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**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:07 AM

Guys,

The info for Monday Night Football is in the NFL trends thread. It's down near the bottom of page 2.

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:08 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Most popular, least popular picks in the LVH Super Contest, where 1,034 contestants pick five games each week of the NFL season........they paid $1,500 each to be in this contest, by the way.

Most pop. (14-40-1 vs spread)

1) Texans 347 - W
2) Saints 300 - L
T3) Chiefs 284 - W
T3) Ravens 284 - L
5) Raiders 268 - L
6) Colts 249 - L

Least popular (30-22-1)

26) Buccaneers 59 - W
24) Packers 100
23) Cowboys 139 - L
22) Eagles 143 - W
T20) Bengals 153 - W
T20) Rams 153 - L

*****

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

13) Dolphins 22, Bengals 20, OT-- Miami is third team to score a safety in OT, first since 2004. Bengals outgained them by 120 yards but gave up a TD on offense and also lost star DT Atkins for year (ACL).

12) Panthers 34, Falcons 10-- Carolina gave up a first half TD for first time this year, but also had four takeaways- they've outscored foes 96-33 in first half. Panthers had a 15-yard advantage in field position. Atlanta is having as dismal a season as a pre-season contender could have.

11) Cowboys 27, Vikings 23-- Dallas scored with 0:35 left to escape with a win in a game where Pokes dropped back to pass 54 times, ran ball only nine times. Not often an NFL team gets outrushed 169-36 and wins.

10) Jets 26, Saints 20--Jets were +2 in turnovers, are now +1 in their four wins, -11 in four losses. Saints are now 1-3 on the road-- they dropped back to pass 53 times, ran it 13. Jets had a 14-yard advantage in field position, as Saints started nine of 11 drives 80+ yards from goal line.

9) Titans 28, Rams 21-- Losing teams find a way to lose, which is what the Rams did here; fumbled on their 19 and the Titans' 10; missed an easy FG at the end of the half and lost another winnable game. Might as well play Davis at QB; Clemens is 30 and he's a journeyman on a good day.

8) Chiefs 23, Bills 13-- 5th week in row KC faced a QB who was a backuup this summer and it showed-- Chiefs' two TDs were scored by their defense. Buffalo outgained Chiefs 470-210 and lost- they had ball in red zone three times and scored only six points. 2-14 last year, Chiefs are now 9-0.

7) Redskins 30, Chargers 24, OT-- Washington was 12-17 on 3rd down, averaged 9.1 yards/pass attempt, overcame giving up an early defensive TD. Good balance for Redskins, with 209 yards running and 291 passing.

6) Joke of the Day:
What do you call a midget fortune teller on the run from the law?

Answer: A small medium at large.

5) Eagles 49, Raiders 20-- Nick Foles threw six incompletions, seven TD passes as Philly scored six TDs on first seven drives of the games. Foles is first QB to throw seven TD passes before the end of the third quarter, and in only his third start of the season.

4) Seahawks 27, Bucs 24, OT-- Winless Tampa Bay led 21-0 with 2:16 left in the first half\, but they're still winless, as Seattle snuck out a win over an inferior opponent for second time in six days. On their last five drives over the last 26:49 of the game, Bucs ran 24 plays for 61 yards.

3) Browns 24, Ravens 18-- Browns beat team that used to be the Browns for first time in last 12 meetings; defending champs are now 3-5 and sinking fast in AFC North, losing four of last five. Jason Campbell threw three TDs, as his nomadic career takes a positive turn.

2) Patriots 55, Steelers 31-- Pittsburgh hasn't fired a coach since 1968, but when mild-mannered Phil Simms says on national TV the Steelers quit (OK, he didn't say "quit" but it was obvious what he meant), you have to look at the coach and wonder whether the players are still listening to him.

1) Colts 27, Texans 24-- Best wishes to Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who collapsed walking off the field at halftime. He's 20 months younger than me, a guy who runs most every day and takes care of himself. Makes you wonder.

