Announcement

**Udog** · 12-08-2010, 09:39 PM

NFL opening line report Week 14

Peyton Manning’s laser, rocket arm has carried the Indianapolis Colts for a long time.

He hasn’t had much of a running game to speak of over the last few years, but this is the season that it finally seems to be catching up to perennial Pro Bowler.

Manning threw four interceptions to go along with 365 passing yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 38-35 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys, while the Colts managed only 40 yards on the ground. Manning now has 11 picks over his last three games.

It was Indy’s third loss in a row and dropped the Colts a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South. Now the Colts head into Week 14 pegged at around -2.5 at Tennessee, depending on where you’re shopping.

“The line in Thursday’s Indianapolis at Tennessee game should see some movement,” SportsInteraction.com oddsmaker Greg Sindall told *********** early Monday. “That line has already moved from 2.5 to 3 and I think Indy action will be so steady that it will move off the key number. The Colts need to win now. They cannot afford to lose any more ground to the Jags in the division standings.”

That much is certain. With another loss this week, the Colts would be seriously behind the eight ball in the playoff picture and could need to run the table to have a shot at the postseason.

“I think it is a case of Manning trying to do too much with all the injuries they have,” says Chuck Esposito, race and sports executive at the Venetian Resort and Casino. “The Colts don’t have an extremely tough schedule left. They do host the Jags, play at the Raiders and play the Titans twice. They could get a little healthier in the coming weeks and they play in a division that either 8-8 or 9-7 may win it.”

That seems to be the stance bettors are taking in backing the Colts early this week, but another loss could change that in a hurry.

Biggest spread of the week

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set as 9.5-point favorites over the Cincinnati Bengals, while the New Orleans Saints check in at -9.5 at home to the St. Louis Rams.

“Cincinnati is probably the biggest disappointment in the AFC,” says Esposito. “The Steelers now control their own destiny against a team that looks to have a number of problems both on and off the field.”

The Bengals covered for only the second time during their nine-game losing streak against New Orleans last week, but it’s hard to think this team is up for the spoiler role.

The Rams-Saints matchup opened at -8.5 in Las Vegas and is already up a full point. As well as the Saints are playing, it’s hard to completely dismiss St. Louis. The Rams have covered in six of their last seven games.

Smallest spread of the week – Browns at Bills (-1, 41)

Both of these teams have a long way to go, but at least it looks as though they’re headed in the right direction. Cleveland is coming off an impressive 13-10 win over the Miami Dolphins

Buffalo had a rough day in Minnesota in Week 13, though the Bills have already shown their toughness by covering in five of their previous six games before falling 38-14 to the Vikes as 5-point underdogs.

Esposito expects this line to be on the move.

“These are two young teams that are playing very well and seem to be competitive almost every week,” Esposito says. “It wouldn’t surprise me to see the favorite flip and the Browns go off a small favorite.”

Biggest total of the week – Eagles at Cowboys (3.5, 50.5)

Dallas’ big win over Indy has Cowboys bettors wondering what might have been if Jason Garrett was in charge all season. Dallas has now covered in four straight games and the public is buying into a late-season run from this club.

This is the Sunday night game and Esposito points out that 63 percent of primetime games have played over the total this season.

Smallest total of the week

Both Cleveland-Buffalo and Seattle-San Francisco both check in with 41-point totals.

Seattle has played over the total in five straight games. The Seahawks have the 30th-ranked total defense and the club has managed to produce at least 24 points in three of its last four games.

Trickiest line of the week – Falcons at Panthers (7.5, 42.5)

This line may not look all that tricky for very long.

“I think the Falcons line will have some movement,” says Sindall. “It opened at 7 and is already at 7.5 and I think we’ll see it move further. This is a game where you have a good team that the public likes to back playing against a terrible team that the public loves to fade. That means we should be seeing a lot of Atlanta action which is going to cause that line to move. If you like the Falcons, get on them now.”

Other available Week 14 lines:

Packers at Lions (7, 47)
Raiders at Jaguars (-5, 43)
Buccaneers at Redskins (3, 41)
Chiefs at Chargers (-7, 46.5)
Ravens at Texans (3, 45.5)

**Udog** · 12-08-2010, 09:48 PM

NFL
Dunkel

Week 14

Indianapolis at Tennessee
The Colts look to build on their 7-0-1 ATS record in their last 8 Thursday games. Indianapolis is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Colts favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3). Here are all of the this week's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

Game 101-102: Indianapolis at Tennessee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 132.605; Tennessee 127.103
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 5 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 3; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3); Under

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Game 105-106: Oakland at Jacksonville (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 129.925; Jacksonville 130.764
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 1; 47
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 5; 43
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+5); Over

Game 107-108: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 127.320; Pittsburgh 134.305
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7; 43
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 9 1/2; 39 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+9 1/2); Over

Game 109-110: New England at Chicago (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New England 140.378; Chicago 134.297
Dunkel Line: New England by 6; 37
Vegas Line: New England by 3; 41
Dunkel Pick: New England (-3); Under

Game 111-112: Cleveland at Buffalo (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 131.299; Buffalo 130.308
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 42
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 1; 39
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+1); Over

Game 113-114: NY Giants at Minnesota (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 134.479; Minnesota 129.938
Dunkel Line: NY Giants by 4 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 115-116: Green Bay at Detroit (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Green Bay 136.620; Detroit 132.814
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 4; 51
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 7; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+7); Over

Game 117-118: Atlanta at Carolina (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 138.427; Carolina 120.789
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 17 1/2; 39
Vegas Line: Atlanta by 7; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-7); Under

Game 119-120: Tampa Bay at Washington (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 132.993; Washington 129.142
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 4; 38
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 41
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-1); Under

Game 121-122: St. Louis at New Orleans (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 129.490; New Orleans 136.538
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 7; 52
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 9 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+9 1/2); Over

Game 123-124: Seattle at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 125.978; San Francisco 128.080;
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2; 44
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 5; 41
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+5); Over

Game 125-126: Miami at NY Jets (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 132.144; NY Jets 140.904
Dunkel Line: NY Jets by 9; 36
Vegas Line: NY Jets by 5; 41
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (-5); Under

Game 127-128: Denver at Arizona (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 125.507; Arizona 117.426
Dunkel Line: Denver by 8; 38
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 129-130: Kansas City at San Diego (4:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 131.048; San Diego 136.738
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 5 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: San Diego by 7; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+7); Over

Game 131-132: Philadelphia at Dallas (8:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 138.381; Dallas 132.809
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 5 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 3; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-3); Under

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13

Game 133-134: Baltimore at Houston (8:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 136.364; Houston 134.824
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 47
Vegas Line: Baltimore by 3; 45 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3); Over

**Udog** · 12-08-2010, 09:55 PM

NFL
Long Sheet

Week 14

Thursday, December 9

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

INDIANAPOLIS (6 - 6) at TENNESSEE (5 - 7) - 12/9/2010, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANAPOLIS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing on a Thursday since 1992.

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

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

Sunday, December 12

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

OAKLAND (6 - 6) at JACKSONVILLE (7 - 5) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 22-42 ATS (-24.2 Units) in December games since 1992.
OAKLAND is 20-40 ATS (-24.0 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
JACKSONVILLE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) off a division game over the last 3 seasons.
JACKSONVILLE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

CINCINNATI (2 - 10) at PITTSBURGH (9 - 3) - 12/12/2010, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 53-78 ATS (-32.8 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 82-54 ATS (+22.6 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.

