NBA Betting: Not one of the seven matchups Tuesday features two teams that each have a win-loss record above .500 but this Western Conference rivalry between the Suns and Trailblazers is a close as it gets.
Portland started last season at 12-8 before going on to win 50 games but the Trailblazers are 2-6-1 ATS vs. teams with a winning record. Sportsbook have the home side favored.
Phoenix (11-9) at Portland (9-11)
Line: Trailblazers -3
Over/Under: 204
Portland started the season 6-3 but fell into six-game spiral that sent their fans into a tizzy.
The Blazers led at half-time in three of the six losses and three were by four points or less, but was Sunday’s win against the Clippers a turning point or an aberration?
Strong play in the defensive zone will a key for Portland but the Suns (109.8 ppg) lead the league in scoring and for seven-straight games have notched 105-plus points per game. Look for the Trailblazers to fall behind in the second-half and for this game to finish with a margin of less than three.
Pick: Take the Suns
Washington (6-13) at L.A. Lakers (14-6)
Line: Lakers -13
Over/Under: 206.5
The Lakers won their first game in over a week Friday, beating Sacramento 113-80 SU/ATS. It was LA’s most convincing win of the season, covering the spread by more than 20 points, and after a three-day layoff the sports betting books are calling for more of the same.
The Wizards are a likely target, opening the season with a 0-10 SU record away from home, and looking back to last season when Washington was 1-6 SU through the first month away from home, the Lakers should be ready to pour it on thick.
Washington was beat up in Phoenix Sunday and the Wizards are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games that followed a loss of more than 10 points but in three games this season as an 11-point (or greater) underdog, Washington is 0-3 ATS.
Pick: Take the Lakers
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Champions League Picks: Matchday Six
This midweek sees the final games from the group stage of the Champions League, who will reach the knockout stages? We’re looking at the biggest games.
Group A sees Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan locked at the top of the table with ten points from their opening five matches and both are playing away games this Tuesday, with Spurs at FC Twente and Inter facing Werder Bremen, with the aim of topping the group. Of the two sides, Spurs are in better form and are unbeaten in their last six matches, while Inter have lost three of their last five games. How will these games go? Let’s look at the matchups and the updated Champions League odds.
Spurs face a tough task to claim all three points against an FC Twente side that has lost just one of its last 22 games at home in the last year, however they have not won in this year’s Champions League at home and have drawn both games played. Spurs are patchy on the road and have lost four of their last seven away games, and they have drawn one and lost one away in the Champions League this season.
However, with winning the group at stake we expect them to win this match and we’re backing them to win the game. Sportsbook have the current odds @ 2.00.
Both Werder Bremen and Inter Milan are in poor form, with Werder having collected one win their last nine games and they have earned just two points from their five Champions League games so far. At home they have won three, drawn three and lost three in their last nine games, including losing 2-0 to FC Twente recently. Inter are just as poor and have lost three and drawn one of their last four away games.
We cannot see either side winning this one and we’re backing the draw @ 2.98.
In action on Wednesday are Chelsea, who travel to France to face Marseille. Chelsea have already topped the group but Marseille need a point to ensure their progress, but can they get it? Chelsea are in terrible form with the Premier League champions having collected just two wins from their last seven games and their away form has seen them lose two and draw one of their last three games. Marseille are without a win, and a goal, in two matches but have won five and drawn two of their last seven games at home. They know they must get something from this game as Spartak Moscow are likely to beat MSK Žilina and we feel that with Chelsea’s poor form they’ll take all three points.
Back Marseille to beat Chelsea @ 2.04.
Group A sees Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan locked at the top of the table with ten points from their opening five matches and both are playing away games this Tuesday, with Spurs at FC Twente and Inter facing Werder Bremen, with the aim of topping the group. Of the two sides, Spurs are in better form and are unbeaten in their last six matches, while Inter have lost three of their last five games. How will these games go? Let’s look at the matchups and the updated Champions League odds.
Spurs face a tough task to claim all three points against an FC Twente side that has lost just one of its last 22 games at home in the last year, however they have not won in this year’s Champions League at home and have drawn both games played. Spurs are patchy on the road and have lost four of their last seven away games, and they have drawn one and lost one away in the Champions League this season.
However, with winning the group at stake we expect them to win this match and we’re backing them to win the game. Sportsbook have the current odds @ 2.00.
Both Werder Bremen and Inter Milan are in poor form, with Werder having collected one win their last nine games and they have earned just two points from their five Champions League games so far. At home they have won three, drawn three and lost three in their last nine games, including losing 2-0 to FC Twente recently. Inter are just as poor and have lost three and drawn one of their last four away games.
We cannot see either side winning this one and we’re backing the draw @ 2.98.
In action on Wednesday are Chelsea, who travel to France to face Marseille. Chelsea have already topped the group but Marseille need a point to ensure their progress, but can they get it? Chelsea are in terrible form with the Premier League champions having collected just two wins from their last seven games and their away form has seen them lose two and draw one of their last three games. Marseille are without a win, and a goal, in two matches but have won five and drawn two of their last seven games at home. They know they must get something from this game as Spartak Moscow are likely to beat MSK Žilina and we feel that with Chelsea’s poor form they’ll take all three points.
Back Marseille to beat Chelsea @ 2.04.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Premier League Pick: Aston Villa v Liverpool
Aston Villa v Liverpool
The final game of matchday sixteen in the Premier League sees twelfth placed Liverpool take on sixteenth placed Aston Villa in what promises to be an intriguing match. Who do the bookies will walk away with the spoils? Bet365 make Liverpool the 1.57 favourites to collect all three points, with an Aston Villa win available at 6.50 and the draw can be backed at odds of 3.80.
This season has not been a good season for Liverpool and with manager changes and the club being taken over, they have won just four of their opening fifteen games. However, they have collected a total of nineteen points in the league and thanks to the closeness of the league this season, a win in this match will send them rocketing up the table to seventh place. Their home form has been good recently and they have won all of their last three home games against Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and West Ham. For this game they are missing both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher through injury and Fernando Torres is still not hitting the heights that he can do when in form, so will they continue in their winning form?
Aston Villa are very much out of form at the moment and they are without a win in four matches after drawing 2-2 with Manchester United and losing 2-0 to Blackburn and 4-2 to Arsenal in the league as well as being eliminated by their biggest rivals Birmingham City in the Carling Cup. They are showing some good possession football, keeping the ball well and making chances, but they are failing to convert those chances into enough goals to win matches. Their away league form has seen them lose five of seven games on the road, beating just Wolves and also collecting a point against Fulham. That draw with Fulham came three games ago and that is their only point in four away league matches since beating Wolves at the end of September. Can they take advantage of Liverpool’s injury worries to secure just second away win of the season?
Head-to-head things do not look good for Villa as they have won just two of the twenty matches that these sides have played since 2000. Of the other eighteen games played in that time, Liverpool have won twelve and six have ended level. However, the last Villa win against Liverpool came at Anfield last season as the Midland side triumphed 3-1 and they will be looking for a repeat performance as their former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier looks to make a triumphant return to Anfield. How will the game go though?
With Liverpool missing Carragher in defence, we feel that they will be vulnerable to the speed of Aston Villa’s attacking players and with Paul Konchesky, especially, having a shocking season we can easily see Villa getting on the scoresheet. Liverpool also have to be backed to find the net at home with the trickery and skill of Torres, as well as the hard working Kuyt pushing forwards. We also feel that neither of these two sides has much, if any, advantage over each other and that they are likely to cancel each other out and we see a draw here, so these two bets are where we are putting our money this Monday night.
Check out the Picks Forum at Betrepublic.com for more Premier League and Champions League picks
We Recommend:
· Back Liverpool v Aston Villa to end as a draw @ 3.80.
Back both sides to score in the match @ 1.91
NFL Pick: Monday Night Football – New York Jets at New England Patriots
Monday Night Football betting action for tonight’s contest have favored the Patriots by more than 60-percent throughout the week, but online sportsbook haven’t moved the line off 3.5. New England is 11-3 ATS in its past 14 games as a home favorite by 3.5-to-10 points but in the most recent; an ATS loss Week 11 vs. Indianapolis, the Patriots needed a Red Zone takeaway in the final minute just to avoid the straight-up loss.
New York doubled up the Patriots 28-14 in Week 2, but it’s worth noting that in the past seven seasons, Bill Belichick’s squad holds a 12-4 advantage in 16 meetings, playoffs included. The Jets’ Mark Sanchez tossed three TD passes in the first meeting and for a while, it seemed the sophomore QB had curbed an interception tendency that tied him for second-most (20) in the league last season.
Bad decisions in his past six games have added up to eight picks, however, and the improvements we’ve seen from this young New England secondary since Week 2 could pose a serious threat to the Jets passing game.
UNIVERSITY OF BELICHICK.
The Patriots are plus-11 in turnovers this season while the Jets have a rating of plus-7. New England has won the turnover battle in seven of its past nine games and the defensive minded head coach/D-Co Belichick has done an amazing job teaching his guys how to play at an elite level.
The average age of New England’s defensive starters this season is 25.5 years – the youngest in Belichick’s 16 seasons of coaching.
SPREAD THE WEALTH
With Tom Brady as a leader, the defense will seldom be the big story in Foxboro. The Pats offense is one of only two teams (Chiefs) with fewer than 10 giveaways and rank at the top of the league for best turnover ratio.
This group has used original formations along with innovative playcalling to create chances for huge YAC-yardage. It’s going to be a much tougher challenge for a Jets defense that in Round 1, kept Brady to one of his least productive games all season.
NFL PICKS
Both teams have had extra time to prep since their Thanksgiving Day wins and it should be a slugfest down in the pit between the Patriots O-line and Jets defensive front seven. A lot will come down to whether or not Sanchez can keep his mistakes to a minimum and given the way New England’s defense has progressed, we expect the home side to have the upper hand. You can get the current NFL odds for the Monday nighter and Week 14 games at Sportsbetting.com.
We suggest you spend the extra money to buy this line down to three points and back the Patriots.
Pick: Take the Patriots
NFL Betting: Cowboys at Colts Pick
The words “Indianapolis Colts” and “losing streak” go together like Irish Cream and lime juice, also known as a Cement Mixer. It’s the kind of prank you play on your best enemy and this week the Dallas Cowboys (3-8) are the intended target.
Indianapolis (6-5) has lost three in a row and Peyton Manning has thrown seven picks the past two weeks after throwing just two the first seven games this season. It’s given sportsbook little choice but to post a modest betting line for the perennial favourite and the Colts look like a strong play for anyone making NFL picks this weekend.
DALLAS AT INDIANAPOLIS
Line: Colts -5.5
Over/Under: 47.5
Dallas is 3-0 ATS since making the change from Wade Phillips to Jason Garrett and they could very well be 3-0 straight-up had Roy Williams been more aware of the situation vs. New Orleans. That turnover was a key to the game and Indy’s -8 turnover ratio in the past two weeks is a key to why the Colts are on the outside of the playoff bubble looking in.
Indy is having huge problems running the ball but gets RB Hart back this week and the tandem of Hart and Brown should be more effective. The Colts are 10-1 SU at home the past five seasons off a home game (6-5 ATS), and 3-0 SU (2-1 ATS) when it was against a non-Conference foe. Their three opponents (and records that year) were the Redskins (5-11, 2006), Bucs (9-7, 2007) and Lions (0-16, 2008); quite a mix.
Indy won all three of those games by double-digits, covering the spread by an average 7.5 points per game. We look for Indianapolis to regroup and send a reminder to the rest of the league that they are not done yet.
