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T.M. Selection: KC/SF UNDER

San Francisco has an excellent defense, that I believe, is the best in the NFL. Richard Sherman, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and many more are why they are so talented. So far this season, the 49ers defense have held opposing quaterbacks to an average of only 174.28 passing yards per game. That's incredible! After a 2 game home stand, San Fran has seen the total stay UNDER in 7 of their last 9 games the past three years (2 of 2 this season.) For the Chiefs, they have had another stellar year as well. Their defense may not be as talented, but they sure have shut the door this playoffs. They have held opposing offenses to an average of 20.17 points per game. In the end, Patrick Mahomes is going to get his touchdowns, but I believe that both defenses will start out strong and for this game to stay well under the number. Take the UNDER and you'll be glad you did.

T.M. Prediction: 27-20 Chiefs

T.M. Selection: New England Patriots/Tennessee Titans OVER

With the Houston Texans resting most of their starters in week 17, Tennessee had a very easy victory. For New England, they got shocked by the entire world again. And when I say again, I mean AGAIN. The Dolphins have now pulled off the upset against New England two years in a row. Off of that high-scoring game in week 17, the total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 6 games against an opponent in the AFC conference. For the Titans, they have seen the total go OVER in 9 of their last 10 games this season. The total nhas also gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games on the road. Expect a very high scoring game in the AFC Wild Card Game between the New Engalnd Patriots and the Tennessee Titans. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 37-31 Pats

T.M. Selection: Oregon/Wisconsin OVER

Both of these two teams may have great defenses. But in the end, great offense beats great defense. Wisconsin comes in to the Rose Bowl off an excellent season. 10-3 may not sound like much, but their losses came against some very tough opponents. The Badgers have seen the total go OVER in 4 of their last 5 games. They have also seen the total go OVER in 4 of their past 5 games as the favorite. On the other hand, the total has gone OVER in 5 of Oregon's last 7 games. The Ducks average 35.92 points per game this season while Wisconsin averages 34.62 ppg. With RB Jonathan Taylor leading the way for the Badgers, I expect this to be a very competetive, high-scoring Rose Bowl. Takethe OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 34-31 Badgers

T.M. Selection: Vikings/Bears UNDER

The Vikings come into this game with a nice 10-5 record. Their whole team has looked strong lately. Although they lost to the Packers last week, Minnesota has only allowed 40 points over the past 3 weeks. Coming inot this game, the total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games against opponents in the NFC North Division. For Chicago, they are out of playoff contention. The Bears have seen the total go UNDER in 7 of their last 9 games this season. In their meeting last year, on week 17, these two teams combined for only 34 points. I expect a similar outcome here on Sunday. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 24-10 Vikings

T.M. Selection: Clemson/Ohio St OVER

Some of the best teams in the country will match up against each other in a must-win game to take them to the National Championship Game. Coming into this game, both of these two teams have averaged 46+ points per game. That's ridiculous. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson QB) has dominated all season long. He is paired up with one of the best Running Backs in the entire country in Travis Etienne. On the other hand, QB Justin Fields has been even better. He has thrown for 2953 passing yards, 40 Touchdowns, and only 1 Interception. This could potentially be one of the most exciting football games in College Football History with how many poiints they are going to put up today. Even with top defenses, I expect a very high-scoring affair in this one. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 38-35 Ohio St

T.M. Selection: OKST/Texas A&M OVER

Texas A&M hasn't had the best of season's, but they managed to sneak in here with 7 wins. They've lost their last 2, but they looked decent in both of those games. In this game, they'll be going up against a poor Oklahoma St defense who gives up points for breakfast. On the other hand, the Cowboys have had a pretty good season. They come into this one with a solid 8-4 record. The defense they are about to go up against could possibly be even worse than the OKST defense. QB Dru Brown has been dominant all season long and will look to continue that success here. I expect hardly any defense in this high-scoring Cowboy victory. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 38-33 OKST

