My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Richmond (6:00 EST).

The 3-0 Georgetown Hoyas are ready to battle the 1-4 Spiders on Saturday night and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’m going to recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I foresse being decided by whichever team has the ball in its hands last. 

The Hoyas are led by 6-10 Jessie Govan, who is averaging 21 points and 14.3 rebounds per game. So far Georgetown averages 86 PPG and allows 60.7. 

The Spiders have struggled to open the year, most recently coming off a loss against UL Lafayette, a game which saw Grant Golden pour in 24 points. 

Richmond would actually shoot a great 50 precent from the field, but 19 turnovers would be too much for the team to overcome. 

I’ll point out though that Georgetown is just 12-18 ATS in its last 30 when playing the role of favorite and just 5-7 ATS in its last 12 after allowing 60 points or less in its previous contest, while Richmond is 2-1 ATS this year as an underdog and 2-1 ATS against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest.

I think the hungry Spiders keep this one interesting until the final moments.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE YEAR is on Auburn (8:00 EST).

The 11-0 Alabama Crimson Tide are at Auburn to take on the 9-2 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Alabama is ranked No. 1 after crushing FCS Mercer 56-0 at home last weekend. 

Auburn also comes in off a “cream puff,” smashing UL Monroe 42-14. 

Alabama held Mercer to just 161 total yards in the blowout victory. In all ‘Bama would post 530 yards, including 265 on the ground. 

The Tide rank ninth in rushing yards per game, with 270.3 per contest, with Damien Harris leading the way with 855 thus far.

Alabama continues to get the job done with smothering defensive play and a nation leading rushing attack.

Auburn seemed like it was getting caught “looking ahead” to the Iron Bowl this weekend against UL Monroe last Saturday, as the Tigers went into half time with just a 14-7 lead. However, Auburn woke up in a big way in the second half, scoring a quick 21 unanswered points. 

QB Jarrett Stidham had 235 yards, two TD’s and an INT. Overall Auburn averages 475.9 YPG, with 231.9 on the ground. 

Defensively the Tigers have been dominant as well, conceding just 302.5 YPG overall, including only 118.2 on the ground (ranked 16th in the country.) And I believe Auburn’s tough run defense will prove to be a big difference maker today.

I’ll point out as well that Alabama is just 1-4 ATS in its last five conference contests, while Auburn is 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight in the same position.

There’s no way the Tigers go down without a fight in their season finale in front of the home town crowd. I’m banking on a nail-biter, so grab the points!

Good luck…Larry

My 8* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on North Carolina (3:30 EST).

I’m expecting a much closer “Tobbacco Road” battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

UNC won its second straight, most recently dispatching Western Carolina 65-10 at home on Saturday. Suffice it to say, I think the Tar Heels are going to carry over that confidence and momentum here.

NC State on the other hand lost for the third time in its last four games in a 30-24 road setback to Wake Forest this past weekend. 

Note that this is a revenge game for North Carolina after the Wolfpack won 28-21 in last year’s meeting.

North Carolina averages 26.5 PPG and allows 31.1. QB Chazz Surratt has 1,342 passing yards, eight TD’s and three INT’s, while adding 40 yards and three more scores on the ground. RB Jordon Brown has 589 yards and four TD’s on the ground. 

NC State averages 30.4 PPG and concedes 25.1. QB Ryan Finley has 2,992 yards, 16 TD’s and five INT’s. RB Nyheim Hines has 844 yards and seven TD’s on the ground.

I’ll point out though that UNC is still 9-4 ATS in its last 13 on the road, while NC State is just 8-9 ATS in its last 17 at home (including only 1-3 ATS this year.) 

The Tar Heels have won two straight and I think they’ll give the Wolfpack everything they can handle tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* ODDSMAKER’S ERROR is on UConn (12:00 EST).

Both teams are looking to close out miserable season’s with an elusive victory.

UConn has lost four straight, most recently to Boston College. Cincinnati is also just 3-8 this year, going just 1-7 in its last eight overall.

In their 38-16 loss to BC, Huskies’ QB David Pindell had 241 yards, one TD and three INT’s. It was a cold, blustery day at Fenway Park and Pindell would struggle for the most part.

The Bearcats enter off a 48-20 loss to East Carolina. Cincinnati is ranked dead last in the AAC in total offense. Last week the Bearcats finished with 326 total yards of offense.

Note that UConn is already 4-3 ATS against the conference this year, while Cincinnati is just 2-5 ATS in the same position. 

The Bearcats are 103rd in the country in total offense. Pindell and company don’t have to do too much to keep this one close and the outright win isn’t out of the question either obviously.

In a contest which I foresse being decided by whichever team has the ball in its hands last, I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Purdue (12:00 EST).

Home field advantage will prove to be the difference maker today between two teams sitting at 5-6.

Each side will be laying everything on the line as it tries to punch its ticket to bowl eligibility.

Indiana kept is playoff hopes alive with a second straight win by smashing Rutgers 41-0 at home last Saturday, while Purdue enters off a big 24-15 road win at Iowa last Saturday. 

Note that this is a big time revenge game for the Boilermakers though, who have lost four straight in the series, including a 26-24 setback in the most recent matchup last November 26th. 

Indiana comes into the final game of the year ranked 74th in scoring offense with an average of just 27.1 PPG, while ranked 45th on the defensive side by conceding 24.8. QB Richard Lagow has 1,563 yards, 12 TD’s and seven INT’s, while Peyton Ramsey has 1,252 yards, ten TD’s and five INT’s. 

Purdue ranks 104th in scoring offense by averaging only 23.7 PPG, but it gets the job done most weekends with its powerful defensive play, a unit which is ranked 18th overall by conceding just 18.9 PPG. QB David Blough has 1,103 yards, nine TD’s and four INT’s. Blough’s been out for a bit though and back up Elijah Sindelar has been good in replacement, going for 1,544 yards, 12 TD’s and six iINT’s. 

I’ll point out that Indiana is 0-6-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU win of more than 20 points, while Purdue is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 after posting less than 100 rushing yards in its previous game.

I like the Boilermakers to continue their “lights out” defensive play and carry over their momentum from their impressive victory over the Hawkeyes. Indiana has struggled on the road for the most part this year and I think it looks primed for a letdown after the back-to-back victories.

Lay the points, play on Purdue.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 34-CLUB PLAY is on Milwaukee (9:00 EST).

The 4-1 Milwaukee Panthers are in Wisconsin to take on the 2-3 Badgers and while I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitley think that this one will end up being a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

Milwaukee comes in off a 72-71 win over Elon, while Wisconsin fell 72-71 to UCLA. These teams haven’t played since 2015, when the Panthers defeated the Badgers 68-67. 

The Panthers rallied from a 17-point halftime deficit to knock off the Phoenix at home, outrebounding Elon 41-35 and committing just five turnovers. Keep your eyes on Brock Stull, who had 21 points, five boards and five assists in the victory. 

Milwaukee won’t be intimidated here at all, as it’s already beaten Iowa State this season. So far the Panthers average 70 PPG and concede 64.

Wisconsin averages 75 PPG and concedes 66. The Badgers allowed UCLA to shoot 54 percent from the floor last time out though. Ethan Hpp was a standout, posting 19 points, nine boards and five assists. 

Additionally I’ll point out that the Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven on the road and 4-0 ATS in their last four non-conference games, while the Badgers are just 3-7 ATS in their last ten following an ATS victory.

The Panthers come in on top form, especially on the defensive end, conceding just 56 points to Iowa State and only 51 points to FIU earlier in the year. 

Obvoiusly the Badgers are tough at home, but this should be a nail-biter. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* FOX-TV GAME OF THE YEAR is on Texas Tech (8:00 EST).

Texas Tech has lost five of six, including a 27-3 setback to TCU on Saturday. Texas Tech will need an outright win today to move back to .500. 

Texas Tech has struggled offensively of late, posting 27 points or less in three of its last five games. 

Texas had endured an up and down season, but enters off a 28-14 win over WVU. 

I’m going to caution reading too much into the Longhorns defensive performance last week against the Mountaineers, as WVU starting QB Will Grier was hurt early. 

The Longhorns have to be feeling pretty content after finally punching their sixth win of the year last week. Texas is now bowl eligible. 

The Red Raiders still need one more victory before they’ll be included in any bowl game in December though, so there’s no questioning whether or not Texas Tech will be motivated today.

Also note that the Red Raiders are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five as a road dog in the 7.5 to ten points range, while Texas is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after two or more consecutive SU wins.

Letdown spot for Texas, while Texas Tech leaves everything on the line. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:30 EST).

I think the Knicks have a letdown here after winning two straight, most recently a 108-100 victory at home over Toronto.

Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for ATL, as it’s lost three straight and seven of eight after falling 116-103 at home to the Clippers on Wednesday. 

New York used a 41-10 third quarter to hammer the Raptors last time out. The Knicks average 104.9 PPG and concede 103.4. Big man Kristaps Porzingis averages 27.3 points, 7.4 boards and 2.31 blocks per night. 

Atlanta averages 102.8 PPG and concedes 108.2. Dennis Schroder keeps his team competitive by averaging 19.7 points, plus 7.1 boards per game. 

I’ll point out though that New York is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 108 points or more in its previous contest, while Atlanta is 3-1 ATS in its last four after three or more consecutive SU losses. 

With a game tomorrow night at Houston, I think the Knicks get caught looking ahead. Grab the points, play on Atlanta.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on Nebraska (4:00 EST).

Iowa will be hungry here after dropping its second straight, most recently a 24-15 setback at home to Purdue. Nebraska though can empathize, as it dropped its third straight and fifth in it last six in a 56-44 shootout loss to Penn State on the road last week. 

Note that the Huskers play with revenge here, as Iowa has taken the last two in the series, most recently a 40-10 home victory last November 25th. 

After upsetting Ohio State, Iowa has fallen flat in back-to-back outings, moving to just 3-5 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are ranked 87th in the nation in scoring with 25.8 PPG, while ranked 26th defensively in conceding 20.5. QB Nathan Stanley has 2,146 yards, 23 TD’s and six INT’s. 

Nebraska is ranked 76th in scoring offense with 26.8 PPG, while ranked 106th in scoring defense by allowing 34.8. QB Tanner Lee has 2,938 passing yards, 21 TD’s and 13 INT’s. 

I’ll point out though that Iowa is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven off a loss against a conference rival (including only 1-2 ATS this season), while Nebraska is 4-1 ATS in its last five after two or more consecutive SU losses and 6-5 ATS in its last 11 off a loss against a conference rival.

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points. Play on Nebraska.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* ODDSMAKER’S ERROR is on New Mexico (3:30 EST).

The 3-8 New Mexico Lobos are in SDSU to take on the 9-2 Aztecs on Friday afternoon and while I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do definitely expect the visitors to keep this on a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

New Mexico has lost six straight, but it looked competitive in last week’s 38-35 loss to UNLV. 

SDSU is in a dog fight to the end and most recently beat Nevada 42-23. 

The Lobos went toe-to-toe with red hot UNLV QB Armani Rogers, but in the end it wasn’t to be.

However, I absolutely believe New Mexico will bring that same intensity over into the season finale. 

Aztecs’ RB Rashaad Penny had a monster game last weekend, exploding for 429 all purpose yards. It was an amazing day, but I have a hard time seeing Penny duplicating such massive efforts on back-to-back weeks. 

I’ll point out as well that New Mexico is 6-4 ATS in its last ten off a loss against a conference rival and 4-2 ATS in its last six as an underdog of 10.5 to 21 points, while SDSU is just 2-4 ATS at home this year.

I think SDSU goes up early and takes the foot off the gas late, allowing the hungry Lobos to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Baylor (12:00 EST).

Baylor is just 1-10 on the year. The Bears beat Kansas, but they’ve since dropped back to back games to Texas Tech and then to Iowa State.

TCU is 9-2 after destroying Texas Tech this past weekend. 

The Bears were competitive in a 23-13 loss to Iowa State Saturday and they’ll look to play spoiler to a TCU team which must win today to lock up its spot in the conference championship against Oklahoma. 

TCU beat Texas Tech 27-3 last weekend, but freshman QB Shawn Robison (filling in for Kenny Hill), wasn’t overly spectacular, finishing with 85 yards, one TD and zero INT’s. Hill is probable for this one, but one has to wonder if he’ll really be at 100% at this point?

I’ll point out as well that Baylor is 10-6 ATS in its last 16 against teams with winning records, while TCU is just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a favorite in the 21.5 to 31 points range. 

I think the pressure gets to TCU this weekend and Iook for the the Bears to keep this one competitive unitl the final quarter. Grab the points.

Good luck….Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the LA Chargers (4:30 EST).

The 4-6 LA Chargers are in Dallas to take on the 5-5 Cowboys and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

LA comes in having won four of its last six, most recently smashing the Bills. Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers had 251 yards and two TD’s in that one.

Rivers has been dominant this year with 2,514 yards, 17 TD’s and seven INT’s. Melvin Gordon keeps defenses honest, so far posting 633 yards and five TD’s on the ground. 

The Cowboys though are reeling. After winning three in a row, Dallas has now dropped two straight to Atlanta and Philadelphia respectively. Dak Prescott looked terrible in his last outing, throwing for 145 yards and three INT’s. 

Prescott has 16 TD’s and seven INT’s thus far, but he’s going to struggle again without RB Ezekiel Elliot in the lineup. 

I’ll point out as well that LA is 94-68 ATS in road games when playing with six or less days of rest since 1992, while Dallas is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after its QB failed to register 150 passing yards in its previous outing. 

Without Elliot playing, Dallas is very one dimensional. The Cowboys have averaged only 16 points over their last two games. That’s not going to cut it against a red hot Rivers and company.

Play on the Chargers.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Detroit Lions (12:30 EST).

The 8-2 Minnesota Vikings are in Detroit on Thanksgiving to take on the 6-4 Lions and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Minnesota comes in off a 24-7 win over the Rams in its latest action, its sixth win in a row. Detroit enters off a tougher than expected 27-24 road win at Chicago, its third straight victory. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then Detroit has to be loving its chances, because when these teams played on October 1st, it was the Lions that scored the 14-7 upset victory.

Minnesota’s Case Keenum was 27 of 38 for 280 yards and a score last week. Overall the Vikes held the Rams to just 45 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Minnesota enters this game ranked second defensively, conceding just 17.2 PPG.

Lions’ QB Matt Stafford had 299 yards and two TD’s last week, but Detroit posted just 66 rushing yards. Detroit has struggled with the run this year, ranked 28th, while been dominant in the passing game, ranked sixth. 

Ultimately I think the short week favors the home side. Minnesota has been playing incredible defense, but I believe the unit finally comes in “gassed.” Expect Stafford to air this one out early and often and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Lions.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:35 EST).