Pick: Take the Colts
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY
Line: Chiefs -9.5
Over/Under: 48.5
Kansas City has an important two-game road trip starting in San Diego up next. If this contest wasn’t divisional we would be hesitant laying this many points but HC Todd Haley has a personal interest vested after the way Broncos HC Josh McDaniels ran up the score in Week 10.
Denver is 2-11 SU at Arrowhead in December since 1980, covering the spread just three times (1994-95, 2009), and though they dismantled the Chiefs here last season, Kansas City was playing without WR Bowe (suspension) at the time. Look for the Chiefs offense to cause matchup issues and for Kansas City to win this one by double-digits.
Pick: Take the Chiefs
Check all the updated NFL odds
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Premier League Picks
This weekend sees the 16th round of games from England’s Premier League and we’re previewing the biggest matches.
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool
The sports betting public will be checking their sportsbook accounts as they gear up for a bet on the biggest game of the week, when Liverpool face Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday night. Both sides faced midweek games and Liverpool ensured their progress to the last 32 of the Europa League with a 1-1 draw against Steaua Bucharest. Villa were eliminated from the Carling Cup Quarter Finals against local rivals Birmingham City.
Respectively, Liverpool have won their last four home games, while Villa are without a win five on the road and with both sides are not scoring many of late we expect this to be a low scoring game.
Our money is on under 2.5 goals @ 1.73.
Manchester United vs. Blackpool
Saturday’s late game sees newly promoted Blackpool host new league leaders Manchester United at Bloomfield Road. Blackpool had the week off to reflect on conceding two goals late against Bolton to go from leading 2-0 to drawing 2-2. Meanwhile, Manchester United were unceremoniously dumped out of the Carling Cup 4-0 by bottom of the league West Ham to end their unbeaten run. After the first side defeated Blackburn 7-1 at the weekend and were then rested for the Carling Cup, they will be confident of winning this game, but Blackpool are an enigma and could easily surprise the odds here.
As a result of this, we’re backing goals over 2.5 goals. Online sportsbook have the odds @ 1.38.
Everton at Chelsea
With Manchester United playing the late game, Chelsea will be looking to go back to the top of the league, for a while at least, as they take on Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. Neither of these sides are in good form and Chelsea have collected just one point from their last three Premier League games and four points from their last five matches in the league. Everton have just three draws to show from their last five league fixtures and they were beaten 4-1 at home by West Brom last week. Chelsea should win this one, but as both sides are struggling for goals, our bet for this match is under 2.5 goals to be scored in the game @ 2.00.
SEC Championship Pick: Auburn vs. South Carolina
It’s round two for Auburn and South Carolina, as these two faced off earlier in the season. That meeting resulted in a come-from-behind 35-27 win for the Tigers. Now they meet in the SEC Championship game, the first time since 1994 Auburn has played in the Conference title matchup.
The Tigers come in fresh of that wildly entertaining victory last week vs. Alabama in which they overcame a 24-0 deficit. Falling behind early only to rally for wins has become somewhat of a trademark for Auburn this season, as they’ve done it in eight of their 12 wins.
Sportsbook have this game set with Auburn as a 5.5-point favourite and a Total of 61.5. The Tigers have a record of 7-1 ATS versus conference opponents this season.
While Auburn fans are excitedly booking tickets to Arizona to watch their team in the BCS Championship game on January 10th, the Gamecocks have a real shot at upending all those plans. Coach Spurrier’s team already proved they can hang with the Tigers in that 35-27 loss in late September. It was four South Carolina turnovers that snapped the defeat from the jaws of victory, as they let Auburn off the hook.
The Gamecock defense has been impressive all season, and while controlling Cam Newton and Co. Is a very difficult proposition, if they can get some help from the offense, they could be up for the task. First off, they need the offense to stay on the field for long drives and not the turn the ball over. In fact, if QB Stephen Garcia can put together a performance similar to the first three quarters of the first meeting (235 yards passing, 3TDs and no interceptions) they have a legitimate shot at winning this game.
We specifically say the first three quarters, because things got ugly for Garcia in the fourth quarter. Not only for him but for backup QB Connor Shaw. Why was backup QB Shaw playing? After two fumbles in the fourth, the Old Ball Coach blew his lid and pulled Garcia, sending his backup in. Shaw promptly threw two interceptions in the Auburn red zone, sealing the comeback win for the Tigers.
It’s hard to see another total fourth quarter meltdown. South Carolina showed they can move the ball, now they just need to hang on to it. And they are the team with the better defense in this one.
To us, that adds up to a play on the underdog Gamecocks and who knows, they could win this one straight up, creating BCS chaos.
Enjoy all the college football games. You can check the NCAA football odds
The Tigers come in fresh of that wildly entertaining victory last week vs. Alabama in which they overcame a 24-0 deficit. Falling behind early only to rally for wins has become somewhat of a trademark for Auburn this season, as they’ve done it in eight of their 12 wins.
Sportsbook have this game set with Auburn as a 5.5-point favourite and a Total of 61.5. The Tigers have a record of 7-1 ATS versus conference opponents this season.
While Auburn fans are excitedly booking tickets to Arizona to watch their team in the BCS Championship game on January 10th, the Gamecocks have a real shot at upending all those plans. Coach Spurrier’s team already proved they can hang with the Tigers in that 35-27 loss in late September. It was four South Carolina turnovers that snapped the defeat from the jaws of victory, as they let Auburn off the hook.
The Gamecock defense has been impressive all season, and while controlling Cam Newton and Co. Is a very difficult proposition, if they can get some help from the offense, they could be up for the task. First off, they need the offense to stay on the field for long drives and not the turn the ball over. In fact, if QB Stephen Garcia can put together a performance similar to the first three quarters of the first meeting (235 yards passing, 3TDs and no interceptions) they have a legitimate shot at winning this game.
We specifically say the first three quarters, because things got ugly for Garcia in the fourth quarter. Not only for him but for backup QB Connor Shaw. Why was backup QB Shaw playing? After two fumbles in the fourth, the Old Ball Coach blew his lid and pulled Garcia, sending his backup in. Shaw promptly threw two interceptions in the Auburn red zone, sealing the comeback win for the Tigers.
It’s hard to see another total fourth quarter meltdown. South Carolina showed they can move the ball, now they just need to hang on to it. And they are the team with the better defense in this one.
To us, that adds up to a play on the underdog Gamecocks and who knows, they could win this one straight up, creating BCS chaos.
Enjoy all the college football games. You can check the NCAA football odds
Friday, December 3, 2010
Serie A Picks
Serie A Picks: This weekend’s Serie A action runs from Friday night to Monday and Sportsbook is here with some great tips on the biggest games from the games being played.
Inter Milan vs. Lazio
The weekend begins on Friday night with the biggest game of the 10 being played as former league leaders Lazio entertain fifth placed Inter Milan the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. After losing top spot in the league at the start of November thanks to two straight defeats to Roma and Cesena, Lazio have bounced back with two wins and two draws in the following four games. They lie second in the table, just three points behind AC Milan, and they are four points ahead of Inter. Inter have won their last two matches, and even scored five goals in their last game, but they have not won away from home since the end of October. Despite this, they are improving again. We feel that this game will end as a draw. Sportsbooks have this line at 2.73, which we are backing.
Juventus vs. Catania
Sunday’s late game promises to be an excellent game as Catania host Juventus at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. Catania are eleventh in the table and have lost just one of their last eight games and are unbeaten in 2010 at home, a run of 21 games. Juventus are third in the table, just three points behind Lazio in second, but have drawn nine of their last fourteen games. However, they have won the other six matches. On the road they are unbeaten in nine games and they have only lost once away this season. Where are we betting though? Both sides have not scored many goals this season and we’re expecting few goals again.
Our cash is on under 2.5 goals @ 1.61.
Brescia vs. AC Milan
The final game we’re looking at sees AC Milan welcome newly promoted Brescia to the San Siro on Saturday evening. AC Milan are in impressive form and have won five and drawn two of their last seven games, and they have lost just once in their last sixteen home games. Brescia have claimed just three points from their last seven games, losing four and drawing three times. They sit outside the relegation places on goal difference alone and they have picked up just four points from a possible twenty-four available from eight away games this season.
We expect an easy AC Milan win. Online sportsbooks have them at 1.12.
Inter Milan vs. Lazio
The weekend begins on Friday night with the biggest game of the 10 being played as former league leaders Lazio entertain fifth placed Inter Milan the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. After losing top spot in the league at the start of November thanks to two straight defeats to Roma and Cesena, Lazio have bounced back with two wins and two draws in the following four games. They lie second in the table, just three points behind AC Milan, and they are four points ahead of Inter. Inter have won their last two matches, and even scored five goals in their last game, but they have not won away from home since the end of October. Despite this, they are improving again. We feel that this game will end as a draw. Sportsbooks have this line at 2.73, which we are backing.
Juventus vs. Catania
Sunday’s late game promises to be an excellent game as Catania host Juventus at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. Catania are eleventh in the table and have lost just one of their last eight games and are unbeaten in 2010 at home, a run of 21 games. Juventus are third in the table, just three points behind Lazio in second, but have drawn nine of their last fourteen games. However, they have won the other six matches. On the road they are unbeaten in nine games and they have only lost once away this season. Where are we betting though? Both sides have not scored many goals this season and we’re expecting few goals again.
Our cash is on under 2.5 goals @ 1.61.
Brescia vs. AC Milan
The final game we’re looking at sees AC Milan welcome newly promoted Brescia to the San Siro on Saturday evening. AC Milan are in impressive form and have won five and drawn two of their last seven games, and they have lost just once in their last sixteen home games. Brescia have claimed just three points from their last seven games, losing four and drawing three times. They sit outside the relegation places on goal difference alone and they have picked up just four points from a possible twenty-four available from eight away games this season.
We expect an easy AC Milan win. Online sportsbooks have them at 1.12.
La Liga Picks: Valencia vs. Real Madrid
La Liga Picks: Following Barcelona’s 5-0 thumping of Real Madrid last weekend, we’re back to business in Spain’s top division and we’re here to preview the biggest games.
Valencia vs. Real Madrid
For a second weekend running, Real Madrid are involved in the match of the weekend and they will be looking to claim all three points as they host Valencia at the Bernabeu on Saturday night. Their loss to Barcelona was their first defeat all season. Jose Mourinho has to be feeling that his side will collect all three points after winning each of the nine games played at home this season by an aggregate scoreline of 32-4. The last time they were beaten at home was in April and that loss came to Barcelona. They followed that up by beating Valencia in the next game. Will they do the same? We believe so.
We’re backing them to win. Sportsbook have them at odds of 1.23.
Villarreal vs. Sevilla
The weekend’s other big game sees third placed Villarreal take on the side in eighth, Sevilla, at the Camp El Madrigal stadium. Villarreal have a home record almost as impressive as Real Madrid as they have played ten matches at home in all competitions this season, winning nine and drawing one. Sevilla have lost both of their last two matches and they have lost two of their last three away games, conceding ten goals in those three matches. However, we are not expecting many goals to be scored in this game as both sides are tight defensively in general.
Our pick from this match is under 2.5 goals @ 1.88
Osasuna v Barcelona
The next game we’re looking at is the Osasuna v Barcelona game at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra where Barca will be looking to extend their winning run to seven games. Their last three games have seen them keep three clean sheets and score an amazing 16 goals with Real Madrid and Almeria falling in the league and Panathinaikos losing in the Champions League. Osasuna have lost three of their last four games, but all of those losses have come on the road. At home Osasuna are unbeaten this season with four wins and three draws to their name, but they have not faced a side as good or as in form as Barcelona this season and we see Barcelona winning this one easily and scoring a few goals. Online sportsbook have the line at 1.09.
