VegasInsider.com

Volume 31, Issue 20-21 December 29, 2016-January 2, 2017

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College Playoffs: Huskies vs. Tide, Buckeyes vs. Tigers

• Analysis on Every Lined Game

• Incredible Stat of the Week

• Best Bets and Key Plays

• Full Schedule with Opening Lines

• Awesome Angle & Tremendous Trends

• Wise Guys Contest

Marc Releasing His 10★ College Bowl GOY On 12/30!

FINAL COLLEGE BOWLS, NFL AND HOOPS!

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2-MINUTE HANDICAP ATS = Against The Spread • A = Away • Con = Conference • D = Dog

F = Favorite • H = Home • Rev = Revenge • R = Road • SU = Straight-Up

FOR A COMPLETE 2-MINUTE HANDICAP OF EVERY GAME ON TODAY'S CARD, VISIT www.PLAYBOOK.com

Sunday, January 1Houston 1-7 off home vs .500 > foe off away (0-1) TENNESSEE Series: 0-5 L5 / 1-5 L6H… 1-4 LHG vs .500 > foeBuffalo 1-5 off 3H… 3-18 w/ rev aft Miami NY JETS Series: 1-5 L6… 0-5 H off div aft allow 40 > ptsBaltimore 5-1 aft Pittsburgh (1-0)… 1-5 off away vs div off away CINCINNATI Series: 5-2 L7H… 0-7 off SU loss > 3 pts vs foe off SU loss Ny Giants 6-0 LRG off div… 1-8 A aft Philly w/ rev vs .500 > foeWASHINGTON 5-1 off SU away win vs div (1-0)… 5-1 LHG off non-divGreen Bay 4-0 aft Minnesota vs .500 > foe (1-0)… 5-1 LRG off div DETROIT Series: 3-7 L10H… 1-9 A w/ rev vs foe off home (0-2) Jacksonville 1-5 off SU div dog win… 1-5 LRG vs foe w/ rev INDIANAPOLIS 4-0 LHG… 4-0 off non-div & BB away vs < .500 foeDallas 6-1 A off home vs foe off home (3-1) PHILADELPHIA 0-4 off SU div dog win… 0-4 < .500 LHG w/ revChicago 4-1 off SU loss 20 > pts… 2-9 LRG vs foe off DD SU lossMINNESOTA Series: 3-1 L4H… 6-1 off div away vs foe off home (1-0)Carolina 5-1 off home w/ rev vs foe off away (0-1)TAMPA BAY 7-1 Game Sixteen vs < .500 foe off SUATS lossCleveland 0-7 off home vs foe off home (0-5) PITTSBURGH 16-2 vs div foe off 1-SUATS home win exact New Orleans 1-9 A off div vs foe off DD & BB SUATS winsATLANTA Series: 3-1 L4H… 0-5 aft allow < 20 pts vs foe w/ rev New England 5-1 aft NY Jets vs div foe off BB SU wins MIAMI Series: 4-0 L4H… 5-0 vs foe off SU win 35 > ptsArizona 4-0 LRG… 0-6 A < .500 aft SeattleLOS ANGELES Series: 1-5 L6H… 1-7 off home vs div off away (0-1)Kansas City 6-0 LRG vs foe off SU loss… 5-1 vs < .500 w/ quintuple revSAN DIEGO Series: 0-3 L3H… 5-1 H off SU away loss w/ rev Seattle 4-0 LRG… 10-1 off SU fav loss vs < .500 foe (2-0) SAN FRAN Series: 0-9-1 L10 / 0-4 L4H… 1-6 off SU dog win (0-1) Oakland 11-2 .500 > 2nd half of season vs .500 > div w/ rev (1-0)DENVER 1-7 .500 > off away vs foe off SU home win 8 > pts (0-1)

College Bowl GamesTEAMS KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS

(All results are preseason ATS – Against The Spread – and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content contained in this report remains exclusive private property of PLAYBOOK™ and the PLAYBOOK™ Database and may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.

TEAMS KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS

NFL Games

Thursday, December 29 BIRMINGHAM BOWLS Florida AAC bowlers are 0-4 ATS off an AAC game vs. foe off a lossS Carolina SEC bowlers 18-6 ATS after scoring < 14 pts last game BELK BOWLArkansas SEC bowl dogs 4 > pts off a loss are 16-4 ATSVa Tech 1-5 ATS as bowlers after allow 30 > pts last game ALAMO BOWLOkla St Tied 2nd best FBS team in fewest INTs thrown (4) this yearColorado 5-1 ATS bowler off loss… held 4 foes to season-low yards

Friday, December 30 LIBERTY BOWLTcu Big 12 bowlers are 2-14 ATS vs. SEC oppGeorgia SEC bowlers are 10-1 ATS vs Big 12 foe off double-digit loss SUN BOWLN Carolina ACC bowl dogs off SU fav loss are 6-0 ATS vs. foe off BB winsStanford 0-3 ATS as favorite < 10 pts vs. foe off SU favorite loss ARIZONA BOWLS Alabama DD bowl dogs off SU win and ATS loss are 12-7-1 ATSAir Force MWC bowlers are 2-9 ATS as bowl favorites < 10 pts MUSIC CITY BOWLNebraska 3-0 ATS L3 bowl games… 1-4 ATS L5 games vs. SECTennessee Allowed season-high yards each of L3 games of the season ORANGE BOWLFlorida St 20-4 ATS bowlers vs .910 < opp (8-0 ATS as dogs)Michigan Big Ten bowl favorites are 2-6 SU and 0-7-1 ATS vs ACC

Saturday, December 31 CITRUS BOWLLsu Did not allow > 18 points in any of 4 losses this seasonLouisville Heisman-winning teams 0-5 SUATS as bowl dogs since 1980 TAXSLAYER BOWLKentucky 3-0 ATS bowlers vs. foe off BB SUATS winsGa Tech Sub .750 bowl favorites off 3 ATS wins are 17-47 ATS PEACH BOWL (Playoff 1)Washington Petersen 21-4 SU with rest, including 6-0 ATS as a dogAlabama Defending Champs are 3-7 ATS as bowl favorites of > 8 pts FIESTA BOWL (Playoff 2)Ohio St Big Ten bowl favorites are 2-6 SU and 0-7-1 ATS vs ACCClemson QB DeShaun Watson 30-3 SU as Clemson starter

Monday, January 2 OUTBACK BOWLIowa 3-0 SUATS as bowlers after allow 10 < pts last gameFlorida SEC bowlers off SUATS loss are 1-7 ATS vs. Big Ten off DD win

COTTON BOWLW Michigan 2nd best net turnover margin FBS team this season Wisconsin Badgers 2nd best team nationally in fewest penalties

ROSE BOWLUsc Trojans defeated PSU, 38-24, in 2009 Rose Bowl Penn St Pac-12 bowlers are 16-4 ATS off DD win vs Big Ten

SUGAR BOWLAuburn Tigers owned the 3rd best FBS red zone defense this season Oklahoma Sooners owned the best FB pass effi ciency offense this year

View more of Marc's awesome angles and terrifi c trends at the PLAYBOOK.com website!

ATS W-L Record Since 1991:

18-1(95%)

LEVELINGTHE FIELDPLAY ON any 7-8 NFL team

in Game Sixteen of the season if they are facing an opponent

off a SU underdog win of 21 or less points.

AWESOME ANGLE OF THE WEEK

Play ON: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1/1)

www.VegasInsider.com • page 3

Remember: You Have A PLAYBOOK Recommendation Whenever Our Predicted Margin Of Victory Is 6 Or More Points Off The Opening Line

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL – DEC 29 - JAN 2

COLLEGE BOWLS

Thursday, December 29BIRMINGHAM BOWL

Legion Field • Birmingham, ALSouth Florida over South Carolina by 3

We realize ‘tis the season to be giving but an American Athletic Conference squad that’s not ranked in the Top 20 laying double-digits to an SEC squad? And one whose head coach isn’t Birmingham bound after being lured away to Oregon by Nike founder Phil Knight’s checkbook? No, Willie Taggart won’t be running with the Bulls today in Legion Field, and neither will we. Yes, the explosive bovines are No. 4 in the nation in rushing offense but they also arrive with a stop-unit that ranked dead last in the AAC, allowing 497 YPG (imagine if they played in a Power 5 Conference!). Our top-rated database also reminds us that bowl teams with interim coaches are just 2-12 ATS if they scored 40+ points in their last game while SEC bowlers are 16-4 ATS as dogs of more than 4 points off a SU loss. And SEC insiders say Gamecocks’ HC Will Muschamp has Columbia excited by the team’s direction, making this fi ve-hour drive to Birmingham a pseudo South Carolina home game. Thus, it would come as no surprise to fi nd the ‘Cocks improve to 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in bowl affairs over the past fi ve seasons. Is there anything more to say other than ‘JUST DO IT’?

BELK BOWLBank of America Stadium • Charlotte, NC

3� BEST BET

We could probably make a case for the Razorbacks by just saying that bowlers who lost their conference championship game (Virginia Tech) were 0-8 SUATS last season and 1-3 SU this bowl season. Especially since the lone win (Louisiana Tech) came over another championship game loser (Navy)! We’re sure Tech fans are saying hogwash to that but there’s nothing ‘Hokie’ about the fact that college bowl favorites off a season-ending ATS win as double-digit underdogs are 4-14 ATS when facing a foe off a loss, including 1-10 ATS as a favorite of less than 7 points (check this line). In addition, the Hogs fi nd themselves in that same favorable 16-4 ATS underdog role that befriends SEC mate South Carolina. And after pointing out that the Hogs are 3-0 SUATS in their last three bowl appearances while the Hokies are 0-4 ATS as bowlers off a SU underdog loss and 1-5 ATS on the alleys after allowing 30 or more points, we almost feel guilty unleashing THE CLINCHER: Arkansas head coach Brett Bielema is 13-2 SU and 12-2 ATS off a loss versus foes off a loss, including 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS off a loss of 7 or less points.

