Toronto At Washington
When: 6:00 PM ET, Sunday, March 31, 2013
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia
TV: 6 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), CSN Washington
PREDICTION: Wizards 99, Raptors 95

Oddsmakers currently have the Wizards listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Raptors, while the game’s total is sitting at 192.

The Wizards are coming off consecutive road losses to Oklahoma City and Orlando, but they’re riding their longest home winning streak since a 10-game run in 2006-07. Washington is likely to be short-handed, as rookie guard Bradley Beal (left ankle) and veteran forward Nene (right knee) are listed as questionable. It’s the third meeting this season with the road team having won the first two. The season series concludes Wednesday in Toronto.

Toronto doesn’t have much left to play for and the team is already looking toward the future. “We’ve got a lot of young players and we’re playing for next year,” star forward Rudy Gay told reporters. “These young guys need to know what it feels like to win.” They haven’t experienced much of that lately, as the Raptors haven’t won consecutive games since a five-game streak from Feb. 8-19. Rookie center Jonas Valanciunas has been among the bright spots, scoring in double figures in 10 of the past 11 games.

Last time out for Toronto, they were a 99-82 winner as they battled the Pistons on the road. The Raptors covered in the match as a 1.5-point underdog, while 181 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Team record: 27-45 SU, 34-37-1 ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 6 games when playing Washington

When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 2-8
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a win are 4-6

Washington has enjoyed a solid second half of the season, but the Wizards didn’t endear themselves to their coach with their showing in Friday’s 97-92 loss at Orlando. “I don’t think anybody had a good performance,” coach Randy Wittman told reporters. “Over and over again this year we just go through the motions against teams like this and it costs you.” That hasn’t been the case at home, where the Wizards have averaged 105 points and held opponents to 92.2 points per contest during their six-game winning streak.

Washington lost its last outing, a 97-92 result against the Magic on March 29. The Wizards failed to cover in that game as a 4-point favorite, while the 189 combined points took the game UNDER the total.

Team record: 26-46 SU, 42-29-1 ATS
Current streak: lost 2 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games at home
is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

When playing on Sunday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 6-4
After playing Orlando are 1-9
After a loss are 6-4

The post Toronto vs. Washington Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Syracuse vs Marquette
When: 4:30 PM ET, Saturday, March 30, 2013
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia
TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
PREDICTION: Syracuse 70, Marquette 65

Oddsmakers currently have the Orange listed as 3-point favorites versus the Golden Eagles, while the game’s total is sitting at 126.

The conference that is disintegrating due to the realignment chaos is assured of having a team in the Final Four. Big East mates Syracuse and Marquette square off Saturday in Washington D.C. in the East Regional final, marking the first time since 2009 that teams from the same conference will compete for a Final Four berth. The fourth-seeded Orange dominated top-seeded Indiana on Thursday while third-seeded Marquette thrashed second-seeded Miami.

Sophomore point guard Michael Carter-Williams had a spectacular game against Indiana with a career-best 24 points to go with six rebounds and four steals. “This was the best he’s played all year,” Boeheim said. “He was tremendous. He was the difference in the game on offense, clearly.” Williams ranks fourth on the Orange at 12.1 points per game while averaging a team-best 7.5 assists. He has 104 steals, one of three players nationally with 100 or more. Junior forward C.J. Fair averages a team-high 14.4 points and also grabs a team-leading seven rebounds per game, while senior guard Brandon Triche (13.8) and senior forward James Southerland (13.4) also score in double digits.

Syracuse won its last outing, a 61-50 result against Indiana on March 28. They covered in that game as a 5-point underdog.

Team record: 29-9 SU, 18-15-1 ATS

The Golden Eagles are led by Blue, but feature a wealth of contributors who are capable of stepping up at any time. Junior forward Jamil Wilson had 16 points and eight rebounds against Miami, while Blue and junior reserve forward Davante Gardner contributed 14 points apiece. In fact, Gardner’s 11.4 average is second on the squad behind Blue’s 14.8. Wilson averages 9.9 points, senior guard Junior Cadougan averages 8.6 and senior wing Trent Lockett contributes 7.2 points and a team-best 5.1 rebounds. A blue-collar mentality sometimes leads to Marquette being overshadowed by more talented teams. “We want to keep being the hunters,” Blue said. “We don’t want to be the hunted.”

Last time out for Marquette, they were a 71-61 winner as they battled Miami on the road. They covered in the match as a 5.5-point underdog.

Team record: 26-8 SU, 15-15 ATS

The post Syracuse vs. Marquette Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Detroit At L.A. Clippers
When: 9:30 PM ET, Sunday, March 10, 2013
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
PREDICTION: Clippers 104, Pistons 91

Oddsmakers currently have the Clippers listed as 13-point favorites versus the Pistons, while the game’s total is sitting at 199½.

Detroit got an unexpected boost off the bench from rookie Khris Middletown, who scored a season-high 14 points in the loss to Dallas. Middleton had made only four brief appearances prior to the All-Star break but has started to receive additional playing time in the past three weeks. He was 6-of-12 against the Mavericks and hit a pair of key 3-pointers. ”I have confidence in my shot, and so do my teammates, so I was going to take it when I got an open look,” Middleton said.

Last time out for Detroit, they were a 102-99 loser as they battled the Mavericks at home. The Pistons covered in the match as a 4-point underdog, while 201 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Detroit:
Team record: 23-41 SU, 29-35 ATS
Current streak: lost 4 straight games.

is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
is 14-5 SU in their last 19 games when playing LA Clippers
is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games on the road

When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Utah are 7-3
After playing Dallas are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

Point guard Chris Paul is closing in on a major milestone, but the focus in Los Angeles is on the health of sixth man Jamal Crawford. The team’s second-leading scorer had to sit out Thursday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets with a sprained left ankle. The team did not practice Friday and Crawford said his plan was to continue to get treatment in the hope of returning to the lineup. He is averaging 17.2 points and has led Los Angeles in scoring on 19 occasions.

Last time out for Los Angeles, they were a 107-92 loser as they battled the Nuggets on the road. The Clippers failed to cover in the match as a 4-point underdog, while 199 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Los Angeles:
Team record: 44-20 SU, 36-28 ATS

LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Detroit
LA Clippers are 19-4 SU in their last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
LA Clippers are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games

When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 4-6
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

The post Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Dallas At Brooklyn
When: 8:00 PM ET, Friday, March 1, 2013
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas), YES (Brooklyn)
PREDICTION: Nets 97, Mavericks 92

Oddsmakers currently have the Nets listed as 3½-point favorites versus the Mavericks, while the game’s total is sitting at 194.

Forward Dirk Nowitzki struggled in the loss against Memphis with just 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting. The poor outing followed Nowitzki’s best three-game stretch of the season in which he averaged 25.3 points and 13.3 rebounds. Nowitzki has closed in on his previous All-Star form after struggling earlier in the season upon returning from preseason knee surgery. He is averaging 16 points and 6.6 rebounds. The Mavericks tallied just 46 points over the final three quarters against Memphis after putting 38 on the board in the opening quarter.

Dallas:
Team record: 25-32 SU, 33-24 ATS
Current streak: lost 3 straight games.

is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road

When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 7-3
After playing Memphis are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

Last time out for Dallas, they were a 90-84 loser as they battled the Grizzlies on the road. The Mavericks covered in the match as a 7.5-point underdog, while 174 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Point guard Deron Williams is playing well despite struggling with inflammation in both ankles. Williams matched his season high with 33 points in Tuesday’s win over the Hornets as he scored Brooklyn’s final 11 points. Williams was encouraged by his decisive closing stretch. “It’s something I’ve kind of struggled with this year and I was really successful at it most of my career,” said Williams, “so it feels good to be able to finally have a game like that.” Williams is averaging 23.8 points over the last four games to raise his season average to 17.3.

The Nets were a 101-97 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Hornets. They covered the 3-point spread as underdogs, while the total score (198) made winners of OVER bettors.

