Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/06

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Thursday, December 6

Good Luck on day #340 of 2007!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

FOOTBALL
We are providing football trends & indexes that are available through Monday.

[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

NFL trends to consider for Week 14

-- Redskins are 1-6-1 vs spread in last eight home games.

-- Arizona covered seven of last nine road games.

-- Carolina is 10-6 vs spread as double digit underdog.

-- Cowboys covered five of last seven as a road favorite.

-- Packers are 3-11-1 vs spread as double digit favorite.

-- Broncos covered one of last ten as home favorite.

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[pm530]

Thursday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.............

13) Pittsburgh Pirates are holding ticket prices steady for the sixth year in row in '08, which is good, considering they have not had winning season since 1992. It only costs $9 to sit in the grandstands at PNC.

12) Tommy Tuberville got a $200,000 raise out of Auburn just because Houston Nutt got fired (because he turned down a chance to replace Nutt in his home state).

11) Georgia Tech, Duke and SMU are said to be after Navy coach Paul Johnson, but the Navy job is better than any of the other three. If Michigan was smart (not to mention UCLA, Arkansas) they’d be after Johnson, too.

10) I think they said on ESPN Tuesday that SMU is offering $2M a year; could that be right? Joe Paterno’s base salary at Penn State is $512,000; how could a lower-level Conference USA school afford $2M a year?

9) Word out of Michigan was that Lloyd Carr didn’t want Les Miles replacing him, so when Miles’ people tried to contact Wolverine AD Bill Martin last Friday to confirm that Miles was Michigan’s #1 choice, Martin was nowhere to be found, which is how Miles was forced into his pre-game confab with reporters Saturday morning. What a soap opera

8) What does it say about the UCLA coaching job that Boise State coach Peterson publicly dissed the Bruins, saying he had no interest in the job?

7) Tough week for Redskins, who blew their game to Buffalo Sunday, without giving up a TD, then flew to Florida for Sean Taylor’s funeral Monday, and now they’re playing on short week vs Bears Thursday. It hasn’t been the best of seasons to Joe Gibbs; the NASCAR garage has to be looking better all the time.

6) The one thought I couldn’t get out of my head watching the Ravens fly all over the field Monday night: How the hell is this team 4-7 (now 4-8)? Boller played very well Monday.

5) What can people in Minnesota be thinking; tax dollars are paying for Twins’ new stadium, but the club lets Torii Hunter walk, and now they’re trading Johan Santana? Can we take a revote on the stadium issue?

4) There is a lefthanded hitting OF named Kosuke Fukudome who is being coveted by the Cubs this winter. I can imagine Fukudome Foam Fingers being sold all over Wrigleyville.

3) It cannot be much fun rooting for the Marlins.

2) What does it say about baseball? Santana-Haren-Bedard have all been put on market by sub-.500 teams; I thought that pitching was 80% of baseball? This is why fantasy baseball is so popular; I have 24 guys on my team, and none of them are leaving unless I say so, or they retire. I like that.

1) If USC basketball players allow Tim Floyd to coach them all season, Trojans can be sleeper Final Four team; they’re that athletic, and Floyd is an excellent college coach.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Long Sheet


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Thursday, December 6
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CHICAGO (5 - 7) at WASHINGTON (5 - 7) - 12/6/2007, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 6-23 ATS (-19.3 Units) in road games in December games since 1992.
CHICAGO is 6-23 ATS (-19.3 Units) in road games in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 41-67 ATS (-32.7 Units) as a favorite since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 1-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 1-0 straight up against CHICAGO 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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Sunday, December 9
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CAROLINA (5 - 7) at JACKSONVILLE (8 - 4) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
CAROLINA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games in December games since 1992.
CAROLINA is 70-44 ATS (+21.6 Units) as an underdog since 1992.

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


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DALLAS (11 - 1) at DETROIT (6 - 6) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
DALLAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
DETROIT is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.

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


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MIAMI (0 - 12) at BUFFALO (6 - 6) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-42 ATS (-23.2 Units) in December games since 1992.
MIAMI is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 5-0 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 4-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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NY GIANTS (8 - 4) at PHILADELPHIA (5 - 7) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 116-83 ATS (+24.7 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 44-22 ATS (+19.8 Units) revenging a loss against opponent since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 4-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 4-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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OAKLAND (4 - 8) at GREEN BAY (10 - 2) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
GREEN BAY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
GREEN BAY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.

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


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PITTSBURGH (9 - 3) at NEW ENGLAND (12 - 0) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 40-21 ATS (+16.9 Units) in December games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 74-50 ATS (+19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 51-27 ATS (+21.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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


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SAN DIEGO (7 - 5) at TENNESSEE (7 - 5) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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


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ST LOUIS (3 - 9) at CINCINNATI (4 - 8) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 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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TAMPA BAY (8 - 4) at HOUSTON (5 - 7) - 12/9/2007, 1:00 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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ARIZONA (6 - 6) at SEATTLE (8 - 4) - 12/9/2007, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-2 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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MINNESOTA (6 - 6) at SAN FRANCISCO (3 - 9) - 12/9/2007, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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CLEVELAND (7 - 5) at NY JETS (3 - 9) - 12/9/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 against the spread versus NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 1-0 straight up against NY JETS 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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KANSAS CITY (4 - 8) at DENVER (5 - 7) - 12/9/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss against opponent over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
DENVER is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
DENVER is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-2 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 3-2 straight up against KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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INDIANAPOLIS (10 - 2) at BALTIMORE (4 - 8) - 12/9/2007, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 31-50 ATS (-24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1992.
INDIANAPOLIS is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
BALTIMORE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) against AFC South division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANAPOLIS is 2-0 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
INDIANAPOLIS is 2-0 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Monday, December 10
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NEW ORLEANS (5 - 7) at ATLANTA (3 - 9) - 12/10/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 66-91 ATS (-34.1 Units) in dome games since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1992.
ATLANTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 7 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Thursday, December 6th

Chicago at Washington, 8:15 EST NFL
Chicago: 6-23 ATS away in December
Washington: 6-0 Over off BB ATS losses


Sunday, December 9th

Carolina at Jacksonville, 1:00 EST
Carolina: 17-6 ATS away in December
Jacksonville: 7-0 Over off a road game

Dallas at Detroit, 1:00 EST
Dallas: 10-2 Over as a road favorite
Detroit: 18-7 ATS off 3+ ATS losses

Miami at Buffalo, 1:00 EST
Miami: 1-8 ATS vs. division opponents
Buffalo: 17-6 ATS at home off a win as an underdog

NY Giants at Philadelphia, 1:00 EST
NY Giants: 10-2 ATS away vs. conference opponents
Philadelphia: 6-0 Over playing with same-season revenge

Oakland at Green Bay, 1:00 EST
Oakland: 1-10 ATS in December
Green Bay: 9-2 ATS this season

Pittsburgh at New England, 1:00 EST
Pittsburgh: 15-5 Over off an Under
New England: 14-5 ATS playing on artificial turf

San Diego at Tennessee, 1:00 EST
San Diego: 6-0 Over after winning 3 of their last 4 games
Tennessee: 17-6 ATS off a division home win

St. Louis at Cincinnati, 1:00 EST
St. Louis: 34-17 Over vs. non-conference opponents
Cincinnati: 1-5 ATS after scoring 14 or less points

Tampa Bay at Houston, 1:00 EST
Tampa Bay: 9-2 Under off BB wins
Houston: 1-5 ATS off a loss

Arizona at Seattle, 4:05 EST
Arizona: 15-6 Over in road games
Seattle: 1-9 ATS revenging a loss as a road favorite

Minnesota at San Francisco, 4:05 EST
Minnesota: 16-6 Over off 3+ games scoring 25+ points
San Francisco: 0-6 ATS off a road game

Cleveland at NY Jets, 4:15 EST
Cleveland: 9-2 ATS off a road game
NY Jets: 12-4 Over off a division game

Kansas City at Denver, 4:15 EST
Kansas City: 8-1 ATS playing with revenge
Denver: 1-9 ATS vs. division opponents

Indianapolis at Baltimore, 8:15 EST NBC
Indianapolis: 18-6 ATS off 3+ wins
Baltimore: 0-6 ATS vs. AFC South opponents