T.M. Selection: Hawaii/BYU OVER

Both teams come into this game off a loss and will be looking to score lots here. Hawaii has seen the total has gone OVER in 7 of their last 8 games against opponents from the Independent Conference. The total has gone OVER in 8 of Hawaii's L11 games played in December. On the other hand, BYU has seen the total has gone OVER in 6 of ther last 8 games against opponents from the Mountain West Conference. I expect lots of points to be scored in Hawaii under the bright sun. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 41-37 BYU

T.M. Selection:Appalachian St/UAB OVER

Coming into this game, Appalachian St averages a huge amount of points per game (39.38!) They may have seen more "under's" than "over's," but today's line is by far lower than any that they have had all season long. UAB, on the other hand, has seen the total go OVER in 4 of their last 5 games played in December. I expect lots of points to be scored in the New Orleans Bowl on Saturday Night. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 41-23 Appalachian St

T.M. Selection: SF/LA UNDER

Defense, Defense, Defense is the only word that comes to mind in this matchup. Despite, having lost to the Falcons last week, the 49ers come in as a 7-point favorite. This year, San Fran has only allowed 18.43 points per game. They are ranked 1st in passing yards allowed (154.4,) 2nd in ttoal yards per game (269,) and 1st in fumbles recovered this season (21.) The Rams hasve also been playing very good defense. The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Rams' L9 games this season. They have also seen the total go UNDER in 5 of their last 6 games on the road, against the 49ers. I expect a very low-scoring game here today. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 21-10 49ers

T.M. Selection: Navy/Army OVER

In the past, this rivalry game has seen more UNDER's than OVER's. I expect that to be different in this year's battle. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Navy's last 5 games. Navy has also seen the total go OVER in 6 of their last 7 games off a game against a Conference opponent. On the other hand, the total has gone OVER in 8 of 12 games, when Army has won 2 of their last three games. Look for both offenses to be smooth and for this to be a decently high-scoring affair. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 34-27 Navy

T.M. Selection: Titans/Raiders UNDER

This is a must-win game for both teams and I expect both defenses to be on their game in this one. Tennessee enters with a 7-5 record this season. They have seen the total go UNDER 6 of 9 games as a road favorite of 7 points or less. Oakland comes in with a 6-6 record. They have seen the total go UNDER in 9 of their last 11 games played in December. The total has also gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's L6 games this season. Look for a low-scoring game to be played here in Oakland, California.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Titans

T.M. Selection: Chargers/Broncos UNDER

This total is pretty low, but it’s that low for a reason. Phillip Rivers is having one of his worst seasons, in terms on TD/INT ratio so far this year. The Chargers have seen the total go UNDER in 8 of their L10 games. On the other hand, the total has gone UNDER in the Broncos’ L9 games vs. teams in their own division. The L4 of their meetings have also gone UNDER. Expect that to be a similar sight in this one. Take the UNDER with room to spare. 

T.M. Prediction: 17-13 Chargers

T.M. Selection: OU/OKST OVER

This rivalry game has gotten bigger and bigger as the years go on and both of these two teams could use a win in a big way here on Saturday. Coming into this game, both teams have averaged 35+ ppg, while they avg a combined total score of 80.27 ppg. In the past, the Bedlam Series has gone OVER 4 out of the past 5 games. I expect that to be similar case here. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 41-34 Oklahoma

T.M. Selection: Troy/Appalachian St UNDER

This s a must-win game for both teams as they look ahead to the bowls. Appalachian State is 10-1 and would really like to win this one to be in consideration of a huge bowl game. On the other hand, Troy (5-6) needs a win desperately, as they look to squeak in one of the last bowl spots. The Mountaineers have seen the total go UNDER in 10 of their L15 games against an opponent in the Sun Belt conference. I expect a highly contested defensive game on Black Friday. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 31-10 Appalachian St

T.M. Selection: Virginia Tech/Pitt UNDER

Both of these two teams have seen the total go UNDER 60+% ytd. The Panthers have seen the UNDER in 11 of their L14 games. They are a run first offense who loves to keep the ball on the ground. The Hokies a basically the same. In their last 10 meetings with each other, neither team has thrown the ball well. V Tech has a 52.6 completion percentage while Pitt has a 59.5 completion %. I expect lots of running in this matchup. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 17-14 Hokies