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:08 AM

College football odds: Week 11 opening line report

Offensive fireworks will come early in Week 11.

A pair of Thursday night games feature the two highest-scoring offenses in the land in each tilt.

The first of which is a huge Pac-12 affair between the Stanford Cardinal (7-1 SU, 4-4 ATS) and the unbeaten and explosive Oregon Ducks (8-0 SU, 7-1 ATS).

The Ducks are second in the nation averaging 55.6 points per game and are yet to be tested. Lost amid the flurry of hype around the offense, is a very solid defensive unit that is seventh in points against at 16.9.

They are coming off a bye week and disposed of UCLA with relative ease 42-14 on Oct. 26.

The Cardinal are in the midst of a great season in their own right, with just one hiccup at Utah along the way.

They too are coming off a bye week after taming Sean Mannion and the Oregon State offense with a 20-12 victory on Oct. 26.

Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service The Sports Club, knows that despite the high-octane offense, Oregon will be tested by a tough Cardinal defense.

"Stanford has the defense but can only hope to slow Oregon down here and there," Korner told Covers. "Our range was from Oregon -10.5 to -15. We had requests for this game last week and we put out Oregon -14. After looking at it again, we kept the same number."

Oklahoma Sooners at Baylor Bears (-16)

The "other" Thursday matchup featuring a score-at-will offense is this Big 12 tilt in Waco, TX.

The Bears (7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS) boast the highest-scoring offense around, tallying an astronomical 63.9 points per game.

Not just another team coming off a bye week, but a team that put up a massive victory in their last effort. The Bears rocked the Kansas Jayhawks 59-14 on Oct. 26.

Save for a disappointing loss in the Red River Rivalry, the Sooners (7-1 SU, 4-4 ATS) have put together an excellent season. The Sooners haven't been kind to their backers of late, however, as they are just 1-3 ATS in their last four games.

"When it comes to Baylor, I usually just go with the highest number. This time I settled for Baylor -16," says Korner. "As always, you're asking any team Baylor plays to pick up their scoring. Because Oklahoma can compete (and win straight up), we do have some respect for them."

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan Wolverines (-6)

A tough loss for Wolverines (6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS) on the weekend as in-state rival Michigan State easily outplayed them en route to the 29-6 victory.

Nebraska (6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS) bounced back from a loss at Minnesota on Oct. 26 with a victory over Northwestern. The Huskers should count their blessings, however, as the win came as a result of a Hail Mary as the clock hit zeroes. It was the second-straight game which the Huskers failed to cover.

Korner and his team of oddsmakers were all on the same page for this bringing similar numbers to the table.

"We had a range from Michigan -5 to -7 and that made it easy to stick a -6 as our send out," confirms Korner. "This game could go either way and we don't suspect a lot of movement with this line from where it opens."

LSU Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide (-14)

The top defense in the nation will be tested by one of the more potent offenses in the land in this batle of SEC heavyweights.

This will be a test for 'Bama (8-0 SU, 5-3 ATS) as a win here puts them on the cusp of an unbeaten season heading into the Bowl games. They have a pair of easy games (Mississippi State, Chattanooga) before closing the season at the Auburn Tigers.

LSU (7-2 SU, 4-4-1 ATS) would love to play spoiler for the Tide's unbeaten aspirations. At 40.2 points per game, the Tigers are 16th in the nation in scoring, but both of their defeats have come on the road this season.

Korner and his team all brought double-digit spreads to the table and settled on -14.

"We had Alabama -12, -14 and -16 so we put out -14, right in the middle," states Korner. "'Bama fans will think that's too low and LSU fans should drool with two TD's to start."

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:09 AM

NCAAB betting: Top 3 'over' teams to watch

The path to college basketball success often begins with a potent offense.

With every possession so important - particularly at tournament time - teams that can generate points in hurry will often fare best. Several of the top teams in Division I boast formidable units that should present plenty of problems for opposing defenses.

