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UFC 280 Reminder!

 

This is mainly for new premium customers: make sure you add these plays to your UFC card this Saturday; love these angles!

UFC 280 on Oct 22nd, (12-12, +11.88 units in 2022):


Main Event
Islam Makhachev (-150), to win 2.5 units

Over 2.5 rounds (+125), to win 1.25 units
Watch this video and just TRY not to get excited about this main event. One of the biggest cards in years and one of the best fights I can remember, two perceived prodigies face off on October 22nd, one day before my birthday, and needless to say I’m fucking pumped. Charles Oliveira deserves everything he’s gotten, but this is Islam’s time to shine. Islam may be legitimately unbeatable. I realize that Oliveira can take punishment like no one’s business and he just continues to prove doubters wrong, maybe he does it again here, but I’m willing to bet a lot that he does not. Islam is Khabib 2.0 and Khabib is literally the best UFC fighter of all time so, that’s a rather scary prospect. He defends himself perfectly, he has an immeasurable gas tank, he has that weird, rare power that comes from seemingly nowhere and he WILL take down Oliveira. I’m also betting he wins by points or wins later in the fight after he wears down Oliveira.
 
TJ Dillashaw (+140), to win 2.8 units
Sorry not sorry, I like Aljamain Sterling isn’t as sharp as he thinks he is, though defeating Peter Yan was one hell of a win. Although, according to most experts and definitely in my opinion, Yan should have won that fight. Now Sterling waltzes into this contest probably thinking he’s the man. I love TJ to show him emphatically that he is NOT. Dillashaw has one of the best gas tanks in the UFC and while his suspension took him out of the game for a while, he got warmed up again with a nice split decision win against the elite Cory Sandhagen. Many forget how dominant and overwhelming TJ was in his prime – I do not. Dude is still only 36 years old and he’s probably healthier than he’s been in a long time. Dillashaw. for the win

October 19th MLB Play

The Padres weren’t able to come through for us last night, but I’m back today with a play in Game 1 of the ALCS. To receive a text when I release/add any plays, join my Telegram group!

*MLB(1u): Astros -1.5(+125) vs Yankees–6:37 PM CT

This is a terrible spot for the Yankees; their ALDS series with the Guardians went the distance, and due to the postponement of Monday night’s game, concluded last night. This is a quick turnaround facing a well-rested Astros team that quite frankly dominated the Yankees throughout the regular season.

Not only that, the Yankees must face a truly elite arm in Astros SP Justin Verlander. While Verlander struggled against the Mariners last week, he held impeccable numbers throughout the regular season(1.75 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) and is one of the easiest arms to back in baseball. Perhaps most impressive is that Verlander allowed HR’s at the lowest rate since 2010 after struggling with the long ball in past seasons. In addition to the potential “hangover” spot, the Yankees were underwhelming in this role down the stretch of the season, holding a poor 90 wRC+ vs righties on the road since August 1st.

Yankees SP Jameson Taillon is not a “postseason” caliber arm and will be starting today out of necessity. He struck out nearly 2 batters less on the road this year and allowed a staggering 1.7 HR/9 on the road this year as well. 5 separate projected starters for Houston hold an OPS above 1.000 off of Taillon, and this should be a spot where a consistent Astros lineup can take the top off of a vulnerable arm.

The Astros bullpen is clearly more rested for this game, but they also proved to be more reliable and deep down the stretch run of the season. The stars align for a play on the Astros -1.5 getting a solid +125 return.

NBA Premiums, 10.18 (One Add and a Parlay)

 

Hi All! One hell of a start eh? We go 3-0 on opening night and that’s a good sign for our handle and assertions in the ol’ association. Always treating cautiously and not trying to get overexposed by night two, I’m adding just one more play (in red) and a parlay tonight. Let’s keep stacking units early!

October 19
Heat 1H -3 or less, to win 1 unit
The Bulls won’t start off as hot this year, in my opinion, while the Heat are already getting discredited and underestimated by NBA “experts.” Miami is at home and we’ve seen Chicago crawl back into these games– I’d rather take a 1st half line on a Heat team that’s just waiting to bounce on a softie like Chicago.
 
Hawks -9.5 (-110), to win 1 unit
The Hawks won’t have to be that impressive to win by double digits here, in my opinion. The Rockets are one of the least talented teams in the NBA since they lost Christian Wood and the line is heading in our direction. 
 
