At 8:25 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Miami Dolphins (101) and the Baltimore Ravens (102). With this Total set in the 37.5 range as of this writing, oddsmakers seem to be trying coax Over bets. Lets not take the bait. After a week where three teams were shutout and another six teams scored 10 points or less in regulation time, there is a good chance that at least one of these teams with limited offenses will fail to score more than 10 points when playing on a short week. Miami (4-2) enters this game coming off their 31-28 win over the NY Jets last week as a 3-point favorite. The Dolphins did generate 357 yards in that game in their best statistical effort on offense all season — but they have then played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. Miami rushed for just 53 yards in that game — and they have then played 4 straight games Under the Total after failing to rush for more than 90 yards in their last game. QB Jay Cutler has been declared out for this game with his rib injury — and while Matt Moore is a capable backup, some of the talk defending him that approaches Dan Marino territory is a bit overblown. Now this team goes on the road where they have played 4 straight games Under the Total. Miami has also played 3 straight games Under the Total as an underdog. The Dolphins do have a top-ten defense in yards allowed while ranking 7th in the NFL by allowing 18.7 PPG. The Under is 8-0-1 in their last 9 games played on a Thursday night. And in their last 26 games in the month of October, the Under is 17-8-1.

Baltimore (3-4) has lost four of their last five games with their 24-16 loss at Minnesota last week. The Ravens have then played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after losing four or five of their last six games. The Baltimore offense generated just 144 passing yards in that game while totaling a mere 208 total yards of offense — and they have then played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after failing to pass for at least 150 yards in their last game. This Ravens offense is simply decimated with injuries with tight end Maxx Williams, running back Terrance West and a few wide receivers you have never heard of (who have been pushed into significant playing time given other injuries) being out for this game on a short week. As it is, Baltimore has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total for Thursday Night Football. And in their last 16 games at home, the Ravens have played 11 of these games Under the Total. 25* NFL Thursday Night Football Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Miami Dolphins (101) and the Baltimore Ravens (102). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Georgia State Panthers (106) plus the points versus the South Alabama Jaguars (105). South Alabama (3-4) has won two straight games with their 33-23 win over UL-Monroe last Saturday as a 3.5-point favorite. But this Jaguars team has been consistent regarding their inconsistency over the years. Not only has South Alabama failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 17 games after a straight-up win but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games after a point spread victory. The Jaguars surrendered 488 yards of offense to the Red Hawks in that game — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 26 games after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. This team was reeling just a few weeks ago having lost four of their first five games while firing their offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent. An upset win over Troy back on October 11th is the highpoint of their season. But South Alabama has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games on the road. And in their last 24 games in Sun Belt Conference play, the Jaguars have failed to cover the point spread in 18 of these contests.

Georgia State (3-3) saw their three-game winning streak snapped last week in a  34-10 loss as a 7.5-point underdog to that Troy team that was looking to take out their frustration from their upset loss to these Jaguars. The Panthers allowed 335 passing yards in that game — but they have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after allowing at least 280 passing yards in their last game. And while that loss came on the heels of their 47-37 win at UL-Monroe, Georgia State has then covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after allowing at least 31 points in two straight games. This Panthers’ team returned fifteen starters from a team that was a disappointing 3-9 last year — but while injuries ravaged that team, they actually outgained their Sun Belt opponents by +14.6 net YPG despite losing six of those eight games. They had some growing pains to begin the season under new head coach Shawn Elliott but they have much improved over the last month. This is an important game for this team that is just playing their third game at home this season. This is an opportunity to generate some excitement for their downtown Atlanta fan base in this midweek prime-time game in their new home at Turner Field that they took over with the Braves moving to the suburbs. Georgia State has two games on the road after this game so getting a win against a conference rival for their fan base is critical — and it would go a long way to helping them reach a bowl game. The Panthers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games against teams with a losing record. GSU has also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games in the month of October. Lastly, the Panthers are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games in conference play. 25* CFB Sun Belt Conference Game of the Month with the Georgia State Panthers (106) plus the points versus the South Alabama Jaguars (105). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:35 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Dallas Mavericks (514) plus the points versus the Memphis Grizzlies (513). Dallas (0-4) looks to bounce-back from an ugly 133-103 loss to Golden State as a 13.5-point underdog on Monday which left them winless so far this season. Look for the Mavericks to bounce-back with a strong effort tonight. Not only has Dallas rebounded to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a loss by at least 30 points. Expect Rick Carlisle’s team to play better on defense after they allowed the Warriors to nail 55.8% of their shots. The Mavericks have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after allowing their last opponent to at least 55% shooting — and they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after allowing at least 125 points in their last game. While this is a team that is in flux in the tale end of the Dirk Nowitzki era, their disappointing 33-49 record last year can be explained in some measures by a slow start and a host of injuries. There is talent on this team with veterans Harrison Barnes, Nerlens Noel and Nowitzki complementing their rookie point guard Dennis Smith, Jr. out of NC State who is being touted as the steal of the draft and the potential Rookie of the Year.

Memphis (3-0) has pulled off two straight upset victories as they followed a surprises 10-point win over Golden State over the weekend with a 98-90 upset win in Houston as an 8-point underdog on Monday. This team looks ripe for a letdown now as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after two straight upset victories. The Grizzlies have also failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games on the road after winning at least two straight games. This team is also in a transition stage after saying goodbye to the core of the “Grit ’n’ Grind” identity of the last few seasons by letting go of Zach Randolph and Tony Allen. While the clear best two players on this team are Mike Conley and Marc Gason who perhaps are beginning to see the descents of their careers being on the wrong side of 30 years old, it remains a mystery who the third best player is from their collection of younger underwhelming players. Moving forward, the Grizzlies have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games on the road. Memphis has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage below 40%. All three of the Grizzlies games have finished Under the Total — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 20 games after playing at least three straight games Under the Total. And in their last 7 encounters with the Mavericks, Memphis has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of these games. 25* NBA Southwest Division Game of the Month with the Dallas Mavericks (514) plus the points versus the Memphis Grizzlies (513). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Dodgers (902) minus the 1.5 Run-Line versus the Houston Astros (901) listing both starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Dallas Keuchel. With the money-line listed for this game in the -170 range, I will be following my self-imposed guideline to not endorse a favorite (or underdog for that matter) in those situations and instead consider the Run-Line plays with that price in the +/- 150 range for both sides. Houston (108-65) reached the World Series with their 4-0 win over the Cubs on Saturday. But that game was at home — and the Astros have struggled on the road this postseason. They looked overwhelmed by the atmosphere in the Bronx against the Yankees losing all three games there. Houston has lost 4 of their last 5 games away from home — and they have lost 6 of their last 7 games on the road in the playoffs. The Astros have also lost 6 of their last 7 games in LA against the Dodgers. They send out Keuchel who is 14-5 with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP during the regular season. The left-hander was outstanding at home during the regular season where he had a 2.26 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP and .187 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts — but those numbers jumped to 3.53 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and .245 opponent’s batting average in his twelve starts on the road. Keuchel does have a 2-1 record in the postseason with a 2.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in three starts — but two of those starts were at home. In his one start away from home in the playoffs, Keuchel was rocked for four earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of work in New York in his last start while giving up seven base hits and issuing a walk. Now he faces a Dodgers team that is scoring 5.6 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with a batting average of .264 along with a .373 On-Base Percentage and an OPS of .832. Los Angeles has won a decisive 37 of their last 55 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower. The Dodgers have also won 35 of their last 51 home games against left-handed starting pitchers.

Los Angeles (111-59) has won seven of their eight playoff games this postseason with their 11-1 win in Chicago over the Cubs on Thursday. The Dodgers should build off their momentum in this opening game of the World Series. Los Angeles has won a decisive 67 of their last 86 games after winning five or six of their last seven games. The Dodgers have also won 59 of their last 75 games after a win. And in their last 37 home games after a game where they allowed one run or less, LA has won 31 of these games. The Dodgers have won 9 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 54 games at home, Los Angeles has won 40 of these contests. They give the ball to Clayton Kershaw who is 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP this season. Kershaw’s peripheral numbers are better at home where he produced a 0.92 WHIP and .206 opponent’s batting average in fourteen regular season starts as compared to his 0.98 WHIP and .219 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts on the road. The Dodgers have won 41 of their last 53 home games with Kershaw facing a team with a winning record. Kershaw was outstanding in his last start where he allowed just one earned run and just three hits in Chicago against the Cubs — and LA has won 42 of their last 54 games with Kershaw looking to follow up a Quality Start. The Dodgers have also won 35 of their last 42 games with Kershaw pitching with the Total set at just 7 or even lower. And remember, he is supported by a red hot bullpen that has a 1.04 ERA with a 0.39 WHIP (!) over their last seven games. Kershaw faces an Astros team that is scoring just 2.9 Runs-Per-Game in their last seven games with a .187 batting average along with a .269 On-Base Percentage and .563 OPS over that span. Lastly, the Dodgers have won 41 of their last 59 games when a money-line favorite priced at least at -150 with Kershaw on the mound. Rather than paying that high price, instead take the Dodgers priced as the underdog when laying -1.5 runs. 25* MLB Run-Line of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers (902) minus the 1.5 Run-Line versus the Houston Astros (901) listing both starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Dallas Keuchel. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7) versus the Edmonton Oilers (8). Edmonton (2-5-0) has lost five of their last six games this season with their 2-1 loss in Philadelphia on Saturday. This Oilers team is struggling because they have somehow looked slow outside of their young superstar Connor McDavid. Being without their other young star Leon Draisaitl who has been out with concussion-like symptoms has not helped — and they will be getting him back on the ice tonight. But facing the fastest team in the NHL in the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions is a terrifying prospect for this sluggish team right now. As it is, the Oilers have lost 20 of their last 24 road games after they scored no more than one goal in their last game. Furthermore, Edmonton has lost 10 of their last 12 road games after a game where three or less combined goals in their last game. And in their last 6 games when playing with two days of rest, the Oilers have lost all 6 games. Moving forward, Edmonton has lost 6 of their last 7 games against Eastern Conference opponents. The Oilers have also lost 5 of their last 6 trips to Pittsburgh. That is not a good sign when considering that this franchise has seen their teams lost 91 of their last 122 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on their home ice.

Sidney Crosby should be very motivated to play great against the reigning Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner in McDavid. Pittsburgh (5-3-1) looks to bounce-back from a 7-1 loss in Tampa Bay on Saturday in another poor effort from their backup goalie Antti Niemi who was subsequently cut earlier today. The Penguins have bounced-back to win 16 of their last 21 games after allowing at least five goals in their last game. Pittsburgh has also won 16 of their last 18 home games after a loss by at least three goals. Furthermore, the Penguins have won 43 of their last 59 games after scoring two goals or less in their last game. Now Pittsburgh returns home where they have won 41 of their last 54 games — and they have won 65 of their last 88 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage below 40%, the Pens have won 4 of these games. 25* NHL Game of the Month with the money-line on the Pittsburgh Penguins (7) versus the Edmonton Oilers (8). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Washington Redskins (477) plus the points versus the Philadelphia Eagles (478). The Eagles are the latest Golden Boys for BFL pundits are they upset Carolina for Thursday Night Football back on October 12th. We had Philadelphia in that game — but let’s go against them in this one. Washington (3-2) will be playing with revenge on their mind in this rematch of their 30-17 loss at home to the Eagles back on September 17th. The Skins have covered the point spread in 3 straight games when playing with revenge. They look to build off their 26-24 win over the 49ers last Sunday. Washington’s defense has been a pleasant surprise this season — and they held the 49ers to just 85 rushing yards in that game. The Skins have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after not allowing 90 rushing yards in their last game. Washington is averaging 407.3 YPG on offense over their last three games — and they have then covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after averaging at least 400 YPG in their last three contests. Now the Skins go back on the road where they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games. Washington has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games as an underdog in the 45.5 to 49 point range. And in their last 9 games against teams with a winning record, the Skins have covered the point spread 7 times.

Philadelphia (5-1) did pull off the upset last week in their 28-23 win at Carolina as a 3-point underdog. The Eagles won that game despite losing the first down battle by a 23 to 15 margin. Philly has scored at least 26 points in four straight games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after scoring at least 25 points in three straight games. Run defense has been a key to the Eagles this season as they have not allowed more than 80 rushing yards in four straight games. But not only has Philadelphia then failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 games after not allowing 100 or more rushing yards in three straight games but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after not allowing 100 or more rushing yards in four straight games.

25* NFC West Game of the Month with the Washington Redskins (477) plus the points versus the Philadelphia Eagles (478). Best of luck for us — Frank.

TO BE CONTINUED -- please check back before this game begins for my full written Report before this game starts -- and I also reserve the right to raise the Star Value of this play (while you still get it at the discounted price by buying early). Given the high volume of plays I offer clients, I am providing an initial “abridged version” of the play to get them posted faster to accommodate my Daily, Weekly and Monthly subscribers so they can begin shopping lines. My research is detailed for our plays (which I do complete before endorsing a play) but it does take some time to write the more detailed Reports that clients have grown to count on. Thanks, Frank.

At 4:25 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals (455) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (456). Pittsburgh (4-2) returns home this week after their triumphant 19-13 win at Kansas City last week as a 3.5-point underdog. The Steelers defense flexed their muscles by holding the explosive Chiefs offense to just 251 yards of offense in that contest. Pittsburgh was able to control the football for 36L39 of that game due to the outstanding performance of running back LeVeon Bell who ran the ball 32 times for 179 yards. Expect the Steelers to commit to running the football as well in this divisional rivalry. Pittsburgh has played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 14 points in their last game. The Steelers did generate 439 yards of offense in that victory — but they have then seen the Under go 13-2-1 in their last 16 games after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. Furthermore, Pittsburgh has played 21 of their last 27 games Under the Total against teams with a losing record. And in their last 31 games against fellow AFC North opponents, the Under is 21-8-1.

Cincinnati (2-3) looks to build off their 20-16 win over Buffalo last week as a 3-point favorite. The Bengals have then played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and the Under is a decisive 34-16-1 in their last 51 games after a point spread victory. The offense has been better since they changed offensive coordinators — last week, Cincinnati generated 388 yards of offense against a tough Bills’ defense. The Bengals have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. Now Cincy goes back on the road where they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total on the road. And in their last 30 games against fellow AFC North rivals, the Bengals have played 22 of these games Under the Total. Lastly, in the last 8 meetings between these two teams in Pittsburgh, the game has finished Under the Total 7 times. 25* NFL AFC North Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals (455) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (456). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (461) plus the points versus the Buffalo Bills (462). Tampa Bay (2-3) has lost two straight games — and three of their last four games — with their 38-33 loss at Arizona last week as a 2.5-point favorite. The score is not indicative of just how awful the Buccaneers played in that upset loss. Expectations were very high for this team entering the season — but this team is in deep trouble to find themselves out of the playoff hunt in the very competitive NFC South. This is a desperate team much like the Raiders were on Thursday. Expect one of the best games of the season from this Tampa Bay team. The Bucs have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 19 games after suffering an upset loss as a road favorite. Tampa Bay has also covered the point spread in 7 straight games after a contest where at least 70 combined points were scored. It does look like Jameis Winston will make the start in this game after being knocked out of that game with the Cardinals. Even if he cannot go (or finish), backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is capable of winning games on the road. Besides, it will need to be a complete team effort to save this season on the brink for the Bucs. They are getting back linebacker Kwan Alexander for this game to help a defense that surrendered 432 yards last week. Tampa Bay has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Furthermore, the Buccaneers have covered the point spread in 26 of their last 38 road games against teams with a winning record at home.

Buffalo (3-2) looks to bounce-back from their 20-16 loss at Cincinnati as a 3-point underdog. The Bills are playing inspired football behind first-year head coach Sean McDermott as they had won (and covered the point spread) in their previous two games in upset wins over Denver and Atlanta. But McDermott has inherited a franchise that has failed to cover the point spread in a decisive 70 of their last 110 games after covering the point spread in two of their last three contests. Buffalo has also failed to the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after winning two of their last three games. And in their last 7 games after a point spread loss, the Bills have failed to cover the point spread 5 times. The team is only averaging 165 passing YPG behind QB Tyrod Taylor which puts plenty of onus on their ground game. But even with LeSean McCoy in the backfield, this team is averaging just 3.4 Yards-Per-Carry. Even with their winning record, Buffalo is being outgained by -51.2 net YPG. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, are being outgained by just -21.4 net YPG. Expect a very close game with Tampa Bay playing with determination given the desperate straits they are in. 25* NFL Underdog of the Month with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (461) plus the points versus the Buffalo Bills (462). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the money-line on the Houston Astros (918) versus the New York Yankees (917) listing both starting pitchers Charlie Morton and C.C. Sabathia. Houston (107-65) made possible this decisive Game Seven last night with their 7-1 victory over the Yankees. The Astros will have momentum on their side tonight after that decisive victory. Houston has won 20 of their last 27 games after a win. The Astros have also won 16 of their last 21 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. And in their last 19 games after not allowing more than two runs in their last contest, Houston has won 14 of these games. Home field has been a huge factor in this series as well — and it gives the Astros more of an edge than the money-line price is suggesting given their 53-33 record in Minute Maid Park. Houston has won 19 of their last 26 games at home — and they have won 6 straight home games against teams with a winning record. Additionally, the Astros have won 6 straight home games in the ALCS. They give the ball to Morton who is 14-7 with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP this season. He appears to be the weak link for this team tonight after he was shelled for seven runs in 3 2/3 innings or work on Monday in Game Three of this series. But that game was in Yankee Stadium where Morton had a 4.17 ERA along with a 1.29 WHIP and .247 opponent’s batting average in nine starts during the regular season. Back at home, Morton saw those numbers improve to a 3.34 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and .217 opponent’s batting average in sixteen regular season starts at home. Furthermore, Morton pitches better at night — and the Astros have won 29 of their last 41 night games with Morton on the mound.

New York (98-76) has been outstanding at home all season — but this young ball club has been a different team on the road where they are just 41-46 for the season. They saw their three-game winning streak snapped last night — but they have then lost 19 of their last 27 road games after winning three of there lsat four games. They have lost 6 of their last 7 road games this season — and they have lost 8 of their last 9 playoff games away from home. And in their last 6 road games against teams with a winning record over 60% at home, the Yankees have lost 5 of these games. Additionally, this team has lost 5 straight games in Houston. They give the ball to C.C. Sabathia who is 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP this season. But while the left-hander had a 1.23 WHIP and .243 opponent’s batting average in thirteen regular season starts at home, those numbers rose to a 1.32 WHIP and .248 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts on the road. Furthermore, while the veteran has been very good in three postseason starts this season, he does still carry a mediocre 4.24 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 123 career playoff innings. Lastly, this Astros team crushes left-handed pitching as they are scoring 5.6 Runs-Per-Game against lefty starters this year with a .282 batting average along with a .351 On-Base Percentage and .812 OPS. 25* MLB Yankees-Astros Game Seven A-List Special with money-line on the Houston Astros (918) versus the New York Yankees (917) listing both starting pitchers Charlie Morton and C.C. Sabathia. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the USC Trojans (401) plus the points versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (402). Notre Dame (5-1) has won four straight games after their loss to Georgia back on September 9th after their 33-10 win at North Carolina two weeks ago as a 12-point favorite. But this Fighting Irish team has been consistently inconsistent in the Brian Kelly era as they typically suffer letdowns just as they start to build some momentum. Notre Dame has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after a win by at least 20 points. The Fighting Irish have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a point spread win. Additionally, while Notre Dame held the Tar Heels to just 265 yards of offense, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after not allowing at least 275 yards in their last game. Furthermore, the Irish have failed to cover the point spread in a decisive 41 of their last 62 games after winning at least four of their last five games. And perhaps most telling under Kelly’s coaching in South Bend, Notre Dame has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. Granted, the Irish did snap their “big game” losing streak earlier this year with a win on the road against Michigan State which was in prime-time — but more often than not this Notre Dame team eventually sees their head coach screaming bloody murder at them for not playing up to the standards that he brought to the program from Central Michigan. The Spartans were the second-best team they have faced this year to a solid but now wildly overrated Georgia team that handed them their first loss this season. There other wins over Temple, Miami (Ohio), a bad Tar Heels team and Boston College are just not huge resume builders with the tougher part of the schedule backloaded. Kelly’s mediocrity in South Bend has impacted the talent base with his recruiting classes dropping off. Furthermore, I think they are too imbalanced on offense by relying so much on their running game that is averaging over 300 YPG. Sophomore QB Brandon Wimbush will be back under center for this one after missing the North Carolina game. But he is not doing much with his arm as he is completing just 52.3% of his passes while averaging just 5.9 Yards-Per-Attempt. I have zero confidence in Wimbush’s ability move the ball with his arm if that is what is asked of him.

USC (6-1) showed grit and resolve last week by rallying from a 21-7 halftime deficit to a tough Utah team to pull out a 28-27 victory. QB Sam Darnold completed 27 of 50 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns (no interceptions) to help his team overcome a -2 net turnover margin which included an 18-yard fumble recovery for a Utes touchdown for that big win. The loser of this game will be eliminated from National Championship Playoff discussions — and I want to be on Darnold’s side in that situation as the likely best player on the field. The Trojans are recruiting better than the Irish and will have the talent edge in this contest. Their ceiling regarding quality of play is higher as they showed in their convincing win over a Stanford team that also looked to control the line of scrimmage and run the football. The balance and productivity of what this USC can do on offense will make the difference. They generated 532 yards against the good Utah defense — and they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after gaining at least 475 yards in their last game. They averaged 6.41 Yards-Per-Play in that game — and they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after averaging at least 5.25 YPP. And in their last 9 road games with the Total set in the 63.5 to 70 point range, the Trojans have covered the point spread in 6 of those games. 25* CFB Non-Conference Game of the Year with the USC Trojans (401) plus the points versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (402). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Penn State Nittany Lions (456) minus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (455). Penn State (6-0) has been licking their chops for this opportunity to avenge an embarrassing 49-10 loss at Michigan last September 24th. The Nittany Lions’ linebacking corps was ravaged with injuries in that game which goes far to explain that blowout. Penn State soon got healthy again at that position and preceded to outscore their opponents in the second half of the season by a whopping 326-130 point margin. Save for their 52-49 loss in the Rose Bowl to USC, the Nittany Lions have won all of their games since that bad loss to the Wolverines. Now at 6-0, Penn State finds themselves in the thick of the National Championship hunt — and they have the opportunity to offer a loud rebuttal to that loss last year to Michigan with ESPN Gameday camped out in Happy Valley for this game and a “White Out” being planned by their fans for this game to be the prime-time game on ABC-TV. The Nittany Lions have the benefit of a bye week after their 31-7 win at Northwestern two weeks ago. Penn State is 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games after a win by at least 20 points. The Nittany Lions defense flexed their muscles in that game by holding the Wildcats to just 265 yards of offense in that game. Not only is Penn State 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing no more than 275 yards in their last game but they are also 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games after not allowing more than 20 points in their last contest. Furthermore, the Nittany Lions are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games at home — and that includes covering four straight home games against teams with a winning record on the road.

Michigan (5-1) rebounded from their loss at home to Michigan State to survive a 27-20 win at Indiana in overtime last week. This Wolverines team managed just 329 yards of offense against the Hoosiers defense which begs the question as to how they will move the ball against this stout Nittany Lions unit. The Michigan offense was already challenged to begin the season after losing two wide receivers and a tight end that all went to the NFL. Offensive line has always been an issue for Jim Harbaugh since returning to his alma mater — and fourth-year junior QB Wilton Speight was struggling with an aerial attack before he suffered his shoulder injury at Purdue. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, senior QB and former Houston starting quarterback John O’Korn has not been the answer under center. Last week after a futile effort in the rain against the Spartans, he completed just 10 of 20 passes for a mere 58 yards. While O’Korn is not being helped by a young and inexperienced wide receiver group, he has not shown the ability to make reads off his first passing target — and that might be precisely the reason why he lost his starting job at Houston after being their full-time starter as a freshman. Working under Harbaugh was an opportunity to learn but no guarantee he could grasp these fundamental progression read concepts. The Wolverines are completely dependent on their ground game at this point which will allow the Nittany Lions’ defense to stuff the box. Michigan’s junior Karan Higdon did rush for 200 yards against the Hoosiers’ defense last week — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game (Michigan: 271 total rushing yards). The Wolverines are also just 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games in the month of October. And in their last 6 games against teams with a winning record, Michigan is just 1-4-1 ATS. 25* CFB Saturday Night ABC-TV Game of the Month with the Penn State Nittany Lions (456) minus the points versus the Michigan Wolverines (455). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Boston College Eagles (361) and the Virginia Cavaliers (362). Boston College (3-4) looks to build off their 45-42 upset win at Louisville last week as a 20-point underdog. The offensive explosion in that game from this Eagles team that typically relies on stout defense with points hard to come by on offense was a surprise. Expect things to get back to the lower-scoring ways under fifth-year head coach Steve Addazio. Boston College has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after scoring at least 40 points in their last game. The Eagles have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after allowing at least 40 points in their last contest. Additionally, while BC allowed 625 yards of offense in that game, the Under is then 43-19-1 in their last 63 games after a game where they allowed at least 450 yards in their last game contest. Now the Eagles stay on the road where the Under is a decisive 36-14-1.

Virginia (5-1) enters this game coming off their 20-14 win at North Carolina in a game where they held the Tar Heels to just 257 yards. The Cavaliers have then played 28 of their last 39 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. Virginia has also played 4 straight games Under the Total against teams with a losing record. Now the Cavaliers return home where they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total. Furthermore, Virginia has played 23 of their last 34 home games Under the Total agains teams with a losing record on the road. Together, these team trends produce our specific 158-52 combined angle for this situation. Boston College won last year’s contest by a 17-13 score last November 20th. Expect another low scoring game this afternoon. 25* CFB ACC Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Boston College Eagles (361) and the Virginia Cavaliers (362). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:15 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the New Mexico Lobos (314) plus the points versus the Colorado State Rams (313). New Mexico (3-3) looks to bounce-back from an ugly 38-0 loss at Fresno State last week despite being a 2.5-point road favorite. The Lobos mist have been feeling themselves after two straight wins against Tulsa and Air Force as they failed to show up against the Bulldogs. Expect head coach Bob Davie to have had his teams’ full attention all week after that poor performance. New Mexico has covered the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, the Lobos have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to score at least 20 points. Furthermore, New Mexico has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a loss to a conference foe — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a double-digit loss to a Mountain West opponent. The Lobos’ pistol spread offense can be tricky for opponents to prepare for — they have covered the point spread in 5 of the last 7 games against teams with a winning record. This team is also outgaining their opponents by +35.1 net YPG. Back at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico scores 40.7 PPG while generating 473.3 YPG. They are outscoring their visitors by +12.0 PPG while outgaining them by +180.6 net YPG. Furthermore, the Lobos have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games as an underdog.

