Taking the CARDINALS. GAME 2  LIBERATORE MUST START for STL.. . One- If you watch Mid Day Money you know I went in for a hernia surgery on Wednesday. - I survived! - Two. A little sore in the core section. I would be lying if I said I can dive online into all these games Thursday. If I don't a have a pick in MLB over the next couple please understand I must have been having a really tough day recouping. I appreciate everyone who follows.  -- On to the game. Will fade my guy Ragans in this spot. You know we have a KC win future and a Ragans win total over. That I think is a loser. He is just 2-3 in 12 starts and is now making his first start since hitting the IL back on May 16. And honestly, he wasn't all that sharp before. Cards just the better team right now, and the much better pitcher on the hill. Libertore has been pretty good this season. His numbers at home, excellent.  A 1.69 ERA, and I am not a huge ERA fan. I like the WHIPs and BAAs. A .84 WHIP in 5 starts, awesome. A .198 Batting Average Against. Great. 27 runners in 32 innings and 27 Ks at home. Sign me up. Royals 38-22 to the Under this year. WE had the Under for yesterday and it got PPD. Kansas City with the least HRs in all of MLB. Bottom 5 in On Base and Slugging. I do not expect them to break out vs a kid who has improved every season and is entering prime age territory. 5* Best Best STL CARDINALS 

Going UNDER the total in Tampa. Lopez has been a beast all season You know I love my WHIPs and BAAs, and this guy has been aces. .97 WHIP on the year - how about a .86 WHIP and .194 BAA in 5 road starts. Then we Rasmussen for the Rays who has been pretty solid himself. In his 7 home starts, a 2.50 ERA and a .215 BAA and 1.06 WHIP. Respectable enough when you have a team like the Twins who are hitting .231 on the road with the AL's 5th worse OBP at .291. Terrible. Runs at a premium this afternoon at Steinbrenner Field.  5* BEST BET Total Money UNDER Twins/ Rays

4* Money Maker NY KNICKS 

 Going OVER the total. Absolutely love this total. As terrible as the Celtics have shot the ball, they still hit this in Game 1. Knicks won't have any trouble scoring at home. And Boston - 25-100 from 3 or whatever they are shooting. They won't stop. They will continue to rain from the outside. Not sure about the Celtics covering, I would lean the home dog here. But I think that Boston gets at least 110 tonight and that, coupled with NY getting 100+ should have us over this number 5* Best Bet Total Money OVER Celtics/ Knicks

5* Best Bet ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Taking BOISE.  Have been on these guys all tournament. Not getting off them now. 5* Best Bet BOISE STATE

Taking the RAMS. This line has shot up because Arizona is out of the playoffs and with their win in NY (we had the Jets), the Rams are looking to lock up the West with todays game, and win next week right here vs Seattle. We locked this game early thinking we would be getting LA off a loss. But they pull it out and Arizona continues to be Arizona. Rams with 4 straight win, 5 of 6, 8 of 10 and are peeking at a good time. The defense has turned it around. 9-6-14 in 3 of last 4 - the 4th, that wild 44-42 game vs Buffalo. Arizona is NOT Buffalo. A 15-3 December SU run for LA has me thinking this is a 14+ point win. Rams will remember that 41-10 beat down they took in September when they were banged up. Marvin Harrison 130 yards 2 TDs. Hasn't sniffed anything close to that since. PAYBACK 8* Sure Shot LA RAMS

Taking the TEXANS. I told you in the Mid Day Money and Look Ahead Lines way back in March to take this Game 2. I told you on the Week 1 Look Ahead Lines show. I told you all week long to take this game. Now. I thought the Colts would lose and we would cover with the Titans. Titans, well. A terrible way to not cover for us. I know this line has moved. Just another reason to turn into the Look Ahead Lines Show I do LIVE every Sunday night at halftime.  Heck. Sometimes I do the Pre- Looky Looky on Wednesday when the lines come out to tell you where spreads are going to be.. I don't care that this is a 6 or 6.5. TEXANS FH is -3.5. I don't think this is close. Bears defense might stymie Levis. But the Texans are different. And just because we cashed on the Colts +2.5 last week doesn't mean we don't like Houston. Did you see the Bears offense? Or lack of it? People think this is a 10 win team? Yeah. Trey Lance MVP Ticket holders when he was drafted by the Niners probably think that. You want a Look Ahead Winner. Grab the Colts right now at ML -130 next week vs these Bears. Because when the Bears get mauled, that line will be 3. B2B road games for a rookie QB. Get outta here. Take the TEXANS to the Bank $ 5* Best Bet HOUSTON TEXANS

Taking the RAVENS. Talk about having a game circled. Baltimore absolutely needs this one. If you listen to Mid Day Money or Look Ahead Lines, you have heard me talk about this game since the lines came out. Ravens here for no other reason then they need to get the AFC Championship Game out of their heads. Chiefs with nothing to prove. They are the Super Bowl Champs. I'll take any points, sprinkle some ML, and might also be looking at the under in this one. 5* Best Bet BALTIMORE RAVENS

