2017 NLL Week 5 Preview

Last Week:
2-2; 2-2 against the spread; 1-0 best bet

Picks:
Top Attraction:

Colorado Mammoth (2-2) @ Calgary Roughnecks (2-1)
Time: Sat 28 JAN 2017 9p, Scotiabank Saddledome
Line: Calgary -1.5
The Scoop: In the only rematch from last week, this back end of a home and home should deliver on promise. Calgary has bounced back well from not having their top goalie and will try to make it three in a row before hosting Saskatchewan next week, who could be a trap game given the result for the Rush against Rochester. Colorado has only played in one game with a margin greater than three when they lost in their second game of the year, the 15-9 thwart by Vancouver. Other than that, the cowbells should realistically in the game from start to finish as has been the case, with an impressive Zack Greer being prominent in the lineup. And for the second year, running, Calgary will be hosting Star Wars night, along with a themed jersey!
Outlook: Riggers by 3.

Rochester Knighthawks (1-2) @ Toronto Rock (2-0)
Time: Sat 28 JAN 2017 7p, Air Canada Centre
Line: Toronto -1.5
The Scoop: Last week is one the 585 area code would like to rather forget after being doubled up by Saskatchewan 16-8. They're going to the 905 from the 90 to the 401 in this classic rivalry. History favors the team from the Flower City as the away team has traditionally won fixtures in this rivalry unlike when these teams were still in their infancy, as evident by TO on opening night 12-5. Meanwhile, Toronto have the KHawks and Buffalo at home in succession to make games of massive importance. They would like to have some momentum heading into the QEW rivalry, but last week will not sit well with the visitors who wiant to come out of the gate to take out their frustrations on the Rock and the ACC. The lack of games could also be a problem for Toronto.
Outlook: Rochacha by 3.

Best of the Rest:

Vancouver Stealth (2-3) @ Saskatchewan Rush (1-2)
Time: Fri 27 JAN 2017 8:30p, SaskTel Centre
Line: Saskatchewan -1.5
The Scoop: The Rush got a much needed blowout win at the Knighthawks expense. We all know what this team is capable of, but Adam Jones will certainly be under the microscope again. Vancouver meanwhile looked hot but are really not as they hav followed their opening two victories with three straight defeats. They'll be looking to get out of their own funk against a team that did the same last week.
Outlook: Saskatchewan 3.

Buffalo Bandits (1-2) @ New England Black Wolves (0-3)
Time: Sat 28 JAN 2017 7p, Mohegan Sun Arena
Line: New England -1.5
The Scoop: To say both teams need this win is an understatement. Buffalo got their first win against what we though might be an actually but not really competitive Stealth team, while win-less New England will be hosting their home opener. The Bandits are still playing with a chip on their shoulder for the Black Wolves "stealing" the team colors, something uniquely Buffalo's in the league for 23 years. The casino dwellers haven't been within 5 goals of either Eastern opponent they've faced (Rochester and Georgia). But by degrees of separation, They lost in overtime in Denver against Colorado 10-11, a team who won in Buffalo 12-8 on opening weekend. Unless I'm reading too much into that, the cards appear to be in New England's favor.
Outlook: Black Wolves by 2.

Dog of the Day:

Georgia Swarm (3-0) @ Vancouver Stealth (2-3)
Time: Sat 28 JAN 2017 10p, Langley Events Centre
Line: Georgia -1.5
The Scoop: What can't the Swarm do right now?! This should be a breeze almost given the Stealth play in Saskatchewan the night before. Vancouver could very well find themselves in the division basement again and they may begin to press the panic button. They clearly haven't been the same organization since Chris Hall passed a way when it comes to on-field success. But Georgia's growing support as a lacrosse community is being rewarded with at least one solid team, though the MLL's Atlanta Blaze could use some more work.
Outlook: Buzz by 5. - best bet

*All times Eastern.