Merry Christmas, friends.
Sincere apologies for the late newsletter this week — I’m still digesting the three slabs of medium-rare prime rib from Saturday night. I think most of us are overfed and overserved at this point with New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day still looming.
Diet starts in 2026.
I spent lots of time Saturday chatting with a few bookmaking buddies in Las Vegas and they’re seeing plenty of action on the College Football Playoff quarterfinals next week.
Here’s what they’re saying.
🎙 Vegas Voices
“Wise guys are laying 6.5 with Indiana and taking 7 with Alabama,” South Point head honcho Chris Andrews told me. “The ticket count is about 2-1 Indiana for now.”
“We’re about 2-1 tickets on Indiana,” Westgate VP John Murray added. “I do expect to need Bama and especially Bama outright by kickoff. There will be so many Ohio State to Indiana to Georgia moneyline parlays. We’ll need one of those teams to go down.”
“Miami will get my money,” one former Vegas bookmaker said. “Their size on the offensive and defensive lines is enough to keep it close against Ohio State. If the Buckeyes can’t run the ball, that game will be very, very interesting.”
“I have zero faith that Ole Miss can slow Georgia down,” respected handicapper Rac Jac texted me. “Tulane put up over 400 yards on the Rebels last game. That’s a problem. And the Georgia defense has turned the corner per usual under Kirby [Smart]. They have the horses and schematics to limit the Ole Miss offensive fireworks.”
Anything else?
“I keep seeing all the rec bettors betting Georgia to win the championship,” Wynn Resorts stud muffin Motoi Pearson said. “I feel like that’s not a good sign.”
🐔 The People’s Podcast
Joe O and I have reached almost 2,000 subscribers on YouTube. Audio podcast downloads are through the roof, too. We appreciate all your support and reviews.
Here’s what Jason said:
“Great to see you guys back on Chicken Dinner. From dogs eating lasagna, leaf blowers disguised as vacuums and Sam showing up late to one of your Vegas shows, you guys always make me laugh and wonder what’s next. It’s not always about giving out bets but connecting with an audience and you guys do it better than anyone.”
Thank you, Jason.
📊 Sharp Report
Texas -5.5 —> -8
Illinois +4.5 —> +2.5
Iowa-Vandy U49 —> U47
Titans +3 —> +1.5
Niners -3 —> -3.5
ARI-CIN O50.5 —> 53
🥃 Fade the Bartender
The Bartender has a two-unit NFL bet. Find out later today on X.
🐔 Chicken Picks
Here are the plays this weekend. Best of luck.
Browns +4.5
Panthers +7
Miami FL +9.5
Iowa +5
Indiana -6.5
L/W: 2-3, -1.3 units
YTD: 34-48-6, -18.4 units
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