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

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

NEW ENGLAND (10 - 2) at CHICAGO (9 - 3) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

CLEVELAND (5 - 7) at BUFFALO (2 - 10) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NY GIANTS (8 - 4) at MINNESOTA (5 - 7) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 against the spread versus NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-0 straight up against NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GREEN BAY (8 - 4) at DETROIT (2 - 10) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in December games since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 44-25 ATS (+16.5 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
GREEN BAY is 3-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
GREEN BAY is 5-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ATLANTA (10 - 2) at CAROLINA (1 - 11) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 41-21 ATS (+17.9 Units) in December games since 1992.
CAROLINA is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.
ATLANTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
CAROLINA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

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

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

TAMPA BAY (7 - 5) at WASHINGTON (5 - 7) - 12/12/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road lined games this season.

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

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

ST LOUIS (6 - 6) at NEW ORLEANS (9 - 3) - 12/12/2010, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 82-111 ATS (-40.1 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
ST LOUIS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 46-68 ATS (-28.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) in home games in December games since 1992.
NEW ORLEANS is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) in home games in the last 4 weeks of the regular season since 1992.

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

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

SEATTLE (6 - 6) at SAN FRANCISCO (4 - 8) - 12/12/2010, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MIAMI (6 - 6) at NY JETS (9 - 3) - 12/12/2010, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) after playing on Monday night football since 1992.
MIAMI is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

DENVER (3 - 9) at ARIZONA (3 - 9) - 12/12/2010, 4:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

KANSAS CITY (8 - 4) at SAN DIEGO (6 - 6) - 12/12/2010, 4:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in home games off a loss against a division rival since 1992.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA (8 - 4) at DALLAS (4 - 8) - 12/12/2010, 8:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 72-48 ATS (+19.2 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1992.
PHILADELPHIA is 140-98 ATS (+32.2 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.

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

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

Monday, December 13

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

BALTIMORE (8 - 4) at HOUSTON (5 - 7) - 12/13/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games in December games since 1992.
BALTIMORE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

**Udog** · 12-08-2010, 10:00 PM

NFL
Short Sheet

Week 14

Thursday, 12/9/2010

INDIANAPOLIS at TENNESSEE, 8:20 PM ET NFL
INDIANAPOLIS: 7-0 ATS on Thursday
TENNESSEE: 13-4 OVER at home after having lost 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games

Sunday, 12/12/2010

OAKLAND at JACKSONVILLE, 1:00 PM ET
OAKLAND: 12-3 Under Away off road win
JACKSONVILLE: 1-8 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

CINCINNATI at PITTSBURGH, 1:00 PM ET
CINCINNATI: 10-23 ATS vs. conference
PITTSBURGH: 82-54 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

NEW ENGLAND at CHICAGO, 4:15 PM ET (TC)
NEW ENGLAND: 0-3 ATS after playing on Monday Night
CHICAGO: 8-2 Under vs. AFC

CLEVELAND at BUFFALO, 1:00 PM ET
CLEVELAND: 6-0 ATS in games played on turf
BUFFALO: 72-42 Under in games where the line is +3 to -3

NY GIANTS at MINNESOTA, 1:00 PM ET
NY GIANTS: 7-0 Over after a win by 21 or more points
MINNESOTA: 1-5 ATS after BB games with a turnover margin of +1 or better

GREEN BAY at DETROIT, 1:00 PM ET GREEN BAY: 44-25 ATS L4 wks of regular season
DETROIT: 6-0 OVER in home games

ATLANTA at CAROLINA, 1:00 PM ET
ATLANTA: 13-5 ATS as favorite
CAROLINA: 2-8 ATS when playing without rest

TAMPA BAY at WASHINGTON, 1:00 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 6-0 ATS in road games
WASHINGTON: 0-7 ATS after gaining 75 or less rushing yards last game

ST LOUIS at NEW ORLEANS, 4:05 PM ET
ST LOUIS: 8-2 ATS playing without rest
NEW ORLEANS: 8-19 ATS as a home favorite of 7.5 to 14 points

SEATTLE at SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 PM ET
SEATTLE: 0-7 ATS off a home win
SAN FRANCISCO: 9-1 ATS off ATS loss

MIAMI at NY JETS, 4:15 PM ET
MIAMI: 28-9 Under revenging SU loss as favorite
NY JETS: 11-24 ATS off division road loss

DENVER at ARIZONA, 4:15 PM ET
DENVER: 1-7 ATS last 4 weeks of the regular season
ARIZONA: 6-0 Over after gaining 150 or less passing yards

KANSAS CITY at SAN DIEGO, 4:15 PM ET
KANSAS CITY: 19-8 ATS Away after scoring 14 points or less
SAN DIEGO: 9-22 ATS off a division loss by 10+ points

PHILADELPHIA at DALLAS, 8:20 PM ET NBC
PHILADELPHIA: 28-13 ATS after allowing 400+ yds
DALLAS: 10-2 OVER in all games

Monday, 12/13/2010

BALTIMORE at HOUSTON, 8:30 PM ET ESPN
BALTIMORE: 1-5 ATS off an Under
HOUSTON: 8-0 Over off double digit loss

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 12-08-2010, 10:02 PM

NFL
Write-Up

Week 14

Colts (6-6) @ Titans (5-7)—Indy lost last three games, thanks to -12 turnover ratio (were +6 before that), allowing 31-36-38 points; Manning is first QB in at least 40 years to throw pair of pik-6’s in consecutive games. Colts are 2-4 on road; last four away games were all decided by 3 or less points (dogs 5-0-1 vs spread). Indy is 13-3 in last 16 games vs Titans, winning five of last seven visits here. Titans lost last five games, and haven’t scored offensive TD in last three games (28+ drives); hard to believe team with Chris Johnson would run ball 26 times for 81 yards in any 2-game span, but they’ve done it. Home teams are 5-2 vs spread in AFC south divisional games. Last three Tennessee games stayed under total.

**Udog** · 12-08-2010, 10:12 PM

NFL

Week 14

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, December 9

8:20 PM
INDIANAPOLIS vs. TENNESSEE
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indianapolis's last 10 games when playing Tennessee
Indianapolis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Tennessee
Tennessee is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Indianapolis
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tennessee's last 9 games at home

Sunday, December 12

1:00 PM
NY GIANTS vs. MINNESOTA
NY Giants are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games
NY Giants are 8-15 ATS in their last 23 games
Minnesota is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Giants

1:00 PM
GREEN BAY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Green Bay's last 10 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Green Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Green Bay
Detroit is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games at home

1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CAROLINA
Atlanta is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games
Carolina is 8-14-3 ATS in its last 25 games when playing Atlanta

1:00 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PITTSBURGH
Cincinnati is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. WASHINGTON
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Tampa Bay's last 19 games
Washington is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay

1:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BUFFALO
Cleveland is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games
Buffalo is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Buffalo is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games

1:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. JACKSONVILLE
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Jacksonville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Jacksonville is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games at home

4:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Seattle is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
San Francisco is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Seattle

4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. NEW ORLEANS
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of St. Louis's last 15 games
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
New Orleans is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games

4:15 PM
DENVER vs. ARIZONA
Denver is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Denver is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Arizona is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games at home

4:15 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SAN DIEGO
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City

4:15 PM
NEW ENGLAND vs. CHICAGO
New England is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New England's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games at home
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

4:15 PM
MIAMI vs. NY JETS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing NY Jets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Jets
NY Jets are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Jets last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

8:20 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DALLAS
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games at home
Dallas is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games

Monday, December 13

8:30 PM
BALTIMORE vs. HOUSTON
Baltimore is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Baltimore is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

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

**Udog** · 12-09-2010, 10:05 AM

NFL

Thursday, December 9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Bettors Need to Know: Colts at Titans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (+3, 46)

WHAT’S ON THE LINE

Desperation often translates into motivation. And there is no question that the Titans and Colts are two desperate football teams, heading into Thursday night’s AFC South battle in Nashville.

