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NFC Championship Game Primer

by Vegas Writer

Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025

No. 6 Washington Commanders (14-5 SU, 13-6 ATS) at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles (16-3, 12-7)Postseason history: Washington defeated Philadelphia, 20-6, in the 1990 NFC Wild Card round, the only postseason meeting between the two franchises. Mark Rypien threw touchdown passes to Gary Clark and Art Monk. Also, Darrell Green had one of his six career postseason interceptions.Series History: The Commanders come to Philadelphia on a 6-2-2 ATS winning streak against the Eagles.2024 regular season: Philadelphia and Washington split their regular-season meetings, each team winning at home. In Week 11, the Eagles beat the Commanders, 26-18, as Saquon Barkley rushed for 146 yards, including two rushing touchdowns in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter to seal the win. In Week 16, it was Washington overcoming a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Philadelphia, 36-33. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw a career-high five touchdown passes, with three coming in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning touchdown pass with six seconds remaining.Divisional opponents in Championship games since 2002: Philadelphia and Washington provide the fifth Conference Championship game between divisional opponents since 2002. In the previous four such matchups, the division-winning team won three times while each of the four winners went on to win the Super Bowl.Washington tidbits: Washington, which comes into the game on a 4-1 ATS run, advanced to the Conference Championship game for seventh time since 1970 (5-1 record) and for the first time since the 1991 campaign. The Commanders became the sixth team since 2009 and the third team in the past four seasons (2021 – Cincinnati and San Francisco) to make the Conference Championship game after finishing in last or tied for last place in their division the season before.The Commanders, who selected quarterback Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, are the fourth team in the common-draft era to have a Top-2 selection in the NFL Draft and make the Conference Championship in the same season. Dan Quinn: Quinn, who has led the Commanders to 14 wins this season (including the playoffs) after finishing with four wins last season, is the second coach ever to improve a team by 10 wins in his first season with a club (including the postseason). He also became the fourth head coach in the last 15 seasons (2010-24) to lead his team to a Conference Championship appearance in his first season with a club. Jayden Daniels: The rookie gunslinger can become the sixth rookie quarterback all-time to start a Conference Championship game. With a win, Daniels can become the first rookie starting quarterback to start a Super Bowl, first rookie starting quarterback to win three postseason games and surpass Ben Roethlisberger (14 wins in 2004 with Pittsburgh) for the most wins by a rookie quarterback, including the postseason, in NFL history. Additionally with a win, Daniels can become the sixth quarterback ever to win three road postseason games in one playoff run. Daniels, who already has the most completions by a rookie quarterback in the postseason in NFL history (46), can become the first rookie quarterback ever with five postseason touchdown passes and with six passing yards, will surpass Russell Wilson (572 passing yards in 2012 with Seattle) for the most playoff passing yards by a rookie quarterback all-time. Philadelphia tidbits: For the first time in franchise history, the Eagles will host a Wild Card, Divisional and Championship game in the same season. Philadelphia, which is in on  a 3-1 ATS roll, has a 4-4 record in Conference Championship games since 1970, including wins in each of their past two appearances (2017 and 2022). Nick Sirianni: Including the postseason, Sirianni has won 52 games since being hired as Philadelphia’s head coach in 2021 and is one of two head coaches with at least 50 wins in his first four seasons, including the playoffs. With a win, Sirianni can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs and Mike Tomlin as the only head coaches to make the Super Bowl in two of his first four seasons. Saquon Barkley: In the Divisional playoffs, Barkley totaled 232 scrimmage yards (205 rushing, 27 receiving) and two rushing touchdowns, the second-most scrimmage yards in a playoff game by a running back in the Super Bowl era, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (244 scrimmage yards on Jan. 4, 1986). Including the playoffs, Barkley has the third-most rushing yards (2,329) and fourth-most scrimmage yards (2,638) by a player in a season in NFL history.

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AFC Championship Game Primer

by Vegas Writer

Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025

No. 2 Buffalo Bills (15-4 SU,12-7 ATS) at No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs (16-2, 8-10)Postseason history: The Chiefs hold a 4-2 record in postseason meetings against the Bills, including three consecutive victories in the 2020 AFC Championship Game and 2021 and 2023 AFC Divisional Playoffs. In the postseason last year, Patrick Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for two touchdowns in the win.Series History: The teams have slipped the past 10 meetings ATS, but the Bills have covered three of the last four.2024 regular season: The Bills have won four consecutive regular-season games against the Chiefs, including a 30-21 win in Buffalo in Week 11 to hand Kansas City their first loss of the season. In that meeting, Josh Allen totaled 317 yards (262 passing, 55 rushing), including the game-sealing 26-yard touchdown run on fourth down with 2:17 remaining in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes: On Sunday, Allen and Mahomes are set to become the fifth set of starting quarterbacks to face each other in at least four postseason games since 1950.Buffalo tidbits: Buffalo, which has covered seven of its last 10, advanced to the Conference Championship game for seventh time since 1970 and can advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since qualifying in four consecutive seasons from 1990-93. Since last year’s Wild Card playoffs, the Bills have no turnovers in their past four postseason games, becoming the first team ever without a turnover in four consecutive postseason games.Buffalo, including the postseason, leads the NFL with 35 takeaways and has committed a league-low eight turnovers this season, and only seven teams all-time have finished with a better turnover differential, including the playoffs, than the Bills’ current +27. They can become the first team ever to reach the Super Bowl with 10-or-fewer turnovers, including the playoffs. Sean McDermott: Including the postseason, McDermott has won 93 games since being hired as Buffalo’s head coach in 2017, tied with Mike Holmgren (93 wins) for the second-most wins by a head coach in his first eight seasons, including the playoffs, in NFL history. Only George Seifert (108 wins) has more. Josh Allen: Allen has 83 career victories, including the playoffs, in his first seven NFL seasons. With a win on Sunday, he can surpass Russell Wilson (83 wins) for the second-most wins by a quarterback ever in his first seven seasons, including the postseason. Only Patrick Mahomes (89 wins in first seven seasons) has more. Kansas City tidbits: Kansas City, which has failed to cover seven of its last 10, reached the AFC Championship Game for the seventh-consecutive season, trailing only the 2011-18 New England Patriots (eight straight) for the longest such streak in NFL history. The Chiefs are the fourth reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champion to reach the Conference Championship game.The Chiefs have won eight consecutive postseason games, the third-longest such streak all-time and since Week 12, have not committed a turnover in eight consecutive games, the longest such streak in a season all-time (including the playoffs). Andy Reid: Reid will be appearing in the Conference Championship game for the 12th time, trailing only Bill Belichick (13 times) for the most Conference Championship games by a head coach since 1970. With a win, he can become the first head coach ever to win multiple postseason games in six consecutive seasons and can join Belichick (nine Super Bowl appearances) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula (six) as the only head coaches all-time to appear in six Super Bowls. Patrick Mahomes: Mahomes enters the AFC Championship Game tied for the second-most postseason wins by a starting quarterback (16) and has the second-highest postseason passer rating (105.6, minimum 150 attempts), fifth-most postseason touchdown passes (42) and eighth-most postseason passing yards (5,312) in NFL history. Travis Kelce: Kelce recorded 117 receiving yards in the AFC Divisional playoffs, his ninth career postseason game with at least 100 receiving yards, the most in postseason history. In NFL playoff history, he enters Championship Sunday with the most receptions (172) and second-most receiving yards (2,020) and touchdown receptions (20), trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice (2,245 receiving yards and 22 touchdown receptions) in both categories.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and UCL Previews and Odds - 01/22/2025

