Saturday 8/15/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
Good luck on all your plays.

When not viewing the service plays.
Make sure to enjoy the rest of what the RX has to offer.

First time here at the RX.
Make sure to visit the Newbies Room
Click here to go there now

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 12:45

Southampton

v

Everton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		19/20	13/5	10/3	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOUTHAMPTON	RECENT FORM
ALHWALHWAWAD​ Most recent​	3 - 0 2 - 0 0 - 0 2 - 2	HWALHLAWHLHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Everton have lost nine of their last 13 Premier League away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Everton have failed to find the net on three trips to St Mary’s since Southampton’s return to the Premier League and they will do well to end that sequence. Only Chelsea boasted a better defensive record last season than Saints, who shipped just 13 goals in 19 home games, and they kept 11 clean sheets.

RECOMMENDATION: Southampton
2


REFEREE: Michael Oliver STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Championship TODAY 12:30

Burnley

v

Birmingham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		17/20	13/5	15/4	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BURNLEY	RECENT FORM
ALAWHDAWADAL​ Most recent​	3 - 0 1 - 2 1 - 3 2 - 1	ALAWHWAWHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Burnley have conceded fewer than two goals in each of their last ten fixtures

EXPERT VERDICT: Birmingham rode their luck to triumph 2-1 at home to Reading in their first match – the Royals had a late penalty saved – but they are likely to taste defeat at Turf Moor. Blues face a tougher match against the Clarets, who began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Leeds.

RECOMMENDATION: Burnley
1


REFEREE: David Coote STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Watford

v

West Brom

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		5/4	12/5	5/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WATFORD	RECENT FORM
AWAWHWAWHDAD​ Most recent​	1 - 1 0 - 3 0 - 1 1 - 0	HDAWADHWALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Watford have lost just one of their last 15 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Watford have been busy during the summer and began with an impressive draw at Everton. Quique Sanchez Flores had many attacking talent at his disposal, including Troy Deeney, Matej Vydra and Odion Ighalo and they can beat a West Brom side who were outplayed by Manchester City on Monday.

RECOMMENDATION: Watford
2


REFEREE: Paul Tierney STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

West Ham

v

Leicester

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		13/10	5/2	23/10	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WEST HAM	RECENT FORM
AWHWAL*HDALAW​ Most recent​	2 - 0 3 - 2 2 - 2 1 - 0	HLHWHWADHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: West Ham scored just six goals in their final 12 league matches last season

EXPERT VERDICT: West Ham looked good in their surprise success against Arsenal but they may not repeat the trick at home to Leicester. The Hammers will have to play on the front foot rather than counter-attacking and they may find Leicester difficult to break down with a low-scoring affair looking likely.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Anthony Taylor STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Swansea

v

Newcastle

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		19/20	13/5	10/3	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SWANSEA	RECENT FORM
AWHWAWHLALAD​ Most recent​	2 - 2 3 - 0 1 - 0 0 - 2	HLALHDALHWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: There have been 15 goals in the last four meetings

EXPERT VERDICT: Swansea, under the excellent Garry Monk, earned a plucky draw against Chelsea but they could come unstuck against Newcastle. Steve McClaren has made some impressive signings including Aleksandar Mitrovic and Georginio Wijnaldum and the Geordies can build on the 2-2 draw with Southampton.

RECOMMENDATION: Newcastle
1


REFEREE: Mike Jones STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Tottenham

v

Stoke

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		4/5	11/4	4	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT TOTTENHAM	RECENT FORM
ADHLALHWAWAL​ Most recent​	1 - 2 3 - 0 0 - 0 1 - 1	HDALHWADHWHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Stoke have lost two of their last nine against Tottenham

EXPERT VERDICT: Tottenham are short of attacking options this season and are consequently overreliant on Harry Kane. If Stoke can keep him quiet they have every chance of getting a point. The Potters competed well against the bigger sides last season and can once again prove to be stubborn opponents.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

PGA - 3rd Round Odds

The second round of the PGA Championship was suspended on Friday evening as a heavy thunderstorm moved into the area.

Play will resume at 7:00 a.m. ET on Saturday morning, which will feature over 50 golfers looking to finish their second rounds.

Of those golfers at least 30 of them have a great shot of making the projected cut line, which is currently 2-over par.

The PGA Championship brings back the top 70 players, plus ties, for the final two rounds.

Prior to the suspension, a pair of Australians shared the lead. Jason Day and Matt Jones both sit at 9-under and both have yet to complete their round.

Right behind the Aussies is Justin Rose at 8-under and he’s nearly in the clubhouse, waiting to complete the 18th hole.

The clubhouse leader is David Lingmerth, who finished early on Friday and sits at 7-under.

Behind Lingermerth is a trio of American golfers in Jordan Spieth, Scott Piercy and Brendan Steele.

Spieth shot a 5-under 67 on Sunday and is once again in the mix for his third major championship victory this year.

Oddsmakers have Spieth listed as a 4/1 betting choice to win the PGA, while Day is the favorite at 2/1 odds.

