Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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10-07-17 | Stars v. Blues OVER 5.5 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 40 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 5.5 goals (-) in St Louis Blues vs Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - The Stars put up 46 shots on the Golden Knights last night but still fell short as Marc-Andre Fleury had a tremendous game between the pipes for Vegas. Look for Dallas to be even more fired up after losing their home opener and another strong effort with plenty of shots on goal is likely to result on many more finding the back of the net in this one. St Louis is off of a wild 5-4 overtime victory in their season opener at Pittsburgh Wednesday night. The Blues can take advantage of the fact that the Stars may have to start Kari Lehtonen between the pipes as Ben Bishop took a puck to the face and had to exit last night's game. It was all downhill for the Stars after he went out and even if Bishop is back for Dallas tonight he may not be 100% himself after that vicious shot to the mask. The Blues and Stars have quite the spirited rivalry and 3 of the last 4 games have totaled at least 7 goals. Given the situation here I am expecting another wild one. Note that Dallas is 19-11 the past two seasons when they're off of a game where they scored 1 goal or less. The Blues have scored 11 goals in their last 3 games versus the Stars and, after putting up 5 on the defending cup champs on opening night, they roll into this game with plenty of confidence. 10* OVER 5.5 goals in St Louis |
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10-07-17 | SMU v. Houston OVER 61 | Top | 22-35 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year - Rickenbach CFB Game #399/400 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Cougars vs SMU Mustangs @ 7 ET - I am well aware of the fact that all 4 of the Cougars games this season have stayed under the total but it truly has been a bit of a miracle that this has occurred. Last week Houston took advantage of facing a dreadful Temple offense but the prior week the Cougars gave up only 27 points versus Texas Tech even though the Red Raiders gashed them for over 500 yards. In Houston's only other game against a solid offense the Cougars allowed only 16 points but it was only nearly 400 yards by Arizona. The take-away here is the fact that Cougars defense certainly hasn't been as good as the points allowed per game would lead you to believe. That said, I see a lot of value here with a rather low total here consider Houston is in revenge mode against SMU (Cougars lost outright bad as a huge road fave versus Mustangs last year). Houston will be hungry to put up a ton of points on this Southern Methodist defense and they should be successful in doing so as the Mustangs are allowing 34 points per game in their last 4 games. During this stretch SMU has allowed an average of 370.25 passing yards per game! While D is certainly their weakness, the fact is that SMU's offense is a real strength. The Mustangs are confident here as they've averaged 33 points per game in their last 2 games versus Houston. Also, SMU is averaging a fantastic 48 points per game on 500 yards a game so far this season. This has the makings of a shootout and the over is a perfect 3-0 when SMU is an underdog in a range of 3.5 to 10 points. 8 of the Mustangs last 12 road games have gone over the total and the Cougars want to put a beating on them but SMU should score right with them which will send this flying over the total. 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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10-07-17 | Ottawa v. BC -4.5 | Top | 30-25 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 19 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CFL Saturday 10* Top Play BC Lions (-) vs Ottawa Redblacks @ 7 ET - Both teams have struggled recently and will be looking to bounce back but this situation strongly favors the Lions and not just because of the home field edge with this game being played in BC. The Lions also are off of their bye week whereas last week the Redblacks were in action and lost a tight one versus Saskatchewan. While Ottawa is frustrated mentally and fatigued physically, BC is fired up and refreshed coming out of their bye week. The Lions know they are in a must win situation and I like the fact that BC is 7-1 ATS the past 3 seasons when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 games or more. I know that the Redblacks have a lot of impressive ATS stats but they are a long-term 5-12 ATS as a road dog in a range of 3.5 to 7 points. Also, Ottawa is an ugly 1-6 SU in games against the West Division this season. The Lions are 4-2 this season and 14-8 the past 3 seasons combined (both of those records both SU and ATS) when they are facing teams from the East. It's more West dominance over the East here in a situation that is very favorable with the rested home team laying a small number here. 10* BC LIONS |
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10-07-17 | Southern Miss +13 v. UTSA | Top | 31-29 | Win | 100 | 9 h 20 m | Show |
Insider Game of the Week - Rickenbach CFB Game #351 Saturday 10* Top Play Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (+) @ UTSA Roadrunners @ 7 ET - This game is being played in my backyard as I live in the San Antonio area. As a matter of fact my 4-year university degree is from UTSA and I follow the Roadrunners closely. This is the perfect spot to fade them. They are 3-0 this season but truly are over-hyped at this point. They've played a super easy schedule as the 3 teams they have beaten are a combined 2-11 on the season. Also, the Runners are the most penalized team in the nation as they've averaged 103 penalty yards per game! That is going to eventually catch up with them in a close game and that is precisely what I am expecting here. UTSA is facing a revenge-minded conference foe as Southern Miss got embarrassed in their last game here (last October). The Golden Eagles lost by 23 even though they held a 31-17 edge in first downs! Needless to say it was a "fluke" final score and payback is on order here. The Southern Miss running back, Ito Smith, is one of the best backs in the conference. Their wide receivers, Allenzae Staggers and Korey Robertson, are both 6'1 and very athletic and will create some match-up problems for the UTSA secondary. The Golden Eagles have had this game circled and they were 3-0 ATS on the season before last week's embarrassing home loss to North Texas. That loss to the Mean Green helped to create additional line value here as well. UTSA does have North Texas on deck and they are 0-4 ATS the week before facing the Mean Green. Also, the Roadrunners entered this season just 1-5 ATS when they are a favorite of more than 6 points against an opponent seeking revenge. That is the case here and the Golden Eagles are going to give them all they can handle in this one which makes the big points very generous. 10* SOUTHERN MISS |
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10-07-17 | Cubs v. Nationals OVER 8.5 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 7 h 25 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach MLB Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs @ 5:35 ET - The calendar says it is October but it will feel like anything but that for this game in DC Saturday. Temperatures in the 80s at first pitch with a south wind blowing out makes this the perfect recipe for a slugfest Saturday. The Nationals Gio Gonzalez has struggled recently with 9 earned runs given up in 9 and 1/3 innings in his final two starts of the season. The southpaw also walked 8 in those two starts. Though the Washington lefty had a solid start versus the Cubs this season, his two prior starts saw Gonzalez allow 8 earned runs in 12 innings versus Chicago. The Cubs send Jon Lester to the mound for this one and the lefty compiled a 4.41 ERA on the road this season. Also, each of his last 7 starts have gone over the total and, overall, the over is on a 9-1 run in Lester's last 10 starts! The over is also 5-2 in the last 7 starts Gonzalez has made. Look for Lester's over streak to reach 8-0 here in ideal conditions for an over in Washington as the Nationals respond after yesterday's shutout loss! 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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10-06-17 | Hamilton +13 v. Winnipeg | Top | 30-13 | Win | 100 | 13 h 15 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Top Play Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+) @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 8:30 ET - The Tiger-Cats started this season 0-8. But they have certainly been a different team since then. Fortunately for Hamilton they play in the watered down East Division and they actually are still alive in the playoff chase. The Ti-Cats got a much needed bye after their 0-8 start and they have been a different team ever since. Hamilton has gone 3-2 but the 2 losses each came by single digit margins and one of those was in OT as well. The point is that Hamilton is offering good value here as a big underdog when one considers how they have been playing. Although Winnipeg has certainly been playing great football and is unquestionably the 2nd best team in the league (behind Calgary) right now, the fact is that the Blue Bombers are in a tough scheduling spot here. They are off of a win at Edmonton and they have a big game at BC on deck. Of course both of those teams are divisional foes and that makes this a "sandwich game" for Winnipeg. I see the Blue Bombers doing enough to get the win here but I don't see them covering this large number against a hungry underdog that has proven they still have plenty of fight left in them. 10* HAMILTON |
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10-06-17 | Cubs v. Nationals UNDER 7 | Top | 3-0 | Win | 110 | 13 h 6 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs @ 7:30 ET - Even though this total is low (making the over very enticing of course) the fact is that this is shaping up to be a pitchers duel. Stephen Strasburg gets the start for the Nationals and he has a 0.86 ERA in his 10 starts since the All Star break. Kyle Hendricks gets the start for the Cubs and he returned (from a hand injury) in July. From late July through the end of the season, Hendricks compiled a 2.19 ERA. Also, Hendricks has a 2.67 ERA in his career versus Washington and Strasburg has a 2.08 ERA in his career versus the Cubs. The under went 17-9 in Strasburg's starts this season and Hendricks road starts produced a 9-2 mark in favor of the under this season! Overall, the under is 8-1-1 in Strasburg's last 10 starts and the under is 10-3 in Hendricks last 13 starts including a current streak of 5 straight unders. More of the same here. 10* UNDER the total in Washington |
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10-06-17 | Red Sox +165 v. Astros | Top | 2-8 | Loss | -100 | 8 h 26 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* Top Play Boston Red Sox Money Line (+) @ Houston Astros @ 2:05 ET - After getting thoroughly embarrassed in yesterday's 8-2 loss, the Red Sox respond today. Dallas Keuchel is the ace of the Astros staff so we're able to get huge underdog line value with Boston here. The Houston southpaw has an ugly 9.88 ERA in his 3 appearances (2 starts) versus the Red Sox. Keuchel got rocked for 8 earned runs in 6 innings in his most recent start versus Boston which was last season. The Red Sox will have Drew Pomeranz on the mound and he has held the Astros to just 1 earned run in each of his last 3 starts against them. Those 3 starts have spanned 16 and 2/3 innings and the Boston southpaw has allowed a total of only 9 hits during this span! Look for his impressive run versus Astros hitters to continue here as 2 of those starts came this season and that includes one in Houston and the Astros hitters did not fare well in either outing. More of the same here. Give me the big dog in bounce back mode here. 10* BOSTON |
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10-04-17 | Rockies v. Diamondbacks UNDER 8.5 | Top | 8-11 | Loss | -100 | 70 h 41 m | Show |
Wild Card Wednesday Top - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies @ 8:05 ET - The Rockies season finale on Wednesday stayed under the total and the under finished up the regular season on a 13-3 (81%) Run in Colorado's games. Though Arizona's regular season finale on Sunday went over the total their 3 prior games all resulted in unders and this Wednesday Wild Card match-up has the makings of a pitchers duel. Jon Gray gets the start for the Rockies and, though he has no playoff experience, he is in fine current form and is also his 3rd year in the majors. Gray has gone 13 straight games without allowing more than 3 earned runs in a start. Also, the two times he faced the Diamondbacks in Arizona this season he allowed just 2 earned runs each time plus he recorded a total of 20 strikeouts in the 13 innings spanning those two sparkling outings. Gray is on a 7-2 run and recorded a 2.57 ERA in September and a 2.30 ERA in August. Of course he'll be opposed by Zack Greinke here whom is the staff ace for Arizona. He is a post-season veteran who only struggled in his first year in the post-season. In subsequent seasons Greinke has been "lights out" in play-off action. Also, the Dbacks veteran right-hander enters this start with a 13-1 record and 2.87 ERA in his home starts this season. He has a 3.15 ERA in his 3 starts hosting the Rockies this season and he allowed only 15 hits in the 20 innings spanning those 3 starts. Only 4 of Greinke's last 18 starts have resulted in an over. This should be quite the pitchers duel here. 10* UNDER the total in Arizona |
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10-03-17 | Twins v. Yankees OVER 7.5 | Top | 4-8 | Win | 100 | 47 h 40 m | Show |
Wild Card Tuesday Top - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Minnesota Twins @ 8:05 ET - The Twins are going with veteran Ervin Santana. Though I certainly respect the veteran hurler he did allow 7 hits in less than 6 innings versus the Yankees in his most recent appearance versus them and that was only 2 weeks ago. In other words the Yanks just saw him and, keep in mind, they now have 13 hits in their last 10 and 2/3 innings facing Santana. The Twins right-hander has allowed 4 homers in his last 4 starts versus the Yankees. As for the New York starter Tuesday it is Luis Severino. Not only is he only 23 years old but this will be his first ever post-season appearance at any level. This wild card match-up is a lot of pressure for him and he allowed 3 earned runs on 5 hits in 3 innings of work in his first ever start versus the Twins and that was less than 2 weeks ago. That means this Minnesota lineup is getting a quick second look at him. Certainly the Yankees have a solid bullpen but this is a low total considering that both of these starters are likely to "get touched up" in this one. I know it's playoff baseball but two potent lineups here facing two "questionable" starters. This is not likely to be a pitchers duel. Also, a light breeze likely to be blowing out to left field with fairly moderate temperatures too. 10* OVER the total in New York Yankees Tuesday |
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10-01-17 | Raiders +3 v. Broncos | Top | 10-16 | Loss | -100 | 16 h 23 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL 10* Top Play Oakland Raiders (+) @ Denver Broncos @ 4:25 ET - It is hard to look much worse than the Raiders did at Washington last week but that is part of the key to value in a spot like this. In fact, it is likely that Oakland was already peeking ahead to this game. Not only is Denver a divisional foe but the Broncos knocked the Raiders playoff positioning by upsetting them in the final regular season game last year. Of course Oakland was without Derek Carr in that game and now Carr and the Raiders are anxious for their revenge. As for the Broncos, though they still have a solid defense, they've got some significant issues on their offensive line and Oakland has the pass rushing ability to take advantage. It is likely going to be hard for the Denver offense to do much here and the Broncos have been a turnover-prone team with 2 in each game so far. Oakland is on a 13-6 ATS run in road games including 4-1 ATS when they are a road dog of 3 points or less. That is the case here and I love the value with the healthier team coming in off of an ugly loss and also seeking divisional revenge that had a playoff impact. 10* OAKLAND |
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10-01-17 | Eagles v. Chargers OVER 47.5 | Top | 26-24 | Win | 100 | 16 h 3 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Chargers vs Philadelphia Eagles @ 4:05 ET - The Eagles defense is riddled with injuries. A lot of it happened in the Giants game and is what allowed New York to rally back to tie it. Philadelphia did eventually hang on for the win thanks to the miracle 61 yard field goal from the back-up kicker. The offense for Philly has moved the ball quite well. The Eagles are averaging 372 yards of offense per game this season. The problem here will be the defense that is so hampered by injuries. Philip Rivers and company are ready to exploit that defense as they are off to a frustrating 0-3 start but the offense has certainly looked better at times than what they have to show for it. The Chargers D is allowing 146.7 rushing yards per game and the Eagles, when they show commitment to the run, have been able to run the ball effectively. Even without Sproles (injured) they have a fine group of running backs that have all shown explosiveness. The over is 7-3 in Eagles games against teams with a losing record. Also, the over is 10-5 when Philadelphia is an underdog and 11-6 when they are on the road. The Chargers are 16-9 to the over in games against the NFC East and 6-3 to the over the past 2 seasons in October games. LA knows they can ill afford an 0-4 start and their offense will go full bore here but the Eagles offense won't be stopped either. The result? Shootout! 10* OVER the total in Los Angeles |
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10-01-17 | Braves v. Marlins OVER 9 | Top | 8-5 | Win | 100 | 4 h 1 m | Show |
Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play Sunday OVER the total in Miami Marlins vs Atlanta Braves @ 3:10 ET - Of course the big story here is Stanton going for his 60th home run and he will actually bat leadoff for the Marlins in this one to get as many plate appearances as possible. He and Miami have a good chance of success against Max Fried. The right-hander got roughed up by the Marlins two weeks ago and he has allowed 13 hits in the 9 innings spanning his last two starts. Miami counters with Jose Urena here and I know he has had a good season and been tough at home. However, this will be the 4th time in about 3 and 1/2 months that the Braves are facing him. Also, Urena did allow 6 earned runs in his most recent start and Atlanta has averaged 9.1 hits per game in their last 9 games against right-handed starters. The Marlins have been on a red hot run at the plate that continued with yesterday's 10-2 win as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game in their last 12 games. The Marlins have won 3 straight and the over is 10-5 when Miami is on a winning streak of 3 games or more this season. The Braves have now lost 6 straight and they're 19-11 to the over this season when on a losing streak of 3 games or more. Look for one more wild one involving the Marlins this afternoon as they help Stanton chase his 60th homer! 10* OVER the total in Miami |