Arkansas over Virginia Tech by 6

VALERO ALAMO BOWLAlamodome • San Antonio, TX

Colorado over Oklahoma St by 7The Buffaloes fell to the Huskies in the Pac-12 title game while the Cowboys were ambushed by the Sooners for all the Big 12 marbles but there looks to be a far different mindset when these squads remember the 2016 Alamo Bowl. That’s because the Buffs are making their fi rst bowl appearance since 2007 while the ‘Boys are hitting the alleys for the ninth time over that span. Sure a win over U-Dub may have sent Colorado to the Orange Bowl but we guarantee Okie State’s defeat at the hands of hated Oklahoma not only cost them a trip to the Sugar Bowl but created complete ‘Bedlam.’ If you don’t believe us, just ask our level-headed database as it notes the Cowboys are 7-14 SU and 8-13 ATS following Sooner skirmishes. Our MIDWEEK ALERT also points out that Mike Gundy’s high-powered air attack (only 4 INTs this season) could have its hands full with a Colorado stop-unit that held four foes to season-low yardage while ranking third in the land in pass-defense effi ciency. That’s a far cry from an Oklahoma State unit that allowed 500+ yards on fi ve different occasions. It’s also the main reason

Friday, December 30AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL

Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium • Memphis, TNGeorgia over Tcu by 8

The SEC hasn’t exactly lived up to their reputation as of this issue’s press date (Mississippi State squeaked by Miami Ohio, Vandy got blown out by NC State) but this matchup in Memphis fi gures to be a ‘Dawg-Day’ afternoon as SEC bowlers are 10-1 ATS versus a Big 12 foe off a double-digit loss, while Big 12 bowlers are just 2-14 ATS versus SEC opposition. Even uglier is the fact that the Frogs are 0-7 SU and 1-5-1 ATS as dogs versus the SEC. Our lean machine also notes that the Bulldogs are 9-0 SU and 7-1 ATS in games against teams that allow more than 22 PPG and scored less than 7 points in their last game. That’s typically not the case in Fort Worth as Gary Patterson’s squad usually arrives well-armed as evidenced by 10 double-digit win seasons in his 17 years on the TCU sidelines. However, the Frogs’ offense has jumped south since mid-October – averaging less than 26 PPG (and that includes a 62-point effort against Baylor) – resulting in 3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS mark to close out the season. Needless to say, that’s a far cry from the past two TCU editions that went 14-2 SU and 13-3 ATS over their fi nal eight games. We should also note that bowl teams that scored fewer than 7 points in their fi nal game of the season are a tired 4-18-1 ATS when not getting at least 3 points. That has us running with UGA X in this pick ‘em affair as the bowl-tested Bulldogs (16-6 SU last 22) play ‘Leap Frog’ today in the Liberty Bowl.

4� BEST BET

The ‘Hood’ may be down but the Tar Heels still fi gure to show off their shiny offensive engine (QB Mitch Trubisky is being touted as possibly the top pick in this year’s NFL draft) today in El Paso as they arrive with the nation’s 23rd-ranked passing attack (294 YPG). In fact, even with Elijah Hood (out with an undisclosed injury) in the lineup, the Heels only mustered 148 RYPG (98th in the nation). The same cannot be said for the hole in the Stanford backfi eld as Christian McCaffrey accounted for 6,191 all-purpose since 2015 – the most by any player over a two-year stretch in FBS history (and 1,800 more yards than runner-up Donnell Pumphrey of San Diego State). We understand McCaffrey’s decision but it sure puts the Cardinal in a major bind. As it is, the Farm Boys are 0-3 ATS as favorites of less than 10 points versus a foe off a SU favorite loss and 1-3 SUATS as bowlers versus the ACC. Meanwhile this role change (lost SU as bowl favorites the past two seasons) should have the Heels clicking as Carolina is personally 3-0-1 ATS as dogs versus the Pac-12 while ACC bowl dogs off a SU favorite loss are 6-0 ATS versus a foe off back-to-back wins. If you still don’t believe that the ‘Sun’ rises in the Southeast, take a peek at THE CLINCHER: College Bowl dogs of 3 or more points, off a season-ending SU favorite loss, are 28-5-1 ATS when facing a foe off consecutive wins, the last by 6 or more points.

North Carolina over Stanford by7

HYUNDAI SUN BOWLSun Bowl Stadium • El Paso, TX

why we feel that Ralphie and company will send FBS Coach of the Year Mike McIntyre out a winner – and why the Cowboys will fall to 1-8 ATS as bowl dogs. ‘Remember’ – lay it if you play it.

NOVA HOME LOANS ARIZONA BOWLArizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

Air Force over South Alabama by 10With Navy’s loss but cover against Louisiana Tech and Army’s no-cover win over North Texas, Military bowlers now stand 30-14 ATS in bowl play. That 68% success rate could probably rival a Brad Pitt appearance on the FarmersOnly.com website. However, the problem the Flyboys face today in

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NOTE: Home team is shown in ALL CAPS. PLAYBOOK selection is Underlined and Bold. Should we pass or not have a

strong opinion on a game, neither team will be bolded.

Tucson is a nasty 2-9 ATS log by the Mountain West Conference as bowl favorites of less than 10 points (check line) and 3-8 ATS mark by Mountain Westerner’s as chalk off a SU win. The Falcons are also just 1-3 ATS as favorites off a SU underdog win under head coach Troy Calhoun, including 0-3 SUATS last three. That doesn’t bode well against a pride of Jaguars that are 6-0 ATS as non-conference dogs of more than 7 points when they own a sub .600 record and 5-0 ‘ITS’ to close out the season. We should also mention that double-digit bowl dogs off a SU win and ATS loss are a nifty 12-7-1 ATS. And though we don’t think this second bowl game in school history will be a charm for the Jags, we do think their previous experience (lost to Bowling Green, 33-28, in 2014) will have them ready. Thus, we’ll head ‘South’ as the Mountain West Force isn’t with the Falcons tonight in the desert.

FRANKLIN AMERICAN MORTGAGE MUSIC CITY BOWL

Nissan Stadium • Nashville, TNNebraska over Tennessee by 3

With the Volunteers fi nishing the season 3-4 after racing out to a 5-0 start for the fi rst time since 1998 – and the Cornhuskers ending the campaign 2-3 after winning their fi rst seven games, the ‘Music’ doesn’t fi gure to be sweet today in Nashville. At least not for Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong, who will miss the game with a hamstring injury, and for Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd who left the team for personal reasons. We understand the line move (from 3.5 to 6.5) due to the absence of Armstrong but we don’t agree with it. In fact, we say the more the merrier as the ‘Huskers are 9-3 SUATS in bowl games versus .800 or less SEC opposition, including 5-0 ATS as dogs. Our database has also gift-wrapped this present that can only found in the Playbook: Big Ten bowlers who won six or less games the previous season are 15-3 ATS versus a foe off a loss of 7 or more points. And while we can’t completely hang with the Kids of the Corn (read: Best Bet) as the Volunteers are 6-1 SUATS in their last seven versus the Big Ten, we do have the approval of our MIDWEEK ALERT as it points out the Vols have allowed season-high yardage in each of their last three games. Hence, we won’t be playing Rocky Top in the Music City – not with the growing favorite as dejected as the capable dog. A must take.

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWLHard Rock Stadium • Miami Gardens, FL

Michigan over Florida St by 3Take a preseason poll of pundits and many would have insisted this would have been one of the two College Football Playoff games. But because of an inadequate 4-game playoff system, we’re left to only imagine what if. By our standard these two teams would certainly have been part of a more complete 8-game playoff and we’d be drooling like kid in a candy store. Both teams bring plenty to the table in Miami where Michigan’s stonewall defense was the No. 2 FBS team in red zone defense, pass effi ciency defense, and team sacks. Thus, it’s no surprise to learn the Wolves managed to hold 7 foes to season-low yardage this campaign. Jim Harbaugh’s troops fi gure to be either pissed off at being the No. 5 team in the fi nal College Football Playoff poll, or deeply disappointed at not making it to the big party. We do know that both of their nip-job losses this season (by 1 point and overtime) occurred away from Ann Arbor. In addition, our lean machine points out the fact that UM is 0-4-1 ATS against ACC opposition in games where the Wolves are not off a spread win of 7 or more points. Enter Jimbo Fisher’s veteran Seminoles who, like Michigan, expected to be among the fi nal four teams standing at season’s end. A blowout loss at Louisville, followed up by 2 and 3-point home defeats to North Carolina and Clemson respectively, assured Chief Osceola a seat on the Playoff sidelines. FSU brings a team ranked No. 1 in FBS red zone offense and team sacks into the fray, though, as the Orange Bowl landed a pair of titans. It’s hard to turn your back on a Seminoles squad that stands 20-4 ATS as bowlers against .910 or less opponents, including 8-0 ATS when taking points. Or one, for that matter, that is 7-1 ATS in bowl games against foes off a loss. The Jaw may well have his way in this pre-New Year’s Day fray but we’ll puppy up in this rumble at The Rock. On a sidebar note: how nice would it have been to follow the fortunes of the winner of this game into the next round of the Playoff? Rest assured, none of the four Playoff teams would have wanted any piece of either team.

