At 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (146) minus the points versus the Pittsburgh Panthers (145). THE SITUATION: Miami (6-5) snapped a four-game losing streak last Saturday with their 38-14 win at Virginia Tech as a 6.5-point favorite. Pittsburgh (7-4) has won four games in a row with their 34-13 win at Wake Forest as a 5.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HURRICANES MINUS THE POINTS: Miami has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games after a win by at least 17 points — and they have also covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after a point spread victory. Additionally, the Hurricanes have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 27 games after not allowing more than 20 points — and this includes them covering the point spread in nine of these last eleven situations. Furthermore, Miami has covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after losing four of their last five games. Head coach Mark Richt should be able to have his team very motivated to avenge a 24-12 loss at Pittsburgh last season as a 12-point favorite which ruined their perfect season and College Playoff aspirations. The Hurricanes get this rematch in South Beach where they are 4-1 with an average winning margin of +24.2 net PPG and out-gaining these opponents by +193.8 net YPG. While Miami’s offense comes to life at home, it is their defense that really shines as they limit their guests to just 14.8 PPG along with a mere 216.8 total YPG. Pittsburgh (7-4) may be caught looking ahead to the ACC Championship Game next week against Clemson. And after a cold few weeks in Pennsylvania, this Panthers team may be in for a shock playing in the still warm Florida weather. As it is, the Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after winning at least four straight games. Pittsburgh is also 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a win by at least 20 points. And while the Panthers have generated 470 and 654 yards of offense in their last two games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after gaining at least 450 yards in two straight games. Pitt plays their third game on the road in their last four contests where they are just 2-3 while being out-gained by -46.2 net YPG. The Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 18 road games when favored in the 3.5 to 7 point range.

FINAL TAKE: With Pittsburgh looking ahead to Clemson, Miami should be very motivated to exact some revenge from their loss last season with this being Senior Day. 10* CFB Pittsburgh-Miami ESPN Special with the Miami (FL) Hurricanes (146) minus the points versus the Pittsburgh Panthers (145). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the UAB Blazers (189) and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (190). THE SITUATION: UAB (9-2) looks to bounce-back from a 41-20 loss at Texas A&M last Saturday as a 17-point underdog. Middle Tennessee (7-4) saw their four-game winning streak snapped with their step up in class against a team from the SEC last week in their 34-23 loss at Kentucky as a 16.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Don’t blame the Blue Raiders defense for their loss to the Wildcats as they held Kentucky to just 324 yards of offense. A -2 net turnover margin played a critical role in deciding that game. The Under is 7-1-1 in Middle Tennessee’s last 9 games after a straight-up loss. The Blue Raiders surrendered 203 rushing yards to Kentucky in that game — but the Under is 6-1-1 in their last 8 games after allowing at least 200 rushing yards in their last game. Senior quarterback Brent Stockstill did pass for 293 yards in that game — but the Under is 5-1-1 in their last 7 games after passing for at least 280 yards in their last contest. Now Middle Tennessee returns home where they are allowing only 21.0 PPG which is 6.2 PPG lower than their season average. The Under is 8-1-1 in the Blue Raiders’ last 10 games at home — and they have played 5 of their last 6 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. Middle Tennessee has also played 9 of their last 10 home games Under the Total with the number set in the 49.5 to 52 point range. UAB has played 4 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss by at least 20 points. This team did surrender 41 points to the Aggies last week — but they have then played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after allowing at least 40 points in their last game. UAB holds their home hosts to just 19.0 PPG along with only 294.2 total YPG when playing on the road. But the Blazers see their 31.9 PPG scoring margin for the season drop to just 26.6 PPG when playing away home. UAB has played 8 of their last 10 road games Under the Total. Furthermore, the Blazers have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total against fellow Conference USA opponents.

FINAL TAKE: UAB has clinched a spot in the Conference USA championship game next week — and they could face this Blue Raiders team again next week if they lose this game while FIU loses at Marshall (as now a home dog). The Blazers may hold back a trick or two on offense because of this possibility. UAB won last year’s game by a 25-23 score with that total set in the 55.5 range. Expect another lower-scoring game. 25* CFB Conference USA Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the UAB Blazers (189) and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (190). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Liberty Flames (180) minus the points versus the New Mexico State Aggies (179). THE SITUATION: Liberty (4-6) has lost three straight games with their 53-0 loss at Auburn last week. New Mexico State (3-8) has lost four of their last five contests with their 45-10 loss at BYU last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE FLAMES MINUS THE POINTS: Liberty returns home to close out their season where they are 3-1 this year. The Flames should respond with a strong effort under seven-year head coach Turner Gill. Liberty has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after a loss by at least 20 points. The Flames managed only 134 yards of offense against the Tigers defense — but they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to gain at least 275 yards in their last game. Liberty has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to score at least 20 points in their last game. And while Auburn rolled up 531 yards of offense against them, the Flames have then covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. New Mexico State has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread setback. Furthermore, the Aggies have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a loss by at least 20 points. Additionally, not only has New Mexico State failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after failing to score at least 20 points but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after allowing at least 20 points. They stay on the road where they are just 1-5 this season while being outscored by -24.7 net PPG. They are allowing their hosts to score 44.3 PPG while generating over 500 YPG. The Aggies have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on the road. Together, these team trends produce our specific 71-15 ATS combined angle for this situation.

FINAL TAKE: Liberty will have the extra motivation to avenge an upset loss to this New Mexico State team back on October 6th where they fell by a 49-41 score. The Aggies score only 19.7 PPG on the road so it will be difficult for them to keep up the pace in this rematch. It is hard to see what the motivation for this New Mexico State team will be either as they play out the string of this season. 10* CFB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Liberty Flames (180) minus the points versus the New Mexico State Aggies (179). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (165) plus the points versus the Georgia Bulldogs (166). THE SITUATION: Georgia Tech (7-4) has won four straight games with their 30-27 win over Virginia last week as a 6.5-point favorite. Georgia (10-1) has won four in a row as well with their 66-27 win over UMass as a 41-point favorite last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE YELLOW JACKETS PLUS THE POINTS: Georgia Tech is looking to avenge an ugly 38-7 loss to the Bulldogs last season. That was just the second time in the last fifteen meetings between these two teams that the game was decided by more than two touchdowns in this rivalry game. The Yellow Jackets usually play very well in Athens where they are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Georgia. Georgia Tech is 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games after a straight-up win. And while the Yellow Jackets have covered the point spread in five of their last seven games, they have then covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 road games after covering point spread expectations in five or six of their last seven contests. Additionally, Georgia Tech is 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games against teams with a winning record at home — and they have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games against teams outside the ACC. Georgia may get caught looking ahead to their rematch of the National Championship Game with Alabama next week in the SEC Championship Game. As it is, they may be due for a letdown. The Bulldogs have failed to cover the point spread in 28 of their last 41 home games are winning their previous three games. This is Georgia’s third straight game at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 120 home games after playing at least their last two games at home. The Bulldogs have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 13 home games after winning their last two games at home. And while Georgia has covered the point spread in four of their last six games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 15 home games after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Together, these team trends produce our specific 128-45-4 ATS combined angle for this situation.

FINAL TAKE: Georgia used to attempt to schedule a team that ran an offense similar to the spread triple option that they will see from Paul Johnson’s team today — but they have not had that opportunity this season. The road team is 17-4-1 ATS in the last 22 meetings between these two teams. Expect a close game once again between these two rivals with the Yellow Jackets much more invested in this contest. 10* CFB Big Dog Surprise with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (165) plus the points versus the Georgia Bulldogs (166). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Tulane Green Wave (214) minus the points versus the Navy Midshipmen (213). THE SITUATION: Tulane (5-6) saw their three-game winning streak snapped last Thursday with their 48-17 loss at Houston as a 7.5-point underdog. Navy (3-8) snapped their seven-game losing streak with their 37-29 win over Tulsa last Saturday as 5-point favorites.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GREEN WAVE MINUS THE POINTS: Tulane has failed to cover the point spread in their last two games — but they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to cover the point spread in their last two contests. The Green Wave is also 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games after failing to score at least 20 points in their last game. Now, this Tulane team returns home where they are outscoring their visitors by +7.4 PPG while out-gaining these opponents by +46.5 net YPG. The Green Wave have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 22 home games again teams with a losing record on the road. Additionally, Tulane has covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 home games when favored in the 3.5 to 7.5 point range — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 home games with the Total set in the 49.5 to 56 point range. The Green Wave are doing a good job of implementing head coach Willie Fritz’s run-first spread offense as they rank 25th in the nation by averaging 215.5 rushing YPG. This ground game should have plenty of success against the faltering Midshipmen defense that ranks 92nd in the nation by allowing 194.5 rushing YPG. It has been a lost season for this Navy team that returned only nine starters from a team that dropped six of their last seven games in the regular season last year. With this group not eligible for a bowl with just three wins, this team may be looking ahead for their rivalry game with Army. As it is, the Midshipmen are just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win. Navy has been a disaster on the road this season where they are 0-6 with an average losing margin of -20.3 net PPG. They are also being out-gained by -154.1 net YPG in these six road games. The Midshipmen have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games. Navy has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a losing record.

FINAL TAKE: Tulane needs this victory to become bowl eligible for the first time in Fritz’s three years with the program. They are also playing with revenge on their mind after losing to the Midshipmen last year by a 23-21 score. The Green Wave did limit Navy to just 194 rushing yards in that game as they contained their spread triple option to averaging just 3.73 Yards-Per-Carry. I like that Tulane had an extra two days of rest and preparation for this unique offense. 25* CFB American Athletic Conference Game of the Year with the Tulane Green Wave (214) minus the points versus the Navy Midshipmen (213). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the West Virginia Mountaineers (142) plus the points versus the Oklahoma Sooners (141). THE SITUATION: West Virginia (8-2) looks to bounce-back from a 45-41 upset loss at Oklahoma State last week as a 6-point favorite. Oklahoma (10-1) has won five straight games with their 55-40 victory over Kansas last week as a 35-point favorite. The winner of this game earns the right to play Texas next week in the Big 12 Championship Game.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MOUNTAINEERS PLUS THE POINTS: West Virginia had won three straight games before being upset by the Cowboys — but Dana Holgorsen’s team can redeem themselves from that loss with a win tonight. Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Will Grier at quarterback, the Mountaineers have a powerful offense that ranks 10th in the nation by averaging 502.0 total YPG. West Virginia has scored at least 41 points in four straight games and they generated 553 yards of offense last week against Oklahoma State. The Mountaineers have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after gaining at least 525 yards in their last game. They return home where they are a perfect 5-0 while scoring 46.0 PPG and generating 540.2 total YPG. Grier leads a passing attack that is 5th in the nation by averaging 340.0 passing YPG — and he should have plenty of success against this Sooners’ pass defense that ranks 107th in the nation by allowing 263.6 passing YPG. Defense is an issue for this West Virginia team (as it is for all Big 12 teams). But they are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing at least 40 points in their last game. Playing back in Morgantown should help this team as they are allowing only 13.8 PPG along with just 281.2 total YPG at home. West Virginia is outscoring their opponents by +32.8 net PPG while out-gaining their guests by +259 net YPG. The Mountaineers have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 home games as the underdog. West Virginia is also 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games against teams with a winning record. Oklahoma may be due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a straight-up win. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a win at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a win over a conference rival. The Sooners did generate 568 yards against the Jayhawks — they averaged 7.89 Yards-Per-Play in that game. Oklahoma had averaged 9.12 YPP in their previous game — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games after averaging at least 6.75 YPP in their last two games. The bigger concern for this team is on the other side of the football where they have allowed at least 40 points in three straight games. The Sooners are allowing 425.8 total YPG which not only ranks 87th in the nation but is -73.6 net YPG worse than what West Virginia allows. Oklahoma allowed the Kansas offense to generate 524 yards against them — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. Furthermore, not only have the Sooners failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games on the road but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 road games as the favorite.

FINAL TAKE: Last year’s Oklahoma team allowed under 395 yards per game — yet head coach Lincoln Riley fired defensive coordinator Mike Stoops for that unit finishing outside the top-50 in defense for the sixth time since 2012. This defense appears even worse. Look for West Virginia to outscore this Sooners team back on their home field. 25* CFB Friday ESPN Game of the Year with the West Virginia Mountaineers (142) plus the points versus the Oklahoma Sooners (141). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the South Florida Bulls (134) plus the points versus the Central Florida Knights (133). THE SITUATION: South Florida (7-4) has lost four straight games with their 27-17 loss at Temple as a 14-point underdog last week. Central Florida (10-0) remained undefeated with their 38-13 win at home against Cincinnati last Saturday night as a 6.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLS PLUS THE POINTS: South Florida can earn a signature win by giving the Knights their first loss of the season — and they will certainly be confident in this game after being upset by a 49-42 score to UCF in a back-and-forth affair last November despite being a 10.5-point favorite in that contest. Head coach Charlie Strong should get a strong effort from his team as USF is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games after a straight up loss. South Florida managed only 266 yards of offense against the Owls but they have a good chance to get their offense that ranks 27th in the nation by averaging 456.6 total YPG going in this game. The Bulls have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after failing to gain at least 275 yards in their last contest — and they are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. They return home where they are 4-1 this season after playing three of their last four games on the road. Playing a full 60 minutes will be one of the messages that Strong has for his players in this game after they went into the locker room against Temple with a 17-0 lead. The Bulls have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 28 games after enjoying at least a 17 point lead at halftime of their last game — and they have also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 home games after not allowing more than a field goal in the first half of their last game. Additionally, South Florida has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games against teams with a winning record — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games in the month of November. Central Florida defeated the Bearcats by 25 points despite only being on offense for 22:48 minutes of that game. The Knights only out-gained Cincinnati by 23 net yards. UCF may be undefeated but their suspect run defense is going to catch up with them sooner rather than later. The Knights rank 111th in the nation by allowing 213.2 rushing YPG. They have allowed their last three opponents to generate at least 226 rushing yards. Not only has UCF failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after allowing at least 225 rushing yards in their last game but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after allowing at least 225 rushing yards in three straight contests. They face a USF team that averages 203.1 rushing YPG this season. Central Florida has also benefited from a favorable schedule that has seen them play at home for their last three games. The Knights go on the road for just the fourth time this season with easy trips already in the books against UConn and East Carolina. Their closest game of the season came on the road where they defeated Memphis by a 31-30 score which demonstrated their vulnerability away from home. They are allowing their home hosts to average a whopping 490.7 total YPG. Central Florida is being asked to lay a bunch of points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 road games when laying 14.5 to 21 points. Together, these team trends produce our specific 84-32-2 ATS combined angle for this situation.

FINAL TAKE: UCF has clinched their spot in the American Athletic Conference championship game next week — but a loss here in the “War on I-4” could ruin their hope to at least lay claim to the one non-Power Five conference New Years Day bowl slot. There is also the pressure this team faces in maintaining their two-year win streak. Expect the Bulls ground game to keep this game close. 10* CFB Central Florida-South Florida ESPN Special with the South Florida Bulls (134) plus the points versus the Central Florida Knights (133). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Buffalo Bulls (121) minus the points versus the Bowling Green Falcons (122). THE SITUATION: Buffalo (9-2) saw their five-game winning streak snapped back on November 14th with their 52-17 loss at Ohio as a small 2.5-point underdog. Bowling Green (3-8) has won two straight games after their 21-6 upset win at Akron as a 6.5-point underdog last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLS MINUS THE POINTS: Buffalo had the opportunity to clinch a spot in the Mid-American Conference championship game in that game with the Bobcats but they were simply flat and mentally unprepared for that game. We took Ohio in that midweek MACtion game — and we were rewarded with the Bobcats enjoying a +4 net turnover margin while out-gaining the Bulls by a whopping 646 to 277 yards advantage. Head coach Lance Leipold should have his team ready to play this afternoon — they have a big preparation edge with the extra days off and now facing a Falcons team playing on a short week from last Saturday. Buffalo still advances to face Northern Illinois next week in the MAC championship game with a victory this afternoon. Buffalo has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after a loss by at least 20 points. Furthermore, the Bulls have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. Buffalo has also covered the point spread in 5 straight games against teams with a losing record — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games against teams with a losing record. The Bulls have one of the best offensive lines in the nation — they should overwhelm a Falcons team with a weak defensive line that has let their opponents average 275.8 rushing YPG which is 127th in the nation. Interim head coach Carl Pelini has seen his team upset Central Michigan and then Akron in their last two games — but the Chippewas are a hot mess at 1-10 this season and the Zips offense makes every defense look good as they rank 126th in the nation in total offense. Bowling Green has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win. The Falcons return home where they have only won once in the last two seasons while allowing this year’s guests to score 39.0 PPG along with gaining 484.2 total yards of offense. Bowling Green has failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 27 games at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Together, these team trends produce our specific 70-20 ATS combined angle for this situation. 

FINAL TAKE: This Buffalo team is angry and motivated — and their ground attack travels as they average 185 rushing YPG on 4.7 Yards-Per-Carry on the road. The Bulls should overwhelm this Bowling Green that has taken a few steps back which prompted the firing of their third-year head coach Mike Jinks. 20* CFB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Buffalo Bulls (121) minus the points versus the Bowling Green Falcons (122). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Iowa Hawkeyes (124) minus the points versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers (123). THE SITUATION: Iowa (7-4) snapped their three-game losing streak last Saturday with their dominant 63-0 win at Illinois as a 15-point favorite. Nebraska (4-7) has won two straight as well as four of their last five games with their 9-6 win over Michigan State as a 1.5-point favorite last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HAWKEYES MINUS THE POINTS: Iowa should build off the momentum of their blowout victory. They have covered the point spread in 5 of the last 7 games after both a straight-up win as well as after a point spread victory. Additionally, the Hawkeyes are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games after not allowing more than 20 points in their last game. Head coach Kirk Ferentz’s team is one of the best defensive teams in the nation. They rank 9th in the FBS by allowing only 16.5 PPG — and they rank an even better 6th in the nation by giving up only 279.5 total YPG. After playing three of their last four games on the road, they return home to Iowa City for Senior Day where they are outscoring their opponents by +11.3 PPG due their stifling defense that limits their visitors to just 11.0 PPG along with a mere 243.8 total YPG. Iowa is also out-gaining their guests by +125.4 total YPG. The Hawkeyes are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games on their home field. Iowa has also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a losing record. Nebraska defeated Sparty in the snow last Saturday despite being outgained by -41 net yards. The Cornhuskers managed only 248 yards of offense against the Michigan State defense. That is not a good sign for this contest. Not only are they just 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game but they are also 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after failing to generate more than 275 yards of offense in that contest. Head coach Scott Frost’s team is also just 2-10-2 ATS in their last 14 games after a point spread victory. Not they finish their disappointing season on the road where they are 0-4 this year while being outscored by -17.7 net PPG and out-gained by -102.5 net YPG.

FINAL TAKE: Frost has to get his team into the weight room as he looks to change the nature of this Nebraska program. The Cornhuskers’ defense has plummeted over the years — these Blackshirts rank tied for 96th in the nation by allowing 434.8 total YPG. These soft defenses are the type of teams that the Hawkeyes expose in the Ferentz era — especially when playing at home in Kinnick Stadium. 25* CFB Big Ten Game of the Year with the Iowa Hawkeyes (124) minus the points versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers (123). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Atlanta Falcons (109) plus the points versus the New Orleans Saints (110). THE SITUATION: Atlanta (4-6) has lost two straight games with their 22-19 loss to Dallas as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. New Orleans (9-1) has won nine straight games with their 48-7 blowout victory over Philadelphia on Sunday as a 7-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE FALCONS PLUS THE POINTS: Atlanta managed only 80 rushing attempts on 18 carries in that loss to Dallas last week — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after failing to rush for more than 90 yards in their last game. The Falcons have suffered two straight upset losses with that loss to the Cowboys preceding an upset loss on the road to Cleveland where they were 6-point favorites. But don’t count out Atlanta to keep this game closer than expected in this rivalry game played on a short week. The Falcons know this Saints team very well — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games played for Thursday Night Football. Atlanta looks to avenge a 43-37 upset loss to New Orleans as a small 1.5-point favorite back on September 23rd — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games when attempting to avenge an upset loss. The underdog in this series has now covered the point spread in 8 of the last 10 meetings between these two teams which makes the opportunity to take all these points very enticing. New Orleans has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games as a double-digit favorite — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 home games when laying 10.5 to 14 points. The Saints enjoyed a +3 net turnover margin against the Eagles last Sunday — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 32 of their last 46 home games after enjoying a +2 or better turnover in their last game. New Orleans may be due for a bit of a letdown after scoring at least 45 points in three straight games while enjoying a minimum halftime lead of 15 points in those three contests. But the Saints have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games after scoring at least 30 points in three straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after enjoying a halftime lead of at least a touchdown in three straight games. Moving forward, New Orleans has failed to cover the points spread in 8 of their last 12 games when playing on Thursday Night Football. The Saints have also failed to cover the point spread in a decisive 53 of the last 87 home games against fellow NFC South foes.

FINAL TAKE: This New Orleans team is not at full strength with their left tackle Terron Armstead questionable with a shoulder along with their right guard Larry Warford still questionable dealing with the concussion protocol. The team will also be without their star rookie defensive end Marcus  Davenport who is dealing with a toe. The Falcons are getting too many points in a heated divisional rivalry game to pass up. 10* NFL Atlanta-New Orleans NBC-TV Special with the Atlanta Falcons (109) plus the points versus the New Orleans Saints (110). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Atlanta Falcons (109) and the New Orleans (110). THE SITUATION: Atlanta (4-6) has lost two straight games with their 22-19 loss to Dallas as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. New Orleans (9-1) has won nine straight games with their 48-7 blowout victory over Philadelphia on Sunday as a 7-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Saints cranked out a whopping 546 yards of offense against the reigning Super Bowl champions — and they have played 16 of their last 21 games Over the Total after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. New Orleans defense did hold the Eagles to just 196 total yards of offense — but they have played 30 of their last 43 games Over the Total after not allowing more than 14 points in their last game. Head coach Sean Payton has his offense push the pace when playing on the fast turf at home in the Superdome. Drew Brees has a perfect 16:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his five home games this year while averaging 350.8 passing YPG. The Saints are averaging 39.4 PPG when playing at home while allowing their visitors to manage 25.4 PPG to result in an average combined score well into the 60s. The Over is 19-8-1 in New Orleans’ last 28 home games. Furthermore, the Saints have played 13 of their last 18 games Over the Total when a double-digit favorite. New Orleans is the hottest team in the league who have covered the point spread in eight straight games — and they have played 11 of their last 13 games Over the Total after covering the point spread in at least five straight games. The Saints have also played 4 straight games Over the Total against fellow NFC South rivals. Atlanta would surely like to run the ball to keep the Saints’ offense off the field but that will be difficult to accomplish with Devonta Freeman on Injured Reserve with his foot injury. The Falcons will not have the luxury of hoping to establish the run if they fall behind early to this New Orleans team that averages 22.4 first-half points when playing at home. Atlanta has played 16 of their last 21 games Over the Total when playing on field turf. Additionally, the Falcons have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after a point spread loss. The injury-plagued Atlanta defense will have a difficult time slowing down the Saints offense after allowing their last two opponents to churn out 353 rushing yards while averaging 6.66 Yards-Per-Carry. The Falcons lack a credible pass rush — they rank in the bottom-five in the NFL by sacking the QB in just 4.8% of opponent pass attempts and they are just hitting the quarterback in 11.1% of their dropbacks. Matt Ryan still has most of his offensive weapons at his disposal in the passing game — so the Falcons should score their share of points as they try to keep pace with the New Orleans offense. Atlanta only generated 329 yards against Dallas last week but that was in large part because they had ten fewer offensive plays than what they typically enjoy. The Falcons still averaged 6.23 Yards-Per-Play against the Cowboys — and they have played 14 of their last 20 games Over the Total after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in their last game. Atlanta has played 14 of their last 18 road games Over the Total as a road underdog getting 10.5 to 14 points — and they have played 16 of their last 23 games Over the Total with the number set at 49.5 or higher.

FINAL TAKE: New Orleans won the first meeting between these two teams back on September 23rd that the Saints won by a 43-37 score. That was the game where the Falcons began to produce better success in the Red Zone. Atlanta has scored at least 31 points five times this season — and head coach Dan Quinn will have to think that generating at least that many points will be necessary to pull the upset. That is a recipe for another high scoring game. 25* NFC South Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the Atlanta Falcons (109) and the New Orleans (110). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Mississippi Rebels (114) plus the points versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs (113). THE SITUATION: Mississippi (5-6) has lost four straight games with their 36-29 loss in overtime at Vanderbilt as a 3-point underdog last Saturday. Mississippi State (7-4) has won three of their last four games after enjoying their biggest victory of the season last week with their 52-6 blowout win over Arkansas as a 23.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE REBELS PLUS THE POINTS: Ole Miss seemingly scored the winning touchdown in overtime before a penalty erased that play. It has been a disappointing season in the first-year under head coach Matt Luke who had the interim job last year after the program imploded when the actions of grifter Hugh Freeze came to light. The football program imposed a bowl ban for this year’s team — so this is the proverbial de-facto bowl game for this team with its nineteen seniors. In this rivalry game, don’t be surprised if Ole Miss plays their best game of the season. They have lost four games in a row — but they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after losing four straight games. They outgained the Commodores last week by a decisive 578 to 387 yardage margin but somehow found a way to lose that game. But this team plays their opponents close — they are out-gaining their opponents by +50.5 net YPG while out-gaining their last three opponents by +78.4 net YPG despite losing all three contests. Now after playing their last two games on the road, Ole Miss returns home where they are outscoring their out-gaining their opponents by +79.6 net YPG. This Rebels offense can score points on anyone. They rank 5th in the nation by averaging 539.7 total YPG — and they score 41.8 PPG while generating 572.3 total YPG when playing on their home field. Senior quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has passed for 3831 yards this season while tossing 19 touchdowns while throwing just seven interceptions. Ta’amu is second in the NFL by averaging 348.2 passing YPG — and he has a dynamic target in wide receiver A.J. Brown who has 1259 receiving yards this season. This duo makes Ole Miss a dangerous underdog — they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 home games as an underdog getting 7.5 to 14 points. The Rebels have also covered the point spread in 13 of their last 22 games at home with the Total set int one 56.5 to 63 point range. Ole Miss has played their last two games Under the Total — but they have then covered the point spread in 23 of their last 40 games after playing their last two games Under the Total. And in their last 7 games played on a Thursday, the Rebels have covered the point spread in 5 of these games. Mississippi State may be due for a letdown after playing their best game of the season. That is not a good sign for a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after winning three of their last four games. And while the Bulldogs have covered the point spread in three of their last four games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in a decisive 29 of their last 44 games after covering the point spread in three of their last four games — and this includes failing to cover the point spread in five of these last six situations. Furthermore, Mississippi State has failed to cover the points spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a win over a conference rival. Don’t be surprised if turnovers play a role in this game. While the Bulldogs have not committed more than one turnover in four straight games, they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games when not experiencing more than one turnover in four straight contests. They go back on the road where they are 1-3 this season while being outscored by -10.0 net PPG. The problem for this team away from home is they are scoring only 10.2 PPG away from home. The hope of first-year head coach Joe Moorhead was that he could establish a vertical passing attack for senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Instead, Mississippi State is completing only 44.7% of their pass attempts on the road while averaging a mere 121.0 passing YPG which is 60 YPG below their season average. The Bulldogs have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 road games against teams without a winning percentage higher than 50% at home. Furthermore, the Bulldogs are just 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 trips to OIe Miss in the Egg Bowl.

FINAL TAKE: Mississippi State does bring a great defense into this game — but they will be facing a confident Rebels team that returned 15 starters (including Ta’amu and Brown) who pulled a 31-28 upset on the road as 14-point underdogs last season. This is where the hiring of Moorhead from Penn State where he was offensive coordinator may be a negative since as an outsider he lacks an appreciation for this rivalry game. The underdog has covered the point spread in 5 of the last 6 meetings between these two teams. Expect Ole Miss to keep this game closer than expected. 25* CFB SEC Game of the Year with the Mississippi Rebels (114) plus the points versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs (113). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Washington Redskins (107) and the Dallas Cowboys (108). THE SITUATION: Washington (6-4) has lost two of their last three games with their 23-21 loss to Houston on Sunday as a 3-point underdog. Dallas (5-5) pulled off their second-straight upset victory on Sunday with their 22-19 win in Atlanta over the Falcons as a 3.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Cowboys have played 9 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Additionally, Dallas has played 11 of their last 14 games Under the Total after winning two straight games — and they have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in two of their last three games. The Cowboys return home where they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record overall. The Over/Under for this game is set in the low 40s — and Dallas has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total with the number set in the 35.5 to 42 point range. The Cowboys are looking to avenge a 20-17 loss to the Skins back on October 21st — and they have played 6 straight games Under the Total when avenging a loss on the road to their opponent. Dallas has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against fellow NFC East opponents. Washington has played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss. The Skins managed only 278 yards of offense against the Texans with the team losing their starting quarterback Alex Smith to that gruesome season-ending leg injury. Colt McCoy is forced into duty for this game. Washington goes on the road where they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total. The Skins have also played 4 of their last 6 games Under the Total with the number set in the 35.5 to 42 point range. And in their last 5 games against NFC East opponents, Washington has played 4 of these games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: In this rematch of a game that saw only 37 combined points with the Skins having Alex Smith under center, expect a lower-scoring game. 10* NFL Washington-Dallas O/U Fox-TV Special with Under the Total in the game between the Washington Redskins (107) and the Dallas Cowboys (108). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Washington Redskins (107) plus the points versus the Dallas Cowboys (108). THE SITUATION: Washington (6-4) has lost two of their last three games with their 23-21 loss to Houston on Sunday as a 3-point underdog. Dallas (5-5) pulled off their second-straight upset victory on Sunday with their 22-19 win in Atlanta over the Falcons as a 3.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SKINS PLUS THE POINTS: The bigger news for Washington was the gruesome leg injury to quarterback Alex Smith that ended his season in eerily similar ways to what to Joe Theismann for the team over two decades ago. The offense is now in the hands of the nine-year veteran Colt McCoy. I am a bit more bullish on what McCoy can do running this offense than the general public. The former Texas star has 25 professional starts under his belt with a firm understanding of the Jay Gruden offense having been with the Skins for 4 1/2 seasons. McCoy does not have a strong arm — but neither does Smith. I expect McCoy to capably run the offense while limiting his mistakes and letting the stout Skins’ defense keep them in the game. I certainly expect Washington to play hard in this crucial NFC East contest. As it is, the Skins have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games on the road after a loss at home. Additionally, Washington has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games with the Total set in the 35.5 to 42 point range. Furthermore, the Skins have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games in the month of November — and they have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 trips to Dallas to face the Cowboys. Dallas returns home after pulling off two straight upset wins on the road against the Eagles and Falcons — but this remains a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games after a win on the road by a field goal or less. This is not a franchise that handles short-term prosperity very well. The Cowboys have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 home games against teams with a winning record at home. Dallas held Atlanta to just 324 yards of offense due in large measure to limiting them to 10 fewer snaps on offense versus their season average. The Cowboys have allowed their last two opponents to average 6.23 and 7.02 Yards-Per-Play — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after allowing their last two opponents to average at least 6.5 YPP. Dallas has also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 10 games played on a Thursday, the Cowboys have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of these contests.

