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National Football League - Tips & Trends
NFL
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Tips and Trends
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Sunday, December 2
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (FOX | 1 PM ET)
The Panthers will be hoping to avoid an eighth consecutive home loss. They have been outscored 200-70 in losing their last seven home games, also dropping five straight overall (averaging just 10 points per game during that stretch). EDGE: 49ERS
Carolina may be forced to start rookie Matt Moore at QB if 44-year-old veteran Vinny Testaverde can't go again with a sore back. The David Carr experiment appears over, as he threw for 95 yards and two interceptions in last week's loss. EDGE: 49ERS
San Francisco is coming off a huge overtime win at Arizona last week, something the 49ers hope can carry over to this week. "You could have swore we just won the Super Bowl the way we were celebrating," San Francisco's Tully Banta-Cain said. Insiders do expect a bit of a letdown this week after the team snapped an eight-game losing streak. EDGE: PANTHERS
49ers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games against a losing home team.
49ers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against the NFC.
49ers are 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Panthers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Panthers are 0-7 ATS in games playing on grass this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (CBS | 1 PM ET)
This is a tough situational setting for Jacksonville as the Colts have had an extra four days of rest and preparation due to the fact that they played on Thanksgiving. EDGE: COLTS
Team insiders are reporting that Jacksonville players and coaches are eager to erase the memory of their 29-7 loss at the hands of the Colts earlier in the season. The 29-7 score was the largest margin of victory suffered by the Jaguars in this rivalry since 2000. However, it should be noted that Jacksonville starting QB David Garrard went out early in that meeting with an ankle injury. EDGE: JAGUARS
Some league insiders believe that this is one of the most important games of the weekend, as both teams are jockeying for first place in the AFC South, where the Colts lead by one game. The Colts are 4-1 SU & ATS at home this season and an impressive 14-1 SU & 11-4 ATS their last 15 at home. EDGE: COLTS
One Indianapolis team insider is reporting that wide receiver Marvin Harrison (check status) will be back for this contest, which is terrible news for Jacksonville, as the team's pass defense ranks 28th in the league, allowing 246 yards passing per game. EDGE: COLTS
This is the final game that Jacksonville DT tackle Marcus Stroud will be out, as he is finishing up a four-game suspension. Middle linebacker is also out with a broken hand, and their absence has shown recently as Jacksonville?s overall defense has dropped to 23rd in the league. EDGE: COLTS
Jaguars are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games as an underdog.
Jaguars are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss of more than 14 points.
Colts are 20-8 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
Colts are 12-3 ATS when playing against a winning team over the last 2 seasons.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Indianapolis.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS | 1 PM ET)
KC is surprisingly just 2-4 SU & 1-4-1 ATS at home this season, averaging 16 points per game. Despite the two wins, the Chiefs have yet to win a game statistically this season. EDGE: CHARGERS
The Chargers are looking to avenge a 30-16 home loss to Kansas City in Week 4. They allowed 24 unanswered points in the second half, but San Diego has won five of seven games since then while the Chiefs have dropped five of seven. EDGE: CHARGERS
The Chiefs are still very inexperienced in the offensive backfield, with RB Kolby Smith getting his second start and QB Brodie Croyle possibly making his third. However, Croyle has been bothered by a sore back and may be replaced by veteran Damon Huard if he can't go. (Check status on the Pregame Wire!) EDGE: CHARGERS
KC is 19-1 SU in its last 20 December games at Arrowhead Stadium. EDGE: CHIEFS
Chargers are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a win of more than 14 points.
Chargers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Chiefs are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games against the AFC West.
Chiefs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
The underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (CBS | 1 PM ET)
This is a brutal situational setting for the lowly Dolphins as New York has had four days of extra preparation after playing on Thanksgiving while Miami comes into this contest off a short week following a trip to Pittsburgh for Monday Night Football. EDGE: JETS
League insiders believe it will not be too long before Miami gets into the win column this season as the team's defensive unit has been playing lights out over their last four game. Indeed, this defense has given up 17, 13, 13 and 3 points the last four games and will be facing a Jets team that has been getting outscored by an average of 25-17. EDGE: DOLPHINS
Team insiders remain impressed about how hard this injury-ridden Miami team has played all season, as six of the team's defeats have been by three points. Despite suffering a 31-28 loss at New York earlier this season, the Dolphins nevertheless should have won that game, as they out-gained New York by a whopping 424-256 margin. EDGE: DOLPHINS
Jets are 0-5 SU & 1-4 ATS on the road, giving up a whopping 28 points per game this season.
Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a small underdog.
Jets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Jets are 18-4-2 ATS in the last 24 meetings.
Dolphins are 2-12 ATS against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Dolphins are 0-6 ATS in home games following 2+ losses over the last 3 seasons.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (FOX | 1 PM ET)
This NFC North battle pits Two teams going in opposite directions despite the fact that Detroit is ahead of Minnesota in the standings. Coming into this contest, the Vikings are playing well, riding an impressive 3-1 SU & ATS run while the Lions have dropped three in a row both SU & ATS. EDGE: VIKINGS
Team insiders reported seeing a very motivated Minnesota team in practice this week, as the Vikings are eager to avenge their 20-17 loss at the hands of Detroit in Week 2 this season. EDGE: VIKINGS
Some league insiders are not surprised with the recent troubles of the Lions, as they have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Detroit?s Jon Kitna has been sacked 44 times and the running game has games of 56, 39, 68, 25 and minus-18 yards rushing over their last five games. EDGE: VIKINGS
Detroit comes into this contest with one of the worst defenses in the league (ranked 29th), and the team's pass defense is second worst, giving up a whopping 269 yards per game. EDGE: VIKINGS
Team insiders are reporting that Minnesota rookie sensation Adrian Peterson (1,081 yards, 6.4 yards per carry) will start this weekend despite missing the last two games with a sprained knee. Peterson will split carries with Chester Taylor, who has rushed for 241 yards and four touchdowns in his absence. The Vikings comes into this contest with the NFL?s No. 1 rushing offense, one that is averaging 173 yards per game this season. EDGE: VIKINGS
Lions are 3-10 SU & 4-9 ATS in their last 13 away games.
Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Lions are 0-6 ATS playing a losing team in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Lions are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Vikings are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games against the NFL North.
Vikings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing previously.
Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX | 1 PM ET)
The Eagles will likely be without starting QB Donovan McNabb yet again after he failed to practice on Thursday. Philly head coach Andy Reid has said he needs McNabb back at 100 percent before he gets the ok to play, so insiders expect backup A.J. Feeley to get the nod following an impressive performance at New England on Sunday nigh in which he threw for a career-high 345 yards. EDGE: EAGLES
Philadelphia RB Brian Westbrook is averaging 161 yards from scrimmage in his last five home games and leads the NFL with 145.9 per game. Westbrook is coming off just 92 last week against New England and should be primed to bounce back in front of the home fans. EDGE: EAGLES
Seattle has won three in a row despite having 2006 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander on the field. The Seahawks have resorted to a pass-happy offense with Alexander out, and backup Maurice Morris has performed well with 84.3 yards per game in his absence. EDGE: SEAHAWKS
Seahawks are 4-0 ATS against a losing team.
Seahawks are 0-7 ATS in road games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Eagles are 22-10 ATS against the NFC West since 1992.
Eagles are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a favorite.
The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams (FOX | 1 PM ET)
St. Louis team insiders are reporting that starting QB Marc Bulger will not play due to a concussion suffered last week against Seattle. The Rams will again go with backup Gus Frerotte, who literally fumbled away the team's chances at a win in the final seconds. EDGE: FALCONS
The injury bug has taken its toll on the Falcons as they started two third-string offensive linemen (left tackle Quinn Ojinnaka and right guard D'Anthony Batiste) against the Colts on Thanksgiving. EDGE: RAMS
Team insiders reportedly saw a very demoralized Atlanta clubhouse after last Thursday?s 31-13 loss against the Colts. The week before, the Falcons also lost 31-7 loss to the Buccaneers in a game that saw them turn the ball over four times with Byron Leftwich under center. Team insiders are expecting QB Joey Harrington to start again as Leftwich is still sidelined by a tailbone injury. EDGE: RAMS
Atlanta comes into this contest with the league's second-worst offensive unit, as the Falcons are averaging just 11 points per game at home this season. EDGE: RAMS
Team insiders are becoming increasingly disgusted by the Rams' offensive play calling. Despite leading Seattle 19-7 at halftime, the Rams allowed the Seahawks to rally for a 24-19 win. EDGE: FALCONS
Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Falcons are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games on turf.
Rams are 0-5 SU & 1-3-1 ATS at home this season.
Rams are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games as a home favorite.
Rams are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 December games.
The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are reporting that Tennessee players and coaches are happy to be returning from a brutal two-game road trip that saw the Titans go 0-2 with losses at Denver and Cincinnati. EDGE: TITANS
Some team insiders were a bit disappointed in this Texans offense that only managed 314 yards against one of the worst defenses in the league in Cleveland. The main reason for the disappointment was that Houston finally welcomed back a healthy Andre Johnson, who should make this a top offensive unit (although they are currently a respectable 10th in the league). SLIGHT EDGE: TITANS
Team insiders are also concerned with the injuries to DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Travis LaBoy. Before their absence, Tennessee was one of the best teams in the NFL at stopping the run. The Titans have given up 167 rushing yards to Denver and 148 to Cincinnati in the last two games, although Haynesworth is likely to return this week. EDGE: TITANS
Team insiders are reporting that mobile Tennessee QB Vince Young will not be 100% after suffering a bruised thigh and a sprained ankle. The loss of Young as an effective rusher cripples this offense that relies heavily on running the football. EDGE: TEXANS
Tennessee is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 games.
Texans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Texans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against the AFC.
Titans are 9-22 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
Titans are 0-4 ATS against a losing team.
The underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Buffalo Bills at Washington Redskins (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are reporting rookie QB Trent Edwards will get the start against a very emotional Redskins team that will be playing their first game without safety Sean Taylor, who died early Tuesday morning after being shot at his home Monday. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
The Bills come into this contest second to last in total offense (averaging just 15 points per game and only 10 on the road this season) and total defense in the NFL. Indeed, Buffalo?s run defense has been a huge problem over the last three games, as the Bills are giving up 143, 127 and 124 rushing yards, which could be a real problem against this run-oriented Washington offensive unit. EDGE: REDSKINS
Three weeks ago Buffalo was finishing off its fourth straight win. Now the Bills come into this contest off two demoralizing losses over the past two weeks, getting crushed 56-10 against New England before suffering a 36-14 blowout at Jacksonville. EDGE: REDSKINS
Washington comes into this game on a three-game losing streak. However, one team insider is encouraged at the play of this Washington team. Despite the final result, Washington outgained Tampa 412-192 last wekek, but the team's six turnovers were the difference. SLIGHT EDGE: REDSKINS
Bills are 21-8-1 ATS against a losing team.
Bills are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games in December.
Redskins are 5-14 ATS when playing on 6 days or less rest over the last 2 seasons.
Redskins are 0-7 ATS when playing a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
The UNDER is 22-8 in the Bills last 30 games following an ATS loss.
Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Despite being “right in the mix of the playoff race” one league insider still has doubts about the Browns, who own the NFL’s worst defensive unit, allowing 29 points per game. EDGE: CARDINALS
The Cardinals have lost three defensive starters in as many weeks, as Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson underwent season-ending heel surgery on Wednesday. They have also lost CB Eric Green for the year with a groin tear and DE Bertand Berry with a heel injury as well. Starting QB Kurt Warner also injured his ribs in the third quarter of last week's game, and he is still playing with a torn ligament in his non-throwing elbow. EDGE: BROWNS
The Browns come into this contest with one distinction that they are equal to the mighty Patriots. Both Cleveland and New England are 9-2 ATS this season. However, the Browns are just 4-14 SU the last four Decembers, winning one game each of the last four years. SLIGHT EDGE: BROWNS
Browns are 8-1 ATS when playing on 6 or less days rest this season.
Cardinals are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 7-0 in Arizona's last 7 games in December.
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Denver will try to win its fifth straight trip to Oakland and beat the Raiders for the sixth time in a row overall. The Broncos should be highly motivated for this game considering they sit one game behind San Diego in the AFC West and two games behind Cleveland for the last Wild-Card spot in the AFC. All five of the team's final opponents to end the regular season are under the .500 mark. BIG EDGE: BRONCOS
The Broncos could be without yet another RB, as Andre Hall suffered a high ankle sprain last week at Chicago after rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown. Hall could become the third straight starting RB to go down following Travis Henry and Selvin Young. Denver might have to turn to fullbacks Mike Bell or Cecil Sapp if Hall can't go. EDGE: RAIDERS
Oakland had originally planned to give #1 pick JaMarcus Russell his first start in this game, but that might not happen considering Daunte Culpepper has been solid in the last two games. Culpepper did not play in the first meeting with Denver, won on a Jason Elam field goal in overtime after the Broncos froze Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski earlier with a timeout. Janikowski had made the original 52-yarder for the win, but the TO was called just as the ball was snapped and he missed the second attempt. Insiders believe that sour ending is all the Raiders need as motivation this time around. EDGE: RAIDERS
Broncos are 8-19 ATS overall over the last 2 seasons.
Broncos are 1-8 ATS against division opponents over the last 2 seaosn.
Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win.
Raiders are 0-10 ATS in December games over the last 3 seasons.
The UNDER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)
New Orleans team insiders are reporting that running back Reggie Bush is still troubled by a bruised left shin and will be less then 100% if he plays against Tampa. EDGE: BUCS
This is a big revenge game for New Orleans after suffering a 31-14 loss against Tampa in Week 2. EDGE: SAINTS
Despite being on a roll, some team insiders are becoming concerned over the injury suffered last week by Tampa starting QB Jeff Garcia, who hurt his back on the first play of the game and did not return. Tampa was outgained in that game 412-192 but took advantage of six turnovers to walk away with a win. EDGE: SAINTS
One league insider believes that Tampa’s defense (one that allows just 14 points per game) should have some success against a New Orleans offense that relies heavily on the pass. Tampa has one of the quickest secondaries in the league. EDGE: BUCS
Bucs are 5-0 ATS against a losing team.
Bucs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog.
Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a small favorite.
Saints are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 games a home favorite.
The underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
New York Giants at Chicago Bears (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)
It seems like every week the Bears have a "must-win" game in order to stay in the playoff hunt. Insiders believe this could very well be the team's biggest game of the season after rallying back from a 34-20 deficit last week to beat Denver in overtime. Chicago likely can't afford another loss, especially in this spot against a Giants team that currently sits in one of the NFC's two Wild-Card spots. The Bears scored four touchdowns during a 15-minute stretch to win at New York last November 12th, 38-20. EDGE: BEARS
Team insiders are concerned with another potential second-half swoon for the Giants, who are 9-18 SU since Tom Coughlin became their head coach in 2004. They went 1-7 in the second half three years ago and 2-6 last season to miss out on the playoffs. EDGE: BEARS
League insiders believe Chicago will be better off with Adrian Peterson taking over as the team's starting RB after the Bears put Cedric Benson on injured reserve with a leg injury. Peterson is known as a much better receiver out of the backfield and more similar to last year's starter Thomas Jones. EDGE: BEARS
The Giants hope to have leading rusher Brandon Jacobs back after missing last week's game with a hamstring injury. They are 2-2 without him this season and have won three straight on the road with him. EDGE: GIANTS
Giants are 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 games following an ATS loss.
Giants are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games following a double-digit home loss.
Bears are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win.
The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittburgh Steelers (NBC | 8:15 PM ET)
The weather was an obvious factor in Pittsburgh's 3-0 win over Miami on Monday night, and the Steelers might be hosting another rainy game on Sunday night. Early forecasts predict more rain, and team officials are not expected to re-sod the field. BIG EDGE: UNDER
Pittsburgh is 28-10 at Heinz Field, but three of the losses have come at the hands of the Bengals. However, the Steelers won 24-13 at Cincinnati back on October 28th, taking a 21-6 halftime lead on a touchdown with four seconds left before the break. "That's why they're 5-2 and we're 2-5," Cincy WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh said. "Good teams put it in the end zone. Teams like us kick field goals." The Bengals had earlier elected to kick a field goal on a 4th-and-1 play at the Pittsburgh 2-yard line. EDGE: STEELERS
Bengals are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 road games.
Bengals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win.
Steelers are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games as a favorite of 3.5-10 points.
Steelers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in December.
The road team is 10-1-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
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NFL
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Tips and Trends
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Sunday, December 2
San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (FOX | 1 PM ET)
The Panthers will be hoping to avoid an eighth consecutive home loss. They have been outscored 200-70 in losing their last seven home games, also dropping five straight overall (averaging just 10 points per game during that stretch). EDGE: 49ERS
Carolina may be forced to start rookie Matt Moore at QB if 44-year-old veteran Vinny Testaverde can't go again with a sore back. The David Carr experiment appears over, as he threw for 95 yards and two interceptions in last week's loss. EDGE: 49ERS
San Francisco is coming off a huge overtime win at Arizona last week, something the 49ers hope can carry over to this week. "You could have swore we just won the Super Bowl the way we were celebrating," San Francisco's Tully Banta-Cain said. Insiders do expect a bit of a letdown this week after the team snapped an eight-game losing streak. EDGE: PANTHERS
49ers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games against a losing home team.
49ers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against the NFC.
49ers are 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Panthers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Panthers are 0-7 ATS in games playing on grass this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (CBS | 1 PM ET)
This is a tough situational setting for Jacksonville as the Colts have had an extra four days of rest and preparation due to the fact that they played on Thanksgiving. EDGE: COLTS
Team insiders are reporting that Jacksonville players and coaches are eager to erase the memory of their 29-7 loss at the hands of the Colts earlier in the season. The 29-7 score was the largest margin of victory suffered by the Jaguars in this rivalry since 2000. However, it should be noted that Jacksonville starting QB David Garrard went out early in that meeting with an ankle injury. EDGE: JAGUARS
Some league insiders believe that this is one of the most important games of the weekend, as both teams are jockeying for first place in the AFC South, where the Colts lead by one game. The Colts are 4-1 SU & ATS at home this season and an impressive 14-1 SU & 11-4 ATS their last 15 at home. EDGE: COLTS
One Indianapolis team insider is reporting that wide receiver Marvin Harrison (check status) will be back for this contest, which is terrible news for Jacksonville, as the team's pass defense ranks 28th in the league, allowing 246 yards passing per game. EDGE: COLTS
This is the final game that Jacksonville DT tackle Marcus Stroud will be out, as he is finishing up a four-game suspension. Middle linebacker is also out with a broken hand, and their absence has shown recently as Jacksonville?s overall defense has dropped to 23rd in the league. EDGE: COLTS
Jaguars are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games as an underdog.
Jaguars are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss of more than 14 points.
Colts are 20-8 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
Colts are 12-3 ATS when playing against a winning team over the last 2 seasons.
The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Indianapolis.
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (CBS | 1 PM ET)
KC is surprisingly just 2-4 SU & 1-4-1 ATS at home this season, averaging 16 points per game. Despite the two wins, the Chiefs have yet to win a game statistically this season. EDGE: CHARGERS
The Chargers are looking to avenge a 30-16 home loss to Kansas City in Week 4. They allowed 24 unanswered points in the second half, but San Diego has won five of seven games since then while the Chiefs have dropped five of seven. EDGE: CHARGERS
The Chiefs are still very inexperienced in the offensive backfield, with RB Kolby Smith getting his second start and QB Brodie Croyle possibly making his third. However, Croyle has been bothered by a sore back and may be replaced by veteran Damon Huard if he can't go. (Check status on the Pregame Wire!) EDGE: CHARGERS
KC is 19-1 SU in its last 20 December games at Arrowhead Stadium. EDGE: CHIEFS
Chargers are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games following a win of more than 14 points.
Chargers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Chiefs are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games against the AFC West.
Chiefs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
The underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (CBS | 1 PM ET)
This is a brutal situational setting for the lowly Dolphins as New York has had four days of extra preparation after playing on Thanksgiving while Miami comes into this contest off a short week following a trip to Pittsburgh for Monday Night Football. EDGE: JETS
League insiders believe it will not be too long before Miami gets into the win column this season as the team's defensive unit has been playing lights out over their last four game. Indeed, this defense has given up 17, 13, 13 and 3 points the last four games and will be facing a Jets team that has been getting outscored by an average of 25-17. EDGE: DOLPHINS
Team insiders remain impressed about how hard this injury-ridden Miami team has played all season, as six of the team's defeats have been by three points. Despite suffering a 31-28 loss at New York earlier this season, the Dolphins nevertheless should have won that game, as they out-gained New York by a whopping 424-256 margin. EDGE: DOLPHINS
Jets are 0-5 SU & 1-4 ATS on the road, giving up a whopping 28 points per game this season.
Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a small underdog.
Jets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Jets are 18-4-2 ATS in the last 24 meetings.
Dolphins are 2-12 ATS against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Dolphins are 0-6 ATS in home games following 2+ losses over the last 3 seasons.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (FOX | 1 PM ET)
This NFC North battle pits Two teams going in opposite directions despite the fact that Detroit is ahead of Minnesota in the standings. Coming into this contest, the Vikings are playing well, riding an impressive 3-1 SU & ATS run while the Lions have dropped three in a row both SU & ATS. EDGE: VIKINGS
Team insiders reported seeing a very motivated Minnesota team in practice this week, as the Vikings are eager to avenge their 20-17 loss at the hands of Detroit in Week 2 this season. EDGE: VIKINGS
Some league insiders are not surprised with the recent troubles of the Lions, as they have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Detroit?s Jon Kitna has been sacked 44 times and the running game has games of 56, 39, 68, 25 and minus-18 yards rushing over their last five games. EDGE: VIKINGS
Detroit comes into this contest with one of the worst defenses in the league (ranked 29th), and the team's pass defense is second worst, giving up a whopping 269 yards per game. EDGE: VIKINGS
Team insiders are reporting that Minnesota rookie sensation Adrian Peterson (1,081 yards, 6.4 yards per carry) will start this weekend despite missing the last two games with a sprained knee. Peterson will split carries with Chester Taylor, who has rushed for 241 yards and four touchdowns in his absence. The Vikings comes into this contest with the NFL?s No. 1 rushing offense, one that is averaging 173 yards per game this season. EDGE: VIKINGS
Lions are 3-10 SU & 4-9 ATS in their last 13 away games.
Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Lions are 0-6 ATS playing a losing team in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Lions are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Vikings are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games against the NFL North.
Vikings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing previously.
Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles (FOX | 1 PM ET)
The Eagles will likely be without starting QB Donovan McNabb yet again after he failed to practice on Thursday. Philly head coach Andy Reid has said he needs McNabb back at 100 percent before he gets the ok to play, so insiders expect backup A.J. Feeley to get the nod following an impressive performance at New England on Sunday nigh in which he threw for a career-high 345 yards. EDGE: EAGLES
Philadelphia RB Brian Westbrook is averaging 161 yards from scrimmage in his last five home games and leads the NFL with 145.9 per game. Westbrook is coming off just 92 last week against New England and should be primed to bounce back in front of the home fans. EDGE: EAGLES
Seattle has won three in a row despite having 2006 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander on the field. The Seahawks have resorted to a pass-happy offense with Alexander out, and backup Maurice Morris has performed well with 84.3 yards per game in his absence. EDGE: SEAHAWKS
Seahawks are 4-0 ATS against a losing team.
Seahawks are 0-7 ATS in road games off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
Eagles are 22-10 ATS against the NFC West since 1992.
Eagles are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a favorite.
The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams (FOX | 1 PM ET)
St. Louis team insiders are reporting that starting QB Marc Bulger will not play due to a concussion suffered last week against Seattle. The Rams will again go with backup Gus Frerotte, who literally fumbled away the team's chances at a win in the final seconds. EDGE: FALCONS
The injury bug has taken its toll on the Falcons as they started two third-string offensive linemen (left tackle Quinn Ojinnaka and right guard D'Anthony Batiste) against the Colts on Thanksgiving. EDGE: RAMS
Team insiders reportedly saw a very demoralized Atlanta clubhouse after last Thursday?s 31-13 loss against the Colts. The week before, the Falcons also lost 31-7 loss to the Buccaneers in a game that saw them turn the ball over four times with Byron Leftwich under center. Team insiders are expecting QB Joey Harrington to start again as Leftwich is still sidelined by a tailbone injury. EDGE: RAMS
Atlanta comes into this contest with the league's second-worst offensive unit, as the Falcons are averaging just 11 points per game at home this season. EDGE: RAMS
Team insiders are becoming increasingly disgusted by the Rams' offensive play calling. Despite leading Seattle 19-7 at halftime, the Rams allowed the Seahawks to rally for a 24-19 win. EDGE: FALCONS
Falcons are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Falcons are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games on turf.
Rams are 0-5 SU & 1-3-1 ATS at home this season.
Rams are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games as a home favorite.
Rams are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 December games.
The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are reporting that Tennessee players and coaches are happy to be returning from a brutal two-game road trip that saw the Titans go 0-2 with losses at Denver and Cincinnati. EDGE: TITANS
Some team insiders were a bit disappointed in this Texans offense that only managed 314 yards against one of the worst defenses in the league in Cleveland. The main reason for the disappointment was that Houston finally welcomed back a healthy Andre Johnson, who should make this a top offensive unit (although they are currently a respectable 10th in the league). SLIGHT EDGE: TITANS
Team insiders are also concerned with the injuries to DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Travis LaBoy. Before their absence, Tennessee was one of the best teams in the NFL at stopping the run. The Titans have given up 167 rushing yards to Denver and 148 to Cincinnati in the last two games, although Haynesworth is likely to return this week. EDGE: TITANS
Team insiders are reporting that mobile Tennessee QB Vince Young will not be 100% after suffering a bruised thigh and a sprained ankle. The loss of Young as an effective rusher cripples this offense that relies heavily on running the football. EDGE: TEXANS
Tennessee is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 games.
Texans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Texans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against the AFC.
Titans are 9-22 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.
Titans are 0-4 ATS against a losing team.
The underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Buffalo Bills at Washington Redskins (CBS | 1 PM ET)
Team insiders are reporting rookie QB Trent Edwards will get the start against a very emotional Redskins team that will be playing their first game without safety Sean Taylor, who died early Tuesday morning after being shot at his home Monday. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
The Bills come into this contest second to last in total offense (averaging just 15 points per game and only 10 on the road this season) and total defense in the NFL. Indeed, Buffalo?s run defense has been a huge problem over the last three games, as the Bills are giving up 143, 127 and 124 rushing yards, which could be a real problem against this run-oriented Washington offensive unit. EDGE: REDSKINS
Three weeks ago Buffalo was finishing off its fourth straight win. Now the Bills come into this contest off two demoralizing losses over the past two weeks, getting crushed 56-10 against New England before suffering a 36-14 blowout at Jacksonville. EDGE: REDSKINS
Washington comes into this game on a three-game losing streak. However, one team insider is encouraged at the play of this Washington team. Despite the final result, Washington outgained Tampa 412-192 last wekek, but the team's six turnovers were the difference. SLIGHT EDGE: REDSKINS
Bills are 21-8-1 ATS against a losing team.
Bills are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games in December.
Redskins are 5-14 ATS when playing on 6 days or less rest over the last 2 seasons.
Redskins are 0-7 ATS when playing a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
The UNDER is 22-8 in the Bills last 30 games following an ATS loss.
Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Despite being “right in the mix of the playoff race” one league insider still has doubts about the Browns, who own the NFL’s worst defensive unit, allowing 29 points per game. EDGE: CARDINALS
The Cardinals have lost three defensive starters in as many weeks, as Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson underwent season-ending heel surgery on Wednesday. They have also lost CB Eric Green for the year with a groin tear and DE Bertand Berry with a heel injury as well. Starting QB Kurt Warner also injured his ribs in the third quarter of last week's game, and he is still playing with a torn ligament in his non-throwing elbow. EDGE: BROWNS
The Browns come into this contest with one distinction that they are equal to the mighty Patriots. Both Cleveland and New England are 9-2 ATS this season. However, the Browns are just 4-14 SU the last four Decembers, winning one game each of the last four years. SLIGHT EDGE: BROWNS
Browns are 8-1 ATS when playing on 6 or less days rest this season.
Cardinals are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 7-0 in Arizona's last 7 games in December.
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (CBS | 4:05 ET)
Denver will try to win its fifth straight trip to Oakland and beat the Raiders for the sixth time in a row overall. The Broncos should be highly motivated for this game considering they sit one game behind San Diego in the AFC West and two games behind Cleveland for the last Wild-Card spot in the AFC. All five of the team's final opponents to end the regular season are under the .500 mark. BIG EDGE: BRONCOS
The Broncos could be without yet another RB, as Andre Hall suffered a high ankle sprain last week at Chicago after rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown. Hall could become the third straight starting RB to go down following Travis Henry and Selvin Young. Denver might have to turn to fullbacks Mike Bell or Cecil Sapp if Hall can't go. EDGE: RAIDERS
Oakland had originally planned to give #1 pick JaMarcus Russell his first start in this game, but that might not happen considering Daunte Culpepper has been solid in the last two games. Culpepper did not play in the first meeting with Denver, won on a Jason Elam field goal in overtime after the Broncos froze Oakland's Sebastian Janikowski earlier with a timeout. Janikowski had made the original 52-yarder for the win, but the TO was called just as the ball was snapped and he missed the second attempt. Insiders believe that sour ending is all the Raiders need as motivation this time around. EDGE: RAIDERS
Broncos are 8-19 ATS overall over the last 2 seasons.
Broncos are 1-8 ATS against division opponents over the last 2 seaosn.
Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win.
Raiders are 0-10 ATS in December games over the last 3 seasons.
The UNDER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)
New Orleans team insiders are reporting that running back Reggie Bush is still troubled by a bruised left shin and will be less then 100% if he plays against Tampa. EDGE: BUCS
This is a big revenge game for New Orleans after suffering a 31-14 loss against Tampa in Week 2. EDGE: SAINTS
Despite being on a roll, some team insiders are becoming concerned over the injury suffered last week by Tampa starting QB Jeff Garcia, who hurt his back on the first play of the game and did not return. Tampa was outgained in that game 412-192 but took advantage of six turnovers to walk away with a win. EDGE: SAINTS
One league insider believes that Tampa’s defense (one that allows just 14 points per game) should have some success against a New Orleans offense that relies heavily on the pass. Tampa has one of the quickest secondaries in the league. EDGE: BUCS
Bucs are 5-0 ATS against a losing team.
Bucs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a road underdog.
Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a small favorite.
Saints are 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 games a home favorite.
The underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
New York Giants at Chicago Bears (FOX | 4:15 PM ET)
It seems like every week the Bears have a "must-win" game in order to stay in the playoff hunt. Insiders believe this could very well be the team's biggest game of the season after rallying back from a 34-20 deficit last week to beat Denver in overtime. Chicago likely can't afford another loss, especially in this spot against a Giants team that currently sits in one of the NFC's two Wild-Card spots. The Bears scored four touchdowns during a 15-minute stretch to win at New York last November 12th, 38-20. EDGE: BEARS
Team insiders are concerned with another potential second-half swoon for the Giants, who are 9-18 SU since Tom Coughlin became their head coach in 2004. They went 1-7 in the second half three years ago and 2-6 last season to miss out on the playoffs. EDGE: BEARS
League insiders believe Chicago will be better off with Adrian Peterson taking over as the team's starting RB after the Bears put Cedric Benson on injured reserve with a leg injury. Peterson is known as a much better receiver out of the backfield and more similar to last year's starter Thomas Jones. EDGE: BEARS
The Giants hope to have leading rusher Brandon Jacobs back after missing last week's game with a hamstring injury. They are 2-2 without him this season and have won three straight on the road with him. EDGE: GIANTS
Giants are 13-6-1 ATS in their last 20 games following an ATS loss.
Giants are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games following a double-digit home loss.
Bears are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
Bears are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win.
The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittburgh Steelers (NBC | 8:15 PM ET)
The weather was an obvious factor in Pittsburgh's 3-0 win over Miami on Monday night, and the Steelers might be hosting another rainy game on Sunday night. Early forecasts predict more rain, and team officials are not expected to re-sod the field. BIG EDGE: UNDER
Pittsburgh is 28-10 at Heinz Field, but three of the losses have come at the hands of the Bengals. However, the Steelers won 24-13 at Cincinnati back on October 28th, taking a 21-6 halftime lead on a touchdown with four seconds left before the break. "That's why they're 5-2 and we're 2-5," Cincy WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh said. "Good teams put it in the end zone. Teams like us kick field goals." The Bengals had earlier elected to kick a field goal on a 4th-and-1 play at the Pittsburgh 2-yard line. EDGE: STEELERS
Bengals are 17-7-1 ATS in their last 25 road games.
Bengals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win.
Steelers are 20-6 ATS in their last 26 home games as a favorite of 3.5-10 points.
Steelers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in December.
The road team is 10-1-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
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