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Thread: Sunday Service Plays 1/4

  1. #1
    The Hand of Justice SteveJanus's Avatar
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    Default Sunday Service Plays 1/4

    Mike Lineback

    BALTIMORE RAVENS

    Pro Sports Plays

    Take Baltimore (-3) over Miami

    Baltimore has won and covered the spread in 6 of the last 7 games as a favorite and they have also won and covered the spread in 8 of the last 10 games when the total posted is between 35.5 and 42 points.


    Take Philadelphia (-3) over Minnesota

    Philadelphia has won and covered the spread in 4 of the last 5 games to end the regular season and they have also won and covered the spread in 5 of the last 6 games vs. Minnesota.

    Guaranteed Sports Pick

    Dolphins Moneyline

    Eagles -4

    Steven Budin

    50 DIME PHILADELPHIA
    Last edited by SteveJanus; January 4th, 2009 at 11:34 AM.

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    Kevin Kavitch

    Baltimore comes into the playoffs winning 5 of their last 6 (one close loss to Pittsburgh). Flacco's quick development has led to a well balanced offense and it's a dangerous combination with their killer defense. It's no surprise that they're on a 9-2 run considering Flacco's quick learning and a rushing attack that has produced 110+ yards on the ground in EVERY ONE of those games. That's impressive and they're built for playoff football. As I mentioned in the Week 17 pick on Baltimore, they are the dark horse of the playoffs to me. They are fundamentally very solid and have upside to break games open. Miami has impressed me as well and it's no surprise they're in the playoffs winning 9 of 10. But they haven't dominated opponents like Baltimore has, Pennington doesn't have the big cannon to stretch the field as much as some QBs, and they've shown vulnerabilities on defense vs the run and pass. As a general rule I'm not a fan of away favorites but I'll lay -3 with a team I think has a legitimate shot to make it to the Super Bowl. Take Baltimore -3 for a 4* Regular Play


    Rainman

    Miami +3'

    Philadelphia -3


    ACE - ACE

    Baltimore (-3.5) over Miami

    I know that I am taking San Diego because I like their momentum and because I don't think they will lose to the same team at home twice. But that's because I think they have equal talent and experience to the Colts. I think Miami will be beaten by the Ravens at home twice in one year because I don't think that they equal talent. Baltimore dominated the first meeting and I expect them to do the same thing here. They are too experienced and too physical on both sides of the ball and Miami won't be able to hold up. Baltimore is 4-1 ATS in playoff road games and have covered five of six road games overall. Miami had a nice close to the year but they didn't beat any good teams the last two months of the year. The books are begging you to take the Dolphins with that extra half point. But this one will be a blowout.


    Philadelphia (-3) over Minnesota

    Andy Reid has never lost his first playoff game and I think he ets the better of Brad Childress, who really hasn't proven himself as a great coach. The Vikings don't have stability at the quarterback position and you can't win in January if you aren't getting top quarterback play. Philadelphia is 10-4 ATS on the road and Minnesota is 3-7 ATS at home and I think both trends continue. The Eagles will light up a wounded Vikings defense and this one will be comfortable in the fourth quarter. Take the Eagles.

    Al DeMarco

    15 Dime - Ravens

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  3. #3
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    SPORTS ADVISORS

    Baltimore (11-5, 12-4 ATS) at Miami (11-5, 8-8 ATS)

    Two of the hottest teams in the league square off for the second time this season as the AFC East champion Dolphins, winners of five in a row, play host to the sixth-seeded Ravens, who won five of their last six games.

    Miami knocked off the Jets 24-17 as a three-point road pup to help boot New York out of the playoffs and claim the division title, completing a worst-to-first turnaround after a 1-15 season in 2007, tying an NFL record. QB Chad Pennington (22 of 30, 200 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) had a solid outing, with his one fumble accounting for Miami’s lone turnover, while the Dolphins defense picked off Jets QB Brett Favre three times and recovered a fumble. Miami finished on a 3-1 ATS surge.