Monday, December 3rd

New Orleans at Atlanta, 8:30 EST ESPN
New Orleans: 9-2 ATS away vs. conference opponents
Atlanta: 4-13 ATS as a home underdog of 3.5 to 7 points

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[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up


Week 14 NFL schedule

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Thursday, December 6
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Bears (5-7) @ Redskins (5-7) -- Washington lost last four games- they led three of them at half, and outgained Bucs 412-192 in the fourth loss. Shaky game management has players doubting their coaches. Short work week for Skins, who attended funeral down in Florida Monday and practiced just once before this game, vs a Chicago team that covered the last four games that followed loss. Odd that 5-7 team has lost consecutive games only once in 2007. Underdog covered last three series meetings. Redskins are -11 in turnovers their last six games (6-17).

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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL


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Tips and Trends
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Thursday, December 6

Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins (NFL | 8:15 PM ET)

Team insiders believe the Redskins are "very focused" for this game following Monday's memorial service for teammate Sean Taylor. They will be looking to avoid a 5-game losing streak and did not look mentally ready for last week's 17-16 home loss to Buffalo. EDGE: REDSKINS
Chicago's run defense ranks 6th-worst in the NFL this season, giving up 130.8 yards per game. That's bad news for the Bears, considering Washington RB Clinton Portis has racked up 457 yards on 71 carries (6.4 yards per carry) in three career games against them. BIG EDGE: REDSKINS
The winner of this game will still have an outside shot at the playoffs, though that didn't seem to matter for the Bears last week in a 21-16 loss to the Giants. Chicago blew a 16-7 lead in what could have been a huge victory turned into yet another disappointing loss. The Bears have lost 8 of their last 10 meetings with the Redskins, including 5 of 6 at Washington. EDGE: REDSKINS
Bears have not lost consecutive games SU or ATS since September 30th.
Bears are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games overall.
Redskins are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The OVER is 19-7-1 in Chicago's last 27 vs. NFC opponents.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Bettor’s Need to Know

NFL


Thursday, December 6

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What bettors need to know: Bears at Redskins
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Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins (-3, 37 ½)

Clinging to hope

Bears head coach Lovie Smith is focused on making the playoffs despite his team’s tough loss to the Giants on Sunday. The defeat dropped Chicago’s record to 5-7. The Bears will now need to win their final four games to have any hope at the postseason.

Only three teams since 1990 have recovered from a 5-7 start to make the postseason, according to a report in today’s Chicago Tribune.

"As far as talking about the playoffs and things like that, we've done that," Smith told the Tribune. "We felt like we had to win out to guarantee ourselves a spot in the playoffs. Now we need a little bit of help from teams. But all we can do is try to win and then see what happens."

The NFC playoff picture gives rise to that optimism. Three 6-6 teams and five 5-7 teams are fighting for the last wild-card berth. Most of those teams have to play at least one of their wild-card competitors before the end of the season.

A win on Thursday night is essential to the Bears’ hopes, and current form suggests that they could achieve that. Chicago has recorded a victory after every loss this season, and has a better record on the road (3-3) than it does at home (2-4).

"They haven't told us we're out of the playoffs," safety Danieal Manning when asked how the coaches are approaching the issue. "The playoffs haven't started yet. So we just have to keep playing."

Washington is a 3-point home favorite for Thursday’s contest.

Emotional week for Washington

Despite a valiant effort against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, the Redskins failed to honor the memory of their murdered teammate Sean Taylor with a win on Sunday.

Washington was up 16-5 in the third quarter, but quarterback Jason Campbell threw a pick that sparked a Bills comeback. Buffalo went on to win the game with a last-minute field goal.

"It was a real tough day for us," Redskins coach Joe Gibbs told The Associated Press after the 17-16 loss. "Long, hard week. To be truthful, everybody was kind of drained. It was hard to get the emotion up to play."

The ordeal didn’t end there for the Redskins. They boarded a plane on Monday for Taylor’s funeral, before returning home to resume practice on Tuesday. That left the them with only two days to prepare for the visit of Chicago.

