Announcement

**pm530** · 01-05-2010, 06:13 AM

NFL
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 9
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NY JETS (9 - 7) at CINCINNATI (10 - 6) - 1/9/2010, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
CINCINNATI is 94-124 ATS (-42.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (11 - 5) at DALLAS (11 - 5) - 1/9/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 69-46 ATS (+18.4 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-27 ATS (+21.3 Units) revenging a loss against opponent since 1992.

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

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Sunday, January 10
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BALTIMORE (9 - 7) at NEW ENGLAND (10 - 6) - 1/10/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 129-98 ATS (+21.2 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 82-58 ATS (+18.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 57-34 ATS (+19.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
BALTIMORE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ENGLAND is 1-1 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 2-0 straight up against BALTIMORE 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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GREEN BAY (11 - 5) at ARIZONA (10 - 6) - 1/10/2010, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
GREEN BAY is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
GREEN BAY is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) against NFC West division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.

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

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**pm530** · 01-05-2010, 06:14 AM

NFL
Short Sheet

Saturday, January 9th

AFC Wild Card TV: NBC

NY Jets at Cincinnati, 4:30 ET

NY Jets:
8-2 Under off home win
5-1 Under off shutout win

Cincinnati:
0-7 ATS as a favorite
7-0 Under as home favorite

NFC Wild Card TV: NBC

Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:00 ET

Philadelphia:
18-4 ATS off loss by 21+ points
17-5 Under off division loss by double digits

Dallas:
6-0 Under off a division game
7-3 Under on turf

Sunday, January 10th

AFC Wild Card TV: CBS

Baltimore at New England, 1:00 ET

Baltimore:
6-1 Under off road game
0-3 ATS at New England

New England:
17-6 Under in playoff games
11-5 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

NFC Wild Card TV: FOX

Green Bay at Arizona, 4:30 ET

Green Bay:
11-4-1 ATS this season
6-0 ATS vs. NFC West

Arizona:
4-0 Under as a home favorite of 7 points or less
5-1 Under revenging home loss by 21+ points

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**pm530** · 01-05-2010, 06:21 AM

NFL

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Trend Report
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Saturday, January 9

4:30 PM
NY JETS vs. CINCINNATI
NY Jets are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Jets last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DALLAS
Philadelphia is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

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Sunday, January 10

1:00 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NEW ENGLAND
Baltimore is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
New England is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
New England is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore

4:40 PM
GREEN BAY vs. ARIZONA
Green Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
Green Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 14-7 ATS in its last 21 games
Arizona is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games

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**pm530** · 01-06-2010, 02:38 AM

NFL
Dunkel Index

NY Jets at Cincinnati
The Jets look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a road underdog between 1 and 3 points. New York is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+3). Here are all of this week's picks.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

Game 101-102: NY Jets at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 134.087; Cincinnati 134.250
Dunkel Line: Even; 37
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 3; 34
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+3); Over

Game 103-104: Philadelphia at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 136.627; Dallas 139.799
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 3; 42
Vegas Line: Dallas by 4; 45
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+4); Under

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

Game 105-106: Baltimore at New England
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 136.463; New England 142.116
Dunkel Line: New England by 5 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: New England by 3; 43
Dunkel Pick: New England (-3); Under

Game 107-108: Green Bay at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 134.923; Arizona 137.538
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Arizona by 1; 47
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-1); Over

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**pm530** · 01-08-2010, 12:44 AM

NFL
Write-up

Week Wild Card Weekend

Saturday, January 9

Jets @ Bengals-- Cincinnati won its last five home games, all by 7+ points; it is unwise to use last week's game as a yardstick, since Bengals didn't exactly give it much effort. Key indicator for Jets is how they run ball; they ran ball for 127 or less yards in each of last four losses; in their last six wins, Jets ran ball for at 139 yards, 175+ in last four wins. Even if you discount last couple Jet games, where opponents didn't compete 100%, they allowed 8.8 ppg in four games before that, so they play outstanding defense, allowing four TDs on opponents' last 69 drives. In their last four wins, Jets passed for a total of 371 yards (92.8 ypg). Sanchez will have to make plays to win this game. .

Eagles @ Cowboys-- NFL playoff teams that beat their opponent twice in the regular season are 12-7 in the playoff game, but Dallas is 0-2 in that role; they shut out last two opponents (no TD, one FG try on 21 drives) and that came after beating 13-0 Saints in Superdome. Pokes allowed average of 54.8 rushing yards/game in last four games, but they haven't won playoff game since 1996, and Eagles are 7-0 under Reid in their first playoff game of that year. In games vs Philly this year, Romo averaged 7.4/8.2 yards/pass. Dallas won six of last seven games in new stadium; eight of their last nine games stayed under. Eagles scored one TD on 21 drives vs Cowboys this year, after scoring 81 points in their two games in this rivalry LY.