Colorado State (5-2) was a bit listless last Saturday in their 44-42 win at home over Nevada despite being a big 25-point favorite. The Rams now face the challenge of playing this unique Lobos offense on a short week — and this is their fourth game on the road over their last five games. Colorado State has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games played on a Friday night. The Rams have also failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 24 road games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range. They may have trouble getting up again for this New Mexico team that was shutout last week when considering that Colorado State defeated them last year by a 49-31 score. But the Rams do have an undersized front four which could make them vulnerable. After allowing 389 rushing yards in two straight road games against Alabama and Hawai’i, Colorado State has not allowed more than 63 rushing yards in their last two games. But the Rams have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after not surrendering at least 100 rushing yards in two straight games. The Lobos have bowl aspirations once again this season — expect them to play one of their best games of their season after embarrassing themselves last week. 25* CFB Friday Night Game of the Month with the New Mexico Lobos (314) plus the points versus the Colorado State Rams (313). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders (651) and the Calgary Stampeders (652). Calgary (13-1-1) has won eleven straight games with their 28-25 win at Hamilton last Friday as a 9.5-point favorite. The Stampeders have then played 9 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a victory on the road where they failed to cover the point spread. Calgary has also played 31 of their last 43 games Under the Total after win by 3 points or less — and this includes playing sixteen of their last twenty-one games Under the Total with a win on the road by a field goal or less. And in their last 8 games after a point spread loss, the Stamps have played 6 of these games Under the Total. This Calgary team needs a win to clinch the West Division and secure home field up until the Grey Cup. They lead the CFL by holding opponents to just 326.0 total YPG. Moving forward, the Stampeders have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total in the month of October. Calgary has also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. And in their last 7 games against West Division foes, the Stampeders have played 6 of these games Under the Total.

Saskatchewan (8-7) looks to bounce-back from a 33-32 loss to Ottawa last Friday on a 3.5-point favorite. The Roughriders have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Saskatchewan cannot get their running game going as they have not rushed for more than 72 yards in their last five games — and they have then played 6 straight games Under the Total after failing to rush for at least 75 yards in two straight games. This team did pick of Trent Richardson from the NFL scrap heap — and he ran for 60 yards on 14 carries last week. The Riders need this win to clinch a playoff spot. Injuries in their secondary have forced Chris Jones to tap Duron Carter to start in their defensive backfield in this emergency — Chris Carter’s son will be pulling double-duty since he is their best wide receiver. So, there is plenty of drama with this team. They have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total in the month of October. Saskatchewan has also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total on the road. Furthermore, the Roughriders are looking to avenge a 15-9 loss to the Stampeders back on September 24th. Saskatchewan has played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total when looking to avenge a same-season loss. Lastly, these two teams have played 4 straight games Under the Total. 25* CFL West Division Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders (651) and the Calgary Stampeders (652). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New York Yankees (913) and the Houston Astros (914) listing both starting pitchers Luis Severino and Justin Verlander. Houston (106-65) returns home having lost all three games in Yankee Stadium after their 5-0 loss on Wednesday. The Astros have then played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a loss. Houston has not scored more than four runs in five straight games — and they have then played 18 of their last 25 games Under the Total after not scoring more than four runs in at least four straight games. Furthermore, the Under is 15-5-1 in the Astros’ last 21 home ames against teams with a losing record on the road. They give the ball to Verlander tonight who has been outstanding for them since being acquired from the Tigers at the trade deadline. In his five regular season starts wearing an Astros uniform, Verlander had a 5-0 record with a 1.06 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP. In his two regular season starts in Houston, Verlander had a 0.64 ERA, 0.50 WHIP and 0.93 WHIP. The right-hander has been outstanding in the postseason with a 3-0 record along with a 2.04 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP with 16 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings of work. In his 116 innings in his career in the playoffs, Verlander has a 10-5 record with a 3.18 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Verlander comes off a complete game where he allowed only one earned run against the Yankees in Game Two of this series — and not only am I not worried about the carry over from the pitch count from that effort with him pitching on his normal four days of rest but his teams have played 17 of their last 22 games Under the Total when he is following up a start where he allowed one earned run or less. Furthermore, the Astros have played 5 of their 7 games Under the Total with Verlander on the mound for them. He faces a Yankees lineup that is hitting only .227 with a .301 On-Base Percentage and .688 OPS over their last seven games. Additionally, the Under is 3-0-1 in New York’s last 4 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower.

New York (98-75) has seen the Under go 5-2-1 in their last 8 games after a win — and the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Additionally, the Under is 3-1-1 in the Yankees’ last 5 games after an off day. Now New York goes back on the road where the Under is 3-1-1 in their last 5 games. Furthermore, the Yankees have played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total as an underdog priced in the +125 to +175 range. They give the ball to Severino who is 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective on the road with a 2.24 ERA in fifteen regular season starts as compared to his 3.71 ERA an sixteen starts at home. He faces a Houston team that is scoring just 2.4 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with a .207 Batting Average along with an On-Base Percentage of .277 and an OPS of .577. The Astros have played 8 straight home games Under the Total against right-handed starting pitchers. Lastly, Houston has payed 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower. 25* MLB American League Playoffs Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Under the Total in the game between the New York Yankees (913) and the Houston Astros (914) listing both starting pitchers Luis Severino and Justin Verlander. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Oakland Raiders (302) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (301). My initial thoughts entering Week Seven this week of the NFL season is that I would like the Chiefs playing on a short week coming off their loss to the Steelers (where we had a big play on Pittsburgh). But upon my deep dive into this situation, we want to be investing in this Oakland team (2-4) that will be playing with desperation in a season-defining game for them. Besides, it seems like most of the betting world is following the logic of taking Kansas City off a loss against a Raiders team who have lost four in a row — so let’s be Happy Contrarians with this game as there are still plenty of reasons to consider this Chiefs team overvalued (more on that below). The prospects of losing their fifth game this season and falling three games behind the Chiefs in the AFC West standings might be an insurmountable hole for Jack Del Rio’s team to overcome. And when considering that Oakland lost a key game to Kansas City last December 8th by a 21-13 score, this is a “circle the wagons” moment. The Raiders have lost four straight while failing to meet point spread expectations in four straight games after their 17-16 loss to the Chargers as a 3-point favorite on Sunday. Most observers expected Oakland to take a step or two back from their 12-4 campaign last year even if they were a better football team than last year’s group. But this has been a very unfortunate start for this team that had three of their first four games on the road just before Derek Carr suffered his back injury that kept him out of their home game with the Ravens. Carr returned last week but was limited in completing 21 of 30 passes but for just 171 yards. Then again, Oakland enjoyed the lead for most of that game before the Chargers nailed a field goal as time expired to steal that game. Expect this team to embrace the physical style of football preferred by Del Rio and win this game at the line of scrimmage while taking advantage of the additions they made in the offseason to combat this Chiefs team. That means plenty of Beast Mode by Marshawn Lynch and the tough Raiders offensive line. And expect immediate dividends to be paid from their acquisition of Navarro Bowman who was the leading tackler for the 49ers before they released him this week in a salary cap move with them still winless this season. Bowman is just what the doctor ordered for this team at middle linebacker. Except a strong effort from this team as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after failing to cover the point spread in at least two straight games — and they have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after playing a game against a divisional rival.

Kansas City (5-1) looks to bounce-back from their 19-13 loss to Pittsburgh last Sunday despite being a 3.5-point favorite in that game. There are concerns on both sides of the ball that comes out of that game. The Chiefs allowed 194 rushing yards to the Steelers and 439 total yards of offense for a unit that is really beginning to miss Eric Berry who suffered a season-ending injury to begin the year. KC has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after allowing at least 350 yards of offense — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after giving up at least 150 rushing yards. The Chiefs defense ranks 29th in the NFL by giving up 378.2 total YPG — and they rank 24th and 27 in run and pass defense respectively. Furthermore, KC managed only 28 rushing yards in that contest — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after failing to rush for at least 30 rushing yards in their last game. Perhaps the injury to starting center Mitch Morse is beginning to negatively impact this offense — and the fact that running back Charcandrick West is going through the concussion protocol is not helping matters for this contest. Additionally, this Chiefs team has been very fortunate with turnovers as they have not committed even one since that opening night with in New England. KC has won the turnover battle in each of their last five games — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after winning the turnover battle for at least five straight games. Lastly, Andy Reid’s Chiefs’ teams do not respond well after being dominated in their previous contest. Kansas City lost the first down battle by a 12 to 23 margin while only having the football for 23:21 of that game. The Chiefs have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after a game where they did not have the football for at least 26 minutes and failed to gain at least thirteen first downs. 25* NFL AFC West Game of the Month with the Oakland Raiders (302) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (301). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Dodgers (912) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the Chicago Cubs (911) listing both starting pitchers Jose Quintana and Clayton Kershaw. Chicago (96-75) staved off elimination last night with their 3-2 victory over the Dodgers. And while Joe Maddon needed to exhaust his closer Wade Davis to eke out that game, the 48 pitches he threw last night will likely make him unavailable to pitch which is not a good sign for this team. Even with Davis’ good work of late, the Chicago bullpen still has a 5.40 ERA with a 1.73 WHIP over their last seven games. The Cubs still have to win three straight games to survive this series — and they have lost 4 straight games after a victory. Chicago has also lost 11 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60%. And in their last 12 home games against teams with a winning record on the road, the Cubs have lost 8 of these games. They give the ball to Quintana who is 11-11 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.22 WHIP this season. The left-hander has struggled in Wrigley Field since moving a few miles north after being traded to the Cubs from the White Sox this season. In eight starts as a Cub in Wrigley, Quintana has a 4.76 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP and .238 opponent’s batting average as compared to his 2.54 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and .215 opponent’s batting average in six starts on the road in a Cubs’ uniform.

Los Angeles (110-59) has still won eight of their last nine games as well as twelve of their last fourteen contests — and they have won a decisive 63 of their last 81 games after winning six or seven of their last eight games. The Dodgers have also won 8 of their last 9 games against teams with a winning record. They turn to their ace Kershaw who is 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP this season. The left-hander has a better ERA on the road with a 2.03 mark in thirteen regular season starts as compared to his 2.58 ERA in fourteen home starts. The Dodgers have won 23 of their last 31 road games with Kershaw facing a team with a winning record. Kershaw was good in Game One of this series where he allowed two earned runs whole striking out four run 5 innings of work. Los Angeles has won 4 of their last 5 games against Chicago with Kershaw on the hill. He faces this Chicago team that is still struggling to score runs. Over their last seven games, the Cubs are scoring just 2.6 Runs-Per-Game with a .169 batting average along with a .230 On-Base Percentage and .498 OPS. Chicago has lost 7 of their last 9 games against left-handed starting pitchers. Given the apparent mismatch between these two starting pitchers, the Dodgers are money-line favorites in the  -160 range. Los Angeles has won 41 of their last 49 games with Kershaw pitching as a money-line favorite of at least -150. Lastly, because the Dodgers managed only four hits last night, they are supported by a historical angle specific to the Run-Line that has been 64% effective since 1997. Los Angeles averages 4.1 Bases-on-Balls per game — and road favorites who average at least 4.0 Bases-on-Balls per game and who come off a game where they did not manage more than four hits have then covered the -1.5 Run-Line (when priced in the +115 to +160 price range) in 77 of the last 121 situations where these conditions applied. 25* MLB National League Run-Line of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers (912) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the Chicago Cubs (911) listing both starting pitchers Jose Quintana and Clayton Kershaw. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:01 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers (967) and the Chicago Cubs (968) listing both starting pitchers Alex Wood and Jake Arrieta. Chicago (95-75) finds themselves on the brink of elimination tonight after their 6-1 loss to the Dodgers last night. The Cubs have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a loss. Chicago has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after scoring two runs or less in their last game. Furthermore, not only have the Cubs played 4 straight home games Under the Total but they have also played 24 of their last 36 games Under the Total at home when a money-line favorite in the -100 to -150 price range. I was a little surprised to the see the Total listed at 9.5 (as of this writing) when it opened — but Chicago has played 29 of their last 46 games Under the Total with the Total set in the 9 to 9.5 range. They give the ball to Arrieta who is 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 2.90 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and .206 opponent’s batting average in ten starts. Arrieta has been good in the playoffs throughout his career given his 3.33 ERA along with a 1.07 WHIP in 46 innings of work. Additionally, the Under is 4-1-1 in the Cubs’ last 6 games with Arrieta facing a team with a winning record. He faces a Dodgers team that has seen the Under go 4-0-1 in their last 5 road games against right-handed starting pitchers.

Los Angeles (110-58) has seen the Under go 3-0-1 in their last 4 games after a victory. The Dodgers have also played 5 straight road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. They give the ball to Alex Wood who is making his start this postseason. He seems to not be given much respect from the oddsmakers and the betting public with this Total in the 9 range. The left-handed enjoyed a breakout season where he posted a 16-3 record with a 2.72 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been outstanding on the road where he owns a 2.24 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP and an opponent’s batting average of .203 in thirteen starts as compared to his 3.20 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP and .231 opponent’s batting average in fourteen games (twelve starts) at home. Los Angeles has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total with Wood facing a team with a winning record. He should thrive against this cold Cubs lineup that is scoring only 2.6 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with a .174 batting average with a .245 On-Base Percentage and .522 OPS over that span. Furthermore, the Under is 4-0-1 in Chicago’s last 5 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower. 25* MLB National League Playoffs Total of the Year with Los Angeles Dodgers (967) and the Chicago Cubs (968) listing both starting pitchers Alex Wood and Jake Arrieta. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the St. Louis Blues (4) versus the Chicago Blackhawks (3). We are a bit more cautious in the regular season in the NHL especially early on in the season. Given the low scoring nature of this game, there is less opportunity to find value relative to what the oddsmakers are offering. Combine that with roster turnover impacting team chemistry and then add-in the inevitable injuries and the results are often too volatile for me to risk an investment — particularly in the grind of the regular season. That all said, this is a strong early season situation. St. Louis (4-2-0) returns home for just their second game on home ice all season after playing their last four games on the road. The Blues are looking to bounce-back from a 2-1 loss in Tampa Bay on Saturday. Scoring is a concern for this team — and they addressed that issue in the offseason by trading for center Braden Schenn from Philadelphia. Schenn has scored 51 goals over the last two seasons and he led the league with 17 Power Play goals this season. This St. Louis team has been ravaged with injuries this season — but the Twitter machine (the Blues official Twitter account, not Russian bots) has confirmed that first-line center Paul Stastny will be making his debut tonight after missing the first six games with a hand injury. The ripple effect on the depth chart getting Stastny back on the ice combined with this team playing at home should help this offense. This is a team that has won 10 of their last 14 games at home. The Blues have also won 38 of their last 55 games after playing at least two straight games on the road — and they have won 8 straight games when losing those last two games away from home. Furthermore, St. Louis has won 9 of their last 13 games after playing at least four straight games on the road. And in their last 14 games after scoring two goals or less in their last contest, the Blues have won 11 of these games.

Chicago (4-1-1) takes the ice again since their 2-1 win over Nashville on Saturday. The Blackhawks have then lost 8 of their last 10 games after scoring two runs or less in their last game. Chicago has also lost 5 of their last 7 games when playing with at least three days of rest. This is an organization that is facing a turning point: can their core group of superstars lead them to be a serious contender to win a third Stanley Cup or is the party over for the Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith era? Salary cap hits have contributed to the regression of the depth of this team which goes a long way to explain their two straight first-round exits in the playoffs. Now this team goes on the road for just the third time this year — and they have lost 6 of their last 7 games away from home. The Blackhawks have also lost 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 7 games against fellow Central Division opponents, Chicago has lost 6 of these games. 25* NHL Central Division Game of the Month with the money-line on the money-line on the St. Louis Blues (4) versus the Chicago Blackhawks (3). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:08 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Los Angeles Dodgers (963) versus the Chicago Cubs (964) listing both starting pitchers Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks. Los Angeles (109-58) seized a 2-0 lead in this series on Sunday with their 4-1 victory over the Cubs. The Dodgers are on fire having won seven straight games along with eleven of their last twelve contests. Some bettors might think that Los Angeles is due for a loss having won so many games in a row — with this logic being similar to bettors betting on red after seeing black one too many times in a row at a roulette table. That thinking would quickly bankrupt you if applied to this 2017 Dodgers team. Los Angeles has won 40 of their last 53 games after winning at least three straight games. The Dodgers have also won 62 of their last 80 games after winning six or seven of their last eight contests. Furthermore, Los Angeles has won 58 of their last 73 games after a victory. And in their last 26 games after an off day, the Dodgers have won 20 of these contests. Furthermore, LA has won 4 of their last 5 games on the road — and they have won 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home. They give the ball to Darvish who is 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP this season. The right-hander made nine starts with the Dodgers after being traded to them from the Rangers — and he was more effective when the road. Dervish was 3-1 in five road starts with LA with a 2.30 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and .223 opponent’s batting average as compared to his 4.84 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and .250 opponent’s batting average in four starts at home. He should thrive against this Cubs offense that is struggling to hit — over their last seven games, they are scoring just 2.9 Runs-Per-Game with a .162 batting average along with a .235 On-Base Percentage and .492 OPS.

Chicago (95-74) returns home for this must-win situation down 0-2 in this series. It is difficult to repeat as champions in all sports with that initial passion and drive to reach the mountaintop just not as strong the second time around. The fact that this team has now lost 10 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% could be a harbinger for things to come. The Cubs have also lost 7 of their lat 10 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road — so Wrigley Field has not been a safe haven as low late. Furthermore, this Chicago team has lost 5 of their last 7 home games in the NLCS going back to last year and beyond. They counter with Kyle Hendricks who is 7-5 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP this season. The right-hander has not been as effective at home where he owns a 3.20 ERA along with a 1.28 WHIP and .248 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts at home as compared to his 2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and .234 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts on the road. And while Hendricks was outstanding in last year’s playoff run, he has not been quite as dominant this postseason given his 3.27 ERA along with a 1.36 WHIP in 11 innings spanning two starts. He faces a Dodgers team that has won 7 of their last 8 games against right-handed starting pitchers. Lastly, this Cubs’ bullpen has really struggled as of late with a 7.03 ERA with a 1.64 WHIP over their last seven games. The Chicago bullpen has a mediocre 4.03 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP at home this year. On the other hand, the Dodgers’ bullpen has a 1.71 ERA with a 0.82 WHIP in their last seven games — and they have a superior 3.95 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP on the road when compared to the Cubs’ pen at home. 25* MLB National League Playoffs Game of the Year with the money-line on the Los Angeles Dodgers (963) versus the Chicago Cubs (964) listing both starting pitchers Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Indianapolis Colts (275) and the Tennessee Titans (276). Indianapolis (2-3) has won two of their last three games with their 26-23 win in overtime over San Francisco last week. The Colts have found an answer at QB during the continued absence of Andrew Luck with Jacoby Brissett who was always an intriguing prospect when initially drafted in the 3rd round by the Patriots after a good career at NC State. Brissett completed 22 of 34 passes for 314 yards with a TD while adding another 14 yards with a TD on the ground. By giving the Colts a credible passing attack, the running game has thrived as well behind age-less wonder Frank Gore and Marlon Mack. Indy ran the ball 35 times for 159 yards in their win over the 49ers — and they have then played 5 straight games Over the Total after rushing for at least 150 yards in their last game. But defense has been a problem for this team. Brain Hoyer passed for 336 yards against them — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after allowing at least 300 passing yards in their last game. The Colts are allowing 408 YPG over their last three games — and they have then played 9 of their last 13 games Over the Total after allowing at least 400 YPG over their last three games. Moving forward, Indianapolis has played 12 of their last 13 games Over the Total when playing on grass. The Colts have also played 7 of their last 9 games Over the Total against teams with a losing record. Furthermore, Indianapolis has played 25 of their last 34 games on the road — and they have 19 of their last 25 road games Over the Total as an underdog getting 7.5 to 10 points. And in their last 7 games played in the month of October, Indy has played 6 of these games Over the Total.

Tennessee (2-3) looks to get their offense going after managing just 188 yards in a 16-10 loss at Miami last week. The Titans have then seen the Over go 10-4-1 in their last 15 games after a straight-up loss. And while the Tennessee defense held the Dolphins to just 178 yards, they have then played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after not allowing more than 250 yards in their last game. The team will be jump-started on offense with the return of Marcus Mariota under center. The offense was just not the same with Matt Cassel at QB who lacks the mobility that is needed to work in this Mike Mularkey system. Tennessee returns home where the Over is 35-13-1 in their last 49 home games against teams with a losing record. The Over is also 10-2-1 in the Titans last 13 games against teams with a losing record. 25* NFL AFC South Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the Indianapolis Colts (275) and the Tennessee Titans (276). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the New York Yankees (910) versus the Houston Astros (909) listing both starting pitchers C.C. Sabathia and Charlie Morton. New York (95-75) returns home to the Bronx in a desperate situation down 0-2 in this series after their 2-1 loss to the Astros on Saturday. The Yankees have rebounded to win 18 of their last 24 games after a loss — and they have won 13 of their last 18 games after scoring two runs or less in their last game. And while New York has now lost four straight games to the Astros going back to the regular season, they have then won 22 of their last 33 games when playing with at least double-revenge against their opponents. Being back in Yankee Stadium with their energetic crowd will help. New York has won 40 of their last 57 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. The Yankees have also won 24 of their last 32 home games with the Total set in the 8 to 8.5 range. They have the right starting pitcher on the mound tonight in Sabathia with which they have won 10 of the last 12 games when needing to stop a losing streak. Sabathia is 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP this season — and he has been more effective at home where he has a 1.23 WHIP and .243 opponent’s batting average in thirteen regular season starts as compared to his 1.32 WHIP and .248 opponent’s batting average in fourteen regular season starts on the road. The Yankees ave won 13 of their last 16 home games with Sabathia on the mound.

Houston (106-62) is a franchise that has still lost 5 of their last 7 games in the Championship Series — so they may begin to feel the pressure of the moment as they get closer to reaching the World Series. They counter with Charlie Morton who is 14-7 with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP this season. The right-hander has not been as effective on the road where he has a 4.17 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and .247 WHIP in nine regular season starts as compared to his 3.34 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and .217 opponent’s batting average in sixteen starts at home. He faces a New York team that clobbers the ball at home. The Yankees are scorn 5.6 Runs-Per-Game at home with a .265 batting average along with a .342 On-Base Percentage and .803 OPS. Additionally, New York has won 19 of their last 26 games against right-handed starting pitchers. Finally, if this game goes to the bullpens, the Yankees should have the edge. The Astros’ pen has a 4.64 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP over their last seven games while the Yankees have a 2.39 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP over their last seven. 25* MLB American League Game of the Year with the money-line on the New York Yankees (910) versus the Houston Astros (909) listing both starting pitchers C.C. Sabathia and Charlie Morton. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:00 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Leicester City (86923) minus the -0.5 goal-line versus West Bromwich Albion (86924). Leicester City (1-2-4) needs three points this afternoon after finding themselves in relegation land with just 5 points so far this campaign — placing them in 18th place. But a brutal schedule has played a large part of this slow start — and this offers us nice value now. The Foxes have four of the top (projected) six teams in the league with matches against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. Those account for all four of their losses. They defeated Brighton at home by a convincing 2-0 score — and they gathered points in two road matches at Huddersfield and at Bournemouth. Considering that, their record is just about what you would expect. They have played well against the elite teams in the English Premier League — and stealing a win on the road against one of those two lesser teams would have been nice. But now the 2015-16 EPL Champions have the opportunity to take care of business at home against a team they are better than. A concern was whether Jamie Vardy would be fit for this match after a hip injury kept him out of England’s World Cup Qualifying play over the early October break — but he is set to take the pitch this afternoon. Now playing in just their fourth home match this season, look for the Foxes to earn the win and pull themselves up the standings.

West Brom (2-3-2) opened the season with two straight victories — but after their 2-2 draw with Watford back on September 30th, they have managed just 3 points over their last five matches. The Baggies have also benefited from a soft early schedule that had them face only one top-six (projected) opponent in Arsenal who they lost by a 2-0 result. This is just West Brom’s four match away from home this season after defeating Bournemouth early and losing at Brighton by a 3-1 score. That loss to one of the promoted teams in Brighton is a likely a harbinger for this contest. The Baggies have scored only six goals this season — so falling behind early will spell big trouble for them. Look for Leicester City to expose West Brom this afternoon. 25* EPL Monday Afternoon NBC-Sports Match of the Month with the Leicester City (86923) minus the -0.5 goal-line versus West Bromwich Albion (86924). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:25 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Pittsburgh Steelers (269) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (270). Pittsburgh (3-2) was embarrassed last week at home in a 30-9 loss to the Jaguars despite being a 7.5-point favorite. In the post-game press conference, Ben Roethlisberger went so far to say that he wonders if he “Maybe I don’t have it anymore.” I suspect that was Big Ben being sheepish and perhaps making a subtle attack on his entire team. He has been outspoken about the culture in the locker room — and perhaps he is inching closer to retirement. But he is also a competitor — and I expect he to lead this team that had such high expectations to begin the season to go out and play their best game of the season against the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL in these Chiefs. As it is, the Steelers have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games after a straight-up loss — and they are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, Pittsburgh has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a double-digit loss. Big Ben did throw for 312 yards in that game — but he also threw a career high five interceptions. Expect Roethlisberger to take responsibility for those miscues by raising his level of play in this game to prove that he is not ready for the retirement home just yet. The Steelers have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a game where they generated at least 350 yards of offense. They need to run the ball more after Le’Veon Bell rushed only 15 times for 47 yards. Bell has suffered a sow start as he seems to get into game shape after his contract holdout. But he looked in prime form two weeks ago when he ran the ball 35 times for 144 yards with two touchdowns against the Ravens tough defense. Moving forward, Pittsburgh has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 32 road games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home, the Steelers are 22-8-2 ATS.

Kansas City (5-0) remained undefeated last Sunday with their 42-34 win in Houston. But the defense is showing signs of wear after giving up 392 yards in that game. I do expect the season-ending injury to the emotional leader of their defense, Eric Berry, to impact the effectiveness of that unit. The Chiefs have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Kansas City has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after allowing at least 30 points in their last game. The Chiefs averaged 6.25 Yards-Per-Play against the Texans which is actually the least efficient they have been on offense in their last four games. It has been a downward trend in YPP efficiency since they torched the Eagles’ defense at an 8.66 YPP clip in Week Two of the season. Kansas City has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after average 6.0 YPP in for straight games. The Chiefs return home where they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 home games with the Total set in then 42.5 to 49 point range. Lastly, this KC team will still have the memory in the back of their mind of their 18-16 loss at home to the Steelers in the playoffs last January 15th. While the revenge angle may be tempting to some, I look for that memory to inspire confidence in this Steelers team that needs a signature victory to re-establish their own momentum. 25* NFL AFC Underdog of the Month with the Pittsburgh Steelers (269) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (270). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 AM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (220) minus the points versus the San Jose State Spartans (219). Hawai’i (2-4) looks to bounce-back from a 35-21 upset loss at Nevada last week as a 3.5-point favorite. The Rainbow Warriors have bounced-back to win 4 of their last 6 games after an upset loss as a road favorite. Hawai’i has lost four straight games but they were the underdogs in those first three losses before suffering the disappointing loss to the Wolf Pack. Defense has been an issue to this team as they have allowed 610 and then 566 yards in their last two games. But the Warriors have then covered the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after allowing at least 525 yards in their last game. Now this team returns home to play just their third home game all season. After crushing Western Carolina by 23 points on September 2nd, Hawai’i then lost at home by 30 points to a good Colorado State team two weeks ago. The Rainbow Warriors have still covered the point spread in 22 of their last 37  home games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 62 point range. If Hawai’i was not motivated to stop their losing streak tonight, second-year head coach Nick Rolovich will remind this team of their 34-17 loss to the Spartans last year despite being a 3-point favorite.

San Jose State (1-6) has lost five straight games with their 27-10 loss to Fresno State last week. The Spartans are just 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a loss. This team is struggling under rookie head coach Brent Brennan who has not been able to take advantage of the fifteen starters returning from last year’s 4-8 team. Brennan is a high-energy coach but his experience being the wide receivers coach with Oregon State over the last six seasons since working on the Spartans offensive staff from 2005 to 2010 has not produced success with this offense behind sophomore QB Josh Love. San Jose State is scoring only 9.7 PPG along with averaging 304.6 total YPG this season. They are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. They managed only 205 yards last week against the Bulldogs — and they have failed to cover he point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to gain at least 275 yards in their last game. Now this team goes back not he road where they are scoring just 9.7 PPG with a .298.7 total YPG average. The Spartans have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight road games against teams with a losing record at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 road games as an underdog. Lastly, in their last 7 games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range, they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of these games. 5* CFB Bailout Game of the Month with the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (220) minus the points versus the San Jose State Spartans (219). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:45 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Memphis Tigers (194) minus the points versus the Navy Midshipmen (193). Memphis (4-1) looks to build off the momentum of their 70-31 win at UConn last Friday. The Tigers generated a whopping 711 yards of offense in that contest — and they have then covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last contest. The team is getting great play from their QB Riley Ferguson who completed 34 of 48 passes for 431 yards and seven TD passes against the Huskies defense last week. Ferguson has a 16 to 5 touchdown to interception ration this season. Now Memphis returns home for the first time in three weeks where they have covered the point spread in 16 of the last 23 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. This team will be looking to avenge a 42-28 loss to the Midshipmen last October 22nd. The Tigers have struggled on defense after allowing 7.54 and 6.91 Yards-Per-Play in each of their last two games — but they have then covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 6.75 YPP in each of their last two games.

Navy (5-0) remained undefeated last week by winning their first Armed Services rivalry game of the season with their 48-45 victory over Air Force. That was a big win for a Midshipmen team that was swept by the Falcons as well as Army last season. This Navy team may be due for a letdown now in conference play as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after rattling off at least five straight wins. The Midshipmen spread triple option has been clicking as they have gained 537, 511 and 622 yards in each of their last three games. But Navy has then failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after gaining at least 450 yards in each of their last three games. Defense has also been an issue for the Midshipmen who have allowed their last three opponents to average 8.63, 5.98 and 6.36 Yards-Per-Play in each of their last three games. Navy has then failed to cover the point spread in 3 straight games after allowing at least 6.25 YPP in three straight games. The Midshipmen go on the road where they are just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record at home. And in their last 7 games against teams with a winning record, Navy has failed to cover the point spread 5 times. 25* CFB American Athletic Conference Game of the Month with the Memphis Tigers (194) minus the points versus the Navy Midshipmen (193). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Tennessee Volunteers (206) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (205). Tennessee (3-2) has had an extra week off to regroup, rest and prepare for this contest after they were humiliated back on September 30th at home by Georgia by a 41-0 margin as a 10-point home underdog. Head coach Butch Jones had better have used that time to do everything he can to salvage his season since updating his resume will not help him get a job if he can not turn things around this year in his 5th season in Knoxville. One good decision he has made was to bench junior QB Quinten Dormady for redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano. The younger QB has as strong an arm as Dormady but gives the offense more options to move the football with his better legs. Expect Jones to get more out of his offense after being shutout by the stout Bulldogs defense. The Volunteers managed only 142 total yards of offense (84 passing yards) against Georgia — but Tennessee has covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after failing to pass for at least 125 yards and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to generate at least 275 total yards in their last contest. The Vols should play one of their best games of the season after entering the year with high expectations with fourteen starters back from last year’s 9-4 team that won their bowl game against Nebraska by 13 points. Tennessee has only covered the point spread once in their last five games but they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a point spread loss as well as covering the point spread in a decisive 39 of their last 57 games after failing to score the point spread in two straight games. And if this team did not need even more motivation, they will be looking to avenge a 24-21 upset loss at South Carolina last year despite being a 15-point favorite.

South Carolina (4-2) is feeling pretty good about themselves after their 48-22 upset win over Arkansas last Saturday as a 3-point underdog. The Gamecocks were galvanized by three defensive touchdowns in that game via two interceptions and one fumble recovery from a charity driven Razorbacks team. That covered up the first down battle closing at a 19-19 draw while South Carolina only outgained Arkansas by 28 net yards. In fact, despite winning four of their six games this year, the Gamecocks are being outgained by -54.8 net YPG this season. Expect a big emotional letdown from this team now on the road where they are averaging just 294.7 total YPG in their three previous contests. South Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games off an upset victory as a home underdog — and they have failed to cover the point spread in an upset victory by at least two touchdowns. As it is, the Gamecocks are just 2-5-1 ATS after a point spread win. And while South Carolina has covered the point spread in two straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after covering the point spread in two of their last three games. The Gamecocks are 48-13 straight-up in their last sixty-one games on their home field — but this young team is not nearly as good when playing in hostile environments. This season, they are getting outgained by -146.3 net YPG when away from home. 25* CFB SEC Game of the Month on the Tennessee Volunteers (206) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (205). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Houston Astros (902) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the New York Yankees (901) listing both starting pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Masahiro Tanaka. New York (95-73) picked themselves off the mat falling 0-2 in their series with the Indians to win three straight games to advance to the American League Championship Series with their 5-2 victory on Wednesday. Expect a big letdown from this team now — and manager Joe Girardi may decide to save some of his bullpen arms if this one gets out of hand early. Certainly, this will be the least urgent game for the Yankees since Game One of the ALDS. As it is, New York has lost 17 of their last 25 road games after winning at least three straight games. The Yankees have also lost 5 of their last 6 games in the playoffs on the road. And in their last 5 games in the ALCS, New York has lost all 5 contests. They give the ball to Tanaka who is 13-12 with a 4.74 ERA and 1.24 WHIP this season. The right-hander has struggled on the road where he has been saddled with a 6.48 ERA along with a 1.50 WHIP and .292 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts as compared to his 3.22 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and .223 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts at home. The Yankees have lost 5 of their last 7 road games with Tanaka facing a team with a winning record. Furthermore, New York has lost 4 straight games with Tanaka making the start agains the Astros. That is not a good sign when now this hot-hitting Houston team that is scoring 4.9 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with a .289 batting average along with a .354 On-Base Percentage and .793 OPS over that span. Additionally, the Astros have won a decisive 42 of their last 62 home games against right-handed starting pitchers.

Houston (104-62) has won four of their last five games after dispatching of the Red Sox in four games in the ALDS with their 5-4 victory on Monday. The Astros have then won 18 of their last 24 games after a victory — and they have won 6 of their last 7 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Additionally, Houston has won 13 of their last 16 games at home. They give the ball to Dallas Keuchel who is 14-5 with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been very tough at home where he enjoys a 2.26 ERA along with an 0.95 WHIP and .187 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts at home. The Astros have won 36 of their last 52 home games with Keuchel on the hill. He faces cold Yankees’ lineup that is hitting just .206 with their last seven games with a .287 On-Base Percentage and a .652 OPS over that span. Lastly, because Houston has a slugging percentage of .467, they are supported by an empirical angle specific to the Run-Line that has been 65% effective over the last five seasons. The Astros bullpen averages pitching 3.4 innings per game — and teams with a slugging percentage of at least .440 with a bullpen that averages at least 3.2 innings per game now facing an American League starting pitcher with a WHIP of 1.30 or lower have then covered the -1.5 Run-Line in 70 of the last 108 situations where these conditions applied. 25* MLB American League Run-Line of the Year with the Houston Astros (902) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the New York Yankees (901) listing both starting pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Masahiro Tanaka. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Philadelphia Eagles (104) plus the points versus the Carolina Panthers (103). Carolina (4-1) looks due for a big letdown after scoring their second-straight upset victory with their 27-24 win in Detroit as a 2-point underdog. That win came on the heels of their upset win on the road in New England the week before. But the Panthers are just 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games after a straight-up victory — and they are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games after a point spread win. Cam Newton has been outstanding over his last two games by completing 26 of 33 passes for 355 yards against the Lions. He is completing over 77% over his last two games — but that may mean the Complacent (and bad) Cam may be about to make a reappearance when playing on a short week. Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after passing for at least 250 yards in their last game. And while they held the Lions to just 242 yards of offense, the Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after holding their last opponent to 250 or fewer yards. Carolina does not hold much of a home field advantage as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games at home. And in their last 8 appearances on Thursday Night Football, the Panthers have failed to cover the point spread 6 times.

Philadelphia (4-1) is a consistent team from week-to-week that should be prepared to play well on a short week. They might have the best combination of offensive and defensive lines in the league. The Eagles also lead the NFL in Time of Possession. QB Carson Wentz is emerging into a star in this league while veteran running back LeGarrette Blount has averaged at least 7 Yards Per Touch over his last two games. And while the Panthers are converting on an incredible 50% of their 3rd downs, Philly actually tops that number with their 53.4% 3rd down conversion rate. The Eagles have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against fellow NFC opponents. 25* NFL Thursday Night Football Game of the Month with the Philadelphia Eagles (104) plus the points versus the Carolina Panthers (103). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Chicago Cubs (959) versus the Washington Nationals (960) listing both starting pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Gio Gonzalez. In this winner-take-all single elimination contest, expect the reigning World Series Champions to bounce-back with a victory tonight. Washington (99-67) forced a climactic fifth game in this series last night with their 5-0 shutout victory. But in a one-game playoff, I have much more faith in the managerial skill of Joe Maddon over Dusty Baker who has seen his teams lose 8 of the 12 elimination games that he has managed in his career even after yesterday. Furthermore, with all the drama and emotion surrounding Stephen Strasburg-Gate, this is a team primed for an emotional letdown after surviving that elimination game on the road yesterday. The Nationals return home where they have lost 6 of their last 8 playoff games at home — so there will be a nervous energy in Washington with fans perhaps expecting bad things to happen. And while the Nationals have not allowed more than three runs in any game in this series, they have then lost 17 of their last 24 games after not allowing more than three runs in at least four straight games. They give the ball to Gonzales how is 15-9 with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP this season. The left-hander has not been as effective at home where he has a 1.20 WHIP and .226 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts as compared to his 1.16 WHIP and .208 opponent’s batting average in seventeen starts on the road. Washington has lost 5 of their last 7 games with Gonzalez pitching on four days of rest. Gonzalez also has mediocre numbers in the playoffs given his 4.24 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in five starts in 23 1/3 innings of work. And in their last 5 games with Gonzalez facing a team these Cubs, the Nationals have lost 4 of these games.

Chicago (94-72) should be calm in this contest given their experience from last year where they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Indians in the World Series. As it is, the Cubs have won 30 of their last 41 games after a loss. Chicago has also won 5 straight games after allowing at least five runs in their last game. The Cubs have not hit a home run in the last two games of this series — but they have then won 25 of their last 36 road games after failing to hit a home run for two straight games. This is a great road team that has won a decisive 70 of their last 105 road games when favored in the -100 to -150 price range over the last two seasons. Chicago has also won 11 of their last 15 road games against teams with a winning record. They give the ball to Hendricks who is 7-5 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective on the road this year where he enjoys a 2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and .234 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts as compared to his 3.20 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and .248 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts at home. Hendricks has a proven track record in the postseason where he sports a 1.98 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP in eight playoff starts spanning 41 innings of work. Furthermore, the Cubs have won 8 of their last 10 games with Hendricks on the hill after a game where they did not score more than two earned runs in their last game. 25* MLB Cubs-Nationals Game Five *A-List* Special with the money-line on the Chicago Cubs (959) versus the Washington Nationals (960) listing both starting pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Gio Gonzalez. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:08 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the New York Yankees (915) plus the +1.5 Run-Line versus the Cleveland Indians (916) listing both starting pitchers C.C. Sabathia and Corey Kluber. I hate this situation for Cleveland (104-62). After winning the first two games of this series after eking out the second game of this series at home by a 9-8 score in 13 innings. The Indians then lost both games played in New York and now return home for this climactic fifth game with the entire city fully aware that they have lost six straight winner-take-all games in the MLB Playoffs. Furthermore, a loss by Cleveland tonight will make the Indians team the first team in MLB history to blow a playoff series with at least a two-game lead at one — with the nightmare of losing last year’s World Series on the mind of everyone in that stadium tonight. Additionally, the Indians have also lost sixteen of their nineteen games when they have the opportunity to clinch a playoff series. They are swinging very cold bats right now as they have a .170 batting average with just 18 hits over the last three games spanning 31 innings. Cleveland has then lost 30 of their last 46 games when not hitting better than .175 over their last three games. The Indians have also lost 5 of their last 7 games in the playoffs with the memories of their World Series collapse looming. Cleveland has also lost 4 of their last 5 Game Fives. They give the ball to their ace Kluber who is 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP this season. But Kluber’s confidence may be shaky after he allowed six earned runs in 2 2/3 innings of work in Game One of this series. Furthermore, not only has Cleveland lost 24 of their last 43 games with Kluber looking to stop a losing streak but they have also lost 5 of their last 7 games with Kluber pitching after a game where they allowed at least five earned runs.

New York (94-73) will be playing with tons of confidence and very little pressure since this young team was considered a year away. The experience and leadership of manager Joe Girardi offers them a big psychological advantage in this game. The Yankees have won 5 of their last 7 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. New York has also won 8 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 13 games on the road with the Total set in the 7 to 7.5 range, the Yankees have won 10 of these contests. Furthermore, this New York team has won an incredible 15 of their last 28 games straight-up when a big money-line underdog priced in the +175 to +250 range. They give the ball to their veteran leader C.C. Sabathia who is 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP this season. His 112 2/3 innings of postseason work in his career will have him prepared for this moment. Sabathia was solid in the opening game of this series when he allowed two earned runs on just three hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Girardi also has the benefit of two super relievers in David Robertson and Aroldis Chapman as well as his entire starting staff for this contest. Sabathia has had a better ERA on the road where he had a 3.18 ERA in fourteen start as compared to his 4.20 ERA in thirteen starts when at home. The Yankees have won 11 of their last 15 games with Sabathia facing a team with a winning record. Lastly, while the Yankees are hitting just .208 over their last five games, that helps support them with a 65% effective specific to the Run-Line over the last five seasons. Cleveland is hitting .260 this season — and American League road underdogs with a batting average no better than .265 for the season but hitting less than .225 over their last five games now facing a team with a bullpen ERA of 3.75 or less (Cleveland bullpen: 2.84 ERA) have then covered the +1.5 Run-Line in 85 of the last 133 situations where these conditions applied. The Yankees could pull the upset tonight but take the advantage of the +1.5 Run-Line with them reasonably priced. 25*  MLB Divisional Playoffs Run-Line of the Year with the New York Yankees (915) plus the +1.5 Run-Line versus the Cleveland Indians (916) listing both starting pitchers C.C. Sabathia and Corey Kluber. Best of luck for us — Frank.

PLEASE NOTE: Our play is on the Under. I committed a data entry error when loading this play and there lacks a quick fix to this on my end of things. I apologize for the confusion while hoping it is my only mistake of the day. Thanks, Frank.

At 8:30 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Vikings (475) and the Chicago Bears (476). Minnesota (2-2) looks to bounce-back from their 14-7 loss at Detroit last Sunday. The Vikings have now played 16 of their last 21 games Under the Total against NFC North opponents. Minnesota has also played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total in the month of October. And in their last 18 games after failing to score more than 14 points, the Vikings have played 13 of these games Under the Total. The teams looks to get QB Sam Bradford back under center tonight but he returns with his phenom running back Dalvin Cook out the season with a torn ACL. Losing Cook will slow down this offense. Moving forward, Minnesota has seen the Under go 15-6-1 in their last 22 games on the road — and this includes playing 6 of their last 8 road games Under the Total against teams with a losing record at home.

Chicago (1-3) looks to bounce-back from a 35-14 loss in Green Bay two Thursdays ago as a 7.5-point underdog. The Bears have then played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Additionally, Chicago has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after allowing at least 30 points in their last game. And in their last 4 games after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game, the Bears have played all 4 games Under the Total. With head coach John Fox tapping rookie Mitch Trubisky to make his first NFL start tonight, expect the team to game plan to put him in a position to succeed by running the ball plenty and shortening the length of this game — and that helps our Under play. Moving forward, Chicago has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total in the month of October. Lastly, the Bears have played a decisive 48 of their last 76 games at home Under the Total as an underdog getting 7 points or less. 25* NFL NFC North Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Vikings (475) and the Chicago Bears (476). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:08 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Nationals (905) versus the Chicago Cubs (906) listing both starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Jose Quintana. Washington (98-66) evened this series at 1-1 on Saturday with their 6-3 win over the Cubbies. The Nationals have then won 5 of their last 7 games after an off-day. Washington has also been capable road warriors this season as they have won 36 of their last 53 road games against teams with a winning record. The Nationals have also won 12 of their last 13 road games with the Total set in the 7 to 7.5 range. They send out Max Scherzer — and it is Scherzer we are trusting in his duel with Quintana. The right-hander has been tough again this season with his 16-6 record along with a 2.51 ERA and 0.90 WHIP this season. He has been even better when on the road where he enjoys a 1.82 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and .156 opponent’s batting average in sixteen starts. The Nationals have won 6 of their last 8 road games with Scherzer facing a team with a winning record. Scherzer is pitching great right now as he enjoys a 1.65 ERA with a 0.74 WHIP over his last three starts with a 22:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in those 16 1/3 innings of work. He should fare well against this Cubs team that is hitting just .211 over their last seven games with a .278 On-Base Percentage and .631 OPS.

Chicago (93-71) saw their bullpen let them down on Saturday as they surrendered five runs in the 8th inning for that 6-3 loss. The Cubs have then lost 9 of their last 13 games after a game where their bullpen gave up at least four runs. Chicago returns home to Wrigley Field where they have lost 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. They counter with Jose Quintana who I expect to get out-pitched this afternoon. For the season, the left-hander has a 4.15 ERA along with a 1.22 WHIP. This will be his first game ever in the postseason after spending most of his career with the White Sox — and this puts him at a significant disadvantage in playoff experience relative to Scherzer who has 74 2/3 playoff innings under his belt. Quintana has not been as effective at home at Wrigley Field for the Cubs this year where he has a 4.76 ERA along with a 1.15 WHIP and 238 opponent’s batting average in eight starts as compared to his 2.54 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and .215 opponent’s batting average in six starts on the road. Quintana’s teams have lost 5 of their last 6 home games when a money-line underdog priced at least at +100. He faces a Washington team that has won 4 of their last 5 road games against left-handed starting pitchers. And in the Nationals last 6 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower, they have won 5 of these games. 25* MLB Divisional Playoffs Game of the Year with the money-line on the Washington Nationals (905) versus the Chicago Cubs (906) listing both starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Jose Quintana. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Houston Texans (474) plus the point(s) versus the Kansas City Chiefs (473). Houston (2-2) is brimming with confidence right now after their 57-14 win over Tennessee last week. The Texans have an elite defense (#1 in Total Defense last season even with J.J. Watt missing most of the season) — but they now look like they have found their long awaited answer at quarterback with rookie Deshaun Watson under center. The former Clemson National Champion completed 25 of 34 passes for 283 yards with four TD passes and he added another 24 yards on the ground with another TD. Watson’s mobility will give the Chiefs problems tonight. Kansas City has already seen Carson Wentz rush for 55 yards and Kirk Cousins scramble for 38 key yards — and neither of them are as mobile as Watson. Overall, the Texans generated 445 yards of offense against the Titans last week — and they are then 19-6-2 ATS in their last 27 games after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. Houston is also 11-5-1 ATS in their last 16 games after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. The Texans stay at home where they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games against teams with a winning record on the road.

Kansas City (4-0) pulled out a 29-20 victory over Washington on Monday Night Football. With that miracle back door cover coming from the fumble recovery for a touchdown on the last play of the game, the Chiefs have now covered three straight games while laying the points. But that could signal a big emotional letdown for this team as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after covering the point spread as the favorite in their previous three games. Kansas City has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after playing on a short week after an appearance on Monday Night Football. The offense has been dynamic with Alex Smith and company averaging 8.67 Yards-Per-Play in their opening game against the Patriots and following that up with 9.45, 6.76 and 6.31 YPP marks over their next three games. But the Chiefs have then failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 16 games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in each of their last three games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP for four straight games. The Chiefs lost to the Texans last year by a  19-12 with Brock Osweiler under center for Houston. Brock Osweiler! 25* NFL Sunday Night Football Game of the Month on the Houston Texans (474) plus the point(s) versus the Kansas City Chiefs (473). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Cleveland Indians (953) and the New York Yankees (954) listing both starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Masahiro Tanaka. New York (92-73) finds themselves on the brink of elimination tonight after falling behind by a 2-0 margin in this series on Friday with their 9-8 loss to the Indians. The Yankees have then played 13 of their last 19 games Under the Total after a loss. New York has also valued 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Furthermore, the Yankees have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Now New York returns home to Yankee Stadium where they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total. The Yanks have also played 7 of their last 9 games in the playoffs at home Under the Total. They give the ball to Tanaka who is 13-12 with a 4.74 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP this season. But the right-hander has been much better at home where he owns a 3.22 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and .223 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts as compared to his 6.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and .292 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts on the road. The Under is 6-2-1 in the Yankees’ last 9 home games with Tanaka on the hill. He should pitch well against this Cleveland team that is hitting just .220 over their last seven games with a mediocre .324 On-Base Percentage and a .703 OPS over that span. The Indians have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against right-handed starting pitchers.

Cleveland (104-60) has played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total after allowing at least eight runs in their last game. The Indians have also played 21 of their last 26 games Under the Total after scoring at least nine runs in their last game. And in their last 15 games after a game where at least fifteen combined runs were scored, Cleveland has played 13 of these games Under the Total. Now they go on the road where the Under is a decisive 39-18-7 in their last 64 games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% at home. The Indians have also played 6 of their last 7 playoff games on the road Under the Total. They counter with Carlos Carrasco who is 18-6 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.10 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective on the road where he has a 2.65 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and .210 opponent’s batting average as compared to his 3.99 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and .263 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts at home. Cleveland has played 13 of their last 15 road games Under the Total with Carrasco pitching as a money-line favorite priced no higher than -150. He should thrive against this Yankees team that is hitting just .219 over their last seven games with a .219 batting average along with a .292 On-Base Percentage and .687 OPS. 25* MLB Divisional Playoffs Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Cleveland Indians (953) and the New York Yankees (954) listing both starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Masahiro Tanaka. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:25 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Dallas Cowboys (472) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (471). Dallas (2-2) looks to bounce-back from a 35-30 upset loss at home to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday. Don’t blame QB Dak Prescott for that loss as he completed 20 of 36 passes for 252 yards and three TD passes against the Rams defense. The Cowboys have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after passing for at least 250 yards in their last game. Dallas also ran the ball for 189 yards behind Ezekiel Elliott who rushed for 85 yards on 21 carries. The Cowboys have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after rushing for at least 175 yards in their last game. Elliott running the ball on first down should put Dallas in the position to win this game. In their two games against the Packers last season, Elliott ran the ball 32 times on first down where he accumulated 216 of the 285 rushing yards he generated against the Green Bay defense. Generating yardage on first down was the straw that stirred the drink for the Cowboys offense last season. They ran the ball 59.4% of the time on first down last year and averaged 5.1 Yards-Per-Carry on those plays which set up short yardage for second and third downs. This took plenty of pressure off Prescott and helped offensive coordinator Scott Linehan be more flexible with their play-calling since they were not in long yardage situations. Look for Dallas to get back to this winning formula against the Packers. It was a -2 net turnover margin that played a big role in their loss to the Rams last week. When the Cowboys get their offense going, they are tough to beat. Dallas had 440 total yards last week — and they have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after gaining at least 400 yards in their last game. The Cowboys have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games in the month of October.

Green Bay (3-1) enters this rematch of the NFC Divisional Playoffs last year off their 35-14 win over the Bears back on September 28th. The Packers dominated that game because of a +4 net turnover margin after the Bears lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions which helped them go to half time with a 21-7 lead. Those mistakes by Chicago covered up for a host of injuries that Green Bay was dealing with. The Packers’ offensive line situation remains muddled with both David Baktiari and Bryan Bulaga still questionable for this afternoon’s game which may mean that they will have to rely on the 5th and 6th tackles on their original depth chart to start this game. The team will also be without their starting running back Ty Montgomery. Green Bay has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after winning three of their last four games. And in their last 7 trips to Dallas, the Packers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of those games. Of course, Green Bay upset the Cowboys in that playoff game in AT&T Stadium last January by a 34-31 score in an instant classic — but look for Dallas to avenge that loss amidst criticism that they entered the season overrated. 25* NFL NFC Game of the Month with the Dallas Cowboys (472) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (471). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Oregon Ducks (378) plus the points versus the Washington State Cougars (377). Washington State (5-0) pulled off a big upset last Friday night on their home field when they defeated USC by a 30-27 score as a 4.5-point underdog. The Cougars now go on the road for the first time all season — and they looked primed for a big letdown when now facing to playing in a hostile environment for the first time since last November. Even more challenging, this will be a nationally televised game in a tough environment in Autzen Stadium — and at night to boot. As it is, Washington State has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after a win by a field goal or less against a fellow Pac-12 opponent. And while the Cougars generated 462 yards of offense against the Trojans in that game, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games. A +1.0 net turnover margin — ranking tied for 17th in the FBS — is helping this team remain unbeaten. But the bounces and the mistakes may start going against them now that they are not playing at home. And two of Washington State’s victories were by just a field goal — so this could be a 3-2 team if a break or two went the other way. Tellingly, the Cougars have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record.

Oregon (4-1) enters this game coming off a 45-24 win over Cal. The Ducks are underdogs in this game in large measure because of some early injuries in that game to some important players on offense. Most notably, sophomore QB Justin Herbert is out indefinitely with a collarbone. But note that Oregon covered the -17-point spread even after enduring these injuries against the Golden Bears. Their star senior running back Royce Freeman as well as senior QB Taylor Alie have been upgraded to probable for this game. Ali was capable under center last week by completing 9 of 13 passes for 41 yards while adding another 17 yards on the ground in protecting the team’s lead — but don’t be surprised if freshman Braxton Burmeister gets plenty of action under center. The QB was recruited by first-year head coach Willie Taggart to specifically fit his system and Taggart has described him as a “gym rat.” The Ducks had only 131 passing yards last week — but they have then covered the point spread in 35 of their last 52 games after failing to pass for at least 170 yards in their last game. Oregon defeated Cal by outrushing them by a whopping 320 net yards — and they have then covered the point spread in 27 of their last 40 games after outrushing their last opponent by at least 200 yards in their last game. The Ducks are 17-8-1 ATS in their last 26 games against teams with a winning record. Oregon is also 35-15-1 ATS in their last 51 games in the October. Lastly, the Ducks have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 home games as an underdog getting 7 points or less. 25* CFB Saturday Night Fox-TV Game of the Month with the Oregon Ducks (378) plus the points versus the Washington State Cougars (377). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:30 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Florida State Seminoles (418) plus the points versus the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (417). Florida State (1-2) has National Championship aspirations but an opening loss to Alabama which included a season-ending injury to their sophomore quarterback Deondre Francois along with then some warranted Hurricane Irma distractions and then returning to host a tough NC State team (as Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson found out on Thursday) left this team 0-2. The Seminoles showed result last week by traveling to Winston-Salem to face a gritty and defensive-minded Wake Forest team that would have loved to have upset them too — but Florida State came away with a 26-19 victory as a 7-point favorite. Now this team has the opportunity to ruin their arch rival Miami’s perfect start to the season while keeping their possible ACC Championship Game hopes alive (just win out). Head coach Jimbo Fisher still has an elite defense that held the Crimson Tide to just 269 yards of offense. Nine starters returned from the unit that allowed only 18.5 PPG along with 293.2 total YPG over their last eight games last season. Freshman QB James Blackman was solid under center against the Demon Deacons as he completed 11 of 21 passes for 121 yards and TD pass (no interceptions). Remember that Fisher is the Young QB Whisperer and the team can lean on junior running back Jacques Patrick who rushed for 120 yards and a TD on 19 carries last week. Look for the Seminoles to play their best game of the season this afternoon. Florida State has covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a straight-up victory — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after allowing no more than 20 points in their last game. The Seminoles have also covered the point spread in 20 of their last 28 games after a victory on the road where they did not cover point spread expectations. Florida State is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record. They have covered there point spread in 5 of their last 7 games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range — and that includes three straight winners in that situation when playing at home. And in their last 32 games in expected close games when listed in the +/- 3-point range, the Seminoles have covered the point spread 23 times.

Miami (3-0) remained undefeated this season with their commanding 31-6 win at Duke two Fridays ago back on September 29th. That game was a bit closer than the final score suggested with the Hurricanes only winning the yardage battle by a 409 to 349 margin while losing the first down comparison by a 24 to 19 divide. That was the most difficult challenge so far on the Miami schedule — but them having to play on the road for a second straight week for head coach Mark Richt’s team. A weak strength of schedule always helps to raise expectations of this team with its storied past — but this team has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games in the month of October. Their defense on paper looks very good — but they are coached by Manny Diaz who has earned the reputation of perhaps being too gimmicky in his many, many spots as a defensive coordinator. On offense, the team is clicking under redshirt junior Malik Rosier who had only one start under his belt entering the season. While the Hurricanes have averaged 8.0, 9.5 and 9.0 Yards-Per-Play in their three games this year, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 24 games after averaging at least 6.25 YPP in each of their last three games. This will be the best defense that Rosier has ever played against. Lastly, this Diaz-coached defense has been shaky already this season — they allowed 183 rushing yards to Duke while surrendering 344 yards to Toledo in the air. Unfortunate circumstances sees the Seminoles with two losses already this year — but this rivalry game can make some amends for them to this disappointing start. 25* CFB ACC Game of the Year with the Florida State Seminoles (418) plus the points versus the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (417). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (361) plus the points versus the Tulane Green Wave (362). Tulsa (1-4) looks to salvage their season on Saturday having dropped three straight games after a 31-21 loss at home to Navy as an 8.5-point underdog. The Golden Hurricanes have endured a difficult schedule to begin their 2017 campaign — opening with Oklahoma State while also playing two other bowl teams in New Mexico and the Midshipmen last week. The defensive numbers for this team are a nightmare right now — but they have not padded their schedule with cupcakes. This is the third straight week that Tulsa will be playing against a spread triple option ground game so they have faced this style of defense as much as one of the armed forces schools as this point. Regression was expected for this team in head coach Philip Montgomery’s third year after returning thirteen starters from their triumphant 10-3 team last year. They lost their QB Dane Evans from that team — but sophomore Chad President has been solid run the Baylor-style offense that Montgomery earned his reputation as the “Quarterback Whisperer.” President completed 12 of 18 passes for 115 yards and a TD pass last week while adding another 151 rushing yards with a TD on the ground. Look for the Golden Hurricanes to play very hard in this make-or-break game for their bowl aspirations. Tulsa has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games after a point spread loss. They did rush for 229 yards last week against Navy — and they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game. The Golden Hurricanes have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games against conference opponents under Montgomery. And in their last 16 games on the road, Tulsa has covered the point spread 13 times.

Tulane (2-2) enters this game coming off a 21-17 win over Army two Saturdays ago. The Green Wave benefited from a +3 net turnover margin in that contest that held them overcome being outgained by 15 yards while losing the first down battle by seven first downs. Tulane has been one of the most fortunate teams in the nation by averaging a +1.25 net turnover margin per game which is 14th best in the nation. The Green Wave surrendered 371 rushing yards in that game — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after allowing at least 200 rushing yards in their last game. Tulane has faced an interesting schedule so far this season as they have faced two triple option teams in Army and Navy as well as Grambling while also facing the spread passing attack of Oklahoma that resembles the Montgomery offense at Tulsa. The Sooners tore the Green Wave secondary for 434 passing yards and while I do not expect the Golden Hurricanes to replicate that number, I do look for President to have a good passing game. Tulane has covered the point spread in two of their last three games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last eight games after covering the point spread in two of their last three games. 25* CFB American Athletic Conference Underdog of the Month with the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (361) plus the points versus the Tulane Green Wave (362). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:35 PM EDT on Friday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Dodgers (984) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the Arizona Diamondbacks (983) listing both starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Taijuan Walker. Arizona (94-69) advanced the National League Divisional Series with their 11-8 win over the Rockies on Wednesday. But this Diamondbacks team now opens this series having lost 5 of their last 7 opening games to a new series. Arizona has lost 5 straight games in the playoffs on the road. The Diamondbacks have also lost 5 of their last 7 games on the road from the regular season. And in their last 10 playoff games, Arizona has lost 7 of these contests. Additionally, this team has been awful when priced as a big money-line underdog as they have lost 63 of their last 76 games when priced as an underdog at +200 or higher. Because of the Wildcard game which required Zack Greinke to pitch and Robbie Ray to take the mound to help preserve their lead, the Diamondbacks have to rely on Walker to take the mound tonight. The right-hander is 9-9 with a 3.49 ERA and 1.33 WHIP this season — but he has not been as effective on the road where he has an ERA of 1.36 and an opponent’s batting average of .251 in sixteen starts as compared to his 1.30 WHIP and .242 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts at home. Furthermore, Arizona has lost 6 of their last 7 games with Walker pitching with five days of rest. Walker does not enter this game pitching well as he has a 5.27 ERA and 1.68 WHIP over his last three starts. He faces a Los Angeles team that has won a decisive 48 of their last 66 home games against right-handed starting pitchers. The Dodgers have also won 53 of their last 76 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher.

Los Angeles (104-58) has recovered from their August slump as they enter the postseason having won six of their last seven games. The Dodgers have won a decisive 47 of their last 65 games at home — and this includes winning ten of their last thirteen home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Los Angeles has also won 16 of their last 21 games after an off day. They give the ball to their ace Clayton Kershaw who was 18-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 0.95 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been very tough at home in fourteen starts where he has a 0.92 WHIP and .206 opponent’s batting average as compared to his 0.98 WHIP and .219 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts on the road. The Dodgers have won 39 of their last 51 home games with Kershaw facing a team with a winning record. Kershaw has a troubled past in the playoffs where he has a career ERA of 4.55 in 89 innings — but facing these very familiar Diamondbacks will help. Kershaw is 14-8 with a 2.55 ERA in 26 career starts against Arizona which includes a 2-0 mark with a 0.59 ERA this year. With the Dodgers priced in the -250 money-line range, lets reduce that price by taking Los Angeles behind Kershaw at around half that price with the -1.5 Run-Line — and the Dodgers are supported by an empirical situational angle that has been 65%  effective that is specific to that -1.5 Run-Line. Arizona has won eleven of the nineteen meetings between these two teams this season — including winning the last six encounters with the last two being by 3-1 scores. However, teams with a winning percentage of at least 62% looking to avenge at least two straight losses against an opponent with a winning record where they did not score more than one run in either game have then covered the -1.5 Run-Line in 53 of the last 81 situations where these conditions applied. 25* MLB National League Playoff Run-Line of the Year with the  Los Angeles Dodgers (984) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the Arizona Diamondbacks (983) listing both starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Taijuan Walker. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EDT on Thursday, we will be playing the North Carolina State Wolfpack (306) plus the points versus the Louisville Cardinals (305). Louisville (4-1) remains on paper one of the best teams in the nation by Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. The junior was sensational in his last game against Murray State as he completed 18 of 26 passes for 249 yards and three TDs while adding another 100 yards and a TD on the ground en route to a 55-10 blowout victory. But that is the deal with this Cardinals team: they overwhelm inferior teams but fall short against good teams. This team got exposed late last season by dropping their last three contests to Houston, Kentucky and then LSU in the Citrus Bowl. The issue was on their offensive line as that unit was dominant in all three of those games. The Cardinals managed to score just 19.0 PPG over those last three contests after putting up an average of 49.6 PPG in their first eleven games. Too many penalties and too many missed assignments were the main culprits that epitomized this poor play. By the end of the season, Louisville had also allowed 47 sacks and 83 tackles-for-loss which were both 3rd worst in the nation. Head coach Bobby Petrino responded in the offseason by hiring Mike Summers as co-offensive coordinator as well as the offensive line coach to help rebuild a line that only returned both starting tackles. Their biggest test of their offensive line was against Clemson three weeks ago and Jackson was sacked five times in a 47-27 loss where they were outgained by -180 net yards. Now this team faces an outstanding from seven with this Wolfpack team led by defensive end Bradley Chubb that bypassed the NFL last season to return for his senior year. Chubb has 22 tackles for loss last season and already has another 12 tackles for loss this season. NC State returned eight senior starters from the group that 8th in the nation in run defense by holding opponents to 2.7 Yards-Per-Carry last season — more on this team that has already upset Florida State this season. But this is precisely the type of team that has given Jackson and this Cardinals team fits to hand them four losses over their last eight games. While Louisville has feasted on Kent State and the Racers last week representing an FCS school, they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games against teams with a winning record. The Cardinals have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games in the month of October.

North Carolina State (4-1) has won four straight games with their 33-25 win over Syracuse last Saturday as a 14-point favorite. Besides this elite defense that led them to victory in Tallahassee against Florida State, the Wolfpack also have an underrated QB in junior Ryan Findley who is completing 72.1% of his passes this season. Perhaps more importantly, Findley has not thrown an interception in 192 passes this year. NC State has not committed a single turnover in their four-game winning streak — and they have then covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after not committing a turnover in their last game. The Wolfpack rushed for 256 yards against the Orange last week which helped them control the clock for 36:29 minutes in that game. Not only is that a formula to keep Jackson off the field but NC State has then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game. The Wolfpack have played two straight Unders — and they have then covered the point spread in 30 of their last 34 games after playing at least two straight Unders. And in their last 5 Thursday night games, NC State has covered the point spread in 4 of these games. Lastly, the seventeen returning starters on this team will be very motivated to avenge an embarrassing 54-13 loss to the Cardinals last season. That was the week after this team suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss to a Clemson team that went on to win the National Championship so this team will not be lacking confidence. They just need focus — and that should not be an issue for them for this prime-time nationally televised contest. 25* CFB Thursday Night Game of the Month with the North Carolina State Wolfpack (306) plus the points versus the Louisville Cardinals (305). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing the Arizona Diamondbacks (934) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the Colorado Rockies (933) listing both starting pitchers Jon Gray and Zack Greinke. Arizona (93-68) looks to take care of business tonight and advance to the National League Divisional Playoffs with a win over the Rockies. Getting to play this game at home is a big advantage for this team as they were a dominant 52-29 at home in Chase Field this year. The Diamondbacks won 6 of their last 8 games at home to close out the regular season. Arizona has also won 11 of their last 13 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 28 games against fellow NL West opponents, the Diamondbacks have won 20 of these contests. They give the ball to Greinke who is 17-7 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 17-7 mark with a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Greinke has been more effective at home where he enjoys a 2.87 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and .209 opponent’s batting average in eighteen starts as compared to his 3.65 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and .256 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts on the road. Arizona has won 20 of their last 26 home games with Greinke on the mound.

Colorado (97-75) was a strong 46-35 at home in Coors Field but they were just 41-40 on the road. The Rockies have lost 6 of their last 8 games on the road. Colorado has also lost 5 of the last 6 games after an off day. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record, the Rockies have lost 4 of these contests. That does not inspire confidence for an organization that has lost 7 of their last 8 games in the playoffs. Furthermore, Colorado has lost 7 of their last 10 games against NL West opponents — and they have lost 7 of their last 9 games against the Diamondbacks. They counter with Job Gray who is 10-4 with a 3.67 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season. But while the right-hander has a 3.13 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and .244 opponent’s batting average in eight starts at home, those numbers rise to a 4.06 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and .281 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts on the road. The Rockies have lost 11 of their last 16 games on the road with Gray facing a team with a winning record. He faces a strong Arizona lineup that scores 5.6 Runs-Per-Game at home with a .274 batting average along with a .346 On-Base Percentage and .819 OPS. Additionally, the Diamondbacks have won 4 of their last 5 home games against right-handed starting pitchers. Lastly, while none of these team trends take into account the -1.5 Run-Line we are laying for this game, the Rockies do fall into an empirical “play-against” angle specific to the Run-Line that has been 69% effective over the last five seasons. Colorado has a .433 slugging percentage — and road teams with a slugging percentage of .430 or higher using a starting pitcher that does not walk more than 1.75 batters per start (Gray: 1.67 walks per start) now facing a starting pitcher with a WHIP of 1.25 or lower have then failed to cover the +1.5 Run-Line in 50 of the last 72 situations where these conditions applied. 25* MLB National League West Run-Line of the Year with the Arizona Diamondbacks (934) minus the -1.5 Run-Line versus the Colorado Rockies (933) listing both starting pitchers Jon Gray and Zack Greinke. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Arkansas State Red Wolves (301) and the Georgia Southern Eagles (302). Georgia Southern (0-3) is still looking for the first win of the season after their 52-17 loss at Indiana back on September 23rd. The play of the Eagles defense was not quite as bad as the scoreboard reflected with two of the Hoosiers’ touchdowns resulting from a 70-yard punt return as well as a 22-yard fumble recovery. Overall, Georgia Southern allowed 468 yards in that game — but they have then played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. The Eagles have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after allowing at least 40 points in their last contest. Now Georgia Southern begins conference play with a bit of a blank slate. This team needs to get their “Flexbone” offense going again after this team got away from that foundation last season in the first year under head coach Tyson Summers. The team averaged 22 passing attempts last season which was double the amount in the previous season under Willie Fritz. The Eagles did rush for 242 yards against Indiana — and they have then played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game. Keeping the potent Arkansas State offense off the field has to be a top priority for this team tonight. Georgia Southern has played 7 of their last 9 games in the Sun Belt Under the Total. And in their last 6 games in the month of October, the Eagles have played 5 of these games Under the Total.

Arkansas State (1-2) looks to bounce-back from a 24-21 loss at SMU on September 23rd as a 3-point underdog. The Red Wolves have then played 5 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a point spread setback. Additionally, Arkansas State has seen the Under go 7-2-1 in their last 10 games after a loss by at least 20 points. And the Red Wolves have played 5 straight games Under the Total after allowing at least 40 points in their last game. Now this team begins their conference schedule as well — and they return five starters from a group that help Sun Belt opponents to just 15.3 PPG last season. Lastly, Arkansas State has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total on the road. 25* CFB Sun Belt Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Arkansas State Red Wolves (301) and the Georgia Southern Eagles (302). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Minnesota Twins (931) and the New York Yankees (932) listing both starting pitchers Ervin Santana and Luis Severino. We have a strong technical situation here. New York (91-71) hosts this AL Wildcard game tonight as a heavy money-line favorite — and they have played 13 of their last 17 home games Over the Total as a money-line favorite priced at least at -200. The Yankees enter this game having allowing 2 runs, 1 run and zero runs in their last three games. But New York has then played 20 of their last 30 games Over the Total after allowing three runs or less in their last two contests — and they have played 8 straight home games Over the Total after allowing no more than three runs in three straight games. And in their last 10 games after an off day, the Yankees have played 7 of these games Over the Total. They give the ball to Severino who is 14-6 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.04 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been less effective at home where he owns a 3.71 ERA in sixteen starts as compared to his 2.24 ERA in fifteen starts on the road. New York has played 7 of their last 8 home games Over the Total with Severino on the mound — and that includes playing four straight Overs at home with Severino facing a team with a winning record. Furthermore, while Severino comes off a strong outing where he allowed just one earned run in 6 innings against the Rays — and not only have the Yankees played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total with Severino following up a Quality Start but they have also played 12 of their last 16 games Over the Total with Severino following up a start where he allowed only one earned run.

Minnesota (85-77) enters this playoff game coming off a 5-1 win over the Tigers on Sunday — and they have played 24 of their last 36 games Over the Total on the road after a win by at least four runs. The Twins have also played 4 straight games Over the Total after an off day. Furthermore, Minnesota has played 7 of their last 10 opening games to a new series Over the Total. They counter with Ervin Santana who is 16-8 with a 3.28 ERA and 1.13 WHIP this season. But the right-hander has struggled in the postseason. In 22 2/3 innings of work in the postseason which includes two starts and six appearances from the bullpen, Santana has a 5.56 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. Lastly, Minnesota has seen the Over go 5-2-1 in their last 8 games on the road. 25* MLB Wildcard Playoff Total of the Year with the Over the Total in the game between the Minnesota Twins (931) and the New York Yankees (932) listing both starting pitchers Ervin Santana and Luis Severino. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Houston Texans (259) plus the points versus the Tennessee Titans (260). Tennessee (2-1) earned a nice win at home last week in their 33-27 win over Seattle as a 2.5-point favorite. But rather than this being a dominant  victory, the Titans were fortunate that the bevy of Seahawks mistakes overwhelmed their 24-21 advantage in first downs as well as being outgained by 13 net yards after surrendering 433 yards to what had been a stagnant Seattle offense. Tennessee is then 8-21-1 ATS in their last 30 games after a straight-up win. The Titans are considered quite fondly right now in many circles despite not playing in the playoffs in recent history — or even winning a game that has playoff implications. Remember that last year, their playoff hopes were dashed in Week 16 of the regular season when they were crushed by the lowly Jaguars in Jacksonville. Tennessee has failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight road games against teams with a losing record at home. The Titans now face the (relative) blue bloods of the AFC South in the Houston Texans — and they have lost seven of their last nine meetings with the Texans. Furthermore, Tennessee is 4-21-3 ATS in their last 28 games against teams with a losing record. Additionally, keep in mind that teams that come off a game with the physical Seahawks over the years tend to suffer big letdowns.

Houston (1-2) is a proud organization with an underrated head coach that gets the most out of their talent. Bill O’Brien knows that his team needs to win their home games against divisional rivals — so there will be a sense of urgency for them knowing that losing this contest will put them in grave danger already of winning the AFC South. The Texans are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games against rival AFC South foes. It does appear the team has the answer at quarterback in rookie Deshawn Watson who completed 22 of 33 passes for 301 yards and two TD passes while adding another 41 yards on the ground in their narrow 36-33 loss in New England last week. Overall, the Texans outgained the Patriots in their building by a 417 to 396 margin which is quite an accomplishment. Houston is then an impressive 19-6-2 ATS in their last 27 games after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. This team becomes quite dangerous if their offense can begin to come close matching their elite defense that was tops in the NFL last year in yards allowed even without the services of the injured J.J. Watt. The linebacker has not put up gaudy stats just yet but O’Brien claims that his presence on field has been impactful on every single play this season. This will be Watson’s first start at home after playing well in his first two starts in hostile environments — and the Texans have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. 25* NFL AFC South Underdog of the Month with the Houston Texans (259) plus the points versus the Tennessee Titans (260). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 AM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Miami Dolphins (252) plus the points versus the New Orleans Saints (251). New Orleans (1-2) got off the mat from an 0-2 start by traveling to Carolina to shock the Panthers by a 34-13 score as a 5.5-point underdog. But the Saints may be primed for an emotional letdown after their victory over a divisional rival. The disruption of the travel to London may exacerbate a lack of focus that the Ravens’ experienced last week. As it is, New Orleans has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a win by at least two touchdowns. The defense stepped up out of nowhere to hold the Carolina offense to use 288 yards of offense in that game. But after allowing 1025 total yards of offense in their first two games, their performance last week may speak more to the sad state of the Panthers’ offense with rumors that quarterback Cam Newton has deteriorated physically. The Saints have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after not allowing more than 14 points. And in their last 13 games as the favorite, New Orleans has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of these games.

Miami (1-1) looked awful last week in their 20-6 loss in New York against the Jets despite being a 5.5-point favorite. In hindsight, it appears that the toll that all the travel that has impacted this team given Hurricane Irma finally drained this team. But remember that this team played well in their opening game that resulted in a 19-17 win in Los Angeles against the Chargers the previous week. While this team has received no favors now by having to travel to London after all this, these games across the proverbial pond can be transformative for some teams. As it is, the Dolphins have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after suffering a double-digit upset loss on the road as the favorite. Head coach Adam Gace labeled his team’s play as “garbage” — so expect him to have lit a fire under his group. I do think this team is likely to improve on offense with Jay Cutler under center given his strong arm and experience working with Gace in both their tours of duty in Chicago. Miami has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games when played on grass — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games played on a neutral field. Look for the Dolphins to get their running game cranking as they ran the ball only 15 times for 30 yards last week — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to rush for more than 90 yards in their last contest. Furthermore, Miami has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against NFC opponents. 25* NFL London Calling Game of the Year on the Miami Dolphins (252) plus the points versus the New Orleans Saints (251). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:30 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Chelsea (56409) as a pick ‘em versus Manchester City (56408). I loved the reigning English Premier League Champions before the news early Friday morning (stateside) that Sergio Aguero suffered cracked ribs after attending a music concert that night. Man City (5-1-0) will be without their best offensive player for two-to-four weeks minimum. This team has a nice young talent at forward in Gabriel Jesus — I have been very intrigued about the pairing of him with Aguero on the pitch together this season rather than having Jesus serve as Aguero’s backup — but he is still a step (or two) down in the elite and experienced talent that the veteran Aguero possesses. This Man City team was already dealing with two impactful injuries in their defensive backfield with Benjamin Mendy and Victor Company already out for this match. Company is the Captain of the team and is out with calf injury for another couple of weeks. Mendy suffered a ruptured knee in Man City’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last week — and he will be out until April at the very earliest after signing with the team in their aggressive offseason from Monaco. These are all big blows to this side. And while manager Pep Guardiola has talented options to turn to (EPL Fantasy note: grab Fabian Delph who at the low, low price of fantasy price of 4.5 will be taking over for Mendy if their Tuesday match in Champions League play is any indication — and it is, according to Guardiola), the team has some cohesion hurdles to overcome. Frankly, I have had this match circled for weeks even with a healthy Man City side as I see them as the most overrated side in the EPL right now. Man City’s pressing style helps them overwhelm overmatched opponents. But this side tends to get exposed by the best teams in the EPL when they finally square off. They lost both matches with Chelsea last season by a combined 5-2 score. Man City is just 1-5-2 in their last eight trips to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea — and their lone win was triggered by a hat trick from Aguero that will not be replicating itself on Saturday. Man City’s best result this season was a 5-0 win at home over a Liverpool team that was missing a few key players from the group that finished 4th on the table last year. Man City’s other wins are against Watford, Bournemouth, Brighton and Crystal Palace last week who have combined for a 4-3-14 record this season. Their lone blemish on their record is a 1-1 draw with Everton who currently find themselves in 14th place in the standings. Last year, Man City allowed more than a goal a match which is why they invested heavily in defensive backfield players like Mendy.

