Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-10-21 | Browns v. Steelers -6 | Top | 48-37 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 20 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #152 Sunday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Steelers (-) vs Cleveland Browns @ 8:15 ET - Following the money is not something I often do but there are exceptions. In this case, Pittsburgh is getting a lot of attention from the betting markets but rightfully so. Not only are the Steelers the much better defense, the Browns are dealing with a number of key issues. Cleveland has injury issues and has had covid issues which has impacted their preparation for this game plus forced guys out and has even forced their head coach out. That means the Browns interim head coach on the sideline will be their special teams coordinator. That makes for a very tall mountain to climb when you consider the Steelers wealth of playoff experience at head coach and as a team. Keep in mind, Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh are playoff warriors while Browns QB Baker Mayfield will be making his first ever playoff start. Cleveland's pass defense is allowing 288 yards per game when on the road this season. Pittsburgh's pass defense is allowing just 104 yards per game this season. The Browns will turn to their ground game to try and take some pressure off Mayfield here but the Steelers allowed just 93 rushing yards per game when at home. Cleveland went 1-5 ATS this season when on the road and facing teams not in the NFC East...in other words, teams with a pulse! Pittsburgh went 5-2 ATS in their final 7 home games this season. The Steelers have a long history of dominating the Browns when they face them at Heinz Field and that continues here. 10* PITTSBURGH |
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01-10-21 | Nuggets v. Knicks +6.5 | Top | 114-89 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #508 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Knicks (+) vs Denver Nuggets @ 6:05 ET - The Nuggets are in a back to back spot and off a big win at Philly yesterday and have a challenging match-up at Brooklyn on deck. That said this is absolutely a flat spot for them. After all, they blasted the Knicks by a 37 point margin the last time they faced them in New York. However, that was then and this is now and this is a different New York team and the Knicks are off a home loss Friday that ended a stretch of 3 straight wins SU and ATS and an overall 5-1 SU/ATS stretch. That said, I fully expect a big bounce back effort from the rested Knicks here at home and they'll take advantage of catching the Nuggets in a back to back. Also, Denver was just 3-5 SU this season entering yesterday's match-up with the 76ers and the Nuggets also have played a weaker schedule than the Knicks have. All signs here are point to great line value with the home underdog and I will take it. 10* NEW YORK KNICKS |
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01-10-21 | Bradley v. Northern Iowa OVER 136.5 | Top | 72-78 | Win | 100 | 6 h 40 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #829 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Northern Iowa Panthers vs Bradley Braves @ 4 ET - I have successfully used this theory multiple times this season and will do so again here. With covid impacting scheduling you are seeing some teams go a long stretch without playing a game. I actually like playing an over after a stretch like this because teams struggle with defensive assignments and the game tends to have a disjointed flow which leads to a lot of buckets in transition and more scoring than many would expect in this situation. Bradley hasn't played since before Christmas and that was a 54-53 loss to Missouri. That low-scoring result is helping to give us line value with this total here. From a pacing standpoint, both of these teams are in the range of taking 60 shots per game and allowing 60 shots per game. That kind of a pace gets us well past the total posted on this game. Bradley has simply been fortunate that they allowed only 34.7% shooting from the field so far this season. They won't get that number here. Northern Iowa is averaging 81 points per game at home this season on 46% shooting from the field. That is even with the Panthers not shooting the ball well from 3-point land at home and you know that will turn as they have uncharacteristically been shooting the 3-ball better on the road than at home this season. So the shooters are there and they will start connecting more and, off back to back road losses, Northern Iowa responds big at home where they have thrived this season in terms of scoring and that includes 85 points in their most recent game. The Braves, before the ugly game with Missouri, had gone through a stretch of 6 games in which they averaged 85 points per game. This total has dropped from the 140 range down to the mid-130s and I feel we have excellent line value here with the over as I expect a lot of open looks as Bradley adjusts after the long layoff and this game won't see the best in terms of defensive intensity. 10* OVER the total in Northern Iowa |
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01-10-21 | Ravens -3 v. Titans | Top | 20-13 | Win | 100 | 17 h 41 m | Show |
Wild Card Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #147 Sunday 10* Top Play Baltimore Ravens (+) Tennessee Titans @ 1:05 ET - Revenge can be overplayed for sure but when the situation is "just right" it certainly can be a major factor. This is one of those cases. Not only did the Ravens lose to the Titans in the post-season last year, they also lost again in the regular season this year. Also, though they lost to Tennessee in the playoffs a year ago, Baltimore actually significantly outgained the Titans in that game but turnovers were the difference. Now you can't (or shouldn't) just blindly play games because of a revenge angle. But in this case, other factors line up which lead to the value. The Ravens have the much better defense in this match-up as they allow only 18.9 points per game. Also, Baltimore went 6-2 on the road this season. Tennessee has allowed 33.3 points per game their last 3 home games and also lost 3 of their last 5 home games this season. The Titans truly don't show a big home field edge and also struggled against stronger teams including losses to the Steelers, Browns, Packers and Colts. The road team is 3-0 SU and ATS in the last 3 meetings between these teams and that trend continues here. The Titans defense, in my opinion, simply can not be trusted here. The Ravens allowed 19 points or less in 5 of their last 6 games. Tennessee allowed 38 points or more in 3 of their last 5 games. 10* BALTIMORE |
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01-09-21 | Bucs -8 v. Washington Football Team | Top | 31-23 | Push | 0 | 25 h 50 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #145 Saturday 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-) @ Washington @ 8:15 ET - While it may seem tough to lay more than a TD on the road in a playoff game you'll feel better about it after you read a few things here. First off, the Buccaneers went 6-2 on the road this season plus they have a great run defense and a fantastic passing attack. Secondly, they are taking on a Washington team that went 4-2 against their own division which is the NFC East which could easily be re-named the NFC Least based on how things went this season. The team that almost beat them for the division was the New York Giants and Washington lost both games with them. In other words, this is not a very good football team and one of their other wins was against a Bengals team that went 4-11-1 this season. Additionally, another win was against the 49ers but Washington was outgained by over 150 yards in that game and fortunate to win. Unlike Washington, Tampa Bay has plenty of quality wins on their resume this season and plus the Bucs only played one game (Giants) against an NFC East foe. That said, the Buccaneers absolutely played the tougher schedule of these teams. Also, although Alex Smith is back at QB for Washington he is not 100 percent. As for TB's Mike Evans he is listed as questionable but has progressed very well this week and has no ligament damage so the top wide receiver should be very ready to go here for this one. Washington went just 2-5 SU in their final 7 home games this season and one of those wins was against the 4-11-1 Bengals! The home edge for Washington is simply not there and Tampa Bay traveled very well this season. Also, the Buccaneers average margin of victory was 17.4 points per game in their 11 wins this season. Washington scored an average of 15 points per game in their 5 home losses this season and the Bucs averaged 31 points per game this season. You can see why I am expecting TB to win this game by at least a two TD margin here. Lay it! 10* TAMPA BAY |
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01-09-21 | Suns +3.5 v. Pacers | Top | 125-117 | Win | 100 | 9 h 7 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #569 Saturday 10* Top Play Phoenix Suns (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - As a general rule I love taking a look at winning teams as underdogs. Of course that is because you have a team that wins more than the lose SU and they are also getting points to work with as well. So this game already caught my eye and I am well aware of the fact the Suns are off an OT game last night. However, a few keys from that game: the Suns lost, the Suns blew a 23 point lead, and no one played ridiculously high minutes for Phoenix. In other words, the Suns will be ready to go tonight and they are fired up and they are hungry for a victory after letting that game slip away last night. Note that Phoenix is 2-0 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back and also 2-0 this season when off a loss. Indiana is a quality team too of course but will they be complacent here off back to back wins? Also, the Pacers are 4-2 SU their last 6 games but two of those wins came by a victory margin of 2 or less points. That said, if you had played Indiana at -3 or more in each of their last 6 games you went just 2-4 ATS. I know the Pacers have a scheduling edge but I love the hunger factor for a Suns team whose starters didn't play all that well last night. The bench actually was better and now I look for the starters to come out hungry tonight and the bench to continue their strong play. Grab the points! 10* PHOENIX |
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01-09-21 | La Salle v. Massachusetts OVER 145 | Top | 67-83 | Win | 100 | 6 h 42 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #689 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Massachusetts Minutemen vs LaSalle Explorers @ 4 ET - The over is 5-0 in UMass games this season. The Minutemen are averaging 86.8 points per game but they struggle on the defensive end and that includes allowing 42% from 3-point land when at home. That spells bad news against a LaSalle team that is knocking down 40% of their three pointers this season. The Explorers come into this game with plenty of confidence too as they just thrashed Fordham by a score of 89-52 in their most recent game. The over is 3-0 in LaSalle's last 3 games and UMass is allowing 88.3 points per game when at home this season. This one should turn into an absolute track meet and yet we have a very manageable total to work with in this one as it is in the mid-140s. I will take advantage here. 10* OVER the total in Massachusetts |
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01-08-21 | Thunder v. Knicks OVER 208.5 | Top | 101-89 | Loss | -106 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #549 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Knicks vs Oklahoma City Thunder @ 7:35 ET - When the hunter becomes the hunted, things tend to change. Now I know the Knicks aren't necessarily a top team in the NBA but they are certainly much improved and, interestingly enough, this is the first time this season that New York is favored in a game. Of course some of that has to do with playing a Thunder team that has a new coach as well but has not responded as well to the coaching change. My thought process here is leading me to the over. The Knicks have won 3 straight games and are playing with plenty of confidence. Oklahoma City also is off a win and the Thunder are actually 3-1 SU and ATS in road games this season. So they play well away from home and when teams are off wins they can be prone to some let up in defensive intensity in their next game. Oklahoma City has allowed an average of 114 points per game this season when off a SU win. The Knicks have been strong on the defensive end but this is still the lowest total we've seen posted for either one of these teams this season and New York has averaged 111.2 points per game in their 5 wins this season. Oklahoma City has averaged 104.5 points per game on the road this season. I see this game getting into the 215 range and we're dealing with a total much lower than that. Lets take advantage as both these teams off outright upset wins as 8 point dogs in their most recent game. Confidence running high for both teams on the offensive end of the floor right now. 10* OVER the total in New York Knicks |
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01-08-21 | Purdue +5.5 v. Michigan State | Top | 55-54 | Win | 100 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #859 Friday 10* Top Play Purdue Boilermakers (+) @ Michigan State Spartans @ 7 ET - Both these teams have been struggling ATS and I have no hesitation in fading a ranked Michigan State team in this one. The Spartans are ranked and at home and yet opened up as a rather small favorite here. Sure enough the early market move here is on Michigan State and yet, prior to back to back wins, the Spartans had lost 3 straight games SU. Also, prior to a rare cover in their most recent game, Michigan State had failed to cover 7 straight games! As noted above, Purdue has also had ATS problems this season but I like the fact the Boilermakers are off back to back SU losses for the first time this season. They are in the perfect bounce back spot here considering the situation and they have won each of their last two meetings with Michigan State. The Boilermakers also have played the tougher schedule so far this season and I feel the betting markets aren't properly factoring that in as they pound the Spartans here. We have excellent line value here with Michigan State off a huge blowout win where everything went right while Purdue is off back to back losses. By the way, the Spartans have a huge game on deck with red hot Iowa so this is a good spot for the Boilermakers from a situational advantage too. 10* PURDUE |
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01-07-21 | Cavs v. Grizzlies -4.5 | Top | 94-90 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
Blowout Rout - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #536 Thursday 10* Top Play Memphis Grizzlies (-) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 8:05 ET - Even though the Grizzlies are still without Ja Morant, they are certainly in much better shape than the Cavaliers right now. Yes, Memphis is off back to back losses but they faced the Lakers and lost the 2nd of the 2 games by just a bucket. Prior to those 2 losses the Grizzlies had won 2 of 3 and that included a 15-point blowout win over Charlotte. As for Cleveland, they have lost 4 of their last 5 games and all 4 of the losses have come by a margin of at least 9 points. In fact, the average margin of the 4 defeats was 15 points and I would not be surprised to see another big loss here as the Grizzlies are anxious to bounce back after back to back losses. Memphis has not lost 3 straight games yet this season. The set up here is perfect as the Grizzlies are 0-4 at home this season and desperate for a big home win and the wounded Cavaliers come in here as the perfect punching bag for the home team to take out their frustrations. 10* MEMPHIS |
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01-07-21 | Iowa v. Maryland +6 | Top | 89-67 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #730 Thursday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 7 ET - The Terrapins are off back to back losses and have not lost 3 straight games all season. Maryland had a great first half at Indiana on Monday but then fell apart in the 2nd half of the game. Fired up about the horrific 2nd half on the road against the Hoosiers, the Terps respond in a big way at home on Thursday. I know Iowa ranks as one of the top teams in the nation but they are on the road and off a hard-fought 2-point win in their most recent game. Also, the Hawkeyes have one Big Ten loss this season and it came at Minnesota. Up next for Iowa is a home game against, you guessed it, the Golden Gophers. That said, I really like the situational value here with the home dog Terrapins in this one. This is particularly true as the line on the Hawkeyes has been climbing this morning and Iowa is now favored by as many as a half dozen points in this one. We're getting some line value here because of the way Maryland's most recent game finished so poorly for them in the 2nd half. That said, we won't see that happen again here as now the Terrapins are at home and also lost their most recent home game against a red hot Michigan team. The situation is perfect for a home dog bounce back here and I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here but will grab the points just in case the Terrapins fall just short. 10* MARYLAND |
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01-06-21 | Celtics +2.5 v. Heat | Top | 107-105 | Win | 102 | 11 h 46 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #517 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Celtics (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - This is a revenge game from the post-season as the Heat took the series 4 games to 2 back in September. Revenge is never an automatic but I like this spot quite a lot because I have tremendous respect for Brad Stevens as a coach and I know he'll have his guys ready for this one. Yes I know Marcus Smart missed Boston's most recent game but that was precautionary more than anything else. It was a back to back spot and it was facing a struggling Raptors team and Smart has been dealing with a thumb injury so they let him rest it. I know he listed as questionable for tonight as of early game day morning but I am quite positive he'll be playing tonight and I know Boston very hungry for payback here. Also, the Heat have been quite unimpressive early this season. Miami is off a win and is 3-3 this season and has yet to win back to back games. I look for that trend to continue here as the Heat again follow a win with a loss but I am grabbing the points as added insurance in case the Celtics fall short by the slimmest of margins in this one. In looking at the hustle stats for this one, Boston has been the better rebounding team, they have been getting many more blocks and also turning over the ball less in comparison with the Heat. We're getting line value here with the Celtics courtesy of the injury situation. Lets take advantage and fade Miami in this one! 10* BOSTON |
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01-05-21 | Iowa State v. Texas OVER 139.5 | Top | 72-78 | Win | 100 | 9 h 12 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #625 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Longhorns vs Iowa State Cyclones @ 8 ET - Perfect set-up for a high-scoring game. Texas is off a huge win at Kansas where they held the Jayhawks to just 59 points at Allen Fieldhouse and rolled to a massive 25-point margin of victory. Undoubtedly after that strong effort and big upset win, there will be some let-up in defensive intensity in this one for the Longhorns. That said, the Cyclones are hitting 47% from the field this season and should have a big game on the offensive end. However, on the other end of the floor, against teams not named Arkansas-Pine Bluff or Jackson State, note that Iowa State is allowing 79 points per game this season. The Cyclones will struggle to stop UT on their home floor and the Horns are averaging 78.5 points per game their last 4 games. Iowa State did score 81 points in the most recent meeting between these teams and has averaged 68.5 points per game in their last two visits to Austin. In other words, solid potential for an 80-70 type game here but we're seeing a total that is below that by double digits based on the betting markets! Lets grab the corresponding value and go with a best bet here on this one. 10* OVER the total in Iowa State |