Sunday, January 10

Ravens @ Patriots-- Baltimore (+2) lost 27-21 here back in Week 4, in game where Ravens had twice as much penalty yardage (85-41) as Patriots, with a roughing-passer penalty one of big calls of game. Ravens complained long and loud about it after game; now they get chance at revenge. Baltimore was 3-5 on road this year; this is also their third consecutive away game. Huge injury for New England is Welker's knee injury; their defensive coordinator was taken to hospital during Houston game last week-- not sure of his status for this. Pats are 8-0 at home this year. Five of last six New England games stayed under the total, just like eight of last ten Baltimore games did.

Packers @ Cardinals-- Green Bay won seven of last eight games, losing by a point in Pittsburgh on last play of game, when Big Ben threw for 503 yards in bizarre game; Packers crushed Arizona here LW, but once Minnesota lost, the Cardinals used passive gameplan and yanked Warner very early. Arizona won all three of its home playoff games; they were just 4-4 at home this year. Not sure about Boldin's leg injuries, which are potential problem. Six of last seven Redbird games stayed under the total. Packers have 39 TDs on their last 122 drives over the last 11 games, as Rodgers has proven to be more than an able replacement for Favre. Pack held eight of last nine foes under 82 rush yards.

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**pm530** · 01-08-2010, 12:51 AM

NFL
Write-up

Week Wild Card Weekend

Saturday, January 9

Jets @ Bengals-- Cincinnati won its last five home games, all by 7+ points; it is unwise to use last week's game as a yardstick, since Bengals didn't exactly give it much effort. Key indicator for Jets is how they run ball; they ran ball for 127 or less yards in each of last four losses; in their last six wins, Jets ran ball for at 139 yards, 175+ in last four wins. Even if you discount last couple Jet games, where opponents didn't compete 100%, they allowed 8.8 ppg in four games before that, so they play outstanding defense, allowing four TDs on opponents' last 69 drives. In their last four wins, Jets passed for a total of 371 yards (92.8 ypg). Sanchez will have to make plays to win this game. .

Eagles @ Cowboys-- NFL playoff teams that beat their opponent twice in the regular season are 12-7 in the playoff game, but Dallas is 0-2 in that role; they shut out last two opponents (no TD, one FG try on 21 drives) and that came after beating 13-0 Saints in Superdome. Pokes allowed average of 54.8 rushing yards/game in last four games, but they haven't won playoff game since 1996, and Eagles are 7-0 under Reid in their first playoff game of that year. In games vs Philly this year, Romo averaged 7.4/8.2 yards/pass. Dallas won six of last seven games in new stadium; eight of their last nine games stayed under. Eagles scored one TD on 21 drives vs Cowboys this year, after scoring 81 points in their two games in this rivalry LY.

Sunday, January 10

Ravens @ Patriots-- Baltimore (+2) lost 27-21 here back in Week 4, in game where Ravens had twice as much penalty yardage (85-41) as Patriots, with a roughing-passer penalty one of big calls of game. Ravens complained long and loud about it after game; now they get chance at revenge. Baltimore was 3-5 on road this year; this is also their third consecutive away game. Huge injury for New England is Welker's knee injury; their defensive coordinator was taken to hospital during Houston game last week-- not sure of his status for this. Pats are 8-0 at home this year. Five of last six New England games stayed under the total, just like eight of last ten Baltimore games did.

Packers @ Cardinals-- Green Bay won seven of last eight games, losing by a point in Pittsburgh on last play of game, when Big Ben threw for 503 yards in bizarre game; Packers crushed Arizona here LW, but once Minnesota lost, the Cardinals used passive gameplan and yanked Warner very early. Arizona won all three of its home playoff games; they were just 4-4 at home this year. Not sure about Boldin's leg injuries, which are potential problem. Six of last seven Redbird games stayed under the total. Packers have 39 TDs on their last 122 drives over the last 11 games, as Rodgers has proven to be more than an able replacement for Favre. Pack held eight of last nine foes under 82 rush yards.

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**pm530** · 01-09-2010, 12:07 AM

NFL

Saturday, January 9

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Where the action is: Saturday's Wild Card games
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Randy Scott is an oddsmaker.

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5 -115, 34)

Opening Line: 2.5, 34.5

Where the early action is: 89 percent - Bengals

Comments: No wise action on this game yet. The public is all over Ciny here. This was a tough line to make as the Jets have won seven of their last eight matchups with the Bengals. Some books are using Bengals -3 with +110 as the vig. Because of the popularity on the Bengals we aren’t about to offer plus money yet so we added five cents to the -2.5 line to make it -115. But that might all change closer to game time if we don’t see any wise action come in. If it’s going to be a pure public game, then that will drive the line up to 3. We are still in a wait and watch mode.

