Month: November 2023

Raiders fire head coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler in late-night news dump

The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler after one-and-a-half unsuccessful seasons.

The Las Vegas Raiders fired their head coach and general manager in the most Raiders ay possible — with the news breaking just after Halloween.

Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler, both hired in January, 2022, were relieved of their responsibilities by owner Mark Davis, and the team subsequently released a statement on social media.

McDaniels signed a six-year contract, which leaves the Raiders having to pay off the remaining four years. Per ESPN, linebackers coach Antonio Pierce will be interim head coach.

The Raiders were 3-5 this season, and 9-16 in McDaniels’ tenure. McDaniels, the New England Patriots’ longtime offensive coordinator, previously served as the Denver Broncos’ head coach in 2009 and 2010, putting together an 11-17 record before he was fired there.

Cardinals make minor roster, practice squad moves

The Cardinals made some moves on the practice squad on Tuesday.

The Arizona Cardinals made one notable roster move this week, trading quarterback Josh Dobbs to the Minnesota Vikings. However, that was not the only move they made this week.

They made a small move on the 53-man roster and several moves on the practice squad.

Let’s take a look at those moves.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

Breaking: Raiders fire HC Josh McDaniels, GM Dave Ziegler

Breaking: Raiders fire HC Josh McDaniels, GM Dave Ziegler

Trick or Treat! After 10pm Halloween night, Raiders owner Mark Davis officially announced the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels along with General Manager Dave Ziegler.

Davis said in a statement:

“After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave.  I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.”

McDaniels and Ziegler lasted just 25 games as head coach and General Manager of the Raiders. The team went 9-16 over that span.

The former offensive coordinator McDaniels saw his offense this season fail to break 20 points in any game this season. Monday Night against the Lions, the team scored just seven points and lost despite the defense forcing three turnovers and returning an interception for a touchdown.

Tuesday the trade deadline came and went with the Raiders making no moves to either add talent or add future draft capital. Which is probably for the best considering the issue seemed less to do with the players and more to do with the coaching.

Adam Schefter is reporting that Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce will take over as interim head coach.

Pierce is well-liked, and should inspire his guys if nothing else.

Ball State at Bowling Green odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Ball State at Bowling Green odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Ball State Cardinals (2-6, 1-3 MAC) and Bowling Green Falcons (4-4, 2-2) meet Wednesday at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Ball State vs. Bowling Green odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

It’s hard to believe these MAC teams haven’t faced each other since 2015 in Muncie, and the last time they met in Bowling Green was a 41-24 win by Ball State in 2014. The last win for the Cardinals at Bowling Green came way back in 1996, as the Falcons have won 7 of 8 meetings since 1999.

The Cardinals entered last week’s game against Central Michigan with a 1-6 straight up (SU) record, but Ball State isn’t waving the white towel just yet. It picked up a 24-17 win against the Chippewas, and the Cards have covered the past 2 outings after a 1-5 against the spread (ATS) start. Bowl eligibility is still possible, but Ball State needs to win out.

The Falcons opened the season 1-3 SU, including losses to unbeaten and ranked Michigan and Liberty teams. This team also has conference losses at home to Ohio, and on the road against Miami (Ohio), but it also scored an impressive win at Georgia Tech on Sept. 30.

Bowling Green has been a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team, posting 24 or more points 5 times, while going for 7 or fewer points in the other 3 outings.

The Under is 4-2 in the past 6 games for the Falcons, while the total has gone low in 3 straight for the Cardinals.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Ball State at Bowling Green odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:31 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Ball State +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Bowling Green -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Ball State +5.5 (-110) | Bowling Green -5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Ball State at Bowling Green picks and predictions

Prediction

Bowling Green 27, Ball State 20

Moneyline

Backing Bowling Green (-225) and risking more than twice your potential return is a bit risky. The Falcons have managed nice wins at Buffalo and at Georgia Tech, but this team has also completely checked out in losses of 27 or more points against Miami (Ohio) and Ohio U.

PASS.

Against the spread

BOWLING GREEN -5.5 (-110) is worth a roll of the dice, although be careful, as this will be closer than some think. Ball State +5.5 (-110) has been playing competitive football lately, covering the spread in the past 2 outings.

The Falcons are coming off a 41-14 win over MAC doormat Akron, and Bowling Green has won and covered 3 of the past 4 outings, with the lone exception an egg-laying at Miami (Ohio).

Over/Under

OVER 39.5 (-115) is worth a look in this Hump Day MAC affair.

The weather won’t be as treacherous as we saw in Toledo and in Mount Pleasant, Mich., on Tuesday night, with snow and ice on the ground in both venus. Temperatures will be in the mid-40’s, with a slight chill in the air, but a fast track and no real wind to speak of.

For Bowling Green, the Over has cashed in 2 of the past 3 games at home, while Ball State as posted the Under in 3 in a row. The Cardinals did show some signs of life on offense last week with 24 points, but it is averaging just 16.1 PPG on offense, ranking 129th in the nation. That’s why the books have set this total so low.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Chicago Bulls (2-2) visit the undefeated Dallas Mavericks (3-0) Wednesday. Tip-off from American Airlines Center is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bulls vs. Mavericks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Chicago won 2-0 last season

Chicago won its 2nd game of the season on Monday, 112-105 over the Indiana Pacers covering as a 3.5-point underdog. C Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 17 rebounds, hitting 10 of 19 shots. The Bulls have had 3 different leading scorers in their 1st 4 games as they work to find offensive consistency.

Dallas scored a 125-110 win vs. the Memphis Grizzlies Monday, easily covering as 1-point underdogs. Superstar G Luka Doncic has been on an MVP-level tear in 3 games, averaging 39 points, 11.7 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game, which all lead the team.

Bulls at Mavericks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bulls +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Mavericks -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bulls +5.5 (-105) | Mavericks -5.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bulls at Mavericks key injuries

Bulls

  • G Lonzo Ball (knee) out
  • G Zach LaVine (back) probable

Mavericks

  • G Kyrie Irving (foot) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Bulls at Mavericks picks and predictions

Prediction

Mavericks 127, Bulls 105

Moneyline

PASS.

Dallas should pick up the win here, but a -225 favorite is not worth the risk of betting on. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET DALLAS -5.5 (-115).

Both of these squads will rely on offensive firepower, and I trust the offense of Dallas, especially if G Kyrie Irving can play, over the offense of Chicago which has seen little consistency over the last few seasons. Chicago makes less than 10 3-pointers per game (9.3) and that makes guarding this Bulls’ offense a lot less difficult. Chicago has no way of containing Doncic and Irving, assuming he can go, and that duo will lead Dallas to cover here.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 225.5 (-110).

Dallas has scored 125 or more points in each of its 3 games to start out the season, meaning if that trend continues, Chicago will only have to score 101 to hit the Over number of 225.5. If LaVine is able to play, then I expect that the Bulls will be able to score at least 101 points to help this game hit the Over, especially as neither of these teams are very stout defensively.

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