One notable that stood out on Friday was Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata, who blitzed Whistling Straits with a 9-under 63, which matches the lowest sing-round score in a major.

Odds to win 2015 PGA Championship

Jason Day 2/1
Jordan Spieth 4/1
Justin Rose 11/2
Dustin Johnson 12/1
David Lingmerth 22/1
Matt Jones 25/1
Rory McIlroy 30/1
Tony Finau 30/1
JB Holmes 35/1
Russell Henley 40/1
Danny Lee 50/1
Harris English 50/1
Hideki Matsuyama 50/1
Brendan Steele 60/1
Matt Kuchar 60/1
Scott Piercy 60/1
Billy Horschel 70/1
Brandt Snedeker 80/1
Henrik Stenson 80/1
Martin Kaymer 80/1
Paul Casey 80/1
Brooks Koepka 85/1
Bubba Watson 85/1
Louis Oosthuizen 85/1
George Coetzee 100/1
Branden Grace 150/1
Charles Howell 150/1
Francesco Molinari 150/1
Justin Thomas 150/1
Hiroshi Iwata 200/1
Marcel Siem 200/1
Anirban Lahiri 250/1

Odds Subject to Change

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preseason Week 1 Essentials
By Tony Mejia

The NFL preseason gets a bad rap.

Sure, most veterans take only one game seriously and we’ll all be ready to be done with it before the month is up, but don’t sleep on its charms.

In the Hall of Fame game alone, Steelers LB Ryan Shazier and RB/WR Dri Archer attempted to atone for rough rookie years by attacking the first available opportunity. Minnesota showcased impressive depth and saw intriguing rookie WR/KR Stefon Diggs back up what he’s been doing in practices with an electrifying punt return on Sunday’s most memorable play.

There will be reasons to tune in for every single preseason contest even if you abstain from getting in any action.

It’s a misconception that trying to profit of the preseason is akin to throwing darts. You can do well if you isolate games where the coaching staffs have different agendas in regards to playing time or what they’re schematically looking to accomplish, not to mention general mismatches in terms of personnel depth.Here’s how Week 1 shakes out:

Saturday, Aug. 15

San Francisco at Houston (HOU -3/35): The 49ers are basically starting over under new head coach Jim Tomsula, moving on from Jim Harbaugh, Frank Gore and multiple key defensive leaders. Houston has to pick a starter between QBs Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer. Promising third-stringer Tom Savage is likely to get the bulk of the snaps here.

Tampa Bay at Minnesota (N/A): Second-year QB Teddy Bridgewater looked sharp in his lone series, so with Adrian Peterson expected to sit out the entire preseason, all eyes will be on his continued development. Jameis Winston has the Bucs excited thus far in camp, particularly in red-zone drills. There will be lots of eyes on this one.

Kansas City at Arizona (AZ -2.5/36): The Chiefs are looking for new offensive weapons to step up, but Andy Reid has never put much emphasis on these exhibition games beyond the third one. Bruce Arians is 2-for-2 in preseason openers, but has dealt with a host of injuries. Since Tyrann Mathieu already almost broke Carson Palmer in practice, it's hard to imagine the 35-year-old coming back from a second ACL tear plays much this month. Drew Stanton has the backup job locked up, but Chandler Harnish, Logan Thomas and rookie Phillip Sims are looking to stick as No. 3.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Indianapolis at Philadelphia (PHI -3.5): With the spotlight to themselves, we’ll get to see what the heavily scrutinized Chip Kelly and Chuck Pagano bring to the table in this first installment. The Eagles want to play fast above all else and averaged an NFL-best 32.7 points per game last preseason. Sam Bradford is likely to make his first in-game appearance since tearing his ACL in the third of last year’s exhibitions. Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley and Tebow will entertain the country one way or another. Count on that.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Betting 101: Best ways to safely handicap the NFL preseason
By JASON LOGAN

So you want to bet NFL preseason football, do you?

Steering bettors away from the NFL’s unpredictable exhibition schedule is like trying to convince high school kids to wait until marriage, if you know what we mean. You aren’t going to convince them otherwise so you might as well preach about safe sex - or in this case safe betting habits.

We break down the best ways to handicap the NFL preseason slate and hope you don’t lose your shirt – and pants – by the time Week 1 rolls around:

Read everything

The great thing about the NFL preseason is that books and bettors are on the same level. Coaches don’t reveal their plans until usually the day before a game, and by that time odds have been up for a while. If you catch an online presser or read a quote from a coach spilling the beans on his starters’ playing time, you can quickly get down before the lines adjust.

Research is everything for preseason capping. Find out how many snaps the first teamers will get, what the focal point of the offseason is – offense or defense – and wager accordingly. Also, keep an eye on camp injuries or how veteran players are treating the tune-up games. Some star players go through the motions in August and ones limited by injuries won't risk going all out before the real games start.

A team that is trying to establish some momentum on the ground will likely run the ball a lot – therefore keeping the clock ticking and the final score Under the total. If a team is trying to fill roster spots in the secondary and is plugging in rookies and inexperienced player in its pass defense, than perhaps look at the other team to air it out and exploit those weaknesses.

QB depth

Much the way starting pitchers make up 90 percent of baseball handicapping, quarterbacks hold a similar value when betting on the preseason. It’s the most important position on the field and can single handedly make or break your bets.

Finding a team with depth at quarterback is the key for success during the exhibition schedule. The No. 1 passer will likely only take a handful of snaps in the first two games of the preseason, turning the offense over to the backups.

Look for teams with an experienced backup under center. Many clubs have veterans and former starters on the roster, guys who won’t be freaked out by the NFL’s big stage like rookie QBs and wet-behind-the-ears free agents. These vets can keep the chains moving and often excel against an opponent’s second and third-tier defense.

New coaches and schemes

The preseason is summer school for many NFL teams transitioning their playbook, whether that be with a new head coach, coordinator or just an overall flip in the way they do things.

New head coaches aren’t necessarily a red flag. They can often feel a little pressured to win in the preseason in order to impress the front office and fan base, which can give some teams added betting value. New coordinators, on the other hand, are working in different plays and schemes, which usually come with a learning curve.

Read up on how teams are adjusting to new systems and offenses, especially if there is a dramatic shift in gears, like speeding up with no-huddle attacks or going from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. When these teams take on established coaches, who have implemented their systems for a while, there can be value going against those new faces on the sideline.

Preseason lines

Come the regular season, the infamous 3-point spread is everywhere. And while a field-goal line is a key number in football betting, it loses some of its stature in the preseason.

Teams are more likely to go for a two-point conversion or try their luck on fourth-and-short in the preseason than play it safe. Not only do the games not matter, but a fourth down gamble or two-point attempt is an extra set for the offense as it works toward the regular season.

Depending on how those rolls of the dice play out, the final score can either be closer than three points or well over it. It’s rare to see a preseason spread of more than three points with most bouncing between 1-2.5 points.

Week to week

For those looking to bet the closest facsimile of Week 1 action during the preseason, you may want to pass on the first two weeks of exhibitions and save your marbles for Week 3. That’s when starting players tend to log the most time, working the majority of the first half and sometimes into the third quarter.

Week 1 and 2 often has first teams playing limited snaps – depending on the team’s situation – and Week 4 is pretty much a craps shoot. Coaches are making their final cuts, players are fighting to stay on the roster, and the coordinators are tightening the final nuts and bolts of their playbooks.

For those bettors who like a challenge, Week 4 of the preseason could be the trickiest week of the entire NFL schedule – preseason, regular season and playoffs – to wager on.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Best and worst NFL preseason bets of the past 20 years
By JASON LOGAN

You’ve heard all the warnings when it comes to betting on NFL preseason football. But like smoking, drinking and eating fast food, you still do it anyway.

If you’re going to wager on these whacky-ass exhibition games, in which no one but the head coaches have any clue as to what the hell will happen, at least you should know which NFL teams have consistently cashed in during the preseason and which ones wane in the warm-ups.

Here are the two best and two worst NFL teams to bet during the preseason since 1995:

BEST PRESEASON BETS

Seattle Seahawks (47-29 SU, 45-28-3 ATS)

It doesn’t matter if it’s the preseason or the Super Bowl, the Seahawks are kicking ass and taking names. Seattle has been perfect in two of the past three – going 10-2 SU and ATS – and is 13-3 ATS going back to the 2011 tune-up tilts.

Expectations have never been higher – which could mean so are the preseason spreads - but that didn’t stop the Seahawks from cashing in during the regular season. Winners win – something Seattle backers have done at a 62 percent clip in the preseason since 1995.

New York Jets (46-29 SU, 42-32-1 ATS)

Looking for value come the preseason? Gang Green is your one-stop shop for postseason profits. New York has been inconsistent the past three summers going 1-3, 3-1, and 0-4 ATS in the past three preseasons.

This year, the Jets have Geno Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick at the top of the QB depth chart – preseason betting’s equivalent to capping starting pitchers when betting baseball. The schedule features Detroit, Atlanta, the Giants and Philadelphia – all teams with established starters. Look for Fitzpatrick to challenge for the starting job, lighting a fire under the J-E-T-S in the preseason.

WORST PRESEASON BETS

Kansas City Chiefs (25-51 SU, 22-51-3 ATS)

Andy Reid cares about the preseason about as much as he does for counting carbs and hot yoga. But while the public consensus is “fade Reid in the preseason”, his recent teams haven’t been that bad.

Kansas City is a poor 3-5 SU/ATS in its first two preseasons Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles finished 6-2 ATS in their final two preseason schedule with Reid on the sidelines. Overall, however, the Chiefs have been a terrible play in August – covering just 30 percent of the time.

Oakland Raiders (35-40 SU, 30-43-2 ATS)

Misery loves company, and preseason bettors have suffered in the AFC West. Oakland joins Kansas City as the worst of the worst in exhibition play. The Silver and Black can’t seem to cover – no matter the time of year. Oakland is a dismal 4-8 SU and ATS.

However, there may actually be hope, at least as far as the preseason is concerned. The Raiders have a respectable QB in Derek Carr, as well as star wideout Amari Cooper - given they survive the preseason.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's Preseason Tips
By Tony Mejia

Buccaneers at Vikings (-3 ½, 36) – 8:00 PM EST

Tampa Bay

Head coach: Lovie Smith (22-22 SU, 19-23-2 ATS in preseason)

Quarterback rotation: Jameis Winston (Rookie), Mike Glennon, Seth Lobato

Minnesota

Head coach: Mike Zimmer (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS in preseason)

Quarterback rotation: Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Mike Kafka, Taylor Heinicke (Rookie)

The Winston era begins in Tampa Bay against a sturdy defense that held the Steelers to just three points in the Hall of Fame game last Sunday. He'll play into the second quarter, so there will be plenty of film to dissect next week as the curtain is lifted on the 2015 No. 1 pick. As was the case with No. 2 pick Marcus Mariota, expect a side of miscues with a helping of promising brilliance. Zimmer has yet to lose a preseason game and is rightfully favored to stay perfect. Teddy Bridgewater looked sharp in his lone drive in Canton despite taking just 10 snaps and is expected to at least double that output here. Multiple defensive starters who took the night off in the opener will start and play about a quarter, but the desire to save Adrian Peterson for games that count in the standings remains. He won't play.

49ers at Texans (-2 ½, 35 ½) – 8:00 PM EST

San Francisco

Head coach: Jim Tomsula (No preseason record)

Quarterback rotation: Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert, Dylan Thompson (Rookie)

Houston

Head coach: Bill O'Brien (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS in preseason)

Quarterback rotation: Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, Tom Savage

Jim Harbaugh treated preseason games with disdain. The 49ers were outscored 57-3 in the first two contests last year, including a 34-0 loss to Denver to open Levi's Stadium that certainly rubbed the higher-ups the wrong way. Tomsula takes over amid little pressure to produce immediately since Frank Gore and so much of the defense has turned over, creating the need for a new identity. It starts on the road against a team looking to find a quarterback in addition to a viable replacement for Arian Foster, who is expected to miss two to three months. O'Brien lost last season's preseason opener 32-0 in Arizona, but should have a firm grip on how to handle Year 2, especially since he's picking a brand new QB.

Chiefs at Cardinals (-3, 36) – 9:00 PM EST

Kansas City

Head coach: Andy Reid (28-36 SU in preseason)

Quarterback rotation: Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, Aaron Murray, Tyler Bray

Arizona

Head coach: Bruce Arians (4-4 SU, 5-2-1 ATS in preseason)

Quarterback rotation: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Logan Thomas, Phillip Sims (Rookie)

This game will be all about surprising comebacks, from KC safety Eric Berry's triumphant return eight months after being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma to Palmer's return from his latest torn ACL, suffered last November. Both are likely to play sparingly, but Cardinals fans will enthusiastically cheer both. Arizona's promising season went into the toilet without a capable replacement for Palmer once Stanton strained his MCL in December. He'll be back for limited duty too, but the bulk of the snaps over the final three quarters will ultimately go to Thomas and Sims, engaged in a competition to be this year's Ryan Lindley. Arians has won each of his preseason openers as a head coach thus far, but he'll settle for just seeing his top guys get out unscathed after a few completions. The Chiefs are entering Year 3 of his tenure in Kansas City, having gone 20-12 but missing the playoffs last year. He's 1-1 in preseason openers with the Chiefs and 1-3 in road games. Dating way back to his lengthy Eagles tenure, it's well known that Reid tends to put little emphasis on wins and losses in the preseason outside of the pivotal Week 3 dress rehearsal. Kansas City starters are expected to play one quarters.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaks, Tips, Notes

Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals Agust 15, 9:00 EST

An important angle when betting NFL preseason is knowing the coach's historical records in these games. Some want to win, others do not care whether they win or lose. A guy like Andy Reid who saw his club fall apart down the stretch last year (2-4 SU/ATS) will likely exert energies evaluating personnel rather than worry about improving Chiefs 5-19 SU, 3-18-3 ATS skid in warm-ups. Note: Reid is 1-8-2 ATS in his last eleven HOF/WK1 preseason games with Kansas City and Philadelphia.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA Betting Recap - 8/3-8/9
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (from Monday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 9)

-- Favorites went 10-5 straight up
-- Favorites went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 13-2 SU record
-- Home teams posted a 11-4 ATS record
-- The 'under' went 8-7

Team Betting Notes

-- Washington (13-8) won the second end of a home-and-home against Connecticut (11-10), and the Mystics put the skids on a two-game non-cover streak. The Sun have struggled lately, going 4-9 SU/5-8 ATS over the past 13 games after starting the year 7-1 SU/ATS in the opening eight.

-- Indiana (12-9) split their games this weekend, losing on the road to Chicago (14-9) while blowing out Atlanta (8-14) at home. The Fever have won seven in a row at home, going 5-1-1 ATS over the stretch.

-- Phoenix (14-8) was cooled off by the Sky Sunday afternoon on the road. At home the Mercury is a totally different story, winning seven of their past eight games. They're also 1-5 ATS over their past six outings at home.

-- San Antonio (7-16) hasn't been winning on a regular basis, but they have been fairly reliable against the number lately. The Stars are 7-2 ATS over their past nine games dating back to June 17. San Antonio will hit the road for Minnesota (16-6) Tuesday. The Stars are 0-2 SU/ATS against the Lynx this season, losing by an average of 16.0 points per game.

-- Seattle (5-17) continues to tumble, as they have dropped five in a row. They're starting to struggle against the number, too. They were 10-8 ATS through the first 18 games, but they have failed to cover in three of the past four.

-- The Lynx picked up a win and cover against the Sparks Sunday, ending a mini skid. The good times should continue to roll against the Stars Tuesday, as they're 2-0 SU/ATS in two earlier meetings. Minnesota is 7-1 over the past eight home games while going 6-2 ATS during the span.

-- The 'under' cashed for the Sky Sunday, and it is now 3-1 in the past four games after a four-game over streak.

-- Tulsa (10-13) can't get out of its own way lately, losing their ninth consecutive game dating back to July 11. The Shock was favored by seven Sunday against Atlanta, but they didn't come close to covering in that one and they are 1-7-1 ATS during their nine-game slide.

-- It has been good times for New York (14-6), as the Liberty has won seven of their past eight games, including a win at Chicago in the first end of a home-and-home Friday. They're 6-2 ATS during the impressive run, too. The Liberty and Sky hook up Tuesday at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 7
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 SU in Week 7
-- Underdogs went 3-1 ATS in Week 7
-- Home teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 7
-- Home teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 7
-- The 'Over' went 3-1 in Week 7

Team Betting Notes

-- Hamilton (4-2) routed visiting Winnipeg (3-4) by a 38-8 score for their third consecutive cover, and fifth in six games overall. The 'under' has also cashed in four in a row, and five of six this season. In addition, Hamilton is 2-0 SU/ATS against Winnipeg. Unfortunately for bettors, they are not scheduled to face each other again in the regular season.

-- The Blue Bombers have been all over the board against the spread this season. They're 3-3-1 ATS, and they haven't covered, or failed to cover, in consecutive games through seven. However, one constant has been their defense, or lack of offense, which has resulted in five straight unders.

-- Ottawa (4-2) continues to give Montreal (2-4) fits, coming from behind Friday for a 26-23 win, their second of the season against the Alouettes. Ottawa is 2-0 SU/ATS against Montreal, and they will meet again Oct. 1 in Canada's capital city.

-- The Alouettes are 3-0-1 ATS against all other opponents, and 0-2 ATS against the RedBlacks. Their 'over' Friday night in Ottawa was the first in six games this season.

-- Saskatchewan (0-7) is not getting the results they obviously hoped for, dropping their seventh straight to open the season. Five of their losses are a combined 16 points, so they're not that far off. Their cover in Toronto (4-2) was not a shocker since they're 8-3 ATS in their past 11 trips to Toronto. The Roughriders get a much-needed bye to regroup before hosting Calgary Aug. 22.

-- Calgary (4-2) was off this past week, but they'll be back in action in Week 8 hosting Ottawa. The Stampeders lost to the RedBlacks 29-26 in Ottawa July 24, also failing to cover. That was the only 'over' for Calgary in six tries, too.

-- Edmonton (4-2) suffered its first loss since Week 1, traveling to BC Lions (3-3) for a 26-23 loss. It also ended a four-game cover streak for the Esks. Edmonton is 3-0 SU/ATS at home, and 1-2 SU/ATS in three road outings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 8
By David Schwab

Week 7 Betting Recap

It is no big surprise that the defending CFL Champion Calgary Stampeders are atop the standings in the West Division at 4-2 straight-up in the CFL heading into Week 8 of the regular season, but the East has been turned upside down with both Ottawa and Toronto leading the way with a 4-2 SU record as well.

The British Columbia Lions got things started in Week 7 with a 26-23 upset of Edmonton as 2 ½-point home underdogs and Ottawa followed suit with a 26-23 upset over Montreal as a two-point underdog at home. Toronto closed as a nine-point home favorite against Saskatchewan but it could not cover is a 30-26 victory this past Saturday. Hamilton closed things out in Week 7 with a convincing 38-8 victory against Winnipeg as an 8 ½-point home favorite.

Saturday, Aug. 15

British Columbia Lions (3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -7 ½
Total: 52

Game Overview

BC evened its mark on the year both SU and ATS with last week’s upset while snapping a two-game losing streak both ways. It is now 2-0 (SU and ATS) when closing as an underdog. Travis Lulay was not at his best in last week’s win. He completed just 51.6 percent of his 31 attempts for 195 yards and while he did toss two touchdowns, he was also intercepted twice to raise his season total to a league-high seven picks.

The Tiger-Cats only managed to gain 54 yards on the ground in Sunday’s romp. Zach Collaros had another good day throwing the ball with 280 yards and three touchdown passes, but he was also intercepted twice. Hamilton remains the highest scoring team in the CFL with an average of 31.8 points a game. It is allowing an average of 19 points on defense.

Betting Trends

The Lions have failed to cover in seven of the last 10 meetings, but they come into the first meeting this season with a slight 3-2 edge ATS in the last five games. The total has gone OVER in four of the last six meetings.

Sunday, Aug. 16

Ottawa RedBlacks (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (4-2 SU, 0-6 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -7 ½
Total: 48

Game Overview

The RedBlacks have been the biggest surprise of the new CFL season after winning just two games SU last season as an expansion team. They have allowed 19 more points than they have scored and their four SU wins are by a combined 21 points. Veteran quarterback Henry Burris has held up well through the first six games with 1,695 yards passing and nine touchdown throws.

Calgary comes off of it bye following a tight three-point home win against Montreal as a five-point favorite. It was the sixth-straight game this year it failed to cover ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in five of the six games. Bo Levi Mitchell has pretty much gone the distance for the Stampeders at quarterback. He is ranked fourth in the league on total passing yards (1,622) and he has tossed seven touchdown throws against four interceptions.

Betting Trends

Ottawa stunned Calgary 29-26 in overtime on July 24 as a 4 ½-point home underdog. This was after the Stampeders swept last season’s two-game series both SU and ATS. The total has gone OVER in two of the three games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the day: CFL Doubleheader

B.C. Lions at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-9, 50.5)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats look to continue their winning ways when they host the BC Lions on Saturday. The Tiger-Cats scored 31 first-half points en route to a 38-8 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to earn their third straight victory, and pull into a three-way tie for top spot in the East Division.

Hamilton is 8-0 in regular-season games at Tim Hortons Field since the stadium opened on Sept. 1, 2014, including a 19-17 victory over the Lions last October, and hopes to improve to 4-1 against West Division opponents this season. BC snapped a two-game skid with a morale-boosting 26-23 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos in Week 7. Andrew Harris seems to be fully recovered from an ankle injury, which kept him out of the last five games of 2014, as he's rushed for more than 100 yards in his last two contests and leads the league with 519 yards on the ground. The Lions have scored at least 36 points in three of the last six meetings with the Tiger-Cats and look for their first win against an East Division foe after failing to the Ottawa Redblacks and Toronto Argonauts earlier in the year.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

INJURY REPORT: Lions - G Cody Husband (Ques-Undisclosed), DL Ese Mrabure-Ajufo (Ques-Undisclosed) Tiger-Cats - OL Landon Rice (Ques-Undisclosed), OL Brian Simmons (Ques-Undisclosed), DT Drake Nevis (Ques-Undisclosed)

LINE HISTORY: The Tiger-Cats opened as 8-point favorites before jumping a full point to -9. The total has fallen half-a-point from 51 to 50.5.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Hamilton Tigercats will host the B.C. Lions on Saturday, and Hamilton will be asked to cover a significant spread. The Ticats have never lost at Tim Horton's Field, and they've covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 overall. The Lions are a formidable opponent though, coming off an upset win at home over Edmonton. B.C. has won four of the last six meetings in this series, and both games Hamilton won were decided by single digits." - Will Rogers

ABOUT THE LIONS (3-3 SU, 2-3-1 ATS, 3-3 O/U): Harris was named one of the CFL Top Performers of the Week after he accounted for 175 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns to lead the Lions past the Eskimos. "Andrew Harris is a tremendous running back and he's one of the biggest threats in the CFL," BC fullback Rolly Lumbala told reporters. "Just when you think he's hit his peak he surprises you with another crazy run." Travis Lulay overcame two interceptions to finish with 195 yards and two touchdowns, but has thrown six picks in his last three outings.

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (4-2 SU, 5-1 ATS, 1-5 O/U): Emanuel Davis became the first Hamilton player to return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game and earned one of the CFL Top Performers of the Week honours for his feat against the Blue Bombers. "I'm just happy to be part of something great this year," Davis told reporters. "I just had to wait for my time and luckily it's paying off right now." Zach Collaros threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns and has racked up 793 passing yards and seven scores during Hamilton's three-game winning streak.

TRENDS:

*Lions are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
*Tiger-Cats are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
*Under is 8-2 in Lions last 10 road games.
*Under is 4-0 in Tiger-Cats last 4 games following a S.U. win.



Ottawa Redblacks at Calgary Stampeders (-8.5, 48)

The Calgary Stampeders look to stay undefeated at home when they take on the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday. The Stampeders erased a 17-point deficit en route to a 25-22 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in Week 6 to improve to 4-0 at McMahon Stadium, and have won 10 of their last 11 home games dating back to last season.

Calgary is tied with the Edmonton Eskimos for first place in the West Division with eight points and hopes to pull ahead of its provincial rival by avenging a 29-26 overtime loss to the Redblacks on July 24. Ottawa has already doubled its win total from a year ago following a 26-23 victory over the Alouettes in Week 7. Henry Burris is back on track after two disappointing displays against the Eskimos as he's thrown for 712 yards and five touchdowns in his last two games, including 389 yards and three scores against the Stampeders three weeks ago. Ottawa hopes to win three consecutive games for the first time in franchise history and break out of the three-team logjam at the top of the East Division.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The Stamps opened at 7.5-point favorites before jumping a full point to -8.5. The total has remained at 48 since open.

INJURY REPORT: Redblacks - WR Chris WIlliams (Ques-Undisclosed) Stampeders - WR Joe West (Ques-Leg)

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Ottawa Redblacks come into Calgary as a big underdog this weekend, despite the fact that both teams have an identical 4-2 record. The Redblacks already upset the Stamps in Ottawa earlier this year, and they rank second overall in the CFL in total defense. It might be worth noting that all four of the Stampeders wins this season have come in games decided by less than a TD." - Will Rogers

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS, 3-3 O/U): Ottawa made some roster moves as it signed running back Travon Van and released Jock Sanders. "We brought Jock in hoping to implement him a bit more offensively but it hadn't gotten to that point," Redblacks general manager Marcel Desjardins told reporters. "He's been good, but he hasn't been what we'd hoped he'd be." Chris Williams had seven catches for 162 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with Calgary and leads the team with 432 receiving yards.

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (4-2 SU, 0-6 ATS, 1-5 O/U): Calgary signed running back Keith Toston, who was cut at the end of preseason, to the practice squad to provide depth with Jon Cornish out for the foreseeable future with a broken thumb. "Keith had a really good training camp for us and he knows our system," Stampeders coach John Hufnagel told reporters. "If his numbers gets called he'll be ready to go." Defensive back Adam Thibault sustained an ankle injury in the first meeting with the Redblacks but is likely to return in time for Saturday's contest.

TRENDS:

*RedBlacks are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
*Stampeders are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
*Over is 4-1-1 in RedBlacks last 6 games following a S.U. win.
*Under is 5-0 in Stampeders last 5 home games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 8 CFL games

Ottawa (4-2) @ Calgary (4-2)-- RedBlacks (+4.5) upset Calgary 28-26 at home three weeks ago in game that Stampeders led 19-17 at half; that was only Ottawa game this season that went over total. RedBlacks outgained Stamps 422-350. Three of Ottawa's four wins are by four or less points; this is their first road game in five weeks- they're 1-1 on road, losing at Edmonton 46-17, winning in Montreal. Calgary is off its bye week; they're 0-6 vs spread so far this season; all four of their wins are by 5 or less points (0-3 as home favorite).

BCLions (3-3) @ Hamilton (4-2)-- Home side won six of last seven series games; Lions lost last two visits here, 37-29/19-17. Over is 7-4 in last 11 series games. TiCats won last three in a row, scoring 34.3 ppg; they won their two home games 34-18/38-8-- five of their six games stayed under the total. Lions have played six weeks in row since their Week 1 bye; they lost 27-16 in Ottawa, 23-13 in Winnipeg won at winless Saskatchewan. Hamilton's two losses are by total of five points; they've yet to trail a game at halftime (5-0-1) this season.

Ottawa RedBlacks
Calgary Stampeders 7.5, 48

British Columbia Lions
Hamilton TigerCats 9, 51

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Saturday
By Mike Dempsey

The Arlington International Festival of Racing is on tap at Arlington Park on Saturday, and we have five graded stakes including a pair of Breeders’ Cup Challenge ‘Win and You’re In” races.

The marquee event is the $1 million Arlington Million (G1), which is a ‘Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 31. A field of 13 will line up including five overseas invaders.

Trainer Chad Brown has the top two betting choices in Big Blue Kitten (3-1) and Slumber (7-2) while the best of the Euro invaders appears to be the John Gosden trained Maverick Wave (8-1). Gosden saddled the 2010 winner Debussy to an upset score.

The $700,00 Beverly D. (G1) drew a field of 10 fillies and mares with the winner earning an automatic starting spot in this fall’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

The key to the race is trying to figure out what to do with Stephanie’s Kitten (7-2), who has been disappointing in her last two starts, a fourth in the New York (G2) and a fifth in the Diana (G1).

As you can see below in today’s featured race, I am looking for the overseas invaders to make up the exacta.

At Saratoga we have a couple of graded stakes on the 11-race card. The $200,000 Adirondack (G2) is for two-year-old fillies and the $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap (G2) is a wide-open turf event at one mile,

The Adirondack drew a field of seven juveniles with trainer Todd Pletcher sending out a pair, Delicate Lady (6-1) and the 8-5 morning line favorite Tonasah.

Tonasah went gate to wire to break her maiden in her debut at Belmont Park on July 2, winning by 5 1/2 lengths. She was entered in the Astoria (G3) before her maiden win but was scratched after getting loose in the post parade. Pletcher has won this race in three of the last nine years.

Nine will go to the post in the Fourstardave led by King Kreesa (3-1), who won the Poker (G3) and Forbidden Apple in his last two outings. The New York bred has some speed but faces an accomplished group that includes last year’s winner Seek Again (6-1), Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (G1) winner Mshawish (7-2) and Jack Milton (6-1), winner of the Makers 46Mile (G1) back in April.

Vyjack (6-1) is 0 for 2 on turf in his career but ran well in the Poker and Forbidden Apple and may be worth a look at a decent price.


Here is today’s opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Md Sp Wt (1:00 ET)
5 Metal Magic 4-1
3 Show Bound 7-2
1 Donegal Moon / 1a Patrick's Day 2-1
7 Sallisaw 6-1

Analysis: Metal Magic pressed the early pace, opened up a lead and could not hold off the winner late in a tough nose loss in his debut at Churchill Downs. He was 6 1/2 lengths clear of the third place finisher in that effort. He has three local drills since shipping in from Kentucky for the Kenneally barn that is 27% winners with second out maidens.

Show Bound was bumped coming out of the gate, stalked the early pace and finished evenly in a third place finish last out. He was a good second two back in the Bashford Manor (G3) at Churchill Downs. Blinkers are added today for the Asmussen barn that is 20% winners when adding the hood for the first time. The $170,000 Keeneland purchase is out of a Hennessy mare that has dropped three other foals to race with a pair of winners.

Wagering
WIN: $5 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,5 / 1,3,5,7
TRI: 3,5 / 1,3,5,7 / 1,3,5,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 10 The Fourstardave (6:25 ET)
7 Vyjack 6-1
5 Seek Again 6-1
4 King Kreesa 3-1
1 Mshawish 7-2

Analysis: Vyjack gets the call in a wide open race. The gelding was switched to turf after landing with the Mott barn and he has put in two good efforts behind King Kreesa. I liked him in the Lure on Aug. 8 but Mott scratched him for this tougher spot. He was only beaten 3/4 of a length two back in the Poker (G3) and last out was a decent third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths. He gets four pounds from the likely favorite today and he should be a decent price.

Seek Again is the defending champion of this race, winning by a neck last year despite a tough trip. The Mott trainee comes into this race off a decent third last out in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita. He returns here off a two-month break for his third start off the long layoff. Decent value if he goes off near his 6-1 morning line.

King Kreesa is coming off a pair of sharp wins, taking the Poker and Forbidden Apple, last out a career top speed fig. There is not much pace in here and he could have things fairly easy up front, which will make him a danger in this spot. His price may end up on the light side.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 4-1 or better.
EX: 5,7 / 1,4,5,7
TRI: 5,7 / 1,4,5,7 / 1,2,4,5,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Arlington Park:

AP Race 9 The Beverly D. G1 (5:05 CT)
8 Euro Charlie 5-2
9 Wedding Vow 4-1
3 Stephanie's Kitten 7-2
6 Carla Bianca 8-1

Analysis: Euro Charlie is the defending champion of this race and she is coming into this year's edition off a good second in the Falmouth Stakes (G1) which was just her second start since winning here last year. The winner of that race was the talented Amazing Maria, who came back to win the Prix Rothschild (G1) in France in her next outing on Aug. 2. She won here last year with a good late run, beating Stephanie's Kitten by 3/4 of a length and returning her backers $23.60. The price is going to be shorter in this spot.

Wedding Vow makes her U.S. debut here for the Aiden O'Brien barn, and while she has won just once in her seven career starts, she is coming in off a good effort in her last start. She broke her maiden two back winning the Kilboy Estate Stakes (G2). Last out she was a good second behind Legatissimo in the Qatar Nassau Stakes (G1) at Goodwood, beaten 2 1/4 lengths. Euro invaders have a good recent record in this race and the U.S. contingent does not look as strong.

Wagering
WIN: #8 t win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 8,9 / 3,6,8,9
TRI: 8,9 / 3,6,8,9 / 3,6,8,9,10

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga
R2: #4 Hawkshaw 10-1
R3: #7 Silverado Star 8-1
R3: #4 Gracious Plenty 12-1
R4: #1 Delicate Lady 8-1
R5: #1 Cabo Cat 8-1
R5: #3 All Tied Up 10-1
R6: #2 Omey Island Girl 8-1
R7: #10 Battlefront 10-1
R8: #2 Guggenheim 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Red Mile

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Post: 7:19 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 72 - Purse:$2700 - NW 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 FOREVER LEXIE 12/1


# 6 BROOKLYN'S Z TAM 10/1


# 7 BLUE SPANX 4/1


After thorough analysis by the handicapping group, FOREVER LEXIE comes out as the top choice especially at a long price. A very nice class horse should not be be forgotten. With an avg class statistic of 73 all signs look good for this one. BROOKLYN'S Z TAM - Has a sharp shot in this one, if she can perform to her back racing class. With a competitive 74 TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out, will very likely be a factor in this gathering. BLUE SPANX - He has been racing competently and the speed figs are among the best in the bunch. Getting a good feel about this gelding. Could surprise for this race.