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09-30-17 | Winnipeg v. Edmonton -155 | Top | 28-19 | Loss | -155 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
Money Line Game of the Month - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play Edmonton Eskimos (-) vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 9:30 ET - Have to lay a little extra juice to play the money line here rather than laying the 3 points. However, it is well worth the added value. As you saw last night if you followed the CFL scoring, Saskatchewan rallied for a win but they won the game by a single point. Edmonton is in a nice spot here as they are at home and off of a much-needed bye. Keep in mind, they started the season 7-0 but have since lost 5 straight games. If ever a team really needed a bye week it was the Eskimos! They have not lost 6 straight games since the 2013 season and I don't expect that to change here! Edmonton has revenge from a disappointing loss at Winnipeg that was part of their current 0-5 streak and the Eskimos are now rested and ready to go as they look to avenge that loss. Edmonton had won 18 of the 23 prior meetings at home and 4 of the last 5 overall. The Eskimos are 4-1 SU off of a bye week and 4-1 ATS (and 5-0 SU) when they are a home favorite of 3 points or less. The Blue Bombers, of course, have been playing very well but lets not forget that they are just 7-13 SU their last 20 games against teams with a winning record. Also, the last 33 times they've been an underdog they have lost 20 of 33. Look for that trend to continue here. Eskimos QB Mike Reilly still leads the CFL in passing yards and Reilly and Company are fired up and ready to go here after that much-needed bye week. 10* EDMONTON |
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09-30-17 | Clemson v. Virginia Tech +7.5 | Top | 31-17 | Loss | -115 | 21 h 10 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #194 Saturday 10* Top Play Virginia Tech Hokies (+) vs Clemson Tigers @ 8 ET - Virginia Tech has taken on a much easier schedule than Clemson but the Tigers schedule has been so tough that they could run out of gas here. Clemson is playing their 3rd tough game in a span of 4 weeks as the other tough match-ups were with Auburn and Louisville and now they take on a solid Virginia Tech team. The Hokies defense has settled in nicely after struggling versus West Virginia in the opener. Of course everyone is gunning for the Tigers this season and Virginia Tech is excited about this opportunity to host the defending national champs who, like the Hokies, are a perfect 4-0 this season. Clemson did give up over 400 yards in their only road game this season, at Louisville, and I feel this will be another tough test for the Tigers. Virginia Tech is loaded with confidence after their red hot start to this season and, of course, that makes them a very dangerous dog in this spot. The Hokies are 21-11 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 10 points and, within that number, they are also a perfect 4-0 ATS as a home dog of 3.5 to 7 points. The Tigers are an ugly 7-12 ATS as a road fave of 3.5 to 7 points. Keep in mind the Hokies have revenge from last season's ACC Championship Game loss to the Tigers and Clemson is without their kicker as he was lost for the season with an injury. The Tigers are on a 2-6 ATS run in conference action. The Hokies are on a 14-7 ATS run as a dog in conference action. 10* VIRGINIA TECH |
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09-30-17 | Oklahoma State v. Texas Tech OVER 84.5 | Top | 41-34 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 26 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Year - CFB Game #199/200: Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Oklahoma State Cowboys @ 8 PM ET - While this total is a huge number it is absolutely justified. These teams combined for 89 points last year and they combined for 123 points the year before. Both teams are averaging over 580 yards of offense per game so far this season. The Red Raiders only gave up 24 points at Houston last week but they were fortunate because of turnovers. The Cougars did total over 400 yards of offense. Keep in mind, Texas Tech did allow nearly 500 yards of offense (plus 45 points) the week before versus Arizona State. While the Red Raiders defense might be slightly improved this season, it still is far from being a top level defense and opposing QBs are completing 64% of their passes versus the Texas Tech D. Also, facing an offense like Oklahoma State's (one of the most dynamic in the country) is going to expose the weaknesses of the Red Raiders pass defense. Of course the flip side is that the Red Raiders unique offense is also difficult to prepare for and difficult to stop. Though they only scored 27 points last week that was an aberration because Texas Tech did gain over 500 yards. Oklahoma State allowed TCU 44 points on 466 yards last week. Certainly the Cowboys are fired up as a result but they truly are not a good team defensively. That means the way OSU responds off of a loss is by pounding the ball the other way! Their offense is going to attack, attack, and then attack some more. Remember that they scored 70 points the last time they were in Lubbock. Also remember that the Red Raiders have totaled 97 points in their last 2 games versus the Cowboys. Indeed this game should be a track meet and the weather looks good. The rain will have moved through and the winds will be light with nice, cool evening temperatures in Lubbock. The over went 8-2 the past two seasons when Texas Tech faced a team with a winning record. The over is on a 14-5 run the past 2+ seasons in Oklahoma State's games when they are favored. 10* OVER the total in Texas Tech in evening action Saturday. |
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09-30-17 | Astros v. Red Sox -105 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 3 h 37 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach MLB Saturday 10* Top Play Boston Red Sox Money Line (-) vs Houston Astros @ 1:05 ET - The Red Sox Drew Pomeranz had been rolling along prior to his last start. Even with that RARE ugly home outing for the Boston southpaw, the Red Sox are still 12-4 in his home starts this season and Pomeranz has compiled a solid 3.58 ERA in those outings. He has allowed just 1 earned run in each of his last two outings against the Astros and that includes a start earlier this season. Houston will have Lance McCullers on the mound for this one and he is still trying to find his rhythm after missing time with injury. Not only does have a 6.59 ERA in his last 3 starts overall, he also has not been able to pitch deep into games. McCullers gave up 5 earned runs in his most recent start at Boston. In his last two starts at Fenway Park he has allowed 14 hits in less than 10 innings of work. I look for more struggles from this afternoon. While the Astros still have some incentive (trying to catch the Indians for best record in baseball), the Red Sox are still trying to lock down the AL East and are highly motivated here. The Astros are only 21-23 plus DOWN $12,400 in their games against left-handed starters this season while the Red Sox are 43-25 and UP $12,000 when off of a loss this season. 10* BOSTON |
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09-29-17 | Dodgers v. Rockies +100 | Top | 1-9 | Win | 100 | 11 h 44 m | Show |
Money Line Game of the Month - Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* Top Play Colorado Rockies Money Line (+) vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 8:10 ET - The Rockies are still trying to clinch the 2nd wild card spot in the National League. The Dodgers are still hoping to clinch the home field edge over the Indians should they make the world series. That said, Los Angeles certainly isn't going to lay down here but I really like the pitching edge and the hunger factor for Colorado in this one. The Rockies have gotten back on track and won 4 of their last 6 and have averaged 8 runs per game in those 4 victories. The Dodgers have started to heat up again but this is still an LA team that has been on cruise control as they head toward the post-season and Los Angeles has lost 21 of their last 32 games overall. Hyun-Jin Ryu of the Dodgers took a line drive off of his throwing arm in his most recent start and may not be 100% here. The southpaw also is 0-3 versus the Rockies this season and each start has gotten progressively worse for him. Not only that, the lefty walked 6 batters and gave up 8 hits - all of this in just 4 innings - in his most recent start at Coors Field. Chad Bettis gets the call for Colorado here and he was solid in his most recent start versus the Dodgers three weeks ago. He did not walk any while allowed 6 hits but striking out 5 in his 5 innings of work. He's facing a Dodgers team that has struggled on the road with a money line in a pick'em range (-125 to +125) the last 3 seasons combined as LA is 32-50 (-$21,700). The Rockies are a solid 45-33 at home this season and +$13,900 versus left-handed starters on the year. Bettis, unlike most Rockies starters, actually has pitched better at home than on the road. Bettis has a 4.07 ERA in his 4 home starts this year. Also, last year he was 8-2 with a 4.44 ERA at home for the Rockies. The Rox are 12-2 in the last 14 home starts Bettis has made. 10* COLORADO |
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09-29-17 | Saskatchewan -3 v. Ottawa | Top | 18-17 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
Friday Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFL 10* Top Play Saskatchewan Roughriders (-) @ Ottawa Redblacks @ 7 ET - Even though the Redblacks have the rest edge (played Friday) over the Roughriders (played Sunday), Saskatchewan is a road favorite here with good reason. This is a key game in the playoff chase so the Roughriders will be ready to bounce back off of their loss and they are 3-1 this season against teams from the East. As for Ottawa, they've gone just 1-5-1 against teams from the West this season. The Redblacks have struggled with QB play as Trevor Harris has been hurt and his replacement, Ryan Lindley, struggled last week. The Roughriders have won 4 of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Also, Saskatchewan is 4-0 ATS when off of a loss in divisional action this season and 4-0 ATS in non-divisional games. I'll gladly test this double perfect situation Friday. 10* SASKATCHEWAN |
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09-28-17 | Tigers v. Royals OVER 8.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 1 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Thursday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kansas City Royals vs Detroit Tigers @ 8:15 ET - With "playoff pressure" now gone for the recently eliminated Royals, their bats have come to life. They scored 7 runs yesterday in a 7-4 win and I look for more of the same today. Of course the Tigers are on a long losing streak right now but that has not prevented them from being an "over machine" of late. With yesterday's game totaling 11 runs, the over is now 8-2-1 in Detroit's last 11 games. With Daniel Norris on the mound for the Tigers tonight, I expect those numbers to add another "over" by the time this one is in the books. Norris has a 10.94 ERA in his last 3 starts. Also, the Detroit southpaw has given up 10 earned runs in the 14 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Royals. Kansas City will have southpaw Danny Duffy on the mound in this one. The lefty has given up 11 earned runs in the 15 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Tigers. Although his overall numbers are good this season, he is not 100% healthy. This is just his 3rd start since returning from the DL and he allowed 8 hits in 6 innings versus the White Sox in his most recent start. The over is 6-1-1 in the 8 road starts Norris has made this season and the over is 12-6 this season in games between these teams. Also, the Tigers are on a 48-27 run to the over in September games and Detroit is 15-3 to the over in Thursday games this season. I'll take advantage of the downward move on this total too as that has opened up even more line value in this one. 10* OVER the total in Kansas City |
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09-27-17 | Blue Jays v. Red Sox OVER 9.5 | Top | 7-10 | Win | 105 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 7:10 ET - Though Boston's Rick Porcello has pitched better since the All-Star break he still certainly hasn't been great. He was hit at a .270 clip in August and a .279 clip in September. Also, on the season, Porcello has gone 7-12 with a 5.37 ERA night games while opponents have hit him at a .293 clip under the lights. The Blue Jays pounded him for 7 earned runs in 5 and 1/3 innings the last time they faced him and that was only 3 weeks ago. The Blue Jays Marco Estrada has been pitching well of late but he has allowed a career-high 30 homers this season. It will be a warm evening at Fenway Park with a light breeze blowing out as well. He has a 4.96 ERA on the road this season and a 4.89 ERA in night games this season. Estrada had a great start against the Red Sox earlier this month but he has been "up and down" in starts versus Boston in his career. Also, the Red Sox have averaged 5.7 runs per game in their last 14 games. The Blue Jays are 7-4 in their last 11 games and they've averaged 5.6 runs per game during this stretch! The Red Sox are 3-1 to the over the last 4 times they've been off of a loss. Look for the over to improve to 7-3 in the Blue Jays last 10 games as this one flies over the total. Both bullpens got a little "touched up" last night and that's a good sign for what to expect tonight after each of these starters get a little roughed up too! 10* OVER the total in Boston Wednesday evening |
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09-26-17 | Twins v. Indians OVER 9.5 | Top | 8-6 | Win | 100 | 25 h 35 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Triple Play - Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Minnesota Twins @ 7:10 ET - Not sure how much longer Bartolo Colon will be pitching at the MLB level but, while he still is, I want to continue to take advantage. Colon has a 13.09 ERA in his last 3 starts. Even when it "looked" like he was pitching better (August stats), he did get hit at a .292 clip for the month so he was basically a "fortunate" pitcher. That good fortune ran out this month as he is 0-4 with a 9.17 ERA in September. The Indians are still trying to lock up home field for the AL playoffs while the Twins are still trying to lock down a wild card spot so there is plenty to play for here. That said, the offenses are likely to rule in this one as Cleveland's Josh Tomlin has a 5.35 ERA at home this season. Even though he's allowed just 2 earned runs in each of his last 3 starts, he has allowed 13 hits in the 11 innings spanning his 2 most recent starts. The Twins are seeing Tomlin for the 4th time already this season and the repetition has paid off for Minnesota hitters as they really pounded him when they most recently faced him. The Twins have won 8 of their 13 games and they've averaged 6.5 runs during this hot stretch. Of course the Indians recently wrapped up an epic winning streak and they're at it again. They've won 7 of their last 8 and averaged 6 runs per game in the 7 victories. The over is 9-3 in Colon's last 12 road starts. I expect another crazy slugfest here. He gave up 3 homers in his last start versus the Tribe and he comes into this outing having given up a pair of homers in each of his last two starts. 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland |
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09-25-17 | Cowboys v. Cardinals +3.5 | Top | 28-17 | Loss | -120 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach Monday NFL 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (+) vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:30 ET - The Cardinals had a disappointing 7-8-1 season last year while the Cowboys went 13-3. The key though is that the breaks really seemed to go the way of Dallas last year in tight games while Arizona was at the other end of the spectrum. The result is line value in a spot like this because Dallas actually was ranked in the lower 3rd of the league for pass offense and pass defense last season. Now they come into this game off of a match-up where RB Ezekiel Elliott just couldn't get going last week and with an inability to establish the run it exposes the fact that QB Dak Prescott does not have a great arm for getting the ball downfield. As for the pass defense, the Cowboys have some injury issues in the secondary and this puts them at risk here. Arizona was actually a solid all-around team statistically last year with their offense ranking 9th in the league and their defense ranked 2nd! The point is that they deserved better than where their record ended up. Hence, the value here. Now, in week 1 they did fall apart at Detroit as turnovers ate them alive as the game went on. However, the ability to bounce back and win on the road last week (albeit in OT) was a big confidence-booster for the Cards. Speaking of confidence, Arizona has won 4 straight versus the 'Boys. This is the Cardinals home opener and they are 5-0 ATS their last 5 as a home dog in non-divisional action. Couple that with the 4-0 ATS mark in their last 4 versus Dallas and you have a 9-0, 100% PERFECT combined mark favoring the home dog Cards here. I won't be surprised to see them get the outright win in this one but certainly am happy to grab the generous points. 10* ARIZONA |
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09-25-17 | Nationals v. Phillies OVER 8.5 | Top | 3-1 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Nationals just clinched home field in the NLDS yesterday. However, I am also aware that Bryce Harper is coming back and even if he does not end up being in the lineup tonight, Washington is getting a boost with the good news that Harper is back. Ryan Zimmerman is also expected to be back in the lineup for the Nats Monday. Though they've clinched their playoff position these top hitters need to be in top form as the post-season approaches so don't be surprised if the Nationals are fielding a strong lineup tonight. Although Aaron Nola has been fantastic for the Phillies, he has given up 20 hits in his 16 and 1/3 innings versus Washington this season. Also, the Nationals are starting AJ Cole whom allowed 10 baserunners in 6 innings (6 hits and 4 walks) in his lone start at Philly this season. Also, when Cole faced the Phils last season he gave up 4 earned runs in 5 innings. The right-hander has a 1.74 WHIP in his road starts this season so his ERA away from home could easily be much higher than it is. The Phillies are off of a shutout win and in the 25 times they've been off of a shutout win the past 3 seasons combined, they've had just 9 unders. Odds makers had this total set at a 9 for a reason and the markets have pushed it down. I'll take advantage of the added value now being offered. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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09-24-17 | Raiders -3 v. Redskins | Top | 10-27 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 44 m | Show |