5* Best Bet GREEN BAY PACKERS

4* Money Maker CAROLINA PANTHERS

5* Best Bet NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

4* Total Money OVER Lions/ Cowboys

Taking the NINERS here. I liked them when I thought Baltimore was going to lose on the road last week at Jacksonville. So I love them coming in off a win. Look. I have said for the last month I think these 2 teams are meeting in the Super Bowl. Only thing going to stop that would be Buffalo really going on a run, which, might still happen. But here on Christmas, I think it is San Fran in beat down fashion. Niners defense is superior. Lamar will be running for his life. Grab some Over Rushing Props on the guy. I don't the Ravens defense can slow this bunch down. I think San Fran is a TD better than any team in the league right now. Sure - bring up a 3 game slide when they were missing their 2 best offensive pieces. When this team has their RB + WR lined up, watch out. It is surgical. San Fran by double digits to close out your Christmas Day. 10* Money Bomb SAN FRANCISCO 

Taking SAN JOSE STATE. 6 straight wins for the Spartans. QB from Hawaii. Have been here, not a crazy trip to the islands. Coastal coming from something like 5 thousand miles away. QB says he wants to hit the portal. Will he play or not? Who the heck knows. Kid on UTSA decides an hour before kick to not play. Ridiculous. No matter though. Spartans to me the more motivated bunch with something to prove to get their coach his first bowl win here. 10* Money Bomb SAN JOSE STATE

4* Money Maker FRESNO

 Going UNDER the total here. Boise will be starter a true freshman QB in this one. Granted, the UCLA DC left for USC. Bruins also lose some decent defensive pieces here as well. Something like 13 sacks and 6 INTs. I do like Boise and the point here even with their 3rd stringer going. UCLA also lacking punch on offense as they will be starting a new QB as well. But his QB coach just took off. I think this one is an ugly one. But I can't see this one getting to 50 points. 8* Sure Shot Total Money UNDER Boise/ UCLA

8* Sure Shot CAL IRVINE

Taking the JETS. Sean Payton said Nathanial Hackett was basically a big ole pile of doo doo. You don't think these guys want to crush Denver for their coach. He was here last year. Basically knows this trash squad in an out. Not that New York can drop a 70 piece, but I expect a big J-E-T-S WIN. 8* Sure Shot NEW YORK JETS

Going UNDER the total. Two teams I will look to keep fading offenses with. Burrow didn't look all that great on Monday night. Now, a short week. Still hobbled. Tennessee. What is there to say? You draft Willis - You draft Levis. You still trot out the old guy. Guess you get some AARP discount or something for this QB-RB-WR combo of veterans. Both teams had the same 27-24 games in Week 2. But the other 4 games. Slop fests. I love that the Titans are 1-9 their last 10, so of course that peeks my interest. But, first team to 20 wins. 4* Total Money UNDER Bengals/ Titans 

5* BEST BET Total Money OVER Jays/ Sox 

4* Money Maker MONTANTA GRIZZLIES

Taking GREEN BAY. We didn't pull the trigger on Minny last week for whatever reason. Guess it got lost in the 10-3 Week 1. We did cash the Bears though. And now GB will do what it does. Demolish Chicago. Getting points at home from basically a rookie QB is one thing. Getting them from a HOFer. A totally different story. Packers left for dead after Game 1. We saw this last year. And honestly - you think Fields is outplaying Aaron Rodgers. They can wheel out James Loften and Antonio Freeman for Rodgers to throw to. The guy will make plays tonight. Bears still a long way to go to be a competitive team. This game has 34-13 written all over it. 5* Best Bet GREEN BAY PACKERS 

Taking the GIANTS. Now. You know that I am a Cowboys fan. And to come in here and back the Giants as Best Bet. Yeah. Painful! And against The Hoodie. The Hoodie who is pretty darn good in pre-season over his career (50-35 ATS) I'm tossing that out though. Giants turn to Mike Kafka! Mike Kafka from Northwestern who tossed for a cool 500+ Yards in an Outback loss! He had been with KC as the QB Coach + passing coordinator. Bringing this New York team to the modern passing world. I think we see some offense tonight from the GMen. And, I think we some defense. HC Daboll said he expects everyone to play. That is good to hear. But honestly, do I expect to see starters for a quarter. Not really. I am happy to see Tyrod Taylor get a decent shot at 2nd and 3rd stringers though. And Davis Webb will be chucking when he comes in also. We  have a new HC/ OC/ DC so they want to see what they got on the roster. Giants looking for a fresh start and some wins. 1 winning season the last 8. 4-6-4 wins the last 3 years. They are in no position to take a pre-season game lightly. 5* Best Bet NEW YORK GIANTS 

Taking the PHILLIES here early. Can also go RL for +160 of you want to. I might take a little action there. We've had an up and down last week, so here on the site, we go for the straight play. This is a fade of Darvish on the road. 4 starts and a 7.91 ERA 14Ks 8bbs and 25 hits in 19+ innings of work. Gibby on the other side of the spectrum. Straight dealing at home. 3-0 1.93 in his 3 home starts with a 177 BA Against and .70 WHIP. Even last season, 7-3 2.81 at home in 14 starts 206 BAA 1.03 WHIP (road 4.47 3-6). Phillies better than their record and I expect a big showing here to wrap up the series. 4* Money Maker PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES 

