The Bum's Week # 11 NFL Best Bets 11/27-11/28 !

[StarDust Bum]

Titans And Seahawks Lead Week 11 Dog Pound

Season-long spread results in the NFL continue to be almost evenly split between favorites and underdogs, with the chalk holding a slim 72-71 edge heading into this week’s action.

As only the Dog Pound can do, we look for a few special dogs with extra bark to recommend this week.

NY Jets at Denver (+6, Thursday night)
Denver continues to confound the experts, running a Florida Gator-like "read option" for QB Tim Tebow that has resulted in unlikely back-to-back road wins at Oakland and Kansas City, rocketing the Broncos to number two in NFL rush stats and into the mix in the jumbled AFC West. Jets coach Rex Ryan’s defense has leaked a bit more than he would like, and Mark Sanchez continues to blow hot and cold at QB. Denver hasn’t covered its first four home games this season and its RB corps is depleted, but the storyline is becoming quite compelling in the Mile High City. That cannot please the anti-Tebow crowd.

Tennessee (+6) at Atlanta
Chris Johnson looks like he is finally back into his old groove for the Titans, rushing for a season-best 130 yards last week at Carolina. We’re not sure, however, if the Tennessee defense can confound Atlanta QB Matt Ryan and the refined Falcon offense as it did when assigning a spy to Cam Newton a week ago. We know the Falcons are angry after their overtime loss to the Saints, and we doubt coach Mike Smith gambles on any more 4th-&-1 calls deep in his territory this week.

Buffalo (+2) at Miami
The Bills look like a spent force, their defense crumbling in the wake of injuries to NT Kyle Williams and LB Shawne Merriman. Now the offense is taking some lumps with key wideout Steve Johnson nursing a shoulder injury. Foes have been flummoxing QB Ryan Fitzpatrick the past few weeks, flooding their secondaries with as many as six DBs to negate the Bills’ "five-wide" looks. Miami is on the ascent and was never as bad as it looked in the first six weeks of the season. Note no TDs allowed by the ‘Fins defense the past two weeks, and QB Matt Moore is getting comfy at the controls of the offense. Not sure we trust the Bills at the moment.

Cincinnati (+7) at Baltimore
As we expected, the Ravens had problems last week at Seattle, considering the post-Steelers hangover and cross-country travel. Home-cooking has worked much better for Baltimore this season, 4-0 straight up and 3-1 vs. the line at M&T Bank Stadium, while outscoring foes 32-16. Cincy, however, continues to stare back at the Ravens and Steelers in the AFC North with a solid Marvin Lewis defense and maturing rookie QB Andy Dalton. The schedule, however, is beginning to get much tougher for the Bengals.

Jacksonville (+1) at Cleveland
There isn’t much (if any) cushion from the oddsmakers if you want to support the Jags this week. But if you do, be comforted by the fact the host Browns have only covered two of their last 17 games and have lost nine straight against the line at home, with the only straight-up success a 1-point win over the Dolphins. J’ville’s stop unit is the best platoon on the field, and the Cleveland offense is the worst platoon on the field. Therein lies the recommendation, wherever the oddsmakers post this number.

Oakland at Minnesota (+1)
This price moved against Minnesota after the Vikes were shellacked by the Packers on Monday night. Previously, we were a bit excited about the prospects of perhaps getting the Raiders, who have covered all four of their road games this season, plus a few points. Dynamics are now a bit different, but if backing Minnesota, remember that rookie QB Christian Ponder, despite some encouraging performances, is still on the NFL learning curve and making just his fourth career start.

Carolina (+7) at Detroit
The Lions are wobbling and their fans cannot be comforted about an upcoming schedule that gets a lot harder after the Panthers visit this Sunday. Detroit had also better locate a ground game fast or else QB Matthew Stafford (63 passes last week at Chicago) might have his arm fall off before Christmas. Also check Stafford’s possible hand injury, although many believe the Lions will not lose much at this stage if they go to vet backup Shaun Hill. Let’s see if the Lions go to school on what Tennessee did to fluster Newton last week, assigning a spy to keep Cam in the pocket and limiting his ability to improvise. Still, the Lions look unreliable at the moment.

Tampa Bay (+14) at Green Bay
This sort of "tall cotton" always intrigues but we’re not sure about bucking a Green Bay side that has won its last 15 games and covered 12 of those. Bucs QB Josh Freeman continues to endure something of a "junior slump" as Tampa Bay fades from contention in the NFC South.

Dallas at Washington (+7½)
Any takers for the Redskins? Five losses on the trot and a wretched, injury-plagued offense that can’t punch its way out of a paper bag makes Washington a tough sell at the moment. And Mike Shanahan must be very desperate if he was forced to go back to Rex Grossman at QB over John Beck. Dallas has not been a reliable proposition as chalk lately but the Cdowbiys are stirring with a couple of lopsided wins in their last three outings. Tony Romo’s ribs are healed and Oklahoma rookie RB DeMarco Murray has been a revelation. Again, any takers for Washington?

Arizona (+9½) at San Francisco
One of these weeks the 49ers will not cover a pointspread. For nine games, however, Jim Harbaugh’s team has yet to lose a spread decision. The Cards are beginning to think that 2nd-year John Skelton might be a better alternative than Kevin Kolb at QB. If bucking the Niners, consider that recent spread success and determine if you want to fly into the teeth of that wind.

Seattle (+2) at St. Louis
The Rams have only won twice all season so a case can certainly be made for Pete Carroll’s emerging Seattle side that has actually covered five of its last six games on the board. Tarvaris Jackson is also beginning to look like a real NFL quarterback. Not the worst dog to look at on this week’s card, though the price is short.

San Diego (+3½) at Chicago
Along with Green Bay, the Bears are the hottest team at the moment in the NFC with four straight wins and covers. The ability to establish RB Matt Forte on the ground has taken the pressure off of QB Jay Cutler, and the Chicago "D" has stopped allowing big plays since Lovie Smith made personnel adjustments last month. A case can still be made for a desperate and still-capable San Diego side, but the Bolts are on a 4-game losing streak, and coach Norv Turner is reportedly on very thin ice.