"It will be a real challenge for us to see if we can bounce back and play a game against a real good football team on a short week," Gibbs added.

Taylor, 24, was shot and killed last week. Four people have been charged in the incident.

Hester-y in the making?

Washington’s special teams will face the same dilemma this week that every other Chicago opponent has faced this season – whether or not to kick to Devin Hester. The second-year pro has emerged as the best kick returner in the league and always has a big impact.

If a team kicks to him he is likely to rip you to shreds on the return. If a team decides to angle it away from him Chicago will enjoy excellent field position throughout the game.

"It's amazing. I've never seen anything like it from that position," New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan told The Canadian Press after Sunday’s game against Chicago.

"He's such a game-changer, and he's not a starter on defense or offence. We've seen some dangerous guys in the past, but there's no one – no one – who does what he does and makes it look so effortless.”

Hester has returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns this season, lifting his career total to 10 TD returns. The Broncos decided it would be a good idea to kick to Hester in their Nov. 25 game at Chicago, and he burned them for two TDs.

"It's a combination of everything that he has: the vision, the strength and then the first-step quickness and the top-end speed," Bears special teams coach Dave Toub said. "He'll start a return and then he has another gear. People think they have an angle on him and then they don't. They try to and then he's gone."

The 25-year-old is just three shy of the NFL record of 13 touchdown returns, set by Brian Mitchell. Mitchell set the record in 223 games and 1,070 total returns. Hester has only played 27 regular season games and has 131 total returns.

Head to head

The Redskins have won two straight games against Chicago and are 6-2 against the spread in the last eight meetings between these teams. The road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four contests.

The past two games between Washington and Chicago played under the total.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Notes

NFL

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NFL – Notes for Thursday’s game
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Three key mismatches in Bears-Redskins game

Redskins running back Clinton Portis vs. Bears’ rush defense

Clinton Portis has faced the Bears’ defense three times in his career and has decimated it on each occasion. The way Chicago is playing this season, the destruction looks set to continue.

Portis ran for 165 yards on 14 carries against the Bears in 2003, 171 yards on 36 carries in 2004 and 121 yards on 21 attempts in 2005. He is the eighth-ranked running back in the league with 920 rushing yards and has seven touchdowns. Portis averages 6.4 yards per carry against the Bears.

Chicago’s defense is giving up 130.8 yards per game on the ground, including an NFC-worst 4.4 yards per rush. It surrendered a career-best 154 yards to Giants backup Derrick Ward last week. Opposing teams have run for 100 yards or more against the Bears in eight straight games.

Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye vs. Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell

Adewale Ogunleye is enjoying one of the best stretches of his career and is arguably the Bears’ best pass rusher this season. The defensive end is likely to trouble error-prone Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell this week.

Ogunleye ranks ninth in the league with nine sacks, and has six in his last five games. That includes a season-high three sacks on Oakland QB Josh McCown. Ogunleye has also forced fumbles in four straight contests.

Campbell, meanwhile, has struggled to protect the ball while receiving poor pass protection. He has thrown 11 interceptions in 12 games, and has been sacked 16 times this season.

Redskins’ DE Andre Carter and LB London Fletcher vs. Bears’ turnovers lost

Two struggling quarterbacks and an unreliable receiving corps make the Bears one of the worst turnover teams in the NFL.

Chicago has alternated between QBs Brian Griese and Rex Grossman this season and neither has impressed. Grossman has thrown seven INTs in seven starts, while Griese has 10 in six.

But they are only partially responsible for their team’s awful turnover record (28 giveaways in 11 games, which drops them into a tie for third-worst in the NFL). Eight Chicago players have had a combined 11 fumbles recovered by opposing teams.

A Redskins defense that includes defensive end Andre Carter and linebacker London Fletcher should capitalize on those weaknesses. Carter has 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles this season, while Fletcher leads the team with three interceptions for a total of 36 yards and a TD.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Gameday

NFL
Gameday


Thursday, December 6

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NFL Gameday
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Thursday NFL Gameday

Week 14 in the NFL begins with another Thursday night contest as the Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins square off in a must-win game for both teams.

The Bears and Redskins are both on the cusp of being eliminated from playoff contention with matching 5-7 records. It’s highly unlikely that an 8-8 record will be good enough to snag a Wild Card berth this season, so one of these teams will have to run the table the rest of the way to even have a shot at the postseason.

Chicago is coming off a 21-16 loss to the Giants as a 1-point underdog. The Bears took a 13-7 lead into the half in that game, but couldn’t hold on and are still looking for their first back-to-back wins of the season. Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman completed 26-of-46 passes for 296 yards with a touchdown, while being sacked six times in the loss. Adrian Peterson got the start at running back in place of the injured Cedric Benson and rushed for 67 yards on 22 carries. Peterson also led the Bears with seven receptions for 82 yards, while Desmond Clark caught five passes for 76 yards with a touchdown.

The Redskins suffered a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to Buffalo as a 6.5-point favorite last week. The loss was Washington’s fourth in a row and spoiled their tribute to fallen teammate Sean Taylor. Washington head coach Joe Gibbs made the win an easier possibility for Buffalo with a blunder in the fourth quarter. With the Bills ready to attempt a game-winning 51-yard field goal with only seconds remaining, Gibbs called a timeout to try and ice Buffalo kicker Rian Lindell. Gibbs then called a second timeout but consecutive timeouts are not allowed and Washington was assessed a 15-yard penalty. This gave Lindell a much easier 36-yard field goal which he easily knocked through the uprights.

Besides Gibbs’ mistake, the Redskins had trouble moving the ball on offense as quarterback Jason Campbell completed 21-of-37 passes for 216 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Clinton Portis was held to 50 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, while Chris Cooley led Washington with seven receptions for 89 yards. Washington played without wideout Antwaan Randle El, who was out with a hamstring injury. Both Randle El and cornerback Shawn Springs (back) are listed as questionable for Thursday’s game.

The Redskins are a 3-point home favorite in this game.

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[pm530]

NFL
Updates

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Updates / Injury Alerts
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12/05/07
02:33 PM Info Alert
NFL
According to team insiders the Washington Redskins seem "very focused" for their Thursday night game against the Bears.

12/05/07
02:28 PM News Alert
NFL
VIkings DE Ray Edwards has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on steroid use.

12/05/07
02:25 PM Lineups
NFL
Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, S Troy Polamalu and T Marvel Smith could all return to the lineup this week.

12/05/07
09:49 AM Lineups
NFL
The Rams are likely to have QB Marc Bulger (concussion) back in the starting lineup this week.

12/04/07
07:31 PM News Alert
NFL
Eric Rivera, a 17-year-old, has been accused of firing the shot that killed Redskins S Sean Taylor.

12/04/07
07:21 PM News Alert
NFL
Broncos released DT Sam Adams.

12/04/07
07:20 PM Lineup Alert
NFL
Bears CB Nathan Vasher will miss Thursday's game against Detroit.

12/04/07
05:59 PM News Alert
NFL Travis Henry has won his appeal of his one-year suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

12/04/07
05:32 PM Injury Alert
NFL
Giants placed RB Derrick Ward (fractured fibula) on the season-ending injured reserved list.

12/04/07
05:30 PM Injury Alert
NFL
Dolphins placed Zach Thomas (concussion) on the injured reserved list

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Thursday, December 6

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Today's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- Hawks are 3-2 vs spread when favored this season.

Cold Teams
-- T'Wolves are 2-14 this season (4-3 as road underdog).
-- Dallas is 1-7 vs spread in last eight games; they lost to Spurs last night, and Duncan didn't play. Nuggets are 1-6 vs spread on the road, losing last three by 11-28-8 points.
-- Heat lost eight of their last eleven games. Blazers are 2-9 in last 11 games, winning last game on buzzer beater.

Series Records
-- Hawks won last three games vs Minnesota by 12-17-7 points.
-- Denver lost three of four vs Mavericks LY, losing by 105-90/ 115-95 scores in Dallas.
-- Miami beat Portland twice LY, 104-85/93-90.

Totals
-- Under is 7-1 in Atlanta's last eight games, 1-4 in Minnesota's last five contests.
-- Under is 7-4 in last eleven Denver games.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Miami games.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Thursday, December 6

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Tips and Trends
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Minnesota Timberwolves at Atlanta Hawks (7 PM ET)

Home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-1 in Atlanta's last 8 games.
The OVER is 20-7 in Minnesota's last 27 vs. the Southeast Division.


Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks (TNT | 8 PM ET)

Nuggets are 2-8 ATS in its last 10 road games.
The OVER is 9-2 in Dallas' last 11 games overall.
The UNDER is 20-7 Denver's last 27 vs. the Southwest Division.


Miami Heat at Portland Trail Blazers (TNT | 10:30 PM ET)

Heat are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Northwest Division.
Trail Blazers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Road team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Portland's last 8 home games.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Notes

NBA
Betting Matchup Notes


Thursday, December 6

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Thursday's key NBA betting matchup notes
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Minnesota at Atlanta (-9 ½, 188)

The Hawks look to win their fourth straight against the lowly Timberwolves. Minnesota which hasn't won in this series since an 84-83 victory on April 9, 2006.


Denver at Dallas (-7, 213 ½)

The Nuggets have dropped five straight games in Dallas since a 107-102 win on Jan.31, 2004, and 18 of 19 since the start of the 1997-98 season.


Miami at Portland (+3, 187)

The Heat stand a good chance of turning things around against the Blazers, who have lost five straight against Miami.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 6

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S CAROLINA (4 - 4) vs. PROVIDENCE (5 - 2) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S CAROLINA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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


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VALPARAISO (6 - 1) at WRIGHT ST (2 - 1) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WRIGHT ST is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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


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TOWSON ST (3 - 4) at TEMPLE (3 - 4) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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


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BUTLER (7 - 0) at DETROIT (4 - 3) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUTLER is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUTLER is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BUTLER is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BUTLER is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 against the spread versus BUTLER over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 3-1 straight up against DETROIT 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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NORTHEASTERN (3 - 4) at CONNECTICUT (5 - 2) - 12/6/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

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


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WI-MILWAUKEE (3 - 4) at IL-CHICAGO (3 - 4) - 12/6/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 67-45 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all home games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 67-45 ATS (+17.5 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games in December games since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-MILWAUKEE is 3-2 against the spread versus IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
IL-CHICAGO is 3-2 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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WI-GREEN BAY (5 - 2) at LOYOLA-IL (2 - 4) - 12/6/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
WI-GREEN BAY is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-IL is 2-2 against the spread versus WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-IL is 2-2 straight up against WI-GREEN BAY 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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LSU (5 - 2) at VILLANOVA (5 - 1) - 12/6/2007, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LSU is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LSU is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LSU is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LSU is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LSU is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

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


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RIDER (5 - 3) at NIAGARA (3 - 2) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NIAGARA is 4-1 against the spread versus RIDER over the last 3 seasons
NIAGARA is 4-1 straight up against RIDER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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JACKSONVILLE ST (2 - 5) at SAMFORD (2 - 4) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE ST is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE ST is 3-1 against the spread versus SAMFORD over the last 3 seasons
SAMFORD is 3-1 straight up against JACKSONVILLE ST 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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TENNESSEE TECH (2 - 6) at E ILLINOIS (1 - 6) - 12/6/2007, 8:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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


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MOREHEAD ST (2 - 4) at AUSTIN PEAY (3 - 4) - 12/6/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
AUSTIN PEAY is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MOREHEAD ST is 3-1 against the spread versus AUSTIN PEAY over the last 3 seasons
AUSTIN PEAY is 2-2 straight up against MOREHEAD ST 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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TENNESSEE ST (2 - 4) at SE MISSOURI ST (4 - 4) - 12/6/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SE MISSOURI ST is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
SE MISSOURI ST is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SE MISSOURI ST is 4-0 against the spread versus TENNESSEE ST over the last 3 seasons
SE MISSOURI ST is 2-2 straight up against TENNESSEE ST 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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BOWLING GREEN (4 - 3) at N COLORADO (4 - 2) - 12/6/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOWLING GREEN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BOWLING GREEN is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOWLING GREEN is 1-0 straight up against N COLORADO over the last 3 seasons


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