    Baltimore ripped Jacksonville 27-7 as a healthy 10-point home chalk, improving to 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six contests, and the SU winner is now 25-2 ATS in the Ravens’ last 27 games, including 15-1 ATS this season. Rookie QB Joe Flacco (17 of 23, 297 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs) had a strong effort presiding over a turnover-free offense, and WR Mark Clayton had four catches for 128 yards. Baltimore forced four turnovers, including two Ed Reed INTs, helping clinch the AFC’s final playoff spot.

    Baltimore went to Miami on Oct. 19 and claimed a 27-13 road win as a three-point road underdog, slowing a 3-1 SU and ATS run by Miami in this rivalry. The underdog has cashed in the last four clashes between these two, including the Dolphins’ 22-16 overtime win over the Ravens as a 3½-point home pup last December. Miami’s only victory of 2007.

    Miami averaged 21.6 points (21st) and 345.6 total yards (12th) per game, with the league’s 10th-best passing attack (227 ypg) and 11th-rated running game (118.6 ypg). Pennington showed he still has some gas in his tank, completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,653 yards (ninth), with 19 TDs against just seven INTs. In fact, the Dolphins set a league record for a 16-game season with just 13 turnovers, beating the mark of 14 set by the Giants in 1990. RBs Ronnie Brown (916 yards, 10 TDs) and Ricky Williams (659 yards, 4 TDs) paced the ground attack.

    Miami ranked eighth in scoring defense (19.8 ppg) and 15th in total defense (329 ypg). And helped by an offense that held onto the ball so well, the Dolphins finished with a plus-17 turnover differential.

    Baltimore averaged 24.1 ppg (11th) and 324 ypg (18th), but they had the league’s fourth-best ground attack at 148.5 ypg, with Le’Ron McClain (902 yards, 10 TDs) and Willis McGahee (671 yards, 7 TDs) combining for 1,573 yards. Flacco wasn’t afraid to tuck the ball and run, as well, with 52 attempts for 152 yards and two TDs, and the rookie completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,971 yards and 14 TDs, though he had 12 INTs.

    Defensively, Baltimore ranked second in yards allowed, at a stingy 261.1 per game, and third in scoring (15.2 ppg). With Reed’s league-leading nine INTs paving the way, the Ravens finished at plus-13 in turnover differential.

    The Dolphins cashed in just two of their eight home games this season and are on further ATS slides of 4-9-1 as a home pup, 11-24-1 after a spread-cover and 17-35-1 in their last 53 home games; however, they are on pointspread rolls of 6-1 overall as an underdog, 4-1 against winning teams and 8-3 against AFC opponents

    The Ravens, meanwhile, carry several positive ATS trends, including 6-1 as a chalk, 6-1 against the AFC, 5-1 on the highway, 4-1 in road playoff games, 8-2 after a SU win and 6-2 after a pointspread win. The only negatives: Baltimore is on ATS dips of 0-5 in January games and 1-8 as a road chalk..

    The under for Miami is on tears of 8-2 overall, 4-1 at home, 5-0 in wild-card playoff games, 7-1 overall in the playoffs and 5-1 with the Dolphins as a playoff pup. On the flip side, the over for the Ravens is on runs of 7-3-1 overall, 5-0-1 in roadies, 15-5-1 on grass and 13-5 against the AFC.

    ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE


    Philadelphia (9-6-1, 10-6 ATS) at Minnesota (10-6, 6-10 ATS)

    The Eagles, who won four of their last five games to sneak into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed, head to the Metrodome to battle the NFC North champion Vikings, who are on a 5-1 SU run and back in the postseason for the first time since 2005.

    In a game that sent the winner to the playoffs and the loser home, Philadelphia battered Dallas 44-6 last week as 2½-point home favorite, bouncing back nicely from a 10-3 loss at Washington as a 4 ½-point favorite. QB Donovan McNabb (12 of 21, 175 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs) had a turnover-free day against the Cowboys and ran for a TD, and the Eagles finished with just one turnover while forcing a whopping five turnovers, including an INT and two fumbles from Cowboys QB Tony Romo. The Eagles scored back-to-back defensive touchdowns on long fumble returns to start the third quarter.

