Picks

Raiders Not Willing To Trade Bush

Stop the presses - have the Oakland Raiders actually started to figure things out? Most NFL betting tips over the last decade have been why someone should bet against the pathetic Oakland Raiders, but now it appears that the tide has turned a bit. For starters, they acquired Jason Campbell, which was a shrewd move. Secondly, they cut ties with JaMarcus Russell, who is one of the biggest busts in NFL history. Now they are continuing to make smart moves in their back field.

College football betting fans thought that Darren McFadden would be a stud when he made it to the next level but that has been far from the case. Granted, the Raiders - and the offense - haven't helped him much but it appears he'll have to share carries, or maybe even give some of his up, with a lower draft pick.

McFadden may be a combine star but Michael Bush has been more effective as a pro running back and the Raiders are not willing to part ways with him, even though opposing teams have been calling. Bush is a steady, reliable running and while McFadden has the razzle and dazzle, that hasn't produced much so far in his career. So far, he's been backseated for Justin Fargas and now Bush.

Bush helps the Raiders cover NFL points spreads and win games. McFadden is just the bigger brand name that those who bet on sports are familiar with. At the end of the day, though, McFadden will fade into the background, similar to the over-hyped Reggie Bush, unless he starts showing us similar stuff to what he did in college.

 

Sports Betting News – Wildcats Look To Tie Up Calipari

It's hard to say how basketball betting odds would be affected in college and the NBA if John Calipari were to leave the University of Kentucky after just one year, but the Wildcats' administration doesn't look like it even wants to take that chance.

Calipari is already the highest-paid coach in the college ranks, and he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in his first season in Lexington, posting a 35-3 record. Then reports started to filter down that New Jersey, where Calipari coached to little success in 2 ½ seasons during the 1990s, would be looking to go after him. Chicago fired Vinny Del Negro on Tuesday, and the reports were that the Bulls were also aiming to offer Calipari a contract to lead a team that is powered by Derrick Rose, who Calipari coached for a season in Memphis.

It's likely that Calipari will be in Lexington for a while now, because he's a god at Kentucky after only one season. He's a master recruiter, and he's coached the past two Rookies of the Year, Rose and Sacramento's Tyreke Evans. He could make it three in a row with five Wildcats heading to the NBA draft, and John Wall is favored to be the No.1 pick. He already has another phenomenal class coming to Lexington this fall, led by Brandon Wright and Marquis Teague. The Wildcats are looking to make sure Calipari retires at Kentucky, which means that online sports betting players should look for UK to be a threat for years to come.

 

Wildcats, Longhorns slated to lead the way to Indy

Even though Super Bowl odds is what is on the mind of most online betting players, March Madness is less than two months away, and conference play has started up. Here’s a look at the top four teams expected to make their way to Indianapolis.

Kentucky (+450): The Wildcats have flourished in their first half-season under John Calipari, and freshman guard John Wall could be the No.1 pick if he decides to leave school early. Fellow frosh Eric Bledsoe joins him in the backcourt, while freshman DeMarcus Cousins joins junior Patrick Patterson in the frontcourt. The only thing that worries you about Kentucky is their youth.

Texas (+450): The Longhorns are powered by seniors Damion James and Dexter Pittman up front, while freshman Avery Bradley has turned heads as well. Texas is deep and built for a long March run.

Kansas (+550): The Jayhawks may be the most talented team in the country, but there is talk of discontent in the Kansas locker room. Seniors Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich are a lethal inside-outside combo, while freshman Xavier Henry is exciting. However, if coach Bill Self doesn’t control the players, Kansas will implode.

Syracuse (+1500)/Villanova (+2000): These Big East heavyweights are fighting for the fourth spot, but the Orangemen get the spot due to their depth and size advantage over the Wildcats. Syracuse is more interior-oriented with the exit of Jonny Flynn, but junior Wesley Johnson is a stud, and they’re an underrated defensive team. Bookmaker odds (bookmaker reviews) will have these schools as darkhorses this year. 

 

Chargers Ready For Another Run

The Florida Alabama lines are the main story of the week but don’t overlook what is happening in the NFL these days.

The Norv Turner San Diego Chargers have had the same pattern: start slow, come from behind in the fall months and become a serious Super Bowl contender in the postseason. The same story is playing out once again this year and the odds makers are taking notice.

The Chargers were a -450 favorite to win the AFC West and while they struggled in the first month of the season – and the Denver Broncos tore it up – the Chargers odds dropped quickly. They are back to normal, though, as the Chargers have won six straight games and appear serious about winning the Super Bowl.

The Chargers have been a handful in the playoffs for several of the AFC’s best, including the Tennessee Titans last year, the Indianapolis Colts in previous years and they nearly won in New England.

Quarterback Philip Rivers is playing like an MVP right now and the running game is back on track. On defense, the Chargers have been much better stopping the run and have come up with big, timely plays.

The Chargers may not have home field advantage when the playoffs roll around but anyone making their NFL picks should be very weary of this team. They are talented, they are experienced and they are hot right now. That’s a recipe for success in the NFL.

 

 

Phillies will emerge out of the NL and beyond

The MLB playoffs are about to start and, while every bettor seems confident that the Yankees will win the American League pennant, the National League is anyone’s guess. The NL boasts four excellent, well-rounded teams, each worthy of representing the Senior Circuit in the World Series.

In the end, I see the Phillies emerging not just as the NL pennant winners, but the World Series champions once again.

We know the Phillies’ offense has no equal in the National League. The Cardinals, Rockies and Dodgers are no slouches at all with the bats, but let’s get serious: Philly had four 30-home-run hitters this season. The team can rake.

Pitching-wise, the Cards may be the class of the N.L. – at least in a best-of-five series in which their big three of Wainwright/Carpenter/Pineiro can help them jump out to an early lead. In a best-of-seven, however, I like the Phillies’ rotation depth. Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Joe Blanton, J.A. Happ…if they need a fifth starter, they get Pedro Martinez or Jamie Moyer. Whomever doesn’t get chosen can emerge as a valuable long reliever throughout the postseason.

The Phillies’ only Achilles Heel is relief pitching. Brad Lidge seems primed to pitch more like his Houston playoff choker self than the dominant guy he was a year ago. However, I still think bettors put too much stock into the bullpen. If Lidge falters, the Phillies still have plenty of capable guys, including Ryan Madson, Brett Myers and one of Pedro and Jamie Moyer. Right now, Madson seems to be the guy for saves; if not, someone can still fill the void.

The Phillies are the deepest team in the NL and possibly all of baseball. Pick them to win it all.

 
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