5* Best Bet UAB

5* Best Bet CAL RIVERSIDE 

5* Best Bet CAL IRVINE 

4* Money Maker ST PETERS

4* Money Maker LOUISIANA TECH

4* Total Money OVER UNLV/ New Mexico

4* Total Money UNDER San Diego State/ Nevada

4* Total Money UNDER USC/ UCLA

4* Total Money UNDER Hawaii/ Northridge

4* Total Money UNDER Sacramento/ Montana

4* Total Money OVER Greensboro / Samford

4* Total Money UNDER Arkansas State/ Georgia State

4* Total Money UNDER Little Rock/ Troy

4* Total Money OVER Wofford/ VMI 

4* Total Money UNDER Texas State/ ULL 

4* Money Maker MOREHEAD STATE

Taking the RAMS. Have to say. And I have said this the last 2 weeks as I go against the Niners. I like this team. We had win total and division tickets on San Fran. I say all the time this team is hamstrung by injuries. I think people forget they had a lead in the Super Bowl vs the Chiefs. I cannot knock them at all. Huge comeback in Week 17 got them into the playoffs. And yeah, we can say - 4 straight road games. Well 2 are in LA vs a team that has zero home field and fans for SF will be here cheering them on. Maybe I look to the Under again as we have had the last 2 SF playoff games. And let us look at those. One. Dallas. I'm a Cowboys fan. But the coaching is terrible and, well, Niners did hold on for the win. But don't forget that Jimmy G did throw a late INT in that one and it nearly cost them. Then in GB. Packers score on the first drive and then take the rest of the game off! A blocked FG to end the half that would have been 10-3 GB. A blocked Punt returned for a TD at 10-3 (13-3) for a 10-10. I mean, 10 guys on the field for the Packers on the final GW FG attempt. What a cluster of errors. And to be great, you need to catch some breaks. And SF has caught them all so far. Gucci Garoppolo 11-19 131 yards 1 INT vs GB. 16-25 172 yards 1 INT vs Dallas. He had 2 INTs in the season finale comeback vs the Rams. Stafford out-Brady-ed Brady in Tampa. I think people will see the Rams collapse in Week 18 vs SF and the near collapse vs TB and think they are ripe for the fall. We have 2 very good SB HCs going at it here. The smallest of smallest edge to the home team. I think Stats Padford. Matt Statsford Pads Statford, I mean Matt Stafford makes the plays over Jimmy G. 4* Money Maker LA RAMS 

Taking the CHIEFS. Playoff revenge tour in full swing. Can we really get anything better in these Championship Games than what we have seen so far in these playoffs? Totally unbelievable games. So KC dispatched Bills who upset them at home. Now on tap are the Bengals who rallied back from 21-7 and 28-14 down to win 34-31 on a last second FG. Now. I thought the Titans would take care of Cincy last week. And again. Not knocking Cincy. But even when we backed them vs the Raiders, we really need an INT on the 1 to preserve a W. That game shouldn't have been close but Cincy couldn't finish. Then vs the Titans they get 3 INTs from Tannehill, a bumbling mess. I will tell you this, 4 FGs will not cut it against the Chiefs. Too much experience, and winning, playoff experience for KC here. Burrow is great. But Mahomes and Company have been in this spot for now 4 straight years. I'm laying it. 4* Money Maker KC CHIEFS 

Taking GREEN BAY. Niners get past Dallas who continue to find new ways to lose. This would have been nice to see the old HC come back to face the Pack. And the Rodgers come out and throw 6 TD passes. But, we still get Rodgers throwing 4 TD passes here. I do like SF. You know this. We had a future win ticket and NFC West ticket on them. Should have had them ML last week as I thought the line should have been 4.5-5.5. Dumb move by me. But still a nice weekend of Wild Card action going 3-1 heading into Monday and us backing the Rams. Here though. I just think GB has a QB who won't make stupid mistakes. He won't let his HC make mistakes. Guy is MVP and HOFer. Also has a great WR. Solid RBs. The defense is underrated. 8* Sure Shot GREEN BAY PACKERS 

Taking the TITANS. So we scored the win last week. Cincy as a Premium hold on and we also cash our Mid Day Money pick on the Under. But you know what I saw all the time. That 3.5 - man. Everyone will run to grab Burrow and that extra hook. Not so fast my friend. Titans by 10! Love the extra rest. We should be getting some guys back. Road playoff game for the youngsters from Cincy. Not happening Bengals fans. 5* Best Bet TENNESSEE TITANS 

Taking MINNESOTA. Rutgers 1-5 away from the RAC. 10-1 in home games. Off a big win over Iowa. Last 2 Big 10 road games. Penn State abuses them 66-49, then they beat Maryland off that loss 70-59. Add in losses to Seton Hall 77-63 and Illinois 86-56. Not ready folks. Lost at UMass 85-83. Lost at DePaul 73-70. Nothing Golden about the Gophers as they enter on a 4 game slide. Just lost at home to Iowa 81-71 (Rutgers 48-46 winners). Before that dropped a 71-69 at Michigan State and 73-60 at Indiana. Illinois got them here 76-53. These guys beat solid Mid Majors Princeton and Western Kentucky on neutrals. They beat Michigan and Mississippi State on the road. I look for them to get back in the Win Column with good showing today. 5* Best  Bet MINNESOTA 

Taking the BENGALS. Look. We had the Raiders last week. But honestly, I thought they would go down to the Colts the week before. Line has come down a full point. And here I thought it would be Cincy -7. I still think Bengals win this by 10+. A nice 4 game win streak for LV. Upset Colts on road, OT win vs Vegas. But we saw b2b clunker offenses vs Broncos and Browns with backup QBs leading the charge for the other teams. Cincy game to Vegas and won 32-13 back in November. I have been surprised by Cincy this year. Not on the wins. They are talented. I am just not a lover of their coach. That being said- I will take Burrow and friend in the cold over Carr and company. 8* Sure Shot CINCINNATI BENGALS