Chelsea (4-1-1) is unbeaten in their last five matches — since their embarrassing opening week loss to Burnley — with their 4-0 clean sheet win at Stoke City last week. Manager Antonio Conte has the Blues back to playing great soccer. The team comes off a very nice 2-1 win over an elite Athletico Madrid on Wednesday in Champions League play. Forward Alvaro Morato scored in that match after registering a hat trick last Saturday in that won over Stoke City. The signee from Real Madrid seems to be a perfect fit into Conte’s system and perhaps even an upgrade at forward over the disgruntled Diego DaSilva Costa who the team finally let go this week. But the Conte system is predicated on stingy defense that had great success with both Juventus and the Italian National team in international play before seeing it lead Chelsea to the EPL Championship in his first year with the organization. Since that opening loss to Burnley, the Blues have allowed only two goals in five matches. And I definitely like taking great defenses over great offenses in soccer. Chelsea is missing David Luiz who was suspended for this match along with recent signee Danny Drinkwater on their defensive backline — but the foundation of their 3-5-2 Conte system remains in place. 25* English Premier League Match of the Month with the Chelsea (56409) as a pick ‘em versus Manchester City (56408). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Arkansas Razorbacks (172) minus the points versus the New Mexico State Aggies (171). Arkansas (1-2) will be looking to take out their frustrations on a lowly non-Power Five Conference opponent this afternoon after they blew their game last week with Texas A&M in what resulted in a 50-43 loss in overtime to the Aggies. This was a frustrating game to watch — so imagine how head coach Bret Bielema feels now firmly sitting on the proverbial hot seat after his team’s start where they have lost two of their last three games. Bielema needs to get his defense to play better under first-year defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. The Razorbacks allowed 285 rushing yards in that game en route to Texas A&M averaging 7.26 Yards-Per-Play. Arkansas has then bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 200 rushing yards in their last contest. The Razorbacks have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 as well as 18 of their last 26 games after allowing an opponent to average at least 7.25 YPP in their last game. Furthermore, Arkansas has played 29 of their last 39 games after a game where at least 70 combined points were scored — and that includes covering 3 straight games when they allowed at least 50 points in their last game. The Razorbacks should get their powerful running game going behind their big offensive line that should overwhelm the Aggies — and this team has been a reliable big favorite at home in situations like this. Not only has Arkansas covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 home games when laying 14.5 to 21 points but they have covered their last three when a home fave in the 14.5 to 17 points (as they are as of this writing).

New Mexico State (2-2) comes off a dominant 41-14 win over UTEP last Saturday as a 17-point favorite. But this team faces a significant rise in competition this afternoon which is not a good sign for this football program when considering that they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games against teams from the SEC. The Aggies did hold the Miners to just 92 passing yards in that contest last week — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing no more than 170 passing yards in their last game. New Mexico State benefited from five UTEP interceptions last week which led to a +3 net turnover margin. But now the Aggies travel east — and another time zone where their body clocks will consider it 11 AM — while failing to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 road games against teams who do not have a net winning record at home. New Mexico State has also failed to cover the point spread in 24 of their last 33 road games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range. And in their last 11 games played on field turf, the Aggies have failed to cover the point spread 8 times. This team has played two close games with Arizona State and Troy while upsetting in-state rival New Mexico already this season. But this remains a football program that returned nine starters from a defense that allowed 38.8 PPG last year along with 496.7 total YPG which was 121st in the nation. This team has been led by 5th-year senior QB Tyler Rodgers who is overseeing an offense that is 9th in the FBS by averaging 353.3 passing YPG. But this will be the best defense Rodgers has faced all season — and the Razorbacks rank 21st in the nation by allowing only 159.0 passing YPG. 25* CFB Non-Conference Game of the Month on the Arkansas Razorbacks (172) minus the points versus the New Mexico State Aggies (171). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:10 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Detroit Tigers (925) and the Minnesota Twins (926) while listing both starting pitchers Matthew Boyd and Kyle Gibson. Detroit (63-96) snapped their nine-game losing streak last night with their 4-1 win in Kansas City. The Tigers have then played 12 of their last 15 Over the Total after allowing two runs or less in their last game. Furthermore, not only has Detroit played 34 of their last 46 games Over the Total after losing three of their last four games but they have played 26 of their last 35 games Over the Total after losing four of their last five contests. This team has not scored more than four runs in eight straight games — but they have then played 19 of their last 25 games Over the Total after failing to score more than four runs in three straight games. And while the Tigers are looking to avenge getting swept at home in a four-game series against this Minnesota team, they have then played 16 of their last 20 games Over the Total when playing with revenge after being swept in at least a three-game series against their opponent. Additionally, Detroit has played 6 of their last 7 opening games to a new series Over the Total. And in their last 4 games against teams with a winning record, the Over is 3-0-1. They give the ball to Boyd who is 6-10 with a 5.12 ERA and 1.54 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been less effective on the road where he owns a 5.86 ERA, 1.870 WHIP and .328 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts as compared to his 4.52 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and .256 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts at home. The Tigers have played 6 of their last 8 home games Over the Total with Boyd on the hill. He faces a red-hot Minnesota offense that is scoring 7.3 Runs-Per-Game in their last three games with a .296 batting average along with a .350 On-Base Percentage and .815 OPS. The Over is 3-1-1 in the Twins’ last 5 games against starting pitcher with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher.

Minnesota (83-76) has lost two in a row with their 5-2 loss in Cleveland yesterday. The Twins have then played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total after allowing at least five runs in their last game. They counter with Kyle Gibson who is 12-10 with a 5.02 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP this season. The right-hander has not been as effective at homie where he owns a 5.65 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and .308 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts at home as compared to his 4.34 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and .266 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts on the road. Minnesota has played 9 of their last 10 home games Over the Total with Gibson pitching as the favorite. Furthermore, the Twins have played 11 of their last 12 home games Over the Total with Gibson pitching in the month of September. He faces a Detroit team that has seen the Over go 3-0-1 in their last 4 games against right-handed starting pitchers. And in their last 7 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher, the Over is 5-0-1. 25* MLB American League Central Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the Detroit Tigers (925) and the Minnesota Twins (926) while listing both starting pitchers Matthew Boyd and Kyle Gibson. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (105) and the Duke Blue Devils (106). Duke (4-0) returns home still undefeated after they pulled the upset last Saturday with their 27-17 win at North Carolina as a 1.5-point underdog. The Blue Devils have then played 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Duke has also played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 20 points in their last contest. The Blue Devils relied on their defense to win that game against the Tar Heels as it was a 61-yard interception returned for a touchdown at the 4:01 mark that provided their last touchdown in that contest. Head coach David Cutliffe appears to have one of his best defensives in his ten years at Duke. 66% of the tackles from last year returned to a unit that is allowing only 15.3 PPG (17th in the FBS) while ranking 11th in the nation in total defense (261.5 total YPG). Moving forward, Duke returns home where they have played 7 of their last 9 games at home Under the Total. And in their last 5 home games against teams with a winning record on the road, the Blue Devils have played 4 of these games Under the Total. Additionally, Duke has played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total in the month of September.

Miami (2-0) looked rusty last week with their 52-30 win over Toledo after not playing for three weeks from the Hurricanes that impacted Florida as a 13.5-point favorite. The Hurricanes have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a point spread win. The Miami defense did allow 446 yards to the potent Rockets’ offense but expect this unit to play much better this week. Head coach Mark Richt returned eight starters from a group that allowed 18.5 PPG (12th in the FBS) along with ranking 20th in the nation in total defense (345.5 total YPG). 344 of those yards that the Hurricanes surrendered to Toledo were in the air — but they have then played 9 of their last 11 games Under the Total after allowing at least 280 passing yards in their last game. This will be the first road game for the Hurricanes this year — and that will likely challenge their starting quarterback Malik Rosier who entered the season with just one start under his belt for the Hurricanes. Look for Miami to rely on their running game led by junior Mark Walton who gained 204 yards on the ground last week on just 11 carries. The Under is a decisive 34-16-1 in the Hurricanes’ last 51 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last contest. Together, these team trends produce our specific 89-32-1 combined angle for this situation. 25* CFB Friday Night Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (105) and the Duke Blue Devils (106). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Chicago Bears (101) and the Green Bay Packers (102). In a game between two divisional rivals both who are banged-up and coming off a game on Sunday that required overtime — and now both playing on a short week — expect this contest to a grind where both opposing coaches look to rise to the challenge by winning the battle at the line of scrimmage in what should result in a lower scoring game. Chicago (1-2) travels to Lambeau Field with confidence after their 23-17 upset win over the Steelers in overtime as a 7-point underdog. The Bears have an underrated defense that limited the potent Pittsburgh offense to just 282 yards of offense. Chicago has now played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total in the month of September. The Bears have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. And in their last 7 games against NFC North opponents, Chicago has played 5 of these games Under the Total.

Green Bay (2-1) comes off a 27-24 comeback win in overtime against the Bengals last week. With the advantage of home field and the better quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, expect the Packers to be content to grind this game out with their confidence that they will win this game by the 4th quarter if that is necessary. Green Bay has played 12 of their last 18 home games Under the Total as the favorite. Lastly, because this Packers team is starting slow by getting outscored in the first-half by -13.3 PPG due to an offense that is scoring just 4.7 PPG in the first-half, the Under is supported by a historical angle that has been 74% effective since 1983. Green Bay has seen at least 51 combined points in each of their last two games — and in games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range, when one of the teams is getting outscored be at -5.0 PPG in the first-half while seeing at least 50 combined points scored in their last last two games, these games finished Under the Total in 36 of the last 49 situations where these conditions applied. 25* NFL NFC Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Chicago Bears (101) and the Green Bay Packers (102). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:15 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Chicago Cubs (957) and the St. Louis Cardinals (958) listing both starting pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Lance Lynn. Chicago (89-69) won the third game of this series yesterday with their 5-2 victory yesterday. The Cubs have then played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against an opponent that allowed at least five runs in their last game. Chicago has also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 28 of their last 39 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home. They give the ball to Hendricks who is 7-5 with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective on the road where he owns a 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and .235 opponent’s batting average in ten starts as compared to his 3.20 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and .248 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts at home. The Cubs have played 8 of their last 9 road games Under the Total with Hendricks on the mound. He faces a Cardinals team that has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total at home against right-handed starting pitchers.

St. Louis (82-76) has played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after allowing at least five runs in their last game. The Cardinals have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total at home. They counter with Lance Lynn who is 11-8 with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 3.02 ERA along with a 1.15 WHIP and .220 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts as compared to his 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and .229 opponent’s batting average in eighteen starts on the road. St. Louis has played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total with Lynn pitching with four days of rest. And in the Cards’ last 16 games with Lynn pitching in the second-half of the season, they have played 12 of these games Under the Total. Lastly, he faces a Cubs team that has played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total against right-handed starting pitchers. 25* MLB National League Central Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Chicago Cubs (957) and the St. Louis Cardinals (958) listing both starting pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Lance Lynn. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Nationals (905) and the Philadelphia Phillies (906) listing both starting pitchers Tanner Roark and Mark Leiter. Philadelphia (63-95) has won two of their last three games with their 4-1 victory over the Nationals last night. The Phillies have now seen the Under go 6-2-3 in their last 11 games at home. That was just the second time in their last six games where they managed to score four runs — and they have then played 29 of their last 43 games Under the Total after playing at least four straight games where they scored no more than four runs. Additionally, the Under is 5-0-2 in Philly’s last 7 games Under the Total against NL East opponents. They give the ball to Leiter who is 3-6 with a 4.69 ERA and 1.27 WHIP this season. The deeper sabermetrics call for immediate improvement with both his SIERA and xFIP project an ERA of 4.10 or 4.12 moving forward. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 2.36 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and .207 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts as compared to his ugly 7.35 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and .281 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts on the road. The Under is 4-0-1 in the Phillies’ last 5 home games with Leiter on the hill. He should fare well against this Washington team that is scoring just 3.7 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven contests with a .192 batting average, .259 On-Base Percentage and .626 OPS over that span. Furthermore, the Under is 21-7-3 in the Nationals’ last 31 games against right-handed starting pitchers.

Washington (95-62) saw their three-winning streak snapped last night. The Nationals have now played 16 of their last 21 games Under the Total in the month of September. And while the Washington bullpen has an ERA of 1.53 over their last five games, the Nats have then played 21 of their last 30 games Under the Total when their bullpen has an ERA of 2.00 or lower in their last five games. Furthermore, Washington has played 4 straight games Under the Total against NL East opponents. And in their last 26 games on the road, the Under is 17-5-4 in these contests — and the Nationals have played four straight road games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. Additionally, the Under is 12-3-3 in their last 18 games against teams with a winning percentage below 40%. They counter with Tanner Roark who is 13-10 with a 4.41 ERA and 1.29 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been much better on the road with a 3.84 ERA along with a 1.27 WHIP and .232 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts as compared to his 4.90 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and .262 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts (sixteen games) at home. Washington has played 5 straight road games Under the Total with Roark on the hill. Furthermore, Roark comes off a nice outing where he allowed three earned runs in 7 innings of work at Atlanta — and the Nats have played 9 straight games Under the Total with Roark looking to follow up a Quality Start. He faces a Philadelphia team that has scored only 3.1 Runs-Per-Game in their last seven games — and they are hitting just .207 with a .290 On-Base Percentage and a .606 OPS. Lastly, the Under his 5-1-4 in the Phillies’ last 10 games against right-handed starting pitchers. 25* MLB NL East Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Nationals (905) and the Philadelphia Phillies (906) listing both starting pitchers Tanner Roark and Mark Leiter. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:40 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the San Francisco Giants (961) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (962) listing both starting pitchers Matt Moore and Robbie Ray. San Francisco (62-95) exploded for nine runs last night in their 9-2 victory over the Diamondbacks in the opening game of this National League West series. The Giants have then played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after scoring at least five runs in their last game. San Francisco has also played 5 straight games Over the Total against teams that allowed at least five runs in their last game. And in their last 48 games at night on the road, the Giants have played 30 of these games Over the Total. They give the ball to Moore who is 6-14 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.50 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been particularly ineffective on the road where he has been saddled with a 6.51 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and .306 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts (sixteen games) on the road as compared to his 4.21 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and .260 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts (seventeen games) at home. San Francisco has seen the Over go 7-0-1 in their last 8 road games with Moore facing a team with a winning record. He faces a hot-hitting Diamondbacks team that is scoring 5.9 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with an OPS of .802 over that span.

Arizona (90-67) has seen the Over go 11-4-1 in their last 16 games after scoring two runs or less in their last game. The Over is also 10-4-1 in the Diamondback’s last 15 games at home. And in their last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage no better than 40%, Arizona has played 5 of these games Over the Total. They counter with Robbie Ray who is 14-5 with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP this season. But the right-hander has struggled at home in Chase Field where he has a 4.37 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and .229 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts as compared to his 1.79 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and .177 opponent’s batting average in fourteen starts on the road. The Over is 19-6-1 in the Diamondbacks’ last 26 home games with Ray on the hill — and that includes Arizona played six of their last seven home games Over the Total with Ray facing a team with a losing record. He faces a Giants’ team that is swinging better bats to close out the season as they are hitting .286 over their last seven games with a .397 On-Base Percentage and a .761 OPS over that span. Lastly, in the last 14 meetings between these two teams in Arizona, the game finished Over the Total in 11 of these contests. 25* MLB National League West Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the San Francisco Giants (961) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (962) listing both starting pitchers Matt Moore and Robbie Ray. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Cowboys (489) and the Arizona Cardinals (490). Dallas (1-1) was embarrassed last week on the road in Denver where they were spanked by a 42-17 score despite being a 2.5-point favorite. The Cowboys surrendered 380 yards in that contest while seeing their defense be on the field for 33:50 minutes in that game. Ezekiel Elliott rushed the ball only nine times for 8 yards. Overall, Dallas rushed the ball only 14 times for 40 yards with Dak Prescott ending up as their leading rusher with 24 yards. The Cowboys have to get back to running the football behind the bruising offensive line in an attempt to control the clock and impose their will while keeping their defense off the field. Dallas will not be successful in the long run if Prescott attempts 50 passes like he did against the Broncos. As it is, the Cowboys have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a loss by at least two touchdowns. Additionally, Dallas has played 13 of their last 18 games Under the Total after a point spread setback. Additionally, the Cowboys have played 5 straight games Under the Total after allowing at least 30 points in their last game. And in their last 14 games on the road, Dallas has played 11 of these games Under the Total.

Arizona (1-1) survived a 16-13 game at Indianapolis where they needed overtime to survive with the victory. Now the Cardinals return home to play their first regular season game of the season — and they have played 10 of their last 12 home games Under the Total. The Arizona defense was outstanding last week by limiting the Colts’ offense to just 266 yards of offense. But the Cardinals offense endured a big blow with the wrist injury to David Johnson which placed him on Injured Reserve. Head coach Bruce Arians felt compelled to call up Chris Johnson off the street to bolster his backfield depth — and it is telling that the aging veteran received the most carries for the team last week over Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington who have been with the team since Johnson retired from the team a few years ago. Lastly, Arizona has played 6 straight games Under the Total on Monday Night Football. Together, these team trends produce our specific 59-16 combined angle for this situation. 25* NFL Monday Night Football Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Dallas Cowboys (489) and the Arizona Cardinals (490). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Toronto Blue Jays (917) and the Boston Red Sox (918) listing both starting pitchers Brett Anderson and Drew Pomeranz. Boston (91-64) begins this series coming off a 5-4 win at Cincinnati yesterday afternoon. The Under is then 21-8-2 in the Red Sox’s last 31 games after a victory. Boston has also played 5 straight games Under the Total after scoring at least five runs in their last game. And in their last 51 games at home, the Under is 33-16-2 for the Red Sox — and this includes playing twenty-one of their last thirty home games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. They give the ball to Pomeranz who is 16-5 with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been more effective at home where he has a 3.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and .241 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts at home as compared to his 3.19 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and .255 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts on the road. The Red Sox have played 4 of their las 5 games Under the Total with Pomeranz pitching on grass. He should fare well again this Blue Jays team that is hitting only .201 over their last seven games with a .274 On-Base Percentage and .636 OPS. The Under is a decisive 46-19-5 in Toronto’s last 70 games against left-handed starting pitchers. And in their last 27 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher, the Under is 18-8-1.

Toronto (73-63) begins this series coming off a 9-5 win over the Yankees yesterday. The Red Sox have then played 7 straight games Under the Total against teams that allowed at least five runs in their last game. The Blue Jays have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a victory — and they have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after allowing at least five runs in their last contest. Furthermore, Toronto has played 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning record. The Blue Jays have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total against AL East opponents. Together, these team trends produce our specific They counter with Brett Anderson who is 3-4 with a 7.15 ERA and 1.81 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been much better on the road where his ERA plummets to a 2.86 ERA along with a 1.50 WHIP and .259 opponent’s batting average in four starts as compared to his ugly 11.19 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and .385 opponent’s batting average in seven starts at home between the Cubs and now the Blue Jays. He should find success against this slumping Red Sox team that is hitting only .203 over their last seven games along with a .302 On-Base Percentage and .605 OPS over that span. 25* MLB AL East Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Toronto Blue Jays (917) and the Boston Red Sox (918) listing both starting pitchers Brett Anderson and Drew Pomeranz. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:00 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing West Bromwich (88184) plus the +1.5 goals versus Arsenal (88185). Arsenal (2-1-2) has looked better since their humiliating 4-0 loss to Liverpool back on August 27th — but this remains an overrated side that has a shaky foundation after even a small scratch of the surface. The team made some changes at the transfer window — and the team has responded with a 3-0 over a struggling Bournemouth before securing a 0-0 draw with Chelsea last week. That match with the reigning English Premier League Champions may be telling of a shift in tactics for manager Arsene Wenger. His team has significant defensive problems so a more cautious approach on the pitch may be more appropriate to compensate for this weakness. That means fewer victories by more than one goal for this team — but it might lead to more overall success by avoiding four-goal losses to the top teams on the table. The team has been banged up — and they are beginning to be distracted with other commitments in the Champions League as well as the Europa League so these contests against teams lower down the table can be tricky for them. Midfielder Danny Welbeck will not be on the pitch this afternoon as he continues to deal with a groin injury. Ultimately, cohesion with the philosophies of Wenger remains the fundamental issue with this talented roster. Facing a principled and organized side with a clear purpose like West Brom gives Arsenal fits.

West Brom (2-2-1) looks to bounce-back with a better effort after earning a disappointing 0-0 draw with West Ham last week. Manager Tony Pulis’ side is banged up a bit which has impacted his willingness to have his team be more aggressive. Pulis emphasizes defensive tactics and will be very happy with a scoreless draw in this contest. The Baggies have allowed only four goals this season — and they have registered three clean sheets behind their solid keeper in Ben Foster. Expect Pulis to deploy a 4-3-3 formation that may look more like a 8-1 formation in practice as they look to muck things up and frustrate the Gunners. Pulis’ style looks to score on set pieces or long balls or crosses with these opportunities few and far between. But these tactics tends to stymie this Arsenal side that gets impatient. West Brom won the last meeting between these two teams back in March by a 3-1 score. Arsenal may win this match in the end — but I do not see them pulling away with a victory by more than one goal. A 0-0 or 1-1 result is also quite possible. 25* EPL Monday Afternoon NBC-Sports Match of the Month with the West Bromwich (88184) plus the +1.5 goals versus Arsenal (88185). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Oakland Raiders (487) and the Washington Redskins (488). Oakland (2-0) looked very good for the second straight week with their dominant 45-20 win over the Jets last Sunday as a 14-point favorite. The Raiders have then played 19 of their last 25 gams Over the Total after a straight-up win. The Over is also 31-13-2 in Oakland’s last 46 games after a point spread victory. And in their last 6 games after a win by at least two touchdowns, the Raiders have played 5 of these games Over the Total. But while the Raiders defense has impressed by only allowing 292 yards last week to the Jets, but concerns remain when going deeper inside the numbers as they are allowing opponents to convert on 50% of their 3rd down plays. Moving forward, Oakland has played 7 of their last 9 games Over the Total in the month of September.

Washington (1-1) generated 385 yards of offense themselves last week on the road in Los Angeles en route to their 27-20 win over the Rams as a 3-point underdog. The Skins have then played 19 of their last 26 games Over the Total with a point spread victory. Washington has also played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total in the month of September. The Skins return to DC where they have played 8 of their last 11 games Over the Total when playing at home. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record, Washington has played 4 of these games Over the Total. 25* NFL Sunday Night Football Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Oakland Raiders (487) and the Washington Redskins (488). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:05 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Angels (971) and the Houston Astros (972) listing both starting pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Lance McCullers. Houston (95-59) has won eight of their last nine games with their 6-2 victory in the second game of this series. The Astros have now played 5 straight games Under the Total after a victory. Houston has also seen the Under go 15-5-1 in their last 21 games at home — and that includes playing 6 straight home games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. They give the ball to McCullers making his first start since the beginning of the month after dealing with arm fatigue. He was fine in his last bullpen session and will be motivated to prove himself in this audition to be included in the team’s playoff rotation. For the season, McCullers has a 7-3 record along with a 3.97 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. The deeper sabermetrics are bullish with both his SIERA and xFIP projecting an ERA of 3.39 and 3.15 moving forward. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 2.87 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and .217 opponent’s batting average as compared to his 4.78 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and .265 opponent’s batting average when on the road. The Astros have played 17 of their last 22 home games Under the Total with McCullers on the mound. He should fare well against this LA team that has played 4 straight road games Under the Total against right-handed starting pitchers. This is a slumping Angels’ team playing out the string. Over their last seven games, this team is scoring only 2.1 Runs-Per-Game with a .186 batting average along with a .272 On-Base Percentage and .576 OPS.

Los Angeles (76-78) has lost six in a row after yesterday. The Angels have played 34 of their last 51 games Under the Total with the number set in the 9 to 9.5 range. Los Angeles has also played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home. They counter with Tyler Skaggs who is 2-6 with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been more effective on the road where he owns a 3.93 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and .259 opponent’s batting average as compared to his 4.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and .280 opponent’s batting average when at home. The Angels have played 5 of their last 7 road games Under the Total with Skaggs on the mound. He will be facing an Astros team that is slumping on offense. Over their last seven games, Houston is scoring only 4.6 Runs-Per-Game with a .250 batting average along with a .310 On-Base Percentage and .741 OPS as compared to their 5.4 Runs-Per-Game scoring average for the season along with a .280 batting average, .341 On-Base Percentage and .804 OPS. Lastly, the Astros have played 5 of their last 6 home games Under the Total against left-handed starting pitchers. 25* MLB Sunday Night ESPN Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Angels (971) and the Houston Astros (972) listing both starting pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Lance McCullers. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:05 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Seattle Seahawks (481) plus the points versus the Tennessee Titans (482). Tennessee (1-1) flexed their muscles last week by crushing the Jaguars in Jacksonville last Sunday. This Titans team looked like the group that won a Super Bowl a few seasons ago and was just that goal-line interception away from winning twice in recent history and cementing themselves as a dynasty team. Oh wait, that’s not Tennessee? That actually describes their opponents in the Seahawks under head coach Pete Carroll? Then why has the line moved from Seattle opening as a small road favorite to now the Titans laying up to a field goal in some spots? This Tennessee was hyped up a ton during the offseason before losing by 10 points at home in their opening game against the Raiders. This remains an unproven team at home that has lost sixteen of their last twenty-two games in Nashville. The Titans are 7-22-1 ATS in their last 30 games at home which includes failing to cover the point spread in ten of their last sixteen games at home. Furthermore, the Titans have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games off a win on the road. Additionally, Tennessee are just 9-25-1 ATS in their last 35 games after a game where they scored at least 30 points. And while the Titans did rush for 131 yards last week, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after rushing for at least 150 yards.

Seattle (1-1) has struggled with their offensive line this season. They rebounded from a loss on the road in Green Bay with a 12-9 win over San Francisco last week despite being a 13.5-point favorite. The Seahawks have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread loss. And while Seattle allowed 159 rushing yards in their last contest, they have then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after allowing at least 150 yards in their last game. Offense has been an issue for this team as they have only scored 21 points in two games this year. But the Seahawks have ten covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 games after failing to score more than 14 points in two straight games. Seattle has also covered the point spread in a decisive 41 of their last 60 games after failing to score more than 17 points in each of their last two games. Lastly, the Seahawks have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against NFC opponents. 25* NFL Underdog of the Month with the  Seattle Seahawks (481) plus the points versus the Tennessee Titans (482). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Saskatchewan Rough Riders (616) plus the points versus the Calgary Stampeders (615). Saskatchewan (6-5) has won four of their last five games with their 27-19 win in Hamilton back on September 15th. This Roughriders team has definitely raised their level of play midway through the second year under the leadership of head coach Chris Jones who was hired to completely rebuild this franchise after he led Edmonton to a Grey Cup in 2015. This team was without their starting quarterback Kevin Glenn last week — but Canadian born Brandon Bridge completed 21 of 31 passes for 231 yards and three TD passes (no interceptions) in that victory over the T-Cats. It looks like Glenn will be able to take the field this afternoon but the backup Bridge looks capable. This Roughriders team will be chomping at the bit to prove themselves against the cream of the crop in the CFL with this Stampeders team that crushed them by a 27-10 score back on July 22nd. But now the weather is cooling in the month of September — and Saskatchewan has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games in the September month. The Roughriders have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 home games getting 7 or less points. Historically, Saskatchewan has covered the point spread in a decisive 48 of their last 72 games at home as an underdog.

Calgary (10-1-1) has won eight straight games with their 27-19 win over British Columbia back on September 15th. The Stampeders benefited from a +3 net turnover margin in that game — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a game where they enjoyed at least a +3 net turnover margin. Frankly, this Stampeders team has not been as dominant this season as they were last year — which went all for naught when they lost to Ottawa in the Grey Cup. Calgary is 3-1-1 in the five games this season that have been decided by 7 points or less. Injuries are also impacting this team with QB Bo Levi Mitchell banged up and him dealing with a depleted wide receiver corps with LeMar Durant, Kamar Jordan and DaVaris Daniels all dealing with various issues. Lastly, the Stampeders are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games on the road. 25* CFL West Division Game of the Month with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders (616) plus the points versus the Calgary Stampeders (615). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the New Orleans Saints (473) plus the points versus the Carolina Panthers (474). New Orleans (0-2) will be playing with a sense of desperation having lost their first two games with their 36-20 loss at home to New England last week. Expect a strong bounce-back effort from this veteran team led by Drew Brees. The Saints have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after a loss by at least two touchdowns. Defense remains a problem for this team that surrendered an incredible 555 yards to the Patriots. There is some reasons for optimism given what the Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott did to Cam Newton last week after accumulating inside knowledge on the quarterback in his time as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator. New Orleans has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after allowing 30 points in their last game. The Saints have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last contest. And don’t worry about New Orleans being away from the Superdome as they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight road games against teams with a winning record at home. Additionally, the Saints have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games against fellow NFC South opponents — and they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games against the Panthers.

Carolina (2-0) managed only 255 yards of offense last week as they eked out a 9-3 win over the Bills. That Buffalo defense did sack Newton six times in what could become the blueprint to slow down the former Heisman Trophy winner — stay tuned. Newton will certainly miss his security blanket in tight end Greg Olsen who suffered a foot injury that will put him on Injured Reserve. Expect a letdown here and a close game against a divisional rival. The Panthers are just 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games after a straight-up win. Carolina has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to score more than 14 points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after holding their last opponent to 14 or less points. Furthermore, the Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home. And in their last 6 games against NFC South foes, Carolina has failed to cover the point spread 5 times. 25* NFL NFC South Game of the Month with the New Orleans Saints (473) plus the points versus the Carolina Panthers (474). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Iowa Hawkeyes (317) plus the points versus the Penn State Nittany Lions (318). Penn State closed out last season by scoring 45.6 PPG over their last seven games that culminated in an exciting 52-49 loss to USC in the Rose Bowl. That finish along with a soft early schedule has the Nittany Lions a public favorite as well on the short list for much of the sports punditry’s for College Playoff teams. But this will the first road game for this Penn State team this season after playing their first three games at home. The Nittany Lions come off a 56-0 shutout victory over Georgia State last week as a 37-point favorite. That came after their 33-14 win over Pittsburgh as an 18.5-point favorite in a revenge situation from the previous year. This Penn State program has failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 21 games after two straight wins by at least two touchdowns. This Nittany Lions team has not been tested yet after being favored to begin their season as a 30-point favorite over Akron. But this may spell trouble for this team now facing sky-high expectations for this first time since the Joe Paterno era. Penn State has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after playing at least three straight games as a favorite by more than one touchdown. This is a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 road games against teams with a winning record at home. And in their last 16 games played on turf, the Nittany Lions are 4-10-2 ATS.

Iowa (3-0) remains unscathed this season after their 31-14 win over North Texas last week as a 19.5-point favorite. The Hawkeyes dominated this game by controlling the Time of Possession for over 40 minutes in that game. Iowa will flex their muscles and look to pound the Nittany Lions on the ground behind four returning starters on the offensive line. Iowa did not have senior Akrum Wadley last week — but they displayed their depth with redshirt freshman Toren Young, senior James Butler and freshman Ivory Kelly-Martin all rushing at least eleven times and all accumulating at least 74 yards on the ground. Even better, Wadley is listed as probable for this game to give the Hawkeyes plenty of options in this game. This Iowa run offense can keep the potent Nittany Lions offense that struggled against the run last year — opponents averaged 151 rushing YPG against them last year on 3.9 Yards-Per-Carry. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes are playing with revenge on their minds after getting blown out in Happy Valley last year by a 41-14 score. But the home team has covered the point spread in 5 of the last 7 meetings between these two teams. Iowa is very tough at home — and especially in night games as Michigan discovered last year when they suffered their first loss of the season in November in a night-game in Iowa City. That was the same Wolverines team that humiliated this Penn State physically, mentally and emotionally earlier in the season by a 49-10 score. Moving forward, Iowa has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a home game non-cover where they won but failed to cover the point spread. The Hawkeyes did not cover the point spread in the previous week in their rivalry game win on the road at Iowa State. Iowa has covered the point spread in a decisive 52 of their last 79 games after failing to cover the point spread in two straight games. Run defense has been a strength for this team as well as they are allowing only 97 rushing YPG while not allowing more than 120 yards in any of their three games this season. Iowa has covered the point spread in 24 of their last 34 games after not allowing more than 125 rushing yards in three straight games. The Hawkeyes have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against Big Ten foes. And in their last 5 games played on turf, Iowa has covered the point spread in 4 of these games. 25* CFB Saturday Night ABC-TV Game of the Month with the Iowa Hawkeyes (317) plus the points versus the Penn State Nittany Lions (318). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Massachusetts Minutemen (327)/Tennessee Volunteers (328) Over the Total. Tennessee (2-1) looks to bounce-back from their heartbreaking 26-20 loss to Florida that ended on a Hail Mary pass from Florida with the game-tied that featured such terrible defense that it will likely be the signature visual that gets head coach Butch Jones relieved of his duties in early December. But I do expect the Volunteers to beat up on the Minutemen this afternoon. Tennessee did cover the ending +6.5-point spread in that game — and they have then played 4 straight games Over the Total after a point spread win. The Vols have also played 21 of their last 29 games Over the Total in the month of September. Additionally, not only has Tennessee played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total at home but they have played 4 of their last 5 home games Over the Total agains teams with a losing record on the road.

UMass (0-4) lost their fourth straight game this season last Saturday in their 29-21 loss at Temple as a 14.5-point underdog. The Minutemen have then played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a point spread win. UMass does have an intriguing quarterback in junior Andrew Ford who completed over 60% of his passes while throwing 26 TD passes last year after taking in the third game of the season last year. The former 4-star recruit for Virginia Tech completed 23 of 37 passes for 377 yards against the solid Owls defense while tossing two TD passes (and no interceptions). UMass has played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after passing for at least 280 yards in their last game. He should be able to lead the Minutemen offense to score their share of points against this disjointed Vols defense that looked awful against Georgia Tech and allowed too many big plays against Florida. My notes for this Tennessee defense to begin this season: injuries, tackling concerns, missed assignments, misalignments, lack of physicality. Those descriptions all seem pretty apt so far this season which is why Jones is not long for the head coaching job in Knoxville. Moving forward, UMass has played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total on the road. The Minutemen have also played 8 of their last 11 road games Over the Total — and that includes playing three of their last four road games when getting  more than 21 points. Together, these team trends produce our specific 65-21 combined angle for this situation. 25* CFB Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Massachusetts Minutemen (327)/Tennessee Volunteers (328) Over the Total. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Arizona Wildcats (308) plus the points versus the Utah Utes (307). Arizona (2-1) enters this game with a bit of momentum after rebounding from their loss at home to Houston by crushing UTEP on the road last Friday night by a 63-16 score. Now the Wildcats return home in a critical game for Rich Rodriguez and this Arizona program. Many bettors will be shying away from this Wildcats team that was last in the nation by being outscored by -10 PPG against the point spread last season. Last year’s 3-9 season has put Rodriguez on the proverbial hot seat this year. But remember that under Rodriguez, Arizona had secured wins over Top-Ten teams in four straight seasons before last year. While this undefeated Utes team does not quite find themselves at those lofty heights (although they are ranked in the Top-25), this is a game that the Wildcats absolutely need to win help reverse the negative slide this team has been in since going 10-4 in 2014. Fourteen starters returned this season led by junior quarterback Brian Dawkins. Arizona did outgain the Miners by 292 net yards last week — and they have covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after outgaining their last opponent by at least 175 yards. The Wildcats have also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games played on a Friday night.

Utah (3-0) has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 gamed played on a Friday night. The Utes enter this game coming off a 54-16 win over San Jose State last week. That game when way Over the 59.5 point Total — but Utah has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games after playing a game that finished Over the Total. Utah returned only nine starters from last year’s team that finished 10-3 overall after a win over Indiana in the Foster Farmer’s Bowl. But the defense may be hampered with their leader in the defensive backfield in Chase Hansen being listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury. The Utes have struggled in Pac-12 play where they are just 25-29 overall in the last six seasons. Utah snapped a four-game losing streak to Arizona last year with a 36-23 victory — but they have still failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 meetings with the Wildcats. Furthermore, the underdog has covered the point spread in 5 of the last 7 meetings between these two teams. And in their last 24 road games when favored in the 3.5 to 7 point range, Utah has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of these contests. Together, these team trends produce our specific 53-21 ATS combined angle for this situation. Lastly, the Utes fall into an empirical “play-against” angle that has been 72% effective over the last five seasons. Favorites in the 3.5 to 10 point range coming off a win by at least 17 points now facing a team that scored at least 42 points have then failed to cover the point spread in 55 of the last 76 situations where these conditions applied. 25* CFB Friday Night Game of the Month with the Arizona Wildcats (308) plus the points versus the Utah Utes (307). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:05 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Pittsburgh Pirates (952) plus the +1.5 Run-Line versus the St. Louis Cardinals (951) listing both starting pitchers Ivan Nova and Michael Wacha. Pittsburgh (69-84) looks to build off their 6-4 win over the Brewers on Wednesday. The Pirates have then won 20 of their last 31 games after a victory by at least two runs. Pittsburgh has also won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a losing record on the road — and the Cardinals are 38-40 on the road. They give the ball to Nova who is 11-14 with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been much better at home where he owns a 2.87 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and .265 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts as compared to his 5.03 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and .279 opponent’s batting average in eighteen starts on the road. The Pirates have won 6 straight games at home with Nova on the hill.

St. Louis (80-72) enters this series with three straight wins with their 8-5 win in Cincinnati. The Cardinals continue their nine-game road trip with their seventh straight game away from home — but they have then lost 28 of their last 48 games after playing at least six straight games on the road. And while the Pirates have a bullpen ERA of 1.34 WHIP this year, St. Louis has lost 41 of their last 73 games against teams with a bullpen WHIP of 1.35 or lower. They counter with Michael Wacha who is 12-8 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this season. The right-hander has struggled on the road where he has been saddled with a 5.07 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and .284 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts as compared to his 3.12 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and .256 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts at home. The Cardinals have lost 4 of their last 5 games against fellow NL Central opponents with Wacha on the hill. Furthermore, the Pirates have won 5 of their last 6 home games against right-handed starting pitchers. Lastly, while these team trends do not even take into account the +1.5 Run-Line we are taking for this game, Pittsburgh is supported by an empirical situational angle that has been 64% effective over the last five seasons. Nova is allowing 1.0 home runs per start this season — and teams with a batting average no better than .255 (Pittsburgh: .243 batting average) with a starting pitcher who allows at least 1.0 homers per start now facing a National League starting pitcher with an ERA in the 3.70 to 4.20 range have then covered the +1.5 Run-Line in 60 of the last 94 situations (64%) where these conditions applied. 25* MLB Run-Line Underdog of the Year with the Pittsburgh Pirates (952) plus the +1.5 Run-Line versus the St. Louis Cardinals (951) listing both starting pitchers Ivan Nova and Michael Wacha. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Rams (301) and the San Francisco 49ers (302). In this game between two rebuilding teams in the NFC West, look for both teams to try to win the battle at the line of scrimmage with both teams playing on a short week under the leadership of first-year head coaches trying to re-establish the identity of their respective franchises. Expect both teams to stay committed to running the football to keep their defenses off the field — which also serves to limit the number of offensive plays in this game. Los Angeles (1-1) looks to rebound from a 27-20 loss to Washington on Sunday as a 3-point favorite. The Rams allowed the Skins to rush for 229 yards in that game on 33 carries in a strategy that the 49ers will likely try to replicate behind Carlos Hyde — and Los Angeles has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after allowing at least 150 rushing yards in their last game. The Rams have also played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total against fellow NFC West opponents. Furthermore, the Under is 35-15-1 in Los Angeles’ last 51 games on the road — and that includes playing 9 of their last 10 road games against teams with a losing record at home.

San Francisco (1-1) flexed their muscles on defense last Sunday in a 12-9 loss in Seattle to the Seahawks as a 13.5-point underdog. The 49ers held Seattle to just 312 yards of offense — but they managed just 248 yards of offense themselves. QB Brian Hoyer completed 15 of 27 passes but compiled only 99 yards in Kyle Shanahan’s offense that is no where close to the level of proficiency as it was last year with the Falcons. San Francisco has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The 49ers have also played 21 of their last 29 games Under the Total after failing to generate at least 250 yards of offense in their last game. Furthermore, San Francisco has played 21 of their last 29 games at home Under the Total. And in their last 10 appearances on Thursday Night Football, San Fran has played 8 of these games Under the Total. 25* NFL NFC West Total of the Month is with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Rams (301) and the San Francisco 49ers (302). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the money-line on the Washington Nationals (905) versus the Atlanta Braves (906) listing both starting pitchers Tanner Roark and R.A. Dickey. Washington (92-59) has won three straight games with their 7-3 win over the Braves last night. The Nationals have then won 7 of their last 9 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Washington has also now won 5 straight games on the road — and they have won 25 of their last 35 road games against teams with a losing record. They give the ball to Roark who is 13-9 with a 4.43 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season. The right-hander has raised his level of play since the All-Star Break where he has a 7-3 record along with a 3.18 ERA in eleven starts. In his three starts in September, Roark is 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings of work while compiling 23 strikeouts to just 3 walks during that span. Roark has been more effective on the road where he enjoys a 3.84 ERA and a .232 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts as compared to his 4.90 ERA and .262 opponent’s batting average in fifteen starts (sixteen games) at home. The Nationals have won 4 of their last 5 road games with Roark on the mound. Furthermore, Roark pitched seven days ago for his last start — and Washington has won 8 of their last 9 road games with Roark pitching with five or six days of rest. He should fare well against this Atlanta team that is scoring only 3.1 Runs-Per-Game in their last seven games with a .206 batting average along with a .264 opponent’s batting average and .580 OPS during that span. Furthermore, the Braves have lost 13 of their last 18 home games against right-handed starting pitchers.

Atlanta (67-83) now lost four straight games — and they have failed to score more than three runs in six straight games. Not only have the Braves then lost 10 straight home games after failing to score more than three runs in two straight games but they have lost 16 of their last 20 home games after playing at least three straight games after failing to score more than three runs in at least three straight games. Additionally, Atlanta has lost 4 straight games at home — and they have lost 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a winning percentage over 60% on the road. They counter with R.A. Dickey who is 9-10 with a 4.41 ERA and 1.43 WHIP this season. The right-hander has struggled at home where he owns a 4.56 ERA and .281 opponent’s batting average in seventeen starts as compared to his 4.21 ERA and .261 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts on the road. The Braves have lost 4 of their last 5 home games with Dickey on the mound. He faces a Washington team that has won 7 of their last 9 games against right-handed starting pitchers. And in their last 10 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher, the Nationals have won 8 of these games. 25* MLB National League East Game of the Year with the money-line on the Washington Nationals (905) versus the Atlanta Braves (906) listing both starting pitchers Tanner Roark and R.A. Dickey. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:35 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the Atlanta Braves (962) plus the +1.5 Run-Line versus the Washington Nationals (961) listing both starting pitchers Lucas Sims and Gio Gonzalez. Washington (91-59) has won two straight games with their 4-2 victory in the first game of this series. The Nationals have now played five straight games that finished Under the Total (due in large part to their cold bats — more on that below) — and they have then lost a decisive 84 of their last 136 games after playing at least their last four games Under the Total. Furthermore, Washington has lost 31 of their last 55 games with the Total set in the 9 to 9.5 range. They give the ball to Gonzalez who is 14-7 with a 2.68 ERA and 1.15 WHIP this season. The deeper sabermetrics call for immediate regression with both his SIERA and xFIP projecting an ERA bump up to 4.38 and 4.21 respectively moving forward. Furthermore, the left-hander has not been quite as good on the road where he has a 3.04 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in fifteen starts as compared to his 2.28 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in fourteen starts at home. Furthermore, the Nationals have lost 8 of their last 9 road games with Gonzalez pitching as a money-line favorite in the -125 to -175 price range. He faces an Atlanta team that hits lefties well. The Braves score 5.2 Runs-Per-Game against left-handed starting pitchers with a .287 batting average along with a .345 On-Base Percentage and an OPS of .794. The Braves have also won 4 straight games against left-handed starting pitchers.

Atlanta (67-82) has won 23 of their last 41 games after scoring two runs or less in their last game. The Braves will be playing their twelfth straight game against NL East rivals tonight — and they have won 25 of their last 43 games after playing at least six straight games against NL East opponents. They give the ball to their rookie pitcher Luke Sims who is 2-5 with a 5.52 ERA and 1.45 WHIP this season. Sims has been much better at home where he owns a 3.86 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and .238 opponent’s batting average in three starts (six games) at home as compared to his 7.40 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and .330 opponent’s batting average in four starts (five games) on the road. As mentioned above, the Nats’ bats are cold right now as they are scoring only 2.9 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with a .231 batting average along with a .285 On-Base Percentage and .623 OPS during that span. Lastly, the Braves are supported by a historical angle specific to Run-Line that has been 69% effective since 1997. Sims is making his first start on the mound since September 2nd — and home underdogs who with a team batting average in the .255 to .269 batting average (Atlanta: .264 batting average) facing a National League starting pitcher with an ERA of 3.00 or less have then covered the +1.5 Run-Line in 58 of the last 84 situations where these conditions applied. 25* MLB National League East Run-Line Underdog of the Year with the Atlanta Braves (962) plus the +1.5 Run-Line versus the Washington Nationals (961) listing both starting pitchers Lucas Sims and Gio Gonzalez. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:07 PM EST on Tuesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Cleveland Indians (925) versus the Los Angeles Angels (926) listing both starting pitchers Mike Clevinger and Tyler Skaggs. Cleveland (93-57) has won two straight games again after seeing their twenty-two game winning streak snapped Friday night. The Indians closed out their series with the Royals on Sunday with a 3-2 victory. Cleveland has then won 41 of their last 52 games after a victory. The Indians have also won 6 straight games after an off-day. And in their last 10 road games against teams with a winning record at home, Cleveland has won 9 of these games. They give the ball to Clevinger who is 10-5 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.27 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective on the road where he owns a 2.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and .188 opponent’s batting average in ten starts as compared to his 3.88 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and .233 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts on the road. Clevinger should be very focused for this game after he endured his worst start of this season against these Angels back on July 25th when he allowed six runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings of work. Over his last four starts, Clevinger has allowed only one earned run in 23 2/3 innings of work while winning all four starts. Cleveland has won 5 of their last 7 road games with Clevinger on the hill. He should fare well against this Angels’ team that is scoring only 3.9 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven contests with a .212 batting average along with a .283 On-Base Percentage and .684 OPS over that span.

TO BE CONTINUED -- please check back before this game begins for my full written Report before this game starts -- and I also reserve the right to raise the Star Value of this play (while you still get it at the discounted price by buying early). Given the high volume of plays I offer clients, I am providing an initial “abridged version” of the play to get them posted faster to accommodate my Daily, Weekly and Monthly subscribers so they can begin shopping lines. My research is detailed for our plays (which I do complete before endorsing a play) but it does take some time to write the more detailed Reports that clients have grown to count on. Thanks, Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the New York Giants (290) minus the points versus the Detroit Lions (289). New York (0-1) will be playing with a sense of desperation tonight having lost their opening game of the season in a 19-3 loss in Dallas as a 6-point underdog. Less than 13% of the teams that start the season with two losses have gotten off the mat to make the playoffs — so this is an important contest for the Giants that entered that contest with the Cowboys with deep playoff aspirations. New York has bounced-back to go 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a straight-up loss — and they are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a point spread setback. Additionally, while the Giants managed only 233 yards of offense last week, they have then covered the point spread in 4 straight games after failing to generate at least 250 yards in their last contest. Dallas won the yardage battle in that Sunday Night by a 159 net yards. But not has New York covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after being outgained by at least 100 yards in their last contest but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after being outgained by at least 150 yards. The Giants will likely have the services of Odell Beckham tonight as he has been upgraded to probable despite his leg injury. His presence on the field not only helps Eli Manning by giving him his favorite target but it also will likely compel defenses to provide only single coverage against their new wide receiver Brandon Marshall. New York returns home where they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games. And in their last 8 games against teams with a winning record, the Giants are 5-2-1 ATS.

Detroit (1-0) opened their season at home with a 35-23 victory over the Cardinals last Sunday as a 2.5-point underdog. The Lions benefited from a -3 net turnover in that game with their defense forcing four turnovers. But Detroit has then failed to cover the point spread in 3 straight games after enjoying at least a +3 met turnover margin. The Lions are also a rough 5-17-1 ATS in their last 23 games after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. Balance on offense remains a concern for this team as they threw 41 passes in that contest while rushing the ball just 27 times despite winning by double-digits. Moving forward, Detroit has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games when going on the road. Furthermore, the Lions have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against NFC opponents. And in their last 7 games in the month of September, Detroit has failed to cover the point spread 5 times. Lastly, this Lions team is a pathetic 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games in the second week of the season. 25* NFL Monday Night Football Game of the Month with the New York Giants (290) minus the points versus the Detroit Lions (289). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the Atlanta Falcons (208) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (207). Atlanta (1-0) returns home to host a rematch with the Green Bay Packers who they last crushed when these two teams met by a 44-21 score in the NFC Conference Championships last January. The Falcons will also be playing their first game in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium so except an electric atmosphere for this nationally televised game. Atlanta was listless last week in their 23-17 win on the road in Chicago as a 6.5-point favorite. But the Falcons have then rebounded to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss. Atlanta has also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a straight-up win. Furthermore, while the Falcons offense did generate 372 yards of offense, they have then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. And in their last 7 games in the month of September, Atlanta has covered the point spread 5 times.

TO BE CONTINUED -- please check back before this game begins for my full written Report before this game starts -- and I also reserve the right to raise the Star Value of this play (while you still get it at the discounted price by buying early). Given the high volume of plays I offer clients, I am providing an initial “abridged version” of the play to get them posted faster to accommodate my Daily, Weekly and Monthly subscribers so they can begin shopping lines. My research is detailed for our plays (which I do complete before endorsing a play) but it does take some time to write the more detailed Reports that clients have grown to count on. Thanks, Frank.

At 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Tennessee Titans (261) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (262). Tennessee (0-1) looks to bounce-back from an opening week 29-16 upset loss to the Raiders last Sunday despite being a 2.5-point favorite. The Over is then 10-4-1 in the Titans’ last 15 gamers are a point spread loss. Tennessee did generate 350 yards of offense in that loss — and the Over is then 11-4-1 in their last 16 games after generating at least 350 yards in their last game. The Titans have also played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total.

TO BE CONTINUED -- please check back before this game begins for my full written Report before this game starts -- and I also reserve the right to raise the Star Value of this play (while you still get it at the discounted price by buying early). Given the high volume of plays I offer clients, I am providing an initial “abridged version” of the play to get them posted faster to accommodate my Daily, Weekly and Monthly subscribers so they can begin shopping lines. My research is detailed for our plays (which I do complete before endorsing a play) but it does take some time to write the more detailed Reports that clients have grown to count on. Thanks, Frank.

At 3:00 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Bournemouth (5710) minus the -0.5 goals versus Brighton and Hove Albion (5711). Bournemouth (0-0-4) is still looking for their first win of this English Premier League season after they dropped their fourth straight contest last Saturday by a 3-0 score at Arsenal. The schedule has not been too friendly for the Cherries who have also hosted a loaded Manchester City side while traveling on the road to face West Brom. Bournemouth would definitely like their home match with Watford but now they have an opportunity to earn their first win of the year in front of their home fans against this Brighton side that was one of three teams promoted from the Champions League last season. This is a team that won three of their last four matches in last year’s campaign to finish a very impressive 9th in the Table despite this being five years removed from being in League One in the professional ranks in England. Manager Eddie Howe is a rising star and his expansive style leads to explosive scoring outputs from his team. This team was 6th in the EPL last year with 55 goals but have only scored once in their four matches this year. That should change on Friday in what is a must-win match for them. They have a rising star up front in Joshua King who scored 16 goals last season. The former Manchester United talent is due for some offensive fireworks. The team also has a a good keeper in former Chelsea property Asmir Begovich.

