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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:27 AM

Six-pack for Monday

Six quick, random thoughts on the Super Bowl

-- Patriots are 3-0 in Super Bowls under Belichick, but won all three games by a field goal.

-- New England is 12-point favorite; they were 12-point dog in their first Super Bowl win, against the Rams.

-- Belichick and Tom Coughlin coached together with the Giants from 1988-1990.

-- Don't forget, when Giants led New England 26-14 in the second half Dec 30, before losing 38-35, when Randy Moss got loose for some long passes in fourth quarter.

-- Eli Manning played college football in the SEC, where games against Alabama, LSU, Auburn are treated like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras rolled into one. He'll do fine.

-- Must respect Patriots' 18-0 record, the best record ever in the NFL, to this point. Its going to take a supreme effort to beat them; they've taken everyone's best shot so far.

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:28 AM

Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend........

13) I have a suggestion for new rule change in golf; players get a two-year exemption for winning a tournament. If a guy finishes second to Eldrick Woods, he should get a one-year exemption, since he beat all the mortals in the field.

12) Funny how Rory Sabbatini is only guy who wears red on Sunday, since he and Eldrick Woods aren't best of buddies. All the other players tend to steer clear of red on Sunday.

11) Billy Donovan has done tremendous job coaching Florida Gators this season; with almost whole new team, he is 5-1 in SEC (6-0 against spread). Bet he's glad he skipped the NBA.

10) If you've never seen the NHL Skills Competition the night before the All-Star Game, should make a point to see it next year; it is fun. Interesting how skilled these guys really are.

9) Thank you Kenny Smith!!!! The Jet became the first guy I have heard say on TV how the NBA should allow any type of defense, instead of the NBA's goofy anti-zone defense rules.

8) Smith also put Knick play-by-play guy Gus Johnson in his place after Johnson insisted on calling Warriors' Baron Davis "a superstar". Smith quietly, yet firmly, explained why Davis is an All-Star, but not a superstar. Someone with sense!!!!

7) Funny moment during Knick-Warrior game Sunday, when the announcers were praising Oakland crowd as best in NBA; all of a sudden they caught themselves, and called Oakland second-best atmosphere in NBA, after the New York crowd (their jobs would be in danger if they didn't).

6) ESPN, TNT or ABC need to televise more Warrior games; they are one of the most fun teams to watch.

5) Andris Biedrins had 26 rebounds for the Warriors Sunday, the most by any NBA player in a game this season.

4) Interesting interview during Senior Golf Tour Saturday, as Fred Funk explained how he checked himself into a hospital in Hawai'i Friday to get intravenous fluids to flush the bug he had out of his system. Said he might do it that night, too.

3) Chargers-Saints will be the London game next fall, in what will be the Drew Brees-vs-his old team-game. Saints are home team for that game, so they'll only have seven at Superdome.

2) After West Virginia's tough loss Saturday, wouldn't want to be around Mountaineer practice next couple of days, not with the Cincinnati Bearcats coming to town Wednesday. It will be Coach Huggins' first meeting with his old team.

1) Kansas visits Kansas State Wednesday night; they won their last 26 visits to Manhattan, which is an amazing run of success. K-State has beaten them in Lawrence, but not in its own gym. Should be a great atmosphere Wednesday.

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:38 AM

National Football League – Indexes, trends, stats, info.

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NFL
Dunkel Index

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
The Super Bowl features a rematch of Week 16 when the Giants gave New England a scare before losing (38-35). New York rode the motivation from that performance to three straight road wins in the playoffs, extending their road winning streak to 10 games. The Patriots continue to win, but not in the impressive fashion of earlier in the season and come into the game 0-5 ATS in their last five contests. The Giants are the underdog pick (+12) according to Dunkel, which has New England favored by only 9. Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+12). Here are all of this week's picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Game 101-102: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 137.052; New England 146.340
Dunkel Line: New England by 9; 49
Vegas Line: New England by 12; 54
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+12); Under

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NFL
Long Sheet

Super Bowl XLII

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Sunday, February 3
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NY GIANTS (13 - 6) vs. NEW ENGLAND (18 - 0) - 2/3/2008, 6:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 52-30 ATS (+19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
NY GIANTS are 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
NY GIANTS are 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
NY GIANTS are 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a loss against opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 1-0 straight up against NY GIANTS 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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NFL
Short Sheet

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Sunday, February 3
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Super Bowl XLII
TV: FOX
NY Giants vs. New England, 6:20 ET

NY Giants:
9-2 ATS in road games
8-2 ATS as an underdog

New England:
2-8 ATS off 8+ wins
1-8 ATS off a SU home win / ATS loss

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NFL

Sunday, February 3

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Tips and Trends
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New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl XLII (FOX | 6:30 PM ET)

New York is trying to become the 2nd team in NFL history to win all of its playoff games on the road and then hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, following the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. The Giants have won 10 straight away from home, going 9-1 ATS, with the lone loss coming in a 13-10 victory against Miami in London back on October 28th. EDGE: GIANTS
The Patriots are going for the 1st 19-0 season in NFL history and are already the 1st team to start 18-0. However, after covering their 1st 8 games of the regular season, they are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10, including 0-2 in the playoffs with a nearly identical spread as this one. The UNDER is also 4-1-1 in their last 6 games. EDGE: GIANTS
These teams met in the regular-season finale, which the Giants used as a springboard to the Super Bowl. Some questioned whether or not they would be mentally and physically drained after playing the Patriots hard when they had nothing on the line, but instead they gained a ton of confidence. Quarterback Eli Manning even admitted after winning the NFC Championship that playing competitively against New England in a playoff-type atmosphere is one of the main reasons they earned a rematch in the Super Bowl. EDGE: GIANTS
Manning continues his growth and maturity for the Giants with 8 touchdown passes and just 1 interception in his last 4 games. Ironically, that pick came against the Patriots, who were burned by 4 TD passes as well, 2 of which went to Plaxico Burress. While Manning's development has been crucial, New England QB Tom Brady is clearly in a league of his own as he goes for his 4th Super Bowl title in 4 attempts. Brady has been named Super Bowl MVP twice and is coming off the best regular season of any QB in league history with an NFL-record 50 touchdown passes. EDGE: PATRIOTS
New England is definitely seeing the benefit of a healthy Laurence Maroney, who remains as fresh as any running back the NFL has ever seen in the playoffs. Maroney was very limited for a majority of the regular season, sitting out 3 full games and carrying the ball 15 times or less in 9 other games. Maroney had scored just 2 touchdowns in the 1st 13 games of the regular season, but he has scored at least once in each of the last 5 - scoring 6 total during that stretch - including 2 in the regular-season finale against the Giants. He has rushed for 122 yards in each of the team's 2 playoff games so far on a combined 47 carries. BIG EDGE: PATRIOTS
Patriots are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Patriots are 40-19-3 ATS in ther last 62 games on grass.
The UNDER is 13-5-1 in New England's last 19 playoff games.