Taking the RAIDERS. Yes, the Raiders are basically assured of a playoff spot. But I can't see them losing here at home. Who thought they would be here after the season they just went through. But there they are. And the fact they can knock out a division rival of their shot at the playoffs -man, sign me up for Vegas. Plus, we get a little revenge angle at home. 28-14 last time these two met up with LAC up 21-0 at the half. Geez. You would think that Gus Bradley who was the season before with the Chargers would be able to game plan vs his old squad. I think he has the troops ready. I thin this is an outright win. Also like the OVER in this one. 8* Sure Shot LAS VEGAS RAIDERS 

Taking the PATRIOTS. Revenge game for the best coach in the league and a reeling Miami team. What more do we need. This line has already moved several points. I would lay 10 here. New England will eat the Dolphins like the stuff that gets scooped up in the tuna nets. Miami win streak bit the dust last week when they actually played a decent team. Add in that NE can win the AFC East with a win and Bills loss - no way they don't come out and play hard here the entire game. Might actually be looking at the UNDER in this game also. Scoreboard watch - if Bills get out to big early lead, wouldn't be shocked if Patriots goes run heavy with backups. 5* Best Bet NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Taking the NINERS. I am not a believer of this Rams team. They needed a big comeback last week. San Fran like a cornered Wolverine looking for a big win. Stafford has been brutal lately with 7 turnovers the last 3 games. Pads Statsford or Stats Padford, whatever you want to call him. He hasn't played any meaningful football while in Detroit. Not sure he can handle the pressure. SF with 5 straight wins (4-1 ATS) over LAR. Points are nice, but won't be shocked at an outright win this afternoon. 4* Money Maker SAN FRANCISCO 49ers 

Taking WASHINGTON 56-14 is all people will remember heading into this one. I thought I would be able to get around 6, maybe closer to kick off. We last saw that Sunday night beatdown. We also remember Philly winning by 10 at home putting up 500 yards of offense. Let us not forget the 4 straight WFT wins before that. Before covid hit. Before they ran out a QB off the street last week. Look. For me. This is straight pride play. You give up 56 on national TV in front of your peers. You are facing a team that ran over 2 weeks ago. If you are any kind of man, you are ready to go into the stands and tackle Eagles family members. Philly hasn't beaten a team over .500 all year. These guys lost 13-7 to the Giants at the Meadowlands. Then beat the Jets with a rookie QB in Wilson, Garrett Gilbert off the street for WFT and then Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm last week. Get out of here. Heinicke isn't some savior, but he is better than those guys. Won't be shocked if Washington wins outright. 5* Best Bet WFT 

Taking NOTRE DAME. No coach. No problem. This team loves the new guy in charge. No lack of motivation. These guys are excited. Plus, they get a shot a big name program like Oklahoma. Who lost their HC and bring back an old HC to coach the bowl game. Why do I think some guys will be opting out for Oklahoma here? Give me the Irish in an absolute blowout. 5*  Best Bet NOTRE DAME

Taking MICHIGAN here. This is it for Harbaugh. Time to deliver. You have the same NFL talent as Georgia does. Bulldogs defense very good. But, we have seen them vs Alabama and NFL talent. They can give up points. Wolverines can move the ball. We are also on this OVER. For me, this is really about Harbaugh getting over the hump and delivering. The guy can recruit. He finally got the big win he needed. Huge pressure lifted. I think these guys win outright tonight. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 

Taking TENNESSEE. This team really surprised me this season. Was not expecting such a quick turnaround. But here we are. And playing basically a home game. Huge edge here for Vols. Line moved accordingly. Look Perdue was 8-4.  Beat Michigan State, Iowa on the road. Lost 27-13 to ND. The team plays defense. Vols offense will put that to the test. This team can move the ball and put points on the board, just about 39ppg. Boilermakers best defense player opted out of the bowl. Their best WR also is sitting out as both get draft ready. Not sure Purdue has enough bullets to go shot for shot here. 8* Sure Shot TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 

5* Best Bet GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 

Taking GREEN BAY. I hate saying something is easy. But there was zero chance I was going to take the Browns here. And you know I am big Cleveland backer. But this is an extremely short week. Add in the Covid tests. Who knows what we get here from them. On the other side. Man. What a brutal loss with GB -2 last week. Are you kidding me? At least off that game I know here at home, the defense will want to atone for that disaster. We also have the MVP behind center. Not sure what the Browns have left in the tank at this point of the season. Much higher hopes coming into this season after last year. Now sitting at .500, I don't know if they have the heart to win this thing. Make no mistake. Browns win this one outright or they get run out of the Lambeau by 20. I think we see the latter. 5* Best Bet GREEN BAY PACKERS

Taking SAN FRAN tonight. I am just not sold on this Titans team. First. They are in off a tough loss to the Steelers. Tough, more like Brutal. Up 13-0, can't score in the 2nd half. Miss a 4th down by a full yard. That is 3 losses in the last 4 weeks. Lone win. Jacksonville. A game they won 20-0. And we move on to point number 2. The offense. We can start with no points in the 2nd half vs Pitt. But lets go to Jags and 20 points. You get 4 INTs and can only put up 20? That isn't shocking. They put up 13 in back to back losses to the Patriots and Texans. Funny, we have or have faded the Titans the last 5 weeks and are a perfect 5-0. I think I can read this bunch. The offense is anemic without Henry. Enter SF. This team is playing well. 30 or more points in 4 of their last 6 games. 5-1 in those games. 5-1 ATS in those games. Finally the HC. Clear edge for us on the sidelines right now. Zero adjusts coming from Tennessee. That 4 week slide in September/October seems a lifetime ago for the Niners. SF by double digits tonight. They take care of business tonight, 10 days to get ready for Houston at home. That might be the fade spot with the Rams in LA to close out the regular season. Tonight though. The focus is on winning, and they do that by 10. 5* Best Bet SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Taking OLD DOMINION. 5 straight wins for the Monarchs. Honestly, in December, normally I am looking at OD hoops, not the football team. But they are worth the bet today. Tulsa comes in winning 3 straight, but, too many points here. OD started 1-6 - let's not forget, these guys didn't even suit up last year during Covid. Maybe it took some time to get their act together. Too many points to lay with Golden Hurricane. 5* Best Bet OLD DOMINION 