Philadelphia (+4½) at NY Giants
The Birds continue to flounder and we’re not even sure about Mike Vick’s status this week after injuries suffered a week ago. But Andy Reid has won at the Meadowlands before – remember last eyar’s rally at the new stadium, and DeSean Jackson’s punt return TD on the final play? – and Eli Manning is always prone to go walkabout when least expected.

Kansas City (+14½) at New England
More tall cotton to get wagerers interested. If liking that big number with Kansas City, however, remember that QB Matt Cassel is out with a hand injury, and Tyler Palko will be largely responsible for your investment this week. A lot of familiarity with the front office and staffs between these sides, but when has Bill Belichick ever demonstrated mercy to old friends?

Top underdog recommendations this week: Tennessee, Cincinnati, Carolina, Seattle.

[StarDust Bum]

Dallas Cowboys Favored On Road At Redskins

Mention of the Cowboys and Redskins recalls some of the more-familiar names in pro football over the last half century. Meredith. Jurgensen. Staubach. Kilmer. Dorsett. Riggins. Theismann. Aikman. Not to mention what has often been one of the NFL’s most-colorful rivalries over the past several decades.

It’s too bad that Sunday’s matchup at FedEx Field is unlikely to recall any of that past glory.

Blame fading Washington (3-6 straight up and against the spread) more than Dallas (5-4 SU, 4-4-1 ATS) for that downgrade heading into this weekend’s matchup just off of Exit 16 on the Beltway. The Don Best odds screen lists the Cowboys as a 7 ½-point or 8-point favorite at Las Vegas wagering outlets, with the total holding steady at 41½.

Kickoff time off the Beltway will be at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern), with FOX providing the TV coverage. Marv’s son Kenny Albert, along with Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa, will provide the commentary.

Certainly, Washington and Dallas have been involved in several memorable games over the decades, beginning not long after the Cowboys entered the league as an expansion franchise in 1960. When Dallas ascended to contender status in the middle of the decade, the rivalry really began to heat up with a series of pitched confrontations and white-knuckle finishes.

In the Cowboys’ breakthrough year of 1966, they were involved in a pair of thrillers vs. Otto Graham’s Redskins, including a wild 31-30 win at D.C. Stadium where Don Meredith and Sonny Jurgensen combined for nearly 800 passing yards, while home run receivers Bob Hayes (9 catches for 246 yards, including a 95-yard TD bomb) and Charley Taylor (11 catches for 199 yards) waged their own personal stat war.

Dallas was in serious trouble until the final moments before a Danny Villanueva field goal gave it the 1-point win.

The 'Skins, however, kicked Dallas right back, 34-31, in the penultimate week of that ’66 regular season, delaying Dallas’ chance to sew up the old NFL Eastern Conference crown. Washington knocked Meredith out of the game and ended up prevailing in that see-saw affair thanks to a late Charlie Gogolak field goal.

One of the best Redskins-Cowboys games from the ’60s came the following year at D.C. Stadium, after the teams were placed (along with the Eagles and expansion Saints) in the newly-named Capitol Division of the Eastern Conference. Dallas was again in serious trouble deep into the fourth quarter after Jurgensen and Taylor had combined for a TD pass to put the Skins up by a 14-10 count. In the final moments, however, Meredith hooked up with Dan Reeves, looping out of the backfield, for a dramatic 36-yard TD pass and game-winner in a pulsating 17-14 Dallas victory.

The series really heated up, however, in the early ‘70s, after George Allen arrived in Washington to resurrect the Skins in 1971. One of Allen’s first signature wins in ‘71 for his "Over the Hill Gang" was an early-season 20-16 win over Dallas at the old Cotton Bowl, a few weeks before Texas Stadium opened.

Coaches Allen and Tom Landry elevated 'Skins and Cowboys into must-see TV in those days, including Washington’s 26-3 win at RFK Stadium in the ‘72 NFC title game. The teams had played another riveting regular-season contest at RFK earlier that campaign, when Jurgensen had come off the bench to rally Washington to a 24-20 win. Similarly, a Monday night game at RFK in ‘73 produced a memorable finish, when smallish Redskins DB Ken Houston somehow corralled rugged Dallas FB Walt Garrison at the 1-yard line to preserve a 14-7 Washington win.

The teams have sparred continuously in the decades since, meeting once more in an NFC title game in the lockout-shortened ’82 season, Washington winning again 31-17. And even their first meeting this season provided some thrills with Dallas rallying late for an 18-16 win thanks to six field goals by PK Dan Bailey back on September 26 at Arlington.

But late September seems like a long time ago for the 'Skins, who fell on hard times shortly thereafter. Injuries to key offensive cogs such as RB Tim Hightower and WR Santana Moss have helped to mute the Washington offense, but it’s doubtful even Skins haters could have dreamed about such a meltdown on the attack end.

Consider that Mike Shanahan’s offense has only scored four TDs in its last five games, all Redskins defeats. Washington hasn’t scored a TD in the first half of its last four games, and just one pre-fourth quarter TD in its last five outings. Shanahan’s "O" is also scoring a paltry 10.6 ppg in its last five outings.

Shanahan’s preseason gamble on QBs John Beck and Rex Grossman looks to be boomeranging spectacularly. Grossman, who was pulled after a 4-pick performance back on October 16 vs. the Eagles, was back in the starting lineup last week at Miami after Beck failed to ignite the offense the previous three weeks. Beck’s lack of patience and poise in the pocket prompted The Shan to make the switch back to Grossman last week, but results didn’t improve in the 20-9 loss to the Dolphins. Grossman’s decision-making again came into question, throwing an ill-advised pick deep in Miami territory and later taking a crucial sack in the fourth quarter to push Washington out of field goal range when a three-pointer would have cut the deficit to 13-12.

All of these offensive shortcomings have undermined a defense that has performed consistently in its base 3-4 looks and other variations for coordinator Jim Haslett.

Meanwhile, Dallas seems to be headed in the opposite direction after a pair of wins that included last week’s 44-7 bombardment of Buffalo. Getting QB Tony Romo healthy and beyond the injured ribs that impacted him in the first six weeks of the season has been a plus. The emergence of Oklahoma rookie RB DeMarco Murray, gaining a whopping 6.7 ypc and providing more consistency that former starter Felix Jones, has been another plus, with Murray’s abilities as a receiver providing an extra bonus. As has Laurent Robinson blossoming as a dangerous wideout threat and softening the blow of Miles Austin’s injuries; Robinson is gaining better than 16 yards per catch on his 27 receptions.

A look at the upcoming schedule also gives Cowboys fans a reason for encouragement. This game is followed by a pair vs. beatable Miami and Arizona, so there’s a good chance that Dallas will be sitting at 8-4 heading into the home stretch, with two battles still remaining vs. the current NFC East frontrunner, the Giants, in the last four games.

Recent series pointspread trends, however, have favored the 'Skins, who have covered the last four meetings. Note that five of the last six in this NFC East rivalry have gone ‘under’ as well.

[StarDust Bum]

New York Giants Host Underachieving Eagles

The news for the Philadelphia Eagles appears to be going from bad to worse as they head into an NFC East clash at the New York Giants on Sunday night.

Philadelphia ranges from 3-4 ½ point underdogs at Don Best with the total 47-47 ½ points. NBC will have its normal coverage at 8:20 p.m. (ET) from MetLife Stadium.

The Eagles (3-6 straight up and against the spread) are getting a lot of respect at these odds. After all, they’re coming off home losses to Chicago (30-24) and Arizona (21-17) as nine and 13 ½-point favorites respectively. Quarterback Michael Vick also suffered broken ribs last week and is questionable at best for this week.

Talent has never been the issue for the Eagles. That’s why the Don Best Linemakers Poll had them ranked ninth before last week (94.9), right behind the Giants at eighth (95.4). The updated version will be out later today.

Andy Reid has done a poor job coaching, but the players have also vastly underachieved as one of the preseason Super Bowl favorites. There is a question whether they’ll give maximum effort going forward with the playoffs almost out of reach.

Vince Young will get the start if Vick can’t play. Ironically, it was his labeling the Eagles a ‘dream team’ before the season that brought national ridicule. He has plenty of NFL starts under his belt, but they all came with Tennessee and he only has one pass attempt this year after signing as a free agent.

The 28-year-old Young is not an accurate passer (57.9 completion percentage lifetime), but does have mobility in the pocket which will come in handy against the Giants' top-ranked pass rush (30 sacks).

Whoever is playing quarterback needs a productive DeSean Jackson, who should return after a 1-game suspension. Receiver Jeremy Maclin also has shoulder and hamstring injuries and is listed as questionable.

Philadelphia is 2-2 SU and ATS on the road this year, last winning 20-13 at Washington back on October 16. The ‘over’ is 3-1 in its road games this year and 9-1 in the last 10 away dating back to last year.

The Giants (6-3 SU, 4-4-1 ATS) finally ran out of fourth-quarter magic last week with a 27-20 loss at San Francisco as 4-point underdogs. They actually won the total yardage battle (395-305) and time of possession (34.5-25.5 minutes), but it wasn’t enough.

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) has missed the last two games and is questionable for Sunday. Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware have done a decent job filling in and the Eagles can be run on at 120 YPG (ranked 17th).

Eli Manning had two picks last week, but is playing well with his plethora of weapons in receivers Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, plus tight end Jake Ballard. Nicks and Cruz were among several Giants at a nightclub when a shooting occurred, but are said to be completely uninvolved and no suspensions are forthcoming.

Defensively, the Giants will have little fear if Young is the quarterback and can gang up on dangerous running back LeSean McCoy (906 yards). They could be without starting linebacker Michael Boley (doubtful, hamstring) and cornerback Aaron Ross (questionable, upper body), but have done a great job overcoming injuries all season.

The Giants are 3-1 SU at home this year, but just 1-2-1 ATS and the cover came in the first game against St. Louis. They ended October with 3-straight at MetLife Stadium and were fortunate to beat Miami (20-17) and Buffalo (27-24), while losing to Seattle (36-25) as double-digit favorites.

New York is just 2-6-1 ATS in its last nine games overall as a home favorite.

These teams met back in September with New York winning 29-16 as a big 9-point road ‘dog. Manning led a comeback with two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, which helped fuel Philly’s season downfall. Vick got injured in the final stanza and was replaced by Mike Kafka.

Philadelphia has enjoyed great recent success on New York's turf, going 4-0 SU and ATS including the miraculous 38-31 win last year after 28 unanswered points in the final 7:28. Jackson had a 65-yard punt return on the game’s final play and this would be a good time for revenge.

Big Apple weather should be fine in the nighttime air with temperatures starting in the 50s.

[StarDust Bum]

NFC West Clash Finds Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco has covered the last five meetings with the Cardinals.
The San Francisco 49ers are continuing their march this week towards the NFC West title when they engage in NFL betting action at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

This duel is one of the 4:05 p.m. (ET) kickoffs in Week 11, and action from Candlestick Park can be seen regionally on FOX Sports.

If the Cardinals (3-6 SU, 5-4 ATS) have any chance of stopping San Francisco in the NFC West, this is a game Arizona has to win. Should the 49ers win this game and the Seattle Seahawks lose to the St. Louis Rams, San Fran will have a whopping six-game lead in the division race with just six to play, making it conceivable to lock up a playoff bid before the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner are finished.

That being said, we aren't ones to count out the Cards. They went on the road last week and beat the Philadelphia Eagles 21-17 with a late rally 21-17, and have played relatively well on the road all season long. Save for a bad loss at the Minnesota Vikings, the team's other four road games have all been close affairs.

There might be some quarterback controversy in the desert. John Skelton has now led the team to back-to-back victories, and his numbers are comparable to those of Kevin Kolb who started the first seven games of the season with the Cardinals going 1-6.

Kolb is still banged up with a foot injury that will likely keep him from playing in this one anyway, but it would be hard for Ken Whisenhunt to take Skelton out of the lineup if he were to win this game.

Meanwhile, the 49ers (8-1 SU, 8-0-1 ATS) just continue to pile it on the rest of this division. They beat the New York Giants last week here at Candlestick Park 27-20, and haven't lost a game since Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. We tend to forget that this team was a late collapse against Dallas away from also being a 9-0 team, just like the Green Bay Packers.

San Francisco has succeeded because of its defense. This unit came up with the big red zone stop last week with less than two minutes to play against the Giants to preserve the victory, which is nothing new. The Niners rank No. 1 in the league in red zone scoring, and that's why they have the top scoring defense overall at just 15.3 PPG.

The only question is how healthy Frank Gore really is for this one. Gore injured his leg on Sunday and ended the day with no yards rushing on six carries. He still has 782 yards on the ground on the campaign and is one of the best backs in the league, but he has a great back behind him as well in Kendall Hunter.

Hunter had 40 rushing yards and a TD in the second half with Gore out of the lineup to help beat the Giants.

The Niners have won four in a row in this series and have covered five straight. Last year's games weren't even remotely close, as San Francisco won 38-7 at home and 27-6 on the road.

The road team is still 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings in this rivalry, while the underdogs are 7-3 ATS in the last 10.

San Francisco opened up this week at -10, but it has since dropped to -9½. The total has dipped a half point as well to 41½ as of Wednesday afternoon.

Mother Nature could play a role in this one, with a 70 percent chance of rain in the forecast for the Bay Area. Temperatures should be cool in the 50s.

[StarDust Bum]

Rested Raiders Ready For Minnesota Vikings

The Oakland Raiders hope to hold on to their lead in the AFC West and take another step towards their first playoff berth since 2002 with a win on the road this Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings.

Oakland is currently a 1-point favorite on the Don Best odds screen. Sunday’s game will start at 1:00 p.m. (ET) and will be televised nationally on CBS.

One interesting factor in this game is the extra time that Oakland has had to rest and prepare for it. Because the Raiders played San Diego last Thursday night and the Vikings played Green Bay on Monday night, the Raiders have had an extra four days between their last game and this one. This extra rest could help negate the stress of traveling across the country for this game.

Oakland (5-4) pulled off an emotional win over San Diego last Thursday night, holding on to a 24-17 lead as a 7-point underdog to take sole possession of first place in the AFC West. With the win, Oakland broke a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS on the season.

There were plenty of positives to take away from that game. Carson Palmer looked like his old self, passing for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Bush had 242 yards from scrimmage (157 rushing and 85 receiving), marking the fourth highest amount in team history and proving that he can hold down the fort until the injured Darren McFadden returns.

The other side of the ball found the Black and Silver defense holding San Diego’s potent attack to just 314 total yards and 17 points, racking up six sacks along the way.

With Darren McFadden doubtful again this week, Palmer and Bush will need to have strong games again in his absence. Can the Raiders build on the San Diego win, or will they revert back to the form in which they lost the previous two games?

Minnesota (2-7) was completely outclassed on both sides of the ball in a 45-7 loss on the road against Green Bay last week, but that can happen against the NFL’s best team. The Vikings had no answer for Aaron Rodgers, who finished 23-for-30 with 250 yards and four touchdowns. Minnesota fell to 4-4-1 ATS with the loss.

The key to upsetting Oakland this week for Minnesota will be the running game. Going up against Oakland’s weak rushing defense (25th in the league with 132.4 rushing yards per game against), Adrian Peterson should have a big day. If Minnesota’s stout rushing defense (6th in the league with 93.9 rushing yards against) can contain Bush, the Vikings should have a shot at picking up their third win of the season.

Oakland is 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS on the road this season. Dating back to last season, Minnesota is 1-5 SU and 2-3-1 in its last six games at home.

The total for Sunday’s game is currently set at 45½. The total has gone ‘under’ in five of the Raiders’ last six games, but has gone ‘over’ in four of the Vikings’ last five games at home.

[StarDust Bum]

Green Bay Packers Host Sliding Buccaneers

The unbeaten Green Bay Packers will be playing on a short week, which may be one of their few challenges this season as they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Packers (9-0) will be going for their 16th straight victory dating back to last season and including their run to the NFL title while the Buccaneers (4-5) are simply trying to snap a three-game losing streak.

Believe it or not, the defending Super Bowl champions are coming off their first Monday Night Football appearance of the year, and only three teams in the league have managed to finish within a touchdown of them. Two of those teams – the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings – have covered the spread against Green Bay, but that’s all.

The Packers are 7-2 against the spread and covered easily in winning the second meeting with the Vikings 45-7 at home last Monday. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers continued his MVP campaign by completing 23-of-30 passes for 250 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Rodgers remains on pace to best the NFL single-season completion percentage record set by Drew Brees in 2009.

Tampa Bay has surprisingly beaten Green Bay three straight times but will have a difficult time making it four in a row when the team visits Lambeau Field.

The Bucs opened as 14½-point underdogs according to the Don Best odds screen with the total at 49 ½, and they have gone 1-5 ATS in dropping four of the past six games overall. Following a 37-9 home loss to the Houston Texans, Tampa is looking for answers and wondering what has gone wrong this year after barely missing out on the postseason in 2010.

Ironically, it was the Packers who beat out the Buccaneers for the final playoff spot last year. But Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman has regressed in his third year with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions, putting him on track to pass his career-worst total of 19 picks he threw as a rookie. Freeman could see that total rise even more against a Green Bay team that already has a league-high 17 interceptions, including one against Minnesota.

The last time Tampa Bay faced the Packers in 2009, Rodgers was picked off three times in a 38-28 home win. The Bucs were 9 ½-point favorites in that game and earned their first victory of the season following an 0-7 start. They are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 road games and 8-3-1 ATS in the past 12 meetings.

Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (ET) with television coverage provided by FOX. Weather could be a factor in Green Bay as the high temperature is only expected to reach 38 with lows in the upper-20s.

[StarDust Bum]

Bengals, Ravens In Crucial AFC North Showdown

The Cincinnati Bengals will be playing their second of four consecutive divisional games on Sunday when they visit the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals (6-3) are coming off a tough 24-17 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week in their biggest AFC North matchup to date and now face the inconsistent Ravens (6-3), who have covered the spread only once over the past month.

Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. (ET) with television coverage provided by CBS.

Baltimore opened as a 9-point home favorite according to the Don Best odds screen, but early betting action on Cincinnati has already moved the line down to -7 with the total sitting between 40 and 41.

The Bengals did get some good news following their loss to the Steelers when they found out star rookie wide receiver A.J. Green should be able to play against the Ravens. Green hyperextended his right knee on a 36-yard touchdown catch from fellow rookie Andy Dalton in the second quarter and did not return after halftime.

Dalton was able to lead Cincinnati on one touchdown drive in the third quarter against Pittsburgh, but the offense definitely struggled without Green on the field the rest of the way. Both rookies will have another challenge this week against a Ravens team that has played to the level of their competition so far this season.

Baltimore seemingly took control of the division by completing a sweep of the Steelers two weeks ago with a 23-20 victory, but a 22-17 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday put Pittsburgh back on top in the AFC North. The Ravens fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter and 22-7 in the third, and simply could not battle back while playing in a hostile environment.

The Bengals have had Baltimore’s number though over the past two seasons, winning three of the four meetings straight up and covering the spread as underdogs in all of them. The ‘under’ has also cashed in each of those four meetings along with six of the past seven.

Cincinnati was 7-1 ATS in its previous eight games before losing to the Steelers and had covered nine in a row against AFC opponents. The Ravens have been heading in the opposite direction, failing to cover three of their past four since they beat the Houston Texans 29-14 at home on October 16. They were favored by seven points or more in all three of those games that they did not cover.

The weather forecast for Baltimore on Sunday calls for a possibility of occasional showers with a high temperature of 67.

[StarDust Bum]

Tech Trends - Week 11

November 16, 2011

Thursday, Nov. 17 (8:20 p.m. ET)
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

Jets "over" 23-9 since late '09 prior to Patriots Sun. night, Broncos "over" 22-8 last 30. Broncs 0-4 vs. line at home TY, 3-11 last 14 against points at home. Jets however have only covered one of their last five on road. "Over," based on "totals" trends.



Sunday, Nov. 20 (1:00 p.m. ET)
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

Dolphins no covers 19 of last 25 at Sun Life Stadium for Sparano but did beat Skins last week. Bills "over" 7-3 last 9 since late 2010. Slight to Bills and slight to "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

Cincy actually covered all four meetings the last two years vs. Ravens, all of those "under" as well. Marvin Lewis has covered last five on road since late LY. Bengals and "under," based on team and series trends.

Browns only two covers last 17 on board. Jags "under" 7-1 TY. "Under" and Jags, based on "totals" and team trends.

The Raiders have covered first four on road TY and five straight away since late 2010. Also 5-1 last six as a 'dog. Vikings "over" 5-1 last six at the Metrodome. Raiders, especially if dog, and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

Lions "over" 18-9-2 since late in 2009, though "under" last three at Ford Field TY. Lions 9-3 vs. spread as host since LY but have dropped last two vs. number at home. "Over" and Lions, based on 'totals" and team trends.

Packers are 14-0 SU and 11-3 vs. points last 14 on board prior to Vikings. Bucs have dropped last three vs. number away from home after 10-1 spread mark previous eleven away. Pack "over" 6-2 last 8 at Lambeau. Pack and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

Skins have covered last three in series since LY but no wins or covers last five in 2011. Five of last six "under" in series and Shan "under" 13-3 last 16. Dallas 0-3-1 last 4 as road chalk since LY. Skins and "under," based on series trends.




Sunday, Nov. 20 (4:05 p.m. ET)
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

Harbaugh 8-0-1 vs. line TY, 49ers 9-0-1 last 9 vs. spread since late 2010. SF 15-5-2 last 22 vs. spread at Candlestick and has covered last five in series vs. Cards. 49ers "over" 6-1 last 7 as host. 49ers and "over," based on team and "totals" trends.

Pete Carroll surprising 6-1 vs. line last 7 TY and has covered last three on road after 2-9 spread mark previous 11 away. Both games "under" LY; Rams "under" 9-4 last 13 since late 2010. "Under," based on "totals" trends.




Sunday, Nov. 20 (4:15 p.m. ET)
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

Atlanta 9-5 last 14 vs. points at Georgia Dome. Titans just 3-6 against line last nine as visitor. Falcons, based on recent trends.

Norv 0-4 SU and vs. line last four TY, while Lovie has won and covered last four outings. Bears, based on recent trends.




Sunday, Nov. 20 (8:25 p.m. ET)
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

Eagles had covered six straight vs. G-Men prior to NY's 29-16 win earlier this year at Linc. Birds 2-6 vs. points last 8 TY, although NY has failed to cover its last three as host. Giants "over" 6-2-1 last 9 at home, Birds "over" 8-2 last 10 away. "Over," based on "totals" trends.




Monday, Nov. 21 (8:35 p.m. ET)
Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

Prior to Jets, Belichick "under" last 3 in 2011 after "over" 20-4 previous 24. Chiefs "under" last 4 TY but have covered their last 3 on road. Slight to Chiefs, based on recent trends.

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Jets at Broncos

November 16, 2011

Two AFC teams that entered this season with significantly different expectations aren't too far apart in the record column. The Jets (5-4) head to the Rocky Mountains on Thursday following a shaky performance in a loss to the Patriots, as New York battles Denver. The Broncos (4-5) aren't winning in a pretty way, but have found a way to capture victories in three of four games started by Tim Tebow.

Denver managed to win at Kansas City, 17-10 as three-point underdogs last Sunday in spite of completing just two passes. The unconventional Tebow ran for a score and threw a touchdown pass to Eric Decker to give the Broncos their second consecutive victory to move a game under .500. The Broncos rushed for 244 yards on an eye-opening 55 carries, while John Fox's team improved to 3-0 SU/ATS on the road since moving Tebow into the starting quarterback role.

The Jets have been a streaky team all season long with a two-game winning streak, followed by a three-game skid, then putting together another three-game hot streak. That last stretch came to a screeching halt with Sunday's 37-16 home setback to the Patriots as 2 ½-point favorites. New England outscored New York 24-7 in the second half, including a pair of touchdown passes from Tom Brady, helping put the Pats a full game ahead of the Jets and Bills inside the AFC East race.

New York hasn't look great on the highway this season with a 1-3 SU/ATS mark, even though the Jets dominated the Bills in their last road contest. Rex Ryan's team lost in their only opportunity as a road favorite at Oakland in Week 3, falling 34-24 to the Raiders as three-point 'chalk.' Despite that loss, the Jets own a solid 6-3 ATS mark as an away favorite in Ryan's tenure, while going 2-1 ATS when laying five points or more.

The Broncos remain a factor in the weak AFC West race as Denver sits just one game behind Oakland for the top spot in the division. Denver needs to take advantage of the thin air at Invesco Field as the Broncos have failed to cover in all four home games. The lone home victory came in Week 2 against the surprising Bengals, 24-22, but the Broncos didn't cash as 3 ½-point favorites. In Tebow's only home start since replacing the ineffective Kyle Orton, Denver was blasted by Detroit, 45-10, as the Lions scored three touchdowns on plays of 40 yards or more.

Both teams are without key pieces to their backfield as LaDainian Tomlinson and Knowshon Moreno will miss the game due to knee injuries. Tomlinson, who is already playing sparingly behind Shonn Green, left Sunday's loss to New England with a sprained MCL and will likely be out. The injury to Moreno is significantly more damaging to the Broncos, as the former Georgia standout tore his ACL in the first quarter of Sunday's win at Kansas City and will miss the remainder of the season.

The Jets barely covered as 3 ½-point favorites in a 24-20 triumph at Invesco Field last October. Tomlinson put New York ahead for good with a touchdown run in the final 90 seconds to move the Jets to 5-1 on the season. Coincidentally, the Broncos received a touchdown on the ground from Tebow in the losing effort, as Denver owns a pathetic 5-12 SU and 4-13 ATS mark at Invesco since October 2009.

VegasInsider.com's Chris David breaks down the game from a totals standpoint, "Gamblers could be scratching their heads when trying to handicap Thursday's total. The number isn't that high, yet the current team trends lean to a high-scoring game. Denver has watched all four of its home games go 'over' the number, and New York has seen three of its four road tilts go 'over' the total."

David feels that this contest will be dictated by the running game, "Denver's new ground and pound attack keeps the clock running and the Jets will most likely run the ball too. If you look at the Broncos' schedule, they haven't faced a legit running back and the Jets' Greene is underrated. Don't be surprised to see New York beat Tebow and company at their own game."

The total opened at 42 ½ points and the number has dropped to 40 flat at most spots, while there are several 40 ½ numbers floating out there. The Jets are listed as six-point favorites, as the number is creeping up to 6 ½ at several outfits. The game will be televised nationally on the NFL Network and kicks off at 8:20 PM EST from Invesco Field.

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Where the action is: Mid-week football line moves

For our weekly look at football lines on the move, we chatted up Todd Fuhrman, race and sportsbook analyst at Caesar's in Las Vegas. Here are some thoughts about why these odds are jumping around.

NCAAF

California at Stanford - Open: -20 Move: -17.5

This line reeks of last week – as in Stanford’s season-altering loss to Oregon.

This could be letdown city for Stanford and even more troubling when you consider it's the annual BIG GAME,” Fuhrman says. “Cal will be amped to take advantage of a Cardinal team who had their title dream's dashed last week against Oregon and one has to imagine Stanford could come out a little bit flat Saturday.”

Miami at South Florida - Open: +1.5 Move: -1

What a weird year it’s been for South Florida. After such a great start, the Bulls were terrible in October and nearly flushed their season down the drain. Now that a win Saturday will still make them bowl eligible, this game against Miami looms a lot larger.

“Miami has struggled away from home this season and now takes on a Bulls team that will see this as a chance to build on a strong Florida recruiting base,” Fuhrman says. “The Canes came up just short versus FSU last week and it's hard to imagine they bring similar intensity this week. Not exactly the public looking to back Skip Holtz's bunch in this game.”

Oklahoma at Baylor - Open: +14 Move: +15.5

The task for the Sooners is simple – win out for a shot at the BCS Championship game. They’ll have tons of supporters (as we’ve already seen by this line move), but this one could be interesting.

“The real question would be over/under 2.5 punts for Oklahoma if you ask me,” Fuhrman says. “RGIII should find plenty of looks downfield but the Bears defense could be in for a long day if OU's weapons are clicking on all cylinders. This has the potential for a good old fashioned shootout and the Sooners have a few more weapons suited for that kind of football game.”


NFL

Philadelphia at New York Giants - Open: -3 Move: -5

As if the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t have enough to worry about already, now Mike Vick has a couple of broken ribs and his status for Week 11’s tilt up in the air. That’s not to mention whatever is going on with DeSean Jackson or the 22.6 points per game the Eagles allow.

“This is pure injury steam around the Michael Vick injury situation,” Fuhrman says. “Even if Vick was 100 percent, I think -3 was way too low to open this number since the public's love affair with Philly has worn off following back-to-back clunkers. The Giants have a very difficult schedule coming up and if they're going to make a run at the division title it’s imperative for them to hold serve at home.”

Jacksonville at Cleveland - Open: 0 Move: -1

This line has been bouncing around pick ‘em since the opening and right now bettors seem to just be siding with the crappy home team as opposed to the crappy visiting team.

“Can either of these teams get to 10?” Furhman wonders. “ Two of the NFL's most anemic offenses won't be keeping the scoreboard operator on his toes this weekend. I figure there's some value with the home team at such a cheap price given the Jags inability to move the football consistently.”

Kansas City at New England - Total open: 48 Total move: 46

The Chiefs were a major offensive question mark with Matt Cassel under center, so now that Tyler Palko is taking the snaps, it’s understandable to see this total drop a bit.

“New England will definitely get their points on Monday but how does K.C. find the end zone?” Furhman asks. “Tyler Palko was once cut from a UFL roster and his biggest claim to fame is beating out Joe Flacco for the starter's job at Pitt during college. Kansas City hasn't moved the ball under Matt Cassel and there's no reason for me to believe they will with the QB change. I know the Pats defense isn't a brick wall but the Chiefs could be lucky to muster double digits this week.”

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NFL

Thursday, November 17

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Thursday Night Football: Jets at Broncos
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New York Jets at Denver Broncos (+6, 40.5)

THE STORY: There’s usually not much activity on Revis Island, but it will be taken to a new extreme when the Denver Broncos host the New York Jets on Thursday night. Jets coach Rex Ryan banks on teams not throwing at star cornerback Darrelle Revis, and the Broncos will be happy to oblige with their Tim Tebow-led option offense that put the ball in the air only eight times in Sunday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver’s new look might be welcomed by the Jets, who were torched by Tom Brady and New England’s aerial attack in a blowout home loss Sunday night.

TV: NFL Network, 8:20 p.m. ET.

LINE MOVES: The Jets opened as 5-point road faves and were bet down to -4 before action pushed the spread all the way to -6. The total had fallen from 42.5 to 40.5.

WEATHER: Clear skies are in the forecast for Denver, with light winds blowing SW at 6 mph. Game-time temperatures will dip into the mid 40's later in the evening.

ABOUT THE JETS (5-4, 4-5 ATS): New York’s three-game winning streak came to a screeching halt in the 37-16 loss to the Patriots in a showdown for first place in the AFC East. QB Mark Sanchez threw a pair of interceptions and was sacked five times, so the Jets may follow Denver’s lead with a more conventional ground-and-pound running game. With LaDainian Tomlinson likely to miss the game with a sprain knee, New York could feature a heavy dose of RB Shonn Greene and count on its defense to contain the Broncos’ one-dimensional offense. The Jets had allowed 38 points in three previous games before wilting under the New England’s pass-heavy attack.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (4-5, 4-5 ATS): The pundits keep insisting that Tebow’s throwing motion is not suited for success in the NFL, but it doesn’t have to be in this offense. Denver ran the ball on 55 plays last week, getting 30 carries from Lance Ball, who was forced into action due to injuries to RBs Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno. McGahee is iffy and Moreno is done for the year, so Ball could be in line for another big workload. Tebow had two completions last week, but one was a 56-yard TD to Eric Decker that broke the game open. The Broncos have won two straight and are 3-1 with Tebow as a starter.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Tebow is the only QB in history to throw a TD pass and rush for at least 25 yards in each of his first seven starts.

2. The Jets had won six straight games in November prior to Sunday’s loss that had Ryan cursing at a fan – and apologizing for it the next day.

3. Tomlinson ran for two fourth-quarter scores as the Jets rallied for a 24-20 win at Denver last season.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Denver.
* Jets are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Broncos are 7-19-2 ATS in their last 28 home games.
* Over is 5-0 in Jets' last five games as road favorites.
* Over is 22-8 in Broncos' last 30 games overall.

PREDICTION: Jets 20, Broncos 13. With only leather helmets missing, the Jets grind out a hard-to-watch victory.

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NFL

Thursday, November 17

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Tale of the tape: Jets at Broncos
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No need to wait until the weekend to get your football fix. Thursday Night Football returns for another week, pitting the New York Jets against the Denver Broncos. Here’s our tale of the tape for this East vs. West matchup:

Offense

Neither team has an offense to write home about, but there have been major improvements on both sides heading into Thursday.

New York struggled to move the football early in the season, but it averaged 26 points during a three-game win streak before scoring just 17 against the Patriots anemic defense last Sunday.

The Jets really don’t do anything well when it comes to moving the chains. Quarterback Mark Sanchez is once again limboing below expectations and the rushing attack may have just lost a key cog with a knee injury to veteran RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Sanchez was 20 for 29 for more than 300 yards, one TD and two picks against New England – giving him an 81.5 QB rating on the year.

In Denver, the choice to go with Tim Tebow at QB is paying off for new head coach John Fox. The Broncos 3-1 SU and ATS since the former Heisman winner took over under center. However, it’s tough to call Tebow the difference.

He completed just 2 of 8 passes for 69 yards in the win over Kansas City last Sunday, but one of those completions was a 56-yard TD pass to Eric Decker to put Denver ahead by 10 points in the fourth quarter. Tebow also added 43 yards and a rushing score in the win.

The Broncos also have a major injury to their second-ranked ground game, losing RB Knowshon Moreno for the season to a torn ACL. Backups Willis McGahee and Lance Ball should be able to pick up the slack. Ball rushed for 96 yards on 30 carries versus the Chiefs.

Advantage: Denver


Defense

The Jets defense may not be the feared stop unit it was a couple years ago, but they are still among the league’s elite.

New York ranks eighth in total yards allowed (326.8) and passing yards allowed (210.8) per game, but has limited opponents to under 20 points in just three games this season. The Patriots passed for 329 and three touchdowns in last week’s win over the Jets.

Corner Darrelle Revis is still the star of the defense, and is always a threat to break a big play – if the opposing QB is ballsy enough to throw in his direction. But Revis isn’t getting much help from the pass rush, which has recorded only 18 total sacks and couldn’t get to Tom Brady last Sunday night.

Denver’s defensive numbers aren’t that great to begin with, but they’re especially bad when you consider the stats have been padded versus weak offensive opponents in recent weeks.

The Broncos, who allow 26 points on 360.7 yards per game, limited Kansas City, Oakland and Miami to 24 or fewer points but coughed up 45 points in their loss to Detroit – Denver’s lone quality opponent since a Week 6 bye.

The Broncos’ pass rush is acceptable, totaling 24 sacks on the year (ninth in the NFL) but they haven’t been able to get those game-changing turnovers, picking off only six passes and stealing just five fumbles.

The pass defense was picked apart by top-level QBs like Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford. Luckily for Denver, Mark Sanchez isn’t in the same category as those names. He’s on the level with last week’s opposing passer, Matt Cassel, who threw for 98 yards and a score before being taken out with a hand injury.

Advantage: Jets


Special teams

Neither team’s kicker is a hot commodity among fantasy football owners trying to shore up the one roster spot.

Denver’s Matt Prater has made just 9 of 14 field goal attempts, topping out at about the 40-yard range despite the thin air in the Mile High City.

New York’s Nick Folk isn’t much better, going 12 for 14 on FG attempts but showing a bit more leg when it comes to kicks of 40-plus yards.

The Broncos return team averages 25.6 yards per kickoff return and 16.4 yards per punt return, which is third best in the league. Denver has also scored two punt-return TDs, coming from speedsters Eric Decker and Eddie Royal.

The Jets top the NFL with 28.9 average yards per kick return, getting a special teams score from Joe McKnight. On punts, New York averages just 8.6 yards per return and has yet score on a punt return.

Advantage: Jets


Word on the street

"I thought he was a great competitor, I thought he was a winner and that's what he's showing now. Are there prettier passers than him? Yeah, absolutely, but we have to find a way to beat him." – Jets head coach Rex Ryan on Broncos QB Tim Tebow.

"If we were trying to run a regular offense, he'd be screwed. After the loss to Detroit (Week 8), we decided if Tim is going to be our guy, we can't do that other crap. We had to tweak it." – Denver head coach John Fox about starting Tim Tebow at QB.

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Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
11/14/11 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
11/13/11 13-*15-*0 46.43% -*1750 Detail
11/10/11 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
11/07/11 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
11/06/11 16-*10-*0 61.54% +*2500 Detail
Totals 31-*29-*0 51.67% -*450

Thursday, November 17

Game Score Status Pick Amount

N.Y. Jets - 8:20 PM ET N.Y. Jets -6 500

Denver - Under 39.5 500

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Seahawks At Rams NFL Betting Preview

The Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis will be the site of a divisional tussle on the NFL Week 11 odds, as the St. Louis Rams take on the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. (ET), and there will be regional television coverage on FOX.

This isn't the sexiest game by any means on the NFL betting slate this week, but it is definitely important for status in next year's NFL Draft. Though neither team has been eliminated from the playoffs mathematically yet, in all practicality, both of their seasons have been over with for weeks.

The two teams are tied at No. 28 in our Don Best Linemakers Poll, and both are coming off of rare wins last week.

St. Louis (2-7 SU, 2-7 ATS) held off the Cleveland Browns on the road for its second victory of the campaign in Week 10, and for a young team that has a lot of great pieces in place, every win is important.

The play of Steven Jackson has been remarkable over the course of these last few weeks. He has run the ball at least 25 times in all three games, and has averaged 139.0 YPG with two trips to the end zone. Jackson needs 175 yards as a rusher and a receiver in this game to reach 1,000 all-purpose yards on the season.

There are still some major problems that Josh McDaniels has with his offense, though. Sam Bradford has only thrown four touchdown passes on the year, and the team is only averaging 196.7 passing YPG, something that no one expected after watching McDaniels lead Kyle Orton to a huge year passing the rock a season ago with the Denver Broncos.

For the Seahawks (3-7 SU, 5-3-1 ATS), the key is going to also be keeping the ball on the ground. It is clear that neither Tarvaris Jackson nor Charlie Whitehurst is going to be winning too many games as passers, which is why this offense has struggled so mightily this year at just 299.6 YPG (No. 29 in the NFL) and 16.0 PPG (No. 26).

However, over the last two weeks, Marshawn Lynch has been a machine. He only has 507 rushing yards on the season, but 244 of those yards have come in the last two games against the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. Neither of those teams are slouches either, making those stats all the more impressive.

The home team won both games in this series last year. The last game, a 16-6 victory for the Seahawks at then-Qwest Field clinched up the NFC West for them and took it away from the Rams.

Seattle is 7-1 ATS in the last eight clashes of these divisional rivals, and the favorite is 6-2 ATS in that stretch as well. However, the Seahawks are just 15-34-2 ATS in their last 51 road games, including going 1-4 SU and 2-2-1 ATS this season as visitors.

St. Louis is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight games in conference, though over the course of the last three weeks, it has beaten the Browns, lost to the Arizona Cardinals in overtime, and upset the New Orleans Saints.

The hosts opened up the week as 2½-point favorites, but they have since dropped to -1½. The total has risen two points from 37 to 39.

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Tennessee Titans Visit Disappointing Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will need to put a poor overtime performance behind them and begin a positive run down the stretch if they hope to make it back to the playoffs, starting on Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans.

The Falcons (5-4) nearly pulled off their best victory of the season last week and it turned out to be their worst loss, preventing them from duplicating last year’s NFC-leading 13-3 mark and putting them in danger of missing the postseason this year.

Atlanta had rallied back from a 23-13 deficit against the New Orleans Saints, scoring 10 points in the final 4:13 to force OT at home. However, an offense that thrived in the no-huddle at the end of regulation stalled on two drives in the extra session, with head coach Mike Smith adding to the team’s frustrations by opting to go on fourth-and-inches from his own 29-yard line. Running back Michael Turner ended up getting stuffed on that play, and the Saints earned a 26-23 win.

The Falcons saw their three-game winning streak come to an end and put New Orleans two games ahead in the win column. Even worse, Atlanta would not make the playoffs if they started today as a result of the loss.

Now they need to get back on track against the Titans (5-4), who have had their share of ups and downs but are coming off one of their biggest wins this season.

Tennessee opened a stretch of three road games in four weeks with a 30-3 rout of the Carolina Panthers last week and is a 6-point underdog at Atlanta according to the Don Best odds screen. The total opened at 44 and has seen little betting action so far this week.

The Titans have won the last five meetings with the Falcons dating back to 1993, going 3-1-1 against the spread. They have scored 26 points or more in four of their five wins this year and have been held to 17 or fewer in all of their four losses. The only game Tennessee won when scoring less than 26 came in a 17-14 home victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 3.

Two of the team’s last three wins have come as road underdogs, including last week's trouncing of the Panthers who were laying three in the contest.

Atlanta is ranked No. 14 in the Don Best Linemakers Poll and will try to hold the No. 19 Titans in check offensively, as the team’s last two losses both saw the opponent score 25 points or more. During their recent winning streak, the Falcons did not allow more than 17 points. They have seen the ‘under’ cash in five consecutive games while Tennessee has seen that trend in three straight.

The latest injury news from Nashville has Titans middle linebacker Barrett Ruud (groin) probable for Sunday's game. Atlanta rookie wideout Julio Jones (hamstring) has been held out of practice this week and is doubtful.

Game time is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. (ET) with television coverage inside the Georgia Dome provided by CBS.