Hornets ML (-105), to win 1 unit
Maybe this is a home-court love kinda line but Popovich has been adamant that they’re in a rebuilding phase and even though the Hornets and without L. Ball to start the season, I still think they have a much better roster. Popovich will coach up his young studs and won’t make it easy but I like Charlotte to get the W.
 
Mavericks +4.5 (110), to win 1.5 units
This line is crazy, if you ask me. Even at home, there are all kinds of sell-signs on the Suns’ right now. The debacle with their owner, they’re trying to trade a key piece in Jae Crowder, Ayton seems like he’s barely interested in playing basketball. No thanks. I love the addition of Christian Wood for Dallas and I think the Mavericks are quietly building one of the most effective lineups in the NBA. They bested Phoenix in the postseason and that wasn’t a fluke. 
 

Grizzlies -6 (-110), to win 1.5 units

This line has come down too much. Memphis is ready to pounce and the 2022-23 season, according to Grizzlies’ hopefuls, could be their year. Jalen Brunson’s addition to the Knicks is a big deal but he’s not an easy player to incorporate into your gameplan. Even on the Mavericks, Dinwiddie and Brunson and Luka were often a more disparate group than a group with obvious chemistry, and the Knicks aren’t a team that can figure things out quickly. Perhaps over time they will, but this line dropping to 6 has me auto-betting on Memphis. They attack with such ferocity and speed and I don’t think the Knicks can hang late.
 
Moneyline Parlay: 0.5 unit to win 2.64 units
Nuggets/Hawks/Grizzlies/Heat/Pistons

The CJ Cup in South Carolina – Preview & Picks

Keegan Bradley takes the Zozo Championship capturing his fifth win on the PGA Tour. He’s been playing some great golf as of late. Rickie Fowler has also seemed to turn his game around with back-to-back top-6 finishes. He has another sponsors exemption, so he’ll be teeing it up at Congaree this week.

The 6th edition CJ Cup takes place this week at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Despite it being the sixth edition, this will be the first time it’s been held at this course.

 

Tournament Information:

  • Dates: October 20th, 2022 – October 23rd, 2022
  • Location: Ridgeland, South Carolina, United States
  • Course: Congaree Golf Club
  • Course Type: Carolina
  • Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 11x 4’s / 3x 5’s)
  • Length: 7,655 yards
  • Format: 72-hole stroke play
  • Greens: Champion bermudagrass
  • Fairways: TifGrand bermudagrass
  • Rough: N/A
  • Sand/ Waste Areas: 130 acres
  • Water Hazards: 6 (In-Play 10 Holes)
  • Average Green Size: 6,150 sq. ft.
  • Stimpmeter: 11 ft.
  • Purse/ Winner: $10,500,000 /$1,890,000
  • FedEx Cup Points: 500
  • Field/ Cut: 78 Players | No Cut
  • Course Scoring Average:
    • 2021 (Palmetto Championship): 71.74 (+0.74), Rank 12 of 51 Courses

Course Architect:

  • Course Architect: Tom Fazio (2017)
  • Renovations: N/A

 

Comparable Courses & Greens:

  • Comparable Courses:
    • Kapalua Golf (Plantation Course) – Sentry Tournament of Champions – (RESULTS)
    • Kiawah Island (Ocean Course) – 2021 PGA Championship – (RESULTS)
    • PGA National – Honda Classic – (RESULTS)
  • Comparable Greens (Champion bermudagrass):
    • The CC of Jackson – Champion bermudagrass – Sanderson Farms Championship
    • Sedgefield Country Club – Champion bermudagrass – Wyndham Championship
    • TPC Southwind – Champion bermudagrass – FedEx St. Jude Championship
  • Comparable Average Green Size (6,150 sq. ft.):
    • The CC of Jackson – 6,200 sq. ft. – Sanderson Farms Championship
    • Silverado Resort & Spa – 6,200 sq. ft. – Fortinet Championship
    • Sea Island Golf Club (Plantation Course) – 6,100 sq. ft. – RSM Classic

 

TV Information:

  • Round 1: Thursday, October 20th, 2022
    • Golf Channel – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Round 2: Friday, October 21st, 2022
    • Golf Channel – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Round 3: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
    • Golf Channel – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Round 4: Sunday, October 23rd, 2022
    • Golf Channel – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

 

Weather:

