Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/27

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Thursday, December 27

Good Luck on day #361 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.

NCAA FOOTBALL:
For trends & indexes for all the NCAA Bowl Games, please look for separate thread:
“2007-2008 BOWL SEASON TREND FACTORS AND INDEXES”

NFL info will posted in this thread.

[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

-- They put over 60,000 in Ford Field Wednesday for track meet in Motor City Bowl with Purdue, Central Michigan. Purdue QB Painter had 339 passing yards. At halftime.

-- Texas failed to cover its last five non-January 1 bowls.

-- Cal was 5-0, ranked #2 in country, then lost six of its last seven games; how are they playing in a bowl?

-- Penn State failed to cover last five games on artificial turf

-- Mark Prior, at $1M for one year, is great value for Padres.

-- The 2008 PGA Tour starts next Thursday in Hawai'i.

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[pm530]

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

13) U of San Francisco coach Jessie Evans resigned from his post, which isn't surprising, since Dons have struggled under his tutelage, but naming Eddie Sutton as interim coach is very strange, almost bizarre, unless you figure that he is keeping a seat warm for his son Scott, currently at Oral Roberts.

12) Eddie Sutton has 798 career wins, so this allows him to be on bench for two more wins, but what does he know about a new league and his new team? Has to be strange for the kids.

11) ESPN.com's Jay Bilas expressed displeasure with college hoop refs in Weekly Watch this week, threatening to name names of refs he feels are not preparing well enough for the games they do. Strongly worded stuff-- wonder if he means it.

10) The Celtics' road uniforms are awful; green numbers on a green shirt? Not real easy to see on TV.

9) Whatever Randy Wittman gets paid for coaching the 4-23 Timberwolves, he is earning every penny. It can't be a whole lot of fun leading a team into games when it has so little of a chance to win, night in and night out.

8) I wish there was a college bowl system, like most college football fans, but there is something about the bowl season that makes it unique. The Purdue-Central Michigan game on Wednesday was one of those games, where it almost took on a life of its own, just a terrific 51-48 Purdue win.

7) Hard to believe Eagles are only NFL team without a TD on either defense or special teams this season.

6) Underdogs are 9-3 vs spread in game involving a team that just played the Patriots; underdog is 5-1 vs the spread in the game the week after facing New England.

5) NC State's point guard, who had started every game after a transfer from Iowa State, blew out his knee, is out for year.

4) Memphis' presence in Conference USA is much like when UNLV was in the Big West in the late 80's, esrly 90's; all the other teams in league are benefitting from having Tigers in same league, just like UCSB and New Mexico State benefitted from having Tark's gang around. Don't be surprised if another C-USA team (Houston or UCF or Southern Miss) makes some noise when March rolls around.

3) The Giants have to prepare for Tampa Bay, not expend lot of energy in ridiculous attempt to beat the Patriots. So what if they did beat the Pats? Does that help them in Tampa? No. Playoffs are the thing. Coughlin needs to prepare for them.

2) Jim Mora Jr, who is now DBs coach for Seahawks, returns to the Georgia Dome this week, as Seattle visits the Falcons. How happy is Mora to be away from this mess, now that he is set up to either succeed Holmgren with the Seahawks, or take over for Ty Willingham at Washington, his alma mater?

1) Falcons, in their last seven games, have had 86 drives; the offense has scored 11 TDs, given up four defensive TDs and also gave up a kick return for TD. They really, really need to have a good draft in April (no pressure on the new GM).

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[pm530]

National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Long Sheet


Week 17

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Saturday, December 29
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NEW ENGLAND (15 - 0) at NY GIANTS (10 - 5) - 12/29/2007, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in December games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games off a win against a division rival over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 75-50 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 52-27 ATS (+22.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.

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

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Sunday, December 30
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BUFFALO (7 - 8) at PHILADELPHIA (7 - 8) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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CAROLINA (6 - 9) at TAMPA BAY (9 - 6) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 72-45 ATS (+22.5 Units) as an underdog since 1992.
CAROLINA is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in December games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-2 against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 3-2 straight up against TAMPA BAY 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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CINCINNATI (6 - 9) at MIAMI (1 - 14) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) in December games since 1992.

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

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DALLAS (13 - 2) at WASHINGTON (8 - 7) - 12/30/2007, 4:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-2 straight up against DALLAS 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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DETROIT (7 - 8) at GREEN BAY (12 - 3) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
GREEN BAY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
GREEN BAY is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points this season.
GREEN BAY is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
GREEN BAY is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GREEN BAY is 3-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
GREEN BAY is 4-1 straight up against DETROIT 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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JACKSONVILLE (11 - 4) at HOUSTON (7 - 8) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a road game where the total is between 38.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
JACKSONVILLE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
JACKSONVILLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
JACKSONVILLE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
JACKSONVILLE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 against the spread versus JACKSONVILLE over the last 3 seasons
JACKSONVILLE is 3-2 straight up against HOUSTON 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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NEW ORLEANS (7 - 8) at CHICAGO (6 - 9) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 2-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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PITTSBURGH (10 - 5) at BALTIMORE (4 - 11) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-1 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
BALTIMORE is 3-2 straight up against PITTSBURGH 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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SEATTLE (10 - 5) at ATLANTA (3 - 12) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 1-0 straight up against ATLANTA 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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SAN FRANCISCO (5 - 10) at CLEVELAND (9 - 6) - 12/30/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in a road game where the total is between 38.5 and 42 points since 1992.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
CLEVELAND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

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

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TENNESSEE (9 - 6) at INDIANAPOLIS (13 - 2) - 12/30/2007, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in dome games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) after 2 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANAPOLIS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANAPOLIS over the last 3 seasons
INDIANAPOLIS is 4-1 straight up against TENNESSEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (8 - 7) at DENVER (6 - 8) - 12/30/2007, 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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SAN DIEGO (9 - 5) at OAKLAND (4 - 11) - 12/30/2007, 4:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ST LOUIS (3 - 12) at ARIZONA (7 - 8) - 12/30/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS 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
ST LOUIS is 3-2 against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-2 straight up against ST LOUIS 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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KANSAS CITY (4 - 11) at NY JETS (3 - 12) - 12/30/2007, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) against AFC East division opponents since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 against the spread versus NY JETS over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY 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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[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Week 17

Saturday, December 29th

New England at NY Giants, 8:15 EST TV - NFL, NBC, CBS
New England: 6-0 ATS away off a division game
NY Giants: 0-7 ATS at home in the second half of the season

Sunday, December 30th

Buffalo at Philadelphia, 1:00 EST
Buffalo: 5-1 Under off an Over
Philadelphia: 4-0 ATS off BB road wins

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1:00 EST
Carolina: 1-5 ATS off a SU loss / ATS win
Tampa Bay: 14-3 ATS off a loss as a road favorite

Cincinnati at Miami, 1:00 EST
Cincinnati: 10-2 ATS off 4+ Unders
Miami: 2-10 ATS off a road loss

(TC) Dallas at Washington, 4:15 EST
Dallas: 12-4 Over in road games
Washington: 6-16 ATS as a home favorite of 7.5 to 14 points

Detroit at Green Bay, 1:00 EST
Detroit: 7-19 ATS away off a win by 6 or less points
Green Bay: 7-1 ATS after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Jacksonville at Houston, 1:00 EST
Jacksonville: 7-0 ATS off BB Overs
Houston: 0-6 ATS after winning 2 of their last 3 games

New Orleans at Chicago, 1:00 EST
New Orleans: 12-1 ATS away after allowing 175+ rushing yards
Chicago: 18-6 Over vs. conference opponents

(TC) Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 4:15 EST
Pittsburgh: 0-6 ATS after scoring 35+ points
Baltimore: 6-0 ATS at home off a non-conference game

Seattle at Atlanta, 1:00 EST
Seattle: 0-8 ATS away off a win by 14+ points
Atlanta: 9-1 Under as a home favorite

San Francisco at Cleveland, 1:00 EST
San Francisco: 0-7 ATS away after allowing 300+ passing yards
Cleveland: 7-1 ATS as a favorite

(TC) Tennessee at Indianapolis, 8:15 EST NBC
Tennessee: 6-1 Under off a straight up win
Indianapolis: 7-1 ATS off 3+ wins

Minnesota at Denver, 4:15 EST
Minnesota: 18-34 ATS off a loss as a favorite
Denver: 9-1 ATS off BB games scoring 14 or less points

San Diego at Oakland, 4:15 EST
San Diego: 23-4 ATS off 4+ ATS wins
Oakland: 2-12 ATS in December

St. Louis at Arizona, 4:15 EST
St. Louis: 4-13 ATS off a loss by 14+ points
Arizona: 15-6 Over playing on artificial turf

(TC) Kansas City at NY Jets, 4:15 EST
Kansas City: 10-24 ATS vs. AFC East opponents
NY Jets: 9-2 ATS after scoring 14 or less points

** End of Regular Season **

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

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[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up


Week 17

Week 17 NFL scoreboard

Very strange week looms ahead, as most of the playoff spots are already sewn up, so motivation and who-plays-how much is the big question of the week. More than most weeks, keeping your ears to the TV for late news Saturday night/Sunday will be very helpful in your handicapping efforts.

Saturday, December 29

Patriots (15-0) @ Giants (10-5) -- New York has playoff game next week, so they're more likely to sit any nicked-up starters than the Patriots, who have next week off. NE covered just one of last five games, winning by 3-3-21-10-21 points- they're 5-2 as road faves with five wins by 21+ pts. Pats allowed two offensive TDs in last 31 drives by opponents. Giants are 3-2 vs spread as an underdog this season- their losses are by 10-22-11-24-12 pts. Does anyone think Giants would beat New England, even if they did go all out? Over is 5-2 in New England road games this season.

Sunday, December 30

Bills (7-8) @ Eagles (7-8) -- Philly showing spunk, grit as season ends; they're 5-2 in last seven games, losing 28-24 to Seattle and 16-13 to Giants (two playoff teams), but those losses were in last two home games (Eagles are 2-5 at home, 3-6 vs spread as a fave this year). Buffalo is 3-4 on road, 2-4 as road dog, with losses by 23-31-22-8 points- they've given up 174-291 rushing yards in last two games, losing last week after leading 14-0. In last four games Eagles ran for 144-141-134-184 yards, so Westbrook has to have big eyes here. Over is 6-3 in Eagles' last nine games.

Panthers (6-9) @ Tampa Bay (9-6) -- Bucs have playoff game next week, sat Garcia for lot of loss at 49ers last week, likely to do so again here. Panthers lost last three road games, by 13-14-31 pts, after winning first four on road; they're 2-2 last four games, had a tough home loss to Cowboys Saturday night. Carolina averaged just 2.7 yds/pass in first meeting, 20-7 home loss, as Tampa Bay outrushed them 189-99, and had 22-yard edge in field position. Gruden has already said he is preparing for Giants (unusual that Wild Card pairings are set early). Is under the play here?

Bengals (6-9) @ Dolphins (1-14) -- Underdogs are 5-1 vs spread the week after playing the Patriots, which Miami did last week-- Cincy is 1-6 on road, with only win 21-7, when they didn't score a TD. In last four games, Bengals scored 10-19-13-19 pts (five TDs on last 40 drives); they've played better at home in second half of season, but not on road, losing last away game to 49ers. Miami has six losses by exactly three points- they covered three of last four tries as underdog. Last five Bengal games stayed under the total, three of last four Miami games went over.

Cowboys (13-2) @ Redskins (8-7) -- Washington makes it into the playoffs with win vs arch-rival, who are locked into the top seed in NFC and could rest Romo (thumb)- Owens (ankle) is definitely out. Redskins won last three games, by 8-12-11 points; they lost 28-23 at Dallas six weeks ago (+11), despite Campbell's 34-55/361 passing game (Skins had 28 first downs). Spread is inflated due to Redskins' needing to win- keep in mind Collins is backup QB that has played well thus far (30-55/417, six TDs on 26 drives and two wins). Skins are 4-3 at home, with wins by 3-31-2-8 points.

Lions (7-8) @ Packers (12-3) -- Green Bay has home playoff game next week, unsure of how long Favre will play (backup Rodgers has injury issues, oddly enough). Pack had two punts blocked in loss last week, first defensive/special teams TDs they allowed all season. Despite snapping 6-game skid last week, Lions still have shot at first .500 season of Millen era- they lost 37-26 at home to Packers Thanksgiving Day (+3), in game where Favre was 31-41/ 381 passing. Pack sacked Kitna four times on Turkey Day. Over is 5-0-1 in last six Packer games, 5-0 in Detroit's last five.

Jaguars (10-5) @ Texans (7-8) -- Houston has a shot at first-ever .500 season, against Jaguar club that is in playoffs next week, so could be resting guys (they played well enough with backup QB Gray earlier, winning at Tampa, losing at Superdome). Jags won first meeting 37-17 in Week 6 (-7), outrushing Texans 244-61 in a game that was just 10-6 at half. Houston had just one TD in five visits to Jax red zone; they're 5-2 at home, scoring 24-36 points in the two losses- they won last three home games, by 13-14-18 pts. Last nine Jcksonville games went over the total.

Saints (7-8) @ Bears (6-9) -- New Orleans is still alive, depsite loss at home last week; their magical '06 season ended here LY, in the NFC title game, so they have revenge motive vs a Chicago team that blocked two Packer punts last week, allowing Orton to try only 14 passes (8-14/101). Two games Saints need for help are at 4:15, so they have to win, then hope- this is their second outdoor game since Halloween, first in five weeks (they're 3-1 outside this year, losing only at Tampa in Week 2). Seven of last nine Saints games went over the total.

Steelers (10-5) @ Ravens (4-11) -- Pittsburgh has a home playoff game next week, had 10 days since last game; Charlie Batch is #2 QB, if Tomlin decides to rest Big Ben, vs division rival they beat 38-7 back in Week 9 (-9.5). Ravens were just 16-31/40 passing in game they trailed 35-7 at half. Would be concerned about Pitt's running game, with Parker now gone (broken leg). Rookie Smith is 31-63/369 passing in first two NFL starts- they got whacked in Seattle last week and went 3/out on 17 of last 44 drives. Five of last six Baltimore games went over total.

Seahawks (10-5) @ Falcons (3-12) -- Jim Mora Jr was coach of the Falcons until LY; now he has to be glad as hell they fired him, as 2007 is worst season in Falcon history, and thats saying quite a bit. Mora is Seahawks' DB coach now, and is line either to take Holmgren's place when time comes, or take over at Washington if Willingham gets fired next year. Seattle has a home playoff game next week- they are in eastern time zone for third time in last five weeks- they've won six of last seven games, losing at Carolina in Week 15. Falcons lost six in row, are unbackable (is that a word?)

49ers (5-10) @ Browns (9-6) -- Game doesn't matter to Cleveland team that coughed up chance to make playoffs last week; they'll need Colts to beat Titans Sunday night, no matter what happens here, so hard to lay double digits, considering that if they make playoffs, they play next week. 49ers are 3-2 in last five games and won last two weeks (both at home), as defense allowed just 81.7 rushing yards in the last three games. Niners are 2-5 as road dog, losing away games by 21-18-4-24-17 points. Last five Cleveland games stayed under the total.

Titans (9-6) @ Indianapolis (13-2) -- Sunday night game decides #6 seed in AFC; how much Manning, Colt regulars play decides who wins game. Dungy has said Manning will play half at most. Titans won three of their last four games after a three-game skid had Tennessee at 6-5 and looking dead; they lost 22-20 at home to Indy in Week 2 (+7), holding Colts to one TD in five visits to Titan red zone. Potential s-factor would be return of Harrison at WR, which would keep Manning in game, to re-establish timing after long layoff. Four of last five Indy games went over total.

Vikings (8-7) @ Broncos (6-9) -- Minnesota will have one eye on Broncos, one eye on scoreboard for Redskin updates; they need Dallas to win to have shot at making playoffs, after home loss to Skins last week (first loss in last six games) put Vikings in tough spot. Denver lost four of last five games (win was 41-7 vs Chiefs) scoring one TD on 20 drives in last two games, both vs division rivals. Vikings won last two road games (41-17/27-7) after losing four of first five away games; they scored five defensive TDs in last four road games. Over is 6-2 in last eight Denver games.

Chargers (10-5) @ Raiders (4-11) -- San Diego has home playoff game next week; they rested Rivers last week, likely to do more of same, and Volek wasn't exactly impressive in relief last week, but Raiders are giving young Russell his first NFL start after a horror show vs Jaguars last week, in 49-11 loss, their third in row (by 31- 7-38 pts). Bolts won first meeting 28-14 in Week 6 (-10), as hosts outrushed Oakland 206-53, sacked Culpepper six times. Raiders been outscored 56-15 in second half of last three games. Five of Raiders' last six games went over total.

Rams (3-12) @ Cardinals (7-8) -- Arizona has shot at rare .500 year after blowing chances to contend for playoff spot; they won the first meeting at St Louis 34-31 in Week 5 (-3.5) when Leinart hurt his collarbone and two-time MVP (with Rams) Warner came in, won game for Big Red. Cardinals are just 2-3 in last five at home, losing twice in OT in last five weeks. Lost year ends for St Louis, which lost last three games, by 9-19-17 points; they covered last three road games, after going 0-4 vs spread in first four. Losses on road for Rams are by 21-28-19-27-9 pts (won at NO, SF).

Chiefs (4-11) @ Jets (3-12) -- Herm Edwards quit Jets two years ago, now makes first visit back with Chief team that last won on October 21 (12-10 vs Raiders, which made them 4-3 at the time). Jets lost last three games, are 1-12 vs teams other than Dolphins; they're favored for first time since Halloween, in stadium where they're 2-6 this season, beating Miami (31-28 in Week 3) and the Steelers (19-16 ot in Week 11). Chiefs just don't have QB who is at NFL level; they're 1-7 vs spread during losing streak; they are 2-5 on road, losing by 17-10-3-34-5 points.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Thursday, December 27

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Today's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- Mavericks won six of their last eight games.
-- Celtics won three in row, 12 of last 13 games (10-3 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Cavaliers are 0-4 vs spread in game following last four wins, and they lost their last seven road games (2-5 vs spread).
-- Clippers lost last four games, by 21-3-13-9 points, but they're 5-2 vs spread in last seven games. Suns are 3-5 in last 8 games.
-- Sonics lost three of their last four games.

Previous meetings this season
-- Dallas (-4) won 92-74 at Cleveland on Halloween night.
-- Clippers (+14.5) lost 113-94 at Phoenix Nov 23.

Totals
-- Seven of last eight Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 13-5 in last 18 Clipper games.
-- Six of last eight Boston games stayed under the total.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Thursday, December 27

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Tips and Trends
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B]Cleveland Cavaliers at Dallas Mavericks[/B](TNT | 8 PM ET)

Mavs are 4-13-1 ATS in their last 18 vs. Central Division.
Mavs are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Favorite is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
The OVER is 12-5 in Dallas' last 17 home games.
Get Hoops Info Worth Betting on TV games in the Buzzer Beater!


Boston Celtics at Seattle SuperSonics (TNT | 10:30 PM ET)

Celtics are 39-15-1 ATS in their last 55 road games.
Celtics are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
Home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
The OVER is 22-4 in Boston's last 26 vs. the Northwest Division.


Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 PM ET)

Home team is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Favorite is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The OVER is 6-2 in Phoenix's last 8 vs. Pacific Division.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Matchup Notes

NBA
Betting Matchup Notes


Thursday, December 27

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Today's key NBA betting matchup notes
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Thursday's key NBA matchup notes

Cleveland at Dallas (-6 ½, 195)

Playing Dallas has been a struggle for the Cavaliers regardless of location. They're 2-12 against the Mavericks since Feb. 15, 2001, and haven't won in Dallas since March 23, 2000. They've dropped the last seven road games in the series by an average of 16.7 points.


Phoenix at L.A. Clippers (off)

Phoenix beat the Clippers 113-94 on Nov. 23 in the teams' first meeting this season.


Boston at Seattle (+9, 193)

The Celtics split two meetings with the Sonics last season en route to a 24-58 finish.

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[pm530]

NBA today - December 27

SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 27

Phoenix at L.A. Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST). The Suns have lost five of eight, while the Clippers have dropped four straight.

STARS
Wednesday

-Chris Paul, Hornets, had 40 points and nine assists to lead New Orleans to a 116-96 victory over Memphis.

-Monta Ellis, Warriors, scored a career-high 35 points in Golden State's 105-101 win against Minnesota.

-Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets, had 29 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double as Denver beat Milwaukee 125-105.

-Andre Iguodala, 76ers, scored a season-high 28 points in Philadelphia's 96-85 victory over Miami.

FLYING HIGH

Atlanta beat the Indiana Pacers 107-95 on Wednesday night for its first five-game winning streak in eight years. The Hawks are three games over .500 this late in the season for the first time since the 1998-99 season, the last time they made the playoffs. The Hawks' last five-game winning streak came early the following season, from Nov. 27-Dec. 8 in 1999.

ON THE ROAD

Boston won its first game in Sacramento in more than 11 years, an 89-69 victory Wednesday night. It was the opener of the Celtics' first West Coast trip this season. The Celtics played just their 11th road game of the season and first against a team in the Western Conference. They have three more in the next four days of this trip, including Allen's return to Seattle on Thursday and weekend games at Utah and the Los Angeles Lakers.

STREAKING

The Detroit Pistons shot 78 percent in the third quarter in beating the New Jersey Nets 101-83 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. ... Golden State beat Minnesota 105-101 for its fifth straight home victory.

ON THE REBOUND

Shaquille O'Neal had 10 rebounds in Miami's 96-85 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday night, giving him 11,606 in his career. O'Neal is two shy of passing Patrick Ewing, who is 22nd with 11,607.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Gerald Wallace scored 32 points in Charlotte's 108-104 loss to Washington on Wednesday night.

SIGNED

The San Antonio Spurs signed forward Marcus Williams on Wednesday The Spurs drafted the 6-foot-7 Williams, who played two years at Arizona, with the 33rd overall pick in the draft in June. Williams participated in the Spurs' training camp and was waived in late October.

SPEAKING

''They told me I was three points away and I was upset with myself because I missed some layups and free throws earlier and I said to myself, 'If I get a chance, I'm going to let it go.''' And luckily it went in.'' - Marcus Camby after helping Denver to a 125-105 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday night. Camby hit his ninth 3-pointer of his eight-year NBA career, giving him 10 points to go with his 10 blocked shots and 11 rebounds.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 27

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NEVADA (7 - 4) at N CAROLINA (11 - 0) - 12/27/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
N CAROLINA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
N CAROLINA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
N CAROLINA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
N CAROLINA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
N CAROLINA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEVADA is 122-85 ATS (+28.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
NEVADA is 122-85 ATS (+28.5 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
NEVADA is 45-25 ATS (+17.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
NEVADA is 83-51 ATS (+26.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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NC STATE (7 - 3) at SETON HALL (8 - 2) - 12/27/2007, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SETON HALL is 1-0 against the spread versus NC STATE over the last 3 seasons
SETON HALL is 1-0 straight up against NC STATE 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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NEW MEXICO (11 - 2) at HAWAII (3 - 7) - 12/27/2007, 11:59 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW MEXICO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW MEXICO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
HAWAII is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
HAWAII is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
HAWAII is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) against Mountain West conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
HAWAII is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
HAWAII is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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TENNESSEE TECH (4 - 8) at GEORGIA TECH (5 - 5) - 12/27/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA TECH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA TECH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home lined games 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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RIDER (8 - 4) at DREXEL (6 - 5) - 12/27/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 11-28 ATS (-19.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DREXEL is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
RIDER is 2-0 against the spread versus DREXEL over the last 3 seasons
DREXEL is 1-1 straight up against RIDER 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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IDAHO ST (2 - 8) at UTAH (7 - 3) - 12/27/2007, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all games this season.
IDAHO ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
IDAHO ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
IDAHO ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
IDAHO ST is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games in December games since 1997.
UTAH is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.

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

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Thursday, December 27

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Thursday's College Basketball

Game of the Day

NC State just lost its point guard for season (knee); they're 7-3, winning last three games, but they were all in Raleigh; they are 0-2 on road, losing 81-58 at Michigan State, 75-69 at ECU, in a bad loss. Seton Hall is 8-2, but three of their wins are in OT; the last two games they played both went OT. Pirates allowed 75+ points in each of their last four games.

Rest of card

-- Nevada won last five games after 2-4 start but is 2-3 on road, losing at Central Florida (63-60), UNLV (79-67), Pacific (70-66); they won 55-52 at Northern Iowa in last road tilt. Tar Heels are not only 10-0, they covered seven in row as a favorite.

-- New Mexico is 11-2 but lost two of three road games, beating Colorado 54-47, losing at still-unbeaten Ole Miss 85-77, at New Mexico State 71-62, a loss they avenged at home. Hawai'i went 0-3 in Rainbow Classic last week, scoring just 60 ppg.

-- Tennessee Tech is already 2-6 on road, losing last one 69-47 at struggling Kentucky (+13); they're 3-3 vs spread as road dog Georgia Tech is 4-5, struggling without PG; they're 1-3 against spread when favored, but they did stay within 71-66 of Kansas in game played nine days ago.

-- Drexel lost three of last four games, is 5-5 on season, 2-1 vs spread as favorite; they scored 58 or less points in their losses. Rider is 7-4 after beating Rutgers last game; they're 3-2 on road, losing 89-77 at Niagara (+2.5), 66-65 at Murray State (+5.5).

-- Utah won five of last six games, including terrific 67-65 win at Cal in last game (+6); Utes lost three games they allowed more than 66 points in- they're 5-1 vs spread as favorite. Idaho State lost three in row, seven of last nine; they're 1-7 as underdog.

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[pm530]

College Basketball - Tips & Trends

NCAAB


Thursday, December 27

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Tips and Trends
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Nevada at #1 North Carolina (ESPN2 | 7 PM ET)

North Carolina is 20-6 ATS in its last 26 home games.
The OVER is 13-6 in Nevada's last 19 road games.
The OVER is 19-9 in Nevada's last 28 games overall.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Thursday, December 27

Today's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Florida won three of its last four games. Thrashers won four of last five games, allowing ten goals.
-- Islanders won last three games, 4-2/3-2ot/4-3ot. Senators are 8-2 in their last ten games.
-- Coyotes won four of their last five games.
-- Anaheim won last three games, outscoring foes 9-3.
-- Red Wings won 12 of their last 14 games. Avalanche are 7-2 in their last nine games.
-- Canucks won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Maple Leafs lost four of their last five games. Flyers lost six in a row, with four of last five by one goal.
-- Canadiens lost three of their last four games. Lightning lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Penguins are 0-3 in game following their last three wins. Caps lost three of their last four games.
-- Columbus is 1-8 in game following last nine wins; in last five games, they scored total of six goals. Predators are 4-7 in their last eleven games.
-- Minnesota lost last two games, 4-1/8-3.
-- Flames lost last two games in OT, scoring total of two goals, after they had won previous six games.

Series Records
-- Maple Leafs won their last six games against the Flyers.
-- Thrashers won eleven of fourteen against the Panthers.
-- Canadiens are 6-3 in their last nine games against Tampa.
-- Penguins won five in row, eight of last nine vs Washington.
-- Islanders beat Ottawa 3-2 in SO Nov 28, their first win in their last nine games against the Senators.
-- Nashville won 11 in row against Jackets: 4-3/4-1/3-1 this yr.
-- Wild won five in row vs Phoenix, outscoring Coyotes 14-5.
-- Home side won seven of last nine Anaheim-Edmonton tilts.
-- Red Wings won six of last eight against Colorado.
-- Canucks won seven of last nine against Calgary, winning all three this year, 4-3/3-2/4-1.

Totals
-- Five of last six Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Montreal games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Penguin-Washington games stayed under.
-- Under is 20-5-1 in last twenty-six Islander games.
-- Last six Columbus games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Minnesota-Phoenix games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Anaheim-Edmonton games.
-- Over is 4-1-2 in last seven Red Wing games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Calgary games.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Thursday, December 27

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Today's key NHL betting matchup notes
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Thursday's key NHL matchup notes

Toronto at Philadelphia (-144, 6)

The Flyers are 0-5-1 in their last six meetings with Toronto, including an 0-3-1 mark last season.


Florida at Atlanta (-112, 5 ½)

The Thrashers look to win their 12th straight home game over the Panthers on Thursday night at Philips Arena.


Montreal at Tampa Bay (-109, 6)

Montreal has won three of its last four in Tampa Bay.


N.Y. Islanders at Ottawa (-240, 5 ½)

The Islanders are also just 5-17-0 with five ties in Ottawa since the Senators franchise began play in 1993, and haven't won there since March 15, 2003.


Washington at Pittsburgh (-185, 6)

The Penguins are 8-1-0 against the Capitals since Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin entered the league.


Columbus at Nashville (-145, 5)

The Predators look to defeat the Blue Jackets for the 12th straight time. The Predators have thrived against the Blue Jackets, outscoring them 11-5 to win all three meetings in 2007-08. Nashville has won 11 straight over Columbus since the start of last season.


Detroit at Colorado (off)

The Avalanche and Red Wings split the four-game season series in 2006-07 with each team winning once at home and on the road.


Anaheim at Edmonton (+110, 5)

The Oilers have won all three meetings this season against the Ducks, outscoring them 12-3.


Minnesota at Phoenix (-115, 5)

The Wild have won five straight games over the Coyotes - including two this season - by a combined 14-5 margin.


Calgary at Vancouver (-145, 5)

The Canucks have won seven of the last nine meetings, including a 4-1 home victory on Nov. 18 in the most recent matchup.

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