Rating: 2 Units

The Blazers are in trouble. The good news is that C.J. McCollum (ribs) is listed as probable. The bad news is that Damian Lillard (abdomen) and Anfernee Simons (ankle) will be out again, while Nassir Little (ankle) is listed as questionable. With those three out the last two games, the Blazers lost both contests by at least 28 points. Another blowout could be coming.

Rating: 2 Units

Suddenly, the Patriots’ 2-4 start to the season seems like a distant memory as they ride a 6-game win streak entering tonight’s contest. New England is 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS when on a six-game-exact win skein since 2007. NFL teams on a 6-0 SUATS-exact win skein are 6-1 SUATS in division games when coming off an ATS win of 14 or more points. That’ a lot for Sean McDermott to digest given the fact that Buffalo is 3-31 SU and 12-21-1-1 ATS against the Pats since 2001, including 2-16 SU and 5-13 ATS home. After its 4-1 SUATS start, Buffalo enters tonight’s game just 3-3 SUATS in its past six contests. With Belichick riding a 9-1 ATS mark in his last ten games as a division road against foes coming off a win, we can’t fade that.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cavaliers covered as underdogs, yet again, Sunday in a one-point loss to the Jazz. They are now 15-6-1 ATS as underdogs this season. The fact that the Bucks are favored by this much, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) listed as questionable, is surprising. Even if he plays, I think the Cavaliers can cover this line.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pacers come into this game ice cold, losers of four straight. Three of those losses came at home. Their depth chart is limited right now, with both T.J. McConnell (wrist) and Justin Holiday (COVID-19) out, which isn’t helping matters. They have not operated well as favorites this season, posting a 5-9 record ATS in such situations. Despite the expectation that Spencer Dinwiddie sits this game out for the Wizards, who also just played Sunday, look for Washington to keep things close.

Rating: 2 Units

My model makes Iowa a six-point favorite Monday and it might end up finishing at an even wider margin. Illinois has struggled on the road, owning an 0-3 ATS record, and now the Illini head to Iowa for a Big 10 battle. Iowa has been playing well and will be looking to cover its fifth straight. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Texas Southern is 0-7 but that's very misleading as the Tigers have played a very tough schedule and not a single home game yet. They have been competitive in nearly every game as witnessed by their 5-2 ATS mark. TSU won the SWAC last season and a game in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament and is favored to win the SWAC again with four starters back. I don't think UF even wins by 20, much less 25 to lose this bet.

Rating: 3 Units

Mike Tomlin is 20-7 SU and 17-8-2 ATS in his NFL career after allowing more than 30 points in a contest, including 15-3 SU and 12-4-2 ATS at home.  As a result of Sunday’s 41-10 pummeling, Pittsburgh now resides in last place in the AFC North. There is nothing better than a red-faced angry dog who embarrassed us as a 5* Best Bet last week, especially at home in division games. With that being said, Big Ben is 8-4 SU and 9-2-1 ATS as a home dog in this league. However, to seal the deal consider that Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin is 8-1 SU and 8-0-1 ATS as a division dog against foes coming off consecutive wins.

5* Inter-Conference Game of the Week

Setting the table for the Raiders, is the fact that home teams coming off a Turkey Day win are 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS since 1990 when hosting sub .666 foes off win. With the sinners in a three-way tie for second-place in the AFC West, one game behind Kansas City, and currently 5-1 ATS at home coming off a pair of previous home losses – they lost to Cincinnati and Kansas City at Allegiant Stadium last month – it’s time to hand it off to The Clincher: NFL teams coming off a SU underdog win on Thursday are 5-1 SU and 6-0-1 ATS since 1990 versus a foe coming off a Monday Night game.

Rating: 4 Unit 4* AFC Play of the Day

While on paper it appears the Chargers are wobbling at 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS since Bye week, they are actually 4-1 ITS (In The Stats) in those games. They are also 6-1-1 ATS away when coming off an away game. Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow appears to be leading the Bengals’ resurgence, yet he is just 2-6 ATS in games when coming off a win, including 0-4 SUATS against no-division foes. And then there is Cinci’s 2-11 SUATS ledger when coming off a pair of wins-exact. Speaking of which, we sew up the deal with The clincher: Cincinnati is 3-9 ATS since 1980 when coming off consecutive wins after facing Pittsburgh, including 0-5 SUATS in non-division games.

Rating: 5 Unit 5* NFL Upset of the Week

Chicago has out yarded each of its last three opponents, while holding all three foes to less than 300 yards. And then there is this from the WOM (Well Oiled Machine): Game Twelve NFL home teams who were in the playoffs the previous season are 6-1 SUATS since 1990 against opponents coming off a Bye week. And then there is a cold weather team hosting a warm weather team in December. Given Arizona’s 5-13 SU and 6-11-1 ATS all-time mark on the NFC North road. The clincher:  Playing Against any .400 or greater NFL Road Favorite from Game Nine out who allows 4.6 or more yards Per Rush if the beat the spread by more than 6 points and scored 27 or fewer points in its last game, if they are facing a .444 or less opponent that averages 3.5 or more Yards Per Rush is a perfect 22-0 ATS since 1980.

Rating: 4 Units 4* Big-10 Bash

The Hawkeyes have held the upper hand in this series with the Wolverines, going 15-8-1 ATS as a dog in this series, including 8-2 ATS with an .800 or greater win percentage, and 6-0 ATS when the Maize-and-Blue are coming off back-to-back wins.  In addition, teams entering their conference championship game, coming off a win of 14 or more points, are just 19-29 ATS all-time, including 1-9 ATS against a foe coming off a loss. Next, the favorite in Big Ten title games is 2-8 ATS (1-7 ATS versus .800 or greater foes). Finally, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz brings a 5-0 ATS record as a dog of more than 7 points with a win percentage of .750 or more into the fray. The clincher:  Playing Against any favorite of 6 or more points with a better record than its opponent in its conference championship game – if coming off an ATS win of 15 or more points and facing an .800 or fewer opponent is 10-1 ATS since 1996.

Rating: 5 Unit 5* AAC Championship Cash

Playing high-profile opponents has not been a problem for Cincinnati, either, considering they own a spotless 5-0 ATS record in the last five contests versus .900 or greater opponents. Series history also favors UC, as Houston stands 4-10 SU and 3-10-1 ATS versus the Bearcats, including 1-6 SU and 1-5-1 ATS here. And despite this year’s success, Cougars coach Holgorsen is only 9-18 SU and 11-16 ATS versus undefeated opposition in his career. The clincher: Playing against CFB team with revenge in its Championship Game if they allow more than 17.5 PPG and they are facing a .916 or greater opponent who allows fewer than 19 PPG if the opponent they are facing was has won 20 or more of its last 22 games is a perfect 8-0 ATS since 1992.

Rating: 5 Unit 5* Sun Belt Championship Smash

Much like the Baylor-Oklahoma State contest, these two own very similar numbers in the most important offensive and defensive team stats, but there is one area where the Cajuns own an overwhelming edge: Appalachian State is dead even when it comes to turnover margin in 2021, while Louisiana checks in at +11. In addition to riding an 11-game win streak since an opening season loss at Texas, Louisiana beat ASU by 28 points in mid-October when they held the Mountaineers to a season-low 13 points and 211 yards. The Clincher: Playing against CFB team with revenge in its Championship Game if they allow more than 17.5 PPG and they are facing a .916 or greater opponent who allows fewer than 19 PPG if the opponent they are facing was has won 20 or more of its last 22 games is a perfect 8-0 ATS since 1992.

Rating: 3 Unit 3* MWC Championship Whack

New Utah State head coach Blake Anderson made quite the splash in his first season with the Aggies when he took over a one-win team and led them to the MWC championship game. With four SU underdog wins this season, this nineteen returning-starter dog checks all the canine boxes today, including the one where underdogs have bagged the cash 6 of seven times in this conference title game. Sure, Diego has a tough-as-nails defense (313 YPG) that ranks No. 13 in the nation, but the sloth-like offense ranks No. 110, failing to score 20 or more points in each of their last seven contests. And while the sun worshippers are 11-1 on the season, they’re only 5-7 ITS, which means the majority of their wins have been fortuitous. With the pressure squarely on the Aztecs to capture a record-setting victory, the points become the play here today.

Rating: 2 Units

his spread opened at Clippers -2 but is now Lakers -1.5 because LeBron James cleared COVID protocols already and will play. I usually wait until as late as possible before picking NBA games these days to see who might be ruled out last minute -- that strategy saved me on the Bucks on Thursday when Giannis was a last-minute scratch -- but I won't be around that late tonight so we will just have to assume that LeBron and Anthony Davis (questionable but always on the injury report) do play. The Clippers enter on a three-game skid.

Rating: 2 Units

The SportsLine Projection Model has the Pilots winning by exactly three, but ESPN's BPI and a few others have it closer to 7. Portland's 7-2 record matches the best nine-game start to a season in the last 10 years. Shantay Legans has the best nine-game start among all Portland head coaches since the Pilots joined NCAA Division I in 1958. Legans brought in a ton of transfers and three especially have been thriving: Former Eastern Washington (where Legans was hired from) players Tyler Robertson (16.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and Mike Meadows (10.6 ppg, has a triple-double), and ex-UNLV big man Moses Wood (15.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg). VMI is winless on the road and obviously had to make the long trip across country. The Keydets haven't covered yet this year.

Rating: 3 Unit PAC-12 Pounding

Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal is in a tough spot here, going 1-5 SUATS the last six games as a dog of 6 or fewer points when seeking revenge. And with late season coach-poaching currently in high gear (Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly to LSU, Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley to USC), who knows if Cristobal will be lured away by the promise of a bigger payday before this game
even kicks off? We’re pretty secure in the knowledge that Utah’s Whittingham won’t be going anywhere after finishing up his 17th season by the Great Salt Lake, and he owns a 22-12 ATS mark against foes with a better record when the Utes sport a .500 or greater record, including 8-1 ATS against avenging foes. With Utah out-gaining foes by an average of 108 YPG this season, and QB Rising managing games while making very few mistakes, we don’t need a crystal ball to see that Cristobal and his Ducks are going down again.

Rating: 2 Units

The Heat are running out of healthy players. Bam Adebayo, (thumb), Jimmy Butler (back) and Markieff Morris (neck) are all expected to sit out. With them out Monday, the Heat loss by 26 points to the Cavaliers. They have little size up front to battle with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, so the Pacers have the chance to earn a decisive victory.

Rating: 3 Unit

Conference USA title game from San Antonio. This spread has been bobbing up and down between 2.5-3 all day, so let's grab 2.5 now in case it stays at 3. WKU lost a shootout at home to UTSA earlier this season and this one is on the Roadrunners' field, but the Hilltoppers have been dominating every opponent since then. All seven wins during WKU’s streak have been by at least 15 points, with the average margin of victory at 26.4. Bailey Zappe is having one of the best seasons ever by an FBS quarterback. UTSA, meanwhile, has looked sluggish in its past three games (0-3 ATS) and did lose its finale. Maybe the Roadrunners were simply coasting, but I'll take the hot team.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a fade on the Irish as they 1-5 ATS and have lost three of their past four SU. The Eagles have been overperforming so far, and their defense has been outstanding in only allowing 60.1 PPG. Notre Dame should struggle again and BC will cover.

Rating: 2 Units

The Pistons are pretty bad but there's talk that the Blazers will give Damian Lillard tonight off in the second of a back-to-back -- plus, Norman Powell missed Monday's loss to Utah and is in doubt, so I think Detroit can stay within this number if both are true. We'll have to take the chance now, though, because the spread will drop if Lillard becomes official. The Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their past five.

Rating: 2 Units

This pretty much comes down to where this game is being played -- San Jose State is unbeaten at home with wins over Cal State Fullerton and Northern Colorado, while South Dakota is 0-2 in true road games with double-digit losses at Drake and Nebraska. San Jose State has been boosted by five Power 5 transfers, topped by Ohio State's Ibrahima Diallo. The Coyotes are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a contrarian play, as there's going to be a good number of bettors rushing to take the team that just beat Gonzaga. However, we just saw Gonzaga struggle against Tarleton on Monday and, if you remember the game between Duke and the Zags, there was a good amount of foul trouble for Gonzaga. Just something to consider. Bottom line, this is a decent letdown spot for Duke coming off a big win. Grab the points with Ohio State at home.

Rating: 2 Units

The Broncos have looked terrible in their last two games, losing both as favorites. They have scored a total of just 116 points in those two games. The Rainbow Warriors have looked good, going 3-2 but not losing a game by more than three points. Their offense has been really good as they are averaging 81 PPG. This spread is too high, as the Hawaii offense will score enough points to cover.

Rating: 2 Units

The model has the wrong team favored and thinks the Wildcats edge this one out by a point. Wake Forest looks to have the money on its side but this line still came down from +2 overnight. Both teams have played a bit of a weak schedule to open the year. Wake has failed to cover against both LSU and Oregon St in its last two games and Northwestern should pose a similar challenge.

Rating: 2 Units

Arizona shocked the Jets in Winnipeg on Monday as a massive underdog; can the Yotes do it again Tuesday in the Twin Cities? Obviously doubtful, but getting Arizona on the puckline at +120 I can't turn down. The Wild are without their best offensive player in Mats Zuccarello and are starting backup goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, who has been very shaky in two or four starts this year.

Rating: 2 Units

Rice comes off a solid third-place finish at a holiday tournament in Florida and is 2-0 in true home games. Owls guard Travis Evee leads the team and is eighth in Conference USA with 16.1 points per game. He is second in C-USA with 3.3 three-pointers per game, is third in three-point field goal percentage (43.4%) and sixth in field goal percentage (50.0%). The Owls lead C-USA in three-point shooting. Rice is 6-0 ATS in its past six games as a home favorite. The SportsLine Projection Model has Rice winning by six.

Rating: 2 Units

Purdue's offense is unstoppable. It is averaging 92.3 PPG, and the Boilermakers have shot at least 50 percent from the field in all six of their games so far this season. The Seminoles have been bit by the injury bug, as they are missing three players in their rotation, including two starters. Florida State went to overtime with Boston University and only had four players record over 20 minutes. The Seminoles are very thin right now, and the Boilermakers should blow them out and easily cover. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

 I believe this spread is only going to rise -- the SportsLine Projection Model has the Mocs winning in a rout. The schools played on Nov. 16 in Chattanooga and the home team won by seven. Kansas transfer Silvio De Sousa has been great in the early going for the Mocs, averaging 12.0 points and 6.5 rebounds. Chattanooga was picked No. 1 in the 2021-22 SoCon Preseason Coaches and Media Polls, while Tennessee Tech was picked to finish 8th in the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Poll.

rating: 2 Units

 I am a bit surprised to see Minnesota favored by just a few points Tuesday. The Gophers are undefeated and hold a 4-1 record against the spread so far this season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 2-4 and have only covered once in their five home games. Pittsburgh was just beaten outright by UMBC. A 10-point loss when you're a 5.5-point favorite does not instill confidence. The model has this one as a five-point game, so we're getting a good 2.5 points of edge. Lay it.

Rating: 2 Units

Elon is 0-5 against NCAA Division I competition this season with the Phoenix's two wins against something called Randolph College as well as Bluefield College. I think the latter one was from the movie Animal House. UNCG is unbeaten at home and allowing just 53.2 points per game there. The Spartans are ranked fifth nationally in rebounding margin (15.7), 11th in rebounds per game (45.4) and 24th in defensive rebounds per game (30.3). They will have a huge edge there. At -6.5, I didn't like this but at -4 it's worth a shot. The SportsLine Projection Model has UNCG winning easily.

Rating: 2 Units

OK, this spread has climbed to the point where I have to take that huge number on the Hawks. The MEAC program is 2-4 straight up but 5-0 against the spread. It upset a good Fordham team. UConn may not have much interest in the beginning coming off tough holiday tournament games vs. Auburn, Michigan State and VCU. CBS Sports Network has this telecast.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Cowboys have looked amazing on both ends of the court. They are averaging 84.6 points while allowing 56.8 per game. They have had an easy schedule but they have thrived so far. The Titans have struggled defensively even against a weak schedule. KenPom ranks them as the 258th best defensive team. The Cowboys' offense will have another great game.

Rating: 2 Units

Oregon really has to prove it can cover a spread, so I'll take the points with Montana. The Grizzlies had a bit of trouble to open the season but have covered in three straight games. Oregon has had difficulty all season as the Ducks are 1-5 against the spread, only covering against SMU, which is 1-7 ATS. Not a big vote of confidence there for Oregon. Montana can stand up to a team like this, 13 is likely too many points. Grab the underdog and challenge Oregon to show us it is decent enough to get this done. I don't think the Ducks are.

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers have been a disaster on the road, posting a 1-9 record ATS. Things won’t be any easier for them Monday with Norman Powell (quadriceps) out. He’s averaging 16.9 points and Portland doesn’t have many viable scoring options behind him on the bench. The Jazz, who blew out the Pelicans by 22 points at home Saturday, could be lined up for another lopsided win.

Rating: 2 Units

This is mostly a fade of UT Arlington. The Mavericks are 1-5 this season, won their only game against a non-DI school, and have covered just once. We just saw Utah State win handedly on a similar -15.5 line vs. UT Arlington, and UCSB has covered as the home favorite two of two times this year. This is definitely a bit of a mismatch, and USCB should be able to get it done on both ends of the floor.

