Ben Burns

I'm playing on NASHVILLE. The Hawks are in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Having lost three straight, the Preds are going to be an angry. This is one of the top teams in the league; they're 5-3 the past couple of seasons, off three straight losses. It doesn't happen often. In additon to being highly motivated, the Preds are well rested. They've beaten Chicago in all three 2019 meetings, including a 3-0 win here earlier this season. The Hawks are off b2b big wins; the second of those coming at Vegas. Thats a recipe for a letdown. Preds roll. 

I'm playing on EDMONTON. The Oilers just got six points out of McDavid last game. When he's in the zone, he's the best in the world. They're catching the Stars at the end of an already successful road trip. The Oilers, who have now won three of four, embark on a road trip of their own after this. They're going to be anxious to get the maximum points here before they go. Even off a couple of wins, the Stars are still below .500 on the road while the Oilers are 7-3 at home. Given the venue and situation, I believe the price is a bargain. 

I'm playing on INDIANA. We're getting some extra line value with the Pacers due to the fact that they played yesterday. The Pacers don't typically mind playing the second of b2b games though. They're 17-12 ATS (16-13 SU) when doing so the past 2+ seasons. The only time that they did so this season, they won by 15 points. Plus, prior to last night, they had two nights off. So, they're not playing a 3-in-4 situation. In other words, I'm not too worried about the b2b spot and am happy with the extra line value its provided. As for last night, though they didn't cover, I liked the effort I saw from the Pacers. They were diving for balls right up until the closing seconds. Since dropping their home opener, the Pacers have played great here, winning five straight. While the Bucks are indeed a tough team, they're only 2-4 ATS as road favorites. Grab the points. 

I'm playing on BUFFALO. The Sens managed to knock off the Flyers last night. However, now they're playing their second game in two nights against a rested and determined Buffalo team. Losers of five straight, the Sabres simply cannot afford to let this opportunity pass them by. They played very well last time out but ran into an equally determined and talented Carolina team. Here, however, the Sabres will have a clear edge in talent. The Sens are 10-26 (-9.5) the past 2+ seasons, when playing the second of b2b games. They lost 4-1 the only time they were in that situation this season. The teams have split the past four meetings, the home team winning all four. The Sabres won the two games here at Buffalo by a combined score of 14-4. Schedule in their favor, they'll take care of business again today. 

I'm playing on DAVIDSON. The Seahawks are in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Off to an 0-2 start, the Wildcats are going to be in an angry mood. This is an experienced and talented Davidson team, one with big expectations on the season. This has been a good role for the Wildcats over the years. They're 16-8-2 ATS (25-1 SU) the past 26 times that they were listed as home favorites in the -15.5 to -18 range. That includes a perfect 3-0 ATS mark their last three in that role. Even better, during that span, the Wildcats are a perfect 8-0 ATS if they'd scored 25 or fewer points in the first half of their previous game. The Wildcats won by 27, as -11 point favorites, the last time these teams met here. Expect another blowout.

I'm playing on LSU/OLE Miss UNDER the total. With LSU's high-scoring game against Alabama fresh in everyone's memories, we're working with a low O/U number here. I believe that it'll prove to be too low. Note that the last two meetings both finished above the total but that was because those O/U lines were lower. Both would have stayed beneath this year's higher number. Prior to the Alabama game, LSU had seen its two previous games finish below the number. Obviously, we all saw that LSU has a big time QB. However, a banged-up offensive line should lead to a somewhat more conservative gameplan. As for the Rebels, they've seen the UNDER go 3-0 their last three overall and 4-1 in their home lined games this season. Last game, they allowed just three points. The UNDER is 5-1 the last six times they were listed as home underdogs. Expect those stats to improve here. 

I'm playing UTAH STATE on the money-line. I absolutely see Utah State winning this game That said, this was a baseball, soccer or hockey game, I'd have no trouble laying this type of price, based on my win expectancy. The Aggies regained their confidence and momentum with a close win at Fresno State last time out. Wyoming, on the other hand, is off a deflating loss against Boise State. Give the Cowboys credit for leaving it all out on the field. They led going into the fourth quarter and lost 20-17 in OT. That type of loss stings though. They were +16.5 point underdogs and to come that close, only to come up short, will take its toll here. Playing without starting QB Chambers doesn't help matters. Utah State is 11-1 SU its last 12 as a home favorite. Expect those stats to improve Saturday afternoon. 

I'm playing on TEXAS TECH. Despite recent struggles, both teams are still in the hunt for a bowl. I really like how this one sets up for the Red Raiders and expect them to win this one outright. Texas Tech snapped a 3-game slide with a blowout win at WVU last time out. That gives the Red Raiders confidence and positive momentum. The Horned Frogs, on the other hand, are off back-to-back demoralizing losses and have now dropped four of their last five. Last week's loss figures to be particularly tough to bounce back from, as it came it triple-OT. Last year's game was close, the Raiders won 17-14 at TCU. Including that result, the Frogs are just 9-16 ATS their last 25 in Big 12 play. I expect last week's loss to take a toll. Grab the points but expect an "upset."