Announcement

**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 09:54 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Some NFL trends to ponder, with Week 16 upon us........

-- Jacksonville covered six of its last 23 home games.

-- Bears are 2-10 in last 12 games as a divisional underdog.

-- Giants covered six of last 19 road games.

-- Redskins covered two of their last ten home games.

-- Houston covered five of last sixteen home games.

-- 49ers covered once in their last eight home games.

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Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Our Bottom 5, top 8 in the NFL

32) Redskins—Jay Gruden was an Arena League head coach for a long time but the media involvement aspect of being an NFL head coach seems to be hampering his program. Memo to coach Gruden: This isn’t the AFL; millions of people read what you say. Try not to bash your QB every single day.

31) Bears—Jay Cutler has the worst body language of any QB I’ve ever seen; he is this generation’s Jeff George. Problem #2 is, he makes $100M+ and everyone knows it’s a bum contract. Problem #1 is the offensive coordinator said so publicly. Now he is sitting behind Jimmy Clausen this week. Jimmy freakin' Clausen.

30) Raiders—Would they really move to San Antonio? In the early 90’s, there used to be a World League team called the San Antonio Riders; I think Nebraska coach Mike Riley coached that team. It would be bizarre if the Raiders moved to Texas.

29) Jaguars—Tom Coughlin will get in the Hall of Fame someday; his best work was getting the Jags into the playoffs in their second year of existence. Seems like a long time ago now, for both parties.

28) Titans—Doing a good job of playing the Washington Generals-type role and losing every game down the stretch so they get the #1 pick in the draft, which is the best way for them to get better, long-term.

8) Cardinals— Ten weeks ago, Ryan Lindley wasn’t in the NFL; now he’s starting QB for the NFC’s #1 seed. No pressure there.

7) Steelers—Win two more home games and they win the AFC North; problem is, they’ve lost to the sub-.500 Bucs/Saints at home.

6) Cowboys—They should let Murray sit this week, to rest his hand and to lessen his workload, seeing as he is on pace for 401 carries this season. Tony Romo has been a warrior this year, for sure.

5) Colts—Offense gave up three TDs in last two games; am little concerned about them going forward. Interesting game with Dallas this week.

4) Broncos—I get the feeling this could be it for Peyton Manning; not really sure why, but could see him bowing out and eventually becoming part of an ownership group of an NFL team.

3) Seahawks—Playing really good defense, but unless they beat Arizona this week, they’ll have to go on road the first week of the playoffs, which is always dicey.

2) Packers—They’re #1 on this list when playing at home, much lower when on road, not in top 10 on artificial turf. Seattle’s field has artificial turf; they don’t want to go there in January.

1) Patriots—Did you see the Alex Sandler movie where Rex Ryan plays a guy who is a huge Patriot fan, with a Belichick bobblehead on his desk and a Brady poster on the wall? If you didn’t know who Ryan was, you’d never know he wasn’t an actor. He could be very, very good on TV, if he chooses that route.

**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 09:55 AM

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Lookahead spot

The Toronto Raptors aren’t home for the holidays this season, kicking off a six-game road trip that extends into the New Year in Chicago Monday. The Raptors play the Bulls, then have some time off for Christmas before picking back up in L.A. on December 27. But before Toronto escapes the cold Canadian winter for stops in Los Angeles, Denver, Portland, Golden State and Phoenix, it hosts the New York Knicks at the Air Canada Centre this Sunday.

It’s a tough spot for the Dinos, who not only look ahead to Monday’s date in the Windy City, but will undoubtedly have plenty of players trying to organize their holiday plays before this home game. Toronto plays in Detroit Friday then has a day off before Sunday’s contest against the Knicks – not a lot of time to fit in family and basketball.

Letdown spot

You’ve done it. You’ve made the grade and been rewarded with a nice year-end bonus and a bowl game. The UTEP Miners are enjoying this warm fuzzy feeling for the first time since 2010, snapping a five-year bowl drought with a spot in the New Mexico Bowl against Utah State on Dec. 20 – the opening weekend of college football’s bowl season.

The Miners are 10-point underdogs – one of three double-digit bowl dogs – and for good reason. Texas El Paso, which scrapes in bowl season on a 7-5 SU record (9-3 ATS), is 1-5 SU away from home and went 3-3 ATS on the road, compared to a perfect 6-0 ATS mark at home. The Miners punched their ticket to the postseason with a thrilling 3-point victory over Middle Tennessee in the season finale and may be just happy to finally be bowling come Saturday.

Schedule spot

The St. Mary’s Gaels are putting some miles on their frequent flyer card this month. The Gaels just returned from Omaha, Nebraska with an OT win over Creighton and host Northern Arizona in Moraga Tuesday before jumping on other plane, crossing the country for a showdown with the St. John’s Red Storm in New York City Friday.

St. Mary’s is scheduled to play the Johnnies at Carnesecca Arena for a 7 p.m. ET start – 4 p.m. back home in California. The Gaels have played outside of the Golden State just once this season – at Creighton – and only went as far East as Minnesota last season, losing to the Golden Gophers in the NIT. It's been a very long time since St. Mary's made a trip this far away from home. The Red Storm are one of the hottest teams in college hoops and will have a heavy home-court edge Friday.

**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 09:55 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Anaheim at Montreal
The Canadiens host a Ducks team that is coming off a 6-2 loss at Toronto and is 1-5 in its lat 6 games following a defeat by 3 or more goals. Montreal is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-120). Here are all of today's NHL picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

Game 51-52: Washington at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.929; Columbus 11.552
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-110); Over

Game 53-54: Toronto at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.903; Carolina 10.881
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-145); Under

Game 55-56: Colorado at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 10.863; Pittsburgh 12.422
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 57-58: Florida at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.674; Philadelphia 10.515
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+120); Under

Game 59-60: Anaheim at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.489; Montreal 12.997
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-120); Over

Game 61-62: St. Louis at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.343; Los Angeles 11.221
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+120); Under

Game 63-64: Edmonton at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 9.534; San Jose 11.766
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-250); Over

**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 09:56 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 18

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WASHINGTON (14-10-0-6, 34 pts.) at COLUMBUS (13-15-0-2, 28 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in December games this season.
COLUMBUS is 33-22 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 3-3-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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TORONTO (19-9-0-3, 41 pts.) at CAROLINA (8-19-0-3, 19 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 57-84 ATS (-38.2 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
TORONTO is 23-30 ATS (-15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-12 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in December games this season.
TORONTO is 19-12 ATS (+6.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 11-4 ATS (+15.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CAROLINA is 8-22 ATS (-23.5 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 8-22 ATS (+36.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 91-105 ATS (-58.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
CAROLINA is 36-47 ATS (-27.4 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 4-2 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 4-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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COLORADO (10-13-0-7, 27 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (20-6-0-4, 44 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-1-0 straight up against COLORADO 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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FLORIDA (13-8-0-8, 34 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (11-14-0-5, 27 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 288-331 ATS (-94.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 4-4 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 4-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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ANAHEIM (21-7-0-5, 47 pts.) at MONTREAL (20-10-0-2, 42 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 76-55 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 8-1 ATS (+6.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MONTREAL is 8-1 ATS (+6.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 82-46 ATS (+17.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 18-3 ATS (+14.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 50-25 ATS (+16.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 179-146 ATS (+28.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 2-0 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 2-0-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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ST LOUIS (21-8-0-2, 44 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (15-11-0-6, 36 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 33-14 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 48-22 ATS (+13.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-4 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 10-4 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 10-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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EDMONTON (7-19-0-6, 20 pts.) at SAN JOSE (17-11-0-4, 38 pts.) - 12/18/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 7-25 ATS (+42.1 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 7-25 ATS (+42.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 1-13 ATS (+19.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
EDMONTON is 1-12 ATS (+19.4 Units) after a division game this season.
EDMONTON is 4-18 ATS (+29.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 14-44 ATS (+85.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 6-29 ATS (+51.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 5-9 ATS (-6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN JOSE is 5-9 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-2 (+4.8 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.5 Units)

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**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 09:56 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 18

Hot teams
-- Columbus won last seven games, with five of last six in OT/SO. Washington won three of its last four road games.
-- Maple Leafs won last six games, scoring 25 goals.
-- Penguins won four of their last five home games.
-- Anaheim won seven of its last eight games. Montreal won last three games, scoring 13 goals.
-- Blues won last five games, scoring 24 goals.
-- San Jose won seven of its last eight games.

Cold teams
-- Carolina lost last six games, outscored 18-6.
-- Avalanche lost five of their last six games.
-- Florida is 2-10 this season in game following a win. Flyers lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Los Angeles lost five of its last six games.
-- Edmonton lost five in row, 16 of last 17 games.

Series records
-- Blue Jackets won three of last four games with Washington.
-- Hurricanes won six of last eight games with Toronto.
-- Penguins won four of last five games with Colorado.
-- Flyers are 8-5 in their last thirteen games with Florida.
-- Ducks won five of last seven games with Montreal.
-- Kings won seven of last nine games with St Louis.
-- Sharks won eight of last ten games with Edmonton.

Totals
-- Four of last five Columbus road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Toronto road games went over; seven of last eight Carolina games stayed under. .
-- Six of last seven Colorado road games went over; four of last five Penguin home tilts stayed under.
-- Four of last five Philly games stayed under total.
-- Last seven Anaheim road games went over total.
-- Last four Los Angeles games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Edmonton road games.

Back-to-back
-- None

**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 09:56 AM

NHL

Thursday, December 18

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. PITTSBURGH
Colorado10-3-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Colorado
Pittsburgh is 7-15-3 SU in its last 25 games ,when playing Colorado

7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Florida is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Columbus's last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Washington

7:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. MONTREAL
Anaheim is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Montreal is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing at home against Anaheim

10:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. SAN JOSE
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
Edmonton is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Edmonton
San Jose is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Edmonton

10:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LOS ANGELES
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games
Los Angeles is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

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**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 11:18 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, December 18

Washington at Columbus, 7:05 ET
Washington: 9-2 SU revenging a loss versus opponent
Columbus: 7-0 SU in December games

Toronto at Carolina, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 12-4 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
Carolina: 8-22 SU in all games

Colorado at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Colorado: N/A
Pittsburgh: N/A

Florida at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Florida: 5-17 SU off a home win
Philadelphia: 7-5 SU as a home favorite

Anaheim at Montreal, 7:35 ET
Anaheim: 18-3 SU in December games
Montreal: 25-33 SU in home games after 2 straight wins by 2 goals or more

St Louis at Los Angeles, 10:35 ET
St Louis: 48-22 SU first half of the season
Los Angeles: 13-22 SU off a road loss

Edmonton at San Jose, 10:35 ET
Edmonton: 0-14 SU as a road underdog of +200 to +300
San Jose: 29-9 SU off a home win

**Udog** · 12-18-2014, 11:29 AM

NHL

Thursday, December 18

Penguins' G Marc-Andre Fleury, doubtful Thursday

Fleury will undergo tests for the mumps after missing Wednesday's practice with an illness.

T.J. Oshie, St. Louis - Prob Thurs

Oshie did not play Tuesday due to a personal matter but will rejoin the team for Thursday's game against the Kings.

Announcement

Thursday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 12/18

Thursday's NHL Trends and Indexes - 12/18

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