FINAL TAKE: Four of Dallas’ five victories this season have been decided by one scoring possession. They may win this game — but this should be a close contest between divisional rivals with first-place and playoff positioning on the line. Taking the points will be valuable with a Washington team that should rally around each other after the injury to their starting quarterback. 25* NFC East Game of the Month with the Washington Redskins (107) plus the points versus the Dallas Cowboys (108). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Chicago Bears (105) and the Detroit Lions (106). THE SITUATION: Chicago (7-3) has won four games in a row with their 25-20 win over Minnesota as a 2.5-point favorite on Sunday. Detroit (4-6) snapped their three-game losing streak on Sunday with their 20-19 upset win over Carolina as a 4-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Bears will be challenged with the shortest turnaround in NFL history after playing the Sunday Night Football game before having to play the Thanksgiving Day kickoff game. The Chicago coaching staff lost almost a full day of recuperation and preparation from the typical team playing on a short week. Don’t be surprised if the Bears’ offense is sluggish to start this game — especially with Chase Daniel getting his first start at quarterback in a Bears uniform given the shoulder injury to Mitchell Trubisky. This is just the third career start for the 10-year veteran — and he has played in just two combined games in the last 2 1/2 seasons. Chicago churned out 24 first downs while controlling the clock for 34:19 minutes against the Vikings on Sunday — and they have played 11 of their last 17 games Under the Total after a dominating game where they controlled the clock for at least 34 minutes while generating at least 24 first downs. This is a rematch of the Bears’ 34-22 win over the Lions back on November 11th — and Chicago has played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after winning at least two straight games against divisional rivals. And while the Bears have scored at least 25 points in three straight games, they have then played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after scoring at least 25 points in three straight games. Chicago’s defense should still play well on short rest and a fresh defensive game plan against the Lions. In their last three games, the Bears are allowing only 17.0 PPG along with just 279.0 total YPG. Chicago has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total against teams with a losing record. The Bears have also played 4 straight games Under the Total when playing on field turf — and they have played 5 of the last 7 games Under the Total when playing in a dome. Detroit has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a narrow win at home by no more than a field goal. The Lions have also played 3 of their last 4 games Under the Total when avenging a loss on the road. The Lions’ offense has stalled to a near halt since trading away wide receiver Golden Tate. In their last three games, Detroit is scoring only 17.0 PPG along with managing a mere 274.3 total YPG. To make matters worse for quarterback Matthew Stafford, his second favorite target this season in wide receiver Marvin Jones is also doubtful with a knee injury. But perhaps the biggest injury this offense is dealing with is the knee injury of running back Kerryon Johnson. The rookie had sparked a rushing attack that this Lions team has not benefited from in years. But ever since they rushed for 248 yards as a team in a 32-21 win on the road at Miami, the Lions have not managed more than 94 rushing yards as a team in their last four games. Detroit has then played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after not rushing for at least 100 yards in four straight games. And while they allowed 331 passing yards last week to the Panthers, the Lions have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after allowing at least 250 passing yards in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: The defenses should have the advantage in this early contest given that these two teams just played earlier this month. Both offenses are missing key contributors from that game. Expect a lower scoring game in this rematch. 20* NFL Chicago-Detroit O/U CBS-TV Special with the Under the Total in the game between the Chicago Bears (105) and the Detroit Lions (106). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Los Angeles Rams (474) minus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (473). THE SITUATION: Kansas City (9-1) has won four straight games with their 26-14 win over Arizona last week as a 16.5-point favorite. Los Angeles (9-1) enters this game coming off a 36-31 win over Seattle last week as a 10-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAMS MINUS THE POINTS: The Chiefs have covered the point spread in eight of their ten games this season — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 games after covering the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. Kansas City has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after covering the point spread in eight of their last ten games. I have concerns about the KC pass defense that ranks second-to-last in the NFL by allowing 289.0 passing YPG. Overall, the Chiefs’ defense ranks 30th in the league by allowing 410.7 total YPG. It is this leaky defense that has Kansas City only out-gain their opponents by +12.4 net YPG. The Chiefs are actually being out-gained on the road by -17.4 net YPG. Additionally, while Kansas City has averaged at least 6.47 Yards-Per-Play, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in three straight games. And in their last 5 games in the month of November, the Chiefs have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of these games. Los Angeles is out-gaining their opponents by +92.8 net YPG this season. The Rams are very tough when playing at home where they are 5-0 while outscoring their visitors by +12.0 PPG and out-gaining them by +133.8 net YPG. Quarterback Jared Goff has been outstanding when playing at home where he has a 14:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio while averaging a spectacular 10.2 Yards-Per-Passing-Attempt. It might be tempting to take the points with such a good team like the Chiefs — but history is not on the side of Andy Reid’s team. Road underdogs (or pick ‘ems) with winning records who have won at least eight of their last ten games have then failed to cover the point spread in 39 of the last 50 situations (78%) where those conditions applied. Furthermore, favorites who have won three of their last four games now facing a team that has won at least eight of their last ten games have then covered the point spread in 30 of the last 36 situations (83%) where these conditions applied.

FINAL TAKE: This Rams team is a bit more battle-tested with contests against the Saints and Minnesota on their resume. The best team the Chiefs have played is likely the Patriots who seem to have taken a step back this season. Kansas City also played the Steelers early in the season — but Pittsburgh was not playing nearly as well as they are right now. Look for Los Angeles to pull away from the Chiefs. 10* NFL Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the Los Angeles Rams (474) minus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (473). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Kansas City Chiefs (473) and the Los Angeles Rams (474). THE SITUATION: Kansas City (9-1) has won four straight games with their 26-14 win over Arizona last week as a 16.5-point favorite. Los Angeles (9-1) enters this game coming off a 36-31 win over Seattle last week as a 10-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: With the oddsmakers installing the total in the 63 range, this is the largest over/under in NFL history. Of course, numbers like this are not uncommon when betting College Football. With the number this high, it seems like the books are begging bettors to take the Under. I am not taking the bait. I see three reasons why this game is going over the number. First, the pace of this game will be fast. Both coaches like to play up-tempo on offense. Neither head coach is very concerned with controlling the time off possession. When both teams are playing fast, that will increase the number of possessions for both teams. Second, both head coaches will play this game aggressively since they both will likely think that they will need to score at least 30 points to win this game. This expectation helps make the Over a self-fulfilling prophecy. Los Angeles has scored at least 33 points in eight of their games while Kansas City has scored at least 30 points in eight of their contests. But Los Angeles has given up 31 points four times including in both of their last two games. Kansas City has allowed at least 27 points in four of their games. Third, since both teams struggle to stop the run, both offenses will have advantageous down-and-distance opportunities on second and third down which will maximize their play-calling flexibility. The Chiefs allow their opponents to average 5.11 Yards-Per-Carry while the Rams allow opposing rushers to average 4.92 Yards-Per-Carry. Second-and-five situations are great for the offense. Los Angeles has played 21 of their last 31 home games Over the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. Kansas City has played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total on the road — and they have played 4 of their last 5 road games Over the Total against teams with a winning record at home. Lastly, the Chiefs have played 8 of their last 10 games Over the Total as the underdog.

FINAL TAKE: I think both of these teams have already played games that are likely blue prints for how this game will be played out. Kansas City fell behind early but kept pushing the pace before New England outlasted them by a 43-40 score. The Rams were not able to catch up in New Orleans after falling behind in what ended up being a 45-35 final score. With their rule changes in the offseason, this the product that the NFL wants — so don’t be surprised if the referees make some calls that benefit both offenses. 25* NFL Monday Night Football Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Kansas City Chiefs (473) and the Los Angeles Rams (474). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Minnesota Vikings (457) plus the points versus the Chicago Bears (458). THE SITUATION: Minnesota (5-3-1) takes the field again having won four of their last five games with their 24-9 win over Detroit two weeks ago as a 4.5-point favorite. Chicago (6-3) has won three straight games after their 34-22 win over those same Lions last Sunday as a 7.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE VIKINGS PLUS THE POINTS: The Bears have benefited from a soft schedule which has included the Jets, the Bills and the Lions over their last three games. So while Chicago has won three straight games over those cupcakes, they have failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 29 games after winning three of their last four contests. And while the Bears were a touchdown or better favorites in those last three games, they have also failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after covering the point spread as the favorite. Chicago averaged 7.73 Yards-Per-Play against the Lions last week — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 straight games after averaging at least 6.5 YPP in their last game. Furthermore, while the Bears have scored a combined 75 points in their last two games, they have failed to cover the point spread in 24 of their last 30 games after scoring at least 25 points in two straight games. Moving forward, Chicago has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 22 games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range — and they are just 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games against teams with a winning record. Additionally, in their last 7 expected close games where they are listed in the +/- 3-point range, the Bears have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of these contests. Minnesota is the healthiest that they have been all season as they return from their bye week. They should play well building off the momentum of their blowout win over the Lions. The Vikings have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a win over a divisional rival — and they are a decisive 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 games after a point spread victory. Minnesota goes back on the road where they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games. The Vikings have also covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point Total. And Minnesota has also covered the point spread in their last 4 games in the month of November.

FINAL TAKE: Look for this surging Vikings team to expose the Bears to be not as good as the point spread advertises. 10* NFL Sunday Night Discounted Deal with the Minnesota Vikings (457) plus the points versus the Chicago Bears (458). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Vikings (457) and the Chicago Bears (458). THE SITUATION: Minnesota (5-3-1) takes the field again having won four of their last five games with their 24-9 win over Detroit two weeks ago as a 4.5-point favorite. Chicago (6-3) has won three straight games after their 34-22 win over those same Lions last Sunday as a 7.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Chicago has scored 75 points over their last two games — both that explosion in points was built on a foundation of seven forced turnovers. While the Bears have averaged 33.0 PPG over their last three games, they have only averaged 329.0 total YPG over that span. Mitchell Trubisky did complete 23 of 30 passes for 355 yards against a Lions defense missing their best cover cornerback in Darius Slay — but Chicago has played 18 of their last 25 games Under the Total after passing for at least 300 yards in their last game. The Chicago defense has been outstanding as of late — they have held their last three opponents to just 13.7 PPG along with a mere 255.7 total YPG. The Bears surrendered only 76 rushing yards last week to the Lions after giving up just 97 rushing yards the previous week against the Bills. Not only have Chicago then played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 90 rushing yards in their last game but they have also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after not giving up at least 100 rushing yards in two straight games. Even better for this unit is that their star linebacker Khalil Mack is healthy again and will play tonight. The Bears host this game at Soldier Field where they have played 6 of their last 9 home games Under the Total with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range — and they have also played 5 of their last 7 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. Minnesota has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total after their bye week — and they have also played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after winning two of their last three games. The Purple People Eater Defense is cranking on all cylinders again with their stud defensive end Everson Griffen back in the mix. Over their last three games, the Vikings are allowing only 18.7 PPG along with just 247.3 total YPG. They should keep it going as they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread win — and they have played 28 of their last 41 games Under the Total after a win by at least two touchdowns. Additionally, Minnesota has played 21 of their last 28 games Under the Total against fellow NFC North opponents — and they have played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total as the underdog.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 7 of their last 9 meetings Under the Total — including playing four straight Unders when playing in Chicago. Expect another lower scoring game between two teams whose true strengths lie on the defensive side of the football. 25* NFC North Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Minnesota Vikings (457) and the Chicago Bears (458). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:05 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Denver Broncos (467) and the Los Angeles Chargers (468). THE SITUATION: Denver (3-6) has lost two straight games after their 19-17 loss to Houston two weeks ago despite being a 1-point underdog. Los Angeles (7-2) has won six straight games with their 20-6 win at Oakland last week as a 10.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: Denver has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after an upset loss as a favorite. The Broncos have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a bye week. Case Keenum did pass for 290 yards two weeks ago in a losing effort — but Denver has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after passing for at least 250 yards in their last game. Keenum will is dealing with a host of injuries on his offensive line with starters Ronald Leary and Matt Paradis along with backup Max Garcia unavailable for this game. The Broncos go back on the road where they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total with the number set in the 42.5 to 49.5 point range. Denver has also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against fellow AFC opponents. Los Angeles has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total against AFC West foes. The Chargers have played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a win by at least two touchdowns — and the Under is also 9-3-1 in their last 13 games after not allowing more than 14 points in their last game. Los Angeles is allowing just 14.0 PPG over their last three games while not giving up 20 or more points in five straight games. But the Chargers are only scoring 21.7 PPG over their last three games. They retune home where they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total  — and they have played 5 of their last 6 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. And while the Chargers have played three straight Unders, they have then played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after playing at least two straight games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played five straight games Under the Total when the Chargers are the home team. Expect another low-scoring game. 10* NFL Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Denver Broncos (467) and the Los Angeles Chargers (468). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Atlanta Falcons (454) minus the point versus the Dallas Cowboys (453). THE SITUATION: Atlanta (4-5) saw their three-game winning streak snapped last week in Cleveland where they lost by a 28-16 score despite being a 5.5-point favorite. Dallas (4-5) snapped their two-game losing streak last Sunday night with their 27-20 upset win at Philadelphia as a 7.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE FALCONS MINUS THE POINTS: We had the Cowboys last week as a sizable underdog in a desperate situation for them — but I was immediately concerned with the satisfied look on the face of head coach Jason Garrett and the rest of this team after that win. As if this team is still not facing dire straits moving forward. Dallas remains very inconsistent — they are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win. They upset the Eagles despite being outgained in yardage by surrendering 421 yards of offense — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Injuries on defense remain a significant concern. The Cowboys will be without their best defensive player once again in linebacker Sean Lee. Dallas is allowing opposing quarterbacks to average a whopping +2.24 more Yards-Per-Attempt when Lee is not on the field. The Cowboys will also be without two starting defensive linemen in Taco Charlton and David Irving due to injuries. This satisfied Dallas team remains on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games. They are 1-4 on the road this season while being outgained by -43.2 net YPG due to their offense that is scoring only 16.2 PPG while averaging 312.0 total YPG when playing away from AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys have also failed to cover the point spread in 24 of their last 39 games played in a dome. Atlanta got caught last week playing their second straight game on the road after a triumphant win in Washington the prior week (similar to the spot Dallas finds themselves). The Falcons got beat up by the Browns rushing attack which churned out 211 yards en route to 427 total yards of offense. I do expect head coach Dan Quinn to baton down the hatches with his team’s run defense — and the historical record supports this claim. Atlanta has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game — and they are 38-14-1 ATS in their last 53 games after allowing at least 150 rushing yards in their last contest. The Falcons had only allowed 140 rushing yards overall in their previous two contests. Quinn has done a fantastic stitching together a defense that has been ravaged with injuries. Over their last three games, Atlanta is allowing only 20.7 PPG. The Falcons need to recommit to running the football after managing only 71 rushing yards on 19 carries last week — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after failing to rush for at least 75 yards in their last contest. Returning home will help the Atlanta offense where they are scoring 32.2 PPG while averaging 436.6 total YPG. Quarterback Matt Ryan has an incredible 14:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio when playing at home. Expect a big effort from this Falcons team that still feels alive in the NFC wildcard race. While Atlanta has only covered the point spread twice in their last seven games, they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven contests. The Falcons have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games in the month of November.

FINAL TAKE: This looks to be a de-facto elimination game in the NFC wildcard playoff race. Atlanta has home-field advantage. They have the better head coach in Dan Quinn over Jason Garrett. They have the better quarterback in Ryan versus Dak Prescott. And I expect them to more mentally prepared for this game. 20* NFL Blowout Bookie Buster with the Atlanta Falcons (454) minus the point versus the Dallas Cowboys (453). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (465) plus the points versus the New York Giants (466). THE SITUATION: Tampa Bay (3-6) has lost three straight games — as well as six of their last seven contests — with their 16-3 loss to Washington as a 3.5-point favorite last week. New York (2-7) snapped their five-game losing streak on Monday night with their 27-23 win in San Francisco as a 3-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BUCCANEERS PLUS THE POINTS: We had the Giants on Monday but we will quickly jump off the bandwagon with this team playing on a short week. New York has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread 13 of their last 16 games after a point spread win. They upset the 49ers despite being out-gained by -97 yards in that contest — and they lost the first down battle by a 24-17 margin. Now they return home where they are winless this season while being outscored by -12.0 PPG due to their anemic offense that scores only 14.7 PPG at home in the Meadowlands. The Giants have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games at home —and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. This team is not reliable in expected close games either as they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Tampa Bay dominated the Skins last week by generating 501 yards of offense. They not only outgained Washington by +215 net yards but also almost doubled their first downs by winning that battle by a 29 to 15 margin. A -4 net turnover margin ruined that game for the Bucs facing that Skins team facing massive injuries on their offensive line. Look for Tampa Bay to bounce-back as they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a double-digit loss at home. They have also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 road games after losing six or seven of their last eight games. Behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Buccaneers are scoring plenty of points. Tampa Bay is averaging 29.8 PPG on the road with 445.8 total YPG.

FINAL TAKE: Too much offense from Tampa Bay who should do a better job of limiting their turnovers this week. 10* NFL Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (465) plus the points versus the New York Giants (466). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Indianapolis Colts (462) minus the points versus the Tennessee Titans (461). THE SITUATION: Indianapolis (4-5) has won three straight games after their 29-26 win over Jacksonville as a 3-point favorite last Sunday. Tennessee (5-4) looks to build off their 34-10 upset win over New England as 6.5-point underdogs last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COLTS MINUS THE POINTS: The Titans have pulled off two straight upset wins as their victory over the Patriots was preceded by their 28-14 upset win at Dallas a 4-point underdog back on Monday Night Football. Tennessee looks due for a visit to Letdown City. As it is, they have failed to cover the points spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a win by at least two touchdowns — and they are a decisive 16-34-2 ATS in their last 52 games after a straight-up win. The Titans did generate 385 yards of offense against the New England defense while averaging 6.31 Yards-Per-Play last week — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 road games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP. But now Tennessee goes back on the road where they are scoring only 17.6 PPG while averaging just 304.0 total YPG. The Titans are just 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 road games against teams that do not have a winning percentage above .500 at home. Tennessee is also only 10-27-3 ATS in their last 40 games against teams with a losing record. This game has a high Total with the number creeping into the 50s — and this is not the type of game that the Titans do well in. Tennessee has failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games with the Total set at 49.5 or higher. Indianapolis is one of the hottest teams in the league right now — and they have been propelled by their success in rushing the football. Over their last four games, they are averaging 162.5 rushing YPG while averaging 5.24 Yards-Per-Carry. Perhaps more importantly, they are averaging 30.5 rushing attempts per game over that span — and that commitment to running the ball pays dividends in ways that too many in the analytics community fail to grasp. Moving the chains helps the Colts defense by keeping them off the field and fresh. A credible ground game also helps quarterback Andrew Luck be more effective in the passing game. Luck has tossed at least three touchdown passes in six straight games — and he has his favorite weapon back in tight end Jack Doyle who had missed the first part of the season with an injury. Indianapolis enjoyed an outstanding draft this year with the tear top pick in guard Quentin Nelson out of Notre Dame really paying dividends. Luck has not been sacked in his last 189 pass attempts. Indianapolis has scored 71 points over their last two games — and they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after scoring at least 25 points in two straight games. Additionally, the Colts have averaged at least 6.27 Yards-Per-Play in each of their last four games — and they have covered the point spread in 34 of their last 51 games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in their last two games — and they have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in their last four games. Indy did allow 415 yards last week to a desperate Jaguars team — but they are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. The Colts stay at home where they are scoring 30.7 PPG while averaging 400.0 total YPG — and they are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Indianapolis has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games as the favorite. Lastly, the Colts are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games in the month of November.

FINAL TAKE: Indianapolis was swept by the Titans last season — so they surely had this date circled on their calendar as a critical point of their 2018-19 campaign. Of course, Andrew Luck was on the shelf last year. Their star quarterback has made a complete recovery from his array of injuries and finally has the support of a strong offensive line. Luck is playing the best football of his career — he should make the difference in this game. 25* AFC South Game of the Year with the Indianapolis Colts (462) minus the points versus the Tennessee Titans (461). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals (455) and the Baltimore Ravens (456). THE SITUATION: Cincinnati (5-4) has lost three of their last four games after their humiliating 51-14 loss to New Orleans last Sunday as 6-point underdogs. Baltimore (4-5) has lost three straight games with their 23-16 upset loss to Pittsburgh two weeks ago as a 1.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Bengals have been a disaster on defense this season. They are allowing 456.5 total YPG which is not only last in the NFL but on pace to be worst mark ever in NFL history. After surrendering 130 points over their last three games, head coach Marvin Lewis fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin who was a hot head coaching candidate for next season just a couple of months ago. Lewis will take over the defense which should result in the players being more accountable for their actions on and off the field. Injuries have hurt this unit — but futility of this magnitude indicates that the effort has not been there. Lewis will get some help on that side of the field with the firing of Hue Jackson who will serve as an assistant coach taking Austin’s place. While I know Jackson is a self-promoting clown most of the time, he is also someone with a long history of working with Lewis including serving on the defensive coaching staff with the Bengals after he was sacked from the Raiders. Jackson also brings plenty of perspective on the Ravens with them being a divisional rival. I expect immediate improvement on defense. They allowed 509 yards of offense to the Saints last week — but they have then played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. The Under is also 21-10-1 in Cincinnati’s last 32 games after giving up at least 30 points. The offense is limited still with wide receiver A.J. Green out so expect plenty of Joe Mixon and the Bengals rushing attack to keep the clock moving and protect this defense a bit by keeping them off the darn field. Cincinnati has played 14 of their last 19 games Under the Total against teams with a losing record — and this includes four straight road games against teams with a losing record at home. The Bengals have also played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total in the month of November. Baltimore will be starting rookie Lamar Jackson at quarterback with Joe Flacco still nursing a hip injury. I have seen nothing to indicate that Jackson is ready for this assignment yet — unless operating ineffective specialized packages now serves as an endorsement. The Ravens will likely struggle with their passing game with Jackson under center still not polished with that part of his game at the professional level. But the Baltimore defense remains stout as they allow only 16.0 PPG along with a mere 275.0 total YPG when playing at home. The Ravens have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after a bye week. Furthermore. Baltimore has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total in the month of November — and they have played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total against AFC North opponents.

FINAL TAKE: This is a rematch of their game played back in the idyllic days of mid-September where the Bengals won by a 34-23 score with that Total set at 43. Things have changed. Expect a lower scoring game this time around. 25* AFC North Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals (455) and the Baltimore Ravens (456). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Washington State Cougars (378) minus the points versus Arizona Wildcats (377). THE SITUATION: Washington State (9-1) has won six straight games with their 31-7 win at Colorado last week as a 5.5-point favorite. Arizona (5-5) has won two straight games with their 42-34 win over that same Buffaloes team two Saturdays ago as a 3-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COUGARS MINUS THE POINTS: Washington State should continue to build off their momentum. They have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a victory by at least 20 points. The Cougars have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 22 of their last 29 games after a point spread victory. Washington State returns home where they are a perfect 5-0 this season while outscoring their opponents by +18.0 PPG and out-gaining them by +189.0 net YPG. Led by quarterback Gardner Minshew, the Cougars lead the nation by averaging 392.3 passing YPG. He leads an offense that averages 473.4 total YPG when playing at home. But the improvement of this Washington State in the seventh year of head coach Mike Leach can be attributed to the play of their defense that is holding their visitors to just 16.2 PPG along with 284.4 total YPG. This strong defensive play helps explain why they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games at home. Arizona has covered the point spread in five of their last seven games — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after covering the point spread in five or six of their last seven contests. But the Wildcats look due for a big letdown now having to go back on the road where they are just 1-3 this season. Arizona is being outscored by -9.8 net PPG away from home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games on the road. The Wildcats have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 road games after playing their last two games against fellow Pac-12 opponents — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games away from home after a game where at least 60 combined points were scored. And in their last 10 games played in the month of November, Arizona has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of these contests.

FINAL TAKE: Washington State needs to win this game to make their impending showdown with Washington next week being the deciding game as to which team will represent the Pac-12 North Division in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Cougars are unlikely to be looking ahead to that game as they will be motivated to avenge a 58-37 loss to the Wildcats last season. 25* CFB Pac-12 Game of the Year with the Washington State Cougars (378) minus the points versus Arizona Wildcats (377). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Cincinnati Bearcats (353) plus the points versus the Central Knights (354). THE SITUATION: Cincinnati (9-1) has won three straight games with their 35-23 win over South Florida last week as a 15-point favorite. Central Florida (9-0) remained one of four undefeated teams in the FBS with their 35-24 win over Navy as a 23.5-point favorite last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BEARCATS PLUS THE POINTS: The Knights have won three straight games by at least 12 points after surviving a 31-30 victory at Memphis back on October 13th. But Central Florida has failed to cover then points read in 3 of their last 4 games after winning two straight games by double-digits over American Athletic Conference opponents. The UCF offense has averaged 6.81 and 8.29 Yards-Per-Play in each of their last two games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after averaging at least 6.75 YPP in their last two games. But despite being undefeated, the Knights are vulnerable to good rushing teams. They have allowed their last two opponents average a whopping 600 rushing yards in their last two games (374 and 226 rushing yards respectively). Central Florida has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 225 rushing yards in two straight games. The Knights rank 104th in the nation by allowing 208.9 rushing YPG — and this Bearcats team is 19th in the nation by rushing for 235.8 rushing YPG. Cincinnati has generated at least 238 rushing yards in two straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after rushing for at least 225 yards in two straight games. The Bearcats have won their last two games by at least 12 points — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their 16 games after winning their last two games by double-digits against conference opponents. Both of those victories were at home — and Cincinnati has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after winning their last two games at home. The Bearcats have also covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to cover the point spread as the favorite in what was otherwise a straight-up win. Cincy goes back on the road where they are 4-1 with an average winning margin of +14.2 net PPG while out-gaining their home hosts by +109.2 net YPG. The Bearcats only loss this season was an overtime loss at Temple — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 23 road games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 7 points.

