AFC North doubleheader
Today, we have a live version of HBO’s Hard Knocks: In-season with the AFC North.
Here are opposing views on the Browns-Ravens matchup (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN):
Steve Makinen: For as much as I usually don’t like playing big numbers like this game has in the NFL, it’s tough to see any scenario in which Cleveland puts up much of a fight against Baltimore with the AFC North title on the line.
Dave Tuley: These teams have obviously gone in opposite directions since the Browns upset the Ravens 29-24 in Week 8, but I still love getting points in a division rivalry where the winner of the first meeting is getting points.
>Zach Cohen‘s preview with Best Bets.
Here’s what you should know about the Bengals-Steelers game (8 p.m. ET, ESPN):
>Playoff scenarios: If the Ravens win, the Steelers won’t be playing for a division title. To make the playoffs, the Bengals need to win and then need victories by the Chiefs (vs. Broncos) and Jets (vs. Dolphins).
>Injuries: Bengals WRs Chase Brown (ankle) and Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) are listed as questionable.
Tuley’s Take: Even if the Ravens win earlier Saturday to clinch the AFC North, Pittsburgh should give its best effort to avoid heading into the postseason on a four-game losing streak. I don’t like them enough to take the short number, but I will tease them up through the key numbers of 3 and 7 to +7.5 to kick off our “Tuley’s Teaser Portfolio.” I’ll use it with both the Patriots +8.5 vs. the Bills and the Vikings +8.5 or +9 at the Lions.
>Zach’s preview with his Best Bets.
On Friday night, Matt Youmans announced the Week 18 selections from the eight remaining handicappers in the Circa Friday Football Invitational. VSiN Pro subscribers can find all the picks here, but let’s see what the contestants did with this game:
- Alex White: Bengals (-2)
- Chris Fallica: Steelers (+2)
- Chuck Edel: UNDER (48)
- Pete Wilder: Bengals (-2)
- Paul Bovi: OVER (48)
- Weston Stradtman: Bengals (-2)
- Chris Macero: Steelers (+2)
More Week 18 resources
>Look for Josh Appelbaum‘s Sharp Report later this morning.
>Who’s starting at QB in Week 18.
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits: At the top of this section, the chart shows a comparison of the betting splits from DraftKings and Circa Sports. Keep an eye on them this morning for late action.
>Kevin Roth‘s weather report: It will be cold in Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Everything we post on Week 18 is here.
$16.6M at stake this weekend at Circa
NFL Week 18 has become one of my favorite weekends here in Las Vegas as contest contenders descend upon Circa with dreams of millions dancing in their heads. This year, $16.6 million will be divided up based on the weekend outcomes.
In Circa Million, five entries are within two points of the lead and the $1 million first prize likely will come down to the Vikings-Lions game on Sunday night. >>Standings.
In Circa Survivor, there are 18 entries with a chance to go 20-0 and claim a piece of the $14.2 million. Who has which team left is the name of the game. Circa owner Derek Stevens predicts five will take the Bucs, two will pick the Packers and the rest have a tough call. >>Check the availability chart if you want to walk in their shoes to the window.
Today’s Bahamas Bowl preview
Adam Burke previews today’s Bahamas Bowl, featuring Buffalo vs. Liberty (11 a.m. ET, ESPN2).
All of our upcoming bowl and CFP previews are listed here.
More CFB resources
>DraftKings/Circa betting splits.
>Matchups page with Makinen’s estimated scores.
>CFB Picks page for VSiN Pro subscribers.
Today in college basketball
Greg Peterson has posted his Best Bets for today’s menu.
Adam Burke will have his top plays later this morning.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen will post his Best Bets by mid-morning.
NHL: Look for Jonathan Davis‘ picks by mid-day on our NHL page.
Horse Racing: Check our horse racing page for picks from VSiN’s “Mr. Ed” Sehon, Mike Somich and 1/ST Bet handicapper Jeff Siegel will post picks for today. 1/ST Bet offers wagering on hundreds of races every day from across the country and around the world. Sign up at 1STBET.COM with promo code VSIN200 to claim a 20% rebate for your first 60 days, up to $200.
Soccer: Nigel Seeley has his top plays for EPL action.
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Saturday, January 4. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
