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**Udog** · 09-29-2014, 08:06 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Sonny Gray was The Man Sunday, blanking the Rangers 2-0 as the A's clinched their third straight playoff spot. Tremendous game by him.

-- After 2,001 career games, Adam Dunn makes it to the postseason.

-- Jordan Zimmerman no-hit the Marlins 1-0, with game ending on a diving catch by LF Souza, who was playing his 4th career game in left field.

-- Never liked Tom Watson much after he helped get Gary McCord banned from the Masters telecasts on CBS. Pompous; hope he had a nice flight home.

-- NBA training camps opened up this weekend; NHL regular season starts on the 8th of October. Time is flying by.

-- Wild Card games: A's-Royals Tuesday, Giants-Pirates Wednesday

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

13) Giants 45, Redskins 14-- Jersey Giants evened record with six takeaways that led to 31 points; they had an amazing 25-yard edge in field position, with four of six TD drvies starting in Redskin territory. Kirk Cousins had a rough night.

12) Dolphins 38, Raiders 14-- In 11 games other than this one this weekend, there were an average of 4.09 first downs via penalty, as the NFL insists on ticky-tack calls vs defensive players. In the London game, trying to impress a new audience with its product, there was one such call. Coincidence? I don't think so.

11) Packers 38, Bears 17-- R-E-L-A-X. This was only the second NFL game ever (Bills-49ers in '92) with no punts. Bears gained 446 yards, had great balance and lost by three TDs. Green Bay had 24-yard edge in field position; only eight of their 47 plays were on third down.

10) Texans 23, Bills 17-- Houston was -3 in turnovers before JJ Watt took an INT 80 yards back for TD that swung this game. Kicker Bullock made two 50+-yard FGs as Ryan Fitzpatrick got a win against his old team. Not real impressed by EJ Manuel at QB for the Bills.

9) Colts 41, Titans 17-- How has Charlie Whitehurst lasted this long in the NFL? He's terrible and with starting QB Locker getting hurt a lot, Titans may wind up with LSU rookie Mettenberger under center- they've lost three in row since Opening Day win at Arrowhead. Luck passed for 393 yards in this game.

8) Ravens 38, Panthers 10-- Second straight tank job by Carolina, which gave up seven catches, 139 yards and two TDs to old friend Steve Smith. Newton isn't 100% healthy, not close and Carolina doesn't have a bye until Week 12. Not good. Worst news for Carolina? They gave up 10.5 yards per pass attempt.

7) Lions 24, Jets 17-- Next coach of the Jets will have an offensive background; it would be nice if the team's GM got him a WR or two who could get open and catch the ball. Not sure why they went out and got Michael Vick if they're not going to play him. Maybe his running could provide a change of pace.

6) Buccaneers 27, Steelers 24-- Antonio Brown caught seven balls for 131 yards and two TDs, but dropped a bomb on a flea-flicker that would've broken game open when Steelers led 24-20. Ton of survival pools bit the dust here, when Glennon led winning TD drive (only 46 yards) in last minute.

5) Chargers 33, Jaguars 14-- San Diego scored 33 points despite scoring only 12 points in four trips to red zone; thought rookie QB Bortles played well in his first start, but this game was a mismatch when San Diego had the ball. Chargers will be one-dimensional until RB Mathews gets healthy.

4) 49ers 26, Eagles 21-- Before this game, the last 73 NFL teams who scored three return TDs in a game were 71-1-1; problem is, Iggle offense scored zero points, did not try to run ball in from 2-yard line when they had a chance to take lead late in game. 49ers had their usual ten penalties; rumors persist there people in their inner circle who want Harbaugh gone. Damn, he's won a lot of games.

3) Vikings 41, Falcons 28-- Since when does a team score 41 points in a rookie QB's first career start? Minnesota racked up 558 yards, running for 242, as Atlanta is now 0-2 on road, losing by 13-14 points. Bridgewater sprained his ankle, but said he'll play Thursday against the Packers.

2) Cowboys 38, Saints 17-- Putrid performance by New Orleans, which lost eight of its last nine road games. Game was 31-3 before Saints made brief run to make it interesting, but Dallas OL controlled this game. Saints' only win was lackluster 20-9 game with Minnesota last week; there is reason to be concerned.

1) Heading into the Monday night game at Arrowhead, favorites are 7-4-1 so far this week, home teams are 6-5-1, over is 9-3.

**Udog** · 09-29-2014, 08:07 AM

NCAAF opening line report: Auburn opens as big fave versus LSU

Almost every week, you can find a game in the Southeastern Conference worth featuring. This week is no different, with a key matchup between fifth-ranked Auburn and 15th-ranked Louisiana State – a tale of two Tigers, if you will.

Auburn is squarely in the national championship picture and open as 9-point favorites, while LSU isn’t necessarily out of it, but will need some help after a stunning home loss to Mississippi State two weekends ago.

