Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-06-19 | Pacers +3 v. Raptors | Top | 105-121 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 24 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #571 Sunday 10* Top Play Indiana Pacers (+) @ Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - This is a tough scheduling spot for the Raptors. They are off a revenge win at Milwaukee last night and now had to travel back home to face a revenge-minded Pacers team. Not only is Indiana the more rested team, they've won 6 straight games since a 3-point loss at Toronto on December 19th. The Pacers have now lost 4 straight to the Raptors so they are amped up about this revenge opportunity Sunday. Overall it is a 13-2 SU run for Indiana and their two losses came by a total of just 4 points! Great value with the road dog in this spot. Toronto is just 3-7 ATS against Central Division teams this season and 1-4 ATS in Sunday games. Indiana is 6-2 SU and ATS against Atlantic Division teams. Also, the Pacers are a fantastic 23-9 SU and 24-8 ATS in Sunday games. Here they catch the Raptors still celebrating that huge win over the Bucks last night. 10* INDIANA |
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01-06-19 | Memphis +9 v. Houston | Top | 77-90 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #823 Sunday 10* Top Play Memphis Tigers (+) @ Houston Cougars @ 6 ET - Long-time followers know I love seeking spots like this. The Cougars are a ranked team and undefeated while the Tigers are only 9-5 on the season and on the road here catching only single digits. Many will back an undefeated team in a spot like this but there are important keys as to why the Tigers are going to be a "tough out" for the Cougars. First off, Memphis has played a tougher schedule than Houston this season. Also, a key to winning on the road when the conference schedule rolls around is having a veteran team and being battle tested. The Tigers fit the bill in both regards. They returned their top four scorers from last season and all are now seniors. Additionally there is tremendous positive energy with this program as they brought in former NBA star Penny Hardaway at head coach and brought in a new influx of playing talent this season that already has led to some key contributions from new sources for Memphis. The Tigers losses this season have included LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech. That is not exactly a slate of cupcakes and those experiences will serve the Tigers well in their first key conference battle of the new season. Note that Memphis is already 6-3 ATS this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Cougars do play great defense but the Tigers have the veteran skilled players to break down a defense like this. In fact, Memphis is 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last 3 meetings with Houston and the lone loss came by just a single point. The Cougars are NOT shooting the ball well at ll this season and it will tough for them to build a significant margin here against a senior-laded Tigers team viewing this game as one of their BIGGEST of the season. 10* MEMPHIS |
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01-06-19 | Eagles +6.5 v. Bears | Top | 16-15 | Win | 100 | 9 h 0 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Game #107 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Chicago Bears @ 4:40 ET - Be careful what you wish for. The Bears decided it was better to face the Eagles than the Vikings. Chicago got a big win at Minnesota last week and that kept a division rival out of the post-season and welcomed Philly to town. However, was that really a smart move? Would you rather face Kirk Cousins (a QB known for NOT being able to get the win in key games) or Nick Foles (Super Bowl MVP and absolutely red hot right now)? The fact is that I feel strongly that last week's Bears win that allowed the Eagles into the playoffs and stamped their invitation to Soldier Field is ultimately going to spell the demise of Chicago. Yes, I am grabbing the points here but I expect an outright victory for the Eagles. Make no mistake about it the Bears defense has been great this season. But Philly has positive history in recent meetings with Chicago and Alshon Jeffery (former Bear) is poised for another huge game and has become a key target for Foles. Also, Golden Tate (former Lion) has seen plenty of the Bears secondary in his recent seasons matched up against the division rival. Of course Darren Sproles being healthy is another key catalyst for the Eagles offense as the veteran has incredible quick play capabilities and it forces defenses to NOT be able to focus on just TE Zach Ertz (100+ catches this season) coming across the middle. Back to the QB situation, Foles ribs are only bruised. He will be fine here. No disrespect intended but just be honest with yourself here. Would you rather have Mitchell Trubisky leading your team or a Super Bowl Champion QB whom completed 25 straight passes before exiting last week's game with bruised ribs? The Bears defense has been great this season but there is something magical again (just like last season) about this Eagles team as certainly they were counted out by many when they dropped to 6-7 after that devastating (and ref-impacted) loss to the Cowboys. On the season the Eagles played a tougher schedule than the Bears. This line is offering tremendous underdog line value. The Bears are 0-6 SU (and 1-5 ATS) their last 6 against NFC East foes. The Eagles are 11-4 SU (and 10-5 ATS) when they enter a game on a SU winning streak of 2 or more games. They are hot again, Foles is feeling "it" again, and this team is truly feeling "it" again and also has had a chance to heal up some in their secondary. Keep in mind that is their biggest weakness (due to injuries all season long) but their defensive line (and offensive line for that matter) is one of the best in the game. Trubisky is not going to have much time to beat the Eagles downfield. They just won't give him time. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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01-06-19 | Rangers +115 v. Coyotes | Top | 0-5 | Loss | -100 | 6 h 13 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - I like to look for dogs when they're matched up with false favorites and, that said, this one certainly fits the bill. The Coyotes are favored because they're on home ice and both Arizona and the Rangers have been struggling this season. However, the Coyotes have won just 7 of their 21 home games this season. That is just 33% and no NHL team has won fewer home games than Arizona this season. Also, the Coyotes are dealing with a rash of injuries right now. Not only are the Rangers the much healthier team, they also will have Henrik Lundqvist back in goal after he was given a night off in their most recent game. Keep in mind, he and the Rangers also are seeking revenge for a home loss 3 weeks ago suffered at the hands of the Coyotes. That was a 4-3 defeat and New York is used to dominating Arizona. In other words, they are hungry for payback here and I look for the Rangers to take full advantage of an injury-depleted Arizona team. The Coyotes have been held to 2 goals or less in 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. The Rangers couldn't stay out of the penalty box in their most recent game and are ticked off as they've struggled in their last 3 games. Prior to this the Rangers had scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their 10 previous games. If you can't score it is tough to win and New York definitely has the edge over Arizona in the goal-scoring department as the injuries mount for the Coyotes. The Rangers have won 44 of their last 76 non-conference games. The Coyotes have lost 54 of their last 82 non-conference match-ups. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS |
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01-06-19 | Chargers +3 v. Ravens | Top | 23-17 | Win | 100 | 6 h 1 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #105 Sunday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Chargers (+) @ Baltimore Ravens @ 1:05 ET - Give the Ravens credit for their big road win at Los Angeles last month. Certainly that road victory is going to have many backing Baltimore at home in this match-up. However, as per usual I am going contrarian and going with the Chargers in this match-up. Keep in mind that game at LA was played when the Chargers were in a divisional sandwich situation. They had just beat the Chiefs AT Kansas City and had another big divisional ROAD game on deck. In other words it was a definite flat spot for Los Angeles. Of course it goes without saying that the Chargers are NOT going to be flat here and I'll take Philip Rivers over Lamar Jackson at QB in a playoff game anytime anywhere. Keep in mind the Chargers are 7-1 SU and ATS on the road this season and their last 3 wins came at Denver (not an easy place to play) and Kansas City and Pittsburgh. That is no small feat! As for the Ravens, they wrapped up the season going 6-1 after going 4-5 prior to their bye week. However, Baltimore's wins (other than against the Chargers) came against a slate of sub-par teams! The Ravens other 5 wins came against teams with a combined 29-50-1 record. NONE of those 5 teams finished the season with a winning record. The Ravens are 4-8 SU and ATS when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 or more consecutive games. In Sunday's match-up look for Baltimore to drop to 4-8 ATS on the season in games in which they are a favorite. The Chargers fully fit the definition of a "live dog" here! 10* LOS ANGELES CHARGERS |
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01-05-19 | Raptors +5.5 v. Bucks | Top | 123-116 | Win | 100 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #553 Saturday 10* Top Play Toronto Raptors (+) @ Milwaukee Bucks @ 8:35 ET - The Raptors embarrassed the hell out of me at San Antonio on Thursday but sometimes in this business one can be dead wrong and that was the case with me when Toronto faced the Spurs. However, the Raptors look like a live dog in this spot. Yes I am aware of the continuing Kyle Lowry injury situation. However, the Raptors have now lost 3 straight against the Bucks, including both meetings this season, and it is absolutely payback time here. Milwaukee is in a back to back spot here and has gone 2-4 ATS in Saturday games this season. Also, the Bucks are a poor 1-5 ATS (and SU!) the last 6 times they were off a game in which they scored 130 or more points. The Raptors are 4-1 SU this season in Saturday games. Toronto is 3-1 SU when off a loss by a double digit margin. Also, the Raptors are 6-3 SU when playing with revenge this season but that includes not faring well against the Bucks this season. In other words, payback time here in a big way and I like having the points in a game the Raptors are bound and determined to win and do have a rest edge. 10* TORONTO |
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01-05-19 | Seahawks +2.5 v. Cowboys | Top | 22-24 | Win | 100 | 12 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #103 Saturday 10* Top Play Seattle Seahawks (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 8:15 ET - Just a couple days ago this line was very nearly a pick'em and now the Cowboys are inching closer to being a 3 point favorite as of early game day morning. With all due respect to the Cowboys, the Seahawks have some key edges here. First off at head coach I would take Pete Carroll over Jason Garrett any day of the week. Secondly at quarterback, I certainly like having the veteran leadership in crunch time of Russell Wilson over the talented but still learning Dak Prescott. Keep in mind too, when Prescott and the Cowboys have to play from behind, things become particularly problematic for them as Prescott seems to press and get rattled. The Cowboys are 2-9 SU in their last 11 playoff games. Certainly they do not have a good history while the Seahawks are a PERFECT 6-0 their last 6 Wild Card playoff games and 4 of those have been in the Pete Carroll era. Overall, under Carroll, the Seahawks are 7-3 in playoff games their last 10. This season Seattle has failed to cover just ONCE in NINE games with a line between +3 and -3. By comparison, the Cowboys have only 3 ATS win in NINE games with a line in that same range. That said, having the points here sure could prove handy though I do expect an outright upset win for the Seahawks! Seattle is also 5-1 ATS in their last 6 versus NFC East teams. The Seahawks are 4-0 ATS their last 4 versus teams with a winning record this season. Dallas has covered just 2 of their past 7 wild card round playoff games. The turnover battle has been won 3-0 in favor of the Seahawks in each of the past two meetings and look for that to be a key again here as Carroll has his team ready and the Cowboys make the crucial mistakes again. 10* SEATTLE |
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01-05-19 | Colts v. Texans -120 | Top | 21-7 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NFL Game #101 Saturday NFL 10* Top Play Houston Texans (-) vs Indianapolis Colts @ 4:35 ET - When these teams met AT Indianapolis earlier this season the Texans were a 1 point favorite on the road. Given that, when they met later in the year in Houston a line of -7 on the Texans would not have surprised. However, that was a revenge game for the Colts and Houston ended up only at -4 and Indianapolis got the outright upset. But now it is the Texans with revenge and they are at home and it is playoff time and yet a line that very easily could have been -7 earlier this month (given the above) is now a PICK'EM! Of course the reason is that Andrew Luck and the Colts have been red hot. However, let us not forget that in road games against playoff teams, Indy went 1-2 and was outscored by a combined 79 to 64 in the 3 games - win at Houston, and losses at Philly and New England. As for the Texans at home against playoff teams, they did beat the Cowboys and had the one loss to the Colts. Overall at home this season Houston has won 6 of their last 7 games with the lone loss to Indianapolis. It is payback time here. The Texans are 5-1 SU the last 6 times they've been a home favorite of 3 points or less. The Colts are 1-4 SU the last 5 times they've been a road dog of 3 points or less. With the current line on this game showing Houston as low as -1 point favorite, a price range of -115 to -120 is currently available on the money line in a number of books and I look for the Texans strong play at home to continue. 10* HOUSTON |
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01-05-19 | Kansas State +12 v. Texas Tech | Top | 57-63 | Win | 100 | 4 h 35 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach CBB Game #645 Saturday 10* Top Play Kansas State Wildcats (+) @ Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 2 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Wildcats, already without Dean Wade, have another senior (Kamau Stokes) listed as doubtful for this game. However, this is a horrible scheduling spot for the Red Raiders and a huge situational edge for Kansas State. While the Wildcats are off an embarrassing loss at Texas, the Red Raiders enter this game off a hard-fought road win at West Virginia. Also, Texas Tech has a huge game with Oklahoma on deck. In other words this is truly a sandwich game and flat spot for the Red Raiders. Additionally, the Wildcats have revenge on their mind as they were blown out by Texas Tech in both games last season. I like the talent on this Kansas State team and, right now, the Red Raiders continue to be over-valued. As a result, we can get a dozen points with the Wildcats in a game that is projected to be very low-scoring (posted total opened up in the 115 range!). With points at a premium in this one and the hungry and motivated defense ready to turn up the heat on defense, this game will be much closer than many are expecting. By the way, Texas Tech is on a 6-12 ATS run in January games. The Wildcats are a long-term 4-1 ATS in games with a posted total of 119.5 points or less. Give me the big dog in this one. 10* KANSAS STATE |
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01-05-19 | Eastern Washington +16.5 v. North Dakota State | Top | 24-38 | Win | 100 | 5 h 33 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CFB Game #801 Eastern Washington Eagles (+) vs North Dakota State Bison @ Noon ET in FCS Championship Game @ Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX - The Bison are looking to win their 7th title in the last 8 seasons. However, this will be the final game for North Dakota State head coach Chris Klieman as he accepted the head coaching job at Kansas State - replacing Bill Snyder home finally retired. This could be a bit of a distraction for the Bison no doubt. While they are the better team defensively in this match-up, the Eagles are arguably the better offense and grabbing the big points with Eastern Washington is the way to go. The Eagles have averaged 540 yards per game compared to 470 yards per game for the Bison. Eastern Washington QB Eric Barriere has stepped in and been fantastic (24 TDs, 7 INTs) after starting QB Gage Gubrud got hurt after just 5 games. The point being that the Eagles have been even better since the injury to Gubrud. Though the Bison have the huge experience edge in Title Games and have each of their last 6 appearances, the Eagles did win their only other appearance and it was here @ Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX in 2010. Considering the possible coaching distraction as well as the huge points that are offered, North Dakota State (currently as high as a 16.5 point favorite) are over-priced here. Yes the Bison have rolled through the playoffs but that has resulted in an inflated line here and, don't forget, the Eagles offense is so potent it certainly has backdoor cover potential (should that be needed) but I expect them to hang in tough throughout this game. 10* EASTERN WASHINGTON |
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01-04-19 | Wizards +7 v. Heat | Top | 109-115 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #531 Friday 10* Top Play Washington Wizards (+) @ Miami Heat @ 8:05 ET - We're getting to the point in the season where you're going to see trends start to reverse. The NBA season is almost at it's mid-point and this is the time of the season where it is a good idea to take a look at teams that have under-achieved at the betting window but that are playing better of late. I especially like to look for those teams when they're facing a team that has over-achieved at the betting window and also when I can have my team as a sizable underdog. That is the case here because, as of 7:30 AM ET, the Wizards are available as high as a +7 in some big shops. Washington is a poor 13-25 ATS on the season but enters this game off back to back wins and covers and there is a different feeling in the Wizards locker room as they head into this match-up against a divisional foe. The Heat are on a ridiculous 15-4 ATS run which you know can't continue. Miami is just not that strong of a team and the absence of Goran Dragic is going to catch up with them. The Heat are 2-2 SU their last 4 games and I expect another SU loss here but, of course, am grabbing the generous points being offered. The Wizards are 5-3 SU and ATS in divisional games this season while Miami is a poor 2-7 SU and ATS in divisional games on the season. Washington is already adjusting to life without John Wall plus remember they've only had Trevor Ariza for the past 8 games and he has already had games with highs of 24 in points, 9 in assists, and 8 in rebounds. He is a key contributor that will be a difference maker tonight. The Wizards are playing scrappy and hungry basketball right now and that is the kind of dog (with plenty of fight) you want on your side. 10* WASHINGTON |