The Titans (5-7, 5-7 ATS), losers of five straight, must win out and get some help to have a shot at the postseason. Tennessee has lost three in a row to the Colts (6-6, 6-5-1 ATS) and will have to go to battle with Kerry Collins at quarterback.

Yet, as scary as it sounds, Collins could be the most confident quarterback on the field Thursday.

PEYTON’S PROBLEMS

Peyton Manning is entrenched in the worst slump of his career. He has thrown 11 interceptions during the Colts’ current three-game slide, including four in each of their last two losses. Manning’s QB rating is a pedestrian 89.4 percent this season. Historically, though, Manning has torched the Titans, throwing 24 touchdowns with only nine interceptions.

Even with Manning’s struggles, the Colts still control their playoff fortunes. If they win out, they’re in. If not, the defending AFC champs could be taking January off.

FISHING FOR ANSWER

As bad as things have been with Indy’s offense, the Titans have been worse. They’ve managed just six points in their last two games and haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in 13 quarters. Yikes.

Even All-Pro running back Chris Johnson has been slowed. Johnson has done nothing in his last two outings, rushing for a total of 58 yards in losses at Houston and to Jacksonville.

Now, coach Jeff Fisher hopes Collins can jumpstart the offense and somehow get Randy Moss involved. Since joining the Titans, Moss has yet to catch a touchdown pass and has only five receptions in four games.

THE LINE

The Colts opened as around 2.5-point favorites. The line has been bumped up to -3 at most outlets.

Tennessee has covered the spread in 7 of its last 9 games as a home underdog.

THE TOTAL

The Colts are averaging 26.4 and allowing 24.2 points per game. The Titans are scoring 21.9 and allowing 19.6 points per game.

Indianapolis won both of last year’s meetings by scores of 27-17 and 31-9. The 16 meetings between the two teams have averaged 41.9 points

It’s going to be cold in Nashville, with temperatures in the low to mid-30s, but no precipitation is in the forecast.

The under has cashed in nine of the last 10 meetings between the two teams. The under is also 7-0 in the Titans’ last seven South Division games.

INJURY REPORT

The Titans are nicked up along the defensive line. Starting tackle Jason Jones (shoulder) and starting end Dave Ball (hip) were limited in practice this week. Backup tackles Tony Brown and Sen’Derrick Marks and backup end Jacob Ford also are battling injuries.

The Colts, who have struggled to run the ball this season, are expected to be without running back Joseph Addai (neck). Backup Donald Brown (ankle) missed Monday’s practice, but was a full participant Tuesday and is expected to start. Javarris James and new signee Dominic Rhodes also should see carries.

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

**Udog** · 12-09-2010, 10:08 AM

NFL

Thursday, December 9

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

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans [NFL NETWORK | 8:20 PM ET]

COLTS: (-3.5, O/U 45) Much like their opponent tonight, Indianapolis is seeing their season slip away from them. The Colts have lost their past 3 games, with QB Peyton Manning being a major reason why. Manning has thrown 11 INT's in his past 3 games combined. The Colts are 6-6 SU and 6-5-1 ATS overall this year. Indianapolis is 2-4 SU and 3-2-1 ATS on the road this season. The Colts are 3-4-1 ATS as a favorite of less than a TD this year. Manning still leads a passing offense that is averaging more than 300 YPG, best in the NFL. Indianapolis is averaging 26.4 PPG this year, 4th best in the NFL. Defensively, the Colts have allowed more than 30 PTS to each of their past 3 opponents. The Colts are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 road games against a team with a losing home record. Indianapolis is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. The Colts are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss. Indianapolis is 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 road games. The Colts are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games played in Week 14. Indianapolis is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU loss.

Colts are 7-0-1 ATS last 8 Thursday games.
Over is 5-1 last 6 games as a road favorite.

Key Injuries - WR Austin Collie (concussion) is questionable.

Projected Score: 24

TITANS: Tennessee has seen their season slip away from them, right before their eyes. The Titans have lost their past 5 games SU, and are just 5-7 SU for the year. Tennessee would have to win out to have any realistic chance of making the playoffs. The Titans are just 2-4 both SU and ATS this season. Tennessee is 2-3 ATS as the listed underdog this year. The Titans are really struggling offensively, as they've scored 17 PTS or fewer in each of their past 4 games. RB Chris Johnson has had a total of 58 YDS rushing in his past 2 games combined. For the season, Johnson has rushed for more than 1,000 YDS and 9 TD's this year. The Titans are still a sound defensive team, as they are allowing just 19.6 PPG this year, 8th fewest in the NFL. The Titans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games overall. Tennessee is 15-5 ATS in their last 20 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. The Titans are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games against the AFC South. Tennessee is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games overall. The Titans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games played in December. Tennessee is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss. The Titans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games played on grass.

Titans are 7-2 ATS last 9 games as a home underdog.
Under is 6-0 last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.

Key Injuries - LB David Thornton (hip) is probable.

Projected Score: 27 (SIDE of the Day)

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

**Udog** · 12-09-2010, 10:09 AM

NFL
Write-Up

Week 14

Giants (8-4) @ Vikings (5-7)—Minnesota 2-0 with Frazier as interim coach, allowing 13.5 ppg (forced 10 3/outs on 21 drives), but they won last week despite throwing four INTs (had five takeaways), which doesn’t happen much. Vikings won last four in series, including 44-7 debacle LY. Manning hasn’t been sacked in last five games; Giants were held to 20 or less points in all four losses- they’re 7-0 if they score more than 20 points. Minnesota had allowed 24+ points in five straight games before coaching change was made- is noticeable that team plays harder with Childress gone. NFC North underdogs are 9-6-1 vs spread in non-divisional games. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Viking games, but 0-3 in Giants’ last three.

Raiders (6-6) @ Jaguars (7-5)—Jags won four of last five games (5-0 vs spread), running ball for average of 184.6 ypg; they’ve won three of four games vs Oakland, winning last three meetings by average score of 27-9. Raiders lost 49-11 in only visit here, in ’07. Jaguars are 3-0 as a favorite this year, winning by 7-7-4 points; this is first time all year they’ve been favored by more than 2 points. Only one of Oakland’s six losses was by less than 7 points; they’re 3-3 as road dog, but were outscored 44-10 in second half of last three games. AFC south home favorites are 6-8 out of division; AFC West road underdogs are 5-7. Three of last four Jaguar home games went over total.

Bengals (2-10) @ Steelers (9-3)—Roethlisberger had broken nose operated on during week, is expected to play here. Pitt (-5.5) hung on to beat Bengals 27-21 in Week 9 Monday nighter, their 13th win in last 18 series games, but Cincy is 3-2 SU in last five visits here. Steelers won last three games overall, allowing 9.7 ppg (two TDs on 33 drives); they’re 3-2 at home, winning by 6-18-32 points (2-2 as home favorite). Bengals haven’t won since baseball season, losing last nine games- they’re 1-3 as a road underdog, losing away games by 14-3-7-6-16 points. Dogs are 5-2 vs spread in AFC North divisional games this year. Last three Steeler games stayed under total. In last three games, Bengals allowed 79 2nd half points in 90:00. Not good.