Here are three teams that should reward bettors with consistent "over" action this season:

Connecticut Huskies (2012-13 O/U: 11-12-0)

The Huskies are one of the few top teams to return most of their roster core from last season - and what a core it is. Senior Shabazz Napier (17.1 points per game) leads a sensational guard rotation that includes fellow returnees Ryan Boatright (15.4 ppg) and Omar Calhoun (11.1 ppg). DeAndre Daniels (12.1) anchors the frontcourt, and all four players should see plenty of shots. As a perimeter-reliant unit, they'll run cold at times - but expect points in bunches most nights.

Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-14-2)

Any team boasting a lottery-bound guard in Marcus Smart can be counted upon to generate plenty of points. Smart (15.4 ppg) spearheads an impressive four-man offensive attack that includes swingman Le'Bryan Nash (14 ppg) and guards Markel Brown (15.3 ppg) and Phil Forte (10.2 ppg). The departure of big man Philip Jurick represents a major hit to the Cowboys' frontcourt defense, which only increases the chance that their games will be shootouts.

VCU Rams (13-15-0)

VCU had one of the top offenses in the nation a year ago, and this season's edition should be just as potent. Junior guard Traveon Graham (15.1 ppg) returns to lead a starting five that will include dominant forward Juvonte Reddic (14.6 ppg) and versatile guard Rob Brandenburg (10.4 ppg). Making up for the loss of Darius Theus and Troy Daniels may prove daunting, but head coach Chaka Smart runs one of the best up-tempo attacks in the NCAA and should adjust.

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:15 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Houston at LA Clippers
The Clippers look to take advantage of a Houston team that is coming off a 104-93 victory over Utah on Saturday and is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. LA is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Game 501-502: Golden State at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 120.800; Philadelphia 122.198
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 7; 211
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+7); Over

Game 503-504: Minnesota at Cleveland (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.182; Cleveland 117.106
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 4; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-2); Under

Game 505-506: Boston at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 117.216; Memphis 124.663
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 7 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 507-508: Houston at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.318; LA Clippers 127.258
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 7; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 5; 207
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5); Under

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, November 4

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GOLDEN STATE (2 - 1) at PHILADELPHIA (3 - 0) - 11/4/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-33 ATS (-21.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 75-111 ATS (-47.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (2 - 0) at CLEVELAND (1 - 2) - 11/4/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 30-50 ATS (-25.0 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 125-167 ATS (-58.7 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-1 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (0 - 2) at MEMPHIS (1 - 2) - 11/4/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 58-39 ATS (+15.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 190-150 ATS (+25.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 2-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (3 - 0) at LA CLIPPERS (2 - 1) - 11/4/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 70-101 ATS (-41.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 3-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 5-1 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, November 4

Hot teams
-- Timberwolves won first three games, scoring 109.7 ppg.
-- 76ers won their first three games by total of 14 points. Warriors won two of first three games, losing only roads game by 11.
-- Clippers won their last two games, by 11-9 points. Rockets won their first three games, by 13-8-11 points.

Cold teams
-- Cavaliers lost two of first three home games, winning only home tilt.
-- Celtics lost their first three games, by 6-7-10 points. Memphis is 1-2, winning its only home game by 3 in OT.

Series records
-- Minnesota won four of last five games against the Cavaliers, winning last two visits to Cleveland, by 11-8 points.
-- 76ers won six of their last eight games with Golden State.
-- Memphis won four of last six games against the Celtics; visitor won six of last eight series games.
-- Clippers won five of their last six games with Houston.

Totals
-- Last four Cleveland-Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Golden State-Philly ggames stayed under; Philly's first three games all went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Boston-Memphis games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Houston-Clipper games.