    Minnesota rallied to beat the top-seeded Giants 20-19 as a seven-point home chalk to secure the division title, getting a 50-yard field goal from Ryan Longwell in the final seconds to beat a New York squad that was resting or limiting several key players. QB Tarvaris Jackson (16 of 26, 239 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) had a decent outing, despite committing the game’s lone turnover, and RB Adrian Peterson (21 carries, 103 yards) had a 67-yard TD jaunt. That helped the Vikes overcome a nearly nine-minute deficit in time of possession (34:19-25:41).

    Philadelphia is on a 4-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, having held Minnesota to 17 points or less in all four games. Most recently, the Eagles won 23-16 as a one-point road ‘dog in October 2007. The favorite and the home team are 4-1 ATS in the last five clashes. The Vikings’ last postseason game came in Philadelphia in 2005, losing 27-14 as a 7½-point chalk.

    Philly sports the league’s sixth-best scoring offense (26 ppg) and is ninth in total yards (350.5 per game), paced by the sixth-rated passing attack (244.4 ypg). McNabb completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,916 yards and 23 TDs, against 11 INTs. RB Brian Westbrook, despite being dinged up a few times during the season, still rushed for 936 yards (4.0 ypc) and nine TDs, and he had 54 catches for another 402 yards and five scores.

    Philadelphia fielded one of the league’s best defenses, allowing per-game averages of 274.3 yards (third) and 18.1 points (fourth). The Eagles gave up just 182.1 passing ypg (third) and 92.2 rushing ypg (fourth), and they finished the year with a plus-3 turnover differential.

    Minnesota averaged 23.7 points (12th) and 330.5 total ypg (17th), but they have the league’s fifth-best rushing attack at 145.8 ppg, led by Peterson, who won the NFL’s rushing title with 1,760 yards. The passing game nets just 184.8 ypg (25th) for the Vikings, who have gone back and forth this season between QBs Jackson and veteran Gus Frerotte, with Jackson now back in the starting role. Jackson, who started five games, completed 59.1 percent of his throws for 1,056 yards, with nine TDs and two INTs.

    Minnesota led the league in rushing defense, allowing just 76.9 per game, and the Vikes ranked sixth in total defense (292.4 ypg) and 13th in scoring defense (20.8 ppg). However, the Vikings finished the season with a minus-6 turnover margin.

    The Eagles are on ATS dips of 2-11-1 as a chalk of three points or less and 3-7-1 as a road favorite of any price, but they are otherwise on spread-covering streaks of 4-1 overall, 10-4 on the highway, 5-1 on the road against teams with a winning home record, 4-1 in the playoffs, 6-2 against the NFC and 7-3 against winning teams. On the flip side, the Vikings are on pointspread dives of 6-13 overall, 3-7 at the Metrodome, 0-4 getting three points or less at home, 1-4 as a home pup of any price and 2-9 after a SU win.

    The under for Philadelphia is on rolls of 4-1 on the road, 40-16-5 as a favorite, 5-1-1 in the playoffs and 4-0-1 as a playoff chalk. And for Minnesota, the under is on stretches of 5-1 in January, 4-1-1 in playoff games and 26-12-1 coming off a SU win.

    ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA and UNDER

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  4. #4
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    Bettorsworld

    2* Vikings +3 over Eagles

    This years Wildcard games are unique in that all 4 home teams are underdogs. As rare as that is, what would be even more rare would be for all for road favs to win and cover. You just know that at least one home team, maybe more, is going to treat the home crowd to a playoff win. The only home team that would shock us if they won outright is the Dolphins. The Chargers, Cards and Vikings all have good sots at winning. Heck, you play all year for the right to host a home playoff game. It has to mean something to be home for these teams.

