Thursday 8/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

Europa League TODAY 19:15

Astra Giurgiu

v

West Ham

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		7/2	11/4	8/11	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ASTRA GIURGIU	RECENT FORM
HLHDADALHLHW​ Most recent​	2 - 1	HLHWALALHWAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: There were seven goals in the two games between these sides last season

EXPERT VERDICT: Romania’s Astra Giurgiu once again stand in West Ham’s way of a Europa League berth and on last season’s evidence this will be a close affair. Astra won 4-3 on aggregate last term, drawing the first leg at the Hammer’s former Upton Park home 2-2. West Ham looked shaky at the back in the previous round so backing both teams to score looks wise.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
3

 

[superbeets]

French Ligue 1 Fr 19Aug 19:45

Lyon

v

Caen

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		4/9	7/2	11/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LYON	RECENT FORM
AWHWHWALALAW​ Most recent​	4 - 1 3 - 0 1 - 2 0 - 0	ALADHDAWHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: The last five meetings between the sides has seen 3 or more goals

EXPERT VERDICT: Lyon scored four in both clashes with Caen last season and plenty of goals should be expected again. Lyon’s star man Alexandre Lacazette bagged a hat-trick in last weekend’s season opener and he will trouble a Caen side who haven’t kept a clean sheet on the road for 15 games. Caen shipped 52 goals last campaign and Lyon should simply prove too strong.

RECOMMENDATION: A Lacazette first goalscorer
2

 

[superbeets]

German Cup Fr 19Aug 19:45

C Zeiss Jena

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B Munich

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT3					More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT C ZEISS JENA	RECENT FORM
HWADHWADHWHL​ Most recent​	Unknown	HDHWAWHWND*NW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Bayern have lost only one DFB-Pokal match in the last four years

EXPERT VERDICT: Fourth-tier Carl Zeiss Jena host defending champions Bayern Munich in the toughest possible first-round Pokal tie. Bayern have faced similar opposition at this stage in the past two seasons, conceding in wins over Preussen Munster and Nottingen. Carl Zeiss Jena caused a shock by knocking out Hamburg last season and they are fancied to get on the scoresheet against a rotated Bayern.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1

 

[superbeets]

Premier League Fr 19Aug 20:00

Man Utd

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Southampton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		4/9	10/3	6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN UTD	RECENT FORM
AWALHWND*NWAW​ Most recent​	0 - 1 0 - 1 1 - 1 2 - 1	ADAWHWAWHWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Man United have scored five goals in two games

EXPERT VERDICT: Southampton have recorded successive victories at Old Trafford having not claimed three points at the Theatre of Dreams for the previous 27 years, but a hat-trick of wins looks a tall order for the Saints. Manchester United were known for their home games remaining goalless at half-time last term but a new attacking approach could see an end to that.

RECOMMENDATION: Man Utd-Man Utd double result
2


REFEREE: Anthony Taylor STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League Sa 20Aug 12:30

Stoke

v

Man City

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		4	11/4	4/6	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT STOKE	RECENT FORM
HLALHDALHWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 0 1 - 4 0 - 0 0 - 1	HDALALHDADHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Manchester City have won just one of their last eight league matches at Stoke

EXPERT VERDICT: Stoke drew 1-1 at Middlesbrough in their opening game and five of their last seven home league clashes with Manchester City have ended all square so the points could be shared in this one again. City sizzled in the Champions League on Tuesday but Stoke are much stronger than Steaua Bucharest.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golfers to Bet - Wyndham

Tournament: Wyndham Championship
Date: Thursday, August 18th
Venue: Sedgefield Country Club
Location: Greensboro, NC

Sedgefield Country Club will be hosting the Wyndham Championship for a ninth consecutive year beginning Thursday.

Most of the top golfers in the world will be sitting this one out, but there is still some talent in this field.

The most noteworthy golfer participating on Thursday is Jimmy Walker, who won the PGA Championship in late July. This is Walker’s first event back since winning his first major and he’ll surely be hoping to keep up his excellent play this weekend.

One unfortunate thing to note when coming into this tournament is that last year’s winner, Davis Love III, is not going to be playing. He has won this tournament three times in his career, so it’s an absence that will certainly be felt.

2014 winner Camilo Villegas and 2013 winner Patrick Reed will both, however, be playing on Thursday and that should help make up for the loss of Love III.

With that information out of the way, let’s now take a look at some of the better plays this weekend:

Golfers to Watch

Patrick Reed (19/1) - As mentioned earlier, Reed won this tournament back in 2013 and he’ll be hoping to do it again when he takes the course on Thursday. Reed was impressive that year, shooting a 14-under to defeat Jordan Spieth in a playoff. The 14th ranked golfer in the OWGR also happens to be playing pretty well coming into this one. Reed has finished tied for 11th at each of the past two tournaments, shooting a total of 15-under in those two events. Reed also has two second-place finishes on the season and will certainly be hoping to break through and win his first event of the year. He has a good shot to do so at 19/11, as he has all the talent needed to dominate a relatively weak field this weekend.

Jim Furyk (23/1) - Jim Furyk is 46 years old, but that hasn’t held him back recently. Furyk is coming off of the round of his life, shooting a 58 in the final round of the Travelers Championship in early August. That was the record for best score ever shot on the TOUR and being that it was his most recent round played, Furyk should be coming into this event with a ton of confidence. He might not be able to drive the ball like some of his peers, but Furyk is excellent with his irons and knows how to make putts. At 23/11, it’s worth taking the guy that just might be on a serious roll coming into this one.

Jimmy Walker (33/1) - Jimmy Walker surprised a lot of people by winning the PGA Championship a few weeks ago, but he has actually been playing some incredible golf for nearly two years now. Walker finished 25th in the OWGR in 2015 and he is now ranked in 17th. All signs points to Walker continuing to improve, as he is just getting more and more confident each time he gets out onto a course. Walker doesn’t have anything that will wow people, but he is a solid player all around and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He’s a tremendous value at 33/11, as he will be hoping to make a big statement by coming out on top after his first major victory.

Camilo Villegas (150/1) - When looking for a dark horse to win this tournament, Villegas is the guy that really stands out as an insane value. As previously mentioned, Villegas won this tournament in 2014 and he was pretty dominant in doing so, shooting a 17-under to defeat both Bill Haas and Fredrik Jacobson by a stroke. Being that this is the same course Villegas won on, there are plenty of reasons to believe that he is capable of performing at a high level here again. He’s worth putting a half-unit on at 150/11.

