Saturday Trends and Indexes 10/20

[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Long Sheet


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Sunday, October 21
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ARIZONA (3 - 3) at WASHINGTON (3 - 2) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ATLANTA (1 - 4) at NEW ORLEANS (1 - 4) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BALTIMORE (4 - 2) at BUFFALO (1 - 4) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MINNESOTA (2 - 3) at DALLAS (5 - 1) - 10/21/2007, 4:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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NEW ENGLAND (6 - 0) at MIAMI (0 - 6) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 113-82 ATS (+22.8 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in October games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW ENGLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-2 against the spread versus NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 2-2 straight up against NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 3) at NY GIANTS (3 - 2) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TAMPA BAY (4 - 2) at DETROIT (3 - 2) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

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

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TENNESSEE (3 - 2) at HOUSTON (3 - 3) - 10/21/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 3-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE is 4-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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KANSAS CITY (3 - 3) at OAKLAND (2 - 3) - 10/21/2007, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-1 against the spread versus OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY is 4-0 straight up against OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NY JETS (1 - 5) at CINCINNATI (1 - 4) - 10/21/2007, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games in October games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
CINCINNATI is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in October games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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CHICAGO (2 - 4) at PHILADELPHIA (2 - 3) - 10/21/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 114-80 ATS (+26.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) against NFC North division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ST LOUIS (0 - 6) at SEATTLE (3 - 3) - 10/21/2007, 4:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PITTSBURGH (4 - 1) at DENVER (2 - 3) - 10/21/2007, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
DENVER is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
DENVER is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) in October games since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 since 1992.
DENVER is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 1-1 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 1-1 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Monday, October 22
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INDIANAPOLIS (5 - 0) at JACKSONVILLE (4 - 1) - 10/22/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in home games off a win against a division rival since 1992.
INDIANAPOLIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE is 2-1 against the spread versus INDIANAPOLIS over the last 3 seasons
INDIANAPOLIS is 3-1 straight up against JACKSONVILLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Sunday, October 21st

Week 7 Byes: Carolina, Cleveland, Green Bay, San Diego

Arizona at Washington, 1:00 ET
Arizona: 3-8 ATS vs. NFC East opponents
Washington: 15-6 Under off a road loss by 3 points or less

Atlanta at New Orleans, 1:00 ET
Atlanta: 11-4 ATS at New Orleans
New Orleans: 0-7 ATS after losing 4 of their last 5 games

Baltimore at Buffalo, 1:00 ET
Baltimore: 0-6 ATS as a road favorite
Buffalo: 8-1 ATS off BB ATS wins

(TC) Minnesota at Dallas, 4:15 ET
Minnesota: 4-13 ATS after allowing 350+ passing yards
Dallas: 18-7 ATS after allowing 35+ points

New England at Miami, 1:00 ET
New England: 11-2 ATS as a road favorite
Miami: 1-10 ATS off a road game

San Francisco at NY Giants, 1:00 ET
San Francisco: 9-18 ATS after allowing 9 points or less
NY Giants: 4-1 ATS vs. NFC West opponents

Tampa Bay at Detroit, 1:00 ET
Tampa Bay: 8-1 Under after allowing 14 points or less
Detroit: 1-5 ATS off BB games allowing 25+ points

Tennessee at Houston, 1:00 ET
Tennessee: 14-5 ATS off 3+ games allowing 17 points or less
Houston: 8-2 Over off a division loss

Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 ET
Kansas City: 20-9 Under vs. conference opponents
Oakland: 3-12 ATS with a line of +3 to -3

NY Jets at Cincinnati, 4:05 ET
NY Jets: 0-6 ATS away in October
Cincinnati: 5-1 Under off a loss as a favorite

Chicago at Philadelphia, 4:15 ET
Chicago: 15-2 Over vs. conference opponents
Philadelphia: 25-11 ATS vs. NFC North opponents

St. Louis at Seattle, 4:15 ET
St. Louis: 15-33 ATS off a non-conference game
Seattle: 8-2 Over in October

Pittsburgh at Denver, 8:15 ET NBC
Pittsburgh: 15-5 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Denver: 1-10 ATS in home games


Monday, October 22nd

Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 8:30 ET ESPN
Indianapolis: 6-0 Over off BB wins by 10+ points
Jacksonville: 3-13 ATS off BB ATS wins as a favorite


** (TC) Denotes Time Change

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[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up


Week 7 NFL scoreboard

Sunday, October 21

Cardinals (3-3) @ Redskins (3-2)— Leinart, Warner both out for Arizona, so Rattay is QB, bad news vs tough Redskinn defense that held Pack to 225 yards at Lambeau last week. Before both QBs got hurt, Arizona’s only losses had been by FG each (all three of their road games were decided by three points). Skins are 2-1 at home, winning by 3,31 points. NFC East home favorites are 4-1-1 vs spread in non-division games, NFC West road dogs are 2-3-1. Arizona has 22 penalties for 201 yards in their last two games. Redskins held three of last four opponents under 5.5 yds per pass attempt; they’ve allowed one TD on opponents’ last 24 drives.

Falcons (1-5) @ Saints (1-4)— Saints win one ballgame, all of a sudden they’re 9-point favorites in rivalry game? Short week for Atlanta, off dismal Monday night performance; they’re 0-3 on road, losing by 21-6-7 points, and completed less than half their passes in each of last two games. Saints didn’t score in second half at Seattle; they’ve been outscored 79-33 after halftime this season. Falcon receivers were bad Monday, which helps explain their 7-31 mark on third down in last two games. Saints held last four opponents under 100 yards rushing- last week was their first with less than two turnovers. All three Atlanta road games stayed under the total.

49ers (2-3) @ Giants (4-2)—Short week for red-hot Giants, with London trip on deck; they better not look ahead here, vs Niner club that lost last three games before its bye, by 21-20-2 points. Only once in five games has SF gained 200+ yards in game; they have two TDs on last 36 drives, and with Dilfer at QB, they’re lame on offense (5-26 on 3rd down, 0.6/4.6 ypp last two games). Giants won last four in row, by 7-13-11-21 points, scoring 26.5 pg (eight TDs on 23 drives in last two games); after allowing 478-368 yards in first two games, NY has allowed average of 252.8 ypg during win streak. Four of five 49er games stayed under the total.

Ravens (4-2) @ Bills (1-4)—Baltimore bullied bad teams last two weeks, holding Dilfer-Frerotte to one TD on 23 drives, in 9-7/22-3 wins; they’re 1-2 on road, losing at division rivals Bengals-Browns, and nipping Niners in weak effort, so they’re suspect on road, especially if Boller starts (they have one TD on 24 drives in last two games). First game for Bills after bye and Monday night meltdown vs. Dallas- their three home games (1-2) have been decided by total of five points- they were +6 in turnovers and lost Dallas game, which is really hard to do. Only once in four games have they averaged 4+ yards per pass attempt. Four of last five Raven games stayed under total.

Vikings (2-3) @ Cowboys (5-1)— Dallas’ last game before bye and three straight division games; they’re 3-1 vs spread as faves, 2-1 at home, with wins by 10-32 points- their last five opponents ran ball for 70.8 ypg, good news vs Viking squad averaging 170.2 ypg after 311-yard outburst in Chicago last week. Cowboy secondary can be exploited, but can Jackson (9-23/130 last week) do it? Minnesota losses are by 3-3-7 points; they turned ball over five times in only previous turf game (17-20 @ Detroit), have only four other giveaways (+5 TO ratio). NFC East home favorites are 4-1-1 vs spread out of division; NFC North road dogs are 2-4.

Patriots (6-0) @ Dolphins (0-6)— With New England 6-0 (against spread too), ’72 Dolphins have reason to worry about being last unbeaten team. Miami lost only home games 37-20/35-17, giving up nine TDs on 21 drives; 0-6 teams don’t have home field edge, especially ones that play in good weather cities, where fans are not as avid. Patriots finding reason to run up score on every opponent, scoring 34+ in all six games, winning road games by 24-21-21 points. I guess there is possible letdown after big Dallas win, but these Patriots seem totally focused right now, scoring 26 TDs on 68 drives (38.2%). Four of last five Miami games went over total.

Bucs (4-2) @ Lions (3-2)—Detroit is 2-0 at home, beating Vikings, Bears; their two losses are by 35-31 points. Hard to imagine Jeff Garcia’s Bucs inflicting that kind of damage, but Kiffin defenses always did pretty well vs Ram version of Martz Madness. Bucs are 1-2 on road, losing at Seattle (20-6), Indy (33-14), but 3-0 if they score more than 14 points; Lions haven’t held anyone under 17, and only one team under 21. Kitna’s been sacked 24 times in last four games; Lions are 3-20 (!5%) on third down last two games, after being 18-45 (40%) in first three. Tampa has 27 rushed for 47 yards in last two games; three of their last four games stayed under total.

Titans (3-2) @ Texans (3-3)—Key here is Young’s quad injury; will have to be really bad for him to miss game vs division rival/ hometown team that he tortured LY in pair of wins (26-20/28-22). Titans are 9-3 in last 12 games, 2-1 on road in ’07, allowing just 12.3 pg away from home (four TDs on 29 drives). Houston is 2-1 at home, losing to Colts; Texans allowed 30-26-37 points in their losses, 3-21-19 in wins- Titans cracked 20 mark in only one of five games (at then-winless Saints). Houston lost three of last four games, with only win by FG over 0-6 Dolphins. Under is 4-0-1 in Titan games, but 1-4 in last five Texan tilts.

Chiefs (3-3) @ Raiders (2-3)—Herm’s team won three of last four games; they’ve scored 13 or less points in all three losses, 30-27 in wins. Raiders allowed 23+ points in four of five games; they’re 1-1 at home (21-36/26-24). Chiefs are 1-2 on road, losing at Texans (3-20), Bears (10-20) before win at San Diego (30-16) that seemed to revitalize them. Oakland had three turnovers in all three of its losses; they’re 2-0 if they turn it over less than three times. Raiders allowed 347 rushing yards in last two games, good news for sluggish (under 75 rushing yards in 4 of 6 games) KC attack. Home side is 1-4-1 vs spread in AFC West divisional games this season. Four of five Oakland games went over total.

Bears (2-4) @ Eagles (2-3)—Chicago allowed 311 rushing yards last week, turned ball over four times (-4) and lost on 55-yard FG at gun; go figure. Griese was 26-45/269, Hester ran another punt back for a TD, so once-stodgy Bears are now fun to watch, more porous on defense (allowed 31.3 pg in last four games) but explosive with ball (seven TDs on last 40 drives, after two on first 35). Philly scored 56 points vs Lions in Week 3, but total of 44 in other four games; in their last two games, they’ve kicked three FGs in five visits to red zone, and have only one 80-yard+ TD drive all year (in 14 tries). Last four Chicago games went over; four of last five Eagle games stayed under.

Jets (1-5) @ Bengals (1-4)—Cincy lost last four games, Jets last three, so pair of desperate teams. Bengals are poor on defense (allowed 34 pg in last four), Gang Green is shaky with ball (scored 14 or less in four of six games, with only win vs 0-6 Miami). Jets allowed 339 rush yards in last two games; they’re 0-2 away from home, losing at Ravens (20-13), Bills (17-14). Bengals are -6 in turnovers during skid, throwing pair of picks in each of last three games- they allowed 294 rush yards in last two games. AFC North home favorites are 5-2 vs. spread in non-divisional games. Jets one of five teams without TD drive of less than 50 yards. Hard to endorse either side in this game.

Rams (0-6) @ Seahawks (3-3)— St Louis is real awful, with four losses by 14+ points; they’re 1-3 vs spread as underdog, -8 in turnovers the last five weeks, and on few occasions when they do get ball in position to score, PK Wilkins has been dreadful, missing three easy FGs already. Bulger expected to return at QB for Rams, after Frerotte threw five picks in Baltimore and got pummeled all day. Seattle lost last two games, getting outscored 49-10 in Steeler game and first half vs Saints; they’ve run ball for just 224 yards in last three games, as natives grumble about Alexander’s toughness. Under is 5-1 in Ram games, 3-1 in last four Seattle tilts.

Steelers (4-1) @ Broncos (2-3)—Denver lost last three games, but Rockies’ success has kept fans off their backs- they allowed 102 points in last three games (13 TDs on 26 drives!!!) and allowed 206.5 rushing yards/game over last four tilts, so interesting to see what adjustments they made during bye week. Steelers also had last week off; they’ve won games by 27-23-21-21 points, with only loss vs their old assistants in Arizona. Ben completed just 50% of passes in last two games, but Pitt has outscored their opponents 57-6 in first half of games this year. AFC North teams are 1-4-1 vs. spread on road, in non-division games, though, and Broncos are desperate home dog in night game.

Monday, October 22

Colts (5-0) @ Jaguars (4-1)— Last year, Jax ran ball for 566 yards (191-375) in splitting pair vs Colts, handing Indy 44-17 loss on this field- Jaguars won four in row since opening loss to Texans; they’ve allowed just 37 points in four home games, but Indy steamrolling towards showdown with Patriots- their road wins have been close (22-20/30-24). Jags allowing just 9.8 pg this year; they’ve run ball for 194.7 ypg in last three weeks, and are 28-55 on 3rd down during win streak, so they make plays to keep chains moving, which is critical, if they want to keep ball away from Manning. Four of five Indy games went over the total.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL


Sunday, October 21

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Tips and Trends
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Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Some of the professional bettors are a bit perplexed at this line opening at only 3. If you look inside the numbers, Baltimore's offense is a whopping 104 yards better than Buffalo’s while the Ravens defense allows 149 yards less than the Bills defense. EDGE: RAVENS
The Ravens have been hit by the injury bug hard this season. Tackle Jonathon Ogden (toe) hasn’t played, DE Trevor Pryce is out and QB Steve McNair has a bad back and didn't play last week. It has already been reported that backup QB Kyle Boller will start again this week for Baltimore. Last week, Baltimore's offensive line started three rookies and only managed one offensive touchdown against a very depleted St. Louis defense. EDGE: BILLS
The Ravens have scored just two offensive touchdowns and turned ball over eight times on the road this season. EDGE: BILLS
Baltimore comes into this contest with the No. 4 defense in the NFL, allowing just 66 yards rushing per game, so this is not a a good matchup for the Bills, who rely on rushing the football to establish their passing attack. EDGE: RAVENS
The Bills come into this contest off their bye week. Normally, getting a week of rest is a good thing, but one league insider isn’t so sure that’s the case with the Bills, have been fielding questions about their disastrous collapse the week before against Dallas when they were outscored 9-0 in the final 20 seconds of a 25-24 loss. EDGE: RAVENS
As a road favorite, the Ravens are 0-7 ATS the last three years.
The Ravens are 7-15 SU & 6-16 ATS in their last 22 road games.
The Bills are 10-5 ATS in its last 15 as an underdog.
The Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a bye week.
The Bills are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The Bills are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win.
The OVER is 5-2 in Buffalo's last 7 games vs. a winning team.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions (FOX | 1 PM ET)

Tampa Bay’s rushing attack is in disarray. The Bucs have lost both starting RB Carnell Williams and backup Michael Pittman, prompting them to trade for Michael Bennett earlier this week. Tampa will also be without offensive tackle Luke Petitgout. Those injuries have crippled the team's offense, as the Bucs have managed just 17 and 30 yards rushing the last two weeks while gaining just 12 first downs in each contest. EDGE: LIONS
For weeks, we commented on how Detroit was one-dimensional. However, the Lions offense is now getting more production out of the running game with the return of RB Kevin Jones. Look for a more well-rounded offensive performance from Detroit off a bye. EDGE: LIONS
The Bucs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Bucs are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win.
The Lions are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. the NFC.
The Lions are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss.
The Bucs are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings.


Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (CBS | 1 PM ET)

Tennessee QB Vince Young (check status on Pregame Wire) had an MRI exam Monday to check out his strained right quadriceps muscle. If he is unable to start, Kerry Collins will be under center. EDGE: TEXANS
Team insiders are reporting that Houston WR Andre Johnson could return this game. Johnson’s presence will be a big boost to this Houston offensive unit. EDGE: TEXANS
The UNDER is 5-0 in Tennessee's games this season.
The Titans are 14-4-1 ATS the last 19 games.
The Titans are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. the AFC.
The Titans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
The Texans are 4-0 in their last 4 games as a home underdog.
The Texans are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a winning team.
The OVER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Houston.


New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (CBS | 1 PM ET)

New England's offense is #1 in the NFL, averaging 38.3 points per game. Often overlooked though is that the team's defense comes into this contest ranked #2 in the league. EDGE: PATRIOTS
One league insider believes that this could actually be a very dangerous spot for New England. Miami comes into this contest with one of the NFL's top rushing attacks. In contrast, New England only managed 75 rushing yards last Sunday against Dallas, so it is very possible Miami could control the time of possession. If the Dolphins are able to keep the powerful Patriots offense off the field, one league insider believes that “they may be in a position” to win this game late in the 4th quarter. They did just that the last time New England made it to the Super Bowl, winning SU as a 10-point underdog in 2004, 29-28. In fact, New England QB Tom Brady is just 7-5 lifetime vs. Miami compared to 76-20 against other teams.EDGE: DOLPHINS
Some team insiders are still concerned with this Miami defense (which was supposed to me one of the best in the league) that has been decimated with injuries and has given up an average of 30.3 points in their six losses. EDGE: PATRIOTS
The Dolphins ares just 9-25 ATS their last 34 home games.
The Dolphins are 4-11-2 ATS in their last 16 vs. the AFC.
The Dolphins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.
The Patriots are on an 11-1 SU & ATS run going back to last season and have also gone 11-2 SU & ATS in their last 13 road games.
The Patriots are 16-5 in their last 16 games as a road favorite.
The Patriots are 24-8 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
The Patriots are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 meetings in Miami.


San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants (FOX | 1 PM ET)

This is a brutal situational setting for New York. San Francisco is off its bye week while New York had one less day to prepare for this contest having played on the road on Monday night. EDGE: 49ERS
The bye week came at a perfect time for the 49ers, who are riding a three-game losing streak. The bye week also helped to get some key personnel healthy, as tight end Vernon Davis (a key part of this offense) is expected to return. San Francisco could also welcome back starting QB Alex Smith, who would give a much-needed boost to this offense. (Check status on Pregame Wire) EDGE: 49ERS
The 49ers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog.
The 49ers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NFC.
The Giants are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
The Giants are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.


Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (FOX | 1 PM ET)

Despite some respectable offensive outings this season, Atlanta still comes into this contest with one of the league's worst offenses, averaging just 13 points per game. One league insider isn’t so quick to put the blame on inconsistent QB Joey Harrington as the play of the team's offensive line has been miserable this season. Indeed, this past Monday the Giants had four sacks bringing Atlanta's total for the season to 21 allowed. The Falcons did decide to bench Harrington indefinitely though, choosing to give Byron Lefttwich a shot to spark the team. SLIGHT EDGE: SAINTS
Team insiders remain concerned over this Atlanta run defense that has allowed 139 rushing yards to Minnesota (5.1 yards per carry), 113 to Jacksonville, 175 to Carolina, and 188 Monday night to the NY Giants. Now they must find a way to stop Reggie Bush, who is coming off his best game of the season. EDGE: SAINTS
The Falcons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
The Falcons are 8-3 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
The Saints are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following an ATS win.
The Saints are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The Falcons are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings.


Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins (FOX | 1 PM ET)

Arizona third-string QB Tim Rattay will get the call under center after replacing Kurt Warner (elbow) last week and going a miserable 12-for-24 with no touchdowns and three interceptions.The offense could be in for a long day as Washington possesses one of the league’s best secondaries and the NFC’s top-rated defense allowing just 14 points per game. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
Team insiders are concerned about an Arizona defensive line that looked “exhausted” after this weekend's matchup with Carolina. The line took a pounding against the Panthers, who rushed the ball 30 times. This weekend they face an even more powerful rushing attack led by Clinton Portis. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
Arizona’s defense has been nothing short of terrible on the road this season, allowing 17, 23 and 34 points to unproven offenses in San Francisco, Baltimore and St. Louis, respectively. EDGE: REDSKINS
The Cardinals are 7-0 ATS its last 7 road games.
The Cardinals are 6-0 in their last 6 games as an underdog.
The Cardinals are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
The Cardinals are 2-5-1 in the last 8 meetings.
The Redskins are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
The UNDER is 6-2 in their last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 11-3 in Washington's last 14 games.


New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (CBS | 4:05 PM ET)

League insiders believe that its time for a quarterback change in New York. However, the Jets have been awful on both sides of the ball in getting beaten by an average score of 26-17. The defense is ranked 28th, allowing 367.4 yards per game while the offense is 30th overall. EDGE: BENGALS
The Jets secondary does have some concerns, which is not good news against Cincinnati QB Carson Palmer, who has passed for 401, 342, 231 and 320 yards in the last four games. EDGE: BENGALS
Cincinnati has also struggled on defense, giving up 31 points and 152 rushing yards per game. The Bengals have been dealing with injuries and expect to have starting RB Rudi Johnson back at full speed after seeing limited action last week. They have lost four games in a row for the first time in the Marvin Lewis era and are 1-7 SU & 3-5 ATS in their last eight games. EDGE: JETS
The Jets are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS loss.
The Jets are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The Bengals are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 home games.
The Bengals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the AFC.
The UNDER is 4-1 in Cincinnati's last 5 home games.


Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (CBS | 4:05 PM ET)

It took a while for the Kansas City offense to get going, but the Chiefs have been impressive over their last four games in rushing for 123, 133, 156 and 121 yards. Kansas City could be in for another big day as they match up against the league's 28th-rated run defense, allowing 144 yards per game. San Diego ran for 6.4 yards per carry last Sunday against the Raiders, and KC is also expected to activate Priest Holmes to serve as Larry Johnson's backup after dealing Michael Bennett to Tampa Bay earlier in the week. BIG EDGE: CHIEFS
The Raiders are just 7-22-1 ATS in their last 30 home games.
The Raiders have dropped 16 straight games to division opponents and have lost eight in a row to the Chiefs.
The Raiders are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
The Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. the AFC West.
The Chiefs are 4-0 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
The Chiefs are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games as a road underdog.
The road team is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.


Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys (CBS | 4:15 PM ET)

This is a very tough situational setting for Minnesota off a very emotional and hard-fought win against NFC North rival Chicago, as the Vikings now have to play on the road for the fourth time in five games against a Dallas team that is eager to silence critics after getting dismantled at home against New England last Sunday. EDGE: COWBOYS
The Vikings defense is No. 1 in the NFL against the run but last against the pass, allowing 288 yards per game through the air. That’s not very good news for the Vikings, as Dallas is a pass first, run second team. EDGE: COWBOYS
The Dallas defense is ranked No. 10 in the league, allowing 79 rushing yards and 232 passing per game. The Cowboys match up well against a Vikings offense that is No. 1 in rushing the football with 170 yards on the ground per game, but terrible when they go to the air. EDGE: COWBOYS
The Vikings are 6-17 SU & 8-13-2 ATS in their last 23 as an underdog.
The Vikings are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games following a SU win.
The Vikings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a winning team.
The Vikings are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The Cowboys are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The Cowboys are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS loss.


Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)

Some team insiders are perplexed as to why Chicago fans are again calling for the return of embattled QB Rex Grossman. While Brian Griese has been under center, the Bears offense has shown a marked improvement, scoring 27, 27 and 31 points in the last three games. EDGE: BEARS
The Bears run defense has been very disappointing this season, but much of that is due to injuries more then anything else. They lost their safety Mike Brown and nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek to knee injuries in the season opener. They've allowed 131, 95, 121 and 311 rushing yards the last 4 games. However, there is some good news out of Bears camp, as the secondary could see a boost with the expected return of CB Nathan Vashar. SLIGHT EDGE: EAGLES
Philadelphia’s secondary has been hurting but the Jets were unable to take advantage of that last week. Both CB Lito Sheppard and S Brian Dawkins are expected to return this week though, giving the team's defense a much stronger secondary. EDGE: EAGLES
League insiders are quick to point out that this is still an Eagles offensive unit that is struggling. Despite a 56-point effort against the Lions, the Eagles have struggled to put up points, as that game was the only time they have scored more than 16 points this season. The Eagles are averaging only 11 points per contest. EDGE: BEARS
The Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss.
The Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a losing team.
The Eagles are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. the NFC.
The Eagles are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite.
The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.


St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks (FOX | 4:15 ET)

The Rams are in total disarray. They again lost All-Pro left tackle Orlando Pace early on, causing them to scramble to find some bodies to just to play on their offensive line. Then backup tackle Todd Steussie got hurt, so they had to move Alex Barron to the left side in Pace's place. In the secondary, CB Tye Hill is questionable, but backup safety Jerome Carter (foot) is through for the year and starting SS Corey Chavous (pectoral muscle; out last week) is questionable and will not be 100% if he plays. On the offensive side of the ball, St. Louis has been without starting QB Marc Bulger (two broken ribs), who has vowed to play this week despite the injury. The Rams will again be missing their best offensive player in running back Steven Jackson (groin). BIG EDGE: SEAHAWKS
The Rams are ranked 29th in total offense and 22nd in total defense. The rush defense is 27th overall, allowing 135 yards on the ground per game, which could be a problem against a Seattle team that likes to run. EDGE: SEAHAWKS
The Rams are 11-19 ATS in their last 30 on the road, including 0-3 SU & ATS on the road this season, getting beaten by a 28-5 average.
The Rams are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
The Rams are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The Seahawks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. the NFC West.
The Seahawks are 2-5-1 in their last 8 home games.
The road team is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The UNDER is 4-1 in Seattle's games this season and 9-2 in the last 11 games.


Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (NBC | 8:15 ET)

The Broncos have not been home underdogs in five years, and they are a remarkable 15-4 ATS off bye weeks under head coach Mike Shanahan. BIG EDGE: BRONCOS
The Steelers are also coming off a bye week that allowed WR Hines Ward (knee), Troy Polamalu (abdomen) and WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring) to get healthy enough to play on Sunday night. Pittsburgh's passing attack has been severely limited without Ward, who has missed the last two games. "All tests to this point have been very positive (about Ward)," Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said. "I know he is excited about being back in there as we are about having him back in there." EDGE: STEELERS
Pittsburgh has a key matchup advantage with RB Willie Parker going up against a Denver run defense that is surrendering 187.6 yards per game. The Steelers rank second in the NFL in rushing with 167 yards per game and should be able to take advantage of this mismatch. EDGE: STEELERS
The Steelers are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games a favorite.
The Steelers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU win.
The Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a bye week.
The Broncos are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 home games.
The OVER in 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

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[pm530]

NFL
Total bias: over/under plays


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Total bias: over/under plays
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Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins – over 36

Tim Rattay looked terrible after taking over for an injured Kurt Warner, but the good news is he’ll have a full week of practice with the first unit under his belt this time around. The Cards also get dynamic wideout Anquan Boldin back after a three-game absence.

Don’t be scared off by Redskins sloppy performance at Lambeau field. There’s too much offensive talent in Washington for a repeat outing. Santana Moss will make amends for his costly fumble with several long grabs in front of a forgiving home crowd.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – under 44 ½

The Bucs have quietly developed a highly productive defense. They have an abundance of young quick defenders who are getting better each Sunday. Jeff Garcia is normally good for one deep bomb to Joey Galloway a week, but this is a no-thrills offense aside from that.

Head coach Jon Gruden is now content to win with a solid defense and conservative offensive play calling.

Detroit still plays with a go-big-or-go-home philosophy. The problem for total players is the offense is highly volatile. One week the unit is putting 30 points on the board and the next it can’t muster more than a field goal. I’ll put my wallet on a good defense over an inconsistent offense any day.


Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars – over 44 ½

You’ve got to like the way the Jags are moving the ball right now. David Garrard still hasn’t thrown a pick and he hasn’t had a quarterback rating below 102.7 since Week 1. Maurice Jones-Drew is getting back to an elite level and you know he’s looking forward to facing the Colts again.

The last time he saw Indy’s defense he gained 181 yards on just 16 touches.

Meanwhile Peyton Manning gets Marvin Harrison and Joseph Addai back for this AFC South sizzler. I’m expecting some fireworks for Monday night.

Last week: 0-3

Season: 9-9

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[pm530]

National Football League – Points of Interest

NFL

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points of Interest
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10/17/07
07:15 PM Coach's Call
NFL
Falcons coach Bobby Petrino says the switch to Byron Leftwich is permanent.

10/17/07
04:31 PM Lineup Alert
NFL
The Falcons will start QB Byron Leftwich this week at New Orleans.

10/17/07
02:01 PM News Alert
NFL
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated Packers WR Koren Robinson after a one-year suspension.

10/17/07
01:59 PM Info Alert
NFL
Bengals RB Rudi Johnson is expected to see an increased workload in Week 7.

10/17/07
11:53 AM Lineups
NFL
Falcons backup QB Byron Leftwich could be the starter for Week 7 against the Saints.

10/17/07
11:16 AM Lineup Alert
NFL
Steelers WR Hines Ward (knee), WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring), and S Troy Polamalu (ribs) are expected to play Sunday night.

10/17/07
11:09 AM Coach's Call
NFL
Titans coach Jeff Fisher said Vince Young (quadriceps) may not be able to practice.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Long Sheet

MLB
Long Sheet


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, October 20
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CLEVELAND (102 - 69) at BOSTON (101 - 69) - 8:05 PM
FAUSTO CARMONA (R) vs. CURT SCHILLING (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-5 (+1.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.5 Units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. BOSTON since 1997
CARMONA is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

CURT SCHILLING vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SCHILLING is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.165.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

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[pm530]

Baseball – Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, October 20th
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AL Championship Series
Game Six
Cleveland Leads, 3-2
TV: FOX

Cleveland at Boston, 8:20 ET
Fausto Carmona (R) vs. Curt Schilling (R)

Carmona:
15-4 TSR in the second half of the season
7-2 TSR vs. AL East opponents

Schilling:
4-10 TSR pitching off a team win
14-7 Over after allowing 0 walks

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Saturday, October 20

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Tips and Trends
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Cleveland Indians at Boston Red Sox (FOX | 8:07 PM ET)

Boston's Curt Schilling has never lost in the postseason when facing elimination, going 3-0 with a 1.11 ERA and holding batters to a .183 average in four games. It was also three years ago that Schilling faced the Yankees in an identical situation, winning Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS at Fenway Park with a bloody sock that has gone down in Boston history as one of the most gutsy performances ever. BIG EDGE: RED SOX
The Indians have won Fausto Carmona's last nine starts, as he went 5-0 in September and got no-decisions in Game 2 of the ALDS vs. New York and Game 2 of the ALCS at Boston. EDGE: INDIANS
The Red Sox are 13-6 in their last 19 playoff games.
The Red Sox are 8-3 at home in the playoffs under manager Terry Francona.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today - October 20

SCOREBOARD
Sunday, Oct. 21
Cleveland at Boston (8:23 p.m. EDT, if necessary). The winner faces Colorado in the World Series.

The books lists the Red Sox at +280, the Indians at +150, and the Rockies at +110 to win the 2007 World Series.

ROYALTY

Trey Hillman was hired Friday as manager of the Kansas City Royals, taking over a long-struggling team that hasn't been to the playoffs since winning the 1985 World Series. Hillman is currently managing the Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japan World Series. He replaces Buddy Bell, who completed the season with Kansas City after saying in August he would step aside. The 44-year-old Hillman, who has never played or managed in the majors, will be introduced at a news conference Monday.

SURGERY

Orlando Hernandez had surgery on his right foot Friday, and the New York Mets' pitcher is expected to be ready for spring training. El Duque had a bunion removed from his second toe. An ailing foot interrupted his season, and the Mets collapsed down the stretch without Hernandez in the rotation.

NEXT?

Don Mattingly, Joe Girardi and Tony Pena were asked Friday to interview with the New York Yankees as possible replacements for Joe Torre. Mattingly's agent, Ray Schulte, said general manager Brian Cashman reached out to start the manager interview process. A day after Torre rejected a one-year offer to return for a 13th season, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner spent four hours at Legends Field, where he was joined by sons Hank and Hal, son-in-law Felix Lopez and team president Randy Levine.

SPEAKING

''The fact that somebody is reducing your salary is just telling me they're not satisfied with what you're doing. There really was no negotiation involved. I was hoping there would be, but there wasn't.'' - Joe Torre at a news conference Friday on his decision to reject the New York Yankees' contract offer to return as manager.

SEASONS
Oct. 21

1973 - Bert Campaneris and Reggie Jackson hit two-run homers in the third inning as the Oakland A's defeated the New York Mets 5-2 in Game 7 of the World Series.

1975 - Carlton Fisk broke up one of the best games in World Series history with a homer in the 12th inning to give the Boston Red Sox a 7-6 victory against the Cincinnati Reds, forcing a seventh game.

1976 - The Cincinnati Reds won the World Series in four games with a 7-2 victory over the New York Yankees. Johnny Bench had two home runs for five RBIs. It was the Reds' second straight championship and marked the first time a team had swept the playoffs and World Series.

1980 - The Philadelphia Phillies became World Series champions for the first time in their 98-year history with a 4-1 triumph over the Kansas City Royals in Game 6.

1998 - The New York Yankees closed out their historic season with 3-0 victory at San Diego, sweeping the Padres in four games to win their record 24th World Series championship. The Game 4 victory gave the Yankees 125 wins against 50 losses - for a .714 winning percentage, the best in the majors since their Murderers' Row club of 1927. Their AL-record 114 regular-season victories were the most for a champion.

2000 - In the first Subway Series since 1956, the New York Yankees earned a record 13th straight World Series victory, a 4-3 win over the New York Mets, surpassing their record set in the late 1920s.

2001 - Randy Johnson pitched seven solid innings to beat Atlanta 3-2 and send Arizona to its first World Series. The Diamondbacks reached the World Series faster than any expansion team, doing it in only their fourth year.

2002 - Tim Salmon's second homer of the game, a tiebreaking, two-run shot with two outs in the eighth inning, lifted the Anaheim Angels over the San Francisco Giants 11-10 and evened the World Series at 1-all.

2004 - MVP Albert Pujols hit a game-tying double, Scott Rolen followed with a home run and the St. Louis Cardinals erupted against Roger Clemens, startling the Houston Astros 5-2 to take Game 7 of the NL championship series.

2006 - The World Series had a pair of rookie starters for the first time. Anthony Reyes pitched brilliantly into the ninth inning to help St. Louis cruise past Detroit and Justin Verlander 7-2 in Game 1.

Today's birthdays: Zack Greinke 24; Khalil Greene 28; Gabe Gross 28; Toby Hall 32.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

Cleveland at Boston
Boston staved off elimination after another stalwart performance from Josh Beckett and returns home needing another win in Game Six to stay alive. But the Red Sox have not been able to get a similar performance out of an of their other starting pitchers, including Curt Schilling, who will start tonight. Schilling gave up five runs in just 4 2/3 innings of Game Two and was long gone when the Indians erupted for seven runs in the 11th inning to win it. That started the Tribe on a three-game roll that has put them just one game away from the Series. Going for Eric Wedge will be his Game Two starter, Fausto Carmona. Carmona wasn't any better than Schilling in his outing, but did show against the Yankees in the ALDS (3 hits, 1 run over 9 innings) that he can pitch well under the spotlight. The Indians have played some of their best ball as underdogs and look like the pick (+127) in Game Six according to Dunkel, which has Cleveland favored straight up by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+127). .

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

Game 975-976: Cleveland at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carmona) 17.166; Boston (Schilling) 15.784
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+127); Over

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Saturday, October 20


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CHICAGO (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) at TORONTO (3-3-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 152-199 ATS (-72.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 77-105 ATS (-44.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 80-83 ATS (+193.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 1-0-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)


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NY RANGERS (2-4-0-0, 4 pts.) at BOSTON (4-2-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 90-93 ATS (-75.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BOSTON is 164-182 ATS (+164.0 Units) as a home favorite of a half goal or even on the puck line since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 8-0-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)


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FLORIDA (3-4-0-0, 6 pts.) at OTTAWA (7-1-0-0, 14 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 217-306 ATS (+527.8 Units) as a favorite or even on the puck line since 1996.
FLORIDA is 72-149 ATS (+275.8 Units) as a road favorite of a half goal or even on the puck line since 1996.
FLORIDA is 9-36 ATS (+70.6 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 3-18 ATS (+31.4 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 6-2 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)


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BUFFALO (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) at MONTREAL (2-2-0-2, 6 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 11-19 ATS (-14.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 3-7 ATS (-7.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 129-82 ATS (+32.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
BUFFALO is 59-41 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a road underdog of a half goal or even on the puck line over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 59-41 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a road favorite of a half goal or even on the puck line over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 59-41 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games against the puck line over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 53-36 ATS (+14.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 57-26 ATS (+18.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 22-15 ATS (+39.1 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 10-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 9-7-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.6 Units)


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NEW JERSEY (3-4-0-0, 6 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (4-3-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-4 ATS (+14.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 32-17 ATS (+51.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 12-5 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 59-97 ATS (+59.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 8-8 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 8-8-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+8.0 Units)


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CAROLINA (4-1-0-2, 10 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (5-1-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-23 ATS (-19.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-31 ATS (+13.0 Units) as a home underdog of a half goal or even on the puck line over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-31 ATS (+13.0 Units) as a home favorite of a half goal or even on the puck line over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-31 ATS (+13.0 Units) in home games against the puck line over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-15 ATS (-14.7 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-13 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 44-58 ATS (-44.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-4 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 4-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)


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PITTSBURGH (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) at WASHINGTON (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 18-10 ATS (+29.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-6 ATS (+21.8 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-1 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.9 Units)


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ATLANTA (1-6-0-0, 2 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (3-2-0-0, 6 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 19-8 ATS (+11.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 74-113 ATS (-48.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 11-6 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 11-6-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)


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ANAHEIM (4-4-0-1, 9 pts.) at DALLAS (3-2-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 11-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 26-11 ATS (+9.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 25-8 ATS (+11.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 10-6 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 10-6-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)


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MINNESOTA (5-0-0-1, 11 pts.) at ST LOUIS (4-1-0-0, 8 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 20-23 ATS (+54.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-2 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.8 Units)


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DETROIT (5-2-0-1, 11 pts.) at PHOENIX (2-4-0-0, 4 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 200-166 ATS (-79.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 90-79 ATS (+202.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 5-20 ATS (+30.4 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-2-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)


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EDMONTON (3-4-0-0, 6 pts.) at CALGARY (3-2-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 32-40 ATS (-26.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 10-6 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 10-6-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)


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NASHVILLE (2-4-0-0, 4 pts.) at SAN JOSE (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/20/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 5-16 ATS (+21.3 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 96-87 ATS (+193.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 18-5 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 11-7 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 11-7-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
12 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.7 Units)


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[Kaptain]

Game Day Wire Alerts

10/19/07
06:20 PM Lineups
CFB
Louisiana-Monroe's redshit freshman QB Trey Revell has been taking snaps with the first team offense, and is the expected starter.

10/19/07
06:14 PM Injuries
CFB
UNLV QB Travis Dixon (ankle) will be a game-time descision on Saturday.

10/19/07
06:12 PM Lineup Alert
CFB
New Mexico State starting QB Chase Holbrook (ribs) will return to start on Saturday.

10/19/07
06:11 PM Lineups
CFB
Idaho starting QB Nathan Enderle (finger) is again not expected to play on Saturday.

10/19/07
06:09 PM Injuries
CFB
Michigan RB Mike Hart (ankle) has traveled with the team for Saturday's game, but close sources are reporting him as unlikely to play.

10/19/07
06:06 PM Lineup Alert
CFB
Baylor QB Blake Szymanski (concussion) has been ruled out of Saturday's game.

10/19/07
06:04 PM Injury Alert
CFB
Kentucky RB Rafael Little (thigh) will be out until mid-November.

10/19/07
06:01 PM Lineups
CFB
Stanford RB Anthony Kimble (shoulder) is likely out for Saturday's game.

10/19/07
05:57 PM Lineup Alert
CFB
Virginia RB Cedric Peerman (foot) will NOT play on Saturday.


10/19/07
05:55 PM Injury Alert
CFB
Oregon RB Jeremiah Johnson (knee) and WR Cameron Colvin (ankle) both will not play again this season.

10/19/07
05:52 PM Lineups
CFB
Notre Dame QB Evan Sharpley will be making his first career start on Saturday.

10/19/07
05:51 PM Lineups
CFB
USC RB Stafon Johnson (foot) said he would play on Saturday.

10/19/07
05:49 PM Lineups
CFB
USC backup QB Mark Sanchez will make his second start this Saturday.

10/19/07
05:47 PM Lineups
CFB
UCLA TB Chris Markey (turf toe) and WR Dominique Johnson (ankle) will be available to play on Saturday.

10/19/07
05:44 PM Lineups
CFB
UCLA QB Patrick Cowan (knee) is expected to be the starter on Saturday.

10/19/07
05:42 PM Lineups
CFB
Missouri's RB Tony Temple (ankle) will miss Saturday's game.

10/19/07
05:40 PM Lineups
CFB
Tennessee RB LaMarcus Coker (concussion) is expected to play on Saturday.

10/19/07
05:38 PM Lineups
CFB
Arkansas WR Marcus Monk (knee) is expected to play on Saturday according to local reports.

10/19/07
05:34 PM Coach's Call
CFB
Northern Illinois coach Joe Novak expects starting QB Dan Nicholson (ankle) to return on Saturday.

10/19/07
05:27 PM Coach's Call
CFB
West Virginia QB Pat White (chest/shoulder) should be able to play on Saturday according to coach Rich Rodriguez.

10/19/07
04:43 PM Injury Alert
NHL
The Thrashers placed goalie Kari Lehtonen (groin) on injured reserve.

10/19/07
04:40 PM Info Alert
NFL
New Cowboys DT Tank Johnson (suspended) has returned to practice.

10/19/07
04:39 PM News Alert
NFL
Tommy Urbanski, strip club manager paralyzed in a triple shooting, is now suing the NFL and Pacman Jones.

10/19/07
04:37 PM News Alert
NBA
Mavs F Josh Howard has been suspended two games without pay for his involvement in a fight with Brad Miller.

10/19/07
04:34 PM Injuries
NFL
Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin) went through an unrestricted workout today.

10/19/07
04:33 PM Injuries
NFL
Pats RB Laurence Maroney (questionable, groin) was limited in practice today.

10/19/07
03:02 PM Coach's Call
CFB
LSU head coach Les Miles expects Early Doucet (groin) to see considerable playing time Saturday night against Auburn.

10/19/07
03:00 PM News Alert
MLB
Royals named Trey Hillman manager.

10/19/07
02:59 PM Lineups
NFL
Rams RB Steven Jackson (groin) has been ruled out for Week 7.

10/19/07
02:58 PM Coach's Call
NFL
Ravens coach Brian Billick says Ray Lewis will be a game-time decision Sunday.

10/19/07
11:18 AM Lineup Alert
CFB
Miami (FL) WR Lance Leggett (foot) will NOT play this Saturday against Florida State.

10/19/07
11:13 AM Lineups
CFB
Miami (FL) LB Colin MacCarthy (concussion) will return this week against Florida State.

10/19/07
11:07 AM News Alert
NFL
The Dolphins have no intention of letting Trent Green play football for their organization again, according to the Miami Herald.

10/19/07
11:05 AM Info Alert
NFL
Redskins DB Shawn Springs remains in Dallas with his father, former NFL player Ron Springs, who's in a coma.

[Udog]

Hockey today - Saturday, October 20


SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Oct. 20

Edmonton at Calgary (10:00 PM ET)

STARS
Friday

-Pascal Leclaire, Blue Jackets, made 21 saves for his third shutout of the season and fourth overall, leading Columbus to a 3-0 win at Buffalo.

-Mike Cammalleri, Kings, scored his NHL-leading eighth goal to help Los Angeles to a 4-2 victory over Vancouver.

SHUTOUT

Pascal Leclaire made 21 saves for his third shutout of the season and fourth overall, to lead the Blue Jackets to a 3-0 victory over Buffalo on Friday night. Buffalo, last season's highest-scoring team, was shut out for the first time since April 2006 - a span of 95 regular-season games.

STARTING STRONG

Pascal Leclaire made 21 saves for his third shutout of the season and fourth overall to help Columbus beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-0 on Friday night. With seven points, the Blue Jackets are off to their best start since joining the NHL in 2000.

PAY DAY

Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Mario Lemieux will get $21 million as part of the team's settlement of its 1998 bankruptcy. Lemieux was owed $32 million in deferred compensation from that contract when he retired as a player in 1997. But the team filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection the next year, after running up $120 million in debt under former owners Howard Baldwin and Roger Marino.

INJURED

The Thrashers placed goalie Kari Lehtonen on the injured list Friday after he hurt his groin in Atlanta's first win of the season. The previous night, Lehtonen left a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers with 8 1/2 minutes left in the first period. The team said he strained his groin, but in a different area than a similar injury that kept him out for more than two months in 2005.

SPEAKING

''We're not going to settle for complacency. We're no longer the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets. We want to be a force in our conference.'' - Michael Peca, who had a goal and an assist in the Blue Jackets' 3-0 victory over the Sabres.

[Udog]

NHL
Saturday's key NHL matchup notes


New York Rangers at Boston (105, 5 ½)

The Rangers are 0-3-0 on the road to start the season. They haven't been winless through their first four road games since 1998-99, when they were 0-2 with three ties before notching their first victory away from Madison Square Garden.


Chicago Blackhawks at Toronto Maple Leafs (-196, 5 ½)

Mats Sundin, who assisted on two goals Thursday, leads Toronto with 12 points. The captain has at least one point in all but one game so far this season and has an excellent track record against the Hawks, totaling 20 goals and 40 points in 43 career games.


Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens (-110, 6)

Michael Ryder, the Canadiens' leading scorer last season with 30 goals, scored his first this season against the Senators. The right wing had five goals in eight contests against the Sabres, including one in each of the last three meetings last season.


Florida Panthers at Ottawa Senators (-206, 5 ½)

Nathan Horton, coming off a career-high 31 goals last season, is off to a strong start in 2007-08. He has three goals and three assists during a four-game point streak. Horton, though, has been limited to two goals and one assist in 10 career games against Ottawa.


New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders (-110, 5 ½)

The Devils went 6-1-1 against the Islanders last season, outscoring them 9-3 in four wins at Nassau Coliseum. New Jersey has at least one point in seven consecutive visits to Long Island, going 5-0-2.


Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers (-150, 5 ½)

Carolina captain Rod Brind'Amour had two assists on Friday, giving him a goal and seven assists on the season. Brind'Amour, who spent more than eight seasons with the Flyers before being traded to the Hurricanes in January, 2000, has two goals and eight assists in his last 11 games against his former team.


Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (-106, 6)

Ovechkin has three goals and six assists in eight career games against the Penguins, but the Capitals are just 1-6-1 in that span, including 1-2-1 at home. He had one goal and two assists in Washington's lone win in that stretch, a 6-3 victory on March 8, 2006.


Atlanta Thrashers at Tampa Bay Lightning (-160, 6)

Tampa's offense looks to bounce back against Johan Hedberg, who takes over as Atlanta's No. 1 goalie with Kari Lehtonen going on the injured list Friday. Waddell said Lehtonen would 'be out a while,' but the team feels this groin injury is not as serious as the one that kept him sidelined for more than two months in 2005.


Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars (-124, 5)

Center Mike Modano has two points this season and is seven points shy of becoming the all-time American-born career scoring leader. He had a goal and an assist in five games against the Ducks last season, and has 22 goals and 49 assists in 61 career games against them. Dallas has eight points, one behind the division-leading Ducks.


Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues (115, 5)

The Blues are still looking for Tkachuk to click at home. Now in his second stint with the team after being dealt to Atlanta at last season's trade deadline, Tkachuk has one assist in two games at Savvis compared to three goals and two assists on the road.


Detroit Red Wings at Phoenix Coyotes (166, 5 ½)

The Coyotes have been one of the league's worst offensive teams with 14 goals in six games. Captain Shane Doan, one of their few veterans, is still without a goal this season.


Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames (-208, 5 ½)

Edmonton center Andrew Cogliano assisted on Torres' second goal Thursday, and leads the team with six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games.


Nashville Predators at San Jose Sharks (-198, 5 ½)

The Sharks have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses, and coach Ron Wilson already has changed up his lines since the season opener. Joe Thornton is the only San Jose player with more than five points, recording three goals and four assists.