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Volume 30, Issue 18-19 December 23-29, 2015 www.PLAYBOOK.com 1 . 8 0 0 . P L A Y B O O K GET EVERY EDGE IMAGINABLE GET SMART GET PLAYBOOK COPYRIGHT NOTICE - All materials in this newsletter are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, rebroadcast, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Playbook.com. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice, nor may you offer for sale or resale the material included herein. SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE: 16 BOWLS, NFL & HOOPS! Marc’s 10NFL GAME OF THE YEAR Goes Sunday! Analysis on Every Lined Game Incredible Stat of the Week Best Bets and Key Plays Full Schedule with Opening Lines Awesome Angle & Tremendous Trends Wise Guys Contest 93% AWESOME ANGLE INSIDE!

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Volume 30, Issue 18-19 December 23-29, 2015

w w w . P L A Y B O O K . c o m 1 . 8 0 0 . P L A Y B O O K

GET EVERY EDGE IMAGINABLEGET SMART GET PLAYBOOKCOPYRIGHT NOTICE - All materials in this newsletter are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, rebroadcast, displayed, or otherwise published

without the prior written permission of Playbook.com. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice, nor may you offer for sale or resale the material included herein.

SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE:16 BOWLS, NFL & HOOPS!

Marc’s 10★ NFL GAME OF THE YEAR Goes Sunday!

• Analysis on Every Lined Game

• Incredible Stat of the Week

• Best Bets and Key Plays

• Full Schedule with Opening Lines

• Awesome Angle & Tremendous Trends

• Wise Guys Contest

93% AWESOME ANGLE INSIDE!

page 2 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK

2-MINUTE HANDICAP ATS = Against The Spread • A = Away • Con = Conference • D = Dog

F = Favorite • H = Home • Rev = Revenge • R = Road • SU = Straight-Up

FOR A COMPLETE 2-MINUTE HANDICAP OF EVERY GAME ON TODAY'S CARD, VISIT www.PLAYBOOK.com

ATS W-L Record Since 1980:12-1

(93%)

APOLLO 13PLAY AGAINST any NFL team

that is 13-0 or greater.

AWESOME ANGLE OF THE WEEK

Play Against: CAROLINA PANTHERS

Thursday, December 24San Diego 4-1 dogs off LHG… 9-2 Away Seven dog w/ revOAKLAND SERIES: 10-3 L13… 5-1 bef Kansas City vs div opp

Saturday, December 26Washington 9-1 1st BB away off non-div… 10-2 dogs off AFC (2-0)PHILADELPHIA 1-7 off non-div bef NY Giants… 1-4 H w/ double rev

Sunday, December 27NY Giants 8-1 vs non-div bef LHG… 6-1 LRG vs non-div opp w/ rev MINNESOTA SERIES: 1-3 L4 / 1-4 L5H… 9-1 in 2nd BB H (1-0)Chicago 14-0 A bef Detroit… 11-2 aft Minnesota vs non-div opp TAMPA BAY 1-8 off SU non-div loss bef Carolina… 1-6 LHG w/ revCarolina 7-2 LRG off non-div… 0-4 bef Tampa Bay vs opp w/ rev ATLANTA SERIES: 1-6 L7 / 5-2 L7H… 9-2 HD’s off non-div Dallas 1-7 A off non-div home vs opp off away w/ revBUFFALO 9-1 w/ rev in 1st BB H & 2nd BB non-div gamesJacksonville 9-2 off non-div bef Houston… 0-5 2nd BB NFC games NEW ORLEANS SERIES: 3-0 L3… 8-0 off MNF vs non-div opp w/ rev San Francisco 1-7 LRG in 2nd BB no-div games… 1-5 bef LHG DETROIT SERIES: 1-4 L5H… 0-7 off away w/ rev vs opp off homeCleveland 5-1 off BB NFC vs non-div… 1-6 vs .500 > bef Pittsburgh KANSAS CITY SERIES: 1-4 L5… 7-1 off non-div bef Oakland vs opp w/ revIndianapolis 6-1 off BB div (2-0)… 4-1 LRG… 1-4 bef TennesseeMIAMI 0-9 off LRG vs < .500 opp… 1-6 H bef LHG vs opp w/ revNew England 7-1 Away Seven vs .500 > opp w/ rev… 1-4 bef MiamiNY JETS SERIES: 6-1 L7… 7-1 .500 > off SU non-div 3 pt winHouston 4-0 bef Jacksonville vs opp w/ rev… 0-4 LRG off div TENNESSEE SERIES: 0-4 L4… 0-6 bef Indianapolis vs div opp (0-1) Green Bay 6-1 off non-div in 2nd BB A… 6-1 bef Minn vs non-div w/ revARIZONA 8-1 off non-div w /single rev (3-0)… 7-1 in 1st BB home St. Louis 0-6 off BB SU wins… 1-6 A off BB home vs .500 > opp SEATTLE 7-0 .500 > off AFC (1-0)… 19-5 in 2nd BB H (2-1)Pittsburgh 5-1 off non-div bef Cleveland… 1-9 in 1st BB A off SU winBALTIMORE SERIES: 2-5 L7H… 7-1 LHG off SUATS loss vs .500 > opp

Monday, December 28Cincinnati 8-1 off non-div in 2nd BB away vs non-div oppDENVER 7-0 HF’s off BB SU losses w/ rev vs opp off DD SU win

College Bowl GamesTEAMS KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS

(All results are preseason ATS – Against The Spread – and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content contained in this report remains exclusive private property of PLAYBOOK™ and the PLAYBOOK™ Database and may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.

TEAMS KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS

NFL Games

Wednesday, December 23 POINSETTIA BOWLBoise St MWC bowlers 4-0 ATS L4 vs MAC… 14th straight bowlNo Illinois 7-4 SU and 9-1-1 ATS overall as dogs < 8 points GODADDY BOWLGa Southern No. 1 rush offense (355.6) and rushing TD’s in the nationBowl Green Bowlers w/ interim HC who scored 33 > pts LG are 5-14 SUATS

Thursday, December 24 BAHAMAS BOWLMiddle Tenn Stockstill: 8-3 ATS as a dog off SUATS win vs. > .500 oppW Michigan MAC bowlers are 6-15 SUATS vs. .600 < opp HAWAI’I BOWLCincinnati 3-9 ATS as bowlers s/2000, including 0-7 ATS vs .555 >San Diego St No. 1 in turnover margin… No. 6 red zone offense

Saturday, December 26 ST. PETERSBURG BOWLConnecticut The dog is 1-3 ATS in Huskies’ L4 bowl gamesMarshall 9-1 SUATS as bowlers since 1998 (4-0 ATS as a favorite) SUN BOWLMiami Fla ACC bowlers are 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS vs. Pac-12 oppWash St 1-3 ATS as bowl favorite… Leach: 0-5 ATS as a bowler L5 HEART OF DALLAS BOWLSo Miss Bowl dogs 7 > who lost conference title game are 7-1 ATSWashington 9-3 ATS in bowl games off a win of > 7 points PINSTRIPE BOWLIndiana 6-win bowlers who allow > 32 PPG are 2-8 SUATSDuke Cutcliffe: 7-2 ATS in bowl games (5-1 ATS as a dog) INDEPENDENCE BOWLTulsa 2-win teams LY are 3-10 ATS as bowl dogsVa Tech 4-9 ATS bowl game vs opp off SUATS win FOSTER FARMS BOWLNebraska Big Ten bowlers are 9-20 ATS vs. Pac-12 oppUcla 4-6 SU L10 bowl games… Mora: 7-2 SUATS w/rest

Monday, December 28 MILITARY BOWLPittsburgh 1st-year HC bowlers are 46-66-1 ATS (4-12 vs foe off BB wins)NAVY Dog in all eleven previous meetings with the Panthers QUICK LANE BOWLC Michigan 4-1-1 ATS L6 as bowlers, including 3-0 ATS as dogs Minnesota 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS as a favorite in bowl games

Tuesday, December 29 ARMED FORCES BOWLAir Force Military teams are 28-12 ATS as bowlers California Bowl virgin favorites not a off a DD ATS win are 3-8 ATS RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWLBaylor Bowlers off loss as -19 > fav are 3-0 ATS vs .843 > opp N Carolina ACC bowlers are 3-6 SUATS vs. Big 12 opp ARIZONA BOWLNevada MWC bowlers are 2-10 ATS vs opp off SU win Colorado St 1st year coaches are 17-31-2 ATS as a bowl favorite TEXAS BOWLTexas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes led nation total offense (397.3) Lsu 3-0 SUATS vs Big 12 opp… 0-5 ATS as bowlers off a SU win

NOTE: Home team is shown in ALL CAPS. PLAYBOOK selection is Underlined and Bold. Should we pass or not have a

strong opinion on a game, neither team will be bolded.

