Minnesota-Northwestern odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Minnesota Golden Gophers at Northwestern Wildcats college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten West) visit the Northwestern Wildcats (2-8, 0-7) Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Ryan Field. We analyze the Minnesota-Northwestern odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Golden Gophers are ranked 11th in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. They’re 10th in the College Football Playoff Rankings.


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


Minnesota at Northwestern: Three things to know

1. Minnesota suffered its first loss of the season last week, dropping a 23-19 decision at then-No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes. The Gophers still control their own destiny to win the division and make their first Big Ten Championship Game. After Northwestern, they close the regular season at home against second-place Wisconsin, which is one game back.

Northwestern snapped a seven-game losing streak by stepping out of conference for a 45-6 rout of lowly UMass (1-10) last Saturday. It’s been a tough season for the ‘Cats, who a year ago won the Big Ten West and lost to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.

2. Gophers QB Tanner Morgan, who has thrown for 707 yards in the last two games, is in the concussion protocol. With his status for Northwestern uncertain, Cole Kramer or Jacob Clark – both true freshmen – could start.

3. Northwestern has won the last two head-to-head meetings, 24-14 at Minnesota last season and 39-0 at home in 2017.

Minnesota at Northwestern: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Minnesota 35, Northwestern 17

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Minnesota’s -667 is too chalky. Every $6.67 wagered on the Gophers to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $66.70 to profit $10). Betting on Northwestern (+450) pays 4.5-to-1, but the Wildcats are not winning Saturday no matter who’s behind center for the Gophers. I just can’t suggest to anyone to lay that kind of wood.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MINNESOTA (-12.5, -134) is the STRONGEST PLAY. With a full week to fume about the Iowa loss, the Gophers will take out their frustrations on the Wildcats, who are 2-8 against the spread this season. The Gophers are 6-3-1 ATS in 2019.

New to sports betting? Every $1.34 wagered that Minnesota will win by 13 or more points will profit $1.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 39.5 (-115) is worth a small play. Minnesota averages 35.7 PPG and is 6-4 O/U this season. Northwestern ranks 129th (out of 130 teams) with 14.5 PPG and it’s 3-7 O/U. Even if Minnesota’s Morgan sits, look for WRs Rashod Bateman (945 receiving yards, 7 TDs) and Tyler Johnson (900 receiving yards, 9 TDs) to have big games. Meanwhile, Northwestern should be able to move the ball behind freshman RB Evan Hull, who ran for 220 yards on 24 carries vs. UMass last week.

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

Johnny’s 2019 college football record: 7-5. Strongest plays: 3-3.

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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Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals Week 12 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) visit the winless Cincinnati Bengals (0-10) Saturday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Paul Brown Stadium. We analyze the Steelers-Bengals odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 12 NFL matchup.

Steelers at Bengals: Week 12 preview, betting trends and notes


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  • The Steelers will have more than a week off after having a five-game winning streak snapped in a 21-7 loss at the Cleveland Browns in Week 11’s Thursday night game – the Steelers were 3-point underdogs.
  • The Bengals lost – but covered as 13-point dogs – at the Oakland Raiders 17-10 Sunday
  • The Steelers are 1-3 on the road and 6-4 against the spread (ATS) overall.
  • The Bengals are 0-4 at home and 4-6 ATS.
  • Both teams are 3-7 against the Over/Under this season.
  • The Steelers won the first head-to-head meeting of the season 27-3 at home Sept. 30.
  • Steelers QB Mason Rudolph has thrown for 1,551 yards with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 62.3% of his passes.
  • In his two starts, Finley has thrown for 282 yards with one TD and two picks, while completing 47.5% of his passes.
  • The Steelers defense is 13th in points allowed (20.2 PPG), while the Bengals are 28th (27.6 PPG).

Steelers at Bengals: Key injuries

Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion, knee) is doubtful, while RB James Conner (shoulder) and WR Diontae Johnson (concussion) are questionable.

Bengals WRs A.J. Green (ankle) and Auden Tate (concussion) are questionable.

Steelers at Bengals: Odds, betting lines and prediction

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday at 5:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Steelers 24, Bengals 10

Moneyline (ML)

The Bengals (+225) may win eventually, but it won’t be against the STEELERS (-286), who have won nine straight in this AFC North rivalry. The -286 price is expensive, but if you’re willing – every $2.86 wagered will profit $1 if Pittsburgh wins – go for it.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The STEELERS (-6.5, -110) are worth a small play. As mentioned, they’ve had a few extra days off and should be fired up after the Browns loss. The Bengals might be playing for pride, but they’re 0-4 ATS at home and with the way their season is going, the home fans likely won’t show up in force.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 38.5 (+100) is the STRONGEST PLAY. Both teams struggle to score, ranking in the bottom third of the NFL. The Steelers are 24th, averaging 22.0 points per game, while the Bengals are 30th at 14.7 PPG. The past two head-to-head meetings totaled 30 and 29 points, respectively, and the last eight matchups are 2-6 O/U.

Plus, the Under is 7-1 in the Steelers’ last eight games after a loss, and the Under is 8-1-2 in the Bengals’ last 11 games inside the AFC.

New to sports betting? The +100 is an even bet. Every $1 wagered profits $1 if the two teams combine for 38 or fewer points.

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

Johnny’s plays since Nov. 6: 7-6. Strongest plays: 4-2.

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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Maple Leafs-Golden Knights odds: Vegas favored vs. slumping Toronto

Previewing Tuesday’s Toronto Maple Leafs at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips

The Toronto Maple Leafs (9-9-4) visit the Vegas Golden Knights (10-9-3) Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop. We analyze the Maple Leafs-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Maple Leafs at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Frederik Andersen vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Andersen, who is on a three-game skid, is 9-4-3 with a 2.74 goals against average and a .921 save percentage. He stopped 30 of 33 shots in his last start, a 4-2 home loss to the Boston Bruins Friday. His last win was actually against the Golden Knights, a 2-1 overtime squeaker at home when he stopped 37 of 38 shots Nov. 7.

Fleury is 10-5-1 with a 2.52 GAA and a .920 SV%. He shut out the Flames in his last start, stopping all 34 shots in a 6-0 home victory Sunday. The W snapped a two-game skid for Fleury, who did not play in the Nov. 7 loss at Toronto. Fleury has struggled against the Leafs recently, dropping his last three – he allowed six goals in a 6-3 loss last February.


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


Maple Leafs at Golden Knights: Key injuries

Maple Leafs: Trevor Moore (shoulder) is questionable, while C Alexander Kerfoot (teeth) and C Mitch Marner (ankle) are out.

Maple Leafs 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 7:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 5, Maple Leafs 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-154) are the STRONGEST PLAY. Both teams have struggled lately, but the Knights ended a five-game losing streak with the Calgary win, while the Maple Leafs are on a current five-game skid. If the Knights’ ML was more expensive (above -190), I would have avoided or considered taking the Leafs (+125). But I’m going to back the Knights in this one, knowing first-hand that Vegas has one of the most enthusiastic home crowds in the league.

New to sports betting? Bet $15.40 to win $10 on a Vegas victory. Every $1.54 wagered that the Knights will win profits $1 if they do.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

AVOID. Both teams are 8-14 ATS. The Golden Knights (-1.5, +170) offer better value – every $1 wagered would profit $1.70 if they win by two goals or more. The Maple Leafs (+1.5, -209) are too costly – every $2.09 wagered would profit $1 if they win or lose by just a single goal.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 6.5 (+110) – the Under price is -134. In the Maple Leafs’ last two visits to Sin City, the Over hit with both games finishing 6-3. Toronto is 13-8 O/U on the season, while Vegas is 11-10.

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

Johnny’s November record: 6-7. Strongest plays: 3-3.

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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Michigan State-Michigan odds: Wolverines, Spartans set to battle for 112th time

Previewing Saturday’s Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Michigan State Spartans (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten East) visit the Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 4-2) in the 112th meeting between the in-state rivals Saturday for a noon ET kickoff at Michigan Stadium (on FOX). We analyze the Michigan State-Michigan odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Wolverines are ranked 14th in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. They’re ranked 15th in the latest College Football Playoff Rankings.


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


Michigan State at Michigan: Three things to know

1. The in-state rivals have traded victories the past four seasons with the visiting team taking home the win in each. Michigan won 21-7 in East Lansing last season. The previous two head-to-head meetings played Under the total.

2. MSU was stunned by visiting Illinois 37-34 last week after leading 28-3 early in the second quarter. The Illini scored the winning touchdown with five seconds left, handing the Spartans their fourth consecutive loss.

3. Michigan is coming off of a bye week following two impressive wins. The Wolverines won at Maryland 38-7 Nov. 2 and beat Notre Dame 45-14 in Ann Arbor 45-14 Oct. 26.

Michigan State at Michigan: Key injuries

Michigan State: WRs Darrell Stewart Jr. (leg) and TE Matt Dotson (Achilles) are out. OG Kevin Jarvis (leg) and C Matt Allen are doubtful. C.J. Hayes (lower body) is questionable. Preseason All-American LB Joe Bachie is ineligible after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Michigan: LB Josh Ross (ankle) is doubtful.

Michigan State at Michigan: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan 34, Michigan State 13

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. Michigan’s -667 is too chalky. Every $6.67 wagered on the Wolverines to win outright would profit $1 if they do so (Ex: Bet $66.70 to profit $10). Betting on Michigan State’s +400 ML pays 4-to-1, but the depleted Spartans are not winning Saturday.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN (-13.5, -110) is the STRONGEST PLAY. The team is healthy coming off a bye week and has gained confidence with its last two victories, which were by a combined score of 83-21. The Wolverines are only 5-4 ATS, but have covered three in a row and are 5-1 in their last six. The Spartans are 2-7 ATS and haven’t covered in five consecutive games.

New to sports betting? Every $1.10 wagered that Michigan will win by 14 points or more will profit $1.

Over/Under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 44.5 (+100). Michigan State doesn’t have much of an offense and Michigan’s defense is starting to shine, but the “slight lean” is thinking the Wolverines score close to 35 points. Michigan State is 4-5 O/U on the season, while Michigan is 6-3.

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

Johnny’s November record: 4-2. Strongest plays: 2-1.

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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Bengals-Raiders odds: Oakland double-digit home favorite

Previewing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders Week 11 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

[jwplayer JLUmLtYE]

The winless Cincinnati Bengals (0-9) visit the Oakland Raiders (5-4) Sunday for a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at RingCentral Coliseum (on CBS). We analyze the Bengals-Raiders odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 11 NFL matchup.

Bengals at Raiders: Week 11 preview, betting trends and notes


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  • The Bengals lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens 49-13 last Sunday, failing to cover as 10.5-point underdogs.
  • The Raiders beat the Los Angeles Chargers 26-24 at home last Thursday as a 1-point underdog. RB Josh Jacobs’ 18-yard touchdown run with 1:02 remaining capped Oakland’s late winning drive.
  • The Bengals are 3-6 against the spread (ATS) and 3-6 against the Over/Under (O/U).
  • Bengals rookie QB Ryan Finley made his first career start last week, completing 16 of 30 passes for 167 yards and one TD with one pick.
  • Raiders QB Derek Carr has thrown for 2,202 yards with 14 TDs and four interceptions this season.
  • The Bengals have won the last three vs. the Raiders, dating back to 2012.
  • The Raiders average 23.1 points per game, ranking 15th. The Bengals are 29th (15.2 PPG).
  • The Raiders are 26th by points allowed (26.7 PPG), while the Bengals are 28th (28.8 PPG).

Bengals at Raiders: Key injuries.

Bengals: WR A.J. Green (ankle), OT Bobby Hart (shoulder), RG Alex Redmond (ankle), DT Geno Atkins (knee) are questionable. RB Giovani Bernard (knee) is probable, while CB Dre Kirkpatrick (knee) is out.

Raiders: FS Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring) is doubtful, while C Rodney Hudson (ankle), DE Josh Mauro (groin) and CB Trayvon Mullen (illness) are questionable. Jacobs (shoulder) is probable.

Bengals at Raiders: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Nov 10, 2019; Cincinnati, OH; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ryan Finley made his first career start in Week 10. (Photo Credit: Joe Maiorana – USA TODAY Sports)

NFL odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raiders 42, Bengals 13

Moneyline (?)

AVOID. The Raiders will win this one, but the moneyline price of -625 is too low for my tastes – every $6.25 wagered on an Oakland win profits $1.

The Bengals are +450 – wagering $1 to win $4.50 should they win outright – but you’re better off donating your cash to a worthy cause.

Against the Spread (?)

The RAIDERS (-10.5, -115) are worth a play. They’re 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games; however, they haven’t won a game by more than eight points this season. The Bengals (+10.5, -106) have lost their last three games by a combined 60 points.

Over/Under (?)

The OVER 48.5 (-115) is worth a small-unit play … but just like I suggested last week with Cincy, the STRONGEST PLAY is the 1st-half OVER 23.5 (-134). The Bengals are terrible against the run, ranking last in the league by allowing 173 yards per game. Oakland could score three TDs before halftime.

New to sports betting? Bet $13.40 to win $10 that 24 or more points will be scored by halftime.

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

Johnny’s November record: 6-4. Strongest plays: 2-1.

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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Celtics-Warriors odds: Boston eyes 10-game win streak

Previewing Friday’s Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks

The first-place Boston Celtics (9-1) visit the last-place Golden State Warriors (2-10), Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center. We analyze the Celtics-Warriors odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Celtics have won nine in a row since losing the season opener. PG Kemba Walker led the team in scoring in the last two wins, most recently dropping 25 points in a 140-133 home win over the Washington Wizards Wednesday.

The Warriors are on a five-game skid after suffering a 120-94 loss at the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday in which they scored only 12 points in the fourth quarter.


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


Celtics at Warriors: Key injuries

Celtics: SF Gordon Hayward (broken hand) is out, while PF Daniel Theis (finger) and C Robert Williams III (ankle) are game-time decisions.

Warriors: PG Stephen Curry (hand fracture), SG Damion Lee (hand fracture), SG Jacob Evans (groin), PF Kevon Looney (neuropathy), PF Alen Smailagic (ankle) and SG Klay Thompson (knee) are out.

Celtics at Warriors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 119, Warriors 111

Moneyline (ML)

Boston (-358) will likely win, but the price is high – one has to wager $3.58 to profit $1 with a Celtics win.

The Celtics are 4-1 on the road; the Warriors are 1-5 at home.

With a scorer like PG D’Angelo Russell, the Warriors (+275) could pull an upset. Unlikely, but not impossible. Russell has averaged 34 points over the last four games, including a 52-point performance in an overtime loss at the Minnesota Timberwolves Nov. 8.

A big night from Russell, an off-night for the visiting Celtics and the Warriors could win bettors 2.75 to 1, but I’m going PASS.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Boston is favored at -7.5 (-106). Golden State is +7.5 (-115).

New to sports betting? Bet $10.60 to profit $10 that the Celtics win by eight or more points. Or bet $11.50 to profit $10 that the Warriors keep it within seven points in a loss or win outright.

Boston is 6-2-2 ATS, while Golden State is 4-8.

The line of 7.5 is just about right, so another PASS.

Over/under (O/U)

A slight lean to the OVER 226.5 (-106) – every $1.06 wagered profits $1 if the teams combine for 227 or more points. Boston is 5-5 O/U on the season and has played to three Overs in a row. Golden State is 8-4 O/U on the season, including going Over in five of its past six games.

The STRONGEST PLAY, however, is the 1st-half OVER 109.5 (-115). The Celtics have averaged 64.7 first-half points in their last three games, while the Warriors have allowed 65.3 first-half points in their last three games.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s NBA plays: 5-1. NBA’s strongest plays: 3-0.

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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