  • Thursday: Partly Cloudy 74 F, 5 mp/h E, 20% Humidity, 0% Chance of Rain
  • Friday: Mostly Sunny 74 F, 6 mp/h SE, 24% Humidity, 0% Chance of Rain
  • Saturday: Mostly Sunny 72 F, 15 mp/h SSW, 27% Humidity, 0% Chance of Rain
  • Sunday: Sunny 68 F, 9 mp/h WSW, 29% Humidity, 0% Chance of Rain

 

Course/ Tournament History:

The CJ Cup was first established during the 2017-28 season. For the first three years, it was held at Nine Bridges Golf Course in South Korea. Then in 2020, it was shifted to Shadow Creek Golf Course before being moved again in 2021 to the Summit Club. This year, it will be held at Congaree Golf Club for the first time. Oddly enough, Tom Fazio designed Shadow Creek, the Summit Club, and Congaree Golf Cub.

Congaree Golf Club is one of the newer courses on Tour being established in 2017. It was founded by two billionaires Dan Friedkin and Bob McNair. After McNair passed, the course experienced a lack of memberships. They took an interesting approach to the solution and now have roughly 250 “ambassadors” instead of members. These  “ambassadors” are very prominent individuals that help promote the course.

With the cancellation of the RBC Canadian Open in 2021, the PGA needed an event to fill that spot. The Palmetto Championship was created and Congaree Golf Club was elected to play host. Back in 2019, Congaree also made a pitch to host the 2025 President’s Cup but were unsuccessful.

72-Hole Record (Congaree GC): 273, Garrick Higgo (2021, The Palmetto Championship)

18-Hole Record (Congaree GC):  64, Wes Roach (First round, 2021), Ryan Armour (Fourth round, 2021), Will Gordon (Fourth round, 2021)

 

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Congaree Golf Club is a Par 71 that plays 7,655 yards. The layout features four Par 3’s, eleven Par 4’s, and three Par 5’s. Tom Fazio modeled this layout after courses of the Australian Sandbelt. There’s virtually no rough with over 130 acres of sand/ waste areas. Water also comes into play on over half of the holes.

The four Par 3’s range between 170 yards and 230 yards. At the 2021 Palmetto Championship, all four of the Par 3’s had a scoring average over par.

No. 14 is the longest Par 3. Players will have a fairly straightforward shot onto one of the largest greens on the course. The only worry is the waste area along the front right of the green.

There are three Par 4’s that are over 500 yards. No. 3 and 15 are the shortest Par 4’s listed at 360 yards with the longest being No. 8, at 540 yards.

No. 8 is the signature hole of Congaree. It’s the longest Par 4 on the course playing 540 yards. Off the tee, players will have to hit over a body of water onto a narrow fairway. They’ll hit into an elevated green that’s surrounded by bunkers on all sides. If they miss short right, that same body of water they faced off the tee will come into play.

The three Par 5’s are No. 2, 4, and 12. No 4 is the only Par 5 that is listed over 600 yards. All of the Par 5’s had a scoring average below par at the 2021 Palmetto Championship.

No. 4 is the longest Par 5 listed at 645 yards. It’s fairly straight with the off-the-tee with no real issues. As players approach the green, water does come into play off the right side along with several bunkers.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 8

Image

For a hole-by-hole overview of the course, you can click the following link.

 

Key Statistics:

  • Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
  • Strokes Gained: Approach
  • Strokes Gained: Tee to Green
  • Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
  • Sand Saves
  • Comparable Courses and Event History

 

The Field/ Odds:

This week’s event will feature a 78-player field with no cut. Six of the top 10 in world rankings will tee it up at Congaree Golf Club. The field is comprised of the top 60 PGA Tour players from the previous season’s FedEx Cup standings, winners of the KPGA Championship and Genesis Championship on the Korean Tour, the top 3 players on the Korean Tour money list, the top available player from the Asian Tour, the top available Korean player from the Asian Tour, the top next 3 available Korean players from the Official World Golf Ranking, and 8 sponsor exemptions.