Brighton (1-1-2) earned their first win of the season last Saturday with a 3-1 win over West Brom. Not only was the first victory of the season for the Gulls but these three goals were their first three goals of the 2017-18 campaign in their first year back at the top level since 1983. Brighton earned their promotion after finishing 2nd in the Champions League last season with a style predicated on defense. The Gulls allowed the second-fewest goals in the Champions League last year. With 5 points already, this Brighton team has enjoyed as a good a start as could have been imagined. But their start also creates a sense of urgency for Bournemouth to take 3 points for themselves with a victory. The experience and talent-level of the Cherries combined with this match being played on their home pitch should help them earn the victory. 25* EPL Friday Afternoon Match of the Month with the Bournemouth (5710) minus the -0.5 goals versus Brighton and Hove Albion (5711). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:25 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Cincinnati Bengals (102) minus the points versus the Houston Texans (101). Houston (0-1) had the opportunity to rally the entire city around them in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey last Sunday as they played on their home field. Instead, the Texans embarrassed themselves with a 29-7 loss to the Jaguars in a game where they managed only 203 yards of offense. A -4 net turnover margin did not help matters but the biggest problem was their offensive line. The holdout of left tackle Duane Brown concerned me last week but I concluded that Houston was satisfied they could manage without their best lineman. Instead, Texans’ quarterbacks were sacked a whopping ten times in that game without Brown. As if playing on a short-week was bad enough, the Texans simply do not have an answer for this situation as they will not be signing Brown before the game this week. In fact, head coach Bill O’Brien’s decision to bench his boy Tom Savage for rookie Deshaun Watson was less about Savage’s play and more about Watson being a bit more mobile in lieu of continued poor play from the offensive line. Watson will start this week — if his bum ankle will allow him to go. That is a very tough assignment for a rookie QB on a short week. The Texans are a M*A*S*H unit right now with nine players missing practice on Monday on this short week — and five players in the concussion protocol that will keep them from playing on Thursday. All three of Houston’s tight ends are injured which may leave them empty at this position. This is all bad news for a franchise that has failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games played on a Thursday. The Texans have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. It might be tempting to expect Houston to rally around each other given this adversity after such a disappointing effort. However, that is not the personality of this team as they have not only failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a loss by at least two touchdowns. And in their last 4 games against teams with a losing record, the Texans have failed to cover the point spread in all 4 games.

Cincinnati (0-1) was one of the other NFL teams last week that was completely hapless in their opening game after a 20-0 loss at home to divisional rival Baltimore. We had both the Texans and the Bengals last week so some at the Hollywood Sports headquarters have dubbed this Thursday contest the Hollywood Sports Toilet Bowl. Cincinnati should bounce-back from a bad effort last week as they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a double-digit loss at home. The Bengals have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game. Being at home on this short week should be a significant advantage for this team looking to get back to their winning ways. And facing the indignity of getting shut out last week should particularly motivate the Cincy offensive unit led by quarterback Andy Dalton who has been derided all week after throwing four interceptions. Overcoming a -5 net turnover margin is nearly impossible. Look for the Bengals to get back to running the football later the offense managed only 221 yards of offense overall. Cincinnati is 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games after not scoring more than 20 points in their last game. On the plus side, the defense did play well for the Bengals as they held the Ravens to just 268 yards of offense. Finally, veteran head coach Marvin Lewis usually gets his team to play well in the second week of the season as his Cincinnati teams are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 2. 25* NFL Thursday Night Football Game of the Month with the Cincinnati Bengals (102) minus the points versus the Houston Texans (101). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New Mexico Lobos (103) and the Boise State Broncos (104). Boise State (101) looks to bounce-back from a heartbreaking 47-44 overtime loss at Washington State last week in a game where they had a 31-7 lead with under 11 minutes to go before blowing that lead and eventually succumbing in overtime. This team has quarterback issues with the inconsistent junior QB Brett Rypien benched in their first game before suffering a head injury in the 1st quarter last week against the Huskies. Graduate transfer Montell Cozart finished that game out — but while this 12 of 20 passing for 161 yards with two touchdowns with an additional 72 rushing yards looks dynamic, he completed only 3 of 9 passes to close out the game for just 33 yards which helped Washington State eke that game out. Rypien’s status for this game is questionable which makes things even more difficult for the Broncos on a  short week. Don’t be surprised if the former Kansas QB gets the start tonight. Boise State needs to tighten things up on defense after allowing 455 yards to the Cougars. The Broncos have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. Additionally, Boise State has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after allowing at least 40 points in their last game. And in their last 14 games at home, the Broncos have played 11 of thee games Under the Total.

New Mexico (1-1) looks to rebound from a 30-28 loss to New Mexico State as a 7.5-point favorite last week. The Lobos gave up 500 yards of offense in that game — but they have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. Additionally, New Mexico has played 14 of their last 19 games Under the Total when playing on turf. Furthermore, not only have the Lobos played 5 of their last 7 road games Under the Total as an underdog but they have played 8 of their last 11 road games Under the Total as an underdog in the 14.5 to 21 point range. Together, these team trends produce our specific 65-19 combined angle for this situation. 25* CFB Thursday Night Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the New Mexico Lobos (103) and the Boise State Broncos (104). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:20 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Chargers (481) and the Denver Broncos (482). Denver (0-0) had the 4th best defense in the NFL last year by holding their opponents to just 316.1 total YPG. The Broncos defense was even better at home as they held their visitors to last year to only 300.6 total YPG. Denver has played 15 of their last 21 games Under the Total as the favorite. The Under is also 13-6-1 in the Broncos’ last 20 home games — and they have played 5 of their last 7 home games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 45 point range. Furthermore, Denver has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against fellow AFC opponents. And in their last 5 games played on grass, the Broncos have played 4 of these games Under the Total.

Los Angeles (0-0) will be looking for improvement on their defense with the hiring of new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley who will be moving the unit from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme. On offense, the Chargers will look to get running back Melvin Gordon going to keep them from obvious passing downs. The Broncos’ Von Miller has terrorized Philip Rivers and the San Diego offensive line with 13 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his twelve games against them. As it is, the Chargers have played 10 of their last 11 games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and this includes four straight Unders when playing on the road as an underdog getting 3 points or less. The Under is also 3-1-1 in San Diego’s last 5 games played on grass. And in their last 4 appearances on Monday Night Football, the Chargers have played all 4 games Under the Total. Together, these team trends produce our specific 58-18-2 combined angle for this situation. 25* NFL AFC West Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Los Angeles Chargers (481) and the Denver Broncos (482). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:10 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the New York Yankees (909) versus the Tampa Bay Rays (910) listing both starting pitchers C.C. Sabbathia and Jake Odorizzi. New York (77-65) has won six of their last eight games with their 10-7 win at Texas yesterday. The Yankees have then won 5 of their last 7 games after allowing two runs or less in their last game. The Bronx Bombers have outhit their opponents by their last two games by eight hits — and they have then won a decisive 16 of their last 18 games on the road after out-hitting their opponents by at least seven hits in each of their last two games. Furthermore, New York has won 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a losing record. They give the ball to Sabbathia who is 11-5 with a 3.91 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been more effective on the road where he has a 3.25 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in thirteen starts as compared to his 4.71 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in ten starts at home. New York has won 12 of their last 15 games Under the Total with Sabathia facing a team with a winning record. Additionally, the Yankees have played 10 of their last 11 games Under the Total with Sabathia on the mound after allowing at least five runs in their last game. He should have another good performance against this Tampa Bay team that has is scoring only 4.0 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games while hitting .230 with a .286 On-Base Percentage and a .686 OPS over that span. Additionally, the Rays have lost 5 of their last 6 games against left-handed starting pitchers.

Tampa Bay (71-73) snapped their two-game losing streak yesterday with their 4-1 win at Boston against the Red Sox. The Rays have lost 16 of their last 24 games after not allowing more than one run in their last game. Now Tampa Bay returns home where they have lost 11 of their last 15 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. And in their last 16 games against AL East opponents, the Rays have lost 11 of these games. They counter with Jake Odorizzi who is 8-7 with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP this season. The right-hander has not been as effective at home where he has been saddled with a 4.71 ERA and an opponent’s batting average of .241 in thirteen starts as compared to his 4.41 ERA and .220 opponent’s batting average in eleven starts on the road. Tampa Bay has lost 8 of their last 9 home games with Odorizzi on the mound with the Total set in the 8.5 to 10 range. He faces a hot-hitting New York team that is scoring 7.9 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with  a .305 batting average along with a .375 On-Base Percentage and an .883 OPS over that span. Lastly, the Yankees have won 4 of their last 5 games against right-handed starting pitchers. Together, these team trends produce our specific 86-21 combined angle for this situation. 25* MLB AL East Game of the Month with the money-line on the New York Yankees (909) versus the Tampa Bay Rays (910) listing both starting pitchers C.C. Sabbathia and Jake Odorizzi. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:00 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the match between West Ham United (81832) and Huddersfield Town (81833). West Ham (0-0-3) remained winless back on August 26th with their 3-0 loss at Newcastle. The Hammers have yet to score a goal this season — and this was after last year’s campaign where they only scored 47 goals for the entire season. Defense was their calling card under manager Slaven Bilic whose tactics kept things afloat despite their difficulties in scoring goals. The team did make a major signing last month when they acquired Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen in the German Professional League. Unfortunately for Bilic, the Mexican star will not have many of his key teammates in this match. Midfielder Marko Arnautovic is suspended for this match while midfielders Manuel Lanzini, Andrew Ayew and Edmilison Fernandes are all out with injuries. Forward Andy Carroll is also questionable for this afternoon’s match with a knock of his own leaving this side thin up front. West Ham does return home to play their first match this season — and they need a result. They managed only eight shots against Newcastle and they will likely lean heavily on their good depth in their backfield along with a strong keeper in Joe Hart who is on load with the club from Man City.

Huddersfield (2-1-0) enters this match after their 0-0 draw with Southampton back on August 26th. The Terriers have been one of the surprises of the season so far as they have not lost a match after being one of the three teams to get promoted from the Champions League last season. This franchise are true minnows in the English Premier League with this being their first ever campaign at the top level of English football. And the 4-4-4-1 system of manager David Wagner has helped this team to not yet surrender a goal. But the Terriers have scored only four goals themselves in their three matches. They will be very happy to live with another scoreless draw with this being a road contest for them. Expect a low-scoring match. 25* English Premier League Monday NBC-Sports Total of the Month with Under the Total in the match between West Ham United (81832) and Huddersfield Town (81833). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New York Giants (477) and the Dallas Cowboys (478). New York (0-0) may be a team where most of their attention goes to their offense with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham — and now they have added Brandon Marshall to that mix. But it is the defense that should be mentioned when first considering this Giants team. Last year, the Giants were 2nd in the NFL by holding opponents to just 17.8 PPG — and they were 10th in the NFL by allowing only 339.7 total YPG. Defensive coordinator is one of the best in the business — and his return to this franchise where he was the coordinator for their last Super Bowl run which earned him a head coaching stint with the Rams — has helped make this an elite defense once again. In particular, the Giants boast two of the best safeties in the league Landon Collins and Darian Thompson. New York has played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total against NFC opponents. The Giants have also played 4 straight games Under the Total when playing on turf. Furthermore, New York has played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total when the number at 45.5 or higher. Additionally, the Giants have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 point range.

Dallas (0-0) had an underrated defense last year as well. The Cowboys were 5th in the NFL by allowing only 19.1 PPG as they were bolstered by the best run defense in the NFL that held opponents to just 83.5 rushing YPG. Dallas has played 3 of their last 4 home games Under the Total with the number set in the 45.5 to 49 point range. Together, these team trends produce our 31-8 combined angle for this situation. These two teams last played on December 11th in what resulted in what was a 10-7 win for the Giants. Expect another low scoring game where both teams challenge each other at the line of scrimmage. Lastly, the Under is supported by an empirical angle that has been 68% effective since 1983. In games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range, when at least one of these teams had a run defense that did not allow more than 90 rushing YPG, these games then finished Under the Total in 58 of the last 95 situations where these conditions applied. 7 PM EST UPDATE: Wide receiver Odell Beckham has been ruled out for this game which takes the best offensive weapon away from Manning and allow the Cowboys to double-team Marshall which is good news for the Under. 25* NFL NFC East Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the New York Giants (477) and the Dallas Cowboys (478). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:15 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the BYU Cougars (396) plus the points versus the Utah Utes (395). BYU (1-1) looks to bounce-back from an embarrassing performance last week where they managed only 97 yards of offense in a 27-0 thumping at the hands of LSU last Saturday as a 15-point underdog. Being shutout will certainly ensure that the offense will be at full attention to their coaching staff this week. The Cougars returned six starters from a group that scored 29.5 PPG last season. In the thirteen starts that junior Tanner Mangum has played for this team — with most of those games occurring when he was a freshman two years ago — BYU scored 33.7 PPG while he averaged a robust 7.6 Yards-Per-Passing-Attempt. The Cougars have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, BYU has not only covered the point spread in 4 straight games after failing to generate at least 275 yards in their last game but they are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. And in their last 10 games in the month of September, the Cougars have covered the point spread in 7 of these games.

TO BE CONTINUED -- please check back before this game begins for my full written Report before this game starts -- and I also reserve the right to raise the Star Value of this play (while you still get it at the discounted price by buying early)   -- this is pretty likely for this contest. Given the high volume of plays I offer clients, I am providing an initial “abridged version” of the play to get them posted faster to accommodate my Daily, Weekly and Monthly subscribers so they can begin shopping lines. My research is detailed for our plays (which I do complete before endorsing a play) but it does take some time to write the more detailed Reports that clients have grown to count on. Thanks, Frank.

At 8:05 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the money-line on the Chicago Cubs (952) versus the Milwaukee Brewers (951) listing both starting pitchers John Lackey and Jimmy Nelson. Chicago (77-63) has won two straight — as well as eight of their last eleven contests — with their 8-2 win at Pittsburgh on Thursday. The Cubs have then won 6 of their last 7 games after a win. Chicago has also won 20 of their last 27 games after allowing two runs or less in their last game. Furthermore, the Cubbies have won 9 of their last 10 games at home in Wrigley Field. And in their last 8 opening games to a new series, Chicago has won 7 of these contests. They give the ball to Lackey who is 11-10 with a 4.74 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 4.02 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP as opposed to his 5.38 ERA and 1.37 WHIP when on the road. The Cubs have won 5 straight home games with Lackey on the hill. He should fare well against this cold Brewers team that is scoring just 3.4 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven games with a .228 batting average along with a .300 On-Base Percentage and .681 OPS over that span. Milwaukee has lost a decisive 15 of their last 17 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher. And in their last 5 games against right-handed starting pitchers, the Brewers have lost 4 of these games.

Milwaukee (72-68) has lost three of their last four games with their 7-1 loss at Cincinnati on Wednesday. The Brewers have now lost 5 of their last 7 games on the road. Milwaukee has also lost 5 of their last 6 opening games to a new series. They counter with Jimmy Nelson who is 11-6 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.25 WHIP this season. The left-hander has not been as effective on the road where he has a 4.16 ERA in thirteen starts as compared to his 3.14 ERA in fifteen starts at home. The Brewers have lost 11 of their last 16 road games with Nelson facing a team with a winning record. Lastly, he faces a Cubs team that has won 7 of their last 8 games against right-handed starting pitchers. Together, these team trends produce our specific 94-22 combined angle for this situation. 25* MLB National League Central Game of the Year with the money-line on the Chicago Cubs (952) versus the Milwaukee Brewers (951) listing both starting pitchers John Lackey and Jimmy Nelson. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:30 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Kansas City Chiefs (451) and the New England Patriots (452). Kansas City (0-0) was just 20th in the NFL last season by averaging 343.0 total YPG. Yet this team was able to generate more points than that level of production would suggest as they ranked 13th in the league by scoring 24.3 PPG. But this is an offense under QB Alex Smith that was middling at best in both the pass where they averaged just 233.8 passing YPG (19th in the NFL) and only 109.2 rushing YPG (15th in the NFL). This is a team that seems to have taken a step back then this season with the decision to cut wide receiver Jeremy Maclin via voicemail and then running back Spencer Ware suffered a season-ending knee injury. The defense remains stout after finishing in the Top-Ten in points allowed for the fourth straight season by allowing just 19.4 PPG which was 7th best in the NFL. The Chiefs secondary is elite with strong safety Eric Berry and a true shutdown cornerback in Marcus Peters anchoring a great group that can play man-to-man and afford an extra defender in the box. This defensive group will also be buoyed by the return of linebackers Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson after they suffered season-ending injuries before the playoffs last season. Kansas City has played 13 of their last 21 games Under the Total with the number set in the 42.5 to 49 point range. The Chiefs have also played 12 of their last 18 road games Under the Total as an underdog getting 7.5 to 10 points. And in head coach Andy Reid’s last 6 road games that he has coached as an underdog in the 7.5 to 10 point range, those games finished Under the Total 5 times.

New England (0-0) seems to have upgraded what was the best scoring defense in the league last year that held opponents to just 15.6 PPG. This team added depth in their front seven with the additions of defensive tackle Lawrence Guy and linebacker David Harris. But the biggest move they made was to sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a $13 million dollar/year deal. Not only does this give their secondary two outstanding corners but Gilmore’s size at 6’1 helps offset Malcolm Butler who is great but is a little shorter at 5’11. This team also added a bunch of new pieces on offense — but I expect the Patriots to give a heavy dose to their new running back Mike Gillislee who they signed as a free agent from Buffalo. The Chiefs were last in the NFL last season against runs up the middle — and 74% of their opponents rushing attempts were right up the gut of their defense. Gillislee is a bruising back who offers the Patriots’ offense this propensity of attack — and a commitment to run the ball up the middle will burn time off the clock and shorten the game. New England has played 4 of their last 5 opening games to a new season Under the Total. Lastly, because the Patriots only allowed 88.6 rushing YPG last season, the Under is supported by a historical angle that has been 73% effective since 1983. In games between Conference opponents, when one team did not allow more than 90 rushing YPG the previous season, these games finished Under the Total in 43 of the last 59 situations where these conditions applied. 25* NFL Thursday Night Football Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the the Kansas City Chiefs (451) and the New England Patriots (452). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:35 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Los Angeles Angels (967) versus the Oakland A’s (968) listing both starting pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Sean Manaea. Los Angeles (72-67) has won six of their last eight games with their 8-7 win in the second game of this series last night. The Angels have then won 5 of their last 7 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Los Angeles has also won 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least five runs in their last contest. Furthermore, the Angels have won 12 of their last 16 road games against teams with a winning record at home. They give the ball to Skaggs who is 1-4 with a 4.89 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP this season. The left-hander has been more effective on the road where he owns a 3.82 ERA along with a 1.40 WHIP and .261 opponent’s batting average in six starts on the road as compared to his 6.15 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and .292 opponent’s batting average in five starts at home. Additionally, the Angels have won 5 of their last 7 games with Skaggs facing a team that scored at least five runs in their last game. He faces an Oakland team that has lost 6 of their last 8 home games against left-handed starting pitchers. Furthermore, the A’s have lost 5 of their last 7 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher.

Oakland (58-80) has now lost eight straight games — so, obviously, they have lost 7 straight games after a loss. The A’s have also lost 10 of their last 11 home games after a loss by one run against a divisional rival. Oakland has also lost 4 straight games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. And in their last 8 home games against teams with a winning record, the A’s have lost 6 of these games. They counter with Sean Manaea who is 9-9 with a 4.52 ERA and 1.38 WHIP this season. The left-hander has not been as effective at home where he has a 4.60 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and .265 opponent’s batting average in twelve starts as compared to his 4.46 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and .263 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts on the road. Oakland has lost 5 of their last 6 games with Manaea pitching on four days of rest. He faces a red-hot Los Angeles team that is scoring 8.4 Runs-Per-Game over their last seven contests along with a .292 batting average, .383 On-Base Percentage and an .853 OPS over that span. Lastly, the Angels have won 4 of their last 5 games against a starting pitcher with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher. 25* MLB Getaway Game of the Year with the money-line on the Los Angeles Angels (967) versus the Oakland A’s (968) listing both starting pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Sean Manaea. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 6:30 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (358) plus the points versus the Toronto Argonauts (357). Hamilton (0-8) has been a terrible disappointment this season having lost all their games this season despite having playoff expectations after losing by a 24-21 score to these same Argonauts in the East Division Semifinals last November. Getting healthy again after enduring an injury-plagued year provided this franchise a sense of optimism. But enough was enough as this football team has used their bye week after a 37-18 loss to Ottawa back on August 18th to hire June Jones as their new head coach. Junes has had success wherever he has coached (including with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL) — and his Run-and-Shoot offensive principles should find success in the three-down Canadian Football League. Perhaps even more importantly in the short-run, his arrival offers this roster and franchise a blank slate to start over. And despite still looking for their first win this evening, the Tiger-Cats are not out of the playoff race given the fealty of the other competitors in the East Division. This will be Hamilton’s third straight game at home which gives them as good of a situational advantage as there can be when considering they are also coming off a bye week. The T-Cats have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after suffering two straight losses at home. And while Hamilton has failed to cover the point spread in six of their eight games this season, they have then covered the point spread in 32 of their last 47 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games. An early move that Jones has done is bench former Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Zack Collaros for former Oregon Duck QB Jeremiah Masoli. Both are fine CFL quarterbacks but the move will help to jumpstart some momentum for the Tiger-Cats.

Toronto (4-6) has lost four of their last five games after a 23-7 loss in Calgary last Friday as a 10-point underdog. The Argonauts have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after a straight-up loss — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 32 games after a point spread loss. Additionally, Toronto has failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 15 games after losing two of their last three games. Furthermore, the Argonauts have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games against teams with a losing record. And in their last 11 games on the road, Toronto has failed to cover the point spread in 10 of these games. 25* CFL East Division Game of the Year with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (358) plus the points versus the Toronto Argonauts (357). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the UCLA Bruins (212) minus the points versus the Texas A&M Aggies (211). UCLA (0-0) sees the return of junior quarterback Josh Rosen tonight who suffered a season-ending shoulder surgery in Week Six of the regular season last year. “Chosen Rosen” was the hotshot quarterback in Los Angeles that had NFL scouts drooling — but a bit of regression last year along with that injury combined with the emergeYet the third-year starter is an uber-talented QB who should shine this season under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch. The former Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Michigan left Ann Arbor and his coaching buddy Jim Harbaugh for the opportunity to mentor Rosen after pulling off two minor miracles in the development of Wilton Speight as well as Jake Rudock who literally owes his NFL career now to Fisch. Head coach Jim Mora has entrusted Fisch to completely overhaul the Bruins’ offense that has been a disaster in attempting to run the football. UCLA returns four starters on their offensive line with three of them seniors but this group needs to play much better. The Bruins averaged only 2.3 Yards-Per-Carry last year but some of that has to be blame on the scheme not fitting the talented running backs they have on their roster. Fisch should fix that. The defense returns six starters and, while this unit lost talent to the NFL, this group has a very good chance to improve on perennially underachieving numbers after allowing 27.5 PPG last season. Despite their 2-7 record in the PAC-12 in what became a lost season, the Bruins were only outgained by -34.1 net YPG. Four net close losses in games determined by one scoring possession along with three net upsets suffered last year ruined the UCLA season. Getting Rosen back with eight other starters on offense along with finally upgrading the quality of the offensive coaching staff will help this team completely clean the slate of last year. The Bruins have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games against SEC foes. And UCLA typically starts strong as they have covered the point spread in 52 of their last 88 games in the month of September.

Texas A&M (0-0) closed out last season losing four of their last five games to finish 8-5 which has placed head coach Kevin Sumlin on the hot seat this season in College Station. Sumlin has named redshirt freshman Nick Starkel as his quarterback which is the fourth new starting quarterback in the last four seasons. Asking him to make his first start ever on the road at UCLA is a tough assignment. There are questions with his offensive line that much replace both their tackles who are now in the NFL — and yet the group last year was too often manhandled again SEC competition. The Aggies regressed as well on defense last season as they finished 90th in the FBS by allowing 442 YPG — and that was with Myles Garrett at defensive end before he was the number one pick in the NFL draft. This team will desperately miss his 48.5 tackles-for-loss over the last three seasons as they are now quite thin at defensive end. That is not good news for a defense that has struggled mightily in attempting to stop the run. Both starting cornerbacks return but these seniors have struggled to lock down wide receivers in their college careers. Texas A&M has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games on the road. The Aggies have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games as an underdog. Furthermore, Texas A&M has failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 22 road games as an underdog getting 7 points or less. And in their last 8 games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range, the Aggies have failed to cover the point spread 6 times. 25* CFB Fox Sports 1 Game of the Month with the UCLA Bruins (212) minus the points versus the Texas A&M Aggies (211). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Colorado State Rams (151) plus the points versus the Colorado Buffaloes (152). Colorado (0-0) returns twelve starters from a team that finished 8-1 in the Pac-12 and 10-4 overall last season. But these Buffaloes lost a ton of the offensive and defensive leaders from the mix of twenty-three scholarship seniors from that team leaving plenty of holes on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The questions start at quarterback with redshirt sophomore Steven Montez being named the starter in spring practice for the graduated four-year starter Sefo Liufau. On defense, Colorado only returns three starters — including just one in their front seven — and has a new defensive coordinator in D. J. Eliot. The Buffaloes have failed to cover the point spread in expected high-scoring games with the Total set at least at 63. And with this Rivalry Game being played on the Broncos’ Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games  played on a neutral field.