T.M. Selection: Houston Texans/Indianapolis Colts UNDER

These two teams played earlier this season and finished with a total of 53 points. I expect it to be different here. Houston just gave up 41 points last week to the Ravens. They'll look to step up their defense against this weaker Colts offense. They have also seen the total go UNDER 60% of the time ytd. On the other hand, t total has gone UNDER in 12 of Indianapolis' L18 road games. I expect great defense on Thursday Night. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Texans

T.M. Prediction: Steelers/Browns OVER

In the past, the total has gone OVER in each of the L3 Browns-Steelers games, with an average combined score of 48.33 points. The over is also 39-27 when the Steelers are off an upset win. I expect both young QB's to throw multiple INT's in a big Prime-Time game. Take the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 27-24 Steelers

T.M. Selection: Cowboys/Vikings UNDER

Both of these two teams enter tonight's game with 3 losses on the season. In the past, Minnesota has seen the total go UNDER 7 out of 10 times as a road underdog. The UNDER is also 20-13 when they are playing against conference opponents. Both of these teams also have very strong running games and both should try and utilize it here as the clock keeps ticking away. I like the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Cowboys

T.M. Selection: TCU/Baylor OVER

Both of these two teams are very capable of scoring many points. Baylor comes in unbeaten in eight games so far. They've dominated their opponent in every single matchup. Baylor has averaged 36.375 ppg in each of their games, scoring at least 21 in each of those. On the other hand, TCU has also scored a lot. In eight games, they've averaged 33.375 points per game. The number is low. I like the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 34-31 Baylor

T.M. Selection: Miami (OH)/Ohio UNDER

First place in the MAC East Conference is at stake on Wednesday night when the Ohio Bobcats welcome their rival Miami-Ohio RedHawks to Peden Stadium. In the past, the total has gone UNDER in 8 of the L10 games between these two teams. They've always locked in on defense and it's almost never high-scoring. Expect that to happen again here. Play the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 17-14 Miami OH

T.M. Selection: ND/VT UNDER

Notre Dame is a ridiculous 16-0 SU and 10-6 ATS in their last 16 games at home coming into this matchup. In most of those games, their defense shut down their opponents offense. On the other hand, the total has gone UNDER 59 times out of 108 after a win against a conference rival. I expect both defenses to lock in in this huge game for both teams. Take the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 24-17 ND

T.M. Selection: 49ers/Cardinals UNDER

The San Fran 49ers come into this game with a perfect 7-0 record. Their defense has been stellar and I expect that to continue on Thursday Night. Look for the Cardinals to struggle on the offensive end in this one. Take the UNDER!

T.M. Prediction: 21-13 49ers

T.M. Selection: New England Patriots/Cleveland Browns OVER

The Patriots are yet again the team to beat in the NFL. Tom Brady has looked sharp and now, they have added WR Mohamed Sanu to the roster. The total has gone OVER in 4 of the Patriots L5 games vs the Browns aswell. I expect the Browns to have a decent game, while New England keeps scoring here. Take the OVER

T.M. Prediction; 31-24 Patriots

T.M. Selection: Air Force/Utah St OVER

Both teams enter this matchup with a winning record. Air Force has always been known as a high-scoring team as they've seen the total go OVER 9 out of 13 times when playing in the second half of the season. The OVER is also 18-9 in games played on turf, for Air Force. On the other hand, Utah St has seen the total go OVER in 7 of 10 games as an underdog. I expect those streaks to continue here in this late one. Take the UNDER without a doubt.

T.M. Prediction: 38-34 Air Force

T.M. Selection: Houston Texans/Indianapolis Colts UNDER

As you may know, the Colts have been typically an "UNDER" team, and I look for that to continue here. Coming into this game, the total has gone UNDER in 25 of the Colts’ L31 home games vs. an opponent in their own division. In the past (in this matchup,) these two teams have averaged a combined score of 42.0. That's in their last six meetings. Expect both defenses to show up again here. Take the UNDER

T.M. Prediction: 24-17 Texans

T.M. Selection: Iowa/Purdue UNDER

Iowa has absolutely dominated defensively this season so far as they've held their opponents to a max. of 17 points in each of the first 7 games. The total has also gone UNDER in 4 of Iowa's last 6 games this season. On the other hand, the Boilermakers have seen the total go UNDER in 11 of their L13 road games. I expect the Hawkeyes defense to shut down this Purdue team with ease on Saturday. Look for Iowa to dominate everywhere on the field as the win 27-10 AND for the total to go UNDER comfortably.

T.M. Prediction: 27-10 Iowa

T.M. Selection: Green Bay/Detroit UNDER

On Monday Night, the Lions will take on the Packers. Both of these teams come in to this game with a winning record. Detroit, fresh off their bye, has now seen the total go UNDER in 8 of their last 11 games (with an avg. combined score of 39.09). The Packers will have to deal with the absence of WR Devante Adams. That might give the Lions some energy on defense. I expect a  tight low-scoring game on Monday Night with the Packers taking this close one.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Packers

T.M. Selection: LA Chargers/Pittsburgh Steelers UNDER

Both teams enter this game with a losing reocrd on the season. LA QB Phillip Rivers is off one of his worst games of his career. The Steelers are giving the nod to the undrafted rookie named Devlin Hodges. This will be Hodges first career start in Primetime. Note that the total has gone UNDER in 4 of the Chargers' last 5 at home vs. an East Coast team. Expect the two QB's to struggle putting point on the board on Sunday Night. Play the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 17-14 Steelers

T.M. Selection: LSU/Florida OVER

Both of these SEC teams have started this season off perfectly as they are both undefeated. Coming into this game, the Gators have seen the total go OVER in 6 of 8 road games the L3 years. The OVER also has a 7-3 record, when Florida is off a home win. The Tigers have also been seeing high-scoring games in the past. The total has gone OVER in 7 of LSU’s last 8 games, dating back to the end of last season. So far this season, LSU QB Joe Burrow now has a ridiculous 22-3 TD-INT ratio. LSU has now scored at least 42 points in each of their five outings YTD, leading the nation with an incredible average of 54.6 PPG. That number alone is enough for this OVER. The total is way too low here. This one has OVER written all over it.

T.M. Prediction: 37-34 LSU

T.M. Selection: Oklahoma/Texas OVER

Big-12 games usually find at least the 70+ mark with always a high total line. Here I believe that the line could be even higher. OK QB Jalen Hurts, who has been absolutely dominant this season, is throwing for 1,521 yards and 14 touchdowns and adding 499 yards and seven scores on the ground through the first five games. That's insane. Expect Hurts to destroy his opponent once again as the Sooners help the total go OVER with ease. Play the OVER.

T.M. Prediction: 45-37 Oklahoma

T.M. Selection: Arizona Cardinals/Cincinnati Bengals UNDER

Two winless squads will battle it out on Sunday afternoon. Starting with the Cards, QB Kyler Murray has yet to get anything going in his rookie year so far. He's averaged a little over 230 passing yards a game. Looking at Cinci, they have also been terrible. As a matter of fact, I think they might be even worse. Last week, QB Andy Dalton was getting frustrated after every single possesion. He ended up getting sacked 8 times over the course of the game, AND he threw an INT. That just tells you that he isn't getting much help by his offensive line, but also that he isn't using his feet to motivate them to block better. I expect both of these offenses to be awful once again as they barely get any points. Play the UNDER.

T.M. Prediction: 14-6 Cardinals

T.M. Selection: UNDER (Jax/Den)

Both teams enter this matchup with a losing record and neither of them have looked sharp through the opening 3 weeks. Although they found a way to win last week, Jacksonville is now led by backup QB in Gardner Minshew II who has yet to throw for 210+ yards in his first 2 starts. Now, the Jags will try to bring their winning spirits to Mile High as they'll play the Broncos who have yet to win a game YTD. Vic Fangio's starting QB Joe Flacco has only reached the endzone twice. That's not how he planned to start his HC career at all. Expect both QB's to look shaky once again as Flacco has to go against a mighty Jacksonville secondary while Minshew II will have to deal with the thin air in Mile High.

T.M. Predicted Final Score: 17-9 Broncos

T.M. Selection: OVER (UCLA/WSU)

Remember when the Pac-12, once known as the Pac-10, used to regularly feature wide-open aerial shootouts? Expect a case of deja vu from tonight's game. Bruins gashed for 48 last week and now face a Mike Leach offense. Will be ugly. They will score though. Cougs defense is suspect. Leach versus Kelly = Over. 

T.M. Selection: 44-34 WSU

T.M. Selection: Chargers/Lions under (10* TOTAL BANKROLL BUILDER)

Analysis posted at least 8 hours before game time.

T.M. Prediction: FINAL PREDICTED SCORE COMING SHORTLY

T.M. Selection: Bucs/Panthers under (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

Carolina got a big game from RB Christian McCaffrey, who had 128 yard rushing, two TD’s and ten catches in Week 1. That performance however wasn’t good enough to earn the Panthers the victory unfortunately as they’d fall 30-27 at home to the Rams. After that high-scoring affair and on the short-week, I expect much more of a “chess match” between these NFC South opponents. The Bucs look completely inept offensively last week in their 31-17 loss at home to the 49ers and I believe they’ll struggle again here vs. this Panthers defensive unit playing with a chip on its shoulder this week. Five of their last six in this series have fallen under and I expect that strong trend to continue in their first matchup of 2019/20. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 27-17 Carolina.

T.M. Selection: Ravens/Dolphins over (10*)

Baltimore’s great pre-season (4-0), won’t mean much if it can’t continue to build momentum. Last year they fell 23-17 to the Chargers in the playoffs. The Fish were only 7-9 last year, but they went 3-1 in the preseason. These are two teams with big expectations and I believe we’re going to see a more wide open “shootout,” than a defensive “chess match.” Let’s throw the ATS stats out the window in Week 1. These are two teams which showed some of the most considerable “chemistry” in the preseason and while neither has been known for their offensive prowess the last couple of seasons, I believe the stage is set for an explosive offensive affair in Week 1.

T.M. Prediction: 27-21 Ravens.

T.M. Selection: WVU/Missouri over (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

Neither team is happy about its Week 1 performance and because of that, I believe each will open up the playbook in Week 2, which will in turn help in pushing this total over the number sooner, rather than later. WVU scraped by FCS opponent James Madison 20-13, while Missouri fell 37-31 at Wyoming. WVU has a powerful run game that’s led by Kennedy McKoy and Leddie Brown. Mountaineers’ QB Austin Kendall was 27 of 43 last weekend. Bryant was 31 of 48 for 423 yards for the Tigers and I think he’ll have plenty of opportunity vs. WVU at home. When you add it all up and based strictly from a “situational” stand point, I definitely think this one sets up as a “shootout.” Play the over.

T.M. Prediction: FINAL PREDICTED SCORE COMING SHORTLY

T.M. Selection: Marshall/Boise State under (10*)

From a situational stand point, I think this one sets up beautifully as a lower-scoring under. Marshall was untested in Week 1, easily rolling to victory over FCS opposition VMI. But now the Herd face a Boise State which comes in off a season opening upset win for the ages over Florida State. The Broncos looked incredible on the defensive end and I think they’re going to carry that momentum over here. As I stated off the top, I think from a situational stand point, looking at each team and what it did last weekend, that this weekend’s contest definitely sets up as more of a “chess match,” than a high-scoring “shootout.” Additionally note that Marshall has seen the total go under the number in 14 of its last 20 as a road dog in the 7.5 to 14 points range, while Boise State has seen the total go under in nine of its last 11 as a home favorite. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: FINAL PREDICTED SCORE COMING SHORTLY

T.M. Selection: Packers/Bears under (10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK)

The Packers were just 6-9-1 last year, while the Bears went 12-4. Green Bay has a new head coach in Matt LaFleur, who is an offensive minded skipper, but I still believe that this number is too high. The Packers were terrible defensively in 2018, allowing 25.0 PPG and the team hopes that it’s addressed several issues on that side of the ball in the off-season, especially in the secondary. The Bears though return all of their main pieces from their league leading defensive unit which allowed only 17.7 PPG, led by Khalil Mack with 12.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss. I think the offenses come out flat on Opening night, leaving the door open for the defensive units to shine. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 21-17 Bears.

T.M. Selection: New Mexico State/WSU under (10* TOTAL OF MONTH)

The Aggies averaged only 25.2 PPG last year, while conceding 41.3. New Mexico State is expected to be much better defensively though with its entire line returning and the unit led by standout Javahn Ferguson. WSU averaged 37.5 PPG last year and it allowed only 23.3. I have a hard time seeing the Aggies mustering much of offensive attack today vs. this experienced WSU secondary. This total is much too high in my opinion, play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 41-15 WSU.

T.M. Selection: Pats/Chiefs over (10* PLAYOFF TOTAL OF YEAR)

I played this one early and have an unfavourable line, but irregardless of that fact I’m expecting a “shootout!” Despite each needing to focus on the run because of the expected cold weather, I still believe these teams are going to battle to a higher-scoring affair. Patriots’ QB Tom Brady finished with 32 passing TD’s in the regular season and Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes finished with 50. These are two team’s which revolved around their high-powered offenses. Note that they played in New England back in mid-October and the Pats pulled away for the 43-40 win. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a similar final combined score here as well. Note as well that the Pats have seen the total go over the number in six of eight already this year following a home win, while Kansas City has seen the total go over in four of its last five vs. teams with winning records. Play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 34-31 Chiefs.

T.M. Selection: Chargers/Patriots over (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

There’s no team that could have used the first round bye more than the Patriots this year. New England clinched the division on the final game of the regular season and QB Tom Brady will now look to guide his team to a ninth Super Bowl. The Chargers won’t be lacking any motivation (or confidence!) today either as QB Philip Rivers will likely view this as his final chance to earn a title. Rivers has lost twice to Brady in the playoffs already (2007 and 2008) and he has in fact lost seven straight vs. his venerable counterpart today. Brady and the Pats are fighting for one last shot at glory as well and with these two gun-slingers going head-to-head, I believe this one sets up as more of a shootout than a defensive battle. Note as well that LA has seen the total go over in seven of its last nine as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 points range, while NE has seen the total go over in four of its last five when playing with two weeks rest.

T.M. Prediction: 30-26 Pats.

T.M. Selection: Colts/Chiefs under (10* TOTAL BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

The Chiefs owned the No. 1 offense in the league and they paid little attention to the defensive side of things this year. The Colts have been on a roll of late, thanks in part to the dynamic play of of QB Andrew Luck. Between Luck (33) and Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes (50) these two QB’s have combined for 83 TD’s so far this year. However, if Indianapolis’ improbable run is going to continue, there’s no way it can expect to get into a shootout with Mahomes at home and with a week of rest. So with the Colts putting an added incentive on trying to “control” this game while their on offense, I’m absolutely expecting more of a defensive affair between these two normally high-scoring clubs. Note as well that the Colts have seen the total go under the number in all three games they’ve played in this year as an underdog in the 3.5 to 9.5 points range, while KC has seen the total go under in 18 of its last 26 at home. 

T.M. Prediction: 27-22 Chiefs.

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T.M. Selection: Eagles/Bears under (10* TOTAL OF MONTH)

I don’t think there’s any need to break down these two teams and what they did this season. If you’re wagering on this contest, then the “story lines” are well known to even the most casual NFL fan. Philadelphia has been in “do or die” mode for the last month or so and it actually needed Chicago’s help in its win over Minnesota last weekend to even make the post-season. The Eagles are soaring though with Nick Foles under center and now the defending champs run into a “buzz saw” of a defense, which finished first in several categories this season. Philadelphia is too one dimensional and one has to wonder how much “gas” is left in the tank after so many weeks of “living on the edge.” I think Chicago will be out to “control” the pace of this one while on offense, rather than try and turn it into a “shootout.” 