Patriots (10-2) @ Bears (9-3)— Bears are 6-1 SU this year when an underdog. Short week and travel for NE squad off resounding 45-3 win in rivalry game Monday, their 4th win in row; Pats scored 40 ppg in those four wins (16 TDs/41 drives)- they were held to 14 in each of their losses. Chicago is 5-0 since its bye, allowing just 15.6 ppg (8 TDs on 50 drives); they’re getting balance on offense (123 RY/game) with only five giveaways during win streak. Teams are 8-1 vs spread the week after playing Detroit. Favorites are 3-5 vs spread the week after playing the Jets. Last six Patriot games went over total, as have five of their six road games. Patriots are 5-1 vs Chicago since 46-10 loss in Super Bowl XX.

Browns (5-7) @ Bills (2-10)— Dating back to ’09, Cleveland is 9-7 in last 16 games, 4-2 in last six; they won last three games in Lake Erie rivalry by 8-2-3 points, winning by unlikely 8-0/6-3 scores. Browns won last two weeks by combined total of 4 points; they’re +11 in turnovers over last six games (were -4 before that). Bills are 4-2-1 vs. spread in last seven games, with only one loss by more than 3 points in that stretch. Worst thing they did last week was KO Favre; Vikings played harder with Jackson at QB. Hillis could have big day against Buffalo defense that allowed 206-210 rushing yards in last two games. Bills were outscored 75-21 in first half of last three games. Home teams are 0-3 the week after playing Minnesota (were favored in all three). Six of last seven Cleveland games went over total.

Packers (9-3) @ Detroit (2-10)—Lions outgained Pack 431-261 in 28-26 loss at Lambeau (+14) in Week 4, but 13 penalties, three turnovers (+1) cost them 10th straight series loss (six of seven by 10+ points). Green Bay won last four visits here by 7-11-23-22 points. Pack won five of last six games, with last three wins all by 18+ points; they’re 3-3 on road, 2-2 as road favorite. Detroit is 9-3 vs spread this year, with six of 10 losses by 5 or less points; they’re 3-1 as home dog, losing home games by 3-3-16-4 points (beat Rams/Redskins), but they’ve been outscored 73-19 in second half of their last three games. Teams are just 2-6 week after playing 49ers. Eight of last nine Detroit games went over the total.

Falcons (10-2) @ Panthers (1-11)—Carolina lost its last six games (1-5 vs spread); they’re 1-3 as home underdog, losing last two home games by combined score of 71-16. Hard to win without a competent QB. Falcons won last six games, covered last four, but only one of the six wins was by more than 7 points; they’re 7-3 as favorite this year, 3-1 on road. Home side won last five series games; Falcons lost last two visits here. Four of last five series totals in Charlotte were 33 or less. Home teams are 1-7 vs. spread in NFC south divisional games; home dogs are 0-3. Six of last seven Falcon games went over total, as did last four Carolina games. Nine of Panthers’ 11 losses are by 10+ points.

Buccaneers (7-5) @ Redskins (5-7)—Tampa Bay is 4-1 in games decided by 4 or less points, Redskins are 4-3 in games decided by 5 or less. Skins are -8 in turnovers last four games, with only three takeaways. Suspension of Haynesworth could hurt; they’re allowing 50 more rushing yards per game in games he sat out. Home side won five of last six series games, with all six decided by 6 or less points; Washington lost four of last five games, scoring 13 ppg in last three (3 TD’s on 35 drives). Bucs are 7-0 vs teams with .500 or worse records, 0-5 vs winning teams; they’re 4-2 on road, losing at Atlanta-Baltimore. NFC South road favorites are 2-5 vs spread in non-divisional games. Last three Redskin games stayed under the total.

Rams (6-6) @ Saints (9-3)—Defending champs are hot, winning last five games (4-1 vs. spread), scoring 33 ppg in last four games (15 TDs on last 41 drives); Saints are 4-2 at home, 2-3-1 as home faves, winning by 5-2-10-15 points at home (lost to Falcons/Browns). Rams held eight of 12 foes to 18 or less points; they’re 1-3 in other four games, losing by 38-3-17 points, but are also 4-1 as road dogs. Third week in row on road for St Louis team that is 0-2 against teams with winning records this year (17-18 at Bucs, 17-34 vs Falcons- they’re 2-1 vs teams with .500 records); Rams won last two weeks on road- they’ve only turned ball over twice in last five games (+6). NFC West road underdogs are 6-8 vs. spread in non-divisional games. Saints’ last three games went over total.

Dolphins (6-6) @ Jets (9-3)—Jets got whacked 45-3 Monday night, ending 4-game win streak; they were held without TD in all three losses. Gang Green is 2-3 as home favorite, winning home tilts by 14-9-3-16 points (lost to Ravens/Packers). Dolphins are 5-1 on road, 4-1 as road dog; only road loss was 26-10 at Baltimore. Miami won three of last four series games, after losing previous eight; average total in their last three visits here, 51.7. Jets (+2) won first matchup this year 31-23 in Week 3, as Sanchez averaged 9.1 ypa and Jets converted 6-11 on 3rd down. Home sides are 2-5 vs. spread in AFC East divisional games. Nine of last eleven Jet games went over total, but Jets haven’t scored first half TD in either of their last two games.

Seahawks (6-6) @ 49ers (4-8)—Clueless Niners apparently fired their DB coach this week, and also changed QB’s again, as Alex Smith will start this game; they got crushed 31-6 (-3) at Seattle in season opener, converting just 1-15 on 3rd down, going 3/out on 6 of 11 drives. Seattle won five of last seven visits here, with three of last four totals at this site 34 or less. 49ers are 3-6 as favorite this year, 1-3 at home; they’re 2-3 at Candlestick, beating Oakland 17-9, Rams 23-20 in OT. Seahawks lost four of last six games; they’re 2-4 on road, 2-3 as road dog, losing away games by 17-17-30-15 points (won at Chicago/Arizona). Underdogs are 5-2-1 vs spread in NFC West divisional games this season. Last five Seattle games went over the total.

Broncos (3-9) @ Cardinals (3-9)—Not lot to choose from here; Denver just fired its coach- they’ve lost seven of last eight games, are 5-17 in last 22 games overall. Arizona lost its last seven games, is starting Fordham rookie Skelton here; he has strong arm, but is very raw. Cardinals lost last four home games, allowing 30 ppg; they’ve gone 3/out on 18 of last 34 drives at home, and didn’t score TD in last two games (21 drives). Denver lost its last four road games by average of 12 points. NFC West home underdogs are 5-3 vs spread in non-divisional games; AFC West favorites are 9-7, 2-2 on road. Teams are 2-7 (4-2 vs spread as dogs) week after playing the Rams; favorites are 2-0-1 week after playing the Chiefs. Seven of last ten Arizona games went over the total.

Chiefs (8-4) @ Chargers (6-6)—Favorites are 0-7 vs spread week after playing Oakland. Chiefs won last three games, running ball for average of 204.7 ypg; they’re just 2-4 on road, winning 16-14 in Cleveland (+3), 42-24 in Seattle (-1.5) but they did beat San Diego 21-14 in season opener (+4.5), despite being outgained by 192 yards. KC ran punt back for TD in that game, their first series win in last six tries. KC lost five of last six visits here, with only one of losses by less than 7 points. Chargers had 4-game win streak snapped last week; they’re 4-2 at home, with all four wins by 8+ points (4-2 as HF). Underdogs are 6-2 vs. spread in AFC West divisional games. Last three Charger games stayed under total, but six of last eight Chief games went over. Chiefs' starting QB Cassel had an appendectomy Wednesday, most likely it was an emergency. Trust me-- from someone who has had one of these, he is not playing in San Diego Sunday. Backup Croyle is 0-9 as an NFL starter.

