New York Islanders at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Islanders at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Islanders (33-17-6) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-8) Saturday at T-Mobile Arena for a 10:30 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Islanders-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Both teams played Thursday. The Islanders lost 5-0 at the Nashville Predators, snapping a two-game win streak, while the Golden Knights ended a two-game skid with a 6-5 OT home win vs. the St. Louis Blues.

The Islanders took the first regular-season matchup with Vegas when Ryan Pulock scored in OT for a 3-2 home victory Dec. 5.

Islanders at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Varlamov is 17-9-4 with a 2.59 goals against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. Varlamov won his last start, stopping 35 of 38 shots in a 5-3 home win vs. the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday. He did play Thursday in relief, stopping 16 of 18 shots in the Nashville loss. In the December victory vs. Vegas, the Russian native was the winning goalie, saving 31 of 33 shots.

Fleury, who didn’t play in that first head-to-head meeting, is 21-14-5 with a 2.87 GAA and a .904 SV%. He lost his last two starts, allowing 9 goals on 54 shots. He is 2-2-1 with 2.97 GAA and an .878 SV% in February, but he did shut out Nashville 3-0 Feb. 1.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Islanders at Golden Knights: Key injuries

Islanders

  • C Casey Cizikas (leg) out, on IR
  • RW Cal Clutterbuck (wrist) out, on IR
  • D Adam Pelech (Achilles’) out for season

Golden Knights

  • RW Alex Tuch (lower body) questionable

Islanders at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Islanders 4

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-176) are worth a small wager despite a price higher than I usually prefer. Every $1.76 wagered on the Knights’ ML will profit $1 if they win. Vegas is 15-10-4 at home, while New York (+145) is a respectable 15-10-2 on the road. But I expect the momentum from Thursday’s thrilling Blues win to carry over into this one for the Golden Knights – who are 5-3-2 since Peter DeBoer took over as coach.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Vegas (-1.5, +155) and New York (+1.5, -189) are both under .500 vs. the PL. The Golden Knights are 23-38 overall and 9-20 at home vs. the PL, while the Islanders are 26-30 overall, but 14-13 on the road vs. the PL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Four of Vegas’ last five games have seen at least 6 goals, while six of New York’s last eight games have reached at least 6 goals.

Every $1.34 wagered on the Over will profit $1 if the two combine for 6 or more goals.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 9-4.

Strongest plays since Dec. 1: 22-9.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The New Jersey Devils (21-25-10) visit the Carolina Hurricanes (32-21-3) Friday at PNC Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Devils-Hurricanes odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Devils rallied with a four-goal third period to beat the visiting Detroit Red Wings 4-1 Thursday. New Jersey has won three of its last four games and is 4-1-3 since returning from the All-Star break. The Hurricanes last played Tuesday, falling to the Dallas Stars 4-1, snapping a two-game win streak and wrapping up a 2-2 road trip.

New Jersey won the first head-to-head meeting of the season, 5-3 at Carolina Nov. 2.

Devils at Hurricanes: Projected starting goalies

Louis Domingue vs. Petr Mrazek

Domingue is 3-6-2 with a 3.74 goals against average (GAA) and .882 save percentage. Domingue lost his last five starts, allowing 19 goals on 134 shots. He is 2-2-2 at home this season with a 2.82 GAA and .903 SV%.

Mrazek is 18-15-2 with a 2.74 GAA and a .901 SV% with three shutouts. He enters on a three-game skid and most recently allowed three goals on 36 shots in Tuesday’s loss at Dallas. He is 0-2 in February – both road games – but touts a 14-7 home record with a 2.43 GAA and .908 SV%. The ‘Canes could go with James Reimer, who won his last four starts and is 14-6-1 overall with a 2.61 GAA and a .917 SV%.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Devils at Hurricanes: Key injuries

Devils

  • C Nico Hischier (knee) questionable
  • D Sami Vatanen (leg) out, on IR

Hurricanes

  • LW Jordan Martinook (upper body) doubtful
  • D Dougie Hamilton (leg) out, on IR

Devils at Hurricanes: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hurricanes 6, Devils 1

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Carolina (-238) is a big favorite, but I’m not into laying that kind of chalk. Every $2.38 wagered on the Hurricanes ML profits only $1 if they win. I’ll PASS and focus on the puck line and Over/Under.

