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Monday Trends and Indexes 1/18 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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  • #16
    NOTE:
    For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
    Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

    Comment


    • #17
      NCAAB
      Dunkel



      Texas at Kansas State
      The Wildcats look to take advantage of a Texas team that is 1-8-1 in its last 10 road games versus a team with a winning home record. Kansas State is the pick (Pick) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas State. Here are all of today's games.

      MONDAY, JANUARY 18

      Game 725-726: Syracuse at Notre Dame

      Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.916; Notre Dame 67.975
      Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 7
      Vegas Line: Syracuse by 3 1/2
      Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-3 1/2)

      Game 727-728: Towson at St. Joseph's
      Dunkel Ratings: Towson 46.808; St. Joseph's 54.846
      Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 8
      Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7
      Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-7)

      Game 729-730: Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee State
      Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 59.454; Middle Tennessee State 55.904
      Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 3 1/2
      Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 1 1/2
      Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-1 1/2)

      Game 731-732: Texas at Kansas State
      Dunkel Ratings: Texas 74.278; Kansas State 77.747
      Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 3 1/2
      Vegas Line: Pick
      Dunkel Pick: Kansas State

      Game 733-734: Canisius at Fairfield
      Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 53.133; Fairfield 58.330
      Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 5
      Vegas Line: Fairfield by 8
      Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+8)

      Game 735-736: Manhattan at Siena
      Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 47.313; Siena 68.356
      Dunkel Line: Siena by 21
      Vegas Line: Siena by 17
      Dunkel Pick: Siena (-17)

      Game 737-738: Rider at Iona
      Dunkel Ratings: Rider 50.104; Iona 58.685
      Dunkel Line: Iona by 8 1/2
      Vegas Line: Iona by 9
      Dunkel Pick: Rider (+9)

      Game 739-740: Niagara at Marist
      Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 57.387; Marist 42.719
      Dunkel Line: Niagara by 14 1/2
      Vegas Line: Niagara by 13
      Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-13)

      Game 741-742: NC Wilmington at Virginia
      Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 54.745; Virginia 67.401
      Dunkel Line: Virginia by 12 1/2
      Vegas Line: Virginia by 16
      Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+16)

      Game 743-744: Southern at Mississippi Valley State
      Dunkel Ratings: Southern 33.490; Mississippi Valley State 38.096
      Dunkel Line: Mississippi Valley State by 4 1/2
      Vegas Line: No Line
      Dunkel Pick: N/A

      Game 745-746: Howard at Norfolk State
      Dunkel Ratings: Howard 39.014; Norfolk State 46.837
      Dunkel Line: Norfolk State by 8
      Vegas Line: No Line
      Dunkel Pick: N/A

      Comment


      • #18
        NBA
        Short Sheet



        Monday, 1/18/2010

        DETROIT at NEW YORK, 1:05 PM ET
        DETROIT: 11-6 ATS off ATS win
        NEW YORK: 8-1 Under vs. Central Division

        PORTLAND at WASHINGTON, 1:05 PM ET NBA
        PORTLAND: 4-1 Over off SU win as underdog
        WASHINGTON: 0-8 ATS off SU win as underdog

        SACRAMENTO at CHARLOTTE, 2:05 PM ET
        SACRAMENTO: 14-30 ATS vs. Eastern Conference
        CHARLOTTE: 16-4 ATS off home win by 10+ points

        OKLAHOMA CITY at ATLANTA, 2:05 PM ET
        OKLAHOMA CITY: 13-5 ATS vs. Eastern Conference
        ATLANTA: 1-10 ATS at home vs. Oklahoma City

        MILWAUKEE at HOUSTON, 3:05 PM ET
        MILWAUKEE: 14-28 ATS Away if underdog last 2 games
        HOUSTON: 15-4 ATS off SU loss as favorite

        PHILADELPHIA at MINNESOTA, 3:35 PM ET
        PHILADELPHIA: 87-61 ATS playing with 2 days rest
        MINNESOTA: 15-30 ATS as home underdog

        NEW JERSEY at LA CLIPPERS, 3:35 PM ET
        NEW JERSEY: 3-12 ATS if home underdog L2 games
        LA CLIPPERS: 16-5 Under in home games

        SAN ANTONIO at NEW ORLEANS, 3:35 PM ET
        SAN ANTONIO: 5-19 ATS off division game
        NEW ORLEANS: 9-1 ATS at home vs. division

        CHICAGO at GOLDEN STATE, 4:00 PM ET
        CHICAGO: 27-12 Over off a home win scoring 110+ points
        GOLDEN STATE: 21-8 ATS as home dog or pick