NBA

Monday, November 4

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Minnesota's last 11 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games

7:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Golden State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 13-4-1 ATS in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MEMPHIS
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Boston's last 13 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Memphis's last 13 games when playing Boston
Memphis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA CLIPPERS
Houston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Houston is 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 11 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games

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NBA

Monday, November 4

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Bank shots: NBA's weekly betting notes
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For the week of Oct. 29 - Nov. 3

Hottest ATS - Philadelphia 76ers (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)

Surprise, surprise. Philly was everyone's favorite tank job heading into the season but started the season with wins over the ho-hum Miami Heat, the sexy Washington Wizards and the Derrick Rose-led Chicago Bulls. The Sixers host the high-octane Golden State Warriors Monday, followed by home games against Washington and the Cleveland Cavs. Oh. Michael Carter-Williams is good.

Coldest ATS - Memphis Grizzlies (1-2 SU, 0-3 ATS)

The Grizz are an overtime victory away from starting the campaign 0-3 SU. They started the season as road dogs in two games (at San Antonio, at Dallas) and failed to cover as 7.5-point home faves against the Detroit Pistons. The usually-reliable defense has sputtered out of the gate, allowing 106.7 points per game. Memphis will try to cash in for backers with a full week at home as the Celtics, Pelicans and Warriors stop by.

Best Over play - Dallas Mavericks (2-1 SU, 3-0 O/U)

The Mavs have started with a scorching offense that is averaging 111.3 points per game through the opening three games of the season. Add to that a defense that permits 107 points per game and you have a perfect formula for Overs. There is a possibility of some more Overs on tap for the Mavs as they host the Lakers Tuesday, the Thunder on Wednesday and the Timberwolves Friday.

Best Under play - Indiana Pacers (3-0 SU, 0-3 O/U)

A perfect start to season for the Pacers and a glorious start for an exceptionally good defense - both interior and perimeter. The Pacers are second best in the league, allowing 83.7 points per contest. They held the Cleveland Cavs to just 74 points in an 89-74 victory Saturday and through three games, the Pelicans are the only squad to reach 90 points against Indy thus far. The Pacers have a big week versus Eastern Conference foes with games against Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and Broolyn coming up.

Surveying the schedule:

- The sharp-shooting Golden State Warriors embark on a long and grueling road trip this week. The miles could take a toll on one of the league's more uptempo offenses and fatigue could play a factor which could spell betting value. The Warriors start Monday night in Philly, followed by a trip to Minnesota Wednesday, then San Antonio Friday and Memphis Saturday. All tough opponents as well.

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**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:18 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Detroit at Winnipeg
The Red Wings come in riding a 5-1 record in their last 6 road games and look to take advantage of a Jets' team that is 1-4 in it last 5 home games. Detroit is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4

Game 1-2: Anaheim at NY Rangers (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.964; NY Rangers 12.119
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+100); Over

Game 3-4: Detroit at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.644; Winnipeg 10.692
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-135); Under

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, November 4

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ANAHEIM (11-3-0-1, 23 pts.) at NY RANGERS (6-7-0-0, 12 pts.) - 11/4/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 159-132 ATS (+292.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ANAHEIM is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 102-107 ATS (-63.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 85-89 ATS (-47.9 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 92-97 ATS (-64.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 30-45 ATS (-43.6 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 142-173 ATS (-149.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 2-1-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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DETROIT (9-4-0-2, 20 pts.) at WINNIPEG (5-8-0-2, 12 pts.) - 11/4/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 76-82 ATS (-55.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
DETROIT is 91-97 ATS (-41.7 Units) in road games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 17-8 ATS (+25.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 95-50 ATS (+28.1 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 1-0-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, November 4

Hot teams
-- Rangers/Ducks both won four of their last five games.
-- Red Wings won last three games, outscoring foes 11-4.

Cold teams
-- Jets lost six of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Ranger games.
-- Three of last four Winnipeg games stayed under the total.

Series records
-- Ducks won three of last four games with Rangers; they beat NY 6-0 at home Oct. 10.
-- Red Wings won three of last five games against Winnipeg.