  • Rory McIlroy (+700), is the defending champion winning the 2021 CJ Cup at Summit. He’ll be making his first start on the PGA Tour this season. He did not play in the 2021 Palmetto Championship so this will be his first appearance at Congaree Golf Club.
  • Jon Rahm (+900), is coming off a win at the Spanish Open. He’ll be making his first start of the 2022-23 season. Rahm finished 17th at the CJ Cup back in 2020 and did not play in the 2021 Palmetto Championship.
  • Scottie Scheffler (+1200), will be making his first start of the 2022-23 season. We last saw him at Quail Hollow where he had a disappointing President’s Cup performance. He’s played in two CJ Cup’s finishing T52 in 2020 and T38 in 2021. He also did not play in the 2021 Palmetto Championship.
  • Justin Thomas (+1400), has won the CJ Cup twice before. Both times when it was hosted at Nine Bridges. JT will be making his first start of the season after playing at the President’s Cup. He did not play in the 2021 Palmetto Championship so this will be his first appearance at Congaree Golf Club.
  • Matt Fitzpatrick (+2200), will be making his first start of the 2022-23 season. He has a great course history finishing T10 in the 2021 Palmetto Championship.

 

Previous Winners in the field (CJ Cup): Rory McIlroy (’21), Justin Thomas (’19,’17)

Notable Withdraws: None

 

To see the most up-to-date odds, you can click the following link.

To see the full field for this event, you can click the following link.

 

Horses for Courses (2021 Palmetto Championship):

  • Tyrrell Hatton: T2
  • Matt Fitzpatrick: T10
  • Chez Reavie: T14
  • Harris English: T14
  • Seamus Power: T19
  • Beau Hossler: T19

 

Previous Winners Scores & Prices:

  • 2021 @ Summit: Rory McIlroy (-25)
    • Price: 22-1
  • 2020 @ Shadow Creek: Jason Kokrak (-20)
    • Price: 100-1
  • 2019 @ Nine Bridges: Justin Thomas (-20)
    • Price: 15-2
  • 2018 @ Nine Bridges: Brooks Koepka (-21)
    • Price: 10-1
  • 2017 @ Nine Bridges: Justin Thomas (-9)
    • Price: 8-1

 

  • 2021 Palmetto Championship: Garrick Higgo (-11)

 

Picks (Outrights):

  • Matt Fitzpatrick (+2500) – Pointsbet
    • Risk 0.32 to win 8.00 Units

Unlike most of the field, Fitzpatrick has played here before finishing T10 at the 2021 Palmetto Championship. He made a name for himself last year winning the U.S. Open at the Country Club. Following that victory, he finished T6/T21/T5/T48/T15 to end the year. Since the finish of the 2020-21 PGA Tour season, Fitzpatrick has played several times on the European Tour. In those four Euro Tour events, he played moderately well. The highlight of those events was his 2nd place finish at the Italian Open.

He was 70th in Driving Distance, 48th in SG: Approach, 10th in SG: Off the Tee, and 6th in Sand Save % on the Tour last year. We saw him take a major step forward with his game last season. While he isn’t the longest off the tee his ball-striking and sand play should make up for it.

  • Viktor Hovland (+2800) – DraftKings
    • Risk 0.29 to win 8.12 Units

Last year on Tour, he finished the season strong with T4/T20/T35/T15 placements. In his last three professional starts, he finished T5 at the BMW PGA Championship, T34 at the Italian Open, and T5 at the Zozo Championship. His last win on Tour was at the WWT Championship at Mayakoba and based on his recent strokes gained numbers he looks to be primed for a win soon.

Hovland is one of the best iron players on Tour with his short game being his Achilles heel. As of late, he has been trending upwards in that category gaining strokes in each of his last two professional events.

  • Sam Burns (+2800) – DraftKings
    • Risk 0.29 to win 8.12 Units

Sam Burns struggled to stay the least at the Presidents Cup going (0-3-2). However, he rebounded nicely with a T30 finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship. He gained strokes off the tee and on approach but lost stokes putting. Last year, he finished 120th in SG: Putting but has gained strokes in that category in nearly each of his last eleven starts. If he is able to have a decent week with the flat stick, I like him to contend.

  • Tyrrell Hatton (+4000) – FanDuel
    • Risk 0.20 to win 8.00 Units

Tyrell Hatton has been in great form as of late with back to back top-10 finishes on the European Tour. Last year he was horrendous in terms of SG: Off the Tee but in the one event that did have Shotlink data, he gained nearly a stroke in that category.

Last year, he finished T2 at the Palmetto Championship held here at Congaree. He gained strokes in every category besides putting. If we look at his recent putting performances, he’s gained strokes in that category in seven of his last eight professional starts. He’s shown he has the game to do well here so if he can stay hot with the flat stick, I think he’s on the front page of the leaderboard come Sunday.

Just Missed: Collin Morikawa (+3300)

Total Risk on Outrights: 1.10 Units

 

Picks (Top 10):

  • Jon Rahm (+110) – DraftKings
    • Risk 1.00 to win 1.10 Units

Jon Rahm has yet to make a start on the PGA Tour this year but just won his third Spanish Open. He joins Seve Ballesteros as the only player to win that event three times. Before that win, he finished T2 at the BMW PGA Championship.

Rahm has never played at Congaree so we’ll have to look at his finishes at course comps. He finished 2nd at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and T8 at the 2021 PGA Championship.

It was a down year for Rahm who entered the season as the Number 1 golfer in the world. His only victory was at the Mexico Open with an extremely weak field. However, he did finish the year strong with three top-20 placements. His distance off the tee should allow him a significant advance as we saw with Garrick Higgo. Based on his recent play, he’s been trending in all the right directions and looks to be more comfortable with the flat stick than ever. I wouldn’t be shocked if wins this event but I like him to finish inside the top-10 even more at plus money.

  • Justin Thomas (+150) – DraftKings
    • Risk 1.00 to win 1.50 Units

JT will be making his first start of the season this week at Congaree. He’s won this event twice before (’17,’19) but has never played at this course. If we look at his course comp history finished T5 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.

In terms of key stats, Justin Thomas ranks highly in nearly every category. He was 14th in Driving Distance, 8th in SG: Approach, 16th in SG: Off the Tee, and 8th in Sand Save % on the Tour last year. In his career he’s also seemed to favor the bermudagrass putting surface which is another plus.

Total Risk on Top 10 Placements: 2.00 Units

 

Picks (Top 20):

  •  Shane Lowry (+105) – Bet365
    • Risk 1.00 to win 1.05 Units

Shane Lowry has played in the CJ Cup twice before finishing T28 in 2020 and T54 in 2021. He did not play in the 2021 Palmetto Championship so he does not have any course history here. If we look at course comps he finished 2nd at The Honda Classic and T4 at the 2021 PGA Championship. He’ll be making his first start of the season since finishing T12 at the BMW Championship.

Lowry won the BMW PGA Championship recently on the European Tour, so we know he’s in good form. When you combine his play off the tee with his elite ball-striking ability, Shane should be in contention come Sunday.

  • Max Homa (+130) – DraftKings
    • Risk 1.00 to win 1.30 Units

Max Homa has been on an absolute heater as of late. Earlier this year, he successfully defended his title at the Fortinet Championship. Following that win, he hopped on a plane and helped the US defeat the International team in the President’s Cup. Most recently, he finished T20 at the Shriners Children’s Open. He has not played at Congaree before but does have some solid performances at course comps. Homa finished T15 in the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua.

Homa ranks 51st in SG: Approach, 22nd in SG: Off the Tee, 10th in SG: Tee to Green, and  39th in Driving Distance. The lone worry for Max this week is his ability out of the sand. He doesn’t rank highly in that category which could get him in some trouble. However, his overall form and course comps still render him a good play this week. Remember, we don’t need him to win, just to finish inside the top-20.

Total Risk on Top 20 Placements: 2.00 Units

Total Risk on the CJ Cup in South Carolina: 5.10 Units 

 

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.

The Deeper Dive with Michael Fordham– Biggest Storylines Entering Week 8 CFB

On today’s episode, Michael gets everybody familiarized with the Week 8 CFB Card. He offers 11 storylines that are sure to have major ramifications for the 2022 season.

All of Michael’s info: https://linktr.ee/fordhamsportsgambling

Week 8 CFB Key Injuries

Cincinnati @ SMU

Cincinnati Injuries

  • QUESTIONABLE
    • Starting QB Ben Bryant(Undisclosed)
      • Bryant got dinged up in Cincinnati’s last game vs South Florida and gave way to Evan Prater late in the 4th Quarter. While Cincy is coming off a BYE, Bryant is not 100% entering this week.
    • WR1 Tyler Scott(Ankle)
      • Leading receiver Tyler Scott did not play in Cincy’s last game vs USF and is questionable once again for SMU.
    • RB2 Corey Kiner(Hand)
      • Cincinnati’s 2nd leading rusher did not play in their last game vs UCF after rushing for over 100 yards at Tulsa the week before. While RB1 Charles McClelland has been the more effective back this year, this is still noteworthy.

Memphis @ East Carolina

Memphis Injuries

  • Memphis played a 5OT game this past Saturday at East Carolina and now travel to Tulane for their 2nd straight road game with 3 starters QUESTIONABLE
    • Starting S Quindell Johnson
      • Arguably the best player on the defense that has been tabbed as a potential Day 2 pick
    • Starting LT Austin Myers
    • Starting LG Jonah Gambill

Duke @ Miami

Miami Injuries

  • Miami returns home off a win at Virginia Tech with 2 offensive starters QUESTIONABLE
    • RB1 Henry Parrish Jr.
      • Parrish is still Miami’s leading rusher despite missing last week’s game. The ‘Canes RB’s rushed for just 74 yards against the Hokies last week, so Parrish’s status will remain crucial
    • Starting RG Justice Oluwaseun

Pittsburgh @ Louisville

Pitt Injuries

  • WR2 Konata Mumpfield QUEST
    • The Panthers’ 2nd leading receiver remains questionable this week after missing Pitt’s last game against Virginia Tech

Louisville Injuries

  • The Cardinals are coming off a BYE, but their 2 most important offensive pieces remain QUESTIONABLE this week
    • Starting QB Malik Cunningham(Concussion)
      • Cunningham was last seen on October 1st in Louisville’s shocking loss at Boston College. While Louisville made due to Brock Domann in their win over Virginia the following week, Cunningham’s dual-threat nature and 5 years of experience makes him the centerpiece of Louisville’s offense.
    • RB1 Tiyon Evans
      • Evans also missed the Virginia game and remains questionable entering this week. His backup, Jawhar Jordan, has run for just 3.8 YPC this season in comparison to Evans’ 5 YPC.

Texas @ Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State Injuries

  • Starting QB Spencer Sanders played through injury last week in the Pokes’ 2OT loss to TCU. Mike Gundy refused to talk about injuries in yesterday’s press conference, but it is suspect to see Texas shoot up to a 6-point road favorite; many are speculating about Sanders’ status entering this game.
    • Sanders is a 4-year starter, and Oklahoma’s next option at QB(Mike Gundy’s son) has just 20 career attempts.

Kansas @ Baylor

Kansas Injuries

  • The Jayhawks are expected to be WITHOUT 2 offensive starters once again entering their 2nd straight road game
    • QB1 Jalon Daniels
      • Daniels injured his shoulder early in October 8th’s TCU game. While he is expected to return earlier than originally expected, it is much more realistic we see Daniels back in early November. Jason Bean has done an admiral job in Daniels’ absence, but he clearly downgrades this Jayhawks offense.
    • RB2 Daniel Hishaw Jr
      • While he was playing second-fiddle Devin Neal even when healthy, the Jayhawks have yet to look the same since losing Hishaw Jr(5.9 YPC) in October 1st’s game vs Iowa State. He remains OUT indefinitely.

Baylor Injuries

  • QB1 Blake Shapen
    • Shapen left last Thursday’s game at West Virginia with an apparent concussion and didn’t return. HC Dave Aranda said he would provide an update later in the week. Backup QB Kyron Drones through a critical INT late against WVU, and Shapen’s absence was a big attributor to Baylor losing that game.

West Virginia @ Texas Tech

West Virginia Injuries

  • RB1 CJ Donaldson OUT
    • Donaldson left October 1st’s game with a head/neck injury and needed to be carted off the field in what was a scary scene. While Donaldson could return later in the season, it is unlikely we see him return this soon.
    • Despite being a true freshman, Donaldson immediately established himself as WVU’s best back, running for 6.9 YPC in 5 games this year. West Virginia did run the ball effectively in last week’s win over Baylor, but neither Tony Mathis nor Justin Johnson provide anywhere near the level of explosiveness that Donaldson does.

Texas Tech Injuries

  • WR1 Myles Price QUEST(ankle)
    • Price missed October 8th’s Oklahoma State game with an ankle injury, but coming off a BYE Week, many are hopeful Price returns to action this week. Price leads the Red Raiders in receptions and is an integral part of Tech’s game plan to strike in the quick passing game.
  • QB Donovan Smith QUEST(shoulder)
    • Tech’s primary starter attempted only 1 pass in their last game at Oklahoma State before giving way to Behren Morton. It is uncertain how Joey Maguire plans to approach his QB controversy this week with Tyler Shough still on the shelf and Morton tweaking his ankle in the 2nd Half of that OK State game

Iowa @ Ohio State

Ohio State Injuries

  • WR1 Jaxon Smith-Njigba PROB(Hamstring)
    • “JSN” is expected to return for Ohio State after missing the Buckeyes’ last 3 games. While OSU hasn’t missed a beat in his absence, he very well may be the best WR in College Football and will provide an instant boost to Ohio State’s offense.
  • RB1 and RB2 QUESTIONABLE
    • Both Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams come into this game less than 100%. Henderson missed October 1st’s game vs Rutgers but returned the next week for the Michigan State game; Miyan Williams missed the Buckeyes’ last game vs Michigan State. The Buckeyes really need just one of these guys available.

Northwestern @ Maryland

Northwestern Injuries

  • QB1 Ryan Hilinski QUESTIONABLE(concussion)
    • Hilinski left Northwestern’s October 8th game against Wisconsin with a suspected concussion. A BYE Week helps his case to return for this one, though there didn’t seem to be a huge dropoff with Brendan Sullivan leading the way.

Maryland Injuries

  • QB1 Taulia Tagovailoa QUESTIONABLE(knee)
    • Taulia had to leave last week’s game with a late knee injury, and Mike Locksley announced today he would be a game-time decision this Saturday. He left the Michigan game but was a “go” the very next week, although a knee injury presents a different set of challenges. Backup QB Billy Edwards Jr has received quality experience with Taulia leaving multiple games early.

Purdue @ Wisconsin

Purdue Injuries

  • Starting S Chris Jefferson QUESTIONABLE
    • Purdue has been without Jefferson each of their past 3 games, but there is speculation he could return this week.
  • WR1 Charlie Jones PROBABLE
    • Jeff Brohm revealed star WR Charlie Jones has been playing through injury in recent weeks

Wisconsin Injuries

  • Starting Nickel Cedrick Dort Jr(Head)
  • RB2 Chez Mellusi OUT(Wrist)
    • Braelon Allen is clearly “the guy” in Madison, but Mellusi’s injury hurts the depth at the RB position considerably.
  • Starting CB Alexander Smith OUT(Hamstring)
  • Starting RT Riley Mahlman OUT

Minnesota @ Penn State

Minnesota Injuries

  • QB1 Tanner Morgan QUESTIONABLE(head)
    • Morgan left last week’s game at Illinois with an “upper-body injury” after a hard hit. PJ Fleck seems optimistic about Morgan’s status, but he should be treated as a true “game time decision”. Morgan is a 5th year player with an array of experience, while backup QB Athan Kaliakmanis has attempted just 11 career passes and threw 2 INT’s in relief last week

BYU @ Liberty

BYU Injuries

  • Starting WR Gunner Romney QUEST
    • Romney started the season on the shelf before returning a few weeks ago; however, he didn’t play in last week’s game against Arkansas. While the Cougars do have a lot of depth at the WR position, getting Romney back would be a huge plus.

Liberty Injuries

  • QB1 Kaidon Salter OUT(ankle)
    • Salter injured his ankle on October 1st after a strong start to the season. The Flames put up just 21 points vs Gardner-Webb last week and have clearly regressed since Salter went down.

Arizona State @ Stanford

Arizona State Injuries

  • QB Emory Jones QUEST(concussion)
    • Jones left October 8th’s game vs Washington with an apparent concussion, but a BYE Week has people hopeful Jones will be available this week. However, with Trenton Bourguet stepping in and leading the Sun Devils to an upset win over the Huskies, it’s not a guarantee Jones immediately slots back in as QB1

Colorado @ Oregon State

Colorado Injuries

  • RB1 Deion Smith QUEST
    • The Buffs’ leading rusher was carted off the field this past week in Colorado’s upset win over Cal. The injury doesn’t appear as serious as originally expected, but does Smith really suit up a week after being carted off the field in a major spectacle?

Oregon State Injuries

  • QB Chance Nolan OUT(neck)
    • Nolan has been out of the lineup since his early injury on October 1st at Utah, and Johnathan Smith once again ruled him out this week. However, there has really been no dropoff with Ben Gulbranson stepping up in relief.

Ole Miss @ LSU

LSU Injuries

  • Starting OL Garrett Dellinger DOUBTFUL
    • Dellinger was injured on October 8th vs Tennessee, and Brian Kelly projected he’d miss LSU’s next 2 games. LSU’s offensive line has been a source of major concern this year, but even in Dellinger’s absence, they showed major progress in last week’s win at Florida.
  • 2 Key starters in the secondary remain OUT
    • Sevyn Banks
    • Major Burns

Fantasy Football Week 7

Bye Weeks:  Bills, Rams, Vikings and Eagles – Massive

Key Injuries:

  • QB Carsen Wentz upgraded his team by breaking his finger out 4-6 weeks.
  • WR Marquise Brown hurt his foot and may miss time.
  • WR Randall Cobb has a high ankle sprain.
  • QB Kenny Pickett had a concussion and may miss next week.
  • TE Cameron Brate had another concussion and will be out a while.

Waiver Wire:

  • QB Taylor Heinicke the Wentz injury is big.
  • RB Kenyon Drake was huge for the Ravens last week and is at least the number 2 guy.
  • WR Tyquan Thornton was big for the Patriots now that he is healthy.  He had 5 targets.
  • WR Paris Campbell came out of nowhere with 11 targets last week.  I am confused by the Colts offense right now.
  • TE Hunter Henry had 7 targets and a TD last week.
  • WR Wandale Robinson is worth a look for sure now that he is healthy.
  • WR Robbie Anderson is speculative after the Cardinals traded for him.

Non-Starters trending up for week 7

  • WR Romeo Doubs will be huge vs Washington with Cobb out.
  • TE Robert Tonyan will be huge vs the Commanders as well.
  • TE OJ Howard might have a game vs the Raiders.
  • WR Tee Higgens is due for a big game vs Atlanta.
  • WR Jaylon Waddle vs the Steelers will be huge this week.
  • TE Mike Gesicki vs the Steelers will also be huge.
  • RB Raheem Mostert vs the Steelers will be big.
  • RB Kenneth Walker vs the Chargers bad running D is huge.
  • RB Rhomandre Stevenson will be huge vs the Bears.
  • RB Brian Robinson vs the weak Packers D might be huge.

Busts:

  • WR Garrett Wilson vs the Broncos is rough.
  • RB James Conner vs the Saints D.
  • RB D’Andre Swift will bust vs the Cowboys D.
  • RB Jamal Williams vs the Cowboys D.
  • QB Marcus Mariota might bust vs the Bengals.
  • RB Christian McCaffery might bust vs the Buccaneers.
  • RB Nick Chubb might have it rough vs the Ravens.

Nasty Sleeper:   Kenneth Walker vs the Chargers

 

October 18th MLB Play

I like a play in Game 1 of this year’s NLCS, and I will look to improve upon my 2-3-1 postseason record. To receive a text when I release/add any plays, join my Telegram group!

*MLB(1u): Padres ML(-115) vs Phillies–7:03 PM CT

Padres SP Yu Darvish enjoyed another dazzling season in San Diego, holding a 2.60 ERA and 0.88 WHIP at Petco Park this year. The Phillies have been downright bad on the road vs right-handed pitching for awhile now; since August 1st, the Phils hold a measly 79 wRC+ in this role, good for 26th in baseball. While they did get to lefty Max Fried in Atlanta last week, they were promptly shutout by righty Kyle Wright and the Braves bullpen in Game 2 of the NLDS, their last road game.

Phillies SP Zack Wheeler has not handled his road starts as good as you would think, holding a 1.20 road WHIP over each of the past 2 seasons. Now, Wheeler must make his 3rd straight road start of the postseason. The Padres’ lineup isn’t some dominant force, and I don’t particularly love the bottom of their order. Still, since August 1st, they hold an above average 105 wRC+ vs righties at home, giving them a pretty clear offensive advantage in this game. 

A huge part of this play is the massive bullpen edge the Padres hold in the later innings. Philadelphia’s bullpen was bad all season, ranking 24th in the league in bullpen WHIP. It’s pretty amazing that they’ve made it this far with how bad their bullpen is. The Padres, on the other hand, have a borderline Top 5 bullpen in the game and have finally gotten Josh Hader back on track. This line should be more like Padres -130/-135 over the full game.

NBA Futures Note

 

Hi All!

As you probably already know, I’m just not a big futures guy. That being said, I put a bet on the Bucks to win this year’s NBA championship back in the summer for a pretty good price. That that that being said, I’m waiting to pull the trigger on that play for you guys. Why? Well:
Khris Middleton will be out for a few weeks and he’s very important for Milwaukee. Let’s wait and see if the Bucks’ start a little clunky and when they lose value and the + money rises, we’ll POUNCE on that sumbitch!
Thanks bye!