Brooklyn:
Team record: 34-24 SU, 26-30-2 ATS

is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Dallas
is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing New Orleans are 2-8
After a win are 5-5

The post Dallas Mavericks vs. Brooklyn Nets Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Stanford at Utah
When: 9:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 27, 2013
Where: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV: 9 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Networks.
Prediction: Stanford 72, Utah 67

Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinal listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Utes, while the game’s total is sitting at 124.

The Cardinal’s struggles stem from a lack of production from their top players. Dwight Powell, a 6-10 junior forward, is averaging a team-high 14.7 points, but hasn’t reached that mark in the last eight games. He scored at least 20 points in five of the first 11. Aaron Bright, a 5-11 junior guard who was second on the team in scoring last season (11.7), is averaging 8.3 points. He hasn’t strung together two good games this season and combined to shoot 2-for-19 in the last three.

Last time out for Stanford, they were a 75-54 loser as they battled Colorado on the road. They failed to cover in the match as a 4-point underdog.

One of the few bright spots for the Utes lately has been the play of 6-10 senior center Jason Washburn. He has reached double digits in scoring in 10 straight games to push his average to 11.2. His play has kept 7-foot sophomore center Dallin Bachynski on the bench for long stretches. Bachynski is averaging five minutes a game over the last seven, going scoreless in five of those contests. He averaged 13.2 points and 23.6 minutes through the first five games this season.

Utah was a 62-57 loser in their most recent outing at home against California. They failed to cover the 1.5-point spread as underdogs.

Stanford:
Team record: 11-8 SU, 6-11 ATS

is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road

When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Oregon are 6-4
After playing Colorado are 2-2
After a loss are 8-2

Utah:
Team record: 9-10 SU, 11-6 ATS

is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Colorado are 2-5
After playing California are 2-2
After a loss are 5-5

The post Stanford Cardinal vs. Utah Utes Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Phoenix At Dallas
When: 7:30 PM ET, Sunday, January 27, 2013
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona (Phoenix), Fox Sports Southwest (Dallas)
Prediction: Mavericks 98, Suns 92

Oddsmakers currently have the Mavericks listed as 6-point favorites versus the Suns, while the game’s total is sitting at 202½.

Forward Michael Beasley scored a season-high 25 points in the loss to the Spurs and has played well in two of three games since Hunter took over. Beasley started the first 20 games of the season but his production slipped and Gentry decreased his minutes. Beasley had 19 points in Hunter’s debut and was splendid by hitting 11 of 16 shots against San Antonio. Guard Jared Dudley also had a superb shooting night by going 10-of-12 en route to 23 points. Dudley had tallied just 11 points over the previous two games.

Last time out for Phoenix, they were a 108-99 loser as they battled the Spurs on the road. The Suns earned a push in the match as a 9-point underdog, while 207 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Team record: 15-29 SU, 18-24-2 ATS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 8 games
is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

Guard Roddy Beaubois reached double digits for only the second time all season when he scored a season-high 19 points in the loss to San Antonio. Beaubois’ only other double-figure outing came when he scored 11 points in the season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. “Just trying to be more aggressive because I haven’t been myself lately,” said Beaubois, averaging just 3.5 points this season after scoring 8.9 per game last season. Coach Rick Carlisle was highly impressed with the performance. “He was terrific,” Carlisle said. “To me, it’s not the points, it’s the energy, the enthusiasm and the disposition and it’s up to him. If he plays like this, he’s got a chance to secure the backup (point guard) position and he’ll challenge for the starting position.”

The Mavericks were a 113-107 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Spurs. They failed to cover the 2-point spread as favorites, while the total score (220) made winners of OVER bettors.

Team record: 18-25 SU, 23-20 ATS
is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games when playing Phoenix
When playing on Sunday are 8-2
Before playing Portland are 8-2
After playing San Antonio are 7-3
After a loss are 3-7

The post Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Phoenix At San Antonio
When: 8:30 PM ET, Saturday, January 26, 2013
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona (Phoenix) Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio)
Prediction: Spurs 109, Suns 92

Oddsmakers currently have the Spurs listed as 9-point favorites versus the Suns, while the game’s total is sitting at 199.

Hunter is preaching defense and Phoenix has allowed an average of 92 points in his first two games. “Our focus is to create a defensive mentality, to create a defense presence,” Hunter said. “Our guys are working hard to do it. It’s a difficult thing to just change like that. To see every last guy really buying into it and realizing that regardless of how you shoot the ball, if you can defend you always have a chance to win a game. Our guys have been phenomenal in that area.” Point guard Goran Dragic had 24 points in Thursday’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers for his second-highest output of the campaign.

In their last action, Phoenix was a 93-88 winner at home against the Clippers. They covered the 6.5-point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (181) was profitable news for UNDER bettors.

Team record: 15-28 SU, 18-24-1 ATS
Current streak: won 2 straight games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of last 15 games when playing San Antonio
is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games
is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Dallas are 6-4
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

Reserve frontcourt player DeJuan Blair stepped up with a season-best 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting in the win over Dallas. His offensive output was timely with Duncan sidelined. “When we play without him, we need everybody,” Blair said. “Everybody has to step up. Tony came back and stepped up when we needed him. I was ready. We were all ready and it was great. It was a pretty fun game.” Parker missed part of the first half to get three stitches after suffering a cut around his left eye. It was the same eye that Parker injured during a New York City nightclub brawl in June.

Last time out for San Antonio, they were a 113-107 winner as they battled the Mavericks on the road. The Spurs covered in the match as a 2-point underdog, while 220 combined points moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Team record: 35-11 SU, 26-19-1 ATS
Current streak: won 7 straight games.
is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of last 7 games at home
When playing on Saturday are 8-2
Before playing Charlotte are 8-2
After playing Dallas are 10-0
After a win are 7-3

The post Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs Free Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Toronto At Miami
When: 7:30 PM ET, Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN2 (Toronto), Sun Sports (Miami)
Prediction: Heat 108, Raptors 96.

Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 11½-point favorites versus the Raptors, while the game’s total is sitting at 197.

Toronto is finally getting some production from Landry Fields. The veteran small forward, signed to a lucrative multi-year deal as a free agent in the offseason, struggled to open the season before suffering a major elbow injury that knocked him out of action for a month and a half. He was inserted back into the starting lineup seven games ago and has been a solid contributor, averaging 7.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He had his best performance in a Toronto uniform against Los Angeles, scoring 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting while adding 10 rebounds and four steals.

Toronto won its last outing, a 108-103 result against the Lakers on January 20. The Raptors covered in that game as a 4.5-point underdog, while the 211 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Team record: 15-26 SU, 21-19-1 ATS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of last 5 games when playing Miami
is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Orlando are 4-6
After playing LA Lakers are 2-8
After a win are 7-3

Being the defending NBA champions has undoubtedly taken its toll on the Heat, making their five-day layoff akin to having an early All-Star break. For players like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James – perennial participants in the midseason showcase – the extra days of rest in January are even more critical. “It was good for our team,” Wade, who will take part in his ninth All-Star Game next month, told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “We kind of get a rest. We are one of the oldest teams in the league. Guys mentally and physically kind of get away from the grind and get back into it.”

Miami won its last outing, a 99-90 result against the Lakers on January 17. The Heat covered in that game as a 2.5-point underdog, while the 189 combined points took the game UNDER the total.

Team record: 26-12 SU, 19-19 ATS
Current streak: won 2 straight games.

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of last 9 games at home
is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games at home

When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing LA Lakers are 9-1
After a win are 6-4

The post Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat NBA Betting Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Indianapolis at Baltimore
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 6, 2013
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Oddsmakers currently have the Ravens listed as 6½-point favorites versus the Colts, while the game’s total is sitting at 46.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -6.5, O/U 47
Prediction: Ravens 19, Colts 16

With nine more wins than the 2011 campaign, Indianapolis posted the NFL’s third-best turnaround in history. Luck has played a significant role in the Colts’ resurgence, having led them on seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter over overtime. His 4,374 yards are the most by a rookie quarterback. Bruce Arians has guided the team in the absence of Pagano, who was a defensive assistant coach for four years with Baltimore and defensive coordinator in 2011.

Indianapolis won its last outing, a 28-16 result against the Texans on December 30. The Colts covered in that game as a 6.5-point underdog, while the 44 combined points took the game UNDER the total.

Team records:
Indianapolis: 11-5 SU, 11-5 ATS
Baltimore: 10-6 SU, 6-9-1 ATS

Indianapolis most recently:
When playing in January are 5-5
When playing on turf are 7-3
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 7-3

Lewis has been sidelined 10 games with a torn right triceps, but the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year expects to play on Sunday. How much he’ll play is in limbo, but wide receiver Anquan Boldin will be on the field after his one-week hiatus with a bruised shoulder. Boldin has fared well versus Indianapolis, collecting 19 receptions for 221 yards and a touchdown in three career games. Ray Rice rushed for 103 yards and a score and added six receptions in a 24-10 win over the Colts on Dec. 11, 2011.

Baltimore was a 23-17 loser in its last match on the road against the Bengals. They failed to cover the 5-point spread as underdogs, while the total score of 40 sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Baltimore most recently:
When playing in January are 6-4
When playing on turf are 6-4
After outgaining opponent are 6-4
When playing outside the division are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Indianapolis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indianapolis’s last 9 games when playing Baltimore
Indianapolis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Indianapolis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Baltimore’s last 9 games when playing Indianapolis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 5 games when playing at home against Indianapolis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 5 games at home

The post Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens Free NFL Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.

Minnesota at Green Bay
When: 8:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 5, 2013
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC.
Line: Packers -9.5. O/U: 46
Oddsmakers currently have the Packers listed as 9½-point favorites versus the Vikings, while the game’s total is sitting at 46.
Prediction: Packers 28, Vikings 24

Minnesota needed to win its final four games of the regular season just to reach the playoffs and knocked off playoff contenders Chicago, Houston and Green Bay in those final weeks. Peterson carried it 34 times for 199 yards in Week 17 and averaged 159.8 yards over the final 10 games of the regular season despite being less than a year removed from major knee surgery. While Peterson’s performance has been consistent, quarterback Christian Ponder’s effort in the finale was more of a surprise. The second-year starter passed for 234 yards and a season-high three touchdowns without an interception for a career-best 120.2 rating. The Vikings have some big questions on defense, as cornerback Antoine Winfield left Sunday’s game with a hand injury and is questionable. Rodgers threw for three scores with Winfield off the field.

Minnesota won its last outing, a 37-34 result against the Packers on December 30. The Vikings covered in that game as a 3-point underdog, while the 71 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Team records:
Minnesota: 10-6 SU, 8-7-1 ATS
Green Bay: 11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS

Minnesota most recently:
When playing in January are 4-6
When playing on grass are 3-7
After outgaining opponent are 4-6
When playing within the division are 4-6

Green Bay did not have the same motivation as Minnesota last week, with the Packers’ postseason spot already assured. They could have earned a first-round bye with a victory, but the “win or go home” mentality that will be there this week was not on display in Minneapolis. Rodgers is working with a battered receiving corps with Randall Cobb (ankle) questionable and Jordy Nelson (hamstring) limited. Greg Jennings caught a pair of touchdown passes last week in his best game of the season and could get a lot more attention from the Minnesota secondary on Saturday. Stopping Peterson will be the No. 1 goal for the defense. The MVP candidate shredded Green Bay for 409 yards in two meetings this season.

Green Bay lost its last outing, a 37-34 result against the Vikings on December 30. The Packers failed to cover in that game as a 3-point favorite, while the 71 combined points took the game OVER the total.

Green Bay most recently:
When playing in January are 7-3
When playing on grass are 9-1
After being outgained are 7-3
When playing within the division are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota’s last 10 games when playing Green Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Green Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games
Green Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Green Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Green Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Green Bay is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

The post Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers Free NFL Pick & Matchup appeared first on IdealCapper.