Breaking it down

Monday, Dec. 5, 2005 | 9:40 a.m.

Editor's note: Jeff Haney's betting column will appear Tuesday.

Leroy's "Money Talks" football handicapping contest

This invitational features 16 handicappers who each put up $2,500 to compete in a single-elimination tournament. Leroy's adds another $10,000 to the prize pool for a total of $50,000. The winner collects $40,000, with $10,000 going to the runner-up. Each week, two contestants make seven selections against the point spread from the weekend's college and pro football games, working with a hypothetical bankroll to rank their picks. The top pick is worth $770 to win $700, the second pick $660 to win $600, down to the seventh pick, $110 to win $100. The contestant who ends up with a higher hypothetical bankroll advances to the next round.

This week's results:

Bryan Leonard, professional handicapper, 4-3, +$700: Falcons +3 (L $110); Tulsa over 56 (W $200); Lions +3 (L $330); Connecticut + 15 (W $400); USC -21 (W $500); Va. Tech under 46 (L $660); Tulsa -1 (W $700).

Leonard advances

"Chicago Pete" Ventrella, veteran sports bettor, 2-4, 1 pending, -$1,060: Bears over 31 (L $110); Titans +15 (L $220); Chiefs +1 (W $300); Giants -3 (W $400); Seahawks -4 (tonight, risk $550); jets +10 (L $660); 49ers +3 (L $770).

This week (8 p.m. Friday at the Riviera): Nick Bogdanovich vs. Buzz Daly

The Stardust invitational football handicapping contest

The Stardust invitational features 16 handicappers competing in a single-elimination tournament for a top prize of $10,000. Each week, two contestants make seven selections against the point spread from the weekend's college and pro football games. The contestant with the better record advances to the next round. A "best bet" is used for a tiebreaker.

The weekend's results:

Marc Lawrence, Florida-based handicapper, 3-4: Florida State +14 (W); Steelers -3 1/2 (L); Titans +16 (L); Packers +7 (L); Connecticut +15 1/2 (W); S. Florida +9 (L); Chiefs +1 (W, best bet)

Lawrence advances

Steve Cofield, host of the "Wise Guys" show on KENO 1460-AM, 2-5: Virginia Tech -14 (L); Redskins-Rams over 45 1/2 (L); Browns +3 (L); UCLA +21 (L); Vikings -2 1/2 (W); Chiefs +1 (W); S. Florida +9 (L, best bet)

This week (9 p.m. Friday at the Stardust): Fezzik vs. Andy Iskoe