Ben Burns

I'm playing on SJ (6* BEATDOWN). The Sharks will have payback on their minds, as they lost 4-0 at New York less than two weeks ago. The Sharks, a profitable 65-37 the past 100+ times that they played a home game with an O/U line of 6 or greater, have already played five of their first seven on the road. After this, they play another three on the road. Expect them to take adavantage of the favorable venue, avenging the earlier loss in convincing fashion. 

I'm playing on BOSTON (8* VIOLATOR). The Canucks are playing their first game back home, off a long road trip. That can often be a difficult spot. Winless on their current road trip, the Bruins are going to be highly motivated to pick up a "W." They haven't forgotten that the Canucks hammered them here last season and they won't overlook them here. The Canucks are an ugly 27-58 (-11.4) their past 85 against winning teams. Expect the Bruins to be too much for them tonight. 

I'm playing on WASHINGTON (10* BEST BET). Off a 1-point loss in their opener, knowing that they embark on a tough 5-game road trip out West immediately following this game and facing the team which eliminated them from last season's playoffs, the Wizards are going to be extremely motivated to win this one. In addition to having the venue in their favor, they've got the schedule working for them. While the Wizards had yesterday off, the Raptors are off a hard-fought win over the Celtics last night and are now playing their third game in four days. Even with the loss in the opener, the Wizards are 61-31 on this floor the past couple of seasons. Expect them to improve on those stats this evening. 

I'm playing on TORONTO (8* ANNIHILATOR). These teams are playing for pride and to avoid the basement. That said, I believe that the Argos bring a little more to the table and that they're going to be a little 'hungrier.' The Argos know that they're winless on the road this season - they also know that they'll face these same Alouettes, at Montreal, where they're 0-3 SU/ATS their last three visits, next week. In other words, they better take care of business here. The Argos are 6-4 ATS their last 10 off a divisional loss. Note that Toronto is also 3-0 SU/ATS (33-19, 38-6, 30-13) its last three as a host in this series. Playing their home finale, expect a motivated effort from the Argos, en route to another home win and cover over the Als. 

I'm playing on MISSOURI (10* GAME OF MONTH). This game was already going to be very tough for the Tigers to win. However, last week's result will make it even more so. Memphis is off a heart-breaking loss against UCF. The Tigers were up big at halftime, squandered the lead, had a chance to win, only to lose 31-30. As quarterback Brady White said: "This one hurts, for sure. We should've won that game." That very likely killed Memphis' hopes of competing for a division title. Those type of losses often take a toll and I expect that to be the case here. Missouri is off games against Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama, the last two of which came on the road. A break from SEC play will provide a welcome relief. Missouri is already 2-0 SU/ATS as a home favorite this season, winning by 37 and 27. Expect another double-digit win on Saturday afternoon.

I'm playing on TEMPLE (8* BREAKFAST CLUB). Both teams are hot. Since a terrible 0-2 start, the Owls have gone 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS. Meanwhile, the Bearcats are a perfect 6-0 SU on the season, covering five of six. I went against them in the lone game (Ohio) which they failed to cover - another 12 ET kick - and I feel that this is another good spot to do so. While the Bearcats certainly deserve credit for their record, since the opening upset of UCLA, the schedule has been pretty soft. The Owls won by double-digits each of the past two seasons. Including the 34-13 victory here in October of 2016, the Owls are 9-1 ATS their last 10 October games. The Bearcats are 2-7 ATS their last nine against teams with a winning record while Temple is 10-2 ATS its last 12 against winning teams. Expect the Owls to improve on those stats Sat. afternoon. 

I'm playing on Watford and Wolverhamption UNDER the total (10* TOTAL OF MONTH). Watford has failed to score in either of its last two games, losing 2-0 and 4-0. Scoring figures to again be a major problem for the Hornets, as the Wolves have only conceded six goals through eight games, while managing only nine themselves. However, I do expect the Hornets to improve defensively. Watford manager Javi Garcia had this to say after the last game: "It is always a bad moment to lose like today. Today is the first day we haven't competed as in other games. They were much better than us. We will try to improve for the next game." Wolverhampton has now seen NINE straight matches produce two or fewer combined goals. Expect more of the same here.