Sunday Night Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL 10* Top Play Oakland Raiders (-) @ Washington Redskins @ 8:30 ET - The Raiders showed a lot in their season opening win at Tennessee and then they were able to coast to a blowout win over the hapless Jets last week. That home win over the Jets certainly came much easier than what the Redskins went through last week. Not only did Washington have a tough divisional battle in Week 1 with the Eagles (and they lost badly and were outplayed significantly) they then had to go to battle with a Rams team in Los Angeles last week that was much tougher to "put away" then expected. The Redskins passing attack has not looked good this season whereas the Raiders overall offensive production has them ranked among the top teams in the league. Also, Oakland's aerial attack can take advantage of a Redskins pass defense that ranks among the worst in the league here in the early going this season. The Raiders are on a fantastic 13-3 ATS run in road games and QB Carr and WR Crabtree are proving to be a dangerous combo. Even though Oakland has a big divisional game on deck with Denver, they aren't going to overlook a Sunday Night game. Also, the Raiders are a "team on a mission" after getting ousted from the playoffs last season so quickly (because QB Carr had gotten hurt at the end of the regular season). Their "mission" continues Sunday night. 10* OAKLAND |
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09-24-17 | Angels v. Astros OVER 9 | Top | 7-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 17 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass Top Play - Rickenbach MLB 10* OVER the total in Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Angels @ 8:05 ET - The Astros Lance McCullers has not been healthy for some time now. He has only made one start since late July and it was not "smooth" to say the least. Overall, McCullers has an 8.40 ERA in his last 3 starts and, as he is trying to work out the kinks before the post-season I would not be surprised to see him struggle against a solid Angels lineup. While it is true that McCullers has been solid against the Angels in recent meetings, this situation is different with him "tuning up" for the post-season and truly not 100% healthy. As for the Los Angeles starter, Tyler Skaggs, he recently faced the Astros and enjoyed success. However, that start was at home and now he faces them in Houston and I look for the Astros to enjoy success in what is a quick "second look" at Skaggs. Note that the Angels southpaw is winless in his 7 road starts this season. The over is 17-5 in Astros Sunday games this season and I look for another one here. Even though Skaggs gave up just 2 earned runs in his most recent start he only struck out 1 while allowing 8 hits in just 5 and 1/3 innings. In other words, he was quite hittable and wasn't missing many bats. Look for more of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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09-24-17 | Bengals +8.5 v. Packers | Top | 24-27 | Win | 100 | 19 h 41 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bengals (+) @ Green Bay Packers @ 4:25 ET - Both teams are off of losses last week but, statistically, both were "right there" with their opponents even though the fell short on the scoreboard. That said, the difference is the Packers lost a very important game as they were seeking revenge against the Falcons for defeating them in the NFC Championship Game in January and preventing a Super Bowl trip for Green Bay. Though the Bengals are also off of a loss last week it wasn't nearly as "deflating" of a defeat and the fact is that Cincinnati, sitting at 0-2 on the season, comes into this one very hungry as a result. The Bengals defense has played well and the team as a whole hasn't played as bad as their results would indicate as they were done in by turnovers in Week 1 and then, in Week 2, they played out a "defensive struggle" with the Texans. Keep in mind the Packers were down by as much as 24 in their loss at Atlanta last week so they certainly did not impress overall. The Bengals are 5-1 ATS when they are off of a game where they held to less than 10 points. Also, Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS when they are a dog in the first of back to back road games. The Bengals do have another road game on deck next Sunday while the Packers are in a tough scheduling spot off of a big Sunday night game and with a Thursday night game on deck. 10* CINCINNATI plus the big points in late afternoon action Sunday |
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09-23-17 | UCLA v. Stanford OVER 58 | Top | 34-58 | Win | 100 | 30 h 52 m | Show |
Total of the Month - CFB Game #409/410: Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins @ 10:30 PM ET - UCLA is a perfect 3-0 to the over this season and their games have left no doubt either. All 3 games totaled at least 79 points and the Bruins offense has not been held below 45 points in any game. The weakness for UCLA, as you can see, is their defense. The Bruins allowed an average of 46 points per game in their games against Memphis and Texas A & M. The only game in which they didn't allow a big point total they still gave up over 500 yards - in their big win versus Hawaii. With all that said, the Bruins are unlikely to slow down a Stanford offense that is excited about their first home game of the season. The Cardinal O did struggle in their two road games this season but they faced a quality team (USC) and a quality defense (San Diego State). In their other game (neutral site) Stanford put up 62 points against Rice in Australia. The problem for the Cardinal this season is their defense is not what it once was. Their only challenging game in terms of facing a tough offense was against the Trojans and USC ripped them for over 600 yards. Not including bowls, the Cardinal were on a 5-0 run to the over prior to their loss versus the Aztecs last week which easily stayed under the total. Look for the over trend to resume here as both UCLA and Stanford rank among the top teams in the nation for yards per play on offense so far this season. This highly efficient offenses will be at their best here in a night game with beautiful weather. The last time these teams met in Stanford they combined for 91 points. The over is 8-4 in Stanford's games against teams with a winning record. The Bruins are averaging 564 yards per game this season but UCLA is also allowing 515.3 per game. This will prove to be a shootout as the Cardinal respond on offense after last week's ugly performance in the loss at San Diego State. 10* OVER the total in Stanford in late game west coast action Saturday. |
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09-23-17 | Hawaii v. Wyoming -4.5 | Top | 21-28 | Win | 100 | 27 h 56 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play CFB Game #364: Wyoming Cowboys (-) vs Hawaii Warriors @ 10:15 ET - Wyoming is getting some help from the weathermen here. Hawaii has been known to struggle in cold weather games. The Warriors just aren't used to it. Even though the calendar shows September, it's already going to be getting downright cold in Laramie, Wyoming Saturday night (Cowboys also helped by this being a night game). Temperatures will likely be in the low 40s at kickoff and could even drop into the 30s as the game goes on. Additionally it will be chilly due to a very cold rain falling and the Warriors were already at a disadvantage simply because of playing on the road and in high altitude. Hawaii relies on their offense to stay in games and I expect them to struggle in the unusual conditions. As for the Warriors defense, they have allowed over 400 yards in each of their three games and, keep in mind, that included a very bad Massachusetts team and Western Carolina - an FCS team. As for the Wyoming defense, they did struggle against Oregon (who doesn't?) but in their other two games they allowed an average of just 229 yards per game. Historically speaking, the Cowboys have won each of their last 4 times hosting Hawaii and Wyoming went 3-1 ATS in those games. Also, this is a conference game and the Cowboys are on a 10-6 ATS in conference action while the Warriors are on a 4-12 ATS run in conference games. Also, as a road dog of 3.5 to 7 points, Hawaii is a long-term 2-17 SU run and 5-14 ATS! The Cowboys have played the much tougher schedule and are just 1-2 on the season but the Warriors are on a 1-9 ATS run in their last 10 games against teams with a losing record. 10* WYOMING |
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09-23-17 | Rangers v. A's OVER 9.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -105 | 3 h 45 m | Show |
NOTE: Raul Alcantara now getting the start for Oakland. This is still a play for me and it still a 10* Top Play. Alcantara is 1-4 with an 8.03 ERA in his 11 MLB appearances including 7 starts. MLB hitters have hit .305 against him in his career and this year in the minors (AAA level) Alcantara was hit at a .273 clip and mostly worked out of the bullpen. He certainly fits the bill as an "emergency starter" whom I am happy to fade. Game on! Total Annihilation - Rickenbach Saturday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland A's vs Texas Rangers @ 9:05 ET - Sean Manaea gets the start for the A's. The Oakland southpaw has given up 10 runs (8 earned) on 17 hits in the 8 and 2/3 innings spanning his last two starts. Also, against the Rangers, Manaea has given up 13 runs (12 earned) in the 16 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus Texas. The Rangers will have a pitching "concern" of their own in this one as Miguel Gonzalez gets the start for Texas. The Rangers right-hander has given up 7 earned runs in 10 and 2/3 innings spanning his two starts at Oakland in his career. Also, Gonzalez has a 10.45 ERA and a 1.94 WHIP in his last 3 starts. Yesterday's game easily stayed under the total but the over had been 6-1 in Oakland's last 7 home games. The fact is that the A's have been hitting the ball very well at home. The Athletics have won 6 straight home games and they've averaged scoring 8 runs per game in their 8 home games this month! The over is 44-29 in Oakland's home games this season. Also, when off of a win, the A's are 42-26 to the over this season! 10* OVER the total in Oakland |
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09-23-17 | Montreal +7.5 v. Toronto | Top | 19-33 | Loss | -125 | 11 h 12 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play Montreal Alouettes (+) @ Toronto Argonauts @ 7 ET - I successfully played against Montreal last week as they had just made some wholesale coaching staff changes. This week I'll come back and play on the Alouettes as things have now settled down some within the organization and I look for Montreal to be "back in business" this week. With the mediocrity of the East division (and the fact Ottawa lost last night), there is plenty of incentive for both these teams as there are only 5 points in the standings separating worst from first in the East. Montreal is looking to avenge an embarrassing 38 to 6 loss at Toronto last month. In their prior meeting with the Argonauts this season (week prior to the ugly loss), the Alouettes had won 21 to 9. Though the Als are winless on the road this one has the looks of an upset, especially with the Argos off of a big home win versus Edmonton last week. Also, the Als have played well as a sizable dog and I look for them to improve to 4-2 ATS this season (and 11-7 ATS the L3 seasons combined) when they're a dog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Also, Montreal is 4-1 ATS in Saturday games the L3 seasons combined. The Argonauts are on a 6-16 ATS run in home games and are over-priced here. 10* MONTREAL |
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09-22-17 | Ottawa +7.5 v. Winnipeg | Top | 9-29 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Top Play Ottawa Redblacks (+) @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 8 ET - On the one hand, Winnipeg has a scheduling advantage since they are off of their bye week and Ottawa just played on Sunday. However, on the other hand, they truly are in a bit of a tough scheduling situation here as the Blue Bombers have a huge divisional game with Edmonton on deck while the Redblacks have another non-divisional match-up next week. Couple that with the fact that Ottawa is trying to hang on to the first place spot in the East Division and you truly have some solid line value here with the Redblacks plus the big points. With Trevor Harris already out with injury and Drew Tate likely to dress but not start in this one, the QB spot certainly could be questionable for Ottawa Friday. However, Ryan Lindley is likely to get the start and he had a solid college career at San Diego State and then even played a few seasons in the NFL. Lindley will be ready to go here and it helps having some time to prepare as the #1 guy like he was able to this week unlike last week when Tate got the start and Lindley only came in because of the Tate injury. The Blue Bombers went 1-3 (both SU and ATS) when off of a bye week the past two seasons and also went 3-7 ATS when, after the midway point of the season, they faced a team with a losing record. The Redblacks, when playing with 6 or less days of rest, are 18-7 ATS. Also, Ottawa is on an 18-5 ATS run in road games and a 22-6 ATS run as an underdog. Combining these ATS records with the "go against" ATS records of Winnipeg, the Redblacks are a "play on" team here at an ATS factor that combines for a 68-22 (76%) Run! 10* OTTAWA |
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09-22-17 | Virginia +13 v. Boise State | Top | 42-23 | Win | 100 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
TV Game of the Week - Rickenbach Friday CFB 10* Top Play Virginia Cavaliers (+) @ Boise State Broncos @ 8 ET - The Broncos were actually outgained in last week's win over New Mexico and they failed to cover in the 28-14 win. Boise State returned only 9 starters coming into this season and, even though QB Brett Rypien is probable for this game, he has not been overly impressive early this season. That said, I feel the Broncos are overpriced here. Overall, this team has failed to cover 11 straight home games. You read that right, it is an 0-11 ATS run for Boise State on the Blue FieldTurf at Albertsons Stadium. Even when Boise State has played back to back home games it hasn't helped either as they are on a long-term run of 1-8 ATS in the 2nd game of back to back home games. Also, as a weekday home fave of more than 7 points, the Broncos are on an 0-8 ATS run! Boise State has a bye on deck but then they face BYU. The Broncos are on an 0-4 ATS run in their games that precede facing the Cougars. Ironically, Brigham Young is a "tie-in" feature here as it relates to this match-up with Virginia. That's because Cavaliers head coach Bronco Mendenhall used to coach BYU so he has plenty of familiarity with the Boise State program. Prior to Mendenhall coming to the Cavs, they were blown out at home (56-14) by the Broncos in 2015. Certainly the Cavaliers are looking to avenge that embarrassing home loss and Virginia is 6-1 ATS when playing with revenge against an opponent with a winning record. Both these teams come into this game having gone 2-1 this season and both have a bye on deck. While an upset is asking a lot I certainly do expect the revenge-minded Cavs to stay within single digits of the Broncos in this one! Boise State is averaging only 340.7 yards of offense per game this season and the Cavaliers passing offense alone is averaging 325 yards per game this season. Coming off of a confidence-building win by a huge margin over Connecticut last week, the Cavs are a very dangerous dog here. 10* VIRGINIA |
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09-22-17 | Yankees v. Blue Jays OVER 8.5 | Top | 1-8 | Win | 100 | 9 h 59 m | Show |
Contrarian Game of the Year - Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees @ 7:05 ET - This is a contrarian play because, on the surface, this would appear to have potential to be a pitchers duel. Of course that is also why this total dropped from a 9 to an 8.5 which is also why there is exceptional line value on the over in this one. The Yankees are sending Masahiro Tanaka to the mound. The over is 10-4 in his road starts this season as Tanaka has compiled a 6.14 ERA away from home. Tanaka's most recent start at Toronto, early last month, saw him walk 5 in just 4 innings of work as his road struggles continued. Tanaka also has given up 3 homers in his last 3 starts against the Blue Jays and he enters this start having allowed 3 homers in his last 2 starts overall. The Jays got shutout yesterday and the over is 3-1 the last 4 times that Toronto has been held to 1 run or less in their prior game. Also, the Blue Jays had averaged 6 runs per game in their last 4 games prior to yesterday's tough day at the plate. The Jays will send Marco Estrada to the mound for this one. The Toronto right-hander had a strong outing when he last faced the Yankees but, in his two prior starts versus the Yanks (also this season), he allowed a total of 13 earned runs in just 8 and 1/3 innings. New York got to him for a pair of homers in each of those starts. Also, Estrada enters this start having allowed 3 homers in his last 3 starts. The Yankees sticks are heating up again as they've won 10 of their last 12 games. The Yanks have averaged scoring 7 runs per game in their last 11 games! Estrada has hit a recent "under" stretch in his last 3 starts but, prior to that, the Blue Jays were 11-4 to the over in his 15 prior starts and now Estrada is facing a lineup that has given him some problems this season! Of course that is why the Yankees are priced significantly as a road favorite here and note that the over is 34-21 the last 55 times the Yanks have been a road fave in the -125 to -175 range. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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09-21-17 | Twins v. Tigers OVER 10 | Top | 12-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach Thursday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Tigers vs Minnesota Twins @ 7:10 ET - The Tigers Jordan Zimmerman has given up 30 hits in 15 innings while compiling a 9.00 ERA in his last 3 starts. The Twins Adalberto Mejia has allowed 19 hits in 10 innings while compiling a 9.00 ERA in his last 3 starts. Also, Zimmerman has a 13.11 ERA in his 3 starts versus Minnesota this season. As you would expect, all 3 of those starts went over the total. Also, the over was 4-0 in Detroit's 4 games prior to yesterday's low-scoring match-up with Oakland. The over is 14-3 this season in Tigers Thursday games. Detroit is also 43-23 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more. The Twins are on a long-term run of 120-83 to the over in their games against teams with a losing record. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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09-21-17 | Indians v. Angels +118 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Day Game - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play Los Angeles Angels Money Line (+) vs Cleveland Indians @ 4:05 ET - The Indians have been so hot that, of course, it may seem "crazy" to go against them but there is a key pitching edge here. Not only do we have home field edge here we've also got an Angels team that has gone 15-2 in Parker Bridwell's starts this season. Another edge here is the fact that Bridwell has never started against the Indians. That said, Cleveland's lineup lacks familiarity with him. The Angels have seen plenty of Danny Salazar, although not this season, and the Indians right-hander comes into this one struggling. Salazar has given up 10 earned runs in 5 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 2 starts! The only loss the Indians have over the last 4 weeks came with Salazar on the mound and I expect another one here. As for Bridwell, the Angels have won 12 of his last 13 starts! LA has lost 3 straight but they are 9-3 this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 games or more and I love the home dog value here. 10* LOS ANGELES ANGELS money line |
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09-20-17 | Cubs v. Rays +125 | Top | 1-8 | Win | 125 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Rays Money Line (+) vs Chicago Cubs @ 7:10 ET - The Rays will be facing a left-handed starter for the 3rd straight game and 8th time in 11 games! Before struggling against Montgomery last night, the Rays did have 30 hits total in their 3 prior games against a left-handed starter. The repetition will pay off as repetition generally leads to success. The fact that the Cubs Jon Lester has struggled some recently certainly increased the likelihood that the analogy holds true here. The Chicago southpaw has walked 4 in each of his past two starts as he has struggled with command of his pitches and, overall, has struggled with efficiency. Prior to these two outings, Lester's last 5 starts had seen him compile a 7.71 ERA. Though their chances are certainly slim, the Rays are still mathematically alive in the wild card race and they're not going to stop fighting. I like the fact that they have Blake Snell on the mound for this one. Snell is 3-1 with a 3.75 ERA since the All Star break. He has held hitters to a .233 batting average in those 11 starts. Also, the Rays southpaw has had just one bad start in his last 5 outings. In the other 4 starts Snell allowed a total of only 3 earned runs. TB is 6-2 in his last 8 starts. Even with yesterday's win, the Cubs are still just 9-13 in road games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs this season. Grab the home dog with the starting pitcher whom is in better current form. 10* TAMPA BAY |
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09-20-17 | Cardinals v. Reds OVER 9.5 | Top | 9-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals @ 7:10 ET - With last night's extra innings 8-7 Cardinals win, St Louis has averaged 7.8 runs per game in their last 5 games versus the Reds. The issue tonight for the Cards won't be their bats though. What will surprise some people is that the Cardinals Luke Weaver is likely to struggle. Don't get me wrong, the young hurler's performance has been solid this season no doubt. However, the key here is a little bit of a hidden nugget. He's facing the Reds for the 2nd time in a week and the significance in that is that when teams get a second look at a young, inexperience pitcher it often goes much differently in round 2 than it did in round 1. For Weaver, the 2nd time he faced Milwaukee this season he gave up 8 hits in 5 and 2/3 innings and the second time he faced Pittsburgh he gave up 7 hits in 5 and 2/3 innings. As you can see, there is plenty of reason to believe that the Reds will have a bit of a "hit parade" versus the Cardinals young pitcher tonight. I know his numbers are great this season but those numbers above don't lie and this is still a guy who went 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA in his rookie season last year. As for Reds starter Rookie Davis, he is 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA in his 5 starts at the MLB level this season. Even at the minor league level he was not impressive as he got hit at a .282 clip. With the Reds he has been hit at a .367 clip. You can see why I am expecting a slugfest in this one. 10* OVER in Cincinnati |
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09-19-17 | Cardinals v. Reds OVER 9.5 | Top | 8-7 | Win | 100 | 14 h 36 m | Show |
Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs St Louis Cardinals @ 7:10 ET - The Reds are starting Jackson Stephens in this one. It will be his 2nd big league start and he allowed 3 earned runs in 5 innings against the Cubs in July in his only other MLB start. Though he has been pitching out of the bullpen (3 September appearances) and has had some success, there are a couple of keys as to why he is likely to get pounded here. One is that he just faced the Cardinals for 3 innings out of the bullpen last week. They'll now take advantage of getting a quick second look for him. Another edge for the Cards at the plate here is the simple fact that Stephens minor league numbers tell the full story. This season was his first above the AA level and he got rocked quite often. Stephens ended up with a 7-10 record, 4.92 ERA, and AAA hitters got to him to the tune of a .281 batting average against! The Cardinals are fighting to stay alive in the Wild Card race and they'll give him trouble here. As for the Cards starter, Jack Flaherty gets the call. He is winless with a 6.08 ERA in his 3 MLB starts and the most recent one was against Cincinnati. The Reds got to Flaherty for 3 earned runs in just 4 and 1/3 innings and now they get a quick second look at him. This time its at home where they are very dangerous at the plate. Flaherty has already thrown a lot of innings this season and this is the first year he has pitched above the single A level in the minors. Look for the Reds to jump all over him in this one. The over is 9-5 in Cincinnati's games after a day off. Also, the Reds are 15-4 to the over in Tuesday games this season. St Louis is 13-7 to the over when playing after a day off and the Cards are a solid 28-19 to the over in road games where the money line ranges from -125 to +125 for St Louis. 10* OVER the total in Cincinnati |
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09-18-17 | Lions +3 v. Giants | Top | 24-10 | Win | 105 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
Monday Night Top Play - Rickenbach NFL 10* Detroit Lions (+) @ New York Giants @ 8:30 ET - Not only are the Giants off of a divisional loss (at Dallas), they have a another divisional match-up (at Philadelphia) on deck. This is significant as the Giants are on a 3-7 ATS run in games that precede a divisional match-up. New York, has played 18 games (including one playoff game) since Ben McAdoo took over as head coach. They've gone 9-8-1 SU in those 18 games but have averaged just 18 points per game! In their last 7 games, the Giants have averaged just 13.6 points per game. It's hard to cover any type of spread as a favorite when you're not scoring points and, even if Odell Beckham Jr returns tonight, he's not 100% and he's also not necessarily going to be a magical elixir for the struggling Giants offense. Their long-term numbers tell the real story and I look for their struggles scoring points to continue. On the other side of the equation here, the Lions are off of a big season-opening win over the Cardinals and the way they rallied from a 3rd quarter deficit and then turned it into a blowout victory gives them plenty of momentum heading into this game. Also, Detroit is playing this game with revenge as they lost at New York in a late season match-up last year. That is significant here because the Lions are on an 8-1 ATS run when they are a road dog of less than 6 points and they are playing with revenge. Detroit was done in by turnovers in the loss at New York last year as the Lions did outgain the Giants in the 17-6 defeat. Payback time here. 10* DETROIT |
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09-18-17 | Mets v. Marlins OVER 8.5 | Top | 1-13 | Win | 100 | 8 h 59 m | Show |
Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Miami Marlins vs New York Mets @ 7:10 ET - A game between two teams out of playoff contention and two struggling starting pitchers matched up. I love these types of late season match-ups for overs and this one looks like a beauty. The Mets Matt Harvey has given up 18 hits in less than 10 innings of work spanning his last two starts versus the Marlins. The New York right-hander enters this start with a 12.20 ERA in the month of September and Harvey has been absolutely crushed in his two road starts. As for the Marlins Daniel Straily, he also is having a very rough time. Straily is 2-5 with a 5.74 ERA since the All-Star break. Also, the Miami right-hander has an 8.44 ERA in September and has allowed 29 hits in the 16 innings spanning his 3 starts this month. The over is 19-5 in Mets road games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs this season. The over is 7-0 in the Marlins last 8 games (one push in there) and I look for their over streak to reach a perfect 8-0 here! 10* OVER the total in Miami |
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09-17-17 | Packers v. Falcons UNDER 56.5 | Top | 23-34 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 1 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play UNDER the total in Atlanta Falcons vs Green Bay Packers @ 8:30 ET - While it is true that recent meetings between these teams have been wild, high-scoring shootouts (each of the last two totaling 65 points), the Packers defense is certainly in much better shape than they were when they had to face the Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in January. That is likely to key an under in this spot. This line was in the low 50s earlier this week but everyone sees Aaron Rodgers vs Matt Ryan and they see the recent point totals when these guys have matched up and everyone jumps on the over. The result is that this O/U has gone all the way up to a 56.5 and that offers great value to the under. The Packers secondary is like "night and day" compared to the end of last season when they faced the Falcons. Also, I look for a huge effort from Atlanta's defense as they open up their new home stadium on Sunday night. The Falcons D also could be helped because the Packers are still a little banged up along the offensive line. Note that Atlanta allowed only 301 yards in their road win last week and Green Bay allowed only 225 yards in their win over the Seahawks. The Packers were solid in run defense last season and now, with a healthy secondary, they will do a much better job against the Falcons prolific passing attack here. As for the Falcons defense, they shut out GB in the entire first half in the NFC Championship Game and, like the Pack, they are also healthy here. 10* UNDER the total in Atlanta |
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09-17-17 | Redskins +3 v. Rams | Top | 27-20 | Win | 100 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Washington Redskins (+) @ Los Angeles Rams @ 4:25 ET - You'll be hard pressed to find a more value-filled situation than this one. The Rams are off of a huge win last week and now are getting a ton of respect from the betting markets in this one. I'd like to take this moment to remind everyone that Los Angeles was 4-12 last season and let's talk about the Colts team they just beat. Indianapolis was without QB Andrew Luck and the Colts defense was one of the worst in the league last season. Certainly the Rams benefited from Indy turnovers in that game just like the Redskins were hurt by turnovers in their loss to the Eagles last week. By the way, Philadelphia is certainly viewed as a team with playoff potential this season while the Colts (without Luck) are viewed as a team that is arguably going to be the worst team in the league this year. With that said, Washington's loss to Philly gives them huge motivation here while the Rams have a false sense of confidence after crushing a Colts team that is a mess right now. Keep in mind Los Angeles has still covered only 2 of their last 13 games while the Redskins are on a 14-6 ATS after last week's home loss. Last year the Rams defense was one of the worst in the league (including against the pass) and they now face a Redskins passing attack that was one of the best in the league last season. Look for Washington QB Kirk Cousins to bounce back with a huge effort this week. By the way, Los Angeles does have their divisional opener on deck and it is a Thursday game! Tough spot for the Rams here and the Redskins are angry! 10* WASHINGTON |
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09-17-17 | Ottawa -118 v. Montreal | Top | 29-11 | Win | 100 | 3 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach Sunday CFL 10* Ottawa Redblacks (-) @ Montreal Alouettes @ 1 ET - For Montreal, it was interesting that along with head coach Jacques Chapdelaine it was also Defensive Coordinator Noel Thorpe that was sent packing heading into this game. Much of the Als problem this season has been an anemic offense and now I expect the defense of Montreal could be in disarray after losing their DC. Though the offense of the Alouettes is certainly going to make up for scoring just 4 points the last time they met the Redblacks, they won't have enough to keep up with Ottawa here. Look for Redblacks QB Drew Tate (former Calgary Stampeder) to make the most of his opportunity filling in for the injured Trevor Harris. This line moved down some as the week went on and the value is with the the Redblacks now available at a "pick 'em" price after opening up as a 3 point favorite. Montreal has only won 1 of their 4 divisional games this season. Ottawa, prior to last week's loss, had been on a 3-game winning streak. Look for the defending Grey Cup Champs to move back into first place in the East by getting back on track early Sunday on the road. The Redblacks are on an 8-1 ATS run when playing on a Sunday plus they are 4-0 ATS when they are a road fave of 3 points or less. Montreal is on a 1-8 ATS run as a home dog of 3 points or less. That means we have combined trends of 20-2 (91%) favoring the road team in this one! I'll take it! 10* OTTAWA |
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09-16-17 | Clemson v. Louisville +3.5 | Top | 47-21 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 48 m | Show |
Game of the Week Top Play - Rickenbach CFB 10* Saturday Game #148 - Louisville Cardinals (+) vs Clemson Tigers @ 8 ET - Clemson, reigning national champs, gets a ton of respect from the betting markets. Of course when you're coming off of a championship season you should but the fact is that the Tigers lost a ton of talent from last year's team. A QB who threw for over 4,000 yards plus a running back who ran for over 1,000 yards and a receiver who had more than 1,000 yards gained on receptions last season. Certainly this is still a very talented team but they did lose a lot of starters from last year's squad. Of course those "holes" haven't showed up yet but as they now face a conference foe that is ultra talented and gunning for them, I think you'll see it first-hand today! The Cardinals have the edge as their defense, just like Clemson, is fantastic but Louisville has the extra edge at QB. Of course former Tiger Deshaun Watson is now in the NFL but the Cards Lamar Jackson is still at the collegiate level wrecking havoc on defenses. He will be the difference maker here. The Cardinals are on a 7-1 ATS run when they are an underdog of less than 6 points. Considering the big posted total here, the odds makers expect quite a bit of scoring. The Tigers are on a 5-10 ATS run long-term in road games with a posted total between 56.5 and 63 points. The fact that two high quality defenses are matched up and yet a big total is posted here tells you that some big plays are going to be made here. When all is said and done I certainly like the revenge-minded Cardinals and ultra-talented Jackson to be the ones making more of those big plays on offense! The Tigers offense is still adjusting after losing key talent from last year. 10* LOUISVILLE |
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09-16-17 | A's v. Phillies -103 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Ugly Beauty Top Play - Rickenbach Saturday MLB 10* Philadelphia Phillies Money Line (-) vs Oakland A's @ 7:05 ET - What is an ugly beauty? Well the fact is that this is a beautiful situation but the game appears so ugly on the surface that no one will be paying attention to it. This is especially true on a football Saturday. An MLB match-up involving the worst road team against the worst home team is simply not going to get attention today and yet the value is there in a big way. The Phillies Ben Lively has a 2.57 ERA in his last 3 starts as he is making a case for next year's rotation. His low ERA is certainly no fluke as all 3 outings were away from home and yet he allowed only 16 hits in 21 innings of work while recording a solid 16 strikeouts. Lively should certainly outduel a struggling Kendall Graveman here. The A's right-hander has a 5.62 ERA in his last 3 starts. Also, Oakland has gone 1-6 in his road starts this season as Graveman has compiled a 6.75 ERA in his 7 starts away from home. Oakland got a rare road win yesterday but the Phillies had won 3 straight and 4 of their last 5 before being shutout yesterday. The A's are still just 23-49 in road games this season and the Phillies are 4 games above .500 the past 3 seasons combined when they are at home with a money line ranging from -125 to +125. Look for another big W here as Lively stays hot and the Phils bats get right back on track (had averaged 7.3 runs per game in their 6 games prior to the shutout). 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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09-16-17 | BC +10 v. Calgary | Top | 13-27 | Loss | -120 | 9 h 13 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* BC Lions (+) @ Calgary Stampeders @ 7 ET - The Stampeders are on a fantastic winning streak. However, they are very banged up at receiver. Also, they're facing a very physical Lions team that has their eyes set on revenge here. BC lost at home to Calgary last month in a tight game. BC also got embarrassed by the Stamps in last year's post-season. That said, this is a big game for the Lions and I like getting the big points. This is especially true with Calgary missing some key talent at the receiver spot. I don't necessarily expect the Lions to get the outright win here but certainly they should keep this one to a TD or less. For the 4th time in the last 6 meetings, look for this one to be decided by 4 points or less. Lions QB Jonathan Jennings made an impressive return to the lineup last week for the injury Travis Lulay. British Columbia is an impressive 55-29 ATS long-term as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points. Grab the big points here! 10* BC LIONS early Saturday evening |
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09-16-17 | Air Force v. Michigan OVER 50 | Top | 13-29 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - NCAAF Game #119/120: Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Michigan Wolverines vs Air Force Falcons @ NOON ET - Air Force never scored less than 27 points last season. The Falcons are a 23 point dog here. Does that mean we should expect no less than a 50-27 Michigan win here? Of course not necessarily but you get my point. Air Force can score some points and the Wolverines are certainly a large favorite with good reason. What I like so much about the low total on this game is the fact that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh doesn't have experience against the option. Having talent, size, depth and similar edges like that certainly all matter in football but lack of experience against the option has been a problem for many in the past and it will continue to present an issue for even the most talented of defenses. The point is that the Falcons will move the ball surprisingly well at times in this game and I expect the Wolverine D to take some time to adjust. Keep in mind that Air Force had a bye last week so they'll be geared up and ready to go here. The issue for the Falcons is that their defense is certainly vulnerable to the size, speed, and talent of the Wolverines offense. Air Force has been a respectable team the last 3 seasons but when they are over-matched and lose it has a lot do with giving up huge points. In fact, in their last 11 losses under coach Troy Calhoun, they've allowed an average of 37.6 points per game! Their last 6 losses have seen them give up an average of 40.5 points per game. Michigan's offense hasn't really had that breakout game yet but this is likely to be the day for the Wolverines! The Falcons defense returned only ONE starter from last year's squad and they now go from facing VMI in their opener to facing Michigan! The Wolverines offense is going to have a "field day" today but look for the Falcons option attack to keep the Wolverines defense a little off balance as well. The result should be a 42-21 type game here. 10* OVER the total in Michigan very EARLY Saturday. |
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09-15-17 | A's v. Phillies OVER 9.5 | Top | 4-0 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs Oakland A's @ 7:05 ET - The Phillies, led by slugger Rhys Hoskins, have been knocking the cover off of the ball of late. With their 10-0 win last night, there have been just 3 unders in the Phillies last 12 games. Philadelphia has reached double digits in hits in 8 of those 12 games and they've averaged scoring 6.5 runs per game during this solid stretch of work at the plate. The A's have gone 9-2-1 to the over in their last 12 games. Oakland has scored 7 runs or more in 7 of its last 10 games. The A's are starting Daniel Mengden here and he has a 7.07 ERA in his 3 starts this season. The Phillies are starting Mark Leiter and he has given up 24 hits in his last 16 innings. Also he has allowed a total of 4 homers in his last two starts. The over is 34-17 in Phillies inter-league games the past 3 seasons combined. The over is 40-23 in Oakland's September games the past 2+ seasons. Look for more of the same here as both these teams are just playing for pride at this point and that means a very relaxed approach at the plate and that has led to big success for both of these lineups of late. That continues Friday. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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09-15-17 | Cardinals v. Cubs OVER 8.5 | Top | 2-8 | Win | 100 | 4 h 49 m | Show |
Network Top Play - Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* OVER the total in Chicago Cubs vs St Louis Cardinals @ 2:20 ET - The wind will be blowing out at Wrigley Field this afternoon and temperatures will be very warm for mid-September in Chicago. The fact that two respectable pitchers (John Lackey and Carlos Martinez) take the mound for this one helped to keep the opening total lower than it should be. This line opened up at an 8.5 but many signs point to a slugfest here. The Cardinals are 10-3 this month and have averaged scoring 6.4 runs per game in those 10 wins. The Cubs are heating up again and have been on fire at the plate which helped lead the way to a 3-game sweep of the Mets which wrapped up yesterday. The Cubs have averaged 9.1 runs per game in their 7 wins this month. The Cards Martinez gave up 10 hits in 6 innings in his most recent start at Wrigley Field. The Cubs Lackey is off of back to back solid starts but prior to that had back to back rough outings that saw him allow 10 earned runs in 10 innings spanning two starts! The over is 3-0 in the Cubs last 3 games and I expect another slugfest at Wrigley this afternoon. 10* OVER the total in the Chicago Cubs game |
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09-14-17 | Reds v. Cardinals -1.5 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 3 h 54 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play St Louis Cardinals Run Line -1.5 runs (-115) vs Cincinnati Reds @ 1:45 ET - The Cardinals got embarrassed 6-0 yesterday at home but had previously won 10 of their 12 prior games. Also, the average margin of victory in those 10 wins was 4 runs! 9 of the 10 W's came by at least 2 runs and that is why I am totally comfortable in laying the 1.5 runs here in a game the Cards should win easily as they have a decided pitching edge with Luke Weaver over Amir Garrett. The Cardinals right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his 6 starts. The Reds left-hander is 3-7 with a 7.39 ERA in his 13 starts this season. Of the Reds last 8 losses, all have come by 2 runs or more and will Cincy lose here? Well, they're 2-10 this season as a road dog of +175 to +250 so I would say a loss is quite likely! As for the Cardinals, they are 11-5 this season as a home fave of -175 to -250. Also, the Cards are 4-1 this season when off of a shutout loss. They'll respond HUGE here and I am happy to lay the -1.5 runs and look for a blowout win here. 10* ST LOUIS CARDINALS Run Line |
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09-13-17 | A's v. Red Sox OVER 9.5 | Top | 7-3 | Win | 100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics @ 7:10 ET - Doug Fister is only 3-5 with a 4.17 ERA in his home starts this season. Also, he has been hit 84 points higher at home compared to on the road this season. Lefties have hit 108 points higher than righties against Fister and the A's will certainly have a few lefties and/or switch-hitters in their lineup ready to do some damage here. Oakland's starter Jharel Cotton is likely to see his struggles continue. He is 1-7 with a 8.00 ERA in his night games this season with opponents hitting an insane .341 against him in those outings. Boston scored 11 runs in yesterday's win and they've now scored 6 runs or more in 4 of their last 5 games. Though Oakland was shutdown at the plate yesterday, they previously had scored 7 runs or more in 6 of their last 7 games. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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09-13-17 | White Sox +140 v. Royals | Top | 5-3 | Win | 140 | 7 h 40 m | Show |
Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play Chicago White Sox Money Line (+) @ Kansas City @ 2:15 ET - The White Sox are hitting .281 against left-handed pitching on the season. That is good for the #2 spot out of all 30 MLB teams! They should pound Eric Skoglund here. The Royals southpaw is 1-2 with a 10.29 ERA in his 5 appearances (4 starts) this season and opponents have hit .377 against him. The ChiSox did have 13 hits yesterday but only scored 3 runs. They'll make up for that today. As for the Royals they had 4 runs but only 4 hits yesterday and all 4 runs came in the first. It was an ugly day for KC and one in which they were fortunate to hang on for the win considering how poor their day was at the plate after putting up a crooked number in the first inning. The Royals are likely to struggle again here as Chicago Lucas Giolito has a 2.84 ERA and has held hitters to minuscule .169 batting average in his 6 appearances (4 starts) this season. The right-hander has been particular sharp in day games where he has allowed just 1 earned run only 6 hits in 14 stellar innings of work. More of the same here as the competitive Giolito and his White Sox teammates look to play the role of "spoiler" here and dampen the Royals playoff chances. Great underdog price in this one. 10* CHICAGO WHITE SOX money line |
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09-12-17 | A's v. Red Sox OVER 9 | Top | 1-11 | Win | 100 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Red Sox vs Oakland A's @ 7:10 ET - The over is on a 12-3 run in Oakland's last 15 games. The A's have averaged scoring 8.6 runs per game in their last 9 games as their lineup has been red hot. The Red Sox are off of a 4-1 loss but previously had won 3 straight games and scored an average of 8 runs per game. Both these teams were off yesterday and the over is 10-3 this season in Boston games when they're playing after a day off. The A's are 39-22 to the over when playing after a win, 39-24 to the over when facing a team with a winning record, and 14-6 to the over in Tuesday games. The Red Sox are 13-7 to the over in Tuesday games this season. Boston will have Eduardo Rodriguez on the mound and he has a 6.11 ERA in his last 3 starts. Oakland will have Sean Manaea on the mound and he has an 11.73 ERA in his 2 starts versus the Red Sox in his career and that includes getting crushed at Fenway Park. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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09-12-17 | Braves v. Nationals OVER 8.5 | Top | 8-0 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves @ 7:05 ET - Not many will want the over here because Gio Gonzalez has been pitching very well. However, he's off of a big win against his hometown team (Miami) and has been known for success against the Marlins. However, the same can not be said about the Braves. Look for a letdown here from Gonzalez and the fact is that Atlanta has got to him for 13 earned runs in the 16 innings spanning his last 3 starts versus the Braves. Also, Atlanta comes into this one swinging the bats quite well as they've averaged scoring 6 runs per game in their last 9 games and the over has gone 6-2-1 in these 9 games. As for the Nationals, they are one of the top hitting teams in the majors and the Braves Julio Teheran has a 4.50 ERA versus the Nats this season. Washington is 6-1 their last 7 games and they've averaged scoring 5.6 runs per game during this solid stretch. The over is a long-term 42-25 when the Nationals are a home favorite in a price range of -175 to -250. The over is 27-12 this season when the Braves are a road dog of +125 or more. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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09-11-17 | Tigers v. Indians OVER 8.5 | Top | 0-11 | Win | 100 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Indians vs Detroit Tigers @ 7:10 ET - The Tigers are starting Myles Jaye. He has limited MLB experience and it's been out of the bullpen. This season he has mostly pitched at AA and AAA in the minors. Now he takes a major step up in competition to make his first ever start at the MLB level. He got hit at a .270 clip at the AA level this season and a .298 clip at the AAA level so I don't expect him to enjoy success against the hottest team in the majors. The Indians have won 18 straight and should pound Jaye in this one. However, don't be surprised if Carlos Carrasco gets a little "touched up" here too! He has been phenomenal of late but has thrown a lot of pitches in his last two starts. This season, the games where Carrasco has ended up getting hit harder than usual have come after he has thrown a lot of pitches in his two prior starts. That is the case here and I expect the Tigers to do some damage in this one while the Tribe certainly should rough up Jaye early and often. The over is a long-term 52-26 in Detroit's road games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs. The over is also a perfect 6-0 in Carrasco's last 6 home starts. I am happy to test that 6-0, 100% mark with a Top Play in this one! 10* OVER the total in Cleveland |
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09-10-17 | Giants +4 v. Cowboys | Top | 3-19 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 23 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach Sunday NFL 10* Top Play New York Giants (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 8:30 ET - Are you ready for the sophomore slump? Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott had great rookie campaigns for the Cowboys last season but Dallas finished the season on a 1-6 ATS run (including post-season loss versus Green Bay) and that is a sign of things to come. Even though Elliott is playing in this game his suspension issues have been a major distraction for Dallas. Also, the offensive line did lose two starters from last season's team and that could certainly be an issue here. The Cowboys were also very poor against the pass last season and the Giants are chomping at the bit to turn Eli Manning and Company loose in this one after a disappointing performance for the Giants offense in coach Ben McAdoo's first year at the helm. I like the offseason moves the Giants made to strengthen the offense. Also, the G-men have had the Cowboys number as they are on a 5-0 ATS run in games versus Dallas. That includes 3 straight SU wins and the most recent loss came by just a single point at Dallas in the season opener of the 2015 season. The Cowboys are off of a "miracle season" where everything seemed to fall in place for them in the regular season but lets not forget they were 4-12 in 2015. This is still a quality Cowboys team but they haven't had back to back playoff seasons in many, many years and New York has been a nemesis for them. In road games with a posted total between 45.5 and 49 points, the Giants are on a 28-16 ATS run. In games played on turf the past two seasons, Dallas is 6-15 ATS! More struggles for them at the betting window in this one! 10* NEW YORK GIANTS |
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09-10-17 | Orioles v. Indians -1.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Run Line Game of the Month - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play Cleveland Indians Run Line -1.5 runs -110 vs Baltimore Orioles @ 8:05 ET - The Indians are on an insane run and have won 17 in a row. Of course I am never comfortable laying big money lines and they are nearly a 2 to 1 favorite on the money line in this one. However, on the run line we get them at basically a pick'em price by simply laying the 1.5 runs. Is that a good value? You bet (literally!) because the Indians 17 game winning streak has featured 15 of the 17 wins coming by 2 runs or more! As for Baltimore, each of their last 7 losses have come by 2 runs or more. The Orioles send Jeremy Hellickson to the mound and he has allowed 12 runs (10 earned) in just 7 innings of work spanning his last two starts. As for the Indians, they'll have Trevor Bauer on the mound and he is 8-3 at home this season. Also, he enters this start with a spectacular 2.22 ERA in his last 8 starts! Not only should the Indians make it 18 in a row here, the run line success rate is likely to reach 16-2 (89%) in this streak with another win by 2 runs or more. 10* Top Play CLEVELAND INDIANS Run Line -1.5 runs |
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09-10-17 | Seahawks v. Packers OVER 51 | Top | 9-17 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
Top Total Blowout - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Green Bay Packers vs Seattle Seahawks @ 4:25 ET - Beautiful weather for football at Lambeau Field Sunday afternoon as mild temperatures and lights winds will allow both offenses to operate at full efficiency. The Seahawks are running more of a hurry up offense heading into the new season and they also seek revenge from a beatdown at Green Bay last season. That said, I do expect Seattle to put up a lot of points here but the problem will be in stopping Aaron Rodgers and Company. The Packers averaged 33.7 points per game in their final 7 games of last season (including playoffs) and the over was a perfect 7-0 in those games! The Seahawks final 7 games of last season (including playoffs) saw them go 5-2 to the over. Other than the ugly performance at Green Bay (which their offense will surely atone for here), the Seahawks averaged 26.7 points per game in the other 6 games. Seattle is 7-1 to the over in their last 8 road games versus NFC North teams. The over is also 7-3 in Seattle's 10 games with a line between -3 and +3 the past two seasons. 10* OVER the total in Green Bay |
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09-09-17 | Calgary v. Edmonton +6 | Top | 25-22 | Win | 100 | 12 h 14 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Saturday CFL 10* Top Play Edmonton Eskimos (+) vs Calgary Stampeders @ 9 ET - The Stampeders blasted the Eskimos last week but that game was at Calgary and now this provincial battle shifts northward to Edmonton. The fact is that the Eskimos outgained the Stampeders last week but were done in by turnovers. I expect Edmonton to make the most of this opportunity for quick revenge. While they may not get the outright win the points are certainly generous and this spread has been inflated because of last week's results. Yes, Edmonton has lost 3 straight games after a 7-0 start to the season but this is still an Eskimos team that is 4-1 at home this season. The Stampeders have won just 3 of their 5 road games this season and here they're being asked to win by a sizable margin. Calgary is 7-3 ATS on the season while Edmonton is only 3-7 ATS. Those ATS records have a way of evening out as a season goes on as over-adjustments are made. I feel that will be the case here and note that the home team has won 5 of the last 7 meetings between these teams and the only 2 losses both came by 6 points or less. 10* EDMONTON |
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09-09-17 | Stanford v. USC -5 | Top | 24-42 | Win | 100 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - NCAAF Game #388: Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (-) vs Stanford Cardinal @ 8:30 ET - The Trojans seek revenge for their loss by 17 points at Stanford last season. Keep in mind, star QB Darnold did not play in that game. Although USC struggled some in their eventual 18 point win versus Western Michigan last week, the Broncos are a quality football program and Southern Cal also could not be blamed if they were perhaps peeking ahead to this big Pac-12 battle. As for Stanford, they had a bye week after blasting Rice in Australia two weeks ago. As impressive as that win may seem, the Owls are dreadful and the Cardinal (after an early season bye) may struggle to match the Trojans intensity here as USC benefits from having just played last week (maintaining early season rhythm) and from facing a higher quality opponent. Stanford has held the upper hand in this series in recent years but the odds makers certainly are not stupid. The first numbers that were posted on this game were up near 10. It quickly moved down before the big money could be bet put the point is I side with the odds makers here and love the value of having a team that should win by double digits and yet they're laying less than a TD. Note that the Trojans are on a long-term 24-12 ATS run as a home favorite. In all home games the past 3 seasons, Southern Cal is 9-5 ATS. The Cardinal lost some key personnel from last year's team and that certainly was not an issue against a team like Rice but it will be an issue here against the revenge-minded Trojans. Southern Cal has won 10 straight games and I look for another one here as they cover the small number along the way. 10* USC |