    Considering we have a small play on the Colts, and an opinion on the Falcons, and considering we have our biggest play on the Ravens, if we're going to back a home team at this point, it's going to have to be the Vikings. Before digging into this game we anticpated that we'd be siding with the Eagles. I suppose the blowout of the Cowboys left a lasting impression, which is always one of the traps in betting football. Most bettors have short memories and only recall the most recent events. There was a little more to our impression than that. The win over the Giants also stuck with us.

    But as we dug a little deeper into this game we saw that perhaps the Vikings were a good candidate to be the home dog that stepped up to the plate this weekend. When we broke down the 2nd half of the season for these two teams we were a little surprised at the numbers. The Eagles yards per point numbers over their final 8 games were 13.5 on offense and 14.7 on defense. The Vikes were a 12.9 offensively and a 15.4 defensively. Both teams numbers offensively were fine, but both were below average defensively and very un-playoff like. Again, this is using the ypp numbers over the 2nd half of the season. Both teams were top 10 in defensive categories that you see thrown around on stat sheets and such, but those numbers don't always tell the whole story.

    The Vikings have been consistent all year long. They have one loss of their 6 losses that was by more than a touchdown and that was a 30-17 setback to the Titans. With the Eagles, you're not sure what you're going to get. Are you going to get the team that blew out the Cowboys or dominated the Giants a few weeks ag or are you going to get the team that lost toe the Redskins and tied the Bengals?

    The Eagles are certainly capable of beating any team in the NFL on any given day and before digging into this game our feeling was that if the Vikings had trouble with an NFC East team just playing out their season last week, then they'd certainly struggle against an NFC East team in a playoff game. But sometimes you have to play it by the numbers. The numbers say this one has the potential to be very close game. The outcome figures to be in doubt as we head down the stretch in the 4th quarter, in which case we'll gladly take +3 with the home team. 2* Vikings +3 over Eagles.


    3* Ravens -3 -125

    This was the game that stood out to us when the Wildcard matchups were announced. We've had out eye on the Ravens down the stretch and they haven't disappointed. The defense of course, has been very impressive over the 2nd half of the season. We're specifically looking at the last 8 games of the season. The Giants did a number on the Ravens scoring 30 points in the process but no one else scored more than 13. Ok, the Cowboys scored 24 points but don't forget that was a 16-7 Ravens lead after 3 quarters before both teams scored 17 in the wacky 4th quarter. But remember too, the opponent this week is the Dolphins. They don't possess the weapons on offense that either the Cowboys or Giants do.

    When you have been handicapping football for as long as this handicapper has, you come to appreciate a defense like the Ravens and just what it means to a team come this time of year. What makes the Ravens even more attractive right now is that they are not a one trick pony. They actually have an offense to go along with the defense. Let's take a look at some numbers that should open some eyes.

    Those of you that have been with us any length of time know we love the yards per point stat. We have been using that number for over 25 years to handicap football games and while the teams change every year, the numbers don't. It's a complete snap shot of a teams ability on both sides of the ball. In short, the lower the offensive number, the better the offense and the higher the defensive number, the better the defense. The Ravens numbers over the 2nd half of the season are comparable to any Super Bowl teams numbers over the last 25 years. You can look at theses numbers and very accurately figure who at least has a shot a making some noise in the playoffs and who has no shot. The Ravens have a very real shot. The Dolphins have no shot. Let's dig a little deeper.

    Over the last 8 games the Ravens have an offensive ypp number of 12 and a defensive number of 20.6. Fantastic on both sides of the ball. The Dolphins have a below average number on offense of 15.6 and a decent number of 16.6 defensively. Put another way, in 25 years of handicapping games, teams with an offensive number of 15.6 don't often beat teams with a defensive number of 20.6. They simply don't figure to be able to put many points on the board. Another eye popping figure is Miami's ypp number at home over the course of the entire season. It's an anemic 18.6 which is beyond atrocious. An 18.6 offense doesn't figure to score at all against a 20.6 defense.

    Hats off to the Dolphins for the job they have done this year. To go from 1-15 to 11-5 is remarkable. They did it by not beating themselves. They don't take stupid penalties and they don't throw games away. They don't turn the ball over and win by playing near perfect fundamental football. But if you zero in on the Dolphins schedule, you can find some question marks, and hey, why not, a 1-15 team from the previous year is supposed to play a weak schedule the following year.

