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**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:06 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

The six best bowl games this year, in my opinion.........

-- Colorado State 48, Washington State 45-- Coogs led 45-30 with 3:00 left to play. Rams scored 11 points in the last 0:33.

-- Pitt 30, Bowling Green 27-- Both teams scored on special teams- Pitt kicked FG with 1:17 left to win it.

-- Central Florida 52, Baylor 42-- UCF's offensive coordinator is from Albany; he made Blake Bortles a rich kid. Excellent win for UCF.

-- Missouri 41, Oklahoma State 31-- Not often you give up 548 yards and win, but Mizzou did and they did.

-- Clemson 40, Ohio State 35-- Urban Meyer will see screen passes in his sleep all winter.

-- Texas A&M 52, Duke 48-- Johnny Manziel's last game for A&M was the usual thrill ride. College football will miss him.

*****

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

13) Colts 45, Chiefs 44-- KC started season 9-0, wound up 11-6, blowing 38-10 lead here, which almost never happens. Considering they were 2-14 last year, this was a great season, but a bitter ending.....Chargers' win keeps a Manning-Colts playoff game from happening, at least this week.

12) Saints 26, Eagles 24-- New Orleans had 434-256 edge in total yardage, but needed FG at gun to win it. Saints are now 1-5 in road playoff games in their 47-year history. Eagles only ran the ball for 80 yards.

11) Chargers 27, Bengals 10-- Cincy won/covered all eight home games in regular season, then went -4 in turnovers here. Dalton had an awful game for a team that hasn't won a playoff game since 1990, before the Internet existed. If you want to criticize Marvin Lewis, check out the Bengals' history before he became their coach-- very, very ugly.

10) 49ers 23, Packers 20-- Kaepernick's running was difference-maker in a very interesting game. All three home teams who played outdoors got beat; Colts were only home winner, and they were down 38-10.

9) This is first time in ACC basketball history that Duke/North Carolina/ NC State all lost their conference opener in same season.

8) Early leader for best new word of 2014: Twidicule-- getting ripped on Twitter. If you're not on Twitter, you're missing out- it can be great fun, lot of information out there. Freedom of expression is a wonderful thing.

7) UCLA 107, USC 73-- Steve Alford wins first Battle of LA with Andy Enfield, who doesn't have near enough good players right now. Eventually he will, then these games will become must-watch TV.

6) Wake Forest 73, North Carolina 67-- Deacons survived 19-33 shooting on line to win here. Tar Heels are as erratic as any team I can remember, but this is a big win for Jeff Bzdelik, who has lot of critics in Winston-Salem.

5) Just when you thought Southern Illinois' basketball season couldn't get worse, their team bus got stranded in heavy snow on I-57 Sunday night, after Salukis got pounded by Illinois State. They're expected to stay on the bus overnight, with enough food/gas to remain safe.

SIU is 4-11, their coach Barry Hinson became an Intermet sensation when he publicly ripped the players who didn't hide their disdain for him- the coach's son-in-law tragically died two days later. Hinson and two assistants went recruiting after the game and aren't on the bus. Must be a happy group.

4) Odd fact; in 1972, Miami Dolphins went 17-0, the last undefeated team in the NFL, but they had to win the AFC title game at Pittsburgh. Anyone remember how they decided home field for playoffs back then? I can't.

3) FOX Sports1 is keeping Bill Raftery busy; he did two games on New Year's Eve (St John's-Xavier/Villanova-Butler), did Oregon-Colorado game Sunday. Good to hear Raftery doing games outside the east-- think he's the best analyst on college hoop right now-- him and Greg Anthony.

2) Pro sports teams often bring motivational speakers in the night before a big game, to get the players focused; 49ers brought in Ric Flair to speak to the squad Saturday night. If you don't know, Flair is a former pro wrestler, who is a bigger than life personality with the catch phrase, "To be the man, you gotta beat the man!"

Dustin Pedroia gave his thumbs-up on Twitter for Flair as a motivational speaker; can't argue with the results, 49ers got a big road win.

1) RIP Mr Jerry Coleman, an American hero who was a Marine pilot in two wars, as well as a terrific second baseman and later an announcer for 30+ years, mostly with the Padres, passed away Sunday at age 89.

If you ever heard him on the air, you could tell he was a very nice man with a sense of humor and keen wit. But flying in two wars, that takes onions man, flying a plane when people are trying to shoot you down. RIP, sir.