FINAL TAKE: Even at home, Central Florida will be feeling the pressure of maintaining their perfect two-year run — and they also need to win this game to ensure they reach the American Athletic Conference championship game. But the Knights have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games in the month of November. 10* CFB Cincinnati-Central Florida ABC-TV Special with the Cincinnati Bearcats (353) plus the points versus the Central Knights (354). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Iowa State Cyclones (417) and the Texas Longhorns (418). THE SITUATION: Iowa State (6-3) has won five straight games with their 28-14 win over Baylor last week as a 17-point favorite. Texas (7-3) snapped their two-game losing streak last Saturday with their 41-34 win at Texas Tech as a 2-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Longhorns have played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 21 of their last 26 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. Quarterback Shane Ehlinger did pass for 312 yards in a winning effort last week — but Texas has played 8 of their last 10 games Under the Total after passing for at least 280 yards in their last contest. The Longhorns has also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after gaining at least 40 points in their last game. And while Texas allowed 595 yards of offense to the Longhorns last week, they have then played 14 of their last 20 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last contest. Texas returns home to Austin to where they are allowing only 22.0 PPG. The Longhorns have played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total at home — and the Under is also 19-6-1 in their last 26 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Texas has also played a decisive 29 of their last 40 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. Iowa State has played 10 of their last 11 games Under the Total after a straight-up win. The Cyclones won that game despite gaining only 357 yards of offense in that contest. They did surrender 505 yards to the Bears — but they have then played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. Iowa State allows only 20.4 PPG which is 22nd best in the nation — and that number drops to just an 18.7 PPG make when they are playing on the road. But the Cyclones also only score 23.0 PPG on the road while generating a mere 311.2 total YPG. Iowa State has played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total on the road.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams played to a 17-7 score in Ames last season with that Total set at 62. With this year’s battle back in Austin where these two teams have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total, expect another low scoring game. 25* CFB Big 12 Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Iowa State Cyclones (417) and the Texas Longhorns (418). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Texas A&M Aggies (386) minus the points versus the UAB Blazers (385). Texas A&M (6-4) looks to build off their 38-24 win over Ole Miss last week as a 13-point favorite. UAB (9-1) comes off a 26-23 win in overtime over Southern Miss as a 13.5-point favorite last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE AGGIES MINUS THE POINTS: The Blazers have enjoyed a remarkable season in just their second season back playing college football after a two-year hiatus. Head coach Bill Clark has done a fantastic job resuscitating this program — winning nine of their first ten games might be even impressive than the 8-5 record he oversaw last year after the program was dormant. But UAB has also benefited from a front-loaded early schedule filled with home dates and winnable games. The Blazers have not faced a difficult list of opponents either with Louisiana Tech, Tulane or North Texas being their best team they have played this season. This will be the first Power-Five opponent they will have faced all season. UAB played only one Power-Five team last year — and that resulted in a 36-7 loss at Florida. The Blazers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against SEC opponents. UAB has also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a no-cover victory where they won the game straight-up as the favorite. Now this team goes back on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread 6 of their last 8 games on the road with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range. This team may be without their starting quarterback again this week with senior A.J. Erdely questionable with a shoulder injury. Freshman Tyler Johnson III has a very difficult assignment playing in a very hostile environment in College Station. Johnson III is completing only 54.7% of his passes this season with an unfavorable 4:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Texas A&M should build off the momentum of their victory last week under first-year head coach Jimbo Fisher who will be cracking the whip for this game. The Aggies have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after a win at home. Texas A&M stays at home where they are 5-1 this season with an average winning margin of +19.1 PPG while outgaining these opponents by +200.0 net YPG. The Aggies have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 home games when favored by 14.5 to 17 points. Furthermore, Texas A&M has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games against teams with a winning record — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games against non-conference opponents.

FINAL TAKE: Texas A&M is one of the few teams that gave Alabama a competitive game. They should overwhelm these upstart Blazers who are simply not ready for this level of competition. 20* CFB UAB-Texas A&M ESPN2 Special with the Texas A&M Aggies (386) minus the points versus the UAB Blazers (385). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Purdue Boilermakers (326) minus the points versus the Wisconsin Badgers (325). THE SITUATION: Purdue (5-5) has lost two of their last three games after their 41-10 loss at Minnesota as a 10-point favorite last week. Wisconsin (6-4) has lost two of their last three games with their 22-10 loss at Penn State last week as a 7.5-point underdog last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BOILERMAKERS MINUS THE POINTS: Purdue should bounce-back and play well in this game. The Boilermakers have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a win by at least 20 points. Purdue has also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. The Boilermakers have enjoyed a soft and light schedule on the road that caught up with them last week — and they were flat after pulling a big upset over Iowa in the previous week. But returning home will help where they are scoring 33.3 PPG while gaining a healthy 484.5 total YPG. Purdue has covered the point spread in 4 straight games at home. Wisconsin seems to be in a downward spiral as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against Big Ten opponents who are seeing their opportunity to take out their revenge from past losses to the Badgers. This team has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss. They have problems at quarterback with junior Alex Hornibrook still in the concussion protocol. Sophomore Jack Coan completed only 9 of 20 passes last week against the Nittany Lions for a mere 60 yards with two interceptions which left Wisconsin even more one-dimensional on offense than they have been in the past. That does not bode well for them here as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to pass for at least 170 yards in their last game. The Badgers have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games with the Total set in the 49.5 to 56 point range. They go on the road where they are just 1-3 this season with an average losing margin of -10.0 PPG due to a stagnant offense that is scoring only 17.0 PPG while averaging 322.5 total YPG.

FINAL TAKE: Purdue will be excited to play this game with it being Senior Day with their last home game of the season. The Boilermakers will also be motivated to avenge a 17-9 loss to the Badgers last season and join their name to the list of teams who successfully enjoyed the sweet taste of revenge on Wisconsin this year. Purdue’s offensive firepower may lead them to an easy win. 20* CFB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Purdue Boilermakers (326) minus the points versus the Wisconsin Badgers (325). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Oklahoma State Cowboys (390) plus the points versus the West Virginia Mountaineers (389). THE SITUATION: Oklahoma State (5-5) has lost two straight games — as well as four of their last five games — with their 48-47 loss at Oklahoma last Saturday as a 21.5-point underdog. West Virginia (8-1) has won three straight games with their 47-10 win over TCU last week as a 13.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COWBOYS PLUS THE POINTS: Oklahoma State has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss. The Cowboys generated 640 yards in their loss to the Sooners — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. This powerful Oklahoma State offense should keep them in this game against this Mountaineers team with a shaky defense. They return home after playing their last two games on the road where they are scoring 42.3 PPG along with averaging 512.7 total YPG — and this helps them out-gain their guests by +13.1 net PPG along with out-gaining them by +116.7 net YPG. The Cowboys have seen at least 66 combined points scored in each of their last three games — and they are very comfortable getting into shootouts with this Total in the mid-70s. Oklahoma State has covered the point spread in 21 of their last 30 home games after playing at least two straight games where at least 60 combined points were scored. And while the Cowboys did not force a turnover last week, they have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 20 home games after failing to force a turnover in their last game. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record, Oklahoma State has covered the point spread in 4 of these contests. West Virginia dominated a reeling Horned Frogs team last week as they out-gained them by +313 net yards by churning out 535 yards of offense while limiting them to just 222 yards. But not only have the Mountaineers failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last game — and they are also just 11-27-1 ATS in their last 39 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. And while Dana Holgorsen’s team has covered the point spread in three straight games, his team is likely due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 29 of their last 42 games after covering the point spread in three straight games. Now West Virginia goes back on the road where they are 3-1 this season — but they are being out-gained in yardage in those games because their defense is allowing 445.5 total YPG in those games. Pass defense is the biggest vulnerability of the Mountaineers as they rank 74th in the nation by allowing 233.2 passing YPG — and that mark rises to 269 passing YPG when they are playing on the road. Those are ominous defensive numbers when facing quarterback Taylor Cornelius who is leading an offense that ranks 10th in the FBS by averaging 317.6 passing YPG.

FINAL TAKE: This has been a disappointing season for Oklahoma State who returned twelve starters from a team that finished 10-3 last season. Three of their losses this year have been decided by just one possession total a mere 11 points. But the Cowboys should be motivated to pull off the upset in their last home game of the season. Expect Oklahoma State to keep this one close with a real shot of scoring the straight-up win. 25* CFB Big 12 Underdog of the Year with the Oklahoma State Cowboys (390) plus the points versus the West Virginia Mountaineers (389). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 2:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Syracuse Orange (367) plus the points versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (368). THE SITUATION: Notre Dame (10-0) remained undefeated this season with their 42-13 win over Florida State last week as a 17-point favorite. Syracuse (8-2) has won four games in a row themselves with their 54-23 win over Louisville as a 20-point favorite last Friday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE ORANGE PLUS THE POINTS: This is the time of the season that the Fighting Irish begin to fade. They have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games in the month of November. They also have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after winning at least eight straight games. Notre Dame is the technical home team with this game being played in Yankee Stadium. And while there might be more Irish fans in the stadium than fans up from upstate New York, considering the crowd edge as being the essential component to what makes up the home advantage in football misunderstands the concept. It not just enjoying the cheers of the crowd — the advantage of playing at home includes playing a very familiar environment while avoiding the challenges of being on the road. Notre Dame does not enjoy either of those advantages in this game — so I consider this a neutral field situation just as I do all bowl teams that are not playing in their home stadium (despite possible crowd advantages). Moving forward, the Irish have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a straight-up win at home — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than 14 points in their last game. Syracuse will not be shy about being aggressive about pulling the upset this afternoon after losing to Clemson by just four points earlier this season after pulling upsets against the Tigers last year along with Virginia Tech in 2016. The Orange also played LSU and Miami (FL) tough last year — this is a team that will be very confident in the third season under head coach Dino Babers. Syracuse enters this game with momentum after their 54-23 blowout win over the Cardinals that cost Bobby Petrino his job (so the Karma Gods will certainly be on their side after that service to humanity). The Orange have then covered the points pray in 27 of their last 39 games after a win by at least two touchdowns — and they are also 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games after a straight-up win. The Babers’ up-tempo offense might prove difficult for Brian Kelly and his staff to slow down. Syracuse ranks 6th in the nation by scoring 44.4 PPG — and they also rank 14th in the nation by generating 482.2 total YPG. The Orange should be able to run the ball against the Irish defense that allows their opponents to average 128.9 rushing YPG which ranks 41st in the nation. Syracuse averages 216.1 rushing YPG which is 28th in the nation — and the fast tempo is designed to wear down opposing defenses. The Orange has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games against teams with a winning record — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games with the Total set in the 63.5 to 70 point range. Syracuse has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games played on a neutral field while also covering the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games on the road as the underdog.

FINAL TAKE: Notre Dame is undefeated despite four of their games being decided by one scoring possession. A loss this afternoon might devastate their College Playoff aspirations — and that pressure should help ensure this is a close game. The Irish lost on the road to Miami in November last year to ruin their undefeated season. 20* CFB Syracuse-Notre Dame NBC-TV Special with the Syracuse Orange (367) plus the points versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (368). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Michigan State Spartans (415) plus (or minus) the point(s) versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers (416). THE SITUATION: Michigan State (6-4) looks to bounce-back from a 26-6 loss at home to Ohio State as a 3.5-point underdog. Nebraska (2-7) has won two of their last three games with their 54-35 win over Illinois as a 17-point favorite last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SPARTANS PLUS (OR MINUS) THE POINT(S): Michigan State was playing the Buckeyes close as that game was just a 7-3 score at halftime before a bungled punt in their own end zone shifted momentum to Ohio State in the second-half of that game. But the Michigan State defense played quite well in holding the Buckeyes to just 347 yards. Sparty has held their last two opponents to just 223.5 net YPG — and they have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after allowing no more than 225 YPG over their last two games. Michigan State will offer a very tough test for the Cornhuskers as they lead the nation by only allowing 76.5 rushing YPG. The Spartans should bounce-back with a tough effort as they 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 9 of their last 12 games after a point spread setback. Additionally, Michigan State has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after a point spread loss. The Spartans have issues at quarterback with starter Brian Lewerke dealing with an arm injury that left him ineffective last week. Backup Rocky Lombardi may get more playing time in this game with head coach Mark Dantonio looking at his options for next season. But Michigan State should have success running the football against this Cornhuskers defense that ranks 90th in the FBS by allowing 190.4 rushing YPG. Sparty’s defense travels as they are 3-1 away from East Lansing this season while outscoring their opponents by +9.0 PPG and outgaining them by +69.7 net YPG. Michigan State has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. Nebraska benefited from a +3 net turnover margin over the Illini last week while surrendering 510 yards of offense. The Cornhuskers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they are just 3-12-2 ATS in their last 17 games after a straight-up win. Nebraska has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 450 yards in their last contest. The Cornhuskers have lacked little home field advantage in Lincoln as of late as well as they are just 3-13-2 ATS in their last 18 games at home while also being 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 opportunities to host a team with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Michigan State upset Penn State and played Ohio State tough last week — they are still one of the better teams in the Big Ten. Nebraska has hit rock bottom with a roster that is not to the satisfaction of rookie head coach Scott Frost. Wins over Minnesota and the Illini do not change this fact. The elite Spartans’ defense should dictate how this game plays out. 10* CFB Michigan State-Nebraska Fox-TV Special with the Michigan State Spartans (415) plus (or minus) the point(s) versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers (416). Bets of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the SMU Mustangs (316) plus the points versus the Memphis Tigers (315). THE SITUATION: SMU (5-5) has won two straight games with their 62-50 win at UConn last Saturday as an 18-point favorite. Memphis (6-4) has also won two straight games with their 47-21 win over Tulsa as a 17-point favorite last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MUSTANGS MINUS THE POINTS: For the second straight game, SMU raced out to a big halftime lead with Sonny Dykes team going into the locker room with a 31-10 lead over the Huskies after the first thirty minutes of play. The Mustangs enjoyed a 31-14 halftime lead in the previous week in their 45-31 upset win over Houston the previous week. SMU has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after holding at least a two-touchdown lead at halftime in two straight games. The Mustangs generated 595 yards of offense against the Cougars — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last contest. This offense has improved under Dykes once junior quarterback Ben Hicks got more acclimated to his expectations. The third-year starter lost his spot under center for freshman William Brown but after a strong performance in a losing effort against an undefeated Central Florida team, Hicks has significantly stepped up his game as the starting quarterback. Hicks has averaged 303.3 passing YPG over his last four games with throwing 10 touchdown passes while throwing only two interceptions. SMU has scored 53.5 PPG over their last two games which makes them a very dangerous underdog tonight. They lost at home to a one-loss Cincinnati team by just 6 points three weeks ago. The Mustangs have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games in expected shootouts with the Total set at 70 or higher. SMU did not commit a turnover against UConn last week — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a game where they did not commit a turnover. And while the Mustangs’ defense is giving up plenty of points, they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after allowing at least 40 points in their last game. Memphis has scored 106 points over their last two games after they defeated East Carolina by a 59-41 score in the week prior to their win over the Golden Hurricanes last week. But the Tigers have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games after winning their last two games by at least 17 points. Additionally, Memphis has failed to cover the point spread in 32 of their last 44 games after scoring at least 42 points in their last game — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after scoring at least 42 points in two straight games. Furthermore, while the Tigers have rushed for at least 277 yards in two straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games when rushing for at least 275 yards in two straight games. But now this team goes on the road again where they have lost three of their four games this season while being outscored by -7.8 PPG and being outgained by -78.0 net YPP. The Memphis defense allows their home hosts to score 42.0 PPG along with 503.5 total YPG. Quarterback Brady White has not fared well when asked to win shootouts. In the Tigers’ four losses, he is completing only 50.4% of his passes while averaging just 202 passing YPG (almost 60 passing YPG below the team’s season average) with only a 4:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Memphis has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. This makes the Tigers unreliable road favorites — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 35 of their last 52 games when laying 3.5 to 10 points which includes them failing to cover the point spread in five of their last six games when laying those points.

FINAL TAKE: SMU will be very motivated to pull the upset in this game. Not only are they looking to avenge a 66-45 loss to Memphis last season but a victory tonight keeps them in control of their own destiny to win the American Athletic Conference West Division as they hold the tie-breaker against Houston. 25* CFB American Athletic Conference Underdog of the Year with the SMU Mustangs (316) plus the points versus the Memphis Tigers (315). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 9:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the North Texas Mean Green (314) minus the points versus the Florida Atlantic Owls (313). THE SITUATION: North Texas (7-3) has lost two of their last three games with their 34-31 upset loss at Old Dominion last Saturday as a 14-point favorite. FAU (5-5) has won two straight games with their 34-15 win over Western Kentucky as a 17.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE MEAN GREEN PLUS THE POINTS: North Texas raced out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter but then went on autopilot to lose that game to the Monarchs. The Mean Green have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after an upset loss to a conference rival. They also have covered the points spread in 6 of their last 8 games after scoring at least 24 points in the first-half of their last game. This is a balanced team that ranks in the top-22 in scoring offense and defense while also ranking in the top-29 in total offense and total defense. North Texas is outscoring their opponents by +16.9 PPG. They return home where they are 4-1 with an average winning margin of +22.0 PPG while outgaining these opponents by +188.0 net YPG due to their potent offense that scores 40.4 PPG along with averaging 315.4 total YPG. Despite the loss to Old Dominion, the Mean Green have still covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games played in the month of November. FAU has a tough assignment traveling to Denton, Texas on a short week after playing on Saturday — and this is their second game on the road in their last three games. Florida Atlantic is just 1-4 on the road with an average losing margin of -11.8 net PPG. The Owls have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on the road. FAU forced one turnover against the Hilltoppers in their win last week — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after not forcing more than one turnover in their last game. The Owls have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range. Together, these team trends produce our specific 42-16 ATS combined angle for this situation.

FINAL TAKE: North Texas also has the opportunity to avenge their two losses to Florida Atlantic last season including their 41-17 loss last December 2nd in the Conference USA championship game. While their 3-3 conference record was a disappointment for the Mean Green, getting revenge against the Owls offers this team the opportunity to highlight their season. 20* CFB Thursday Late Show Bailout with the North Texas Mean Green (314) minus the points versus the Florida Atlantic Owls (313). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Green Bay Packers (307) and the Seattle Seahawks (308). THE SITUATION: Seattle (4-5) has lost two straight games after their 36-31 loss in Los Angeles to the Rams on Sunday as a 10-point underdog. Green Bay (4-4-1) enters this game coming off a 31-12 win over an injury-depleted Miami team as an 11-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Defense has let the Packers down on the road by allowing 31 points three times and 29 points in their other game away from home. Green Bay’s defense is a depleted group right now with linebacker Nick Perry, cornerback Kevin King, and strong safety Kontrell Brice all declared out for this game. The Packers have played 10 of their last 12 road games Over the Total as an underdog — and they have played 6 straight road games against teams with a losing record at home. Green Bay has also played 11 of their last 13 games Over the Total against teams with a losing record. The Pack plays this game on a short week for them — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total on a Thursday. They also have played 22 of their last 28 games Over the Total against fellow NFC opponents. Seattle has played 14 of their last 20 games Over the Total after a loss on the road where they covered the point spread as an underdog. The Seahawks did rush for 273 yards against the Rams. Not only have then played 21 of their last 30 games Over the Total after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game but they have also played 6 of their last 9 games Over the Total after rushing for at least 250 yards in their last contest. They should continue to have success against this Packers team that has allowed 482 rushing yards over their last four games on a 4.97 Yards-Per-Carry average. Seattle has lost the turnover battle in their last two games — and they have played 35 of their last 52 games Over the Total after having a -1 or worse net turnover margin in at least two straight games. Furthermore, the Seahawks have allowed 7.35 and 7.81 Yards-Per-Play in each of their last two games — and they have then played 14 of their last 20 games Over the Total after allowing at least 6.0 YPP in two straight games. Lastly, Seattle has played 4 of their last 6 home games Over the Total as a favorite laying no more than 7 points.

FINAL TAKE: The loser of this game is in deep trouble when it comes to still making the playoffs as a Wildcard team in the NFC. Given that urgency, expect both teams to play aggressively with a sense of desperation — and that should help our Over. 10* NFL Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Green Bay Packers (307) and the Seattle Seahawks (308). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Seattle Seahawks (308) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (307). THE SITUATION: Seattle (4-5) has lost two straight games after their 36-31 loss in Los Angeles to the Rams on Sunday as a 10-point underdog. Green Bay (4-4-1) enters this game coming off a 31-12 win over an injury-depleted Miami team as an 11-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SEAHAWKS MINUS THE POINTS: Seattle is better then their losing record suggests as all five of their losses were decided by one-scoring possession — and they are outscoring their opponents by +3.1 net PPG. They should rebound with a strong effort tonight as they are a decisive 35-17-2 ATS in their last 54 games are a straight-up loss — and they have also covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. Now this team returns home where they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 17 home games against teams with a losing record on the road. The Seahawks game is predicated on running the football as they lead the NFL by averaging 152.2 rushing YPG — and this attack will be bolstered by the return of running back Chris Carson from injury. This team has the luxury of riding the hot-hand with Rashard Penny, Mike Davis and Carson all likely to get carries early in this game. Seattle should find success against this Packers defense that is 21st in the NFL by allowing 4.5 Yards-Per-Carry. Over their last four games, Green Bay is allowing 4.97 YPC while allowing 120.5 rushing YPG. Even without Carson last week, the Seahawks rushed for 273 yards against the Rams — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after rushing for at least 150 yards in their last game. Seattle is also 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games played on a Thursday night under head coach Pete Carroll. Green Bay has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread win. Now they go on the road for the third time in their last four games where they are 0-4 while being outscored by -9.5 PPG. The defense has let the Packers down on the road by allowing 31 points three times and 29 points in their other game away from home. Green Bay’s defense is a depleted group right now with linebacker Nick Perry, cornerback Kevin King, and strong safety Kontrell Brice all declared out for this game. That is not a good sign for a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games on the road. The Packers have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games against fellow NFC opponents — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 25 games in the month of November. And in their last 4 games played on the faster field turf, Green Bay has failed to cover the point spread all 4 times.

FINAL TAKE: This is likely an elimination game from the playoff race for the losing team. Despite their five losses, the Seahawks seem to be heading in the right direction after their roster shakeup in the offseason — while the Packers seem to be hanging on by a thread with Aaron Rodgers just not having enough help around him on both sides of the football. Expect Seattle to wear down this Green Bay team. 25* NFC Game of the Month with the Seattle Seahawks (308) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (307). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Houston Cougars (312) minus the points versus the Tulane Green Wave (311). THE SITUATION: Houston (7-3) has lost two straight games after suffering their second-straight upset loss in a row with their 59-49 loss to Temple on Saturday as a 3.5-point favorite. Tulane (5-5) has won three straight games with their 24-18 win over East Carolina on Saturday as a 10.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COUGARS MINUS THE POINTS: Houston may have been suffering from the hangover of their 45-31 upset loss at SMU the previous week despite being a two-touchdown favorite in that game. The Cougars are still alive to reach the American Athletic Conference championship game but they need to win their remaining two regular-season games while then hoping SMU loses again. This is a team that has also been riddled with injuries on both sides of the ball with the biggest loss being their star defensive tackle Ed Oliver who will likely not take the field tonight with his knee injury. But Houston still has their starting quarterback D’Eriq King who has led an offense that ranks 2nd in the nation by averaging 546.1 total YPG along with scoring 47.8 PPG which is the 4th most in the FBS. The Cougars generated 527 yards of offense in their loss to the Owls last week despite having possession of the football for just 25:37 minutes of that game — and this team’s offense should overwhelm the Green Wave tonight. Houston has covered the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after an upset loss at home to a conference rival despite being the favorite. The Cougars have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 26 games after scoring at least 40 points in their last game. Being at home on a short week should help after playing three of their last four games on the road. Houston is 4-1 at home with an average winning margin of +21.6 net PPG while outgaining the visitors by +121.7 net YPG due to their offense that scores 52.4 PPG at home while averaging 581.6 total YPG in those games. The Cougars have struggled on defense after allowing 104 combined points in their last two games — but they have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 30 games after allowing at least 37 points in two straight games. Tulane is scoring only 23.2 PPG along with averaging just 342.0 total YPG when playing away from home. With their senior dual-threat quarterback Jonathan Banks still questionable with an injury, head coach Willie Fritz will likely have to depend on LSU graduate transfer Justin McMillan who led them to victory last week. McMillan can operate the run-first spread offense that Fritz prefers but accuracy in the passing game is an issue as he has completed only 46% of his 87 pass attempts this season. The Green Wave averaged 6.94 Yards-Per-Play against the suspect Pirates defense last week but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after averaging at least 6.25 YPP in their last game. Tulane has only committed one turnover in three straight games as well — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after not turning the ball over in two straight games — and this includes failing to cover the point spread in those last four situations. This is the Green Wave’s third game on the road in their last four contests which is a very tough assignment when playing on a short week. Tulane has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 road games against teams with a winning record at home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 trips to Houston to face the Cougars.

FINAL TAKE: Houston should take out their frustrations over the last two weeks with a big win over a Tulane team being outscored by -6.6 PPG on the road while being outgained by more than 100 yards in those road contests. 25* CFB Thursday Night ESPN Game of the Year with the Houston Cougars (312) minus the points versus the Tulane Green Wave (311). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Ohio Bobcats (304) minus the points versus the Buffalo Bulls (303). THE SITUATION: Ohio (6-4) saw their three-game winning streak snapped last Wednesday in their 30-28 upset loss at Miami (OH) despite being a 4.5-point favorite. Buffalo (9-1) has won five straight games with their 48-14 win over Kent State last Tuesday as a 17-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BOBCATS MINUS THE POINTS: Ohio remains statistically alive to win the MAC East Division but their loss to the RedHawks was devastating to their realistic chances. The Bobcats need to win out their last two games with the Bulls needing to then lose next week to a lowly Bowling Green team to keep their chances alive of reaching the MAC Championship Game. But Frank Solich’s team can still play the role of the spoiler tonight as they look to redeem themselves from their upset loss to their arch rival in Miami (OH). As it is, Ohio has rebounded to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a loss by 6 points or less. The Bobcats return home where they are a perfect 4-0 while outscoring their visitors by +23.7 net PPG and outgaining these opponents by +146.5 net YPG. Ohio has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games on their home field. Led by quarterback Nathan Rourke, the Bobcats are scoring 39.3 PPG which is 12th best in the nation. Expected higher scoring games plays into this teams hands as the Bobcats have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games with the Total set at 63 or higher. Ohio has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and they have covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games against teams with a winning record. Buffalo is in the midst of perhaps their best season in school history — but with their two-game lead in the MAC East Division, they can afford to lose this game and still reach win this title. This team returned fourteen starters from a group that finished 6-6 last year but was snubbed in getting an opportunity to play in a bowl game. This will be a very tough test for this program not used to pressure situations — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games in Athens to face this Ohio team. The Bulls have also failed to cover the point spread in 31 of their last 47 road games after playing their previous three games against MAC competitors. Buffalo raced out to a 34-0 lead last week against the Golden Flashes — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after scoring at least 24 points in the first half of their last game. They also outrushed Kent State by +258 net yards — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 gamed after outrushing their last opponent by at least 150 yards. Lastly, while the Bulls have covered the point spread in five straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after covering the point spread in five straight games — so this is a team that might be primed for a letdown.

FINAL TAKE: Any chance that Ohio might be flat in this game is likely mitigated by Solich’s ability to invoke the memories of last year’s encounter between these two teams. The Bobcats fell behind by a 24-7 score in the first quarter on the road in that game but called to tied that game before falling behind again by 31-24 score. Rourke rallied his team for one final drive to tie the game — but he was intercepted in the end zone with just 1:20 minutes left in the 4th quarter to conclude that upset loss despite them being 6.5-point favorites. Look for Ohio to avenge that loss tonight against a Buffalo team that can still reach the MAC Championship Game with a victory next week. 25* CFB Mid-American Conference Game of the Year with the Ohio Bobcats (304) minus the points versus the Buffalo Bulls (303). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the New York Giants (275) plus the points versus the San Francisco 49ers (276). THE SITUATION: New York (1-7) has lost seven straight games after their 20-13 loss at home to Washington two Sundays ago as a 1-point underdog. San Francisco (2-7) enters this game coming off their 34-3 upset win against Oakland back on November 1st as a 1.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GIANTS PLUS THE POINTS: The 49ers got a surprising performance from Nick Mullens who completed 16 of 22 passes for 262 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in his first professional start in his career. I expect Mullens to get a visit from the ole Regression Gods tonight with the Giants having the benefit of eleven days of studying tape of that performance. As it is, San Francisco has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a win by at least 14 points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread win. Furthermore, the 49ers have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after not allowing more than 14 points in their last game. San Francisco stays at home where they have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 home games against teams with a losing record. The Niners are unreliable favorites considering that they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games when laying the points. New York is better than their record suggests. Five of their losses have been by 7 points or less — and they are only being out-gained this season by -13.2 net YPG while out-gaining their home hosts when playing on the road. This team should play well coming off of their bye week. They have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after a loss to a divisional rival — and they have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 23 games after losing five straight games. Furthermore, the Giants have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a point spread loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game. New York has to get Saquon Barkley more involved in this game after only rushing for 37 and 61 yards in each of their last two games. The Giants were out-rushed by 147 yards to Washington in their last game but they have then covered the point spread in 4 straight games after being out-rushed by a least 100 yards in their last game. New York has also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 games after failing to rush for at least 75 yards in twos straight contests. Lastly, the Giants have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home.

FINAL TAKE: For different reasons, both of these teams have experienced disappointing seasons. The Niners are overvalued after their prime-time win over the hapless Raiders in their last game — this should be closer to a pick ‘em which makes the points with the underdog quite valuable. 10* NFL Monday Daily Discounted Deal with the New York Giants (275) plus the points versus the San Francisco 49ers (276). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New York Giants (275) and the San Francisco 49ers (276). THE SITUATION: New York (1-7) has lost seven straight games after their 20-13 loss at home to Washington two Sundays ago as a 1-point underdog. San Francisco (2-7) enters this game coming off their 34-3 upset win against Oakland back on November 1st as a 1.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The 49ers got a surprising performance from Nick Mullens at quarterback who completed 16 of 22 passes for 262 yards with three touchdown passes and no interceptions. Look for Mullens to regress a bit in this contest with the Giants having eleven days to study that tape in preparation for this game. As it is, San Francisco has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a game where at least 30 points were scored. The 49ers’ defense did a great job by limiting the Raiders’ offense to just 242 yards of offense. San Francisco has an underrated defense that 12th in the NFL by allowing only 351.7 total YPG — and that number drops to just 305.0 total YPG when they are playing at home. The 49ers have allowed only two field goals in the first-half in their last two games — and they have played 27 of their last 39 home games Under the Total after not allowing more than 3 points in the first-half of two straight games. Additionally, San Francisco has played 15 of their last 20 games Under the Total in the month of November. New York has played 9 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have also played 13 of their last 19 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Giants have played 9 of their last 12 games Under the Total after losing four or five of their last six games. New York allowed 360 yards of offense to the Redskins — but they have then played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. The Giants managed only 303 yards of offense behind the declining Eli Manning at quarterback. His lack of mobility combines with a decrepit offensive line produces a sluggish offense that ranks 27th in the NFL by scoring just 18.8 PPG. New York has played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game. The Giants go back on the road where they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total. Lastly, New York has played 21 of their last 30 games Under the Total — and they have also played twelve of their last eighteen games Under the Total on the road as an underdog.