NHL

Monday, November 4

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. NY RANGERS
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Anaheim's last 25 games on the road
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing at home against Anaheim

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. WINNIPEG
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
Winnipeg is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Winnipeg's last 13 games

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NHL

Monday, November 4

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Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL bets
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For the week of Oct. 28 - Nov. 3.

Hot team

Colorado Avalanche (2-0 SU)

No team is hotter in the league. The Avs continued their blistering start to the season with victories in six-straight games, including wins in both their games this past week. Patrick Roy's team is doing it with the top goals against in the league (1.5 per game) and the league's best penalty kill at 90.9 percent. The Avs are at home for three games this week starting with a visit from the Nashville Predators Wednesday followed by Calgary (Friday) and Washington (Sunday).

Cold team

Carolina Hurricanes (0-3 SU)

What a dismal week for the Canes. Carolina entered the week on a two-game skid and proceeded to drop all three games in the week, topped by a 5-1 loss on Broadway against a suddenly-resurgent New York Rangers team Saturday. The Canes rank near the bottom across the board in significant stat categories and it showed this past week, where they were outscored a whopping 11-2 in their three losses. They do start a five-game homestand versus the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night.

Best Over play

Ottawa Senators (3-0 O/U)

Last season's top Under play (11-30 O/U) has already played Over in eight of their first 13 games. The defense has let them down in a major way, allowing a league-high 38.5 shots per game while the normally-reliable goaltending duo of Craig Anderson and Rebin Lehner is allowing 3.2 goals per game, ranking them 27th. Throw in the fact that the Sens are putting up 3.0 goals per game on their own and this team is an Over waiting to happen - at least until the defense and goaltending sort themselves out.

Best Under play

Vancouver Canucks (0-3 O/U)

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo had an excellent week, capped by a superb 21-save, 4-0 shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night. Beyond Luongo's stellar play keeping scorelines low, Vancouver boasts an excellent penalty killing unit ranked third in the league (87.3), but a feeble power play that converts on just 9.6 percent of its chances with the man advantage. The Canucks embark on a four-game road trip starting at Phoenix on Tuesday night.

Surveying the schedule

- Over bettors, I'm sure, are constantly looking at the defensively deficient Edmonton Oilers, but their upcoming schedule could have fans of the Over licking their chops. Edmonton starts a four-game road trip in Florida Tuesday night before heading to Tampa, where sniper Steven Stamkos could single-handedly take care of the Over himself. The Oilers are allowing a league-worst 3.9 goals per game.

- The New York Rangers are a much better team than what we've seen in the early stages and may have turned a corner. The Blueshirts are winners of three straight and could provide betting value with three of their four games at home this week. They host Anaheim Monday night, followed by a visit from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thursday sees them at Columbus before closing the week with a visit from the Florida Panthers.

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**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 08:18 AM

Duplicate of the last post..... How does this stuff keep getting posted twice?

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 09:30 AM

NBA

Monday, November 4

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Rockets at Clippers: What bettors need to know
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Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers (-5, 207.5)

Dwight Howard is back in the Staples Center, only it will be the Clippers he faces in his first visit back to Los Angeles since leaving the Los Angeles Lakers for Houston. Howard leads the Rockets into Monday’s game against the Clippers and he is averaging 15 points and 17 rebounds as Houston won its first three games. Point guard Chris Paul recorded three consecutive double-doubles while helping Los Angeles to a 2-1 start.

With Howard teamed with 7-footer Omer Asik in the Rockets’ starting lineup, the Clippers duo of center DeAndre Jordan and power forward Blake Griffin will have their work cut out for them. “They’re really big and there’s nothing much more than that,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said. “They’re big and dominant. They dominate on the glass right now.” Griffin has put together consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound games and Jordan typically gets up for the battle with Howard, a close friend of his. Rockets guard James Harden tweaked his ankle in Saturday’s victory over Utah but says he will play.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, CSN Houston, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBATV

LINE: Los Angeles opened as a 5-point home favorite and is as big as -5.5. The total jumped from 206.5 to 207.5.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (3-0, 2-0-1 ATS): Two significant things happened in the 104-93 victory over Utah – Houston rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit to win by double digits in the second game of a back-to-back and forward Chandler Parsons displayed last season’s form. Parsons averaged 9.5 points on 7-of-19 shooting over the first two games before contributing 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists against the Jazz. “I was struggling the first two games, especially with my shot,” said Parsons, who was 8-of-14 against Utah. “And then in his one, the other guys were struggling and I finally had it going.”

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (2-1, 2-1 ATS): Los Angeles played away from the Staples Center for the first time on Saturday when it defeated the Sacramento Kings. Rivers was pleased with the poise the team displayed in the rabid atmosphere in Sacramento. “We’re going to get them all year. I went through this once,” Rivers said afterwards. “I’m telling you, when people think you’ve got a shot at (a title), everybody wants to knock you off. That’s just the way it’s going to be. At the end of the day, that will be good for us.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Los Angeles.
* Rockets are 15-4 ATS in the last 19 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Houston won last season’s third and final meeting to snap a five-game skid against the Clippers.

2. Clippers G Jamal Crawford (1,544) is three 3-pointers away from passing Eddie Jones (1,546 from 1994-2008) and moving into 15th on the all-time list.

3. F Omri Casspi (ankle) sat out against Utah but is expected to play against the Clippers.

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**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 11:27 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, November 4

Golden State at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Golden State: 47-30 ATS after 1 or more consecutive unders
Philadelphia: 15-33 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 210

Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Minnesota: 7-18 ATS off an upset win as an underdog
Cleveland: 9-1 OVER after 3 or more consecutive unders

Boston at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Boston: 4-15 ATS in road games after a loss by 10 points or more
Memphis: 41-27 ATS as a favorite

Houston at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET
Houston: 53-33 UNDER in home games against Southwest division opponents
LA Clippers: 15-4 ATS in home games after a combined score of 205 points or more

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, November 4

Anaheim at NY Rangers, 7:35 ET
Anaheim: 40-36 SU in road games off a road win scoring 4 or more goals
NY Rangers: 0-6 SU after allowing 1 goal or less in 2 straight games

Detroit at Winnipeg, 8:05 ET
Detroit: 10-23 SU in road games when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
Winnipeg: 17-8 SU after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 02:04 PM

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

Spot bets are classic handicapping practices that have proven profitable no matter what sport you’re betting. Whether it’s a team looking past this week’s opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots.

Letdown spot

The USC Trojans scored their most impressive win of the season Friday, upending Oregon State with a 31-14 win in Corvallis – not an easy thing to do for an underperforming program like Southern Cal. The Trojans got massive efforts on the ground from Silas Redd and Javorius Allen and won back-to-back games for just the second time this season.

Southern Cal is primed for the letdown heading to Cal as 17-point chalk in Week 11. The Trojans play their second straight road game and visit a Golden Bears squad that is still fighting despite a laundry list of injuries leading to a 1-8 record. On top of walking into Berkeley all fat and cocky, USC could also get caught looking ahead to a showdown with Stanford next week.

Lookahead spot

The Los Angeles Clippers are among the favorites to claim the Western Conference title and eventually meet the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals – if all goes according to oddsmakers’ plans. The Clippers have a possible finals preview against the Heat in South Beach Thursday night but have a daunting schedule this week, including a red-alert letdown spot in Orlando Wednesday.

Los Angeles’ trip to Orlando is sandwiched between a huge home date with Houston Monday and Thursday’s marquee matchup in Miami. The Magic were projected to be among the worst teams in the Eastern Conference but haven’t rolled over, knocking off the Nets Sunday and going 4-0 ATS in their first four games. Orlando has two full days off to prepare for the Clippers while L.A. has to cross the country for this Wednesday contest.

