Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Today's Top Play...
1. 200,000♦ Buccaneers
1. Buccaneers- Several reasons to love the Bucs in this spot, but let's begin with Tom Coughlin's questionable decision to play his starters in a meaningless season finale against the Patriots. Not only did they lose the game 38-35, but more importantly 3 key starters got injured - C O'hara, LB Mitchell, and CB Madison. Add to that list the injury to Jeremy Shockey and the lingering ankle problems for both starting wide receivers, and you've got a walking MASH unit coming into Tampa Bay.
Also, if ever the Giants were going to come out a little flat, its after blowing their load against the Patriots last week. Seriously, why put your team through that kind of emotional rollercoaster (losing in the process), when you've got the most important game of the season the very next weekend?! Stupid, stupid, stupid decision by an otherwise smart coach.
If your a Giants-backer several things have to worry you, but mainly its the Giants and Eli Manning against arguablly the best defense in the NFL. First of all, Tampa defense was downright nasty at home this season, allowing just 13 ppg on 276 total yards. Second, the Giants # 1 weapon against this Tampa-2 defense is out in TE Shockey... Football 101 tells us that the Tight End is a QBs best friend against the Tampa-2. Finally, do you really trust Eli Manning in this spot? He's done nothing but let the Giants down in big situations, and it doesn't get any bigger than win or go home this afternoon.
Finally, the Giants patchwork defese isn't going to be able to stop a rested Garcia and this Bucs offense. Not only is Garcia mobile enough to evade most of the Giants pressure, but RB Earnest Graham has come out of nowhere to rush for 722 yards in Cadillac's stead. Bucs averaged 26 ppg over their last 3 games and they should do just fine against a short-handed Giants defense allowing 27 ppg over the same span.
Bottom line, the Giants come into this game with a multitude of key injuries, less than ideal focus after last week, and a maddeningly inconsistent QB facing the league's best defense... The play here is clearly on the Bucs, as they'll protect their house behind their balanced offense and shutdown defense in this afternoon's NFC Wildcard game.
Take the Buccaneers over the N.Y Giants as your top-rated play of the day.
Late Afternoon Action...
1. 50,000♦ Chargers
2. 50,000♦ Spurs
3. 50,000♦ Drake
1. Chargers- Oddsmakers have the right idea here, as the Titans are out of their league in this match up. Tennessee's defense has been their saving grace all season long, but even their stout stop-unit isn't going to be able to keep LT and this Chargers offense quiet for long. Over the last 3 weeks, San Diego has been averaging 34 ppg on an impressive 180 rushing yards per game.
While I'll admit, I don't expect the Chargers to necessarily reach their average against this defense, I do believe they'll score enough to prevent the Titans sputtering offense making this a game. Vince Young's bruised thigh is a serious problem for this offense, because if he can't run effectively, then he might as well not be in there, plain and simple. Young's 70 passer rating is pathetic, and if he thinks he's going to sit back in the pocket against Merriman and this Chargers defense, he's got another thing coming.
Speaking of the Chargers defense, no unit has impressed me more down the stretch. True, the Titans may have slightly better numbers, but San Diego already shut this Titans defense down once already. Then, proceeded to crush Detroit, Denver and Oakland. Guys, this Chargers team is the epitome of a team peaking at precisely the right time, and it'll show this afternoon.
Finally, while its true the Titans have been a solid underdog play for some time now, the fact of the matter is the Chargers have been dominant at home this season, going 7-1 SUATS at Qualcomm Stadium. What it comes down to is which of these two inconsistent, but talented QBs will make the most mistakes. With Young playing on the road, with an injured thigh, against a red-hot Chargers defense, you've got to give the nod to Rivers, who's healthy and playing in the friendly confines of home.
Bottom line, the Chargers protect their house with a lopsided home win and cover in this afternoon's AFC Wildcard showdown. They beat the Titans before, and now playing even better football and at home, they'll beat the Titans again Sunday.
Take the Chargers BIG over the Titans in this afternoon's AFC Wildcard game.
2. Spurs- Bad spot for the short-handed Clippers, as they're facing a San Antonio team that's hungry for a road win, after dropping their last 4 away. Tough losses at Memphis and at Denver will help keep this veteran-laden group focused... When the Spurs are motivated, they can beat anyone in the NBA, period.
Its not like the Clippers are playing well either, as they're coming off an ugly double-digit home loss to New Orleans, which ironically is a team much like the Spurs, priding itself on hard-nosed defense and efficient offense. More of the same tonight, as the Clippers have no one that can either stop Parker's penetration or Duncan down-low.
Let's look over the Clippers injury situation, so you can get an idea of just how short-handed this team is. We already knew about Brand, Livingston, and Davis, but the recent injury to Tim Thomas is huge. The veteran has been a key cog in this Clippers offense, and its no surprise LA has lost 4 of the 5 games since his injury. He matches up extremely well with this Spurs squad, that essentially goes without a true center in their lineup (instead using Duncan & Horry), and will be sorely missed tonight.
Finally, the Spurs are 10-5-1 ATS over the last 16 games they've been favored by 6 or more points, and you can make it 11-5-1 after tonight. Because of San Antonio's recent mishaps on the road, we're getting this game at bargain prices, depsite the fact the Clippers are just 5-10 SUATS at home this season. Look for the Spurs to come out focused tonight, as Popovich and Duncan won't stand to lose 5 straight on the road.
Take the Spurs comfortably over the LA Clippers in this NBA match up.
3. Drake- For those of you who haven't been following Drake basketball, you've been missing out. Not only are the Bulldogs an outstanding 8-0 ATS this season, but they've proven with wins at Iowa and Wichita State (outirght) that they know how to win on the road. Look for them to add another notch to their belt in this one, as Evansville doesn't stand a chance here.
Wondering whether Drake will take this game lightly? Stop wondering, because this same Evansville team played Drake tough last year, with one game going to OT and the other coming within 3 points... So you know damn well the Bulldogs will not be taking Purple Aces lightly.
If their games were so close last season, what makes me believe Drake can cover the hefty number in tonight's match up? Simple, this is not the same Evansville team as last year, losing several key players including Matt Webster (29 points last meeting), Strickland (9 points, 9 boards last meeting) and Anslinger (42 minutes 11 points last meeting). They still have some talent in the backcourt with Hoslinger and Ely, but that's just not enough in this one.
Finally, let's talk defense, as the Bulldogs have been locking down their opponents over their last 5 games, allowing just 52 ppg on 39% shooting over that span. That includes games versus Southern Illinois, at Wichita State, and at Iowa! Look guys, at their best this Purple Aces team is average on both ends of floor, and it'll show tonight. They don't have the offense to beat an excellent Drake defense, while they're also allowing opponents to shoot 45% on their home floor... Sound like a recipe for disaster as far as I'm concerned.
Take Drake comfortably over Evansville in this college hoops match up.