

RJ Bell's Dream Preview
Pregame.com
Winning sports picks from Las Vegas. Everything you need for free on the biggest games each week from Pregame.com's Wiseguy Roundtable. Alongside your host RJ Bell, we have professional bettor Steve Fezzik, plus more of the biggest names from the world of sports betting.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 30, 2025 • 41min
Dream Recap NFL Week 17
RJ bell and Mackenzie Rivers talk NFL betting recap for Week 17
RJ Bell and Mackenzie Rivers closed out Week 17 with a concise but data heavy betting recap that blended market results, team motivation, and late season NFL trends, grounding every conclusion in performance metrics rather than narrative guesswork. Bell acknowledged a winning week that still felt unsatisfying due to a lost best bet and a misread on the Raiders, noting that injury related assumptions about tanking did not align with observed effort. That misread fed into a broader discussion about how perceived tank games often produce the opposite result, as teams under scrutiny tend to play harder, a pattern Bell argued is more reliable than public speculation. The conversation expanded into league wide scoring and game flow data, highlighting that Week 17 produced a season high number of games where one team never trailed, yet historical analysis since the introduction of the 17 game schedule showed no consistent late season bias toward blowouts. Bell emphasized that Week 18 stands apart, with teams typically maintaining effort regardless of playoff position, a finding supported by multi year data showing fewer one sided games in the final week. From a betting performance standpoint, the duo cited a 22 and 8 run over six weeks, reinforcing confidence heading into the season finale. Team level analysis focused heavily on net point margin and first down differential since Week 11, metrics Bell described as among the strongest predictors of future performance. Jacksonville, San Francisco, New England, Seattle, and the Rams emerged as clear leaders in point margin, while the Saints quietly ranked among the best in first down differential, contrasting sharply with struggling teams like the Jets, Raiders, and Cardinals. Quarterback form was treated with the same rigor, as Rivers detailed dramatic midseason turnarounds from Trevor Lawrence and sustained late season efficiency from other passers, while also flagging volatility in players such as Sam Darnold. Turnover efficiency further separated contenders from pretenders, with Seattle standing out as a playoff caliber team despite poor turnover luck, a profile Bell suggested could signal hidden upside. Throughout the discussion, the hosts returned to a central theme, late season betting edges come from understanding effort, efficiency, and underlying stats, not from assuming teams will quit or coast based on standings alone
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Dec 26, 2025 • 40min
NFL Player Props Week 17
Munaf Manji and SleepyJ talk NFL Week 17 player props.
The NFL regular season is winding down, and Week 17 presents a complex betting landscape shaped by playoff positioning, player motivation, and late season incentives. On the latest episode of RJ Bell’s Dream Preview, Munaf Manji and SleepyJ broke down how those factors are influencing player prop markets across the board, with an emphasis on discipline and game script rather than chasing inflated narratives. They noted that with many playoff seeds already decided, sportsbooks and bettors alike are gravitating toward incentive driven props, which can cause numbers to move quickly and lose value. As a result, both stressed the importance of identifying matchups where motivation and opportunity align naturally rather than forcing plays based on headlines. One early focus was quarterback props, starting with Geno Smith under his passing yardage total against the Giants. SleepyJ argued that Las Vegas has little incentive to open up the offense, especially with Brock Bowers sidelined and Smith dealing with lingering injuries. A conservative, run heavy approach or even an early exit for Smith made the under appealing. Manji agreed, adding that the Raiders’ broader organizational incentives point toward limiting risk at quarterback. On the other side of the spectrum, Trevor Lawrence was highlighted as a strong over candidate against Indianapolis. The Colts’ secondary has struggled badly in recent weeks, and with the AFC South still at stake, Lawrence is expected to shoulder the offensive load again, making his passing yardage line attractive. In the running back market, SleepyJ took a contrarian stance with Chuba Hubbard under his combined rushing and receiving total, citing likely negative game script and a shifting backfield rotation that favors Rico Dowdle in passing situations. Manji countered with Chase Brown over his rushing yards against Arizona, pointing to a Cardinals defense that has consistently allowed explosive ground production and a Bengals offense capable of playing from ahead. Wide receiver props followed a similar pattern of value hunting. Romeo Doubs was identified as an over play due to his low yardage number and his established role as a downfield threat in Green Bay’s offense. Manji expanded on the incentive angle with Stefon Diggs, who is chasing significant contract bonuses tied to receptions and yardage. Against a depleted Jets secondary, Diggs’ receiving yardage over was framed as both situationally and statistically sound. At tight end, SleepyJ continued his season long strategy of targeting Indianapolis with opposing tight ends, backing Brenton Strange over his reception total as a reliable option for Lawrence. Manji stayed in a high total environment with Trey McBride over his receiving yards against Cincinnati, citing the Bengals’ ongoing struggles defending the position and McBride’s strong road splits. The episode’s featured best bet centered on Saquon Barkley over his rushing yardage against Buffalo. Both hosts emphasized the Bills’ vulnerability against the run and Philadelphia’s recent commitment to feeding Barkley, making the over a straightforward play despite a marquee matchup. Together, the discussion reinforced a clear theme for Week 17, focus on matchup driven edges and realistic game flow rather than crowded incentive narratives, a disciplined approach as the regular season reaches its final stretch.
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8 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 28min
Dream Podcast - NFL Week 17 THE PICKS !!
RJ Bell and Mackenzie Rivers dive into NFL Week 17 with a focus on late-season motivation and scoring trends. They uncover a fascinating split in the Ravens-Packers matchup, recommending a second-half over. The Patriots' strong first-half performance against the Jets and the Titans' first-quarter edge are highlighted for betting strategies. They also examine Josh Allen's passing yards in relation to Buffalo's run-heavy approach. With insights on the Cowboys, Jaguars, and more, it's all about exploiting game dynamics to find playoff success!

Dec 24, 2025 • 25min
CFB Playoff Quarterfinals Preview + Best Bets !!
Griffin Warner and Lonte Smith talk CFB playoff games and best bets.
Griffin Warner and Lonte Smith broke down the College Football Playoff quarterfinal slate with a focus on matchup specific edges, betting markets, and how recent form intersects with schematic realities. Coming off a 4 0 run on their last two podcast episodes, the discussion centered on four games and how defense, trench play, and quarterback trust shape both sides and totals. The opening focus was Miami versus Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, a matchup both viewed as driven by elite defenses and pace control. Ohio State entered as a nine point favorite, but Smith emphasized Miami’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, pointing to pressure rates, sack production, and third down efficiency. While expecting Ohio State to win outright, he leaned toward Miami covering and consistently highlighted unders across quarters and the full game, citing run game inefficiency on both sides and a likely field position battle. Warner echoed the correlation between strong defensive underdogs and unders, particularly on a neutral field. The conversation then shifted to Oregon versus Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, described as the most difficult game to handicap. Smith leaned slightly toward Oregon based on quarterback trust and offensive balance but stressed concerns about receiver health and Texas Tech’s defensive success rate and field position metrics. The consensus framed the game as close to a toss up, with Oregon needing a clean performance and Texas Tech facing pressure to protect its quarterback and avoid one dimensional offense. Alabama versus Indiana in the Rose Bowl generated the strongest stance, with Smith calling for a potential Indiana blowout. He cited Alabama’s struggles running the ball, poor field position numbers, and vulnerability to pressure against an Indiana defense built to attack the pass. Indiana’s ability to protect its quarterback and force Alabama into predictable situations was presented as the defining edge, with Indiana projected to control the game and win by double digits. The final matchup featured Georgia against Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, a rematch that Smith viewed as lopsided in Georgia’s favor. Drawing heavily on the first meeting and Georgia’s second half adjustments, he pointed to Ole Miss’s inability to stop the run and Georgia’s depth and preparation advantage. With Georgia rested, schematically familiar, and trending defensively, Smith projected a decisive win and made Georgia minus six and a half his best bet. Warner agreed on Georgia and added his own best bet on the Miami Ohio State under, reinforcing the theme that defense and game script would dictate the quarterfinals.
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Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 38min
Dream Recap - NFL Week 16
RJ Bell and Mackenzie Rivers talk NFL recap for Week 16.
RJ Bell and Mackenzie Rivers recapped Week 16 NFL action with a focus on separating true performance from misleading final scores by comparing three metrics, the scoreboard result, a box score based recalculation, and two noise reduced efficiency models. They emphasized how sequencing and non repeatable events like turnovers can distort outcomes, using the Rams Seahawks game as a prime example where identical efficiency could have produced wildly different final scores. Bell discussed how betting markets have changed with legalization, syndicates, and model driven bettors, arguing that incentives often force action even without confidence, leading to distorted line moves. He noted that public analysts frequently echo trends without understanding them, creating opportunities for disciplined bettors. Rivers highlighted Bell’s recent betting run and the importance of closing line value. They reviewed teams whose recent performance diverged most from season long metrics, including Jacksonville, the Rams, Chicago, and Baltimore, and discussed how midseason improvements or collapses often lag public perception. Bell argued that some teams appear to be tanking while others remain highly motivated despite poor records, which matters late in the season. Looking ahead to Christmas Day games, they expressed skepticism toward large spreads driven by must win narratives, particularly Denver laying a huge number against Kansas City, favoring the underdog due to rarity and historical performance of large home dogs. They concluded that motivation, pressure, referee tendencies, and market psychology become increasingly important late in the season, and that disciplined bettors should resist narratives, manage risk, and focus on structural edges rather than reacting to surface level results.
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Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 48min
Dream Podcast - NFL Week 16 THE PICKS !!
RJ Bell, Steve Fezzik and Mackenzie Rivers talk NFL Week 16 betting.
RJ Bell hosts the NFL Week 16 Dream Preview with Steve Fezzik and Mackenzie Rivers, opening with a promotion for Pregame bulk dollars and highlighting recent hot streaks across college football, NBA, and other sports before diving into betting analysis. Fezzik is praised for an 11 2 best bet run with wide margins, leading into his first play Bears to score first versus the Packers based on scripting and coin flip leverage. Discussion centers on shortening time horizons with first score and first quarter bets, market overreactions, and the value of contrarian positions. Rivers’ best bet backs Green Bay based on decades long dominance over Chicago, especially at Soldier Field, arguing motivation favors the Packers even in down seasons. Bell leans Chicago due to rest and altitude factors but passes officially. Bell’s best bet is Patriots first half plus the points against Baltimore, citing New England’s elite second quarter performance, Ravens poor first half ATS record, and coaching discipline under Vrabel. Fezzik supports the logic, noting strong game management signals. Additional plays include Colts first quarter plus a half on Monday night, Colts 49ers under based on limited passing upside and defensive matchups, Cowboys Chargers under due to offensive regression and Chargers line injuries, Saints Jets under due to lack of explosiveness and Jets quarterback play, and Raiders plus the points as a buy low embarrassment spot with motivational indicators despite public pessimism. Fezzik adds prop bets including Jacoby Brissett over pass attempts and Jaguars tight end Strange over receiving yards, citing usage trends and matchup weaknesses. The group discusses dream crusher scenarios like Kansas City after elimination, market overreactions to blowouts, teaser strategies, and situational angles tied to motivation and scheduling. The show closes with broader discussion on betting process, line movement discipline, and an extended AI segment exploring how large language models are transforming research, handicapping, content creation, and knowledge work, with Bell arguing AI progress may surpass historic technological shifts while leaving physical trades less disrupted in the near term.
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Dec 18, 2025 • 40min
NFL Week 16 Player Props
Munaf Manji and SleepyJ talk NFL week 16 player prop betting.
Munaf Manji and SleepyJ broke down NFL Week 16 player props with a clear focus on matchup driven edges, quarterback opportunity, and late season usage trends. The conversation opened with quarterback props, starting with Quinn Ewers over 182.5 passing yards against Cincinnati. The case centered on Miami being out of contention, a vulnerable Bengals pass defense, and the likelihood that Mike McDaniel lets Ewers throw freely to evaluate him. Munaf followed with Jacoby Brissett over 249.5 passing yards versus Atlanta, pointing to heavy recent volume, a declining Falcons secondary, and a Cardinals offense that has leaned almost entirely on the pass. Running back props highlighted receiving upside and defensive weaknesses. SleepyJ backed Bucky Irving over 17.5 receiving yards against Carolina, citing his big play ability, prior success versus the Panthers, and Tampa Bay’s need to counter pressure with quick throws. Munaf countered with Bijan Robinson over 125.5 rushing plus receiving yards against Arizona, emphasizing the Cardinals’ collapsing run defense and Atlanta’s incentive to lean on its best player. At wide receiver, SleepyJ targeted Stefon Diggs over 40.5 receiving yards versus Baltimore, noting a low number, bounce back potential, and incentive driven motivation. Munaf went with DK Metcalf over 58.5 receiving yards against Detroit, expecting negative game script, renewed target emphasis, and a Lions defense allowing league high receiver production. Tight end props focused on reliability and matchup. SleepyJ selected Dallas Goedert over 3.5 receptions against Washington, stressing Jalen Hurts’ comfort with Goedert and the Commanders’ poor tight end coverage. Munaf added Darren Waller over 27.5 receiving yards versus Cincinnati, calling it a classic safety valve spot against the league’s weakest tight end defense. Touchdown plays included Malik Washington at plus money for Miami, Bucky Irving to score for Tampa Bay, and Jackson Dart for New York using his legs near the goal line. The best bet of the episode was Tyler Shough over 23.5 rushing yards for New Orleans, supported by consistent rushing attempts, injuries around him, and favorable quarterback rushing history against the Jets. The episode wrapped with a reminder of ongoing bowl season promotions and bonus value at Pregame as the NFL season heads toward the playoffs.
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Dec 17, 2025 • 26min
CFB Bowl Preview - Wed, Thurs & Friday Games.
Griffin Warner and Lonte Smith talk CFB bowl betting for this week.
The episode opens with Old Dominion versus South Florida in Orlando. South Florida is effectively playing a home game, with the campus located roughly ninety minutes away. The key storyline is Old Dominion missing its starting quarterback, which significantly impacts both the spread and the overall game outlook. Given USF’s offensive upside with Byron Brown and the situational edge, South Florida minus two and a half is viewed as a strong position. There is also interest in the over, based on USF’s ability to score and ODU’s defensive limitations.
Next, the conversation shifts to Memphis versus NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl. Both teams play at a fast tempo and rely heavily on explosive plays, while neither defense is considered reliable. The total of fifty eight and a half reflects this, and the over is the preferred angle. NC State receives a slight lean on the side, but that recommendation is contingent on starting quarterback CJ Bailey playing. If Bailey were to sit, bettors are advised to exit both side and total positions immediately, as the offensive profile would change significantly.
The third matchup discussed is California versus Hawaii on New Year’s Eve. This game carries multiple storylines, including Cal quarterback JKS returning to his home state. Hawaii is seen as highly motivated in a true home environment, with both teams expected to retain their starting quarterbacks and minimal impactful opt outs at the time of recording. With strong passing attacks on both sides and the ability to respond quickly to deficits, the over is the strongest play, with Hawaii also drawing interest as a pick’em at home.
The final game covered is New Mexico versus Minnesota in the Rate Bowl in Phoenix. New Mexico enters off one of its strongest seasons in recent years and is viewed as the more motivated team. Minnesota, meanwhile, may be less engaged in a non-playoff bowl setting. Market behavior holding the line under a field goal is interpreted as respect for New Mexico, and the Lobos are identified as a live underdog with legitimate outright win potential.
The official best bets from the episode are South Florida minus two and a half and Hawaii at pick’em. The show also promotes the free Pregame.com College Football Bowl Bash contest, where participants can compete for bulk dollar prizes throughout bowl season.
As emphasized throughout the episode, successful bowl betting requires close monitoring of opt outs, motivation levels, quarterback availability, and late-breaking information. Those factors often matter more than raw power ratings during this part of the college football calendar.
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Dec 16, 2025 • 2h 7min
Dream Recap - NFL Week 15
RJ Bell and Mackenzie Rivers recap NFL Week 15.
RJ Bell and Mackenzie Rivers recap NFL Week 15 focusing on true performance versus noise and how the Super Bowl market is shifting late in the season. The Rams are now the clear top team after ranking number one in offensive EPA minus turnovers for three straight weeks without benefiting from fast pace which signals elite repeatable execution. Stafford has surged into MVP favorite territory while Josh Allen is drawing late momentum as bettors reassess value. RJ stresses the importance of separating raw scores from underlying efficiency noting that pick sixes and short fields distort results while yards first downs and play level data better predict future outcomes. The Rams comeback win over Detroit looks even stronger when adjusting for misc touchdowns and sequence bias and McVay remains excellent on short rest especially on the road. Seattle remains strong but has not meaningfully improved while the Rams have clearly ascended making the Thursday matchup pivotal for NFC seeding. Denver made the biggest move of the week jumping from long shot to contender as Bo Nix played his best pro game and Sean Payton’s system is clicking with the Broncos now a legitimate threat for the AFC one seed. Buffalo remains elite and explosive while Houston is quietly one of the most dangerous teams when Stroud has protection with the Texans ranking top three in several composite metrics. The Chiefs loss with Mahomes injured raises real dynasty questions though history suggests elite quarterbacks often rebound stronger. The Bears continue to improve behind better coaching defense and run game while the Raiders look like the league’s worst roster raising doubts about their direction. The Giants appear content to lose positioning themselves for the top pick while Washington still plays hard. Best bets continue to dominate with large ATS margins underscoring process over results. The episode closes with broader discussion on markets media narratives coaching value and how late season clarity separates real contenders from teams riding variance.
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Dec 12, 2025 • 48min
NFL Week 15 Player Props !!
Munaf Manji and SleepyJ talk NFL player props for Week 15.
Munaf Manji and SleepyJ break down NFL Week 15 player props on RJ Bell’s Dream Preview. Munaf opens by noting the week’s matchups and format—four props each, a TD pick, a pod best bet, and a Pregame.com coupon. Sleepy returns after illness, mentions fantasy playoffs, and brings extra RB and TE props. Sleepy starts QB props with Cam Ward under 191.5 passing yards, arguing late-season protection of franchise QBs on bad teams, Tennessee likely leaning run, and San Francisco’s defense dominating similar QBs. Munaf supports the under and gives Josh Allen over 268.5 pass+rush yards vs New England, expecting heavy usage in a critical AFC East game and citing prior production and New England’s strong run defense likely forcing more Allen attempts and scrambles. RB props: Sleepy plays Isaiah Pacheco over 30.5 rush yards, saying KC wins when he gets work, he outperformed Hunt last week, and the Chiefs need balance; he adds Derrick Henry over 88.5 rush yards vs Cincinnati due to cold weather, Ravens’ RB injuries, Bengals’ weak tackling, and Henry’s big-run potential. Munaf agrees and plays Rhamondre Stevenson under 38.5 rush yards due to NE’s committee backfield, Buffalo’s recent defensive improvement, and Stevenson’s inefficiency and low-touch projections. WR props: Sleepy takes Wondell Robinson over 56.5 receiving yards vs Washington’s poor pass defense, expecting heavy targets from Jackson Dart and a motivating finish to NYG’s season. Munaf picks Jaxon Smith-Njigba longest reception over 27.5 vs Indy, citing his frequent explosive gains at home and Colts’ secondary injuries. TE props: Sleepy targets NYG again with Theo Johnson over 32.5 receiving yards, noting Washington’s extreme vulnerability to TEs, Johnson’s big-play tendency, and likely increased usage; he also plays Isaiah Likely over 34.5 vs Cincinnati, pointing to the Bengals’ repeated failures vs TEs and Likely’s speed in the Ravens’ offense. Munaf supports both and chooses George Kittle over 60.5 receiving yards with Brock Purdy back, citing four straight overs, consistent targets, and SF’s reliance on Kittle amid limited WR weapons. TD props: Sleepy plays Justin Jefferson +180 to score, expecting a breakout vs Dallas’ weak pass defense and the Vikings’ desire to feature him after minimal usage. Munaf takes Nico Collins +115 with Stroud healthy, and tentatively Devon Achane –130 if active against Pittsburgh’s poor run defense. They discuss Pregame.com offers and segue to the pod best bet: Mark Andrews over 39.5 receiving yards vs Cincinnati, anchored in the Bengals’ league-worst TE defense—nearly 100 yards allowed per game, double-digit targets per game to the position, and Andrews’ strong historical production vs Cincinnati. They note Likely could also erupt and that Baltimore’s offense should produce. They close discussing potential Ravens team-total overs, fantasy implications, and newsletter parlays, while noting Joe Burrow’s comments about losing joy in football and the importance of Week 15 outcomes.
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