5*Oakland Raiders +3.5

Oakland's first team offense and defense played inspired ball this preseason. The Bengals have to travel a long way and temps are expected to be above normal. The Bengals have struggled in warmer climates early in the season. I think the Raiders are on the right track. I would expect the Raiders to give the city of Oakland a very competitive team this season. It very well could be their last season in Oakland.

5*Jacksonville Jaguars +3

I think the Jaguars are improving on both sides of the ball. They have a lot of talent you've never heard of. Carolina is very thin at WR and they have one of the worst offensive lines. Jacksonville's first team offensive line looked solid in the preseason. Gus Bradley is building something special in Jacksonville. They should be undervalued early in the season. Look for the Jaguars to win their home opener for the 4th consecutive season.

10*Michigan State -3

The Spartans have been waiting for this rematch ever since blowing a halftime lead at Eugene last season. They should benefit from seeing this team without former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Mariota single handily won the game for Oregon last season. He's not there anymore and the Ducks' defense is significantly weaker. They allowed 42 points against Eastern Washington last Week. This is a statement game for the home team. Lay the small number.  

4*Temple +7

5*Temple +7

The Owls are a team on a mission this season after getting "snubbed" out of Bowl Action last season. Temple returns 19 starters, including 11 from a defense that ranked in the Top 25 nationally in numerous categories. Penn State should have a decent season, but they might be looking ahead to their 5-game home stand on deck. Head coach James Franklin is 1-3 SU & 1-3 ATS in road openers. The Owls played Penn State close last season until a bad "pick six" in the fourth quarter. I think they will learn from that. Temple is 16-4 ATS as home dogs when seeking revenge. This line should be closer to 5. 

5*Hawaii +7.5

Max Wittek is a strong kid who can make all the throws. The Junior transfer from USC is poised for a big year against some of the lesser teams. Heach coach Norm Chow compares him to Carson Palmer. Hawaii has an improving offense and defense. Tough travel spot in Week one for Colorado. Take the home dog in this one!

5*Baltimore Ravens -4

The Ravens return home off last week's dismal effort at Philadelphia. The Ravens committed 17 penalties along with some ugly turnovers. The Ravens' front seven should have their way with this current Redskins' offensive line. Baltimore rarely drops two in a row in the Preseason under John Harbaugh. A team coached by Harbaugh should bounce back in a big way. 

5*Oakland Raiders +5

Oakland has three solid quarterbacks and plenty of up-and-coming talent. Also, the Vikings play five preseason games and want to use next week's game against Dallas as their dress rehearsal, which will be their second to last preseason game. Here's the clincher....The Raiders and Vikings will play in Week 10 of the regular season. I doubt both teams will show much. Seems like a flat spot for Minnesota. Take the road dog! 

5*NY Jets +1

The Falcons benefited from three Tennessee turnovers and only scored 7 points in the second half in last week's home win. The Jets have have won three out of their past four preseason home openers. New Head coach Todd Bowles would like to continue that tradition. Bryce Petty played well last week and the Jets signed Matt Flynn. For all the abuse he takes his career QB rating is 85.9, which is better than half the QB's in the league. You know he will be pumped-up to get some game action in. I like his chances against a 3rd string defense. Ryan Fitzpatrick got more reps in practice and the Harvard graduate is getting more comfortable. Falcons still have some offensive line issues from what I saw last Week. Thunderstorms are in the forecast all day Friday in East Rutherford NJ. The Jets should be much more accustomed to playing with those type of field conditions at home.

5*Jacksonville Jaguars  Pick em

The Steelers played in the Hall of Fame game just five days ago and still have three more exhibition games after tonight. Pittsburgh is 1-9 SU in their last 10 preseason games. Mike Tomlin is more concerned about evaluating his younger guys. This is a big game for the home team and they are improving on both sides of the ball. The Jags won their preseason opener at home last year. I would expect another solid effort tonight!

5*Cleveland Cavs +4.5

Closeout games are always the toughest so the Warriors will have to bring their "A" game. Cleveland in the Finals is a big deal and believe they will show up at home. Look for Cleveland to use more pick and roll with Mozgov, which worked well in game four. Keep in mind, these games have been close going into the 4th quarter. Take the home dog! 

4*Cleveland Cavaliers +2

I am going against the public and taking the home underdog with all the momentum. Role players often perform better at home. Crowd should be pumped up for this one!

4*Cleveland +8

4*LA Clippers -2

4*LA Clippers +6.5

5*Portland T-Blazers -3

I'll take the home team playing with purpose after losing the first two. Role players perform better at home and the Rose Garden is a tough place for visiting teams in game three.

4*Milwaukee Bucks +5.5

4*LA Clippers -1

5*Dallas Mavericks +5

10*Houston Rockets +4

The Rockets allowed the Spurs to shoot over 50% in losing at San Antonio the other night. The Rockets return home knowing they are 11-2 straight up after a loss by 10 points or more. The Spurs are just 1-7 SU as road chalk of 4 points or less. James Harden had a sub-par shooting game and should be much better at home against a Spurs' team playing its 3rd game in four nights. Friday Night home underdogs with winning records are always sharp plays in the NBA. Take the Rockets!

5*Duke -5.5

Duke defeated Michigan State by 10 points back in November and I believe the Blue Devils are playing its best ball at the right time. Michigan State struggles with turnovers and hitting free throws. Duke has had tremendous success against teams that struggle in said categories. Take Duke!

4*Portland Trail Blazers -2.5

5*Kent State +1

Wrong team favored in this game. Take Kent State!

5*UCLA +8.5

Gonzaga defeated the Bruins in Westwood earlier this season. UCLA has found their way now and will be extra motivated in this game. UCLA has quick guards which matches up well with this Gonzaga team. Take the underdog!

5*Michigan State +5

5*Georgia State +7.5

4*St. John's +3.5

10*Buffalo Bulls +4.5

Buffalo is playing its best ball of the season having won eight in a row. They can score and defend with the best of them. West Virginia is nicked up in the back court and that will make their press defense a little weaker. This should be a very tight game so lets take the points.

5*Ohio State -3.5

Ohio State is an undervalued team in this region. They could have easily been a five seed but stumbled late. VCU is easier to slow down without Weber. Look for Ohio State to play a complete game and advance to the next round.

5*Texas -1.5

Texas is the best shot-blocking team in America and will be playing with a chip on its shoulder. They are underrated in this spot and should win going away.

5*UC Davis +8.5

5*Tulsa +3

4*Richmond +1.5

5*UMASS +1.5

4*Oregon State +3.5

4*California -3.5

4*Dallas Mavericks +5

4*Ohio State +2

4*Louisville +3

4*Kent State -3

5*Seton Hall +3.5

4*Auburn +5

4*Boise State +7

4*Maryland +6.5

4*Detroit Pistons +1.5

5*Texas -2

5*UC Davis +7

5*Syracuse +7

4*Mississippi +6

4*Kent State +7.5

5*Memphis -2

The Grizzlies had a late meltdown against Minnesota and should be very focused against a team they might play in the NBA Finals. Memphis committed a season-high 21 turnovers and shot just 5-17 (29%) from 3-point land, while the Hawks were 13-25 (52%) from behind the arc in their home victory over the Grizzlies about one month ago. Z. Randolph did not play in that game. Memphis has the size and skill to matchup with the surprising Hawks. Look for the home team to improve to 11-3 SU in revenge games this season! 

4*St Bonaventure +3

4*Portland Trail Blazers -4

4*Memphis Grizzlies -2

4*New England -103

Nobody is really talking about the health of the Seahawks' secondary. Two key starters will playing at less than 100%. The Seahawks also played one of the easiest schedules in all of football this season. With two weeks to prepare, I expect Belichick and company to install a solid game-plan that will exploit the middle of the field with quick-short type passes. Look for numerous running plays from the spread formation with Vereen and Blount. Seattle's defense struggled against Top-notch Quarterbacks with a great Tight-End. They lost to Dallas, San Diego, and should have lost to Green Bay in the NFC Championship game. Antonio Gates gashed Seattle for 3 touchdowns in the Chargers Week two victory. The Patriots' defense matches up pretty well against Seattle as they can stack the box with eight defenders. No team can stop M. Lynch, but the Pats should be able to contain him enough. New England should have extra motivation after losing their last two Super Bowl affairs.  

10*Portland +7

Big revenge game for the road team as they committed 18 turnovers when the Hawks won in Portland on 1/2/15. Damian Lillard shot 4-for-19 in the loss to Cleveland, and he should have a big "chip" on his shoulder after the All-Star snub with a huge bounce back game. The NBA is all about matchups and Portland has the size and speed to play with the Hawks. A Portland outright win would not shock me.

5*Boise State -1.5

Colorado State is coming off a big revenge win over SD state. The Broncos play great defense at home so lets lay the small number.

10*Colorado State -2

This will be the second consecutive high-altitude game for SD State in four days, and they have a big revenge tilt on deck against Fresno State. We absolutely love playing the altitude-versus-sea-level angle when using winning teams looking to avenge a series loss from the previous year. The Rams were defeated by the Aztecs twice last season by 10 and 9 points. The host is 2-0 SU when playing with 5 to 7 days of rest this season, and 5-1 SU when playing on Saturday. Lay the small number!

5*Memphis Grizzlies -5

This will be the Raptors 3rd game in four nights. Toronto has stumbled against winning teams this month. Also, Toronto defeated the Grizzlies back in November in comeback fashion and celebrated a little too much. Memphis has revenge on their minds. Take the home team!

5*Dallas Mavericks +3.5

This will be the 3rd game in four days for Memphis. Dallas has talked about needing to be more physical when matching up against the Grizzlies. Mike Conley is not expected to play for the host as he is nursing two sprained ankles. Dallas is 6-3 SU when playing with two days of rest.

5*Colts +7

The Colts come into this matchup with the better offense and defense. New England crushed the Colts earlier this season due to a breakout game by Jonas Grey. I don't see that happening again as the Colts run defense is much improved. The Colts have outgained its foe in three straight games while the Pats have been outgained during that same time frame. Indianapolis is allowing just 222 passing yards per game which is what the Pats like to do. The Colts are 12-5-1 ATS this season. New England played a very physical game last week against Baltimore. Look for a close game either way!

4*Toronto Raptors +1

5*Dallas Cowboys +6

I am hearing that Aaron Rodgers injury is more serious than people think and his mobility could be limited. That's a big part of the Packers' offense. The Cowboys should be able to run the ball much better than what they showed against Detroit. Look for a close game decided by 4 points or less.

5*Baltimore Ravens +7

Baltimore won't be intimidated playing at Foxboro. I think the Ravens match-up very well against this NE team. I like underdogs with the better defense in the NFL, especially this time of year. Take the road dog!

4*Baltimore Ravens +4

5*Iowa +3.5

5*FSU +10

5*Georgia Tech +7

5*Boise State +3.5

5*Louisville +7

5*Oklahoma U -3

5*Penn State +3

10*Rice -2

Rice is motivated two-fold. They got demolished in their last game of the regular season and lost by 37 points in last year's Liberty Bowl. They have done a great job bouncing back after poor efforts this season. Rice has the better defense by far and they are 15-3 SU when playing against a team with a losing record of late. Rice head coach Bailiff has played three games in Hawaii and he has brought home the cash all three times. He's also excellent with extra time to prepare going 10-4 ATS. Rice extremely motivated while Fresno State could care less. Note Fresno State 0-5 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last five Bowl games.

4*Oakland Raiders +7

10*Minnesota Vikings +7

The Vikings held the Lions to a season-low 233 yards in last week's two-point loss. Teddy Bridgewater is a Miami native and the team is extremely motivated to finish at .500 this season. Miami has lost the stats in four straight games and they rank in the bottom third in red-zone scoring. The Dolphins don't have any tall red-zone targets and it shows. Minnesota is 10-2 ATS in December over the last three seasons and will bring in the better defense. Miami is 2-5 ATS after playing New England with no rest of late. Take the road dog!

4*NY Jets +11

4*Washington +8

4*San Francisco 49ers +10

4*Buffalo Bills +5.5

4*Oakland Raiders +10.5

10*Washington +3

The Rams BYE was back in week four which means they have played nine straight games without rest. This will be the very first cold weather game for the Rams all season and they have not played well when temps are in the 40's. They also have a big revenge game against Arizona this coming Thursday. The Redskins have a +25 net yard differential while the Rams are minus -41. Colt McCoy has a 113.5 QB rating and should be pumped up to give the home fans a win. Take the home team in this upset maker! 