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01-04-19 | Jets +117 v. Penguins | Top | 0-4 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have won 7 straight games, are on home ice, and they've been priced as a small favorite by the odds makers. Do you think the odds makers are stupid? Of course they are not and the Pens are priced this way because the sharp money (including mine) is going to be on the Jets in this one. Winnipeg is 9-5 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Also, they're playing this game with home loss revenge from November. The Jets are 13-6 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Winnipeg is also 10-5 in non-conference match-ups this season. The Penguins are off a huge win over the Rangers where they exploded late in the game and erupted for a 7-2 win. However, the Pens are an ugly 5-7 (DOWN $6,300) this season when off a divisional game. The Jets have an extra two days of rest compared to Pittsburgh and the fresher legs get the road win in this revenge match-up. 10* WINNIPEG |
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01-04-19 | SMU v. Tulane OVER 139 | Top | 74-65 | Push | 0 | 11 h 42 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #801 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tulane Green Wave vs SMU Mustangs @ 7 ET - This is the perfect set up for a high-scoring game. Though Tulane has not shot well lately, they are finally back home and that is a key here! The Green Wave have shot 49.2% from the field (including 39.2% from 3-point land) in their home games this season. However, SMU is nearly a double digit favorite here with good reason. The Mustangs are the much stronger overall team and they have revenge on their minds too. That is a big help when playing an over because SMU won't hesitate to run up the score here given the chance. Last season the Mustangs had a 7 point lead at the half but then got outscored by double digits in the second half and lost. It is payback time here for SMU but I do expect the Green Wave to also have a huge scoring night as they hang within single digits for much of this game. In terms of technical support, Tulane is 5-1 to the over in games against teams with a winning record this season. Also, the Green Wave have gone 15-4 to the over when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more consecutive SU losses. The Mustangs are 7-3 to the over this season in games in which they are the favorite. Also, SMU is on a 14-5 run to the over in games against teams with a losing record. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Tulane |
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01-03-19 | Raptors +2 v. Spurs | Top | 107-125 | Loss | -100 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #519 Thursday 10* Top Play Toronto Raptors (+) @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:05 ET - I don't foresee Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors being denied here. Yes the Spurs are off a big win over another Atlantic Division opponent, the Celtics, but they hit 14 of 26 three-pointers in that game. That was the difference in the contest and, of course, the odds are very strong that such an insane shooting performance will not be repeated here! Leonard wants this game badly and his teammates know it as this will be his only game in San Antonio this season. He wants to show Coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs that they made a big mistake in the way they handled him last season. Now it is payback time for Leonard. Note that the Raptors are a respectable 11-7 SU in games against teams with a winning record while San Antonio is only 9-9 SU in games against teams with a winning record this season. Also, when off an upset win as an underdog, the Spurs are just 10-11 SU and ATS. Toronto, though off a win, is not happy with their defensive performance in that game and they've gone 6-2 SU this season when off a game in which they allowed 115 points or more. Also, the Raptors are 14-4 SU when off a game in which they've scored 115 points or more this season. Additionally, Toronto is 21-7 SU this season when facing a team that is allowing 106 points or more per game on the season. The Raptors lost their most recent road game by 29 points. After getting thoroughly embarrassed in Orlando, they've had this road game circled blood red and it is payback time for Leonard and Company! 10* TORONTO |
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01-03-19 | NC State v. Miami-FL +3.5 | Top | 87-82 | Loss | -112 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #612 Thursday 10* Top Play Miami Hurricanes (+) vs NC State Wolfpack @ 7 ET - The Wolfpack are a ranked team that is 12-1 on the season and, as such, they are very popular in the betting markets as they opened up as a very small favorite here. In typical contrarian fashion I'll take advantage of the line value on the other side as there has already been a move toward NC State early this morning and it has led to solid home dog value with Miami. The lone loss that the Wolfpack has this season was in their only true road game. 10 of their 13 games have been at home and two were neutral site games. The only road game was against the Badgers in Madison, WI. Not only did NC State lead that game by 7 at the half, there will still up by 8 with about 7 minutes to go! From that point on Wisconsin outscored them by a dozen points and the Wolfpack fell short. Don't be surprised if tonight plays out in similar fashion. NC State has a 10 man rotation but half of those players are freshmen and sophomores. Miami has a 7-man rotation with truly just 6 key players (at least until Hernandez is eligible to return). This is a detriment when they are on short rest BUT this is NOT a short rest situation. The Hurricanes have fresh legs and they also have won each of the last 3 meetings between these teams. The Wolfpack are a long-term 6-14 SU in road games and also have lost 6 of their last 9 visits to Miami. The Canes are a long-term 31-6 SU in home games. NC State is overvalued here because they've been strong SU and ATS this season. The Hurricanes at home are not getting enough respect in this one. I expect an outright upset but am happy to grab the points being offered as extra "insurance" in this one. 10* MIAMI |
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01-02-19 | Mavs +2.5 v. Hornets | Top | 122-84 | Win | 100 | 12 h 52 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #505 Wednesday 10* Top Play Dallas Mavericks (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - Perfect set-up here. The Mavericks are off an ugly loss by 20 points at Oklahoma City Monday. The Hornets are off a huge win by 25 points versus Orlando Monday. Dallas is a fantastic 36-16 ATS (including 6-1 this season!) when off a loss by a double digit margin. Charlotte is an ugly 4-8 SU (and they're laying points here!) when off a victory by a double digit margin. Also, the road team is a perfect 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between these teams and, long-term the Mavs are 10-3 ATS (and SU!) in games played at Charlotte. The Mavericks were on a 5-0 ATS run before the loss to the Thunder. The Hornets were on a 2-7 ATS run before the win over the Magic. Grab the points here but I don't expect to need them. 10* DALLAS |
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01-02-19 | Flames v. Red Wings OVER 6 | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 10 h 26 m | Show |
Game of the Week Total - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET - Both match-ups between these non-conference foes last season went over the total with each game totaling at least 9 goals. Also, the Red Wings are on a 4-0 run to the over as they've allowed 4.8 goals in those 4 contests. While Detroit is struggling to keep the puck out of their own net, Calgary is off an 8-5 win versus San Jose. That was the 6th time in their last 11 games that the Flames have scored 4 or more goals. Overall, Calgary is scoring an average of 3.8 goals their last 9 games. The Flames are 3-0 to the over in their last 3 games and those 3 contests total an incredible 35 goals! The Red Wings are 7-3 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Detroit |
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01-02-19 | Texas Tech v. West Virginia +4 | Top | 62-59 | Win | 100 | 11 h 58 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #794 Wednesday 10* Top Play West Virginia Mountaineers (+) vs Texas Tech Red Raiders @ 7 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Mountaineers are without Sagaba Konate. However, the emergence of 6'10 Derek Culver is not being given enough of a look by the betting markets as early support is on the Red Raiders here. The fact is that Culver, due to suspension, got to the floor for the first time two games ago. Tonight's game, being his 3rd game back and also at home in a key match-up, is likely to see him play his best game yet. I love the fact that the Red Raiders are ranked quite high and have an 11-1 record with their only loss to Duke because it is masking the fact that, other than the loss to the Blue Devils, Texas Tech has played a rather weak schedule. The fact is that West Virginia started the season ranked but is now unranked and only 8-4 on the season but they've played a tougher schedule than Texas Tech has. If this game was in Lubbock it would be a different story but I like West Virginia at home here. Both teams are rather inexperienced this season and have had to reload. Of course when both teams are young it helps to be on your home floor. Also West Virginia is 3-2 SU in their last 5 meetings with the Red Raiders and the Mountaineers two defeats EACH came by just ONE point. Certainly, though I expect an outright upset here, having the points on our side could also prove very valuable. WVU has failed to cover the spread in 3 straight games but that is a situation that has seen them go 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) in recent seasons. The Mountaineers are on a 36-6 SU run in home games. Texas Tech is 1-4 ATS in games with a posted total in the 130s while the Mountaineers are 7-2 SU their last 9 games with a posted total in the 130s. Also, the Red Raiders are just 5-15 SU in road games and this is their first true road game of the season. All of the previous Texas Tech games this season have been at home or at a neutral site. They are over-rated in my opinion and I fully expect coach Huggins to have his Mountaineers VERY ready for this Big 12 opener at home! Grab the points. 10* WEST VIRGINIA |
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01-01-19 | Texas v. Georgia -11 | Top | 28-21 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 15 m | Show |
January Game of the Month - Rickenbach CFB Game #278 Tuesday 10* Top Play Georgia Bulldogs (-) vs Texas Longhorns in Sugar Bowl @ Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA - The Bulldogs are out to prove they belong in the CFB Playoffs and I expect they will do just that. Sure Georgia is disappointed about their loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game and the fact that kept them out of the Playoff. However, they've had a full month to get over that and they are out to prove they still should have gotten the call for the CFB Playoffs. In my mind, it already has been proven. While Georgia played Alabama very tough in the SEC Championship Game (and truly should have won) and also lost last year's CFB Championship to the Crimson Tide in OT, let's talk about Oklahoma for a second. Yes, the same Sooners team that beat these same Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship Game and very nearly rallied to beat the Horns in their annual Red River Rivalry Game during the regular season got absolutely annihilated by the Crimson Tide in the Bowl Playoff Game. The point is that just like Oklahoma getting smashed by Alabama, I feel another Big 12 team is going to find out they don't match up well with an SEC powerhouse either! The Bulldogs, in my mind, are right up there with Alabama and Clemson as the top 3 teams in the nation while Texas finished up the season going 3-3 SU in their last 6 games. The 3 wins for the Longhorns came against 3 Big 12 teams with a combined record of 16-21 this season. Texas allows nearly 100 yards more per game than Georgia and the Bulldogs ground game averages nearly 100 yards more rushing per game. UT enters this game on a 2-6 ATS run. The Bulldogs went 6-1 ATS this season against teams with a winning record and are a long-term 7-1 ATS in games in which they are a favorite in a range of 10.5 to 21 points. Blowout alert! 10* GEORGIA |
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01-01-19 | Jazz v. Raptors OVER 210.5 | Top | 116-122 | Win | 100 | 11 h 6 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #575 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Utah Jazz @ 7:35 ET - Yes, I am aware of Kyle Lowry being out for this game. However, I am also aware of the fact that the Raptors are off RARE back to back POOR shooting games. There have been only 2 other times that Toronto shot less than 42% from the field in back to back games. BOTH times their next game flew over the total and, in fact, the average points scored in that next game was 229! Of course the Jazz like to play a slower, grinder-style of game but it is not their choice today. With this game in Toronto, the Raptors will dictate the tempo. The over is 17-10 in Utah's last 27 against Atlantic Division opponents. Look for the over to improve to 5-2 on the season when the Jazz are playing with home loss revenge. Toronto is 17-8 to the over against Northwest Division opponents. Look for the over to improve to 4-1 on the season in Raptors Tuesday games. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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01-01-19 | Marquette v. St. John's OVER 155.5 | Top | 69-89 | Win | 100 | 10 h 3 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #605 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in St John's Red Storm vs Marquette Golden Eagles @ 7 ET - This is a contrarian play because many are likely to be looking to the under here considering both of these teams stats make them look improved on defense early this season. The key to the value is that the Red Storm and Golden Eagles have padded their defensive stats by having big games against much weaker teams. For the most part, when St John's and Marquette have stepped up in class and faced tougher competition, they've struggled on the defensive end as per usual. That is noteworthy here because both of these teams are known for their high-scoring ways and I expect that to continue in this one. Both games between these teams last season went over the total and I like the fact that each of the last 4 meetings between these teams totaled at least 158 points. The current total on this game as of early Tuesday morning is as low as a 155.5 in some spots. Note that the over is a long-term 7-3 in Marquette's road games with a posted total between 155 and 159.5 points. Overall in road games it is a long-term 15-6 run to the over for the Golden Eagles. St John's has had just 3 unders in its 12 games subsequent to their season opener. Also, the Red Storm are a perfect 3-0 to the over when they are at home and their line ranges from -3 to a pick'em. 10* OVER the total in St John's |
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01-01-19 | Washington v. Ohio State OVER 55.5 | Top | 23-28 | Loss | -106 | 10 h 50 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #275 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Ohio State Buckeyes vs Washington Huskies @ 5 ET in Rose Bowl @ Pasadena, CA - As of 7 AM ET the forecast is calling for winds near 15 mph for this game. Originally they had been calling for winds to drop to near 10 mph for this game. Of course as we all know, Mother Nature can play hell with weather forecasts from time to time but even if the winds are near 15 mph, I am not going to shy away from a situation that I had circled as one of my favorite totals of the post-season when the bowl lines first were posted. My gut feeling is that Huskies senior QB Jake Browning is going to have a huge game here. Yes, he is unlikely to ever "stick" as an NFL QB but he certainly could impress all eyes that are on him with a big game here and the Buckeyes defense has shown plenty of weakness throughout this season. Ohio State allowed 240 passing yards per game this season and also allowed an average of 217 rushing yards per game their last 3 games. The strength of the 2018 Buckeyes was offense and that is the other key to this play. I know Washington has strong numbers on defense on the season but Ohio State scored at least 45 points in each of their final 3 games this season. They are hot at the right time and are going to give the Huskies defense a lot of trouble all game long. Both of these offenses averaged about 180 rushing yards per game this season and the Buckeyes passing attack averaged 367 yards per game! The over is 5-0 in the last 5 Rose Bowls and I see no reason for that trend to come to a halt today. 10* OVER the total in Rose Bowl |
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12-31-18 | NC State v. Texas A&M OVER 55.5 | Top | 13-52 | Win | 100 | 12 h 29 m | Show |
Bowl Total of the Year - Rickenbach CFB Game #267 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Texas A & M Aggies vs NC State Wolf Pack @ 7:30 ET in Gator Bowl @ Everbank Field in Jacksonville, FL - The Aggies points per game numbers are somewhat inflated by the 7 OT thriller versus LSU that wrapped up the regular season. However, even factoring in just scores through regulation time, Texas A & M averaged 30.6 points per game this season. As for NC State, again factoring in their lone OT game (A & M had two this season), the Wolfpack averaged 35.1 points per game on the season. NC State scored at least 23 points in every single game this season except their loss to Clemson. But of course the Tigers are playing for the national championship next Monday and the A & M defense is nowhere close to the level of a Clemson. The point is that if the odds makers are correct (as they so often are) and the Aggies win this game by 7 points and NC State scores their MINIMUM (23) that they have all season we're talking about a 30-23 game. Again, this is a MINIMUM in my mind and that total of 53 points gets us very close to the number currently posted on this total. I feel strongly that NC State will be around "only" their average in this game and that is 35 points, and keep in mind that average was brought down some by facing Clemson. If Wolfpack hit their average and Aggies win by 7 (as odds makers expect) we're talking about a total in the mid to upper 70s here! Note that NC State is a long-term 14-5 to the over in neutral site games. Also, the Wolfpack are 10-3 to the over in non-conference games. The Aggies are a perfect 4-0 to the over in neutral site games the past two seasons. Look for more of the same here. 10* OVER the total in the Gator Bowl |
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12-31-18 | Magic +7.5 v. Hornets | Top | 100-125 | Loss | -102 | 10 h 59 m | Show |
Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #563 Monday 10* Top Play Orlando Magic (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 6:05 ET - Even though this is a back to back spot for the Magic there are four important things to note here that will render that a mute point. Yesterday's game was a day game so that helps in terms of travel and rest. Flight time from Orlando to Charlotte is less than two hours so there was not significant travel involved. The Magic are much improved on defense this season and are entering this game off back to back wins and looking to close 2018 strong. Orlando has NOT forgotten about one of their most embarrassing losses of the season and that 32 point beatdown happened at HOME early this season which was the most recent time the Magic faced the Hornets. This is Orlando's first opportunity at revenge since that game and they'll make the most of it. The Magic are 6-3 ATS when playing with home loss revenge. Orlando is 10-4 ATS in road games. Charlotte is actually 6-11 ATS in games against teams with a losing record this season. Also, the Hornets enter this game on an overall 4-10 ATS run their last 14 games. Look for the Magic to improve to 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games and I would not be surprised if their SU winning streak reaches 3 games as they are playing with a lot of confidence right now after home wins versus Toronto and Detroit. Looking for the upset but will gladly grab the big points as added insurance in this one. 10* ORLANDO |