Cincinnati has scored the fewest points of any team in the playoffs and is up against a top-ranked Jets defense. Early action was on the under 34.5, but has since evened out with the move to 34. There’s a good chance it will drop even more due to frigid weather conditions.

We are also receiving loads of Bengals teaser action moving the line to +3.5 or better and total points under 40 or better.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-3.5, 45)

Opening Line: 4, 45

Where the early action is: 80 percent – Eagles

Comments: Lots of Eagles backers here at +4. Still at +3.5 the action continues on Philadelphia. Both teams played to win last week and the Cowboys dominated the entire game and shut out the high scoring Eagles.

This is the rematch, same venue. This is the teams’ third meeting this season. The Cowboys swept the season series with a 20-16 win in Week 9 and last week, 24-0.

The Cowboys are the hottest team in the league right now, riding a three-game winning streak. Dallas’ quarterback Tony Romo was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.

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**pm530** · 01-09-2010, 12:09 AM

NFL

Saturday, January 9

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What bettors need to know:
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Jets at Bengals

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5, 34.5)

After taking a 126-hour break and making a 633-mile commute, the Jets and Bengals resume their Week 17 meeting in the playoffs Saturday.

But a lot more has changed since the Jets' 37-0 cakewalk than just time, place and importance. For starters, the Bengals are playing to win.

The healthier, hungrier version of the Bengals will give the Jets their best shot in the rematch, not the half-hearted swat they made Sunday night.

The Bengals didn't wave the white flag like some teams that had already RSVP’ed for the playoffs, but they weren't exactly giving it their all. When the Jets took the early lead and continued to blitz QB Carson Palmer, the Bengals simply took the path of least resistance to the playoffs.

Some might call it packing it in, but war generals call it living to fight another day and that's exactly what Cincinnati chose to do. It's hard to make your mind erase what it saw just a few days before - the Jets clobbering the Bengals like baby seals - but the rematch is a whole new ballgame.

Injury update

Jets linebacker David Harris is probable with an ankle injury that kept him out of Tuesday's practice and cornerback Donald Strickland is questionable with a quadriceps injury, but expect anyone who is on the fence to play to do so now that every game could be a team's last.

The Bengals welcome back several walking-wounded players who sat out of last week's dress rehearsal - running back Cedric Benson, safety Chris Crocker and defensive linemen Domata Peko and Robert Geathers Jr., but the best get-well news is from wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

Ochocinco injured his knee before Sunday's game and was shut out, but results of an MRI and pain medication say he'll be ready for revenge.

The X-factors

This matchup is more about Xs and Xs, not Xs and Os. With two defensive-minded coaches at their helms, both with roots to the Baltimore Ravens, it would come as no surprise if Jets-Bengals II turns out to be an offensive struggle.

Jets first-year coach Rex Ryan never saw a blitz he didn't like and will likely focus his efforts on putting Palmer on his back before he can put the ball in the air. The Bengals, with Benson back in the backfield, will need to establish the running game to keep Reed's troops honest.

Bengals Marvin Lewis sat on his battle plans last week and will adjust his defense to stop the Jets' ground attack and force Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez to put it in the air. Running back Thomas Jones ran wild against the Bengals last week but will see a different defense today.

Line movement

Interestingly enough, this one opened at Bengals -4 and immediately started dropping, now at -2.5 to -3 on most books and as low as -2 at a couple shops. Again, it goes back to the general betting public buying into what they've just seen even if the circumstances are different this time.

Also dropping slightly was the total, which opened at 35 and has fallen to 34.5. It makes sense since the Jets and Bengals boast two of the top defensive teams in the league and inconsistent offenses. If those generalities hold true to form, the scoring should be as cold as the weather.

Weather or not

C-c-cold. The forecast calls for a temperature around 18 degrees at kickoff with a much lower wind chill and a 30 percent chance of snow.

Neither team has really had to play in much of the way of bad weather this season before Sunday's chilly warmup, so advantage defenses.

Boys of Troy

With both QBs hailing from sunny USC, the condition could make flying the friendly skies not-so friendly, especially for playoff virgin Sanchez.

Sanchez has been both spectacular and woeful this season, as is commonplace for rookie QBs, and is prone to making mistakes. He has thrown 12 touchdowns to 20 interceptions and is completing less than 54 percent of his passes, not exactly playoff-favorable numbers.

