put an end to a two-game losing streak. They had won seven in a row before the mini-slide and here they'll face an Arizona team which may very well come out flat following four straight wins. 

The Capitals didn't practice Wednesday, a day off that gave them time to think about all they didn't like about their 5-3 loss in Las Vegas Tuesday night. Arizona has the confidence and the momentum, but the motivation is on the visitors side and this is a great price we're getting on the Caps. 

10* play on Washington Capitals. 

THURSDAY NIGHT NFL NO-BRAINER

The Jacksonville Jaguars completely suffocated one of the hottest teams in the NFL last week when they put an end to Indianapolis Colts five-game winning streak with a 6-0 triumph. I expect to see another low-scoring contest when the Jags visit Tennessee Thursday night.  The Titans recorded a 26-22 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday but had been held to a combined 27 points through their last two games prior to that. The Titans have held the Jags to a total of 32 points through the last three meetings and they won the last encounter 9-6 on September 23. 

This is an extremely low total, but I don't see either team generate enough offense to push the score over the posted number. 

8* play on UNDER. 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL MIDNIGHT MADNESS

The San Francisco Dons will seek to rebound from their first loss of the season. They had won seven straight prior to an 85-81 loss as a 4-point underdog against Buffalo in Belfast, Ireland last Saturday and the Dons have been money when closing as a favorite. 

The California Golden Bears meanwhile have lost three of their last four and rank 249th in the nation in scoring defense with 75 points per contest while the Dons rank 7th by allowing just 57.9 points per game.

8* play on San Francisco Dons. 

TOP RATED 10* BOOKIE BREAKER

The Minnesota Timberwolves have won five of their last six games and have allowed more than 96 points just once during that stretch. They limited Houston to nine points in the fourth quarter of a 103-91 triumph on Monday to improve to 10-4 SU (9-5 ATS) home at Target Center for the season. 

The Charlotte Hornets have lost four of their last six and Kemba Walker mustered only 13 points  on 5-of-16 shooting as he played through a sprained ankle in a 119-109 loss to New Orleans last time out. That was the the second straight game Charlotte allowed 119 points. 

Hornets are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit loss at home and I predict an easy win for the home team in this matchup.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Philadelphia 76ers can compete with the best at home, but they're just 4-7 SU and 3-8 ATS on the road.

Toronto has covered the spread in six of the last seven when hosting Philly and the home team will be looking to bounce back from a 106-103 loss to Denver Monday night.

"Early in the game, they did everything, they wanted to win more than we did," Raptors forward Pascal Siakam told reporters. "We didn't bring the energy that we usually have, we let them get on the run and then we had to fight back."

I expect the Raptors to be fired up for this one and go for the kill. 

8* play on Toronto Raptors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs managed to put an end to a two-game slide with a 131-118 win over Portland last time out. They have seen seven of their last eight games go over the total (one push) and have allowed an average of 127.3 ppg through their last three contests. 

The Utah Jazz are not quite the stout defensive unit we've gotten used to in recent years. They've allowed an average of 113.4 ppg through their eight home games on the season with seven of those going over the total. 

We can also note that the Jazz have been shooting 39.7 percent from the perimeter since trading for veteran shooting guard Kyle Korver. 

I think this total looks way too low and recommend a BIG PLAY on the over. 

10* play on OVER. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the NBA winning eight of their last 10 games. They're 9-2 SU and ATS at American Airlines Center on the season and look like a good home favorite here against Portland. 

The Trail Blazers have hit a rocky patch after a strong start and have dropped five of their last six, the most recent a 131-118 loss at San Antonio on Sunday, and defense has been a big issue during the slide. 

They've failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 and the Trail Blazers are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings in Dallas.

8* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

TUESDAY NIGHT NHL BOOKIE BREAKER

The NY Islanders defeated Columbus 3-2 last time out to improve to 7-3-1 at home on the season.

After this game, the Islanders will play six of their next nine games away from home so I think they'll want to make the most of this matchup with the Winnipeg Jets who may have won three on the bounce, but they're just 2-12 in their last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.

The 13-9-1 Islanders fit the bill and this looks like too good of a price on the home team to pass up on.

8* play on NY Islanders. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Minnesota Timberwolves had allowed just 95.5 ppg while winning four consecutive games before taking a 118-109 loss to Boston Saturday. They're 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games and look good to bounce back against Houston Monday night. The Rockets have averaged 128.5 ppg through back-to-back wins, but against teams a lot worse defensively than Minnesota. Rockets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games and I would not be surprised to see them come out flat here after a pair of electric performances.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB) ATS

The Iowa State Cyclones are asked to cover plenty of points here against North Dakota State Bison. but I think they'll be well up for the task. 

Iowa State is coming off three consecutive blowout wins and beat Nebraska Omaha by 27 as an 18-point favorite last time out. Additionally they're expected to have Sophomore forward Cameron Lard and senior forward Zoran Talley Jr. back in the rotation after serving seven-game suspensions due to off-court issues. 

"Whatever minutes they get — and that’s what I've talked to them about -— that's your opportunity to make those minutes grow," ISU coach Steve Prohm said last week. "They’ll be in uniform Monday. They've checked all the boxes. It could be two minutes, or it could be 25 minutes — I have no idea. It’s just how the game goes."

Cyclones are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record while Bison are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

I expect Iowa State (especially Lard and Talley Jr.) to be fired up for this game and go for a fourth straight rout. 

10* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

MONDAY NIGHT CAVS @ NETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have the worst record in the East at 4-18, but they're 11-11 ATS on the season and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. 

The Brooklyn Nets own an 8-16 SU record while going 10-14 ATS on the season. They've dropped six straight home at Barclays Center outright and have covered the spread in only three of 11 home games. 

It's also worth noting that Cleveland will be looking to avenge a 102-86 home loss to the Nets on Oct. 24, the fourth loss in a 0-6 start that led to coach Tyronn Lue getting fired on Oct. 28. The Cavs have improved since and have managed to win three of their last 10 outright. 

I think the visitors will keep this reasonably close. 

8* play on Cleveland Cavaliers. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The New Jersey Devils enter this game on a five-game losing streak, but three of those losses were in overtime. Small margins. They're a respectable 7-1-4 at Prudential Center and I think the price we get on the home team in this matchup is too good to pass up on. 

The NHL-best Tampa Bay Lightning might very well come out flat here after winning five of their last six and opening a three-game road trip with an OT triumph at Florida on Saturday. 

8* play on New Jersey Devils. 

CHARGERS @ STEELERS SUNDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN

Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger threw for a season-best 462 yards last week but the Steelers still took a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos. They're however 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss and I expect them to bounce back in a big way here in this Sunday night showdown. 

The Chargers are coming off a 45-10 rout of the Arizona Cardinals and they're 4-1 SU and ATS on the road this season, but winning at Heinz Field is never easy. 

We can also note that the Chargers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a straight up win of more than 14 points and that they'll be without running back Melvin Gordon who will miss one to three games with a knee injury. 

All but one of the Chargers eight wins on the season have come against teams that currently have a losing record, and I think they'll come up short against the 7-3 Steelers. 

8* play on Pittsburgh Steelers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The San Antonio Spurs have given up an average of 132 points in back-to-back losses by 30 points or more. They're allowing 112.0 ppg on the season and over is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. 

Here the Spurs will face a Portland side which has seen six of its last seven games go over the total, the lone exception a matchup with the total closing at 227 points.

Spurs have been terrible at the defending the three lately allowing their last two opponents to shoot a combined 40-of-95 from downtown, and Portland's backcourt is capable of making it rain. The Blazers shot 53.6 percent from the field in a 121-108 win over the Spurs at home on Oct. 20 and over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings. 

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The Minnesota Vikings limited Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers to a season-worst 198 yards and sacked him four times in last week's 24-17 win. They're allowing just 276.6 ypg since Week 4 and I think they'll give Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense plenty of problems here on Sunday. The Pats have scored a combined 37 points through their last two games with each of their last four going under the total. 

Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) SIDE

The LA Rams are coming off their bye week and look primed to put a massive beating on Detroit Sunday afternoon. 

The Lions season is all but over after losing four of their last five and they lost by a touchdown against the Bears on Thanksgiving. Here they'll face a Rams team which has lost just one game all season (to New Orleans) and we can note that the Rams are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a bye week.

The Rams rank 2nd in the NFL for total offense with 448.6 yards per game and QB Jared Goff threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns in a 54-51 win over the Chiefs in Week 11. Running back Todd Gurley was limited by an ankle issue against the Chiefs but is expected to be fine for this matchup; bad bad news for Detroit. 

10* play on LA Rams. 

NFL NO-BRAINER

The Houston Texans have turned the season around completely since an 0-3 start and defeated Tennessee 34-17 Monday night to make it eight wins in a row. The Texans own a two-game lead over the Indianapolis Colts atop the AFC South but there's no room for error and I think they'll put a real beating on Cleveland here. 

The Browns are coming to Houston riding a two-game winning streak but are still last in the AFC North and 7-18-1 ATS last 26 vs. a team with a winning record. 

The Browns managed to record double-digit wins over Atlanta (28-16) and Cincinnati (35-20), but both those defenses rank in the bottom five of the NFL for yards allowed here they'll face a Houston D which is giving up just 333.6 ypg and has racked up 11 sacks over the past two games alone. 

8* play on Houston Texans. 

NFL ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Indianapolis Colts have averaged 34.6 ppg during a five-game winning streak, and I think they'll make light work of the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon.

Jacksonville is sliding in the complete opposite direction of the visitors, entering this contests as losers of seven straight and here it'll have to do without suspended running back Leonard Fournette.

Colts are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Jaguars are 0-5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.

8* play on Indianapolis Colts.

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB)

The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes put a 62-39 beating on seventh-ranked Michigan last week. I think they'll win in a rout again when taking on Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Saturday night. 

Northwestern defeated Illinois last week but failed to cover the spread and gave up 435 yards of total offense while generating only 371 yards of offense themselves. 

Here they'll face an Ohio team which averages 544.6 yards on the season and toyed with Michigan's top ranked defense. Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins completed 20-of-31 passes for 396 yards and six touchdowns and the Buckeyes racked up 567 total yards in the victory. 

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is determined to have his players ready for this game: "I'm going to be very hard on everybody this week, and we cannot see anything other than the same effort we did last week," Meyer said, later adding, "When you win and you win the way you did, now that's the time to cut it loose and be very, over-the-top demanding of them."

10* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes put a 62-39 beating on seventh-ranked Michigan last week. I think they'll win in a rout again when taking on Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Saturday night. 

Northwestern defeated Illinois last week but failed to cover the spread and gave up 435 yards of total offense while generating only 371 yards of offense themselves. 

Here they'll face an Ohio team which averages 544.6 yards on the season and toyed with Michigan's top ranked defense. Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins completed 20-of-31 passes for 396 yards and six touchdowns and the Buckeyes racked up 567 total yards in the victory. 

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is determined to have his players ready for this one too. "I'm going to be very hard on everybody this week, and we cannot see anything other than the same effort we did last week," Meyer said, later adding, "When you win and you win the way you did, now that's the time to cut it loose and be very, over-the-top demanding of them."

Over is 8-3 in Buckeyes last 11 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game and I expect to see this game go over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (CFB) TOTAL

The Fresno State Bulldogs are giving up only 13.5 ppg on the season and all but one of their last nine games have gone under the total. The Boise State Broncos are holding teams to 22.3 ppg overall which drops to 18.5 ppg at home and six of their last eight have gone under the total. 

This will be the fourth meeting in just over a year and the second straight time Fresno State and Boise State will compete in the Mountain West championship game. BSU won last year's title game 17-14 and none of the last three meetings have been even close to go over the total posted for this matchup. 

10* play on UNDER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off four consecutive wins and beat San Antonio by 39 points last time out. 

Let down spot here against the Celtics? I don't think so, particularly with the Celtics playing on no rest after routing Cleveland Friday night. 

The Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on zero days rest and 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

With Minnesota a solid 9-3 SU at home on the season and 7-2 ATS in their last nine at home I expect the red hot Wolves will run away with this game. 

8* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Golden State Warriors put up a good fight in Thursday's 131-128 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors, and here they'll have two-time MVP Stephen Curry back after missing 11 games with a groin injury. The Detroit Pistons have played very well lately but are in a tough spot here playing no rest after posting a 107-88 win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday 

I expect the Warriors to get a massive confidence boost with Curry back in the lineup and roll to a comfortable victory. 

10* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Manchester United played a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend and followed that up with a narrow 1-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League midweek.

Southampton have scored only 10 goals in 13 Premier League games on the season and have found the net just one time through their last three at home. They've been solid defensively at home all season though allowing just eight goals in six games, and I think we'll see two cautious teams play out a low-scoring game here.

10* play on UNDER. 

SUPER EARLY CFB ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Marshall Thundering Herd have plenty of momentum after winning five of their last six including a 28-25 triumph at Florida International last Saturday. They have surrendered only 12.7 ppg during the win streak and I think they'll keep this close. The Hokies had lost four straight prior to a 34-31 OT win over in-state rival Virginia last week and they're 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Virginia Tech needs a win to secure bowl eligibility but don't expect the visitors to give anything for free as they surely would take plenty of pleasure in making the Hokies fail to gain bowl eligibility for the first time in 26 years.

8* play on Marshall Thundering Herd. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA 

The Denver Nuggets are on a roll, entering this game 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four games. They've won at both Minnesota and Oklahoma City during that stretch to improve to 5-4 on the road for the season, and I think would not be surprised to see them win ouright at Portland Friday night. 

The Blazers had dropped three straight prior to a 115-112 win as a 10-point favorite against Orlando last time out and they've covered the spread in just one of their last eight contest.

Denver has held three straight opponents to fewer than 100 points and it has won three straight meetings with Portland. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to at the very least cover the spread in a relatively low-scoring contest.

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Denver Nuggets are on a roll, entering this game 4-0 SU and ATS through their last four games. They've won at both Minnesota and Oklahoma City during that stretch to improve to 5-4 on the road for the season, and I think would not be surprised to see them win ouright at Portland Friday night. 

The Blazers had dropped three straight prior to a 115-112 win as a 10-point favorite against Orlando last time out and they've covered the spread in just one of their last eight contest.

Denver has held three straight opponents to fewer than 100 points and it has won three straight meetings with Portland. Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings and I expect Denver to at the very least cover the spread in a relatively low-scoring contest.

8* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Charlotte Hornets are a superb 14-7 ATS on the season and the home team is 22-7-2 ATS in the last 31 meetings with a struggling Utah team which has dropped four of their last six. 

Sure, the Jazz managed to outscore Brooklyn by 18 points in the 4th quarter to beat them 101-91 last time out, but I think they'll find it hard to compete with a Charlotte side which has opened a four-game homestand with two straight wins. 

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

NHL POWER PLAY

The New Jersey Devils are just 2-9-1 on the road this season, but I think the price is way too good to pass up on the rested visitors here. The Devils have not played since a 4-3 OT loss at Florida Monday night and are a solid 10-4 in their last 14 games playing on three or more days rest. The Caps are in a letdown spot after reeling off six straight victories and might very well underestimate their opponent here. 

8* play on New Jersey Devils. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The LA Clippers have won eight of their last nine following a 115-99 rout of Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, but they're in a tough spot here the second night of a back-to-back and facing a high-paced Sacramento side which will be aiming to bounce back from a 21-point home loss to Utah. 

The Kings are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game and 6-1 ATS in their last seven following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

I would not be surprised to see the home team win this one outright, but take the points as a little insurance. 

10* play on Sacramento Kings. 

SAINTS @ COWBOYS THURSDAY NIGHT BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The New Orleans Saints are coming off a successful two-game homestand during which they beat Philadelphia and Atlanta by a combined 55 points. They have won five consecutive games by double digits and I think they'll keep rolling here in the first of what will be three consecutive road games when visiting Dallas Thursday night. 

The Saints are a phenomenal 9-2 ATS on the season, and while the Cowboys have covered the spread in three straight games I just don't see them keeping up with the Saints explosive offense. Cowboys are 2-7 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record and Saints are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 meetings.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has been sacked a league-high 38 times and I don't see Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliot having much success at moving the chains against a solid Saints rush defense which hasn't allowed an individual player to rush for 100 yards for more than a calendar year. Even Rams' Todd Gurley managed just 68 yards rushing in a 45-35 loss to New Orleans on Nov 4. 

10* play on New Orleans Saints. 

LATE NIGHT SHOWDOWN ~ MAGIC @ BLAZERS

The slumping Portland Trail Blazers enters this contest on a three-game losing streak and they have covered the spread in only one of their last seven contests. The Magic on the other hand are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall and have won four of those outright despite closing as a rather sizable underdog in all but one. The visitors have all the momentum and I think Orlando will keep this relatively close. 

8* play on Orlando Magic.