TOP RATED 10* CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Creighton Bluejays look like a solid home favorite against Montana Wednesday night. They won the Cayman Islands Classic by beating the 16th ranked Clemson Tigers in the final and will be looking to keep the momentum going for their upcoming matchup with No. 1 Gonzaga. 

Montana has suffered only one loss on the season, but that was its last game when it allowed Georgia Southern to shoot 51.9% from the field. 

Creighton has too much firepower and I expect the home team to run up the score and win this one by double-digits. 

10* play on Creighton Blue Jays. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NBA) SIDE

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off three straight wins, two of them on the road where they've otherwise struggled this season. They've been all the better at home, entering this matchup with the San Antonio Spurs with an 8-3 SU and 7-4 ATS record at Target Center.

The Spurs will close out a four-game road trip for which they secured at least a breakeven record with a one-point win over Chicago Monday night. 

Spurs are 4-7 SU on the road this season and 6-15 ATS in their last 21 road games. Wolves are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Spurs are 14-1 in their last 15 meetings with the Timberwolves but I like Minnesota in this spot.

10* play on Minnesota Timberwolves. 

TOP RATED 10* NHL POWER PLAY

The St. Louis Blues have dropped four of their last five and were booed off the ice by their own fans following an 8-4 loss to Winnipeg Saturday. "I think we haven't given them that much," Blues forward Patrick Maroon said. "We haven't given them St. Louis Blues hockey."

That was however just a day after a solid 6-2 win over Nashville and the Blues should be more rested and better prepared for this matchup and they'll face a Red Wings team which has dropped three in row. 

The Blues are just 2-4-2 on the season, but keep in mind that they're 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Detroit and outscored the Red Wings 8-2 in a pair of wins last season. 

10* play on St. Louis Blues. 

LAKERS @ NUGGETS TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

Eight of the LA Lakers last 10 games have gone under the total, and none of their last four have gone over the total posted for this matchup with Denver. 

The Nuggets own the third best scoring defense in the NBA and have allowed an average of only 97.5 ppg through its last three contests, all going under the total. Denver is particularly good at defending the three-ball, holding opponents to 32.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. 

8* play on UNDER. 

TOP RATED 10* RAPTORS @ GRIZZLIES BOOKIE BREAKER

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-2 SU and ATS home at FedExForum and I think they'll give the Toronto Raptors all they can handle Tuesday night. 

The Grizzlies are holding opponents to a league-best 100.0 ppg and have covered the spread in eight of the last 10 when facing a team with a winning record over .600. 

With the Raptors in risk of looking ahead to a nationally televised showdown with Golden State on Thursday, the right play here is to take the points on the home team. 

10* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzlies are 7-2 SU and ATS home at FedExForum and I think they'll give the Toronto Raptors all they can handle Tuesday night. 

The Grizzlies are holding opponents to a league-best 100.0 ppg and have covered the spread in eight of the last 10 when facing a team with a winning record over .600. 

With the Raptors in risk of looking ahead to a nationally televised showdown with Golden State on Thursday, the right play here is to take the points on the home team. 

Under is 7-2 in Grizzlies last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 16-3 in Raptors last 19 vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Under is 28-8 in the last 36 meetings.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL) SIDE

I love the price we get on the Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Tuesday night. They had won three on the bounce prior to taking a 4-1 loss at New York Islanders on Saturday. That was however the second game of a back-to-back but they'll be well rested here and 24-9 in their last 33 vs. a team with a losing record. Montreal on the other hand has lost four consecutive games and we can note that the Hurricanes have won each of the last four meetings. 

10* play on Carolina Hurricanes. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Orlando Magic handed the Lakers a 108-104 loss yesterday and I think they'll put a good fight here at Golden State Monday night despite playing on no rest. 

The Warriors will be without Stephen Curry for a 10th straight contest and they have covered the spread only once through their last eight games. 

We can also note that the Warriors are a in a look ahead spot with a matchup with the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors on deck and that the Magic usually are able to keep it reasonably close at Oracle Arena, covering the spread in 10 of the last 14 visits. 

8* play on Orlando Magic. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Milwaukee Bucks might look forward to this road game at Charlotte following six straight games home at Fiserv Forum. They have won four of seven away from home on the season and defeated the Nuggets at Denver their last time out on the road. Note that Charlotte is 1-7 ATS in its last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record and that the Hornets have hit a bit of a slump lately dropping four of their last six overall

8* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA 3-PACK

The Houston Rockets have opened a three-game road trip with losses at Detroit and Cleveland, but I think they'll win the finale in style when visiting Washington Wizards Monday night. They had won five on the bounce prior to this two-game losing streak and the Rockets have won and covered the spread in three of the last four meetings with Washington. 

The Wizards may have defeated New Orleans last time out, but the Pels were without Anthony Davis and I don't think the Wizards have an answer to James Harden who has averaged 37.5 ppg over the last four games.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

MONDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

I like the price we get on Toronto Maple Leafs as a home favorite against Boston Bruins Monday night. 

Toronto has outscored opponents 19-4 during a four-game win streak home at Scotiabank Arena and the Bruins are only 5-4-4 on the road. 

We can also note that the home team will be looking to avenge a 5-1 Bruins triumph over the Leafs at Boston on Nov. 10 and that they've won six of the last seven meetings in Toronto.

8* play on Toronto Maple Leafs. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CBB) ATS

I think Oregon State Beavers will win in a rout when they visit Long Beach State 49ers Sunday. The 49ers are 2-4 on the season, all losses by double-digits and they took an 87-72 beating by Utah Valley last time out despite closing as just a 2-point underdog.

They're 2-7 ATS in their last nine games vs. a team with a winning straight up record and should not stand a chance here against a Beavers side which has won all but one games on the season and defeated Penn 74-58 as a 3.5-point favorite last time out. 

10* play on Oregon State Beavers. 

HEAT @ RAPTORS TOTAL 

I expect to see a high-scoring contest when the Miami Heat visit Toronto Raptors Sunday night. Note that over/under is 11-7 in games involving Miami this season (despite four straight unders) and o/u is 13-7 for Toronto.

The Raptors hit on a season-best 17 shots from 3-point range for a 43.6 percentage from beyond the arc in a 125-107 triumph over Washington Friday night and they've scored 120+ points in three of their last four games. 

Miami had been held to fewer than 100 points in three straight games prior to a 103-96 win at Chicago Friday night, but keep in mind that the Heat rank  seventh in the NBA averaging 11.8 3-pointers per game, so they're definitely capable of putting plenty of points on the board.

8* play on OVER. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFL NO-BRAINER

The Miami Dolphins have lost five of seven following a 3-0 start and I think they'll lose big at Indianapolis Sunday afternoon. Sure, the Dolphins are coming off their bye and QB Ryan Tannehill is finally back in the lineup after missing five games, but can he make that big of a difference? "I'm not quite 100 percent," Tannehill said. "But I'm confident I've made all the throws I will need over the course of a game. I don't feel like any aspect of my game has been taken away."

The meanwhile Colts are red hot coming off four straight victories and QB Andrew Luck threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee last week to be named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He has now thrown for at least three touchdowns in seven consecutive games and figures to do plenty of damage again here. 

Colts are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games in November. Dolphins are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games in November.

8* play on Indianapolis Colts. 

SUNS @ PISTONS NBA AFTERNOON ANNIHILATOR

The Phoenix Suns are just 4-14 SU on the season, but they picked up a 116-114 win at Milwaukee on Friday and I think they'll give the Pistons a fair fight here at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday. One could argue that this is a letdown spot for Phoenix, but the same thing can be said about Detroit which is coming off a physically and mentally exhausting 116-111 OT win against the Rockets. We can also note that the Pistons more often than not seem to be overrated by the bookies when hosting lesser teams, going 6-13 ATS in their last 19 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Suns are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Sunday games. Pistons are 1-8 ATS in their last nine Sunday games.

8* play on Phoenix Suns. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON NFC BOOKIE BREAKER ~ SEAHAWKS @ PANTHERS

The Carolina Panthers are unlikely to catch the Saints who are running away with the NFC West. They're however definitely in contention for a NFC Wild Card and should be in an even better position after this contest with Seattle Seahawks who are in pretty much exactly the same spot. 

The Panthers are a perfect 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS home at Bank of America Stadium and will be desperate for a win here after dropping back-to-back games (both on the road). Seattle meanwhile just managed to snap a two-game slide of its own with a 27-24 triumph over Green Bay but is only 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games following a straight up win. 

We can also note that the Seahawks have relied on their running game all season but that might not be a winning recipe here against a Panthers D which ranks 8th in the NFL against the run. 

The home team has covered the spread in four of the last five meetings and that's a trend I expect to continue. 

8* play on Carolina Panthers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) SIDE

The Philadelphia Eagles should be extremely fired up for this matchup with NFC East rivals NY Giants as they look to bounce back from a 48-7 beating in New Orleans last time out. 

The Giants are obviously are nowhere near as good as the Saints, and they're in a letdown spot after back-to-back triumphs and claiming a 38-35 home win over the Buccaneers last week. NY won despite giving up 510 total yards of offense, and we can expect a big game for Philly QB Carson Wentz who threw three touchdown passes in a 34-13 win over the Giants in New York on October 11.

Philadelphia has covered the spread in 14 of the last 21 meetings and is in need of a win here to save its season. I think the home team will come through and win in blowout fashion. 

10* play on Philadelphia Eagles.  

NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Colorado Avalanche look like a solid home favorite when hosting the Dallas Stars Saturday night. The Avs put a 5-1 beating on the Yotes at Arizona Friday night to improve to 5-0-1 through their last six games. The visiting Stars will also play on no rest following a 6-4 home win over Ottawa, but they've struggled on the road all season and lost four of their last five away from home. Colorado has won 10 of the last 13 meetings when holding home ice advantage, and that's a trend I expect to continue. 

8* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Nuggets are off a 25-point win over Orlando Friday night, but the Nuggets as well as the Thunder are teams generally much stronger at home than on the road. 

Before winning their last two games, the Nuggets lost six of seven games and here they'll face an OKC team which has played well lately, winning five of its last six and beating Golden State by 28 points. Both teams will be playing on no rest which I think gives the home team a solid advantage. We can also note that the visitors may be shorthanded as starting shooting guard Gary Harris left Friday's contest with a sore left ankle.

10* play on OKC Thunder. 

SATURDAY NIGHT SEC BANKROLL BUILDER

The LSU Tigers have answered a shutout loss to Alabama with back-to-back victories over Arkansas and Rice. They failed to cover the spread in both though, and I don't think they'll be able to shut down Texas A&M Saturday night. 

The Aggies have scored a combined 79 points in their last two games and are a solid 6-1 SU and ATS home at Kyle Field on the season. Their only loss at home was a 28-26 setback to No. 2 Clemson ... 

LSU boasts one of the best scoring defenses in the nation but keep in mind that A&M owns a feisty D of its own, allowing just 80 rushing yards per game, second fewest in the country.

8* play on Texas A&M Aggies. 

AUBURN @ ALABAMA IRON BOWL BOOKIE BREAKER

The top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide have been destroying their competition all season long, and they're a massive favorite here against Auburn Tigers in the Iron Bowl. Bama will be seeking to avenge a 26-14 loss to Auburn last season, and I think it all starts on defense. 

I really wouldn't make too much of the 17 points the Tide allowed the Citadel to score last week; on the season, Bama has held opponent to an average of just 13.1 ppg so there's no doubt the defense can step it up a notch when fully focused, and the concentration should be . 

Auburn has also been one of the better teams on the defensive side of the ball, conceding only 16.6 ppg and it shut out Liberty last week. On offense, Auburn has been less than convincing and put up just 10 points in a loss to Georgia and nine against Mississippi State earlier in the season.

Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings and Auburn is 12-3 to the under their last 15 games overall.

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB) TOTAL

The Boston College Eagles host the Syracuse Orange Saturday afternoon, and I expect to see an entertaining shootout. The visitors are 10th in the nation in scoring, averaging 40.6 ppg on the season despite putting up just three in a loss at Notre Dame last time out. Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey missed most of that game with an upper-body injury and is questionable here, but backup QB Tommy DeVito should be able to put up decent numbers against a BC defense which has allowed more than 600 passing yards through its last two games.  

Defensively, the Orange have struggled on the road all season allowing an average of 34.6 ppg and they gave up 463 yards against the Irish last time out, including 171 yards on the ground. The Eagles running game ranks 46th in the nation and RB A.J. Dillon ran a season-high 37 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns against FSU last week.

10* play on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB) SIDE

There is plenty at stake here with winner of this contest going to the Big Ten Championship Game next month in Indianapolis. The No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes have won 14 of the last 16 meetings with No. 4 Michigan, and I'm happy to take the points on the home team in this matchup. 

Michigan's defense is as good as it gets, but here it'll face one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. QB Dwayne Haskins threw for 405 yards and three TDs against Maryland last week and has thrown for over 400 yards in four of his last six games. Add a running back tandem of J.K. Dobbins and Michigan native Mike Weber and it's easy to see why the Buckeyes rank 8th in scoring, putting up 41.6 ppg. 

We can also note that the Wolverines lone loss so far came on the road, and while they're 3-1 SU away from home they've covered the spread in only one of those games.

10* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER) TOTAL

Crystal Palace are winless through their last seven games and have scored a grand total of four goals during that stretch. They've allowed more than two goals in only of those games though and here they'll face a Manchester United team which definitely is capable of playing lock down defense despite 21 goals conceded on the season. 

My prediction is that Man United will sit back and control the game after taking the lead (which I assume they will), and that we'll see this game go under the total.

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT NBA TOTAL (10* TOP PLAY)

The Golden State Warriors are in free fall, coming off four straight defeats as they're battling injuries to Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. The former might be back here while the latter is expected to miss several more games. Four of their last five games when playing without Curry have gone under the total, and that's a pattern I expect to continue here. 

This will be the finale of a tough six-game road trip for the Blazers and I think they'll make sure to up the intensity on the defensive end after giving up 143 points at Milwaukee last time out. 

Under is 4-0 in Trail Blazers last four games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game. Under is 19-6-1 in Warriors last 26 games following a straight up loss.

10* play on UNDER. 

PELICANS @ KNICKS BUCKET BREAKER

The New York Knicks snapped a six-game skid with a huge 117-109 triumph as a 22-point underdog at Boston last time out. I think that puts them in a huge letdown spot here, facing a Pelicans team which will be looking to get back to its winning ways after having a three-game win streak come to an end with a narrow loss at Philadelphia Wednesday night. 

The Pels are just 2-7 SU on the road this season but 13-3 ATS in their last 16 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400. With the Knicks just 2-6 at home I expect the visitors to roll to an easy victory here. 

8* play on New Orleans Pelicans. 

ROCKETS @ PISTONS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Houston Rockets have turned things around after a rocky start to the season. They travel to Detroit riding a five-game win streak and had covered the spread in four straight games before beating the Pistons by only two as a nine-point favorite in the opener of this home-and-home set last time out. 

That game ended way closer than it should have been with Detroit allowed to score 41 fourth-quarter points. "We had the game about five times in our hand, and you know we kind of try to give it away," D'Antoni said. "You've got to give them credit, Griffin makes his shots, made some hard shots, but at the same time we had time to put it away a few times and we just (made silly fouls) or just didn't play." 

I expect the Rockets to stay focused and win and cover here, particularly with Detroit only 2-5 ATS home at Little Caesars Arena on the season.

8* play on Houston Rockets. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off back-to-back losses despite giving up a total of just 50 points in the two contests combined. They've failed to break 20 point scored in each of those games and here it'll face a New Orleans side which has allowed a total of only 21 points through its last two games. 

The Saints are the highest scoring team in the league and have scored 45+ points in three straight games, but even while the first meeting of the season finished with a total of 80 points scored I highly doubt this contest will break 60 considering both teams recent results. 

Falcons are just 1-3 SU and ATS away from home this season and under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Under is 4-1 in Saints last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

10* play on UNDER in New Orleans. 

REDSKINS @ COWBOYS NFL NO-BRAINER

I think the Dallas Cowboys are getting way too much respect here and I expect Washington to cover this spread rather comfortably.

The Redskins are battling injuries, but they've still covered the spread in five of their last six games. The Cowboys are more or less always overrated due to its support from the public, especially at home where they're just 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Redkins QB Alex Smith is out for the season and possibly part of next year after suffering two broken bones last time out, but that shouldn't matter much as Washington can rely on veteran running back Adrian Peterson to move the chains. It's also worth noting that it boasts a defense which ranks fifth in the NFL for points allowed at 19.8 ppg. 

Redskins are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 meetings in Dallas and this looks like another easy cover for the visitors. 

8* play on Washington Redskins. 

SUPER EARLY THANKSGIVING ACTION ~ BEARS @ LIONS

I think the Detroit Lions can keep it close here in the first game of NFL Thanksgiving action.

Chicago may sit top of the NFC North following a 25-20 victory over Minnesota, but it has had most of its success home at Soldier Field. The Bears are 2-2 SU on the road with the wins at Buffalo and Arizona while losing at Miami and Green Bay. 

The Lions snapped an ugly three-game losing streak with a 20-19 win over Carolina last week and will be seeking to avenge a 12-point loss at Chicago on Nov 11. We can also note that Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky is listed as questionable with an injured right shoulder. 

Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a losing home record and 1-6 ATS in their last seven Thursday night games. Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Thursday night games and also 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games overall.

8* play on Detroit Lions. 

LATE NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MONEYMAKER

The Los Angeles Kings are coming off a 2-0 win at St. Louis, but they're just 3-13 in their last 16 games following a win and in a tough spot here when hosting the Colorado Avalanche Wednesday night. This is the Kings fourth game in six nights, a situation where they've lost four of their last five, and they'll face an Avs team in a decent groove having won three of its last four games.

The Avs are averaging an NHL third-best 3.55 goals per contest while LA ranks dead last at 2.00 gpg. 

8* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Dallas Mavericks took a 98-88 loss at Memphis last time out, but they are a solid 6-2 SU at home on the season and a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last four at American Airlines Center. They had won four straight contests outright prior to the loss to the Grizzlies and look good to get back to their winning ways against Brooklyn Wednesday night. The Nets are in a letdown spot following a 104-92 win at Miami last night and have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five when playing on no rest. 

10* play on Dallas Mavericks. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers have held three straight opponents to fewer than 94 points and six of their last nine have gone under the total. Here they'll visit a Charlotte team which has been involved in a fair amount of shootouts lately, but note that under is 8-2 in Hornets last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Indiana fits the bill with a 5-3 SU record on the road and I expect this game to stay under the total. 

8* play on UNDER. 

NHL NO-BRAINER

The Edmonton Oilers have dropped six of their last seven after Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Their No. 1 goaltender Cam Talbot has lost five straight starts while posting a 4.63 goals-against average. Bad time to take on a Sharks team which has won three of its last four games and scored three goals or more in each contest during that stretch. We can also note that Edmonton has surrendered 15 goals while losing three straight meetings with San Jose.  

The Sharks are tied for first in the Pacific Division standings much thanks to strong play home in the Shark Tank where they're 7-3-0-1 on the season. We're asked to lay a lot of juice, but I'm confident the home team will prove itself well worth the price. 

8* play on San Jose Sharks. 

NETS @ HEAT TUESDAY NIGHT NBA TOTAL

The Miami Heat have failed to break 100 points in each of their last two games. It had however seen seven of its last eight go over the total prior to the recent funk and picked up a 120-107 road win over the Nets on Nov. 14. This looks like a good spot for the Heat to find their scoring touch again as they'll face a Brooklyn side which has lost four of its last five and allowed more than 120 ppg on average in each defeat. 

Both teams rank in the top half of the table when it comes to making three-pointers and Miami is third worst in the league at defending the three. I expect to see both teams make a high percentage of their attempts outside the perimeter to push this game over the total. 

8* play on OVER. 

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ~ HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

The two highest-scoring teams in the NFL will clash at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Monday night when the 9-1 LA Rams host the also 9-1 Kansas City Chiefs. I'm well happy to take the points on the visitors in what's more than likely to be a shootout.

The 23-year-old KC QB Patrick Mahomes leads an offense that ranks second in the league in scoring at 35.3 points per contest. Mahomes himself leads the league in touchdown passes (31) and passing yards per game.

Note that Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 346 yards and four TDs in a 45-35 win over the Rams two weeks ago and LA gave up 31 points to Seattle just a week ago. Surely Mahomes can put up big numbers against their D as well. 

The Rams have been asked to cover way too big numbers lately and have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games while the Chiefs are a solid 8-2 ATS on the season.

8* play on Kansas City Chiefs. 

MONDAY NIGHT NBA MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Boston Celtics won their first two games of a three-game homestand but closed it out with a 98-86 loss to Utah on Saturday. That game was the day after a draining OT win over Toronto though, so not all that surprising that they came out flat. I expect Boston to get back to its winning ways when visiting Charlotte Monday night, supported by a trend saying they're 7-2 ATS in their last nine games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

The Hornets have dropped three of their last four, losing the last two games outright as favorites.

The Celtics have covered the spread in six straight matchups at Charlotte and in 12 of the last 16 meetings overall. 

8* play on Boston Celtics. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA) TOTAL

The Indiana Pacers have won back-to-back games despite not breaking 100 points scored in either contest. They're allowing just 101.4 ppg on the season which drops to 97.1 ppg home at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where the O/U is 1-7 for the season. 

Tonight the Pacers will host a Utah team which has not played with its usual intensity on the defensive end of the court lately, but it showed what it's capable of when holding Boston to 86 points on 38.5 percent shooting its last time out. 

Under is 10-3 in Jazz last 13 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 18-8 in Pacers last 26 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Indiana.

10* play on UNDER in Indiana. 

SUNDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Anaheim Ducks have lost three of their last four and scored only a total of four goals during that stretch. They're next-to-last in the NHL in scoring at 2.05 goals a game and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with this high-octane Avs offense. 

Colorado had scored 10 goals in back-to-back victories over Edmonton and Boston prior to taking a 3-2 OT loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals Friday. "We've got to get rested and get ready to give more effort," Colorado center Colin Wilson said. "We're a team that can win every game when we do that." I like Colorado to get the win here. 

8* play on Colorado Avalanche. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA)

The Portland Trail Blazers have opened a six-game road trip with a couple of losses at Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota, but I think they look good to bounce back with a win when visiting the Washington Wizards Sunday night.

The Blazers had scored 100 points or more in each of their first 14 games of the season prior to a 112-96 loss to the Wolves last time out and should be able to take advantage of a Wizards side which allows 116.7 ppg. 

Washington looked like it finally had turned its season around after a 1-7 start to the season as it had recorded three straight victories before taking a 115-104 loss to Brooklyn Friday night. The worry of another losing streak could linger in the Washington players mind here, and I expect the visitors to be fired up to avenge a 125-124 overtime home loss to the Wizards on Oct. 22.

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL) TOTAL

The LA Chargers are among the league's hottest teams having won six on the bounce and permitted only 66 points over their past five games for an average of 13.2 ppg. Here they'll face a Denver team which has won just one of its last seven games and been held to 20 points or fewer in five of its nine games on the season. 

The Broncos defense is still pretty solid though and linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb have combined for 17 sacks, the most by a pass rushing duo in the NFL this season. We can also note that they're coming off their bye so they've had plenty of time to figure out how to stop the Chargers. 

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL)

This is a major let down spot for the Tennessee Titans after putting a 34-10 beating on the Patriots last week. They're 16-34-2 ATS in their last 52 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game and here the Titans will face AFC South rival Indianapolis which has won three on the bounce and is 16-5-1 ATS in its last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. 

The Colts have averaged 36 ppg during their current winning streak. QB Andrew Luck has thrown for 10 touchdowns during that stretch and at least three TD passes in each of his last six outings. 

Prior to a couple of losses to the Titans last year, Indy had claimed 11 straight victories over Tennessee. The Colts have covered the spread in six of the last seven when holding home field advantage and that's a trend likely to continue.

10* play on Indianapolis Colts. 

TEXANS @ REDSKINS DAYTIME DESTROYER 

The Washington Redskins are coming off a 16-3 win at Tampa Bay, but the score does not tell the whole story. They were outgained 501-286 in total yards and are extremely unlikely to get as "lucky" again tonight. The Houston Texans have won six straight since an 0-3 start and will come into this contest well prepared and rested coming off their bye. Their defense is among the best in the leauge at stopping the run and should be able to contain Washington RB Adrian Peterson and we can note that WAS QB Alex Smith has thrown for 178 yards or fewer in four of his last five games. 

Texans are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a bye week. Redskins are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

8* play on Houston Texans. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB) TOTAL

Two red hot teams with explosive offenses will clash at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando Saturday night, and I expect to see plenty of fireworks on both ends of the field. 

UCF Knights are perfect 9-0 on the season and amassed 500 yards of total offense in a 35-24 triumph over Navy last week. They rank third in the nation in total offense at 543 yards per game and put a 51-23 beating on the Bearcats last year. 

Cincinnati is 9-1 on the season and can lean on one of the best defenses in the country, but this will without a doubt be the biggest test yet, and in front of a national television audience at that. 

Keep in mind that the Bearcats allowed three touchdown passes in a 35-23 win over South Florida last week and over is 7-1 in Knights last eight home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

10* play on OVER. 

SATURDAY NIGHT NBA NO-BRAINER

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough spot, playing on no rest following a 113-107 home win over the Utah Jazz on Friday. 76ers are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 road games and 0-4 ATS in their last four games playing on no rest.

The Charlotte Hornets on the other hand have had plenty of rest and time to mull over an embarrassing 113-89 loss to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night.

Philly has defeated Charlotte in a couple of close games this season so expect to see a fired up home team looking to make up for it with a blowout in this contest. 

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

CFB NO-BRAINER 

The Texas A&M Aggies avoided a three-game slide with a come from behind triumph over Ole Miss last week. Here they'll take on a UAB side which has won eight straight games and ranks fourth in the FBS in scoring defense, but I think that says more about the strength of the schedule (or lack thereof) than how good the Blazers are. Southern Miss gave them a scare last week as UAB won by a field goal in overtime as a 13.5-point favorite. 

Texas A&M is 5-1 ATS as a favorite this season. Blazers are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games on grass. Aggies are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.

8* play on Texas A&M. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB)

The Virginia Cavaliers have won four of their last five games, but they've failed to cover the spread in each of their last two. Here they'll face a Georgia Tech team which is 5-1 SU and ATS through its last six games, winning and covering all games when closing as a favorite. 

Virginia relies on its defense, but it gave up 253 rushing yards in a 23-13 loss to Pittsburgh two weeks ago. Georgia Tech leads the nation in rushing offense at 362.4 yards per game, and while it has already clinched a bowl berth I still think the Yellow Jackets will be fired up for this one. 

"We still have a lot to play for," Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson told reporters after Saturday’s 27-21 victory over Miami. "We are playing a lot better now than we were playing earlier in the year. We kind of dug ourselves out of the big hole we dug ourselves in." They surely don't want to risk losing the momentum, so I like the home team to win in an impressive fashion.

10* play on Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 

SUPER EARLY OHIO STATE @ MARYLAND ATS ANNIHILATOR

The Maryland Terrapins took a 34-32 loss at Indiana last week and did not only lose the game but also their starting quarterback Kasim Hill (ACL) for the season. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes on the other hand are off a 26-6 rout of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium.

The only reason not to like Ohio State in this spot would be that it's off a big win over Michigan State and has Michigan on deck next week, but I expect OSU to want to keep the momentum going and roll to an easy victory here. 

8* play on Ohio State. 

BLAZERS @ WOLVES PLAY OF THE DAY (10* TOP PLAY)

The Portland Trail Blazers had won four straight before taking a 126-117 loss to the Lakers in La La Land. I like the Blazers to bounce back with a big performance here at Northwest Division rivals Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night. 

The Wolves have won back-to-back games since shipping Jimmy Butler to Philaelphia for Robert Covington and Dario Saric, but it's a big difference to beat up on Brooklyn and New Orleans compared to taking on this solid Portland side.  

We can also note that this is just their second winning streak of the season, and the Wolves are 0-4 ATS in their last four Friday games while the Trail Blazers are 4-1 ATS in their last five Friday games.

10* play on Portland Trail Blazers. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Washington Wizards have found their groove and enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak SU and ATS, the most recent a 24-point rout of Cleveland. They've averaged 117.3 points during the streak and here they'll face a Brooklyn team which took a 120-107 home loss to the Heat on Wednesday to go to 0-3 SU and ATS last three. We can also note that the visitors will be without their leading scorer, guard Caris LeVert who is out indefinitely with a dislocated right foot and that the Nets are 3-12 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Washington.

Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings and I expect Washington to score plenty here to push this game over the total. 

8* play on Washington Wizards. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Washington Wizards have found their groove and enter this matchup riding a three-game winning streak SU and ATS, the most recent a 24-point rout of Cleveland. They've averaged 117.3 points during the streak and here they'll face a Brooklyn team which took a 120-107 home loss to the Heat on Wednesday to go to 0-3 SU and ATS last three. We can also note that the visitors will be without their leading scorer, guard Caris LeVert who is out indefinitely with a dislocated right foot and that the Nets are 3-12 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Washington.

Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings and I expect Washington to score plenty here to push this game over the total. 

8* play on OVER.

NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The San Antonio Spurs took a 116-96 beating by the struggling Phoenix Suns Wednesday night.

I think they're in a very tough spot when visiting the Clippers on no rest with this being their third game in four nights.

Spurs are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games playing on no rest and 3-12 ATS in their last 15 road games. We can also note that center Pau Gasol is expected to miss his fifth consecutive gamw with a foot injury. 

The Clippers on the other hand have won four of their past five games with the last two impressive wins over Milwaukee and Golden State.

They've covered the spread in six straight home at Staples Center and the home team is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 matchups with the Spurs. 

10* play on LA Clippers. 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Vegas Golden Knights are just 3-8-0 on the road following a 4-1 setback at Boston on Sunday, but they own a winning record home at T-Mobile Arena and have won four of five all-time meetings with the Ducks.

Anaheim is 3-5-0 on the road this season and might have to do without defenseman Cam Fowler.

The Ducks are scoring just 2.21 gpg and here they'll face Vegas netminder Marc-Andre Fleury who is 10-4-0 with a 2.22 GAA against Anaheim.

8* play on Vegas Golden Knights. 

NBA 3-PACK

The San Antonio Spurs have dropped three of their last four but look primed to bounce back from a five-point loss in Sacramento when visiting Phoenix Wednesday night. 

Everyone is beating up on the Suns who took a 118-101 loss to a Thunder team which was without its superstar Russell Westbrook their last time out. They've been outscored by an average of 16.5 points during a four-game skid and have won only two of their seven home games, one since beating Dallas in the season opener.

The Spurs are averaging 108.7 ppg on the season and the Suns are 1-6 ATS versus teams scoring 106+ points/game. 

8* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

10* NBA TOP PLAY

The Boston Celtics have lost four of their last five and shot only 38.7 percent from the field in a 100-94 loss at Portland their last time out.

Under is 6-2 in Celtics last eight games following a straight up loss and I think we'll see a low-scoring game when they host the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night.

Chicago has been held to 99 points or fewer in four of its last five games, the lone exception an OT win at New York.

Under is 6-1 in Bulls last seven overall.

10* play on UNDER. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Philadelphia 76ers have won two of their last three on the road and defeated the Heat 124-114 in Miami Monday night. Here they'll visit the Magic who have played surprisingly well lately winning four of their last six, but they took a 117-109 loss at Washington on Monday.

The 76ers are expected to give newly acquired Jimmy Butler his debut here, and I think Philly will be extra fired up for this contest. We can also note that 76ers are 6-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Orlando.

8* play on Philadelphia 76ers. 

HORNETS @ CAVS HARDWOOD HAMMER

On Nov. 3, the Charlotte Hornets snapped a nine-game losing streak in the series with a 126-94 rout. I think they'll pick up another easy victory when paying a visit to the worst team in the NBA Tuesday night. 

Charlotte has won three of its last four games and the offense is clicking, which is bad news for a Cleveland side which is allowing 113.1 ppg. Hornets have also been stingy on the defensive end by allowing a season-low 36.5 percent shooting in Sunday's 113-103 win at Detroit. 

The Cavs are banged up and have a matchup with the Wizards tomorrow while Charlotte will get a nice break before taking on Philadelphia on Saturday. 

Hornets are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games while the Cavaliers are 19-42-1 ATS in their last 62 home games.

8* play on Charlotte Hornets. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NHL)

This is not a good spot for the New Jersey Devils who have just had one day off since coming home from an exhausting 1-6 road trip. "It's a pretty brutal road trip coming to an end and we didn't do what it took to win on the road consistently," forward Kyle Palmieri told reporters. 

Here the Devils will host a Pittsburgh Penguins team which snapped a five-game slide with a 4-0 victory against Arizona on Saturday. The Pens are 4-1 in the last five meetings at Prudential Center and they'll be seeking revenge for a 5-1 home loss to New Jersey earlier this month. 

Pittsburgh is so much better than it has shown in recent games and I expect the Pens to come out fired up here against the Metropolitan Division cellar-dwellers.

10* play on Pittsburgh Penguins. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Golden State Warriors have covered the spread in five of their last six games, the exception a 134-111 home loss to Milwaukee on Nov 8. They bounced back with a 16-point victory over Brooklyn on Saturday and look good to claim another victory when visiting the LA Clippers Monday night. 

The Clippers are in a letdown spot following an OT victory as an underdog against the Bucks and they're just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS win.

Golden state All Star point guard Stephen Curry has missed the last two games with a groin injury, but the Warriors have decent depth and Quinn Cook stepped up with 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting against the Nets. We can also note that the road team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Memphis Grizzlies are in a letdown spot following a 112-106 overtime win against Philadelphia on Saturday. Here they'll face a Utah team back in business again, coming off triumphs over Dallas and Boston following an ugly four-game losing streak. Memphis has beaten Utah twice this season, so I expect to see a focused Jazz team tonight. 

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

NBA 3-PACK

The Phoenix Suns look like a great underdog at Oklahoma City Monday night.

The Thunder have been without star Russell Westbrook in the last three games due to an ankle injury, and he's unlikely to be back for this matchup. There's not much to like about the visitors; Phoenix has lost three straight games and ranks dead last in the NBA in offensive rating, but this is simply too many points for Thunder to be asked to cover without Westbrook. 

8* play on Phoenix Suns. 

MONDAY NIGHT CBB BOOKIE BREAKER

The Oklahoma Sooners opened the season with a 91-76 triumph over Texas Rio Grande Valley Friday night, and I think they'll close out this road trip through Texas with another victory here on Monday. 

Texas-San Antonio took a 77-76 loss to Division II program St. Edwards as a 16.5-point favorite on Wednesday, despite battling back from a rather big deficit to take the lead with only 14 seconds to go. 

The Roadrunners are 1-4 ATS in their last five vs. Big 12 teams and I expect Oklahoma to be too much to handle in this matchup.

8* play on Oklahoma Sooners. 

BUCKS @ NUGGETS BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

I really like the Denver Nuggets to come through with a big win as they host Milwaukee Sunday night. Playing in the high altitude at Pepsi Center is always a tough ask for the visitors, and that is particularly true here with the Bucks playing on no rest off a 128-126 OT loss to the Clippers in LA on Saturday. 

Bucks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games while the Nuggets are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games, and Denver should be very motivated after a pair of disappointing losses to Memphis and Brooklyn. 

Denver has won eight straight meetings at home and covered the spread in three of the last four meetings overall. 

10* play on Denver Nuggets. 

GAME OF THE MONTH (NFL SIDE)

This is just an awful spot for the Tennessee Titans, playing on a short week and in a let down situation following a 28-14 beatdown of the Cowboys as a 7-point dog at Dallas Monday night. 

Here the Titans will face a New England side off six straight triumphs while going 5-1 ATS. The Pats have scored 30+ points in five of those games with the lone exception a 25-6 walk in the park victory at Buffalo. Are the Patriots unbeatable? Certainly not, but I'm confident they'll win this by at least a touchdown. 

Patriots are 16-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record and also 16-5 ATS in their last 21 road games.

10* play on New England Patriots. 

EARLY SUNDAY MONEYLINE MASSACRE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won just one of their last six games, but I like the home team to come away with the win here when they host the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon. '

The Redskins had won three straight prior to a 38-14 loss to Atlanta last week but enter Week 10 banged up on both sides of the ball. They could be without four starters on the offensive line for the next few weeks which is bad news for a Washington team which has failed to score more than 20 points in any of its last four games, particularly here when coming up against an explosive Tampa Bay offense with Ryan Fitzpatrick back under center. 