    Start with the Seattle game November 9th. Miami squeaked by a bad Seattle team 21-19. They were lucky to beat the Raiders 17-15. They were blown away by the Pats. Barely got by the hapless Rams 16-12. Squeaked by the 49ers 14-9. Gave up a mind boggling 31 points in an uncharacteristic 38-31 shootout with the Chiefs and then managed to get by a Jets team that quite frankly wasn't very good to seal the deal.

    Again, credit Miami for winning. A win is a win. They deserve to be here. It just looks as if they are outclassed in this one. These two teams played back in October and the Ravens won 27-13. The Dolphins are pretty much the same team as they were in October. The Ravens are without question, a better team than they were back in October.

    Midnight comes early for Cinderella on Sunday. 3* Ravens -3 -125 over Dolphins

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  5. #5
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    SportsInsights

    Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings

    The Philadelphia Eagles made the playoffs in dramatic fashion. They needed help (a LOT of help!) -- to make their game with Dallas meaningful last week. The Eagles got help with some big upsets in the early (1PM) games -- and then took care of business, demolishing the Dallas Cowboys at home 44-6. The Eagles finished the season on a 4-1 run and the Public is taking notice. A huge 81% of bets are landing on the Eagles, and our readers know what this means: we want to "Bet Against the Public" and bet against the Eagles.

    The huge number of Public bets on Philly is giving us some additional value. The line opened at Minnesota +3 -110 but you can now get Minny -3 at +110. The line may even tick up to +3.5 with the constant barrage of Philly bets. Let's "bet against the Public" and sell the Eagles at a high -- after their exciting stretch run to make the playoffs, capped off by their huge win over Dallas. We also like this match-up because Minnesota is a "home dog" that quietly made the playoffs with a 10-6 record. Take the points and expect the Eagles to come back to earth.

    Play On Minnesota Vikings +3

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  6. #6
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    Jeff Benton

    Portland at L.A. LAKERS

    Los Angeles has certainly gotten its act together over the past 10 days, ripping off five straight wins of nine points or more, while also going 4-0 ATS in the last four after going 0-10 ATS in the previous 10. Three of the Lakers’ wins during their current run have been very impressive, as they wrapped up a tough four-game, five-day road trip with a 13-point win at New Orleans, came home and ended the Celtics’ 19-game winning streak with a nine-point Christmas Day win, and then on Friday obliterated Utah 113-100 as a 10-point favorite on Friday, with Kobe Bryant going for 40 points.

    Meanwhile, Portland is just 5-6 SU in its last 11 games and 4-10 ATS in its last 14, including six consecutive non-covers on the road. In fact, the Blazers are a sub-.500 team as a visitor (8-9), while going 6-11 ATS. That includes a season-opening 96-76 butt-whipping in Los Angeles, with the Lakers outshooting Portland 46.8% to 34.5% overall while going 7-for-10 from three-point land.

    What’s scary for Portland is the fact that it lost by 20 points in L.A. with leading scorer Brandon Roy on the floor. Tonight, the Blazers likely will be without Roy for a third straight game, and if Friday’s home contest versus New Orleans is any indication (92-77 loss), they’re in big, big trouble if Roy sits out against the high-powered Lakers, who are averaging 109.6 ppg at home. Lay the points with the home team.

    3♦ L.A. LAKERS


    Bobby Maxwell

    Southern Cal -9 at OREGON STATE

    Southern Cal has absolutely dominated this rivalry over the last four years, winning nine of the last 10 meetings and cashing in eight of those 10. We'll go ahead and lay the chalk with the Trojans today as they visit Corvalis to take on the Beavers.

    The Trojans went there last season and got a 24-point win as an eight-point favorite and two seasons ago they went to Oregon State and won 91-46 as a five-point chalk. So they are obviously very comfortable on that court and will be able to win this one with ease.

