Sunday 1-21-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:18 PM EASTERN POST
The Alex M. Robb Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS DIRT FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#5 CONTROL GROUP
#1 PAPA SHOT
#2 CAN YOU DIGGIT
#4 EXTINCT CHARM

For your information folks ... the Alex M. Robb Stakes was inaugurated in honor of Mr. Alex M. Robb for his contributions to New York State breeding. In 1932, Mr. Robb became associated with New York breeder Willis Sharpe Kilmer and took charge of his racing and breeding interests. In 1942, Robb became first Executive Secretary of the Thoroughbred Racing Association and in 1946 was invited by George D. Widener to be Secretary Treasurer of Westchester Racing Association and General Manager of Belmont Park. When the New York tracks merged in 1955 he stayed with the New York Racing Association, and in 1962 was invited by Ashley T. Cole to rehabilitate New York breeding and was named Director of the Thoroughbred Breeders Service Bureau. Alex M. Robb passed away in 1985. Here in the 39th running of The Robb ... (which was "frozen out") last week ... #5 CONTROL GROUP , the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in each of his last five outings, winning four times, with three of those "Circle Trips" also qualifying as "POWER RUN WINS." #1 PAPA SHOT has hit the board in four of his respective last five outings, with two of those "board hit efforts" also qualifying as "POWER RUNS."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 3 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $11500 Class Rating: 66

FOR NATIVE MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 CARLOS GUILLERMO 2/1

# 5 SOY DE LA VEGA 3/2

# 2 EL APOCALIPSIS 10/1

CARLOS GUILLERMO looks strong to best this field. He has been racing well recently while recording strong speed figs. Will probably come out very solid - I have liked the way this colt has moved rapidly to the lead recently. Ran a sharp last race. SOY DE LA VEGA - Had one of the most favorable Speed Figures of this field in his last race. EL APOCALIPSIS - Has quite good front speed and will probably fare quite well against this group.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Valuline at Fair Grounds

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Fair Grounds, Race 4 (Sunday January 21, 2018)

RESTLESS RAMBLER
(For ten of today's most likely winners, see Exotic Key Plays.)

FG-4 5.5f TURF Ten Horses
"A" OCL 10,000 4YUP $18,000
P# dd ex p3 t s ML WP TVL

4 RESTLESS RAMBLER 7/5 42% 7/5 Strong Favorite icon
6 DAY SIX 9/2 13% 7/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #6 - Post: 2:35pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 56

Rating: 4

#5 PACO ENSACO (ML=9/2)


PACO ENSACO - Don't often see a positive ROI like +155. This jockey/handler tandem has done well together over the last twelve months. Trainer Kurtinecz moves this thoroughbred down the ladder based on class rating points to face a weaker class today. Look for a nice effort this time out. Is ranked totally at the top in earnings per race. A dominant try in this field will add to the lifetime bankroll.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 CASH CALL KITTEN (ML=5/2), #6 RIDER OF THE BLUE (ML=7/2), #2 CAPTAIN BOBER (ML=6/1),

CASH CALL KITTEN - Don't think this horse is worth 5/2 in this race. RIDER OF THE BLUE - Would have to advance off that sixth place finish last time out to make an impact here. CAPTAIN BOBER - I don't have a 'use' vibe about this vulnerable equine in this event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 PACO ENSACO is going to be the play if we are getting 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $7435 Class Rating: 86

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 HAYBEAUTIFUL 5/2

# 5 CHARTER FLIGHT 4/1

# 7 KEEP ME WARM 3/1

HAYBEAUTIFUL looks solid to best this field. Could provide positive dividends based on very good recent speed figures with an average of 78. She looks decent in this slot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point. Recorded a sound Equibase Speed Figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this race. CHARTER FLIGHT - Could provide positive profits based on very strong recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 74. Gomez will probably be able to get this gelding to break out early in this competition. KEEP ME WARM - With a quite good 81 Equibase Speed Figure last time out, will definitely be a factor in this contest. Is a sharp contender based on figures garnered recently under today's conditions.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Laurel Park

Laurel Park - Race 6

EXACTA, TRIFECTA &DAILY DOUBLE (RACES 6-7) / 10 cent SUPERFECTA 50 cent PICK 3 (Races 6-7-8) / 50 cent PICK 4 (Races 6-7-8-9) $1.00 SUPER HIGH 5


Maiden Claiming $40,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 81 • Purse: $33,000 • Post: 3:00P
(PLUS UP TO 30% MBF) FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $40,000, FOR EACH $4,000 TO $32,000 2 LBS. (MD-BRED AND/OR MD-SIRED HORSES MAY WAIVE CLAIMING PRICE IN THIS RACE).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. TORCH OF TRUTH is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * PAID HOLIDAY: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. H orse has the highest average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. FREE TO TRUMP: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. RARE NOTION: Horse is a first time starter and its sire's win percentage with first timers is at least 18 (minimum of 50 starts). Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. TREETOP FLYER: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
8
PAID HOLIDAY
3/1

4/1
6
FREE TO TRUMP
6/1

4/1
4
RARE NOTION
7/2

10/1
5
TREETOP FLYER
6/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
PAID HOLIDAY
8

3/1
Front-runner
90

69

83.1

49.0

43.5
7
THREEFORTYFIVE
7

10/1
Front-runner
0

0

80.6

37.0

26.0
6
FREE TO TRUMP
6

6/1
Stalker
77

66

75.0

68.4

65.4
5
TREETOP FLYER
5

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
70

66

47.9

55.3

48.8
3
TORCH OF TRUTH
3

8/1
Trailer
0

0

8.5

55.9

48.9
2
COOL CASH
2

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

55.7

40.8

31.8








Unknown Running Style: IN YOUR POCKET (10/1) [Jockey: Delgado Gilberto R - Trainer: Salzman Timothy E], RARE NOTION (7/2) [Jockey: Toledo Jevian - Trainer: Voss Katharine M].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Sunland Park

Sunland Park - Race 4

$1 Pick 6(Races 4-5-6-7-8-9)/.50 Pick 3(Races 4-5-6)/$1 Exacta/Trifecta .10 Superfecta


Claiming $10,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 90 • Purse: $14,300 • Post: 1:45P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 21, 2017 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $7,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY). NEW MEXICO BRED CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * TAP THE ADMIRAL: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. OL WINEDRINKER WHO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. CLONE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surfa ce.
6
TAP THE ADMIRAL
5/2

4/1
2
OL WINEDRINKER WHO
4/1

6/1
1
CLONE
7/2

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
CLONE
1

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
87

83

71.6

79.6

73.1
6
TAP THE ADMIRAL
6

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
91

88

70.4

86.0

82.0
7
MR. DIGGER
7

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
86

79

56.8

74.3

65.8
4
MUSIC GIANT
4

8/1
Trailer
86

79

61.0

75.8

65.3
2
OL WINEDRINKER WHO
2

4/1
Trailer
88

81

55.6

81.2

77.7
5
FANCY STRIPE
5

6/1
Trailer
73

66

55.0

59.2

48.2
3
G M GAGE
3

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
93

79

39.2

66.6

55.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #2 - Post: 1:10pm - Starter Allowance - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,200 Class Rating: 94

Rating: 3

#5 CARLSBAD MOUNTAIN (ML=7/2)
#1 KISS SIN GOODBYE (ML=5/2)
#4 THE GOLD MONKEY (ML=5/1)


CARLSBAD MOUNTAIN - I like when a race sets up this way. This gelding has the lone speed to crush this field. When a pony drops at least 5 lbs (like this one is), you must take notice. It may not seem like much, but could be helpful. Have to make this gelding a win candidate; he comes off a nice race on Dec 31st. KISS SIN GOODBYE - Using this jock/conditioner combination is a smart choice. Had a strong closing move in the last race, running the last quarter in less than 25 seconds. A similar performance today, and it's straight to the winner's circle. THE GOLD MONKEY - Many positive 'vibrations' connected with this thoroughbred and his connections.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 CALL IT LUKE (ML=3/1), #6 AFRICAN FIGHTER (ML=4/1), #2 DEL RIO HARBOR (ML=9/2),

CALL IT LUKE - Tough to back since I think a 'performance bounce' is in the works this time around. AFRICAN FIGHTER - Nice race on December 30th at Turf Paradise, but the fact that there are no workouts since has to make one a little worried. DEL RIO HARBOR - Not likely that the speed rating he notched on January 3rd will hold up in this event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #5 CARLSBAD MOUNTAIN on the nose if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,4,5] with [1,4,5] with [1,3,4,5,6] with [1,3,4,5,6] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL
Dunkel

Conference Championships

Sunday, January 21

Jacksonville @ New England

Game 311-312
January 21, 2018 @ 3:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Jacksonville
136.023
New England
142.198
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New England
by 6
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New England
by 9 1/2
46 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Jacksonville
(+9 1/2); Under

Minnesota @ Philadelphia

Game 313-314
January 21, 2018 @ 6:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
141.567
Philadelphia
140.012
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
34
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 3 1/2
38 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+3 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL
Long Sheet

Conference Championships

Sunday, January 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JACKSONVILLE (12 - 6) at NEW ENGLAND (14 - 3) - 1/21/2018, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games against AFC South division opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ENGLAND is 1-0 against the spread versus JACKSONVILLE over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 1-0 straight up against JACKSONVILLE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (14 - 3) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 3) - 1/21/2018, 6:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-15 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-15 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Conference Championships

Last four years, favorites are 7-1 vs spread in conference championship games.

Vikings (14-3) @ Eagles (14-3)— Minnesota was 5-0 LY when they came to Philly and lost 21-10, in game where total yardage was 282-239, Vikings. Minnesota OC Shurmur was Eagles’ OC from 2013-15; QB’s Keenum/Foles were teammates with Rams. This is first time in Super Bowl era that neither QB in a conference final started for his team in Week 1. Vikings won 12 of last 13 games; they’re 6-2 on road this year, 4-2 on grass, 4-2 vs spread as road favorites. Eagles won four of last five games, but scored 19-0-15 points in last three games, with backup QB Foles in for injured starter Wentz. Philly is 8-1 at home this year, is 3-2 vs spread as an underdog. Favorites are 3-1-1 vs spread in last five NFC title games. Since 2005, road favorites are 1-2-1 vs spread in conference title games. Vikings lost seven of last eight visits here; they’re 0-3 vs Eagles in playoff games, with last one in Metrodome in 2008.

Jaguars (12-6) @ Patriots (14-3)— Brady’s right hand is main question here; line dropped from 9 to 7.5, but no one really knows how bad it is, other than he didn’t practice Thursday. Patriots are in AFC title game for 7th year in row; they split last six AFC title games, are 7-4 in AFC title game in Belichick era, 5-1 at home (3-3 vs spread). Pats are 10-1 vs Jacksonville, with only loss in ’98 playoff game in Florida. Jags are 0-7 in Foxboro, with six losses by 11+ points- they lost 51-17 in last visit here, two years ago. This year, Jaguars are 4-2 vs spread as underdogs- they’re on road for 4th time in last five weeks. NE won 12 of its last 13 games; they covered their last six home games, but two of their three losses this year came at home. Looks like Jaguars will catch a break with the weather- high temps in Foxboro Sunday should be in upper 40’s.

Jacksonville @ New England (-7.5, 45.5)
Minnesota (-3, 38.5) @ Philadelphia

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Conference Championships

Trend Report

Sunday, January 21

JACKSONVILLE @ NEW ENGLAND
Jacksonville is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Jacksonville's last 6 games when playing on the road against New England
New England is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

MINNESOTA @ PHILADELPHIA
Minnesota is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Philadelphia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Sunday, January 21

AFC Championship Game betting preview and odds: Jaguars at Patriots

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots (-7.5, 46.5)

Not satisfied with a worst-to-first finish in their division, the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars look to continue their remarkable run when they visit the top-seeded New England Patriots for Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Jacksonville will have to solve the most successful coach-quarterback tandem in league history, although four-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady missed practice again Thursday with an injured right hand.

The Patriots are appearing in their seventh consecutive AFC Championship Game, but coach Bill Belichick dismissed the idea that the been-there-won-that factor gives his team a huge edge. "I don’t think experience has anything to do with that," Belichick, who has guided New England to seven Super Bowls - winning five - since 2001, told reporters. "It is what happens Sunday, not what happened last year, two years ago, five years ago, 15 years ago, 1996 or whatever it is. Those games don’t make any difference, with all due respect." The third-seeded Jaguars are brimming with confidence, with star cornerback Jalen Ramsey predicting a victory over the Patriots in the wake of last week's 45-42 win at No. 2 seed Pittsburgh. Coach Doug Marrone acknowledged that New England presents "a great challenge for us" and fully expects to see Brady, saying, “I’m sure he could probably throw left-handed if he has a problem with his right hand and throw just as well.”

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE HISTORY: The Pats opened as 8.5-point home chalk and was quickly bet up to -9.5, however, money has been coming in on the Jags pushing that line down at most shops too -7.5 heading into the weekend. The total hit the betting board at 47 and is down slightly to 46.5.

WEATHER REPORT:



INJURY REPORT:

Jaguars - S Tashaun Gipson (Probable, Foot), WR Jaydon Mickens (Hamstring), OL Chris Reed (Questionable, Knee), WR Jaelen Strong (I-R, Knee), WR Arrelious Benn (I-R, Knee), LS Matt Overton (I-R, Shoulder).

Patriots - RB Rex Burkhead (Probable, Knee), DL Alan Branch (Questionable, Knee), RB Mike Gillislee (Questionable, Knee), WR Malcom Mitchell (Questionable, Knee), DT Vincent Valentine (Questionable, Knee), OL Marcus Cannon (I-R, Ankle), OL Tony Garcia (I-R, Illness).

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (12-6 SU, 10-8 ATS, 9-9 O/U): Jacksonville features the league's top-ranked rushing attack led by rookie Leonard Fournette, who ran for 109 yards and three touchdowns last week but also nicked an ankle that limited him in practice Wednesday and Thursday. Blake Bortles completed just 53.1 percent of his passes in the two playoff wins, but he has not committed a turnover after tossing five interceptions in the final two regular-season games. The Jaguars will try to slow the NFL's top offense with a defense that surrenders a league-low 169.9 yards passing while ranking second in sacks (55) and interceptions (21). Ramsey and cornerback A.J. Bouye combined for 10 picks while defensive ends Calais Campbell (14.5) and Yannick Ngakoue (12) accounted for nearly half of the team's sacks.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (14-3 SU, 12-5 ATS, 8-9 O/U): Brady owns the most postseason wins (26) in history and added to his playoff legacy last week, passing for more than 300 yards for the 13th time and surpassing Joe Montana with his 10th three-touchdown performance. Journeyman Brian Hoyer is the only quarterback on the roster besides Brady, who hasn't missed a game due to injury since 2008 and completed at least three passes to five different receivers in last week's 35-14 rout of Tennessee. Dion Lewis has rushed for at least 60 yards in seven of his last eight games and added a season-high nine catches last week while tight end Rob Gronkowski has 34 receptions and four touchdowns over his last four contests. New England is vulnerable to the run, ranking 20th at 114.8 yards allowed, but it permits only 18.5 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game.

* Patriots are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 playoff home games.

* Over is 5-0 in Jaguars last 5 games following a straight up win.

* Over is 7-0 in Patriots last 7 playoff home games.

* Jaguars are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 meetings in New England.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the road underdog Jacksonville Jaguars at a rate of 60 percent and the Over is getting 58 percent of the totals action.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NFL

Sunday, January 21

NFC Championship Game betting preview and odds: Vikings at Eagles

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (+3, 39)

The Philadelphia Eagles attempt to hold serve at home despite being tagged as underdogs for the second consecutive contest on Sunday as they host the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game. The top-seeded Eagles benefited from a late defensive stand to fend off Atlanta last week while the second-seeded Vikings scored an improbable last-second touchdown to stun New Orleans.

Case Keenum (career-high 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns and 98.3 passer rating) took a light-hearted approach upon addressing the media on Wednesday, three days after connecting with Stefon Diggs on a 61-yard scoring strike to complete the "Minneapolis Miracle" in a 29-24 triumph over the Saints. "I know this is what you guys all predicted: A (Nick) Foles vs. Keenum NFC Championship Game," he said, referencing the unlikely matchup pitting himself against a quarterback who was one year removed from seriously considering retirement. "It's been a crazy journey," said the 28-year-old Foles, who was acquired with Keenum by the then-St. Louis Rams on the same day (March 10, 2015) before ultimately returning to Philadelphia in a backup role. Foles has endured an uneven ride while filling in for the injured Carson Wentz, but completed 23 of 30 passes for 246 yards in a 15-10 win over the Falcons.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FOX.

LINE HISTORY: The Eagles opened as 3.5-point home underdogs, however bettors have shown them some love and as of Thursday night that number is down to +3. The total hit betting boards at 38 and in up slightly to 39.

WEATHER REPORT:



INJURY REPORT:

Vikings - WR Adam Thielen (Probable, Back), WR Michael Floyd (Questionable, Illness), CB Mackensie Alexander (Questionable, Ribs), S Andrew Sendejo (Questionable, Concussion), DT Shamar Stephen (Questionable, Knee), LS Kevin McDermott (I-R, Shoulder), C Nick Easton (I-R, Ankle), TE Blake Bell (I-R, Shoulder), DT Sharrif Floyd (Out Indefinitely, Knee), RB Dalvin Cook (I-R, Knee), RB Bishop Sankey (I-R, Knee).

Eagles - LB Dannell Ellerbe (Probable, Hamstring), CB Sidney Jones (Probable, Hamstring), QB Carson Wentz (I-R, Knee), K Caleb Sturgis (I-R, Quadricep), S Chris Maragos (I-R, Knee), LB Joe Walker (I-R, Undisclosed), LB Jordan Hicks (I-R, Achilles), T Jason Peters (I-R, Knee), RB Darren Sproles (I-R, Knee), RB Donnel Pumphrey (I-R, Hamstring), CB Randall Goforth (I-R, Knee), WR Dom Williams (I-R, Achilles), DT Aziz Shittu (I-R, Knee).

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (14-3 SU, 11-6 ATS, 8-9 O/U): Diggs overcame a slow start to finish with six catches for 137 yards and a touchdown against the Saints, giving him 28 receptions and four scores in the last five games. Fellow wideout Adam Thielen (team-leading 91 catches, 1,276 yards), who finished with six receptions versus New Orleans for the third time in five outings, returned to practice on Thursday after being plagued by a lower-back injury. Latavius Murray rushed for a touchdown last week to increase his total to 22 since 2016 (including playoff games) heading into a tilt with the NFL's top-ranked run defense.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (14-3 SU, 11-6 ATS, 8-9 O/U): Jay Ajayi stumbled out of the blocks with a fumble on his first carry last week before finishing with 54 yards rushing and 44 yards receiving on three catches. The 24-year-old clearly has become Philadelphia's top option out of the backfield following an in-season trade with Miami, but the terrain could be tough against Minnesota's top-ranked overall defense. Alshon Jeffery, who saw all four of his catches result in first downs last week, had a team-best nine touchdown receptions this season and has scored seven times in nine career games versus the Vikings.

TRENDS:

* Vikings are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
* Eagles are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 playoff games.
* Under is 4-1 in Vikings' last 5 playoff road games.
* Under is 9-1-1 in Eagles' last 11 playoff home games.
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Philadelphia.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home underdog Philadelphia Eagles at a rate of 51 percent and the Over is getting 55 percent of the totals action.