Our recommendations are Barcelona to beat Osasuna @ 1.09 and also over 2.5 goals in the game @ 1.48.
Good luck this weekend
Valencia vs. Real Madrid
For a second weekend running, Real Madrid are involved in the match of the weekend and they will be looking to claim all three points as they host Valencia at the Bernabeu on Saturday night. Their loss to Barcelona was their first defeat all season. Jose Mourinho has to be feeling that his side will collect all three points after winning each of the nine games played at home this season by an aggregate scoreline of 32-4. The last time they were beaten at home was in April and that loss came to Barcelona. They followed that up by beating Valencia in the next game. Will they do the same? We believe so.
We’re backing them to win. Sportsbook have them at odds of 1.23.
Villarreal vs. Sevilla
The weekend’s other big game sees third placed Villarreal take on the side in eighth, Sevilla, at the Camp El Madrigal stadium. Villarreal have a home record almost as impressive as Real Madrid as they have played ten matches at home in all competitions this season, winning nine and drawing one. Sevilla have lost both of their last two matches and they have lost two of their last three away games, conceding ten goals in those three matches. However, we are not expecting many goals to be scored in this game as both sides are tight defensively in general.
Our pick from this match is under 2.5 goals @ 1.88
Osasuna v Barcelona
The next game we’re looking at is the Osasuna v Barcelona game at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra where Barca will be looking to extend their winning run to seven games. Their last three games have seen them keep three clean sheets and score an amazing 16 goals with Real Madrid and Almeria falling in the league and Panathinaikos losing in the Champions League. Osasuna have lost three of their last four games, but all of those losses have come on the road. At home Osasuna are unbeaten this season with four wins and three draws to their name, but they have not faced a side as good or as in form as Barcelona this season and we see Barcelona winning this one easily and scoring a few goals. Online sportsbook have the line at 1.09.
Our recommendations are Barcelona to beat Osasuna @ 1.09 and also over 2.5 goals in the game @ 1.48.
Good luck this weekend
Thursday, December 2, 2010
NFL Betting: Early Week 13 Pick
Some say the league didn’t come down hard enough on Denver head Coach, Josh McDaniels for his part in the Spygate II scandal but after watching the St. Louis Rams pummel the last place Broncos Sunday on their own turf, is there any more discipline required?
McDaniels is on the hot seat in Denver and after the success Jason Garrett (3-0 ATS) and Leslie Frazier (1-0 ATS) have experienced since taking over the head coaching jobs in Dallas and Minnesota, a change of scenery in the Rockies could be eminent.
Denver lost a close one to the Jets in Week 6 that they had every right to win. Since then, the only two highlights for the Broncos have been a 35-point scoring spree in the first-half against the Chiefs and 20 fourth quarter points against the Rams in Week 12.
Online sportsbook set the betting odds for Denver and Kansas City this week at Chiefs (-7) but that line did not last through Arizona’s first fumble in the Monday Night Football game vs. San Francisco.
Sportsbetting.com currently lists the Chiefs (-9) and picks on Kansas City at home this season have produced a 4-1 ATS record – that’s a profit of plus-2.9 units.
Kansas City’s veteran coaches will have learned from their mistakes of the last meeting but in this short turn-around situation between division rivals we predict a much lower scoring game than the 49-29 final in Week 10.
Pick: Take the Under
NFL DRAFT PROP
Sure, it’s a long way from now but file this for when sportsbooks begin to offer betting futures on the NFL Draft.
Patriots' tight end Aaron Hernandez, the youngest player in the NFL, was drafted in the fourth round. As part of the new ‘No prima donna’ offense, the Patriots went after young TEs in the draft that they could turn into playmakers with an offensive package that reduces personnel changes.
Early draft prediction for 2011: TEs will be in high demand. It’s a copycat league and when sub-.500 teams see the kind of success Belichick has had they will be lining up to give it a shot next year.
Bet the "Over" 2.5 for ‘Number of TEs drafted first round.
BROWNS FLASHBACK
Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis is the first Browns running back with 10 rush TDs since Kevin Mack in 1986. While this year’s edition will not be making an appearance in the AFC Championship game in January, they are a very attractive underdog bet in Week 13.
Miami allowed a whopping 128 rushing yards per game in its four games prior to the win at Oakland. The Dolphins are also just 1-4 SU at home this year.
Pick: Take the Browns
McDaniels is on the hot seat in Denver and after the success Jason Garrett (3-0 ATS) and Leslie Frazier (1-0 ATS) have experienced since taking over the head coaching jobs in Dallas and Minnesota, a change of scenery in the Rockies could be eminent.
Denver lost a close one to the Jets in Week 6 that they had every right to win. Since then, the only two highlights for the Broncos have been a 35-point scoring spree in the first-half against the Chiefs and 20 fourth quarter points against the Rams in Week 12.
Online sportsbook set the betting odds for Denver and Kansas City this week at Chiefs (-7) but that line did not last through Arizona’s first fumble in the Monday Night Football game vs. San Francisco.
Sportsbetting.com currently lists the Chiefs (-9) and picks on Kansas City at home this season have produced a 4-1 ATS record – that’s a profit of plus-2.9 units.
Kansas City’s veteran coaches will have learned from their mistakes of the last meeting but in this short turn-around situation between division rivals we predict a much lower scoring game than the 49-29 final in Week 10.
Pick: Take the Under
NFL DRAFT PROP
Sure, it’s a long way from now but file this for when sportsbooks begin to offer betting futures on the NFL Draft.
Patriots' tight end Aaron Hernandez, the youngest player in the NFL, was drafted in the fourth round. As part of the new ‘No prima donna’ offense, the Patriots went after young TEs in the draft that they could turn into playmakers with an offensive package that reduces personnel changes.
Early draft prediction for 2011: TEs will be in high demand. It’s a copycat league and when sub-.500 teams see the kind of success Belichick has had they will be lining up to give it a shot next year.
Bet the "Over" 2.5 for ‘Number of TEs drafted first round.
BROWNS FLASHBACK
Cleveland’s Peyton Hillis is the first Browns running back with 10 rush TDs since Kevin Mack in 1986. While this year’s edition will not be making an appearance in the AFC Championship game in January, they are a very attractive underdog bet in Week 13.
Miami allowed a whopping 128 rushing yards per game in its four games prior to the win at Oakland. The Dolphins are also just 1-4 SU at home this year.
Pick: Take the Browns
NBA Betting: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Basketball betting storylines for the first month of the season have led to Thursday night’s matchup between the Miami Heat (-4.5) and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Online Sportsbook were projecting the Heat as nine-point favorites for this contest when the season began (with NBA Prospective lines), but given Miami’s current seven-game streak of losses against the spread (ATS), it’s a wonder they’re even favored at all.
Cleveland has posted a 4-4 ATS record the past while but they were underdogs in 7-of-8. The Cavs have an illustrious 5-0 record straight-up (SU) and ATS vs. Miami since March of 2009, but LeBron James was Cleveland’s leading scorer in four out of five games.
Ah yes, King James. Where would the Cleveland franchise be without their deserting leader? James averaged more than 28 points per game the past five years with Cleveland and so far this year with the Heat is netting just 23.7 points per contest.
James was good for 31.6 points in the past five meetings between these teams and this season through 17 games the King has crowned 32-plus points only three times.
Sportsbooks are giving bettors a chance to bet on nearly every aspect of this game, offering betting prop and Over/Under odds for how many points LeBron will score, does Chris Bosh remain an afterthought (O/U 19 points) and an exotic prop on whether or not James will do his patented powder move that became famous during his past seven seasons.
The routine involves filling his hands with white powdered rosin and tossing it above his head just before tip-off, creating a dust cloud that has become as much his signature as any powerful dunk.
All eyes in the basketball betting world will be on Cleveland Thursday night and the early public betting percentages show more than 70-percent of NBA picks lay with the favorite covering the spread.
As the betting action heats up and the shot clock to tip-off counts down, expect more betting options to come available.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has thrown gas on the fire, hiring a law firm to investigate whether the Heat violated NBA rules in their recruitment of LeBron James.
It has all the makings of a mid-week drama. Just what the league was hoping for.
Enjoy the game!
Online Sportsbook were projecting the Heat as nine-point favorites for this contest when the season began (with NBA Prospective lines), but given Miami’s current seven-game streak of losses against the spread (ATS), it’s a wonder they’re even favored at all.
Cleveland has posted a 4-4 ATS record the past while but they were underdogs in 7-of-8. The Cavs have an illustrious 5-0 record straight-up (SU) and ATS vs. Miami since March of 2009, but LeBron James was Cleveland’s leading scorer in four out of five games.
Ah yes, King James. Where would the Cleveland franchise be without their deserting leader? James averaged more than 28 points per game the past five years with Cleveland and so far this year with the Heat is netting just 23.7 points per contest.
James was good for 31.6 points in the past five meetings between these teams and this season through 17 games the King has crowned 32-plus points only three times.
Sportsbooks are giving bettors a chance to bet on nearly every aspect of this game, offering betting prop and Over/Under odds for how many points LeBron will score, does Chris Bosh remain an afterthought (O/U 19 points) and an exotic prop on whether or not James will do his patented powder move that became famous during his past seven seasons.
The routine involves filling his hands with white powdered rosin and tossing it above his head just before tip-off, creating a dust cloud that has become as much his signature as any powerful dunk.
All eyes in the basketball betting world will be on Cleveland Thursday night and the early public betting percentages show more than 70-percent of NBA picks lay with the favorite covering the spread.
As the betting action heats up and the shot clock to tip-off counts down, expect more betting options to come available.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has thrown gas on the fire, hiring a law firm to investigate whether the Heat violated NBA rules in their recruitment of LeBron James.
It has all the makings of a mid-week drama. Just what the league was hoping for.
Enjoy the game!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
49ers vs Cardinals: Monday Night Football Picks
49ers vs Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals were in Kansas City last week while the San Francisco 49ers endured their first home shutout since 1977 at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After Sunday’s results the NFC West race has been transformed into a three-team race. The competitors are Seattle (5-6), St. Louis (5-6), and the winner of tonight’s game.
SAN FRANCISCO (3-7) AT ARIZONA (3-7)
Sportsbook have the number on this one set as the 49ers -1 and the Total is 40.
The fantasy ride for quarterback Troy Smith could be short-lived but this week he gets one more chance. Coach Singletary said he wouldn’t hesitate to bench QB Smith if he’s playing a miserable game and Alex Smith is second on the depth chart.
TE Vernon Davis, who left the game against Tampa Bay with an ankle injury, should be fine but San Francisco needs to hitch its wagon to Frank Gore.
Gore (foot) is coming off his worst game of the season against Tampa Bay and it could have partly been due to his injury, but this week he is ready to go. Arizona’s front seven is beat up right now and Gore could be the key to opening up room for the passing game.
Arizona HC Whisenhunt is under pressure to produce on offense and critics are starting to question why the team won’t bring in an offensive co-ordinator. The Cardinals will go with Derek Anderson at QB but look for Whisenhunt to open the playbook and try to get WR Fitzgerald involved early.
Arizona has played 7 overs and 2 unders in its past nine games overall.
BETTING TRENDS
Joe Public bettors made huge gains in Week 11 and after the two big favs on Thanksgiving cashed tickets it looked like oddsmakers were getting ready for another bath. Sports betting can be an evil mistress, though, and the heaviest percentage bets for Sunday had a rough day.
Favorites went 4-7 ATS and San Francisco is getting the public nod for tonight.
