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A Big East Battle between two ranked teams here today as No 17 Providence takes on No 15 Xavier. Providence and Xavier are in a three way tie at the top of the Big East with 9-2 record. Both also have 17-5 overall records. The Providence Friars have been a good spread team this year, with a 14-8 ATS record overall. The Friars have won three straight games and covered all three, including last game over Villanova, 70-65, as a pick'em on the road. The Friars are 5-3 S/U and 6-2 ATS on the road and outscoring their hosts, 72.4 to 68.5 ppg. Providence is 12-2 ATS their last 14 games and 6-1 ATS their last seven on the road. The Xavier Musketeers are coming off a loss at Creighton, 67-84, as a 6-point dog. That makes them 2-2 S/U and 1-3 ATS in their last four games. The dog has covered eight of the last 11 in this series. That's who I am on today, take Providence.

AT this point of the season you can pretty much make a case for either side in a matchup. The Bengals jumped out to a 14-0 lead last week at Buffalo and really shut down one of the best offenses in the NFL and QB's in Josh Allen. It was a complete game for the Bengals who controlled the game from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. If QB Jeff Burrow were to retire today, he would have the highest completion rate EVER in the NFL among QB's. Pretty impressive. The Chiefs hosted the Jaguars last week and while I had KC, the Jags got the back door cover on the last drive. Happens, they could allow a field goals so the Chiefs played a prevent defense and allowed the Jags to march down the field in last minute to get a field goal to cover the spread. But the biggest news was the high ankle sprain to QB Patrick Mahomes. He came out a a brief time, but came back in and finished with 195 yards and two passing td's. QB Chad Henne came into the game and led the Chiefs on a 98-yard touchdown drive while Mahomes was being tended to. Mahomes vows to play this week and I believe he will play. However, we will see a different Mahomes here in this game. One that can't scramble as well and definitely won't be doing a lot of running. He will be more of a drop back passer and will likely have more "dump off" options. This game comes down to QB's. I feel Burrows is arguably the best QB in the NFL and he proved it last week. Yes, Mahomes is great, but how limited will his game be with an injury that some players take weeks off to heal from? I'll take the Bengals and Burrow in this game. Play Cincinnati.

Big 10 matchup here on Sunday has Rutgers hitting the road for a game at Iowa. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 14-6 overall on the season. They have won three of their last four in the Big 10 including last game vs Penn State, 65-45 as a 6.5-point favorite. Rutgers is tied for 2nd in the Big 10 with a 6-3 overall record. Iowa is 12-8 overall and 4-6 in the Big 10 and in the bottom half of the conference. The Hawkeyes have lost their last two games, including last game at Michigan State, 61-63, but covered the 2.5-point dog line. The dog has been the play in this series as they have gone 9-2-1 vs the spread. Rutgers getting some points here today and I like them to even win this game outright. Play Rutgers.

The Rider Broncs hit the road for their second straight away game here today. They are coming off a road win at Marist, 68-52, as a 2.5-point favorite. That makes four wins in a row for the Broncs. They have done well on the road, covering six of their last nine away games this year. The Fairfield Stags look to get above the .500 mark here today as they sit 10-10 on the season. The Stags have won four straight game including last game over Mt St Marys, 63-60, just covering the 2.5-point favorite line. The road team has covered 21 of the last 28 games in this series. I'll be on the road team here today. Play Rider.

Non-Conference clash here on Saturday has SEC's Arkansas taking on the Big 12 Baylor Bears. Baylor is 15-5 overall on the season and tied for fourth in the Big 12 with a 5-3 record. Arkansas is 14-6 overall and 3-5 in the SEC. Arkansas snapped a four-game losing streak with back-to-back wins over Ole Miss and last game over LSU, 60-40, as a 12.5-point favorite. Baylor has won five straight games after their last win over Kansas, 75-69, as a 2-point favorite. The Bears usually don't do well putting back-to-back covers together, evidenced by their 3-7-1 ATS mark the last 11 ATS wins. My numbers show a close game here on Saturday and with that I'll take the points with the dog. Play Arkansas.

The No 12 ranked Xavier Musketeers stay on the road here on Saturday for an early game at Creighton. Xavier is 17-4 on the season and coming off a win at Connecticut, 82-79, as a 6-point dog. They have won 12 of their last 13 games and covered six of the last eight. They are also leading the Big East with a 9-1 conference record, one game ahead of both Marquette and Providence. Creighton is 12-8 overall on the season and 10-10 vs the spread. They are 4th in the Big East with a 6-3 conference record. Creighton has won three straight, covering two of those games. That includes a win over St Johns, 104-76, as a 10.5 point favorite. These teams met back on January 11th in Xavier with Creighton losing a close game, 87-90, as a 2.5-point dog. The dog has covered 14 of the last 19 meetings in this series. I like the dog here today as I expect Xavier to possibly walk away with the straight-up win. Play Xavier.

Horizon league action here on Friday has IPFW taking on Cleveland State. 6th place IP Fort Wayne is 6-5 in conference and 14-8 overall on the season. 4th place Cleveland State is 7-3 in conference and 12-9 overall. The Fort Wayne Mastodons are coming off a win over IUPUI, 81-75, but failed to cover the 18.5 point favorite line. They have a winning road record at 5-4 both S/U and ATS. They also have outscored their hosts, 68.9 to 68.8, though barely. They have also gone 7-2 ATS their last nine on the road vs a team with a winning home record and 20-8 ATS their last 28 vs a team with a winning home record. Cleveland State Vikings are coming off a win over Wright State, 85-77 as a 3.5-point road dog. They are 6-3 S/U at home but are just 3-4 vs the spread. The road team is 5-1 ATS the last six in this series and the dog is 5-0 the last five. I'll take the road dog here today. Play IPFW.

Big 10 action here today has Iowa taking on Michigan State from Lansing, MI. Both teams around the middle of the pack. Iowa is 12-7 Overall and 4-4 in conference while Michigan State is 13-7 overall and 5-4 in conference. Iowa had its 4-game win streak snapped last time out at Ohio State, 77-93, as a 3-point dog. Michigan State has been slumping of late, going 1-3 their last four games including losing their last game at Indiana, 69-82, as a 4.5-point dog. The road team has covered four of the last five in this series. I look for Iowa to stay close and have a shot at the win here tonight. Play Iowa.

Late action here on the college hoop slate has a Mountain West clash between Utah State and San Diego State. The San Diego State Aztecs sit atop the division with a 6-1 conference record and a 15-4 overall mark. Utah State is 4th with a 5-2 conference mark and a 16-4 overall record. Utah State looks to win three in a row here tonight after their wins over UNLV and last time out over San Jose State, 75-74, as a 11.5-point favorite. While they have failed to cover their last three games, they are still 11-8 ATS on the season. San Diego State has had a good season. But don't ask bettors, as the Aztecs are just 6-11-1 vs the number this year. Two of those covers have come in their last two games over Colorado State and last game over Air Force, 70-60, as a 9.5-point favorite. At home, Sdg St is 9-1, but they are just 1-7-1 vs the spread. Now they have to lay 7-points to a very good Utah State team. I'll take those points tonight with Utah State.

It's East vs West tonight as the Eastern Conference Toronto Raptors make the long trip West to face the Western Conference Sacramento Kings. Right now the Raptors are below the playoff breakoff point as they sit 12th in the East with a 21-27 record. They are also 6-17 on the road this year. In addition, the Raptors are just 5-11 ATS their last 16 road games. The Sacramento Kings are having a fine season, sitting third in the West with a 27-19 overall mark and 16-10 home record. The Kings are 7-1 S/U their last eight games and 6-2 vs the spread. The Kings are also 20-6-1 ATS playing on one day rest. Not sure why the Kings such a short favorite here tonight. I won't look a gift horse in the mouth though. Take Sacramento.

Xavier looks to keep hold of their top spot in the Big East Conference. Xavier is 16-4 overall on the season and 8-1 in conference. Meanwhile, Connecticut is 16-5 overall and 5-5 in conference and in 5th place. Xavier rebounded from a loss on last Wednesday to Depaul, 72-73 as a 8-point road favorite with a home win over Georgetown, 95-82, but failed to cover the 17-point line. Still, they are 5-2 ATS their last seven games and have lost straight up just one time in their last 13 games. They have also been good on the road, going 4-1 S/U and 3-1-1 ATS their five away games, outscoring the home teams by an average of 85.2 to 79.6 points. Xavier has also been a very good over team with a 15-5 O/U record on the season. That makes them 19-7-1 O/U their last 27 overall games. In addition, they are 5-2 O/U their last seven road games. The U Conn Huskies came into conference play with a 11-0 record. However, the Big East hasn't been kind as they have gone 5-5 since. In fact, they are just 2-5 S/U their last seven games and 2-7 ATS their last nine games. They have been a decent over team too, going 3-1 O/U their last four and 6-3 O/U their last nine. They have also gone 36-17 O/U in their last 53 overall home games. I like Xavier here as they look to be the team to beat in the Big East this year. Play Xavier.

Big 12 is a very competitive conference, as usual. Kansas State leads the conference right now. Oklahoma is 2-5 in conference and sits 8th right now. They are also 11-8 overall on the season and 10-9 vs the spread. The Sooners have lost two straight games, coming off a setback to Baylor, 60-62, but just covering the 2.5-point dog line. The Sooners are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games vs a team with a winning home record. They are also 7-3 ATS overall their last 10 road games. TCU is 15-4 overall and 4-3 in conference. The Horned Frogs are 6th in conference. They are coming off a big road win at Kansas, 83-60, as a 7-point dog. That makes them 2-3 S/U and 3-2 ATS their last five games. They are 12-7 ATS overall on the season. The dog has covered eight of the last 10 in this series and that's what I'm sticking with here today. Take Oklahoma.

The Dallas Cowboys sent Tom Brady and the Bucs home with their dominating performance in the Wild Card game last week, 31-14. Dak Prescot was red-hot, throwing four TD's and running in another. Now the Cowboys will hit the road for this Divisional game at San Francisco. The 49ers are the hottest team with 11 straight wins and QB Brock Purdy, last man in the draft taken last year, now proving his worth. The 49ers are the best defense in the league and lead in point differential with a +10.6 mark. Don't put a lot of stock into that Cowboys win last week, the Bucs have looked bad all season as they limped into the playoff spot with a losing record. Dallas actually has the short week to prepare having played on Monday night. I expect the 49ers to be run heavy in this game with Chrisitan McCaffrey carrying the load. This team is filled with weapons on offense and the Cowboys won't have the cake walk they had last week. Also, the 49ers defense will give Dak plenty of problems here this week. I look for a higher scoring game here if the weather permits and the 49ers in a blowout win. My Playoff Game of the Year is on the San Francisco 49ers.