    USC has won five straight games and just went to Oregon on Friday and got an 83-62 win as a 2 1/2-point favorite. Dwight Lewis led the Trojans with 26 points as four of the five starters were in double-digits and DeMar DeRozan had 14 points and 12 rebounds.

    Oregon State was crushed by UCLA on Friday 69-46 as a 15-point 'dog and they just don't have the offense to hang with the Trojans today, averaging just 62.1 points per game this season.

    Southern Cal is 22-8 ATS in its last 30 road games while Oregon State is just 8-21 ATS in its last 29 home games. That all spells disaster for hte Beavers. Play USC to win this one by 20.

    3♦ SOUTHERN CAL

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    Matt Rivers

    For Sunday take Illinois on the road.

    Michigan has had a couple of monster wins in downing powerhouses Duke and UCLA but Illinois has been great all season long and flat out should win this game, even on the road.

    John Beilein is certainly making strides with this Wolverine program as they are no longer as dismal as in the past few seasons but Bruce Weber's Illini have been awesome and are 13-1 including that overtime win in Purdue last time out. Their only loss came at the hands of a powerful Clemson team by a deuce and are even scoring this season which is more than you could say for the past few seasons.

    Don't get me wrong Illinois is not the team we saw with Dee Brown and Deron Williams and others but these guys will clamp down with the defense as usual and make what is still a mediocre Michigan team look pretty bad for most of the game.

    You probably will not see any Illinois player score all that much as they spread the wealth with the best of them but Trent Meachem, Chester Frazier and the up and coming Illini should prevail today against a Michigam squad that does not really scare me.

    Jake Timlin

    Your Sunday selection is the Miami Dolphins.

    They say it’s tough to be the same team twice in the same season and that will be the case here today as I see Miami extending their season with a home win. After all just ask the Colts how hard it is to win twice on the road in the city. Well given that Miami has won 9 of their last 10 games since their loss to the Ravens early in the season I just can’t help but think that the Dolphins will be more than ready for days. The same Miami team that is finally healthy on defense which will bold well due to facing a rookie starting quarterback and whose offensive coordinator the Dolphins are more than familiar with. Flat out, given that Miami is getting point as they have covered their last seven games as a dog and being at home the Dolphins are a very attractive play today. With that I expect for a close game and one where Miami earns the cash. All Miami plus the home points!


    Tony Weston

    We’re now on a 7-2 Comp Play run and we’re going to add to that today as we’re taking the Under in the Ravens-Dolphins Wildcard matchup.

    The Total for this one is hovering around 38 points, depending on where you go, but it won’t matter because it’ll come in way below that.

    Consider that even though the Over finished 9-6-1 for the Ravens this season, the Under is 3-1 their last four games as they’ve totaled, on average, 36.7 points per game. And for Miami, the Under has come in most of the season as it is 10-6 for the team, including 6-2 at home. Over their last 10 games the Dolphins have seen the Under go 8-2, including 4-1 their last five games, where they’ve totaled, on average, 36 points per game.

    Both these offenses will dictate the game and keep this a low-scoring affair. Take the Under on this one today.

    3♦ RAVENS-DOLPHINS UNDER

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    THE SPORTS MEMO

    PHILADELPHIA AT MINNESOTA +3 O/U 42
    Recommendation: Minnesota

    The Vikings won six of their eight home games this season yet find themselves installed as a three-point underdog to a Philly team that won just three road tilts all year. Fundamental - When the Vikings aren’t turning the ball over they have a potent offensive attack. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 14 TDs and Bernard Berrian has provided a deep threat in the passing game at over 20 yards per catch. It presents an interesting matchup against a Philly defense than finished the season ranked fourth or better in every major statistical category. Game Notes - Since his benching at Baltimore, Donovan McNabb responded with nine TD passes against just one INT in the Eagles’ final five games (4-1 SU). Final Take - The Vikings have dramatically improved their pass defense this season giving up just 215 ypg after ranking dead last in 2007. It should be noted that the one team Philly was unable to beat down the stretch was Washington whose style and statistical profile stacks up almost identically to that of Minnesota. We’ll take the points with the Vikings and back their edges on both sides of the line of scrimmage.


