Category: c3

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 Stephen Curry key component of Kings-Warriors SGP

A star-studded showdown takes center stage when Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors host DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. Curry ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 24.5 points per game. He’s connecting on 39.8% of his 3-point attempts, his lowest total since the 2021-22 season. However, the addition of Jimmy Butler has Golden State firing on all cylinders entering tonight’s matchup. The Warriors have won five consecutive games and Butler recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Monday’s win over the Trail Blazers. Butler’s prop bet offerings will undoubtedly be popular among bettors making NBA same-game parlays on Thursday night and his over/under for total points scored against Sacramento is 18.5.

The Kings, meanwhile, have recently dominated this in-state rivalry, winning five of the last six meetings against Golden State. Sacramento is also 5-0 against the spread in its past five games on the road. DeRozan stuffed the stat sheet in his last meeting against the Warriors, finishing with 34 points, six assists and four rebounds.

According to the latest Kings vs. Warriors odds, Golden State is listed as a 7-point favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook. The Warriors are -281 (risk $281 to win $100) on the money line, while the Kings are +229 (risk $100 to win $229) underdogs.

If you want to bet on player props, SportsLine’s model has you covered. It simulates every game 10,000 times and continuously refreshes the most recent available data, which can help you spot the biggest discrepancies in the betting lines.

Let’s dive into the SportsLine model’s three highest-rated player prop recommendations for Kings vs. Warriors and see what the payout would be if they were all put into a same-game parlay.

Moses Moody Under 15.5 points + rebounds (-130 at FanDuel): 4 stars
Moody has played well over the last two games, averaging 16.0 points and 4.5 rebounds. However, Jonathan Kuminga is set to return to the lineup and that could eat into Moody’s minutes on Thursday. The young forward is projected for 10.5 points + rebounds in SportsLine’s model, which is significantly below the posted total at FanDuel.

Domantas Sabonis Over 15.5 points (-112 at FanDuel): 3.5 stars
Sabonis has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury. He’s officially listed as questionable on Thursday and could make his return in an important spot for the Kings. The big man is averaging 20.7 points per game against Golden State in three meetings this season and does well on the road. He’s gone Over his points line 14 times in his last 25 road games.

Stephen Curry Under 32.5 total points + assists (-106 at FanDuel): 3 stars
Curry looks energized after Golden State’s big deadline move to acquire Jimmy Butler, highlighted by a 40-point performance against the Nets last Thursday. The point guard has been less stellar at home this season, averaging 28.9 points + assists in San Francisco while posting 32.2 points + assists on the road. In his last 10 home games, Curry has gone Under on his points + assists prop seven times.

Same-Game Parlay odds: +622

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Warriors’ Stephen Curry becomes first NBA player to make 4,000 3-pointers, and 5,000 is within his reach

Stephen Curry is already the NBA’s 3-point king. He broke Ray Allen’s all-time 3-point record in 2021, and has since been putting more distance between him and anyone else trying to chase him. On Thursday night, he reached a milestone no one has ever accomplished in NBA history when he made his 4,000th career 3-pointer on a side-step jumper from the right wing in the third quarter of the Warriors’ 130-104 win against the Sacramento Kings.

Curry entered the night two 3s away from crossing the 4,000 threshold, and took a little longer than expected to hit the milestone. Only two players — Curry and James Harden — had even reached 3,000 career triples. Now Curry stands on his own with 4,000 and counting.

Player Career 3FG
Stephen Curry 4,000
James Harden 3,127
Ray Allen 2,973
Damian Lillard 2,794
Klay Thompson 2,667
“It was a special moment, obviously, to do it at home,” Curry said after the game. “The 2,974 record in New York was great because it was an unbelievable environment in Madison Square, but to do it in front of my home fans — it was a weird game because I didn’t get many attempts up. I finally did it in the third. I felt the energy. It was special.”

Curry finished with just 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting, including 2 of 6 from 3-point range. At this point he remains at exactly 4,000 career 3-pointers, though that likely won’t last long.

This latest accomplishment by Curry comes on the heels of him surpassing 25,000 points on March 9, making him the 26th player to join the 25K club, and just the 10th player to do it with a single team over their career. At the rate at which Curry puts up points, he’ll surely be knocking on the door of finishing his career in the top 10 in scoring, and he could also reach 5,000 3-pointers when it’s all over, too.