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jan 22, 2025

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and UCL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Atlanta Hawks host the Detroit Pistons as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 236 (all odds from DraftKings). The Phoenix Suns travel to Brooklyn to play the Nets as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under 219.5. The Minnesota Timberwolves play in Dallas to play the Mavericks on ESPN as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 217. Four NBA games start at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in Houston to face the Rockets as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 12-point favorite with a total of 240. The Milwaukee Bucks visit New Orleans to battle the Pelicans as a 6.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 233.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder are home against the Utah Jazz as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 226. The Sacramento Kings host the Golden State Warriors on ESPN at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 228.5. The Boston Celtics play in Los Angeles against the Clippers at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point road favorite with a total of 217.The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. The New Jersey Devils play at home against the Boston Bruins at 7:07 p.m.ET as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are home against the Columbus Bluejackets as a -238 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Colorado Avalanche host the Winnipeg Jets at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings play at home against the Florida Panthers on TNT as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 43 games between Division I opponents. Nine NCAAB games are on major national television. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Georgia Tech is at home against Virginia Tech on ESPNU as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 143. Kansas is at TCU on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 136.5. St. John’s hosts Xavier on FS1 as an 8-point favorite with a total of 149. Colorado State plays at home against Boise State on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 140.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Colorado State is at home against Boise State on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with a total of 140.5. Three more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Utah State hosts Nevada on FS1 as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 142. Baylor plays at home against Kansas State on ESPNU as a 12-point favorite with a total of 142. Mississippi is home against Texas A&M on ESPN2 as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. San Diego State travels to Air Force on the CBS Sports Network at 10:00 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point road favorite with a total of 127. Stanford hosts Miami (FL) on ESPNU as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 156. Matchday 7 in the UEFA Champions League concludes with nine matches. Two matches start at 12:45 p.m. ET. Sporting Lisbon plays at RB Leipzig as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Brest is at Shakhtar Donetsk as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5.Seven matches conclude the UCL card at 3:00 p.m. ET. Real Madrid plays at home against Salzburg as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 4.5. Paris Saint-Germain is at home against Manchester City as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Inter Milan visits Sparta Praga as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Arsenal hosts Dinamo Zagreb as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Celtic plays at home against the Young Boys as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5. Bayern Munich plays at Feyenoord as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. AC Milan is home against Girona on the CBS Sports Network as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. All nine Champions League matches are available on Paramount+. 

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Farmers Insurance Open Best Bets

by Matt Fargo

Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025

Each bet is Win/Top Five/Top Ten. The typical recommendation is 50%/25%/25% with odds, payouts and results based on a $1000 unit (easy round number for bookkeeping) on each of the following player. The payouts are listed right below the odds which are all from DraftKings:Will ZalatorisOdds: Win 2,200 ~ Top Five 450 ~ Top Ten 225Payout: Win 1,100.00 ~ Top Five 112.50 ~ Top Ten 56.25Zalatoris is off to a good start this season with a T12 and a T26 which comes after a good end to last season after a rough middle of the circuit as he was trying to get back into form following a major back injury. He is a player with a great course fit as he has a T13, T7 and a runner-up in a playoff in 2022. SG: Approach is a key metric here because of the difficulty of the green complexes but he is No. 34 in SG: Around The Green. His putting has been suspect through two starts but he is known for streaky putting and he likes the Poa. He is in the similar category with Max Homa and even better as he is No. 4 on tour in SG: Very Difficult Courses over the last 36 rounds.Max GreysermanOdds: Win 2,500 ~ Top Five 500 ~ Top Ten 250Payout: Win 1,250.00 ~ Top Five 125.00 ~ Top Ten 62.50We rode with Greyserman last week and a missed Eagle putt on 17 and a double bogey on 18 knocked him from solo third to T7. That followed a T24 at The Sentry and going back, he has five top tens over his last 10 starts including three runner-ups and has not missed a cut over his last 13 starts. He missed the cut here last season before he got hot but something was not right as he had a missed cut and a T56 prior to the Famers and then WD in his next start which then took time to find that current streak he is on with the help of some equipment changes. He comes here at the best time as he has played 18 consecutive rounds under par.Max HomaOdds: Win 3,000 ~ Top Five 550 ~ Top Ten 280Payout: Win 1,500.00 ~ Top Five 137.50 ~ Top Ten 70.00Last year was not a great year for Homa as he finished outside the top 40 for the first time since 2019-20. His putting has been his problem area at times but he is No. 2 on the PGA Tour in SG: Putting (Poa) over the last 24 rounds and he is one to flourish on California greens. Additionally, as long as it is not a Birdie fest, he tends to play a lot better as he is No. 4 on tour in SG: Very Difficult Courses over the last 36 rounds. Even better, using comparable courses, many which fall into the previous Very Difficult Courses category, Homa is No. 1. He won here in 2023 and at Riviera and Silverado before that and if the putter remains hot on these greens, we will be in contention.Taylor PendrithOdds: Win 3,000 ~ Top Five 600 ~ Top Ten 300Payout: Win 1,500.00 ~ Top Five 150.00 ~ Top Ten 75.00Pendrith may be flying under the radar as not quite being a household name yet, but his odds are showing he belongs and we feel there is still value. He is in the midst of the best run of his career as following a cut at the PGA Championship last May, he has made the weekend in 13 consecutive starts including 10 top 25s and finishing top ten three times. Before this run, he won at the Byron Nelson which was sandwiched between a T10 and two T11s. He has had success here with three made cuts in three starts including a T16 in 2022 and a T9 last year. 11 players have not missed the cut here over the last five years ( three start minimum) and Pendrith is part of that short list.Stephan JaegerOdds: Win 6,000 ~ Top Five 1,000 ~ Top Ten 500Payout: Win 3,000.00 ~ Top Five 250.00 ~ Top Ten 125.00Jaeger has the tools to contend and win here and he proved that last year with a T3, after heading to the back nine with the Sunday lead. Torrey Pines is extremely long and he is one of the longer hitters on tour which can be a big edge if he can keep it somewhat straight. Last season was front loaded with another T3 and then a win at the Houston Open but it was a rough second half with only one top 25 from the end of May through the playoffs. He had a good fall though with a T23 and a solo second while his first two starts this year have been solid highlighted by a T3 at the Sony Open. His putting has been in peak form as well, gaining 3.5 strokes or more in three of his last five starts.Taylor MooreOdds: Win 8,000 ~ Top Five 1,200 ~ Top Ten 600Payout: Win 4,000.00 ~ Top Five 300.00 ~ Top Ten 150.00Moore is our biggest longshot this week as we are not looking at the big bombs based on the difficulty and the above average, albeit not elite, field. He missed the cut at the Sony Open but bounced back with a T7 at The American Express last week. He was a roller coaster last season as he finished T2 at the Houston Open then regressed before a T12 at the PGA Championship five starts later. It was another regression before a T10 at the Rocket Mortgage then three missed cuts before a T12 at the 3M Open before fading to end the season. We bring this up as the regression could settle in based on the past but we like the early momentum backed by his play around the green and his distance off the tee.Results through The American Express (1 Tournament):Win: -2,000Top Five: -1,000Top Ten: +200

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and UCL Previews and Odds - 01/21/2025

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and UCL action.The National Basketball Association has five games on its docket. Three NBA games tip off at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Miami Heat host the Portland Trailblazers as a 10.5-point favorite with the total set at 221.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The New York Knicks travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets on TNT as an 11-point road favorite with an over/under of 219.5. The Orlando Magic play in Toronto against the Raptors as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 215. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on TNT at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.5. The Los Angeles Lakers are home against the Washington Wizards at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 13-point favorite with a total of 229. The National Hockey League has eight games on its slate. Three NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning are in Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Philadelphia Flyers host the Detroit Red Wings as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Rangers play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Dallas Stars are home against the Carolina Hurricanes as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Nashville Predators host the San Jose Sharks as a -345 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Washington Capitals at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Vancouver Canucks are home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -175   money-line favorite with an over/under 5.5. The Florida Panthers visit Anaheim to face the Ducks as a -250 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 35 games between Division I opponents. Twelve NCAAB games are on major national television. Four NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Tennessee hosts Mississippi State on ESPN2 as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 140. VCU plays at Rhode Island on the CBS Sports Network as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 147. UConn plays at home against Butler on FS1 as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. Texas Tech is at Cincinnati on ESPNU as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 134.Purdue is home against Ohio State on Peacock at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Marquette travels to Seton Hall on Peacock at 8:00 p.m. ET as an 11.5-point road favorite with a total of 137. Three NCAAB games on major national television at 9:00 p.m. ET. Wake Forest hosts North Carolina on ESPN as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. West Virginia plays at home against Arizona State on the CBS Sports Network as an 8-point favorite with a total of 134. Arizona plays at Oklahoma State on ESPNU as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 153. UCLA is home against Wisconsin on Peacock at 9:30 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 11:00 p.m. ET. BYU is at Colorado on ESPNU as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 145. UNLV hosts Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Matchday 7 in the UEFA Champions League concludes with nine matches. Two matches start at 12:45 p.m. ET. Atalanta plays at home against Sturm Graz as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Monaco at home against Aston Villa is a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Seven matches conclude the UCL card at 3:00 p.m. ET. Stuttgart visits Slovan Bratislava as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Juventus plays at Club Brugge as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Atletico Madrid hosts Bayer Leverkusen as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Barcelona is at Benfica as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Liverpool plays at home against Lille as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Borussia Dortmund travels to Bologna on the CBS Sports Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. PSV Eindhoven plays at Red Star Brigade as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. All nine Champions League matches are available on Paramount+.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/20/2025

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Jan 20, 2025

The Monday Martin Luther King Jr. Day sports card features NCAAF, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The college football season concludes with the national championship game on ESPN and ESPN2. Ohio State challenges Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Buckeyes are an 8.5-point favorite, with the total set at 45.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. The Dallas Mavericks travel to Charlotte to play the Hornets at 12:10 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 225. The Houston Rockets host the Detroit Pistons at 2:10 p.m. ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 222.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on TNT at 2:40 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 235. The New York Knicks are home against the Atlanta Hawks at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 236. The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Phoenix Suns at 3:40 p.m. ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 236.5. The Boston Celtics play at Golden State against the Warriors on TNT at 5:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 224. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Utah Jazz at 8:10 p.m. ET as an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Chicago Bulls at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 228.5. The National Hockey League has nine games on its slate. The Boston Bruins host the San Jose Sharks at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -250 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche play at home against the Minnesota Wild at 2:07 p.m. ET as a -230 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Seattle Kraken are home against the Buffalo Sabres at 4:07 p.m. ET as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights host the St. Louis Blues at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:37 p.m. ET. The New York Islanders play at home against the Columbus Bluejackets as a -166 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are home against the Tampa Bay Lightning as a -115 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Carolina Hurricanes play in Chicago against the Blackhawks at 8:37 p.m. ET as a -298 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets are in Utah to play the Hockey Club at 9:37 p.m. ET as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings host the Pittsburgh Penguins at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 27 games between Division I opponents. Six NCAAB games are on major national television. UNC-Wilmington plays at home against William & Mary on the CBS Sports Network at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 152.5. Drexel is home against Hofstra on the CBS Sports Network at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 122.5. New Mexico hosts Fresno State on the CBS Sports Network at 5:00 p.m. as a 20.5-point favorite with a total of 162. Villanova plays at home against Georgetown on FS1 at 6:00 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Colgate is home against Bucknell on the CBS Sports Network at 7:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 134. Hampton visits North Carolina A&T on the CBS Sports Network at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under 146.Matchweek 22 in the English Premier League concludes with one match. Chelsea hosts Wolverhampton on the USA Network at 3:00 p.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/19/2025

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Jan 19, 2025

The Sunday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL  action.The National Football League continues its postseason with the final two games in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Philadelphia Eagles (392) minus the points versus the Los Angeles Rams (391) on NBC at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with the total set at 42.5 (all odds from DraftKings). The Baltimore Ravens travel to Buffalo to play the Bills on CBS at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 51.5. The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. The Miami Heat play at home against the San Antonio Spurs at 3:10 p.m. ET. The Denver Nuggets play in Orlando against the Magic at 6:10 p.m. ET as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 222. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the Philadelphia 76ers as a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 221. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Brooklyn Nets as a 17-point favorite with a total of 215. Three more games conclude the NBA card at 9:10 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Clippers play at home against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 215.5. The Sacramento Kings are home against the Washington Wizards as a 16.5-point favorite with a total of 235. The Chicago Bulls are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 236. The National Hockey League has three games on its slate. The New Jersey Devils host the Ottawa Senators at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -192 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The New York Rangers visit Montreal to play the Canadiens at 7:07 p.m. ET as a -115 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Dallas Stars play at home against the Detroit Red Wings at 8:07 p.m. ET as a -245 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 11 games between Division I opponents. Five NCAAB games are on major national television. Michigan State is home against Illinois on CBS at noon ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156. Temple hosts Tulane on ESPNU at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 150. UMass hosts LaSalle on the USA Network at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 156. Memphis plays at Charlotte on ESPN2 at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 12-point road favorite with a total of 148. Baylor plays at home against TCU on ESPN at 5:00 p.m. ET as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 136. Matchweek 22 in the English Premier League continues with four matches. Three EPL matches begin at 9:00 a.m. ET. Tottenham is at Everton on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester United is home against Brighton and Hove Albion as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Nottingham Forest as a -1.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester City travels to Ipswich Town on the USA Network at 11:30 a.m. ET as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 3.5. 

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Where Is Jimmy Butler Getting Traded?

by AAA Sports

Sunday, Jan 19, 2025

Jimmy Butler doesn’t ask for much.He would like to play on a winning team. No harm in that. Lots of players share that desire.He would like to play in an offense that showcases his skills, which emphasize mid-range shots and hard-nosed D. That the NBA is moving in the opposite direction is not his fault.He would also like to be able to play when he feels like it. That’s a bit of a problem, especially when one of his other desires is to be the focal point of the offense.AND he wants a lot of money, like about $160 million, for him to do all that in the three years that start AFTER next season. In those three years he will be 37, 38 and 39 years old.All that appears to be a bridge too far for Butler’s current boss, Miami Heat president Pat Riley, which has forced Riley to see if he can find Butler a job with one of the other 29 teams in the NBA. Whether, or even if, Butler is in a uniform next season could be determined by whether or not Riley in willing to accept pennies on the dollar in a deal.All eyes are on the Phoenix Suns. They are listed at +225 (DraftKings as of 1/19) to land Butler. Moving Butler to Arizona, though, would probably require the Heat to take back oft-injured guard Bradley Beal, and Riley appears to have little interest in that. While Butler would love to play for a team and owner that burns money and doesn’t pressure its stars to actually win, it would probably take a multi-team mega-deal including lots of cash and lots of draft to get Butler to the desert.The trade deadline is less than three weeks away, and in the meantime, the Heat have a big problem on their hands. Butler keeps saying that his issues are with the Heat management and not the players, but it appears that his half-court style of play is not what Miami has in mind. The league has gone 3-point bonkers, and Butler is digging his heels and refusing to get on board that train. This season he takes about three 3s every two games.Miami could tolerate that except for one thing – the Heat appear to not be any better with him than without him. Sans Butler they are pretty much a mediocre team that has the talent to get to the Play-In Tournament but barring a 2023 miracle run, that’s the ceiling.  WITH him, and it’s pretty much the same thing. Riley is wondering why he should pay Butler $50 million to $60 million a year only to jog in place.The Heat have already suspended Butler (seven games) for showing a bad attitude, and there are no signs that that attitude will be adjusted any time soon. In fact, a recent meeting of the minds involving Riley, ownership Butler ended in just about the same way it started.Butler has now returned though. It's now -130 favorite that his next game after the trade deadline will be ... right here in Miami.  If Phoenix doesn’t work out and Butler actually does move, is any other out there willing to take the bad with the good and hope that they get Playoff Jimmy and not the angry, team-destroying Jimmy that caused Chicago, Minnesota, and Philadelphia to find him other digs?Memphis (+1000) How long could Butler and Ja Morant co-exist without one of them grabbing a flame-thrower?Golden State (+1500) Could Jimmy be just what they need in the Bay Area? New Orleans (+1800) They still don’t know what they have in Zion Williamson.Houston (+1800) Ime Udoka is a non-nonsense coach who has the Rockets on the rise. Butler would add  . . . nonsense.Last season, when the Heat were eliminated in the Eastern Conference playoffs, Jimmy Butler was sitting on the bench. From that view he came to the conclusion that had he played, Miami would have beaten the eventual champion Celtics. Riley, no doubt concerned about how the Heat would fare in another series in which Butler might be on the court, told JB to “Keep your mouth shut.”That apparently is not an option. So here we are, with the clock ticking.

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NHL Four Nations Face-Off: February Showdown

by Sean Murphy

Sunday, Jan 19, 2025

The hockey world is buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated NHL Four Nations Face-Off is set to take center stage this February. This brand new mid-season tournament brings together four powerhouse nations: Canada, the USA, Sweden, and Finland, each vying for international supremacy. With elite talent, storied rivalries, and national pride on the line, fans can expect an incredible week of hockey. Tournament Overview The Four Nations Face-Off will follow a round-robin format from February 12th to 17th, with each team playing one another before advancing to the championship game on Thursday, February 20th. Montreal and Boston were selected to be the host cities for the much-anticipated tournament. The stakes are high, as the even offers a unique mid-season opportunity for these hockey powerhouses to showcase their depth and skill on the international stage. Odds to Win the Tournament Canada (+165): The perennial favorite in international play, Canada boasts an impressive roster loaded with depth from top-to-bottom. Known for their physicality, precision, and championship pedigree, the Canadians will be tough to beat. With a perfect blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, they enter the tournament as co-favorites. USA (+165): Sharing the top spot in the odds, Team USA is primed to challenge for the title. Their dynamic roster combines speed, creativity, and relentless determination. The Americans have been building momentum in international competitions, and a victory here would further cement their status as a hockey powerhouse. Sweden (+400): The Swedes are known for their disciplined play and exceptional defensive structure. Despite being underdogs compared to North American teams, Sweden’s skilled lineup and strong goaltending make them a formidable opponent. They’ll aim to play spoiler and capture the inaugural Four Nations title. Finland (+650): The Finns may have the longest odds, but they thrive in the underdog role - as we saw during their improbable run to the World Junior Championship Final. Finland’s tenacious work ethic and knack for pulling off upsets make them a team no one can overlook. If their goaltending shines and their young stars step up, they could surprise the hockey world. Key Storylines to Watch 1. Canada vs. USA Rivalry: These two titans are always must-watch when they clash. With both nations entering as co-favorites, their matchup could determine who has the inside track to the gold medal.2. Sweden’s Defensive Prowess: Sweden’s ability to neutralize high-powered offenses will be tested against the firepower of Canada and the USA. Can their disciplined approach carry them to an upset victory?3. Finland’s Grit: Often underestimated, Finland has a history of exceeding expectations. Their success will hinge on their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities and frustrate their opponents with tight defensive play.Prediction The Four Nations Face-Off is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament. While Canada and the USA are deserved co-favorites, don’t discount the possibility of an upset. Sweden’s structured play and Finland’s gritty determination add an element of unpredictability. Ultimately, the championship game could very well feature Canada and the USA, with Canada’s depth and experience giving them the edge to take home the title. Final Thoughts The NHL Four Nations Face-Off is a celebration of international hockey at its finest and serves as the perfect lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, where NHL stars will make their return following a lengthy hiatus. Whether you’re cheering for the favorites or rooting for an underdog, this tournament promises high-intensity action and unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars and get ready for a February to remember on the ice.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/18/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 18, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL  action.The National Football League continues its postseason with two games in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs host the Houston Texans on ABC and ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with the total set at 41.5 (all odds from DraftKings).The Detroit Lions play at home against the Washington Commanders on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 55.5. The National Basketball Association has six games on its docket. The Phoenix Suns travel to Detroit to play the Pistons at 4:10 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 227.5. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Boston Celtics are home against the Atlanta Hawks as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 236. The Indiana Pacers host the Philadelphia 76ers as an 8-point favorite with a total of 222.5. The Golden State Warriors play at home against the Washington Wizards at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 229.The Cleveland Cavaliers play in Minnesota against the Timberwolves at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 6-point road favorite with a total of 227. The Houston Rockets are in Portland to play the Trail Blazers at 10:10 p.m. as a 10.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 225. The National Hockey League has 15 games on its slate. The New Jersey Devils are home against the Philadelphia Flyers at 12:37 p.m. ET as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Ottawa Senators host the Boston Bruins at 3:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Colorado Avalanche plays at home against the Dallas Stars at 4:07 p.m. ET as a -135 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Florida Panthers are at home against the Anaheim Ducks at 6:07 p.m. ET as a -375 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Five NHL  games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Detroit Red Wings as a -205 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The Washington Capitals play at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs visit Montreal to play the Canadiens as a -148 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The New York Rangers are home against the Columbus Bluejackets as a -192 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets host the Calgary Flames as a -225 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The New York Islanders play at home against the San Jose Sharks at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -225 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators are home against the Minnesota Wild as a -142 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Vegas Golden Knights play in Chicago against the Blackhawks as a -230 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Utah Hockey Club hosts the St. Louis Blues at 9:07 p.m. ET as a -125 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Kings are in Seattle to play the Kraken as a -155 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers travel to Vancouver to face the Canucks as a -170 money-line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 147 games between Division I opponents. Six NCAAB games are on major national television. Two NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at noon et. Kentucky plays at home against Alabama on ESPN as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 179.5. UConn is home against Creighton on Fox as an 8-point favorite with a total of 147. Kansas hosts Kansas State on CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET as a 14.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5 .Marquette plays at home against Xavier on Fox at 2:00 p.m. ET as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 149.5. Creighton is at home against Purdue on NBC as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5. Duke plays at Boston College on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 23.5-point road favorite with a total of 138.5. Matchweek 22 in the English Premier League begins with five matches. Newcastle United hosts Bournemouth on the USA Network at 7:30 a.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Three EPL matches begin at 10:00 a.m. ET. Liverpool is at Brentford as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Fulham visits Leicester City as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Crystal Palace plays at West Ham United on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Arsenal plays at home against Aston Villa on NBC-TV at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/17/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 17, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has ten games on its docket. The Boston Celtics host the Orlando Magic on ESPN at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Celtics lost for the second time in their last three games after their 110-97 upset loss at Toronto as a 14.5-point favorite on Wednesday. The Magic lost for the third time in their last four games after a 122-94 loss at Milwaukee a a 6.5-point underdog on Wednesday. Boston is a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 210. The New York Knicks play at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:40 p.m. ET as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 221. Four NBA games tip off at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Chicago Bulls are home against the Charlotte Hornets as a 4-point favorite with a total of 235. The Miami Heat host the Denver Nuggets as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 224. The New Orleans Pelicans play at home against the Utah Jazz as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 230.5. The Milwaukee Bucks are home against the Toronto Raptors as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 230. The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Dallas to face the Mavericks at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play in San Antonio against the Spurs on ESPN at 9:40 p.m. ET. The Grizzlies on for the second time in their last three games with a 129-115 victory at San Antonio as a 2.5-point road favorite on Wednesday. The Spurs have lost four of their last five games. Memphis is a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 239. The Los Angeles Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets at 10:40 p.m. ET as an 11-point favorite with a total of 218.The National Hockey League has two games on its slate that both drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes play at home against the Vegas Golden Knights as a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Buffalo Sabres are home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -130 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has ten games between Division I opponents. Seven NCAAB games are on major national television. Akron hosts Ohio on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 159. Two more NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Villanova plays at home against Providence on FS1 as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. VCU is at Saint Joseph’s on ESPNU as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 142. Two major nationally televised NCAA-B games start at 8:00 p.m. ET. Georgetown is at home against DePaul on the CBS Sports Network as a 9-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Ohio State hosts Indiana on Fox as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. UCLA plays at home against Iowa on FS1 at 9:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 153. New Mexico is home against Boise State on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 152. 

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NFL System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Friday, Jan 17, 2025

The NFL Playoffs resume Saturday, with the Washington Commanders visiting the Detroit Lions, and the Houston Texans traveling to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.  On Sunday, the match-ups are even better.  The Los Angeles Rams will take on the Philadelphia Eagles, while the weekend's best game pits the Baltimore Ravens against the Buffalo Bills.As a situational and technical handicapper, I review dozens of metrics.  Everything from scoring margin to yards per rush to a series history.  One thing often overlooked by bettors is a team's schedule.  And that will be the focus of our NFL System of the Week.When the Commanders travel to the Motor City, it will mark their 3rd straight game on the road.  Last week, Washington defeated the Buccaneers, 23-20, in Tampa Bay.  And they played the Cowboys in Dallas to end the regular season.Over the last 45 years, NFL teams playing their 3rd straight road game have been horrible against the point spread, with a record of 132-168-4 ATS.  And it hasn't mattered whether they've been underdogs (96-124-2 ATS) or favorites (34-42-2 ATS).  Or whether it was a regular season game (105-124-1 ATS) or a playoff game (27-44-3 ATS).We saw this angle come into play last week in the Wild Card Round game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Houston Texans.  Los Angeles was playing its 3rd straight road game, and lost outright as a 2.5-point road favorite, 32-12.  This week, the Texans are an 8.5-point underdog vs. the Chiefs.  And it's worth noting that underdogs (like Houston) priced from +6.5 to +9.5 in the NFL Playoffs, that were playing their 3rd straight road game, have gone 4-17-1 ATS since 1980.Good luck, as always...Al McMordie

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