Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-29-20 | Colorado v. Texas -7 | Top | 23-55 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Bowl Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #298 Tuesday 10* Top Play Texas Longhorns (-) vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 9 ET - the buffaloes entered their season finale with a chance to play for the pac-12 title...instead, colorado blew a 21-10 lead and lost 38 to 21 to utah...after that disheartening loss i am looking for the buffaloes to get slaughtered here...yes, i know the longhorns had some defensive players opt out of this game but there are others behind them who have been waiting in the wings and chomping at the bit to get in there...watch the new blood on defense really step up in this game with an inspired effort...not only that, the strength of this horns team is its offense anyway and they will put on a show for the hometown faithful in this one...yes this game is in san antonio rather than austin but there is a huge contingent of longhorns fans in san antonio plus many will be driving down from austin for this game...the alamodome, even with restrictions due to covid, will still be loaded with texas fans...under coach herman, this is a 4th straight bowl trip and they were dog in each of the first three but not only covered those but won them outright...coach herman takes the bowls seriously and will again have his team ready here...they make it 4 in a row both straight up and against the spread with another big win here...last season the horns beat utah 38-10...yes it was the utes that just blasted the buffaloes in their final game this season and they are in for a rude awakening here as texas rolls...unlike ut, colorado is in a bowl for the first time in 4 years and they got blasted in that one by a 38-8 count and that was right here in this bowl...maybe things will change with head coach dorrell now calling the shots?...unlikely as he went 1-3 ats in bowls as head coach of ucla...this one is all longhorns to the delight of the home state faithful who will pack as many as they can into the alamodome in san antonio...with the line all the way down to a -7 after opening up near two touchdowns, the value is off the charts with this one...10* TEXAS |
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12-29-20 | Raptors v. 76ers -2 | Top | 93-100 | Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #558 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:05 ET - the 76ers are off a loss but it was without joel embiid...the sixers are 2-0 su in games he has played this season and they are just a 2 point favorite in this match-up...the raptors are 0-2 su this season even though they played two teams that finished with a losing record last season...now toronto faces a philly team that went 31-4 in home games last season...the sixers were very tough at home up until the mid-march point of last season when our world got changed by covid...philly will come up with a big home win here to respond after the bad loss at cleveland...i like taking quality teams off a loss and this is a great spot with embiid expected back and having fresh legs and also the revenge factor...yes the sixers can't forget the playoff loss at toronto back when kawhi leonard was there in the spring of 2019...that infamous series defeat ending philly's season...they didn't get the payback they wanted last season but did win the only game played in philadelphia and i expect them to get this one as well on their home floor...10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-29-20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Manchester United OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -108 | 6 h 20 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200085 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals in Manchester United vs Wolverhampton @ 3 ET - manchester united is finally starting to score better at home...keep in mind manchester united is averaging 2 goals per match overall this season as they have been particularly strong on the road but, again, they are starting to turn the corner at home as well...that said, i like the over here as wolverhampton should get at least 1 goal but manchester united should get the win as evidenced by them being the priciest money line favorite on the board today...manchester united has allowed 1.7 goals per match on their home pitch this season so certainly a clean sheet in this fixture is unlikely...that said, i am looking for at least a 2-1 final in this one and possibly much more in terms of goal scoring as perhaps each team gets to at least 2 markers given the above...10* OVER 2.5 goals in Manchester United |
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12-28-20 | Bills v. Patriots +7 | Top | 38-9 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #482 Monday 10* Top Play New England Patriots (+) vs Buffalo Bills @ 8:15 ET - The Bills clinched the AFC East last week while the Patriots clinched missing the post-season! This is not the norm of course and certainly fits the bill as a role reversal. That said, New England is likely to be very motivated for this game. This is particularly true because Cam Newton's fumble in the red zone at Buffalo cost the Pats a chance to win the game in the first meeting this season. You know that coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots badly want this rematch while one could certainly question the motivation of the Bills here after clinching the division last week. I am well aware of the fact that Newton has struggled badly this season and that Buffalo definitely has the better offense in this match-up. However, I do expect Newton and the Pats to bring their A game in this one as they get a shot at the team that has dethroned them at the top of their division and they get that shot in a Monday Night game at home in Foxboro, MA. Note that the Patriots do hold the defensive edge in this match-up and that they are 4-2 SU at home this season. One of those home losses came by just 6 points and the line on this game is +7 plus New England's home wins include victories over Miami and Baltimore and those teams are each 10-5 on the season! The Patriots are fully capable of winning this game outright and the fact we are getting a full TD here thanks to the betting markets is simply tremendous added value in this spot. I expect the home dog to put up a helluva fight in this one and the Pats are 6-0 ATS the last 6 times they have been a host underdog. Also, the Patriots had won 9 of last 10 against Bills before the tough 3-point loss at Buffalo earlier this season. Payback time. 10* NEW ENGLAND |
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12-28-20 | Pistons v. Hawks OVER 223 | Top | 120-128 | Win | 100 | 9 h 39 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #543 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:35 ET - The Pistons are expected to rest some guys including Blake Griffin which is why the spread is now up to double digits on the Hawks. However, the total has moved the other way as it has moved lower and that means great value on the over in this one in my opinion. The Hawks are off to a red hot start this season and scoring very well and those two games were on the road. Atlanta will now be going "all out" in their home opener and the Pistons will be forced to join in on the run and gun action here which means a much higher scoring game than many expect. Keep in mind, each of the last 3 meetings between these teams in Atlanta have gone over the total. Also, Detroit has averaged 132 points in their last two games against the Hawks and though the Pistons most recent game went to OT after a poor 4th quarter for them, they did score 86 points through the first 3 quarters of that game. They were on pace for 115 points in that game and they resume that pace here but there will be no stopping the Hawks as their hot start to the season continues. Could we see a 125-115 type game here? You bet...literally! 10* OVER the total in Atlanta |
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12-28-20 | Drake v. Indiana State +4.5 | Top | 73-66 | Loss | -109 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Monday 10* Top Play Indiana State Sycamores (+) vs Drake Bulldogs @ 5 ET - The Bulldogs are now 10-0 this season after beating the Sycamores by 18 points yesterday. The key for Drake was dominating the boards plus knocking down 9 of 18 three pointers. The fact is that they opened as a small favorite here despite being undefeated on the season. Long time followers know I am a contrarian and grabbing Indiana State in this spot is certainly going against the grain. Yes I know they are only 3-3 on the season but they have played a tougher schedule than Drake and it will be tough for the Bulldogs to beat them easily on consecutive days. I expect Indiana State to win outright but am happy to grab the points as any Sycamores loss is likely to be much closer than yesterday's result. I like the fact that Indiana State did a much better job of getting to the free throw line in yesterday's game. More of the same expected here and I am fading the 10-0 team and expecting an outright underdog upset in this one. Grab the points here. 10* INDIANA STATE |
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12-27-20 | Eagles -3 v. Cowboys | Top | 17-37 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 30 m | Show |
Rivalry Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #477 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (-) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - It seems crazy but the Eagles, even with a 4-9-1 record, are still alive in the race for the NFC East. That's because they play Washington next week. If the Eagles win this game and Washington and the Giants (at Ravens) lose today, then the Eagles control their own destiny. That said, there will be no quit in the Eagles today as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Of course, the Cowboys are still alive too but their back to back wins are very deceiving. They beat a very bad Bengals team when Cincinnati was still adjusting to life without Joe Burrow at QB. Then, last week's win over San Francisco was quite deceiving. The 49ers held Dallas under 300 yards of offense and the Cowboys had just 15 first downs in the game but won it thanks to turnovers. They now face an Eagles team that is off a loss at Arizona which was also an ATS loss for most as they were a 6.5 point dog for most in that game. That is noteworthy here as, since a rough ATS start to the season way back in September, the Eagles have had back to back ATS losses only once. They have been scoring more points with Hurts at QB instead of Wentz and he accounted for over 400 yards of offense plus 4 total TDs in the loss to the Cardinals last week. While the Cowboys have allowed 28 points or more in 4 of their last 5 games, the Eagles had allowed an average of only 22 points per game their last 7 games before the loss at Arizona. The Philly D will dominate the game here against a Cowboys offense that has endured a lot of struggles including in divisional action. In fact, Dallas is just 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS in divisional action this season. Look for the Cowboys to drop to 0-5 ATS in divisional games this season as the Eagles bounce back from last week's loss with hopes still alive for being in the driver's seat for the NFC East division next week. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-26-20 | Dolphins v. Raiders +3 | Top | 26-25 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #462 Saturday NFL 10* Top Play Las Vegas Raiders (+) vs Miami Dolphins @ 8:15 ET - The Dolphins are off a huge win versus the Patriots last week. Not only does that make this a potential flat spot for Miami, note also that the Dolphins were only 2-2 SU in their 4 preceding games. Also, those two wins came against the Jets and Bengals. Those teams have a combined 4-23-1 record on the season. I know the Dolphins have some solid numbers on defense this season but they are still fortunate to be 11-3 this season as they have a weak offense and also have played a much weaker schedule than the Raiders. That said, I love having Las Vegas as a home dog in this match-up. Plus, Carr is expected back at QB for this one and note that Mariota did play well in relief of Carr last week and is a dual-threat QB. Either way, I expect this talented Raiders offense to put a lot of pressure on the Dolphins. That said, Miami's anemic offense will struggle to keep up in this game. Miami is averaging just 313 yards in road games this season while the Raiders are averaging 386 yards in home games this season. Las Vegas has scored 27 points or more in 6 of its last 7 games while the Dolphins have not scored more than 27 points in any of their last 5 games. From a situational standpoint, with Miami off a huge divisional win and the Raiders off back to back home losses, this one sets up perfectly for a big top play on the home team. Grab the home dog in this one. 10* LAS VEGAS |
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12-26-20 | Liberty +7 v. Coastal Carolina | Top | 37-34 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Bowl Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #283 Saturday 10* Top Play Liberty Flames vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 7:30 ET - The Chanticleers complained about their ranking and their bowl game. Now watch this undefeated Coastal Carolina team lose outright. That is what I fully expect but I will grab the points as added insurance here especially since the line has moved to a full +7. I know that the Chanticleers feel disrespected but this Liberty team is on their level and is likely to surprise here given that Coastal Carolina could be lamenting their bowl position. When you are more worried about what could have been or what should have been rather than the task at hand you often are setting yourself up for disappointment. I fully believe that will prove to be the case here with the Chanticleers. Yes Coastal Carolina is undefeated on the season but they faced a weak schedule and now face a Liberty team that went 9-1 on the season. Also, the Flames did face 3 ACC teams and they won two of those games outright and lost the 3rd by just a single point! Liberty is a high-quality team but the marketplace is wrapped up in Coastal Carolina's 11-0 record. Of course we can use that to our advantage and grab the line value with the big dog Flames in this one. 10* LIBERTY |
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12-26-20 | Hawks +3 v. Grizzlies | Top | 122-112 | Win | 100 | 6 h 6 m | Show |
Earliest Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Saturday 10* Top Play Atlanta Hawks (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 5:05 ET - The Hawks won big in their opening game while the Grizzlies fell short against the Spurs. I know that would make this a bounce back game for Memphis at home but there is a reason the odds makers opened up Atlanta as the favorite in this one. Now with the line move all the way up to a 3 there is excellent line value with the underdog Hawks. Getting a big win like Atlanta did gives them confidence and certainly the Spurs team that the Grizzlies got hammered by is not the strong San Antonio level of team which use to see in years past. That said, the fact that Ja Morant had a huge game versus SA but Memphis still got hammered is absolutely not a good sign. Simply put, the Grizzlies are being over-valued here and I am happy to fade them in this spot with a Hawks team that will be playing with extra confidence and got a lot of contributions from all over the floor in their season opening win. 10* ATLANTA |
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12-26-20 | Chelsea v. Arsenal OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 102 | 4 h 9 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200025 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arsenal vs Chelsea @ 12:30 PM ET - Arsenal has struggled in the goal-scoring department this season but Chelsea is allowing a goal per match on average and Arsenal also scoring about a goal per match on average. With Arsenal also at home for this one and facing a rival, I just don't see a clean sheet being delivered in this one. Chelsea has been scoring well and is on a bit of a surge here and they will want to 'force the issue' here against Arsenal by being aggressive on the attack. That said, Chelsea will possibly open themselves up to exposure on the counter-attack but this is not a big concern when you know you have the better current form and Chelsea is averaging 2 goals per match and has been one of the highest-scoring teams in Premier League action early this season. More of the same here and I expect nothing less than a 2-1 final in this one and will take advantage of the low total with this one available at 2.5 and the over available also without any juice in some books. 10* OVER the total in Arsenal |
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12-25-20 | Iowa v. Minnesota +7 | Top | 95-102 | Win | 100 | 29 h 36 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #758 Friday 10* Top Play Minnesota Golden Gophers (+) vs Iowa Hawkeyes @ 8 ET - The first time the Golden Gophers got tested this season it was a disaster but that was on the road as they got hammered at Illinois. After that wake-up call, I look for Minnesota to respond much better the 2nd time around and it certainly helps that they are at home this time. This line opened up at a 5 and then flew up to as high as a 7 as of Thursday afternoon. I love fading the line move here. Certainly I understand the move as the Hawkeyes are a great team but also this is a potential trouble spot for them. Iowa is off a dominating win versus Purdue and that was a bounce back game for them after they had lost to Gonzaga in their prior game. Now the Hawkeyes are in a potential flat spot and playing their 3rd game since the 19th while the rested Golden Gophers are playing for just the 2nd time since the 20th. Of course it goes without saying that the highly-ranked Hawkeyes are the better team but this is one of those situational plays that is loaded with value and is too good to pass up on. The Golden Gophers lost by just 3 points to the Hawkeyes last season at home and the prior season when they hosted Iowa they got the win. Grab the big dog value here and fade the line move as the high-scoring Hawkeyes are not going to go away without a fight in this one. An outright upset certainly would not be a complete shock and even if the home dog does fall short here I expect it to be by just a bucket or two. 10* MINNESOTA |
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12-25-20 | Vikings v. Saints -7 | Top | 33-52 | Win | 106 | 26 h 15 m | Show |
Christmas Day Special - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #452 Friday 10* Top Play New Orleans Saints (-) vs Minnesota Vikings @ 4:30 ET - The Viking season effectively came to an end last week with their home loss to the Bears. That defeat eliminated Minnesota from post-season contention. As for the Saints, they are off a loss last week but it came against the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs. Not only that, New Orleans now has Drew Brees back under center but they also are trying to hold off the Buccaneers for the NFC South division title. That said, coming off back to back losses but at home and highly motivated, I fully expect a blowout win for the Saints in this one. New Orleans has the much better defense in this match-up plus they catch a Minnesota team that could be flat after their disappointing result last week ended their playoff hopes for this season. Given the emotional letdown for the Vikings as well as considering their struggles on defense, Minnesota can be expected to drop to 1-5 ATS the last 6 times they have been a road dog. As for the Saints, they had won 9 straight games SU and 5 in a row ATS before this two game skid against the Eagles and Chiefs. With their leader, Brees, back in the fold you will see a very determined New Orleans team in this one and they will keep the hammer down all game long. 4 of the Vikings losses this season have come by at least 9 points and this one will too. Remember the Saints have revenge too from the playoff loss to the Vikings in OT last season! Also, 4 of the last 5 wins for NO have come by a margin of at least 2 TD's. Look for another huge margin victory in this one. Lay it! 10* NEW ORLEANS |
