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Thursday 10/12/17 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc
- Thread starter Pesos
- Start date
Thursday, October 12
Chicago @ Washington
Washington is 6-5 against the Cubs this season (over 6-5).
Hendricks is 2-0, 0.70 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under. Cubs are 6-6 in his road starts. He is 1-1, 1.93 vs Washington this season, 2-1, 1.39 in six postseason starts.
Gonzalez is 0-2, 7.54 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four starts. Washington is 8-8 in his home starts. Gonzalez is 0-0, 4.24 in five postseason starts.
Cubs won the World Series LY, their first title since 1908; this is their 3rd year in a row in the playoffs. Washington is in the playoffs for 4th time in six years- they lost in this round the previous three times. Nationals have never been in the World Series.
8:08 PM
CHI CUBS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi Cubs's last 15 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 15 games when playing Chi Cubs
CHICAGO CUBS (94 - 72) at WASHINGTON (99 - 67) - 8:05 PM
KYLE HENDRICKS (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 94-72 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-34 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 71-37 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 186-111 (+37.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-25 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-5 (+1.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)
KYLE HENDRICKS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HENDRICKS is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.17 and a WHIP of 1.018.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)
GIO GONZALEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 5-6 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.2 units)
Chicago @ Washington
Washington is 6-5 against the Cubs this season (over 6-5).
Hendricks is 2-0, 0.70 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under. Cubs are 6-6 in his road starts. He is 1-1, 1.93 vs Washington this season, 2-1, 1.39 in six postseason starts.
Gonzalez is 0-2, 7.54 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four starts. Washington is 8-8 in his home starts. Gonzalez is 0-0, 4.24 in five postseason starts.
Cubs won the World Series LY, their first title since 1908; this is their 3rd year in a row in the playoffs. Washington is in the playoffs for 4th time in six years- they lost in this round the previous three times. Nationals have never been in the World Series.
8:08 PM
CHI CUBS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi Cubs's last 15 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 15 games when playing Chi Cubs
CHICAGO CUBS (94 - 72) at WASHINGTON (99 - 67) - 8:05 PM
KYLE HENDRICKS (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 94-72 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-34 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 71-37 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 186-111 (+37.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-25 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-5 (+1.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)
KYLE HENDRICKS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HENDRICKS is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.17 and a WHIP of 1.018.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)
GIO GONZALEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 5-6 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.2 units)
Thursday's NLDS playoff betting preview and odds: Cubs at Nationals
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals (A: -115, H: -105, Total: 7.5)
Series tied 2-2
With an assist from the weather, the Washington Nationals have forced a winner-take-all matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Thursday in their National League Division Series. Stephen Strasburg’s stellar start in Washington’s 5-0 win in Game 4 on Wednesday sent the series back to the nation’s capital and left the Nationals with plenty of flexibility with their pitching staff.
Strasburg threw seven strong innings despite manager Dusty Baker’s announcement a night earlier that Chicago-area native Tanner Roark would start Game 4. That leaves Roark and left-hander Gio Gonzalez as potential Game 5 starters and gives Washington a fully stocked bullpen - including ace Max Scherzer - for the decisive contest. The Cubs’ bullpen is slightly more taxed after burning Game 2 Jon Lester on Wednesday, but Chicago will have Kyle Hendricks on the mound as he looks to continue a recent history of strong postseason performances. The Cubs have scored only eight runs in the series and managed just three hits in Wednesday’s setback.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TBS
INJURY REPORT:
Cubs - RP K. Uehara (Out Indefinitely, Knee).
Nationals - S. Drew (Out Indefinitely, Abdominal), LF R. Raburn (Out Indefinitely, Shoulder), SP J. Ross (Out For Season, Elbow), CF A. Eaton (Out For Season, Knee).
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. TBA
Hendricks outdueled Strasburg in Game 1, allowing two hits and three walks while registering six strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old has gotten the ball for the Cubs’ last two series clinchers – Game 6 of last year’s NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Game 7 of the World Series versus Cleveland. He is 2-1 with a 1.98 ERA in eight postseason starts.
Baker told reporters after Game 4 he is “not sure yet” who will start on Thursday and his decision will be based on who is the best fit. Gonzalez allowed three runs and three hits over five innings in Game 2 as the Nationals got him off the hook with a late rally. Roark has not started since Sept. 27 and gave up eight runs in 5 2/3 frames over his last two regular-season appearances (one start).
TRENDS:
* Cubs are 0-7 in their last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Cubs are 6-1 in Hendricks' last 7 starts vs. National League East.
* Nationals are 2-6 in their last 8 playoff home games.
* Under is 10-1 in Hendricks' last 11 road starts.
* Under is 6-0-2 in Nationals' last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Under is 4-0 in Hendricks' last 4 starts vs. Nationals.
* Cubs are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Jerry Layne behind home plate.
CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home underdog Nationals at a rate of 60 percent and the Over is picking up 55 percent of the totals action.
Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals (A: -115, H: -105, Total: 7.5)
Series tied 2-2
With an assist from the weather, the Washington Nationals have forced a winner-take-all matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Thursday in their National League Division Series. Stephen Strasburg’s stellar start in Washington’s 5-0 win in Game 4 on Wednesday sent the series back to the nation’s capital and left the Nationals with plenty of flexibility with their pitching staff.
Strasburg threw seven strong innings despite manager Dusty Baker’s announcement a night earlier that Chicago-area native Tanner Roark would start Game 4. That leaves Roark and left-hander Gio Gonzalez as potential Game 5 starters and gives Washington a fully stocked bullpen - including ace Max Scherzer - for the decisive contest. The Cubs’ bullpen is slightly more taxed after burning Game 2 Jon Lester on Wednesday, but Chicago will have Kyle Hendricks on the mound as he looks to continue a recent history of strong postseason performances. The Cubs have scored only eight runs in the series and managed just three hits in Wednesday’s setback.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, TBS
INJURY REPORT:
Cubs - RP K. Uehara (Out Indefinitely, Knee).
Nationals - S. Drew (Out Indefinitely, Abdominal), LF R. Raburn (Out Indefinitely, Shoulder), SP J. Ross (Out For Season, Elbow), CF A. Eaton (Out For Season, Knee).
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. TBA
Hendricks outdueled Strasburg in Game 1, allowing two hits and three walks while registering six strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old has gotten the ball for the Cubs’ last two series clinchers – Game 6 of last year’s NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Game 7 of the World Series versus Cleveland. He is 2-1 with a 1.98 ERA in eight postseason starts.
Baker told reporters after Game 4 he is “not sure yet” who will start on Thursday and his decision will be based on who is the best fit. Gonzalez allowed three runs and three hits over five innings in Game 2 as the Nationals got him off the hook with a late rally. Roark has not started since Sept. 27 and gave up eight runs in 5 2/3 frames over his last two regular-season appearances (one start).
TRENDS:
* Cubs are 0-7 in their last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Cubs are 6-1 in Hendricks' last 7 starts vs. National League East.
* Nationals are 2-6 in their last 8 playoff home games.
* Under is 10-1 in Hendricks' last 11 road starts.
* Under is 6-0-2 in Nationals' last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Under is 4-0 in Hendricks' last 4 starts vs. Nationals.
* Cubs are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Jerry Layne behind home plate.
CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home underdog Nationals at a rate of 60 percent and the Over is picking up 55 percent of the totals action.
Thursday's Umpire Assignment
959 Chicago Cubs -105 Over 7½ -110
960 Washington Nationals -105 Under 7½ -110
Jerry Layne 2017: 13-15, 11-15 o/u (2016: 13-15, 15-12 o/u)
Home team is 16-5 in Laynes last 21 Nationals games behind home plate.
Cubs are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Layne behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 Nationals games behind home plate.
959 Chicago Cubs -105 Over 7½ -110
960 Washington Nationals -105 Under 7½ -110
Jerry Layne 2017: 13-15, 11-15 o/u (2016: 13-15, 15-12 o/u)
Home team is 16-5 in Laynes last 21 Nationals games behind home plate.
Cubs are 2-7 in their last 9 games with Layne behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Laynes last 5 Nationals games behind home plate.
MLB Betting Picks & Tips
Chicago (-110) at Washington; Total: 7.5
The Cubs are a slight favorite at several shops out there in the betting market, while others have this game as a virtual money line pick ‘em. Without the usual travel day between games thanks to Tuesday’s rainout, the teams didn’t have a whole lot of time to sort through an emotional Game 4 on Wednesday night. It was a 1-0 game as Stephen Strasburg shoved after having his toughness questioned until Michael Taylor’s grand slam all but guaranteed a decisive fifth game.
During last year’s World Series run, the Cubs faced elimination three times. All three against the Indians and all three in the World Series. They won all of them. This season, they face the possibility of elimination in the Division Series. The burden falls on Kyle Hendricks this time around as he looks to help his team to the next round. Hendricks was excellent in Game 1 and I talked about how he was a bad matchup for a Nationals lineup that struggled with changeups. Surprisingly, Hendricks only threw 23 changeups out of his 106 pitches, but did generate six of his 11 swinging strikes. He threw 70 sinkers and 12 four-seam fastballs, so he let his fastball command do the talking. Hendricks struck out six over his seven innings, walked two, and only allowed two hits. I’ll be curious to see what adjustments are made. Guys that lack overpowering stuff can have issues the second time they face a lineup if there is any drop-off in command. Hendricks makes his money on the strength of his fastball command and that plus changeup. He’ll be on a short leash, as all starters are in an elimination game.