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NFL
Recent Trends

Sunday, February 3

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NFL Recent Trends
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N.Y. Giants (13-6) vs New England (18-0)

New England:
Under is 13-5-1 in NE last 19 playoff games.
NE are 13-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
NE are 40-19-3 ATS in their last 62 games on grass.

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NFL

Sunday, February 3

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NFL In Depth Trends
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Trends – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher.
Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.

ATS Trends

N.Y. Giants
Giants are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on grass.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games.
Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
Giants are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Giants are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.

New England
Patriots are 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
Patriots are 13-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Patriots are 40-19-3 ATS in their last 62 games on grass.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Patriots are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

O/U Trends

N.Y. Giants
Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 playoff games.
Under is 5-2 in Giants last 7 games on grass.
Under is 44-19-2 in Giants last 65 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

New England
Over is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 games on grass.
Under is 4-1-1 in Patriots last 6 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 4-1-1 in Patriots last 6 games overall.
Under is 13-5-1 in Patriots last 19 playoff games.
Over is 9-4-1 in Patriots last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.

Head to Head
No trends available.

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NFL

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NFL – 5 Statistics
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Five Super Bowl stats you should know

With all the hype about this year’s Super Bowl it’s going to be relatively easy to find the obvious betting statistics, like against the spread and over/under records between the Pats and the Giants.

To give bettors a greater edge in their Super Bowl betting, we’ve gone back through 20 years worth of statistics to bring you a few nuggets of information that could help you make some money.

1. Big favorites have mixed results

The Patriots are hefty 12-point favorites to beat the Giants, which is not surprising for a team that is 18-0. But how have big favorites fared against the spread in past Super Bowls?

Favorites of seven points or more have gone 7-6-1 against the spread in the Super Bowl since the 1986 season, while faves of 10 points or more have gone 4-3-1. Ironically, the biggest spread over that time came in the 2002 clash between St. Louis and New England. The Rams were 14-point favorites, but ended up losing 20-17 to the Pats.

In their next two Super Bowl appearances, the Patriots were seven-point favorites. But they failed to cover on both occasions, beating the Panthers by three in 2004 and the Eagles by three in 2005. In fact, the Pats have been to five Super Bowls in 21 years, but have covered just once.

2. NFC wins battle of the East

Recent history is on the Giants’ side if you look back at Super Bowl matchups between teams from the AFC East and the NFC East.

In the five contests between teams from those divisions in the past 20 years, the NFC East teams are 4-1 straight and 5-0 against the spread, with three of those games going over the total. The Giants were involved in one of those battles, beating the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in 1991.

But the only AFC East team to hand an NFC East franchise a Super Bowl loss over that time was the New England Patriots. They beat the Eagles 24-21 in 2005.

3. Giants home record sets a record

The Giants set an unwanted record this season, becoming the only team in history to make football’s showpiece game, despite having a losing home record.

New York went 3-5 at home this season, losing to Green Bay, Dallas, Minnesota, Washington and New England at Giants Stadium. They lost to the Packers and Dallas by a combined 33 points in those home losses, but it’s worth noting that they defeated both teams on the road in the playoffs.

The home loss to New England will also be a source of encouragement for the Giants. They were only the third team this season to take a lead into the final quarter against the Patriots (28-23), but ended up losing 38-35 because of Tom Brady’s pinpoint passing under pressure.

4. Don’t overlook the total

There have only been five Super Bowls in the last 20 years with a total of 50 or more, with two of them going over the total and the other three going under. The Patriots were involved in one of those games – their 2004 win over Carolina went over the 53-point total.

Of more relevance are the total trends in recent matchups between the Pats and the Giants. Three straight meetings between these teams have gone over, but the totals only ranged from 35 to 46 ½ over that period.

In fact, the 53 ½-point spread between the New England and New York is the highest in well over 10 years and is likely the reaction of oddsmakers to the offensive shootout these teams produced in their last meeting.

5. Successful road teams in the Super Bowl

The New York Giants have won 10 straight road games (a single season record), including three straight in this season’s playoffs. Only five wild-card teams since 1970 have reached the Super Bowl.

The two most recent were the 1986 New England Patriots and the 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots went on to lose the ‘86 final to the Chicago Bears – a 46-10 blowout loss. But the Steelers continued their momentum, defeating Seattle 21-10 as four-point favorites.

Although the Super Bowl is technically at a neutral venue in Arizona, the Giants have been designated as the visiting team.

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NFL
What bettors need to know…….

Sunday, February 3

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What bettors need to know: Giants vs. Patriots
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What bettors need to know: Super Bowl XLII

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Sunday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. ET (-12, 53 ½)

Line moves

Some Vegas sportsbooks opened with New England favored by as many as 13 ½ points. Since then, heavy action on New York has moved the line to Patriots -12 at most Vegas and offshore books. The game’s total has held steady between 53 ½ and 54 points.

Brady’s boot

On Monday, Tom Brady was photographed heading from an SUV to his girlfriend Gisele Bundchen's apartment in New York on what looked like a walking cast on his right foot.

"Ah, you know, there's always bumps and bruises. I'll be ready for the Super Bowl," Brady said Monday during his weekly radio appearance on WEEI. "I'm not worried about that. I'm not missing this one. I'd have to be on a stretcher to miss this one. There will be treatment this week. In games like this, you get a little nicked up. It's nothing serious."

Stay tuned for updates.

Raising Arizona

The Super Bowl will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium, which opened Aug. 1, 2006, features a retractable grass field and roof and should accommodate more than 73,000 fans.

Slaying the Giants

New York gave up 80 combined points in its first two games of the season, both of which, not surprisingly, ended up as straight up and ATS losses. Since then, the Giants have held 14 of their last 17 opponents to 24 points or fewer with only Dallas, Minnesota and New England topping that total. The Giants lost all three of those games, covering only against New England in Week 17’s 38-35 loss.

The kicking game

New York’s Lawrence Tynes was 23-of-27 in his field goal attempts in the regular season, with all four of his misses coming on kicks from less than 40 yards out. Tynes missed two huge field goal attempts during the NFC championship game, but he hit the one that counted in overtime from 47 yards. His longest kick of the year was a 48-yarder.

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit 21 of his 24 regular season field goal attempts, with two misses from outside 40 yards. He has only attempted two field goals in the playoffs, hitting one of them. His longest kick of the year was a 45-yarder.

Super stats

The Giants are 5-0 in their last five against the spread and against teams with a winning record.

The Patriots are 0-5 in their last five against the spread.

The favored team has gone 9-3 straight up and 4-6-2 against the spread in the last dozen Super Bowls.

Teams that score more than 27 points in the Super Bowl are 23-1 and 22-2-1 against the spread. New England has averaged 35.6 points per game, while New York averages 23.2.

Recent meetings

The two teams have split the last four meetings between them dating back to 2005, but the Giants covered the number in three of those games. The over cashed in three times as well.

Notable injuries:

New England:
Tom Brady QB - (ankle) probable.
Mike Wright DE - (foot) IR
Rosevelt Colvin LB - (foot) IR
Sammy Morris RB - (chest) IR
David Thomas TE - (foot) IR

New York:
Rich Seubert OG - (knee) questionable
Craig Dahl S - (knee) IR
Jeremy Shockey TE - (leg) IR
Derrick Ward RB – (fibula) IR
Mathias Kiwanuka LB – (leg) IR
Robert Douglas FB – (knee) IR
Adrian Awasom DL – (back) IR
Jim Finn FB – (shoulder) IR
Will Demps SS – (elbow) IR

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NFL
Key Matchups

Sunday, February 3

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Giants vs. Patriots: the key matchups
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Matchups for the Super Bowl between the New York Giants and New England Patriots on Feb. 3 at the University of Phoenix Stadium:

When the Giants have the ball

Having scored 35 points in their season-finale loss to New England, the Giants know they can move the ball on the Patriots. Moving the ball is not enough, though. Nor is kicking field goals. New York must reach the end zone several times, while also trying to use up the clock.

That means Brandon Jacobs (27) and Ahmad Bradshaw (44) running often. Both have been particularly effective down the stretch, with the rookie Bradshaw breaking some long runs. New England is most vulnerable in that area, although calling the Patriots' run defense a weakness would be an exaggeration.

Linebackers Tedy Bruschi (54), Mike Vrabel (50), Junior Seau (55) and Adalius Thomas (96) will be kept busy by those running backs. The Giants could be without left guard Rich Seubert (69), who hurt his knee, which won't help against the assortment of defensive linemen New England uses. The star is Richard Seymour (93), who missed half the season recovering from a knee injury and has not been particularly dynamic yet. But Ty Warren (94) and Vince Wilfork (75) certainly have been, and Jarvis Green (97) provides depth up front.

New York's blocking has been superb in the playoffs, providing ample protection for Eli Manning (10) and opening wide holes for the running backs. Tackle David Diehl (66) and guard Chris Snee (76) have been particularly impressive.

If Manning gets the same amount of time he's received recently, his hookups with WRs Plaxico Burress (17) and Amani Toomer (81), and rookies Steve Smith (12) and TE Kevin Boss (89) will give the Patriots plenty of trouble. Burress is not the deep threat the Patriots' Randy Moss (81) provides, but he's nearly as dangerous because of his size, good hands and athletic ability. Burress also has been at his healthiest recently, which makes him a matchup problem for Asante Samuel (22) and Ellis Hobbs (27).

Manning has been at his most accurate, playing the best football of his four-year career. His playoff numbers - particularly four touchdowns to no interceptions and a 99.2 rating - are worthy of brother Peyton, last year's Super Bowl MVP.

When the Patriots have the ball

Unquestionably, the key for New York is slowing Moss, who overwhelmed Giants cornerbacks and safeties in the last meeting. Moss had six receptions for 100 yards and two TDs as he broke Jerry Rice's NFL mark with 23 touchdown catches. While Corey Webster (23) has made some big plays in the postseason, he'll need help from Gibril Wilson (28) and the other safeties. The Giants must be aggressive in their approach against Moss.

Of course, that usually leaves Wes Welker (83) with single coverage, and Welker can be destructive on underneath routes. He had 11 catches for 122 yards in the season finale.

There's also Donte' Stallworth (18) and Jabar Gaffney (10) for New York cornerbacks Webster, Sam Madison (29), rookie Aaron Ross (31) and R.W. McQuarters (25) to deal with. The safeties have to handle tight end Benjamin Watson (84), who's extremely dangerous in the red zone.

Plus, there's RB Kevin Faulk (33) on screens, flares and other short passes he turns into decent gains, particularly on first down. Faulk also is terrific on third downs for the highest-scoring offense in league history.

Faulk won't do a lot of running with RB Laurence Maroney (39) now a focal point of the offense. Maroney has run for 244 yards and two TDs and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

Engineering it all is the league MVP, Tom Brady (12), who is 3-0 in Super Bowls, twice earning MVP honors. Unless the Giants get ample pressure on Brady with their standout linemen - Michael Strahan (92), Osi Umenyiora (72), Justin Tuck (91) and Fred Robbins (98) - and linebacker Antonio Pierce (58), Brady might get a third individual trophy.

Brady supposedly has a slight ankle injury. Or maybe coach Bill Belichick invented that to make his superb offensive line even stauncher in their protection. Tackle Matt Light (72), guard Logan Mankins (70) and center Dan Koppen (67) are the standouts.

Special Teams

Adam Vinatieri played a leading role in all three Patriots Super Bowl victories, and then won a title with Indianapolis last year. Now Stephen Gostkowski (3) does the placekicking, and he's money.

Lawrence Tynes (9) was inconsistent in his first year with the Giants, and he missed two potential winning field goals at frigid Green Bay in the title game. But he made a 47-yarder to send New York to the Super Bowl.

Patriots punter Chris Hanson (6) didn't get used much during the season, and his gross average in the playoffs is 38.0 yards, less than 20-year veteran Jeff Feagles' net. Feagles (18) is appearing in his first Super Bowl despite two decades in the league.

Neither team has dangerous threats on kick or punt returns, although Domenik Hixon (87) has given the Giants a late-season spark. Hobbs had a 108-yard kickoff return, but that was in the opener.

Coaching

A matchup of former colleagues with the Giants under Bill Parcells. Belichick has won three titles with the Patriots and, given two weeks to prepare for a team, he is virtually unbeatable. Then again, his team has been totally unbeatable this season.

The 2007 Coach of the Year despite the Spygate scandal that cost him a $500,000 league fine, Belichick will come up with a variety of defensive schemes to confuse Manning. His offense will be full-throttle all game.

Coughlin's work this season has been very impressive, too. The Giants were 8-8 in 2006 and barely squeezed into the playoffs, where they lost in the first round. Another such performance might have led to his firing.

Instead, he's improved his relationship with the players and, during the postseason, he's developed solid game plans that the Giants have executed magnificently. Coughlin heads to his first Super Bowl as a head coach with a contract extension certain.

Intangibles

New York simply doesn't lose on the road, and the Giants are the designated away team at University of Phoenix Stadium. They've won 10 straight away games, and they have outplayed all three opponents in the playoffs on both sides of the ball.

Don't forget that they tested the Patriots on Dec. 29, even led by 12 points in the third quarter. And all the pressure is on New England.

Not that the Patriots care about pressure. They are the, uh, perfect example of a team that responds to whatever challenge. This is the best version of any of the Pats teams to make the Super Bowl this decade, and their undefeated record has placed them in a glaring spotlight for months.

New England is experienced, well-rounded and incredibly focused on this championship.

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NFL
Line Report

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NFL – Super Bowl line report
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(01-20-08)

Patriots heavy favorites against Giants at Vegas sports books

LAS VEGAS (AP) -New England Patriots fans who want to bet on their team in the Super Bowl will face a significant point spread against the underdog Giants as quarterback Tom Brady aims for a 19-0 record and fourth championship ring.

The Patriots are favored by 13 to 14 points against the New York Giants (13-6) at Las Vegas sports books, a higher-than-normal spread to entice underdog bettors on the biggest booked game of the season.

''The Patriots are still considered by far the best team in the league,'' said Jay Kornegay, sports book director at the Las Vegas Hilton. ''We obviously make that line to get equal action on both sides. To do that, because of the perception of the Patriots, we have to increase their number more than usual.''

Bets were flowing in on the Patriots early in the season as they destroyed opponents and the spread, but the team has won by a margin that was larger than the spread only once in its last eight games, said Chuck Esposito, Caesars Palace's assistant vice president of race and sports book operations.

''A game of this magnitude, historically you'll see some money on the favorite,'' said Esposito, who put the Patriots as 14-point favorites. ''I think that's one of the reasons that the number might be a little bit high.''

The spread is the point difference oddsmakers set to even out lopsided matchups. A bettor who put $110 on the Patriots would need the team to beat the Giants by at least 14 or 15 points to get back $210, which includes his original bet.

Oddsmakers set the total score of the two teams at around 55. Bettors can wager that the final total will be more or less than that amount.

Kornegay predicted a record handle at Nevada sports books, topping the $94.5 million record set in 2006 when Pittsburgh beat Seattle 21-10.

The Patriots are trying to become the second team in NFL history to go undefeated. They already beat the Giants this season, winning 38-35 in the regular-season finale.

''The Giants played right with them for the majority of the game,'' Esposito said. ''And there will be another Manning (New York quarterback Eli Manning) in the Big Game.''

MGM Mirage Inc. sports book director Robert Walker expected the handle in Nevada sports books to hit $100 million.

''I think with the New York team and the Patriots being the most popular team in football, it has the makings of being a special game,'' he said.

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Pats always Super Bowl faves
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(01-28-08)

The New England Patriots are sitting as 12-point favorites to get past the New York Giants and win the Super Bowl on Sunday - but where were they listed in the summer?

During our rundown of the Super Bowl odds back in June we found that the Vegas oddsmakers had spurned the defending-champion Indianapolis Colts and instead pegged Tom Brady and company as the favorites. New England was installed at 5/1 championship odds at that time, while Indianapolis was just a bit behind them at 11/2.

So if you wagered on the Patriots to win Super Bowl XLII back in June you're now waiting for that 5/1 payoff on Sunday night. On the other hand, if you wagered on the Colts to win a second consecutive championship this year you're down a bit of money.

How did the rest of the National Football League fare on those early lines? The San Diego Chargers were third at 6/1 odds, followed by the Chicago Bears at 8/1, and the Baltimore Ravens at 10/1. The New Orleans Saints were pegged at 12/1 odds to win the title, while the Cincinnati Bengals and the Seattle Seahawks were both at 15/1. Of those six teams only the Chargers and the Seahawks managed to make the postseason.

The other eight playoff teams this season all began the year with Super Bowl odds of 20/1 or worse. The Dallas Cowboys led that group at 20/1, while the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers were at 25/1. The Green Bay Packers and the Washington Redskins were both back on the list at just 50/1 odds, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sitting at 60/1, and the Tennessee Titans close to the bottom at 70/1 odds.

And what about the Giants, who could still pay off on that futures bet this weekend? Vegas had Eli Manning's team sitting at 30/1 odds to win the Super Bowl back in June.

If you'd like to skip ahead to next year's Super Bowl and lock in some longshots you can find those early championship odds provided by the Vegas oddsmakers right now. The biggest money can be made on huge turnarounds by the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins - should one of those clubs get an unlikely Super Bowl win they pay at 150/1.

Four other teams are listed at 100/1 odds or higher to win Super Bowl XLIII - the Kansas City Chiefs are at 100/1, while each of the Ravens, Oakland Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers are at 125/1. However, no team listed at 100/1 odds or worse by the Vegas oddsmakers in the preseason last season managed to advance to the playoffs.

So who is listed as the favorite for next year's Super Bowl? The same team that is currently the favorite to win this year's Super Bowl. The Patriots are sitting high atop the odds list for next year's championship at 5/2, with the Cowboys and Colts the closest teams to them at 6/1. Next up are Brett Favre's Packers, who are pegged with 7/1 odds.

The Giants are in the Super Bowl this week, but that feat only has them listed seventh at 12/1 odds to win next year's championship - the Jaguars and Chargers are also ahead of them at 10/1. The Seahawks and Steelers are both listed at 18/1 odds to win Super Bowl XLIII, while the Bucs are 28/1, and the Titans and Redskins sit at 30/1 odds.

The Saints and Bears both fell to 7-9 this season, but they're listed at modest 20/1 and 25/1 odds, respectively, to win next year's Super Bowl. The Cleveland Browns had the most wins of any non-playoff team this year, and they're at 30/1 to get into the next postseason and win it all. The Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings are at 38/1, while the Philadelphia Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals are at 45/1.

Bigger longshots to win Super Bowl XLIII include the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Houston Texans, who all opened at lucrative 60/1 odds to become the champions. The New York Jets and the St. Louis Rams trail on that list at 75/1 odds.

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NFL
Reports

for Sunday’s game (February 3)

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Reports: Super Bowl
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NFL Rumors

Walking wounded: Brady spotted in cast
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 11:44 pm EST

AP
Fans of the New England Patriots had to be swallowing hard Monday when pictures of quarterback Tom Brady sporting a walking cast on his right foot surfaced.

A video taken of Brady in New York Sunday, which is available on TMZ, shows the NFL's MVP returning to girlfriend Gisele Bundchen's apartment. He's walking gingerly on the sidewalk after emerging from a black SUV parked on the street.

During his weekly appearance on WEEI's "Dennis and Callahan" show, Brady didn't dismiss the notion he had suffered some type of leg injury during Sunday's AFC Championship win. "Ah, you know, there's always bumps and bruises. I'll be ready for the Super Bowl," Brady said, when asked point-blank if he had a leg injury.

Source: Boston Herald

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UPDATE

Brady's injury minor
Boot is seen as just a precaution

Boston Globe / January 23, 2008

The sight of star quarterback Tom Brady wearing a protective boot over his right foot Monday had New York tabloids buzzing and Patriots followers fearing the worst, but the injury is not serious.

Brady has a high right ankle sprain, according to an NFL source, which explains why he was wearing the device during a visit to New York. The sprain, which is minor, will not jeopardize Brady's chances of playing in Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3, the source said.

Both the Patriots and Giants are not required to submit an injury report until a week from today. The Patriots do not return to practice until tomorrow.

Two medical experts, neither of whom is treating Brady, indicated that he likely was wearing the boot as a preventative measure.

"Since two weeks remain [to the game], the medical/training staff may have determined that using this short leg walker would provide some relief of pressure, and provide support and rest, even if it was a minor injury," said Dr. Michael A. Robinson, a sports podiatrist and foot surgeon based in Brookline. "The short leg walker would help promote more rapid recovery."

Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, further described the benefit of the boot.

"It is a way to rest that body part and prevent the normal movement that goes on with everyday walking," said DiNubile, who serves as an orthopedic consultant to the Philadelphia 76ers. "That allows things to settle down because it's protecting that area and preventing the motions.

"Not knowing the specifics, it looks to me that they just wanted to put it to rest for a day or two."

Brady's foot became a hot topic when he was photographed in New York City Monday afternoon. Gossip website TMZ.com also posted a 1-minute-18-second video clip of Brady and his girlfriend, Gisele Bundchen, which showed Brady favoring his right foot.

Later in the night, Brady was photographed again in New York City, but without the boot.

Brady's father was a guest on 1510 ESPN radio in New York yesterday, and said that if the injury were serious, Brady would have spoken to him about it. Tom Brady Sr. also said that there is no question Brady will play.

"If he had to go out there with two crutches and a cast on each leg, he is playing," Brady Sr. said. "He won't voluntarily walk off the field. Anybody that thinks a little tweak is going to stop [him] is just wasting ink."

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TOM'S PLAYING PATRIOT GAMES

January 25, 2008-- FOXBOROUGH - Who said the Patriots don't have a game until Super Bowl XXLII against the Giants on Feb. 3 in Arizona?
They played a game yesterday - a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game of hide-and-seek with their superstar quarterback Tom Brady.

Should there be there considerable concern about the health of Brady and his famously photographed ailing right ankle?

The footsie-playing Patriots would love the Giants to think so.

On the Patriots players' first day back to work after three days off, Brady was nowhere to be found - at least during the periods when reporters had access to the locker room and practice field, which was perfectly choreographed.

Giants Notes: Guarded Optimism

A Couple of Friendly Enemies

Brady was more visible on the streets of Manhattan squiring his supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen around early this week than he was at the team's practice facility yesterday at Gillette Stadium.

He was a no-show in the locker room during the period it was opened to reporters, and Patriots' officials said he would not be available for interviews.

And then, about an hour later, he was a no-show on the practice field during the short window during which the media is permitted to attend.

A ruse?

Absolutely.

A mind game from Bill Belichick?

Bet on it.

Plax: Pats Don't Have Best Wide Receivers

Don't Bet Against Them

The Giants, however, are unlikely to fall for this banana-in-the-tailpipe trick.

In fact, listening to some of Brady's teammates yesterday, you got the distinct impression that there isn't a significant amount of concern about Brady's health.

Several players, in fact, were amused by the attention L'Affaire Brady has attracted, and none seemed concerned that their record-shattering MVP leader would be affected in the least come Super Bowl XLII.

"I mean, it was a walking boot, wasn't it?" Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour said, referring to the photos published in The Post this week of Brady wearing a protective boot on his right foot to protect what is believed to be a mild high ankle sprain. "The New York media wanted to make more out of it than it was. New York, New York, what can you say?

"Every channel I turned to, there it was," Seymour added. "The funny part - the good part - was the flowers (Brady was carrying to Bundchen's West Village apartment). I was (focused) on the flowers, not on the boot. I went and got my wife flowers after seeing that.

"Obviously, Tom can speak for himself (though he chose not to yesterday), but I don't foresee him not being in this game."

Nor do any of Brady's other teammates.

"He's fine. Tommy's the least of my worries. I'm going to put on a boot and see if you guys follow me around," Patriots fullback Heath Evans said.

"He's going to play, man, don't even worry about it," Patriots veteran running back Kevin Faulk said. "If the game would have been today (yesterday) he was going to play. If the game would have been on Monday or Tuesday or whenever the report (from New York) was, he was going to play. Tom is going to be all right and that's it. Simple as that. No more Tom questions, please."

Tough Mann Contest

Strahan, Captain Clutch an Inspiration

Unfortunately for the Patriots players, who were besieged with the Brady questions yesterday, the team's handling of it - purposely creating a shroud of mystery - has perpetuated the mini-hysteria.

Belichick, for example, appeared almost giddy (for him) when he began fielding questions about his quarterback.

"I don't have any comment on it," he said initially.

When asked if Brady would practice, Belichick said, "We'll go out there . . . I don't know."

A moment later, he smirked, "The injury report will be out next Wednesday and we're excited to get that to you. (It'll be) filled out completely and I can't wait to get that to you, because I know you're anxious for it."

Of course, on cue from Belichick, Patriots officials declined to say whether Brady participated in any part of the practice session.

The Patriots will conduct another practice today and players who choose to make themselves available will be speak to reporters again.

All eyes, of course, will be in search of Brady. Let the games continue.

Source: New York Post

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Bootless Brady looks fine at Super arrival

Patriots QB acknowledges injury, but says he'll be fine

The Associated Press
updated 6:54 p.m. PT, Sun., Jan. 27, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Relax, Patriots fans. A smiling Tom Brady says not to worry about his much publicized and photographed ankle. It won’t keep him out of Sunday’s Super Bowl.

New England’s star quarterback walked up the three short steps to the podium with ease Sunday night, showing no signs of the right ankle injury that had become such a hot topic since he was spotted wearing a protective boot last Monday.

“It’s feeling good. I’ll be ready to go,” Brady said as the AFC champions met the media for the first time shortly after arriving in Phoenix.

It was also the first time Brady acknowledged he was injured in the AFC championship game.

“It was in the San Diego game, I think in the third quarter,” Brady said, referring to the Patriots’ 21-12 victory last Sunday.

Brady hasn’t practiced since, but said he moved a little bit during the week and “shuffled around.”

“I’m not concerned about how it’s going to affect my play,” he said. “This won’t keep me out.”

The face of New England’s franchise reportedly has a minor high ankle sprain. He wore a protective boot on his right foot last Monday in New York while visiting supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen, causing a major stir and concern among Patriots fans.

“I was just trying to get into the house as fast as I could,” Brady said. “I was trying to hobble along. It kind of caught me off guard.”

New England will try to become the first team in NFL history to finish 19-0 when it plays the New York Giants in the Super Bowl next Sunday.

After returning to Foxborough on Wednesday, Brady wasn’t spotted by the media the next two days while reporters were allowed into the locker room and at practice.

“I was glad to be back in New England and in the insulated atmosphere of our locker room,” he said.

It sure wasn’t safe on the streets of New York for Brady.

“Yeah, it’s been an interesting week,” he said. “I’m much lighter on my toes than I thought.”

Brady also issued a playful warning: “Don’t any of you chase me around. I won’t be nearly as nice as I was last week.”

That was when he was followed by paparazzi as he exited a taxi in New York, with a handful of flowers for his girlfriend. Later that day and on Tuesday, he wasn’t wearing the boot when photographed.

“It’s just part of the world we’re living in,” he said. “Those places I went for refuge, I guess I can’t go anymore. If we were 0-16, nobody would (care).”

Coach Bill Belichick, who spoke before Brady, wouldn’t address the injury or Brady’s status.

“We’ll update our injury report on Wednesday,” Belichick said with a smirk. “And, I look forward to it, too.”

When Brady was asked, he grinned and said, “How’s the ankle? What did Coach say?”

The reporter responded with: “He said ask you.”

Brady laughed and shook his head.

“Did he?” he said. “Wow, that’s different.”

Brady, who stood at the podium in a navy, pinstriped suit, with a navy vest and his white shirt open at the collar, smiled throughout the news conference and was in a playful mood. When asked about the ankle once again, he interrupted the reporter and said, “Last question of the week.”

He then went through the details one more time and closed with, “Good? That work?”

Earlier Sunday, Brady appeared in front of reporters and photographers in Foxborough for the first time since the game against the Chargers. At a departure rally shortly before the team buses left for their trip to Phoenix, he walked without slipping on a light dusting of snow on the Gillette Stadium field as flurries fell.

“Now this is Foxborough faithful right here,” Brady told the cheering crowd of about 15,000 after he reached the podium at midfield along the Patriots sideline. “We can just go ahead and play the game today. Thank you guys for coming out.”

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:39 AM

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up

Monday, January 28

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Today's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- New Orleans won, covered its last eight games.
-- Mavericks won last three games, but are 1-5-1 vs spread in their last seven contests.
-- Jazz won four in row, seven of last eight games.

Cold Teams
-- Nuggets lost last five road games (1-4 vs spread).
-- Grizzlies are 1-7 vs spread in game after their last eight wins.
-- Spurs lost six of their last nine road games.
-- Bobcats lost three of their last four games. Clippers are 3-8 in their last eleven games.

Previous meetings this season
-- Hornets, Nuggets split two games in Denver this season.
-- Grizzlies (+13) lost 108-105 at Dallas Nov 17.
-- Jazz (-1) lost 104-98 at Alamo back on Dec 7.
-- Clippers (+6.5) lost 108-103 in Charlotte Dec 12.

Totals
-- Five of Hornets' last six home games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Dallas games went over the total.
-- Last seven San Antonio games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Clipper games went over the total.

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:40 AM

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA

Monday, January 28

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Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Hornets (8 PM ET)

Nuggets are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games vs. Southwest Division.
Hornets are 38-15-1 ATS in their last 54 games overall.
Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Road team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The OVER is 6-2 in DEN last 8 Mon. games.
The OVER is 10-3 in New Orleans' last 13 Monday games.
The UNDER is 21-8 in Denver's last 29 vs. Southwest Division.
The UNDER is 9-3 in New Orleans' last 12 vs. Northwest Division.

Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies (8 PM ET)

Mavs are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Memphis.
Mavs are 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
The OVER is 8-3 in Dallas' last 11 Monday games.
The UNDER is 8-3 in DAL last 11 road games.
The UNDER is 14-6-1 in DAL last 21 games vs. Southwest Division.

San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz (NBA | 9 PM ET)

Spurs are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
Jazz are 22-8-1 ATS in their last 31 home games.
Home team is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 19-7 in San Antonio's last 26 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-2 in San Antonio's last 9 Monday games.

Charlotte Bobcats at Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 PM ET)

Bobcats are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 road games.
Clippers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Mon. games.
The OVER is 21-8 in LA's last 29 games vs. Southeast Division.
The OVER is 19-7 in Charlotte's last 26 games vs. Pacific Division.
The OVER is 7-2 in Charlotte's last 9 Monday games.
The UNDER is 13-6 in LA's last 19 home games.

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:41 AM

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, January 28

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PORTLAND (7 - 13) at GONZAGA (15 - 5) - 1/28/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 63-90 ATS (-36.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
PORTLAND is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
GONZAGA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GONZAGA is 2-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
GONZAGA is 4-0 straight up against PORTLAND 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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OKLAHOMA ST (10 - 9) at OKLAHOMA (14 - 5) - 1/28/2008, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA is 2-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA is 3-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA 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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BOISE ST (14 - 6) at FRESNO ST (10 - 11) - 1/28/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
BOISE ST is 58-34 ATS (+20.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
BOISE ST is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 77-105 ATS (-38.5 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 71-100 ATS (-39.0 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 40-65 ATS (-31.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 12-30 ATS (-21.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOISE ST is 4-1 against the spread versus FRESNO ST over the last 3 seasons
BOISE ST is 3-2 straight up against FRESNO ST 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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ST MARYS-CA (17 - 2) at SAN DIEGO (10 - 11) - 1/28/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST MARYS-CA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 9-24 ATS (-17.4 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 against the spread versus ST MARYS-CA over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 straight up against ST MARYS-CA 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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SANTA CLARA (10 - 9) at SAN FRANCISCO (5 - 14) - 1/28/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SANTA CLARA is 95-67 ATS (+21.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
SANTA CLARA is 51-31 ATS (+16.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
SANTA CLARA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-43 ATS (-25.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SANTA CLARA is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
SANTA CLARA is 3-1 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO 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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CAL POLY-SLO (7 - 11) at PACIFIC (15 - 5) - 1/28/2008, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAL POLY-SLO is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAL POLY-SLO is 3-2 against the spread versus PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
PACIFIC is 4-1 straight up against CAL POLY-SLO 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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GA SOUTHERN (14 - 7) at W CAROLINA (6 - 13) - 1/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W CAROLINA is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
W CAROLINA is 2-0 against the spread versus GA SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
W CAROLINA is 1-1 straight up against GA SOUTHERN 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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COLL OF CHARLESTON (10 - 11) at WOFFORD (11 - 9) - 1/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 3-2 against the spread versus WOFFORD over the last 3 seasons
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 5-0 straight up against WOFFORD 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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ELON (7 - 13) at APPALACHIAN ST (13 - 7) - 1/28/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ELON is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
APPALACHIAN ST is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ELON is 3-1 against the spread versus APPALACHIAN ST over the last 3 seasons
APPALACHIAN ST is 2-2 straight up against ELON 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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LOUISVILLE (16 - 5) at CONNECTICUT (14 - 6) - 1/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:42 AM

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up

Monday, January 28

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Monday's College Basketball

Game of the Night

Not sure if two suspended UConn players are back; they won last three games, upsetting Indiana after pulling out 84-83 win at improved Cincinnati. Louisville swept Huskies LY, by 14-7 points. Cardinals won six of last seven games, are 2-1 on road in conference, winning at Rutgers, USF, losing at Seton Hall.

Rest of the Card

-- Gonzaga lost by 8 at Memphis Saturday; they're 4-0 in WCC, winning at home by 10-8 points (0-2 as home fave). Portland is 1-3 in WCC, losing last three games by 5-1-3 points. LY, Zags swept Portland, beating Pilots by 12-20 points.

-- Oklahoma State lost fourth game in row Saturday at home vs Aggies; they're 0-2 on Big 12 road, losing by 8 at Baylor, by 7 at Iowa State (1-2 as big 12 dog). Oklahoma got Griffin back in last game, upset win at Baylor; they're 0-2 as Big 12 home fave.
-- Fresno State is 2-0 as WAC home favorite, winning by 16-17 points vs Idaho, San Jose; home favorites are 10-11 vs spread in WAC games this season. Broncos are 5-2 in WAC, 2-1 on road, with only loss on foreign soil 82-78 at Utah State (+4.5).

-- St Mary's is 4-0 in WCC, with three wins by 22+ pts; visitor won both series games vs San Diego LY. Toreros are 3-1 so far in WCC, 2-0 at home, holding two visitors to 46 ppg at Jenny Craig Pavilion. WCC home underdogs are 1-3 vs spread.

-- Home side is 4-0 in Santa Clara's WCC games, with Broncos losing road games by 31 at St Mary's, 2 at San Diego; LY, they beat San Francisco twice, by 12-3 points. Dons are 1-3 in WCC with road team covering all four games (USF is 3-1 as dog).

-- Pacific is 5-1 in Big West, winning three home games by 28- 7-6 points (2-1 as home fave); LY, they split with Cal Poly, as home side won both games. Mustangs are 0-2 on road in Big West, losing by 14 at Fullerton, by four at Irvine.

-- Western Carolina is 2-7 in SoCon, 2-2 at home, losing by two to Charleston, 15 vs Davidson. Georgia Southern is 6-4, 2-3 on road, winning by 10 at Elon, 21 at Citadel. SoCon home dogs are 6-11 against the spread so far this season.

-- Charleston lost last three games, by 8-17-12 points, yielding an average of 77.3 ppg. Wofford won last three games, scoring 83 ppg, after 1-5 start in SoCon play; they've lost three of last four at home. SoCon home favorites are 19-11 vs spread. Last game Wofford lost was 80-76 at Charleston 11 days ago (+11).

-- Appalachian State had 7-game win streak snapped Saturday in Chattanooga; they won last three home games, scoring 90.3 ppg- they're 4-0-1 vs spread in last five tries as favorite. Elon lost last three games, by 10-4-12 points.

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**pm530** · 01-28-2008, 04:43 AM

College Basketball - Tips & Trends

NCAAB

Monday, January 28

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Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Louisville at Connecticut (ESPN | 7 PM ET)

Louisville is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 road games.
UConn is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 Monday games.
UConn is 9-21 ATS in its last 30 games overall.
UConn is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 home games.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Louisville's last 8 vs. Big East.
The UNDER is 8-3 in Louisville's last 11 games overall.

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (ESPN | 9 PM ET)

Oklahoma State is 2-14 ATS in its last 16 road games.
Oklahoma is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 home games.
The OVER is 8-2 in Oklahoma's last 10 games overall.
The OVER is 6-2 in Oklahoma's last 8 games vs. Big 12.
The UNDER is 6-2 in Oklahoma State's last 8 games vs. Big 12.
The UNDER is 14-5 in Oklahoma Stae's last 19 Monday games.

Cal Poly at Pacific (ESPN2 | 11 PM ET)

Cal Poly is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games vs. Big West.
The OVER is 12-5 in Pacific's last 17 games vs. Big West.
The UNDER is 8-2 in Cal Poly's last 10 games overall.

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**Udog** · 01-28-2008, 09:04 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Elon at Appalachian State
The Mountaineers look to rebound from their loss at Chattanooga over the weekend and regain the form that saw them win seven straight conference games. They should have a good opportunity at home against an Elon team that has lost three straight and eight of its last 10. Appalachian State is the pick (-13) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by 21. Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (-13). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, JANUARY 28

Game 509-510: Portland at Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 46.247; Gonzaga 75.209
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 29
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-22 1/2)

Game 511-512: Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 63.778; Oklahoma 73.960
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 10
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 8
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-8)

Game 513-514: Boise State at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 62.480; Fresno State 57.657
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 5
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (+1)

Game 515-516: St. Mary's (CA) at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 67.145; San Diego 56.532
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-7 1/2)

Game 517-518: Santa Clara at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 52.609; San Francisco 54.350
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 1
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-1)

Game 519-520: Cal Poly at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 48.448; Pacific 58.255
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 10
Vegas Line: Pacific by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (+11 1/2)

Game 521-522: Georgia Southern at Western Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 53.809; Western Carolina 48.516
Dunkel Line: Georgia Southern by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Southern (-3 1/2)

Game 523-524: College of Charleston at Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 52.329; Wofford 54.999
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 1
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-1)

Game 525-526: Elon at Appalachian State
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 45.979; Appalachian State 67.024
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 21
Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (-13)

Game 527-528: Louisville at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 70.129; Connecticut 74.367
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 4
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 1
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-1)

**Udog** · 01-28-2008, 09:07 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, January 28

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DENVER (26 - 17) at NEW ORLEANS (31 - 12) - 1/28/2008, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 5-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (30 - 13) at MEMPHIS (13 - 31) - 1/28/2008, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 9-4 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 12-1 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (28 - 14) at UTAH (26 - 18) - 1/28/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-9 ATS (+17.1 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 114-84 ATS (+21.6 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 79-53 ATS (+20.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 125-88 ATS (+28.2 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 192-148 ATS (+29.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 10-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (17 - 27) at LA CLIPPERS (13 - 27) - 1/28/2008, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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**Udog** · 01-28-2008, 10:30 AM

NFL

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegas the Only Place Patriots Don't Win
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Although the rest of the sporting world may look at the Patriots as being one win away from completing a perfect season, Las Vegas views them through a much different prism.

To the oddsmakers on the Strip, the 18-0 Patriots are really 10-8.

"As far as the pointspread goes, that's correct," said Chuck Esposito, director of the race and sports book at Caesars Palace, where the Patriots were installed last week as 14-point favorites over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII Sunday.

"Granted, it's a lot of points," Esposito said, "but we looked for a number that would draw good two-way action [an equal number of bets on both teams]. We're not predicting who is going to win or lose, but it's a pointspread that we feel is going to draw good two-way action."

Since its initial release, however, the pointspread has gone down to 121/2, which, oddsmakers say, is not so much a reflection of the recent news about quarterback Tom Brady's right ankle sprain as it is of the Patriots' 2-7 record against the spread in their past nine games.

"[Brady] would probably affect the line more than anybody in the NFL; maybe Peyton Manning could rival him," said Tony Sinisi, odds director at Las Vegas Sports Consultants. "But it might be a 10-point drop if it went from Tom Brady to Matt Cassel. It would probably go down to New England 3. But there's not any feeling out there that Brady won't play."

Before news broke about Brady's ankle, "I think the betting public was looking for value and felt that, at 13 or 14, there was just too good a value on the Giants," Esposito said. "They have covered nine out of 10 road games and have won 10 straight road games and covered all three playoff games."

It has prompted many bettors to take the Giants and the points.

"We opened the Super Bowl line at 14 and it quickly moved from 14 to 131/2, and ever since then, it's been dropping little by little," said Jay Kornegay, executive director of the race and sports book at the Las Vegas Hilton, who estimated that 70 percent of the early action has been on the Giants.

"It's a little odd, because the favorite in the Super Bowl is always inflated and in this case, it's no different. This is one line that we make that's geared toward the general public, because the general public's money always dominates the action in the Super Bowl. When we put that line out, we expected a little bit more support on the Patriots and we haven't seen that yet, but we're hoping it comes out later."

At the beginning of the season, the Patriots were a sure bet after they trampled not only their opposition en route to an 8-0 start, but the Vegas sports books as well, beating the spread in those wins. Their perfect record (against the spread, that is) was blemished when they failed to cover as a 5-point favorite in a 24-20 triumph at Indianapolis Nov. 4.

"Actually, the Patriots all season long have been a thorn in our side," Kornegay said. "It's a team we just cannot figure out. We took it in the shorts for pretty much two-thirds of the season. The last game that we won -- one of the games that we won -- was the Eagles game [a 31-28 Patriots triumph]. That was the last game we saw this huge snowball effect of support for the Patriots.

**Udog** · 01-28-2008, 10:48 AM

NBA
Dunkel

If Dunkel updates, to adjust for lines, we will re-post.

San Antonio at Utah
The Spurs' three-game winning streak came to screeching halt over the weekend as New Orleans pounded them at home (102-78). It doesn't get any easier tonight on the road against a Utah team that has won four straight. Even on the back end of back-to-back nights, the Jazz look to have just enough to cover (-2) according to Dunkel, which has Utah favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-2). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, JANUARY 28

Game 501-502: Denver at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 116.226; New Orleans 133.574
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 17 1/2; 194 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 503-504: Dallas at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 120.892; Memphis 119.644
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 505-506: San Antonio at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.292; Utah 124.220
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 3; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-2); Over

Game 507-508: Charlotte at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 117.295; LA Clippers 117.643
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 201 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

**Udog** · 01-28-2008, 10:50 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, January 28th

Denver at New Orleans, 8:05 EST
Denver: 18-36 ATS off BB Unders
New Orleans: 11-1 ATS in January

Dallas at Memphis, 8:05 EST
Dallas: 36-15 ATS vs. division opponents
Memphis: 6-16 ATS at home vs. Dallas

San Antonio at Utah, 9:05 EST
San Antonio: 13-4 Under off BB Unders
Utah: 14-6 ATS as home favorite

Charlotte at LA Clippers, 10:35 EST
Charlotte: 5-10 ATS as road underdog
LA Clippers: 8-2 Under off BB ATS losses

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 01-28-2008, 11:05 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, January 28th

Portland at Gonzaga, 8:00 EST
Portland: 0-9 ATS Away off home win
Gonzaga: 5-1 Over off ATS win/SU loss

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma, 9:00 EST ESPN
Oklahoma State: 1-9 ATS as road underdog
Oklahoma: 4-1 Over playing only their 2nd game in a week

Boise State at Fresno State, 10:00 EST
Boise State: 22-9 ATS Away when the line is +3 to -3
Fresno State: 18-34 ATS off an Over

St. Mary's (CA) at San Diego, 10:00 EST
St. Mary's (CA): 10-1 Under Away off win by 20+ points
San Diego: 1-8 ATS at home vs. conference opponents

Santa Clara at San Francisco, 10:00 EST
Santa Clara: 6-0 Over off 3+ ATS wins
San Francisco: 8-20 ATS Away off loss by 20+ points

(TC) Cal Poly-SLO at Pacific, 11:00 EST ESPN2
Cal Poly-SLO: 7-1 Under as underdog
Pacific: 2-9 ATS off SU win

Added Games:

Georgia Southern at Western Carolina, 7:00 EST
Georgia Southern: 9-1 ATS off SU win
Western Carolina: 1-10 ATS playing only their 3rd game in a week

Coll of Charleston at Wofford, 7:00 EST
Coll of Charleston: 15-3 Under off double-digit loss
Wofford: 0-3 ATS off home win

Elon at Appalachian State, 7:30 EST
Elon: 11-21 ATS as an underdog
Appalachian State: 16-7 Under at home off road game

Write-In Game:

Louisville at Connecticut, 7:00 EST ESPN
Louisville: 11-2 ATS in road games
Connecticut: 11-2 Under playing their 2nd game in 3 days

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Monday Trends and Indexes 01/28

Monday Trends and Indexes 01/28

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