Memphis travels to Ohio today to take on Cincinnati in an American Athletic Conference clash. The Memphis Tigers are 14-5 overall and 5-2 in conference while the Cincinnati Bearcats are 14-6 overall and 5-2 in conference. Memphis has won two straight games but has failed to cover the spread in any of their last eight games. They are coming off a win over Wichita State, 88-78, pushing the 10-point line. Today they are a small road dog here at Cincinnati. Cincinnati has won three straight after their loss to Houston back on Jan 5th. They are coming off a win over South Florida, 85-69, as a 4-point favorite. Memphis has one of the best offenses in the country, ranked 32nd in scoring, though they score most of their points inside 3-point line. The road team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four games of this matchup. Both teams are good, but I'll take the points with the visitor in this one. Play Memphis.

The NFC East battle between the NY Giants and Philadelphia Eagles will once again take place here on Saturday. The Eagles had the NO 1 seed in the NFC with their win over the Giants in week 18. The Giants rested most of their starters in that game with nothing to play for. They hit the road last week and beat Minnesota, 31-24. QB David Jones shined as he threw for over 300 yards and a pair of TD's while also using his legs to get key yards totaling 7. That performance earned him the status of being the only player in NFL history to throw for 300 yards and 2 TD's while also rushing for more than 70 yards in a playoff games. The Eagles had last week off after beating the Giants in the final week of the regular season. QB Jalen Hurts returned after missing weeks 16 and 17. The Eagles defense is ranked 2nd in the NFL with a 389.1 average per game. However, the did fail to cover three of their last four games heading into this contest. The Giants have been a great playoff road team, going 10-1 ATS in their last 11 tries. They are also 22-7 ATS in their last 29 games on grass. I will take the points here with the Giants as Jones will be the deciding factor in this cover. Play NY Giants.

 Conference USA battle here today has Mid Tennessee State taking on La Tech. Mid Tenn is 12-7 overall on the season and 5-3 in conference play. They currently tied for 3rd in the conference. La Teach is 11-8 overall and 4-4 in the conference and in 6th place. Mid Tennessee State Blue Raiders are 8-8-1 vs the spread this season. They have won and covered their last three games, including last time out vs Charlotte, 62-58, as a 2.5-point favorite. La Tech Bulldogs have covered nine of their 16 games including last time out in their win over Western Kentucky, 85-74, as a 4-point favorite. Mid Tenn has been a decent long term bettor team, as they are 33-16-3 ATS in their last 52 games. I'm not sure that Tech should be laying around 3.5 points in this game. Looks more like a pick'em or even Mid Tenn favorite in this matchup. Play Middle Tennessee State.

Another miraculous comeback in the NFL last week, something we've seem much of lately, as the Jacksonville Jaguars looked horrible in their first half vs the Chargers. But a different team came out of the locker in the 2nd half and rallied to beat the Chargers, 31-20 behind Trevor Lawrence's four touchdowns. Now the young Jags will have to face the very experienced Kansas City Chiefs on the road. That is a big edge for me in this game, the experience of the Chiefs over the Jags. The Chiefs also had last week off with the first round bye and will be well prepared and rested for this game. I have high hopes for this Jaguars team with all the young talent, but it's not their season yet. The Chiefs still remain a big favorite to make the Super Bowl and I will take them here today. Play Kansas City.

The Fordham Rams returned three starters to a team that finished 16-16 last year and 8th in the Atlantic 10. They are 14-4 this year, but only 2-3 in conference play. The Rams rebounded from their loss to Dayton on Monday with a win at La Salle, 66-64, as a pick'em. The Rams started the season 12-1 but have since gone 2-3. Duquesne is 13-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Dukes are coming off a loss at St Bonny's, 56-65, as a pick'em. That makes them 3-3 S/U and 4-2 ATS their last six games. The road team has done well in this series, going 19-6-1 ATS the last 26 meetings. The dog has also gone 15-5-1 ATS the last 21 meetings. I'll be on the road dog here today. Play Fordham.

 SEC action here on Saturday has Vanderbilt taking on Georgia. Vandy looks to get above the .500 mark today as they sit at 9-9 S/U and 8-10 ATS. The Commodores are coming off a loss to Alabama, 66-78, as a 9-point dog. That makes them 1-3 S/U and 3-1 ATS in their last three games, all in the SEC. The Commodores are 22-5-1 ATS their last 28 road games. They are also 19-6-1 ATS their last 26 road games vs a team with a winning record. Georgia is 13-5 S/U and 10-8 ATS on the season. The Dogs are 5th in the conference with a 3-2 record while Vandy is 2-3. Georgia is coming off a loss to Kentucky, 71-85, as a 11-point dog. They are 3-2 S/U and 4-1 ATS over their last five games (all in conference). Georgia is 4-14 ATS in their last 18 home games vs a team with a losing road record. I'll take the points here on Saturday with Vandy.

Another Inter-conference matchup here tonight has Miami (25-21) traveling to Dallas (24-22) to take on the Mavericks. Miami leads the Southeast division with that 25-21 record and is also 18-26-2 vs the spread. Not much of a spread here tonight as they are just a 1 or 1 1/2 point favorite at Dallas. They are coming off a win at New Orleans, 124-98, as a 3.5-point favorite. That makes them 3-1 S/U and 2-1-1 their last four games. The Dallas Mavericks are in third place in the Southwest Division with their 24-22 record and are also 15-28-3 vs the spread. The Mavs look to snap a 3-game losing streak here tonight. They are coming off a loss at home to Atlanta, 122-130, as a 2.5-point dog. That made them 1-5 S/U and ATS in their last six games. Miami is 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 overall meetings and 15-5-1 ATS their last 21 meetings in Dallas. Take Miami tonight.

The defending champion Golden State Warriors can get back to the .500 mark here tonight at Cleveland. The Warriors are 23-22 S/U and ATS on the season. They are coming off a loss at Boston on Thursday, 118-121, as a 7-point dog. Now they play in the 2nd of a back-to-back spot tonight at Cleveland. They are 2-5 S/U and 3-3 ATS their last six games. The Warriors are also 5-18 S/U and 7-16 ATS on the road this season. The Warriors guard Andre Igoudale is questionable tonight with a hip injury and guard Klay Thompson will sit out as he rests tonight. Cleveland has been one of the surprise teams this year with a 28-18 S/U record and 24-20-2 spread mark. The Cavs have gone back and forth with wins of late, going 4-4 their last eight games both S/U and ATS. They have played six of their last seven games on the road and gone 3-4 S/U. They return home tonight where they have been very good, going 19-4 S/U and 16-7 ATS on the season. They have also outscored opponents by a 113.9 to 105.7 margin. I like the Cavs at home a lot, especially with Thompson resting tonight. Play Cleveland.

No 5 UCLA hits the road tonight to take on Arizona State in a PAC-12 clash. The Bruins are having a fine season at 16-2 S/U and 11-7 ATS. They have won 13 straight games since that two game string where they lost to Baylor and Illinois. They are also 8-5 ATS during this 13 game win streak. The Bruins are coming off a win vs Colorado, 68-54, as a 11.5-point favorite. This is a big game in the PAC-12 standing as the 7-0 Bruins are one game ahead of Arizona State, 6-1. The Sun Devils are 15-3 overall on the season, 6-1 in conference and have won four straight games. They just returned from a two-game road stint in Oregon that saw them beat Oregon, 90-73, as a 5.5-point dog and Oregon State, 74-69, as a 9-point favorite. The Bruins will be without two players tonight. Evan Manjikian is out indefinitely with an arm injury. But the bigger injury is that of Amari Bailey, the talented guard who is having foot issues and is listed as questionable. Arizona State is 8-1 at home and will make a tough opponent tonight for UCLA. This game means a lot for this Arizona State team that is looking for some respect in the PAC-12 and a win here tonight will put them on everyone's radar. Arizona will be led by an excellent defense that ranks 8th in the country in field goal defense. ASU a small home dog here tonight and while I can see them winning outright, I will take the points and look for the cover. Play Arizona State.

The Cleveland State Vikings play their third game in a row tonight as they take on Northern Kentucky. The Vikings have won both games on this road trip, beating IUPUI and IUPU Fort Wayne. The latter by a 72-60 mark, as they covered the 5.5-point underdog line. Cleveland State is 6-2 in the conference and in a four way tie for first place in the conference with Youngstown, Milwaukee and Northern Kentucky. Cleveland State had two starters returning to the club this year after a 20-11 mark last year and 15-6 Conference record. They made the NIT and lost in the first round. Northern Kentucky is 11-8 and 6-2 in conference. However, they have not been good to bettors, going 4-13 vs the number and 3-6 ATS at home. They are coming off a win and cover a Wisconsin Green Bay, 74-53, as a 10-point favorite. That makes them 2-8 ATS their last 10 games. The Norse returned four players this year after a 20-12 mark last season and 14-6 Horizon League finish. The Norse made it to the Horizon League Championship game, but lost. It's no wonder they are contending for another Horizon League title with the talent returning this year. However, their poor results at covering spreads concerns me. I will take the points here tonight with Cleveland State.

The 19th ranked Clemson Tigers hit the road in the ACC for their game at Wake Forest. Clemson is 15-3 S/U and 10-8 ATS this season. The Tigers have won seven straight games, covering six of those in the process. The Tigers lead the ACC with a 7-0 conference record, with Miami at 6-2 in 2nd place and Wake 5-2 in conference. Wake Forest is 13-5 S/U and 10-8 ATS vs the spread. They have won three straight games including last game at Boston College, 85-63, as a 2.5-point favorite. The Demon Deacons have covered five of their last six games. They are also 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games. Should be a great game in the ACC, I'll take the home team to give Clemson their first conference loss. Take Wake Forest.

Big 12 action here tonight has Baylor taking on Texas Tech. Baylor is 12-5 S/U and 8-9 ATS on the season. Baylor had to endure a three-game losing streak that ended on Jan 11 when they beat West Virginia, 83-78, as a 1.5-point dog. They made it two straight wins by beating Oklahoma State last game, 74-58, as a 7.5-point favorite. Baylor has been a good road team historically, going 34-16-2 ATS their last 52 away games. Texas Tech is 10-7 S/U and 6-11 ATS on the season. The Red Raiders bring a five-game losing streak into this game tonight. They are coming off a loss at Texas, 70-72, as a 8-point dog. That was their only cover in the last five games. They are now 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games vs a team with a winning road record. Going to stick with Baylor here tonight as the Raiders lose their six in a row. Play Baylor.

