Archived Selections

Sunday--January 13, 2019

Late Consensus

No Very Strong Plays

Regular Play

• Chargers +4 vs Patriots
  

Basketball

Yesterday: 9-8

Overall: 177-167

NBA

• No Selections
  

NCAA

• Michigan -12 vs Northwestern
  
• Oregon -5 vs USC
  

January 12, 2019

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the NFL playoff games of Saturday, Jan. 12.

VERY SRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Indy +5 1/2 Kansas City

REGULAR PLAYS: None

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: Once again we have a reminder about the money line. Instead of taking Indy plus the 5 1/2 you could, if you feel strongly about the Colts, take them to win straight up on the money line and get a return of +200. If you like Dallas to win their game you'd win $275 on a $100 wager. But those underdogs must win the game straight out if you're playing the money line. By the way, the Chargers are +180 versus NE on Sunday. I like both Indy and LAC to win these games.

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 1-2

Season so far: 168-159

NBA 2-1

OK City -6 vs      San Antonio

Phoenix +8  vs       Denver

Utah   -11 vs     Chicago

COLLEGE (7-7)

Providence +2.5  vs  Georgetown (Win)

N. C. State -11   vs  Pitt (Loss)

W. Virginia    -5.5 vs Oklahoma State (Loss)

Detroit Mercy -7 vs              Milwaukee (Win)

Penn  -5.5 vs             Princeton (Loss)

Texas    pk  vs          Texas Tech (Loss)

Toledo     -6 vs        W. Michigan (Win)

Auburn       -13 vs     Georgia (Win)

St. Bona     -6.5    Fordham (Win)

Arkansas     -1 vs  LSU (Loss)

St. Louis    -4.5     Lasalle (Win)

W. Kentucky pk vs    Marshall (Loss)

Wichita  State -11 vs            Houston (Loss)

Cal Irvine +2.5       Fullerton (Win)

January 11, 2019

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 0-3

Season so far: 167-156

NBA

Philadelphia -12 1/2 Atlanta (Loss)

Toronto -9 1/2 Brooklyn (Win)

COLLEGE

No. Kentucky -5 1/2 Wright State 

Happy Friday!!!!

January 10, 2019

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 3-3

Season so far: 167-153

NBA

San Antonio---OK City UNDER 223

COLLEGE

UNCW -4 1/2 Delaware

Hofstra -3 William  and Mary

Memphis -15 E. Carolina

Happy Thursday

January 9, 2019

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 3-4

Season so far: 164-150

NBA

Boston -6 1/2 Indiana

COLLEGE

Temple +1 1/2 Houston

St. Joes PICK St. Bona

Kansas State -4 W. Virginia

Dayton -8 George Washington

Florida PICK Arkansas

Happy Wednesday!

January 8, 2019

BASKETBALL

Monday record: No plays

Season so far: 161-146

NBA

Indiana -10 1/2 Cleveland

Denver +1 1/2 Miami

OK City -8 Minnesota

COLLEGE

Bowling Green -4 1/2 Ohio

Toledo +9 Buffalo

Kentucky -12 1/2 Texas A&M

San Diego State -11 1/2 Wyoming

Happy Tuesday!!!

January 7, 2019

FOOTBALL

Here are  your Late Consensus Picks for the college national championship game on Monday, Jan 7:

REGULAR PLAYS:

Clemson +5 1/2 Alabama

Clemson--Alabama OVER 57 1/2

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: After a very solid weekend for us (hit both Saturday totals and the Picks of the Pole went 4-1) this is a game where I'm thinking like our handicappers. And a reminder, if you do like Clemson to win the game straight out, a wager of 100 would bring a return of 190 on the money line.

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 2-2

Season so far: 161-146

No basketball plays tonight.

Enjoy the national title game!

January 6, 2019

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the NFL playoff games of Sunday, Jan. 6

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: None

REGULAR PLAYS: LA Chargers +3 Baltimore

                                Philadelphia +6 Chicago

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: Nothing much left given the opinions I've already released on these games. I do like the Bears in that playoff game and will stick with them despite the above selection by a solid handicapper.

BASKETBALL

Saturday record: 10-7-1

Season so far: 159-144

NBA

Miami -6 Atlanta

Indiana--Toronto UNDER 208 1/2

COLLEGE

Marquette -9 Xavier

George Mason -5 1/2 St. Bona

Good hunting again today!

January 5, 2019

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the NFL playoff games of Saturday, Jan. 5.

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Indianapolis +2 Houston

REGULAR PLAYS: Seattle +2 Dallas

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: I've begun to look more and more at the totals on these two games today. Recent trends point to UNDERS in this round. But I like only one of these games to go UNDER. Houston's defense has been stout all year and Indy's defense has gotten better as its youth has developed. So:

TAKE: Indy--Houston UNDER 48

The Dallas defense has eroded the last four weeks allowing 11TD's and 8 FG's in its last 36 opponent possessions. The Cowboys have allowed 7 1/2 points per quarter over their last 14 quarters  after permitting only 4 1/2 points per quarter through their first 50 quarters. Seattle has allowed 10 of their 16 opponents this year to reach at least 24 points. So:

TAKE: Dallas--Seattle OVER 43

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 1-2

Season so far: 149-137

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

UCF -2 UConn

Duke -15 1/2 Clemson

Syracuse -2 Notre Dame

Missouri State -4 Valpo

Towson -1 1/2 UNCW

Oklahoma -10 Oklahoma State

Texas Tech -11 1/2 Kansas State

Maryland -4 Rutgers

Virginia---Florida State UNDER 130

TCU -7 1/2 Baylor

Hofstra -6 Northeastern

UCLA--Cal OVER 151

Iowa State -1 1/2 Kansas

Arizona State -6 1/2 Colorado

U La La -9 1/2 Arkansas Little Rock

Texas -7 1/2 W. Virginia

Fresno -15 1/2 Colorado State

St. Mary's -7 BYU

Good hunting today!

January 4, 2019

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 2-4

Season so far: 148-135

NBA

Miami -6 1/2 Washington

COLLEGE

SMU -9 1/2 Tulane

Buffalo -10 1/2 E. Michigan

Happy Friday!

January 3, 2019

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 1-3

Season so far: 146-131

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

N. C. State -3 Miami Florida

Indiana -12 1/2 Illinois

Michigan -11 1/2 Penn State

St. Joe's -7 1/2 George Mason

Arizona State -11 1/2 Utah

Monmouth +5 1/2 Iona

Happy Thursday!

January 2, 2019

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 1-1

Season so far: 145-128

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

Wake Forest -8 1/2 Cornell

Texas Tech -3 1/2 W. Virginia

Uconn -3 1/2 So. Florida

Kansas State -3 1/2 Texas

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year

FOOTBALL

Lets keep this glorious run in football going with these Late Consensus Picks for the bowls games of Jan. 1

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: UCF +7 1/2 LSU

REGULAR PLAYS: Texas +12 1/2 Georgia

                                Ohio State -6 1/2 Washington

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: We've covered every game on the sheet, except Penn State versus Kentucky, with these picks and my Picks of the Pole and I simply have no feeling about that one. So, lets go put one more good day on the board.

BASKETBALL

Monday record: 1-2

Season so far: 144-127

NBA

Sacramento--Portland OVER 230

COLLEGE

Virginia Tech -11 Notre Dame

Happy New Year everyone and thanks for being a Clubhouse member! 

December 31 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks on the college bowl games of Dec. 31.

VERY STRONG PLAY:

Michigan State +2 Oregon

STRONG PLAY:

Oklahoma State +9 Missouri

REGULAR PLAYS:

Virginia Tech +6 1/2 Cincinnati

Northwestern +7 Utah

N. C. State +7 Texas A&M

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: We're having such a solid last few weeks that I'm going to toss is a word of caution. I'm going to be very careful with those last two underdog plays on Northwestern and N. C. State. It's not that I'm suggesting the other sides. I'm just very cold on those two games. Plus, if you like that Michigan State side I'd suggest playing the Spartans on the money line and perhaps saving at least a bit of "juice" if it loses.

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 3-4

Season so far: 143-125

NBA

Boston--San Antonio UNDER 218

Dallas--OK CITY OVER 224

COLLEGE

Creighton +1 1/2 Providence

Penn -14 1/2 Monmouth

Good hunting again today!

December 30, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are  your Consensus Late Plays for the NFL games of Sunday, Dec. 30.

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Houston -6 1/2 Jacksonville

REGULAR PLAYS:

Indianapolis -3 1/2 Tennessee

Philadelphia -6 1/2 Washington

Buffalo -6 Miami

Green Bay -7 1/2 Detroit

NY Jets--New England UNDER 46 1/2

LA Chargers--Denver UNDER 43

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: The more I looked at Seattle versus Arizona the more I strained to see points scored. 'Zona's offense versus the Seattle defense is a bad matchup for the Cardinals. And Seattle figures to run the ball, take care of business and wind down the clock. Looks low scoring to me.

TAKE: Seattle---Arizona UNDER 38 1/2

BASKETBALL

Saturday record: 6-4

Season so far: 140-121

NBA

Detroit +2 1/2 Orlando

Philadelphia -1 Portland

COLLEGE

Towson +8 William & Mary

Georgia -7 UMass

Illinois Chicago +9 No. Kentucky

Detroit Mercy +4 Cleveland State

Lipscomb +6 1/2 Clemson

Good hunting again today!!!

December 29, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks on the  bowls games of Saturday, Dec. 29:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Nevada -1 1/2 Arkansas State

REGULAR PLAYS:

Oklahoma +14Alabama

Virginia +4 1/2 So. Carolina

Florida--Michigan UNDER 50 1/2

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS:  My picks are out there and between them and these the landscape is pretty much covered. Enjoy a fabulous day of football everyone!

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 2-3

Season so far: 134-117

NBA

Atlanta -5 Cleveland

Boston -2 1/2 Memphis

NY Knicks +13 Utah

College

Syracuse -11 1/2 St. Bona

Mississippi State -9 1/2 BYU

Florida -4 1/2 Butler

Penn +5 Toledo

Louisville +2 1/2 Kentucky

North Texas -9 1/2 Rice

Wofford -13 1/2 W. Carolina

December 28, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks (on a very nice run right now) on the bowl games of Friday, Dec. 28:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Purdue +3 1/2 Auburn

REGULAR PLAYS: 

Syracuse -2 1/2 W. Virginia

Iowa State +2 1/2 Washington State

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: No plays

Season so far: 132 -114

NBA

Indiana--Detroit UNDER 206

New Orleans -5 Dallas

COLLEGE

William & Mary -7 James Madison

Air Force -7 Cal Riverside

Loyola Marymount -8 Cal Davis

Good hunting today!

December 27, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks  on the bowl games of today, Thursday, Dec. 27.

VERY STRONG PLAYS: Wisconsin +2 1/2 Miami Fla.

STRONG PLAYS: None

REGULAR PLAYS: Duke +3 1/2 Temple

                                Baylor +4 Vanderbilt

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 1-1......Wednesday record: 2-1

Season so far: 132-114

No selections today

December 26, 2018

FOOTBALL

There are conflicting choices on today's three college bowl games and thus I think it better to just move on past them. Of course, I did make TCU a "Double play" on the Picks of the Pole.

BASKETBALL

NBA

Phoenix +4.5   Orlando

New Orleans +2.5  Dallas

San Antonio   -3.5   Denver

Happy day after Christmas!

Christmas Day

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: No games played

Season so far: 129-112

NBA

Boston -4 Philadelphia

Golden State -9 LA Lakers

Hopefully these are two "presents."

December 24, 2018

FOOTBALL

There is one Late Consensus Pick on tonight's NFL game. It's  a REGULAR STRENGTH selection:

TAKE: Oakland +3 Denver

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 1-1

Season so far: 129-112

No plays today.

December 23, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the NFL games of Sunday, Dec. 23.

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Seattle +1 1/2 Kansas City

                              Philadelphia -2 1/2 Houston

REGULAR PLAYS: 

Miami -3 1/2 Jacksonville

San Francisco +4 1/2 Chicago

NY Giants +9 1/2 Indianapolis

NY Jets +3 Green Bay

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: Tampa's woebegone defense has been somewhat better recently as DT Vita Vea has developed. The Dallas D is still smarting from being cut up by Indy. TB QB Winston does not possess talent like Luck though and this total seems high to me. I think defenses might be OK today.

