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Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk Friday betting. Munaf Manji and Dave Essler closed the week on Cash That Ticket by tightening their focus on specific betting angles across the NFL divisional round and a dense Friday NBA card, emphasizing how market movement, injuries, and usage trends shape late week decisions. Their NFL discussion centered on Seattle versus San Francisco, where brief concern over Sam Darnold’s injury report was dismissed as noise rather than actionable information. Instead, attention shifted to Seattle’s evolving backfield, with both Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet positioned as central pieces against a 49ers defense they had already exploited late in the regular season. Manji outlined how the near even split in carries and efficiency from both backs supported overs on rushing attempts and yardage, while Essler extended the logic to correlated unders for secondary skill players, arguing that volume for the running game naturally suppresses opportunities elsewhere. The same cause and effect framework guided their thoughts on Cooper Kupp’s modest receiving lines, where Essler suggested short area targets could rise if San Francisco limited explosive plays from Seattle’s primary threats. The conversation expanded to additional player props, including DeAndre Swift’s receiving yardage, which both viewed as mispriced given past usage and matchup tendencies, noting that a single reception could realistically clear the number. On the NBA side, Manji and Essler evaluated Clippers at Raptors through the lens of pace, defensive efficiency, and uncertainty surrounding key injuries. Toronto’s season long defensive profile and the Clippers’ slow tempo supported an under, while Essler leaned toward the Raptors as a side, contingent on lineup clarity and travel factors. Minnesota at Houston drew similar scrutiny, with both questioning the Rockets’ reliability as home favorites, particularly in back to back situations, and highlighting Minnesota’s depth and recent efficiency even without Anthony Edwards. They also touched on broader league narratives, from speculation around potential player movement to the competitive imbalance created by high payroll teams in baseball, before locking in best bets. Essler backed Kansas at home in college basketball, citing matchup advantages and motivation, while Manji closed with a points prop on Michael Porter Jr., pointing to shot volume and prior performance against the same opponent as reasons to expect another strong scoring night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk NFL betting for this week. Munaf Manji and Dave Essler opened their latest Cash That Ticket podcast with a transparent look at recent betting results before turning full attention to the NFL divisional round. The discussion centered on sides, totals, and selective props for all four matchups, with an emphasis on situational factors, injuries, and market movement rather than hype. Early in the show, the conversation briefly shifted to league news, including the reported hiring of John Harbaugh as head coach of the New York Giants, a move both viewed as immediately changing the balance of the NFC East. Essler noted the Giants’ foundation and timing, while Manji suggested division futures would be worth monitoring once markets opened. The focus then moved decisively to Saturday’s games, beginning with Buffalo at Denver. Essler leaned toward the Broncos at home, citing defensive strength, altitude concerns, revenge from last season’s playoff loss, and Buffalo’s depleted receiving corps. Manji countered by backing Josh Allen plus the points, arguing the game would hinge on late execution and defensive pressure on Bo Nix. Both agreed the under was the preferred total, expecting a slower, run influenced game with limited explosive plays. The Saturday night matchup between Seattle and San Francisco produced a sharper divide. Essler backed the Seahawks minus the number, pointing to San Francisco’s tendency to lose by margin, travel fatigue, and Seattle’s defensive consistency. Manji took the points with the 49ers, citing divisional familiarity, coaching adjustments, and the likelihood of another low scoring contest, making the under his strongest angle. Sunday’s slate opened with Houston at New England, a game framed around quarterback contrast and offensive reliability. Essler outlined scenarios where the Patriots could falter but ultimately trusted Drake May’s mobility, coaching preparation, and Houston’s limited weapons. Manji agreed, projecting a Patriots win and an under, while acknowledging the Texans would need another defense driven performance to advance. The final game featured the Rams at the Bears, where both saw Chicago’s momentum and resilience as undervalued. Essler questioned why Los Angeles was favored given recent defensive breakdowns and travel demands, while Manji highlighted Caleb Williams’ late game composure and Chicago’s balanced offense. Both leaned toward the Bears plus the points, with Manji also endorsing the Bears team total over as his top play. The episode closed with best bets, as Essler selected Florida Atlantic in college basketball and Manji locked in Chicago’s offensive production, reinforcing a weekend approach built on discipline, matchup analysis, and market awareness rather than narrative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner talks betting for Thursday Jan 15. The latest episode of the What I Bet podcast on the Pregame.com network covers a wide slate of betting markets during a relatively thin midweek card, touching on college football, the NFL playoffs, European soccer, and a difficult college basketball board. The show opens with a discussion of the College Football Playoff national championship between Indiana and Miami, with Indiana laying eight and a half points and a total of 47. Indiana’s dominance through the postseason, including a blowout of Oregon and a strong showing against Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, has made them difficult to oppose, even at an elevated number. Miami’s proximity to the venue in Miami Gardens is noted but not treated as a significant home field advantage, and the expectation is that the market may continue to push the spread higher. In the NFL, significant attention is paid to line movement in Buffalo versus Denver, where the Bills shifted from a short favorite to a one point underdog. Despite travel concerns and Denver’s rest advantage, the matchup is framed as a true toss up, with skepticism toward both teams outside of Josh Allen’s individual impact. San Francisco at Seattle is another focal