LA Lakers vs. OKC Thunder NBA Preview

Lakers and Thunder Both Struggling

Thursday, January 17 at 9:30 PM ET

Chesapeake Energy Arena

Coverage: TNT -- Line: Thunder 10; O/U 227.

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the reeling Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. The Lakers snapped their two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 107-100 home win against the Bulls. The Thunder have lost four of their last five games, including a 142-126 road setback against the Hawks last Tuesday.

Thunder can't stop Hawks

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 31 points and 11 assists in the loss to the Hawks. Paul George had 24 points and Jerami Grant added 21 but it wasn't enough scoring to match the Hawks, who made 18 of 37 3-pointers while setting a season-high in points scored. 

Former Hawk Dennis Schroder scored 21 points, including 14 in the third quarter. He had the team's final 11 points of the period, the last six on free-throws. Atlanta outscored them 45-30 in the second quarter and 45-26 in the fourth quarter.

Lakers hold on against Bulls

Lonzo Ball scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half to lead the Lakers to a much-needed 107-100 home win against the Bulls last Tuesday. Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram had 16 points each but the Lakers almost blew a 94-76 lead with 4:26 left. The Bulls rallied to make it 103-98 in the final minute. 

Ball is an underrated defender. The Lakers will need him to be at his best on that side of the court in order to contain Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder. The Lakers also have to step up their 3-point defense if they want to keep up with the Thunder. Chicago made just 2 of 14 3-pointers in the first half against Los Angeles but they were 7 of 17 from distance in the second half.

NBA Trends:

The Over is:

6-1-1 in Los Angeles' last eight Thursday games

4-0 in Oklahoma City's last four overall

6-1 in Oklahoma City's last seven home games against a team with a
losing road record

This contest can be a track meet between two teams that are tied for third in the NBA in pace. They are averaging 105.8 possessions per game. The Lakers and Thunder struggle on defense and have many weapons on offense. Rebounding can be the difference tonight.

The Thunder won the first meeting 107-100 on January 2 in Los Angeles. They out-rebounding the Lakers 64-54. Oklahoma City ranks second in the league with 48.3 rebounds per game while Los Angeles is fifth with 47.1. Whichever team limits their opponent's second chance points will prevail in what should be a high-scoring game.  

NBA Pick: Over 227 at Jazz Sports

Check odds here: Jazz Sports

AAC Hoops: Houston Cougars vs SMU Mustangs

SMU Needs to Slow down Houston Offense

The Houston Cougars and the SMU Mustangs will both meet on Wednesday at Moody Coliseum-Dallas. Both teams are in a five-way tie for second place in the conference.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNews LINE: Pick; O/U: 137.

Point guard Galen Robinson Jr. is the engine of No. 17 Houston's high-tempo offense. Robinson needs three assists to become the second Cougar with four 100-assist seasons. The other was Derrick Daniels, from 1988-82. He also only needs eight to become the sixth player in school history with at least 500 in his career. Both teams have been strong defensively, but the Mustangs have out-rebounded their first four conference opponents by 40. SMU leads the league in offensive rebounds, averaging 13.8 per game. They have won five of the past eight against Houston but lost both meetings last year.

The Houston Cougars are 16-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference. Robinson (8.8 points, 5.7 assists) has helped Houston overcome several sluggish offensive starts by pushing the pace. Guard Corey Davis Jr. scores a team-high 15.5 points per game. Guard Armoni Brooks chips in 14.2 points, and a team-high 6.8 rebounds. The duo have hit a combined 108 baskets from 3-point range. Center Brison Gresham (3.9 points) has a team-high 30 blocks. Three Cougars have at least 20 steals for a defense that's ranked ninth nationally in points against per game at 60.6.

The SMU Mustangs are 11-5 overall and 3-1 in the conference. Guard Jahmal McMurray leads the Mustangs, and is fourth in the league with 18.9 points per game. He is also shooting 41.5 percent from behind the 3-point line. Forward Ethan Chargois adds 13.1 points and 6.4 rebounds a game. Transfer forward Isiaha Mike contributes 9.9 points and 4.8 rebounds a game. Guard Jimmy Whitt Jr. averages 12.8 points, and team-highs of 6.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game. He has recorded three straight double-doubles as the Mustangs have won five of their past six. Forward Feron Hunt averages 6.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.8 minutes as the Mustangs' only big man off the bench.