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12-25-20 | Marshall +5 v. Buffalo | Top | 10-17 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 42 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #279 Friday 10* Top Play Marshall Thundering Herd (+) vs Buffalo Bulls in Camellia Bowl @ Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL @ 2:30 ET - Both teams played weak schedules this season but the Bulls schedule was even weaker. Also, Buffalo allowed 38 points or more in 2 of their last 3 games while the Thundering Herd never allowed more than 22 points in a game this season. On the full season, Marshall allowed an average of only 12.6 points per game and they do match up very well with the Bulls. That is because Marshall's strength on defense is against the run and if Buffalo struggles to establish their ground game here they could be in trouble. I am well aware of the fact that the Marshall offense struggled in their final two games of the season which were their only 2 losses on the year. However, the Thundering Herd did average nearly 38 points per game in their 7 victories this season. This team has plenty of confidence and has an excellent track record in bowls and so does their head coach Holiday. I also like the fact that Holiday had won 5 straight bowls before last season's bowl loss while Buffalo was 0-3 in bowl games until they won last season. That sets this one up perfectly for an upset here. Grab the points with the better defensive team in this one. 10* MARSHALL |
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12-25-20 | Pelicans v. Heat -4.5 | Top | 98-111 | Win | 100 | 23 h 1 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #578 Friday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (-) vs New Orleans Pelicans @ 12:05 ET - Perfect set up here. The Heat lost outright as a favorite in their season opener on Wednesday at Orlando while the Pelicans got a huge outright upset win as an underdog in their season opener Wednesday at Toronto (game played at Tampa Bay). The Pelicans made only 50% of their free throws but knocked down 45% of their threes while the Raptors shot only 30% from beyond the arc. Of course that was the difference in the game. Adding some additional value here is that the Heat lost their most recent game against the Pelicans. Look for Miami to avenge that road loss with a huge win here at home. The Heat were a little sloppy in their opening game loss but the Pelicans had even more turnovers (24) in their season opening win. New Orleans survived that thanks to strong 3-point shooting but don't look for a repeat of that here against a determined home team that is angry off a season opening loss after playing in the NBA finals last season! 10* MIAMI |
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12-24-20 | Hawaii +10 v. Houston | Top | 28-14 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #277 Thursday 10* Top Play Hawaii Warriors (+) vs Houston Cougars in New Mexico Bowl at Frisco, TX @ 3:30 ET - Believe it or not an underdog is going to eventually cover in a bowl game in this bowl season and I expect that to finally happen today. Compared to the closing number (and with Nevada reflected as a -1 in their win over Tulane), there has not been a single underdog cover in the bowls yet. That changes today. Windy conditions expected for this one this afternoon in Frisco, TX. That will make it difficult for pass-happy Houston to pull away in this game. The Cougars are being asked to cover a double digit spread here and I just don't see that happening here. While one could argue that the location of this game favors Houston since it is in their home state, I question the Cougars motivation here. How happy can they be to go to a pre-Christmas bowl game and not even leave their home state? Teams want bigger and better things! In other words, Hawaii is likely more excited to be here and playing in a bowl game far away from home than a Cougars team that certainly wanted something more than playing a bowl game in their home state and sitting with a 3-4 record on the season. It also does not bode well for Houston that their head coach (Holgorsen) does not have a good history in bowls with just 2 wins in 7 tries and only a 1-6 ATS record in bowl appearances. The Cougars wrapped up the season on a disappointing 1-3 SU and ATS skid while the Warriors won 2 of their last 3 games SU and also had an 8 point loss to Boise State that saw them cover as a big double-digit dog. Look for the hungry dog to get the money in this one. 10* HAWAII |
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12-23-20 | UMKC v. St. Louis OVER 134 | Top | 46-62 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #727 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs UMKC Roos @ 8 ET - This total has dropped from an opener of 139 down to a 134 and it was already offering value on the over at the opening number! That said, we have exceptional value now. I know that the University of Missouri - Kansas City is not a high level college basketball program BUT even in their games against tougher competition they have scored "okay". In their 4 lined games this season UMKC has scored an average of 60.5 points per game. The line on this game is in the 23 point range. So even if UMKC scores only 60 in this game you're still talking about a game that is likely to get into the 140s here as the Billikens should get into the 80s. That is certainly not far-fetched either as St Louis, even with games against stiffer competition too, has scored at least 78 points in all 7 of their games this season. The Billikens are coming off their first loss of the season and so I don't foresee them taking their foot off the gas in this game. In other words, given the opportunity to win this game in blowout fashion, I look for St Louis to do just that. STL has averaged 87 points per game this season and the Roos have never scored less than 57 points in any game this season. Big home blowout here and that means an easy over. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-23-20 | Wizards v. 76ers -7 | Top | 107-113 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #558 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers (-) vs Washington Wizards @ 7:05 ET - We saw yesterday that teams that re-tooled or re-shuffled after disappointing finishes to last season really responded in a big way. The Clippers knocked off the Lakers and the Nets blasted the Warriors. Look for this trend to continue as remaining teams start getting their season underway and that includes the Sixers tonight. Philadelphia has new management and a new head coach and I expect the personnel on the roster to respond very well. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are both on the injury report for tonight but those two stars are both listed as probable for Philly. As for the Wizards, they now have Russell Westbrook joining Bradley Beal. However there is a problem because there is still just one basketball to share and this could be problematic with those two and certainly there will be some growing pains early in the season. Each of the last 3 times the 76ers have hosted the Wizards they have gotten the win and cover. Look for that trend to continue here as Philly, similar to Brooklyn and the Clips yesterday, open the season with a big resounding win tonight...a statement victory if you will. Look for Doc Rivers to help Philly be "all business" tonight and finally start to play in a way they are fully capable of but simply couldn't under prior coach Brett Brown. Philly set up much better now for success and it shows right away here at home on Wednesday. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-23-20 | Florida Atlantic +9.5 v. Memphis | Top | 10-25 | Loss | -112 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
Perfection Play - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #275 Wednesday 10* Top Play Florida Atlantic Owls (+) vs Memphis Tigers in Montgomery Bowl in Montgomery, AL @ 7 ET - The Owls are 4-0 SU and ATS all-time in bowls. The Tigers are 0-5 SU and ATS their their last 5 bowls. Indeed this is literally the perfect spot to fade Memphis and play on Florida Atlantic. I know the Owls are off an embarrassing season-ending loss which also was their 2nd straight defeat after going 5-1 in their first 6 games of the season. However, FAU was on short rest when they faced Southern Mississippi and, prior to that game, the Owls had not allowed more than 20 points in any game this season. In fact, Florida Atlantic had allowed an average only 12.4 points per game on the season. That said, the fact we are catching nearly double digits here with the Owls as a big dog against Memphis is certainly intriguing. FAU went 2-2 ATS in road game this season and scored 31 points or more in 2 of their last 3 games away from home. Memphis went 0-4 ATS in road games this season and averaged only 17 points per game in those games. The one edge the Tigers have against the Owls here is on the offensive side of the ball BUT Memphis did not travel well this season. That said, how much of an edge is it really? Exactly! That is why I like the stronger defense and more successful bowl team to continue their solid run in post-season affairs with yet another ATS cover - their 5th in a row - while the Tigers drop their 6th straight bowl game ATS. Memphis might finally get off the schneid and get a SU win here but look for it to be just a single score if they do. The Owls defense comes to play in this one and keeps them in this game. The Tigers strength is their passing attack but FAU has a solid pass defense. 10* FLORIDA ATLANTIC |
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12-22-20 | East Tennessee State +15 v. Alabama | Top | 69-85 | Loss | -109 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #667 Tuesday 10* Top Play East Tennessee State Buccaneers (+) @ Alabama Crimson Tide @ 7:30 ET - The Crimson Tide are off a loss but actually are now 1-5 ATS their last 6 games and have lost 2 of their last 3 SU. Additionally, this is their final game before Christmas and the SEC schedule beckons after that. In other words, how focused can they really be here? Exactly! That said, I look for the Buccaneers to surprise in this one. Even though they lost a lot of talent from last season's team and have a new coach, they did reload with solid talented newcomers including a number of Division I transfers. Additionally, their coach was not new to the program, he had already been with them. That said, after getting throttled in their season opener (an excellent wake-up call) I like what I have seen from East Tennessee State. They have won 4 of their last 5 games and their only 2 losses since the season opener have come by a combined margin of only 5 points. ETSU is in the same conference as Furman and they are two of the top teams in the Southern Conference. What does that have to do with this game? Furman recently played Alabama and they lost by just 3 points. I look for a much tighter game here than many are expecting. If you look at the offensive shooting percentages of these two teams, Alabama and East Tennessee State are nearly identical. On the other end of the floor, the Crimson Tide are allowing 43% from the field while the Bucs are allowing just 36% from the field. I also expected ETSU to be the more motivated team here and I like the way the players have responded to their new head coach this season. Ever since game one of the season, East Tennessee State has been very competitive and I fully expect that to continue here as Alabama continues to be inconsistent and will struggle to pull away in this game. Grab the big points with the motivated big dog as the Buccaneers are looking to make the most of this opportunity against an SEC program. 10* EAST TENNESSEE STATE |
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12-22-20 | Warriors v. Nets OVER 229.5 | Top | 99-125 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 51 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NBA Rotation #501 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Golden State Warriors @ 7:00 ET - The Nets are going to be one of the best teams in the NBA this season with Kevin Durant back and healthy. I look for them to put on a show tonight at home to open up the season the right way. Of course that is why they are priced as a fairly heavy favorite in this one but where I see the value is with the total. That's because the Nets should score plenty here but I also expect Steph Curry and company to let loose tonight with a strong offensive showing. After all the injury issues last season, though Golden State enters this season with some problems, it is time for a response this season. The Warriors will hit the floor running (literally) and I look for a very high-scoring and entertaining match-up here. It will be raining threes for Golden State in this one but the Warriors will absolutely not be able to stop a potent Brooklyn attack at the other end. The Nets put up 129 points against the Warriors last season and will have another huge game here but this time Golden State keeps the game much closer and that means we are looking at a game that should easily get into the 240s. Take advantage of the line here and cash in with what should be easy over in this one. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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12-22-20 | Tulane -2 v. Nevada | Top | 27-38 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 53 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #269 Tuesday 10* Top Play Tulane Green Wave (-) vs Nevada Wolf Pack @ 3:30 ET - Tulane is the more rested team here. I realize the location of this game favors Nevada but the Green Wave have had plenty of time to prepare for and travel to this game. I like the fact that this will be just the 2nd game for Tulane since November 20th while, keep in mind, all 8 of Nevada's games have been played from October 24th onward. The fact that Tulane started their season way back in early September is an advantage here. Also, the Wolf Pack will be playing for what is essentially the 9th straight week with just a couple extra days of rest mixed in there. Note that in Tulane's last 9 games, the favorite is a perfect 9-0 SU. In other words if you just played the favorite straight up in the last 9 games for the Green Wave you have gone 9-0 and the line on this game is only a -2 as of early game day morning. Tulane is a perfect 5-0 ATS the last 5 times they have been a favorite this season. I like the fact that the Green Wave have won each of their bowl games the last two seasons under coach Fritz and also that they wrapped up this season on a 4-1 SU and 6-1 ATS run. Conversely, the Wolf Pack lost to a MAC team in the bowls last season plus wrapped up this season with losing 2 of their last 3 games. Nevada enters this bowl off a very disappointing effort against San Jose State. Even though the Green Wave defense is missing a couple players for this game they are still the much better team in this match-up and there is a reason the 5-loss team is favored over the 2-loss Wolf Pack. Don't let the line fool you. The line move shows the public took the bait and I am happy to now grab the extra line value after the market movement. Lay the short number. 10* TULANE |
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12-21-20 | Steelers v. Bengals +14.5 | Top | 17-27 | Win | 100 | 10 h 35 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #370 Monday 10* Top Play Cincinnati Bengals (+) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:15 ET - The Bengals lost to the Cowboys last week but actually held the yardage edge in that game. Also, Pittsburgh is off back to back losses and will be happy just to win this game which means the victory will not necessarily come in blowout fashion! The Steelers have a tough home with the surging Colts on deck so they will leave a little in the tank for that one coming up on Sunday. As for facing Cincinnati, this is simply a "game management" type game for Pittsburgh in my opinion. Just grind out a win, don't make big mistakes, stay healthy, and move forward to bigger and better things. For the Bengals, it is anything but that. This is Cincinnati's chance to get a big primetime upset win over a division rival. Of course I am not saying that will happen as I certainly don't expect an outright win. But I do feel that the spread of 14.5 on this game is too much. I am looking for a loss in the 7 to 10 point range. The Steelers are actually on an ugly 0-5 ATS run as a road favorite in divisional action. Also, the Bengals have covered 6 of the last 8 times they have been a divisional home dog. Prior to the loss to the Cowboys (ugly defeat but yardage edge for Cincinnati), the Bengals were on a 4-0 ATS run in home games. Note that the Steelers enter this game on an 0-3 ATS run. Look for this one to be a bit ugly and for it to remain a much closer game than many are expecting as the home team goes all out in this rare primetime game as a host. 10* CINCINNATI |
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12-21-20 | St. Joe's +22 v. Tennessee | Top | 66-102 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 45 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #773 Monday 10* Top Play St Joseph's Hawks (+) @ Tennessee Volunteers @ 6 ET - The Volunteers are 4-0 both SU and ATS but have played a much weaker schedule than the Hawks have faced. St Joseph's is 0-4 SU on the season but this will be the 4th time in 5 games that they have been a sizable underdog. This is too many points in my opinion. I know the Hawks are allowing a ton of points this season but they also can score well as they have plenty of starting experience on this team. St Joseph's is averaging 77 points per game on the season and Tennessee has another game scheduled for Wednesday. In other words, the Volunteers will want to save a little in tank for that game. That said, with a huge lead the Vols will take their foot off the gas and St Joseph's has enough scoring firepower to make plenty of runs in this game. The Hawks, if it comes down to it, can absolutely get in the backdoor here with this pointspread in the low 20s. The Volunteers are a high-quality team but they are being over-valued here because of their strong ATS start this season. Grab the big dog value on the other side in this one. 10* ST JOSEPH'S |
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12-21-20 | West Ham United v. Chelsea OVER 3 | Top | 0-3 | Push | 0 | 5 h 21 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200193 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chelsea vs West Ham United @ 3 ET - Chelsea needs to bounce back off back to back defeats and are about a 2 to 1 money line favorite here on the 3-way line with plenty of good reasoning. In other words, look for Chelsea to get the win here but note that West Ham United enters this one having averaged scoring 1.8 goals per match on enemy pitch this season. Chelsea is averaging 2.3 goals per match on their home pitch in this campaign. This total is available at 3 goals and I am expecting at 4 to find the back of the net. The key to the value here is even a 2-1 win guarantees us no less than a push and I don't see Chelsea producing a clean sheet here. West Ham has plenty of confidence here as they won the last meeting between these London rivals and are playing very well of late. That is why I would not at all be surprised to see each team tally at least twice in this one. Look for a highly entertaining affair in this one with plenty of scoring. The home games for Chelsea have averaged 3.5 goals per match this season. 10* OVER the total in Chelsea |
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12-21-20 | North Texas v. Appalachian State OVER 66.5 | Top | 28-56 | Win | 100 | 4 h 7 m | Show |
Bowl Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #267 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Appalachian State Mountaineers vs North Texas Mean Green @ 2:30 ET - The Mountaineers have a solid defense but that doesn't mean they will shut down a dangerous Mean Green offense. Appalachian State has allowed 24 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games and, in fact, allowed an average of 28 points per game in those 3 games. The Mountaineers are 21 point favorite here with good reason. So we absolutely could see a 49-28 type game here and, as you can see, that would put this total about 10 points over what it is posted at. I just don't see many defensive stops in this game. North Texas has allowed an average of 45 points per game in its last 3 games and allowed at least 42 in all 3 games. On the other side of the ball, the Mean Green have scored at least 31 points in 6 of their 9 games this season. In fact, North Texas has averaged 42 points per game in those 6 games. Look for points aplenty in this one as the Mean Green will enjoy some success on offense but will struggle mightily to get any stops against the Mountaineers. 10* OVER the total in Appalachian State |
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12-20-20 | Eagles +6.5 v. Cardinals | Top | 26-33 | Loss | -107 | 7 h 57 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #363 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Arizona Cardinals @ 4:05 ET - The NFC East is still up for grabs. Certainly the Eagles have put themselves in a hole but the win over the Saints last week with Hurts now in at QB has breathed life into the Eagles. If the Redskins - about a TD dog to Seattle - lose in early action Sunday then Philadelphia could move to within a 1/2 game of first place in the NFC East and, keep in mind, they face the Redskins in the final game of the regular season. In other words, at least at this point in time, the Eagles still have life courtesy of the win over New Orleans last week. Now Philly takes on an Arizona team that is off a win but that victory was preceded by a 1-4 SU run and 0-5 ATS run. In other words, the Cardinals have been struggling badly and the Eagles are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games. They can remain competitive in this game even if they ultimately fall short. Philadelphia, before an ugly loss to Tampa Bay, had seen 3 of their 4 prior losses come by a margin of 6 or less points. This one will fall into that category too or could even be an outright Philly win. Why? Well the Cardinals are allowing 29.5 points per game when at home this season and simply can't be trusted here. Before Arizona's win over a Giants team with a punchless offense, the Cards allowed 31 points per game their preceding 6 games. The Eagles enter this game having allowed an average of 22 points per game their last 7 games. Also, Philly has positive energy again after the win over the Saints. That will show up on the field here this week as Arizona drops to 1-7 ATS the last 8 times they have been a home favorite. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-20-20 | Leeds United v. Manchester United OVER 3.5 | Top | 2-6 | Win | 100 | 4 h 51 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200005 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester United vs Leeds United @ 11:30 AM ET - Manchester United has struggled at home this season but they have scored just fine and played just fine away from home. That said, they are due for a breakout game at home and are favored quite heavily in this one for a reason. That said, when Leeds United loses away from home they have been blasted and have allowed 3 or more goals in all 3 defeats. However, they have also scored well on enemy pitch this season thus far and I don't expect that to come to a grinding halt. Neither do the odds makers as you can see with the big total posted on this game. Also both teams are coming off high-scoring games so the set up here is perfect as they enter with confidence and I expect Manchester United to carry the momentum home while Leeds United continues their overall strong play as travelers this season. As a result, plenty of glorious scoring chances in this one and I expect them to be cashed in as well. 10* OVER the total in Manchester United |
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12-19-20 | St. Joe's v. Villanova OVER 151 | Top | 68-88 | Win | 100 | 16 h 19 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #685 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs St Joseph's Hawks @ 9 ET - This series has trended under including each of the last two meetings. However, in the recent meetings both teams shot poorly from three point land in each game. I simply can't see that case being again a 3rd time in a row in which neither team shoots well from beyond the arc. Both teams this season are allowing high percentages from 3-point land and note that St Joseph's is allowing 90.3 points per game this season. The Hawks have a veteran group of players and have scored an average of 80 points per game this season but they can't stop anyone and that trend continues here. This is a Philly match-up that will bring out the best in both teams and Villanova has played only one 'grinder' this season and that was a 68-64 win at Texas. In their other games this season they have averaged 80 points per game and, as shown already this season, the Hawks defense won't put up much resistance here. Look for the Wildcats to get at least 90 here and St Joseph's (based on this line in the 22 range) should get to the 70 point mark in a free-flowing game with plenty of offense. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-19-20 | Panthers v. Packers -8 | Top | 16-24 | Push | 0 | 15 h 1 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #344 Saturday 10* Top Play Green Bay Packers (-) vs Carolina Panthers @ 8:15 ET - The Panthers have been successful as a road dog but they also have been fortunate. They have forced 2 turnovers per game on the road this season. That is unlikely to happen against these Packers as they have turned the ball over just 3 times in 6 home games this season! Also, Carolina has nothing to play for now. Up until last week they still had some hope of maybe making a run. But the loss to Denver guarantees a losing season and guarantees that the Panthers are going nowhere this season. That is tough for a football team when reality sets in and so Carolina goes on the road right after finding out their season is officially finished. Green Bay wins this game as they are 5-1 SU at home this season but of course the all important question is whether or not they cover. I feel strongly they will because I expect a very disinterested effort from the Panthers here and note Green Bay so often wins big. 4 of their 5 home wins this season have come by a margin of 14 or more points! The last time that Carolina faced a strong team they were at home against Tampa Bay and got blasted by 23 points! Since then they have faced nothing but teams with a losing record and I now look for them to struggle against a Packers team that is still playing hard for home field edge in the NFC. Their 10-3 record has them tied with the Saints for top spot in the conference. Green Bay caught a break when New Orleans was knocked off by the lowly Eagles in a big upset. That good break has brought even more positive energy to a Packers locker-room that has already been surging with momentum thanks to three straight wins and victories in 5 of their last 6 games. These two teams will prove to be at opposite ends of the motivation spectrum for this game and that means Lambeau Field turns into Blowout City for the home team when the final whistle sounds on this one. Lay it! 10* GREEN BAY |
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12-19-20 | Tulsa +14 v. Cincinnati | Top | 24-27 | Win | 100 | 14 h 18 m | Show |
The Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #237 Saturday 10* Top Play Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ Cincinnati Bearcats @ 8 ET - I know the AAC Championship Game is being played at Cincinnati's home stadium but this is too many points. Tulsa has played the tougher schedule this season and the Bearcats were quite fortunate in the turnover battle in their wins when they did step up in class. If you take a look at their stats in those match-ups you will see what I am talking about but lets just say they have led a bit of a 'charmed life' so far this season and I fully expect their luck to run out here. That doesn't mean they will lose this game outright but I do feel strongly that Tulsa will be in this game all the way. The Golden Hurricane defense is arguably just as good as Cincinnati's and this is particularly true when you factor in strength of schedule. That said, the Bearcats are in for a dogfight in this game. Tulsa has won 6 straight games SU and is also 6-1 ATS this season. The Golden Hurricane also have an advantage in that they have played a game in the past two weeks while Cincinnati has not played a game since a month ago! Tulsa lost by 11 points at Cincy last season but they actually outgained them by 60 yards but were done in by 5 turnovers in the game. I certainly do not expect a repeat of that as the Golden Hurricane are only turning the ball over 1.5 times a game on the road this season. About the scheduling and breaks, here is an excerpt from my write-up on Central Florida when they lost by just 3 to Cincinnati in the Bearcats most recent game 4 weeks ago: "Though the Bearcats won big at SMU in their lone road game, they actually had just 17 first downs in that game while the Mustangs had 22. Cincinnati is absolutely a very good team but they have had it quite easy so far this season with scheduling and all the breaks seeming to go their way too." This is going to be an all-out war and the only loss the Golden Hurricane have is as a 23 point dog against Oklahoma State in their season opener and they covered easily as they only allowed 16 points to the Cowboys in that game. Don't be surprised if this game goes down to the wire so grab the big points. 10* TULSA |
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12-19-20 | Manchester City v. Southampton OVER 2.75 | Top | 1-0 | Loss | -119 | 6 h 47 m | Show |
Early Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200013 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Southampton vs Manchester City @ 10 AM ET - I am well aware of the fact that Manchester City has struggled to score goals on enemy pitch this season but they are priced as a large money line favorite in this game for a reason. In other words, the odds makers don't make a lot of mistakes per se and for Manchester City to win this game they will likely have to be quite aggressive on the attack. That's because Southampton is off to a very strong start to this campaign and scoring an average of 2 goals per match! Even if they get held to only 1 goal here but Manchester City wins (as expected) that means we are talking about a 2-1 final score here. I expect even more than 3 goals but, the point is, Southampton is playing with a lot of confidence but Manchester City very hungry for a road win. Man City not happy coming off a disappointing 1-1 draw in a game in which they should have earned all 3 points in the table. The point is that they will go hard for the victory here but Southampton has the firepower to "force the issue" in this one and I look for plenty of goals in this one as a result. 10* OVER the total in Southampton |
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12-18-20 | Nebraska v. Rutgers +7 | Top | 28-21 | Push | 0 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
Big Ten Punisher Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #208 Friday 10* Top Play Rutgers Scarlet Knights (+) vs Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 7:30 ET - Rutgers QB Noah Vedral would love to face his former team but is dealing with an ankle injury. Though I do expect him to go here, Artur Sitkowski has played well this season and helped lead the way to an overtime victory at Maryland last week. The key for me here is that the Scarlet Knights continue to fight hard and give strong effort week after week. Conversely, the Cornhuskers are off an inexcusable home loss to Minnesota last week as an 8 point favorite. Now Nebraska is on the road and this line has risen as high as a 7 and that means it is go time with Rutgers here. The Scarlet Knights have won 3 of their last 4 games ATS and two of those were outright upset wins. Even though Rutgers has been giving strong efforts of late they still sit at 0-4 SU on the season in home games. Undoubtedly they will give it their all for coach Schiano in their home finale here and I fully expect them to improve to 6-2 ATS under Schiano as an underdog. Note that the Cornhuskers have dropped 11 of last 15 under coach Frost as a favorite. Statistically these teams are trending very close on the season and I look for them to build off the big road win last week while the Huskers have proven already that they are merely looking ahead to next season. Last week's home loss to the Golden Gophers says a lot. The home dog is the play here. 10* RUTGERS |
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12-18-20 | Loyola-Chicago +3.5 v. Richmond | Top | 73-75 | Win | 100 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
Contrarian Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #855 Friday 10* Top Play Loyola Chicago Ramblers (+) vs Richmond Spiders @ 6 PM ET - This is a neutral site game being played in Indiana but that location still favors the Ramblers plus lets not forget they have an extra day of rest compared to the Spiders heading into this game. Also, I like the fact that Richmond is off a win that saw them bounce back from their first loss of the season while Loyola now enters this game off their first loss of the season. Also, even though they lost at Wisconsin, Loyola Chicago played quite well and the key difference was 3-point shooting. The Badgers shot a ridiculous 56% from beyond the arc in that game. The Ramblers played well overall and, had they shot the same percent from 3 point land that Wisconsin did, they would have won the game outright and they were a 7 point dog in that one. Here Loyola is a much smaller dog but I sense an upset is coming in this one. Richmond really misses guard Nick Sherod (out for the season - knee). Of course the Spiders are still a very talented and experienced team but so too are the Ramblers. Also, Loyola is shooting better from three point land than Richmond is plus they are allowing only a 39.4 field goal percentage while the Spiders are allowing 44.4% from the field so far this season. With this line having gone from a 2 to as high as a 3.5 in early market activity, there is even more value in a game I am expecting the Ramblers to win outright. 10* Loyola (IL) Chicago Ramblers |
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12-17-20 | Chargers v. Raiders OVER 53 | Top | 30-27 | Win | 100 | 18 h 54 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #301 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers @ 8:20 ET - Look for a back and forth shootout here. Not only are the Raiders dealing with injuries on defense, the Chargers passing attack is averaging 270 yards per game this season and threw for 312 yards in their first meeting with Las Vegas this season. This is a revenge game for LA as they lost the first meeting despite a yardage edge of 120 yards. The reason I am on the over here is because I just don't trust the Chargers defense enough against a Las Vegas team that has averaged 267 passing yards and 29 points in their home games this season. I know the Chargers have some solid defensive numbers on the season but their road games have included facing weak offenses such as Cincinnati, Denver, and Miami. Also, in their 5 most recent road games Los Angeles has allowed 31 points per game. As for the Raiders defense, they have had one strong showing at home (against Denver) but have been throttled in their other 5 home games to the tune of 35.6 points per game. The Chargers most recent road game resulted in an under but, prior to that, it was a streak of 4 straight overs in Chargers away games! As for Las Vegas, only 1 of their 6 home games has resulted in an under. This is a big total posted on this game but don't let that big number scare you away. Both teams should move the ball well here as the Chargers offense also is looking a little healthier for this game and I have no doubts about the Raiders potent attack on offense at home but their defensive injuries will hurt them (literally) in this one as well. 10* OVER the total in Las Vegas |
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12-17-20 | St. Joe's v. Drexel OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-81 | Win | 100 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
Philly Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #785 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Saint Joseph's Hawks vs Drexel Dragons @ 6 ET - Both of these teams rated poorly last season in terms of defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hawks rated very high nationally in adjusted pace. St Joseph's likes to apply pressure on defense and then get quick looks on offense. That said, I am looking for a high-scoring game between these two Philly foes as they try to outdo each other playing for Philly pride in this one. Saint Joseph's has had a lot of cancellations in this pandemic-impacted season. That said, the Hawks could be a little off on matching up properly defensively and defensive switches and problems like this will lead to plenty of open looks and drives to the basket for the Drexel. The Hawks first two games both flew over the total and St Joseph's allowed an average of 95 points per game in those two. Saint Joe's did average 81.5 points per game in those two and they should have no trouble against the normally porous defense of the Dragons. I know that Drexel is off a low-scoring game and has played a stretch of low-scoring contests that easily stayed under the total. However, that has had a lot to do with the level of competition they were facing. Their only game against a quality opponent saw the Dragons lose 83 to 74 at Pittsburgh. That said, there is great value with this total posted in the mid-140s in my opinion. This game should have plenty of open looks and a good tempo and the shooters will take advantage. Should be a rather wide-open game with the Hawks struggling some due to all the time off so it will play out a little more like 'playground basketball' and again this Philly guys will be looking to outdo each other on the offensive end in what should be quite the entertaining game. That is why the spread on this game is nearly a pick'em as it will be a back and forth game that could go either way in terms of the side but look for points aplenty based on all of the above. 10* OVER the total in Drexel |
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12-17-20 | Manchester United v. Sheffield United OVER 2.5 | Top | 3-2 | Win | 100 | 11 h 25 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200165 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Sheffield United vs Manchester United @ 3 ET - The good news for Manchester United in this one is that they are on the road. They are perfect 5-0 this season on enemy pitch. Amazingly, in all 5 away matches this season, Manchester United has surrendered the 1st goal but has come back to win every game. If that pattern holds true here we certainly get our over as that would mean a 2-1 final. Either way I do expect this match to fly over the total as Manchester United road matches have averaged 4.6 goals this season. Although Sheffield United is having a miserable start to the season, Manchester United has allowed an average of 1.5 goals this season and I would not be surprised to see Sheffield give a valiant effort at home and that should mean they should tally at least once in this one. Also, Manchester United could easily end up getting this total all by themselves. Sheffield has surrendered nearly 2 goals per match on the campaign and Manchester United has averaged 3.2 goals per match as travelers this season. A lot of value with this total at 2.5 goals and I won't hesitate to go to my highest level with this one. 10* OVER the total in Sheffield United |
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12-16-20 | Duke v. Notre Dame +4 | Top | 75-65 | Loss | -108 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
ACC Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #694 Wednesday 10* Top Play Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 9 ET - Duke blasted Notre Dame again last season and has now won the last two meetings by an average margin of 28 points per game. Additionally, the Blue Devils are a ranked team heading into this game while the Fighting Irish are projected to finish near the bottom of the ACC again this season. That said, this line opened up at a 3.5 and appeared to be a gift to those wanting to back Duke, right? Well you know what that usually means and, in this match-up there is definitely more than meets the eye. First off Duke big man Jalen Johnson is out with an injury. He was leading the teams in blocks, tied for team lead in rebounds, and one of the top scorers for the Blue Devils. That holds even more significance here because Notre Dame has been getting big games from 6'10 Nate Laszewski both on the boards and in terms of scoring. He should have a big game here and I also like the fact the Blue Devils have had a lot of recent cancellations and will be playing for the first time in over a week. Also, the Fighting Irish have played the tougher schedule early this season. Revenge game and the home team wants this one badly. Grab the points. 10* NOTRE DAME |
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12-16-20 | Butler v. Villanova OVER 131.5 | Top | 66-85 | Win | 100 | 9 h 22 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #677 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs @ 7 ET - The Bulldogs always seem to surprise no matter their talent level. But in this particular match-up they have had far too much time off without games this season and it will make them a little sloppy here. I don't expect a very structured game and expect a lot more up and down fast-paced run and gun type style here. The Wildcats will force the tempo here as they look to get revenge for losing the most recent match-up between these teams. That was last season and both meetings last season did go over the total and this one should as well. Villanova is averaging 77.2 points per game game this season and shooting quite well. As for Butler we don't have much to look at yet for this season but we know what this team likes to do historically and expect them to surprise some people in hanging around in games many don't expect them to. They are a scrappy team and if they hang tight in this one (close to the spread posted on this game) and Nova finishes close to their scoring average you are looking at a 77 to 64 game and that puts this game about 10 points over where the total is set at. That is what I expect here as Villanova has averaged 77 points per game in the last 4 meetings between these teams plus is averaging 77 points per game this season. Also, as per usual, the Bulldogs will put up a fight against the Wildcats here. 10* OVER the total in Villanova |
