Best Bets 12/30/23 (CBB, CFB Bowl Games, NFL)
Author: Dylan Lieck | Dec. 30th, 2023 | 10:33 A.M. CST
I apologize for the late post, as some of these games start soon, but I want them to at least be posted on here before kickoff so that they will go down on my official record & be tracked.
College Basketball Picks
Syracuse -1.5 vs. Pittsburgh
Marquette -3.5 vs. Creighton
These are simply two home teams playing conference games. I’m going to take 99% of these power 5 teams at home when the line is less between -5 and +8. In Marquettes case, they are actually the better team, and they are at home. Syracuse and Pittsburgh are relatively equal, but we have a big home court advantage.
College Football Picks
Ole Miss +4.5 vs. Penn State (Chick Fil A Peach Bowl)
Ole Miss has a MASSIVE coaching advantage in this one. Lane Kiffin with a month to prepare, in a game that is pretty meaningful to his program - you are going to get a GREAT offensive gameplan for the Rebels ssssin this spot. The only question is can their defense get stops. The good thing is, Penn State’s offense is horrific, and Drew Allar has been awful whenever he’s stepped up in class this season. On the other hand James Franklin has just been terrible in big games. He’s not been great in big time bowl games either, especially not in meaningful bowl games. I think Kiffin has a massive edge over Franklin. One coach is innovative, smart, and will have his team ready. The other coach is a bafoon who has been lucky to keep his job this long. Give me Ole Miss with the points in this spot and sprinkle some on the moneyline at +165
Wyoming -3.5 vs. Toledo (Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl)
Wyoming is playing this game for their head coach, Craig Bohl. Bohl is retiring at the conclusion of this game after a storied career in college football. He won 3 national titles at the FCS level with North Dakota State. He’s done an incredible job with this Wyoming program in his tenure as well. His guys love him, and they will be playing super hard to win this game for their leader. Additionally, Toledo, who has been really solid this year, lost their QB (Dequan Finn) to the transfer portal, and they will be starting their backup QB. Lastly, I just think there is a matchup advantage in the trenches here for Wyoming. They have the better offensive and defensive lines, and I think it’s going to be tough for Toledo to hang in this game over the course of 60 minutes.
NFL Pick
NFL Teaser (2 Team, 6 Point): Cowboys +.5 to Rams -.5
I like the best bet teaser that I gave out on Thursday better than this one (Browns to Chiefs), but I still like this one too. Dallas is just in a great spot here, off two losses, back at home against a bad defense. This is also a terrible spot for the Lions, coming off winning their first divisional title in 30 years. They also should’ve lost last week to a team starting Nick Mullins at QB. Give me the Cowboys here in a get right spot.
The Rams just have much more to play for in this game. The Giants definitely upgrade by going to Tyrod Taylor over Tommy Devito’s bum ass. But, I still like the Rams here. There is no team playing better offensively right now than the L.A. Rams, and they are doing enough defensively to win games. They’ve won 5 of their last 6, and this is a massive game for their playoff hopes. The Giants have no incentive to win this game, as they really just want a better draft pick. It doesn’t mean they won’t play hard, but the motivation factor strongly favors the Rams. Lastly, it’s in New York where the weather isn’t usually great, however there seems to be clear skies in the forecast. That strongly favors the Rams pass oriented offense. give me the Rams here.
All bets today will be 2 units