The Clippers are in a free-fall right now, most recently dropping their ninth straight in a 107-85 setback to the Knicks on Monday. 

The Hawks can empathize, as they lost their second straight and sixth of their last seven in a 96-85 setback on the road in San Antonio on Monday. These teams played twice last year and it was the Clippers that won both, meaning that this does also set up as a double revenge scenario for Atlanta tonight. 

LA averages 104.9 PPG and concedes 106.6. Blake Griffin leads the nightly charge with 22.7 points, 7.8 boards and 4.7 assists per game. In the loss to New York the Clippers shot just 37.5 percent from the floor, including just 10 of 32 from range. 

Atlanta averages 102.8 PPG and concedes 107.8. Dennis Schroder keeps his team respectable most nights by averaging 19.7 points, plus 7.1 assists per game. 

I’ll point out though that LA is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven againt a team with a losing straight up record, while ATL is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games against a team with a losing road record.

I think the Hawks are the hungrier team here. They’ve been kicked around long enough and finally have an opponent to take advantage of. After a hot start, the Clippers are in complete dissaray. 

Grab the points, play on Atlanta.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Toledo (7:00 EST).

Toledo comes to New York off an 84-74 win over Oakland at home, while the Orange dispatched that same Oakland team 74-50 in their most recent action. 

In the early going the Rockets are ranked 69th in scoring in the nation with an average of 85.7 PPG, while ranked 212th on the defense side by conceding 74.3. Jaelan Sanford is avering 23.3 PPG after putting up 26 in the win over the Golden Grizzlies. 

The Orange are ranked 185th in the country in scoring with an average of 75.5 PPG, while ranked 14th on the defensive side by conceding 56.0 PPG. Syracuse is led by Tyus Battle, with 23 PPG this year and he’d post 25 against Oakland.

I’ll point out though that Toledo has fared well in this spot for bettors, going 11-6 ATS in its last 17 as an underdog and 14-10 ATS in its last 24 non-conference games, while Syracuse has struggled in this position by going just 16-18 ATS in its last 34 against good offensive teams which average 77-plus points per contest. 

A matchup of contrasting styles. I think Toledo’s high-powered offense keeps the visitors in this one late. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* WEEKLY WIPEOUT WINNER is on Minnesota (8:00 EST).

The 0-3 Alabama A&M Bulldogs get ready to take on the 4-0 Golden Gophers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Gophers.

The Bulldogs most recently fell 104-67 to Alabama in their latest outing. Amari Gouldbourne led the way with 17 points and four assists in the setback. So far Alabama A&M has averaged 62.7 PPG.

Minnesota most recently destroyed Western Carolina 92-64. Jordan Murphy led the way with 23 points, while Amer Coffey chipped in 15 points and four assists. So far the Golden Gophers average 94.2 PPG in the early going. 

I’ll point out though that Alabama A&M is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven non-conference games, while Minnesota is 7-3 ATS in its last ten at home.

The Gophers will go up early and look to maintain pressure right up until the final horn. So far Minnesota’s biggest margin of victory this year has been by 28 points, but I expect an absolute blowout tonight, even with second stringers leading the way in the second half.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Ball State (7:00 EST).

The 4-7 Miami Ohio Redhawks are at Ball State to take on the 2-9 Cardinals on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Ball State comes in off a 40-24 loss at home to Buffalo last Thursday, while the Redhawks fell 27-24 at home to EMU on Wednesday, putting the final nail in the coffin for Miami Ohio’s bowl hopes.

The Redhawks hurt themselves with two turnovers last week. Gus Ragland was 22 of 32 for 251 yards and a TD. Miami Ohio will finish ranked 71st in total offense and 38th in total defense.

The Cardinals’ Jack Milas had 127 yards and two TD’s last week, while Caleb Huntley added 141 yards on 26 carries. Ball State is ranked 118th overall on offense and 100th on the defensive side.

Miami Ohio is the better team, but it comes off the deflating, season ending loss just last week. Ball State has been out of it for a while but won’t be lacking for motivation in its final home game of the year (also note that the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six in this series.)

For all the reasons listed above, play on Ball State.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Stanford (11:30 EST).

The 2-0 North Carolina Tar Heels are in Stanford to take on the 3-1 Cardinal and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

UNC comes in off a 93-81 home win over Bucknell, while the Cadinal defeated Northwestern 73-59 on Friday. 

Joel Berry II had eight points in his return from injury in the Tar Heels win over Bucknell. Luke Maye had 20 points. So far UNC has averaged 89.5 points over its first two games, while conceding 75.

Stanford has averaged 75.2 PG over the first four and allowed just 67. Reid Travis had 16 points in his teams latest victory. 

I’ll point out that the UNC is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 on the road, while Stanford is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven against a team with a winning straight up record. 

Travis is a difficult matchup for the Tar Heels. The Cardinal have a couple more games under the belts to figure things out and I believe they keep this one close on their home floor.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Atlanta Hawks (8:35 EST).

The 3-13 Atlanta Hawks are in San Antonio to take on the 10-6 Spurs and while I’m not going to call for the outright upset, I do believe that the hungry visiting side can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

The Hawks most recently fell 110-99 to the Celtics, looking great in the first half and then falling apart in the second. 

San Antonio is finding ways to win, but I think it comes in flat-footed and disinterested against its lowly Eastern Conference opponent tonight. 

The Hawks won’t be rolling over and with Dennis Schroeder in your line-up, you always have a “punchers chance.” Schroeder had 23 points, nine assists, two boards and two steals in the setback to the Cetlics.

The Spurs came from behind to knock off the Thunder 104-101 on Friday night, led by 26 points and nine boards from big man LaMarcus Aldridge. 

Does the fact that the Hawks are 14-9 ATS in their last 23 against the Southwest division mean anything here? Well, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Also note that the Spurs are already 0-3 ATS this season when playing on two days rest.

With a game at Western conference foe Minnesota on Wednesday, I look for the Spurs to get caught looking ahead and I expect the desperate visiting side to at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample spread that it’s been afforded.

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on West Virginia (7:00 EST).

The 2-1 Long Beach State 49ers are getting ready to battle the 2-1 WVU Mountaineers on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors West Virginia.

LBSU beat San Francisco and San Francisco State, before then falling 89-81 at Oregon State. The 49ers have five players who average at least ten points. In the loss to the Beavers, they’d let Oregon State shoot 55.4 percent from the field and go 22 of 29 from the line. 

Turnovers continue to plague LBSU, having committed 55 through the first three games. 

WVU opened with an 88-65 loss to Texas A&M, before then smashing American and Morgan State. The Mountaineers were 28-9 last year and they returned three starters from that team, so the loss to A&M was a difficult one. 

But with two “cream puffs” to get back on track, I think WVU carries that progression over here against LBSU. Keep your eyes on Daxter Miles Jr. who had 32 points in 22 minutes against Morgan State. 

Additionally I’ll point out that LBSU is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven as a road dog of 12.5 points or more, while WVU is 2-0 ATS in its last two as a home fav in the 18.5 to 24 points range.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Mountaineers.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Syracuse (7:00 EST).

The 2-1 Oakland Golden Grizzlies are in Syracuse to take on the 3-0 Orange on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Oakland comes in off a 13 point loss to Toledo and after Syracuse it has a tough game against Kansas. I think this sets up as a classic letdown/trap for the visitors today, who come in “bummed” off the loss to the Rockets, while also not able to help themselves in some small way “looking ahead” to their matchup with the Jayhawks. 

Note that the Golden Grizzlies got just seven points from their bench in the loss to Toledo.

The Orange needed a 29-6 run to beat Texas Southern and I think Syracuse carries that momentum over here. Tyus Battle had 21 points and was one of five that scored in double figures.

I’ll point out as well that Oakland is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after allowing 80 points or more, while Syracuse is 8-5 ATS in its last 13 when playing with one or less days rest.

The Orange are the deeper and more skilled team and I expect them to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the LA Lakers (9:35 EST).

I think Denver has a letdown here after its big 146-114 home win over New Orleans on Friday. It was the team’s fourth win in its last five games. 

Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for the young Lakers who lost for the fifth time in six games, falling at home to Phoenix 122-113 on Friday. 

This is a revenge game for LA as well, as Denver has won four of the last five in the series, including taking two of three last year. 

Denver averages 108.5 PPG and concedes 105.4. Paul Millsap leads the way with 16 points and 6.3 boards per game, while Will Barton adds 14.1 points. Big man Nikola Jokic contributes 16.2 points, 11.6 boards and 4.7 assists per game. 

LA averages 104.3 PPG and concedes 107.4. Brook Lopez averges 15.1 points and 4.9 boards per game, while Brandon Ingram adds 14.9 points. Despite his recent struggles, Lonzo Ball adds 8.8 points, 6.6 boards and 6.8 assists per game. 

I’ll point out as well that Denver is just 1-5 ATS this year against teams with losing records and 0-3 ATS this season after scoring 115 points or more, while LA is 3-2 ATS against clubs with winning recrds and 5-4 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106 plus points per contest.

I think the desperation in which the Lakers play with tonight, turns out to be the difference. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Indiana (6:00 EST).

The 2-1 South Florida Bulls get ready to battle the 1-2 Hoosiers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Indiana.

So far the Hoosiers have lost to Indiana State and Seton Hall, while the Bulls come to Assembly Hall off a win over lowly Stetson on Wednesday. 

It wasn’t easy for USF either, edging Stetson 75-72 in the end. So far four Bulls are averaging double-digits, led by Tulio DaSilva, with 14 PPG in the early going. 

For Indiana you’ll want to keep your eyes on sophomore forward De’Ron Davis, who leads the team in scoring with 11.7 PPG thus far. The Hoosiers have been getting decent production from their bench, which averages 29 PPG, with four different reserves averaging double figures.

Defense has been the main issue for Indiana early, but the Hoosiers catch a break here facing the impotent Bulls.

I’ll point out as well that South Florida is a poor 5-8 ATS in its last 13 against teams with losing records and 0-2 ATS in its last two against poor defensive teams which allow 77 plus points per contest, while Indiana is 2-0 ATS in its last two after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive contests.

I like the Hoosiers to continue their solid offensive play and to finally show up on the defensive side as well. Beating Stetson is one thing, but contending with a focused Hoosiers team which to this point has drastically underperformed is quite another. Lay the poitns with confidence, play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Chargers (4:05 EST).

The Bills were destroyed 47-10 at home to New Orleans last weekend, a beatdown so bad that the team has benched QB Tyrod Taylor in favor of backup Nate Peterman moving forward. Peterman was 7 of ten for 79 yards and a TD last week. 

Buffalo comes in ranked 28th in the league in total offense with just 292 YPG and 19th in scoring with 20.4 PPG, while the defense has been middle-of-the-pack, allowing 21.8, ranked 15th.

The Chargers rank 23rd in scoring with 18.6 PPG, while ranked ninth on the defensive side by conceding just 19.1 PPG. 

LA comes into this one with four losses of three points or fewer (after having five losses of four points or fewer last season.) 

The Chargers’ run game has been a weak point, but the Bills have been gouged for 492 yards on the ground over the last two weeks combined.

Last week LA QB Philip Rivers was 21 of 37 for 235 yards, two TD’s and an INT. 

I’ll point out that the Bills are just 1-11 ATS in their last 12 following a double-digit loss at home, while the Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last six in this series in front of the home town crowd.

If Melvin Gordon is going to have a break out performance, then this is the team to have it against. Rivers is going to have plenty of opportunities as well against this Bills team which is once again searching for an identity in all three phases. 

Lay the points with confidence as the Bolts lay down the hammer at home. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NFL Week 11 Las Vegas Insider GOY is on the GB Packers at 1:00 ET.

The 4-5 Baltimore Ravens are in Green Bay to take on the 5-4 Packers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Baltimore last played on November 5th in Tennessee and lost to the Titans 23-20. 

Green Bay comes in with momentum with Brett Hundley under center, coming off an upset 23-16 victory at Chicago last Sunday. 

In the Ravens latest loss, QB Joe Flacco had 261 yards, two TD’s and two INT’s. The run game posted just 73 yards on 22 carries. 

Overall Baltimore is ranked 30th in total offense by averaging 286.6 YPG, while ranked in the middle of the pack defensively, allowing 184.7 YPG through the air and 125.9 on the ground. 

Green Bay ranks 23rd in total offense with an average of 313.7 YPG, while ranked 24th in total defense by conceding 353.6. Hundley though has started to find his groove and will benefit today from playing in front of the home town crowd.

I’ll point out as well that Baltimore is just 1-8 ATS in its last nine non-conference games (including 0-2 ATS this year) and just 7-12 ATS in its last 19 when playing the role of favorite, while Green Bay is 8-1 ATS in its last nine off a win against a division rival and 9-6 ATS in its last 15 as an underdog.

The Ravens were in “free fall” before their bye and I don’t think the extra time off is going to help their issues. Hundley meanwhile has gotten progressively better with each start and I look for that trend to continue on Sunday afternoon.

Play on Green Bay.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* ODDSMAKER’S ERROR is on the Chicago Bears (1:00 EST).

The 5-4 Detroit Lions are in Chicago to take on the 3-6 Bears and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Detroit comes in off a 38-14 win over Cleveland, while Chicago dropped a tough 23-16 decision at home to Green Bay. 

These teams split a pair of games last year, each being decided by a single field goal.

Detroit QB Matt Stafford has a 17/5 TD/INT ratio this year. Last weekend RB Ameer Abdullah had 52 yards on the ground, part of 104 total for the Lions. Stafford had 249 yards, three TD’s and an INT. 

The Lions looked poor defensively though, conceding 413 yards, including 201 on the ground.

Chicago allowed 342 total yards to the Packers last week. QB Mitchell Trubisky was 21 of 35 for 297 yards, a TD and no INT’s. Trubisky looked more comfortable last week and I expect that progression to once again get carried over here. RB Jeremy Howard had 54 yards on 15 carries. 

The strength of the Bears’ defense is against the pass, which is also in Chicago’s favor facing the Lions’ pass-centric offense.

I’ll point out as well that Detroit is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after two or more consecutive SU wins, while Chicago is 6-3 ATS in its last nine off a loss against a division rival.

I’m expecting a nail-biter. Grab the points, play on the Bears.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the LA Rams (1:00 EST).

The Vikes have now won five in a row, coming out of their bye and getting the better of the Redskins last week. 

LA also comes in on top form, with wins over the Jags, Cards, Giants and Texans.

Last week the Rams posted the 33-7 victory over Houston. Jared Goff and Todd Gurley lead a dynamic offense, while the LA defense has been better than orginally advertised. 

Minnesota has Case Keenum under center now and he so far has 11 TD’s and five INT’s. Keenum has thrown at least one INT in four straight games and he had two in last week’s 38-30 win over Washington.