Colorado State (1-0) enjoys a significant advantage in this contest with one game under their belt with their 58-27 win over Oregon State last week as a 3.5-point favorite . The Rams blew open a close game that went to the locker room with them leading by just a 24-20 score. But head coach Mike Bobo’s relentless pressure on offense eventually wore out a thin Beavers team. Colorado State did benefit from a +3 net turnover margin which included a pick-six — but they also held the ball for 34:49 and outgained Oregon State by 74 yards. QB Nick Stevens picked up right where he left off from his hot final seven games by completing 26 of 39 passes for 334 yards. This offense should be very comfortable this week with a game now under their belts. Moving forward, the Rams have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a both a straight-up win as well as after a point spread victory. Additionally, Colorado State has covered the point spread in 14 of their last 17 games after scoring at least 40 points in their last contest. And in their last 12 games as an underdog, the Rams have covered the point spread 8 times. Lastly, this Colorado State team will be playing with revenge on their mind after being embarrassed by a 44-7 score in this showdown last season. Twelve months later, this Rams team is much better under Bobo’s guidance — and they already have a game under their belts. 25* CFB Rivalry Game of the Year with the Colorado State Rams (151) plus the points versus the Colorado Buffaloes (152). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Ohio State Buckeyes (133) minus the points versus the Indiana Hoosiers (134). Ohio State (0-0) has been chomping on the bit to get back on the football field for eight full months after they were embarrassed in the National Semifinals by Clemson last New Year’s Eve by a 31-0 score. Not only was that just the third bowl loss ever for head coach Urban Meyer but it was the first time one of his teams was shut out in a bowl game. Meyer was not complacent in the offseason as he brought in former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson to be his new offensive coordinator. Wilson’s schemes should make the Buckeyes more explosive on offense — look for more deep passing routes along with more crossing routes along with a faster pace on offense to help their elite talent better exploit opposing defenses. Wilson also gives Ohio State a huge advantage in this game when considering he coaches this Hoosiers team last season and knows this group that he recruited (especially on offense) quite well. The Buckeyes are loaded this season as they return fifteen starters from what was the youngest team in the nation last year — and they still feel bitterly disappointed by losing in the National Semifinals. Ohio State has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 road games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range.

Indiana (0-0) returns fifteen starters as well from the team that finished 6-7 after a 26-24 loss to Utah in the Foster Farm’s Bowl. That was the first game under head coach Tom Allen who took over after the resignation of Wilson after his philosophical disagreement with the Indiana Athletic Director. But another important loss for this football program that is a bit under the radar is the departure of their offensive line coach Grey Frey who was snatched up by Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. Frey nurtured and coached two All-Americans on his offensive line with the Hoosiers which is quite an accomplishment for a program that is known more for its basketball team. Depth is now an issue at offensive line. Indiana also was 124th in the FBS last season by scoring only 3.6 points per trip inside the 40-yard line — so I am expecting them to struggle to score points in this contest. The defense did make great strides last season and returns nine of those starters. Yet their total defense that ranked 45th in the nation by allowing 380.1 YPG remains a middling unit and is vastly inferior to the talent Ohio State has on offense. And Wilson knows this returning talent on defense as well as anyone. Lastly, Indiana has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range. Indiana has played Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State close in the last few seasons. But opening their season against one of this elite teams robs them of the advantage of catching them by surprise. 25* CFB Big Ten Game of the Month with the Ohio State Buckeyes (133) minus the points versus the Indiana Hoosiers (134). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Philadelphia Eagles (105) and the New York Jets (106). Philadelphia (2-1) looks to build off their 38-31 victory over the Dolphins last Thursday. Despite all those points, the Eagles defense played pretty well in holding the Dolphins to just 302 yards of offense. With likely backup QB Nick Foles still dealing with an injury, expect the uninspiring Mitch McGloin to handle the quarterbacking duties tonight with Carson Wentz not risking taking the field and getting injured. The starting offensive line for the Eagles will not be playing in this game either which will make things more difficult for the former Penn State QB. As it is, Philadelphia has played 5 straight preseason games under the leadership of head coach Doug Pederson Under the Total with the number in the 35.5-42 point range. The Eagles have also played 4 of their last 6 preseason games Under the Total when listed in the +/- 3 point range.

New York (1-2) closes out their preseason after a 33-31 loss against the Giants last week. The Jets’ defense did not play nearly as bad as that final score suggests as they limited the Giants to just 331 yards of offense. Two interceptions returned for touchdowns accounted for 14 of the Giants’ 33 points. New York is allowing only 17.0 PPG in their preseason contests — but they are scoring only 14.7 PPG. With the injury to Bryce Petty last week who has at times been the most effective QB for this team this month, expect the majority of the snaps to go to backup Christian Hackenberg with the veteran Josh McCown not risking injury before he begins the year as head coach Todd Bowles starter. The Jets have played their last two preseason games under Bowles command Under the Total after a loss in the preseason by 6 points or less. And in their last 5 preseason games as the home team under Bowles, 4 of these contests finished Under the Total. Lastly, because the Jets trailed the Giants by a 29-3 score at halftime last week, the Under is supported by an empirical angle that has been 77% effective since 1993. In preseason games involving a team that allowed at least 30 points in their last preseason game (Philadelphia) now facing a team that trailed by at least two touchdowns in their last preseason game (NY Jets), these games finished Under the Total in 26 of the last 34 situations where these conditions applied. 25* NFLx NFL Preseason Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Philadelphia Eagles (105) and the New York Jets (106). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:10 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the San Francisco Giants (911) and the San Diego Padres (912) listing both starting pitchers Ty Blach and Travis Wood. San Diego (58-74) snapped their four-game losing streak last night with their 6-3 win over the Giants. The Padres have then seen the Over go 13-4-1 in their last 18 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. The Over is also 19-7-1 in San Diego’s last 27 home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road. They give the ball to Wood who is 3-4 with a 6.67 ERA and 1.63 WHIP this season. Since being picked up by the Padres after being waived by the Royals, the left-hander has struggled at home where he has a 1.85 WHIP and an opponent’s batting average of .355 as opposed to his more mild 1.77 WHIP and .283 opponent’s batting average on the road. Wood’s teams have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total when he is making the start. He faces a Giants team that has played 4 straight games Over the Total against left-handed starting pitchers.

San Francisco (53-81) has lost four of their last five games after their setback last night. The Over is 14-5-1 in the Giants’ last 20 games after allowing at least five runs in their last game. San Francisco has also played 8 of their last 10 road games Over the Total against teams with a losing record. They counter with Ty Blach who is 8-10 with a 4.68 ERA and 1.35 WHIP this season. The left-hander has struggled on the road where he has a 5.64 ERA along with a 1.47 WHIP and .312 opponent’s batting average in nine starts (thirteen games) as compared to his 4.01 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and .269 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts (sixteen games) at home. Additionally, the Giants have played 7 of their last 9 with Blach facing a team with a losing record. He faces a San Diego team that has seen the Over go 13-4-1 in their last 18 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or higher. The Over is also 3-1-1 in the Padres’ last 5 games against left-handed starting pitchers. Lastly, in the last 6 meetings between these two teams, the game finished Over the Total 5 times. 25* MLB National League West Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the San Francisco Giants (911) and the San Diego Padres (912) listing both starting pitchers Ty Blach and Travis Wood. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:10 PM EST on Wednesday, we will be playing the money-line on the Milwaukee Brewers (904) versus the St. Louis Cardinals (903) listing both starting pitchers Chase Anderson and Carlos Martinez. Milwaukee (68-64) saw their two-game winning streak snapped last night with their 10-2 loss to the Cardinals. The Brewers have bounced-back to win 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss. And while Milwaukee is hitting just .189 over their last five games, they have won 14 of their last 20 games after a five-game span where they failed to hit at least .225. Moving forward, the Brewers have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. And in their last 5 games against fellow NL Central opponents, Milwaukee has won 4 of these contests. They give the ball to Anderson who is 7-3 with a 2.87 ERA and 1.13 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been more effective at home where he owns a 2.15 ERA along with a 0.97 WHIP and .202 opponent’s batting average in eight starts as compared to his 3.60 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and .245 opponent’s batting average in ten starts on the road. The Brewers have won 4 of their last 5 home games with Anderson on the mound. He faces a St. Louis team that has lost 5 of their last 7 games against right-handed starting pitchers. The Cardinals have also lost 25 of their last 32 games against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower.

St. Louis (66-65) has still lost six of their last nine games — and they have lost 4 of their last 5 games after a victory. The Cardinals have also lost 4 of their last 5 games after scoring at least five runs in their last game. Additionally, St. Louis has lost 27 of their last 40 road games again teams with a winning record at home. They counter with Carlos Martinez who is 10-9 with a 3.48 ERA and 1.19 WHIP this year. The right-hander has not been as effective on the road where he has a 3.78 ERA along with a 1.28 WHIP and .238 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts as compared to his 3.19 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and .220 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts at home. The Cardinals have lost 5 of their last 7 road games with Martinez facing a team with a winning record. 25* MLB Getaway Game Underdog of the Year with the money-line on the Milwaukee Brewers (904) versus the St. Louis Cardinals (903) listing both starting pitchers Chase Anderson and Carlos Martinez. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:10 PM EST on Monday, we will be playing the money-line on the San Diego Padres (908) versus the San Francisco Giants (907) listing both starting pitchers Jhoulys Chacin and Jeff Samardzija. San Diego (57-72) has lost three straight games with their 6-2 loss in Miami on Sunday. But the Padres return home now after a six-game road trip — and they have won 5 straight home games against teams with a winning percentage below 40% on the road (San Francisco: 21-45 on the road). And while the Giants score only 4.0 Runs-Per-Game, San Diego has won 10 of their last 13 games in the second-half of the season against NL teams that do not score more than 4.0 Runs-Per-Game. They give the ball to Chacin who is 11-9 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season. The right-hander has been outstanding at home in Petco Park this year where he owns a 1.86 ERA along with a 1.01 WHIP and .184 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts. And the Padres have won 6 of their last 7 home games with Chacin on the mound against a team with a losing record. He should have continued success against this Giants team that has lost 5 of their last 7 games against right-handed starting pitchers.

San Francisco (52-79) has lost three straight games as well as six of their last eight contests after their 11-0 loss at Arizona yesterday. The Giants have now lost 13 of their last 16 games against fellow NL West opponents. San Diego is 33-30 at home this year — and San Francisco has lost 36 of their last 52 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Furthermore, the Giants have lost 19 of their last 26 opening games to a new series. And in their last 7 trips to San Diego, San Fran has lost 5 of these games. They counter with Jeff Samardzija who is 8-12 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.21 WHIP this season. Despite his fantastic strikeout-to-walk ratio, the right-hander is giving up too many hard hit balls. His aversion to throwing balls is leading him to groove to many easily hit pitches. Opposing hitters are smacking line drives in 23.7% of their balls-in-play against Samardzija which is a career high for him. Samardzija has particularly struggled on the road where he has a 5.05 ERA and .271 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts as compared to his 4.26 ERA and .266 opponent’s batting average in thirteen starts at home. The Giants have lost 9 of their last 13 games with Samardzija pitching with five days rest. Lastly, the Padres have won 4 of their last 5 home games against right-handed starting pitchers. 25* MLB Game of the Year with the money-line on the San Diego Padres (908) versus the San Francisco Giants (907) listing both starting pitchers Jhoulys Chacin and Jeff Samardzija. Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Sunday, we will be playing the San Francisco 49ers (281) plus the points versus the Minnesota Vikings (282). San Francisco (1-1) followed up an impressive preseason victory over Kansas City that began the Kyle Shanahan coaching era with a subpar effort in their 33-14 upset loss at home to the Broncos despite being 3-point favorites. The 49ers are a franchise that have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 preseason games after an upset preseason loss by double-digits as the favorite. San Francisco has also covered the point spread in 3 straight preseason games after a double-digit loss, in general. Ball security was certainly an area of emphasis this week in practice after the 49ers fumbled the ball five times — losing four of them — in that game. San Fran had a rough -5 net turnover margin in that contest. The 49ers have then covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 preseason games after a preseason game where they had a -2 net turnover margin — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 preseason games after a preseason game where they had a -3 net turnover margin. Starting quarterback Brian Hoyer exhibited leadership after that game by pointing to this contest as his team’s first opportunity to respond to adversity — so this group should played with focused energy tonight. The 49ers have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 road games in the preseason as an underdog getting 3.5 to 7 points. And in their last 14 road games in the preseason with the Total set in the 35.5 to 42 point range, San Fran has covered the point spread 9 times.

Minnesota (1-1) comes off a 20-13 loss at Seattle last Friday. Now the team returns for their home opener this preseason — and that helps explain why they are laying around 6 points for this game as of this writing. That is simply too much wood to lay in the preseason under most circumstances. The Vikings are struggling to move the ball on offense as they are scoring just 15.0 PPG so far this preseason. These deficiencies on offense help place Minnesota int an empirical “play-against” preseason angle that has been 71% effective over the last ten seasons. Home favorites in the preseason coming off two straight preseason games where they failed to score at least 17 points have then failed to cover the point spread in 35 of the last 49 situations where these conditions applied. 25* NFLx Sunday Night Football Preseason Game of the Year with the San Francisco 49ers (281) plus the points versus the Minnesota Vikings (282). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Rice Owls (297) and the Stanford Cardinal (298). Stanford (0-0) should be loaded for bear once again on defense this season as they return eight starters from a 10-3 team that won their last six games including beating North Carolina (and future Chicago Bears’ Hall of Fame quarterback Mitch Trubisky?) by a 25-23 score in the Sun Bowl. The Cardinal held their opponents to just 20.0 PPG and only 368 YPG. Stanford was 10th in the FBS with the most 3-and-outs on defense last year. Redshirt junior Keller Chryst returns as the starting quarterback but he missed all of spring ball from the injury he sistine in the Sun Bowl. Expect head coach David Shaw to rely on his defense along with a physical ground game with this team struggling to effectively execute the forward pass. The Cardinal has played 7 of their last 9 games in the first two weeks of the season Under the Total. Stanford has also played 21 of their last 32 games Under the Total with the number set in the 42.5 to 56 point range.

Rice (0-0) returns eight starters on a totally revamped defense under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart. With the Owls moving from a 4-2-5 to a 3-4 formation with multiple fronts as options, Stewart should have the advantage of surprise in this opening game. The Rice defense was horrific last season but injuries played a role in that so this group should be improved. They certainly will be daring the Cardinal to move the ball via the pass. On offense, head coach David Bailiff has named redshirt freshman Sam Glaesmann his starter eleven days ago. But his announcement was less than glowing: "We tried to extend it (the competition at QB) as long as we could and we really hoped one of them would just run away with it; it never really happened … but you've got to start allotting reps this late in the game." That is not exactly a ringing endorsement — and Bailiff has indicated that sophomore Jackson Tyner who started against Stanford last season will get reps in this game. Expect Rice to run the ball behind an offensive line that returned all five of their starters — but that will make the Owls one-dimensional as well in this opening game. Rice has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total when playing on a neutral field. Lastly, this game is being played on a neutral field in Sydney, Australia — and the Under is supported by an empirical angle that has been 81% effective over the last five seasons. In games with the Total set in the 49.5 to 56 point range in the first month of the season between two teams that both returned at least eight starters, these games finished Under the Total in 34 of the last 42 situations where these conditions applied. 25* CFB Total of the Month Under the Total in the game between the Rice Owls (297) and the Stanford Cardinal (298). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Chargers (273) plus the points versus the Los Angeles Rams (274). The Chargers (0-2) are still looking for their first win of the season after losing their second preseason game by a 13-7 score in New Orleans last Sunday despite being a 3.5-point favorite in that game. QB Philip Rivers did not play in that game after playing a series in their first preseason game — but the Chargers’ Most Valuable Player should play most or all of the first half in this contest as has been confirmed by rookie head coach Anthony Lynn. San Diego has rebounded to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 preseason games after an upset loss in the preseason. The Chargers have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 16 preseason games after a loss at home in the preseason. This game will be played on the shared home field of the Rams and Chargers — and this San Diego team would love to earn a victory in this “Battle of Los Angeles” as they both fight for the loyalties of their new fan base.

The Rams (2-0) are feeling pretty good about themselves right now after their 24-21 win in Oakland as a 3-point underdog. But the Rams have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight preseason game after a preseason game against an NFC opponent. The Rams have also failed to cover the point spread in 22 of their last 35 preseason games when favored by 7 points or less. Lastly, the Chargers are supported by a preseason-specific angle that has been 81% effective over the last ten seasons. Road team listed in the +/- 3-point range coming off two straight preseason games at home now facing a team coming off a preseason game on the road have then covered the point spread in 29 of the last 36 situations where these conditions applied. 25* NFLx CBS Preseason Game of the Year with the Los Angeles Chargers (273) plus the points versus the Los Angeles Rams (274). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing the Buffalo Bills (261) plus the points versus the Baltimore Ravens (262). Buffalo (0-2) looks to get their first victory under new head coach Sean McDermott after their 20-16 loss at Philadelphia back on August 17th. The Bills lost that game despite winning the first down battle and outgaining the Eagles by 79 net yards. Expect a focused effort from this team in their dress rehearsal contest. Buffalo has covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 preseason games when playing with at least eight days of rest. That loss came after a 17-10 loss to Minnesota in their first preseason game — so this is a team that needs a positive result to build momentum. The Bills have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 21 preseason games after failing to score more than 17 points in their last two preseason games. Buffalo has yet to cover a point spread this presses as well — but they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 preseason games after failing to cover the point spread in two straight preseason games. McDermott has confirmed that the starters will play into the 3rd quarter tonight. The Bills offense needs to get QB Tyrod Taylor going after he threw two interceptions last week. Rookie Nathan Peterman has seized control of the backup position over the veteran T.J. Yates but he will take his reps exclusively with the second team unit — and that ensures another series or two with Taylor playing with the first-teamers.

Baltimore (2-0) enters this game coming off a blowout 31-7 win at Miami back on August 17th. It will be hard for this Ravens’ team to not lose some of their edge after such an easy win — especially in the preseason. Baltimore has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 preseason game after a preseason victory by at least three touchdowns — and that includes failing to cover the spread in three of their last four games in that situation under head coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens defense has been the best statistical unit in this preseason. But this team is a mess at QB with Joe Flacco unlikely to take a snap before the regular season begins. Ryan Mallet has been thoroughly unimpressive. In his first preseason game, he managed only 58 yards on 18 attempts as he was reluctant to throw the ball down the field. He was more aggressive against the Dolphins but that results in two interceptions. It has been so bad that rookie QB Josh Woodrum out of the college football juggernaut of Liberty University is positioning himself to be the true backup. With this significant advantage that the Bills have at quarterback, take Buffalo plus the points. 25* NFLx AFC Preseason Game of the Year with the Buffalo Bills (261) plus the points versus the Baltimore Ravens (262). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:30 PM EST on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between Manchester United (84578) and Leicester City (84577). Manchester United (2-0-0) has been the toast of the new English Premier League season so far this year after winning their second straight game by a 4-0 score. This side looks dominant — particularly on offense after scoring eight goals so far this season. The $100 million acquisition of forward Romelu Lukaku looks to be just what the doctor ordered as he has given the team an active and fluid attacker that better fits the team as compared to their big pickup last year of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But the key newcomer for this team is midfielder Nemanja Matic who played a key role for the champions Chelsea last season. Matic reunites with manager Jose Mouinho from his time in Chelsea. Not only does he offer the side a defensive-minded controlling midfielder but his presence on the pitch frees up Paul Pogba to become more of an attacker from the middle of the field. It is the chemistry between Pogba and Lukaku that makes the Red Devils very dangerous this season. Man United should score at least twice on their home field this afternoon.

Leicester City (1-0-1) has looked good themselves in this bounce-back season after suffering a big (and seemingly inevitable) letdown from their 2015 winning campaign. After a game effort at Arsenal that ended in a 4-3 loss in their opening match, the Foxes bounced back last week with a solid 2-0 victory over newby Brighton. Leicester City has scored six goals so far this season while conceding three. They have one of the best young strikers in the game in Jamie Vardy. More importantly for this team, star midfielder Riyad Mahrez seems to back in form and good spirits. Mahrez has been asking for a transfer but he seemed to be in 2015 form last week against Brighton. Injuries hurt the Foxes last year but this team is fit right now. Look for Leicester to score at least once and keep this match competitive. A minimum of three goals should be scored with a very good chance of us hitting four or more combined goals. 25* EPL Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between Manchester United (84578) and Leicester City (84577). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing the Edmonton Eskimos (374) minus the points versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders (373). Saskatchewan (3-4) comes off their best game of the season back on August 13th with their 41-8 thrashing at home against British Columbia as a 3-point underdog. This may be one of this situations where the bye week comes at the wrong time as it stalls building momentum for a team on the rise. As it is, the Roughriders have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread win. Saskatchewan benefited from a +5 net turnover margin in that contest with the Lions. But now they go on the road where they are just 8-17-1 ATS in their last 26 games on the road. Furthermore, the Roughriders have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 games against teams with a winning record. Additionally, Saskatchewan has failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 games against teams with a winning record. The Roughriders have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games in the month of August. And in their last 6 games against West Division rivals, Saskatchewan has failed to cover the point spread 5 times.

Edmonton (7-1) lost their first game of the season last week with their 33-26 loss in Winnipeg as a 1-point underdog. Despite their torrid start to the season, the Eskimos have performed well despite being ravaged by a slew of injuries that continues with more injuries occurring on both sides of the ball. But the team still has quarterback Mike Reilly who completed 20 of 33 passes for 356 yards in defeat. Despite all these injuries, Edmonton has been consistently dominant all season. They are outgaining their opponents by +77.5 net YPG. Expect them to bounce-back with a strong effort as they have rebounded to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after a straight-up loss. The Eskimos are also 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a point spread setback. Lastly, Edmonton will be playing with revenge on their mind after the Roughriders upset them in their last meeting going back to last year’s 26-23 loss back on September 18th. 25* CFL West Division Game of the Month with the Edmonton Eskimos (374) minus the points versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders (373). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM EST on Friday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Kansas City Chiefs (257) and the Seattle Seahawks (258). Seattle (2-0) looks to build off their 20-13 win over the Vikings last Friday as a 3.5-point favorite. The Seahawks under head coach Pete Carroll have then played 10 of their last 14 preseason games Under the total after a points spread win — and Carroll’s teams have played 18 of their last 25 preseason games Under the Total after a point spread in win in the preseason in his three-team head-coaching tenure in the NFL. Seattle will be undermanned at running back in this contest with both the likely starter Thomas Rawls and impressive backup C.J. Prosise not playing tonight as they deal with injuries. That means the majority of the carries — at least with the starters in the first half — will be by Eddie Lacy but the former Packers’ running back has not impressed this preseason after managing just 30 yards on 10 carries. As it is, the biggest weakness for this Seahawks team on offense is their offensive line. Not only was this a liability last year, but the team suffered devastating news this month with the season-ending ACl injury to tackle George Fant. Seattle did average 6.06 Yards-Per-Play last week against the Minnesota defense — and the Seahawks have then played 5 of their last 7 preseason games Under the Total after a preseason game under Carroll where they averaged at least 6.0 YPP. Carroll’s teams have also played 7 of their last preseason games Under the Total in his coaching career where his team averaged at least 6.0 YPP in their last preseason game.

Kansas City (1-1) enters this dress rehearsal preseason game coming off a 30-12 win in Cincinnati last week. The Chiefs defense flexed their muscles by holding the Bengals to just 276 yards of offense in the contest. Kansas City held Cincinnati to just 72 rushing yards in that contest — and they have played their previous 2 preseason games Under the Total under head coach Andy Reid after a preseason game where they did not allow more than 75 rushing yards. The Chiefs have also played 4 of their last 5 preseason games Under the Total when coming off a road preseason game under Reid’s leadership. On offense, Kansas City generated 182 rushing yards against the Bengals defense — and the Chiefs have played 3 straight preseason games Under the Total after a preseason game where they gained at least 175 rushing yards. Together, these team trends produce our specific 34-11 combined angle for this situation. Look for KC to attempt to pound the ball and win this game on the line of scrimmage to set the tone for the regular season. Lastly, because the Seahawks have not committed more than one turnover in either of their preseason games this season, the Under is supported by an empirical angle that has been 78% effective over the last five seasons. The Chiefs did not commit a turnover last week against Cincinnati — and in preseason games involving one team that did not commit a turnover in their last preseason game now facing a team that has not committed more than one turnover in their last two preseason games, these preseason games finished Under the Total in 25 of the last 32 situations where these conditions applied. 25* NFLx CBS Preseason Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Under the Total in the game between the Kansas City Chiefs (257) and the Seattle Seahawks (258). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM EST on Thursday, we will be playing the Montreal Alouettes (372) plus the point(s) versus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (371). Montreal (3-5) has lost three of their last four games with their 38-6 blowout loss in Toronto last week as a 2-point underdog. We had the Argonauts in that game (our East Division Game of the Month) with Toronto playing with immediate revenge from a loss to the Alouettes the week before — and they were getting their star quarterback Ricky Ray back for that game. But now look for Montreal to rally around each other as they look to redeem themselves from last week’s listless effort. The Alouettes have rebounded to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a point spread setback. QB Darian Durant struggled last week by completing only 14 of 27 passes for 93 yards in that game — but Montreal has covered the point spread in 7 straight games after a game where they failed to pass for at least 150 yards. The Alouettes scored their lone touchdown on an interception return so their offense will be anxious to prove themselves after failing to account for a single point. Montreal has covered the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning record.

Winnipeg (6-2) has won four straight games with their 33-26 win over Edmonton last week. The Blue Bombers absolutely dominated the previously undefeated Eskimos as they held the ball for 36:12 of that contest which helped them generate 560 yards of offense while also winning the first down battle by a 38-21 margin. This Winnipeg team is ripe for a big emotional letdown — and, as it is, they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 15 road games after a game where they accumulated at least 24 first downs while controlling the ball for at least 34 minutes. Despite their winning record, the Blue Bombers are only outgaining their opponents by +4.1 net YPG. They are being fueled by a +7 net turnover margin — but that is a precarious way to rely on winning football games given the randomness of the bouncing ball. Additionally, while Winnipeg has not committed more than one turnover in four straight games, Canadian Football League teams that have not committed more than one turnover in at least four straight contests have then failed to cover the point spread in 25 of the last 31 situations (81%) where these conditions applied. Lastly, in their last 5 meetings with Montreal, the Blue Bombers have failed to cover the point spread 4 times. 25* CFL Game of the Month with the Montreal Alouettes (372) plus the point(s) versus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (371). Best of luck for us — Frank.