Warriors’ Stephen Curry, on the verge of his 4,000th 3-pointer, says he wants to play beyond current contract
James Herbert
Warriors’ Stephen Curry, on the verge of his 4,000th 3-pointer, says he wants to play beyond current contract
Curry, who will turn 37 on Friday, has two years left on his contract which ends in the summer of 2027, and has expressed interest in playing past his current deal. So let’s say he signs to play another two years, taking him through the 2028-29 season, by which time he’ll be 40 years old. That would give Curry four years to reach 5,000 career 3-pointers made. Natural regression will surely happen, and injuries have popped up for Curry in recent years, but he’s also one of the most well-conditioned athletes in the league. He has to be with all the running around the floor he does to get open from 3-point land.

Given that Curry is getting up there in age, let’s say he averages 60 games over the next four years (he’s averaged roughly 63 games a season over his entire career). Using that framework, and assuming he plays another four years, he would need to make at least 4.2 3-pointers a game over those 60 games in four years to cross 5,000.

This is all guesswork obviously, and it will greatly depend on how healthy Curry will be in the next few years, but it’s certainly feasible. And if there is anyone who could reach that uncharted territory, it would certainly be Curry.

“8,000?” Warriors coach Steve Kerr replied when asked how many 3-pointers Curry could end up with. “It just seems like it was not too long ago that he broke the record. He just keeps going. The way he keeps himself in shape, in condition, in rhythm. He’ll make another 1,000 for sure. That’s what I would guess.”

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Stephen Curry hits another milestone

Happy Friday, everyone! By the time you read the next edition of this newsletter, we will have both the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament fields, a whole bunch of conference tournament champions, a Players Championship winner and plenty more headlines. Who knows? Maybe even Aaron Rodgers will sign somewhere!

It’s going to be a great weekend. Let’s get right to it.

🏀 Good morning to all, but especially to …
STEPHEN CURRY AND THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Everyone loves round numbers. Stephen Curry just made a club of his own with one. The Warriors superstar hit his 4,000th career 3-pointer Thursday, making him the only player in NBA history to reach the 4K mark. Here’s the moment.

Let’s put this in context: Only one other player (James Harden) has even made 3,000 career 3-pointers.
Jasmyn Wimbish explains that 5,000 career 3s is within the realm of possibility for Curry, too.
That’s especially true if he follows through on his comment that he wants to play beyond his current contract, which expires after the 2026-27 season.
It’s been a month of milestones for Curry, who became the 26th player to reach 25,000 career points back on March 9.
In some fun news, Curry, 37, also said he thinks the 3-point contest with Sabrina Ionescu will eventually make a return.
Making matters even better, the Warriors beat the Kings, 130-104, their sixth straight win and their 11th win in their last 12 games.

👍 Honorable mentions
Texas kept its NCAA Tournament hopes alive with a 94-89 double-overtime upset victory over Texas A&M. The Longhorns are on the wrong side of the bubble for now, but an opportunity for another impressive win awaits today against Tennessee.
Can VCU be Cinderella again?
Rory McIlroy’s back-nine surge got him near the top of the leaderboard at Sawgrass.
We’re tracking every men’s conference tournament, and we have a list of the auto bids on the women’s side.
Princeton’s Ashley Chea shines on the court and on the screen.
Rafael Devers changed his tune and is open to designated hitting for the Red Sox.
The Cardinals finally handed out an MLB contract!
Where does Alex Ovechkin rank among greatest NHL players of all time?
Marvin Harrison Jr. jerseys are finally available.
The Mercury will retire Diana Taurasi’s No. 3 jersey and induct her into the Ring of Honor.
The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are set. We ranked all of the matchups.
The EA Sports “College Football 26” cover leaked.
Eminem joined Detroit’s bid for a WNBA expansion franchise.
Kylian Mbappé and DJ Khaled are coming to the Rolex SailGP Championship.
🏀 And not such a good morning for …
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COOPER FLAGG AND THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS

Duke superstar freshman Cooper Flagg left Thursday’s ACC Tournament quarterfinal win over Georgia Tech with a sprained ankle. X-rays were negative, but coach Jon Scheyer said it’s “a real long shot” Flagg will be able to play in the Blue Devils’ semifinal matchup tonight against North Carolina.