I’ll point out that LA is already 3-1 ATS on the road this year and 7-4 ATS in its last 11 “dome” games, while Minnesota is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after scoring 35 points or more in its previous contest. 

Ultimately I think that LA’s depth on the offensive side of the ball will win the day over the Vikes league leading defensive unit. Grab the points, play on the Rams.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Oregon State (11:00 EST).

The 2-0 Long Beach State 49ers are set to square off against the 1-1 Oregon State Beavers on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Beavers.

LBSU comes in off a 95-70 win over San Francisco, dominating the glass by a 51-28 margin. There is some room to read between the lines though, as the 49ers would turn the ball over 21 times. Bryan Alberts led the charge with 18 points in that one, while Barry Ogalue had 15 points and eight boards.

The Beavers are looking to bounce back here after a 75-66 defeat at the hands of the Wyoming Cowboys. Oregon State was a 7.5 points favorite in that one. Clearly the Beavers can’t be happy with their performance. Oregon State just couldn’t get anything to fall that night, hitting only 40 percent from the floor and going just 4 of 20 from range. Tres Tinkle was a standout with 20 points and 14 boards, while Drew Eubanks added 18 points as well. 

I’ll point out that LBSU is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after scoring 94 points or more, while Oregon State is 2-1 ATS in its last three afte rbeing held to 68 points or less in its prevoius contest.

LBSU’s sloppy play catches up to it here in my opinion, as the Beavers look to make amends after their poor performance against the Cowboys.

I’m expecting a rout, lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:35 EST).

Is Boston ever going to lose again? The Celtics come to Atlanta on the heels of a 14-game win streak, including having just knocked off the defending champs at home in an impressive 92-88 victory on Thursday. 

I believe the C’s do finally have a letdown here though as I look for the hungry Hawks to take this one right down to the wire.

The Hawks come in with momentum/confidence as well after smashing the Kings 126-80 in their most recent action, the team’s largest margin of victory of all time. Atlanta would go on to record 40 assists, which was the most in the league since December 15th, 2016 when the Warriors posted 41. 

"Right now we have (one of) the worst record in the NBA, so any win is a good win and we'll take it," Atlanta forward Taurean Prince assessed.

Note that this is a revenge game for the Hawks as well after the Celtics won 110-107 back on November 6th. 

I’m expecting Atlanta to push the pace of this one and to not go down without a fight. Grab the points, play on the Hawks.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Boston College (7:00 EST).

The Eagles had their three-game win streak snapped in a tight 17-14 setack at home to NC State last Saturday, while UConn enters off a third straight setback, getting spanked 49-24 at No. 12 UCF last Saturday. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the Eagles have to be liking their chances today as they have in fact won the last five in this series, including a 30-0 victory at home last November 19th.

BC needs just one more win to become bowl eligible, so it won’t be leaving anything to chance this evening. 

The Eagles average 23.3 PPG and concede 24. QB Anthony Brown has 1,367 yards, 11 TD’s and nine INT’s, while RB Jon Hillman has 441 yards and three scores as well. 

The Huskies average 24.8 PPG and concede 39.4 QB Bryant Shirreffs has 2,287 passing yards, 14 TD’s and five INT’s. 

I’ll point out though that BC is 4-0-1 ATS in its last five after allowing less than 20 points in its previous contest, while UConn is a poor 5-22-2 ATS in its last 29 non-conference contests. 

BC is good defensively and it won’t be lacking for motivation tonight. I’m expecting another rout from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* LAS VEGAS INSIDER is on Illinois (3:30 EST).

The 2-8 Fighting Illini are in Ohio to take the 8-2 Buckeyes and while I’m obviously not expecting an upset today, I do definitely feel this is a few too many points to be giving up.

The Illini come in off a 24-14 loss to Indiana, while Ohio State bounced back from a setback to Iowa to smash Michigan State 48-3 at home. 

Note that when these teams played last year, not surprisingly it was Ohio State which scored the 28-3 victory. 

Illinois QB Jeff George Jr. has 1,273 passing yards, seven TD’s and ten INT’s. Last week he went for 261 yards, two TD’s and two INT’s. 

Ohio State QB JT Barrett looked a lot better last week, but he still threw two INT’s. Barrett has 2,564 passing yards and 30 TD’s this year. 

I’ll point out though that Illinois is 2-0 ATS in its last two as an underdog of 31 points or more, while Ohio State is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven as a favorite of 31 points or more.

I think this line is an over-reaction to last week’s annihilation of the Spartans. Clearly the Buckeyes are the better team, but Illinois has been competitve in most games this year and it’s defense is a strong point. Grab the points, play on the Illini.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* ODDSMAKER’S ERROR is on Kentucky (3:30 EST).

The 7-3 Kentucky Wildcats are at No. 7 Georgia to take on the 9-1 Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Georgia was crushed 40-17 by Auburn last week and I think it’ll have a predictable letdown here.

Kentucky enters with a ton of momentum, posting the 44-21 road win over Vanderbilt last Saturday. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Wildcats as well after Georgia edged Kentucky 27-24 on the road last year. 

Last week Kentucky posted 427 total yards and forced four INTS’s and held the Commodores to just 60 yards rushing on 20 carries. 

Wildcats’ QB Stephen Johnson was 13 of 17 for 195 yards and was complimented by RB Ben Snell Jr. who has 116 yards and three TD’s. Note that Kentucky has been exceptional against the run this year, holding opponents to just 121.9 YPG thus far.

Georgia RB Nick Chubb was held to 27 yards on 11 carries last week. QB Jake From was 13 of 28 for 184 yards and one meaningless TD at the end of the game. 

I’ll point out that Kentucky is 2-0 ATS in its last two as a road dog of 21.5 points or more, while Georgia is 0-3 ATS in its last three as a favorite in the 21.5 to 31 points range. 

I like the Wildcats to take advantage of a Bulldogs team still dwelling on last week’s loss and while I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do absolutely expect this one to be a lot closer than what the oddsmaker’s are leading us to believe.

Grab the points, play on Kentucky.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Baylor (2:30 EST). 

Iowa State became bowl eligible and has since dropped two straight. The Cyclones will look to get back on track here, but I think that the home side offers great value in an upset role.

The Cyclones are now also officially out of contention for the Big 12 title after falling to Oklahoma State last weekend. Can anyone say “letdown spot?!” 

Iowa State QB Kyle Kempt left at halftime with an injury last week, forcing Zeb Noland into action and while the backup looked good in the 49-42 defeat in his limited time, starting on the road even at lowly Baylor is a tall order and a quick turnaround. 

After beating Kansas, the Bears fell 38-24 to Texas Tech last Saturday. QB Charlie Brewer was 43 of 63 for 417 yards, three TD’s and one INT. I like Brewer to carry over his momentum here in front of the home town crowd.

Note that Iowa State is just 4-6 ATS in its last ten on field turf, while Baylor is 8-5 ATS in its last 13 as an underdog. 

The Bears are terrible, but Brewer has been a bright spot. I like the gun-slinger to keep his team in this one late, so grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Virgnia (12:00 EST).

Virginia is bowl eligible already, but it comes off its third loss in its last four games, falling 38-21 at Louisville last weekend. Miami can now feel the pressure as it’s still unbeaten after steamrolling Notre Dame 41-8 last week. 

Note that this is a revenge game for Virginia as well, as Miami has taken the last two, including 34-14 on the road on November 12, 2016. 

The Cavs rank 47th in the country in passing offense with an average of 251.8 YPG. Overall the team ranks 85th in scoring with 25.8 PPG, while ranked 67th on the defensive side by conceding 26.6 points.

QB Kurt Benkert has 2,492 yards, 21 TD’s and just seven INT’s. RB Olamide Zaccheaus has caught 70 passes for 727 yards, four TD’s and had added 22 carries for 153 yards and another score on the ground.

Miami averages 32.6 PPG, while conceding just 16.6. QB Malik Rosier has 2,410 yards, 20 TD’s and seven INT’s. RB Travis Homer has 758 yards and six scores on the ground. 

I’ll point out though that Virginia is 3-1 ATS this year against teams with winning records and 16-9 ATS in its last 25 when playing the role of underdog. 

I think the Hurricanes manage the win, but I like Virginia to keep this one much more interesting than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* SItuational Stunner is on Alabama State (11:00 EST).

The 0-3 Alabama State Hornets play their fourth straight road game here. So far they’ve averaged 63 PPG, while conceding 94. Ed Jones has been a stand out with an average of 10.7 points and four rebounds per game, while Reginald Gee averages 10.3 points and four boards. 

The Ducks average 85 PPG and concede 60.5 thus far. Troy Brown has averaged 17.5 points and three assists, while Paul White has added 16 points and six boards. 

Of course I’m not calling for an outright upset here. Note that Oregon hasn’t lost a home game since January of 2015.

But with a series of “cream puffs” to open the year, I think the Ducks get caught looking past their lowly opponent today.

This is great experience for the Hornets, who can focus on conference play after a tough non-conference schedule. I like Alabama State to keep this relatively interesting until the final ten minutes or so. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NON-CONF GAME OF THE YEAR is on UNLV (9:30 EST).

UNLV will need to win its final two games of the year to become bowl eligible. With a date against 2-8 Nevada next weekend, the Runnin’ Rebels have a very real shot at actually reaching the six win plateau with a big effort today.

New Mexico needed to win last week to keep its bowl hopes alive, but it instead got annihilated 55-14 by Texas A&M. 

With nothing left to play for, we expect the Lobos to come in disinterested and flat-footed this week.

The Rebels average 29.2 PPG and allow 32.3. QB Armani Rodgers has 1,100 yards, five TD’s and five INT’s, while also adding 538 yards on the ground and another sixscores. Johnny Stanton has 724 yards passing, four TD’s and two INT’s threw the air and 96 yards plus two major scores on the ground. 

The Lobos average 22.3 PPG and concede 30.9 QB Lamar Jordan has 593 yards passing along with three TD’s and five INT’s. 

I’ll point out though that the Runnin Rebels are 4-0 ATS in their last four following an ATS loss, while the Lobos are 0-4 ATS in their last four after posting less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. 

I like the “hungrier” team to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. 

Play on UNLV.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Miami Heat (7:05 EST).

This is an immediate revenge scenario for the Heat after the Wizards took the first game of this home and home set 102-93 at South Beach on Wednesday. 

So far Miami averages 101.3 PPG, while conceding 103. Big man Hassan Whiteside contributes 15.7 points, plus 13.9 boards per game, while Dion Waiters adds 16.6 per contest. 

Washington averages 110.7 PPG and concedes 105. John Wall averages 20.8 points and 9.4 assists per game, while Bradley Beal contribues 23.9. 

The Heat though have responded well in this spot for bettors, going 19-10 ATS in their last 29 off an upset losss as a favorite, while also going 24-10 ATS in their last 34 when trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent. 

Conversely, this is a position in which the Wizards have really struggled in, going 12-16 ATS in their last 28 off an upset win as an underdog (including 0-2 ATS this year.)

With a tough road trip starting in Toronto on Sunday, I think the home side also gets caught looking ahead here.

While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on the Heat.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Elon (6:30 EST).

The 1-1 FIU Panthers are getting ready to battle the 1-2 Elon Phoenix on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Phoenix.

This non-conference game is part of the Black and Gold Shootout. When these teams played last year, it was Elon that won 84-81 in OT. 

Last year FIU went just 7-24. In their last game the Panthers lost 70-64 in OT to Stetson. FIU was only able to shoot 37.9 percent from the floor, led by Eric Lockett with 19 points. The Panthers also committed 16 turnovers. 

Elon fell 76-67 to Furman in its latest action. The Phoenix shot 44.5 percent from the floor, but only 20.8 percent from range. They also committed 16 turnovers. Keep your eyes on Tyler Seibring, who had 15 points in the setback. While only two players average double figures in points, the Phoenix still have a much deeper/talented lineup overall than FIU, wiith eight players averaging at least 5.7 PPG. 

Additionally I’ll point out that FIU is just 1-4 ATS in its last five neutral site games, while Elon is 6-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss.

Elon’s already played Duke and it’s clearly the better overall team. I look for the Phoenix to bounce back here and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable cover. This line could be a lot higher and I think the oddsmakers have made a mistake.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Stanford (6:00 EST).

The 2-0 Northeastern Huskies are in Stanford to take on the 2-1 Cardinal and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Northeastern comes in off an 83-49 win over Wentworth, while Stanford fell 67-61 at home to lowly Eastern Washington on Tuesday. 

The Huskies have defeated two suspect opponents in Boston University (65-59) and Divsion 2 Wentworth (83-49.) Thomas Murphy has been a bright spot, averaging 11.5 points over his first two games. 

Northeastern finished just 15-16 last year and it was picked to finish sixth in the ten team CAA.

Clearly Stanford will be looking to take advantage here, something it failed miserably in doing against Eastern Washington. 

The Cardinal couldn’t get anything to drop, shooting a poor 33 percent from the field, including just 2 of 16 from range. Reid Travis had 20 points in the losing effort. Travis has now scored at least 20 points in each of Stanford’s three games. 

I’ll point out though that Northeastern is just 1-3 ATS in its last four non-conference games, while Stanford is 6-4 ATS in its last ten after failing to cover the spead in three or more consecutive contests.

The Huskies’ competition has been pathetic to this point, but now they face a determined Cardinal side that’s looking for a big rebound effort after such a terrible performance. 

Stanford is deeper, more talented and experienced and I expect it to easily pull away down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the PIttsburgh Steelers (8:25 EST).

The 6-3 Tennessee Titans are in Pittsburgh to take on the 7-2 Steelers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Steelers battled tough and scored the 20-17 win in Indianpolis last weekend, while the Titans also rallied to post the 24-20 win at home over the Bengals. 

Both teams are on fire, but I don’t think that the home field advantage factor can be overlooked in this case. 

Both teams come in off victories, but neither looked overly impressive. Each will be looking for a bounce back performance, but the trends support the home side in this spot, as note that Tennessee is a poor 1-4 ATS in its last eight after two or more consecutive SU victories (including 0-2 already this year) and just 6-14 ATS in its last 20 on the road (including only 1-3 ATS this season), while Pittsburgh is 11-6 ATS its last 17 at home (including 2-1 ATS this year) and 9-6 ATS in its last 15 against teams with winning records (including 2-0 ATS this season.)

Tennessee has been great in stopping the run, ranked seventh, but horrible against the pass, ranked 28th. 

And that doesn’t bode well facing big Ben Roethlisberger, who will be out to atone for last week’s near disaster.

The Pittsburgh defense though has been superb, ranked second in the NFL in overall yards given up per game (284.4)

The Steelers’ defense has been remarkable of late, allowing 20 or less points in four straight games. 

I think the Titans have a letdown on the short week in this tough atmosphere and I look for the veteran Roethlisberger to take full advantage.