Auburn is 4-0 SU (2-2 ATS), but has failed to cash the past two weeks, beating Louisiana Tech 45-17 Saturday as a 32.5-point favorite, a week after barely holding off host Kansas State 20-14 giving 7 points.

LSU (4-1 SU and ATS) bounced back from its lone loss with a 63-7 beatdown of New Mexico State, cashing with ease despite laying 43 points. John Lester, lines manager for bookmaker.eu, said it almost amounted to a bye week for coach Les Miles’ troops, which could be key this Saturday.

“It’s already been hairy for Auburn, but this is where the schedule really starts to thicken,” Lester said. “Les Miles always seems to have his guys prepared for the zone read, and he basically had (an extra) week to prepare for it.”

Arizona Wildcats at Oregon Ducks (-22.5)

There’s plenty on the line here, too, with both of these Pac-12 rivals undefeated and coming off bye weeks for a Thursday night matchup in Eugene, Ore.

The No. 2 Ducks (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS) have had their struggles, particularly against the line; laying 23 points at Washington State in their last game, they had to hang on for a 38-31 victory.

The Wildcats (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS) are coming off a Hail Mary 49-45 home victory over California, scoring 36 points in the fourth quarter but failing to cash as 8-point chalk for their third-straight ATS setback.

“Both teams are coming off byes, and you know Eugene will be rocking for this nationally televised Thursday night tussle,” said Lester, also noting that Arizona – as a 20.5-point home underdog last season – hammered Oregon 42-16. “Perhaps there’s a little bit of revenge factor for the Ducks to consider. A shootout doesn’t begin to describe this matchup.”

Stanford Cardinal (-2.5) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Unbeaten and ninth-ranked Notre Dame (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS), which reached the national title game two years ago, might just be working its way into the championship mix again, but No. 14 Stanford (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) could prove a stern test. The Irish topped Syracuse 31-15 Saturday as a 9.5-point road fave, while the Cardinal edged Washington 20-13 but came up short as a 7.5-point road chalk.

“This feels like an NFL game,” Lester said. “A pair of pro-style offenses, two superb defenses, it’s going to be a plodding affair. This is a rivalry that’s been dominated by Stanford the last handful of years (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS last five), which favors David Shaw and his staff. It’s a really big game for both teams midway through the season.”

Alabama Crimson Tide (-4.5) at Mississippi Rebels

Another key SEC contest, with both teams unbeaten. Third-ranked Alabama (4-0 SU, 1-3 ATS) is coming off a bye after finally beating the spread for the first time this season, scoring the final 21 points of a 42-21 home win over Florida as a 14-point favorite.

Mississippi is perfect on the field and at the book, at 4-0 SU and 3-0-1 ATS, with the push coming in Saturday’s 24-3 home win over Memphis.

“Alabama comes off an idle week and heads to Oxford, where the Rebels just handled an underrated Memphis squad,” Lester said. “That said, the Tide will make them one-dimensional, so Mississippi quarterback Bo Wallace is going to have to have a mistake-free, monster game to beat Alabama.”

**Udog** · 09-29-2014, 08:12 AM

Matchups set for baseball's postseason

The Major League Baseball playoff matchups are set and the postseason will begin in Kansas City as the Royals host the Oakland A's in the American League Wildcard game Tuesday.

The National League will get their playoffs underway Wednesday as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the San Francisco Giants.

The winner of the A.L. game will face the Los Angeles Angels, while the N.L. winner will face the Washington Nationals in the Division Series.

Baseball playoff schedule

Baseball postseason schedule. Times for division series, league championship series and World Series TBA. *-if necessary.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD-CARD GAME

Tuesday, 8:07 p.m. ET, Oakland Athletics at Kansas City Royals, TBS

NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD-CARD GAME

Wednesday, 8:07 p.m. ET, San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates, ESPN

AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

AL wild-card winner vs. Los Angeles Angels

Game 1, Thursday, A's or Royals at Angels, TBS

Game 2, Friday, AL wild card at Angels, TBS

Game 3, Oct. 5, Angels at AL wild card, TBS

Game 4*, Oct. 6, Angels at AL wild card, TBS

Game 5*, Oct. 8 AL wild card at Angels, TBS

Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles

Game 1, Thursday, Tigers at Orioles, TBS

Game 2, Friday, Tigers at Orioles, TBS

Game 3, Oct. 5, Orioles at Tigers, TBS

Game 4*, Oct. 6, Orioles at Tigers, TBS

Game 5*, Oct. 8, Tigers at Orioles, TBS

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

NL wild-card winner vs. Washington Nationals

Game 1, Friday, NL wild card at Nationals, Fox Sports 1

Game 2, Saturday, NL wild card at Nationals, Fox Sports 1 or MLB Network

Game 3, Oct. 6, Nationals at NL wild card, Fox Sports 1 or MLB Network

Game 4*, Oct. 7, Nationals at NL wild card, Fox Sports 1

Game 5*, Oct. 9, NL wild card at Nationals, Fox Sports 1

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1, Friday, Cardinals at Dodgers, Fox Sports 1

Game 2, Saturday, Cardinals at Dodgers, Fox Sports 1 or MLB Network

Game 3, Oct. 6, Dodgers at Cardinals, Fox Sports 1 or MLB Network

Game 4*, Oct. 7, Dodgers at Cardinals, Fox Sports 1

Game 5*, Oct. 9, Cardinals at Dodgers, Fox Sports 1

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Game 1, Oct. 10, AL lower seed at AL higher seed, TBS

Game 2, Oct. 11, AL lower seed at AL higher seed, TBS

Game 3, Oct. 13, AL higher seed at AL lower seed, TBS

Game 4, Oct. 14, AL higher seed at AL lower seed, TBS

Game 5*, Oct. 15, AL higher seed at AL lower seed, TBS

Game 6*, Oct. 17, AL lower seed at AL higher seed, TBS

Game 7*, Oct. 18, AL lower seed at AL higher seed, TBS

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Game 1, Oct. 11, NL lower seed at NL higher seed, Fox

Game 2, Oct. 12, NL lower seed at NL higher seed, Fox Sports 1

Game 3, Oct. 14, NL higher seed at NL lower seed, Fox Sports 1

Game 4, Oct. 15, NL higher seed at NL lower seed, Fox Sports 1

Game 5*, Oct. 16, NL higher seed at NL lower seed, Fox Sports 1

Game 6*, Oct. 18, NL lower seed at NL higher seed, Fox

Game 7*, Oct. 19, NL lower seed at NL higher seed, Fox Sports 1

WORLD SERIES

Game 1, Oct. 21, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Game 2, Oct. 22, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Game 3, Oct. 24, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Game 4, Oct. 25, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Game 5*, Oct. 26, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Game 6*, Oct. 28, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Game 7*, Oct. 29, NL champion at AL champion, Fox

Wild Card format offers pitching mismatches in MLB playoffs

It’s playtime in the major leagues. The intensity of both players and fans goes up a notch. Heck, in some cities you’ll even see the first sellout game of the season. How bout that?! Playoff baseball is as good as the game gets. It’s also when I slow down my betting.

The first obvious thing with the MLB playoffs is there are less games being played each day. Less games played means that there are less opportunities to find mismatches to bet. In fact, the matchups can be as tight as any you’ll see all year in baseball.

These are the best teams in the league playing one another. We're not looking for mismatches when the Minnesota Twins play the Detroit Tigers. Having said that, the Wild Card games offer some mismatches during the Division Series.

In the past, each team was able to set their pitching staff exactly the way they wanted matchups to play out. All games in the first series would start with team ace versus team ace and so on down the line. That's still the case with the first series but the recent addition of Wild Card games mean that matchups in the following series aren’t exactly as those teams would like.

No matter who the Wild Card playoff teams start in their games, their pitching rotation for the next series will be out of whack. Eventually, there is potential for a large mismatch if the Division Series go long enough.

If the Oakland A’s make the playoffs as a Wild Card team, the chances are good that they’ll pitch John Lester in that game making him less available for the AL Division Series if they win. Likewise if the Kansas City Royals win the game they won’t have James Shields available to matchup against Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels in the first game of the AL Division Series.

Mismatches will continue for the next couple of games but should get back to normal for the World Series. I don't claim to be the smartest gambler around and look for obvious mismatches when I bet baseball. I'd rather bet a team that's +150 to +175 than a team that's plus or minus 110. This is why baseball betting is so attractive to me. I can win less than I do in football or basketball but win more money.

I rarely find value with series bets, so I've kept my MLB betting to a minimum during the playoffs. For a change, I watch the games as a fan. We'll see how things develop with the individual games but I'm happy sitting back and rooting for the Washington Nationals to cash my World Series futures bet from before the season.

**RS170** · 09-29-2014, 01:39 PM

Hey Udog --Agree with you totally on MLB playoffs. I love betting MLB regular season....but playoffs are basically unbetable-- in my opinion. Thanks so much for all you do. I use the MLB Dunkel Ratings as basis for my handicapping, and get them off your thread everyday.

**jcindaville** · 09-29-2014, 02:12 PM

Originally posted by RS170 View Post

Hey Udog --Agree with you totally on MLB playoffs. I love betting MLB regular season....but playoffs are basically unbetable-- in my opinion. Thanks so much for all you do. I use the MLB Dunkel Ratings as basis for my handicapping, and get them off your thread everyday.

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Monday's Trends and Indexes - 9/29 (MLB, CFL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 9/29 (MLB, CFL, Misc.)

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