point, with the 49ers catching seven and a half points in a game viewed as overpriced given Seattle’s offensive limitations and quarterback uncertainty. The return of key defenders for San Francisco is highlighted as a meaningful factor. Houston at New England is analyzed next, with emphasis on the Texans’ defense and concerns about turnovers from a young Patriots quarterback against pressure. The under at 40 and a half is described as appealing in a matchup shaped by defense and pace. The Rams at Chicago closes the NFL discussion, with weather driving the total down to 48 and a half and creating value on the Bears as home underdogs catching three and a half points in cold conditions. The soccer segment briefly covers Augsburg versus Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, where a low scoring match and an under two and a quarter goals angle stands out, followed by two Serie A matches involving Verona versus Bologna and Como versus Milan. Bologna’s consistency and depth are noted, while Verona’s tendency to compete at home later in the season creates a lean toward the underdog in a low total game. In Como versus Milan, the pricing is described as tight, with interest in backing Como if Milan moves to a quarter goal favorite. The college basketball slate is described as extremely weak, with limited marquee matchups and little conviction across most games. After scanning several mid major contests, the official best bet for the show is Delaware minus one and a half against UTEP, based on UTEP’s long standing struggles on the road and the difficulty of traveling cross country for the matchup. The episode concludes with a promotional reminder for Pregame.com using the division15 code ahead of the divisional round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Doctor brings The early betting landscape for the Sony Open is shaped by a mix of proven course performers, resurgent talents, and volatile long shots whose prices create specific market opportunities. One of the more intriguing profiles belongs to S.H. Kim, who quietly built momentum through extensive fall play after earning his PGA Tour card via Korn Ferry Tour points. His recent stretch included three straight top 20 finishes on the Korean and Asian Tours, and his Sony Open history is stronger than his odds suggest, with two made cuts and a 12th place finish in 2023. Despite being priced deep in the outright market, his compressed top 20 odds signal sharp respect, making a top 40 position a safer expression of value. Nick Dunlop represents the opposite end of the risk spectrum, carrying both volatility and upside. A year ago he finished tied 10th at this event despite severe driving issues, stringing together four rounds of 68 or better. Since mid 2025, his game has stabilized following technical changes, and his recent results show improved driving accuracy paired with elite underlying skill. That combination makes him a legitimate outright consideration at triple digit odds. Brian Campbell is another name to monitor rather than commit to, having opened with a strong round here last year before withdrawing due to illness. His profile fits courses where accuracy is emphasized, though his outcomes tend to be extreme. Mack Meisner enters with steady upward form, highlighted by a runner up finish at the Wyndham and multiple top 20s late in the season. His comfort in wind, strong Bermuda putting, and consistent ball striking align well with the demands of this venue, justifying outright interest despite modest pricing. Ryan Gerrard brings recent competitive sharpness after a runner up finish in Mauritius that secured his Masters qualification. His ball striking remains a strength, and while his putting is inconsistent, Bermuda surfaces have proven serviceable, making him appealing in head to head markets. Johnny Kiefer’s rise through a historic Korn Ferry Tour season and a strong showing at the RSM underline his long term potential, though pre tournament aggression is tempered by matchup pricing. Veteran considerations include Chris Kirk, whose consistent contention history at this course spans more than a decade, reinforcing the sense that a Sony Open win remains a realistic career outcome. Other notable names such as Denny McCarthy, Nick Taylor, and Rico Hoey present less favorable entry points based on price, form timing, or course history, emphasizing the importance of selectivity in a field defined by subtle edges rather than overwhelming favorites. you the sharpest card for the 2026 Sony Open. Follow Doc on X @drmedia59 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for Wednesday Jan 14. Munaf Manji opened the January 14, 2026 edition of the Cash That Ticket Podcast by outlining a midweek betting discussion focused on NBA matchups, league news, and select NFL developments as the sports calendar moved deeper into January. Dave Essler joined the show and immediately referenced a successful live betting read from their previous discussion, noting they correctly anticipated a low scoring first quarter that finished exactly 3 to 0 before recommending the game over, which ultimately cashed at 32, reinforcing the value of game flow analysis and patience. Manji transitioned into an NBA recap, highlighting how player props can be derailed by blowouts, using Milwaukee’s 139 to 106 home loss to Minnesota as the example. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 25 points and 8 rebounds, falling short of a 30.5 points prop and a 10.5 rebounds line after the game became noncompetitive, illustrating how reduced minutes can negate strong individual performance. Manji also referenced Phoenix erasing a 17 point deficit against Miami by winning the third quarter 38 to 21, only for late game execution to ruin certain bets, reinforcing the volatility of NBA markets. The conversation shifted to major NBA news surrounding Anthony Davis, with Essler noting conflicting reports but stressing that regardless of surgery language, Davis would miss several months. Essler pointed out Davis has frequently played only 20 to 50 games per season since 2020 and appeared in roughly 29 of 73 games with Dallas, questioning his trade value as he approaches age 33. Manji discussed potential fits, focusing on Detroit’s 28 and 10 record and Cade Cunningham’s MVP caliber season, arguing Davis could still impact both ends of the floor if healthy. Essler reframed the situation through a futures betting lens, citing Detroit at 20 to 1 and Toronto at 150 to 1 as examples of numbers that would move sharply if a trade occurred. The show then moved to Wednesday’s NBA card, starting with Cleveland at Philadelphia, where the 76ers were favored by 1.5 with a 237.5 total. Cleveland entered at 22 and 19, while Philadelphia sat at 22 and 16 but just 10 and 9 at home. Essler explained why he liked Philadelphia despite most tickets on Cleveland, pointing to line movement from around 3.5 down to 1.5 and recent form with six wins in eight games. Manji agreed, citing Joel Embiid’s matchup advantage, Cleveland’s 8 and 9 road record, and ongoing chemistry concerns. Essler added that Embiid’s presence often slows pace, noting the 76ers have averaged four to five fewer possessions than normal recently, making the under appealing. The discussion continued with Denver at Dallas, where the Mavericks were favored by 1.5 after Denver’s 122 to 116 win in New Orleans. Jamal Murray logged 37 minutes with 35 points and 9 assists, Peyton Watson played 39 minutes, and Tim Hardaway Jr. played 33 minutes, raising fatigue concerns without Nikola Jokic available. Both hosts leaned Dallas, with Manji noting Najee Marshall’s recent 22 and 17 point outings and the opportunity for expanded roles. The episode closed with NFL news as Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons as Steelers head coach. Essler praised Tomlin for leaving on his own terms and dismissed narratives around forced departure, emphasizing his record of never having a losing season. Manji noted the rarity of the move, as Pittsburgh has had only four head coaches since 1969, and suggested Tomlin may take time away before returning. The show concluded with best bets, including Manji backing the Knicks minus 10.5 and their team total over 120.5, and Essler selecting Charlotte plus 3.5 against Tulsa, reinforcing the theme of disciplined, market based betting rather than chasing narratives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner talk betting for Wednesday. The latest episode of What I Bet on the Straight Outta Vegas podcast focuses on a wide-ranging Wednesday betting card built around international soccer and a deep slate of college basketball. Host Griffin Warner frames the show around finding actionable afternoon betting opportunities when the American sports calendar is relatively quiet, leaning heavily into global soccer markets and selective college hoops positions. The soccer analysis begins with the Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting Senegal versus Egypt and emphasizing Egypt’s defensive resilience, tournament pedigree, and underdog value in a projected low scoring match. Warner points to Egypt’s disciplined midfield pressure, recent upset success, and historical AFCON competence as reasons to look toward the under and advancement markets. The Morocco versus Nigeria semifinal is treated differently, with Morocco benefiting from home field advantage throughout the tournament but Nigeria carrying urgency and attacking upside, making the underdog angle more nuanced. Attention then shifts to the English Carabao Cup semifinal between Chelsea and Arsenal, where match context, two leg dynamics, and Arsenal’s control based style suggest value on the home underdog and lower tempo outcomes. In Serie A, makeup matches involving Napoli against Parma and Inter against Lecce are framed through defensive mismatches and scoring limitations, steering interest toward unders rather than large underdogs. The German Bundesliga slate follows, with Wolfsburg versus St. Pauli, Hoffenheim against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Leipzig versus Freiburg, and Köln hosting Bayern Munich. Warner repeatedly stresses goal expectation, team form, and situational factors, including relegation battles, European absences, and historical mismatches, while acknowledging the difficulty of stepping in front of Bayern despite an inflated spread. The show then pivots to college basketball, offering first impressions rather than finalized positions across dozens of games. Key discussions include skepticism around road favorites, coaching transitions, market overreactions, and the value of numbers that clear late game fouling ranges. Missouri at pick’em against Auburn is ultimately presented as the best bet of the episode, driven by home court context, coaching confidence, and perceived mispricing. The episode concludes with a promotional offer and a reaffirmation of the show’s goal, providing transparent, gradeable betting opinions across global soccer and college basketball markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner talk betting for Tuesday. Tuesday’s edition of What I Bet focused on a wide-ranging betting card that moved from the NFL postseason into European soccer and a deep college basketball slate, with an emphasis on market movement, situational spots, and price sensitivity rather than headline chasing. The show opened with a recap of Monday night’s NFL result, noting the end of Pittsburgh’s season and a defensive performance that preserved an under despite late pressure, reinforcing how thin margins define playoff betting value. Attention then shifted to the newly released Wild Card lines, where Buffalo’s trip to Denver stood out after an early favorite position slipped to a pick’em, highlighting uncertainty tied to rest versus rust and the appeal of grabbing whichever side closes as the underdog. San Francisco’s trip to Seattle drew caution as injuries pushed the number to seven and a half, a price that felt heavy given the playoff setting and recent offensive struggles, while Houston’s road matchup in New England was framed as a defensive grind likely to test whether the market would return to a key number of three. The Rams visiting Chicago rounded out the NFL discussion, with cold weather and game script favoring a Bears team positioned as a home underdog despite seeding. From there, the card moved overseas to the German Bundesliga, where scheduling quirks, winter breaks, and postponed matches shaped early season form. Stuttgart versus Eintracht Frankfurt was analyzed through defensive reliability and goal totals, while Borussia Dortmund’s home dominance made fading them uncomfortable despite an inflated spread against Werder Bremen. Matchups involving Mainz, Heidenheim, Augsburg, and Leverkusen emphasized managerial changes, squad depth, and conservative tactical tendencies, steering interest toward under totals and home underdogs where insurance mattered. The final segment ran through a dense college basketball schedule, stressing coaching edges, travel spots, and market overreactions. Games such as Villanova at Providence, Marquette at St. John’s, Texas A&M at Tennessee, and Wisconsin at Minnesota were framed around motivation and number value rather than team reputation. Additional looks at matchups across the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and West Coast Conference reinforced a theme of patience and selectivity. The official selection landed on Minnesota plus two at home against Wisconsin, citing spot advantage after a recent upset win and skepticism that the Badgers could sustain momentum away from home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner talks sports betting for today's big games. The latest episode of What I Bet with Griffin Warner on the Pregame.com podcast network focused on the Thursday January 8th betting card, spanning college football, the NFL playoffs, international soccer, and a lighter slate of college basketball. Warner opened by noting the early volatility of the show’s best bets, referencing a dramatic West Virginia versus Cincinnati game that ended in a push, and emphasized a preference for underdogs across markets. In the college football playoff semifinal, Miami was listed as a three and a half point favorite over Mississippi at a neutral site, but Warner highlighted incoming market support for Ole Miss and questioned Miami’s offensive profile against stronger competition. He suggested the number could fall to three and expressed interest in Mississippi as a live underdog given recent performances and situational factors. The NFL wildcard discussion began with the Rams favored by ten and a half over Carolina, where Warner acknowledged backdoor risk but expressed little faith in the Panthers sustaining competitiveness, especially if the Rams offense avoided weather related issues. In Green Bay versus Chicago, a near pick’em line drew Warner toward the Bears, citing recent form and concerns about the Packers’ trajectory. Buffalo at Jacksonville followed, with the Bills narrowly favored despite Jacksonville’s strong run, and Warner pointed to defensive vulnerabilities and the appeal of the Jaguars as a small home underdog in a high total game. San Francisco at Philadelphia saw line movement toward the Eagles and a falling total, which Warner interpreted as skepticism about the 49ers offense, though he ultimately avoided laying more than a field goal. The Chargers at New England brought another underdog look, as Warner backed Los Angeles plus three and a half based on competitiveness and doubts about the Patriots’ margin potential. Monday night featured Houston at Pittsburgh, where a declining spread and low total led Warner to consider the under, anticipating a defensive game with limited scoring. Soccer analysis covered Arsenal hosting Liverpool, with Warner noting Arsenal control and Liverpool’s defensive issues but stopping short of a firm position. In Spain, Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa semifinal in Saudi Arabia, where Warner leaned toward Real Madrid to advance rather than laying a quarter goal. Italian Serie A matches included interest in Cagliari as an underdog at Cremonese in a low scoring setup and cautious monitoring of Genoa at Milan after line movement reduced the favorite’s margin. College basketball closed the show, highlighted by skepticism toward Michigan State laying thirteen to Northwestern, observations on several mid major matchups, and culminated in the official best bet, New Mexico State minus three at home against Western Kentucky. Warner also shared a limited time promo code for Pregame.com before signing off with plans to return for the next slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner gets you ready for sports betting action for today. Griffin Warner opened the second episode of What I Bet on the Straight Outta Vegas feed by shifting focus to a Wednesday slate built around soccer and college basketball, outlining a full betting roadmap that began early in the day overseas and carried into a dense night schedule in the United States. He framed the episode around finding structured value, emphasizing organization, timing, and market context as essential tools for navigating a crowded card. Warner began with the English Premier League, highlighting multiple midweek matches and repeatedly returning to the relationship between home underdogs and low scoring totals, particularly in matches involving Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Everton, Burnley, and Bournemouth, where defensive profiles and budget disparities shaped his thinking. He expressed skepticism toward inflated favorites, caution around peak valuations, and consistent interest in unders where teams lacked attacking depth or were built primarily on defensive structure. The discussion continued through the Italian Serie A slate, where Warner assessed relegation pressure, European scheduling fatigue, and managerial instability, noting opportunities in matches involving Bologna, Torino, Parma, and Napoli, again leaning toward lower scoring games and home or situational underdogs when market prices appeared misaligned. He then touched briefly on the Spanish Super Cup, noting the neutral site dynamics and stylistic risks involved when betting totals involving Barcelona. Transitioning to college basketball, Warner walked through conference matchups across the SoCon, Big East, SEC, Big 12, A 10, and other leagues, repeatedly emphasizing home court advantage, coaching stability, travel disadvantages, and inflated spreads created by brand perception. He expressed interest in several underdogs and short home favorites while remaining cautious of teams asked to lay large numbers without consistent defensive reliability. The episode concluded with his best bet for the day, a home favorite selection built around trust in coaching and home performance, reinforcing the broader theme of leveraging market respect gaps rather than chasing high profile names. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner gets you ready for betting on Tuesday Jan 6th. Griffin Warner launched the inaugural episode of What I Bet on the Pregame.com Stradivarius feed with a wide ranging breakdown of betting opportunities across college football, soccer, and college basketball, framing the show as a solo, weeknight focused program designed to track numbers, market movement, and value across multiple sports. The college football discussion centered on upcoming playoff matchups, beginning with Miami favored by three and a half points over Ole Miss in Glendale, a number Warner described as potentially inflated after Miami’s recent defensive performances, including shutting down Texas A and M and dominating on New Year’s Eve. He questioned whether the market was overreacting to Miami while discounting Ole Miss after its offensive showing against Georgia, framing the game as a defense versus offense matchup with possible underdog value as kickoff approaches. The second playoff game discussed was Oregon versus Indiana on a neutral site in