Tag: football

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Sunday, September 15

[8:20 p.m. EST] Under 52.5 – Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes from the total on the Eagles-Falcons game on Sunday night. We’re taking the over, considering both teams have prolific offensive attacks that’ll get us where we need to go — over the total.

Both teams got off to slow starts in Week 1, but only the Eagles were able to catch themselves before falling on their faces. The Eagles overcame a 17-0 deficit and won by the score of 32-27 over the Redskins. Meanwhile, the Falcons fell behind 28-0 to the Vikings, and eventually lost 28-12, with their two touchdowns basically meaning nothing.

Carson Wentz shook off an early slow start to rebound 313 yards and three touchdowns. That shaky open made sense, though, considering he didn’t play any snaps during the preseason. Once things got going, Wentz was able to connect with WR DeSean Jackson for eight catches, 154 yards and two touchdowns.

The Eagles had a very balanced running attack with the three RBs each toting the rock. Miles Sanders led the way with 11 carries but only notched 25 yards in the process; Darren Sproles (nine carries for 47 yards) and Jordan Howard (six carries for 44 yards) were far more successful on the ground. Running backs typically give the Falcons a ton of issues, so having this talented trio of backs certainly bodes well for them moving the chains.

In reality, both the passing and running games can do a lot here, so that balanced-offense should give over-bettors plenty of optimism in this matchup.

It took Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense a while to finally get some points on the board, but they did eventually in the fourth quarter. With Case Keenum posting 380 passing yards and three touchdowns, expect Atlanta’s offense to have that same type of success. Especially with more dangerous receiving options like Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, this should be a great spectacle of moving the ball through the air. Not to mention, Matty Ice has been much better historically at home in Atlanta.

In terms of running the ball, that’s probably not to be an effective way to move up and down the field. Last week, despite leading for more than half the game, the Redskins had 13 carries for 28 yards. Against the Vikings, the Falcons’ running backs didn’t have much success either, toting the rock for 49 yards on 15 carries.

Given how both teams will be moving the ball through the air, it’s only right to take the over in this one. We should have a lot more faith in Matty Ice when he’s playing at home, and that’ll have Wentz leading the Eagles down the field to match him. This should be a fun game to wrap up Sunday’s slate, and the whole country will be able to see it.

* Final Score Prediction * Philadelphia Eagles: 30 – Atlanta Falcons: 27

 

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh

You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Saturday, September 14

[7:00 p.m. EST] Under 46 – #9 Florida Gators (-8) at Kentucky Wildcats

The SpreadKnowledge College Football Free Pick of the day comes to us from the total on the Florida-Kentucky game. We’re taking the under, as we’ll have a backup QB in this game with two ferocious defenses.

Last year, Kentucky got their first win against Florida in over three decades. Let’s not get too excited about a repeat, though, as a certain factor of personnel will likely decide this one. It’ll be a nasty SEC game, but the Gators should be just fine in Lexington.

Felipe Franks had a solid game last week, going 25-for-27 with two touchdowns en route to a 45-0 win. Granted, this week’s opponent will be much tougher, but there is plenty of motivation for Franks to do well. After all, Franks was the QB last year when Florida’s huge win streak against Kentucky ended. There’s no doubt at all that he wants to right those wrongs. Look for him to play a composed game, and the rushing attack to chew some clock up in this matchup.

The Gators’ defense will be instrumental in this game as well. They’ve got tons of playmakers in their back seven and some nasty grinders up front. When Kentucky’s run game gets shut down early, look for the pass rush to start creating some havoc.

QB Terry Wilson was injured in Kentucky’s last game and he’ll miss the rest of the season. Now, they’ll turn to Troy transfer Sawyer Smith, and you have to wonder how he’ll do with a new set of personnel in a marquee game. Florida will bring a lot of pressure his way, and that could be problematic for the new signal-caller.

Kentucky’s defense is pretty solid, and it’ll be able to keep this one close for stretches of this game. Look for this one to be a tough contest for most of the night, but Florida will get it done at the end.

* Final Score Prediction * Florida Gators: 24 – Kentucky Wildcats: 16

 

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh

You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Monday, September 9

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[7:00 p.m. EST] Over 52.5 – Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Saints-Texans game that kicks off Monday Night Football’s doubleheader. We like the total going over in this one, considering we’ve got two of the most potent offenses in football going head to head.

This will be the first time New Orleans takes the field since last season’s blown-call in the NFC Championship that prohibited them from reaching the Super Bowl. It’ll be interesting to see how they rebound from that debacle, and if it could possibly affect them in a negative way.