Lay the points, play on the Steelers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Golden State Wariors (8:05 EST).

Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr said two weeks ago that the Celtics were “the team of the future in the Eastern Conference.”

Clearly Golden State has had this one circled on its calendar for a while now and while some may think the Celtics actually have a shot in this game, I definitely do not.

Golden State has won seven straight, including a 110-100 win over Orlando on Monday.

Boston has won 13 straight, most recently a 109-102 victory on the road in Brooklyn. 

The Warriors average 119.6 PPG and concede 107.7. Kevin Durant averages 24.8 points, 7.5 boards and 5.2 assists per game, while Stephen Curry posts 25.2 points, plust 6.7 assists per contest.

The Celtics average 102.7 PPG and concede 94.5. Kyrie Irving leads the way with 20.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Jaylen Brown contributes 14.7 points and 6.7 boards.

The Warriors are a unique team, as they can damage you in so many ways offensively. If you want to get into a “run and gun shootout,” then they have no problems with that. If you want to play a slower-paced game and run half court sets while on offense, they have no issues with that either. They hurt you from 3-point land, in the paint and also in transition. 

The Celtics have been amazing early, but I think they’re in for a rude awakening tonight. Lay the points, play on Golden State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Ball State (7:00 EST).

Buffalo will need to win its final two games to become bowl eligible. A date against the lowly 2-8 Ball State Cardinals is just what the doctor ordered this week.

However with a date against 8-2 Ohio in the season finale, the Bulls’ chances of actually reaching the six win plateau this year are extremely small.

The Bobcats will be fighting until the final whistle as they try to capture the league crown. With that sad fact already in the front of their brains, I do think that the Bulls are set up for a small letdown this weekend.

Buffalo averages 27.3 PPG and concedes 25 PPG. QB Tyree Jackson has 1,452 yards, six TD’s and two INT’s, while also adding another 220 on the ground and four more major scores.

Ball State averages 18.4 PPG and concedes 42. QB Riley Neal has 658 yards, six TD’s and three INT’s, while also rushing for another 67. Caleb Huntley has been a strong in the ground attack with 703 yards and three TD’s. 

I’ll point out though that Buffalo has struggled in this spot for bettors for a while now, going just 2-4 ATS n its last six off a win against a conference rival.

And note, as horrible as Ball State has been, it’s actually 2-1 ATS in its last three as an underdog in the 10.5 to 21 points range.

I like the home side to keep this one interesting. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Auburn (11:30 AM EST).

The 1-0 Indiana State Sycamores are in Auburn to take on the 1-0 Tigers on Thursday morning and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Tigers.

Indiana State looks ready for a letdown here in my opinion after its big opening night win over Indiana. Brenton Scott was a standout in the upset with 24 points. Indiana State relied heavily on the 3-ball last year (34.6 percent of its points from range), which doesn’t bode well against this Auburn defense which is out for some redemption.

The Tigers can score as well, as last year they averaged 80.4 PPG. In their win over Norfolk State, Auburn put up 102 points. Bryce Brown led the way with 31 points. While the 102 points was impressive, the 74 given up were not. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a much more concerted effort from the Tigers on the defensive end this evening. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Indiana State is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven following an ATS win, while Auburn is 4-1 ATS in its last five as a favorite. 

I look for the Tigers to continue their hot offensive play and to fine tune their defensive unit in this favorable matchup. Lay the points with confidence, play on Auburn.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* MAC GAME OF THE MONTH is on Northern Illinois (7:00 EST).

Northern Illinois is now 7-3 after last week’s 63-17 annihilation of Ball State. The Huskies sit just a game back of Toledo in the West Division of the MAC and they’re tied with the Rockets at 5-1 in Conference play. 

Western Michigan on the other hand looks primed for an immediate letdown in my opinion after posting its sixth win of the year in last week’s 48-20 win over Kent. 

Note that this is a revenge game for Northern Illinois as well after WMU took this game at home 45-30 last season. 

The Broncos average 36.6 points and concede 27.6. Jarvion Franklin has 1,061 rushing yards and ten TD’s this year and had 191 yards and a major score against the Golden Flashes last week.

WMU is one of the best rushing teams in the nation, but that unfortunately plays right into the strength of the Huskies defense, which is tenth against the run in the nation.

Northern Illinois averages 30.3 PPG, while conceding just 18.8 PPG on the defensive side.

I’ll point out as well that WMU is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 40 points or more in its previous contest, while Northern Illinois is 13-5-2 ATS in its last 20 following a SU win over more than 20 points. 

The Broncos are going back to a bowl, which is mission accomplished for a team which lost a lot from last year’s squad that went undefeated until its bowl game. 

I like the Huskies to put the foot on the gas from start to finish and I expect WMU to throw in the white towel early.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Pittsburgh (7:00 EST).

The 1-0 Cal Santa Barbara Gauchos are at Pittsburgh to take on the 0-2 Panthers on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Panthers are coming off loss to Navy and Montana, while the Gauchos managed a win over North Dakota State last Saturday. 

Cal Santa Barbara was 6-22 last year, but it looked decent in its 86-66 victory over North Dakota State. Max Heidegger had 33 points, including hitting eight from range. 

Pittsburgh pretty much features an entirely new team this year, a squad which nearly posted its first win of the campaign, but it would ultimately succumb 83-78 in overtime to the Grizzlies. 

The loss snapped Pittsburgh’s 20 game win streak at home: 

“I don’t think about [the fan support for the team],” head coach Kevin Stallings assured. “I support my team. I’m just worried about making my team better. We have had to start over, so that’s a little bit of what we are dealing with. We have some good players who are going to grow into very good players. There are going to be some growing pains along the way.”

I’ll point out though that UC Santa Barbara is just 7-14 ATS in its last 21 following a non-conference game, while Pittsburgh is is 3-1 ATS in its last four after back-to-back SU setbacks.

Clearly this game means a lot to the Panthers. Crowd support has not been good to open the campaign, but a convincing win tonight would go a long way in starting to turn that trend around. I look for the home side to lay it all on the line and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the San Antonio Spurs (8:35 EST).

The Spurs are rolling as they come in having won four of their last five, most recently smashing the Bulls 133-94 at home on Saturday. 

The Mavs are moving in the opposite direction, as they’ve lost two in a row and eight of their last nine after losing 112-99 at Oklahoma City on Sunday night. 

So far San Antonio averages 103 PPG and allows 99.6. Big man LaMarcus Aldridge is leading the nightly charge with 21.8 points and 8.5 boards per game, while Pau Gasol averages 10.9 points and 8.1 boards per game. 

Dallas averages 99.5 PPG and concedes 107.7. Harrison Barnes tops all players with 19 points and 7.1 boards per game, while rookie Dennis Smith Jr. averages 14.8 points and 4.9 assists per game.

I’ll point out that the Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games against a team with a home winning percentage of less than .400, while Dallas is a horrible 1-10 ATS in its last 11 when playing on one days rest.

Greg Popovich has his team firing on all cylinders again despite injuries to key players. That doesn’t bode well for this young Mavs side which is struggling with consistency across the board.

All signs point to a rout. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on Akron (7:00 EST).

The 8-2 Ohio Bobcats are in Akron to take on the 5-5 Zips and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I do definitely feel that the desperate home side will keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Ohio comes in off a 38-10 win over Toledo, while Akron lost 24-14 to Miami Ohio. Last year these two teams played to a very tight decision, with the Bobcats holding on for the eventual 9-3 victory from Ohio. 

Bobcats’ QB Nathan Rourke was just seven of 15 for 139 yards, a TD and a pick last week, but he did add 115 yards rushing. In all Ohio racked up 393 rushing yards last week.

Akron will be out to atone for it’s effort last Saturday, producing just 273 total yards of offense against the Redhawks. QB Kato Nelson was 19 of 38 for 218 yards and a TD. 

I’ll point out though that Ohio is 0-2 ATS in its last two as a road favorite in the 10.5 to 14 points range, while Akron is 2-1 ATS this year against teams with winning records.

The Zips are running out of chances and need one more win to become bowl eligible. Akron won’t be lacking in motivation today. Ohio has two cream puffs to end the season, with a date at Buffalo next weekend, so it could be caught looking ahead as well.

Outright upset? Probably not. But all signs point to this one being decided late. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ODDSMAKER’S ERROR is on Miami Ohio (7:00 EST).

The 0-1 Wright State Raiders are at Miami Ohio to take on the 1-0 Redhawks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Wright State most recently lost 84-80 to Loyola Chicago, while the Redhawks managed to nudge past Fordham 55-54 in their season opener. 

Note that this is a revenge game for Miami Ohio after Wright State beat it 89-87 last year. 

Last year Wright State averaged 77 points per game and conceded 72.4. The Blue Raiders let Loyola Chicago hit 55 percent from the floor. Grant Benzinger was a standout with 16 points. 

Miami Ohio averaged 70.3 PPG last season and conceded 74.5. While only shooting 33 percent from the field in their opening victory, the Redhawks would go on to win the rebound battle by a decisive 53-25 margin. Jalen Adaway had 15 points and 14 boards. Logan McLane had ten points and 11 boards, including five offensive.

The Redhawks’ smothering defensive play and the home court advantage make Miami Ohio the correct call in this one. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on North Dakota State (11:00 EST)

The 0-1 North Dakota State Bison are ready to take the 1-0 USC Trojans at the Galen Center tonight and while I’m not actually calling for an outright upset, I do definitely believe this is too many points to be giving up here.

The Bison enter off an 85-66 loss to UC Santa Barbara. Paul Miller was a bright spot with 18 points and six assists, while AJ Jacobson had ten points and two boards. After losing five of its last seven on the road, I think NDSU can catch the home side looking past it.

USC has a game against Vanderbilt up next, which is another non-conference matchup of course, but clearly a much bigger challenge coming from the SEC.

USC most recently beat CS Fulerton 84-42. Chimezie Metu had 18 points and ten boards. The Trojans have now won six of their last seven at home.

I feel this is a great spot for the hungry Bison, as I believe that USC comes in complacent, while also looking ahead to its next game. Grab the points, play on North Dakota State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Denver Broncos (8:30 EST).

The 6-2 New England Patriots are in Denver to take on the desperate 3-5 Broncos and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Now, I’m not suggesting to “sprinkle” a little on the money line, but I do definitely think this one will be a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

The Pats come to town off their bye week, last beating the Chargers 21-13 at home. 

The Broncos lost their fourth straight in a 51-23 setback on the road at red hot Philadelphia last weekend. 

So far the Pats are seventh in the league in scoring with 27 PPG, while ranked 16th on the defensive side in conceding 22.4. QB Tom Brady has 2,541 yards, 16 TD’s and two INT’s this season.

Brady though has been sacked 21 times. Mike Gillislee leads the rushing attack with 355 yards and four major scores.

This is it for Denver, as another loss will almost assuredly have the team planning for next season. 

So far the Broncos rank 22nd in the leauge in scoring with 18.8 PPG, while ranked 25th defensively in conceding 24.8. QB Trevor Siemian has 1,669 yards with nine TD’s and ten INT’s. CJ Anderson has 482 yards and two TD’s. 

I’ll point out though that Denver is 11-8 ATS in its last 19 at home (including 2-1 ATS this season) and still 9-6 ATS in its last 15 as an underdog, while New England is just 3-5 ATS in its last eight as a road favorite of 7.5 to ten points. 

Denver’s defense remains its strength and I think it’s going to come up big at home here. The outright upset? Probably not. But all signs point to a nail-biter. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Princeton (6:00 EST).

Butler beat Kennesaw State 82-64 on Friday, but this will be the first game of the year for Princeton. 

Both teams played in the NCAA Tournament last year and each will be expecting to return this season as well.

The Tigers faced Notre Dame in the opening round and they’d unfortnately drop a hard-fought 60-58 battle. 

Butler made it to the Sweet 16 before bowing out to eventual champion North Carolina. 

Princeton was undefeated in Ivy League action last year and it’s favored to win the conference again this season. 

Keep your eyes on Tigers’ junior guard Devin Cannady, who averaged 13.4 points and 3.6 boards last year, but who will be playing a much bigger role this season. 

There’s some room to read between the lines in Butler’s win on Friday, as note that it was just six of 25 from range and it also missed 11 of 23 free throws. 

The Ivy League is battle tested and Princeton has plenty of veteran experience and overall talent. I’m not calling for an outright upset, but I do definitely expect the Tigers to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. 

Grab the points, play on Princeton.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Indiana (6:00 EST).

Houston crushed the Grizzlies 111-96 just last night and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a letdown here finally from the Rockets as they transition for this Eastern Conference contest.

Conversely, Indiana looks ready to build off its 105-87 win over the Bulls on Friday to snap a four-game slide. 

Houston averages 110.5 PPG and concedes 104.1 .James Harden leads the team with 29.9 points and 4.9 boards per game. 

Indiana averages 109 PPG and concedes 108.4 Victor Oladipo had 25 points, six boards and six assists against the Bulls.

I’ll point out though that Houston is just 2-3 ATS this year against teams with losing records and interestingly, just 1-3 ATS against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest, while Indiana is 20-14 ATS in its last 34 after allowing 90 points or less and already 3-2 ATS in front of the home town crowd this season.

I think “the road” catches up to Harden and company today and the rested/focused Pacers at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the LA Rams (4:05 EST).

The 3-5 Houston Texans are in LA to take on the 6-2 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

LA comes in off three straight wins, while the Texans are reeling after two straight losses.

Houston staring QB DeShaun Watson was lost to injury and backup Tom Savage was just 19 of 44 for 219 yards and one TD in the 20-14 loss to the Colts. 

In all the Texans were outgained 371 to 288. 

LA seems on a mission now that it’s left St. Louis. LA is ranked third in total offense this year with 382.1 YPG. In fact, Jared Goff and Todd Gurley lead the league’s No. 1 scoring offense with 32.9 PPG. Last week Goff had four TD’s in the win over the Giants.

Gurley meanwhile has a league-high ten major scores. 

I’ll point out as well that Houston is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games against teams with a winning home record, while LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four after a three game unbeaten streak. 

In the two games since Savage took over as QB, the Texans have managed seven and 14 points total in those two contests.

I like Goff to continue his hot play and for the Rams’ defensive unit to come up big against the “gassed” Texans offense. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 10 Las Vegas Insider is on the Was Redskins at 1:00 ET.

The Vikings are sitting pretty in the NFC North at 6-2, as only the Lions are above .500 (5-4) in the division. They are also off a bye week plus come into this contest on a four-game winning streak. However, let's take a closer look at those four wins. First came the Bears (now 3-5) in Mitch Trubisky’s first start, then the Packers in a game in which Aaron Rodgers got KO’d early. Up next were the slumping Ravens (in the midst of losing four of five games), and then win-less Browns in London (Cleveland is 0-8 and 1-23 since the start of 2016). Let's just say, not exactly a Murderer's Row!