Atlanta, with Indiana listed as a three and a half point favorite and a total of 47. Warner highlighted Indiana’s earlier road win at Oregon, concerns about projecting crowd impact on neutral fields, and his general lean toward underdogs in these playoff settings, while noting Oregon’s defensive dominance in its opener and the lingering question of opponent quality. The show then shifted to the Tuesday soccer slate, starting with the English Premier League matchup between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. Warner expressed surprise at Forest being favored, emphasized both teams’ defensive profiles, and pointed toward a low scoring game with interest in the home underdog and the under. In Italy’s Serie A, he discussed Pisa versus Como, Lecce versus Roma, and Sassuolo versus Juventus, consistently focusing on market respect for road favorites, heavy under juice on low totals, and selective interest in home underdogs where goals appeared scarce. He noted Como’s strong market reputation despite uneven results, Roma’s defensive strength under a new manager, and Sassuolo’s ability to score against a Juventus side he viewed as vulnerable. Warner also covered the Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting Algeria versus the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ivory Coast versus Burkina Faso. He pointed out market movement toward Congo, the value of quarter goal underdogs in tournament play, and the tactical reality of underdogs aiming to defend and force extra time. Ivory Coast’s talent edge contrasted with Burkina Faso’s defensive approach, making totals and situational angles more appealing than heavy favorites. The final segment ran through a dense college basketball card, touching on conference strength, home court impact, and coaching concerns, with particular attention to Cincinnati at West Virginia, Duke at Louisville, and several mid major matchups. Warner closed the episode by naming West Virginia minus two at home against Cincinnati as his official best bet, positioning the Mountaineers’ spot and opponent struggles as the strongest angle on the board. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera enter the final week of the NFL season. They offer up the best selections for this weeks final games. As the NFL regular season reaches its final week, Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera turn their attention to the most volatile slate on the calendar, where motivation, rest decisions, and survivor contest leverage dominate every conversation. After a season that produced consistent winners deep into November, the focus now shifts to Week 18, a week Rivers and Rivera both describe as uniquely chaotic. Teams are openly resting starters, others are angling for draft position, and a shrinking pool of high confidence options forces bettors and contest entrants to think less about raw power ratings and more about intent. The discussion centers on the Circa Survivor contest, where six remaining entries each hold tickets worth three million dollars, creating an environment where decision theory matters as much as handicapping. The Atlanta Falcons emerge as the default option, not because they inspire confidence, but because they are one of the few teams still motivated, favored, and widely available. Rivera acknowledges his lack of faith in Atlanta’s long term direction, yet still views the matchup with New Orleans as a situation where pressure, injuries, and matchup dynamics favor the Falcons enough to justify their popularity. At the same time, both analysts emphasize that popularity itself carries risk, especially when prize equity is concentrated. Jacksonville becomes the standout alternative for entrants who still have them available, driven by clear divisional stakes and a favorable matchup against a Tennessee team with little incentive to push beyond development goals. Rivera repeatedly stresses that motivation is the defining variable this week, pointing to teams that need wins to secure divisions or seeding as the most reliable investments. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are singled out as a team to avoid entirely, with Rivera citing defensive breakdowns, offensive injuries, and visible disengagement. Kansas City also draws skepticism, with recent performances and rest decisions making them an unattractive survivor option despite their reputation. As the conversation expands, Rivers highlights historical data showing that clinched teams favored against eliminated opponents tend to outperform expectations, reinforcing interest in teams like Philadelphia and the Rams depending on individual entry paths. Throughout the discussion, hedging strategy is treated as essential, not optional, with both men openly acknowledging that multi million dollar equity demands aggressive financial protection. The episode closes with a clear theme, Week 18 is not about finding the best team, but about identifying who still cares, who still has something to lose, and how to position against the decisions everyone else is making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk college basketball betting for Tuesday & Wednesday. College basketball betting returned to the forefront as Griffin Warner and Big East Ben broke down a limited but meaningful Tuesday and Wednesday slate, focusing on market inefficiencies, roster context, and stylistic mismatches after a quiet holiday stretch. Warner opened by noting how the absence of regular tournament play left bettors without rhythm, while Ben highlighted frustration with midseason roster additions and the broader instability they create, arguing the issue reflects a lack of centralized control rather than isolated team behavior. The discussion quickly turned to actionable games, starting with Louisville traveling to Cal as a seven and a half point favorite with a total of 160 and a half. Ben emphasized Cal’s defensive profile, citing rankings of 60th overall defensively, 30th in effective field goal defense, and 41st against the three, holding opponents under 30 percent shooting, while Warner focused on the total, questioning whether Louisville’s perimeter offense would translate in an ACC road opener. Both agreed the number was inflated, especially given Cal’s 12 and one record and strong defensive efficiency. Attention then shifted to Seton Hall at Marquette, where internal turmoil and on court inefficiency dominated the conversation. Ben detailed Marquette’s offensive struggles, noting rankings of 285th in three point shooting and 257th in two point shooting, along with a 54 percent conversion rate at the rim that ranked near 200th nationally despite generating 43 percent of attempts there. He framed Seton Hall as flawed but preferable against what he called a dysfunctional opponent, while Warner leaned toward Marquette at home, citing skepticism of Seton Hall as a road favorite. The analysis continued with Virginia at Virginia Tech, a matchup complicated by timing and student absence. Ben highlighted Virginia’s strength on the glass, ranking third nationally in offensive rebounding rate against a Virginia Tech defense ranked 235th in defensive rebounding, supporting his preference for the Cavaliers. Warner countered with the home underdog angle, acknowledging Virginia Tech’s tendency to play close games despite roster turnover. The final game focused on Clemson at Syracuse, a matchup defined by volatility and fundamentals. Ben described Clemson as wildly inconsistent but talented, referencing strong guard play and overall steadiness, while sharply criticizing Syracuse’s free throw shooting, which he said ranked 365th nationally at 59 percent, with guards shooting as low as 49 percent. Both landed on the under 139, expecting missed free throws and uneven execution to suppress scoring. Best bets closed the show, with Ben backing Washington State plus four and a half at Seattle, citing frontcourt size advantages, and Warner selecting Virginia Tech plus four at home. The episode reflected a return to disciplined analysis, emphasizing efficiency metrics, matchup context, and market overreaction rather than volume or narrative Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers discuss all the action from this past weekend. The NFL Week 17 slate delivered one of the most electric prime time games of the season, with the San Francisco 49ers edging the Chicago Bears 42 to 38 on Sunday night in a matchup that reshaped playoff positioning and showcased elite quarterback play. Chicago stunned early with a pick six on Brock Purdy’s first throw, but San Francisco responded immediately, and the game exploded into a 14 to 14 tie by the end of the first quarter. The offenses never slowed, combining for 80 total points as both teams traded touchdowns in relentless fashion. Purdy shook off the early mistake and authored a dominant performance, completing 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards and three passing touchdowns while adding two rushing scores for five total touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey powered the ground game with 140 rushing yards on 23 carries and added 41 receiving yards, while Caleb Williams kept Chicago competitive with 330 passing yards, two touchdowns, and additional production as a runner. San Francisco covered as a small favorite and the total sailed past the closing number, but the defining moment came on the final play, when the 49ers generated pressure and preserved the win as time expired. The victory extended San Francisco’s winning streak to six and set up a decisive Week 18 showdown with Seattle for the NFC West crown. Despite offensive brilliance, concerns linger on the defensive side for the 49ers, who continue to battle injuries, including the absence of Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, making the team heavily reliant on its offensive efficiency. The Bears, meanwhile, continued to validate their late season surge, with repeated comeback wins and sustained offensive execution placing them firmly among the NFC’s top contenders. Elsewhere, Week 17 clarified several division races heading into the regular season finale. Baltimore’s win over Green Bay tightened the AFC North race, setting up a winner take all matchup with Pittsburgh in Week 18, while the NFC South and NFC West will also be decided in the final week. With motivation varying across the league, markets are shifting rapidly based on rest decisions, injuries, and incentives, making information paramount entering the final slate. As the postseason approaches, Week 17 will be remembered for its chaos, its scoring, and a Sunday night classic that reinforced San Francisco’s championship aspirations while reminding the league that no defense is safe when momentum and execution collide at the highest level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA betting for Christmas Day. Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers deliver a comprehensive NBA Christmas Day betting and power ratings breakdown, framing Christmas as the unofficial start of the NBA season for casual fans and one of the most important betting slates of the year for serious players. Munaf opens by welcoming listeners and outlining the five game slate, while Rivers immediately sets the tone by pointing out how dominant the Oklahoma City Thunder have been, noting their historic efficiency and plus seventeen adjusted net rating, while also stressing that the league still has parity beneath the surface. The discussion moves into updated power ratings, beginning with the San Antonio Spurs ranked fifth. Rivers explains that the Spurs’ success is driven by guard depth with Dylan Harper, Stefan Castle, and De’Aaron Fox, along with Victor Wembanyama embracing team oriented basketball rather than chasing individual scoring. Munaf adds important context, highlighting that San Antonio is twenty one and seven, second in the Western Conference, and undefeated at seven and zero in their division, which signals consistency and versatility. The New York Knicks are ranked fourth, with Rivers noting a clear gap between them and the teams below. Munaf explains how the coaching change has helped manage minutes more effectively, reducing wear on starters like Jalen Brunson while getting meaningful contributions from the bench, which has stabilized the team. The Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets occupy the next tier, with Rivers tying them closely. Munaf leans Denver as the stronger team due to championship pedigree, Jamal Murray’s high level play, Nikola Jokic’s dominance, and an impressive twelve and two road record, while also pointing out Houston’s struggles in clutch situations, including a one and four overtime record. Oklahoma City is unanimously ranked number one at twenty six and three, with the league’s top defense and a plus fifteen point seven net rating. Rivers praises their consistency but cautions against labeling them an all time team, noting that reintegrating injured players does not automatically make a team better. The conversation then shifts to the Christmas Day games, starting with Cavaliers versus Knicks. Both hosts favor New York minus five and a half, citing Cleveland injuries, poor on off numbers with Darius Garland, and a recent defensive rating of one hundred twenty one point seven over the last five games. Spurs versus Thunder is framed as a revenge spot for Oklahoma City, with Munaf preferring the Thunder early in the game due to coaching adjustments and Victor Wembanyama being limited to around twenty to twenty five minutes. Mavericks versus Warriors leads Rivers to the under at two hundred twenty seven and a half because of Dallas offensive inefficiency and Golden State’s declining overall impact despite star names, while Munaf highlights Anthony Davis’ rebounding consistency as a potential prop angle. The best bet of the day comes in Rockets versus Lakers, where Rivers backs Houston minus four and a half, arguing the Lakers’ record overstates their true level and that Houston’s youth, defense, and depth give them a clear edge, especially if Luka is limited. Munaf agrees, emphasizing Houston’s ability to exploit the Lakers defensively. The slate closes with Timberwolves versus Nuggets, where both lean under two hundred thirty seven and a half due to Minnesota’s recent top tier defense and Denver’s slower pace. The episode ends with holiday well wishes and encouragement to enjoy the games responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rod Villagomez and Munaf Manji talk NFL Fantasy Football Championship week. The guys also preview some Christmas Day games. This episode of the Fantasy Football Podcast from Straight Out of Vegas AM features Rod Villagomez and Munaf Manji delivering a comprehensive championship week preview for fantasy football managers. They reflect on the frustration of late season eliminations and the excitement of reaching the finals before turning their focus to Week 17 strategy. The discussion centers on the three Thursday games Cowboys versus Commanders Lions versus Vikings and Broncos versus Chiefs with analysis of motivation injuries and game flow. They evaluate betting angles including spreads totals and player props such as Jared Goff completions Aaron Jones rushing yards Javonte Williams unders and a Chris Oladokun interception. The hosts emphasize Detroit Minnesota scoring potential and explain why Kansas City could remain competitive despite quarterback issues. A major portion of the episode is dedicated to fantasy lineup decisions especially flex plays where they compare options like Aaron Jones versus Chris Rodriguez Isaac Tesla versus Ryan Flournoy Troy Franklin versus Deebo Samuel Kenneth Gainwell versus Khalil Herbert Jauan Jennings versus Alec Pierce and Kyle Pitts versus Breece Hall. They highlight emerging players available in many leagues stress the importance of targets and game script and encourage managers to trust process and context over name value. The episode closes with Week 17 advice reminders about championship pressure and a seasonal sign off celebrating another year of fantasy football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk weekend football action and much more. Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers recap NFL Week 16 Sunday action, beginning with Sunday Night Football, where the Patriots erased a double-digit deficit to defeat the Ravens 28-24. Lamar Jackson exited at halftime with a back injury, forcing Tyler Huntley into action, while Derrick Henry dominated early but surprisingly stopped receiving touches late. A missed pass interference call on New England did not derail Drake May, who threw for over 380 yards, including a highlight touchdown to Kyle Williams, as the Patriots scored 15 unanswered points capped by a Rhamondre Stevenson rushing score and a game-sealing Zay Flowers fumble. The loss likely ends Baltimore’s playoff hopes and sparks discussion about John Harbaugh’s future, Lamar Jackson’s durability, and the Steelers’ path to clinching the division, with praise given to Mike Tomlin’s sustained success. The conversation then shifts to awards, with Matthew Stafford emerging as the MVP favorite over Drake May and Mike Vrabel leading the Coach of the Year market. Circa Survivor updates follow before a deep dive into Week 17 market movers, including massive downgrades to the Chiefs without Mahomes, Dallas favored over Washington, Lions and Vikings line movement, Bengals upgrades after an offensive surge, Chargers moving to a pick’em versus the Texans, Raiders versus Giants shaping up as a potential tank bowl, and the growing impact of injuries and motivation late in the season. Eagles versus Bills is debated, with Buffalo trusted more long term than Philadelphia. Attention turns to Monday Night Football, where both hosts like the 49ers on the road against the Colts and lean under the total due to Indianapolis’ limited offense with Philip Rivers and a slower game script. Jonathan Taylor usage and George Kittle props are discussed, with Kittle’s receiving yards favored due to matchup trends. The show closes with promotions for Pregame bulk dollars, the free College Football Bowl Bash contest, and a preview of upcoming NBA Christmas coverage, emphasizing scheduling value, betting opportunities, and appreciation for listeners during the holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk college basketball betting for this weekend. Best bets as always. The episode of the Need for Seeds College Basketball Podcast features Griffin Warner and Big East Ben breaking down major weekend matchups and betting angles as college basketball takes center stage. They open with discussion on roster volatility and midseason transfers before diving into Duke versus Texas Tech, where both believe the line is inflated and back Texas Tech as large underdogs due to Duke’s thin depth and market overvaluation. In St John’s versus Kentucky, Ben plays the under based on contrasting styles and Kentucky’s ball security while Griffin backs St John’s to cover, citing skepticism of Mark Pope’s coaching and Kentucky’s defense. For North Carolina versus Ohio State, Ben backs UNC behind talent edges while Griffin takes the points with Ohio State, continuing his distrust of Hubert Davis. In Arkansas versus Houston at the Prudential Center, Ben recommends the under, noting Houston’s elite defense, slower tempo, and Arkansas’s reliance on young guards, while Griffin takes Arkansas plus the points, believing Houston no longer fits its traditional veteran bruiser identity and Arkansas is undervalued. The show closes with best bets including Ben’s low major over play on Denver versus Northern Colorado due to Denver’s extreme defensive inefficiency and perfect over record, while Griffin reiterates his St John’s position. The episode blends betting analysis, humor, and personal anecdotes while emphasizing contrarian positions against public perception and early season narratives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mackenzie Rivers and Dan Rivera talk NFL survivor for week 16 Mac and Dan