Flagg twisted his ankle significantly after a rebound late in the first half with Duke trailing 26-17. Duke was able to rally behind Flagg’s fellow freshman Kon Knueppel (28 points, eight assists) for the 78-70 win.
Here’s how Flagg’s teammates reacted to the injury and his potential absence moving forward.
Here’s more from Scheyer, which I thought was absolutely on point: “It’s not about being ready to go tomorrow. That’s not the most important thing for us. We’ve got to see if we can get him right for this run that we can make in the [NCAA] Tournament.”
The Blue Devils, the top team in the AP Top 25 and a projected No. 1 seed, are among the favorites to win it all with a healthy Flagg, and they’re likely not falling to the 2-seed line even with an ACC Tournament loss.

Flagg leads Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, the first major-conference freshman to do so for a team since Ben Simmons in 2015-16. Not only is Flagg a terrific, versatile offensive player, but he is an outstanding defender. There are many reasons he’s the favorite for player of the year.

Flagg is the headliner, of course, but Duke also lost Maliq Brown to a dislocated shoulder — a re-aggravation of an injury he’s been dealing with for a bit. Brown is also a terrific, tough defender and an irreplaceable piece of the Blue Devils’ frontcourt.

👎 Not so honorable mentions
Kansas lost to Arizona in the Big 12 quarterfinals, another disappointment for the preseason No. 1.
DeMarcus Lawrence threw shade at the Cowboys, and Micah Parsons fired right back.
The Patriots released longtime stalwart center David Andrews.
Paul George is consulting doctors about knee and groin injuries and could undergo surgery.
With the Spurs struggling, De’Aaron Fox will undergo finger surgery for an issue he’s been dealing with since training camp and miss the rest of the season.
The Spurs pulled quite the rookie prank on Stephon Castle.
The Rays are not moving forward with their new stadium. Here’s what could come next.
Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Jeff McNeil (oblique) will begin the season on the IL.
These managers are on the hot seat.
Ballyhooed freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey will get most of the blame, but Rutgers’ disappointing transfer class was a huge reason behind the team’s struggles, Isaac Trotter writes.
Fran McCaffrey got ejected for arguing with officials in Iowa’s loss to Illinois.
Minnesota fired Ben Johnson.
Texas self-reported five NCAA violations related to sports gambling. The list of submissions includes two football players.
UNLV says it can only afford the first two years of Dan Mullen’s new contract.
Breanna Stewart had meniscus surgery.
A Virginia high school athlete was charged with assault and battery after an incident involving a baton during a track meet.
🏈 NFL free agency Day 4 winners, losers, grades
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Getty Images
No, we still don’t have destinations for Rodgers or Russell Wilson, who remain among our top free agents still available, but we did get some quarterback news Thursday.

Patrick Mahomes has a new backup: The Chiefs signed Gardner Minshew.
Kenny Pickett believes he’ll have a chance to win the Browns’ starting job
The Falcons seem intent on keeping Kirk Cousins as Michael Penix Jr.’s pricy backup.
The Seahawks officially introduced Sam Darnold.
The Steelers reunited with Mason Rudolph.
Bryan DeArdo handed out Day 4 winners and losers, and Cody Benjamin graded some of the day’s key moves.

Things have certainly quieted down, so I enjoyed Jared Dubin looking back at the 10 best value signings of free agency, including …

Dubin: “DT Poona Ford, Rams — Ford is coming off a really solid year with the Chargers during which he picked up 21 run stops and 23 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s a really good run stopper and he’s flashed some more pass-rush usefulness in recent seasons. The Rams kept him in L.A. and did so for three years and $27.6 million.”
I’m liking the Rams’ offseason, and they have a solid mark in our team-by-team grades, too.

🐐 Dennis Dodd reflects on legendary career
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CBS Sports design
Whenever I’ve seen a Dennis Dodd byline, I’ve tried to get it in this newsletter. Breaking news? Dennis has it. Inside scoops thanks to unparalleled access built on years of trust? Dennis has them. A great story, a well-researched report or a projection for the future? Dennis has it all.

Well … has had it all. Following the NCAA Tournament, he’s retiring after 27 years at CBS Sports and 45 years in sports journalism. And, my goodness, does he have stories to share, one last time for good measure. Dennis’ retirement column is an all-timer, a wonderful look behind the curtain at the guy who brought fans … well … behind the curtain.

Walking tours and (several) adult beverages with Mike Leach? Check. Locked inside stadiums? Check. Worldly travels? Check. Again: You name it, Dennis has done it.

This article is well worth your time. Here’s my favorite part:

Dodd: “The foundation still endures: The players and their stories are what make college sports great. Heck, it’s what makes all sports great.”
Dennis — and all of us — are going to see some great players make great stories in the coming weeks. Let’s cherish it.

📺 What we’re watching this weekend
⛳ We’re watching The Players Championship. Here’s how.
🏀 We’re watching the men’s basketball conference tournaments: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | SEC

Friday
🏀 Celtics at Heat, 7 p.m. on NBA TV
🏀 Lakers at Nuggets, 9:30 p.m. on NBA TV

Saturday
🏀 America East final: Maine at Bryant (M), 11 a.m. on ESPN2
🏀 MEAC Tournament final (M), 1 p.m. on ESPN2
🏒 Devils at Penguins, 3 p.m. on ABC
🏀 Mountain West Tournament final (M), 6 p.m. on CBS
🏀 MAC championship (M), 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2
🏀 MAAC championship (M), 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2
🏀 Knicks at Warriors, 8:30 p.m. on ABC
🏀 CUSA championship (M), 8:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
🏀 SWAC Tournament final (M), 9:30 p.m. on ESPNU
🏀 Big West championship (M), 9:30 p.m. on ESPN2
⛵ Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, 11 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
🏀 WAC Tournament Final (M), 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2

Sunday
🏀 Ivy League Tournament final (M), noon on ESPN2
🏀 Magic at Cavaliers, 1 p.m. on ABC
🏀 Atlantic 10 championship (M), 1 p.m. on CBS
🏒 Golden Knights at Red Wings, 1 p.m. on TNT/truTV
🏀 AAC championship (M), 3 p.m. on ESPN
🏀 Suns at Lakers, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
🏒 Stars at Avalanche, 3:30 p.m. on TNT/truTV
⛵ Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, 5 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
🏀 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Selection Show, 6 p.m. on CBS
🏀 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Selection Show, 8 p.m. on ESPN
🏀 Thunder at Bucks, 9 p.m. on ESPN

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 Latest updates on Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Sam LaPorta and others

As is the case every week, NFL Week 3 had its fair share of injuries across the league. From the Eagles dealing with concussions to their star players to the Chargers’ Justin Herbert exiting the game against the Steelers, many clubs are dealing with injuries they’ll have to addresses during the upcoming week and beyond.

Here’s a rundown of everything we know so far coming out of Week 3:

QB
Justin Herbert (ankle): Herbert was originally listed as questionable to play Sunday due to an ankle injury, and he appeared to aggravate the ankle in the third quarter vs. the Steelers (he confirmed as much afterwards). Taylor Heinicke replaced him under center. Per NFL Media, Herbert has since underwent X-rays on that ankle, which came back negative. He will continue to be monitored this week.
Sam Darnold (knee): The Vikings quarterback briefly exited the club’s Week 3 win over the Texans due to a knee injury. While he came back and finished the game, he did undergo an MRI as a precaution. It was revealed that Darnold has a bone bruise but not structural damage, according to NFL Media. Overall good news for the Minnesota signal-caller.
Jordan Love (knee): The Packers QB, who has missed the past two games with a sprained MCL, will at least be a limited participant to start the practice week on Wednesday, per head coach Matt LaFleur. The team will then take it day-by-day from there as it prepares for a massive NFC North showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
WR
DeVonta Smith (concussion): The Eagles’ new No. 1 WR took a nasty hit in the second half, where his helmet popped off. He was ruled out with a concussion.
Britain Covey (shoulder): The Eagles receiver was ruled out with a shoulder injury on Sunday. It has since been reported that Covey has a broken bone in his shoulder is expected to miss multiple weeks.
Van Jefferson (eye): Steelers pass-catcher Van Jefferson suffered an eye injury.
TE
Sam LaPorta (ankle): The Lions star suffered a low-ankle sprain, per ESPN. Head coach Dan Campbell noted Monday that he is day-to-day.
Trey McBride (concussion protocol): The Cardinals’ productive tight end is in concussion protocol, head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Monday. McBride got hurt following a scary collision with Brian Branch late in the loss to the Lions.
OL
Lane Johnson (concussion): The Eagles’ right tackle was seen throwing up on the sideline in the first half vs. the Saints, and shortly after ruled out with a concussion.
Mekhi Becton (finger): Another Eagles starter on the offensive line was injured in the first half.
Rashawn Slater (pectoral): It was a rough injury day for the Chargers, as star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a strained pec.
Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee): The Browns left tackle was making his season debut this week, but he went down in the second half.
Wyatt Teller (knee): The Browns right guard was ruled out due to a knee injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted on Monday that he could land on injured reserve.
James Hudson (shoulder): The Browns lineman suffered a shoulder injury in the loss to New York.
Erik McCoy (groin): The Saints’ offensive front suffered a massive hit with their center being ruled out with a groin injury. On Monday, head coach Dennis Allen said he is still being evaluated.
Kaleb McGary (knee): The Falcons right tackle, who was ruled out Sunday night with a knee injury, is believed to have suffered a sprained MCL, per NFL Media. He’ll have an MRI to confirm.
Drew Dalman (ankle): Atlanta’s center suffered a high-ankle sprain in the loss to Kansas City, according to NFL Media. He’ll undergo an MRI, but is expected to miss time.
Joe Alt (knee): The Chargers first-round rookie suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh, according to NFL Media. He does not need surgery, but is expected to miss time.
DL
Leonard Williams (ribs): The Seahawks defensive end left with a ribs injury and was later ruled out.
Byron Murphy (hamstring): The Seahawks defensive tackle hurt his hamstring against the Dolphins and was ruled out.
Jeffery Simmons (elbow): Titans head coach Brian Callahan told reporters that Simmons is day-to-day after suffering an elbow injury he suffered in the loss to Green Bay on Sunday.
EDGE
Myles Garrett (feet): The Browns star is dealing with issues with his feet, which he said has led to lower-leg ailments. Garrett left the Giants game for several minutes in the fourth quarter, received treatment in the medical tent and then returned. Head coach Kevin Stefanski called Garrett day-to-day on Monday.
Joey Bosa (hip): The Chargers star defensive end walked off with trainers after one snap played against the Steelers, and was ruled out.
Alex Highsmith (groin): Highsmith did not return to Sunday’s game due to a groin injury. That opened the door for Nick Herbig on the edge.
Marcus Davenport (elbow): The Lions pass rusher has suffered a significant elbow injury in Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, per NFL Media. He is now lost for the season.
Kwity Paye (quad): Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Paye is dealing with a quad injury, but has no update on whether or not he’ll miss time.
CB
Adoree’ Jackson (calf): The Giants cornerback was not seen on the field in the second half of their matchup vs. Cleveland.
Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring): Steelers corner Cory Trice did not return to Sunday’s matchup vs. the Chargers due to a hamstring injury.
Terell Smith (hip): The Bears defensive back was originally listed as doubtful to return with a hip injury, but was later ruled out.
Chidobe Awuzie (groin): The Titans corner suffered a groin injury that could land him on injured reserve.
S
Marcus Epps (knee): The Raiders safety suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to Carolina, according to NFL Media. There’s no other damage to Epps’ knee, so he will be ready for 2025. He is set to be a free agent this offseason.

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Ravens reunite with veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, beef up pass rush, per report

The Baltimore Ravens are reuniting with an old friend as the team is signing veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue to their 2024 squad, according to ESPN.

Ngakoue, 29, last suited up for the Ravens in the 2020 season after coming over in a midseason trade from the Minnesota Vikings. He totaled three sacks and 26 quarterback pressures in nine games that season. His 69 career sacks are tied for the ninth most in the NFL with Joey Bosa since entering the league as a third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ngakoue has played for six teams in his now-nine-year NFL career, suiting up with the Jaguars (2016-2019), the Vikings (2020), the Ravens (2020), the Raiders (2021), the Colts (2022) and the Bears (2023). He suffered a broken ankle that caused him to miss the final four games of his 2023 season in Chicago, which led to him finishing with a career-low four sacks last season.
Ngakoue has an established reputation as a pass rush expert, totaling at least eight sacks in each of his first seven NFL seasons. That puts him in a club with three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald (2015-2020) and three Hall of Famers — DeMarcus Ware (2005-2011), Derrick Thomas (1989-1995) and Reggie White (1985-1991) — as the only players to accomplish that feat in their first seven seasons since sacks became an individual stat in 1982.

Baltimore is making this move in the hopes that it will increase the consistency of its pass rush after a 1-2 start to 2024. Yes, the Ravens’ 10 sacks as a team are the ninth most in the league through three games, but their team quarterback pressure of 27.1% is the fourth worst in the NFL entering the “Monday Night Football” doubleheader in Week 3.

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NFL picks, Monday Night Football bets by model on 41-22-run

Teams trending in opposite directions will meet in the first of two Monday Night Football games when the winless Jacksonville Jaguars battle the unbeaten Buffalo Bills. Jacksonville opened the season with a 20-17 loss at Miami and an 18-13 home loss to Cleveland. Buffalo defeated Arizona, 34-28, in Week 1 and followed that up with a 31-10 win at Miami. The Jaguars, who reached the postseason two years ago, are looking to improve on last year’s 9-8 mark and second-place finish in the AFC South. The Bills, who have reached the playoffs in six of seven seasons, including five in a row, are seeking their fifth consecutive AFC East title.

Kickoff from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bills are 5.5-point favorites in the latest Jaguars vs. Bills odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 45.5. Before making any Bills vs. Jaguars picks, be sure to see the NFL predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season on an incredible 187-130 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. It is also on a 41-22 roll on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of 2022.
The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past six years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick’em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.

Now, the model has set its sights on Jaguars vs. Bills and just locked in its picks and NFL predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NFL odds and NFL betting lines for the spread, money line and over/under for Bills vs. Jaguars:

Jaguars vs. Bills spread: Buffalo -5.5
Jaguars vs. Bills over-under: 45.5 points
Jaguars vs. Bills money line: Buffalo -250, Jacksonville +203
JAC: Jaguars have covered the third-quarter spread in 12 of their last 17 games (+6.75 units)
BUF: Bills have hit the third-quarter money line in 11 of their last 19 games
Jaguars vs. Bills picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back the Bills
Quarterback Josh Allen, a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is off to another solid start to his season. Through two games, he has thrown for 371 yards and three touchdowns on 31 of 42 passing, and has compiled a 124.2 rating. He has also carried 11 times for 41 yards and two scores. In parts of seven seasons, Allen has thrown for 23,074 yards, completing 63.4% of his passes, and has thrown for 170 touchdowns and just 78 interceptions for a 92.7 rating.

Also helping power the Buffalo offense is running back James Cook. He leads the team in rushing, carrying 30 times for 149 yards (5.0 average) and two touchdowns. He has eight first-down conversions and has a long run of 49 yards. In the passing attack, Cook has caught four passes for 49 yards (12.3 average) and one touchdown. In three seasons with the Bills, he has 356 rushes for 1,778 yards (5.0 average) and six touchdowns. See which team to pick here.

Why you should back the Jaguars
Wide receiver Gabe Davis aims for his third game in a row with 40-plus receiving yards. He also has 55 or more receiving yards in two of his past three games in prime time. Davis totaled 163 catches for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns over four seasons with Buffalo from 2020 to 2023. He has six catches for 105 yards (17.5 average) and five first-down conversions on the year.

Wide receiver Christian Kirk has four or more catches in four of his past five road games. In his last meeting against Buffalo, he had six catches for 78 yards. Under the lights, Kirk has played well. He has 90-plus receiving yards and a touchdown catch in two of his past three games in prime time. He also has 85-plus receiving yards in two of his three career games on Monday Night Football. See which team to pick here.

How to make Jaguars vs. Bills picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 50 combined points. It has also generated an against-the-spread pick that hits in over 60% of simulations. You can only get the NFL model’s picks at SportsLine.