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12-16-20 | Tottenham Hotspur v. Liverpool OVER 3 | Top | 1-2 | Push | 0 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
Total of the Week - The Hotspur have tallied 14 goals on enemy pitch this season. That is one of the best marks in the league. Liverpool is a perfect 6-0 on their home pitch this season thanks in large part to having tallied 18 goals in those matches as that is the best mark in the league. I realize fully that this is a key 1 versus 2 match in the table but I simply can not foresee this being a tight low-scoring game. Tottenham has been playing so well and with so much confidence that they are very likely to be on the attack against a Liverpool defense that has been hurt (literally) by some injury issues. So look for the Hotspur to enjoy some success in this one but I highly doubt that Liverpool is going to be clamped down. They are known for dominating particularly when on their home pitch. Combining last season with this season's results they have 24 wins, no losses, and one draw in their last 25 matches as a host and they have averaged scoring nearly 3 goals per game in those matches. The Hotspur have totaled 39 goals in their last 25 games on enemy pitch. In other words a 3-2 type game would not at all be a complete surprise here and I like the fact we can get the over 3 at plus money in this one. I'll take it. 10* OVER 3 goals in Liverpool |
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12-15-20 | Indiana State v. St. Louis OVER 140 | Top | 59-78 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 38 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #629 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St Louis Billikens vs Indiana State Sycamores @ 8 ET - The Billikens are playing with a ton of confidence and scoring plenty of points and that continues here as they are at home against Indiana State Tuesday evening. St Louis games are a perfect 4-0 to the over this season thanks in part to the Billikens averaging 92.2 points per game and having never been held under 85 points in a game this season. While it is true that St Louis is known for solid defense, they have faced a lot of weaker teams this season. When they stepped up in class and faced LSU they did allow 81 points and Indiana State has scored an average of 74 points per game and shot 45% from the field this season. The Sycamores will be able to do some damage in this one on the scoreboard but they'll struggle to stop a Billikens team that is on fire from both inside and outside the arc. St Louis is averaging about 10 of 21 from three point land in their games this season. Indiana State is allowing an average of about 9 of 19 from three point land plus nearly 50% from the field overall so this one sets up well for the Billikens to have another huge game in the offensive end. Keep in mind, St Louis is a 13 point favorite here so if the line is correct that puts this game at about a 77-64 final. But, again, the Billikens have not been held below 85 points this season. You can see why I am expecting this one to get well into the 150s and I see solid value with this low total. 10* OVER the total in St Louis |
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12-15-20 | West Bromwich Albion v. Manchester City OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -116 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200181 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Manchester City vs West Bromich Albion @ 3 ET - Manchester City is off a disappointing 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Saturday. So what happens next after not getting on the board against their rivals? They will take advantage of facing a very bad West Bromich team that is capable of allowing goals in bunches. The Albion have allowed 2 goals per match this season but could allow double that against a potent Manchester City team that has scored an average of 2 goals per fixture when at home in this season and that needs to take out their frustration on a lesser foe. Keep in mind, even if they only score 3 here, Manchester City is unlikely to produce a clean sheet here so we should still get our over in that case. West Bromich has averaged about a goal per match this season and Manchester City has allowed an average of 1 goal per fixture. Look for a 3-1 or 4-1 type game here and, either way, this one should find it's way over the total. The total is posted at a lofty 3.5 here for good reason. The odds makers know what is to be expected here. 10* OVER the total in Manchester City |
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12-14-20 | Ravens -3 v. Browns | Top | 47-42 | Win | 100 | 18 h 5 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #179 Monday 10* Top Play Baltimore Ravens (-) @ Cleveland Browns @ 8:15 ET - This is a contrarian play and, as long-time followers know, going contrarian is something I often do in the NFL. The fact is that the Browns are 2 games in front of the Ravens in the standings plus they are at home where they are 5-1 on the season. Also, Cleveland has revenge from getting hammered at Baltimore in their season opener. Additionally the Browns have the rest edge here since they have been playing Sunday games for weeks on end whereas the Ravens had the recent scheduling problems with their game against the Steelers. As a result, Baltimore will be playing for the 3rd time in a span of 13 days when they take the field tonight. However, considering all of the above, when the markets look at this game they will wonder how in the world it can be that it is the Ravens who are favored by a field goal on the road in this one? My response to that is...exactly! In other words, don't be fooled by the line here or the situation. The odds makers are telling you all you need to know here and that is that Baltimore is the better team and favored for a reason. I like the fact that they have allowed a total of just 36 points their last two games whereas the Browns allowed 35 points at Tennessee last week and 25 at Jacksonville the week before. Also, I like the fact that other than the win over Titans and a win over the Colts, the Browns other 7 wins have come against 6 teams (beat Bengals twice) with a combined record of 21-55-2 on the season! Now they take on a Ravens team that, though they've underperformed at times this season, are still a Baltimore team that is off a 14-2 season last year. Also, in road games this season when Lamar Jackson is under center, the Ravens have gone 4-1 this year. Give the Browns some credit for getting tight wins when they have needed to but also they have been blasted by a combined 92-19 in their 3 losses this season and I sense another one here. Off the big confidence-boosting win over the Cowboys last week, the Ravens are back in the saddle again and I fully expect a dominating road performance here and the better defense keys the victory here. 10* BALTIMORE |
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12-14-20 | Rutgers v. Maryland -2.5 | Top | 74-60 | Loss | -107 | 14 h 12 m | Show |
TV Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #814 Monday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (-) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ 6 ET - The Terrapins certainly are NOT on the level of last year's team. However, coming off an embarrassing loss at Clemson in which the Terps were never in it on the road, they will respond in a big way at home here. Maryland has revenge here against Rutgers as the Scarlet Knights beat them last season. Keep in mind that followed 8 straight wins for the Terrapins in his series. Also, though Rutgers is improved this season, they have a couple injury issues. Caleb McConnell is out indefinitely with a back issue and he is a key player. Also, one of their biggest stars, Geo Baker, is doubtful for this game because of an ankle injury. He had hope to go but he has actually been downgraded in terms of his injury status. That said, note that Rutgers is ranked and they are undefeated on the season and yet they are an underdog here against a Terrapins team that already has a loss and that everyone knows is a step down from where they once were. Looks funny doesn't it? Exactly! In typical contrarian fashion I am on the perceived "wrong side" of what looks a little off here and will gladly lay it with Maryland given all of the above. Note that the Terps simply had an awful game at Clemson in their most recent game and also had an awful shooting night the last time they faced the Scarlet Knights which was at Rutgers in March. This one is at College Park and it is payback time. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-13-20 | Steelers v. Bills -130 | Top | 15-26 | Win | 100 | 15 h 24 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #178 Sunday 10* Top Play Buffalo Bills (-) vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:20 ET - This is a tough spot for the Steelers. I know many will be jumping on them here as they expect them to bounce back off their first loss of the season and because Pittsburgh does have the better defense in this match-up. However, due to that strange scheduling quirk with the Steelers match-up with the Ravens being played almost a full week later than originally scheduled, Pittsburgh is now playing their 3rd game in 12 days! That is tough on a team plus they faced a Baltimore team that is a physical rival of theirs plus they faced a tough Redskins defense. How much will the Steelers have left in the tank here? I feel it won't be enough to get past a strong Bills team. Keep in mind, Pittsburgh's road wins have included beating the Titans (but only by a field goal) and the Ravens (but Steelers were significantly out-statted). But the other Pitt road wins were against teams that are a combined 9-27 on the season. Now they travel to face a Buffalo team that is 5-1 SU at home this season with the only loss coming against the world champion Chiefs. Overall the Bills enter this game having covered 4 straight while the Steelers are now off back to back ATS losses. I know Pittsburgh has revenge from last year's home loss to Buffalo as well but this is simply a very bad spot for them. 3 NFL game in a dozen days and especially when facing physical teams in the 2 prior games...it is just not a good set up. The home team holds the edges here. Also, the Bills have scored an average of 34 points their last 4 games while the Steelers have averaged just 18 points their last 2 games. The home team playing with a lot of confidence right now and will be executing better on offense than Pittsburgh given the circumstances. 10* BUFFALO |
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12-13-20 | Jets v. Seahawks OVER 47.5 | Top | 3-40 | Loss | -107 | 12 h 3 m | Show |
Non-Conf Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #169 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Seahawks vs New York Jets @ 4:05 ET - We are getting a little lower total here because the 0-12 Jets are involved and because the Seahawks have been trending under for many weeks now. I'll take advantage of the lower number and go with the over here based on the situation. The Jets have some confidence from scoring 28 points last week even though they still ultimately fell short to the Raiders. As for the Seahawks, they are angry about losing at home to the Giants but that was a tougher defense they faced and they still managed 21 first downs in the game but just didn't have the points to show for it. The Seahawks are now angry coming off a loss and Russell Wilson and Company won't hold back against a New York defense that ranks as one of the worst in the league. Not only that, the Seahawks defense is just as bad and Sam Darnold and Company will take advantage. Seattle is a huge favorite here for a reason. They will score a ton of points. The thing is that the Jets also could get a late backdoor cover here because their offense will score some points too. New York has scored at least 27 in 3 of their last 4 games. The Seahawks, before scoring just 12 points last week, had scored an average of 33 points per game in their first 5 home games this season. Now in a back to back home game situation, the high-scoring ways resume here. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |
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12-13-20 | Liverpool v. Fulham OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 35 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200113 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Fulham vs Liverpool @ 11:30 AM ET - Liverpool has a big game on deck with Tottenham on Wednesday. Could this be a distraction to their focus on defense? Absolutely and, though Fulham is scoring an average of only 1 goal per match on the season, Liverpool is allowing 2.2 goals per match when on enemy pitch. Indeed, Liverpool's form in away fixtures has not been good this season. However, Fulham allows 2 goals per match this season and won't be able to stop a potent Liverpool attack here. That is why, though this total may seem 'steep' at 3.5 goals, don't let the big number keep you away. This one has a great shot at getting to 5 goals given the situational aspects and match-ups in this fixture. I certainly expect it to get to at least 4 goals given the potency of the Liverpool attack and the weak defense of Fulham coupled with the fact that the Reds have struggled defensively in away fixtures. 10* OVER the total in Fulham |
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12-12-20 | Oklahoma State v. Baylor +6 | Top | 42-3 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
Game of the Month - 10* Baylor Bears @ 3:30 ET - The Bears have struggled on offense this season, particularly their ground game. However, Baylor has the better defense in this match-up and they are 2-1 SU at home this season. There is a reason that a ranked Oklahoma State team is favored by less than a TD against a Bears team that has a 2-6 SU record on the season. In other words, don't be fooled by the line here. It is set this way for a reason and I have a strong feeling about an upset win here. Baylor has won 4 of the last 5 meetings both SU and ATS. Also, the Bears are allowing just 355 yards per game and their defense keeps them in games. Conversely, the Cowboys have allowed an average of over 500 yards per game their last 3 games plus they enter this game on an 0-5 ATS run. The home dog is going to give Oklahoma State all they can handle here just as they seem to do every year in recent meetings. I am expecting an outright upset as this Bears defense has played motivated football all season long and the Baylor offense does have a veteran QB and a decent passing game. They'll find a way in my opinion for the outright win but I am grabbing the points for added insurance here. 10* BAYLOR plus points |
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12-12-20 | West Bromwich Albion v. Newcastle United OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 120 | 7 h 52 m | Show |
10* Top OVER in Newcastle @ 10 AM ET - I know that West Bromich hasn't scored much at all this season but no team has surrendered more goals than the Albion as they have allowed 23 in 11 matches on the campaign! That said, the reason I am siding with the over here as I would not be surprised to see Newcastle United get this game over the total on their own. Yes, they could score 3 here! But, at the same time, Newcastle had coronavirus concerns last week and that forced cancellation of their game. They have not scored well this season but West Bromich will provide the perfect remedy for that. At the same time, taking advantage of a strange period for Newcastle due to the covid interruption, don't be surprised if the Albion find the back of the net at least once, if not twice. It just has to do with Newcastle being a little "off" after the break in action and possible making some costly mistakes with some personnel potentially out for this game or simply "off" in terms of their level of play. At the end of the day I see more goals being scored here than most are expecting. 10* OVER the total in Newcastle |
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12-11-20 | Nevada v. San Jose State OVER 58.5 | Top | 20-30 | Loss | -110 | 17 h 43 m | Show |
MWC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #309 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Jose State Spartans vs Nevada Wolf Pack @ 10 ET - Both of these teams have trended under this season but that is merely helping to give us line value here as neither team's defense is as good as their O/U record this season would suggest. We are now getting late into the season to where these unusual records that were not commensurate with what happened on the field start to reverse. In other words, a high-scoring game is likely here at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Yes, this game is being played a neutral site due to covid restrictions in California. The Spartans passing attack this season has been strong with 270 yards through the air per game on average. The Wolf Pack passing attack has been even stronger with 334.4 yards per game on the season. Both teams have been solid against the run away from home this season so these teams will go to the air early, often, and throughout this game and that will lead to big yardage and less stoppages of the clock than a run-based game. We're looking at a lot of fireworks through the air in this one. San Jose State has scored an average of 34 points per game its last 4 games. Nevada's only low-scoring effort was at Hawaii. In their other 6 games this season they have averaged 33 points per game. This total is in the upper 50s but you can see why I am expecting at least upper 60s in this one given those numbers. These teams combined for 79 points in last year's match-up and the Spartans have scored 34 points or more in back to back games and the Wolf Pack scored 37 points in their most recent game. 10* OVER the total in San Jose State |
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12-11-20 | Villanova v. Georgetown OVER 142.5 | Top | 76-63 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 51 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #611 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgetown Hoyas vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Hoyas allowed only 48 points in their most recent game but that was against Coppin State. Georgetown is a young team with a lot of new players and that means struggles in the defensive end. This is particularly true in a covid year as teams couldn't practice like they normally would leading into the season. Prior to their big win over an out-classed Coppin State team, the Hoyas allowed an average of 79 points per game. That means the set up here is ideal for an over because Georgetown is averaging 73 points per on the season but won't be able to stop Villanova here. Also, the Wildcats are off a tight rather low-scoring win over Texas that stayed under the total. Will they repeat that defensive intensity in a 2nd straight game? I really don't think so and the fact is that the Cats have allowed 73 points per game in their last 3 games against the Hoyas. As for the Villanova offense, they should excel here. The Wildcats will take advantage of a Georgetown team with so many new faces in the playing rotation and note that Nova was averaging 80 points per game prior to the low-scoring win over the Longhorns. Both teams are coming off unders here but had gone 2-0 to the over entering their respective contests. That said, great line value here with this total in the low 140s. The Hoyas should get into the 70 range and, of course, the Wildcats are a double digit road favorite here for a reason. Look for this one to get in the 150s. 10* OVER the total in Georgetown |
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12-10-20 | San Diego State v. Arizona State OVER 142 | Top | 80-68 | Win | 100 | 11 h 50 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #863 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona State Sun Devils vs San Diego State Aztecs @ 10 ET - My first thought when looking at this match-up was Arizona State because the line looks a little funny considering the Aztecs are now 34-2 the past two seasons combined while the Sun Devils have a dozen losses over this same time period. As many of you know already, I am a contrarian capper so I was considering ASU based on the team with the much better record and similar ranking being the underdog here. However, the total looks like the best value here. Why? Well it dropped to a 142 for one thing. Additionally, the key reason that is attractive is because Arizona State's defense can not be trusted in my opinion. So I like the Sun Devils here and expect them to put up plenty of points but I just can't trust their defensive level of play. As for San Diego State, they are not giving up many points per game this season but a lot of that has to do with level of competition. Now the Aztecs face a Sun Devils team which is averaging 84.5 points per game. Arizona State is shooting 48.1% from the field and play at a good pace but, on defense, they are allowing 45% from the field including 37% from three point land. San Diego State is making 9 three pointers per game and averaging 74.5 points per game and this one turns into a shootout. 10* OVER the total in Arizona State |