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01-05-21 | Jazz v. Nets +4.5 | Top | 96-130 | Win | 101 | 9 h 30 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #502 Tuesday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets (+) vs Utah Jazz @ 7:35 ET - Brooklyn will be without Kevin Durant (covid protocol) but the markets have over-reacted in my opinion. Now the Nets are as much as a 5 point home dog in this game and, keep in mind, others are going to step up big with KD being out. Especially in the first game without a superstar, you often see the rest of the team give a massive effort. So this may not last for the full 7 days he is out but I certainly expect it to be the case in this first game. That said, I feel the Jazz are being vastly over-valued here. We are getting line value here because they just blasted the Spurs by a 21 point margin courtesy of red hot outside shooting. I don't expect a repeat of that here as I expect some solid defense from an inspired Brooklyn team that is off back to back losses. 3 of the Nets 4 losses this season have come by a margin of 5 or less points and I am well aware of their 5-game ATS skid. Keep in mind that skid came with Durant on the floor. All I am saying is just watch how everyone steps and gives a huge effort tonight with KD absent. I am expecting an outright upset but will bet this one at plus the points for the added insurance. Look for a valiant effort from the hungry home dog in this one as they get some payback against a Jazz team that has held the upper hand in recent meetings between these two non-conference foes. When Utah has won a game this season and scored at least 110 points in that victory they are 0-2 SU and ATS in their next game. The Nets won the only time they entered a game off B2B losses this season. Look for them to again respond in that situation as they once again avoid a 3-game SU losing streak. 10* BROOKLYN |
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01-04-21 | Maryland +5 v. Indiana | Top | 55-63 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 52 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #869 Monday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Indiana Hoosiers @ 8 ET - The Terrapins are off a double digit home loss to Michigan and have had to wait 3 full days for this chance to atone for that defeat. Maryland has held the upper hand in this series and has beaten Indiana 3 straight times. The Hoosiers are priced this way today because they are at home but this situation should favor the hungry road dog. Indiana comes into this game quite content after finally getting a W in their most recent game, albeit by only a bucket versus Penn State. That, however, was preceded by B2B losses for the Hoosiers and, overall, they have failed to cover in 3 straight games. I look for that trend to reach 4 straight games with another ATS loss here. The Terps were off B2B covers before the loss to the Wolverines who continue a surprisingly impressive start to the season. That said, lets not put too much weight into that loss and I look for the hungry Terrapins to bounce right back here. 10* MARYLAND |
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01-04-21 | Hornets +9.5 v. 76ers | Top | 101-118 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 32 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #573 Monday 10* Top Play Charlotte Hornets (+) @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:05 ET - The Hornets are off back to back losses by a double digit margin which included getting beaten badly at Philly on Saturday. However, that was the 2nd night of a back to back for Charlotte and, after getting down huge in the first quarter, the Hornets actually played even with the Sixers the rest of the way. That said, the value is with the big dog here as now Charlotte comes into this game rested and they were 2-2 SU in their first two games this season with each loss by 7 or less points. As for Philadelphia, they have gone 5-1 SU this season but 2 of their first 3 wins came by a margin of 7 or less points. Now, after back to back blowout wins for the 76ers but back to back blowout losses for Charlotte, I look for the Hornets to prove to be the hungrier team in this one tonight. That does not mean an outright win but it does mean, unlike Saturday's loss, they should stay within single digits throughout this one. 10* CHARLOTTE |
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01-04-21 | Liverpool v. Southampton OVER 3 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -130 | 6 h 42 m | Show |
Early TV Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200133 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Southampton vs Liverpool @ 3 PM ET - Both teams are off scoreless draws and I look for both clubs to now be aggressive on the attack in this one as a result. Also, the injuries that Liverpool currently are dealing with are impacting their defense. That gives Southampton some hope here and, even though they have struggled recently, they are scoring an average of 1.5 goals per match on the campaign. Also, Liverpool is known for dominating at home but has allowed 1.5 goals per match on enemy pitch this season. The strength of Liverpool, most recent match not withstanding, is their offensive firepower and they have scored an average of 2 goals per game this season. Southampton recently welcomed back Danny Ings, formerly of Liverpool, and that certainly bolsters their attack as he is a key striker. I just don't see this game ending with anything less than a 2-1 final and am actually expecting much more. Also, with Liverpool so frustrated off their most recent result I expect them to be very aggressive here and could see them getting 3 or 4 goals of their own in this one. That said, all signs point to a high-scoring match at St Mary's Stadium. 10* OVER the total in Southampton |
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01-03-21 | Washington Football Team v. Eagles +4 | Top | 20-14 | Loss | -102 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #102 Sunday 8* Philadelphia Eagles (+) vs Washington @ 8:20 ET - This line is simply an over-reaction to the fact the Redskins need to win and the fact that the Eagles looked like garbage at Dallas last week. Head coach Doug Pederson is supposedly staying with the team but a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. However, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is contemplating retirement and, at the very least, going to take a year off from the game in his estimation. Either way, Philadelphia is likely to now give more of an effort than you would have otherwise anticipated here. Yes it is a rivalry game and, yes, the Eagles can play the role of spoiler. However, the Eagles might have "mailed it in" were it not for the coaching situation noted above. Additionally, Philly is continuing to develop rookie QB Jalen Hurts and would like to close the season with a win. The fact we're getting 4 points here, after this line opened up around a pick'em, means even more value with the home dog in this one and Philly does tend to play better at home. The Eagles are 3-1 SU in their last 4 home games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Washington expected to have QB Alex Smith for this one but he is not 100% healthy and, overall, Washington is 2-4 ATS in true road games this season (7th game was on a neutral field). All the pressure is on the road team and the relaxed home team with nothing to lose is also catching sizable points in this one. The situation is too good to pass up on as an outright upset actually is quite likely here given the circumstances but grab the points for added insurance. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-03-21 | Northwestern +9 v. Michigan | Top | 66-85 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 48 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher - Michigan has my respect but they are a little overvalued here based on their hot start to the season. Keep in mind, the Wolverines finished in the lower half of the Big Ten and were projected to again finish there this season. In the early going this season they are 8-0 and they are off a big win at Maryland. That is helping lead to line value here because Northwestern is improved this season but coming off a loss to a very strong Iowa team. Look for the Wildcats to bounce back here and they have been the better 3-point shooting team in comparison with Michigan early this season and also have defended the arc better as well so far in this campaign. That said, the Wolverines might still win this but only by a bucket or two and I like the value with the hungry road dog coming off a loss. Michigan also has another big game, Minnesota, on deck. 10* NORTHWESTERN |
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01-03-21 | Lakers v. Grizzlies +11 | Top | 108-94 | Loss | -109 | 8 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Memphis already adjusting to life with out Ja Morant - at least for a bit - and I expect the Lakers to be a bit disinterested here. Los Angeles is off back to back wins over San Antonio and also they know Morant is not playing here. Could Le Bron Jams skip this game or be limited with his ankle injury? Either way I do expect LA to get the win here but not to cover this enormous spread on the road. The fact that the Grizzlies are off a win in their most recent game also helps their confidence levels heading into this one. 10* MEMPHIS |
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01-03-21 | Jaguars v. Colts OVER 48.5 | Top | 14-28 | Loss | -103 | 8 h 24 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #103 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars @ 4:25 ET - The Colts had a huge lead last week and still lost the game. Granted that game was against the Steelers and not a 1-14 Jacksonville team but, still, the point is that Indianapolis is likely to keep their foot on the gas for the full 60 minutes. That should mean a ton of points here because the Jaguars have allowed an average of 31 points this season and there is nothing "average" about this situation either. The Colts also have revenge from losing their season opener at Jacksonville. So there are multiple reasons to believe that Indy is going to certainly score better than the average that Jax allows. Also, the Colts are about a 14 point favorite here so you're talking about a 35-21 or 38-24 type game here. I could see Jacksonville scoring some points here in garbage time too and they won't be able to run on the Indy D so they'll be airing out all game long! What do they have to lose? Nothing as the Jags have already locked up the #1 pick in the draft and so they may as well air out in this one and let the chips fall where they may. That means a lot more points than many are expecting here and this one should get well into the 50s, if not 60s. 10* OVER the total in Indianapolis |
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01-03-21 | Cardinals -2.5 v. Rams | Top | 7-18 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #131 Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (-) @ Los Angeles Rams @ 4:25 ET - Long-time followers know I am a contrarian so it would make perfect sense that I would have a contrarian play as my Game of the Year. The fact is that the Rams are on a perfect 7-0 SU/ATS run in games against the Cardinals. So my play in this all important must-win game is, of course, on Arizona and laying the points even though Los Angeles has had the upper hand in this series with Sean McVay as head coach. The key here is not only that Rams QB Jared Goff is out with a broken thumb and John Wolford will be making his first ever NFL start. It is also that the Rams are without other numerous starters and key players for this one. That means QB Kyler Murray and the Cardinals should have the upper hand (finally!) in this match-up and I look for Arizona to pull away as this one goes on. They are off a disappointing loss to the 49ers but the Cardinals entered that game off back to back victories and will respond here with a big win. They got themselves back into the playoff race and now want to make sure their divisional nemesis does not get into the post-season plus Arizona themselves can get in with a win here and a Chicago loss. So there is plenty at stake in this game and the Cardinals are the much healthier team and the Rams enter this one off back to back losses and have truly let their season sleep away and they know it. This will be tough for Los Angeles to bounce back from and they are short-handed here plus dealing with covid issues. It all adds up to a blowout win for the road favorite in this one. The Cardinals Murray will have a huge game and I know this may seem like a very contrarian play but the road team is favored for a reason over a team they have lost to 7 straight times. That streak ends here in convincing fashion. Lay the small number. 10* ARIZONA |
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01-03-21 | Manchester City v. Chelsea OVER 2.5 | Top | 3-1 | Win | 100 | 14 h 59 m | Show |
Early Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200113 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chelsea vs Manchester City @ 11:30 AM ET - Manchester City is favored for a reason here but I don't see them notching a clean sheet here. Not with their top goalie, Ederson, expected to miss due to covid quarantine and the inexperienced Zack Steffen expected to get the start as the goalkeeper for this one. Chelsea will be looking to put extra pressure on the attack and take advantage of this plus Manchester City's defense is expected to be a bit weakened by the absence of a few players from the back due to covid restrictions. It sets this one up well for some extra quality scoring chances for Chelsea and this is a club that has averaged 2.3 goals per game on their home pitch. But again, Manchester City is the favorite here for a reason. Could we see a 3-2 type game? To be honest that would not totally shock me. Chelsea has been due for a breakout game in the offensive zone on the attack but it is hard to count out Manchester City even without their #1 goalie. That said, look for quite the entertaining affair here and certainly we should see at least 3 goals in this one. 10* OVER the total in Chelsea |
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01-02-21 | North Carolina v. Texas A&M OVER 65 | Top | 27-41 | Win | 100 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #497 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas A & M Aggies vs North Carolina Tar Heels @ 8 ET - Of course the Tar Heels are loaded with opt outs at the skill positions. However, aren't you surprised this total has dropped so little? It opened up near 70 and, yet, as of early game day morning it is still only down to a 65. The fact is that the Aggies defense may not be 100% motivated to give an intense effort here. There has to be some disappointment for Texas A & M overall as they were hoping for bigger things. That said, I expect North Carolina QB Sam Howell to still have a huge game here. He has had a huge season and the Tar Heels have had a few weeks of practice to work in other players at the skill positions to get ready for this game. This is a UNC team that scored an average of 43 points per game this season. Without their top running backs, there is no doubt the Tar Heels will be looking to win this game on the arm of Howell and plenty of passing = OVER! Speaking of plenty of passing, Aggies QB Kellen Mond has a chance to break Johnny Manziel's TD record in his final game at A & M. You know Mond and this Aggies offense has to be excited about facing a young Tar Heels defense whose top tackler, and key linebacker, opted out of this game to get ready for the NFL draft! That said, the Aggies did score an average of 35 points per game over their final 7 games (all wins) of the season and their taking on a young Heels defense that is absolutely the weakness of this team. This one, even with all the UNC opt outs, is highly likely to turn into a back and forth shootout as it becomes the Howell / Mond show! The combined ratio of these two highly successful quarterbacks if 46-9! That is 46 touchdowns against just 9 interceptions this season. Buckle up and enjoy the ride here as this one should see plenty of points and quick scoring strikes. The over is 5-1 in North Carolina's last 6 games against FBS opponents. Look for that streak to reach 6-1 here! 10* OVER the total in Texas A & M |
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01-02-21 | Knicks v. Pacers OVER 214.5 | Top | 106-102 | Loss | -113 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #551 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - The Knicks are off a ridiculous performance against the Raptors in their most recent game and that has given us great value here with this over. After scoring just 83 points on an insanely ugly 3 of 36 shooting performance from beyond the arc, the Knicks will bounce back on the offensive end here. New York's first match-up with Indiana this season totaled 228 points and this one will likely get to that range as well. Indiana, having already beaten the Knicks plus entering this game off a win, could be a little lax on the defensive end in this one. The Pacers are scoring an average of 117 points per game this season and they allowed at least 106 points in each of their first 4 games this season. That said, coming off a strong effort against an injury-depleted Cavaliers team that saw them allow just 99 points, don't be surprised if there is a let up on defense in this one. The Knicks are hungry for a strong offensive showing after back to back bad games on that end of the floor followed a 130 point outburst against Milwaukee. That said, I am looking for this one to easily get over the rather low posted total considering all the factors. We've got a value number to work with here. 10* OVER the total in Indiana |
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01-02-21 | Oregon v. Iowa State -5 | Top | 17-34 | Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Bowl Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #496 Saturday 10* Top Play Iowa State Cyclones (-) vs Oregon Ducks @ 4 ET - The Cyclones have all the edges here in my opinion. They are the stronger team in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Iowa State also has the coaching edge with Campbell over Cristobal. The Cyclones are stronger at skill positions like QB and WR and also have the better overall defense. Iowa State allowed an average of only 13.3 points per game over their final 4 games of the season and just 18.1 points per game over their final 8 games of the season. As for the Ducks, they only played in 6 games this season and they allowed an average of 30 points per game over their final 5 games of the season. The Cyclones also faced a tougher overall schedule than Oregon did. Battle-tested Iowa State is also happy to be making their first- ever trip to the Fiesta Bowl while the Ducks have been here often plus, being a Pac-12 team, already play in plenty of games in Arizona on an annual basis. The situation here simply creates a hungrier team on the Cyclones sideline and given that plus the edges they have all over the field, I expect them to cover this number rather easily as they establish their ground game with Breece Hall leading the way. The fact the Ducks have to give a lot of respect to Iowa State's potent ground game of course means that things will be open for some solid opportunities through the air for veteran QB Brock Purdy. The result is a blowout win here as the Cyclones defense will also hold the Ducks in check here and that allows the favorite to pull away as this game goes on. 10* IOWA STATE |
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01-02-21 | Iowa v. Rutgers +3.5 | Top | 77-75 | Win | 100 | 4 h 46 m | Show |
ESPN Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #634 Saturday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 2 ET - I don't expect Ron Harper Jr to miss another game. I am well aware of his ankle injury situation. Even if Harper does miss this one note that Mathis really stepped up in his absence in the win over Purdue a few days ago. Overall this Rutgers team has great depth in the backcourt so they can get the job done here even without Harper but I am expecting him back here. This is a scrappy Scarlet Knights team that hung it's hat on defense and playing hard last season. This season they have been more about the offensive production but still their defensive numbers are more impressive than that of Iowa. Of course the Hawkeyes offensive production has been incredible again this season but this is still a team that is allowing opponents to hit 35.3% from beyond the arc plus that lost 2 of 3 games preceding the home win versus Northwestern a few days ago. Rutgers has revenge from losing a tight one at Iowa in their most recent meeting. Speaking of tight ones, the Scarlet Knights have a 6-2 ATS record against the Hawkeyes because they have historically played them tough and I look for that to continue here. Not only that, this is the best Rutgers team we have seen in many seasons and they are at home and, after the line move toward Iowa, the Scarlet Knights are now catching 3.5 points in this one. This looks like a great spot for the scrappy underdog! I'll take it! 10* RUTGERS |
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01-02-21 | Leeds United v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 3.5 | Top | 0-3 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200137 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 3.5 goals +115 in Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United @ 7:30 AM ET - Leeds defense is depleted and Tottenham should enjoy success on the counter-attack. The Hotspur know they can't continue to sit back on their heels as that cost them in a 1-1 draw in their most recent match. Tottenham must be more aggressive and they should enjoy success in doing so as Leeds has surrendered 17 goals in their 8 games on enemy pitch this season. However, Leeds also has scored 17 goals in their road matches this season and, yes, that means their road fixtures are averaging 4.3 goals this season! Another high-scoring one likely here as Leeds United is known for their pressure in their offensive zone and they are willing to take a lot of chances to create scoring opportunities. The result here is a very entertaining affair. Tottenham knows they must be more aggressive and the Hotspur have scored an average of nearly 2 goals per match this season. The Spurs also are looking to put a disappointing end to 2020 behind them so I look for an aggressive approach here and goals early and often in this one. 10* OVER the total in Tottenham |
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01-01-21 | Ohio State +7.5 v. Clemson | Top | 49-28 | Win | 100 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
Game of the Month Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #333 Friday 10* Top Play Ohio State Buckeyes (+) vs Clemson Tigers @ 8 ET - Of course I am well aware of the fact that Ohio State played only a half dozen games this season while Clemson will reach the dozen mark in games by playing in this one. While some look at that as a disadvantage for the Buckeyes or that they don't belong here, the fact is it actually may be a big edge. Ohio State could prove to be the fresher team plus they also are heavily playing the revenge angle and underdog mentality and the disrespect card heading into this one. That disrespect card comes, in part, from Tigers coach Swinney ranking Ohio State 11th in the nation because they only played 6 games. Look for Ohio State to use this as additional motivation here and I expect a valiant effort from the revenge-minded underdogs in this one. Of course Clemson is a fantastic team but the fact they barely beat Boston College and lost to Notre Dame (when the Tigers were without Lawrence) shows that if the Buckeyes do a decent job limiting big opportunities for QB Lawrence in this one, they will be more successful than most are expecting. I love all the revenge and motivational edges here plus the fact we are getting more than TD with the underdog Ohio State in this one. Prior to being held to 22 points by a very strong Northwestern defense, the Buckeyes averaged 46.6 points per game in their first 5 games this season. QB Fields and company can give this solid Clemson defense trouble and I am expecting an upset win here which means I certainly am comfortable grabbing the points. If the Buckeyes do fall short I expect it to be by only a single score. 10* OHIO STATE |
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01-01-21 | Grizzlies +4.5 v. Hornets | Top | 108-93 | Win | 100 | 10 h 35 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #529 Friday 10* Top Play Memphis Grizzlies (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7 ET - Of course this is a contrarian play as Ja Morant is out for the Grizzlies. The odds makers were aware of this when they set this line with Charlotte favored by only a bucket. Of course the betting markets though are all over the Hornets here and the line is now up to a 4.5 which is offering great value on the underdog in my opinion. Keep in mind, after an ugly first half at Boston on Wednesday the Grizzlies did outplay the Celtics in the 2nd half as they started to adjust to being without Morant. I like backing Memphis here, hungry off a loss, while Charlotte comes into this game perhaps feeling a little too good about themselves. The Hornets enter this one off back to back wins plus this is a front end of a back to back as they are at Philly tomorrow. The only other time this season that Charlotte was in the front end of a back to back they suffered a home loss. This could be another one here and, if the Grizzlies do fall short look for it to be by only a bucket in a game that is likely to be a tight one and has potential for an upset. 10* MEMPHIS |
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01-01-21 | Old Dominion +1.5 v. Florida International | Top | 67-82 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #873 Friday 10* Top Play Old Dominion Monarchs (+) @ Florida International Golden Panthers @ 7 ET - This line opened up with Old Dominion favored by about a bucket and now they are an underdog by about a bucket. Long time followers know I love fading the moves in situations like this and this one certainly fits the bill nicely. Florida International beat Old Dominion when these teams last met about a year ago and that makes this a revenge spot. Also, the Monarchs have played the tougher schedule so far this season so, in my opinion, they are more battle tested and proven than the Golden Panthers. I also like the fact that FIU is off a huge win over an overmatched opponent (Carver Bible!) but that followed losses in 2 of their 3 immediately preceding games. Also, the Golden Panthers allowed 84 points per game in those 3 games. Note that Old Dominion has allowed 66 points or less in 3 of their last 4 games and their only loss during that stretch was to a tough VCU team. Fade the line move here and grab the road dog. 10* OLD DOMINION |
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01-01-21 | Aston Villa v. Manchester United OVER 3 | Top | 1-2 | Push | 0 | 8 h 45 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200125 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 3 goals in Manchester United vs Aston Villa @ 3 ET - Manchester United is off a late-striking 1-0 win over Wolverhampton. However, their 3 preceding matches in league action all totaled 4 or more goals and actually averaged 5.7 goals per match! As for Aston Villa, they are off a 1-1 split of the spoils with Chelsea but had scored 3 goals in each of their two prior matches. In other words, don't over-react to the one low-scoring match each of these clubs just had. Manchester United is scoring an average of 2 goals per match this season and so too is Aston Villa. I would not be surprised to see each team get to 2 goals in this one and yet we're dealing with a total of 3 goals. Great value for the over in this one. These teams played a club friendly in September and that was a 1-0 Aston Villa win but their two most recent meetings in premier league action each totaled 3 or more goals. This one will too as there will be nothing "friendly" about this one as it is most definitely not a club friendly match-up and I look for both teams to be aggressive on the attack and willing to take chances to increase their own scoring chances even at the risk of being burned on the counter-attack. Look for 4 or more in this one. 10* OVER 3 goals in Manchester United |
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12-31-20 | Michigan v. Maryland +2 | Top | 84-73 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #738 Thursday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) vs Michigan Wolverines @ 8 ET - The Wolverines are ranked and 7-0 this season plus playing with revenge from losing the most recent match-up between these teams. The Terrapins are off an upset win at Wisconsin which was preceded by losing 3 of 4 games. In other words, this seems like the perfect situation for the Wolverines and yet the line opened up as only a pick'em in this game. Get the feeling someone knows something? Exactly! The odds makers are very sharp and they set this line this way for a reason. Of course the markets are jumping all over it and the line is now up to a -2 on Michigan. I will gladly go with home dog Maryland in this one. The Terrapins actually will use the one over the Badgers to get a jump start with their momentum and between December 22nd and January 7th this is the only home game for the Terps. That said, they definitely want to make the most of it and I look for them to play with plenty of confidence here following the big win at Madison. Also, Michigan has not been a dog all season and has been favored by at least 7 points in all games. Conversely, this is the 4th time already that the Terrapins have been a dog and, also, the Terps were a very short favorite one time too. Suffice to say it is the home dog that has played the tougher schedule so far this season and that helps our cause here too. They are battle tested. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-31-20 | Knicks v. Raptors OVER 215 | Top | 83-100 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #519 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks @ 7:35 ET - the knicks are off a game which totaled only 181 points and the raptors are off a game which totaled only 193 points...the books were certainly not oblivious to those results but hung a 217 on this game...now the markets are acting like they know something the odds makers don't and that this is some major mistake and the line has dropped to as low as a 214.5 as a result...off course long time followers know how i feel about supposed mistakes by the odds makers...so in this one i am happy to fade the line move and go with the over...keep in mind the knicks prior game totaled 240 points in a win over the bucks and the raptors prior game totaled 233 points in a loss at san antonio...in other words, lets not make the mistake of over-reacting to one game when looking at the total posted on this one...the way i see this one playing out is the the knicks could be a little lackadaisical on the defensive end because they are off rare back to back wins and probably feeling a little too good about themselves...at the same time, the raptors need a big win and are off a horrible 4th quarter that cost them their game versus the 76ers tuesday...that means toronto will want to push the pace here and go for a huge win and i expect them to get a big win and for this game to fly over the total as they force new york into a run and gun type affair...10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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12-31-20 | West Virginia -6.5 v. Army | Top | 24-21 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 36 m | Show |
Bowl Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #211 Thursday 10* Top Play West Virginia Mountaineers (-) vs Army Black Knights @ 4 ET - The Mountaineers played a much tougher schedule than Army. Also, West Virginia is off a loss in their regular season finale but went 3-0 SU / ATS this season when entering a game off a loss. Coach Brown will be coaching West Virginia in a bowl game for the first time and I fully believe there is some extra incentive for him to get the win in this one. The line was as high as a 7.5 as it opened up and now it is down to a 6.5 as of game day morning. I feel this is giving us excellent line value in this spot as it crossed the key number of 7. Of course Army fits the classic role of a run-heavy underdog and they have a tendency to perform well in this role. However, Brown was previously the coach at Troy where current WVU DC Koenning was also the defensive coordinator. Brown and Koenning, as a result of experience in the Sun Belt Conference faced the option from time to time. Of course they also have had extra time to prepare for it here with this being a bowl game. That said, Army's offense is likely to struggle more than people realize here and they scored an average of only 16 points their last 4 games of the season. The Mountaineers are very solid defensively, especially considering some of the tough Big 12 offenses they faced, and they will hold Army's one-dimensional attack in check here. When West Virginia has the ball look for an all-out aerial assault as they averaged 277 passing yards per game. Also, coach Brown is 3-0 SU and ATS in bowl games and I look for him to make it 4-0 ATS in bowls while the Mountaineers also make it 4-0 ATS for the season when entering a game off a SU loss. This one is a blowout for the favorite. 10* WEST VIRGINIA |
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12-30-20 | Florida +7 v. Oklahoma | Top | 20-55 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #315 Wednesday 10* Top Play Florida Gators (+) vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 8 ET - Of course I am well aware of all the issues that are impacting the Gators passing game for this one. However, this line is now all the way up to a +7 and this is a proud SEC team that enters this game off back to back losses to end the regular season. That was preceded by a 3-game stretch in which Florida won all 3 games and did not allow more than 19 points in any of the 3 victories. The Sooners ended the season on a red hot winning run and I know their numbers on defense have looked great. However, Oklahoma did face a lot of struggling and weak offenses to close out the season. Keep in mind, in games against Kansas State, Iowa State, and Texas the Sooners did allow a ton of points. Even with all the missing players, there is certainly hope for this SEC offense against that Sooner D and, at the same time, I definitely expect a bounce back effort from the Gators defense. They allowed 44.5 points per game over their past two games of the season and both were losses. Bounce back time here and, in terms of the big line, note that the Gators have not lost a game by more than 6 points all season. Grab the big points here as we go contrarian and fade the line move. 10* FLORIDA |
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12-30-20 | Grizzlies v. Celtics OVER 217.5 | Top | 107-126 | Win | 100 | 7 h 27 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #571 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Celtics vs Memphis Grizzlies @ 7:35 ET - Do you remember run and gun basketball you played in the games that didn't matter? For example, those on the playground for fun and for the right to brag about how you "went off" and poured in bucket after bucket? The point is that this game has the look and feel of "playground basketball". Why is that? Well it is a back to back for Boston. It is a non-conference game. The Celtics are coming off a win. The Grizzlies are also coming off a win but now don't have Ja Morant for this game. Of course he is a playmaker and their leading scorer and is a fantastic player. But his absence has resulted in the posted total on this game plummeting from its opener. That means we have been afforded great line value here with the over in this one. The Grizzlies will not have their usual structure in this game. So what happens then? Half court sets are out the window! This one will play out as a very wide open affair with a lot of points in my transition. We should see some turnovers and some sloppy play as the Celtics are in a back to back and Memphis will be a little unstructured without Morant. I like overs in spots like this. It is a contrarian approach but yet it makes perfect sense and with this being a non-conference match-up and both teams off wins it sets it up been better for plenty of lapses on the defensive end. The focus just won't be there for a match-up like this and Boston is likely to naturally "let up" on defense just because of knowing the fact that Morant is out. It is almost an unconscious reaction but it is a real one and happens often in situations like this. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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12-30-20 | Seton Hall +2.5 v. Xavier | Top | 85-68 | Win | 100 | 6 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #685 Wednesday 10* Top Play Seton Hall Pirates (+) @ Xavier Musketeers @ 7 ET - Bad news for Xavier here. This game is at Cincinnati! But in all seriousness, the road team has won and covered 4 straight in meetings between these two and I am looking for that trend to continue here in a big way on Wednesday. The Pirates have revenge from losing at home to the Musketeers in their most recent meeting and now they can return the favor here right before the New Year. Seton Hall's only loss (SU or ATS) in their last 6 games was the loss to Xavier. That said, I am looking for revenge bounce back here as the Pirates improve to an overall 6-1 SU/ATS their last 7 games with an upset win here at the Cintas Center. Look for Xavier to suffer "unbeaten letdown" here as they were a perfect 8-0 on the season entering their last game but then got upended by Creighton. In typical contrarian fashion, I am playing on a 4-loss team that is on the road and facing a 1-loss team and yet with a spread of only 2.5 on the game. Something looks "fishy" doesn't it? Of course you know what that usually means! Lets fade the masses here and look for a huge game from the Pirates in this one. 10* SETON HALL |
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12-30-20 | Liverpool v. Newcastle United OVER 3 | Top | 0-0 | Loss | -120 | 4 h 7 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200089 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER 3 goals in Newcastle vs Liverpool @ 3 ET Wednesday - Liverpool is off an embarrassing 1-1 draw in which they took their foot off the gas and tried to sit on a 1-0 lead. Ultimately they paid for that as they ended up giving up the equalizer late. In their most game on enemy pitch, Liverpool exploded for a 7-0 win and, given the situation here, another road rout is likely. Newcastle comes into this one struggling but given defensive injuries and struggles in front of their own goal, Liverpool is likely to surrender 1 or 2 to Newcastle here. The key however, will be Liverpool absolutely going all out on the attack here after what happened in their most recent game. They want to make up for that here and will keep their foot on the gas all the way through this match-up. Their road matches have averaged 4 goals this season while Newcastle's matches on their home pitch have totaled an average of 3 goals. That said, and given the situation, you can see why I am very comfortable going over the 3 goals in this one. Getting an even 3 goals rather than 3.5 is offering huge value but I do expect at least 4 goals in this one. Great situation. 10* OVER the total in Newcastle |
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12-29-20 | Colorado v. Texas -7 | Top | 23-55 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Bowl Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #298 Tuesday 10* Top Play Texas Longhorns (-) vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 9 ET - the buffaloes entered their season finale with a chance to play for the pac-12 title...instead, colorado blew a 21-10 lead and lost 38 to 21 to utah...after that disheartening loss i am looking for the buffaloes to get slaughtered here...yes, i know the longhorns had some defensive players opt out of this game but there are others behind them who have been waiting in the wings and chomping at the bit to get in there...watch the new blood on defense really step up in this game with an inspired effort...not only that, the strength of this horns team is its offense anyway and they will put on a show for the hometown faithful in this one...yes this game is in san antonio rather than austin but there is a huge contingent of longhorns fans in san antonio plus many will be driving down from austin for this game...the alamodome, even with restrictions due to covid, will still be loaded with texas fans...under coach herman, this is a 4th straight bowl trip and they were dog in each of the first three but not only covered those but won them outright...coach herman takes the bowls seriously and will again have his team ready here...they make it 4 in a row both straight up and against the spread with another big win here...last season the horns beat utah 38-10...yes it was the utes that just blasted the buffaloes in their final game this season and they are in for a rude awakening here as texas rolls...unlike ut, colorado is in a bowl for the first time in 4 years and they got blasted in that one by a 38-8 count and that was right here in this bowl...maybe things will change with head coach dorrell now calling the shots?...unlikely as he went 1-3 ats in bowls as head coach of ucla...this one is all longhorns to the delight of the home state faithful who will pack as many as they can into the alamodome in san antonio...with the line all the way down to a -7 after opening up near two touchdowns, the value is off the charts with this one...10* TEXAS |
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12-29-20 | Raptors v. 76ers -2 | Top | 93-100 | Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #558 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:05 ET - the 76ers are off a loss but it was without joel embiid...the sixers are 2-0 su in games he has played this season and they are just a 2 point favorite in this match-up...the raptors are 0-2 su this season even though they played two teams that finished with a losing record last season...now toronto faces a philly team that went 31-4 in home games last season...the sixers were very tough at home up until the mid-march point of last season when our world got changed by covid...philly will come up with a big home win here to respond after the bad loss at cleveland...i like taking quality teams off a loss and this is a great spot with embiid expected back and having fresh legs and also the revenge factor...yes the sixers can't forget the playoff loss at toronto back when kawhi leonard was there in the spring of 2019...that infamous series defeat ending philly's season...they didn't get the payback they wanted last season but did win the only game played in philadelphia and i expect them to get this one as well on their home floor...10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-29-20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Manchester United OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -108 | 6 h 20 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200085 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Manchester United vs Wolverhampton @ 3 ET - manchester united is finally starting to score better at home...keep in mind manchester united is averaging 2 goals per match overall this season as they have been particularly strong on the road but, again, they are starting to turn the corner at home as well...that said, i like the over here as wolverhampton should get at least 1 goal but manchester united should get the win as evidenced by them being the priciest money line favorite on the board today...manchester united has allowed 1.7 goals per match on their home pitch this season so certainly a clean sheet in this fixture is unlikely...that said, i am looking for at least a 2-1 final in this one and possibly much more in terms of goal scoring as perhaps each team gets to at least 2 markers given the above...10* OVER 2.5 goals in Manchester United |
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12-28-20 | Bills v. Patriots +7 | Top | 38-9 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #482 Monday 10* Top Play New England Patriots (+) vs Buffalo Bills @ 8:15 ET - The Bills clinched the AFC East last week while the Patriots clinched missing the post-season! This is not the norm of course and certainly fits the bill as a role reversal. That said, New England is likely to be very motivated for this game. This is particularly true because Cam Newton's fumble in the red zone at Buffalo cost the Pats a chance to win the game in the first meeting this season. You know that coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots badly want this rematch while one could certainly question the motivation of the Bills here after clinching the division last week. I am well aware of the fact that Newton has struggled badly this season and that Buffalo definitely has the better offense in this match-up. However, I do expect Newton and the Pats to bring their A game in this one as they get a shot at the team that has dethroned them at the top of their division and they get that shot in a Monday Night game at home in Foxboro, MA. Note that the Patriots do hold the defensive edge in this match-up and that they are 4-2 SU at home this season. One of those home losses came by just 6 points and the line on this game is +7 plus New England's home wins include victories over Miami and Baltimore and those teams are each 10-5 on the season! The Patriots are fully capable of winning this game outright and the fact we are getting a full TD here thanks to the betting markets is simply tremendous added value in this spot. I expect the home dog to put up a helluva fight in this one and the Pats are 6-0 ATS the last 6 times they have been a host underdog. Also, the Patriots had won 9 of last 10 against Bills before the tough 3-point loss at Buffalo earlier this season. Payback time. 10* NEW ENGLAND |
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12-28-20 | Pistons v. Hawks OVER 223 | Top | 120-128 | Win | 100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #543 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:35 ET - The Pistons are expected to rest some guys including Blake Griffin which is why the spread is now up to double digits on the Hawks. However, the total has moved the other way as it has moved lower and that means great value on the over in this one in my opinion. The Hawks are off to a red hot start this season and scoring very well and those two games were on the road. Atlanta will now be going "all out" in their home opener and the Pistons will be forced to join in on the run and gun action here which means a much higher scoring game than many expect. Keep in mind, each of the last 3 meetings between these teams in Atlanta have gone over the total. Also, Detroit has averaged 132 points in their last two games against the Hawks and though the Pistons most recent game went to OT after a poor 4th quarter for them, they did score 86 points through the first 3 quarters of that game. They were on pace for 115 points in that game and they resume that pace here but there will be no stopping the Hawks as their hot start to the season continues. Could we see a 125-115 type game here? You bet...literally! 10* OVER the total in Atlanta |
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12-28-20 | Drake v. Indiana State +4.5 | Top | 73-66 | Loss | -109 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Monday 10* Top Play Indiana State Sycamores (+) vs Drake Bulldogs @ 5 ET - The Bulldogs are now 10-0 this season after beating the Sycamores by 18 points yesterday. The key for Drake was dominating the boards plus knocking down 9 of 18 three pointers. The fact is that they opened as a small favorite here despite being undefeated on the season. Long time followers know I am a contrarian and grabbing Indiana State in this spot is certainly going against the grain. Yes I know they are only 3-3 on the season but they have played a tougher schedule than Drake and it will be tough for the Bulldogs to beat them easily on consecutive days. I expect Indiana State to win outright but am happy to grab the points as any Sycamores loss is likely to be much closer than yesterday's result. I like the fact that Indiana State did a much better job of getting to the free throw line in yesterday's game. More of the same expected here and I am fading the 10-0 team and expecting an outright underdog upset in this one. Grab the points here. 10* INDIANA STATE |
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12-27-20 | Eagles -3 v. Cowboys | Top | 17-37 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 30 m | Show |
Rivalry Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #477 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (-) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - It seems crazy but the Eagles, even with a 4-9-1 record, are still alive in the race for the NFC East. That's because they play Washington next week. If the Eagles win this game and Washington and the Giants (at Ravens) lose today, then the Eagles control their own destiny. That said, there will be no quit in the Eagles today as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Of course, the Cowboys are still alive too but their back to back wins are very deceiving. They beat a very bad Bengals team when Cincinnati was still adjusting to life without Joe Burrow at QB. Then, last week's win over San Francisco was quite deceiving. The 49ers held Dallas under 300 yards of offense and the Cowboys had just 15 first downs in the game but won it thanks to turnovers. They now face an Eagles team that is off a loss at Arizona which was also an ATS loss for most as they were a 6.5 point dog for most in that game. That is noteworthy here as, since a rough ATS start to the season way back in September, the Eagles have had back to back ATS losses only once. They have been scoring more points with Hurts at QB instead of Wentz and he accounted for over 400 yards of offense plus 4 total TDs in the loss to the Cardinals last week. While the Cowboys have allowed 28 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games, the Eagles had allowed an average of only 22 points per game their last 7 games before the loss at Arizona. The Philly D will dominate the game here against a Cowboys offense that has endured a lot of struggles including in divisional action. In fact, Dallas is just 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS in divisional action this season. Look for the Cowboys to drop to 0-5 ATS in divisional games this season as the Eagles bounce back from last week's loss with hopes still alive for being in the driver's seat for the NFC East division next week. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-26-20 | Dolphins v. Raiders +3 | Top | 26-25 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #462 Saturday NFL 10* Top Play Las Vegas Raiders (+) vs Miami Dolphins @ 8:15 ET - The Dolphins are off a huge win versus the Patriots last week. Not only does that make this a potential flat spot for Miami, note also that the Dolphins were only 2-2 SU in their 4 preceding games. Also, those two wins came against the Jets and Bengals. Those teams have a combined 4-23-1 record on the season. I know the Dolphins have some solid numbers on defense this season but they are still fortunate to be 11-3 this season as they have a weak offense and also have played a much weaker schedule than the Raiders. That said, I love having Las Vegas as a home dog in this match-up. Plus, Carr is expected back at QB for this one and note that Mariota did play well in relief of Carr last week and is a dual-threat QB. Either way, I expect this talented Raiders offense to put a lot of pressure on the Dolphins. That said, Miami's anemic offense will struggle to keep up in this game. Miami is averaging just 313 yards in road games this season while the Raiders are averaging 386 yards in home games this season. Las Vegas has scored 27 points or more in 6 of its last 7 games while the Dolphins have not scored more than 27 points in any of their last 5 games. From a situational standpoint, with Miami off a huge divisional win and the Raiders off back to back home losses, this one sets up perfectly for a big top play on the home team. Grab the home dog in this one. 10* LAS VEGAS |
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12-26-20 | Liberty +7 v. Coastal Carolina | Top | 37-34 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Bowl Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #283 Saturday 10* Top Play Liberty Flames vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 7:30 ET - The Chanticleers complained about their ranking and their bowl game. Now watch this undefeated Coastal Carolina team lose outright. That is what I fully expect but I will grab the points as added insurance here especially since the line has moved to a full +7. I know that the Chanticleers feel disrespected but this Liberty team is on their level and is likely to surprise here given that Coastal Carolina could be lamenting their bowl position. When you are more worried about what could have been or what should have been rather than the task at hand you often are setting yourself up for disappointment. I fully believe that will prove to be the case here with the Chanticleers. Yes Coastal Carolina is undefeated on the season but they faced a weak schedule and now face a Liberty team that went 9-1 on the season. Also, the Flames did face 3 ACC teams and they won two of those games outright and lost the 3rd by just a single point! Liberty is a high-quality team but the marketplace is wrapped up in Coastal Carolina's 11-0 record. Of course we can use that to our advantage and grab the line value with the big dog Flames in this one. 10* LIBERTY |
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12-26-20 | Hawks +3 v. Grizzlies | Top | 122-112 | Win | 100 | 6 h 6 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Saturday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 5:05 ET - The Hawks won big in their opening game while the Grizzlies fell short against the Spurs. I know that would make this a bounce back game for Memphis at home but there is a reason the odds makers opened up Atlanta as the favorite in this one. Now with the line move all the way up to a 3 there is excellent line value with the underdog Hawks. Getting a big win like Atlanta did gives them confidence and certainly the Spurs team that the Grizzlies got hammered by is not the strong San Antonio level of team which use to see in years past. That said, the fact that Ja Morant had a huge game versus SA but Memphis still got hammered is absolutely not a good sign. Simply put, the Grizzlies are being over-valued here and I am happy to fade them in this spot with a Hawks team that will be playing with extra confidence and got a lot of contributions from all over the floor in their season opening win. 10* ATLANTA |
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12-26-20 | Chelsea v. Arsenal OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 102 | 4 h 9 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200025 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arsenal vs Chelsea @ 12:30 PM ET - Arsenal has struggled in the goal-scoring department this season but Chelsea is allowing a goal per match on average and Arsenal also scoring about a goal per match on average. With Arsenal also at home for this one and facing a rival, I just don't see a clean sheet being delivered in this one. Chelsea has been scoring well and is on a bit of a surge here and they will want to 'force the issue' here against Arsenal by being aggressive on the attack. That said, Chelsea will possibly open themselves up to exposure on the counter-attack but this is not a big concern when you know you have the better current form and Chelsea is averaging 2 goals per match and has been one of the highest-scoring teams in Premier League action early this season. More of the same here and I expect nothing less than a 2-1 final in this one and will take advantage of the low total with this one available at 2.5 and the over available also without any juice in some books. 10* OVER the total in Arsenal |
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12-25-20 | Iowa v. Minnesota +7 | Top | 95-102 | Win | 100 | 29 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #758 Friday 10* Top Play Minnesota Golden Gophers (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 8 ET - The first time the Golden Gophers got tested this season it was a disaster but that was on the road as they got hammered at Illinois. After that wake-up call, I look for Minnesota to respond much better the 2nd time around and it certainly helps that they are at home this time. This line opened up at a 5 and then flew up to as high as a 7 as of Thursday afternoon. I love fading the line move here. Certainly I understand the move as the Hawkeyes are a great team but also this is a potential trouble spot for them. Iowa is off a dominating win versus Purdue and that was a bounce back game for them after they had lost to Gonzaga in their prior game. Now the Hawkeyes are in a potential flat spot and playing their 3rd game since the 19th while the rested Golden Gophers are playing for just the 2nd time since the 20th. Of course it goes without saying that the highly-ranked Hawkeyes are the better team but this is one of those situational plays that is loaded with value and is too good to pass up on. The Golden Gophers lost by just 3 points to the Hawkeyes last season at home and the prior season when they hosted Iowa they got the win. Grab the big dog value here and fade the line move as the high-scoring Hawkeyes are not going to go away without a fight in this one. An outright upset certainly would not be a complete shock and even if the home dog does fall short here I expect it to be by just a bucket or two. 10* MINNESOTA |
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12-25-20 | Vikings v. Saints -7 | Top | 33-52 | Win | 106 | 26 h 15 m | Show |
Christmas Day Special - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #452 Friday 10* Top Play New Orleans Saints (-) vs Minnesota Vikings @ 4:30 ET - The Viking season effectively came to an end last week with their home loss to the Bears. That defeat eliminated Minnesota from post-season contention. As for the Saints, they are off a loss last week but it came against the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs. Not only that, New Orleans now has Drew Brees back under center but they also are trying to hold off the Buccaneers for the NFC South division title. That said, coming off back to back losses but at home and highly motivated, I fully expect a blowout win for the Saints in this one. New Orleans has the much better defense in this match-up plus they catch a Minnesota team that could be flat after their disappointing result last week ended their playoff hopes for this season. Given the emotional letdown for the Vikings as well as considering their struggles on defense, Minnesota can be expected to drop to 1-5 ATS the last 6 times they have been a road dog. As for the Saints, they had won 9 straight games SU and 5 in a row ATS before this two game skid against the Eagles and Chiefs. With their leader, Brees, back in the fold you will see a very determined New Orleans team in this one and they will keep the hammer down all game long. 4 of the Vikings losses this season have come by at least 9 points and this one will too. Remember the Saints have revenge too from the playoff loss to the Vikings in OT last season! Also, 4 of the last 5 wins for NO have come by a margin of at least 2 TD's. Look for another huge margin victory in this one. Lay it! 10* NEW ORLEANSÂ |
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12-25-20 | Marshall +5 v. Buffalo | Top | 10-17 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 42 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #279 Friday 10* Top Play Marshall Thundering Herd (+) vs Buffalo Bulls in Camellia Bowl @ Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL @ 2:30 ET - Both teams played weak schedules this season but the Bulls schedule was even weaker. Also, Buffalo allowed 38 points or more in 2 of their last 3 games while the Thundering Herd never allowed more than 22 points in a game this season. On the full season, Marshall allowed an average of only 12.6 points per game and they do match up very well with the Bulls. That is because Marshall's strength on defense is against the run and if Buffalo struggles to establish their ground game here they could be in trouble. I am well aware of the fact that the Marshall offense struggled in their final two games of the season which were their only 2 losses on the year. However, the Thundering Herd did average nearly 38 points per game in their 7 victories this season. This team has plenty of confidence and has an excellent track record in bowls and so does their head coach Holiday. I also like the fact that Holiday had won 5 straight bowls before last season's bowl loss while Buffalo was 0-3 in bowl games until they won last season. That sets this one up perfectly for an upset here. Grab the points with the better defensive team in this one. 10* MARSHALLÂ |
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12-25-20 | Pelicans v. Heat -4.5 | Top | 98-111 | Win | 100 | 23 h 1 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #578 Friday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (-) vs New Orleans Pelicans @ 12:05 ET - Perfect set up here. The Heat lost outright as a favorite in their season opener on Wednesday at Orlando while the Pelicans got a huge outright upset win as an underdog in their season opener Wednesday at Toronto (game played at Tampa Bay). The Pelicans made only 50% of their free throws but knocked down 45% of their threes while the Raptors shot only 30% from beyond the arc. Of course that was the difference in the game. Adding some additional value here is that the Heat lost their most recent game against the Pelicans. Look for Miami to avenge that road loss with a huge win here at home. The Heat were a little sloppy in their opening game loss but the Pelicans had even more turnovers (24) in their season opening win. New Orleans survived that thanks to strong 3-point shooting but don't look for a repeat of that here against a determined home team that is angry off a season opening loss after playing in the NBA finals last season! 10* MIAMI |
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12-24-20 | Hawaii +10 v. Houston | Top | 28-14 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #277 Thursday 10* Top Play Hawaii Warriors (+) vs Houston Cougars in New Mexico Bowl at Frisco, TX @ 3:30 ET - Believe it or not an underdog is going to eventually cover in a bowl game in this bowl season and I expect that to finally happen today. Compared to the closing number (and with Nevada reflected as a -1 in their win over Tulane), there has not been a single underdog cover in the bowls yet. That changes today. Windy conditions expected for this one this afternoon in Frisco, TX. That will make it difficult for pass-happy Houston to pull away in this game. The Cougars are being asked to cover a double digit spread here and I just don't see that happening here. While one could argue that the location of this game favors Houston since it is in their home state, I question the Cougars motivation here. How happy can they be to go to a pre-Christmas bowl game and not even leave their home state? Teams want bigger and better things! In other words, Hawaii is likely more excited to be here and playing in a bowl game far away from home than a Cougars team that certainly wanted something more than playing a bowl game in their home state and sitting with a 3-4 record on the season. It also does not bode well for Houston that their head coach (Holgorsen) does not have a good history in bowls with just 2 wins in 7 tries and only a 1-6 ATS record in bowl appearances. The Cougars wrapped up the season on a disappointing 1-3 SU and ATS skid while the Warriors won 2 of their last 3 games SU and also had an 8 point loss to Boise State that saw them cover as a big double-digit dog. Look for the hungry dog to get the money in this one. 10* HAWAII |
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12-23-20 | UMKC v. St. Louis OVER 134 | Top | 46-62 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #727 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs UMKC Roos @ 8 ET - This total has dropped from an opener of 139 down to a 134 and it was already offering value on the over at the opening number! That said, we have exceptional value now. I know that the University of Missouri - Kansas City is not a high level college basketball program BUT even in their games against tougher competition they have scored "okay". In their 4 lined games this season UMKC has scored an average of 60.5 points per game. The line on this game is in the 23 point range. So even if UMKC scores only 60 in this game you're still talking about a game that is likely to get into the 140s here as the Billikens should get into the 80s. That is certainly not far-fetched either as St Louis, even with games against stiffer competition too, has scored at least 78 points in all 7 of their games this season. The Billikens are coming off their first loss of the season and so I don't foresee them taking their foot off the gas in this game. In other words, given the opportunity to win this game in blowout fashion, I look for St Louis to do just that. STL has averaged 87 points per game this season and the Roos have never scored less than 57 points in any game this season. Big home blowout here and that means an easy over. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-23-20 | Wizards v. 76ers -7 | Top | 107-113 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #558 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers (-) vs Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - We saw yesterday that teams that re-tooled or re-shuffled after disappointing finishes to last season really responded in a big way. The Clippers knocked off the Lakers and the Nets blasted the Warriors. Look for this trend to continue as remaining teams start getting their season underway and that includes the Sixers tonight. Philadelphia has new management and a new head coach and I expect the personnel on the roster to respond very well. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are both on the injury report for tonight but those two stars are both listed as probable for Philly. As for the Wizards, they now have Russell Westbrook joining Bradley Beal. However there is a problem because there is still just one basketball to share and this could be problematic with those two and certainly there will be some growing pains early in the season. Each of the last 3 times the 76ers have hosted the Wizards they have gotten the win and cover. Look for that trend to continue here as Philly, similar to Brooklyn and the Clips yesterday, open the season with a big resounding win tonight...a statement victory if you will. Look for Doc Rivers to help Philly be "all business" tonight and finally start to play in a way they are fully capable of but simply couldn't under prior coach Brett Brown. Philly set up much better now for success and it shows right away here at home on Wednesday. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-23-20 | Florida Atlantic +9.5 v. Memphis | Top | 10-25 | Loss | -112 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #275 Wednesday 10* Top Play Florida Atlantic Owls (+) vs Memphis Tigers in Montgomery Bowl in Montgomery, AL @ 7 ET - The Owls are 4-0 SU and ATS all-time in bowls. The Tigers are 0-5 SU and ATS their their last 5 bowls. Indeed this is literally the perfect spot to fade Memphis and play on Florida Atlantic. I know the Owls are off an embarrassing season-ending loss which also was their 2nd straight defeat after going 5-1 in their first 6 games of the season. However, FAU was on short rest when they faced Southern Mississippi and, prior to that game, the Owls had not allowed more than 20 points in any game this season. In fact, Florida Atlantic had allowed an average only 12.4 points per game on the season. That said, the fact we are catching nearly double digits here with the Owls as a big dog against Memphis is certainly intriguing. FAU went 2-2 ATS in road game this season and scored 31 points or more in 2 of their last 3 games away from home. Memphis went 0-4 ATS in road games this season and averaged only 17 points per game in those games. The one edge the Tigers have against the Owls here is on the offensive side of the ball BUT Memphis did not travel well this season. That said, how much of an edge is it really? Exactly! That is why I like the stronger defense and more successful bowl team to continue their solid run in post-season affairs with yet another ATS cover - their 5th in a row - while the Tigers drop their 6th straight bowl game ATS. Memphis might finally get off the schneid and get a SU win here but look for it to be just a single score if they do. The Owls defense comes to play in this one and keeps them in this game. The Tigers strength is their passing attack but FAU has a solid pass defense. 10* FLORIDA ATLANTIC |
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12-22-20 | East Tennessee State +15 v. Alabama | Top | 69-85 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #667 Tuesday 10* Top Play East Tennessee State Buccaneers (+) @ Alabama Crimson Tide @ 7:30 ET - The Crimson Tide are off a loss but actually are now 1-5 ATS their last 6 games and have lost 2 of their last 3 SU. Additionally, this is their final game before Christmas and the SEC schedule beckons after that. In other words, how focused can they really be here? Exactly! That said, I look for the Buccaneers to surprise in this one. Even though they lost a lot of talent from last season's team and have a new coach, they did reload with solid talented newcomers including a number of Division I transfers. Additionally, their coach was not new to the program, he had already been with them. That said, after getting throttled in their season opener (an excellent wake-up call) I like what I have seen from East Tennessee State. They have won 4 of their last 5 games and their only 2 losses since the season opener have come by a combined margin of only 5 points. ETSU is in the same conference as Furman and they are two of the top teams in the Southern Conference. What does that have to do with this game? Furman recently played Alabama and they lost by just 3 points. I look for a much tighter game here than many are expecting. If you look at the offensive shooting percentages of these two teams, Alabama and East Tennessee State are nearly identical. On the other end of the floor, the Crimson Tide are allowing 43% from the field while the Bucs are allowing just 36% from the field. I also expected ETSU to be the more motivated team here and I like the way the players have responded to their new head coach this season. Ever since game one of the season, East Tennessee State has been very competitive and I fully expect that to continue here as Alabama continues to be inconsistent and will struggle to pull away in this game. Grab the big points with the motivated big dog as the Buccaneers are looking to make the most of this opportunity against an SEC program. 10* EAST TENNESSEE STATE |
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12-22-20 | Warriors v. Nets OVER 229.5 | Top | 99-125 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:00 ET - The Nets are going to be one of the best teams in the NBA this season with Kevin Durant back and healthy. I look for them to put on a show tonight at home to open up the season the right way. Of course that is why they are priced as a fairly heavy favorite in this one but where I see the value is with the total. That's because the Nets should score plenty here but I also expect Steph Curry and company to let loose tonight with a strong offensive showing. After all the injury issues last season, though Golden State enters this season with some problems, it is time for a response this season. The Warriors will hit the floor running (literally) and I look for a very high-scoring and entertaining match-up here. It will be raining threes for Golden State in this one but the Warriors will absolutely not be able to stop a potent Brooklyn attack at the other end. The Nets put up 129 points against the Warriors last season and will have another huge game here but this time Golden State keeps the game much closer and that means we are looking at a game that should easily get into the 240s. Take advantage of the line here and cash in with what should be easy over in this one. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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12-22-20 | Tulane -2 v. Nevada | Top | 27-38 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #269 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tulane Green Wave (-) vs Nevada Wolf Pack @ 3:30 ET - Tulane is the more rested team here. I realize the location of this game favors Nevada but the Green Wave have had plenty of time to prepare for and travel to this game. I like the fact that this will be just the 2nd game for Tulane since November 20th while, keep in mind, all 8 of Nevada's games have been played from October 24th onward. The fact that Tulane started their season way back in early September is an advantage here. Also, the Wolf Pack will be playing for what is essentially the 9th straight week with just a couple extra days of rest mixed in there. Note that in Tulane's last 9 games, the favorite is a perfect 9-0 SU. In other words if you just played the favorite straight up in the last 9 games for the Green Wave you have gone 9-0 and the line on this game is only a -2 as of early game day morning. Tulane is a perfect 5-0 ATS the last 5 times they have been a favorite this season. I like the fact that the Green Wave have won each of their bowl games the last two seasons under coach Fritz and also that they wrapped up this season on a 4-1 SU and 6-1 ATS run. Conversely, the Wolf Pack lost to a MAC team in the bowls last season plus wrapped up this season with losing 2 of their last 3 games. Nevada enters this bowl off a very disappointing effort against San Jose State. Even though the Green Wave defense is missing a couple players for this game they are still the much better team in this match-up and there is a reason the 5-loss team is favored over the 2-loss Wolf Pack. Don't let the line fool you. The line move shows the public took the bait and I am happy to now grab the extra line value after the market movement. Lay the short number. 10* TULANE |
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12-21-20 | Steelers v. Bengals +14.5 | Top | 17-27 | Win | 100 | 10 h 35 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #370 Monday 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bengals (+) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:15 ET - The Bengals lost to the Cowboys last week but actually held the yardage edge in that game. Also, Pittsburgh is off back to back losses and will be happy just to win this game which means the victory will not necessarily come in blowout fashion! The Steelers have a tough home with the surging Colts on deck so they will leave a little in the tank for that one coming up on Sunday. As for facing Cincinnati, this is simply a "game management" type game for Pittsburgh in my opinion. Just grind out a win, don't make big mistakes, stay healthy, and move forward to bigger and better things. For the Bengals, it is anything but that. This is Cincinnati's chance to get a big primetime upset win over a division rival. Of course I am not saying that will happen as I certainly don't expect an outright win. But I do feel that the spread of 14.5 on this game is too much. I am looking for a loss in the 7 to 10 point range. The Steelers are actually on an ugly 0-5 ATS run as a road favorite in divisional action. Also, the Bengals have covered 6 of the last 8 times they have been a divisional home dog. Prior to the loss to the Cowboys (ugly defeat but yardage edge for Cincinnati), the Bengals were on a 4-0 ATS run in home games. Note that the Steelers enter this game on an 0-3 ATS run. Look for this one to be a bit ugly and for it to remain a much closer game than many are expecting as the home team goes all out in this rare primetime game as a host. 10* CINCINNATI |
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12-21-20 | St. Joe's +22 v. Tennessee | Top | 66-102 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 45 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #773 Monday 10* Top Play St Joseph's Hawks (+) @ Tennessee Volunteers @ 6 ET - The Volunteers are 4-0 both SU and ATS but have played a much weaker schedule than the Hawks have faced. St Joseph's is 0-4 SU on the season but this will be the 4th time in 5 games that they have been a sizable underdog. This is too many points in my opinion. I know the Hawks are allowing a ton of points this season but they also can score well as they have plenty of starting experience on this team. St Joseph's is averaging 77 points per game on the season and Tennessee has another game scheduled for Wednesday. In other words, the Volunteers will want to save a little in tank for that game. That said, with a huge lead the Vols will take their foot off the gas and St Joseph's has enough scoring firepower to make plenty of runs in this game. The Hawks, if it comes down to it, can absolutely get in the backdoor here with this pointspread in the low 20s. The Volunteers are a high-quality team but they are being over-valued here because of their strong ATS start this season. Grab the big dog value on the other side in this one. 10* ST JOSEPH'S |
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12-21-20 | West Ham United v. Chelsea OVER 3 | Top | 0-3 | Push | 0 | 5 h 21 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200193 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chelsea vs West Ham United @ 3 ET - Chelsea needs to bounce back off back to back defeats and are about a 2 to 1 money line favorite here on the 3-way line with plenty of good reasoning. In other words, look for Chelsea to get the win here but note that West Ham United enters this one having averaged scoring 1.8 goals per match on enemy pitch this season. Chelsea is averaging 2.3 goals per match on their home pitch in this campaign. This total is available at 3 goals and I am expecting at 4 to find the back of the net. The key to the value here is even a 2-1 win guarantees us no less than a push and I don't see Chelsea producing a clean sheet here. West Ham has plenty of confidence here as they won the last meeting between these London rivals and are playing very well of late. That is why I would not at all be surprised to see each team tally at least twice in this one. Look for a highly entertaining affair in this one with plenty of scoring. The home games for Chelsea have averaged 3.5 goals per match this season. 10* OVER the total in Chelsea |
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12-21-20 | North Texas v. Appalachian State OVER 66.5 | Top | 28-56 | Win | 100 | 4 h 7 m | Show |
Bowl Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #267 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Appalachian State Mountaineers vs North Texas Mean Green @ 2:30 ET - The Mountaineers have a solid defense but that doesn't mean they will shut down a dangerous Mean Green offense. Appalachian State has allowed 24 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games and, in fact, allowed an average of 28 points per game in those 3 games. The Mountaineers are 21 point favorite here with good reason. So we absolutely could see a 49-28 type game here and, as you can see, that would put this total about 10 points over what it is posted at. I just don't see many defensive stops in this game. North Texas has allowed an average of 45 points per game in its last 3 games and allowed at least 42 in all 3 games. On the other side of the ball, the Mean Green have scored at least 31 points in 6 of their 9 games this season. In fact, North Texas has averaged 42 points per game in those 6 games. Look for points aplenty in this one as the Mean Green will enjoy some success on offense but will struggle mightily to get any stops against the Mountaineers. 10* OVER the total in Appalachian State |
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12-20-20 | Eagles +6.5 v. Cardinals | Top | 26-33 | Loss | -107 | 7 h 57 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #363 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Arizona Cardinals @ 4:05 ET - The NFC East is still up for grabs. Certainly the Eagles have put themselves in a hole but the win over the Saints last week with Hurts now in at QB has breathed life into the Eagles. If the Redskins - about a TD dog to Seattle - lose in early action Sunday then Philadelphia could move to within a 1/2 game of first place in the NFC East and, keep in mind, they face the Redskins in the final game of the regular season. In other words, at least at this point in time, the Eagles still have life courtesy of the win over New Orleans last week. Now Philly takes on an Arizona team that is off a win but that victory was preceded by a 1-4 SU run and 0-5 ATS run. In other words, the Cardinals have been struggling badly and the Eagles are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games. They can remain competitive in this game even if they ultimately fall short. Philadelphia, before an ugly loss to Tampa Bay, had seen 3 of their 4 prior losses come by a margin of 6 or less points. This one will fall into that category too or could even be an outright Philly win. Why? Well the Cardinals are allowing 29.5 points per game when at home this season and simply can't be trusted here. Before Arizona's win over a Giants team with a punchless offense, the Cards allowed 31 points per game their preceding 6 games. The Eagles enter this game having allowed an average of 22 points per game their last 7 games. Also, Philly has positive energy again after the win over the Saints. That will show up on the field here this week as Arizona drops to 1-7 ATS the last 8 times they have been a home favorite. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-20-20 | Leeds United v. Manchester United OVER 3.5 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 100 | 4 h 51 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200005 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester United vs Leeds United @ 11:30 AM ET - Manchester United has struggled at home this season but they have scored just fine and played just fine away from home. That said, they are due for a breakout game at home and are favored quite heavily in this one for a reason. That said, when Leeds United loses away from home they have been blasted and have allowed 3 or more goals in all 3 defeats. However, they have also scored well on enemy pitch this season thus far and I don't expect that to come to a grinding halt. Neither do the odds makers as you can see with the big total posted on this game. Also both teams are coming off high-scoring games so the set up here is perfect as they enter with confidence and I expect Manchester United to carry the momentum home while Leeds United continues their overall strong play as travelers this season. As a result, plenty of glorious scoring chances in this one and I expect them to be cashed in as well. 10* OVER the total in Manchester United |
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12-19-20 | St. Joe's v. Villanova OVER 151 | Top | 68-88 | Win | 100 | 16 h 19 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #685 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 9 ET - This series has trended under including each of the last two meetings. However, in the recent meetings both teams shot poorly from three point land in each game. I simply can't see that case being again a 3rd time in a row in which neither team shoots well from beyond the arc. Both teams this season are allowing high percentages from 3-point land and note that St Joseph's is allowing 90.3 points per game this season. The Hawks have a veteran group of players and have scored an average of 80 points per game this season but they can't stop anyone and that trend continues here. This is a Philly match-up that will bring out the best in both teams and Villanova has played only one 'grinder' this season and that was a 68-64 win at Texas. In their other games this season they have averaged 80 points per game and, as shown already this season, the Hawks defense won't put up much resistance here. Look for the Wildcats to get at least 90 here and St Joseph's (based on this line in the 22 range) should get to the 70 point mark in a free-flowing game with plenty of offense. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-19-20 | Panthers v. Packers -8 | Top | 16-24 | Push | 0 | 15 h 1 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #344 Saturday 10* Top Play Green Bay Packers (-) vs Carolina Panthers @ 8:15 ET - The Panthers have been successful as a road dog but they also have been fortunate. They have forced 2 turnovers per game on the road this season. That is unlikely to happen against these Packers as they have turned the ball over just 3 times in 6 home games this season! Also, Carolina has nothing to play for now. Up until last week they still had some hope of maybe making a run. But the loss to Denver guarantees a losing season and guarantees that the Panthers are going nowhere this season. That is tough for a football team when reality sets in and so Carolina goes on the road right after finding out their season is officially finished. Green Bay wins this game as they are 5-1 SU at home this season but of course the all important question is whether or not they cover. I feel strongly they will because I expect a very disinterested effort from the Panthers here and note Green Bay so often wins big. 4 of their 5 home wins this season have come by a margin of 14 or more points! The last time that Carolina faced a strong team they were at home against Tampa Bay and got blasted by 23 points! Since then they have faced nothing but teams with a losing record and I now look for them to struggle against a Packers team that is still playing hard for home field edge in the NFC. Their 10-3 record has them tied with the Saints for top spot in the conference. Green Bay caught a break when New Orleans was knocked off by the lowly Eagles in a big upset. That good break has brought even more positive energy to a Packers locker-room that has already been surging with momentum thanks to three straight wins and victories in 5 of their last 6 games. These two teams will prove to be at opposite ends of the motivation spectrum for this game and that means Lambeau Field turns into Blowout City for the home team when the final whistle sounds on this one. Lay it! 10* GREEN BAY |
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12-19-20 | Tulsa +14 v. Cincinnati | Top | 24-27 | Win | 100 | 14 h 18 m | Show |
The Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #237 Saturday 10* Top Play Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ Cincinnati Bearcats @ 8 ET - I know the AAC Championship Game is being played at Cincinnati's home stadium but this is too many points. Tulsa has played the tougher schedule this season and the Bearcats were quite fortunate in the turnover battle in their wins when they did step up in class. If you take a look at their stats in those match-ups you will see what I am talking about but lets just say they have led a bit of a 'charmed life' so far this season and I fully expect their luck to run out here. That doesn't mean they will lose this game outright but I do feel strongly that Tulsa will be in this game all the way. The Golden Hurricane defense is arguably just as good as Cincinnati's and this is particularly true when you factor in strength of schedule. That said, the Bearcats are in for a dogfight in this game. Tulsa has won 6 straight games SU and is also 6-1 ATS this season. The Golden Hurricane also have an advantage in that they have played a game in the past two weeks while Cincinnati has not played a game since a month ago! Tulsa lost by 11 points at Cincy last season but they actually outgained them by 60 yards but were done in by 5 turnovers in the game. I certainly do not expect a repeat of that as the Golden Hurricane are only turning the ball over 1.5 times a game on the road this season. About the scheduling and breaks, here is an excerpt from my write-up on Central Florida when they lost by just 3 to Cincinnati in the Bearcats most recent game 4 weeks ago: "Though the Bearcats won big at SMU in their lone road game, they actually had just 17 first downs in that game while the Mustangs had 22. Cincinnati is absolutely a very good team but they have had it quite easy so far this season with scheduling and all the breaks seeming to go their way too." This is going to be an all-out war and the only loss the Golden Hurricane have is as a 23 point dog against Oklahoma State in their season opener and they covered easily as they only allowed 16 points to the Cowboys in that game. Don't be surprised if this game goes down to the wire so grab the big points. 10* TULSA |
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12-19-20 | Manchester City v. Southampton OVER 2.75 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -119 | 6 h 47 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200013 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Southampton vs Manchester City @ 10 AM ET - I am well aware of the fact that Manchester City has struggled to score goals on enemy pitch this season but they are priced as a large money line favorite in this game for a reason. In other words, the odds makers don't make a lot of mistakes per se and for Manchester City to win this game they will likely have to be quite aggressive on the attack. That's because Southampton is off to a very strong start to this campaign and scoring an average of 2 goals per match! Even if they get held to only 1 goal here but Manchester City wins (as expected) that means we are talking about a 2-1 final score here. I expect even more than 3 goals but, the point is, Southampton is playing with a lot of confidence but Manchester City very hungry for a road win. Man City not happy coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw in a game in which they should have earned all 3 points in the table. The point is that they will go hard for the victory here but Southampton has the firepower to "force the issue" in this one and I look for plenty of goals in this one as a result. 10* OVER the total in Southampton |
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12-18-20 | Nebraska v. Rutgers +7 | Top | 28-21 | Push | 0 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #208 Friday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 7:30 ET - Rutgers QB Noah Vedral would love to face his former team but is dealing with an ankle injury. Though I do expect him to go here, Artur Sitkowski has played well this season and helped lead the way to an overtime victory at Maryland last week. The key for me here is that the Scarlet Knights continue to fight hard and give strong effort week after week. Conversely, the Cornhuskers are off an inexcusable home loss to Minnesota last week as an 8 point favorite. Now Nebraska is on the road and this line has risen as high as a 7 and that means it is go time with Rutgers here. The Scarlet Knights have won 3 of their last 4 games ATS and two of those were outright upset wins. Even though Rutgers has been giving strong efforts of late they still sit at 0-4 SU on the season in home games. Undoubtedly they will give it their all for coach Schiano in their home finale here and I fully expect them to improve to 6-2 ATS under Schiano as an underdog. Note that the Cornhuskers have dropped 11 of last 15 under coach Frost as a favorite. Statistically these teams are trending very close on the season and I look for them to build off the big road win last week while the Huskers have proven already that they are merely looking ahead to next season. Last week's home loss to the Golden Gophers says a lot. The home dog is the play here. 10* RUTGERS |
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12-18-20 | Loyola-Chicago +3.5 v. Richmond | Top | 73-75 | Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #855 Friday 10* Top Play Loyola Chicago Ramblers (+) vs Richmond Spiders @ 6 PM ET - This is a neutral site game being played in Indiana but that location still favors the Ramblers plus lets not forget they have an extra day of rest compared to the Spiders heading into this game. Also, I like the fact that Richmond is off a win that saw them bounce back from their first loss of the season while Loyola now enters this game off their first loss of the season. Also, even though they lost at Wisconsin, Loyola Chicago played quite well and the key difference was 3-point shooting. The Badgers shot a ridiculous 56% from beyond the arc in that game. The Ramblers played well overall and, had they shot the same percent from 3 point land that Wisconsin did, they would have won the game outright and they were a 7 point dog in that one. Here Loyola is a much smaller dog but I sense an upset is coming in this one. Richmond really misses guard Nick Sherod (out for the season - knee). Of course the Spiders are still a very talented and experienced team but so too are the Ramblers. Also, Loyola is shooting better from three point land than Richmond is plus they are allowing only a 39.4 field goal percentage while the Spiders are allowing 44.4% from the field so far this season. With this line having gone from a 2 to as high as a 3.5 in early market activity, there is even more value in a game I am expecting the Ramblers to win outright. 10* Loyola (IL) Chicago Ramblers |
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12-17-20 | Chargers v. Raiders OVER 53 | Top | 30-27 | Win | 100 | 18 h 54 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #301 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers @ 8:20 ET - Look for a back and forth shootout here. Not only are the Raiders dealing with injuries on defense, the Chargers passing attack is averaging 270 yards per game this season and threw for 312 yards in their first meeting with Las Vegas this season. This is a revenge game for LA as they lost the first meeting despite a yardage edge of 120 yards. The reason I am on the over here is because I just don't trust the Chargers defense enough against a Las Vegas team that has averaged 267 passing yards and 29 points in their home games this season. I know the Chargers have some solid defensive numbers on the season but their road games have included facing weak offenses such as Cincinnati, Denver, and Miami. Also, in their 5 most recent road games Los Angeles has allowed 31 points per game. As for the Raiders defense, they have had one strong showing at home (against Denver) but have been throttled in their other 5 home games to the tune of 35.6 points per game. The Chargers most recent road game resulted in an under but, prior to that, it was a streak of 4 straight overs in Chargers away games! As for Las Vegas, only 1 of their 6 home games has resulted in an under. This is a big total posted on this game but don't let that big number scare you away. Both teams should move the ball well here as the Chargers offense also is looking a little healthier for this game and I have no doubts about the Raiders potent attack on offense at home but their defensive injuries will hurt them (literally) in this one as well. 10* OVER the total in Las Vegas |
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12-17-20 | St. Joe's v. Drexel OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-81 | Win | 100 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Saint Joseph's Hawks vs Drexel Dragons @ 6 ET - Both of these teams rated poorly last season in terms of defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hawks rated very high nationally in adjusted pace. St Joseph's likes to apply pressure on defense and then get quick looks on offense. That said, I am looking for a high-scoring game between these two Philly foes as they try to outdo each other playing for Philly pride in this one. Saint Joseph's has had a lot of cancellations in this pandemic-impacted season. That said, the Hawks could be a little off on matching up properly defensively and defensive switches and problems like this will lead to plenty of open looks and drives to the basket for the Drexel. The Hawks first two games both flew over the total and St Joseph's allowed an average of 95 points per game in those two. Saint Joe's did average 81.5 points per game in those two and they should have no trouble against the normally porous defense of the Dragons. I know that Drexel is off a low-scoring game and has played a stretch of low-scoring contests that easily stayed under the total. However, that has had a lot to do with the level of competition they were facing. Their only game against a quality opponent saw the Dragons lose 83 to 74 at Pittsburgh. That said, there is great value with this total posted in the mid-140s in my opinion. This game should have plenty of open looks and a good tempo and the shooters will take advantage. Should be a rather wide-open game with the Hawks struggling some due to all the time off so it will play out a little more like 'playground basketball' and again this Philly guys will be looking to outdo each other on the offensive end in what should be quite the entertaining game. That is why the spread on this game is nearly a pick'em as it will be a back and forth game that could go either way in terms of the side but look for points aplenty based on all of the above. 10* OVER the total in Drexel |
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12-17-20 | Manchester United v. Sheffield United OVER 2.5 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200165 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Sheffield United vs Manchester United @ 3 ET - The good news for Manchester United in this one is that they are on the road. They are perfect 5-0 this season on enemy pitch. Amazingly, in all 5 away matches this season, Manchester United has surrendered the 1st goal but has come back to win every game. If that pattern holds true here we certainly get our over as that would mean a 2-1 final. Either way I do expect this match to fly over the total as Manchester United road matches have averaged 4.6 goals this season. Although Sheffield United is having a miserable start to the season, Manchester United has allowed an average of 1.5 goals this season and I would not be surprised to see Sheffield give a valiant effort at home and that should mean they should tally at least once in this one. Also, Manchester United could easily end up getting this total all by themselves. Sheffield has surrendered nearly 2 goals per match on the campaign and Manchester United has averaged 3.2 goals per match as travelers this season. A lot of value with this total at 2.5 goals and I won't hesitate to go to my highest level with this one. 10* OVER the total in Sheffield United |
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12-16-20 | Duke v. Notre Dame +4 | Top | 75-65 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #694 Wednesday 10* Top Play Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 9 ET - Duke blasted Notre Dame again last season and has now won the last two meetings by an average margin of 28 points per game. Additionally, the Blue Devils are a ranked team heading into this game while the Fighting Irish are projected to finish near the bottom of the ACC again this season. That said, this line opened up at a 3.5 and appeared to be a gift to those wanting to back Duke, right? Well you know what that usually means and, in this match-up there is definitely more than meets the eye. First off Duke big man Jalen Johnson is out with an injury. He was leading the teams in blocks, tied for team lead in rebounds, and one of the top scorers for the Blue Devils. That holds even more significance here because Notre Dame has been getting big games from 6'10 Nate Laszewski both on the boards and in terms of scoring. He should have a big game here and I also like the fact the Blue Devils have had a lot of recent cancellations and will be playing for the first time in over a week. Also, the Fighting Irish have played the tougher schedule early this season. Revenge game and the home team wants this one badly. Grab the points. 10* NOTRE DAME |
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12-16-20 | Butler v. Villanova OVER 131.5 | Top | 66-85 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #677 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs @ 7 ET - The Bulldogs always seem to surprise no matter their talent level. But in this particular match-up they have had far too much time off without games this season and it will make them a little sloppy here. I don't expect a very structured game and expect a lot more up and down fast-paced run and gun type style here. The Wildcats will force the tempo here as they look to get revenge for losing the most recent match-up between these teams. That was last season and both meetings last season did go over the total and this one should as well. Villanova is averaging 77.2 points per game game this season and shooting quite well. As for Butler we don't have much to look at yet for this season but we know what this team likes to do historically and expect them to surprise some people in hanging around in games many don't expect them to. They are a scrappy team and if they hang tight in this one (close to the spread posted on this game) and Nova finishes close to their scoring average you are looking at a 77 to 64 game and that puts this game about 10 points over where the total is set at. That is what I expect here as Villanova has averaged 77 points per game in the last 4 meetings between these teams plus is averaging 77 points per game this season. Also, as per usual, the Bulldogs will put up a fight against the Wildcats here. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-16-20 | Tottenham Hotspur v. Liverpool OVER 3 | Top | 1-2 | Push | 0 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Total of the Week - The Hotspur have tallied 14 goals on enemy pitch this season. That is one of the best marks in the league. Liverpool is a perfect 6-0 on their home pitch this season thanks in large part to having tallied 18 goals in those matches as that is the best mark in the league. I realize fully that this is a key 1 versus 2 match in the table but I simply can not foresee this being a tight low-scoring game. Tottenham has been playing so well and with so much confidence that they are very likely to be on the attack against a Liverpool defense that has been hurt (literally) by some injury issues. So look for the Hotspur to enjoy some success in this one but I highly doubt that Liverpool is going to be clamped down. They are known for dominating particularly when on their home pitch. Combining last season with this season's results they have 24 wins, no losses, and one draw in their last 25 matches as a host and they have averaged scoring nearly 3 goals per game in those matches. The Hotspur have totaled 39 goals in their last 25 games on enemy pitch. In other words a 3-2 type game would not at all be a complete surprise here and I like the fact we can get the over 3 at plus money in this one. I'll take it. 10* OVER 3 goals in Liverpool |
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12-15-20 | Indiana State v. St. Louis OVER 140 | Top | 59-78 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 38 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #629 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs Indiana State Sycamores @ 8 ET - The Billikens are playing with a ton of confidence and scoring plenty of points and that continues here as they are at home against Indiana State Tuesday evening. St Louis games are a perfect 4-0 to the over this season thanks in part to the Billikens averaging 92.2 points per game and having never been held under 85 points in a game this season. While it is true that St Louis is known for solid defense, they have faced a lot of weaker teams this season. When they stepped up in class and faced LSU they did allow 81 points and Indiana State has scored an average of 74 points per game and shot 45% from the field this season. The Sycamores will be able to do some damage in this one on the scoreboard but they'll struggle to stop a Billikens team that is on fire from both inside and outside the arc. St Louis is averaging about 10 of 21 from three point land in their games this season. Indiana State is allowing an average of about 9 of 19 from three point land plus nearly 50% from the field overall so this one sets up well for the Billikens to have another huge game in the offensive end. Keep in mind, St Louis is a 13 point favorite here so if the line is correct that puts this game at about a 77-64 final. But, again, the Billikens have not been held below 85 points this season. You can see why I am expecting this one to get well into the 150s and I see solid value with this low total. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-15-20 | West Bromwich Albion v. Manchester City OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -116 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200181 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester City vs West Bromich Albion @ 3 ET - Manchester City is off a disappointing 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Saturday. So what happens next after not getting on the board against their rivals? They will take advantage of facing a very bad West Bromich team that is capable of allowing goals in bunches. The Albion have allowed 2 goals per match this season but could allow double that against a potent Manchester City team that has scored an average of 2 goals per fixture when at home in this season and that needs to take out their frustration on a lesser foe. Keep in mind, even if they only score 3 here, Manchester City is unlikely to produce a clean sheet here so we should still get our over in that case. West Bromich has averaged about a goal per match this season and Manchester City has allowed an average of 1 goal per fixture. Look for a 3-1 or 4-1 type game here and, either way, this one should find it's way over the total. The total is posted at a lofty 3.5 here for good reason. The odds makers know what is to be expected here. 10* OVER the total in Manchester City |
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12-14-20 | Ravens -3 v. Browns | Top | 47-42 | Win | 100 | 18 h 5 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #179 Monday 10* Top Play Baltimore Ravens (-) @ Cleveland Browns @ 8:15 ET - This is a contrarian play and, as long-time followers know, going contrarian is something I often do in the NFL. The fact is that the Browns are 2 games in front of the Ravens in the standings plus they are at home where they are 5-1 on the season. Also, Cleveland has revenge from getting hammered at Baltimore in their season opener. Additionally the Browns have the rest edge here since they have been playing Sunday games for weeks on end whereas the Ravens had the recent scheduling problems with their game against the Steelers. As a result, Baltimore will be playing for the 3rd time in a span of 13 days when they take the field tonight. However, considering all of the above, when the markets look at this game they will wonder how in the world it can be that it is the Ravens who are favored by a field goal on the road in this one? My response to that is...exactly! In other words, don't be fooled by the line here or the situation. The odds makers are telling you all you need to know here and that is that Baltimore is the better team and favored for a reason. I like the fact that they have allowed a total of just 36 points their last two games whereas the Browns allowed 35 points at Tennessee last week and 25 at Jacksonville the week before. Also, I like the fact that other than the win over Titans and a win over the Colts, the Browns other 7 wins have come against 6 teams (beat Bengals twice) with a combined record of 21-55-2 on the season! Now they take on a Ravens team that, though they've underperformed at times this season, are still a Baltimore team that is off a 14-2 season last year. Also, in road games this season when Lamar Jackson is under center, the Ravens have gone 4-1 this year. Give the Browns some credit for getting tight wins when they have needed to but also they have been blasted by a combined 92-19 in their 3 losses this season and I sense another one here. Off the big confidence-boosting win over the Cowboys last week, the Ravens are back in the saddle again and I fully expect a dominating road performance here and the better defense keys the victory here. 10* BALTIMORE |
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12-14-20 | Rutgers v. Maryland -2.5 | Top | 74-60 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 12 m | Show |
TV Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #814 Monday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (-) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 6 ET - The Terrapins certainly are NOT on the level of last year's team. However, coming off an embarrassing loss at Clemson in which the Terps were never in it on the road, they will respond in a big way at home here. Maryland has revenge here against Rutgers as the Scarlet Knights beat them last season. Keep in mind that followed 8 straight wins for the Terrapins in his series. Also, though Rutgers is improved this season, they have a couple injury issues. Caleb McConnell is out indefinitely with a back issue and he is a key player. Also, one of their biggest stars, Geo Baker, is doubtful for this game because of an ankle injury. He had hope to go but he has actually been downgraded in terms of his injury status. That said, note that Rutgers is ranked and they are undefeated on the season and yet they are an underdog here against a Terrapins team that already has a loss and that everyone knows is a step down from where they once were. Looks funny doesn't it? Exactly! In typical contrarian fashion I am on the perceived "wrong side" of what looks a little off here and will gladly lay it with Maryland given all of the above. Note that the Terps simply had an awful game at Clemson in their most recent game and also had an awful shooting night the last time they faced the Scarlet Knights which was at Rutgers in March. This one is at College Park and it is payback time. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-13-20 | Steelers v. Bills -130 | Top | 15-26 | Win | 100 | 15 h 24 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #178 Sunday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bills (-) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:20 ET - This is a tough spot for the Steelers. I know many will be jumping on them here as they expect them to bounce back off their first loss of the season and because Pittsburgh does have the better defense in this match-up. However, due to that strange scheduling quirk with the Steelers match-up with the Ravens being played almost a full week later than originally scheduled, Pittsburgh is now playing their 3rd game in 12 days! That is tough on a team plus they faced a Baltimore team that is a physical rival of theirs plus they faced a tough Redskins defense. How much will the Steelers have left in the tank here? I feel it won't be enough to get past a strong Bills team. Keep in mind, Pittsburgh's road wins have included beating the Titans (but only by a field goal) and the Ravens (but Steelers were significantly out-statted). But the other Pitt road wins were against teams that are a combined 9-27 on the season. Now they travel to face a Buffalo team that is 5-1 SU at home this season with the only loss coming against the world champion Chiefs. Overall the Bills enter this game having covered 4 straight while the Steelers are now off back to back ATS losses. I know Pittsburgh has revenge from last year's home loss to Buffalo as well but this is simply a very bad spot for them. 3 NFL game in a dozen days and especially when facing physical teams in the 2 prior games...it is just not a good set up. The home team holds the edges here. Also, the Bills have scored an average of 34 points their last 4 games while the Steelers have averaged just 18 points their last 2 games. The home team playing with a lot of confidence right now and will be executing better on offense than Pittsburgh given the circumstances. 10* BUFFALO |
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12-13-20 | Jets v. Seahawks OVER 47.5 | Top | 3-40 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
Non-Conf Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #169 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Seahawks vs New York Jets @ 4:05 ET - We are getting a little lower total here because the 0-12 Jets are involved and because the Seahawks have been trending under for many weeks now. I'll take advantage of the lower number and go with the over here based on the situation. The Jets have some confidence from scoring 28 points last week even though they still ultimately fell short to the Raiders. As for the Seahawks, they are angry about losing at home to the Giants but that was a tougher defense they faced and they still managed 21 first downs in the game but just didn't have the points to show for it. The Seahawks are now angry coming off a loss and Russell Wilson and Company won't hold back against a New York defense that ranks as one of the worst in the league. Not only that, the Seahawks defense is just as bad and Sam Darnold and Company will take advantage. Seattle is a huge favorite here for a reason. They will score a ton of points. The thing is that the Jets also could get a late backdoor cover here because their offense will score some points too. New York has scored at least 27 in 3 of their last 4 games. The Seahawks, before scoring just 12 points last week, had scored an average of 33 points per game in their first 5 home games this season. Now in a back to back home game situation, the high-scoring ways resume here. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |
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12-13-20 | Liverpool v. Fulham OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 35 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200113 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Fulham vs Liverpool @ 11:30 AM ET - Liverpool has a big game on deck with Tottenham on Wednesday. Could this be a distraction to their focus on defense? Absolutely and, though Fulham is scoring an average of only 1 goal per match on the season, Liverpool is allowing 2.2 goals per match when on enemy pitch. Indeed, Liverpool's form in away fixtures has not been good this season. However, Fulham allows 2 goals per match this season and won't be able to stop a potent Liverpool attack here. That is why, though this total may seem 'steep' at 3.5 goals, don't let the big number keep you away. This one has a great shot at getting to 5 goals given the situational aspects and match-ups in this fixture. I certainly expect it to get to at least 4 goals given the potency of the Liverpool attack and the weak defense of Fulham coupled with the fact that the Reds have struggled defensively in away fixtures. 10* OVER the total in Fulham |
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12-12-20 | Oklahoma State v. Baylor +6 | Top | 42-3 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
Game of the Month - 10* Baylor Bears @ 3:30 ET - The Bears have struggled on offense this season, particularly their ground game. However, Baylor has the better defense in this match-up and they are 2-1 SU at home this season. There is a reason that a ranked Oklahoma State team is favored by less than a TD against a Bears team that has a 2-6 SU record on the season. In other words, don't be fooled by the line here. It is set this way for a reason and I have a strong feeling about an upset win here. Baylor has won 4 of the last 5 meetings both SU and ATS. Also, the Bears are allowing just 355 yards per game and their defense keeps them in games. Conversely, the Cowboys have allowed an average of over 500 yards per game their last 3 games plus they enter this game on an 0-5 ATS run. The home dog is going to give Oklahoma State all they can handle here just as they seem to do every year in recent meetings. I am expecting an outright upset as this Bears defense has played motivated football all season long and the Baylor offense does have a veteran QB and a decent passing game. They'll find a way in my opinion for the outright win but I am grabbing the points for added insurance here. 10* BAYLOR plus points |
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12-12-20 | West Bromwich Albion v. Newcastle United OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 120 | 7 h 52 m | Show |
10* Top OVER in Newcastle @ 10 AM ET - I know that West Bromich hasn't scored much at all this season but no team has surrendered more goals than the Albion as they have allowed 23 in 11 matches on the campaign! That said, the reason I am siding with the over here as I would not be surprised to see Newcastle United get this game over the total on their own. Yes, they could score 3 here! But, at the same time, Newcastle had coronavirus concerns last week and that forced cancellation of their game. They have not scored well this season but West Bromich will provide the perfect remedy for that. At the same time, taking advantage of a strange period for Newcastle due to the covid interruption, don't be surprised if the Albion find the back of the net at least once, if not twice. It just has to do with Newcastle being a little "off" after the break in action and possible making some costly mistakes with some personnel potentially out for this game or simply "off" in terms of their level of play. At the end of the day I see more goals being scored here than most are expecting. 10* OVER the total in Newcastle |
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12-11-20 | Nevada v. San Jose State OVER 58.5 | Top | 20-30 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 43 m | Show |
