Xam’s Daily Gems:
Suns Money Line -112
The Suns have been picking up the pace recently. They’re 7-3 in their last 10 games, and the offense is rounding into form. Even with the injuries they’ve dealt with over the year, they’re still scoring over 116 points per game. They’ve scored no less than 117 points in each of their last 8 games, and over 130 in back-to-back games! That can pose a problem for the Orlando Magic, who are only averaging 111 points per game this season. The Suns came into this season with championship aspirations and it looks like they’re rounding into form with the second half of the season underway. They still have plenty of work to do to move the standings. They’re in 6th place in the West by just half a game. The Magic have been a nice story this year, but they’re currently just 23-22 on the year and 3-7 in their last 10 games. The key will be the defense the Suns bring to the table today. They’re giving up over 114 points per game on average. However, the Magic don’t score a lot. If Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkic, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker can just play a little defense, they should be able to score enough. They’re an elite offensive team when they’re going right, and they’ll need it again today.
Lions +7.5 -120
The Lions have proven to be resilient throughout the year. They’re led by a dynamic offense that can both run and throw the ball at will. The weather will be in Detroit’s favor today, as it’s expected to be nice and warm without any weather factors to consider. The 49ers are a great team and proved they were the best team in the NFC throughout the year. However, they need a last minute drive just to squeak out a win against the Packers last week. Brock Purdy looked mortal and Deebo Samuel left the game early with a shoulder injury. He’s expected to play today, but he probably won’t be 100% healthy. Look for the Lions to pound the rock early and trust their offense to make plays. The Lions have been tough defensively as well. They’ve given up just 46 points in their two playoff games this year. If Goff and the offense can avoid turnovers, they should be able to contain San Francisco’s offense enough today to cover the spread. All the pressure is on the 49ers today, and they didn’t deal with that pressure well last week.
Jared Goff Over 256.5 Passing Yards -110
The Lions will go as far as Jared Goff takes them. The weather won’t be a factor and the Total in this game has been going up all week. Sportsbooks are predicting a high scoring game, and expecting the Lions to lose. The Lions may be forced to throw the ball more and more as the game goes along, to keep up with the high powered San Fran offense. Including both playoff games, Giff has gone over this number in 12 games. In a back and forth game last week in terrible conditions, Jordan Love threw for 194 yards. Goff is a better QB with better weapons and in a game with better weather. It’s not unreasonable to think Goff will put up just 63 more yards in this game. The game script can be very pass heavy if the Lions don’t get stops early in the game. The Lions have several weapons that can make plays after the catch as well, and they love throwing the ball down the field. Goff will be dialed in today as he needs to be for the Lions to have a shot to win today.
Justin Tucker Over 1.5 Field Goals Made -135
Justin Tucker is arguably the best field goal kicker in history. Including the playoffs, this year Tucker has hit 2 or more field goals in 9 games this season. Baltimore’s offense has been prolific this year and sometimes limited Justin’s chances at kicking field goals, but the Chiefs have a solid defense that should stiffen in the redzone. It’s expected to be raining on and off throughout the day, and a low scoring projected Total, so the Ravens will need their future Hall of Fame kicker to be on his game today. The Chiefs have been good defensively all year, and they’re going to do whatever it takes to bend but not break today. The Ravens also have complete trust in Tucker, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him try a couple of very long field goals today. In a game that can be decided by a field goal, Tucker should have more than a couple of chances to hit field goals today.