FINAL TAKE: This game shapes up to see plenty of stalled drives where the offenses will settle for field goals. Expect a lower scoring game. 25* NFC Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the New York Giants (275) and the San Francisco 49ers (276). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Dallas Cowboys (273) plus the points versus the Philadelphia Eagles (274). THE SITUATION: Dallas (3-5) has lost two straight games after their 28-14 upset loss to Tennessee on Monday where they were laying -4.5-points. Philadelphia (4-4) returns to the field from their bye week after their 24-18 win in Jacksonville as a 3.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COWBOYS PLUS THE POINTS: This Dallas team has their backs against the wall after suffering two straight upset losses. They had previously been upset on the road in Washington as a small underdog by a 20-17 score before their upset loss to the Titans on Monday. We were against the Cowboys in both those games. But now with the seemingly all the Dallas backers jumping off the bandwagon in favor of the defending Super Bowl champions, this looks like the time to zig against that zag. The Cowboys have bounced-back to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 20 games after an upset loss by at least two touchdowns — and this includes them covering the point spread in nine of their last thirteen games when that upset loss by at least 14 points occurred when they were a home favorite. Dallas has also covered the point spread in 35 of their last 55 games after a loss by at least 20 points. The Cowboys need to get Ezekiel Elliott going after they only rushed for 75 yards as a team against the Titans. Dallas has covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after failing to rush for at least 90 yards in their last game. The Cowboys go back on the road where they may be 0-4 this season but they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 13 games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range. And in their last 5 games against NFC East rivals, Dallas has covered the point spread in 4 of these contests. Philadelphia has not won two straight games yet this season — and they failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a straight-up win as they continue to suffer through the not uncommon Super Bowl hangover. Amari Cooper may have his breakout game with the Cowboys against this Eagles pass defense that is allowing 269.1 passing YPG which is 25th in the NFL. Additionally, Philadelphia has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 home games against teams with a losing record on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in their last 3 games when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points.

FINAL TAKE: Unfortunately for us, I have seen a few teams seemingly quit on their head coach today. I don’t think that happens with this Dallas team that has a lot of years built up with their head coach Jason Garrett who is generally liked. I look for the Cowboys to respond the adversity they are facing to play hard which should be enough to keep this game within one scoring possession. 10* NFL Sunday Night Discounted Deal with the Dallas Cowboys (273) plus the points versus the Philadelphia Eagles (274). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Cowboys (273) and the Philadelphia Eagles (274). THE SITUATION: Dallas (3-5) has lost two straight games after their 28-14 upset loss to Tennessee on Monday where they were laying -4.5-points. Philadelphia (4-4) returns to the field from their bye week after their 24-18 win in Jacksonville as a 3.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Eagles have won and covered the point spread in two of their last three games — and they have then played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after winning two of their last three games while also playing 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after covering the point spread in two of their last three contests. Philly went into their bye week having suffered a -1 net turnover margin in two straight games — and they have played 5 straight games Over the Total after losing the turnover battle in at least two straight games. Playing just their second game of the season against a divisional rival along with having acquired wide receiver Golden Tate at the trade deadline, the reigning Super Bowl champions are feeling pretty good about themselves. Even without Tate, this offense has begun to hum as quarterback Carson Wentz gets more comfortable under center after tearing his ACL last season. The Eagles averaged 7.28 Yards-Per-Play against the Jaguars in their last game — and they have then played 4 straight games Over the Total after averaging 6.5 YPP in their last game. Philadelphia has played 26 of their last 37 games Over the Total against teams with a losing record — and they have also played 12 of their last 16 games Over the Total against fellow NFC East rivals. Dallas was expected to see an immediate uptick in their offensive production with the acquisition of wide receiver Amari Cooper but they managed only 297 yards of offense on Monday as the team struggled with keeping their offensive identity with their new offensive weapon. I thought the expectations for the Cowboys offense was overestimated before their game with the Titans — and I suspect it is not being underestimated moving forward. Expect a significant improvement on the offensive side of the ball tonight. Dallas has played 11 of their last 13 games Over the Total after an upset loss by at least two touchdowns as a home favorite. The loss to Tennessee followed up an upset loss to Washington the previous week — and the Cowboys have played 10 of their last 14 games Over the Total after suffering two straight upset losses. Dallas is going to have to generate their share of points in this game given the injuries they are dealing with on defense. The Cowboys are down two of their players in their defensive line rotation with David Irving and Randy Gregory still out — their absence on Monday played a role in Marcus Mariota having his good game at quarterback. Dallas will also be without their best defensive player in linebacker Sean Lee who is dealing with a hamstring injury. The Cowboys need to get running back Ezekiel Elliot more involved in their offense after they have rushed for just 72 and 73 yards in their last two games after rushing for over 200 yards in their previous game against the Jaguars where they won while scoring 40 points. Dallas has played 8 of their last 13 games Over the Total after failing to rush for more than 75 yards in two straight games. And in their last 18 road games as an underdog getting 7.5 to 14 points, the Cowboys have played 11 of these games Over the Total.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played three straight Unders with their last contest being that New Year’s Eve game last year where Dallas shutout the Eagles with what looked to be a hapless Nick Folk at quarterback. With Dallas’ season in the balance, expect this to be a high scoring game. 25* NFC East Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Dallas Cowboys (273) and the Philadelphia Eagles (274). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Cincinnati Bengals (256) plus the points versus the New Orleans Saints (255). THE SITUATION: Cincinnati (5-3) looks to build off their 37-34 win over Tampa Bay two weeks ago as a 3.5-point favorite. New Orleans (7-1) has won seven straight games after they defeated the Rams last Sunday by a 45-35 score as a small 1.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BENGALS PLUS THE POINTS: This is a letdown spot for the Saints after a three-game gauntlet at Baltimore and at Minnesota before last week’s showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Now asking this team to cover the point spread by nearly a touchdown on the road against a possible playoff team is simply too much to ask. As it is, New Orleans has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after winning at least seven straight games. And while the Saints have covered the point spread in six straight games, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after covering the point spread in six or seven of their last eight games. New Orleans has been getting off to fast starts as they scored 35 points in the first half last week against the Rams after racing out to a 17-13 lead the previous week against the Vikings — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 24 games after scoring at least 17 points in the first-half of two straight games. Defense remains the biggest concern for this team as they allowed 483 total yards to the Rams last week — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. The Saints are second-to-last in the league by allowing 311.4 passing YPG — and they are also 28th in the NFL by allowing their opponents to score touchdowns in 71.4% of their Red Zone opportunities. Cincinnati has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up win. And while they almost blew their 27-9 halftime lead against the Buccaneers in their last game, they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 25 games after scoring at least 24 points in the first half of their last game. The Bengals needed to work on their play on the defensive side of the football during their bye week after allowing the Bucs to generate 576 yards against them in that furious second-half comeback. Cincinnati has allowed at least 451 yards in three straight games — but they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after allowing at least 375 yards in three straight games. They also have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 11 games after allowing at least 30 points in their last game. They stay at home where QB Andy Dalton has a 9-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio and where the team enjoys a +9 net turnover margin. The Bengals have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. And Cincinnati enjoys the best Red Zone offense in the NFL statistically as they scoring touchdowns in 77% of their trips to the Red Zone.

FINAL TAKE: The Bengals will be without wide receiver A.J. Green in this game but I expect the team to still be able to move the ball on offense with a strategy focusing on running back Joe Mixon. These are too many points to pass up for a team that plays tough at home (and away from the lights of a prime-time game). 20* NFL Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Cincinnati Bengals (256) plus the points versus the New Orleans Saints (255). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Detroit Lions (265) plus the points versus the Chicago Bears (266). THE SITUATION: Detroit (3-5) has lost two straight games after their 24-9 loss in Minnesota last week as a 4.5-point underdog. Chicago (5-3) has won two games in a row after their 41-9 blowout win in Buffalo as a 10.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE LIONS PLUS THE POINTS: Detroit will be playing with desperation with that bad loss in Minnesota following up a 28-14 loss at home to Seattle. The entire organization is under scrutiny from quarterback Matthew Stafford failing to throw a touchdown pass last week for the first time all season to the offensive line giving up a whopping ten sacks to the Vikings to Matt Patricia seemingly over his head as a rookie head coach to the team appearing to have punted on the season after trading away wide receiver Golden Tate. Expect this adversity to have rallied this team together — they should come out swinging in this game. As it is, the Lions have bounced back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a loss by at least 14 points — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after losing two straight games by at least two touchdowns. Detroit has also covered the point spread in 22 of their last 29 games on the road after a loss by at least two touchdowns. The trade of Tate should create more opportunities for their promising young wide receiver Kenny Golladay so I am not too worried about their offense. While the Lions averaged just 3.48 Yards-Per-Play against the Vikings defense, they have covered the point spread in 25 of their last 32 games after failing to average more than 4.0 YPP in their last game. Furthermore, Detroit has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game. The Lions have been reliable in situations like this as they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Detroit is also 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games in the month of November — and they are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games against divisional rivals. Chicago is riding high with two straight wins by at least two touchdowns as they defeated the Jets by a 24-10 score before dispatching of a Nathan Peterman-led Bills team last week. Yet the Bears were actually outgained by a 264-190 yardage margin to Buffalo while managing a mere 11 first downs. Two defensive touchdowns and a +3 net turnover margin in that game masked a pretty mediocre performance by Mitchell Trubisky who passed for just 135 yards. My longer-term concern with this team is that head coach Matt Nagy is asking his young quarterback to do too much in lieu of establishing their ground game behind Jordan Howard. Expect a letdown in this game especially with the significant uptick in competition against a divisional opponent. Chicago has failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games after a point spread cover as a double-digit favorite — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games after covering the point spread in two straight games when laying the points as the favorite. Additionally, not only have the Bears failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after scoring at least 28 points but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 20 games after not allowing more than 14 points in their last game. Chicago has also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after enjoying a +2 or better net turnover margin. Moving forward, the Bears have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 21 games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Chicago may win this game with this one being played at Soldier Field — but asking them to cover a point spread around a touchdown against an angry and desperate division rival (who remains alive in the NFC North playoff race) is too much to ask. Expect a close game that the Lions have a chance to steal. 25* NFC North Underdog of the Year with the Detroit Lions (265) plus the points versus the Chicago Bears (266). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Colorado State Rams (171) plus the points versus the Nevada Wolf Pack (172). THE SITUATION: Colorado State (3-6) has lost two games in a row after their 34-21 loss to Wyoming back on October 26th as a +3.5-point underdog. Nevada (5-4) pulled off their second-straight upset win with their 28-24 win at home over San Diego State two Saturdays ago as a +2-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAMS PLUS THE POINTS: The Wolf Pack upset the Aztecs just a week after they crushed Hawai’i on the road by a 40-22 score as a small +1.5-point underdog. Now Nevada finds themselves as two-touchdown favorites — but an emotional letdown for this team is likely. As it is, the Wolfpack have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win at home. Furthermore, Nevada has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a narrow win by 6 points or less. The Wolfpack were outgained by San Diego State by a decisive -159 net yards but rallied from a 24-15 halftime deficit by enjoying a +2 net turnover margin. Nevada has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a game where they enjoyed a +2 or better net turnover margin. The Wolf Pack have won three of their games this season by one scoring possession — and they are actually being outgained at home by -17.6 net YPG. Defense is an issue for this team as they are allowing 31.2 PPG due to a weak pass defense that ranks 108th in the nation by allowing 264.2 passing YPG. Colorado State should bounce-back from their loss at home to the Cowboys as they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after a double-digit loss at home. The Rams went into the locker room at halftime trailing by just a 3-0 score — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after not allowing more than a field in the first-half of their last game. Colorado State was burdened by a -3 net turnover margin in their loss to Wyoming — but they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after enduring a -3 or worse net turnover margin in their last game. Head coach Mike Bobo needed the bye week at this point of the season with his team still fighting to become bowl eligible. The Rams’ defense shifted to a 4-3 formation in the offseason so an extra week of practice should help on that side of the football. Bobo also got an extra week of work with sophomore quarterback Collin Hill who has started the last two games after a long recovery from what has been two torn ACL injuries that have derailed him since being initially tapped to be the starting quarterback for this team in the fall of 2017. Despite this team’s struggles this season, Bobo has still overseen an explosive passing attack that ranks 15th in the nation by averaging 310.3 passing YPG. This potent passing game should keep the Rams competitive in this game — they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Colorado State has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 road games as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 expected higher-scoring games on the road where the Total is set at least at 63. And in their last 16 games played in the month of November under Bobo’s leadership, the Rams have covered the point spread 11 times.

FINAL TAKE: Colorado State has underachieved this season while Nevada has overachieved a bit. As both teams meet for their tenth game of the season coming off a bye week, expect the Rams to keep his game closer than expected. 25* CFB Mountain Western Conference Underdog of the Year with the Colorado State Rams (171) plus the points versus the Nevada Wolf Pack (172). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Boston College Eagles (122) plus the points versus the Clemson Tigers (121). THE SITUATION: Boston College (7-2) has won three games in a row with their 31-21 win at Virginia Tech last Saturday as a 2-point favorite. Clemson (9-0) remained undefeated last week with their 77-16 thrashing of Louisville as a 38-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE EAGLES PLUS THE POINTS: The Tigers are on a roll having not allowed more than 16 points while blowing out all four of their opponents by at least 34 points since their narrow 27-23 win at home over Syracuse. But Clemson may be due for some nervy moments tonight as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after winning their last four games by at least 17 points — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games after not allowing more than 17 points in at least four straight games. The Tigers did generate 661 yards of offense against the Cardinals last week — but they are then just 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. Clemson has covered the point spread in four straight games — and they have scored at least 136 points in their last two games. But the Tigers have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games after scoring at least 42 points in their last two games — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Furthermore, Clemson has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games when playing on field turf. Boston College will enter this game with momentum as they have covered the point spread in four straight games. The Eagles have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Boston College is also 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after a straight-up win — and they are 14-2-1 ATS in their last 17 games after a point spread victory. The Eagles have the components to keep this game close by running the football and defending against the Tigers rushing attack. Led by A.J. Dillon, Boston College averages 283 rushing YPG on their home field while averaging 4.8 Yards-Per-Carry. Dillon should be able to keep the high-powered Tigers offense off the field. And the Eagles hold visiting teams to just 3.3 YPC — and this Clemson team has become very dependent on the run. Freshman QB Trevor Lawrence passed for only 59 yards last week on 12 passes — this will be the biggest game of his young career. Boston College is 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games against teams with a winning record. On their home field, the Eagles have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games while outscoring their opponents by +24.6 PPG and outgaining these guests by +207.0 net YPG. Boston College has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games as an underdog getting 14.5 to 21 points.

FINAL TAKE: The weather will not be doing the Tigers any favors tonight with the temperature dropping below 40 degrees. With the BC faithful revved up to see their team pull the upset, expect a closer game than what is expected. 20* CFB Clemson-Boston College ABC-TV Special with the Boston College Eagles (122) plus the points versus the Clemson Tigers (121). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the LSU Tigers (199) minus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (200). THE SITUATION: LSU (7-2) looks to pick themselves off the mat after their embarrassing 29-0 shutout loss at home to Alabama last week where they were +14-point underdogs. Arkansas (2-7) comes off a 45-31 loss to Vanderbilt as a 1-point underdog two Saturdays ago.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS MINUS THE POINTS: LSU should rebound with a strong effort as they look to make the best of the rest of their season. Their players represent a football program that has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after a loss by at least 20 points. Additionally, the Tigers have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after failing to score more than 20 points. And while they surrendered 576 yards of offense to the Tide, LSU has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after allowing at least 450 yards. The Tigers have covered a decisive 10 of their last 12 games in SEC play — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. LSU has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games in the month of November. Facing this Arkansas team may be just what the doctor ordered as the Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 20 home games with the Total set in the 45.5 to 49 point range. Arkansas has covered the point spread in four of their last five games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after covering the point spread in at least two of their last three games. Additionally, the Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after a game where at least 60 combined points were scored. Arkansas generated 207 rushing yards in their loss to the Commodores while averaging 6.88 Yards-Per-Play in that game — but that does not bode well for them now. The Razorbacks have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after averaging at least 6.75 YPP in their last game — and are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: While LSU was overwhelmed against Alabama last week, they will be motivated to play the role of the bully this week. The Razorbacks are in a major rebuild under first-year head coach Chad Morris. 10* CFB Blowout Bookie Buster with the LSU Tigers (199) minus the points versus the Arkansas Razorbacks (200). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Virginia Tech Hokies (119) plus the points versus Pittsburgh Panthers (120). THE SITUATION: Virginia Tech (4-4) has lost two straight games as well as three of their last four contests with their 31-21 loss to Boston College last week as a 2-point underdog. Pittsburgh (5-4) has won three of their last four games with their 23-13 upset win at Virginia last Friday as a 7-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HOKIES PLUS THE POINTS: Virginia Tech remains alive in the Coastal Division race with a 3-2 record in conference play — but they need to win out their games which starts with giving a second loss to this Panthers team that currently resides in first place with their 4-1 record in ACC play. The Hokies should respond with a strong effort this afternoon as they have covered the point spread in 20 of their last 29 games after losing two straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games after losing two straight against conference rivals. Don’t blame junior quarterback Ryan Willis who completed 25 of 42 passes for 281 yards with three touchdown passes against the Eagles defense while adding another 49 yards on the ground. The transfer from Kansas has played well since stepping in for incumbent starter Josh Jackson who suffered a season-ending knee injury at the end of September. Willis has seen his wide receivers drop too many of his passes — and team turnovers have not helped the cause. Virginia Tech has lost the turnover battle in three straight games — but they have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 32 games after suffering a -1 or worse net turnover margin in at least two straight games. This is a very young defense that was rebuilding from their outstanding unit last season — but in defensive coordinator Bud Foster we trust to continue to get improvement out of his group. This is a team that is 3-1 on the road while outscoring their home hosts by +6.8 PPG — and they have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 19 road games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 7.5 points. Pittsburgh followed up their 54-45 upset win over Duke as a small 2-point favorite with that upset win at Virginia last Friday. But a letdown is likely for this team that is not used to being in control of their own destiny when it comes to the ACC conference championship. The Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after pulling off two straight upset wins. Pittsburgh has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after not allowing more than 20 points in their last game. And while they held the Cavaliers to just 249 yards of offense, they have not covered the point spread in 4 straight games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last contest. Pitt has covered the point spread in four straight games — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games after covering the point spread in four of their last five games after covering the point spread in four of their last five games. The Panthers are unreliable home favorites. They might be 4-1 on their home field but they are only outscoring their visitors by +0.4 net PPG — and they are being outgained in net yardage at home. Lastly, Pitt has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 home games as the favorite.

FINAL TAKE: The Panthers have been dangerous underdogs in the Pat Narduzzi regime — but this team has been an unreliable favorite as well with a defense that has not come close to taking on the characteristics of the Michigan State defenses that he served as the coordinator of. Look for a close game where taking the points with the underdog will offer plenty of value. 10* CFB Virginia Tech-Pittsburgh ESPNU Special with the Virginia Tech Hokies (119) plus the points versus Pittsburgh Panthers (120). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Florida Gators (194) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (193). THE SITUATION: Florida (6-3) looks to bounce-back from their 38-17 upset loss to Missouri last Saturday as a 6.5-point favorite. South Carolina (5-3) has won two straight games with their 48-44 upset win at Ole Miss last week as a 2-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GATORS MINUS THE POINTS: Florida should bounce-back with a strong effort as they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games after an upset loss as a home favorite. The Gators have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a double-digit loss at home. Florida has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a loss by at least 20 points. The Gators have not forced a turnover in two straight games — but they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 8 games after failing to force a turnover in their last game. Florida will be hosting a Gamecocks team that ranks 105th in the FBS with a -0.63 net turnover margin per game. Even after last week’s loss in the Swamp, the Gators are outscoring their visitors by +12.2 PPG at home. South Carolina looks due for a big emotional letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a point spread win. Furthermore, the Gamecocks have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 37 points — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a game where both teams scored at least 37 points. South Carolina did surrender a whopping 616 yards of offense to the Rebels last week — they were outgained by -108 net yards but pulled out the win due to a 90-yard kick off return for a touchdown. Run defense is an issue for their defense as they rank 86th in the FBS by allowing 182.0 rushing YPG. The Gamecocks stay on the road this week to play just their fourth game away from home — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 road games with the Total set int he 52.5 to 56 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Florida will not only be looking to redeem themselves from last week’s upset loss but they will have revenge on their minds after losing to South Carolina last year by a 28-20 score. 10* CFB South Carolina-Florida ESPN Special with the Florida Gators (194) minus the points versus the South Carolina Gamecocks (193). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Memphis Tigers (192) minus the points versus the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (191). THE SITUATION: Memphis (5-4) looks to build off their 59-41 win at East Carolina last week as an 11-point favorite. Tulsa (2-7) earned their second win of the season with their 49-19 win over UConn as an 18-point favorite over the hapless Huskies.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS MINUS THE POINTS: Memphis generated 639 yards of offense against the Pirates — and they have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 29 games after gaining at least 450 yards of offense in their last game. The Tigers possess the 8th most prolific offense in the nation as they are averaging 44.3 PPG and generating 535.6 total YPG. They also rank 6th in the FBS by averaging 267.2 rushing YPG — and they should run all over this Golden Hurricanes defense that ranks 118th in the nation by allowing 227.8 rushing YPG. Memphis did allow 556 yards to East Carolina last week — but they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. Now the Tigers return home where they allow only 348.2 total YPG. Memphis is outscoring their visitors by +29.2 PPG and outgaining them by +275.4 net YPG. The Tigers’ offense has been unstoppable at home where they are putting up 52.4 PPG while averaging 623.6 total YPG. Memphis has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 road games against teams with a losing record on the road. Tulsa has been a major disappointment again this season — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. The Golden Hurricanes have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 straight games after not allowing more than 20 points in their last game. Their redshirt freshman quarterback Seth Boomer completed 9 of his 14 passes for just 168 yards — and Tulsa has failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after failing to pass for at least 170 yards. Now this team goes back on the road where they are 0-4 with an average losing margin of -14.7 net PPG.

FINAL TAKE: Too much offense from this Memphis team — expect a blowout. 10* CFB Blowout Bookie Buster with the Memphis Tigers (192) minus the points versus the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes (191). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Maryland Terrapins (145) and the Indiana Hoosiers (146). THE SITUATION: Maryland (5-4) has lost two of their last three games with their 24-3 loss to Michigan State last week as a 3-point underdog. Indiana (4-5) has lost four games in a row with their 38-31 upset loss at Minnesota as a 2.5-point favorite two weeks ago.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: It has been feast or famine for the Terrapins on offense this season as they have scored 63 points against Illinois, 42 points against Minnesota and 34 points against Rutgers but managed only a field goal overall against Iowa and the Spartans. Perhaps the three touchdowns that Maryland scored against the mighty Michigan defense is the best line on their offensive resume. The Terrapins caught an angry Sparty last week that was embarrassed by the Wolverines in East Lansing the previous week. But Maryland has played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after a double-digit loss at home — and they have played 13 of their last 17 games Over the Total after a loss by at least 20 points. The Terrapins managed only 100 yards of offense against Michigan State — but they have then played 6 of their last 7 games Over the Total after failing to generate at least 275 yards in their last contest and they have played 4 straight games Over the Total after failing to score more than 20 points in their last contest. Now Maryland goes back on the road where they have played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total — and they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Over the Total against teams with a losing record at home. And in their last 10 road games as an underdog getting no more than a field goal, the Terrapins have played 8 of these games Over the Total. Indiana has played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 8 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a bye week. The Hoosiers surrendered 308 passing yards in that game — and the Over is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games after allowing at least 280 passing yards in their last game. Indiana has scored 59 points over their last two games after they put up 28 points against Penn State. The Hoosiers have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 5 straight home games Over the Total against teams with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Both these teams are fighting to become bowl eligible — and this level of desperation between mid-level teams can create high-scoring contests. Maryland upset Indiana last year by a 42-39 score as a +6.5-point underdog last season with the Total set in the 53.5 range. Expect another high-scoring affair. 25* CFB Big Ten Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the Maryland Terrapins (145) and the Indiana Hoosiers (146). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:15 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Fresno State Bulldogs (113) minus the points versus the Boise State Broncos (114). THE SITUATION: Fresno State (8-1) has won seven straight games with their 48-3 win at UNLV last Saturday as a 27-point favorite. Boise State (7-2) has won four in a row with their 21-16 win over BYU last Saturday in a game where they were laying -11.5 points.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLDOGS MINUS THE POINTS: Fresno State should build off the momentum of their big win last week as they are 13-2-1 ATS in their last 16 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after a victory by at least 20 points. The Bulldogs generated 466 yards in that contest — and they have covered the point spread in 22 of their last 26 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last contest. Head coach Jeff Tedford’s stint in the Canadian Football League (after a brief turn in the NFL as an offensive consultant to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) seems to have been a boon for his appreciation of the nuances of college football. The long-time Cal coach was always considered an offensive guru but he has done wonders with quarterback Marcus Maryion. The Oregon State transfer thrived under Tedford’s guidance last season as he completed 62.1% of his passes for 2726 passing yards while throwing 14 touchdown passes to just 5 interceptions. Maryion has been even better this season as he is completing 70.9% of his passes for 2416 passing yards with 20 TD passes and just 3 interceptions. He leads an offense that is 11th in the nation by scoring 40.4 PPG. Maryion should have success against a suspect Broncos pass defense that ranks 74th in the nation by allowing 234.4 passing YPG. But what has made this Fresno State program different than Tedford’s Cal teams — and why this group made an immediate turnaround from a 1-11 record in 2016 — is the outstanding play on defense. The Bulldogs returned seven starters from last year’s group that allowed only 17.9 PPG and just 320.6 total YPG which ranked 10th and 15th best in the nation. The 2017 defense made startling improvements under defensive coordinator Orlando Steinauer who Tedford brought down from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL while proving once again the impact of good coaching. While Steinauer returned to the CFL this season, the defense has not missed a beat under last year’s linebacker coach in Bert Watts who took over coordinating the defense while maintaining Steinauer's aggressive tendencies. Fresno State is allowing only 12.3 PPG which is tied for 2nd in the nation while ranking 14th in the FBS while limiting their opponents to just 307.0 total YPG. Defense travels — and the Bulldogs 13-2-1 ATS in their last 16 games on the road which includes them covering then point spread in six of their last seven road games against teams with a winning record at home. Fresno State is outscoring their home hosts by +22.2 PPG due to their defense that is allowing only 9.6 PPG. Furthermore, the Bulldogs have covered the point spread in 4 straight games in the month of November — and they have covered 4 straight games played on a Friday night. Boise State is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after not allowing more than 20 points in their last game. The Broncos are led by four-year senior starting quarterback Brett Rypien who leads an offense that is 10th in the nation by averaging 319.8 passing YPG. But Rypien will face his biggest challenge of the season facing this Bulldogs’ pass defense that is 16th in the nation by allowing only 178.2 passing YPG while limiting opposing quarterbacks to completing just 48.1% of their passes and only 8 TD passes. Boise State has won four in a row after a loss at home by a 19-13 score to a San Diego State defense that has a similarly strong defense as the Bulldogs but lacks their explosiveness on offense. The Broncos have the allure of their blue field but that has not translated into a home-field advantage — or perhaps bettors have overvalued this intangible. Boise State has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games at home. And in their last 5 games against teams with a winning record, the Broncos have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of these games.