The Redskins are still right in the mix for one of two NFC wild card spots, after their timely 17-14 win last Sunday in Seattle. QB Kirk Cousins is completing 67.9% with 13 TDs and four INTs, for a QB rating of 102.0. That comes on the heels of him completing 68.3% with a 54-23 TD-to-INT ratio, with QB ratings of 101.6 and 97.2. The ONLY organization that thinks he's not a top-flight QB in the NFL is the Redskins. Maybe they would prefer Minnesota's Case Keenum. I prefer Cousins and the Redskins in this one.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 EST).

The 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are in Indianapolis to take on the 3-6 Colts and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Pittsburgh posted a 20-15 road win over Detroit in its latest action, while Indianapolis definitely looks primed for a letdown here after its shcoking 20-13 victory at Houston last Sunday. 

The Steelers have to be feeling pretty confident here, because when these teams met last year it was Pittsburgh that won easily 28-7, with QB Ben Roethlisberger throwing three TD’s, while RB Le’Veon Bell had 120 yards. 

Roethlisberger had 317 yards in the victory over the Detroit. Bell had 75 yards on 25 carries. 

The Steelers uncharacteristically gave up 482 yards to the Lions, but they came up clutch in the most important moments, holding Detroit to 0 for 5 in the red zone. Pittsburgh enters out of its bye having won three straight.

Indianpolis QB Jacoby Brissett was 20 of 30 for 307 yards, two TD’s and an INT last week, while RB Frank Gore had 51 rushing yards on 17 carries. 

The Colts’ defense looked sharp, holding the Texans to 288 total yards.

I’m not reading too much into the one decent performance though. Houston had just lost a 41-38 game against the Seahawks on the road and clearly it looked out of gas last week. 

Indianapolis snapped a three game slide, but remains in last place in the AFC South.

Additionally I’ll point out that the Steelers are 5-1 ATS in their last six after posing less than 90 rushing yards in their previous game, while the Colts a horrible 1-9-1 ATS in theit last 11 following a SU victory. 

Indianapolis owns the league’s worst defense, allowing an average of 29 PPG. And that’s music to a well rested “Big Ben” and company.

I’m expecting a rout from start to finish. Play on the Steelers.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Hawaii (11:00 EST).

The 6-3 Fresno State Bulldogs are in Hawaii to take on the 3-6 Rainbow Warriors. I’m not going to call for an outright victory, but I do think that the hungry home side can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

The Bulldogs looked pretty bad in their win over a horrible BYU team last week. QB Marcus McMaryion was 14 of 20 for 174 yards and no TD’s. RB Jordan Mims had 54 yards and two TD’s. 

Fresno State’s strength has been on the defensive side of the ball, holding teams to an average of 18 PPG. 

With the win though, the Bulldogs have become bowl eligible and suffice it to say, i think they’re primed for a letdown here. 

The Warriors have lost two straight, most recently a hard-fought 31-23 setback to UNLV. QB Dru Brown was 24 of 47 for 269 yards and a TD. RB Diccemy Saint Juste had 111 yards rushing and a TD on 20 carries. 

I’ll point out though that Fresno State is already 1-2 ATS this year against teams with losing records and only 2-3 ATS in its last five as a favorite, while Hawaii is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 30 points or more in its previous contest.

I like the Warriors to play for pride today and to at the very least, sneak in through the back door down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

Play on Hawaii.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Sacramento Kings (8:05 EST).

The Kings come in with a ton of momentum as they’ve won two in a row, most recently a 109-108 upset victory at home over the 76ers. 

The Knicks on the other hand look primed for a letdown here. New York had won three straight and six of seven before losing their final game of their road trip, 112-99 in Orlando on Wednesday. The first game back from an extended trip often can be considered a “trap” for a team and I believe that will in fact be the case here today.

Also note, not only is this is a “letdown” spot, but it’s also a “look ahead” spot as well for the Knicks, who have the Cavs coming to town on Monday night. 

The Kings have looked a lot better on both ends of the floor of late, but the team still ranks just 29th in scoring with 95.2. Sacramento has been better on the defensive end, ranked 11th by conceding 104.2. Zach Randolph leads the team with 13.6 PPG. But the Kings get the job done by committee, with Buddy Hield, Willie Cauley-Stein, George Hill and Vince Carter. 

New York averages 105.4 PPG and concedes 106.3 Kristaps Porzingis averages 30 points, 7.5 boards and 2.3 blocks per night. 

But as mentioned off the top, I love Sacramento to keep the momentum rolling and to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire against a distracted Knicks side. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Akron (7:00 EST).

This is the opener of the NE Ohio Coaches vs. Cancer Classic. 

Cleveland State returns three starter sand eight letter winners from a team that went a horrible 9-22 last year. In all the Vikings welcome seven newcomvers. 

Not only does Cleveland State have a lot of new faces on the bench, it also has a new face in head coach Dennis Felton. 

But the Zips will be felling confident here, as they’ve taken three straight in this series, including a 65-53 win in the 2015/16 season opener.

Also note that Akron is 21-12 all time against CSU in front of the home town crowd. 

And that doesn’t bode well in my opinion for Felton’s new team, which comes in having dropped three straight season openers. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Cleveland State is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight against the MAC and only 6-15 ATS in its last 21 non-conference games, while Akron is 5-2 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Akron.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Washington State (5:30 EST).

The 8-2 Washington State Cougars are in Utah to take on the 5-4 Utes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visiting side.

The Cougars got back on track with a 24-21 upset win at home over then No. 21 Stanford last weekend after it had dropped two of three coming in. 

The Utes snapped a four-game slide with a 48-17 win over UCLA last Friday night. 

WSU is ranked second in the country with an average of 381.7 passing YPG. Overall the Cougars are tied for 33rd in averaing 33 PPG. Defensively the teams ranks 39th by conceding just 22.7.

Washington State QB Luke Falk has 2,913 yards, 26 TD’s and one INT this season. In last week’s win the Cougars held a dominant 430-198 advantage in total offense.

Utah averages 255.3 passing yards per game and is ranked 58th overall in total offense by putting up 29.4 PPG. The defense has also been decent, conceding 23.1 per contest.

QB Tyler Huntley has 1,648 passing yards, 12 TD’s and six INT’s on the season. RB Zack Moss leads the way on the ground with 740 yards and three major scores.

I’ll point out though that WSU is 4-1 ATS in its last five against teams with winning records, while the Utes are just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games against teams with a winning road record.

The Cougars’ are the more complete team over all three phases and I also give a big nod to Falk over Huntley at the QB position as well. Play on Washington State.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Wisconsin (3:30 EST).

The 6-2 Iowa Hawkeyes are in Wisconsin to take on the 9-0 Badgers on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the still unbeaten home side.

Iowa earned its sixth win of the year in an epic 55-24 win over then No. 3 Ohio State last weekend to become bowl eligible. I had the Hawkeyes in that one. But that was then and this is now.

Iowa definitely looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion. 

The Hawkeyes picked off JT Barrett four times, including one that was returned for a TD by Amani Hooker on the first offensive play of the game. QB Nathan Stanley was 20 of 31 for 226 yards and five TD’s. 

Wisconsin was down 10-0 early against Indiana last week, but then poured it on in the second half for another convincing victory. RB Jonathan Taylor had 183 yards and a TD. QB Alex Hornibrook was 13 of 20 for 158 yards, two TD’s and an INT. 

As good as the Badgers have looked offensively of late, it’s been their defense which has gotten the job done all year, ranking fifth in the country in yards allowed per game with 267.8. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Iowa is 0-4 ATS in its last four following an ATS win and just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games, while Wisconsin is interestingly 5-0-1 ATS in its last six games played in the month of November.

The Badgers are on a mission. The Hawkeyes are contented and eligible. Should be a beatdown from start to finish, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Michigan State (12:00 EST).

The 7-2 Michigan State Spartans are in Ohio State to take on the 7-2 Buckeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Michigan State looks to keep the momentum rolling after its 27-24 home win over Penn State, while Ohio State is reeling after its humbling 55-24 beatdown loss to Iowa State last Saturday.

Note that when these teams played last year, it was Ohio State that notched the 17-16 victory. 

I’m not suggesting that you sprinkle any on the money line, but I do definitely feel that the surging and revenge minded Spartans will keep this one competitive until the final moments. 

Michigan State looked impressive defensively last week, holding Penn State to 466 total yards, while also collecting three INT’s. QB Brian Lewerke was 33 of 56 for 400 yards, two TD’s and an INT. So far he has 2,207 yards passing and a 16/5 TD/INT ratio. WR Felton Davis III had 181 receiving yards and a TD. 

Ohio State QB JT Barrett was 18 of 34 for 208 yards, three TD’s and four INT’s in last week’s shocking upset loss. The Buckeyes looked horrible defensively, allowing 487 total yards. 

I’ll point out as well that Michigan State is 5-1 ATS in its last six after allowing less than 100 rushing yards in its previous game, while Ohio State is just 1-5 ATS in its last six home games following an ATS loss and only 1-6 ATS in its last seven against teams with winning records.

The Spartans have proven that they can play with the best teams in the country, while the pressure is clearly getting to Barrett and company. Grab as many points as you can, play on Michigan State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on North Carolina State (12:00 EST).

The 6-3 NC State Wolfpack are in Boston College to take on the 5-4 Eagles and in my opinion, this one favors the visitors. 

I think BC is poised for a letdown here after three straight wins over Louisville, Virginia and Florida State. 

NC State will look to get back on track now after its 38-31 loss at home to No. 4 Clemson last week. 

Boston College’s momentum and chemistry will be disrupted because of the team’s “bye week” as well in my opinion. 

Additionally I’ll point out that this is a revenge game for NC State after BC won the game 21-14 on the road last year. 

NC State had a 21-17 halftime lead against Clemson, but the Wolfpack was unable to sustain its momentum for a full four quarters. QB Ryan Finley threw for 339 yards against a tough Tigers’ defense. On the year Finley has 15 TD’s and just three INT’s.  WR Kelvin Harmon had eight catches for 155 yards in the loss. 

The Wolfpack rank 30th in overall offense by averaging 447.3 YPG, while ranked 57th on the defensive side in conceding 387.2. 

Boston College is ranked 96th in total offense with 370.1 YPG, while ranked 76th in conceding 397.9. QB Anthony Brown was just 6 of 20 for 54 yards and a TD in the win over FSU back on October 27th. 

In all the Eagles’ held FSU to just 213 total yards while forcing three turnovers. Note though that as good as BC is defensively, it still struggles mightily against the run in allowing an average of 206.2 YPG.

I’ll point out as well that NC State is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU loss, while BC is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after three or more consecutive ATS covers.

BC’s strength on offense is its run game, which doesn’t bode well facing the Wolfpack’s 31st ranked run defense.

I like NC State to continue its road success (has already beaten FSU and Pittsburgh on the road.) Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Milwaukee Bucks (9:05 EST).

The 4-6 Milwaukee Bucks are in San Antonio to take on the 7-4 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry visitors.

This the final game of an extended road trip for the Bucks and they come in having lost four straight, most recently a 124-119 setback to Cleveland on Tuesday. 

The Spurs enter on the other end of the spectrum, having won three in a row, most recently a 120-107 win over the Clippers on Tuesday.

It’s interesting to note that these two teams split a pair of games last year, each winning on the others floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 40 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in the loss to the Cavs. So far the Bucks average 105.4 PPG and concede 108.7. Note that the newly acquired Eric Bledsoe is supposed to suit up for Milwaukee tonight (and if he doesn’t, I still love this play as I think this sets up as a letdown spot for the home side.)

The Spurs still only average 101.7 PPG, while conceding 100.6. So far big man LaMarcus Aldrige has filled the void left by still injured superstar Kawhi Leonard by averaging 22.6 points plus 8.3 boards per game. Aldridge had 25 in the Spurs latest victory.

I’ll point out though that Milwaukee is 13-9 ATS in its last 22 after three or more consecutive SU losses, while San Antonio is just 37-43 ATS in its last 80 after three or more consecutive SU victories.

I like the desperate Bucks to at the very least, take this one down to the wire for the comfortable ATS cover. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on Iowa State (9:00 EST).

Missouri was 8-24 last year, while Iowa State was 24-11, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Both teams have new faces this season though. Iowa State is expected to take a step back this year, while Missouri is expected to take a step forward.

Regardless of that, I still think that the Cyclones bring enough talent to the table to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Iowa State returns one starter and three players overall from last years team. Keep your eyes on Solomon Young, who averaged 4.4 points and 3.3 boards over 12 games last year. ISU also welcomes transfer Jeff Beverly from UTSA, who scored in double-digits 28 times for the Roadrunners last year. 

The Cyclones feature a strong backcourt in senior guard Donovan Jackson and freshman Lindell Wigginton. 

The Tigers return three players that averaged double figures last year. New coach Cuonzo Martin is hoping to revive a program which has fallen on hard times of late. Michel Porter Jr. and Jeremiah Tilmon lead a front court which is expected to be among the best in the SEC. 

Missouri has big expectations, but lacks chemistry and experience. The Cyclones are an entirely different team, but the system and pieces that do carry over will be more than enough to keep this one close unitl the final moments in my opinion. 

Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Yale (9:00 EST).

Both teams have high hopes this year after each lost in their respective conference championship games last season. 

Yale fell to Princeton in the Ivy League championship game. The Bulldogs are loaded with veteran experience this season though, led by now fully healthy guard Makai Mason, who was lost for the 2016/17 campaign with injury. 

Mason is surrounded by talent, including Jordan Bruner, Miye Oni and Blake Reynolds. 

Creighton lost to Villanova in the Big East Tournament title game. The Bluejays also lost point guard Maurice Watson Jr. to the NBA. Creighton ran an extremely fast paced offense last year, with just 15 seconds per offensive possession, but with Waston Jr. gone, I have a hard time seeing the Bluejays matching that speed. 

This is going to be a battle, but in the end I think the depth and overall experience that the Ivy League school brings to the table today will in the end keep this score a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Oklahoma State (8:30 EST).

The Pepperdine Waves were 9-22 last year, while the Oklahoma State Cowboys were 20-13. 

Brad Underwood left the coaching job at Oklahoma State, starting the Mike Boynton Jr. era for the Cowboys. 

The Cowboys return two starters and ten letter winners from a year ago, while the Waves return just one starter.

Pepperdine once again has more questions than answers as the season gets underway. Most specifically is how will it fill the void left by star Lamond Murray, who averaged 21.4 PPG last year? 

The Waves had many players injured last season, including Kameron Edwards, who averaged 7.2 points and 4.2 boards in 2015/16. Edwards is back and so too is Amada Udenyi, who played in just six games last year after blowing his achilles. 