GAME OF THE WEEKUPSETUPSET UPSETUPSET

TAXSLAYER BOWLEverBank Field • Jacksonville, FLKentucky over Georgia Tech by 6

We’re not going to mince words over Tech’s incredibly B-O-R-I-N-G offense: out of 128 FBS programs, only the three service academies and New Mexico rely on the run-oriented, triple option attack that head coach Paul Johnson brought from Navy to Georgia Tech in 2008. Johnson also has a tendency to rub people the wrong way, which only increases the fl ak his team receives from fans who believe the Jackets should employ a 21st century offensive system. While Tech players will be glad to return to a bowl after last season’s absence, the excitement level should be amped up considerably for Kentucky as the Wildcats go bowling for the fi rst time since 2010. UK fans certainly weren’t expecting to land anywhere after a 2-3 start suggested the Wildcats were headed for a fourth straight losing season under HC Mark Stoops. But a 5-2 fi nish earned Stoops his fi rst bowl invitation since arriving in Lexington and a victory today would give Kentucky its fi rst 8-win season since 2007. Even if the Wildcats don’t emerge victorious, our database loves their chances to bring home the pointspread bacon. Bowl virgin dogs off a win are 12-2-1 ATS against foes off a win that allow 22.5 or more PPG, and when Kentucky takes on a bowler off back-to-back SUATS wins, the bluegrass cats stand a perfect 3-0 ATS. As for the Techsters, bowl favorites off a win that won 3 or less games the previous season are 6-17 ATS and sub .750 bowl chalk off three straight ATS wins are 17-47 ATS. The truth is the Yellow Jackets’ offense causes considerably more problems for regular season opponents who have only one week to prepare – Tech has managed only a 2-5 SUATS log in seven bowl games under Johnson. We wrap things up with THE CLINCHER: Sub .750 bowl favorites of less than 6 points, off three consecutive ATS wins, are 9-39 ATS since 1980.

5� BEST BET

Surprised to see the Bayou Bengals favored over Louisville? We’re not. Not after Cardinals QB Lamar Jackson backed his way into a Heisman trophy with a pair of horrible season-ending performances. While Jackson’s season stats of 28 TDS, 6 INTs and 283 passing YPG were certainly impressive, he choked down the stretch in an ugly 36-10 loss to Houston as 17.5-point chalk, and an even more mind-boggling 3-point home loss to rival Kentucky – as a four-touchdown favorite (Jackson threw for only 3 TDs versus 3 INTs in those defeats). Meanwhile, the Tigers are clearly headed in the opposite direction after ridding themselves of twin albatrosses in HC Les Miles and RB Leonard Fournette. It only took LSU four games to give Miles the boot and the Tigers responded with a 5-2 fi nish, their two losses coming by just 6 points to Florida and 10 points to Alabama. And Fournette? After being billed as the beast that no one wanted to tackle, nagging injuries and a ‘me fi rst’ attitude doomed the highly-touted running back to a subpar fi nish. LSU fans should be grateful that Fournette has opted to skip today’s game after his replacement, Derrius Guice, blasted through Texas A&M’s defense for 285 rushing yards and four TDs in the regular season fi nale. Compare that to Fournette’s piddling 57 YPG average – and only three total TDs – in his fi nal three appearances of the year. As always, the LSU defense has been rock-steady in 2016, holding fi ve foes to season-low yardage while not allowing more than 18 points in any of their four losses. And the signing of interim coach Ed Orgeron to head coach looks to be a huge plus as he is extremely well liked by the players and the fan base. Louisville has struggled as a bowl dog, going 1-6 SUATS of late, and big boss man Bobby Petrino has burned piles of money as an underdog with rest versus rested foes, posting a 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS record. Look for LSU to send a message to Fournette, something along the lines of “Take your almighty ass to the NFL… we don’t need it”. As for Louisville QB Jackson, he’ll be done in by THE CLINCHER: Heisman-winning teams are 0-5 SUATS as bowl dogs since 1980.

Lsu over Louisville by 13

Saturday, December 31BUFFALO WILD WINGS CITRUS BOWL

Camping World Stadium • Orlando, FL

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T R I V I A T E A S E R

The tougher they are, they harder they fall. That’s this coach’s mantra as his teams shine as an underdog when facing .833 or greater opponents, going 12-2 ATS, including 5-0 ATS in bowl games.

Who is this hard-edged dog?For the Trivia Teaser answer, turn to page 5.

THIS WEEK'S AMAZING SITUATIONAL PLAY

T R I V I A T E A S E R

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL

Georgia Dome • Atlanta, GAAlabama over Washington by 6

Does anything make this guy happy? Instead of focusing on Alabama’s incredible run of success, head coach Nick Saban decided instead to chide the FBS for ignoring his warnings that switching to a playoff format would diminish the importance of other bowl games. ‘’Everybody’s interested in the playoff,’’ Saban said after a recent practice. ‘’Nobody’s interested in anything else.” Come on, Nick… the current bowl system is an absolute farce. Having to include 6-6 teams as well as squads with losing records in order to fi ll out the required number of bowlers is what’s REALLY diminished the importance of bowl games. As for Game One of this year’s College Football Playoff, it looks like a tough assignment to buck a Crimson Tide squad that’s made the National Championship Game into their own private playground versus a Washington team that hasn’t come close to this level of success in ages. Critics love to assail the Huskies for their weak non-conference schedule and for the fact that they made their way out of a less-than-stellar Pac-12. But by the same token, Alabama’s SEC competition this year has also been down several notches: the Tide went 6-3 ATS in 2016 conference play compared to their 20-15 ATS log the previous four seasons. And while bowlers like Bama off a conference championship game win who allow less than 14.5 PPG are an intimidating 14-2 SU and 12-4 ATS, defending National Champions are just 3-7 ATS as bowl favorites of more than 8 points, including 0-4 SUATS off a double-digit win. Meanwhile, U-Dub HC Chris Petersen rolls into the Georgia Dome with a 21-4 SU record when playing with rest, including 6-0 ATS as a dog – with no loss by more than 8 points. Washington’s blowout of Washington State in this year’s Apple Cup also sets the Huskies up nicely here: Petersen’s teams are 6-0 ATS as bowlers off a win of 30 or more points. And bowl dogs of more than 4 points who were favored in every game this season are 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS if they allowed 14 or fewer points in the fi nal game of the season. Remember, despite their fearsome reputation, Alabama is just 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in its last four bowl games. And of Saban’s fi ve national title teams, only ONE went undefeated. Still not convinced? The Playbook College Bowl Stat Report delivers a jaw-dropping stat that is likely to have the Tide shaking in their tusks. Get your copy today and fi nd out exactly what it is!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SEMIFINALPLAYSTATION FIESTA BOWL

University of Phoenix Stadium • Glendale, AZClemson over Ohio St by 4

It was fi tting that Ohio State wore black helmets in its season-ending win over Michigan because the Buckeyes have become college football’s new Public Enemy Number One. That’s what happens when a team (a) fails to qualify for their conference championship game and (b) suffers a regular-season loss against the winner of that championship game – and still lands a spot in the Final Four! WTF? Needless to say, football fans with any sense of justice will be rooting hard for Clemson to dispose of Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes in tonight’s Game Two at Glendale, Arizona. Yes, Big Ten bowl teams are 17-3 ATS versus an opponent that scored 35 or more points in their last game but Big Ten bowl favorites are a not-so-encouraging 2-6 SU and 0-7-1 ATS when taking on an ACC foe. These two have defi nitely owned the stats this season: the Playbook College Bowl Stat Report points out that OSU went 8-1 ‘In The Stats’ versus bowlers, outgaining those foes

by +140 YPG, while Clemson went 10-1 ITS versus bowlers, outgaining those opponents by +160 YPG. But other than that, the ATS archives point solidly to the Tigers. Clemmie is 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in its last fi ve bowl games and the underdog in Tigers’ bowls owns a check-cashing 12-1 ATS mark. Our all-knowing database also informs us that pre-New Year’s Day dogs of 3 or more points with a higher win percentage off a win of 10 or fewer points are 30-9-2 ATS. And then there’s Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, 30-3 SU as a starter for the Tigers and the only quarterback to lead his team to the College Football Playoff in back-to-back seasons. In addition, bowlers who lost the national title game the previous season are 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS if not favored by 6 or more points, and bowl chalk playing off an ATS loss is only 1-6 ATS the last seven. With Fiesta Bowl favorites currently 3-7 ATS and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney the answer to this week’s TRIVIA TEASER on page 3, we look for the Tigers to win out in this battle royale.

OUTBACK BOWLRaymond James Stadium • Tampa, FL

Iowa over Florida by 1Based on last year’s bowl results, here’s a matchup between two teams that deserve to be playing each other. What more can you say after Michigan walloped the Gators in the Citrus Bowl, 41-7, while Stanford buried the Hawkeyes in the Rose Bowl, 45-16? We don’t want to state the obvious but there’s a good chance that Outback Bowl event staff will be handing out sample packets of Advil PM at the admission gates. It’s likely, too, that Florida head coach Jim McElwain will be needing a dump truck full of pain relievers: defensive coordinator Geoff Collins, who put together a Top 10 defense in each of the last two years, has left to take over the head coaching job at Temple (Randy Shannon will handle the defensive play calling). Even worse for McElwain, some analysts are projecting that the Gators could lose as many as eight defensive starters to the NFL. Florida’s stalwart ‘D’ held six opponents to under 300 total yards this season and ranked 3rd in the nation with fewest passing yards allowed. Meanwhile, despite a season full of inconsistent performances, Iowa somehow managed to fi nish on a 3-0 SUATS run, including a victory over mighty Michigan. The Hawkeyes also did it with defense, limiting fi ve foes to less than 300 yards, and by taking care of the football – they tied with Alabama for fewest fumbles lost (2) this season. Our all-knowing database sees the Gators being wrestled into submission today. Bowl teams who lost their conference championship game were 0-8 SUATS last bowl season and New Year’s day or later bowl teams, off back-to-back losses, who allowed 35 or more points in their last game are 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS. On the fl ip side, the Hawkeyes are 3-0 SUATS as bowlers after allowing 10 or less points in their last game, and 3-0 SUATS as bowlers versus a foe off consecutive SUATS losses. Yikes! With the aforementioned Gator defensive starters likely donning their orange-and-blue uniforms for the last time, we don’t expect such a one-sided result in favor of Iowa. However, since we’re calling for the outright Hawkeyes’ win, you may want to slide a little extra on the +135 moneyline. The deal-sealer? SEC bowlers off a SUATS loss are 1-7 ATS versus a Big Ten team off a double-digit win.

GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL CLASSICAT&T Stadium • Arlington, TX

Western Michigan over Wisconsin by 3Can head coach P.J. Fleck and his Broncos ‘row the boat’ for three more hours and fi nish with an undefeated season? They sure can! The hyperactive Fleck, voted as the FBS coach most likely in need of a Ritalin prescription, has downplayed the 7.5-point chalk line awarded to Wisconsin, insisting today’s matchup in the Lone Star State is dead even. Check out these superlatives: the Broncos are the best FBS team in turnovers lost this season, the best in fewest passes intercepted (3) and 4th best team in offensive fi rst down effi ciency. However, the Badgers don’t show up barefooted, fi nishing as the 2nd best team nationally in fewest penalties and 2nd best in passes intercepted (22). You may be surprised to learn that Wisconsin – which seemed to fade from the limelight as late season chatter was all about Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State – is appearing in its 15th consecutive bowl game, longest in the Big Ten. But that doesn’t sway our mean machine, which sees the Badgers as playing against a stacked deck here. Like Florida, Wisky fl opped in its conference championship game and those teams were 0-8 SUATS last bowl season. Western Michigan enters after winning the MAC title game over Ohio and teams in that situation were a money-making 6-2 SUATS in last year’s

Monday, January 2

page 6 • www.VegasInsider.com

bowls. The database also reports that bowl favorites of 7 or more points off a conference championship loss of 7 or more points are 2-7 ATS. Then there’s Fleck, who stands 5-0 ATS off a win versus a non-conference foe and 3-0 ATS versus a foe off a SU favorite loss. Despite the Badgers’ 18-0 SU and 12-6 ATS mark against MAC foes since 1998, we cement the call with this from the well-oiled machine: bowlers who allowed 35 or more points in the last game of the season are 0-6 SU against undefeated foes. Grab hold of those oars, boys, and get to rowin’!

ROSE BOWLPresented by NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

Rose Bowl Stadium • Pasadena, CAUsc over Penn St by 3

If the college football playoff committee or whatever the hell they call themselves these days had the balls to expand to an 8-team playoff, these two squads would defi nitely be included. Penn State’s mantra today will be ‘we should have gone to the playoffs’ and if Ohio State loses to Clemson and the Nittany Lions win here, PSU fans who thought their team was already handed the biggest shaft job in recent college football history will make sure the ‘committee’ gets called out for their shameful treatment of the Lions. But bagging a win against the Trojans won’t be easy, especially when considering the Pac-12’s dominance of the Big Ten in recent Rose Bowls. In the last 10 years, when teams from these two conferences met in Pasadena, the west coasters have posted a 6-2 SUATS record. USC also came close to matching Penn State’s torrid 8-0 SUATS season-ending run with an 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS skein – including a win over Washington, the Huskies’ lone defeat in 2016. However, the Trojans will run up against a formidable wall of ATS disadvantages this afternoon. First-year head coaches (Clay Helton) are 2-13 ATS in bowl games versus foes off a SU underdog win and if Trojan money moves the current -6.5 line, be aware that bowl favorites of 7 or more points with ‘rookie’ head coaches are 0-5 ATS versus a foe off a SUATS win. Our database also reminds us that bowler favorites who ended the season riding a 5-game SUATS win skein are just 15-23 SUATS since 1984, including 1-4 ATS versus foes off a SU underdog win. Meanwhile, the ‘Dangerfi elds’ from Happy Valley get considerable respect from the mean machine: Big Ten bowlers are 17-3 ATS in their last 20 games when facing a foe that score 35 or more points in its fi nal game of the season. The bottom line is we really like the Nits to cash out after the fi nal gun sounds but there’s just too much anti-Big Ten history at this venue to call for the outright win.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWLMercedes-Benz Superdome • New Orleans, LA

Oklahoma over Auburn by 1Poor Bob Stoops. He’s trying to get his OU squad ready for a major bowl game and the media simply will not stop showing videotape of RB Joe Mixon – who at press time has yet to be suspended for tonight’s contest – fl attening a woman with a single punch (what if the tables were turned and a white Mixon knocked out a black female… are we now talking ‘hate crime’?). What’s even more hateful for Sooner fans is the way head coach Stoops has been sabotaged by his own brother, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, college football’s answer to the Bills’ Rob Ryan. Oklahoma’s dreadful defense (440 YPG) kept Big Game Bob out of the Big Game bowls again as the Sooners suffered two double-digit losses in the same season for the fi rst time since 1996, and were unranked at one point for the fi rst time after 26 consecutive weeks in the polls since 2014. Fortunately for OU nation, QB Baker Mayfi eld came to play this season and the Sooners fi nished the regular season with the best pass effi ciency offense of all 128 FBS teams. Mayfi eld’s 38-8 TD-to-INT ratio, coupled with a 239 YPG rushing attack, pushed Oklahoma’s point production to almost 45 PPG and enabled the Sooners to close on a 9-game SU win streak. Needless to say, such an onslaught would test any defense but Auburn’s stop unit held foes to 14 fewer PPG than Oklahoma’s ‘D’, plus the Tigers owned the 3rd best FBS red zone defense this season. Head coach Gus Malzahn, forever dwelling in the shadow of Nick Saban, is 3-0 ATS as a dog with rest and his team has cashed in four of its last fi ve bowl appearances. In addition, SEC bowlers are 17-7 SU and 18-6 ATS ATS after scoring fewer than 14 points in their last game. And while this stat doesn’t quite strike with the ferocity of a Mixon punch, history shows that Big 12 bowlers are a money-burning 2-14 ATS versus SEC foes. Can’t see Aubbie springing the outright upset but the Tigers should leave New Orleans with some New Year’s spending money. Sooners, by an uppercut.

PRO FOOTBALL

Sunday, January, 1

3� BEST BET

By virtue of the tiebreaker, the Texans have moved past the Titans and on to the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Wild Card Round, thanks to capturing the AFC South. So why is this game important to Houston? According to the players, a win is critical in order to gain momentum and to carry a 4-game win skein into the postseason. That’s confi rmed by the fact that teams in their fi rst playoff game, off a regular season ending division road loss, are just 23-27 SU, including 4-18 SUATS away. Rest assured the Texans want no part of that. And speaking of momentum, it rolled over and died for the Titans when Tennessee QB Marcus Mariota suffered a season-ending broken leg in last week’s loss at Jacksonville. With Matt Cassel now behind center and the Titans just 2-7 SU and 1-8 ATS following the Jaguars – along with Houston’s 9-2 SU and 10-1 ATS mark the last eleven games in this series, we have no problem backing the better team as the underdog here today. Especially knowing that Cassel is 4-11 ATS at home in division games in his NFL career, including 1-7 ATS as a favorite. And just in case you forgot, there is THE CLINCHER: Houston head coach Bill O’Brien is 14-3 SU and 11-4-2 ATS in division games, including 7-1 SU and 7-0-1 ATS away.

Houston over TENNESSEE by 10

NY JETS over Buffalo by 1The big news is the fi ring of Rex Ryan by the Bills. Poor Rex. He has now been canned by half of the AFC East in the last 3 years. With him and his brother now history, and not knowing the mental state of the Buffalo squad at this point, we turn to our history book in search of an edge in this AFC East disaster. The Bills are 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS away in season fi nales. Worse, they are 15-35 SU and 11-39 ATS following the Miami Dolphins, including 3-18 ATS with revenge (the Jets beat the Bills, 37-31, in their home opener in September). That win by New York snapped a 0-5 SUATS losing slide in the series – which probably goes hand-in-hand with Ryan’s dismissal. So if it sounds like we’re tap-dancing around this game it’s because we are. Thus, despite the tumultuous situation in New York with the Jets, it makes Todd Bowles’ 5-1-1 ATS career mark as a division underdog the only side to look at in this contest of shadow dancers.

CINCINNATI over Baltimore by 3Both of these squads were picked to be in the playoffs prior to the start of the 2016 season. Unfortunately, Cincinnati’s skein of 5 straight postseason appearances, and Baltimore’s run of 6 playoffs in the last eight years have both fallen by the wayside. A quick glance at the numbers shows Cincinnati the more likely interested team here as the Bengals are 10-2 ATS in games after scoring 10 or fewer points, while the black cats are also 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS the last eleven games as a host in this series. The problem, though, is Cincinnati is 0-7 ATS following a loss of more than 3 points when facing an opponent coming off a loss. The black birds though are just 1-5 ATS following an away game when facing a division foe also off an away game. The biggest edge for the Bengals, though, is WR AJ Green’s expected return back in the lineup following a nagging hamstring injury. Until it’s confi rmed, we’re forced to wait until game day to make the call.

WASHINGTON over NY Giants by 4It’s amazing how infl ated the lines are for teams in ‘must-win’ situations during the fi nal week of the season. It’s either that or the Rodney Dangerfi eld ‘lack of respect’ card is in full measure once again for the Giants today. How else do you explain a 10-win, 8-point dog that was favored by 3.5 points in the fi rst meeting between these two clubs earlier this season? Granted, the G-Men are locked into the 2nd spot in the NFC East, while the Redskins are battling for their playoff lives. A win today would likely put them into the postseason, but it’s not a lock. That’s because a sliver of a possibility remains to keep Washington out of the playoffs, even if they beat the Giants. According to csnmidatlantic.com, even with a win over New York today, if the Packers and Lions fi nish in a tie then the ‘Skins are out. In that scenario, all three teams would fi nish 9-6-1, and Green Bay would win the NFC North by virtue of a head-to-head win over the Lions in Week 3. And thanks to a Week 7 victory over the Redskins, the Lions would get the 6th and fi nal NFC playoff spot instead of Washington. Got it? What

NOTE: Home team is shown in ALL CAPS. PLAYBOOK selection is Underlined and Bold. Should we pass or not have a

strong opinion on a game, neither team will be bolded.

(continued on page 10)

www.VegasInsider.com • page 7

we know for sure is Big Blue is 6-0 ATS in road fi nales following a division foe. They are also 4-2 SU and 4-1-1 ATS against .570 or greater opponents under Ben McAdoo. The suddenly squirming Skins are 2-5 SUATS the last seven games in this series. They will certainly hope QB Kirk Cousins’ 5-9 SU career mark in games against winning NFL teams takes a back seat to his 8-0 ATS record against greater than .400 division foes today. It should be noted, though, that he was a dog in seven of those contests. At this price, we see him dipping to 8-1 ATS.

DETROIT over Green Bay by 3The playoff possibilities in this contest are less complex than those of the aforementioned Redskins. Plain and simple, the winner of this fl exed Sunday night dispute captures the NFC North. The Lions could have clinched a playoff spot with a win at Dallas Monday night but that never happened. Instead, for each team to miss the playoffs the following must happen: Green Bay must lose to Detroit AND have Washington beat New York. For the Lions to miss out on the postseason, they must lose to the Packers AND have the Redskins beat the Giants. Got that? Bad trends abound for the kings of the jungle as they are 2-13 SU and 4-11 ATS following the Dallas Cowboys, and 0-4 SUAT in their last four Sunday night games. In addition, Detroit stands just 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS following a Monday night game. Green Bay enters 8-3 SUATS the last eleven games in this series. Out concern, though, is a soft Packer rush defense (4.1 DYPR) which head coach Jim Caldwell could use to his advantage in opening up the passing lanes for Matt Stafford. That and the fact that the well-oiled machine insists we not ignore this beauty: winning divisional home dogs seeking revenge in the fi nal game of the season are 13-5 SU and 15-3 ATS when playing off a loss since 1980. We don’t want to fade that… and neither should you.

5� BEST BET

The Jaguars celebrated the fi ring of Gus Bradley with a resounding 21-point win as 4-point home dogs over Tennessee last week. Good for them. This never-fulfi lling franchise was badly in need of a jolt and it came in spades last week. Today, however, is a different story. Given the fact that Jacksonville is 0-13 SU and 2-10-1 ATS in games following a win when facing a .400 or greater opponent – 0-7 SU behind QB Blake Bortles – it may be best to turn our focus to a quarterback that know how to wins games like this. After all, Bortles is 2-10 SU and 3-9 ATS as an underdog against opponents coming off a SUATS loss, including 0-4 SUATS against AFC South opponents. Not to mention the Jags are 0-10 SU and 2-8 ATS in fi nal away games of the season. That other QB is Andrew Luck who brings a lofty 20-3 SUATS career mark in games following a Colts’ SUATS loss into this affair, including 12-0 SUATS against losing foes. Along with a double revenge motive, we cement the call by handing it off to THE CLINCHER: See this week’s AWESOME ANGLE on page 2.

INDIANAPOLIS over Jacksonville by 14

4� BEST BET

While it’s been a terrifi c season for 1st-year head coach Dirk Koetter, the Bucs’ quest for the playoffs is likely to fall short, barring a modern day miracle. That’s because in order for Tampa Bay to secure a spot in the playoffs, they need: 1) to beat the Panthers and, 2) have the Colts beat the Jaguars, and 3) have the Cowboys beat the Eagles and, 4) have the Lions beat the Packers and, 5) have the Titans beat the Texans and 6) have the 49ers beat the Seahawks and, 7) have the Giants and Redskins game to end in a tie. Try as he might, Koetter is fi ghting an uphill battle as NFL 1st-year coaches are 13-28 ATS at home in fi nal games of the season when facing a division opponent. The Bucs are also 2-13 SU and 3-12 ATS at home in fi nal games of the season. Toss in a nasty revenge incentive (Bucs beat the Panthers in Carolina as 6-point dogs earlier this season in which they were outgained, 414-332), and there is almost no need to call on THE CLINCHER: NFL defending Super Bowl losers off a loss with a .400 or greater record are 10-1 ATS in their fi nal game of the season since 1980.

Carolina over Tampa Bay by 10

PHILADELPHIA over Dallas by 1The chant last week in Dallas was indelible. “We want Romo” and “Tony, Tony, Tony.” The fact of the matter is if super rookie Dak Prescott – tied with Ben Roethlisberger for most wins in a rookie season – were to go down, Mark Sanchez would be the next in line. At 36, Romo has not played in a regular season game since November 2015, and appeared in only four games last season. Worse, in three of his last fi ve games, he’s gotten injured. Thus, it’s Dallas’ contention to keep him on the bench until absolutely needed. The Cowboys realize Prescott is their most valuable weapon in the playoffs. Which is why we’re likely to see Sanchez under center this Sunday against his former teammates. For what it’s worth, according to our NFL QB database, Sanchez is 13-6 SUATS in his NFL career as a pick or dog of less than 4 points, including 7-2 SUATS in division games. Dallas, though, is 4-16 SU and 3-17 ATS away in fi nal games of the season. In addition, they are 1-9 SU following the Lions, and 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS following Monday nights. However, the fact that NFL fi rst year coaches (read: Doug Pederson) are 13-28 ATS at home in fi nal games of the season when facing a division opponent, including 6-16 ATS following a win, keeps this interesting.

MINNESOTA over Chicago by 8As the fi nal week of the 2016 NFL season concludes this Sunday with 16 division games on tap, it’s interesting to note that since the league began scheduling division games exclusively in season-ending contests in 2010, the home team in these affairs has held a decided advantage, going 60-36 SU and 54-42 ATS. Better yet, these hosts have shined when hosting foes off consecutive losses, going 20-5 SU and 19-6 ATS. The question is can the

Vikings capitalize on this tailor-made situation? We think so, considering Chicago is 3-13 ATS in fi nal away games of the season versus an opponent coming off a SUATS loss. We realize Chicago is 10-1 SUATS in this series following a double-digit loss, and John Fox refuses to let this team quit. But despite QB Sam Bradford’s dismal 2-6 ATS record as a division favorite, we circle back to Minny’s desirous season-ending scenario and the fact that Mike Zimmer yearns for nothing more than to end a calamitous season at 8-8 following a 5-0 SUATS start to the 2016 season.

PITTSBURGH over Cleveland by 16A thrilling last-minute win over Baltimore last week – thanks to Antonio Brown’s catch-and-stretch – puts the Steelers in the playoff for a third straight year, although they have no chance at a fi rst-round bye in Week Seventeen next week. So they will prepare for this battle like most teams entering a Wild Card game – with a boatload of starting players on the bench. With Big Ben, Le’Veon Blunt and Antonio Blaze on the pines, QB Landry Jones will look to stretch his current starting streak to 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS when he takes the snaps this Sunday. With oodles of good numbers in the Steelers’ favor – read: Pittsburgh is 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS in fi nal games of the season, and 8-0 SU and 6-1-1 ATS at home in fi nal games of the season, and 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS against division foes in fi nal games of the season, and 16-2 SUATS against division foes coming off exactly one win at home – it’s hard to make a case for the jubilant Browns, who avoided a 0-16 season with a gift from San Diego last week, and their 1-21 SU and 4-18 ATS record following a win, including 0-10 SUATS in division games. Without breaking much a sweat, it’s Pittsburgh in a blowout.

ATLANTA over New Orleans by 1The Falcons are in the driver’s seat and have a leg up on Seattle in the race for the No. 2 seed, and a fi rst round bye. But let’s face it. According to the New York Times, there are 131,072 different ways for the season to conclude and as far as Atlanta is concerned, only one of which matters today… win and they are the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a coveted bye week. But with that comes the added pressure of having to take down the league’s No. 1 ranked offense in New Orleans, a team who according to our MIDWEEK ALERT is outyarding opponents 84 YPG over the course of the second half of the season. Complicating matters, the Saints are 9-2 SU and 10-1 ATS in this series when the Dirty Birds are off consecutive wins, including 6-0 SUATS when New Orleans is coming off a win. Meanwhile, the Falcons are 0-4 SU in fi nal games of the season and 0-4 SU in fi nal home games of the season. Not to mention the white elephant in the room: this week’s INCREDIBLE STAT on page 3. Pardon our French but the Who Dats are a live ‘canidé’ here today.

New England over MIAMI by 3What a story for a team that was dead in the water to start the season, as Miami rebounded from a 1-4 start to earn a spot in this year’s playoffs. But before giddy Dolphins’ fans take a jump into uncharted waters, you need to know they own a fi shy defense which overall ranks only ahead of Cleveland and San Francisco in the league this season. In fact, should the Patriots gain 345 yards today, Miami would end the year having allowed more yards in a season than any team in franchise history. A win today also hands New England home fi eld advantage throughout the playoffs. And remember, the Pats lost at Denver in the AFC championship fi nals last year

so you know they will be focused. Nonetheless, our all-knowing database points out the fact that NFL playoff teams are 25-8 ATS as home dogs in their regular season fi nale, including 5-2 SU and 7-0 ATS when taking 5 or more points. And Miami is 5-0 ATS against opponents coming off a win of 35 or more points. Sure, the Patriots are 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS away in fi nal games of the season, and QB Tom Brady is 13-2 SU and 12-3 ATS against division foes coming off consecutive SUATS wins. But the fact of the matter is New England is only 6-8 SU and 5-9 ATS away at Miami, including 0-3 SUATS the last three games. So if our margin is correct and we play our cards right, everyone goes home happy in this season-ender in South Beach.

Arizona over LA RAMS by 6Too little, too late. That’s the title of the Arizona Cardinals’ epitaph for the 2016 season. Despite a big win in Seattle last week, a 3-5 season-ending collapse put the lid on a disappointing effort by Bruce Arians’ troops, picked by many to win the NFC West at the start of the season. They hit the road again today against the lowly Rams in a game where Arians will need to be at his best in order to avoid playing down to the level of this opposition. Aside from teams normally taking a beating after squaring off against Pete Carroll’s Seahawks (10-25-2 ATS as post-Seattle favorites against foes off a SUATS loss), Arizona itself is 3-11 SU and 4-10 ATS away following Seattle, and is also 0-8 SU away in fi nal games of the season. The Rams’ 11-7 SU and 13-5 ATS record in fi nal home games of the season makes it no problem in ordering up the dog.

Kansas City over SAN DIEGO by 1Kudos to the Chiefs. They are in the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the fi rst time in 21 years. Despite season-long stats that look as if they belong to the Chargers (-25 net YPG), Andy Reid’s warriors are indeed

playoff bound and hold a glimmer of hope in securing the AFC West title with a win today and a loss by the Raiders. Thus, an expected letdown after downing Denver last week is not on the minds of the featherheads. Instead, they’ll look to overcome some nasty history, as the Chiefs are 8-18-1 ATS following a win in this series. On the other side of the coin, the Chargers are 15-5 SU and 14-6 ATS at home following a loss as a favorite, and 9-1 SU in fi nal home game of the season. There fi gures to be plenty of scoreboard watching here with Oakland’s game kicking off simultaneously. In what could be the Chargers’ fi nal game in sunny San Diego, expect nothing less than a battle royale.

Seattle over SAN FRANCISCO by 8Winners of the NFC West, the Seahawks are now suddenly behind the 8-ball with their loss to Arizona last week and will likely be playing again next week. Like many teams at this stage of the season, Seattle is war-torn and losing star players with each passing game. Thankfully, QB Russell Wilson is 15-2 SU and 12-4-1 ATS following a loss as a favorite, including 7-1 SUATS in division games. Unfortunately, Wilson is also a miserable 0-4 ATS against .200 or less division opponents. Frisco fi nds itself in a regaling mood following last week’s dramatic win over the Rams, but the Niners are on a 0-6 SUATS slide in games following a victory. The good news, though, is the Bay Area Bombers are 9-0 SU at home in fi nal games of the season. Tough to take a strong stand either way in this over-priced affair.

DENVER over Oakland by 6Talk about costly victories. Oakland clinched the AFC West with a win over the Colts last week but lost star QB Derek Carr to a broken leg. Ouch. They are forced to turn to former Penn State walk-on QB Matt McGloin, who brings a 1-5 SU and 2-4 ATS career mark (all as an underdog) as a starter in this league into today’s fray. While McGloin remains a popular player in the Raiders’ locker room, he hasn’t started a game since his rookie season in 2013 – and he’s taking on a bruised and battered defending Super Bowl champion that will be out to conclude the season with a winning record. Oakland’s 2-11 SU record in fi nal games of the season is not promising. Nor is Denver’s is 8-2 SU and 7-2-1 ATS mark the last ten games in this series. Toss in the Broncos’ 9-3 SUATS log following three consecutive SUATS losses, including 5-0 SUATS as a favorite, and the after-effects of a major Carr crash are on full display today.

Marc Lawrence’s award-winning football selections are available all season long at:

VegasINSIDER.com

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NCAA & NBA BASKETBALL

Thursday, December 29OAKLAND over Wright St by 14

The 21-win Golden Grizzlies were sailing along en route to last year’s Horizon League title game with Valparaiso when the Raiders sent them packing in a 59-55 lost as 6.5-point chalk in the semifi nals. Instead, they went to the Las Vegas 16 postseason tourney where they proceeded to lose the title game, 68-67, to Old Dominion. It was a season of being ‘this close’ for Oakland, who returns 3 starters form last year’s powerhouse squad. The Grizz will also take a 4-1 SUATS record against Wright State into this rematch in a series that had seen the favorite grab the cash fi ve times in a row until last season’s aforementioned hiccup. We’ll couple the Raiders’ rocky 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS mark against conference tourney avenging foes with their 1-13-1 ATS mark in SU losses to avenging foes and lay the wood here tonight in the fi rst major Horizon League payback this season

Friday, December 30OKLAHOMA over Baylor by 11

For the fi rst time in a long while, the Baylor Bears have jumped out to a perfect 12-0 start. Enter the Sooners, fresh off three straight losses, including a pair of previous home defeats on a home court where they stand 35-4 SU in their last 39 home contests. In addition, Boomer Sooner is also 19-2 SU the last twenty-one games as a host in this series, including 10-0 SUATS in games in which the Bears are coming out of hibernation (with three or more days of rest). Adding fuel to the fi re, Baylor is also playing its fi rst true road game of the campaign. Toss in OU’s sterling 33-17 SU and 34-16 ATS mark at home in games off a previous home loss (4-0 SUATS the last four) – and its 14-0 SU record since 1999 when hosting undefeated teams – and we’ll look for the domination to continue at the Lloyd Noble Center tonight. Sooner or later, Baylor will learn it’s best not to wake a sleeping giant.

Sunday, January 1EVANSVILLE over Northern Iowa by 15

The Purple Aces have had this game circled since being tripped three times by the Panthers last season, including a 56-54 loss to NIU in the Missouri Valley title game. Series history is on their side too, with Evansville standing 9-2 SUATS in games in which they own a winning record, and 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in games in which the Panthers do not. Complicating matters for the visiting felines is the Aces’ 23-3 SU recent mark as the Ford Center. That and the fact that the Panthers have yet to sniff a win away from home (0-3 SUATS) this season. It’s not often you’ll fi nd Northern Iowa with a losing record but when you do, be prepared to go all in, especially when you’re dealt the hand the Aces have in this contest.

Friday, December 30ATLANTA over Detroit by 14

Rest assured, the Hawks are seething with revenge from a 121-85 home loss suffered to the Pistons here earlier this month, so expect their best effort tonight. It was Atlanta’s worst home defeat since 2011 and the 4th worst overall home loss dating back to 1990. A neat 2-0 SUATS mark in this series when exacting revenge from a beating of 27 or more points sets the table. A 19-3-1 ATS record since 2000 in games when avenging a 30-point non-division loss settles it. Catching Detroit in a juicy Central Division sandwich (off the Bucks with the Packers up next) cements it. You know what to do.

Saturday, December 31OKLAHOMA CITY over LA Clippers by 7

We’ll be the fi rst to admit the lightning is missing (read: Kevin Durant) from the Thunder this season. But the fact of the matter is they are holding down the 6th spot in the early Western Conference playoff race, trailing the visiting Clippers by only two games at press time. More importantly they’ve won 67% of their home games and fi gure to puppy up here tonight. That would be a mistake. For openers, the Thunder stands 14-8 SUATS in their last 22 games in this series, including 12-4 SU and 13-3 ATS when the Hollywood stars arrive with a win percentage of .667 or better. They are also 25-6 SU in games when looking to exact revenge from the Clippers (lost 110-108 here in November in last meeting this season), including 18-2 SU at home. If they’re offering up points to the Triple-Double machine (Russell Westbrook), we’re taking.

2-MINUTE HOOPS HANDICAPTEAMS, KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS

(All Stats are ATS - Against The Spread - unless noted otherwise)

COLLEGE BASKETBALLThursday, December 29

Butler: 4-0 SUATS vs Red Storm… Auburn: 5-0 ATS vs Bulldogs… Evansville: 6-1 ATS at Redbirds… Vanderbilt: 0-4 SUATS vs Tigers

Friday, December 30West Virginia: 6-0 ATS vs Cowboys… Michigan St: 43-4 SU vs Wildcats…

Stanford: 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS home vs Sun Devils…Oregon St: 7-2 ATS vs Bruins

Saturday, December 31Wake Forest: 12-4 ATS vs Tigers… North Carolina: 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS vs Yellow Jackets… Fla Atlantic: 5-0 ATS vs Hilltoppers… Utah St: 4-0 ATS vs Falcons… Portland: 5-0 ATS vs Wave… St. Mary’s: 5-0 SUATS vs Toreros

Sunday, January 1Iowa: 4-0 SUATS vs Wolverines… Ohio St: 17-4 SU vs Illini… Wichita St:

13-0 SU and 12-1 ATS vs Braves… DePaul: 6-1 ATS vs Red Storm… Purdue: 8-0 SUATS home vs Gophers… UAB: 7-0 ATS vs Blue Raiders…

San Diego St: 4-0 SUATS vs Aztecs… Arizona: 5-0 SUATS vs Cardinal

Monday, January 2James Madison: 4-0 ATS vs Tigers… Ark-Little Rock: 7-1 ATS vs

Ragin Cajuns… Troy: visitor in the Jaguars series is 10-3 ATS

NBA BASKETBALL Thursday, December 29

Charlotte: 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS on Thursdays… Cleveland: 11-2 ATS with 2+ days rest vs Celtics… LA Lakers: 0-11 SU vs Mavericks…

Dallas: 0-8 SU and 1-7 ATS on Thursdays

Friday, December 30Boston: 1-5 ATS on Fridays… NY Knicks: 12-4 ATS vs Pelicans, including

8-1 ATS as a dog, and 9-1 ATS on Fridays… LA Clippers: 1-5 ATS on Fridays… Houston: 10-2 SUATS on Fridays… San Antonio: 7-0 SU and

6-1 ATS on Fridays… Philadelphia: 7-0 ATS at the Nuggets

Saturday, December 31Memphis: 17-3 SU vs Kings… Cleveland: 7-1 SU and 6-1-1 ATS vs

Hornets… Houston: 17-2 SU and 15-4 ATS vs Knicks… Utah: 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS vs SunsSunday, January 1

Indiana: 8-1 SUATS vs Pacers… San Antonio: 30-4 SU and 25-9 ATS vs Hawks, including 18-0 SU and 14-4 ATS at home…Portland: 8-1 SU

and 6-2-1 ATS home vs Timbervolves

Monday, January 2Utah: 11-4 SUATS vs Nets, including 6-2 SUATS away… New York:

7-2 SUATS home vs Magic… Charlotte: 5-0 ATS vs Bulls

Editor’s Note: The fi rst full edition of the 2017 PLAYBOOK Basketball Weekly Newsletter for all college and NBA games played January 7-13 will be available Thursday, January 5 after 7:00 PM ET in the store at Playbook.com or on the PlaybookSuperstore.com website.

Sunday, January 1LA LAKERS over Toronto by 6

The Lakers ring in the New Year Sunday evening looking to exact quadruple revenge against the visiting Raptors – including a 113-80 trouncing in Toronto a month ago – in this non-conference clash the Staples Center. The good news is Los Angeles, under the direction of new head coach Luke Walton, is no longer the west coast version of the 76ers. That better news is they are 16-3 SU as a host in this series when sporting a .333 or greater record. Coupled with a 21-9 SU mark on this fl oor with same-season loss revenge against Eastern Conference opposition and an upset appears to be in the offi ng. With the Atlantic Division leading Raptors eyeing up a revenge game of their own at San Antonio on Tuesday, look for a gala New Year in La La land on Sunday.

www.VegasInsider.com • page 9

page 10 • www.VegasInsider.com

Below are the current Top 20 Contestants from the 2016 Wise Guys Contest – One Point Single Plays Listed

WISE GUYS CONTESTA $10,000 Contest Sponsored by PLAYBOOK.com

Now in its 31st year, the WISE GUYS CONTEST is a $10,000 winners-take-all handicapping event sponsored by PLAYBOOK.com. All plays are graded against the lines posted after 4:00 PM Mondays on the WISE GUYS CONTEST page at PLAYBOOK.com. Each week below we'll post Single Plays from the Top 20 point-earners. Following the play is their overall Win-Loss record / Double Play record / Total Points earned to date.

TITANS (-3)

Alabama (-15)

South Florida (-10)

NY GIANTS (+7.5)

S Diego Under 45

Virginia Tech (-7)

Steelers Under 44

W Michigan (+7.5)

49ers (+10)

Florida State (+7)

20-10 / 10-5 / 30 pts

17-13-1 / 12-4 / 29 pts

17-15 / 8-8 / 25 pts

17-14-1 / *8-7-1 / 26 pts

17-15 / 11-5 / 28 pts

17-14-1 / 8-8* / 25 pts

16-15-1 / 9-6*-1 / 25 pts

20-12 / 10-6 / 30 pts

18-14 / 8-8* / 26 pts

18-14 / 11-5 / 29 pts

Andy Iskoe*thelogicalapproach.com

Brady Kannon@lasvegasgolfer

California Sportscaliforniasports.com

Chuck Edel*bradpowerssports.com

Joe Nelsonnellysports.com

Marco D’Angelowagertalk.com

Matty Baiungoprosportsinfo.com

Norm Hitzgesnormsclubhouse.com

Okie Sports*playbook.com

Richard Witt*playbook.com

Florida State (+7)

Usc (-6.5)

S Carolina (+10)

Auburn (+3)

BEARS (+5.5)

Tcu (pick)

Tenn Over 58.5

Clemson (+3)

Oklahoma St (+3)

REDSKINS (-7.5)

17-13-1 / *10-6 / 28 pts

18-14 / 10-6 / 28 pts

18-13-1 / 9-6-1 / 27 pts

18-12-1 / 9-6 / 27 pts

17-15 / 9-7 / 26 pts

19-13 /10-6 / 29 pts

18-14 / 8-8 / 26 pts

17-15 /10-6* / 27 pts

17-13 /10-5 / 27 pts

18-12-1 / 11-4-1 / 29 pts

Rob Vinciletti*goldencontender@aol.com

Rocketman Sports*rocketmansports.com

Ross Benjaminrossbenjaminsports.com

Sports Data Query Groupkillersports.com

Stan Lisowskiplaybook.com

Statfox Davestatfox.com

Stormin Normanplaybook.com

TD TonyASHNetwork.com

Universal Sportsplaybook.com

Victor Kingplaybook.com

GAME MATCHUPS KEY OVER/UNDER STATS

2 0 1 6 N AT I O N A L F O O T B A L L L E A G U E – W E E K S E V E N T E E N

THE 2-MINUTE HANDICAP: O/U STYLEThe fi rst 8 games of the NFL schedule are listed below. As always, the number listed fi rst is the ‘OVER’ and the number listed second is the ‘UNDER’. *This week’s Playbook O/U TREND play: Ravens @ Bengals ’UNDER’ the TOTAL.

AN 'OVER / UNDER' REPORT ON THIS WEEK'S NFL CARDBY VICTOR KING

HoustonTENNESSEE

BuffaloNY JETS

BaltimoreCINCINNATI

NY GiantsWASHINGTON

Green BayDETROIT

JacksonvilleINDIANAPOLIS

DallasPHILADELPHIA

ChicagoMINNESOTA

5-1 O/U away aft allow 10 < pts... 5-1 O/U aft Cin... 4-1 O/U L5 vs Ten (45.0)... but 1-6 O/U dogs 4 < pts... 1-3 O/U Gm 163-0 O/U as div HF’s L2Y... 3-0-1 O/U off div RG... 6-2 O/U Last Home Game... but 1-5 O/U aft allow 35 > pts... 1-4-1 O/U aft Jax

5-0 O/U as RF’s L5Y... 6-1 O/U aft allow 34 > pts... but 1-6 O/U away off home fav loss... 1-4 O/U aft Mia... 1-3 O/U Gm 166-1 O/U aft NEng... but 0-3 O/U as HD’s 5 > pts... 1-5 O/U aft allow 40+ pts... 1-4 O/U Gm 16... 1-3 O/U L3 vs Buf

0-4 O/U in 2nd of BB RG... 1-3 O/U aft Pit... 2-6 O/U as fav/dog 3 < pts... 2-6 O/U Gm 16... 2-6 O/U off SU loss / ATS win 0-2 O/U L2 vs Bal (36.5)... 1-5 O/U as conf fav/dog 3 < pts... 1-3 O/U Gm 16... 1-3 O/U L4 div HG... 2-6 O/U aft allow < 13 pts

8-1 O/U aft Phil... 3-1 O/U 2nd of BB div gms... 3-1 O/U Gm 16... but 0-4 O/U aft Thur gm... 0-3 O/U off road fav loss3-0 O/U aft Chi... 8-1 O/U L9 HG... 4-1 O/U L5 as div favs... but 2-5 O/U vs opp off Mon gm... 3-7 O/U L10 vs NYG (42.2)

4-1 O/U Gm 12... 3-1 O/U L4 vs Det (48.8)... 5-2 O/U aft Min... but 1-4 O/U on Sunday NIGHTS... 2-6 O/U in 3rd straight div gm3-0 O/U aft Mon RG... 8-3 O/U Gm 12... 8-4 O/U L12 div HG... but 1-6-1 O/U on Sunday NIGHTS... 2-5 O/U aft Dal

6-0 O/U away aft score 35 > pts... 3-1 O/U aft Ten... 5-2 O/U Last Road Game... but 0-5 O/U L5 away vs Indy (30.8)5-1 O/U aft Oak... but 2-11 O/U home off BB RG... 1-5 O/U Gm 16... 1-4 O/U as div HF’s 5 < pts... 2-6 O/U aft allow 31 > pts

4-1-1 O/U aft Mon gm... 3-1 O/U L4 vs Phil (51.8)... but 0-5 O/U vs opp off Thur gm... 1-5 O/U Last Road Game... 1-4 O/U aft Det 4-1 O/U in 2nd of BB HG... 3-1 O/U aft Thur gm... 3-1 O/U Gm 16... 6-2 O/U GM 12 > home vs .750 > opp... but 0-3 O/U aft NYG

3-1 O/U Last Road Game... but 1-5 O/U L6 vs Min (37.8)... 2-7 O/U aft Wash... 3-11 O/U as div RD’s > 4 pts0-9 O/U L9 w/ div revenge... 1-8 O/U aft GBay... 1-7 O/U off DD SU loss... 1-5 O/U Gm 16... 1-5 O/U aft allow 38 > pts

Marc Lawrence’s award-winning football selections are available all season long at: VegasINSIDER.com

www.VegasInsider.com • page 11

2016-17 COLLEGE BOWLS: DECEMBER 17-JANUARY 9

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time • Games in Offi cial International Rotation sequence • Dates & times subject to change

Listed next to the games below are two entries: OL is the SportsOptions.com opening line on the contest and PB is the PLAYBOOK margin. You have a PLAYBOOK Recommendation whenever our predicted margin of victory is 6 or more points off the opening line. Remember, opening

lines are subject to change during the week so always check YOUR CURRENT LINE against the PLAYBOOK line to determine a fi nal play.

BELK BOWL

POINSETTIA BOWL

229

230 13'

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL

MIDDLE TENNESSEE 8:00 (Honolulu, HI)HAWAII ESPN

223

224

C MICHIGAN2:30 (Miami, FL)TULSA ESPN

MIAMI BEACH BOWL

6’

7207

208

APPALACHIAN ST 5:30 (Montgomery, AL)TOLEDO ESPN

CAMELLIA BOWL

BIRMINGHAM BOWLSOUTH FLORIDA2:00 PM (Birmingham, AL)S CAROLINA ESPN

251

252

247

248

4

8

241

242

VANDERBILT 5:00 (Shreveport, LA)NC STATE ESPN2

235

236

DOLLAR GENERAL BOWLOHIO U8:00 (Mobile, AL)TROY ESPN

7 1

221

222

BYU9:00 (San Diego, CA)WYOMING ESPN

219

220

13

BOCA RATON BOWLMEMPHIS7:00 (Boca Raton, FL)W KENTUCKY ESPN

8 6217

218

IDAHO POTATO BOWLCOLORADO ST7:00 (Boise, ID)IDAHO ESPN

5 10

215

216

NEW ORLEANS BOWLSOUTHERN MISS9:00 (New Orleans, LA)UL-LAFAYETTE ESPN

2

1

211

212

1’

6209

210

ARKANSAS ST5:30 (Orlando, FL)C FLORIDA CBSSN

CURE BOWL

13

237

238

ALAMO BOWLOKLAHOMA ST9:00 (San Antonio, TX)COLORADO ESPN

6’

277

278 7’

275

276

14’

269

270

3’

263

264

COTTON BOWL CLASSICW MICHIGAN1:00 (Arlington, TX)WISCONSIN ESPN

12’

261

262

HOLIDAY BOWLWASHINGTON ST 7:00 (San Diego, CA)MINNESOTA ESPN

Pk

257

258

WAKE FOREST3:30 (Annapolis, MD)TEMPLE ESPN

5’239

240

9

3’

231

232

BAHAMAS BOWLE MICHIGAN ESPN1:00 (Nassau, Bahamas)OLD DOMINION 3’

221

222

LAS VEGAS BOWL

OL PB

UTSA 2:00 (Albuquerque, NM)NEW MEXICO ESPN 7 3

201

202

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

NEW MEXICO BOWL

HOUSTON3:30 (Las Vegas, NV)SAN DIEGO ST ABC

3'

3

203

204

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19

FIESTA BOWLOHIO STATE7:00 (Glendale, AZ)CLEMSON ESPN

267

268

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

SUGAR BOWLAUBURN8:30 (New Orleans, LA)OKLAHOMA ESPN

3'

271

272

OL PB OL PB

INDIANA8:30 (Santa Clara, CA)UTAH FOX

FOSTER FARMS BOWL

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWLWEST VIRGINIA5:30 (Orlando, FL)MIAMI FLA ESPN 1’

245

246

11

NORTH CAROLINA 2:00 (El Paso, TX)STANFORD CBS

SUN BOWL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

8

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

233

234

NORTHWESTERN2:00 (Bronx, NY)PITTSBURGH ABC

PINSTRIPE BOWL

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26

INDEPENDENCE BOWL

MARYLAND2:30 (Detroit, MI)BOSTON COLL ESPN

QUICK LANE BOWL

KANSAS ST9:00 PM (Houston, TX)TEXAS A&M ESPN 2'

249

250

TEXAS BOWL

12 8

213

214

243

244

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

MIAMI OHIO11:00 (St. Petersburg, FL)MISSISSIPPI ST ESPN

4

225

226

S ALABAMA ASN 5:30 TIME CHANGEAIR FORCE (Tucson, AZ)

ARIZONA BOWL

ARKANSAS5:30 PM (Charlotte, NC)VA TECH ESPN

253

254 6’

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWLWASHINGTON 3:00 (Atlanta, GA)ALABAMA ESPN

3

259

260

265

266

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

USC5:00 (Pasadena, CA)PENN ST ESPN

ROSE BOWL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

TAXSLAYER BOWLKENTUCKY 11:00 (Jacksonville, FL)GA TECH ESPN

2

273

274

Pk

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

LOUISIANA TECH4:30 (Fort Worth, TX)NAVY ESPN

ARMED FORCES BOWL

255

256 2’

2’

OUTBACK BOWLIOWA 1:00 (Tampa, FL)FLORIDA ABC

CITRUS BOWLLSU11:00 (Orlando, FL)LOUISVILLE ABC

TCU12:00 (Memphis, TN)GEORGIA ESPN

LIBERTY BOWL

CACTUS BOWLBAYLOR10:15 (Phoenix, AZ)BOISE ST ESPN

281

282

8:00 (Tampa, FL) ESPN

151

152

CFB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (1/9)

6

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

HAWAI’I BOWL227

228

FLORIDA ST8:00 (Miami Gardens, FL)MICHIGAN ESPN

ORANGE BOWL

ARMY12:00 (Dallas, TX)NORTH TEXAS ESPN

HEART OF DALLAS BOWL

MILITARY BOWL

MUSIC CITY BOWLNEBRASKA3:30 PM (Nashville, TN)TENNESSEE ESPN

MONDAY, JANUARY 2

279

280

OL: OPENING LINE PB: PLAYBOOK LINE

NL

7

4’

�

20

23

10

34

31

13

31

28

28

21

10

55

�

3

1

�

3

6

3

6

8

6

3

3

1�

4

7

3

� 10

11

3

�

�

�

�

31

51

24

21

50

61

20

24

48

45

23

28

35

52

16

17

30

36

17

41

38

31

3

6

7

8

7

10

3

3

13

6

6

4

1

3

3

1

34

26

12

17

12

31

page 12 • www.VegasInsider.com

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time • Games in Offi cial International Rotation sequence • Dates & times subject to change

3’ 6

2’ 3

HOUSTON 1:00 PMTENNESSEE BUFFALO1:00 PMNY JETSBALTIMORE 1:00 PMCINCINNATINY GIANTS4:25 PM TIME CHANGE

WASHINGTONGREEN BAY8:30 PM TIME CHANGE

DETROIT

3

10301

302

303

304

305

306307

308309

310

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

3

3

JACKSONVILLE1:00 PMINDIANAPOLIS DALLAS1:00 PMPHILADELPHIACHICAGO1:00 PM MINNESOTACAROLINA1:00 PMTAMPA BAYCLEVELAND 1:00 PMPITTSBURGHNEW ORLEANS4:25 PM TIME CHANGE

ATLANTA

311

312313

314315

316317

318319

320321

322

3’

10

12’ 16

6’ 1

7 14

3’

1

6’ 8

NEW ENGLAND1:00 PM MIAMIARIZONA4:25 PMLOS ANGELES KANSAS CITY4:25 PMSAN DIEGOSEATTLE4:25 PMSAN FRANCISCOOAKLAND4:25 PMDENVER

6 3323

324325

326327

328

329

330331

332

OL PB OL PB OL PB

7’ 6

4’ 1

� 9 8

�

�

2016-17 PRO FOOTBALL - JANUARY 1

A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT STAR-RATED BEST BET SELECTIONSTHIS WEEK'S BEST BETS

FOR WEEK ENDING MONDAY,JANUARY 2, 2017 4� BEST BET3� BEST BET 5� BEST BET

BOWLS

NFL

UPSET GAME

ARKANSAS N CAROLINA LSU

TEXANS PANTHERS COLTS

KENTUCKY“Your purchase of the information in this publication is intended strictly for the private use of the subscriber and/or purchaser. The redistribution of any por tion of this information, in any form, without the express written consent of Preferred Picks® (or Playbook® or Playbook.com®) is strictly prohibited and is subject to the laws of the jurisdictions involved.”

SUBSCRIBE TO PLAYBOOK TODAY: 1.800.752.9266

Listed next to the games below are two entries: OL is the SportsOptions.com opening line on the contest and PB is the PLAYBOOK margin. You have a PLAYBOOK Recommendation whenever our predicted margin of victory is 6 or more points off the opening line. Remember, opening

lines are subject to change during the week so always check YOUR CURRENT LINE against the PLAYBOOK line to determine a fi nal play.

5

1

5 4

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MARC LAWRENCE AND THE ENTIRE PLAYBOOK STAFF!