FINAL TAKE: This is the third meeting between these two teams in less than a twelve-month period after these two teams split their two meetings last year. Fresno State certainly had this date circled since this is their first opportunity to avenge their 17-14 loss to Boise State that the Broncos’ hosted in the Mountain West Conference championship game last December 2nd. Look for the Bulldogs to avenge that loss with what appears to be an even better team than last year’s group in Tedford’s first season with the program. 25* CFB Friday ESPN2 Game of the Year with the Fresno State Bulldogs (113) minus the points versus the Boise State Broncos (114). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Carolina Panthers (107) plus the points versus the Pittsburgh Steelers (108). THE SITUATION: Carolina (6-2) has won three straight games with their 42-28 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday as a 6-point favorite. Pittsburgh (5-2-1) has won four in a row with their 23-16 upset win at Baltimore last Sunday as a +1.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PANTHERS PLUS THE POINTS: After falling from a double-digit 4th quarter deficit to the Eagles to begin their current winning streak, Carolina has raced out to a 24-7 halftime lead against the Ravens before enjoying a 35-14 lead over the Buccaneers last week. The Panthers have covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games after owning a double-digit halftime lead in their last two games. Carolina has won the turnover battle in each of these last three games in part because they have not turned the ball over once during that span — and they have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 22 games after winning the turnover battle in at least three straight games. The Panthers averaged 7.98 Yards-Per-Play against Tampa Bay — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after averaging at least 6.0 YPP in their last game. Now this team goes on the road where they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home — and they have also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 road games with the Total set at 49.5 or higher. Furthermore, Carolina has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 road games as an underdog getting no more than 7 points. Pittsburgh earned a big emotional win over their arch-rivals last week — but playing Baltimore always takes a physical toll out of the Steelers which will be compounded by them playing on a short week. As it is, they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after winning five or six of their last seven games. Pittsburgh has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. The Steelers are just 2-2 this season on their home field — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games at home. Lastly, Pittsburgh has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Expect the Steelers to be a bit flat in this game — and Carolina is a very tough out. Expect a close game where taking the points will have value. 10* NFL Carolina-Pittsburgh Fox-TV Special with the Carolina Panthers (107) plus the points versus the Pittsburgh Steelers (108). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Carolina Panthers (107) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (108). THE SITUATION: Carolina (6-2) has won three straight games with their 42-28 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday as a 6-point favorite. Pittsburgh (5-2-1) has won four in a row with their 23-16 upset win at Baltimore last Sunday as a +1.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Steelers have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 6 straight games at home Over the Total after winning five or six of their last seven games. Pittsburgh generated 395 yards in that game against the Ravens — and they have played 5 straight games Over the Total after generating at least 350 yards in their last game. The Steelers are 4th in the NFL by averaging 415.2 total YPG — and they are averaging 432.2 total YPG over their last three games. They return home where they are scoring 31.2 PPG — and their four home games are averaging 56.9 combined points scored. Ben Roethlisberger should have a big game against the suspect Panthers’ secondary that his allowing 250.9 passing YPG which ranks 19th in the NFL. Roethlisberger leads an offense that is averaging 313.6 passing YPG — and over his last sixteen starts, Big Ben is averaging 326.2 passing YPG while tossing 39 TD passes. He should have plenty of time to attack the Carolina defense. The Steelers’ offensive line is helping their QB get hit only 8.7% of their passing attempts which is tops in the NFL — and this offense ranks 2nd in the league by seeing their QB get sacked in only 3.1% of their passing attempts. The Panthers are bottom-ten in the league with their 21 team sacks. Pittsburgh has allowed 5 of their last 6 home games Over the Total. The Steelers’ strong run defense will likely force Carolina into relying on the arm of Cam Newton. Pittsburgh has not allowed more than 74 rushing yards in each of their last three games. The Steelers have played 28 of their last 36 home games Over the Total after not allowing more than 75 rushing yards in two straight games — and they have played 26 of their last 38 games Over the Total after holding their last three opponents to 75 or fewer rushing yards in at least three straight games. Carolina has played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 11 of their last 14 games Over the Total after a point spread victory. The Panthers have also played 9 of their last 12 games Over the Total after winning three of their last four games. Additionally, Carolina has played 17 of their last 21 games Over the Total after a game where at least 60 combined points were scored. The Panthers scored five touchdowns in the first half against the Buccaneers before going into cruise control and finishing that game with 407 total yards of offense. Carolina has played 8 of their last 10 games Over the Total after scoring at least 30 points — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after generating at least 400 yards in their last contest. Carolina is scoring 33.0 PPG over their last three games.

FINAL TAKE: This shapes up to be a high-scoring game. Newton only attempted 25 passes last week which was the second-lowest amount all season. He has tossed at least two TD passes in seven straight games. 25* NFL Thursday Night Football Total of the Month with Over the Total in the game between the Carolina Panthers (107) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (108). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the North Carolina State Wolfpack (110) minus the points versus the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (109). THE SITUATION: NC State (6-2) snapped their two-game losing streak last Saturday with their 47-28 win over Florida State as a 9.5-point favorite. Wake Forest (4-5) has lost three of their last four games with their 41-24 loss to Syracuse last week as a +6-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE WOLFPACK MINUS THE POINTS: NC State raced out to a 31-14 lead at halftime last week against the Seminoles. Not only have they covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a win at home but they have also covered the point spread in 8 of theories 12 games after owning a lead by at least 20 points at the half of their last contest. The Wolfpack have scored 88 points over their last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after scoring at least 37 points in their last game. Led by senior quarterback Ryan Finley who will relish this opportunity to boost his NFL resume on this nationally televised game, NC State is 9th in the nation by averaging 322.9 passing YPG. Finley should feast against the woeful Demon Deacons pass defense that ranks 118th in the nation by allowing 272.6 passing YPG. The Wolfpack stay at home where they are a perfect 5-0 with an average winning margin of +16.4 PPG while outgaining their opponents by +97.6 net YPG. NC State has only turned the ball over once in their last two games after not committing a turnover against Florida State. The Wolfpack have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after not turning the ball over in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after not turning the ball over more than once in two straight games. They will be hosting a Wake Forest team that is 101st in the nation by averaging a -0.56 net turnover margin per game. NC State has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games played on a Thursday night. Wake Forest has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread loss — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a game where at least 60 combined points were scored. The team lost their starting quarterback for the rest of the season this week when it was announced that freshman QB Sam Hartman would miss the rest of the year due to a leg injury. That means that sophomore Jamie Newman will get the start after he was beat out in the fall for the starting job. Newman has completed only 7 of his 15 passes this season while averaging just 5.0 Yards-Per-Attempt. That is a bad turn of events for this Demon Deacons team that has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games against teams with a winning record as well as in 5 of their last 6 games as an underdog. Additionally, Wake Forest has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games played on a Thursday night — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight trips to Raleigh to face the Wolfpack.

FINAL TAKE: NC State is looking reach ten wins this season to improve on their 9-4 record last year. One of their four losses last season was to this Wake Forest team that defeated them by a 30-24 score in Winston-Salem. Too much offensive firepower for the Wolfpack who should earn sweet revenge with a blowout win tonight. 10* CFB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the North Carolina State Wolfpack (110) minus the points versus the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (109). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Toledo Rockets (103) and the Northern Illinois Huskies (104). THE SITUATION: Toledo (5-4) has won two straight games with their 45-13 win over Ball State last Wednesday as a 19.5-point favorite. Northern Illinois (6-3) has won five straight games with their 36-26 win at Akron as a 6-point favorite last Thursday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Rockets scored one of their touchdowns by recovering a fumble in the end zone — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after scoring at least 40 points in their last game. And while they generated 531 yards of offense in that game, they have played 17 of their last 23 road games Under the Total after gaining at least 525 yards in their last game. Toledo rushed for 204 yards in that game against the Cardinals last week — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game. The team will likely continue to commit to establishing their ground game with junior quarterback Mitchell Guadagni likely out for this game with a shoulder injury. Sophomore Eli Peters will get his third start tonight — but he is struggling in the passing game as he is completing only 53.7% of his passes. Protecting Peters will also be an issue tonight as the Rockets have allowed 21 sacks this season — and the Huskies have compiled 32 QB sacks this season. Toledo has steadily improved on defense as they are allowing only 22.7 PPG over their last three games. They have also held their last three opponents to just 118.7 rushing YPG which is more than 50 YPG below their season average rush defense. The Under is 25-12-1 in the Rockets’ last 38 games against teams with a winning record — and they have also played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total in the month of November. Northern Illinois generated 484 yards of offense in their win over the Zips — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. Now the Huskies return home where they have played 9 of their last 13 home games Under the Total — and they have played 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Northern Illinois has also played 10 of their last 13 home games Under the Total as a favorite laying no more than 7 points. The Huskies are led by their defense that ranks 29th in the nation by allowing only 21.7 PPG. That number drops to just 18.0 PPG when they are playing at home — and they have allowed only 17.7 PPG over their last three games while holding those opponents to just 327.7 total YPG. Northern Illinois thrives in stopping the run as they rank 13th in the nation by allowing only 103.8 rushing YPG. The Huskies limited Akron to just 35 rushing yards last week — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 75 rushing yards in their last game. But this Northern Illinois team struggles to create offensive as they rank 123rd in the FBS by scoring 19.2 PPG while also ranking 125th in the nation by generating only 309.4 total YPG. Only 139.1 of those yards come from their passing game which ranks 121st in the nation — yet they are only averaging 3.8 Yards-Per-Carry from their rushing attack. Playing at home has not helped this offense either as they are scoring only 18.0 PPG along with just 304.0 total YPG. The Huskies have played 4 straight games Under the Total in the month of November — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against MAC opponents.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played their last 6 meetings Under the Total — and the Under is 5-1-1 in the last 7 encounters between these two teams when playing at Northern Illinois. Expect another low-scoring game between these two teams that face significant albeit different challenges on offense. 25* CFB Mid-American Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Toledo Rockets (103) and the Northern Illinois Huskies (104). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, we will be playing the Miami (OH) RedHawks (104) plus the points versus the Ohio Bobcats (103). THE SITUATION: Miami (OH) (3-6) has lost two straight games with after their 51-42 loss at Buffalo last week as a +7-point underdog. Ohio (6-3) has won three straight — as well as five of their last six games — with their 59-14 win at Western Michigan as a 3-point favorite last Wednesday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE REDHAWKS PLUS THE POINTS: Miami (OH) generated 453 yards in their last to the Bulls. They have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after scoring at least 40 points in their last contest. And while they surrendered 453 yards to Buffalo, they have then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last contest. This team returned sixteen starters from last year’s team that finished 5-7. Expectations were high for this team that lost four of those games last year by 5 points or less. This team has remained unable to close out games with another two of their losses being decided by one possession. They have covered the point spread in five of their last six contests as they have proved to be better to bettors than they have been in winning close contests. The Red Hawks have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Despite their losing record, Miami (OH) is outgaining their opponents by +8.9 net YPG. An unfavorable schedule has not helped Chuck Martin’s team as they have played six of their first nine games on the road. This is the RedHawks’ just fourth game at home this season where they are outscoring their guests by +5.7 net PPG. Miami (OH) has covered the point spread in 15 of their last 20 home games with the Total set in the 56.5 to 63 point range — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 home games as an underdog. Senior quarterback Gus Ragland completed 20 of 35 passes for 313 yards against the Bulls defense last week — and he should have success against this Bobcats’ defense that is vulnerable to dynamic passing attacks. Ohio ranks 117th in the FBS by allowing 276.8 passing YPG. The Bobcats have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a win on the road by at least four touchdowns. Ohio has also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after scoring at least 50 points in their last game. The Bobcats have won three straight games by at least five touchdowns — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 21 games after winning their last two games by at least 10 points against conference rivals. This team stays on the road where they are 2-3 this season while being outgained by -37.4 net YPG.

FINAL TAKE: While Ohio wants to win their annual Battle of the Bricks with their in-state rival Miami (OH), they know they have a date pending next week with Buffalo that will likely determine the winner of the MAC East Division. With things going so well for this team right now, they might be caught looking ahead. The RedHawks are better than their record suggests — and pulling an upset here would keep their hopes of becoming bowl eligible alive. 20* CFB Ohio-Miami (OH) ESPNU Special with the Miami (OH) RedHawks (104) plus the points versus the Ohio Bobcats (103). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Buffalo Bulls (102) minus the points versus the Kent State Golden Flashes (101). THE SITUATION: Buffalo (8-1) has won four straight games with their 51-42 win over Miami (OH) last Tuesday as a 7-point favorite. Kent State (2-7) snapped their six-game losing streak last Tuesday when they upset Bowling Green on the road as a small 1-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLS MINUS THE POINTS: Buffalo should build off the momentum of their big win last week. The Bulls have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread victory. Buffalo generated 507 yards against the Red Hawks defense — and they have then covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. The Bulls will not have the services of their best defensive player in the first half of this game with linebacker Khalil Hodge suspended after being flagged for a targeting penalty in last week’s game. But look for the other Buffalo defensive players to step up in his absence as this team has covered the point spread in 4 straight games after allowing at least 40 points in their last game. The Bulls have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight home games against conference opponents. And in their last 4 games against teams with a losing record, Buffalo has covered the point spread in all 4 games. Kent State was able to upset a Bowling Green team that is going in the wrong direction — but a letdown tonight is likely. The Bulls have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after a point spread victory. The Golden Flashes stay on the road this week where they are just 1-5 with an average losing margin of -29.7 PPG. They are being outgained by -168.2 total YPG. Kent State has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games against teams with a winning record at home. Furthermore, the Golden Flashes have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games against teams with a winning record — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games in the month of November.

FINAL TAKE: Buffalo will likely overwhelm the Golden Flashes tonight. Too much offensive firepower behind quarterback Tyree Jackson — and the defense should be motivated to play better after allowing 42 points last week which tied for the most points they surrendered all season. 10* CFB Kent State-Buffalo ESPNU Special with the Buffalo Bulls (102) minus the points versus the Kent State Golden Flashes (101). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Tennessee Titans (473) plus the points versus the Dallas Cowboys (474). THE SITUATION: Tennessee (3-4) has lost three straight games with their 20-19 loss in London two Sundays ago against the Chargers as a +6.5-point underdog. Dallas (3-4) looks to rebound from their 20-19 loss in Washington two weeks ago as a 1-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TITANS PLUS THE POINTS: Tennessee has been resilient when facing adversity. They have covered the point spread 13 of their last 17 games after a straight-up loss. Additionally, the Titans have covered the point spread in 5 straight games after suffering two straight losses — and they have covered the point spread in 3 straight games after losing three of their last four games. Tennessee did have a strong offensive performance against the tough Chargers defense as they generated 390 yards of offense which helped them control the time of possession for 35:25 minutes. The Titans have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after generating at least 350 yards in their last game. Tennessee has an outstanding defense that ranks 3rd in the NFL by holding their opponents to just 18.1 PPG. That number drops to just 16.5 PPG that they allow when playing on the road. And despite their 1-3 record on the road, they are outgaining their home hosts by +9.8 net YPG. The Titans held Malcolm Gordon and the Chargers rushing attack to just 47 yards in London — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than 90 rushing yards in their last game. The stout Tennessee defense keeps them competitive — three of their four losses were determined by one scoring possession. The Titans gave covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games when an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. Tennessee has also covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games against NFC opponents — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight appearances on Monday Night Football. Dallas has failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after a loss to an NFC East rival. The team has high expectations for Amari Cooper after trading for him from the Raiders during their bye week. But Cooper underperformed in Oakland with his effort being an issue. Plus, the Cowboys plan to use Cooper on the outside where he can function as a deep threat despite his having more success with the Raiders running out of the slot position. Dallas is just 20th in the NFL by averaging 20.0 PPG — and they rank 27th in the NFL by averaging just 320.0 total YPG. The Cowboys defense has been stout but they took a hit this week with defensive lineman David Irving being declared out for about a month with a high ankle sprain. Dallas has not enjoyed a significant home field advantage as of late as they have failed to cover the point spread in 55 of their last 98 home games when laying a touchdown or less. The Cowboys have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 13 appearances on Monday Night Football.

FINAL TAKE: I do not think the addition of Cooper is the missing ingredient to make the Dallas offense function at a much higher level. Tennessee should keep this game close while having an opportunity to pull the upset. 25* NFL Monday Night Football Game of the Month with the Tennessee Titans (473) plus the points versus the Dallas Cowboys (474). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Tennessee Titans (473) and the Dallas Cowboys (474). THE SITUATION: Tennessee (3-4) has lost three straight games with their 20-19 loss in London two Sundays ago against the Chargers as a +6.5-point underdog. Dallas (3-4) looks to rebound from their 20-19 loss in Washington two weeks ago as a 1-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Titans have played 4 of their last 5 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 victory. And while Tennessee generated 390 yards against the Chargers’ defense, they have then played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. The Titans are stagnant on offense as they average just 15.1 PPG along with only 280.9 total YPG with both those marks ranking 30th in the league. The formula for success for Mike Vrabel’s team is to ground-and-pound and rely on their defense to keep them in games. Tennessee holds their opponents to just 18.1 PPG which is the third-best mark in the league. They also signed a fullback in Ralston Fowler during their bye week which is a strong indicator that they are doubling-down on running the football. This approach helps them with the time of possession battle — they controlled the clock for over 35 minutes in their game against the Chargers. Moving forward, the Titans have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a losing record. Dallas has played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a point spread loss. The Cowboys have a strong defense of their own that holds their opponents to only 17.6 PPG which is the best mark in the NFL. It will be difficult for Tennessee to run against this defense that is 9th in the league by holding their opponents to just 96.3 rushing YPG. Dallas only managed 73 rushing yards in their loss to the Skins in their last game — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after failing to rush for more than 90 yards in their last game. The team hopes that the addition of Amari Cooper will jumpstart the offense by going them a legit number one wide receiver — but Cooper has underperformed over the last two seasons in Oakland has been more effective playing in the slot for the Raiders. The Cowboys have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a losing record — and they have also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total with the number set in the 35.5 to 42 point range. Lastly, Dallas has played 13 of their last 17 games Under the Total in the second half of the season.

FINAL TAKE: This sets up to be a low-scoring game between two teams with strong defenses who want to run the ball. Even with the low Total, except this contest to finish below the number. 10* NFL Monday Daily Discounted Deal with Under the Total in the game between the Tennessee Titans (473) and the Dallas Cowboys (474). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Green Bay Packers (471) and the New England Patriots (472). THE SITUATION: New England (6-2) has won five straight games with their 25-6 win at Buffalo on Monday as a -13.5-point favorite. Green Bay (3-3-1) has lost two of their last three games with their 29-27 loss in Los Angeles to the Rams last week as a +7.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Green Bay has played 7 of their last 9 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 13 of their last 16 games Over the Total after a point spread setback. Additionally, while the Packers gave up 416 yards of offense to the Rams, they have then played 10 of their last 11 games Over the Total after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Now this team stays on the road where they have played 12 of their last 14 road games after a straight-up loss where they still covered the point spread as an underdog. Furthermore, Green Bay has played a decisive 35 of their last 51 games Over the Total on the road — and they have played 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home. The Packers have also played 11 of their last 13 games Over the Total on the road as an underdog. And in their last 24 road games after a narrow loss by 3 points or less, Green Bay has played 19 of these games Over the Total. Additionally, the Packers have played 12 of their last 15 games on the road Over the Total with the number set at 45.5 or higher — and they have also played 7 of their last 8 games Over the Total when playing on field turf that tends to reward speed. Green Bay has scored 60 points over their last two games — and they have then played 11 of their last 12 games Over the Total after scoring at least 25 points in each of their last two games. New England has played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Over the Total when playing on a short week after a game on Monday Night Football. Furthermore, the Patriots have generated at least 381 yards of offense in five straight games — and they have played 11 of their last 13 games Over the Total after gaining at least 350 yards in four straight games. They return home where they have played 25 of their last 33 home games Over the Total against teams with a losing record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Green Bay is averaging 42 pass attempts to just 19 rushing attempts in their three road games this season. If the Packers ask Rodgers to pass on at least 69% of their plays on offense as those numbers suggest, this shapes up to be a game with plenty of possessions which will give both these offenses that average 25.0 PPG and 29.9 PPG respectively plenty of chances to put points on the board. 10* NFL Sunday Night Discounted Deal with Over the Total in the game between the Green Bay Packers (471) and the New England Patriots (472). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the New England Patriots (472) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (471). THE SITUATION: New England (6-2) has won five straight games with their 25-6 win at Buffalo on Monday as a -13.5-point favorite. Green Bay (3-3-1) has lost two of their last three games with their 29-27 loss in Los Angeles to the Rams last week as a +7.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE PATRIOTS MINUS THE POINTS: New England should be in prime form for this game as they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 games after a win by at least two touchdowns — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games played on a Sunday on a short week after playing on Monday Night Football. The Patriots have a number of injuries heading into this game but it does look like at least Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon will play despite being listed questionable by Bill Belichick’s very liberal use of the NFL’s “questionable” designation. They return home where they are a perfect 4-0 while outscoring their visitors by +13.8 PPG and outgaining them by +99.5 net YPG. Tom Brady is leading an offense that is scoring 36.5 PPG at home where he is completing 69.9% of his passes while averaging 308 passing YPG and accounting for 12 all-purpose touchdowns. And during their five-game winning streak, the Patriots are scoring 36.4 PPG and converting 50.8% of their 3rd downs which are both the best marks in the NFL during that span. New England has covered the points spread in 7 straight home games against teams with a losing record on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 home games when favored by not more than a touchdown. Additionally, the Patriots held the Bills to just 46 rushing yards last week — and they have then covered the point spread in 12 of their last 13 games after not allowing more than 75 rushing yards in their last game. They also have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 13 games after not allowing more than 14 points in their last contest. And with this being an expected high scoring game, New England has covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games with the Total set at 49.5 or higher. Green Bay looks to be at a crossroads after the Ty Montgomery controversy last week that culminated in him being shipped to Baltimore before the trade deadline. This veteran team may not respond well to the trade of Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix since he was playing at a very high level with the move suggesting that management does not believe the team has the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. As it is, the Packers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Now this team goes on the road where they are winless in three contests while being outscored by -8.0 PPG due to their defense that is allowing 30.3 PPG. Green Bay allowed the Rams to generate 416 yards of offense (with Clinton-Dix) last week — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. This team is also allowing their opponents to average 4.68 Yards-Per-Carry which the Patriots will certainly take advantage. The Packers have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. This will be Aaron Rodgers first game ever played in Foxboro as a professional — and that is an ominous circumstance for a quarterback that has led his team to win in just eight of his eighteen starts on the road against an AFC opponent. In those eighteen road games against the AFC, Rodgers has been sacked 50 times. Lastly, Green Bay has failed o cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: The Patriots looked flat on the road on Monday against the Bills — but they should play much better back at home tonight with the challenge of hosting Rodgers. 25* NFL Sunday Night Football Game of the Month with the New England Patriots (472) minus the points versus the Green Bay Packers (471). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:25 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the New Orleans Saints (470) plus the points versus the Los Angeles Rams (469). THE SITUATION: New Orleans (6-1) returns home after their 30-20 win in Minnesota last week as a -2.5-point favorite. Los Angeles (8-0) enters this game coming off their 29-27 win over Green Bay last week as a -7.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SAINTS MINUS THE POINTS: I don’t love this situation for New Orleans as this is their third straight expected close game with the point spread in +/- 3-point range after they upset the Ravens on Baltimore before dispatching of the Vikings last week. But this Saints team has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 games after winning their last two games on the road. New Orleans has also covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games after a straight-up win while going 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games after a point spread win — so this is a team more likely to build off their momentum rather than suffer an emotional letdown. This is the Saints’ just fourth game at home as well where they are a perfect 3-0 this season. Drew Brees is averaging 348 passing YPG in those three home games with eight touchdown passes and zero interceptions. In fact, Brees has led his team to victory in nine of their last ten games at home while putting up 32.5 PPG in those games. New Orleans has covered the point spread in 24 of their last 29 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. And despite surrendering 423 yards to the Vikings last week, the Saints’ defense is steadily improving. New Orleans has allowed only 20.0 PPG over their last four contests while allowing just 74 rushing YPG on just 3.2 Yards-Per-Carry. Even better, the Saints are allowing opposing running backs to average just 2.87 YPC so they have the opportunity to slow down Todd Gurley. New Orleans has also covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Furthermore, the Saints have covered the point spread in 10 straight games in Weeks Five through Nine. Los Angeles (8-0) is in a difficult situation as they are playing their fourth game in their last five contests on the road. Not only have they failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 14 games after a win at home where they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. The Rams generated 416 yards of offense last week against the Packers — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 15 games after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game. Los Angeles has also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after a game where at least 50 combined points were scored. The Rams may be the last remaining undefeated team in the league but four of their last five games have been decided by 7 points or less. The LA defense has also allowed at least 27 points in four of their last six games.

FINAL TAKE: The Rams’ defense is allowing opponents to average 4.8 Yards-Per-Carry. The Saints will have success running the football. Look for a few jet sweeps for Alvin Kamara in the first-half which will force the Los Angeles star-studded defensive line to do a lot of running — which could tire them out for the later stages of this game. 10* NFL LA Rams-New Orleans Fox-TV Special with the New Orleans Saints (470) plus the points versus the Los Angeles Rams (469). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (457) plus the points versus the Carolina Panthers (458). THE SITUATION: Carolina (5-2) has won two straight — as well as four of their last five games — with their 36-21 upset win over Baltimore last Sunday as a +2.5-point underdog. Tampa Bay (3-4) has lost four of their last five games with their 37-34 loss in Cincinnati last week as a +3.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BUCCANEERS PLUS THE POINTS: The Panthers may be due for a letdown after pulling off their second straight upset victory as their win over the Ravens followed up an upset win in Philadelphia the week before. Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a win by at least two touchdowns. The Panthers have also failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after winning at least two straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after scoring at least 30 points in their last contests. Carolina has not committed a turnover in two straight games which has allowed them win the turnover battle in both these upset wins. But the Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after winning the turnover battle in two straight games. Carolina is unscathed in their four home games this year — but they are only outgaining these opponents by +5.3 net YPG. The Panthers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a losing record — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against fellow NFC South opponents. And in their last 9 games when favored in the 3.5 to 9.5 point range, Carolina has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of these contests. Tampa Bay should play hard for their veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who appears to be the locker room favorite over turnover machine Jameis Winston. The Buccaneers’ defense has been a mess but their offensive led by coordinator Todd Monken has kept them in most games. Tampa Bay has covered the point spread in 9 of their last 13 games after a point spread win — and they are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. And while the Bucs allowed 402 total yards to the Bengals last week, they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Tampa Bay is comfortable getting into a high-scoring game as they have covered the point spread in 8 straight games following a game where at least 80 points were scored. The Buccaneers have scored at least 26 points in three straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 12 of their last 15 road games after scoring at least 25 points in two straight games. On the road, Tampa Bay is scoring 30.2 PPG while averaging 482.0 total YPG. The Bucs have covered the points prawn in 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record — and they have cord the point spread in 9 of their last 14 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. Lastly, Tampa Bay has covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against fellow NFC South opponents — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after losing three of their last four games.

FINAL TAKE: Tampa Bay’s prolific offense makes them a tough out against any opponent. While I do not expect them to pull the upset, they should keep this game close. 20* NFL Big Dog Surprise with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (457) plus the points versus the Carolina Panthers (458). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Cleveland Browns (454) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (453). THE SITUATION: Cleveland (2-5-1) finally moved on from the disastrous Hue Jackson regime this week after their 33-18 loss in Pittsburgh as an +8.5-point underdog last Sunday. Kansas City (7-1) has won two straight games with their 30-23 win over Denver last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BROWNS PLUS THE POINTS: I expect an inspired effort from this Cleveland team that has probably grown sick and tired of the empty suit that is Jackson with his constant politicking rather than simply getting in the trenches to coach. After proclaiming that he was going to get more involved with the offense in the previous week, reports are that Jackson failed to follow through on that promise/threat. Now I think Gregg Williams is a raving lunatic — but I do expect the team to rally around him this week with this opportunity to stick it to the departed Jackson. The Browns have been sticky this year with three of their five losses being decided by a field goal. Cleveland’s defense has tons of talent — and they are allowing only 21.2 PPG at home. The Browns have covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points. And while they allowed 168 rushing yards last week, they have covered the point spread in 4 straight games after allowing at least 150 rushing yards in their last game. This team returns home after playing their last two games on the road. Kansas City goes on the road after playing their last two games at home — and they are surrendering 32.8 PPG away from home. Run defense is an issue for this team as they are allowing their opponents to average 5.34 Yards-Per-Carry. The offense has been a machine for the Chiefs behind QB Patrick Mahomes — but they only generated 340 yards of offense last week against the Broncos which might provide a blueprint regarding how to slow down that group. They managed only 49 rushing yards on just 18 carries last week which risks them becoming too-pass dependent moving forward. Kansas City has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to rush for at least 150 yards in their last game. The Chiefs did average 8.09 Yards-Per-Play against the Broncos — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 games after averaging at least 6.0 Yards-Per-Play in their last game. KC has scored at least 30 points in their last three games while averaging 445.7 total YPG in those contests — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after scoring at least 30 points in three straight games. They have also failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 road games after averaging at least 400 YPG in their last three contests. Lastly, the Chiefs have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games in the month of November.

FINAL TAKE: Denver ran the ball 30 times for 189 yards which helped them keep that game close despite it being played in Arrowhead Stadium. Expect plenty of Nick Chubb and (finally) some Duke Johnson as the Browns look to ground and pound to keep this game close. 10* NFL Sunday Afternoon Discounted Deal with the Cleveland Browns (454) plus the points versus the Kansas City Chiefs (453). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the New York Jets (459) and the Miami Dolphins (460). THE SITUATION: New York (3-5) has lost two straight games after their 24-10 loss in Chicago as an +8.5-point underdog. Miami (4-4) has lost two straight games as well as four of their last five games with their 42-23 loss at Houston two Thursdays ago.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Jets have played 9 of their last 13 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Over the Total after a point spread loss. New York managed only 207 yards of offense in that game — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after failing to generate at least 250 yards in their last game. The Jets have also played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total after failing to gain more than 14 points in their last game. New York will be looking to avenge a 20-12 upset loss to the Dolphins back on September 16th where they were 3-point favorites — and they have played 22 of their last 37 games Over the Total when playing with revenge from an upset loss to their opponent. The Jets should be able to establish a strong ground game against this Dolphins defense that has surrendered 189 and 248 rushing yards in their last two games. Miami has played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 13 of their last 18 games Over the Total after a loss by at least two touchdowns. The Texans generated 427 yards last week against this regressing Dolphins defense. Miami has played 4 of their last 5 games Over the Total after allowing at least 30 points — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. In their last two games, the Dolphins have surrendered 37 PPG along with 442 total YPG. Miami returns home where they have played 19 of their last 26 home games Over the Total against teams with a winning record on the road — and they have also played 12 of their last 13 home games Over the Total with the number set in the 42.5 to 49 point range.