PREDICTION: Houston 78, SMU 66

AAC Basketball Betting Odds & Trends

Houston Cougars
Houston is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Houston is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Southern Methodis
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Southern Methodis

Southern Methodist Mustangs
Southern Methodist is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Southern Methodist is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Southern Methodist's last 5 games
Southern Methodist is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Southern Methodist is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Methodist's last 5 games at home
Southern Methodist is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Southern Methodist is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Southern Methodist is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

Next up:
Houston at South Florida Saturday, January 19
Southern Methodist at Memphis Saturday, January 19

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Raptors vs Celtics on ESPN

Celtics Looks to Get Back on Track at Home

Just when the Toronto Raptors (33-12 SU, 20-25 ATS) were getting healthy, a key rotation player has hit the injured list ahead of Wednesday’s big matchup with the Boston Celtics (25-18 SU, 22-21 ATS). Fred VanVleet is listed as day-to-day with a hip/thigh contusion.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, TSN (Toronto), NBCS Boston LINE: Celtics -2.5; O/U: 223.5.

VanVleet appears to have hurt himself during Friday’s 122-105 romp over the Brooklyn Nets (+10 away). He sat out Sunday against the Wizards. Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry logged 50 minutes for the Raptors, and all the remaining starters played more than 40 minutes. They’ll have two days off to prepare for the Celtics, who visited the Nets on Monday. The Celtics lost 109-102. The Celtics were swept on their three-game road trip through Miami, Orlando and Brooklyn and return home with questions about the team's consistency and cohesiveness.

Kawhi Leonard Leonard, meanwhile, is suffering from tightness in his left leg. Leonard’s issue doesn’t appear to be serious – he finished Sunday’s game in Washington after a brief visit to the dressing room. However, Leonard also played 45 minutes in Toronto’s 140-138 double-overtime win over the Wizards (+5 at home). With the Raptors returning home Thursday to play the Phoenix Suns, there’s a good chance Leonard will sit out the first of these back-to-back games

PREDICTION: Raptors 118, Celtics 111

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games
The Raptors are 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Toronto is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The Raptors are 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Boston
The Raptors are 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Boston
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston

Boston Celtics
The Celtics are 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games
Boston is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Boston's last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games
The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games at home
The Celtics are 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games when playing Toronto
Boston is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Toronto
The Celtics are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

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Free Pick: Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons

Pistons and Magic Look to Make Playoff Push

Wednesday, January 16 at 7:00 PM ET

Little Caesars Arena

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), FS Detroit, NBA League Pass LINE:Pistons -4; O/U: 208

The Orlando Magic visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Both teams looking to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race. 

Magic and Pistons making
playoff push

The Magic (19-24) and Pistons (18-24) are in 9th and 10th place in the standings respectively. The winner of this game will get closer to the eighth place Hornets, so this is an important contest for both.

The Pistons are 5-17 in their last 22 games. They were just 1-3 in their recent West Coast trip, with the lone win coming against the Clippers. Blake Griffin's former team. Detroit is coming off a 100-96 loss at Utah last Monday, when the Jazz outscored them 47-35 in the second half. 

Aaron Gordon making a difference

The Magic earned back-to-back home wins against two of the best teams in the league. First they beat the Celtics 105-103 on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak, and then they took down the Rockets 116-109 on Sunday. They outscored Houston 64-50 in the second half.

Aaron Gordon had a solid effort against the Rockets with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. If the Magic want to beat the Pistons they need to get Gordon involved on offense on a more regular basis. The talented forward is averaging 19.0 points and 8.8 rebounds in his last five games. He had big games against the Celtics and Rockets with 28 points and 12 rebounds and 22 points and eight rebounds, respectively.

Gordon has enough talent to become one of the Magic's biggest offensive weapons but he has ups and downs like most players. Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier usually carry the team's offense, but if Aaron Gordon plays well on that side of the court and contributes as a playmaker then the Magic can be competitive against anyone. This was seen in their last two contests.

NBA Trends:

The Orlando Magic are:

4-1 ATS in their last five games
against Eastern Conference opponents

11-5 ATS in their last 16 games
after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game

7-1 ATS in the last eight
meetings

The Detroit Pistons are:

3-7 ATS in their last 10 games
overall

3-9 ATS in their last 12 when
their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game

5-16 ATS in their last 21 games
against Southeast Division opponents

1-5-1 ATS in their last seven
games against Eastern Conference opponents

1-5 ATS in their last six home
games against a team with a losing road record

The Pistons were out-rebounded 70-47 against the Jazz last Monday. Andre Drummond had a team-best 13 rebounds, the rest of his teammates grabbed five rebounds or less each. The Magic rank 24th in the NBA with 43.3 rebounds per game. They did step up and average 53.5 rebounds in the games against the Celtics and Rockets. The rebounding battle just might be the difference in this game.

NBA Pick: Magic +4 at Jazz Sports

Check odds here: Jazz Sports

Nuggets Host Warriors

Nuggets and Warriors are Top in West Right Now

The Golden State Warriors battle the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Tuesday night. Both teams are starting to break away from the pack in the crowded Western Conference. Both are playing well heading into a showdown on Tuesday. The Warriors will try to take back the lead in the conference and earn a fifth straight victory when they visit the Nuggets.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), Altitude (Denver) LINE: Warriors -1; O/U: 228

Golden State sits a half-game behind Denver and began a stretch with seven of eight on the road on Sunday. They outlasted the Dallas Mavericks 119-114 behind 48 points from superstar point guard Stephen Curry. The Nuggets suffered a surprising 102-93 loss at Phoenix on Saturday but bounced right back the next night to knock off the Portland Trail Blazers 116-113. They improved to 18-3 at home, including wins in 12 straight.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

The Warriors are 29-14 overall this season. Golden State is averaging 130 points over its last six games. The team is beginning to gel after a spate of injuries took Curry and Draymond Green out of the lineup for extended periods. The Warriors are close to getting another All-Star they can insert into the lineup. Center DeMarcus Cousins is expected to make his team and season debut on Friday. The team is preparing by adjusting the rotation to give Curry and Durant more time together on the floor. The two combined for 76 points on 27-of-53 shooting, 13-of-23 from 3-point range, in Sunday's win and average a combined 57.6 points. SG Klay Thompson went 2-of-11 from 3-point range on Sunday after knocking down 27-of-50 over the previous six contests.

The Nuggets are 29-13 on the season. Denver doesn't have the plethora of All-Stars that Golden State enjoys, but it does have center Nikola Jokic. He might be right up with Curry and Durant as dark horse MVP candidates. Jokic collected 40 points on 15-of-23 shooting (4-of-7 from 3-point range), 10 rebounds and eight assists in Sunday's victory. He narrowly missed a third triple-double in four games. Denver earned a 100-98 home win over Golden State on Oct. 21 as Jokic collected 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 128, Warriors 122

NBA Betting Odds & Trends

Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
Golden State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
The Warriors are 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Golden State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games on the road
The Warriors are 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Denver
Golden State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Golden State's last 14 games when playing Denver
The Warriors are 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
The Warriors are 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing on the road against Denver

Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Denver is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 9 games
The Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games at home
The Nuggets are 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Denver's last 14 games when playing Golden State
The Nuggets are 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
The Nuggets are 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 9 games when playing at home against Golden State

Next up:
Golden State home to New Orleans Wednesday, January 16
Denver home to Chicago Thursday, January 17

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Virginia Hosts Virginia Tech in ACC Play

Early ACC Top-Ten Matchup

The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Virginia Cavaliers will meet on Tuesday at John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia hasn't broken much of a sweat while beginning ACC play with three straight wins for the second straight season. They are using its trademark recipe of precision offense and suffocating defense. The 7th-ranked Hokies look to have something to say about that one tonight. This is the 148th meeting in what is called the "Commonwealth Clash". Tonight will mark the first time that both teams enter the "Clash" ranked inside the top 10.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Raycom Sports LINE: Virginia -7.5; O/U: 125.

The Cavaliers are the Division I leader in fewest turnovers per game, at 8.9, and scoring defense, allowing only 51.2 points per game. Virginia is coming off decisive road victories over Boston College and Clemson. The scores were 83-56 and 63-43, respectively. They have yet to play a game closer than 13 points during ACC play. The Cavaliers return home in hopes of avenging their only regular-season conference loss from a season ago, a 61-60 overtime defeat to the Hokies on Feb. 10. They then travel to No. 2 Duke this weekend. Virginia Tech matched its best start to a season since 1982-83 with Wednesday's 52-49 road victory over Georgia Tech. They are the nation's second-best 3-point shooting team. They survived an 18.5-percent effort beyond the arc to earn its ninth straight win.

This, That and a Dart Throw

Virginia Tech is 14-1 on the season overall and 3-0 in the ACC. The Hokies are one of only six Division I teams with four players averaging 12 points a game. Leading scorer Nickeil Alexander-Walker is scoring at a 17.8 pppg clip, 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals. He was named to the mid-season Top 25 watch list for the Wooden Award. Kerry Blackshear Jr. has averages of 14.1 points, 6.2 boards. He posted his second double-double of the season and is averaging 18.3 points and eight rebounds during conference play. Justin Robinson, chips in 13.1 points, and ranks second in the ACC in assists at 5.8 apg. He needs only 18 more to tie Bimbo Coles with 547 assists for the most in school history. Ahmed Hill is averaging 12.7 ppg is one of five Hokies shooting at least 42 percent from 3-point range

Virginia is 15-0 on the season and 3-0 in the ACC. Kyle Guy averages a team-high 15.3 ppg, but struggled offensively against Clemson. He was 5-for-15 from the field, including 3-for-9 beyond the arc. He still hitting at a 46-percent clip behind the arc. Jay Huff, is a 7-1 sophomore who averages only 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds a game. He may be coming into his own. He made his impact felt for the second time in four games Saturday. He finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds and a block in only 10 minutes court time. Virginia has held seven opponents below 50 points, while Virginia Tech has done so five times.

PREDICTION: Virginia 65, Virginia Tech 60.

ACC Basketball Betting Odds & Trends

Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Virginia Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Virginia Tech's last 25 games
Virginia Tech is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Virginia Tech's last 9 games on the road
Virginia Tech is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Virginia
Virginia Tech is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Virginia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games when playing Virginia
Virginia Tech is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Virginia
Virginia Tech is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Virginia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games when playing on the road against Virginia

Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Virginia's last 8 games
Virginia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia's last 6 games at home
Virginia is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Virginia Tech
Virginia is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Virginia Tech
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia's last 5 games when playing Virginia Tech
Virginia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Virginia Tech
Virginia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Virginia Tech
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia's last 5 games when playing at home against Virginia Tech

Next up:
Virginia Tech home to Wake Forest Saturday, January 19
Virginia at Duke Saturday, January 19

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Top iPhone Casino Apps for Playing Slots

Date: January 15, 2019

It isn’t anything surprising to say that
online casino gaming has attracted thousands of players lately. Whether you
want to play rainbow
riches slot game or you are willing to try out Spartacus,
loading a slot game and playing has never been easier. Fortunately, to make the
experience of folks much better, game developers have introduced a host of
smartphone applications that you just need to download on your phone to enjoy
your favourite game anytime and anywhere you want. Here’s the list of the top 4
iOS casino gaming apps that you shouldn’t miss out on:

Spinzwin

The mobile application of Spinzwin has plenty of exciting casino games (approximately 100 slots) including Millionaire Genie, Starburst, Rainbow Riches, Rise of the Pharaohs, Gonzo, and more to offer to the gambling fans. It’s super easy to play slots through Spinzwin casino’s mobile application as all that players got to do is to tap the game they want and they are in. It offers you an array of exclusive features like bonuses, free spins, exciting jackpots, expanding wilds, and much more.

Monster Casino

This is one of the most sought-after slot games that is worth trying at least once. And, its 4.9 out of 5-star ratings on iTunes say it all. Monster Casino enthusiasts often find it challenging to pick out and play a slot game, as it comes with a plethora of exceptional gaming options coupled with multiple paylines and reels. Whether you want to play for fun in your spare time or you really wish to make some extra money out of your favourite slot game, Monster Casino can turn out to be the best option.

Jackpot Mobile Casino

Perhaps Jackpot Mobile Casino has got a considerable amount of love from casino lovers across the globe. Want to enter the world of luxury, diversion, and intrigue? This specific casino has some tempting slots featuring personal jackpots, amazing graphics, high payouts, and a lot of rewards which is all that escalates your excitement level. This mobile-friendly game supports a within-24 hours withdrawal system and has a live chat support feature to provide professional help to the players when needed.

Vegas Mobile Casino

Another interesting mobile casino application containing over 50 slots some of which endorses HD graphics is Vegas Mobile Casino. This online casino is available in iPad and iPhone devices and doesn’t require a WiFi or internet connection to get into the game. Apart from hundreds of excellent slot games it offers, the application is constantly upgraded with new exciting slots added onto the same. As soon as you get yourself registered in the game, you will walk in the casino full of exciting promotions, reloads, cashback bonuses, and a lot more. These were 4 exciting online casino applications that are worth giving a try. So what are you waiting for? Open your smartphone, download the casino application from iTunes, and be ready to have some fun time.

Hazard as Striker under Chelsea Boss Sarri

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri used Hazard as striker during the 2-1 win against Newcastle. Although they won the game, fans are still asking whether it is the best move for the team. While Eden Hazard did his best, he was struggling to be involved in the game.

Out of the 40 goals scored by Chelsea this season, Hazard scored or assisted half of them. However, he is playing a different role under Sarri. The new Chelsea boss is using him as a false nine. The coach believes it gives the team a better balance on defense.

In the 2-1 victory, Hazard created the go-ahead goal by providing the assist to Willian. It was the only chance Hazard created during the match. In fact, he didn’t have any shots on goal. It is one of his worst showing for Chelsea this season.

Why Hazard as Striker Not Effective

Hazard was a different man during his first game under Sarri, which was also against Newcastle During that match, he had 135 touches and completed 91 passes. He was more at ease as the left-wing. According to gambling news, he was the man of the match.

During the latest match against Newcastle, he won a corner for his team in the 14th minute. That was his first meaningful involvement in the match. Before that, he only had four touches. In comparison, other outfield players of the team had at least twice as many touches. Pay per head bookie sites didn’t expect him to play that bad in the first half.

Sarri told sports news that Hazard is enjoying playing as the false nine. He first used Hazard as striker during their win against Manchester City in December. He added that Hazard was unhappy during the first half of the Newcastle game. However, he grew into his position as the game progressed.

It is important to make Hazard happy as much as possible because his contract will expire in June 2020. However, it looks like Sarri will keep him as a striker for the next couple of matches.

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Colts vs Chiefs

Rams Have to Slow Down Chiefs Offense

The Kansas City Chiefs (12-4 SU, 9-6-1 ATS) haven’t claimed the Super Bowl in almost 50 years. They can end that streak with three more wins, starting this Saturday when they host the Indianapolis Colts (11-6 SU, 9-7-1 ATS).

TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Chiefs -5.5 O/U: 57 Chiefs Host Colts in Divisional Round

While the Chiefs have been competitive since hiring Andy Reid as their head coach in 2013, they’re a whole new team this year with Patrick Mahomes II at quarterback. Mahomes led the NFL during the regular season with 50 touchdown passes and an 82.0 QBR, piloting the best offense Kansas City has ever seen – but can their defense hold its end of the bargain?

Andrew Luck will put them to the test on Saturday. After missing the entire 2017 campaign with shoulder issues, Luck found his groove in late October, quarterbacking the Colts to nine wins in their last 10 regular-season games (6-3-1 ATS) and a 21-7 victory over the Houston Texans (–1.5 at home) in the Wild Card round. Unfortunately, safety Mike Mitchell appears doubtful to face the Chiefs after straining his calf in Houston

This That, and a Dart Throw

History does not favor the Chiefs entering Saturday's AFC divisional round matchup versus the sixth-seeded Colts. That does not concern the overwhelming favorite for league MVP honors. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the NFL's most prolific offense as the top-seeded Chiefs look to secure only their second win in 12 playoff appearances since 1994.

Mahomes is the driving force behind an offense that ranked No. 1 in total offense with 425.6 ypg and points per game at 35.3. Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck finished second to Mahomes with 39 scoring passes after missing the entire 2017 season.

• The 89 TD passes by Mahomes and Luck are the most by any quarterbacks in an NFL playoff game.
• Mahomes threw for at least 300 yards 10 times. He had at least four scoring passes in seven games.
• Indianapolis allowed the fewest sacks in the league with 18.

PREDICTION: Chiefs 31, Colts 23

NFL Divisional Playoffs Betting Odds & Trends

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The Colts are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indianapolis's last 8 games
The Colts are 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Indianapolis is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indianapolis's last 13 games on the road
The Colts are 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Kansas City
Indianapolis is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indianapolis's last 8 games when playing Kansas City
The Colts are 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Indianapolis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games
The Chiefs are 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Kansas City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Kansas City's last 13 games at home
The Chiefs are 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Indianapolis
Kansas City is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing Indianapolis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games when playing Indianapolis
The Chiefs are 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Indianapolis
Kansas City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Indianapolis

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NFL Divisional Round Free Betting Pick- Cowboys at Rams

Can Cowboys D Tame the Rams O?

Saturday night’s matchup in the Divisional Round of this year’s NFL Playoffs pits the Dallas Cowboys against the Los Angeles Rams. It is slated for a 8:15 p.m. start on FOX from Memorial Coliseum.

VietBet has opened the Rams as seven-point home favorites with the total set at 49 points. The line has held pretty steady throughout the week.

The Cowboys held off Seattle 24-22 in Saturday’s Wild Card Round matchup. They were a 2.5-point favorites at home. This was their eighth straight-up victory in their last nine games. They fell to 1-2-1 against the spread in their last four contests after failing to cover VietBets’ closing spread. The total went OVER 43.5 points in the game. The score has gone OVER in three of their last five outings. Dallas is 4-4 ATS on the road this season and 6-3 ATS when closing as underdogs.

Dak Prescott completed 22 of his 33 passing attempts against the Seahawks for 226 yards and a score. His one-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter sealed the win. Dallas added 164 more yards on the ground with Ezekiel Elliott rushing for 137 yards and a score. His totals were on 26 carries. You can also credit the Cowboys’ defense for this win after holding Seattle to 299 yards of total offense.

Rams High Powered Offense is Rested

The Rams won the NFC West for the second season in a row at 13-3 SU. They went 7-7-2 ATS after failing to cover in six of their last nine games. The total went OVER 50 points in a 48-32 victory at home against San Francisco in their regular season finale. The total had stayed UNDER or ending as a PUSH in their previous four games. Los Angeles is an even 3-3-2 ATS at home. The total going OVER or ending as a PUSH in its last four home games.

The combination of Jared Goff throwing the ball and Todd Gurley running it helped the Rams average 32.9 points per game. That was ranked second in the NFL. Goff threw for 4,688 yards and 32 touchdowns. Gurley piled up 1,251 rushing yards and 17 scores on 256 carries. Los Angeles allowed an average of 24.0 points a game on defense.

Dallas played well enough at home to get the win against Seattle. Beating the Rams on the road is going to be a much tougher task. I still see the Cowboys keeping this game close enough to cover with the seven points.

NFL Divisional Round Betting Odds & Trends

Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Dallas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The Cowboys are 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Dallas's last 12 games on the road
The Cowboys are 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing LA Rams
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing LA Rams
The Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Rams
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Rams
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Rams

Los Angeles Rams
LA Rams is 4-7-2 ATS in its last 13 games
LA Rams is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
LA Rams is 1-3-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
LA Rams is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Rams's last 7 games at home
LA Rams is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
LA Rams is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
LA Rams is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
LA Rams is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Rams's last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas

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