Doc's Sports

The Hawks have won and covered in four straight meetings, and beyond that they have won and covered the last three visits to New Orleans. Atlanta is off to a slow start at 3-3 but this is a very strong team in our opinion and they have played a brutal schedule recently with losses to Miami and twice to Houston. But they come in with some momentum with a win vs Cleveland last time out. New Orleans has been one of the league’s worst to start the season and they just notched their first win vs also winless Sacramento. They are in the bottom 5 defensively and have allowed 121.6 points per game so far. Atlanta is much better defensively and that will be the difference here for a Hawks win and cover.

We like the chances of seeing plenty of goals in this matchup between Toronto and Vancouver. Both teams have enough offensive talent to make things happen, but neither defense is one we completely trust to keep the opposition in check. Toronto has the firepower to put up three or four goals on its own, while Vancouver should get its share of scoring opportunities against a Maple Leafs team that can be vulnerable defensively. We also like the potential for this game to open up if either side grabs an early lead. With both teams capable of contributing offensively and some questionable defensive play on both sides, we're expecting a high-scoring affair. Look for at least seven goals here.

6-Unit Play: Take #605 Over 142.5 in Atlanta @ Golden State (8 p.m., Saturday, October 31 USA Network)

This total looks too low after Game 6 produced 149 points, and I expect a similar pace in the finale. Atlanta found its offensive rhythm in Thursday's first quarter, while Allisha Gray continues to regain her form following an injury. Golden State should deliver a stronger offensive performance at home and will need consistent scoring to give itself a chance to win. With the championship on the line, both teams should battle to the final whistle, and late fouling could help push this total over. We'll leave the side alone in this pick'em matchup and back the over.

5-Unit Play: Take #197 OVER 43 in UTEP Miners at North Dakota State Bison (Saturday, October 31 | 3:30 p.m. | MW+) TOP COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAY OF THE DAY

After fading UTEP in consecutive games, we're backing the over this week. North Dakota State should find plenty of room to run against the Miners' defense, putting the Bison in position to score early and often.

With UTEP's coach on the hot seat, expect the Miners to keep competing for all 60 minutes. Late scores could help push this game over the total, much as they did in UTEP's last two games against Nevada and San Jose State.

This sets up as a bounce-back opportunity for North Dakota State, and I expect the Bison to threaten the total themselves. Any scoring contribution from UTEP strengthens the case. Take the over.

2-Unit Play: Take #201 Wisconsin Badgers over Iowa Hawkeyes (Saturday, October 31 | Noon | FOX)

Expect a low-scoring grind where every point matters and the extra half-point could prove valuable. Iowa is dealing with significant injuries, while Wisconsin’s strong defense should make offense difficult for the Hawkeyes.

If the Badgers protect the football and avoid costly mistakes, they have a chance to win outright. Wisconsin also has motivation after last season’s 37-0 loss. This one figures to be a battle of field position, and I expect the Badgers to keep it close, with a chance to reclaim the Heartland Trophy. Take the points with Wisconsin.

2-Unit Play: Take #160 Navy Midshipmen over Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Saturday, October 1 | Noon | ABC)

This is a hefty spread for a rivalry game at a neutral site in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Navy’s unique offense presents a difficult preparation challenge, and the Midshipmen should be competitive enough to stay inside the number.

Notre Dame is coming off a loss, and while I expect the Irish to bounce back with a win, I see the margin landing around 20 points. Navy should keep battling and score into the teens, giving the Midshipmen a path to the cover. Take the points with Navy.

Free Play from Doc’s Sports: Take #135 Illinois Fighting Illini over Maryland Terrapins (12 p.m., Saturday, October 31 FS1). I don’t expect Maryland to get much of a spark after firing Mike Locksley. With the remaining staff facing uncertain futures in College Park, keeping this team focused could be a challenge. Illinois still has a bowl berth within reach, and this matchup represents one of its best remaining opportunities to pick up a win. The Illini have won the last two meetings with Maryland, taking last year’s matchup 24-6 after a 27-24 road victory in 2023. Bret Bielema brings the experience to keep Illinois moving forward, and his team has won two straight against opponents stronger than the Maryland squad it faces today. Take the Fighting Illini. Don’t miss Doc’s Sports Weekend Card, featuring top plays in the NHL, NBA, UFC, and Breeders’ Cup. Sign up now and put 55 years of handicapping experience to work for you!