- The 49ers have a 17-5 ATS record in their past 22 Monday Night game including a cover earlier this year vs. New Orleans.
Sportsbetting.com manager Brian Taylor stated that as of late Sunday evening they had 60% of the volume on San Francisco and 57% on the Over.
NFL PICKS
The winner of tonight’s game will still have a hill to climb if they hope to stay alive in the battle for the playoffs. The loser can start plotting a draft strategy and selecting candidates for the soon to be vacant head coaching post.
We have a hard time building an argument to support either side but project that the game will see enough scoring to go Over the total.
Pick: Take the Over
After Sunday’s results the NFC West race has been transformed into a three-team race. The competitors are Seattle (5-6), St. Louis (5-6), and the winner of tonight’s game.
SAN FRANCISCO (3-7) AT ARIZONA (3-7)
Sportsbook have the number on this one set as the 49ers -1 and the Total is 40.
The fantasy ride for quarterback Troy Smith could be short-lived but this week he gets one more chance. Coach Singletary said he wouldn’t hesitate to bench QB Smith if he’s playing a miserable game and Alex Smith is second on the depth chart.
TE Vernon Davis, who left the game against Tampa Bay with an ankle injury, should be fine but San Francisco needs to hitch its wagon to Frank Gore.
Gore (foot) is coming off his worst game of the season against Tampa Bay and it could have partly been due to his injury, but this week he is ready to go. Arizona’s front seven is beat up right now and Gore could be the key to opening up room for the passing game.
Arizona HC Whisenhunt is under pressure to produce on offense and critics are starting to question why the team won’t bring in an offensive co-ordinator. The Cardinals will go with Derek Anderson at QB but look for Whisenhunt to open the playbook and try to get WR Fitzgerald involved early.
Arizona has played 7 overs and 2 unders in its past nine games overall.
BETTING TRENDS
Joe Public bettors made huge gains in Week 11 and after the two big favs on Thanksgiving cashed tickets it looked like oddsmakers were getting ready for another bath. Sports betting can be an evil mistress, though, and the heaviest percentage bets for Sunday had a rough day.
Favorites went 4-7 ATS and San Francisco is getting the public nod for tonight.
- The 49ers have a 17-5 ATS record in their past 22 Monday Night game including a cover earlier this year vs. New Orleans.
Sportsbetting.com manager Brian Taylor stated that as of late Sunday evening they had 60% of the volume on San Francisco and 57% on the Over.
NFL PICKS
The winner of tonight’s game will still have a hill to climb if they hope to stay alive in the battle for the playoffs. The loser can start plotting a draft strategy and selecting candidates for the soon to be vacant head coaching post.
We have a hard time building an argument to support either side but project that the game will see enough scoring to go Over the total.
Pick: Take the Over
Monday, November 29, 2010
NFL Week 12 Picks: Big Games for Week 12
NFL Week 12 Picks: It doesn’t matter if NFL players actually watch any of the action unfold during Thursday’s Thanksgiving triple-header; they know the results by Friday morning.
How it affects the players on Atlanta to see Drew Brees pass for more than 350 yards on the road against Dallas? Another mystery, but Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 285-plus in five of his past six outings so the Falcons defensive backs better be ready!
GREEN BAY AT ATLANTA
Line: Falcons -2
Over/Under: 47.5
The Packers sandwiched their bye week with impressive wins against Dallas and Minnesota, leaving a trail of coaching casualties in their wake. The Falcons have had a few extra days after beating Baltimore on Thursday (Week 11) and they’ll face a Packers team that’s allowed only one TD on 31 drives in their last three games.
Atlanta is 3-2 ATS at home this year and was 5-1 ATS when laying points in 2009. QB Ryan’s (18-1 SU) strong run of straight-up home wins gets a ton of publicity but it’s well deserved; the guy knows how to get the job done.
Online sportsbook opened the line for this game at Falcons -2 and public betting percentages show a 70-30 split of ATS betting action, Green Bay getting the majority.
The Falcons won their final four games of the season ATS last year and are 11-2 SU in their past 13 overall. In what could be a preview for the NFC Conference Final we like the betting value on the home favorite.
Pick: Take the Falcons
In another one of the more popular games for online betting this week, probably more because of the storylines leading up to it than then actually matchup itself, Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre square-off for the final time at FedEx Field.
MINNESOTA AT WASHINGTON
Line: Redskins -1.5
Over/Under: 43
After compiling a 40-37 straight-up record in five seasons with Minnesota, Brad Childress was fired this week after the Vikings were blown out by division rival Green Bay.
Leslie Frazier has become the second interim coach named in the past two weeks and Minnesota can only hope to enjoy the same success the Dallas Cowboys have enjoyed under interim coach Jason Garrett.
It was fairly obvious how big the rift between Childress-Favre had become and we know who will be calling the shots vs. Washington. Look for an up-tempo offense utilizing RB Peterson and all of the WRs to spread out the field.
On defense, the Vikings front seven will keep QB McNabb guessing. If the secondary can take something positive out of last week’s disaster they have a chance for redemption against the league’s 27th rated passing game (76.1).
Pick: Take the Vikings
How it affects the players on Atlanta to see Drew Brees pass for more than 350 yards on the road against Dallas? Another mystery, but Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 285-plus in five of his past six outings so the Falcons defensive backs better be ready!
GREEN BAY AT ATLANTA
Line: Falcons -2
Over/Under: 47.5
The Packers sandwiched their bye week with impressive wins against Dallas and Minnesota, leaving a trail of coaching casualties in their wake. The Falcons have had a few extra days after beating Baltimore on Thursday (Week 11) and they’ll face a Packers team that’s allowed only one TD on 31 drives in their last three games.
Atlanta is 3-2 ATS at home this year and was 5-1 ATS when laying points in 2009. QB Ryan’s (18-1 SU) strong run of straight-up home wins gets a ton of publicity but it’s well deserved; the guy knows how to get the job done.
Online sportsbook opened the line for this game at Falcons -2 and public betting percentages show a 70-30 split of ATS betting action, Green Bay getting the majority.
The Falcons won their final four games of the season ATS last year and are 11-2 SU in their past 13 overall. In what could be a preview for the NFC Conference Final we like the betting value on the home favorite.
Pick: Take the Falcons
In another one of the more popular games for online betting this week, probably more because of the storylines leading up to it than then actually matchup itself, Donovan McNabb and Brett Favre square-off for the final time at FedEx Field.
MINNESOTA AT WASHINGTON
Line: Redskins -1.5
Over/Under: 43
After compiling a 40-37 straight-up record in five seasons with Minnesota, Brad Childress was fired this week after the Vikings were blown out by division rival Green Bay.
Leslie Frazier has become the second interim coach named in the past two weeks and Minnesota can only hope to enjoy the same success the Dallas Cowboys have enjoyed under interim coach Jason Garrett.
It was fairly obvious how big the rift between Childress-Favre had become and we know who will be calling the shots vs. Washington. Look for an up-tempo offense utilizing RB Peterson and all of the WRs to spread out the field.
On defense, the Vikings front seven will keep QB McNabb guessing. If the secondary can take something positive out of last week’s disaster they have a chance for redemption against the league’s 27th rated passing game (76.1).
Pick: Take the Vikings
Saturday, November 27, 2010
La Liga Betting – Matchday 13
There may be a full round of action in La Liga this weekend, but there is only one game being talked about – El Clásico at the Nou Camp on Monday night as Barcelona host their biggest rivals Real Madrid. Where is the betting value on this one? Let’s look at the biggest La Liga games.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
Sportsbooks, fans and bettors are all looking forward to this one on Monday night, as Barcelona welcome their biggest domestic rivals to the Nou Camp as they look to record their 5th successive El Clásico win over the side from the capital. Will they be able to do so, as Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho are a different, and more difficult to defeat, side than in recent years.
Both sides go into this crucial encounter having won their last five matches in all competitions, and Real Madrid head the Catalan side in the league by just a single point thanks to their ten wins and two draws in the league this season compared to Barca’s ten wins, one draw and one loss. They have already streaked away from the rest of the league and are seven points ahead of third placed Villarreal in a league of their own. Barca have proved their vulnerability at home this season with their loss to Hercules early in the season and while they have improved they do not look as consistent as Real Madrid do this season.
Barca have definitely improved in recent times and, while they will be fired up for this game, Jose Mourinho will want to turn around Real’s lack of victories in this fixture. And we feel he will claim all three points in this match by setting out a solid defensive side and keep the game low scoring and take all three points.
Pick: Looking at the current La Liga odds at online sportsbook, we’re backing both a Real Madrid win @ 3.01 and under 2.5 goals in this match @ 2.15.
Villarreal vs. Real Zaragoza
Third placed Villarreal know that they will be able to close the gap to one, if not both, of the sides at the top of the table this weekend with a win and they face Real Zaragoza this weekend in their match. Zaragoza have won just one game at home this season and sit bottom of the table having conceded 10 goals in their last 5 home games. Villarreal have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five away games and have scored nine goals in those matches and we feel that they are likely to win this game.
Pick: However, we feel the best value for this match is on the goals market and we’re backing over 2.5 goals @ 1.70.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
Sportsbooks, fans and bettors are all looking forward to this one on Monday night, as Barcelona welcome their biggest domestic rivals to the Nou Camp as they look to record their 5th successive El Clásico win over the side from the capital. Will they be able to do so, as Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho are a different, and more difficult to defeat, side than in recent years.
Both sides go into this crucial encounter having won their last five matches in all competitions, and Real Madrid head the Catalan side in the league by just a single point thanks to their ten wins and two draws in the league this season compared to Barca’s ten wins, one draw and one loss. They have already streaked away from the rest of the league and are seven points ahead of third placed Villarreal in a league of their own. Barca have proved their vulnerability at home this season with their loss to Hercules early in the season and while they have improved they do not look as consistent as Real Madrid do this season.
Barca have definitely improved in recent times and, while they will be fired up for this game, Jose Mourinho will want to turn around Real’s lack of victories in this fixture. And we feel he will claim all three points in this match by setting out a solid defensive side and keep the game low scoring and take all three points.
Pick: Looking at the current La Liga odds at online sportsbook, we’re backing both a Real Madrid win @ 3.01 and under 2.5 goals in this match @ 2.15.
Villarreal vs. Real Zaragoza
Third placed Villarreal know that they will be able to close the gap to one, if not both, of the sides at the top of the table this weekend with a win and they face Real Zaragoza this weekend in their match. Zaragoza have won just one game at home this season and sit bottom of the table having conceded 10 goals in their last 5 home games. Villarreal have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five away games and have scored nine goals in those matches and we feel that they are likely to win this game.
Pick: However, we feel the best value for this match is on the goals market and we’re backing over 2.5 goals @ 1.70.
College Football Picks
Rivalry weekend in the NCAA serves up some of the best matchups of the year and some strong betting opportunities. Let’s take a look at a couple of the big games and look at a couple of picks.
LSU vs. Arkansas
While they won’t play for a national championship, a win over #12-ranked Arkansas puts Les Miles and LSU in a great spot for a BCS bowl game...and a loss means they can wave bye bye to the BCS. This big SEC battle on Saturday has already grabbed a lot of attention from bettors during the week, but by kick-off, it will be one of the most wagered on college games of the weekend.
In speaking with Brian Taylor, manager at Sportsbetting.com, he stated that “LSU is currently an underdog of more than a field goal at +3.5, but we’re starting to see more action come in on them. As of Friday evening, we have 54% of all the action on this game on the Tigers”.
Sportsbooks have the total set at 54.5 and so far, in speaking with several sportsbook managers, it appears have yet to really make up their mind on what to do with it. Most are reporting pretty balanced early action, with an overall small lean to the high side.
This is going to be a very difficult challenge for LSU, as they play away from home vs. a Top 12 team that has some star power and big motivation. The Razorbacks are looking for a double-digit winning season, as they sit at 9-2 heading in.
But we like the dog in this one. We think getting more than a field goal, this Tiger team has a great shot at the straight up win and feel they have a few matchup advantages that will be key.
Pick: We’re taking LSU +3.5.
Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
Bedlam is will be in this one. Known as the “Bedlam” series, these two big time rivals make acquaintance in a familiar...and not so familiar way in 2010. Familiar as Oklahoma State and Oklahoma have clashed in their season finales none of the last 11 seasons. Unfamiliar because this year the Cowboys from Oklahoma State have something more to play for than just bragging rights and respect.
While the Sooners are used to having a conference title already in the bag or about to be won (which is true this year), that’s usually not the case for Oklahoma State. But it is this year, as the Cowboys have a share of the Big 12 South title at the very least, and with a victory on Saturday will move on to the Conference Championship game.
Sportsbook currently have this line set at -2.5 for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State are a high-scoring team (ranked third in the country) and the Sooners can rack up the points as well, so we have a high Total on this one of 67
Note that the Cowboys are an impressive 9-2 against the spread this year, while the Sooners are a pedestrian 6-5 ATS.
Early betting action, according to sportsbooks, has about 60% of the action on the Cowboys compared to 40% on the Sooners.
We like the small favourite in this one. The Cowboys have been beat up for a long time by the Sooners, but the talent-gap has closed and now Oklahoma State is in a great position to finally step up and beat the bully on the block.
Pick: Our play is on the Cowboys.
LSU vs. Arkansas
While they won’t play for a national championship, a win over #12-ranked Arkansas puts Les Miles and LSU in a great spot for a BCS bowl game...and a loss means they can wave bye bye to the BCS. This big SEC battle on Saturday has already grabbed a lot of attention from bettors during the week, but by kick-off, it will be one of the most wagered on college games of the weekend.
In speaking with Brian Taylor, manager at Sportsbetting.com, he stated that “LSU is currently an underdog of more than a field goal at +3.5, but we’re starting to see more action come in on them. As of Friday evening, we have 54% of all the action on this game on the Tigers”.
Sportsbooks have the total set at 54.5 and so far, in speaking with several sportsbook managers, it appears have yet to really make up their mind on what to do with it. Most are reporting pretty balanced early action, with an overall small lean to the high side.
This is going to be a very difficult challenge for LSU, as they play away from home vs. a Top 12 team that has some star power and big motivation. The Razorbacks are looking for a double-digit winning season, as they sit at 9-2 heading in.
But we like the dog in this one. We think getting more than a field goal, this Tiger team has a great shot at the straight up win and feel they have a few matchup advantages that will be key.
Pick: We’re taking LSU +3.5.
Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
Bedlam is will be in this one. Known as the “Bedlam” series, these two big time rivals make acquaintance in a familiar...and not so familiar way in 2010. Familiar as Oklahoma State and Oklahoma have clashed in their season finales none of the last 11 seasons. Unfamiliar because this year the Cowboys from Oklahoma State have something more to play for than just bragging rights and respect.
While the Sooners are used to having a conference title already in the bag or about to be won (which is true this year), that’s usually not the case for Oklahoma State. But it is this year, as the Cowboys have a share of the Big 12 South title at the very least, and with a victory on Saturday will move on to the Conference Championship game.
Sportsbook currently have this line set at -2.5 for the Cowboys. Oklahoma State are a high-scoring team (ranked third in the country) and the Sooners can rack up the points as well, so we have a high Total on this one of 67
Note that the Cowboys are an impressive 9-2 against the spread this year, while the Sooners are a pedestrian 6-5 ATS.
Early betting action, according to sportsbooks, has about 60% of the action on the Cowboys compared to 40% on the Sooners.
We like the small favourite in this one. The Cowboys have been beat up for a long time by the Sooners, but the talent-gap has closed and now Oklahoma State is in a great position to finally step up and beat the bully on the block.
Pick: Our play is on the Cowboys.
Premier League Picks: Match Day 15
Premier League Picks: After the excitement of the midweek Champions League football we’re back to the domestic action again this weekend and we’re looking at the 15th round of games from England’s Premier League, giving out our top picks.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Sportsbook will see a ton of action on the biggest game of the weekend happens on Sunday evening as Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool at White Hart Lane. Spurs are on a run of four games unbeaten having claimed all drawn with Sunderland and then claimed all three points against Blackburn and Arsenal in the league before dispatching Werder Bremen 3-0 in the Champions League to book their place in the last sixteen of the tournament. Liverpool are in better form than earlier in the season and they now sit 9th in the table, however their away form is poor and they have lost four of seven games on the road this season. With Spurs playing in midweek and Liverpool poor on the road, we see this one not being as action packed as expected and we’re backing there won’t be much scoring in this one.
The play is on the under 2.5 goals market @ 1.72.
Chelsea vs. Newcastle United
The only other game being played on Sunday is Newcastle United v Chelsea at St. James Park. Newcastle are an odd side this season and have had some poor results as well as some excellent ones. High points have seen them beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup and Arsenal, Aston Villa and local rivals Sunderland in the league, but these have been countered by losses to Blackpool, Stoke and they are currently without a league win in three games following a 5-1 loss to Bolton. Chelsea have lost three of four in the Premier League, but did beat MSK Žilina in the Champions League this week to get back to winning ways. However, they are still vulnerable to conceding goals.
Because of that we’re backing the over 2.5 goals market in this one @ 1.81.
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
The final game we’re looking at is the Aston Villa v Arsenal game on Saturday lunchtime at Villa Park. Villa are not in good form and they have won just one of their last eight league games, and that came against a second string Blackpool side, but at home they are unbeaten all season with three wins and four draws to their name and will be confident of getting something against Arsenal. Arsenal are also not in good form and have lost four of their last six in both Premier and Champions Leagues. However, in the Premier League this season, they have lost only to Chelsea and have won their last three games conceding just a single goal, and we’re backing them to win again this weekend. You can check all the updated Premier League odds.
Our money is on an Arsenal win @ 1.92.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Sportsbook will see a ton of action on the biggest game of the weekend happens on Sunday evening as Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool at White Hart Lane. Spurs are on a run of four games unbeaten having claimed all drawn with Sunderland and then claimed all three points against Blackburn and Arsenal in the league before dispatching Werder Bremen 3-0 in the Champions League to book their place in the last sixteen of the tournament. Liverpool are in better form than earlier in the season and they now sit 9th in the table, however their away form is poor and they have lost four of seven games on the road this season. With Spurs playing in midweek and Liverpool poor on the road, we see this one not being as action packed as expected and we’re backing there won’t be much scoring in this one.
The play is on the under 2.5 goals market @ 1.72.
Chelsea vs. Newcastle United
The only other game being played on Sunday is Newcastle United v Chelsea at St. James Park. Newcastle are an odd side this season and have had some poor results as well as some excellent ones. High points have seen them beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup and Arsenal, Aston Villa and local rivals Sunderland in the league, but these have been countered by losses to Blackpool, Stoke and they are currently without a league win in three games following a 5-1 loss to Bolton. Chelsea have lost three of four in the Premier League, but did beat MSK Žilina in the Champions League this week to get back to winning ways. However, they are still vulnerable to conceding goals.
Because of that we’re backing the over 2.5 goals market in this one @ 1.81.
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
The final game we’re looking at is the Aston Villa v Arsenal game on Saturday lunchtime at Villa Park. Villa are not in good form and they have won just one of their last eight league games, and that came against a second string Blackpool side, but at home they are unbeaten all season with three wins and four draws to their name and will be confident of getting something against Arsenal. Arsenal are also not in good form and have lost four of their last six in both Premier and Champions Leagues. However, in the Premier League this season, they have lost only to Chelsea and have won their last three games conceding just a single goal, and we’re backing them to win again this weekend. You can check all the updated Premier League odds.
Our money is on an Arsenal win @ 1.92.
Serie A Betting: Matchday 14
Serie A Betting: ll three of Italy’s representatives in the Champions League this week were victorious, but can they carry that form over into the weekend’s league action? Let’s look at the current Sportsbook odds and see if we can find some value.
Milan vs. Sampdoria
After their 2-0 win in France in midweek, league leaders travel to Sampdoria this weekend looking to claim another three points, but will they be able to do so? Sampdoria are continuing their impressive home form from last season as they have won four, drawn four and lost just a single game in front of their own fans this season. However, their fans will be baying for a goal this weekend as the last three of Sampdoria’s home games have finished 0-0. Milan are in excellent form and have won all of their last five matches and have kept clean sheets in the last three. They will be very confident of extending their league lead this weekend, but Sampdoria are no pushovers at home and we will feel that both sides will walk away with a point. Back the draw @ 2.82 at (those odds are courtesy Sportsbetting.com).
Parma vs. Inter Milan
In action early on Sunday morning are Inter Milan and they host Parma at the San Siro. Inter have being have a rough time of late and prior to their 1-0 win over FC Twente in the Champions League on Wednesday they had gone five games without victory. Will that win over the Dutch side boost their confidence and see them get something from this game? Parma are draw specialists this season and have drawn almost 50% of their 13 games played so far but they are undefeated in their last three games with two wins and a draw to their name. They will feel that with Inter’s problems they can get something, and so do we but we feel this game could end in any of the three possible results. But 8 of the last 10 of Inter’s league games and all of the last 11 of Parma’s league matches have had under 2.5 goals, so that is where our money is. This bet is available @ 1.56.
Roma vs. Palermo
The final Serie A game of the weekend see Palermo host Roma on Sunday evening at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. After losing four games in a row recently Palermo have turned things around and have taken all three points in three of their last four matches and now sit in the top half of the table in 7th place. However, Roma are in exceptional form following their poor start to the season and are unbeaten in 8 games and are up to 5th in the league. We have a feeling that this game could end as a draw, but we’re not confident on this, so as both sides are scoring plenty of late and conceding a few goals we’re backing over 2.5 goals in this fixture @ 1.82.
Good luck this weekend.
Milan vs. Sampdoria
After their 2-0 win in France in midweek, league leaders travel to Sampdoria this weekend looking to claim another three points, but will they be able to do so? Sampdoria are continuing their impressive home form from last season as they have won four, drawn four and lost just a single game in front of their own fans this season. However, their fans will be baying for a goal this weekend as the last three of Sampdoria’s home games have finished 0-0. Milan are in excellent form and have won all of their last five matches and have kept clean sheets in the last three. They will be very confident of extending their league lead this weekend, but Sampdoria are no pushovers at home and we will feel that both sides will walk away with a point. Back the draw @ 2.82 at (those odds are courtesy Sportsbetting.com).
Parma vs. Inter Milan
In action early on Sunday morning are Inter Milan and they host Parma at the San Siro. Inter have being have a rough time of late and prior to their 1-0 win over FC Twente in the Champions League on Wednesday they had gone five games without victory. Will that win over the Dutch side boost their confidence and see them get something from this game? Parma are draw specialists this season and have drawn almost 50% of their 13 games played so far but they are undefeated in their last three games with two wins and a draw to their name. They will feel that with Inter’s problems they can get something, and so do we but we feel this game could end in any of the three possible results. But 8 of the last 10 of Inter’s league games and all of the last 11 of Parma’s league matches have had under 2.5 goals, so that is where our money is. This bet is available @ 1.56.
Roma vs. Palermo
The final Serie A game of the weekend see Palermo host Roma on Sunday evening at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. After losing four games in a row recently Palermo have turned things around and have taken all three points in three of their last four matches and now sit in the top half of the table in 7th place. However, Roma are in exceptional form following their poor start to the season and are unbeaten in 8 games and are up to 5th in the league. We have a feeling that this game could end as a draw, but we’re not confident on this, so as both sides are scoring plenty of late and conceding a few goals we’re backing over 2.5 goals in this fixture @ 1.82.
Good luck this weekend.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tennessee Titans smash Jaguars NFL Predictions
Chris Johnson ran through the Jacksonville defense for 111 yards as Tennessee gave the Jaguars a 30-3 NFL predictions defeat on Monday Night Football at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. NFL week 7 Football betting odds
Kerry Collins completed 11of16 attempts to move to 110 yards and 1 TD for Titans win. He did not throw an interception in the game.
Maurice Jones-Drew ran 57 yards, for Jacksonville, while Trent Edwards added 16 yards. Trent Edwards threw 140 yards for the jaguars, although the receivers Mike Thomas and Marcedes Lewis also had 88 and 39 yards respectively.
Jacksonville was outgained by Tennessee Titans 324-249 yards in Monday game, while the crucial battle of first downs was won 20-17 by the Titans. Jacksonville lost time self-controlled battle 32:45 / 27:15, leaving their defense on the field more than they wanted.
Tennessee head in the NFL Week 7 Predictions battle against the Eagles. Jacksonville, meanwhile, have their next game against Kansas City. Check out for NFL Week 7 NFL betting lines at Sportsbetting.com
Kerry Collins completed 11of16 attempts to move to 110 yards and 1 TD for Titans win. He did not throw an interception in the game.
Maurice Jones-Drew ran 57 yards, for Jacksonville, while Trent Edwards added 16 yards. Trent Edwards threw 140 yards for the jaguars, although the receivers Mike Thomas and Marcedes Lewis also had 88 and 39 yards respectively.
Jacksonville was outgained by Tennessee Titans 324-249 yards in Monday game, while the crucial battle of first downs was won 20-17 by the Titans. Jacksonville lost time self-controlled battle 32:45 / 27:15, leaving their defense on the field more than they wanted.
Tennessee head in the NFL Week 7 Predictions battle against the Eagles. Jacksonville, meanwhile, have their next game against Kansas City. Check out for NFL Week 7 NFL betting lines at Sportsbetting.com
Champions League Picks: Inter Milan vs Tottenham Hotspur
This match sees the joint leaders of Group A go head to head for the first time in a competitive match, but will it be the reigning Champions League champions or the Champions League first timers that claim all three points? Online sportsbooks have Inter as the favourite at odds of 1.70, with Spurs available at 5.00 and the draw can be backed at 3.75. Check out for more Football betting odds
Inter Milan have been impressive at home this season winning three and drawing one of their four home matches in Serie A and Champions League. They have conceded just one goal – against Udinese at the start of September – and scored ten times. Of those ten goals eight came as they recorded two 4-0 victories against Bari in the league and Werder Bremen in the Champions League. They have not been as impressive away from the San Siro, but at home they are a force to be reckoned with. Can they continue unbeaten at home against Spurs?
Spurs have had an up and down season so far, but they are level with Inter in the Champions League and they sit fifth in the Premier League, level on points with Manchester United. They have been in good form recently, winning their last three matches but will they be able to continue in that form in this match? That three match winning run saw them beat FC Twente 4-1 at White Hart Lane and saw their newest signing Rafael Van der Vaart, a man who has been pulling all the strings for Harry Redknapp’s side, sent off and he will miss this match against Inter. Will he be missed?
As he has been the most creative and attacking player in the Spurs team over recent weeks, I feel that Spurs will struggle in this match without him. They will most likely play a less attacking team than they would with Van der Vaart in the starting eleven, but Spurs will still be dangerous on the counter attack. Inter are missing Diego Milito up front, but Samuel Eto’o will start and will hope to find space to score against a makeshift Spurs defence, which has been hit by injuries. How will the game go? I see a strategic match with few goals and with the home side taking all three points.
My money is on the home win at 1.70 and there to be less than 2.5 goals at odds of 2.10.
Check out for more NFL betting Lines
Inter Milan have been impressive at home this season winning three and drawing one of their four home matches in Serie A and Champions League. They have conceded just one goal – against Udinese at the start of September – and scored ten times. Of those ten goals eight came as they recorded two 4-0 victories against Bari in the league and Werder Bremen in the Champions League. They have not been as impressive away from the San Siro, but at home they are a force to be reckoned with. Can they continue unbeaten at home against Spurs?
Spurs have had an up and down season so far, but they are level with Inter in the Champions League and they sit fifth in the Premier League, level on points with Manchester United. They have been in good form recently, winning their last three matches but will they be able to continue in that form in this match? That three match winning run saw them beat FC Twente 4-1 at White Hart Lane and saw their newest signing Rafael Van der Vaart, a man who has been pulling all the strings for Harry Redknapp’s side, sent off and he will miss this match against Inter. Will he be missed?
As he has been the most creative and attacking player in the Spurs team over recent weeks, I feel that Spurs will struggle in this match without him. They will most likely play a less attacking team than they would with Van der Vaart in the starting eleven, but Spurs will still be dangerous on the counter attack. Inter are missing Diego Milito up front, but Samuel Eto’o will start and will hope to find space to score against a makeshift Spurs defence, which has been hit by injuries. How will the game go? I see a strategic match with few goals and with the home side taking all three points.
My money is on the home win at 1.70 and there to be less than 2.5 goals at odds of 2.10.
Check out for more NFL betting Lines
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Top 5 Quarterbacks in to Week 8: College Football Power Rankings
As we do every week this season we have updated the quarterback rankings after yet another exciting weekend of college football.Below is the list of top 5 quarterbacks, check out for more college football lines
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
Stanford was out this week, but we have not forgotten how luck played against USC a few weeks ago at Stanford 37-35 victory. Luck was 20-24 for 285 yards and touchdown in the win and having no opponent to play in Week 7 is not going to pay him the top spot.
2. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Who knows how the game Auburn-Arkansas would have gone if Mallett was not been knocked out from the game with a concussion in the second quarter. Before leaving the game, Mallett was 10 of 15 for 96 yards and a touchdown. Without him, the Razorbacks have not been able to follow high-powered offense with Auburn.
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
Jones to perform as a surgeon in Oklahoma 52-0 shutout against Iowa State, and showed once again that he belongs in the discussion as the nation's top passer. He was 30 of 34 for 334 yards and three touchdowns, absolutely the most efficient of any quarter of the nation on Saturday. Now let's see what again against Missouri.
4. Cameron Newton, Auburn
Fans were not satisfied with where we placed Cameron Newton in the power rankings this season, as he scored 25 touchdowns this year and Auburn is undefeated. He played well again in the Tigers 65-43 victory over Arkansas, with over 300 total yards and four scores. But there is always the belief that he is a product of the system.
5. Kellen Moore, Boise State
Moore has been great this season, finished more than 60 percent of his passes and throwing at least two touchdowns in every game this season. He did not need for much in Boise State to 48-0 victory over San Jose State, but he was unstoppable when he was there. Moore was 14 of 16 for 231 yards and two touchdowns.
Check out for more College football lines
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
Stanford was out this week, but we have not forgotten how luck played against USC a few weeks ago at Stanford 37-35 victory. Luck was 20-24 for 285 yards and touchdown in the win and having no opponent to play in Week 7 is not going to pay him the top spot.
2. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Who knows how the game Auburn-Arkansas would have gone if Mallett was not been knocked out from the game with a concussion in the second quarter. Before leaving the game, Mallett was 10 of 15 for 96 yards and a touchdown. Without him, the Razorbacks have not been able to follow high-powered offense with Auburn.
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
Jones to perform as a surgeon in Oklahoma 52-0 shutout against Iowa State, and showed once again that he belongs in the discussion as the nation's top passer. He was 30 of 34 for 334 yards and three touchdowns, absolutely the most efficient of any quarter of the nation on Saturday. Now let's see what again against Missouri.
4. Cameron Newton, Auburn
Fans were not satisfied with where we placed Cameron Newton in the power rankings this season, as he scored 25 touchdowns this year and Auburn is undefeated. He played well again in the Tigers 65-43 victory over Arkansas, with over 300 total yards and four scores. But there is always the belief that he is a product of the system.
5. Kellen Moore, Boise State
Moore has been great this season, finished more than 60 percent of his passes and throwing at least two touchdowns in every game this season. He did not need for much in Boise State to 48-0 victory over San Jose State, but he was unstoppable when he was there. Moore was 14 of 16 for 231 yards and two touchdowns.
Check out for more College football lines
NFL Football - Vince Young Injury: Kerry Collins is in the game
In an instant he lost the ball, Young's knee was twisted while trying to recover the fumble. Kerry Collins is now in the game, which has its own advantages and disadvantages for both teams. Collins was very good for the Titans in the past and has already led the Titans down the field for a touchdown.
Collins and the Titans also have Chris Johnson to fall back on the offensive perspective. Although Johnson can not get 2000 yards this season, he will have at least 1,500 yards and is as reliable a running back that you can have on a team.
Young's return is uncertain, but the team won two games with the quarterbacks, and when Collins is "on", he is a very good quarterback. While his battles with alcoholism have been very public, Collins was a first-round draft pick in 1995
check out for NFL betting lines at sportsbetting.com
NFL Betting: Titans vs. Jaguars Preview
The quarterbacks for tonight’s contest don’t get near the attention that Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre attracts from fans and media, but the Titans, Jaguars and Vikings do have one thing in common: they each boast one of the top-rated feature backs in the game today. Football betting odds
Sportsbook have the line currently set at Tennessee -3 with the Over/Under at 45.5
CJ2 vs. MJD
Chris Johnson came into the week ranked second overall with 485 rushing yards. He would need 151 yards against the Jags to overtake all six backs that jumped ahead of him on Sunday.
Johnson rushed for 125-plus yards in three-of-five games this season including both road games. Tennessee was in Dallas last week and in their second of back-to-back away from home look for HC Fisher to lean on the ground attack. The last time these teams met Johnson rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns.
Maurice Jones-Drew struggled with the rest of his team in two losses this year, but in the three wins he’s averaged 96 yards on 20-plus carries and now that Garrard has shown improvements, it will open things up for Jones-Drew.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on Jags rookie RB Deji Karim, who rushed for 70 yards on 15 carries last week in his debut. In a word, one NFL scout described Karim as “smooth”. He was finding holes and slicing through tackles and really made the most of his chances.
GAMEPLAN
We have to expect plenty of running in this game but the passing attack against these secondaries could end up being the difference. Tennessee has been burned for big plays and HC Del Rio will go after the Titans deep without hesitation.
Tennessee’s wide receivers have been impressive this year and they are going up and getting the football. With the Titans making plays down field and Young’s ability to scramble, Jacksonville defense could be in for a long night.
UNDER THE LIGHTS
Jacksonville is 0-2 SU/ATS the past two years on Monday Night Football while the Titans boast a 3-1 ATS record during the last three years.
Tennessee is 2-1 ATS on the road, 1-1 ATS vs. division and 1-0 ATS on the road vs. division.
Both of Jacksonville’s games were divisional, one at home and one away; the Jags lost each by double-digits.
PREDICTION
Tennessee put up a good fight in Dallas but the game really was handed to them after countless Cowboy mistakes and penalties. That didn’t go unnoticed by HC Fisher and he should have this team functioning as a much tighter unit.
Jacksonville was a rare example last week of a football team that can lose the turnover battle (-3) and still come away with a road win. That was Buffalo, however, and against Tennessee they will not be afforded the same luxuries.
The Jaguars are last in the league in TD passes allowed and even though they are 2-1 SU/ATS at home it was Michael Vick – a quarterback that knows how to scramble – that beat them. Vick didn’t beat the Jags with sheer mobility and Young won’t have to either. He has enough weapons at his disposal to wear this defense out and at less than a field goal we feel the value here is on the underdog.
Pick: Take the Titans
Sportsbook have the line currently set at Tennessee -3 with the Over/Under at 45.5
CJ2 vs. MJD
Chris Johnson came into the week ranked second overall with 485 rushing yards. He would need 151 yards against the Jags to overtake all six backs that jumped ahead of him on Sunday.
Johnson rushed for 125-plus yards in three-of-five games this season including both road games. Tennessee was in Dallas last week and in their second of back-to-back away from home look for HC Fisher to lean on the ground attack. The last time these teams met Johnson rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns.
Maurice Jones-Drew struggled with the rest of his team in two losses this year, but in the three wins he’s averaged 96 yards on 20-plus carries and now that Garrard has shown improvements, it will open things up for Jones-Drew.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on Jags rookie RB Deji Karim, who rushed for 70 yards on 15 carries last week in his debut. In a word, one NFL scout described Karim as “smooth”. He was finding holes and slicing through tackles and really made the most of his chances.
GAMEPLAN
We have to expect plenty of running in this game but the passing attack against these secondaries could end up being the difference. Tennessee has been burned for big plays and HC Del Rio will go after the Titans deep without hesitation.
Tennessee’s wide receivers have been impressive this year and they are going up and getting the football. With the Titans making plays down field and Young’s ability to scramble, Jacksonville defense could be in for a long night.
UNDER THE LIGHTS
Jacksonville is 0-2 SU/ATS the past two years on Monday Night Football while the Titans boast a 3-1 ATS record during the last three years.
Tennessee is 2-1 ATS on the road, 1-1 ATS vs. division and 1-0 ATS on the road vs. division.
Both of Jacksonville’s games were divisional, one at home and one away; the Jags lost each by double-digits.
PREDICTION
Tennessee put up a good fight in Dallas but the game really was handed to them after countless Cowboy mistakes and penalties. That didn’t go unnoticed by HC Fisher and he should have this team functioning as a much tighter unit.
Jacksonville was a rare example last week of a football team that can lose the turnover battle (-3) and still come away with a road win. That was Buffalo, however, and against Tennessee they will not be afforded the same luxuries.
The Jaguars are last in the league in TD passes allowed and even though they are 2-1 SU/ATS at home it was Michael Vick – a quarterback that knows how to scramble – that beat them. Vick didn’t beat the Jags with sheer mobility and Young won’t have to either. He has enough weapons at his disposal to wear this defense out and at less than a field goal we feel the value here is on the underdog.
Pick: Take the Titans
Monday Night NFL: Tennessee vs Jacksonville
NFL Monday Night Football featuring division rivals Tennessee and Jacksonville are looking to improve their respective standings.
Tennessee Titans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-3 in what turned out to be a battle of backup quarterbacks on Monday night. Their last victory of the Titans into a corner with three lanes on the top of the AFC South.
Check out Monday night football betting odds
Titans starting quarterback Vince Young left the game in only half of the first quarter with a sprained left knee. Young left the game after the conclusion of 3 / 5 passes for 61 yards and touchdown for the first three minutes of play.
Kerry Collins took over quarterbacking job to lead the Titans (4-2) until the end of the game. Collins finished 11 of 16 for 110 yards and touchdown.
Titan’s running back Chris Johnson scored on a 35-yard run with 1:40 to finish with 111 yards on 26 rushes. Rob Biron kicked shots each in the second, third and fourth. The Jaguars managed to score a field goal by Josh Scobee halfway through the third quarter.
Trent Edwards was replaced by David Garrard, when he was left the game late in the second quarter. Garrard finished 7 of 12 for 49 yards and the interception, while Edwards has went 14 of 24 for 140 yards and two interceptions.
check out for more NFL betting odds
Tennessee Titans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-3 in what turned out to be a battle of backup quarterbacks on Monday night. Their last victory of the Titans into a corner with three lanes on the top of the AFC South.
Check out Monday night football betting odds
Titans starting quarterback Vince Young left the game in only half of the first quarter with a sprained left knee. Young left the game after the conclusion of 3 / 5 passes for 61 yards and touchdown for the first three minutes of play.
Kerry Collins took over quarterbacking job to lead the Titans (4-2) until the end of the game. Collins finished 11 of 16 for 110 yards and touchdown.
Titan’s running back Chris Johnson scored on a 35-yard run with 1:40 to finish with 111 yards on 26 rushes. Rob Biron kicked shots each in the second, third and fourth. The Jaguars managed to score a field goal by Josh Scobee halfway through the third quarter.
Trent Edwards was replaced by David Garrard, when he was left the game late in the second quarter. Garrard finished 7 of 12 for 49 yards and the interception, while Edwards has went 14 of 24 for 140 yards and two interceptions.
check out for more NFL betting odds
Champions League Betting: Round 3 Picks
There are sixteen games being played this Tuesday and Wednesday from round three of the Champions League. Let’s look at three of those matches and see if we can find some value.
- The big game on Tuesday night sees two European giants clash at the Bernabeu as Real Madrid host AC Milan in a Group G battle. Real are now managed by former Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho and under him they have conceded just three goals in nine games this season. They look an excellent defensive side and despite AC Milan climbing to second in Italy’s Serie A this weekend they have a poor road record so far this season, winning just one of their four away matches. As a result of this, we see this match going just one way and we’re backing a Real Madrid win, with sportsbook odds @ 1.45.
- Another side with a great defensive record is Shakhtar Donetsk. They have conceded just two goals in their last seven matches in all competitions and they travel to London as they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have looked impressive at home this season and have scored twenty goals in their four wins and a loss in front of their own fans. They have kept a clean sheet in just two of those five games and we’re expecting goals in this game, so we suggest putting your money on over 2.5 goals @ 1.72.
- One side that isn’t having such a good season so far is Manchester United. They are yet to win away from home in the Premier League, let a two goal lead slip against West Brom at the weekend and talismanic striker Wayne Rooney has refused to sign a new contract with the club leading to suggestions that he will be sold in the January transfer window.
They welcome Turkish side Bursaspor to Old Trafford on Wednesday and I think they will be highly focused on a win to try and quiet the noise form last week. Bursaspor are yet to score in the Champions League this season…Man U has to feel they are there for the taking. We feel this too and expect United to give themselves a massive boost of confidence by putting a few goals past the hapless Turks, so we’re going with +2.5 goals in the match @ 1.45 at the online sportsbook.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
NFL Teams in the Quarter Pole
Chicago (3-1) and Green Bay (3-1) share a piece of the lead atop the NFC North division but anyone that watched the Bears give up nine QB sacks in the first-half alone vs. the Giants Sunday night is quick to dismiss any long-term success for Lovie Smith’s team.
The Packers on the other hand, who have averaged 9.5 straight-up wins per season over the past decade, seem like a legitimate shot to clear their 10 wins by Week 15. Green Bay finishes the season with back-to-back home games as well, and the current NFL odds on the Packers to win the division is -275.
The AFC picture gets a lot more clouded, where six teams have already won at least three games. Surprisingly, the team listed by oddsmakers as the favorite to win the Conference is not one of those six! Indianapolis (+350) is still being recognized as the top contender even though the Colts are 2-2 SU/ATS.
The highest payback for any of the three-win teams is Kansas City (+2000), who visit the Colts this weekend. Indianapolis is favored by bookmakers at -9 and is getting 66-percent public support through early betting.
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
Monday Night Football games have not disappointed this season and two stats to keep in mind when handicapping this week’s contest between the Vikings and Jets (-4) involve a pair of top offensive players that were starting to gain a reputation for their generosity. Until now, that is:
- Known for his 20 interceptions last season, through four games, Jets QB Mark Sanchez is 60-for-103 (58.3%), and averaging 169.3 yards per game with eight TDs and zero INTs.
- Speaking of turnover-free football, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has had 83 touches in his first three games and has not fumbled once. This comes after two years where Peterson had 15 total fumbles (losing nine).
UH OH, NEW O-CO
The San Francisco 49ers fell to 0-4 SU Sunday in Atlanta, despite earning an ATS cover for bettors. Following the Niners’ loss in Kansas City, HC Mike Singletary sent O-Co Jimmy Raye packing and with Mike Johnson calling the plays, well, let’s just say things didn’t get any worse.
WR Michael Crabtree’s value has risen for Fantasy owners, Crabtree making five receptions for 58 yards Sunday, and perhaps with another week and home field the 49ers will be able to come out on the right side of a close game for once. Or maybe not...
When a football team makes a drastic move such as firing a key member its coaching personnel this early in the season it’s meant to send a message out to the rest of the organization. But when Kansas City, Buffalo and Tampa Bay committed the act last year in late-August/early September it created a negative ripple effect lasting for months.
Five weeks into the 2009 season those three teams and a combined record of 1-14 SU, and some would argue that other than the Chiefs, they are still no better off today. The O-Co carousel was pegged as the biggest problem for QB Smith and until we see something positive out of this team, bettors may want to exercise caution.
The Niners (-3.5) are hosting the Philadelphia Eagles for Week 5 on Sunday Night Football.
POSSESSION OUTCOME PROPS
Along with ‘first-half’ lines Sportsbetting.com has always offered a great assortment of props for every game on the Sunday card.
New this season is ‘Possession Outcome Props’ where you can bet on what either team in a contest will do with the football on their first possession of the game. Touchdown, field goal or punt are offered at different rates based on team tendencies and it’s a great way to get ahead in the game early.
Betting Tip: In 19 games under previous offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, the 49ers never scored a touchdown on their first possession. Mike Johnson did it on his first crack.
You can check all the NFL odds and prop betting options.
Plus check out the FREE NFL Picks contest
The Packers on the other hand, who have averaged 9.5 straight-up wins per season over the past decade, seem like a legitimate shot to clear their 10 wins by Week 15. Green Bay finishes the season with back-to-back home games as well, and the current NFL odds on the Packers to win the division is -275.
The AFC picture gets a lot more clouded, where six teams have already won at least three games. Surprisingly, the team listed by oddsmakers as the favorite to win the Conference is not one of those six! Indianapolis (+350) is still being recognized as the top contender even though the Colts are 2-2 SU/ATS.
The highest payback for any of the three-win teams is Kansas City (+2000), who visit the Colts this weekend. Indianapolis is favored by bookmakers at -9 and is getting 66-percent public support through early betting.
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF
Monday Night Football games have not disappointed this season and two stats to keep in mind when handicapping this week’s contest between the Vikings and Jets (-4) involve a pair of top offensive players that were starting to gain a reputation for their generosity. Until now, that is:
- Known for his 20 interceptions last season, through four games, Jets QB Mark Sanchez is 60-for-103 (58.3%), and averaging 169.3 yards per game with eight TDs and zero INTs.
- Speaking of turnover-free football, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has had 83 touches in his first three games and has not fumbled once. This comes after two years where Peterson had 15 total fumbles (losing nine).
UH OH, NEW O-CO
The San Francisco 49ers fell to 0-4 SU Sunday in Atlanta, despite earning an ATS cover for bettors. Following the Niners’ loss in Kansas City, HC Mike Singletary sent O-Co Jimmy Raye packing and with Mike Johnson calling the plays, well, let’s just say things didn’t get any worse.
WR Michael Crabtree’s value has risen for Fantasy owners, Crabtree making five receptions for 58 yards Sunday, and perhaps with another week and home field the 49ers will be able to come out on the right side of a close game for once. Or maybe not...
When a football team makes a drastic move such as firing a key member its coaching personnel this early in the season it’s meant to send a message out to the rest of the organization. But when Kansas City, Buffalo and Tampa Bay committed the act last year in late-August/early September it created a negative ripple effect lasting for months.
Five weeks into the 2009 season those three teams and a combined record of 1-14 SU, and some would argue that other than the Chiefs, they are still no better off today. The O-Co carousel was pegged as the biggest problem for QB Smith and until we see something positive out of this team, bettors may want to exercise caution.
The Niners (-3.5) are hosting the Philadelphia Eagles for Week 5 on Sunday Night Football.
POSSESSION OUTCOME PROPS
Along with ‘first-half’ lines Sportsbetting.com has always offered a great assortment of props for every game on the Sunday card.
New this season is ‘Possession Outcome Props’ where you can bet on what either team in a contest will do with the football on their first possession of the game. Touchdown, field goal or punt are offered at different rates based on team tendencies and it’s a great way to get ahead in the game early.
Betting Tip: In 19 games under previous offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, the 49ers never scored a touchdown on their first possession. Mike Johnson did it on his first crack.
You can check all the NFL odds and prop betting options.
Plus check out the FREE NFL Picks contest
Friday, October 1, 2010
Soccer Betting: English Premier League Picks
All the big sides are in action this weekend in the English Premier League and we will be looking at their matches and offering our insight on where the best value lies.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
The biggest game of the weekend sees Chelsea entertain Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Both sides had impressive results in their midweek Champions League matches against Marseille and Partizan Belgrade respectively. Chelsea kept their eighth straight clean sheet at home in their Champions and Premier League games as they won 2-0, while Arsenal beat their Serbian opponents 3-1 away from home. Both sides will want to win the game, with Chelsea looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Arsenal will close to within a point of Chelsea with a win. Also Chelsea have won the last four matches against Arsenal, so Arsenal will want to prevent it getting to five in a row. The game could either way to be honest as both sides are so good this season, but we’re backing over 2.5 goals in the match. We see sportsbook with the line 1.77 on that one. Five of the last six games have had at least three goals in them and we foresee more goals this time around.
Play this one Over 2.5
Manchester United vs. Sunderland
On Saturday afternoon Sunderland host Manchester United in a game that both sides will feel that they can win. Sunderland have impressed this season, with Darren Bent in sparkling form and he has found the net on five occasions from their opening six fixtures. Despite winning both away games in the Carling Cup and Champions League, United are yet to win away from home in the Premier League having drawn all three matches so far, but will they carry their away form with them after beating Valencia in midweek? This is another game that could easily go either way, so we’re leaning towards goals in this match too and we’re putting our money on over 2.5 goals @ 1.87 (line is from Sportsbetting.com).
Play this one Over 2,5
Newcastle United vs. Man City
The final game we’re looking at sees big spending Manchester City host Newcastle United at Eastlands at Sunday lunchtime. City’s last league game saw them defeat reigning champions and current league leaders Chelsea through a Carlos Tevez goal, now can they beat newly promoted Newcastle? Newcastle have an up and down season with some impressive wins and then some mystifying losses. Do they have the quality to beat Manchester City? Probably not and we’re on the home win wagon here, and we’re backing Manchester City to win @ 1.31.
We’re backing Man City
Check all the EPL Odds
Have a great weekend
Hot Lines for Week 4
Donovan McNabb’s much anticipated return to Philadelphia this week has instantly made the Redskins-Eagles one of the more popular games for early-week bettors.
Online sportsbook opened the line for this contest at Eagles -6.5, but the bait for Redskins backers, including those who were paying the extra juice to ‘buy the hook’ up to seven was too tempting. Early public money was coming in at 65-percent according to odds trackers but since the line dropped to -6 the action has started to even out.
Washington has a 7-3-1 record against the spread (ATS) in its last 11 meetings with the Philadelphia.
PUBLIC FAVORITES
Houston (90-percent), San Diego (86-percent) and New Orleans (82-percent) are three of the most popular bets on the board this week but huge public favorites have not proven to be a wise investment through the first three weeks of the season.
Huge fan favorite teams attracting the most money at the ticket windows are hitting at a dismal 29-percent (4-10 ATS).
While the readings from early in the week are likely to change since the majority of bettors don’t start buying until the weekend, it’s a worthwhile practice finding a consistent source of information that lets you watch where the money is going through the week.
WEARY TRAVELLERS
Seattle (-1), Denver and San Francisco will all be travelling decent distances this weekend for road games at St. Louis, Tennessee (-6.5) and Atlanta (-7) respectively.
While the Broncos will only wind their watches one hour to the Central time zone and the Seahawks only click two zones ahead, San Francisco is falling into the classic ‘Early body clock’ trap synonymous with West Coast teams playing in the Eastern time zone.
The 49ers were 0-5 straight-up in 2009 the first five times they traveled to play Eastern/Central time zone opponents, finally breaking the slump in Week 17 at St. Louis. San Francisco is also just 1-8 SU in their past nine road games overall and if last week’s game in Kansas City was any indicator, 2010 looks like another good spot to fade these weary travellers.
Another thing to keep in mind is that when getting +7 points or more, the 49ers were 2-1 ATS in 2009.
There’s a look at a few games this weekend. Best of luck with your bets.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday Night Football Betting: NFL Bye Weeks Begin
Right from the first Thursday night game of the NFL season the weekly football betting routine can fly by at a furious pace. NFL lines for the following week’s games are often posted by online sportsbook before we have even heard the final whistle on Sunday Night Football but as fans and bettors, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s hard to believe three weeks have already passed and as we work through the Week 4 card, it’s time to start focusing a little closer on matchups and situational football handicapping.
The bye weeks are here, starting with the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It means a little less action from a viewing standpoint but the smaller card also frees up more time to handicap the other 14 games on the card.
LONG DIVISION
In Week 4, even with the bye weeks coming into effect, there are more divisional games scheduled than in any other week through the first month. Week 1 had seven, Week 2 there was only three and in Week 3 we saw six divisional matchups.
The road team will be favored in at least four of the nine divisional contests, possibly five, depending which way the line moves in New England at Miami.
There is a trend developing this season that involves divisional road favorites and it’s certainly worth noting for Over/Under bettors.
- When favored by -3 points or more, divisional road favs this year have played 0 overs, 4 unders and 1 push.
Cincinnati (-3) at Cleveland (Total of 37), NY Jets (-5) at Buffalo (Total of 37) and Indianapolis (-7.5) at Jacksonville (Total of 46) all fit the criteria and the "Under" in these three matchups is a play for you to consider.
PICK A SPOT
When looking at these divisional rivalries it is impossible to ignore certain trends that have developed between some of the teams. Two guaranteed meetings per season boosts the credibility of a betting trend because it involves more of the same players and coaches.
Just from the above matchups we can see that the underdog in the Bengals-Browns series is 6-0 ATS since 2007.
We also noticed that the road team in the Colts-Jaguars series is 6-0 ATS the past three seasons.
The road teams is 5-0 ATS in the past five tilts between the Jets and Bills but one of the more glaring trends shows that Buffalo has been a terrible play as a home underdog, going 1-8 ATS the past nine times.
Road favorites were 4-4 ATS in Week 3 but it doesn’t completely make up for their 0-4-1 ATS mark in Week 2. In these three divisional matchups we’ve listed, the road team and the "Under" look like the solid picks but before you circle any of them as a best bet, make sure to do thorough research into the local papers and team websites for injury information.
Think of it this way – with only 14 games on the card you should have some extra time!
Aside from football, there is also a great golf event this weekend.
The best American golfers go head-to-head against the best Europe has to offer in the 2010 Ryder Cup. It only happens once every four years and for my money, is one of the top sports events of the fall when it tees off.
This year’s starts on Friday and runs through Sunday.
Check out this fun contest to make the event even more interesting.
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Champions League Picks: Champions League odds
The second half of this week’s Champions League action kicks off today, but who will claim the points in today’s eight games? Let’s previews a selection of games.
Group C – Valencia v Manchester United:
The night’s biggest game comes from the Mestalla Stadium as La Liga leaders Valencia host second in the Premier League table Manchester United. Will United turn around their away form record this season with a victory? Valencia are the favourites to win the match with odds of 2.63, while Man United can be backed at 2.75 and the draw is available at 3.20.
Despite being massively in debt and selling off the majority of their top players, including David Villa, David Silva and Nikola Zigic, over the summer, Valencia have begun the La Liga campaign in fine form and top the table after five games. They have dropped just two points from their opening five games and they are ahead of Barcelona by a point and Real Madrid by two. They also thumped Bursaspor 4-0 in Turkey in their opening Champions League fixture, now can they add another win to their collection against Alex Ferguson’s men?
Manchester United sit second in the Premier League after an undefeated start to the season and, although they have shown glimpses of their brilliance, they are underperforming this season. They have played eight matches this season between the Premier League, Carling Cup and Champions League and they have won four and drawn four of these. Away from home they have drawn with Fulham, Everton and Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League and their only win has come at Scunthorpe United in the Carling Cup. Can they change that around and claim their first big name away win?
United are without Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes for this game, as well as the injured Antonio Valencia, and missing these players will affect them slightly. This will give Valencia an opportunity to win the game and I feel that they will take it and claim all three points. Both sides have good goal threats and I see plenty of goals in this game and, as a result:
we’re backing a Valencia win and over 2.5 goals to be scored.
Group A – Tottenham Hotspur v FC Twente:
This match sees the side that finished fourth in the Premier League take on the Dutch champions in the second round of matches from Group A. Can Twente get anything from their first away Champions League match of the season at White Hart Lane? Bet365 do not think so as they make Spurs the 1.73 favourites to claim all three points, with Twente available at 5.00 and the draw can be backed at 3.60.
Spurs have been an up and down this season so far and have followed up some impressive European results with poor showings in the Premier League. When they defeated Young Boys to qualify for the Champions League they were beaten by Wigan Athletic and after their 2-2 draw at Werder Bremen they were beaten by West Bromwich Albion, both games that they should have won. Last week was a poor one for Spurs too, losing to bitter rivals Arsenal in the Carling Cup before being beaten by West Ham at the weekend. Can they turn their poor week around and claim their first Champions League win?
FC Twente will be no pushovers for Spurs in this match as they are on an unbeaten run of thirteen games in all competitions in a run that stretches back as far as April. They began their Champions League campaign with a 2-2 home draw with defending champions Inter Milan and they sit fourth in the Dutch league following three wins and four draws in an unbeaten start to the season. They are drawing too many games at this early stage and they will need to step up a gear if they are to claim all three points in London.
Harry Redknapp will have his players psyched up for this game and although they are missing several players through in injury I expect to see a home win in this game. However, with the injuries that they have I do not expect things to be easy for them and I see both sides getting on the scoresheet in this game.
Our money is on a Spurs win with both sides to score.
Check the Champions League odds @ sportsbetting.com
For chat and plenty of bets on all of this week’s Champions League action, check out the Champions League Online Betting Stadium!
Some Recommendations:
· Valencia to beat Manchester United @ 2.63
· Over 2.5 goals in the Valencia v Manchester United game @ 2.10
· Tottenham Hotspur to beat FC Twente @ 1.73
· Both Tottenham Hotspur and FC Twente to score @ 1.73
