Today's Slate

• The 2024 College Football Playoff Bracket Is Set

  • First Round Betting Odds

  • Community Cappers Lock In Their Weekly Picks

  • MNF: Bengals In Big D

  • Slip of the Week

The 2024 College Football Playoff Bracket Is Set

Yesterday we got the first ever 12-team CFP bracket, and there were a lot of mixed reactions.

First Round Betting Odds

Friday, December 20

Indiana¹⁰ @ Notre Dame⁷ | 8:00pm EST

• Notre Dame -8.5

• Total: 51.5

Saturday, December 21

SMU¹¹ @ Penn State⁶ | 12:00pm EST

• Penn State -8.5

• Total: 52.5

Clemson¹² @ Texas⁵ | 4:00pm EST

• Texas -10.5

• Total: 51.5

Tennessee⁹ @ Ohio State⁸ | 8:00pm EST

• Ohio State -7

• Total: 47.5

Quarterfinals

Tuesday, December 31

Boise State³ vs PSU/SMU | 7:30pm EST

• Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

• Glendale, AZ

Wednesday, January 1

Arizona State⁴ vs TEX/CLEM | 1:00pm EST

• Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl

• Atlanta, GA

Georgia² vs ND/IU | 8:45pm EST

• Allstate Sugar Bowl

• New Orleans, LA

Semifinal matchups will take place on Jan 9 - 10, with the Championship game on Monday, January 20.

Community Cappers Lock In Their Weekly Picks

Last Week:

• Georgia/Texas Total Under 49 (-110) ✅ +.91

• Browns/Broncos Total Over 40.5 (-125) ✅ +.8

• Jameis Winston Under 230.5 Pass YDS (-115) ❌

• Browns +7 (-125) ❌

• Maple Leafs ML & Loyola MD ML (-162) ✅ +.62

• Audric Estime 30+ Rush YDS (+275) ❌

Overall Record: 20-21 | -0.76u

In just 30 snap counts against the Giants, Cooks produced 7 targets and went over this line in a game where they were dominant and controlled most of the game script.

Now, imagine when they meet the Bengals in a game where they’re underdogs and in a projected shootout.

Cooks volume and stock should only go upwards especially since the Bengals struggled against the pass.

Lamb still isn’t 100% but still commands the attention by any team.

Rush is also getting more and more comfortable with this offense specifically Cooks who got 3 receptions against the Giants in limited action.

• I like this spot for some quick catches and completion for Cooks.

I think Michigan gets back on track after a shaky shooting night Saturday against Iowa.

Now, he’s going up against an atrocious Cincinnati defense that has allowed 250+ pass yards in the last 3 games.

With Jake Ferguson back in the lineup and the recent return of Brandin Cooks, Rush is primed for a big passing night tonight.

• His line is set at 237.5, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits 300+

Monday Night Football: Bengals In Dallas

The Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) are clinging to their playoff hopes as they head to Dallas to face the Cowboys (5-7) at 8:15pm EST.

Both teams have underperformed this season, with the Bengals struggling defensively and the Cowboys missing star quarterback Dak Prescott.

And…

This matchup is a must-win for both sides, making it a compelling betting opportunity.

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow is the linchpin of the Bengals' offense, leading the league's top passing attack.

Despite the team's overall struggles, Burrow has been a beacon of consistency, completing 73.7% of his passes in the last three games.

The Bengals' offensive line, while improved, still allows pressure, ranking 17th in sacks allowed.

• This could be a concern against Dallas' aggressive pass rush led by Micah Parsons.

Chase Brown has emerged as a reliable option in the backfield, especially with his recent uptick in usage.

His ability to find gaps in the defense will be crucial against a Cowboys team that struggles against the run.

Brown's versatility as a receiver out of the backfield adds another dimension to the Bengals' attack.

The Bengals' defense has been their Achilles' heel, ranking 31st in scoring defense and 27th in total defense.

They have been particularly vulnerable against the pass, allowing 275.7 yards per game.

• The absence of linebacker Logan Wilson, a key tackler, further weakens their defensive unit.

However, their run defense remains stout, ranking 12th in the league, which could force Dallas to rely more on their passing game.

Dallas Cowboys

With Dak Prescott sidelined, Cooper Rush has taken the reins, leading the Cowboys to a recent victory over the Giants.

It’s not much, but it’s something.

Rush's performance has been serviceable, but the offense lacks the explosiveness it had with Prescott.

The Cowboys have leaned heavily on their ground game, with Rico Dowdle stepping up as the primary back.

The return of tight end Jake Ferguson from concussion protocol is a significant boost for the Cowboys.

Ferguson has been a reliable target, and with the Bengals' struggles against tight ends, he could play a pivotal role in the passing game.

The Cowboys' receiving corps, led by CeeDee Lamb, will need to step up to support Rush, especially if the run game stalls.

The Cowboys' defense has been a mixed bag this season.

While they boast a formidable pass rush, their secondary has been porous, ranking near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed.

Micah Parsons is the standout, leading the team in sacks and providing constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

However, their inability to stop the run could be exploited by the Bengals, particularly if Chase Brown continues his strong form.

The Bottom Line

Expect a high-scoring affair with both offenses exploiting defensive weaknesses.

Dallas' reliance on the run may falter against Cincinnati's strong rush defense, forcing Rush into uncomfortable passing situations.

With both teams' tendencies to hit the over and Cincinnati's favorable matchup against a struggling Cowboys defense, this game is set for fireworks.

Slip of the Week

This one was definitely worth the wait 💰