MWC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #309 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Jose State Spartans vs Nevada Wolf Pack @ 10 ET - Both of these teams have trended under this season but that is merely helping to give us line value here as neither team's defense is as good as their O/U record this season would suggest. We are now getting late into the season to where these unusual records that were not commensurate with what happened on the field start to reverse. In other words, a high-scoring game is likely here at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Yes, this game is being played a neutral site due to covid restrictions in California. The Spartans passing attack this season has been strong with 270 yards through the air per game on average. The Wolf Pack passing attack has been even stronger with 334.4 yards per game on the season. Both teams have been solid against the run away from home this season so these teams will go to the air early, often, and throughout this game and that will lead to big yardage and less stoppages of the clock than a run-based game. We're looking at a lot of fireworks through the air in this one. San Jose State has scored an average of 34 points per game its last 4 games. Nevada's only low-scoring effort was at Hawaii. In their other 6 games this season they have averaged 33 points per game. This total is in the upper 50s but you can see why I am expecting at least upper 60s in this one given those numbers. These teams combined for 79 points in last year's match-up and the Spartans have scored 34 points or more in back to back games and the Wolf Pack scored 37 points in their most recent game. 10* OVER the total in San Jose State |
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12-11-20 | Villanova v. Georgetown OVER 142.5 | Top | 76-63 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 51 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #611 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Hoyas allowed only 48 points in their most recent game but that was against Coppin State. Georgetown is a young team with a lot of new players and that means struggles in the defensive end. This is particularly true in a covid year as teams couldn't practice like they normally would leading into the season. Prior to their big win over an out-classed Coppin State team, the Hoyas allowed an average of 79 points per game. That means the set up here is ideal for an over because Georgetown is averaging 73 points per on the season but won't be able to stop Villanova here. Also, the Wildcats are off a tight rather low-scoring win over Texas that stayed under the total. Will they repeat that defensive intensity in a 2nd straight game? I really don't think so and the fact is that the Cats have allowed 73 points per game in their last 3 games against the Hoyas. As for the Villanova offense, they should excel here. The Wildcats will take advantage of a Georgetown team with so many new faces in the playing rotation and note that Nova was averaging 80 points per game prior to the low-scoring win over the Longhorns. Both teams are coming off unders here but had gone 2-0 to the over entering their respective contests. That said, great line value here with this total in the low 140s. The Hoyas should get into the 70 range and, of course, the Wildcats are a double digit road favorite here for a reason. Look for this one to get in the 150s. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown |
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12-10-20 | San Diego State v. Arizona State OVER 142 | Top | 80-68 | Win | 100 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #863 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona State Sun Devils vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 10 ET - My first thought when looking at this match-up was Arizona State because the line looks a little funny considering the Aztecs are now 34-2 the past two seasons combined while the Sun Devils have a dozen losses over this same time period. As many of you know already, I am a contrarian capper so I was considering ASU based on the team with the much better record and similar ranking being the underdog here. However, the total looks like the best value here. Why? Well it dropped to a 142 for one thing. Additionally, the key reason that is attractive is because Arizona State's defense can not be trusted in my opinion. So I like the Sun Devils here and expect them to put up plenty of points but I just can't trust their defensive level of play. As for San Diego State, they are not giving up many points per game this season but a lot of that has to do with level of competition. Now the Aztecs face a Sun Devils team which is averaging 84.5 points per game. Arizona State is shooting 48.1% from the field and play at a good pace but, on defense, they are allowing 45% from the field including 37% from three point land. San Diego State is making 9 three pointers per game and averaging 74.5 points per game and this one turns into a shootout. 10* OVER the total in Arizona State |
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12-10-20 | Patriots v. Rams -5 | Top | 3-24 | Win | 100 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #102 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (-) vs New England Patriots @ 8:20 ET - The Patriots are off a huge 45-0 road win over the Chargers. However, don't jump to conclusions based on that one performance. For one thing, New England only had a yardage edge of 33 yards in that game. Secondly, the Patriots entered that game having lost 4 of 5 road games SU and ATS. So New England is off a rare road win. As for the Rams, their most recent home game was a rare loss. Yes, Los Angeles was a perfect 4-0 SU at home before they lost hosting San Francisco two weeks ago. The Rams responded by blasting the Cardinals at Arizona last week. Unlike the Pats, LA actually had a big yardage edge that justified the big win. Los Angeles dominated their division rival to the tune of a 463-232 edge in yardage. Not only that, the Rams have big time revenge here because they lost in the Super Bowl in an embarrassing performance against Tom Brady and the Patriots two years ago. Will they get their revenge? I feel strongly that they absolutely will as Brady is now in Tampa Bay and Cam Newton has struggled badly in his time with the Patriots. New England enters this game off back to back wins but has averaged just 235 yards of offense in those two victories. The Patriots will prove to be no match for a revenge-minded Rams team that has the much better offense plus one of the best defenses in the NFL. This line may seem set in a strange range considering it is a -5 but don't let that scare you away on this one. It is bigger than a 3 or 4 for a reason and I see LA pulling away for a victory by a double digit margin in this one. Look for the Rams to improve to 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games while the Patriots drop to 2-5 SU and ATS in road games this season. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMSÂ |
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12-10-20 | Pittsburgh v. Georgia Tech OVER 54 | Top | 34-20 | Push | 0 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #111 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Pittsburgh Panthers @ 7 ET - The OVER is 7-0 in the Panthers last 7 games. The Yellow Jackets are coming off an under but, prior to that, the over was 6-1 in their last 7 games. Also, though their most recent game did result in an under, there actually was over 800 yards of offense in the game as Georgia Tech totaled over 400 as well. That was an unusually low-scoring game because the Jackets were stopped on downs on 4 separate occasions. That won't happen again here. The Panthers can't just focus on stopping the GT ground game here because now Tech QB Sims actually has an 8-3 TD-INT ratio over his last 6 games. The Yellow Jackets are a little more dual threat than they have been in the past when it was all about the run. That said, the Pitt defense (which also has not been as dominant this season) will face a different challenge than they have in recent meetings. The Panthers D got thrashed by Georgia Tech in their most recent game. Prior to that, the Pitt defense had a strong road game but it was against a Florida State team that has already "mailed it in" on this season. In their two prior road games this season the Panthers allowed 31 points in each game. As for the Yellow Jackets defense they allowed 13 points in the first game this season but have since allowed an average of 40 points per game their last 8 games. The Pittsburgh offense had averaged 44 points per game in their two games preceding the Clemson debacle and, overall, the Panthers are averaging scoring 30 points per game in road games this season. 10* OVER the total in Georgia Tech |
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12-09-20 | Oklahoma v. Xavier OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-99 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 8 ET - The O/U is 2-0 in Sooners games this season and 3-1 in Xavier's last 4 games. Both teams are shooting the ball very well and willing to 'run and gun' in terms of their pace. Oklahoma has averaged 93.5 points per game this season and that included games against UTSA and TCU so not super tough competition but certainly not 'cakewalk' games in terms of the level of the opposition. That said, I look for plenty of points here because the Musketeers have only had one low-scoring win and that was a real grinder against Bradley. Other than that one outlier, Xavier has averaged 90.4 points per game in their other 5 games and has not been held below 76 points in any of those games. Coming off a big win over city-rival Cincinnati, this also could be a flat spot for the Musketeers in terms of the level of their defensive intensity. That said, other than the grinder with Bradley and easy wins over out-classed competition - Oakland and Tennessee Tech - Xavier has allowed 79.3 points in their other 3 games. Certainly Oklahoma fits the bill as a high-quality opponent that can also put up big numbers against the Musketeers defense. That said, the over is the way to go here especially considering the situation and the fact that the Sooners have allowed an average of 72 points per game in their two games and now face a surging opponent that is loaded with confidence thanks to a 6-0 start to the season. 10* OVER the total in Xavier |
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12-09-20 | Maryland +2 v. Clemson | Top | 51-67 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 20 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #607 Wednesday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Clemson Tigers @ 5 ET - Both of these teams are playing solid defense early this season but it is the production on the offensive end that is going to be a difference maker in this one. The Tigers are scoring 69.7 points per game on 43.9% shooting from the field including just 30% from three point land. The Terrapins, on the other hand, are scoring 84 points per game on 56% shooting from the field including 42.5% from beyond the arc. When Maryland needs a bucket, they have guys who have been able to consistently get it. I do not believe that the same holds true for Clemson in terms of the number of scoring options. I also like the line here as, of course, it looks easy to take the small home favorite in a match-up of undefeated teams early this season. Another edge to the road dog here is the fact that the Tigers have not played in a week and this will be only their 2nd game since November 26th! Conversely, the Terrapins just played on December 4th plus will be playing their 4th game since November 27th. Big edges for the road dog in this one and I expect them to get the win in convincing fashion. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-08-20 | Cowboys v. Ravens OVER 45 | Top | 17-34 | Win | 100 | 16 h 17 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #483 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:05 ET - Decent weather expected in Baltimore this evening as it will be chilly but no precipitation and winds will be subsiding by the evening hours after a little bit of breeziness in the afternoon. That means both offenses should be fully functional here and I expect a huge effort from the Ravens offensive unit as they get QB Lamar Jackson back for this one. He will give the Cowboys defense fits in this one. Dallas has struggled on that side of the ball all season and has allowed 32.6 points per game on the year! The offense for the Cowboys has had struggles but they faced adversity with losing starting QB Dak Prescott to season-ending injury and then also being without QB Andy Dalton some too (covid-19). Dalton will be under center for this one and, interestingly, he has had some big games in his career against the Ravens. As a member of the Bengals, Dalton would face division rival Baltimore twice a year. Can he recapture some of that magic here? The Ravens have allowed 28 points or more in 3 of their last 4 home games. Each of Baltimore's last two home games have gone over the total. Look for that to go to 3-0 L3 after this one is in the books as the Cowboys also move to 3-0 to the over their last 3 games overall. Dallas is off that ugly effort versus the Redskins and will respond here (scored 31 in most recent road game) but won't be able to stop a Ravens team that is also fired up to play better on offense with coming off a loss but now getting Jackson back. Plenty of points in this one. 10* OVER the total in Baltimore |
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12-08-20 | Creighton v. Kansas -3.5 | Top | 72-73 | Loss | -102 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #794 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kansas Jayhawks (-) vs Creighton Bluejays @ 5 ET - At first glance it might seem enticing to take Creighton here. After all, the Bluejays have had blowout wins in each of their first 3 games. However, the Jays have faced much weaker competition than Kansas has. So even though these teams are very close in the rankings right now and even though Creighton is certainly a strong team, only the Jayhawks have been truly battle tested early this season. Kansas has faced Gonzaga and Kentucky already this season. Also, while the Jayhawks have only Nebraska-Omaha on deck, Creighton has instate rival Nebraska on deck. Of course the Bluejays won't overlook playing a highly ranked Kansas team but the point is that another big game does loom for the Jays while that is not the case for the Jayhawks. Traditionally Creighton relies heavily on their 3-point shooting but they are only making 33% of their threes this season while the Jayhawks, despite facing tougher competition, are making 39% of their three-points so far this season. Don't be surprised if that is a difference maker in this game. The Bluejays are a strong team but they are a little over-rated and un-tested early this season and that is giving us excellent line value here with a short number to lay on a high-quality favorite. Lay it! 10* KANSAS |
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12-07-20 | Bills v. 49ers OVER 47 | Top | 34-24 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #485 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Francisco 49ers vs Buffalo Bills @ 8:15 ET in Glendale, AZ - This game being played in Arizona because of the covid issues in California and that fact is crazy and I expect this game to be a little crazy as well. The 49ers are off a huge upset win against the division rival Rams and that could leave the defense a little flat for this one. Also, San Francisco had allowed an average of 32.7 points per game in its 3 games preceding the win over the Rams. Now the Niners take on a Bills team that has won 4 of its last 5 games and scored an average of 31.3 points per game in its last 4 games overall. Buffalo's defense was supposed to be its strength heading into this season but they have underachieved a bit this season and, as a result, are a little over-rated. That is helping to keep this total lower than it should be. The Bills are off a solid win over the Chargers in which they allowed just 17 points but that was preceded by a stretch in which Buffalo allowed 27.6 points per game over their 9 preceding games. San Francisco is not known for their offensive production but they have scored at least 23 points in 4 of their last 6 games and have scored an average of 27 points per game in non-conference action this season. The Bills have averaged scoring 36.3 points per game in their non-conference match-ups this season. All 3 of Buffalo's non-conference games went over the total while 2 of 3 for the Niners went over the total. All signs point to a high-scoring match-up here based on the long-term trending too and we'll take advantage of the lower total that has been helped by last week's results as each game stayed under the total. This match-up has much different dynamics in terms of being a non-conference match-up. 10* OVER the total in San Francisco |
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12-07-20 | Washington Football Team +6.5 v. Steelers | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
Non Conf Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #487 Monday 10* Top Play Washington (+) @ Pittsburgh @ 5 ET - This set up favors Washington in a big way. While they have not played since Thanksgiving and are well rested here, the situation is much different for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were supposed to play on Thanksgiving but the game got postponed multiple times because of covid-19 issues and did not get played until the following Wednesday. That means Washington has a rest edge of nearly a full week in comparison with Pittsburgh's situation. Also, it is simply hard to envision the Steelers finishing the season with an undefeated record. Pittsburgh is now 11-0 on the season and you know that a defeat is imminent. I am not necessarily forecasting that this happens here but I do feel the points will prove to be well worth the taking. 4 of the Steelers last 6 wins have come by a margin of 5 or less points. We're getting a solid 6.5 across the board in this one as of early Monday morning. Many don't realize this but Washington does have a very solid defense. Look for that to be a key in terms of them hanging around in this game. In Washington's last 6 games they had one bad game defensively but allowed an average of only 14.2 points per game in the other 5 games. Washington has scored a solid average of 26.6 points per game its last 5 games and Alex Smith has thrown for 1,030 yards in his 4 games since taking over after the injury to Kyle Allen. Look for the Steelers to drop to 4-9 ATS in their last 13 as a non-divisional home favorite as Pittsburgh is off a divisional win and this is a non-conference match-up on short rest. Also, the Steelers have a tough road trip at an AFC opponent, Buffalo, on deck. 10* WASHINGTON |
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12-07-20 | Southampton v. Brighton & Hove Albion OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200069 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brighton & Hove vs Southampton @ 3 ET - Southampton is known for playing well on the road. Last season they lost only 6 of 19 on enemy pitch. Their matches away from home averaged 3 goals per game. This season, Southampton is having trouble defensively and that is part of the reason their matches have averaged 3.5 goals per fixture on the campaign thus far. Southampton has struggled to hold onto leads and Brighton & Hove has the ability to challenge them here and fully realizes their defensive backfield has been susceptible this season. Southampton likely to be on the attack as that is their style and particularly as travelers. The issue here is, though they would love to produce a clean sheet, Southampton just makes too many mistakes in covered in front of their own net. Brighton & Hove will take advantage. With this total at 2.5 goals and the expectation of at least a 2-1 final here, I am going with the over in this one. The odds are about even across the board in this one in terms of home, road, or draw and that is with good reason. Southampton has earned respect on the road and this will be a good one that should see plenty of attacking and at least 3 goals scored. 10* OVER the total in Brighton & Hove |