5*Louisiana Tech +11

Marshall is coming off a disappointing loss last week and is no longer undefeated. They have a minus -52 yard differential in the second half of the season. La Tech plays a lot of close games and they are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 road games. College Football home favorites who lost SU in overtime are just 2-13 ATS in their next game. Take the Bulldogs!

4*Oakland Raiders +7

4*Tennessee Titans +7.5

4*Jacksonville Jaguars +3

5*NC State +7.5

The Wolfpack have two weeks to prepare and have revenge on their minds after losing two straight to North Carolina. The host is coming off an emotional win at Duke and will now play its last game of the season. North Carolina is just 1-8-1 ATS in regular season finales. NC State has the better defense by almost 100 yards. The underdog is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings.

5*Sacramento Kings +5.5

The Kings have revenge on their minds after the Pelicans defeated Sacramento 106-100 on 11/16/14 in Sacramento. Eric Gordon is OUT for this game and he had 17 points in that contest. Take the road dog!

5*Oregon +5.5

5*Minnesota Vikings +10

This game will not look anything like the 42-10 Green Bay shellacking in early October. The Vikings committed three turnovers, including two interceptions by C. Ponder and were outgained by just 21 yards. Double Digit division home underdogs with the better defense do very well this time of year. Teddy Bridgewater should benefit from playing in cold weather last week. Look for more quick-type passes up the middle where the Packers have struggled to defend. There is a 70% chance of rain with a high around 42.

5*Virginia +6

Miami is coming off a disappointing loss against FSU and will now play at Virginia, who has some revenge on their minds. The Hurricanes defeated Virginia last season by 19 points, despite getting outgained by a 483-304 margin. Miami is 2-6 SU & ATS in their last eight road games. I think the Cavilers will come up with a huge effort in their last home game of the season. Miami is 0-7 ATS as chalk after losing to the Seminoles. The host needs to win its final two games to become bowl eligible. Take the home dog! 

4*Oakland Raiders +7.5

5*Detroit Lions +2

Drew Stanton has never played against a No. 1 ranked defense in his career. He is completing less than 50% of his throws, despite his 2-1 record as a starter this season. Arizona continues to benefit from takeaways and that's tough to maintain in the NFL against winning teams. Both squads are very stingy against the run, so I will take the better passing team on offense and the better team at defending the pass. The Lions should feel right at home playing in a dome. Arizona will be playing its seventh straight game without a week of rest. Take the road underdog in this upset maker.

4*Kansas City Chiefs -1

4*Arkansas

4*Miami Florida +3

4*Virginia Tech +5.5

5*Miami Heat +2.5

The Heat played a sloppy game against the Pacers and they all know it. I like this veteran team to bounce back with Bosh and Wade leading the way. Miami has a quality win at Dallas as 8-point dogs. The Heat are on a mission this season after LeBron James said goodbye in the off-season. Atlanta has a big game on deck against James and Cavs tomorrow. Take the road team!

4*LA Lakers +10.5

5*Sacramento Kings +7

The Kings will be a tough matchup for the Mavs on this night. Sacramento is eager to end its 20-game road losing streak at Dallas. The Kings last win in Dallas was back in 2003, when DeMarcus Cousins was just 11 years old. Both teams have very similar stats on offense and defense. The Kings have a quality win at LA Clippers (as 9.5-point dogs) and they come into this game 10-2 ATS after a SU loss. This should be a very tight game so take the points.

5*Detroit Lions -2.5

This will be the first dome game for the Dolphins in over 1 year after winning three straight games. They are just 1-3 SU over the last three seasons in a Dome. Detroit is allowing 74 yards against the run while the Dolphins are allowing 104 yards. Both defenses are very good, but I like the fact that Calvin Johnson is returning for the Lions. Detroit has the advantage in red-zone scoring, ranking No. 17 (57.1%) while Dolphins are ranked No. 26 (48.7%). Take the home team with two Weeks to prepare.