NFL Picks Expert (2008 Regular Season Edition)

NFL Week 1 Free Picks

2008-08-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S FREE NFL PICKS

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH 2008

9/3/08: FREE NFL PICK

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH 2008

CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0) at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-0)

Here is one of my potential open day eye openers. Carolina has the type of lineup that could give San Diego fits. This one should stay close until the wire and the Panthers could take this one at the end...take Carolina + the points and play it safe, or roll with the moneyline and take a chance!

ADVICE: Carolina Panthers +9.5

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2008 NFL REGULAR SEASON FREE PICK RECORD: 0-0

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2008 NFL FINAL MOCK DRAFT

2008-04-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

1. Miami Dolphins -- Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Record: 1-15 | Needs: OT, CB, WR, QB, G
Vernon Carey cannot succeed in the NFL at LT. Pardon the pun, but Jake Long is the long term solution for a major problem area of the Fins. Cam Cameron's offense doesn't work without an imposing offensive line that can blow the D off the boards. Jake Long is the best player available and fills an important need. No Brainer pick.

2. St. Louis Rams -- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Record: 3-13 | Needs: DE, DT, WR, C, OLB, OT
The Rams are sitting in a great position at #2 with 2 impact D-Linemen to choose from. On one hand you have Dorsey who could easily plug their porous defensive line. On the other hand, Chris Long is another option adding depth to their underachieving D Ends, Leonard Little and James Hall. Tough decision? Gets even tougher...I have a sinking suspicion that Atlanta doesn't want Matt Ryan at #3 and would trade up, throw in a couple picks, and take Dorsey. Then St. Louis could take Chris Long and walk with a couple extra picks. It makes sense for both teams... Rams select Glenn Dorsey pick is traded to Atlanta for Chris Long at #3 and a few picks.

3. Atlanta Falcons -- Chris Long, DE, Virginia (TRADE)
Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, OT, CB, DT, TE
(see above)

**Side Note** Matt Ryan is this years Aaron Rodgers. This will be the longest Saturday morning of his life...Ok Ok it won't be thaat bad...maybe a little more Matt Leinart ish...but ultimately Matt is going to be sitting up until the 8th pick. ESPN will have a camera in his face every single agonizing second until another team with a need for a QB picks...Didn't McNair retire... As for Atlanta, they have been planning on picking Brian Brohm from Louisville since Petrino got the job. That's why they rotated Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, and Byron "Micheal Brick" Leftwich at QB. Petrino's gone?? Pick stays the same. Arthur Blank signed Petrino because he truly respected his football accumen. Blank has been drooling over Brohm for 2 years after Petrino planted the seed...2nd Round pick: Brian Brohm...

4. Oakland Raiders -- Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Record: 4-12 | Needs: DE/DT, OT/G, SLB, WR, RB
All of the ignorant Raiders fans are pacing back and forth with expectation on this pick. Will Al bring them McFadden...Al loves the flashy pick...but wait...not happening. As much as I hate the Raiders and in turn hate on Al Davis. He wasn't born yesterday. He understands needs vs desires. Example...all the Raider fans were screaming for WR Roy Williams out of Texas a few years ago...they then picked CB/S Micheal Huff...based on need. Warren Sapp is OLD, the board is thin, tons of impact sleeper running backs peppered throughout the draft...I'm gonna give Al the benefit of the doubt that 1/2 of his brain is still working and trust he makes the correct need based decision...Big Sedrick Ellis out of USC...

5. Kansas City Chiefs -- Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB, Ohio State
Record: 4-12 | Needs: DE, OT, CB, DT, G, C, WR, QB
Jared Allen leaving opens up a huge need for KC and although they would have loved to see Chris Long slip...they will be more than happy picking up the heir apparent pass rusher for the next 5 years. Gholdston could have an instant oppurtunity for impact.

6. New York Jets -- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
Record: 4-12 | Needs: DE, WR, CB, FS, ILB, RB
The building erupts. Everyone rejoicing in Radio City...they should be

7. N.E. Patriots (from 5-11 S.F.) -- Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
Record: 16-0 | Needs: ILB, OLB, CB, ROT, TE
We still think the Patriots will trade out of this pick, whether it's up to get Chris Long or down to get better value. If stuck at No. 7, the intelligent and versatile Rivers makes the most sense.

8. Baltimore Ravens -- Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Record: 5-11 | Needs: QB, CB, LOT, OLB/DE, ILB
Finally, throw on that 2008 Draft Day hat...celebrate your top 10 selection...make the Falcons pay every time you face them down the road...

9. Cincinnati Bengals -- Branden Albert, OT/G, Virginia
Record: 7-9 | Needs: NT, OT, DE, LB, WR, C
It's unlikely that Cincinnati will stay here and get this lucky. Either the Bengals or Saints will be aggressive to land the second best defensive tackle available. If the Saints leapfrog the Bengals and take Ellis, Rivers would be Cincinnati's pick if he slides. If Rivers isn't there, the best available offensive tackle (Albert or Ryan Clady) would be the next option.

10. New Orleans Saints -- Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Record: 6-9 | Needs: CB, DT, LB, TE, ROT, S
The Saints' options are as follows: First, move up to land Dorsey (likely too big a jump to make from pick No. 10); second, trade up to get Ellis; third, stay here and hope Rivers is available; fourth, if the first three options are unavailable, then try to trade back; fifth, if all else fails, take the best corner on the board (Jenkins or Leodis McKelvin).

11. Buffalo Bills -- Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
Record: 7-9 | Needs: WR, TE, CB, DE, FS
Taking Thomas here is a substantial reach, but we hear the Bills have targeted him, and their most pressing need is at receiver.

12. Denver Broncos -- Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Record: 7-9 | Needs: OT, WR, DT, MLB, S
Denver supposedly prefers Williams over Ryan Clady because Williams is more mobile and polished. We also should let you know that there are some rumblings that the Broncos might take RB Jonathan Stewart here.

13. Carolina Panthers -- Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Record: 7-9 | Needs: ROT, FS, DE, RB, TE
Clady and Jeff Otah are the safest picks here, but Harvey is a good value, and the retirement of Mike Rucker makes defense a greater need. The Panthers also could take RBs Stewart or Rashard Mendenhall here.

14. Chicago Bears -- Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
Record: 7-9 | Needs: OT, QB, RB, WR, G, S
One of Chicago's greatest needs is at offensive tackle, and Clady is the better overall prospect compared to Otah.

15. Detroit Lions -- Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
Record: 7-9 | Needs: RB, DE, OT, LB, DT
Though Detroit would prefer Harvey if he slips to them, the Lions would do well to land Mendenhall here.

16. Arizona Cardinals -- Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, FS, RB, LOT, WR, S
Arizona needs to bolster its defensive backfield, and the Cardinals can take the best available safety or corner because current DB Antrel Rolle can line up at either position. In our opinion, that means McKelvin.

17. Kansas City (from 8-8 Minnesota) -- Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
Record: 8-8 | Needs: DE, QB, OT, CB, WR
After getting Long to replace Allen at defensive end, the Chiefs will look to address the offensive line here. Otah is a tough drive blocker capable of making an immediate impact on the right side.

18. Houston Texans -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tenn. St.
Record: 8-8 | Needs: CB, LOT, DE, G/C, S
Houston should take the best available corner as long as one of the top four is still on the board, and in this scenario the Texans get No. 3 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

19. Philadelphia Eagles -- Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
Record: 8-8 | Needs: S, WR, LB, OT/G, DE
The Eagles signed free agent Asante Samuel, but Lito Sheppard has asked to be traded and likely will be gone after the draft. Keeping that in mind, taking the No. 4 corner prospect here makes sense.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, LOT, CB, QB, DT
Joey Galloway continues to produce, but he is 36 years old, and 32-year-old Ike Hilliard already has lost a step to age. With Buffalo taking Thomas earlier in the round, Hardy is a strong candidate to come off the board here.

21. Washington Redskins -- Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
Record: 9-7 | Needs: WR, S, DE, OL, CB
Washington is clearly in the market for a No. 1 receiver, as it already has tried to get disgruntled Cincinnati WR Chad Johnson in a trade. So the Redskins would like Thomas here, but it's highly unlikely. If they can't get Thomas, Merling is a good value here, and taking him would help them address one of their most pressing needs.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from 10-6 CLE) -- Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, WR, RB, OT, S
Unless the Cowboys can get the Pacman Jones deal done, they would like to get one of the top four corners here. All four are off the board in this scenario, though, and with Dallas not expected to make a blockbuster trade to acquire McFadden, it could fill the need at running back with Felix Jones, who would complement Marion Barber well.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
Record: 10-6 | Needs: DE (3-4), OT, WR, G, FS
Stewart's stock has rebounded since turf toe surgery in March, and with Willie Parker coming off a broken fibula, Stewart is too good of a value to pass up here.

24. Tennessee Titans -- Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Record: 10-6 | Needs: WR, DE, DT, CB, OLB
DT Kentwan Balmer is a possibility here, but wide receiver is the more pressing need, and Sweed would be the best available in this scenario.

25. Seattle Seahawks -- Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Record: 10-6 | Needs: TE, WR, DT, S, OL
While tight end and receiver are arguably more pressing needs, the Seahawks should be able to get help at those positions after the first round. Meanwhile, Balmer ranks third in what is a shallow defensive tackle pool, so taking him here makes the most sense for the Seahawks.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC
Record: 11-5 | Needs: DE, DT, SS, OT, WR
The Jaguars need help along the defensive front, so they should take the best available defensive lineman. With DE Calais Campbell sliding down draft boards, that would be Jackson.

27. San Diego Chargers -- Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Record: 11-5 | Needs: ROT, S, RB, NT, CB
Rumor has it that San Diego is another team interested in Stewart's services, but it doesn't appear that he will last this long. In addition, the Chargers clearly need a right tackle, and Cherilus would be a good fit.

28. Dallas Cowboys -- DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Record: 13-3 | Needs: WR, CB, RB, G/C, QB, NT
With running back being addressed at No. 22 and no real value at corner here, look for the Cowboys to take a receiver. Jackson has the burst to make an immediate impact working out of the slot, and he also would give Dallas' punt return unit a boost.

29. S.F. 49ers (from 13-3 IND) -- Jerod Mayo, OLB, Tennessee
Record: 5-11 | Needs: ROT, OLB, WR, G/C, QB
San Francisco would prefer to get Cherilus and then move 2007 first-round pick Joe Staley to left tackle and start Cherilus on the right side, but Cherilus is gone in this scenario. In addition, WR Malcolm Kelly looks like he's sliding out of the first round. Mayo is versatile enough to play inside or outside and would be a strong pick here if Cherilus is gone.

30. Green Bay Packers -- Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
Record: 13-3 | Needs: CB, S, OT, TE, QB, RB
Charles Woodson and Al Harris are both on the downsides of their careers and there's no heir apparent behind either of them, so Green Bay needs to inject youth and talent at corner. Flowers is a bit of a reach here, but his smarts and toughness would make him a good fit for the Packers' scheme.

XX. New England Patriots -- Pick forfeited
Record: 16-0 | Needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL
The Patriots lost the 31st overall pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.

31. New York Giants -- Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
Record: 10-6 | Needs: S, OLB, CB, WR, G/T, DT
The ideal situation is for Mayo to slide this far because he would be an excellent value this late in the first round. However, the Giants also need help at safety after losing Gibril Wilson to free agency, and Johnson has been moving up draft boards.

Upset of the Day?

2008-03-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets (-5)

Hardly an upset when you're taking at team with the best record in the league but nevertheless, Boston +200 is somewhat appealing. Houston is riding a 22 game win streak and we've backed them throughout. Not this time. Not against this team. Not tonight. Both teams should stay under a 100 points and this could come down to the wire. C'mon folks, the Celts should take advantage of a smaller banged up Rocket team and take this one outright. Why not double your money and run with the +200...

PICK: Boston Celtics SU (+200) or Celtics +5

NBA Lock of the Day

2008-03-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Chicago Bulls at New Orleans Hornets (-4)

The Hornets are hosting the Bulls tonight fresh off of a 21 point loss at Detroit yesterday. A trip back home and a game vs. Chicago is just what they need for a nice bounce back. Chicago lost by 4 at Philly Friday and are an appalling 1-6 ATS coming off of 3 days rest. New Orleans had the Bulls number last time on the road in the United Center and I don't expect anything different at home in New Orleans. Tyson Chandler is in another revenge spot against his former team and it is more than likely that the Hornets cover this number by double digits. I would have still bet it at -10, therefore -4 is a virtual lock...

PICK: NEW ORLEANS HORNETS -4

Saturday Picks....

2008-03-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Championship Weekend is here...

Duke (-4)
Stanford (+4)
Kent St. (-1)
Pittsburgh (+5)
Boise St. (+6)
Cal St. Fullerton (-6)

Babe of the Day...

2008-03-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Friday Night Picks...

2008-03-14T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some picks for Friday Night... Good luck...make that money!

Duke -11
West Virginia +3
Illinois +5.5
USC +8.5
Kent St. -2
CSU FULLERTON -4
Stanford -2

Friday Morning Quick Pick...

2008-03-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Texas (-7) vs. Oklahoma State
PLAY THE OVER 132.5

Winning parlay from earlier today

2008-03-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

2) BET ID=2412XXXX

Parlay (7 Teams)	03/12/08 18:56 ET
bet 50.00 to win 3733.70 (paid 2173.60)	Result: Wager Won

Bobcats(Charlotte) 93
Mavericks(Dallas) 118

03/12/08(20:40 ET)
Mavericks(Dallas) -11

ArizonaSt 55
USC 59

03/13/08(15:05 ET)
ArizonaSt +5

California 84
WashingtonU 81

03/12/08(21:05 ET)
California -140

Cincinnati 64
Pittsburgh 70

03/12/08(19:10 ET)
Cincinnati +8.5

OklahomaSt 76
TexasTech 72

03/13/08(12:35 ET)
OklahomaSt -3.5

OregonSt 56
Arizona 87

03/12/08(23:50 ET)
Arizona -17.5

Canucks(Vancouver) 1
Ducks(Anaheim) 4

03/12/08(22:05 ET)
Under 5 (-135)

More Thursday Picks..

2008-03-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here are my top 7 college basketball picks for tonight...

Louisville SU
Notre Dame/Marquette OVER 147
New Mexico St. -19.5
Stanford -1 and OVER 130.5
Golden State Warriors +7.5
Cleveland Cavs+3

-JD

Today's Picks...

2008-03-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Had a rough start yesterday but closed out well and evened out with a UofA blowout. That is moreso the reason that today is going to be a great one. What comes up, must come down...and vice versa. Everyone has a "bad day" once in a while, I had an average one...charge it to the game.

Were coming through with free winning picks all day long...so stay tuned!

Build that bankroll

-JD

Oddsmaker Blunder?

2008-03-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Thursday Lock of the Day

Penn State vs. Illinois (-8)

WOW...giving Penn State 8 points at a neutral site? I guess so, Nothing wrong with a little free money right? Illinois lost to PSU by 1 and 4 already this season. Don't get me wrong, the chance of a three game sweep of the Illini is not a lock by any means, but look for a close game that comes down to the final minutes. Take the 8 points, slap your bookie 5, and ride the Nitanny Lions...

PICK: Penn State +8

Pac 10 Lock of the Day...

2008-03-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am not the biggest Wildcat fan at all and do not think they deserve to be in the NCAA tournament but today they play a team which is as inept and pathetic as they come and there really is no other scenario but a 30 point burial.

I have fallen into the trap a few times of backing Oregon State plus some hefty prices but the Beavers continue to be horrific and do things which don't even seem possible. I have watched OSU allow mindboggling 30-4 type runs and after a full season of this and Jay John being fired there is no upside at all for the Beavers. No doubt this is a huge number on a neutral site but Arizona just won in Corvallis by about 40 last week, 81-45. With Jerryd Bayless, Chase Budinger and a ton of motivation as the 'Cats are on the bubble I cannot see anything close to a game here.

I truly have never seen a worse major conference team than this Oregon State bunch. These guys won six games all season long, have lost 20 in a row and went an unreal 0-18 in the Pac-10 this season. The Beavers have also dropped seven straight to the number and there is no reason to believe that number eight is not well on its way here.

OSU has beaten SC Upstate, Idaho State, Portland State, Cal Davis, CSU Bakersfield and Northern Colorado with the last win coming on December 19th. Once again, there is just no reason to believe this will be competitive, none!

PICK: ARIZONA WILDCATS (-17.5)

Rough Day so far...

2008-03-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Time to turn it around tonight...who's on board.

Big East Tourney Free Pick...

2008-03-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

We’ve got Cincinnati playing against Pittsburgh in a Big East matchup that the Panthers might win SU. However, go with the Bearcats.

Over their last five games the Bearcats are 0-5 SU and 1-5 ATS their last six games. But that one win ATS came against the Panthers in Pittsburgh.

And so far this season Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have played each other twice with the Bearcats winning outright 62-59 as 4-point dogs on Jan. 19 and winning ATS on Feb. 27.

Now Cincinnati gets another shot at Pittsburgh, who is 5-5 SU and only 3-7 ATS its last 10 games. Of those five wins SU, only two were by six points or more. Over their last four games the Panthers are 3-1 SU, but two of those wins were by six points and five points.

Pittsburgh hasn’t shown the ability to bury their opponents and won’t do so tonight.

PICK: Cinci +9

Toledo vs. Bowling Green

2008-03-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

3/12 TOLEDO VS. BOWLING GREEN

I am leaning towards Toledo (-1.5) and under 125.5...Bowling Green has been playing uninspired down the stretch. Both teams can give up points with the best of em but not today! Play the under...

College Basketball Pick of the Day

2008-03-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

3/12 PICKS OF THE DAY

Championship week is amongst. We got some hot ones for Wednesday's full card of conference tourney play. Here are our top NCAA Hoops Picks

1. Arizona (-19.5) over Oregon State: The number isn't high. It's actually lower than expected. Pac-10 tourney, bright lights, Staples Center...UofA should be up by 20 by the half.
PICK: ARIZONA 75 OREGON STATE 50

2. Wyoming (-6.5) over Colorado State: The Rams are atrocious. Wyoming has struggled this season but they are the more experienced team with Brandon Ewing and Co.
PICK: WYOMING 68 COLORADO STATE 59

3. Dayton (-5.5) over St. Louis: No double revenge Wednesday morning. Brian Roberts should lead Dayton to a double digit cover. I can't back a team that dropped 20 points in a game and put up a whopping 36 vs. Dayton last meeting.
PICK: DAYTON 67 ST. LOUIS 55

4. Syracuse (-2.5) over Villanova: Youth vs. Youth...Tourney tested coach vs. Tourney tested coach...MSG... 12pm game...Bubbles bursting for someone. Cuse has been too hot lately and this is the Big East Tourney. Public is all over this pick...hmmm...proceed with caution.
PICK: Syracuse 79 Nova 74

3/11/08 PICK OF THE DAY

2008-03-11T15:50:00.001-07:00

3/11/08 PICK OF THE DAY

Portland Trailblazers at Minnesota Timberwolves (+1.5)

For Tuesday, we’re coming back with the the Association and back the Blazers as a small road chalk at the Timberwolves.

I know that Portland played last night in Cleveland, and so there’s a back-to-back issue with travel facing the Blazers. But this young squad has handled back-to-backs pretty well this year, going 9-6 ATS. And Portland gave LeBron and the Cavs all they could handle for 46½ minutes last night, succumbing in the final 90 seconds.

Despite that setback, the Blazers are still on a 6-2 ATS roll (4-4 SU), including spread-covers in their last three games against inferior competition (Knicks, Bucks and Clippers). Tonight, they definitely face an inferior foe in the Timberwolves, who are still 14-48 despite consecutive road wins over the weekend at the Kings and Clippers. Minnesota has lost eight of its last 10 at home, including the last two against crappy Seattle and Charlotte. Also, the TWolves have been massacred by the Blazers twice this year, losing 109-98 in Portland as an 8½-point underdog and 90-79 at home as a five-point pup. In fact, the Blazers have cashed in four straight and seven of the last eight against Minnesota, winning six of those eight games outright.

Throw in the fact Minnesota is 17-35 ATS in its last 52 home games while Portland is on ATS streaks of 5-1 on the road, 5-1 in Minnesota and 6-2 on Tuesdays, and I’ll back the visitors here at a very cheap price.

PICK

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (-1.5)

3/6/08 PICK OF THE DAY

2008-03-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

3/6/08 PICK OF THE DAY
OTTAWA SENATORS @ LOS ANGELES KINGS(+105)

I seldom offer a hockey pick but this one basically is a best of both worlds at low low price (-125). Ottawa has been struggling as of late but what better team to face to get untracked than the lowly Los Angeles Kings. Ottawa outplayed the Ducks for the greater part of 3 periods last night, but a costly last turnover sent it to OT, where the Ducks snuck off with a W. The Senators were without captain Jason Spezza last night and he should make his return tonight. The Kings are 8-1 in their last 9 vs Ottawa buuuut...the last time they met was in 2006 and this is a different matchup for both sides. I would generally stay away from this game under any other circumstances as it is a quinnesential "trap game". Due to Ottawa's recent struggles and Montreal tying them for the top spot in the east last night, I expect a sense of urgency out of them to get some momentum for the stretch run. Ottawa's poor recent play has pushed the line from what it would of been (-175 to -250) down to a virtual even bet (-125). Take the better team on the west coast road ice...

PICK: Ottawa Senators (-125)

3/5/08 PICK OF THE DAY

2008-03-05T15:56:00.001-08:00

3/5/08 PICK OF THE DAY

DUKE BLUE DEVILS @ VIRGINIA CAVS (+5.5)

This is a "spot" taylor made for the Virginia. Everything on paper is screaming for a close game and a Virginia cover. Duke has been struggling in recent weeks ATS. They barely snuck out of NC State with a 1 point win. Virginia has looked horrible this season; however Sean Singletary has upped his game to another level the last 5 games. Virginia is 5-1 ATS vs. Duke in their last 6 including an outright victory at home in the same identical matchup. Duke is also playing vs. UNC on Saturday in a giagantic rivalry game. Lookahead game anyone? Ready to ride the Cavs? Not so fast...I see it all differently. Virginia is a 1 trick pony and that cannot and will not match Duke's team dynamic and chemistry. Duke can score from all angles and basically everywhere on the court. They have an array of inside outside players and when they are on, they can shoot the lights out. After watching Clemson absolutly put a beatdown on Virginia by 30 in this same building, I can't see UVA staying close with arguably the best team in the nation when they are clicking. That NC State game was a much needed wakeup call and Duke should rise to the occasion.

PICK: DUKE BLUE DEVILS -5.5

3/4/08 PICK OF THE DAY

2008-03-04T17:03:00.001-08:00

3/4/08 PICK OF THE DAY

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS @ ATLANTA HAWKS (-2.5)

What an interesting matchup in Atlanta tonight. Golden State is rolling in looking for revenge. They are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games with their lone loss to the surging Hawks (117-110). Atlanta has had the Warriors number the last several meetings; however you can let the past be the past and move forward with the Warriors in this contest. The entire Western Conference race is so tight that everygame requires playoff level intensity. Warriors can grasp that concept, Atlanta can't... and won't. Golden State small forward Steven Jackson has been on fire since recovering from an ailing toe injury. The Warriors are as good as the effort they want to give, which is why in past seasons, they have faltered on the road in "meaningless games." Warriors won't fall in this traditional letdown spot. Atlanta snuck up on them last time...not this time friends! Grab the 2 points and run with Golden State road warriors...

PICK: Golden State Warriors +2.5

1/26/08: Free NCAA Hoops Pick of the Day

2008-01-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Georgetown at West Virginia (-3)

PICK: HOYAS +3

Advice: In a battle of tempos, look for Georgetown to keep the pace slow and work in the half court game. Despite an undefeated home mark, West Virginia's key star and leading scorer, Alex Ruoff, is battling a groin injury and will be a game time decision. Look for a close game where WV comes up short when it counts. Take Georgetown + the points.

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2006-06-29T00:28:00.000-07:00