        PHOENIX at MEMPHIS, 5:35 PM ET TNT
        PHOENIX: 3-12 ATS Away revenging a loss where opp scored 110+
        MEMPHIS: 12-1 ATS if favored last game

        DALLAS at BOSTON, 8:05 PM ET TNT
        DALLAS: 11-3 Over vs. non-conference
        BOSTON: 4-0 ATS vs. Dallas

        ORLANDO at LA LAKERS, 10:35 PM ET TNT
        ORLANDO: 3-15 ATS off 2 straight losses by 15+
        LA LAKERS: 8-0 ATS at home off DD division win

        ** (TC) Denotes Time Change

        Comment


        • #19
          NCAAB
          Short Sheet



          Monday, 1/18/2010

          SYRACUSE at NOTRE DAME
          , 7:00 PM ET ESPN
          SYRACUSE: 6-0 ATS AWAY after 2+ consecutive wins
          NOTRE DAME: 6-17 ATS at home when the total is 150 to 159.5

          TOWSON ST at ST JOSEPHS, 7:00 PM ET
          TOWSON ST: 16-6 ATS AWAY when playing their 2nd game in 3 days
          ST JOSEPHS: 0-6 ATS after a loss by 6 or less

          W KENTUCKY at MIDDLE TENN ST, 8:00 PM ET
          W KENTUCKY: 9-2 ATS after 2+ consecutive overs
          MIDDLE TENN ST: 3-12 ATS after 2+ consecutive overs

          TEXAS at KANSAS ST, 9:00 PM ET ESPN
          TEXAS: 1-11 ATS off a conference win
          KANSAS ST: 8-2 ATS as a favorite

          Added Games

          CANISIUS at FAIRFIELD, 1:00 PM ET
          CANISIUS: 6-0 ATS off a win as an underdog
          FAIRFIELD: 3-13 ATS at home

          MANHATTAN at SIENA, 7:00 PM ET
          MANHATTAN: 5-1 OVER off a home loss by 3 or less
          SIENA: 1-9 ATS at home when playing their 2nd game in 3 days

          RIDER at IONA, 7:30 PM ET
          RIDER: 10-2 ATS AWAY when playing only their 2nd game in a week
          IONA: 5-15 ATS at home when the total is 130 to 139.5

          NIAGARA at MARIST, 7:30 PM ET
          NIAGARA: 1-10 ATS after failing to cover 3 of their last 4
          MARIST: 8-1 OVER at home after 2+ consecutive overs

          Write-In Game

          UNC-WILMINGTON at VIRGINIA
          , 7:00 PM ET
          UNC-WILMINGTON: 8-1 UNDER AWAY when the total is 130 to 139.5
          VIRGINIA: 11-2 UNDER after 3 consecutive conference games

          Extra Games

          SOUTHERN U at MISS VALLEY ST, 8:30 PM ET ESPNU
          SOUTHERN U: N/A
          MISS VALLEY ST: 1-7 ATS when playing their 2nd game in 3 days

          HOWARD at NORFOLK ST, 8:00 PM ET ESPNU
          HOWARD: N/A
          NORFOLK ST: 1-5 ATS when playing with one or less days rest

          ** (TC) Denotes Time Change

          Comment


          • #20
            NHL
            Short Sheet



            Monday, 1/18/2010

            OTTAWA at BOSTON
            , 1:05 PM ET
            OTTAWA: N/A
            BOSTON: N/A

            NEW JERSEY at NY ISLANDERS, 2:05 PM ET
            NEW JERSEY: 14-5 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
            NY ISLANDERS: 1-6 ATS after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8

            BUFFALO at PHOENIX, 7:05 PM ET
            BUFFALO: 19-25 SU after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7
            PHOENIX: 8-2 SU after scoring 4+ goals

            TAMPA BAY at CAROLINA, 7:05 PM ET
            TAMPA BAY: 11-4 SU revenging a road loss
            CAROLINA: 0-7 SU off a home loss by 2+ goals

            ST LOUIS at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
            ST LOUIS: 7-2 SU AWAY when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
            COLUMBUS: 4-15 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4

            ATLANTA at FLORIDA, 7:35 PM ET
            ATLANTA: N/A
            FLORIDA: N/A

            TORONTO at NASHVILLE, 8:05 PM ET
            TORONTO: 2-10 SU when playing with 2 days rest
            NASHVILLE: 15-8 SU after playing a road game

            MINNESOTA at DALLAS, 8:05 PM ET VERSUS
            MINNESOTA: 47-30 SU after having lost 2 of their last 3
            DALLAS: 2-10 SU off a home win

            EDMONTON at COLORADO, 9:05 PM ET
            EDMONTON: 8-21 SU after 1+ consecutive losses
            COLORADO: 18-11 SU off a home win

            CALGARY at SAN JOSE, 10:05 PM ET
            CALGARY: 4-1 SU after 4+ consecutive losses
            SAN JOSE: 2-6 SU at home after BB home games

            ** (TC) Denotes Time Change

            Comment


            • #21
              NBA
              Dunkel



              Oklahoma City at Atlanta
              The Thunder look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a road underdog between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Oklahoma City is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+6). Here are all of today's picks.

              MONDAY, JANUARY 18

              Game 701-702: Detroit at New York

              Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 111.106; New York 117.586
              Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 6 1/2; 190
              Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 192
              Dunkel Pick: New York (-5 1/2); Under

              Game 703-704: Portland at Washington
              Dunkel Ratings: Portland 117.870; Washington 118.894
              Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 200
              Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 192
              Dunkel Pick: Portland (+1 1/2); Over

              Game 705-706: Sacramento at Charlotte
              Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 114.125; Charlotte 123.569
              Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 9 1/2; 195
              Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 6; 196 1/2
              Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-6); Under

              Game 707-708: Oklahoma City at Atlanta
              Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 121.348; Atlanta 120.770
              Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 196
              Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6; 194 1/2
              Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+6); Over

              Game 709-710: Milwaukee at Houston
              Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.838; Houston 119.264
              Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3 1/2; 199
              Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 197
              Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+6 1/2); Over

              Game 711-712: Philadelphia at Minnesota
              Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.447; Minnesota 112.338
              Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 4; 203
              Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 205 1/2
              Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-1 1/2); Under

              Game 713-714: New Jersey at LA Clippers
              Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 106.697; LA Clippers 121.412
              Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 14 1/2; 198
              Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 9; 196
              Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-9); Over

              Game 715-716: San Antonio at New Orleans
              Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.944; New Orleans 118.482
              Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 189
              Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 1; 190
              Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+1); Under

              Game 717-718: Chicago at Golden State
              Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 121.013; Golden State 117.046
              Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 222
              Vegas Line & Total: Pick; 218
              Dunkel Pick: Chicago; Over

              Game 719-720: Phoenix at Memphis
              Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.806; Memphis 124.163
              Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 5 1/2; 228
              Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 225
              Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2); Over

              Game 721-722: Dallas at Boston
              Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 114.829; Boston 123.640
              Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 9; 191
              Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 5; 196
              Dunkel Pick: Boston (-5); Under

              Game 723-724: Orlando at LA Lakers
              Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 121.527; LA Lakers 122.492
              Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1; 195
              Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 6 1/2; 201 1/2
              Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+6 1/2); Under

              Comment


              • #22
                NHL
                Dunkel



                Tampa Bay at Carolina
                The Lightning look to take advantage of a Carolina team that is 2-5 in its last 7 home games. Tampa Bay is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Lightning favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+120). Here are all of today's picks.

                MONDAY, JANUARY 18

                Game 51-52: Ottawa at Boston

                Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.851; Boston 11.759
                Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 4 1/2
                Vegas Line & Total: No Line
                Dunkel Pick: N/A

                Game 53-54: New Jersey at NY Islanders
                Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.053; NY Islanders 12.185
                Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 6
                Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5
                Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+120); Over

                Game 55-56: Buffalo at Phoenix
                Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.303; Phoenix 12.591
                Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 5 1/2
                Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-115); 5
                Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115); Over

                Game 57-58: Tampa Bay at Carolina
                Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.563; Carolina 10.517
                Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 6 1/2
                Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-140); 5 1/2
                Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+120); Over

                Game 59-60: St. Louis at Columbus
                Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.152; Columbus 11.834
                Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 5
                Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-130); 5 1/2
                Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under

                Game 61-62: Atlanta at Florida
                Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 12.232; Florida 13.266
                Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6 1/2
                Vegas Line & Total: No Line
                Dunkel Pick: N/A

                Game 63-64: Toronto at Nashville
                Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.398; Nashville 11.796
                Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
                Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-180); 6
                Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-180); Under

                Game 65-66: Minnesota at Dallas
                Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.409; Dallas 10.886
                Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2;
                Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-125); 5 1/2
                Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+105);

                Game 67-68: Edmonton at Colorado
                Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 9.869; Colorado 11.899
                Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 2; 6 1/2
                Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-200); 5 1/2
                Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-200); Over

                Game 69-70: Calgary at San Jose
                Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 10.705; San Jose 11.632
                Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 4
                Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-200); 5
                Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-200); Under

                Comment


                • #23
                  NCAAB
                  Long Sheet



                  All Remaining Matchups

                  Monday, January 18

                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  UNC-WILMINGTON (6 - 11) at VIRGINIA (11 - 4) - 1/18/2010, 7:00 PM
                  Top Trends for this game.
                  VIRGINIA is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
                  UNC-WILMINGTON is 129-97 ATS (+22.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
                  UNC-WILMINGTON is 64-38 ATS (+22.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  SOUTHERN U (3 - 14) at MISS VALLEY ST (3 - 14) - 1/18/2010, 8:30 PM
                  There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

                  Head-to-Head Series History
                  MISS VALLEY ST is 3-1 straight up against SOUTHERN U over the last 3 seasons

                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  HOWARD (4 - 14) at NORFOLK ST (3 - 12) - 1/18/2010, 8:00 PM
                  There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

                  Head-to-Head Series History
                  NORFOLK ST is 3-1 straight up against HOWARD over the last 3 seasons

                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    NBA


                    Monday, January 18


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

                    Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies [TNT | 5:30 PM ET]

                    Suns: Phoenix has lost 3 straight games SU for the first time this season. Phoenix is known for their impressive offense, but their defense is really struggling right now. Phoenix has allowed more than 100 PTS in 21 of their past 24 games. The Suns have only won 1 road game SU since December, a span of 11 games. The Suns are still 24-17 SU this season, placing them 6th in the Western Conference. Despite their winning record, Phoenix is only 9-13 SU and 11-11 ATS this year. The Suns are 7-6 ATS as the listed underdog this year. Phoenix leads the NBA in scoring at nearly 110 PPG, but they also allow 107 PPG which is the 2nd most in the league. PG Steve Nash is the orchestrator of this offense, as he averages nearly 19 PPG while dishing out 11 APG. Nash is 2nd in the NBA in assists, and he helps the Suns average 23 APG as a team, the 3rd most in the NBA.

                    Suns are 10-4 ATS last 14 meetings in Memphis.
                    Under is 9-2 last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

                    Key Injuries - G Goran Dragic (knee) is questionable.

                    PROJECTED SCORE: 104

                    Grizzlies (-2, O/U 225): Memphis is playing their best basketball of the season, as they look to win their 4th consecutive game SU tonight. The Grizzlies have won 11 of their last 14 games SU in route to a 21-18 SU record. The Grizzlies have been stellar at home, where they are 14-5 SU and 11-7-1 ATS this season. Memphis is 5-5-1 ATS as a favorite of 6 PTS or fewer this year. The Grizzlies are 9-1 SU the last 10 times they've scored at least 100 PTS. Memphis is 4th in the NBA with 103.7 PPG this season. This Grizzlies offense loves to play close to the basket, as they attempt the 2nd fewest 3 pointers in the league. F Zach Randolph and G Rudy Gay are each 20 point scorers for the Grizzlies, as they combine for 41 PPG. The 3 other starters for Memphis also average double digits in PTS this year. Memphis still needs to improve their defense, as they allow the 2nd highest field goal percentage in the NBA at 48%.

                    Grizzlies are 12-3-1 ATS last 16 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
                    Over is 7-0 last 7 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

                    Key Injuries - F Darrell Arthur (pectoral) is out.

                    PROJECTED SCORE: 114 (Side of the Day)



                    Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

                    Magic: Surely revenge is on the minds of the Magic tonight, as they were eliminated in 5 games to the Lakers in the NBA Finals last year. This is their 1st time playing the Lakers since last years Finals, and they aren't in their finest form. Orlando has lost 6 of their past 8 games SU coming into tonight. The Magic are 26-14 SU and 20-20 ATS for the year. On the road this year, the Magic are 12-10 SU and 10-12 ATS. The Magic are 2-2 both SU and ATS this season as the listed underdog. G Vince Carter and C Dwight Howard are the 2 leading scorers for the Magic, as they combine for nearly 34 PPG. Both Carter and Howard are struggling right now, as Howard has been held to 12 PTS or fewer in 7 of his past 11 games and Carter in only averaging 6.8 PPG over his last 5 games. Defensively, the Magic are only allowing 96.5 PPG, the 7th fewest in the NBA.

                    Magic are 0-6 ATS last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % greater than .600.
                    Under is 5-1 last 6 games as a road underdog.

                    Key Injuries - None.

                    PROJECTED SCORE: 95

                    Lakers (-6, O/U 202): The Lakers continue to dominate the league, as they are the only team left in the NBA with single digit losses. The Lakers are 31-9 SU this year, including a home record of 22-3 SU. Los Angeles is also 13-12 ATS at home this year, thanks to 4 consecutive wins entering tonight. The Lakers are also 9-4 at home this season as a single digit favorite. This -6 number that the Lakers are favored by ties the lowest spread the Lakers have been favored by this season at home. The Cavs beat the Lakers SU on Christmas Day as 6 point underdogs. The Lakers are 3-3 both SU and ATS over their past 6 games, partly due to injuries. Both F Pau Gasol and G Kobe Bryant have been battling injuries of late. Bryant is 4th in the NBA in scoring at 28.8 PPG, and leads a group of 3 others averaging double digits in PTS for the Lakers. Los Angeles has held 3 of their past 4 opponents to 95 PTS or fewer.

                    Lakers are 4-0 ATS last 4 games as a home favorite.
                    Under is 16-5 last 21 games playing on 2 days rest.

                    Key Injuries - None.

                    PROJECTED SCORE: 98 (UNDER - Total of the Day)


                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Len's Top 5

                      Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for January 18, 2010 from Len Berman.

                      1. Quick Hits

                      Indianapolis will host the Jets 3pm next Sunday in the AFC Championship game.
                      New Orleans will host Minnesota at 6:30pm for the NFC Championship.
                      Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams died yesterday of cardiac arrest in South Carolina. He was 26.
                      Mark McGwire received a standing ovation from Cardinals fans in his first public appearance after admitting steroid use. You can bet he won't be receiving any standing O's outside of St. Louis.
                      That didn't take long. Maria Sharapova makes a quick exit as the Australian Open gets underway.
                      Where's Waldo? Is Tiger Woods in sex rehab in Mississippi? Arizona? Inquiring minds want to know.

                      2. J-E-T-S

                      The Jets were the only road team to win this weekend. Improbably, they are just one win away from Super Bowl XLIV. Plenty of subplots. The then undefeated Colts handed the Jets a win late in the season. Can the Jets show them it wasn't a fluke? And the last time the Jets had a miracle season, a mere 4 decades ago, it was the Colts that they shocked in the Super Bowl. But regardless what happens in Indy next week, Rex Ryan has the players (and some fans) believing they can actually win it all. Isn't that, by itself, a refreshing change for this franchise?

                      3. Monday Morning Musings

                      *So I guess those late season "phone it in" games by the Colts and Saints really didn't mean much. I'm never sure teams can turn it "on and off," but these two sure did. Are Colts fans still booing that their team didn't try for an undefeated season?

                      *You have to question two early calls by the Dallas coaching staff. By not going for it on 4th down and short on their second possession, they zapped the energy from their team. (They missed a field goal.) Then after, marching down the field, they go for a trick play on first and goal. It failed, leading to a field goal. Coaches do it all the time. They're kicking ass, but then they turn cute. Pin the bad start on the Cowboys "brain trust."

                      *How about Jeremy Shockey of the Saints hobbling into the end zone on a bad knee to score a touchdown? That was the kind of play you always expected him to make on the Giants, but rarely saw.

                      4. Lights...Camera.....

                      The Wall Street Journal did a study and determined that in a 3 hour NFL telecast you've got about 11 minutes of actual football. And you wonder why the rest of the world prefers soccer to American football? Then again, what would American sports fans find more exciting? Seeing a soccer player lying on the field pretending that he's dead or watching an NFL ref peer at the replay monitor ad nauseum. Kind of a wash.

                      5. Anger Management

                      Jose Offerman is a former major league infielder who found some success with the Dodgers and Red Sox. A couple of years ago he went on a "bat attack" against two opponents in a minor league game. He's being sued over that. He's now a manager in the Dominican Winter League, and during a game the other day he threw a punch at an umpire. He clearly has a problem.
                      Maybe, like everyone else, he should just claim "sex addiction."

                      Happy Birthday: Former Baltimore Oriole Brady Anderson, who went from 16 homers in 1995, to 50 in 1996. You don't suppose....? 46.
                      Bonus Birthday: Build it and they will come. Field of Dreams actor Kevin Costner. 55.

                      Today in Sports: Indians pitcher Bob Feller wasn't happy with his 15-14 season, so he requested and received a $20-thousand pay cut to $45-thousand. What was wrong with him? 1950.
                      Bonus Event: The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was observed in all 50 U.S. states for the first time. 1993.

                      Comment

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