FINAL TAKE: Expect this rematch to be a higher scoring game than the first meeting between these two teams that saw only 32 combined points. 20* NFL Over/Under Situational Special with Over the Total in the game between the New York Jets (459) and the Miami Dolphins (460). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Baltimore Ravens (456) minus the points versus the Pittsburgh Steelers (455). THE SITUATION: Baltimore (4-4) has lost three straight games with their 36-21 upset loss at Carolina last week as a -2.5-point favorite. Pittsburgh (4-2-1) has won three straight games with their 33-18 win versus Cleveland last week as an -8.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAVENS MINUS THE POINTS: Baltimore has suffered upsets in two straight games as that loss to the Panthers was preceded by an upset loss at home to the Saints. This has been a tough stretch for this Ravens team — and this is a must-win situation for them. John Harbaugh’s team has been reliable when responding to adversity as they 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 11 games after a loss by at least two touchdowns. Baltimore has played four of their last five games on the road so returning home will help. The Ravens are outscoring their visitors by +18.6 PPG while outgaining them by +92.8 net YPG — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games when favored by no more than 3 points. Baltimore has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 18 games against fellow AFC North opponents — and they are 5-2-2 ATS in their last 9 games in the month of November. Pittsburgh remains inconsistent as they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread victory. Additionally, the Steelers are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. And while Pittsburgh has covered the point spread in four of their last five games, they have failed to cover the point spread in 17 of their last 23 games on the road after covering the point spread in four or five of their last six games. Games on the road in the 1 PM ET time slot have been the Kryptonite for Big Ben Roethlisberger as he averages 275.7 passing YPG in his last six road games in the first slate of Sunday afternoon games which is more than 40 yards below the Steelers’ 318 passing YPG average this season. He has tossed only 8 TD passes in those last six road games at 1 PM ET while also throwing six interceptions. Roethlisberger also struggles in Baltimore where the Steelers have lost seven of their last ten games while accounting for 17 turnovers while being sacked 29 times which occurs once every fourteen passing attempts. Pittsburgh has also lost six of their last seven games in Baltimore. Overall, the Steelers have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against AFC North opponents — and they are just 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings with the Ravens after losing by a 26-14 score at home back on September 30th. Lastly, this Pittsburgh team remains undisciplined in their play as they are last in the league in penalties and penalty yards — and this could make a big difference in an expected close game.

FINAL TAKE: Baltimore remains a very good team despite two straight losses to two of the best teams of the NFC. Look for this team to step up with a crucial victory back at home against their arch rival. 25* NFL AFC North Game of the Year with the Baltimore Ravens (456) minus the points versus the Pittsburgh Steelers (455). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:45 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Washington State Cougars (374) minus the points versus the California Golden Bears (373). THE SITUATION: Washington State (7-1) has won four straight games with their 41-38 upset win at Stanford as a +2.5-point favorite last Saturday. California (5-3) has won two straight games with their 12-10 upset win over Washington last week as a +11.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE COUGARS PLUS THE POINTS: Washington State usually builds off the momentum from victories as they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after a straight-up win as well as 22 of their last 28 games after a point spread victory. A letdown from Mike Leach’s team is unlikely as they have covered the point spread in 23 of their last 33 games after an upset victory over a Pac-12 rival. This team is tough to beat when the Leach’s Air Raid offense is cranking on all-cylinders as it is right now under the leadership of graduate transfer quarterback Gardner Minshew. The Cougars have scored at least 34 points in each of their last three games while averaging 475.7 total YPG in those three contests. Washington State has then covered the point spread in 7 straight games after scoring at least 31 points in two straight contests — and they have covered the point spread in 7 straight games after averaging at least 475 YG in their last three games. Now the Cougars return home where they are 4-0 with an average winning margin of +21.0 PPG while outgaining their guests by +205.8 net YPG. While the offense is prolific, it is the play of the defense that makes this team different from past Leach teams. Washington State is holding their visitors to just 17.0 PPG along with only 282.7 total YPG this season. The Cougars have covered the point spread in 18 of their last 24 home games — and they have also covered the point spread in 5 straight home games against teams with a winning record on the road. California is the more likely team to suffer a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after an upset win over a Pac-12 rival. The Golden Bears ave also failed to cover the points spread in 11 of their last 17 games after a win by a field goal or less against a conference rival. Furthermore, Cal has failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 22 games after a game where no more than 29 combined points were scored. The Golden Bears did hold the the Huskies to just 250 yards of offense last week — but they have failed to over the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last game. And in their last 8 road games against teams with a winning record at home, Cal has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of these contests.

FINAL TAKE: It is a difficult challenge for the Golden Bears to stay competitive in two straight games where they are an underdog of at least a touchdown. Expect Cal to struggle to keep up with the powerful Cougars offense which should see Washington State eventually pull away. 20* CFB Saturday Late Show Bailout with the Washington State Cougars (374) minus the points versus the California Golden Bears (373). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the LSU Tigers (420) plus the points versus the Alabama Crimson Tide (419). THE SITUATION: Alabama (8-0) remained undefeated this season with their 58-21 win at Tennessee as a -29.5-point favorite two weeks ago. LSU (7-1) looks to build off their 19-3 win over Mississippi State two weeks ago as a 5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TIGERS PLUS THE POINTS: This LSU team should play hard for head coach Ed Orgeron who they love playing for — and this is the atmosphere this football team craves for with it being a nationally televised night game in Death Valley. The Tigers are confident — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 9 games after winning four or five of their last six games. The stout LSU defense should keep them in this game. The Tigers rank 7th in the nation by allowing only 15.1 PPG — and they also rank 22nd in the FBS by holding their opponents to only 330.3 total YPG. LSU held the Bulldogs to just 260 yards of offense in their last game — and they are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last game. The Tigers are also 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games after not allowing more than 20 points in their last game. Grinding out low-scoring game is what this time wants to do as they have covered the point spread in 24 of their last 33 games after a game where no more than 29 combined points were scored. LSU has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games at home. They also have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 11 games in SEC play — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight conference games at home. The Tigers have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. Alabama looks unbeatable right now — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 24 road games when laying 7.5 to 14 points. The Crimson Tide have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games in the month of November. Alabama passed for 327 yards in their victory over the Volunteers — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after passing for at least 325 yards in their last game. And while they held Tennessee to just 258 yards of offense in that blowout win, they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: LSU is loaded with talent that can hang with the Crimson Tide blue-chippers. Perhaps most importantly, their secondary can slow down the Alabama passing attack under Tua Tagavailoa to make this something the defending national champions have not experienced in a long time: a close game. It is simply too much to ask any great college football team to defeat another elite team by more than two touchdowns on their home field. 10* CFB Alabama-LSU CBS-TV Special with the LSU Tigers (420) plus the points versus the Alabama Crimson Tide (419). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Georgia Bulldogs (329) minus the points versus the Kentucky Wildcats (330). THE SITUATION: Kentucky (7-1) has won two straight games after their 15-14 upset victory in Missouri last Saturday as a +7.5-point underdog. Georgia (7-1) defeated Florida on the neutral traditional neutral field in Jacksonville last Saturday by a 36-17 score as a 7-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLDOGS MINUS THE POINTS: It has been a magical year so far for head coach Mike Stoops in his sixth season in Lexington — but the Wildcats are likely to be exposed in this game. Kentucky upset Florida and Mississippi State in the first month of the season while those two programs adjusted to new head coaches. They needed a fourth-quarter special teams touchdown to force overtime in College Station before suffering their first loss of the season at Texas A&M. They returned home to only defeat Vanderbilt by a touchdown the next week before pulling the upset last week at Missouri. Even in that game, the Wildcats were trailing by a 14-3 score before they scored on a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown at the 5:18 mark of the 4th quarter. They then scored the winning touchdown on the last play of the game to steal that win to maintain their gaudy 7-1 record. But is the time when Stoops’ teams at Kentucky then take a step back. While the Wildcats have a 28-19 (60%) record before the month of November in Stoops’ tenure at Kentucky, that mark plummets to a 5-18 (.217) record from November to the end of the season for Stoops’ teams at Kentucky. The Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 20 games in the month of November. Kentucky has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread win — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 10 home games after winning five or six of their last seven games. The Wildcats have also failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 29 games at home. With sophomore Terry Wilson at quarterback, the Kentucky offense is not diverse enough to challenge an elite defense like the Bulldogs. The Wildcats average just 148.1 passing YPG which is 118th in the FBS. Georgia’s defense ranks 12th in the nation by allowing only 16.4 PPG. A victory in this game clinches the Bulldogs’ spot in the SEC Championship Game which keeps alive their dreams of getting back to the College Football Playoffs. Georgia gas covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games after a victory of at least 17 points — and they have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after winning five or six of their last seven contests. Furthermore, the Bulldogs have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 18 road games against teams with a winning record at home. And in their last 9 games against teams with a winning record, Georgia has covered the point spread in 7 of these games.

FINAL TAKE: Look for the Bulldogs to expose this overachieving Wildcats team. 10* CFB Georgia-Kentucky CBS-TV Special with the Georgia Bulldogs (329) minus the points versus the Kentucky Wildcats (330). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:15 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the North Carolina Tar Heels (336) plus the points versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (335). THE SITUATION: North Carolina (1-6) has lost four straight games with their 31-21 loss at Virginia last Saturday as a +7.5-point underdog. Georgia Tech (4-4) has won three of their last four games with their 49-28 upset win at Virginia Tech back on October 25th as a +3-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE TAR HEELS PLUS THE POINTS: It has been a disappointing season for North Carolina — and head coach Larry Fedora is clearly on the hot seat in his seventh season with the program. But this group is still playing hard for their head coach — three of their losses have been by a touchdown or less. The Tar Heels should continue to play hard this afternoon. North Carolina has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 13 of their last 19 games after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Tar Heels have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after a loss to a conference rival — and they have also covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after suffering four straight losses. Due to a quirk in the scheduling, North Carolina returns home to play in just their third home game all season — and playing five of their first seven games on the road is a good way to stumble into another disappointing season. The Tar Heels split their two games at home so far this season — upsetting Pittsburgh by a 38-35 score as a 3-point underdog while losing by a 22-19 score to Virginia Tech as a +6.5-point dog. North Carolina has outgained these two opponents by a decisive 504.0 to 388.5 total YPG margin. North Carolina has covered the point spread in 4 straight games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 home games with the Total set at 63 or higher. The Tar Heels have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 home games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 7 points. Georgia Tech likely played their best game of the season in their win in Blacksburg against the Hokies behind freshman Tobias Oliver who was elevated to the starting quarterback in that game. Some letdown is likely — and this team is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after a straight-up win. The Yellow Jackets won that game despite their rookie attempting only one pass in that game. All 465 of their yards on offense were from their rushing attack — and they outrushed Virginia Tech by +353 yards. But Georgia Tech has failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after outrushing their last opponent by at least +150 yards. The Yellow Jackets’ spread triple-option rushing attack does tend to travel — but this is not been a reliable road warrior. Not only has Georgia Tech failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games with the Total set at 63 or higher but they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 road games as the favorite.

FINAL TAKE: North Carolina has been a disappointment this season — but they did enter the season with the hopes to get back to a bowl game after their 3-9 season last year that followed this football team winning nineteen games in their previous two seasons. Playing just their third game at home this year, the Tar Heels are a hidden gem this afternoon. 25* CBB ACC Underdog of the Year with the North Carolina Tar Heels (336) plus the points versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (335). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Baylor Bears (396) plus the points versus the Oklahoma State Cowboys (395). THE SITUATION: Baylor (4-4) takes the field again after their embarrassing 58-14 loss at West Virginia back on October 25th as a +14.5-point underdog. Oklahoma State (5-3) looks to build off their 38-35 upset win over Texas as a +2.5-point underdog last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BEARS PLUS THE POINTS: Baylor was burnt early and often from turnovers in that Thursday night loss to the Mountaineers with sophomore quarterback Charlie Brewer throwing three interceptions before being benched in the first-half. The Bears walked to the locker room with a 41-0 deficit and ended the game with a -4 net turnover margin. But Baylor has bounced-back to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after trailing by at least 24 points — and they have also covered the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games after enduring a -4 or worse turnover margin in their last game. The Bears are also 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games after a point spread loss. And in their last 4 games after a game where at least 60 combined points were scored, Baylor has covered the point spread 3 times. Brewer was in the concussion protocol all week from a head injury he suffered in that game but he has been cleared to play in this game. This Bears team has been much improved this season in the second-year in head coach Matt Rhule’s tenure. Baylor returns home where they are 3-1 while outscoring their opponents by +9.2 PPG and outgaining them by +101.5 YPG due to their powerful offense that averages 502.5 total YPG. Oklahoma State snapped their two-game losing streak last Saturday with their upset win at home over the Longhorns — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after an upset loss. The Cowboys have also failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a point spread win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a wild game at home where both teams scored at least 31 points. Now Oklahoma State goes on the road for just the third time this season after enjoying a front-loaded schedule that has seen them pay six of their first eight games at home in Stillwater. The Cowboys have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games in the month of November — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games when favored by 3.5 to 10 points

At 10:30 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Colorado Buffaloes (319) plus the points versus the Arizona Wildcats (320). THE SITUATION: Colorado (5-3) has lost three straight games after their devastating 41-34 loss in overtime at home to Oregon State as 24-point favorites last Saturday. Arizona (4-5) snapped their two-game winning streak with a 44-15 upset win over Oregon as a 7-point underdog last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BUFFALOES PLUS THE POINTS: Colorado was cruising right along last week as a big favorite against the Beavers as they went into halftime with a 24-3 lead which they maintained entering the 4th quarter with the score at 31-10. But the Buffaloes never put Oregon State away who eventually clawed back to score a potential game-winning touchdown with just 30 seconds left in the game — but they missed the extra point which gave Colorado one more chance to win that game in overtime. However, the Buffaloes failed to take advantage of that second-chance as the Beavers scored a touchdown in overtime to steal that game as a road underdog of more than three touchdowns. Colorado may have lost a realistic chance to win the Pac-12 North to play for the Pac-12 Championship but head coach Mike MacIntyre still has plenty of reasons to motivate his team after they missed reaching a bowl game last year with a 5-7 record. The Buffaloes are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after a point spread loss. They also have covered the point spread in 6 straight games after enjoying a halftime lead of at least 17 points in their last game. And while they generated 536 yards of offense last week while averaging 7.15 Yards-Per-Play, Colorado has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after averaging at least 6.25 YPP. MacIntyre typically gets the most out of his team in expected close games as the Buffaloes have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range — and they have covered the point spread in 9 of their last 11 road games as an underdog getting up to 3 points. Colorado has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games played on a Friday night. Arizona pulled off their biggest win of the season in the first-year under new head coach Kevin Sumlin — but this inconsistent team may be due for a letdown. The Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 27 of their last 40 games after an upset victory — and this includes them failing to cover the point spread in eight of their last twelve games after an upset win as a home underdog to a Pac-12 rival. Additionally, Arizona has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a victory by at least 20 points. The Wildcats generated 465 yards in that game against the Ducks’ defense — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. Arizona also held the Oregon offense to just 270 total yards which was more than 150 yards below their 421.7 total YPG defensive average which ranks just 90th in the FBS. The Wildcats have failed to cover the point spread in 2 of their last 7 games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last game. Arizona stays at home where they are 3-2 this season — but they are being outgained by their visitors by -7.8 net YPG. The Wildcats are 3-3 in conference play while outgaining these opponents by +17.1 net YPG — but that is overwhelmed by the Buffaloes who are outgaining their opponents by +47.0 net YPG despite their 2-3 record in Pac-12 pay. Arizona typically underachieves in expected close games as they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games when listed in the +/- 3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: MacIntyre can also play the revenge card in this game after his team was upset by the Wildcats last year by a 45-42 score despite being a 6.5-point favorite at home. Arizona quarterback tore the Buffaloes defense apart by rushing for a whopping 327 yards in that game — but the junior has been slowed down by injuries this season which has limited his dual-threat capabilities. Expect Colorado to avenge that loss — but take the points for some insurance. 25* CFB Friday FS1-TV Game of the Year with the Colorado Buffaloes (319) plus the points versus the Arizona Wildcats (320). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the San Francisco 49ers (308) minus (or plus) the point(s) versus the Oakland Raiders (307). THE SITUATION: Oakland (1-6) has lost three straight games with their 42-28 loss at home to Indianapolis last week as a +3.5-point underdog. San Francisco (1-7) has lost six straight games with their 18-15 upset loss at Arizona last Sunday as a -2.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO THE 49ERS MINUS THE POINTS: The reeling Raiders have lost three straight games by at least two touchdowns — and that makes them an appealing contrarian option for some tonight. I am not sure the betting line is rewarding that contrarianism with any value with San Francisco only getting the standard home-field 3 points as the favorite — and it certainly is not now with the Raiders being bet to where they are now a small favorite in many locations. Oakland has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after suffering three straight losses by at least 10 points. The Raiders have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after losing three of their last four games. This offense is down two of their top weapons from the beginning of the season with wide receiver Amari Cooper traded to the Cowboys and running back Marshawn Lynch placed on Injured Reserve with a groin injury. Doug Martin will be the main running back for the Raiders despite his averaging below 3.0 Yards-Per-Carry in the last two seasons playing in Tampa Bay. Oakland goes back on the road where they are scoring only 13.0 PPG while averaging just 320.2 total YPG. The Raiders are just 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games on the road. The Raiders are unlikely to bounce-back with a strong effort after being thoroughly defeated in their last game (especially on a short week to regroup). The Colts outgained them by 114 net yards last week — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 games after being outgained by at least 100 yards in their last contest. Oakland was outrushed by 119 yards in that loss last week — and they are 0-4-2 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing at least 150 rushing yards in their last game. The Raiders are last in the NFL by allowing 144.7 rushing YPG — and San Francisco should be able to take advantage of this deficiency considering that they are 6th in the NFL by averaging 133.6 rushing YPG. Both Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert are listed as questionable for the 49ers at running back but both are expected to play tonight. It is 50-50 if C.J. Beathard will take the field tonight given his injured right wrist. Yet even if third-stringer Nick Mullens has to be under center tonight, look for the 49ers to figure out a way to win this game — in head coach Kyle Shanahan we trust (when it comes to the offensive side of the ball, at least). San Francisco has covered the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after a loss to a divisional rival by 7 points or less. Additionally, the 49ers have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 19 games after an upset loss as a favorite — and they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 26 games after an upset loss as a road favorite.

FINAL TAKE: The Raiders have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games as an underdog. Oakland has found many ways to lose in the 4th quarter so far this season — don’t be surprised if they find another way to lose this game. 10* NFL Oakland-San Francisco FOx-TV Special with the San Francisco 49ers (308) minus (or plus) the point(s) versus the Oakland Raiders (307). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Oakland Raiders (301) and the San Francisco 49ers (302). THE SITUATION: Oakland (1-6) has lost three straight games with their 42-28 loss at home to Indianapolis last week as a +3.5-point underdog. San Francisco (1-7) has lost six straight games with their 18-15 upset loss at Arizona last Sunday as a -2.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Raiders have lost three straight games by double-digits with that loss to the Colts. Oakland has played 32 of their last 46 games Under the Total after a double-digit loss at home including playing five of their last six games Under the Total after a loss by 10 or more points at home. The Raiders have also played 23 of their last 33 games Under the Total after suffering at least two straight double-digit losses. Oakland needs to play better on defense after surrendering 461 yards to Indianapolis. The Raiders have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after allowing at least 305 yards in their last games — and they have also played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after giving up at least 30 points in their last game. Oakland will likely try to establish the run to help keep their defense off the field — the Raiders only had the ball for 23:30 minutes last week. This offense is down two of their top weapons from the beginning of the season with wide receiver Amari Cooper traded to the Cowboys and running back Marshawn Lynch placed on Injured Reserve with a groin injury. Doug Martin will be the main running back for the Raiders despite his averaging below 3.0 Yards-Per-Carry in the last two seasons playing in Tampa Bay. Oakland goes back on the road where they are scoring only 13.0 PPG while averaging just 320.2 total YPG. The Raiders have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total on the road. San Francisco has played 23 of their last 40 games Under the Total after losing on the road to a divisional rival. They managed just 267 yards of offense against a not-so-great Arizona defense while blowing a 15-3 fourth-quarter lead. The 49ers are dealing with a host of injuries on that side of the ball with the most significant being to quarterback C.J. Beathard. The backup to Jimmy Garoppolo is dealing with an injured wrist to his throwing hand which leaves him 50-50 to play tonight as of this afternoon’s updates — so this looks like one of those situations where even if he plays, he will not be close to 100%. The third-stringer at QB in Nick Mullens who has yet to take a snap in a regular season game. The Niners are also dealing with injuries at running back with both Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert listed as questionable with injuries. Both are expected to play tonight — but the nagging high ankle sprain to Breida has kept him under 75 yards of rushing in five straight games. This won’t likely stop head coach Kyle Shanahan from trying to run the football as his team has attempted at least 30 rushes in three of their last four games — and they rank 6th in the NFL by averaging 133.6 rushing YPG. The 49ers should have some success in moving the chains against the Raiders defense that is last in the NFL by surrendering 144.7 rushing YPG. Yet San Francisco only scores 19.3 PPG when they are playing at home. Their defense does hold their opponents to just 326.0 total YPG when playing at home in Levi Stadium. Moving forward, the 49ers have played 14 of their last 19 games Under the Total in the month of November — and they have also played 8 of their last 11 games on a Thursday night Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: With both these teams struggling to move the ball on offense, expect these two teams hungry for a win attempt to win this game on the line of scrimmage. On the short week for both these teams, expect both coaches to look to go back to basics with the hopes of grinding out a win. That is a formula for a lower scoring game. 25* NFL Thursday Night O/U Special Feature with Under the Total in the game between the Oakland Raiders (301) and the San Francisco 49ers (302). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Temple Owls (313) and the Central Florida Knights (314). THE SITUATION: Temple (5-3) has won three straight games with their 24-17 win in overtime versus an undefeated Cincinnati team back on October 20th by a 24-17 score as a -2.5-point favorite. Central Florida (7-0) looks to extend their 20-game winning streak coming off their 37-10 win at East Carolina back on October 20th as a -21.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Knights may receive most of their attention because they hold the nation’s longest winning streak in the nation. Their offense also gets plenty of attention since it ranks 5th in the nation in scoring (44.4 PPG) and 6th in the nation in total offense (537.1 total YPG). But the Central Florida defense is not getting enough credit as that unit also ranks 5th in the nation by holding their opponents to just 18.1. PPG. And back on their home field, the Knights see that number drop to just 17.5 PPG — and they are limiting their visitors to just 324.0 total YPG. Central Florida has played 8 of their last 12 home games Under the Total as a favorite laying 7.5 to 14 points. Additionally, the Knights have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 13 of their last 16 games Under the Total after a point spread victory. This team has also played 7 of their last 10 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 20 points in their last game. Furthermore, Central Florida has played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a bye week. Their starting quarterback McKenzie Milton is listed as questionable with head coach Josh Heupel indicating he will be a game-time decision after missing their last game with the Pirates with an ankle injury. Redshirt freshman Darriel Mack struggled to pass the ball in his absence as he only accounted for 69 passing yards — but it looks like Milton will be cleared to play in this game tonight. Regardless, look for the Knights to commit to running the football as they rank 7th in the FBS by averaging 261 rushing YPG. UCF generated 316 yards on the ground without Milton under center which helped them outrush East Carolina by +226 yards. The Knights have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after rushing for at least 200 yards — and they have also played 6 of their last 9 games Under the Total after outrushing their last opponent by at least +200 yards. Temple rushed for only 80 yards while giving the Bearcats their first loss of the season. They were without their star rusher, Ryquell Armstead, in that game — and he is questionable for this contest still with his ankle injury. Second-year head coach Geoff Collins is getting outstanding play out of his defense that has steadily improved this season much like last year. The Owls rank 23rd in the nation by holding their opponents to just 330.5 total YPG — and that number actually drops to a 300.7 total YPG mark when they are playing on the road. Over their last three games, Temple is holding their opponents to just 13.3 PPG along with only 263.7 total YPG. This strong play should continue as they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after winning at least three straight games. That game with Cincinnati finished Under the 47 point total, the Owls have played 12 of their last 16 games Under the Total following a game that finished Under the Total — and they have also played 14 of their last 18 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 20 points in their last contest. On offense, Temple is getting gritty but spotty play from their sophomore quarterback Anthony Russo who won the starting gig earlier this season but is completing only 56.5% of his passes while sporting a subpar 9:10 touchdown to interception ratio. The Owls will lean heavily on their outstanding pass defense that is 18th in the FBS with 24 sacks which has helped them rank 4th in the nation overall by allowing only 147.5 passing YPG.

FINAL TAKE: Because Milton has practiced this week, the Total has shot up to the 60 range after opening in the 56.6 range. Temple’s formula for defeating their second straight unbeaten opponent will be to slow down their offense and grind out a lower-scoring game. While the Owls may not have enough offensive firepower to pull out the upset, except their defense to keep them competitive while avoiding a shootout. 25* CFB American Athletic Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Temple Owls (313) and the Central Florida Knights (314). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing the Kent State Golden Flashes (303) plus the points versus the Bowling Green Falcons (304). THE SITUATION: Kent State (1-7) has lost six straight games after their 24-23 loss in overtime to Akron two Saturdays ago as a +4.5-point underdog. Bowling Green (1-7) has lost five in a row with their 49-14 loss at Ohio on October 20th in a game where they were +16.5-point underdogs.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GOLDEN FLASHES PLUS THE POINTS: The Falcons are a complete mess right now having fired their third-year head coach Mike Jinks after a loss at home to Western Michigan on October 13th. The players did not rally around interim head coach Carl Pelini last week as they were crushed at Ohio last week. Bowling Green has then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a loss by at least 20 points — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games at home after a loss by at least 17 points. The Falcons only victory this season was an FCS school in Eastern Kentucky — and they have lost three of their four games in conference play by at least 15 points. Bowling Green returns home where they lost all five of their games last year. They are 1-3 at home this year by are being outscored by -11.5 net PPG while being outgained by -149.7 net YPG. The Falcons have failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 15 games at home — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 7 home games when favored by 3 points or less. And in their last 11 games with the Total set in the 63.5 to 70 point range, Bowling Green has failed to cover the point spread 10 times. Kent State has rebounded to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a straight-up loss. The Golden Flashes have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games after a straight-up loss where they covered the point spread as an underdog. While this team has the same record as Bowling Green, there is more optimism with this football team under first-year head coach Sean Lewis who took over a team that also finished 2-10 last year as the Falcons did. Two of their losses in conference play were by just one point (including last week’s defeat) — and they have accounted for themselves pretty well in a 31-24 loss to Illinois and a 38-17 loss at Ole Miss earlier this season. Three of this team’s losses were by one scoring possession.

FINAL TAKE: Lewis can use as a motivating factor that the Golden Flashes lost to the Falcons by a 44-16 score on October 31st of last year. These are two teams moving in the opposite directions. 10* CFB Kent State-Bowling Green ESPNU Special with the Kent State Golden Flashes (303) plus the points versus the Bowling Green Falcons (304). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the New England Patriots (275) and the Buffalo Bills (276). THE SITUATION: New England (5-2) has won four straight games with their 38-31 win over the Bears in Chicago last Sunday as a 1-point favorite. Buffalo (2-5) has lost two straight games with their 37-5 loss to Indianapolis as a 7-point underdog last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: The Patriots have played 4 straight games Over the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 39 of their last 58 games Over the Total after a game where at least 60 combined points were scored including seeing the Over in five of their last six games after a contest where at least 60 combined points were reached. The New England offense is clicking on all cylinders right now as they have scored at least 38 points in four straight games. The Patriots have then played a decisive 51 of their last 74 games Over the Total after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. The Patriots have also played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after scoring at least 30 points in two straight games — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after scoring at least 25 points in three straight contests. But while New England is scoring 30.6 PPG, they are concerns with their defense that is allowing 25.6 PPG — and that number rises to 29.6 PPG they are giving up along with 449.3 total YPG to their home hosts. The Bears racked up 453 yards against the Patriots last week — and New England has played 19 of their last 27 games Over the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game. Additionally, the Patriots have played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total when playing on field turf. Buffalo has not scored more than 13 points in five of their last seven games — and they will be using a guy at quarterback who was sitting on his couch out of the league only a few weeks ago. Those are scary propositions for the Over. But be wary of expecting another low-scoring game from a team that has paid off five straight Under tickets. I expect Derek Anderson to be better at quarterback tonight than he was last week against the Colts where he completed 20 of 31 passes for 175 yards but threw three interceptions. Anderson will have LeSean McCoy at running back tonight as he has been cleared from the concussion protocol — and that will help as the Patriots are allowing 4.6 Yards-Per-Carry. If the Bills can reach their 16.5 PPG scoring average at home, then that should be enough to secure our Over bet. Buffalo has played 14 of their last 18 games Over the Total on their home field — and they have also played 10 of their last 11 home games Over the Total with the number in the 42.5 to 49 point range. The Bills gave up 220 rushing yards to the Colts last week — and they have played 9 of their last 12 games Over the Total after allowing at least 150 rushing yards in their last game. And in their last 10 appearances on Monday Night Football, the game finished Over the Total 7 times.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 5 of their last 7 encounters in Buffalo Over the Total. I am not sure how the Bills will score in this game — and perhaps Anderson and Nathan Peterman will throw a bunch more interceptions tonight. One way or another, expect this game to finish Over the Total. 25* NFL AFC East Total of the Year with Over the Total in the game between the New England Patriots (275) and the Buffalo Bills (276). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the Buffalo Bills (276) plus the points versus the New England Patriots (275). THE SITUATION: New England (5-2) has won four straight games with their 38-31 win over the Bears in Chicago last Sunday as a 1-point favorite. Buffalo (2-5) has lost two straight games with their 37-5 loss to Indianapolis as a 7-point underdog last Sunday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BILLS PLUS THE POINTS: New England enjoyed a stacked schedule of three straight games at home where they scored a combined 117 points before traveling to Chicago last week. The Patriots are playing just their fourth game away from home tonight — and they are only 1-2 on the road with an average losing margin of -6.6 PPG. New England is being outgained by -152.0 net YPG when on the road which makes their position as a road favorite laying around two touchdowns pretty jarring. The Patriots are allowing home teams to score 29.3 PPG along with averaging 449.3 total YPG. New England has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 road games against teams with a losing record at home. The Patriots have also failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 21 road games when laying 7.5 to 14 points. Additionally, New England is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on Monday Night Football. Buffalo has rebounded to cover the point spread in 18 of their last 27 games after a loss on the road by at least three touchdowns. The Bills have also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a loss — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a point spread defeat. Buffalo’s loss to the Colts came on the heels of their 20-13 loss at Houston where they went into halftime with a 10-0 deficit. The Bills have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after losing two straight games. And while they fell behind by a 24-0 halftime score to Indianapolis last week, Buffalo has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 17 games after trailing by double-digits at halftime in two straight games. It will be Derek Anderson under center despite him laying on his couch earlier this month. The veteran completed 20 of 31 passes for 175 yards but threw three interceptions in that loss to the Colts. He should be better this week — and he will have LeSean McCoy at running back after he passed the concussion protocol yesterday. The Bills have not scored more than 13 points in four straight games — but they have then covered the point spread in 26 of their last 39 games after failing to score more than 17 points in two straight games. A -3 net turnover margin helped to do Buffalo in last week to the Colts — but they have covered the point spread in 19 of their last 27 home games after enduring a -3 or worse net turnover margin.