Reason: SEC has Alabama hitting the road tonight to face Vanderbilt. The Alabama Crimson Tide are 15-2 on the season with a 11-6 spread record. Alabama brings a six game win streak into tonight's contest. They are coming off a blowout win over LSU, 106-66, as a 14.5-point favorite. The Tide has also covered five straight games. The 4th ranked Tide don't score 100 point or more often, but when they have they have come out the next game and covered just one of the last six times. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt snapped their two game losing streak with a win last time out over Arkansas, 97-84, as a 3-point dog. That made three covers in a row. The Commodores are 7-3 S/U at home this year, outscoring opponents 73.7 to 65.9 ppg. They are a big home dog here tonight and while the Tide are the better team, the home crowd will be raucous tonight and could fuel an upset win by the Commodores. Play Vanderbilt.

Great matchup here tonight between a pair of ranked teams as 7th ranked Texas travels to Iowa State to take on the 12th ranked Cyclones. Texas is 15-2 S/U and 6-11 ATS on the season. The Longhorns have won three straight games after only their second loss of the season to Kansas State back on Jan 3, 103-116, as a 8.5-point favorite. While Texas has a great S/U record they have struggled vs the spread covering just one of their last six games and three of their last 12 games. Iowa State is 13-3 S/U and 11-5 ATS on the season. The 12th ranked Cyclones lost just their third game of the season at Kansas last game, 60-62, as a 7.5-point dog. They have covered five straight games and four of their last five home games. The home team has covered five of the last seven in this series and I will be on that home team here tonight. Play Iowa State.

More SEC action tonight has Tennessee hitting the road to take on Mississippi State. 9th ranked Tennessee is 14-3 S/U and 9-8 ATS on the season. The Volunteers look to rebound from just their third loss of the season after dropping a home game to Kentucky, 56-63 as a 11-point favorite. They hit a season low 14.3% from the three-point line in the loss. The Vols usually rebound nicely after a straight-up loss, going 5-1 vs the spread the last six games. Mississippi State is 12-5 S/U and 7-9-1 ATS on the season. The Bulldogs look to snap a two-game losing skid here tonight vs the Vols. They are coming off a loss at Auburn, 63-69, as a 7-point dog. That makes them 1-5 S/U their last six and 2-6 ATS their last eight games. The Dogs are also 4-9 ATS their last 13 home games vs a team with a winning road record. Moreover, they are 3-9-1 ATS their last 13 games overall and 1-7-1 ATS their last nine home games. I'll lay the points here with Tennessee.

Monday Night Football has the Cowboys playing at the Tampa Bay Bucs. For the first time in his career Tom Brady had a losing season with a team. That and the fact that on paper the Cowboys are the better team is why the Bucs are a home dog of a Field goal here on Monday. Yes, you can make many arguments why to back the Cowboys here on Monday. How poorly this Bucs team played this year, how much trouble they had putting points on the board, their last place rushing offense.... and on and on. However, I'm backing the Bucs for one reason and only one reason here on Monday and that reason is TOM BRADY. It's playoff time and that's where Tom shines. Now he is a home dog.... I'll take that shot here tonight. Give me the points at home with Tom Brady in the playoffs anytime. Take Tampa Bay tonight.

Hofstra Pride returned three starters to this year's edition of their team. They were 21-11 S/U and 13-5 Colonial Conference. The Towson Tigers were 25-9 last year and tied for first in the Colonial Athletic Conference with a 14-4 record. They made the NIT, but lost in the first round. Hofstra is 12-7 this season and 10-8 ATS. They have won four straight games including last time out over Delaware, 86-62, as a 9.5-point favorite. The Price have also covered four straight games and held all four opponents to 62 or fewer points while scoring at least 67 or more in each game. Towson is 9-9 S/U and 8-10 ATS this season. The Tigers rebounded from their loss to Delaware on the 11th with a win over Monmouth on Saturday, 64-48, as a 18-point favorite. The Tigers are now 3-5 ATS in their last eight games. Hofstra getting points here today and I think they should be the favorite. I'll take Hofstra.

 If you look strictly at the best covering teams in the NFL this year, then you need look no further than the Bengals. They were 11-4 on the season vs the spread and only the Giants had a better spread covering percentage. Can't say the same for the Ravens who where just 7-9 vs the number. The Ravens closed out their season with a loss to the Bengals on the road, 16-27, but covered the 12-point dog line. That makes six games in a row they have scored more than 17 points. Most of that is due to Lamar Jackson being out of the lineup. Right now it's a question if Jackson will be able to play this week. If he doesn't it could get ugly for the Ravens offense. Baltimore finished 16th in total offense while Cincinnati was 8th (4th in passing). The Bengals have been very good at home, going 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 home games. They are also 13-2-1 ATS in their last 16 games on field turf. I like the Bengals here on Sunday, especially if Jackson isn't in the lineup again. Play Cincinnati.

The NY Giants covered their fourth straight game and six of their last seven after losing to Philadelphia in the regular season finale, 16-22, as a 16.5-point dog. The Giants offense was mediocre all season, finishing 19th overall though 5th in rushing. The Vikings were 7th ranked on offense, 28th rushing and 6th passing. The Giants defense ranks 25th while the Vikings are 31st. This will be the first time in six years that the Giants will have made the postseason. These teams met just three weeks in Minnesota with the Vikings winning a close game, 27-24. The Vikings closed out their regular season with a win over the Bears, 29-13, covering the 6.5-point line. That cover snapped a four game spread losing streak. The Giants have covered their last four road games and are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 playoff road games. The Vikings are just 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 vs the NFC. The road team has covered nine of the last 13 in this series and I'll be on the road team here today. Play the Giants.  

 Big 10 Action here on Sunday has Maryland playing at Iowa. The Terrapins look to improve on last year's 15-17 record and 7-13 Big 10 mark returning two starters to the team. Maryland is 11-5 S/U and 10-6 ATS on the season. They snapped a two-game losing streak with a win over Ohio State last game, 80-73, as a 1.5-point favorite. Maryland has had the last week off so they are plenty rested for today's contest. This team has one of the most experienced teams in the nation with 3.1 years of experience on the entire roster. The Iowa Hawkeyes are 11-6 S/U and 10-7 ATS on the season. After losing three straight games, two in conference, the Hawkeyes have won three straight in conference. They are coming off a win over Michigan, 93-84, as a 5.5-point favorite. Iowa returned three starters to a team that was 26-10 last year and 12-8 in conference. They lost in the NCAA first round. The Terps are getting 5.5-points here today. I'll take the dog in this one. Play Maryland.

 The Miami Dolphins make the trip North to take on the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins just did get into the postseason with their close win over the Jets in the final week. These teams split the two regular season games. The Dolphins beat the Bills back in Week 3 in Miami, 21-19. covering the four-point dog line. They lost on Dec 17 at Buffalo, 29-32, as a 7-point dog. There is a possibility that they could get Tua Tagovailoa back this week after he's missed time with a concussion. The Dolphins look for the huge upset against a Bills team that has won seven straight games. Buffalo has the 2nd ranked offense and the fourth ranked defense in the NFL. They also have the best point differential in the league at +10.6. Meanwhile, the Dolphins defense didn't do well down the stretch, allowing five of the final six opponents to score at least 23 points. Their defense has dropped to 18th in the NFL. The Dolphins are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games on turf and 0-4 ATS in their last four playoff games. Buffalo is 7-3-1 ATS their last 11 at home vs the Dolphins and have won the last six straight up. The Dolphins have not found an answer for Bills QB Josh Allen who has torched them. In his 10 games vs the Dolphins he as 27 TD's and 5 INT's. At home, Allen has a +16.6 average margin of victory over the Dolphins. I'm taking the Bills here on Sunday as my Wild Card Game of the Year. 

 Northwestern Wildcats look to rebound from their 4th loss of the season on Wednesday vs Rutgers, 62-65, as a 1-point dog. The Cats are 12-4 S/U and 9-7 ATS on the season. This will only be their fourth road game, but they are a perfect 3-0 S/U and ATS away this season and outscoring opponents by a 76.3 to 69.7 margin. There was much optimism for Northwestern this year as they returned four starters to this team. This team lost a lot of close games last year and looked to change that this season. They are 2-2 S/U and ATS so far in the Big 10 this year. The Michigan Wolverines are just 9-7 and look to snap a 2-game losing streak after their most recent setback at Iowa, 84-83, as a 5.5-point dog. The Wolverines are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games vs a team with a winning road record. I see Northwestern as the better team and with them getting points here today I'll take them. Play Northwestern.

 This playoff game will feature two of the young, emerging QB's in the NFL with Justin Herbert for the Chargers taking on Trevor Lawrence of the Jags. The Jaguars had an incredible run this season just to make the playoffs. HC Doug Peterson has done a great job with this team after the debacle left by Urban Meyer. Jacksonville was 4-8 at one juncture of the season and was already looking toward the NFL draft. However, five straight wins later they took control of the AFC South. And, for the first time since 2018, they will host a playoff game. Also look for the Jags to take advantage of a poor Chargers rush defense that allows 145.8 ppg this year. Also, I'm not a fan of Chargers HC Staley. I feel he's made some bad coaching decisions and this is one intangible that goes to the Jags. I'm looking for Jacksonville to control the ball on the ground and keep Herbert and his receivers off the field. I'll take the Jags at home here in week one of the playoffs.

The Seattle Seahawks are all Lions fans today after they backed their way into the Playoffs when the Lions went into Lambeau field and beat the Green Bay Packers. If I had a vote, Dan Campbell of the lions would get NFL Coach of the Year. The 9-8 Seahawks don't have to travel far as they play the 13-4 49ers. The Seahawks (9-8) are the No 7 seed in the playoffs. These teams have met two times this year with the 49ers taking both games. The 49ers have been on a roll, winning 10 straight games. The Niners lost both their 1 and 2 QB's when Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo both when down with injuries. However, Rookie Brock Purdy has been excellent in the role of QB with 13 TD's and just three INT's. The 49ers backbone is their defense, with the top ranked defense. They also allow just 16.3 ppg (tops in the NFL) and have held the Seahawks to just 20 points total in both games this year. I don't see any problem here today for the 49ers. Take San Francisco.

 The Fordham Rams look to improve on their 13-4 record as they head to La Salle today. The Rams have stumbled a bit of late, going 1-3 in their last four games including losing last time out to Dayton, 58-82, as a 7.5-point dog. The Rams were 16-16 last year and 8-10 in the Atlantic 10 as they return three starters to this year's team. This team is based on defense as they have in the past. They have allowed 67.9 ppg this season while scoring 72.5 ppg. The La Salle Explorers have won two straight games, covering both. Still, the team is just 3-4 over their last seven games. La Salle is just 5-2 S/U and 4-3 ATS at home this year and about even in scoring with a 70.9-70.4 average. La Salle did pick up a big win in their last game at U Mass, 78-77, as a 9-point dog. These teams are pretty evenly matched but my numbers favor the dog in this matchup. Take Fordham.

Big 10 action here on Saturday has Wisconsin taking on Indiana from Bloomington. Wisconsin is 11-4 S/U and 8-7 ATS on the season. They have lost their last two games, both in conference to Illinois and then last game to Michigan State, 65-69, as a 1.5-point dog. The Badgers returned three starters to a team that was 25-8 S/U and 15-5 in the Big 10 last season. The Badgers lost in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament. Wisconsin was the king of close games last year, winning 12 straight games that were decided by five points or fewer. They are 5-3 this year in games decided by 5 point or fewer. Indiana is 10-6 S/U and 6-9-1 ATS this season. The Hoosiers look to snap a three-game losing streak after they dropped games at Iowa, vs Northwestern and last game at Penn State, 66-85, as a 2-point dog. They have also failed to cover the spread in seven straight games. I'll take the points here today with Wisconsin.

A pair of 10-6 Big 12 teams meet here today as West Virginia takes on Oklahoma. The WV Mountaineers had just one player return this year to a team that was 16-17 last year and 4-14 in the Big 12. West Virginia has lost all four of their Big 12 games, but three of those losses where by single digits and an OT loss to Kansas State. Oklahoma would like to forget their start to the season, losing to Sam Houston State as a 16-point favorite. They have just one Big 12 win and that was over Texas Tech last Saturday in OT. Oklahoma has lost three of its last four games including last time out to Kansas, 75-79, as a 10.5 point dog. Both teams struggling in conference play. But I'll take the dog in this one with West Virginia and not be surprised by a straight up win.

Kentucky looks to improve to 11 wins as they hit the road to take on the Tennessee Volunteers today. The Wildcats are 10-6 S/U and 4-12 ATS on the season. They look to snap a two game losing streak here today after dropping a pair of conference games to Alabama and then last time out to South Carolina, 68-71. The Wildcats were 26-8 last year and finished second in the SEC with a 14-4 mark. They lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. HC John Calipari usually has great defensive teams that has been his key to success. Last year this team was 98th in defense and that was due to shot blockers in the middle. Calipari's teams are usually near the top in shot blocking and this year they look to return to that echelon. Tennessee is 14-2 S/U and 9-7 ATS this season. They have won five straight games including last game over Vandy, 77-68, as a 16.5-point favorite. The Vols are 3-4 ATS in their last seven. Kentucky getting double digits here today. I'll take a Calipari team with this many points. Play Kentucky.

A pair of ACC teams that are having a fine season meet today as Miami Florida takes on North Carolina State. The Miami Hurricanes are 14-2 S/U and 9-7 ATS on the year. The Canes rebounded from only their second loss this year at Georgia Tech, 70-76, as a 6.5-point favorite with a win over Boston College, 88-72, as a 11-point favorite. The Canes are 3-1 S/U and ATS on the road and outscoring their opponents by a 73-64.5 ppg average. Miami only returned 2 starters to a team that was 26-11 last year and 4th in the ACC with a 14-6 record. They lost in the NCAA Elite 8 with a nice run. NC State is 13-4 S/U and 8-7-2 ATS on the season. The Wolfpack have won two straight games both S/U and ATS. They are 8-1 S/U at home but just 4-4-1 vs the spread. They returned three starters to a team that was 11-21 last year and 4-16 in the ACC. Miami is 20-7 ATS in their last 27 road games vs a team with a winning home record. The Pack are only 6-23 ATS in their last 29 Saturday games. Miami is a very good team and getting some points here today. I'll take the Hurricanes. Play Miami.

The Houston Rockets make the trip to Sacramento tonight to face the Kings. The Rockets are 10-31 S/U and 16-22-3 ATS on the year. They have lost eight straight games since their last win on Dec 26th over Chicago, 133-118. They are also just 1-7 ATS their last eight games. Meanwhile the Sacramento Kings are having a decent season with a 22-18 S/U and 23-17 ATS mark. They are 1st place in the Western Conference Pacific Division. They have won two straight games both S/U and ATS including last time out against these Rockets, 135-115 as a 9-point favorite. Back-to-back spot here tonight in Sacramento and I don't see any other outcome than the first time these teams met on Wednesday. Your free play is on the Kings.

PAC-12 clash here late tonight has Utah playing at UCLA. The Utah Utes are 12-5 S/U and 10-7 ATS on the season. The Utes had their three-game win streak snapped last game by Oregon, 60-70, as a 4.5-point favorite. They are 3-1 S/U and ATS on the road and outscoring opponents by a 65.5 to 62.3 margin. They are also 4-1 S/U and ATS in the PAC-12 thus far. UCLA is 14-2 S/U and 9-7 ATS on the season. They have won 10 straight games and are 5-5 ATS during that span. The Bruins are coming off a win over USC, 60-58, but failed to cover the 11-point line. The Bruins are 9-0 S/U at home but just 5-4 vs the spread. They are also 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. A lot of points for the Bruins to by laying here tonight. I like Utah to stay close in this one. Play Utah.

West Coast Conference clash here late on the Thursday schedule has Pepperdine (7-10 S/U, 5-10 ATS) traveling South to play San Diego (8-10 S/U, 5-11 ATS). The Pepperdine Waves look to snap a four-game losing streak here tonight. They are coming off a loss vs Pacific, 75-80, as a 7.5-point favorite. The San Diego Toreros look to snap a 2-game losing streak here tonight. They are coming off a loss to BYU, 48-68, as a 5-point home dog. They shot jus 31.6% in that loss to the Cougars and 13% from three-point arc. The Toreros are just 3-6 ATS in their nine home games and 7-18-1 ATS their last 26 overall games. The road team is 9-4 ATS the last 13 meetings between these teams. I'll take a shot here tonight plus the points with that road team. Play Pepperdine.

 TCU and Texas both come into tonight's contest with 13 wins each and just two losses. The TCU Horned Frogs are 8-6-1 vs the spread. The Horned Frogs are coming off a home loss to Iowa State, 67-69, as a 5.5-point favorite. They had 18 turnovers in that game and missed 12 free throws, hitting jus 57.1% from the charity stripe. TCU allows just 63.5 ppg this season while scoring 79 ppg. They are also 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 road games vs a team with a winning home record. In addition, they are 21-8-1 ATS their last 30 road games. Texas rebounded from their loss to Kansas State last Tuesday with a win over Oklahoma State, 56-46 as a 3-point favorite. Texas ranks in the top 20 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They have to recover from losing HC Chris Beard who was fired over alleged domestic violence charges. The Longhorns average 82.3 ppg and will give the TCU defense one of their best tests this season. This should be a great game between two very good teams. I'm going to take TCU here tonight plus the points with their very good defense.

ACC Action here tonight has Florida State taking on Wake Forest. The Seminoles have had a tough time thus far, going 5-11 S/U and 7-9 ATS. They started the season real bad, going 1-9 through the first 10 games. Since then they are 4-2 S/U and ATS. They are coming off a win over Georgia Tech, 75-64, as a 2.5-point home favorite. FSU only had one returning starter to a team that was 17-14 last year and 10-10 in the ACC. So it could have taken time for the new players to come together as they have lately. Wake Forest is 11-5 and 8-8 ATS on the season. They are coming off a win over Louisville, 80-72, as a 9.5-point favorite. They have struggled a bit of late, going 4-4 S/U and 3-5 ATS their last eight games. FSU getting decent points here today and they are improving. I'll take the shot with the dog in this one. Play Florida State.

ACC battle here as Syracuse hosts Virginia Tech. The Va Tech Hokies are 11-5 but bring a four game S/U and ATS losing streak into tonight's contest. The Hokies are coming off a loss vs NC State, 69-73, as a 5.5-point favorite. Not a good start to conference play for the Hokies as they have lost three straight. They haven't played well on the road either, going 7-19-1 ATS their last 27 road games vs a team with a winning home record. Syracuse is 10-6 S/U on the season and coming off a loss at Virginia, 66-73, as a 13-point dog. The Orange return home where they are 7-3 S/U and 6-4 vs the spread this season. The home team has covered five of the last seven in this series. The way Tech is playing of late and especially on the road, I'll take Syracuse here tonight.

Atlantic 10 matchup here has the 11-5 Dayton Flyers taking on the surprising 13-3 Fordham Rams tonight. Dayton is 3-0 in conference play after their win over St Joseph's, 75-56, as a 14-point favorite. They have also covered six straight games since their crushing loss at Virginia Tech on Dec 7, 49-77, as a 6.5-point dog. Meanwhile, Fordham is coming off a win over St Joe's, 66-54, as a 4-point favorite. That win snapped a two game losing streak for the Rams which included losses to Rhode Island and Davidson. Dayton shoots pretty poorly on the raod at just 36.4% and average just 56.7 ppg. Difficult to cover mid-size spread when you don't shoot well or score well on the road. I'll take the points here at home with Fordham.

SEC action tonight has Florida hitting the road at LSU. The Florida Gators are 8-7 S/U and 6-9 ATS on the season. The Gators are coming off a win over Georgia, 82-75, but failed to cover the 8.5-point chalk line. That makes Florida, 1-3 S/U their last four games and 4-7 ATS their last 11 vs the number. The win over Georgia was their first SEC win vs two losses. LSU was 12-1 to start the season before losing its last two games including last game at Texas A&M, 56-69. LSU has had an easy non-conference schedule, however they did have a quality win over a very good Arkansas team 60-57 at home as a 4-point dog. With the line basically a pick'em, I like LSU on their home floor. Play LSU.

College Football Championship game here has TCU a big dog to defending Champion Georgia. Georgia really could not be here if the Ohio State kicker made that last second 50-yard Field Goal. Ohio State truly deserved to be here as much as Georgia as they led a lot of the way in that semi-final game. Yet, Georgia survived that missed field goal and here they are. TCU surprised everyone with a dominating performance over Michigan. TCU will have to contend with a Georgia team, though torched by Ohio State, still ranks 5th in the nation in scoring defense. TCU is no slouch though, ranking 5th in the nation in scoring defense (14.8 ppg). They also rank fifth in the FBS in scoring (41.1 ppg). Both teams you can make an argument for. But for me, I have to take these points with TCU. They have a great defense and offense and can stay with Georgia tonight, just as they did with Michigan. Take the points here with TCU.