Palmer has had more time to acclimate to the Cincy chill and has hungered for a return to the playoffs for four years, when his first pass of the game - a bomb to the late Chris Henry - resulted in a season-ending injury and loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Defensive battles often come down to which quarterback can make the most plays to will his team to victory. If so, Palmer has the edge in experience, motivation, inspiration from the passing of Henry and a healthy Ochocinco on his side.

86-talking 85

Ochocinco spent last week Twittering to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and anyone who would listen about the big game he was going to have in Week 17. Then No. 85 slipped during pre-game warmups, injured his knee and was held without a catch for the first time in 120 games.

"Ochocinco had his ego bruised when he fell down before the game," joked Lewis. "... Other than that, I think he's healthy, as he's Twittered all over America. That's what happens. The only way to come back from that is to put up now. Now is the time for all of us to put up.''

Ochocinco had even vowed to change his name back to Johnson if he got shut down by Revis but broke that promise. He's not making any bold statement leading up to this one ("It's not time to talk, he said. "It's time to play.''), a sign the Bengals are approaching this meeting differently.

Odds and trends

You really can throw out the regular-season records and stats when it comes to the playoffs, and neither side has much recent history to rely on.

The Bengals have won five in a row at home and are 9-0 SU against visiting underdogs. The Jets have won five of their last six SU and ATS but the last two came against teams on playoff cruise control and the other three Ws were against bottom-feeders Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Carolina.

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Eagles at Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (-4, 45)

It will be a showdown between division rivals and familiar foes when the Eagles and Cowboys are featured during primetime on Day 1 of the 2010 NFL Playoffs.

In a crowded NFC postseason picture, Dallas (11-5, 9-7 ATS) ended the regular season on a three-game winning streak to go from being on the playoff bubble to seizing home-field advantage in the opening round.

Philadelphia (11-5, 9-7 ATS), unquestionably the hottest team in the NFC throughout the month of December, was in contention for the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye until the final week of the season. Instead, it now comes in as the No. 6 seed and must win three road games in order to reach the Super Bowl.

Line movement

The Cowboys opened as 4-point favorites at most betting sites and the line has rarely wavered outside of -4 and -3.5. The total opened at 45 and has experienced almost no fluctuation from that number.

Injury report

Philadelphia has no new injuries to report, but the team will be playing its second straight game without center Jamaal Jackson, who tore his ACL in a December 28 win over Denver. Jackson had started 71 consecutive games for the Eagles prior to the injury.

DeSean Jackson, Michael Vick, and Quintin Demps are all listed as probable, although coach Andy Reid has expressed far more optimism in Jackson’s status than in that of Demps - Philly’s primary kick returner.

For the Cowboys, the news is good. Tashard Choice (concussion) and Pat Watkins (knee) returned to practice in full Thursday. Offensive tackle Marc Colombo, who last played on November 15 due to various leg injuries, appears to be set for his return.

DeMarcus Ware (back/wrist) and Marion Barber (knee) are new arrivals to the injury report, but neither problem is considered serious and both will play on Saturday.

Prior engagements

Dallas won both of the regular-season meetings between the two teams and covered each spread with room to spare.

The Cowboys went into Philadelphia November 11 and prevailed 20-16 to cap off a four-game winning streak. Tony Romo passed for 307 yards and the Eagles were limited to just 88 yards on the ground.

Last week in Dallas, the Cowboys crushed Philadelphia 24-0. Romo threw for 311 yards and two scores, Barber and Felix Jones ran for 91 yards apiece and a stingy defense allowed the Eagles a mere 37 rushing yards.

Confidence boost

With his team coming off a blowout loss that cost it the division, Reid scaled back practices this week to make more time for meetings, scheming and plotting revenge.

“I think that's important, that you give the players every opportunity, physically and mentally, that you can to be strong in the game,” Reid explained to the media. “So we've cut back in certain areas and added some time in other areas. We'll see how that works.”

“They've been upbeat,” Reid said of his players. “These are competitive guys. They don't like what took place last week and so they get back to business and try to right the wrong.”

Romo redemption

Romo is hoping to exorcise the demons of his past two playoff efforts. He fumbled an extra-point hold in the final seconds as the Cowboys’ 2006 season ended with a 21-20 loss to Seattle. A year later, Dallas was seeded first but lost its playoff opener 21-17 to the Giants.

“Those are lifetimes ago,” assistant head coach Jason Garrett told reporters. “He's certainly developed as a quarterback. This is a completely different team; the dynamics of this team are very different.”

“I'd like to think I'm better than I was in the last two, but that doesn't guarantee anything,” added Romo.

Trending topics

Philadelphia is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 trips to Dallas. The road team is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings and the underdog is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 encounters.

The Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last six road playoff games and 6-2 ATS in their last eight playoff games overall. They are also 5-0 ATS in their last five as a playoff underdog.

The Cowboys have not fared nearly as well in postseason play of late, as they have not won a playoff game since the wild-card round of the 1996 season. Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last five playoff games as a favorite and 1-5 ATS in its last six playoff games overall.

The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the Eagles and Cowboys in Dallas. The under is also 4-0 in the Cowboys last four games overall and 5-2 in the Eagles last seven against NFC opponents.

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**Udog** · 01-09-2010, 12:21 PM

NFL

Saturday, January 9

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Tips and Trends
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New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals [CBS | 4:30 PM ET]

Jets: New York comes into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in football, as they've won 5 of their past 6 games SU. The Jets have been playing in a playoff atmosphere for the past month. The Jets finished the season with a 9-7 record, both SU and ATS. The SU and ATS result for each Jets game this season has been exactly the same. New York is 5-3 both SU and ATS on the road this season. The Jets were 3-2 ATS as the listed underdog this year. The Jets are led by their top ranked defense, as they rank 1st in both scoring defense and total defense. New York only allowed 14.8 PPG and 252 YPG this season, and they got stronger as the season progressed. The Jets have only allowed 47 combined PTS in their past 6 games, holding each opponent to 15 PTS or less. The Jets feature the best rushing attack in the NFL at over 172 YPG. RB Thomas Jones was 4th in the NFL with more than 1,400 rushing YDS with 14 TDs.

Jets are 5-0 ATS last 5 games as a road underdog up to a field goal.
Over is 4-1 last 5 games as a road underdog up to a field goal.

RB Thomas Jones (knee) is probable.
LB David Harris (ankle) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 14

Bengals (-2.5, O/U 34): Cincinnati limps into their playoff contest after a 37-0 beating by their playoff opponent New York Jets. The Bengals are the lowest scoring team in the playoffs this year, as they only averaged 19.1 PPG during the regular season. Since their bye in Week 8, the Bengals have been held under 20 PTS in 7 of their 9 games. The Bengals lost 3 of their final 4 games SU to finish the season at 10-6 SU and 7-9 ATS. The Bengals were 6-2 SU and 3-5 ATS at home this year. The Bengals were an atrocious 0-7 ATS as the listed favorite this season, and 0-5 ATS as the listed home favorite. RB Cedric Benson leads this Bengals offense with the 9th best rushing attack in the NFL at 128.5 YPG rushing. Benson ran for over 1,250 YDS and 6 TDs this season. WR Chad OchoCinco is the only legitimate receiving threat in a one dimensional passing attack. This Bengals defense has allowed at least 27 PTS in 3 of their past 4 games.

Bengals are 7-18-1 ATS last 26 games as a home favorite.
Under is 9-0 last 9 games as a home favorite.

Key Injuries - LB Rey Maualuga (leg) is out.
WR Chad OchoCinco (knee) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 20 (Side of the Day)

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys [FOX | 8:00 PM ET]

Eagles: Philadelphia can only hope the 3rd time is the charm, as the Eagles have lost twice this season to Dallas. The Eagles averaged nearly 27 PPG this season, the 5th most in the NFL. However, Philadelphia only scored 1 TD and 16 combined PTS in both games against Dallas this year. The Eagles had won 6 consecutive games SU before losing last week, for a season record of 11-5 SU. The Eagles were 9-7 ATS this season, and were 5-3 ATS on the road this year. Philadelphia was 1-3 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this season. 19 times in NFL history teams have met in the playoffs after losing both meetings in the regular season. Only 7 teams were able to avenge the double revenge angle. The Eagles will look to get WRs Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin going today, as both have been severely limited by the Cowboys defense this year. This Eagles defense is opportunistic, as they finished the season in the top 4 in both INTs and sacks.

Eagles are 5-0 ATS last 5 playoff games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - WR DeSean Jackson (groin) is probable.
QB Michael Vick (quad) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 24

Cowboys (-4, O/U 45): It's been 13 years since the Cowboys have tasted victory in the playoffs. A huge reason why the Cowboys finished the season at 11-5 SU is because of their defense. Dallas only allowed 15.6 PPG, the 2nd fewest points in the NFL. This Dallas defense has shut out their opponents in each of their previous 2 games. Dallas was 9-7 ATS during the regular season, including a home record of 5-3 ATS. The Cowboys were 5-5 ATS this year as a single digit favorite. Dallas only averaged 22 PPG this season, but they were able to move the ball down the field at will. The Cowboys averaged 399 YPG, which was the 2nd most in the NFL behind only the Saints. QB Tony Romo threw for nearly 4,500 YDS with 26 TDs against 9 INTs. Dallas didn't have a 1,000 yard rusher, but they did have 2 receivers with more than 1,000 YDS receiving in WR Miles Austin and TE Jason Witten. The duo combined for 2,350 YDS receiving this season.

Cowboys are 1-5 ATS last 6 playoff games.
Under is 4-0 last 4 games as a home favorite.

Key Injuries - LB Demarcus Ware (back) is probable.
T Marc Colombo (leg) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 28 (OVER - Total of the Day)

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**Udog** · 01-09-2010, 10:18 PM

NFL

Sunday, January 10

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What bettors need to know:
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Ravens at Patriots

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (-3.5, 43)

The team that won the Super Bowl in the first full season of the recently-concluded decade will face the undisputed team of the decade as the Ravens and Patriots square off in Foxboro on Sunday afternoon.

Baltimore (9-7, 8-7-1 ATS) won three of its last four games to sneak into the playoffs as the AFC’s sixth and final seed.

New England (10-6, 7-7-2 ATS) showed few signs of its former dominant self throughout the season, but the team still captured the AFC East without much difficulty.

Line movement

The Patriots opened as 3.5-point favorites at most betting sites and the line has been firmly entrenched in a 1-point range between -3 and -4. The total opened at 43 and never moved.

Fox-brrrrrr-o

The weather forecast calls for a high of 25 degrees in Foxboro on Sunday, which is supposed to be the coldest day of the entire upcoming week. Complete sun is expected with no chance of rain, while the wind could blow up to 18 mph.

Injury report

The Ravens have no new injuries to report. On the defensive side of the ball, Ed Reed (groin), Tavares Gooden (groin), and Haloti Ngata (ankle) were limited earlier in the week, but they all practiced in full Thursday and are good to go.

For the Patriots, the news is nowhere near as good. Wes Welker tore both the ACL and MCL in his left knee and will be out for the playoffs. Guard Dan Connolly, listed as questionable, has been unable to practice this week and is unlikely to play.

New England will at least have Randy Moss and Vince Wilfork at its disposal Sunday. Moss was a no-show at Thursday practice, but by all accounts his minor knee problem is a non-issue.

The young and the Wes-less

It won’t be easy for New England to make up for the loss of Welker (123 catches, 1348 yards, 4 TDs). Tom Brady—and everyone else—knows it.

“You can't replace him, there's no doubt about that,” Brady explained to the media. “He is everything you ask for. Everyone I think in different areas has to pick it up. We all have to do more. I think that's the commitment we have to make to one another.”

While it will be up to the entire team to help fill the void, rookie receiver Julian Edelman (37 catches, 359 yards, 1 TD) is expected to start opposite Randy Moss. Edelman stepped in last Sunday after Welker went down in the first quarter and caught 10 passes for 103 yards.

“He comes in and he has kind of the same chemistry as Wes Welker has,” Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis said of Edelman. “So we just have to understand to come and play the New England Patriots in totality.”

Prior engagement

The Patriots have already played host to Baltimore once this season, on October 4. They handed the Ravens their first loss in the form of a 27-21 victory, as Brady passed for 258 yards and one touchdown while adding another score on the ground.

Ray Rice racked up 103 rushing yards for the Ravens, but they needed a defense touchdown from Dwan Edwards midway through the third quarter just to keep it close.

Strength versus strength

The Patriots are third in the NFL in total offense at 397.3 yards per game, just barely trailing New Orleans and Dallas. The Ravens are in third in the NFL in total defense allowing only 300.5 yards per game.

Even though Baltimore boasts a strong pass defense and won’t have to deal with Welker, it needs Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Trevor Pryce to put pressure on Brady in order to slow down the New England offense.

Trending topics

The home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings between the two teams. Baltimore is 1-4-1 ATS in its last six against the Patriots and 0-3-1 ATS in its last four visits to Gillette Stadium.

The Ravens are 6-2 ATS in their last eight playoff road games. However, they were 1-3-1 ATS in their last five road games of the regular season and they are 0-4 ATS in their last four against teams with winning SU records.

New England is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games, but the team is 0-4 ATS in its last four playoff outings.

The under is 4-0-1 in the Ravens last five road games, 6-1-1 in their last eight against the AFC, and 4-1 in their last five playoff games. The under is 3-0-1 in the Patriots last four home games, 11-2-1 in their last 14 home playoff contests, and 5-1-1 in their last seven games overall.

Packers at Cardinals

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (+1, 47)

A week after closing out the regular season against each other, the Packers and Cardinals meet again Sunday in Tempe for a much more meaningful contest.

Green Bay routed the Cards 33-7 at University of Phoenix Stadium last week in a game that had no playoff implications for either team. Packers coach Mike McCarthy chose to play quarterback Aaron Rodgers and many other starters through three quarters, while Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt played his Cards a little closer to the vest by pulling Kurt Warner in the first quarter.

Line movement

The Green Bay-Arizona matchup has drawn the biggest line movement of the four playoff games this weekend. The Cardinals were originally favored by 2.5 points, but Green Bay moved to a 1-point favorite in some spots Saturday. The original total of 48 moved to 47 almost immediately.

Injury report

Whisenhunt might be wishing he pulled some of his other star players as quickly as he yanked Kurt Warner last week. Receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle), cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (knee) and defensive end Calais Campbell (thumb) all went down with injuries Sunday and they are all listed as questionable for this weekend. Rodgers-Cromartie and Campbell both practiced during the week, but Boldin did not and will be a game-time decision.

"I'm doing everything within my power to make sure I'm on the field Sunday," Boldin told reporters Friday. "If I'm not able to go, trust me, it won't be anything I didn't do."

The Packers also didn't escape the regular-season finale unscathed. Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson, who returned an interception for a touchdown earlier in the game, strained his shoulder before halftime. He is probable for Sunday, however.

"I'll be fine," Woodson said. "I could've gone back in if I had to."

Safety Derrick Martin (ankle) and defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (foot) are the only Packers listed as questionable on the injury report.

Super Bowl hangover

History isn't on the Cardinals’ side as they begin defense of their NFC championship.

No team that lost the Super Bowl has returned to the big game since the Bills made four straight losing appearances in the early 1990s.

Arizona at least managed to make the playoffs this year, something the previous two Super Bowl losers - the Patriots and Bears - failed to do the following season.

Mr. Rodgers' neighbourhood

Neither game was significant in the standings, but Rodgers has already shredded the Arizona secondary twice this season in Tempe.

The Cal product threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers rolled up 38 first-half points against the Cards in their final preseason game last fall. Rodgers then completed 21-of-26 passes for 235 yards and a score in last week's shortened outing.

Rodgers, who is making his playoff debut, isn't putting much stock in his previous performances against the Cards.

"It's going to be a different game for sure," he said. "They're going to play way different on defense. We're going to play different on offense."

The line is fine

Don't be fooled by the fact that Green Bay led the league in most sacks allowed.

After allowing Rodgers to be sacked 25 times in the first five games of the year, the Packers' offensive line improved its play dramatically as the season went along. In fact, Rodgers was sacked only seven times in the last six games of the season.

Protecting Rodgers will be crucial for the Packers Sunday against the Cardinals' pass rush, which recorded the sixth-most sacks in the NFL.

Trends

Both teams enter the playoffs on strong runs against the spread. The Packers are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games against the NFC, 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven games on grass and 20-7-1 ATS in their last 28 road games overall. Arizona is 4-0 ATS in its last four playoff games, 6-1 ATS in its last seven January contests and 13-5 in its last 18 games on grass.

The over has cashed in 22 of the Pack's past 32 games against the NFC, but six of Arizona's last seven home games have gone under the total.

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**pm530** · 01-10-2010, 12:37 AM

NFL

Sunday, January 10

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Where the action is: Sunday's Wild Card games
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Randy Scott is an oddsmaker.

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (-3.5, 43)

Opening Line: -3.5, 43

Where the early action is: 70 percent - Ravens

Comments: The line hasn’t budged since the opening number. There is a bit more pointspread money on the Ravens, but the Patriots are taking the majority of the teaser action (95 percent) bringing the line to +2.5 or better. The total is only getting teaser action at this point – under 49 or better is the preferred play. We won’t be moving this line up to 4, if a move is made it will only be down to 3.

Fact: The Patriots have never lost a playoff game (7-0) at Gillette Stadium since it opened in 2002.

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (+1 -105, 47)

Opening Line: Arizona -2.5, 48

Where the early action is: 69 percent - Packers

*Wise Action: Packers +2.5 and +2

Comments: Big change in the line after it was hit by wise action. Now the Packers are the favorite. The Cardinals have some key injuries to manage. Receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle and knee) is listed as probable to play, but didn’t practice all week. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (knee) and free safety Antrel Rolle (thigh) were limited in practice this week and are expected to start but might not be 100 percent. The line should continue to grow.

Fact: Aaron Rogers is the first quarterback in league history to have 4,000-yard seasons in each of his first two years as a starter.

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**Udog** · 01-10-2010, 11:33 AM

NFL

Sunday, January 10

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Tips and Trends
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Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots [CBS | 1:00 PM ET]

Ravens: Baltimore needed all 3 of their SU wins over their last 4 games to make the playoffs, as they squeezed in at 9-7 SU. Today marks the 1st time these two teams have met in the postseason. The Ravens average 137.5 rushing YPG, the 5th most in the NFL. RB Ray Rice has rushed for nearly 1,350 YDS this year while averaging 5.3 YPC. The multi purpose back also had 78 receptions for 700 YDS receiving with 8 total TDs this season. RB Willis McGahee led the team with 12 rushing TDs to go with 500 YDS rushing this season. WR Derrick Mason and TE Todd Heap were the main targets in the passing game as they combined for more than 1,600 YDS receiving and 13 TDs. Baltimore has held 8 of their past 10 opponents to 17 PTS or fewer. The Ravens were 3-5 SU and 3-4-1 ATS on the road this season. The Ravens were 2-3-1 as the listed underdog this year. The Ravens were never more than a 3 point underdog this entire season.

Ravens are 6-2 ATS last 8 playoff road games.
Under is 4-0 last 4 Wildcard games.

Key Injuries - QB Joe Flacco (hip) is probable.
DE Haloti Ngata (ankle) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 21 (Side of the Day)

Patriots (-3, O/U 43): New England is back in the playoffs, playing a team they've never lost against, as they are 5-0 SU all time playing the Ravens. The Patriots won 3 of their final 4 games SU to finish the season at 10-6 SU. The Patriots were 7-7-2 ATS, with only 1 ATS win coming on the road. Luckily this is a home game for New England, where they finished the season 5-3 ATS. New England was a perfect 4-0 ATS as a single digit home favorite this season. QB Tom Brady leads an offense that averaged nearly 27 PPG, which ranks the Patriots 6th in the NFL. Brady threw for nearly 4,400 YDS this season with 28 TDs while completing more than 65% of his throws. In 3 career games against Baltimore, Brady has his lowest completion rate versus any other NFL team at 54%. Defensively, the Patriots allowed the 5th fewest PTS in the NFL at 17.8 PPG. This Patriots defense held opposition to 10 PTS or fewer on 6 occasions this season.

Patriots are 0-4 ATS last 4 playoff games.
Under is 11-2-1 last 14 playoff home games.

Key Injuries - WR Wes Welker (knee) is out.
DL Vince Wilfork (elbow) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 20

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals [FOX | 4:40 PM ET]

Packers: Green Bay is one of the hottest teams entering the NFL Playoffs, as they've won 7 of their last 8 games SU. In that 8 game stretch, Green Bay has scored 30 PTS or more 5 times. The Packers have also held their opposition to 14 PTS or fewer in 6 games during that same stretch. Green Bay finished the regular season at 11-5 SU and 11-4-1 ATS. The Packers haven't lost a game ATS since Week 9. The Packers were 5-3 both SU and ATS, as all 8 road contests had the exact same SU and ATS result this year. Green Bay was 3-1 ATS as the listed underdog this season. QB Aaron Rodgers had a banner year, finishing 4th in the NFL in passing YDS with more than 4,400 YDS. Rodgers is the first QB in history to throw for more than 4,000 YDS in each of his 1st two years as the starting QB. Rodgers led the Packers to an average of 28.8 PPG, 3rd most in the NFL. Defensively, the Packers only allowed 18.6 PPG, 7th best in the NFL.

Packers are 20-7-1 ATS last 28 road games.
Over is 12-5 last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Key Injuries - CB Charles Woodson (shoulder) is probable.
T Chad Clifton (knee) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 27

Cardinals (-1, O/U 47): Arizona limped into the playoffs this year, having played only .500 ball over the last 6 weeks. The Cardinals are looking to become the first team since 1994 to make it back to the Super Bowl the year after they lost the big game. Arizona finished the regular season at 10-6 SU and 9-7 ATS. The Cardinals were 4-4 both SU and ATS, with all 8 home games ending in the same SU and ATS result. The Cardinals were only 3-7 ATS as the listed favorite this season. Arizona has scored more than 30 PTS in 3 of their past 5 games in route to 23.4 PPG the entire season. QB Kurt Warner threw for more than 3,750 YDS this season while completing better than 66% of his attempts. Both WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin went over 1,000 YDS receiving this year, with Fitzgerald also having 13 TDs this season. The Cardinals have allowed 3 of their past 4 opponents to score at least 24 PTS, with injuries playing a huge factor.

Cardinals are 4-0 ATS last 4 playoff games.
Under is 4-0 last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Key Injuries - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (knee) is questionable.
WR Anquan Boldin (ankle) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 28 (OVER - Total of the Day)

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**Udog** · 01-10-2010, 11:37 AM

NFL
Dunkel - Sun. POD

Baltimore at New England
The Patriots look to take advantage of a Baltimore team that is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games against teams with a winning record. New England is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Patriots favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New England (-3).

Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Wild Card Playoffs (January 9 – 10)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Wild Card Playoffs (January 9 – 10)

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