Xam’s Gem(s):
Lightning Money Line -152
The Blue Jackets have lost 4 games in a row, and now have to face one of the best teams in the league. Tampa Bay has scored 3 or more goals in every game they’ve played since October 19th. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and it’s unclear that the Blue Jackets have the offensive personnel to keep up in what can turn into a shootout.
Rangers Money Line -114
The Rangers are a good team at home, and the Hurricanes have shown to be a completely different team when they have to go on the road. The Hurricanes don’t play great defense all the time as it is and have given up 6 and 7 goals in a game on the road already this year.
Maple Leafs/Bruins Over 5.5 Goals -132
The Bruins have gotten a point in every game they’ve played this year, and that’s in large part to their dynamic offense. Boston has scored at least 3 games in every game they’ve played since October 14th. Both Toronto and Boston average more than 3 goals per game, and Toronto is giving up just under 3 goals per game. This game has shootout written all over it.
Titans/Steelers Over 36.5 Points -110
The Titans just had their best offensive game of the season last week, dropping 28 points on a competent Falcons defense. Will Levis played with a ton of confidence, and won’t be scared despite heading into a stadium with a notorious homefield advantage. The Steelers will have to score to stay in this game. Kenny Pickett has struggled this year, but the Titans have given up 23 or more points in 5 games this year. Their defense on the road in particular has left plenty to be desired.
Oilers Money Line -150
The Oilers have played one game since October 26th, so they’re well rested. The Stars just played yesterday and tonight will be their 3rd game in 4 days. This has all the feelings of a letdown game for the Stars, who are the better team. The Oilers can score, as they’ve scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 6 games. Don’t be surprised if the Stars give more rest than usual to typical starters.
Xam’s Prop(s):
Mika Zibanejad Over 2.5 Shots on Goal -152
Mika has been a shots machine recently, having at least 3 shots on goal in each of his last 5 games. The Rangers will likely have to score quite a bit in this game to win, and they’ll need one of their more reliable offensive playmakers to show up.
Will Levis Over 201.5 Passing Yards -110
In his first career start, Levis threw for 238 yards against the Falcons. The Steelers have been susceptible through the air this year. Trevor Lawrence went for 292 yards last week, and star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will miss tonight’s game. Not a single QB Pittsburgh has faced this year has thrown for less than 220 yards against them.
Najee Harris Over 56.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards -114
The Steelers will need both of their running backs to step up tonight. From Weeks 2-8, he had double digit carries in every game. Last week he only had 7 but expect Harris to be featured early. Harris also has 8 receptions in his last 2 games, on 8 targets. Expect him to be featured in the pass and run game tonight to keep pressure off Kenny Pickett.
Jaylen Warren Over 6.5 Rush Attempts -148
With their QB a little banged up, the Steelers will likely want to include both of their running backs in the gameplan tonight. Even in an unfavorable game script last week, he finished with 5 carries. He had 25 carries from weeks 3-5, which shows he’s earning the trust of his teammates and coaching staff. In what can be a run heavy game, Warren should get enough opportunities in this game.
Derrick Henry Over 17.5 Rush Attempts -114
Henry is coming off 22 carries in the game against Atlanta, and the Steelers give up almost 140 yards on the ground per game. It’ll be a raucous crowd tonight, so there’s going to be plenty of motivation to feed Henry early and often.