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**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 06:59 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Six most popular picks in the Westgate handicapping contest went 4-2 this week, are now 26-22 this season.

-- Miss State QB Dak Prescott's right foot was in a walking boot after Saturday's win at Kentucky; he said it is merely a precaution.

-- 31% of all traffic fatalities involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

-- 18 point spread South Carolina got at Auburn this week were most Gamecocks had gotten in a game since they got 22 points in a 2008 game, at Florida.

-- Tampa Bay Rays have held talks about moving to Montreal, which may have played into Joe Maddon's skipping down this week.

-- Thoughts, prayers to family of Oscar Tavares, who died in a car accident this weekend at age 22. Tavares was one of the Cardinals' best outfield prospects.

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Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.....

13) Lions 22, Falcons 21-- Long trip home for Atlanta, which led 21-0 al halftime. Word is NFL will have five of these London games next year; not fond of starting a game at 9:30am ET. Second week in row Lions won after being in hopeless situation, good for them. NFC South teams are putrid.

12) Vikings 19, Bucs 13 OT-- Minnesota tied game with FG at gun, then scored a defensive TD on first play of OT to snap 3-game losing streak and go home happy. Four of six Buc losses are by six or less points, with two of last three in OT- they scored 17 or less points in five of seven games. .

11) Patriots 51, Bears 23-- Brady was 30-35/354 with five TD passes; this game was 38-7 at the half. Going to be long bye week for the Bears, who visit Lambeau in first game after their bye- they've lost four of their last five games. Patriots are now 22-15 vs spread in last 37 games as a non-divisional home favorite.

10) Chiefs 34, Rams 7-- Rams' putrid lack of production from WRs is summed up by this stat; they're last in NFL, getting only 8 first downs vis penalty- DBs do not respect them enough to grab/hold/interfere with them. St Louis special teams won game last week; they were not good in this one, missing a chip shot FG when it was 7-7, giving up a 99-yard kick return when it was 10-7.

9) Seahawks 13, Panthers 9-- Seattle has come to Charlotte and won three years in row, by similar scores: 16-12/12-7/13-9. Rumors persist there are problems between QB Wilson and other Seahawks. Carolina is 1-4-1 after its 2-0 start.

8) Bills 43, Jets 23-- Jets were -6 in turnovers, lost for 7th game in row after being first 1-6 team EVER to be favored a team with a winning record. Bills threw for 217 yards despite throwing only 17 passes- they won field position by 30 yards.

7) Dolphins 27, Jaguars 13-- Jax rookie QB Bortles had three turnovers, giving him six in the past two weeks and 13 in six games. Four of those have been interceptions returned for touchdowns, two by Miami here. Dolphins are unspectacular but 4-3 and thats a hell of a lot better than last year's debacle.

6) Texans 30, Titans 16-- Tennessee RB Greene was arrested Friday after parking his BMW in a handicapped spot, then almost hitting a traffic cop as he left the scene. Distractions like this are almost always a red flag. go-against sign, especially for a team starting a QB for first time in NFL. No news is good news.

5) Bengals 27, Ravens 24-- Terrific game that turned many times, last of which was when refs called offensive interference on Steve Smith with 0:32 left, negating what would've been an 80-yard TD pass. Cincinnati sweeps the season series and now has tie-breakers over Baltimore.

4) Cardinals 24, Eagles 20-- Thing I like about Bruce Arians is that he blitzes the other QB when he is protecting a lead late in the game. Arizona had TD passes of 80-75 yards, Eagles had only a FG to show for three red zone drives, and also threw an INT in the end zone from the 25. Hard to win that way.

3) Steelers 51, Colts 34-- Big Ben is now 100-50 as an NFL starter after throwing for 522 yards as Pitt dismantled a Colt team that had won five in a row. Back when he was a HS junior, Ben sat behind the coach's son, who wound up playing WR at a Division III college. Coach must be a helluva guy.

2) Browns 23, Raiders 13-- Good sign for Cleveland fans, winning easily against an inferior opponent. Raiders have now lost 13 straight dating to last season. Oakland has dropped 16 games in a row played in Eastern time zone -- a streak that started in 2009. Browns are now 4-3, matching their win total of last season.

1) Saints 44, Packers 23-- Green Bay is 0-3 on artificial turf, Saints are 3-0 at home. Luck of the schedule whether you play New Orleans at home or in the Superdome. Rodgers dinged his hanstring in this game, but Pack has next week off, so he can get better before they play the Bears on Sunday night, November 9.

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 07:00 AM

NCAAF opening line report: Championship hopes on the line in Auburn-Ole Miss

The Southeastern Conference is almost inarguably the best college football conference in all the land. But if it keeps eating its own on a weekly basis, who knows what will be left when it comes time to decide which four teams will make the first-ever playoff.

Auburn at Mississippi (-3)

As we head into Week 10, all eyes will be on Oxford, Miss., where No. 9 Ole Miss will host No. 4 Auburn, with the loser almost certainly out of the national championship picture. That’s because the Rebels (7-1, 6-1-1 ATS) lost for the first time this season – SU or ATS – on Saturday at Louisiana State, dropping a defensive showdown 10-7 as a 4-point chalk.

Meanwhile, Auburn (6-1 SU, 3-4 ATS) bounced back from its loss at Mississippi State, holding off South Carolina 42-35 while failing to cash as a massive 18.5-point favorite.

“We’ll see how Ole Miss handles the emotional letdown,” said John Lester, lines manager for bookmaker.eu. “My guess is the defense will do its part again, but as I’ve said before, (quarterback) Bo Wallace is a liability. Auburn comes in with a full head of steam, but the prime-time, home-field edge for the Rebs gave them the nod.”

Florida State Seminoles at Louisville Cardinals (+6.5)

Defending national champion Florida State is certainly now in a great spot. The No. 2 Seminoles, coming off a bye week after fending off Notre Dame 31-27 in a thriller, stand at 7-0 SU. However, to their discredit, they failed to cash against the Irish as 9.5 point home faves and are just 1-6 ATS – tied for the second-worst mark in the nation at the betting window.

Louisville (6-2 SU, 5-3 ATS) has also had an extra week to rest, after beating North Carolina State 30-18 laying 19 points at home.

“Both teams are coming off open dates, and this is the type of sneaky win Bobby Petrino can pull off,” Lester said. “It will be interesting to see how efficient Florida State’s offense will be against a much-improved Louisville defense.”

Stanford Cardinal at Oregon Ducks (-11)

With all the bloodletting in the SEC, Oregon (7-1 SU, 4-4 ATS) could certainly find its way into the four-team playoff. Since a stunning home loss to Arizona, the No. 6 Ducks have won and cashed three in a row, with their offense going haywire Friday night in a 59-41 victory at California to barely cash as a 17.5-point favorite.

Stanford (5-3 SU, 4-4 ATS) has been inconsistent at best, but has gone 4-1 SU and ATS at home, including a 38-14 rout of Oregon State giving 12 points Saturday.

“This is always a great matchup, because Stanford’s defense always comes in prepared,” Lester said. “I’m pretty sure the defense will keep the Cardinal in the game, but you certainly can’t trust the Stanford offense. It just feels like it’s lost some of the identity and creativity it once had.”

Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs (neutral site – Jacksonville, -13)

The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party resumes at its usual site in Jacksonville, and Georgia (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS) is now in a position to climb back into the playoff picture. Since losing at South Carolina, the No. 8 Bulldogs have won five in a row (3-2 ATS), including Saturday’s 45-32 victory at Arkansas laying 3 points.

Florida coach Will Muschamp, meanwhile, is trying to give the school a reason not to fire him. The Gators (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS) had a bye this past weekend, after losing back-to-back home games to LSU and Missouri. Against the Tigers, Florida got lambasted 42-13 as a 6.5-point dog.

“With the state the Gators are in, we had to be generous on Georgia’s side here,” Lester said. “I just don’t think Florida’s offense will be able to move the chains. Gator fans should have plenty of cocktails prepared, because this one isn’t going to be close."

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 07:02 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Montreal at Edmonton
The Canadiens head to Edmonton tonight to face the Oilers (3-4-1) and come into the contest with a 13-3 record in their last 16 games against a team with a losing record. Montreal is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-150). Here are all of today's NHL picks.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27

Game 51-52: Minnesota at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.769; NY Rangers 12.438
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-120); Under

Game 53-54: Montreal at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 13.225; Edmonton 11.301
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-150); Over

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, October 27

Hot teams
-- Wild won four of their last six games. Rangers won three of last four.
-- Canadiens won last four games, seven of first eight. Edmonton won its last three games.

Cold teams
-- None

Series records
-- Home side won seven of last nine Minnesota-Ranger games.
-- Oilers won four of their last six games with Montreal.

Totals
-- Five of six Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Montreal games stayed under the total.

NHL

Monday, October 27

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NY RANGERS
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota

9:30 PM
MONTREAL vs. EDMONTON
Montreal is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Montreal is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 9 games

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NHL

Monday, October 27

Under scorching hot in Wild contests

The Minnesota Wild continue to be a fantastic Under play in the young NHL season.

The Under is 7-1 in the Wild's last eight games through Sunday.

Minny travels to The Big Apple Monday for a matchup against the New York Rangers. The Rangers are presently -115 moneyline faves with a total of five.

Road teams dominating puck line action this season

Home ice advantage has been nearly non-existent for puck line backers in the NHL this season.

As of Sunday, home teams were just 44-72 on the puck line in the league's first 116 games, which equates to a just a 38 percent cover rate.

Road sides prevailing in Habs-Oilers meetings

When the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers get together, it's been the road teams that have been coming out on top.

The home side is 0-4 in the last four meetings between the two clubs. That's a trend that will appeal to Habs backers, as the Canadiens will take on Edmonton Monday in Alberta.

Montreal is currently -145 moneyline faves. The total is presently sitting at 5.5.

Underdogs cashing tickets at a rapid rate this year

The dogs have had their day and then some so far during the 2014-15 NHL campaign.

As of Sunday, underdogs are 70-46 against the faves throughout the league's first 116 contests - good enough for a 60 percent success rate.

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 10:01 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, October 27

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MINNESOTA (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) at NY RANGERS (4-4-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/27/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 156-153 ATS (-77.3 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 156-189 ATS (-111.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 60-79 ATS (-35.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 1-1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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MONTREAL (7-1-0-0, 14 pts.) at EDMONTON (3-4-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/27/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) first half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 5-19 ATS (+26.3 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 1-1-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 01:31 PM

NHL

Monday, October 27

Surging Oilers home dogs Monday night

Don't look now, but the Edmonton Oilers have strung together three-straight wins and have put a five-game losing skid to begin the season in the rearview mirror.

The Oilers host the Montreal Canadiens Monday evening and could provide a bit of value as a home underdog if bettors like their winning ways to continue.

Edmonton is currently a +120 home dog (Montreal -132) and have already cashed as home dogs twice during their current home stand (versus Tampa Bay and Washington). The Oilers were lofty (by their standards) -152 home faves with the lowly Carolina Hurricanes in town Friday evening.

Top puckline wager in action Monday evening

The Minnesota Wild have been one of the best teams in the early days of the new NHL season and are top puckline play to boot. The Wild head into Monday night's meeting with the New York Rangers 6-0 against the spread.

The 6-0 clip has them up $870 for the $100 bettor in they wagering the Wild on the puckline in each game this season.

The Wild are presently +1.5 (-290) on the puckline at CarbonSports.ag as they visit Madison Square Garden Monday evening.

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 01:35 PM

NFL Opening Line Report: Manning, Broncos faves at Brady, Patriots

Two of the most surprising teams in the NFL this season collide in Week 9 when the Dallas Cowboys play host to the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS) were expected to struggle when the season opened, but they’ve done anything but, rolling into this contest on a six-game winning streak (5-1 ATS).

Dallas still has work to do before focusing on Arizona, with the Cowboys wrapping up Week 8 at home against the Washington Redskins Monday.

With Carson Palmer back under center, the Cardinals (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS) have won three in a row SU and ATS, including a 24-20 nailbiter over Philadelphia as a 1-point home favorite Sunday. John Lester, senior lines manager for bookmaker.eu, expects to open the Cowboys as 4-point favorites.

“Is it time we start believing in the Arizona Cardinals? I’m not completely sold that they are one of the top teams, but they’re starting to convince me,” Lester said. “Getting (defensive end) Calais Campbell back was huge for them. It’s a short week for the Cowboys, but if everything goes accordingly on Monday night, we’ll probably make them around 4-point favorites.

Denver Broncos (-3) at New England Patriots

It’s Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady for the 16th time, with Brady holding a 10-5 SU edge.

Denver (6-1 SU, 4-3 ATS) heads into Foxboro with a little extra rest, having dumped San Diego last Thursday 35-21 as a 9-point home favorite – the Broncos’ fourth-straight win and cover. And facing strong teams is pretty much old hat, as Denver has already played six teams that won at least 10 games last year, including five that made the playoffs.

New England (6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS) has a beat-up roster, yet posted its fourth-straight win (3-1 ATS) in a 51-23 shellacking of visiting Chicago as 5.5-point chalk Sunday. Lester likes the Patriots to keep it going.

“There’ll be no shortage of bets for this marquee matchup, and I expect to see good two-way action where the line is,” Lester said. “We got some early money in on the visitors, so we moved to +3.5 (-120) pretty quickly. The public will be on Denver, but I’m guessing we’ll see some sharps taking the points with the Pats, and I think they win.”

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers (pick)

The AFC North is a jumbled mess, making this bitter rivalry game an important one for both teams. Pittsburgh (5-3 SU, 4-4 ATS) has won two in a row SU and ATS, with its offense going ballistic Sunday in a 51-34 upset of Indianapolis as a 5-point home underdog. Baltimore (5-3 SU, 4-3-1 ATS) fell short as a 2.5-point road fave at Cincinnati, losing 27-24.

“Even though the quality isn’t what it used to be, this is still a great matchup every year,” Lester said. “I really wanted to make the Steelers a 1-or 2-point favorite, since I consider the Ravens just slightly better. After the early line movement to -1.5, I was furrowing my eyebrows at some guys around the room.”

Indianapolis Colts (-3) at New York Giants

Indianapolis played zero defense Sunday at Pittsburgh, allowing Ben Roethlisberger to throw for an eye-popping 522 yards and six TDs as the Colts – 5-point faves – lost 51-34. Now the Colts (5-3 SU, 6-2 ATS) have to hit the road again for the Monday night contest.

Meanwhile, the Giants (3-4 SU and ATS) are coming off a much needed bye week after losing at Dallas 31-21 catching 4.5 points.

“At this spread, I’m expecting some sharps to be on the home dog coming off a bye, but I’d be wary to bring it below the key number,” Lester said. “I think the Colts bounce back on Monday night.”

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 05:49 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, October 27

Minnesota at NY Rangers, 7:05 ET
Minnesota: 8-1 ATS off a home blowout win by 3 goals or more
NY Rangers: 121-127 ATS in home games when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days

Montreal at Edmonton, 9:35 ET
Montreal: 17-8 ATS after playing 2 consecutive home games
Edmonton: 1-8 ATS in home games off an home win scoring 4 or more goals

Announcement

Monday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 10/27

Monday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 10/27

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