TAKE: Dallas---Tampa Bay UNDER 48

BASKETBALL

Saturday record: 4-4

Season so far: 128-111

NBA

Portland -7 Dallas

Sacramento +1 New Orleans

Merry early Christmas!!!

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks on today's NFL and college bowl games.

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Army -4 1/2 Houston

REGULAR PLAYS: Louisiana Tech +1 Hawaii

                                Army--Houston UNDER 60 1/2

                               Troy +1 1/2 Buffalo

                               Washington +10 1/2 Tennessee (NFL)

                             

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: The Ravens and Chargers have each been trending toward the UNDER in recent weeks and I don't see a reason that should reverse. Both will run and each will happily play a tight game. Lets:

TAKE: Baltimore--LA Chargers UNDER 41

BASKETBALL

Fridy record: 5-5

Season so far: 124-107

NBA

San Antonio +5 1/2 Houston

COLLEGE

Harvard -14 George Washington

DePaul -4 Boson College

St. Joes -3 Loyola Chicago

Arkansas -11 Texas State

San Francisco -8 1/2 Stanford

Ohio State -6 UCLA

Missouri -1 Illinois

No. Colorado -2 1/2 Rider

San Diego -6 1/2 Washington State

Good hunting today!

December 21, 2018

FOOTBALL

These Friday night bowl games are very popular with other handicappers. We actually have three selections on the two games---all REGULAR STRENGTH plays:

TAKE: W. Michigan +12 1/2 BYU

           FIU +3 1/2 Toledo

           FIU--Toledo UNDER 57 1/2

One note here. That FIU total has dropped dramatically (about 8 points since it first came out). This makes me very cautious. The weather should be conducive to a lower scoring game but that's a ton of value gone from the original "UNDER" line. I'd be a tad careful with that selection.

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 1-0

Season so far: 119-102

NBA

Indiana -2 1/2 Brooklyn

Boston -1 1/2 Milwaukee

San Antonio -4 Minnesota

LA Lakers -5 New Orleans

COLLEGE

Northeastern -6 1/2 St. Bona

Oregon State -8 1/2 Kent State

UCF -13 Illinois State

Penn State +3 1/2 Alabama

Texas -8 1/2 Providence

Oklahoma +1 Northwestern

Good hunting tonight!!!

December 20, 2018

FOOTBALL

There is one regular strength Late Consensus Picks on tonight's bowl game:

TAKE: Marshall -2 1/2 So. Florida

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 3-4-1

Season so far: 118-102

NBA

LA Clippers -3 1/2 Dallas

COLLEGE

No plays tonight

December 19, 2018

FOOTBALL

There is one Late Consensus Pick on tonight's bowl game. It's a regular strength play on San Diego State +3 versus Ohio and it comes from multiple sources.

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 1-0

Season so far: 115-98

NBA

Charlotte -12 1/2 Cleveland

COLLEGE

Auburn +1 N. C. State

Penn State -6  Duquesne

Virginia -9 So. Carolina

Toledo -14 Cornell

Belmont -7 W. Kentucky

Wichita -15 Oral Roberts

San Francisco -22 1/2 N. Arizona

Good hunting today!

December 18, 2018

FOOTBALL

There are no Late Consensus Picks on the bowl game tonight.

BASKETBALL

Monday record: 2-0

Season so far: 114-98

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

Oklahoma -6 Creighton

Happy Tuesday!

December 17, 2018

FOOTBALL

There IS one very significant Late Consensus Play on tonight's NFL game:

VERY STRONG PLAY:

Carolina +6 New Orleans

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 5-3

Season so far: 112-98

NBA

Detroit whatever the line versus Milwaukee

OK City -13 Chicago

COLLEGE

No plays tonight

December 16, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here's are your Late Consensus Picks for the NFL games of Sunday, Dec. 16.

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Here's where it get tricky. There's a STRONG play 

                 recommendation out there on New England minus the

                 points at Pittsburgh (a play I also favor). BUT---there are 

                 solid opinions out there also supporting the underdog

                 Steelers. I'll still be on the side of NE here but I'm not in

                 favor of labelling this a STRONG PLAY myself.

REGULAR PLAYS: Also a VERY mixed bag area. Differing opinions

                 all over the board on various games. So, it's a very small

                 set of picks this week in this category.

                 Philadelphia +12 1/2 LA Rams

                 Cincinnati--Oakland OVER 46

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS---We hit a nice recommendation to  take Cleveland on the money line yesterday. Lets come back with another "pig" today. Buffalo's still playing hard and, while I hate recommending them as a small favorite, that's the way I've been leaning more and more as the weekend has opened up.

TAKE: Buffalo -3 Detroit

BASKETBALL

Saturday record:5-4-1

Season record so far: 107-95

NBA

Philadelphia -8 1/2 Cleveland

Sacramento +5 1/2 Dallas

Toronto -1 1/2 Denver

COLLEGE

St. Louis +8 1/2 Houston

San Francisco -12 1/2 Cal Fullerton

W.Virginia -7 Rhode Island

Nebraska -7 Oklahoma State

Niagara -4 Cornell

Good hunting today!

December 15, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are you Late Consensus Picks for the NFL and bowl gams of Saturday, Dec. 15:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Middle Tennessee State +6 1/2 Appalachian State

REGULAR PLAYS

NFL

Houston -7 NYJets

Cleveland +2 1/2 Denver

BOWLS

North Texas +7 Utah State

North Texas--Utah State OVER 69

L La Lafayette +3 1/2 Tulane

Fresno -6 Arizona State

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: Between my Picks of the Pole and the Handicappers selections that just about covers the day. But yet another reminder that if you like the small underdog Browns to win outright the money line offers you some value rather than taking that +2 1/2

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 2-1

Season so far: 102-91

NBA

Boston -2 Detroit

San Antonio -12 Chicago

LA Clippers +6 OK City

COLLEGE

UCSB -6 Rice

Gonzaga +2 No. Carolina

Toledo -14 1/2 Middle Tennessee State

Mississippi State -5 Cincinnati

Oregon -12 Boise State

Oklahoma -8 1/2 USC

BYU -5 UNLV

Good hunting today!

December 14, 2018

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 1-0

Season so far: 100-90

NBA

Boston -13 Atlanta

Brooklyn -1 1/2 Washington

Golden State -8 1/2 Sacramento

COLLEGE

No plays tonight

Happy Friday!

December 13, 2018

FOOTBALL

There  is one Late Consensus Pick on the NFL game tonight. It's a REGULAR STRENGTH play:

TAKE: LA Chargers +3 1/2 Kansas City

Had this fine handicapper not have recommended this game I would have made the Chargers a selection in Norm's Late Thoughts myself so Go Chargers.

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 2-1-1

Season so far: 99-90

NBA

No plays

COLLEGE

San Francisco -18 1/2 E. Washington

Happy Thursday!!!

December 12, 2018

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 0-1

Season so far: 97-89

NBA

Boston -3 1/2 Washington

Utah -6 1/2 Miami

Golden State -6 1/2 Toronto

COLLEGE

San Diego +10 Oregon

Good hunting today!

Sent from my iPhone

December 11, 2018

BASKETBALL

Monday record: 0-1

Season so far: 97-88

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

Villanova -7 Penn

Happy holidays!!!

December 10, 2018

FOOTBALL

There is one Late Consensus Pick on tonight's Monday night NFL game. It's a STRONG PLAY:

TAKE Seattle -3 Minnesota

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 2-0

Season so far: 97-87

NBA

Denver--Memphis UNDER 198 1/2

COLLEGE

No plays tonight.

Cheers!

December 9, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks on the games of Sunday, Dec. 2:

VERY STRONG PLAYS:   None

STRONG PLAYS: Philadelphia +3 1/2 Dallas

REGULAR PLAYS:

New England--Miami UNDER 48 1/2

Baltimore +6 Kansas City

Denver -4 Cincinnati

Indianapolis +4v 1/2 Houston

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: As the week as worn on and the line dropped a bit, Pittsburgh has become more attractive. Oakland only lost to KC last week by 7 but was buried entering the fourth quarter and staged one of those "look good" rallies. Pitt has  dropped two in a row and needs this and......Oakland is awful

TAKE: Pittsburgh -9 1/2 Oakland

BASKETBALL

SATURDAY RECORD: 3-8

Season so far: 95-87

NBA

Milwaukee +5  Toronto

COLLEGE

St. Louis -3 1/2 Oregon State

Happy Sunday!!!!

December 8, 2018

FOOTBALL

There are two Late Consensus Picks on the Army-Navy game today. After listing them I'll add my own opinion. Each are REGULAR strength plays:

TAKE: Navy +7 1/2 Army

           Army--Navy UNDER 41

I'm going to be very careful here. Navy's had an underwhelming season while Army's been very good. I know about the "throw out the numbers" aspect of this game but I'll be extremely cautious here with perhaps a light play on the UNDER.

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 1-4

Season so  far: 92-79

NBA

Houston -3 Dallas

Washington -6 Cleveland

Portland -2 Minnesota

COLLEGE

Michigan -17 1/2 So. Carolina

Rutgers -8 Fordham

St. Joe's +11 1/2 Villanova

Memphis -9 UAB

Wisconsin +1 1/2 Marquette

Dayton +15 1/2 Auburn

UCLA -5 1/2 Notre Dame

Mississippi State--Clemson UNDER 134 1/2

Good hunting today!!!

December 7, 2018

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 0-1

Season so far: 91-75

NBA

Detroit +2 1/2 Philadelphia

Denver -1 Charlotte

COLLEGE

Providence -9 UMass

George Mason -6 James Madison

Nevada -7 1/2 Arizona State

Happy Friday!!!

December 6, 2018

FOOTBALL

there is a Late Consensus Pick on tonight's NFL game and it is a STRONG PLAY:

TAKE: Tennessee -4 1/2 Jacksonville

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 3-2-1

Season so far: 91-74

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

Iowa State -1 1/2 Iowa

Happy Thursday!

December 5, 2018

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 4-2

Season so far: 88-72

NBA

Golden State -11 Cleveland

LA Lakers -8 1/2 San Antonio

COLLEGE

Indiana State -2 NorthTexas

St. Joes -3 Princeton

Villanova -10 Temple

TCU -1 1/2 SMU

Happy Wednesday!

December 4, 2018

BASKETBALL

Monday record: 0-1

Season so far: 84-70

NBA

Dallas -2 Portland

Utah -6 1/2 San Antonio

COLLEGE

Detroit +13 1/2 Dayton

Bradley -4 Arkansas Little Rock

UTEP +21 1/2Marquette

Michigan -6 1/2 Northwestern

Cheers!

December 3, 2018

FOOTBALL

There are opposing opinions on tonight's game between WASH and PHIL. I'd lean to the Redskins here but that's all it is. They should have gotten a bit healthier over their 10-day layoff and QB Colt McCoy should be better prepared given that he had only three days notice of his first start in replacing Smith for the Dallas game. Not a strong opinion but lean towards WASH.

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 0-2

Season so far: 84-69

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

Pitt -15 Niagara

Happy Monday! 

FOOTBALL

Here are you Late Consensus Picks for the NFL games of Sunday, Dec. 2:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS:  Carolina -3 Tampa Bay  

                               Indianapolis -4 Jacksonville

REGULAR PLAYS:

NY Giants +3 1/2 Chicago

Pitt -3 1/2 LA Chargers

Baltimore +1 1/2 Atlanta

Cleveland--Houston OVER 47 1/2

Tennessee -8 NY Jets

New England -5 Minnesota

Seattle -10 San Francisco

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: Virtually every game on the board has been covered by either my picks or the Late Consensus. But, because the Chiefs have released star runner Hunt, the line on the game against Oakland has come down from 15 to 14 (or even 13 1/2 some places). Back up runner Ware is a solid player and I see this as inspiring the Chiefs a bit. I've already chosen KC as one of my selections. But for those of you playing today the line has become even better.

BASKETBALL

Saturday record: 5-5

Season so far: 84-67

NBA

Utah  -3 1/2 Miami

COLLEGE

Valpo -15 UC Riverside

Happy Sunday!

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for  college games of Saturday, Dec. 1

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: UAB +1 Middle Tennessee

                              UCF -3 Memphis

REGULAR PLAYS:

U La La +17 App. State

UAB--Middle Tennessee UNDER 44 1/2

Fresno +1 Boise State

Fresno---Boise UNDER 52 1/2

Marshall +3 1/2 Virginia Tech

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: Now that the Ohio State--Northwestern line has risen above two touchdowns it makes the underdog pretty appealing. NW's been a spectacular dog going 19-6-1 against the line their last 26  when getting points. And, despite their reputation, OSU's just 17-27 ATS when laying points. So:

TAKE Northwestern +14 1/2 Ohio State

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 3-0

Season so far: 79-62

NBA

Minnesota--Boston UNDER 214

COLLEGE

Louisville +3 Seton Hall

Creighton +6 1/2 Gonzaga

St. Louis +3 Butler

Villanova -16 1/2 Lasalle

Marshall -3 1/2 Ohio

Nevada -6 USC

St. Joseph's -3 Temple

Detroit +13 Akron

Loyola Chicago -4 Illinois-Chicago

Happy December!!!

November 30, 2018

FOOTBALL

There is one Late Consensus Pick in college football today. It is a regular strength play. I'll just chime in saying that this play is also one of my Picks of the Pole for the weekend.

TAKE: Utah +5 1/2 Washington

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 0-1

Season so far: 76-62

NBA

Philadelphia -7 1/2 Washington

COLLEGE

Michigan State -8 1/2 Rutgers

Minnesota -2 1/2 Oklahoma State

Happy last day of November!!!

November 29, 2018

FOOTBALL

I believe there's solid value tonight in taking the Cowboy plus the full TD at home. Saints have mowed down 10 in a row covering the last nine straight. But N. O. has been out-gained in three of their last six contests. This looks like a spot that Dallas speedy D slows down this runaway train and the TD spread becomes more relevant and important to the people taking that spread. This will be a single play for me and a couple of other handicappers have also weighed in on the Cowboys.

TAKE: Dallas +7 New Orleans

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 6-1

Season so far: 76-61

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

UCF -7 Alabama

Happy Thursday.

November 28, 2018

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 1-1

Season so far: 71-60

NBA

Minnesota -4 1/2 San Antonio

Washington--New Orleans OVER 240 1/2

COLLEGE

Detroit +4 Kent State

Richmond +12 1/2 Georgetown

Virginia -3 1/2 Maryland

Wisconsin Green Bay -2 No. Illinois

Michigan -3 No. Carolina

W. Virginia -11 Rider

Happy Wednesday!

November 27, 2018

BASKETBALL

Monday record: 3-1

Season so far: 70-59

NBA

No plays tonight

COLLEGE

Nevada -6 Loyola Chicago

Iowa -13 Pitt

Happy Tuesday!

November 26, 2018

FOOTBALL

There is one Late Consensus Pick on tonight's Monday night NFL game. It's a REGULAR strength play:

TAKE: Tennessee +3 1/2 Houston

BASKETBALL

Sunday record: 2-3

Season so far: 67-58

NBA

Minnesota -5 1/2 Cleveland

Utah  whatever the line vs. Indiana

COLLEGE

TCU -13 1/2 E. Michigan

Pepperdine -6 1/2 Idaho State

Good hunting today!

November 25, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the NFL games of Sunday, Nov. 26:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Green Bay +3 1/2 Minnesota

                              Indianapolis -7 1/2 Miami

REGULAR PLAYS:

Baltimore -11 Oakland

Seattle +3 Carolina

NY Giants--Philly OVER 48 1/2

Denver +3 Pittsburgh

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: The Chargers-Cardinals game has attracted my attention over the last couple days. Arizona should go nowhere against the LAC defense and I'm not certain LAC will run roughshod over AZ. So:

TAKE: LA Chargers--Arizona UNDER 43 1/2

BASKETBALL

Saturday record: 1-6

Season so far: 65-55

NBA

Philly minus the points vs. Brooklyn

COLLEGE

Long Beach St. +8 Oregon State

Canisius -1 UAB

Grand Canyon -6 Lasalle

Miami -5 Seton Hall

Happy Sunday!

November 24, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the college games of Saturday, Nov. 25:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: Ohio State +5 Michigan

STRONG PLAYS: Notre Dame -11 1/2 USC

REGULAR PLAYS: 

Florida International + 3 1/2 Marshall

Kansas State +12 1/2 Iowa State

Troy +11 App. State

Georgia Tech +17 Georgia

BYU +11 Utah

 

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: I have a pair of games for you today.

Both Tech and Baylor are fighting for a bowl bid today. The loser is out. Tech's been made a 4 1/2 point favorite (It opened at -6). This appears to offer value on the Baylor side. Tech's struggled its last several games after their usual fast start. Lets take the home dog here:

TAKE: Baylor +4 1/2 Texas Tech

U La Monroe and U La La play game that's very important to each side today with ULM being a small home favorite. I think A La La's the better team here and suggest taking them and very much considering playing them straight upon the money line if that intrigues you.

TAKE: L La La +2 1/2 U La Mon

BASKETBALL

Friday record: 4-6

Season so far: 64-49

COLLEGE

Depaul +5 1/2 Notre Dame

Detroit +10 1/2 E. Michigan

St. Joes -4 1/2 William and Mary

W. Virginia -16 Valpo

Happy Saturday!

November 23, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks for the college games of Friday, Nov. 23:

VERY STRONG PLAYS: None

STRONG PLAYS: Washington St. -2 1/2

                              Washington

REGULAR PLAYS:

Nebraska +8 Iowa

Nebraska--Iowa UNDER 53 1/2

Virginia -5 Virginia Tech

Missouri--Arkansas UNDER 60

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS: I've already put out the Picks of the Pole for today (Nebraska, Ohio, Toledo and W. Virginia) and really don't have much else to offer other than to say be very careful on that Washington State--Washington game. There are solid handicappers on the other side also. That game had me going back and forth.

BASKETBALL

Thursday record: 1-2

Season so far: 60-43

COLLEGE

DOUBLE PLAY:

Nevada minus the points vs. Umass

SINGLE PLAYS:

Marshall +7 1/2 Maryland

Texas A&M -13 So. Alabama

UTA +17 Arkansas

Vandy -12 1/2 Kent State

Cincinnati -10 George Mason

Niagara -8 Grambling

NBA

Houston -4  1/2 Detroit

LA Lakers -2 1/2 UTAH

Happy Black Friday! Lets finish in the black!

November 22, 2018

FOOTBALL

Here are your Late Consensus Picks on the Thanksgiving day games:

COLLEGE

REGULAR PLAYS: Mississippi +12 1/2 Mississippi State

                                Colorado State--Art Force  OVER 64

NFL

REGULAR PLAY: Atlanta +12 1/2 New Orleans

NORM'S LATE THOUGHTS---This card leaves me very cold. Lets PASS today.

BASKETBALL

Wednesday record: 3-3

Season so  far:  59-41

COLLEGE

Florida State -16 1/2 UAB

Nevada -16 Tulsa

Grand Canyon +6 Seton Hall

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

FOOTBALL

Here are your Picks of the Pole for the early part of the Thanksgiving weekend.

Last week's record: 6-16 (Dreadful!)

Season so far: 126-140

***NOTE: These selections cover ONLY the Thursday games and the early Friday games in the colleges. We WILL have another set of picks Friday morning which will cover the later Friday college games and then the rest of the pro and college weekend.

THURSDAY

NFL

Detroit--Chicago UNDER 44

COLLEGE

No selections

FRIDAY

COLLEGE

Ohio -23 1/2 Akron

Nebraska +10 Iowa

Toledo -18 1/2 C. Michigan

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

November 21, 2018

BASKETBALL

Tuesday record: 3-2

Season so far: 56-38

COLLEGE

Hofstra -4 1/2 Fullerton

St. Louis -4 1/2 Pittsburgh

Rice +17 1/2 BYU

Wisconsin -8 Stanford

NBA

Milwaukee -6 Portland

San Antonio--Memphis UNDER 200 1/2

Happy Wednesday!!!