Jeffrey Carroll leads the Cowboys this year. Last season he averaged 17.5 points and 6.6 boards, while shooting 44.4 percent from range. 

Oklahoma State also had some talent to replace in the offseason, but it has some a plethora of it just waiting to fill the void. Keep your eyes on Brandon Averette and Cal State Northridge transfer Kendall Smith, who averaged 16.7 points and 4.8 assists last season. 

The Cowboys have more talent and are the much bigger overall team. I think Oklahoma State will wear down the Wave down the stretch and I look for it to pull away for the comfortable cover once it’s all said and done.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Cincinnati (7:00 EST).

The 4-5 Temple Owls are in Cincinnati to take on the 3-6 Bearcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Bearcats will need to run the table to reach the six win plateau, but they kept the dream alive in last week’s 17-16 win over Tulane. Temple also enters off a victory over Navy, but I think it will have a letdown here. 

Last week Temple QB Frank Nutile was 22 of 30 for 289 yards, four TD’s and a pick. WR Adonis Jennings had 127 yards and two TD’s (was just the first time this season that he’s reached over 100 yards though.)

Bearcats RB Mike Boone had just 20 yards on six carries last week, but he also had the go-ahead TD. Gerrid Doaks was also a standout with 149 yards rushing on 17 carries. 

I’ll point out as well that Temple is just 1-3 ATS In its last four as a road fav of three points or less, while Cincinnati is 5-2 ATS in its last seven against teams with losing records. 

I like the Bearcats at home here. Both teams face an uphill battle to reach six wins, but I don’t think that the home field advantage factor can be discounted in this particular matchup. Play on Cincinnati.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Delaware (7:00 EST).

Delaware is coming off a 13-20 record from a year ago, while Richmond was 22-13 overall. 

The Blue Hens are expected to take a big step forward this season though as leading scorer Ryan Daly is back after posting 16 points and 7.4 boards last year. The team also returns its second leading scorer in Anthony Mosley, who averaged ten points and shot 47.9 percent from the floor. 

Richmond made it to the A-10 Tournament semifinals last year, but the team lost its top two scorers from that team. Third leading scorer Khwan Fore is back though and he averaged 11.2 PPG last season. Note though that Fore is injured right now and will be out for another month. Additionally I’ll point out that Richmond lost its top rebounder from a year ago as well.

Ultimately I think the experienence and talent that the Blue Hens bring to the table today makes this game much more even than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on West Virginia (6:00 EST).

These teams meet on Friday at the Ramstein Air Force Base on ESPN and suffice it to say, I think this one favors the Mountaineers.

Texas A&M won just 16 games overall last year. The Aggies though are expected to take a step forward this season with returning big man Tyler Davis, along with DJ Hogg and Robert Williams.

I’ll point out though that the Aggies have lost three straight neutral site affairs.

WVU has made the NCAA tournament three straight years and with Bob Huggins as coach, the players faces may change, but the system always remains the same.

The Mountaineers are loaded with talent, including Esa Ahmad (who is suspended for the first half of the season) and Jevon Carter from last year’s team, while you’ll also want to keep your eyes out for rising star Sagaba Konate.

I’ll point out that WVU has won five of its last seven neutral site affairs.

The Aggies sport a ton of talent as well, but I think the Mountaineers’ relentless defensive play (a trademark of Huggins), proves to be too much for Texas A&M on Opening Night, half way around the World. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Appalachian State (7:30 EST).

The 0-8 Georgia Southern Eagles are limping towards the finish line, while the 5-4 Appalachian State Mountaineers are on the cusp of eligiblity. 

The Eagles most recently fell 21-17 at home to Georgia State on Saturday. The Mountaineers though won’t want to leave anything to chance today after dropping two straight, as they’ll look to lay the hammer down from start to finish.

Appalachian State most recently lost a 52-45 shootout against Louisiana Monroe on the road last weekend. 

And if recent history is any precedence, then Appalachian State has to be liking it chances today because when these team’s played last year, it was the Mountaineers which came away with the convincing 34-10 victory. 

Georgia Southern is terrible, ranked 122nd in the country in scoring with just 17.6 PPG, while ranked 124th on the defensive end by conceding 38.4. QB Shai Werts has 650 yards passing, four TD’s and four INT’s this year. Wesley Fields leads the way on the ground with 494 yards and three carries.

Appalachian State averages 31.3 PPG and allows 25.9. QB Taylor Lamb has 2,096 yards, with 19 TD’s and just four INT’s this season (also has 366 rushing yards and three more major scores.) 

I’ll point out that Georgia Southern is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in its previous game, while Appalachian State is interestingly 3-1 ATS in its last four “Thursday night” games.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Mountaineers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Western Michigan (7:00 EST).

The 2-7 Kent State Golden Flashes are in Western Michigan to take on the 5-4 bowl hopeful Broncos on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry home side.

The Flashes come in off a 44-16 home loss to Bowling Green, while WMU fell flat in a 35-28 home loss to Central Michigan last weekend.

Kent State’ QB George Gollas was just 16 of 35 for 140 yards, no TD’s and three INT’s last week. Leading rusher Justin Rankin posted just 39 yards on four carries. The defense was once again a weak point, surrendering 401 total yards, including 227 on the ground. 

WMU’ QB Reece Goddard was just six of 18 for 42 yards and one INT last week. QB Jon Wassink was injured, so Goddard was pressed into duty. With that awkward game behind him though, I think Goddard will be a lot better this weekend.

Goddard will once again be leaning heavily on senior RB Jarvion Franklin, who had 228 yards along with two TD’s in the losing cause. 

The Broncos’ defense catches a break this week though facing the impotent Kent State offense. 

I’ll point out as well that Kent State is just 1-5 ATS in its last six road games against a team with a winning home record, while WMU is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 following an ATS loss.

The favorite is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 in this series and I look for all of these strong trends to continue as the Broncos take advantage of this favorable matchup and punch their ticket to a bowl berth. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Utah Jazz (9:05 EST).

Utah is coming off a humbling 137-110 loss in Houston, a game in which James Harden exploded for 56 points. 

Nothing that the normally steady Jazz can’t bounce back from though. Especially at home.

The 76ers have won four in a row, including a 121-110 victory over the Pacers in their latest game. But with big man Joel Embiid expected to sit for rest purposes, I believe that Philadelphia will stumble in this tough road atmoshphere. JJ Redick was a stand out in the lastest victory with 31 points on 8 of 12 from range.

Utah has actually lost two straight, also coming up short to the Raptors prevoius to the Rockets setback. Center Rudy Gobert looks to bounce back as well after just 13 points and five boards in that one.

I think it’s interesting to note though that Philadelphia is just 8-13 ATS in its last 21 after playing to three or more consecutive “overs,” while utah is already 5-1 ATS at home this season and 20-12 ATS in its last 32 after a loss by ten points or more.

Expect a return to the norm on the defensive side of the ball for the Jazz on their home floor tonight and look for the 76ers to struggle without Embiid in the line-up. Lay the points, play on Utah.

Good luck….Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Buffalo (7:30 EST).

The 2-7 Bowling Green Falcons are in Buffalo to take on the 3-6 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Bowling Green comes in off a 44-16 win over lowly Kent State for just its second win of the year last week and looks primed for an immediate letdown here. QB Jarret Doege was 14 of 18 for 178 yards and two TD’s in the victory. Note though that it was the first time that the Green Falcons had allowed under 20 points. 

The Bulls have three games left to get to six wins and will need to sweep the board. While that’s likely out of the question, they can only take it one game at a time and first up is Bowling Green.

Buffalo could easily have a much better record at this point as well, as its lost by a combined 15 points during its current four game slide, including a tough 21-20 setback at Akron in its latest. QB Tyree Jackson had 313 yards, but failed to find the end zone in that one.

I’ll point out though that Bowling Green is just 1-6 ATS this year as an underdog and only 3-5 ATS in its last eight as an underdog in the 10.5 to 21 points range, while Buffalo is 3-1 ATS at home already this year and 3-1 ATS in its last four against teams with losing records.

The Green Falcons have given up an average of 35.4 points per game this year, which doesn’t bode well facing his hungry Bulls side in my opinion.

For all the reasons listed above, play on Buffalo.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NFC NORTH GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Detroit Lions (8:30 EST).

The 3-4 Detroit Lions are in Green Bay to take on the 4-3 Packers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

This is a double revenge scenario for the Lions as well after the Packers took both games from them last season.

That was of course with star QB Aaron Rodgers under center. But Rodgers is injured and lost for the year, meaning that Green Bay backup Brent Hundley has been forced into the spot light.

Two weeks ago Hundley made his first start at home against the Saints and he looked horrible, going just 12 of 25 for 87 yards, no TD’s and a pick. RB Aaron Jones had 131 yards on 17 carries with a TD, but note that the Lions are seventh in the league against the run, allowing only 91.6 rushing yards per game. 

In last week’s loss to the Steelers, Lions’ QB Matt Stafford did everything but find the endzone unfortunately, finishing 27 of 45 for 423 yards. 

Admittedly the Lions’ run game is horrible, but Stafford catches a break this week in facing the Packers’ 16th ranked pass defense which gives up 223.1 YPG. 

Note as well that Detroit is 3-1 ATS in its last four Monday night games, while Green Bay is just 1-5 ATS in its last six following a SU loss.

Stafford isn’t the highest paid QB in the history of the NFL for nothing. If he can’t get the better of Hundley today, then there is something seriously wrong in Detroit. I’m banking on Stafford answering the call though and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. 

Play on the Lions.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NBA GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:30 EST).

The 8-2 Boston Celtics are in Atlanta to take on the 2-8 Hawks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Both teams come in off victories, with the Celtics winning their eighth straight with a 104-88 win over Orlando, while the Hawks notched their second victory of the season with a huge 117-115 upset win over the Cavs in Cleveland yesterday afternoon.

These teams average the same amount of points almost, with the C’s pouring in 102.8 per night, while the Hawks average 101.1. That’s where the similarities end though, as ATL is ranked 24th in scoring defense by conceding over 110 per game, while Boston is No. 1 on the defensive side by allowing just 93.8. 

Clearly the Celtics are the better team, but with a three-game home stand starting on Wednesday with the Lakers up first, I think this sets up as a classic “trap” for the visitors.

Atlanta on the other hand can’t afford to bask in the glory of its big win over Cleveland last night after the terrible start to the year.

Back-to-back upsets? Maybe. But in a contest which I foresee being decided late, I’m going to grab the points just in case.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Portland Trailblazers (9:05 EST).

The 4-4 Oklahoma City Thunder are in Portland to take on the 5-4 Trailblazers on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

OKC comes in off a deflating 101-94 loss to the Celtics at home and I think that residual disappointment gets carried over here. The Thunder have looked great defensively, but the offense has yet to find its stride. 

The Blazers got back into the winners circle after a short two-game slide, holding on for a 113-110 victory over the Lakers on Thursday. And now I think Portland carries that momentum over here.

Paul George had 25 points and ten boards, while Russell Wesbrook added 19 points, 11 assists and six boards in the Thunder’s crushing loss to Boston. Carmelo Anthony though was just 3 of 17 from the floor, finishing with ten points.

Portland needed a a last second three-pointer to beat the upstart Lakers from Damian Lillard to seal the victory. Lillard would go on to finish with 32 points, going 14 of 14 from the charity stripe. In all the Blazers would hit 24 of 27 from the free throw line. 

I’ll point out as well that Oklahoma City is just 1-5 ATS in its last six against the Western Conference, while Portland is 3-1 ATS in its last four after allowing 110 points or more in its previous contest.

With a more “winnable” game at Sacramento on deck, I think OKC gets caught looking ahead here as well. 

Play on Portland.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Arizona Cardinals (4:05 EST).

The San Francisco 49ers traded a 2018 second-round draft pick for New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo on Monday night. However, Garoppolo is not expected to start Sunday against the Cardinals, as C.J. Beathard will remain starter for now.

Brian Hoyer started the first six games for San Fran but was benched in favor of C.J. Beathard in the team's loss to Washington on Oct. 16. Beathard has started the past two games, going 39 of 74 for 402 yards with one TD and two interceptions. However, after losing five straight games by three points or less, the 49ers have lost 40-10 and 33-10 with Beathard starting. San Francisco is now a pathetic 1-22 SU last 23 (only win was 22-21 over Rams in Week 17 of 2016), falling to 0-8 to open the 2017 season, the first time that's happened in franchise history.

Drew Stanton was the fifth QB drafted in 2007 (43rd overall pick) and the only one still on an NFL roster, See if you can find Jamarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Kevin Kolb and John Beck these days on any NFL rosters? He came to Arizona in 2014 and will be making his 10th regular season start (6-3 first nine). Stanton has the raw arm and athleticism to put points on the board.

Arizona has excelled in this spot for bettors as well, going 2-1 ATS in its last three off a loss against a conference rival and 11-3 ATS in its last 14 in all games where the line was set between +3 and -3.

Conversely, the 49ers have really struggled in this position for bettors, going just 5-6 ATS in their last 11 games where the line in the contest is between +3 and -3 and only 10-14 ATS their last 24 after two or more consecutive SU losses. 

I’m banking on Stanton doing just enough to secure his team the victory here. Play on Arizona.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Washington Redskins (4:05 EST).

The 3-4 Washington Redskins are in Seattle to take on the 5-2 Seahawks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Washington will be hungry here after its 33-19 home loss to Dallas, while I think Seattle looks primed for a letdown after its thrilling, last-second 41-38 win over Houston at home last week.

The Redskins so far average 22.9 PPG, while conceding 25.7. Clearly that’s not a recipie for success. Last week QB Kirk Cousins was 26 of 39 for 263 yards, a TD and an INT. Cousins has been solid so far with 1,900 yards, 13 TD’s and four INT’s this season. In fact, Cousins 103.3 QBR is third overall.

The Hawks are averaging 25.0 PPG and conceding 18.9, ranked seventh. QB Russell Wilson was 26 of 41 for 452 yards, four TD’s and an INT last weekend. The run game was non-existent though, producing just 33 yards in the win over Houston.

That’s not going to get the job done most weekends. 

I think Cousins and the desperate visiting side will have their opportunities today, just like the Texans did last week.

I’ll also point out that the Redskins are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games and 7-3 ATS their last ten against teams with winning records, while Seattle is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten following a straight up victory. 

Ultimately I feel that Cousins will be able to keep his team competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 EST).

The 3-4 Cincinnati Bengals look to move back to .500 with a win in Jacksonville against the 4-3 Jaguars this afternoon.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Bengals bounced back and edged Indianapolis 24-23 last week. Jacksonville has so far been better than advertised this season, but I think it’s going to show some signs of rust after its bye week, previous to that smashing the Colts 27-0 the last time it was on the field of play.