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Bears.

T.M. Selection: Colts/Texans under (10* WILD CARD TOTAL BLOWOUT)

These teams feature a couple of dynamic, play-making QB’s. The Colts send out Andrew Luck, while the Texans counter with DeShaun Watson and while each put up big numbers in two games against each other this season, I think it’ll be the defenses which steal the headlines once the final horn sounds here. As good as Watson was though, it was Houston’s defense which once again got the job done most weeks. Houston has held its last five opponents under 100 yards on the ground, while allowing just 2.55 yards per rush. While both of their games in the regular season when “over” the number, the conditions now finally seem right for more of a “chess match” in my opinion. Note as well that the Colts have already seen the total go under the number in three of four this year as a road dog of seven points or less, while Houston has seen the total go under in all five games that it’s played this season following a home victory.

T.M. Prediction: 24-21 Houston.

T.M. Selection: Over Iowa/Mississippi State (10* TOTAL OF MONTH!)

These two teams are hungry for a win. The Hawkeyes went 8-4 overall and 4-4 in league play. Mississippi State went 8-4 overall and 4-4 in the SEC. Iowa QB Nate Stanley will be given the green light today and he finished with a solid season, 2,638 passing yard with 23 TD’s and nine INT’s. Overall Iowa averages 31.5 PPG and it allows 17.4. Mississippi State averages 29.1 PPG and it allows just 12.0. Bulldogs’ QB Nick Fitzgerald had 1,018 rushing yards and 12 TDs on the ground. These are two defensive minded clubs, but with extra time off to prepare, I think it’ll be these competent offensive players which “steal the show.” Additionally note that Iowa has seen the total go over the number in all three games it’s played in this year as an underdog. 

T.M. Prediction: 27-21 Mississippi State.

T.M. Selection: Irish/Tigers under (10* BOWL TOTAL OF YEAR)

With more than three whole weeks off to game-plan for this one, I think these elite defensive units battle each other tight, which will in turn result in this total staying below the posted number. Both teams are unbeaten. Notre Dame finished 12-0 and in its finale vs. USC, QB Ian Book had 352 yards, two TD’s and an INT in the 24-17 win. The Tigers get the job done on the defensive side of the ball as well. In their ACC Title clinching 42-10 win over Pittsburgh the Tigers’ defense had three sacks and nine tackles for a loss. Clemson has seen the total go under in seven of their last nine neutral site affairs following a three weeks or more layoff, while the Irish have seen the total dip under in four of their last five neutral site games. This number is high.

T.M. Prediction: 27-14 Clemson.

T.M. Selection: TCU/Cal under (10* TOTAL BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

Neither team had a great year. Both teams are above average defensively and poor offensively. With three weeks off in between games, I think these trends become amplified, as I look for the defenses to complete dominate the headlines of this one. Cal averages 22.8 PPG and it allows 21.2. TCU averages 24.7 PPG and it allows 24.4. Note as well that TCU has seen the total go under the number in its last four off two straight wins vs. conference rivals, while Cal has seen the total go under in its last five after scoring 14 points or less in its previous game. This number is a little high.

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Cal. 

T.M. Selection: Under Bucs/Cowboys (10* BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

Dallas was blanked 23-0 in Indianapolis last week. As terrible as the offense looked was as decent as the defense looked against a red hot Andrew Luck and company. Dallas though can still maintain control of the NFC East with a win today and I think it’ll try to dictate and control the pace of this one from the outset. The Bucs have nothing to play for and they enter off back-to-back losses. With many starters being shut down for the season, I think the visitors simply “go through the motions” in this difficult road venue. Note as well that Tampa has seen the total go under in five of its last seven as a road dog of 3.5 to seven points, while Dallas has seen the total go under in three of its last four off a road blowout loss by 14 points or more. 

T.M. Prediction: 21-14 Cowboys.

T.M. Selection: Over Frisco Bowl (10*)

SDSU is 13-0-1 all time vs. MAC schools. That run may continue here, but the Bobcats won’t be going down without a fight. The Bobcats rely heavily on the run game and star RB AJ Ouellette, who had 1,142 rushing yards and 12 TD’s. He had 196 yards rushing and three TD’s in the Bobcats win over Buffalo in their most recent action. SDSU didn’t have the best season, but that was due mostly to injuries. But with starting QB Christian Chapman and starting RB Juwan Washington back in the mix, the Aztecs will be looking to rebound here and try to salvage a disappointing season. It sets up great for more of an offensive affair in my opinion. Also note that Ohio has seen the total go over in three of its last four when playing with two weeks of rest. Play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 35-25 Ohio.

T.M. Selection: Over NIU/UAB (10* TOTAL OF WEEK)

Despite these being two extremely defensive minded clubs, I’m expecting more of a wide open offensive affair. NIU averaged only 20.7 PPG, while allowing 21.8. UAB averaged 29.7 and only allowed 17.9. But with a couple of week’s off to prepare and game-plan, I think this one will sneak above the number once it’s all said and done. And the O/U trends support that theory, as note that NIU has seen the total go over the number in three of its last four off an upset win as an underdog, while UAB has seen the total soar over in all four games it played in this year when the total was set between 42.5 and 49 points. Play the over.

T.M. Prediction: 27-21 UAB.

T.M. Selection: Skins/Jags under (10* BLACK-LABEL BLOWOUT)

Two struggling teams go head to head in this one. It’s a non-conference match-up between two clubs desperate for a victory. Each has had to deal with many of the same problems. The Skins lost their starting QB Alex Smith, while Jags’ starter Blake Bortles turned out to be a complete bust. Each has had to deal with significant injuries as well. With each putting any added emphasis on establishing the run while on offense, there’s no doubt this one sets up as more of a lower-scoring “chess match.” Also note that Washington has seen the total go under in three of its last four after a loss by 21 points or more.

T.M. Prediction: 17-10 Jags.

T.M. Selection: ASU/Fresno State under (10*)

Arizona State finished 7-5, while Fresno State was 11-2. Note that the Sun Devils will be without the services of their top receiver N’Keal Harry as he skips the bowl to prepare for the draft. This is a major blow for Manny Wilkins and company. Fresno State earned this spot by posting a 19-16 OT win over Boise State and I’m expecting a similar dominant defensive performance here as well. ASU has seen the total go under in eight of its last 12 off a win vs. a conference rival, while Fresno State has seen the total go under in its last three games off an upset win as an underdog.

T.M. Prediction: 27-21 Fresno State.

T.M. Selection: Under Panthers/Browns (10*)

The Panthers opened the year 6-2, but they’ve since lost four straight. Another loss today and Carolina will officially be out of the running for a playoff spot. The Browns had their two game win streak stopped last week in Houston, but they’ll be out to play spoiler again this weekend as well. These teams are actually similar in many regards. The QB’s are scramblers, but who rarely throw deep down field. The offenses try hard to establish the run and for the most part it’s the defenses which “steal the show.” I look for all of these strong trends to continue here. Take it for what you will as well, but Carolina has seen the total go under the number in three of its last four off an upset loss as a favorite. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 23-21 Carolina.

T.M. Selection: Under Georgia/Alabama (10* TOTAL OF YEAR).

It’s a rematch of last year’s Championship Final. Georgia plays with revenge and the winner of this gets a ticket to the Playoff Tournament. Both teams features top notch offenses and elite defensive units. Alabama though ranks third in the nation in allowing just 13.8 PPG, while Georgia ranks 10th in scoring defense with 17.2 PPG. Note that Georgia has seen the total go under in three of its last four after scoring 42 points or more in two straight games, while Alabama has seen the total go under in seven of its last nine after two straight victories by 28 or more points. Play the under.

T.M. Prediction: 31-21 Tide.