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12-10-20 | Patriots v. Rams -5 | Top | 3-24 | Win | 100 | 15 h 35 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #102 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (-) vs New England Patriots @ 8:20 ET - The Patriots are off a huge 45-0 road win over the Chargers. However, don't jump to conclusions based on that one performance. For one thing, New England only had a yardage edge of 33 yards in that game. Secondly, the Patriots entered that game having lost 4 of 5 road games SU and ATS. So New England is off a rare road win. As for the Rams, their most recent home game was a rare loss. Yes, Los Angeles was a perfect 4-0 SU at home before they lost hosting San Francisco two weeks ago. The Rams responded by blasting the Cardinals at Arizona last week. Unlike the Pats, LA actually had a big yardage edge that justified the big win. Los Angeles dominated their division rival to the tune of a 463-232 edge in yardage. Not only that, the Rams have big time revenge here because they lost in the Super Bowl in an embarrassing performance against Tom Brady and the Patriots two years ago. Will they get their revenge? I feel strongly that they absolutely will as Brady is now in Tampa Bay and Cam Newton has struggled badly in his time with the Patriots. New England enters this game off back to back wins but has averaged just 235 yards of offense in those two victories. The Patriots will prove to be no match for a revenge-minded Rams team that has the much better offense plus one of the best defenses in the NFL. This line may seem set in a strange range considering it is a -5 but don't let that scare you away on this one. It is bigger than a 3 or 4 for a reason and I see LA pulling away for a victory by a double digit margin in this one. Look for the Rams to improve to 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games while the Patriots drop to 2-5 SU and ATS in road games this season. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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12-10-20 | Pittsburgh v. Georgia Tech OVER 54 | Top | 34-20 | Push | 0 | 9 h 44 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #111 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Pittsburgh Panthers @ 7 ET - The OVER is 7-0 in the Panthers last 7 games. The Yellow Jackets are coming off an under but, prior to that, the over was 6-1 in their last 7 games. Also, though their most recent game did result in an under, there actually was over 800 yards of offense in the game as Georgia Tech totaled over 400 as well. That was an unusually low-scoring game because the Jackets were stopped on downs on 4 separate occasions. That won't happen again here. The Panthers can't just focus on stopping the GT ground game here because now Tech QB Sims actually has an 8-3 TD-INT ratio over his last 6 games. The Yellow Jackets are a little more dual threat than they have been in the past when it was all about the run. That said, the Pitt defense (which also has not been as dominant this season) will face a different challenge than they have in recent meetings. The Panthers D got thrashed by Georgia Tech in their most recent game. Prior to that, the Pitt defense had a strong road game but it was against a Florida State team that has already "mailed it in" on this season. In their two prior road games this season the Panthers allowed 31 points in each game. As for the Yellow Jackets defense they allowed 13 points in the first game this season but have since allowed an average of 40 points per game their last 8 games. The Pittsburgh offense had averaged 44 points per game in their two games preceding the Clemson debacle and, overall, the Panthers are averaging scoring 30 points per game in road games this season. 10* OVER the total in Georgia Tech |
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12-09-20 | Oklahoma v. Xavier OVER 146.5 | Top | 77-99 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #635 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Xavier Musketeers vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 8 ET - The O/U is 2-0 in Sooners games this season and 3-1 in Xavier's last 4 games. Both teams are shooting the ball very well and willing to 'run and gun' in terms of their pace. Oklahoma has averaged 93.5 points per game this season and that included games against UTSA and TCU so not super tough competition but certainly not 'cakewalk' games in terms of the level of the opposition. That said, I look for plenty of points here because the Musketeers have only had one low-scoring win and that was a real grinder against Bradley. Other than that one outlier, Xavier has averaged 90.4 points per game in their other 5 games and has not been held below 76 points in any of those games. Coming off a big win over city-rival Cincinnati, this also could be a flat spot for the Musketeers in terms of the level of their defensive intensity. That said, other than the grinder with Bradley and easy wins over out-classed competition - Oakland and Tennessee Tech - Xavier has allowed 79.3 points in their other 3 games. Certainly Oklahoma fits the bill as a high-quality opponent that can also put up big numbers against the Musketeers defense. That said, the over is the way to go here especially considering the situation and the fact that the Sooners have allowed an average of 72 points per game in their two games and now face a surging opponent that is loaded with confidence thanks to a 6-0 start to the season. 10* OVER the total in Xavier |
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12-09-20 | Maryland +2 v. Clemson | Top | 51-67 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 20 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #607 Wednesday 10* Top Play Maryland Terrapins (+) @ Clemson Tigers @ 5 ET - Both of these teams are playing solid defense early this season but it is the production on the offensive end that is going to be a difference maker in this one. The Tigers are scoring 69.7 points per game on 43.9% shooting from the field including just 30% from three point land. The Terrapins, on the other hand, are scoring 84 points per game on 56% shooting from the field including 42.5% from beyond the arc. When Maryland needs a bucket, they have guys who have been able to consistently get it. I do not believe that the same holds true for Clemson in terms of the number of scoring options. I also like the line here as, of course, it looks easy to take the small home favorite in a match-up of undefeated teams early this season. Another edge to the road dog here is the fact that the Tigers have not played in a week and this will be only their 2nd game since November 26th! Conversely, the Terrapins just played on December 4th plus will be playing their 4th game since November 27th. Big edges for the road dog in this one and I expect them to get the win in convincing fashion. 10* MARYLAND |
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12-08-20 | Cowboys v. Ravens OVER 45 | Top | 17-34 | Win | 100 | 16 h 17 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #483 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:05 ET - Decent weather expected in Baltimore this evening as it will be chilly but no precipitation and winds will be subsiding by the evening hours after a little bit of breeziness in the afternoon. That means both offenses should be fully functional here and I expect a huge effort from the Ravens offensive unit as they get QB Lamar Jackson back for this one. He will give the Cowboys defense fits in this one. Dallas has struggled on that side of the ball all season and has allowed 32.6 points per game on the year! The offense for the Cowboys has had struggles but they faced adversity with losing starting QB Dak Prescott to season-ending injury and then also being without QB Andy Dalton some too (covid-19). Dalton will be under center for this one and, interestingly, he has had some big games in his career against the Ravens. As a member of the Bengals, Dalton would face division rival Baltimore twice a year. Can he recapture some of that magic here? The Ravens have allowed 28 points or more in 3 of their last 4 home games. Each of Baltimore's last two home games have gone over the total. Look for that to go to 3-0 L3 after this one is in the books as the Cowboys also move to 3-0 to the over their last 3 games overall. Dallas is off that ugly effort versus the Redskins and will respond here (scored 31 in most recent road game) but won't be able to stop a Ravens team that is also fired up to play better on offense with coming off a loss but now getting Jackson back. Plenty of points in this one. 10* OVER the total in Baltimore |
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12-08-20 | Creighton v. Kansas -3.5 | Top | 72-73 | Loss | -102 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #794 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kansas Jayhawks (-) vs Creighton Bluejays @ 5 ET - At first glance it might seem enticing to take Creighton here. After all, the Bluejays have had blowout wins in each of their first 3 games. However, the Jays have faced much weaker competition than Kansas has. So even though these teams are very close in the rankings right now and even though Creighton is certainly a strong team, only the Jayhawks have been truly battle tested early this season. Kansas has faced Gonzaga and Kentucky already this season. Also, while the Jayhawks have only Nebraska-Omaha on deck, Creighton has instate rival Nebraska on deck. Of course the Bluejays won't overlook playing a highly ranked Kansas team but the point is that another big game does loom for the Jays while that is not the case for the Jayhawks. Traditionally Creighton relies heavily on their 3-point shooting but they are only making 33% of their threes this season while the Jayhawks, despite facing tougher competition, are making 39% of their three-points so far this season. Don't be surprised if that is a difference maker in this game. The Bluejays are a strong team but they are a little over-rated and un-tested early this season and that is giving us excellent line value here with a short number to lay on a high-quality favorite. Lay it! 10* KANSAS |
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12-07-20 | Bills v. 49ers OVER 47 | Top | 34-24 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #485 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Francisco 49ers vs Buffalo Bills @ 8:15 ET in Glendale, AZ - This game being played in Arizona because of the covid issues in California and that fact is crazy and I expect this game to be a little crazy as well. The 49ers are off a huge upset win against the division rival Rams and that could leave the defense a little flat for this one. Also, San Francisco had allowed an average of 32.7 points per game in its 3 games preceding the win over the Rams. Now the Niners take on a Bills team that has won 4 of its last 5 games and scored an average of 31.3 points per game in its last 4 games overall. Buffalo's defense was supposed to be its strength heading into this season but they have underachieved a bit this season and, as a result, are a little over-rated. That is helping to keep this total lower than it should be. The Bills are off a solid win over the Chargers in which they allowed just 17 points but that was preceded by a stretch in which Buffalo allowed 27.6 points per game over their 9 preceding games. San Francisco is not known for their offensive production but they have scored at least 23 points in 4 of their last 6 games and have scored an average of 27 points per game in non-conference action this season. The Bills have averaged scoring 36.3 points per game in their non-conference match-ups this season. All 3 of Buffalo's non-conference games went over the total while 2 of 3 for the Niners went over the total. All signs point to a high-scoring match-up here based on the long-term trending too and we'll take advantage of the lower total that has been helped by last week's results as each game stayed under the total. This match-up has much different dynamics in terms of being a non-conference match-up. 10* OVER the total in San Francisco |
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12-07-20 | Washington Football Team +6.5 v. Steelers | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
Non Conf Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #487 Monday 10* Top Play Washington (+) @ Pittsburgh @ 5 ET - This set up favors Washington in a big way. While they have not played since Thanksgiving and are well rested here, the situation is much different for Pittsburgh. The Steelers were supposed to play on Thanksgiving but the game got postponed multiple times because of covid-19 issues and did not get played until the following Wednesday. That means Washington has a rest edge of nearly a full week in comparison with Pittsburgh's situation. Also, it is simply hard to envision the Steelers finishing the season with an undefeated record. Pittsburgh is now 11-0 on the season and you know that a defeat is imminent. I am not necessarily forecasting that this happens here but I do feel the points will prove to be well worth the taking. 4 of the Steelers last 6 wins have come by a margin of 5 or less points. We're getting a solid 6.5 across the board in this one as of early Monday morning. Many don't realize this but Washington does have a very solid defense. Look for that to be a key in terms of them hanging around in this game. In Washington's last 6 games they had one bad game defensively but allowed an average of only 14.2 points per game in the other 5 games. Washington has scored a solid average of 26.6 points per game its last 5 games and Alex Smith has thrown for 1,030 yards in his 4 games since taking over after the injury to Kyle Allen. Look for the Steelers to drop to 4-9 ATS in their last 13 as a non-divisional home favorite as Pittsburgh is off a divisional win and this is a non-conference match-up on short rest. Also, the Steelers have a tough road trip at an AFC opponent, Buffalo, on deck. 10* WASHINGTON |
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12-07-20 | Southampton v. Brighton & Hove Albion OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 9 h 14 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200069 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brighton & Hove vs Southampton @ 3 ET - Southampton is known for playing well on the road. Last season they lost only 6 of 19 on enemy pitch. Their matches away from home averaged 3 goals per game. This season, Southampton is having trouble defensively and that is part of the reason their matches have averaged 3.5 goals per fixture on the campaign thus far. Southampton has struggled to hold onto leads and Brighton & Hove has the ability to challenge them here and fully realizes their defensive backfield has been susceptible this season. Southampton likely to be on the attack as that is their style and particularly as travelers. The issue here is, though they would love to produce a clean sheet, Southampton just makes too many mistakes in covered in front of their own net. Brighton & Hove will take advantage. With this total at 2.5 goals and the expectation of at least a 2-1 final here, I am going with the over in this one. The odds are about even across the board in this one in terms of home, road, or draw and that is with good reason. Southampton has earned respect on the road and this will be a good one that should see plenty of attacking and at least 3 goals scored. 10* OVER the total in Brighton & Hove |
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12-06-20 | Broncos +13.5 v. Chiefs | Top | 16-22 | Win | 100 | 14 h 5 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #475 Sunday NFL 10* Top Play Denver Broncos (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:20 ET - The Chiefs are over-valued here. What many are looking at here is that the Broncos looked so bad last week against the Saints but, keep in mind, they were without any of their quarterbacks. Those guys are back this week including Drew Lock and I expect a much better performance on offense as a result. The other thing many are looking at here is that the Broncos lost the first meeting to the Chiefs with an ugly final score of 43 to 16. However, Denver actually outgained Kansas City by 125 yards in that game and the difference in the game was the turnovers as the Broncos had 4 of them! Even penalties played a role as Denver had 5 compared to KC having just 1. Each of the last 3 meetings have been blowout wins for the Chiefs but that is helping to give us line value here because the Broncos already proved in the first meeting (despite the final score) that they can compete with Kansas City. The Chiefs have won 6 straight but each of their last 3 wins have come by a margin of 4 or less points. That is part of the reason that KC enters this game on an 0-3 ATS losing streak. As for the Broncos, they are 3-1 ATS in AFC road games this season. The Chiefs have the better offense in this match-ups but the better defense (despite ppg averages) belongs to the Broncos as they are allowing 19.3 yards per game less than Kansas City is. Look for another strong effort from the underdog in this one just like we saw statistically in the first game. The difference in this one is that it equates to a cover. 10* DENVER |
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12-06-20 | Washington State +13 v. USC | Top | 13-38 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 57 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #489 Sunday 10* Top Play Washington State Cougars (+) @ USC Trojans @ 7:30 ET - This is a much a play against USC as it is a play on Washington State. Going to keep this one short and sweet but the fact is that the Trojans are very fortunate to be 3-0 on the season as they barely escaped against Arizona and Arizona State. Though the Trojans did pull away for a big win over Utah, they were fortunate in that they caught the Utes playing their first game of the season and USC took full advantage of that. However, that is certainly not the case here and the Cougars have the firepower on offense to hang around in this one. That is particularly true with QB Jayden De Laura upgraded to probable for this one. Washington State has struggled on the defensive side of the ball but they faced Oregon and Oregon State (when the Beavers QB was healthy). Look for the Cougars to fare better on that side of the ball in this one as the Trojans have been a little inconsistent on offense. As for the Cougars offense, they have scored well and moved the ball well and I certainly like that combo here with them catching nearly two full td's in this match-up at Southern Cal. 10* WASHINGTON STATE |
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12-06-20 | Eagles v. Packers OVER 49 | Top | 16-30 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #471 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles @ 4:25 ET - The Eagles allowed just 9 points in their game against Dallas when the Cowboys were already without Prescott and did not have Dalton either. In their other 10 games this season Philadelphia has allowed 27 points per game and they are most certainly going to struggle to stop Green Bay here. The Packers have scored an average of 31 points per game their last 6 games and have recorded just one under during this stretch. Look for the over trend to continue here. The Eagles Zach Ertz is a key target for Carson Wentz and he is listed as probable for this one (ankle). The Packers have allowed 29.5 points per game the last two weeks and are in a divisional sandwich here as they just knocked off the Bears and now have the Lions on deck. The Eagles are scoring 21.5 points per game on the season and have not been held under 17 points in any game this season. Given those facts plus the big line on this game - Packers favored by nearly double digits - it comes as no surprise that the over is the play in this one! The Eagles are allowing 27 points per game on the road this season and the Packers are averaging 32 points per game at home this season. Philly won't get many stops in this one but the Pack D has been a little shaky of late and I look for that to continue here as well. 10* OVER the total in Green Bay |
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12-06-20 | Arsenal v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 2.5 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 7 h 54 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200093 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tottenham vs Arsenal @ 11:30 AM ET - These are fierce rivals and, as such, I expect Arsenal to bring their A game after struggling so far this season in league action. Both these clubs are coming off high-scoring games in Europa group qualifying action and I look for that to carry right into this fixture. Tottenham is off a 3-3 draw and Arsenal off a 4-1 win. The Hotspur are having a great start to the season and are averaging 2.1 goals per match. The fact that Arsenal has struggled early this campaign has them a little undervalued here and I feel certain they are going to put forth a strong effort here as they would love nothing more to prevent Tottenham from moving back into the top spot in the league table. Based on form so far this season this one has the makings of a 2-1 Tottenham win and I can not argue with that result and am expecting at least that in terms of goals scored. That said, there is great value with the over in this one as this total is set at just 2.5 goals for this match and seeing 4 here would not surprise me in the least. 10* OVER the total in Tottenham |
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12-05-20 | BYU v. Utah State +1 | Top | 67-64 | Loss | -111 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #666 Saturday 10* Top Play Utah State Aggies (+) vs BYU Cougars @ 9 ET - I love when lines flip like this as Utah State has gone from being a 2.5 point favorite to now being a 1 point dog. When you have a core nucleus of leadership in guys like Bean, Queta, and Miller you are in good shape. That said, those guys weren't even the leading scorers in the Aggies most recent game which also was their first win of the season. Utah State has played a tougher schedule than BYU early this season but now has some momentum with their win over a solid Northern Iowa team in which the leading scorers were Anthony and Worster who combined for 39 points while the aforementioned 3 key guys combined for 39 points as well. Great team effort and this is a quality team that is looking for revenge against a BYU team that has defeated them in each of the last two meetings. The Cougars lost a lot of key senior leadership from last year's team. Though they are 4-1 SU so far this season, BYU has played a softer schedule. There were two challenges among the 5 games as Brigham Young faced USC and St John's. In those two games the Cougars scored an average of 63.5 points per game and allowed 73.5 points per game game. Look for a similar deficit here as the Aggies, building off their first win of the season and having already endured their early season growing pains, pull away as this game goes on. 10* UTAH STATE |
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12-05-20 | Colorado v. Arizona OVER 57 | Top | 24-13 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
Pac-12 Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #381 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 7 ET - Well aware of the injury situation with Grant Gunnell for the Wildcats and the fact he is listed as a game-time decision. I feel strongly that he would have been shutdown for the season already if the injury was more serious and I expect him to play in this one. Even if he does not, look for freshman QB Will Plummer to be much better this week than he was last week. Now he will have had a full week of practice with the first team offense and be prepared to make a start and this game is at home which is a big plus for Arizona. The Wildcats scored 30 points on 444 yards of offense in their only home game this season. Colorado is enjoying an undefeated start to the season but off a low-scoring win over a San Diego State that is having major issues on offense. That said, look for the Buffaloes defense to return to their typical performance levels this week and that is good news for over players. Colorado allowed an average of 37 points per game in their first two games as each game went over the total. By the way, Arizona allowed an average of 39 points per game in its first two games this season. Don't look for much defense in this one! In fact, when these teams meet there is almost always a ton of offense. The over is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings between these teams. This is precisely the type of situation I like to look for in terms of a big play as both of these teams are off low-scoring games but this followed 2 very high-scoring games for each team to begin the season. The Buffaloes first two games totaled an average of 78.5 points per game and the Wildcats first two games totaled an average of 67.5 points per game. Look for that type of high-scoring action to resume in a series that has been marked by its high-scoring results. 10* OVER the total in Arizona |
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12-05-20 | Indiana v. Wisconsin -13 | Top | 14-6 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 39 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #402 Saturday 10* Top Play Wisconsin Badgers (-) vs Indiana Hoosiers @ 3:30 ET - The Hoosiers are ranked higher than the Badgers and are also an undefeated 6-0 ATS on the season and yet they are nearly 2 TD underdogs in this match-up! See anything funny about that? Exactly! Don't fall for the attractiveness of what markets will say is a phony line here. The fact is that the Hoosiers would be in trouble here even if they had QB Michael Penix here but he is now out for the season. Indiana is facing a Wisconsin defense that has allowed only 11.7 points per game this season. Now the Hoosiers face them with a lot of question marks at the QB position too as they now have an unproven signal-caller stepping in. The Badgers are still angry off their loss a few weeks ago against Northwestern and haven't played since. Wisconsin is rested and ready to respond and lets not forget that their only two games besides the loss to the Wildcats were a pair of wins by a combined score of 94-18. The Hoosiers lost their most recent road game and that was the only other time they have been a road dog this season. Though Indiana only lost the game by 7 at Ohio State, they actually were getting blasted in that game and down huge at the half. The Hoosiers rallied in the 2nd half as the Buckeyes took their foot off the gas courtesy of a big lead and then Penix took over with big plays for the offense. Again, Penix is now out for the year and also the Badgers are angry and won't let up here and have a fantastic defense and they are at home. Wisconsin will win the battles in the trenches on both sides of the ball and when you dominate the line of scrimmage plus have the better QB situation (Mertz has been great and Coan is available now too if needed) you generally dominate the game! Look for that to be the case here and my projections have the Badgers winning this one by a margin of at least 3 touchdowns. Lay the big points as the home team improves to 11-0 SU L11 and 6-0 ATS L6 in meetings with Indiana. 10* WISCONSIN |
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12-05-20 | Leeds United v. Chelsea OVER 3.5 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 115 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200077 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chelsea vs Leeds United @ 3 ET - Chelsea ranks among the top scoring teams in the Premier League this season with 2.2 goals per match on average. Leeds United has scored more on enemy pitch than in their home fixtures this season as they are averaging a solid 1.8 goals per match as travelers this season. This match is at Chelsea and should be a very entertaining one with plenty of goals. For this total to move past the even number of 3 and move up to as high as a 3.5 you know where the sharp money is in this one and that is where we are putting our sharp money as well! 10* OVER the total in Chelsea |
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12-04-20 | Oregon v. Seton Hall +3.5 | Top | 83-70 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 30 m | Show |
TV Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #824 Friday 10* Seton Hall Pirates (+) vs Oregon Ducks @ 9 PM ET @ CHI Health Center Omaha in Nebraska - The Pirates are just 1-2 SU on the season but their first loss came by just a single point to a solid Louisville team. Now, off a loss by double digits to Rhode Island - a respectable Atlantic 10 team in their own right - I expect a huge response from Seton Hall here. Keep in mind, the Pirates game prior to that was a big win by a 22 point margin over a well-coached Iona team as Rick Pitino is one of the, if not the, best in the business in terms of college hoops coaches. I feel Seton Hall has an edge over the Ducks here because the Pirates have 3 games under their belt already while Oregon has played only 1 game. For the Ducks that was a loss to a Missouri team likely to finish near the bottom of the SEC. Oregon came into this season highly regarded but the fact that Will Richardson is out for 6 to 8 weeks is a big loss for their backcourt. They opened up as nearly a pick'em in this game and, as usual, the betting markets 'took the bait' and this line has risen to as high as a 3.5 as of early Friday morning. I'll gladly grab the value with the underdog Pirates in this one. 10* SETON HALL |
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12-04-20 | UL-Lafayette +3 v. Appalachian State | Top | 24-21 | Win | 100 | 13 h 11 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #327 Friday 10* Top Play UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns (-) @ Appalachian State Mountaineers @ 8:30 ET - The Mountaineers have won 8 straight meetings with UL-Lafayette. Also, the Ragin' Cajuns have locked up the Sun Belt West Division. Those factors would lead one to believe that there is no way that Appalachian State, at home especially, is only a 2.5 point favorite in this one. My comment to that...exactly! In typical contrarian fashion I am taking the underdog in this one. Yes ULL has lost 8 straight to App State but that is actually a key to their motivation here. Even though they have locked up the SBC West, the Ragin' Cajuns are highly motivated to end their 8-game losing streak to the Mountaineers. The fact that ULL has allowed an average of only 330 yards per game their last 4 games is a good sign. Teams that control the defensive stats are a good team to bet on (particularly when a dog) and the Mountaineers dominated Troy in their most recent game but allowed 34 points in a loss in their game just prior to that one. On the season, the Ragin' Cajuns have played the tougher schedule. Also, ULL lost to Appalachian State twice last season including the SBC Championship Game and that was despite having 31 first downs compared to just 20 first downs for the Mountaineers in that game. Finally, on Friday night in Boone, NC the Ragin' Cajuns get their shot at revenge. Look for them to make the most of it. 10* UL LAFAYETTE |
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12-03-20 | Connecticut v. USC +1.5 | Top | 61-58 | Loss | -106 | 20 h 18 m | Show |
ESPN Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #752 Thursday 10* Top Play USC Trojans (+) vs Connecticut Huskies @ 7 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena @ Uncasville, CT - The location of this game would seem to favor Connecticut of course. However, USC is the play here. Not only do the Huskies have a couple guys banged up, I also feel we have some value here in terms of who these teams have played so far. The Huskies haven't really been tested yet as they faced overmatched foes in Central Connecticut State and Hartford. Conversely, USC faced a tough BYU team in its most recent game. In fact, the Trojans were an underdog in that game and yet they dominated and won the game by 26 points. Whenever I see a line like this (UConn playing what is, in essence a home game and yet hardly favored) it grabs my attention. Upon closer inspection I see the contrarian value here given the situation. Having already been tested by Brigham Young, the Trojans will be better prepared to handle a challenging game. Also, the way Southern Cal played against the Cougars, they showed they came to Uncasville, CT to compete at the highest level and I expect that to lead to another convincing win in this one. 10* USC Trojans |
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12-03-20 | Louisiana Tech v. North Texas OVER 66 | Top | 42-31 | Win | 100 | 20 h 23 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #323 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in North Texas Mean Green vs Louisiana Tech Bulldogs @ 6 ET - I am well aware that the Mean Green scored just 17 points in last week's loss but they did have over 400 yards in that game. Also, teams make mistakes in terms of defensive assignments after a long layoff and the Bulldogs enter this game having not played since Halloween! Look for the rust to lead to problems containing the North Texas offense in this one. Also, the Mean Green are out for revenge after getting thrashed 52-17 last season by Louisiana Tech. Though I do expect North Texas to have a huge game on offense I expect that if they prevail it will be on the strength of that O because I do not trust their D here. The Mean Green have allowed less than 31 points in a game just once in 7 games this season. In the other games they have allowed an average of 45 points per game and that included a game against Houston Baptist (an FCS school). Similarly, the Bulldogs have allowed less than 27 points in only one of their games. In the other 6 games they allowed an average of 34.8 points per game. This game is a strange set up for Louisiana Tech and I could easily see them playing it with an aggressive "whatever happens" style which means that we could see plenty of points in this one. Based on the averages, this one should get into the 70s at least. Look for a wild one at Denton, TX on Thursday. 10* OVER the total in North Texas |
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12-02-20 | Ravens +10.5 v. Steelers | Top | 14-19 | Win | 100 | 29 h 11 m | Show |
*NOTE: I am aware that Lamar Jackson (among others) is now out for this game and Robert Griffin is likely getting the start at QB for the Ravens in this one. I am also aware that this game has been moved yet AGAIN - this time to WEDNESDAY. I still like this play plenty as it is a contrarian play offering huge value. Don't be surprised when the rest of the Baltimore team steps up in this huge rivalry (and revenge) game. Here is the original write-up:* AFC North Game of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #125 Thursday 10* Top Play Baltimore Ravens (+) @ Pittsburgh Steelers @ 8:20 ET - Tremendous line value here because the Steelers are undefeated on the season, come into this game on a 7-1 ATS run while the Ravens are on a 1-4 ATS run and off B2B SU losses. Plus Pittsburgh won the first meeting this season and that was at Baltimore. As a result of all those factors, a line that was as low as a -2.5 is now up as high as a -5.5 on the Steelers and I love the value being offered to the road dog in this one. The Ravens lost in a rain storm at New England two weeks ago and then they were looking ahead to this rematch game when they lost in OT versus Tennessee last week. That said, Baltimore is very under-valued right now. Keep in mind, they actually outgained the Steelers by over 200 yards (including a positive edge of 217 on the ground!) when they faced them of the first of this month. The Ravens were simply done in by turnovers in that game and that is what the betting markets seem to be overlooking here. This is a very strong Baltimore team and they are in a preferred role here as well! Why is that? Well, the Ravens have only lost the money ONCE the last DOZEN times they have been a road dog! I know the Steelers are having a great season. Everyone knows that. But their highly unlikely to go 16-0 and certainly this looks like a great spot for an upset win. Either way, grabbing the points should absolutely prove to be the ATS winner. 10* BALTIMORE |
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12-01-20 | Kentucky +5 v. Kansas | Top | 62-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
ESPN Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #627 Tuesday 10* Top Play Kentucky Wildcats (+) vs Kansas Jayhawks @ 9:30 ET @ United Center in Chicago, IL - Each team has an early season loss but the Jayhawks lost to Gonzaga and Kansas was an underdog in that big match-up. Converesely, the Wildcats lost to Richmond and they were favored by a half dozen points in that game. As a result, there is some anti-Kentucky sentiment impacting this line as it has risen from near a 3 to as high as a 5 as of gameday morning and I like the value with the underdog in this one as I fade the line move. Kentucky took the last meeting between these teams in January of 2019 and the Wildcats did it with physicality. The Cats shot poorly from three point land but won the game because they got to the free throw line more than the Jayhawks plus they dominated the glass. Don't be surprised if we see a similar approach here and I'll grab the aggressive (and highly talented) underdog in this one. There is a reason this line was priced so low despite Kansas having a much higher ranking. I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here and am happy to grab all the points I can get with this one. 10* KENTUCKY |
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11-30-20 | Seahawks v. Eagles +6.5 | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #276 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) vs Seattle Seahawks @ 8:15 ET - Too much value with the home dog to pass up on here. Keep in mind the Eagles are 2-1-1 SU in their last 4 game at home and the only loss came by just two points. The Seahawks are 0-3 SU in their last 3 road games and allowed 104 points in those 3 games. Seattle certainly has a talented offense but the Eagles have allowed a respectable 20.8 points per game in their last 4 home games. Also, Seattle's defense is certainly not a strength and the Eagles offense may surprise some people here. Philly has won only 3 of it's last 8 games but those other 5 games were decided by an average margin of 5.2 points per game. This line is up to nearly a full TD on Seattle and it is simply too much with them on the road for this one. Philadelphia lost in the regular season and in the playoffs last season to the Seahawks and each defeat came by exactly the same score: 17-9. Payback time here. There were very few outright upsets in Sunday's NFL but you know there are shockers nearly every week in NFL and this one has the makings of one. Double revenge spot for the Eagles and note that the Seahawks are off a big divisional revenge win over Arizona. Situational spot favors the home dog. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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11-30-20 | Aston Villa v. West Ham United OVER 2.75 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 50 | 5 h 41 m | Show |
Total Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200061 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in West Ham United vs Aston Villa @ 3 ET - This play has a lot to do with sharp betting action. I am seeing books go to a 3 on this total and that means anything below a 3 is certainly offering solid line value. Keep in mind, Aston Villa has been a great road club this season and they have averaged 2.3 goals on enemy pitch so far in this campaign. West Ham United should perform well on their home pitch and they have averaged 1.7 goals per match as a host this season. Last season West Ham also averaged a similar amount of goals on their home pitch. Last campaign, Aston Villa allowed an average of 2 goals per match on enemy pitch. I just can't see this particular match-up ending with anything less than 3 goals. Look for at least a 2-1 final in this one. 10* OVER the total in West Ham United |
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11-29-20 | Bears +10 v. Packers | Top | 25-41 | Loss | -125 | 11 h 24 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #273 Sunday 10* Chicago Bears (+) @ Green Bay Packers @ 8:20 ET - This is just too many points. The Bears could actually get a boost with Mitchell Trubisky returning at QB. The fact is that Nick Foles had not been playing that well. Also, the last 4 meetings between these teams have all been decided by 8 or less points. The Bears have lost 4 straight games but each of the last 3 defeats have been by 7 or less points. The Packers are off a loss at Indianapolis Sunday in overtime while Chicago has the benefit of entering this game off a bye week. The Packers have played 10 games this season and only 4 of those have resulted in a win by a double digit margin. The Bears are still a proud team and they have had extra time to sort some things out courtesy of the bye week. Chicago actually piled up a lot of passing yardage in their two match-ups with Green Bay last season and Trubisky was the QB for both of those. Don't be surprised if they do some damage through the air in this one. They absolutely need a spark and Trubisky could provide it. The Packers are on a 2-4 ATS run and continue to be over-valued in my opinion. The defenses in this match-up are equal or even slightly favor in of the Bears. Of course Green Bay holds the edge on offense but I have a feeling Chicago is going to look much different this week on offense and will do enough damage here to stay inside this inflated number. This is a rivalry game and we're getting plenty of points when you consider that factor as well. This is a huge game for the Bears to try and close the gap on the division lead that Green Bay has. Don't be surprised when they put up a major fight in this one and stay close throughout this game as they seek the big upset win to stay in the division race. 10* CHICAGO |
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11-29-20 | Washington v. Baylor OVER 139 | Top | 52-86 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 13 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #803 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Baylor Bears vs Washington Huskies @ T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV @ 6 ET - The Bears opened their season with a 112-82 win against UL Lafayette yesterday. As for the Huskies, this will be their first game of the season but they wrapped up last season by averaging 78 points per game their last 5 games. The Bears, including yesterday's result, have average 78.6 points per game their last 5 games (includes last 4 games of last season for Baylor). Look for plenty of offense in this one as the Bears showed yesterday that they are happy to 'run and gun' and Washington is looking at this as almost a "warm up" game to get ready for the season. They face Utah this coming week. Baylor wants revenge here as they blew a 7 point halftime lead and lost to the Huskies last season. That said, the Bears will not hesitate in keeping their foot on the gas throughout this contest as they are in revenge mode and are favored by a double digit margin here for good reason. Baylor is highly ranked for a reason and ready to put on a scoring display here but the Huskies also have a talented backcourt and are quite solid in terms of scoring depth and I look for them to surprise by hanging around in this one and putting up plenty of points. Washington may fade late as the Bears are simply 'that good'. That is why I am avoiding the side here but the total looks like a solid bet in expectation of a very high-scoring game. 10* OVER the total in Baylor |
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11-29-20 | Saints v. Broncos OVER 35.5 | Top | 31-3 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 57 m | Show |
Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #267 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints @ 4:05 ET - As long-time followers know I am a contrarian. That means when situations like this come up you know I'll be taking a look and, if I like the value going against the move, I am all over it. That is most definitely the case here. This total opened up around 45.5 and now is as low as 35.5 points. It is because the Broncos QB situation is a complete mess as all the QBs on their roster are out due to Covid and related contact tracing. That said, they have only a pair of options at QB as Hinton and Freeman would be the guys. Hinton started out as a QB at Wake Forest before converting to RB. Freeman would be more of a wildcat QB. Either way, I still love the value with this total because Denver most definitely will have some trick plays dialed up here and they catch the Saints defense off a dominating divisional win. On the road and after crushing the rival Falcons, don't be surprised if the New Orleans defense is a little flat here. Also, the weather is going to be very nice in Denver with light winds and clear skies and temperatures possibly reaching into the 40s. Keep in mind, long field goals have a better chance in the thin air of Denver when the weather is like this. I just feel this total is way too low. I know the Broncos defense had a strong game last week but Taysom Hill and the Saints offense are a much better combo than the over-rated Dolphins team that Denver just faced. Also, prior to holding Miami to just 13 points, the Broncos allowed at least 26 points in 7 of last 8 games including an average of 36 points in their last 4 games. Keep in mind that is roughly what the total is on this game for BOTH teams combined and I certainly do expect the Broncos to score some points. They will run some trick plays to keep the defense off balance and, again, you don't have to move the ball a whole lot to get into field goal range in Denver! Broncos kicker Brandon McManus is having a fantastic season as he has made 20 of 21 field goals this season including 14 of 15 from 40+ yards (6 of 7 from 50+ yards). The Broncos ran for nearly 200 yards last week and will find a way to move the ball some and get some points in this game but the Saints offense should light them up too. After all, why do you think New Orleans is favored by 15 points here? Yes that has to do with Broncos problems at QB for this one but also this Saints team can put up some points even without Drew Brees under center. Hill was 18 of 23 for 233 yards passing last week plus ran for 2 touchdowns. Considering all the factors as noted above, there is simply phenomenal line value here with this low total. Flat spot for the Saints defense in a divisional sandwich and the Broncos defense feeling a little too good about themselves after dominating Miami last week plus the Denver D has the hated division rival Chiefs on deck. Neither defense will be on top of its game here in my opinion and we have a very low total to work with in nice weather conditions. I will take it. 10* OVER the total in Denver |
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11-29-20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Arsenal OVER 2 | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 4 h 39 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200053 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Arsenal vs Wolverhampton @ 2:15 ET - Enough is enough already. We saw a lot of goals early this season in the Premier League and you knew it would not last forever but now it has gone so far the other direction that you know the pendulum will swing back toward more goals soon. I look for this to be one of those games and I like the fact that we get the over at an even 2 goals in this one. Yes these two teams have both been low-scoring this season but the season is still young and we must be careful to put too much weight into that. Last season Arsenal's home matches averaged 3.2 goals per game and they scored nearly 2 goals per game on their home pitch. Wolverhampton actually was known for being a solid team on enemy pitch last season and their away matches averaged 2.4 goals. The Wanderers averaged scoring 1.3 goals on the road last season. My forecast here is a 2-1 win for Arsenal based on the above and based on the situation. In games played outside the Premier League Arsenal has scored well but they have not been getting it done in Premier League matches. This is an anomaly and will not last. Wolverhampton puts up a fight on the road in this one too so we see more scoring than most expect as both teams work hard for the full 3 points to move up in the table. Neither finds a draw an attractive result in this one. 10* OVER the total in Arsenal |
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11-28-20 | Memphis v. Navy OVER 62 | Top | 10-7 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 8 m | Show |
AAC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #285 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Navy Midshipmen vs Memphis Tigers @ 7 ET - A pair of bad defenses here. Navy will be even worse than normal here as this is their first game played since Halloween! The Midshipmen are allowing 37 points per game this season and the over is 6-1 in their 7 games this season. Memphis saw their offense truly struggle in only one game this season and that was against the very tough defense of Cincinnati. Other than when they faced the Bearcats, the Tigers have scored an average of 41 points per game this season. Their defense is certainly not a strength however and they will struggle again here versus the Navy option attack. Memphis is off a dominating win over an FCS school as they thrashed Stephen F Austin. However, prior to that, they allowed an average of 40 points per game their 4 preceding games - all against FBS schools. With very nice weather expected at Annapolis, MD today, both offenses will be able to thrive in this one. Memphis likes to play fast and is averaging 80 plays per game on offense this season. The Tigers make the most of those plays too as they are averaging 530 yards per game. I expect another big game from their offense here but Navy has only truly been stopped by BYU and Air Force this season. That is because BYU is having a great season and has a solid defense and because Air Force knows plenty about the option attack. As for their other 5 games, the Midshipmen scored an average of 28.6 points per game. Look for a 42-28 type game here and, no matter how it gets there, I am expecting this game to get to at least the 70 point mark. That means we have excellent line value with this one, especially as the total has dropped to 62 heading into gameday. 10* OVER the total in Navy |
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11-28-20 | Rhode Island +1 v. South Florida | Top | 84-68 | Win | 100 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #723 Saturday 10* Top Play Rhode Island Rams (+) vs South Florida Bulls @ 5:30 PM ET in the Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT - The location of this game certainly favors the Rams and I also love the situation here. While Rhode Island is 0-2 this season they faced Arizona State and Boston College and they lost those games by an average margin of just 5.5 points. While the Bulls won their only game so far this season, it was against Florida College and South Florida actually trailed that game at half time! The Bulls were facing a much tougher battle-tested team here as they take a major step up in class for this one. South Florida is seeing Alexis Yetna and Xavier Casteneda both try to battle through injuries. They may not be 100% here. As for Rhode Island, they have played tough in each of their first two games even though they have been without starting forward Jermaine Harris but they could get him back here. Either way, I look for them to get the big win as, off back to back losses but having played much tougher competition, the Rams respond in a big way here and take it to South Florida. The Bulls have only played 1 game and that was 3 days ago and they will be a little rusty here and are facing a tough Rams team that is hungry for a win. 10* RHODE ISLAND |
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11-28-20 | Coastal Carolina v. Texas State +17.5 | Top | 49-14 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 53 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #226 Saturday 10* Top Play Texas State Bobcats (+) vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers @ 3 ET - I fully understand that Coastal Carolina is a ranked team, undefeated on the season, and that they need to not only win but win by big margins to move up the standings. However, this is a horrible spot for them in many ways. For one thing they are off a key win over an Appalachian State team that was undefeated in conference action plus entered the game with an overall 6-1 record on the season. Secondly, the Chanticleers have an 8-1 Liberty team on deck and the Flames have also been a ranked team this season. In the middle of these two games is a 2-9 Bobcats team. I just can't see Coastal Carolina being able to fully focus here and also this game is at Texas State. The weather is expected to be very rainy in San Marcos for this one. Nasty weather generally favors big dogs as it can complicate things for offenses. I still expect Coastal Carolina to win this game but not by a huge margin and this line is up to a 17.5 as of early gameday morning. Yes, the Bobcats defense is an issue but this is a team that can score well and that means they also have backdoor cover potential should it be needed. But I am not expecting it to be necessary as I look for them to hang in tough throughout this game. I also like the fact that Texas State has played a tougher overall schedule and, outside of the SBC, they faced some bigger schools like SMU, Boston College, and BYU. The Bobcats lost by only a single score to the Mustangs and Eagles! By comparison, Coastal Carolina's schedule has been a cakewalk. Texas State enters this game on a 4-0 ATS run. The Bobcats also are scoring an average of 34 points per game in home games this season. 10* TEXAS STATE |
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11-28-20 | Sheffield United v. West Bromwich Albion OVER 2 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -124 | 5 h 15 m | Show |
Total Slaughter - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200041 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in West Bromich Albion vs Sheffield United @ 3 ET - A match-up of bottom dwellers in the table. It has been a tough campaign for both West Bromich and Sheffield. That said, there are two ways to look at this one. The first would be that both struggle to score goals and therefore it could be an ugly low-scoring match. However, I see it the other way. These two clubs are both desperate for a win and need to go all-out in trying to notch 3 points in the table. Not only that, these clubs both have had issues with surrendering too many goals this season. That said, I think we'll see more goal-scoring here than many would expect. Sheffield United is allowing 2.3 goals in road matches this season. West Bromich Albion have allowed 18 goals (2 goals per match) this season. No team has given up more goals thus far this season than they have. Given the above, would it really be a shock if each club got to two goals here? Not really which is also why I am going to my highest rating level on this play as the over is available at just 2 goals and I am expecting at least 3, if not 4, goals in this one. 10* OVER the total in West Bromich |
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11-27-20 | Notre Dame v. North Carolina +6.5 | Top | 31-17 | Loss | -109 | 6 h 52 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #136 Friday 10* Top Play North Carolina Tar Heels (+) vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 3:30 ET - When this line opened up near a -3 on Notre Dame I fully expected the line might move to near a -7 and that is exactly what happened. It just looks too easy, right? An undefeated team that also has beaten Clemson this season and they are coming off a bye week and facing a 6-2 team with a questionable defense. Of course you know what happens when things look too easy, right? Exactly! I would not be surprised to see an outright upset here. The Tar Heels are off an embarrassing effort on defense versus Wake Forest in their most recent game. However, North Carolina still found a way to win thanks to their dynamic and balanced offense. I feel strongly that the UNC defense is going to be much better in this game as they bring their 'A game' in this rare opportunity to host one of the top teams in the nation. At Chapel Hill on Saturday, look for the Tar Heels to find a way in this one. North Carolina is averaging 43 points per game this season and has scored more than 40 in 4 straight games. More of the same expected here. The vaunted Notre Dame defense has allowed 35.5 points per game their last two games and will be heavily tested in this game. Don't be surprised if the Irish are handed their first loss of the season in this one. Even if not an outright upset, I expect the Tar Heels (only 2 losses by 3 points each this season) to stay inside the number here. 10* NORTH CAROLINA |
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11-27-20 | Newcastle United v. Crystal Palace OVER 2.5 | Top | 2-0 | Loss | -100 | 5 h 42 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200025 Friday 10* Top Play OVER 2.5 goals +135 in Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United @ 3 ET - Both clubs off disappointing results. They each know they must start finding the back of the net and can't sit back. That said, I know that over 2 goals is available out there but I am going for the over 2.5 goals which is available at plus money as high as +135. This is a great value. Off disappointing results and, with Newcastle United failing by trying to play a defensive-minded approach in their most recent match, look for more goals than many are expecting here. They are expected to get a big boost with the return of goal-scorer Callum Wilson in this one. Each of these clubs has seen 25 goals totaled in their 9 games this season. Of course this is an average of nearly 3 goals per contest. Crystal Palace has averaged scoring about 2 goals per match on their home pitch this season and Newcastle United has averaged scoring about a goal per contest this season. The road dog here knows they must be stronger on the attack if they hope to upset Crystal Palace here and I expect a much more entertaining contest than most are expecting as a result. Crystal Palace is favored here for a reason and they have scored an average of 3 goals per win in their last 2 victories. When these clubs meet the trend has been for low-scoring matches. But the odds makers know what they are doing and based on the opener they used for this total and how the markets have reacted, we have a contrarian sharp line value here in my opinion. 10* OVER 2.5 goals +135 in Crystal Palace |
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11-27-20 | Pepperdine +7.5 v. UCLA | Top | 98-107 | Loss | -108 | 4 h 43 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #621 Friday 10* Top Play Pepperdine Waves (+) vs UCLA Bruins @ 3 ET - The Waves get a shot against the big boys here and I expect them to make the most of it. Pepperdine comes from a smaller conference of course but they returned 4 starters from last season's team and I feel strongly that they are on their way up this season. Already the Waves looked strong with a win over UC Irvine Wednesday. The Bruins entered the season ranked but lost their season opener Wednesday. Granted they played a strong San Diego State team but it was certainly not impressive that they lost by 15 points to the Aztecs as a 3 point favorite. Johnny Juzang was expected to be a contributor for UCLA this season and he is out with a foot injury. Also, big man Jalen Hill is a starter but he is dealing with a knee injury right now and is questionable for this game. I like the fact the Waves are coming off a big win by a double digit margin to start the season and they want this game against their "big brother" whose campus is very nearby. This game played at a neutral site and the scrappy underdogs get the win here. If not an outright upset win look for them to at least stay inside the number. 10* PEPPERDINE |
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11-26-20 | Washington Football Team v. Cowboys OVER 45.5 | Top | 41-16 | Win | 100 | 25 h 12 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #123 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Dallas Cowboys versus Washington @ 4:30 ET - I had been watching this total and with the move from upper 40s to mid 40s I am now pulling the trigger on a top play with the over here. Washington is off a low-scoring win but they were struggling to stop Cincinnati until Burrow got knocked out of that game. The Redskins only ended up scoring 20 points as the Bengals were unable to stay in the game once Burrow got hurt. Washington's offense had been surging though and that resumes here. Since Smith took over at QB the Redskins passing attack is much more dangerous. He is going to take advantage of a Dallas defense that has allowed 32 points per game this season! The Cowboys have allowed 36.8 points per game at home this season. The Dallas offense, with Dalton back under center, is also much more dangerous again and they proved that again last week with a big 31-28 win at Minnesota. The Redskins have some good overall defensive numbers this season but have allowed 28.5 points per game on the road this season. Based on all of the above and the fact that the Cowboys are out for revenge after an embarrassing loss at Washington a month ago, this game is going to have plenty of fireworks! 10* OVER the total in Dallas |