Taking GREEN BAY. We had these guys last Sunday night and needed a big 2nd half. Totally flat out of the gate and their bye week. But they are still fighting Tampa and Arizona for home field. I can't see them mailing a game in here. I know Rodgers has a toe thing. The guy is a gamer. He isn't sitting out. The run game is solid. Ravens a total desperate team right now. QB situation sketchy. Still banged up all over the place. We had the Browns last week who blew a 24-6 halftime lead. This isn't Baker and we will screen and run the ball offense. GB will air it out. And then run their RBs at you. Now sure Baltimore can handle a balanced attack right now. Packers by at least a TD this afternoon. 4* Money Maker GREEN  BAY PACKERS 

Taking the CHARGERS. Again. Locked in before a whirlwind week began. NYG with QB questions. Chargers with their own issues. We do have a decent number as of now. I was liking this based on Miami to Cali and Freddy Kitchens calling OC plays. We do have the more talented team. The QB edge gets to the moon if we get Fromm behind center. G-Men putting up just about 11ppg their last 3 games. Chargers offense has put up 41 in 2 of the last 3 weeks so should be able to cover this. We also grabbed the UNDER 44.5 here. 4* Money Maker LA CHARGERS 

Taking SOUTHERN UTAH. Nearly a year to the day, Southern Utah went into Utah Valley and beat these guys 81-71. I think we get the same result tonight. Look. The Wolverines of Utah Valley are off to a great start. 7-1. They have a monster in the middle in Aimaq who honestly, will be a problem tonight. If the Thunderbirds are weak for us, that is going to be the issue. So we have our guys back home with a 4 game win streak in place. But hello Valley who after dropping their opening night game by 20 at Boise, have reeled off 7 straight. Very impressive. But the last two is why I am leaning more home team in this spot. Back to back OT wins. Wins over Denver, then, they knocked off BYU. Now, knocking off a team ranked in the Top 15 is a big deal. When that team is an in-state rival. Well. Nowhere to go but down. Southern Utah is an experienced bunch, real experienced. As in 7 of their first 8 guys playing are all seniors -their top 2 guys, All Big Sky 1st teamers. Bad spot for UV, good spot for SUU. In off a ho-hum win when they had their eyes on this matchup - they have a cupcake on deck. Thunderbirds by double digits. 5* Best Bet SOUTHERN  UTAH 

Taking NEW MEXICO STATE. Revenge game first week of December. Just a couple days ago we rolled in with New Mexico at +10. That was a wild 101-94 game. Now. I guess we give credit for Richard Pitino trying to be Richard and not Little Ricky. I like him as a coach. Didn't work out in Minny. But I think New Mexico is a Mountain West team he can build on the family name. Lobos a 2 headed monster of Mashburn and House. That being said, Aggies always a solid club, top team in the WAC. These games are always battles. But back to their last game. I think that gives us a little extra motivation here. 5* Best Bet NEW MEXICO ST

Taking the THUNDER. Yeah. You lose 152-79, and you sit for 3 days waiting to get back on the court. Then you get points from Detroit who is much better covering when they are getting double digits, not laying points. I don't come out with a ton of NBA regular season plays - but there is no way I am passing up a chance to back a team off a 73 point loss. They lost by almost the same amount points they scored! Last I checked, the Thunder are still an NBA team team. Right. Right? 8* Sure Shot OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 

Taking KANSAS CITY. Uh. Will the Chiefs get down to business and start covering big numbers? That is the question. For me. Andy Reid out of a bye week. Guy is great off rest. 27-6 SU 21-12 ATS. KC with Mahomes, Kelce and Hill should be able to put up 30 tonight. This Denver defense is patchwork. Looks ok vs teams that do not have stars. And honestly - is Teddy B going to keep pace here? And maybe you think, ugly game. It will be close. He doesn't have to keep up. I dunno. KC on a 11-0 SU run vs these guys. How about 9-2 ATS under Reid vs the Broncos. And as bad as the Chiefs defense was to start the season, they are allowing about 12ppg the last month. A bye week win over a slumping Chargers team. Coming in to KC on a Sunday night vs a team off their bye week. I think KC wins by 20. 4* Money Maker KC CHIEFS 

Taking the BENGALS. I understand not wanting to bet Cincy off of them beating the Steelers again. But this is new Cincy. It think Mixon has a big game here. I think we have the QB and offensive edge here. We have the defensive edge. Chargers give up points. 28-37-27-24-27-34-42. Cincy has rolled out 41-31 the last 2 weeks. Then before that egg vs Cleveland, 31-41-34. Chargers in another road game. After getting beat down in Denver. They pulled out a game out of their butts vs Pitt that should never have been close. They edged Philly 27-24. Before that 2 straight losses. This team could have lost 6 in a row or won 6 in a row. Give me the new look Bengals. 5* Best Bet CINCINNATI BENGALS 

Taking MICHIGAN. We had these guys a few times during the season. Didn't have them vs OSU. Had -6 on Buckeyes early. Guess I was still fuming over Wolverines blowing double digit lead to Sparty on the road. Let's be honest here. Michigan is way more talented than Iowa. The monkey is off the back. Time to bring Michigan back to the National Championship level. Took a long time for Harbaugh, but he is here now. No let down. They should win this one by 20. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 

Taking GEORGIA. Nothing has changed since August. We liked Georgia then. Still like them now. The defense is super. That will be the difference maker here. We can get into Nick vs his old assistants. We can talk until we are blue in the face about the greatness of Alabama. Nothing has changed my thoughts about Georgia this season. 5* Best Bet GEORGIA BULLDOGS 

Taking the COWBOYS here. Also on the UNDER 47.5. Pair of reeling teams. Both in off Thanksgiving home losses. Saints having dropped 4 straight. A total no-show vs Buffalo. We had Bills and Under there. But also lost with Dallas and the Under. This is an important game for them. Who cares the coach isn't there. I can't stand that guy anyway. First of 3 straight road games. They need to get back on track. Washington on deck then the Giants. We have seen Dallas wilt under the pressure before. I just can't see it with this offense. The defense is decent enough that it should hold Hill in check. Saints are a mess. If the Cowboys don't win by 10 I would be shocked and will be looking for Washington or Eagles NFC East division champ tickets. 8* Sure Shot DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking GREEN BAY here. We had Minny last week with this game circled. Angry GB at home. We get the Rams outside in November. What is there not to like? Stafford, a guy the Packers have seen for years. They know every weak spot of his game. If Green Bay doesn't win  by 2 touchdowns here, then Love had to come in to QB this game for the home team. 8* Sure Shot GREEN BAY PACKERS

Taking the PATRIOTS. This line will be a TD by game day. Hats off the best coach ever. We did say to grab NE to win the AFC North back in August. This is not that shocking that the Patriots are playing well. The defense is solid. The QB has been solid. We know we always have an edge on the sidelines. We said to fade the Titans last week. Winner. This team had been winning with smoke and mirrors and honestly, that run was ready to end. Some tough reality now hitting the road. I think Patriots win this one by 10+.  5* Best Bet NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Taking the HOUSTON TEXANS 

Taking NOTRE DAME. Big number, but I think the Irish win this by 3+ TDs. Do we think Stanford is just going to start slowing down people. 41 to Cal last game. 35 to Oregon State before that. 52 to Utah. You think they roll out another Oregon miracle OT winner? So the defense has been sound the last 3 games. How about this offensive output. 11 vs Cal - 14 Oregon State - 7  Utah. Notre Dame thinks it is the 4th team in the Playoffs. 50 points on the board tonight. 10* Money Bomb NOTRE DAME

Taking OHIO STATE. So this is a great number because it will sail over the 7 shortly. Every will talk about bad Harbaugh vs good teams. I get it. And if it gets to 8.5 or higher, maybe I go for the  middle. We had Michigan last week because as I said then, can't look ahead to a team that has owned you and for it to mean anything you need to beat the team in front of you. We know the past numbers between these too. I think OSU defense a bit better. We saw the Wolverines choke it away against Michigan State. (We had Michigan there also). We don't think they can do something stupid and turn a 5 point game into 14? Honestly, I think OSU wins by 10+. Yes the Buckeyes might have the pressure on them with the whole playoff thing or whatever. But the real pressure - the pressure everyone is feeling is resting on Michigan's shoulders. Harbaugh 3-9 against Ohio State and Michigan State, and 2-13 vs. AP Top 10 teams. If you think the players don't read papers or the internet, come on now.  5* Best Bet OHIO STATE

Taking ARKANSAS. Besides the fact I think Missouri is terrible, what we have is their former HC sitting as DC of the Razorbacks. Oh you know he is going to want this one. And the players will respond. This is tough group. The new regime really has brought in the change. Have to like what you are hearing after their loss to Bama. No shame battling them. This is a get right game at home. The fans will be pumped. 3-7 last year. Win #8 here. First bowl bid since 2016. The blowout is on. 8* Sure Shot ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 

Taking the COWBOYS. Not that we love laying points at home with Dallas, but, they had been taking care of ATS business in Jerry's World with the exception of that Denver game. Now they are off an ugly Kansas City game. So. Amari banged up. Lamb too. Maybe Zeke. You know what. It won't matter. Because this Raiders team is in a free fall. 3 straight losses. Not even close the last 2. Oh. They are going to turn it on for Thanksgiving. I don't think so. I wasn't high on these guys to start the year. No way I can back them even at a TD price. Lots of problems on and off the field. 5* Best Bet DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking the COWBOYS. I know KC finally showed up after what seems like an eternity of not covering game. 15-3 ATS NO Covers for KC last 18. How about an 0-9 ATS run at home. Yeah. A short number. But how many people will be saying - Oh, Mahomes and KC just have to win by a FG. Easy Money. Dallas Outright for me - Short week in Vegas. Back in first place in the AFC West. Have to take any points with Dallas. Their offense is just as good or better than Kansas City. Now. Coaching another story. Dallas with a Big D as in Dummy on the sidelines. Cowboys had it going last week, and that was with a big road trip to Arrowhead on deck. This is a big measuring stick for Dallas and Dak. I like the small dogs to win this one. 5*  Best Bet DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking the BEARS and going ML. You can grab the points. I am going for the big pay day. And why not. Baltimore 1-6 ATS as faves - straight up losses as faves to the Raiders, Bengals and Miami. How about the Lions game with a 700 yard FG! Easy money Ravens backers. Oh. Overtime for wins over the Colts and Vikings. I know Chicago and Fields is a tough backing. But, off a bye week, I think this will be their best game of the season. Plus. Anyone remember last time we saw the Bears on MNF getting hosed by the refs. Maybe we get a little repayment with a call or two. 8* Sure Shot CHICAGO BEARS 

Taking WISCONSIN. Who remembers the Badgers 1-3 start? PSU, Notre Dame and Michigan knocked Wiscy around early. But they have reeled off 6 straight with a super defense. Now. Army, Purdue, Iowa, Rutgers, Northwestern. I get it. Not like those aforementioned programs. But Nebraska is somewhere in the middle, if not closer to these bottom teams. I think they are in for a rough day. 4 straight losses. 6 of 7 in the L column. And these are some tough losses. 26-17 vs Ohio State. 28-23 Purdue. 30-23 Minny. 32-29 Michigan. Heck, That 23-20 OT at Michigan State. 23-16 Oklahoma. These guys are battlers for sure. So Cornhuskers in off bye week. Great! Extra prep time. No! Scott Frost gets a contract extension, and oh by the way- Say Good-Bye to the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, offensive line coach and running game coordinator, the quarterbacks coach and running backs and recruiting coordinator last week! What the heck!. Last home game for Badgers. Wiscy by double digits. 5* Best Bet WISCONSIN BADGERS 

Taking MISSISSIPPI STATE. If these guys don't win by 20, I will be shocked. Detroit is giving up 80 to Toledo and Wyoming on the road. We have seen 86 and 75 out of these guys already to go along with Mississippi State allowing only 49 in both contest. More of the same to fatten up that record. 5* Best Bet MISSISSIPPI STATE

Taking FULLERTON. Like this little Big West bunch. Good spot for them too. Home. They played first 2 on the road. Santa Clara and San Jose are still in Cali. GW is in their 3rd straight away from D.C. A little bit of a haul. A win at home. Then a loss at Maryland. Hope a flight to San Diego to get trucked by 20 in a 2pt dog roll. And here they are again in the same spot. This is the schedule spot for a Titans win after 2 on the road. 5* Best Bet CS FULLERTON 

Taking JACKSONVILLE STATE. Another one of the small schools we like. I think they give Liberty a run in the ASUN this year. They are tough. This is solid small school. They gave Wichita all they could handle. Troy a bottom tier Sun Belt team that was bad last year. Maybe they improve. But this number is short enough where the Gamecocks take care of business. 8* Sure Shot JACKSONVILLE STATE 

4* Money Maker SMU

4* Money Maker BAYLOR

Taking the COWBOYS. Had these guys last week, and we faded Atlanta in what was a miserable day. Today though, Dallas gets straight. Atlanta gave up 25 points to Trevor Simien and the Saints. 28 to Tua and Miami and 48 to Brady all on the road. Do we forget that Hurts and Philly put up 32 on these guys. Dallas better all over the field. After that loss, payback time. They cost themselves with some failed 4th down tries. A weird punt block. If Dallas doesn't get to 40 I will be shocked. And I don't think Atlanta scores 30+. 5* Best Bet DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking TEXAS A&M. Aggies starting with that Alabama win look like a different team right now. They look like the Top 5 team people thought they should be to start the season. Ole Miss and all the love for the coach and the QB. Eh. They are pretty banged up. 27 vs Liberty last week. Maybe they were looking ahead to this game. Aggies though with 3-14-14 allowed their last 3. We saw Mississippi vs Alabama. This team is right up there talent wise. Jimbo 11-3 ATS as road record at A&M also a tough trend not to back. 8* Sure Shot TEXAS A&M 

Taking TENNESSEE. Vols will come out throwing like they always do. This is the best offense that the Bulldogs will see. We have been multiple times this season and have cashed several tickets. This is not one of them. Way too big a number with what the Vols can do offensively. Back-door wide open. But honestly, I won't be shocked if this is closer to a 7-10pt game with a small chance of an outright upset. 5* Best Bet TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 

Taking PENN STATE. I like Michigan. Think they are a solid club. And, how about a 2-22 SU run for the Wolverines vs ranked teams. Yikes. I  had Michigan vs Michigan State. They couldn't hold a double digit lead. I know that PSU will bring the defense. (Wolverine defense not too shabby either) They have been in some tough games. That Illinois game was nuts. Michigan at home. Crowd will be insane. Think the defense will force McNamara into a mistake or too. Big spot for a young QB. Clifford a bit more big game experience - could be the difference maker. 5* Best Bet PENN STATE 

4* Money Maker MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE

Taking NEW MEXICO. Trying to figure out how FAU is favored. I know New Mexico had a terrible end to their season last year. Haven't played here in 'The Pit' since February. The fans will be fired up. Not just to see their, but a new coach too boot. With a basketball name like Pitino attached to it. I like some the transfer pieces. Lobos get it done here as home dogs. Outright winner on tap. 5* Best Bet NEW MEXICO LOBOS 

