Category: Football

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Green Bay Packers (12-3) visit the Detroit Lions (3-11-1) Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Ford Field (on FOX). We analyze the Packers-Lions odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Packers at Lions: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Packers are 0-5 ATS and 1-4 SU in their last five games against the Lions.
  • The Packers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.
  • Detroit is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games this season and has lost eight in a row straight-up.
  • Green Bay has covered the spread in four of its last five games against the NFC North.
  • The favorite is 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings between the Packers and Lions.
  • The total has gone Over in each of the last four meetings in Detroit.

Packers at Lions: Key injuries

Packers: LT Bryan Bulaga (groin) should be available, while OL Billy Turner (hamstring) missed Wednesday’s practice and is questionable.

Lions: RT Rick Wagner (knee) missed Wednesday’s practice, while OT Taylor Decker (ankle) was limited.

Packers at Lions: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Packers 28, Lions 14

Moneyline (?)

The Packers (-667) need this win to secure a first-round bye, which is hugely beneficial for a team. They can also clinch home-field advantage in the playoffs with a win and San Francisco 49ers loss.

In other words, they’re going to do everything possible to win. However, I can’t justify suggesting to anyone to lay that kind of chalk. Every $6.67 wagered on the Packers ML will only profit $1 if they win.

Against the Spread (?)

The Packers (-12.5) are double-digit favorites on the road. The oddsmakers see them as the far better team, and that will show on Sunday afternoon. They’ll beat the Lions by at least two touchdowns and roll to a win.

Take the PACKERS (-110) to cover the spread.

Over/Under (?)

The O/U is set at 42.5 points, and although Detroit’s offense has been terrible, the defense is going to struggle to stop Green Bay. Still, it won’t be enough to push to total Over 42 points.

Take the UNDER (-106), but expect a nail biter with this bet.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Chicago Bears (7-8) visit the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings (10-5) Sunday with an 1 p.m. ET kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium. We analyze the Bears-Vikings odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Bears at Vikings: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bears eliminated the Vikings from the 2018 playoffs with 24-10 Week 17 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium.
  • The Bears are 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in their five meetings with the Vikings.
  • Minnesota is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine games against teams with losing records.
  • The Vikings and Bears have hit the Under in four of the last five meetings.
  • Chicago is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games.
  • Minnesota is 6-1 against the moneyline in its last seven home games against Chicago, but the only loss was the last meeting.
  • Both teams are coming off inept, humbling losses – the Bears losing at home 26-3 to the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Vikings losing their first home game of the season 23-10 to the Green Bay Packers.

Bears at Vikings: Key injuries

Vikings: The injury report only shows one player as not practicing – Pro Bowl snub LB Eric Kendricks (quadriceps). RB’s Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) have been limited and neither is expected to play. With Minnesota locked in as the No. 6 seed, several key veterans on both sides of the ball could be pulled early.

Bears: Four players didn’t practice Thursday – DL Akiem Hicks (elbow), NT Eddie Goldman (concussion), WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion) and OL Bobby Massie (ankle). Some of these guys may be making business decisions as to play a meaningless game.

Bears at Vikings: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, at 9:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Vikings 20, Bears 16

Moneyline (?)

For only giving away 1.5 points, Minnesota (-129) is a little stiff. Chicago is +105, so this one pretty much bets itself. If you think Chicago is going to beat Vikings QB Kirk Cousins a fourth consecutive game, take the Bears here instead of being given a paltry 1.5 points.

Every $1 wagered on the Bears ML would profit $1.05 if they win.

Against the Spread (?)

As mentioned above, the line is Vikings -1.5. Both teams are -110 because it is what is so perilous about putting bets down in Week 17. Minnesota has absolutely nothing to play for or risk Sunday. With the Vikings coming off a national humbling to the Packers and the Bears’ recent dominance of them, if the Vikes lay down in front of their home fans, it will have a negative backlash. If you think motivation of a veteran means anything, take the Vikings at a better price than the moneyline.

Over/Under (?)

This is the most difficult bet of them all because 36.5 (Over -115, Under -106) is such a low number. But these teams tend to hit the Under. It won’t take much to hit the Over and these are teams with opportunistic defenses and special teams, but the Bears have dominated Cousins and, in the last three games against Minnesota, Chicago QB Mitch Trubisky has been knocked out of two of them. The sportsbooks are daring you to take the Over. Take the UNDER 36.5 (-106), but it will be close.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Notre Dame Football: Plays of the Year – Number 8

Three blockers to take on three defenders all while it’s an incredibly easy throw for Ian Book to make to Tony Jones.  It may not have been as important as Book’s touchdown pass to Jones in the regular season finale at USC in 2018 but the execution is perfect on a type of play Notre Dame hasn’t executed well with any regularity for quite some time.

As we near the end of the 2019 calendar year its a good time to look back at everything that went on in 2019 both personally and for our favorite sports teams.  We’re counting down the 10 best plays of Notre Dame’s 10-2 regular season.

We will unveil the plays twice a day from now through Friday and feel free to leave comments in our forum if you agree or disagree or are just looking for some general Notre Dame or college football conversation.

Here’s what we have so far:
No. 10 – Cole Kmet Gives Notre Dame the Lead at Georgia
No. 9 – Kyle Hamilton Announces His Arrival

Which brings us to number eight:

Watching Notre Dame’s offense in recent years has left a lot to be desired in terms of the screen game.  How can you tell?  Just by reading that you already remember the most-successful and best looking screen pass of the 2019 season if you watched each Notre Dame game.

It’s something that has lacked execution for years and did for large chunks of this year.

But it was something that was finally executed perfectly in the final game of the regular season and got Notre Dame on the board for their first score of the day at Stanford.

Tony Jones, Jr. gets the love for capping the drive but the execution of this play is flat-out perfect.

Three blockers to take on three defenders all while it’s an incredibly easy throw for Ian Book to make to Tony Jones.  It may not have been as important as Book’s touchdown pass to Jones in the regular season finale at USC in 2018 but the execution is perfect on a type of play Notre Dame hasn’t executed well with any regularity for quite some time.

Stay tuned as we have seven more plays to count down before kickoff on Saturday.

USA Today Ranks The Best 150 College Teams of All-Time

USA Today came out with a list of the best 150 college football teams of all time, the Texas Longhorns appeared seven times.

Another All-Time list, this time it comes from USA Today as they named the top 150 college football teams in history. The Texas Longhorns were well represented on the countdown with seven teams of the 150 listed. Sorry Aggie fans, this list isn’t for you. We will countdown the list starting with the Longhorns team that comes in at 125, the 1977 team.

1977 Texas Longhorns (Number 125)

Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Longhorns in 1977 finished the season with a 11-1 record and a perfect conference record of 8-0. They opened the season at Texas Memorial Stadium beating Boston College 44-0. The team didn’t give up a point until their third game of the year where they beat Rice 72-15. The Longhorns beat Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, 13-6. The Sooner were ranked number two at the time of the game.

Texas was led by team captain Earl Campbell as they marched towards the Cotton Bowl game where Notre Dame beat them 38-10 for their lone loss of the season.

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Why the Citrus Bowl isn’t a failure for the Crimson Tide

But, in my opinion, this season is not a failure, by any means. In all honesty, it’s quite the opposite. 

When the 2019 season started, there were a lot of expectations and high hopes for Tua Tagovailoa to win the Heisman Trophy, as well as the Crimson Tide to win another National Title. After all, with all of the talent that returned as well as the new additions from the Tide’s 2019 recruiting class, on paper, it looked more than logical for Alabama to return to the CFB Playoff.

But, injuries.

Before the season even started, Joshua McMillon, and Dylan Moses went down for the season. And then later on, Eyabi Anoma and Antonio Alfano decided to transfer. During the season, Alabama would continue to suffer injuries. Labryan Ray, DJ Dale, and Raekwon Davis struggled with injuries, even throughout the season. Simply put, this defense was never anywhere near 100% healthy. And when you factor in losing star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a season ending injury, there’s no denying the fact this team was never 100%. 

But, in my opinion, this season is not a failure, by any means. In all honesty, it’s quite the opposite. 

Let’s take a moment to remember that even WITH all of the injuries, the Crimson Tide lost two games by a combined 8 points. Alabama lost by 5 points at home to the No. 1 team in the country with an injured Tagovailoa, and then lost on the road to No. 12 Auburn with a backup quarterback who still put up 335 yards and 4 TDs. Simply put, neither one of Alabama’s losses were “bad,” and neither loss made this team give up. 

To some, maybe it’s a disappointment to be playing in the Citrus Bowl, but to those, I’d like to remind them that there was a time in Alabama’s history where even making it to a bowl game was a success. But, when you have a program who is used to winning titles, it can feel not as much as a success to play in a Bowl Game, but it shouldn’t have to.

I’m more than proud of how this team has responded to every piece of adversity that they’ve been dealt. A lot of teams would have crumbled when losing most of their experienced defenders and their starting quarterback, but not Alabama. They responded, and never gave up.

I truly think this season ended up being simply a “reloading” year for the Tide. When you realize that several top juniors could be returning for their senior year, there’s a lot to be hopeful for, and those guys still have a lot to prove.

So, no, I don’t think the Citrus Bowl is a failure or let down by ANY means. I think this bowl game is an opportunity for Mac Jones and the crew to finish what they started. Sure, winning another National Championship would be nice, but these guys have created a brotherhood, a team unity, an Ohana. And they’re wanting to finish the season strong. Even though they aren’t playing in the Playoffs, this team still has a lot to play for: each other. And that in and of itself, is priceless.

And let’s be honest, it’s always a good day when you can get a win over Michigan. And Michigan isn’t a bad team. It’s a good team for Alabama to showcase themselves, and it’s a perfect game for Alabama to prove that the dynasty isn’t dead, and that they’ll be back next season more hungry and humble than ever.

Roll Tide.

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Ohio State Football: LeBron James gifts the team with Beats by Dre

The Ohio State Buckeyes were gifted with Beats by Dre from LeBron James, one of Ohio State’s many diehard fans.

The Ohio State Buckeyes were gifted with Beats by Dre from LeBron James, one of Ohio State’s many die hard fans that just so happens to be one of the best players to ever pick up a basketball.

James, who is now having his Ohio State “alumni jersey” sold by Nike although never officially attending the university, is a superfan for one of the best college football programs in America.

This will be an encouragement to the team that will be facing their most difficult challenge of the season in just a few days.

On Saturday night, at 8 pm Eastern, the Buckeyes will take on the undefeated Clemson Tigers for a chance to play in the College Football Playoff championship game.

That said, here the video of head coach Ryan Day giving his team the Beats.

James will undoubtedly be rooting for his Buckeyes on Saturday, and hopefully the team will be jamming to some celebratory music on those new headphones Saturday night after all is said and done.

Sports Illustrated CFB analyst predicts Alabama win over Michigan

Steve Deace, who mainly covers the Big Ten conference, wrote a piece predicting the outcome of every bowl game Big Ten teams are involved in – this includes Michigan as they’ll take on Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. Deace predicts a Crimson Tide win …

Steve Deace, who mainly covers the Big Ten conference, wrote a piece predicting the outcome of every bowl game Big Ten teams are involved in – this includes Michigan as they’ll take on Alabama in the Citrus Bowl.

Deace predicts a Crimson Tide win over the Wolverines with a final score of 45-31.

He goes on to explain his thought process behind the score prediction and how he thinks the flow of the game will go:

“This will be a high-scoring game on a fast track,” says Deace, “The Wolverines have the experience and firepower to exploit what’s been at times a pedestrian defense by traditional Nick Saban standards. On the other hand, I don’t give Michigan’s secondary much of a chance in man coverage against arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history. The other big edge in the game is Alabama’s imposing offensive line against a quick, agile, but undersized Michigan defensive front. Expect Najee Harris to gash Don Brown in the running game.”

Deace’s argument about the Alabama receiving corps giving the Michigan secondary problems is valid, as they allowed, on average, 170 passing yards per game; whereas Alabama had roughly 345 passing yards per game.

Sep 14, 2019; Columbia, SC, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrate after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

However, the passing game isn’t the only factor when comparing Nick Saban’s offense to Jim Harbaugh’s defense. With Tua Tagovailoa out and Mac Jones playing, Alabama may look to utilize their weapons out of the backfield a little more.

Alabama averaged 170 rushing yards per game, with most of those coming from Najee Harris, and Michigan allowed 120 yards per game in the 2019 regular season.

It seems like what Deace is trying to highlight is that the 2019 Citrus Bowl will come down to if Michigan’s defense will be able to stop Mac Jones, who is looking to impress, and a handful of skill position players who are trying to improve their already first round draft grades.

The 2020 VRBO Citrus Bowl will be played in Orlando, Florida on Jan. 1 and it can be watched on ABC at 1:00 p.m. ET.

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Notre Dame, Frank Leahy Load Up All-Time Sagarin Ratings

Jeff Sagarin’s all-time ratings were released by USA Today on Thursday and to the surprise of nobody, Notre Dame was all over the list making up more than 10% of the 150 spots.

With it being college football’s 150th season there have been lists in regards to everything in college football deciding the best this, that or the other all season long.

Who is the best team in any given year in the history of the game?

We finally have an answer.

At least according to a computer.

Jeff Sagarin’s all-time ratings were released by USA Today on Thursday and to the surprise of nobody, Notre Dame was all over the list making up more than 10% of the 150 spots.

You may notice as well that Frank Leahy’s squad have a few appearances on the list. Here’s where Notre Dame’s teams each checked in:

No. 2 – 1943 Notre Dame

No. 15 – 1946 Notre Dame

No. 17 – 1949 Notre Dame

No. 29 – 1966 Notre Dame

No. 40 – 1977 Notre Dame

No. 44 – 1970 Notre Dame

No. 46 – 1973 Notre Dame

No. 53 – 1947 Notre Dame

No. 56 – 1988 Notre Dame

No. 63 – 1930 Notre Dame

No. 71 – 1953 Notre Dame

No. 105 – 1921 Notre Dame

No. 117 – 1989 Notre Dame

No. 122 – 1993 Notre Dame

No. 135 – 1924 Notre Dame

No. 144 – 1948 Notre Dame

There are a few things to take away but to me none greater than six of the 11 teams Frank Leahy coached at Notre Dame being considered among the 150 greatest in the history of the sport.

The formula used to find the greatest teams included win-loss record, strength of schedule and margin of victory.

The No. 1 team historically graded out to be 1945 Army who went 9-0 with seven wins over top-30 squads and four against top-ten teams.

Also worth noting is that 1993 Florida State finished 12-1 with their lone loss coming to Notre Dame while the Irish finished 12-1 as well, with their loss coming to Boston College. However Notre Dame finished ranked 108 spots lower than Florida State in this poll.

Check out the full rankings right here and if you’re up for it, discuss them in the Fighting Irish Wire forum.

Predicting who returns to Michigan in 2020

Michigan football has many players who could leave for the NFL draft after the Citrus bowl. Who has a high risk of leaving or returning?

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The final game of the 2019 season is coming up quick for the Michigan football team. They take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday, January 1 at 1 p.m. in the Citrus Bowl. While the matchup is what everyone is talking about, there are two other questions people are asking and wondering before the game.

Who will be playing in the game, and who will be declaring for the NFL draft? While players participating in the bowl game in the past few years has been a controversial subject, Michigan expects it to be all hands on deck against Alabama as no players are expected to miss the bowl game this year.

The NFL declarations though, those haven’t been finalized just yet. Underclassmen have until January 20 to decide whether they are going to the NFL draft, or return to college for another year or two depending on their class. So far, only one Michigan player has declared for the draft, linebacker Josh Uche.

Now no information is known on whether any of these players will return or leave, this is solely a prediction. First, let’s get the easy one out of the way.

QB  Shea Patterson – Leaves

This one is the most obvious of them all. Quarterback Shea Patterson could possibly pursue a fifth-year of eligibility, but he’s already accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Game to help his NFL draft stock. While that doesn’t mean he is officially leaving, it’s a sign that he’s ready to move on.

Patterson has said he hasn’t thought about a possible fifth-year of eligibility and there honestly isn’t a reason for him to return. Patterson has had a solid career at Michigan, throwing for 5,428 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While the 2021 NFL Draft class isn’t as loaded at the quarterback position as the 2020 NFL Draft class, Patterson has shown everything he can do at Michigan. Against Alabama too, it’s the perfect game to go out on.

WR Nico Collins – Stays

One of the top two wide receivers for Michigan that could declare for the draft this year is Nico Collins. Collins came onto the scene last year with former Michigan wide receiver Tarik Black getting injured before the season started. Since then Collins has been a big part in the Michigan passing game, known for his catches in coverage, drawing pass interference penalties and gaining big chunks of yardage as the deep threat.

In his three years at Michigan, Collins has 74 catches for 1,340 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s shown his potential to be an NFL wide receiver, but this class is deep and there are more talented players than him out there right now. He’s improved since last season, but not enough to put him higher on a draft board. A senior year would be perfect for him to be a possible first-round wide receiver in 2021.

WR Donovan Peoples-Jones – Leaves

The other star wide receiver getting attention is Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones had a slow start at Michigan during his freshman year, but in 2018 he broke out and had another good year this season. While his numbers aren’t impressive to receive a first-round grade, if he can do well at the combine, he could see himself as a second-round pick.

In his three years at Michigan, Peoples-Jones has 102 catches for 1,293 yards with 14 touchdowns, along with 88 punt returns for 745 yards and two touchdowns. Peoples-Jones made some spectacular catches this season and his potential alone is the reason why he could declare.

TE Nick Eubanks – Stays

Backup tight end Nick Eubanks could declare for the NFL draft, and with starting tight end Sean McKeon graduating, Eubanks is projected to start next season at the position. Eubanks also hasn’t had that impressive of a career so far at Michigan, getting just 34 catches for 458 yards and four touchdowns.

Those numbers aren’t eye-popping and while Eubanks is talented, another year at Michigan would certainly help his chances at getting drafted in 2021. A good performance against Alabama though could possibly turn some heads.

C Cesar Ruiz – Leaves

Out of all of the players on this list, this one is the biggest one of them all. Starting center Cesar Ruiz returning would be a huge boost for an offensive line that is losing a lot next season. Left tackle Jon Runyan Jr, left guard Ben Bredeson, and right guard Michael Onwenu are all graduating. Right tackle Jalen Mayfield will return, so if Ruiz leaves, only one returning offensive lineman will be back in 2020.

Ruiz returning would be a big boost for the interior offensive line, and with tackle Andrew Stueber returning from his injury, that’d be three experienced linemen on the 2020 squad instead of two. Ruiz is one of the top centers in this draft class though, so his odds of getting drafted high are possible.

DT Michael Dwumfour – Stays

After having a powerful 2018 season, defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour didn’t have an impressive 2019 campaign to add on top of it. He is eligible to be a fifth-year senior and that would be a good option for him.

Dwumfour has 33 total tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass deflections, and an interception. His NFL draft stock isn’t high as of today as is, so another year wearing the winged helmet could give him a chance at getting his name called in April 2021.

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Baylor QB expected to start in Sugar Bowl

Baylor QB Charlie Brewer is expected to start against Georgia football in the 2020 Allstate Sugar Bowl after being under concussion protocol

Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer is reportedly expected to play in the 2020 Allstate Sugar Bowl matchup against Georgia, per Matt Mosley of PressBoxDFW.

Brewer was sidelined in the second quarter of the Big-12 Championship game with a head injury and has not been active in practice.  He has been on concussion protocol since exiting the contest, but is expected to play in the New Years Day matchup against the Dawgs.

Baylor head coach Matt Rhule will give an official statement on Friday about the state of his QB.

The Bears will likely need Brewer if they want to get past the Bulldogs stellar defense.  Brewer has thrown for 2,950 yards, 20 TDs and 6 INTs this season along with a 65.2 completion percentage.  He has also rushed for another 337 yards and 10 TDs, helping the Bears to a 2nd place finish in the Big-12 with their only two losses coming against Oklahoma.