Gio Gonzalez was a guy that I was looking to fade in the playoffs and it seems kind of fitting that my usual style of handicapping didn’t yield as many positive results as in the past and now Gonzalez is pitching an elimination game. He was passable in Game 2 with three runs allowed on three hits in five innings of work. He struck out six and walked two. Jon Lester was better, but the Cubs bullpen couldn’t hold the game, so those that faded Gonzalez along with me fell victim to Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman’s power in the eighth. Gonzalez did a fine job of inducing weak contact in the game, with an average exit velocity against of 86.7 mph. He had 11 swings and misses out of his 83 pitches. He mixed his pitches well with 15 two-seamers, 18 changeups, 27 curveballs, and 23 four-seamers. It helped that he was able to work all four pitches because he was up in the zone too much and some of his breakers caught too much of the plate. By mixing his arsenal effectively, he kept hitters off-balance and that was enough to allow him to fight through five innings.
I’m not so sure that he can have the same success the second time against this Cubs lineup, but he also won’t be asked to do as much as he was in Game 2. With Strasburg’s seven-inning effort in Wednesday’s Game 4, Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle each threw an inning, so the middle relievers and the majority of the Nationals bullpen are in decent shape. Madson did throw 27 pitches in his one frame, but it’s Game 5, so everybody is available.
Bullpen games, and the playoffs in general, are inherently high-variance. I certainly understand the total being as low as it is and also understand the line being right around pick ‘em. I, too, would favor the Cubs slightly, so there isn’t a ton of value on the number. The Nationals bullpen has been the better of the two in this series and this game should come down to those guys. As a result, I’d have a slight lean to the Washington side, especially for those that took the Cubs at plus money on the series price as I suggested before this round of games began. Buying out of that bet isn’t the worst thing in the world, since it is basically a coin flip at this point
Chicago (-110) at Washington; Total: 7.5
The Cubs are a slight favorite at several shops out there in the betting market, while others have this game as a virtual money line pick ‘em. Without the usual travel day between games thanks to Tuesday’s rainout, the teams didn’t have a whole lot of time to sort through an emotional Game 4 on Wednesday night. It was a 1-0 game as Stephen Strasburg shoved after having his toughness questioned until Michael Taylor’s grand slam all but guaranteed a decisive fifth game.
During last year’s World Series run, the Cubs faced elimination three times. All three against the Indians and all three in the World Series. They won all of them. This season, they face the possibility of elimination in the Division Series. The burden falls on Kyle Hendricks this time around as he looks to help his team to the next round. Hendricks was excellent in Game 1 and I talked about how he was a bad matchup for a Nationals lineup that struggled with changeups. Surprisingly, Hendricks only threw 23 changeups out of his 106 pitches, but did generate six of his 11 swinging strikes. He threw 70 sinkers and 12 four-seam fastballs, so he let his fastball command do the talking. Hendricks struck out six over his seven innings, walked two, and only allowed two hits. I’ll be curious to see what adjustments are made. Guys that lack overpowering stuff can have issues the second time they face a lineup if there is any drop-off in command. Hendricks makes his money on the strength of his fastball command and that plus changeup. He’ll be on a short leash, as all starters are in an elimination game.
Gio Gonzalez was a guy that I was looking to fade in the playoffs and it seems kind of fitting that my usual style of handicapping didn’t yield as many positive results as in the past and now Gonzalez is pitching an elimination game. He was passable in Game 2 with three runs allowed on three hits in five innings of work. He struck out six and walked two. Jon Lester was better, but the Cubs bullpen couldn’t hold the game, so those that faded Gonzalez along with me fell victim to Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman’s power in the eighth. Gonzalez did a fine job of inducing weak contact in the game, with an average exit velocity against of 86.7 mph. He had 11 swings and misses out of his 83 pitches. He mixed his pitches well with 15 two-seamers, 18 changeups, 27 curveballs, and 23 four-seamers. It helped that he was able to work all four pitches because he was up in the zone too much and some of his breakers caught too much of the plate. By mixing his arsenal effectively, he kept hitters off-balance and that was enough to allow him to fight through five innings.
I’m not so sure that he can have the same success the second time against this Cubs lineup, but he also won’t be asked to do as much as he was in Game 2. With Strasburg’s seven-inning effort in Wednesday’s Game 4, Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle each threw an inning, so the middle relievers and the majority of the Nationals bullpen are in decent shape. Madson did throw 27 pitches in his one frame, but it’s Game 5, so everybody is available.
Bullpen games, and the playoffs in general, are inherently high-variance. I certainly understand the total being as low as it is and also understand the line being right around pick ‘em. I, too, would favor the Cubs slightly, so there isn’t a ton of value on the number. The Nationals bullpen has been the better of the two in this series and this game should come down to those guys. As a result, I’d have a slight lean to the Washington side, especially for those that took the Cubs at plus money on the series price as I suggested before this round of games began. Buying out of that bet isn’t the worst thing in the world, since it is basically a coin flip at this point
Texas State is 0-5 vs I-A teams, with four losses by 18+ points; they’re 0-2 on road, losing 37-3 (+36) at Colorado, 45-10 (+16.5) at Wyoming. Bobcats are 4-10 vs spread in last 14 games as a road underdog- their last three games went over total. UL-Lafayette is 4-0 vs Texas St (4-0 vs spread, 3-0 as favorite), with all four series wins by 22+ points. Over is 3-1 in Ragin’ Cajun games this year. Sun Belt home teams are 3-7 vs spread in league games, 1-4 when favored. Very difficult to endorse either side in this matchup.
TEXAS ST (1 - 5) at LA LAFAYETTE (2 - 3) - 10/12/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAFAYETTE is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAFAYETTE is 2-0 against the spread versus TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
LA LAFAYETTE is 2-0 straight up against TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS STATE @ LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Texas State's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Texas State's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 7 games at home
TEXAS STATE vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Texas State's last 24 games on the road
Texas State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
TEXAS ST (1 - 5) at LA LAFAYETTE (2 - 3) - 10/12/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAFAYETTE is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAFAYETTE is 2-0 against the spread versus TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
LA LAFAYETTE is 2-0 straight up against TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS STATE @ LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Texas State's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Texas State's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 7 games at home
TEXAS STATE vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Texas State's last 24 games on the road
Texas State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
NFL
PHILADELPHIA (4 - 1) at CAROLINA (4 - 1) - 10/12/2017, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 80-56 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 1-0 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA vs. CAROLINA
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Carolina is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
PHILADELPHIA @ CAROLINA
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
StatFox Super Situations
PHILADELPHIA at CAROLINA
Play Under - Any team where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 in a game involving two excellent passing teams (>=7.3 PYA) 46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units ) 2-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 2.0 units )
PHILADELPHIA (4 - 1) at CAROLINA (4 - 1) - 10/12/2017, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 80-56 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 1-0 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA vs. CAROLINA
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Carolina is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
PHILADELPHIA @ CAROLINA
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
StatFox Super Situations
PHILADELPHIA at CAROLINA
Play Under - Any team where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 in a game involving two excellent passing teams (>=7.3 PYA) 46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units ) 2-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 2.0 units )
Eagles (4-1) @ Panthers (4-1) — Philly won its last three games, scoring 20+ points in all five games this year; Iggles are 2-1 on road, with only loss 27-20 at unbeaten Chiefs- they’re 34-73 on 3rd down this year (46.6%). Philly allowed only 138 rushing yards on 44 tries (3.1/carry) in its last three games- they’re 2-5 in its last seven games as a road underdog. Carolina scored 33-27 points in winning as a road underdog their last two games; Panthers are 34-68 on 3rd down this uear, also very good. Eagles won four of last six series games; they split four visits to Charlotte. NFC East teams are 6-7 vs spread outside the division, 3-2 as road underdogs; NFC South teams are 6-8 vs spread, 2-3 as home favorites. Road team covered all five Carolina games this season.
Eagles, Panthers meet in Carolina
Both the Eagles and the Panthers will be trying to stay hot when they face one another in Carolina on Thursday.
Thursday Night Football doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation in the world, but this week’s game is likely to be a good one. Philadelphia and Carolina have been two of the stronger teams in the league thus far, and one of these two will improve to an impressive 5-1 on Thursday. Last week, the Eagles won their third straight in a 34-7 beatdown over the Cardinals. It was the second straight game that Philadelphia covered in and the team’s only loss this season came against an undefeated Kansas City group. The Panthers, meanwhile, have now won-and-covered in two straight road games after defeating the Lions 27-24 last week. They stunned the Patriots the week before and are starting to resemble a team that could contend in the NFC. That is why this matchup is going to be so intriguing. Both of these teams have looked like they belong in the conversation as far as the elite teams in the NFC go. One of them will, however, stand out by earning a victory here. One trend that favors Carolina here is the fact that the team is 10-2 ATS after covering the spread in two of its past three games over the past three seasons. The Panthers are also, however, a lousy 0-6 ATS after allowing 99 or fewer rushing yards in two straight games over the past two seasons.
The Eagles are coming off of a dominant victory over the Cardinals and QB Carson Wentz (1,362 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT) is really starting to look like an elite player in this league. Wentz threw for 304 yards with four touchdowns and only one pick in that game, and that was against a pretty solid Cardinals secondary. He’ll now be counted on to lead his team to a win in a tough road game on Thursday, but he should be up for the task. He’ll just need to make sure that he is giving both WR Alshon Jeffery (20 rec, 246 yards, 2 TD) and TE Zach Ertz (32 rec, 387 yards, 2 TD) chances to make plays here. Jeffery hasn’t had any 100-yard games for the Eagles yet, but that is surely coming soon. Ertz, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the best tight ends in football and should be able to have his way with the Panthers on Thursday. As for the Eagles’ running game, the team will count on a number of backs in this one. RB LeGarrette Blount (323 yards, 1 TD) is, however, the guy that should lead them in carries. He has been excellent between the tackles this season, and both him and Wentz in the same backfield make it nearly impossible for opposing defenses to stop Philly in short yardage situations. On defense, the Eagles will need to be ready to defend the deepball here. Newton has thrown it well all season, but Philly can ensure that this game is close by making sure big players are avoided.
As previously mentioned, QB Cam Newton (1,237 yards, 8 TD, 5 INT) has been throwing the ball extremely well recently. Over the past two weeks, Newton has thrown for 671 yards with six touchdowns and only one pick. He’ll now face an Eagles secondary that is definitely prone to giving up some big plays. If Newton can continue to throw the ball well then the sky is truly the limit for this Panthers team. And there’s little reason to believe that Newton will start to struggle now. He has a very good group of weapons, as WR Kelvin Benjamin (17 rec, 272 yards, 1 TD), RB Christian McCaffrey (96 yards rushing; 27 rec, 237 yards, 1 TD receiving) and WR Devin Funchess (24 rec, 269 yards, 3 TD) are all playing extremely well for Newton this season. It’s going to be tough for Philadelphia to figure out who to cover, but McCaffrey is a guy that has demanded a lot of attention this season. It’s a huge part of the reason that Newton has bounced back in such a big way, as teams constantly fear McCaffrey in the passing game. That opens up shots downfield to guys like Benjamin and Funchess. On defense, the Panthers will also be focused on stopping the deepball. Wentz has been absolutely destroying teams with home run balls and the Panthers can’t afford to let them connect here.
Both the Eagles and the Panthers will be trying to stay hot when they face one another in Carolina on Thursday.
Thursday Night Football doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation in the world, but this week’s game is likely to be a good one. Philadelphia and Carolina have been two of the stronger teams in the league thus far, and one of these two will improve to an impressive 5-1 on Thursday. Last week, the Eagles won their third straight in a 34-7 beatdown over the Cardinals. It was the second straight game that Philadelphia covered in and the team’s only loss this season came against an undefeated Kansas City group. The Panthers, meanwhile, have now won-and-covered in two straight road games after defeating the Lions 27-24 last week. They stunned the Patriots the week before and are starting to resemble a team that could contend in the NFC. That is why this matchup is going to be so intriguing. Both of these teams have looked like they belong in the conversation as far as the elite teams in the NFC go. One of them will, however, stand out by earning a victory here. One trend that favors Carolina here is the fact that the team is 10-2 ATS after covering the spread in two of its past three games over the past three seasons. The Panthers are also, however, a lousy 0-6 ATS after allowing 99 or fewer rushing yards in two straight games over the past two seasons.
The Eagles are coming off of a dominant victory over the Cardinals and QB Carson Wentz (1,362 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT) is really starting to look like an elite player in this league. Wentz threw for 304 yards with four touchdowns and only one pick in that game, and that was against a pretty solid Cardinals secondary. He’ll now be counted on to lead his team to a win in a tough road game on Thursday, but he should be up for the task. He’ll just need to make sure that he is giving both WR Alshon Jeffery (20 rec, 246 yards, 2 TD) and TE Zach Ertz (32 rec, 387 yards, 2 TD) chances to make plays here. Jeffery hasn’t had any 100-yard games for the Eagles yet, but that is surely coming soon. Ertz, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the best tight ends in football and should be able to have his way with the Panthers on Thursday. As for the Eagles’ running game, the team will count on a number of backs in this one. RB LeGarrette Blount (323 yards, 1 TD) is, however, the guy that should lead them in carries. He has been excellent between the tackles this season, and both him and Wentz in the same backfield make it nearly impossible for opposing defenses to stop Philly in short yardage situations. On defense, the Eagles will need to be ready to defend the deepball here. Newton has thrown it well all season, but Philly can ensure that this game is close by making sure big players are avoided.
As previously mentioned, QB Cam Newton (1,237 yards, 8 TD, 5 INT) has been throwing the ball extremely well recently. Over the past two weeks, Newton has thrown for 671 yards with six touchdowns and only one pick. He’ll now face an Eagles secondary that is definitely prone to giving up some big plays. If Newton can continue to throw the ball well then the sky is truly the limit for this Panthers team. And there’s little reason to believe that Newton will start to struggle now. He has a very good group of weapons, as WR Kelvin Benjamin (17 rec, 272 yards, 1 TD), RB Christian McCaffrey (96 yards rushing; 27 rec, 237 yards, 1 TD receiving) and WR Devin Funchess (24 rec, 269 yards, 3 TD) are all playing extremely well for Newton this season. It’s going to be tough for Philadelphia to figure out who to cover, but McCaffrey is a guy that has demanded a lot of attention this season. It’s a huge part of the reason that Newton has bounced back in such a big way, as teams constantly fear McCaffrey in the passing game. That opens up shots downfield to guys like Benjamin and Funchess. On defense, the Panthers will also be focused on stopping the deepball. Wentz has been absolutely destroying teams with home run balls and the Panthers can’t afford to let them connect here.
TNF - Eagles at Panthers
Philadelphia at Carolina (-3.5, 45.5)
One of these teams is going to wake up on Friday morning filled with that Tony Montana "the world is yours" feeling, becoming the first NFC team with five wins. For the second straight week, we've got an attractive matchup, which will hopefully result in another decent game as the level of play picks up.
The controversy he created for himself didn't end up hampering Cam Newton, who put together his best game of the season in a 27-24 upset win in Detroit. He's now thrown for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in each of Carolina's road wins this month, beating the Patriots and Lions. His completion percentage has improved each time out and he's been resilient in not letting a three-interception game against the Saints linger. He's going to be playing in Charlotte for the first time since that 34-13 loss and will also be out there for the first time since apologizing for chauvinistic comments towards one of the team's beat writers, so it will be interesting to see if he'll receive any backlash.
Newton's throwing shoulder feels the healthiest it has been since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. After a dreadful debut in ugly, defense-fueled wins over the 49ers and Bills, Newton appeared headed in the wrong direction against New Orleans, getting his team beat. His success in New England came out of nowhere and was another indidictment of the Pats' lack of defense. He closed out the Lions with a huge third-down conversion to Kelvin Benjamin to keep Matthew Stafford from getting the ball back as Detroit attempted to rally from a 27-10 fourth-quarters deficit. Head coach Ron Rivera told NFL Network that the success is related to him finally finding a groove.
"His shoulder is finally feeling like it doesn't get tired fast," Rivera said. "Part of it was he just had surgery. There was nothing minor about what he went through. Missed training camp, not getting a chance to develop some of the timing that you need. So now he's just kind of feeling good about himself."
Philadelphia's pass defense, like New England's (last) and Detroit's (27th), ranks among the NFL's worst, coming in 29th in yards allowed through the air (283). Only the Patriots and Saints surrender more yards per completion than the 8.6 the Eagles allow, so Newton should be able to sustain his rhythm if his arm responds well despite the short week. That's going to be the big if, because the Eagles come in even with the Packers as the NFC's second-highest scoring team (27.4) behind the Rams and figure to test a Carolina defense that has struggled since those dominant first two wins against two of the least prolific offensive teams in football, San Francisco and Buffalo.
The Panthers have been outscored 38-10 in the fourth quarter over their last three games, while the Eagles haven't surrendered a first-quarter touchdown yet, giving up just three points in the opening 15 minutes all season, so if either of those trends continue, Philadelphia has a chance to pull off an upset.
Carson Wentz has soundly beaten any notion of a sophomore jinx, leading all NFL quarterbacks with a 137.8 rating on third down, throwing six touchdowns while racking up 30 first downs. He threw three TD passes in the first quarter in Sunday's 34-7 win over Arizona, a first in franchise history. He also became the 10th QB in league history to throw for over 5,000 yards in his first 21 games and enjoyed the first four-touchdown game of his career, all to different receivers. The Eagles didn't throw much in the fourth quarter due to their healthy cushion or his numbers would've been gaudier. It will be interesting to see how he responds on the road coming off the most prolific passing day of his young career.
The Panthers rank fifth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (194) despite facing Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford in consecutive weeks. While that number pops out, they have come up with only one interception this season and have seen 69.8 percent of passes completed against them, the fourth-highest clip allowed. Wentz should have opportunities to continue his strong play on what is expected to be a clear conditions in Charlotte.
Another major factor in Philadelphia's success since suffering its only loss in Kansas City is the incorporation of LeGarrette Blount in the run game. Despite being healthy, Doug Pederson only got Blount a single carry against the Chiefs, and that was nullified by a penalty. He caught one pass for 0 yards and was on the field for only six snaps. With Darren Sproles lost for the season, Blount has received 42 carries over the last three contests, racking up 277 yards on 6.6 yards per carry. Although he's only found the end zone once after scoring 18 rushing touchdowns for New England last season, he'll have a chance to add to that total if he stays healthy given how well the offense is performing. Philadelphia joins Kansas City as the only teams in the league to have scored 20 or more points in every game this season.
The Bucs rank last in the NFL in third-down defense, allowing a 50 percent conversion rate that has to have Brady salivating. He's got the offense averaging 32 points over the last three games since the team's Thursday night loss to Kansas City to open the season, and has to be looking forward to going up against a team that has registered only a single sack through the first four games. This will be Brady's first time playing in Tampa Bay in his pro career, as two of the previous meetings came in Foxboro and the '09 game was played in London.
Philadelphia Eagles
Season win total: 8.5 (Over -120, Under +100)
Odds to win NFC East:4/5 to 4/9
Odds to win NFC: 10/1 to 8/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 20/1 to 16/1
Carolina Panthers
Season win total: 9 (Over -120, Under +100)
Odds to win NFC South: 7/2 to 2/1
Odds to win NFC: 15/1 to 7/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 30/1 to 14/1
LINE MOVEMENT
Both of these teams have seen the odds on them achieving success this season improve dramatically this month. Although the Falcons (4/5) are still favored to win the NFC South. the Eagles have replaced the Cowboys as the current NFC East favorite.
Only Green Bay (9/4), Atlanta (4/1) and Seattle (5/1) have better odds than these teams to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
As far as this matchup is concerned, the Eagles were installed as a 3-point favorite when the Westgate's early numbers were announced, opening the week there but quickly moving to 3.5. The total opened at 45, climbed to 46 and is most widely available at 45.5.
Carolina is -170/-180 on the money line, while Philadelphia will get you +160.
ODDSMAKER'S TAKE
Scott Cooley of Bookmaker.eu dropped knowledge on what his shop is seeing as of Wednesday afternoon.
"We currently have 62 percent of the tickets on Philly, but of the sharp money we’ve taken, which isn’t an overwhelming amount, has been on Carolina," Cooley said. This feels like a good number, and it will probably dip back down to the opener of -3 at some point before kickoff. Should be a great game for all to see where these two teams really belong in the ratings."
INJURY CONCERNS
Lane Johnson, Philly's standout right tackle, suffered a head injury against Arizona and is sidelined with a concussion. He didn't make the trip and will be replaced by Halapoulivaati Vaitai, a second-year player who started six games as a rookie and fared very well upon taking over last week, playing 34 snaps without allowing so much as a hurry. Philadelphia went 2-4 in his starts last season. Carolina had six sacks last week in Detroit.
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The Eagles might get standout DT Fletcher Cox, one of the NFL's top defensive players, back from a two-game absence due to a calf injury, but the intention is to decide on his status an hour before game-time. RB Wendell Smallwood (knee) and defensive linemen Beau Allen (foot), Destiny Vaeao (wrist) and Chris Long (foot) are all listed as questionable. Top corner Ronald Darby (ankle) remains sidelined, but might return next week.
The Panthers also have issues up front along the offensive line and in the Eagles. Five-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil will miss another game with a neck injury, while younger brother Matt left the Lions win for a stretch but will play. RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) and WR Devin Funchess (knee) will also be out there for Carolina. Tight end Greg Olsen remains sidelined after foot surgery and isn't likely to return to game action until late November. Safeties Kurt Coleman and Demetrious Cox are out, but banged up corners James Bradberry and Daryl Worley should play.
RECENT MEETINGS (Philadelphia 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS last eight; OVER 5-3)
10/25/15 Carolina 27-16 vs. Philadelphia (CAR -3, 45)
11/10/14 Philadelphia 45-21 vs. Carolina (PHI -7, 48.5)
11/26/12 Carolina 30-22 at Philadelphia (CAR -3, 42)
9/13/09 Philadelphia 38-10 vs. Philadelphia (PHI -2.5, 43.5)
12/4/06 Philadelphia 27-24 vs. Carolina (CAR -3, 37.5)
10/17/04 Philadelphia 30-8 vs. Carolina (PHI -10, 42)
1/18/04 Carolina 14-3 at Philadelphia (PHI -4, 36.5)
11/30/03 Philadelphia 25-16 at Carolina (CAR -1.5, 37)
PROPS
Of the props available below at BetOnline.ag, I'd ride the OVER on field goals and do think we'll see a touchdown of 43 yards or more.
Team to reach 10 points first: (Panthers -145, Eagles +125)
Team to reach 20 points first: (Panthers -160, Eagles +140)
Team to score first: (Panthers -130, Eagles +110)
Team to score last: (Panthers -110, Eagles -110)
First score: (Touchdown -160, FG/Safety +140)
Total FGs made by both teams: (3.5, Over +120, Under -140)
Longest FG made: (46, Over -120/Under +100)
Total sacks by both teams combined: (5 Over -135, Under +115)
Will there be a score in final 2 minutes of 1st half: (Yes -260, No +220)
Will there be a defensive or special teams TD?: (Yes +220, No -260)
Will there be a TD of 43 yards or more?: (Yes -125, No +105)
Will there be a 1-yard TD?: (Yes -125, No +105)
Will there be overtime: (Yes +1000, No -1500)
Will there be 3 straight scores by either team: (Yes -200, No +170)
PANTHERS AS A HOME FAVORITE
The Panthers are 1-1 at home this season but haven't covered, pushing against Buffalo in a game they almost lost in the final seconds and getting rolled by the Saints. They were 4-3 (3-3-1 ATS) as the home chalk last season.
Carolina played two Thursday night games, two Monday night games and a Saturday contest last season and went 2-3 but have played solely on Sunday afternoons thus far in '17.
EAGLES AS A ROAD UNDERDOG
Philadelphia has won just two of its last 10 road games, but snapped a run of seven straight losses in the season opener against Washington, prevailing as a 1-point favorite. The Eagles have been a dog in Kansas City and L.A., losing to the Chiefs and beating the Chargers. They went 1-5 as a road 'dog last year, but are 6-2 against the number in their last eight.
Wentz won his only Thursday night game last season, beating the Giants at home in Week 16 a few days after Philadelphia was officially eliminated. That win started a run that has seen the Eagles win six of their last seven straight up.
NEXT WEEK'S NUMBERS POSTED
The Westgate opens its advance lines for the following week on Tuesdays and Week 7 currently has the Panthers as a 4.5-point road favorite against Chicago. The Eagles will be back on a national stage, hosting Washington for Monday night football to wrap up their season series early as they seek a sweep. Philadelphia is listed as a 6.5-point favorite.
Philadelphia at Carolina (-3.5, 45.5)
One of these teams is going to wake up on Friday morning filled with that Tony Montana "the world is yours" feeling, becoming the first NFC team with five wins. For the second straight week, we've got an attractive matchup, which will hopefully result in another decent game as the level of play picks up.
The controversy he created for himself didn't end up hampering Cam Newton, who put together his best game of the season in a 27-24 upset win in Detroit. He's now thrown for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in each of Carolina's road wins this month, beating the Patriots and Lions. His completion percentage has improved each time out and he's been resilient in not letting a three-interception game against the Saints linger. He's going to be playing in Charlotte for the first time since that 34-13 loss and will also be out there for the first time since apologizing for chauvinistic comments towards one of the team's beat writers, so it will be interesting to see if he'll receive any backlash.
Newton's throwing shoulder feels the healthiest it has been since returning from offseason shoulder surgery. After a dreadful debut in ugly, defense-fueled wins over the 49ers and Bills, Newton appeared headed in the wrong direction against New Orleans, getting his team beat. His success in New England came out of nowhere and was another indidictment of the Pats' lack of defense. He closed out the Lions with a huge third-down conversion to Kelvin Benjamin to keep Matthew Stafford from getting the ball back as Detroit attempted to rally from a 27-10 fourth-quarters deficit. Head coach Ron Rivera told NFL Network that the success is related to him finally finding a groove.
"His shoulder is finally feeling like it doesn't get tired fast," Rivera said. "Part of it was he just had surgery. There was nothing minor about what he went through. Missed training camp, not getting a chance to develop some of the timing that you need. So now he's just kind of feeling good about himself."
Philadelphia's pass defense, like New England's (last) and Detroit's (27th), ranks among the NFL's worst, coming in 29th in yards allowed through the air (283). Only the Patriots and Saints surrender more yards per completion than the 8.6 the Eagles allow, so Newton should be able to sustain his rhythm if his arm responds well despite the short week. That's going to be the big if, because the Eagles come in even with the Packers as the NFC's second-highest scoring team (27.4) behind the Rams and figure to test a Carolina defense that has struggled since those dominant first two wins against two of the least prolific offensive teams in football, San Francisco and Buffalo.
The Panthers have been outscored 38-10 in the fourth quarter over their last three games, while the Eagles haven't surrendered a first-quarter touchdown yet, giving up just three points in the opening 15 minutes all season, so if either of those trends continue, Philadelphia has a chance to pull off an upset.
Carson Wentz has soundly beaten any notion of a sophomore jinx, leading all NFL quarterbacks with a 137.8 rating on third down, throwing six touchdowns while racking up 30 first downs. He threw three TD passes in the first quarter in Sunday's 34-7 win over Arizona, a first in franchise history. He also became the 10th QB in league history to throw for over 5,000 yards in his first 21 games and enjoyed the first four-touchdown game of his career, all to different receivers. The Eagles didn't throw much in the fourth quarter due to their healthy cushion or his numbers would've been gaudier. It will be interesting to see how he responds on the road coming off the most prolific passing day of his young career.
The Panthers rank fifth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (194) despite facing Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford in consecutive weeks. While that number pops out, they have come up with only one interception this season and have seen 69.8 percent of passes completed against them, the fourth-highest clip allowed. Wentz should have opportunities to continue his strong play on what is expected to be a clear conditions in Charlotte.
Another major factor in Philadelphia's success since suffering its only loss in Kansas City is the incorporation of LeGarrette Blount in the run game. Despite being healthy, Doug Pederson only got Blount a single carry against the Chiefs, and that was nullified by a penalty. He caught one pass for 0 yards and was on the field for only six snaps. With Darren Sproles lost for the season, Blount has received 42 carries over the last three contests, racking up 277 yards on 6.6 yards per carry. Although he's only found the end zone once after scoring 18 rushing touchdowns for New England last season, he'll have a chance to add to that total if he stays healthy given how well the offense is performing. Philadelphia joins Kansas City as the only teams in the league to have scored 20 or more points in every game this season.
The Bucs rank last in the NFL in third-down defense, allowing a 50 percent conversion rate that has to have Brady salivating. He's got the offense averaging 32 points over the last three games since the team's Thursday night loss to Kansas City to open the season, and has to be looking forward to going up against a team that has registered only a single sack through the first four games. This will be Brady's first time playing in Tampa Bay in his pro career, as two of the previous meetings came in Foxboro and the '09 game was played in London.
Philadelphia Eagles
Season win total: 8.5 (Over -120, Under +100)
Odds to win NFC East:4/5 to 4/9
Odds to win NFC: 10/1 to 8/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 20/1 to 16/1
Carolina Panthers
Season win total: 9 (Over -120, Under +100)
Odds to win NFC South: 7/2 to 2/1
Odds to win NFC: 15/1 to 7/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 30/1 to 14/1
LINE MOVEMENT
Both of these teams have seen the odds on them achieving success this season improve dramatically this month. Although the Falcons (4/5) are still favored to win the NFC South. the Eagles have replaced the Cowboys as the current NFC East favorite.
Only Green Bay (9/4), Atlanta (4/1) and Seattle (5/1) have better odds than these teams to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
As far as this matchup is concerned, the Eagles were installed as a 3-point favorite when the Westgate's early numbers were announced, opening the week there but quickly moving to 3.5. The total opened at 45, climbed to 46 and is most widely available at 45.5.
Carolina is -170/-180 on the money line, while Philadelphia will get you +160.
ODDSMAKER'S TAKE
Scott Cooley of Bookmaker.eu dropped knowledge on what his shop is seeing as of Wednesday afternoon.
"We currently have 62 percent of the tickets on Philly, but of the sharp money we’ve taken, which isn’t an overwhelming amount, has been on Carolina," Cooley said. This feels like a good number, and it will probably dip back down to the opener of -3 at some point before kickoff. Should be a great game for all to see where these two teams really belong in the ratings."
INJURY CONCERNS
Lane Johnson, Philly's standout right tackle, suffered a head injury against Arizona and is sidelined with a concussion. He didn't make the trip and will be replaced by Halapoulivaati Vaitai, a second-year player who started six games as a rookie and fared very well upon taking over last week, playing 34 snaps without allowing so much as a hurry. Philadelphia went 2-4 in his starts last season. Carolina had six sacks last week in Detroit.
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The Eagles might get standout DT Fletcher Cox, one of the NFL's top defensive players, back from a two-game absence due to a calf injury, but the intention is to decide on his status an hour before game-time. RB Wendell Smallwood (knee) and defensive linemen Beau Allen (foot), Destiny Vaeao (wrist) and Chris Long (foot) are all listed as questionable. Top corner Ronald Darby (ankle) remains sidelined, but might return next week.
The Panthers also have issues up front along the offensive line and in the Eagles. Five-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil will miss another game with a neck injury, while younger brother Matt left the Lions win for a stretch but will play. RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) and WR Devin Funchess (knee) will also be out there for Carolina. Tight end Greg Olsen remains sidelined after foot surgery and isn't likely to return to game action until late November. Safeties Kurt Coleman and Demetrious Cox are out, but banged up corners James Bradberry and Daryl Worley should play.
RECENT MEETINGS (Philadelphia 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS last eight; OVER 5-3)
10/25/15 Carolina 27-16 vs. Philadelphia (CAR -3, 45)
11/10/14 Philadelphia 45-21 vs. Carolina (PHI -7, 48.5)
11/26/12 Carolina 30-22 at Philadelphia (CAR -3, 42)
9/13/09 Philadelphia 38-10 vs. Philadelphia (PHI -2.5, 43.5)
12/4/06 Philadelphia 27-24 vs. Carolina (CAR -3, 37.5)
10/17/04 Philadelphia 30-8 vs. Carolina (PHI -10, 42)
1/18/04 Carolina 14-3 at Philadelphia (PHI -4, 36.5)
11/30/03 Philadelphia 25-16 at Carolina (CAR -1.5, 37)
PROPS
Of the props available below at BetOnline.ag, I'd ride the OVER on field goals and do think we'll see a touchdown of 43 yards or more.
Team to reach 10 points first: (Panthers -145, Eagles +125)
Team to reach 20 points first: (Panthers -160, Eagles +140)
Team to score first: (Panthers -130, Eagles +110)
Team to score last: (Panthers -110, Eagles -110)
First score: (Touchdown -160, FG/Safety +140)
Total FGs made by both teams: (3.5, Over +120, Under -140)
Longest FG made: (46, Over -120/Under +100)
Total sacks by both teams combined: (5 Over -135, Under +115)
Will there be a score in final 2 minutes of 1st half: (Yes -260, No +220)
Will there be a defensive or special teams TD?: (Yes +220, No -260)
Will there be a TD of 43 yards or more?: (Yes -125, No +105)
Will there be a 1-yard TD?: (Yes -125, No +105)
Will there be overtime: (Yes +1000, No -1500)
Will there be 3 straight scores by either team: (Yes -200, No +170)
PANTHERS AS A HOME FAVORITE
The Panthers are 1-1 at home this season but haven't covered, pushing against Buffalo in a game they almost lost in the final seconds and getting rolled by the Saints. They were 4-3 (3-3-1 ATS) as the home chalk last season.
Carolina played two Thursday night games, two Monday night games and a Saturday contest last season and went 2-3 but have played solely on Sunday afternoons thus far in '17.
EAGLES AS A ROAD UNDERDOG
Philadelphia has won just two of its last 10 road games, but snapped a run of seven straight losses in the season opener against Washington, prevailing as a 1-point favorite. The Eagles have been a dog in Kansas City and L.A., losing to the Chiefs and beating the Chargers. They went 1-5 as a road 'dog last year, but are 6-2 against the number in their last eight.
Wentz won his only Thursday night game last season, beating the Giants at home in Week 16 a few days after Philadelphia was officially eliminated. That win started a run that has seen the Eagles win six of their last seven straight up.
NEXT WEEK'S NUMBERS POSTED
The Westgate opens its advance lines for the following week on Tuesdays and Week 7 currently has the Panthers as a 4.5-point road favorite against Chicago. The Eagles will be back on a national stage, hosting Washington for Monday night football to wrap up their season series early as they seek a sweep. Philadelphia is listed as a 6.5-point favorite.
Thursday's Best Bet
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers
Odds: Carolina (-3); Total set at 45.5
A pair of 4-1 SU teams meet on TNF this week as the surging Philadelphia Eagles take their three-game winning streak on the road to Carolina.
Both teams have looked rather impressive in recent weeks – specifically the resurgence of Cam Newton and the Panthers offense, but this is that dreaded short-week game and with both sides believing they've got a solid shot of going all the way this year after their respective starts, that extra time off after the game is that much sweeter off a win.
Philadelphia enters this week off a dominating 34-7 win over Arizona a week ago to make it three in a row in the standings (2-1 ATS). The Eagles jumped all over the Cardinals early in that game and never really looked back.
Aside from getting the W, Philly fans have to be pleased with how their defense played as it was the first real game outside of forcing numerous turnovers in Week 1 that the Eagles defense locked things down. There was no real let up late in the game despite the big lead, and if Philadelphia wants to win the NFC East and make a deep playoff run, they'll need that defense to keep up with what the offense is doing.
Philly has scored at least 20 points in all five games so far and four of the five saw 26+ scored.
Cam Newton and the Panthers offense have put up 27+ in their last two games – both wins – after everyone was talking about how Newton wasn't anywhere near the same guy that won the MVP after some below average play to begin the year.
But Carolina has seemingly found something on offense these days (albeit against the likes of New England and Detroit's defenses), and Newton himself looks a lot healthier then he did at the beginning of the year. Seeing how he and the rest of the Panthers offense comes out against this Eagles team that's filled with confidence right now will definitely be interesting.
So, given those respective offense vs defense matchups and the fact that both teams have relatively lit up the scoreboard recently, at first glance this total of 45.5 seems a little low. Simply combining their average points per game this year gives you a number of 48.4 (27.4 for Philly, 21 for Carolina), and the majority of bettors – 80%+ according to VegasInsider.com's betting percentage numbers – have already taken a stance on the 'over.'
The side money is basically split down the middle, but with the total being so heavily weighed to one side, I believe that's where we find our edge this week.
There is no denying that both offenses have been playing well, but the Eagles commitment to defense for the entire 60 minutes last week didn't go unnoticed over here. Philly might have been 3-1 SU prior to that, but they were scraping by with 3 point wins over the likes of the Giants and Chargers because their defense was playing a soft prevent defense late in games.
In those two wins over LA and New York, the Eagles were outscored 38-21 in the 4th quarters and that's not going to get it done against the better teams in this league. So last week, with the game very much in hand by halftime, Philly's defense made a conscious decision to not play soft the rest of the way and they ended up shutting out the Cardinals in the final two quarters.
It's that type of play that will enable them to pile up the victories a little easier when everything goes according to plan, and I expect the same kind of defensive intensity this week. They've poured over two weeks of solid film by Carolina's offense having success, so even with it being a short week I expect them to be ready.
Carolina had a similar problem last week when they entered the 4th up 27-10, played soft, and nearly coughed up the game. After shutting out Detroit in the 3rd frame, the Lions put up two TD's on the Panthers in the final 15 minutes to make it a game. That is not the type of defense a Ron Rivera coached team prides itself on, especially since the Panthers defense was lights out the first two weeks of the year.
This will be the fourth straight week against a team that prefers to attack through the air, and while the points allowed numbers aren't the prettiest – 34, 30, 24, - the Panthers have improved in that regard each week. Being at home where they are 1-4-1 O/U in their last six games should help Carolina's defense even more this week, as they'll also look to control the ball with their running game and keep Carson Wentz and that Eagles attack on the sideline for as long as possible.
With everyone jumping on their initial reaction of this total being too low for these two teams that have scored plenty of late, we've got to remember that this number is that low for a reason.
TNF games aren't always the shootouts many expect them to be when two scoring units square off against one another – look at last week's New England/Tampa game – and with the Eagles on a 2-5 O/U run after winning by 14+, 3-8-1 O/U after allowing 15 or less, and Carolina 3-8 O/U after gaining 350+ yards, going against the grain and taking the low side of this total is the better betting option.
Best Bet: Under 45.5
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers
Odds: Carolina (-3); Total set at 45.5
A pair of 4-1 SU teams meet on TNF this week as the surging Philadelphia Eagles take their three-game winning streak on the road to Carolina.
Both teams have looked rather impressive in recent weeks – specifically the resurgence of Cam Newton and the Panthers offense, but this is that dreaded short-week game and with both sides believing they've got a solid shot of going all the way this year after their respective starts, that extra time off after the game is that much sweeter off a win.
Philadelphia enters this week off a dominating 34-7 win over Arizona a week ago to make it three in a row in the standings (2-1 ATS). The Eagles jumped all over the Cardinals early in that game and never really looked back.
Aside from getting the W, Philly fans have to be pleased with how their defense played as it was the first real game outside of forcing numerous turnovers in Week 1 that the Eagles defense locked things down. There was no real let up late in the game despite the big lead, and if Philadelphia wants to win the NFC East and make a deep playoff run, they'll need that defense to keep up with what the offense is doing.
Philly has scored at least 20 points in all five games so far and four of the five saw 26+ scored.
Cam Newton and the Panthers offense have put up 27+ in their last two games – both wins – after everyone was talking about how Newton wasn't anywhere near the same guy that won the MVP after some below average play to begin the year.
But Carolina has seemingly found something on offense these days (albeit against the likes of New England and Detroit's defenses), and Newton himself looks a lot healthier then he did at the beginning of the year. Seeing how he and the rest of the Panthers offense comes out against this Eagles team that's filled with confidence right now will definitely be interesting.
So, given those respective offense vs defense matchups and the fact that both teams have relatively lit up the scoreboard recently, at first glance this total of 45.5 seems a little low. Simply combining their average points per game this year gives you a number of 48.4 (27.4 for Philly, 21 for Carolina), and the majority of bettors – 80%+ according to VegasInsider.com's betting percentage numbers – have already taken a stance on the 'over.'
The side money is basically split down the middle, but with the total being so heavily weighed to one side, I believe that's where we find our edge this week.
There is no denying that both offenses have been playing well, but the Eagles commitment to defense for the entire 60 minutes last week didn't go unnoticed over here. Philly might have been 3-1 SU prior to that, but they were scraping by with 3 point wins over the likes of the Giants and Chargers because their defense was playing a soft prevent defense late in games.
In those two wins over LA and New York, the Eagles were outscored 38-21 in the 4th quarters and that's not going to get it done against the better teams in this league. So last week, with the game very much in hand by halftime, Philly's defense made a conscious decision to not play soft the rest of the way and they ended up shutting out the Cardinals in the final two quarters.
It's that type of play that will enable them to pile up the victories a little easier when everything goes according to plan, and I expect the same kind of defensive intensity this week. They've poured over two weeks of solid film by Carolina's offense having success, so even with it being a short week I expect them to be ready.
Carolina had a similar problem last week when they entered the 4th up 27-10, played soft, and nearly coughed up the game. After shutting out Detroit in the 3rd frame, the Lions put up two TD's on the Panthers in the final 15 minutes to make it a game. That is not the type of defense a Ron Rivera coached team prides itself on, especially since the Panthers defense was lights out the first two weeks of the year.
This will be the fourth straight week against a team that prefers to attack through the air, and while the points allowed numbers aren't the prettiest – 34, 30, 24, - the Panthers have improved in that regard each week. Being at home where they are 1-4-1 O/U in their last six games should help Carolina's defense even more this week, as they'll also look to control the ball with their running game and keep Carson Wentz and that Eagles attack on the sideline for as long as possible.
With everyone jumping on their initial reaction of this total being too low for these two teams that have scored plenty of late, we've got to remember that this number is that low for a reason.
TNF games aren't always the shootouts many expect them to be when two scoring units square off against one another – look at last week's New England/Tampa game – and with the Eagles on a 2-5 O/U run after winning by 14+, 3-8-1 O/U after allowing 15 or less, and Carolina 3-8 O/U after gaining 350+ yards, going against the grain and taking the low side of this total is the better betting option.
Best Bet: Under 45.5
Thursday Night Football Betting Preview: Eagles at Panthers
Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers (-3.5, 45.5)
Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles were the darlings of the NFL during the first month of the 2016 season. That fast start was following by a lengthy tailspin, which is why the Eagles are not getting too far ahead of themselves as they prepare to visit the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night in a matchup of division leaders.
“What we don’t know about ourselves is how we handle success. Which, I think, is more dangerous,” cornerback Malcolm Jenkins said after Philadelphia's 34-7 destruction of Arizona on Sunday. “It’s easy to start listening to the fans and the media about how good you are, but at the end of the day, it’s a race to improve every week.” The Eagles are sitting atop the NFC East with a 4-1 record, their lone loss coming at Kansas City -- the league's only unbeaten team. Like Philadelphia, the Panthers are 4-1 and alone in first place in the NFC South after squeezing out a pair of impressive three-point road wins at New England and Detroit. Cam Newton has bounced back from some early-season struggles with some superb play, but it has been overshadowed by his sexist remarks to a female reporter during a media session.
POWER RANKINGS: Eagles (+1.5) - Panthers (+1.5) + home field (-3) = Panthers -3
LINE HISTORY: The Panthers opened as three-point home favorites and that pointspread has been bet up slightly to -3.5. The total hit betting boards at 45 and edged higher to 45.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Eagles - DT F. Cox (Probable, Calf), S J. Watkins (Questionable, Hamstring), DT D. Vaeao (Questionable, Wrist), DE C. Long (Questionable, Foot), DT B. Allen (Questionable, Foot), RB W. Smallwood (Doubtful, Knee), T L. Johnson (Out, Head), CB R. Darby (Out, Ankle), CB S. Jones (Out, Achilles), RB D. Sproles (I-R, Knee), RB D. Pumphrey (I-R, Hamstring), K C. Sturgis (Out, Quadricep), CB R. Goforth (I-R, Knee), WR D. Williams (I-R, Achilles).
Panthers - CB J. Bradberry (Probable, Calf), DE M. Addison (Probable, Knee), DE J. Peppers (Probable, Shoulder), QB C. Newton (Probable, Shoulder), T M. Kalil (Probable, Ankle), RB J. Stewart (Probable, Ankle), WR D. Funchess (Probable, Knee), S D. Cox (Out, Ankle), C R. Kalil (Out, Neck), S K. Coleman (Out, Knee), TE G. Olsen (Out, Foot), DE D. Hall (Out, Knee), WR D. Byrd (Out, Forearm), CB C. Luke (Out, Ankle), CB C. Elder (I-R, Knee), T D. France (I-R, Concussion), CB T. Williams (I-R, Arm), DT D. Iddings (I-R, Shoulder), WR C. Johnson (I-R, Back).
ABOUT THE EAGLES (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, 3-2 O/U): All but four of last week's 14 games were decided by six points or fewer, but Philadelphia was one of the exceptions as Wentz posted a perfect passer rating in the first quarter with three of his four touchdown passes. Tight end Zach Ertz continues to be Wentz's favorite target with 32 receptions and two touchdowns, but Torrey Smith and Nelson Agholor each hauled in long scoring strikes against a vaunted Arizona secondary. Running back LeGarrette Blount is providing balance to the offense, averaging 6.6 yards per carry over the past three games. The Eagles rank 29th against the pass but defensive tackle Fletcher Cox practiced fully Tuesday after missing the last two games.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, 3-2 O/U):Newton got off to a slow start while working his way back from offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder, but he has been spectacular in the past two games with a combined passer rating of 137.2 while throwing for 671 yards and six TDs. Tight end Greg Olsen was injured in Week 2 but Ed Dickson gave the position a boost with five receptions for 175 yards last week. Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey has 27 catches while wideout Devin Funchess is forming some chemistry Newton with 14 receptions and three scores over the past two games. Carolina's defense is surrendering 274 yards per game, ranking No. 1 in the NFC, while allowing 194.2 yards through the air.
TRENDS:
* Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.
* Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
* Over is 13-3 in Eagles last 16 road games.
* Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games in October.
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road underdog Eagles at a rate of 55 percent and the Over is picking up 76 percent of the totals action.
Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers (-3.5, 45.5)
Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles were the darlings of the NFL during the first month of the 2016 season. That fast start was following by a lengthy tailspin, which is why the Eagles are not getting too far ahead of themselves as they prepare to visit the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night in a matchup of division leaders.
“What we don’t know about ourselves is how we handle success. Which, I think, is more dangerous,” cornerback Malcolm Jenkins said after Philadelphia's 34-7 destruction of Arizona on Sunday. “It’s easy to start listening to the fans and the media about how good you are, but at the end of the day, it’s a race to improve every week.” The Eagles are sitting atop the NFC East with a 4-1 record, their lone loss coming at Kansas City -- the league's only unbeaten team. Like Philadelphia, the Panthers are 4-1 and alone in first place in the NFC South after squeezing out a pair of impressive three-point road wins at New England and Detroit. Cam Newton has bounced back from some early-season struggles with some superb play, but it has been overshadowed by his sexist remarks to a female reporter during a media session.
POWER RANKINGS: Eagles (+1.5) - Panthers (+1.5) + home field (-3) = Panthers -3
LINE HISTORY: The Panthers opened as three-point home favorites and that pointspread has been bet up slightly to -3.5. The total hit betting boards at 45 and edged higher to 45.5.
INJURY REPORT:
Eagles - DT F. Cox (Probable, Calf), S J. Watkins (Questionable, Hamstring), DT D. Vaeao (Questionable, Wrist), DE C. Long (Questionable, Foot), DT B. Allen (Questionable, Foot), RB W. Smallwood (Doubtful, Knee), T L. Johnson (Out, Head), CB R. Darby (Out, Ankle), CB S. Jones (Out, Achilles), RB D. Sproles (I-R, Knee), RB D. Pumphrey (I-R, Hamstring), K C. Sturgis (Out, Quadricep), CB R. Goforth (I-R, Knee), WR D. Williams (I-R, Achilles).
Panthers - CB J. Bradberry (Probable, Calf), DE M. Addison (Probable, Knee), DE J. Peppers (Probable, Shoulder), QB C. Newton (Probable, Shoulder), T M. Kalil (Probable, Ankle), RB J. Stewart (Probable, Ankle), WR D. Funchess (Probable, Knee), S D. Cox (Out, Ankle), C R. Kalil (Out, Neck), S K. Coleman (Out, Knee), TE G. Olsen (Out, Foot), DE D. Hall (Out, Knee), WR D. Byrd (Out, Forearm), CB C. Luke (Out, Ankle), CB C. Elder (I-R, Knee), T D. France (I-R, Concussion), CB T. Williams (I-R, Arm), DT D. Iddings (I-R, Shoulder), WR C. Johnson (I-R, Back).
ABOUT THE EAGLES (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, 3-2 O/U): All but four of last week's 14 games were decided by six points or fewer, but Philadelphia was one of the exceptions as Wentz posted a perfect passer rating in the first quarter with three of his four touchdown passes. Tight end Zach Ertz continues to be Wentz's favorite target with 32 receptions and two touchdowns, but Torrey Smith and Nelson Agholor each hauled in long scoring strikes against a vaunted Arizona secondary. Running back LeGarrette Blount is providing balance to the offense, averaging 6.6 yards per carry over the past three games. The Eagles rank 29th against the pass but defensive tackle Fletcher Cox practiced fully Tuesday after missing the last two games.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, 3-2 O/U):Newton got off to a slow start while working his way back from offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder, but he has been spectacular in the past two games with a combined passer rating of 137.2 while throwing for 671 yards and six TDs. Tight end Greg Olsen was injured in Week 2 but Ed Dickson gave the position a boost with five receptions for 175 yards last week. Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey has 27 catches while wideout Devin Funchess is forming some chemistry Newton with 14 receptions and three scores over the past two games. Carolina's defense is surrendering 274 yards per game, ranking No. 1 in the NFC, while allowing 194.2 yards through the air.
TRENDS:
* Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.
* Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
* Over is 13-3 in Eagles last 16 road games.
* Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games in October.
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road underdog Eagles at a rate of 55 percent and the Over is picking up 76 percent of the totals action.
NHL
Penguins won their last five games with Tampa Bay; they won three of last four games in this building. Over is 7-1 in last eight series games. Pittsburgh won last night in Washington; they won last two games after losing first two (over 2-2). Lightning won two of first three games (over 3-0), winning both home games, 5-3/4-3ot.
Blues are 4-0 to start season, with three road wins (over 2-2); they allowed five goals in last three games. Panthers split pair with Tampa Bay to start season (over 2-0), winning only home game 5-4. Road team won last five St Louis-Florida games; Blues won their last five visits here (under 3-2).
Nashville won three of last four games with Dallas; all four games went over. Dallas Stars lost three of last four visits to Music City. Stars lost two of first three games (over 2-1); they lost 4-2 in St Louis in their only road game. Predators lost two of first three games (over 2-1); they beat Flyers 6-5 in their only home game.
Chicago won its last three games with Minnesota, scoring 13 goals (over 3-0). Wild lost three of last four visits to Windy City. Minnesota lost its first two games 4-2/5-4so (over 2-0); they still haven’t played a home game. Blackhawks won three of first four games; they’re 2-0 at home, outscoring opponents 15-2 (over 2-0).
Road team won five of last six Detroit-Arizona games; Red Wings won last three visits to Arizona, with last two in SO/OT. Over is 5-2-1 in last eight series games. Detroit won two of its first three games (over 2-1), splitting pair on road, scoring 2 goals in both road games. Arizona is 0-3 (over 2-1) with two losses to an expansion team; they lost 2-1ot in only home game.
Winnipeg won six of last seven games with Vancouver; home team won seven of last nine series games. Under is 2-0-2 in last four series games. Jets won two of last three visits here. Winnipeg lost two of first three games (over 3-0), splitting pair of road games. Canucks split their first two games, both 3-2 games, both at home (under 2-0).
Buffalo won 8 of its last ten games with the Sharks; they’ve won five of last six visits to San Jose. Under is 3-1-2 in last six series games. Sabres lost first three games (over 2-0-1) by combined score of 15-7; they lost 6-3 in Brooklyn in their only road game. Sharks lost 5-3/4-1 in their first two games, both at home (over 1-0-1).
Penguins won their last five games with Tampa Bay; they won three of last four games in this building. Over is 7-1 in last eight series games. Pittsburgh won last night in Washington; they won last two games after losing first two (over 2-2). Lightning won two of first three games (over 3-0), winning both home games, 5-3/4-3ot.
Blues are 4-0 to start season, with three road wins (over 2-2); they allowed five goals in last three games. Panthers split pair with Tampa Bay to start season (over 2-0), winning only home game 5-4. Road team won last five St Louis-Florida games; Blues won their last five visits here (under 3-2).
Nashville won three of last four games with Dallas; all four games went over. Dallas Stars lost three of last four visits to Music City. Stars lost two of first three games (over 2-1); they lost 4-2 in St Louis in their only road game. Predators lost two of first three games (over 2-1); they beat Flyers 6-5 in their only home game.
Chicago won its last three games with Minnesota, scoring 13 goals (over 3-0). Wild lost three of last four visits to Windy City. Minnesota lost its first two games 4-2/5-4so (over 2-0); they still haven’t played a home game. Blackhawks won three of first four games; they’re 2-0 at home, outscoring opponents 15-2 (over 2-0).
Road team won five of last six Detroit-Arizona games; Red Wings won last three visits to Arizona, with last two in SO/OT. Over is 5-2-1 in last eight series games. Detroit won two of its first three games (over 2-1), splitting pair on road, scoring 2 goals in both road games. Arizona is 0-3 (over 2-1) with two losses to an expansion team; they lost 2-1ot in only home game.
Winnipeg won six of last seven games with Vancouver; home team won seven of last nine series games. Under is 2-0-2 in last four series games. Jets won two of last three visits here. Winnipeg lost two of first three games (over 3-0), splitting pair of road games. Canucks split their first two games, both 3-2 games, both at home (under 2-0).
Buffalo won 8 of its last ten games with the Sharks; they’ve won five of last six visits to San Jose. Under is 3-1-2 in last six series games. Sabres lost first three games (over 2-0-1) by combined score of 15-7; they lost 6-3 in Brooklyn in their only road game. Sharks lost 5-3/4-1 in their first two games, both at home (over 1-0-1).
NHL Trend Report
8:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. TAMPA BAY
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
8:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games when playing at home against St. Louis
9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. NASHVILLE
Dallas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Dallas
Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHICAGO
Minnesota is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
Chicago is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Minnesota
11:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ARIZONA
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
11:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. VANCOUVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
11:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. SAN JOSE
Buffalo is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Jose
Buffalo is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
San Jose is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
San Jose is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Buffalo
8:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. TAMPA BAY
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
8:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games when playing at home against St. Louis
9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. NASHVILLE
Dallas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Nashville
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Dallas
Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHICAGO
Minnesota is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
Chicago is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Minnesota
11:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ARIZONA
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
11:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. VANCOUVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
11:30 PM
BUFFALO vs. SAN JOSE
Buffalo is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Jose
Buffalo is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
San Jose is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
San Jose is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Buffalo
NHL Long Sheet
PITTSBURGH (2-1-0-1, 5 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (2-1-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 6-7 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-6-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.1 Units)
__________________________________________________________________
ST LOUIS (4-0-0-0, 8 pts.) at FLORIDA (1-1-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 13-6 ATS (+19.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 112-90 ATS (+203.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 13-6 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-8 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 169-194 ATS (+384.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 151-228 ATS (-79.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-2 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 2-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)
__________________________________________________________________
DALLAS (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) at NASHVILLE (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 35-50 ATS (-25.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-25 ATS (+33.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 9-21 ATS (-15.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 2-15 ATS (-16.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 6-15 ATS (-13.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 191-161 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 35-42 ATS (-29.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 13-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 17-21 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 14-23 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-4-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)
__________________________________________________________________
MINNESOTA (0-1-0-1, 1 pts.) at CHICAGO (3-0-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 46-21 ATS (+17.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 343-340 ATS (-76.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.2 Units)
__________________________________________________________________
DETROIT (2-1-0-0, 4 pts.) at ARIZONA (0-2-0-1, 1 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 430-323 ATS (-128.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
DETROIT is 120-80 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ARIZONA is 28-87 ATS (+169.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
__________________________________________________________________
WINNIPEG (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) at VANCOUVER (1-0-0-1, 3 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 369-342 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)
__________________________________________________________________
BUFFALO (0-2-0-1, 1 pts.) at SAN JOSE (0-2-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 4-16 ATS (+24.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 167-145 ATS (-80.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 397-317 ATS (-4.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 91-74 ATS (-66.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-2 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 2-2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)
PITTSBURGH (2-1-0-1, 5 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (2-1-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 6-7 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-6-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.1 Units)
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ST LOUIS (4-0-0-0, 8 pts.) at FLORIDA (1-1-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 13-6 ATS (+19.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 112-90 ATS (+203.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 13-6 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-8 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 169-194 ATS (+384.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 151-228 ATS (-79.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-2 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 2-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)
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DALLAS (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) at NASHVILLE (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 35-50 ATS (-25.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-25 ATS (+33.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 9-21 ATS (-15.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 2-15 ATS (-16.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 6-15 ATS (-13.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 191-161 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 35-42 ATS (-29.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 13-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 17-21 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 14-23 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-4-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)
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MINNESOTA (0-1-0-1, 1 pts.) at CHICAGO (3-0-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 46-21 ATS (+17.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 343-340 ATS (-76.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-3-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.2 Units)
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DETROIT (2-1-0-0, 4 pts.) at ARIZONA (0-2-0-1, 1 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 430-323 ATS (-128.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
DETROIT is 120-80 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
ARIZONA is 28-87 ATS (+169.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)
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WINNIPEG (1-2-0-0, 2 pts.) at VANCOUVER (1-0-0-1, 3 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 369-342 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)
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BUFFALO (0-2-0-1, 1 pts.) at SAN JOSE (0-2-0-0, 0 pts.) - 10/12/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 4-16 ATS (+24.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 167-145 ATS (-80.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 397-317 ATS (-4.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 91-74 ATS (-66.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-2 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 2-2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)
ST. LOUIS @ FLORIDA
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Florida's last 24 games when playing St. Louis
PITTSBURGH @ TAMPA BAY
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
DALLAS @ NASHVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Dallas
MINNESOTA @ CHICAGO
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Minnesota
DETROIT @ ARIZONA
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
WINNIPEG @ VANCOUVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Winnipeg's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games at home
Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
BUFFALO @ SAN JOSE
Buffalo is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Jose
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo
San Jose is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Florida's last 24 games when playing St. Louis
PITTSBURGH @ TAMPA BAY
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
DALLAS @ NASHVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Dallas
MINNESOTA @ CHICAGO
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Chicago is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Minnesota
DETROIT @ ARIZONA
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Detroit is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home
WINNIPEG @ VANCOUVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Winnipeg's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games at home
Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
BUFFALO @ SAN JOSE
Buffalo is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Jose
Buffalo is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo
San Jose is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
StatFox Super Situations
WINNIPEG at VANCOUVER
Play Against - Home underdogs of +100 to +150 against the money line (VANCOUVER) off a close home loss by 1 goal, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season in the first half of the season 51-14 since 1997. ( 78.5% | 32.3 units )
WINNIPEG at VANCOUVER
Play Against - Home underdogs against the money line (VANCOUVER) off a close home loss by 1 goal, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season in the first half of the season 56-16 since 1997. ( 77.8% | 33.4 units )
WINNIPEG at VANCOUVER
Play Against - Home underdogs of +100 to +200 against the money line (VANCOUVER) off a close home loss by 1 goal, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season in the first half of the season 56-16 since 1997. ( 77.8% | 33.4 units )
WINNIPEG at VANCOUVER
Play Against - Home underdogs of +100 to +150 against the money line (VANCOUVER) off a close home loss by 1 goal, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season in the first half of the season 51-14 since 1997. ( 78.5% | 32.3 units )
WINNIPEG at VANCOUVER
Play Against - Home underdogs against the money line (VANCOUVER) off a close home loss by 1 goal, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season in the first half of the season 56-16 since 1997. ( 77.8% | 33.4 units )
WINNIPEG at VANCOUVER
Play Against - Home underdogs of +100 to +200 against the money line (VANCOUVER) off a close home loss by 1 goal, with a winning percentage of between 45-55% on the season in the first half of the season 56-16 since 1997. ( 77.8% | 33.4 units )
NHL Situational Betting
Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks – This is always a good rivalry between two close geographic rivals. The Wild and the Blackhawks get together at the UC on Thursday night, as the Blackhawks play their third game in four nights and fourth in six nights. The Wild will be the more rested team with four days off prior to this game, but I think that works against Minnesota in this instance. You want to be playing. You want to develop that timing and that chemistry. Sitting around for four days to practice is great, since you can work on line combos and schemes, but you cannot simulate game conditions. Even if the Blackhawks are a little bit tired, I still think playing is better than not playing. On the other hand, the Blackhawks were swept out of the playoffs in the first round by Nashville last season and have the chance to exact revenge on Saturday, so there could be a little bit of a look-ahead spot.
St. Louis Blues at Florida Panthers – The Blues will take the ice for the fourth time in six days when they visit the Panthers. The Panthers will be on four days off, so we have a similar situation to the game that we just talked about. It’s all about what you believe and how you perceive this spot. As far as I’m concerned, like I said above, I’d rather be playing. The Blue will be playing and have fewer things to figure out early on in the season than Florida does. I’d probably look at the Blues here, despite what looks like a pretty unfortunate scheduling spot.
Minnesota Wild at Chicago Blackhawks – This is always a good rivalry between two close geographic rivals. The Wild and the Blackhawks get together at the UC on Thursday night, as the Blackhawks play their third game in four nights and fourth in six nights. The Wild will be the more rested team with four days off prior to this game, but I think that works against Minnesota in this instance. You want to be playing. You want to develop that timing and that chemistry. Sitting around for four days to practice is great, since you can work on line combos and schemes, but you cannot simulate game conditions. Even if the Blackhawks are a little bit tired, I still think playing is better than not playing. On the other hand, the Blackhawks were swept out of the playoffs in the first round by Nashville last season and have the chance to exact revenge on Saturday, so there could be a little bit of a look-ahead spot.
St. Louis Blues at Florida Panthers – The Blues will take the ice for the fourth time in six days when they visit the Panthers. The Panthers will be on four days off, so we have a similar situation to the game that we just talked about. It’s all about what you believe and how you perceive this spot. As far as I’m concerned, like I said above, I’d rather be playing. The Blue will be playing and have fewer things to figure out early on in the season than Florida does. I’d probably look at the Blues here, despite what looks like a pretty unfortunate scheduling spot.
