Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-26-17 | Jazz +6 v. Nuggets | Top | 83-107 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 27 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 10* Utah Jazz (+) @ Denver Nuggets @ 9:05 ET - Of course this is a revenge spot for the Nuggets as they lost at Utah by 29 in late November. However, is Denver really thinking that much about that here? The fact is that the Nuggets are off of a win over the NBA Champion Warriors in their final game before the NBA break. Also, Denver has another revenge game (at Minnesota) for tomorrow night and the Nuggets most recent home loss was to the Timberwolves just last week. You can truly see why Denver may not be fully focused here and they are going to have their hands full with a Utah team coming off of home loss to Oklahoma City. The Jazz are fired up as they've endured a tough stretch recently that has seen them lose 8 of their last 10 games. The best thing that could have happened for Utah was a break in the action and I look for the Jazz to come out renewed and refreshed after the Christmas break. As for the Nuggets, they are 1-9 ATS this season when off of a win by a double digit margin and that was a huge road win at Golden State on Saturday. Also, Denver is 12-30 SU long-term when off of an upset win as an underdog! As for the Jazz, they are a long-term 27-13 SU when off of a divisional game and, the fact they lost that divisional match-up at home against the Thunder means extra hunger for the road dog in this one. 10* UTAH |
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12-26-17 | Pacers +2 v. Pistons | 83-107 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 31 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Tuesday 8* Indiana Pacers (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Pistons are off of a win but previously they had lost 8 of their last 11 games. Detroit has failed to cover 8 of its last 12 games. The Pacers have been the much stronger team of late as they've won 7 of their last 10 games. Also, one of those 3 defeats was a home loss to the Pistons less than 2 weeks ago. Indiana will be ready to get revenge here against a division rival. The Pacers were on an 8-2 SU and ATS run in this series prior to that loss. In other words, Indiana has had Detroit's number in recent seasons and I look for that dominance to resume here. The Pistons have been held to 43.2% or less from the field in 8 of their last 10 games. The Pacers have shot 45.8% or better from the field in 10 of their last 15 games. Indiana is 9-4 ATS when playing with revenge this season including 4-1 ATS when playing with home loss revenge. Detroit is 6-10 SU this season in games against teams with a winning record. 8* INDIANA |
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12-25-17 | Raiders +10 v. Eagles | Top | 10-19 | Win | 100 | 14 h 49 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher Top Play - Rickenbach NFL Game #131 Monday 10* Oakland Raiders (+) @ Philadelphia Eagles @ 8:30 ET - The Raiders got eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday's results but they already knew their chances were slim as tough losses have helped lead the way to a tough 6-8 record entering this match-up. The point is that the elimination is not a total shock and I fully expect Oakland to still want to perform well in a primetime Christmas night performance when they know all of the NFL world will be watching. The fact is that now all the pressure here is on the Eagles as they are still trying to secure the #1 see in the NFC. Also, with Nick Foles now in for Carson Wentz, the Eagles certainly are not quite as explosive on offense. Philly is 2-1 their last 3 games and both wins came by 8 points or less. The Raiders are 3-3 their last 6 games and one loss was by just a field goal and another by 11 points. In other words, the big points here are certainly offering big value. The Eagles have allowed 29.3 points per game the past 3 weeks. By comparison, the Raiders have allowed only 19.3 points per game their last 4 games! Philadelphia is a long-term 12-22 ATS when playing in a home game with a posted total between 45.5 and 49 points. The Raiders are 4-1 ATS when on the road in non-conference action and facing an opponent with a winning percentage of .401 or greater! The Raiders have covered 4 of the last 5 against Philly and though I expect the Eagles to get the win here I expect it to be by just a single possession as Raiders go to 5-1 ATS L6 versus Philadelphia. 10* OAKLAND |
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12-25-17 | Cavs v. Warriors -4.5 | Top | 92-99 | Win | 100 | 7 h 51 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #704 Monday 10* Golden State Warriors (-) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 3:05 ET - The Warriors are without Stephen Curry of course. However, the line has gone from as high as -7.5 to as low as -4.5 as of gameday morning and the betting markets are treating this as if the odds makers weren't aware that Curry was out when they set the line. The fact is that this is great line value on Golden State at home and laying a small number. The Warriors just had their 11 game winning streak snapped on Saturday and likely were caught looking ahead to this game. The fact is that Golden State has been playing better defense than Cleveland. The Warriors are allowing an average of just 98 points per game their last 8 games. The Cavaliers are allowing an average of 109 points per game their last 6 games. Opponents are shooting 49% from the field in the Cavs last 5 games. The Warriors are allowing just 41% from the field their last 8 games. Defense is a big deal in games like this. Yes the Cavs want revenge from last year's finals but Golden State will be up for this game on Christmas Day, particularly after being held to just 81 points on Saturday on their home floor! Cleveland is just 3-11 ATS after scoring 115 points or more in their prior game. The Warriors are 30-5 SU (including 6-0 SU this season) when off of an upset loss as a favorite. GS was embarrassed on Saturday and they'll respond BIG here. 10* GOLDEN STATE |
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12-25-17 | 76ers +3 v. Knicks | 105-98 | Win | 100 | 4 h 4 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #701 Monday 8* Philadelphia 76'ers (+) @ New York Knicks @ 12:05 ET - Horrible stretch for the Sixers has seen them lose 11 of 14. Also, Philadelphia is on an ugly 2-12 ATS run. That said, why did they open up such a small dog for this early Christmas match-up at New York? Exactly! Don't be fooled here as this has the makings of an upset. The Knicks are 15-5 SU and ATS in home games this season and yet they opened up as a 1 point favorite here even though the Sixers have endured their roughest stretch of the season! It doesn't make sense does it? Precisely! This is another example of when it pays to be a contrarian. The last 4 meetings between these teams have been decided by a total of just 6 points. In other words, even at only 3 points, this is a fantastic underdog value. The Sixers are ticked off and ready to respond here after their worst defeat in awhile. Most of the 76ers losses had been tight but they got blown out at Toronto on Saturday and they'll make up for it here. 8* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-24-17 | Houston v. Fresno State +2 | Top | 27-33 | Win | 100 | 10 h 34 m | Show |
Christmas Eve Special - Rickenbach CFB Game #228 Sunday 10* Top Play Fresno State Bulldogs (+) vs Houston Cougars in Hawaii Bowl @ Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii @ 8:30 ET - The Bulldogs played at Hawaii in mid-November when they got a 31-21 win over the Warriors. Fresno State having already made the trip here for that game, plus having played in the Hawaii Bowl multiple times in the past, gives them an edge here. The Cougars are without their offensive coordinator for this game. That negates one of the edges they were anticipated to have here as Houston's offense was their advantage in this match-up. The fact is that the Bulldogs are the much stronger defense, they are motivated by recent bowl losses, and they have a significant coaching edge with Tedford over Applewhite. The Bulldogs are 9-1 ATS (including 5-0 ATS this season) in games against teams with a winning record. Also, Fresno State is 4-0 ATS the last 4 times they've been involved in games with a line between +3 and -3. The Cougars are 3-5 SU and ATS against Mountain West Conference opponents long-term while the Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS against teams from the American Athletic Conference. Coach Tedford has done great things with the Bulldogs in his first season here after coming over from Cal and they want to carry momentum right into next season with a big bowl win. Houston is at the other end of the spectrum and just not the same team they were under coach Tom Herman. The public perception is still "off" on these two teams and I'll step in and take advantage. 10* FRESNO STATE |
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12-24-17 | Seahawks +4 v. Cowboys | Top | 21-12 | Win | 100 | 7 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #127 Sunday 10* Top Play Seattle Seahawks (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - The Cowboys have won 3 straight games and they're getting Ezekiel Elliott back this week and they are at home. Dallas has become an "automatic play" for many public bettors as a result this week. After all, the public watched the Seahawks get destroyed by the Rams last week in Seattle. In fact, the Seahawks have now lost two straight games so everyone is very "anti-Seattle" at this point in time. The Seahawks are a long-term 50-32 ATS when off of back to back SU losses. Seattle is also a long-term 70-39 ATS in December games. The Cowboys are known for fading late in the season. Yes, they are off of 3 straight wins but those teams have a combined record of 14-28 on the season! That is noteworthy here because Dallas is facing a much tougher challenge this week and, when the Cowboys, in the 2nd half of a season, face a team with a winning record on the year they have gone an ugly 2-9 ATS! Dallas is a long-term 11-20 ATS and the value is with the very hungry underdog Seahawks here. After getting thoroughly embarrassed (at home no less!) last week, they are relishing this opportunity to take down "America's Team" at "Jerry's World". Grab the generous points here but you shouldn't need any! 10* SEATTLE |
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12-24-17 | Lions -3 v. Bengals | 17-26 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 34 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NFL Game #105 Sunday 8* Detroit Lions (+) @ Cincinnati Bengals @ 1 ET - The Lions are still in the hunt for a playoff spot and they won't let the hapless Bengals stand in their way. Cincinnati has lost 3 straight and has been blasted by an average margin of 18.7 points per game in those 3 defeats. The Bengals have scored just 7 points in each of their last two games and they've been held to 20 points or less in 6 of their last 7 games. By comparison, Detroit has scored at least 20 points in 7 straight games and has averaged 26 points per game during this hot streak that has seen them win 5 of 7. With this number down to a 3, there is a lot of value in taking the Lions with such a small spread to cover. In the 2nd half of a season, when facing a team with a losing record, Detroit is a long term 12-1 SU while the Bengals, when facing a team with a winning record, have gone 1-10 SU. That's a combined 22-2 SU factor favoring the Lions to win in this one! 8* DETROIT |
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12-24-17 | Falcons +6 v. Saints | 13-23 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 18 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NFL Game #115 Sunday 8* Atlanta Falcons (+) @ New Orleans Saints @ 1 ET - The Falcons are still in the hunt for a playoff spot and they have had the Saints number. Yes, this is a revenge game for New Orleans as they lost at Atlanta two weeks ago. However, that was their 3rd straight loss in this series as they were swept last season. Sometimes a team just has another teams number and lets not forget that the Falcons played in (and should have won) the Super Bowl last season. This Atlanta team won't quit here as this is a team on a mission. The Falcons are off of a non-covering win at Tampa Bay but they were in a poor scheduling spot as they were off of playing the Saints and Vikings and with another big game versus Saints and then a regular season finale versus the Panthers on deck. Prior to that ATS loss, Atlanta had covered 4 of their last 5 and they have SU wins in 5 of their last 6. The Falcons are a 6 point dog here and that is significant as they have only 1 loss by more than 6 points this season! New Orleans is on a 1-4 ATS run as the betting markets have over-valued them after their hot run. That appears to be the case again here and one glance at the injury report tells you that the Saints are the more banged up team too. New Orleans is 2-7 ATS when they are at home off of a double digit SU win. The Falcons are 9-1 ATS when off of a Monday game! 8* ATLANTA |
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12-24-17 | Dolphins v. Chiefs -10 | 13-29 | Win | 100 | 5 h 56 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NFL Game #120 Sunday 8* Kansas City Chiefs (-) vs Miami Dolphins @ 1 ET - A second straight cold weather game for the Dolphins and I expect them to struggle here just like they did in Buffalo. The Chiefs are playing their home finale and looking toward locking up the AFC West. There is no way that Kansas City comes out flat here even though they are are off back to back big divisional wins. The fact is that too much is at stake here for the Chiefs to be flat and their defensive dominance (known for that at Arrowhead Stadium) is likely to key the win. KC has forced 7 turnovers the past two weeks and Miami has turned the ball over 3 times or more in 4 of the past 5 weeks. As you can see from those numbers, the Dolphins are in trouble here and the average margin of their 8 losses this season is 17 points! So, yes the points look big here but don't worry about the Chiefs covering double digits. This should be complete dominance. The average yardage allowed by Kansas City in their last 4 home games is just 302 yards per game. The Dolphins defense, on the road, has allowed 431 yards per game in their last 3 games. Miami is 2-5 ATS on the road this season. The Chiefs are 7-3 ATS in games played on grass this season. Lay the big points! 8* KANSAS CITY |
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12-23-17 | Vikings v. Packers +9 | Top | 16-0 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
NFC North Game of the Year NFL Game #104 Saturday 10* Top Play Green Bay Packers (+) vs Minnesota Vikings @ 8:30 ET - The Packers certainly have had their share of ups and downs without Aaron Rodgers at the controls but one thing is for certain, there has been no quit in this Green Bay team. The Packers continue to battle hard including road losses by just a single possession at Carolina and Pittsburgh! Yes, Minnesota has been ultra hot this season but here the Vikings are laying more than a TD on the road in very cold conditions where points could be at a premium. You know the Packers would love nothing more than to knock off a hated division rival in a big upset and there is no doubt Green Bay is going to be up emotionally for this game. GB is attempting to avenge the 13 point loss at Minnesota earlier this season. The Packers are on a 6-3 ATS run when playing with revenge and also an 8-3 ATS run in December games. In road games with a posted total between 38.5 and 42 points, the Vikings are on a 1-6 ATS run. In true road games this season (played Browns at neutral site), Minnesota is 4-2 SU and the average margin of their 4 wins was 5.75 points with not a single win by more than 8 points! That creates fantastic value here and the hungry Packers are in this one all the way! 10* GREEN BAY |
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12-23-17 | Appalachian State v. Toledo -6.5 | Top | 34-0 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 25 m | Show |
Bowl Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #226 Saturday 10* Top Play Toledo Rockets (-) vs Appalachian State Mountaineers @ 7 ET in Dollar General Bowl in Mobile, AL - The Rockets seek revenge from last year's 31-28 loss to the Mountaineers in bowl action. Of course you can't just blindly play revenge. However, in this case it plays very well because Toledo is the much stronger team in my opinion. Appalachian State played one of the weakest schedules in the nation and lets not forget they lost on the road at Massachusetts and Louisiana Monroe this season! Those two teams each ended the season with 4-8 records. The Rockets hold big edges over Appalachian State in terms of offense and on special teams. Also, the Mountaineers pass defense got picked apart by Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Monroe and they face a much tougher challenge here. The Rockets are averaging 220 yards per game on the ground this season while also throwing for nearly 300 yards per game! Appalachian State is 0-6 SU (and only 2-4 ATS) the last 6 times they've been an underdog and I like the fact this line has now dipped below a 7 as of gameday morning. The Rockets are a long-term 31-16 ATS as a favorite in a range of 3.5 to 10 points. 10* TOLEDO |
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12-23-17 | Army v. San Diego State -6.5 | 42-35 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 22 m | Show | |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CFB Game #224 Saturday 8* San Diego State Aztecs (-) vs Army Black Knights @ 3:30 ET in Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, TX - Both teams are run-dominated but what I like about San Diego State here is that head coach Rocky Long is known for great success when facing option-based offenses. Long has gone 11-1 SU (and 8-4 ATS) when facing an opponent that runs the option. Army was fortunate to defeat Navy two weeks ago but that win still resonates with the betting markets and is helping to keep this line lower than it should be. The Aztecs are the superior team and finished up the season with a 4-0 SU and ATS run with no win by less than a margin of 19 points! San Diego State has won in blowouts in their bowl games each of the past two seasons and I expect another here. Army is 3-21 SU (and 8-16 ATS) long-term when facing a Mountain West opponent. The Aztecs are 19-3 SU (and 16-5 ATS) when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 or more games. That means we have combined angles (from all of the above) of 44-17 (72%) ATS supporting backing the fave in this one! 8* SAN DIEGO STATE |
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12-23-17 | Harvard v. George Washington -4.5 | 48-58 | Win | 100 | 3 h 28 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - CBB Game #530 Saturday 8* George Washington Colonials (-) vs Harvard Crimson @ Noon ET - Crimson guard Bryce Aiken is questionable for this game with a knee injury and he is their leading scorer. Harvard forward Robert Baker is also questionable for this game and he is part of the regular rotation for the Crimson. Being short-handed and a little banged up is not good news for a Harvard team playing on short rest (they beat Boston University Thursday). As for the Colonials, they bounced back from a pair of poor shooting efforts to knock off New Hampshire on Wednesday. Certainly the win was not that impressive but getting that victory gets this team headed back in the right direction and George Washington has played a much tougher schedule than Harvard so that is a big plus here. The Crimson are 6-17 SU the last 23 times they've been an underdog. So odds point heavily toward the Colonials getting the SU win here and covering the small number should not be a problem. Harvard is 1-3 ATS in games with a postd total in the 120s. GW is 3-1 ATS in home games with a posted total in the 120s. The fave rolls here. 8* GEORGE WASHINGTON |
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12-22-17 | Central Michigan +3.5 v. Wyoming | 14-37 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 24 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #219 Friday 8* Central Michigan Chippewas (+) vs Wyoming Cowboys in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl @ Albertson's Stadium in Boise, ID @ 4 PM ET - The big news here is that Cowboys QB Josh Allen will play. The earliest lines on this game had it at a pick'em but now Wyoming is -3.5 as of gameday morning. I love the value with the underdog here. Keep in mind, Allen's shoulder is not 100%. His performance this season also was not that impressive. I know he has the size and some skill sets that have the NFL scouts enamored but others tell it like it is that his field vision and accuracy both are lacking...the latter of which won't be helped by a sore shoulder! Of course the Cowboys aren't exactly loaded with talent around him and that has also hurt Allen. The bottom line is that Central Michigan has the better offense here as they averaged 392.1 yards per game compared to just 286.9 for Wyoming. While some may expect the Cowboys to bounce back after their upset loss at San Jose State as a huge favorite in their regular season finale, Wyoming is actually 0-7 ATS as a fave of more than 3 points when off of a straight up loss as a favorite. Also, the Cowboys are 1-5 ATS when facing an opponent off of a straight up win as an underdog. The Chips knocked off Northern Illinois as a small dog in their regular season finale. That brings the Chippewas to 5-0 SU and ATS in their last 5 games. Wyoming is on an 0-2 ATS run. Add up all the ATS factors and streaks here and you have a 19-1 (95%) ATS spot favoring the underdog! Grab the points! 8* CENTRAL MICHIGAN |
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12-22-17 | Temple +3 v. Georgia | 66-84 | Loss | -109 | 5 h 14 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #819 Friday 8* Temple Owls (+) @ Georgia Bulldogs @ 1 ET - The Owls are the more rested team as they've been off since Saturday. The Bulldogs will be playing for the 2nd time since Saturday and they also are off of a huge, emotional win over Georgia Tech Tuesday. Of course beating the rival Yellow Jackets is always important to Georgia and they could be a little flat for this game as a result. The early start time won't help them either. As for Temple, they are 7-3 on the season with a pair of those losses coming by just 4 points each. Many of the Bulldogs wins this season have been tight ones and the 3 points here for the Owls is offering great value as I expect an outright upset but should Temple fall short I expect it to be by just a single possession. The well-rested Owls are 4-1 ATS when they enter a game with 5 or 6 days of rest between games. Also, Temple is 5-0 SU (and 3-0 ATS) when they enter a game having failed to cover the spread in each of their three prior lined games. The Bulldogs put forth a great effort on defense in their win over the Yellow Jackets and that could leave them a little spent here. Georgia is 4-11 ATS in recent seasons (and 51-80 ATS long-term) when off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. 8* TEMPLE |
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12-21-17 | South Alabama v. Tulane -10 | 73-77 | Loss | -110 | 4 h 38 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash Day Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #512 Thursday 8* Tulane Green Wave (-) vs South Alabama Jaguars @ 1 ET - I realize that the Jags are 7-1 ATS on the season but this line is double digits for a reason! South Alabama has lost all 4 of its road games and averaged just 63 points per game in those contests. The Green Wave have won all 6 of their home games and have averaged an impressive 87.2 points per game in those contests. Tulane also is rolling with momentum after outscoring Nicholls 48-24 in the 2nd half of their game on Monday evening. That was a big comeback win for the Green Wave and they'll be some carryover to this early afternoon game Thursday. Tulane is fully focused on remaining perfect on their home floor heading into the Christmas Break. The Jaguars just don't have the firepower to keep up. The Green Wave have proven difficult to defend early this season and this is a tough match-up for a South Alabama team projected to finish near the very bottom of the Sun Belt Conference this season. 8* TULANE |
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12-20-17 | North Texas +9.5 v. Georgetown | 63-75 | Loss | -104 | 10 h 18 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash Eve Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #735 Wednesday 8* North Texas Mean Green (+) @ Georgetown Hoyas @ 7 ET - The Hoyas are off of a tough OT loss to Syracuse Saturday and that was their first loss of the season. However, Georgetown is truly nothing special. They have simply played a very weak schedule. In fact, the Hoyas strength of schedule so far this season is weaker than that of the Mean Green. North Texas is rejuvenated under new head coach Grant McCastand. There were some early season growing pains but they've already gotten those out of the way and the Mean Green are off of a big OT win at San Diego on Saturday. While normally one may look to fade a team off of a game like that, keep in mind, this program is in an early growth phase under McCastand and this is their final game until after Christmas. The Mean Green are excited about the opportunity to take on Georgetown in the nation's capital and the points are too much here for the Hoyas. Yes, the home team may "hang on" for the win here but North Texas is very talented and the win at San Diego was a huge confidence builder for this team. The Hoyas schedule has been so weak that 3 games were non-lined and 4 games had them favored by 20 or more. Note that Georgetown's only two challenging games this season saw them lose by 7 and win by 6. This will be another "challenging" game here and I expect it to be decided by single digits. The Mean Green are 5-1 ATS this season. The Hoyas are on a 10-25 ATS run in home games including 0-5 ATS this season. 8* NORTH TEXAS |
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12-20-17 | St. Joe's +8 v. St. John's | Top | 73-77 | Win | 100 | 9 h 9 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #747 Wednesday 10* St Joseph's Hawks (+) vs St John's Red Storm @ 4:30 ET @ Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT in Basketball Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase - The Red Storm are 9-2 this season but the 5-5 Hawks have played the tougher schedule so far this season. Also, St John's really misses guard Marcus LoVett in a game like this. The Red Storm have not been shooting the ball well at all. They've been held under 39.7% from the field in 3 straight games. It is hard to cover a big spread when the shots aren't falling and now this game is being played on a neutral floor. St Joseph's is not without their own issues but certainly they've been ultra-competitive this season and I feel they are being vastly undervalued by the betting markets in this one. 3 of the Hawks last 4 losses have come by 6 points or less. The only exception was a blowout loss versus Villanova and, of course, St John's is no Villanova! Look for scrappy St Joseph's to be in this one all the way and improve to 6-3 ATS when facing a team that allows 64 points or less per game. In the process the Hawks will improve to 21-12 ATS the last 33 times they've been an underdog. St John's is an ugly 3-10 SU and 3-9 ATS in games played on a neutral court! 10* ST JOSEPH'S |
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12-20-17 | Bradley v. SE Missouri State +5 | 75-67 | Loss | -110 | 7 h 51 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash Day Game - Rickenbach CBB Game #752 Wednesday 8* Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (+) vs Bradley Braves @ 2 ET - The Redhawks are seeking revenge for a tough loss at Bradley last season. Despite having 13 more shots from the field and winning the turnover battle 15-5, Southeast Missouri State lost to the Braves by 6. I expect payback here at home as Bradley had high hopes for Antoine Pittman coming into this campaign and he is now out for the season. Pittman often covered the opponents best player. Also, JoJo McGlaston (another starter) is currently out due to suspension. I know Bradley has the better record in comparing these two teams early this season but the Redhawks have played just as tough of a schedule as the Braves and Bradley continues to have trouble with turnovers. They are turning it over 17 times a game on the road this season while Southeast Missouri State is averaging just 11 turnovers a game at home. Also, the Redhawks got dominated on the boards by the Braves last season but 6'9 freshmen Justin Carpenter is already having a huge impact for the Hawks early this season and that continues here. Bradley is 5-10 ATS (and 4-11 SU!) in recent seasons in games against teams that average 77 points or more per game. A lot of points expected here and the Redhawks are 22-9 ATS (including 5-1 ATS this season) in games with a posted total in the 140s. 8* SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE |
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12-19-17 | Northern Kentucky +14.5 v. Texas A&M | Top | 58-64 | Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #523 Tuesday 10* Top Play Northern Kentucky (+) @ Texas A & M @ 8 ET - Not a lot of respect being given here to a Northern Kentucky team that made a huge run last March and returned most of that team this season. I realize the Norse have played a weaker schedule than the Aggies have. I also realize that Northern Kentucky is off of a disappointing loss at Maryland-Baltimore County. However, the Norse were likely looking ahead to this special opportunity tonight where they have a chance to knock off a top ten ranked team. Of course I am not forecasting an upset win here but I certainly do expect Northern Kentucky to stay within single digits in this one. Texas A & M has a size edge of course but the loss of guard Admon Gilder for this one is significant plus big man Robert Williams is questionable for this game. The Aggies still have enough depth to get the win here but I don't expect it to be a blowout. Keep in mind, the Norse loss to Kentucky in March came by just 9 points! In games with a posted total in the 140s Northern Kentucky is 5-1 ATS this season and 16-6 ATS all-time! As a road dog of 12.5 points or more, the Norse are 7-3 ATS all time! As a home fave of 12.5 points or more, the Aggies are 2-5 ATS in recent seasons and 18-28 ATS long-term. Too many points! Grab the value with the big dog for a big play. 10* NORTHERN KENTUCKY |
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12-19-17 | Kings +8.5 v. 76ers | 101-95 | Win | 100 | 10 h 26 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Tuesday 8* Sacramento Kings (+) @ Philadelphia 76ers @ 7:05 ET - Tough scheduling spot for the Sixers. Yes, Joel Embiid rested last night (he didn't even make the trip to Chicago) but the rest of his 76ers teammates gave all they could in a loss to the Bulls. Now off of back to back tight losses (lost in crazy multi-OT game to OKC Friday), Philadelphia is in a tough spot here. The Kings are playing for just the 2nd time since Thursday while the Sixers are playing for the 2nd time in 2 nights! Sacramento, like Philly, is off of back to back losses but the Kings are the more rested team and they haven't lost 3 straight in over a month. The Sixers have lost 6 of their last 7 and they are on a 2-9 ATS run! By the way, Philadelphia has not won a game by more than 6 points in over 3 weeks! I'll gladly grab the generous points being offered here. The Kings are 14-7 ATS in Tuesday games and, even though the Sixers are in bounce back mode, they are 0-6 ATS this season when off of an upset loss as a favorite. 8* SACRAMENTO |
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12-18-17 | Celtics v. Pacers +3 | 112-111 | Win | 100 | 10 h 28 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #704 Monday 8* Indiana Pacers (+) vs Boston Celtics @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers are in a back to back spot here but one could argue they have quite a few edges here, including scheduling. Even though it is a back to back for Indiana they are at home playing with revenge and they catch the Celtics playing their 6th game in 9 days. Also, Boston is off of a win but has not won back to back games the past two weeks. The Pacers have revenge from a 10 point loss to the Celtics in late November where Indiana blew a 13 point 3rd quarter lead. The key to the rematch is that the Pacers will have Victor Oladipo and they did not have him in the first meeting. Indiana is 8-4 SU and ATS when playing with revenge this season and 3-1 SU and ATS when playing with home loss revenge. Boston is off of a win and cover at Memphis but they have definitely cooled off since their red hot start to the season. Prior to the win over the Grizzlies, the Celtics had failed to cover 5 of their last 6 games. The Pacers have won and covered 11 of their last 16 games and they continue their hot run here! 8* INDIANA |
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12-17-17 | Cowboys v. Raiders +3 | 20-17 | Push | 0 | 10 h 9 m | Show | |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Game #330 Sunday 8* Oakland Raiders (+) vs Dallas Cowboys @ 8:30 ET - The Cowboys are off of a road win at New York but the Giants have clearly thrown in the towel on the season. The Raiders, despite a loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City last week, certainly don't fall into the same category as the Giants. The betting markets have moved this line from around a pick'em to now a -3 on Dallas and, keep in mind, that was their line last week at New York. So are you telling me the 6-7 Raiders are in the same category as the 2-11 Giants? No way...and this is absolutely the definition of line value. Sure the Cowboys are still fighting to keep playoff hopes alive but so too are the Raiders and there is no way Oakland is going to bring anything less than 100% in this situation. This is Oakland's home finale and the Raiders are off of a road loss and haven't lost back to back games since the first half of October. As for the Cowboys, they are off of back to back wins but only one time this entire season have they managed to win 3 straight. Also, in road games this season the Cowboys have defeated the Giants, Redskins, and 49ers but those teams all have 5 wins or less on the season. In fact the combined record of those teams is 10-29. The Raiders have 6 wins just like the Cardinals team that Dallas also defeated on the road earlier this season but the Cowboys were outgained by Arizona in that match-up. Couple that with the fact that the 'Boys other two road games this season saw them lose at Atlanta and Denver by a combined score of 69-24 and I like my chances here with a Raiders team whose backs are against the wall. Oakland is 8-1 ATS when off of a SU loss in divisional action (lost at KC last week). The Raiders are also 4-1 ATS after facing the Chiefs. Dallas is on a 2-6-1 ATS run in games played in the final 4 weeks of a season. Fade the masses! 8* OAKLAND |
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12-17-17 | Cavs +2 v. Wizards | 106-99 | Win | 100 | 7 h 41 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #807 Sunday 8* Cleveland Cavaliers (+) @ Washington Wizards @ 6:05 ET - Everyone is taking Washington here as the line has made a big move. I understand this is a back to back for Cleveland but here is no denying that LeBron James and company are in the zone right now! The Cavaliers win versus the Jazz last night makes them 17-1 their last 18 games and I am happy to take them as a dog here after they opened up as the favorite. The Cavs are 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS as an underdog this season! The Wizards are only 5-12 ATS as a favorite and I find it hard to trust a team that is only 6-5 SU against teams with a winning record this season. By comparison, the Cavaliers are 7-3 both SU and ATS against teams with a winning record on the season. Washington is only 4-9 ATS in home games this season and they are getting too much respect here. The Wizards are off of back to back wins but faced the struggling Grizzlies and Clippers. Prior to those two wins Washington had lost 8 of 13. Also, the Wizards are on a 6-9 ATS run and now taking on the hottest team in the league. 8* CLEVELAND |
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12-17-17 | San Francisco v. Stanford -7 | 59-71 | Win | 100 | 5 h 27 m | Show | |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #820 Sunday 8* Stanford Cardinal (-) vs San Francisco Dons @ 6 ET - The Dons are 6-3 on the season while the Cardinal have a losing record. However, Stanford has played a much tougher schedule. Couple that with the fact that Stanford is at home for this one and coming off of a win and I look for the Cardinal to get a big win here and build some momentum heading into much tougher games up ahead. Stanford is motivated to get back to .500 on the season before facing Kansas before Christmas and then starting their Pac-12 schedule immediately after the Christmas break. The Dons are 9-29 SU long-term when they are a road dog of 6.5 to 9 points while the Cardinal are 36-11 SU long-term when they are a home fave of 6.5 to 9 points. With that said, a home win is likely but, what about the cover? San Francisco's 3 losses this season have all come by 7 points or more with an average margin of defeat of 12.3 points. As for Stanford, all 6 of their wins this season have come by 9 points or more and only 1 of their 7 defeats came by less than 8 points. As you can see, odds favor a home win and a big margin. I'll take it. 8* STANFORD |
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12-17-17 | Patriots v. Steelers +3 | Top | 27-24 | Push | 0 | 8 h 8 m | Show |
AFC Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #326 Sunday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Steelers (+) vs New England Patriots @ 4:25 ET - The Steelers have won 8 straight games. Clearly Pittsburgh was looking ahead to this game as they struggled to get past the Ravens last week. Even though that was a divisional game for the Steelers they have been talking about this match with the Patriots for many weeks now. The Pats beat them in the regular season last year when the Steelers were without Ben Roethlisberger and then the Patriots eliminated them from the post-season with a big January win in Foxboro. This time however the Steelers host and this time Pittsburgh has a simply massive edge on defense. New England actually ranks as one of the worst defenses in the league this season while the Steelers are up near the top of the league as usual. This will prove to be a big difference-maker in this match-up. The Steelers offense has been "clicking" to say the least and Pittsburgh put up 39 points against the Ravens last week. The Steelers are 6-1 ATS when off of a game where they scored more than 35 points. Pittsburgh is 12-6 SU and 10-5 ATS in games with a line between +3 and -3. The Patriots are 1-3 ATS as a road fave of 3 points or less and they lost all 3 of those games outright! I expect another outright loss here as the Steelers get their revenge but I'll gladly grab the available points. 10* PITTSBURGH |
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12-17-17 | Rams +1.5 v. Seahawks | Top | 42-7 | Win | 100 | 8 h 51 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NFL Game #323 Sunday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Rams (+) @ Seattle Seahawks @ 4:05 ET - The Seahawks won the first meeting (in Los Angeles) despite being outgained by 134 yards. The key for Seattle was being +3 in turnovers. Not only was that a bit of a "phony final" the fact is that this is a very tough spot for the Seahawks as they had to travel all the way down to Florida for last week's game - a loss at Jacksonville. Seattle still holds the attention of the public due to their long-term success (particularly at home). However, the Seahawks only real home win of note this season was against the Eagles and Seattle was outgained by over 100 yards in that victory too. Again the Hawks benefited from turnovers in that one. This is still a Seattle defense that is hurting due to the loss of Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman to injury. The Rams come into this game hungry off of a home loss to those same Eagles. Look for Los Angeles to get their revenge here as they are 5-1 SU in road games this season. The Seahawks have struggled in games projected to be tight ones as they are 1-4 SU and ATS in games with a line between +3 and -3 this season. The Rams are a stellar 10-1 ATS when they are on the road in divisional action after scoring 35 or more points in their prior game! After the high-scoring loss to the Eagles last week, LA takes out their frustration on an over-rated Seattle team that is not as strong as they've been in the past. 10* LOS ANGELES RAMS |
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12-17-17 | Dolphins v. Bills -3 | 16-24 | Win | 100 | 5 h 22 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash Side - Rickenbach NFL Game #314 Sunday 8* Buffalo Bills (-) vs Miami Dolphins @ 1 ET - The Dolphins are off of a huge upset win over the Patriots on Monday night. As impressive as that was, one should not lose sight of the fact that Miami had turned the ball over 11 times in their 3 prior games. Also, the Dolphins have won just once in their last six games away from home and those 5 losses came by an average margin of 23.2 points per defeat! The Bills are 5-2 at home this season and battling hard to stay alive in the playoff race. This is their home finale and with a tough game at New England on deck before traveling to Miami for their regular season finale, Buffalo knows that a sweep of the Dolphins is likely essential to their playoff hopes. The Fins won both games from the Bills last season and Buffalo is ready for revenge this season. It begins with this match-up. Miami is a long-term 13-28 ATS after playing on Monday Night Football. The Bills are a long-term 43-24 ATS in home games with a posted total between 38.5 and 42 points. The Dolphins are also 1-6 ATS when they are on the road off of back to back SU wins and now facing an opponent with a winning record. The Bills are favored by 3.5 in some spots and that is noteworthy here as Buffalo is 5-0 ATS when favored by more than 3 points against a divisional foe that is off of an upset win as an underdog. The back to back wins for Miami including the big upset win over the Pats and the fact it is a short week for the Dolphins combine to make this a great spot for the Bills. 8* BUFFALO |
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12-16-17 | Chargers v. Chiefs | Top | 13-30 | Loss | -108 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
AFC West Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #305 Saturday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Chargers (-) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:25 ET - The Chargers and Chiefs both have solid offenses (particularly in the passing game). However, they key to the value here is that Los Angeles is much better in terms of pass defense in comparison with Kansas City. Of course that is why you're seeing this line right around a pick'em despite the fact that the Chiefs have won 7 straight in this series and also have the home field edge here! Don't be fooled, the Chargers are priced this way for a reason and I am jumping all over them in this spot. KC finally got back into the win column last week but they had previously lost 4 straight games. As for red hot LA, they come into his game having won 4 straight games! The Chargers are a long-term 15-7 SU (and ATS) as a road fave of 3 points or less. Los Angeles is also on an 8-4 ATS run when playing with revenge. LA has averaged 32.8 points per game their last 4 games. The Chiefs have averaged only 18.6 points per game their last 5 games. The Chargers pass defense has allowed only 181.5 passing yards per game their last 4 games while the Chiefs pass defense has given up 248.5 passing yards per game on the season! Kansas City was on a 1-6 SU and ATS run prior to last week's win versus Oakland and I don't see them getting two straight wins over very hungry division rivals! 10* LOS ANGELES CHARGERS |
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12-16-17 | Clippers v. Heat -6 | Top | 85-90 | Loss | -108 | 9 h 25 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #508 Saturday 10* Miami Heat (-) vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 8:05 ET - The Heat and Clippers are both in a back to back spot here but Miami certainly has the advantage of being at home while the Clips are playing their 3rd straight road game and have a big Western Conference match-up with the Spurs at San Antonio on deck. The Clippers have covered 4 straight games but they've done it with some smoke and mirrors as they were held under 38.9% from the field for the 2nd time in 3 games yesterday. As for the Heat, they have shot 50.5% from the field in their last 5 games. The Clippers have a number of injury issues while the Heat have certainly had to grow use to playing without Hassan Whiteside so that adjustment has already taken place as he has missed a lot of time this season. The Heat have played the tougher schedule on the season which makes their superior record even that much better than the Clippers losing record. By the way, Miami is 9-0 SU (and 7-2 ATS) in games against teams with a losing record this season. Also, the Heat are on a 21-13 ATS run when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Los Angeles is 0-4 SU (and 1-3 ATS) this season when playing the 2nd night of a back to back. The Clips are 3-11 SU as an underdog this season and that holds plenty of significance here as the Heat have failed to get the cover just ONCE (and that was by HALF A POINT) when they get a SU win. In other words, when the Heat have won, odds are strong they also cover. More of the same here. 10* MIAMI |
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12-16-17 | Oregon +2 v. Fresno State | Top | 68-61 | Win | 100 | 7 h 59 m | Show |
Non-Conf Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #557 Saturday 10* Top Play Oregon Ducks (+) @ Fresno State Bulldogs @ 6 ET - The Bulldogs top player, Jaron Hopkins, is dealing with a back injury. Even if he plays he won't be as effective as usual and he led Fresno State in scoring, assists and steals last season plus he was on the MWC all-defensive team. Suffice to say he is a very important player. Even though Oregon has dropped off from last season's level they are still projected to rank among the top five teams in the Pac-12 when all is said and done. By comparison, Fresno State WITH a healthy Hopkins is projected to finish in the top five of the Mountain West Conference. Of course I'll take the Pac-12 over the MWC any day of the week and I also like the fact that the Ducks have been the much better team on defense early this season. Oregon is allowing only 37.8% from the field and 29.3% from three point land while the Bulldogs are allowing 43.5% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc. There have only been 3 games this season where Fresno State was "challenged". In the two games they were favored by less than 7 points they failed to cover each time plus lost one of them outright. In the one game where the Bulldogs were an underdog they lost by 8. The gap may have closed on these teams but, especially with Hopkins hurting, there is still a gap and the Ducks will prevail. 10* OREGON |
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12-16-17 | Marshall v. Colorado State -3.5 | Top | 31-28 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #208 Saturday 10* Top Play Colorado State Rams (-) vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 4:30 ET @ Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, NM in New Mexico Bowl - Marshall certainly has been the popular choice here as the markets have pushed the Rams line all the way down to just 3.5 as of early game day morning. I love the value here we're getting with Colorado State. Trend players are all over the Thundering Herd because they have good recent history in the bowls and because the Rams don't! Also, Colorado State failed to cover their final 6 games of the regular season. However, that big Rams win over Fresno State by 28 points in the season finale did wonders for the confidence of this team heading into this bowl match-up. Also, even though their offensive coordinator has left to join Tennessee, the strength of the Rams is the offense and they'll be just fine here. The issue for CSU this season has been the defense but I expect an absolutely huge effort from the D in this one because Colorado State's defensive coordinator (Marty English) will be coaching the final game of his career! Look for every Rams defender to have a great "motor" in this game as a result as they go hard all game long to send English out the right way! Keep in mind, Marshall lost 4 of their last 5 games and they have a lot more questions on their injury report than do the Rams heading into this one. Colorado State averages a full TD more per game than the Thundering Herd do. Marshall's edge here, in normal circumstances, would be the defense but I expect CSU to step up big given this situation. Also, the fact the Rams have lost 3 straight bowls has them highly motivated here and they're use to playing in Albuquerque while this is certainly an unusual location for Marshall. The Thundering Herd are 2-4 ATS when they enter a game off of 2 or more consecutive SU losses. The Rams are a long-term 8-4 ATS against CUSA foes and also did face the tougher schedule this season. Fade the masses and lay the points here! 10* COLORADO STATE |
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12-16-17 | Bears v. Lions -4.5 | 10-20 | Win | 100 | 8 h 10 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NFL Game #303 Saturday 8* Detroit Lions (-) vs Chicago Bears @ 4:30 ET - Sure the Bears numbers looked great last week at Cincinnati but they caught the Bengals off of a heart-breaking loss to the division rival Steelers. Cincy was about as flat as a team could be last week and give Chicago credit for taking advantage. However, the Bears now take on a Lions team that is in a fight to stay alive in the playoff race and I don't expect Chicago to be able to keep up here. Detroit has averaged 27 points in their last 6 games. By comparison, the Bears had averaged 14.3 points per game in their 6 games prior to the big win against a deflated Cincinnati team. That big margin of victory last week for Chicago has led to exceptional line value here as the Lions are the vastly superior team. Keep in mind, the Bears had averaged just 244.7 TOTAL yards per game their 6 prior games. The Lions are averaging 268.2 PASSING yards per game on the season. Chicago may hang around for a little bit in this game but the Lions will pull away as the game goes on and that makes the small number here a very manageable one. Detroit is 12-4 SU (and 11-5 ATS) when facing a team with a losing record. The Bears are playing with revenge here but have gone 0-6 SU (and 1-5 ATS) in that situation! 8* DETROIT |
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12-16-17 | Georgia State +7 v. Western Kentucky | 27-17 | Win | 100 | 8 h 46 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFB Game #203 Saturday 8* Georgia State Panthers (+) vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers @ 2:30 ET @ Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL in the Cure Bowl - The Hilltoppers are getting all the attention here with this line being driven up to a 7 as of game day morning. In my opinion, Western Kentucky is being vastly over-valued. The Hilltoppers are horrible running the ball (2.1 ypc) and also allowed 3.5 sacks per game. They just don't hold enough of an edge to justify being a full TD favorite here. There was a concern about Panthers WR Penny Hart but Georgia State's leading receiver (foot injury) has been upgraded to probable for this game. It is Western Kentucky that has been bit by the injury bug this season and the Hilltoppers did lose 4 of their last 5 games The Panthers won 3 of their last 5 games and they lost their season finale because of turnovers as Georgia State did outgain Idaho by 60 yards in that 24-10 loss. The Hilltoppers have had 3 weeks off and are likely to be the rustier team compared to a Panthers team that has just had 2 weeks off. Western Kentucky is on a 3-8 ATS run in non-conference games including 0-3 ATS this season. Also, as a favorite this season, the Hilltoppers have gone an ugly 1-6 ATS. The Panthers enter this game off of back to back SU losses and that is a situation that has seen them respond by going 7-2 ATS! Look for another cover here! 8* GEORGIA STATE |
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12-16-17 | Butler +7 v. Purdue | 67-82 | Loss | -105 | 2 h 17 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #595 Saturday 8* Butler Bulldogs (+) @ Purdue Boilermakers @ Noon ET - A lot of pressure on the Boilermakers here as they haven't been able to get over the hump against the Bulldogs. Maybe this indeed will be the year they finally do it but this line is still a generous one that is offering great value on big dog Butler. In other words, a non-covering win for Purdue would not surprise. The Bulldogs shooting has been red hot in December and that makes for a very dangerous dog. Both teams have been hot but the Boilermakers have not been covering at the rate that Butler has. What says a lot about Purdue is that this will be their toughest challenge since they faced Maryland as a 3.5 point favorite. Though the Boilermakers did get the cover, they only won the game by 5 points despite shooting 51% from the field while the Terrapins shot just 35% from the field. That says a lot right there! Also, Purdue is on a 1-5 ATS and SU run versus Butler. The Bulldogs are an incredible 77-37 SU (and 73-37 ATS) long-term in neutral court games. 8* BUTLER |
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12-15-17 | Dartmouth v. Illinois-Chicago -7 | 60-76 | Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #824 Friday 8* Illinois-Chicago Flames (-) vs Dartmouth Big Green @ 8 ET - Both teams have disappointed early this season but this looks like the perfect spot for the Flames to turn it around. The Big Green annually are one of the worst teams in the Ivy League and, once again, they are projected to finish dead last this season. On the other hand, the Flames are projected to be one of the top teams in the Horizon League this season. Though UIC is currently without point guard Tarkus Ferguson, they have a lot more depth than Dartmouth does. That is significant here because the Big Green being without forward Evan Boudreaux and guard Guilien Smith is absolutely a big deal. Illinois-Chicago has yet to cover a game this season but they certainly have played a tougher schedule than Dartmouth. In fact, nearly of the games for the Big Green have been non-lined match-ups. UIC is 6-2 ATS in recent seasons (and 41-25 ATS long-term) when they enter a game with rest of 5 or 6 days between games. Dartmouth is 2-10 ATS in recent seasons (and 6-18 ATS long-term) in games with a posted total in the 140s. The Big Green simply won't be able to keep with the hungry Flames here. 8* ILLINOIS-CHICAGO |
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12-14-17 | Valparaiso +10.5 v. Northwestern | 50-84 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 7 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #511 Thursday 8* Valparaiso Crusaders (+) @ Northwestern Wildcats @ 8 ET - Northwestern just absolutely destroyed Chicago State 96-31 Monday. As for Valparaiso, they started the season 8-0 but have now lost 2 straight including a blowout defeat at Purdue by 30 points. As a result, it is no surprise that the Wildcats have gone from an opener of -8 to as high as a -10.5 in most spots as of early Thursday morning. Even though the Crusaders are without Tevonn Walker, they still have plenty of firepower to hang around in this one against a Northwestern team that will be feeling a little too good about themselves after their win by a ridiculous 65 point margin to begin this week. Keep in mind, the Wildcats have played 10 games this season and only 1 of them was a lined game that was decided by more than 9 points. That being the blowout win over Chicago State this week. In other words (and especially with a game at DePaul on deck for Saturday), the Cats are getting way too much respect from the betting markets here. Northwestern is on a 6-10 ATS run in home games with a posted total between 140 and 144.5 points. Also, this season, the Wildcats are a poor 1-5 ATS when off of a non-conference game. Valparaiso is 5-2 ATS this season and certainly use to winning. Off of back to back losses I expect them to respond in a big way here! The Crusaders are 28-15 SU against teams with a winning record and I am glad to grab the double digits here! 8* VALPARAISO |
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12-13-17 | Blazers +3 v. Heat | Top | 102-95 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #709 Wednesday 10* Top Play Portland Trail Blazers (+) @ Miami Heat @ 7:35 ET - The Trail Blazers are hungry as they have lost 5 straight games. Portland has played better in their last 2 games and covered both of those. In fact, the Blazers are now 16-8 ATS when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Miami is off of back to back SU wins but they are 0-4 ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 or more games this season. Also, the Heat are also 0-3 ATS this season when they enter a game on an ATS winning streak of 2 games or more. Miami has not fared well at home this season as they've covered just 2 of 11 games as a host this season! The Heat were a small dog at Memphis Monday and they got the outright win. Miami is 1-4 ATS this season when off of an upset win as an underdog. The Heat have covered only 3 of 10 as a favorite this season. Miami also has a divisional game on deck at Charlotte and could look right past this non-conference match-up. Portland will absolutely not look past the Heat here as the Blazers are hungry to end their longest losing streak of the season. The road team is 24-15 ATS long-term in the meetings between these teams and the hungry road dog gets the cash again here! 10* PORTLAND |
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12-13-17 | Thunder +1.5 v. Pacers | 100-95 | Win | 100 | 12 h 3 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #705 Wednesday 8* Oklahoma City Thunder (+) @ Indiana Pacers @ 7:05 ET - The Thunder have failed to cover 9 games in a row and are 3-10 SU away from home this season while Indiana is 10-4 SU at home. That said, how is that the odds makers opened this one up at Oklahoma City -1? Exactly! Don't be fooled ladies and gentlemen. The odds makers know what they are doing and yet the betting markets are already helping us with the line move now having the Pacers as the favorite by 1.5 points. Of course this is the return of Paul George to Indiana and you know Russell Westbrook and all of his Thunder teammates are going to do everything they can to help the return to be a victorious one! Even though OKC defeated Indiana in late October in the first meeting between these teams, George only played 19 minutes due to foul trouble and ended up fouling out in just 19 minutes of action. Even with that, the Thunder still won that game by 18 points and they are hungry again tonight for another big win due to having lost 7 of their last 12 games overall. The Pacers are off of a big win and that holds significance here as they are 2-5 ATS when off of a win by a double digit margin this season. Indiana is also on an 8-16 ATS run against Northwest Division opponents. OKC is off of an ugly loss and they are 20-11 SU and 19-12 ATS when off of a loss by double digits. Also, the Thunder are 3-0 SU this season (30-13 SU long-term) when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. Look for the Thunder to improve to 5-1 SU against Central Division foes on the season. 8* OKLAHOMA CITY |
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12-13-17 | NC-Wilmington v. NC-Greensboro -7.5 | 58-71 | Win | 100 | 9 h 47 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #728 Wednesday 8* UNC Greensboro Spartans (-) vs UNC Wilmington Seahawks @ 7 ET - Both these teams were projected to fall from their usual respective positions near the top of their conferences. However, the Seahawks returned just 1 starter and have clearly fallen even further than the Spartans who returned 3 starters from last season's team. UNC Wilmington has a little more name recognition since they play in the Colonial Athletic Association. That said, the odds makers certainly weren't stupid when they made UNC Greensboro, a Southern Conference opponent, a double digit fave in this one. Yet the markets have clearly over-reacted as they've been pounding the Seahawks and driving this line all the way down to as a low as a -7 for the Spartans as of early gameday morning. UNC Wilmington's defense has been atrocious this season with 92 points per game allowed on 50% shooting from the field. Conversely, UNC Greensboro is allowing only 59 points per game on 40% shooting from the field. Also, the Seahawks are allowing 41% three pointers while the Spartans are allowing only 28% from downtown! UNC Wilmington is 0-4 ATS this season overall. Also, as a road dog of 6.5 to 9 points, the Seahawks are a long-term 12-27 ATS! As for UNC Greensboro, they are 4-0 ATS overall this season plus on a 6-3 ATS run when off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. Also, in Spartans games with a posted total in the 160s, they are 4-1 ATS long-term. 8* UNC Greensboro |
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12-13-17 | Villanova v. Temple +9 | Top | 87-67 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
Philly Insider - Rickenbach CBB Game #720 Wednesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (+) vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Owls returned 4 starters from last season's team. The Wildcats are currently the #1 team in the nation. Temple would love nothing more than to get the upset of a Philly rival and #1 ranked team tonight at home at the Liacouras Center. While I feel the Owls will likely fall short in terms of that endeavor, I expect their defeat to be by only a bucket or two. With that said, tremendous home dog value here. Keep in mind, Temple has played a tough early season schedule. In fact, their strength of schedule so far this season does rank higher than that of the Wildcats. Villanova has dominated this match-up recently, including winning by 18.5 points per game in the past two meetings. However, it is with good reason that the odds makers opened this one up at "only" a -7 and yet the markets are driving this one higher which means even more value as the Owls are now available as high as a +9 as of gameday morning. Temple's defense has been solid and that will prove to be a key here against the high-flying Wildcats. The Owls are actually on a 12-2 ATS run in their games against teams that average 77 points or more per game! The Owls are on an overall 20-11 ATS run as an underdog while Villanova is on a 4-10 ATS run in Wednesday games. While Temple has a Saturday game on deck, the Wildcats are off until NEXT Friday the 22nd after this game. Could the undefeated Cats get caught looking ahead to their long break that starts tomorrow? Absolutely! 10* TEMPLE |
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12-12-17 | Nuggets +7 v. Pistons | 103-84 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Tuesday 8* Denver Nuggets (+) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The Pistons have lost 6 straight games. Detroit is also an ugly 4-9 SU this season when facing teams with a winning record. We're getting line value here with the Nuggets because they haven't performed well on the road overall. I am glad to grab the big points being offered with a Denver team that is 8-4 SU in non-conference games this season. The Nuggets are also 5-1 SU this season after allowing 115 points or more and 7-1 SU this season when off of a loss by a double digit margin. Denver will be fired up after Sunday's loss at Indiana and the Nuggets have been shooting the ball much better than the Pistons. Detroit has been held under 44.4% from the field in 6 straight games and under 41.5% in four straight games! 8* DENVER |
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12-12-17 | Lakers +3.5 v. Knicks | Top | 109-113 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 19 m | Show |
ESPN Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Tuesday 10* Los Angeles Lakers (+) @ New York Knicks @ 7:05 ET - The Lakers are off of back to back wins plus playing for just the 3rd time in 9 days! Fresh legs and confidence are both on the side of Los Angeles in this one. They've had 2 full off days since winning by double digits at Charlotte Saturday. As for the Knicks, they barely hung on for a tight win Sunday versus Atlanta and they now will be playing for the 3rd time in just 4 days! Certainly New York's situation is much different than the favorable scheduling situation of LA here. Also, the Knicks have a divisional game against city rival Brooklyn on deck! NY is 1-4 ATS this month. Also, the Knicks are on a 26-44 SU run against Western Conference teams and also 13-33 SU run against teams that average 106 points or more per game. The Lakers are 42-29 ATS against Eastern Conference foes in recent seasons. Also, this season, Los Angeles is 3-0 ATS when off of a win by a double digit margin and LA is also 4-1 ATS when they enter a game on an under streak of 3 games or more. 10* LOS ANGELES LAKERS |
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12-12-17 | Columbia v. Boston College -11.5 | 66-81 | Win | 100 | 10 h 14 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #520 Tuesday 8* Boston College Eagles (-) vs Columbia Lions @ 7 ET - The knee-jerk reaction from most here will be to fade the Eagles since they just topped the #1 team in the nation (Duke) on Saturday. However, the key to the value here is the line has already been adjusted for that and the fact is that Columbia is annually one of the worst teams in the Ivy League. This is just their second season under coach Engles and he is a good coach but it is often not until the 3rd season that even a good, quality coach can get a poor team like the Lions turned around. Now, with their annual long Christmas break on deck, Columbia could get caught sleep-walking through this game. They are an ugly 1-9 on the season and the Eagles hot shooting against Duke is unlikely to cool here. Boston College has Central Connecticut State on deck so there is certainly no lookahead here. Look for the Eagles to build off the big win over the Blue Devils with another dominant win tonight. Columbia is 2-4 ATS in December games. The Eagles improve to 7-3 ATS in their last 10 lined Tuesday games. 8* BOSTON COLLEGE |
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12-11-17 | Patriots v. Dolphins +12 | Top | 20-27 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
Divisional Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #134 Monday 10* Top Play Miami Dolphins (+) vs New England Patriots @ 8:30 ET - The Patriots need one more win to clinch the AFC East and, indeed, the Pats are likely to get that here. However, they are vastly over-priced in my opinion. Of course this is what happens when you have the long-term reputation that New England does plus when you come into a game on an 8-game winning streak! Also, the Patriots have covered 6 straight games after a ridiculous ATS run last season (including the playoffs and their miracle Super Bowl comeback win). The point is that the Pats are highly regarded by the betting markets as a result and, in this case, they have become over-priced. Keep in mind, New England has a huge game on deck with the Steelers at Pittsburgh. The Patriots, though they would say otherwise, can't help but be peeking ahead at that showdown with the other top team in the AFC. Also, this is part of a stretch of 5 road games in 6 weeks and I feel it finally catches up with the Pats here. The Dolphins are 3-2 in home games this season and one defeat came by 10 points (despite a yardage edge for Miami of over 100 yards) and the other defeat came by just 3 points. The Patriots find a way to win this one but the Dolphins stay well within the inflated number! Miami is 9-2 ATS when they are at home against an AFC opponent on a winning streak of 3 games or more. Also, the Dolphins are 10-1 ATS when they are at home in a divisional game and they have a losing record and are playing with revenge against an opponent with a winning record. The Patriots are 1-4 ATS when on the road after a game in which they allowed less than 10 points. New England is also 0-7 ATS as road favorite of more than 8 points against an AFC opponent that has a winning percentage of .201 or greater on the season. Also, the Pats covered by double digits versus Buffalo last week and they are 2-11 ATS when playing in divisional action and off of a divisional game where they covered the spread by 10 or more points. Add it all up and you have angles that combine for 41-6 (87%) ATS supporting the Dolphins. 10* MIAMI |
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12-11-17 | Heat +1.5 v. Grizzlies | 107-82 | Win | 100 | 9 h 15 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #703 Monday 8* Miami Heat (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 8:05 ET - Even though the Heat are off of a game at Mexico City Saturday, this will be just the 3rd game in the past 8 days for Miami. They do have fresh legs. As for Memphis, they will be playing their 3rd game in just 4 days and things have not been going well for the Grizzlies. Memphis has lost 3 straight games and 14 of their last 15 games! The Heat are a small dog here and that is certainly noteworthy as they are a PERFECT 7-0 SU this season in games against teams with a losing record. Memphis is 1-7 SU and ATS in their games against teams with a losing record this season. 8* MIAMI |
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12-10-17 | Ravens v. Steelers -4.5 | 38-39 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 46 m | Show | |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Pittsburgh Steelers (-) vs Baltimore Ravens @ 8:30 ET - The Ravens have won 3 straight games and that certainly looks very impressive on the resume but they've benefited from 11 turnovers in those 3 games. Also, the combined record of 16-20 of those 3 opponents is certainly unimpressive. Baltimore faced Green Bay without Aaron Rodgers and Houston without Deshaun Watson and then beat the Lions by 24 despite only having a total yardage edge of just TWO yards in the game. The result is line value here as the Steelers should win this game by at least a TD. They blew out the Ravens in Baltimore earlier this season and it was no fluke as they won by 17 in a game they were up 19-0 at the half and a game in which Pittsburgh dominated the ground game. As an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points, Baltimore is 5-8 ATS and 1-12 SU so, as you can see, the likelihood of an upset here is remote. That is significant here because the Steelers are a long-term 51-30 ATS as a home fave of 3.5 to 7 points. Also, the Ravens are just 3-3 SU against teams with a winning record this season while the Steelers are 3-0 SU and ATS versus teams above .500 on the season. Baltimore has lost each of its past two games against the Steelers and that sets up an interesting system here. Entering this season Pittsburgh is 10-2 ATS when facing a divisional opponent off of a SU win that is now facing the Steelers with double revenge. Also, the Steelers entered the season 8-1 ATS when facing a divisional opponent that is off of a non-divisional game where they scored more than 35 points. As for the Ravens, they are an ugly 2-12 ATS when they enter a game with a winning record and are off of a non-divisional game and now facing a divisional opponent with a winning record. They already failed to get the cover in this scenario earlier this season versus the Steelers and I look for them to again fall short in the same scenario in the rematch. 8* PITTSBURGH |
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12-10-17 | Hawks v. Knicks -5 | Top | 107-111 | Loss | -106 | 8 h 10 m | Show |
Situational Slam - Rickenbach NBA Game #512 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Knicks (-) vs Atlanta Hawks @ 7:35 ET - Both teams are in a back to back but the Knicks will prove to the be hungrier team. The Hawks are off of a home win (albeit against an Orlando team that doesn't travel well) while New York is off of a tight 2-point road loss at Chicago and will be ready to respond here. The Knicks also have additional motivation as they lost at Atlanta earlier this season. Also, New York lost each of the final 3 meetings versus the Hawks last season by an average margin of only 2.7 points per defeat. Time for payback here and Atlanta is 0-5 SU in the 2nd game of back to backs this season. Also, the Hawks are 0-4 SU this season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. The Knicks are 6-1 SU (and ATS!) as a favorite this season. Also, New York is 11-5 SU and 12-4 ATS in their home games this season. The Knicks are hungry after the way yesterday's game ended and we'll see the response here. 10* NEW YORK KNICKS |
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12-10-17 | Eagles +1 v. Rams | Top | 43-35 | Win | 100 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
Blowout Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Los Angeles Rams @ 4:25 ET - The Eagles are done. They're left for dead. After that loss to the Seahawks on primetime last week it proves they are a fraud and really aren't a very good football team. I jest of course as really it is funny to listen to the so-called experts talk about the Eagles after last week's loss. Turnovers happen, it is part of the game and sometimes it can be the turning point in a game too. Last week the Eagles went into Seattle and piled up over 400 yards of offense and yet still ended up with only 10 points on the scoreboard. It was one of the craziest results you'll ever see and you better believe they're going to be ready to bounce back big this week. They're catching the Rams at the right time too as Los Angeles is off of back to back wins over a strong Saints team and then a divisional foe last week. That sets this one up very well and another key here is the way these teams match up. The Eagles have one of the best rushing offenses in the league while the Rams are among the worst teams in the league for rush defense. On the other side of the ball, Philadelphia is the best defense in the league against the run. This will force Jared Goff to have to beat the Eagles defense through the air while Carson Wentz gets the luxury of beating the Rams defense both ways, through the air and overland. Los Angeles is only 2-8 ATS when at home playing with revenge (lost at Philly in 2014) and off of a divisional road game. Also, LA entered this season with an 0-11 ATS mark when playing with revenge against a non-divisional foe that has a winning record! The Eagles are 14-3 SU the last 17 games that Lane Johnson has played in. He is a key member of the offensive line and the Eagles went 5-1 in his starts last season and are 9-2 in the 11 starts he has made this season. Johnson and the rest of a strong offensive line power a huge ground game for the road victory here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-10-17 | Vikings v. Panthers +3 | 24-31 | Win | 100 | 5 h 24 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Carolina Panthers (+) vs Minnesota Vikings @ 1 ET - The Vikings have covered 7 straight games and are on an 8-game winning streak. However, last week's tight win at Atlanta was the first time this season that Minnesota has a road win over a team that currently has a winning record. Keep in mind, the Vikes got blasted at Pittsburgh earlier this season. Not only is this a 3rd straight road game for Minnesota, the Vikings are facing a Panthers team that is angry off of their double digit loss at New Orleans last week. The line has continued to move this week and the Panthers are now a field goal underdog in this match-up. I love the value here as Carolina is also 8-0 ATS when they are an underdog and facing an opponent who is off of an upset win as an underdog! The Vikes were a small dog against the Falcons last week and won outright so that system is in play here! Also, Minnesota is 1-5 ATS when on the road after an upset win as an underdog. 8* CAROLINA |
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12-10-17 | Packers v. Browns +3.5 | 27-21 | Loss | -120 | 5 h 46 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Cleveland Browns (+) vs Green Bay Packers @ 1 ET - The Browns have very few chances left to earn a victory this season and I look for them to make the most of this one. Green Bay is off of a win versus Tampa Bay last week but they were fortunate as they were outgained by 119 yards in that game. QB Aaron Rodgers could be back next week but, in his absence, the Packers have certainly struggled badly. Prior to the win over the Buccaneers (again, a fortunate win!), Green Bay had lost 5 of their 6 prior games. Of course it is still hard to tout an 0-12 team but the Browns have a small sense of optimism this week as there were finally some front office changes made that could indicate a new direction for the team after another strategy failed in hapless Cleveland. The Browns did cover versus the Chargers last week. Though they failed to cover their most recent home game, 3 of their first 4 home games were losses by just 3 points apiece. The point is that Cleveland does play better at home and they've been right on the cusp of getting over the hump. I am projecting this is the week they do it and will grab the points but I don't expect to need them. Green Bay is 1-5 SU and ATS as a road fave of 3 points or less. 8* CLEVELAND |
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12-09-17 | Rockets -9 v. Blazers | Top | 124-117 | Loss | -108 | 16 h 19 m | Show |
Dominator Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 10* Houston Rockets (-) @ Portland Trail Blazers @ 10:05 ET - The Rockets lost by 10 in their last visit to Portland so it is time for a little payback here. The Blazers are hurt (literally) by the ankle injury to Jusuf Nurkic here as he is likely to miss this game and he is tied for the team lead in rebounds, leads the team in blocked shots, and is also their 3rd leading scorer. Portland has lost 3 straight games and the average margin of defeat has been 11 points even though all 3 games were at home. That said, I don't see them shutting down a Rockets team that has won 14 of 15 games! What has been most impressive about this win streak for Houston is that only 1 of those 14 wins has come by less than 11 points. The Rockets aren't just winning, they are dominating teams! That is why this has been an 11-4 ATS run for Houston and I don't see them slowing down here. They remember what happened in their last visit to Portland. The Trail Blazers also have the defending champion Warriors on deck! Though the Blazers are off of an upset loss as a favorite that doesn't mean they'll bounce back here. In fact, Portland has just 1 cover in 7 games when playing in that situation. The Rockets are a stellar 9-3 ATS on the road this season. 10* HOUSTON |
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12-09-17 | Wichita State v. Oklahoma State +5.5 | 78-66 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 9 m | Show | |
Rickenbach CBB Game #764 Saturday 8* Oklahoma State Cowboys (+) vs Wichita State Shockers @ 4 ET - The markets are making a push toward the Shockers here. The result is excellent line value with the underdog Cowboys. While it is true that this is a revenge spot for Wichita State and that they are a ranked team that has played a tougher schedule than Oklahoma State, it is also true that the Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater is not too friendly for visitors! Also, this O/U opened up in the 150s and the Shockers are 0-5 ATS the past 3 seasons in games with a posted total in the 150s. The Cowboys have a long-term mark of 15-4 SU in home games with a posted total between 150 and 154.5 points. Both teams are playing well early this season but the Cowboys have allowed just 40% from the field in their last 3 games combined while the Shockers have allowed 49% from the field in 2 of their past 4 games. Grab the value with the home dog here that is very fired up for this opportunity hosting a ranked foe on a Saturday afternoon. 8* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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12-09-17 | Wizards v. Clippers +2.5 | 112-113 | Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Los Angeles Clippers (+) vs Washington Wizards @ 3:35 ET - The Los Angeles Clippers have been struggling as they've been beaten by the injury bug (Patrick Beverley and Blake Griffin). However, they have a couple of key edges here against the Wizards. The Clips have the home court edge and they also catch Washington playing an early game after enjoying the Friday "night life" of LA. Even though the Wizards have won 2 of 3 on this road trip, those victories came against the slumping Blazers and a bad Suns team. With the Clippers playing just the 2nd time in 6 days and the Wizards playing for the 4th time in 6 days (each game in a different city), this is a big scheduling edge for LA. Of course we get line value here with the Clips as a home dog due to their recent struggles as well as the corresponding injury situation. The Clippers are 19-4 SU against Southeast Division opponents. The Wizards are 5-8 ATS as a favorite this season. 8* LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS |
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12-09-17 | Army v. Navy -2.5 | 14-13 | Loss | -115 | 69 h 30 m | Show | |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach CFB 8* Navy Midshipmen (-) vs Army Black Knights @ 3 ET - Army will be the popular choice here as they have the better record and also have the chance to win their first Commander-in-Chief Trophy in 21 years! However, in typical contrarian fashion (but not without proper reasoning) I am going against the masses in this one. The fact is that Navy played a much tougher schedule this season. Also, last year the Midshipmen lost to the Black Knights to snap a 14-game winning streak for Navy in this series. They'll be ready for payback here and now all 3 of their quarterbacks are healthy. Abey, Lewis, and Perry are all available here and the Midshipmen haven't lost back to back games in this series in over 20 years. Rest is a good thing but too much rest can lead to rust. The Midshipmen have been off for 2 weeks which is good as they enjoyed a bye week last week. However, the Black Knights have been off for 3 weeks as they haven't played since a loss at North Texas 3 weeks ago. While Army is off of a loss, Navy is off of back to back losses and that is noteworthy here as they are 10-2 ATS when off of back to back SU losses and facing an opponents off of a SU loss. Army is 2-8 ATS the last 10 times they've been a dog of less than 5 points. Also, the Black Knights are a horrible 0-8 ATS when playing with rest and facing a team playing with revenge. Certainly the record of the Midshipmen is unimpressive this season after they started the year well but their quarterbacks are now healthy and they played the much tougher schedule than Army and they have revenge against the Black Knights. I'll gladly lay the small number. 8* NAVY |
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12-08-17 | St. John's +5 v. Arizona State | 70-82 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 31 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #521 Friday 8* St John's Red Storm (+) vs Arizona State Sun Devils @ 8 ET @ Staples Center in Los Angeles, California - This game is part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. The Sun Devils are a ranked team. Even though this game is considered a neutral site game, the location certainly favors Arizona State. Also, the Red Storm are expected to still be without Marcus LoVett. With all that said, how can the Sun Devils have opened up as just a 4.5 point favorite? Exactly! You think the odds makers are stupid? They know that the aggressive defensive style that St John's plays is going to really test the high-powered Sun Devils offense here. Also, as nice as it would be for the Red Storm to have LoVett back on the floor for this one, the fact is that he had made only 9 of 34 shots in his past two games and, arguably, was hurting more than helping. So a ranked ASU team with the location edge for this game and an undefeated record on the season opens up as a very small favorite. I am not buying it! Going contrarian here and telling you that the Red Storm are going to surprise a lot of folks here. Looking for the upset but if St John's does fall short I expect it to be by a single possession. The Sun Devils are 1-4 ATS when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest between games, 4-8 ATS in neutral court games, 3-8 ATS against Big East foes, and 0-4 ATS in neutral court games with a posted total between 155 and 159.5 points. The Red Storm are 8-4 ATS in games with a posted total in the 150 to 159.5 point range. 8* ST JOHN'S |
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12-08-17 | Cavs v. Pacers +3.5 | Top | 102-106 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Friday 10* Indiana Pacers (+) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - The Pacers just played a Bulls team that has the longest losing streak in the NBA. Clearly Indiana was looking ahead to this match-up with the team that has the longest winning streak in the NBA. After barely getting by the Bulls (and with Myles Turner listed as questionable due to his knee) we are getting a nice home dog spot here on the Pacers. Indiana is 8-4 SU at home this season and 65-34 SU at home the past 3 seasons combined. Keep in mind, the Cavs (even with their current hot streak) have been money burners at the betting window as a fave. Cleveland is 4-15 ATS as a favorite this season! Also, the Cavaliers are on an ugly 16-28 ATS run versus division opponents. The Pacers are a fantastic 27-13 ATS their last 40 versus divisional foes. Indiana has failed to get the cash only ONCE in their last SIX games versus the Cavs. There is a reason the odds makers but such a low number on the favorite here even though they've won 13 in a row. Don't be fooled by it. Upset time here. 10* INDIANA |
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12-07-17 | Lakers v. 76ers -7.5 | Top | 107-104 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
TNT Explosion Top Play - Rickenbach NBA Thursday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76'ers (-) vs Los Angeles Lakers @ 8:05 ET - The Lakers have lost 5 straight and 10 of their last 13. Also, 7 of those 10 losses have come by 8 or more points. When the Lakers lose (often) they generally lose big and the Sixers are in a good spot to take the Lakers behind the woodshed and lay the lumber on Los Angeles! Philadelphia is angry off of a home loss to Phoenix where they were lethargic from the opening tip onward. The 76'ers are 3-1 SU and ATS when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more this season. Also, the past 3 seasons combined, Philly is 14-5 ATS in games with a posted total of 220 points or more and also 50-21 ATS in non-conference games including a fantastic 19-7 ATS in games against Pacific Division opponents. The Lakers are 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS in road games this season. The Sixers, off of a loss and with a road trip on deck that will take them away from Philly for a week, are going to make the most of this home game. The 76ers have had two full off days since the loss to the Suns so anger and frustration has built up and is ready to be unleashed on the slumping Lakers. Lay it! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-07-17 | Valparaiso v. Purdue -15 | Top | 50-80 | Win | 100 | 10 h 53 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #710 Thursday 10* Purdue Boilermakers (-) vs Valparaiso Crusaders @ 6:30 ET - Long-time followers know I rarely lay big points in basketball. However, this play easily fits in as a rare exception. Purdue is ranked, at home, and loaded with veteran players. Valparaiso has their attention as an in-state foe with an undefeated record. The Crusaders are 8-0 but they are a young team as most of their minutes come from freshmen and sophomores whereas most of the Boilermakers minutes come from underclassmen. Not only has Valparaiso played a weak schedule, they now face a team that can not only match their size but exceed. Purdue is loaded with size in the paint including a 7'3 freshman that is one of the nation's top shot-blockers. One of the big keys here is that the Crusaders have not played in over a week. As I have always said, too much rest can lead to rust and Valparaiso is really not that great of a shooting team to begin with. I know some of their overall stats this season will lead you to believe otherwise but the fact is that Valpo has been held under 35.8% from three point land in 6 of their 8 games. By comparison, Purdue has shot 43% or better from three point land in half their games this season. The Boilermakers won't overlook the Crusaders because the 8-0 record means Purdue wants to make sure they hand this in-state foe their first loss and I expect them to do it in an emphatic way. I realize that Valparaiso has some impressive numbers on defense this season but they truly have not played anyone of real significance. They're going to be tested in a big way with this veteran Boilermakers team and I sense a huge blowout win. Purdue also has a 9-man rotation and their bench will do just fine when called upon in this game even if it is mop-up / garbage time late in the game which is another reason I am comfortable laying the big number here. The off-time for Valpo won't help their shooting and neither will playing at a tough venue, Mackey Arena. The Crusaders are 1-5 ATS when they enter a game after a lay-off of 7 or more days. Purdue is on a 16-1 SU run (and 13-3 ATS) in December games! Also, the Boilermakers are 13-4 ATS when facing a team that allows 64 points or less per game. Lay the big points in this one! 10* PURDUE |
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12-06-17 | New Mexico +8.5 v. Colorado | Top | 57-75 | Loss | -108 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach CBB Game #561 Wednesday 10* New Mexico Lobos (+) @ Colorado Buffaloes @ 9 ET - The Lobos haven't won a game away from home this season and the Buffaloes haven't lost a game at home this season. Couple that with the fact that Colorado is projected to move up some in the Pac-12 this season while New Mexico is projected to drop down some in the MWC this season and you can see why most will be enticed to back the Buffs here. I am going contrarian in this spot and would not be surprised to see the Lobos get the outright win which is why I certainly love them plus the big points here. Colorado is off of their first loss of the season and it was at rival Colorado State. Not only does that give the Buffaloes unbeaten letdown here it is also a flat spot scheduling-wise as they just faced the rival Rams and they have a huge game on deck with a highly-ranked Xavier team! Look for New Mexico to prove to be the hungrier team here. They just lost by double digits at UTEP Saturday but simply shot the ball very poorly. Overall, in comparison with the Buffaloes, the Lobos have played the tougher schedule this season. Also, New Mexico is 4-1 ATS as a road dog in a range of 6.5 to 9 points and the Lobos are 4-0 ATS in road games with a posted total in a range of 150 to 154.5 points. Colorado is 1-5 ATS against Mountain West opponents. 10* NEW MEXICO |
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12-06-17 | Heat v. Spurs -7.5 | Top | 105-117 | Win | 100 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach NBA 10* San Antonio Spurs (-) vs Miami Heat @ 8:35 ET - The Spurs are always up for the Heat. Of course the back to back battles in 2013 and 2014 and the fact these non-conference foes only meet twice a season helps make these match-ups special. The Spurs are at home and getting healthier. The Heat are on the road and continuing to struggle without Hassan Whiteside. Miami has lost 3 of 4 SU and ATS while allowing opponents to hit a ridiculous 53.3% from the field. The Spurs have failed to cover their last 3 home games but the margin those 3 games failed to cover by was a COMBINED 2.5 points and San Antonio had started the season 8-2 ATS in home games! In other words, a big home win for the Spurs would not surprise in the least in terms of this match-up. Each of Miami's last 7 losses have come by at least 9 points and the average margin of those 7 defeats was 18.3 points. I sense another blowout here as the Heat also could be distracted by their Mexico City trip on deck as they face Brooklyn there on Saturday. The Spurs are a long-term 24-9 ATS in December games and 90-52 ATS in games against teams from the Southeast Division. Look for Miami to drop to 4-8 ATS this season in their games against teams with a winning record. 10* SAN ANTONIO |
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12-06-17 | Hawks +6.5 v. Magic | 106-110 | Win | 100 | 9 h 48 m | Show | |
Rickenbach Wednesday NBA 8* Atlanta Hawks @ Orlando Magic @ 7:05 ET - Sure the Hawks have had their share of struggles this season but anytime I can get significant points like this and go against a team (Magic) that has lost 11 of 13 straight-up, I am in! Only ONE time in their last 13 games has Orlando won a game by more than 5 points. As for the Hawks, they are 8-2 ATS the last 10 times they have allowed more than 105 points in a game and they're angry again here as they are off of an ugly 110-90 loss to Brooklyn. The Magic were held by the Hornets to just 94 points in a 10 point loss on Monday. Orlando is on a 2-7 ATS run when they are off of a game where they were held to 105 points or less! Also, this is the 3rd game in 4 nights for the Magic while the Hawks are playing for just the third time this month. Atlanta does have revenge from a 19 point loss at Orlando in their most recent match-up. While it is true that the Hawks have not played well this season, the Magic aren't great either and are known for playing down to the level of their competition. Orlando is 18-31 ATS against teams allowing 106 points or more per game. Also, the Magic are 2-5 ATS (and SU!) this season against teams with a losing record. 8* ATLANTA |
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12-06-17 | Wisconsin v. Temple -4 | 55-59 | Push | 0 | 10 h 2 m | Show | |
Rickenbach CBB Game #526 Wednesday 8* Temple Owls (-) vs Wisconsin Badgers @ 7 ET - The Badgers lost 4 starters from last season's team while the Owls return 4 starters. Temple's starters play a lot of minutes but that is not a problem in a scheduling situation like this where they are playing just their 2nd game this month. Also, the Owls are finally playing their first home game of the season and I expect them to make the most of it. They do have revenge here from an ugly loss at Wisconsin two years ago. The Badgers are a much different team now compared to that team of two years ago and the Owls veteran players will be the difference-maker in this match-up. Temple has shot 48% or better from the field in 3 straight games and 4 of their last 5. Keep in mind this is without having played on their home floor. Wisconsin is off of a very tight 1-point win at Penn State but that was preceded by losses in 5 of their 6 prior games. Prior to the win over the Nittany Lions the Badgers had been held to 41% or less from the field in 4 of their 6 previous games. As a road dog of 3.5 to 6 points Wisconsin has a SU record of 13-30. Given those strong odds of a Badgers loss here, I like my chances with the hungry Owls (off of a loss) in terms of covering this short number at home. Temple is 15-5 SU in games against teams with a losing record and also 18-10 ATS in games against non-conference opponents. 8* TEMPLE |
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12-05-17 | Texas A&M v. Arizona +1.5 | Top | 64-67 | Win | 100 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #728 Tuesday 10* Top Play Arizona Wildcats (+) vs Texas A & M Aggies @ 9 ET - Here you have the #7 ranked team in the country with a 7-0 record and a 4-2 ATS mark facing an unranked foe that is only 5-3 SU this season and also an ugly 2-6 ATS and yet the line opened up in the pick'em range. Even more remarkable about this opening number is that this isn't even a true home game for Arizona as it will be played at the same arena as the NBA's Phoenix Suns use. The point is that this is absolutely a "trap line" in my opinion. Now, when I say "trap line" I don't mean that the odds makers intentionally set trap lines, I just mean that public opinion can absolutely make a line a trap and that is the case here. Public players will look at this game and say "wow...I can get an undefeated highly ranked team that is undefeated and playing on a neutral floor and facing an unranked 3-loss foe". That will be the prevailing wisdom and, of course, I feel strongly that this mindset will prove to be wrong in a big way. That is what my contrarian plays are all about and it also why I am raising the level of this play to my highest level. The Wildcats are ticked off. They are fired up and starting to turn the corner after those 3 losses in the Thanksgiving Tourney. After those 3 straight losses they got the type of big win a team needs to get swagger back as they crushed Long Beach State. The Wildcats then faced UNLV and got a hard-fought OT win which is the type of win a team that has struggled early absolutely needs to get over the hump. Remember the Wildcats were highly touted coming into the season and they are extremely well coached. They are a bargain in this spot and I'll grab them as they get the marquee win they have needed to prove they are for real. Those 3 losses Thanksgiving Week will prove to be the best thing that could have happened to a team that many projected to be in the final four coming into this season. They'll start leaving up to the hype no doubt. 10* ARIZONA |
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12-05-17 | Ball State +18 v. Notre Dame | 80-77 | Win | 100 | 10 h 55 m | Show | |
Rickenbach CBB Game #711 Tuesday 8* Ball State Cardinals (+) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ 7 ET - The Cardinals are the perfect type of team to play as a huge dog. They have a lot of depth. So that means that even when they're making use of their bench they can hang around in a game and that is precisely what I expect them to do in this spot. The Fighting Irish have a 7-1 record on the season but Ball State has actually played a tougher schedule on the season than Notre Dame. Also, the Cardinals did get embarrassed at Oklahoma and Oregon and they are ready to make up for those two ugly losses here. I expect this one to end much closer than many are expecting. The Cardinals have the added confidence of 3 straight wins and hot shooting coming into this game. The past 3 seasons combined the Cards are 20-11 ATS as an underdog. Also, as a road dog of 15.5 to 18 points, Ball State is 7-3 ATS long-term. As a home favorite of 12.5 or more points, Notre Dame is a long-term 27-45 ATS! Also, in a home game with a posted total in the 150 to 154.5 range, the Irish are an ugly 6-14 ATS long-term including 1-4 ATS the past 3 seasons. Against MAC opponents, the Fighting Irish are a long-term 3-9 ATS and I fully believe they'll again prove to be over-priced in this spot. 8* BALL STATE |
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12-04-17 | Steelers -4.5 v. Bengals | 23-20 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 15 m | Show | |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Monday 8* Pittsburgh Steelers (-) @ Cincinnati Bengals @ 8:30 ET - The Bengals are 5-6 on the season and off of back to back wins. However, Cincinnati has not beaten a single team that currently has a winning record this season. The Bengals best win would be over a 6-6 Bills team. Their other wins include 2 over the 0-12 Browns and 1 each over the 3-9 Colts and 3-9 Broncos. Cincy's last 2 wins have been over a Cleveland team that has lost 13 straight dating back to last season and a Denver team that has lost 8 straight games. The Steelers 9 wins this season include a dominating win in Pittsburgh over these Bengals in late October. Of the other 8 wins the Steelers have, only 2 have been against teams that currently have a losing record this season. Also, Pittsburgh has beaten teams that have the following current winning records: Vikings (10-2), Titans (8-4), and Ravens (7-5). Until the Bengals prove they can step up against a quality opponent I am backing a 9-2 Steelers team that has plenty of motivation here. If Pittsburgh loses this game then their division lead over the Ravens could quickly slip to 1 game with a loss versus Baltimore next week! I am aware of WR Antonio Brown's questionable status for tonight's game but the Steelers are loaded with plenty of weapons in comparison with the Bengals. Also, Cincinnati is 0-7 ATS as a divisional home dog of more than 4 points. The Steelers are 10-0 ATS as a favorite when they are off of a game where they allowed 28 points or more. Also, the fact that they allowed 28 points versus Green Bay is a bit deceiving as the Steelers outgained the Packers by 155 yards but lost the turnover battle 3-0. That result (a 3 point non-covering win as a 2 TD fave) is resulting in line value this week. 8* PITTSBURGH |
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12-04-17 | Michigan +2.5 v. Ohio State | 62-71 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 10 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Monday 8* Michigan Wolverines (+) @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ 6:30 PM ET - The Buckeyes upset the Wolverines as a 9 point dog in Michigan last season and they also defeated them when they most recently met at Ohio State 2 years ago. Payback is in order here and I love the fact that everyone is jumping on the home team (in early wagering action here) as if it is some type of gift that the odds makers opened with a line of very nearly a pick'em in this game even though the game is in the Buckeye State. Don't be fooled ladies and gentlemen, the Wolverines are the better team and are poised to get their revenge here. Early season projections have Michigan slated in the top five of this 14-team conference while Ohio State was projected to finish near the bottom. The fact that the Buckeyes are off of their huge win over Wisconsin Saturday where they shot a ridiculous 66% from the field including 54% from beyond the arc does not mean Ohio State is suddenly a top team. The Buckeyes had lost 3 of their 4 prior games and are now facing a 7-2 Michigan team with 1 of those 2 Wolverines losses coming by just 2 points. The Wolverines are off of a win versus Indiana but defense keyed that win and they've had the better overall defense in comparison with the Buckeyes so far this season. Also, Michigan is 10-4 ATS when playing with 1 day or less of rest while Ohio State is 2-4 ATS with 1 day or less of rest. The Buckeyes also are 6-13 ATS when off of a win against a conference rival. The Wolverines also are 13-2 SU in December games while Ohio State is 5-10 SU when facing teams that allowed 64 points or less per game! 8* MICHIGAN |
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12-03-17 | Eagles -4 v. Seahawks | Top | 10-24 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 50 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (-) @ Seattle Seahawks @ 8:30 ET - The Seahawks are still without defensive end Cliff Avril who started all 16 games the past 3 seasons and totaled 20.5 sacks the past 2 seasons. Seattle also is without cornerback Richard Sherman and strong safety Kam Chancellor. Also, when you look at the Seahawks overall injury report heading into this game, they've got a number of newer injuries which have resulted in guys being listed as doubtful or out for this game. This is why we're getting extreme line value here. Seattle is simply not healthy and they're now taking on the top team in the league that also is the only team in the league to score at least 20 points in all 11 games this season. The Eagles have won 9 straight games and they've covered 8 straight games and yet the WOUNDED Seahawks are getting a lot of attention from the betting markets this week. Everyone likes to point to Seattle's great home record and their success in primetime but, ladies and gentlemen, this Hawks team is very short-handed right now on defense! As for the Eagles defense, they are one of the best in the league and they are also healthier than they've been for much of this season. QB Carson Wentz is NOT the type of quarterback to struggle in a tough road venue like CenturyLink Field in Seattle. Yes, the Eagles lost here last year but that was his rookie season and was part of a 2-9 stretch for Philly. They are a different team this year and, remember, they went 5-1 last season when offensive tackle Lane Johnson was available. This season Philadelphia has lost only one game with him in the lineup. Look for the Eagles to make it 10 straight wins and 9 straight covers while dropping Seattle to 1-5 ATS in home games this season. Keep in mind, the Seahawks only have one win against a team with a winning record this season and that was when they were healthier and faced the Rams and won despite being outgained by 134 yards! In other words, a fortunate win. Seattle won't be so fortunate here against an Eagles team that is rolling! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-03-17 | Rams v. Cardinals +7 | Top | 32-16 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 48 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Arizona Cardinals (+) vs Los Angeles Rams @ 4:25 ET - This is a very tough spot for the Rams and great spot for the Cardinals and that is why I am unloading on this big dog with a big play. Los Angeles is off of a huge win last week versus the red hot Saints. On deck for the Rams is a huge game with the red hot Eagles. In other words, even though this is a divisional game, this is a truly tough spot for LA to remain focused. Not only are the Cards only 5-6 on the season but the Rams blasted them 33-0 in London in late October. That makes this the perfect "flat spot" for Los Angeles (off New Orleans and with Philadelphia on deck) and yet you've got a highly motivated home dog on the other side of the field. I love having Arizona plus a full TD here as their defense has been particularly strong of late. The Cardinals have allowed an average of just 298 yards per game their last 4 games. Of course the Rams defense has been strong too but how much will they have left in the tank for a "trap game" like this? I feel certain it won't be enough! The Cardinals last 2 wins versus the Rams have come by an average margin of 31 points per game while their 2 losses to the Rams, prior to that ugly one in London, each came by 4 points or less. Entering this season, Los Angeles was 1-11 ATS when facing an opponent off of a SU win as an underdog. That is the case here with the Cardinals as they upset the Jaguars last week as a 6-point dog. That gives the Cards extra confidence as they fight to remain alive in the wild card race. Arizona coach Bruce Arians, with last week's win versus Jacksonville, has led his team to a 10-2 ATS record when they are at home and facing an opponent off of a SU and ATS win in their prior game. Perfect spot to upset the Rams here. Whether the Cards win outright or not, I am certainly comfortable with having them plus the big points here! 10* ARIZONA |
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12-03-17 | Lions +3 v. Ravens | 20-44 | Loss | -115 | 5 h 22 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Detroit Lions (+) @ Baltimore Ravens @ 1 ET - The Ravens are off of a hard-fought win versus the Texans on Monday night. Baltimore also has a game at division rival Pittsburgh on deck. This is not a good spot for the Ravens. While Baltimore comes in on short rest, the Lions come in with extra rest as they played on Thanksgiving Day versus the Vikings. Red hot Minnesota got the better of Detroit and that has the hungry Lions ready to go here. Detroit is 4-1 SU on the road this season. Also, they haven't faced the Ravens since 2013 but that was a home loss and the Lions are 8-1 ATS as a revenging road dog of less than 6 points. Baltimore is 3-8 SU and 2-8-1 ATS in non-conference games! Also, the Ravens are off of back to back wins but they faced two teams (Packers and Texans) that are each without their starting QBs. When Baltimore enters a game on a streak of 2 or more consecutive wins, the Ravens have gone 1-5 SU and 1-4-1 ATS. Additionally, Baltimore is 1-5 ATS after a Monday night game and also 0-7 ATS in their game prior to facing the Steelers. Remember the Ravens got crushed in this role earlier this season when they had a home game versus Pittsburgh on deck and they went to London and got demolished by the Jaguars. 8* DETROIT |
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12-03-17 | Chiefs -3 v. Jets | 31-38 | Loss | -107 | 5 h 17 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* Kansas City Chiefs (-) @ New York Jets @ 1 ET - The Chiefs have struggled recently so the Jets are getting a lot of action in this one. But have those people who are jumping on New York actually watched the Jets play recently? This Jets team is bad. The way they handled situations last week versus Carolina was deplorable and that is a game they never should have lost. It just shows how bad the Jets truly are. Now certainly the Chiefs, losers of 3 straight and 5 of 6, have not played well of late but this Kansas City team is still far superior to the Jets. Keep in mind, the Chiefs have allowed an average of just 14 points per game their past two games. Also, KC has held 7 of their last 10 opponents to 20 points or less. By comparison, the Jets have allowed 24 points or more in 4 of their last 6 games. Also, New York has allowed an average of 25 points per game in their last 5 home games. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has led his team to an 11-2 ATS mark when they are off of SU loss as a favorite and facing a team with a losing record that is off of a SU loss. Kansas City is 7-1 ATS as a fave of less than 6 points when facing a team with a winning percentage under .400 and the Jets are 4-7, .364 on the season. The Chiefs also are on an 8-2 ATS run as a favorite of 3 points or less. The Jets have already begun another one of their typical ugly late season stretches and are now 2-7 SU and 2-6-1 ATS in games played in weeks 10 through 13. The Chiefs are also 12-2 ATS when they are a road fave of less than 7 points against an AFC opponent. KC is the better team and has played the tougher schedule this season in comparison with the Jets and one of these teams today will snap their slump. I'll gladly take the stronger team laying the small number in a case like this. Fade the masses who have brought the Chiefs down to a 3-point fave here. I'll take it! 8* KANSAS CITY |
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12-02-17 | San Francisco v. Arizona State -16 | Top | 57-75 | Win | 100 | 10 h 22 m | Show |
Top Play Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #592 Saturday 10* Arizona State Sun Devils (-) vs San Francisco Dons @ 9 ET - Not only is Arizona State 6-0 SU and undefeated ATS on the season, the Sun Devils have scored at least 90 points in all 6 games. They were down by 15 points in the 1st half against Xavier last Friday and yet stormed back won the game by 16 points. Keep in mind that is a quality Musketeers team and that says an awful lot about just how explosive this Sun Devils offense is this season! As for San Francisco, they are averaging 70.7 points per game in lined games. Right away, just from pure numbers alone, you can see why ASU should win this game by at least 20 points! But what is also concerning for the Dons is that, when you take out their non-lined games against sub-par competition (Sonoma State and St. Francis, PA) they have been held under 37.4% from the field in all three of their lined games! That kind of shooting performance just isn't going to get it done against a Sun Devils team that is averaging 95.7 points per game on the season and has shot over 50% from the field in all 6 games! Also, ASU has played the much tougher schedule and all 6 of their games have been lined games! San Francisco is 1-6 ATS in games with a posted total in the 150s. The Sun Devils have too much depth, too much scoring from all over the floor, and they will dominate the paint in this game too. 10* ARIZONA STATE |
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12-02-17 | Miami-FL +10.5 v. CLEMSON | Top | 3-38 | Loss | -120 | 11 h 46 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach CFB Game #325 Saturday 10* Miami Hurricanes (+) @ Clemson Tigers @ 8 ET - It is hard to repeat as champions in any sport at any level - pro or college. It is also difficult to go undefeated in any sport at any level - pro or college. What does that mean for us here? The loss that Miami suffered at Pittsburgh last week was the best possible thing that could have happened to them. Instead of coming into this game 11-0 and with a target on their backs, they are now a hungry 1-loss team. The Tigers also have 1 loss this season but now they again are the "hunted" in this match-up as it is Clemson with the target on their backs. Ranked #1 in the country and the defending national champs, the Tigers are over-hyped and the Hurricanes are getting absolutely zero respect here. Mark Richt is a helluva strong coach and this turnaround at Miami with the Hurricanes football program is no fluke. While Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney certainly merit plenty of respect, the 58-0 blowout win over Miami in 2015 is something the Canes program is ready to atone for here. That was before Richt got here but he now has this team firing on all cylinders and don't let last week's result fool you. The Hurricanes, sure they made a mistake, but the fact is they were looking ahead to this game. They knew they had the ACC Championship Game on deck no matter what and they'll be ready to go on Saturday night! Miami is 13-1 (93%) ATS as a dog of no more than 14.5 points when they are off of a straight-up loss by 10 or more points! Off of last week's embarrassing loss by a double digit margin at Pittsburgh and now a big dog against Clemson, that system fits perfectly. Revenge from the 58-0 beating is on tap here and Clemson is an ugly 0-4 ATS as a fave when they are opposed by a revenge-seeking team that is coming off of a straight-up loss as a fave. Combined 17-1 (94%) ATS systems here! 10* MIAMI |
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12-02-17 | Pistons +5 v. 76ers | 103-108 | Push | 0 | 8 h 59 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Saturday 8* Detroit Pistons (+) @ Philadelphia 76'ers @ 7:35 ET - The Sixers are off of a loss and they catch the Pistons playing the 2nd night of a back to back. That said, on the surface, this looks like a great spot to back Philly. However, digging deeper shows there is actually great value with Detroit in this match-up. The Pistons are fired up after what happened last night. They were up by 6 points at the half at Washington but then began the 2nd half like they already had the game won. No energy, little effort, and Detroit got outscored by 20 points in the 3rd quarter. Of course that was the difference in the game and the Pistons now come into this game angry and ticked off. Remember they also already had extra motivation for this game because the 76ers beat them in Detroit early this season in a late October match-up. Now the Pistons get a shot at revenge and, keep in mind, the Pistons have won each of their last 3 visits to Philly. In fact the road team has won 3 of the last 4 meetings between these teams and the average margin in the last 4 games has been 19 points. With that said, don't be surprised if this one turns into a road rout! Before last night's loss, the Pistons had won 12 of 16 since the home loss to the Sixers earlier this season. Detroit is 7-2 ATS as an underdog this season. Philadelphia is just 7-23 SU (and has covered just 33%) in their last 30 December games. 8* DETROIT |
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12-02-17 | Georgia v. Auburn +1 | Top | 28-7 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 34 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation Top Play - Rickenbach CFB Game #322 Saturday 10* Auburn Tigers (+) vs Georgia Bulldogs @ 4 ET - In a normal, regular-season situation, with Auburn off of a huge win over the best team in the nation, you would fade them. However, that is what the betting markets are doing here even though this is not even close to being a normal situation! The winner of this game goes to the 4-team playoff. There is no way, absolutely zero chance, that the Tigers come out flat for this game. They've gone from being as a high as a 3 point favorite to now being a dog in this game. I know the location of this game (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta) certainly favors Georgia. However, the Tigers absolutely dominated the Bulldogs 3 weeks ago and that was after playing 3 straight road games! Now Auburn comes into this one off of 3 straight home games and their physicality in the trenches will continue to be the difference in this match-up. The fact that RB Kerryon Johnson is now listed as probable for this game (shoulder) is also a big plus for the Tigers. Look for Auburn to again dominate in the ground game (both sides of the ball) in this match-up. Remember they also hold a big edge at QB with Stidham over Fromm. The Tigers Stidham is much more experienced and the Bulldogs Fromm struggled with all the pressure from Auburn in the first meeting. Nothing changes my mind about that again being an issue in the rematch. Also, in terms of technical support, Georgia is 1-8 ATS when off of back to back SU wins and facing an opponent that is also off of back to back SU wins! As for Auburn, they only failed to cover once in eight SEC games this season! Also, the Tigers are a perfect 5-0 SU in games played on a neutral field with a total between 45.5 and 49 points! 10* AUBURN |
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12-01-17 | Boise State +7 v. Oregon | Top | 73-70 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher Top Play - Rickenbach CBB #725 Friday 10* Boise State Broncos (+) @ Oregon Ducks @ 9:30 ET - The Ducks have been a fantastic team in recent seasons but Oregon did lose 4 of 5 starters entering this season. After starting this season 4-0 SU and 3-0 ATS against weaker competition, the Ducks have struggled with an 0-3 ATS mark their last 3 games as the foes they faced were tougher opponents. They certainly face a tough one in this match-up as you know Boise State will be up for this opportunity to knock off a Pac-12 foe from a neighboring state. The Broncos schedule has been just as strong, if not stronger, than the Ducks and Boise State is rolling with confidence right now. They have won 6 of 7 games this season including two straight by an average margin of 27 points even though their average line in those two games was just a 6.5 point favorite! I look for another huge cover here as they either win this one outright or lose by just a single possession. The Broncos returned 3 starters from last season. As for the Ducks, they just lost starter Troy Brown to a concussion (out for tonight's game) and he is their leading rebounder and one of their top scorers. The forward will be sorely missed tonight as Boise State's weakness is their frontcourt but Brown's absence hurts the Ducks ability to take advantage of that. The Broncos beat the Ducks at home two years ago and then last season easily covered in a 5 point loss at Oregon. The Ducks have covered just once in their last six games versus Mountain West Conference opponents. The Broncos are 8-4 SU and ATS when off of a game where they allowed 60 points or less. 10* BOISE STATE BRONCOS |
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12-01-17 | Stanford +4 v. USC | Top | 28-31 | Win | 100 | 13 h 34 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass Top Play - Rickenbach CFB 10* Stanford Cardinal (+) vs USC Trojans @ 8 ET Friday @ Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA - Even though the Cardinal played last week and USC was off, the location of this game helps mitigate any edge the Trojans would have had in this situation because it is only about 15 miles from Stanford's home stadium in Palo Alto. Also, Southern Cal is the more banged up team even though they had last week off. They've lost a number of starters during this season and that includes 2 on the defensive line. A third one, Rasheem Green, is listed as probable for this one but he is dealing with a shoulder injury. The Cardinal have lost only one game this entire season by more than a field goal and that was against USC earlier this season in an absolutely embarrassing loss. In other words, payback is on order here! The Trojans defense has allowed 797 passing yards in their past two games. Prior to that, they had poor efforts against the ground attacks of Notre Dame and Arizona as those teams gashed USC for a combined 611 rushing yards. In other words, look for RB Bryce Love (probable) and Company to move the ball quite well in this one. The Cardinal defense has allowed an average of just 17 points per game their last 6 games and they've held their opponents to 24 points or less in 8 straight games. In stark contrast to these numbers, the Trojans defense has allowed an average of 29 points per game their last 6 games. Stanford is 15-1 ATS when off of a non-conference game and facing a conference foe that has at least 1 loss on the season. USC is 1-6 ATS when away from home and facing an opponent with a winning percentage under .850 that is off of a SU dog win. The Cardinal were a 3 point dog versus Notre Dame last week and upset the Irish 38-20. I wouldn't be surprised to see another upset here and certainly am happy to grab the generous points being offered in this one. 10* STANFORD |
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11-30-17 | Missouri v. UCF +4 | Top | 62-59 | Win | 100 | 7 h 10 m | Show |
Rickenbach CBB Game #524 Thursday 10* Top Play Central Florida Golden Knights (+) vs Missouri Tigers @ 9 ET - This line has jumped strong toward Missouri today. Of course that is often what happens when you have a team averaging 80 points per game laying a very small number against a team averaging 64.5 points per game. However, here you have a Central Florida team off of back to back dreadful shooting performances and they catch the Tigers off of a very tight loss to West Virginia that is absolutely going to leave Missouri emotionally spent here. Off their only other loss this season they followed it up with a 5 point win over a team called Emporia State. Not exactly an impressive response against a Division II basketball team that has had only 1 winning season the past 6 seasons under Shaun Vandiver. Now the Tigers take on an angry UCF team that is anxious to erase the bitter taste of averaging just 44 points per game their past 2 games! This game is played at the CFE Arena in Orlando and Missouri is an incredible 0-21 SU in road games the past 2+ seasons. The Tigers are also 4-17 SU in games with a posted total in the 130s while the Golden Knights are 21-9 ATS in games with a posted total in the 130s. Already 3-0 SU at home this season and on a 10-2 ATS run in November games the past 2+ seasons. 10* CENTRAL FLORIDA |
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11-30-17 | Redskins v. Cowboys +2 | 14-38 | Win | 100 | 12 h 28 m | Show | |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Thursday 8* Dallas Cowboys (+) vs Washington Redskins @ 8:25 ET - Everyone is down on Dallas right now and that is understandable. However, with money pouring in on the Redskins here and the line moving from Cowboys being favored to now Washington being the favorite at -2 as of early gameday morning, you can almost sense what is about to happen here. I expect Dallas to bounce back big and continue their recent string of success against the Redskins. The public is very anti-Cowboys right now and there are grumblings from Dallas fans everywhere about firing Jason Garrett. It is most often, when a team is in a dire situation like this, that they step up and pull it together and surprise everyone and that is exactly what I expect here. Yes the Redskins are off of a 20-10 win but that was against an awful Giants team and that game was tied at 10 apiece very late in the fourth quarter. Prior to that victory the Redskins had lost 4 of 5 and their lone win came by just 3 points in a game in which Washington was actually outgained by nearly 200 yards! In other words, a fortunate win for the Redskins just like last week was a fortunate cover for Washington too! Both teams have injury issues but left tackle Tyron Smith is listed as probable for this game for the Cowboys and certainly they miss Ezekiel Elliott but Alfred Morris has averaged 5.8 yards per carry on the season and I expect Dallas to use him even more in this match-up. Plus Dak Prescott is ready for a bounce back game after recent poor performances. Yes, the Cowboys looked bad against the Chargers no doubt but, prior to that, the first two games they lost without Elliott were to Atlanta and Philadelphia and those are two of the top teams in the NFC! The Redskins are a decent team but certainly not at the same level of the Falcons or Eagles. That said, the Cowboys are ready to respond off of 3 straight blowout losses and they'll do just that against their most storied rival. They've beaten the Redskins 3 straight times and Washington has only covered 7 of 22 (32%) as a road favorite of 3 points or less. I am fading the masses here and going with a contrarian play because the Cowboys are angry and ready to respond on national TV tonight! 8* DALLAS |
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11-30-17 | Cavs v. Hawks +8 | Top | 121-114 | Win | 100 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
Earliest Cash Top Play - Rickenbach NBA 10* Atlanta Hawks (+) vs Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:35 ET - The Cavaliers are a popular choice here because they have revenge from a tight home loss versus the Hawks earlier this season. However, Atlanta is always up for facing LeBron James and Company because they got swept out of the playoffs by the Cavs in the 2015 Eastern Conference finals and then again were swept in the 2016 Eastern Conference semifinals. Of course when it is playoff time and every game is critical things are different. However, in a regular season situation lets not forget all the distractions for road teams in Atlanta. Yes, this is a city known for its nightlife catering to visiting players! In other words it is much different from a road game in say, Salt Lake City Utah! The point is that maybe it should come as no surprise that the Hawks have played the Cavs tough including here at home. The last two meetings here saw Atlanta win one outright and lose the other one by just 5 points. Also, the Hawks have won each of their last 3 visits to Cleveland so there is something about facing Atlanta that seems to bring down the Cavs level of play a notch or two in regular season action! I know this Hawks team is a bad team this season but, off of a total beatdown at home against the Raptors, they will respond here. Atlanta had previously won 2 of its last 4 home games and the home game prior to that was a loss by just 3 points to the Celtics! After losing by 34 points to Toronto, the angry Hawks are going to hang around in this one and they are expected to have forward Luke Babbitt back for this one. The Cavaliers are on a winning streak of 9 games but they have gone just 3-12 ATS as a favorite this season and Cleveland is also only 2-7 ATS this season against teams with a losing record. This is the Hawks finale of a 4-game homestand and they are 11-6 (SU and ATS) when they enter a game having played each of their three prior games at home. 10* ATLANTA |
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11-30-17 | Texas Tech +3 v. Seton Hall | 79-89 | Loss | -105 | 5 h 33 m | Show | |
Rickenbach CBB Game #529 Thursday 8* Texas Tech Red Raiders (+) @ Seton Hall Pirates @ 6:30 ET - Seton Hall has played the tougher schedule and are at home and yet they opened up as a dog here. Of course the markets jumped all over the Pirates here and you know what I am doing. In typical contrarian fashion here I am rolling with a Red Raiders team that is 6-0 SU this season and also 13-4 ATS the past 3 seasons combined when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. Seton Hall is a long-term 0-6 SU against Big 12 opponents! 8* TEXAS TECH |
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11-29-17 | Evansville +7 v. New Mexico | Top | 59-78 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #759 Wednesday 10* Top Play Evansville Purple Aces (+) @ New Mexico Lobos @ 9 ET - Do people really think the odds makers are stupid? The very first "soft" number that was posted on this game was the Lobos -2. The line has since been driven all the way up to a -7! I'll gladly grab the value here on the underdog side. Of course Evansville is not a great team but they're solid and also have a tendency to play fundamentally sound basketball. As for the Lobos, what has driven this line is they have so much positive history at home. Yes indeed New Mexico is tough to play at "The Pit" but, keep in mind, this team has a new coach and has undergone major changes from last season. Many preseason pundits have them slated to finish dead last in the MWC. 4 straight losses entering this contest certainly have done little to squash those predictions. The point is that the Runnin' Rebels, even though they did face some tough competition, have underachieved as it is an 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS run. The Purple Aces schedule has been very nearly as tough as UNLV's and yet Evansville enters this game with a 5-1 SU and 4-0 ATS mark on the young season. The Purple Aces are off of their first loss of the season and that defeat came by just a bucket. I am happy to grab the big points being offered here. Evansville is without Ryan Taylor (foot) but it's not like the cupboard is bare for the Purple Aces. They also are 5-1 ATS against MWC opposition. New Mexico is 0-3 SU this season against teams with a winning record. 10* EVANSVILLE |
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11-29-17 | UNLV v. Northern Iowa +1 | 68-77 | Win | 102 | 7 h 24 m | Show | |
Rickenbach CBB Game #746 Wednesday 8* Northern Iowa Panthers (+) vs UNLV Runnin' Rebels @ 8 ET - As a general rule, I always like to investigate games like this where the team that opened up as the favorite is now the dog and that is what we have here with Northern Iowa. I completely understand the move as UNLV is a perfect 6-0 this season so everyone loved the undefeated Panthers getting points in this match-up. It seemed too easy of course so everyone grabbed it. As you know, it's never that easy! Yes UNLV is off to a great start but Northern Iowa has played the much tougher schedule. This is a big part of the reason UNLV is 6-0 on the season and Northern Iowa is "only" 5-2 and, as a result, we are getting exceptional value with the battle-tested Panthers here. UNI, in home games with a posted total between 140 and 144.5 points, have gone 8-3 ATS and an incredible 10-1 SU! I look for another huge win here on Wednesday! UNLV is 5-15 ATS and 4-19 SU in road games. 8* NORTHERN IOWA |
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11-29-17 | Heat -1 v. Knicks | 86-115 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 51 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* Miami Heat (-) @ New York Knicks @ 7:35 ET - The Heat got beaten so badly in the first half in Cleveland last night that their starters were able to get quite a bit of rest. That said, this is a good spot to back an angry Miami team as they're fired up off of that loss and the 5 starters averaged only 24 minutes of playing time against the Cavaliers. The Knicks have lost 3 straight games. The Heat had won 3 straight games before losing to the Cavs. The road team has won 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams SU and ATS. Even though New York looks better this season they have still gone just 3-5 against teams with a winning record. The past 3 seasons combined the Knicks are an ugly 27-65 against teams with a winning record. 8* MIAMI |
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11-29-17 | Clemson +5.5 v. Ohio State | 79-65 | Win | 100 | 6 h 28 m | Show | |
Rickenbach CBB Game #739 Wednesday 8* Clemson Tigers (+) @ Ohio State Buckeyes @ 7:15 ET - The Buckeyes are at home and getting a ton of attention here as the money move has been Ohio State early on in this one. That said, I love the value in fading the Buckeyes as they have a huge game on deck with Wisconsin Saturday - the same day OSU and the Badgers also meet in Football. Suffice to say that is the talk on campus right now rather than this match-up with an ACC foe in the ACC/Big 10 challenge. The result here is solid underdog line value with Clemson. The Tigers have only UNC-Asheville on deck and they'll most certainly be "all in" for the upset tonight in Columbus. Clemson really got rolling on offense in their most recent win and they have shot well in most all of their games this season. The Tigers are 13-4 SU when coming off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. Ohio State is only 10-17 ATS in games with a posted total in the 140 to 149.5 range. 8* CLEMSON |
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11-29-17 | Thunder -5.5 v. Magic | 108-121 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 10 m | Show | |
Rickenbach NBA Wednesday 8* Oklahoma City Thunder (-) @ Orlando Magic @ 7:05 ET - After the huge highly coveted win for Russell Westbrook's Thunder over Kevin Durant's Warriors last week, Oklahoma City fell flat versus Detroit and lost outright as an 8.5 point favorite. That wasn't a huge surprise. What was a huge surprise is that OKC followed it up by shooting just 36.2% at Dallas and losing to the Mavericks as a 6 point favorite. Now, after that ugly performance made it back to back losses for the Thunder, you can expect a huge response tonight! The road team covered both meetings between these teams last year and Oklahoma City has covered each of their last two trips to Orlando. I look for the road dominance to continue here. The Magic come into this game having lost 9 straight games. The average margin of defeat has been 15 points and none of those 9 losses came by less than 5 points. That makes this small road chalk the way to go in this one! Orlando is 18-27 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 115 points or more. The Thunder are 19-10 ATS when off of a loss by a double digit margin. 8* OKLAHOMA CITY |
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11-28-17 | Heat +5 v. Cavs | 97-108 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 20 m | Show | |
NBA TV Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Tuesday 8* Miami Heat (+) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 7:05 ET - A lot of line value here as the Cavaliers are in a back to back spot. Even though Cleveland has won 8 straight games, their schedule has been quite friendly of late. Now the Cavs are in what is their 4th back to back spot so far this season. In the first 3 they have not only lost all 3, they were favored by an average margin of 10 points and yet they lost each game outright by an average margin of 15 points! That means the Cavs are 0-3 ATS in this spot this season with an average cover for the opposition by a 25 point margin! As you can see, the Heat not only have a great shot at the cover here but also an outright victory by a sizable margin. Cleveland is off of a huge win at Philly last night but the 76ers did outrebound them and had 10 more shots from the field in the game. Philadelphia just simply couldn't hit their shots last night while the Cavaliers rolled. Cleveland is 0-9 ATS at home this season and 2-12 ATS as a favorite. Eventually some of these numbers will certainly start to reverse but this isn't the time for any changes to begin. It is a back to back spot with travel involved for the Cavs and this is the same situation they have struggled in all 3 times this season. Miami comes into this game off of a day of rest yesterday and they've won 3 straight games heading into this match-up. Also, the Heat have won each of their last 3 meetings with Cleveland as well. Miami is 16-9 ATS when on a winning streak of 3 games or more and the Heat get the job done again here. 8* MIAMI |
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11-28-17 | Iona v. Ohio -3.5 | 93-88 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 33 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #550 Monday 8* Ohio University Bobcats (-) vs Iona Gaels @ 7 ET - The Gaels haven't played since the 19th. Rest can lead to rust and it certainly hasn't treated Iona well through the years. When the Gaels enter a game on rest of 7 days or more, they have a SU record of 8-19. Though Iona is still projected to be at the top of the MAAC this season, they have lost some key players the past two seasons and aren't quite at the level they were in recent seasons. The Gaels are near the bottom of the rankings so far this season in terms of shooting percentage allowed (49.1%) and their rebounding margin (-8.6 per game). That certainly doesn't bode well for a rusty Iona team coming off of a long layoff and going on the road and knocking off a revenge-minded Ohio U. team. The Bobcats led the Gaels at half at the Hynes Athletic Center in New Rochelle, NY last season but ended up losing a tight game. It is time for payback here and Ohio University is happy to have this contest at home. The Bobcats are on a 30-7 SU run in home games and also 22-3 SU in their last 25 games against teams with a losing record. The Bobcats are "feeling it" right now after their hot shooting effort versus Mount Saint Mary's Friday and they are 19-7 SU and 16-7 ATS when off of a game where they scored 80 points or more. 8* OHIO UNIVERSITY |
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11-28-17 | Baylor +5 v. Xavier | 63-76 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 46 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #511 Monday 8* Baylor Bears (+) @ Xavier Musketeers @ 6:30 ET - I love fading streaks like this. The Musketeers have won 33 straight non-conference home games. However, here they are hosting a Bears team that is just as strong as they are. Also, Xavier has a huge game on deck as their annual Crosstown Shootout versus Cincinnati is on tap for Saturday. The Musketeers are also off of a loss to Arizona State this past weekend in the Las Vegas Classic and the 102 points allowed to the Sun Devils certainly exposed the weakness of the Xavier defense. The fact is that, under coach Chris Mack, there is a history of teams that struggle early in the season but then are extremely tough outs late in the season. This looks like a repeat of that and I love the value being offered here with Baylor getting sizable points. The Musketeers would like to avenge last season's loss in Waco but the Bears did beat them by 15 points in that game and I feel that Xavier still has not closed the gap all the way. In other words, even home court isn't enough to necessarily get the Musketeers the win here (especially with the Bearcats on deck) and Baylor getting significant points is the way to go here. Xavier is 6-11 ATS after a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. The Musketeers also are 1-6 ATS in home games with a posted total in a range of 140 to 144.5 points. The Bears are 7-3 ATS against Big East opponents. 8* BAYLOR |
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11-27-17 | Wisconsin +8.5 v. Virginia | 37-49 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 44 m | Show | |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach Game #725 Monday 8* Wisconsin Badgers (+) @ Virginia Cavaliers @ 9 ET - The Badgers are certainly a "step down" from where they have been but they will get better as the season goes on and a big win over UW-Milwaukee helps get some positive momentum going for a Wisconsin team that had lost 3 straight games by an average margin of just 5.7 points per game. Virginia, of course, is the better team and they are at home but this game (as you can tell from the total) is projected to be a rather low-scoring affair and I expect the Badgers to be able to hang around in the type of game they generally thrive in - a low-scoring grinder! We are getting extra value here because the Cavaliers are 6-0 on the season and also have covered 5 straight ATS. In my opinion, this is the toughest match-up they have faced this season and yet the line is inching higher. I won't hesitate to step in on the big dog side. The Badgers are 20-12 ATS after allowing 60 points or less in their prior game. Wisconsin also is a long-term 20-10 ATS against ACC opponents. The Badgers additionally are 7-3 ATS when facing solid defensive teams (allowing 64 points or less per game). Virginia is a long-term 11-19 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points including 1-3 ATS the past 2 seasons. The Cavs win but don't cover here! 8* WISCONSIN |
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11-27-17 | Texans v. Ravens -7 | 16-23 | Push | 0 | 13 h 3 m | Show | |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Monday 8* Baltimore Ravens (-) vs Houston Texans @ 8:30 ET - The Ravens have been a great team in primetime games and they are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 MNF appearances. I also like the fact that the Ravens bye was earlier this month so this is just their 2nd game since the bye and they've got fresh legs and are healthier than a Texans team whose bye was 5 weeks ago. Also, Houston sorely misses QB DeShaun Watson. I know Tom Savage played well at QB for the Texans last week but now he faces a ball-hawking Ravens defense that forced 5 turnovers at Green Bay last week when they faced another back-up QB. Also, in each of their last two home games Baltimore has forced a pair of turnovers. This is the Ravens first home game in a month and they are fired up to make the most of it on Monday Night! Remember that Baltimore destroyed Miami 40-0 in a Thursday night game to wrap up October as their primetime success continues. As for the Texans, they are an awful 1-9 ATS in their last 10 MNF appearances. Also, Houston is just 2-7 ATS when they are a dog of more than 3 points in the first of back to back road games and they do have a divisional game on deck at Tennessee on Sunday! The Texans are just 3-10 ATS when they have the Titans on deck. Houston won by 10 last week against Arizona but they are 2-8 ATS under coach Bill O'Brien when they are an underdog and coming off of a SU win by a double digit margin. The Texans, if they had Watson under center, would have the offensive edge but they don't and I am expecting a big game from Ravens QB Joe Flacco here as he takes advantage of a weak Houston pass defense. Comparing the defenses here, the Ravens have a huge edge (especially with no Brian Cushing or JJ Watt for the Texans). Of course Baltimore also have the home field edge and rest edge since they had that recent bye. The Ravens D has produced shutouts in 2 of their last 3 games. The Houston D has given up an average of 36.8 points per game in their last 3 road games. Now you can see why I am calling for a home rout here! 8* BALTIMORE |
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11-27-17 | Nets +17 v. Rockets | 103-117 | Win | 100 | 10 h 47 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Monday 8* Brooklyn Nets (+) @ Houston Rockets @ 8:05 ET - Just too many points here. The Rockets, of course, are the better team and are at home but the Nets are quietly playing extremely competitive basketball. Brooklyn won at Memphis last season and, despite playing a number of quality teams like Portland (twice), Cleveland, Golden State, and Denver, the Nets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. Also, Brooklyn has only lost 1 game this entire season by more than 13 points and that was exactly a month ago to the day in October and now the Nets are getting 17 here. It's just too much. The Rockets don't have any incentive to run up the score here. If anything, Brooklyn is the more motivated team as they lost at home by 25 to Houston when they most recently met (back in January). Note that the Nets had covered each of the prior 3 meetings. Also, yesterday was just the 2nd time in 5 games that Brooklyn didn't shoot over 50% from the field. The Nets held the Grizzlies to just 88 points and they are 5-1 ATS when off of a game where they allowed 90 points or less. Also, Brooklyn is a perfect 7-0 ATS this season in games against teams that score 106 points or more per game. The Nets also are 7-1 ATS in games against teams with a winning record. The Rockets are just 1-4 ATS against Atlantic Division teams this season (again, the motivation just isn't there against a non-Western Conference foe). Also, Houston is just 17-31 ATS as a home fave of 12.5 to 18 points. 8* BROOKLYN |
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11-26-17 | Missouri +7.5 v. West Virginia | 79-83 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #531 Sunday 8* Missouri Tigers (+) vs West Virginia Mountaineers in Advocare Championship Game at HP Field House in Orlando, FL - The Tigers have the experience, depth, and backcourt to properly deal with "Press Virginia". Of course the Mountaineers are off of a blowout win over Central Florida but that is part of what is driving the crazy value here as this line is way over-priced when you consider what Missouri brings to the hardwood here and the fact that this is a neutral court game. Keep in mind the Tigers returned 4 starters and they are much better than what last season's record would lead you to believe. New head coach Cuonzo Martin already has this team believing! Remember that he was hired in early March and the Tigers had one of the best recruiting classes in the entire nation for this season! West Virginia is certainly a great team and that is why they're ranked of course but Missouri is still flying under the radar a bit. This is a Tigers team that is hitting 37% of their threes this season and the Mountaineers were allowing 42.3% three pointers before holding UCF to a ridiculous 1 of 12 performance in that insane blowout win over the Golden Knights Saturday which has resulted in an inflated market perception of West Virginia here. The Mountaineers are 0-3 ATS against SEC opponents. The Tigers are 15-4 ATS in neutral court games with a posted total between 145 and 149.5 points. That's a combined 18-4 (82%) ATS spot favoring the dog here. 8* MISSOURI |
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11-26-17 | Calgary -6 v. Toronto | Top | 24-27 | Loss | -133 | 9 h 56 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFL Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Stampeders (-) vs Toronto Argonauts @ 6 ET in CFL Grey Cup in Ottawa - Both teams off of tight wins last week but the Stampeders are 6-1-1 against East Division teams this year while the Argonauts only went 3-7 against West Division teams in the regular season. Also, Calgary is playing with a chip on their shoulder after what happened last season when they lost, ironically, in the Grey Cup at Toronto versus Ottawa. Now the Stampeders face Toronto but at Ottawa! After the OT loss last season, I don't see Calgary being denied here. Yes the price is a little "lofty" on the Stampeders here but their average point differential was about 10 points a game and that included late season match-ups where Calgary was merely coasting into the post-season. As for the Argonauts their point differential was only 1.4 points per game this season and, as noted above, they struggled badly against the West. The Stampeders knocked off Edmonton last week and are 20-5-1 SU (and 18-8 ATS) when off of a win over a divisional foe. Toronto is an ugly 8-16 SU (and 7-17 ATS!) when facing a team with a winning record. The Argonauts last 5 games versus the Stampeders have all been losses by a dozen points or more! The average margin of defeat in those games was 18.2 points per game. More of the same here! 10* CALGARY |
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11-26-17 | Nets +5.5 v. Grizzlies | 98-88 | Win | 100 | 7 h 13 m | Show | |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Sunday 8* Brooklyn Nets (+) @ Memphis Grizzlies @ 6:05 ET - Considering Brooklyn is only 2-7 on the road it looks almost "too easy" to take Memphis at home laying a rather small number here. However, you know looks can be deceiving and that is what my contrarian crusher plays are all about! In this case, upon closer inspection, you'll see why the Nets are actually a great play here! Not only has Memphis lost 7 straight games (SU and ATS!), the Grizzlies are 4-11 in their last 15 games with only 2 wins by more than 5 points! In other words, Memphis would have to do something they've only done TWICE in their last 15 games to beat us here. I like my chances with a Nets team that has covered 7 of its last 9 games while truly playing competitive basketball versus the likes of the Cavaliers, Warriors, Celtics, Nuggets, and Blazers. Brooklyn enters this game off of a high-scoring loss versus Portland. That is significant here as the Nets are 5-0 ATS this season when off of a game where they scored 115 points or more. The Grizzlies have trouble matching up with teams like Brooklyn that are consistently involved in high-scoring games. Sure the Nets defensive numbers will impress no one but check this out: Memphis has gone 0-6 ATS this season when facing a team that allows 106 or more points per game! That means we have an 11-0 ATS combined spot here that favors the road dog. 8* BROOKLYN |
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11-26-17 | Seahawks -6.5 v. 49ers | Top | 24-13 | Win | 100 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
NFC West Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 10* Top Play Seattle Seahawks (-) @ San Francisco 49ers @ 4:05 ET - Had the 49ers NOT beaten the Giants before enjoying their bye week last week this situation would be different as San Francisco would have been coming out of the bye with a winless record. However, since the Niners did beat the G-men before the bye, there is not the same hunger with San Fran that we would have otherwise seen. With that said, the hunger here actually lies with a Seahawks team that is off of a home loss to Atlanta on Monday night and is ready to take out their frustrations on a weaker foe. I know that the Seahawks barely got by the Niners in Seattle earlier this season but the 'hawks offense has been playing much better now compared to how they were playing then. Also, the Seahawks are 12-3 ATS when they are off of a non-divisional SU loss and facing a team with a losing record. That is the case here and it is a beautiful set-up with San Francisco off of a rare win. Also, the 49ers are on an 0-5 ATS run with rest. The Niners are also on a 1-7 ATS run as a home dog of 3.5 to 7 points. San Francisco also entered this season 2-13 ATS when they enter a game with a losing record and are facing an opponent off of a SU loss at home. The Seahawks come into this one angry and they impose their will here! Before beating a poor Giants team, the Niners had scored just 10 points in EACH of their three prior contests. Seattle is averaging 27.7 points per game their last 7 games! Of course the absence of Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor hurts the Seahawks defense but they still held Atlanta to 279 yards last week. Prior to the home loss to Atlanta, the 'hawks had allowed 18 points or less in 7 of their 9 games this season. This is a complete mismatch and I'll grab the highly motivated road fave that is fighting to remain in the playoff race with a tough game versus the Eagles on deck. The Seahawks know this is a must win game with what is in front of them. 10* SEATTLE |
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11-26-17 | Panthers v. Jets +6 | 35-27 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 25 m | Show | |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NFL Sunday 8* New York Jets (+) @ Carolina Panthers @ 1 ET - The worst loss the Panthers suffered this season was to division rival New Orleans. Two months ago in Carolina the Panthers were soundly defeated by the Saints by a margin of 3 TDs. Why do I mention that here? Carolina has a trip to New Orleans on deck after facing the Jets in New York! This week's game is a horrific spot for the Panthers as they try to maintain their focus with a huge divisional revenge game on deck. The game holds extra meaning too because the Panthers are only one game behind the Saints in the division. As for the Jets they are much more desperate about today's game than any future game! New York needs a win to hang around in the playoff race. Both the Jets and Panthers are off of a bye week so their situation is equal in that regard. However, the value lies with the hungrier home dog that is fully focused on today's game. I also love the fact that the Jets, since starting the season 0-2, have gone 4-4 and the 4 losses have all come by a single possession. In other words, the Jets have been in every single game since late September and I fully expect that to be the case again here. New York is 6-1-1 ATS their last 8 games and are 5-0 ATS this season as a home dog. The Panthers are on a 1-7-1 ATS mark as an away favorite. The Jets are also 10-5 ATS after a bye week. 8* NEW YORK JETS |
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11-25-17 | Colorado v. Utah -10.5 | Top | 13-34 | Win | 100 | 13 h 46 m | Show |
Blowout Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #188 Saturday 10* Top Play Utah Utes (-) vs Colorado Buffaloes @ 10 PM ET - This is a battle for bowl eligibility and it also is a revenge game for the Utes who lost at Colorado last year. The fact that Utah gave up 10 late points to lose to the Huskies last week strengthens this play as the Utes are angry and hungry! Utah is 6-2 ATS in this series and the Buffaloes are an ugly 1-3 (SU and ATS) in road games this season. Each of the Buffaloes last 3 losses have come by double digits. The Utes not only have the home field edge here, they also have the much better defense as they allow 90 yards less per game than the Buffs do. Colorado is 6-11 ATS as a road dog of 10.5 to 14 points. Even though the Buffaloes are off of a bye and the Utes are on regular rest, Utah is 14-8 ATS when on rest of 6 days or less. Colorado is 0-5 ATS when playing with rest and is off of their last season bye week. After playing 10 straight weeks and then having a bye, the Buffaloes are unlikely to be sharp and certainly lost any continuity they had going. The Utes are on a revenge mission, home finale mission, and will be the ones to earn bowl eligibility with a win in this one. 10* UTAH |
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11-25-17 | Southern Utah +25 v. UNLV | 82-101 | Win | 100 | 11 h 41 m | Show | |
Hidden Gem - Rickenbach CBB Game #799 Saturday 8* Southern Utah Thunderbirds (+) @ UNLV Rebels @ 10 ET - Southern Utah head coach Todd Simon was an assistant at UNLV. He is now entering his 2nd season with the Thunderbirds and last year they lost to the Rebels by only 8 points. Simon certainly knows the program well and now he also has a player, Jamal Aytes, who used to play for UNLV as well and will be up for a huge game here. A lot of "inside edges" here and, of course, the Runnin' Rebels are the better team but coach Simon has a number of returning starters plus transfer players and incoming freshmen that are already contributing significantly early this season. Last year, the Thunderbirds had Randy Onwuasor who has since transferred out but the Southern Utah leading scorer last season actually did not shoot well in the game against UNLV while his teammates shot 50% and contributed most of the key scoring. Both the Thunderbirds and Runnin' Rebels have played soft schedules early this season. UNLV is certainly the superior team but will they be fully focused here? I doubt it! Coming off of the Thanksgiving Holiday and with a tougher match-up on deck (Northern Iowa) and then a huge game (Arizona) after that, I don't expect UNLV to be in "shutdown mode" here and Southern Utah hangs around as a result. The Thunderbirds are 6-3 ATS in games with a posted total in the 160s. UNLV is on an 8-16 ATS run in Saturday games. 8* SOUTHERN UTAH |