The No Houston Cougars would like to get back to the top spot but they have to play here at Cincinnati today. The Cougars have won six straight games after their last win over SMU on Thursday, 87-53. No 1 Purdue lost earlier this week so they could get back that top spot with a win here today. Houston leads the nation in offensive rebounds and it showed in their win over SMU as they held a 21-7 advantage on the offensive glass. A win here today by Cincinnati and that would do wonders for their resume. The Bearcats have won eight of their last 10 games and five of the last six. They have also covered the spread in nine of the last 10 games including eight straight covers at home. Cincy a big home dog here today and I will look for them to stay close and get inside that big number. Play Cincinnati.

The Tampa Bay Bucs are 8-8 on the season and just 3-4 on the road as they head to Atlanta for this AFC South contest. The Bucs beat the Panthers last week, 30-24 while the Falcons beat the Cardinals, 20-19. The Bucs QB Tom Brady has never lost to the Falcons and who can forget that NFL Super Bowl combeack he led when with the Patriots. The Bucs are the 4th seed in the playoffs. HC Todd Bowles said he will play the starters here today. Though have to wonder how long Brady will be in the game. Should he come out Blaine Gabbert would take over. The Bucs average just 18.5 ppgs this season and are last in rushing. The Falcons have lost six of their last eight and play for pride here today. Desmond Ridder will make his fourth pro start today. The Bucs already have offensive line issues so with that I don't expect Brady to be in this game a long time. The Bucs are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games. I have to believe this game means more to the Falcons then the Bucs. Play Atlanta.

Final week of the season and the Bears only can look to break a nine game losing streak here today at Soldier Field. As for the Vikings they are still playing for position in the NFC playoff picture. The Bears got clobbered last week by the Lions, 10-41 for their ninth straight loss. The Vikings are also coming off a loss last week as the Packers pounded them, 17-41. The Bears will be without QB Justin Fields who will sit out with various injuries today. Nathan Peterman will get the start. A lot of Bears younger players will try to impress for better roles next season with this team or another team. The Vikings looked like one of the best after nine weeks, going 8-1. Then Dallas beat them badly, 3-40. Since then, they are just 4-3. The Vikings have the division won, but a win today could improve their playoff position. I believe the Vikings will do just enough to win here today, but not be able to cover this big line. Play Chicago.

The AFC South title is on the line as the final week of the regular season begins here on Saturday with a pair of games. The Titans can salvage a bad finish to the season with a win here and playoff berth, while the Jaguars are looking to win five straight. The Jaguars have a one-game lead over the Titans with their 8-8 mark and the Titans 7-9. A Tennessee win and they would take the division because of their better AFC South record. A Jags loss and they could still make the playoffs, but they need help with losses by the Pats, Dolphins and Steelers. With Ryan Tannehill out at QB for the Titans, Mike Vrabel will start Joshua Dobbs over his rookie backup. Dobbs will be making only his second start of his six season NFL career. But I like this move from Vrable as Dobbs is highly intelligent, though lacking starter experience. The only issue is that Dobbs has only been with the team a few weeks. What I also like about this spot is that Vrable has had two weeks to prepare for this game with the Titans off last week. The Pressure is on the Jags today as they are a pretty big favorite. The Jags have done well as a dog, but as much as the chalk. In all likelihood a Jax loss puts them out of the playoffs. Vrable also had done great with teams in the dog role, covering at a very high rate. Plus add the fact that RB Derrick Henry is healthy for this game and I believe the Titans have a great shot here today to win. But lets take the points anyways. Play Tennessee.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have all hands on deck here on Sunday as a win will give them the AFC best record and home field throughout the playoffs. The Raiders season is done, QB Derek Carr likely done with the Raiders as Jarrett Stidham makes his second straight start here today. Stidham did well vs the NFL's top defense last week with both his arm and legs, but the Raiders came up just short at home. Stidham passed for 365 yards in that loss. Another potential big loss is that of AFC leading rusher Josh Jacobs. While Jacobs has some nagging injuries, it's a personal issue that may keep him out today. These teams last met back in week 5 and the Raiders comeback fell just short in the loss at KC, 29-30. Jacobs rushed for 154 yards in that contest. KC qb Patrick Mahomes has dominated the Raiders, going 8-1 in career with 26 TD's and just three INT's. The Vegas defense is 29th in the league so look for Mahomes to torch them again here on Saturday. Chiefs should win here today, but can they cover the big spread? I look for the Raiders with Stidham to at least stay inside the number as the KC starters might be pulled if they get up by double digits in this game. No pressure on the Raiders also, and that also helps. I'll take Vegas here on Saturday.

Detroit Mercy looks to improve on last year's 14-16 overall record with two starters returning to this year's edition of the team. The Titans were 10-7 in Horizon League play. The Titans are just 6-9 S/U and 7-7 ATS overall this season. The Titans are coming off a home loss over Wisconsin Milwaukee, 81-84, as a 7-point favorite. This team has had to play a lot of road games thus far, nine in all. They are 2-7 S/U and 4-5 ATS on the road . Wright State returns three starters to their team this year after a 22-14 campaign last year and 15-7 and 4th place Horizon finish. Wright made the NCAA tournament, but lost in the first round. Wright State is 8-7 S/U and 6-7 ATS on the season. The Raiders are coming off a road win at IUPUI, 82-68, as a 15.5-point favorite. They failed to cover the spread in five of their last seven posted games. They are just 1-3 ATS at home overall this season. Wright State not as good as they have been in previous seasons and this year doesn't look like they have a NCAA caliber team. I'll take the points here today with Detroit.

Extra board action today has the Bryant Bulldogs looking to improve to 11 wins tonight. The Dogs are 10-4 S/U and 6-6 ATS on the season. They have won two straight games and four of their last five including last time out over Binghamton, 82-78 as a 13-point favorite. The Bulldogs return just one starter to a team that was 22-10 last season and 16-2 in the Northeast division. The won the Northeast and then lost in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The Vermont Catamounts are 7-8 and looking to get back to the .500 mark tonight. The Catamounts are 7-7 ATS on the season. They are coming off a win over MD Balt County, 74-61, as a 2-point favorite. They are also 5-1 S/U and 4-1 ATS their last six games. Vermont also returned just one starter to a team that was 28-6 last season and finished first in the America East Conference. Like Bryant, they lost in the NCAA first round. Vermont is 3-13 ATS their last 16 games as at home vs a team with a winning road record. My own numbers had this closer to pick or even Bryant a small favorite. But I will gladly take the 3-points or thereabout that the oddsmaker is giving me. Take Bryant.

Two teams near the top of the Horizon league meet here tonight as 8-7 (3-1) Cleveland State hosts 9-5 (3-1) Wisconsin Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Panthers are 6-5 vs the number this season and look to build on their win over Detroit, 84-81 as a 7-point dog. The Panthers have won seven of the last nine games and covered five of their last eight posted games. Milwaukee had to replace all five starters off a team that was just 10-22 last year and lost in the Horizon first round. The Cleveland State Vikings returned two starters to a 20-11 team from last year. They finished tied for 1st in the Horizon with a 15-6 record and lost in the NIT first round. They are 8-7 overall this season and 7-6 vs the number. The Vikings are coming off a win over Robert Morris, 63-54, as a 2-point dog. They are 2-4 S/U and 1-4 ATS over their las five games. Milwaukee getting some decent points here today and I'll take that price. Play Wisconsin Milwaukee.

The Lindenwood Lions are 6-9 to start their season. The Lions are 6-5-1 ATS on the season. They are coming off a win over Tennessee Tech last time out, 82-64. That win snapped a three game losing streak. Their biggest game thus far was at BYU, where they lost 61-90 as a 23.5-point dog. Arkansas Little Rock looks for their sixth win of the season here tonight. The Trojans are 5-10 overall and 7-6 vs the spread. They are coming off a loss to Tennessee State, 69-94, as a 4.5-point dog. This team is undefeated at home, going 4-0 S/U and 2-0 vs the spread and outscoring their opponents by 80.8 to 67.8 margin. I like the Trojans on their home court where they have flourished. Take Arkansas Little Rock.

The Belmont Bruins returned just one starter to a team that was 25-8 last year and 15-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bruins lost in the NIT first round last year. Belmont is 9-6 this season and 7-7 vs the spread. The Bruins had their three-game win streak snapped last game by Southern Illinois, 45-63, as a 4.5-point dog. The Bruins are just 2-4 on the road with a 2-4 spread mark in their six away games. They have also been outscored on the road by a 6.5 point margin. Illinois Chicago Flames look to hit the 10 win mark today after a 9-6 start. The Flames are also 10-4 vs the spread. They are coming off a loss at Bradley, 45-79, as a 15-point dog. The Flames are 5-2 S/U and 5-1 ATS at home and outscoring opponents by a 67-61.3 mark. The Flames play well at home while the Bruins have not played well on the road. I'll take the home club here today. Play Illinois Chicago. Illinois Chicago

Two SEC powerhouses meet tonight as 11-2 Auburn takes on 10-3 Georgia. The Auburn Tigers are 11-2 S/U and 5-8 ATS on the season. They have played just two away games and are 1-1 S/U and ATS, but getting outscored by 10 points on the road. They have won two straight games, including last time out vs Florida, 61-58, as a 5.5-point favorite. Georgia looks to extend their win streak to four games here this evening. The Bulldogs are coming off a win over Rider, 79-72, as a 10-point favorite. The Dogs have also been perfect at home, going 8-0 S/U, but covering just three of those games. They have yet to be a home dog and here tonight they will be getting around 7 points. I'll take that with a team that hasn't lost on their home court yet. Take Georgia.

MAC action here today has Toledo hosting Ball State. Ball State begins conference play after a 9-4 S/U and 6-5 ATS mark heading into today's contest. Ball State started the season at just 4-4 before winning their last five games and covering four of their last six games. They are coming off a win over Chicago State, 70-63, as a 11.5-point favorite. The Cardinals returned three starters to a team that was 14-17 overall and 9-10 in the MAC last year. The Cardinals lost in the MAC quarterfinals and did not play in any postseason tournaments. HC Lewis played for Bobby Knight and brings a tough mentality to this team and will rely almost exclusively on a man-to-man defense. Meanwhile, high hopes for a Toledo team that returns four starters to a club that was 26-8 last year and won the MAC with a 17-3 record. The Rockets got snubbed by the NCAA and lost in the first round of the NIT tournament. The Rockets have won the MAC twice in a row and are predicted to win it again this year. They are 9-4 S/U and 7-5 ATS so far this season as they head into conference play today. They have won two straight games and four of their last five. However, they have covered just two of their last five. The dog has done well in this series, covering 16 of the last 23. That's who I am on here today, Ball State.

A pair of teams with identical 11-4 records meet here today as St Johns hosts Marquette. The Marquette Golden Eagles returned two starters to a team that was 19-13 last year overall and 11-8 in the Big East. The Eagles made the NCAA tournament last year but lost in the first round. They have started well with those 11 wins this year and are also 9-5-1 ATS. They have won two straight games both S/U and ATS and four of the last five games. They are coming off a win at Villanova, 68-66 as a 2.5-point dog. They have played four road games and are just 2-2 S/U and 3-1 ATS away from home. They have also been outscored by 1.8 ppg on the road. Yet, here they are a favorite at another 11-win team. St Johns returned three starters to a team that was 17-15 overall last year and 8-11 in the Big East. The Red Storm looks to break a three game losing streak here today. They have also lost three streak vs the spread. They are coming off a road loss to Seton Hall, 66-88, as a 3-point dog. They have been good at home, going 8-1 S/U but only 3-6 vs the spread and outscoring visitors by a 82.6 to 67.1 margin. Don't really care about the spread record at home since the Storm as a dog here today. I'll take them to just win the game tonight. Play St Johns.

The West Virginia Mountaineers look to build on an already impressive early season with a 10-3 record and 7-6 spread mark after 13 games. The Mountaineers four game win streak was snapped last time out at Kansas State, 76-82, as a pick'em. West Virginia looks well improved over a team that went 16-17 last season and just 4-14 in the Big 12. They returned just one starter to this year's edition. The moves made this year look to have improved the teams depth and better offensively. So far that looks to be just the case. Oklahoma State is 8-5 S/U and 7-6 ATS to start the season. The Cowboys are coming off a loss at Kansas, 67-69, as a 10-point dog. OK State returned four starters to a team that was 15-15 overall and 8-12 in the Big 12 last year. The Big 12 is one of the toughest conference in basketball with two National Championships in the last two years with Baylor and Kansas. Looks like West Virginia and Ok State will want to throw their respective hats into that pool too this year. I'm taking West Virginia here today.

 The Rose Bowl has the PAC-12 Champion Utah taking on Penn State from the Big 10. The Utah Utes are 10-3 on the season and look to win their first ever Rose Bowl here on Monday. They won the PAC-12 in back-to-back seasons. They rank in the top 20 in both the offense and defense. Penn State will be making its fifth trip to the Rose Bowl and its first win since 1995. Penn State was third in a very good Big 10 in both scoring 35.8 ppg and total offense. Utah though will be hampered a bit here on Monday as both their top rusher and receiver from the regular season will not play here today. Will we see the same Utah team that took down USC in the PAC-12 Championship? I see this Penn State team as being very well balanced and with those two key players missing on Utah, I'll take the Nittany Lions here today. Play Penn State.

The Mount St Mary's Mountaineers look to climb closer to the .500 mark with a win tonight at Canisius. The Mountaineers are 5-9 S/U and 6-7 ATS on the season. They have lost three straight games after their last loss at Niagara, 55-67, as a 2.5-point dog. They return three starters to a team that finished 14-16 overall last season and 9-9 in the Metro Atlantic. Mt St Mary's was a dominant factor in the NorthEast conference before accepting a invitation to the MAAC conference this season. They lost in the NEC conference semi-finals last season. With the upgrade in conferences this season, the Mountaineers will rely on their solid defense to keep them in games. Even though they are 2-5 their last seven, none of their opponents have scored more than 69 points. Now they face the Canisius Golden Griffins who are just 2-10 S/U and 5-6 ATS on the season. The Griffins have lost eight straight games including last time out to Rider, 64-66, as a 2.5-point dog. The Griffins didn't do well last year either, going 11-21 overall and losing in the MAAC first round. Even though they returned three starters they look to be playing much worse this year. If there is a team that Mt St Mary's should be able to dominate in the MAAC, this is one of them. Play Mt St Marys.

One big thing you have to keep in mind for these bowl games is which teams have players that want to play. We see it more and more where players either enter the transfer portal or opt out to prepare for the NFL draft. Some still will play for their team, but most don't. Purdue will get hit by that today in the Citrus Bowl. The Boilermakers were 8-5 on the season. Former Purdue QB and Saint's all star Drew Brees will be an assistant coach today as HC Jeff Brohm moves on to Louisville. They will also be without QB Aidan O'Connell and WR Charlie Jones (the Nation's leading receiver in receptions) along with three other full-time starters. All five of those players opted out to enter the transfer portal. LSU was 9-4 and while they will also miss a few players, they weren't hit nearly as hard as Purdue. WR Kayshon Boutte will be their biggest player opting out for the NFL Draft. LSU was happy to welcome back QB Jayden Daniels who announced he would return for 2023. Purdue's offense will be a big question here today without HC Brohm and the combo of O'Connell to Jones also gone. I'm taking LSU here today as they will have a big edge at the QB position. Play LSU.

Early game on the Monday Bowl schedule has Mississippi State taking on Illinois. The Bulldogs will be playing with heavy hearts here today after the passing of their coach, Mike Leach. Both these teams did more than expected of them this year. Illinois started the season with a 7-1 record but then had three straight losses to Michigan State, Purdue and Michigan. They did finish the season with a win over Northwestern to get to eight wins. Miss State also started fast, getting out of the gate to a 5-1 start, but they could only play .500 ball the rest of the way. Have to wonder how this Miss State will rebound since the passing of their coach on Dec 12. DC Zach Arnett will take over the heac coaching duties here today. Miss State decided to play this game despite losing their coach. That makes me believe that want to win this one for the coach. That can be a strong motivating factor and I will be on them here today. Play Mississippi State. 

AFC North Clash here on Sunday has the Pittsburgh Steelers not officially elminated from the playoffs but in need in help and a win here on Sunday. The Steelers are 7-8 on the season and have won two straight games. They scored a late touchdown last week to beat the Raiders, 13-10, as a 2.5-point favorite. They held the Raiders to just 201 totals yards and 58 rushing yards. The Baltimore Ravens have secured a playoffs spot with their 10-5 record. The Ravens beat the Falcons last week 17-9, as a 6.5-point favorite. The Ravens will one again be without QB Lamar Jackson, who is out with a knee injury. The Steelers are 4-1 ATS in their last five, 16-7-3 ATS their last 26 games in January and 9-4-1 ATS their last 14 in Week 17. The Steelers are also 2-5 Ov/Un in their last seven vs the NFC North and 22-47-1 Ov/Un in their last 70 road games. The Ravens are 1-5-1 their last seven vs the AFC and AFC North. They are also 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight home games. The Ravens have gone under in their last four games, under in their last eight on field turf and under in six straight at home. The Dog is 20-6-3 ATS the last 29 meetings between these teams. These teams have also gone under in six of the last eight in Baltimore and under in four straight overall. I'm taking the Steelers and the UNDER here today in a must win spot against a Baltimore team that I don't expect to get many points.   

 Big 10 matchup late on the Sunday schedule has Northwestern hosting Ohio State. The Ohio State Buckeyes are 9-3 S/U and 6-6 ATS on the season. The Buckeyes have won two straight and four of their last five games. The one loss in that group was a setback to North Carolina, 84-89 as a 2.5-point dog. This team has really only played one away game and that was at Duke in a 72-81 loss as a 5-point dog. The Northwestern Wildcats enter conference play with a 10-2 S/U and 7-5 ATS record. The Cats have won five straight games and covered three of those. That includes last time out vs Browns, 63-58, as a 13.5-point favorite. The Cats are also 7-1 S/U and 3-5 ATS at home. This will also be their first home games installed as the dog. I like Northwestern here, they have a good home record and will get a few points here today.

Just two weeks left in the regular season and the Minnesota Vikings have wrapped-up the NFC North Division with a 12-3 record. They are 5-games ahead of both Detroit and the Packers. Packers need a win here today to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Vikings beat the Giants last week, 27-24, as a 4.5-point favorite. The Packers went to Miami and beat the Dolphins, 26-20, as a 3.5- point favorite. The Packers were +3 in turnover ratio in that game. The Vikings are just 3-10 ATS their last 13 vs a team with a losing record. The Packers do well on the grass, going 17-7 ATS their last 24. The Vikings are 5-1 Ov/Un in their last six vs the NFC North and 8-1 Ov/Un in their last nine on hte road vs a team with a losing home record. They have also gone over in five straight games. The Packers are 11-5 Ov/Un in their last 16 vs the NFC North and 8-3 Ov/Un in their last 11 games in week 17 of the season. The Packers have covered nine of the last 13 vs the Vikings in Green Bay and the home team is 9-4 ATS the last 13. In addition, these games have gone over in four of their last five Meetings. Take the Packers today.

Two teams in desperate need of a win to keep their playoff hops alive meet today as the Seahawks host the Jets. Both teams are 7-8 and both have a narrow slot at make the Wild Card playoffs, but both must win here today. The Jets lost their last home game of the season last week to the Jaguars, 3-19. It was their fifth loss in the last six weeks. Seattle also lost last week to the Cheifs, 10-24. The Jets would be eliminated from the playoffs with a loss and will also need the Pats to lose a game. The Seahawks are 8th in the West but will need to not only win, but will also need a Washington and Green Bay loss to get in. These two teams are very evenly matched and with Zach Wilson benched again that actually will help the Jets. But I think it's the Seattle defense that will step up today and do just enough to get the Seahawks the win in what will be a close finish. Take the point or so with Seattle here today.

Two teams looking to climb back near the .500 mark meet here today as SMU hosts Tulsa. The Tulsa Golden Hurricane are just 4-8 and 1-10-1 ATS on the season. They are still looking for their first road win of the season after three losses. They have lost two straight games including to highly ranked Houston, 50-89, as a 20-point dog. This will be a AAC Conference matchup as the SMU Mustangs play their first conference game of the Year. The Mustangs are 5-8 S/U and 6-7 ATS on the season. They are coming off a loss at Hawaii, 57-58, as a 4-point dog. That snapped a 2-game win streak. Two teams having poor seasons thus far and both look to turn things around as conference play begins. I'll take the points as I think this is just too much for this SMU to be laying today. Tulsa can play as we saw them lose earlier in the season to Oregon, 70-73. Take Tulsa.

The Ohios State Buckeyes looked like the team to beat in the Big 10 before Michigan dismantled them in their annual matchup. Really Ohio State is lucky to be here with USC losing and opening the door for them to slide back in. There is no pressure on the Buckeyes here today since really they shouldn't even be here. The Buckeyes were 2nd in scoring offense with a 44.5 ppg average. They also had a very good defense, ranked 13th in scoring, holding opponents to just 19.2 ppg. Meanwhile, Georgia was perfect on the Year and had little trouble in the SEC. Stetson Bennet led the team with 3,425 yards passing and 20 TD's. Of course you can make a case for either team. But for me, this high scoring Ohio State team as a nice dog is too much for me to pass up on. I believe Ohio State can win this game, but I'll take the points anyways. Play Ohio State.

Look for defense to be the name of the day here as TCU takes on Michigan. The TCU defense has been great, especially in a secondary that forces a lot of INT's. On offense, they are led by QB Max Duggan, the Heisman Trophy runner up. Duggan had 30 TD's this year and over 3,300 yards passing and just four INT's. But his legs also get him lots of yards with 404 rushing and six TD's on the ground this year. They also will be healthy for this game as everyone is available. For Michigan, they will miss their best running back in Blake Corrum (1,463 yards and 18 TD's after he injured his knee vs Illinois and will not play today. For me, it's all about the TCU offense led by Duggan and their excellent defense. I can get a TD or even better here with the Horned Frogs looks to be a steal to me. Play TCU.

Two Mountain West teams face off this afternoon as Colorado State hosts San Jose State. The San Jose State Spartans are 10-4 S/U and 9-4 ATS on the season. The Spartans have won two straight games and four of their last five. They have covered five straight. They are coming of the upset win over UNLV, 75-72, as a 5-point dog. The Spartans are 6-1 S/U and 4-2 at home this season and have outscored opponents by a 71.,0-60.1 margin. The Colorado State Rams are 8-6 S/U and 5-8 ATS on the season. The Rams have lost two straight games both S/U and ATS, including their last game at New Mexico, 69-88, as a 6-point dog. The Rams are just 2-4 S/U their last six and 4-6 their last 10 games. In addition, they are 1-4 ATS their last five games and 3-6 ATS their last nine games. I like the Spartans here today as a nice dog. Take San Jose State.

The New Orleans Bowl has Alabama taking on the Big 12 Champion, Kansas State. The Alabama Crimson Tide might be in for a bet of a letdown here today. Winning bowl games is about the players that want to be there and play in the game. I have to wonder about Alabama. They finished with 10 wins and made a case for their being in the playoff final four, but find themselves instead in the Sugar Bowl. Most teams would relish the kind of season Alabama had, but this isn't any team. Most surprising is that neither team looks to without players opting out or going into the transfer portal. Alabama is loaded at offense with last year's Heisman winner Bryce Young leading them at QB. This team averaged 40.8 ppg during the regular season. The Tide look to be a heavy favorite with their offense, but I still wonder if they will have motivation here today. Kansas State can take solice in that the Tide allowed 318 yards to Auburn in their last game, 181 yards rushing to Ole Miss and 185 yards rushing to LSU, all three of those over their last four games. Kansas State won 10 games too this year and might figure to be the be dog as everyone counts them out. I'm going to take the points with the Wild Cats here today and see which Alabama team shows up. Play Kansas State.

It's the SEC vs the ACC in the Orange Bowl here today as Tennessee faces off against Clemson. This is a fitting bowl for two teams that will be all orange playing in a sea of orange here today. Both teams will also play with QB's that didn't play most of the season. Joe Milton will start for Tennessee after taking over for injured Hendon Hooker in the Vols loss to South Carolina. He did lead the Vols to a lopsided win over Vanderbilt, 56-0. True Freshman Cade Klubnik came in the ACC Championship game win over North Carolina, 39-10. That lead to previous starter, DJ Uiagelelei's entry into the transfer portal that takes him to Oregon State. The Vols had the nation's third ranked passing attack under Hooker, so it will be interesting to see how they attack the Clemson defense. While these teams look a bit different then they did earlier, still should be a very good Orange Bowl. I'm going to stick with Tennessee though in this game. Play Tennessee.

 The NC State Wolfpack off to a nice start this season as we exit the holiday break. The Pack are 11-3 S/U and 6-6-2 ATS. They have won three straight games including last game vs Louisville, 76-64. They are just 1-4-1 ATS though during their last six games. The Pack returned three starters to a team that was just 11-21 last year and 4-16 in the ACC. The 21 losses was a school record. HC Keatts said they needed to get bigger, stronger and older if they were to compete this year. So far, it looks like they are doing just that. The Clemson Tigers finished last season at just 17-16 overall and 8-12 in the ACC. They lost in the ACC second round. The Tigers also looked improved as they are 10-3 S/U and 6-7 ATS on the season. The Tigers headed into the holiday break with a win over Georgia Tech on Dec 21, 79-66. That made two wins in a row and six of their last seven. Both these teams look improved over last year's editions. But I'm a bit more impressed with the big turnaround that NC State has had. I'll take them here today plus the small points.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish can end the season with 9 wins with a win today over South Carolina. The Gamecocks look to win their third straight game here today at the Gator Bowl. South Carolina started the season slow, going 1-2 after three games. However, the finished with a 5-2 mark the final seven games. They also averaged just under 40 points per game in those final five wins. Their biggest win was a dominant performance over Tennessee for their 7th win, 63-38 with over 600 yards of offense. They then finished the season by beating Clemson on the road, 31-30 as a 14 point dog. Notre Dame lost their last game of the regular season at USC, 27-38, as a 4.5-point dog. Both these offenses are very good. But I have been impressed at how S.Carolina performed those final two weeks as double digit dogs in both games. I'll take the points here today with South Carolina.

The Pittsburgh Panthers and UCLA Bruins meet for the first time in football in 50 years as they play in the Sun Bowl from El Paso Texas. The No 18 Bruins had a fine season under Chip Kelly, finishing the regular season at 9-3. If not for a pair of late season losses, the Bruins might have made the NCAA playoff picture. The Bruins should be at full strength despite many players declaring for the NFL Draft or entering the transfer portal. THe Panther on the other hand will be missing seven key players due to the draft and transfers. Pitt finished 8-4 on the season. The big player here today will be UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet - both of which will play in this Bowl. This UCLA offense is as good as any in the country, especially with DTR and Charbonnet leading the way. Pitt will have trouble staying with this UCLA team with so many good players missing today. I'm taking UCLA.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 9-4 to start the season and 4-9 vs the spread. The Heels have won four straight games including last game vs Michigan, 80-76, as a 5-point favorite. This four game streak snapped a four game losing streak and a 5-game spread losing streak. N.Carolina returned four starters to a team that was 29-10 last year and lost in the NCAA Championship game. A lot is was expected of this team this year and so far it's been an up and down and up season. The Pitt Panthers returned three starters to a team that was not good last year, going 11-21 overall and 6-14 in the ACC. They lost in the first round of their conference tournament. The Panthers have almost as many wins as they did all of last year with a 9-4 record so far. They have also been very good to bettors, going 9-2-2 ATS. The Panthers have covered eight in a row and haven't lost in 10 games to the spread. The Panthers have also won three in a row and eight of their last nine games. I think the six-points as a dog are worth the shot here this morning on the Panthers. Play Pittsburgh.

Alamo Bowl here on Thursday has Washington taking on Texas. Texas finished the regular season at 8-4 after back-to-back wins in the final two games. The Huskies finished with six straight wins. The Longhorns will miss one of their best running backs in Bijan Robinson (6.1 ypc and 18 TD's). Robinson decided to sit out the bowl game as he prepares for the NFL draft. This will put more pressure on QB Quinn Ewers. Washington had 10 wins under one-year coach Kalen DeBoer. And Washington has been playing as good as any team in the country. They have one of the best offenses in the country and an improving defense. The offense is 2nd in the nation in total offense and first in passing offense. Neither team will have much rushing, so the passing edges goes to Washington here today. I think it's a gift getting points with the Huskies today. Take Washington.

Cheez-It Bowl here on Thursday has Oklahoma taking on Florida State. This will be the fifth ever postseason meeting between these two teams. Florida State enjoyed a rejuvenated season after four straight losing campaigns. The Sooners on the other hand had a down season under first year HC Brent Venables, finishing just 6-6. A loss here today and it will be the team's first losing season since 1998. FSU had a nice season under HC Mike Norvell, going 9-3 and can have their first 10-win season since 2016. OU running back Eric Gray has opted out of this game as he declared for the NFL draft. That's a big loss on the ground for the Sooners. FSU ranked top 25 nationally in sacks with 34. They also have a top 20 total scoring defense that yielded the fewest yards per game in the ACC. These teams headed in different directions and with the Sooners missing a key running back they will have troubles against this top defense of the Seminoles. I'll lay the points here with Florida State.

A pair of SEC basketball powerhouses meet today as 10-2 Alabama travels to Mississippi State to take on the Bulldogs who are 11-1. Alabama rebounded from their 2nd loss of the season on Saturday the 17th to Gonzaga, 90-100, with a win over Jackson State, 84-64 on the 20th but failed to cover the 29.5-point favorite line. The Tide have failed to cover the spread in three straight. Alabama returned three starters to a team that was 19-14 last year and 9-9 in the SEC. They made the NCAA, but lost in the first round. Miss St is 11-1 S/U and 5-6 ATS. They also have failed to cover their last three games. They are coming off their first loss of the season the 20th to Drake, 52-58, as a 4.5-point favorite. The Bulldogs returned two starters to a 18-16 team from last year. They lost in the NIT first round. The Dogs had Chris Jan take over the helm and he has a reputation of rebuilding teams on Junior College players and transfers. And so far that looks to be just what he has done with the Dogs now at 11-1 on the season. Basically pick the winner here tonight with the Tide a 1-point favorite. I like the home team here. Play Mississippi State.

Ole Miss comes in losing three straight games while Tech has won three straight. Speculation that Ole Miss HC Lane Kiffin might be headed to SEC foe Auburn. But Kiffin has come out and said he's staying at Ole Miss. So with that settled, Ole Miss can get back to how they started the season. The Rebels won seven straight to start the season. This Tech team has had a Jekyl and Hyde season. They looked like they would make a bowl. At one stage the Red Raiders were 4-5 as they came down the stretch. But the Raiders rallied in November and ended up rattling off three straight wins to end the year. Texas Tech hit their peak against TCU and Oklahoma. It's hard to get up again for a game like today. Ole Miss has much more desire to play for a win. Take Ole Miss.

Reason: Two teams having fine seasons meet here on Wednesday as Missouri hots Kentucky. The Kentucky Wildcats are 8-3 S/U and 4-7 ATS on the season. The Cats have won five of their last six but covered just one of those games. They are coming off a win over Florida A&M last Wednesday, 88-68, as a 37.5-point favorite. The Missouri Tigers are 11-1 S/U and 7-5 ATS on the season. Their only loss coming on Dec 10 to Kansas, 67-95, as a 3.5-point home dog. They are coming off a win over Illinois last Thursday, 93-71, as a 6.5-point home dog. Kentucky returned only two starters to a team that went 26-8 last year and 14-4 in the SEC. The Cats lost in the NCAA first round last year. Missouri had just one returning starter this year after a 12-21 campaign last year. They finished 12th in the SEC and lot in the SEC 2nd round tournament. One more win and they will have as many wins as they did all of last season. The Tigers playing very well and getting a few points at home is a nice bonus today. Take Missouri.

 Despite their proximity, this will be the first meeting between East Carolina and Coastal Carolina in the Birmingham Bowl. East Carolina is 7-5 and with a win will have their most wins since 2014 and their first bowl win since 2013. Coastal won in the Bowls last year. Coastal QB Grayson McCall has entered the transfer portal, but is expect to play one more game for Coastal here today. McCall has 24 TD's this season. The problem with Coastal is their defense, which ranks 98th in the nation. East Carolina has a top 25 offense and should move the ball easily today vs this Coastal defense which allows 459 yards. That for me is the key in this game, the inability for Coastal to contain the East Carolina offense. Take East Carolina.

Crampton Bowl today has two teams that have never met before as Buffalo takes on Georgia Southern. Ga Southern has lost three of their last four as they head into today's contest. The Eagles had to beat App State to qualify for this game in what was a back-and-forth scorefest, 51-48. Buffalo also limped into this game. After starting the season 5-3 they lost three in a row and had to come from a 0-16 deficit to Kent State to rally and get into this game. Ga Southern has the fourth ranked passing attack in the nation and that will give Buffalo lots of problems here today. The Eagles can also run the ball with Jalen White who had 914 yards and 10 TD's this year. That will be against a Buffalo defense that had lots of problems stopping the run as they allowed 175 ypg on average. Could be a very high scoring game with both offenses very good. But for me, I give the edges in this one to Ga southern because of their passing game. Play Georgia Southern.

 The Miami Dolphins can take a step closer to a Wild Card slot in the AFC with a win today over the Green Bay Packers. The Dolphins are 8-6 in the AFC East, but with the Buffalo win on Saturday they Bills locked up the division. The Packers are 6-8 overall and while not mathematically eliminated, they have a tall task to get the playoffs and a must win here today. The Packers are coming off a win over the Rams last week, 24-12 as a 7.5-point home favorite. That made two wins in a row for thee Packers. Miami lost a close game to the Bills last week in Buffalo, 29-32, as a 7-point dog. That loss makes three losses in a row for the Dolphins. If the Packers can win here today on the road, they will finish the season at home on Lambeau Field for their final two games. Dolphins' center Mitch Morse did not return after being evaluated for a head injury in the second half of last week's game vs the Bills. He is listed as questionable today and he's the one that calls out the lanes and blocking assignments in audibles among snapping the ball.  The Dolphins rank 27th in opponent third-down conversion percentage and they rank near the bottom of the league in passing defense (27th), scoring defense (26th), and red-zone defense (25th). The Pack has won four of the last five vs the Dolphins and today I'll take the points with the visitors. Play Green Bay.

With the cyclone bomb hitting most of the country this weekend, we can fully expect the retractable roof here in Dallas to be closed for this game. Other than the weather, the big news here is that QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) will miss today's game at Dallas. Garner Minshew is expected to make the start in his place. Both these teams have clinched a playoff spot as the Eagles are 13-1 with the best record in the NFL and the Cowboys are 10-4. The Cowboys lost to the Eagles back in October when Cooper Rush was filling in for Dak Prescott. The Dallas defense, once one of the best in the league, has suffered injuries and it showed in their loss last week to the Jaguars. The Eagles clinch the NFC and Home field advantage and a first round bye with a win here today ad Dallas. The Cowboys would have to win out the rest of the way if they hope to get the East title. While Minshew won't bring the rushing dynamic to the Eagles, he is deadly accurate as a thrower and will change the game plan here today for the Eagles. Even without Minshew here today I like the Eagles who have the better defense and they want to lock up everything so they can rest a few weeks. Play Philly.

It's been a rough stretch for the Washington Wizards as they are just 1-11 S/U and 3-8-1 ATS their last 12 games. They are coming off a loss at Utah last game, 112-120, as a 6-point dog. More bad news, the Wizards could be without one of their best players here tonight in Forward Kristaps Purzingis who is battling an illness. Purzingis is averaging 22 points a game this season. Meanwhile, Sacramento is having a decent season with a 17-13 S/U and 19-11 ATS record. The Kings are coming off a win over the Lakers, 134-120, as a 7.5-point favorite. That makes three wins in the last four games both S/U and ATS. The Kings have averaged 123.7 ppg at home this season and if they come close to that tonight I can't see the Wizards keeping pace, especially if they are missing that key cog. Take the Kings.

Armed Forces Bowl here today is the lone college game on the slate. Air Force takes on Baylor. The AF Falcons bring a four-game win streak into this game and are 9-3 S/U and 6-6 ATS on the season. The Falcons averaged 27.7 ppg while holding opponents to just 13.2 ppg. Air Force coming off that fine defensive effort in their win over Navy, 13-3, as a 2.50 point favorite. They held Navy to -1 yard rushing and just 188 yards passing. They will face a Baylor Bear team that had a down season at just 6-6 S/U and 7-5 ATS. The Bears averaged 33.6 ppg while allowing 26.6 ppg. The Bears tied for 6th in the Big 12 standings with just two teams having a worse record. The Bears bring a 3-game losing streak into today's contest, coming off a loss at Texas, 27-38, as a 10-point dog. These teams haven't met since 1977. Air Force is led by RB Brad Roberts, who had 1612 rushing yards and 15TD's this season. Motivation is a key in these bowl games and Acacdemy's usually have plenty of that because their seniors will likely be the last time they wear the football uniform. Plus getting points with a team that can win 10 games is more than enough for me. I'll take Air Force here today.

This is the late game on the college hoop slate tonight as Colorado State hosts USC. The USC Trojans are 9-3 S/U and 5-7 ATS on the season. USC has won five straight games, covering just two of those. They are coming off a win over Auburn, 74-71, as a 1.5-point dog. USC has played only one away game this season and that was a win at Cal, 66-51, as a 9.5-point favorite. Colorado State is 8-4 S/U and 5-4 ATS on the season. The Rams are coming off a big upset win at St Mary's, 62-60, as a 11.5-point dog. The Rams are 6-1 S/U and 3-3 ATS at home this season and outscoring their opponents by 85-65.7 marching. This will be the Rams first game at home where they are installed as the dog. Colorado State only returned one starter to a team that went 25-6 last year and lost in the NCAA tournament first round. The Rams look loaded again in their back court. The Rams looking for another NCAA bid are doing their part with that big win over St Mary's. They know another win here tonight against USC will also pad their resume. I like Colorado State here tonight on their home floor.

 The Denver Pioneers look to rebound from their loss at Nebraska-Omaha, 66-83, as a 1.5-point favorite. The Pioneers having a decent season at 9-4 S/U and 6-5 ATS. They have covered four of their last five spread games. Denver returned two starters that went 11-21 last year and 7-11 in the Summit Conference. With a big step last year they are expect to finish in the top four of the conference this year and thus far they are showing worthy of that. They face an Oregon State team that really has no where to go but up after a 3-28 season last year and 1-19 PAC-12 mark. However, they return just one starter to this year's team. They have already surpassed last year with a 6-6 mark this season. They are also 5-5-1 ATS. The Beavers are coming off a win over Wisconsin Green Bay, but failed to cover the 16-point line, 65-56. The Beavers definitely a better team this year than last, but laying eight points tonight to a decent Denver team is just a bit much for me. I'll take the dog in Denver.

Reason: Lone game on the Bowl slate tonight has the New Orleans Bowl between South Alabama and Western Kentucky. The Sun Belt rep in this game has won five straight New Orleans Bowls and the South Alabama Jaguars look to make that six in a row here tonight. Western Kentucky had a lot of replacing to do on offense this year as OC Zach Kittley, QB Bailey Zappe and their top two receivers all departed. However, they did a good job replacing them as they are back in the Bowl game again this year with a 8-5 record. South Alabama is under 2nd year coach Kane Wommack and he had them at 5-7 last year but stepped up this year to a 10-2 mark as both sides of the ball saw great improvements. One of their losses came by just one point to UCLA. One area that could be a problem for Western tonight is their rush defense, that allowed 155.9 yards per game and their 2nd leading tackler will be out as he declared for the NFL Draft. This game will be the South Alabama outstanding defense against the Western Ky offense. Look for South Alabama to control the ball on the ground and their defense to stiffle the Hilltoppers. I expect South Alabama to come out on top here tonight.

A pair of nine win teams face off tonight from Washington as the Huskies host the Auburn Tigers. The Tigers make the long trip West with their 9-2 S/U and 4-7 ATS records. The Tigers are coming off a loss at USC on Sunday, 71-74, as a 1.5-point favorite. That was the teams third straight game that they haven't covered and fifth of their last six games. Washington is 9-3 S/U and 6-6 ATS on the season. The Huskies have won two straight games including last time out over Idaho State, 90-55, as a 14.5-point favorite. Washington is 7-1 S/U at home this season and has only been a home dog once and they won that game over Colorado, 73-63. I like Washington tonight to win this game straight0up, but I'll take the points. Play Washington.

Two of the Eastern Conference heavyweights will clash here tonight as the 22-8 Milwaukee Bucks travel to Cleveland to take on the 21-11 Cavaliers. The Bucks are 17-11-2 ATS on the season and have covered their last two games. They are coming off a win at New Orleans, 128-119, as a 1-point dog. The Bucks have won seven of their last nine games and are 5-3-1 ATS during that span. The Cavs are 18-13-1 ATS this season and have won four straight games after their win over the Jazz, 122-99, as a 7-point favorite. What I like most about this Cavs team is their play at home. The Cavaliers are 15-2 S/U and 13-4 ATS at home this year and outscoring opponents by a 113.7-1-3.4 margin. Both teams are good and you can make a case for either, but I will take the Cavs at home tonight.

The St John's Red Storm having an excellent season as they are off to a 11-1 S/U mark and 6-6 spread record. The Red Storm only loss coming at Iowa State on Dec 4, 60-71, as a 6-point dog. St John's is also 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games. The Red Storm returned three starters to a team that went 17-15 last year and 8-11 in the Big East. This team has a bitter taste after last season where they lost six of their final seven games, missed out on the NCAA and didn't even get a NIT invitation. Villanova was a preseason top 25 team, but has not lived up to their expectations. The Wildcats return three starters to a team that was 30-8 last year and lost in the NCAA Final Four. They have struggled to a 6-5 S/U and 3-8 ATS mark so far this season. They have won four straight games, but covered just two of those including last game at St Joe's, 71-64, as a 13-point favorite. Villanova laying around five-points here today. I'm taking the points with a very good St John's team that has something to prove and is doing just that. Take St John's.