Cincinnati gave up 331 yards, including 115 rushing last week. The Bengals’ defense has been a strength this year and I think it’s going to be a difference maker this afternoon as well. After a very slow start to the year, the Bengals have now won three of four.

QB Andy Dalton started slowly as well and has since been getting into a groove, for the season he has an 11/8 TD/INT ratio. WR AJ Green has 572 receiving yards and four TD’s.

Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles has been inconsistent from game-to-game this year as well and so far has 1,398 passing yards and a 9/5 TD/INT. 

The Jaguars have also been getting above average defensive play, holding Indianapolis to just 232 yards last week. Note that Jacksonville is particularly tough against the run, but does have issues against the pass.

Which of course doesn’t bode well in facing Dalton in my opinion. Additionally I’ll point out that Cincinnati is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 on the road, while Jacksonville is just 4-11 ATS in its last 15 at home.

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Bengals.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Miami Florida (8:00 EST).

The 7-1 Virginia Tech Hokies are at Miami-Florida to take on the 7-0 Hurricanes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Hokies enter off a 24-3 win over Duke on Saturday, while Miami Florida nudged by UNC 24-19 on the road this past weekend. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Hurricanes after they fell 37-16 on the road in VT last year.

Hokies’ QB Josh Jackson has 2,032 yards with 17 TD’s and four picks this year. So far Virginia Tech averages 446.5 YPG of offense, while conceding just 284.5, ranked 9th. RB Deshaw McClease had 75 yards and a TD last week.

Miami QB Malik Rosier wasn’t at his best last week, going 16 of 38 for 356 yards, three TD’s and one INT. The defense was adequate, holding a desperate UNC team to 428 total yards (note though that the Hurricanes did force four turnovers.) 

I’ll point out as well that Virginia Tech has in fact struggled in this spot for bettors for a while, going just 6-7 ATS in its last 13 on the road and only 4-6 ATS in its last ten as a road favorite, while Miami is still 9-7 ATS in its last 16 at home and interestingly, 6-2 ATS in its last eight games played in the month of November. 

I think the Hokies have a letdown here in this tough atmosphere against the revenge-minded Hurricanes. Play on Miami.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:05 EST).

The 1-9 Dallas Mavericks are in Minnesota to take on the 5-3 Timberwolves on Saturday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Dallas comes in off a listless 99-94 loss at home to New Orleans just last night. 

Minnesota is trending in the opposite direction, it won its third straight by beating the Pelicans 104-98 on the road Wednesay. 

The Wolves took two of three meetings between the teams last year, with the home side winning each time.

So far the Mavs average just 98.2 points, while conceding 108.3. Harrison Barnes leads the way with 16.3 points and 6.1 boards per game. 

The Wolves average 108.8 PPG and allow 113.1. Andrew Wiggins averages 19.5 PPG, while Karl Anthony Towns puts in 21.4 points and 11 boards. 

With a game at home tomorrow night against Charlotte (before a big road trip, with a stop in Golden State to kick things off), I’m fully expecting Minnesota to push the pace of this one from the opening tip until the final horn. 

And a chance to pad their defensive stats against this tired and dejected Mavs team, I expect the Timberwolves to lay the hammer down and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Iowa (12:00 EST).

The 7-1 Ohio State Buckeyes are in Iowa to take on the 5-3 Hawkeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Ohio State is coming off a thrilling come-from-behind win over former No. 2 Penn State last weekend and I think it is primed for a bit of a mental letdown here after that emotional victory.

Iowa comes in off a 17-10 home win over Minnesota. The Hawkeyes are seeking their sixth win of the year and they also play with revenge here after falling 34-24 at Ohio State last season. 

Ohio State QB JT Barett had three TD’s in the fourth quarter to pull away for the 39-38 win over Penn State on Saturday. The Nittany Lions had a 28-10 lead in the second quarter. Barrett finished 33 of 39 for 326 yards, four TD’s and no INT’s. 

So far the Buckeyes rank third in the nation on offense in posting 571.2 YPG, while the defense ranks 12th in conceding 302.5.

Iowa is ranked 104th in the nation on offense with an average of 345.2 YPG, while ranked 48th on defense in conceding 370.1 YPG. 

Nathan Stanley was just 15 of 27 for 190 yards, one TD and one pick for the Hawkeyes last weekend, but it was the defense which was the difference maker, holding Minnesota to 281 total yards, including only 139 through the air. 

Stanley overall on the year though has been solid, with 1,698 passing yards with 17 TD’s and just four INT’s. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Ohio State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while Iowa is already 3-1 ATS this season in front of the home town crowd.

Iowa needs one more win for a postseason invite and it comes in off a confidence building victory in which its defense completely domianted. The Hawkeyes also play with revenge this afternoon.

The Buckeyes looked poised for a big letdown here though after their come from behind victory last week and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright win, I do definitely feel this is too many points to be giving up to this highly motivated Iowa side. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Nebraska (3:30 EST).

5-3 Northwestern is at 4-4 Nebraska on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the hungry home side.

I base my selections on many different things and this one sets up great from a situational angle.

I simply feel that Northwestern is poised for a letdown here after three straight wins, including two straight in OT (39-31 over MSU last time out.) 

And with a “cream puff” at home against 2-6 Purdue next weekend, the Wildcats still have chances to punch their much sought after sixth win of the season. 

Nebraska on the other hand is running out of chances, it most recently gutted out the 25-24 win at Purdue last weekend.  

The Wildcats have struggled in this spot for bettors as well, going just 1-3 ATS in their last four after scoring more than 37 points in an OT victory, while Nebraska has excelled in this spot, going 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 25 points or more in its previous game.

From a situational stand point, this is as good as it gets in my opinion. Play on Nebraska.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Florida State (12:20 EST).

The 4-4 Syracuse Orange are at Florida State to take on the desperate 2-5 Seminoles, who must now “run the table” if they have any hopes at all at going “bowling” this year. 

The Seminoles are coming off a humbling 35-3 loss at Boston College, while Syracuse has been off since falling 27-19 to Miami Florida on October 21st. 

The Orange went to Miami off a massive 27-24 win over Clemson, but had a predictable letdown. Syracuse averages 455 yards per game, while allowing 367.9. QB Eric Dungey was just 13 of 41 for 137 yards and four INT’s in the loss to the ‘Canes. Dungey has been fantastic overall this year, but one has to wonder if he peaked too early. 

Seminoles’ QB James Blackman was just 11 of 26 for 102 yards and a pick last week. Overall FSU fumbled the ball twice. The offense is averaging just 335.6 YPG, but the defense remains one of the best in the nation, ranked 31st in yards allowed per game with 347.3 per contest, including 26th against the pass with 189.1 per game.

Additionally I’ll point out that Syracuse is just 2-3 ATS in its last five against teams with losing records and 0-2 ATS the last two years following its bye week., while Florida State is 4-3 ATS in its last seven off a loss against a conference rival and interestingly, 7-1 ATS in its last eight games played in the month of November.

I’m banking on Blackman having his best game of the year against this “flat footed” Orange defense and I think Dungey is going to be in for a shock against this talented and hungry Seminoles’ elite defensive unit. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Brookly Nets (10:30 EST).

The 3-5 Brooklyn Nets are in LA to take on the 3-5 Lakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. The young Lakers come in off a hard-fought and disheartening 113-110 loss at Portland just last night and clearly they’re going to be “gassed” here.

The Nets will look to take advantage. After starting 3-2, Brooklyn has lost three in a row. 

Brooklyn remains in the top ten in the league in scoring, but is now also once again one of the worst on the defensive side of the floor. D’Angelo Russell leads the nightly charge with 21.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.1 boards per game. 

LA moved Russell to the Nets so that it could make room for Lonzo Ball, so expect the ex-Laker to go out and try and prove a point tonight.

Additionally I’ll point out that the Nets have done extremely well against the Pacific for a long time now by going 41-18-2 ATS in their last 61 against the division, while LA has struggled in this spot for bettors by going just 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 against the Atlantic.

The situation favors the visitors, I like Brooklyn to pull away down the stretch.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Orlando Magic (7:05 EST).

The 1-5 Chicago Bulls are in Orlando to take on the 6-2 Magic and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Chicago is reeling, it’s lost two straight, most recently a 97-91 setback on the road to Miami on Wednesday, while Orlando comes in on the other end of the spectrum, having won two straight and five of six, most recently a 101-99 effort over the Grizzlies on the road.

This would usually set up as a bit of a letdown spot for Orlando, a team that’s overachieved on a road trip returns home and lays an egg in its first game. However, I don’t think that will be the case tonight so early in the season.

Chicago ranks as the worst offense in the entire league with just 90 PPG. It’s been decent defesively, allowing only 101.2 PPG, but clearly this isn’t a recipie for success. Lauri Markkanen leads the team with 17.2 points plust 9.3 boards per game.

The Magic are second in the league in scoring with 114.9 PPG, while ranked 18th on the defensive side in conceding 106.8. Evan Fournier leads a balanaced attack with 22 points per game, while high-flyer Aaron Gordon adds 20.7 points, plus 8.7 boards per game.

I’ll point out that Chicago is just 1-5 ATS in its last six against clubs with winning straight up records, while Orlando is in fact 10-5 ATS in its last 15 after playing three consecutive road games.

The Bulls will get Portis back next week, but until then I have a hard time seeing Chicago keeping pace with the surging Magic. Lay the points with confidence, play on Orlando.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* C-USA GAME OF THE YEAR is on Florida Atlantic (6:00 EST).

The 6-2 Marshall Thundering Herd are at Florida Atlantic to take on the 5-3 Owls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Mashall enters off a 41-30 home loss to FIU, while FAU rolled to a 42-28 win over WKU on the road last weekend. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Owls, who fell at Marshall 27-21 last season. Combined with the fact that FAU needs one more win to become bowl eligible, there’s no question in my mind that the more motivated side is the Owls.

Marshall ranks 64th in the country in scoring with 28.4 PPG, while ranked 15th on the defensive side in conceding only 17.6. The defense looked horrible last weekend though, giving up 401 total yards. QB Chase Litton was 33 of 52 for three TD’s, but also had two INT’s (one which was returned for a TD.) 

FAU is ranked 15th in scoring with 39.5 PPG, while ranked 69th on the defensive side in conceding 26.8. RB Devin Singletary had 224 yards and four TD’s in last weekend’s big win. QB Jason Driskel hasn’t been asked to do much this season other than the manage the game and hand off the ball, but he does have 899 yards, four TD’s and three INT’s overall. 

Note that the Owls have now run for an average of 422.7 YPG over their last three outings. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Marshall has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 9-11 ATS in its last 20 against the conference and 0-2 ATS in its last two as a road dog in the 7.5 to ten points range, while FAU is 3-1 ATS in its last four after two or more consecutive SU wins and 5-2 ATS in its last seven following a conference game.

The Thundering Herd looks ripe for the picking here after last week’s “dud.” Besides, Marshall already has an invite to a bowl. 

Florida Atlantic on the other hand won’t want to leave anything to chance as it seeks its sixth win of the year.

I like the Owls to continue their red hot play and to soundly avenge last year’s loss with a big effort in front of the home town crowd. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:35 EST).

The 3-4 LA Lakers are in Portland to take on the 4-4 Blazers. 

LA had lost two straight before smashing the Pistons 113-93 at home on Tuesday. Portland though comes in off consecutive losses, falling 99-85 to the Raptors on Monday, before dropping a hard-fought 112-103 OT loss in Utah last night. 

With a game at home tomorrow night against Brooklyn though, I think the young Lakers get caught “looking ahead” to that one.

LA is averaging just 103.4 PPG, while allowing 106.6, while Portland is averaging 107.6 PPG and conceding just 98.3. 

The duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum is a formidable one. The Lakers are filled with a ton of talent, but not a lot of experience.

LA has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors as well, going just 5-13 ATS in its last 18 after a win by ten points or more, while Portland has excelled in this position by going 27-18 ATS in its last 45 against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest.

After a stretch of poor play, I expect Portland to defend its home floor against the up-start Lakers. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Ball State (7:00 EST).

The 2-6 Ball State Cardinals will need to win out to reach the six win plateau. Clearly that’s not going to happen, but the visitors will be playing with pride today after getting crushed over the last four games, most recently falling 58-17 to Toledo. 

EMU isn’t much better, as it’s also winless in conference play. It’s true that the Eagles’ last six losses have come by a TD or less, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a bad team. 

The Cardinals once again looked brutal on the defensive side of the ball last weekend, but the good news was that the offense put up its most points in four games, highlighted by 204 yards on the ground. 

EMU had a 14 point lead last week and still managed to fall in OT. The Eagles are devastated by that setback and I think will be “hung over” to open this game, leaving the back door open just enough for the the Cardinals to sneak in through down the stretch. 

I’ll point out that Ball State is still 9-7 ATS in its last 16 on the road, while EMU is just 6-9 ATS in its last 15 at home (and only 2-6 ATS in its last eight against teams with losing records.)

For all the reasons listed above, play on Ball State.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Central Michigan (8:00 EST).

The 4-4 Central Michigan Chippewas are at Western Michigan to take on the 5-3 Broncos and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

CMU has been off since October 21st when it annihilated Ball State 56-9, while WMU also last played on the 21st, holding on for a 20-17 road win over EMU in OT. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Chips after they fell 49-10 at home to the Broncos last year.

So far the Chips average 391.1 yards of offense per contest, while allowing 387.6. In the victory over the Cardinals QB Shane Morris was 16 of 21 for 199 yards, four TD’s and no INT’s. RB Jon Ward had 97 yards and two major scores as well.

The Broncos have won four straight, but took a major blow in last week’s win when starting QB Jon Wassink left with a broken collarbone ten minutes into it. Reece Goddard was serviceable in his replacement. WMU had 422 yards of offense, but allowed 459. 

Without Wassnik, WMU’s offense now revolves around RB Jarvion Franklin, who has 642 yards and eight TD’s this season.

I’ll point out though that Central Michigan is 2-0 ATS in its last two as a road dog in the 3.5 to seven points range, while Western Michigan is 2-3 ATS in its last five as a favorite in the 3.5 to ten points range.

The road team is 5-0 ATS the last five in this series and clearly CMU will be desperate to string a couple more wins together to try and reach the six-win plateau. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Central Michigan.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Atlanta Hawks (7:05 EST).

The 1-6 Atlanta Hawks are in Philadelphia to take on the 3-4 76ers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Hawks are going to be desperate tonight after dropping six straight, most recently falling 117-106 at home to Milwaukee on Sunday. 

Conversely, I think the young 76ers look primed for a letdown here after their second consecutive victory, most recently posting an impressive (and highly satisfying) 115-107 road win over Houston on Monday. 

Dennis Schroder led Atlanta with 21 points and eight assists in his team’s most recent setback. So far ATL is ranked 25th in scoring with 99.6 PPG, while ranked 19th in scoring defense by conceding 107.6. Marco Belinelli contributes 14.6 points and 2.6 boards per game.

Philadelphia averages 104.1 PPG, while ranked 21st on the defensive end in conceding 108.3. The 76ers shot an unreal 55 percent from the floor in their win over the Rockets. Joel Embiid leads the team with an average of 20.8 points and ten boards per contest. 

I’ll point out though that the Hawks have excelled in this spot for bettors, going 15-11 ATS in their last 26 when playing with two days of rest, while the 76ers are interestingly just 16-21 ATS in their last 37 against the Southeast division. 

I’m not calling for an outright victory, but I do definitely expect the hungry Hawks to at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Play on Atlanta.

Good luck…Larry 

This is a 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner on Miami Ohio (7:30 EST).

The 3-5 Miami Redhawks are in Ohio to take on the 6-2 Bobcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

Miami Ohio is off a 24-14 home win over Buffalo, while Ohio comes in off a 48-3 crushing of Kent State. Note that when these team’s played last year, it was the Bobcats that pulled off the 17-7 win, making this a revenge-scenario for the Redhawks.

Miami Ohio averages 23.6 PPG and concedes 24.5. Last week the defense came up huge against Buffalo, holding it to just 271 yards on 14 first downs. The offense posted 350 yards, with RB Kenny Young running for 125 yards and two TD’s. QB Billy Bahi has played the last three games and has 470 yards and two TD’s. 

Ohio ranks 13th in scoring at 40.8 PPG, while ranked 62nd in the country on the defensive side in conceding 25.4 PPG. The pass defense is poor though, ranked 90th in the nation in conceding 239 YPG. 

I’ll point out that Miami Ohio is 5-3 ATS in its last eight off a win against a conference rival and 2-1 ATS in its last three coming out of its bye week, while Ohio is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after two or more consecutive SU victories. 

Ohio has punched its ticket to the postseason, while Miami Ohio needs to immediatley start stringing some wins together if it has any shot at a bowl invitation. I think the Redhawks are clearly the “hungrier” team here today, as this one sets up as a bit of a “trap” for the home side. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 EST).

The 2-4 Phoenix Suns are in Brooklyn to take on the 3-4 Nets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Phoenix travels across the country after falling 114-107 in Portland on Saturday, while Brooklyn lost its second straight in a 124-111 setback at home to the Nuggest on Sunday. 

So far the Suns are ranked 19th in the league in scoring with 102.5 PPG, while ranked second to last on the defensive side in conceding 117.2. Devin Booker had 34 points in the loss to Portland. With Eric Bledsoe now gone, TJ Warren will be leaned upon more, so far he’s chipped in 14 points and 5.2 boards per game.

The Nets are dominating offensively, averaging 114.7 PPG. Unfortunatley for Brooklyn though it’s conceding 118.3 (the worst in the league.) Spencer Dinwiddle came off the bench to lead the Nets with 22 points in the team’s most recent setback. But so far D’Angelo Russell leads the nightly charge with 19.8 points and 5.2 assists per game. 

From a trend based stand point, this was favors the home side as note that Phoenix has struggled in this spot for bettors for some time now, going just 4-15 ATS in its last 19 when playing with two days rest, while Brooklyn has excelled by going 13-6 ATS in its last 19 against the Pacific division. 

The Suns’ lack of depth will continue to be a problem for the team until it can deal Bledsoe. Brooklyn comes in rested, focused and healthy. I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NFL GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Kansas City Chiefs (8:30 EST).

Both teams have been scuffling. The Broncos have lost two straight, most recently getting shutout 21-0 by the Chargers this past weekend, while the Chiefs have also fallen on recent hard times by dropping two straight, most recently a crushing 31-30 setback to Oakland on October 19th.

I think KC bounces back in a big way here though as it looks to take advantage of a Denver team which is dealing with several injuries to its offensive line and at the WR position. 

Denver WR Emmanual Sanders missed the game against LA because of a sprained ankle and he’s listed as questionable for this one as well (if he does happen to play, clearly he’s going to be less than 100% capacity.) 

Broncos’ QB Trevor Siemian was 25 of 35 for 207 yards and a pick in the loss. 

Denver’s defense remains its strength, allowing only 258.5 YPG. That unit though clearly faces a stiff test against this prolific offense and in this hostile environment.

Last week Chiefs’ QB Alex Smith was 25 of 36 for 342 yards and three TD’s. So far Smith has 15 TD’s and zero INT’s on the year. RB Kareem Hunt added 87 yards and now has 1,002 yards and six TD’s on the season. 

KC ranks third in YPG overall with 392.4, but it ranks 29th on the defensive end in conceding 396.3 YPG.

The Chiefs’ defense catches a big break this week though in facing the one-dimensional Broncos’ offense. 

KC opened the year 5-0, but it’s since dropped its last two. The game against the Raiders could have gone either way though, so they could easily be sitting at 6-1. Oakland was desperate last week and it managed to take care of business at home against a divisional opponent.

But with those two losses behind them, I’m expecting Smith and the Chiefs to return to form on the national stage and to ultimately pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover on Monday night.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 34-CLUB PLAY is on the Pittsburgh Steelers (8:30 EST).

The Steelers come in on top form and catch a Lions team that’s going to be rusty coming out of its bye week. In my opinion, this line could easily be a lot larger.

Detroit has lost two straight, most recently to Carolina and New Orleans, while Pittsburgh has won two very tough games in a row against KC and Cincinnati.

Ben Roethlisberger threw five INT’s in a 30-9 loss to Jacksonville earlier in the month and since then has gone 2-0 with three TD’s and one INT. 

Big Ben has gotten plenty of help as well, as RB Le’Veon Bell has 313 yards combined over his last two games. 

The Steelers rush defense has been dominant as well, holding the Chiefs to 28 yards and the Bengals to 71: 

“The sky’s the limit,” Steelers’ linebacker Bud Dupree assessed after last week’s win. “Not even the sky’s the limit. We’re not going to put a ceiling on our head. We’re going to keep going up.”

Detroit ranks 26th in the NFL in total offense with 298.0 YPG and the run game averages just 4.6 YPC. QB Matt Stafford has 12 TD’s and six picks on the year. 

The numbers/trends also support Pittsburgh this weekend, as note that the Steelers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 on the road and 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 after rushing for more than 150 yards in their previous game, while the Lions are just 1-4 ATS in their last five at home and only 1-6 ATS in their last seven against clubs with winning records.

Detroit’s leading receiver Golden Tate has a shoulder injury and is listed as day to day. If he does happen to play, clearly he’s not going to be at 100% capacity. Stafford doesn’t have too many options left (Marvin Jones Jr. has 20 catches for 280 yards and three TD’s), and he’s turned the ball over six times in the last three games.

Pittsburgh continues to gain confidence though, especially by RB Bell, who looks poised for another big game tonight. 

For all the reasons listed above, play on the Steelers.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* Game 5 Las Vegas Insider is the Houston Astros on the RUN-LINE (8:15 EST).

I had a play on the “under” in Game 1 and then came back with the Astros in both Game’s 2 and 3. I then had the Dodgers in Game 4 last night.

This is turning out to be a pretty good World Series as we’re all knotted up at two games apiece. Clayton Kershaw got the better of Dallas Keuchel in Game 1, but I think Keuchel will be able to match the Dodgers’ ace inning for inning tonight. 

Kershaw gave up one run over seven innings to go along with 11 K’s in Game 1. Kershaw has now allowed eight runs over 24.1 playoff innings this year, which equates to a 2.96 ERA and 0.82 WHIP. 

Cody Bellinger was key in our success yesterday, as he was 2 for 4 with two doubles and an RBI (note though that he was 0 for 11 in the World Series heading into Game 4.) 

Keuchel gave up three runs over 6.1 innings in the Game 1 setback. So far Keuchel has given up eight total runs over 24 playoff innings of work, which equates to a 3.00 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. 

One other player for Houston to keep your eyes on today is Jose Altuve, who is 6 for 15 with four dubles in regular season action against Kershaw and who was 1 for 3 against him in Game 1. 

Also note that despite yesterday’s setback, the Astros are still 7-1 in their last eight playoff home games.

Kershaw gets the nod in this matchup, but not by much. And there’s no question that Keuchel gets a small boost here because of the “home field” advantage factor.

In a contest which I foresee being decided late or in extra innings, I’m going to lay what I deem to be a very reaonsable mid-sized price for the extra 1.5 runs of insurance. Play on the Astros on the run-line.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* NFL Week 8 Las Vegas Insider is on the Buf Bills at 1:00 ET.

The 3-4 Oakland Raiders are in Buffalo to take on the 4-2 Bills on Sunday afternoon and in my opinion, all signs point to a comfortable cover for the home side.

Oakland looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after its thrilling 31-30 home win over Kansas City. 

Conversely, I think the “under the radar” Bills are poised for another big day after holding on for a 30-27 win over a dangerous Tampa Bay team at home last weekend. 

Note that this is a “revenge” game for the Bills as well after they fell 38-24 in Oakland last season.

So far Oakland has averaged just 22.1 PPG, while ranked 18th overall in allowing 22.3 PPG. QB Derek Carr has looked brilliant at times this season and downright awful in others. 

He was sharp against the Chiefs, going for 417 yards, three TD’s and no INT’s. On the year Carr has 1,341 passing yards, 11 TD’s and four picks. Amari Cooper had a big game against KC, hauling in 11 passes for 210 yards and two TD’s. 

Note though that previous to that Cooper had just 146 total yards over his first six games, so reading too much into one decent start is in my opinion, dangerous.

Buffalo enters ranked 19th in scoring with 19.8 PPG, but it makes up for it on the defensive end in conceding just 16.8, ranked fourth. LeSean McCoy had 91 yards and two TD’s last week. QB Tyrod Taylor has 1,178 yards, seven TD’s and just two INT’s on the season. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Oakland has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 5-7 ATS in its last 12 games played in the month of October and just 2-4 ATS in its last six against teams with winning records, while Buffalo has excelled in this position by going 10-8 ATS in its last 18 at home (including 2-0 this season) and 2-1 ATS in its last three played in the month of October. 

The Raiders looked good with their backs against the wall last week, but as I stated earlier, I’m not reading too much into one decent performance. The Bills have been sharp all year and have been at the best at home.

In my professional opinion, this line could/should easily be a lot larger. Play on Buffalo.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New Orleans Saints (1:00 EST).

I’ve played the Saints the last two weeks and I think New Orleans is going to keep the goods times rolling with another convincing victory at home this afternoon. 

New Orleans most recently posted a solid 26-17 road win over Green Bay last week, while the Bears held on for an improbable 17-3 home win over Carolina. 

Chicago’s defense saved the day last week, because QB Mitchell Trubisky had just 107 yards on four passes. Over three games Trubisky has shown promise with 348 yards, two TD’s and one pick. 

The Bears’ offense struggled overall though and failed to score a TD. Chicago forced three turnovers, but note that despite that it still owns the 31st ranked pass defense in the league. 

New Orleans conceded just 260 total yards to Brett Hundley and the Packers last week. Hundley is no Aaron Rodgers, but there’s no question that the Saints looks vastly improved on the defensive side of the ball this season. 

The Saints’ offense is of course led by QB Drew Brees, who wasn’t at his best in the victory last week, posting 338 yards, one TD and two INT’s. Overall though Brees is putting together another solid campaign with 1,652 passing yards and an 11:4 TD to INT ratio. One other player for New Orleans to keep your eyes on today is WR Ted Ginn Jr., who had 141 receiving yards on seven catches last weekend. 

I’ll point out as well that Chicago has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 on the road and only 3-11 ATS in its last 14 after allowing less than 15 points in its previous outing, while New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU victory and 7-1 ATS in its last eight against teams with losing records. 

New Orleans comes into this one on top form. The Bears’ biggest strength is their defense and the biggest weakness of that unit is the pass defense. That’s bad news facing a confident Drew Brees at home.

I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New York Jets (1:00 EST).

Atlanta is 3-3 SU and comes off a horrible effort in New England last weekend. The Falcons have now lost three straight and look like a team with more questions than answers right now.

New York has looked much better than almost everyone expected, but it will be looking to get back on track after consecutive setbacks to New England and Miami. 

In last weekend’s loss to New England, Atlanta suffered another injury to LB Duke Riley, who will be out for at least four weeks. 

After three straight wins, Matt Ryan and company continue to struggle with consistency.

And that doesn’t bode well in facing this “under the radar” Jets’ defense in my opinion. 

Even at 3-4, New York is still in contention in the wide open AFC East. QB Josh McCown has been better than expected, last week going 17 of 27 for 209 yards, three TD’s and one pick, while also rushing a TD in himself. 

I’ll point out as well that ATL is just 4-11 ATS in its last 15 following a SU loss, while New York is 4-0 ATS in its last four in front of the home town crowd.

McCown is on fire this year and won’t be shy to open up the playbook again today against this porous Falcons’ secondary. Note that McCown has completed almost 70 percent of his passes and already has ten TD’s. 

Ryan on the other hand has been a complete disaster, throwing six picks and just seven INT’s. 

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the Jets to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Good luck…Larry

The third 9* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 EST).

The 4-3 Carolina Panthers look to get back on track after a humbling 17-3 loss to Chicago last week, while the Bucs will be looking to take out their frustrations on someone after a tough 30-27 road loss in Buffalo.

If recent history is any precedence though, then Tampa Bay has to be liking its chances today as it took both meetings in the series last year. 

Panthers’ QB Cam Newton was 21 of 34 for 211 yards, no TD’s and two INT’s last week. Newton is starting to show signs of fatigure already this year, having thrown five INT’s over his last two games (owns a poor 9/10 TD/INT ratio.) RB Jon Stewart managed just 48 yards on 14 carries. 

Note that in three games already this season the Panthers have scored 13 or fewer points. 

The defense remains a strength of the team and it looked good against the inept Bears last week, but clearly the unit faces a much stiffer test against the dynamic Jameis Winston and company.

Winston was 32 of 44 for 384 yards, three TD’s and one INT in last week’s loss. So far he has 1,643 passing yards and 10/4 TD/INT ratio. WR Mike Evans continued his strong campaign with seven catches for 88 yards. 

Tampa’s defense struggled last Sunday, but it catches a break this weekend in facing a suddenly struggling Newton.

Also note that Carolina is just 4-9 ATS in its last 13 against the division and just 1-3 ATS in its last four against teams with losing records, while Tampa Bay is 2-1 ATS in its last three against clubs with winning records and 2-1 ATS in its last three after two or more consecutive SU losses. 

Winston and his offense comes in on top form and he rides the wave of emotion in front of the home town crowd. Newton is struggling and I think that gets carried over here. Play on Tampa Bay.

Good luck…Larry