Taking the SAINTS. Matt Ryan an underdog to, checks notes, Trevor Siemian! A win over Brady will do that to you. But it is more than that. One. It starts with the defense. New Orleans will bring a defense to the field today. They will rally around the backup here. We have Kamara in the backfield to ease the burden, no worries in my mind. Atlanta. Ridley out. Defense still bad. I had both of these guys last week with mixed results. Carolina with the ugly 19-13 win. Falcons look lost on both sides of the ball for sure. Before that FG fest, they were in a wild game in Miami. They let the Jets score 20 on them. Safe to say backups and average QBs can move the ball and put up some points. How about that offense? What is going on with Matt Ryan. 13 points - 17 points at Giants - 6 vs Philly. Ok, want to be happy with the 30 in Miami and 25 at Tampa. We know Tampa D is suspect. 30 vs Washington. Again, home vs a bad defense. Saints defense will make plays when needed. Chalk up a 10 point win here. 5* Best Bet NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

5* Best Bet BAYLOR 

Taking EAST CAROLINA. Yes. Big number to lay with ECU. But the Pirates a pretty decent team. Yes. 2 losses in last 3 games. Lost in OT to Houston on the road. Lost 20-16 on the road to UCF. Losing 20-17 at South Carolina not a bad loss either. Temple though for me, a straight fade team. They have scored 24 points their last 3 games. 49-7 loser to UCF. 34-14 loser at USF. 52-3 loser at Cincy. Somehow they beat Memphis. Akron and Wagner as their other wins? They were 1-6 last year! As I mentioned. Loss to Cincy by 49 - Loss to Central Florida by 42 - Loss to South Florida by 20 - Loss to Rutgers by 47 - Loss to Boston College by 25. If ECU doesn't win this by 20 just on default, I will be shocked. 8* Sure Shot EAST CAROLINA 

Taking the COWBOYS. At a pk, worth the grab here on Dallas. The offense is really clicking. A bye week to get a little healthier. I do like Minny. I like Zimmer. You will how Cousins can't win Prime Time games. I don't worry about that. I think as much I like Zim, and he is a defensive guy, this Dallas offense is just too much for most teams. Cowboys defense does it what it needs to do to win games. 8* Sure Shot DALLAS COWBOYS 

Taking the BILLS. Buffalo with an extra week to think about that Titans loss. (winner for us on Tennessee!) Dolphins absolutely reeling. A gift win to start the year in New England. 6 straight losses since. 4th different stadium for Miami in 4 weeks and 8 straight games of football. Team is hot mess. Bills won 35-0 in Miami and they didn't break a sweat in the humidity. I have Buffalo putting up 40 here. Can't see the Dolphins staying close. 5* Best Bet BUFFALO BILLS 

Taking FRESNO STATE. One of those spots. San Diego, a 'ranked' team. Everyone on these guys as short home faves. But we have the better offense. I think the Aztecs defense is not as good as their rankings. SDST is undefeated. But unless Cincy slips up, these guys aren't going anywhere. And honestly those hopes end tonight. They have lost a couple of the stat battles in their games. And yes, a good team will make up for that. But not half the time. You are getting a little too lucky. This line tells you all you need to know about what people think about the Bulldogs. Balanced Fresno gets it done. 5* Best Bet FRESNO STATE 

Taking OHIO STATE. So we rolled out OSU last week and will come right back on them today. We saw a terrible Penn State team. And you say, well, they were looking ahead. Yeah. That would be fine on a 20-6 win. A 20-18 9 OT loser. No. You were outplayed. You didn't play well. And you will be totally flat coming here. Oh. You will be pumped to knock off OSU. Well the Buckeyes already took that loss from Oregon at home. They won't be looking past the Lions here. And frankly, they can't PSU losing drops them in the polls. Losing to Illinois will only mean Ohio State needs to win by 30+ instead of 20. 8* Sure Shot OHIO STATE 

Taking MICHIGAN here. So I do like my Spartans. But this is too a short a line. Maybe it is a 'too easy' game. Michigan State sitting off their bye week, but Michigan took care of Northwestern in simple fashion. Wolverines come in with revenge for last years 27-24 win, as 21.5 point underdogs! Year before, Michigan 44-10 as 13.5 faves. I'll toss out some older numbers. Michigan -7.5, Michigan -13, Michigan -24.5 in 2016. Now we are seeing this kind of number? I think the Spartans have improved, but I am not buying this is a top 10 team. 5* Best Bet MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 

Taking RUTGERS. So yes, this is my Top 10*. But just because we put a nice name on it, doesn't mean we go crazy betting it. Put an extra unit or two on it. But we really love the Scarlet Knights in this spot. And why wouldn't we. Off their bye week. Illinois off their biggest win in ages over Penn State. 20 something point dog. 9 Over Times. Rutgers by double digits! 10* Money Bomb RUTGERS 

Taking ARIZONA. So we had both of these guys on Sunday. But this spot, it is all home team. GB is a traveling machine right now. Arizona tonight. At KC next week. WFT was sandwich between trips to Cincy and Chicago. Cardinals have made believers out of me. Total domination of the Rams and Browns. Rams, a team that had owned them. And the Browns, without bring their HC and others, not even close. Until someone gets within 5-10 of these guys, the offense will score 30+ and the defense will keep opponents under 20. 5* Best Bet ARIZONA CARDINALS

Taking the RAMS FH -8.5 here. Should have grabbed them at 13 when the line first opened, waited like a dummy and it is now 16. But 1st half. Let's get it. Lions shut out in 3 of their last 4 games in the first half. Add in the QB switch - the Rams HC despising his old QB. I think we have a blowout brewing. 5* Best Bet LA RAMS First Half