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09-09-17 | Twins v. Royals OVER 9 | Top | 2-5 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Kansas City Royals vs Minnesota Twins @ 7:15 ET - Yesterday's game went over the total and the over is now 7-4 in the Twins last 11 games. Also, the over is 6-2 in the Royals last 8 games. Jake Junis gets the start for Kansas City here and he did face the Twins earlier this season and he couldn't make it out of the 5th inning. Even though Junis has some decent numbers, he has been hit hard in 2 of his last 3 starts. The Twins will have Jose Berrios on the mound and they are 0-4 in his starts versus KC in his career as the Royals have been a bit of a nemesis for Berrios: 8.19 ERA in his career versus Kansas City. Berrios also has not been the same pitcher on the road as he has at home this season. Minny is 4-8 in his road starts and he has compiled a 5.43 ERA away from home. The over is 117-78 in Twins games versus teams with a losing record. The over is 42-20 in Royals September games. More of the same expected here on a hitter-friendly evening at Kauffman Stadium. 10* OVER the total in Kansas City early Saturday evening |
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09-09-17 | Marshall v. NC State OVER 55 | Top | 20-37 | Win | 100 | 27 h 53 m | Show |
Top Total - NCAAF Game #367: Rickenbach Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in North Carolina State Wolfpack vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 6 PM ET - The Wolfpack suffered a tough loss last week as they had 30 first downs and 500+ yards of offense versus South Carolina but lost 35 to 28. NC State was done in by a kickoff return for a TD and a pair of key turnovers. Even though their defense played well I do expect Marshall to enjoy some success here on offense. More on that in a moment as the biggest key (and the reason North Carolina State is a 24 point favorite) here is the fact that the Thundering Herd are going to be unable to stop the Wolfpack offense. NC State is fired up after the way they lost last week and they'll take advantage of a Marshall defense that allowed over 400 yards to Miami-Ohio last week. The Herd were fortunate to get the win in that game and their defense certainly was unimpressive. What I do like about Marshall is their veteran QB and they do have more overall team speed with their wide receivers this season. Although they didn't put up impressive numbers last week on offense that was partially due to just having to "manage the game" since they benefited from 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns as well as an interception run back for a touchdown! The fact is that your offense can just grind out a win when you get "other" production like that. This week the Herd won't be so lucky and the offense will be forced to play catch up and they won't be able to run the ball against this Wolfpack defense. That said, and with playing from behind, Marshall is going to be forced to throw, throw, and throw some more to try and hang around in this game. Of course the aerial attack is good news for "overs" as is the fact that North Carolina State is ticked off and should be "scoring at will" in this game. The weather is good for Raleigh, NC on Saturday evening and the over is on an 8-3 run in Wolfpack non-conference games. Also the over is 7-2 in Marshall's non-conference games. The Thundering Herd are also 8-2 to the over when they are an underdog in a range of 21.5 to 31 points. They are in that price range here and this one should fly over the total. 10* OVER the total in NC State early Saturday evening. |
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09-08-17 | Montreal v. BC -7.5 | Top | 18-41 | Win | 100 | 24 h 34 m | Show |
Game of the Week Friday - Rickenbach CFL 10* Top Play BC Lions (-) vs Montreal Alouettes @ 10 PM ET - Travis Lulay gets the start at QB for the BC Lions and they are coming off of their bye week. He'll replace Jonathan Jennings due to the ineffectiveness of the young starter. Note that the veteran Lulay did very well filling in for Jennings earlier this season and certainly the Lions are in need of a boost now after some recent struggles. That said, the bye week could not have come at a more perfect time for BC and I look for the Lions to come roaring out of the gate in this one! The Lions are 3-1 against East Division teams this season while Montreal is only 3-7 on the entire season! The Als already lost to BC earlier this season back east and facing an angry Lions team out west won't do any favors for the Alouettes here. The Lions have won each of the last 4 meetings between these clubs and the average margin has been 12 points. BC is on a 13-7 ATS run against the East Division and also is 6-1 ATS when they enter a game off of 2 or more consecutive SU losses. Montreal got hammered in a divisional loss last week and the Alouettes are on a 6-14 ATS run when off of a divisional game. 10* BC LIONS |
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09-08-17 | Rays v. Red Sox OVER 8.5 | Top | 3-9 | Win | 100 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
10* Top OVER in Boston - Drew Pomeranz has looked "off" in his last two starts. The Red Sox southpaw has given up 7 earned runs on 15 and 7 walks in just 11 and 1/3 innings of work. He also has a 6.08 ERA versus Tampa Bay this season with way too many walks allowed. That said, this is one of those rare gems that looks like a pitchers duel on the surface but should prove to be anything but that. Chris Archer gets the start for the Rays and he exited very early in his most recent start after allowing 2 homers and not recording an out. He said he had tightness in the back of his right arm but he has been proclaimed as "okay" for this start. No doubt concerns about his arm are in the back of Archer's mind right now. He's given up 21 hits (including 3 homers) in 18 and 1/3 spanning his last 3 starts versus Boston. Each of Archer's last 2 starts versus Boston have gone over the total and each of the last 3 starts Pomeranz has made versus the Rays have resulted in an over. |
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09-07-17 | Reds v. Mets OVER 9 | Top | 2-7 | Push | 0 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach Thursday MLB 10* OVER the total in New York Mets vs Cincinnati Reds @ 7:10 ET - In my opinion, neither one of these pitchers can be trusted. The Mets Matt Harvey recently returned from the disabled list and he picked up right where he left off before going on the DL. Indeed it was another ugly outing for Harvey as he got rocked by the Astros in a very short outing. As for the Reds, they hand the ball to rookie Tyler Mahle whom has decent numbers in his first two starts at the MLB level. However, this is still a 22 year old hurler that has already hit 3 batters in just 11 innings of work spanning his two starts. Also, his pitch counts have been rather high and he did walk 4 in just 5 innings in his MLB debut. The Mets have scored 6 runs or more in 4 of their 6 games this month. The Reds are averaging 5.6 runs per game in their last 9 games. More of the same expected here as both teams should get to 5 or 6 runs in this one. 10* OVER the total in New York Mets |
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09-06-17 | Royals v. Tigers OVER 9.5 | Top | 13-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* OVER the total in Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals @ 7:10 ET - Even though the weather is cooling off in Detroit it certainly is not yet "cold" and the fact is that these teams have been trending over. Yesterday's game featured plenty of Tigers homers and the over is now 4-1 in the last 5 games for each of these clubs. Also, Detroit entered yesterday's game having allowed 14.4 hits per game in their 5 prior games. As you can see the Tigers hurlers have struggled overall and now Matt Boyd takes the mound for Detroit. The southpaw is off of a rare solid start as he had compiled a 9.67 ERA in his 5 starts prior to a decent outing versus Cleveland. Now Boyd faces a Royals team that has got to him for 11 earned runs in less than 10 innings of work spanning his last 3 starts versus KC. The Royals are also likely to have some pitching problems tonight as Jason Hammel takes the mound. The Kansas City right-hander has a 6.91 ERA in his 9 career starts versus the Tigers. Also, has given up 4 homers in his last 2 run starts and the Tigers were knocking the ball out of the park with regularity last night. As a road fave of -125 to -175, the over is on a 19-7 run in Royals games. Also, Kansas City is on a 40-19 run to the over in September games. KC is 14-7 to the over in Wednesday games this season. The Tigers are 19-10 to the over as a home dog of +125 to +175. Look for another wild one at Comerica Park tonight. 10* OVER the total in Detroit early Wednesday evening. |
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09-06-17 | Angels v. A's OVER 9.5 | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 14 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach MLB Wednesday 10* OVER the total in Oakland A's vs Los Angeles Angels @ 3:35 ET - The A's and Angels combined for 15 runs yesterday as the hot hitting continued. The over is now 8-1-1 in the Angels last 10 games. Los Angeles has averaged scoring 7.4 runs per game during this hot streak. The A's and Angels have gone over the total in each of their last 4 match-ups and the A's have now scored 6 runs or more in 8 of their last 13 games. The ball carries better in West Coast day games compared to night games. Also, the wind will be blowing out toward right-center field for this one. The A's Sean Manaea is winless with a 6.38 ERA in his 5 career starts versus the Angels. Los Angeles will have Tyler Skaggs on the mound for this one and he is winless with a 6.75 ERA in his 4 career starts versus Oakland. The over is 8-3 in Manaea's home starts this season. Skaggs has a 9.49 ERA in his last 3 starts overall so he comes into this one in poor current form. The Angels are 4-0 to the over as a road fave in a range of -125 to -175 this season. The A's are 33-19 to the over in day games this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Oakland in afternoon action Wednesday. |
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09-05-17 | Twins v. Rays OVER 9.5 | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Rays vs Minnesota Twins @ 7:10 ET - The Rays are 11-3 to the over in the last 14 starts that Jake Odorizzi has made. The Tampa Bay right-hander has a 9.48 ERA in his last 3 starts including getting absolutely crushed in the lone home start he made during this stretch. The Twins will have Bartolo Colon on the mound and he has given up 24 hits (including 5 homers) in the 17 innings spanning his last 3 starts at Tropicana Field. Colon also has seen his form regress recently after a surprisingly rare, strong stretch of starts for him. The right-hander has given up 33 hits in the 23 and 2/3 innings spanning his last 4 starts. Colon has been fortunate he hasn't allowed many earned runs in this stretch and that is helping to offer line value here as it has kept this total low despite the fact both hurlers should struggle badly. With yesterday's 11-4 Twins loss, Minnesota is now 116-77 to the over the past 3 seasons in their games against teams with a losing record. The Rays have gone over the total in 4 of their last 5 home games versus a right-handed starter. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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09-04-17 | Cubs v. Pirates OVER 8.5 | Top | 0-12 | Win | 100 | 7 h 38 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs @ 4:05 ET - Warm temperatures and wind blowing out to left field will help our cause here. The total is on the move from 8 to 8.5 but this is still a great value on the over on what should be a very hitter-friendly afternoon game in Pittsburgh. Even though Jake Arrieta had success against the Pirates just last week, look for the immediate "second look" opportunity to pay dividends for Pittsburgh at home. Having just seen him will help the Pirates lineup and Arrieta's prior two starts against Pittsburgh did see him allow 7 runs (5 earned) in just 10 and 1/3 innings spanning those two outings. Chad Kuhl gets the start for the Pirates here and he did not look sharp against the Cubs last week. He allowed 7 hits in just 5 and 1/3 innings and is now 0-4 with an 11.07 ERA in his career starts versus Chicago. The right-hander has a 4.86 ERA at home this season and the Cubs were averaging nearly 8 runs per game their last dozen games before being held to just 1 run in yesterday's loss. In other words, don't be surprise when the bats quickly come back to life for Chicago. The over is a long-term 25-13 in Cubs games where they are a road favorite of -175 or more. Also, the Pirates are 12-6 to the over when they are a road dog in a range of +125 to +175. Look for a wild one in very hitter-friendly afternoon conditions here. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh |
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09-04-17 | Yankees v. Orioles -122 | Top | 7-4 | Loss | -122 | 5 h 49 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play Baltimore Orioles Money Line (-) vs New York Yankees @ 2:05 ET - The Orioles are red hot and certainly very much alive in the playoff chase. The catch the Yankees at the perfect time too. The Yanks just wrapped up their big series with rival Boston last night by defeating staff ace Chris Sale. Don't be surprised if the Yankees end up a little flat this afternoon following that big win last night. Dylan Bundy gets the start for the Orioles and he is in fantastic current form with a 2.00 ERA over his last 5 starts while also piling up an average of 10 strikeouts per start his last 4 outings! He should easily outduel Jordan Montgomery as the Yankees southpaw has allowed 7 earned runs in just 9 innings spanning his last two starts. Also, in his last visit to Baltimore he was very lucky to allow only 1 earned run as he was rocked for 8 hits in just 4 and 1/3 innings in his outing about 3 months ago at Oriole Park in Camden Yards. The Yankees are just 2-8 in Montgomery's last 10 starts while the Orioles are 7-0 in Bundy's last 7 starts. That means we're testing a combined run of 15-2 (88%) in this one! 10* BALTIMORE |
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09-03-17 | Red Sox -115 v. Yankees | Top | 2-9 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Sunday Night Game of the Year - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play Boston Red Sox Money Line (-) @ New York Yankees @ 7:35 ET - Chris Sale does not yet have a win to show for it but he has pitched very well against the Yankees this season. The Red Sox southpaw has a 2.12 ERA in his 4 starts versus the Bronx Bombers in 2017. Sale has struck out 44 in his 4 starts against the Yanks this season - a stellar average of 11 per game. After a rare subpar pair of outings, Sale bounced back huge against the Blue Jays in his most recent start. It marked the 9th time in his last 12 starts that he has allowed 1 earned run or less! As for Luis Severino of the Yankees, he can't be too happy about facing the Red Sox. The last time the right-hander faced Boston - 3 weeks ago - he allowed 8 earned runs in 4 and 1/3 innings! He has allowed 5 homers in his last 2 starts at home and has given up 11 earned runs in 11 innings of work spanning those two outings. Severino has lost each of his last two home starts and the Yankees entered yesterday's action having gone 3-6 in their last 9 games. After notching the win yesterday I expect the Yankees to see Severino outdueled by Sale in this one. Boston is 38-21 when off of a loss this season. Also, the Red Sox are 37-19 in September games the past 2+ seasons. 10* BOSTON |
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09-03-17 | Dodgers v. Padres OVER 8 | Top | 4-6 | Win | 110 | 7 h 27 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 4:40 ET - Both games of yesterday's double header went over the total. On the surface, today's match-up looks like it has the potential for a pitchers duel but once you dig a little deeper you see the reality. Alex Wood is not 100% right now. He's returning from a trip to the disabled list and he did allow 3 homers in his most recent start. Also, an interesting item of note is that, amazingly, all 20 of his starts this season have been night games. Now he's pitching in a day game and he struggled badly in both 2016 and 2015 in day game action as Wood got hit hard. The Padres have confidence from yesterday's sweep and are likely to enjoy surprising success against Wood. As for San Diego starter Jhoulys Chacin, he has struggled with being inefficient with pitches lately. The result is far too many walks and having to consistently pitch out of jams. That could prove problematic against a Dodgers team looking to respond after being swept yesterday! Note that the over is 5-1 in the Dodgers last 6 games. Also, the over is a solid 60% (39-26) this season in Los Angeles' games against teams with a losing record. The over is 34-20 in Padres divisional games this season. 10* OVER the total in San Diego |
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09-03-17 | Winnipeg +3 v. Saskatchewan | Top | 24-38 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 41 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach Thursday CFL 10* Top Play Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders @ 4 ET - Saskatchewan certainly has improved this season but last week they took advantage of an Edmonton team that was looking ahead to a big showdown with Calgary this week. The result of the Roughriders big win over the Eskimos is helping to give us some line value here as we can get a solid Blue Bombers team at a full +3 in this one. Keep in mind, a lot of points are expected in this one (O/U posted at 61) and Winnipeg is on an 11-1 ATS run in road games with a posted total of 52 points or more! The Blue Bombers are also a perfect 5-0 ATS in road games this season! As for Saskatchewan, they are a dismal 3-10 ATS in games where they are a favorite. Grab the underdog value here! 10* WINNIPEG |
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09-02-17 | Vanderbilt -3 v. Middle Tennessee State | Top | 28-6 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
TV Top Game - Rickenbach Saturday NCAAF Game #203 - 10* Top Play Vanderbilt Commodores (-) @ Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders @ 8 ET - Sure Middle Tennessee State is seeking revenge but this line drop from an opener of Vanderbilt -6 to now just a 3 point favorite as of gameday morning is a huge value for the Commodores. Vandy has come a long way in recent seasons and returns a solid starting group. This is still a case of an SEC team versus a CUSA team and the Commodores are also no longer the SEC's doormat! Yes the Blue Raiders threw the ball very well versus Vandy last season but the Commodores improvement on defense came as the season went on. They allowed an average of only 20.8 points per game in their final 8 regulars season games. The MTSU defense is a concern here. Not only are you talking about Conference USA talent but also the Blue Raiders are replacing their entire defensive line. Keep in mind that is part of the same front seven that Vandy ran all over for 234 rushing yards per game in the last two meetings. The Commodores are on a 7-1-1 ATS run against Conference USA opponents. Also, Middle Tennessee State is a long-term 0-4 ATS as a home dog of 3.5 to 7 points and now this line is all the way down to a +3 and giving the Blue Raiders even less value here. Look for the road fave to roll again. 10* VANDERBILT |
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09-02-17 | Angels v. Rangers OVER 11 | Top | 7-4 | Push | 0 | 10 h 48 m | Show |
10* OVER the total in Texas - The Rangers and Angels were involved in a slugfest last night and I would not be surprised to see another one today. Ricky Nolasco has had some dreadful starts against the Rangers in his career (including his lone start at Arlington this season) and has a 7.33 ERA in his career versus Texas. AJ Griffin has allowed 11 earned runs in just 12 and 2/3 innings against the Angels spanning his last 3 starts versus Los Angeles. 3 of the last 4 games between these teams have resulted in an over. Overall, each of these teams is on a 5-1 run to the over their last 6 games. The Angels lineup has been boosted with the acquisition of Justin Upton and this should fly over the total. Yes it is a big number but yesterday's 19 runs scored also showed that both bullpens are vulnerable here as well. |
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09-01-17 | Red Sox v. Yankees OVER 9 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 5 m | Show |
Rickenbach Friday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:05 ET - I got burned with this total last night as I had a big play on the over and the teams came up just short of the number because they combined to leave a ridiculous 23 men on base. I won't hesitate to come right back with this play tonight as another top play. Boston sends Doug Fister to the mound and he gave up 6 earned runs on 9 hits in less than 5 innings of work when he most recently faced the Yankees. New York's Sonny Gray gave up 7 hits while recording 0 strikeouts in 5 innings when he most recently faced the Red Sox. Gray's home starts this season (started the year with Oakland) have gone 8-4 to the over. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game |
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08-31-17 | Seahawks v. Raiders +1.5 | Top | 17-13 | Loss | -105 | 54 h 38 m | Show |
Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFLX 10* Top Play Oakland Raiders (+) vs Seattle Seahawks @ 10 PM ET - Seattle is 3-0, 100% perfect this preseason campaign. However, going 4-0 is never easy - it does not happen often. Additionally, going 0-4 is not that likely either and the Raiders enter this one 0-3. The fact is that this is a perfect set up. The very first number on this game that came out was Oakland -2.5 and they then have moved to has high as a +2.5 in some books as of early Tuesday. The line has settled in around 1 or 1.5 since then (as of later Tuesday) but the fact remains this is a significant move toward the Seahawks. I am not surprised given the long-term numbers on Seattle that there has been such a significant move here. But the fact remains this is opening up line value on an Oakland team that is not without some solid depth. Remember that this team did go 12-4 and win their division last season. Their playoff fortunes changed with the loss of their star QB to injury and that certainly has this Oakland team hungry heading into the new year. Even though it's only preseason, I just don't see the Raiders going 0-4 and note that the #2 QB for Seattle, Trevone Boykin threw 7 passes in last week's game with the only "completion" being an interception for his opponent! The fact is that the Seahawks are getting a lot of respect here considering that even though they've beaten Oakland the past few preseasons in the finale, the Raiders have actually held the edge in first downs in each match-up. These teams are not that far apart in terms of talent level and depth and I like the hungrier team at home getting points! Remember even just getting 1.5 points is significant because in preseason teams play for the win as they don't want to tie and go to OT. So if Oakland is ahead by 7 and Seattle scores a TD late they're likely to be going for 2 and a 1-point win. Speaking of tight wins, 5 of the Seahawks 8 preseason games the past 2 seasons were decided by a COMBINED 7 points. 0-4 preseasons for the Raiders are rare and I am grabbing the value with the hungry home dog. Back-up QBs for Oakland get revenge over Seattle's back-up signal-callers for this one after losing the Week 4 preseason match-up last year. 10* OAKLAND |
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08-31-17 | Ottawa v. Montreal -110 | Top | 32-4 | Loss | -110 | 58 h 52 m | Show |
Game of the Month Money Line - Rickenbach Thursday CFL 10* Top Play Montreal Alouettes (Pick'em) vs Ottawa Redblacks @ 7:30 ET - Ottawa is off of a big win over BC where they had to hold off the Lions late. However, that win was at home and the Redblacks are now on the road where they are just 1-3 this season. The Alouettes are fired up off of an OT loss versus Winnipeg where Montreal did rally late but then fell short by a field goal in overtime. The Als were 3-1 at home this season before that tough loss. They have an edge here as their loss to the Blue Bombers was last Thursday while Ottawa's win over British Columbia was on Saturday. That means the rest edge and the home edge are both with the Alouettes here. The Als were done in by turnovers last week. Look for them to make up for that this week and, from a situational perspective, it doesn't get much better than this! The Als also have revenge from a 5-point loss at Ottawa in Week 5 where the Alouettes did outgain the Redblacks by nearly 100 yards. Payback Thursday! 10* MONTREAL |
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08-31-17 | Red Sox v. Yankees OVER 9 | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Rivalry Rout - Rickenbach Thursday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:05 ET - Boston's Eduardo Rodriguez is struggling badly with a 6.11 ERA in his last 3 starts. Though the Yankees CC Sabathia has had success versus the Red Sox this season, they will be getting their 4th look at him since early June! Look for Boston to break through here as they're facing a southpaw starter for the 3rd straight game and 4th time in their last 5 games! These types of repetition help hitters. The Red Sox enter this series with plenty of confidence after sweeping the Blue Jays and scoring at least 6 runs in 2 of the 3 games plus averaging 10.3 hits per game in the series. The Yankees got swept versus Cleveland but the Yanks have averaged 5.9 runs per game in their 9 games. The over is 6-3 in those 9 games. Sabathia has a 5.08 ERA in home starts this season and Rodriguez is likely to see his recent struggles continue here as he has produced only 2 quality starts in his last 9 starts! 10* OVER the total in the New York Yankees game |
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08-30-17 | White Sox v. Twins -1.5 | Top | 1-11 | Win | 100 | 10 h 25 m | Show |
Game of the Month Run Line - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play Minnesota Twins Run Line -1.5 runs vs Chicago White Sox @ 8:10 ET - The Twins got the 6-4 win yesterday and Minnesota is now 9-4 in their last 13 games with all 9 wins coming by a margin of 2 runs or more. That said, though Minny on the money line is a prohibitive favorite here, there is good value with the Twins on the run line laying the 1.5 runs while also laying a very small price. The fact that the White Sox Derek Holland bested the Twins Jose Berrios in last week's match-up in Chicago simply adds even more value here. Both Holland and Berrios allowed 7 baserunners apiece in that start but Holland only struck out 5 in 6 innings while Berrios struck out 9 in just 5 and 1/3 innings. Look for payback here as Berrios is 7-1 with a 2.87 ERA in his home starts this season. Conversely, Holland is 3-6 with a 7.82 ERA in his road starts this season. Also, Berrios still has a solid 2.95 ERA in his 3 starts versus the ChiSox in his career while Holland, prior to last week's start, allowed 14 runs (10 earned) in less than 8 innings of work spanning his two previous starts versus the Twins. Each of the White Sox last 5 wins have come by 2 runs or more. The ChiSox were on a 3-15 run in Holland's starts before he got a rare win last week. Berrios has won 6 straight home starts and only 1 victory came by less than 2 runs. That said, grab the value with the Twins on the run line in this one as they stay hot at the plate while the ChiSox (averaging 7.2 hits per game their last 9 games) see their struggles resume this evening. 10* MINNESOTA -1.5 runs |
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08-30-17 | Tigers v. Rockies OVER 12 | Top | 6-2 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 29 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs Detroit Tigers @ 3:10 ET - Yesterday's game fell just short of going over the total as it got to 10 by the 7th inning but ended that way. Justin Verlander gets the start for the Tigers today and, though he is off of a solid road start it came against a White Sox team that has been struggling at the plate in recent weeks. That said, I like the fact that Detroit is 3-11 in Verlander's road starts this season and I expect his struggles away from home to continue as he faces a Rockies team that has averaged 6.6 runs per game in its last 7 home games. On the season Colorado is hitting .301 at home and averaging 6.1 runs per game. Detroit has a great shot of matching the Rockies run for run in this one as the face Colorado's Chad Bettis. He has only made 3 starts since returning to the rotation but each one has gotten progressively worse and he has allowed 8 earned runs in 12 innings spanning his last two starts. He gave up 3 homers in those 2 starts and note that Verlander has allowed 4 homers in his last 2 road starts. Detroit's day games are 26-15 to the over this season and 93-61 to the over the last 3 seasons combined. The Tigers bullpen has a 6.33 ERA in road games this season while the Rockies pen has a 5.36 ERA in home games on the year. 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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08-29-17 | Tigers v. Rockies OVER 11 | Top | 3-7 | Loss | -125 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Colorado Rockies vs Detroit Tigers @ 8:40 ET - Yesterday's game was 4-3 Tigers by the top of the 3rd inning and, inexplicably, the game ended a 4-3 final. Very unusual for a game to go scoreless the rest of the way in Colorado and the teams did combine for 22 hits yesterday so its not like there were not opportunities. Today look for the teams to cash in more of those opportunities and, certainly, the chances should be there. The Rockies German Marquez has great numbers on the season but he has allowed 22 hits in the 16 innings spanning his last 3 starts. Also, Marquez has been rocked for 5 homers in his last two starts alone! His strikeout numbers trended down in his most recent start (versus a Royals team that hasn't scored a run since!) so this is also a bad sign for the Rockies right-hander. The Tigers start Michael Fullmer who also has some good numbers on the season but he's truly not 100% right now. That showed in his most recent start, allowed 4 earned runs in just 6 innings, and that was at home. Note that, on the the road this season, he is just 4-7 and Fullmer has been absolutely crushed for 16 earned runs in less than 14 innings of work spanning his last 3 starts away from home. The over is 23-14 this season in Tigers road games with a money line between -125 and +125. Also, Colorado has averaged 11.3 hits per game in their last 6 road games. Look for tonight to see plenty of runs early and often as both hurlers recent struggles continue. 10* OVER the total in Colorado |
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08-28-17 | Red Sox v. Blue Jays OVER 8.5 | Top | 6-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 58 m | Show |
Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Blue Jays vs Boston Red Sox @ 7:05 ET - Good line value here with a low total thanks to the pitching match-up in this one. Since Drew Pomeranz and Marcus Stroman have good overall numbers on the season there is a low posted number here. The Blue Jays Stroman only allowed unearned runs in his most recent start versus the Red Sox but prior to that he allowed 6 earned runs in EACH of his two prior starts versus Boston. The Jays right-hander also allowed 5 earned runs in just 5 and 1/3 innings in his most recent start. Boston's Pomeranz gets plenty of run support on the road and his road starts have gone 8-4 to the over. He has walked 15 in his last 23 innings on the road and the southpaw, prior to allowing no earned runs in his most recent road start, did allow 6 earned runs in less than 12 innings of work spanning his two prior starts away from home. Even though the Blue Jays only had one big game in terms of runs scored in their series with Minnesota this past weekend, Toronto did tally an average of 10 hits per game in the series. The Red Sox will be ready to bounce back at the plate after rare tough weekend series with the Orioles. Boston enters this series having averaged 7 runs per game in their last 3 road games. The over is 19-9 this season in Red Sox road games with a posted total of 8 or 8.5 runs. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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08-27-17 | New York Mets - Game #2 v. Washington Nationals - Game #2 OVER 8.5 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Nationals vs New York Mets @ 8:05 ET (Game 2 of double header) - The Nationals Tanner Roark has some good numbers versus the Mets in his career but he is 3-6 at home this season with a 5.09 ERA in those starts. I just don't trust him here to shut down New York and the fact is that this is a low total posted on this game considering it is the 2nd game of a double header so the bullpens could be a little "stretched out" for this game as well. Note that the Mets have scored 4 runs or more in 6 of their last 8 games. That is significant here because a 4-4 game guarantees us of no worse than a 5-4 final and 9 runs scored puts us in the win column here. Certainly the Nationals should have no trouble scoring big in this one. The Mets Seth Lugo has given up 10 runs (9 earned) on 17 hits in less than 12 innings of work spanning his two starts versus the Nats this season. The over is 8-3 in Lugo's starts this season and he has a 7.31 ERA in his last 3 starts. The Nationals have scored 4 runs or more in 4 of their last 6 games and their bats got going in a big way in yesterday's 9-4 win. The over is 55-26 in New York Mets night games this season and that incredible run should add another W here! 10* OVER the total in Washington in Game 2 of double-header Sunday night |
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08-27-17 | 49ers +5 v. Vikings | Top | 31-32 | Win | 100 | 12 h 49 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFLX Sunday 10* Top Play San Francisco 49'ers (+) @ Minnesota Vikings @ 8 ET - Both teams are 1-1 but San Francisco got blasted last week, embarrassed at home, thanks to 5 turnovers! The 49'ers had 4 fumbles and threw 1 interception versus the Broncos. Suffice to say, the Niners are fired up about responding this week. The Vikings are off of a road loss at Seattle. In regular season action the Vikes would be the play here of course. But this isn't the regular season and motivation is a little tougher to come by. Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer does have a good track record in preseason but the Vikes certainly haven't impressed this season. They've been substantially outgained in each of their first two games of this preseason. Even though Minnesota went 4-0 in last year's preseason, 2 of the wins came by 2 points or less. The Niners, with a new head coach, are looking for some positives after a dreadful season last year. With that said, look for a little extra hunger from San Francisco to be a difference maker here as last week's sloppy home loss has the 49'ers fired up. With the move up into the 5 and 5.5 point range on this one, there is a lot of value with the big road dog. 10* SAN FRANCISCO Sunday evening |
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08-27-17 | Astros v. Angels OVER 9.5 | Top | 7-5 | Win | 100 | 6 h 5 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Los Angeles Angels vs Houston Astros @ 3:35 ET - Very warm weather this afternoon in Anaheim. High temperatures will approach 90 degrees and the winds, though not strong, will be blowing out toward center. The ball tends to carry better in day games (compared to at night) on the west coast and this is particularly true when the weather conditions are like this. The Angels got the 7-6 win yesterday and have now scored 5 runs or more in 6 of their last 9 games. They should enjoy success against Charlie Morton as he has not been quite as strong on the road as he has been at home this season and this is just his 3rd road start since the All Star break. As for the Astros sticks, look for them to "tee off" against Ricky Nolasco. The right-hander has been "shaky" recently for the Angels and, keep in mind, Nolasco is 6-12 with a 4.80 ERA in his starts this season. Also, he's facing the Astros for the 3rd time this season and he's has been fortunate to allow just 2 earned runs in each of the first two starts as he has given up 16 hits in 13 innings. Look for the "3rd time to be the charm" for Houston as they pound Nolasco who appears to be tiring a bit here late in the season. The over is 5-1-1 in Nolasco's last 7 starts. Also, the over is 14-6 this season (and 36-15 the last 3 seasons) when the Astros are on the road in a game with a posted total of 9 or 9.5 runs. Houston is 14-4 to the over in Sunday games this season. 10* OVER the total in the Los Angeles Angels game Sunday afternoon |
