Locks
Marquette @ Creighton -7 (-110):
I thought this line would open at about -10, so when it opened -8.5 and Marquette took money pushing it here to -7 it became an automatic play for me. This feels like too much credit being given to Marquette for their win over Wisconsin in a strange rivalry game. That’s their only win over a quality opponent, and the other good teams they’ve played, Oklahoma St. and UCLA, have resulted in 8- and 9-point losses respectively.
Creighton is by far the best team they’ve faced, and look ready for conference play after a 24-point bounce-back win over Nebraska. I really think Marquette will struggle against the athletic post players for Creighton, especially with senior forward Theo John dealing with a knee injury. I expect Creighton to make a statement in their first Big East game, and to win this by double digits.
Degenerates
Browns +3.5 @ Ravens (-110):
This really comes down to being a gut pick based on how these two teams have been trending as of late. I’m aware the Baltimore Ravens destroyed the Cleveland Browns earlier this year, but Baker Mayfield has been getting stronger as the season goes on. Behind this defense and running game, I think the Browns can cover the +3.5 if not win this game.
Rutgers (ML) @ Maryland (+125):
Rutgers hasn’t gotten enough love in my opinion because of how deep and talented the Big 10 is this year. Despite Geo Baker having played only 9 minutes this season, their defense has still been incredible because of a big front line and guard Jacob Young who can pick anyone’s pocket.
They just got done holding a hot-shooting Syracuse team under 70 points and below 27% from deep. Maryland, meanwhile, finally played an elite defensive team in Clemson and was held to 51 points. I’m expecting a similar game plan from Rutgers here as they slow the pace and let their defense control the game. I think there’s more value on the money line here than the +2.5 side because it’s less than one possession of points, plus I expect the Scarlet Knights to get the win so I’ll take the +125 buyback.
Tiny Nick is 58-27 (+29.3 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.
Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining, but riskier picks.
