CNOTES 2025-2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE + NEWS, NOTES BEST BETS !
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Wednesday’s 6-pack:
If the NFL Draft were tomorrow……
1- Raiders
2- Giants
3- Jets
4- Titans
5- Cardinals
6- Commanders
Quote of the Day
“Real simple. The rules be the rules, so if you put your name in the [NBA draft], I don’t care if you’re from Russia and you stay in the draft, you can’t play college basketball. Well, that’s only for American kids.’ What? If your name is in that draft and you got drafted, you can’t play because that’s our rule.”
John Calipari
Wednesday’s quiz
Which NFL team this season is the only team in the last 60 years to lose three games in a season when they didn’t punt in any of the games?
Tuesday’s quiz
In the movie The Hangover, four friends drive to Las Vegas in a silver Mercedes.
Monday’s quiz
Last time the Raiders played in a playoff game, Derek Carr was their QB.
*************************************
There are only four major league baseball teams worth more than the Bengals:
Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, Bronx.
— Louisiana Tech 23, Coastal Carolina 14
Chanticleers led 14-3 at halftime.
Coastal in second half: 41 plays, 107 yards, 3 turnovers.
La Tech in second half: 34 plays, 175 yards, 3 turnovers, 20 points.
— Illinois 30, Tennessee 28
Illinois drove 65 yards, kicked game-winning FG at the gun.
Tennessee had taken lead on 94-yard kick return with 4:58 left.
Illini ran for 221 yards, outgained Tennessee 417-278.
— TCU 30, USC 27 OT
TCU scored 10 points in last 4:24 to force overtime.
TCU scored TD on 3rd-and-20 play to win game in OT.
Underdogs are 8-3 ATS in last eleven Alamo Bowls.
— Former Eagles-49ers-Oregon-UCLA head coach Chip Kelly is the new offensive coordinator at Northwestern. Kelly was OC for the Raiders this year, at Ohio State last year. Football coaches move around a lot.
— Clemson fired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, making him the scapegoat for the Tigers’ 7-6 season. Clemson was 26-14 in Riley’s three years there; he is the brother of USC head coach Lincoln Riley.
— Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert (left thumb) won’t play against Denver this week; Trey Lance (2-3 as an NFL starter) will get the nod.
— Famous birthdays, December 31:
Anthony Hopkins, 88
Ben Kingsley, 82
Tim Matheson, 78
Bebe Neuwirth, 67
Rick Aguilera, 64
Bryon Russell, 55
Esteban Loaiza, 54
Brent Barry, 54
Heath Shuler, 54
Jason Campbell, 44
— Movie of the Day: Hustle (2022)- A scout for the 76ers discovers a phenomenal streetball player while in Spain and sees the prospect as his opportunity to become an assistant coach. If you like basketball, this is an excellent movie.
Adam Sandler is the coach, Queen Latifah is his wife, Juancho Hernangomez is the player who gets discovered on a playground in Spain. There are a lot of NBA players/executives in this movie. The basketball workout scenes are well-done.
— Creighton 89, Butler 85
Bluejays shot 58.1% inside the arc, scored 1.23 ppp.
Butler had 21 offensive rebounds (#14 on offensive boards)
Creighton is 3-0 in the Big East, scoring 90.3 ppg.
— Oregon State 70, San Francisco 62
Good bounce back for Beavers (lost by 38 to Santa Clara Sunday)
San Francisco led 30-25 at halftime.
Oregon State was 11-23 on arc, Dons 4-21
— Seton Hall 79, Marquette 73
Marquette led by 6 with 2:50 left in the game.
Seton Hall out-rebounded Marquette, 51-33.
12-2 Pirates are #15 experience team; they’re forcing turnovers 23.1% of time (#8)
— Duquesne 89, Davidson 83, 2OT
Dukes shot 35.3% inside arc, 16-35 outside arc.
Duquesne out-rebounded Davidson, 53-39
6-2 senior Guinyard played 46:00, scored 24 points, had 6 assists.
Some baseball notes…….
— Last year, Houston Astros scored 4.23 runs/game, their worst mark since 2014; they missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016. Altuve-Alvarez were hampered by injuries last year; they need to be healthier and to score more runs this coming season.
— 2024 White Sox scored the fewest runs of any team since 1972; last year, they scored 140 more runs than they did the year before, and now they’ve added 1B Munetaka Murakami, so their offense figures to improve again.
Last three years, Chicago won 61-41-60 games, after going 81-81 in 2022.
— Last year, the 12 worst teams in on-base %age missed the playoffs; Rockies/Royals walked the fewest times in the major leagues. Adding Isaac Collins from Milwaukee figures to spruce up the Kansas City offense (his OBP% was .368).
— Orioles re-signed P Zach Eflin for one year, $10M; last year, Eflin was 6-5, 5.93 in 14 starts in a injury-hampered season. He had a 2.60 ERA in 2024, is 68-67, 4.28 in 188 career starts.
If the NFL Draft were tomorrow……
1- Raiders
2- Giants
3- Jets
4- Titans
5- Cardinals
6- Commanders
Quote of the Day
“Real simple. The rules be the rules, so if you put your name in the [NBA draft], I don’t care if you’re from Russia and you stay in the draft, you can’t play college basketball. Well, that’s only for American kids.’ What? If your name is in that draft and you got drafted, you can’t play because that’s our rule.”
John Calipari
Wednesday’s quiz
Which NFL team this season is the only team in the last 60 years to lose three games in a season when they didn’t punt in any of the games?
Tuesday’s quiz
In the movie The Hangover, four friends drive to Las Vegas in a silver Mercedes.
Monday’s quiz
Last time the Raiders played in a playoff game, Derek Carr was their QB.
*************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings……..
— Cincinnati Bengals are worth $5.5B, the least of any NFL team.There are only four major league baseball teams worth more than the Bengals:
Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, Bronx.
— Louisiana Tech 23, Coastal Carolina 14
Chanticleers led 14-3 at halftime.
Coastal in second half: 41 plays, 107 yards, 3 turnovers.
La Tech in second half: 34 plays, 175 yards, 3 turnovers, 20 points.
— Illinois 30, Tennessee 28
Illinois drove 65 yards, kicked game-winning FG at the gun.
Tennessee had taken lead on 94-yard kick return with 4:58 left.
Illini ran for 221 yards, outgained Tennessee 417-278.
— TCU 30, USC 27 OT
TCU scored 10 points in last 4:24 to force overtime.
TCU scored TD on 3rd-and-20 play to win game in OT.
Underdogs are 8-3 ATS in last eleven Alamo Bowls.
— Former Eagles-49ers-Oregon-UCLA head coach Chip Kelly is the new offensive coordinator at Northwestern. Kelly was OC for the Raiders this year, at Ohio State last year. Football coaches move around a lot.
— Clemson fired offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, making him the scapegoat for the Tigers’ 7-6 season. Clemson was 26-14 in Riley’s three years there; he is the brother of USC head coach Lincoln Riley.
— Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert (left thumb) won’t play against Denver this week; Trey Lance (2-3 as an NFL starter) will get the nod.
— Famous birthdays, December 31:
Anthony Hopkins, 88
Ben Kingsley, 82
Tim Matheson, 78
Bebe Neuwirth, 67
Rick Aguilera, 64
Bryon Russell, 55
Esteban Loaiza, 54
Brent Barry, 54
Heath Shuler, 54
Jason Campbell, 44
— Movie of the Day: Hustle (2022)- A scout for the 76ers discovers a phenomenal streetball player while in Spain and sees the prospect as his opportunity to become an assistant coach. If you like basketball, this is an excellent movie.
Adam Sandler is the coach, Queen Latifah is his wife, Juancho Hernangomez is the player who gets discovered on a playground in Spain. There are a lot of NBA players/executives in this movie. The basketball workout scenes are well-done.
— Creighton 89, Butler 85
Bluejays shot 58.1% inside the arc, scored 1.23 ppp.
Butler had 21 offensive rebounds (#14 on offensive boards)
Creighton is 3-0 in the Big East, scoring 90.3 ppg.
— Oregon State 70, San Francisco 62
Good bounce back for Beavers (lost by 38 to Santa Clara Sunday)
San Francisco led 30-25 at halftime.
Oregon State was 11-23 on arc, Dons 4-21
— Seton Hall 79, Marquette 73
Marquette led by 6 with 2:50 left in the game.
Seton Hall out-rebounded Marquette, 51-33.
12-2 Pirates are #15 experience team; they’re forcing turnovers 23.1% of time (#8)
— Duquesne 89, Davidson 83, 2OT
Dukes shot 35.3% inside arc, 16-35 outside arc.
Duquesne out-rebounded Davidson, 53-39
6-2 senior Guinyard played 46:00, scored 24 points, had 6 assists.
Some baseball notes…….
— Last year, Houston Astros scored 4.23 runs/game, their worst mark since 2014; they missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016. Altuve-Alvarez were hampered by injuries last year; they need to be healthier and to score more runs this coming season.
— 2024 White Sox scored the fewest runs of any team since 1972; last year, they scored 140 more runs than they did the year before, and now they’ve added 1B Munetaka Murakami, so their offense figures to improve again.
Last three years, Chicago won 61-41-60 games, after going 81-81 in 2022.
— Last year, the 12 worst teams in on-base %age missed the playoffs; Rockies/Royals walked the fewest times in the major leagues. Adding Isaac Collins from Milwaukee figures to spruce up the Kansas City offense (his OBP% was .368).
— Orioles re-signed P Zach Eflin for one year, $10M; last year, Eflin was 6-5, 5.93 in 14 starts in a injury-hampered season. He had a 2.60 ERA in 2024, is 68-67, 4.28 in 188 career starts.
Thursday’s 6-pack:
New Orleans Saints’ career leaders in passing yards:
68,010— Drew Brees
21,734— Archie Manning
19,156— Aaron Brooks
14,630— Bobby Hebert
10,622— Jim Everett
7,490— Billy Kilmer
Quote of the Day
“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change. Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”
Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow
Thursday’s quiz
Who was the Cincinnati Bengals’ coach, before Zac Taylor?
Wednesday’s quiz
This year’s Green Bay Packers are the only team in the last 60 years to lose three games in a season when they didn’t punt in any of the games.
Tuesday’s quiz
In the movie The Hangover, four friends drive to Las Vegas in a silver Mercedes.
********************************************
The one thing I’d really like to see this year is for everyone to be nicer to each other; just because we may disagree on some stuff, let’s be civil about it.
— Duke 42, Arizona State 39
Duke scored game-winning TD with 2:10 left.
QB Mensah threw for 327 yards, four TD’s.
Arizona State QB Sims threw for 375 yards, 3 TD’s.
ASU gained 619 yards, but was minus-2 in turnovers.
— Iowa 34, Vanderbilt 27
Hawkeyes led 14-3 at halftime.
Vandy QB Pavia threw for 347 yards, 2 TD’s.
Big 18 teams are 7-3 SU/6-4 ATS in bowl games.
SEC teams are 3-6 SU/ATS in bowl games.
— Texas 41, Michigan 27
Game was tied 17-17 at halftime.
Texas in second half: 26 plays, 224 yards, 24 points.
Longhorns ran ball 33 times for 235 yards (7.1 yards/carry)
QB Manning threw for 221 yards, ran for 155 more.
— Utah 44, Nebraska 22
QB Dampier threw for 310 yards, two TD’s.
Nebraska’s first two drives: 20 plays, 157 yards, 14 points.
Nebraska rest of game: 45 plays, 186 yards, 8 points.
Utah ran ball 45 times for 225 yards (5 yards/carry).
— Miami 24, Ohio State 14
Hurricanes were a 7.5-point underdog.
Up 7-0, Miami scored on a 72-yard pick-6 to break game open.
Ohio State ran ball 24 times for only 45 yards.
Miami plays the Ole Miss-Georgia winner in the next round of the playoff.
— Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has had 94 players taken in the NFL Draft, the most of any current college head coach.
— Famous birthdays, January 1st:
Frank Langella, 88
Bob Brudzinski, 70
LaMarr Hoyt, 70
Fernando Tatis Sr, 50
Tiago Splitter, 40
Dallas Keuchel, 37
Jason Pierre-Paul, 36
Trumaine Johnson, 35
Tyler Higbee, 32
LaMonte Wade, 31
College conferences’ bowl records SU/ATS:
AAC- 4-3/3-4
ACC- 6-4/4-6
Big X- 4-1/5-0
Big 18- 6-4/5-5
Conference USA- 4-3/4-3
MAC- 2-3/3-2
Mountain West- 2-5/3-4
SEC- 3-6/3-6
Sun Belt 3-6/4-5
— Movie of the Day: 21 (2008)- Six MIT students form a card counting team and go to Las Vegas to win a lot of money. Kevin Spacey is the professor who trains the group; Laurence Fishburne is a casino employee who isn’t fond of card counters.
Jeffrey Ma, who the movie’s main character is based on, plays a blackjack dealer in some of the scenes. This movie was inspired by real people, real events.
— Virginia Tech 95, Virginia 85, 3OTs
Tech was 28-41 on the foul line, Virginia 11-15.
Ben Hammond scored 30 points for Tech; he didn’t start.
Cavaliers fall to 11-2; they were 10-45 on the arc.
— Villanova 71, DePaul 66
Villanova shot 28.6% inside arc, 10-23 outside arc.
Wildcats were 21-31 on foul line, Blue Demons 7-12.
DePaul is 0-3 in Big East, scoring 62 ppg.
Since 2007-08, DePaul is 56-276 in conference games.
— Clemson 64, Syracuse 61
Clemson shot 57.5% inside the arc.
Syracuse was 20-24 on foul line, Tigers 6-12.
Clemson is 11-3, 4-2 vs top 100 teams.
— Wichita State 75, UAB 70
Blazers led 40-24 late in the first half.
Shockers shot 9-20 on the arc, UAB 3-12.
Wichita is #14 team in country on offensive boards.
— VCU 89, St Bonaventure 82
Bonnies led by 7 with 8:10 left in the game.
Rams were 26-28 on foul line, St Bonaventure 14-15.
6-3 soph Hill scored 19 points in 26:00 off the bench.
— Creighton has a 6-4 guard, Austin Swartz, who is scoring 9.5 ppg in 18.4 minutes/game; what is unusual is that in his 239:00 on the floor, he’s only taken two foul shots. 29-74 on the arc, 18-33 inside the arc, 1-2 on the foul line. Very unusual.
New Orleans Saints’ career leaders in passing yards:
68,010— Drew Brees
21,734— Archie Manning
19,156— Aaron Brooks
14,630— Bobby Hebert
10,622— Jim Everett
7,490— Billy Kilmer
Quote of the Day
“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change. Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”
Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow
Thursday’s quiz
Who was the Cincinnati Bengals’ coach, before Zac Taylor?
Wednesday’s quiz
This year’s Green Bay Packers are the only team in the last 60 years to lose three games in a season when they didn’t punt in any of the games.
Tuesday’s quiz
In the movie The Hangover, four friends drive to Las Vegas in a silver Mercedes.
********************************************
Thursday’s Den: Happy New Year, everyone……..
Happy New Year!!! Thanks for reading; hope 2026 is fun for all of us.The one thing I’d really like to see this year is for everyone to be nicer to each other; just because we may disagree on some stuff, let’s be civil about it.
— Duke 42, Arizona State 39
Duke scored game-winning TD with 2:10 left.
QB Mensah threw for 327 yards, four TD’s.
Arizona State QB Sims threw for 375 yards, 3 TD’s.
ASU gained 619 yards, but was minus-2 in turnovers.
— Iowa 34, Vanderbilt 27
Hawkeyes led 14-3 at halftime.
Vandy QB Pavia threw for 347 yards, 2 TD’s.
Big 18 teams are 7-3 SU/6-4 ATS in bowl games.
SEC teams are 3-6 SU/ATS in bowl games.
— Texas 41, Michigan 27
Game was tied 17-17 at halftime.
Texas in second half: 26 plays, 224 yards, 24 points.
Longhorns ran ball 33 times for 235 yards (7.1 yards/carry)
QB Manning threw for 221 yards, ran for 155 more.
— Utah 44, Nebraska 22
QB Dampier threw for 310 yards, two TD’s.
Nebraska’s first two drives: 20 plays, 157 yards, 14 points.
Nebraska rest of game: 45 plays, 186 yards, 8 points.
Utah ran ball 45 times for 225 yards (5 yards/carry).
— Miami 24, Ohio State 14
Hurricanes were a 7.5-point underdog.
Up 7-0, Miami scored on a 72-yard pick-6 to break game open.
Ohio State ran ball 24 times for only 45 yards.
Miami plays the Ole Miss-Georgia winner in the next round of the playoff.
— Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has had 94 players taken in the NFL Draft, the most of any current college head coach.
— Famous birthdays, January 1st:
Frank Langella, 88
Bob Brudzinski, 70
LaMarr Hoyt, 70
Fernando Tatis Sr, 50
Tiago Splitter, 40
Dallas Keuchel, 37
Jason Pierre-Paul, 36
Trumaine Johnson, 35
Tyler Higbee, 32
LaMonte Wade, 31
College conferences’ bowl records SU/ATS:
AAC- 4-3/3-4
ACC- 6-4/4-6
Big X- 4-1/5-0
Big 18- 6-4/5-5
Conference USA- 4-3/4-3
MAC- 2-3/3-2
Mountain West- 2-5/3-4
SEC- 3-6/3-6
Sun Belt 3-6/4-5
— Movie of the Day: 21 (2008)- Six MIT students form a card counting team and go to Las Vegas to win a lot of money. Kevin Spacey is the professor who trains the group; Laurence Fishburne is a casino employee who isn’t fond of card counters.
Jeffrey Ma, who the movie’s main character is based on, plays a blackjack dealer in some of the scenes. This movie was inspired by real people, real events.
— Virginia Tech 95, Virginia 85, 3OTs
Tech was 28-41 on the foul line, Virginia 11-15.
Ben Hammond scored 30 points for Tech; he didn’t start.
Cavaliers fall to 11-2; they were 10-45 on the arc.
— Villanova 71, DePaul 66
Villanova shot 28.6% inside arc, 10-23 outside arc.
Wildcats were 21-31 on foul line, Blue Demons 7-12.
DePaul is 0-3 in Big East, scoring 62 ppg.
Since 2007-08, DePaul is 56-276 in conference games.
— Clemson 64, Syracuse 61
Clemson shot 57.5% inside the arc.
Syracuse was 20-24 on foul line, Tigers 6-12.
Clemson is 11-3, 4-2 vs top 100 teams.
— Wichita State 75, UAB 70
Blazers led 40-24 late in the first half.
Shockers shot 9-20 on the arc, UAB 3-12.
Wichita is #14 team in country on offensive boards.
— VCU 89, St Bonaventure 82
Bonnies led by 7 with 8:10 left in the game.
Rams were 26-28 on foul line, St Bonaventure 14-15.
6-3 soph Hill scored 19 points in 26:00 off the bench.
— Creighton has a 6-4 guard, Austin Swartz, who is scoring 9.5 ppg in 18.4 minutes/game; what is unusual is that in his 239:00 on the floor, he’s only taken two foul shots. 29-74 on the arc, 18-33 inside the arc, 1-2 on the foul line. Very unusual.
- Sep 10, 2018
- 20,304
- 32
- 48
Friday’s 6-pack:
Average home attendance last baseball season:
49,536– Dodgers
42,434— Padres
42,408— Bronx
41,672— Phillies
39,755— Mets
37,359— Cubs
Quote of the Day
“They only lasting fuel is routine, and you only get a routine by dragging yourself on the days when you have no motivation. Over and over…….the only thing that works long term is showing up for yourself, even when you don’t want to. Brute force.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Friday’s quiz
Who is the only major league pitcher ever to pitch in a World Series for four different teams?
Thursday’s quiz
Marvin Lewis was the Cincinnati Bengals’ coach, before Zac Taylor.
Wednesday’s quiz
This year’s Green Bay Packers are the only team in the last 60 years to lose three games in a season when they didn’t punt in any of those games.
**********************************************************************
Friday’s Den: Random stuff with the weekend here…….
— Handicapping Week 18 of the NFL is tougher than normal; some teams aren’t playing their starters because they’re in playoffs next week. Eagles are sitting Jalen Hurts and some of their other starters, Chargers are sitting Justin Herbert, Jordan Love is sitting out for Green Bay.
— Houston Astros made a splash in free agency Thursday, signing P Tatsuya Imai to a three-year contract worth $54M, plus some other incentives. He replaces free agent Framber Valdez, who won 57 games for the Astros the last four years.
— Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34
Georgia led this game 21-12 at halftime.
Ole Miss QB Chambliss threw for 362 yards, two TD’s.
Total yardage: Ole Miss 473, Georgia 343
Rebels move on to play Miami in the next round of the playoff.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss played for D-II Ferris State last year, leading them to a national title. How was somebody this good playing Division II ball?
— Indiana 38, Alabama 3
Hoosiers win their first bowl game since 1991.
Indiana outgained Alabama, 407-193.
Alabama ran the ball 17 times for only 23 yards.
Indiana moves on to play Oregon next; they beat the Ducks 30-20 in October.
Alabama was a 7,5-point underdog, the biggest underdog they’ve been since 2008.
— Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0
Tech came into this game scoring 42.5 ppg.
Oregon led this game 6-0 at halftime.
Tech gained only 215 yards, had four turnovers.
Ducks move on to play Indiana in the next round.
— Miami Dolphins hired Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman as a consultant in their search for a new general manager, which is a little odd, seeing how Dan Marino already works for the team. He is an advisor; this isn’t a permanent job.
Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000; ownership wanted a voice from the outside to provide a different perspective.
— Famous birthdays, January 2nd:
Calvin Hill, 79
Mike Newlin, 77
Jim Essian, 74
Edgar Martinez, 62
David Cone, 62
Christy Turlington, 57
Dax Shepard, 51
Kirk Hinrich, 46
Kate Bosworth, 43
Kyle Stowers, 27
Aaron Wiggins, 27
Fernando Tatis Jr, 26
— College conferences’ bowl records SU/ATS:
AAC- 4-3/3-4
ACC- 6-4/4-6
Big X- 5-1/5-1
Big 18- 9-4/8-5
Conference USA- 4-3/4-3
MAC- 2-3/3-2
Mountain West- 2-5/3-4
SEC- 4-8/4-8
Sun Belt 3-6/4-5
— NCAA Tournament is still a couple months away, but ESPN’s Bracketology has these teams as the #1-4 seeds, if the tournament were this week:
#1-seeds: Michigan, UConn, Arizona, Iowa State
#2-seeds: Vanderbilt, Duke, Gonzaga, Purdue
#3-seeds: Houston, Michigan State, Alabama, BYU
#4-seeds: Louisville, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska
— Vanderbilt guard Frankie Collins torn a meniscus in his knee and is out indefinitely; he is a senior who is scoring 7.8 ppg and 4.7 assists/game.
— ESPN’s fantasy football posted the players who were on the highest %age of teams that won their league’s championship this year:
29.1%- Puka Nucua
25.2%- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
23.8%- Bijan Robinson
22.4%- Trey McBride
20.1%- Christian McCaffrey
— Before the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State practiced in an indoor practice facility at Highland Park High School, where Matthew Stafford/Clayton Kershaw went to school.
You read that right; a high school in Texas has an indoor practice facility for its football team.
— Last five years, number of pitchers who started 30+ games:
2021- 41
2022- 43
2023- 44
2024- 51
2025- 53
— New Orleans Saints have won four games in a row, for the first time since 2020.
Average home attendance last baseball season:
49,536– Dodgers
42,434— Padres
42,408— Bronx
41,672— Phillies
39,755— Mets
37,359— Cubs
Quote of the Day
“They only lasting fuel is routine, and you only get a routine by dragging yourself on the days when you have no motivation. Over and over…….the only thing that works long term is showing up for yourself, even when you don’t want to. Brute force.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Friday’s quiz
Who is the only major league pitcher ever to pitch in a World Series for four different teams?
Thursday’s quiz
Marvin Lewis was the Cincinnati Bengals’ coach, before Zac Taylor.
Wednesday’s quiz
This year’s Green Bay Packers are the only team in the last 60 years to lose three games in a season when they didn’t punt in any of those games.
**********************************************************************
Friday’s Den: Random stuff with the weekend here…….
— Handicapping Week 18 of the NFL is tougher than normal; some teams aren’t playing their starters because they’re in playoffs next week. Eagles are sitting Jalen Hurts and some of their other starters, Chargers are sitting Justin Herbert, Jordan Love is sitting out for Green Bay.
— Houston Astros made a splash in free agency Thursday, signing P Tatsuya Imai to a three-year contract worth $54M, plus some other incentives. He replaces free agent Framber Valdez, who won 57 games for the Astros the last four years.
— Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34
Georgia led this game 21-12 at halftime.
Ole Miss QB Chambliss threw for 362 yards, two TD’s.
Total yardage: Ole Miss 473, Georgia 343
Rebels move on to play Miami in the next round of the playoff.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss played for D-II Ferris State last year, leading them to a national title. How was somebody this good playing Division II ball?
— Indiana 38, Alabama 3
Hoosiers win their first bowl game since 1991.
Indiana outgained Alabama, 407-193.
Alabama ran the ball 17 times for only 23 yards.
Indiana moves on to play Oregon next; they beat the Ducks 30-20 in October.
Alabama was a 7,5-point underdog, the biggest underdog they’ve been since 2008.
— Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0
Tech came into this game scoring 42.5 ppg.
Oregon led this game 6-0 at halftime.
Tech gained only 215 yards, had four turnovers.
Ducks move on to play Indiana in the next round.
— Miami Dolphins hired Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman as a consultant in their search for a new general manager, which is a little odd, seeing how Dan Marino already works for the team. He is an advisor; this isn’t a permanent job.
Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000; ownership wanted a voice from the outside to provide a different perspective.
— Famous birthdays, January 2nd:
Calvin Hill, 79
Mike Newlin, 77
Jim Essian, 74
Edgar Martinez, 62
David Cone, 62
Christy Turlington, 57
Dax Shepard, 51
Kirk Hinrich, 46
Kate Bosworth, 43
Kyle Stowers, 27
Aaron Wiggins, 27
Fernando Tatis Jr, 26
— College conferences’ bowl records SU/ATS:
AAC- 4-3/3-4
ACC- 6-4/4-6
Big X- 5-1/5-1
Big 18- 9-4/8-5
Conference USA- 4-3/4-3
MAC- 2-3/3-2
Mountain West- 2-5/3-4
SEC- 4-8/4-8
Sun Belt 3-6/4-5
— NCAA Tournament is still a couple months away, but ESPN’s Bracketology has these teams as the #1-4 seeds, if the tournament were this week:
#1-seeds: Michigan, UConn, Arizona, Iowa State
#2-seeds: Vanderbilt, Duke, Gonzaga, Purdue
#3-seeds: Houston, Michigan State, Alabama, BYU
#4-seeds: Louisville, Kansas, Illinois, Nebraska
— Vanderbilt guard Frankie Collins torn a meniscus in his knee and is out indefinitely; he is a senior who is scoring 7.8 ppg and 4.7 assists/game.
— ESPN’s fantasy football posted the players who were on the highest %age of teams that won their league’s championship this year:
29.1%- Puka Nucua
25.2%- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
23.8%- Bijan Robinson
22.4%- Trey McBride
20.1%- Christian McCaffrey
— Before the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State practiced in an indoor practice facility at Highland Park High School, where Matthew Stafford/Clayton Kershaw went to school.
You read that right; a high school in Texas has an indoor practice facility for its football team.
— Last five years, number of pitchers who started 30+ games:
2021- 41
2022- 43
2023- 44
2024- 51
2025- 53
— New Orleans Saints have won four games in a row, for the first time since 2020.
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Six highest-paid NBA players, in the 1985-86 season (40 years ago):
$2.5M— Magic Johnson, Lakers
$2,140,000— Moses Malone, 76ers
$2,030,000— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
$1.8M— Larry Bird, Celtics
$1.6M— Jack Sikma, Sonics
$1,485,000— Julius Erving, 76ers
Quote of the Day
“In order to get better at basketball, you have to play basketball.”
Kelvin Sampson
Saturday’s quiz
Which current NFL head coach had more rushing yards than Bo Jackson in his NFL playing career?
Friday’s quiz
Max Scherzer is the only major league pitcher ever to pitch in a World Series for four different teams.
Thursday’s quiz
Marvin Lewis was the Cincinnati Bengals’ coach, before Zac Taylor.
**************************************
By the way, the two wins by Ole Miss in the playoffs have earned Kiffin another $500,000 in bonus money, which LSU is paying him.
— Here is Kiffin’s career timeline:
1994-96- was a backup QB at Fresno State.
1997-98- student assistant coach at Fresno State (his father wouldn’t let him quit playing, unless he became a student assistant coach).
1999- grad assistant at Colorado State
2000- defensive quality control coach, Jacksonville Jaguars
2001- tight ends coach, USC
2002-03- wide receivers coach, USC
2004- pass game coordinator, USC
2005-06- offensive coordinator, USC
2007-08- head coach, Oakland Raiders
2009- head coach, Tennessee Vols
2010-13- head coach, USC
2014-16- offensive coordinator, Alabama
2017-19- head coach, Florida Atlantic
2020-25- head coach, Ole Miss
Going to be very interesting to see how he does with LSU.
— Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29
Down 3-0 in first quarter, Wake ran kickoff back 100 yards for a TD.
Deacons scored on TD passes of 64-62 yards.
Wake Forest won four in row, seven of last eight games.
Miss State lost eight of its last nine games, after a 4-0 start.
— SMU 24, Arizona 19
Mustangs led 24-0 at halftime.
SMU survived three turnovers (minus-2), being outgained 441-392.
SMU won seven of its last nine games.
— Navy 35, Cincinnati 13
Navy ran the ball 51 times for 241 yards.
Navy won five of last six bowl games.
Cincinnati lost its last five games overall, giving up 37.8 ppg
Bobcats QB Jackson threw for 173 yards, 3 TDs, also ran for a TD.
Texas State’s lead was only 10-7 at halftime.
Bobcats outgained Rice, 436-195.
— Famous birthdays, January 3rd:
Victoria Principal, 76
Mel Gibson, 70
Jim Everett, 63
AJ Burnett, 48
David Tyree, 45
Eli Manning, 44
Doug McDermott, 33
Dallas Goedert, 30
— College conferences’ bowl records SU/ATS:
AAC- 5-4/4-5
ACC- 8-4/6-6
Big X- 5-3/5-3
Big 18- 9-4/8-5
Conference USA- 4-3/4-3
MAC- 2-3/3-2
Mountain West- 2-5/3-4
SEC- 4-9/4-9
Sun Belt 4-6/5-5
— The four head coaches whose teams are all alive in the college football playoff? At one time or another, they were all an assistant coach under Nick Saban.
— Tennessee Vols’ punter Jackson Ross is a 26-year old Australian who used to play tennis, and then got paid to play Australian Rules Football.
— Friday, 3,753 college/minor league football players entered the transfer portal, roughly 27 players for every I-A team in the country.
— Last two years, Cincinnati Bengals have lost six games when they scored 34+ points; in the history of the NFL, only two other teams have ever lost three games like that in the same year- 1985 Chargers, 2002 Chiefs.
— Biggest upset in bowl game history? Back in 1998, Idaho (+17) upset Southern Mississippi 42-38 in the Humanitarian Bowl.
— Gonzaga 80, Seattle 72 OT
Seattle led by 13 with 12:30 left in the game.
Redhawks are 12-4, but 1-2 in their first year in the WCC.
Gonzaga is 15-1; their only loss was against Michigan, by 40.
This is Gonzaga’s last year in the WCC; they’ll be in the Pac-12 next year.
— Nebraska 58, Michigan State 56
Cornhuskers are 14-0 for the first time ever, vs schedule #140.
Nebraska shot 13-37 on the arc, only 5-20 inside the arc.
Spartans shot 34% from the floor.
— Washington State 78, LMU 76
Lions led by 14 midway thru the first half.
Wazzu shot 56.2% inside the arc, 10-23 outside the arc.
— Manhattan 80, Quinnipiac 79
Jaspers trailed by 18 with 16:37 left in the game.
Manhattan is in bottom 5 in country on the defensive boards.
Both teams are 3-1 in the MAAC.
Six highest-paid NBA players, in the 1985-86 season (40 years ago):
$2.5M— Magic Johnson, Lakers
$2,140,000— Moses Malone, 76ers
$2,030,000— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lakers
$1.8M— Larry Bird, Celtics
$1.6M— Jack Sikma, Sonics
$1,485,000— Julius Erving, 76ers
Quote of the Day
“In order to get better at basketball, you have to play basketball.”
Kelvin Sampson
Saturday’s quiz
Which current NFL head coach had more rushing yards than Bo Jackson in his NFL playing career?
Friday’s quiz
Max Scherzer is the only major league pitcher ever to pitch in a World Series for four different teams.
Thursday’s quiz
Marvin Lewis was the Cincinnati Bengals’ coach, before Zac Taylor.
**************************************
Saturday’s Den: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….
— Word of the Day: Polarizing- Something/someone who divides people into sharply opposing factions. I bring this up now that Ole Miss is in the semi-finals of the college football playoff, after Lane Kiffin built a good program, then bolting on his team before the playoff, to go to SEC rival and make more money.By the way, the two wins by Ole Miss in the playoffs have earned Kiffin another $500,000 in bonus money, which LSU is paying him.
— Here is Kiffin’s career timeline:
1994-96- was a backup QB at Fresno State.
1997-98- student assistant coach at Fresno State (his father wouldn’t let him quit playing, unless he became a student assistant coach).
1999- grad assistant at Colorado State
2000- defensive quality control coach, Jacksonville Jaguars
2001- tight ends coach, USC
2002-03- wide receivers coach, USC
2004- pass game coordinator, USC
2005-06- offensive coordinator, USC
2007-08- head coach, Oakland Raiders
2009- head coach, Tennessee Vols
2010-13- head coach, USC
2014-16- offensive coordinator, Alabama
2017-19- head coach, Florida Atlantic
2020-25- head coach, Ole Miss
Going to be very interesting to see how he does with LSU.
— Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29
Down 3-0 in first quarter, Wake ran kickoff back 100 yards for a TD.
Deacons scored on TD passes of 64-62 yards.
Wake Forest won four in row, seven of last eight games.
Miss State lost eight of its last nine games, after a 4-0 start.
— SMU 24, Arizona 19
Mustangs led 24-0 at halftime.
SMU survived three turnovers (minus-2), being outgained 441-392.
SMU won seven of its last nine games.
— Navy 35, Cincinnati 13
Navy ran the ball 51 times for 241 yards.
Navy won five of last six bowl games.
Cincinnati lost its last five games overall, giving up 37.8 ppg
Bobcats QB Jackson threw for 173 yards, 3 TDs, also ran for a TD.
Texas State’s lead was only 10-7 at halftime.
Bobcats outgained Rice, 436-195.
— Famous birthdays, January 3rd:
Victoria Principal, 76
Mel Gibson, 70
Jim Everett, 63
AJ Burnett, 48
David Tyree, 45
Eli Manning, 44
Doug McDermott, 33
Dallas Goedert, 30
— College conferences’ bowl records SU/ATS:
AAC- 5-4/4-5
ACC- 8-4/6-6
Big X- 5-3/5-3
Big 18- 9-4/8-5
Conference USA- 4-3/4-3
MAC- 2-3/3-2
Mountain West- 2-5/3-4
SEC- 4-9/4-9
Sun Belt 4-6/5-5
— The four head coaches whose teams are all alive in the college football playoff? At one time or another, they were all an assistant coach under Nick Saban.
— Tennessee Vols’ punter Jackson Ross is a 26-year old Australian who used to play tennis, and then got paid to play Australian Rules Football.
— Friday, 3,753 college/minor league football players entered the transfer portal, roughly 27 players for every I-A team in the country.
— Last two years, Cincinnati Bengals have lost six games when they scored 34+ points; in the history of the NFL, only two other teams have ever lost three games like that in the same year- 1985 Chargers, 2002 Chiefs.
— Biggest upset in bowl game history? Back in 1998, Idaho (+17) upset Southern Mississippi 42-38 in the Humanitarian Bowl.
— Gonzaga 80, Seattle 72 OT
Seattle led by 13 with 12:30 left in the game.
Redhawks are 12-4, but 1-2 in their first year in the WCC.
Gonzaga is 15-1; their only loss was against Michigan, by 40.
This is Gonzaga’s last year in the WCC; they’ll be in the Pac-12 next year.
— Nebraska 58, Michigan State 56
Cornhuskers are 14-0 for the first time ever, vs schedule #140.
Nebraska shot 13-37 on the arc, only 5-20 inside the arc.
Spartans shot 34% from the floor.
— Washington State 78, LMU 76
Lions led by 14 midway thru the first half.
Wazzu shot 56.2% inside the arc, 10-23 outside the arc.
— Manhattan 80, Quinnipiac 79
Jaspers trailed by 18 with 16:37 left in the game.
Manhattan is in bottom 5 in country on the defensive boards.
Both teams are 3-1 in the MAAC.
- Sep 10, 2018
- 20,304
- 32
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NFL
Armadillo's Write-up
Week 18
Saturday’s games
Panthers @ Buccaneers (-3)
Panthers (8-8)
Carolina is 5-1 when they score 27+ points, 3-7 when they don’t
Panthers are 7-2 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Carolina is +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-7 in losses
QB Young is 14-29 as an NFL starter.
Canales is 13-20 as a head coach.
Panthers are 4-3 ATS as a road underdog this season.
Since 2021, Carolina is 15-19-1 ATS as a road underdog.
Carolina is 2-5-1 ATS last eight NFC South road games.
Carolina gained less than 300 yards in 7 of last 9 games.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Buccaneers (7-9)
Tampa Bay lost four in row, seven of its last eight games.
Tampa Bay lost last four games by total of 11 points.
Bucs are 5-1 when they allow less than 21 points.
Mayfield is 59-65 as an NFL starter, 27-26 with the Bucs.
Bowles is 61-77 as a head coach, 35-36 with Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay is 1-5 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Tampa Bay is 7-13-1 ATS last 21 games as a home favorite.
Bucs are 12-9-1 ATS in last 22 games coming off a loss.
Bucs are 5-6 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Under is 4-2 in Tampa Bay’s last six games.
Carolina wins NFC South if the Falcons beat New Orleans
Carolina wins NFC South if they win or tie this game.
Carolina (+3) beat Buccaneers 23-20 at home, two weeks ago.
Buccaneers won 10 of last 12 series games.
Panthers are 0-6 SU/0-5-1 ATS in last six visits to Tampa.
Over is 7-4 in last eleven meetings.
Seahawks (-1.5) @ 49ers
Seahawks (13-3)
Seahawks won six in row, 10 of their last 11 games.
Seattle is 6-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Seahawks went over their team total 11 of last 15 games.
Darnold is 48-42 as an NFL starter.
MacDonald is 23-10 as a head coach.
Seattle is 6-2 ATS last eight NFC West road games.
Seattle is 4-1 ATS as a road favorite this year.
Seattle is 7-5-2 ATS in last 14 games as a road favorite.
Seattle is 16-6-1 ATS in last 23 games coming off a win
Opponents’ team total: under 10-5-1.
49ers (12-4)
49ers won last six games, scoring 37-48-42 points in last three.
49ers are 5-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
49ers allowed 26-30-26-42 points in their losses.
In their four losses, 49ers were minus-8 in turnovers.
Purdy is 34-16 as an NFL starter.
Shanahan is 90-70 as an NFL head coach
49ers are 1-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
Since 2022, 49ers are 1-5 ATS as a home underdog.
Six of 49ers’ last seven wins were all by 10+ points.
49ers are 5-11 ATS in last 16 games coming off a win.
49ers are 1-7 ATS last eight NFC West home games.
Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.
49ers (-1.5) outgained Seahawks 384-230, won 17-13 at Seattle in Week 1
49ers won seven of last eight series games.
Seahawks are 1-3 SU/2-2 ATS in last four visits to Santa Clara.
Under is 4-2 in last six meetings.
Sunday’s games
Colts @ Texans (-10.5)
Colts (8-8)
First NFL start for rookie 6th round draft pick QB Leonard.
Indy lost last six games, after an 8-2 start.
Colts are 8-0 scoring 29+ points, 0-8 scoring less than 29
Leonard is 18-33/145 passing this year.
Steichen is 25-25 SU as a head coach
Colts are 4-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Colts are 7-3 ATS last 10 games as a road underdog.
Under Steichen, Colts are 14-12 ATS as an underdog.
Last five games, Colts ran ball for 79 yards/game.
Colts are 6-2 ATS in last eight AFC South road games.
Under is 4-2 in their last six games.
Texans (11-5)
Houston won its last eight games (6-2 ATS).
Texans are 10-0 when they score 20+ points.
Texans held 11 of 16 opponents under 300 TY.
Stroud is 29-20 as an NFL starter.
Ryans is 33-21 in as an NFL head coach.
Houston is 3-3 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Texans are 7-17-1 ATS last 25 games as a home favorite
Houston is 5-0 in games decided by 10+ points, 6-5 in games decided by 8 or less.
Last seven games, Texans allowed 19.3 ppg.
Houston is 3-5 ATS last eight AFC South home games.
Last 13 games, Texans are +17 in turnovers.
Texans can win AFC South if they win/Jaguars lose.
Colts (-3) lost 20-16 at home to the Texans in Week 13.
Texans are 5-1-1 SU in last seven series games.
Colts are 3-1-1 SU/4-1 ATS last five visits to Houston.
Under is 8-3 in last eleven meetings.
Cowboys (-3.5) @ Giants
Cowboys (7-8-1)
Dallas lost three of its last four games, allowing 44-34-34-23 points.
Last eight games, Dallas is minus-9 in turnovers
Dallas is minus-12 in turnovers in losses, +3 in wins.
QB Prescott is 85-59-1 as an NFL starter.
Brian Schottenheimer is 7-8-1 as a head coach.
Cowboys are 2-6 SU on the road this year.
Cowboys are 1-4 ATS last five games as a road favorite.
Dallas is 6-1-1 scoring 30+ points, 1-7 otherwise.
Cowboys are 5-8 ATS last 13 games coming off a win.
Over is 5-1 in their last six road games.
Last eleven games, Dallas’ team total: over 7-3-1
Dallas is 8-6 ATS in last 14 NFC East road games.
Giants (2-13)
Giants lost 9 of their last ten games (4-6 ATS)
Giants are 0-12 when they give up more than 18 points.
Giants have fired their head coach, a few assistants
Rookie QB Dart is 3-8 as an NFL starter.
OC Kafka is the interim coach, is also calling plays.
Giants are 2-5 SU at home this year.
Giants are 3-3 ATS as a home underdog this year.
Since 2018, Giants are 20-30-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Giants are 11-8-1 ATS in last 20 games coming off a win.
Nine of Giants’ last 12 games went over the total.
Giants are +4 in turnovers in their last three games.
Dallas (-5) beat Giants 40-37 in OT at home in Week 2.
Long time ago; Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards in that game.
Dallas won last ten series games.
Cowboys are 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS last four visits to New Jersey.
Over is 5-3 in last eight meetings.
Browns @ Bengals (-7.5)
Browns (4-12)
Cleveland lost seven of its last nine games.
Browns are 0-12 when they allow more than 10 points.
Last six games, Browns are minus-11 in turnovers.
Rookie QB Sanders is 2-4 as an NFL starter
Stefanski is 45-59 as a head coach.
Browns are 2-11 SU/4-9 ATS in last 13 games.
Browns are 1-5 ATS this year as a road underdog.
Cleveland is 6-17-1 ATS in last 24 games coming off a win.
Browns are 2-6 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Under is 4-2 in Cleveland’s last six games.
Browns are 3-14 ATS in last 17 AFC North road games.
Bengals (6-10)
Bengals won their last two games, scoring 45-37 points.
Bengals scored 31+ points in their last five wins.
Bengals are 1-7 when they score less than 31 points.
Burrow is 48-34-1 as an NFL starter.
Taylor is 57-64-1 as a head coach.
Bengals are 3-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
Cincinnati is 5-6 ATS last 11 games as home favorites.
Bengals are 3-4 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Bengals are +10 in turnovers in wins, minus-12 in losses.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Cincinnati is 11-6-2 ATS last 19 AFC North home games.
Bengals (-5) won season opener 17-16 in Cleveland
Browns outgained Cincinnati 327-141 in that game.
Bengals won five of last seven series games.
Browns are 0-3 SU/ATS in last three visits to Cincinnati.
Under is 4-0 in last four meetings.
Saints @ Falcons (-3.5)
Saints (6-10)
Saints won their last four games, scoring 26.8 ppg
Saints are +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-11 in losses.
Saints are 3-4 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
26-year old rookie QB Shough is 5-3 as an NFL starter.
Kellen Moore is 6-10 as a head coach.
Saints are 5-7 ATS as an underdog this year (4-0 last four).
New Orleans is 16-10-1 ATS last 27 games as a road underdog.
Saints are 10-13 ATS in last 23 games coming off a win.
Opponents’ team total: under 5-3 last eight.
Under is 10-2 in Saints’ last 12 games.
Saints are 5-2-1 ATS in last eight NFC South road games.
Falcons (7-9)
Atlanta won its last three games, scoring 29-26-27 points.
Falcons are 4-5 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Atlanta is 4-9 when it allows more than 14 points.
QB Cousins is 88-80-2 as an NFL starter, 11-10 with Falcons.
Morris is 36-56 as a head coach.
Atlanta is 1-2 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Atlanta is 8-11 ATS last 19 games as a home favorite.
Falcons are 7-13 ATS last 20 games coming off a win.
Atlanta’s team total: over 7-1-1 last nine games.
Falcons allowed 24+ points in eight of their last ten games.
Over is 7-2 in last nine Atlanta games.
Falcons (+2) won 24-10 in Superdome in Week 12.
Atlanta won three of last four series games.
Saints lost 26-24/24-15 in last two visits to Atlanta.
Under is 3-1 in last four meetings.
Packers @ Vikings (-7.5)
Packers (9-5-1)
#3 QB Clayton Tune (0-1 as NFL starter) gets his first start since 2023.
Packers lost last three games, giving up 34-22-41 points.
Green Bay is 9-2-1 when it scores 23+ points, 0-4 otherwise.
Green Bay is 4-5-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
LaFleur is 79-44-1 as an NFL head coach.
Packers are 1-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Packers are 6-11-1 ATS last 18 games coming off a loss.
Green Bay is 6-5 ATS in last 11 NFC North road games.
Last three games, Green Bay is minus-3 in turnovers, gave up 401.7 ypg.
Packers converted 55 of last 106 third down plays.
Vikings (8-8)
Vikings won last four games, giving up 12.3 points/game.
Last four weeks, Vikings are +7 in turnovers.
Minnesota is 2-8 when they score less than 27 points.
McCarthy is 5-4 as an NFL starter.
O’Connell is 42-26 as an NFL head coach.
Vikings are 4-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
Vikings are 17-8-1 ATS in last 26 games coming off a win.
Minnesota is 5-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Minnesota is 4-7 ATS in last 11 NFC North home games.
Vikings held five of last six opponents under 300 TY.
Under is 7-1 in their last eight games.
Vikings (+6) lost 23-6 at Green Bay in Week 12.
Packers were +3 in turnovers, held Vikings to 145 total yards.
Vikings won three of last four series games.
Green Bay lost three of their last four visits to Minnesota.
Over is 7-3-1 in last 11 meetings.
Titans @ Jaguars (-13.5)
Titans (3-13)
Tennessee split its last four games, after a 1-11 start.
Titans are 5-3 ATS in their last eight games.
Last four games, Titans scored 26.8 ppg.
Interim coach McCoy was 28-38 coaching Chargers from 2013-16.
Rookie QB Ward is 3-13 as an NFL starter.
Titans are 9-18 ATS in last 27 games as an underdog.
Tennessee is 6-6 ATS this year in games coming off a loss.
Only one of their last six losses was by more than 13 points.
Over is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Tennessee is 1-7 ATS last eight AFC South road games.
Jaguars (12-4)
Jacksonville won its last seven games, scoring 32.6 ppg
Jaguars are 12-1 if they allow fewer than 31 points.
Jacksonville has six wins by more than 13 points.
QB Lawrence is 35-43 as an NFL starter.
Liam Coen is 12-4 as an NFL head coach.
Jaguars are 4-3 ATS as a favorite this year,
Jaguars are 7-4 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.
Jaguars are 20-15 ATS in last 35 games coming off a win.
Last five games, Jaguars are +8 in turnovers.
Over is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Jaguars are 6-2 ATS in last eight AFC South home games.
Jaguars (-6) won 25-3 in Nashville in Week 13.
Jaguars held Tennessee to 188 total yards.
Jaguars won four in row, six of last seven series games.
Titans lost last three visits to Jacksonville, by 4-7-20 points.
Last three meetings stayed under the total.
Cardinals @ Rams (-7)
Cardinals (3-13)
Cardinals lost eight in row, 13 of last 14 games.
Cardinals are 0-10 when they allow more than 22 points.
Last four weeks, Cardinals allowed 37 points/game.
Brissett is 20-44 as an NFL starter.
Gannon is 15-35 as an NFL head coach.
Arizona is 4-3 ATS as a road underdog TY.
Last eight games, Cardinals are 1-7 ATS
Under Gannon, Arizona is 21-17 ATS as an underdog.
Arizona is 4-7 ATS last 11 NFC West road games.
Arizona is 24-21 ATS in last 45 games coming off a loss.
Rams (11-5)
Rams lost last two games, by 1-3 points.
Rams have a playoff game on the road next week.
Rams are 8-0 when they allow less than 26 points.
Rams last three losses were by 1-3-3-3 points.
QB Stafford is 50-30 as the Rams’ starter (124-123-1 overall).
McVay is 99-62 as an NFL head coach.
Rams are 5-2 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Rams are 5-8-1 ATS in last 14 NFC West home games.
Over is 7-2 in Rams’ last nine games.
Rams went over team total in 11 of last 15 games.
Rams are 5-4 ATS in last nine games coming off a loss.
Rams (-8) won 45-17 at Arizona four weeks ago.
Rams were +3 in turnovers, ran ball for 249 yards.
LA won five of last six series games.
Cardinals are 2-7 SU/ATS in last nine visits to Los Angeles.
Over is 6-3 in last nine meetings.
Chargers @ Broncos (-12.5)
Chargers (11-5)
#2 QB Lance gets start; he’s 2-3 as NFL starter- Herbert rests his broken left hand
Chargers have a road playoff game next week.
Chargers won four of five, seven of their last nine games.
Bolts are 6-2 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Jim Harbaugh is 71-34-1 as an NFL head coach.
Chargers are 4-0 ATS as an underdog this year.
Chargers are 8-3 ATS in last 11 games coming off a loss.
Bolts are 10-2 when they allow 21 or fewer points.
Chargers are +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-4 in losses.
Chargers are 5-0 ATS in last five AFC West road games.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Broncos (13-3)
Broncos won 12 of their last 13 games.
Denver needs win to clinch #1-seed in AFC, bye next week.
Denver is 8-1 when they score more than 20 points.
QB Nix is 23-11 as an NFL starter.
Payton is 192-117 as an NFL head coach, 31-20 with Denver.
Denver is 2-4 ATS as a home favorite this season.
Underdogs covered their last eight games.
This year, Denver is 5-7 ATS in games coming off a win.
Over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Broncos are 10-6-1 ATS in last 17 AFC West home games.
Chargers (-2.5) beat Denver 23-20 at home in Week 3.
Chargers won last three series games.
Bolts are 1-5 SU/1-4-1 ATS in last six visits to Denver.
Under is 4-2 in last six meetings.
Chiefs (-5.5) @ Raiders
Chiefs (6-10)
Chiefs are out of playoffs for first time since 2014
Chiefs lost last five games, scoring 11.3 ppg in last four.
#3 QB Oladokun is 0-1 as an NFL starter.
He is 24-38/177 passing this year.
Andy Reid is 307-173-1 as an NFL head coach
Chiefs are 6-4 giving up 20 or less points, 0-6 giving up 21+.
Last four games, Chiefs scored 10-13-9-13 points.
Chiefs are 19-28 ATS last 47 games coming off a loss.
Last nine games, Chiefs team total: under 8-0-1.
Under is 10-1 in last eleven Kansas City games.
Kansas City is 3-7 ATS in last 10 AFC West road games.
Raiders (2-14)
Raiders lost ten games in a row, 14 of last 15.
If they lose this game, Raiders get the first pick in the draft.
Raiders allowed 13-10 points in their wins
Last eight games, Raiders are 4-5 against the spread.
QB Geno Smith is out; Pickett is 15-11 as an NFL starter.
Carroll is 183-145-1 as an NFL head coach.
Raiders are 13-20-2 ATS last 35 games as an underdog.
Raiders are 3-3 ATS as a home underdog this year.
Las Vegas has nine losses by 11+ points this season.
Raiders are 14-19-1 ATS in last 34 games coming off a loss.
Over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Raiders are 6-5 ATS in last 11 AFC West home games.
Chiefs (-12) blanked Las Vegas 31-0 at home in Week 7.
Chiefs won 18 of last 21 series games.
Chiefs are 5-0 SU/3-2 ATS in their five trips to Las Vegas.
Over is 7-4 in last eleven meetings.
Dolphins @ Patriots (-10.5)
Dolphins (7-9)
Miami won five of its last seven games.
Miami allowed 27+ points in all nine losses.
Dolphins are 7-0 when they allow less than 27 points.
First road start for rookie QB Ewers (1-1 as starter)
McDaniel is 34-34 as a head coach.
Miami is 2-3 ATS as a road underdog this year.
Miami is 5-8 ATS in last 13 games coming off a win.
Dolphins were held under 300 TY in three of last five games.
Dolphins are 4-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Miami is 10-4 ATS last 14 AFC East road games.
Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.
Patriots (11-3)
Patriots is 12-1 SU/10-3 ATS in their last 13 games.
Last seven games, Patriots scored 30.7 points/game.
Opponents’ team total: under 12-2 last 14 games
QB Maye is 16-12 as an NFL starter.
Vrabel is 69-51 as an NFL head coach.
Patriots are 7-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
NE is 4-2 ATS last six games as a home favorite.
Last three games, Patriots allowed 171-168-164 rushing yards.
Last two games, Patriots gained 453-440 total yards.
Over is 8-2 in their last ten games.
Patriots are 6-8 ATS in last 14 AFC East home games.
Patriots (+1.5) won 33-27 at Miami in Week 2.
Miami won five of last six series games.
Dolphins won three of last four visits to Foxboro.
Under is 7-5 in last 12 meetings.
Commanders @ Eagles (-4.5)
Commanders (4-12)
39-year old #3 QB Josh Johnson will start here.
Johnson is 1-9 as an NFL starter.
Commanders are 1-10 SU/3-8 ATS in their last ten games.
Washington is 0-11 when it allows more than 24 points.
Quinn is 64-61 as an NFL coach.
Last eleven games, Commanders are minus-12 in turnovers.
Commanders are 1-6 in games decided by 9 or fewer points.
Opponents’ over/under total: over 11-4 last fifteen games.
Washington is 14-20-1 ATS in last 35 games coming off a loss.
Washington is 5-9 ATS last 14 NFC East road games.
Eagles (11-5)
Eagles are resting starters here, with playoff game next week.
Philly is 7-0 when they score more than 21 points.
Eagles won last three games, giving up 10 ppg.
Backup QB McKee is 1-0 as an NFL starter.
Sirianni is 64-28 as an NFL coach.
Eagles are 8-6 ATS as a favorite this year.
Philly is 19-14-1 ATS in last 34 games as a home favorite.
Philly is 15-7 ATS in last 22 games coming off a win.
Eagles only gained 190 yards in their 13-12 win at Buffalo LW.
Eagles are 8-6 ATS in last 14 NFC East home games.
Eagles (-7) won 29-18 at Washington two weeks ago.
Commanders lost last three visits to Philly, by 8-32-3 points.
Over is 7-2 in last nine meetings.
Lions @ Bears (-3)
Lions (8-8)
Detroit is 4-7 in its last 11 games, after a 4-1 start.
Lions are 1-7 when they score less than 34 points.
Last five games, Detroit gave up 30.8 ppg.
QB Goff is 93-65-1 as an NFL starter, 51-38-1 with Detroit.
Campbell is 55-45-1 as an NFL head coach.
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Last three weeks, Detroit ran ball for only 51 yards/game.
Lions are 1-4 ATS as an underdog this year.
Detroit is 14-11 ATS last 25 games as a road underdog.
Lions are 11-3 ATS last 14 games coming off a loss.
Lions were minus-6 in turnovers in LW’s loss at Minnesota.
Detroit is 8-3 ATS last 11 NFC North road games.
Bears (11-5)
Bears won seven of nine, 11 of last 14 games.
Chicago has a home playoff game next week.
Bears are 10-2 scoring 24+ points, 1-3 scoring less.
In wins, Chicago was +24 in turnovers; minus-2 in losses.
Ben Johnson is 11-5 as an NFL head coach.
QB Williams is 16-17 as an NFL starter.
Chicago is 3-2-1 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Chicago is 6-4-1 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.
Chicago is 14-10-1 ATS in last 25 games coming off a loss.
Bears are 9-0 when they allow less than 27 points.
Bears are 7-3 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Chicago is 5-11-1 ATS in last 17 NFC North home games.
Lions (-4.5) drilled Bears 52-21 at home back in Week 2
Chicago coach Johnson was Lions’ OC the last few years.
Detroit won six of last seven series games.
Lions split their last four visits to Chicago.
Over is 4-2 in last six meetings.
Jets @ Bills (-6.5)
Jets (3-13)
Jets lost their last four games, giving up 34-48-29-42 points.
Jets are 0-11 when they score less than 27 points.
Last four games, Jets lost by an average score of 38-12.
Undrafted rookie QB Cook is 0-3 as an NFL starter.
Aaron Glenn is 3-13 as a head coach.
Jets are 3-4 ATS as a road underdog this year
Jets are 5-11-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog
Jets are 12-20-1 ATS last 33 games coming off a loss.
Jets have six losses by more than 13 points.
Jets are minus-19 in turnovers this season.
Over is 5-1 in their last six games.
Jets are 3-13-1 ATS in last 17 AFC East road games.
Bills (11-5)
Last regular season game for the Bills in this stadium.
Bills won four of five, seven of their last ten games.
Buffalo scored 23+ points in wins, 20-14-13-19-12 in losses.
Buffalo is +10 in turnovers in wins, minus-9 in losses.
QB Allen is 94-45 as an NFL starter; check status on his foot.
McDermott is 103-57 as an NFL head coach.
Bills are 1-5 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Buffalo is 10-13 ATS last 23 games as a home favorite.
Bills are 5-2 ATS in last seven games coming off a loss.
Buffalo is 11-0 when they score more than 20 points.
Bills are 7-6-1 ATS last 14 AFC East home games.
Bills (-6) won 30-10 at the Jets in Week 2.
Buffalo won 10 of last 12 series games.
Jets are 0-5 SU/1-4 ATS last five visits to Buffalo.
Under is 9-4 in last 13 meetings.
Ravens (-3.5) @ Steelers
Ravens (8-8)
Baltimore lost three of its last five games, after a 5-0 streak.
Baltimore is 1-7 when they allow more than 19 points.
Ravens are minus-14 in turnovers in losses, +12 in wins.
QB Jackson is 81-35 as an NFL starter
John Harbaugh is 193-123 as an NFL head coach.
Ravens won their last five road games SU.
Ravens are 3-3 ATS as a road favorite this year.
Ravens are 13-7 ATS last 20 games as a road favorite.
This year, Baltimore is 2-5 ATS in games coming off a win.
Baltimore is 6-8 ATS last 14 AFC North road games.
Over is 3-1 in their last four games.
Steelers (9-6)
Steelers won three of their last four games.
Pittsburgh is 8-1 when it allows less than 25 points.
Steelers are +13 in turnovers in wins, minus-4 in losses.
Rodgers is 173-103-1 as an NFL starter
Tomlin is 200-125-2 as a head coach.
Steelers are 4-3-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Steelers are 9-6-1 ATS last 16 games as a home underdog.
Pittsburgh WR Metcalf is out here (suspension)
This year, Steelers are 4-2 ATS in games coming off a loss.
Steelers are 8-0 ATS in last eight AFC North home games.
Under is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Winner of this game wins the AFC North
If it goes to overtime, Steelers would be happy with a tie.
Steelers (+5) won 27-22 at Baltimore four weeks ago.
Steelers won nine of last 12 series games.
Ravens are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS last five visits to Pittsburgh.
Three of last four meetings went over the total.
Armadillo's Write-up
Week 18
Saturday’s games
Panthers @ Buccaneers (-3)
Panthers (8-8)
Carolina is 5-1 when they score 27+ points, 3-7 when they don’t
Panthers are 7-2 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Carolina is +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-7 in losses
QB Young is 14-29 as an NFL starter.
Canales is 13-20 as a head coach.
Panthers are 4-3 ATS as a road underdog this season.
Since 2021, Carolina is 15-19-1 ATS as a road underdog.
Carolina is 2-5-1 ATS last eight NFC South road games.
Carolina gained less than 300 yards in 7 of last 9 games.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
Buccaneers (7-9)
Tampa Bay lost four in row, seven of its last eight games.
Tampa Bay lost last four games by total of 11 points.
Bucs are 5-1 when they allow less than 21 points.
Mayfield is 59-65 as an NFL starter, 27-26 with the Bucs.
Bowles is 61-77 as a head coach, 35-36 with Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay is 1-5 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Tampa Bay is 7-13-1 ATS last 21 games as a home favorite.
Bucs are 12-9-1 ATS in last 22 games coming off a loss.
Bucs are 5-6 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Under is 4-2 in Tampa Bay’s last six games.
Carolina wins NFC South if the Falcons beat New Orleans
Carolina wins NFC South if they win or tie this game.
Carolina (+3) beat Buccaneers 23-20 at home, two weeks ago.
Buccaneers won 10 of last 12 series games.
Panthers are 0-6 SU/0-5-1 ATS in last six visits to Tampa.
Over is 7-4 in last eleven meetings.
Seahawks (-1.5) @ 49ers
Seahawks (13-3)
Seahawks won six in row, 10 of their last 11 games.
Seattle is 6-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Seahawks went over their team total 11 of last 15 games.
Darnold is 48-42 as an NFL starter.
MacDonald is 23-10 as a head coach.
Seattle is 6-2 ATS last eight NFC West road games.
Seattle is 4-1 ATS as a road favorite this year.
Seattle is 7-5-2 ATS in last 14 games as a road favorite.
Seattle is 16-6-1 ATS in last 23 games coming off a win
Opponents’ team total: under 10-5-1.
49ers (12-4)
49ers won last six games, scoring 37-48-42 points in last three.
49ers are 5-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
49ers allowed 26-30-26-42 points in their losses.
In their four losses, 49ers were minus-8 in turnovers.
Purdy is 34-16 as an NFL starter.
Shanahan is 90-70 as an NFL head coach
49ers are 1-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
Since 2022, 49ers are 1-5 ATS as a home underdog.
Six of 49ers’ last seven wins were all by 10+ points.
49ers are 5-11 ATS in last 16 games coming off a win.
49ers are 1-7 ATS last eight NFC West home games.
Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.
49ers (-1.5) outgained Seahawks 384-230, won 17-13 at Seattle in Week 1
49ers won seven of last eight series games.
Seahawks are 1-3 SU/2-2 ATS in last four visits to Santa Clara.
Under is 4-2 in last six meetings.
Sunday’s games
Colts @ Texans (-10.5)
Colts (8-8)
First NFL start for rookie 6th round draft pick QB Leonard.
Indy lost last six games, after an 8-2 start.
Colts are 8-0 scoring 29+ points, 0-8 scoring less than 29
Leonard is 18-33/145 passing this year.
Steichen is 25-25 SU as a head coach
Colts are 4-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Colts are 7-3 ATS last 10 games as a road underdog.
Under Steichen, Colts are 14-12 ATS as an underdog.
Last five games, Colts ran ball for 79 yards/game.
Colts are 6-2 ATS in last eight AFC South road games.
Under is 4-2 in their last six games.
Texans (11-5)
Houston won its last eight games (6-2 ATS).
Texans are 10-0 when they score 20+ points.
Texans held 11 of 16 opponents under 300 TY.
Stroud is 29-20 as an NFL starter.
Ryans is 33-21 in as an NFL head coach.
Houston is 3-3 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Texans are 7-17-1 ATS last 25 games as a home favorite
Houston is 5-0 in games decided by 10+ points, 6-5 in games decided by 8 or less.
Last seven games, Texans allowed 19.3 ppg.
Houston is 3-5 ATS last eight AFC South home games.
Last 13 games, Texans are +17 in turnovers.
Texans can win AFC South if they win/Jaguars lose.
Colts (-3) lost 20-16 at home to the Texans in Week 13.
Texans are 5-1-1 SU in last seven series games.
Colts are 3-1-1 SU/4-1 ATS last five visits to Houston.
Under is 8-3 in last eleven meetings.
Cowboys (-3.5) @ Giants
Cowboys (7-8-1)
Dallas lost three of its last four games, allowing 44-34-34-23 points.
Last eight games, Dallas is minus-9 in turnovers
Dallas is minus-12 in turnovers in losses, +3 in wins.
QB Prescott is 85-59-1 as an NFL starter.
Brian Schottenheimer is 7-8-1 as a head coach.
Cowboys are 2-6 SU on the road this year.
Cowboys are 1-4 ATS last five games as a road favorite.
Dallas is 6-1-1 scoring 30+ points, 1-7 otherwise.
Cowboys are 5-8 ATS last 13 games coming off a win.
Over is 5-1 in their last six road games.
Last eleven games, Dallas’ team total: over 7-3-1
Dallas is 8-6 ATS in last 14 NFC East road games.
Giants (2-13)
Giants lost 9 of their last ten games (4-6 ATS)
Giants are 0-12 when they give up more than 18 points.
Giants have fired their head coach, a few assistants
Rookie QB Dart is 3-8 as an NFL starter.
OC Kafka is the interim coach, is also calling plays.
Giants are 2-5 SU at home this year.
Giants are 3-3 ATS as a home underdog this year.
Since 2018, Giants are 20-30-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Giants are 11-8-1 ATS in last 20 games coming off a win.
Nine of Giants’ last 12 games went over the total.
Giants are +4 in turnovers in their last three games.
Dallas (-5) beat Giants 40-37 in OT at home in Week 2.
Long time ago; Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards in that game.
Dallas won last ten series games.
Cowboys are 4-0 SU/3-1 ATS last four visits to New Jersey.
Over is 5-3 in last eight meetings.
Browns @ Bengals (-7.5)
Browns (4-12)
Cleveland lost seven of its last nine games.
Browns are 0-12 when they allow more than 10 points.
Last six games, Browns are minus-11 in turnovers.
Rookie QB Sanders is 2-4 as an NFL starter
Stefanski is 45-59 as a head coach.
Browns are 2-11 SU/4-9 ATS in last 13 games.
Browns are 1-5 ATS this year as a road underdog.
Cleveland is 6-17-1 ATS in last 24 games coming off a win.
Browns are 2-6 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Under is 4-2 in Cleveland’s last six games.
Browns are 3-14 ATS in last 17 AFC North road games.
Bengals (6-10)
Bengals won their last two games, scoring 45-37 points.
Bengals scored 31+ points in their last five wins.
Bengals are 1-7 when they score less than 31 points.
Burrow is 48-34-1 as an NFL starter.
Taylor is 57-64-1 as a head coach.
Bengals are 3-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
Cincinnati is 5-6 ATS last 11 games as home favorites.
Bengals are 3-4 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Bengals are +10 in turnovers in wins, minus-12 in losses.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Cincinnati is 11-6-2 ATS last 19 AFC North home games.
Bengals (-5) won season opener 17-16 in Cleveland
Browns outgained Cincinnati 327-141 in that game.
Bengals won five of last seven series games.
Browns are 0-3 SU/ATS in last three visits to Cincinnati.
Under is 4-0 in last four meetings.
Saints @ Falcons (-3.5)
Saints (6-10)
Saints won their last four games, scoring 26.8 ppg
Saints are +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-11 in losses.
Saints are 3-4 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
26-year old rookie QB Shough is 5-3 as an NFL starter.
Kellen Moore is 6-10 as a head coach.
Saints are 5-7 ATS as an underdog this year (4-0 last four).
New Orleans is 16-10-1 ATS last 27 games as a road underdog.
Saints are 10-13 ATS in last 23 games coming off a win.
Opponents’ team total: under 5-3 last eight.
Under is 10-2 in Saints’ last 12 games.
Saints are 5-2-1 ATS in last eight NFC South road games.
Falcons (7-9)
Atlanta won its last three games, scoring 29-26-27 points.
Falcons are 4-5 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Atlanta is 4-9 when it allows more than 14 points.
QB Cousins is 88-80-2 as an NFL starter, 11-10 with Falcons.
Morris is 36-56 as a head coach.
Atlanta is 1-2 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Atlanta is 8-11 ATS last 19 games as a home favorite.
Falcons are 7-13 ATS last 20 games coming off a win.
Atlanta’s team total: over 7-1-1 last nine games.
Falcons allowed 24+ points in eight of their last ten games.
Over is 7-2 in last nine Atlanta games.
Falcons (+2) won 24-10 in Superdome in Week 12.
Atlanta won three of last four series games.
Saints lost 26-24/24-15 in last two visits to Atlanta.
Under is 3-1 in last four meetings.
Packers @ Vikings (-7.5)
Packers (9-5-1)
#3 QB Clayton Tune (0-1 as NFL starter) gets his first start since 2023.
Packers lost last three games, giving up 34-22-41 points.
Green Bay is 9-2-1 when it scores 23+ points, 0-4 otherwise.
Green Bay is 4-5-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
LaFleur is 79-44-1 as an NFL head coach.
Packers are 1-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Packers are 6-11-1 ATS last 18 games coming off a loss.
Green Bay is 6-5 ATS in last 11 NFC North road games.
Last three games, Green Bay is minus-3 in turnovers, gave up 401.7 ypg.
Packers converted 55 of last 106 third down plays.
Vikings (8-8)
Vikings won last four games, giving up 12.3 points/game.
Last four weeks, Vikings are +7 in turnovers.
Minnesota is 2-8 when they score less than 27 points.
McCarthy is 5-4 as an NFL starter.
O’Connell is 42-26 as an NFL head coach.
Vikings are 4-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
Vikings are 17-8-1 ATS in last 26 games coming off a win.
Minnesota is 5-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Minnesota is 4-7 ATS in last 11 NFC North home games.
Vikings held five of last six opponents under 300 TY.
Under is 7-1 in their last eight games.
Vikings (+6) lost 23-6 at Green Bay in Week 12.
Packers were +3 in turnovers, held Vikings to 145 total yards.
Vikings won three of last four series games.
Green Bay lost three of their last four visits to Minnesota.
Over is 7-3-1 in last 11 meetings.
Titans @ Jaguars (-13.5)
Titans (3-13)
Tennessee split its last four games, after a 1-11 start.
Titans are 5-3 ATS in their last eight games.
Last four games, Titans scored 26.8 ppg.
Interim coach McCoy was 28-38 coaching Chargers from 2013-16.
Rookie QB Ward is 3-13 as an NFL starter.
Titans are 9-18 ATS in last 27 games as an underdog.
Tennessee is 6-6 ATS this year in games coming off a loss.
Only one of their last six losses was by more than 13 points.
Over is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Tennessee is 1-7 ATS last eight AFC South road games.
Jaguars (12-4)
Jacksonville won its last seven games, scoring 32.6 ppg
Jaguars are 12-1 if they allow fewer than 31 points.
Jacksonville has six wins by more than 13 points.
QB Lawrence is 35-43 as an NFL starter.
Liam Coen is 12-4 as an NFL head coach.
Jaguars are 4-3 ATS as a favorite this year,
Jaguars are 7-4 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.
Jaguars are 20-15 ATS in last 35 games coming off a win.
Last five games, Jaguars are +8 in turnovers.
Over is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Jaguars are 6-2 ATS in last eight AFC South home games.
Jaguars (-6) won 25-3 in Nashville in Week 13.
Jaguars held Tennessee to 188 total yards.
Jaguars won four in row, six of last seven series games.
Titans lost last three visits to Jacksonville, by 4-7-20 points.
Last three meetings stayed under the total.
Cardinals @ Rams (-7)
Cardinals (3-13)
Cardinals lost eight in row, 13 of last 14 games.
Cardinals are 0-10 when they allow more than 22 points.
Last four weeks, Cardinals allowed 37 points/game.
Brissett is 20-44 as an NFL starter.
Gannon is 15-35 as an NFL head coach.
Arizona is 4-3 ATS as a road underdog TY.
Last eight games, Cardinals are 1-7 ATS
Under Gannon, Arizona is 21-17 ATS as an underdog.
Arizona is 4-7 ATS last 11 NFC West road games.
Arizona is 24-21 ATS in last 45 games coming off a loss.
Rams (11-5)
Rams lost last two games, by 1-3 points.
Rams have a playoff game on the road next week.
Rams are 8-0 when they allow less than 26 points.
Rams last three losses were by 1-3-3-3 points.
QB Stafford is 50-30 as the Rams’ starter (124-123-1 overall).
McVay is 99-62 as an NFL head coach.
Rams are 5-2 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Rams are 5-8-1 ATS in last 14 NFC West home games.
Over is 7-2 in Rams’ last nine games.
Rams went over team total in 11 of last 15 games.
Rams are 5-4 ATS in last nine games coming off a loss.
Rams (-8) won 45-17 at Arizona four weeks ago.
Rams were +3 in turnovers, ran ball for 249 yards.
LA won five of last six series games.
Cardinals are 2-7 SU/ATS in last nine visits to Los Angeles.
Over is 6-3 in last nine meetings.
Chargers @ Broncos (-12.5)
Chargers (11-5)
#2 QB Lance gets start; he’s 2-3 as NFL starter- Herbert rests his broken left hand
Chargers have a road playoff game next week.
Chargers won four of five, seven of their last nine games.
Bolts are 6-2 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Jim Harbaugh is 71-34-1 as an NFL head coach.
Chargers are 4-0 ATS as an underdog this year.
Chargers are 8-3 ATS in last 11 games coming off a loss.
Bolts are 10-2 when they allow 21 or fewer points.
Chargers are +8 in turnovers in wins, minus-4 in losses.
Chargers are 5-0 ATS in last five AFC West road games.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Broncos (13-3)
Broncos won 12 of their last 13 games.
Denver needs win to clinch #1-seed in AFC, bye next week.
Denver is 8-1 when they score more than 20 points.
QB Nix is 23-11 as an NFL starter.
Payton is 192-117 as an NFL head coach, 31-20 with Denver.
Denver is 2-4 ATS as a home favorite this season.
Underdogs covered their last eight games.
This year, Denver is 5-7 ATS in games coming off a win.
Over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Broncos are 10-6-1 ATS in last 17 AFC West home games.
Chargers (-2.5) beat Denver 23-20 at home in Week 3.
Chargers won last three series games.
Bolts are 1-5 SU/1-4-1 ATS in last six visits to Denver.
Under is 4-2 in last six meetings.
Chiefs (-5.5) @ Raiders
Chiefs (6-10)
Chiefs are out of playoffs for first time since 2014
Chiefs lost last five games, scoring 11.3 ppg in last four.
#3 QB Oladokun is 0-1 as an NFL starter.
He is 24-38/177 passing this year.
Andy Reid is 307-173-1 as an NFL head coach
Chiefs are 6-4 giving up 20 or less points, 0-6 giving up 21+.
Last four games, Chiefs scored 10-13-9-13 points.
Chiefs are 19-28 ATS last 47 games coming off a loss.
Last nine games, Chiefs team total: under 8-0-1.
Under is 10-1 in last eleven Kansas City games.
Kansas City is 3-7 ATS in last 10 AFC West road games.
Raiders (2-14)
Raiders lost ten games in a row, 14 of last 15.
If they lose this game, Raiders get the first pick in the draft.
Raiders allowed 13-10 points in their wins
Last eight games, Raiders are 4-5 against the spread.
QB Geno Smith is out; Pickett is 15-11 as an NFL starter.
Carroll is 183-145-1 as an NFL head coach.
Raiders are 13-20-2 ATS last 35 games as an underdog.
Raiders are 3-3 ATS as a home underdog this year.
Las Vegas has nine losses by 11+ points this season.
Raiders are 14-19-1 ATS in last 34 games coming off a loss.
Over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Raiders are 6-5 ATS in last 11 AFC West home games.
Chiefs (-12) blanked Las Vegas 31-0 at home in Week 7.
Chiefs won 18 of last 21 series games.
Chiefs are 5-0 SU/3-2 ATS in their five trips to Las Vegas.
Over is 7-4 in last eleven meetings.
Dolphins @ Patriots (-10.5)
Dolphins (7-9)
Miami won five of its last seven games.
Miami allowed 27+ points in all nine losses.
Dolphins are 7-0 when they allow less than 27 points.
First road start for rookie QB Ewers (1-1 as starter)
McDaniel is 34-34 as a head coach.
Miami is 2-3 ATS as a road underdog this year.
Miami is 5-8 ATS in last 13 games coming off a win.
Dolphins were held under 300 TY in three of last five games.
Dolphins are 4-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Miami is 10-4 ATS last 14 AFC East road games.
Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.
Patriots (11-3)
Patriots is 12-1 SU/10-3 ATS in their last 13 games.
Last seven games, Patriots scored 30.7 points/game.
Opponents’ team total: under 12-2 last 14 games
QB Maye is 16-12 as an NFL starter.
Vrabel is 69-51 as an NFL head coach.
Patriots are 7-3 ATS as a favorite this year.
NE is 4-2 ATS last six games as a home favorite.
Last three games, Patriots allowed 171-168-164 rushing yards.
Last two games, Patriots gained 453-440 total yards.
Over is 8-2 in their last ten games.
Patriots are 6-8 ATS in last 14 AFC East home games.
Patriots (+1.5) won 33-27 at Miami in Week 2.
Miami won five of last six series games.
Dolphins won three of last four visits to Foxboro.
Under is 7-5 in last 12 meetings.
Commanders @ Eagles (-4.5)
Commanders (4-12)
39-year old #3 QB Josh Johnson will start here.
Johnson is 1-9 as an NFL starter.
Commanders are 1-10 SU/3-8 ATS in their last ten games.
Washington is 0-11 when it allows more than 24 points.
Quinn is 64-61 as an NFL coach.
Last eleven games, Commanders are minus-12 in turnovers.
Commanders are 1-6 in games decided by 9 or fewer points.
Opponents’ over/under total: over 11-4 last fifteen games.
Washington is 14-20-1 ATS in last 35 games coming off a loss.
Washington is 5-9 ATS last 14 NFC East road games.
Eagles (11-5)
Eagles are resting starters here, with playoff game next week.
Philly is 7-0 when they score more than 21 points.
Eagles won last three games, giving up 10 ppg.
Backup QB McKee is 1-0 as an NFL starter.
Sirianni is 64-28 as an NFL coach.
Eagles are 8-6 ATS as a favorite this year.
Philly is 19-14-1 ATS in last 34 games as a home favorite.
Philly is 15-7 ATS in last 22 games coming off a win.
Eagles only gained 190 yards in their 13-12 win at Buffalo LW.
Eagles are 8-6 ATS in last 14 NFC East home games.
Eagles (-7) won 29-18 at Washington two weeks ago.
Commanders lost last three visits to Philly, by 8-32-3 points.
Over is 7-2 in last nine meetings.
Lions @ Bears (-3)
Lions (8-8)
Detroit is 4-7 in its last 11 games, after a 4-1 start.
Lions are 1-7 when they score less than 34 points.
Last five games, Detroit gave up 30.8 ppg.
QB Goff is 93-65-1 as an NFL starter, 51-38-1 with Detroit.
Campbell is 55-45-1 as an NFL head coach.
.
Last three weeks, Detroit ran ball for only 51 yards/game.
Lions are 1-4 ATS as an underdog this year.
Detroit is 14-11 ATS last 25 games as a road underdog.
Lions are 11-3 ATS last 14 games coming off a loss.
Lions were minus-6 in turnovers in LW’s loss at Minnesota.
Detroit is 8-3 ATS last 11 NFC North road games.
Bears (11-5)
Bears won seven of nine, 11 of last 14 games.
Chicago has a home playoff game next week.
Bears are 10-2 scoring 24+ points, 1-3 scoring less.
In wins, Chicago was +24 in turnovers; minus-2 in losses.
Ben Johnson is 11-5 as an NFL head coach.
QB Williams is 16-17 as an NFL starter.
Chicago is 3-2-1 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Chicago is 6-4-1 ATS in last 11 games as a home favorite.
Chicago is 14-10-1 ATS in last 25 games coming off a loss.
Bears are 9-0 when they allow less than 27 points.
Bears are 7-3 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Chicago is 5-11-1 ATS in last 17 NFC North home games.
Lions (-4.5) drilled Bears 52-21 at home back in Week 2
Chicago coach Johnson was Lions’ OC the last few years.
Detroit won six of last seven series games.
Lions split their last four visits to Chicago.
Over is 4-2 in last six meetings.
Jets @ Bills (-6.5)
Jets (3-13)
Jets lost their last four games, giving up 34-48-29-42 points.
Jets are 0-11 when they score less than 27 points.
Last four games, Jets lost by an average score of 38-12.
Undrafted rookie QB Cook is 0-3 as an NFL starter.
Aaron Glenn is 3-13 as a head coach.
Jets are 3-4 ATS as a road underdog this year
Jets are 5-11-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog
Jets are 12-20-1 ATS last 33 games coming off a loss.
Jets have six losses by more than 13 points.
Jets are minus-19 in turnovers this season.
Over is 5-1 in their last six games.
Jets are 3-13-1 ATS in last 17 AFC East road games.
Bills (11-5)
Last regular season game for the Bills in this stadium.
Bills won four of five, seven of their last ten games.
Buffalo scored 23+ points in wins, 20-14-13-19-12 in losses.
Buffalo is +10 in turnovers in wins, minus-9 in losses.
QB Allen is 94-45 as an NFL starter; check status on his foot.
McDermott is 103-57 as an NFL head coach.
Bills are 1-5 ATS as a home favorite this year.
Buffalo is 10-13 ATS last 23 games as a home favorite.
Bills are 5-2 ATS in last seven games coming off a loss.
Buffalo is 11-0 when they score more than 20 points.
Bills are 7-6-1 ATS last 14 AFC East home games.
Bills (-6) won 30-10 at the Jets in Week 2.
Buffalo won 10 of last 12 series games.
Jets are 0-5 SU/1-4 ATS last five visits to Buffalo.
Under is 9-4 in last 13 meetings.
Ravens (-3.5) @ Steelers
Ravens (8-8)
Baltimore lost three of its last five games, after a 5-0 streak.
Baltimore is 1-7 when they allow more than 19 points.
Ravens are minus-14 in turnovers in losses, +12 in wins.
QB Jackson is 81-35 as an NFL starter
John Harbaugh is 193-123 as an NFL head coach.
Ravens won their last five road games SU.
Ravens are 3-3 ATS as a road favorite this year.
Ravens are 13-7 ATS last 20 games as a road favorite.
This year, Baltimore is 2-5 ATS in games coming off a win.
Baltimore is 6-8 ATS last 14 AFC North road games.
Over is 3-1 in their last four games.
Steelers (9-6)
Steelers won three of their last four games.
Pittsburgh is 8-1 when it allows less than 25 points.
Steelers are +13 in turnovers in wins, minus-4 in losses.
Rodgers is 173-103-1 as an NFL starter
Tomlin is 200-125-2 as a head coach.
Steelers are 4-3-1 ATS as an underdog this year.
Steelers are 9-6-1 ATS last 16 games as a home underdog.
Pittsburgh WR Metcalf is out here (suspension)
This year, Steelers are 4-2 ATS in games coming off a loss.
Steelers are 8-0 ATS in last eight AFC North home games.
Under is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Winner of this game wins the AFC North
If it goes to overtime, Steelers would be happy with a tie.
Steelers (+5) won 27-22 at Baltimore four weeks ago.
Steelers won nine of last 12 series games.
Ravens are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS last five visits to Pittsburgh.
Three of last four meetings went over the total.
Saturday, January 3
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAR at TB | 04:30 PM | CAR +3.0***** U 44.5***** | +500 +500 |
| SEA at SF | 08:00 PM | SF +1.5***** O 47.5***** | +500 +500 |
CNOTES NFL BEST BETS THRU THE SUPERBOWL !
01/03/2026................3 - 1 - 0............75.00%............+ 9.50
TOTALS......................3 - 1 - 0............75.00%............+ 9.50
01/03/2026................3 - 1 - 0............75.00%............+ 9.50
TOTALS......................3 - 1 - 0............75.00%............+ 9.50
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Unbeaten college basketball teams:
15-0— Miami OH
14-0— Arizona
14-0— Iowa State
14-0— Nebraska
14-0— Vanderbilt
13-0— Michigan
Quote of the Day
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
Sunday’s quiz
Who is the all-time leader in receiving yards for the Rams?
Saturday’s quiz
In his NFL playing career, Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh had more rushing yards than Bo Jackson; Harbaugh had 2,787 rushing yards, Bo Jackson 2,782.
Friday’s quiz
Max Scherzer is the only major league pitcher ever to pitch in a World Series for four different teams.
*************************************************
This game was played in a rainy quagmire in Tampa.
Both teams are now 8-9, tied for first in NFC South.
If Atlanta wins Sunday, it creates a 3-way tie; Carolina would advance
If New Orleans wins Sunday, Tampa Bay would advance.
Tampa Bay was 8-15 on third down, Carolina 1-8 (2-2 on 4th down)
Panthers ran the ball 14 times for only 19 yards.
Chase McLaughlin kicked field goals of 29-36-48 yards.
Just second win in last nine games for the Buccaneers.
— Seahawks 13, 49ers 3
Seattle wins NFC West, gets a first round bye in the playoffs.
Seahawks outgained San Francisco 361-173.
Seattle ran for 180 yards, didn’t score TD in three trips to red zone.
K Myers was only 2-4 on field goals; he had made 18 in a row coming in.
49ers will be #6-seed if Rams win Sunday, #5-seed if Arizona wins.
49ers’ first three drives: 12 plays, 39 yards, no points.
Seattle’s first four drives: 34 plays, 187 yards, 10 points.
Seahawks were 6-13 on third down, San Francisco 2-9.
— College Basketball Upsets of the Day:
Providence (+12) 77, St John’s 71
Mississippi State (+9.5) 101, Texas 98
Cal-Bakersfield (+9.5) 81, Cal-Davis 79
Georgia State (+8.5) 89, Coastal Carolina 71
James Madison (+8.5) 78, Arkansas State 74
Monmouth (+8.5) 62, Towson 48
Western Carolina (+8.5) 80, Furman 77 OT
There were 18 teams that won Saturday, after trailing by 10+ points. Lot of comebacks.
— SEC basketball
Alabama 89, Kentucky 74
Crimson Tide led 50-34 at halftime.
Alabama shot 15-38 on the arc; Kentucky was 4-19.
Alabama is 11-3; they’ve played the toughest schedule in country so far.
Arkansas 86, Tennessee 75
Vols led by 5 with 12:29 left in the game.
Arkansas was 29-33 on foul line, Tennessee 12-23
Acuff had 29 points, 4 assists for the Razorbacks.
Georgia 104, Auburn 100 OT
Georgia shot 63.9% inside the arc.
Dawgs have won seven games in a row, are 13-1, vs schedule #321.
Georgia’s only loss was in OT to Clemson, on a neutral floor.
KenPom has four SEC teams ranked in the country’s top 30.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had SEC getting 9 teams in NCAA’s.
— Big X
BYU 83, Kansas State 73
Freshman AJ Dybansas had 24 points, 8 rebounds, 7 turnovers.
K-State shot 3-21 on the arc.
BYU has won 10 in a row, is 13-1 against schedule #51.
Central Florida 81, Kansas 75
Knights have won 11 in a row, are a very quiet 12-1 team.
UCF is #5 team in country on the offensive boards.
Kansas star Peterson had 26 points in 23:00; only third game he’s played since November 11th.
Houston 67, Cincinnati 60
Bearcats led by 10 early in the second half.
Freshman G Flemings had 19 points, 6 assists, 5 steals.
Cougars have won seven in a row, are 13-1 vs schedule #106.
KenPom has five Big X teams ranked in the country’s top 20.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had Big X getting 8 teams in NCAA’s.
— Big East
Providence 77, St John’s 71
Red Storm led 15-2 early on, 39-32 at halftime.
6-9 senior Ejiofor was 14-23 on foul line. One guy; 23 foul shots.
First win for Providence in seven games vs top 100 teams.
Villanova 85, Butler 67
Villanova shot 67.6% inside the arc.
Butler is 1-3 in Big East games, giving up 90.8 ppg.
Villanova has won five in a row, is 12-2 vs schedule #49.
KenPom has only three Big East teams ranked in the country’s top 40.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had Big East getting 5 teams in NCAA’s.
— Big 18
Iowa 74, UCLA 61
Hawkeyes led 38-14 early in the game.
6-4 senior Stirtz scored 27 points, had 5 assists.
Iowa shot 66.7% inside the arc, scored 1.19 ppp.
KenPom has six Big 18 teams ranked in the country’s top 25.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had Big 18 getting 10 teams in NCAA’s.
— ACC
SMU 97, North Carolina 83
Game was 39-39 at halftime; SMU scored 58 points in 2nd half.
SMU shot 14-27 on the arc, scored 1.40 ppp.
Mustangs are 12-2 (5-2 vs top 100 teams) vs schedule #88.
Duke 91, Florida State 87
Duke was 23-25 on foul line, Seminoles 11-16.
Florida State shot 61% inside arc; they led by 4 points early in second half.
Duke is 13-1; their only loss was 82-81 to #20 Texas Tech.
KenPom has four ACC teams ranked in the country’s top 30.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had ACC getting 8 teams in NCAA’s.
— Famous birthdays, January 4th:
Dyan Cannon, 89
Charlie Manuel, 82
Dave Foley, 63
Ted Lilly, 50
Eric Weddle, 41
Scott Sizemore, 41
Kevin Pillar, 37
Kris Bryant, 34
Michael Lorenzen, 32
Reynaldo Lopez, 32
Derrick Henry, 32
Victor Wembanyama, 32
— Charlotte 104, Wichita State 100, 2OTs
Wichita led by 18 in 2nd half, by 5 with 0:19 left in regulation.
Charlotte was 29-38 on foul line, scored 1.39 ppp.
Charlotte is 7-8; their last two wins were in overtime.
— Ohio U 68, Eastern Michigan 67
Eagles led 35-15 early on, 32-15 at halftime.
Ohio U outscored them 53-35 in second half.
Bobcats have won 7 of last 8 games, after a 1-6 start.
— Bowling Green 101, UMass 100 OT
Falcons trailed by 7 with 0:54 left in regulation.
6-2 senior Campbell was 20-27 on the foul line, scored 47 points.
Bowling Green is 8-4 vs D-I teams (schedule #283).
— Toronto Blue Jays signed 3B Kazuma Okamoto to a 4-year, $60M contract; down the road, he is seen as more of a 1B than 3B, but with Vladimir Guerrero entrenched at 1B, seems like he’ll be a 3B or DH for now.
Unbeaten college basketball teams:
15-0— Miami OH
14-0— Arizona
14-0— Iowa State
14-0— Nebraska
14-0— Vanderbilt
13-0— Michigan
Quote of the Day
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
Sunday’s quiz
Who is the all-time leader in receiving yards for the Rams?
Saturday’s quiz
In his NFL playing career, Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh had more rushing yards than Bo Jackson; Harbaugh had 2,787 rushing yards, Bo Jackson 2,782.
Friday’s quiz
Max Scherzer is the only major league pitcher ever to pitch in a World Series for four different teams.
*************************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a busy Saturday……
— Buccaneers 16, Panthers 14This game was played in a rainy quagmire in Tampa.
Both teams are now 8-9, tied for first in NFC South.
If Atlanta wins Sunday, it creates a 3-way tie; Carolina would advance
If New Orleans wins Sunday, Tampa Bay would advance.
Tampa Bay was 8-15 on third down, Carolina 1-8 (2-2 on 4th down)
Panthers ran the ball 14 times for only 19 yards.
Chase McLaughlin kicked field goals of 29-36-48 yards.
Just second win in last nine games for the Buccaneers.
— Seahawks 13, 49ers 3
Seattle wins NFC West, gets a first round bye in the playoffs.
Seahawks outgained San Francisco 361-173.
Seattle ran for 180 yards, didn’t score TD in three trips to red zone.
K Myers was only 2-4 on field goals; he had made 18 in a row coming in.
49ers will be #6-seed if Rams win Sunday, #5-seed if Arizona wins.
49ers’ first three drives: 12 plays, 39 yards, no points.
Seattle’s first four drives: 34 plays, 187 yards, 10 points.
Seahawks were 6-13 on third down, San Francisco 2-9.
— College Basketball Upsets of the Day:
Providence (+12) 77, St John’s 71
Mississippi State (+9.5) 101, Texas 98
Cal-Bakersfield (+9.5) 81, Cal-Davis 79
Georgia State (+8.5) 89, Coastal Carolina 71
James Madison (+8.5) 78, Arkansas State 74
Monmouth (+8.5) 62, Towson 48
Western Carolina (+8.5) 80, Furman 77 OT
There were 18 teams that won Saturday, after trailing by 10+ points. Lot of comebacks.
— SEC basketball
Alabama 89, Kentucky 74
Crimson Tide led 50-34 at halftime.
Alabama shot 15-38 on the arc; Kentucky was 4-19.
Alabama is 11-3; they’ve played the toughest schedule in country so far.
Arkansas 86, Tennessee 75
Vols led by 5 with 12:29 left in the game.
Arkansas was 29-33 on foul line, Tennessee 12-23
Acuff had 29 points, 4 assists for the Razorbacks.
Georgia 104, Auburn 100 OT
Georgia shot 63.9% inside the arc.
Dawgs have won seven games in a row, are 13-1, vs schedule #321.
Georgia’s only loss was in OT to Clemson, on a neutral floor.
KenPom has four SEC teams ranked in the country’s top 30.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had SEC getting 9 teams in NCAA’s.
— Big X
BYU 83, Kansas State 73
Freshman AJ Dybansas had 24 points, 8 rebounds, 7 turnovers.
K-State shot 3-21 on the arc.
BYU has won 10 in a row, is 13-1 against schedule #51.
Central Florida 81, Kansas 75
Knights have won 11 in a row, are a very quiet 12-1 team.
UCF is #5 team in country on the offensive boards.
Kansas star Peterson had 26 points in 23:00; only third game he’s played since November 11th.
Houston 67, Cincinnati 60
Bearcats led by 10 early in the second half.
Freshman G Flemings had 19 points, 6 assists, 5 steals.
Cougars have won seven in a row, are 13-1 vs schedule #106.
KenPom has five Big X teams ranked in the country’s top 20.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had Big X getting 8 teams in NCAA’s.
— Big East
Providence 77, St John’s 71
Red Storm led 15-2 early on, 39-32 at halftime.
6-9 senior Ejiofor was 14-23 on foul line. One guy; 23 foul shots.
First win for Providence in seven games vs top 100 teams.
Villanova 85, Butler 67
Villanova shot 67.6% inside the arc.
Butler is 1-3 in Big East games, giving up 90.8 ppg.
Villanova has won five in a row, is 12-2 vs schedule #49.
KenPom has only three Big East teams ranked in the country’s top 40.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had Big East getting 5 teams in NCAA’s.
— Big 18
Iowa 74, UCLA 61
Hawkeyes led 38-14 early in the game.
6-4 senior Stirtz scored 27 points, had 5 assists.
Iowa shot 66.7% inside the arc, scored 1.19 ppp.
KenPom has six Big 18 teams ranked in the country’s top 25.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had Big 18 getting 10 teams in NCAA’s.
— ACC
SMU 97, North Carolina 83
Game was 39-39 at halftime; SMU scored 58 points in 2nd half.
SMU shot 14-27 on the arc, scored 1.40 ppp.
Mustangs are 12-2 (5-2 vs top 100 teams) vs schedule #88.
Duke 91, Florida State 87
Duke was 23-25 on foul line, Seminoles 11-16.
Florida State shot 61% inside arc; they led by 4 points early in second half.
Duke is 13-1; their only loss was 82-81 to #20 Texas Tech.
KenPom has four ACC teams ranked in the country’s top 30.
Going into Saturday, Bracketology had ACC getting 8 teams in NCAA’s.
— Famous birthdays, January 4th:
Dyan Cannon, 89
Charlie Manuel, 82
Dave Foley, 63
Ted Lilly, 50
Eric Weddle, 41
Scott Sizemore, 41
Kevin Pillar, 37
Kris Bryant, 34
Michael Lorenzen, 32
Reynaldo Lopez, 32
Derrick Henry, 32
Victor Wembanyama, 32
— Charlotte 104, Wichita State 100, 2OTs
Wichita led by 18 in 2nd half, by 5 with 0:19 left in regulation.
Charlotte was 29-38 on foul line, scored 1.39 ppp.
Charlotte is 7-8; their last two wins were in overtime.
— Ohio U 68, Eastern Michigan 67
Eagles led 35-15 early on, 32-15 at halftime.
Ohio U outscored them 53-35 in second half.
Bobcats have won 7 of last 8 games, after a 1-6 start.
— Bowling Green 101, UMass 100 OT
Falcons trailed by 7 with 0:54 left in regulation.
6-2 senior Campbell was 20-27 on the foul line, scored 47 points.
Bowling Green is 8-4 vs D-I teams (schedule #283).
— Toronto Blue Jays signed 3B Kazuma Okamoto to a 4-year, $60M contract; down the road, he is seen as more of a 1B than 3B, but with Vladimir Guerrero entrenched at 1B, seems like he’ll be a 3B or DH for now.
Sunday, January 4
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB at MIN | 01:00 PM | MIN -10.5 U 36.5***** | +500 +500 |
| TEN at JAC | 01:00 PM | TEN +12.0 O 47.5***** | +500 +500 |
| NO at ATL | 01:00 PM | NO +3.5 U 43.5***** | +500 +500 |
| CLE at CIN | 01:00 PM | CLE +7.5 O 45.5***** | +500 +500 |
| IND at HOU | 01:00 PM | HOU -10.5***** U 39.5 | +500 +500 |
| DAL at NYG | 01:00 PM | NYG +3.5 O 50.0***** | +500 +500 |
| NYJ at BUF | 04:25 PM | BUF -11.5***** U 37.0 | +500 +500 |
| MIA at NE | 04:25 PM | NE -11.5***** O 45.5 | +500 +500 |
| DET at CHI | 04:25 PM | DET +3.0 O 50.5***** | +500 +500 |
| KC at LV | 04:25 PM | KC -4.5***** U 36.0 | +500 +500 |
| ARI at LA | 04:25 PM | ARI +8.5**** O 46.5***** | +500 +500 |
| WAS at PHI | 04:25 PM | WAS +4.0 U 40.0***** | +500 +500 |
| LAC at DEN | 04:25 PM | DEN -12.0***** U 37.5 | +500 +500 |
| BAL at PIT | 08:20 PM | PIT +3.5***** O 41.0***** | +500 +500 |
CNOTES NFL BEST BETS THRU THE SUPERBOWL !
1/04/2026................11 - 5 - 0............68.75%............+ 27.50
01/03/2026................3 - 1 - 0............75.00%............+ 9.50
TOTALS....................14 - 6 - 0............70.00%............+ 37.50
1/04/2026................11 - 5 - 0............68.75%............+ 27.50
01/03/2026................3 - 1 - 0............75.00%............+ 9.50
TOTALS....................14 - 6 - 0............70.00%............+ 37.50
- Sep 10, 2018
- 20,304
- 32
- 48
Monday’s 6-pack:
NFL playoff schedule for this week:
Saturday 4:30- Rams (-9.5) @ Carolina
Saturday 8:00- Packers (-1.5) @ Chicago
Sunday 1:00- Bills (-1.5) @ Jacksonville
Sunday 4:30- 49ers @ Philadelphia (-3.5)
Sunday 8:00- Chargers @ New England (-3.5)
Monday 8:15- Texans (-3) @ Pittsburgh
Quote of the Day
“I was not pleased with the offense today. We can’t dig ourselves in a hole like that. I was disappointed with the offense as a whole. I let those guys know that. And we’ll be better for it.”
Bears coach Ben Johnson
Monday’s quiz
What college basketball program has made the NCAA Tournament the most times (32) without ever making it to a Final Four?
Sunday’s quiz
Isaac Bruce is the all-time leader in receiving yards for the Rams.
Saturday’s quiz
In his NFL playing career, Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh had more rushing yards than Bo Jackson; Harbaugh had 2,787 rushing yards, Bo Jackson 2,782.
***************************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday…….
Steelers 26, Ravens 24
Ravens missed a 44-yard FG at the gun; Steelers win AFC North.
Steelers drove 65 yards, took lead for good on 26-yard TD pass with 0:55 left.
Baltimore lost four of its last six games, after a 5-0 streak.
Ravens miss playoffs for only second time in last eight years.
Baltimore led this game 1o-3 at halftime.
Steelers in second half: 40 plays, 237 yards, 23 points.
Pittsburgh won three of its last four games.
Steelers host Houston in first round of playoffs next Monday.
Falcons 19, Saints 17
Atlanta’s win made Carolina Panthers NFC South champs.
Panthers host the Rams Saturday in first round of the playoffs.
After the game, Falcons fired both their coach and GM.
Raheem Morris went 8-9/8-9 in his two years coaching Atlanta.
Last 2 years. Falcons were 12-10 when QB Cousins plays, 4-8 when didn’t
Atlanta’s first TD in this game came on a 5-yard drive, after a blocked punt.
New Orleans outgained the Falcons, 340-208.
Saints wound up 5-4 this year when rookie QB Shough started.
Jaguars 41, Titans 7
Jacksonville clinches AFC South, their third playoff spot in last 18 years.
Jaguars won their last eight games, scoring 33.6 ppg
Tennessee QB Ward hurt his shoulder early on, threw only three passes.
Jaguars host Buffalo in first round of the playoffs Sunday.
Titans are 9-19 ATS in last 28 games as an underdog.
Up 14-7, Jaguars broke game open with a 58-yard pick-6.
Jacksonville K Little booted a 67-yard FG at the halftime gun.
Liam Coen has an impressive 13-4 in his first year as Jaguars’ coach.
Broncos 19, Chargers 3
Denver clinches #1-seed in AFC and a bye next week.
Broncos won 13 of their last 14 games.
Chargers sat out #1 QB Herbert, who has broken left hand.
Chargers’ first five drives: 19 plays, 51 yards, 4 punts, one INT
Denver is in playoffs for second year in row, after an 8-year absence.
Broncos’ only TD of the day came on a 45-yard pick-6 in first quarter.
Chargers travel to Foxboro to play the Patriots Sunday night.
Jim Harbaugh is 72-34-1 as an NFL coach, 23-12 with the Bolts.
Patriots 38, Dolphins 10
RB Stevenson had 9 touches for 153 yards, three TD’s
Patriots swept Miami for the first time since 2016.
New England hosts the Chargers Sunday night in Foxboro.
Patriots outgained Miami, 457-180.
Miami allowed 27+ points in all 10 of its losses this year.
Dolphins went 15-19 last two years; they were 20-16 McDaniel’s first two years.
Miami hasn’t won a playoff game since 2000.
Rookie QB Ewers was 16-23/137 in his first road start; he left late with an injury.
Rams 37, Cardinals 20
Arizona led this game 20-16 with 3:51 left in third quarter.
From that point on, Rams ran 24 plays for 217 yards, three TD’s.
QB Stafford threw for 259 yards, four TD’s.
Rams go to Carolina for a playoff game late Saturday afternoon.
Rams are 9-0 when they allow less than 26 points.
This was Sean McVay’s 100th win (100-62) as a head coach.
Rams have made the playoffs in seven of his nine years as coach.
Before McVay came to the Rams, they missed playoffs 12 years in a row.
Raiders 14, Chiefs 12
Daniel Carlson kicked a 60-yard FG with 0:08 left for the win.
Chiefs had kicked FG’s with 3:33/1:01 left to grab a 21-11 lead.
Despite the win, Raiders own the first pick in April’s NFL Draft.
There were no TD’s in this game; both teams kicked four FG’s.
Chiefs ended a dismal season 6-11, losing their last six games.
#4 QB Buechele averaged 6.3 yards/pass attempt, was an improvement.
This was the Raiders’ first win since October 12 vs Tennessee.
Total yardage: Raiders 204, KC 168. Teams were combined 7-33 on 3rd down.
— Famous birthdays, January 5th:
Robert Duvall, 95
Rick Mount, 79
Jim Gantner, 73
Alex English, 72
Bob Dernier, 69
Steve Fuller, 69
Joe Cribbs, 68
Clancy Brown, 67
Danny Jackson, 63
Bradley Cooper, 51
Warrick Dunn, 51
Nori Aoki, 44
Texans 38, Colts 30
Houston kicked a 43-yard FG with 0:12 left for the win.
Texans scored TD on a fumble return on ensuing kickoff for final margin.
QB Stroud, other Houston starters, didn’t play most of second half.
Texans visit Pittsburgh in the playoffs next Monday night.
Rookie QB Leonard threw for 270 yards, two TD’s in his first NFL start.
WR Pierce caught four passes for 132 yards, two TD’s.
Colts are 8-3 ATS last 11 games as a road underdog.
Houston goes into the playoffs on a nine-game win streak.
Commanders 24, Eagles 17
Washington outscored Philly 14-0 in fourth quarter.
Eagles rested QB Hurts, RB Barkley, several other starters.
Commanders led 10-7 at halftime after Moody kicked a 56-yard FG.
This was only second win in last 12 games for Washington.
Commanders led 10-7 at halftime after Moody kicked a 56-yard FG.
Washington was 6-for-11 on 3rd down behind 39-year old backup QB Johnson.
Philly was penalized nine times for 123 yards in this game.
Eagles host San Francisco in playoffs next week at 4:30 Sunday
Lions 19, Bears 16
Detroit kicked 42-yard FG at the gun to end their season 9-8.
Lions led 16-0 after the third quarter.
Detroit’s first three drives: 36 plays, 197 yards, 13 points.
Lions scored only one touchdown, were 4-5 kicking field goals.
Chicago kept the #2-seed, hosts Green Bay in playoffs Saturday night.
Bears lost 28-21 at Lambeau in Week 14, beat Packers 22-16 in Week 16.
Bears’ first five drives: 30 plays, 107 yards, no points.
Bears in fourth quarter: 22 plays, 158 yards, 16 points.
Giants 34, Cowboys 17
Giants win clinched the Raiders having the #1-pick in draft.
Giants won last two games, after a nine-game losing skid.
Giants were 8-14 on third down, Dallas 2-8.
Rookie QB Dart threw for 230 yards, finished his rookie season 4-8.
Giants beat Cowboys for first time in last 10 meetings.
Giants led this game 16-10 at halftime.
Dallas used backup QB Milton in second half.
Cowboys had consecutive losing seasons for first time since 2000-02.
Browns 20, Bengals 18
Cleveland kicked a 49-yard FG at the gun for the win.
Browns scored two defensive TD’s in first 16:00 of this game.
Bengals missed the PAT after their first two touchdowns.
Cincinnati outgained the Browns 364-200; turnovers were a killer.
Bengals were 1-8 when they scored less than 31 points.
QB Burrow threw for 236 yards, three TD’s.
Browns were 8-26 the last two years; will Watson play QB next year?
Bengals missed playoffs last three years, going 24-26.
Vikings 16, Packers 3
Green Bay kicked FG on last play to avoid being shut out.
#3 QB Tune is 0-2 as an NFL starter, losing 27-0/16-3.
Packers get QB Love back Saturday for a playoff game in Chicago.
Green Bay lost its last four games, after a 9-3-1 start.
Minnesota won its last five games to finish season 9-8
QB McCarthy got hurt (again), didn’t finish the game.
Vikings outgained Green Bay 363-121 in this game.
WR Jefferson caught eight passes for 101 yards.
Bills 35, Jets 8
Game was 21-0 at half; not a spunky effort by the Jets.
Jets are 0-6 SU/1-5 ATS last five visits to Buffalo.
Buffalo won five of six, eight of their last eleven games overall.
Bills visit Jacksonville for a playoff game Sunday afternoon.
Jets are first team EVER not to intercept a pass all season.
Jets lost their last five games, giving up 34-48-29-42-35 points.
Jets were 0-12 when they score less than 27 points.
Jets are 5-11-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog
NFL playoff schedule for this week:
Saturday 4:30- Rams (-9.5) @ Carolina
Saturday 8:00- Packers (-1.5) @ Chicago
Sunday 1:00- Bills (-1.5) @ Jacksonville
Sunday 4:30- 49ers @ Philadelphia (-3.5)
Sunday 8:00- Chargers @ New England (-3.5)
Monday 8:15- Texans (-3) @ Pittsburgh
Quote of the Day
“I was not pleased with the offense today. We can’t dig ourselves in a hole like that. I was disappointed with the offense as a whole. I let those guys know that. And we’ll be better for it.”
Bears coach Ben Johnson
Monday’s quiz
What college basketball program has made the NCAA Tournament the most times (32) without ever making it to a Final Four?
Sunday’s quiz
Isaac Bruce is the all-time leader in receiving yards for the Rams.
Saturday’s quiz
In his NFL playing career, Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh had more rushing yards than Bo Jackson; Harbaugh had 2,787 rushing yards, Bo Jackson 2,782.
***************************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday…….
Steelers 26, Ravens 24
Ravens missed a 44-yard FG at the gun; Steelers win AFC North.
Steelers drove 65 yards, took lead for good on 26-yard TD pass with 0:55 left.
Baltimore lost four of its last six games, after a 5-0 streak.
Ravens miss playoffs for only second time in last eight years.
Baltimore led this game 1o-3 at halftime.
Steelers in second half: 40 plays, 237 yards, 23 points.
Pittsburgh won three of its last four games.
Steelers host Houston in first round of playoffs next Monday.
Falcons 19, Saints 17
Atlanta’s win made Carolina Panthers NFC South champs.
Panthers host the Rams Saturday in first round of the playoffs.
After the game, Falcons fired both their coach and GM.
Raheem Morris went 8-9/8-9 in his two years coaching Atlanta.
Last 2 years. Falcons were 12-10 when QB Cousins plays, 4-8 when didn’t
Atlanta’s first TD in this game came on a 5-yard drive, after a blocked punt.
New Orleans outgained the Falcons, 340-208.
Saints wound up 5-4 this year when rookie QB Shough started.
Jaguars 41, Titans 7
Jacksonville clinches AFC South, their third playoff spot in last 18 years.
Jaguars won their last eight games, scoring 33.6 ppg
Tennessee QB Ward hurt his shoulder early on, threw only three passes.
Jaguars host Buffalo in first round of the playoffs Sunday.
Titans are 9-19 ATS in last 28 games as an underdog.
Up 14-7, Jaguars broke game open with a 58-yard pick-6.
Jacksonville K Little booted a 67-yard FG at the halftime gun.
Liam Coen has an impressive 13-4 in his first year as Jaguars’ coach.
Broncos 19, Chargers 3
Denver clinches #1-seed in AFC and a bye next week.
Broncos won 13 of their last 14 games.
Chargers sat out #1 QB Herbert, who has broken left hand.
Chargers’ first five drives: 19 plays, 51 yards, 4 punts, one INT
Denver is in playoffs for second year in row, after an 8-year absence.
Broncos’ only TD of the day came on a 45-yard pick-6 in first quarter.
Chargers travel to Foxboro to play the Patriots Sunday night.
Jim Harbaugh is 72-34-1 as an NFL coach, 23-12 with the Bolts.
Patriots 38, Dolphins 10
RB Stevenson had 9 touches for 153 yards, three TD’s
Patriots swept Miami for the first time since 2016.
New England hosts the Chargers Sunday night in Foxboro.
Patriots outgained Miami, 457-180.
Miami allowed 27+ points in all 10 of its losses this year.
Dolphins went 15-19 last two years; they were 20-16 McDaniel’s first two years.
Miami hasn’t won a playoff game since 2000.
Rookie QB Ewers was 16-23/137 in his first road start; he left late with an injury.
Rams 37, Cardinals 20
Arizona led this game 20-16 with 3:51 left in third quarter.
From that point on, Rams ran 24 plays for 217 yards, three TD’s.
QB Stafford threw for 259 yards, four TD’s.
Rams go to Carolina for a playoff game late Saturday afternoon.
Rams are 9-0 when they allow less than 26 points.
This was Sean McVay’s 100th win (100-62) as a head coach.
Rams have made the playoffs in seven of his nine years as coach.
Before McVay came to the Rams, they missed playoffs 12 years in a row.
Raiders 14, Chiefs 12
Daniel Carlson kicked a 60-yard FG with 0:08 left for the win.
Chiefs had kicked FG’s with 3:33/1:01 left to grab a 21-11 lead.
Despite the win, Raiders own the first pick in April’s NFL Draft.
There were no TD’s in this game; both teams kicked four FG’s.
Chiefs ended a dismal season 6-11, losing their last six games.
#4 QB Buechele averaged 6.3 yards/pass attempt, was an improvement.
This was the Raiders’ first win since October 12 vs Tennessee.
Total yardage: Raiders 204, KC 168. Teams were combined 7-33 on 3rd down.
— Famous birthdays, January 5th:
Robert Duvall, 95
Rick Mount, 79
Jim Gantner, 73
Alex English, 72
Bob Dernier, 69
Steve Fuller, 69
Joe Cribbs, 68
Clancy Brown, 67
Danny Jackson, 63
Bradley Cooper, 51
Warrick Dunn, 51
Nori Aoki, 44
Texans 38, Colts 30
Houston kicked a 43-yard FG with 0:12 left for the win.
Texans scored TD on a fumble return on ensuing kickoff for final margin.
QB Stroud, other Houston starters, didn’t play most of second half.
Texans visit Pittsburgh in the playoffs next Monday night.
Rookie QB Leonard threw for 270 yards, two TD’s in his first NFL start.
WR Pierce caught four passes for 132 yards, two TD’s.
Colts are 8-3 ATS last 11 games as a road underdog.
Houston goes into the playoffs on a nine-game win streak.
Commanders 24, Eagles 17
Washington outscored Philly 14-0 in fourth quarter.
Eagles rested QB Hurts, RB Barkley, several other starters.
Commanders led 10-7 at halftime after Moody kicked a 56-yard FG.
This was only second win in last 12 games for Washington.
Commanders led 10-7 at halftime after Moody kicked a 56-yard FG.
Washington was 6-for-11 on 3rd down behind 39-year old backup QB Johnson.
Philly was penalized nine times for 123 yards in this game.
Eagles host San Francisco in playoffs next week at 4:30 Sunday
Lions 19, Bears 16
Detroit kicked 42-yard FG at the gun to end their season 9-8.
Lions led 16-0 after the third quarter.
Detroit’s first three drives: 36 plays, 197 yards, 13 points.
Lions scored only one touchdown, were 4-5 kicking field goals.
Chicago kept the #2-seed, hosts Green Bay in playoffs Saturday night.
Bears lost 28-21 at Lambeau in Week 14, beat Packers 22-16 in Week 16.
Bears’ first five drives: 30 plays, 107 yards, no points.
Bears in fourth quarter: 22 plays, 158 yards, 16 points.
Giants 34, Cowboys 17
Giants win clinched the Raiders having the #1-pick in draft.
Giants won last two games, after a nine-game losing skid.
Giants were 8-14 on third down, Dallas 2-8.
Rookie QB Dart threw for 230 yards, finished his rookie season 4-8.
Giants beat Cowboys for first time in last 10 meetings.
Giants led this game 16-10 at halftime.
Dallas used backup QB Milton in second half.
Cowboys had consecutive losing seasons for first time since 2000-02.
Browns 20, Bengals 18
Cleveland kicked a 49-yard FG at the gun for the win.
Browns scored two defensive TD’s in first 16:00 of this game.
Bengals missed the PAT after their first two touchdowns.
Cincinnati outgained the Browns 364-200; turnovers were a killer.
Bengals were 1-8 when they scored less than 31 points.
QB Burrow threw for 236 yards, three TD’s.
Browns were 8-26 the last two years; will Watson play QB next year?
Bengals missed playoffs last three years, going 24-26.
Vikings 16, Packers 3
Green Bay kicked FG on last play to avoid being shut out.
#3 QB Tune is 0-2 as an NFL starter, losing 27-0/16-3.
Packers get QB Love back Saturday for a playoff game in Chicago.
Green Bay lost its last four games, after a 9-3-1 start.
Minnesota won its last five games to finish season 9-8
QB McCarthy got hurt (again), didn’t finish the game.
Vikings outgained Green Bay 363-121 in this game.
WR Jefferson caught eight passes for 101 yards.
Bills 35, Jets 8
Game was 21-0 at half; not a spunky effort by the Jets.
Jets are 0-6 SU/1-5 ATS last five visits to Buffalo.
Buffalo won five of six, eight of their last eleven games overall.
Bills visit Jacksonville for a playoff game Sunday afternoon.
Jets are first team EVER not to intercept a pass all season.
Jets lost their last five games, giving up 34-48-29-42-35 points.
Jets were 0-12 when they score less than 27 points.
Jets are 5-11-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog
- Sep 10, 2018
- 20,304
- 32
- 48
Tuesday’s 6-pack:
— Las Vegas fired Pete Carroll as coach, after only one year with the Raiders.
— Cardinals fired coach Jonathan Gannon, who was 15-36 in three years.
— Browns fired coach Kevin Stefanski; he was 46-58 in six years in Cleveland.
— Nebraska 72, Ohio State 69- Nebraska is in top 10 for first time since 1966.
— Rutgers 88, Oregon 85 OT- Rutgers was 30-34 on foul line; Oregon 12-16.
— Columbia 104, Cornell 99- Cornell led by 9 with 10:31 left in the game.
Quote of the Day
“Not good enough. We didn’t get in. We underachieved. So, not good. I’d give myself a freaking F.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell
Tuesday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President Bartlet; what state is President Bartlet from?
Monday’s quiz
BYU Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament the most times (32) without ever making it to a Final Four.
Sunday’s quiz
Isaac Bruce is the all-time leader in receiving yards for the Rams.
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Tuesday’s Den: Playoff trends for the 14 teams in this year’s playoffs
Postseason trends for all 14 teams in the playoffs:
AFC
— Denver Broncos
Lost Wild Card game last year, their first playoff game since 2015.
Sean Payton is 9-9 in playoff games, won Super Bowl 16 years ago.
QB Nix lost his one playoff game, 31-7 to Buffalo.
Denver is 9-3 in last 12 home playoff games.
Overall, Broncos are 3-5 in Super Bowls.
— New England Patriots
Patriots are in playoffs for first time in four years.
New England’s last win in a playoff game: 2018.
Mike Vrabel is 2-3 in playoff games (0-2 in home games)
QB Maye will be playing in his first NFL playoff game.
New England is 6-5 in Super Bowls.
— Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars are in playoffs for first time since 2022, third time in last 18 years.
Liam Coen will be coaching in his first NFL playoff game.
QB Lawrence is 1-1 in playoff games.
Overall, Jacksonville is 8-8 in playoff games, 4-1 at home.
Jaguars have never made it to the Super Bowl.
— Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers are in playoffs for third year in row, fifth time in last six years.
Pittsburgh lost its last five playoff games; their last playoff win? 2017
Mike Tomlin is 8-11 in playoff games; he won Super Bowl in 2008
QB Rodgers is 11-10 in playoff games; he won Super Bowl in 2010.
Steelers lost three of last four home playoff games.
Pittsburgh is 6-2 in Super Bowls.
— Houston Texans
Texans are in playoffs for the third year in a row.
Houston has been in playoffs eight times:
6-2 in their first playoff game of a season, 0-6 in second one.
DeMeco Ryans is 2-2 in playoff games.
QB Stroud is 2-2 in playoff games.
Houston is 6-2 in home playoff games, 0-6 on the road.
Texans haven’t made it to a Super Bowl.
— Buffalo Bills
Bills are in the playoffs for the seventh year in a row.
Buffalo lost its last eight road playoff games; last road playoff win? 1992
Sean McDermott is 7-7 in playoff games.
QB Allen is 7-6 in playoff games.
Buffalo is 0-4 in Super Bowls.
Since 2020, Bills are 0-4 vs Chiefs in playoffs, 7-1 vs everyone else.
— Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers are in playoffs for third time in four years.
Jim Harbaugh is 5-4 in playoff games, 0-1 in Super Bowl.
QB Herbert is 0-2 in playoff games.
Chargers lost their only Super Bowl, in 1994.
Since 2008, Chargers are 3-6 in playoff games.
Chargers’ last home playoff game was in 2009.
Famous birthdays, January 6th:
Harold Jackson, 80
Howie Long, 66
Sean Landeta, 64
Norm Charlton, 63
Kate McKinnon, 42
AJ Hawk, 42
Ndamukong Suh, 39
Kevin Gausman, 35
Jameis Winston, 32
NFC
— Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks are in playoffs for first time in three years.
Macdonald is coaching in his first playoff game.
QB Darnold lost his only playoff game, 27-9 to the Rams
Seahawks are 1-2 in Super Bowls.
Seahawks won 10 of their last 11 home playoff games.
Since losing Super Bowl to New England in 2014, Seattle is 3-6 in playoff games.
— Chicago Bears
Bears are in playoffs for first time since 2020.
Chicago’s last playoff win? 2010
Ben Johnson is coaching in his first playoff game.
QB Williams is playing in his first playoff game.
Chicago split its two Super Bowls, winning in 1985.
In Super Bowl era, Bears are 2-6 in road playoff games.
Chicago is 3-5 in last eight home playoff games.
— Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles are in playoffs for fifth year in row, 8th time in nine years.
Philadelphia has won two Super Bowls, including last year’s.
Nick Sirianni is 6-3 in playoff games, 1-1 in Super Bowls.
QB Hurts is 6-3 in playoff games.
Eagles are 5-0 SU/4-1 ATS in last five home playoff games.
Eagles lost five of their last six road playoff games.
Overall, Eagles are 2-3 in the Super Bowl.
— Carolina Panthers
Carolina is in playoffs for first time since 2017.
Dave Canales is coaching in his first playoff game.
QB Young is playing in his first playoff game.
Panthers are 4-3 in road playoff games.
Panthers are 5-2 in home playoff games.
Carolina lost both its Super Bowls.
— Los Angeles Rams
Rams are in playoffs for 7th time in McVay’s nine years as coach.
Sean McVay is 8-5 in playoff games, 1-1 in Super Bowl.
QB Stafford is 5-5 in playoff games.
Rams won their last four home playoff games.
Rams are 6-3 ATS in their last nine playoff games.
Rams are 4-4 SU in last eight road playoff games, 2-3 in Super Bowls.
— San Francisco 49ers
49ers are in playoffs for fifth time in last seven years.
Kyle Shanahan is 6-4 in playoff games, 0-2 in Super Bowls
QB Purdy is 4-2 in playoff games.
Last six times 49ers were in playoffs, they went WWL
San Francisco won its last seven home playoff games.
49ers are 5-3 in last eight road playoff games
San Francisco is 5-3 in Super Bowls; their last win? 1994.
— Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is in playoffs for sixth time in last seven years.
Packers are the #7-seed for third year in a row.
Matt LaFleur is 3-5 in playoff games
QB Love is 1-2 in playoff games.
Since 2014, Packers are 3-6 in road playoff games.
Packers lost their last three home playoff games.
Green Bay is 4-1 in Super Bowls (last win, 2010)
— Las Vegas fired Pete Carroll as coach, after only one year with the Raiders.
— Cardinals fired coach Jonathan Gannon, who was 15-36 in three years.
— Browns fired coach Kevin Stefanski; he was 46-58 in six years in Cleveland.
— Nebraska 72, Ohio State 69- Nebraska is in top 10 for first time since 1966.
— Rutgers 88, Oregon 85 OT- Rutgers was 30-34 on foul line; Oregon 12-16.
— Columbia 104, Cornell 99- Cornell led by 9 with 10:31 left in the game.
Quote of the Day
“Not good enough. We didn’t get in. We underachieved. So, not good. I’d give myself a freaking F.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell
Tuesday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President Bartlet; what state is President Bartlet from?
Monday’s quiz
BYU Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament the most times (32) without ever making it to a Final Four.
Sunday’s quiz
Isaac Bruce is the all-time leader in receiving yards for the Rams.
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Tuesday’s Den: Playoff trends for the 14 teams in this year’s playoffs
Postseason trends for all 14 teams in the playoffs:
AFC
— Denver Broncos
Lost Wild Card game last year, their first playoff game since 2015.
Sean Payton is 9-9 in playoff games, won Super Bowl 16 years ago.
QB Nix lost his one playoff game, 31-7 to Buffalo.
Denver is 9-3 in last 12 home playoff games.
Overall, Broncos are 3-5 in Super Bowls.
— New England Patriots
Patriots are in playoffs for first time in four years.
New England’s last win in a playoff game: 2018.
Mike Vrabel is 2-3 in playoff games (0-2 in home games)
QB Maye will be playing in his first NFL playoff game.
New England is 6-5 in Super Bowls.
— Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars are in playoffs for first time since 2022, third time in last 18 years.
Liam Coen will be coaching in his first NFL playoff game.
QB Lawrence is 1-1 in playoff games.
Overall, Jacksonville is 8-8 in playoff games, 4-1 at home.
Jaguars have never made it to the Super Bowl.
— Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers are in playoffs for third year in row, fifth time in last six years.
Pittsburgh lost its last five playoff games; their last playoff win? 2017
Mike Tomlin is 8-11 in playoff games; he won Super Bowl in 2008
QB Rodgers is 11-10 in playoff games; he won Super Bowl in 2010.
Steelers lost three of last four home playoff games.
Pittsburgh is 6-2 in Super Bowls.
— Houston Texans
Texans are in playoffs for the third year in a row.
Houston has been in playoffs eight times:
6-2 in their first playoff game of a season, 0-6 in second one.
DeMeco Ryans is 2-2 in playoff games.
QB Stroud is 2-2 in playoff games.
Houston is 6-2 in home playoff games, 0-6 on the road.
Texans haven’t made it to a Super Bowl.
— Buffalo Bills
Bills are in the playoffs for the seventh year in a row.
Buffalo lost its last eight road playoff games; last road playoff win? 1992
Sean McDermott is 7-7 in playoff games.
QB Allen is 7-6 in playoff games.
Buffalo is 0-4 in Super Bowls.
Since 2020, Bills are 0-4 vs Chiefs in playoffs, 7-1 vs everyone else.
— Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers are in playoffs for third time in four years.
Jim Harbaugh is 5-4 in playoff games, 0-1 in Super Bowl.
QB Herbert is 0-2 in playoff games.
Chargers lost their only Super Bowl, in 1994.
Since 2008, Chargers are 3-6 in playoff games.
Chargers’ last home playoff game was in 2009.
Famous birthdays, January 6th:
Harold Jackson, 80
Howie Long, 66
Sean Landeta, 64
Norm Charlton, 63
Kate McKinnon, 42
AJ Hawk, 42
Ndamukong Suh, 39
Kevin Gausman, 35
Jameis Winston, 32
NFC
— Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks are in playoffs for first time in three years.
Macdonald is coaching in his first playoff game.
QB Darnold lost his only playoff game, 27-9 to the Rams
Seahawks are 1-2 in Super Bowls.
Seahawks won 10 of their last 11 home playoff games.
Since losing Super Bowl to New England in 2014, Seattle is 3-6 in playoff games.
— Chicago Bears
Bears are in playoffs for first time since 2020.
Chicago’s last playoff win? 2010
Ben Johnson is coaching in his first playoff game.
QB Williams is playing in his first playoff game.
Chicago split its two Super Bowls, winning in 1985.
In Super Bowl era, Bears are 2-6 in road playoff games.
Chicago is 3-5 in last eight home playoff games.
— Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles are in playoffs for fifth year in row, 8th time in nine years.
Philadelphia has won two Super Bowls, including last year’s.
Nick Sirianni is 6-3 in playoff games, 1-1 in Super Bowls.
QB Hurts is 6-3 in playoff games.
Eagles are 5-0 SU/4-1 ATS in last five home playoff games.
Eagles lost five of their last six road playoff games.
Overall, Eagles are 2-3 in the Super Bowl.
— Carolina Panthers
Carolina is in playoffs for first time since 2017.
Dave Canales is coaching in his first playoff game.
QB Young is playing in his first playoff game.
Panthers are 4-3 in road playoff games.
Panthers are 5-2 in home playoff games.
Carolina lost both its Super Bowls.
— Los Angeles Rams
Rams are in playoffs for 7th time in McVay’s nine years as coach.
Sean McVay is 8-5 in playoff games, 1-1 in Super Bowl.
QB Stafford is 5-5 in playoff games.
Rams won their last four home playoff games.
Rams are 6-3 ATS in their last nine playoff games.
Rams are 4-4 SU in last eight road playoff games, 2-3 in Super Bowls.
— San Francisco 49ers
49ers are in playoffs for fifth time in last seven years.
Kyle Shanahan is 6-4 in playoff games, 0-2 in Super Bowls
QB Purdy is 4-2 in playoff games.
Last six times 49ers were in playoffs, they went WWL
San Francisco won its last seven home playoff games.
49ers are 5-3 in last eight road playoff games
San Francisco is 5-3 in Super Bowls; their last win? 1994.
— Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is in playoffs for sixth time in last seven years.
Packers are the #7-seed for third year in a row.
Matt LaFleur is 3-5 in playoff games
QB Love is 1-2 in playoff games.
Since 2014, Packers are 3-6 in road playoff games.
Packers lost their last three home playoff games.
Green Bay is 4-1 in Super Bowls (last win, 2010)
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Some teams forcing lot of turnovers this year:
1- Iowa State 25% of possessions
4- Dayton 24.3%
5- Houston 23.9%
6- Iowa 23.3%
7- Seton Hall 22.7%
8- Utah State 22.7%
Quote of the Day
“Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership…….we fully understand the expectations of our fans and everyone in the Ravens organization. Finding another strong leader and partner who will reflect these high standards is paramount.”
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti
Wednesday’s quiz
When the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012, who was their QB?
Tuesday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President Bartlet, who was from New Hampshire.
Monday’s quiz
BYU Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament the most times (32) without ever making it to a Final Four.
************************************
Ravens made the playoffs six of the last eight years, would have gotten there again this year had their rookie kicker made a 44-yard field goal at the end of Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.
Something to tuck away: Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers play at Baltimore next fall.
— There were 63 Venezuelan-born ballplayers in the major leagues last year; five of them are on my fantasy team. The chaos in Venezuela could screw up this spring’s World Baseball Classic; there is still enough time for all the major leaguers to get back here in time for spring training and the WBC.
— Philadelphia Phillies hired Don Mattingly as bench coach; his son Preston is the Phiilies’ general manager. Mattingly was bench coach with the Blue Jays the last three years.
— Texas Tech poached QB Brendan Sorsby from the Cincinnati Bearcats, are apparently paying him $5M next year.
— One wish for next football season; Pete Carroll in a TV booth somewhere, think he would provide good energy and a lot of knowledge.
— Famous birthdays, January 7th:
Erin Gray, 76
David Caruso, 70
Brian Baldinger, 65
Ron Rivera, 63
Nicolas Cage, 62
Todd Day, 56
Frank Menechino, 55
Francisco Rodriguez, 44
Jhoulys Chacin, 38
Dean Kremer, 30
Ozzie Albies, 29
Lamar Jackson, 29
— Detroit Lions fired offensive coordinator John Morton after only one season; Detroit went 9-8 this year, missed the playoffs for first time in three years.Lions scored 28.3 ppg; they scored 33.2 ppg last year, when Ben Johnson was the OC.
— Washington Commanders let both their coordinators go, a year after they played in the NFC title game. OC Kliff Kingsbury should’t be unemployed very long. Washington’s defense finished last in yards allowed, 27th in points given up, so firing the DC was expected.
QB Jayden Daniels played four full games; Washington was 5-12 this year, after going 12-5 LY.
— New Jersey Jets had only four takeaways all season, are the first NFL team EVER not to intercept a pass all season. Jets wound up minus-19 in turnovers.
— Dallas Cowboys fired DC Matt Eberflus; next season Dallas will have their fourth different DC in four years. Cowboys traded their best defensive player to Green Bay before the season, then went 7-9-1, 1-8 when they scored less than 30 points. Dallas allowed the most points in the league, were 30th in yards allowed.
— Movie of the Day: Tequila Sunrise (1988)- A retired drug dealer in Los Angeles tries to go straight but his past and his underworld connections bring him into the focus of the DEA, the Mexican feds and the Mexican drug cartels.
Mel Gibson is the dealer, Michelle Pfeiffer runs the restaurant where he eats, Kurt Russell and JT Walsh are cops trying to bust drug dealers. Raul Julia is an old friend of the dealer.
Good movie; I found it the other day on YouTube.
— Nebraska’s basketball team is 15-0; they’re ranked in top 10 for the first time since 1966.
— Texas A&M 90, Auburn 88
Auburn hit 3-pointer at buzzer that was waved off after a replay review.
Auburn led by 16 points with 13:29 left in the game.
Texas A&M shot 61.3% inside the arc.
Aggies have won won five in row, 10 of last 11 games.
— Kansas 104, TCU 100, OT
TCU led by 9 with 1:14 left in the game.
Kansas was 30-40 on foul line, Horned Frogs 15-24.
Jayhawks avoided their first 0-2 start in league play since 1991.
— Wisconsin 80, UCLA 72
Badgers led 33-13 midway thru first half.
UCLA shot 1-17 on the arc, 15-23 on foul line.
Bruins are 1-4 on the road, with only win at Washington.
— Duke 84, Louisville 73
Louisville led by 12 late in the first half.
Duke outscored Cardinals 46-26 in second half.
Blue Devils shot 64.7% inside the arc.
— South Carolina 78, LSU 68
Gamecocks led this game 43-15 in the first half.
Carolina shot 12-21 from the arc.
6-4 junior Strong scored 30 points in 25:00
Some teams forcing lot of turnovers this year:
1- Iowa State 25% of possessions
4- Dayton 24.3%
5- Houston 23.9%
6- Iowa 23.3%
7- Seton Hall 22.7%
8- Utah State 22.7%
Quote of the Day
“Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership…….we fully understand the expectations of our fans and everyone in the Ravens organization. Finding another strong leader and partner who will reflect these high standards is paramount.”
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti
Wednesday’s quiz
When the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012, who was their QB?
Tuesday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President Bartlet, who was from New Hampshire.
Monday’s quiz
BYU Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament the most times (32) without ever making it to a Final Four.
************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings……..
— Baltimore Ravens fired coach John Harbaugh after 18 years; Harbaugh was 190-124 as Ravens’ coach, 13-11 in playoff games- they won the Super Bowl in 2012.Ravens made the playoffs six of the last eight years, would have gotten there again this year had their rookie kicker made a 44-yard field goal at the end of Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.
Something to tuck away: Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers play at Baltimore next fall.
— There were 63 Venezuelan-born ballplayers in the major leagues last year; five of them are on my fantasy team. The chaos in Venezuela could screw up this spring’s World Baseball Classic; there is still enough time for all the major leaguers to get back here in time for spring training and the WBC.
— Philadelphia Phillies hired Don Mattingly as bench coach; his son Preston is the Phiilies’ general manager. Mattingly was bench coach with the Blue Jays the last three years.
— Texas Tech poached QB Brendan Sorsby from the Cincinnati Bearcats, are apparently paying him $5M next year.
— One wish for next football season; Pete Carroll in a TV booth somewhere, think he would provide good energy and a lot of knowledge.
— Famous birthdays, January 7th:
Erin Gray, 76
David Caruso, 70
Brian Baldinger, 65
Ron Rivera, 63
Nicolas Cage, 62
Todd Day, 56
Frank Menechino, 55
Francisco Rodriguez, 44
Jhoulys Chacin, 38
Dean Kremer, 30
Ozzie Albies, 29
Lamar Jackson, 29
— Detroit Lions fired offensive coordinator John Morton after only one season; Detroit went 9-8 this year, missed the playoffs for first time in three years.Lions scored 28.3 ppg; they scored 33.2 ppg last year, when Ben Johnson was the OC.
— Washington Commanders let both their coordinators go, a year after they played in the NFC title game. OC Kliff Kingsbury should’t be unemployed very long. Washington’s defense finished last in yards allowed, 27th in points given up, so firing the DC was expected.
QB Jayden Daniels played four full games; Washington was 5-12 this year, after going 12-5 LY.
— New Jersey Jets had only four takeaways all season, are the first NFL team EVER not to intercept a pass all season. Jets wound up minus-19 in turnovers.
— Dallas Cowboys fired DC Matt Eberflus; next season Dallas will have their fourth different DC in four years. Cowboys traded their best defensive player to Green Bay before the season, then went 7-9-1, 1-8 when they scored less than 30 points. Dallas allowed the most points in the league, were 30th in yards allowed.
— Movie of the Day: Tequila Sunrise (1988)- A retired drug dealer in Los Angeles tries to go straight but his past and his underworld connections bring him into the focus of the DEA, the Mexican feds and the Mexican drug cartels.
Mel Gibson is the dealer, Michelle Pfeiffer runs the restaurant where he eats, Kurt Russell and JT Walsh are cops trying to bust drug dealers. Raul Julia is an old friend of the dealer.
Good movie; I found it the other day on YouTube.
— Nebraska’s basketball team is 15-0; they’re ranked in top 10 for the first time since 1966.
— Texas A&M 90, Auburn 88
Auburn hit 3-pointer at buzzer that was waved off after a replay review.
Auburn led by 16 points with 13:29 left in the game.
Texas A&M shot 61.3% inside the arc.
Aggies have won won five in row, 10 of last 11 games.
— Kansas 104, TCU 100, OT
TCU led by 9 with 1:14 left in the game.
Kansas was 30-40 on foul line, Horned Frogs 15-24.
Jayhawks avoided their first 0-2 start in league play since 1991.
— Wisconsin 80, UCLA 72
Badgers led 33-13 midway thru first half.
UCLA shot 1-17 on the arc, 15-23 on foul line.
Bruins are 1-4 on the road, with only win at Washington.
— Duke 84, Louisville 73
Louisville led by 12 late in the first half.
Duke outscored Cardinals 46-26 in second half.
Blue Devils shot 64.7% inside the arc.
— South Carolina 78, LSU 68
Gamecocks led this game 43-15 in the first half.
Carolina shot 12-21 from the arc.
6-4 junior Strong scored 30 points in 25:00
Thursday’s 6-pack:
Some teams getting highest %age of their points on 3-point shots:
45.2%— Cornell
42.6%— Idaho
42.5%— Dartmouth
41.5%— Florida State
41.3%— Alabama
41.3%— Cleveland State
Quote of the Day
“John Harbaugh’s the best coach I know, the best coach I’ve ever seen. I’m his brother, so I might be biased. As I told him, whatever team he goes to is going to be formidable; just hope its in the NFC.”
Jim Harbaugh
Thursday’s quiz
Of the 14 teams in the NFL playoffs, how many starting QBs were first round draft picks?
Hint: It isn’t 14.
Wednesday’s quiz
When the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012, Joe Flacco was their QB.
Tuesday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President Bartlet, who was from New Hampshire.
*************************************************
Vandy was 35-50 on foul line, Alabama 29-38; lot of fouls.
Crimson Tide was 9-40 on the arc, 17-30 inside arc.
Commodores are 15-0, one of six unbeaten teams in the country.
— UConn 103, Providence 98 OT
Providence led by 11 with 3:12 left in regulation.
UConn shot 18-32 on the arc; Friars were 14-24.
Silas Demery had 23 points, 15 assists for UConn
— Saint Louis 71, VCU 62
Saint Louis outscored VCU 10-0 over last 2:30 of the game.
VCU only shot 28.6% from the floor, at home.
Billikens are 14-1; they lost by a point to Stanford.
— Creighton 76, Villanova 72
Bluejays shot 62.9% inside the arc.
Villanova led by 10 points in the first half.
Creighton is 4-1 in Big East; they’re 6-5 in non-league games.
— Marquette 66, Xavier 65
Golden Eagles snapped a six-game losing skid.
Marquette out-rebounded Xavier, 47-34
Xavier shot 31.4% inside arc, 11-24 on the arc.
— Clemson 74, SMU 70
Clemson never trailed; they’re 13-3, 3-0 in ACC games.
Tigers have #25 eFG% defense in country.
SMU is 12-3, 1-3 on road, with only win at Mississippi State
— Arkansas 94, Ole Miss 87
Arkansas shot 14-30 on arc, scored 1.30 ppp.
Arkansas won its last three games, scoring 97.7 ppg
Razorbacks are 12-3; all three losses are to teams in top 12 in country.
— BYU 104, Arizona State 76
Cougars shot 70% inside arc, 14-31 on the arc, scored 1.34 ppp.
BYU scored 59 points in the second half.
Arizona State lost its last four games, giving up 91.8 ppg.
— Famous birthdays, January 8th:
Bruce Sutter, 73
Calvin Natt, 69
Mark Herrmann, 67
Jason Giambi, 55
Billy Joe Hobert, 55
Mike Cameron, 53
Jeff Francouer, 42
Jeff Hoffman, 33
Chris Paddack, 30
Jhoan Duran, 28
— More and more, college basketball teams prefer that all their shots either be layups or 3-pointers; 15-foot jumpers are pretty much frowned upon.
These are the teams whose 2-point shots are the shortest in the country:
Saint Louis
Texas A&M
Marquette
George Washington
South Florida
St Thomas
— One thing about college basketball the next few weeks; this is Gonzaga’s last year to beat the tar out of WCC opponents- they’re moving up to the new/improved Pac-12 next year.
— In-game interviews with coaches are useless; none of them ever say anything, they’re mainly spouting cliches and trying to get back to their bench.
— Colorado Rockies signed P Michael Lorenzen for one year, $8M; Lorenzen was 7-11, 4.64 in 26 starts for the Royals last year. Colorado will be his 7th big league team.
— Three of 14 teams in the Atlantic 14 are nicknamed the Rams; VCU, Rhode Island, Fordham all have Ram mascots.
— Random observation: NFL kickers are way better than they used to be. Jaguars’ Cam Little has made field goals of 67, 68 yards this year; he made a 70-yarder in an exhibition game.
— Indianapolis Colts ran a successful fake punt last week, then on the very next play, they kept the punt team on the field and ran another fake punt. Other team was so confused they got a penalty for having too many men on the field.
— Matt Campbell is the new football coach at Penn State; he’s already poached 19 players from Iowa State, his old team.
Some teams getting highest %age of their points on 3-point shots:
45.2%— Cornell
42.6%— Idaho
42.5%— Dartmouth
41.5%— Florida State
41.3%— Alabama
41.3%— Cleveland State
Quote of the Day
“John Harbaugh’s the best coach I know, the best coach I’ve ever seen. I’m his brother, so I might be biased. As I told him, whatever team he goes to is going to be formidable; just hope its in the NFC.”
Jim Harbaugh
Thursday’s quiz
Of the 14 teams in the NFL playoffs, how many starting QBs were first round draft picks?
Hint: It isn’t 14.
Wednesday’s quiz
When the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2012, Joe Flacco was their QB.
Tuesday’s quiz
In the TV show The West Wing, Martin Sheen plays President Bartlet, who was from New Hampshire.
*************************************************
Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud…….
— Vanderbilt 96, Alabama 90Vandy was 35-50 on foul line, Alabama 29-38; lot of fouls.
Crimson Tide was 9-40 on the arc, 17-30 inside arc.
Commodores are 15-0, one of six unbeaten teams in the country.
— UConn 103, Providence 98 OT
Providence led by 11 with 3:12 left in regulation.
UConn shot 18-32 on the arc; Friars were 14-24.
Silas Demery had 23 points, 15 assists for UConn
— Saint Louis 71, VCU 62
Saint Louis outscored VCU 10-0 over last 2:30 of the game.
VCU only shot 28.6% from the floor, at home.
Billikens are 14-1; they lost by a point to Stanford.
— Creighton 76, Villanova 72
Bluejays shot 62.9% inside the arc.
Villanova led by 10 points in the first half.
Creighton is 4-1 in Big East; they’re 6-5 in non-league games.
— Marquette 66, Xavier 65
Golden Eagles snapped a six-game losing skid.
Marquette out-rebounded Xavier, 47-34
Xavier shot 31.4% inside arc, 11-24 on the arc.
— Clemson 74, SMU 70
Clemson never trailed; they’re 13-3, 3-0 in ACC games.
Tigers have #25 eFG% defense in country.
SMU is 12-3, 1-3 on road, with only win at Mississippi State
— Arkansas 94, Ole Miss 87
Arkansas shot 14-30 on arc, scored 1.30 ppp.
Arkansas won its last three games, scoring 97.7 ppg
Razorbacks are 12-3; all three losses are to teams in top 12 in country.
— BYU 104, Arizona State 76
Cougars shot 70% inside arc, 14-31 on the arc, scored 1.34 ppp.
BYU scored 59 points in the second half.
Arizona State lost its last four games, giving up 91.8 ppg.
— Famous birthdays, January 8th:
Bruce Sutter, 73
Calvin Natt, 69
Mark Herrmann, 67
Jason Giambi, 55
Billy Joe Hobert, 55
Mike Cameron, 53
Jeff Francouer, 42
Jeff Hoffman, 33
Chris Paddack, 30
Jhoan Duran, 28
— More and more, college basketball teams prefer that all their shots either be layups or 3-pointers; 15-foot jumpers are pretty much frowned upon.
These are the teams whose 2-point shots are the shortest in the country:
Saint Louis
Texas A&M
Marquette
George Washington
South Florida
St Thomas
— One thing about college basketball the next few weeks; this is Gonzaga’s last year to beat the tar out of WCC opponents- they’re moving up to the new/improved Pac-12 next year.
— In-game interviews with coaches are useless; none of them ever say anything, they’re mainly spouting cliches and trying to get back to their bench.
— Colorado Rockies signed P Michael Lorenzen for one year, $8M; Lorenzen was 7-11, 4.64 in 26 starts for the Royals last year. Colorado will be his 7th big league team.
— Three of 14 teams in the Atlantic 14 are nicknamed the Rams; VCU, Rhode Island, Fordham all have Ram mascots.
— Random observation: NFL kickers are way better than they used to be. Jaguars’ Cam Little has made field goals of 67, 68 yards this year; he made a 70-yarder in an exhibition game.
— Indianapolis Colts ran a successful fake punt last week, then on the very next play, they kept the punt team on the field and ran another fake punt. Other team was so confused they got a penalty for having too many men on the field.
— Matt Campbell is the new football coach at Penn State; he’s already poached 19 players from Iowa State, his old team.
- Sep 10, 2018
- 20,304
- 32
- 48
NFL
Dunkel
Wild Card Round
NFL
Wild Card Round
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Trend Report
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Saturday, January 10
Los Angeles VS Carolina
LA Rams is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Rams' last 6 games.
LA Rams is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games.
LA Rams is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games against Carolina.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games.
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 9 games against LA Rams.
Carolina is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games at home.
Green Bay VS Chicago
Green Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Green Bay's last 6 games.
Green Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
Green Bay is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games against Chicago.
Chicago is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games.
Chicago is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games.
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home.
Sunday, January 11
Buffalo VS Jacksonville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games.
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games.
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Jacksonville's last 5 games.
Jacksonville is 8-0 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Jacksonville's last 10 games against Buffalo.
San Francisco VS Philadelphia
San Francisco is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games.
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games.
San Francisco is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games against Philadelphia.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games.
Philadelphia is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games against San Francisco.
Philadelphia is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home.
Los Angeles VS New England
LA Chargers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Chargers' last 5 games.
LA Chargers is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games.
LA Chargers is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games against New England.
New England is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 5 games.
New England is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New England's last 7 games at home.
Monday, January 12
Houston VS Pittsburgh
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 18 games.
Houston is 9-0 SU in its last 9 games.
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 15 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
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NFL
Armadillo's Write-up
Wild Card Round
Saturday’s games
Rams (-10.5) @ Panthers
Rams (12-5)
Rams are in playoffs for 7th time in McVay’s nine years as coach.
Rams are 6-3 ATS in their last nine playoff games.
This year, Rams are 8-0 when they allow less than 26 points.
Seven of Rams’ last nine wins were by 14+ points.
QB Stafford is 51-30 as the Rams’ starter (5-2 in playoffs).
McVay is 100-62 as an NFL head coach (8-5 in playoffs).
Rams are 5-2 ATS as a road favorite this year.
This year, Rams were minus-5 in turnovers in losses, +16 in wins.
Over is 6-0 in Rams’ last six games.
Rams went over team total in 12 of last 16 games.
Rams are 5-4 ATS in last nine games coming off a loss.
Panthers (8-9)
Carolina is in playoffs for first time since 2017.
Carolina is 5-1 when they score 27+ points, 3-8 when they don’t
Panthers are 7-3 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Carolina is +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-9 in losses
QB Young is 14-30 as an NFL starter (0-0 in playoffs).
Canales is 13-21 as a head coach (0-0 in playoffs).
Panthers are 5-2 ATS as a home underdog this season.
Carolina gained less than 300 yards in 8 of last 10 games.
This year, Carolina is 6-0 when they score 23+ points.
All-time, Panthers are 5-2 in home playoff games.
Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.
Carolina (+10) upset Rams 31-28, six weeks ago.
Panthers were +3 in turnovers in that game.
Rams lost four of last five visits to Charlotte.
Last three years NFL-wide, #4-seed is 5-1 SU/ATS in this round (all underdogs)
Packers (-1.5) @ Bears
Packers (9-7-1)
Green Bay is in playoffs for sixth time in last seven years.
Packers lost last four games overall, by 8-6-13-17 points.
Green Bay is 9-2-1 when it scores 23+ points, 0-5 otherwise.
Green Bay is 4-5-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
LaFleur is 79-45-1 as an NFL head coach (3-5 in playoffs).
QB Love (concussion) missed Green Bay’s last two games.
Love is 1-2 in playoff games.
Packers are 1-5 ATS as a road favorite this year.
Since 2014, Packers are 3-6 in road playoff games.
Last four games, Green Bay is minus-2 in turnovers, gave up 392 ypg.
Over is 4-2 in their last six games.
Bears (11-6)
Chicago lost last two games, by total of 5 points.
Bears won seven of ten, 11 of last 15 games.
Bears are 10-3 scoring 24+ points, 1-3 scoring less.
In wins, Chicago was +24 in turnovers; minus-2 in losses.
Ben Johnson is 11-6 as an NFL head coach (0-0 in playoffs).
QB Williams is 16-18 as an NFL starter (0-0 in playoffs).
Bears are in playoffs for first time since 2020.
Chicago’s last playoff win? 2010.
Chicago is 6-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
Chicago is 6-2 SU at home this year.
Bears are 9-1 when they allow less than 27 points.
Bears are 7-4 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Under is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Last five years, #2-seeds are 9-1 SU/7-3 ATS vs #2-seeds in this round.
Teams split two meetings this year; home team won both games.
Overall, Packers won 18 of last 21 series games.
Dunkel
Wild Card Round
NFL
Wild Card Round
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Trend Report
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Saturday, January 10
Los Angeles VS Carolina
LA Rams is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Rams' last 6 games.
LA Rams is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games.
LA Rams is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games against Carolina.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games.
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 9 games against LA Rams.
Carolina is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games at home.
Green Bay VS Chicago
Green Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Green Bay's last 6 games.
Green Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games.
Green Bay is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games against Chicago.
Chicago is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games.
Chicago is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games.
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home.
Sunday, January 11
Buffalo VS Jacksonville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games.
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games.
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing on the road against Jacksonville.
Jacksonville is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Jacksonville's last 5 games.
Jacksonville is 8-0 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Jacksonville's last 10 games against Buffalo.
San Francisco VS Philadelphia
San Francisco is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games.
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games.
San Francisco is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games against Philadelphia.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games.
Philadelphia is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games against San Francisco.
Philadelphia is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home.
Los Angeles VS New England
LA Chargers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Chargers' last 5 games.
LA Chargers is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games.
LA Chargers is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games against New England.
New England is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New England's last 5 games.
New England is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New England's last 7 games at home.
Monday, January 12
Houston VS Pittsburgh
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 18 games.
Houston is 9-0 SU in its last 9 games.
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 15 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
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NFL
Armadillo's Write-up
Wild Card Round
Saturday’s games
Rams (-10.5) @ Panthers
Rams (12-5)
Rams are in playoffs for 7th time in McVay’s nine years as coach.
Rams are 6-3 ATS in their last nine playoff games.
This year, Rams are 8-0 when they allow less than 26 points.
Seven of Rams’ last nine wins were by 14+ points.
QB Stafford is 51-30 as the Rams’ starter (5-2 in playoffs).
McVay is 100-62 as an NFL head coach (8-5 in playoffs).
Rams are 5-2 ATS as a road favorite this year.
This year, Rams were minus-5 in turnovers in losses, +16 in wins.
Over is 6-0 in Rams’ last six games.
Rams went over team total in 12 of last 16 games.
Rams are 5-4 ATS in last nine games coming off a loss.
Panthers (8-9)
Carolina is in playoffs for first time since 2017.
Carolina is 5-1 when they score 27+ points, 3-8 when they don’t
Panthers are 7-3 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Carolina is +7 in turnovers in wins, minus-9 in losses
QB Young is 14-30 as an NFL starter (0-0 in playoffs).
Canales is 13-21 as a head coach (0-0 in playoffs).
Panthers are 5-2 ATS as a home underdog this season.
Carolina gained less than 300 yards in 8 of last 10 games.
This year, Carolina is 6-0 when they score 23+ points.
All-time, Panthers are 5-2 in home playoff games.
Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.
Carolina (+10) upset Rams 31-28, six weeks ago.
Panthers were +3 in turnovers in that game.
Rams lost four of last five visits to Charlotte.
Last three years NFL-wide, #4-seed is 5-1 SU/ATS in this round (all underdogs)
Packers (-1.5) @ Bears
Packers (9-7-1)
Green Bay is in playoffs for sixth time in last seven years.
Packers lost last four games overall, by 8-6-13-17 points.
Green Bay is 9-2-1 when it scores 23+ points, 0-5 otherwise.
Green Bay is 4-5-1 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
LaFleur is 79-45-1 as an NFL head coach (3-5 in playoffs).
QB Love (concussion) missed Green Bay’s last two games.
Love is 1-2 in playoff games.
Packers are 1-5 ATS as a road favorite this year.
Since 2014, Packers are 3-6 in road playoff games.
Last four games, Green Bay is minus-2 in turnovers, gave up 392 ypg.
Over is 4-2 in their last six games.
Bears (11-6)
Chicago lost last two games, by total of 5 points.
Bears won seven of ten, 11 of last 15 games.
Bears are 10-3 scoring 24+ points, 1-3 scoring less.
In wins, Chicago was +24 in turnovers; minus-2 in losses.
Ben Johnson is 11-6 as an NFL head coach (0-0 in playoffs).
QB Williams is 16-18 as an NFL starter (0-0 in playoffs).
Bears are in playoffs for first time since 2020.
Chicago’s last playoff win? 2010.
Chicago is 6-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
Chicago is 6-2 SU at home this year.
Bears are 9-1 when they allow less than 27 points.
Bears are 7-4 in games decided by 7 or fewer points.
Under is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Last five years, #2-seeds are 9-1 SU/7-3 ATS vs #2-seeds in this round.
Teams split two meetings this year; home team won both games.
Overall, Packers won 18 of last 21 series games.