Schedule spot

The Minnesota Vikings are wearing thin. Not only are the Vikes down and out after letting a sure win slip through their hands in Dallas but are also wrapping up a tough stretch of schedule that has them playing four games in just 18 days, heading into Thursday’s home game with the Washington Redskins as 1-point home underdogs.

Minnesota, which is just 1-7 SU (3-5 ATS), will also be playing in its third primetime game in the past four weeks Thursday, losing to the Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 7 and falling to Green Bay on Sunday Night Football in Week 8. That busy slate and the emotional roller coaster of constantly getting embarrassed on national TV is a heavy tax on this struggling team.

**Udog** · 11-04-2013, 02:48 PM

NFL Week 10 opening line report: Saints' bad blood with Cowboys

There’s a lot of bad blood heading into Sunday Night Football in Week 10 of the NFL schedule.

The New Orleans Saints play host to the Dallas Cowboys in the marquee matchup Sunday, with books opening the Saints as high as 7.5-point home favorites against a team with a dark history involving two of New Orleans' coaches.

Head coach Sean Payton was rumored to be snubbed when it came to the Cowboys’ head coaching job back in 2006 and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was fired – unjustly according to many – after Dallas fell apart late last season, serving as a sacrificial lamb to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. There’s plenty of extra motivation for the Saints to bury the Boys on Sunday night.

“Any factor involving coaches, we generally dismiss,” Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service The Sports Club, tells Covers. “The coaches aren’t performing, the players are. (The coaches) can say all they want but it’s the players we’re looking at (when setting odds).”

Korner is suggesting his clients should keep the spread for this Sunday finale high, as the public loves to bet the favorite and the Over in these standalone primetime games. The total for Sunday night’s contest was sent out at 55 by Korner’s oddsmakers, but most shops are dealing 52.5 points.

“We didn’t want to be low,” says Korner. “And I think we’re going to be just about right on this. No one is betting this game Under.”

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers (-6.5, 41.5)

This Week 10 East vs. West contest could be the most entertaining game on the board, with dynamic quarterbacks under center for both sides. However, despite having Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick making plays, books have opened this total at the low number of 41.5 points.

“Wow, I think that’s really low,” says Korner. “We sent out 47 and it’s down to 41 and 42. I realize they’re good defenses but we had one guy with this (total) as high as 50. We could be wrong. But I’d rather error on the high side.”

Some people may think this spread is too high, especially with some shops trimming the line from San Francisco -7 to -6 with early money on the Panthers. Korner notes that while Carolina is winning games it should, it hasn’t faced competition like the Niners during its four-game winning streak.

Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons (+6, 44)

Rarely do you see the Falcons as home dogs, especially as big as 6-point pups. That’s the line books are dealing on Atlanta, hosting the Seahawks Sunday.

The last time the Falcons were home underdogs this big, they lost 25-14 to Green Bay on Sunday Night Football in Week 5 of the 2011 season. Atlanta blew a 14-6 lead in that game, getting outscored 19-0 in the second half.

“It’s well deserved,” Korner says of the Falcons’ 6-point spread. “They haven’t played well. They just don’t deserve anything less. I recommend that books should keep it on the high side and expect Seattle money. Why would anyone bet Atlanta right now?”

Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers (-9, 55)

The Eagles offensive eruption has oddsmakers smiling heading into this Week 10 matchup. Nick Foles and the Eagles scored 49 points against Oakland Sunday and have bettors, who would have normally sided with the Packers, thinking twice about Philadelphia.

“It gives us a little bit of an advantage,” Korner says of the Eagles’ blowout win. “That sort of result will weigh in for a lot of people. It will temper the spread from going any higher than it should. Even if Green Bay has a big win Monday, it would probably rise to -10. It helps us out as oddsmakers.”

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Monday's Trends and Indexes - 11/4 (NBA, CFL, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 11/4 (NBA, CFL, NHL, Misc.)

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