SFTC Picks for Sunday 1/5

Monthly Path (14-11)
Russia
Pistons
Kapernick offensive yards
Yes both score 10
65 or more
17 or fewer


900 Russia - I think they are the pick here just because I don't know how motivated Canada is being in the Bronze medal game. Not sure who really the more talented team is. I would maybe give a slight edge to Canada. The difference in this game for me is I think Russia has the ability to score a lot more because they have a lot of different guys that are talented scores. Confidence:2

100 Detroit Pistons- I think them getting a couple days off will be big. Think Pistons big guys will have success against the Grizzlies here. Confidence:2

105 Chargers single digits- This is definitely the right pick here. This game in  my opinion comes down to Andy Dalton. I've seem him play like 1 of the best QBs in the league and then I have seem him play some awful games where he cant look like he can complete a pass. I think San Diegos defense is  good enough to slow down Cincinnati offense and allow for them to be in this game. I wouldn't be totally shocked if the Chargers won even though the Bengals are undefeated at home.But I got the Bengals winning here by a field goal. Confidence:4

300 Maryland (womens)- Confidence:1

435 San Diego St- I think they are a good enough team to make this game close. But Kansas has started to play well after some tough losses on the road. Not really sure if San Diego St has enough size to play with Kansas. Confidence:2

440 San Francisco 49ers- This is the only game this weekend that I feel remotely good about. Once again I mean no disrespect to the Packers fans out there this is just simply who I think will win. Packers are probably the 2nd team I root for given I know Mike McCarthy. Rodgers was my pick to win the MVP this year and he wouldn't of won given Mannings unbelievable year. But I still think him and Rodgers are 1a and 1b. Packers faded down the stretch in large part due to Rodgers absence. But I think there are other holes in this team that the 49ers match up well with in this game. For one the 49ers defense has only given up 20 points or more 6 times this year. Since their bye week only 3 times. Your talking about a team that is only 4 pts away from being on a 13 game win streak. As far as evaluating QBs I don't think Kaepernick is very good. But I think Crabtree back helps them here and gives the Packers another weapon to have to worry about. The 2 big thinks for me in this game are the 49ers can run the ball better and have a better defense. From what I read Packers will be without Clay Matthews which really hurts their defense. Given the conditions expected on Sunday give me the team with the better run game and better defense.   I think winner of this game has a good chance at making the Super Bowl and I like the 49ers here. Confidence:4

441 Kaepernick offensive yards- Confidence:1

500 Colorado- I think Oregon is the better team but this game is pretty much a toss up. Colorado beat Oregon 2 times last year and has had success against them in the past. Confidence:1

600 Golden State Warriors- There defeintly the pick here and its just a matter of how confident you are. Warriors with Igudola are one of the best in the league and have only lost a couple of times when he starts. I like the way the Wizards have been playing recently except for their last game. A decent pick but not really confident. Confidence:3

603 Arizona St winning margin- I think Arizona St bounces back after a horrible loss against Washington a couple days ago. I think they are the better team and will win. Confidence:2

620 Yes both score 10- Even though weather should play a big factor in this game both teams should get 10 points in the 2nd half.  The concern for me would be to watch the wind in the first half. If teams cant even kick a field goal then I would think about switching. This might be a pick that you have to make it and if it loses then there's just nothing you can do. Confidence:3

700 Carolina Hurricanes- Confidence:3

800 Chicago Blackhawks- Confidence:2

800 Tampa Bay Lightning- Confidence:2

800 Anaheim Ducks- Ducks 9-1 in their last 10 and 16-0-2 at home. Do I really need to say more. Vancouver playing on back to back nights. But Vancouver has had success at Anaheim the last couple years especially in Anaheim. Vancouver was 1 of the hottest teams in the NHL the last couple weeks but lost 3 straight games. This pick for me could depend on whos in net for Vancouver. Lack the backup has played better recently but seems to struggle against the better offesnvie teams in the league. Anaheim most likely wins here even if Luongo is in net. Confidence:4

800 North Carolina- North Carolina has hand some bad games this year some of which they won and others they lost. But they have basically been in every game. I think McDonald back gives them another reliable scorer. James being out hurts UNC and limits their size. I think their guards are much betters than Wakes and will make up for the difference. I could see Wake having success on the boards in this game which could make it a good game but give me UNC. Confidence:4

905 Arkansas St- not really sure what to expect from these 2 teams. The way teams from the MAC have played in bowl games so far really makes me wonder how good Ball st is. They have a really good passing offense that put up big numbers so its hard to know what to expect considering the best defense they played was NIU who didnt look good. I though Arkansas St is the more tested team. I got Ball St in a close one. Confidence:2

906 65 or more- Confidence:1

930 Los Angeles Lakers- Confidence:1

1055 17 or more- Confidence:2

SFTC Picks for Saturday 1/4

Monthly Path (8-10) - tough to predict tomorrow depending on when games finish
Atletico Madrid
Cincinnati
Michigan St
Kansas St
Montreal Canadiens
No
LA Kings




I was so determined to get these NFL picks this weekend that I spent a ton of time researching them and still am not sure.




1000 Atletico Madrid- They are a pretty solid pick here. There are the much better team considering they are 15-1-1 in their league this year. Malaga is a decent team that is tough at home. I got Madrid here but considering they have only won 1 game in their last 5 trips to Malaga it scares me a little bit. Madrid will also being missing some key players here with Suarez expected to miss and Gabi and Garcia will both be suspended for this match. Confidence:3

1200 Cincinnati single digits- I think Memphis wins this game but doesn't blow them out. I think Memphis tries to take advantage being more athletic and physical then teams. I feel like UC will be about to match that here and make this game close. Confidence:3

1200 Pittsburgh Panthers- I'm really not sure about this one. Pitt really hasn't been tested yet to this point. But I think NC St will only win this game if Warren has a big game. Confidence:2

1215 Arsenal - Confidence:2

100 Vanderbilt- I think they win here because they are a better team. But if Houstons offense gets going Vandy might not be able to keep up. Confidence:2

200 Michigan State- I really like the Spartans even on the road were IU will be crazy. Spartans are a well coached team and I think frankly just more talented than IU right now. IU will probably get better as the season goes along but I think they rely too much on Ferrell at times. I think MSU and Izzo will be able to exploit that. Should be a good close game but give me the Spartans here. Confidence:4

200 UConn - Maybe I give SMU more credit than some people because Larry Brown is their head coach. But I think SMU matches up well with UConns guards. I think SMU will be able to slow Napier and Boatright down. UConn the more talented team which makes this game tough for me. SMU is actual a slight favorite here but give me UConn. Confidence:3

205 North Dakota St by 15- Confidence:2

300 San Jose Sharks- Confidence:2

400 Boston College- Hard to believe this BC team is really 4-10. This game is basically a toss up but give me the home team here BC needs a win pretty badly. Confidence:1

400 UCF- Kind of a down year for Temples standards I think UCF is the better team and should win this game. Confidence:3

405 Kansas State single digits- Wow...I don't know if a pick could get much better than this. You have a road team favored by 6.5 at a difficult place to play in a big game. Sure OK ST is a really good team with Smart. But Ok St lost their big guy Cobbins and their starting point guard Clark is most likely going to miss this game. Kansas St struggled at the beginning of this year but it looks like they got everything under control. I'm not going to go as far as some people and say they outright win. But I think as long as KST makes some 3s that they'll be in this game late which I would be really surprised if OK ST won by DD here. Confidence:5

405 Duke - Both teams love the 3 ball. I don't think Duke is the 7th best team in the nation this year but they are really good because of Parker. Notre Dame gets hot at times from 3 and it makes them dangerous. My biggest concern is who for ND will try and stop Parker. I don't think they have a lot guys that can. I think Duke is just a better team than ND. Confidence:4

435 Indianapolis Colts- I think being at home will obviously help but I think the Colts are just a better team. For me the Chiefs didn't have that big win that really proved to me that their a good football team. I really mean no disrespect to Cheifs fans that want to tell me I'm an idiot. But I think there is something about a team that beat the Broncos and 49ers this year. I think Andrew Luck knew when to start playing well and got this team clicking at the right time. I think Luck play in the playoffs will be a big edge here. Chiefs have a couple injuries that could be a factor as well. Confidence:2

500 Florida ST- I think this line is a little too high for me. Virginia has really under performed to this point and it will be a big test for me to see if they will starting playing better. Florida St has really over performed to this point beating VCU, UMASS, and UCF. I think Virginia comes out desperate and this game so I think they really have a good shot to win here but I cant pick them til they prove it to me. Confidence:2

700 New Jersey Devils- Confidence:2

700 Toronto Maple Leafs- Confidence:2

700 Montreal Canadiens- Confidence:3

700 Florida Panthers- Confidence:1

700 Carolina Hurricanes- Confidence:1

800 Dallas Stars- Confidence:3

800 Washington Capitals- Confidence:1

800 Phoenix Coyotes-Confidence:2

800 Chicago Bulls- Confidence:4

800 Minnesota Timberwolves- Confidence:1

810 New Orleans Saints- One of the big factors for me is having a  team with good playoff experience in the Saints. Eagles are favored in this game just because of the Saints road record and the expectations about the weather. Ultimately I think the Saints have a better defense than the Eagles. I think we could see a lot of points in this game but if this game comes down to a last second drive in the 4th I want Brees and the Saints. Confidence:2

811 No- I think  No is the better play here just because I both teams will try and run the ball in the end zone. Especially Philly in my mind and it might be a scenario where Foles completes a deep pass and they get tackled inside the 5. But No is the smarter pick in my mind. Confidence:2

940 No- I'll lean Yes here because I think both are capable pick might change if the weather is bad. Confidence:1

1000 Los Angeles Kings- Confidence:2

SFTC Picks for Friday 1/3

Monthly Path(7-6)
Neftekhimik Nizhenekamsk
Zalgiris Kaunas
Matt Kuchar
Warriors/Tajh Boyd
3 or 4 TDs


800 Neftekhimik Nizhenekamsk- I think they should be the favorite here even though the odds point to Moscow. Neft is a very good home team that has struggled of late mainly due to the fact that they have played some of the better hockey teams. Moscow numbers indicate that this game will be close. But I think Moscow is more focused on the Spenglers Cup. I got Neft winning this one 3-1 here. Confidence:2

1245 Zalgiris Kaunas- There are decent favorites here at home. I don't know a whole lot about either team. Zalgiris has won their last 5 at home. Bayern hasn't been that great on the road. Zalgiris should win this one. Confidence:3

540 Matt Kuchar- Kuchar has played in this tournament 4 times and has finished in the top 5 3 of those times. Zach Johnson played in it twice and didn't play that great either time. The first 9 holes have some long par 4s and some par 5s. I don't think that is an advantage to either player since neither drive the ball that far. Kuchar is the better putter and better player in my opinion so I think hes the pick here. Confidence:3

700 Chicago Blackhawks- Even though the Blackhawks lost last night and are playing on back to back nights that could be a good thing for this team to come out motivated. Blackhawks rarely loses a couple games in a row. These teams met in late December and Blalckhawks won 5-2. Devils have been playing better of late and Brodeur is tough at home. I just cant see the Blackhawks losing this one. Confidence:4

700 Pittsburgh Penguins- Any time you can the Penguins at home it is at least a decent pick in my mind. My opinion might be biased because I am a huge Penguins fan. But I just have a hard time feeling good about this game even though they continue you to win despite all the injuries. Rangers have been playing better recently. I watched when these teams played in Decemeber and felt the Penguins got some lucky breaks. Rangers have been playing well late which is why they are 4-1 in their last 5 and have won 10 of the last 13 games on the road. I think the Penguins are the pick here just don't feel good about it. Confidence:2

700 Washington Wizards- Confidence:2

730 New Orleans Pelicans- Confidence:1

730 Golden State Warriors- They should win here despite the Hawks being 12-4 at home. I think Golden State big men are good enough to limit Millsap on the boards. Horford might not play here which is huge for the Warriors. Even coming off of a big win on the road against Miami they are a decent pick here. Confidence:3

734 Missouri(fb)- Missouri has an advantage with speed which I think well be the difference. Confidence:1

830 Los Angeles Clippers- Confidence:2

834 Clemson (fb)- OSU is the favorite by a couple of points. But I really wonder how motivated they are here. Think the injuries and suspensions are a bit of a distraction. Really a toss up but I got Clemson. Confidence:1

835 Tajh Boyd- I think he will have more success against OSU defense. Confidence:1

900 Calgary Flames- Confidence:1

900 Denver Nuggets- Andre Miller is suspended and even though Lawson is playing well this team just doesn't play any defense. Grizzlies are a good road team even on back to back nights. Vegas giving Nuggets 4 points which I think is a little high for this team. They should win this game just I'm not confident in it. Confidence:2

1030 3 or 4 TDS- tough pick. really depends on how the first half goes. O/U in the game set at 70 so they expect around 35 points in the 2nd half. I think both teams come out in the first half and it will be high scoring then 2nd half will be higher scoring. Even though these teams both have good offenses and not the best defense 5 is just too many for me here. Confidence:2

SFTC Picks for Thursday 1/2

Monthly Path (5-2)
Real  Madrid
Anadolu Efes
11 or fewer
Wisconsin scores first
2 Tds or more
39 or fewer



Wow too much hockey here for me.



945 Real Madrid- This a toss up for me since its just a friendly. I couldn't find anywhere that the projected lineups. If Ronaldo plays Real  Madrid is the pick. Confidence:1

245 Anadolu Efes- Confidence:1

700 Michigan Wolverines- Michigan will be without McGary which will be a big loss. But I don't think its a big a loss as some people think. Horford is a solid player who will see more minutes. I really haven't been high on Michigan this year. But I think they have lost a lot of close games that they have been in. I think it ultimately comes down to how well Minnesota can defend the 3 pt line. I think Michigan will be able to make some shots and win this game. Confidence:2

700 Boston Bruins- As long as Tuuka is in net the Bruins are always a good pick being 1 of the best teams in the NHL. Predators have been playing better of later but Bruins should win this game. These teams played recently and Boston won 6-2. Confidence:5

700 Chicago Blackhawks- This another scenario where you have 1 of the best teams in the NHL against someone who is not very good. Blackhawks should win this game more times than not. Islanders are starting to play a little bit better recently. They have a ton of good scorers on their team. I have a hard time feeling great about Chicago without Crawford in net even though Raanta has been playing well. Still a good pick though. Confidence:4

700 Washington Capitals- Any time you can get the Capitals at home its always a decent pick. I am a pretty big fan of the Hurricane though because I love the Staal brothers. These teams have already played against each other 3 times this year with the Hurricanes winning 2 of those games. The road team in this series has won the last 3 games. Capitals are playing good hockey right now and the Hurricanes are not. Confidence:3

703 Northwestern- This game is basically a toss up for me. Northwesterns record isn't impressive but they have played some good teams. Wisconsin has struggled on the road to this point in the year. Confidence:1

704 11 or fewer- I men Wisconsin is a good team and could go on a big run. But given how they have played on the road this year I don't think they will score that many points here. Confidence:3

730 Ottawa Senators- Confidence:2

730 Miami Heat- GS has won 6 in a row. They have played twice last year and GS won both games. I am not expecting Wade to play which really hurts the Heat but I still think they win here. Confidence:3

800 St. Louis Blues- 2 really good team. They have already played once this year LA won at home 3-2. Blues are a solid pick at home even though they seem to struggle sometimes when on streak. Given how each team has played recently. I think the Blues have to be the pick here. Confidence:3

800 Minnesota Wild-  I am pretty shocked that the money line for the Wild is so high in this game . Wild 2-8 in their last 10 and Buffalo is not a great road team. This should be a low scoring game as both teams don't really have great offenses. But the way Ryan Miller has been playing in net I have to think they keep this close. Confidence:2

800 Chicago Bulls- Bulls starting to get players healthy and are starting to play a little bit better winning 3 of their last 5. Give me the Bulls at home. Confidence:3

800 Oregon- Utah has really over performed to this point in the season. Oregon beat them pretty bad last year and have looked good so far this year. Oregon in a close one. Confidence:2

802 Arizona St- Arizona st is a pretty underrated team this year. Washington has played a tougher schedule to this point but doesn't have any wins that stand out. Arizona St has played only a few decent teams and lost a heartbreaker to Miami. I think Arizona St is the more talented team and will roll at home. Confidence:3

830 Dallas Stars- Confidence:1

833 Oklahoma - any other(fb)- I mean Alabama should win this game but have to wonder how much motivation they have. Oklahoma might not be able to match their speed but they have enough talent to not get killed. Confidence:3

834 2 TDs or more-  Confidence:1

900 Utah Jazz- Confidence:3

900 Phoenix Suns- I think spread is a little too high here giving the Grizzlies have actually played well on the road and already beat the Suns this year. Confidence:2

900 Gonzaga- I haven't been impressed with St. Marys especially with how they played in the Diamond Head Classic. Gonzaga should roll here. Gonzaga has been tested that much but they should beat an average St. Marys team at home.  Confidence:5

900 Colorado Avalanche- Confidence:2

900 Phoenix Coyotes- Confidence:2

1003 Oregon St - Confidence:1

1025 39 or fewer- Confidence:1

1030 San Jose Sharks- Sharks 1 of the best in the NHL against 1 of the worst. I actually thought the Oilers had the potential to be a sleeper team this year because they have a lot of young talented players. But they haven't played well. Sharks 1 of the best home ice teams in the league. Confidence:6

SFTC Picks for Wednesday 1/1/14

Monthly Path
Chelsea
Manchester United
UNLV
Stanford
10 or more
14 or fewer
2 or fewer


New Year and a New Month on SFTC. Best of luck to everyone.


1000 Chelsea- Chelsea is the better team so they should win here. Odds have it as basically a toss up. I think since Southhampton isn't in great form Chelsea will be able to win here. But I wouldn't be that shocked if this ended in a draw. Confidence:2

1200 North Texas- Haven't seen either team play but all the expert and odds show North Texas should win this game. Confidence:4

1202 Nebraska- Confidence:2

1230 Manchester United- Odds and numbers point to ManU getting a W at home here. But given RVP and other players are not expected to play I just don't feel good enough to say they are a great pick. Tottenham has been a pretty good road team this year and Rooney is expected to play which makes ManU the pick here but I just don't feel great about it. Confidence:2

100 Wisconsin- Confidence:1

100 Toronto Maple Leafs- Not a fan of the Red Wings with the way they have been playing recently. They have a lot players coming back from injuries which is a good thing but I think that the chemistry can take some time before everything is back together. Confidence:1

102 Iowa- I think they have a pretty good shot to win this game.  Confidence:3

300 UNLV Rebels- Confidence:3

500 Stanford- This should be a great game but I just don't see many reasons to take Mich St here. Pac 12 in bowl games this year has made the conference look like 1 of the bests. I think both these teams have a lot of similarities with physical styles of play. But I think top to bottom Stanford is a better team. Then you add the loss of Mich St mlb I think there a pretty solid play here. Confidence:5

600 Washington Wizards- Wall and the Wizards are playing better of late. Bit of a toss up but give me the home team here. Confidence:1

600 Cinncinati- Spread 7.5 which makes it a solid pick but I think SMU is better than some people think. Confidence:4

700 Indiana Pacers- Some Raptors players have been playing better of late. But more times than not Pacers are winning this game. Confidence:4

800 Minnesota Timberwolves- The spread in this game is -5.5 for the Timberwolves which in my opinion is a little inflated based on the Pelicans only being 14-15 and 5-10 on the road which Anthony Davis wasn't playing in some of those games. Pelicans will most likely be without Eric Gordon which could be a problem but they do have Tyreke Evans to fill in who is a solid player. Timberwolves should win this game. Confidence:3

800 Temple- Confidence:1

833 Central Florida(any other fb)- I think Baylor wins but I wouldn't be too shocked if UCF kept this game close and lost by a FG. Confidence:3

834 14 or fewer- Confidence:2

900 Denver Nuggets- Wow is what I have to say. Nuggets getting -9.5. Nuggets 2-8 in their last 10 games. Lawson has come back and played pretty well. I'm trying to play scenarios out in my head as to why the spread is so high. the 76ers have struggled but MCW is back and has been playing pretty well. Evan Turner wont be playing which takes away a 76ers scorer. 76ers aren't a great road team but Vegas doesn't just hand out money they put this number there for a reason. I think it should be lower but I think this is a basically a gift on the 1st of the month. Confidence:6

900 San Diego ST- Confidence:3

930 Los Angeles Clippers- The spread for this game is 11. I have been a long time player of SFTC but these are some of the highest spread I have seen up on the board. Clippers sometimes take nights off and don't play well against bad teams. But come on the Bobcats really. Confidence:6

1000 Vancouver Canucks- 2 of the hotter teams in the NHL right here. Canucks playing really well right now and I just don't trust the Lightning without Stamkos. Confidence:4

1020 2 or fewer- O/U in the game is 70...so around 35 a half but just an odds play here even though both have good offenses. Confidence:3

SFTC Picks for Tuesday 12/31

Monthly Path(113-76)
No
Purdue
TD
UNC Wilmington
Villanova
No


1233 Boston College(fb)- Not really sure what to expect from this game. Confidence:1

1234 No- Confidence:1

103 Elon- Confidence:1

103 Purdue single digits- Confidence:3

105 Pittsburgh Penguins- Confidence:3

105 Boston Celtics- Confidence:3

203 UCLA DD(fb)- Confidence:2

405 Rice single digits(fb)- I think they have a pretty could chance to win this game. Confidence:4

406 Touchdown- Confidence:1

505 UNC Wilmington- Confidence:2

505 New York Rangers- Confidence:1

605 St. Louis Blues- Confidence:2

705 Montreal Canadiens- Confidence:1

705 South Florida- Confidence:2

732 Villanova- Confidence:4

803 Duke single digits(fb)- I think this team is a lot better than some people think. Plus with the inconsistency of A&Ms defense it will allow them to make it close. Confidence:3

804 Duke offense- Confidence:2

805 Anaheim Ducks- Confidence:2

805 Los Angeles Kings- Confidence:1

805 Chicago Bulls- Confidence:1

805 Oklahoma City- Confidence:3

950 No- Confidence:1

SFTC Picks for Monday 12/30

Monthly Path(109-75)
0 or1
Benefica
No
Any Other score
Vancouver Canucks




1145 Mid Tenn ST (football)- Confidence:1

1146 0 or 1- Confidence:2

315 Ole Miss- Confidence:2

345 Benefica- Confidence:4

645 Any Other Result(texas-football)- I wouldn't be that shocked if Texas won. Confidence:3

646 No- Confidence:2

735 Ottawa Senators- Confidence:2

805 Nashville Predators- Confidence:1

805 Los Angeles Kings- Confidence:1

805 Portland Trail Blazers- Confidence:2

905 Utah Jazz- Confidence:1

1005 Vancouver Canucks- Confidence:3

1015 Arizona St by 15(football)-Confidence:1