There are plenty of expectations for the Texans in 2019, and most of it comes from the offensive side of the ball. Houston made some exciting moves right before the regular season started, getting offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Kenny Stills from Miami. That move for Tunsil, in particular, was a major upgrade for an O-line that allowed quarterback Deshaun Watson to get sacked over 60 times last season.

The Saints haven’t won a Week-1 game since 2013. For whatever reason, it’s usually the defense that prohibits them from victory, and they’ll have another heavy test on their hands in this one. New Orleans will be without two of its best interior pass rushers, Sheldon Rankins (injury) and David Onyematta (suspension),

Not to mention, there’s a huge mismatch between the Texans’ wide receivers and Saints’ secondary. New Orleans ranked 22nd in DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average) against the pass last season. Marcus Lattimore was toasted by marquee wide receivers last season while, more recently, Patrick Robinson had a horrendous preseason.

In the Saints last four home openers, they have allowed 48 (TB), 36 (NE), 35 (OAK) and 26 (TB) points.

Luckily, quarterback Drew Brees, running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Michael Thomas are still around to put points on the scoreboard. It’s not like the Saints will get blown out, but these guys always have a chance to be in games with that trio of talent moving the ball. Since 2006, the Saints have averaged 30.1 points per game at home.

* Final Score Prediction * New Orleans Saints: 30 – Houston Texans: 27

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Sunday, September 8

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

[4:25 p.m. EST] San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the 49ers-Buccaneers game. We like the total going over, considering these are two high-powered offenses with coaches that like to sling the rock going up against defenses with plenty of uncertainty. That’s a big reason why the total opened at 48.5 and currently sits at 50.5.

This will be a game with great storylines as we’ll see the return of Bucs head coach Bruce Arians and 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Jimmy G is ready to lead the 49ers after missing nearly all of 2018 with a torn ACL. He didn’t play particularly well in the preseason, but that’s exactly what it is – preseason. Not to mention, his main target, tight end George Kittle didn’t play one snap during the preseason.

However, the Bucs’ pass defense was absolutely horrendous last season, and that’s why Todd Bowles was brought in to run things. That unit can only improve, but they do have to learn a new 3-4 system and that can certainly take them a few games.

Last season, the Bucs’ passing attack was No. 1 in the NFL and that should continue to improve with a great wealth of weapons in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard – not to mention, a coach that wants to air it out as well. The 49ers ranked dead-last in coverage grades, according to Pro Football Focus, so all of Tampa’s studs will certainly take advantage of that weakness.

We’ve outlined the struggles of these defenses coming into this season, and that’s our basis for going over the total. Not to mention, both of these teams want to throw the ball – and they will. Look for plenty of points and if you’ve got fantasy players going in this game, your outlook is very bright.

* Final Score Prediction * Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 31 – San Francisco 49ers: 27

SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day – Thursday, September 5

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months 

[8:20 p.m. EST] Under 47 – Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

The SpreadKnowledge NFL Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the total in the opener of the NFL’s 100th season getting underway with the most historic of rivalries, as the Bears host the Packers. We’re taking the under in this game, considering there are a few unknowns on offense and two solid defensive units to take into account.

Aaron Rodgers may very well be the most talented quarterback in the NFL, but he’ll be put to the test against one of the league’s premier defensive units. What’s interesting is that Rodgers didn’t play one snap during the preseason, and that could present some challenges with a different game plan under new head coach Matt LaFleur.

Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky played three snaps in the preseason, and he didn’t attempt any passes either. This could mean that both Rodgers and Trubisky come out rusty in this one, leading us to a slow start.

Chicago’s defensive unit will be led by Chuck Pagano, with Vic Fangio heading to Denver as the new head coach. The Bears defense shouldn’t look too much different from a schematic standpoint, and they do have talented players all over the place. Their cornerbacks on the outside should make things difficult for Rodgers’ top receivers, so look for a lot more passes towards the middle of the field in the slot, which is one of the Bears’ glaring weaknesses on defense.

The Packers’ defense improved mightily in the draft and during free agency. Perhaps the biggest pluck came from tonight’s opponent, as they grabbed safety Adrian Amos from the Bears during the offseason. That’s a massive upgrade to their secondary, in addition to their corners getting valuable experience last year.

Both of these teams feature solid defenses, but we feel like the Packers will be able to move the ball up and down the field a little better. If bettors can push this total up to 47.5 points, that’d be a more comfortable number to deal with. However, 47 is good enough for us in this instance.

* Final Score Prediction * Green Bay Packers: 23 – Chicago Bears: 20

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Monday, September 2

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[8:00 p.m. EST] #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Louisville Cardinals (+18.5)

The SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day comes to us from college football’s version of Monday Night Football, as Notre Dame hits the road to take on Louisville. We’ll be taking the Cardinals to cover the massive 18.5-point spread.

While Notre Dame does win a lot of regular-season games, they typically don’t do it by a wide margin. Six of their 12 regular-season wins last season came by 10 points or fewer, including winning each of their first three games by single-digits.

The Fighting Irish lost a ton of talent on the defensive end from last year’s squad, but they’ll also be missing some key offensive players who were set to make an impact this season. Tight end Cole Kmet and receivers Michael Young and Kevin Austin all won’t suit up for this game. Not to mention, Notre Dame has a new kicker and punter on their roster from last season.

Louisville had an absolutely disastrous 2018 season, finishing 2-10 overall and 1-11 against the spread. However, there’s a new coaching staff in town that has a lot of people excited – particularly on the defensive end, where the 3-4 scheme is a better fit for the personnel the Cardinals already have in place.

We’re not looking for Louisville to win this game outright, but the home-field advantage does help their chances to keep it close. Look for the Notre Dame offense to get off to its usual slow start, and for Louisville to play some inspired ball for the new coaching staff.

* Final Score Prediction * Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 24 – Louisville Cardinals: 17

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Saturday, August 31

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
You can sign up to grab the best analytics in the business at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[7:30 p.m. EST] Georgia Southern Eagles (+27) at #6 LSU Tigers

Today’s NCAAF Free Pick of the Day comes to us from the Georgia Southern-LSU game. While the Tigers may be a big player once the College Football Playoff rolls around, we don’t expect them to beat the Eagles by enough today to cover the spread.

LSU has a new offense they’ll be putting in place this season, and we’ve seen a few programs struggle in order to get on the same page right off the bat. It’s also worth noting that Ed Orgeron’s LSU teams are 0-7 against the spread when favored by 25+ points in his time there.

There’s also a big matchup against Texas next week for LSU, so we shouldn’t expect them to roll too many big plays out. The more they do of that, the more film the Longhorns will have on them for next week.

While Georgia Southern certain won’t walk into Death Valley and get a win, they do have enough talent to keep this game close. In the past, this program has played well against Power-5 Conference opponents and come up just shy.

If bettors can move the number up to +28, that would be ideal. Getting the bet to that number would give the bettor the opportunity to keep it at an even four touchdowns (plus extra point). It’s not a bad idea to keep it cautious in this instance, but everything should be fine going with the +27 if you don’t want to lay the extra money.

* Final Score Prediction * LSU Tigers: 34 – Georgia Southern Eagles: 14

SpreadKnowledge NCAAF Free Pick of the Day – Friday, August 30

By: Al Walsh – Follow him on  Twitter @14AdotWalsh
SpreadKnowledge is going with a new format for our free article/mailer from here on out. For our highest-rated picks, you can sign up at SpreadKnowledge.com.

In order to get access to those same picks that were once in this space, sign up at the link above. We’ll be posting one pick here in this space each day for free. Know that it does have a high value, but it just won’t be the highest-rated one from the SK system.

Also, we’re happy to announce that we’re reducing prices this week before the start of NFL season. The prices on our packages are now going from:

– Member + AI Boost: $90.00 to $60.00/month
– Member: $30.00 to $20.00/month
– BRAND NEW FREE PACKAGE: (find details on website)

* Use the Promo Code (SK15OFF) for an additional 15% off your subscription for the next 6 months *

 

[7:00 p.m. EST] #19 Wisconsin Badgers (-10.5) at South Florida Bulls

Paul Chryst and his Badgers head down to Tampa to take on Charlie Strong and the Bulls in an early-season showdown. We’re taking the Badgers in this one, considering there’s one matchup that should control the tempo of this game.

If you know anything about college football, you know that Wisconsin that runs that rock right down their opponents’ throats on a regular basis. Well, things will be no different tonight as running back Jonathan Taylor leads a potent attack against a USF defense that is incapable of stopping the ground attack. Taylor actually accumulated the most rushing yards as a freshman in NCAA history, and then came back last season to have the most yards as a sophomore in NCAA history. Can he break the junior mark now? Time will tell…

Look for the Badgers to stay true to who they are and control the clock all night.

The Bulls have a new offensive coordinator in Kerwin Bell, a Division II national championship-winning coach at Valdosta State. We expect him to have success at some point, but his first bout of installing this new offense at USF could certainly be a rocky one.

Don’t worry about USF having home-field advantage in this one, because honestly – it’s really not much of an advantage. The Bulls play at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and there’s more of a state-fair feel to the crowd rather than a rawkus college atmosphere.

We like the Badgers to take control of this game early and never look back. 10.5 points is a lot to lay on the road, but we feel like the Bulls are a bit overhyped coming into this one.

* Final Score Prediction * Wisconsin Badgers: 31 – South Florida Bulls: 13