Ben Burns

I'm playing on BUFFALO (8* PERS FAV). The streaky Sabres followed up their extended winning streak with a string of losses. They rallied to get back on track last game though. Momentum back in their corner and facing an inferior opponent, I expect the Sabres to continue "streaking" in a winning direction. Like their hosts, the Coyotes have been a 'streaky' team of late. They're streaking in the wrong direction though. They lost four straight, then won four in a row and now have now lost three straight again. With a couple more road games left on the current trip, their current skid may continue for awhile. At least for tonight, anyway. Sabres roll. 

I'm playing on PHOENIX (8* SHOCKER). The Suns were very competitive in their last game here, taking the Clippers to OT. They had last night off while the Mavericks were busy hosting Atlanta. The last time that the Mavs played on the road, they lost by 26. That was also the last time that they played the second of b2b games. Including that result, they're an ugly 6-27 SU the past 2+ seasons, when playin their second game in two days, 0-3 this season. Yet, the Mavs find themselves laying points on the road; they're just 4-9 ATS their last 13 as a road favorite. Sure, the Mavs are expecting to get Dirk back tonight. The future HOF'er should make them better later this season but he'll be on a minutes restriction and, at 40, can't be expected to go immediately go off. True, the Suns have lost 10 straight overall. They're 8-3 ATS in recent seasons, off 10 or more consecutive losses though. Schedule and venue in their favor, expect them to improve on those stats here.

I'm playing on SF. The Dons are rolling. Off their big win against Cal, expect them to carry the momentum into this evening's game against an outclassed Eagles team. 

I'm playing on LA/KC OVER the total (10* BLUE CHIP). Needless to say, both these teams can score plenty of points. They combined for 66 in this season's earlier meeting, a 38-28 KC victory, back in early September. Including that result, the Chargers are averaging 28.2 ppg on the season. Over their past three games, that number climbs to 34.7 ppg. As impressive as those numbers are, they still pale in comparison to the Chiefs. KC is averaging 36.2 ppg on the season and 39.3 ppg over its past three. The Chargers have already seen the OVER go 3-0 as road underdogs of seven or less. Expect those stats to improve Thursday.