FINAL TAKE: This is just too many points to pass up on a home underdog facing a divisional rival. No bettor feels great about defending the Derek Anderson Experience tonight. Making money sometimes means having to back ugly teams. Remember, we are betting on point spreads — not on good or bad teams. 10* NFL New England-Buffalo ESPN Special with the Buffalo Bills (276) plus the points versus the New England Patriots (275). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the New Orleans Saints (273) minus the points versus the Minnesota Vikings (274). THE SITUATION: New Orleans (5-1) won their fifth straight game last week with their 24-23 win in Baltimore last week as a +2.5-point underdog. Minnesota (4-2-1) has won three straight games with their 37-17 win in New York against the Jets last week.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SAINTS MINUS THE POINTS: New Orleans will have revenge on their minds after losing to the Vikings in the playoffs last January on this same field on a last-second touchdown pass that spoiled their chances of playing in the NFC Championship Game in that fateful 29-24 loss to Minnesota. The Saints have won five straight games and they should build off the momentum of their nice win against a tough opponent like the Ravens on the road. New Orleans has covered the point spread in 12 of their last 16 games after a straight-up win — and this includes their last four straight games after a victory. New Orleans is playing outstanding run defense as they are holding their opponents to just 2.87 Yards-Per-Carry while leading the league by allowing only 108 rushing YPG. The Saints have not allowed more than 77 rushing yards in four straight games after Baltimore managed that amount last week — and they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after not allowing more than 99 rushing yards in their last game. New Orleans did allow 351 yards overall to the Ravens — but they have then covered the point spread in 16 of their last 21 games after allowing at least 350 yards in their last game. Sean Payton’s team usually thrives this time of year as they have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 26 games in the month of October. The Saints have also covered the point spread in 15 of their last 18 road games against teams with a winning record at home. New Orleans certainly will not mind playing in the optimal conditions in the Vikings’ domed stadium — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 meetings with Minnesota. The Vikings only generated 316 yards of offense in their 20-point win over the Jets. This team is missing two critical pieces on offense with running back Dalvin Cook and left tackle Riley Rieff both out for this game. Minnesota’s blowout again truth Jets was facilitated by a +4 net turnover margin last week — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 23 games after benefiting from a +4 or better net turnover margin in their last game. The Vikings defense is playing better after a slow start this season — they have not allowed more than 71 rushing yards in their last two games. But Minnesota has failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 33 games after not allowing more than 75 rushing yards in two straight games. Lastly, the Vikings have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: Minnesota signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to win games like this despite them pulling out their miracle win over the Saints in the playoffs last year. But this Saints team remains more powerful on offense improving on defense —and they will be a highly motivated team to get a small measure of revenge from last year’s heartbreaking loss. 10* NFL New Orleans-Minnesota NBC-TV Special with the New Orleans Saints (273) minus the points versus the Minnesota Vikings (274). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the New Orleans Saints (273) and the Minnesota Vikings (274). THE SITUATION: New Orleans (5-1) won their fifth straight game last week with their 24-23 win in Baltimore last week as a +2.5-point underdog. Minnesota (4-2-1) has won three straight games with their 37-17 win in New York against the Jets last week.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Saints have covered the point spread in four straight games — and they have then played 4 straight games Under the Total after covering the point spread in four of their last five contests. New Orleans has also played 19 of their last 28 games Under the Total after a narrow win by 3 points or less. Expect the Saints to once again focus on their ground game to win the Time of Possession battle which keeps their defense fresh while keeping a good offense off their home field. That was the formula for success last week against the Ravens as they ran the ball 39 times for 134 yards which helped them control Time of Possession for 33:31 minutes. New Orleans is also playing outstanding run defense as they are holding their opponents to just 2.87 Yards-Per-Carry while leading the league by allowing only 108 rushing YPG. The Saints have not allowed more than 77 rushing yards in four straight games — and they have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 99 rushing yards in two straight games. Their pass defense received a boost this week with the acquisition of cornerback Eli Apple — I expect him to get some time on the field in this game in obvious passing situations despite just joining the team. New Orleans stay on the road where they have played 7 of their last 11 games Under the Total. The Saints have also played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total in the month of October. Minnesota has covered the point spread in three straight games — and they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after covering the point spread in three of their last four games. Additionally, the Vikings have played 27 of their last 40 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a win on the road. Mike Zimmer’s team has stepped up their play on the defensive side of the football. Over their last three games, they are holding their opponents to just 18.3 PPG along with just 298.7 total YPG. This unit is also the top 3rd down in the NFL — and they will be getting a boost in this game with their elite defensive end Everson Griffen cleared to play again by the team after dealing with some off-the-field issues. The Vikings offense is undermanned with running back Delvin Cook out with a hamstring and left tackle Riley Reiff also out with a foot injury. Minnesota is only scoring 19.0 PPG on their home field while averaging 348.7 total YPG which is more than 30 yards below their season average. But their visitors are averaging just 296.0 total YPG. The Vikings have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total at home — and they have also played 6 of the last 7 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road. And while the Minnesota offense exploded for 37 points last week, they have then played a decisive 36 of their last 52 games Under the Total after scoring at least 30 points — and this includes them playing seven of their last eight games Under the Total after scoring at least 30 points. The Vikings had only 316 yards of offense in that win over the Jets but benefited from a +4 net turnover margin. Minnesota has then played 7 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a game where they had at least a +2 net turnover margin. And in their last 12 games as an underdog, the Vikings have played 8 of these games Under the Total.

FINAL TAKE: While it might be tempting to think these two teams with potent passing attacks will get into a shootout, this shapes up to be a game where both teams will be looking to keep the other team’s offense off the field. 25* NFC Total of the Month with Under the Total in the game between the New Orleans Saints (273) and the Minnesota Vikings (274). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 4:25 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the San Francisco 49ers (269) minus the point(s) versus the Arizona Cardinals (270). THE SITUATION: San Francisco (1-6) has lost five straight games after their 39-10 loss to the LA Rams last Sunday as an 8-point underdog. Arizona (1-6) has lost two straight games with their 45-10 loss at home to Denver on Thursday Night Football last week as a 1-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE 49ERS MINUS THE POINT(S): San Francisco will be playing with revenge on their minds from a 28-18 loss to the Cardinals three weeks ago. The Niners were 3-point favorites in that game and dominated the contest at the line of scrimmage by outgaining the Cardinals by +237 net yards but were stymied by a +5 net turnover margin to give that game away. The 49ers have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 34 games when attempting to avenge an upset loss. San Francisco should play better after being overwhelmed by the last remaining undefeated team in the league. The 49ers have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a double-digit loss at home — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a loss at home to an NFC West rival. Despite winning only one game, this team is playing hard for second-year head coach Kyle Shanahan despite the disappointing season-ending injury to quarterback Jimmy Garappolo. San Francisco has lost three of their games by one scoring possession. Second-year QB C.J. Beathard has been solid under center this year save for last week’s game with the Rams. He is supported by a rushing attack that is second in the NFL that averages 127 rushing YPG that will be getting Matt Breida back from injury for this contest. The Niners have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after failing to score more than 14 points in their last game. San Francisco needs to do a better job protecting the football as they suffered a -4 net turnover margin last week after enduring a -3 net turnover margin two weeks ago in Green Bay - and that was the game after their turnover-fest against this Cardinals team. The 49ers have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after suffering at least a -2 net turnover margin in three straight games. Now San Fran goes on the road where they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games on the road — and they have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a losing record at home. The Niners have also covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games in Arizona against the Cardinals. Arizona has only forced seven turnovers in their other six games this season besides the game where they were gifted five times by these 49ers. The Cardinals’ offense is a complete mess as was painfully demonstrated in that Thursday night game where they managed only 223 yards of offense while surrendering two pick-six interceptions returned for touchdowns in just the first quarter of that game. That was too much for rookie head coach Steve Wilks who promptly fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. As if it is McCoy’s fault for a conservative game plan — this is the same offensive head coach who helped Peyton Manning in Denver along with Philip Rivers in San Diego thrive behind dynamic passing attacks. He was replaced by Bryon Leftwich who is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks. But Leftwich cannot fix a broken offensive line that was already one of the worst units in the league before left guard Mike Iupati suffered his shoulder injury that will keep him out for this game. Leftwich has no experience calling plays as well — save for some authority given to him during the preseason. The Cardinals are last in the NFL in rushing yards (64.6 YPG), total yards (220.9 YPG), 3rd down success rate (23.1%) and Big Plays (26). Leftwich can install flashier schemes for rookie quarterback Josh Rosen — but if the young QB still struggles to grasp the playbook, becoming more aggressive with this offensive line might be the quickest route for a season-ending injury for their franchise quarterback. Wilks is struggling in his first year as a head coach — and one of the benefits McCoy brought was years of coaching experience including a stint as the head coach with the Chargers. This is all bad news for a team that has failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 17 games when being listed in the +/- 3-point range.

FINAL TAKE: While both these teams have only won one game, the 49ers have been much more competitive in their games. Look for them to avenge their earlier loss to the Cardinals. 25* NFC West Game of the Month with the San Francisco 49ers (269) minus the point(s) versus the Arizona Cardinals (270). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing the Cincinnati Bengals (264) minus the points versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (263). THE SITUATION: Cincinnati (4-3) looks to bounce-back from their embarrassing 45-10 loss on Sunday night in Kansas City to the Chiefs by a 45-10 score. Tampa Bay (3-3) snapped their three-game losing streak last Sunday with their 26-23 win in overtime over Cleveland as a -3.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BENGALS MINUS THE POINTS: Cincinnati should rebound with a strong effort in the bland 1 PM ET time slot away from the national spotlight of a prime-time game that apparently still plagues this football team. The Bengals have lost two straight games with that loss to the Chiefs following up their heartbreaking loss at home to the Steelers — but they have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after losing their last two games. Cincinnati needs to play better on the defensive side of the football after allowing Kansas City to generate 551 yards of offense the week after the Steelers gained 481 yards. The Bengals have covered the point spread in 14 of their last 16 games after allowing at least 400 yards in two straight games. They have also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 30 points in their last contest. Patrick Mahomes ripped this Cincy defense for 353 passing yards last week — but the Bengals have covered the point spread in 17 of their last 22 games after allowing at least 350 passing yards. They also have covered the point spread in 21 of their last 27 games at home after allowing at least 300 passing yards. Cincinnati has covered 5 of their last 7 games at home overall. On offense, the Bengals managed to generate only 239 yards against the Chiefs’ defense — but they are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games after failing to gain more than 250 yards in their last game. Shipping in the Buccaneers defense might be just what the doctor ordered for Andy Dalton and company. Tampa Bay is last in the NFL by allowing 32.7 PPG — and this unit that is ravaged with injuries has been particularly soft against passing attacks. The Buccaneers are last in the NFL by allowing 327.5 passing YPG while also ranking last in the league by allowing 18 passing touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging a 125.8 Passer Rating which is last in the NFL. Tampa Bay has suffered a season-ending injury to cornerback Vernon Hargreaves while placing middle linebacker Kwon Alexander on Injured Reserve. Sam linebacker Kendell Beckwith is out with an ankle injury while Gerald McCoy and Vinny Curry are dealing with injuries that have compelled the team to declare them out for this afternoon. Ouch. As it is, the Buccaneers have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 12 games after a point spread win. Tampa Bay is also 0-7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in the month of October. The Bucs offense is playing well with Jameis Winston again under center. After gaining 456 yards two weeks ago in Atlanta, Tampa Bay generated 456 yards of offense last week. But Tampa Bay has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after gaining at least 400 yards in their last game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after gaining at least 400 yards in two straight games. But Winston’s return to starting quarterback has also seen plenty of turnovers. After a -2 net turnover margin against the Falcons, the Bucs had a -3 net turnover margin last week — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after suffering a -2 net turnover margin in their last contest. Now this team goes on the road where they are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 road games with the Total set at 49.5 or higher.

FINAL TAKE: Back at home playing in this afternoon game, the Bengals should get back to their winning ways with a decisive victory. 20* NFL Blowout Bookie Buster with the Cincinnati Bengals (264) minus the points versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (263). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the San Diego State Aztecs (159) minus the points versus the Nevada Wolf Pack (160). THE SITUATION: San Diego State (6-1) has won six games in a row with their 16-13 win over San Jose State last Saturday as a 25.5-point favorite. Nevada (4-4) returns home after their 40-22 upset win at Hawai’i last week as a 3-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE AZTECS MINUS THE POINTS: The Wolf Pack is likely due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread victory. Nevada outgained the Warriors by +110 net yards in that win — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games are outgaining their last opponent by at least +125 net yards. And while that game finished below the 67 point Total, the Wolf Pack have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 15 games after playing a game that finished Under the Total. Nevada’s “Pack Attack” version of the Air Raid offense generated 481 yards in that game while averaging 7.18 Yards-Per-Play — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after averaging at least 6.25 YPP in their last game. The Wolf Pack are facing a significant increase in competition in level of play from a defense tonight as the Aztecs rank 14th in the nation by holding their opponents to just 306.9 total YPG. In Nevada’s previous two games at home hosting Fresno State and Boise State, they averaged only 15.0 PPG while generating just 356.5 total YPG which was over 75 yards below their season average. But defense is the bigger concern for this team as they are allowing 32.1 PPG which is 98th in the FBS due mainly to a leaky secondary that is allowing 261.9 passing YPG which is 107th in the nation. This Wolf Pack team has failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games against teams with a winning record. San Diego State has not covered the point spread in three of their last four games — but they have covered the point spread in 28 of their last 39 games after failing to cover the point spread in three of their last four contests. They have also covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after a point spread loss while they have also covered the point spread in 25 of their last 36 games on the road after failing to cover the point spread in two of their last three games. Head coach Rocky Long’s team has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after winning a game where they did not cover the point spread as the favorite. The Aztecs’ offense has dealt with two challenging injuries with senior quarterback Christian Chapman and junior running back Juwan Washington has been out since September with injuries. Junior quarterback Ryan Agnew completed only 7 passes of his 11 attempts for 86 yards last week while adding another 16 yards — but it is not like Chapman was a gunslinger before his injury. Agnew does offer the offense more of a rushing threat than Chapman does. The Aztecs offense has been successful using a committee of running backs that combined to accumulate 207 yards last week on 47 carries. Sophomore Chase Jasmin has rushed for 460 yards this season after gobbling up 79 yards on 19 carries last week while freshman Chance Bell added another 81 yards on the ground on 15 carries. This is San Diego State’s formula for success — and they are 18-8-1 ATS in their last 27 games after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game. The Aztecs held the Spartans to only 62 rushing yards last week — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after outrushing their last opponent by at least +125 net yards. San Diego State has also turned the ball over once in each of the last two games — and they have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games after not turning the ball over more than once in their last contest. This Rocky Long recipe has helped his team cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games on the road.

FINAL TAKE: The Aztecs have won twenty-five of their last twenty-nine games in Mountain West Conference play over the last four seasons because of their outstanding defense and a commitment to run the football and not risk turning the ball over. The San Diego State offense will be facing a 3-3-5 defensive formation that they practice against every day. Nevada was likely to bounce-back from their disappointing 3-9 season last year — but this is a football program that has steadily declined from the strong Chris Ault-coached era that concluded in 2012. 25* CFB Mountain West Conference Game of the Year with the San Diego State Aztecs (159) minus the points versus the Nevada Wolf Pack (160). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Mississippi State Bulldogs (174) plus the points versus the Texas A&M Aggies (173). THE SITUATION: Mississippi State (4-3) looks to bounce-back from their 19-3 loss at LSU last Saturday as a 5-point underdog. Texas A&M (5-2) has won three straight games after their 26-23 win at South Carolina two Saturdays ago as a -2.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BULLDOGS PLUS THE POINTS: The Bulldogs return home for this game where they are 3-1 this season with an average winning margin of +27.5 PPG. Mississippi State is scoring 37.0 PPG at home while averaging 461.2 total YPG. The Bulldogs have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games at home — and they have covered the point spread in 23 of their last 39 home games against teams with a winning record on the road. Don’t blame the Mississippi State defense for their loss in Death Valley last week as they held LSU to just 239 yards of offense. The Bulldogs have then covered the point spread in 8 of their last 10 games after not allowing more than 275 yards in their last game. This defense ranks 4th in the nation by allowing only 13.6 PPG — and they also rank 5th in the FBS by only surrendering 282.5 total YPG. This team usually exceeds expectations in expected low-scoring games as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range. And in their last 10 games against teams with a winning record, Mississippi State has covered the point spread in 7 of these contests. Texas A&M may be due for a letdown as they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after winning five or six of their last seven games. The Aggies have outgained their last two opponents by +181 net yards — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 14 of their last 22 games after outgaining their last two opponents by at least +175 net yards per contest. Now this team stays on the road for just their third game this season — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 16 of their last 25 road games with the Total set in the 42.5 to 49 point range. Texas A&M is also just 22-47-1 ATS in their last 70 games on the road against teams with a winning record at home.

FINAL TAKE: While Mississippi State opened as the favorite, the betting action has installed them as small underdogs now — and that value is too good to pass up. 10* CFB Texas A&M-Mississippi State ESPN Special with the Mississippi State Bulldogs (174) plus the points versus the Texas A&M Aggies (173). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack (125) and the Syracuse Orange (126). THE SITUATION: NC State (5-1) suffered their first loss of the season last week with their 41-7 loss at Clemson as an +18.5-point underdog. Syracuse (5-2) enters this game coming off a 40-37 win in overtime over North Carolina as a -9.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Wolfpack have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a straight-up loss — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total after a point spread setback. Additionally, they have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after a loss by at least 20 points in their last game. NC State managed only 297 yards of offense against the Tigers in that game — and they have failed to cover in 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. The Wolfpack are scoring 28.7 PPG this season — but the number drops to just 22.0 PPG in their two games on the road so far this year. NC State has played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total when playing on the road. The Wolfpack did allow 471 yards to Clemson in that first loss of the season — but not only have they then played 10 of their last 14 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last game while also seeing the Under go 9-3-1 in their last 13 games after allowing at least 40 points in their last contest. NC State does have a good defense that ranks 31st in the nation by allowing 20.8 PPG. Syracuse has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have also seen the Under go 9-2-1 in their last 12 games after a point spread setback. The Orange did generate 546 yards of offense in that game that needed overtime to resolve — but they have then see the Under go 12-4-1 in their last 17 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last contest. Syracuse allowed 500 yards to the Tar Heels in that contest as well — and they have played 10 of their last 13 games Under the Total after allowing at least 450 yards in their last contest. The Orange stay at home where they are making it difficult for opponents to move the football. Syracuse is allowing only 18.7 PPG in four contests at home. The Under is 11-3-1 in the Orange’s last 15 games home — and this includes the Under go 4-0-1 in their last 5 home games Under the Total against teams with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: This Total has risen to the high-60s in large part because of the fast pace that this Syracuse engages in under head coach Dino Babers’s up-tempo system. But the Wolfpack head coach Dave Doreen will be well aware of this dynamic and look to slow the game down when his team has the football. NC State won last year’s meeting with the Orange by a 33-25 score which fell well below the 62.5 total. That was the 5th game finish Under the Total in the last 6 meetings between these two teams. 25* CFB ACC Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack (125) and the Syracuse Orange (126). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Texas Tech Red Raiders (201) plus the points versus the Iowa State Cyclones (202). THE SITUATION: Iowa State (3-3) takes the field again after their 30-14 upset win at home over West Virginia as a +4.5-point favorite two Saturdays ago. Texas Tech (5-2) has five of their last six games with their 48-16 win over Kansas last Saturday as a -17.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RED RAIDERS PLUS THE POINTS: Iowa State is due for a big letdown after pulling off their second straight upset victory against a Big 12 rival. Before upsetting the Mountaineers two weeks ago, the Cyclones traveled to Stillwater to upset Oklahoma State by a 48-42 score as a 10-point underdog. Iowa State has then failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after pulling off two straight upset victories. The Cyclones have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after an upset victory by at least two touchdowns as a home underdog. Iowa State has also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 16 after an upset win as a home underdog against a Big 12 rival. This Cyclones team does not boast a prolific offense as they rank 100th in the nation by scoring just 24.7 PPG and totaling 360.2 total YPG. Texas Tech can score — they rank 6th in the nation by scoring 43.9 PPG and they also rank 4th in the FBS by averaging 551.9 total YPG. The Red Raiders have covered the points spread in 12 of their last 14 games after playing a game at home — and this includes them covering the point spread in five of their last six games after a win on their home field. Additionally, Texas Tech generated 553 yards of offense in their win against the Jayhawks — and not only have they covered the point spread in 9 of their last 12 games after scoring at least 40 points in their last game but they have also covered the point spread in 8 of their last 12 games after generating at least 525 yards in their last game. This Red Raiders team has covered the point spread in two straight games — and they have then covered the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after covering the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after covering the point spread in two of their last three contests. Now Texas Tech goes back on the road where they have a 2-1 record — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games away from home. The offensive firepower of this Red Raiders team helps them be a dangerous underdog. Texas Tech has covered the point spread in 7 of their last 9 road games as an underdog — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 10 points.

FINAL TAKE: Iowa State is due for a letdown in this spot — and they are hosting a team they soundly defeated by a 31-13 score last October. The Red Raiders’ high-powered offense should keep them competitive in this game. 20* CFB Texas Tech-Iowa State ESPN2 Special with the Texas Tech Red Raiders (201) plus the points versus the Iowa State Cyclones (202). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Florida State Seminoles (206) plus the points versus the Clemson Tigers (205). THE SITUATION: Clemson (7-0) remained undefeated last week with their 41-7 blowout win over NC State as a -17.5-point favorite. Florida State (4-3) has won three of their last four games with their 38-17 win over Wake Forest as a -10.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SEMINOLES PLUS THE POINTS: The Tigers took care of business against the undefeated Wolfpack last week — but this team may be ripe for a letdown now. Clemson has failed to cover the point spread in 19 of their last 28 games after winning at least six straight games — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 16 games after winning at least seven straight games in a row. The Tigers did generate 471 yards in that win over NC State — but they are 2-5-1 ATS In their last 8 games are gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. Clemson has also failed to cover the point spread in 29 of their last 43 games after winning at least three straight games in a row against fellow ACC opponents. Now this team goes back on the road where they have failed to cover the point spread in 9 of their last 14 road games when they are laying more than two touchdowns. Florida State is steadily improving under first-year head coach Willie Taggart. The Seminoles typically build off their momentum as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a win by at least 20 points — and they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after covering the point spread as a double-digit favorite. Florida State has also covered the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after winning three of their last four games. The Seminoles generated 471 yards of offense against the Demon Deacons with their quarterback Deondre Francois completing 28 of 40 passes for 341 yards with two TD passes. Florida State has covered the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after gaining at least 450 yards in their last game. The Seminoles defense is improving as well as they have not allowed more than 115 rushing yards in four straight games — and they have covered the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after not allowing more than 125 rushing yards in at least two straight games. They host this game where they are 3-1 at home this year — and they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 home games against teams with a winning record on the road.

FINAL TAKE: Florida State will be looking to avenge a 31-14 loss to Clemson last year where they were getting 16 points as a road underdog. The Seminoles remain loaded with talent as they move in the new direction under Taggart. The Tigers have a freshman quarterback playing in a hostile environment with very high stakes at this point of the season with the College Playoff Rankings coming out on Tuesday. Expect a closer game than expected. 10* CFB Clemson-Florida State ABC-TV Special with the Florida State Seminoles (206) plus the points versus the Clemson Tigers (205). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 12:00 PM ET on Saturday, we will be playing the Michigan State Spartans (188) minus (or plus) the point(s) versus the Purdue Boilermakers (187). THE SITUATION: Michigan State (4-3) has lost two of their last three games after losing their rivalry game at home against Michigan last Saturday by a 21-7 score as a 7.5-point underdog. Purdue (4-3) has won four straight games after their huge 49-20 upset over Ohio State last Saturday night as a 12-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE SPARTANS MINUS (OR PLUS) THE POINT(S): That was the biggest wins in the first two years in head coach Jeff Brohm’s tenure at Purdue to upset the Buckeyes at home on national television. A letdown for this team is likely. As it is, the Boilermakers have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a win by at least 20 points. After losing their first three games of the season to Northwestern, Eastern Michigan and Missouri, Purdue has won their last four contests. This team has raced out to fast starts in their last three games with halftime leads of 20-7 at Nebraska followed by a 29-7 lead at Illinois before taking Ohio State to the locker room at halftime with a 14-3 lead last week. But it is difficult to sustain these opening leads — and this Boilermakers team has failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after leading by double-digits at halftime in three straight games. Purdue is led by quarterback David Blough who is leading an offense that is 6th in the nation by averaging 337.6 passing YPG. The Boilermakers have averaged at least 328 passing yards in three straight games — and they have generated at least 516 total yards in those contests. But Purdue has then failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 20 games after passing for at least 300 yards in three straight games — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 10 games after gaining at least 450 yards in three straight games. Blough passed for 378 yards last week against the Ohio State defense — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 17 road games after passing for at least 375 yards in their last game. This team goes on the road for just the third time this season after relatively easy trips to Nebraska and Illinois — and it will be challenging to maintain their high level of proficiency in the passing game in the cold Michigan air this afternoon. The Boilermakers have failed to cover the point spread in 21 of their last 30 road games as an underdog getting 7 or fewer points. Michigan State has lost three times this season which is a disappointment to head coach Mark Dantonio after he returned nineteen starters from last year’s team that finished 10-3 with a 42-17 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. The Spartans were completely stymied on offense last week against the stout Wolverines defense as they managed only 95 total yards. Junior quarterback Brian Lewerke is out for this game after suffering a shoulder injury — so redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi will be under center for this game. The 6’3 signal caller has a similar profile as Lewerke with his strong arm and mobility — so I do not expect much of a downgrade in the Michigan State offense. Lombardi will be throwing against a vulnerable Boilermakers’ pass defense that ranks 127th in the nation by allowing 296.4 passing YPG. Purdue allowed 546 yards in their win over the Buckeyes last week — and they rank 103rd in the nation by allowing 433.1 total YPG. The Spartans need to win this game in the trenches by flexing their muscles on defense. After returning nine starters and 86% of the tackles from last year’s unit that finished 7th in the nation by allowing 297.6 total YPG, this year’s group has taken a step back by allowing 355.3 total YPG which is 44th in the FBS. The Michigan State run defense has been outstanding as they second in the nation by allowing only 79.6 rushing YPG — but they are getting torched in the passing game by allowing 275.7 passing YPG which is 116th in the nation. The Sparty pass defense has improved in the last two weeks as they have allowed only 404 combined passing yards in their last two games against Penn State and Michigan. While the secondary has seen an injury to returning starter Josiah Scott at cornerback, Michigan State returned all five starters from their secondary last season so these have been proven players. Expect the Spartans to respond with a strong effort this afternoon as they have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss — and they have covered the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a point spread setback. Michigan State has only covered the point spread twice in their seven games this season — but they have then covered the point spread in 3 of their last 4 games after failing to cover the point spread in five or six of their last seven games.

FINAL TAKE: Purdue has benefitted from both a light and favorable schedule away from home so far this season — and their reliance on their passing attack will be harder to execute as the weather changes. Michigan State has underachieved at home this year — but this remains a talented team that will be angry after last week’s loss to the Wolverines. 25* CFB Big Ten Game of the Month with the Michigan State Spartans (188) minus (or plus) the point(s) versus the Purdue Boilermakers (187). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:30 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the UCLA Bruins (120) plus the points versus the Utah Utes (119). THE SITUATION: UCLA (2-5) has won two straight games with their 31-30 win over Arizona last Saturday as a 10-point favorite. Utah (5-2) has won three straight games after their 41-28 win over USC as a 6.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BRUINS PLUS THE POINTS: Utah has registered double-digit victories in three straight games against Stanford, Arizona, and USC in a stretch where they have averaged at least 41 PPG. But head coach Kyle Whittingham’s team may be due for a letdown now as a double-digit road favorite — especially against a struggling UCLA team that they crushed by a 48-17 score last season. The Utes are 3-2 in Pac-12 play so far this season — but they are still an unimpressive 31-37 straight-up in their last sixty-eight games against Pac-12 competition over the last seven and a half seasons. Utah did hold the Trojans with their rookie quarterback J.T. Daniels to just 132 passing yards last week — but they have then failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing no more than 170 passing yards in their last game. The Utes go back on the road where they may have a 2-1 record but they are only outgaining their opponents by +0.4 net YPG. Utah has failed to cover the point spread in 15 of their last 23 road games when favored by 7.5 to 14 points. UCLA is playing better football in winning their last two games this season. First-year head coach Chip Kelly has cleaned house by removing many of the players he inherited from the bloated and underachieving Jim Mora era. This is now a very young team that Kelly and his staff are coaching up. The improvements are most pronounced on offense where they have scored 34.0 PPG in their last two games while averaging 405.5 total YPG. Kelly got a boost last week with the healthy return of quarterback Wilton Speight who completed 17 of 27 passes for 204 yards with two touchdown passes. The graduate transfer from Michigan may not be mobile but he can operate the Kelly up-tempo offense that emphasizes an efficient passing attack similar to the one that Nick Foles successfully executed for Kelly in his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles. Speight will likely get the start in this game after missing time since the opening game of the season after he took the practice snaps with the first team this week. Freshman Dorian Thompson-Robinson is dealing with an arm issue which makes his questionable tonight but Kelly has said he might be under center for parts of this game. The Bruins’ defense has been opportunistic in their last two games as they have forced eight turnovers. UCLA leads the Pac-12 with a +6 turnover margin — and the atmosphere of this nationally televised night game may help coax some mistakes by the Utes. The Bruins have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 home games as an underdog. UCLA has also covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games against teams with a winning record. And in their last 24 games after losing five or six of their last seven contests, the Bruins have covered the point spread in 16 of these contests.

FINAL TAKE: Utah is primed for a letdown after three easy victories — especially after the highs of defeating Stanford and USC. Expectations are low for this young Bruins team right now — but there remains talent which makes them dangerous as they continue to develop under Kelly and his coaching staff that have not forgotten how to coach. Lastly, the ability for Kelly to call on their 31-point loss to the Utes last year will surely be a good motivator. 25* CFB Friday ESPN Game of the Month with the UCLA Bruins (120) plus the points versus the Utah Utes (119). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 10:00 PM ET on Friday, we will be playing the Colorado State Rams (122) plus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (121). THE SITUATION: Colorado State (3-5) saw their two-game winning streak snapped last Friday with their 56-28 loss at Boise State as a +23.5-point underdog. Wyoming (2-6) has lost four in a row with their 24-16 loss at home to Utah State as a +13.5-point underdog last Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE THE RAMS PLUS THE POINTS: Colorado State actually outgained the Broncos in that game by 489 to 472 yards. The Rams allowed a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown along with a 44-yard kickoff return for a touchdown while enduring a -3 net turnover margin to lose control of keeping that game close. Colorado State did not force a turnover in that game — but they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 games after a game where they did not force a turnover. The Rams went into the locker room trailing by a 35-0 score — but they have then covered the point spread in 6 of their last 9 games after allowing at least 24 points in the first half of their last game. And while they allowed Boise State to pass for 322 yards in that loss, they have then covered the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after allowing at least 280 passing yards in their last contest. Colorado State had covered point spread expectations in their previous two games before last week — and they have covered the point spread in a decisive of 55 of their last 85 games after covering the point spread in two of their last three games. Head coach Mike Bobo is making a change at quarterback as he has tapped sophomore Collin Hill to be under center tonight after he completed 12 of 14 passes in relief last week for 135 passing yards. Hill won the starting job as a freshman last year but his career has been derailed by two torn ACLs over the last two seasons. He looks to be a big upgrade over K.J. Carta-Samuels who has been lackluster as the starter this year as a grad transfer from Washington. This is a team that defeated Arkansas and New Mexico on their home field — and they have covered the point spread in 6 of their last 8 home games as an underdog getting 3 points or less. Wyoming has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a straight-up loss — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to score at least 20 points. The Cowboys went into halftime with a 10-3 deficit against the Aggies — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after failing to score more than a field goal in the first half of their last game. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 1-3 with their lone winning being against an FCS school in Wofford. Wyoming has failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 20 of their last 28 road games against teams with a losing record at home. The Cowboys are scoring only 14.5 PPG away from home while generating a mere 292.2 total YPG on the road — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 34 road games when laying the points. They have only covered the point spread once this season — and they have then failed to cover the point spread in 23 of their last 32 games after failing to cover the point spread in four or five of their last six games.

FINAL TAKE: The Rams opened as a small favorite but the betting action has been on the Cowboys which makes this a very nice value situation in the Battle for the Bronze Boot. 10* CFB Friday Late Show Bailout with the Colorado State Rams (122) plus the points versus the Wyoming Cowboys (121). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Miami Dolphins (103) plus the points versus the Houston Texans (104). THE SITUATION: Miami (4-3) has lost three of their last four games with their 32-21 loss to Detroit as a 3-point underdog on Monday. Houston (4-3) has won four straight games with their 20-7 upset win at Jacksonville last week as a +3.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE THE DOLPHINS PLUS THE POINTS: The Texans are prime candidates for an emotional letdown after their big upset win on the road on Sunday. Houston has failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after an upset win — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 11 of their last 14 games after an upset win over an AFC South rival. Furthermore, this inconsistent Texans team has failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 17 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after winning their last two games under head coach Bill O’Brien. The Texans upset the Jaguars despite generating only 272 yards of offense with quarterback DeShaun Watson completing just 12 of 24 passes for 139 passing yards. The second-year pro is clearly not at 100% as he deals with a collapsed lung and broken rib. These injuries have limited his dual-threat capabilities as he has rushed for only 15 yards in his last two games. Houston returns home where they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 straight games. The Texans have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning record — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 9 games against AFC opponents. And in their last 8 opportunities to play on a short-week on a Thursday, Houston has failed to cover the point spread 7 times. Miami has gotten surprisingly better play out of quarterback Brock Osweiler who seems to perform better in the role of relief pitcher rather than the heir apparent starter. Osweiler is completing 67.5% of his passes while averaging 8.2 Yards-Per-Attempt while tossing six TD passes to just two interceptions while Ryan Tannehill completed 65.9% of his passes while averaging 7.5 YPA with eight TD passes but 5 interceptions in his five starts before suffering his shoulder injury. Osweiler did a better job of getting the ball out of his hand as he did not take a sack against the Bears defense two weeks ago (but he did take four sacks last week against the Lions with his team playing from behind). On defense, the Dolphins have allowed their last two opponents to average 8.02 and 7.53 Yards-Per-Play — but they have then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 6 games after allowing at least 6.5 YPP. Miami dumped a few of their high-profile players with high salaries in the offseason — but I liked these moves because they left this group under head coach Adam Gase feisty with a better team environment.

FINAL TAKE: We need to remember that we are not betting for or against teams: we are betting for or against point spreads. Asking the Texans to win by a touchdown or more is simply too much to ask of them. Somehow, look for this Dolphins team that has embraced the concept of being the whole being stronger than the individual parts to keep this game close. 10* NFL Miami-Houston Fox-TV Special with the Miami Dolphins (103) plus the points versus the Houston Texans (104). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Miami Dolphins (103) and the Houston Texans (104). THE SITUATION: Miami (4-3) has lost three of their last four games with their 32-21 loss to Detroit as a 3-point underdog on Monday. Houston (4-3) has won four straight games with their 20-7 upset win at Jacksonville last week as a +3.5-point underdog.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Dolphins have turned to Brock Osweiler at quarterback with Ryan Tannehill dealing with a shoulder injury. Osweiler was outstanding in his first start against the Bears where he led an offense that tallied 541 yards while averaging 7.21 Yards-Per-Play. The Miami offense slowed down last week against the Lions by generating 322 yards while averaging 6.44 YPP. The Dolphins have played 21 of their last 28 games Under the Total after gaining at least 6.0 YPP in each of their last two games. Osweiler faces his toughest challenge yet against his former team with the Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien and his defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel likely licking their chops to get after their former quarterback who was an utter flop after signing a big contract with them. Osweiler will also be limited tonight with his wide receiving unit being a M*A*S*H unit right now with DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson all out for this game. After playing their last two games at home, the Dolphins go on the road where they are scoring 14.5 PPG while averaging just 242.0 total YPG. Miami has played 4 straight games Under the Total on the road — and they have played 9 of their last 12 road games Under the Total with the number set in the 42.5 to 49 point range. Additionally, the Dolphins have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record — and they have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total against fellow AFC opponents. Furthermore, Miami is 8-1-1 in their last 10 games Under the Total when playing on a short-week Thursday game. Houston has played 5 straight games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 5 straight games Under the Total after a point spread victory. The Texans won that game despite generating only 272 yards of offense with quarterback DeShaun Watson completing just 12 of 24 passes for 139 passing yards. The second-year pro is clearly not at 100% as he deals with a collapsed lung and broken rib. These injuries have limited his dual-threat capabilities as he has rushed for only 15 yards in his last two games. O’Brien wants his team grinding out low-scoring games as his team has not scored above 22 points more than once this year. The Texans have played 4 straight games Under the Total after failing to pass for more than 150 yards in their last game under O’Brien. The Houston defense is playing quite well as they have only 12.0 PPG along with just 260.0 total YPG over their last three games. The Texans held the Jaguars to only 70 rushing yards on 22 carries — and they have played 8 of their last 11 games Under the Total after not allowing more than 75 rushing yards in their last game. With Miami’s depleted wide receiving corps, they will commit to running the football — but they will go against a Houston defense that is holding opposing rushers to just 3.35 Yards-Per-Carry. The Dolphins have also played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total at home  — and they have also played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total against fellow AFC opponents.

FINAL TAKE: Neither of these teams wants a higher scoring game — especially when both of these teams are playing on a short week. Expect a lower scoring game. 25* NFL Thursday Night O/U Special Feature with Under the Total in the game between the Miami Dolphins (103) and the Houston Texans (104). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Appalachian State Mountaineers (109) and the Georgia Southern (110). THE SITUATION: Appalachian State (5-1) has won five straight games with their 27-17 win over UL-Lafayette on Saturday by a 27-17 score as a -24.5-point favorite. Georgia Southern (6-1) has won four games in a row themselves after their 48-31 win at New Mexico State as a 9.5-point favorite on Saturday.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Mountaineers have played 8 of their last 9 road games Under the Total after a double-digit win over a conference rival from the Sun Belt. They generated 258 yards on the ground in that win over the Ragin’s Cajuns — and they have then played 12 of their last 17 games Under the Total when rushing for at least 200 yards in their last game. Appalachian State churns time off the clock which helps their outstanding defense stay fresh. The Mountaineers rank 8th in the nation by holding their opponents to just 294.8 total YPG — and they also rank 11th in the FBS by limiting their opponents to just 15.7 PPG. Now this team goes back on the road where they have played 5 of their last 6 road games Under the Total against teams with a winning record at home. Appalachian State has also played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total against teams with a winning record. And in their last 6 games played on a Thursday night, they have played 5 of these games Under the Total. Georgia Southern has played 11 of their last 15 games Under the Total after a straight-up win —an they have played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after a point spread win. This team has also played 6 of their last 7 games Under the Total after scoring at least 40 points in their last contest. The Eagles gained 389 rushing yards in that game — and they have played 4 of their last 5 games Under the Total after rushing for at least 200 yards in their last contest. This team will certainly look to run the ball again tonight to keep the Mountaineers’ offense the field. Georgia Southern is only allowing 19.3 PPG which ranks 24th in the nation. They return home where they have played 4 straight games Under the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. The Eagles have also played 7 of their last 8 games Under the Total when playing on a Thursday night.

FINAL TAKE: These two teams have played 4 straight meetings Under the Total after Appalachian State won last year’s battle by a 27-6 score. Expect another lower-scoring game. 10* CFB Appalachian State-Georgia Southern ESPNU O/U Special with Under the Total in the game between the Appalachian State Mountaineers (109) and the Georgia Southern (110). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Virginia Tech Hokies (112) minus the points versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (111). THE SITUATION: Virginia Tech (4-2) looks to build off their 22-19 win at North Carolina back on October 13th as a 6.5-point favorite. Georgia Tech (3-4) looks to bounce-back from their 28-14 upset loss at home to Duke two Saturdays ago as a -1.5-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE HOKIES MINUS THE POINTS: Virginia Tech survived that game in Chapel Hills against the Tar Heels despite allowing 287 passing yards. The Hokies have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after allowing at least 280 passing yards in their last game. After playing three of their last four games on the road, Virginia Tech returns home where they will be playing just their third game this season. The Hokies have covered the point spread in 11 of their last 16 games on their home field. This team will certainly benefit from the extra week to prepare for the unique Yellow Jackets spread triple option. The last time that Virginia Tech faced Georgia Tech off a bye week was in 2015 where they upset them on the road by a 2-point underdog by a 23-21 score. Defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s defense limited the Jackets rushing attack to just 161 rushing yards with subpar a 3.43 Yards-Per-Carry. Foster’s defense this season ranks 27th in the nation by allowing ply 123.0 rushing YPG — along with just 3.7 YPC. Foster’s defense will certainly benefit from the extra week to prepare for this offense. As it is, the Hokies have covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a bye week. Georgia Tech (3-4) has failed to cover the point spread in 8 of their last 11 games after a double-digit loss at home — and they have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread loss. Furthermore, the Yellow Jackets are just 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. Now this team goes back on the road where they are just 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games away from home. Georgia Tech has also failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games against teams with a winning record.

FINAL TAKE: Virginia Tech will be motivated to avenge a 28-22 upset loss to this Georgia Tech team last year. This is an undervalued team as it not many upper echelon Power Conference teams that have only played at home twice this late into the season. The bye week should once again help Foster work his magic with his perennial outstanding defense. 10* CFB Thursday Daily Discounted Deal with the Virginia Tech Hokies (112) minus the points versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (111). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, we will be playing the Baylor Bears (113) plus the points versus the West Virginia Mountaineers (114). THE SITUATION: Baylor (4-3) looks to bounce-back from a 23-17 loss at Texas back on October 13th as a 14-point underdog. West Virginia (5-1) also looks to rebound from a 30-14 upset loss at Iowa State as a -4.5-point favorite two Saturdays.

REASONS TO TAKE THE BEARS PLUS THE POINTS: Baylor should play well tonight as they are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. While the Bears have lost two of their last three games, they should gain confidence from playing the Longhorns close in Austin in their last game. Matt Ruhle’s team was just 1-11 last year in his first-year as the head coach in Waco. That team has ravaged with injuries — but yet they played much better than their final record indicated as they were only outgained by -40 net YPG despite losing eight of their nine games in Big 12 play. Baylor has a promising quarterback in sophomore Charlie Brewer who is leading an offense that is 11th in the nation by averaging 313.3 passing YPG — and the Bears are 18th in FBS in total offense by averaging 475.0 total YPG. Ruhle’s team is outgaining their opponents by +67.1 net YPG — and they are also outgaining their opponents when playing on the road by +21.3 net YPG. Baylor is 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road — and they have covered the point spread in 10 of their last 16 road games as an underdog getting 10.5 to 14 points. West Virginia saw their undefeated season go by the wayside in that loss in Ames against the Cyclones which may have ruined their realistic chances of making the College Football Playoffs. The Mountaineers may be angry over that loss while still being galvanized with the fact that they still control their fate to win the Big 12 Conference Championship. But this team has not responded well to setbacks well under eighth-year head coach Dana Holgorsen. West Virginia has failed to cover the point spread in 27 of their last 40 games after an upset loss — and this includes them failing to cover the point spread in eleven of their last thirteen home games coming off an upset loss to a conference rival. The Mountaineers have also failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games after a double-digit upset loss as a road favorite. West Virginia was overwhelmed in that loss to Iowa State as they allowed 498 yards of offense while managing just 152 yards themselves. That is not a good sign for this game as they have failed to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after allowing at least 475 yards in their last game — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 12 of their last 18 games after being outgained by at least 225 yards. West Virginia’s struggles on offense are likely to continue as they are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after failing to score more than 20 points. The extra week of rest and preparation in the Holgorsen regime has not served the Mountaineers well either as they have failed to cover the point spread in 10 of their last 14 games after a bye week. West Virginia has also failed to cover the points spread in their last 4 games in the month of October.

FINAL TAKE: Despite everything that went wrong with the Bears last season, Baylor played the Mountaineers tough last year by losing by just a 38-36 score. They were trailing by a 38-13 sore before Ruhle put in Brewer in an attempt to spark the offense — and the freshman QB did by almost leading his team to the comeback victory. That experience should give this entire team confidence tonight — and the extra week Ruhle has had to help his defense scheme against the Holgorsen spread offense. 25* CFB Thursday FS1-TV Game of the Year with the Baylor Bears (113) plus the points versus the West Virginia Mountaineers (114). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday, we will be playing Under the Total in the game between the Troy Trojans (101) and the South Alabama Jaguars (102). THE SITUATION: Troy (5-2) enters this game coming off their 22-16 upset loss at Liberty back on October 13th as a 12-point favorite. South Alabama (2-5) looks to build off their 45-7 win over Alabama State as a 27.5-point favorite two Saturdays ago.

REASONS TO TAKE UNDER THE TOTAL: The Trojans have played 6 of their last 8 games Under the Total after a point spread loss — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after failing to score more than 20 points in their last game. This team had a hole to fill at quarterback in the offseason with the graduation of a four-year starter in Brandon Silvers. Junior Kaleb Barker was the top quarterback on the depth chart — but he has suffered a season-ending ACL injury. That leaves head coach Neal Brown to should between sophomore Sawyer Smith and freshman Gunner Watson who have played against the Flames but combined to pass for just 160 yards. Troy has played 5 of their last 6 games Under the Total after failing to pass for at least 170 yards in their last game. This team had to replace their top two running backs from last year in Jordan Chunn and Josh Anderson — top in line was junior Jamarius Henderson who averaged 7.9 Yards-Per-Carry last year but he has suspended indefinitely this season. That is a lot of attrition of offensive talent — and while the Trojans are scoring 33.7 PPG while averaging 413.6 total YPG, those numbers drop to 25.0 PPG along with just 338.3 total YPG in their three games on the road. Troy does hold their home hosts to just 22.7 PPG. The Under is 10-3-1 in their last 14 games on the road — and this includes them playing four of their last five road games Under the Total against teams with a losing record at home. Additionally, the Trojans have played 17 of their last 23 road games Under the Total in the month of October — and the Under is also 5-2-1 in their last 8 games in October overall. South Alabama has also experienced attrition at the quarterback position this season. The losses started in the spring when Dallas Davis left the program two days before the Spring Game. The senior had been the team’s starter in the previous two seasons. Fellow senior Cole Garvin was indefinitely suspended in mid-September leaving the team in the hands of senior Evan Orth who is leading an offense that is 113th in the nation by averaging just 343.0 total YPG. The Jaguars have played 8 of their last 9 games Under the Total after a straight-up win — and they have played 4 straight games Under the Total after a bye week. South Alabama has held their three visiting teams to just 22.7 PPG along with only 343.7 total YPG. The Jaguars defense has not forced a turnover in their last two games — but they have played 10 of their last 12 games Under the Total after a game where they did not force a turnover while also playing 17 of their last 23 games Under the Total after not forcing at least one turnover in each of their last two games. Additionally, the Under is 5-2-1 in South Alabama’s last 8 games in the month of October.

FINAL TAKE: The Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 meetings between these two teams. With both teams dealing with less than ideal quarterback situations and both coaching staffs having extra time to scheme and prepare for these respective offenses, expect a lower-scoring game. 25* CFB Sun Belt Conference Total of the Year with Under the Total in the game between the Troy Trojans (101) and the South Alabama Jaguars (102). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the New York Giants (475) and the Atlanta Falcons (476). THE SITUATION: New York (1-5) takes the field again after an embarrassing 34-13 loss at home to Philadelphia as a +1.5-point underdog two Thursdays ago on national television. Atlanta (2-4) survived a 34-29 victory at home last Sunday against Tampa Bay as a 3-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Atlanta has played five straight Overs in a row — and while I considered the Under as a contrarian play, expecting another higher-scoring game is the sound choice tonight. The Over is 16-5-1 in the Falcons’ last 22 games after allowing at least 30 points in their last game. The injuries on defense have simply decimated that unit for Atlanta — they rank second-to-last in the league by allowing 32.0 PPG while ranking 30th in the NFL by giving up 417.2 total YPG. Additionally, the Falcons rank last in the NFL by giving up 24 touchdowns so far this season — and they are last in the NFL by allowing their opponents to convert on 56.2% of their third downs so Eli Manning should have a good game tonight. As the injuries have mounted, Atlanta has allowed 35.0 PPG over their last four contests. The Falcons stay at home this week where they have played 4 straight games Over the Total — and they have played 7 of their last 8 road games Over the Total against teams with a losing record on the road. Furthermore, the Over is 11-1-1 in Atlanta’s last 13 games against teams with a losing record. And in their last 7 games on Monday Night Football, the Falcons have played 5 of these games Over the Total. New York (1-5) has played 5 of their last 8 games Over the Total after a loss by at least two touchdowns — and they have also played 45 of their last 77 games Over the Total after a loss to a fellow NFC East rival. The Giants have also played 3 of their last 4 games Over the Total after a straight-up loss this season. this team gets an important piece back on offense in tight end Evan Engram who has been out with a knee injury. His presence on the field should help Manning while opening things up for Odell Beckham Jr. and their rookie running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants passing game has not been bad with Manning under center — they rank 13th in the league by averaging 260.8 passing YPG. But New York is scoring only 19.5 PPG which is 27th in the NFL. Engram should really help their Red Zone offense. But defense remains a big problem for this team as they are allowing 27.0 PPG. Their lack of a pass rush will afford Matt Ryan plenty of time to find open targets — and two his preferred weapons (and complements to Julio Jones) in rookie Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu who have upgraded to probable for tonight’s game. The Giants have played 4 of their last 6 games Over the Total after allowing at least 30 points in their last game.

FINAL TAKE: While we were robbed of our Over last night in the Cincinnati-Kansas City game on Sunday Night Football, it would be foolish to react to that result with a knee-jerk Under. These high totals in the 50s don’t need much to finish below the number. But both of these defenses are struggling — and both of these offenses are primed to have good games. I will not be surprised if the Falcon score 30 points again which should put the Over in a good situation. 10* NFL NY Giants-Atlanta O/U ESPN Special with Over the Total in the game between the New York Giants (475) and the Atlanta Falcons (476). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:15 PM ET on Monday, we will be playing the New York Giants (475) plus the points versus the Atlanta Falcons (476). THE SITUATION: New York (1-5) takes the field again after an embarrassing 34-13 loss at home to Philadelphia as a +1.5-point underdog two Thursdays ago on national television. Atlanta (2-4) survived a 34-29 victory at home last Sunday against Tampa Bay as a 3-point favorite.

REASONS TO TAKE THE GIANTS PLUS THE POINTS: New York has lost three straight games amidst internal drama about the play of Eli Manning. But this team gets an important piece back on offense in tight end Evan Engram who has been out with a knee injury. His presence on the field should help Manning while opening things up for Odell Beckham Jr. and their rookie running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants passing game has not been bad with Manning under center — they rank 13th in the league by averaging 260.8 passing YPG. But New York is scoring only 19.5 PPG which is 27th in the NFL. Engram should really help their Red Zone offense. As it is, the Giants have rebound to cover the point spread in 6 of their last 8 games after a point spread loss — and they are 13-6-2 ATS in the last 21 games after a double-digit loss at home. New York did generate 401 yards of offense against the reigning Super Bowl Champions while outgaining the Eagles by +22 yards. The Giants have then covered the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after gaining at least 350 yards in their last game — and they have also covered the point spread in 4 straight games after failing to score more than 14 points. New York trailed after the first thirty minutes of this game by a 24-6 score after going into halftime the previous week against Carolina by a 20-13 score. A better start tonight is critical — and this team has covered the point spread in 13 of their last 15 games after allowing at least 17 points in the first half of their last two games. New York goes on the road where they have covered the point spread in 5 of their last 7 road games against teams with a winning record at home. They also have covered the point spread in when playing with extra rest and preparation after playing a Thursday game. Perhaps facing the M*A*S*H unit which is this Falcons team is just what the doctor ordered. Injuries on defense have decimated that unit for Atlanta — they rank second-to-last in the league by allowing 32.0 PPG while ranking 30th in the NFL by giving up 417.2 total YPG. Additionally, the Falcons rank last in the NFL by giving up 24 touchdowns so far this season — and they are last in the NFL by allowing their opponents to convert on 56.2% of their third downs so Manning should have a good game tonight. As the injuries have mounted, Atlanta has allowed 35.0 PPG over their last four contests. The Falcons outlasted the Buccaneers last week despite allowing 510 yards of offense (389 passing yards) and getting outgained by -93 yards. They benefited from a +2 net turnover margin in that game. But that does not bode well for Atlanta tonight as they have failed to cover the point spread in 5 of their last 6 games after a straight-up win — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 of their last 5 games after a point spread win. Furthermore, the Falcons have failed to cover the point spread in 25 of their last 30 home games after a win at home. Matt Ryan did lead Atlanta to outscore the Bucs in that game — but they have failed to cover the point spread in 4 straight games after scoring at least 30 points in their last game. The Falcons have also failed to cover the point spread in 6 straight games after generating at least 400 yards in their last game. Additionally, Atlanta has failed to cover the point spread in 13 of their last 16 games after allowing at least 250 passing yards in their last game. The Falcons have also failed to cover the point spread in 4 of the last 5 games against teams with a losing record — and they have failed to cover the point spread in 7 of their last 8 games in the month of October under head coach Dan Quinn.

FINAL TAKE: Both these teams are looking to salvage seasons that started with high expectations. Atlanta’s fall has been more devastation when considering they made the Super Bowl just two seasons ago but have now experienced seemingly insurmountable injuries. Add running back Devonta Freeman and their veteran kicker Matt Bryant who are also out for this game. The Giants are getting healthier — and they have played pretty well on the road where they are only being gained by -3.0 net YPG. 25* NFL Monday Night Football Game of the Month with the New York Giants (475) plus the points versus the Atlanta Falcons (476). Best of luck for us — Frank.

At 8:20 PM ET on Sunday, we will be playing Over the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals (463) and the Kansas City Chiefs (464). THE SITUATION: Cincinnati (4-2) looks to bounce-back from their 28-21 upset loss to Pittsburgh last week as a -1.5-point favorite. Kansas City (5-1) looks to rebound as well from their narrow 43-40 loss at New England last Sunday night as +3.5-point underdogs.

REASONS TO TAKE OVER THE TOTAL: Cincinnati has played their last two games Under the Total which might make the Under a tempting proposition tonight with the Total in the high-50s — but the Bengals have played 5 of their last 8 games Over the Total after playing two straight Unders. Cincinnati has also played 14 of their last 20 games Over the Total in the month of October. The Bengals are putting up plenty of points as they are ninth in the NFL by scoring 29.0 PPG — and that number rises to them scoring 30.7 rushing YPG on the road. But Cincinnati is also surrendering 30.0 PPG when playing away from home. The Bengals have played 4 straight games Over the Total on the road. Additionally, Cincinnati has played 5 of their last 7 games Over the Total against fellow AFC opponents. And in their last 6 games as an underdog getting 3.5 to 9.5 points, the Bengals have played 5 of these games Over the Total. Kansas City has played 5 of their last 6 games Over the Total after a loss by 6 points or less. Led by QB Patrick Mahomes, this Andy Reid offense has opened up for them to be scoring 35.8 PPG this season. The Chiefs generated 446 yards last week against the Patriots while averaging 8.42 Yards-Per-Play — and they have played 7 of their last 10 games Over the Total after averaging at least 6.5 YPP. However, injuries on defense with Eric Berry not having taken the field and now Justin Houston out with a hamstring issue have contributed to them allowing 28.7 PPG which is the sixth most in the NFL. But Kansas City allowed a whopping 510 yards to New England in that game — and they have played 9 of their last 11 games Over the Total after allowing at least 500 yards in their last game. Tom Brady passed for 327 yards in that contest a week after (the now benched for utter futility) Blake Bortles passed for 401 yards the previous week against this Chiefs defense. Kansas City has played 4 straight games Over the Total after allowing at least 250 yards in their last game — and they have played 10 of their last 14 games Over the Total after allowing at least 300 passing yards in two straight games.

FINAL TAKE: Betting totals involves anticipating the likely pace and tempo of the game in question. This is a high total in the 50s — but the Chiefs’ opponents are averaging 45 passing attempts per game which is the most in the NFL. These passing attempts produce bigger yardage plays as well as more stopped clocks which helps to create more scoring opportunities. Expect a high scoring game. 10* NFL Cincinnati-Kansas City O/U Special with Over the Total in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals (463) and the Kansas City Chiefs (464). Best of luck for us — Frank.