**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:07 AM

NFL Divisional Weekend opening lines

With Wildcard Weekend in the books, next week's NFL Divisional Weekend matchups are set and early lines are already out.

The San Diego Chargers' reward for their impressive 27-10 road win in Cincinnati is a trip to Denver to face the Broncos. The Broncos are listed as early 10-point faves in what will be the third time they play each other this season. Back in Week 10 the Broncos covered a 7-point spread in San Diego winning 28-20, but the Chargers returned serve by going into Denver five weeks later and stealing a 27-20 victory in a game where they were 10-point dogs.

The Patriots opened as 7.5-point home faves as they welcome the Colts and Andrew Luck to Gillette Stadium, where New England went 6-2 ATS this season. The Colts earned the trip to New England with their improbable 45-44 comeback win over Kansas City Saturday. This is the first time these two teams will face each other this season.

In the Saturday NFC matchup The New Orleans Saints travel to Seattle to take on the top seeded Seahawks who opened as 8-point home faves. This will be a rematch of a Week 13 game where the Seahawks manhandled the Saints 34-7 in Seattle on Monday Night Football and obliterated the 6.5 point spread. The Saints were 1-7 ATS on the road this season, but managed to claim their franchise's first ever road playoff win Saturday in Philadelphia.

In a rematch in what might have been the game of the year in the NFL, The San Francisco 49ers take on the Panthers in Carolina. This game has opened as a Pick'em, which seems appropriate seeing as both teams love to run the ball, play great defense and have a dynamic quarterback. The first meeting was the Panthers' breaking out party of sorts, as they bruised their way to 10-9 victory at Candlestick Park.

**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:07 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

West Virginia at Texas Tech
The Mountaineers bring their 9-5 record into tonight's matchup against a Texas Tech team that is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games against teams with a winning SU record. West Virginia is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-1). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

Game 707-708: Maryland at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 62.303; Pittsburgh 68.975
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 6 1/2; 144
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 9 1/2; 138
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+9 1/2); Over

Game 709-710: West Virginia at Texas Tech (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 66.408; Texas Tech 60.389
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 6; 133
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 1; 140
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-1); Under

Game 711-712: Appalachian State at Elon (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 45.211; Elon 54.635
Dunkel Line: Elon by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Elon by 14
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (+14)

Game 713-714: Canisius at Marist (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 55.938; Marist 50.356
Dunkel Line: Canisius by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Canisius by 2
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (-2)

Game 715-716: Chattanooga at The Citadel (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chattanooga 43.422; The Citadel 37.449
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 6
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chattanooga (-3 1/2)

Game 717-718: Furman at NC-Greensboro (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 40.688; NC-Greensboro 52.727
Dunkel Line: NC-Greensboro by 12
Vegas Line: NC-Greensboro by 7
Dunkel Pick: NC-Greensboro (-7)

Game 719-720: Iona at Quinnipiac (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 52.937; Quinnipiac 57.362
Dunkel Line: Quinnipiac by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Quinnipiac by 2
Dunkel Pick: Quinnipiac (-2)

Game 731-732: Southern at Texas Southern (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern 51.054; Texas Southern 50.729
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Texas Southern by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern (+4 1/2)

**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:08 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, January 6

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MARYLAND (10 - 5) at PITTSBURGH (13 - 1) - 1/6/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARYLAND is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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W VIRGINIA (9 - 5) at TEXAS TECH (8 - 6) - 1/6/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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APPALACHIAN ST (4 - 9) at ELON (7 - 8) - 1/6/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ELON is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CANISIUS (9 - 5) at MARIST (4 - 9) - 1/6/2014, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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UT-CHATTANOOGA (7 - 8) at THE CITADEL (4 - 11) - 1/6/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 56-84 ATS (-36.4 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
THE CITADEL is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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FURMAN (6 - 8) at UNC-GREENSBORO (7 - 9) - 1/6/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FURMAN is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

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

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IONA (6 - 6) at QUINNIPIAC (7 - 5) - 1/6/2014, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
QUINNIPIAC is 1-0 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
QUINNIPIAC is 1-0 straight up against IONA over the last 3 seasons

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SOUTHERN U (5 - 9) at TEXAS SOUTHERN (5 - 8) - 1/6/2014, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS SOUTHERN is 2-2 straight up against SOUTHERN U over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:08 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 6

Pitt fell behind 19-4 in its ACC debut at NC State Saturday, won going away by 12; Panthers are are 13-1 with only three top 100 wins, by 21-9-12 points- they're forcing turnovers 19.8% of tine, holding opponents to 42.8% inside arc. Maryland is 10-5 with only one win by more than seven points- they have Allen back, so their depth at PG is improved.

West Virginia beat Texas Tech twice LY, by 16-2 points; Mountaineers won Big X opener by 5 at TCU Saturday, game they never led by more than 8 points- it was their first win in three true road games. Tech was down 15 at half to unbeaten Iowa State Saturday, tied game in second half but lost by 11; they're 0-6 vs top 100 teams, 8-0 vs everyone else. West Virginia is currently #56.

Appalachian State won eight of last ten games with Elon, but lost last two visits here, by 23-3 points; ASU is 4-9, but all four wins came vs non-D-I teams- they're 0-7 on road, with three of last five road losses by 8 or less points. Elon lost its last two games, is 5-7 vs D-I teams, but is 3-0 against teams outside the top 200, getting beat by 27-17-5 points.

Canisius won nine of last 11 games with Marist, but lost two of its last three visits here (won by 12 LY); Griffins are 3-0 in MAAC but held on for dear life in 67-63 (-4) win at St Peter's Saturday, after leading by 24 late in first half. Red Foxes won last four games after 0-9 start; their last game was Thursday, so they've had two extra days to prepare for this.

Chattanooga won 13 of last 15 games with Citadel, winning last two in this gym by total of six points; Moccasins won last three games by 5-6-9 points, winning 72-63 in SoCon opener at Furman. Citadel lost its last three games by 15-24-17 points; they're turning ball over 22.3% of time, shooting just 42% inside arc- they lost last six games with D-I teams.

Furman won three of last four games with NC-Greensboro, winning last two visits here by 13-8 points; Paladins are 3-8 in last 11 games vs D-I teams- they're 2-5 in true road games, with wins vs teams #320/344 in country, out of 351. Spartans won at Va Tech, lost by four to NC State, but they're 3-8 in last eleven D-I games, turn ball ovber 22% of time.

Quinnipiac survived 24 turnovers (-15) in 98-92 OT win over Iona LY in Virgin Islands, making 58.7% of shots inside arc before these teams were lweague rivals. Bobcats are 3-0 at home, winning by 10-3-4 points- this is their first home games in a month. Iona lost four of last five games but won 118-92 Saturday- they're #13 in countrey, making 41.3% on arc.

**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:08 AM

NCAAB

Monday, January 6

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CANISIUS vs. MARIST
Canisius is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Canisius is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Marist
Marist is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Canisius
Marist is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Canisius

7:00 PM
IONA vs. QUINNIPIAC
Iona is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Quinnipiac is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:00 PM
APPALACHIAN STATE vs. ELON
Appalachian State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Elon is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Elon is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
MARYLAND vs. PITTSBURGH
Maryland is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games

7:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. TEXAS TECH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of West Virginia's last 5 games on the road
West Virginia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Texas Tech is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Texas Tech is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:00 PM
FURMAN vs. UNC GREENSBORO
Furman is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against UNC Greensboro
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Furman's last 6 games when playing on the road against UNC Greensboro
UNC Greensboro is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
UNC Greensboro is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Furman

7:05 PM
CHATTANOOGA vs. THE CITADEL
Chattanooga is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Chattanooga is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against The Citadel
The Citadel is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing Chattanooga
The Citadel is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Chattanooga

10:00 PM
WILLIAM JESSUP vs. ST. MARY'S
No trends available
St. Mary's is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
St. Mary's is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games

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**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:09 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Dallas at NY Islanders
The Stars look to bounce back from a 5-1 loss to Detroit as they visit an Islanders team that is 1-9 in its last 10 home games. Dallas is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

Game 1-2: Dallas at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.542; NY Islanders 11.190
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+100); Over

Game 3-4: Columbus at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.944; NY Rangers 12.585
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-155); Under

Game 5-6: Florida at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.788; Montreal 10.553
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+160); Over

Game 7-8: Calgary at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.239; Colorado 11.738
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-200); Under

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, January 6

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DALLAS (20-14-0-7, 47 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (14-22-0-7, 35 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 92-76 ATS (+170.9 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.
DALLAS is 178-115 ATS (+39.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 19-10 ATS (+29.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 14-29 ATS (-21.4 Units) in all games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 4-13 ATS (+19.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 3-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) after a division game this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 6-15 ATS (+26.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 1-1-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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COLUMBUS (18-20-0-4, 40 pts.) at NY RANGERS (21-20-0-2, 44 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 7-12 ATS (-7.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NY RANGERS are 174-179 ATS (-108.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 99-107 ATS (-61.4 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 87-92 ATS (-50.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 94-101 ATS (-69.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 2-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (16-20-0-6, 38 pts.) at MONTREAL (24-14-0-5, 53 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 85-104 ATS (-56.0 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-3 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-3-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