Rating: 2 Units

 At full strength, I think Illinois would spank Notre Dame. However, the Illini are expected to be without Andre Curbelo (undisclosed), Trent Frazier (leg), Jacob Grandison (illness) and Benjamin Verdonk (flu) tonight in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup. The Irish have been hugely bolstered by graduate transfer Paul Atkinson Jr., the 2019-20 Ivy League Player of the Year who transferred to Notre Dame during the offseason. Wish I had gotten this at +6.5 but clearly oddsmakers are starting to adjust.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cavaliers welcomed back star rookie Evan Mobley from an elbow injury during their 105-92 demolition of the Magic on Saturday. They also have Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love back from their bouts with COVID-19, adding significant depth. They have played tough, going 11-6-1 ATS as underdogs. The Mavericks are only 3-5 ATS at home and don’t have the size up front to battle with Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Look for the Cavaliers to keep this game close.

Rating: 2 Units

Oral Roberts was one of the darlings of the 2021 NCAA Tournament but the Golden Eagles haven't really carried that over yet with a 3-3 record and those wins over all non-Division I schools. KenPom ranks Tulsa as the No. 142 team nationally and Oral Roberts 177. Sagarin has Tulsa as two points better and the SportsLine Projection Model six better. This is for the Mayor's Cup -- Oral Roberts is in Tulsa if you didn't know.

Rating: 2 Units

 I think the wrong team could be favored in this one. Cornell is 5-1, including three outright wins as an underdog against Binghamton, Lafayette and Colgate. The Big Red then covered in a loss to Penn State as a dog and against St Francis (PA) as a favorite in a victory. They've yet to lose ATS and face a Canisius team that has had its struggles. The Golden Griffins recently were 10-point favorites over Coppin and only won by a point. I think this is going to be a close battle between upstate New York teams. I'll take the points on the team that's covered every game.

Rating: 2 Units

The Wildcats are 3-2 but their losses have come against two of the nation's top five teams. They beat the 17th-ranked Volunteers by 18 points in Tennessee. They have had a full week of rest. The Explorers have looked incompetent at times in their first four games. They have played against very weak competition and are just 2-2. Their terrible defense won’t be able to handle the Wildcats' offense.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bucks have reeled off six straight wins, which coincides with Khris Middleton’s return from a bout with COVID-19. They are 9-3 with him in the lineup this season, compared to 3-5 without him. He played when these two teams met earlier this season, which was a 10-point win for the Bucks in Indiana. I like them to cover in their rematch, as well.

NFL Inter-Conference Game of the Week

Head coach Sean McVay enters this game knowing he is 4-1 SUATS when coming off consecutive losses, including 3-0 SUATS versus foes coming off a loss. And speaking of QB dings, despite battling a toe injury, and losing left tackle Elgton Jenkins to injury, Rodgers went 23-of-33 for 385 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s loss at Minnesota, snapping the league’s longest SUATS win skein at 9 this season. The big concern for Rams’ backers is Rodgers’ 41-21-1 ATS career record in games when the Packers are coming off a loss. However, it waters down to 13-11 ATS when he is at home in games with both teams coming off a loss. Cap it off my knowing that playing on any NFL team coming off consecutive SU favorite losses, the last an ATS loss by 12 or more points, if they were a playoff team last year and they are facing a .700 or better opponent is 16-0 ATS since 2006

Rating: 2 Units

 This pick is a fade of Georgia. The Bulldogs are averaging 66 points per game against a weak schedule. The Terriers are averaging 84 points on 48.9 percent shooting from the field. Their offense should stay hot today.

Rating: 2 Units

The Warriors are a stellar 11-1 at home, but don’t sleep on them on the road, either. They are 6-1 away from home, including 5-2 ATS. They have been the most dominant team in the league, recording a plus-13.6 point differential. Getting Marcus Morris back is big for the Clippers, but Nicolas Batum (COVID-19) being out is noteworthy. I’ll lay the small amount of points here and look for the Warriors to stay hot.

Rating: 4 UnitNFL Play of the Day

A red-faced Ryan Tannehill was intercepted 4 times (3 times in the 4Q) in last week’s humiliating loss to Houston as the Titans were flagged for looking past the Texans in favor of today’s contest. Our QB League database notes that Tannehill is 20-12 SU and 22-10 ATS against foes coming off a double-digit win, including 19-7 ATS as a dog. Note that NFL road dogs coming off a SU loss as a double-digit favorite are 10-4 SU and 12-2 ATS when taking on a foe coming off a win of 14 or more points. The clincher: Tennessee is 10-5 SU and 11-4 ATS against foes coming off a double-digit win under head coach Mike Vrabel, including 5-0 SUATS this season.

Rating: 5 UnitDivisional Game of the Week

The Steelers are 19-5 SU and 15-8-1 ATS the last 24 games in this series. They are also 9-2 SUATS away in games in which Cincinnati sports the better record, including 5-0 SUATS when the Black and Gold arrives off a SUATS loss. And making things juicier, when Pittsburgh is coming off a loss and facing Cincinnati coming off a win, the Steelers stand 7-2 SU and 8-1 ATS in the Queen City, including 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS as a dog. Also consider that : Pittsburgh QB Roethlisberger is 27-5-1 SU and 22-11 ATS away in Ohio at Cincinnati and Cleveland, where he played his college ball at Miami Oh, including 9-0 SU and 8-1 ATS in games in which Pittsburgh owns the lesser record. To finish it off Cincy is 3-7 ATS as a division home favorite while Pitt is 7-1 ATS as a division road dog.

Rating: 2 Units

Drake has lost two tough games in Florida, to Belmont and Alabama. I still think the Bulldogs will cover versus a North Texas team that's shooting 42 percent overall and 31.9 percent from deep. The Bulldogs are much better offensively and that will be the difference here.

Rating: 4 Unit PAC-12 Play of the Day

There is not a whole lot on the line in this game for the Bruins – they have qualified for a bowl game (but cannot reach the Pac-12 title game), and they are still basking in the glow of their 62-33 destruction of arch-rival USC. Also, consider that they are 0-6-1 ATS after taking on the Trojans, 0-5-1 ATS in Game Twelve, and 1-7 ATS as home chalk of less than 10 points. Therefore, this becomes the ideal spot for the Bears, who still need a pair of wins (although next week doesn’t matter unless they score a victory here) to earn their bowl stripes. On top of that, they have owned this series spread-wise, going 12-4-1 ATS as a dog, and overall are 6-0 ATS as road dogs of 10 or fewer points. In addition, the Bears are 21-8 ATS as an underdog with head coach Justin Wilcox, including 7-0 ATS when the Bears own a losing record.

Rating: 2 Units

My model makes this game an 8.5-point spread, so you're getting a nice edge here with Dixie State. This is a battle between Utah schools, and even though Dixie has gone 1-4, this line is still too big. Grab the points, and expect this rivalry matchup to stay within double digits.

Rating: 2 Units

A team that is quietly surging is Charlotte. The Hornets have won eight of their last nine games, including a 133-115 win last night against Minnesota. The 133 points was team's season-high. On Saturday they face the worst team in the NBA in the Rockets. Back the Hornets to continue their winning ways.

Rating; 2 Units

The Bulls are coming off a solid bounce-back win on Friday against Orlando. They now travel back home to host a Miami team that has not played since Wednesday. I expect the Bulls' recent experience of losing the second game of a back-to-back scenario (they lost to the Pacers on Monday, 109-77) to motivate them to a hot start on Saturday. Take Chicago to hold off the Heat.

Rating: 5 Unit  Big-12 Game of the Week

Okies a step behind normally overpowering "O", with 3 take aways greasing skids for escape vs Iowa St (25-15 first down & 362-306 yard deficits). Oklahoma St "D" has been immovable, ranking 3rd, 4th, & 2nd in total, rushing, scoring. A 165-23 pt edge L4 tilts. Repaying 6 straight losses. Consider as well that playing against any unrested college football favorite from Game Eight or later who allows 13.3 or more PPG on the season coming off its first loss of the season if they were favored by 4 or more points in the loss and lost to the spread by 14 or more points, if they are facing an opponent coming off a loss is a perfect 22-0 ATS since 1980

Rating: 2 Units

Indiana is 5-0 and has covered every double digit spread it has seen since letting Eastern Michigan hang around to open the season. EMU was concerning, but Indiana seems to have woken up since and I think the Hoosiers keep rolling. Marshall has struggled against teams much worse than this. The model has this as a 14-point spread in favor of Indiana, so I'm getting my coveted three-point edge. Lay the points with the Hoosiers.

Rating: 2 Units

 I feel like the wrong team is favored. My model makes this game a pick 'em, but Harvard lost to Sienna and barely covered against Albany so I am a bit confused on why the Crimson are favored. This is a big Boston-area rivalry game; I think Northeastern shows up, and the model agrees. Grab the points in what should be a close one.

Rating 5 UnitsBig-10 Game of the Week

Our numbers for this game clearly put the Spartans at a disadvantage, including a 0-5 ATS mark after playing Ohio State, and a 0-4 home record against the number when they have conference revenge. On the flip side, regardless of the outcome of this game, neither team can improve or regress in the standings of the Big Ten East Division when the 7-4 / 4-4 Lions invade East Lansing to take on the 9-2 / 6-2 Spartans. With that being the case, you know it’s a much more important result for PSU as far as bowl positioning is concerned. The Nittany Lions are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in LRGs, as well as 4-1 ATS away versus conference revenge. PSU’s 26thranked defense (335 YPG) is also leagues better than MSU’s 119th rated stop-unit (463 YPG)... and therein lies your edge. Consider as well that Penn State head coach James Franklin is 30-4 SU and 27-7 ATS in games when coming off a win versus an opponent coming off a loss, including 14-2 SU and 15-1 ATS versus greater-than .400 foes.

Rating: 2 Units

OSU HC Day is  33-3 SU and 21-14-1 ATS in all games, including 24-0 SU and 16-8 ATS versus foes with at least one loss on the season, as well as 12-0 SU and 8-3-1 ATS away. As for today’s all-the-marbles matchup, Ohio State is 7-1 ATS of late as road chalk of 8 or fewer points (check line), while Michigan owns a dreadful 0-8-1 ATS mark as a conference home dog of 10 or less points. We could go on, but with Harbaugh just 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS as a dog against .900 or greater opponents, Michigan will be little more than a speed bump at the Big House, as the Buckeyes barrel towards the Big Ten title game, and a spot in the CFB Playoff.

Rating: 5 Unit  Upset of the Week

Wake has limped to the barn at the end of the season many times, 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS, and a frightening 0-5 SUATS versus teams coming off a SUATS loss. The Demon Deacons are also 3-12 ATS in the back half of back-to-back conference roadies. Meanwhile the Boston Brawlers are 5-0 ATS as conference road dogs of 4 or more, 15-3 ATS versus conference opponents they defeated in a most recent meeting, as well as 8-3 ATS vs .800 or greater vs. conference opponents. They have thrived since QB Phil Jurevic returned. Consider that playing on  any .500 or greater college football conference home dog coming off one loss-exact if they lost SU as a favorite from Game Seven out if they allow 24.5 or fewer PPG and they average more than 120 rushing yards per game if they are facing an .800 or greater opponent that allows 17.5 or more PPG who won fewer than 12 games last season is 15-0 ATS since 1980. Wake Forest needs a M-U-S-T W-I-N, but we see U-P-S-E-T instead.

Rating: 2 Units

Yes, Duke is a very good team, but no team is on Gonzaga's level. The Bulldogs proved that with their 20-point beatdown of UCLA. According to KenPom, the Bulldogs rank first in adjusted offensive efficiency and seventh in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Blue Devils have looked impressive but they haven’t faced a good opponent since their first game. This spread is too small.

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers are a dreadful 1-8 ATS on the road, while the Warriors are 8-2-1 ATS at home. It looked like the Warriors were going to suffer a disappointing loss at home to the shorthanded Sixers in their home game Monday but stormed back in the second half to eventually win by 20 points. They now have a +13.5 point differential, which is the best in the NBA. Look for them to keep rolling at home.

Rating: 2 Units

Oregon State is 0-5 against the spread and Wake Forest is undefeated this season, but my model has Oregon State as a one-point favorite. Wake Forest has not had a very difficult schedule, and Oregon State might be able to keep this closer than expected, if not win outright. This is definitely a bit of a contrarian play, but if you play systemically you need to trust it.

Rating: 2 Units

It's been a rough stretch for the Nuggets, who have lost five straight games. Three of those games came with Nikola Jokic (wrist) out, and he might not be back for this game, either, since he’s listed as questionable. Even if Jokic is able to return, the Nuggets will still be without Michael Porter Jr. (back), leaving them without one of their best scoring options. The Bucks are 4-1 ATS as road favorites and have a favorable opportunity to cover this small number.

Rating: 2 Units

The oddsmakers have installed Washington State as the favorite in this game, despite the fact they are 1-7 ATS as a favorite in this series, as well as 3-13 SU in their last sixteen games at Husky Stadium. At 4-7, the only place Washington is going is home after this contest, but there is no better incentive for a bitter rival than to dress up as the underdog at home – and put a pin in the balloon of its hated rival. Meanwhile, UDub sports the nation’s No. 20 overall defense, one that is 69 YPG superior than its adversary, and the Huskies are 6-1 SUATS as home dogs of fewer than 2.5 points. Yes, WSU had gone 3-1 ATS away this year when seeking revenge, but that number is trumped by Washington’s red-hot 6-0 SUATS series run.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a true home game for Arkansas State and not a neutral site tournament. The Red Wolves (soon to be possibly also be the Washington Football Team's nickname) are projected to win by seven via the SportsLine Projection Model and by 4.5 via ESPN BPI. A-State returns all five starters, 97.1 percent of minutes, 97.9 percent of scoring and 96.6 percent of rebounds from last season.

Rating: 2 Units

Rick Pitino's Iona team is coming off an upset win over Alabama in which the Gaels made just 4-of-21 3-pointers. The Gaels have a balanced attack, led by forward Nelly Junior Joseph, who averages 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. Four starters average double figures in points. In a game where the spread is just 3.5 points, free throw shooting could prove to be crucial, and Iona ranks third in free throw attempts while Belmont checks in at No. 222. Grab the points with the hot Iona team.

Rating: 2 Units

Folks, this is why I sit home all day monitoring numerous news feeds -- to get you guys the immediate information (and win some bets myself). Thankfully, I have an understanding wife! We crushed fading Georgia Tech earlier today because they were hit hard by the flu. Well, Xavier just ruled out starters Dieonte Miles and Colby Jones with fellow key players Jerome Hunter and Adam Kunkel as game-time decisions vs. the Hokies. The Musketeers are dealing with a flu bug, too.

Rating: 2 Units

The Jaguars have had only three games against Division I teams and their offense has struggled. They have averaged just 64.3 PPG in those games. The Rainbow Warriors have a very explosive offense as they are averaging 84 PPG. All five of their starters are averaging double-digit points. Only two Jaguars are doing that. Hawaii is likely the better team so taking any points here is a good deal.

Rating: 2 Units

We like fading teams off record-setting performances, and with the Pac-12 title game on deck for Utah, we figure head coach Kyle Whittingham will go vanilla here before tangling with Oregon, Oregon State or Washington State. Helping Colorado’s chances is the Utes’ mediocre 3-8 ATS effort in their last eleven games against .333 or less conference opponents. Conflicting trends show the Buffs are 0-5 ATS in recent series results, but 4-1 ATS as dogs of more than 14 points in the final game of the season. In addition, coach Dorrell is 23-12 ATS when taking points, including 11-3 ATS against foes coming off a double-digit win. The bottom line is Utah will be content with a ‘W’ while the Buffaloes have plenty of room to roam inside the 24-point impost

Rating: 2 Units

Last year at this time the Chanticleers were undefeated and clinched a perfect regular season with a road win-no-cover at Troy, but they were denied an opportunity to win a Sun Belt title game when it was postponed due to COVID. This year, they take a 9-2 ledger into Mobile as they will once again be spectators for the conference title bout. With it, they may find it difficult getting up for an opponent that is riding an 0-3 SUATS streak. There will be no shortage of incentive for the 5-6 Jags, though, as they’re looking to pick up a win to become bowl-eligible, after going 9-26 SU the previous three seasons. A 5-3 SU and 6-2 ATS record in lined home gams since joining the FBS, including three SU underdog wins the last four years, catches our fancy. With CCU still warm and fuzzy from sending the seniors off in Conway last week, we’ll back a starving dog in South Alabama that stands a perfect 6-0 ATS of late as a home dog of 7 or more points.

Rating: 2 Units

While the Pirates are 2-10 ATS versus undefeated conference opponents, they
are playing their best ball of the season – riding a 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS streak – and should be considered as dangerous as a ship full of cutthroat thieves, especially with Cincinnati just 1-6 ATS of late as a road favorite of 8 or more points. The Bearcats absolutely destroyed ECU in the Queen City last year, 55-17, so head coach Mike Houston and his Pirates should be primed for payback in their final home game of 2021. Factor in that the series host is on a 5-0 ATS streak, and that East Carolina is currently 4-0 ATS as a home dog of more than seven points, and we look for UC to have its timbers shivered in an uncomfortably close contest.

Rating: 2 Units

New Mexico will be scoreboard watching, only the Lobos will be looking at the time remaining in this game, so they can finally call an end to a miserable 3-9 season. The campaign started with some degree of promise at 2-0, but those wins came against Houston Baptist and New Mexico state, and a step up in class resulted in a 1-8 SU slide. Even worse, if we throw out the Houston Baptist game, UNM has torched the money big-time this year, going 1-9 ATS.  Meanwhile, Utah State should be mad as hell after getting ambushed by the Wyoming Cowboys last week, losing 44-17 as 6-point chalk, and the Aggies have cashed four straight tickets in the series. And with USU head coach Blake Anderson now 23-3 SU and 18-8 ATS as a double-digit favorite, the likelihood of an upset is next to nil

Rating: 2 Units

This is too big of a spread for the Incarnate Word Thanksgiving Invitational game. This is a spot for Incarnate to show up in its own tournament. My model makes the Cardinals only three-point underdogs, so we are getting nearly a four-point edge. Grab the points.

Rating: 3 Units

Kansas State is 5-1 ATS in this series of late when coming off a SUATS loss, they’re also an impressive 6-0-1 ATS as road favorites or road dogs of 3 or less points. Head coach Chris Klieman does not suffer SUATS losses lightly, going 6-1 ATS in his last seven tries in that role. Coach K also boasts an 11-3 SU and 10-2 ATS mark versus .500 or fewer foes, including 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS the last eight. And we can’t forget last year’s horrific 69-31 loss to Texas, especially with the Horns now 3-8 ATS at home versus a revenging conference opponent. We can almost hear the “Bring Back Herman” chants as you read this. Consider that college Football teams on a 6-game-exact losing streak are 3-22 SU and 8-15 ATS at home in their final game of the regular season, including 0-5 ATS as either a favorite or a dog of fewer than 3 points.

Rating: 2 Units

Got destroyed on college hoops, I'll admit it. Still firmly believe I should have won two of the three and one was a bad beat of a lifetime. Oh well, we move on. This game is in Orlando and KenPom ranks Miami at 102 and North Texas 114. The last three games, Miami started four sixth-year players and a third-year player, owning a combined 27 seasons of experience. This early in the season, I'll take experience like that.

Rating: 2 Units

CBS Sports Network has this game from the Bahamas. KenPom ranks unbeaten Mississippi State six spots ahead of Louisville nationally. The Bulldogs have trounced their first four opponents but this will be an obvious step up in competition. Louisville has a home loss to Furman on its resume and comes off a not-impressive close home win over Detroit. MSU leads the SEC in field goal percentage (52.0) and three-point field goal percentage (45.7) and has four impact transfers. Louisville is 1-7 ATS in its past eight as a dog. I believe this spread should be a few points higher.

Rating: 3 Units

Siemian owns an 88.9 QB Rating in his four starts this season, throwing 8 TDs and 2 INTs. He is also 9-5 SU and 8-5-1 ATS in his NFL home starts, including 4-0 SUATS when his team is coming off a loss of more than 3 points. More important, the Saints are 5-0 ATS in this series, as well as 7-0-1 ATS as home dogs of fewer than 6 points. Knowing that New Orleans head coach Sean Payton is 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS when coming off three consecutive losses, including 5-0 SUATS as a dog – and provided New Orleans shakes the injury bug – look for the Saints to improve to 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS on Thanksgiving Day here tonight. Consider that playing on any .500 or greater NFL non-division home dog who was a playoff team last year if they’ve won 16 or more of their previous 28 home games and they’re facing a foe coming off an ATS loss of 7 or more points is 14-1-1 since 1996.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulldogs find themselves in another payback situation tonight, falling in last year’s Egg Bowl, 31-24. That works well with the Rebels’ money-burning 3-8 ATS record when taking on foes playing with conference revenge. Ole Miss has ridden the Lane Train to an impressive 9-2 SU record this season, but head coach Kiffin is only 3-10 ATS in games with the better record when coming off consecutive wins. And in case you missed Mississippi State’s win over Auburn, you missed a totally unflappable coach in Leach, never losing his cool despite his team starting in a 28-3 hole, then ripping off 40 unanswered points to beat the Tigers, 43-34. In tonight’s annual slugfest between two of the seven SEC teams dotting the College Football Playoff Rankings, we’ll stick with Professor Leach and MSU’s 13-1 ATS success in the second of back-to-back home games.

Rating: 2 Units

No sport changes my mind about playing or not playing a game more than college basketball regarding injuries simply as they are so hard to track with nearly 400 schools in Division I. Well, I just happened across some pretty good injury news for New Mexico in this one as star guard Jaelen House, an Arizona State transfer, will play after missing the previous game, and senior guard Saquan Singleton, the Lobos’ top returning scorer/rebounder/assist leader from last year, will make his season debut off a heart abnormality. Frankly, I thought this spread was a couple of points too high regardless but now like the Lobos quite a bit in Las Vegas.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bears are much better than the Rams offensively and defensively. The VCU defense has only allowed 52 PPG so far this season, but it hasn't faced an offense like Baylor. The Bears average 85.8 PPG and shouldn't slow down today. KenPom ranks BU as the fourth-best team in the nation and VCU 91st. This spread is too small for how good the Bears are.

Rating: 2 Units

 This is a true home game for New Orleans as it hosts the UNO Classic. This spread seems off via various models as SportsLine's has the Privateers winning by seven and ESPN's BPI by 10. New Orleans has perhaps the best backcourt in the Southland Conference in seniors Derek St. Hilaire (21.6 ppg) and Tony Green (10.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg). The Privateers won easily on Wednesday, while Presbyterian had to play down to the wire vs. VMI. New Orleans is 10-1 ATS in its past 11 at home.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Warriors are rested as they face the shorthanded 76ers. Philly is 2-6 SU and ATS without Joel Embiid, the wins and covers coming against the depleted Nuggets and the lowly Kings. Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and Danny Green all are questionable tonight. Even if they play, I like Golden State to improve to 8-3 ATS at home and 13-5 ATS overall. The Warriors rank first in defensive efficiency, by a wide margin, while Philly is 25th.

Rating: 2 Units

The Trail Blazers have struggled on the road, going 1-7 SU and ATS, but this is a good spot for them against the flailing Kings. After a poor start to the season, Damian Lillard has been outstanding over his last eight games. He had 25 points in 31 minutes last night. Sacramento is 2-7 SU at home and enters this one on a 1-8 SU and ATS skid. The Kings just lost by eight at home to a very depleted 76ers lineup. Back Portland.

Rating: 2 Units

Hey, a decent puckline price finally on an underdog! (-140). Don't look now, but the Coyotes have won three of four and new No. 1 goaltender Scott Wedgewood has been great since being picked up off waivers as he's 3-1-1 with a 2.04 GAA with the Yotes. The Oilers are playing the second of a back-to-back and were shut down Tuesday in a loss in Dallas (we won on the Under). Edmonton also is missing a handful of injured guys.

Rating: 2 Units

 I have this game as +2.5 for UC San Diego. The Tritons have gone 3-0 against the spread so far this season, winning every game by double digits, and are facing a Montana squad that lost to North Dakota. I think we have a much closer game than five points, and UC San Diego might just win outright. Grab the points.

Rating: 2 Units

 The Hawks hit the road to face the Spurs, who are in complete disarray having lost five straight. Grab Atlanta.

Rating: 2 Units

The Baylor Bears aren’t being talked about enough with the top tier of teams. They are stacked. They have been dominant on both ends of the court. According to KenPom, the Bears rank sixth in both adjusted offensive efficiency and adjusted defensive efficiency. The Sun Devils have been very inconsistent. Their offense has had a lot of troubles and they haven’t played a defense of Baylor's caliber. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

The Bulls' ascent in the Eastern Conference has been one of the best stories on the young season. But they are coming off their worst loss this season to the Pacers, 109-77. I expect this young team to have a letdown against a Rockets team that is overdue for a competitive game. Take Houston.

Rating: 2 Units

OK, I understand the Heat are in the second of a road/road back-to-back and that Minnesota is playing much better of late, but the Heat are underdogs? That truly baffles me. Hey, I'll take it. Dating to last season, Miami has covered its past seven in the second of a B2B.

Rating: 2 Units

This is a tough spot for the Lakers. They are a veteran-laden team that will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set. They have played two back-to-back sets this season and lost the second game of both. One was an eight-point loss to the Thunder, and the other was an 18-point loss to the Bulls. While LeBron James will return from his suspension, Anthony Davis just played 34 minutes last night while sick, so he might not be in top form. I’ll lay the points with the Pacers.

Rating: 2 Units

KenPom ranks Utah Valley at No. 188 and Nicholls State 215. While the SportsLine Projection Model has the Wolverines winning by a point in the SoCal Challenge, Sagarin has them by 4.3. Utah Valley has the WAC's best player in Fardaws Aimaq, who leads the Wolverines in both scoring (22.6 ppg) and rebounding (13.2 rpg). Utah Valley returns 10 players, including three starters, from last year's squad that won a share of the WAC regular season title. The school is coached by former NBA scrub Mark Madsen -- remember him dancing years ago at a Lakers title celebration?

Rating: 2 Units

This game will be the Huskies' real start to the season. They have played four really bad teams. They're averaging 92 points while shooting better than 50 percent from the field and nearly 40 percent from deep. They've allowed 51.3 points per game while holding opponents to 33 percent shooting. The Tigers got a scare from South Florida last time out. UConn is a much better team than Auburn. This spread is too small.

Rating: 2 Units

Let's get our day started on a winning note from the Bahamas. Is this spread wrong? The various models appear to think so. SportsLine's has Drexel winning by two points. ESPN's BPI has the Dragons has about a point better. CAA Preseason Player of the Year Camren Wynter for Drexel will be the best player on the floor.

Rating: 2 Units

KenPom ranks Fairfield 15 spots better nationally and this is a true home game for the Stags. The SportsLine Projection Model has them winning by 3. Sagarin and ESPN's BPI have it about the same. Fairfield played both Boston College and Providence tough, while Stony Brook is 0-2 on the road. Fairfield is one of four teams in the nation to welcome back more than 99 percent of its scoring and 99 percent of its minutes from last season.

Rating: 2 Units

 This spread seems too high at least according to various models -- SportsLine's has about the highest point differential I've seen at Campbell winning by 17. Campbell is a good Big South program but UMES has had some quality outings this season, only losing to Saint Joseph's by two and winning at Fordham. The Hawks should be able to stay within this number.

Rating: 2 Units

The model makes this one a seven-point spread, and it looks like Texas-Rio Grande Valley should be able to keep this game within double digits. The Vaqueros play with an elevated pace and can go on scoring runs. Grab them and the points.

Rating: 2 Units

The Friars are 5-0 on the season and already have taken down two Big Ten teams in Wisconsin and Northwestern. They now will face a Virginia team that struggles with an offensive efficiency rating that ranks them No. 156 in the country. No one has had an answer for Providence big man Nate Watson, who averages 18.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. The Friars are a top-50 team rebounding the ball on the defensive end, while Virginia checks in 200 spots lower in the same category. Lay the small number with the better team on a neutral court.

Rating: 2 Units

The wrong team is favored in this game. The Wolfpack have been terrible so far. They lost by 27 points yesterday while allowing 102 points. The Patriots have looked good on both ends of the floor. They are on fire from beyond the arc and that should continue against the Wolfpack’s terrible defense.

Rating: 2 Units

This play is a fade on the Thunderbirds. In their three games against Division I opponents, they are 0-3 straight up and against the spread. They have looked terrible on both ends of the court and they have shown no potential to get better. The Bulldogs are really strong defensively and they have shown some sparks offensively. The Bulldogs are a much better and more experienced team. They have good chemistry and it shows on defense. Lay the points.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzaga is the number one team in the country for good reason. The Zags are stacked. But they have their hardest game of the season Tuesday against UCLA. Once they get ahead big here, they likely will rest starters. The Chippewas' offense has shown potential. This spread is too high.

Rating: 2 Units

The Grizzlies are not expected to have Dillon Brooks or De'Anthony Melton tonight. It's a bad spot for Memphis against a surging Jazz team that's won and covered three straight. Utah has covered those three by an average of 13 points. The Jazz remember that Memphis stole Game 1 in Salt Lake City in last year's playoffs. Lay the points.