recap Week 16 of Survive NFL, back in the win column with the 49ers after falling short in the survivor contest earlier in the season. They open by reacting to the Seahawks Rams Thursday night thriller, agreeing the ending was chaotic and featured another questionable officiating decision. Dan criticizes Sean McVay for taking his foot off the gas late and reiterates his lack of trust in Sam Darnold, while both agree the Rams looked like the better team despite the loss. Mac remains unconvinced Seattle can win multiple playoff games and notes the Rams still appear to be the team to beat in the NFC despite longer odds. The discussion shifts to survivor strategy, starting with Texans minus fourteen over the Raiders. Both agree the Raiders are noncompetitive and that Houston is a strong survivor option, though Mac questions their margin potential. They move to Bills minus ten and a half at Cleveland, with Dan noting Buffalo’s tendency to start slow before dominating second halves and expecting a run heavy game against a depleted Browns roster. Mac suggests Cleveland may not be incentivized to win and outlines a potential same game parlay involving a Bills win and a Browns rushing over. They review other large favorites including Lions over Steelers and Eagles over Commanders, with Dan favoring Detroit’s offensive upside and expressing cautious optimism about Philadelphia if Hurts continues to move better. Attention then turns to Saints minus six over the Jets as a viable survivor pick given limited options. Both agree the pick hinges entirely on the Jets quarterback situation, favoring New Orleans if Brady Cook starts but backing off completely if Tyrod Taylor plays. As a contingency, they agree the Vikings would become the survivor pick if Taylor is confirmed in. The conversation closes with an in depth breakdown of 49ers at Colts on Monday night. Dan leans San Francisco, citing matchup advantages for Kyle Shanahan against the Colts secondary and skepticism about a forty four year old Philip Rivers keeping pace, while Mac outlines the narrow path for an Indianapolis upset through slow pace and limited possessions. They conclude with Saints as the tentative survivor pick pending quarterback news and plan to adjust if necessary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rod Villagomez and Munaf Manji talk NFL Fantasy Football for Week 16. The guys also preview TNF football as well. Rod Villagomez and Munaf Manji break down Week 16 fantasy football with a focus on playoff decisions injuries and the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Rams and Seahawks. They begin by recapping fantasy playoff heartbreak and standout Week 15 performances before shifting to betting and fantasy implications for Thursday night. Both agree the game profiles as a defensive matchup with value on the under and slight preference for the Rams as underdogs citing turnover margin quarterback efficiency and Seattle’s home field advantage. Player props discussed include Matthew Stafford under passing attempts Kyren Williams and Blake Corum rushing volume and Jackson Smith Njigba longest reception over. On the fantasy side Devante Adams injury forces managers to consider replacements with Kobe Parkinson highlighted as a strong tight end pickup due to red zone usage recent production and broad availability. The hosts strongly favor Blake Corum over Zach Charbonnet pointing to efficiency snap trends and touchdown consistency. Quarterback streaming options are reviewed including Kirk Cousins CJ Stroud and JJ McCarthy with Cousins again endorsed based on matchup value. Several difficult start sit decisions are debated including benching Justin Jefferson due to prolonged underperformance choosing Darren Waller over Dalton Schultz because of matchup trends and new quarterback dynamics and trusting volume backs like Trayveon Henderson over volatile receivers such as Jaylen Waddle. Rod cautions against chasing Kyle Pitts massive Week 15 performance while Munaf argues Pitts has reemerged with Kirk Cousins under center though both agree Drake London’s status could affect usage. Wide receiver decisions include Keenan Allen versus Packers options with Allen preferred due to matchup clarity and target stability. The episode closes with college bowl contest promotions at Pregame encouragement for eliminated fantasy players to pivot to bowl betting and a reminder that playoff success often comes from trusting usage trends over name value. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NFL action from this past weekend. The guys also preview MNF. Welcome to the SOV AM Weekend Rewind as Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers recap NFL Week 15 action, breaking down Sunday Night Football where the Vikings upset the Cowboys 34 to 26 in Dallas as J J McCarthy delivered one of his best performances while the Cowboys defense continued to struggle, effectively ending their playoff hopes. The discussion turned to whether McCarthy is turning a corner or simply benefiting from weak defenses, with optimism building around his development and chemistry with Justin Jefferson. Circa Survivor saw no eliminations as all ten remaining entries advanced. Major injury news dominated the week as Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL, ending Kansas City’s season and signaling a massive downgrade at quarterback with Gardner Minshew stepping in, while raising questions about Travis Kelce’s future and the end of the Chiefs’ dynasty. Another devastating injury hit as Micah Parsons tore his ACL, costing Green Bay its defensive anchor and resulting in a meaningful point spread downgrade. The Broncos continued their surge behind Bo Nix, forcing a reevaluation of his legitimacy after a statement win and positioning Denver as a real AFC contender. Additional downgrades included Cincinnati after a shutout loss where Joe Burrow struggled and frustrations mounted, likely spelling the end of Zach Taylor’s tenure. On the upgrade side the Saints gained momentum in the NFC South, Baltimore impressed with dominant defense and rushing efficiency, and the Eagles made a statement with a 31 nothing blowout. Monday Night Football featured Miami at Pittsburgh with both hosts favoring the Steelers given historical trends cold weather and Miami’s offensive limitations despite Devon Achane’s return, leading to best bets backing Pittsburgh. The episode wrapped with NBA discussion highlighting Rockets Nuggets analysis driven by Aaron Gordon’s defensive impact and a preview of the NBA Cup final between the Knicks and Spurs, before closing with promotions and outlooks as the sports calendar heads toward the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices