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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 01/25/2025

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jan 25, 2025

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has 14 games on its docket. The Indiana Pacers travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs at 12:10 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with the total set at 232 (all odds from DraftKings). The Denver Nuggets play at Minnesota against the Timberwolves on ABC at 3:10 p.m. ET as a 4.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 228. The Boston Celtics are in Dallas against the Mavericks on ABC as an 8-point road favorite with a total of 222.5. The Miami Heat visit Brooklyn to play the Nets at 6:10 p.m. ET as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 209.5. Two more NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The New Orleans Pelicans play in Charlotte against the Hornets as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 228.5. The Orlando Magic hosts the Detroit Pistons as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 211. Three more NBA games start at 7:40 p.m. ET. The Atlanta Hawks play at home against the Toronto Raptors as a 4-point favorite with a total of 236. The Cleveland Cavaliers are home against the Houston Rockets as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 227. The New York Knicks are a 6-point favorite with a total of 233.5. Two NBA games begin at 8:10 p.m. ET. The Chicago Bulls host the Philadelphia 76ers as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the Utah Jazz as an 11.5-point favorite with a total of 246. The Los Angeles Lakers are in Golden State to play the Warriors on ABC at 8:40 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 219. The Phoenix Suns are home against the Washington Wizards at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 14-point favorite with a total of 231.5. The Los Angeles Clippers host the Milwaukee Bucks at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The National Hockey League has 13 games on its slate. The Colorado Avalanche travel to Boston to play the Bruins at 1:07 p.m. ET as a -130 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Two more NHL games drop the puck at 4:07 p.m. ET. The Seattle Kraken play at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins as a -122 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers are home against the Buffalo Sabres as a -245 money-line favorite with a total of 6.5. Six NHL games start at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Detroit against the Red Wings as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New Jersey Devils are in Montreal to face the Canadiens as a -175 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Dallas Stars visit St. Louis to challenge the Blues as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Los Angeles Kings play in Columbus against the Blue Jackets as a -175 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild host the Calgary Flames as a -175 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Ottawa to battle the Senators as a -118 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Carolina Hurricanes travel to New York to face the Islanders at 7:37 p.m. ET as a -180 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. Three more games conclude the NHL card at 10:07 p.m. ET. The Nashville Predators play in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -192 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals are in Vancouver against the Canucks as a -122 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Florida Panthers visit San Jose to play the Sharks as a -310 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 149 games between Division I opponents. Seven NCAAB games are on major national television. Providence plays at home against Georgetown on Fox at 12:30 p.m. ET as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Michigan State plays at Rutgers on CBS as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under 149.5. Kentucky is at Vanderbilt on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with a total of 166. New Mexico visits UNLV on Fox at 3:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite an over/under of 147.5. Duke plays at Wake Forest on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. ET as an 11-point road favorite with a total of 136. Houston is at Kansas on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. ET as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under 127.5. Auburn hosts Tennessee at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 141. Matchweek 23 in the English Premier League begins with six matches. Five EPL matches start at 10:00 a.m. ET. Bournemouth hosts Nottingham Forest on the USA Network as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Brighton and Hove Albion plays at home against Everton as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 2.5. Liverpool is home against Ipswich Town as a -2.5 goal-line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. Newcastle United visits Southampton as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with a total of 3.5. Arsenal plays at Wolverhampton as a -1.5 goal-line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Manchester City is home against Chelsea at 12:30 p.m. ET as a -0.5 goal-line favorite with a total of 3.5.

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College Hoops Overall Betting- Last 30 Days Trends

by Kyle Hunter

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

College Hoops Overall Betting Last 30 Days TrendsWhat has happened in the last 30 days in college basketball? I’m looking only from a bettors perspective at the whole picture of the college basketball landscape. Let’s see what has gone on and then take a look at whether we can gain any edges going forward. Last 30 Days Betting StatsHome Teams 580-634 ATS (47.8%)Road Teams 634-580 ATS (52.2%) Underdogs 612-606 ATS (50.4%) Home Underdogs 179-201 ATS (47.1%) 612 Overs 606 Unders (50.2%)Overtime Games 67-10 Overs (87% Overs) Non-Overtime Games 596-545 Unders (52.2% Unders)  Let’s start with the totals. It should come as no surprise that games that go to overtime go over the total at a very high rate. If you could predict which games were going over the total, you could be rich! That’s obviously very hard to predict. On the other hand, you can try to predict which games won’t go to overtime and that helps a lot with knowing where there can be opportunities to bet the under. Unders where there is a large point spread have done better than unders in general for many years. That is because there is far less of a chance of a late fouling fest, and a much smaller chance of overtime. I also do consider overs a bit more when the point spread is between 5-8 points because of the increased chances of a late foul fest. On the ATS front, home teams did very poorly in the last 30 days. Is it an aberration? They won’t continue to do this poorly ATS consistently, but road teams have had the edge over home teams in most recent seasons. There is quite a bit of evidence that home court advantage is overvalued by the betting markets. There are obviously exceptions to the rule where some specific home courts are worth a lot, but on the whole home court advantage is being overstated.There are about five weeks left in the regular season. As we grow closer to the end of the season, I would try to keep an eye out for teams who have little to play for and seem to be just going through the motions. The oddsmakers are good at their job, but there are always some edges to be found. 

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Four NCAA BB Teams to Sell High

by Kyle Hunter

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

Four NCAA BB Teams To Sell High Betting on sports can be similar to buying and selling in the stock market. You want to look to buy teams when they are low and sell teams when the market is too high on them. I want to take a look at four teams that have done well for bettors so far this year. These are teams where it might makes sense to try to sell high while you have a chance. UC Davis (10-7-1 ATS) UC Davis is 7th out of 364 teams in the country in KenPom’s luck factor. They are also among the luckiest teams based on Shot Quality’s data. UC Davis ranks 247th in the country in shot selection. They also rank a poor 309th in shot selection allowed. They are very heavily relying on forcing turnovers to keep their defensive efficiency numbers up. UC Davis has had a friendly schedule to this point in the conference too. That will not be the case going forward. UC Davis plays their next four games on the road. UC Riverside and UC Irvine are the next two up on the schedule. I’ll look for spots to fade UC Davis. 2. Middle Tennessee State (11-4-2 ATS) MTSU has been a covering machine this year, but I don’t think that will continue the rest of the way. Middle Tennessee State is 21st in KenPom’s luck factor. The Blue Raiders play four of their next six games on the road. There is definitely some luck involved in 3 point FG percentage defense. MTSU is allowing opponents to shoot just 30.2% (40th best in the country) from long range so far this year. They are 274th in the country in open 3 rate allowed though. MTSU has been poor at defending the 3 point line in recent seasons. I think this number will regress toward the mean. Cleveland State (12-6 ATS) The Cleveland State Vikings have had a really good season. I think this team is well coached and they are improved. I think that the market has gotten a bit high on them though. Cleveland State is 9-1 in a Horizon League that is a bit weaker than it has normally been. Cleveland State relies on turnovers and offensive rebounds to do a lot of their damage. This is a team that has played the #312 strength of schedule so far this season. The road games at Fort Wayne and Northern Kentucky will be good tests for them in the upcoming days. St. Bonaventure (14-5 ATS) The Bonnies are a pretty good team, but there is a point spread tax on them at this point after this kind of covering stretch. DaSante Bowen is still out and Chance Moore missed their last game too. The Bonnies lack the depth necessary to keep playing at such a high level without multiple key starters. They are giving up nearly 1.11 points per possession in A10 play. Their defense that is normally a strength is weaker than average this season. 

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NFL System of the Week

by Al McMordie

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

The NFL Playoffs resume this weekend with two match-ups of teams that already faced one another this season.  And, in the NFC Championship game, it will be the 3rd meeting of the season between NFC East division rivals.As a handicapper, I often look to previous meetings when I handicap a game.  Sometimes, that prior meeting might lead me to take a revenge-minded team.  Other times, I may play on a team because of its dominance in the series.  Here, though, we are going to focus on the Over/Under.The Commanders and Eagles second meeting this season was just five weeks ago, and the Commanders upset the Eagles, 36-33, as a 4.5-point home underdog.  The Over/Under line for that game was 47 points.This Sunday, the Eagles are a 6-point home favorite, with an O/U line of 47.5 points.What may jump out to many is the fact that the most recent meeting was an unusually high-scoring game, with 69 total points.  Some may be inclined to play on this weekend's game Over the total because of that 69-point game.  But be careful, as sporting events tend to not follow a well-worn script.  And our NFL System of the Week does, indeed, forecast a low-scoring game, as it says to play the UNDER in games between two teams whose previous meeting in the same season totaled 68 (or more) points.  Since 1980, there have been 130 such match-ups.  And the UNDER has gone 77-50-3.  Even better:  if the O/U line was greater than 47 points (as it is in this Eagles/Commanders game), then our 77-50-3 stat zooms to 24-10-2 UNDER.Good luck, as always,Al McMordie

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/24/2025

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jan 24, 2025

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has three games on its docket. Two NBA games tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Charlotte Hornets host the Portland Trail Blazers as a 5-point favorite with the total set at 2205 (all odds from DraftKings). The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Philadelphia to play the 76ers as a 10-point road favorite with an over/under of 227.5. The Memphis Grizzlies play at home against the New Orleans at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 12-point favorite with a total of 242.5. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. Two NHL games drop the puck at 7:37 p.m. ET. The New York Islanders are home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -166 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5.The Dallas Stars host the Vegas Golden Knights on ESPN. The Stars lost for the third time in their last four games after a 2-1 loss at home against Carolina on Tuesday. The Golden Knights are on a four-game losing streak after a 5-4 loss against St. Louis on Monday. Dallas is a -155 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.  Two NHL games start at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Tampa Bay Lightning play in Chicago against the Blackhawks as a -230 money-line road favorite with an over/under 6.5. The Winnipeg Jets play at home against the Utah Hockey Club as a -218 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 13 games between Division I opponents. Eight NCAAB games are on major national television. Toledo is at Bowling Green on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 p.m. ET as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 159.5. Two NCAAB games on major national television at 7:00 p.m. ET. Marquette is home against Villanova on FS1 as a 9.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Ohio hosts Kent State on ESPNU as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Dayton plays at home against Saint Joseph on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Flyers are on a two-game winning streak after their 82-62 victory as a 3-point favorite on Tuesday. The Hawks are a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Purdue is home against Michigan on Fox at 8:00 p.m. ET as a 4:00 p.m. ET. The Boilermakers were on a seven-game winning streak before a 73-70 upset loss against Ohio State as a 10-point favorite on Tuesday. The Wolverines won for the sixth time in their last seven times in an 80-76 victory against Northwestern as a 9.5-point favorite on Sunday. Purdue is a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Two more NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Iowa hosts Penn State on FS1 as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 168. VCU plays at home against St. Bonaventure on ESPNU as a 12-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. UCLA travels to play Washington on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET as a 5.5-point road favorite with a total of 138.

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NFL Championship Weekend Player Props

by ASA, Inc.

Thursday, Jan 23, 2025

Terry McLaurin Over 64.5 Receiving Yards (-115)McLaurin had 89 receiving yards in the Wild Card round against Tampa and 87 yards last week to knock off the number one seeded Lions. He can take the top off the defense and has the ability to create big plays in the YAC department as he did last week, taking a 58 yard screen pass to the house. Philly is favored (-6) which should give McLaurin a few extra targets, likely playing from behind. Terry is a focal point for the Commanders and has been fantastic all season both as a wide receiver and leader in the locker room. The offensive team captain has surpassed at least 60 receiving yards in 12 of 19 games this season, and he will be relied on again to give the Commanders a shot at the Super Bowl.  Saquon Barkley Over 125.5 Rushing Yards (-115)This rushing line shows how ridiculous Saquon has been in 2024, and his line comes in right on pace with his regular season per game average. He rushed for 146 yards in week 11 and 150 yards in week 16 against the Commanders 30th ranked rushing defense. Washington gave up 138 ypg on the ground during the regular season, and one can expect a massive dose of Barkley on Sunday at the Linc. The Eagles would like nothing more than to allow their elite offensive line to maul Washington, paving the way for Saquon to continue his historic rushing postseason. Josh Allen Over Anytime TD (-105)Big Josh Allen (6’5 235) has been using his legs all year long, punching in 14 rushing touchdowns this season. With the Super Bowl on the line, Allen will be more willing than ever to extend possessions and make every redzone opportunity count. Any plays inside the 10 yard line may be designed QB runs to go along with any goalline plays being possible “tush pushes”. Buffalo should have plenty of scoring opportunities as they bring their 2nd ranked scoring offense into Kansas City. Allen will need to run the ball as much as it takes to finally get over the hump against Mahomes and the Chiefs. James Cook Over 54.5 Rushing Yards (-115)Cook has surpassed his designated rushing mark in both postseason games, averaging 93.5 yards in those two games. He has seen 40 carries total, making it likely he will see another 15 at least in the cold night at Arrowhead. Cook is explosive and efficient, and as long as the Bills remain within striking distance, he will play a huge role for Buffalo. The Bills need to win the line of scrimmage to allow some explosive plays over the top of the Chiefs beatable defense. In a toss up matchup (KC -2), this game will be won on the ground, allowing Cook every chance to go three for three hitting his postseason rushing prop. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 01/23/2025

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jan 23, 2025

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, and NCAAB action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. The Indiana Pacers challenge the San Antonio Spurs at Accor Arena in Paris, France, at 2:10 p.m. ET as a 2-point favorite with the total set at 230 (all odds from DraftKings). The Orlando Magic host the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:10 p.m. ET as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 212. The Milwaukee Bucks play at home against the Miami Heat on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 224. The Atlanta Hawks are home against the Toronto Raptors as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5. The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks at 8:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 218.5. The Denver Nuggets play at home against the Sacramento Kings at 9:10 p.m. ET as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 239.5. The Boston Celtics travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET on TNT as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 221.5. The Golden State Warriors are home against the Chicago Bulls at 10:10 p.m. ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 230.5. The Los Angeles Clippers are home against the Washington Wizards at 10:40 p.m. ET as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 224. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. Four NHL games drop the puck at 7:07 p.m. ET. The Carolina Hurricanes host the Columbus Bluejackets as a -345 money-line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The Boston Bruins play at home against the Ottawa Senators as a -112 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Detroit Red Wings host the Montreal Canadiens as a -125 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The New York Rangers play at home against the Philadelphia Flyers as a -155 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Two NHL games begin at 8:07 p.m. ET. The Vegas Golden Knights play in St. Louis against the Blues as a -142 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Minnesota Wild are home against the Utah Hockey Club as a -162 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. Four NHL games start at 9:07 p.m. ET. The Calgary Flames host the Buffalo Sabres as a -130 money-line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Edmonton Oilers play at home against the Vancouver Canucks as a -180 money-line favorite with a total of 5.5. The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Anaheim against the Ducks as a -148 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. The Washington Capitals visit Seattle to play the Kraken as a -142 money-line road favorite with a total of 5.5. The Nashville Predators play in San Jose against the Sharks at 10:37 p.m. ET as a -238 money-line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The NCAAB college basketball schedule has 63 games between Division I opponents. Ten NCAAB games are on major national television. William & Mary is home against Hampton on the CBS Sports Network at 5:00 p.m. ET as a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 148.5. Three NCAAB games on major national television tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Samford is at Chattanooga on ESPNU as a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Louisiana Tech hosts Western Kentucky on the CBS Sports Network as a 6-point favorite with a total of 148. Memphis plays at home against Wichita State on ESPN2 as a 13-point favorite with an over/under of 158. Four NCAAB games on major national television begin at 9:00 p.m. ET. Morehead State travels to Eastern Illinois on ESPNU as a 4-point road favorite with a total of 130.5. Arkansas State is home against Appalachian State on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Saint Mary’s hosts San Francisco on the CBS  Sports Network as a 10.5-point favorite with a total of 136.5. Illinois plays at home against Maryland on FS1 as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 158. Two nationally-televised NCAAB games start at 11:00 p.m. ET. Santa Clara is home against Washington on the CBS  Sports Network as a 5-point favorite with a total of 159. Cal-Baptist hosts Utah Valley on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 141.

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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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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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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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