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CALGARY (14-21-0-6, 34 pts.) at COLORADO (26-11-0-4, 56 pts.) - 1/6/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 26-15 ATS (+51.0 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 8-1 ATS (+6.5 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 208-191 ATS (-142.1 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-6-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 5

Hot teams
-- Islanders won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers won five of their last seven games.
-- Colorado won its last three games, allowing seven goals.

Cold teams
-- Dallas Stars lost three of their last four games.
-- Blue Jackets lost three of their last four games.
-- Florida lost four of its last six games. Canadiens lost three of last four.
-- Calgary lost eight of its last nine games.

Totals
-- Five of last six Islander home games stayed under.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Columbus games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Florida games.
-- Last four Calgary games stayed under the total.

Series records
-- Islanders lost four of their last five games with Dallas.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games with Columbus.
-- Panthers are 2-0 vs Montreal this season, winning 2-1/4-1.
-- Avalanche won six of last eight games with Calgary.

NHL

Sunday, January 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. NY RANGERS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games
Columbus is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Dallas is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games at home
NY Islanders are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Dallas

7:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. MONTREAL
Florida is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Montreal
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Montreal's last 14 games when playing at home against Florida

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. COLORADO
Calgary is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Calgary is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing Calgary

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NHL

Sunday, January 5

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Pucking the Trends: NHL's weekly betting news and notes
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For the week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4:

Hot team

St. Louis Blues (4-0 SU)

Things haven't been better in Bluesville, with St. Louis riding a five-game winning streak and looking like a legitimate Stanley Cup contender as the season reaches its midway point. The Blues reeled off four straight victories last week, including back-to-back one-sided home wins over the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets. With St. Louis ranked second in the league in goals and third in goals-against, the Blues are firing on all cylinders as they prepare for their three-game jaunt through Western Canada beginning Tuesday in Edmonton.

Cold team

Washington Capitals (0-4 SU)

The Capitals have long been considered one of hockey's streakiest teams, and last week was an extension of a serious cold stretch that kicked off just before Christmas. Washington looked flat offensively in losses in Buffalo and Ottawa, then endured a number of defensive struggles in defeats at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild. The Capitals have five days to mull over their latest loss before they hit the ice in Tampa Bay, followed closely by home contests against Toronto and Buffalo.

Best Over play

Montreal Canadiens (3-0-1 O/U)

The Canadiens have been one of the league's best Over plays since the middle of December, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Normally one of the most defensively responsible teams in hockey, Montreal has surrendered four or more goals in four consecutive games and five of the last seven to slip to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Struggling netminder Carey Price and the Montreal defense will look to get back on track this week with home games against Florida and Chicago and a visit to Philadelphia.

Best Under play

Buffalo Sabres (0-3-1 O/U)

Buffalo bolstered its spot as the best Under play in the NHL, nearly putting together a perfect week as it continues its march toward a historic goal shortage. The Sabres enter Sunday with just 74 goals through its first 42 games of the season, a whopping 22 fewer tallies than the 29th-ranked Calgary Flames. Buffalo has scored more than two goals just once in its last seven games, but could find some success this week with home games against Carolina and Florida - two teams that rank in the lower half in goals-against in the East.

Surveying the schedule:

The Ottawa Senators used a four-game winning streak to climb into eighth place in the East, but staying there could prove difficult. Coming off a 4-3 overtime victory in Montreal, the Senators conclude their four-game road trip with games in Colorado, Nashville and Minnesota. Ottawa is a reasonable 8-8-3 away from Scotiabank Place so far this season, but is a dismal 3-9-3 versus the Western Conference and remains one of the more generous teams in the league at 3.1 goals against per game.

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**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:11 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Brooklyn
The Hawks head to Brooklyn tonight with a 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games versus the Nets. Atlanta is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, JANUARY 6

Game 701-702: Minnesota at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 122.029; Philadelphia 108.903
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 13; 224
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 6 1/2; 218 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-6 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Atlanta at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 120.732; Brooklyn 115.217
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 3 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3 1/2); Under

Game 705-706: Orlando at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 113.568; LA Clippers 127.310
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 13 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 6

Hot teams
-- 76ers won last four games, all as 7+-point underdogs. Minnesota covered five of its last seven road games.
-- Nets won last two games, but are 4-6 vs spread in last ten games as a home favorite.

Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost three of their last four games (4-6 last 10 AU).
-- Clippers are 3-4 in their last seven games; Chris Paul is out for six weeks. Magic lost six of their last eight road games (9-6 AU).

Series records
-- 76ers lost their last four games with Minnesota.
-- Brooklyn lost six of last eight games with the Hawks.
-- Clippers lost eight of last ten games with Orlando.

Totals
-- Five of last six Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Clipper games went over; last six Orlando road games stayed under the total.

NBA

Monday, January 6

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. BROOKLYN
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Brooklyn
Atlanta is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 7 games

10:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Orlando's last 15 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Orlando is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games when playing Orlando
LA Clippers are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games

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NBA

Monday, January 6

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Bank Shots: NBA's weekly betting news and notes
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For the week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4

Hottest ATS - Toronto Raptors (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)

What a difference a month makes. The Raptors were struggling mightily before trading shot-happy small forward Rudy Gay to the Sacramento Kings; since then, Toronto has been on fire, climbing to the top of the Atlantic Division while pushing its record above the .500 mark. Toronto hasn't just covered the spread - it has left it in the dust, earning five consecutive double-digit victories highlighted by back-to-back triumphs over the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers. Toronto has a difficult start to its week with road games in Miami and Indiana but closes with home dates against Detroit and Brooklyn.

Coldest ATS - Houston Rockets (1-2 SU, 0-3 ATS)

Things went a bit sour last week in Houston, where the Rockets struggled with their normally potent offense. The Rockets were thumped 117-86 against an Oklahoma City Thunder team playing without starting point guard Russell Westbrook, then returned home and were promptly stunned 110-106 by the lowly Sacramento Kings. Only a two-point win over visiting New York - a game in which Houston came in as an 11 1/2-point fave - prevented a winless week. Houston hosts the Lakers before embarking on a pivotal four-game road trek through the East.

Best Over play - San Antonio Spurs (2-2 SU, 3-0-1 O/U)

Oddsmakers have already adjusted for the Spurs' surprisingly high-powered offense - but they may have to move the total even higher with San Antonio scoring at a ridiculous clip. The Spurs are 4-0-1 O/U over their past five games, having reached the 110-point plateau in four of them. San Antonio has been doing it with typically efficient shooting, ranked second in the league in both field-goal percentage (48.7) and 3-point percentage (39.4). The Spurs have a short week coming up, visiting the Memphis Grizzlies and hosting the rival Mavericks on back-to-back nights.

Best Under play - Indiana Pacers (2-1 SU, 0-3 O/U)

The Pacers know that, with a league-average offense at best, they'll need an airtight defense to challenge the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference title. Indiana put their defensive chops on display last week, limiting the Cleveland Cavaliers to 76 points in a one-sided win and defeating New Orleans 99-82 four days later. Slide in a 95-82 loss to the Toronto Raptors in between, and the Pacers have gone Under in six of their last seven games entering Sunday's action. Indiana has four games this week, visiting Cleveland and Atlanta and hosting Toronto and Washington.

Surveying the schedule:

The Golden State Warriors are the hottest thing going in the NBA, coming into Sunday with an eight-game winning streak. That includes four straight victories to open their season-long seven-game road trip which wraps up this week with games in Washington, Milwaukee and Brooklyn. With the Golden State offensive attack in mid-season form and the defense putting together some impressive stretches, Golden State could run the table on its road trip - and is rewarded with seven of its next nine games at home.

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NBA

Monday, January 6

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NBA Top 5: Best bets heading into 2014
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With the calendar officially flipped to 2014, several NBA teams will try to carry over the good value they provided bettors in the final two months of 2013.

Each of these clubs has a reason for consistently covering the spread, and those reasons vary greatly from one team to another. Expect to see the ATS totals adjusted to compensate for their respective early-season success - but that will come too late for many satisfied bettors who were rewarded for their faith.

Here are the five best bets through the first two months of the NBA season (with records ATS):

Phoenix Suns (23-8-1)

The Suns have been the best ATS play through the opening 32 games, thanks to a surprisingly potent offense ranked eighth in the NBA at 103.7 points per game. The backcourt duo of Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic has been a revelation for the Suns, combining to average 36.8 points and 11.7 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field. That has allowed Phoenix to boast one of the best point differentials in the league (plus-3.2).

Indiana Pacers (23-9-0)

Even with oddsmakers keenly aware of the Pacers' ability to play lockdown defense, Indiana has covered the spread more frequently than any other team in the Eastern Conference. Indiana owns the best point differential in the league (plus-9.2) on the strength of a better-than-expected defensive showing and an offense that has been buoyed by the emergence of star-in-the-making Paul George and versatile guard Lance Stephenson.

Charlotte Bobcats (20-13-2)

Charlotte has been one of the more surprising teams in the NBA so far, becoming a strong ATS play as head coach Steve Clifford extracts maximum defensive value out of his roster. The Bobcats can't score any points but they're allowing the third-fewest in the league and have been one of the most responsible teams in the league on offense, turning the ball over just 12.4 points per game. Things have leveled off of late, with Charlotte 3-4-1 ATS in its last eight.

Portland Trail Blazers (20-14-0)

The Trail Blazers have provided a double dose of betting value, routinely covering the spread while emerging as a reliable "over" option (25-9-0 O/U). Offense has been the catalyst for the Blazers' rise to ATS prominence; they average a whopping 108.7 points per game, nearly two points more than the next best team (Minnesota). Portland is averaging a hair under 40 percent from 3-point range, which is likely unsustainable but impressive nonetheless.

Los Angeles Clippers (21-15-0)

Lob City is populated by plenty of happy bettors in the early going, with the Clippers coming into the weekend second in the Western Conference in covers. Everyone expected Los Angeles to be sound offensively - and it has, averaging 104.8 points - but it has also been passable on the defensive end, limiting the opposition to 100.1 points - the fifth-best rate in the conference. Covering will be a lot tougher with point guard Chris Paul out a month.

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**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 08:57 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, January 6

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MINNESOTA (16 - 17) at PHILADELPHIA (12 - 21) - 1/6/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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ATLANTA (18 - 16) at BROOKLYN (12 - 21) - 1/6/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 35-56 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-2 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (10 - 23) at LA CLIPPERS (23 - 13) - 1/6/2014, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 2-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 2-2 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 01:39 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, January 6

Minnesota at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Minnesota: 98-131 ATS after 2 straight games with 10 or less offensive rebounds
Philadelphia: 14-6 OVER after playing 4 consecutive games as an underdog

Atlanta at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Atlanta: 9-1 ATS off a road loss
Brooklyn: 14-28 ATS in home games after 1 or more consecutive wins

Orlando at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET
Orlando: 8-2 ATS after failing to cover 6 or 7 of their last 8 ATS
LA Clippers: 10-3 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, January 6

Dallas at NY Islanders, 7:05 ET
Dallas: 11-2 against the money line as a road favorite of -200 or less
NY Islanders: 3-9 against the money line as a home favorite

Columbus at NY Rangers, 7:05 ET
Columbus: 43-32 SU after a blowout loss by 4 goals or more in their previous game
NY Rangers: 5-11 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less

Florida at Montreal, 7:35 ET
Florida: 6-11 SU after allowing 4 goals or more
Montreal: 6-3 SU off a home loss

Calgary at Colorado, 9:05 ET
Calgary: 16-14 SU in road games after scoring 2 goals or less in 4 straight games
Colorado: 73-85 SU after a home game where both teams score 3 or more goals

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, January 6

MARYLAND is 15-6 ATS after 2 games giving up 9 or less offensive rebounds

PITTSBURGH is 3-11 ATS in home games after playing a game as favorite

W VIRGINIA is 26-46 ATS in road games after covering the spread in 2 or more games

TEXAS TECH is 8-1 ATS after 1 or more consecutive unders

APPALACHIAN ST is 15-5 ATS off a road loss

ELON is 8-17 ATS after 2 straight games with 9 or less offensive rebounds

CANISIUS is 14-5 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games

THE CITADEL is 3-12 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games

FURMAN is 9-19 ATS as an underdog

IONA is 35-20 ATS in road games off a win by 10 points or more over a conference rival

QUINNIPIAC is 0-7 ATS after playing a game as favorite

**jt4545** · 01-06-2014, 02:12 PM

Good luck and thanks

**Udog** · 01-06-2014, 02:49 PM

Originally posted by jt4545 View Post

Good luck and thanks

Hey, jt! Good luck to you, too!

I saw your post in yesterday's thread late last night. I got beat on Cinci, too.

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 1/6 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 1/6 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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