Will Rogers Handicapping Review & Free Picks Page

The set-up: Scoring is clearly up in the NHL in this weird Pandemic format. Every game on Saturday eclipsed the posted number (I had a play on the Canucks UNDER 6.5 goals, and it entered the third period with only two.) The Stars likely shocked a few people with their 7-0 win in the first game with the Predators two nights ago, as they had their first few games postponed due to some minor COVID issues. Dallas certainly surprised the Predators in that one, but I don't expect to see that sort of lop-sided offensive outburst again.

The pick: The Predators are only averaging 2.50 GPG this year, thanks in large part to a power play which has scored just 6.3 percent of the time (note that Nashville has also seen the total dip under in seven of its last ten games after allowing six or more goals in a shutout loss in its previous outing.) Consider the under in this one.

The is a 1* FREE PLAY on the UNDER Preds/Stars.

The set-up: Davidson comes in off a 73-58 win over Fordham on Wednesday. It was an 18.5 point favorite and while the Wildcats have been winning, they have failed to cover in three straight. UMass comes in off a 65-46 win at Fordham last week as a nine point favorite. The Wildcats last three wins have been by at least 14 points though and I think they'll pull away for a comfortable cover finally here. 

The pick: UMass has covered in three straight, and while it does average 82.8 PPG, the Minutemen also concede 75 per contest. Davidson is the more complete team here, definitely better on the defensive end and note that it's 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road. The Minutemen are vastly improved, but I think their record has taken advantage of a favorable schedule to this point. I'm laying the points, but expecting a decisive victory.

The is a 10* ANNIHILATION on Davidson.

The set-up: After winning three in a row, I think the Hawks finally have a small letdown here. The Bucks on the other hand are 9-6 and they'll be eager to atone for a 113-106 home loss to the Lakers on Thursday. Atlanta though is still only 2-5 ATS in its last seven road games vs. a team with a winning home record. 

The pick: This is a bad matchup for Atlanta though, as the Bucks have really skilled perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. After back-to-back losses to the Nets and Lakers, look for the home side to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one.

The is a 10* EAST-CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR on the Bucks.

The set-up: We've seen plenty of high-scoring NHL games this year. I had a play on the "under" in the Canucks game last night, and it was 2-0 going into the third period. These teams played two nights ago and the Penguins won 4-3 in OT. So far Pittsburgh has seen the total go "over" in every game it's played this year, but I expect that extremely lop-sided number/trend to start correcting itself. Starting tonight. 

The pick: Alexander Georgiev is 1-1-0 with a 2.40 GAA and a .907 save percentage for the Rangers. Casey DeSmith is 2-0-0 with a 2.76 GAA and .879 save percentage for the Penguins. Look for these two competent netminders to be the main storylines in tomorrow's summaries.

The is a 10* TOTAL DESTRUCTION on the UNDER Rangers/Penguins.

The set-up: Is Aaron Rodgers the better QB in this matchup? At this point of their careers, I'd say that's the case. That said, on any given night, clearly Tom Brady has enough left in the tank to beat any team or person on the planet. This game isn't going to be decided though by Brady and Rodgers. Night in and night out, we almost always know what we can expect from these two legends. I think each will be on top of his game. For me, this one is going to be decided by defense, special teams and the Bucs superior run game. The Rams ran out of gas last weekend, but the Bucs come to town full of energy and on a mission. 

The pick: Note as well that the Packers are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after allowing 20 points or less in a SU/ATS home victory in their last outing. I think the Bucs can control this game through all three phases and while I do expect an outright victory, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can. 

The is an 8* ROUT on the Bucs.

The set-up: Whether Patrick Mahomes plays or not, I think the Chiefs are deep and talented enough to pull off a victory here at home over the Bills. Buffalo is now definitely in unchartered territory. With Josh Allen under center, this Bills team has a shot at competing with any team in the league. Buffalo's weakness this year is definitely on the defensive side of the ball though and I think that'll be its downfall finally here in this difficult road venue.

The pick: The Chiefs have had lapses in concentration this year (lost at home to the Raiders), but overall the reason they eclipsed their team season win total for an eighth straight year was because of an improved defense. KC is loaded with offensive and defensive talent and I like Andy Reid to have a masterful plan cooked up here to deal with the potential of Mahomes being sidelined. The game of Football is about more than just one player obviously and in this case, I think that the defending champs still have more than enough pieces in place to pull off another victory and advance to the Super Bowl. I'm laying the points!

The is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the KC Chiefs.