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12-31-18 | Flyers +112 v. Hurricanes | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 6:05 ET - The Hurricanes continue to be hurt by the absence of Jordan Staal. The Canes have lost 7 of their last 9 games. Also, Carolina has had only 1 game in their last 5 where they actually had success finding the back of the net. In the Hurricanes other 4 games they've scored a TOTAL of only TWO goals combined! The Flyers, conversely, have been playing much better hockey since they fired their head coach. Philly has only 1 regulation loss in their last 6 games (a 3-1-2 stretch) and they've also enjoyed success against the Canes in recent seasons. This is their first match-up this season and the Flyers have won 3 of their last 4 games at Carolina. Philly is off a tight 2-1 loss at Florida but previously scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in their 5 prior games! The Flyers also have received a boost in their own end of the ice as Carter Hart has played well in goal since the young rookie got called up in the midst of this coaching change and after the firing of GM Ron Hextall. Philly is simply a different team now and also is coming off of some great performances in the face-off circle and that is a big key as puck possession is, of course, so important. I like having the underdog and going against a team that has lost 45 of its last 69 divisional games including 8 of 11 this season! Also, Carolina has lost 17 of their last 28 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-31-18 | Creighton +1.5 v. Providence | Top | 79-68 | Win | 100 | 7 h 11 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach CBB Game #753 Monday 10* Top Play Creighton Bluejays (+) @ Providence Friars @ 4 ET - The betting markets will love Providence in basically a "pick'em" game on their home floor. As per usual I am going contrarian here with Creighton and, as per usual, it is not without plenty of good reasoning. The Bluejays seek revenge for getting knocked out of the Big East tournament in March in overtime! It is time for payback here and this is the game where the Friars loss of 2nd leading scorer AJ Reeves to injury will prove significant. Though it is true Providence has won 3 straight since the foot injury for Reeves, teams need all the firepower they can get when facing a team with the offensive prowess the likes of Creighton. The Bluejays are averaging 85 points per game this season and knocking down 45% of their three-pointers! I also like the fact that, long-term, the Friars are just 37-51 ATS in games with a posted total in the 150s and Providence's SU record in those game is an ugly 33-55! Creighton is a long-term 41-21 SU in games with a posted total in a range of 150 to 159.5 points. Though they've struggled away from home in their past two games they did perform very well in late November in a neutral court tournament and they kick things up a notch for the revenge win here as the Bluejays roll to a road rout at Providence on Monday. 10* CREIGHTON |
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12-31-18 | Missouri v. Oklahoma State +9 | Top | 33-38 | Win | 100 | 9 h 1 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Game #264 Monday 10* Top Play Oklahoma State Cowboys (+) vs Missouri Tigers @ 3:45 ET in Liberty Bowl @ Liberty Bowl Stadium in Memphis, TN - I love taking the undervalued 6-6 team in a spot like this. Of course the Tigers are a big favorite as they are 8-4 and play in the SEC. However, not enough respect is being given to a Cowboys team that has a very dangerous offense. In fact, the Oklahoma State offense is the exact type of offense that makes a team a threat for a backdoor cover should one be needed here. That's because the Cowboys can score in a hurry. I also like the fact that OSU has gone 10-1 SU (9-2 ATS) in non-conference games. Additionally, the Cowboys are on a 8-2 ATS run (including 7 outright upsets!) as an underdog! Keep in mind, the underdog is on a PERFECT 7-0 ATS run in Oklahoma State's last 7 games. The Cowboys beat West Virginia and Texas during that stretch plus lost by just a single point as a 3 TD underdog against Oklahoma! As for Missouri, the Tigers lost to Kentucky and South Carolina plus lost by 2 TDs to Georgia and 4 TDs to Alabama. The point is that, even though Missouri is 8-4 this season, they did struggle against quality opposition. That said, I am comfortable challenging them to win this game by double digits. Missouri is 0-4 SU (1-3 ATS) when playing with 2 or more weeks between games. Also, the Tigers long-term run in December games is an ugly 4-11 SU (3-12 ATS). Look for those trends to continue here. 10* OKLAHOMA STATE |
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12-30-18 | Colts v. Titans OVER 44 | Top | 33-17 | Win | 100 | 13 h 32 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Game #321 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts @ 8:20 ET - Rain is expected to move in during this game but it will start out light and, of course, the timing on these things is always questionable. The key factors though from a weather standpoint are mild temperatures in the 50s and light winds. Also, if the rain pushes back on the timing just slightly, it may only be light rain during this game. Either way the light winds mean the full arsenal of the playbook is available for each offense. Titans QB Marcus Mariota is officially listed as questionable for this game but I don't see him missing this "win to get in" game that is a battle for a playoff spot. As for the Colts, Andrew Luck and Company have been on fire so I am expecting plenty of points in this one. Indianapolis is known for giving the Titans defense trouble as the Colts have averaged 26.8 points per game in their last 5 games against Tennessee. The Titans have averaged 31 points per game in their last two home games versus the Colts and both of those flew over the total and I expect a similar result here! Tennessee enters this game having averaged 28.8 points per game in their last 4 home games. Indy has had just one ugly showing on the scoreboard in their last dozen games. That was a shutout loss at Jacksonville but in the Colts other 11 games dating back to Sept 30th, Indianapolis averaged 30.9 points per game. Look for the over to improve to 5-2 this season in Colts games with spreads in a range of +3 to -3. Also, the Titans are a long-term 26-13 to the over as a home dog of 3 points or less! Look for the over to improve to 5-1 in the Titans last 6 games. This total has already moved to 44.5 in a lot of spots and note that the Colts are a long-term 10-2 to the over in road games in which Indianapolis is a favorite of less than 6 points and the O/U is 44.5 or more. Look for that impressive record to improve to 11-2 to the over when all is said and done in this one! 10* OVER the total in Tennessee |
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12-30-18 | Eagles -6.5 v. Redskins | Top | 24-0 | Win | 100 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
Game of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #309 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (-) @ Washington Redskins @ 4:25 ET - The Eagles post-season hopes are still alive. With a win here at Washington and a Vikings loss Philadelphia makes the playoffs. Certainly teams never try to worry about what the other teams are doing but, in the back of their minds, Eagles players know that a Minnesota loss is at least "possible" as the Vikes are playing an 11-4 Bears team that also still has motivation for playoff seeding purposes. Even without that, Philly would be going "all out" here as QB Nick Foles has stepped right in for the injured Carson Wentz and resumed his late season "magic" once again just like he did in last season's run that led to being Super Bowl Champions. The Eagles have won 4 of their last 5 games. The injury-depleted Redskins, once atop the NFC East not so long ago, have certainly gone the other direction. Washington has lost 5 of its last 6 games and this one has the makings of a road rout with Philadelphia fully capable of dominating the trenches on both sides of the ball. In terms of technical support here, the Eagles are 10-4 SU (and 9-5 ATS) when they enter a game on a SU winning streak of 2 or more games. Also, the Redskins are 0-3 SU (and ATS!) in their last 3 meetings with the Eagles and all 3 games were decided by a double digit margin. Look for that to be the case again in this one as well! Also, an interesting note here about Washington is they are 0-7 SU (and ATS!) in their final game of the season the last 7 years! 5 times it was a regular season game and 2 times it was a playoff game. All 7 seasons ended with a SU (and ATS!) loss and all 7 defeats came by 8 or more points. Considering that fact as well as the extremely injury-ravaged condition of the Redskins current roster, this one looks to take that "season-ending" ATS losing streak to 8 in a row! 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-29-18 | Oklahoma v. Alabama OVER 77.5 | Top | 34-45 | Win | 100 | 15 h 33 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #253 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Alabama Crimson Tide vs Oklahoma Sooners @ 8 ET in Orange Bowl @ Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL @ 8 ET - Yes this total looks big but, ladies and gentlemen, these are two ultra talented offenses loaded with talent and also buoyed by excellent play-calling. The Sooners are averaging 49.5 points per game and scored 45 points against the vaunted Crimson Tide D when these teams met in the 2013 Sugar Bowl. Alabama is averaging 47.9 points per game this season and will take advantage of an Oklahoma defense that has been so bad this season they even fired their defensive coordinator mid-season. The Sooners D showed some improvement immediately after the DC was terminated but they've reverted to their poor play soon after. Though they held Texas to "only" 27 points in their season finale, they previously allowed 47 points in their 4 prior games. The Crimson Tide allowed 24.5 points per game their final two games this season and did allow 31 points versus Arkansas earlier this season. They now face their toughest test yet and this one turns into a back and forth shootout with the scoreboard lit up early and often. The over is 10-3 in Oklahoma's games this season and 9-4 in Alabama's games this season. This is the first time this season that the Sooners have been a dog and that is a situation that saw them go 3-1 to the over the past two seasons. As a neutral field favorite of 10.5 to 14 points, the Crimson Tide have gone 5-1 to the over. Look for more of the same here in a wild one! 10* OVER the total in Alabama |
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12-29-18 | Notre Dame v. Clemson -12 | Top | 3-30 | Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
Bowl Game of the Year - Rickenbach CFB Game #256 Saturday 10* Top Play Clemson Tigers (-) vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Cotton Bowl @ AT & T Stadium in Arlington, TX @ 4 ET - Doesn't it seem surprising to see an undefeated team that statistically has played the tougher schedule installed as a double digit dog? As expected, the public sure thinks so! The Fighting Irish have received plenty of attention in terms of number of tickets written but the sharp money (including mine!) is on Clemson here. The Tigers have the playoff experience and are so strong in the trenches! I look for the Clemson defensive line to be particularly dominant in this game and that will be a key. The Tigers last 8 games featured one rare poor game defensively against South Carolina (but Clemson still won by a 21 point margin) but the other 7 games saw them allow just 9.9 points per game! The Fighting Irish have covered only twice in their last six games. Notre Dame was somewhat fortunate in their win at USC to close out the regular season and that was the 5th time this year that the Irish have been held to 24 points or less. The Tigers have NEVER been held below 27 points this season and they've played 13 games. In fact, in 10 of those games they scored 35 points or more. Knowing how dominant the Tigers defense is and how dynamic their offense is, this one is going to turn into a rout. It may stay close early but look for Clemson, as per usual, to exert their dominance as they wear down Notre Dame as the game goes on. The Fighting Irish are on a 6-13 ATS run in bowl games. The Tigers are 11-4 ATS (including 5-1 this season) when they are a favorite in a range of 10.5 to 21 points. Tigers head coach Swinney is 8-3 ATS in bowls and they're looking to make up for last year's loss in the CFB finals. Fighting Irish coach Kelly is just 3-4 SU and ATS in bowls. Advantage to the big favorite here all the way around and I expect a blowout rout. 10* CLEMSON |
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12-28-18 | Nets +4.5 v. Hornets | Top | 87-100 | Loss | -101 | 10 h 35 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #511 Friday 10* Top Play Brooklyn Nets (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - Common thinking will be to back Charlotte in this chance at revenge for the loss at Brooklyn on Wednesday. As long-time followers know, my way of thinking is anything but common. Known for being contrarian, I am again going to contrary to the masses here and backing the Nets but is certainly not without reason. The Hornets are on a 3-9 ATS run their last dozen games. Brooklyn is on a 9-1 SU run their last 10 games. Charlotte actually has a losing SU record this season when playing with revenge and the past two seasons went a combined 34-56 SU when playing with revenge. The fact is that revenge is one of the most over-played angles in sports betting and, in this case, I am going against the grain and backing the Nets on the road. Brooklyn is a red hot team and is on a 29-14 ATS run long-term against Central Division opponents. Charlotte has gone cold and is on a 12-33 ATS run long-term versus Atlantic Division opponents. The Hornets are also just 5-10 ATS when playing against teams with a losing record this season. The Nets are 13-7 ATS in games with a posted total of 220 points or more. 10* BROOKLYN |
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12-28-18 | Senators v. Islanders OVER 6 | Top | 3-6 | Win | 100 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
Game of the Month total - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders have been trending under. However, New York has scored an average of 3.2 goals per game during their current 4-1 run. Also, the Islanders have allowed at least 3 goals in 3 of their last 4 home games. The Senators are in town and each of their last 3 visits here have resulted in an over. Overall, the last two games between these clubs averaged a total of 9 goals per game. Ottawa enters this game having allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game their last 4 games. On the season the Sens are allowing a ridiculous average of 4.8 goals per game when on the road. Not surprisingly given those numbers, the over is 12-3 this season in Ottawa's road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Also the over is 14-5 in Senators games when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Sens are off a shutout loss but previously scored an average of 3 goals per game their 4 prior games. I am expecting a 4-3 or 5-3 type game here. 10* OVER the total in the New York Islanders game |
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12-28-18 | Illinois-Chicago +7.5 v. Wright State | Top | 75-72 | Win | 100 | 9 h 46 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #811 Friday 10* Top Play Illinois-Chicago Flames (+) @ Wright State Raiders @ 7 ET - Though the Flames are allowing more points per game than the Raiders this season that has to with pace rather than defensive efficiency. In fact, Illinois-Chicago is allowing only 44.2% from the field including 35.1% from 3-point land while Wright State is allowing 46.3% from the field including 40.7% from beyond the arc. Additionally, the Raiders Loudon Love is listed as questionable for this game with an ankle injury. Wright State did win both games last season but the average margin was just 5.5 points per game and I feel UIC has closed the gap between these teams heading into this meeting. Also note that the Flames are the higher-scoring team and also the better shooting team from the field. Illinois-Chicago is 10-4 ATS in Friday games, 9-2 ATS when playing with 5 or 6 days of rest between games, and 18-8 ATS in games against teams with a losing record. Wright State is only 2-4 SU this season against teams that average 77 points or more per game and the Flames fall into that category. 10* ILLINOIS-CHICAGO |
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12-28-18 | Syracuse v. West Virginia +3 | Top | 34-18 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
Game of the Month Side - Rickenbach CFB Game #244 Friday 10* Top Play West Virginia Mountaineers (-) vs Syracuse Orange @ 5:15 ET in Camping World Bowl @ Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL - The Mountaineers were favored by a TD before QB Will Grier announced he was skipping the bowl. While the absence of star QB Grier is significant, we've now seen a 10-point swing on this line as West Virginia has gone from a 7 point favorite to a 3 point dog. The Mountaineers TEAM is not made up of just ONE player. Also, the QB that West Virginia will use is not some guy they just picked up yesterday off the streets. 6'6 Jack Allison is a sophomore whom played in multiple games this season. Trey Lowe III, a 6'2 freshman, will also be available. With the extra practice time afforded by all the bowl practices the Mountaineers have an "wide open playbook" for this one per coach Dana Holgorsen. West Virginia is aware of the line on this game. They are aware that no one is giving them a chance in this game without Grier. Yes I am aware of WR Gary Jennings JR and offensive tackle Yodny Cajuste also being out for this game. However, the Orange defense (which was already a MAJOR weakness of the team) is expected to be without a defensive end, defensive tackle, AND defensive back for this bowl game! Syracuse does have a strong offense but, from playing the high-flying Big 12, West Virginia is certainly used to facing high-paced dangerous offenses. The Mountaineers are also highly motivated here because, as noted above, no one is giving them a chance in this one. The Orange are just 2-3 SU in their last 5 games away from home. West Virginia went 3-1 away from home this season prior to a tough 4-point loss at Oklahoma State. The Mountaineers went an undefeated 3-0-1 ATS against teams with a winning record this season. The Orange went only 2-2 SU against teams with a winning record this season. I am happy to fade the masses here as Syracuse plays in the ACC. Think about it. Who impressed in the ACC this season other than, of course, Clemson! The Orange are over-rated and the Mountaineers defense, constantly ridiculed, gives one of its best efforts of the season today to support the Grier-less offense. 10* WEST VIRGINIA |
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12-27-18 | Vanderbilt v. Baylor OVER 55 | Top | 38-45 | Win | 100 | 14 h 29 m | Show |
Game of the Month Total - Rickenbach CFB Game #239 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Vanderbilt Commodores vs Baylor Bears @ 9 ET in Texas Bowl @ NRG Stadium in Houston, TX - No weather concerns here as NRG Stadium has a retractable roof should it be needed. I look for plenty of points in this one as, prior to their final two games, Baylor had gone through a 6-game stretch where they allowed an average of 40 points per game. The Vanderbilt offense is rolling with confidence entering this game. The Commodores wrapped up the season averaging 37 points per game their final 4 games. Vanderbilt, just like Baylor, does have some concerns on defense too. The Commodores, prior to their season-ending win over Tennessee, had allowed 27 points or more in 7 of their previous 8 games. The Bears had over 400 yards of offense in 3 of their last 4 games this season. Long-term the over is 4-1 in Vandy's bowl games. Long-term Baylor is 16-9 to the over when playing with 2 or more weeks of rest between games. All 3 of the Bears non-conference games totaled at least 57 points and none stayed under the total! Look for more of the same here as both teams are riding the momentum of huge performances in their final game of the regular season that gave them each bowl eligibility to get here. Look for a back and forth high-scoring match-up as a result as neither defense has been overly impressive this season and we've got a manageable total to work with here. 10* OVER the total in Texas Bowl |
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12-27-18 | Celtics v. Rockets -118 | Top | 113-127 | Win | 100 | 13 h 59 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #502 Thursday 10* Top Play Houston Rockets (-) vs Boston Celtics @ 8:05 ET - The Rockets and Celtics are both off big wins on Christmas Day. That said, there is an edge for Houston here as they are still at home while the Celtics were in Boston to host the Sixers on Tuesday. The Rockets have won 7 of their last 8 games and they've had some adjustment time the last few games without Chris Paul. The Celtics are off back to back wins but previously had lost 3 straight. The home team has gotten the SU sweep in the home and home series between these teams the past two seasons. I look for that trend to continue here. Boston is just 4-7 ATS in non-conference games and only 2-4 ATS this season when off a divisional game. The Rockets are 10-6 ATS (and 11-5 SU) this season in games against teams with a winning record. The Celtics are a mediocre 6-5 SU and 5-6 ATS this season when they have faced teams with a winning record. 10* HOUSTON |
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12-26-18 | Nuggets +3 v. Spurs | Top | 103-111 | Loss | -101 | 14 h 33 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NBA Game #583 Wednesday 10* Top Play Denver Nuggets (+) @ San Antonio Spurs @ 8:35 ET - Of course it looks enticing to play the small home favorite in a match-up like this but I am happy to back the road dog here. Both the Nuggets and Spurs are off losses but Denver is off their worst loss of the season and allowed a season-high in points. Note that they lost a key player to ejection midway in the 3rd quarter of that game and the Nuggets just didn't come ready to play that night. They paid for it and got dominated in the paint on both sides of the floor. Denver will undoubtedly be ready to make up for that effort here. The Nuggets entered that loss to the Clippers having won 11 of their last 13 games both SU and ATS! Also, Denver won the last two meetings with the Spurs last season and the prior loss was just a 2-point defeat at San Antonio. In other words, the 3 points could come in handy here but I am certainly making this play expecting an outright road upset. The Nuggets are 12-5 SU this season against teams with a winning record while the Spurs are just 6-8 SU this season against teams with a winning record. Also, Denver is a long-term 21-10 ATS, including 4-0 ATS the past two seasons, when they are off a game in which they allowed 130 points or more. The Nuggets have proven, as shown above, to be the better team in games against winning teams this season. Look for that trend to continue here. 10* DENVER |
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12-26-18 | Minnesota v. Georgia Tech OVER 56.5 | Top | 34-10 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #231 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Minnesota Golden Gophers in Quick Lane Bowl @ Ford Field in Detroit, MI - The Yellow Jackets option attack is always tough to defend, even when teams have extra time to prepare for it. That said, Georgia Tech is likely to enjoy some success with their ground attack here made even more dangerous by virtue of playing this one indoors on artificial turf. Also, run defense was certainly not a strength of Minnesota this season. However, don't be surprised if the Golden Gophers answer the Yellow Jackets score for score in this one. Minnesota didn't throw the ball much at Wisconsin in their season finale but that was because they jumped out to a 17-0 lead. Note that, prior to that game, the Gophers had averaged 275.7 passing yards per game in their 3 prior road games and that included a game at Ohio State. This Minnesota team will take advantage of a Yellow Jackets defense that certainly does not have pass D as a strength. Georgia Tech opponents completed 65% of their passes with 22 TDs against 12 INTs. The over was 3-0 this season in Jackets non-conference games. Also, when Georgia Tech is a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points, the over is 8-3 their last 11. The Golden Gophers, prior to their season finale against the Badgers, had gone 3-1 to the over in their 4 prior road games. Also, Minny wrapped up the season scoring an average of 32 points per game in their last 3 road games. Overall, the Golden Gophers scored 28 points or more in 5 of their last 6 games. 10* OVER the total in the Quick Lane Bowl |
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12-25-18 | 76ers +4 v. Celtics | Top | 114-121 | Loss | -101 | 11 h 44 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NBA Game #561 Philadelphia 76ers (+) @ Boston Celtics @ 5:35 ET - The Celtics are off a win versus Charlotte but previously Boston lost three straight! Also this included back to back losses at home in which the Celtics were completely dominated on the boards by both the Suns and the Bucks. With the rejuvenated and revenge-minded Sixers also fully capable of dominating the rebound department, Boston is likely to again be in trouble here. The Sixers have been on a surge ever since the trade for Jimmy Butler. The 76ers enter this game having won 13 of their last 18 games. Philly is a long-term 25-12 ATS when playing with 2 days of rest between games and also 7-1 ATS when a divisional game. Also, the Sixers are 6-3 ATS (including 7-2 SU) when playing with revenge this season! This one has the makings of an upset with the strong motivation factor for Philly (0-1 versus Boston this season after being knocked out of playoffs by Celtics last season). With the Celtics recent slump and Boston a long-term 7-13 ATS in home games with a posted total of 220 points or more, I am grabbing the points with the underdog Sixers in this one. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-25-18 | Hawaii +5 v. Rhode Island | Top | 68-60 | Win | 100 | 7 h 21 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #603 Tuesday 10* Top Play Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (+) vs Rhode Island Rams @ 3:30 ET in Diamond Head Classic @ Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, HI - The Rams are off a win and tight cover versus Charlotte but that comes as no surprise as the 49ers are struggling this season and averaging 58.5 points per game. Rhode Island is 0-3 ATS in road games this season. Though this is a tourney game, since they're facing the host of the tourney in this one, it is a road game. Hawaii is 6-2 SU in home games this season including 4-2 ATS in lined home games. Also, long-term the Rainbow Warriors are 13-6 ATS as a home underdog in a range of 3.5 to 6 points. Hawaii has played well on the defensive end in their last 3 games and they've gone 2-1 SU and ATS. Overall, the Rainbow Warriors have won 3 of their last 4 games SU. The 49ers are 2-3 ATS their last 5 as a favorite but one of those ATS wins coming by just half a point. The home dog definitely offering value in this one. Look for an upset but grab the points with the Rainbow Warriors as they defend (literally) their home court on the final day of this Christmas weekend tourney. 10* HAWAII |
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12-24-18 | Broncos v. Raiders OVER 43 | Top | 14-27 | Loss | -107 | 13 h 38 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NFL Game #131 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos @ 8:15 ET - The Raiders should give plenty of effort here with this possibly their last game in Oakland - they're moving to Vegas in 2020 and where they play in 2019 is still up in the air. That said, the Raiders will go all out for the full sixty minutes here but they don't win games with their defense. Oakland has allowed 30 points per game this season. In their 6 true home games this season they've allowed an average of 33 points per game. In other words, the key for the Raiders to win their game will be production on offense. That said, the Broncos numbers on defense away from home were helped by playing at Cincinnati and at Arizona for two of those games. In their other 5 road games this season, Denver allowed 26.6 points per game. As for the Oakland offense, they've averaged 266.3 passing yards per game the last 3 weeks. Also, the Raiders have averaged scoring 22.6 points per game their last 5 games. The Broncos are off back to back low-scoring losses and that is helping to keep this total lower than it should be. Prior to losing to Cleveland and at San Francisco, Denver averaged 27.7 points per game their 6 previous games. The over is 4-1 in Oakland's last 5 games. The over is 3-1 the past 2+ seasons in Raiders home games with a posted total between 42.5 and 45 points. The over is a long-term 42-28 when the Broncos enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. I am well aware of the Broncos current long-term under streak. But also like taking the over based on all the facts above including Denver's last two losses both being low-scoring efforts. 10* OVER the total in Oakland |
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12-23-18 | Chiefs -1.5 v. Seahawks | Top | 31-38 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
Game of the Month - Rickenbach NFL Game #129 Sunday 10* Top Play Kansas City Chiefs (-) vs Seattle Seahawks @ 8:20 ET - While it may surprise some that the Chiefs are favored here considering the Seahawks long-term success at home, do note that KC is on a 16-5 ATS run as a road favorite. I like the fact that we can take the Chiefs off a loss here. Kansas City has yet to lose two straight games this season. The Seahawks are off a loss as well but they've already had a pair of 2-game losing streaks this season and this is a tough match-up for them. Seattle is going to have trouble keeping up with the #1 rated offense in the league. The Seahawks pass protection is much worse than that of the Chiefs. KC is 5-1-1 ATS on the road this season and also a long-term 21-9-1 ATS in games against NFC West opponents. Seattle is on a 3-7 ATS run in games played in the final 4 weeks of a regular season. The Chiefs are averaging 39 points per game on the road this season. The Seahawks have been held to 28 points or less in 10 of their 14 games this season. The Chiefs have scored 30 points or more in 10 of their last 14 games. While the Seahawks have the better defense in this match-up they've also been fortunate in terms of yardage allowed compared to points allowed. Additionally, their defensive edge over Kansas City is not nearly as significant as the Chiefs offensive edge over Seattle. Lay the small number with the away team and look for a road rout in this one! 10* KANSAS CITY |
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12-23-18 | Red Wings v. Maple Leafs OVER 6.5 | Top | 4-5 | Win | 100 | 8 h 30 m | Show |
Game of the Week Total - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - Both teams are in a back to back spot. That impacts the goalie situation here. Additionally, Toronto is playing this game with revenge. The Maple Leafs lost 5-4 versus Detroit in early December. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and each one of those games totaled at least 7 goals. Look for more of the same in this one and you know that Toronto won't take their foot off the gas in this one. This is a revenge spot and they'll be out for blood in this one. The Red Wings, in road games with a total of 6 goals or more, have only seen 7 of 20 remain under the total. The Maple Leafs enter this game on a run of 10-2 to the over. Toronto is 20-11 to the over when they enter a game on a 3-game winning streak. The Maple Leafs are also 8-2-1 to the over in divisional games this season. 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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12-23-18 | Drake v. San Diego OVER 145 | Top | 110-103 | Win | 100 | 8 h 22 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #735 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Diego Toreros vs Drake Bulldogs @ 7:30 ET in Las Vegas, NV - The Bulldogs are 4-1 to the over in games with a posted total in the 140s this season. Drake is 22-12 to the over the last 3 seasons combined in games with a posted total in the 140s. The Bulldogs are shooting 48% from the field this season and San Diego is also shooting 48% from the field so far this season. As a neutral court favorite of 3.5 to 6 points, the Toreros are 4-1 to the over. In tournament games the past 2+ seasons, San Diego is 4-2 to the over. I like the fact that the Toreros are off win over Washington State and are set for a letdown here while the Bulldogs are off a tight low-scoring loss and should bounce back here. It sets this one to be a back and forth affair with plenty of points in my opinion. 10* OVER the total San Diego |
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12-23-18 | Pelicans -115 v. Kings | Top | 117-122 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 28 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #543 Monday 10* Top Play New Orleans Pelicans (-) @ Sacramento Kings @ 6:05 ET - The Kings are playing with revenge here but, keep in mind, they're off a big revenging win over Memphis in their prior game. Now they host a Pelicans team that is hungry off a loss. New Orleans is actually off three straight losses but they previously held 3 of their 4 prior road opponents to 43.9% or less from the field. I look for the Pelicans defense (especially off back to back losses) to be a difference-maker here. Sacramento has actually allowed 50% or better from the field in 5 of their last 7 home games. New Orleans has alternated ATS wins and losses in 13 straight games! Off an ATS loss Thursday, look for this perfect pattern to make it 14 straight with an ATS win here for the Pelicans. The Kings are off a low-scoring win over the Grizzlies but had previously allowed 127.4 points or more in their 5 prior games! 10* NEW ORLEANS |
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12-23-18 | Steelers v. Saints OVER 52.5 | Top | 28-31 | Win | 100 | 8 h 45 m | Show |
Total of the Year - Rickenbach NFL Game #127 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Orleans Saints vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 4:25 ET - The Steelers passing offense ranks as one of the best in the NFL. The Saints pass defense ranks as one of the worst in the NFL. The Steelers offense has under-performed recently due to key mistakes at the wrong times. The Saints defense has looked better than it really is because they faced some struggling passing attacks that certainly aren't on the level of the Steelers. The point is that we're getting great value on this total as a result because Pittsburgh should have a huge day through the air. When the Saints have the ball you'll see one of the top balanced offenses in the league go to work and their point totals have been down in recent weeks but, once again, this leads to value here. New Orleans is going to take advantage of a Steelers defense that has given up at least 272 passing yards in 3 straight games! Prior to the win over the Patriots, Pittsburgh had allowed an average of 27 points per game in their 3 prior games. The over is a perfect 3-0 this season in Steelers non-conference games. Also, the over is a long-term 13-6 in Pittsburgh's games against NFC South opponents. Saints games are a long-term 41-25 to the over when they are at home and the posted total is 49.5 points or more. N.O. is on a current streak of 4 straight unders but this is adding to the value here by keeping this total lower than it should be. I would not be surprised to see this game finish with a cumulative total in the sixties as this turns into a back and forth shootout. 10* OVER the total in New Orleans |
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12-22-18 | Ravens v. Chargers -4 | Top | 22-10 | Loss | -105 | 15 h 7 m | Show |
Primetime Punisher - Rickenbach NFL Game #124 Saturday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Chargers (-) vs Baltimore Ravnes @ 8:20 ET - Yes the Ravens have won 4 of their last 5 games. However, all 4 wins came against teams currently in last place in their respective divisions. Atlanta and Tampa Bay are tied for last place in the NFC South. The Bengals are in the cellar in the AFC North and the Raiders are in the basement in the AFC West. Those 4 teams are a combined 18 games under .500 on the season! However, all these recent wins for Baltimore are helping to keep this line lower than it should be and I won't hesitate to take advantage with a Chargers team that still has a shot at the #1 seed in the AFC post-season picture! The Ravens are 2-4 SU and ATS against teams with a winning record this season. The Chargers are 3-0 SU and ATS against teams with a winning record this season. Considering LA is also at home for this one and the line has dropped to a -4 as of early Saturday morning, there is great value with the small home favorite. 10* LOS ANGELES CHARGERS |
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12-22-18 | Raptors v. 76ers -4.5 | Top | 101-126 | Win | 100 | 14 h 56 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #526 Saturday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Toronto Raptors @ 7:35 ET - The Raptors Kyle Lowry is expected to miss this game and Toronto is in a back to back spot after the win versus Cleveland last night. They've gone 2-2 without Lowry in these 4 games he has missed but they lost both road games! Also, the Raptors are expected to be without Kawhi Leonard tonight since it is a back to back spot and he played 37 minutes last night. Surprisingly Toronto has had success in most of the games Leonard has missed this season but that is unlikely to be the case here. The 76ers are playing this game with double revenge as they have lost both games to the Raptors this season. Those losses came north of the border though and now the Sixers finally get their chance at home. Of course Philly is laying a small number here and that is certainly noteworthy as they are 15-3 SU in home games this season. Also, note that Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS (and SU) this season when off a divisional game. Prior to last night's big win over Cleveland, the Raptors were on a 3-8 ATS slide. Look for those struggles for Toronto at the betting window to resume as the 76ers get payback tonight. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-22-18 | Connecticut v. Villanova -6 | Top | 58-81 | Win | 100 | 6 h 25 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #608 Saturday 10* Top Play Villanova Wildcats (-) vs Connecticut Huskies @ 12:30 ET - The Wildcats are in a great value spot here. Villanova is off back to back losses and, while the loss to Penn certainly wasn't expected, there was no shame in falling just short against Kansas last Saturday. In fact, the Cats cover against the Jayhawks brought Villanova to 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games. For Nova, this is their final game of the calendar year as their next game is January 2nd versus DePaul in Big East action. In other words, you can bank on the Wildcats being ready to put forth a huge effort in this game. They are hungry and they don't want to end 2018 having not won a game since the 8th of December! As for Connecticut, they are off back to back wins but those came as a big favorite against both Drexel and Manhattan. The Huskies have played 4 games this season with a line in single digits and they've gone 1-3 SU and ATS in those 4 games. In other words, UConn has struggled in tougher match-ups and note also that the Huskies are 4-9 ATS in neutral court games. The Wildcats are on a 20-8 ATS run (including 3-0 ATS this season) in neutral court games. Grab the value with the rather small favorite in a spot where they are primed to dominate. 10* VILLANOVA |
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12-22-18 | Wake Forest v. Memphis -3.5 | Top | 37-34 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 10 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Game #222 Saturday 10* Top Play Memphis Tigers (-) vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons @ Noon ET - The absence of QB Sam Hartman and WR Greg Dortch is very significant for the Demon Deacons whereas the absence of RB Darrell Henderson for the Tigers is made up for by the fact they have another very talented runner in Patrick Taylor. Wake Forest finished the season with a blowout win at Duke but, prior to that, the Demon Deacons had allowed at least 316 passing yards in 4 of their 5 prior games. Wake Forest was so torched through the air in their two games just prior to the Blue Devils win, teams didn't have to run the ball on them well. But do not that prior to that the Demon Deacons run defense allowed 253 yards per game. The Tigers, even without Henderson, have Taylor and Tony Pollard and will do plenty of damage against this struggling run defense. The Demon Deacons went 2-7 ATS in games played on turf this season while the Tigers went 7-4 ATS on turf and will take advantage of the fast track at Legion Field in Birmingham, AL. Wake Forest is also on a 1-4 ATS run when playing with 2 or more weeks of rest between games while Memphis is on a 4-2 ATS run when playing with 2 or more weeks of rest. The Tigers defense got embarrassed in their loss at Central Florida 3 weeks ago (the 2nd time they blew a double-digit 2nd half lead against the Golden Knights this season) and they will make up for that here. 10* MEMPHIS |
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12-21-18 | Sabres v. Capitals OVER 6.5 | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 0 m | Show |
NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals are off a tight 2-1 home loss to the Penguins Wednesday but things should return to normal here for Washington. Prior to the defeat at the hands of Pittsburgh, the Capitals had won 12 of their past 14 games and scored an average of 4.6 goals per game during this hot streak. The over was 7-1 in the Caps 8 games prior to the loss to the Pens. As for the Sabres, they also come into this game having been involved in plenty of high-scoring games in recent action. Buffalo is 6-1 to the over their last 7 games. Prior to scoring just 2 goals in Tuesday's home loss to the Panthers, the Sabres had scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 15 games. Buffalo has allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of their last 10 games. Of course a 3-3 game here guarantees us of no less than a 4-3 final and, the way these teams have been going, I do expect each to light the lamp at least 3 times in this one! The over is 10-4 in Buffalo's games against teams with a winning record this season. The over is 4-1 the last 5 times the Capitals were off a game in which they allowed 2 or less goals. 10* OVER the total in Washington |
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12-21-18 | Pistons +4 v. Hornets | Top | 86-98 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Friday 10* Top Play Detroit Pistons (+) @ Charlotte Hornets @ 7:05 ET - Not only has Detroit lost both match-ups with Charlotte this season, the Pistons also lost their final two match-up with the Hornets last season. Suffice to say, incentive is high for the road dog in this one. The Pistons lost at Charlotte by a single point last week Wednesday and it was on a last second shot too so the memory is certainly fresh. Look for Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond to dominate in the paint in this one for a very hungry Detroit team. The Pistons are off an OT win at Minnesota Wednesday and they are 7-2 SU this season when off a game in which they scored 115 points or more. The Pistons shot the ball very well against the Timberwolves. Detroit is also 8-4 ATS this season in road games! The Hornets are wrapping up a 10-game homestand and are just 8-17 SU their last 25 when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games at home. Also, Charlotte is on a 2-7 ATS run and are off a double digit win over the Cavaliers in their most recent game. That is noteworthy here as the Hornets are just 3-6 SU this season when off a win by 10 or more points. Give me the underdog here as they actually have a great shot at the outright upset per the above and I'll gladly take the generous points being offered. 10* DETROIT |
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12-21-18 | Cal-Irvine v. Butler -8 | Top | 54-71 | Win | 100 | 7 h 26 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #806 Friday 10* Top Play Butler Bulldogs (-) vs Cal-Irvine Anteaters @ 6:30 ET - With Cal-Irvine at 11-2 on the season and having played a strength of schedule very similar to the 8-3 Bulldogs, many will look at the Anteaters as a big dog value play here. However, a couple of key variables are favoring Butler here. UC-Irvine played Wednesday at Eastern Michigan so they are on short rest here. Also, the Bulldogs recently welcomed Duke transfer Jordan Tucker as he just became eligible. Granted he is not playing huge minutes yet but after scoring 10 points and snaring 7 rebounds in just 12 minutes in Tuesday's game, he certainly is a key asset for Butler to now have available. Butler is known for being a very tough team on their home floor. Also, the Anteaters have been held under 40% from the field in 3 of their last 4 road games. To put that in perspective in this match-up, the Bulldogs come into this game red hot with their shooting. Butler has averaged 80 points per game their last 3 games thanks to hot shooting from the field including from beyond the arc. The Anteaters have been strong defensively this season but the Bulldogs are actually 9-2 (SU and ATS) when facing teams that allow an average of 64 points or less. Not only is UC-Irvine on a 14-21 ATS run against teams with a winning record, it is an 11-27 SU run their last 38! Lay the points and expect a home blowout here. 10* BUTLER |
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12-21-18 | BYU v. Western Michigan OVER 51.5 | Top | 49-18 | Win | 100 | 8 h 7 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Game #219 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in BYU Cougars vs Western Michigan Broncos @ 4 ET in Idaho Bowl - Western Michigan will be without QB Jon Wassink in this one but back-up QB Kaleb Eleby now has 4 games under his belt. Also, the the extra preparation time thanks to bowl practices will help have QB Eleby well-prepared for this game. He should get plenty of support from the running back duo of Jamauri Bogan and LeVante Bellamy in this one. The solid running game will force BYU's defense to respect the ground attack which will open up opportunities for Eleby downfield. Chilly weather in Boise (as you would expect for mid-late December) is in the forecast here but it will be seasonal (truly not that cold since it is a day game) with light winds and no precipitation allowing both offenses to have fully open playbooks for this one on the fast track at Boise State's home stadium. Western Michigan allowed over 250 rushing yards in 4 of their games this season. Also, the Broncos pass defense was exploited for at least 247 yards through the air in 5 of their last 9 games. Western Michigan allowed 43.3 points per game their last 4 games. BYU's offense finished strong and averaged 35.7 points per game in their last 3 games. Also, in their game at Boise this season the Cougars threw for nearly 300 yards and that was against a Boise State Broncos pass D that certainly is much more talented than the Western Michigan Broncos pass D! The Cougars are banged up at the running back position (including Matt Hadley being out for this game) but this will lead to Brigham Young relying even more on the passing game. An emphasis on the aerial attack is what you want when playing an over. As a favorite of 10.5 to 21 points, BYU is 27-18 to the over. Western Michigan is 17-9 to the over when playing with extra rest (off a bye week or prior to a bowl game). The over is 3-1 in the Broncos last 4 games played away from home and all 3 of those games totaled at least 77 points. Western Michigan has scored at least 34 points in each of their last 5 games away from home but their defense will struggle to stop the Cougars in this one. The result is a high-scoring shootout. 10* OVER the total |
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12-20-18 | Rockets v. Heat +3.5 | Top | 99-101 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
TNT Annihilation - Rickenbach NBA Game #578 Thursday 10* Top Play Miami Heat (+) vs Houston Rockets @ 8:05 ET - Huge rest edge for the Heat here as they'll be playing for the first time since Sunday while the Rockets were busy going hard last night to set the NBA record (26) for three pointers last night. Houston now will be on the road and playing for the 3rd tine in 4 days while Miami is playing their 1st game in 4 days. Also, the Heat have revenge here after they got swept by the Rockets last season. Keep in mind Miami did sweep Houston the prior season but now, after the Rockets got their revenge last season, it is the Heat ready to avenge defeat this time around. Also note that Houston is an ugly 2-7 ATS this season when off a non-conference game and also 2-8 ATS when off a game in which they scored 115 points or more. As for the Heat, they are a 9-3 ATS in non-conference games this season including a perfect 4-0 ATS against Southwest Division opponents. Also, Miami has held their last two opponents to just 41.5% from the field. Conversely, the Rockets have allowed 53.3% or more from the field in 3 of their last 4 games. Look for the Heat to hold the edge defensively tonight and that will be the difference as Houston's shooters cool off on the road. The Rockets, in fact, are just 3-6 SU and ATS in their last 9 road games. More of the same here. 10* MIAMI |
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12-20-18 | Marshall v. South Florida OVER 51 | Top | 38-20 | Win | 100 | 12 h 32 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CFB Game #215 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in South Florida Bulls vs Marshall Thundering Herd @ 8 ET - I am aware of the Blake Barnett injury but I don't see him missing this game and he should be ready to go. He already shed the walking boot this past weekend. The USF QB should enjoy success against a Marshall defense that has allowed 30.7 points per game in its last 3 road games. However, the Bulls defense also has an issue here. South Florida has allowed 39.8 points per game their last 5 games. USF has particularly struggled against the run and Marshall's ability to establish the ground game here also allows them to open things up through the passing game. Although there is rain and wind in the Tampa area early today the field is covered and should be in great shape for this game. The wind and rain both expected to subside by the time this game kicks off. Couple that with the fact that this total has dropped and I like the value we're getting here with two very capable offenses (and questionable defenses) doing battle. The over is 5-1 in Marshall's road games this season and the over is on an 11-2 run in Thundering Herd non-conference games their last 13. The over is 5-2 when USF is an underdog and also 9-4 when the Bulls are facing a team with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in South Florida |
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12-20-18 | Texas Tech +10 v. Duke | Top | 58-69 | Loss | -112 | 9 h 27 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #603 Thursday 10* Top Play Texas Tech Red Raiders (+) vs Duke Blue Devils @ 7 ET in New York, NY - The Red Raiders have no chance here! At least that is what the betting markets seem to think and I am happy to fade the masses here. Almighty Duke always gets so much love from bettors but I feel they will fall well short here. Yes the Blue Devils have played the tougher schedule this season and the location of this neutral court game favors Duke but Texas Tech is well-coached and is going to prove to be no push-over. The Red Raiders are playing great defense this season and also are shooting the ball very well on the other end of the court! This line has moved from an opener of 7 all the way up to a 10 and is offering great value on the big dog that, thanks to solid outside shooting, also has a great shot at the backdoor cover here - should that be needed. The Red Raiders are now 15-1 SU in December games the past 3 years. Also, Texas Tech is off to a 10-0 SU start this season that has seen them also go 4-0 ATS against teams with a winning record. Yes, Duke is one of the best teams in the country again, as per usual, but the Red Raiders are playing with a ton of confidence right now and they are a dangerous dog in this spot. The Blue Devils went 1-2 ATS (and SU!) against Big 12 opponents the past two seasons. Duke also is 0-2 ATS this season when playing with one day or less of rest between games and the Red Raiders certainly hold the rest edge here. 10* TEXAS TECH |
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12-18-18 | Lakers v. Nets OVER 227.5 | Top | 110-115 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
Game of the Week Total - Rickenbach NBA Game #547 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers @ 7:35 ET - For the 4th time in their last 6 road games, the Lakers allowed at least 48.5% shooting from the field as they gave up 128 points in a loss at Washington on Sunday. Los Angeles, of course, will be looking to bounce back off that loss and I expect their going to have a huge scoring night Tuesday at Brooklyn but I also expect them, per the above, to struggle to stop the Nets. Brooklyn has actually been very hot with their shooting. Part of the reason the Nets are on a 6-0 ATS run and 5-0 SU run is because they have shot 52.1% from the field in their last 4 games! Brooklyn, however, has also allowed 52.9% shooting in their last 3 games! As you would expect with those types of numbers, the O/U is 3-0 in the Nets last 3 games. LA is also 3-0 to the over in their last 3 games. Additionally, the Lakers O/U is a perfect 4-0 in their last 4 road games with a posted total of 220 or more. The Nets O/U is 5-1 when they are off a game in which they scored 130 points or more. Brooklyn is also 4-1 to the over when they are on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The Nets are 9-4 to the over in games against teams with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in Brooklyn |
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12-18-18 | Red Wings v. Flyers OVER 6.5 | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Flyers vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:05 ET - The big news for the Flyers is the firing (finally!) of coach Dave Hakstol. Philly has been cleaning house as it has only been a couple weeks since general manager Ron Hextall was relieved of his duties as well. Philadelphia now has a new GM and a new coach (interim) Scott Gordon whom was with the Flyers AHL affiliate. While I do expect a valiant effort from the Flyers Tuesday as a result of the coaching change, it doesn't change the fact that they've got major issues in goal. Finally they've called up goalie Carter Hart but this would be a tough spot for a 20-year old netminder to make his NHL debut! Note too that Hart struggled badly to begin this season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL. The Flyers other option in the crease tonight is Michal Neuvirth but he is just coming back from paternity leave and he has a 3.15 GAA against the Red Wings in his career. As for Detroit netminder Jimmy Howard, he has a 3.59 GAA versus Philly in his career. The Red Wings other option, Jonathan Bernier, has a 4.23 GAA versus the Flyers in his career. As you can see, there is likely to be some "shaky" goal-tending on display from both hockey clubs tonight. Also, the over is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings between these teams in Philly. The Flyers are 9-5 to the over this season when off a non-conference game and Detroit is 12-5-1 to the over in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Also, the Red Wings are 5-1 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia |
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12-18-18 | Northern Illinois +2.5 v. UAB | Top | 13-37 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #211 Tuesday 10* Top Play Northern Illinois Huskies (+) vs UAB Blazers in Boca Raton Bowl @ 7 ET - The location of this bowl game (Boca Raton, FL) certainly favors the Blazers. However, the Huskies have faced a much tougher schedule this season UAB has. This is leading to some significant line value here with Northern Illinois. Additionally, I like the way the Huskies rallied against a quality Buffalo team to win the MAC Championship Game on the final day of November. Of course UNI is known for their quality defense but to see them comeback like they did against the Bulls also says a little something about the offensive capability of this team. The Huskies average points per game their last 11 games has been held down by two poor performances (vs Mia-OH and @ BYU). In the other 9 games, Northern Illinois has averaged scoring 25.8 points per game. The Huskies have a strong ground game on offense but it was also impressive to see them throw for 300 yards in the MAC Championship win over Buffalo. UAB has the better record on the season but has faced the much softer schedule and I look for the Blazers to be exposed in this game! Also, UAB is 0-3 (SU and ATS) in games played on grass and 0-2 (SU and ATS) in games against MAC opponents. UNI is a long-term 25-13 ATS in games with a line between +3 and -3. Also, the Huskies are 4-2 ATS (and 5-1 SU!) this season in games against teams with a winning record. 10* NORTHERN ILLINOIS |
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12-18-18 | Oakland v. Georgia OVER 153 | Top | 69-81 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Game of the Month Total - Rickenbach CBB Game #613 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Georgia Bulldogs vs Oakland (Mich) Golden Grizzlies @ 7 ET - The Golden Grizzlies upset the Bulldogs in 2016 by a count of 86-79. Another high-scoring shootout is likely in the rematch. Oakland (Michigan) continues to be an offensive juggernaut that also pays little attention to defense! The Grizzlies are allowing 49.2% from the field including 37.3% from three point land this season. The strength for Oakland, as per usual, is their shooting abilities. The Grizzlies have shot 48.3% from the field this season including 42.7% from beyond the arc and they've been particularly hot in recent games. They catch the Bulldogs in a "sandwich game" between Arizona State and Georgia Tech. In other words, Georgia may not be totally focused on defensive intensity here. As a result, look for a "run and gun" type game here and the Bulldogs should have no trouble putting up a ton of points as they're shooting 48% from the field this season including 35% from three point land! Georgia is averaging 87 points per game in home games this season. Oakland has averaged 84 points per game in their last 3 games and all those games were on the road too. The over is 6-1 when the Golden Grizzlies are a road dog of 9.5 to 12 points. The over is 6-0 when Oakland is off a game in which they scored 80 or more points this season. The Bulldogs are 8-3 to the over in games with a posted total in a range of 150 to 159.5 points. More of the same expected here! 10* OVER the total in Georgia |
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12-17-18 | Saints v. Panthers OVER 50 | Top | 12-9 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 58 m | Show |
Game of the Month Total - Rickenbach NFL Game #331 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints @ 8:15 ET - Perfect weather for an over tonight in Charlotte with light winds, clear skies, and mild temperatures. Additionally, a very favorable line move on this total has led to solid line value with the over in this match-up. While it is true that this is a divisional game with playoff implications, it is also true that the over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings between these teams. Also, the over is a perfect 5-0 in Carolina's last 5 home games. The over is also a perfect 3-0 in the Saints last 3 Monday Night games. Additionally, this line has been bouncing between 6 and 6.5 on New Orleans as the favorite. That is noteworthy as the over is 13-1 in Panthers games against NFC opponents when they are a home dog of more than 6 points. Look for Carolina to rise up big and put up plenty of points here at home as they seek playoff revenge from last year's post-season loss. However, the Panthers won't be able to stop the potent offense of New Orleans. The Saints scored 31 in the playoff win over Carolina and also scored at least 31 in each of the two regular season meetings with the Panthers last season. The Panthers are 13-5 to the over in their last 18 games against teams with a winning record. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Carolina |
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12-17-18 | Jazz v. Rockets OVER 213 | Top | 97-102 | Loss | -104 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #537 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Rockets vs Utah Jazz @ 8:05 ET - The Jazz are off on extremely ugly shooting game Saturday but it was played at Mexico City. After that tough performance in an unusual venue look for Utah to shoot much better in a very familiar venue now as they face a Rockets team that eliminated them from the playoffs in the most recent post-season. What is interesting is that now Houston is the revenge-minded team in this match-up as the Jazz took each of the first two games this season. Look for this to result in a very spirited effort from the Rockets here with plenty of points scored! Houston will play "Rockets ball" on their home floor in this one. They've averaged 120.7 points per game in their last 6 home games. Utah should certainly bounce back after the low-scoring game against the Magic. In fact, the over is 5-1 the last 6 times the Jazz were off a game in which they were held to 99 points or less! Utah has averaged a solid 106 points per game in their last 3 games at Houston and we've got a low total to work with here when you consider the way the Rockets have been piling up points at home. The over is 5-1 in Houston's last 6 home games. The over is also 4-1 this season when the Rockets are off a divisional game. Utah is a long-term 34-18 to the over in games played against Southwest Division opponents. Look for another "Southwest Shootout" in this match-up tonight! 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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12-17-18 | Bruins +125 v. Canadiens | Top | 4-0 | Win | 125 | 10 h 42 m | Show |
No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins are in a tough back to back spot here but, of course, the trip from Buffalo to Montreal is not a long one. Boston lost to the Sabres yesterday but, arguably, deserved better. Give credit to Buffalo but the Bruins did hold the edge in shots on goal and, in fact, now have an 88 to 55 edge in shots on goal the past two games even though both were losses by multiple-goal margins. The result is line value in this spot as Montreal will get some attention from the betting markets considering the Canadiens have won 5 of their last 6 games and have the rest edge. The problem for the Habs is that the Bruins have their number. In fact, Boston has won 4 of its last 5 games at Montreal. While the Canadiens are off a win, it came against Ottawa. Prior to that game the Habs allowed a total of 11 goals in their two prior games. Montreal is playing this game with home loss revenge but that is a situation that has seen them go 18-31 including 2-5 this season! Boston has won 10 of 14 this season when off a divisional game and the Bruins actually have won 5 of 6 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back! Grab the road dog value. 10* BOSTON |
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12-16-18 | Sabres v. Bruins OVER 5.5 | Top | 4-2 | Win | 100 | 6 h 0 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #43 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres @ 5:05 ET - The Sabres are in a tough back to back spot here which means Linus Ullmark is likely to get the start. Buffalo is 3-0 to the over in Ullmark's last 3 starts as he has struggled. Overall, the over is 4-1 in the Sabres last 5 games after their 4-3 loss yesterday. The Bruins and Sabres both are dealing with injuries to defensemen and Boston has allowed at least 3 goals in 6 of its last 7 games. Buffalo has allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of its last 5 games. The over is 3-0 in the Bruins last 3 home games and the over is 9-4 this season in Sabres games against teams with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in Boston |
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12-16-18 | Green Bay v. Michigan State OVER 160.5 | Top | 83-104 | Win | 100 | 6 h 32 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #733 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Michigan State Spartans vs Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix @ 5 ET - The Spartans are off a hard-fought low-scoring win over Florida. However, they've had a full week off since then and now face "only" Wisconsin-Green Bay and Oakland (Michigan) to wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule. The point is that the Spartans are highly unlikely to put forth a huge effort on the defensive end here. Keep in mind UWGB likes to play very fast but their game at Creighton earlier this week stayed under the total simply because the Phoenix had a rare poor shooting night. Their normal struggles on the defensive end continued in that game and the over is a perfect 4-0 in UWGB's meetings with Michigan State. As for the Spartans, they had averaged 87 points per game in their first 9 games this season before that low scoring win over the Gators. They can get to triple digits here against the Phoenix. As for the UWGB offensive production, they are averaging 85 points per game this season. You can see that the line on this game is in the -25 range on Michigan State and there is no reason they can't get about 100 in this game. Look for a game in the range of 100 to 75 as this one is played very "loose" with plenty of run and gun. The result is a high-scoring game that flies over the total. Not only is the over 4-0 in the last 4 games between these teams, the over is also 4-0 this season when Green Bay is off a game in which they allowed 80 or more points. The over is also 3-0 when the Spartans enter a game with 7 or more days of rest between games. Combined 11-0 mark here favors a very high-scoring contest. 10* OVER the total in Michigan State |
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12-16-18 | Patriots v. Steelers OVER 54 | Top | 10-17 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 1 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #327 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots @ 4:25 ET - Crazy late game finishes have resulted in 2 of the Steelers last 3 games staying under the total. Pittsburgh's kicker fell down on a field goal that would have tied last week's game and sent it into OT where then a score would have sent the game over. Two weeks prior to that the Steelers threw a pick in the end zone in the final minute of a game when they were near the goal line and a TD would have resulted in the game going to OT and over the total. That helped to keep this total this week a little lower than it should be as the Steelers have piled up an average of 320 passing yards per game their last 6 games! The issue for Pittsburgh is they've given up nearly 300 passing yards each of the past two weeks and now they face an angry Patriots team. You know Tom Brady and company are angry after the last season Miami Miracle win that the Pats watched unfold on the final play of the game. The Patriots did it to themselves though by not scoring enough points when they had the opportunity. In other words, they won't take their foot off the gas this week and with decent weather expected for this game thanks to light winds and the rain being finished earlier in the day, this game should turn into an absolute shootout. The Patriots are averaging 300.5 passing yards per game their last 6 games and both these teams average right around 300 passing yards per game on the season. New England has allowed at least 36 points in 5 of their 7 road games this season. In fact the Pats allowed at least 31 points in 4 of those 5 away games! The over is 9-5 when the Patriots, in the 2nd half of a season, are facing a team with a winning record. Also, the over is 11-2 in the Steelers last 13 home games. 10* OVER the total in Pittsburgh |
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12-16-18 | Seahawks v. 49ers +4 | Top | 23-26 | Win | 100 | 7 h 44 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Game #326 Sunday 10* Top Play San Francisco 49ers (+) vs Seattle Seahawks @ 4:05 ET - This is the Niners final home game against a division rival this season (host NFC North foe Chicago next week) and I look for them to make the most of it. San Francisco is catching Seattle at the right time to spring the upset. The Seahawks are off their Monday night win over Minnesota that was a much closer game than the final score would indicate. Now the Seahawks are on the road and on a short week and are facing a 49ers team that has averaged 345.5 passing yards per game their past two games! The first of those two games was at Seattle and the Niners outgained the Seahawks by 121 yards but lost 43 to 16 on the scoreboard. That is a statistical anomaly that we can now take advantage of in terms of public perception this week. The 49ers are 6-2 ATS as a divisional home dog of more than 3 points when facing a team off a SU win. Yes the Seahawks got a big win over the Vikings Monday but Seattle went 2-6 ATS in their final 4 regular season games the past two seasons. Look for that trend to resume here. 10* SAN FRANCISCO |
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12-16-18 | 76ers -8 v. Cavs | Top | 128-105 | Win | 100 | 5 h 51 m | Show |
Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NBA Game #517 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Cleveland Cavaliers @ 3:35 ET - Situations just don't get much better than this and, yes, I am aware of Jimmy Butler being questionable for this game with a groin injury. The 76ers were a perfect 10-0 at home this season when the Cavaliers visited Philadelphia last month and put an end to that perfection with a dominating road win. The 76ers haven't forgotten that and it is time for payback here. With Philly off rare back to back losses, the hunger factor is even higher for the revenge-minded Sixers here. The last 7 times that the 76ers have been off a loss they've gone 5-2 ATS. Look for a huge road win and cover here. The Cavaliers are off a double digit loss to the Bucks but don't look for a bounce back here! Cleveland is actually an ugly 20-38 ATS when off a loss by a margin of 10 or more points. The Sixers are a long-term 31-16 ATS (including 4-1 ATS this season) when off a loss by a margin of 10 or more points. The 76ers are also 32-16 ATS when playing with home loss revenge. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-15-18 | Flyers +115 v. Canucks | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Vancouver Canucks @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers are playing for their season here. They need a win on the western leg of a lengthy road trip that saw them begin with a win at Buffalo but then lose 3 straight ever since heading deeper and deeper westward through Canada. After an unbelievable loss at Calgary where they gave up 2 goals in the final minute of regulation and lost just 30 seconds into OT on Wednesday, Philly was a bit shell-shocked and lost 4-1 last night at Edmonton. Truly playing for their future tonight and with two days off on deck, I expect the Flyers to play one of their best games of the season at Vancouver tonight. They are catching the Canucks at the right time as they are off a successful road trip and the last two games of the trip featured big late rallies for Vancouver. Off a Western Conference foe and with a divisional foe, Edmonton, on deck don't be surprised if the Canucks end up flat tonight as they overlook a Flyers club that everyone knows has been struggling. That is the danger of a match-up like this for Vancouver and that is why their money line is priced so low. The odds makers feels pretty certain too about what is going to take place tonight. Note that the Flyers are 10-3 their last 13 at Vancouver and the road team did win both meetings between these clubs last season. Also, the Canucks are 3-7 this season in games against teams with a winning record and also on a long-term 28-50 run in non-conference games! Look for the Flyers to improve to 4-2 on the season when they are on the road and entering a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-15-18 | Bulls v. Spurs OVER 211.5 | Top | 98-93 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 20 m | Show |
Hardwood Hammer - Rickenbach NBA Game #509 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Antonio Spurs vs Chicago Bulls @ 8:35 ET - I suffered a very frustrating loss with the Spurs "over" on Thursday. San Antonio was up 66-57 at the half against the Clippers so it was on pace for 246 points. Inexplicably, the Clippers were so inaccurate with second half shooting they "couldn't even throw the ball in the ocean" as they saying goes. LA scored 30 points in the ENTIRE second half after scoring nearly that in EACH of the first two quarters. Anyway, that is leading to come key total value here as the total between the Bulls and Spurs was higher when these teams just recently met in Chicago. The fact is that San Antonio has been playing some solid defense but they also have been red hot with their shooting on offense. That said, after a string of solid performances on D against Western Conference foes, don't be surprised if SA is a bit lack-luster on the defensive end as the 6-23 Bulls come to town. As for Chicago, they are off a game in Mexico City which was a grinder with tough shooting in an unfamiliar setting. The Bulls will be happy to get back to a regular venue and should thrive tonight with a strong game offensively. Chicago scored 107 points versus the Spurs in their match-up about 3 weeks ago. San Antonio enters this game having averaged 118 points per game in their last 7 games. Also, SA is still 10-4 to the over their last 14 games despite that ridiculous "under" result on Thursday. The over is 3-1 this season in Spurs games against Central Division opponents. 10* OVER the total in San Antonio |
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12-15-18 | Cincinnati v. Mississippi State -3 | Top | 59-70 | Win | 100 | 10 h 47 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #646 Saturday 10* Top Play Mississippi State Bulldogs (-) vs Cincinnati Bearcats @ 8:30 ET - As long-time followers know, I love to go against the grain. That is what my contrarian crusher picks are all about and, in this case, with a line move from -5 to -3 on the Bulldogs, I won't hesitate to step in. Keep in mind, Mississippi State is off an impressive neutral court win over Clemson last week and now they get this game at home against Cincinnati. The Bulldogs have balanced scoring with all 5 scorers averaging in double figures plus they are red hot from three point land. Hot shooting from beyond the arc can sometimes go hold WHEN a team heads on the road or is in an unfamiliar surrounding. As you can see, that should NOT be the case here as this game is at Mississippi State so the Bulldogs should remain RED HOT from outside. Keep in mind this is a revenge game from last season. Though the Bearcats won that game it was at Cincinnati and the Bulldogs were simply done in by poor shooting in the 65-50 loss. Also, gone for Cincy from that team are 3 players who accounted for 49 of the 65 points. All are playing pro ball now with 2 in the NBA and one playing professionally overseas. I also like the coaching edge in the rematch with Ben Howland over Mick Cronin. 10* MISSISSIPPI STATE |
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12-15-18 | Eastern Michigan v. Georgia Southern -3 | Top | 21-23 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach CFB Game #208 Saturday 10* Top Play Georgia Southern Eagles (-) vs Eastern Michigan Eagles @ 5:30 ET - Eastern Michigan is 0-3 ATS this season when they enter a game on a SU winning streak of 2 or more games. Georgia Southern is 4-0 ATS in non-conference games this season. Eastern Michigan had a late season bye and that doesn't necessarily help them here as they will be playing for just the 2nd time since their November 10th win versus Akron. Also, Eastern Michigan is 1-12 ATS when they face an opponent off B2B SU (and ATS) wins. That system fits here as Georgia Southern finished off the season with back to back wins and covers. Unlike Eastern Michigan, Georgia Southern did have a game on Saturday November 17th. This should lead to a little less "rust" for them in comparison with Eastern Michigan. Army, a ground-based attack like Georgia Southern, completely dominated time of possession in a win at Eastern Michigan in late October. Look for Georgia Southern to dominate in similar fashion with their option attack in this game. Eastern Michigan was 3-0 SU to finish the season but they benefited greatly from turnovers in those 3 games. Nothing close to that is likely to happen here as Georgia Southern has done a great job in the turnover department all season long. The ATS trends noted above are 19-1 / 95% in our favor here. 10* GEORGIA SOUTHERN |
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12-15-18 | Texans v. Jets OVER 44 | Top | 29-22 | Win | 100 | 7 h 6 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Game #303 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Jets vs Houston Texans @ 4:30 ET - The weather is very nice for mid-December in East Rutherford, NJ. The winds will not be an issue, there will be cloud cover but no rain, and downright balmy temperatures around 50 degrees for this one. Not only that, Jets QB Sam Darnold is listed as probable for this game and should be even better in his 2nd game back (after returning at Buffalo last week). This time Darnold is at home and he and the Jets should be able to take advantage of a Texans pass defense that has allowed nearly 400 passing yards in EACH of its past two games. Houston has now allowed over 250 passing yards in 5 of its last 6 games. The flip side of the equation here is also good news in terms of expecting an over in this match-up. The Texans, prior to being held to just 21 points versus the Colts last week, had averaged 29.4 points per game in their 5 prior games. Houston's offense should have no trouble bouncing back from the home loss to to Indianapolis and putting up a ton of points on a Jets defense that has allowed 34.8 points per game in its last 4 home games. The Texans are 3-0 to the over this season when off an ATS loss in a game that was decided SU by a margin of 5 or less points. The Jets are a perfect 5-0 to the over in their last 5 games against AFC South opponents. That is since the start of the 2016 season. Prior to that, the Jets also 3-0 to the over in games against the Texans. Combined trending of 11-0 / 100% PERFECT here in favor of a high-scoring match-up. 10* OVER the total in New York Jets |
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12-13-18 | Clippers v. Spurs OVER 222 | Top | 87-125 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NBA Game #561 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers @ 8:35 ET - The Spurs have had back to back unders in their last two games but the over was 10-1 in their 11 prior games. Also, the over is a perfect 4-0 in San Antonio's last 4 games versus Los Angeles. The Clippers are on a 12-3-1 run to the over in their last 16 games. The Spurs are 9-2 to the over in their games against teams with a winning record this season. The Clips are 39-18 to the over (including 11-2 this season) when off a game in which they allowed 115 points or more. Look for the defensive struggles of LA to continue in this one but also note that Los Angeles has averaged 114.5 points per game in their last two games versus the Spurs. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in San Antonio |
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12-13-18 | Chargers +3.5 v. Chiefs | Top | 29-28 | Win | 100 | 11 h 18 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NFL Game #301 Thursday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Chargers (+) @ Kansas City Chiefs @ 8:20 ET - This is contrarian all the way. The Chiefs have won 9 straight meetings with the Chargers and yet opened up as only a 3-point favorite at home here. Of course the line has already gone up a little (3.5 as of early game day morning) but an upset is likely here. The Chargers out-gained the Chiefs by nearly 200 yards in the first meeting in Los Angeles but fell short on the scoreboard. Payback time here. LA is on a 12-3-1 ATS run as a road dog in divisional games. Kansas City is just 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games. 10* LOS ANGELES CHARGERS |
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12-13-18 | Morehead State v. Samford -7.5 | Top | 72-77 | Loss | -107 | 9 h 19 m | Show |
Thursday Thrasher - Rickenbach CBB Game #602 Thursday 10* Top Play Samford Bulldogs (-) vs Morehead State Eagles @ 7:30 ET - When I saw this game was coming up I knew I would be involved after what I witnessed Monday with Morehead State. The Eagles were down by 20 at half at Marshall and still down by 21 with under 2 minutes to go. I was holding a Thundering Herd ticket at -13. The game should be over. Inexplicably Morehead State finished the game on an 11-2 run to lose by 12. First off when a team is down that much there is no chance of a comeback and so usually the trailing team wouldn't even get off enough shots to even have a chance to score 11 points! It was one of the most unbelievable losses I have been a part of and I have been wagering for over 25 years now. We'll get payback tonight. In lined games, the Eagles have now been held to 36.2% or less from the field in 4 straight games! They are facing a Samford team that plays much better defense than they do. Morehead State is allowing 46.9% from the field this season while the Bulldogs are allowing just 37.9% from the field this season. The Eagles also do not defend the 3-point shot nearly as well as Samford does. The Bulldogs were done in by injuries last season but are well-coached and have bounced right back early this season. Samford is 8-2 on the season and the only losses were to Ohio State and an OT loss to Belmont whom plays in the same Ohio Valley Conference that Morehead State does. But Belmont won 24 games last season while the Eagles won only 8 games! Morehead State is on an 8-13 ATS run in non-conference games while the Bulldogs are 9-0 ATS this season! 10* SAMFORD |
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12-12-18 | Golden Knights v. Islanders +131 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 55 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #64 Wednesday 10* Top Play New York Islanders Money Line (+) vs Vegas Golden Knights @ 7:05 ET - Coaching is an important aspect in all sports but often gets overlooked by the betting markets. The Islanders current head coach is Barry Trotz. Yes that is the same head coach that less than 6 months ago was leading the Capitals to become Stanley Cup Champions as they took 4 out of 5 games from the Golden Knights. Washington scored an average of 4 goals per game in those 5 games and Marc-Andre Fleury was between the pipes for Vegas for all of those games. Not only does coach Trotz know a thing or two about beating Fleury and the Golden Knights, his players do as well. The Islanders won both meetings with Vegas last season and remain the only team in the league that the Golden Knights have yet to beat. Maybe that changes next week when these teams meet in Vegas but I don't see it changing tonight. The Golden Knights have lost 11 of their 18 road games this season. Also, Vegas has lost 7 of 11 this season when they're off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Islanders have won 43 of 71 (+$23,200) when off a divisional game and the fact that divisional game was a 2-1 loss where they were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation will strengthen their resolve here. New York has allowed just 2 goals in 4 of their last 6 games. Vegas, prior to a 4-2 win Sunday, had allowed 3 or more goals in 5 of their last 6 games. I am fading the masses and grabbing the home dog here. 10* NEW YORK ISLANDERS |
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12-12-18 | Nets v. 76ers -7 | Top | 127-124 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 31 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NBA Game #538 Wednesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Brooklyn Nets @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers will likely be without Jimmy Butler for this game. As a result, this line has been over-adjusted too low and I am happy to step in and take advantage. Keep in mind the Sixers played nearly the entire game versus Detroit without Bulter (0 points in 10 minutes early before he got hurt) and yet they still rolled the Pistons. Also, in their prior game (also versus Pistons but at Detroit), Joel Embiid was out and Butler took over. Philadelphia has plenty of options on offense because they also have Ben Simmons and then they've seen other role players stepping up and having big games for them. Embiid shook off early rust and had a huge game versus the Pistons and so he'll carry momentum right into this match-up with the Nets. Surprisingly, Brooklyn enters this game off back to back wins but, keep in mind, the Nets had previously lost 12 of their 14 prior games! They're facing a 76ers team that is 14-1 SU at home this season! This is why I have no hesitation in laying the modest number at home here with Philly! The Sixers are 6-3 ATS (and 9-0 SU) in home games with posted total of 220 points or more this season. The Nets are only 2-12 ATS in their last 14 SU losses. In other words, when they lose SU they also have been losing ATS at a high percentage clip. Look for that trend to continue here as Embiid again takes over with Butler sitting out. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-12-18 | Massachusetts v. Temple -8.5 | Top | 63-65 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 48 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach CBB Game #704 Wednesday 10* Top Play Temple Owls (-) vs Massachusetts Minutemen @ 7 ET - The set-up here is perfect. The Minutemen are off a tight 1-point outright upset win as a nearly double digit dog at Providence while the Owls are off a 10 point loss to Philly rival Villanova. Temple is absolutely going to bring their "A game" tonight as a result and they also have revenge on their side. When these teams met two years ago UMass got the tight 3-point win at home despite the Owls having a double digit edge in field goal attempts. The point is that Temple just wasn't hitting their shots that night. Now the Owls get a revenge opportunity and it comes on their home floor. Additionally, the Minutemen only have 2 players back that played in that game while the players who logged the majority of the minutes for Temple in that game will be on the floor for this rematch. Massachusetts relies heavily on their 5'11 junior guard Luwane Pipkins and he is a great player. However, the Owls strength is their backcourt play and by containing (or at least limiting) Pipkins in this game, Temple will have a big edge as they are a much more balanced team than the Minutemen are. UMass is prone to turnover issues and the Owls are solid in terms of the turnover to steals ratio. In terms of technical support for this play, the Minutemen are 2-6 ATS this season and continue to be over-valued by the betting markets. Massachusetts is also 5-15 ATS in Wednesday games. The Owls are 12-4 ATS in games against teams that average 77 points or more per game. The key here being that they are much better defensively in comparison with the Minutemen. 10* TEMPLE |
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12-11-18 | Blazers v. Rockets OVER 219.5 | Top | 103-111 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 10 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #531 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers @ 8:05 ET - Each of these teams enter this game having stayed under the total in 3 straight games. However, it is a statistical anomaly that won't continue here. That's because the Blazers are actually hitting 49% from the field their last 5 games and the Rockets are now back home where they've gone over the total in 4 straight games. Houston has shot 52% from the field in those 4 games. The over is 5-1 in Portland's last 6 road games. The over is 6-2 when the Rockets enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Also, when Houston is off an upset loss as a favorite, the over is 6-3 this season and the Rockets are 4-0 to the over when off a divisional game this season. Portland is 3-1 to the over this season when playing with 2 days of rest between games. Both teams have fresh legs here and the shots will be scorching the nets in this one! 10* OVER the total in Houston |
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12-11-18 | Kings v. Sabres OVER 5.5 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Buffalo Sabres vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - I lost my play on the Kings last night despite a 43-21 edge in shots on goal at Detroit. Los Angeles is coming on strong and looking to get their season back on track. They won't stop tonight at Buffalo either. However, with Jonathan Quick having minded the net last night, he'll likely be resting tonight and I expect plenty of goals in this one. With another strong effort from LA in the offensive zone, a few of those pucks will find the back of the net as Sabres #1 goalie Carter Hutton has been dealing with an injury. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these non-conference foes. Also, the Sabres have allowed an average of 4 goals per game during their current 5-game winning streak. The Kings have given up an average of 3.3 goals per game in their last 3 road games. The over is 3-0 this season when the Sabres enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. There have been just 4 unders the last 15 times that the Sabres have hosted the Kings. 10* OVER the total in Buffalo |
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12-11-18 | Villanova v. Pennsylvania OVER 139 | Top | 75-78 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #601 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Pennsylvania Quakers vs Villanova Wildcats @ 7 ET - The Wildcats had one of their worst games on offense Saturday while at the same time having one of their best games of the season on defense. Of course the result was an under and the added result is some extra value with the low total on this game involving the Quakers. Pennsylvania has been shooting the ball very well particularly on their home floor this season. As for Villanova, they've averaged 86 points per game in their last two meetings with Penn. The Quakers are averaging 80 points per game this season. I am well aware of the fact that Pennsylvania has struggled to score well against Nova in recent meetings but this situation is entirely different as, for the most part, the Wildcats have not been as strong on the defensive end early this season. At the same time, the Penn offense has been a real positive early this season with hot outside shooting leading the way. The over is a long-term 17-6 when Villanova is a road favorite in a range of 6.5 to 9 points. The over is a long-term 13-7 in Penn's games against Big East opponents and also the Quakers are a perfect 3-0 to the over in home games this season. 10* OVER the total in Pennsylvania |
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12-10-18 | Vikings +3 v. Seahawks | Top | 7-21 | Loss | -100 | 12 h 23 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NFL Game #133 Monday 10* Top Play Minnesota Vikings (+) @ Seattle Seahawks @ 8:15 ET - The Seahawks are off a huge win and have won 3 straight games. However, Mike Zimmer's Vikings are finally getting a shot at revenge after that unbelievable playoff loss (missed chip shot FG) ended Minnesota's season. Note that Zimmer entered this season with ATS records of 25-9 when playing with revenge and 11-1 when facing an opponent off a straight up win by 10 or more points. Here Zimmer's Vikings catch Seattle off a 27 point thrashing of the 49ers. Also, in games 13 through 16 of a season Minnesota has gone 8-1 ATS as a road dog when they are facing an opponent off a home game. This game is sandwiched between divisional games for the Seahawks as they are off the Niners and then play them again at San Francisco Sunday. Seattle is 1-6 ATS in games played week before facing SF. The Seahawks were actually outgained by more than 100 yards by the 49ers last week but won the game thanks to 3 turnovers. In fact, Seattle's defense has not impressed and they allowed 28 points per game their 4 prior games and certainly should have allowed much more than 16 versus the Niners last week. Minnesota's defense did struggle at Foxboro last week versus the Patriots but, prior to that, they had been rock solid and I am expect them to return to top form in this crucial game filled with post-season impact. Grab the points here but expect the upset. 10* MINNESOTA |
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12-10-18 | Kings +105 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-3 | Loss | -100 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Kings are undervalued at this point in the season as they have underachieved thus far. They now have Jonathan Quick back between the pipes and he has had just one bad start in 5 starts since he returned. In the 4 quality efforts from Quick, Los Angeles has allowed an average of just 1.5 goals per game! Even though the Kings are off a big win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Red Wings pay a visit to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals tomorrow. In other words, Detroit is off an Eastern Conference foe (Islanders) and has another one (Washington) on deck. Coming into this season many experts expected the Kings to contend for a playoff spot in the West and the Red Wings to have to battle to stay out of the cellar in the East. The point is that you start to get value in spots like this. For example, the Kings are now a small dog here at Detroit whereas earlier this season (just two months ago) they were a 2 to 1 favorite on home ice over the Red Wings! That said, I love the road dog value here as Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty (played with LA his entire career) has been very vocal of late about it being time for this team to step up. Look for the win over the Golden Knights to spark a run for LA as the return of Quick from injury is also big and you can feel the momentum shifting with this hockey club right now. By the way, the Red Wings have lost 5 of their last 6 home games! The Kings have split their last 6 road games. Just like last season, look for the Kings to earn the sweep of the Red Wings. Detroit is only 7-13 this season when playing with revenge. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS |
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12-10-18 | Pistons v. 76ers -7 | Top | 102-116 | Win | 100 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NBA Game #512 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) vs Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers are rested and ready here. Yes, I am aware of the Joel Embiid situation but he didn't play in the match-up with Detroit on Friday and yet the Sixers still won by a half dozen points and that game was at Detroit. While Philly has been off since Friday, the Pistons are in a tough scheduling spot here as they did battle with the Pelicans yesterday. That loss to New Orleans dropped the Pistons to 0-4 their last 4 games (SU and ATS). Not only does that make this a back to back spot for Detroit, it is also the Pistons 3rd game in the last 4 days. Detroit is 11-22 SU when playing on back to back days and 7 of their last 8 SU losses have also been ATS losses. In other words, when the Pistons do lose they usually don't cover either! As for the Sixers, when they get a SU win they usually do cover as 11 of their last 15 SU win have also been ATS wins. Philadelphia is on a 32-16 ATS run in games with a posted total of 220 or more. Also, the 76ers are on a 64-36 ATS run in home games. They are 13-1 SU in home games this season and are also 23-12 ATS when playing with 2 days of rest between games. All factors considered, including this line being around a 7 as of early game day morning, this is a great value spot on the Sixers as they have big situational edges here. Philly has held their last 5 opponents to a combined 40% from the field! Great defensive numbers while the Pistons have allowed 50% from the field in their last 4 games. All signs point to a home blowout here. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-10-18 | Morehead State v. Marshall -13 | Top | 64-76 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
Earliest Cash - Rickenbach CBB Game #880 Monday 10* Top Play Marshall Thundering Herd (-) vs Morehead State Eagles @ 7 ET - I am well aware of the fact that the Thundering Herd are off of an OT loss on Saturday and are on short rest here. However, I would argue that their scheduling situation is much better than that of the Eagles here. Morehead State has not played yet in December and is likely to be rusty. The Eagles also are walking right into a hornets nest tonight. Marshall is seeking revenge for a loss at Morehead State last season. I know the points are fairly big here but the Thundering Herd were 4-0 at home this season before the loss to Toledo Saturday and each of their last 3 home wins have come by a margin of at least 20 points. Both these teams like to play at a fast pace and with "run and gun" being the story here, the team that is NOT rusty and that is also at home and that is also playing with revenge certainly holds a large edge. Keep in mind Marshall was a pleasant surprise last season and even got a big upset win in the Big Dance too last spring. Though the Thundering Herd have underachieved early this season, this is the perfect spot for them to get on track as they take advantage of facing an Ohio Valley Conference foe that had lost 3 straight games (all by 17 or more) before blowing out a very small basketball program - Chillicothe - in their final game of November. Another key to just how much emphasis Marshall is placing on this game is that this is their final home game until mid-January! In other words, the Thundering Herd want to make the most of this opportunity and they won' take their foot off the gas here. The Eagles are 7-13 ATS in non-conference games. The Thundering Herd are 16-6 ATS when playing with 1 day or less of rest between games. 10* MARSHALL |
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12-09-18 | Bucks v. Raptors OVER 230 | Top | 104-99 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 36 m | Show |
NBA TV Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #503 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks @ 6:05 ET - Yes this is a big game so you would expect some extra defensive intensity but, truth be told, neither one of these teams is where they are today because of defense. The Raptors and Bucks are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference because of their scoring prowess. Of course this is a big revenge game for Toronto after losing at Milwaukee earlier this season. That is certainly noteworthy as the Raptors are a perfect 6-0 to the over this season when playing with revenge. As for the Bucks, they are a perfect 4-0 to the over this season in games in which they are an underdog. Additionally, the over is a perfect 5-0 this season in Milwaukee's games against Atlantic Division opponents. Last but not least, the over is a perfect 4-0 in the last 4 meetings between these teams. That means we have combined angles of 19-0 / 100% PERFECT in this one in support of a high-scoring blockbuster. I'll take it! 10* OVER the total in Toronto |
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12-09-18 | Eagles +3.5 v. Cowboys | Top | 23-29 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 3 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Game #129 Sunday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Eagles (+) @ Dallas Cowboys @ 4:25 ET - Yes the Cowboys have a rest edge here. However, they are off a huge upset win of the Saints. Also, the Eagles lost to Dallas in Philadelphia 4 weeks ago. The revenge-seeking Eagles are 15-5 ATS as a divisional road dog. The road team is a perfect 3-0 ATS the last 3 games in this series and Philly has covered 3 of their last 4 games at Dallas. The Eagles are 6-1 ATS when off a game against the Redskins. Also, Philadelphia is gaining confidence with back to back wins for the first time this season as the Super Bowl champions look to get their swagger back. They can tie up the Cowboys for 1st in the division with a win here so there is no concern that it is "too late" in the Eagles locker room. Could the Dallas upset of the Saints leave the Cowboys a little flat here? Note that the Eagles, in divisional games, when facing an opponent off a SU home dog win, have gone 7-1 ATS! Last but not least, when head coach Doug Pederson is off a divisional game (beat Redskins last week) and playing with revenge, has gone 5-1 ATS with the Eagles. Yes I am aware of the injury issues for the Eagles secondary but look for the road dog to rise up here after the embarrassment of that home loss 4 weeks ago with their powerful defensive line play being the difference in this rematch. On the other side of the ball, Carson Wentz and company had over 400 yards of offense against the Cowboys in the first game and also did it again with over 400 yards versus the Redskins last week. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-09-18 | Steelers v. Raiders OVER 50.5 | Top | 21-24 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 22 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach NFL Game #131 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Oakland Raiders vs Pittsburgh Steelers @ 4:25 ET - The weather will be favorable in Oakland and this match-up features two teams who will play at a fast pace in this match-up. The Steelers have thrown the ball 150 times in their last 3 games while running it just 44 times. Look for Pittsburgh to get a big lead here and then Oakland will be forced to play catch-up and the only way they can do that is through the air. The Raiders have averaged 24 points per game their last 3 games and threw for 271 yards last week while completing 29 of 38 passes. The issue for Oakland is they can't stop teams as the Raiders have now allowed 34 points or more in 4 of their last 6 games. The over is a perfect 3-0 in Oakland's last 3 games. The Raiders are also 4-0 to the over in their last 4 games against AFC North teams. Of course the Steelers are going to be very hungry here and won't take their foot off of the gas after back to back frustrating losses. That holds some significance for sure here because Oakland is actually 17-1 to the over in when they face a non-divisional AFC opponent that is off B2B SU losses. Look for a shootout to develop in this one as that 94% angle gets the cash again. 10* OVER the total in Oakland |
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12-09-18 | Flyers v. Jets OVER 6.5 | Top | 1-7 | Win | 105 | 5 h 56 m | Show |
Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Sunday 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 3:05 ET - The Flyers are in a back to back spot and have had major issues this season keeping the puck out of their own net as they've been dealing with goalie injuries all season long. With that said, I look for the Jets to score a ton in this game. Winnipeg is angry off a shutout loss at home and will be in full bounce back mode here and won't take their foot off the gas either. However, the Flyers have been scoring well of late and they've averaged 4 goals per game their last 4 games and have added confidence after yesterday's 6-2 win at Buffalo. However, trying to stop this Jets teams is another matter entirely here which is why I feel we're getting great line value with this over. Note that Winnipeg had scored an average of 4.7 goals per game before the shutout loss versus the Blues on home ice! The Jets are 11-4 to the over this season in games against teams with a losing record. The Flyers are 9-4 to the over in this season in games against teams with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg |
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12-09-18 | Tennessee +4 v. Gonzaga | Top | 76-73 | Win | 100 | 4 h 6 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach CBB Game #859 Sunday 10* Top Play Tennessee Volunteers (+) vs Gonzaga Bulldogs @ 3 ET in Jerry Colangelo Classic @ Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ - As long-time followers know, I tend to be a contrarian and it is something that has served me very well through the years. This is another prime example of going against the grain. This line on #1 ranked and undefeated Gonzaga was as low as a -2 and has since been driven up to as high as a -4 in some spots. Of course this comes as no surprise as the betting markets are attracted to spots like this and also the game, though a "neutral site" is being played out west. That makes the Bulldogs the play here the way most people see it. What I see is we're getting some extra value here with an underdog that has the much better defensive stats on the season. Tennessee is the perfect example of what a "dangerous dog" is comprised of as they are allowing just 63.6 points per game on only 35.5% shooting from the field this season even though they've played a schedule that has been nearly equivalent to the strength of schedule Gonzaga has faced early this season. Keep in mind the Bulldogs barely beat Washington in their most recent game and also looked to be in trouble against Creighton (until late 2nd half) in their prior game. That is the same Bluejays team that got manhandled by Nebraska yesterday. The point is that the Bulldogs could be slightly over-rated at this point and I expect an upset here with the Vols so I will gladly grab the available points. Note that the Volunteers are 12-4 ATS when off a game in which they allowed 60 points or less. Also, Gonzaga is a long-term 7-13 ATS versus SEC opponents. 10* TENNESSEE |
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12-08-18 | Nuggets v. Hawks OVER 222.5 | Top | 98-106 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 45 m | Show |
Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NBA Game #705 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets @ 7:35 ET - The Nuggets are off a loss last night that snapped a 7-game winning streak. Even though Denver shot very poorly in the game it still went over the total. In other words, that tells you the type of quick pace they're playing. Yes, I am aware there are some injury situations for each team heading into this game but, the point is, I do not expect the Nuggets to take their foot off the games in this one. That said, Denver did score 138 points when they hosted the Hawks last month. As for Atlanta, the over is 7-2 in their last 9 games. Also, the Hawks are 6-2 to the over when off a game in which they allowed 130 points or more. Atlanta is 8-4 to the over in home games this season. The over is 25-12 when the Nuggets are on the road and the posted total on their game is 220 points or more. Look for another one to fly over the total here as Denver will be ready to push the pace from the opening tip after what happened last night at Charlotte. 10* OVER the total in Atlanta |
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12-08-18 | Maple Leafs -120 v. Bruins | Top | 3-6 | Loss | -120 | 8 h 27 m | Show |
NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Saturday NHL 10* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs were knocked out of the post-season in Game 7 of a series with the Bruins last spring. That game took place here in Boston...that is where the Leafs season ended. Though the Maple Leafs got some measure of revenge with a home win over the Bruins about two weeks ago, their only meeting at Boston this season was a loss. This is the perfect time for payback. While the Leafs are getting healthier the Bruins are still dealing with injury injuries as Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and Kevan Miller are out right now. Boston has lost 3 straight games and they've been struggling to score goals for an extended stretch. Amazingly, the Bruins have managed to score more than 2 goals just ONCE in their last TEN games! That spells trouble against a Maple Leafs team that has scored at least 4 goals in 6 straight games! In their 5-4 OT loss to Detroit, the Leafs got caught looking ahead to this big game. The Maple Leafs had won 5 straight games before that defeat and they bounce right back here with a huge road win. Take advantage of the value with the small line here as the Bruins injury situation continues to plague them against a top tier (and much healthier) team! 10* TORONTO |
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12-08-18 | Creighton +7 v. Nebraska | Top | 75-94 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 42 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CBB Game #787 Saturday 10* Top Play Creighton Bluejays (+) @ Nebraska Cornhuskers @ 6 ET - Many will be looking to back the revenge-minded home team that also has the better numbers defensively and is a Top 25 team. However, in typical contrarian fashion, I am going the other way in this game. The Bluejays have had the Cornhuskers number in recent seasons and Creighton is very comfortable (and used to) playing at Nebraska. That negates a bit of the normal home court edge in a game like this. As a result, there is even more line value here with the under-valued underdog. Creighton is up to a 7 point dog as of early game day morning and this is a team that led Gonzaga pretty late in the game before falling short in last Saturday's action. The Bluejays have played a tougher schedule than Nebraska early this season and though Creighton's numbers on defense do not impress, the Huskers are also having trouble getting stops on defense of late. That said, if this game turns into a shootout it favors the sharp-shooters of Creighton plus it is good to have the points on your side in a rivalry game that could be close late. There is just so much confidence with the Bluejays here because of the way they can score and go on huge scoring runs plus they have the added confidence of having played well at Nebraska. From a technical standpoint, I like the fact that the Jays are 16-6 ATS (and 18-4 SU!) when off a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. Nebraska is just 6-9 SU after a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. Also, the Cornhuskers are on a 2-8 ATS run when hosting the Bluejays. 10* CREIGHTON |
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12-08-18 | Navy v. Army OVER 40 | Top | 10-17 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 2 m | Show |
Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach CFB Game #103 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Navy Midshipmen vs Army Black Knights @ 3 ET @ Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA - It doesn't matter that it was a "soft open" if you will, this is still quite impressive. The first book to post the total on this game offshore opened it up at 52.5 and it quickly got pounded down. Why? It has everything to do with the long history of unders (12 in a row!) in this series history. Of course, as you can see, I am well aware of this history. However, do you really think the initial projections on this total were that far (a dozen points) off the mark? Also the weather will be chilly in Philly but light winds and no precipitation so there are no issues from Mother Nature today. Long-term the over is 14-8 in Army games when they enter a game on a winning streak of 2 or more games. Also, the Black Knights are 35-23 to the over in games against teams with a losing record. The over is 4- 2 in Navy's last 6 games and they have averaged 30 points per game their last 3 games. The Midshipmen defense has allowed 35 points per game this season. I know that when these teams match up there tends to be less scoring because they run similar offensive styles and are so familiar with one another. However, you can see from those numbers that it is highly unlikely that Navy is going to enjoy success in stopping Army this season. Also, the Black Knights have averaged scoring 32.5 points per game in their last 10 games. Additionally, in all games this season where Army was either an underdog or a single digit favorite (as they are here), they allowed an average of 22 points per game. 10* OVER the total |
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12-07-18 | Sharks -120 v. Stars | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -120 | 11 h 45 m | Show |
Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #51 Friday 10* Top Play San Jose Sharks Money Line (-) @ Dallas Stars @ 8:05 ET - The Sharks are seeking revenge here as they lost at Dallas earlier this season plus the Stars beat them in San Jose in their final match-up last season. The fact this game is on the road is keeping the line at a very reasonable range and I'll gladly lay the short money line price with the Sharks as they seek payback in this one. Dallas has lost 8 of 12 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Also, the Stars have lost 33 of 50 when they're off a game they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Sharks have won 10 of 15 when off a non-conference game this season. San Jose has won 18 of their last 29 December games. The Sharks have been better on the power play than the Stars this season. Also, prior to the big win for Dallas Monday, they had been held to scoring 2 or less goals in 7 of their 10 previous games. The Sharks have scored 3 or more goals in 18 of their last 23 games! The small road favorite is also the much healthier team in this match-up. Lay it! 10* SAN JOSE |
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12-07-18 | 76ers -130 v. Pistons | Top | 117-111 | Win | 100 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
ESPN Smash Pass - Rickenbach NBA Game #501 Friday 10* Top Play Philadelphia 76ers (-) @ Detroit Pistons @ 7:05 ET - The 76ers are moving to -2.5 in a lot of shops this morning but also are still available as low as -130 on the money line this morning which is how I would play it if you have access to that. Either way though I do expect a road rout from Philadelphia here. They are off a loss where they had a rough 4th quarter at Toronto on Wednesday. That certainly holds significance here as the Sixers have lost back to back games only once this season and that was over 6 weeks ago! Ironically their lone two-game skid did include a loss at Detroit so Philly will look to get payback after crazy overtime game against the Pistons early this season. Of course the Sixers now have Jimmy Butler and are a stronger team than they were earlier in the season. The Pistons are off back to back losses and are 1-3 SU this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. That ugly skid (a 5-gamer) included a loss at Philly and this time the Sixers get the job done again albeit at Detroit! The Pistons are 1-3 SU this season after a loss by 10 or more points. Also, Detroit is 32-55 SU in games against teams with a winning record. The 76ers are a perfect 4-0 SU this season when off a loss by 10 or more points. Also, the Sixers are 5-0 SU (and ATS) when off a divisional game. Look for Philly to respond after the 4th quarter collapse against the Raptors. The 76ers can't wait to get back on the floor and atone for that loss. 10* PHILADELPHIA |
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12-07-18 | Massachusetts v. Providence OVER 149 | Top | 79-78 | Win | 100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
Total of the Week - Rickenbach CBB Game #521 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Providence Friars vs Massachusetts Minutemen @ 7 ET - Both teams have gotten a lot of scoring options from new faces this season but each team is also still looking to gel in terms of defensive rotations. As a result, plenty of high-scoring games have resulted. Both teams are shooting the ball quite well, including from beyond the arc, and the over is 7-2 in UMass games this season and 5-2 in Providence games with a posted total of 140 or more. In recent seasons, the over is 13-6 when the Minutemen are off a game in which they allowed 80 points or more. Also, the over is 17-8 in Massachusetts road games and this is their first true road game of this season. Both of the neutral site games for UMass this season did go over the total. The Friars are 25-11 to the over in games where they are the favorite. Also, Providence is 19-6 to the over in games where they are a home favorite in a range of 9.5 to 12 points. Both the Friars and Minutemen take a ton of threes and both teams have enjoyed solid success in knocking them down this season. That said, I look for this non-conference match-up to result in plenty of points. Each of the last two meetings with the Friars as the host have gone over the total and this one is destined to do the same! 10* OVER the total in Providence |