    BALTIMORE -3 AT MIAMI O/U 37
    Recommendation: Under

    The Dolphins used a smothering and opportunistic defense to score a road win at New York in the final week to secure a division title. It was the second biggest one season turnaround in NFL history, winning 10 more games than in 2007. Fundamental - Defense rules the day in this wildcard matchup. The Ravens finished the regular season ranked second against the pass, third against the rush and third in points per game allowed. While the Dolphins allowed opponents to move the ball between the 20’s they finished in the top ten in points per game allowed. Miami also features the NFL’s second leading sack master in Joey Porter who racked up 17.5 on the season. Game Notes - Both teams feature a run-first mentality, ranking in the bottom third of the league in pass attempts per game. Final Take - Baltimore will likely play this game with an ultra conservative nature considering they start a rookie at QB. Expect to see the clock moving on a consistent basis with plenty of running. And with two of the league’s stingiest defenses protecting the end zones, that type of game plan has us looking to the under.


    Dark Horse Sports

    Philadelphia at Minnesota

    Philadelphia and Minnesota have both had rocky roads to the playoffs, complete with controversy, sound bites, and an infamous tie game. But both teams prevailed and find themselves in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy.

    Two stellar defenses will be on display, which has caused the total to drop from the 43.5 opener. As of this write-up, the total stands at 41.5. But something tells me this game will fly over the total. Minnesota’s offensive line has the ability to contain Philadelphia’s elaborate blitzing schemes and keep Tarvaris Jackson on his feet. When Philadelphia’s blitzes aren’t working, the defense has a tough time.

    On the other side of things, I envision a couple of huge passing plays from the arm of Donovan McNabb. Minnesota’s secondary has been a sore spot this year, and Philadelphia knows it. It all boils down to the play of both team’s offensive lines, and I have tremendous faith in both of these lines.

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    Mike Wynn Sports

    Baltimore @ Miami

    With a combined 6-26 record last season nobody in their right mind would have predicted these two teams would both be playing in the post-season. Miami just 1-15 last season has made the improbable turn around going 11-5 and winning the AFC East. Baltimore was better at 5-11 last year, but not many expect much out of the Ravens, who started a rookie at QB when the season began. Yet, here both teams are in the post-season and one of these two is going to move to the second round. So let’s take a look at these improbable long shots and we’ll start with the visiting Ravens.

    Baltimore Ravens finished the regular season at 11-5 and many people are giving them a shot to make the Super Bowl. If the Ravens can get by Miami Sunday they would face Pittsburgh or Tennessee and they played both those teams very close this season. Baltimore would probably prefer to face those two teams to get to the Super Bowl rather than Indianapolis, as Peyton Manning and the Colts offense have had the Baltimore Ravens defensive number. But first things first, the Ravens have to get by Miami. Baltimore did beat Miami earlier this season 27-13 in Miami, but it was a game that was statistically closer than the final score. Miami actually out gained Baltimore in the game, but it was Baltimore’s ability to hold the Dolphins to just 71 yards rushing, and a 44 yard interception for a touchdown that was the difference. Baltimore got 105 yards rushing from Willis McGahee in that one and QB Joe Flacco was solid with 17 of 23 passing for 232 yards and a touchdown without an interception. No doubt Baltimore offensive coordinator Cam Cameron savored the victory a bit more than the rest as it was Miami that fired him after last years 1-15. Baltimore will be more than happy to get the same kind of offensive performance in this game Sunday. If the Ravens can get the ground game going again and Flacco can take care of the ball, it’ll be in the hands of the Baltimore Raven defense, and that’s just where they prefer it to be.

    The Miami Dolphins have reeled off 9 wins in their last 10 games. Does that surprise anybody else but me? Granted there were only 3 teams with a winning record in that streak, but give credit where credit is do. Dolphins are a team that improved greatly throughout the season and a lot of credit has to go to first year head coach Tony Sparano and the pick up of Chad Pennington at QB. Pennington is not a spectacular QB but he knows how to manage the offense and doesn’t make many mistakes. Miami offense is credited with the new Wildcat offense that features RB Ronnie Brown, and it’s been a very productive formation for the Dolphins. Baltimore, however, figured out the Wildcat as they held Brown to just 70 yards rushing in the first meeting this season. Miami is a club that doesn’t do anything real well but they’re smart and play to their strengths. Miami will have to play a good smart game if they want to win here, and they do have the home field advantage.

    Looking at the trends and angles for this game Sunday we see that Baltimore has been a money maker this season with a 12-4 ATS mark while Miami was just 8-8 at the pay window. Dolphins are just 13-30 ATS off an upset win since 1992 including 6-16 ATS at home off a road win as an underdog. Miami also just 2-10 ATS at home over the last 2 seasons, but they are 18-6 ATS revenging a loss of 14 points or more since 1992. Always tough to beat the same squad twice in the same season, but I have a tough time bucking this Raven’s club that’s built for the post season. I recommend an under play here Sunday. Dolphins are 26-9 under revenging a home loss and 8-0 under revenging a home loss of 14 points or more since 1992. Baltimore is 7-0 under after covering as a double digit favorite and 35-20 under after 2 or more consecutive wins. Look for a tough physical ball game and take the under here.

    Gimme the loot.

  10. #10
    The Hand of Justice SteveJanus's Avatar
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    Dennis Hill

    Dallas Mavericks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
    Play: Memphis Grizzlies +6.5

    The Mavericks have won both meetings this year vs. Memphis all by double digits. But those games were at home. Memphis has been playing bad. They have won just one of their last nine games. The line looks too easy to wager on Dallas, making Memphis the right side. The Grizzlies may even get the outright win here.

    James Patrick Sports

    Eagles vs. Vikings

    The NFC Wild Card Game between the Eagles and the Vikings kicks-off at 4:30 p.m. est. in the HHH Dome in the Twin Cities. Both teams got into the play-off mix by the skin of their teeth last weekend. We look for a low scoring game on Sunday as the Eagles do it with defense in the play-offs as shown by their 5-1-1 Under the Total mark in play-off action. The Green Birds are also Under the Total in 40 of 56 when installed as a favorite. The Vikings last six play-off games have gone Under the Total at a 4-1-1 rate of late. Ball control and waiting for mistakes keep this clock moving and this will be a Defensive Battle that goes down to the wire. Our Sunday complimentary selection is Philadelphia - Minnesota Under the Total.


    Greg Daraban

    Arizona St at California

    ASU 12-1 visits Cal 12-2. Home Court can be huge in College Basketball. However with alot of the Student Body still on Christmas Break the crowd will be down a bit.ASU has one of the very best players on the left coast in James Harden. The Sun Devils are going to be very tough in this conference. They win on the road.Take Arizona St


    Dave Cokin

    Arizona State @ California
    Play: California +2'

    The Sun Devils and Golden Bears are both rolling, so something has to give tonight as they meet in Berkley. I'm banking on the scheduling dynamics to pay off. ASU has been shooting lights out, but there's a good chance they may get a little road weary on the back end of their NoCal trip, and I also like the way the Bears are defending. Mike Montgomery is doing a great job at Cal, and they're definitely an under the radar entry right now. I've got to back the Bears tonight as small home dogs.


    Marc Lawrence

    Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies
    Prediction: Dallas Mavericks

    Just the sight of the Dallas Mavericks sends the Grizzlies into hibernation. So it is when you are 1-21 SU and 5-17 ATS in the last twenty-two meetings in a series. Memphis? two losses to Dallas this season, by 15 and 18 points, have been true to form, too. Following a dismal 2-7 start this season, the Mavs have been super-surging of late while playing themselves back into the Southwest Division hunt. The combination of Memphis' 1-31 ATS mark in SU home losses and Dallas? 22-1-1 ATS record in its last twenty-four SU road wins makes an attractive recipe to good to pass.

    Gimme the loot.

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