Ricky's 8* play on Carolina.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Coyotes’ goaltender Darcy Kuemper’s history of futility in this spot. Note only is Kuemper just 2-6 with a 3.28 GAA on the road this season, he’s also 0-1 with a 5.57 GAA vs. Carolina for his career. This is my “key angle” for this contest.

Key Trends:

- Arizona is just 6-9 (-2.4 units) this year in non-conference games.

- Carolina is 6-1 (+5.1 units) this season after a division game.

- The Hurricanes are 4-2 in their last six after three or more consecutive losses.

The verdict: Look for the desperate and revenge minded home side to get the job done.

Ricky's 10* play on Cleveland State.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Momentum. After a slow start, the Cleveland State Vikings have won back-to-back games, posting 159 points combined.

Key Trends:

- Cleveland State is 4-0 ATS in its last four non-conference games.

- Illinois State is only 3-8 ATS In its last 11 non-conference games.

- The Redbirds are just 1-5 ATS in their last six following an ATS loss (crushed my Mississippi last time out.

The verdict: Illinois State has allowed 175 points combined over its last two games. I’m grabbing the points.

Ricky's 10* play on the Brooklyn Nets.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Momentum. Sometimes I think it can be a very real, almost “tangible” factor. Especially in sports obviously. Atlanta comes in with ZERO momentum. The Hawks are terrible, especially on the road, most recently getting destroyed by Boston. The Nets on the other hand have turned things around of late with four straight wins. This is my “key angle” for this selection.

Key Trends:

- Brooklyn is 4-0 ATS in its last four following an ATS win.

- The Nets are 4-0 ATS in their last four after allowing 100 points or more in their previous contest.

- Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last six after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game.

The verdict: Look for all of the above trends to continue and lay the points.

Ricky's 10* play on the Bears.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Revenge. Green Bay won the first meeting of the year 24-23. This is my “key angle” for this play.

Key Trends:

- Green Bay is just 1-4 ATS on the road.

- The Packers are already 0-4 ATS this season after winning and covering in their previous game.

- The Bears are already 4-0 ATS this season in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent.

The verdict: Lay the points, expect a rout.

Ricky's 8* play on the under Raiders/Bengals.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Motivation levels. What can be the motivation for either of these sides? They can’t play the role of spoiler, because neither will be playing in the postseason anyways. I expect each to simply “go through the motions” and this becomes my “key angle” for this contest.

Key Trends:

- Raiders have seen the total go under in seven of their last ten off a home victory.

- Cincinnati has seen the total go under in four of its last five as a home favorite of three points or less.

The verdict: For all the reasons listed above, play the under.

Ricky's 10* play on the over Dolphins/Vikings.

Key Angle: It's important to remember that Ricky never makes a bet on any game based on just one angle. In order to make the grade, all his premium picks must meet several important criteria. He doesn't share all his secrets within his analysis, instead he chooses to reveal only the angle that he feels is the most significant. 

- Desperation. Both teams still have a shot at their respective Wild Card spots. It’s now or never as neither can take the foot off the gas at this point. I expect each to push the pace and this becomes my “key angle” for this contest.

Key Trends:

- Miami has seen the total go over in nine of 14 off a division game.

- The Dolphins have seen the total go over in four of their last five off an upset win as a home underdog.

- Minnesota has seen the total go over in three of its last four after a loss by 14 points or more.

The verdict: Miami comes in off a thrilling last second win over the Patriots and I expect that offensive momentum to get carried over here. Play the over.