FYI: Carolina is 18-9-1 at home, while New Jersey (+190) is 12-15 on the road.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

Because New Jersey (+1.5, -143) played Thursday, CAROLINA (-1.5, +120) is worth a small wager. It’s only a slight lean because the Hurricanes are 24-32 vs. the PL overall and 12-16 vs. the PL at home. New Jersey is 27-29 vs. the PL overall and 12-15 vs. the PL on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-139) is the STRONGEST PLAY. I wouldn’t be surprised if the number moves to 6 by early afternoon. Eight of Domingue’s 12 starts have seen at least 6 total goals scored.

Every $1.39 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s 2019-20 NHL strongest plays: 8-4.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Capitals at Montreal Canadiens sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Washington Capitals (33-11-5) visit the Montreal Canadiens (22-21-7) Monday at the Bell Centre for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Capitals-Canadiens odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Capitals, who lead the Metropolitan Division by 4 points, open the second half of the season on a three-game winning streak. The Canadiens own a two-game win streak and have won four of their last five.

Capitals at Canadiens: Projected starting goalies

Braden Holtby vs. Carey Price

Holtby is 18-9-4 with a 3.09 goals against average (GAA) and a .897 save percentage. The 2016 Vezina Trophy winner allowed four goals on 22 shots in his last start before being removed for Ilya Samsonov after the second period at the New York Islanders Jan. 18 – Washington scored five third-period goals to rally for a 6-4 win.

Price – the 2015 Vezina Trophy winner – is 20-16-4 with a 2.84 GAA and a .908 SV%. He won his last four starts and features a 2.11 GAA in January. He stopped 26 of 28 shots in a 5-2 home win vs. the Capitals Nov. 15, the one time these two clubs met this season.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Capitals at Canadiens: Key injuries, suspensions

Capitals

  • LW Alex Ovechkin (one-game suspension for skipping All-Star game) out

Canadiens

  • C Paul Byron (knee) out
  • C Jonathan Drouin (wrist) out
  • RW Brendan Gallagher (head) out

Capitals at Canadiens: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Canadiens 5, Capitals 3

Moneyline (ML)

Back the CANADIENS (+115) despite a 10-12-4 home record and the Capitals’ 18-6-1 road mark. Washington is (-139), but Holtby has struggled in January, going 1-2 with a 3.82 GAA and an .857 SV% in four starts.

Every $1 wagered on the Canadiens ML will profit $1.15 if they prevail.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Montreal (+1.5, -239) is too expensive – the Habs are 25-25 vs. the PL overall and 9-17 vs. the PL at home. Washington (-1.5, +190) offers a 1.9-to-1 payoff, but since I’m going with the home team ML play, I’ll PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is bit more costly than usual, but it’s the STRONGEST PLAY. I won’t be surprised if the O/U closes at 6. Washington is 7-3 O/U in its last 10 and 31-18 O/U overall. Montreal is usually an Under team, going 2-8 O/U in its last 10, but I’m counting on the Habs to find the back of the net several times vs. Holtby.

Every $1.54 bet on the Over profits $1 if there are 6 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 36-24-2. Strongest plays: 20-9.

January’s NHL record: 5-2. Strongest plays: 3-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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Vegas Golden Knights at Boston Bruins odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Boston Bruins sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Vegas Golden Knights (25-19-7) visit the Boston Bruins (28-10-12) Tuesday at TD Garden for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Golden Knights-Bruins odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Vegas has dropped five of its last six games, most recently losing a 5-4 shootout at the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 Saturday.

The Atlantic Division-leading Bruins just split a home-and-away with the Pittsburgh Penguins, falling 4-3 on the road Sunday. Boston won at Vegas 4-3 in the first meeting between the two Oct. 8.

Golden Knights at Bruins: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Jaroslav Halak

Fleury is 19-11-4 with a 2.85 goals against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage. Fleury has struggled lately, winning just one of his last five starts. He allowed 4 goals on 32 shots in the shootout loss in Montreal.

Halak is 11-6-6 with a 2.49 GAA and a .918 SV%. Halak lost his last start, surrendering 4 goals on 22 shots in Sunday’s loss in Pittsburgh. He is 2-3-1 in January with a 3.34 GAA and a .878 SV%, but he won his last two home starts.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Golden Knights at Bruins: Key injuries

Golden Knights

  • C Paul Stastny (face) questionable
  • C William Karlsson (upper body) out
  • C Cody Glass (knee) out

Bruins

  • C David Krejci (upper body) questionable
  • G Tuukka Rask (concussion) out
  • D Connor Clifton (upper body) out

Golden Knights at Bruins: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Bruins 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Bruins (-154) are 16-2-9 at home, losing just twice in regulation, but I’m backing the GOLDEN KNIGHTS (+125). It’s a solid value play as Vegas is re-energized and re-focused with a new coach. They’ll want to close out their final game before the All-Star break with a strong performance. Plus, Fleury is 6-3-2 with a 2.47 GAA and .921 SV% on the road.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

AVOID. Vegas (+1.5, -209) and Boston (-1.5, +170) are both under .500 vs. the PL. Vegas is 19-32 overall and 10-14 on the road vs. the PL, while the Bruins are 23-27 overall and 11-16 at home vs. the PL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Eight of Vegas’ last nine games have seen at least 6 goals. That’s enough to convince me – even though Boston is 1-4 O/U in its last five games as a home favorite.

Every $1.34 wagered on the Over will profit $1 if the two combine for 6 or more goals (shootout goals do NOT count).

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com

Johnny’s January record: 13-9-1. Since Dec. 1: 35-19-2.

January strongest plays: 9-3. Since Dec. 1: 20-6.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Los Angeles Kings at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Los Angeles Kings (17-24-4) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (24-16-6) Thursday at T-Mobile Arena for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Kings-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Los Angeles lost 2-1 to the Dallas Stars at home Wednesday. It was the Kings’ third loss in a row and their seventh defeat in nine games.

Vegas lost 4-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins at home Tuesday, snapping a four-game win streak.

Kings at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jack Campbell vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Campbell is likely to get the call after Jonathan Quick started Wednesday’s game. Campbell is 6-7-2 with a 2.92 goals against average (GAA) and .894 save percentage. The Michigan native has alternated wins and losses over his last five starts, most recently allowing four goals on 38 shots in a 4-1 home loss to the Nashville Predators Saturday. He is 3-4-2 with a 3.10 GAA and .883 SV% on the road this season.

Fleury is 18-9-3 with a 2.84 GAA and .908 SV%. He had a four-game win streak snapped with Tuesday’s loss when he faced only 16 shots but allowed four Penguins goals. He is 13-7-2 with a 3.05 GAA and .899 SV% at home. Backup Malcolm Subban could get the call. He is 6-6-3 with a 2.90 GAA and .904 SV% overall, including 1-1-1 with a 3.19 GAA and a .900 SV% at home.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Kings at Golden Knights: Key injuries

Kings

  • C Blake Lizotte (lower body) questionable
  • D Joakim Ryan (undisclosed) out

Golden Knights

  • C Cody Glass (lower body) out
  • C Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) out

Kings at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 4, Kings 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Golden Knights (-303) are too costly – just too much chalk. The Kings (+240) are very tempting, but I’m going to PASS and focus on the puck line.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

The KINGS (+1.5, -115) are worth backing, despite playing the night before. They’re 4-3 vs. the PL in the second game of their seven back-to-backs this season. The Golden Knights (-1.5, -106) are 2-5 vs. the PL in their last seven home games.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on the Kings PL will profit $1 if they lose by just 1 goal or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-133) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The two already played twice this season (in LA) with both going Over. Vegas won 5-2 Oct 13, and LA returned the favor 4-3 Nov. 16. The Golden Knights have played four Overs in a row and are 6-1 O/U in their last seven games.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 28-14-1. Strongest plays: 15-4.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Detroit Red Wings (10-29-3) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-6) Sunday at United Center for a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Red Wings-Blackhawks odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup. This is the first meeting of the season between the two.

Detroit lost 4-1 at the Dallas Stars Friday and has dropped seven of eight, and 19 of 22.

Chicago had a three-game win streak snapped with a 7-5 loss at the Vancouver Canucks Thursday.

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Projected starting goalies

Jimmy Howard vs. Corey Crawford

Howard is 2-13-1 with a 4.11 goals against average (GAA) and an .884 save percentage. Howard has lost his last nine starts (0-8-1), allowing 35 goals on 246 shots for a .858 SV%. He is 1-5-1 on the road with a 4.67 GAA.

Crawford is 6-11-2 with a 3.20 GAA and .905 SV%. Crawford, who is on a four-game losing streak, was pulled in the second period of his last start after yielding four goals on 20 shots in a 7-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils Dec. 23.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Red Wings at Blackhawks: Key injuries

Red Wings

  • RW Andreas Athanasiou (lower body) out
  • D Danny DeKeyser (back) out for season
  • D Jonathan Ericsson (nose) out
  • RW Anthony Mantha (ribs) out
  • Mike Green (upper body) questionable

Blackhawks

  • LW Zack Smith (personal) questionable
  • G Robin Lehner (knee) questionable
  • D Brent Seabrook (shoulder) out for season
  • D Calvin de Haan (shoulder) out for season
  • LW Brandon Saad (ankle) out
  • LW Drake Caggiula (concussion) out
  • RW Andrew Shaw (concussion) out

Red Wings at Blackhawks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 5, Red Wings 2

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Blackhawks (-208) are too chalky and not worth the risk of laying that kind of juice on a .500 team. The Red Wings (+170) are playing so bad, there’s no bet here either.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

The BLACKHAWKS (-1.5, +125) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 23-19 vs. the PL overall and 9-9-3 straight up at home. The Red Wings (+1.5, -154) are 17-25 vs. the PL overall and 4-15-2 SU on the road.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Blackhawks PL will profit $1.25 if they win by 2 or more goals.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 6.5 (+125) is worth a small wager, especially if Howard starts in goal for the Red Wings. His 4.11 GAA ranks last among all goalies. While both offenses average less than 3 goals per game – Chicago is 20th with 2.88 GPG and Detroit last at 2.14 – the defenses are in the top third of goals allowed. Detroit gives up an NHL-most 3.81 per game, and Chicago is 10th at 3.21.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 25-13-1. Strongest plays: 13-4.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The St. Louis Blues (26-10-6) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (23-15-6) Saturday in a battle of first-place teams at T-Mobile Arena for a 4 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Blues-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Following an eight-game win streak, the defending Stanley Cup champion Blues have dropped the first two games of a three-game road trip. Most recently, they lost at the Colorado Avalanche 7-3 Thursday.

The Golden Knights edged the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4 Thursday for a third consecutive win – all at home.

Blues at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Binnington is 19-7-4 with a 2.55 goals against average (GAA) and a .916 save percentage. The loss at Colorado snapped a personal six-game win streak. He was in net for a 4-2 win over the Golden Knights Dec. 12 in St. Louis, stopping 27 of 29 shots. He is 7-4-1 with a 3.07 GAA and .905 SV% on the road this season.

Fleury is 17-8-3 with a 2.76 GAA and .912 SV%, including wins in his last three starts – all at home, allowing 7 goals on 94 shots. He is 12-6-2 at home with a 2.96 GAA and .905 SV%. He took the loss in the Dec. 12 game at St. Louis, finishing with 25 saves on 29 shots.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Blues at Golden Knights: Key injuries

Blues

  • D Carl Gunnarsson (upper body) injured reserve (IR)
  • RW Vladimir Tarasenko (shoulder) IR, out until April

Golden Knights

  • C Cody Eakin (head) out
  • C Jonathan Marchessault (lower body) questionable
  • LW Tomas Nosek (personal) probable

Blue at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Blues 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-154) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re in a nice groove with three straight wins and feeling comfortable, reaping the benefits of a seven-game homestand, their longest of the season. Despite dropping their last two, the Blues (+125) are one of the better NHL road teams at 13-6-3. But let’s face it, the “Vegas flu” is no joke. Do you think St. Louis’ players were 100% focused and not taking in Sin City the night before?

New to sports betting? Every $1.54 wagered on a Vegas win would profit $1 if it prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

PASS. But if you’re willing to double down and make two Golden Knights bets, a puck line play (-1.5, +180) isn’t terrible as it will pay 1.8 to 1. However, the Blues (+1.5, -222) are 12-10 vs. the PL on the road, while the Golden Knights are 9-14 vs. the PL at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-115) is worth a small wager. The Blues average 3.12 goals per game, while the Golden Knights score 3.09 per game. Plus, Vegas is 4-1 O/U in its last five games.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s record since Dec. 1: 23-13-1. Strongest plays: 12-4.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The San Francisco 49ers (12-3) visit the Seattle Seahawks (11-4) in a battle for the NFC West title Sunday with an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff at CenturyLink Field. We analyze the 49ers-Seahawks odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Both teams have already clinched playoff berths, but the 49ers lock up the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win. The Seahawks can finish anywhere from the Nos. 1 through 3 seeds with a win; the loser of Sunday’s game gets the 5 seed.

In one of the better NFL games of the year, the Seahawks won the first meeting of the regular season 27-24 in overtime Nov. 11. Jason Myers’ 42-yard field goal as time expired handed the 49ers their first loss of the season.

49ers at Seahawks: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes


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  • One might be surprised the home team Seahawks are NOT the favorite, but they’ve recently suffered key injuries to their defense and their running back corps — leading to the signing of RB Marshawn Lynch this week.
  • The 49ers have alternated wins and losses the last five weeks, most recently beating the visiting Los Angeles Rams 34-31 in Week 16, but failing to cover a 7-point spread.
  • An 8-point favorite, the Seahawks were stunned at home by the Arizona Cardinals 27-13 last week.
  • The 49ers are 6-1 on the road, 8-6-1 against the spread (ATS) overall, and 5-2 ATS away from home.
  • The Seahawks are a surprising 4-3 at home, 7-7-1 ATS overall and 2-5 ATS at CenturyLink Field.
  • Both teams are 8-7 against the over/under on the season.
  • 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo is 20-5 in 25 starts — but this is his first career start at Seattle.

49ers at Seahawks: Key injuries

49ers: WR Deebo Samuel (undisclosed), S Jaquiski Tartt (ribs), DT Julian Taylor (elbow) and DE Dee Ford (hamstring) are questionable.

Seahawks: RBs Chris Carson (hip), Rashaad Penny (knee), C.J. Prosise (arm) and LT Duane Brown (knee) are out — the three RBs are done for the year. CB Shaquill Griffin (hamstring) and DE Jadeveon Clowney (abdomen) are probable, while S Quandre Diggs (ankle) is questionable.

49ers at Seahawks: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Aug 30, 2018; Seattle, WA; Marshawn Lynch (left), when with the Oakland Raiders, and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (right) catch up during a 2018 game CenturyLink Field. They have rejoined forces heading into Sunday’s showdown with the 49ers. (Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson – USA TODAY Sports)

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

49ers 27, Seahawks 17

Moneyline (ML)

The 49ERS (-176) are worth a small play if you have doubts about the spread – and are afraid of the hook. The trend points to the Seahawks (+145), who have won eight straight home games vs. the 49ers, but Seattle is just not healthy and Lynch is not the answer.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the 49ers to win straight up would profit $5.68 if the 49ers win.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The 49ERS (-3.5, -106) are the STRONGEST PLAY. I’m not a fan of backing road teams, especially when they’re favored by more than 3 points. But as mentioned above, the Seahawks (+3.5, -115) are undermanned in this one – they were exposed in last week’s loss to the Cardinals, and the 49ers will take advantage in avenging the regular-season OT loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 47.5 (-115). The 49ers defense ranks eighth in allowing just 19.3 points per game, while the Seahawks allow 24.8 PPG. On the offensive side, the 49ers are second in points scored (30.2 PPG) and the Seahawks are ninth (25.6 PPG).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 16-7-1. Strongest plays: 8-2.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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Camping World Bowl: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Iowa State Cyclones odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Camping World Bowl betting odds and lines between Notre Dame and Iowa State with betting picks, tips and bets.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2) and Iowa State Cyclones (7-5) meet Saturday in the Camping World Bowl in Orlando, Fla., for a noon ET kickoff (on ABC). We analyze the Notre Dame-Iowa State odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.


Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!


Notre Dame vs. Iowa State: Three things to know

1. Notre Dame enters on a five-game winning streak, and it went 4-0 against the spread over the last four games. The Irish were 8-4 ATS on the season. Meanwhile, the Cyclones are limping into this one after going 2-3 in the last five games and 0-3 ATS in the last three – they are 5-6-1 ATS on the season.

2. The Irish, behind QB Ian Book, rank 13th in the nation in scoring at 37.1 points per game. Meanwhile, Cyclones sophomore QB Brock Purdy is fourth in the country in passing yards (3,760), while the offense ranks 26th in scoring (34.1 PPG).

3. The Irish are 3-2 in their last five bowl games but were crushed 30-3 last season in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl by the eventual champion Clemson Tigers. The Cyclones are 2-3 in their last five bowl appearances, most recently falling to the Washington Huskies 28-26 in the 2018 Alamo Bowl – Iowa State scored with 4:02 left but came up short when a potential game-tying, 2-point conversation failed.

Notre Dame vs. Iowa State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Iowa State QB Brock Purdy. (Photo Credit: Reese Strickland – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Notre Dame 30, Iowa State 21

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Notre Dame is -161. Every $1.61 wagered on the Irish to win outright would profit $1 if they do so. Betting on Iowa State (+135) would profit 1.35-to-1 if the Cyclones win outright. I’m going to PASS and focus on the Irish spread.

Against the Spread (ATS)

NOTRE DAME (-3.5, -106) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The Irish are just a better team, including having an edge when it comes to talent among the second-stringers (backups).

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the UNDER 53.5 (-106). Notre Dame’s defense – led by senior DL Khalid Kareem and Adetokunbo Ogundeji – ranks 14th in points allowed at 18.7 PPG. The Cyclones defense is 52nd in points allowed (25.3). Notre Dame is 5-7 on the O/U line this season, while Iowa State is 5-6-1.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 15-6-1. Strongest plays: 8-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Tamp Bay Lightning (17-12-4) visit the Washington Capitals (25-6-5) Saturday at Capital One Arena for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Lightning-Capitals odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

The Lightning lost at home to the Dallas Stars 4-3 in overtime Thursday after blowing a two-goal, early second-period lead.

The Capitals, led by Nicklas Backstrom’s two goals and two assists, won at the New Jersey Devils 6-3 Friday.

Lightning at Capitals: Projected starting goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy vs. Braden Holtby

Vasilevskiy is 14-9-2 with a 2.88 goals against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage. The 2019 Vezina Trophy winner is 0-1-1 against the Capitals this season, allowing 8 goals – 4 in each game – on a total of 68 shots. He is 5-2-1 in December and 6-4-1 on the road.

Holtby is 16-4-4 with a 2.82 GAA and a .909 SV%. The 2016 Vezina winner beat the Lightning 4-3 in OT at home Nov. 29, stopping 27 of 30 shots. He is 3-2 in December and 7-1-3 at home.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Lighting at Capitals: Key injuries

Lightning

  • D Braydon Coburn (lower body) out

Lightning at Capitals: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Capitals 5, Lightning 4

Moneyline (ML)

The CAPITALS -115 are the STRONGEST PLAY as they’re looking to complete a three-game season sweep of the Lightning (-106). The Capitals, who own the best record in the NHL, are 9-2 in their last 11 games and are 9-3-4 at home. The Lightning, 5-13 in their last 18 at the Capitals, are 5-5 in their last 10 overall and 8-5-2 on the road. Washington would be a bigger favorite had it not played Friday night in New Jersey.

New to sports betting? Every $1.15 wagered on a Washington win would profit a $1 if it prevails.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (PL/ATS)

PASS. While the Caps (-1.5, +225) have been dominant, they’re only 20-16 against the PL and an awful 5-11 vs. the PL at home. The Bolts (+1.5, -286) are 12-21 overall vs. the PL and 6-9 vs. the PL on the road. Such trends make this easy to avoid.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 6.5 (+115). Washington leads the league with 3.56 goals per game, while Tampa Bay is third at 3.52. Both head-to-head battles this season finished Over with the Caps claiming the 4-3 OT game in November and the 5-2 victory a week ago. Plus, the Capitals are 23-13 O/U overall and 12-4 O/U at home, while the Lightning are 20-12 O/U overall, but just 7-8 O/U on the road.

Every $1 bet on the Over profits $1.15 if there are 7 or more goals scored.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 12-3-1. Strongest plays: 6-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @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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