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08-26-17 | Toronto v. Calgary OVER 54.5 | Top | 7-23 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 10 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Rickenbach CFL Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Calgary Stampeders vs Toronto Argonauts @ 9 ET - Both teams are off of unders last week but Toronto did put up 38 points in their win. As for the Stampeders they only scored 21 points but that was in a tough, hard-fought win over a divisional rival. That win over BC could leave Calgary's defense a little flat-footed here and I expect the Argonauts to take advantage. However, at the same time, there is no reason the Stampeders offense won't end up responding and put up a ton of points in this one. They are ultra dangerous and are arguably the #1 offense in the league hands down. When these teams met a few weeks ago in Toronto the game totaled 65 points and I expect a similar result Saturday. The Argos are 6-3 to the over when off of a win against a division rival and also 3-1 to the over in non-divisional games this season and 3-1 to the over when playing on short rest of 6 days or less. The Stampeders are 5-0 to the over in their games against East Division opponents this season. More of the same here! 10* OVER the total in Calgary |
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08-26-17 | Cubs v. Phillies OVER 8.5 | Top | 17-2 | Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Rickenbach Saturday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Phillies vs Chicago Cubs @ 7:05 ET - The Phillies stayed hot at the plate yesterday but the Cubs surprisingly did not match them run for run. The result was an under that certainly had the feel of an over as the game was 6-1 by the bottom of the 2nd. It was another tough loss for me with that game not going over the total. My season has been filled with games like that as well as tight one-run losses or late game big hits that always seem to come for my opponents even when I have got the edge. But I digress. The key point here is that we should get some payback coming right back with the over in this match-up and I am also confident that the rest of the MLB season as well as the rest of the calendar year 2017 in all sports is going to produce an epic run for me after the most non-sensible run of bad beats and tough losses ever seen for me in this MLB season. As for this Saturday evening match-up Ben Lively gets the start for the Phillies and he is 0-4 with a 4.25 ERA in his 5 home starts while getting hit at a nearly .300 clip in those outings. In my opinion, how hittable he has been is going to catch up with him here and his rather low ERA (given the BAA he has) means a "correction" is coming. Look for Lively to get rocked as the Cubs respond after some recent frustration at the plate. As for the Chicago starter, Kyle Hendricks, he has had an ERA over a full run higher on the road compared to at home throughout his career. Also, the red hot Phillies lineup (led by Rhys Hoskins on a power-hitting tear) has averaged 7.4 runs per game in their last 7 games. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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08-26-17 | Jets v. Giants OVER 37 | Top | 31-32 | Win | 100 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
NFLX Total of the Year - Rickenbach Saturday NFLX 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Giants vs New York Jets @ 7 ET - This is a contrarian play as most people are looking at the under in this match-up. After all, neither one of these teams have shown a whole lot so far this season. However, they call it exhibition season for a reason and the fact is that when the Jets and Giants meet in their home stadium in New York they've been apt to put on an 'exhibit' or a bit of a 'show' for the fans. In fact, the last 4 seasons this preseason match-up between these city rivals has average a total of 47.8 points per game! None of the 4 games have totaled less than 41 points. With that said, I like the value here being offered with this extremely low total. Trust me, I understand with the point totals these teams have had in their games in this preseason thus far it may seem "risky" but year in and year out this game in New York ends up being quite entertaining for the fans. I expect another "barnburner" in this one and once again, it gets to at least 41 points! The weather will be perfect with clear skies, light winds, and pleasant temperatures for this one in East Rutherford Saturday. 10* OVER the total in New York Giants |
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08-25-17 | Saskatchewan v. Edmonton -5.5 | Top | 54-31 | Loss | -105 | 15 h 18 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach Friday CFL 10* Top Play Edmonton Eskimos (-) vs Saskatchewan Roughriders @ 9:30 ET - On the one hand, the Roughriders have an edge here since they are off of their bye week. Also, Saskatchewan blasted BC prior to their bye week but the thing is they were catching the Lions at the perfect time to get the big win. BC was clearly looking ahead to their showdown with Calgary. Even though the Eskimos also now have Calgary on deck, there is no doubt Edmonton is fully focused here as they lost at Winnipeg just last week and the Blue Bombers are nipping at their heels at the top of the West Division. That defeat last week was the first of the season for the Eskimos. That is not the only thing that has Edmonton fired up either as they also are seeking revenge here for a rare loss to Saskatchewan when these teams last met (late last season). The Roughriders are 0-3 on the road this season and just 3-18 away from home the last 3 seasons. There are some dismal ATS numbers for Saskatchewan as well as they are on an 8-15 ATS run in divisional games. As for the Eskimos, they are 4-0 at home this season and, in terms of ATS numbers, they are 4-2 ATS when off of a loss in divisional action and they are also 6-2 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points. 10* EDMONTON |
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08-24-17 | Winnipeg v. Montreal +1 | Top | 34-31 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 30 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach CFL 10* Top Play Montreal Alouettes (+) vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ 7:30 ET - The Blue Bombers are off of a huge win last week as they knocked off the previously unbeaten Eskimos. Following that big win versus Edmonton, look for Winnipeg to be flat here. That's bad news for Bombers fans because Montreal will be ready to go after an embarrassing 38-6 loss at Toronto where anything that could do wrong did go wrong for the Als. Look for the Alouettes to respond in a big way here. Though their overall season record does not impress, Montreal is a solid 3-1 at home this season. Also, in home games with a posted total of 52 points or more, the Alouettes have a long-term SU mark of 73-26 (74%)! The Blue Bombers, as a road favorite of 3 points or less, have a long-term mark of 2-10 (17%) both SU and ATS! Huge situational edge for the Als here. 10* MONTREAL |
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08-24-17 | Padres v. Cardinals OVER 8 | Top | 4-3 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach Thursday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Cardinals vs San Diego Padres @ 7:15 ET - The over is 6-1 in the last 7 starts that Luis Perdomo has made. The Padres right-hander has given up 63 hits in the 49 and 1/3 innings spanning his last 9 starts. As you can see, Perdomo has been very hittable and now he faces a Cardinals team that has been crushing the ball. That is why St Louis was 13-2 to the over in their last 15 games before yesterday's game fell just short of going over the total. St Louis will have Carlos Martinez on the mound in this one and the over is 8-2 in his last 10 starts. The Cards right-hander continues to get tremendous run support. However, its not like Martinez has been unhittable either as he has given up 60 hits in the 55 innings spanning his last 9 starts. Also, he has been roughed up for 18 earned runs in the 22 innings spanning his last 4 home starts! The over is 40-26 this season when the Padres are off of a loss. Also, in August games, San Diego is on a 46-26 run to the over. The over is 48-32 in Cardinals night games this season. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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08-24-17 | Dodgers v. Pirates OVER 9 | Top | 5-2 | Loss | -104 | 7 h 34 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach Thursday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers @ 4:05 ET - After yesterday's crazy 1-0 Pirates win, look for the red hot lineups of each of these teams to resume their recent hitting surge this afternoon. Pittsburgh had scored 5 runs or more in 7 straight games prior to yesterday's low-scoring victory. The over was 6-1 in those 7 games. The Dodgers had scored 5 runs or more in 7 of their last 9 games before getting shutout yesterday. The over was 6-3 in those 9 games for Los Angeles. The Dodgers are 11-3 to the over in Thursday games this season and 37-24 to the over in their games against teams with a losing record. The over is 12-5 in Pittsburgh's games the last 3 seasons when they are a home dog in a price range of +125 to +175. Chad Kuhl gets the start for the Pirates and he has a 4.88 ERA in his home starts this season. He gave up 4 earned runs in 5 innings when he faced the Dodgers earlier this season. Hyun-Jin Ryu gets the start for the Dodgers this afternoon and he is 2-4 in road games this season and also has been hit at a .283 clip in his 6 day game starts this year! 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh |
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08-23-17 | Cubs v. Reds OVER 10 | Top | 9-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs @ 7:10 ET - The Reds and Cubs combined for 22 runs yesterday. The Cubs have now won 7 of their last 9 games and they've averaged 7.8 runs per games during this hot stretch. The Reds have also been on fire at the plate as Cincinnati has averaged 6.9 runs per game in their last 13 games. More of the same can be expected here as Chicago is starting Michael Montgomery only because Jon Lester is on the disabled list. Montgomery has an 8.53 ERA in the last 3 starts he made and all 3 flew over the total. The Reds are starting Asher Wojciechowski because Scott Feldman is on the disabled list. Wojciechowski has allowed 10 earned runs in less than 10 innings of work spanning his last two starts and he gave up a pair of homers in each start. Both these starting pitchers have had rough times against the lineups they will be facing this evening. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 starts that Wojciechowski has made. The over is 12-5 this season in Cincinnati's home games where they are a dog of +125 to +175. The over is 31-17 in Reds divisional games this year. The over is 12-6 in Chicago's Wednesday games this season. 10* OVER the total in Cincinnati early Wednesday evening. |
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08-23-17 | Blue Jays v. Rays +103 | Top | 7-6 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 54 m | Show |
Contrarian Shocker - Rickenbach Wednesday MLB 10* Top Play Tampa Bay Rays (+) vs Toronto Blue Jays @ 7:10 ET - The Blue Jays now have the longest losing streak in the majors with 4 straight defeats. Marcus Stroman gets the call here looking to stop the bleeding but the Rays just saw him last week and are now seeing him for the 4th time already this season. Tampa Bay has averaged 5 runs per game in their last 3 games and, overall, they've finally started to hit the ball better over the past week. The Rays send Austin Pruitt to the mound for this one. This is Pruitt's first ever start against the Blue Jays and the Toronto hitters that do have experience against him (relief appearances for Pruitt) have gone just 4 for 20 (.200) against him. Pruitt is off of a rough start versus the Mariners but previously allowed just 4 earned runs on 16 hits in 18 and 1/3 innings spanning his 3 prior starts. That equates to a 1.96 ERA and I look for Pruitt to come up big again here as the slump continues for Toronto. The Blue Jays are 25-37 on the road this season! The home team has won 5 of the last 6 games between these clubs. 10* TAMPA BAY on the money line early Wednesday evening. |
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08-22-17 | Twins v. White Sox OVER 10.5 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
Total Crusher - Rickenbach Tuesday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago White Sox vs Minnesota Twins @ 8:10 ET - Certainly the White Sox have not been hitting the ball well. Even though both games of yesterday's double header went over the total the fact is the ChiSox tallied very few hits. However, facing Kyle Gibson should bring out the best in the White Sox lineup. I am well aware of the fact that Gibson has great career numbers versus the ChiSox but the last time he faced them he allowed 5 earned runs in less than 6 innings of work. Also, he has a 6.05 ERA on the season and has given up 39 hits in his last 31 and 1/3 innings heading into this start. The over is now 8-3 in the Twins last 11 starts and Minnesota has been swinging hot bats. Minny has averaged scoring 6.9 runs per game in going 13-3 in their last 16 games. That said, young Lucas Giolito is in trouble here. The right-hander is highly touted but he has gone just 6-10 with a 4.48 ERA in the minors this season. Also, last season in his only major league appearances thus far, Giolito compiled a 6.75 ERA in 6 games (4 starts) and was hit at a .295 clip. Facing the red hot Twins should mean more struggles at the MLB level for Giolito here. The White Sox sticks, though they haven't been great as noted above, have averaged 5 runs per game in their last 14 games. This one should fly over the total as the bullpens also had to put in extra work yesterday due to the double header so this situation clearly favors the over today. The over is 17-8 in Chicago's home games this season where their money line is in a range of -125 to +125. Also, the over is 33-20 in Minnesota's games against teams with a losing record this season. 10* OVER the total in the Chicago White Sox game Tuesday evening |
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08-21-17 | Giants v. Browns OVER 39 | Top | 6-10 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach Monday NFLX 10* Top Play OVER the total in Cleveland Browns vs New York Giants @ 8 ET - This total has dropped from an opener of 40 to a 38.5 as of game day morning. Certainly I understand the move as these teams have a history of lower scoring preseason games in recent seasons. However, there is a reason the odds makers had opened up with a 40 here. Both of these teams emphasized the pass in their Week 1 games and more of the same is expected in Week 2. The Browns threw the ball 42 times while running just 22 times in their win over the Saints last week. Cleveland, even though its only preseason, also certainly got a boost by rallying for the win in that game. The Browns will ride that momentum this week but their defense did allow 15 first downs through the air against New Orleans. That is significant here because they should face another aerial attack from the Giants. New York threw the ball 42 times while rushing it just 23 times in their loss to the Steelers last week. The Browns scored 20 last week and the Giants allowed 20 last week and I look for each team to hit for at least 20 in this one as it gets over the total. These teams do not meet in the regular season either so there is not a concern of having to be overly vanilla to save certain plays for a regular season match-up. With that said, the value in this match-up is with the over. 10* OVER the total in Cleveland in Monday Night Football. |
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08-21-17 | Mariners v. Braves OVER 9.5 | Top | 6-5 | Win | 100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Rickenbach Monday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Braves vs Seattle Mariners @ 7:35 ET - The Braves Mike Foltynewicz has been roughed up in 3 of his last 4 starts. The Atlanta right-hander has struggled to command his curveball and slider and the results have been rough. Foltynewicz has allowed 5 earned runs or more in 3 of his last 4 starts and none of those 3 poor outings saw him log more than 4 innings! Now he faces a fired up Seattle team off of a shutout loss. The Mariners have a solid lineup and they had scored 7 runs in each of their prior 3 games before being shutdown yesterday. The over is 6-0-1 in the last 7 starts that Foltynewicz has made and I expect another over here because the M's Andrew Albers is unlikely to enjoy success. The southpaw has pitched in the minors for much of his career and this will be just his 2nd start this season. Keep in mind he has been hit at a .286 clip at the major league level in 18 appearances (13 starts) in his career. The left-hander also has been hit at a .279 clip in his entire minor league career including getting hit at .305 or better in 2 of his last 3 years in the minors at the AAA level. The Braves have averaged 7.3 runs per game in their last 4 games and they'll stay hot at the plate tonight. Yesterday's 8-1 Atlanta win barely stayed under the total but the over was 6-3 in Braves games heading into that one. Seattle is 14-9 to the over after getting shutout and also 34-19 to the over in interleague games. The over is on a 19-9 run in Atlanta's games versus teams with a winning record this season and also the Braves are 9-5 to the over in inter-league action this season. 10* OVER the total in Atlanta early Monday evening. |
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08-20-17 | Cardinals v. Pirates OVER 9.5 | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
ESPN Game of the Year - Rickenbach Sunday MLB 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Pirates vs St Louis Cardinals @ 7 ET - The Cardinals are on a 12-1 run to the over in their last 13 games after yesterday's 6-4 loss went over the total. Both of these teams continue to have bullpen issues and are swinging the bats quite well. The Cardinals have averaged scoring nearly 8 runs per game in their last 13 games! The Pirates have averaged scoring 7 runs per game in their last 4 games. Really the only question than for this one than comes down to the starting pitcher. The fact is that this is perhaps the strongest edge of all when it comes to this play! The Cardinals are starting Mike Leake and he has an 8.81 ERA in his last 3 starts and has given up 28 hits in the 15 and 1/3 innings spanning those 3 outings. He'll be opposed by Ivan Nova who is off of a solid outing at Milwaukee but had gone into that game having compiled a 6.67 ERA in his 5 starts since the All Star break. As you can see from these numbers, neither one of these pitchers has been getting the job done recently. Additionally, the Pirates lineup will be facing Leake for the 4th time already this season and they've had 20 hits in 17 and 1/3 innings against him thus far. Based on his current form, this could really be a breakout game for the Pittsburgh bats. As for the Cardinals, though they didn't fare well against Nova earlier this season at least that means they have seen him already and their lineup is truly one of the hottest in baseball right now. Couple that with Nova's recent struggles and St Louis should stay red hot at the plate in this one. Not only is the over 12-1 in the Cards last 13 games, STL is also 13-4 to the over in Sunday games this season. That means we're testing a combined 25-5 (83%) mark here! Count me in! 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh |