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**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 08:23 AM

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Six of the more interesting football games this coming weekend.........

-- Mississippi State @ Kentucky-- This is the CBS 3:30 game? Wow.

-- Michigan @ Michigan State-- Spartans are a 17-point favorite!!!!

-- Ole Miss @ LSU-- Don't give my man Les Miles points in Death Valley.

-- Arizona @ Washington State-- If weather is good, bet the over.

-- Ohio State @ Penn State-- Coach Johnson returns to Happy Valley.

-- Eagles @ Cardinals-- Both teams are 5-1; this game ain't for the birds.

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Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Our bottom 5, top 8 in the NFL.......

32) Raiders-- Lot of pressure on Cleveland to beat the Raiders this weekend, after they lost in Jacksonville last week. Raiders have to be happy with rookie QB Carr, but they're only NFL team that hasn't scored 100 points.

31) Jaguars-- No coincidence that bottom two teams are both playing rookie QBs, but those guys haven't been the problem. Fans can't be real thrilled that their "home" game with Dallas is being played in freakin' London.

30) Titans-- Very hard to win without a good QB and Tennessee doesn't have one; still haven't recovered from drafting Vince Young. 27th in NFL in yards/game, tied for 28th in points/game.

29) Jets-- You watched them against Patriots last week and wondered how the hell they were 1-6; then they gave up a draft pick for Percy Harvin, who the Super Bowl champs couldn't wait to get rid of, and you realize they're a dysfunctional team.

28) Buccaneers-- Really thought they'd be pretty good this year, but they're 21st in NFL in takeaways, which has always been a strength of Lovie Smith teams. Funny thing is, at 1-5, they're only two games out of first place in dreadful NFC South.

8) Cardinals-- Funny how other teams' screw-ups can help you; Steelers stupidly got rid of Bruce Arians as OC, he went to Indy, was interim coach for a year and is now in line to be Coach of the Year in the desert. Arizona fired Whisenhunt, who is a good coach, but they were smart to hire Arians.

7) Ravens-- Quietest 5-2 team in league, have allowed least points in NFL. Will try to avenge Week 1 loss to Bengals this week, when they trailed 15-0, rallied to take lead but lost on 77-yard bomb to Green with 4:58 left. Their owner seems like a good guy; he handled the Ray Rice debacle as well as he could have.

6) Patriots-- This has nothing to do with New England, but Carolina is in first place in NFC South and they've allowed 37 more points than they've scored. In another non-Patriot note, Harold Reynolds isn't good on FOX; can't they put Ron Darling or Jim Kaat or John Smoltz on, someone who can make sense?

5) Packers-- Won last four games, scoring 36.3 ppg. If you think college recruiting is an exact science, remember that Aaron Rodgers played junior college ball before he went to California. Only team that offered Ryan Fitzpatrick a scholarship was I-AA Eastern Washington, who play on a red artificial turf field.

4) Chargers-- Raiders, Rams, Bolts all rumored to be interested in moving to LA, where fair-weather fans only support winning teams. All three teams have already called LA home once and left-- why would they go back? Rams' owner Kroenke is from Missouri, is named after Enos Slaughter, the old Cardinal baseball player; would be very surprised if he pulled Rams out of St Louis.

3) Cowboys-- Have converted 54-94 (57.4%) of 3rd down plays, giving them edge in field position and tiring defenses out.

2) Colts-- Started season 0-2 (Broncos/Eagles); haven't lost since. Saw something last week that said through six games, Andrew Luck had thrown 6th most passes of any QB thru six games since 1960. They beat Bengals 27-0 last week and were -2 in the turnover category, with both RBs fumbling in Cincinnati territory.

1) Broncos-- FOX ran a graphic showing John Fox's coaching record with, without Peyton Manning; Fox got to a Super Bowl with Jake freakin' Delhomme as his QB. Why is it that no one posts Belichick's record with and without Brady? Anyone?

Brady's win-loss record: 153-45.
Belichick's win-loss record: 204-107.......you do the math.

**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 08:23 AM

NFL Week 8 line watch: Bettors should be quick to back Chiefs

Spread to bet now

St. Louis Rams at Kansas City Chiefs (-6)

Would you bet on a team the week after it plays in the Super Bowl? That’s essentially what you would be doing if you lay cash on the Rams in this one. St. Louis used every tactical weapon in its arsenal to take down the Seahawks, and you have to wonder how much petrol will be left in the tank when they travel to Kansas City this coming Sunday.

The Chiefs are coming off the high of a solid win in San Diego that kept them in the playoff conversation, and they are a solid 4-2 against the spread. Kansas City will no doubt do everything it can to run the ball against the Rams’ 28th-ranked rush defense, so all the arrows are pointing toward the Chiefs in this one. Jump before the line goes up a half-point.

Spread to wait on

Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals

This is the early game of year in the NFL, with both teams at 5-1. The Eagles have been pasting teams at home, but have actually been outscored by opponents in their two home games. Still, early money is on the Eagles, who are a national team and always attract play.

There is a possibility that this one could move to 2-points as heavy money on Philly from the East continues to flood the offshores. Arizona is 5-1 and starting to take of advantage of dysfunction in San Francisco and Seattle to make a real run at the NFC West.

Total to watch

Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons (In London) (47)

These are the worst of times in Atlanta, where the 2-5 Falcons are basically out of it already in the NFC South and giving up gobs of points, despite a benign schedule so far. Fans have been clamoring for Mike Smith’s head on a platter, and there is already talk about bringing in Rex Ryan to fix what ails the defense, which is just about everything.

The Lions aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard every week, but they’ve been winning with their league-best defense that allows only 15 points a game. The Falcons will want to run the ball to stay competitive and keep the fans off their backs, so a long look at an under play is needed here.

**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 08:24 AM

MLB
Dunkel

San Francisco at Kansas City
The Giants look to follow up last night's 7-1 win in the opener and come into Game 2 with a 7-0 record in Jake Peavy's last 7 starts with the total set at 7 to 8 1/2 runs. San Francisco is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-105). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Game 903-904: San Francisco at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Peavy) 13.122; Kansas City (Ventura) 11.742
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-105); Under

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, October 22

Peavy is 5-0, 1.66 in his last eight starts, 1-3, 7.03 in seven postseason starts; he didn't pitch against the Royals this season.
Royals won last five Ventura starts (4-0, 2.93); he is 0-0, 3.55 in a couple of postseason starts- he has never pitched against the Giants.

Giants won World Series in 2010 and 2012; they're 9-2 this postseason, 4-1 on the road.

Royals are 14-3 in last 17 games, 8-1 this postseason, with five one-run wins. They've won five of their last six home games.

Peavy 5-15/9-5...............6-34 first inning
Ventura 20-12.................7-32 first inning

National League won three of last four World Series; AL teams have 162-132 edge in regular season this year.

MLB

Wednesday, October 22

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Trend Report
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8:07 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. KANSAS CITY
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games

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**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 08:35 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 22

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SAN FRANCISCO (97 - 76) at KANSAS CITY (97 - 74) - 8:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PEAVY is 14-20 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 19-33 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 27-36 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 6-13 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 97-74 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-20 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-7 (+12.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-1 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in October games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-7 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
KANSAS CITY is 93-71 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 70-49 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 70-52 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 8-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 51-36 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-16 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 97-76 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-39 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in October games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-7 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 97-76 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-24 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-46 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-40 (+16.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 43-39 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PEAVY is 5-7 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 6-8 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.2 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 08:40 AM

MLB

Wednesday, October 22

Five things we know heading into World Series Game 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Behind Hunter Pence's bat and Madison Bumgarner's left arm, the San Francisco Giants cruised to a 7-1 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

Here are five things we know about the World Series heading into Game 2:

--Pence finally figured out James Shields. The San Francisco right fielder came into the World Series 0-for-11 all-time against Shields. He hit a two-run home run in the first, then led off the third with a double and came around to score the fourth run off Shields. The three runs the Giants scored in the first inning gave Bumgarner a comfortable cushion, and the lefty coasted through seven innings.

"When you've got Madison on the mound, even when it's 0-0, you still feel very confident," Pence said. "We have all the confidence in the world with Bumgarner on the mound, no matter what the score is."

--Bumgarner knows how to pitch in the postseason, especially on the road. He extended his playoff road scoreless streak to a major-league-record 32 2/3 innings before giving up a solo home run to catcher Salvador Perez in the seventh..

"You know what, I felt pretty good," Bumgarner said. "It was just about going out and making pitches and executing. I know that's a boring answer, but for me, that's all it is."

Manager Bruce Bochy said of Bumgarner's postseason success away from AT&T Park, "Some things are hard to explain in this game. I can't tell you anything that would make sense of it, but he's been pitching well at home, too."

--The Giants are seeking to become the 11th team in the past 12 years to win the World Series after winning the opener. The only team since 2003 that lost the first game and went on to win the World Series was the 2009 New York Yankees, who dropped the first game against the Philadelphia Phillies but came back to win the series 4-2.

San Francisco won the first game of each series on the road this postseason, including a wild-card game victory over the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

"It's huge to be able to win that first game in the series," Giants center fielder Gregor Blanco said. "That puts pressure on the other team. We've got to go out tomorrow and keep playing baseball and try to win the second game. If we can do it, we can add more pressure."

--The Royals must respond to a loss for the first time since Sept. 27, when they fell to the Chicago White Sox in the penultimate game of the regular season. A day earlier, Kansas City clinched a spot in the postseason.

"I can speak for everybody in this clubhouse: We're not worried about it," third baseman Mike Moustakas said. "We're going to go out tomorrow and play the same game for whatever got us here. We're not concerned about it. We're not happy about it. We've got another game tomorrow.

"(Kansas City's Game 2 starter Yordano Ventura) throws 100 (mph). The guy has an electric arm with a plus curveball, plus everything. He can go out and dominate a lineup. He's a confident kid, going out there having that swagger. We feed off of him."

--The Kansas City bullpen endured its longest stint in the postseason, amassing six innings in relief of James Shields. With regular starter Danny Duffy pitching three-plus innings and reliever Tim Collins pitching two, the Royals' bullpen is still in good shape.

Duffy, who was pitching for the first time since Oct. 2, walked two of the first three batters he faced, forcing in a run, but then he retired eight in a row.

"I was really happy with his outing," manager Ned Yost said. "First inning in the World Series, you're a little amped up and you've got to come out and get settled in. Once he got settled down, (he) did a nice job."

Duffy wound charged with two runs on one hit and three walks.

**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 12:01 PM

MLB

Wednesday, October 22

Rain could show up if Game 2 runs long

The forecast for the start of Game 2 looks fine Wednesday, but if the game runs long there could be some inclement weather on tap.

It will be partly cloudy with just a seven percent chance of rain and temperatures in the mid 60's around the first pitch. However around 11 p.m. ET the chance of rain with a potential thunderstorm jump up to 60 percent.

There will also be a six mile per hour wind gusting out to left field.

Royals slightly favored to bounce back in Game 2

The Kansas City Royals had their eight game postseason win streak halted by Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants Tuesday night, but are slightly favored to bounce back in Game 2 of the World Series Wednesday.

Kansas City are currently on the board as slight -111 favorites to win Game 2 and even the series. They will hand the ball to Yordano Ventura, who has a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings pitched this postseason.

Jake Peavy gets the call for the Giants. He is 5-7 with a 4.97 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 14 career starts versus the Royals.

**Udog** · 10-22-2014, 12:10 PM

MLB

Wednesday, October 22

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World Series Betting Preview: Giants at Royals
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San Francisco Giants at Kansas City Royals (-111, 7)

Hunter Pence has slammed his first homer of the postseason and now looks to help the San Francisco Giants take a 2-0 series lead when they visit the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday. Pence hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning to fuel the offense in Game 1 and reached base four times as San Francisco rolled to a 7-1 victory. “He’s a tireless worker and he’s the lowest-maintenance player I’ve ever had,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said afterward.

San Francisco starter Jake Peavy has seen a lot of the Royals while pitching in the American League and possesses a 5-7 record and 4.97 ERA in 14 starts. “They’re still the same guys, just a little more refined and obviously a lot more confident than they were at any point that I faced them in Chicago,” Peavy said in his Tuesday press conference. “And they were formidable, even when we faced them – the Chicago White Sox didn’t have much success here.” Royals catcher Salvador Perez homered in the seventh of the opener for the lone run allowed by Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, FOX

LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle Sports opened the Royals as -108 faves, went to -118 before moving to -111. The total has held at 7.

WEATHER REPORT: Temperatures in the mid-60s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 6 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jake Peavy (1-0, 1.86 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (0-0, 4.85)

Peavy is making his second World Series start as he made one for Boston last season and gave up two runs in four innings. He hasn’t made it through six innings in either start this postseason but has allowed just six hits in 9 2/3 innings while continuing to fit in well with his new team. “With his experiences and knowledge, he really has, I think, just ramped up the intensity and the focus on these guys,” Bochy said. “Jake, as you know, when he pitches, he’s all in.”

Ventura has been placed in the No. 2 role by manager Ned Yost, who has no concern over how the 23-year-old rookie will handle the spotlight. “He’s a special kid because as young as he is and as good as his stuff is, his composure is off the charts and his competitiveness is off the charts,” Yost said in his Tuesday press conference. “So you combine all those things together and you’ve got a pretty special guy that’s going to step on that mound.” Ventura last pitched Oct. 11 when he worked 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Baltimore.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-1 in Cooper's last six games behind home plate.
* Giants are 7-0 in their last seven World Series games.
* Giants are 7-1 in Peavy's last eight starts.
* Over is 4-1 in Ventura's last five starts overall.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 60 percent of wagers are backing the Royals.

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Wednesday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 10/22

Wednesday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 10/22

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