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11-25-20 | Villanova v. Boston College OVER 140.5 | Top | 76-67 | Win | 100 | 13 h 30 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CBB Rotation #721 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston College Eagles vs Villanova Wildcats @ 9:30 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT in the 2K Empire Classic - The Wildcats are highly ranked, like to play fast, and feel like they have unfinished business of the way the pandemic prevented March Madness 2020 from happening. I feel strongly that this very strong Villanova team is going to come out like they were shot out of a cannon and play that way for the full 40 as well as they do have great team depth too. The key here is the Eagles are adding some solid players to their backcourt for this season as they get a guy back who missed last season due to injury. Plus Boston College has added some veteran experience through transfers. That said, the over is the way to go here. Having a strong backcourt is a key early in the season and the Wildcats will force the Eagles to play a fast tempo and Boston College has the guard play to be successful in doing so. That said, plenty of points expected here. The Eagles defensive play was a weakness last season and Villanova is a very strong shooting team from beyond the arc and should get plenty of open looks in this one. Boston College allowed 74.3 points per game when away from home last season. The Wildcats allowed 68.7 points per game away from home last season. Considering that plus plenty of tempo for this game and some breakdowns on the defensive end (early in the season and coming in off tough off-season with limited practice time). 10* OVER the total in Boston College |
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11-23-20 | Rams v. Bucs OVER 48 | Top | 27-24 | Win | 100 | 22 h 11 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #473 Monday NFL 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Rams @ 8:15 ET - The Rams are on a long streak of unders but this looks like the perfect spot for it to snap. Los Angeles is off a big divisional win over Seattle. The Rams also have another divisional game on deck. Could there be a little lacking in defensive intensity here for Los Angeles? At the same time, Tom Brady is fired up for a much better performance in this one. Why? Well he and his Buccaneers teammates were just recently involved in a primetime game hosting the Saints and they were thoroughly embarrassed as they scored just 3 points. It is put up or shut up time in terms of the Bucs proving they can play with the best teams in a primetime match-up and Brady and company will be raring to go here! The Rams defense is strong and so too is that of the Buccaneers but this one is about the situation. I do feel the Tampa Bay defense is susceptible here. TB has allowed an average of 28 points in its last 3 games. Also, at home this season the Bucs have allowed more than 30 points in 2 of 4 games. The over is 3-1 in the Buccaneers last 4 games and when they met the Rams at LA last season the game totaled 95 points! The Rams are averaging 428 yards per game on the road this season and scored at least 30 points in each of their first 3 road games. As for the Buccaneers, before their debacle versus the Saints, they averaged scoring 35.7 points per game in their first 3 home games. With losses in each of their last two road games, the Rams are going to come out aggressive in this one. In other words, they'll be aggressive in their play-calling and I expect plenty of points from the road side in this one as a result. But don't be surprised if Tom Brady has a big game too and this could turn into more of a back and forth shootout then many expect. We'll see some field goals too but we'll see enough touchdowns for this one to get over the total which has come down from its opener - another thing I like here. 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay |
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11-23-20 | Southampton v. Wolverhampton Wanderers OVER 2.5 | Top | 1-1 | Loss | -100 | 18 h 52 m | Show |
Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200021 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Wolverhampton vs Southampton @ 3 ET - I know the Wolves haven't been scoring a lot this season but they are at home where they have been a little better in that regard. Also, Southampton is going to dictate the pace in this one and their road games have averaged nearly 4 goals per game this season. Last season the Saints were among the best travelers in the league and they are known for scoring well on enemy pitch. As a result, I feel strongly that they will force the issue here and that means we have got great line value on a low total as this one absolutely should end up with at least 3 goals. I know Wolverhampton may want to slow this game down but Southampton won't allow that. Look for another high-scoring road contest involving the Saints as that is now a multi-year trend with them. Yes I am aware of Danny Ings being out for Southampton but others like James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams have picked up the offensive production in his absence. 10* OVER the total in Wolverhampton |
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11-22-20 | Packers v. Colts -120 | Top | 31-34 | Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #462 Sunday 10* Top Play Indianapolis Colts vs Green Bay Packers @ 4:25 ET - The Colts have been looking forward to this one. Why? They lost their most recent home game and this will be their first game since then. Indianapolis lost to a strong Ravens team in their most recent game as a host. That defeat came despite a 10-7 lead at the half and despite holding Baltimore to just 266 yards in that game. In other words, don't be fooled by the final score and that is merely serving to give us line value here. Speaking of line value, the Colts did open up at a -3 and now this line has moved so low (-1 -115) in some spots that there is even more value on the money line (-120) in my opinion. This is as of 9 AM ET on Sunday and I am pulling the trigger here on this one. The Packers are getting all the market attention but I feel the better defense prevails here. In Green Bay's only 4 games against stronger teams this season (Minnesota twice and Tampa Bay and New Orleans), the Packers allowed an average of 32.5 points per game! To put that in proper perspective, the Colts have only allowed more than 27 points once this season when they gave up 32 at Cleveland. That was also a turnover-filled loss. With the way Indy QB Philip Rivers has played last 4 games (7 TD and only 2 INT), I look for the Colts to avoid the turnover issues that had plagued them earlier this season. Rivers has averaged 292 yards passing last 4 games and only thrown 1 INT in his last 3 games. Indianapolis was firing on all cylinders in their win at Tennessee and that was a Thursday night game too so they have the rest edge over Green Bay heading into this one as well. I certainly respect Aaron Rodgers and the Packers but feel strongly that the better defense prevails in this game and we don't even have to lay points (thanks to the line move) to have the home team and the better defense and this is when they also lost their most recent home game after starting the season 3-0 at home. Great situation! 10* INDIANAPOLIS |
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11-22-20 | Cowboys v. Vikings OVER 48 | Top | 31-28 | Win | 100 | 7 h 47 m | Show |
NFC Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #469 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - The Vikings are off a hard-fought win over the Bears on Monday Night. Even though Minnesota scored only 19 points in that game they did have nearly 400 yards of offense and certainly should have scored more. I know their defense looked good in that one but the Bears have major issues on offense. Also, off of that big divisional win and on a short week, the Vikings defense will not have the same intensity for facing this Cowboys team in a down season. At the same time, Dallas will get a boost on offense with the return of Andy Dalton at QB. Look for the rejuvenated Cowboys, also coming off a bye week, to surprise many by putting up plenty of points in this one. The Vikings have allowed an average of 33.5 points per game at home this season and the over is a perfect 4-0 in their games as a host this season. Speaking of struggling defense, the Cowboys have allowed an average of 32.2 points per game this season and that includes 3 games against NFC East opponents too and everyone knows how bad the NFC East has been this season. In other words, the Dallas defense is simply atrocious and the Vikings, with Kirk Cousins playing well of late, will have a huge game here at home. This total has been kept in the upper 40s because of the Cowboys poor numbers on offense of late. With Dalton coming back, we'll take advantage of the low total as this is an ideal situation for both teams to put up plenty of points. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota |
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11-22-20 | Arsenal v. Leeds United OVER 2.75 | Top | 0-0 | Loss | -112 | 14 h 49 m | Show |
TV Total Dominator - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200009 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Leeds United vs Arsenal @ 11:30 AM ET - Leeds United enters this game off back to back 4-1 losses. Arsenal is off a 3-0 loss. Both teams are currently down in the table and certainly not where they want to be. The reason I like the over here is neither team will want to sit back here and Arsenal, despite struggling to score goals early this season, actually does like to play a high octane style per se. Neither team will sit back because they want those 3 points in the standings and remember Leeds United has proven they can raise their game as they already have earned a draw with Manchester City and they defeated Liverpool 4-3 in their first match of the season. I do expect Leeds to play well here but Arsenal is absolutely going to challenge them and Leeds has shipped 9 goals already in 4 matches on their home pitch this season. Leeds has impressed with some big efforts at the other end of the pitch and that is what I am expecting here as they are off back to back losses. Look for Leeds to get 2 and Arsenal to get 2 as well. I am expecting 4 goals in this one and certainly expect at least 3. The situation warrants strong attacking efforts from both clubs as Arsenal was on the wrong end of a clean sheet in their most recent game. 10* OVER the total in Leeds United |
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11-21-20 | Oklahoma State v. Oklahoma OVER 60 | Top | 13-41 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
Big 12 Total of the Year - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #401 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oklahoma Sooners vs Oklahoma State Cowboys @ 7:30 ET - I am well aware of the fact that each of these teams are producing some solid defensive numbers. However, I am also well aware of the fact that Oklahoma has a scary good offense and the Cowboys are ultra talented on offense that should have WR Wallace back for this one as well. Prior to struggling to score without Wallace in their most recent game, the Cowboys had averaged 33 points per game in their 4 preceding games. Yes, the Sooners are off a strong effort on defense but their 5 preceding games saw them allow 32.4 points per game. Other than games against a bad Kansas team and an FCS school, Missouri State, Oklahoma's defense has not been that impressive. As for the Cowboys defense I know they have some good numbers this season but the Sooners always seem to give them a ton of trouble and OU comes into this game on an extreme surge on offense. Oklahoma has scored 62 points in each of their last 2 games and they are averaging 46 points on the season. The Sooners are loaded with confidence right now and both teams are coming off bye weeks too. That means extra time to work in a few extra wrinkles on offense for this massive annual rivalry game. You know Oklahoma State will have a few trick plays up their sleeve as per usual. We are getting a lower total on this game this season (compared to this same match-up in recent seasons) because each team has some better numbers on defense but I just can not see OSU getting many stops in this one. I also don't see the Cowboys going down without a fight in this one. That said, the over is the way to go here as they allowed 28 points or more in 4 of their first 5 games against FBS teams this season and have scored at least 30 points in all of their games. You can see why I am expecting these teams to get well into the 60s and likely even 70s in this one. The last time they met in Norman, the teams combined for 95 points! Look for another wild one here. 10* OVER the total in Oklahoma |
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11-21-20 | Cincinnati v. Central Florida +5.5 | Top | 36-33 | Win | 100 | 8 h 33 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #344 Saturday 10* Central Florida Knights (+) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 3:30 ET - The Bearcats have a fantastic defense and are having a great season. With an ultra-talented defense like Cincinnati has it is going to take a very special offense to do any damage against them. That said, welcome to Central Florida! Not only do the Knights play very fast on offense they also are extremely dangerous with tremendous big play capabilities. Also, UCF should have beaten the Bearcats last season but they were done in by 4 turnovers. The Knights put up 423 yards of offense but lost by 3 points and that game was at Cincinnati. The turnovers were the difference in the game. Clearly UCF has played the tougher schedule so far this season and that is why we're getting line value here too with the Knights as a home dog. Everyone sees the undefeated Bearcats on the road and having obliterated teams but this is a match-up that will give them issues for sure. Cincinnati's friendly schedule thus far includes the fact that they have been on the road only one time this season. Though the Bearcats won big at SMU in their lone road game, they actually had just 17 first downs in that game while the Mustangs had 22. Cincinnati is absolutely a very good team but they have had it quite easy so far this season with scheduling and all the breaks seeming to go their way too. That ends here on Saturday and the Knights return the favor after losing at Cincinnati last season in a game they should not have lost - UCF outgained them by 82 yards. Payback time here. The Knights are averaging an insane 619 yards of offense per game. 10* CENTRAL FLORIDA |
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11-21-20 | Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur OVER 3 | Top | 0-2 | Loss | -100 | 17 h 52 m | Show |
TV Total of the Month - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach EPL Rotation #200069 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER 3 goals in Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City @ 12:30 PM ET - Last season no club scored more goals in away fixtures than Manchester City. In 19 league games away from home Manchester City scored 45 goals! That is an average of 2.4 goals per match on enemy pitch. Tottenham averaged nearly 2 goals per game on their home pitch last season. The Hotspur also are off to a red hot start this season with already finding the back of the net 19 times in 8 matches. That is an average of 2.4 goals per fixture. Everything I am seeing here indicates each club will get to at least 2 goals in this one. The lone concern in this one is that Manchester City is off to a sluggish start this season in terms of their goal scoring. But I fully expect this to change and right after the international break is the perfect time. Another sign to point to is no other club has scored more than 9 goals in 3 Champions League matches and that is the tally that Manchester City has as they have averaged 3 goals in those matches. This club can, and will, score with authority and they are staring up in the table at Tottenham as the Hotspur are near the top. This is the perfect spot for Manchester City to make a statement and I expect a very aggressive game from them as this match-up features a pair of managers, Mourinho and Guardiola, with quite a history so look for the clubs to feed off each others aggression. The result will be an entertaining and high-scoring affair the way I see it. 10* OVER 3 goals in Tottenham |
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11-20-20 | Purdue -116 v. Minnesota | Top | 31-34 | Loss | -116 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach CFB Rotation #327 Friday 10* Top Play Purdue Boilermakers Money Line (-115) @ Minnesota Golden Gophers @ 7:30 ET - This line (ATS) was a -3 on Purdue earlier this week but has dropped down to as low as a 1.5 as of early Friday morning and that is why I am recommending a play on the money line because that is now available in the -115 range after this line move! I understand the move as there are rumors that QB Aidan O'Connell is a game-time decision for this one. Keep in mind the Boilermakers still have former starting QB Jack Plummer available and O'Connell barely beat him out for the starting job heading into this season. Also, O'Connell is coming off a rough game with some poor decision-making and did not have great touch on some of his throws. In other words a QB change here wouldn't even be the worst thing in the world. Teams can run all over the Golden Gophers so they don't throw much against them as a general rule but that doesn't mean their pass defense is great. In fact, Minnesota is next to last in the Big Ten in yards allowed per completion at 8.8 yards and also rank in the bottom half of the Big Ten for pass defense efficiency. As for the rush defense, it is horrible. Yes Purdue doesn't tend to run a lot but don't be surprised if you see a little extra from 6'5 230 lb Zander Horvath. He struggled against Northwestern last week but also gained 129 yards on 21 carries (6.1 ypc) against a very tough Iowa defense a few weeks prior to that. Purdue is averaging 307 yards per game through the air and will enjoy success both on the ground and with the aerial attack against a very bad Minnesota defense which, other than when facing a team with a 4th string QB (Illinois), has allowed 43 points per game this season! The Boilermakers are allowing just 23.7 points per game this season. The Golden Gophers are scoring an average of only 15.5 points per game at home this season. Minnesota just lost by 28 to the same Iowa team which Purdue defeated last month. This is also a revenge game for the Boilermakers as they lost at home to the Golden Gophers last season and got blasted in their last visit to Minnesota. Also, while the Boilers have "only" Rutgers on deck, the Gophers have a revenge game against rival Wisconsin up next. Last season, the Badgers beat Minny in the regular season finale which cost the Golden Gophers a spot in a chance in the Big Ten Championship Game and ultimately a potential shot at a Rose Bowl berth. Both teams enter this game off a loss here but you can see why I feel the road team is not only the better team but also will be the more focused team in this match-up. 10* PURDUE money line -115 |
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11-19-20 | Cardinals v. Seahawks OVER 57.5 | Top | 21-28 | Loss | -107 | 59 h 33 m | Show |
Total Annihilation - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #321 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals @ 8:20 ET - This total is a big one but don't let that scare you. The weather forecast is typical for Seattle this time of year. Chilly, but not too cold. Rainy, but rather light. The good news is no significant winds expected Thursday evening. In other words, both offenses should be able to have the playbooks fully open for this one. The Cardinals last 3 games have all totaled more than 60 points. Not only that, the Cards have allowed at least 30 in all 3 games plus scored at least 30 in all 3 games! As for the Seahawks, they are off a rare low-scoring loss but that was at LA against a tough Rams defense. Now they are back home and Seattle had scored 27 or more in all of their first 8 games and they reached 31 points or more in all but one of those. The Seahawks are allowing an average of 30.4 points per game. With the Cards surging with momentum after their dramatic last-second win on a Hail Mary pass last week, the offense feels it could do no wrong. But don't be surprised if the Arizona defense continues to struggle here as winning has a way of masking the problems and then teams think things are okay but really this Cards D has issues. The Seahawks will be looking to exploit those again in this revenge game as they did lose at Arizona in their meeting less than month ago. The Cardinals also beat the Seahawks in their last visit to the pacific northwest. That said, you know Russell Wilson and company are out for big-time revenge here but their defense has been a major weakness all season. That is why I expect a ton of points in this one. The over is 3-1 in Seahawks home games this season and the Cardinals recent over trend (3-0) is destined to continue here as well. 10* OVER the total in Seattle |