Eagles (8-4) @ Cowboys (4-8)— Seven of last eight Eagle games went over total, as did last nine Dallas games. Cowboys are 3-1 under Garrett (4-0 vs spread), losing to Saints by FG, so they’re playing with more energy since coaching change; Pokes were 3-0 vs Philly LY, winning by average score of 26-10. Home team won five of last six series games, as Eagles lost last three visits here. Philly is 4-1 since its bye, but banged-up defense allowed 55 points in last two games (8 TDs on 19 drives)- they’ve scored 26+ points in all five games since their bye (4-1). Road team is 10-0-1 vs spread in game involving team that played Colts the previous week; home teams are 1-4 SU, 0-4-1 vs spread week after playing Indy, allowing 32.6 ppg.

Ravens (8-4) @ Texans (5-7)—Baltimore has to be smarting after losing pivotal game to Steelers last week on sack/fumble with 3:14 left when they had 10-6 lead and the ball, but Ravens are 3-0 in game following a loss this year, winning by 7-3-24 points (1-2 as favorite in those games). Baltimore is just 3-3 on road, with five of six games decided by 5 or less points. Houston can score, putting up 20+ points in nine of 12 games, but they’re 3-3 at home, and allowed 30+ points in seven of last eight games (shut Titans out when 3rd-stringer Smith played QB). AFC South underdogs are 8-6 vs spread in non-division games, 0-2 at home. AFC North favorites are 6-11, 3-2 on road. Four of last five Houston games went over total. Ravens won all three series games, by 4-1-28 points.

**Spark** · 12-09-2010, 06:37 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (6 - 6) @ TENNESSEE (5 - 7)
Kickoff: Thursday, 8:20 p.m. EDT Line: Colts -3, O/U 46.5
-------------------------------------------------------------
There was a point in this 2010 season where the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans appeared to be the clear-cut top two contenders for the AFC South crown. But when the time comes for these divisional foes to face one another Thursday at Nashville's LP Field, both find themselves merely trying to stay alive in the playoff chase. The Colts and Titans each spent a period in sole possession of first place in the AFC South at midseason, before the teams fell victim to unexpected and prolonged slumps that are still ongoing. Indianapolis was 6-3 and owned a one- game advantage atop the standings in mid-November, but has since lost three straight times. Tennessee held a half-game lead in the division race at 5-2 through Week 7, but hasn't prevailed in five subsequent outings as a wave of turmoil has engulfed the normally-stable franchise.

As it stands now, Thursday's participants are both looking up at the surprising Jacksonville in the pecking order, with the 7-5 Jaguars registering their fourth win in five games with last weekend's 17-6 decision over the lifeless Titans in Nashville. The Colts' free-fall may be viewed as the more shocking of the two, considering the defending AFC champions have reached the playoffs in each of the last eight campaigns and had won 12 regular-season games or more in seven consecutive years prior to this one. However, Indianapolis has been unable to withstand a litany of injuries at several key positions and more importantly, an uncharacteristically bad stretch from quarterback Peyton Manning.

The four-time NFL MVP enters Thursday's tilt mired in the worst three-week sequence of his brilliant career, having thrown an unheard-of 11 interceptions during the Colts' current skid. Manning was picked off four times in last week's 38-35 home overtime loss to resurgent Dallas, with the Cowboys returning two of the turnovers for touchdowns and the last one setting up the game-ending field goal in extra time. Manning also tossed four interceptions and had two taken back for scores in a forgettable 36-14 setback to San Diego the previous week, Indianapolis' most lopsided loss at home since the organization took the future Hall of Famer with the No. 1 overall pick of the 1998 draft.

Despite their recent woes, the Colts still control their own destiny in the team's quest for a seventh AFC South title in eight years. Following Thursday's important clash, Indianapolis will host the high-flying Jaguars in Week 15 and can edge out Jacksonville in a tie-breaker if it's able to win its four remaining contests. The Colts will be heading into the Music City a banged-up bunch, however, with top running back Joseph Addai (neck), slot receiver Austin Collie (concussion) and starting linebacker Clint Session (forearm) all slated to miss another week and cornerback Jerraud Powers forced to injured reserve after fracturing his forearm against the Cowboys.

Believe it or not, the Titans actually have greater problems than their opponent at the moment. An offense now being directed by declining veteran Kerry Collins hasn't produced a single touchdown in 13 straight quarters, while a once-formidable defense has been gashed for 188 and 258 rushing yards, respectively, in defeats to division members Houston and Jacksonville over the past two weeks. Collins, pressed into duty in the aftermath of troubled quarterback Vince Young's season-ending thumb injury and well-publicized tirade at head coach Jeff Fisher following an overtime loss to Washington in Week 11, completed a substandard 14-of-32 passes for 169 yards and was intercepted twice in last Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars.

The offense did receive a welcome bit of good news this week however, as emerging wide receiver Kenny Britt is on track to return from a torn hamstring that's sidelined him for Tennessee's entire losing streak in time for Thursday's test. The talented second-year pro racked up 225 receiving yards and hauled in three Collins touchdown strikes in his last game, a 37-19 home victory over Philadelphia on Oct. 24. Indianapolis will be attempting to avoid its first four-game slide since dropping five in a row from Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2001, the last season the Colts failed to make the playoffs.

• SERIES HISTORY
----------------------
Indianapolis holds a 18-12 lead in its all-time regular season series with Tennessee, including a sweep of last year's home-and-home. The Colts were 31-9 winners when they teams met in Nashville in Week 5, and completed the sweep with a 27-17 home victory in Week 13. The teams embarked on a conventional split of the 2008 home-and-home, including a 31-21 victory for the Titans.

The only postseason meeting between the two was in a 1999 AFC Divisional Playoff, when Tennessee scored a 19-16 road victory en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Fisher has a 6-11 record against Indianapolis, including the aforementioned playoff victory. The Colts' Jim Caldwell is 2-0 against both Fisher and Tennessee as a head coach.

• WHEN THE COLTS HAVE THE BALL
--------------------------------------------
Moving the ball hasn't been much of a problem for an Indianapolis team that leads the NFL in passing yards (303.3 ypg), ranks fourth in scoring (26.4 ppg) and is fifth overall in total offense (382.4 ypg). Manning (3709 passing yards, 24 TD, 15 INT) did amass 365 yards through the air and threw for two touchdowns in the Dallas loss, with All-Pro wideout Reggie Wayne (90 receptions, 1107 yards, 5 TD) torching the Cowboys' secondary for career bests of 200 receiving yards and 14 catches. He's the obvious headliner of a still- dangerous pass-catching corps that also contains speedy counterpart Pierre Garcon (46 receptions, 2 TD) and tight end Jacob Tamme (42 receptions, 3 TD), who's done a nice job filling in for injured star Dallas Clark, with rookie Blair White (22 receptions, 4 TD) holding down the third receiver's role until Collie returns.

Turnovers and a lack of balance has been what's plagued the Colts as of late, as the team has failed to establish an effective rushing attack in the six games the valuable Addai has sat out. With backup running back Mike Hart also a no-go for Thursday due to an ankle problem, disappointing 2009 first-round pick Donald Brown (293 rushing yards, 1 TD, 16 receptions) and undrafted rookie Javarris James (63 rushing yards, 5 TD, 9 receptions) will carry the load when Indianapolis does take to the ground.

While the Colts are incredibly adept at throwing the ball, the Titans' strength on defense is in containing the pass. Scrappy cornerback Cortland Finnegan (60 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT) and playmaking free safety Michael Griffin (85 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PD) are the standouts of a solid backfield that's helped the team compile 15 interceptions so far this year, while a persistent pass rush headed up by ends Jason Babin (43 tackles, 9 sacks) and Dave Ball (30 tackles, 7 sacks) stands among the league leaders with 33 sacks. Tennessee also excels within the red zone, having yielded touchdowns on an NFL-low 36 percent of opposing trips in that area, and should challenge an Indy offense that's reached paydirt on an outstanding 70.7 percent of its visits inside the enemy's 20-yard line.

Stopping the run has been a major trouble spot as of late, however, with both Houston's Arian Foster (143 yards) and Jacksonville's Maurice-Jones Drew (186 yards) delivering huge games against the Titans in the last two weeks. Since the Colts don't possess a back the caliber of those two, a front seven led by linebackers Stephen Tulloch (127 tackles, 1 INT) and Will Witherspoon (65 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) should have an easier time on Thursday. Tulloch is fresh off a 17-tackle effort against the Jaguars.

• WHEN THE TITANS HAVE THE BALL
---------------------------------------------
Tennessee's offensive druthers have coincided with a drop-off in both production and opportunity for the team's best weapon, running back Chris Johnson (1026 rushing yards, 9 TD, 29 receptions). The dynamic big-play threat has been an less active part of the game plan in recent weeks, in large part due to the Titans falling behind on the scoreboard and the inconsistent play of Collins (807 passing yards, 5 TD, 5 INT) and raw rookie Rusty Smith under center. Johnson was held to career lows of five rushing yards and seven carries by the Texans two weeks back and managed a modest 53 yards on 13 attempts last week.

A bounce-back game would bode well for the prospects of Collins, who showed he could still do some damage with a 276-yard, three- touchdown display against the Eagles in late October, and having the promising Britt (23 receptions, 7 TD) back alongside leading receiver Nate Washington (33 receptions, 5 TD) should help out as well. Getting midseason pickup Randy Moss (27 receptions, 5 TD) untracked and ingrained in the offense could provide a needed boost as well, as the moody seven-time Pro Bowl honoree has just five catches and 62 yards in four games since being claimed off waivers from Minnesota. The Titans are next-to-last in the NFL in passing yards with an average of 179 per game.

Johnson's anticipated breakout could take place this week, as the Colts rank 29th in the NFL in run defense (142.8 ypg) and are allowing an unimpressive 4.8 yards per carry, with the pass-heavy Cowboys even having their way for 217 rushing yards in last week's thriller. Linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (35 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), who came up with 13 stops against Dallas, and rookie counterpart Pat Angerer (68 tackles, 1 sack) will have the unenviable task of keeping the Tennessee game-breaker under wraps, and the pair will have support from safety and leading tackler Antoine Bethea (86 tackles, 0.5 sacks).

If Indianapolis is able to keep Johnson under wraps and force the Titans into obvious throwing downs, they'll be better equipped to unleash the tremendous pass-rushing duo of ends Dwight Freeney (21 tackles, 8 sacks) and Robert Mathis (44 tackles, 8.5 sacks) upon the cement-shoed Collins and protect a secondary that no longer has Powers (53 tackles, 2 INT, 9 PD) at one corner spot but is expected to get opposite-side starter Kelvin Hayden (61 tackles, 2 INT, 8 PD) back after he missed the Dallas game with a neck stinger.

• PREGAME NOTES
-----------------------
Indy lost last three games, thanks to -12 turnover ratio (were +6 before that), allowing 31-36-38 points; Manning is first QB in at least 40 years to throw pair of pik-6’s in consecutive games. Colts are 2-4 on road; last four away games were all decided by 3 or less points (dogs 5-0-1 vs spread). Indy is 13-3 in last 16 games vs Titans, winning five of last seven visits here. Titans lost last five games, and haven’t scored offensive TD in last three games (28+ drives); hard to believe team with Chris Johnson would run ball 26 times for 81 yards in any 2-game span, but they’ve done it. Home teams are 5-2 vs spread in AFC south divisional games. Last three Tennessee games stayed under total.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Tennessee by 1; O/U 46.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Indianapolis -2
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Tennessee -3.01
____________________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--INDIANAPOLIS is 28-47 ATS (-25.5 Units) after being outrushed by 75 or more yards last game since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 21.8, OPPONENT 22.6 - (Rating = 4*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 6-22 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 18.9, OPPONENT 19.7 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 9-1 OVER (+7.5 Units) vs. poor kickoff coverage teams, allowing >= 24 yards per return over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TENNESSEE 25.2, OPPONENT 27.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 50-21 OVER (+26.8 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 21.6, OPPONENT 26.1 - (Rating = 4*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 24-5 OVER (+18.4 Units) off an upset loss as a home favorite since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 23.6, OPPONENT 26.3 - (Rating = 3*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 28-10 OVER (+16.9 Units) in road games vs. mistake prone teams - 60+ penalty yards per game since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 25.8, OPPONENT 24.2 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 25-4 against the 1rst half line (+18.7 Units) as a home underdog vs. the 1rst half line since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 12.5, OPPONENT 10.7 - (Rating = 4*)

--TENNESSEE is 20-2 against the 1rst half line (+17.6 Units) after scoring 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 12.1, OPPONENT 7.5 - (Rating = 5*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--INDIANAPOLIS is 46-24 OVER (+19.6 Units) the 1rst half total in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 10.1, OPPONENT 14.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 11-2 OVER (+8.8 Units) the 1rst half total in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 14.4, OPPONENT 14.3 - (Rating = 2*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 7-0 OVER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 16.9, OPPONENT 11.3 - (Rating = 2*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Home teams vs. the 1rst half line (TENNESSEE) - after being beaten by the spread by 35 or more points total in their last five games, in the last 4 weeks of the regular season.
(22-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (84.6%, +17.6 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 13, Opponent 8.2 (Average first half point differential = +4.8)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-4).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (43-25).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (82-49).

--PLAY OVER - Any team against the total (INDIANAPOLIS) - after allowing 25 points or more in 2 straight games against opponent after 2 straight losses by 10 or more points.
(31-8 over the last 10 seasons.) (79.5%, +22.2 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 43.2
The average score in these games was: Team 25.7, Opponent 25.2 (Total points scored = 50.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 21 (53.8% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (14-4).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (56-39).

--PLAY AGAINST - Favorites (INDIANAPOLIS) - after gaining 99 or less rushing yards in 3 straight games against opponent after being outrushed by 100 or more yards last game.
(34-10 since 1983.) (77.3%, +23 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (25-22)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 5.5
The average score in these games was: Team 19.5, Opponent 18.7 (Average point differential = +0.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 19 (42.2% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (1-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (3-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (7-2).

--PLAY OVER - Any team where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 (TENNESSEE) - after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games, in the last 4 weeks of the regular season.
(50-18 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.5%, +30.2 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 22.4
The average first half score in these games was: Team 12.4, Opponent 13.5 (Total first half points scored = 25.9)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (23-10).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (72-45).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (116-83).

**Udog** · 12-10-2010, 09:54 AM

NFL

Week 14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL poolies' cheat sheet: Week 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (+7.5)

Why Falcons cover: Carolina is last in the league in scoring and starting quarterback Jimmy Clausen ranks near the bottom of the NFL in many major passing categories, including passing yards and completion percentage.

Why Panthers cover: Home team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Total (42.5): Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Carolina.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-9)

Why Bengals cover: Pittsburgh's offense is banged up. Ben Roethlisberger will play with a face shield after having surgery to repair a broken nose while tight end Heath Miller is out with a concussion and right tackle Flozell Adams is unlikely to play due to an ankle injury. They also lost punter Daniel Sepelveda for the season last week.

Why Steelers cover: The favorite is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings. The Bengals are 2-6 ATS in their last eight meetings

Total (39.5): Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings and 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Pittsburgh.

New York Giants at Vikings Minnesota (+1)

Why Giants cover: They're 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Minnesota. The road team is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings. They could get receivers Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith back from injury.

Why Vikings cover: They are 2-0 straight up and ATS since Leslie Frazier took over as head coach from the fired Brad Childress. Eli Manning has thrown two touchdowns and nine interceptions in four career starts against Minnesota.

Total (43): Over is 5-2 in the Giants' last seven road games and 5-2 in their last seven games overall.

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (+6.5)

Why Packers cover: They're 7-2 ATS in their last nine meetings and 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings in Detroit. The favorite is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings. The road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Why Lions cover: They covered by 12.5-points against the Packers in Week 4. Green Bay's defense took another blow by losing defensive end Cullen Jenkins to a calf injury and possibly Charles Woodson with a sprained ankle.

Total (47): Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings and 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Detroit.

Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars (-4.5)

Why Raiders cover: Oakland is coming off an upset of San Diego and has a 4-2 ATS mark on the road this season.

Why Jaguars cover: The favorite is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Total (43): Over is 5-1 in the Jaguars' last six games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins (+1)

Why Buccaneers cover: They're 3-1-1 ATS in their last five meetings. Washington already has the NFL's worst defense and will be without defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was suspended for the season this week.

Why Redskins cover: Tampa Bay will be without cornerback Aqib Talib, who was tied for second in the league with six interceptions, due to a torn hip tendon that will cost him the remainder of the season.

Total (41): Under is 7-3 in the Buccaneers' last 10 road games and 13-6 in their last 19 games overall.

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills (-1)

Why Browns cover: Buffalo's offensive line is banged up and their defense is allowing a league-high 170.9 yards per game on the ground this season.

Why Bills cover: Cleveland will start Jake Delhomme, who is averaging 6.1 yards per completion with two touchdowns and six interception while amassing a meager 65.6 percent quarterback rating this season.

Total (39.5): Over is 4-1 in the Browns' last five road games and 6-1 in their last seven games overall.

St. Louis Rams at New Orleans Saints (-9.5)

Why Rams cover: They're 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings and 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in New Orleans. The road team is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings. The underdog is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.

Why Saints cover: Chris Ivory has sparked the Saints' run game by rushing for 254 yards and five touchdowns in the last three games. He gets to test a Rams' defense that is allowing 4.5 yards per carry to opposing backs.

Total (47): Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)

Why Seahawks cover: They're 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Why 49ers cover: They will reinsert Alex Smith at quarterback, who they say knows the playbook better than Troy Smith and allows them to make easier in-game adjustments. Seattle could be without two of their top wide receivers with Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu both battling injuries.

Total (41.5): Under is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-5.5)

Why Dolphins cover: The road team is 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight meetings. The underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings. New York's secondary has been decimated by injuries.

Why Jets cover: Quarterback Chad Henne's inconsistent play is just one reason Miami is one of the lowest scoring teams in the AFC, averaging only 17.9 points per game.

Total (41): Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.

Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals (+5.5)

Why Broncos cover: They're 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings. With Derek Anderson battling a concussion and Max Hall out for the season, unproven quarterback John Skelton will likely start for Arizona on Sunday.

Why Cardinals cover: The Broncos have the league's second-worst rush defense and with Arizona's quarterback situation up in the air, expect a heavy dose of the run game to take pressure off whomever takes the snaps on Sunday. Denver is coming off a dramatic week in which the team fired head coach Josh McDaniels.

Total (42): Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers (-7)

Why Chiefs cover: Their rush game averages an NFL-best 175.2 yards per game and gets to face a San Diego defense that allowed the Raiders to run for 251 yards last week.

Why Chargers cover: The Chiefs are 2-5 ATS in their last seven meetings in San Diego. Matt Cassel will miss this game after undergoing an appendectomy Wednesday.

Total (46.5): Over is 4-0 in the Chiefs' last four road games.

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (+3)

Why Patriots cover: They have the best offense in the league and have had no problem putting up big points against tough defenses like Miami, Pittsburgh and the Jets.

Why Bears cover: They have been protecting the football on offense and playing solid defense during their five-game winning streak (3-1-1 ATS). The home team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Total (41): Over is 12-2 in the Patriots' last 14 games.

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (+3.5)

Why Eagles cover: Cornerback Asante Samuel and defensive end Juqua Parker are expected to return from injury. Michael Vick faces the league's 28th ranked pass defense.

Why Cowboys cover: They are 4-0 ATS and averaging 33.3 points per game since offensive coordinator Jason Garrett took over as head coach from Wade Phillips.

Total (50.5): Over is 4-0 in the Eagles' last four road games and 7-0 in the Cowboys' last seven home games.

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans (+3)

Why Ravens cover: Their defense is holding opponents to only 16.8 points per game while Houston's defense has been terrible all season and is seemingly getting worse.

Why Texans cover: Baltimore's offensive line has had trouble protecting Joe Flacco, who has been sacked 11 times in their last three games.

Total (45.5): Over is 4-1 in the Texans' last five games.

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

**Udog** · 12-10-2010, 09:28 PM

NFL

Sunday, December 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Total Bias: Week 14 over/under picks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’ll admit it.

When the New England Patriots traded away Randy Moss as they headed into their bye week to pick up Minnesota’s third-round pick, I thought they were taking crazy pills. And I wasn’t the only one.

Sure, Moss was coming off another tirade and didn’t have a catch in New England’s beatdown of Miami the game before, but he was still Randy Moss, right? He was still the guy that made the offense go by stretching the field and opening up everything else underneath for Tom Brady and gave a terrible running game a fighting chance.

Well, so much for that.

While Moss’ season has spiraled faster than one of Brady’s arching downfield bombs, the Patriots have only looked stronger without the guy who was considered their most dangerous receiving threat.

Looking back at it now, it was a perfect time for the change. Bill Belichick had the bye week to figure out how the offense was going to work without Moss and really, not much has changed since then.

What makes a football team truly great? To me it’s a team that can adjust its game plan from one week to the next to beat opponents a variety of different ways and that’s what the Patriots have been doing.

The defense still has some holes and the running game isn’t anything to write home about, but they’re working around those problems by doing everything else right.

Everybody knows that the Pats are going to try to spread out defenses with four and five-receiver sets and let Brady go to work, but that doesn’t seem to matter because the offense looks even more potent over the past month than it did early this year.

This week the Pats are up again yet another tough defense when they visit the Bears, though if New England has taught us anything up to this point, it’s that no defense is going to keep Brady from putting up a whack of points.

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (41)

The only real concern I have about this play is the weather. Mother Nature’s overdue as it is and early reports are expecting some snow and wind this weekend.

Despite that, Chicago’s offensive line and running game have been much better since the club’s bye and should be able to move the ball on New England’s 31st-ranked total defense.