1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 3

Remember: You Have A PLAYBOOK Recommendation Whenever Our Predicted Margin Of Victory Is 6 Or More Points Off The Opening Line

THIS WEEK IN FOOTBALL – DECEMBER 23-29

COLLEGE BOWLS

Wednesday, December 23SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION

POINSETTIA BOWLQualcomm Stadium • San Diego, CABoise St over Northern Illinois by 4

It’s been a disappointing year for the 8-4 Broncos from Boise standards, but everything fi gures to come up ‘Poinsettias’ today in San Diego as MAC bowlers have struggled the past two-plus seasons, posting just two wins in 13 bowl tries (0-1 this year pending Tuesday night’s results with Akron and Toledo). Mountain West bowlers have also been a thorn (these lines would work better if this were the Rose Bowl!) in the MAC’s side of late, posting a 4-0 ATS log. In addition, the Broncos are a confi dent 10-4 ATS in bowl games when they arrive off a win while MAC squads are a shell-shocked 3-12 ATS when they enter off a double-digit loss. Then why are we fading a Boise bunch that is making their 14th consecutive bowl appearance (tied for sixth nationally), especially against a pack of Huskies that is 2-6 SUATS in bowl games since 2006? Simple – the sled dogs are 7-4 SU and 9-1-1 ATS as dogs of less than 8 points (check line). We also like taking points with champions (NIU won the MAC West) from non-champs (Boise fi nished in a four-way tie for second in the MWC Mountain Division), especially when our well-oiled machine reminds us: .750 or less bowl favorites of 8 or more points are 16-46-4 ATS when facing .545 or greater opponents. Thus, we’re on the take today in San Diego as everything ‘Poins’ North.

GODADDY BOWLLadd-Peebles Stadium • Mobile, AL

Bowling Green over Ga Southern by 1 Talk about making perfect sense. GoDaddy is sponsoring a bowl involving the fast-paced Falcons and the slow-but-sure Panthers. It must remind them of Danica “I’ll go the speed limit and take my 18th-place fi nish” Patrick, prodding along on the racetrack while the other 42 maniacs with road rage zip around the oval. That appears to be the case tonight in Mobile as the Bee Gees and QB Matt Johnson (4,700 yards/43 TD’s /8 INT’s) – the top-rated passer in the land – will look to strike early. On the other hand, Southern and RB Matt Breda (1,540 rushing yards), the nation’s leader in yards per carry (8.19), hope to wear down a Bowling Green stop-unit that has allowed season-high yardage to three foes in 2015. This game also features a matchup of interim head coaches as Dell McGee takes over the GSU reins for departed head coach Willie Fritz (who is off to Tulane), while defensive coordinator Brian Ward inherits the Bowling Green job from Dino Babers (who is on his way to Syracuse). That brings into play this little gem that can only be found in the Playbook: bowlers with interim coaches who scored 33 or more points in their last game (Bowling Green) are 5-14 SUATS. Our database has also uncovered this rare bowl nugget: dogs off a SU loss as a favorite of 20 or more points are 3-0 ATS since 1980. That’s why we feel slow and steady nabs the cash today in Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Thursday, December 24

POPEYES BAHAMAS BOWLRobinson National Stadium • Nassau, Bahamas

3� BEST BET

Western Michigan head coach P.J. Fleck hopes the Nassau Ministry of Tourism isn’t issuing any false propaganda when it states “It’s Better in the Bahamas” (try getting that jingle out of your head) as his Broncos have been unsuccessful in bowl games on American soil, posting an 0-6 SU all-time record. Unfortunately for Fleck and company, it probably wouldn’t make a difference if this game were played in his living room as Conference USA bowlers are 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS versus MAC opposition. And we doubt you’ll fi nd any Bronco backers doing the moon walk in the Michael Jackson suite in Atlantis after fi nding out that MAC bowlers are 6-15 SUATS versus .600 or less squads, and that Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill is a slick 8-3 ATS as a dog off a SUATS win versus greater than .500 foes. There is some good news in Paradise, though, for the Kalamazoo crew: the Broncos are No. 2 in the country in Time of Possession and that means less touches for FR QB Brent Stockstill (the coaches son) and FR WR Richie James. However, the Blue Raiders arrive with the nation’s fi fth best red zone defense, making it tough on Western WR’s Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis, the top receiving duo in the land. And while both teams arrive in good form (MTSU enters on a four-game win skein while WMU has won six of its last eight), the Broncos’ regular-season fi nale upset of Toledo in the Glass Bowl brings in The Clincher: Bowl favorites off a SU conference win as a dog of 7 or more points are 2-19-1 ATS when facing an opponent that won six or more games last season.

Middle Tennesse over W Michigan by 7

Pac-12 bowl favorites (California) are 1-12 ATS versus opponents

off back-to-back losses.Be sure to read the INCREDIBLE STAT OF THE WEEK each week in the PLAYBOOK Football Newsletter!

INCREDIBLE STAT OF THE WEEKT R I V I A T E A S E R

This coach loves taking points, especially during the fi nal four games of the season, going 8-1 ATS in his career,

including 6-0 ATS versus winning opponents. Who is this week’s ‘best in show’ head coach?

For the Trivia Teaser answer, turn to page 8.

THIS WEEK'S AMAZING SITUATIONAL PLAY

T R I V I A T E A S E R

10� NFLGAME OF THE YEAR!

MARC LAWRENCE'S LEGENDARY

Goes Sunday, December 27th!Last week’s NFL Perfect System Play of the Year:

Giants (+5) 35, Carolina 38 - WINNER!Two Weeks Ago: NFL Game Of The Month:

Steelers (+1) 33, Cincinnati 20 - WINNER!

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page 4 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK

Saturday, December 26ST. PETERSBURG BOWL

Tropicana Field • St. Petersburg, FLMarshall over Connecticut by 1

The Thundering Herd are happy to be bowling, once again, in Florida (last year they defeated Northern Illinois, 52-23, in the Boca Raton Bowl ) as HC Doc Holliday has done some of his best recruiting work in the Sunshine State. He also has yet to lose a bowl game (3-0 SUATS) in his six-year coaching career, while posting a 10-2-1 ATS log versus .500 or greater non-conference opposition. In fact, the Herd have been bowl beasts since 1998, posting a 9-1 SUATS record, including 4-0 ATS as a favorite. The problem, however, in laying points today in St. Pete with the usually explosive Herd is that we’ll be relying on an offense (32.6 PPG) that has taken a drastic drop from last year’s version (46.6 PPG). And despite possessing a defense that has limited foes to 18.4 PPG this season, Holliday’s gang is just 1-3

Marc Lawrence’sINCLUDES MARC’S 10� COLLEGE BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR!

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HAWAI’I BOWLAloha Stadium • Honolulu, HI

San Diego St over Cincinnati by 6Okay, here’s a matchup we can live with – and hopefully the start of a trend. If the NCAA continues to allow 5-7 and 6-6 teams to play in bowl games, the Hawai’i Bowl should be considered OFF LIMITS. Why should underachieving squads that can’t even crack .500 get ticketed to paradise? Not on our watch! Which brings us to one team that’s truly deserving of this trip to Honolulu, the Atzecs of San Diego State. After a 1-3 start that included consecutive losses to California, South Alabama and Penn State, Rocky Long’s boys have reeled off nine consecutive wins – just one win shy of the school record – to fi nish with a perfect 9-0 SU mark versus MWC opponents. We can’t say the same for Cincinnati, a middle-of-the-pack AAC squad (4-4) that jets into town trailed by a horrendous No. 123 ranking in turnovers lost: 30, the worst of all bowlers, against an SDSU team that ranks No. 1 nationally in turnover margin! But the bad news doesn’t stop there. Cincy HC Tommy Tuberville is just 1-4 ATS of late as bowl chalk and the Bearcats are a money-burning 3-9 ATS as bowlers since 2000, including 0-7 ATS versus .555 or higher foes. Down in the pits, the UC ‘D’ has been ripped for 30 or more points in seven of 12 games this season. Most alarming, though, is the 5.0 yards per carry Cincinnati’s rush defense allowed this season – especially against a 235-YPG Aztec ground attack spearheaded by bruising Donnel Pumphrey (16 TDs). Sure, Bearcats QB Gunner Kiel will get his yards but a 19-11 touchdown-interception ratio doesn’t inspire confi dence. We expect Tuberville’s crew to fall prey to the many island temptations, and show up somewhat less that focused, against a team looking to make their mark in the history books. Yes, with Cincinnati now the dog (opened as -1 favorites), we’ve lost some value – but Diego still looks to be the right side. Lay it.

SU versus fellow bowlers, losing the stat battle by an average of 149 YPG. That doesn’t bode well against a UConn group that fi nished the season on a 3-1 SU run, including a 20-17 win over conference champ Houston. And though we’re well aware that the dog is 1-3 ATS in the Huskies’ last four bowl games, and that HC Bob Diaco is 2-8 ATS versus an opponent off a SU loss, this is just too many points to give to a confi dent Connecticut team that is 4-0 ATS all-time versus Conference USA. Take it or leave it.

HYUNDAI SUN BOWLSun Bowl Stadium • El Paso, TX

Miami Florida over Washington St by 2Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya and his mates were pushing for the Pinstripe Bowl in Manhattan so the question becomes do the Hurricanes show up fl at in El Paso? With new head coach Mark Richt likely watching from the stands, the answer to that is a resounding no! And it’s not like El Paso is Green Acres, though we don’t ‘adore’ the numbers either of these 8-win teams bring to the table. The Hurricanes are 1-6 SUATS in their last seven bowl games while the Cougars are 1-3 ATS in their last four as bowl favorites. In addition, it’s been a ‘chore’ for interim head coaches (Miami’s Larry Scott) as bowl dogs when they arrive off a SU win, posting a 3-10 ATS record. However, WSU head coach Mike Leach’s 3-7 ATS mark in bowl games, including 0-5 ATS last fi ve, and 1-3 ATS log versus the ACC isn’t exactly a ‘penthouse view.’ One thing we know for sure: the scoreboard operator should be getting a workout. Kaaya has tossed for over 3,000 yards while WSU QB Luke Falk is No. 3 in the nation in total offense, accounting for over 377 YPG. Miami has also turned the ball over just 11 times the entire season while the Cougars own the country’s top-rated red zone offense. So in a game that’s really too close to call with the naked eye, we’ll let our database cast the deciding vote, and it sides with the Canes as: bowl favorites with three or fewer wins the previous season are 7-20 ATS when facing a .600 or greater foe. Another case of take it or leave it.

ZAXBY’S HEART OF DALLAS BOWLCotton Bowl Stadium • Dallas, TX

Washington over Southern Miss by 3 Another interesting matchup taking place 635 miles down the road from El Paso fi nds Washington taking on Todd Monken’s upstart Southern Miss squad that captured the Conference USA West title after winning a total of just four games the previous three seasons combined. It’s the fi rst-ever meeting in a bowl game between C-USA and the Pac-12 and, unlike the Sun Bowl, the Huskies and the Golden Eagles bring some serious numbers to the fray. For starters, Washington, who pounded Oregon State and Washington State to close out the regular season, is 9-3 ATS in bowl games off a SU win of more than 7 points while the Eagles are 3-1 SUATS as bowl dogs versus a foe off back-to-back SUATS wins. And Huskies’ head coach

CAMPING WORLD INDEPENDENCE BOWLIndependence Stadium • Shreveport, LA

Virginia Tech over Tulsa by 7In 1776 Thomas Jefferson, upon drafting the Declaration of Independence, wrote that all men are created equal. You couldn’t tell that by today’s Independence Bowl line! Jefferson would be rolling over in his grave if he were asked to lay two touchdowns in a game (the British forces weren’t this big a favorite) even with his hometown Virginia Tech team. That’s because the Hokies are 95th in the country in total yards per game (367.4) and are 4-9 ATS in bowl games versus a foe off a SUATS win. The favorite is also a winless 0-3 SUATS in Va Tech/AAC matchups. Sure the Hokies, in their pursuit of happiness, would love to win one for retiring HC Frank Beamer (and they probably will), who ironically ends his bowl streak of 23 games where it all started (beat Indiana, 45-20, in the 1993 Independence Bowl). However, this is just too many points to lay… even against a Tulsa team that must buck the nasty trend that fi nds bowl dogs just 3-10 ATS if they won two games the previous year. They also fall into the same 2-8 SUATS obstacle that faces Indiana. Still, there‘s really only one way to look and we’ll grab what we can get as the Hurricane improve to an ‘unalienable’ 8-3 ATS in bowl games.

FOSTER FARMS BOWLLevi’s Stadium • Santa Clara, CA

Nebraska over Ucla by 6Not a good year for Nebraska as Big Red went from being a competitive program to a trivia question answer: the Cornhuskers were bowl eligible because there weren’t enough 6-6 teams to fi ll out the bowl schedule – one of three 5-7 teams to going bowling. But don’t dismiss the Corn Boys strictly on the basis of their losing record: FIVE of Nebraska’s defeats came in the closing seconds of the game. Plus, head coach Mike Riley has gone 6-2 SU in bowl games (favored in all eight) and we think he can use the extra prep time to get the Huskers in shape to spring the upset. We’re not saying it’ll be easy. Granted, Riley knows the Pac-12 like the back of his hand from his days with Oregon State, but strictly in terms of a conference

1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 5

(continued on next page)

Chris Petersen is deadly in bowl games when his teams arrive off a win of 30 or more points, posting a 5-0 ATS mark. However, C-USA bowlers off a double-digit ATS loss are 16-3 ATS while bowl dogs of 7 or more points who lost their conference title game are 7-1 ATS. Monken and Southern Miss also arrive with the one-two punch of QB Nick Mullens (4,145 passing yards/36 TD’s) and RB Ito Smith (1,088 rushing yards/7.02 YPR) while Petersen must deal with that nasty aforementioned 16-46-4 ATS number that should also hinder Boise State against NIU. Thus, we must side with the well-balanced Eagles today in the Heart of Dallas.

NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWLYankee Stadium • Bronx, NY

Monday, December 28

MILITARY BOWLpresented by NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium • Annapolis, MDNAVY over Pittsburgh by 6

Besides New Mexico in this year’s bowl opener, Navy is the only other team playing in a bowl on its home fi eld. And while the Middies’ 21-17 victory over Army on 12/12 was less than impressive, remember they were playing off a defl ating loss in the AAC Championship game the week before. Navy HC Ken Niumatalolo looked like he might jump ship for the BYU vacancy but after an interview in Provo, he decided to stay at Annapolis. One person NOT remaining with the program after today is record-setting senior QB Keenan Reynolds, who has rushed for 20 touchdowns in the fi nal year of an outstanding career. Reynolds and the nation’s No. 3 rushing offense (319.2 YPG) should fi nd room to run against a surprisingly poor Pittsburgh defense. In fact, the Panthers rank dead last in red zone defense under new head coach Pat Narduzzi, the former Michigan State DC who helped Mark Dantonio build a perennial Top 10 program at East Lansing. It also doesn’t help that fi rst-year head coach bowlers are 46-66-1 ATS, while military bowlers have recently gone 28-12 ATS – including 7-1 ATS as favorites. Navy, a dog in all previous 11 skirmishes with the Panthers, led the nation is fewest turnovers (7) and tied Virginia Tech at No. 1 for fumbles recovered. No doubt Pittsburgh will want to play its best for RB James Conner, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma after already missing the season with a knee injury, but we can’t pass up a well-disciplined ball-control team like the Middies laying a reasonable number. Reynolds caps his career by leading his squad to its fi rst-ever 11-win season.

QUICK LANE BOWLFord Field • Detroit, MI

Minnesota over C Michigan by 3This pairing probably won’t generate any attention outside of the nation’s midsection but the stakes are high for both squads. For Minnesota, newly-appointed HC Tracy Claeys is looking to validate his hiring. Claeys took over when former HC Jerry Kill resigned due to health problems in late October and could manage only a 1-5 SU mark with the Gophers, a failure that led Claeys to fi re offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover and passing game coordinator Jim Zebrowski. At Central Michigan, HC John Bonamego overcame a bout with cancer to lead the Chippewas to a 7-5 record in his

GAME OF THE WEEKUPSETUPSET UPSETUPSET

5� BEST BET

Back in the 80’s – and on the hardwood – this would have been a classic matchup between Bobby Knight’s Hoosiers and Coach K’s Blue Devils that would have had nearby Madison Square Garden fi lled to the brim. However, the gridiron is a different story as the Devils haven’t earned their due since a 1961 Cotton Bowl victory, while the Hoosiers haven’t won a bowl game since the 1991 Copper Bowl. And though maybe only Steve Harvey has less credibility these days than a post-season Duke football team that is 0-3 SU in bowls over the past three seasons, we have good reason to believe that Indiana will fi nd out that the price of ‘Copper’ hasn’t gone up. That’s because six-win bowlers who allow more than 32 PPG – like the Hoosiers – are 2-8 SUATS on the alleys. Worse, bowl virgin favorites who are not a off a double-digit ATS win are 3-8 ATS, including 0-4 ATS the last three years. And Duke HC David Cutcliffe, like Miss Colombia (she’ll make more money now than if she was crowned Miss Universe), has garnered the cash in bowl games (7-2 ATS, including 5-1 ATS as a dog) despite the losses. Thus, we have no choice but to fade a favored Indiana squad that is No. 115 in scoring defense and has surrendered season-high yardage in fi ve of its last six games. Especially after hearing this from The Clincher: Sub .750 bowl pick or favorites of less than 6 points, off three ATS wins in a row, are a staggering 9-38 ATS.

Duke over Indiana by 11

versus conference matchup, the edge goes to the Bruins as UCLA stands 7-2 SUATS in its last nine games versus the Big Ten, plus Big Ten bowlers overall are just 9-20 ATS against Pac-12 opposition. The Bruins are a tough out away from Pasadena under HC Jim Mora Jr., posting a 20-7 SU and 16-11 ATS record, but they’re only 2-5 ATS of late as favorites versus a foe off a loss. Yes, QB Josh Rosen should do some damage against a Huskers secondary giving up 288 air yards per game, but UCLA’s No. 122 rank in Time of Possession tells us the Nebraska offense can keep things close. The Clincher: Riley is 8-2 SU and 8-1-1 ATS in his career as either a dog or a favorite of 3 or less points in games with a .500 or less record when off a loss and taking on a foe also off a loss.

page 6 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK

debut season at Mount Pleasant, a feat that included wins over MAC bowlers Northern Illinois and Akron. Minnesota may be 22-4 SU against the MAC but the Gophers are only 3-6 ATS in the last nine get-togethers. They’re also an abysmal 0-7 SU and 2-5 ATS in their previous seven bowl games, and they own a 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS mark as bowl chalk. The Chips check in with a 4-1-1 ATS effort of late as bowlers – including 3-0 ATS as dogs – and they’ve cashed in eight of the last 11 Big Ten battles. Minny was outyarded in its fi nal four games, a stat that does not bode well against CMU’s No. 5 ranking in Time of Possession. Though a straight-up Central Michigan win would not surprise, we’ll more likely see the Big Ten’s edge in talent put the Gophers in the winner’s circle here. But the Chips grab the green.

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWLOrlando Citrus Bowl • Orlando, FLBaylor over North Carolina by 8

You’ve got to feel for Baylor HC Art Briles. His Bears more than lived up to expectations earlier this year, fl attening foes en route to an 8-0 start. But the loss of QB Seth Russell to a season-ending neck injury proved to be too much to overcome and Briles’ bunch dropped three of their fi nal four contests. They saved the worst for last: a stunning 23-17 failure against Texas as 21-point chalk on Senior Day at Waco (the Bears were down to fourth-

Tuesday, December 29LOCKHEED MARTIN ARMED FORCES BOWL

Amon G. Carter Stadium • Fort Worth, TX

4� BEST BET

What’s this? Navy in the Military Bowl and Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl? Now that’s the way it’s supposed to be! After a promising 5-0 start had many convinced that third-year HC Sonny Dykes’ breakout season had arrived, the Bears couldn’t handle the class of the Pac-12 (lost four in a row to Utah, UCLA, USC and Oregon) and closed out with a 4-5 conference mark. The Force also endured a late-season stumble, losing at New Mexico as double-digit chalk before taking San Diego State down to the wire in a 27-24 loss in the MWC title game. Today’s meeting is actually a rematch of the 2007 Armed Forces bowl when the Golden Bears rallied with 28 second-half points to stun the Falcons, 42-36. We don’t foresee a repeat performance, even with Cal QB Jared Goff currently ranked No. 5 nationally in total passing yards (4,252). Troy Calhoun’s fl yboys counter the California aerial attack with the country’s 2nd-ranked rushing offense, churning out an impressive 321.8 YPG. And while MWC bowlers are a feeble 2-10 ATS versus a foe off a SU win, military teams have gone 14-7-1 ATS against Pac-12 opponents. Our mean machine chips in with this nugget: bowl virgin favorites who are not a off a double-digit ATS win are 3-8 ATS, including 0-4 ATS the last three years. That’s good stuff – as is our INCREDIBLE STAT on page 3 –but it can’t compare to The Clincher: Bowl dogs who outrush a .sub 700 opponent are 110-27-1 ATS, including 41-6-1 ATS as dogs of 6 or more points.

Air Force over California by 6

string quarterback Lynx Hawthorne in that setback). Major injuries continue to bedevil BU: according to a dejected Briles, WR Corey Coleman, RB Shock Linwood and quarterback Jarrett Stidham – Russell’s backup – will all miss today’s game due to injury. Signal-calling chores now lie with third-stringer Chris Johnson, who was recruited to the Baylor program as a quarterback, but switched to wide receiver and tight end after Stidham’s arrival. Yet despite all these obstacles, the 17th-ranked Bears still fi nd themselves favored over the supposedly No. 10 Tar Heels! North Carolina was on a torrid run of its own (11 straight wins) before falling to Clemson in the ACC Championship game and many of Carolina’s starters feel ‘disrespected’ by the linesmakers after being installed as the underdog here. Baylor’s offensive stats for the season are phenomenal but can its backup players perform to a similar level against a UNC defense that’s enjoyed a resurgence under DC Gene Chizik? The oddsmakers seem to think so – and that’s good enough for us, considering the Heels’ 2-5 SU effort in their last seven bowl appearances and the ACC’s weak 3-6 SUATS mark as bowlers versus the Big 12. Editor’s Note: in what could be good news for both of these teams, last year’s pairing in this bowl found the two combatants (Clemson and Oklahoma) advancing to this year’s College Football Playoff.

NOVA HOME LOANS ARIZONA BOWLArizona Stadium • Tucson, AZ

Nevada over Colorado St by 3Yet another scathing indictment of a fl awed Bowl system. Looking to make a splash in its inaugural game against the college bowl establishment, the Arizona Bowl was left scrambling for answers when it was announced that two teams from the SAME conference would be playing at Tucson. Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson was outraged by the news that Nevada had been paired with Colorado State, and said the league exchanged numerous phone calls and emails to prevent an all-MWC bowl game. Thompson said the conference worked throughout the week to fi nd alternatives, but “unfortunately, no one was willing to adjust, and those efforts were to no avail.” At least the new bowl is in good company – the last non-championship bowl game to feature two teams from the same conference was the Orange Bowl in 1979 (Oklahoma vs. Nebraska). Nevada takes the stage off back-to-back losses to MWC powers Utah State and San Diego State, while the Rams are on a 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS run. That’s important because bowlers from this league are just 1-7 ATS when favored off a SU win. Nevada’ Brian Polian is fi nishing up his third season in Reno while CSU HC Mike Bobo is battling ATS history: fi rst-year coaches like Bobo are just 17-31-2 ATS as bowl favorites. Plus, we can’t see favoring the Rams when they’re currently ranked No. 114 nationally in turnover margin and No. 117 in turnovers lost (26). Take what you can with a 6-6 Nevada squad that somehow ran afoul of the system – and hopefully this travesty won’t occur for another 36 years.

ADVOCARE V100 TEXAS BOWLNRG Stadium • Houston, TXLsu over Texas Tech by 4

It’s been a trying season for Tiger fans. With big Leonard Fournette running roughshod over seemingly hapless defenses and setting records by the bushel, LSU roared out to a 7-0 start, a No. 2 ranking and some serious playoff talk – before a 30-16 loss to Alabama mushroomed into a 3-game losing streak. Suddenly, the scoop from Baton Rouge said that 11-year veteran HC Les Miles was a goner, that his buyout was underway. But an inspired 19-7 season-ending beatdown of Texas A&M prompted AD Joe Alleva to declare that Miles “would continue to be the football coach.” Good for Les but bad for Leonard: thanks to the aforementioned trio of defeats, Fournette dropped so far off the national radar that he wasn’t even invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony as a fi nalist! Still, he fi nished No. 3 in the country in rushing yards (1,741, 18 TDs) and should be salivating at a Texas Tech run defense that gave up an unthinkable 6 yards per carry. At this point, we don’t even know who will be calling the shots on defense for the Red Raiders: HC Kliff Kingsbury was so incensed at his team’s 540 YPG liability that he gave the boot to three assistants – co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Mike Smith, cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis and outside linebackers coach Trey Haverty. Adding to Kingsbury’s woes, he’s suspended the team’s second best wide receiver, Devin Lauderdale, and will lose threee defensive players to transfer. Despite all that, Texas Tech QB Patrick Mahomes can light up any scoreboard, throwing for 32 TD passes (14 Ints) and 4,283 aerial yards, while sparking the Red Raiders’ 46.6 PPG offense. Our biggest concern in this matchup is LSU’s team psyche: how do they react to all the late-season drama surrounding Miles, and the media snubbing of Fournette? Regardless of which Tiger team shows up, we think Tech has the fi repower to trade points in a shootout.

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It’s safe to say the Panthers showed signs of succumbing to the pressure at New York against the Giants last week. After blowing a 35-7 second-half lead, the Black Cats rallied late to eke out a 3-point win. The fact of the matter is they have now yielded 35 and 38 points in their last two road outings and are just 7-20-1 SU and 6-22 ATS in the last 28 games in which they surrendered 24 or more points. They are also 2-5 SU and ATS as a visitor in this series, and a wobbly 1-7 ATS as favorites against double avenging opponents. The revitalized Falcons are still in the Wild Card race and bring a lofty 9-2 ATS mark as home dogs off a non-division game into this contest. QB Matty Ryan’s stellar 3-0 ATS career home dog log in division games cements it. Oh, and in case you forgot, last week’s INCREDIBLE STAT reappears as this week’s AWESOME ANGLE (with a tightener) in the form of The Clincher: 13-0 or greater NFL teams are 1-12 ATS, including 0-7 ATS, versus an opponent off a win.

ATLANTA over Carolina by 6

PRO FOOTBALL

Thursday, December 24San Diego over OAKLAND by 1

Here we go again. Showing promise in their last four games, with two-straight up and three-stat wins, the oddsmakers have once again taken a bite of the poison apple and installed the woeful Raiders as favorites. And as is almost always the case, the apple juice turns to vinegar with Oakland continuing to gag when laying points. That’s confi rmed by their 2-7 SUATS record in the last nine games as division favorites, and a tart 3-13 ATS mark as home favorites in this series. Making matters worse, the Chargers suffered an 8-point loss to the Raiders as home chalk earlier this season. San Diego takes a 3-0 SUATS record on Thursdays versus sub .500 opponents into tonight’s contest, plus the Bolts are 4-1 ATS as dogs after playing their fi nal home game of the season. Toss in the Raiders’ 1-6 ATS log as favorites in games in this series when attempting to complete a season sweep – along with the fact that we like a dog with the better offense AND better defense – and suddenly we have the makings a live division dog. Sorry, Charles Woodson. You’ve been spectacular and this may be your last game in Oakland… but we’re not buying the favoritism.

Saturday, December 26Washington over PHILADELPHIA by 2

Woeful have been the moves of Chip Kelly this season. The house cleaning began with the dealing of RB Shady McCoy to Buffalo, the worst free agent signing of the year in RB DeMarco Murray, and the dispatching of QB Nick Foles to St. Louis in favor of Sam Bradford (currently 24-37-1 SU as an NFL starter). With it, the Eagles have bottomed out this season faster than a downhill putt with a sharp break. Through it all, Kelly stands 14-4 in games with Foles, and 12-15 without him. Ironically, Philadelphia still controls their playoff fate as a win tonight, and next week in New York against the Giants, would clinch a Wild Card berth. While it sounds promising on paper, the fact is the Green Birds have been outgained in their last fi ve games, making them a bonafi de ‘leaking oil’ favorite. They’re also an atrocious 0-9 SUATS at home off a home loss in the last game, a lousy 4-9 SU and 3-10 ATS when hosting foes with a better record, and 1-6 SU at home in same-season division revenge affairs since 2005. Meanwhile, the blue collar Skins also control their playoff destiny, as a win here tonight would clinch the NFC East title. Washington’s 9-1 ATS record in the fi rst of back-to-back away games off a non-division game confi rms it. Philly falls to 2-8 SUATS in games before facing the Giants as unrest throughout the City of Brotherly Love continues to grow.

Sunday, December 27MINNESOTA over NY Giants by 6

Odell Beckham’s childlike outbursts may well cost the Giants a spot in the playoffs as he has been suspended one game for his antics (though he is appealing the suspension). According to NJ.com, in the last 18 separate cases where the suspended player fi led an appeal, the suspension was upheld 14 times. The suspension was overturned three times, with one case (Giants safety Brandon Meriweather) resulting in a reduction from two games to one. Yes, he is that important to the G-Men’s hopes of staying alive in the playoff chase. As NYG head coach Tom Coughlin put it when asked how meaningful Beckham’s loss for this game would be, he replied, “You ask a question that requires no answer.” With our hands tied at press time, we can only present the facts as we have them, starting with the Giants’ 8-3 SU and 9-2 ATS road dog log between home games and its 4-1 ATS mark as a visitor in this series. The Vikings’ 1-6 ATS record as favorites of less than 8 points in Last Home Games and 4-20 ATS mark as favorites in games before Green Bay gatherings jumps off the page. However, like a stranded passenger at LaGuardia, we are on standby. Check the Weekend Update Line this Thursday for any possible call on this contest.

Chicago over TAMPA BAY by 3Losses last week by both the Bears and the Bucs sealed their playoff fate. And for now it’s on to the fi nal two weeks of the campaign, where pride takes precedence over motive. With that, we turn to John Fox’s hard-trying Bears, a team that’s suffered fi ve of its nine losses by a fi eld goal or less (or overtime) this season. Through it all Chicago is 9-5 ‘ITS’ (In The Stats), a strong indicator that this team refuses to throw in the towel. The Bears are also a mind-boggling 14-0 ATS away in games before facing the Detroit Lions and 16-2 SU and 14-4 ATS in games after taking on Minnesota, including 6-0 SUATS away. The Bucs enter just 3-15 SU and

4-14 ATS at home between away games and 1-6 ATS in Last Home Games when seeking revenge. The bottom line is Chicago owns too many good numbers, and is too well coached, to dismiss today.

(continued on next page)

BUFFALO over Dallas by 10Bills fans had their playoff hearts ripped out for the 16th year in a row last week at Washington when, for the second straight week, Buffalo outgained an opponent, yet lost the game. In fact, Rex Ryan’s crew has won the stats in six of their last nine games, yet has only a 3-6 record to show for its effort. Still within grasp, though, is an 8-win .500 season and rest assured, Tyrannosaurus Rex has just that on his Christmas wish list. The Cowboys can only hope to close out this debacle of a season in one piece as injuries have reduced this team from a contender to a pretender in short order. In this league, though, having to rely on backup quarterbacks is not the answer, especially when having to turn to second-rate Kellen Moore, who will be making his fi rst NFL start for Dallas this Sunday. It won’t help knowing the Cowboys are 0-5 ATS away in the second of back-to-back AFC games, and 0-3 ATS as a visitor in this series. Ryan takes the fi rst step toward mediocrity today.

NEW ORLEANS over Jacksonville by 8As bad as New Orleans looked Monday night – and they looked bad – expect a big effort in what could be Sean Payton’s last game as the Saints coach in the Superdome. Despite a decayed defense that ranks 31st in the league, the Ain’ts are 6-1 SUATS after playing on Monday night, while Payton is 14-7 ATS at home off a loss when not installed as a double-digit favorite. They are also 6-2 SUATS in their last eight bouts against the AFC South. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are 0-5 ATS in the second of back-to-back NFC games, and 1-6 SUATS in their last seven NFC South skirmishes. Payton rides off into the Louisiana sunset in style.

DETROIT over San Francisco by 4Another matchup of two bad teams heading down the end of the road of the 2015 season. The Niners visit Motown after battling the Bengals tooth-and-nail in last week’s 24-24 home loss, a game in which Frisco actually held Cincinnati to a season-low 242 yards on offense. Unfortunately, it also marked the 10th time this season that the Niners have failed to eclipse 20 points on the scoreboard. That goes hand-in-hand with their 6-26 SU and 3-28-1 ATS log in games in which they’ve failed to score 20 over the last four years. On the other side of the coin, though, is the Lions’ tainted 1-13 SU and 2-9-3 ATS record in this series and their tepid 3-6 SU and 2-7 ATS mark in games after a Monday night victory. Coupled with QB Matthew Stafford’s 1-10 ATS career mark as a favorite in December, it looks as if the tarnished gold in this game lies with the Niners.

KANSAS CITY over Cleveland by 10An 8-game win skein, coupled with a fortuitous season-ending schedule, put the Chiefs not only in position to land a berth in this year’s playoffs but to also overtake Denver for the top spot in the AFC West. Wins today and next week at home against Oakland, coupled with Denver’s sticky closers against Cincinnati and San Diego could paint that exact picture. But fi rst things fi rst. Our all-knowing database informs us Kansas City head coach Andy Reid is just 7-5-1 SU and 4-9 ATS against teams from the AFC North, including 0-4 ATS in games in which his squad owns a .642 or greater record. Furthermore, KC is 1-6 ATS in the fi rst of back-to-back home games when hosting a sub .500 non-division foe. And then there is Cleveland’s 7-1 ATS mark off an away game versus an opponent off an away game to consider.

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If Packer QB Aaron Rodgers’ eyes look as big as saucers on Sunday, it’s likely due to the critical loss of the Honey Badger, Arizona star DB Tyrann Mathieu, for the season as the Cardinals have surrendered 350 and 317 passing yards in the last two games. It could be just the magic potion Rodgers needs as Green Bay is averaging only 205 passing YPG in the last fi ve games – and that’s with Rodgers’ 61-yard Hail Mary included in the tally. Today, however, Rodgers and company fi nd themselves taking points for only the second time this season (won 30-13 as a dog at Minnesota a month ago) in a series that Green Bay has dominated, going 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in regular season meetings of late, including 2-0 SUATS as a dog. And speaking of dogs, Rodgers is 3-0 SUATS in his NFL career during December versus greater-than .600 opponents. Given Carson Palmer’s gloomy 8-23-1 ATS career mark as a non-division home favorite, including 1-6 ATS the last seven – and Mike McCarthy being the answer to this week’s TRIVIA TEASER on page 3 – the points become the play here today. And there is always The Clincher: Green Bay is 8-0 SUATS away in games versus opponent off an away game, including 3-0 SUATS this season.

Green Bay over ARIZONA by 7

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An MIA alert on Denver’s offense was cancelled during the fi rst half of their visit to Pittsburgh last week when struggling QB Brock Osweiller rolled up 214 passing yards on 14 of 18 completions and three TDs, while adding a 7-yard rushing TD for good measure. The Ostrich then proceeded to disappear and wasn’t seen in the second half when the Broncos blew a 24-point lead. As a result, the Broncos ride a 2-game losing skid into this fray. More importantly, they are one game back of Cincinnati for the coveted 2nd seed (and an opening week Bye) in the AFC playoff chase. Lest we forget, Denver brings the league’s top-ranked defense into this scrum, one that is 57 YPG superior to Cincinnati’s stop-unit. Like Denver, Cincinnati must also rely on a backup QB with A.J. McCarron fresh off a win in his fi rst NFL start last week (Alabama QBs are now 1-13 SU as starters in this league since 1987). Rest assured, McCarron will fi nd the Broncos’ stingy defense much tougher than that of the 49ers, especially after the Wild Horses were lit up at Pittsburgh. In addition, the Bengals are 3-13 SU and 4-11-1 ATS in last road games of the season when facing .466 or greater opponents. HC Gary Kubiak’s glossy 6-1 SUATS career mark at home in games after surrendering 34 or more points when hosting a foe off a win enhances their chances tonight. But when it’s all said and done, we turn to The Clincher: Cincinnati is 0-7 SUATS away in Monday nights versus non-division opponents.

DENVER over Cincinnati by 14

Monday, December 28

Yes, we realize Johnny Wannabe is not a top-fl ight quarterback at this level but his play is improving with each start – his 85.9 QB Rating ranks ahead of Tony Romo this season! Grab the clothespin and apply as necessary.

Indianapolis over MIAMI by 3Once again the uncertainty of a starting quarterback forces us to skim over an important game for the Colts. Important because they are now on the outside looking in at the NFL playoff picture and only a 2-0 fi nish is likely to salvage any chance of that happening. Fortunately for Indy, today’s foe is falling faster down the charts than a Barry Manilow tune. Sure, the Fish bring a 6-0 SUATS record as a dog off an away game versus an opponent off a home game, but that’s where it ends. Miami has now been outgained in each of its last seven contests and is averaging a mere 274 yards of offense over its last six games… not to mention its offensive line is hanging on by threads. We realize the Colts are 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS versus AFC East opponents but they can’t be trusted either, not when they’re allowing 66 YPG more than they are gaining. As a result, we’re putting up the STOP sign and refusing to take a side until Indy’s QB status becomes clear.

NEW YORK JETS over New England by 3As fate should have it, these two AFC East division rivals fi nd themselves going toe-to-toe with plenty of playoff positioning in the picture in this penultimate performance for both teams. The host Jets bring solid numbers into this fray, having cashed each of the last fi ve games in the series. When they take the fi eld against the Patriots sporting a .500 or better record, they are 13-15 SU and 17-11 ATS overall. And as dogs with a .500 or greater record, they are 8-11 SU and 13-6 ATS, including 6-8 SU and 11-3 ATS (6-0 ATS the last six) when seeking revenge. New England enters with a 1-5 ATS mark versus opponents off an away win. Worse, our well-oiled machine informs us that defending Super Bowl champions, away off a home win in which they score 30 or more points, are just 12-12 SU and 7-17 ATS since 2000. With the Flyboys meeting all of the prerequisites outlined above – and currently holding down the 7th spot (one game out) in the AFC Wild Card race – an upset over the beleaguered Pats is no surprise today.

Houston over TENNESSEE by 3Here we are, yet another NFL game with no opening line pending the status of each team’s quarterback. For the visiting Texans, the question is whether or not regular QB Brian Hoyer (7-1-1 ATS in division games) will be released from NFL concussion protocol, or if recently signed castoff backup Brandon Weeden will be calling the signals. The dropoff to Weeden is immense, given his 0-11 SUATS mark in his last eleven starts – and his 1-9 SU and 2-6-2 ATS career mark on the NFL road. The Titans fi gure to keep young QB Marcus Mariota and his sprained MCL under wraps, meaning it’s Zach Mettenberger time in Tennessee. And that’s not good, either, as Mettenberger is 0-8 SU and 2-6 ATS as a starter in this league. Talk about downright unattractive, this game has Ugly Betty waiting in the wings ready to belt out the National Anthem. And there would be nothing the Titans would like better than to derail Houston’s playoff chances as the 6 points they tallied in a 20-6 loss earlier this year to the Texans represented the fewest they’ve scored in over fi ve years. Tennessee’s 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS record as a dog in last home games of the season, coupled with Houston’s 1-9 SU and 2-8-1 ATS mark in Last Road Games, fi ts just fi ne. But until we gain better vision of today’s players, we’re force to take a seat on the sidelines. Oh say can you see…

SEATTLE over St. Louis by 16If Cam Newton is not the MVP of the league this season, then Russell Wilson certainly deserves merit. A quick glance at his numbers over the last fi ve weeks of the season says it all: 19 TD passes and zero INTs to go with a 5-0 SUATS record in those games. And to make matters worse – if you’re a member of the St. Louis Rams, that is – Wilson is 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS at home with division revenge in his NFL career. All of which makes it terribly hard to back Jeff Fisher in his primary role… that of a dog. Louie arrives in Seattle 0-6 ATS off back-to-back wins and 1-6 ATS away off a pair of home games when facing a .500 or greater opponent. On the fl ip side, the Seahawks are 12-1 SUATS home off home versus sub .500 opponents, and 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS as a host in this series. Toss in the Rams’ rotten 1-11 SU and 3-9 ATS mark, including 0-6 SUATS the last six, in games off a pair of wins and you can see how diffi cult it is stepping in front of the hottest team in the loop. And since we don’t like getting burned, we won’t.

Pittsburgh at BALTIMORE by 8It’s beginning to sound like a broken record but we can’t recall a season like this, dominated with backup quarterbacks. The Ravens were forced to call on Jimmy Clausen last week as former backup Matt Schaub was banged-up. Who gets the call this week? The better question is does it really matter? Should Clausen take his 1-13 SU and 4-10 ATS NFL career mark into the fray, the Ravens appear doomed. Meanwhile, Schaub rides a 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS ledger in his last 10 NFL starts (he’s also 4-11 SUATS in his December starts). What the Black Birds do bring into the game is a sterling 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS log as dogs in Last Home Games of the season. Pittsburgh enters off last week’s highly emotional comeback win over Denver, one that kept their playoff hopes alive as they are now the 6th seed n the AFC playoff race. The Steelers’ 1-9 ATS record in the fi rst of back-to-back away games off a win has to be a concern for head coach Mike Tomlin. Check the Weekend Update line for any late-breaking information on this once important division duel.

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2-MINUTE HOOPS HANDICAPTEAMS, KEY FACTS, STATS & ATS TRENDS

(All Stats are ATS - Against The Spread - unless noted otherwise)

Friday, December 25NBA - Heat: 7-17-2 ATS off BB wins vs Pelicans

Rockets: 8-3 Su and 9-2 ATS vs SpursClippers: 11-1 SU and 9-3 ATS vs Lakers

Saturday, December 26NBA - Pelicans: 15-7-1 ATS and 8-3 ATS home vs Rockets

Grizzlies: 6-2 SU vs Hornets • Magic: 1-12 SU and 4-8-1 ATS vs HeatMavericks: 6-18 ATS home vs Bulls

Cavaliers: 1-9 SU and 1-8-1 ATS no rest vs Trail Blazers

Monday, December 28CBB - Detroit: 8-0 SU and 6-2 ATS vs Eastern Michigan

Heat: 5-0 SUATS vs Nets • Bulls: 5-0 SUATS vs RaptorsSpurs: 4-0 SUATS vs Timberwolves

Mavericks: 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS vs BucksCavaliers: Visitor 10-1 ATS Suns seriesWarriors: 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS vs Kings

Tuesday, December 29CBB - Michigan St: 5-1 SUATS at Iowa

NCAA & NBA HOOPS

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HOOP IT UP!HOOP IT UP!Saturday, December 26

KENTUCKY over Louisville by 13Expectations are always through the roof at Lexington, but they’re especially high after last year’s dominating 38-1 performance (perfect 18-0 in the SEC). Even the fact that there are ZERO returning starters from that squad didn’t keep John Calipari and company from opening at the top spot in both the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll and the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. But after a 7-0 start that included a decisive win over Duke, Kentucky has hit a bump with its young team, dropping two if its last four games. However, last Saturday’s 74-67 loss to Ohio State at Rupp Arena should be just the wakeup call needed to get the Wildcats primed for this annual blood rivalry. Louisville’s Rick Pitino somehow survived a recent ‘bros and hos’ recruiting scandal to lead his Cardinals to a solid 9-1 start heading into this day-after-Christmas showdown. However, that gaudy record has come against a schedule loaded with cupcakes, and Louie will take on two more weaklings (UMKC and Utah Valley) before facing off with Kentucky here. In fact, the Cards’ only contest versus a ranked foe this season came against Michigan State and resulted in their only loss. We think Ricky’s Redbirds will take it on the beak again today as Louisville is just 4-14-2 ATS in SU losses as a dog versus a foe off a loss, while UK is 10-2 ATS in this series when the Cardinals enter with the better record. Even if viewers aren’t treated to an Ashley Judd sighting, we still think the Cats will notch their fourth straight win over U of L – and bring home the pointspread bacon in the process. Lay it.

Saturday, December 26UTAH over LA Clippers by 8

The Jazz may not have a winning record but they were in second place in the NBA’s Western Division behind OKC. Now we get to use them in a great spot, another of our ‘The Air Up There’ plays on the high-altitude Jazz as they host the unrested Clippers, in off a Christmas day showdown with the Lakers (this season’s fi rst clash in the Battle For L.A.). It’s a game that always means a lot to the Clippers, as evidenced by their poor 1-6 ATS record recently in the following contests. Los Angeles was riding a 3-game SU losing streak prior to the Lakers, and land near the Great Salt Lake with a not-so-dominating 7-18-1 ATS in the previous 26 series meetings. Our friendly database weighs in, reminding us that the home boys are 9-0 SU and 8-1 ATS at home on Saturdays. Can you wrap it up any nicer? Fresher legs and fresher lungs git ‘er done for Utah tonight.

Friday, December 25Cleveland over GOLDEN STATE by 3

Yes, it’s Christmas time again and you know what that means: LeBron James dressed in his Santa suit, bringing joy to all Cleveland fans as his Cavaliers suit up for another yuletide contest. Today’s opponent just happens to be the NBA’s best, 26-1 Golden State, but James counters with a special holiday gift of his own: the return of G Kyrie Irving back in the lineup. That means the Cavs will be playing with a full hand when they look to deal the Warriors some NBA Finals revenge (lost title 4-2 despite taking a 2-1 series

Sunday, December 27MARYLAND over Marshall by 31

Another highly-ranked squad in this year’s preseason polls, Maryland welcomes Marshall for the Terps’ fi nal tuneup before Big Ten play begins against Penn State on 12/30. Mark Turgeon’s team should have little trouble here against a Herd squad that returns only one starter from last year’s 11-win squad as Maryland’s only loss in 2015 came in its road opener at North Carolina. Yes, the Herd has been more Thundering than Blundering of late under 2nd-year HC Dan D’Antoni, winning four of their last fi ve heading into a Tuesday night Global Sports Classic matchup with Grand Canyon but they’ll have no answers tonight for a pack of Terps that are 8-1 SU and 6-3 ATS versus C-USA, including 3-0 ATS off back-to-back wins. With fresh legs off an 8-day holiday break as well, look for Maryland to fl ex its muscles as the turtles improve to 37-17 ATS in SU wins as home favorites in games off a double-digit victory.

Tuesday, December 29MEMPHIS over Miami by 11

Every so often the NBA schedule maker hands us a ‘war of attrition’ play like this one. The Heat take the fl oor at the FedExForum to play their fourth game in fi ve days, in off a Sunday night battle with the Nets at Brooklyn. That’s especially important because these guys practically wilt in Brooklyn follow-up games: Miami is 4-17-1 ATS after the Nets, including 0-6 SUATS the last six, and 0-6-1 ATS versus non-conference challengers! The host Grizzlies will be looking to get even for a frustrating 100-97 loss to the Heat just 16 days ago, particularly Mario Chalmers, who would love to drop a big game on his former team. And if there’s one team in the league that loves to feast on unrested foes, it’s the Grizz, owners of an impressive 63-13 SU and 44-29-1 ATS mark at home versus back-to-backers. To which we say, eat up boys… winter’s coming.

Monday, December 28VILLANOVA over Penn by 31

Improvement was expected from Pennsylvania’s squad after returning all fi ve starters from last year and hiring new HC Steve Donahue, a 10-year assistant to Fran Dunphy during some of the Quakers’ most successful seasons. But all the hype has subsided in the wake of Penn’s 5-5 start at press time and they now must face ‘Big 5’ rival Villanova. As if Donahue needs any added pressure, Penn AD Grace Calhoun was quoted as saying, “We’re coming off the losingest period in program history. We’ve had two coaches now that arguably have not done what they have needed to do, so I don’t know that Penn can endure a third coach that’s not successful.” Yikes! After a 33-3 record last season, the Wildcats have suffered two losses already this year and head coach Jay Wright knows his team will need impressive wins to re-capture the fancy of the pollsters. They battled Virginia tough in disappointing setback last Saturday and look to start a new win skein here today. With Penn now 7-18 ATS in its last 25 SU road losses, and the ‘Cats boasting a 25-2 SU and 17-8-1 ATS mark – including 5-0 SUATS the last fi ve – at home versus Philly 5 rivals, we look for a Villanova to show the Quakers no love, brotherly or otherwise. Wow, three favorites for this week’s college picks? Believe it!

lead). Sure, Golden State’s SU record is intimidating but not so against the number: 11-16-1 ATS in the last 28 regular season non-conference games, including 8-14-1 ATS off a win. Our all-knowing database adds one last gift to the stocking: LeBron James is 7-2 SU on Christmas Day, including 5-0 SU and 4-0-1 ATS versus non-conference foes, and 2-0 SUATS versus an opponent off a win. Wow! Who said Santa Claus isn’t real?

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To view the entire Wise Guys standings, including Triple, Double and Single plays, visit www.PLAYBOOK.com and cash in this weekend for only $12!

Below are the current Top 20 Contestants from the 2015 Wise Guys Contest – One Point Single Plays Listed

BILLS (-6)

NY JETS (+3.5)

BUCCANEERS (-3)

BEARS (+3)

BILLS (-6)

Miami Fla (+3)

Boise Over 56

Nebraska (+7)

Bowl Grn Over 65

CARDINALS (-4.5)

15-14-1 / *9-6 / 25 pts

16-12-2 / 8-6-1 / 24 pts

16-13-1 / 8-6-1 / 24 pts

17-12-1 / 11-4 / 28 pts

16-14 / 7-8 / 23 pts

20-10 / 11-4 / 31 pts

19-11 / 11-4 / 20 pts

18-12 / *9-6 / 28 pts

18-11-1 / *9-5-1 / 28 pts

17-11-2 / 8-6-1 / 25 pts

WISE GUYS CONTESTA $10,000 Contest Sponsored by PLAYBOOK.com

Now in its 30th year, the WISE GUYS CONTEST is a $10,000 winners-take-all handicapping event sponsored by PLAYBOOK.com. All plays are graded against the lines posted after 4:00 PM Mondays on the WISE GUYS CONTEST page at PLAYBOOK.com. Each week below we'll post Single Plays from the Top 20 point-earners. Following the play is their overall Win-Loss record / Double Play record / Total Points earned to date.

Big Board [email protected]

Bob Dietzintegritysports.com

Brad Diamonddiamondquickpicks.com

Brad Powersbradpowerssports.com

California Sportscaliforniasports.com

CfbRefStats.comcfbrefstats.com

Cincinnati Kidplaybook.com

Doc’s Sportsdocsports.com

Fairway Jayvegassportszone.com

Hurricane Billplaybook.com

EAGLES (-3)

UCONN (+4.5)

REDSKINS (+3)

Bowl Grn Over 65

RAVENS (+10)

Bowl Green (-7.5)

Navy (-3.5)

PACKERS (+4.5)

NY JETS (+3.5)

N Carolina (+1.5)

18-11-1 / 8-6-1 / 26 pts

16-14 / 7-8 / 23 pts

17-12-1 / *9-5-1 / 27 pts

•19-10 / 10-4 / 29 pts

19-11 / *10-5 / 30 pts

16-14 / *9-6 / 26 pts

14-15-1 / 11-4 / 25 pts

16-13-1 / 9-5-1* / 25 pts

16-13-1 / 10-5 / 26 pts

18-11-1 / 9-6 / 27 pts

JB Sportsjbsports.net

Joe Nelsonnellysports.com

Mike Muzykamjmsportsline.com

Ross Benjaminrossbenjaminsports.com

Scott Landauscottlandau.com

Stan Lisowskiplaybook.com

Steve Merrilprosportsinfo.com

Stormin Normanfreesportsinfo.com

Tim Nolanreddogsports.com

Weekly Wizardplaybook.com

GAME MATCHUPS KEY OVER/UNDER STATS

2 0 1 5 N AT I O N A L F O O T B A L L L E A G U E – W E E K S I X T E E N

The fi rst 8 games of the NFL schedule are listed below. As always, the number listed fi rst is the ‘OVER’ and the number listed second is the ‘UNDER’. The ENTIRE 2-minute Handicap (all 16 gms) along with this week’s 3 NFL O/U BEST BETS will appear in the 2015 ‘TOTALS’ TIPSHEET by Victor King – the defi nitive weekly OU newsletter. A single issue is only $8.00. Sent via email on Tuesdays. Call the PLAYBOOK offi ces to get on the 2015 “Totals Train”! …*This week’s Playbook O/U TREND play: Panthers @ Falcons ’UNDER’ the TOTAL.

AN 'OVER / UNDER' REPORT ON THIS WEEK'S NFL CARDBY VICTOR KING

THE 2-MINUTE HANDICAP: O/U STYLE

San DiegoOAKLAND

WashingtonPHLADELPHIA

NY GiantsMINNESOTA

ChicagoTAMPA BAY

CarolinaATLANTA

Dallas BUFFALO

JacksonvilleNEW ORLEANS

San FranciscoDETROIT

9-3 O/U as div RD’s 9 < pts... 12-4 O/U in 1st of BB RG... 3-1 O/U aft Mia... 5-2 O/U Gm 15... but 2-5 O/U on Thursdays6-2 O/U L8 home vs SD (50.3)... but 1-7 O/U as div HF’s 6 < pts... 1-4-1 O/U bef KC... 1-3 O/U Gm 15... 2-4 O/U on Thursdays

4-0-1 O/U on Saturdays... 5-2 O/U aft Buf... but 1-4 O/U 1st of BB RG... 2-7 O/U bef Dal... 2-7 O/U as div dogs 5 < pts3-0 O/U Last Home Gm... 4-1 O/U bef NYG... 3-1-1 O/U 1st of BB div gms... but 1-5-1 O/U Saturdays... 2-9 O/U div HF’s 5 < pts

5-1 O/U non-div conf RD’s 5 < pts... but 1-4 O/U Last Road Gm... 1-3 O/U vs NFC North... 1-3 O/U L4 vs Min (36.0)... 2-5 O/U bef Phil5-0 O/U home vs NFC East... 3-1 O/U Gm 15... but 0-3 O/U TY non-div HF’s 5 <... 3-9 O/U off div HG... 1-3 O/U Last Home gm

4-0 O/U opp off Thur gm... 5-1 O/U Gm 15... 5-1 O/U 2nd of BB RG... but 0-4 O/U bef Det... 1-4 O/U vs NFC South... 3-7 O/U off div RG3-0 O/U aft Thur gm... 8-1 O/U off BB SUATS losses... but 0-3 O/U Gm 15... 1-4 O/U L5 vs NFC North... 2-6 O/U L8 vs Chi (35.7)

0-5 O/U L5 vs Atl (39.2)... 0-3 O/U aft allow 35 > pts... 1-10 O/U off SU win 4 < pts... 1-4 O/U as RF’s 6 > pts... 1-3 O/U aft NYG1-5 O/U 1st of BB div gms... 1-4 O/U bef Norl... 1-3 O/U off 3 straight RG... 1-3 O/U as div HD’s... 2-5 O/U Gm 15

6-1 O/U off non-conf HG... 5-1 O/U bef Wash... but 0-4 O/U aft Sat gm... 1-5 O/U Last Road Gm... 1-4 O/U vs AFC East2-0 O/U L2 vs Dal (50.0)... 6-1 O/U vs .333 < opp Gm 10 >... but 1-5 O/U as non-conf HF’s... 2-7 O/U bef NYJ... 1-3 O/U aft Wash

4-1 O/U bef Hou... 4-1 O/U 2nd of BB non-conf gms... 3-1 O/U in 1st of BB RG... 3-1 O/U aft Atl... but 1-5 O/U Gm 157-1 O/U aft Det... 5-1 O/U home vs AFC... 3-1 O/U aft Mon HG... 3-1 O/U Last Home Gm... but 3-10 O/U Gm 15... 2-5 O/U bef div RG

3-0 O/U aft Cin... 4-1 O/U Last Road Gm... but 0-8-1 O/U L9 vs Det (39.2)... 2-10 O/U bef Stl... 2-5 O/U off BB non-conf gms6-2 O/U as non-div HF’s 4 > pts... but 0-4 O/U Gm 15... 1-4 O/U L5 vs NFC West... 1-4 O/U Last Home Gm... 2-4 O/U bef Chi

1.800.PLAYBOOK • www.PLAYBOOK.com • page 11

2015-16 COLLEGE BOWLS: DECEMBER 19-JANUARY 2

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time • Games in Offi cial International Rotation sequence • Dates & times subject to change

Listed next to the games below are two entries: OL is the SportsOptions.com opening line on the contest and PB is the PLAYBOOK margin. You have a PLAYBOOK Recommendation whenever our predicted margin of victory is 6 or more points off the opening line. Remember, opening

lines are subject to change during the week so always check YOUR CURRENT LINE against the PLAYBOOK line to determine a fi nal play.

Coming next week: PLAYBOOK Football Newsletter DOUBLE ISSUE Featuring our fi nal College Bowl game previews, plus NFL and HOOPS previews and more!

MUSIC CITY BOWL

BELK BOWL

HAWAII BOWL

POINSETTIA BOWL

MIAMI FLORIDA 2:00 (El Paso, TX)WASH ST CBS

227

228 2'

FIESTA BOWL

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL

CINCINNATI8:00 (Honolulu, HI)SAN DIEGO ST ESPN

1223

224

W KENTUCKY2:30 (Miami, FL)S FLORIDA ESPN

MIAMI BEACH BOWL

OHIO U 5:30 (Montgomery, AL)APP STATE ESPN 9 4

205

206

CAMELLIA BOWLCOTTON BOWL CLASSIC

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL

BIRMINGHAM BOWLMEMPHIS12:00 PM (B’ham, AL)AUBURN ESPN

249

250

NEVADA7:30 (Tucson, AZ)COLORADO ST ASN

245

246

6

C MICHIGAN5:00 (Detroit, MI)MINNESOTA ESPN2 5’

239

240

TULSA 5:45 (Shreveport, LA)VA TECH ESPN

233

234

GODADDY BOWLGA SOUTHERN8:00 (Mobile, AL)BOWL GREEN ESPN 7

219

220

BOISE ST4:30 (San Diego, CA)NO ILLINOIS ESPN

217

218

8

BOCA RATON BOWLTOLEDO7:00 (Boca Raton, FL)TEMPLE ESPN 1

215

216

IDAHO POTATO BOWLAKRON3:30 (Boise, ID)UTAH ST ESPN 6

213

214

NEW ORLEANS BOWLARKANSAS ST9:00 (New Orleans, LA)LA TECH ESPN 1

209

210

SAN JOSE ST7:00 (Orlando, FL)GEORGIA ST CBSSN

5

1

207

208

CURE BOWL

6

235

236

ALAMO BOWLTCU6:45 (San Antonio, TX)OREGON ESPN Pk 1

277

278

TAXSLAYER BOWL

KANSAS ST3:20 (Memphis, TN)ARKANSAS ESPN 11

275

276

IOWA5:00 (Pasadena, CA)STANFORD ESPN 7

269

270

263

264

OKLAHOMA4:00 (Miami Gardens, FL)CLEMSON ESPN

4261

262

MICHIGAN ST8:00 (Arlington, TX)ALABAMA ESPN 9’

259

260

HOLIDAY BOWLWISCONSIN 10:30 (San Diego, CA)USC ESPN 3

255

256

PITTSBURGH2:30 (Annapolis, MD)NAVY ESPN 3

237

238

14

SOUTHERN MISS2:20 (Dallas, TX)WASHINGTON ESPN

1’

229

230

BAHAMAS BOWLMID TENNESSEE12:00 (Nassau, Bahamas)W MICHIGAN ESPN 2’

221

222

LAS VEGAS BOWL

OL PB

ARIZONA 2:00 (Albuquerque, NM)NEW MEXICO ESPN

10 3201

202

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

NEW MEXICO BOWL

BYU3:30 (Las Vegas, NV)UTAH ABC 2'

7203

204

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

NOTRE DAME1:00 (Glendale, AZ)OHIO ST ESPN 6'

267

268

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

SUGAR BOWLMISSISSIPPI8:30 (New Orleans, LA)OKLA ST ESPN

6'271

272

OL PB OL PB

MILITARY BOWL

NEBRASKA9:15 (Santa Clara, CA)UCLA ESPN

FOSTER FARMS BOWL

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWLBAYLOR5:30 (Orlando, FL)N CAROLINA ESPN

2243

244

OL: OPENING LINE PB: PLAYBOOK LINE

3

ORANGE BOWL

OUTBACK BOWL

SUN BOWL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23

3

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29

INDIANA3:30 (Bronx, NY)DUKE ABC

231

232

PINSTRIPE BOWL

HEART OF DALLAS BOWL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 (Continued)

INDEPENDENCE BOWL

QUICK LANE BOWL

TEXAS TECH9:00 PM (Houston, TX)LSU ESPN 7'

247

248

TEXAS BOWL

4211

212

241

242

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

CONNECTICUT11:00 (St. Petersburg, FL)MARSHALL ESPN 5

225

226

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28

ARIZONA BOWL

NC STATE3:30 PM (Charlotte, NC)MISSISSIPPI ST ESPN

251

252 5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

HOUSTON 12:00 (Atlanta, GA)FLORIDA ST ESPN 6'

257

258

265

266

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

ROSE BOWL

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

CACTUS BOWL

PENN ST 12:00 (Jacksonville, FL)GEORGIA ESPN 7

273

274

8’

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

AIR FORCE2:00 (Fort Worth, TX)CALIFORNIA ESPN

ARMED FORCES BOWL

LOUISVILLE7:00 PM (Nashville, TN)TEXAS A&M ESPN

253

254 3

CITRUS BOWL

8

4

TENNESSEE12:00 (Tampa, FL)N’WESTERN ESPN2

FLORIDA1:00 (Orlando, FL)MICHIGAN ABC

LIBERTY BOWL

WEST VIRGINIA10:15 (Phoenix, AZ)ARIZONA ST ESPN

279

280

8:30 (Glendale, AZ) ESPN

151

152

CFB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP (1/11)

1

6

3

1

3

PLAYBOOK MIDWEEK ALERT1.800.752.9266

www.PLAYBOOK.com

45

37

28

35

29

31

27

16

28

47

45

35

4

1

7�

6

1

2

3

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7

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page 12 • www.PLAYBOOK.com • 1.800.PLAYBOOK

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time • Games in Offi cial International Rotation sequence • Dates & times subject to change

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28

CINCINNATI 8:30DENVER ESPN 3’ 14

131

132

WASHINGTON 8:25 PMPHILADELPHIA NFL 3

2103

104

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27

NY GIANTS8:30 PM TIME CHANGE

MINNESOTA NBCCHICAGO1:00 PMTAMPA BAY

SAN DIEGO 8:25 PMOAKLAND NFL 5’

1101

102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24

105

106107

108

6’ 6

CAROLINA1:00 PMATLANTA DALLAS1:00 PMBUFFALOJACKSONVILLE4:05 PM TIME CHANGE

NEW ORLEANSSAN FRANCISCO1:00 PMDETROITCLEVELAND 8:30 PMKANSAS CITYINDIANAPOLIS1:00 PMMIAMINEW ENGLAND1:00 PMNY JETS

109

110111

112113

114115

116117

118119

120121

122

7’ 4

13 10

NL

3

3

3

7

6

6’ 10

3 8

HOUSTON1:00 PM TENNESSEEGREEN BAY4:25 PMARIZONAST. LOUIS4:25 PMSEATTLEPITTSBURGH 1:00 PM TIME CHANGE BALTIMORE

NL

3123

124125

126127

128

129

130

OL PB OL PB OL PB

4’

7

13’ 16

9’ 8

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MARC AND THE ENTIRE PLAYBOOK STAFF!2’

3

2015 PRO FOOTBALL - DECEMBER 23-29

A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT STAR-RATED BEST BET SELECTIONSTHIS WEEK'S BEST BETS

FOR WEEK ENDING TUESDAY,DECEMBER 29, 2015 4� BEST BET3� BEST BET 5� BEST BET

BOWLS

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NEBRASKA“Your purchase of the information in this publication is intended strictly for the private use of the subscriber and/or purchaser. The redistribution of any por tion of this information, in any form, without the express written consent of Preferred Picks® (or Playbook® or Playbook.com®) is strictly prohibited and is subject to the laws of the jurisdictions involved.”

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Listed next to the games below are two entries: OL is the SportsOptions.com opening line on the contest and PB is the PLAYBOOK margin. You have a PLAYBOOK Recommendation whenever our predicted margin of victory is 6 or more points off the opening line. Remember, opening

lines are subject to change during the week so always check YOUR CURRENT LINE against the PLAYBOOK line to determine a fi nal play.

2015 COLLEGE BOWL STAT REPORT!

Marc Lawrence’s

A comprehensive PLAYBOOK publication, featuring Stats, Systems, Angles, Trends and a complete

20 year SU and ATS History of each & every bowl game!

Includes Powerful Key BOWL BEST BETS – 63% Best Bet Winners and Awesome Angle Plays The Last 15 Years!

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