Odds to win Men’s 2016 Wyndham Championship -
Patrick Reed 19/1
Hideki Matsuyama 20/1
Rickie Fowler 22/1
Jim Furyk 23/1
Jon Rahm 23/1
Brandt Snedeker 27/1
Ryan Moore 27/1
Webb Simpson 27/1
Bill Haas 30/1
Jimmy Walker 33/1
Kevin Na 34/1
Wesley Bryan 40/1
Justin Thomas 44/1
Kevin Kisner 50/1
Rafa Cabrera Bello 50/1
Russell Henley 50/1
Scott Piercy 50/1
Tyrrell Hatton 50/1
William McGirt 50/1
Ben Martin 65/1
Harris English 65/1
Robert Garrigus 65/1
Adam Hadwin 70/1
J.B. Holmes 70/1
Jason Dufner 70/1
Keegan Bradley 70/1
Danny Lee 75/1
Bud Cauley 80/1
Chris Kirk 80/1
Graeme McDowell 80/1
Graham Delaet 80/1
Luke Donald 80/1
Martin Laird 80/1
Scott Brown 80/1
Shane Lowry 80/1
Troy Merritt 80/1
Robert Streb 85/1
Jerry Kelly 90/1
Si Woo Kim 90/1
Brian Harman 95/1
Kyle Reifers 95/1
Alex Cejka 100/1
Billy Horschel 100/1
Boo Weekley 100/1
Brian Stuard 100/1
Bryce Molder 100/1
Cameron Tringale 100/1
Chad Campbell 100/1
Chez Reavie 100/1
David Hearn 100/1
Freddie Jacobson 100/1
Jason Bohn 100/1
Jason Gore 100/1
Jason Kokrak 100/1
Johnson Wagner 100/1
Matt Jones 100/1
Patton Kizzire 100/1
Roberto Castro 100/1
Sean OHair 100/1
Spencer Levin 100/1
Sung Kang 100/1
Retief Goosen 110/1
Harold Varner III 120/1
Jonas Blixt 120/1
Andrew Landry 150/1
Andrew Loupe 150/1
Arjun Atwal 150/1
Camilo Villegas 150/1
Derek Ernst 150/1
Geoff Ogilvy 150/1
Henrik Norlander 150/1
Kelly Kraft 150/1
Luke Guthrie 150/1
Morgan Hoffmann 150/1
Scott Stallings 150/1
Steve Wheatcroft 150/1
Luke List 180/1
Whee Kim 180/1
Abraham Ancer 200/1
Cameron Smith 200/1
Ernie Els 200/1
Hunter Mahan 200/1
Michael Thompson 200/1
Miguel Angel Carballo 200/1
Rhein Gibson 200/1
Shawn Stefani 200/1
Steve Marino 200/1
Blayne Barber 220/1
Chris Stroud 220/1
Lucas Glover 220/1
Sam Saunders 220/1
Stuart Appleby 220/1
Ben Crane 250/1
David Toms 250/1
Greg Chalmers 250/1
John Huh 250/1
Jordan Niebrugge 250/1
Ken Duke 250/1
Kyle Stanley 250/1
Seung-Yul Noh 250/1
Stewart Cink 250/1
Thomas Aiken 250/1
Andres Gonzales 280/1
Bronson Burgoon 280/1
Nick Taylor 280/1
Alex Prugh 300/1
Angel Cabrera 300/1
Brett Stegmaier 300/1
Chesson Hadley 300/1
Derek Fathauer 300/1
Hiroshi Iwata 300/1
Mark Hubbard 300/1
Matt Every 300/1
Rob Oppenheim 300/1
Scott Langley 300/1
Tim Wilkinson 300/1
Tom Hoge 300/1
Will MacKenzie 300/1
Michael Kim 320/1
Cameron Percy 350/1
Joey Garber 350/1
Peter Malnati 350/1
Scott Pinckney 350/1
Brendon de Jonge 400/1
Carlos Ortiz 400/1
Chad Collins 400/1
Dawie Van Der Walt 400/1
J.J. Henry 400/1
Justin Leonard 400/1
Lee Mccoy 400/1
Mark Wilson 400/1
Tom Gillis 400/1
Tyler Aldridge 400/1
George McNeill 450/1
Rod Pampling 450/1
Brendon Todd 500/1
Brice Garnett 500/1
D.A. Points 500/1
D.H. Lee 500/1
Darron Stiles 500/1
Dicky Pride 500/1
Erik Compton 500/1
Greg Owen 500/1
Jarrod Lyle 500/1
Jerry Haas 500/1
Lucas Lee 500/1
Martin Piller 500/1
Neal Lancaster 500/1
Robert Allenby 500/1
Steven Bowditch 500/1
Tim Herron 500/1
Wes Roach 500/1

Odds Subject to Change

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

10 to Watch: Wyndham Championship
By Tom LaMarre, The Sports Xchange

1. Jimmy Walker, United States -- Playing for the first time since claiming his initial major title by holding off top-ranked Jason Day of Australia in the PGA Championship, Walker is looking for more after winning in bunches the last three seasons. After claiming his first PGA Tour victory in the Frys.com Open, he won twice more in the 2013-14 season, and last year he won twice in the first three months. A five-time winner since breaking through for his first victory at the age of 35, Walker is playing in the Wyndham for the sixth time, and even though he has missed the cut three times, he came close to winning in 2012. He opened with 66-62, and a 71 in round three proved to be costly, as he closed with a 67 to tie for fourth - four strokes behind champion Sergio Garcia.

2. Webb Simpson, United States -- The North Carolina native claimed the first of his four PGA Tour victories in the 2011 Wyndham, posting four scores of 67 or better to win by three strokes over George McNeil. Simpson, who played at Wake Forest on an Arnold Palmer Scholarship, missed the cut the first time he played at Sedgefield in 2009, but has finished outside the top 10 only twice in his last six appearances, also tying for eighth in 2010, tying for fifth in 2014 and tying for sixth last year. Not that the 2012 U.S. Open champion played badly in those other two years, tying 11th in 2013 after tying for 22nd the year before. Simpson has only two top-10 finishes this season, but tied for 13th in the PGA Championship, and Sedgefield always brings out his best.

3. Jim Furyk, United States -- Coming off his PGA Tour-record 58 and a tie for fifth in the Travelers Championship two weeks ago, Furyk is making his 10th start in what was the Greater Greensboro Open when he first played it in 1997. He recorded only his third top-10 finish in the event the last time he played it in 2011 in his only start at Sedgefield. He had a chance to win in 1999, when he shot 63 in the second round before eventually finishing second, two strokes behind Jesper Parnevik on Sweden. Furyk, who has 27 PGA Tour victories, got off to a late start this season following left wrist surgery, but his game started to come around when he tied for second behind Dustin Johnson in the U.S. Open at Baltusrol in June.

4. Hideki Matsuyama, Japan -- One of the players who skipped the Men's Olympic tournament in Rio de Janeiro over fears of the Zika virus, Matsuyama will tee it up for the first time since he tied for fourth in the PGA Championship at Baltusrol. He's had a big season, claiming his second PGA Tour victory in the Waste Management Phoenix Open, beating Rickie Fowler in a playoff. That was one of Matsuyama's six finishes in the top 10, including ties for seventh in the Masters and the Players Championship. He will be making his fourth start in the Wyndham, having missed the cut in the last two years after finishing solo 15th in 2013, when he shot 65 in the second round and 66 in the last.

5. Patrick Reed, United States -- Coming back from a tie for 11th with a final-round 64 in the Olympics, Reed is making his third appearance in the Wyndham Championship, and he claimed the first of his four PGA Tour victories at Sedgefield in 2013. He beat Jordan Spieth on the second hole of a playoff after nearly hitting his drive into the Woods, following with a brilliant shot from a poor lie to within seven feet and sinking the birdie putt. He tied for 24th in his title defense, following a 71 with three scores of 67 or better, but skipped the tournament last year. Reed hasn't won this year, but has been close with nine finishes in the top 10, including seconds in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and the Valero Texas Open.

6. Jon Rahm, Spain -- The rookie from Arizona State, the only two-time winner of the Haskins Award as NCAA player of the year, has proven that finishing as low amateur in a tie for 23rd at Baltusrol was no fluke. He has earned enough unofficial FedEx Cup points to lock up his PGA Tour card for next season, making the cut in all six tournaments he has played, including a tie for second in the RBC Canadian Open and a tie for third in the Quicken Loans National. Rahm, coming off a tie for 14th last week in the John Deere Classic, has finished outside the top 25 only twice and his adjusted scoring average of 69.070 would lead the PGA Tour if had enough rounds to qualify for the official ranking.

7. Ryan Moore, United States -- Taking no time off after claiming his fifth PGA Tour victory in the John Deere Classic, Moore will be back at Sedgefield, where he claimed his first title in his 112th start on the circuit in 2009. He closed with a 65 and then beat Kevin Stadler and Jason Bohn with a birdie on the third playoff hole. Moore will be making his ninth start in what was once the Greater Greensboro Open, and he also tied for sixth in 2006 and tied for 10th last year. He moved up to 23rd in the FedEx Cup standings with his victory last week and has finished in the top 10 on six occasions this year, including solo third in the Valspar Championship and a tie for fifth in the WGC-Dell Match Play Championship.

8. Rickie Fowler, United States -- Trying to bounce back from a disappointing tie for 37th in the Men's Olympic tournament, when he played well only in a third-round 64, Fowler will tee it up in the Wyndham Championship for the first time. He has run hot-and-cold this season, starting strong by finishing fifth in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions before losing in a playoff to Matsuyama in the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Then he tied for sixth in the Honda Classic, tied for eighth in the WGC-Cadillac Championship and tied for 10th in the Shell Houston Open. However, he has finished in the top 10 only twice in his last 10 tournaments and missed the cut four times, including three in a row at one point. The eighth-ranked player in the world figures to turn it around soon.

9. Bill Haas, United States -- Another North Carolina native who was an All-American at Wake Forest, Haas missed the cut the first four times he played in what is now the Wyndham Championship. However, he has turned that around with four top-10 finishes in his last seven appearances, including a tie for second two years ago. Haas chased Camilo Villegas all the way to the finish that year at Sedgefield, closing with a 64, but came up one stroke short. He also tied for 10th in 2009, tied for seventh in 2012 and tied for sixth last year. Haas is having a solid season with six results in the top 10, including a playoff loss to Charl Schwartzel in the Valspar Championship, in which he closed with a 72 and the South African caught him with a 67.

10. Brandt Snedeker, United States -- Sneds captured the first of his eight PGA Tour victories in what was then the Greater Greensboro Open in 2007 and is making his 10th start in what has become the Wyndham Championship. He shot 63 in the final round at Forest Oaks Country Club nine years ago to turn back Billy Mayfair, Jeff Overton and Tim Petrovic by two strokes. Snedeker also tied for fifth in 2009, tied for eighth the following year and tied for fifth in 2014. He got off to a great start this year, tying for third in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, losing in a playoff to Fabian Gomez of Argentina in the Sony Open in Hawaii and winning the Farmers Insurance Open. But he has only three top-10 finishes since, the latest a tie for fifth RBC Canadian Open last month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

PGA Tour Picks: Wyndham Championship Odds and Expert Betting Predictions
by Alan Matthews

I focused my preview last week on the John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour and barely touched on the Olympic tournament in Rio. But clearly I'm an Olympic genius because my pick to win the gold medal was Great Britain's Justin Rose, and he did so, paying out at +1000. He beat Henrik Stenson, the Swede and tournament favorite, by two shots. I also pegged Patrick Reed as the top of four American golfers, but he finished T11. Matt Kuchar was the top finisher from the USA by earning the bronze medal.

As for the John Deere, Ryan Moore was the winner for his fifth career PGA Tour title. Moore shot a final-round 67 (he shot 65s the first three days to enter Sunday up by a shot) to finish at 22-under 262 at TPC Deere Run, two shots ahead of Ben Martin. Moore led the field in tee-to-green, sand saves, scrambling and greens in regulation (83.3 percent). Since Moore added the John Deere Classic back to his schedule in 2012, he hasn't finished outside the Top 25 in five starts. Moore jumped up to 23rd in the FedEx Cup points from 62nd, greatly improving his chances of being able to play in the season-ending Tour Championship. The Top 30 in points after the first three playoff events qualify there. Moore hasn't qualified for the Tour Championship since 2012.

My pick to win was Quad Cities local boy Zach Johnson, who always plays well in the John Deere. He started strong with an opening 65, but that would be his best round by far and he finished at 9-under and T34. I missed on Top 10s for Scott Brown (T16) and Matt Jones (T27) but hit a few head-to-head props.

This week the Tour heads to the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C. It's the last event before the FedEx Cup playoffs, and you have to be in the Top 125 points to qualify for the first playoff event. Johnson Wagner was the bubble boy at No. 125 entering last week, but he was fifth at the John Deere and is now safe at No. 109 in the points. Martin jumped from No. 121 to No. 59. Whee Kim's third-place finish jumped him from No. 154 to No. 125. If you are wondering, the guy at No. 126 right now is Scott Stallings.

The defending champion is 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III, one of the most unlikely winners last year at age 51, making him the third-oldest Tour winner ever. He entered the final round tied for 10th and four shots back but put up a 64 on Sunday on the par-70 layout to finish at 17-under for the tournament, edging out 54-hole leader Jason Gore by one shot. It was Love's third win in this event but first anywhere in seven years. The oldest Tour winner ever was Sam Snead at 52 years and 10 months at the 1965 Wyndham Championship. That was the last of his record 82 career victories. The win jumped Love from No. 186 to 76 in points last year. That was the largest jump in FedEx Cup history the week before the playoffs started. Tiger Woods was in contention through three rounds last year but shot a final-round 70 to finish T10. That was his last Tour event.

Love isn't defending his title. Every player ranked between 101 and 135 has entered the field except No. 114 Anirban Lahiri of India. A total of 10 of the world's Top 30 are set to play. It's the first event for Jim Furyk since his record 58 two weeks ago at the Travelers Championship.

Golf Odds: Wyndham Championship Favorites

Reed is the favorite at +1600. His T11 last week was his fifth straight finish of at least 14th around the world. Reed won his first PGA Tour title here in 2013, beating Jordan Spieth in a playoff. Reed last played here in 2014 and was 24th.

Hideki Matsuyama is +2000. He last played at the PGA Championship and was T4 but has missed the cut here the past two years. Rickie Fowler (also +2000) was a late addition to the field as he tries to earn more Ryder Cup points. He has fallen to 12th place in the Ryder Cup standings. The Top 8 players in the points standings after next week's playoff-opening event will automatically qualify for the 12-member USA team. Fowler was 47th last week and hasn't been playing very well. He has never played here.

Furyk, Brandt Snedeker, Moore (all +2200), Jon Rahm and Webb Simpson (both +2500) round out the favorites. Snedeker won this tournament in 2007 and Moore in 2009.

Golf Odds: Wyndham Championship Picks

For a Top 10, go with Furyk (+200), Simpson (+225) and Bill Haas (+275). Head to head, I like Reed (-130) over Fowler (even), Furyk (-110) over Matsuyama (-120), Snedeker (-105) over Moore (-125), Simpson (-110) over Rahm (-120), and Haas (-110) over Kevin Na (-120).

I'm torn between Simpson and Haas (+2800) to win. The site offers a Reed/Matsuyama prop vs. the field, Fowler/Furyk vs. the field and Snedeker/Rahm/Moore vs. the field but nothing with Simpson and Haas.

Simpson is from the Charlotte area, won here in 2011, has Top-5 finishes the past two years and even named his daughter Wyndham. Haas has three Top-6 finishes here the past four years, led by a runner-up in 2014. Simpson is playing better at the moment so I'll take him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rio 2016 Olympic betting cheat sheet and odds: Struggles? What Struggles?
By MONTY ANDREWS

We break down the final four days of Rio 2016 Olympic betting action with our betting cheat sheet. The gold medal matches in men's and women's basketball, the 200m and 4x100m races on the track, and women's golf all highlight the last few days before our Olympic hangovers begin.

Happy Hosts?

The host country could find itself padding its medal total in team sports over the final few days of competition. The men’s volleyball team is a +125 favorite to capture the gold medal, while the women are also expected to go all the way and are -500 to beat China in quarterfinal action. The highly touted men’s soccer team is also pegged as the team beat, listed at -163 entering semifinal action.

Struggles? What Struggles?

Oddsmakers don’t seem overly concerned with the way in which the U.S. men’s basketball team has extended its undefeated run in Rio. Despite playing three consecutive games that wound up being a lot closer than supporters would have liked, the star-laden American team covered the spread against Argentina Wednesday and are a whopping -1,429 favorite to repeat as gold medalists. Spain (+1,800) and Serbia (+2,200) have the best odds to join the U.S. on the podium.

Queen of the Course

Women’s golf gets underway Wednesday with opening-round action at the Olympic Golf Course. Lydia Ko comes in as the favorite at +275, with Ariya Jutanugarn (+650) and Stacy Lewis (+1,200) rounding out the top three in oddsmakers’ eyes. Lewis and Lexi Thompson (+138) have the edge for top American honors ahead of Gerina Piller (+300). Great Britain’s Justin Rose claimed the men’s title last week, edging out Henrik Stenson.

A Relay Great Event

Track fans will be flooding into Olympic Stadium on Friday night as the men’s 4x100m relay takes center stage. The Jamaican team, led by three-time 100m Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt and national champion Yohan Blake, is an overwhelming -400 favorite. The Americans (+275) have the best shot at pulling off the upset, while Great Britain (+2,200), France (+2,500) and Canada (+2,800) are also in the mix for a medal.

Gold Medal Event Schedule (all times ET; live TV listed where applicable):

Thursday, August 18

8:08 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Men’s kayak double 1,000m final
8:23 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Men’s canoe single 200m final
8:47 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Men’s kayak double 200m final
9:11 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Women’s kayak single 500m final
10:00 a.m.: Triathlon - Men’s race
11:00 a.m.: Athletics - Men’s 400m hurdles final
11:30 a.m.: Badminton - Women’s doubles gold-medal match
12:05 p.m.: Sailing - 49er men’s medal race
1:05 p.m.: Sailing - 49er FX women’s medal race
2:30 p.m.: Boxing - Men’s light heavyweight (81kg) final bout
3:00 p.m.: Diving - Women’s 10m platform final
4:00 p.m.: Field hockey - Men’s gold-medal match
4:05 p.m.: Wrestling - Women’s freestyle 53kg gold-medal match
4:45 p.m.: Wrestling - Women’s freestyle 63kg gold-medal match
5:35 p.m.: Wrestling - Women’s freestyle 75kg gold-medal match
7:30 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s shot put final
8:10 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s javelin throw final
8:56 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s decathlon final event (1,500m)
9:00 p.m.: Taekwondo - Women’s 57kg gold-medal match
9:15 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s 400m hurdles final
9:15 p.m.: Taekwondo - Men’s 68kg gold-medal match
9:30 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s 200m final
10:59 p.m.: Beach Volleyball - Men’s gold-medal match

Friday, August 19

7:00 a.m.: Athletics - Men’s 50km race walk
10:00 a.m.: Badminton - Women’s singles gold-medal match
10:50 a.m.: Badminton - Men’s doubles gold-medal match
11:00 a.m.: Synchronized swimming - Teams free routine
12:30 p.m.: Equestrian - Jumping individual final
1:30 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s 20km race walk
2:00 p.m.: Cycling BMX - Women’s final
2:10 p.m.: Cycling BMX - Men’s final
2:30 p.m.: Water polo - Women’s gold-medal match
3:00 p.m.: Boxing - Women’s lightweight (57-60kg) final bout
4:00 p.m.: Field hockey - Women’s gold-medal match
4:30 p.m.: Soccer - Women’s gold-medal match
4:40 p.m.: Wrestling - Men’s freestyle 74kg gold-medal match
5:00 p.m.: Modern pentathlon - Women’s combined running/shooting
5:20 p.m.: Wrestling - Men’s freestyle 57kg gold-medal match
7:30 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s pole vault final
8:05 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s hammer throw final
8:40 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s 5,000m final
9:00 p.m.: Taekwondo - Women’s 67kg gold-medal contest
9:15 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s 4x100m relay final
9:15 p.m.: Taekwondo - Men’s 80kg gold-medal contest
9:35 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s 4x100m relay final

Saturday, August 20

6:00 a.m.: Golf - Women’s final round
8:07 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Men’s kayak single 200m final
8:20 a.m.: Badminton - Men’s singles gold-medal match
8:22 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Men’s canoe double 1,000m final
8:47 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Women’s kayak four 500m final
9:12 a.m.: Canoe sprint - Men’s kayak four 1,000m final
10:00 a.m.: Triathlon - Women’s race
11:30 a.m.: Cycling mountain bike - Women’s cross-country
1:00 p.m.: Boxing - Women’s flyweight (48-51 kg) final bout
1:15 p.m.: Boxing - Men’s bantamweight (56kg) final bout
2:00 p.m.: Boxing - Men’s middleweight (75kg) final bout
2:30 p.m.: Basketball - Women’s gold-medal game
2:30 p.m.: Handball - Women’s gold-medal match
3:30 p.m.: Diving - Men’s 10m platform final
3:59 p.m.: Rhythmic gymnastics - individual all-around final
4:30 p.m.: Soccer - Men’s gold-medal match
4:50 p.m.: Water polo - Men’s gold-medal match
5:00 p.m.: Modern pentathlon - Men’s running/shooting
7:30 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s high jump final
7:55 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s javelin throw final
8:00 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s 1,500m final
8:15 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s 800m final
8:30 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s 5,000m final
9:00 p.m.: Athletics - Women’s 4x400m relay final
9:00 p.m.: Taekwondo - Women’s 67kg gold-medal contest
9:15 p.m.: Taekwondo - Men’s 80kg gold-medal contest
9:15 p.m.: Volleyball - Women’s gold-medal match
9:35 p.m.: Athletics - Men’s 4x400m relay final
TBD: Wrestling - Men’s freestyle 125kg gold-medal match; men’s freestyle 86kg gold-medal match

Sunday, August 21

8:30 a.m.: Athletics - Men’s marathon
10:50 a.m.: Rhythmic gymnastics - Group all-around final
11:30 a.m.: Cycling mountain bike - Men’s cross-country
12:15 p.m.: Volleyball - Men’s gold-medal match
1:00 p.m.: Handball - Men’s gold-medal match
1:00 p.m.: Boxing - Women’s middleweight (69-75kg) final bout
1:15 p.m.: Boxing - Men’s flyweight (52kg) final bout
2:00 p.m.: Boxing - Men’s light welterweight (64kg) final bout
2:15 p.m.: Boxing - Men’s super heavyweight (91kg) final bout
2:45 p.m.: Basketball - Men’s gold-medal game
TBD: Wrestling - Men’s freestyle 65kg gold-medal match; men’s freestyle 97kg gold-medal match

Top Favorite Play

British triathlete Alistair Brownlee (-138) is one of the safest plays left on the docket. The defending Olympic gold medalist has dominated international competition, including a first-place finish at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Toronto. Mario Mola (+225) and Alistair’s younger brother Jonathan (+600) will challenge, but this is Alistair’s race to lose.

Top Underdog Play

She isn’t considered a favorite to even reach the podium, but Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson (+1,600) deserves your attention. The 18-year-old phenom has a pair of LPGA Tour victories to her credit this season, including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship - a tournament in which she defeated Ko in a playoff. She’s a longshot, but has the skill set to win.

Key Stats and Trends

— Switzerland is the only country with multiple gold medals in the triathlon since the event was added to the Olympics in 2000. A win by either Brownlee brother would move Britain even.

— China has won gold or silver in the women’s 10m platform diving competition in every Olympics since 1984. Ren Qian (+100 to win) is a heavy favorite to extend the nation’s streak.

— France is the only team in Olympic men’s handball history to win consecutive titles, turning the trick in 2008 and 2012. The French side is a healthy -105 favorite to make it three in a row.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Preseason Tips
By Kevin Rogers

Eagles at Steelers (-3 ½, 40 ½) – 7:00 PM EST

Philadelphia
Head Coach: Doug Pederson (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS record in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel, McLeod Bethel-Thompson
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Jeff McLane

Philadelphia took advantage of a fumble on the opening kickoff by Tampa Bay and scored two early touchdowns in a 17-9 victory as three-point favorites last Thursday. Carson Wentz put together a less than stellar NFL debut by completing 12-of-24 passes for 89 yards, while getting intercepted once. Wentz will not play this week as he suffered a rib injury in the win. Philadelphia posted 188 yards of offense, compared to 329 yards by Tampa Bay, but the Eagles’ defense intercepted the Buccaneers three times and recovered two fumbles. The Eagles are listed as a preseason underdog for the first time since a 42-35 loss at New England (+2) in Week 2 of the 2014 exhibition season.

Pittsburgh
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin (21-18 SU, 16-22-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Dustin Vaughan
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Mark Kaboly

Many of Pittsburgh’s key offensive weapons watched from the sidelines in its preseason opening loss to Detroit. However, the Steelers defense was shredded by the Lions, allowing 379 yards in a 30-17 defeat, while also giving up a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Gradkowski is sidelined for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, while Roethlisberger, running backs Le’Veon Bell, DeAngelo Williams, and wide receiver Antonio Brown will sit once again. The Steelers have lost seven of their last eight preseason games, but Pittsburgh has won each of its past two home exhibition openers over Green Bay (2015) and Buffalo (2014).

Bengals at Lions (-2 ½, 41) – 7:30 PM EST

Cincinnati
Head Coach: Marvin Lewis (28-26 SU, 28-25-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Andy Dalton, A.J. McCarron, Keith Wenning, Joe Licata (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Jim Owczarski

Cincinnati’s offense found the end zone only once in its 17-16 preseason opening defeat to Minnesota last Friday. The Bengals returned a punt for an 80-yard touchdown in the final minutes of regulation, but went for a two-point conversion and failed to lose by a point as the game closed at a pick-em. Cincinnati’s quarterbacks combined to throw for 249 yards, including 125 and a touchdown from A.J. McCarron. Five straight preseason games for the Bengals have finished UNDER the total, while Cincinnati has lost its last two Game 2’s of the preseason.

Detroit
Head Coach: Jim Caldwell (9-12 SU, 11-10 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Jake Rudock (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Dave Birkett

The Lions overcame an early interception return for a touchdown by Pittsburgh to pound the Steelers, 30-17. Although Stafford saw limited action (4-of-6, 58 yards), Orlovsky stepped up by throwing for 164 yards and a touchdown in the win. Detroit has won seven consecutive home exhibition games dating back to 2012, while owning a 6-1 ATS record in its last seven preseason contests in the favorite role. However, the Lions have lost three consecutive Week 2 games in the preseason, all of which came on the road.

Raiders at Packers (-3, 42 ½) – 8:00 PM EST

Oakland
Head Coach: Jack Del Rio (23-18 SU, 22-17-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Connor Cook (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Vic Tafur

The Raiders turned in one of the more impressive performances in Week 1 by routing the Cardinals, 31-10 as 2 ½-point underdogs. George Atkinson III rushed for a pair of touchdowns and 97 yards on the ground as Oakland put up 166 yards rushing. The Raiders did allow 383 yards defensively, but Oakland created three turnovers. Oakland hasn’t won consecutive preseason games since 2010, while owning a 1-10 SU and 2-9 ATS road exhibition record in the last 11 on the highway.

Green Bay
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy (21-20 SU, 21-20 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Brett Hundley, Joe Callahan (Rookie), Marquise Williams (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Rob Demovsky

Aaron Rodgers will likely sit out his second straight preseason game after the Packers’ star didn’t play in a 17-11 home victory over the Browns last Friday. Rodgers will probably play only once in the preseason in Week 3 against the 49ers, as rookies Callahan and Williams combined to throw for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Cleveland. The Packers hope to get Hundley some reps after missing the Cleveland game with an ankle injury. Green Bay has won four of its past five preseason contests at Lambeau Field, including a 31-21 triumph over Oakland as seven-point favorites in 2014.

Bears at Patriots (-4, 40 ½) – 8:00 PM EST

Chicago
Head Coach: John Fox (31-26 SU, 27-29-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, David Fales, Connor Shaw
Beat Twitter Follow: Zach Zaidman

The Bears put together the worst performance in the opening week of preseason by getting shut out at home by the Broncos, 22-0. Chicago amassed 194 yards, which included only 48 yards on the ground. The only good news is the Bears allowed just one offensive touchdown, as the second touchdown the Broncos scored came on a blocked punt in the end zone. Chicago has won four consecutive Game 2’s of the preseason, while the Bears have cashed the UNDER in four straight exhibition games overall.

New England
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (47-39 SU, 43-36-7 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Ben Volin

The Patriots’ defense found the end zone twice in last Thursday’s 34-22 victory over the Saints as New England returned an interception and a fumble for scores. Brady sat out last week as his replacement for the first four games of the regular season stepped up as Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 168 yards. New England rushed for 151 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown scamper by Tyler Gaffney. Brady is hoping to take some snaps against the Bears, as the Patriots go for their fourth consecutive Week 2 preseason victory.

Falcons at Browns (-2 ½, 37) – 8:00 PM EST

Atlanta
Head Coach: Dan Quinn (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Sean Renfree, Matt Simms
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Atlanta took control against Washington in the second quarter of its preseason opener by scoring 13 points en route to a 23-17 home victory. The Falcons covered as three-point favorites, as Schaub put together a solid performance by completing 10-of-15 passes for 179 yards. Atlanta outgained Washington by 125 yards to win its third consecutive exhibition opener. However, the Falcons have lost five of their last six exhibition games away from the Georgia Dome, including an 0-3 ATS mark as a road underdog of three points or less.

Cleveland
Head Coach: Hue Jackson (0-5 SU, 0-5 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, Cody Kessler, Austin Davis
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Mary Kay Cabot

The Browns managed to put together this scoring line in their opener against the Packers: 2-3-6-0. Cleveland picked up an early safety, a 46-yard field goal, and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Kessler to Rashard Higgins, but missed the two-point conversion. The Browns fell to the Packers, 17-11, as Green Bay recorded two safeties on defense. Griffin threw for 67 yards and was intercepted once in his Cleveland debut as he tries to get comfortable running the Browns offense. Cleveland owns a 2-7 SU and 3-6 ATS record in its past nine preseason games, while losing three of its previous four home exhibition contests.

Vikings at Seahawks (-3 ½, 38 ½) – 10:00 PM EST

Minnesota
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer (9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Joel Stave (Rookie)
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Chris Tomasson

The Vikings continued their preseason success under Zimmer by holding off the Bengals, 17-16 in a pick-em role. Minnesota has held eight of 10 opponents to 17 points or less in the preseason since 2014, while winning four of five road games. Even though this is an exhibition game, the Vikings would like to put together a good performance against the Seahawks after losing twice to Seattle last season, including a 10-9 defeat in the Wild Card round.

Seattle
Head Coach: Pete Carroll (26-16 SU, 28-13-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Russell Wilson, Trevone Boykin, Jake Heaps
Beat Writer Twitter Follow: Bob Condotta

The Seahawks have been a strong preseason team under Carroll as Seattle erased a 16-6 deficit to stun Kansas City last Saturday, 17-16. Boykin, the former TCU standout, found Tanner McEvoy in the end zone from 37 yards out on the final play to give the Seahawks the win and the cover as 3 ½-point underdogs. Boykin threw for 188 yards in his NFL debut, while the Seahawks racked up 358 yards of offense. Since 2012, the Seahawks have put together a 7-1 SU/ATS record at home in the preseason with the lone loss coming to Denver last season in a two-point defeat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 2 Preseason Trends
By Marc Lawrence

Preseason Coaching Records

Week 2 of the NFL Preseason kicks off Thursday and concludes Saturday with 16 games on tap.

Handicapping exhibitions isn’t easy but veteran NFL Handicapper Marc Lawrence is here to help in the second week.

Looking at the below table from Lawrence’s PLAYBOOK magazine, you can view the Against the Spread records for all 32 teams from 1983.

Along with the overall ATS marks, Lawrence has identified Most Recent ATS trends for each team as well.

Best Week 2 Overall ATS Records (Week 2 Opponent)

Minnesota Vikings 20-11 (at Seattle)
Miami Dolphins 19-11 (at Dallas)
New York Jets 21-10 (at Washington)
Philadelphia Eagles 21-11 (at Pittsburgh)

Worst Week 2 Overall ATS Records (Week 2 Opponent)

Kansas City Chiefs 6-26 (at Los Angeles)
Indianapolis Colts 13-20 (vs. Baltimore)

Most Recent Week 2 ATS Trends to Watch (Week 2 Opponent)

-- Carolina Panthers 2-7 ATS last nine (at Tennessee)
-- Dallas Cowboys 0-6 last six (vs. Miami)
-- Kansas City Chiefs 0-13 last 13 (at Los Angeles)
-- L.A. Rams 2-9 last 11 (vs. Kansas City)
-- Miami Dolphins 9-1 last 10 (at Dallas)

Listed below are all of the Week 2 ATS Preseason Trends for all 32 NFL teams.

Week 2 ATS Preseason Record (1983-2015)

Team ATS Record Most Recent ATS Trend

Arizona Cardinals 18-15 3-7
Atlanta Falcons 18-15 1-3
Baltimore Ravens 18-13 1-3
Buffalo Bills 14-17 2-0
Carolina Panthers 8-13 2-7
Chicago Bears 14-17 1-0
Cincinnati Bengals 13-19 0-2
Cleveland Browns 8-9 0-1
Dallas Cowboys 15-18 0-6
Denver Broncos 18-13 2-0
Detroit Lions 17-16 4-2
Green Bay Packers 18-15 5-2
Houston Texans 9-5 4-1
Indianapolis Colts 13-20 0-2
Jacksonville Jaguars 9-12 2-6
Kansas City Chiefs 6-26 0-13
Los Angeles Rams 13-20 2-9
Miami Dolphins 19-11 9-1
Minnesota Vikings 20-11 7-2
New England Patriots 18-14 5-1
New Orleans Saints 19-12 3-1
New York Giants 18-14 4-1
New York Jets 21-10 6-1
Oakland Raiders 12-21 0-3
Philadelphia Eagles 21-11 3-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 14-17 1-3
San Diego Chargers 19-14 4-1
San Francisco 49ers 17-15 4-2
Seattle Seahawks 18-15 4-0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-17 1-4
Tennessee Titans 18-14 5-2
Washington Redskins 15-15 1-0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'NFLX Week-2'

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks August 18, 10:00 EST

One barometer used by handicappers in these meaningless games is to identify coaches who have a history of instilling a winning attitude during practice season. Case in point, it doesn’t matter if it’s the preseason, Seahawks' coach Pete Caroll wants to win. After posting a 17-16 victory over Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday as +3.5 point underdog Caroll's troops are now 13-4 SU/ATS going back to the 2012 tune-up tilts.

Much the same can be said about Vikings coach Mike Zimmer who is shaping up to be one of the few coaches putting an emphasis on winning these meaningless games. Beating Bengals 17-16 in the NFLX opener has Zimmer's troops 9-1 with a money making 8-2 mark at the betting window in HOF/Preseason games since taking over the reigns in 2014.

Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions August 18, 7:30 EST
For whatever reason there is one contant with the Detroit Lions in these 'meaningless' preseason games. Since 2009 the team has won at an impressive 75.8% clip going 22-7 SU with a sparkling 21-8 record against the betting line which includes 13-1 SU, 11-3 ATS in front of the home audience.

N.Y. Giants at Buffalo Bills August 20, 4:00 EST
Another constant in preseason, you bet Buffalo at great risk. The Bills nipped by Colts in week-one are now 9-22 SU since 2009 with a 10-20-1 record against the betting line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NFL notebook: Cardinals' Arians released from hospital
By The Sports Xchange

Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians was released from a San Diego hospital on Wednesday after he experienced stomach pain during the team's practice with the Chargers on Tuesday night.
The team said Arians rejoined the Cardinals at their San Diego hotel and was resting.
Arians later told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he had suffered a bout of diverticulitis, which is inflammation of the digestive tract.

-- Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus told reporters that a missed drug test is the reason behind his four-game suspension.
"It was a missed test, but at the same time things got out -- people said this, people said that and I got scolded about it. But at the same time, I know who I have to answer to and that's what it is," Dareus said Wednesday, one day after he was banned for violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
General manager Doug Whaley and coach Rex Ryan were quick to question the decisions of Dareus, who signed a six-year, $96.5 million deal with the Bills last year that included $60 million in guaranteed money.

-- The Cleveland Browns suspended defensive back K'Waun Williams for two weeks and fined him for multiple violations of team rules.
Sources told Cleveland.com that the penalties were the result of Williams refusing to play in the Browns' preseason opener in Green Bay on Friday night. The game check amounts to about $35,294 -- 1/17th of his $600,000 salary.
Williams left Green Bay claiming he was going to retire and then came back the next day saying his ankle was injured. He was still ailing from the ankle injury that was aggravated while defending Rashard Higgins on a pass from Robert Griffin III in the Orange and Brown scrimmage at Ohio State on Aug. 6, according to Cleveland.com.

-- Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe needed assistance to leave the field after sustaining an ankle injury during the team's joint practice session with the San Francisco 49ers.
"He rolled his ankle," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We'll get it looked at here at lunch. I was on the other field so I have to go watch the play, but from my understanding he rolled his ankle."
Wolfe was injured while rushing up the field during a drill. Kubiak did not offer a timetable for his return.

-- New York Giants kicker Josh Brown received a one-game suspension from the NFL for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
It was not known what warranted the suspension for Brown, who is eligible to return after the Giants' season-opening game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 11.
"While I do not agree with the suspension, I will accept it," Brown said in a statement. "I have exhausted the appeals process and have no other options along those lines. I will continue to work hard for this team, and I have tremendous confidence in my teammates and in my ability to move on and contribute to the team."

-- The Miami Dolphins have sold their stadium naming rights to Hard Rock International.
Sources told SportsBusinessDaily that the Orlando-based Hard Rock company has signed an 18-year deal to rename the building Hard Rock Stadium. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the overall value reportedly places it among the top three deals in the NFL.
The 29-year-old stadium is home to the Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes and Orange Bowl game. The facility is currently undergoing a two-year, $500 million renovation and will play host to Super Bowl LIV in 2020.

-- The Tennessee Titans activated rookie linebacker Kevin Dodd from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday and signed wide receivers Jarrod West and Donte Foster.
Dodd, the Titans' second-round pick (33rd overall) out of Clemson in April's draft, was placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp following foot surgery.
Dodd is expected to provide depth at the outside linebacker spot behind Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo.

-- The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent safety Alden Darby.
The 5-foot-10, 194-pound Darby most recently participated in the offseason program and training camp with the New Orleans Saints before being waived on Aug. 6. In 2015, he spent most of the season on the Saints' practice squad after participating in training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers and being waived during final cuts.
Darby participated in the 2014 offseason program with the San Diego Chargers but was waived during training camp. He originally signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona State on May 10, 2014.

-- The Jacksonville Jaguars signed free agent offensive lineman Jacques McClendon on Wednesday.
McClendon, 28, played for the Jaguars in 2013-14. He spent the entire offseason with the Miami Dolphins before being released last week.
McClendon also has been with Indianapolis, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Atlanta. He has five starts among his 25 career games.

-- The Detroit Lions signed free agent offensive lineman Lemuel Jeanpierre and waived wide receiver Alex Chisum.
Jeanpierre joins the Lions following a five-year career with the Seattle Seahawks (2011-15), with whom he appeared in 63 games (11 starts). He played in 10 contests last season for Seattle, including both of the team's two playoff games at Minnesota and Carolina.
Chisum signed with the Lions on Aug. 8 following a four-year career at the University of Cincinnati (2011-12, 2014-15), where he missed the 2013 season as a medical redshirt. In 51 games for the Bearcats, he had 88 receptions for 1,159 yards and five touchdowns.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

California Chrome was installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar seeking his fifth win in a row.

Standing in his way is the defending champ Beholder, who will take on the boys again despite having an eight race winning streak snapped last out by Stellar Wind in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) on July 30. The mare is the 3-1 third choice on the morning line.

The second choice is not getting nearly as much attention. The Bob Baffert trained Dortmund is the 5-2 second choice and is making his second start off an eight-month layoff.

He gave California Chrome about as much as he could handle coming off the bench, beaten just a half-length in the San Diego Handicap (G2) last out.

The trio are three of the main contenders and early favorites for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 5 at Santa Anita.

California Chrome is the current favorite in early Classic betting at +300. Beholder is listed at +450 while Dortmund can be had at +1600.

I will have selections for the race coming up on Saturday.

There is plenty of star power at Saratoga on Saturday as well. The undefeated Songbird puts her perfect record at risk as the heavy favorite for the $500,000 Alabama (G1). Six foes will line up to take her on in the 1 ¼ mile event on the main track.

The co-feature on Saturday is the $500,000 Fourstardave (G1) which was canceled last Saturday due to the weather. A field of nine will line up to go one mile on the inner turf course.


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

SAR Race 1 Clm $32,000 (1:00 ET)
#4 Dream Man 9-5
#5 Artic North 4-1
#1 Winger Springs 2-1
#6 Dendrite 9-2

Analysis: Dream Man was outrun in the early going and came with a mild late run to finish in the runner up spot last out against $25,000 claimers. The gelding was claimed out of the race by the Contessa barn that is 8% winners first off the claim. The gelding won for a $25,000 tag two back. By Unbridled's Song out of a Storm Cat mare, he has enough pedigree to handle the extra ground.

Artic North had to check in traffic heading into the first turn and faded to finish ninth last out against open $40,000 foes. His last win came at 1 1/2 miles on turf at Belmont Park last May. He drops into a softer spot here for the Cannizzo barn. He looks primed for a good effort here as he makes his third start off the bench.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 4,5 / 1,4,5
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 9 The Union Avenue (5:40 ET)
#6 Dr. Fager's Gal 7-2
#7 Hot City Girl 2-1
#3 Quezon 3-1
#4 Court Dancer 6-1

Analysis: Dr. Fager's Gal ships in from the west coast for the Hollendorfer barn. Last out the filly tracked the early pace and finished evenly in a fourth place finish in the restricted CERF at Del Mar. She won a stake at Los Al last year and two back was beaten just a head in the Saylorville at Prairie Meadows in the mud. Shew owns a solid pace profile throughout and should get a good tracking trip sitting just off the pace.

Hot City Girl pressed the early pace and weakened to finish third last out in the state bred Dancing Renee her first start off a 4 1/2 month break. The half sis of champion sprinter La Verdad had a solid '15, landing in the exacta in 6 of 9 starts including a win in the Charles Town oaks (G3) and a runner up in the La Brea (G1) at Santa Anita. She owns solid early and mid pace numbers but there are a couple of foes in here that will keep her honest early.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 3,4,6,7
TRI: 6,7 / 3,4,6,7 / 3,4,5,6,7

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
R4: #2 Becker’s Galaxy 8-1
R5: #9 Emiliana’s Hope 10-1
R6: #4 Dab 10-1
R6: #10 Blame the Thief 8-1
R8: #6 Flashaway 10-1
R10: #1 Catapult Jack 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rocksprings

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

Race 4 - Post: 1:51 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$1500 - FREE FOR ALL . . . SADDLE PAD COLOR: GREEN
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 1 FINAL BREATH 6/1
# 3 RITZ TRACKER 2/1
# 2 MOCKING JAY 4/1

Hey, listen up! FINAL BREATH is the wise wager if you like to win. Has formidable speed ratings and positively has to be considered for a play in this race. This fine animal looks tough considering the high class stats. We wouldn't recommend tossing out of any exotics. Competing sharply, earned a clear-cut TrackMaster speed fig in his last race (84). RITZ TRACKER - Worth considering here looking at the rankings in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. It's chancy to consider based only on class, but this gelding has among the strongest class rankings of the field. MOCKING JAY - This gelding has the ability to take above average advantage of a favorable pace scenario in this gathering. This nice horse and Vigneron have an excellent working relationship. In the money percent for this partnership is high.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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

Race 1 - Post: 7:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$8500 - F& M NON-WINNERS OF $5,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $20,000 IN 2016 NOT ELIGIBLE. HORSES WITH LESS THAN $3,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS NE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $12,500
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 NIPPY W HANOVER 3/2
# 4 KIDDIE MCCARDLE 4/1
# 1 NORTHERN DALI 4/1

Hey, listen up! NIPPY W HANOVER is the sharp bet if you like to win. Have a feeling this one might contend here. Seems to have a nice class edge based on the field of horses she has raced against. Many top players will recognize the excellent speed fig in the last affair. Stacks up against any horse in this grouping. KIDDIE MCCARDLE - She's racing in fine form, recording very promising speed figs. An excellent pick. The handicapping team always pays close attention to fine animals with an change in equipment. Going back to hopples for this mare. NORTHERN DALI - Competing soundly, achieved a very promising TrackMaster Speed Rating in her last race (80). A very good play in here as she has one of the highest winning percents in the group of horses as well as terrific credentials all around.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 71

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 18 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 4 EXPECT ROYAL 2/1

# 5 TRUKARMA 3/1

# 1 ELLA'S TOP CAT 4/1

I've got to go with EXPECT ROYAL. Has been running admirably and has among the most favorable speed in the race for today's distance. Recorded a formidable speed rating in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. His 68 average has this colt with among the best speed figures here. TRUKARMA - Must be given consideration as he drops to compete against this easier lot. Must be considered given the class of races run recently. ELLA'S TOP CAT - Is a sharp contender based on figures put up lately under today's conditions. He must be given a shot given the strong speed figs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10450 Class Rating: 86

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 18 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000. OKLAHOMA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $6,250.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 9 MYSTERIOUS PROMISE 8/1

# 3 SHORE TO SHORE 8/1

# 4 DARING ARTAX 12/1

I give the nod to MYSTERIOUS PROMISE in this competition and is a very good value bet given the line at 8/1. This equine could upset this field of horses at a nice price. He looks very good in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the midpoint. Had one of the top speed figures of this group in his last contest. SHORE TO SHORE - Put up a strong speed rating in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. Is a strong contender based on figures garnered lately under today's conditions. DARING ARTAX - Ran a very strong last race. Should land in the top three without any worries.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Penn National - Race #6 - Post: 8:16pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,400 Class Rating: 74

Rating:

#4 CHILEAN BROTHERS (ML=2/1)


CHILEAN BROTHERS - This gelding is in superb physical condition right now. Finished first in the last race and comes back promptly. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 GRIS HOMBRE (ML=3/1), #7 HARLAN'S TRUMPET (ML=6/1), #2 LITTLE ROCCO (ML=6/1),

GRIS HOMBRE - Substandard fig last out at Parx Racing at 5 1/2 furlongs. Don't believe this racer will improve too much in today's event. HARLAN'S TRUMPET - The fifth place finish last time around the track coming after the extended rest time is undeniably not a healthy signal. This gelding hasn't had any recent accomplishments in sprint events. I find it hard to wager on him in this event. LITTLE ROCCO - Just can't bet on this less than sharp equine. Didn't show me anything positive in the last race or on Jun 11th.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#4 CHILEAN BROTHERS is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass