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JB
The Seahawks win the experience game.
-JB
Oddsmakers like Green Bay by eight points over Seattle this Saturday at Lambeau Field. And that's funny, because haven't the Packers been out of the playoffs the last two years? Meanwhile, the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl in 2005 and just missed out on the conference finals in 2006.
Almost all of Mike Holmgren's side has shown that it knows how to win in the playoffs. The only Packers that have done anything of note outside of the 2007 regular season are Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Al Harris and Charles Woodson.
"We do have a more experienced team," Seahawks coach Holmgren said. "They're a little bit young."
Seattle showed its experience last week after falling behind the Redskins 14-13 in the fourth quarter. A young team might have panicked, especially considering the 'Hawks led 13-0 at the end of the third. But with Washington threatening to score once again, Seattle made a key defensive stop and proceeded to rattle off 22 unanswered points to win 35-14, easily covering the 3.5-point spread.
Offensively, the Packers will be counting on running back Ryan Grant, who made his professional debut back in Week 2. They'll need continued production from their top-scoring receiver, second-year pro Greg Jennings. And if it all comes down to a field goal, rookie Mason Crosby will come trotting out...
Forget Favre; take the proven team and the points.
Second Down:
Two weeks of rest were just what the doctor ordered for New England.
-JB
The perfect Patriots never failed to score points in the regular season. The least they put up was 20, against the New York Jets in Week 15. The defense, on the other hand, wasn't always quite so good.
Like in Week 7, when the dreadful Dolphins scored 28 and racked up 382 total yards. Like in Week 12 when the Eagles scored 28 with 391 total yards. The next week, the Ravens (of all teams) managed 20 points and 376 total yards. And in Week 17, the Giants scored five TDs (though one was on a kickoff return) and put 35 on the scoreboard, the most by a New England opponent on the year.
Save for the Dolphins' game, most of New England's defensive struggles came in the latter half of the season. That's not surprising considering its ? well, let's be frank ? ancient linebacking corps. Junior Seau is 38 years old, Tedy Bruschi is 34, Larry Izzo is 33, Mike Vrabel is 32 and Adalius Thomas is 30. Another key defensive player, Rodney Harrison, is 35. Players with that many games under their career belts are bound to wear down as a season progresses.
That's why gaining a first-round bye was so important for New England. The old guys got their rest and should be more than ready for the punishing ground game of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 13-point underdogs.
Oh, and by the way, the last time the Pats had two weeks to prepare for a game they beat Buffalo 56-10 on Nov. 18.
Take NE
The Seahawks win the experience game.
-JB
Oddsmakers like Green Bay by eight points over Seattle this Saturday at Lambeau Field. And that's funny, because haven't the Packers been out of the playoffs the last two years? Meanwhile, the Seahawks went to the Super Bowl in 2005 and just missed out on the conference finals in 2006.
Almost all of Mike Holmgren's side has shown that it knows how to win in the playoffs. The only Packers that have done anything of note outside of the 2007 regular season are Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Al Harris and Charles Woodson.
"We do have a more experienced team," Seahawks coach Holmgren said. "They're a little bit young."
Seattle showed its experience last week after falling behind the Redskins 14-13 in the fourth quarter. A young team might have panicked, especially considering the 'Hawks led 13-0 at the end of the third. But with Washington threatening to score once again, Seattle made a key defensive stop and proceeded to rattle off 22 unanswered points to win 35-14, easily covering the 3.5-point spread.
Offensively, the Packers will be counting on running back Ryan Grant, who made his professional debut back in Week 2. They'll need continued production from their top-scoring receiver, second-year pro Greg Jennings. And if it all comes down to a field goal, rookie Mason Crosby will come trotting out...
Forget Favre; take the proven team and the points.
Second Down:
Two weeks of rest were just what the doctor ordered for New England.
-JB
The perfect Patriots never failed to score points in the regular season. The least they put up was 20, against the New York Jets in Week 15. The defense, on the other hand, wasn't always quite so good.
Like in Week 7, when the dreadful Dolphins scored 28 and racked up 382 total yards. Like in Week 12 when the Eagles scored 28 with 391 total yards. The next week, the Ravens (of all teams) managed 20 points and 376 total yards. And in Week 17, the Giants scored five TDs (though one was on a kickoff return) and put 35 on the scoreboard, the most by a New England opponent on the year.
Save for the Dolphins' game, most of New England's defensive struggles came in the latter half of the season. That's not surprising considering its ? well, let's be frank ? ancient linebacking corps. Junior Seau is 38 years old, Tedy Bruschi is 34, Larry Izzo is 33, Mike Vrabel is 32 and Adalius Thomas is 30. Another key defensive player, Rodney Harrison, is 35. Players with that many games under their career belts are bound to wear down as a season progresses.
That's why gaining a first-round bye was so important for New England. The old guys got their rest and should be more than ready for the punishing ground game of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 13-point underdogs.
Oh, and by the way, the last time the Pats had two weeks to prepare for a game they beat Buffalo 56-10 on Nov. 18.
Take NE
THE SPORTS REPORTER (HOOPS)
NBA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
BEST BET
*UTAH over ORLANDO by 14
As stated before, the Magic look like a tired team and they?ve quickly figured out that
despite Rashard Lewis? pretty shot, he doesn?t exactly do a good job of rebounding for a
6?10? fellow. While Dwight Howard is a beast, he looks pretty beat and the Jazz spent
Friday resting while the Magic played a tough game in Denver. Carlos Boozer should find
room to operate in the post while Deron Williams will take advantage of the chaotic point
guard situation in Orlando. UTAH 103-89
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
BEST BET
*GEORGETOWN over CONNECTICUT by 18
Feel compelled to fade Huskies in these spots, as early promise of the raw roster has not
borne fruit, with the deterioration largely due to Jim Calhoun?s kids de-evolving into a collection
of lone wolves, playing for themselves. Connecticut?s had this kind of the total-isless-
than-the-sum-of-the-parts seasons under Calhoun before, and first half against Irish
was further graphic evidence. This kind of internal dissolution is raw meat for these Hoyas,
who?ll be ready for this after John Thompson III got after them in Saturday?s sloppy win over
lowly Rutgers. GEORGETOWN, 80-62.
BEST BET
OHIO STATE over *PURDUE by 18
Two Big Ten entities steaming in opposite directions. Until proven otherwise, Boilermakers
have the worst chemistry in the Big Ten (don?t think it?s Matt Painter?s fault; you play the
hand you?ve got), which devalues their power rating. You have to be impressed with That
Matta?s graceful reload. Bucks boast quality young raw material, which is jelling/maturing
by the week. Don?t expect this to get too far out of control ? it is a conference game, after
all ? but Purdue guard play leaves so much to be desired that OSU only need mind their
own business. OHIO STATE, 75-57.
NBA
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
BEST BET
*UTAH over ORLANDO by 14
As stated before, the Magic look like a tired team and they?ve quickly figured out that
despite Rashard Lewis? pretty shot, he doesn?t exactly do a good job of rebounding for a
6?10? fellow. While Dwight Howard is a beast, he looks pretty beat and the Jazz spent
Friday resting while the Magic played a tough game in Denver. Carlos Boozer should find
room to operate in the post while Deron Williams will take advantage of the chaotic point
guard situation in Orlando. UTAH 103-89
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
BEST BET
*GEORGETOWN over CONNECTICUT by 18
Feel compelled to fade Huskies in these spots, as early promise of the raw roster has not
borne fruit, with the deterioration largely due to Jim Calhoun?s kids de-evolving into a collection
of lone wolves, playing for themselves. Connecticut?s had this kind of the total-isless-
than-the-sum-of-the-parts seasons under Calhoun before, and first half against Irish
was further graphic evidence. This kind of internal dissolution is raw meat for these Hoyas,
who?ll be ready for this after John Thompson III got after them in Saturday?s sloppy win over
lowly Rutgers. GEORGETOWN, 80-62.
BEST BET
OHIO STATE over *PURDUE by 18
Two Big Ten entities steaming in opposite directions. Until proven otherwise, Boilermakers
have the worst chemistry in the Big Ten (don?t think it?s Matt Painter?s fault; you play the
hand you?ve got), which devalues their power rating. You have to be impressed with That
Matta?s graceful reload. Bucks boast quality young raw material, which is jelling/maturing
by the week. Don?t expect this to get too far out of control ? it is a conference game, after
all ? but Purdue guard play leaves so much to be desired that OSU only need mind their
own business. OHIO STATE, 75-57.
GOLD SHEET (HOOPS)
NBA
*****KEY RELEASES *****
ORLANDO by 5 over Utah (Saturday, January 12)
NCAA:
*****KEY RELEASES *****
VANDERBILT by 12 over Kentucky (Saturday, January 12 Day)
CHARLOTTE by 15 over Temple (Saturday, January 12)
NBA
*****KEY RELEASES *****
ORLANDO by 5 over Utah (Saturday, January 12)
NCAA:
*****KEY RELEASES *****
VANDERBILT by 12 over Kentucky (Saturday, January 12 Day)
CHARLOTTE by 15 over Temple (Saturday, January 12)
POINTWISE (HOOPS)
COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
CLEMSON over Florida State (Sat) RATING: 1
OHIO STATE over Purdue (Sat) RATING: 2
UTAH STATE over New Mexico St (Sat) RATING: 3
COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
CLEMSON over Florida State (Sat) RATING: 1
OHIO STATE over Purdue (Sat) RATING: 2
UTAH STATE over New Mexico St (Sat) RATING: 3
SPORTS MEMO GUYS / PLAYS
ERIN RYNNING
NBA
Orlando at Utah
Recommendation: Over
Two young, up and coming teams will square off Saturday night
as the Magic face the Jazz in Salt Lake City. The common
theme for both of these teams is exciting offense, but troubling
defense. The defensive play from both of these clubs is and
will continue to hold them back from breaking into the NBA?s
elite class. The Magic can score efficiently in many directions
all built around young-stud Dwight Howard on the inside commanding
all the pressure. The tandem of Carlos Arroyo and
Jameer Nelson at point guard teamed with Rashard Lewis
and Hedo Turkoglu on the perimeter simply makes the Magic
tough to stop. However, all four have their defensive deficiencies.
Meanwhile, the Jazz own a similar blueprint. Especially
the tandem of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams give teams
fits defensively. Note the latest addition of sharpshooter Kyle
Korver to this offense completes this team, while teams in the
last month have played a lot of zone defense against them. For
whatever reason this team just can?t come together defensively.
It?s especially troubling when you consider they possess
defensive weapons like Andrei Kirilenko and Ronny Brewer. The
chemistry just isn?t there in terms of stopping the opponent
from a ?team? standpoint. Obviously this game just comes together
as a high-scoring affair with little defense being played
coupled with teams that can score in diverse ways. Play this
one OVER the total this weekend between the Jazz and Magic.
BRENT CROW
NCAAB
Vanderbilt at Kentucky
Recommendation: Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt Commodores should be 16-0 when they travel to
Rupp Arena to face the struggling Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky
dropped to 6-7 with its home loss to Louisville last week and has
not played since. The Wildcats have finally gotten healthy with
guards Jodie Meeks and Derrick Jasper returning to the lineup, but
it did not help them against Louisville. Meeks was just 1-8 from the
floor for seven points in 31 minutes and Jasper was 2-4 in 31 minutes,
scoring six points. Even with Meeks and Jasper, the Wildcats
are a team of just five players, with no help from the bench. They
were worn out by the deeper Cardinals and the pace of the game,
a problem that will hurt them again this week against the Commodores.
Vanderbilt?s undefeated start is no fluke, this is a solid club.
The Commodores have size, experience, shooting and depth, and
should have no trouble waltzing out of Rupp with another win. The
Commodores have 10 players that play at least 11 minutes per game,
and only Shan Foster averages more than 28 minutes per contest.
Foster leads them in scoring at 21.1 ppg, with freshman center Andrew
Ogilvy next at 19.3. Ogilvy, Ross Neltner and Alan Metcalfe
are three guys that will give the Wildcats fits inside, as Kentucky
has only freshman Patrick Patterson to combat them. Vandy likes
to play fast, averaging 87 ppg and their constant pressure will wear
out the thin Wildcats. Look for Vandy to make it three straight
road wins at Rupp Arena and keep their unbeaten season going
ROB VENO
NCAAB
San Francisco at San Diego
Recommendation: San Diego
Conference season opener for each of these mid to lower rung
WCC teams so focus and intensity should be there. With that
aspect of the playing field being level, I?ll choose to side with the
home team which has other notable advantages. For the young
Toreros (three freshmen in their top seven), the non-conference
schedule results find them far more ready for this contest than
the transitioning USF squad. San Diego has played and competitively
battled UNLV, USC, New Mexico, Boise State and Kentucky
(won straight up 81-72) all away from home. Poor first halves
versus South Alabama in the Anaheim Classic and at Nevada
were backed by solid second halves which shows that this team
adjusts and competes for the full 40 minutes. Their defensive superiority
in this game (allow 11 ppg less than San Francisco) will
likely factor into this result since despite their youth, San Diego
matches up very well athletically. The Dons are currently struggling
offensively under the new direction of defensive minded
HC Eddie Sutton, averaging just 59.3 ppg in the three contests
he?s coached. Expect USD to take advantage of the Dons who
have not meshed yet and figure to have breakdowns on both
sides of the floor during stretches of this game. The junior tandem
of forward Gino Pomare (57.3 FG%) and explosive guard
Brandon Johnson (teams leading scorer and three point shooter)
are potent enough to provide a sizeable margin for the Toreros
here as they get the league season off to a victorious start.
TIM TRUSHEL
NCAAB
Washington State at UCLA
Recommendation: Under
There are no easy baskets when facing Washington State. With a
perfect 13-0 record, the Cougars have struck perfection behind
a tremendous defense that has allowed an average of less than
50 points per game. In their conference opener against an uptempo
Washington Huskies team, they limited their rivals to just
52 points while forcing 14 turnovers. Entering that game, Washington
had averaged 78 points per game and yet against the
Cougars stifling defense they could manage just one field goal in
the final 6:20. On the other side of this match-up UCLA is equal
to the task on the defensive side as well having allowed only one
opponent to eclipse 63 points scored this season. This becomes
further impressive when you consider that up-tempo teams like
Michigan State, Texas, California and Maryland are on their schedule.
Off a road sweep last weekend against Stanford and California,
the PAC-10 got its first taste of UCLA freshman Kevin Love.
The 6-foot-10 center was tremendous scoring 19 points with 14
rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season. He also
played excellent defense and stymied Stanford and California?s
big men. Stanford was thought to be a team that could match
the Bruins? size and physical nature and true to form second
chances were rare as UCLA tightened up in the second half. Last
season in the two meetings between the teams neither eclipsed
55 points in either game as 98 and 107 were the total points
scored. We expect more of the same in 2008. Play it Under.
ERIN RYNNING
NBA
Orlando at Utah
Recommendation: Over
Two young, up and coming teams will square off Saturday night
as the Magic face the Jazz in Salt Lake City. The common
theme for both of these teams is exciting offense, but troubling
defense. The defensive play from both of these clubs is and
will continue to hold them back from breaking into the NBA?s
elite class. The Magic can score efficiently in many directions
all built around young-stud Dwight Howard on the inside commanding
all the pressure. The tandem of Carlos Arroyo and
Jameer Nelson at point guard teamed with Rashard Lewis
and Hedo Turkoglu on the perimeter simply makes the Magic
tough to stop. However, all four have their defensive deficiencies.
Meanwhile, the Jazz own a similar blueprint. Especially
the tandem of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams give teams
fits defensively. Note the latest addition of sharpshooter Kyle
Korver to this offense completes this team, while teams in the
last month have played a lot of zone defense against them. For
whatever reason this team just can?t come together defensively.
It?s especially troubling when you consider they possess
defensive weapons like Andrei Kirilenko and Ronny Brewer. The
chemistry just isn?t there in terms of stopping the opponent
from a ?team? standpoint. Obviously this game just comes together
as a high-scoring affair with little defense being played
coupled with teams that can score in diverse ways. Play this
one OVER the total this weekend between the Jazz and Magic.
BRENT CROW
NCAAB
Vanderbilt at Kentucky
Recommendation: Vanderbilt
The Vanderbilt Commodores should be 16-0 when they travel to
Rupp Arena to face the struggling Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky
dropped to 6-7 with its home loss to Louisville last week and has
not played since. The Wildcats have finally gotten healthy with
guards Jodie Meeks and Derrick Jasper returning to the lineup, but
it did not help them against Louisville. Meeks was just 1-8 from the
floor for seven points in 31 minutes and Jasper was 2-4 in 31 minutes,
scoring six points. Even with Meeks and Jasper, the Wildcats
are a team of just five players, with no help from the bench. They
were worn out by the deeper Cardinals and the pace of the game,
a problem that will hurt them again this week against the Commodores.
Vanderbilt?s undefeated start is no fluke, this is a solid club.
The Commodores have size, experience, shooting and depth, and
should have no trouble waltzing out of Rupp with another win. The
Commodores have 10 players that play at least 11 minutes per game,
and only Shan Foster averages more than 28 minutes per contest.
Foster leads them in scoring at 21.1 ppg, with freshman center Andrew
Ogilvy next at 19.3. Ogilvy, Ross Neltner and Alan Metcalfe
are three guys that will give the Wildcats fits inside, as Kentucky
has only freshman Patrick Patterson to combat them. Vandy likes
to play fast, averaging 87 ppg and their constant pressure will wear
out the thin Wildcats. Look for Vandy to make it three straight
road wins at Rupp Arena and keep their unbeaten season going
ROB VENO
NCAAB
San Francisco at San Diego
Recommendation: San Diego
Conference season opener for each of these mid to lower rung
WCC teams so focus and intensity should be there. With that
aspect of the playing field being level, I?ll choose to side with the
home team which has other notable advantages. For the young
Toreros (three freshmen in their top seven), the non-conference
schedule results find them far more ready for this contest than
the transitioning USF squad. San Diego has played and competitively
battled UNLV, USC, New Mexico, Boise State and Kentucky
(won straight up 81-72) all away from home. Poor first halves
versus South Alabama in the Anaheim Classic and at Nevada
were backed by solid second halves which shows that this team
adjusts and competes for the full 40 minutes. Their defensive superiority
in this game (allow 11 ppg less than San Francisco) will
likely factor into this result since despite their youth, San Diego
matches up very well athletically. The Dons are currently struggling
offensively under the new direction of defensive minded
HC Eddie Sutton, averaging just 59.3 ppg in the three contests
he?s coached. Expect USD to take advantage of the Dons who
have not meshed yet and figure to have breakdowns on both
sides of the floor during stretches of this game. The junior tandem
of forward Gino Pomare (57.3 FG%) and explosive guard
Brandon Johnson (teams leading scorer and three point shooter)
are potent enough to provide a sizeable margin for the Toreros
here as they get the league season off to a victorious start.
TIM TRUSHEL
NCAAB
Washington State at UCLA
Recommendation: Under
There are no easy baskets when facing Washington State. With a
perfect 13-0 record, the Cougars have struck perfection behind
a tremendous defense that has allowed an average of less than
50 points per game. In their conference opener against an uptempo
Washington Huskies team, they limited their rivals to just
52 points while forcing 14 turnovers. Entering that game, Washington
had averaged 78 points per game and yet against the
Cougars stifling defense they could manage just one field goal in
the final 6:20. On the other side of this match-up UCLA is equal
to the task on the defensive side as well having allowed only one
opponent to eclipse 63 points scored this season. This becomes
further impressive when you consider that up-tempo teams like
Michigan State, Texas, California and Maryland are on their schedule.
Off a road sweep last weekend against Stanford and California,
the PAC-10 got its first taste of UCLA freshman Kevin Love.
The 6-foot-10 center was tremendous scoring 19 points with 14
rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season. He also
played excellent defense and stymied Stanford and California?s
big men. Stanford was thought to be a team that could match
the Bruins? size and physical nature and true to form second
chances were rare as UCLA tightened up in the second half. Last
season in the two meetings between the teams neither eclipsed
55 points in either game as 98 and 107 were the total points
scored. We expect more of the same in 2008. Play it Under.
WINNING POINTS (HOOPS)
NBA
Saturday, January 12
***BEST BET
Detroit over *Charlotte by 15
Not only do the Pistons have the best pointspread mark through 32 games at 22-9-1
ATS, but were winning decisively capturing 19 of their first 25 victories by doubledigits.
We like that in a strong favorite. We also like the Pistons being 11-5-1 ATS
through their first 17 away contests. Detroit?s bench is much stronger this season,
Richard Hamilton has been on fire and its defense ranked No. 2 holding foes to less
than 90 points per contest. DETROIT 102-87.
***BEST BET
Indiana over *Sacramento by 10
As an up-tempo, jump-shooting team, the Pacers should be enjoying their West Coast
trip. This is stop No. 4 on the five-game Western swing and the Kings represent the
one easy matchup Indiana has. The Pacers have had two full days off after opening
with the Lakers, Jazz and Suns. Sacramento is playing short-handed and its bench is
depleted because its reserves are practically all starting now. INDIANA 116-106.
NCAAB
Saturday, January 12
***BEST BET
George Mason* over Northeastern by 25
Matt Janning, we know who you are now. A year ago, Northeastern?s slender 6-4 guard
was wandering alone on the perimeter and knockin? em down vs. CAA foes. This season,
his first two CAA outings resulted in 6- and 12-point personal production and 0-
2 ATS against opponents who are not (purportedly) the conference?s best. After already
having played 10 road games this season, the CAA?s northernmost output (Boston)
gets to start making longer trips into the Virginias and Carolinas for conference season.
Oh, joy. Northeastern coach Coen wants to play games in the 60s and if you add
the scores and divide by two, that?s what he?ll get. GEORGE MASON, 73-48.
***BEST BET
St.Mary?s* over Santa Clara by 24
Who lost twice to Santa Clara last season, including a meek 63-47 bow-out from the
WCC Tournament? That would be St. Mary?s, infused for 2007-08 with more dynamic
point guard play and more experienced forwards. Santa Clara?s penetrate-and-kick
game isn?t much, especially compared to what St. Mary?s is. At some point, funneling
too much of the offense through the leaden form of 300-pounder John Bryant will
deaden Santa Clara?s punch and this is a good spot for it to go limp while St. Mary?s
runs happily up and down the floor. ST. MARY?S, 84-60.
NBA
Saturday, January 12
***BEST BET
Detroit over *Charlotte by 15
Not only do the Pistons have the best pointspread mark through 32 games at 22-9-1
ATS, but were winning decisively capturing 19 of their first 25 victories by doubledigits.
We like that in a strong favorite. We also like the Pistons being 11-5-1 ATS
through their first 17 away contests. Detroit?s bench is much stronger this season,
Richard Hamilton has been on fire and its defense ranked No. 2 holding foes to less
than 90 points per contest. DETROIT 102-87.
***BEST BET
Indiana over *Sacramento by 10
As an up-tempo, jump-shooting team, the Pacers should be enjoying their West Coast
trip. This is stop No. 4 on the five-game Western swing and the Kings represent the
one easy matchup Indiana has. The Pacers have had two full days off after opening
with the Lakers, Jazz and Suns. Sacramento is playing short-handed and its bench is
depleted because its reserves are practically all starting now. INDIANA 116-106.
NCAAB
Saturday, January 12
***BEST BET
George Mason* over Northeastern by 25
Matt Janning, we know who you are now. A year ago, Northeastern?s slender 6-4 guard
was wandering alone on the perimeter and knockin? em down vs. CAA foes. This season,
his first two CAA outings resulted in 6- and 12-point personal production and 0-
2 ATS against opponents who are not (purportedly) the conference?s best. After already
having played 10 road games this season, the CAA?s northernmost output (Boston)
gets to start making longer trips into the Virginias and Carolinas for conference season.
Oh, joy. Northeastern coach Coen wants to play games in the 60s and if you add
the scores and divide by two, that?s what he?ll get. GEORGE MASON, 73-48.
***BEST BET
St.Mary?s* over Santa Clara by 24
Who lost twice to Santa Clara last season, including a meek 63-47 bow-out from the
WCC Tournament? That would be St. Mary?s, infused for 2007-08 with more dynamic
point guard play and more experienced forwards. Santa Clara?s penetrate-and-kick
game isn?t much, especially compared to what St. Mary?s is. At some point, funneling
too much of the offense through the leaden form of 300-pounder John Bryant will
deaden Santa Clara?s punch and this is a good spot for it to go limp while St. Mary?s
runs happily up and down the floor. ST. MARY?S, 84-60.
VEGAS SPORTS PICS
Seattle Seahawks + 9 over (at) Green Bay Packers
Green Bay (13-3) vs. Seattle (11-6) is 7-2 ATS last nine games and 4-1 ATS last five January games. Teams have split last two meetings, Seattle winning at home 34-24 last season, Green Bay winning at home 23-17 in OT in the playoffs the previous season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England Patriots - 13 over Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville (12-5) QB Garrard in last week's win at Pittsburgh completed 9 of 22 passes for 140 yds with two picks while RB Taylor was held to 48 yds on 16 carries. New England (16-0) set NFL records this season with 589 points and 79 TDs. Pats went 6-0 vs. playoff teams this season averaging 39.2 ppg.
Seattle Seahawks + 9 over (at) Green Bay Packers
Green Bay (13-3) vs. Seattle (11-6) is 7-2 ATS last nine games and 4-1 ATS last five January games. Teams have split last two meetings, Seattle winning at home 34-24 last season, Green Bay winning at home 23-17 in OT in the playoffs the previous season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New England Patriots - 13 over Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville (12-5) QB Garrard in last week's win at Pittsburgh completed 9 of 22 passes for 140 yds with two picks while RB Taylor was held to 48 yds on 16 carries. New England (16-0) set NFL records this season with 589 points and 79 TDs. Pats went 6-0 vs. playoff teams this season averaging 39.2 ppg.
DAVE PRICE
Take Seattle Seahawks
1 Unit on Seattle +9 The Seahawks are not getting enough respect here because of its road struggles this season, but they are coming off a huge round one win and they have a weapon that no other team has when going against the Pack?their former coach. Holmgren understands the Packers better than anyone, especially Brett Favre, and that gives Seattle the edge against the number. Seattle has won 7 of its last 9 games straight up and ATS. We also can?t forget that the Packers have not been in the postseason for two years and that they haven?t won a playoff game in 4 years. Seattle has won 5 straight NFC West division titles to hold a big edge in terms of playoff experience. This is Mike McCarthy?s first every playoff game as a head man and Mike Holmgren?s 24th. Take Seattle plus the points in this one.
Take Seattle Seahawks
1 Unit on Seattle +9 The Seahawks are not getting enough respect here because of its road struggles this season, but they are coming off a huge round one win and they have a weapon that no other team has when going against the Pack?their former coach. Holmgren understands the Packers better than anyone, especially Brett Favre, and that gives Seattle the edge against the number. Seattle has won 7 of its last 9 games straight up and ATS. We also can?t forget that the Packers have not been in the postseason for two years and that they haven?t won a playoff game in 4 years. Seattle has won 5 straight NFC West division titles to hold a big edge in terms of playoff experience. This is Mike McCarthy?s first every playoff game as a head man and Mike Holmgren?s 24th. Take Seattle plus the points in this one.
BEN BURNS (comp)
Game: Pittsburgh Penguins at Atlanta Thrashers Jan 12 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: The Thrashers and Penguins both rank above the league average in terms of goals scored. The Thrashers are led by Ilya Kovalchuk, who leas the league in goals scored. Meanwhile, the Penguins' young star, Sidney Crosby, leads the league in assists. Neither team is particularly strong at the other end of the ice though. Pittsburgh has been mediocre, allowing 2.8 goals per game, which is exactly the league average. Atlanta ranks third from the bottom, allowing a whopping 3.3 goals per game. The Thrashers also allow the second most shots in the league at 32.2 per game. These teams played a relatively low-scoring (5-0 Penguins) at Pittsburgh back in November. However, the last three meetings at Atlanta have all finished above the total, with scores of 4-3, 4-3 and 6-4. Heading into Tuesday's game vs Philadelphia, the Thrashers have seen seven of their last 11 home games finish above the number. Consider a play on the OVER
Game: Pittsburgh Penguins at Atlanta Thrashers Jan 12 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: The Thrashers and Penguins both rank above the league average in terms of goals scored. The Thrashers are led by Ilya Kovalchuk, who leas the league in goals scored. Meanwhile, the Penguins' young star, Sidney Crosby, leads the league in assists. Neither team is particularly strong at the other end of the ice though. Pittsburgh has been mediocre, allowing 2.8 goals per game, which is exactly the league average. Atlanta ranks third from the bottom, allowing a whopping 3.3 goals per game. The Thrashers also allow the second most shots in the league at 32.2 per game. These teams played a relatively low-scoring (5-0 Penguins) at Pittsburgh back in November. However, the last three meetings at Atlanta have all finished above the total, with scores of 4-3, 4-3 and 6-4. Heading into Tuesday's game vs Philadelphia, the Thrashers have seen seven of their last 11 home games finish above the number. Consider a play on the OVER
Gator's NFL "Tech" Report
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NFL (Saturday): Jacksonville vs. New England
Play Under NFL home teams against the total with a team averaging >=7.3 PYA against a defense allowing 5.9-6.7 PYA after 8+ games, after gaining 8 or more passing yards per attempt in their last game, 36-10 Under the last ten seasons (78.3%)
Selection: Jacksonville / New England UNDER 48
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NFL (Saturday): Jacksonville vs. New England
Play Under NFL home teams against the total with a team averaging >=7.3 PYA against a defense allowing 5.9-6.7 PYA after 8+ games, after gaining 8 or more passing yards per attempt in their last game, 36-10 Under the last ten seasons (78.3%)
Selection: Jacksonville / New England UNDER 48
PHENOM
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Phenom (1-3 playoffs)
Green Bay
Jacksonville
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Phenom (1-3 playoffs)
Green Bay
Jacksonville