The Bucs are allowing an NFL-high 34.4 ppg, but I don't think the Redskins will be able to take advantage. 

8* play on Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

EARLY SUNDAY GRIDIRON GOLDMINE

Write up posted no later than Friday. 

8* play on Chicago Bears. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA SIDE)

The Houston Rockets opened a five-game road trip with three straight triumphs before coming out flat in a 98-80 loss at Oklahoma City Thursday night.

I think they might've been guilty of looking past the Thunder with all focus on this Lone Star State rivalry matchup with San Antonio, and I like the Rockets to close out the trek with a win.

The Spurs are coming off back-to-back defeats (0-2 ATS) and coach Gregg Popovich called out his team as soft after a 95-88 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Spurs could come out firing after a comment like that, or they could take it the completely wrong way ...

We can also note that Rockets are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings at AT&T Center.

10* play on Houston Rockets. 

HURRICANES @ YELLOW JACKETS BANKROLL BUILDER

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have been on a roll since an 1-3 start, winning four of their last five games and covering the spread in each victory. They rolled up 565 yards of total offense in a 38-28 win at UNC last week and look good to pick up another win against the slumping Hurricanes Saturday night. 

Miami has lost three straight since a 5-1 start and averaged only 14 ppg in those defeats. Head coach Mark Richt has declined to name a starter under center for Saturday with senior Malik Rosier and redshirt freshman N’Kosi Perry both an option, and here it'll face a Georgia Tech defense which has forced 20 turnovers on the season, tied for the eighth-highest total in the nation. 

Hurricanes are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games and 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.

8* play on Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. 

MISSISSIPPI STATE @ ALABAMA BOOKIE BREAKER

The Alabama Crimson Tide lead the nation in scoring averaging 51.3 points per game and have routed teams relentlessly pretty much all season, but points didn't come quite as easy against LSU last week (29-0 win) and here they'll run into the best defense they've faced all year. 

The Mississippi State Bulldogs have allowed an average of only 12.3 ppg and O/U is 1-7 in games involving them on the season. Alabama is not just an offensive powerhouse, it's defense is also one of the best in the nation with opponents averaging just 295.4 yards and  14.1 points versus the Tide. 

8* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER)

Crystal Palace have lost five of their last six overall and they are winless in their five league games at Selhurst Park this season. Palace remain without injured quartet Christian Benteke, Scott Dann, Joel Ward and Connor Wickham and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with a Spurs side coming off three straight wins. Tottenham are on a six-match winning streak against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and they've won six of their first seven away league games this season. 

10* play on Tottenham. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB SIDE)

The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost just one game all season, but they're coming off a couple of disappointing outings and have failed to cover the spread in five straight games. I think the bookmakers are undervaluing the Buckeyes due to their recent ATS performances, and I'm well happy to back the visitors in this matchup. 

The Buckeyes offense is among the best in nation averaging 369.1 yards per game in the air and they rushed for a season-high 229 yards in last week's 36-31 win against Nebraska.

They've scored plenty of points in recent games but have failed to cover the spread due to poor defensive displays. OSU should however have little to fear from a Michigan State offense averaging only 23.4 ppg, and MSU junior quarterback Brian Lewerke has thrown as many INTs (8) as TD passes on the season. 

The Spartans rely heavily on their D which ranks 16th in scoring defense by allowing 19 points per game, but I don't think they'll be able to stop this high-powered Buckeyes offense. 

10* play on Ohio State Buckeyes. 

OLE MISS @ TEXAS A&M MONEYMAKER

The Texas A&M Aggies look like a solid home favorite against Ole Miss Rebels Saturday afternoon. 

The Aggies will be happy to be back home following three straight road games, of which they lost the last two. They did however outgain Auburn 421-278 in a 28-24 setback last week and here the Aggies will face a team which is tied for 111th in FBS in scoring defense. 

The Rebels have covered the spread in just one of their last seven games (as a 23.5-point favorite) and they're 0-4 ATS as underdogs on the season. 

8* play on Texas A&M Aggies. 

WIZARDS @ MAGIC HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Washington Wizards could easily be branded the biggest disappointment of the early NBA season, entering Friday with the Eastern Conference's second-worst record after taking a 119-100 loss to the Mavericks Tuesday night. They'll be well rested for this contest though, playing on two days rest, and I expect to see a focused and angry Wizards team ready to turn things around.

"I thought we played real cool in the first half, (against Dallas)" Wizards guard Austin Rivers told ESPN.com. "Cool gets you L's. There's nothing cool about losing. Maybe we thought, 'Oh, we won finally (against the Knicks on Sunday). It's just going to click for us now because we're talented.' Like, it's hard to get wins in the NBA. It's hard. Unless you're the (expletive) Warriors. For everybody else, it's hard. You've got to compete every night." 

The Magic meanwhile are off to a 4-7 start but failed to make it three wins in a row as they took a 103-94 home loss to Detroit Wednesday. Orlando ranks last in the league in scoring offense and I don't think the Magic will be able to keep up with the Wizards talented offense. 

Washington won three of four meetings last season by averaging 123.3 points in its three wins. Road team is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.

8* play on Washington Wizards. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB): MIKE'S BEST WEEK 11 FRIDAY NIGHT TOTAL 

The Louisville Cardinals took a 77-16 beating at Clemson last week. I think they'll give up plenty of points again when visiting Syracuse Friday night. The Cardinals gave up 661 total yards to the Tigers and here it'll face a deadly offense that ranks No. 15 nationally with 478.2 yards per game. 

Syracuse is averaging 43.3 points per game on the season and senior dual-threat quarterback Eric Dungey has recorded 23 touchdowns, 13 via the pass and 10 by the run. Louisville's defense ranks dead last in the ACC and 115th nationally allowing 462.8 yards per game.

The Orange have lost the last two meetings by a combined score of 118-38, so I expect them to look for revenge and keep pressing the pedal to the metal and keep scoring points to the very end pushing this game over the total. 

10* play on LOU @ SYR OVER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT BUCKS @ WARRIORS MIDNIGHT MASSACRE

The Milwaukee Bucks own the 4th best record in the league, but I don't think they'll stand a chance when visiting the reigning NBA champions Thursday night. 

The Warriors are 6-0 (5-1 ATS) home at Oracle Arena while Milwaukee is just 2-2 SU (1-3 ATS) on the road.

The Bucks have dropped two of their last three and allowed the Blazers to shoot 52.7 percent in a 118-103 loss at Portland on Tuesday. The Warriors have been tearing opponents apart since their lone loss of the season and have scored 116 or more points in all eight games of their winning streak. 

I expect a relatively easy win for the home team in this nationally televised affair.

8* play on Golden State Warriors. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA TOTAL)

The LA Clippers have scored 120 points in back-to-back victories and 110 points or more in six straight games. Here they'll face a Portland team off a 118-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and the Blazers are averaging a healthy 120.6 ppg home at Moda Center on the season. 

With both teams in the top 5 for offensive efficiency (the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions) I have no doubt this will be a high-scoring affair. 

10* play on LAC @ POR OVER. 

PANTHERS @ STEELERS THURSDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN

The Pittsburgh Steelers have covered the spread in four straight victories and I think they will make light work of the Carolina Panthers Thursday night.

The Panthers have won three in a row but own a losing record on the road this season and are just 1-4 ATS in their last five Thursday games while Pittsburgh is 3-0-1 ATS in its last four Thursday night showdowns. 

Carolina is deadly on the ground putting up at least 118 yards in all but one game this year but here it'll run into a Pittsburgh rush defense which is among the best in the league, giving up just 90.3 ypg. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is having another big season and Pittsburgh ranks 4th in the NFL with 313.6 passing yards per game.

8* play on Pittsburgh Steelers. 

TOP RATED 10* WEDNESDAY NIGHT NHL POWER PLAY

The Nashville Predators have won three in a row and allowed only two goals during that stretch. Colorado has lost three in a row and conceded 16 goals in those losses. The Preds are perfect 6-0-0 on the road this season and 14-2 in the last 16 meetings with the Avs. We can also note that the visitors will be playing on a solid three days of rest, a situation in which they're 7-2 last nine. This almost looks too easy but I don't think the Preds will let us down.

10* play on Nashville Predators. 

NBA 3-PACK

This looks like a great spot to back the Utah Jazz to pick up their first home win of the season.  

The visiting Dallas Mavericks are in a massive let down spot after ending a six-game losing streak by routing Washington Tuesday night. The Jazz on the other hand should be extremely motivated to make up for a double-digit home loss to Toronto Monday night. 

Dallas is the most recent team to lose to the Jazz and the Mavs are 0-5 on the road this season. 

8* play on Utah Jazz. 

NBA 3-PACK

The New York Knicks have won just one road games on the season, but I think they'll double that tally when visiting Atlanta Wednesday night. 

The Hawks dropped a 113-102 decision to Charlotte on Tuesday, have covered the spread in only one of their last six in the second leg of a back-to-back and have lost five of their last six overall. 

The Knicks posted a 126-107 victory over Atlanta at Madison Square Garden in the season opener and they're 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings in Atlanta.

8* play on NY Knicks. 

TOP RATED 10* NBA PLAY

I think this looks like a good spot for the San Antonio Spurs to bounce back from a 117-110 home loss to Orlando on Sunday. They've dominated this series in recent seasons covering the spread in 10 of the last 11 meetings and they'll face a Miami team in a let down spot after defeating the Pistons 120-115 in overtime Monday night. Miami star Hassan Whiteside, who ranks second in the NBA in rebounding and blocked shots missed that game with an injured right knee and is questionable for this matchup.

Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following a ATS loss. Heat are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up win and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games.

10* play on San Antonio Spurs. 

BUCKS @ BLAZERS BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Milwaukee Bucks have already matched the best nine-game start in franchise history by winning eight of their first nine games. I think they look good to improve on that record when visiting Portland Tuesday night. 

The Blazers have won four of their last five and recorded an 111-81 win over Minnesota Sunday night, but this is a bad spot for the home team. Note that this will be the Blazers third game in four nights and that they're just 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.

The red hot Bucks are coming off a 144-point performance against Sacramento on Sunday and they should be well rested since that was their first game since Nov 1. The Bucks have covered the spread in six of the last seven matchups at Moda Center.

10* play on Milwaukee Bucks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NHL)

The New Jersey Devils had lost six of their last seven prior to picking up an impressive 5-1 win at Pittsburgh Monday night. Keep in mind that they're 8-1 in their last nine vs. a team with a losing record, and I like them to get the job done when visiting Ottawa despite playing on no rest. 

The Senators have lost six of their last seven and have among the worst penalty kill percentages in the league (68.6%) while New Jersey's power play units is one most efficient at 27.5%.

We can also note that the Devils are expected to give netminder Cory Schneider his third start of the season. He owns a 6-3-1 career record behind a solid 1.94 GAA against the Senators.

10* play on New Jersey Devils. 

CELTICS @ NUGGETS HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Denver Nuggets have lost just one game all season and defeated a tough Utah team 103-88 on Saturday. They must feel pretty good about themselves and are a perfect 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) home at Pepsi Center. 

The Boston Celtics on the other hand are off a deflating 102-101 loss at Indiana on Saturday as a missed layup by Kyrie Irving opened the door for Pacers guard guard Victor Oladipo to hit the winning 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left. Celtics are just 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games vs. a team with a winning home record and I expect the home team to roll over the visitors in this matchup. 

8* play on Denver Nuggets. 

MONDAY NIGHT ROCKETS @ PACERS BEST BET (10* TOP PLAY)

The Houston Rockets aim for a third straight win Monday night and have seemingly righted the ship following a 1-5 start to the season. They've still only covered the spread in one of their last six games though, and the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse is just a different kind of animal compared to beating up on Chicago and Brooklyn. 

Indiana is 3-1 ATS and SU at home on the season with the lone home loss coming to Portland on Oct. 29. They've reeled off three straight triumphs since, including an impressive 102-101 upset win over Boston Saturday night as guard Victor Oladipo hit a 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left. "His confidence level is at a really high point and he's just amazing," Domantas Sabonis said about his teammate. "Last year he did it many times and this year he keeps getting better and better."

Pacers are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 Monday games and 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Indiana.

10* play on Indiana Pacers. 

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ~ RODGERS VS. BRADY

We backed the Green Bay Packers against the spread as an underdog against the undefeated Rams last week, and as predicted they managed to keep it close losing by only two as a 7.5-point underdog. I think they're in for a much tougher game in Foxboro Sunday night. 

The New England Patriots are riding a five-game winning streak during which they've scored 38 points or more on four occasions and and covered the spread in all but one. They put a 25-6 beating on the Bills at Buffalo last week to improve to 13-3 ATS last 16 vs. a team with a losing record and they're 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up win of more than 14 points.

Pats QB Tom Brady has shredded the Packers secondary with eight TD passes vs. zero interceptions in his past three when taking on Green Bay at Gillette Stadium and the Packers are 0-3 (1-2 ATS) on the road this season. 

Aaron Rodgers has been money as an underdog throughout his career, but this is a bad time to face a Pats team firing on all cylinders. 

8* play on New England Patriots. 

NBA HARDWOOD HAMMER

The Memphis Grizzlies have won five of their last six (both straight up/against the spread) and have already shown they can get it done on the road having won twice in Utah.

The confidence is high in the Grizzlies camp and they're having fun together: "Once you make shots everything gets easier," Memphis center Marc Gasol told reporters. "Being unselfish, exploiting the pick-and-roll, mixing the rolls with pops. ... I like the mindset of the guys. I like the problem-solving mindset we have now, and guys want to continue to get better." 

Here the Grizzlies will visit a Phoenix Suns team which has lost seven straight since a season opening win over Dallas. I can't find a reason why we shouldn't back the red hot and road team in this matchup. 

8* play on Memphis Grizzlies. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NBA TOTAL)

The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to win on the road this season, and while I'm not confident in them covering the spread when playing on rest here at Brooklyn Sunday night I don't think scoring points will be an issue. The 76ers will be facing a Nets side which has lost five straight and allowed 115 points or more in all those contests with all but one of those going over the total.

Philly has struggled defensively away from home giving up 122.5 ppg, and for all the Nets woes they've actually scored 111 points or more in four of their last five. 

Over is 6-0 in 76ers last six games playing on no rest and 6-1 in their last seven road games.

10* G.O.W on OVER. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL SIDE)

The Seattle Seahawks stumbled out of the gate, but they've won four of their last five including an impressive upset victory at Detroit last week. 

The Seattle defense has allowed only 17 points through its last two games and I think the Seahawks will be too much for the visitors to handle in this matchup. 

The Chargers are coming off their bye week and have four straight triumphs under their belt but were actually outgained by the Titans despite winning 20-19 last time out. They allowed Tennessee to rumble for 164 yards on the ground which could spell trouble here against a Seahawks side which ranks fifth in rushing and accumulated 176 yards on the ground against Detroit last week. 

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is having a big season, but the way Seattle's D has played lately I think it'll be able to contain him. We can also note that Chargers leading rusher Melvin Gordon missed their last contest and it's unclear whether he'll be back from his hamstring injury. 

10* play on Seattle Seahawks. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (NFL TOTAL)

I'm confident we'll see a low-scoring game when the Denver Broncos host the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon. 

Houston owns one of the best run defenses in the league while Denver limited KC to just 49 rushing yards last week. On top of that, both teams rank in the top half against the pass and Denver is tied for second in the NFL with 24 sacks on the season.

We can also note that Houston will have to do without wide receiver Will Fuller who will miss the rest of 2018 with a torn ACL. 

Under is 1-3 for Houston on the road and also 1-3 for Denver at home on the season. Under is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.

10* play on UNDER. 

GAME OF THE YEAR (CFB SIDE)

The No. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide are perfect 8-0 SU on the season and have scored 50 points or more on six occasions. They've been favored by 22.5-points or more in all their games, and that's one reason why I don't think they'll look past 4th ranked LSU here in their first "test" of the season. 

I could throw out a bunch of stats like how Bama averages 54.1 ppg while allowing only 15.9 ppg and how sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has 25 TD passes vs. 0 interceptions, but at the end of the day it all comes down to whether Bama will care enough to beat LSU in a blowout. 

"(LSU) is one of the best teams in the nation," Alabama coach Nick Saban said during a press conference. "I think they're very elite in a lot of ways in terms of the way they play defense. Their offense is very efficient. They've really done a great job this year and the quarterback (Joe Burrow) plays well for them."

Yeah, Saban will have them ready and the Tide will roll. 

10* play on Alabama Crimson Tide. 

UTES @ SUN DEVILS BANKROLL BUILDER

I like the Utah Utes as a road favorite at Arizona State Saturday afternoon. The confidence must be high in the visitors camp after four straight victories including a 41-10 rout of UCLA last week. 

The Utes owned a 470-291 advantage in total offense and ranks 36th in rushing offense with 205 yards per game. Here they'll face a Sun Devils run defense that gives up 156.3 yards per game on the ground. 

ASU had lost (and failed to cover the spread) back-to-back games prior to an upset win at USC. Sun Devils are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a straight up win. Utes are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games.

8* play on Utah Utes. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (CFB TOTAL)

The No. 2 Clemson Tigers are perfect 8-0 SU on the season and amassed 524 total yards in a 59-10 triumph at FSU last week. 

Here they'll face a Louisville Cardinals side which has allowed 160 points in its last three contests and got lit up for 56 points and 591 yards in a 21-point loss to Wake Forest last week. 

On a positive note, Louisville piled up a season-high 532 total yards of offense and I would not be surprised to see Clemson go easy on them on the defensive side of the ball here as they're likely to rout their opponent anyway. 

Clemson won last season's meeting 47-21, and I expect a similar score this time around. 

10* play on OVER. 

IOWA STATE @ KANSAS DAYTIME DESTROYER

The Iowa state Cyclones look like a great road favorite at Kansas Jayhawks Saturday afternoon. 

QB Brock Purdy has turned the season around for Iowa State which has won three on the bounce (two as underdogs) and covered the spread in five of its last six games. The Cyclones also own a strong running game, led by David Montgomery who is 12th in the country at 108 rush yards per game. 

Kansas meanwhile had lost four straight prior to a 27-26 upset win as a 13.5-point favorite against TCU. Let down spot here. Jayhawks are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games following a straight up win. 

Cyclones are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win and Cyclones are 20-5-1 ATS in their last 26 conference games.

8* play on Iowa State Cyclones. 

GAME OF THE WEEK (SOCCER TOTAL)

Manchester United have kept just one Premier League clean sheet this season, but I think manager Jose Mourinho will make sure his team comes out with a defensive approach for this road game at Bournemouth. 

The Cherries on the other hand aim to keep four consecutive clean sheets for the first time in the top flight with a shutout here, so you better believe the home team will make it difficult for the Red Devils to score. 

We can also note that United take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus in Turin on Wednesday.  

10* play on UNDER. 

LATE NIGHT NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Golden State Warriors have been red hot since their lone loss of the season (100-98 at Denver) and have covered the spread in five of six victories since. 

They're in a good scheduling spot here, playing on a days rest since beating the Pels by 10 points and they'll have the weekend off before taking on Memphis Monday night.

I think we'll see a focused Warriors team coming to play and the visitors could certainly have asked for an easier opener to a five-game road trip. 

The Wolves defeated Utah 128-15 Wednesday night but are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

10* play on Golden State Warriors.

ROCKETS @ NETS TGIF TOTAL

I think we'll see a wide open high-scoring game when the Brooklyn Nets host the Houston Rockets Friday night. 

Houston has been held to fewer than 100 points in two of its last three contests and James Harden might miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury, but buckets should still come fairly easy against a Brooklyn side which has allowed 115+ in four straight games. 

Defensively Houston ranks in the bottom third of the league giving up 116.3 ppg and the Nets have averaged 113.7 ppg through its three games home at Barclays Center. 

8* play on OVER. 

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL RAIDERS @ NINERS TOTAL

The San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders enter this contest with just one win a piece. They are the front-runners to claim the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL draft so the motivation to win this game must be quite low, and I expect that lack of focus mostly to show on the defensive side of the ball. 

Both teams rank near the bottom of the league for points allowed with 49ers (29.5 ppg) 28th and Raiders (31.1 ppg) 31st. We can also note that Oakland is dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (144.7 per game) and that the Niners are averaging a healthy 133.6 rushing yards per game.

The fact that San Francisco has such a strong ground game will make the question mark under center for the home team (C.J. Beathard injury) less of an issue. 

Over is 18-6-3 in Raiders last 27 games in November. Over is 8-3 in 49ers last 11 games overall.

8* play on OVER. 

BUCKS @ CELTICS BUCKET BREAKER

The Milwaukee Bucks are the lone undefeated team this season following an impressive 124-109 triumph over Toronto. I think the spread is pretty spot on for this contest, but the total is set too high IMO. 

Sure, scoring is way up in the NBA this season and Milwaukee has scored at least 113 points in all its games, but Boston owns the best defense in the league allowing just 97.6 ppg.

The Celtics gave up 105 in a win against Detroit Tuesday night but under is 5-0 in their last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game. 

We can also note that Bucks' superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo who averaged 25 points, 14.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in the Bucks' first six games this season is in the concussion protocol and remains questionable for this game. 

8* play on UNDER. 

EAST VS. WEST NBA BOOKIE BREAKER (10* TOP PLAY)

The Sacramento Kings have been a positive surprise here at the start of the season, travelling to Atlanta with a 6-2 ATS record and aiming for a fifth consecutive straight up victory. 

The Hawks on the other hand have dropped three straight games, including a 136-114 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday. They've been turning the ball over an average of 18.1 times per game for the second worst mark in the league while Sacramento ranks No. 5 for forced turnovers (16.6). 

Two young and inexperienced teams guaranteed to have their ups and downs throughout the season, but for this matchup I'm well happy to back the red hot Kings. 

Hawks are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six vs. Western Conference. Kings are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 vs. Eastern Conference.

10* play on Sacramento Kings.