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Out with the old in with the new:Get to know Dejounte Murray

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Great franchises stay great by making decisions for the team.  On January 23rd the Spurs announced that Dejounte Murray would replace 17-year NBA veteran Tony Parker in the starting lineup. The Spurs have responded to the change, winning 3 of 4.  Murray has put up decent numbers since the lineup change. In 29 minutes per game, he has averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.8 turnovers on a 50.6 true shooting percentage.

The 2nd year guard out of Washington is not a finished product, a clear lack of any long range shooting will hinder his progression into stardom.  Murray though brings a swiss army knife of other attributes, rebounding, play making, court vision and length.  Defensively, San Antonio has an absolute stalwart in its 6-5 bundle of energy. Murray is all limbs with great lateral quickness and plenty of hops. He’s starting to realize the advantages those physical attributes give him. The physical attributes of Murray are a welcomed addition to a starting lineup that is currently missing arguably the best two way player in the game Kawhi Leonard.  Leonard’s intangibles covered up the defensive struggles of Tony Parker and Patty Mills, both of which are offensive oriented point guards.

Murray has shown that despite his shooting issues he can be an effective force on the offensive end as well. Murray is becoming adept at making the right pass in pick-and-roll situations, whether that’s a pocket dish to a big or a kickout to a spot-up shooter.  He collapses the defense pretty well, even though he often can’t take advantage of it. Murray also has the ability to work in transition, never afraid of turning on the afterburners after grabbing a defensive rebound, which he grabs a lot of.

The Spurs go about their business so quietly that most of the league has failed to notice that they have successfully drafted and developed some very promising prospects.  Kyle Anderson, Davis Bertans, Bryn Forbes and Murray have filled in roles while better known players like Manu Ginobli, Rudy Gay and Tony Parker have spent time on the injured list or have been ineffective.

At 21 years old, Murray’s offensive game needs a bunch of work, but as he continues to stuff the stat sheets Murray will establish himself as the next great Spur. Great franchises know how to stay relevant at the game evolves. The San Antonio Spurs and Gregg Popovich have transitioned from the Tim Duncan era and begin to march forward with young talent.

 

Weekend Picks: Jan. 27 2018: Big Matchup and Big12/SEC Challenge

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Football betting season will take a break this week as the masses will turn their attention to college basketball.  This weekend is full of great matchups highlighted by the Big12/Sec Challenge and a showdown of top 4 ACC teams.  We have picked out a few games that should be special this weekend. Enjoy!

Fighting Trae Young’s @ Alabama

In a battle of freshman studs.  Trae Young will lead the 12th ranked Sooners into Tuscaloosa on Saturday for a matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Oklahoma’s super rookie is averaging mind-numbing figures of 30.5 points and 9.7 assists per game –both best in the nation. After showing signs of mortality, Young had an lead and efficient offensive effort Tuesday against the Kansas Jayhawks scoring 26point on 7/9  shooting. That said, the Sooners can’t just ride too hard on the shoulders of Young, who needs the likes of Christian James (11.9 points) and Brady Manek (11.1 points) to play a bigger role.

The Sooners are not up against Alabama football team’s stop unit, but the Crimson Tide basketball team’s defense is not something Trae Young and company should underestimate.  Alabama has the length and athleticisim to disrupt Young and force him to be perimeter oriented. The Crimson Tide are protected by a fantastic interior defense, as evidenced by their 6.3 blocks per game — good for fifth nationally. Like most SEC teams the Crimson Tide have been hard to figure out gaining wins over Texas A&M, Auburn and South Carolina but losing to bottom dwelling Ole Miss by double digits.

While the teams are both intriguing the best reason to watch will be the matchup of potential lottery picks Trae Young  and Colin Sexton.  Sexton quietly has been making his own mark on the college basketball scene.

I think Alabama come shuts down Young and pulls off the upset victory.  But I have been wrong about Oklahoma before.

 James Caldwell: Alabama      Matt Boeding: Oklahoma

Kentucky at West Virginia

The battle of the struggling hall of fame coaches takes place Saturday when John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats travel to  Morgantown to face off with Bob Huggins #7West Virginia Moutaineers .Unless you have been under a rock you may have heard that the Kentucky Wildcats have fallen out of the top 25 rankings for the first time since 2014.   What has flown under the radar is that West Virginia has now lost 3 of 4 in the ultra competitive Big12, showing little to no effort Tuesday night against TCU.

Kentucky ranks 55th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and 27th in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. They’re a team that is no longer considered part of the national title conversation, which is troubling (and an outlier) when it comes to UK basketball. Calipari put together a team of positionless players that are having trouble figuring out their roles.  They will have to figure out who they are in a game that can factor into positioning in March.  Kentucky will have to find a toughness physically and mentally to pull off this upset.  Kentucky has more talent, West Virgnia has more experience.

James Caldwell: Kentucky   Matt Boeding: West Virginia

Virginia vs Duke

The matchup of the weekend takes place at Cameron Indoor on Saturday when the #2 Virginia Cavaliers meet #4 Duke Blue Devils.  Two top ranked teams battle for ACC supremecy, the immovable object meets the unstoppable force.

The Cavaliers have the best defense in the nation with opposing teams bleeding for just 52.4 points per game. Teams seem to shoot at a moving basket when they are up against Virginia, which limits opponents to only 36.6 field goal shooting percentage. Duke is going to be a tough assignment for the Cavs, but its not like Virginia has not dealt with a top-tier offensive team and came out successful. Virginia has already taken down North Carolina and NC State, both rank in the top four in ACC offensively.

As much we like to talk about how scary good the Cavaliers’ defense is, the truth is, it has not prevented Duke from beating the Cavaliers over the past few seasons. In fact, Duke has won eight of its last 10 dates with Virginia and it’s vaunted pack line defense, though they covered the spread in only three of those meetings. Duke Blue Devils come in riding a three game win streak in which they have woken up for long range.  Gary Trent Jr, Grayson Allen and Trevon Duval have seemed to find their stroke from deep, Trent most notably hitting an astounding 19 threes over the last four games.  Virginia is going to be forced to deal with the NBA froncourt of Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter.  If Virginia can limit the offensive rebounding of the Blue Devils they can effectively control the tempo.

Duke’s home court advantage will play a role in this one as the young Devils seemed to feed off the energy.  It would take a gargantuan effort for Virginia to limit Bagley, let alone Grayson Allen and the other Blue Devils’ gifted scorers.

James Caldwell: Duke   Matt Boeding: Duke

 

 

 

Key to success: Gary Trent Jr.

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The Duke Blue Devils pulled off a miraculous comeback Monday night against the Miami Hurricanes.  While multiple factors lead to the Miami meltdown, it was freshman Shooting Guard Gary Trent Jr.  that provided the consistency and leadership normally seen by upperclassman.

The Apple Valley, Minnesota native carried the Blue Devils scoring 30 points while shooting 6 of 9 from three point range.  Trent Jr.’s sharpshooting was the lone highlight offensively for the first 30 minutes of the Monday’s ACC showdown. While fellow freshman phenom’s like Marvin Bagley and Wendall Carter tend to steal the headlines it has been Trent Jr.’s consistent play that has been the backbone of the Duke frontline.  Grayson Allen and Trevon Duvall continue to be inconsistent on both ends of the court, while Trent Jr. continues to be the most reliable guard option for Coach K. Trent  Jr. brings the skill and poise of a veteran, with 1:23 left in the game Miami down 73-70 Trent Jr. was the one that stepped into a top of the key three and sealed the deal for the Blue Devils.  His ability to sink a shot of that magnitude without a second thought was a defining moment in the still young season.  It is time for Duke to utilize their dynamic shooting guard in new roles.

As ACC play continues to intensify Duke will have to have better guard play, with Grayson Allen’s jumper a complete mess and Trevon Duvall’s poor decision making, Trent Jr. will have to be the player Duke relies on in clutch situations.  When Duvall gets in his own head Coach K has to move Trent Jr. to the point if he wants this young team to make a real impact in March.  While Trent Jr. may be more effective play the contrary role in the offense, his level headed decision making can be an asset when things begin to unravel.  The movement to the point can allow fellow shooters freshman Alex O’Connell and Grayson Allen play their more familiar roles.

Gary Trent Jr. won’t be the highest draft pick on this Duke team, he may not have the best career, but he brings so much intelligence to the game of basketball.  In today’s basketball sharpshooters with length have become the new blue print of success, he may not stay at Duke for as long as he should but if he does give the fans a chance to watch him develop we could see a guy that becomes one of the best Duke players of all time.

 

 

Wild Card Playoff Preview

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Playoff time has snuck up on all of us, Matt Boeding and James Caldwell have broken down their picks for what should be a fun wildcard weekend.

Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams -9

The Los Angeles Rams will make their first appearance in the playoffs since 2005.  The new kids on the block will face off with the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons in a match up that looks like the most intriguing of the weekend.

The Rams are rightfully the heavy favorites coming into this matchup, they have the most high powered offense in the league, potentially the best runningback, best defensive player and they are at home…sort of.  The Rams are young all over the field, including the sideline, they have not felt the pressure that a playoff game can bring.  It will be up to the Rams to set the tempo of the game,  McVay will want to score early and often to set the tone for the game. If the Rams jump out early, they can just hand the ball off to Todd Gurley and let him finish the game. Of the Falcons six losses five of them have come when the opposing teams runningback surpasses 100 yards

The Falcons come into this game with less pressure then they have felt all year.  No one expects the Falcons to beat the offensive juggarnaut that the Rams have become.  Quietly Atlanta has made it into the playoffs with a defense that is ranked in the top ten in yards per game this season.  That being said they have still been giving up the big play as they only rank  15th in PPG allowed.  The defense will have to find a way to slow down Todd Gurley and force Jared Goff to make the difference.  Offensively the Falcons will need Matt Ryan and Julio Jones to be Matt Ryan and Julio Jones of 2016.  The Falcons have to put the pressure on the Rams by making plays on 3rd down.  Don’t let a young team gain confidence.

James Caldwell: Falcons           Matt Boeding: Rams   (Bet Falcons +9)

Tennessee Titans at  Kansas City Chiefs -9

The Tennessee Titans enter wildcard weekend as the most perplexing team in recent memory.  A preseason pick by many to win their division, they have been underwhelming at times but somehow made the playoffs despite giving up more points then scoring this season.  The Titans defense has played the run solid all year only allowing three 100-yard rushers the entire season.  Stopping the run against an Andy Reid offense gives the Titans some hope to pull off the upset.  The Titans also feature a line that has 4 guys with over 7 sacks.  The Titans want to keep this low scoring, if they do they have a chance to pull off the upset at Arrowhead.

The Chiefs come in with a four game win streak.  With mid-season struggles behind them the Chiefs have rediscovered how to win.  Alex Smith will have his work cut out for him as the Titans stingy run defense will force him to make plays. Travis Kelce  and Tyreek Hill will be a huge factor for the Titans, short dump off passes to these two playmakers will make the difference, they will ned to turn 5 yard routes to 12 yard gains.

The Titans offense doesn’t scare anyone unless your are scared of inconsistency. The Chiefs homefield advantage will also be a huge factor for another young team.  While we think the spread is a bit much, this seems like a route.

James Caldwell: Chiefs       Matt Boeding: Chiefs     (Bet Titans +9)

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars -9

The 2017 season started about as different as you humanly possible for these two teams.  The Jaguars were the up and coming team that was going to make that next big step, while the Bills were “tanking the season”.  As the season played out these predictions were right on one end and ridiculous on the other.

The Jaguars enter this game as 9 point favorites and in the eyes of most that may have been to low.  The Bills can’t stop the run and the Jaguars would prefer Blake Bortles only throws the ball during warmups .  The Jaguars are 6th in the league in rushing at home while the Bills front is ranked at the bottom half of the league run prevention.  Play calls will most likely be 2-1 in favor of the run.

LeSean McCoy is a game time decision for the Bills, without McCoy this entire offense has to change itself.  McCoy’s ability to not only run but help the passing game with his bootleg ability.  Tyrod Taylor’s ability to scramble will be a huge asset against “Sacksonville” but with out the threat of McCoy containing Taylor should become much easier.

James Caldwell: Jaguars   Matt Boeding: Jaguars .  (Bet Jags -9)

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints -7

The third matchup is suppose to be the difference maker, unless one team has dominated the other both matchups.  That’s the case Sunday when the Panthers travel to New Orleans

The Panthers are a team that gives you no confidence, do we give them a chance? Ofcourse, you have to give a guy like Cam Newton a chance, is he shows up on Sunday the Panthers can turn from wild card to Superbowl contender.  Problem is when you have to say “if he shows up” you have a problem.   Carolina ranks 31st in yards over the last three games in a season where they actually beat the Patriots and the Vikings. This team is to confusing to trust, but then you see they are first in the league against the run you have to wonder ….”What if they can shut down Kamara and Ingram?”.

The Saints have Drew Brees whom is the opposite of Cam Newton, you know he is coming ready to play.  The Panthers tend to play alot of zone defenses that I look for Drew Brees to pick apart.  If Brees can make plays in the zone it will open up lanes for his two dynamic backs.  While I like the Saints offense, the defense will have guys spying Newton all game while rookie Marshon Lattimore will be best friends with only real wide receiver option Devin Funchess all game.  Greg Olsen has shown flashes of his pro bowl ability but still seems to logged with rust after missing most of the season with a broken foot.  New Orleans just has more weapons then a confusing Carolina team

James Caldwell: Saints      Matt Boeding: Saints   (Panthers cover +7)

SEC basketballs new power conference?

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As we enter 2018 a change in college basketball is upon us, the SEC has become a basketball conference.  A conference that has long been the staple of football championships is quickly changing into hoops dominance.  In the latest college basketball poll we saw 4 SEC teams in the top 25, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas A&M currently sit in the hierarchy of college basketball.  I intend to wake you up to the idea that at years end we could see a new dominate conference.

While their may only be 4 teams in the top 25 the depth of this conference will soon be seen by all. Mississippi State and Auburn currently sit at 13-1 while teams like Georgia, Alabama and last years tournament darling South Carolina continue to rise up the polls. Perennial power basketball conferences like the ACC, Big 12 and Big 10 will have their dominate team, but none can match the depth of the SEC.

John Calipari’s arrival in Lexington put a hold on the top of the division for the last three years but we are beginning to see a changing of the guard.  Missouri Basketball went out and hired famed recruiter/Head Coach Cuonzo Martin whom immediately made an impact by recruiting prosepect Michael Porter Jr. Porter Jr’s unfortunate injury has caused Missouri to have regression in his first year but the rest of the league is aware of his ability to bring talent in.  Alabama made a similar statement bringing in for NBA Star Avery Johnson in to revitalize a program that hasn’t seen much success, Johnson’s hire brought in prized recruit Colin Sexton whom could by years end be the best point guard in college basketball.  Despite the controversy, Bruce Pearl has begun to turn around the Auburn program a team projected to win only 4 games in the SEC took down ranked Tennessee on Tuesday night in Knoxville.

The depth of the SEC is real, while former powerhouse conferences the ACC, Big12 and Big10 are top heavy the SEC has multiple teams that can can make an impact come tournament time.  As we watch the conference play unfold in 2018 we will see the growth of these programs, it is not far fetched to potentially see 8-10 SEC teams enter March Madness, all with the potential to make a run.  While we can fight the idea of the SEC being a new power conference these teams are not going anywhere and the conference as a whole is now a force to be dealt with for many years to come.

Weekly Picks December 29 2017

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Picks

 It’s Bowl season and playoff football time.  Sports is at its peak over the next few weeks, let’s end the year the right way, we went 3-2 last week.  This week we are feeling good about winning you some money. Matt Boeding and I have increased our record to an impressive 25-20-2, we may not always be right, but we have been very right lately.

 *all spread from sportsbook.com

NFL

Washington Redskins -3 at New York Giants , over/under 39.5

The Giants have become the “Jersey Shore” of the NFL.  Every time we think the drama can’t get better they find a way to prove us wrong.  Whether its coaching issues are inner team arguments this team is a joke and they would most likely prefer to lose this game to help get a higher draft pick.

Unlike the Giants the Redskins actually have a little to play for.  Sitting at 7-8 they are looking at a middle level draft pick no matter what.  Jay Gruden wants to end the season on a positive note and QB Kirk Cousins is somehow still playing for a contract. Cousins will come out throwing as the Giants continued drama has caused a loss of another defensive back.  Look for huge day from Cousins, I will be starting him in my Draft Kings lineups as well.

We see Redskins by at least 20….I wonder where these two teams starting QB’s will be playing at this time next year.

PicksRedskins -3

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons -4, over/under 45

The Panthers head into Atlanta for a showdown with the Falcons, arguable the most important game during Week 17.  Falcons win they lock up a playoff spot, Carolina wins they have a chance of overtaking the Saints for the division title.

Atlanta missed a huge opportunity last week falling to the Saints.  Matt Ryan will have to live up to his nickname as the Falcons will need to play with confidence.  It will be up to Ryan to take control of this game as the Panthers pass defense has gotten shredded over the last few weeks allowing 282 yards per game over the last 3 games.

The Panthers roll into Atlanta locking up a playoff spot last week.  This is a team that historically plays better in December, they also are beginning to understand how they need to play to be successful.  Cam Newton has confidence, that is scary for the NFL.  The Panthers are also beginning to get healthier as Greg Olsen is beginning to return to form.

The pressure will prove to be to much Sunday for Matt Ryan.  Carolina will come out on fire. I think it will be close, with the Panthers getting 4 points I think they are a must play here.  I say they win outright.

PicksPanthers +4 

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions -6.5, Over/Under 43

Last week I wrote that Mathew Stafford and the Lions would dominate a Bengals team that looked like they mailed it in for the rest of they year…that did not go the way I had planned.  The Lions head home this week to take on a Packers team that looks similar to the last weeks Bengals.  The Packers without Aaron Rodgers have been exposed as a team with sub par talent up and down the roster.

Packers backup Brett Hundley has not looked completely hopeless on the road, throwing for over 240 yards in his last two road games.  Hundley looked  good in his first matchup against the Lions early in the season throwing for 245 yards while adding a rushing touchdown.

The Detroit Lions have had a very Detroit Lions season.  They get their fanbase excited then let them down a week later.  Losing to the Bengals last week should have been the last straw for a fanbase that is so hungry for winning.  Mathew Stafford and Jim Caldwell need this win.  I think the Lions finally have a runningback break 100 yards this weekend and Stafford ends the season with a win by at least a touchdown.

Lions….there are at least 5 good runningbacks in the upcoming draft, get Stafford a decent back please….oh and a pass rush would also be nice.

PicksLions -3.5

James’s “Why Not” Pick of the Week. Record: 4-5: I hate Hornibrook but love the Badgers.

The Miami Hurricanes will be taking on the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday in the Orange Bowl.  The Hurricanes were everyones darlings this year and seem primed to dominate this game, Wisconsin is very similar to the Notre Dame team that Miami waxed in front of the entire world earlier this year.

Wisconsin is not Notre Dame, they will play a boring brand of football and control the clock.  Wisconsin will not give Miami the chance to bring out the turnover chain.  My “Why Not” pick of the week is:

PicksWisconsin -5

Good luck on your bets this week and remember if you aren’t down a paycheck you can still bet.

What I learned from Week 16.

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Week 16 of the NFL Season is over and we are beginning to have a better look at what the playoffs are going to bring.  While their is tons of takeaways, three things stood out to me.

Todd Gurley is the MVP.

The NFL is no doubt a quarterback league. The chances of anyone but a QB winning MVP seems laughable at times, but its time to wake up.  We are in the age of the dynamic runningback.  Le’Veon Bell, Kareem Hunt, and David Johnson are just a few of the high caliber runningbacks that are beginning to take over the league, but the best is unquestionably Todd Gurley.

In just his 3rd season in the NFL Todd Gurley has positioned himself as the best in the game.  Sunday in Tennessee he put up numbers that you can barely achieve while playing Madden on rookie level.  The arguments against Gurley are legitimate, “Sean McVay is a brilliant offensive mind”, “Goff has made big strides to open up the running lanes”…bla, bla, bla.  Todd Gurley has been the difference in nearly every game this season and has been the driving force of this offense.  Why is it the quarterback that can open the lanes for the runningback and not the other way around.  Gurley will enter Week 17 with over 2,000 all purpose yards and 19 touchdowns.  He his who you have to game plan for, he is the the unstoppable force.  While we know most likely Tom Brady will take home another MVP, it is time to open our eyes to the talent that is Todd Gurley.

Just ask Jeff Fischer how good Gurley is and I am sure he will take credit for his great season and accept the MVP award for him.

The Eagles are screwed.

The Philadelphia Eagles are the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs, thats great. Nick Foles made his second start of the season last night for the injured Carson Wentz.  Eagles fans hoped to see the same Foles that torched the Giants defense for 4 TDs.  Sadly what they saw was the Nick Foles that I thought we would see.  While Foles has ability his lack of progression with the first team offense was very alarming. Every time the Eagles needed a play they got the Jeff Fischer St. Louis Foles and that is not a Foles that can win in the playoffs.

The Eagles Defense stepped up for the concerning offense but as the pressure and the Quarterback talent gets better I worry that this Eagles secondary cannot hold up.  Over the last two weeks we have seen and alarming amount of big plays down field.  Eventually the secondary will have to cover, if the Eagles can’t get a pass rush they are doomed.

The Eagles have the first seed, maybe they can get through one game but I see an early exit coming.  If they loose at home it could get ugly.

Jimmy G is awesome

Bill Belichick knows how good Jimmy Garoppolo is.  Now the entire world is starting to see how good he is. On Sunday the 49ers put up 44 points against arguably the best defense in football.  He has not only put up solid numbers but you can see the effect he has on a team that at one point in the season was 1-10.

Not only is Garoppolo talented but he has great management and coaching behind him.  The 49ers still have some work to do improving a very weak roster, but it’s pretty nice to know that they have the Quarterback of the future.  If John Lynch is as smart as I think he is he will not hesitate to throw all the money he can at Garoppolo.  A year from now a second round pick for this guy is going to be a pretty funny joke.

 

Weekly Picks Dec. 23 2017: Christmas Eve Football is Awesome

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Merry Christmas to all and to all a good bet. Week 16 of the NFL season comes to us and we have tough decisions to make. This is a week of potential surprise as some teams are in the mood to play spoiler for potential playoff teams. Matt Boeding and I have increased our record to an impressive 22-18-2, we may not always be right, but we have been very right lately.

 *all spread from sportsbook.com

NFL

Minnesota Vikings -9 at Green Bay Packers , over/under 40

The Minnesota Vikings head into Lambeau Field on Sunday still in play for the #1 overall see in the NFC, that means bad news for the the Packers. Brett Hundley has been inconsistent  over his seven starts, surprisingly his numbers have been much worse at home averaging 131 passing yards with zero touchdowns and five picks.  The last time Hundley faced the high powered Vikings defense taking over for the injured Aaron Rodgers he was intercepted three times to go along with being sacked four times. We forsee a tough day for the Hundley…his favorite target Davante Adams will miss this game as well.  No Adams, no Aaron Rodgers and no chance to make this game competitive.

 

The Packers will show heart early in this one as the home crowd will surely be in a frenzy…potential revenge will be on the mind of the Packers who have the Vikings to thank for ending their season when Anthony Barr landed on Aaron Rodgers in week six. Heart is great but talent will win out.  We see the Vikings winning by at least  two touchdowns. Take Vikings and the under.

PicksVikings -9 (Parlay with the under)

Los Angeles Chargers -6.5 at New York Jets, over/under 42.5

The Chargers did a very Chargers thing last Saturday, lost with everything on the line.  Los Angeles is not technically out of the playoffs at this point but they have to win on Sunday.  Luckily they get a chance to face the Bryce Petty lead Jets.

The Jets spent an early part of the season as a great story, potentially a surprise playoff team.  Tough losses and a few injuries derailed the promising start and now they are just playing to see what draft pick they are going to get.  The Jets have a knack for for winning this game and covering as they are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games.

If the Chargers have any pride in themselves they will take care of business in New York.  Phillip Rivers loves to make things interesting this time of year so you know they will pull this one out, we think they will win easily, at 6.5 all it takes is a touchdown victory.

PicksChargers -6.5

Detroit Lions -3.5 at Cincinati Bengals, Over/Under 44.5

This one is as simple as it gets.  The Bengals have already given up on the season and are looking for ways to ruin Marvin Lewis’s final run.  The Bengals have nothing to play for and a long list of injuries.  The Lions are still a potential playoff team with every advantage.  Matt Stafford don’t screw this up… this should be easy money.

PicksLions -3.5

James’s “Why Not” Pick of the Week. Record: 4-4: Miz vs Ill, people actually care about this one.

For my “Why Not” pick of the week I have decided to dip into the NCAA basketball field for the first time this year.  Today we will have the Bragging Rights game between the Mizzou Tigers and the Illinois Fighting Illini is taking place at Scottrade Center. What was once a heated rivalry has become lackluster over the past few seasons as both teams have been pretty much awful. The signing of Michael Porter immediately brought some interest in this game. Even though he is out this should be  a fun one to watch.  I think Mizzou has much more talent and should pull this one out.

Why Not pick of the week: Mizzou -5

Good luck on your bets this week and remember if you aren’t down a paycheck you can still bet.