Plus, the over is 12-2 in New England’s last 14 games and Chicago has checked in above the total in its last two.

Pick: Over

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (50.5)

Chuck Esposito, one of my main Vegas guys for NFL Opening Line Report, told me on Monday that prime time games are playing over at 63 percent clip, which completely blew my mind.

The books always jack prime time totals because they know we all want to see a pile of touchdowns while we pound beers and wings. Rightfully so, but of all the standalone games on this week’s schedule, I like this one to play over even though it’s the biggest total on the board.

Jason Garrett has these Cowboys playing some serious ball and this is just Michael Vick’s type of game. Remember the last time he played in prime time?

Pick: Over

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans (46)

Baltimore lost the best game I’ve seen all season last week against Pittsburgh, which puts the Texans in a nasty spot this week.

Houston has still managed to put some points on the board while losing five of the last six, but that stops this weekend. This is a statement game for Baltimore, which now sits a game behind the Steelers.

I don’t think the Texans crack 20 points in this spot, while this just happens to be the highest total the Ravens have seen all year.

Pick: Under

Last week’s record: 2-1
Season record: 19-21

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

**Udog** · 12-11-2010, 11:46 PM

NFL

Sunday, December 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL Week 14 weather report: Winter wreaks havoc on NFL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter is beginning to impact NFL action, whether it's strong winds, cold temperatures, blowing snow or all three. Here’s a look at the skies in Week 14.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers (+7.5, 42.5)

Matt Ryan and the Falcons air attack will face medium-to-strong winds in Carolina, with gust getting up 15 mph. Rains will hit Bank of America Stadium earlier in the day but stop before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-9, 39.5)

The only thing colder than this AFC North rivalry is the weather at Heinz Field. The forecast in Pittsburgh is calling for snow showers Sunday, starting as rain in the morning and mixing with ice and snow later in the afternoon. Game-time temps will dip into the mid 20s with winds blowing at speeds of 11 mph.

Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars (-4, 42.5)

Rain hits Alltel Stadium early Sunday and is expected to let up as kickoff draws closer. What won’t stop are the strong winds, reaching up to 20 mph, blowing south-southwest from corner to corner. Expect a lot of MJD and Run DMC in this matchup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins (+1, 41)

The Bucs will be far from the Florida sun in Week 14. FedEx Field will be a pool by the time this game kicks off. Rain is falling all Sunday with winds blowing south-southwest at speeds of up to 15 mph. Game-time temperatures will fall into the low 40s.

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills (-1, 39.5)

Rain is in the forecast for this battle of NFL basement dwellers. Game-time temps will be in the low 30s with 10-mph winds blowing south-southeast at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The number has fallen from 41.5 points to 39.5 as of Saturday afternoon.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-5, 39.5)

Another Sunshine State squad is out of its element in Week 14. The Fins will be chilled by rain and temperatures in the low 40’s. On top of that, winds will get above 20 mph at New Meadowlands Stadium, gusting south-southeast from corner to corner. This total has already dropped from 41 to 39.5 as of Saturday afternoon.

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (+3, 37.5)

The weather in the Windy City is usually a huge edge for the Bears, but the Patriots are right at home in the worst winter can dish out. The forecast for Solider Field is calling for snow flurries and a powerful wind getting up to 35 mph, which will cool the field to a nasty five degrees. Expect both offenses to shorten up the passing game as well as a couple missed field goals. This is when Devin Hester is at his best on special teams.

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

**Udog** · 12-11-2010, 11:48 PM

NFL

Sunday, December 12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Night Football: Eagles at Cowboys
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (+3.5, 51.5)

There are a number of reasons the Dallas Cowboys were considered top Super Bowl contenders entering the season. Two of them were lopsided routs of the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of the 2009 season.

Philadelphia will look to avenge those back-to-back defeats and stay atop the NFC East when it pays another visit to Cowboys Stadium on Sunday night.

The Big Payback

The last two trips to Dallas were ugly for the Eagles (8-4). They were humbled by the Cowboys 24-0 in the regular-season finale, forcing a rematch in Dallas in the first round of the playoffs the following week.

The result was just as brutal for Philadelphia, which saw its season end abruptly with a 34-14 beating.

"Obviously to get beat like that twice in a row, it was embarrassing," Eagles safety Quintin Mikell told Camden Courier-Post. "You go back and you watch the film and it doesn't even look like the same team. Basically, we got manhandled."

Those two blowouts in the last six days of the Eagles’ season convinced Philadelphia coach Andy Reid that changes needed to be made. He shipped Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb out of town and, 14 weeks into this season, no one’s second guessing Reid’s decision.

With a rejuvenated Michael Vick at the controls, the Eagles are tied with the New York Giants for the division lead behind an offense that ranks second in the league in scoring.

Picking Up The Pieces

The Cowboys (4-8), on the other hand, dug themselves a canyon at the bottom of the NFC East following a 1-7 start to the season that led to the dismissal of head coach Wade Phillips.

Dallas has turned things around under interim coach Jason Garrett, winning three of four games with its only loss a narrow three-point decision to reigning Super Bowl champion New Orleans.

The offensive renaissance continued last week in a 38-35 overtime victory at Indianapolis. The Cowboys have scored over 30 points in three of the past four games and are averaging a shade over 33 points since Garrett took over the coaching reins.

Defense and the running game contributed mightily to the victory. Dallas returned two interceptions of Peyton Manning for touchdowns and Tashard Choice rushed for 100 yards on 19 carries. Felix Jones added 83 yards as the Cowboys piled up a season-high 217 yards on the ground.

Run Baby Run

The commitment to the ground game is a big part of reason Dallas is 3-1 straight up and 4-0 against the spread since Wade Phillips was fired.

Dallas Morning News columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor puts out the Cowboys are averaging 34 carries for 148.7 yards per game under Garrett the head coach as opposed to 21 carries for 75.6 yards per game under Garrett the offensive coordinator.

Putting Up The Points

The Eagles come in well rested following a 10-day layoff since a 34-24 victory at Houston on Dec. 2. It was their fourth victory in five games during which they have averaged 34.4 points.

Michael Vick turned in another superb performance, throwing for 302 yards with two scoring passes and one rushing touchdown. It was the third 300-yard game of the season for Vick – one more than he had in his first six seasons with Atlanta.

Vick had a league-high 105.7 passer rating and has thrown 15 touchdown passes against two interceptions. He also has run for six scores.

Wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin give Vick a pair of dangerous weapons along with LeSean McCoy, who has rushed for 823 yards and has 67 receptions – tops among league running backs.

Injuries

The one major negative for Dallas during its win over Indy was a season-ending fractured ankle suffered by standout rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant, who had emerged as the favorite target of veteran quarterback Jon Kitna.

The Cowboys still have plenty of receiving weapons with Miles Austin, Roy Williams and Jason Witten on the field.

The Eagles are worried about the status of top cover cornerback Asante Samuel. The Pro Bowl DB missed the last two games because of a banged up knee and isn’t expected to suit up against the Cowboys.

Trends

The over is 4-0 in Philly’s last four road games and 7-1 in the club’s last eight games overall.

The over is also 5-0 in the Cowboys’ last five games as underdogs and 10-1 in their last 11 games overall.

Dallas has covered the spread in each of its last three games against the Eagles.

Line Movement

Most betting shops opened with the Cowboys as 3-point home underdogs but the line has been bet up to +3.5 and +4. The total has also moved up a point from 50.5 to 51.5.

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

Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 14 (12/9 - 12/13)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Week 14 (12/9 - 12/13)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment