Online Blackjack Tournament Strategy

The game of blackjack offers players the best chance of beating the casino. The house starts with an advantage of roughly 0.5% vs. someone using basic strategy. However, while the online casinos take that one-half percent, they usually supply you with generous bonuses to play, giving you the mathematical advantage. The casinos hope that players will make frequent strategy errors or that they will play a different game with worst odds.

The rules of the game often vary one casino to another and depending on the software used. So, the actual house odds vary depending on the rules and the number of cards.

That said, the basic blackjack strategy stands. One important advantage to online blackjack is to print out a strategy odds card and use that. And second, never buy insurance, it's a waste of your money.

If you are planning on competing in an online tournament at WagerWeb.com, here are some basic blackjack strategy tips:

Don't get in a big hole early. Oftentimes players want to get out to a big lead, but remember: you can't win any tournament after a few hands, but you sure can lose it. Bet somewhat conservatively and monitor your opponents' betting. Then, when you have a read, start betting bigger.Another reason to start somewhat conservatively is to have plenty in reserve if you need to double down or split the cards. Frequently, these moves require you to have more money to bet in order to make them.

A good hint is to keep half your bankroll in reserve.

Obviously if the perfect split arises, go for it, but if not, save it. To win a table, you'll usually have to risk much of your bankroll at some point. The key to long-term success is to make sure that you get full value for every big bet you make (one exception to this: if the entire table is being timid, sometimes it's wise to make one early big bet to make a statement). So weigh your choices carefully. After all, once you run out of money, you can't go buy more chips. You're done.

OK, most players will have the same result on most hands, since you are really playing the dealer. So, try to bet so you will gain on your opponents' tally, win or lose. This is why it's key to monitor your opponents in online tournaments, whereas you can pretty much ignore others at a real-life table when it's just you playing against the dealer.

You probably aren't going to win your first blackjack tournament. Don't be discouraged. Practice really does make perfect, even if blackjack still is a game largely based on luck. Start off with low-level tournaments to get a bead on how they work, the pace, etc.

NCAA Basketball - Michigan St. Team to beat in Big Ten Basketball

With defending Big Ten men's basketball champion Ohio State losing four starters (including Greg Oden) from last season's national runner-up finish, it seems only natural that a different school will ascend to the top of the conference this season.

And that team will be Michigan State.

The Spartans were picked as the preseason Big Ten favorites by the media, with Indiana second and Ohio State third. MSU is also the WagerWeb.com favorite to win the Big Ten at +150.

Why Michigan State? The Spartans were young last season yet still won 23 games and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. All five starters return, led by Drew Neitzel, the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year favorite.

He becomes the first Michigan State standout to earn preseason player of the year accolades since Mateen Cleeves was voted as the coaches' pick in 1999.

Neitzel, a senior, averaged 18.1 points and 4.3 assists per game last season and was the Spartans' only consistent threat. Despite that, he shot 41.2 percent from 3-point range and a league-best 87.9 percent at the foul line. He finished fourth in the league in scoring and was fifth in assists. Neitzel was tops in the conference with 3.3 threes per game, fifth in assist/turnover ratio and second in minutes played.

Travis Walton will start at guard opposite Neitzel.Walton was the lone Spartan to start all 35 games last season and is one of the best defenders in the conference. He led the Spartans in steals (ninth in the Big Ten) and assists.

Sophomore Raymar Morgan will be Michigan State's No. 2 threat. The forward 11.7 ppg last season but 14.0 ppg over the final 10 games of the season. Power forward Marquise Gray played in all 35 games last season - including 22 starts. He posted 6.8 points and 5.5 rebounds despite averaging just 18.7 minutes per game, and he shot 57.8 percent from the field. Goran Suton (9.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg) rounds out the returning starting five.

Indiana coach Sampson said he would agree with Michigan State being tabbed No. 1 over his Hoosiers in the Big Ten because of the experience factor.

"The difference between Michigan State and Indiana right now is that they have five starters back," Sampson said. "A lot of our impact guys are true freshmen or first-year junior college kids. I think Michigan State is going to be really good from day one, whereas with us I think it will be more of a gradual process."

In addition, Michigan State brought in one of the nation's top 15 recruiting classes in guards Chris Allen and Kalin Lucas and swingman Durrell Summers.

"I like the higher expectations," Coach Tom Izzo said.

"Last year, we had none. That's good for one year, but you don't want a steady diet of that."

The lowdown: Coming off that 23-win season and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament speaks wonders about Izzo's coaching in what was thought to be a rebuilding year. Now, with an infusion of backcourt speed - not to mention the occasional rest for Neitzel - Michigan State will run like Izzo clubs of the past. The Spartans certainly should rule what is an average Big Ten beyond themselves, Indiana and Ohio State. But can the Spartans reach their fifth Final Four (1999, 2000, 2001, 2005) under Izzo? If the freshmen contribute and the frontcourt holds its own, yes.

Poker online vs. offline

In this day and age, you can play poker 24 hours a day on your computer or cell phone. And there is also a proliferation of legalized casinos, mainly Seminole Hard Rock, in many of America's big cities- and growing.

So, how do you choose between playing online in the comfort of your own home, or getting in the car and living the experience in person?

One benefit to playing online is you won't be rushed: you can take as long as you want. Have a question on a hand? Call someone, refer to a blackjack statistical card, shoot, you can run a simulation on a split screen.

Unlike in a live casino, you won't be bothered by a dealer or the other players.

And that's part of another lure of playing online: privacy.

Not that blackjack is played against other people (it's not, it's against the dealer), but some people feel jittery with bystanders or competitors looking over their shoulder.

I've seen many a time where a player bows to "peer pressure" and hits or stands based upon what the crowd wants. That won't happen online.Playing online also gives you a wider array of limits to choose from. You don't like a certain site's limits? Go to another one. Only want to play for a dollar a hand? You can find one online, but very little chance in Las Vegas or anywhere else in person.

Bonuses are also much more prevalent at online casinos. Once a real-life casino gets you in the door, well, you are there. They have no real reason to give you further motivation to play. Online casinos will give bonuses to distinguish themselves from all the other sites. WagerWeb.com, for example, offers a sign-up bonus. Hey, if you can play with the house's money, you are already ahead!

Lastly, is the fact of just getting to a casino.

Online, you have no worries about driving (especially if you are drinking). No worries about a loud player to your left, or a heavy smoker to your right. No lines at the bathroom, no overpriced drinks.

Yes, the real-life casino gives you ambiance, the interaction. And sometimes free drinks to keep you playing. Plus, real-life casinos often have higher limits than online, and it's nice to be able to physically "count" your money.

So here's what I recommend: If you want a night out on the town, then go out to your neighborhood casino.

But if you want to become a serious, experienced player at your own pace, WagerWeb.com is the place for you.

Horse Racing Betting - Horse Racing Picks

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out or improve considerably, won six races, finished second twice and ran third three times since Sept. 21.

AQUEDUCT

Bethpage Black: Raced more than 17 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, checked inside on far turn, dropped to 11th after six furlongs, rallied along rail to fifth in stretch, made up more than five lengths and finished third beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course Oct. 26.

BELMONT PARK

Rewrite: Broke alertly, taken back to fifth, raced 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, blocked in upper stretch, steadied in traffic during drive and finished a game second by a neck at a mile on the turf Sept. 29; ran final half in 46 2/5. (Raced eighth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and prevailed after long drive by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 20.)

Trouble Maker: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground to sixth entering stretch, caught in traffic, rallied when clear making up 1 ½ lengths and finished well in fourth beaten a head, a half-length and a neck at six furlongs on the inner turf course Sept. 20; ran final quarter in 22 1/5. (Broke last, trailed by more than 4 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in stretch, altered course outside and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on the turf Oct. 14.)

Spurred: Broke next to last, raced sixth more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to seventh after six furlongs, came wide for the drive, worked way through traffic in stretch from fifth, struck by rival jockey's whip, made up four lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a head at 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf course Sept. 16; ran final three furlongs in 35 2/5. (Raced seventh more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide on far turn and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf Oct. 20.)

CALDER

King Anthony: Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, advanced four wide on the turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Oct. 26.

All Hail Stormy: Broke last awkwardly, raced six lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, angled wide for stretch run, rallied to make up more than three lengths and finished second by 1 ½ lengths at five furlongs on a sealed sloppy surfaces Oct. 13.

Cozzi Capital: Broke 11th from post 9, taken up after bumping with rival on first turn causing jockey to briefly lose left iron, raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, saved ground entering far turn, steadied, swung out for stretch run and rallied from fifth to gain third by two lengths at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course on Sept. 29. (Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied outside leaders for the drive, gained the lead in deep stretch and won by a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course on Oct. 13.)

Mr Guska: Bumped and checked between rivals at break, trailed by more than six lengths after three-eights of a mile, closed well from sixth in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a length and a neck at five furlongs on the turf Sept. 16.

Ed the Boxer: Trailed by 18 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced from eighth to sixth in stretch, closed well to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by a half-length at a mile on Sept. 1.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horses more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28.

Court Vision: Raced three lengths back in fourth after a half-mile, advanced when asked to third in stretch and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 6 at Keeneland. (Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length on Oct. 27.)

DELAWARE PARK

Saint Bonaventure: Broke last, race third early, dropped to fifth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from fourth in stretch, made up nearly four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a wet fast surface Sept. 22. (Raced fourth more than 4 ½ links behind after a half-mile, launched rally inside leaving far turn, checked on heels of rival in upper stretch, ran down leader in final sixteenth of a mile and won by a neck at a mile on Oct. 17.)

HAWTHORNE

Don Nico: Trailed early, moved to ninth more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced six wide to sixth in stretch, rallied to make up more than five lengths and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 28; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.Jazzy Gallop: Raced more than 10 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, rallied five wide to third in stretch, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second nosed out at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 8. (Raced 10 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, saved ground into stretch and finished third at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 26.)

Appeal With Zeal: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied in upper stretch, rallied through traffic from fifth to second, made up more than four lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Aug. 29 at Arlington Park; ran final quarter in 24 4/5. (Raced third early, dropped to sixth more than two lengths back, wore down rivals entering stretch and drew off by 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Sept. 21.)

LAUREL PARK

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

Carl's Start: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied inside rivals in stretch, made up five lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 29.
Shankara: Broke last from the outside No. 13 post, raced 11th more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to eighth extremely wide in stretch, made up more than 6 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Sept. 29.

Gussie's Secret: Broke awkwardly, trailed by 13 lengths after a half-mile, came wide into stretch, closed well from fifth to make up seven lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a neck at seven furlongs on Sept. 13. (Broke 12th and last, trailed by more than 16 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced to 10th in stretch and gained third by a neck at a mile on Oct. 13.)

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Invading Deputy: Raced five wide into first turn as fog clouds view and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths in rainy conditions on a sloppy surface at a mile and 70 yards on Sept. 2. (Raced sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, advanced three wide turning for home and drew clear by 4 ½ lengths at a mile and 70 yards on Sept. 29.)

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

Designer Breed: Trailed by more than a dozen lengths after a half-mile, came out mid-stretch in 10th, closed well to make up more than six lengths and finished second beaten a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Oct. 27.

Indian Sun: Broke slowly 11th and last, moved to 10th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, came out four wide into the stretch in eighth, closed willingly to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Oct. 13.

Tent: Broke last, raced 10th more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung six wide to seventh in stretch, finished well to make up more than three lengths and ran third beaten a neck and a nose at a mile on the turf Sept. 29; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Do My Thing: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out leaving turn, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed well to make up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by a head at six furlongs on Oct. 22.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarter of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

Dolphin Star: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, closed fast to make up more than five lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Sept. 25.

RETAMA PARK

Silver Lord: Raced sixth early, blocked along backstretch, dropped to seventh 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied off heels of rival in middle of turn, swung out four wide in upper stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up two lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 27.

Go Leroy Go: Broke in air, trailed, raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced on turn to fourth in stretch and rallied inside to gain second by a head at six furlongs on Sept. 21. (Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up 1 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 19.)

NBA Betting - Phoenix Suns will win West

It goes without saying that up-tempo, high-scoring Phoenix will be the most fun team to watch in the 2007-08 NBA season.

But will it be the best?

The Suns are coming off a 61-win regular season, but what most will remember was Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio. Suns stars Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw left the bench in that game when Steve Nash was flagrantly fouled by the Spurs' Robert Horry. Noble of Stoudemire and Diaw to come to their superstar's defense, but it cost those two Game 5 because of suspension.

Phoenix would lose Game 5 without those two and then Game 6, and its season of promise was over.

Some believe the Suns' championship window is closing, with two-time MVP Steve Nash getting up there in age at 33. WagerWeb.com lists Phoenix as the third favorite to win the Western Conference at +250, and third favorite to win the NBA title at +400 (both behind the Mavericks and Spurs).

However, a motivated Suns team, with the addition of Grant Hill, will finally take the NBA title back to the Valley of the Sun this year.

"We've been pretty good the last couple of years, but I think we're potentially as good or better than ever," coach Mike D'Antoni said.

It all starts with Nash, +450 to win his third MVP award at WagerWeb.com, who is coming off a season in which he averaged 18.6 points and 11.6 assists, shot 90 percent from the free-throw line, 53 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from 3-point range. He reportedly now is in the best shape in his career despite his advancing age (at least in NBA terms for a point guard).

"It will take him a couple of games to really get going," D'Antoni said, "then I expect him to have the same type of year he had the last couple."

Nash, who turns 34 in February, thinks this year's Phoenix team may be the one that wins a title.

"We are older, wiser, more experienced," he said.

"Potentially we should be the best team we've had since I've been in Phoenix."He bases that largely on the fact Phoenix added Grant Hill in the offseason. The oft-injured former Orlando Magic forward signed for a pittance with Phoenix to try and win his first championship ring.

"He's another weapon," Shawn Marion said.

But can Hill finally stay healthy for a full season, something he hasn't done in years? The seven-time All-Star spent seven frustrating years in Orlando, missing almost two-thirds of the Magic's games, mostly with ankle injuries.

"There's nothing I can say to make anyone believe, or to make fans not skeptical," Hill said. "All I can do is just go out there and try to be consistent, be reliable to my teammates day in and day out, week to week, month to month, and hopefully get through the season healthy."

But last season he played in 65 games and averaged 14.4 points, 2.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds, and his minutes will be limited to around 25 to keep him fresh and, hopefully, healthy.

The Suns did trade one of their few post players in Kurt Thomas, so much will be on Stoudemire's shoulders.

Stoudemire, who came off two knee surgeries to play in all 82 regular-season games last season, missed three weeks during the preseason after undergoing microscopic surgery on his right knee but returned late in the preseason.

Stoudemire, a first-team All-NBA pick last year along with Nash, also believes this is the best of the recent Suns teams.

"With the experience that we had over the past years, and the players that we have, and the understanding of the game now, I think we're definitely a lot better," he said. "We're looking forward to winning the title this year."

Add in Diaw, Marion, Leandro Barbosa and Raja Bell, and this team is deep. Marion was a third-team All-NBA choice last year, Bell was first-team all-defense, and Barbosa is the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.

"This is a machine," Hill said, "this team and players and what they've done over the last few years. You don't want to come in and mess it up.

"This is a special situation. This is the season."

NBA Betting - Chicago Bulls will win East

The Chicago Bulls grew up a bit last year. A team long on talent but full of youth, Chicago appeared to make a statement in the playoffs by sweeping the defending champion Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference's first round.

Then the Bulls went up against the veteran Detroit Pistons, and things turned sour. The Pistons went up 3-0, and Chicago's season appeared over. However, the Bulls showed some resolve by winning the following two games before fading in Game 6 at home. It was the first time Chicago had reached the second round of the playoffs since Michael Jordan left town.

Now this team is expected to contend for a Finals berth, and is +450 to win the East on WagerWeb.com, the fourth favorite in the East behind Boston, Cleveland and Detroit. The Bulls are +1200 to win the NBA title.

"Going from where we are to the next level is the most difficult step, and it's not a given that it's going to happen," Bulls GM John Paxson said. "I understand that as well as anyone because I saw it up close as a player. When I was playing, Cleveland and New York were two good teams that just couldn't get past us, and they didn't have anything to show from that era. I don't want to look back and have the same said about us."

If you look at the faults of the other contenders in the East, the Bulls appear the team to beat.

The Celtics have three superstars in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, but no depth. One injury to one of the Big 3, and the Celtics are finished.

The Pistons appear on the way down, their championshipwindow closed. The Cavaliers exposed their "old” legs in last season's Eastern finals, and Detroit really didn't have a big offseason addition, instead re-gning Chauncey Billups and hoping some of its younger players can step up off the bench.

Cleveland, the East's reigning champ, looks to have taken a big step back. It was a bit of a fluke for the Cavs to make the NBA Finals last year, and Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic remain holdouts and could play in Europe.

So that leaves the Bulls among the realistic contenders in the conference.

First, let's examine their main negative: scoring in the post. Chicago didn't do much to fix this, signing veteran forward Joe Smith to replace P.J.Brown and re-signing forward Andres Nocioni (mostly a perimeter scorer). And the team drafted Joakim Noah.

But mainly Chicago will be banking on the maturation of 2006 top pick Tyrus Thomas to score down low.

That lack of a post game forced the Bulls to be mostly an off-the-dribble, jump-shooting team, with predictable results. Chicago finished last season ranked 20th in offensive efficiency, and scored 87 points or fewer in all four playoff losses against Detroit.

"We went into the off-season knowing that it was going to be quiet, that we were going to try to keep our guys together and maintain some continuity," Bulls coach Scott Skiles said. "We don't make any secret about it: We like our core group of players that have been here and we'll just try to add to it."

So while Ben Wallace, Thomas, Smith and Noah won't scare anyone offensively, they will block shots and rebound, making it tough for anyone not named Shaq or Duncan to get easy scores.

It's on the perimeter where the Bulls draw their strength. The starting trio of Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Luol Deng is one of the NBA's best.

Hinrich is a stellar two-way player, Gordon can scorein bunches, and Deng exploded in the playoffs last season to become Chicago's best player and a rising superstar.

Deng set career highs in scoring (18.8), rebounding (7.1), assists (2.5), steals (1.18), field goal percentage (.517) and foul shooting (.777) during the regular season. Gordon averaged a career-high 21.4 points.

With long-range shooting aces like Gordon (41.3 percent on 3-pointers), Hinrich (41.5 percent) and Nocioni (38.3 percent), the Bulls were one of the best shooting teams in basketball (Deng rarely shoots 3-pointers). Chicago made 38.8 percent of its shots behind the arc, the second-best mark in the league behind Phoenix.

"Last year, we did great but we can do a lot better this year," Deng said. "We have a lot of experience now, and I think we're more mature in terms of how to handle games and in terms of knowing what we need to do out there."

The wild card in all of this is, of course, Kobe Bryant. The Bulls are reportedly in daily contact with the Lakers in hopes of getting Bryant, but Chicago will not trade Deng, a player the Lakers have been demanding. However, if Chicago could package Gordon and Thomas, perhaps, with a few salaries thrown in to make it work, Bryant easily would make Chicago the Eastern Conference favorite.

NFL Football Betting - Green Bay Packers against Denver Broncos

At least the Denver Broncos will have the attention of all Colorado sports fans on Monday night.

With the World Series ending in a sweep,'Monday Night Football' has the stage to it self (and will start at the normal 8:30 p.m. ET) when Denver hosts Green Bay Packers, with the Broncos -3 at WagerWeb.com.

Denver is 3-3 and had a possible season-saving home win over Pittsburgh last week. The Broncos are averaging 130.7 rushing yards per game (ninth in the NFL), mostly behind Travis Henry.

However, Henry, the NFL's sixth-leading rusher, is iffy for the game. He injured his ribs last week against Pittsburgh. He will take a painkilling injection, and then warm up to see if he will be able to play. The Broncos are saying he is a game-time decision, although Henry claims he will play: "most definitely."

If Henry isn't able to go, rookie Selvin Young (139 rushing yards, 10 receptions) would receive the bulk of the backfield work.

No Henry could put the burden of the Denver offense on the passing game and QB Jay Cutler. Cutler (1,406 yards, 7 TDs, 8 INTs) has been inconsistent but is coming off a 22-of-29 game for 248 yards and a career-best three touchdowns against the Steelers.

Green Bay, coming off a bye week but entering a stretch of six games in 32 days, is giving up 100.2 rushing yards per game (11th overall) and has allowed just one opposing running back (Minnesota's Adrian Peterson) to eclipse the century mark.

Four of the Packers' six opponents have failed to rush for more than 3.6 yards per carry, and only two teams this season have topped 100 yards rushing against the Packers - the Eagles (103 yards) and the Vikings (155).

“Their defensive line is exceptional,' Denver coach Mike Shanahan said.

As good as the Green Bay rushing defense has been, that's how bad the Packers' rushing offense is.

They have just 394 rushing yards on the season, fewer than 19 individual players, and are last in the NFL in averaging 65.7 yards per game.As a result, the offense has turned to QB Brett Favre, passing the ball 68.1 percent of the time this season, the most in the NFL.

"The run game is something we've addressed over and over again," McCarthy said. "I think there needs to be more of a commitment from myself, the play-caller, and we need to do a better job of fundamentals."

However, Denver's defense is yielding a league-worst 176.2 rushing yards per week.

Behind Favre, the Packers are No. 2 in the league in passing offense, averaging more than 273 yards.

Favre (1,715 passing yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs) got off to a fantastic start but has struggled a bit lately, throwing four interceptions and only one TD in the past two games.

The three-time league MVP, however, is looking to bounce back from his worst game of the season.

Favre was 19-for-37 for a season-low 188 yards with two interceptions in Green Bay's 17-14 win over Washington on Oct. 14.

“Brett Favre is Brett Favre,' Broncos safety Nick Ferguson said. “It's hard to have a negative comment about the guy. He's great. He's done so much and proven so many people wrong.'

Denver could be missing premier cornerback Champ Bailey on Monday night, which would be huge. Bailey has been hobbled by a lingering thigh injury, and isn't sure if he'll miss his second straight game.

Bailey is a big reason the Broncos allow the second-fewest passing yards (164.7) in the league.

“I feel better than last week,' he said. “It's still up in the air.'

The lowdown: Denver has a 5-4-1 edge in its all-time regular season series with Green Bay. The home team is 9-0-1 in the all-time series, and Green Bay is 0-5 in Denver all-time. Favre is 17-15 all-time on Monday nights, but has lost his five appearances. This will be Cutler's first start against Green Bay and first Monday night game, and the Broncos, with Henry and Bailey, will cover.

MLB Betting: World Series Game 4

The Boston Red Sox are on a serious roll, and the Colorado Rockies

World Series Game 4 is Sunday night, and it appears the Fall Classic is all but over with the Red Sox leading 3-0. The 22 previous teams that took a 3-0 World Series lead all went on to win, 19 with sweeps.

"It looks like we're in groundbreaking territory," Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said.

Colorado has been outscored 25-7 and is batting just .222. Boston's batters have been bruisers, hitting .352 in the Series with 16 doubles. Boston has won six straight since falling behind Cleveland 3-1 in the AL championship series.

And should Boston win this game to secure its seventh World Series title, it also would be the first team to sweep consecutive World Series opponents since the New York Yankees defeated San Diego in 1998 and Atlanta in 1999.

"We're very confident, but at the same time we know Colorado is a great ballclub, and it's going to be a tough one to get the last one," said Jacoby Ellsbury, who along with Dustin Pedroia and Daisuke Matsuzaka helped lead the Red Sox to a 10-5 win on Saturday. Ellsbury became the first rookie in 61 years with four hits in a Series game, while Pedroia added three.

Boston could set the Series record for highest team batting average, currently held by the 1960 New York Yankees squad, which hit .338 in losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games.

Colorado had won 21 of 22 games before an eight-day layoff heading into their first World Series but aren't hitting, while their starting pitchers have failed to get out of the fifth inning and have an 11.12 ERA.

Boston starts left-hander Jon Lester tonight against Colorado's Aaron Cook in one of the most unusual starting matchups in World Series history.

Lester came back this season after chemotherapy for a form of cancer, while Cook overcame life-threatening blood clots in his lungs.

"It is kind of ironic with him going through what he went through and me what I went through, both of us to work our way back up to the top level of professional baseball," Cook said.Cook, 28, missed a large chunk of this season with a strained oblique muscle but his health scare during the 2004 season required eight hours of surgery and he was told by doctors he was lucky to be alive.

Lester, 23, said he would try to treat his World Series start like business as usual.

"I'm just trying to take it as another start, trying not to look at it as anything extra than that," he told reporters.

Little more than a year ago, Lester was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma. After working his way back from treatment with stops at all three minor league levels, Lester has a 4-0 record (4.72 ERA) for his 11 starts with the Sox, the most recent on Sept. 26.

"I don't think there's anything special about it," said Lester, who is starting because of the injury to Tim Wakefield. "You know, I'm just trying to take it as another start, trying not to look at it as anything extra than that."

Cook suffered his oblique injury in an Aug. 10 start, then reinjured himself in a rehab start at Triple-A. He hasn't pitched anything more than an Instructional League game since.

"I never gave up," said Cook. "I kept looking forward to having a chance to pitch in the postseason, and here it is."

"He's the right man for the job right now," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said of Cook, who went 8-7 with a 4.12 ERA in 25 starts this season. "We'll see what he can give us. I know."

The lowdown: Well, this series is over, because even if Colorado manages to win Game 4, postseason machine Josh Beckett awaits in Game 5 for the Red Sox. Boston is -140 on the WagerWeb.com money line, and it's hard to see how Cook will be sharp with all that time off. Baseball season ends tonight. are in serious trouble.

NFL Betting: Washington Redskins vs. New England Patriots

If you have bet on the New England Patriots this season to cover, you are swimming in money. The Pats have been on a dominant run unseen in the NFL in years, if ever, winning each of their seven games by at least 17 points, setting an NFL record for consecutive victories by that total to open a season.

You would think oddsmakers might give the 4-2 Washington Redskins at least a fighting chance this Sunday in Foxboro, right? Wrong. WagerWeb.com lists Washington as a whopping 16-point betting underdog.

"All the talk about the Patriots is deserved," Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. "You've got a football team right now that's on pace to set almost all of the modern records."

Gibbs called his team big underdogs, and Patriots QB Tom Brady said, "I think he's blowing smoke. I promise you that he's not telling his team that."

Brady's bunch will try to not look ahead to next Sunday's mammoth clash with fellow unbeaten Indianapolis. His offense has yet to score fewer than 34 points in a game, and the Pats are on pace to set the single-season NFL scoring record (they are averaging 39.9 points and 432.9 yards per game).

Brady, with 27 touchdown passes after throwing a career-high six last Sunday, will shatter that record of 49 by Peyton Manning if he maintains that pace.

"Their quarterback has thrown for 27 touchdowns, and we don't even have 27 touchdowns," Redskins RB Clinton Portis said. "We've just got to find a way to exploit our talent."

The Patriots have yet to see a defense as good as Washington's, which ranks third in scoring defense (14.7) and is fifth in total defense (276.8) and eighth in passing defense (196.2).

They've improved tremendously, especially on the defensive side of the ball," Pats coach Bill Belichick said. ". . . Their pass defense, their run defense, their scoring defense - you name it. It's right at the top of the league in pretty much every category. They're very fast."However, Washington's offense is not much to shout about. Running back Clinton Portis is averaging only 3.9 yards per carry and hasn't reached the 100-yard mark since last season. In addition, QB Jason Campbell's 78.5 rating puts him 25th among NFL quarterbacks. In fact, the Redskins are one of only two teams without a touchdown pass to a wide receiver this season.

Campbell has thrown five TDs to go with five interceptions, and he goes against a New England defense that's tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions and tied for sixth with 19 sacks.

In addition, Pro Bowl defense end Richard Seymour could return to New England's lineup for the first time this season.

"They have (talent) all the way across the board," Gibbs said. "You hate to see them get somebody back that's a high-quality guy, too, to add to it. Not a pretty picture."

Look for the Redskins to run, run and run with Portis and Ladell Betts. But don't be surprised to see a trick play or two and for Campbell to at least take some deep shots.

The lowdown: Brady has beaten every NFL team as a starter except Washington (4-2). New England has won eight straight against NFC opponents, and is 24-4 versus the opposite conference since the start of the 2001 season. That record includes three Super Bowl victories. For what it's worth, the Pats have lost six straight games to Washington dating back to 1972. That will change on Sunday, although I look for Washington to cover - barely.

NFL Betting: Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Two Florida-based football teams square off for the first time in a long time Sunday when the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Jaguars lost to Indianapolis 29-7 as a 3-point underdog in last week's Monday night game, but the Jags lost more than just the game. Injuries hit Jacksonville hard in the loss, as starting quarterback David Garrard and running back Maurice Jones-Drew both went down. (NFL injury report)

Garrard completed 8-of-12 passes for 72 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions before an ankle injury ended his night early. Backup QB Quinn Gray took over, but was ineffective while completing 9-of-24 passes for 56 yards with two interceptions. Gray will get the start this weekend, as Garrard is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

The news is much better for Jones-Drew, who rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries before suffering a sprained knee on Monday. Jones-Drew was able to practice earlier in the week and should be able to play on Sunday. If Jones-Drew suffers a setback and is forced out on Sunday, Fred Taylor would get the bulk of the carries. Last week Taylor rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries versus the Colts.The Buccaneers are coming off a 23-16 loss to Detroit as a 2.5-point underdog despite outgaining the Lions 422 to 278 yards. The difference maker for the Bucs was turnovers. Quarterback Jeff Garcia was excellent through the air, completing 37-of-45 passes for 316 yards with two touchdowns. However, Garcia also lost two costly fumbles, including one on the goal line. The Lions were able to capitalize on both turnovers and put points on the board.

In the loss, running back Earnest Graham had a breakout game, as he rushed for 92 yards on 19 carries and led all players with 13 receptions for 99 yards. Wide receiver Ike Hilliard also had a strong game, with nine catches for 92 yards and a touchdown.

The Jaguars and Buccaneers haven't met up since way back in 2003 when Jacksonville defeated Tampa Bay 17-10 as a 3.5-point favorite. The Bucs are a 4-point betting favorite in Sunday's game.


Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trends:
+ Jacksonville is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
+ Jacksonville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
+ Tampa Bay is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
+ Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
More NFL Trends

NFL Betting: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings

So when is it a good thing when your starting quarterback may miss a game? For the Minnesota Vikings, who host the Philadelphia Eagles

Starter Tarvaris Jackson broke a finger on his throwing hand in last week's loss to Dallas and is questionable. However, every indication is that backup Kelly Holcomb will start Sunday.

"I'm still debating, the old game-time decision," Vikings coach Brad Childress said Friday. "You just want to see how a guy keeps coming, keeps coming."

Jackson has an avulsion fracture in his right index finger, and Childress pointed out that finger is crucial for maintaining accuracy on passes. Childress also said the injury could inhibit Jackson's ability to take the center snap. (NFL Injury Report)

Jackson has completed only 15 of his last 42 passes and just 45-of-98 overall for 537 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions. Jackson has the lowest passer rating (48.7) and completion percentage (45.9) among starters.

Holcomb has started two games, and is 35-for-67 for 427 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The Eagles know that whomever the quarterback is, they will have to stop the ground game of Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor to get a win; the Vikings lead the NFL in rushing offense, averaging nearly 165 yards per game; meanwhile, Minnesota's passing attack is ranked 30th in the league.

"He's a Pro Bowl type of running back," Eagles defensive end Trent Cole said of Peterson, the rookie sensation whom Childress said this week would start to carry a bigger load. "We'll have to go in and shut down the run. If we can shut down the run, everything else should be OK."

The Eagles' run defense has been solid throughout the season, ranking seventh in rushing yards allowed and has given up only two rushing touchdowns.

"We, as a defense, realize we're going against the No. 1 rushing attack in the National Football League," Eagles linebacker Takeo Spikes said. "So now, this is a great test for us."

Philly's offense has been uneven this season. With the exception of a 56-21 win over Detroit on Sept. 23, the Eagles are averaging just 12.0 points per game. They scored eight touchdowns against the Lions but have just three touchdowns in all other games."We have to find a way to get into the end zone," said running back Brian Westbrook, second in the NFC with 789 yards from scrimmage, 68 behind Minnesota's Peterson. "I don't know what the answer is, but we have to find one between now and Sunday. If we can turn some of those points into touchdowns, we'll win some of these games."

It could be tough for Westbrook to find much running room against the Vikings, who are holding opponents to 3.0 yards per carry. The Cowboys last week were the first team this season to rush for more than 100 yards against them.

A big reason for Philly's offensive struggles has been a lack of big plays. The Eagles count big plays as rushes of 10 or more yards, pass completions of 20 or more yards and returns of 30 or more yards.

Their numbers: 21 rushing plays, 14 passing plays and only two returns meet that criteria, and those numbers are skewed by the 56 points scored in the Detroit win (seven rush, five pass). Plus, Philly's average field position has only been its 28,with only five drives starting past the 50.

"It's tough, but you've got to be patient and real methodical," Donovan McNabb said. "There are ways of taking shots, but you have to be smart with the ball."

McNabb claims the NFC East title still goes through Philly, but already the Eagles are 3 ½ games behind Dallas.

"Any time that you are 2-4 and with the situation that we've been in, we easily could have been 4-2, or possibly 5-1. You wish that it never would happen, but in this situation it's an opportunity to move in a positive direction," said McNabb.

The lowdown: The will be the first meeting between Vikings coach Brad Childress and his former team. Childress was Philadelphia's offensive coordinator from 2002-05. McNabb is 3-0 against Minnesota in his career with seven touchdowns and no interceptions, and the Eagles have won six of the last seven meetings between the teams, including a 27-14 win in the divisional round of the 2004 playoffs. The Eagles are -1 on WagerWeb.com for Sunday's game, and I look for a Philly victory.
on Sunday, it just might be.

NFL betting: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

The Detroit Lions will be looking for their second victory over the Chicago Bears this season, when the Lions and Bears (oh my!), meet up again at Solider Field.

Back in Week 4 the Lions scored a team-record 34 points in the fourth quarter to shock Chicago 37-27 as a 2.5-point betting underdog. The Lions scored any way they could in the fourth quarter, with two touchdown passes from QB Jon Kitna, a touchdown run from Kevin Jones and a kickoff return for a touchdown by Casey Fitzsimmons on a poorly executed Chicago onside kick. The win snapped the Lions' four-game losing streak versus the Bears.

Last week Detroit improved to 4-2 on the season after defeating Tampa Bay 23-16 as a 2.5-point betting favorite. The Lions' offense was fairly quiet in the win, as Kitna threw for only 147 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Kevin Jones rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, while wideout Calvin Johnson only ran the ball once, but made the most of it by finding the end zone on a 32-yard scamper. Despite allowing the Buccaneers to gain more yards than the Lions, the Detroit defense held its own in the win by causing Tampa Bay QB Jeff Garcia to make two costly fumbles, and defensive lineman DeWayne White had a career day with three sacks.The Bears pulled out a thrilling fourth-quarter win over Philadelphia last week thanks to a late touchdown drive by QB Brian Griese. With just under two minutes remaining the Bears started at their own three-yard line trailing 16-12. After a number of short passes and a 21-yard strike to Devin Hester, Griese finished the amazing drive with a 15-yard TD pass to Muhsin Muhammad with only nine seconds left on the clock. The last-minute touchdown gave the Bears a 19-16 win as a 5.5-point underdog. Griese finished the game with 322 yards on 27-of-41 passes with the one touchdown. All of Chicago's other points came off the foot of kicker Robbie Gould, who connected on four field goals.

Despite the fact the Lions topped Chicago once already this season, the Bears are a 5-point favorite in Sunday's game.


Chicago vs. Detroit Trends:
+ Detroit is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
+ Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
+ Chicago is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games
+ Chicago is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

More NFL trends

NCAA Football Betting - California vs. Arizona State

Arizona State is ranked No. 7, its highest spot since 1996, and is 7-0, including 4-0 in the Pac-10, but the Sun Devils don't have many national believers.

That could all change after Saturday's home game with No. 17 Cal (5-2, 2-2), with Arizona State -3 at WagerWeb.com.

Arizona State was not in the AP's preseason top 25, but first-year Sun Devils coach Dennis Erickson's 7-0 start is the best in school history, and he's the first coach to win his first four Pac-10 games at ASU.

However, ASU's first four conference opponents are a combined 4-13. Cal was No. 2 in the country before back-to-back last-minute losses to Oregon State and UCLA. ASU's overall schedule is only ranked 97th.

"Now we're going to get tested," Erickson said. "Our team knows that. We're very realistic about where we're at and the direction that we're trying to go in.

"Even though they've lost a couple games, we're playing one of the best teams in the country. And obviously they can't afford to lose another game in the league if they want to have any opportunity to go to the Rose Bowl. So we're going to have play pretty good, I'm afraid."

It's the beginning of a murderous stretch for the Sun Devils, who next play at Oregon, at UCLA and at home against USC.

"I've never been around a stretch like that, but I knew that going into the season. We knew what we were getting into and we knew how the schedule was. That's not going to change. That won't change at all," Erickson said.

ASU is led on offense by QB Rudy Carpenter. Carpenter went 20-of-31 for 227 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the Sun Devils' 44-20 victory over Washington in their last game and has thrown for 1,064 yards, nine TDs and five picks in Pac-10 play. The Sun Devils are second in the Pac-10 in scoring (37.7 points per game) and offense (437.3 yards per game).However, ASU will be without starting running back Ryan Torain, who suffered a season-ending toe injury.

The senior had started six of the seven games for the Sun Devils, rushing for 553 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 100 yards and two scores. Torain will be replaced by a tandem of Keegan Herring and Dimitri Nance.

"There's a little bit more pressure on me," said Herring, who will start. "The guys want to see me step up."

Cal's offense will give ASU problems. QB Nate Longshore, running back Justin Forsett (second in Pac-10 in averaging 115.9 rushing yards a game) and receiver DeSean Jackson may be the nation's best skill position trio.

"It's hard because of the number of weapons that they have," Erickson said. "Who do you take away? That's the question you have to ask yourself."

The Bears can keep their slim Pac-10 title hopes alive with a victory.

"We're a couple plays away from being undefeated," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. "It's important that we bounce back, that we still have confidence in who we are and what we're all about. We're still a good football team. But when you make mistakes, things happen in this conference, and you're not going to be successful."

The lowdown: ASU's season went south last year against Cal; the Sun Devils won their first three games before getting clocked 49-21 by the Bears to start a three-game losing streak on the way to finishing 7-6. Arizona State has been fortunate so far this season.

The Sun Devils trailed Colorado, 14-0, before rallying for a 33-14 win. Oregon State jumped out to a 19-0 lead on the Devils before finally falling, 44-32. And a bad Washington State team had a chance to take them to overtime but missed a late kick. Their luck ends on Saturday, as Cal wins this game in a shootout.

NCAA Football Betting - Southern California vs. Oregon

The most important weekend of the season in the Pac-10 kicks off Saturday afternoon in Eugene, Ore., when No. 9 Southern Cal visits No. 5 Oregon. Both teams are 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-10, with the Ducks 3-point favorites at WagerWeb.com.

It's a true battle of opposites, with Oregon, behind Heisman hopeful Dennis Dixon, ranking second nationally in total offense, averaging 550 yards a game, 6.94 yards a play and 46.6 points.

Dixon, a senior quarterback, is the team's second-leading rusher with 416 yards and seven touchdowns, and he has completed 69 percent of his passes for 1,728 yards and 16 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

"They're the best offense we've seen probably since we've been here," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Oregon is the nation's third-best rushing team behind Dixon and tailback Jonathan Stewart, who is averaging 134 yards a game and rushed for a career-best 251 yards and two touchdowns in Oregon's 55-34 victory over Washington last weekend.

"They run the ball. That's the main thing we're going to focus on. ... Stop the run and make them pass," USC cornerback Terrell Thomas said. "It's going to come down to everyone doing their job. We're going to have to execute, no matter what they call.

"That's our No. 1 goal, that's our main job, to shut the run down."

Southern Cal counters with the nation's third-ranked defense, allowing only 252 yards a game.

"They're unbelievable. They're a real active D-line up front, and they got the best defense we'll face in a long time," Oregon center Max Unger said."We've got our work cut out for us. We'll pretty much have to play a perfect game. It's going to be a barn-burner. It's going to be cool."

This will be by far the biggest test of the season for the preseason No. 1 Trojans, whose seven games this season have come against teams that have a combined record of 15-38; of those teams, Nebraska (4-4) has the best record.

And USC will go into hostile territory with Mark Sanchez at quarterback. He will make his career third start in place of John David Booty, who has a broken middle finger on this throwing hand.

"(Booty) will be able to go if we need him, it's just the uncertainty that John feels. Hopefully Mark can make it through the game, we can get a win," Carroll said.

Sanchez passed for 130 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice in a 20-13 victory over Arizona. He improved in last weekend's 38-0 victory over Notre Dame, throwing for 235 yards and four TDs with no interceptions.

"We need this ball game," Carroll said. "We need to get back into Pac-10 play and do something about our situation that we face with a front-running team and a team that's really out there."

Oregon coach Mike Bellotti knows the challenge his team faces, even if the Trojans have lost that air of invincibility after falling to Stanford.

'They're really good. They've been very good. They're still very good,'Bellotti said.

The lowdown: USC has won the last three games against the Ducks, including last year's 35-10 victory in Los Angeles. The Trojans have won their last two in Eugene, and this will be the first time in Autzen Stadium's 41-year history that two top 10 teams will meet. For the first time since Nov. 17, 2001, USC is an underdog in a Pac-10 game. The last time USC was an underdog in any game was to Michigan in the Rose Bowl in January. USC won 32-18. Look for the Ducks, and Dixon, to make a statement in this game and pretty much knock USC out of the conference race.

MLB World Series Betting Game 3

The Boston Red Sox head to Denver for Game 3 of the World Series

Fifty-one baseball teams have taken a 2-0 lead in the World Series, as Boston has over the Colorado Rockies, with 39 of the previous 50 going on to win the championship (78 percent). Sixteen of the last 22 Fall Classics have headed to Game 3 with one team on top 2-0, and 12 of the 15 previous teams have gone on to win the Series. When the home team -- like the Red Sox -- has won the first two games of the World Series, that team
has gone on to take the series 27 out of 34 times, including the last 10 in row, dating back to the 1981 Fall Classic when the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in six games after dropping the first two at Yankee Stadium.

Obviously Colorado isn't going to give up, and Rockies manager Clint Hurdle hopes the home crowd can shift this series.

"We've been comfortable at home. We've been resilient at home," Hurdle said. "Our crowd will be a big part of it. We want to put a good product on the field, get this thing headed back in our direction, get some people making some noise for us, get our offense kick-started and see if we can win a ballgame. Game 3 is what this whole thing is about for us right now."

The Rockies need some help, because no team in history has come back from a 3-0 hole to win the World Series. The good news is that Colorado was a stellar 51-31 (best in the National League) at home in the regular season, but the Red Sox had the best road record in the AL.

Colorado definitely needs to find some offense after scoring just two total runs at Fenway Park. The Rockies are hitting just 11 for 61 (.180) in the World Series with four doubles, their only extra-base hits.

"I don't know what it is," Rockies MVP candidate Matt Holliday said."Timing. Pitch recognition. Things like that. We just have to find a way to score runs."

"We need to get more quality at-bats and play, there's no doubt about that," Hurdle said.Colorado may have hope against Boston's Game 3 starter, Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Japanese right-hander has a 5.65 ERA this postseason, and he has only one quality start since August. However, he did beat the Indians in Game 7 of the ALCS, allowing two runs on six hits in five innings. Matsuzaka will become the first Japanese pitcher to start a World Series game.

"I thought he pitched his heart out," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said of Matzusaka's Game 7 performance.

Veteran right-hander Josh Fogg will start for the Rockies. Fogg was 10-9 with a 4.94 ERA in the regular season and has been better in the playoffs, going 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA.

Fogg faced the Red Sox at Fenway Park in June, allowing two runs in five innings en route to a 12-2 Rockies victory. The Rockies are also 9-2 in Fogg's last 11 starts at Coors Field.

"Josh is very tough," Colorado's Todd Helton said. "We've got all the confidence in the world in him."

Boston manager Terry Francona will have one tough decision to make for the games in Colorado. With no designated hitter in the NL park, Francona likely will have to take out David Ortiz out of his lineup or use him at first base and choose between Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis at third.

"Two out of the three play, and it's really disappointing because we like when all three of them play. They've all been mainstays in our lineup," Francona said.

A longshot option has Youkilis spending some time in right field, with J.D. Drew moving to center.

The lowdown: The Red Sox are -148 money line betting favorites at WagerWeb.com, but Fogg has a history of beating top-notch pitchers. And the weather could definitely play a factor, although it is expected to be just cold, no snow. The Rockies did lead the NL in batting average and were second in runs, so you'd think the offense would be due, especially against a struggling Matsuzaka. I expect a Colorado victory in Game 3. on Saturday night, and the numbers sure favor another Boston celebration.

NCAA Football Odds - Kansas Jayhawks at Texas A&M

The No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks (7-0) have been one of the biggest surprises in NCAA football this season, but they face a tough test this weekend at Kyle Field when they travel to meet the Texas A&M Aggies (6-2).

The Jayhawks are the tenth-ranked offense in the nation, as they are solid at both passing and rushing the ball. Todd Reesing has come out of nowhere as a sophomore to lead a unit that is third in the country in points scored.he Jayhawks have been equally as strong on defense, as they are ranked fifth in the nation in total defense and second in points allowed.

The Aggies will test that defense with a ground game that is fifth in the country, powered by the efforts of quarterback Stephen McGee and running back Javorskie Lane.

However, the A&M defense has been less than impressive, coming in ranked 73rd in the country in total defense. The Jayhawks are 3-point road favorites in this Big 12 contest, but the Aggies are a solid 5-0 at home this season, and they will certainly be pumped up for the challenge of knocking the unbeaten Jayhawks off of their perch atop the Big 12 North.

NBA Betting - Are the Boston Celtics title contenders?

It's currently a great time to be a Boston sports fan. The Red Sox are in the World Series, the Patriots are dominating like no team in recent NFL history, and it's about to be NBA season.

Now, the tip-off of the new NBA year hadn't been something most Beantown fans would be looking forward to, but now the Celtics faithful are having title dreams again.

No team in the league has had a greater makeover during the offseason than Boston, and no team probably needed it more. The Celtics finished an Eastern Conference-worst 24-58 during the 2006-07 campaign (including an 18-game losing streak) and did not make the playoffs for a second straight year.

And, despite having a great shot at the No. 1 overall pick, the lottery balls did not fall Boston's way, as it fell to No. 5 in the draft.

Which started Danny Ainge on his trading binge.

In separate moves, Ainge acquired two players who have combined for 17 All-Star appearances in Ray Allen (from Seattle) and Kevin Garnett (from Minnesota). Pairing those two with perennial All-Star Paul Pierce has made Boston one of the perceived powerhouses in the NBA. WagerWeb.com lists Boston as the Eastern Conference favorite at +275 and one of the second-favorites to win the NBA title at +400.

"It is going to be a lot of fun this year," Ainge said.

A seven-time All-Star, Allen, who averaged a team-best 26.4 points in 55 games for Seattle this past season, is still one of the best outside shooters in the NBA and has a few good years left in him.

Garnett played in 76 games in 2006-07 and led Minnesota in scoring (22.4 ppg) and rebounding (12.8 rpg), and the 10-time All-Star has averaged over 20 points and more than 10 boards per game in nine straight seasons.

"It's wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul (Pierce) and Ray (Allen). The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy," Garnett said.Let's not forget Pierce, a five-time All-Star who averaged 25.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 47 games for Boston last season but had grown tired of carrying the burden alone.

"We were all on teams last year that didn't make the playoffs, and we all had players we had to nurture and [help] mature," Allen said. "It's such a great pleasure and honor to step on the floor with these two guys night-in and night-out, knowing what I get out of them."

So the Celtics clearly have a Big 3 probably unmatched in the NBA, but they are all at least 30 years old, and Boston traded away any depth it had in getting Allen and Garnett.

"It's not just the three of us that are going to make this thing work," Allen said. "There's more to the team than the three of us sitting here."

A key will be who will distribute the ball to these stars? The immediate answer is point guard Rajon Rondo, who appeared in 78 games last year, starting 25. With Delonte West being sent to Seattle in the Allen trade, Rondo inherits a starting role. Many teams will force Rondo to shoot the ball to beat them. The Kentucky product registered 6.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game during his rookie campaign.

"He is a key for us," Celtics coach Doc Rivers says. "We need him to be solid on defense, run the ballclub, be more vocal with veterans and take charge."

In addition, Boston has little threat in the post, with Kendrick Perkins likely getting the starting call at center. He averaged 4.5 points and 5.2 boards in 72 contests in 2006-07.

Boston's bench is incredibly thin, with no real backup for Rondo or Perkins.

James Posey, signed from Miami, will be relied on for defense at the small forward/big guard spot. Tony Allen, who will likely get the bulk of the playing time as the third guard, is coming off a major knee injury. Eddie House will provide some offensive punch off the bench.

The lowdown: The Celtics haven't reached the NBA finals in 20 years and haven't reached the East finals since 2002. To reach either of those marks, the Big 3 must all stay healthy, something Allen and Pierce didn't do last year. In addition, Rondo and Perkins must play above their ages. Boston should easily with the Atlantic Division (-115 at WagerWeb.com), but playing mostly 3-on-5 all season could catch up to the Celtics in the playoffs. If one-man team LeBron James can lead Cleveland to the East title, Allen, Garnett and Pierce should get Boston to the East finals, but expect a Chicago or Detroit to end the Celtics' season there.